Ahsoka, Vex and Bo-Katan were awaiting the arrival of an old friend. Yularen had already contacted them, but they had been down on the planet Yerbana. They waited patiently, the frequency left open, their bodies facing the Admiral, when the doors hissed open.

"Alright, Admiral. What's so important you brought us all the way back… here." The familiar voice of Anakin Skywalker states, slowly trailing off as he notices who is on the holo-frequency. Ahsoka is the first to turn around and face her old Master, a small smile on her lips.

"Hello Master. It's been a while." She greets. Vex and Bo-Katan then turn to face the two Jedi.

"Ah-Ahsoka. Wha- I don't believe it. How are you?" Anakin asks, somewhat excited and visibly happy to see his old friend, his Padawan, once more. "Where are you? Are you okay?" He then asks, visibly concerned for her well being.

"I'm alright. Thank you." Ahsoka assures. "I wish we had more time to talk, but I have urgent information for both of you."

"What is it, Ahsoka?" Obi-Wan asks.

"Lady Bo-Katan and I have located the renegade Sith Lord, Maul. And if we move swiftly, we believe we can capture him." Ahsoka explains. "I've already gotten Vex to join us, but we could use some extra help." Anakin and Obi-Wan look to each other and ponder for a moment.

"It would be best to speak about this in person." Obi-Wan states. "We've just about finished up on Yerbana, if you could meet us here."

"We'll be there in about one rotation." Ahsoka assures. "We can talk more there." She then cuts the transmission. Bo-Katan immediately goes to prepare the ship, while Vex places a loving hand on Ahsoka's shoulder.

"You shouldn't be so cold to him." He states. "He's missed you."

"I know." Ahsoka replies. "I'm just, worried. It's been more than a year since I've spoken with him."

As the ramp lowers, both Ahsoka and Vex walk out, side by side, Bo-Katan a few steps behind. Ahsoka and Vex stop at the end, as Artoo rolls up to them, the two patting him on his domed head as he chirps in greetings. They then move to Anakin, who smiles in joy at seeing his friend.

"Ahsoka, I'm so glad-" Ahsoka interrupts him, raising her hand as to motion to wait.

"We'll have to catch up another time." Anakin immediately looks torn. Vex couldn't blame him, after such a cold response.

"Every minute we waste here gives Mail an opportunity to slip away." Bo-Katan adds.

"I understand. Please, follow me." Obi-Wan guides them all to the bridge, where a holo-table sits before them. Anakin looks hurt at the dismissal, but hides it behind a mask.

"Bo-Katan had been tracking Maul's movements for several months. I was able to obtain some transmission codes from the Pykes on Oba Diah, which helped her pinpoint some of his previous locations." Ahsoka explains.

"What were you doing on Oba Diah?" Anakin asks, both in concern and curiosity.

"That's a long story, and not really relevant right now." Ahsoka admits sheepishly, looking both frustrated that Anakin was still so protective, but also knowing that she had taken a major risk in her actions.

"What is relevant, is that we know Maul is on Mandalore, in the city of Sundari." Bo-Katan states, bringing up a hologram of the domed city.

"You're certain of this?" Obi-Wan asks cautiously.

"He arrived two days ago." Bo-Katan assures.

"So why not take him yourself? Or, to be more specific, what do you want from the Republic?" Obi-Wan asks, seemingly defensive and aggressive at the same time. Ahsoka gives Bo-Katan a nod of encouragement.

"I don't have the numbers needed for a siege." Bo-Katan admits. "Without a complete lockdown of the City, Maul will escape again. That's why I'm proposing a Joint Operation. If we are successful, you'll have Maul, and I'll have Mandalore."

"If Republic forces aid you in your assault, it will break treaties that are 100 years old. We will effectively be drawn into yet another war." Obi-Wan states in concern.

"What's one more?" Bo-Katan asks without care.

"Well, we're not finished with our first one yet." Anakin notes playfully. Bo-Katan gives the Jedi a glare.

"I will advise the Jedi Council of this development." Obi-Wan states, turning to leave, before Bo-Katan raises her voice.

