Vex spent a good month on practicing with General Di's lightsaber. He could duel somewhat, and his reflexes were above standard, but he was still no match for a Jedi. When Anakin's Battalion was sent for Geonosis, the tension aboard the Resolute became palpable. Vex helped to prepare the gunships, supplying their munitions and attaching the Walkers to their magnetic transports. While gathering weapons, Vex notices a DC-17m in the armoury that no one had taken. He grabs it and holsters it to his back, before he makes his way back to the hanger, meeting with Rex, Anakin and Ahsoka as they find their gunship.

"We all ready to go?" Anakin asks.

"Yes, sir. General Kenobi is already under way." Rex informs the two Jedi.

"He's got a head start. We'll have to catch up." Anakin banters, his trademark smile adorning his face. A detachment of soldiers were already on-board, leaving room for the four of them to board. Once filled, the blast doors close and the transport begins it's journey to the planet surface. The moment they enter the atmosphere, flak fire peppers the air and space around them. One of the 501st gunships are gunned down almost immediately, bursting into a ball of flaming debris that hurtles down towards the ground. Geonosian strikecraft scream through the skies and fire upon the others, two more gunships taken down by the time they get a quarter of the way to the LZ.

"The flak is too heavy." One of the gunship pilots exclaim in warning.

"Land the Walkers, as soon as you can!" Vex calls into his comlink, moments before the gunship shudders, taking a hit to the engines. The pilots wrestle for control, keeping the , moments later, the gunship shudders, it's engine damaged, as the pilots wrestle to keep the transport level.

"We're down, repeat down! Location five, seven, niner, two." Rex calls into his wrist mounted commlink, but only for the static of a jammer to cut his words off. The jolt of impact as the gunship hits the planet surface throws the men within around, with Anakin holding onto Ahsoka to stop her from being thrown like a ragdoll. Vex is thrown into Denal, who manages to catch him and keep him from impacting against the durasteel. The gunship plows through the sand and rock of the planet surface, tilting only as it's speed slows down. Once the gunship halts, Anakin stands up, and uses the Force to tear the doors off, allowing everyone to climb out. The Geonosian sun blares it's heat, as Anakin ignites his saber, already out of the gunship and deflecting oncoming blaster bolts.

"Come on, get up! We have to keep moving!" Anakin ushers. Ahsoka and Rex are the next to climb out, Ahsoka with her saber ignited, and Rex firing his dual DC17 Pistols. Vex is out next, while Denal helps out the others. He makes his way to the cockpit, finding the two pilots dead. He unholsters his recently acquired carbine, and moves to join the front lines, firing in bursts against the droids and Geonosians. The small group of survivors move onward methodically, using the sparse cover where they can, or letting the sabers of both Anakin and Ahsoka keep them more protected.

"Rex! Contact Obi-Wan, we're gonna need some help." Anakin orders his Captain.

"I'm beginning to think that the reports on the first battle here were severely underestimated!" Vex complains, continuing to fire upon the enemy troops.

"Last time they were unprepared for a counter-attack." Anakin retorts, his blade a blur as he defends the men from direct fire. Minutes pass, before the troops return behind cover. "Rex, is Obi-Wan able to send support or not?"

"I don't think so, sir. Cody says General Kenobi never reached the landing sight. They think his gunship got shot down." Rex explains.

"Great. The one time I actually ask Obi-Wan for help, he needs some himself and is unable to help us." Anakin complains.

"What if something happened to General Kenobi? He could be injured, or-" Ahsoka's worried ramble is cut off as Vex places a hand on her shoulder

"We can't think like that right now. We need to focus on the here and now, or we won't be able to help him." He explain gently.

"Vex is right, Ahsoka. Before we can help others, we have to be able to help ourselves." Anakin agrees before facing Rex. "Get the men mobilized. We need to push forward." With that, the Master and Padawan duo rush into the open once more, their lightsabers creating a defensive shield that the men use as cover. Minutes drag on, as the small group move onward on foot. Small entrenchments are destroyed along their path, mostly done by Anakin and Ahsoka. They continue along the junction, turning to come face to face with a massive wall. Turret emplacements cover it's entirety, with droids standing atop, already moving to aim at the small group.

"Get to cover!" Vex calls, dashing behind one of multiple rock formations. Two of the troopers move too slow, the turrets tearing them apart before they could hit the ground. Anakin and Ahsoka quickly leave the troops, with Vex barking out orders. "Target the turrets first. If you see a need, focus on the droids up top, but those turrets are priority." He pops up, firing a concentrated burst of fire at one of the top turrets, hitting the joints and the power cells behind, causing a small detonation that takes the turret out of commission. He ducks back down before the other turrets could get a bead on him and fire. He looks around, noticing that Rex was nowhere to be found. He peaks over the top of the rock once more, watching as Anakin and Ahsoka hack and slash through the droids. He glances around, and finds Rex making his way towards the Jedi. He watches as the droids are all destroyed, before two droideka's roll into position. "Focus on the left droideka!" He orders. The barrage of blaster fire quickly depletes the small shield, making it fizzle out, before the bolts cut through the metal.

