Hello just before the comments and chapter I just want to give a shout out to the main stories that gave me the inspiration and Idea to write The Mantle of Responsibility...

The Mantle's Promise - TallYapflip

Rise of the Terran Alliance & The Terran Alliance Strikes back- Raptor2216

Halo: The Bitter Wars - sonicXben

Halo: The Andromeda War & Terran Republic affair - UH-60 NIGHTSTALKER

There are dozens of other stories but in terms of the clone wars these are my favourite and I'd definitely recommend reading them and checking out the authors.

Comments/Review form previous Chapter/s...

Shadowninja10 - Thanks and yeah anybody who knows about the UNSC now will all nearly know about the Human-Covenant war also.

Cooldude101011 - He probably does but I don't for now at least have any plans or drafts with 117/Master Chief in the story, the arbiter on the other hand…

DCDGorjira - Thanks, During the clone wars it is very unlikely that the Chiss will be involved with this story and yes the Sangheili will be making appearances I just won't say when right now.

Guest - Since this takes place after both the first and second battle of Geonosis they don't really have a reason to glass/bombard the planet.

DemoKnight42 - Glad to hear you're enjoying it and I also dreaded the last few episodes of the clone wars because I was terrified of what and when order 66 would happen since it was from Ahsoka's perspective, Hit me hard with Jessie's death, though as much as it probably kills you I can't reveal anything spoiler related.

Guest - I was hoping somebody brought it up (Lasky's Promotion) At first I was just going to have him promoted to Rear Admiral which is the next position up from Captain, but because of his actions during the Requiem Campaign he would have been promoted anyway but turned down multiple opportunities (Not canon). Just to clear it all up he is a Fleet Admiral but he is the youngest Officer in UNSC history to obtain the rank so it isn't a common occurrence Also Charet did inform and get the approval of the Admiralty, probably should have mentioned it. I probably should have only promoted him to Rear or Vice-admiral though, either way can't change it now, not like I'm going to demote him.

Also, I didn't mention it at first but the 11th and 7th Battle Fleets are different from the ones in Halo as they were destroyed mostly, these are new and they are the same and consist of…

2 Epoch-class Super Heavy carriers

15 Autumn-class Heavy cruisers

20 Paris-class Heavy frigates (pulled from inactive service)

18 Hyperion-class destroyers

Either way, I hope you have some time because this is a bit longer than the last few chapters. I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter Seven: Jailbreak

After the assault and liberation of Ryloth had been completed and reports had made their way back to the senate and GAR high command, the UNSC had now firmly been established as a major military power and ally to the Republic, this was good news to hear since not only did the UNSC want the Republic to understand they were not simply a petty group with a few ships but also that they were just as capable if not even more so then the grand army and navy of the Republic.

Many within the Republic gave little thought to these newcomers, apart from the stunning discovery that there was an entire undiscovered human civilization in another galaxy, many read the quickly written reports that these people used projectile weaponry and nuclear armaments, weapons that had not been used effectively in many millennia. However, their thoughts that the UNSC was a primitive people vanished immediately upon reading the reports and witnessing the footage taken from Helmets, ship cameras and many others that showed the absolute skill, dedication and lethality of the UNSC.

The freeing of Ryloth gave the UNSC all it needed to prove to the Republic that the UNSC was not only here to stay but that they could most likely handle anything thrown at them. It was right after that the UNSC began a serious campaign against not only CIS but also slavers in the outer rim that due to the war the Republic had failed to deal with, in fact, it seemed like the Republic was focusing too much on the war and not on upholding its own laws.