"There's no time!" Obi-Wan turns back to look at Bo-Katan. "Maul's influence on Mandalore is destroying my people! He murdered their ruler, my sister!" She then lowers her voice to a venomous hiss "I thought she meant something to you!" Anakin looks to Obi-Wan, concerned for his brother, but also curious at how he will react.

"She did. And still does." Obi-Wan admits solemnly, before glaring at Bo-Katan. "But I cannot allow my feelings to cloud my judgement. The Council will decide what our course of action will be." As Obi-Wan leaves, Bo-Katan wheels to Ahsoka.

"I told you this would be a waste of time." She notes with distaste, before leaving, her entourage following after her. The door hisses closed behind them, leaving Anakin, Vex and Ahsoka alone.

"So, that went well, all things considered." Anakin notes with a cheeky smirk.

"You two certainly haven't changed." Ahsoka retorts, smiling brightly.

"Is that a bad thing?" Anakin asks with a chuckle. Ahsoka simply smiles with a tilt of her head in response, before Anakin gestures to the two of them. "Come on. I have a surprise for you both." Anakin guides them through the ship corridors, as they catch up. Vex explains that he went to Lothal to follow a calling, while Ahsoka went on her own little adventures. He doesn't mention that he has his own lightsaber, just that he knows how to control and wield his powers compared to before. They continue to pass by troopers, who salute them all, saying Commander to them in respect, even those from the 212th. Ahsoka watches it all solemnly.

"They shouldn't salute me anymore." She notes. "Not since I left the order."

"It doesn't matter to them." Anakin explains. "It's a sign of respect."

"They know what we went through for and with them. Day after day, battle after battle." Vex adds.

"Loyalty, means everything to the Clones." Anakin finishes, halting by a closed door that leads into the hanger. It opens, revealing not only Rex, but an entire parade of troopers in 501st blue, with orange helmets, and Ahsoka's Togruta markings adorning them. Their shoulder pads have teal stripes, going down their arms, covering what used to be the 501st stripes on their arms, marking Vex's colours as well. Rex smiles, before bellowing out orders.

"Company, attention!" The troopers all turn to face inward, forming the parade walkway. Ahsoka looks on in shock, while Vex smiles in thanks.

"Go ahead. They've been waiting to see you both again." Anakin encourages. Ahsoka and Vex both walk through the parade, looking at the work put into each and every paint job. "As soon as Rex and the guys knew you were back, they got to work." Ahsoka then moves over to Rex.

"I'll admit, the paint job is a little crude, and could certainly do with more work, but we think it gets the idea across." Rex states. Ahsoka runs her hand across the helmet Rex has in his hand. "We're glad to have you back, Commander, even if it will only be for a short time."

"Rex. Thank you." Ahsoka says in gratitude. "But you don't have to call me Commander anymore."

"Sure thing, Commander." Rex replies, smiling cheekily.

"Oh. I have one more surprise for you." Anakin notes. Rex hands him an ornate wooden box, which Anakin then hands to Ahsoka. Before she can open it, however, the alarms begin to blare upon the ship, and Anakin looks around in frustration, but determination. Obi-Wan rushes through the door, looking to Anakin with urgency.

"Anakin, Rex, prepare all forces. We're jumping to Hyperspace immediately." Obi-Wan orders.

"Yes, sir." Rex affirms, moving off to get his men sorted. Anakin and Ahsoka look around to see as all the troopers get to work, before returning their gazes to Obi-Wan, while Vex moves to Ahsoka's side.

"So the attack on Mandalore was approved?" Anakin asks.

"No, it's Coruscant. Grievous has attacked the Capitol." Obi-Wan explains.

"What about the Chancellor?" Anakin questions.

"Shaak Ti has been sent to protect him, but Master Windu has lost contact with her." Obi-Wan answers. Anakin immediately looks distressed, not just for the Chancellor, but for the possible loss of Shaak Ti. Vex is somewhat concerned as well.

'How did they get to Coruscant without any issue? They shouldn't have access to the Nexus Route. It was given to…' Vex's thought trails off there as a possibility comes to mind.

"Not to worry. Our fleet can be there within the hour." Obi-Wan assures.