Rex walks up to the second droideka, phasing through the shield without issue as the droid is focused on the Jedi. A quick double tap takes it out of the fight. The two Jedi toss the thermal detonators into the internal structure, before tossing Rex off the wall. His screams echoed through the canyon, followed by the explosions that destroy the fortress wall. The dust blinds everyone momentarily, and when it fades away, Rex is being helped up by Anakin, while Vex and the troops move over to them.

"Next time, sir, just tell me to jump." Rex's sighs.

"Now where's the fun in that?" Anakin asks cheerfully. With the path now clear, the troops continue onward, passing on with less resistance, the fortress wall having been thought as enough. Small listening posts are littered along the way, but they are maned with skeleton crews, allowing them to push through with ease. Inhuman screeching captures the attention of the group, as they clear the canyon, as Geonosians burn and try to fly out of a cliff cave.

"Look, what's that?" She asks.

"Looks like a barbecue." Vex notes. Anakin activates his commlink, a call connecting without much issue, the nearby jammer either damaged, or destroyed when they cleared the listening posts and fortifications.

"Master Mundi, do you read me?" He asks. The flamethrowers were given to the Special Operations troopers under Master Ki-Adi Mundi.

"We are here, Skywalker." The Jedi affirms. "We took a slight detour, and found a few friends."

"This has been a day for detours, Master." Anakin agrees, a sigh laced in his voice.

"Indeed. But now the road is clear. But while I can see the landing zone, it does not look good." Mundi warns.

"Can you get me Admiral Yularan?" Anakin asks. Mundi, having extra equipment, reroutes a transmission to Anakin's comlink. "Admiral, we're at the breaking point. You've got to get some fighters down here."

"And if you can't, I will personally contact Broadside and ask him myself." Vex adds. He knew Broadside, among many other pilots, would find a way to lend a hand, even if it meant dragging Droid Fighters along to witness their assistance.

"You are in luck, I just got hold of a single squadron. Broadside's squadron to be exact. They will be there shortly." Yularan assures, much to everyone's relief. The two units, led by the three Jedi, push onward, progressing to the Landing Zone, where the 212th had landed with better luck, but were fighting a loosing battle. As they arrive, the screech of Y-Wings overhead brings joy to the troops, as they cheer at the reinforcements, as Broadside and Shadow Squadron bombard the Geonosians, clearing the LZ and relieving the worn and exhausted troops. Anakin, Ahsoka and Vex find an injured Obi-Wan leaning against a supply crate, his body covered in wounds.

"Who beat you up?" Vex asks in jest.

"You'll never believe me, but the gunship did." Obi-Wan retorts with a wince. As Shadow Squadron returns to the Resolute, and the battle above, the Commanders and Generals all group around Obi-Wan, bringing the meeting to him, as he couldn't get anywhere in his current state.

"With all our forces combined, we should be able to knock out their shield generator." Anakin explains poorly.

"Well, that wont exactly be easy." Vex notes, gesturing to the numerous gun emplacements and turrets adorning the shield generator. "But, this is also a good time to explain the new regulation that Rex, Cody and I have been working on." At this, Rex opens one of the crates that Obi-Wan was leaning against, showing the contents to everyone.

"Droid poppers?" Mundi asks, his curiosity flaring.

"More precisely: EMP grenades. They should be able to knock out their emplacements, at least for long enough that we can bring in the walkers and blow that generator to Hell." Vex elaborates with a smile.

"A small squad could pass through the shield and use these against the enemy." Obi-Wan agrees. "And once the shield is down, Master Mundi can bring in the rest of the men along with the gunships."

"Anakin, you will be leading this assault. You and Ahsoka are the only Jedi uninjured." Vex explains. "Rex and I will accompany you with several of the best and least exhausted men here."

"Alright. You should go and get them selected then." Anakin notes.

"Already done." Rex informs, with Waxer, Boil and several others from each battalion suddenly behind him. "We're ready to go whenever, sir."

"Well, I guess there is no time like the present." Anakin admits, gesturing for the men to follow him, with Ahsoka in tow. Each trooper had three EMP grenades on hand. With the ten troopers chosen for the assault, that gave a large thirty EMP grenades. Each soldier, including Vex, had stocked up on energy packs, reloading their weapons. Anakin and Ahsoka lead the charge, their sabers a blur as they block the small arms fire. The group are spread out, so their protection was less, but it improved the chance of survival if one of the Heavy Emplacements fired upon them, which they did. Vex was able to roll away, but one of the 212th troopers wasn't as lucky, as the artillery shell blew them apart. Vex quickly rolls himself up and fires burst after burst at the Geonosians who tried to swarm him, before he dashes to the others, rejoining the loose formation. By the time they make it to the base of the generator, three troopers had been killed or abducted.

"Anakin, Ahsoka, make sure those grenades reach the emplacements." Vex orders, as every soldier, himself included, toss their grenades. The two Jedi, calling upon the Force, ensure the grenades land by the emplacements. They detonate in a burst of energy, and the emplacements stutter and fall slightly.

"It seems to be working." Ahsoka chimes.

"It won't last long, bring up the walkers." Anakin orders into his comlink. The three surviving AT-TE Walkers pass through the shield, as the attack force retreats back to the safety of the walkers. The Walkers lay down covering fire with their small arms weapons, while the heavy cannons fire bolt after bolt of artillery at the generator, bringing it down with ease. As the shield fades away, multiple gunships arrive. Vex helps Cody get Obi-Wan onboard, as Anakin and Ahsoka argue with each other, making their way towards them at a slow pace.

"Not now, Ahsoka." Anakin brushes her off.

"Come on. Are you afraid you lost this time?" Ahsoka presses.

"Fine. 55. That's my count." Anakin relents. "And you?"

"60. Looks like I won." Ahsoka beams. Vex manages to tune out the rest, as he looks to the injured Obi-Wan and Master Mundi, both aboard the gunship, ready to be taken for medical care.

"I'll never understand how you can simplify these battles into some kind of game." Obi-Wan admits with a shake of his head.

"Take care of yourselves. I expect to see both of you back here by the time I've destroyed the main factory." Anakin explains.

"We shall do our best." Obi-Wan assures.

"65." Mundi states suddenly.

"I'm sorry?" Anakin asks, confused at what he meant.

"My total. 65. So what do I win?" Mundi asks, a glint of expectation in his eyes. Anakin stumbles for a moment, wondering what to say.

"My everlasting respect, Master Mundi." Anakin replies after regaining his bearings.

"Oh." Master Mundi says, seemingly underwhelmed, though his eyes held some glee within.

"That is a gift Anakin rarely bestows, I assure you." Obi-Wan inputs with a smile. The gunship doors then close as they lift off, leaving Anakin, Ahsoka and Vex to keep the pressure with their absence.


A FEW DAYS LATER

Just to South of where Anakin and Ahsoka were doing a briefing, several gunships land, with Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and her Padawan, Barriss Offee stepping out and making their way towards Anakin and Ahsoka. Deciding to say hello, Vex moves to their side, making his entrance. While he had been a part of the debriefing, the moment Anakin began to override Ahsoka, he left, recognizing the brewing argument.

"They're waiting for you, in the usual manner." He informs with a sigh.

"At it again, are they?" Luminara asks, knowing full well what they were like.

"Again, Master?" Barriss asks in confusion.

"Anakin and Ahsoka have a brother/sister bond. They aren't much for regulation, and they often banter and fight. Though they are still extremely effective in battle." Vex explains. "You get used to it when you are with them most of the time. But I have something I want to try." He walks over to the arguing duo, too engrossed in their argument, allowing him to sneak up behind them. "ATTEN-TION!" His shout, louder at such a close proximity has the two Jedi jump, their bodies moving to the 'attention' stance, bodies straight and rigid, before they shake themselves free. "Huh, I guess it does work. Looks like I owe Rex a hundred credits." Anakin and Ahsoka turn and glare at Vex, who simply chuckles.

"Did you have to do that?" Ahsoka asks, her montral stripes darkening in colour from embarrassment.

"No. But Rex and I were curious as to what would happen. He just earned a few credits this way." Vex smirks mischievously

"I fear we created a monster some days." Anakin sighs.

"Careful. Fear is the path to the Dark Side." Luminara condescends with a smile.

"Great. You've been turned as well." Anakin smiles. Luminara was usually known to be a strict, no-nonsense person. Though after a few hours of dealing with Vex after Gunray escaped had her change just to cope with his 'madness.' After introductions between Padawans, the playful atmosphere disappeared within an instant.

"Well, now we are all introduced, shall we go turn these fuckers to dust?" Vex asks, his patience with this prolonged battle having grated his nerves. Barriss raises an eyebrow at his language, as does Luminara, whom, while having met him, had not ever heard him swear. Even though the whole Nute Gunray fiasco had been quite detrimental to everything, it hadn't brought such pain and aggravation to have such a result.

"A full frontal assault is risky, but there isn't really any other possibility that I could find." Anakin explains with a sigh, taking the attention off of Vex.

"There is an alternative." Luminara begins.