"So that's it? You're going to abandon Bo-Katan and her people?" Ahsoka asks in frustration.

"Ahsoka, surely you understand this is a pivotal moment in the Clone Wars. The Heart of the Republic is under attack!" Obi-Wan retorts.

"I understand that, as usual, you're playing politics. This is why the people have lost faith in the Jedi. I had too, until I was reminded of what the Order means to people who truly need us." Ahsoka argues.

"Right now, people on Coruscant need us." Obi-Wan notes calmly.

"No. The Chancellor needs you." Ahsoka retorts.

"That's not fair." Obi-Wan states solemnly.

"I'm not trying to be." Ahsoka admits. Both Obi-Wan and Ahsoka glare at each other, until Anakin buts in.

"I'll divide the 501st, make a new division under Ahsoka's command." Anakin offers.

"Unfortunately, Ahsoka is no longer a part of the Grand Army of the Republic." Obi-Wan denies.

"She doesn't need to be." Vex notes. "Promote Rex. He can lead the new division. Ahsoka can go with him as an advisor."

"That could work." Anakin smiles, looking to Ahsoka. "What do you say?"

"I accept. That is, if Obi-Wan agrees." Ahsoka affirms. Obi-Wan relents.

"Very well." He gives his assent. Ahsoka and Vex bow their head in thanks. "May the Force be with you. He turns to leave, before stating one last thing. "Oh, one other thing: I killed Maul once. Best to capture him. He doesn't seem to stay dead." Ahsoka and Vex then look to Anakin.

"Thanks for the support. As always." She thanks him.

"That's what friends are for." Anakin replies gently.

"It's what family, is for." Vex adds. Anakin nods, smiling brightly, before gazing to Ahsoka.

"If you're gonna face Maul, you'll need these." He holds the box out. Ahsoka looks to him in shock, understanding what he meant. He nods his head, and she opens the box to reveal her old sabers, though Vex can feel something a bit different about them. She takes them with a smile, looking them over. "I took care of them. They're good as new." She then ignites them, and sapphire blades emit from the ends. Ahsoka gives him a cheeky look, which Anakin returns. "Maybe a little better." She rolls her eyes, before giving them an experimental swing. "You capture Maul, I'll take care of Grievous. With any luck, this will all be over soon."

"Master Kenobi says there's no such thing as luck." Ahsoka retorts, her sabers disengaging as she puts them on her belt.

"Good thing I taught you otherwise." Anakin notes with a smirk. He begins to leaver, when Ahsoka calls out to him.

"Anakin! Good luck." She wishes him well. Vex sends him a quick, encrypted message, which he receives with a nod, before departing. A deep foreboding settles in Vex's gut. Something wasn't right, and he felt as if this might be the last he and Ahsoka see of Anakin for quite some time.

The Gunships begin to depart, the carriers waiting until last, as all the troop transports go first. Vex, Ahsoka and Rex are together in one transport, as a transmission comes through.

"Commander, I have Prime Minister Almec of Mandalore on the comm." A trooper reports to Rex.

"Put him through." Rex orders. A hologram of the Prime Minister comes up on the Gunship.

"What is the meaning of this invasion?" He demands. "The Republic presence here is a direct violation of our treaty."

"Your time has come, Almec." Bo-Katan begins. "We know you're Maul's puppet, and we are coming for him."

"Ah-ha! Mistress Bo-Katan, the traitor. I should have known you were behind this incursion. Siding with the Republic will make you an enemy in the eyes of the people." Almec notes.

"I'm fine with that." Bo-Katan retorts, before the transmission is cut.

"You're nothing like your sister." Ahsoka notes. The gunships pass through the atmosphere, and Bo-Katan opens up a personal channel.

"Ursa, can you confirm the target's location?" Bo-Katan asks.

"I can only confirm that Maul has not left the city. All other attempts to locate him have been blocked. Saxon is already scrambling his defenses." At those words, the gunship rattles, and the connection is terminated. Beside them, one of the transports is gunned down, the flaming wreck heading for the desert landscape before Sundari.