"The catacombs, yeah, but I haven't been able to memorize them. It's not my strong point." Vex interrupts, the idea having already crossed his mind. "From what I could gather, there are around 150 junctions. I can't memorize a path in that chaos."

"Barriss has memorized all 200 junctions. She knows how to get through them." Luminara states simply, her words amazing Vex, who turns his attention to the Padawan learner.

"Fuck. That's impressive." He notes, the shock evident in his voice.

"You always were thorough." Anakin notes, smiling to Luminara.

"How do we keep the Geonosians occupied while someone else is setting the bombs?" Ahsoka asks.

"By doing the original plan, as much as I hate it. Otherwise the catacombs will be well guarded, and nothing will be done with success." Vex sighs in frustration.

"Skywalker, 'Recker' and I will create the diversion while Barriss and Ahsoka will plant the bombs within the factory." Luminara explains, earning a pained expression from Vex

"I am beginning to regret telling you my old military name." He sighs, before suddenly stiffening as her words fully registered in his mind. Though, as soon as he sees Ahsoka's expression, her thoughts written across her features, he relaxes, taking a deep breath. The point of learning to be in a command, the feeling of having to prove yourself, he understands it well.

"What? Now, hold on-" Anakin begins to voice his dislike of sending his Padawan off alone, but Vex cuts him off.

"Anakin. She needs to do this. I wish she could stay with us where we can keep her safe, but we aren't always going to be there for her." He explains reluctantly. Ahsoka looks to Vex, gratitude and promise shining in her eyes. She would be careful, he knew.

"Fine." Anakin sighs in defeat.

"We'll monitor your progress through the chronometers." Luminara states, holding out her arm, the chronometer/commlink hybrid device adorning her vambrace a requirement for the Jedi. Anakin then extends his arm, followed by Barriss, then Ahsoka. "Three, two, one, mark." And with the order, the devices link. Before Ahsoka leaves, however, Vex stops her, a hand on her shoulder, as he squeezes gently.

"Be careful." He warns. "Keep an eye on your surroundings and stay focused." With his piece spoken, he watches as she leaves, Barriss leading the way. Luminara walks to his side, placing her hand on his shoulder, the feeling of understanding passing through Vex at her touch.

"She'll be fine" She assures softly.

"I know. But worry is a natural thing, whether I want it to happen or not isn't always up to me." He retorts quietly. Luminara and Shaak Ti, were the only ones who could see and feel his emotions, and even had the courage to bring it up with him, offering to help. Compared to most of the other Jedi, they had more understanding, their own experiences resonating with Vex. Together, they walk over to Anakin, who had dragged Rex into the briefing once more.

"We'll have to make a bold move if we want to draw them out of the factory and keep their attention on us and not the Padawans." Luminara states with a frown.

"The best way to do that is to march our troops straight down the middle, parade style. They can't resist that." Anakin explains, a grim smile adorning his face.

"With no cover?" Vex asks incredulously.

"We have to make it tempting." Anakin explains with a sigh, his own frustration at the dangers of the plan showing on his face. With reluctance from everyone, they begin to set up the columns that would march toward impending doom.

Once prepared, everyone began marching, with Anakin and Luminara, lightsaber hilts in hand. Vex was beside Rex and Gree, who was leading the groups of troopers, from both the 501st and 41st. As they pass the halfway point of the bridge, the doors began to lift, revealing the mass numbers of droids, slowly marching out to meet them head on.

"Well, we definitely have their attention." Vex notes to Rex and Gree, who merely hum in agreement. As the two Jedi begin to attack, the troops open fire, Vex unconsciously aiming and firing on the droids.

Time was non-existent within the state of meditation Vex seemed to be entranced within, as he takes shots over and over again, firing in bursts of three

"Rex! A little help here!" Anakin calls, his voice dragging Vex from his trance, as he dashes away from the droids, following the others as they fall back.

"RUN!"

"Fall back! Fall back!"

"Commence Orbital Bombardment."

Voices echo within Vex's mind, as artillery fire decimates the droid lines, revealing the door, once more creaking open, revealing a heavily armoured vehicle, something unseen before.

"Looks like the Separatists have a new toy. Rex, pick your targets." Anakin orders. Another round of artillery fire rains down, impacting on the vehicles, only to leave no damage at all.

"Only ray-shielding could shrug off that kind of fire power." Vex notes, his expression neutral, but beneath, a great deal of excitement at what could be done if those tanks were ripped apart and used for Republic vehicles, before a dark chill takes him away from those thoughts, as though something was warning him not to entertain such ideas. "The only way to stop those things will be to blow the bridge."

"Then it's a good thing we came prepared. Rex, have the men fall back." Anakin orders through his comlink.

"Sir, are you suggesting we turn tail and run?" Rex asks in confusion, having never known Anakin to order a retreat without tactical reason.