"We've got incoming!" The pilot warns. Ahsoka opens one of the side doors, and the inhabitants watch as a missile impacts the other transport beside them, the fiery corpse falling below.

"I should have taken position in a turret." Vex notes with frustration. "I could have gotten those missiles out of the sky." The Mandalorians begin to jump out, using their jetpacks to engage the enemy. The enemy Mandos manage to take out a number of gunships, even boarding some and gunning down the occupants.

"What are you waiting for? Get out there!" Bo-Katan orders, leaping out of the gunship to join the fray, her entourage joining soon after.

"Sorry, I didn't think to bring you a jetpack." Rex apologises.

"Don't need one. Race you to the surface." Ahsoka assures, leaping out of the gunship. Rex then turns to Vex.

"A few months ago I would have needed one. Don't worry about me, go protect your men!" Vex assures as well, jumping out. He free-falls for a decent amount of time, before finding a gunship that is plummeting towards Sundari. He lands atop of it, finding the side doors jammed. He take out his saber, igniting the yellow blade and cutting the door off, revealing the dead troopers inside. "Sorry I couldn't do anything for you." Vex apologises solemnly, taking one of their blasters for himself. The moment he gets to the edge of Sundari, he leaps, landing alongside Ahsoka, who had her own ride there. They slide across the ground, using their sabers to slow their momentum, as the two gunships detonate on impact behind them. They both begin to deflect the bolts of energy shot at them, firing them back at their owners. About one hundred Mandalorians stand before them, pushing them back to the edge, when Bo-Katan and her group arrive. Their own blaster fire topping the first rank of enemies almost instantly. The 332nd, Ahsoka's division soon follows. As they all charge forward, Ahsoka and Rex stay behind, before catching up to Vex, who uses the dead troopers blaster with deadly efficiency against the Mandalorian troopers, piercing their weak-points with ease.

They push the Mandalorians out of the docks, moving inward towards the main capitol, hunting for Almec and Maul.

3 Days later

Ahsoka and Bo-Katan watch the battle momentarily, before splitting off. Vex has been following Vaughn, the new Captain, as they hunted recent movement from the enemy forces making their way to the Undercity. When they spot, and fight against one of the leaders, Vaughn calls up Rex.

"Commander Rex, this is CT-0292, I think we have something." Vaughn states.

"I'll be right there, Captain." Ahsoka assures. It takes a few minutes, but Ahsoka and Rex soon arrive at the entrance. "Captain Vaughn, what have you got?" She asks.

"We were cutting off this access point to the Undercity, when we engaged one of the leadership, Gar Saxon." Vaughn explains. "He disappeared through there." He gestures to the tunnel. "Seemed in a hurry."

"Took a few of our guys down too, the bastard." Vex adds. "We checked what's down there, but it's supposed to just be a system of tunnels, sewage ports, mostly. Some conduit access pipes too."

"Do they lead outside the city?" Ahsoka asks.

"Unknown, sir." Vaughn admits. Ahsoka glares into the tunnel for a moment, before speaking again.

"Let's move in." She orders. Ahsoka takes the lead, Vaughn and Vex on either side. They stalk through the tunnels, cautiously checking every corner and intersection. Ahsoka stops suddenly, and everyone forms a perimeter around her. She turns around, and a Mandalorian appears from nowhere, bending down and firing a rocket. "Get down!" She orders. The troopers all drop to the ground, as she uses the Force to redirect the rocket to the ceiling, though it knocks her off her feet. The troopers immediately go to follow, as Vex helps Ahsoka up. "Vaughn, wait!" She tries to warn, but he's already out of sight, and the sound of blaster fire is all she can hear. Vex and Ahsoka rush to catch up, finding corpses littered across the tunnels, as they make their way into a large intersection. They find Vaughn on the ground, wounded and dying. Ahsoka and Vex rush to his side. Vaughn brings his hand to Ahsoka with difficulty, which she takes in her own.

"I'm sorry, Commander." He apologises, as the life fades from his body. Vex clenches his fists in anger, as Mandalorians surround him and Ahsoka. They both ignite their sabers, with Vex also holding a pistol in his left hand, aiming it at one of the Mandalorians. They both glance to each other, then the Mandalorians surrounding them, then the empty tunnel ,where heavy footfalls echo, getting louder with each step.

"I was hoping for Kenobi." The figure emerges from the darkness, showing the red and black Zabrak they had come to hunt; Maul. "Why are you here?" Before anything else can be said and done, Vex fires his pistol, hitting the first Mandalorian. He then turns to the next, and fires again, repeating the process until only the three of them remained. Maul is unfazed, however, and continues where he left off. "Ahsoka… Tano, is it? I can't say yours is a name familiar to me."

"Well, I know you." Ahsoka retorts.

"Yes, I imagine we have several mutual friends." Maul notes calmly.

"I wouldn't put it that way." Ahsoka states.

"Of course not. But I'm afraid your way of thinking is behind the times." As Maul speaks, Vex and Ahsoka activate their transmitters, sending the signal to Rex. "I was certain that Kenobi would have come himself. Perhaps bring his loyal foal. Skywalker, is it?"

"Master Kenobi had a more important engagement." Ahsoka retorts.

"Indeed. I wonder…" Maul trails off, looking to the invisible sky. "The moment may be upon us." He then turns to face Ahsoka, glancing to Vex. "Why you? Why did Kenobi send you?"

"Why don't you surrender, and then we can both go and ask him?" Ahsoka questions.

"My surrendering." Maul chuckles. "Well, that would be pointless. For if I am correct, soon the Jedi and Republic will no longer be the controlling interest in the galaxy."

"And who will be? You?" Ahsoka asks.

"He means his former Master, Darth Sidious." Vex states, returning his pistol to its holster, but keeping his own saber level. Maul looks to Vex, then to one of the tunnels, where a blaster bolt flies by his head. He ignites his fixed double ended saber, and attacks Ahsoka for a moment, before pushing her back and knocking Rex into her. Vex moves to strike, but Maul blasts him through a tunnel, as he makes his escape. Two troopers help Vex up, as Ahsoka and Rex attempt to follow Maul. They all return without success, and everyone makes their way to the throne room, where Bo-Katan has set up a Command Center.

The Next Day

Obi-Wan appears via hologram, as Rex, Ahsoka and Bo-Katan form around a holo-map of the City. Vex stands back a bit from everyone, his own thoughts and concerns running amok in his mind, though he attempts to pay attention to the briefing.

"There are a small number of firefights still happening in Sector 11. But for the most part, your Clones have been as effective as promised. Still, without Maul in custody, this could all fall apart quickly. We must capture him before he escapes." Bo-Katan explains.

"Vex mentioned a name he responded to, Darth Sidious." Ahsoka adds.

"Who is this Sidious?" Bo-Katan asks.

"The Sith Lord who caused the Clone Wars." Vex states, joining in. Obi-Wan looks to him, before speaking himself.

"Can this channel be encrypted?" He asks. Rex nods, and quickly adds the encryption. All droids are sent away as well. "I'll add what I can." He assures. "Vex is right. Darth Sidious is indeed the Sith Lord who orchestrated the Clone Wars. But we believe he has been playing both sides, not just that of the Separatists. I first learned the name from Count Dooku, though any chance of learning more about Sidious from Dooku has been lost."

"Why?" Ahsoka asks.

"Because Count Dooku is dead." Obi-Wan reveals. "Anakin killed him while rescuing the Chancellor." Ahsoka looks shocked and concerned, while Vex is worried. "With Dooku gone, we've lost a vital link to understanding the mystery of Darth Sidious. If you can capture Maul, he may be able to provide the missing pieces to this puzzle."

"Then send me more men." Ahsoka requests.

"I cannot. I'm being sent to hunt down General Grievous on Utapau." Obi-Wan admits.

"What about Anakin? Maybe he can reinforce us?" Ahsoka asks. Obi-Wan looks around for a moment, before speaking again.

"May I speak to Ahsoka and Vex alone for a moment?" He asks. Bo-Katan and Rex oblige, leaving them alone with the hologram of Obi-Wan. "Anakin is on a special assignment by order of the Jedi Council."