"You know I never run away. We need to draw them onto the bridge." Anakin explains. The sound of missiles launching catch their attention. They are forced to watch, as the Separatist tank fires salvo after salvo of artillery, as their shots destroy the heavy cannons behind the lines, along with numerous AT-TE Walkers.

"I was wondering when the Separatists would make an artillery vehicle." Vex admits with a sigh, before the beeping of the Jedi chronometers warn of the bombs being armed. "Good, now we just need to deal with these things before the whole factory becomes rubble."

"You can admire the design once they are in the moat. Go with the men, Luminara and I can deal with the bridge." Anakin orders, Vex complying without argument, falling back to where the troops stand and watch, as the tanks slowly march across the bridge. The two Jedi are quick to return, before they blow the bridge, sending the new Tanks into the moat below, the impact enough to destroy the pilots inside, the wreckages left in the moat. Vex walks over to the two Jedi, the same thoughts plaguing all their minds.

"They should be back by now." Vex murmurs their thoughts, before the chime of Anakin's comlink sounds.

"Master, can you hear me?" Ahsoka asks, her voice sad, almost resigned.

"Ahsoka? Where are you?" Anakin asks frantically.

"We're trapped. I'm sorry, Master, we can't make it out." Ahsoka answers, defeat, yet determination laced in her words.

"Can't make it out? Ahsoka what-" Anakin is cut off.

"Fire." And with that final word, the factory detonates, collapsing into the moat and the surrounding area, the dust clouding everyone's vision, before it disperses, revealing the rubble.

"Ahsoka, do you read me?" Anakin asks, static all that answers back. The three of them rush to the edge of the moat, where Luminara collapses to her knees. "Master, don't worry." He tries to assure her.

"Be at ease, Skywalker." She replies, her voice becoming distant to Vex, who gazes into the moat, his eyes tracking the sound of a song, a call, plea, for help.

"They're alive down there." Vex states, but he can barely hear his own voice, as others overwhelm his sight, as it becomes nothing but a white, arctic blue light. His eyes glow, their intensity gaining, as his head turns, searching for a non-existent sight.

"My bell… You silenced it before I could drain my puppets and fully revive." Roots of darkness break from beneath the ground, others tearing through space from non-existent doors, as they spread towards the rubble of the factory. Sparks of life flash before Vex's blindness, a darkness within the arctic light.

"I'm not ready to die." Vex walks, feeling his legs carry him absentmindedly, his senses dulled, almost completely gone.

"In the beginning, there were 13 Reapers. Another name being the Apostles of the Apocalypse." His own voice echoes, whether aloud or in his mind, he does not know.

"Find me, please." A feminine cry of sadness echoes, as Vex sheds a tear. He feels loss, pain and grief, as though someone is lost, someone meaningful to him. He continues onward, the roots of darkness sifting through the rubble and rock. He reaches out his hand, an energy pulsing from his skin, his muscles, his soul. "I'm here. Listen, feel, see..." He follows her words, hears the faint heartbeats, feels the fear, the sorrow, deep below the rocks. The darkness of life is dimmer than before.

"The Author. The Cobra. The Crow. The Devourer. Dread. Grief. The Monarch. The Preacher. The Raven. Ruler. The Shadow. The Vulture. The Warden. I wrote down the deeds we did for Asmodai, thus gaining the name of Author, and the book became a form of power."

"Closer. Almost there." She calls to him, calmer than before, accepting. He reaches out further, trying to grasp onto the darkness, electricity, energy, all condensing into a physical orb that is sent into the rubble, fading from sight.

"Hunt one another, until only one of you remains. The victor will be rewarded, as I shall claim his body for my return."

"A darkness, eternal, overbearing. It's trying to consume me! Help!" He can see the darkness fading further, their lives beginning to fade away. He reaches deeper, sending more energy into the orb deep below, as the roots continue to dig.

"I never wanted this, Raphael. You do not deserve to be kept in this prison."

"Break me free! Let me out!" A desperate plea, a blue dragon in chains, a beast of protection, a loving spirit, screaming to be freed.

"You have failed, Preacher. Asmodai cannot be resurrected."

The chains shatter, as the beast lunges, her jaws smiling, rather than bearing to consume. His sight begins to return, darkening back to normal, as before his outstretched hand, a battered, broken Tank is held aloft by roots of darkness, as they bring it down gently. Anakin glances to Vex in thanks, as he slashes open the hatch, revealing Ahsoka and Barriss. He immediately goes for Ahsoka, carrying her out as Luminara quickly does the same for Barriss.

"I knew you'd come looking for me." Ahsoka rasps out with a smile, before she falls unconscious, her strength completely sapped. Luminara and Anakin have tears in their eyes as they hold their padawans close. Vex begins to tumble, but Rex and Denal catch him, supporting him.