"What kind of assignment?" Ahsoka asks in concern.

"He's been instructed to observe the Chancellor and report his findings." Obi-Wan states.

"They chose the wrong person to spy on the Chancellor." Vex admits. "Anakin's attached to the man. He's been like a grandfather to him. He won't notice the signs if what the Council, and now I suspect, is true."

"What do you mean?" Ahsoka asks.

"We're afraid that the Chancellor is a puppet to the Sith Lord." Obi-Wan explains. "And what Vex says about the Chancellor being like a mentor to Anakin is true. He's not happy about this assignment. That's why I think it's best for you to talk with him, Ahsoka."

"And do what? Defend the Council's actions?" She asks incredulously. "I hardly think I'm the best person for that."

"Ahsoka. The Council isn't always right. That's why I'm asking for your help." Obi-Wan admits. The doors hiss open, and Rex walks in.

"Sorry to interrupt, but there's been an attack." He reports.

"You had best go." Obi-Wan ushers. Ahsoka moves to go, but stops, and turns to Obi-Wan.

"Tell Anakin…" She stops, knowing Obi-Wan understands what she means.

"I will." He assures, the connection terminating. Vex moves to Ahsoka's side, placing a hand on her shoulder for comfort, before they move on. They make their way down to the access to the Undercity, finding a mass of bodies, more Clone than Mandalorian. One of the survivors walks of to them.

"We got ambushed on our way to reinforce the entry port on C-deck." The trooper states.

"Rex, make sure C-deck is properly fortified." Ahsoka orders, as Vex makes his way to one of the heavily injured survivors.

"Sterling, what's wrong?" He asks, feeling that the trooper had things to say.

"You need to know." He wheezes out, his left lung damaged by the blaster bolt that went through. "Maul, he… He went right through us, one by one. He was asking about the both of you. The ARC Trooper, Jesse. Maul realized he was older, somehow, looked in his mind… and he took him. He took Jesse alive!" Sterling then passes out, as Vex looks into the darkness of the closest tunnel.

"We'll get him back." Vex states aloud. Ahsoka is behind him, having heard everything. The bodies are taken by the medics, and given a proper cremation. Ahsoka, Rex and Bo-Katan go to question Almec, while Vex stays outside. When the sniper shots echo out, Vex doesn't move. He can feel that nothing he does will make an effect this time. He simply waits, and watches as Saxon flees. He then leaps to the balcony of the throne room, watching as the Clones are policing civilians, getting them to emergency shelters. Bo-Katan and Ahsoka, alongside Rex, soon join. Bo-Katan, her frustration mounting, leaves first, with the others following her after.

"This occupation cannot last much longer. The people will not stand for it." Bo-Katan states. "I will not stand for it."

"You asked for our help. My men don't want to be acting as a police force." Rex retorts.

"The Republic forces will depart once we capture Maul." Ahsoka assures. "Then you will have your opportunity to lead." Vex stops a few steps behind, moments before the doors open, revealing Maul atop the throne.

"I agree." Maul declares, Jesse kneeling by the throne. Bo-Katan, in a fit of anger, takes her blasters and begins firing on Maul, moving towards him. Maul simply directs the bolts of energy away from him with the Force, almost like the effect of Blaster fire in close proximity to a Star Cluster, being drawn away from their target. He then grasps her with the Force, forcing her to drop her weapons. "My lady, is that any way to treat your rightful ruler?" He asks, before releasing her. Rex and Ahsoka rush to Bo-Katan's side, while Vex slowly walks over, cautious and concerned. "And now, as a show of good faith, I return your comrade in arms to you." He then uses the force to release Jesse, his cuffs falling to the ground with a clatter. "Run along. There you go. Back to your brothers." Jesse stumbles to Rex and Ahsoka, Vex moving to help him stand.

"I'm sorry, Commander. I couldn't help it. I told him everything." Jesse apologises.