"What did you just do?" He asks in awe, and concern.

"I... Don't know... But... it feels so... familiar." Vex manages to say, before he, too, falls unconscious.


"I'm not human. I'm a Reaper. A being of darkness, yet one who stayed in the light. I remember, many things. I remember Asmodai, I remember the Detectives, their will to protect. I remember my mother, a Human, who was murdered by Asmodai, so he could take me under his wing, my Father, killed in a fight against the other Reapers so long ago. I know who I am now, I know what I can do, and it makes me stronger."

The darkness fades from Vex's mind, as he wakes. He notices the cot he is lying on, and the one beside him holding Ahsoka. He sits himself up, not noticing Anakin for a few moments. They look to each other for a few minutes, before Anakin breaks the silence.

"Thank you." He says sincerely.

"I don't deserve thanks. I simply did what felt natural." Vex answers gently, unsure of himself. Anakin looks at him curiously.

"And what did you do, exactly?" He asks.

"I summoned the Null." Vex answers shakily.

"The Null?" Anakin asks, an eyebrow raised.

"A dimension of the dead. A power that no one could handle normally. But, I created her. She listens to me, as her... Father, I guess is the best word. She's a sentient creature as well, hence why I am not merely her maker." Vex explains. "I don't know if she will listen in a combat situation, but... when this kind of thing happens, I guess she does what she can to help."

"Tell her, I am eternally grateful." Anakin states. A low, knowing chuckle echoes through Vex's mind.

"She already knows." He admits. "She's grateful for you, Ahsoka, and the troopers for helping me, as well."

"I suppose we're even." Anakin notes. "You'll be staying here. We've got a medical frigate arriving in a few days. You'll be going with Ahsoka and Barriss to collect troops and supplies from a nearby Medical Base and reinforce Master Windu on Dantooine."

"I can do that. I think my body needs the rest now more than ever." Vex assures, looking to Ahsoka. "I'll keep her safe. I promise."


A FEW MORE DAYS LATER

The Medical Frigate arrived, and a few of the 5th Fleet Troops were stationed with the two padawans and Vex, ordered to join them. As they were packing and heading to the frigate, Vex overheard chatter about worms and Luminara being a test subject for the worm to use, though he doesn't pay much more attention. The best thing he hears, is the capture of Poggle the Lesser. Vex parts from Ahsoka and Barriss, who head to their bunks and stay, while Vex merely drops off his equipment, the armour pieces and DC-17m, while keeping the saber on hand.

As the Medical Frigate launches, Vex is alone and makes his way to the Mess Hall, while more voices, more memories plague him. The old memories between his beginning and current life, returning with time. His 'Daughter' helping him remember now that she was free once more.

"I know what you did, Rictofen. I know you found the Kronorium." A being of darkness, one half of a whole, taunting a man who is trying to free the multiverse.

"The book that holds the events of what happened, was almost like a Grimoire. It contained it's own magic, but instead of holding forms of Destruction like the abilities of every other Reaper, it held forms of creation. It could even create it's own dimension." His own voice, explaining to a German man, a Count, who fights by his side, his leader, his friend.

"The multiverse, must come to an end." A Russian, saddened by the truth, but willing to take the steps to free everyone. "Our journey, is the very reason this madness exists. We are the ones who fractured this universe." His armour, battered and pierced, as he hands a revolver to a young, powerful girl. "This is the truth the Kronorium showed me. The truth Rictofen could no longer face." The shot rings out, as the crying girl fires.

"Many different names exist for this tome. The most common one is the Kronorium. It is also called the Tome of Knowledge. It was the tome which the Original Bible was held within, though those pages were torn from it, used to create the newer Bible, you can still see the marks. Another name, was The Index, as it held information about almost every event that occurred until the early 20th Century."

Footsteps catch Vex's attention, drawing him away from the memories, as Ahsoka and Barriss enter the mess, the time having passed much faster than he believed, as his internal clock deems it to be the middle of the night cycle. They grab a tray of food each, taking a seat at one of the benches. As they sit down, the door opens, and two troopers walk in, weapons in hand, an immediate concern to Vex.

"Control. Corrupt. Jedi. Danger. Eliminate. 66. Good Soldiers Follow Orders. Kill the Jedi."

The voices of their being darken, the snarl within audible, and the intent of those words radiated off the two troopers. Without hesitation, Vex takes his saber, ignites it and throws it towards the two troopers, the spinning blade slicing through their necks, before embedding itself into a bench, still ignited.

"Why would you do that, Vex?" Barriss cries out in shock, as the severed heads fall to the floor, rolling around the mess hall.

"No trooper ever brings their weapons into the mess hall, for one… Secondly, if you were able to hear the words that, for lack of better term, radiated off of their bodies, you would have done the same." Vex explains solemnly, noticing as worms slither out of the severed heads. With a twist of his wrist, a small call of his re-found power, the saber returns to his grasp, slicing through the worms on the way, the floors somewhat slashed in response of his act, as he deactivates his weapon, the danger having passed for the moment. "Well, I guess I can say that these worms don't keep on living after being cut in half." He notes, a faint memory of an older man making a similar joke.

"What are those?" Ahsoka asks in repulsion. The conversation from before comes to Vex's mind, and he speaks up, something urging him as though his assumption is correct.

"I overheard Anakin, Obi-Wan and Luminara speaking about worms, and something about Anakin killing the one Obi-Wan wanted to study… by letting it take control of Luminara." The door opens, as Trap and Havoc run in, their weapons ready.

"We heard yelling, what…" Trap trails off as he sees the severed heads. Ahsoka and Barriss ignite their sabers, but Vex stops them from attacking, as he holds out his hand, a gesture for them to wait.

"He isn't infected. If he was, he would be trying to kill or infect us. He is doing neither." His words assure them, as they deactivate their sabers, though still guarded and tense. Vex then turns to Trap. "Trap. Were any of your men acting weird before we departed?"

"Scythe." He answers almost immediately. "He had to be woken up with physical contact, which was unusual for him, let alone any other Clone, but we thought nothing more of it at the time."

"That makes him the most likely host." Vex mutters. "So all we know, is how they got on-board, and the only known cure so far is death. I'm not happy about that."

"I don't think anyone would be. But we should make sure we are still in control of the bridge." Trap explains. "Havoc, see if you can find anyone else who isn't infected."

"On it." Havoc swiftly, yet somehow silently, departs the mess hall, leaving the four alone. Ahsoka and Barriss take the lead, while Trap and Vex walk just behind them. The halls are empty, the troopers seemingly gone without a trace. Along the way, several worms attempt to infect Trap, with each failing as Vex ends the parasitic lives, much to Traps gratitude. As they reach the doorway separating the cockpit from the rest of the ship, the security measures activate, ray shields barring their entry.

"Well. I don't think we have control of the ship anymore." Vex notes with a sigh.

"At least we now know that they control the bridge." Ahsoka retorts.

"Next plan would be to reach the communication room and send a transmission that details the current issue." Trap explains the protocol.

"Well, Anakin is with Poggle, as the Jedi interrogate him, so he would be the second we contact, so that they know to pry for information about them." Vex begins. "First, we should contact General Fisto. He is currently stationed at the medical base, and an early warning about what is happening could stop the worms from further infecting people."

"I agree. But we should also try to stop the ship from continuing it's course. Trap and I can head to the aft thrusters and disable them, while you two get to the comms." Barriss offers.

"While I don't like the idea of splitting up, we need to do everything we can to ensure this ship is quarantined." Vex agrees reluctantly. "But, if you encounter any infected, do not kill them, just run, or stun. I don't want any more death to occur."

"Understood." Trap affirms, before he and Barriss disappear from sight, hurrying along the hallways. Ahsoka and Vex don't take the hallways, as their slimmer figures are able to fit through the vents, which they use to effectively travel the ship without issue. In record speed, they arrive at the communication room, dropping down and locking the doors. Ahsoka inputs the codes, as the hologram of Kit Fisto fizzles into existence.

"Master Fisto, do you copy?" Ahsoka asks.

"I read you, Ahsoka." Kit Fisto's calm voice replies, his hologram showing the ever-present smile on his face.

"General." Vex bows in greeting.

"Recker." Fisto returns, his smile growing as Vex groans in irritation.

"As much as I wish I could punch you for that, we have a situation." He growls, Fisto's smile disappearing.

"I see." He gestures for an explanation.

"The ship has been infected by a mind controlling parasite. Only five of us are uncontaminated, but that may not last long." Vex warns, before a distant scream echoes across the ship. "Actually, that might make us the last two of four."

"As long as these things are on-board, we dare not dock with the station. However, we may not have a choice in the matter. The parasites control the bridge." Ahsoka adds.

"Nonetheless, it would be wiser to bring the ship in. The only way to stop these parasites is to analyse them." Fisto notes.

"Or, someone scares the living shit out of Poggle so that he reveals any kind of weakness these things have." Vex offers the alternative. "After you, we plan to contact Anakin, who should be with Poggle right now, in interrogation."

"While that should be done, my orders still stand." Fisto replies sternly.

"I have a bad feeling about this, Master Fisto. But we will follow your instructions." Ahsoka assures.

"May the Force be with you." And with that, the connection is cut. The two prepare to contact Anakin, only for a call from Rex to interrupt.