"It's okay. Rex, get him to a medical bay." Ahsoka informs. Rex helps Jesse along, taking him from Vex's hands, as explosions occur in the distance. Vex runs off, before anything else can be said, a hand held cannon materializing in his grasp. He opens the doors to see hundreds of Maul's Mandalorians charging against a lone AT-TE and a hundred or so Clones and Bo-Katan's people. With a roar of anger, he aims at a cluster of the enemy, and fires. (The cannon used in the SWTOR Cinematic 'Hope') The resulting detonation takes out half a dozen Mandalorians, as Vex charges into the fray. He fires a few more shots of his hand cannon before it dissolves and reforms, now his lightsaber, the yellow blade glowing as he twirls it and deflects blaster fire back at the enemy, protecting a number of clones. Rocket fly by and impact the Walkers feet, but the weapons of the walker are still operational, and continue to gun down the other Mandalorians.

Several soldiers move to hand to hand, the enemy Mandos somewhat forcing it as a result. Vex doesn't fall for it, and does what he does best, staying back and fighting at a distance. Protecting the men who stay behind him. A barrage of missiles make their way to the front line, and Vex dissipates them with a wave of his hand, their energy forming at his fingers before he returns it to the enemy, a wave of power crashing into the ground and scattering the enemy forces in a specific area. Suddenly, more rockets appear from above, and strike at the enemy. Bo-Katan and a hundred or so of her people send barrages of rockets against he enemies, tearing through their ranks. With them in the lead, Vex and the Clones push onward. Every now and then, Vex would re-materialize his saber into the hand cannon to tear away at enemy formations, before returning to being a defensive shield for his brothers in arms.

Rather quickly, the limited forces are brought to heel, and several of the enemy Mandos surrender, including Saxon. In the air, among the scaffolding, Rex and Vex both notice the light of a Gauntlet shining upon a specific area.

"Rex." Vex begins.

"Yeah." Rex affirms. "Get the gunships!" He orders, boarding one of the first to arrive alongside Vex. They rise up to see Maul being held aloft by the force, his face one of panic.

"We're all going to burn! We're all going to die!" He screams. "You don't know what you're doing!" Two Mandalorians tie him up with their vambraces, and Rex stuns him.

"We'll take him from here, Commander." Rex assures. Ahsoka nods her thanks, before glancing at where a Gauntlet once hovered, wondering why Maul only chose now to escape, and why he was screaming at near insanity. She boards the gunship as daylight begins to rise above. They land near Bo-Katan, and as Ahsoka departs, the bound form of Maul is visible to her.

"You actually captured him. I'm impressed." Bo-Katan admits.

"That is what the Council wanted." Ahsoka notes.

"Still. You succeeded where many have failed." Bo-Katan praises.

"I've learned from the best, including you." Ahsoka replies. Bo-Katan then looks solemnly towards the heavily damaged city of Sundari.

"I wish I was good at something other than war." She admits.

"Your people need a new kind of leader." Ahsoka states.

"My sister tried that. I never understood her idealism." Bo-Katan explains. They share a moment of silence.

"Commander." Rex interrupts. "I have the Council waiting."

"And Master Skywalker, were you able to contact him?" Ahsoka asks.

"He was at the meeting when I left to get you." Rex admits.

"Go on. I can handle this." Bo-Katan assures. Rex leads both Ahsoka and Vex into the Comms Center, where Windu, Yoda, Mundi, and Aayla are present. Windu turns and faces Ahsoka and Vex.

"I understand your mission was a success." Windu notes.

"Yes. I have Maul in custody." Ahsoka affirms. "I will escort Commander Rex when he delivers him to Coruscant."

"A great service to the Republic, you have done." Yoda notes in thanks.

"I did my duty as a citizen." Ahsoka explains.

"Not as a Jedi." Yoda states, rather than questions.

"No. Not yet." Ahsoka reiterates. "Actually, I was hoping to speak with General Skywalker."

"I sent him to inform the Chancellor that General Grievous has indeed been located on Utapau." Windu states.

"Master Kenobi?" Ahsoka asks.

"Engaged the enemy, he has." Yoda affirms.

"Then the war could be over soon." Ahsoka says in relief.

"That depends on the Chancellor." Windu admits.

"What do you mean?" Ahsoka asks. Windu then turns to Ahsoka, giving her a slight glare.

"I'm sorry, citizen. These matters are for the Council to discuss." His voice is layered in venom, enough to have Rex raise an eyebrow and clench his fists in annoyance, with Vex gritting his teeth and biting his tongue to prevent from saying something cruel.

"I understand." Ahsoka answers, being the diplomatic one of the group. One by one, they leave the transmission, until only Yoda remains.

"Ahsoka. More to say, have you? A message for Skywalker, perhaps?" Yoda questions. Ahsoka goes to say something, but thinks better of it, more for Anakin's sake than her own.

"No, Master. Thank you. I'll tell him myself when I see him." Ahsoka assures.

"I do, but I'd like it to be private between Master Yoda and myself." Vex admits. Ahsoka and Rex nod, leaving the room, and preparing Maul for transport, as Vex takes a seat, sighing audibly. "They won't say it to you, out of concern for what might be done, but look after Anakin."

"A warning, you received?" Yoda asks.

"From Maul, of all people." Vex affirms. "I don't want to believe it, but I can still see it being a reality. He says that Anakin has been groomed to be Sidious' new apprentice for some time now. That… could only be the Chancellor. Whether he is the Sith Lord himself, or just a puppet, I can't tell. He needs someone like you or Obi-Wan around, just to help keep him in check, and to remind him he has people he can trust." Yoda's ears then droop.

"On Kashyyyk, I am." Yoda admits. "Unable to give him support, I am."

"That worries me." Vex notes. "Windu is too grating to be a good support for Anakin. What of Shaak Ti?"

"Missing in action, she is." Yoda informs.

"Shit. I know Plo Koon is on Cato Neimoidia, so he can't help. Aayla is on Felucia… there's no one there to help him…" Vex trails off, realization hitting.

"A trap." Yoda notes.

"We'll make our way to Coruscant immediately. Hopefully we can make it in time to bring him from the brink." Vex states, rushing out of the comm center, finding Ahsoka shaking hands with Bo-Katan, a Nu-Class Shuttle behind them, Maul in a Beskar containment block being hauled onboard. He interrupts them. "Sorry to cut this short." He apologises. "I have reason to suspect Anakin is in trouble. It has to do with what Maul said." His words spur Ahsoka into shock. Bo-Katan looks to him in confusion.

"What about General Skywalker?" She asks. Vex then looks to her.

"He's being lured into a trap, one to turn him into something far worse than Maul." He answers.

"Then go." Bo-Katan urges. "We'll clean things up here." Ahsoka and Vex nod in thanks, boarding the shuttle alongside Rex. The doors close and the shuttle takes off. The five minute travel time feels like an eternity to Vex, as concern travels across his being. Shock Troopers were aboard the Tranquility, as well as the shuttle they were in, which was a cause for concern for Vex, as they hadn't had their chips removed like everyone in the 332nd Division. Then came the possibility of Anakin turning, the faint sound of heavy breathing entering his ears. The shuttle lands, thankfully the last of their forces arriving just after them.

"Get us on course to Coruscant as fast as possible!" Vex bellows. The troopers of the 332nd had rarely seen him like this, and immediately rushed into action, closing the hanger doors and ensuring all mag-locks were active.

"Sir, what about the shuttle?" One of the troopers asks. It was in the middle of the hanger, unattached to the ship.

"Set it to autopilot. Get it clear. We don't have the time to secure it." Vex orders.

"Yes, sir." The trooper salutes, before running into the shuttle, then running back out. An astromech rolls onboard, and the shuttle soon takes off, leaving the Tribunal's hanger. The main doors begin to close, as the Venator begins to perform a 180.

"All hands, prepare for lightspeed. All hands, prepare for lightspeed." The alarms blare, and Vex rushes into one of the hanger bays, using its doors to get to the bridge. Rex and Ahsoka are close behind, as the Shock Troopers take Maul to the cell block. As they reach the bridge, Vex finally asks.

A/N - Welp. I didn't like how I had the order 66 scene. Yeah, I imagine Vex having as many Chips removed from their troopers as possible, but it made it too boring. I'll work on rewriting that part later.