"Cargo ship TB-73, this is clone Captain Rex. Please respond." His voice seemed to echo in the room. Ahsoka then connects to his comlink.

"Rex. This is Ahsoka. Boy, am I glad to hear your voice." Ahsoka breathes in relief.

"Likewise, sir. I've got someone here who wants to speak with you." Before either of us could say Skywalker, the one and only speaks.

"Ahsoka, what's going on? Are you okay?" His concern radiated through, his care reassuring both Vex and Ahsoka.

"Depends on whether you mean physically or emotionally, Anakin." Vex sighs, before explaining the situation, just as he did to Fisto.

"Both of you, make sure you have a wrist-comm. Keep it on. I'm going to interrogate Poggle." Anakin orders, before he cuts the connection, leaving the two alone, until the doors open, revealing Barriss.

"Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill."

"She's definitely infected." Vex hisses, igniting his saber. "You need to keep moving. Run and hide, wait for Anakin to contact you. I'll delay her as long as I can."

"No. We stay together." Ahsoka argues. Barriss lunges, but her form is sloppy, easy for Vex to parry.

"Ahsoka, trust me, just as I trusted you at the droid factory." Vex responds softly. Another strike is blocked, as Ahsoka relents, departing from the Communications room, leaving Barriss alone with Vex, who continues to simply block each strike.

"Be fluid in your movements. Let one strike, or parry, flow to the next." Vex hears Anakin's voice, as his body begins to move, muscle memory taking over, as Barriss' strikes become more powerful, more coordinated.

"Keep your elbows locked, use the strength and momentum of your enemy against them, sliding the blade as you parry, rather than block with direct strength." Vex parries, sliding his blade along his opponent, her heavy strike, and momentum, sending her stumbling. The room begins to cool, the cold temperatures seeming to effect Barriss, as she slows, her body beginning to fight.

"Use all of your body, not just the upper half and footwork. Use your legs, whether as an added attack, or to get some distance." He strikes her with a kick, the force sending her into a wall, knocking her out from the force. The ship shudders as it docks, and Vex makes his way to the familiar feel of Ahsoka, traversing the ship with ease. Inhuman screams echo through the ship, as the temperature continues to plummet below freezing. While his body is affected, Vex doesn't feel the cold, as though his nerves and senses are dulled to certain aspects. He opens the door to the cockpit, finding it now open, Ahsoka huddled in a corner, her body shaking through the freezing temperatures, her meager clothing giving no protection at all to the harsh cold. He sits by her side.

"Come here. We can stay in each others arms to keep warm." Vex urges. Ahsoka jumps into his arms, her body shivering uncontrollably. Vex brings her close, wrapping his arms around her slim figure as much as possible, his own body heat warming Ahsoka as much as possible. "I'll do anything to keep you around. Something about you just makes me feel happy, feel complete. Like there's nothing in the world that could change the happiness I feel." He admits quietly, stroking her montrals gently. Kit Fisto walks in a few minutes later.

"Is she alright?" He asks gently.

"Better than when I first came in." Vex admits softly, allowing Fisto to take her, after re-activating the heating, the frigate slowly warming back up.

"What about you?" He asks, Ahsoka gently in his arms.

"I've been fighting to stay conscious. Someone needed to be awake to greet you." Vex's eyes droops, as his vision darkens, falling unconscious at last.


Vex awaken in a medical cot once more, the white room bringing pain to his eyes for a moment, before his body adjusts. By his side, he notices a sleeping Ahsoka in a cot of her own, with Anakin between the two of them. With a grunt, Vex brings himself into a sitting position, his muscles stiff and sore.

"Anakin, what did I miss?" He asks, his voice dry and raspy, barely there, but enough for Anakin to hear, his relief radiating in heavy waves.

"Other than worrying me to death, nothing." He answers with a sigh, before he turns back to Ahsoka.

"What about Barriss? The infected troops?" Vex questions.

"They're all fine. Well, except for the two headless ones." Anakin assures.

"At least they were the only casualties." Vex sighs, before the scratch of his dry throat has him cough.

"You did what you had to do. So did I." Anakin states solemnly, before he stands with a sigh. "I need to go to inform the troops on Geonosis about the parasites. I'll come back to get you both once you're cleared for duty." He walks off, leaving Vex and Ahsoka alone. Vex lies himself back down, ready to meditate, to relive his recently unlocked memories, when a soft, tired voice catches his attention.

"I don't know why... But... I feel... the same... Vex..." Her mumbling brings a small smile to Vex's face. Wherever this leads them, he's just happy to not be alone. He manages to fall asleep peacefully, his memories leaving him alone for once, as his body draws in electrical energy from the med droids that occasionally came to check on them, his unconscious powers speeding the healing process of the troops, Barriss, and Ahsoka, as well as his own.