In the three months that passed since the attack, the UNSC had attacked fifteen Separatist held planets and completely removed their presence from the planets after short but bloody battles and had stationed newly arrived fleets in orbit to protect the citizens as well as having troops stationed on the ground after taking over and modifying the CIS bases to their own uses. Sixteen new fleets had arrived after a bill to build up the UNSC military much further had passed back on earth and so while new fleets were being constructed back home, reserves and ships that had been ordered to guard planets that hadn't been attacked in nearly over a decade had all been organised into Six new fleets named Guardian fleets one through Sixteen. And this was just the beginning

Each one consisted of the same amount of ships and the same type since many were reserves, they were from near the end of the Human-Covenant war. Each fleet consisted of…

1 Epoch-Class Super Heavy Carrier

8 Valiant-Class Super Heavy Cruisers

10 Charon-Class Light Frigates

15 Hyperion-Class Destroyers

So far Guardian fleets one through fifteen had been placed around the retaken planets and as an added defence bonus, these planets each had three ODP's constructed around them in case some of the ships had to be recalled or deployed elsewhere. Meanwhile, the Sixteenth guardian fleet had joined up with the 11th Battlefleet and was waiting to make the jump to Slipspace when the Captain of the Lead ship and fleet Ajex Williams was notified by his communications officer that they were receiving a transmission from the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. He told the Officer to put the transmission through on the main Holo table.

When the surface came to life and displayed the communication, Several clones and Jedi could be seen.

"Captain Ajex, thank you for joining us," Master Plo said.

"Not a problem, please go on," Ajax said wondering why they had contacted them.

"We contacted you and everyone else here because recently one of our own, Jedi Master Even Piell was captured while on his cruiser in the outer rim and was taken to an impenetrable prison known only as The Citadel, Originally it was built by the Jedi order hundreds of years ago to contain rogue Jedi that posed serious threats and could not be held in conventional detainment facilities," Obi-Wan said as Master Plo continued

"Then it fell into the hands of the Sith and Confederacy and they used it at first to put away political figures and anyone that did not agree with their views and ideas but we doubt they even hold any living prisoners now, Master Even Piell has the hyperspace coordinates for the Nexus route, a secret hyperspace lane that goes through the heart of both Republic and CIS worlds, the fate of the war could be changed if the separatists are able to obtain the information." Master Plo said.

"I understand your predicament, can I assume your requesting assistance from the UNSC for a planetary attack?" Captain Ajex asked feeling like he already knew the answer

"Though a lot of your acts during several invasions on many Separatist held planets were kept hidden I presume to keep CIS forces from finding out too much about their new enemy, a small few of us were informed of the infiltration of a Separatist capital ship during the Ryloth liberation, your Spartans as you call them managed to covertly enter a CIS ship with thousands of droids onboard, plant a jamming device right in the heart of it and escape with no casualties and only the need of three droids eliminated. Incredible work" Captain Rex told Ajex.

"We are planning a rescue operation but due to the incredibly difficult nature of breaking into this facility we can not send in ground troops by themselves, though they are very capable soldiers no doubt, this prison was not designed for the common criminal. It was made to hold rogue Jedi and so the difficulty will be extreme, Though it will involve Republic troops, we the Jedi, are asking you to help us rescue Master Piell." Kenobi asked

Captain Ajex took all the details into account mainly how Admiral Lasky would react to the deployment of a Spartan team on such a dangerous mission and one that could end disastrously, However Admiral Lasky clearly put him in charge for a reason.

"Normally I would most likely not be authorized to make a tactical decision such as this and I'm probably still not but since Admiral Lasky is otherwise occupied, I am in command and so yes, I will help you rescue your Jedi brother, I am currently heading towards our colony on Lucazec to resupply after our recent relief mission so my fleet will not be able to help for quite some time in your attempt if things go wrong but I do have one squadron of Spartans on board my ship, Fireteam Royal, I can have them board a destroyer and arrive at Coruscant within the hour."

"We are immensely grateful Captain, we can brief the Spartans upon their arrival." Anakin Skywalker said to Captain Ajex.

"Your welcome General Skywalker, I must go now, after our resupply we are planning a new front on a separatist world that has been supplying local pirates".

"May the Force be with you, Captain". Master Plo Said

"And may the Mantle guide you, Jedi" Ajax replied.

The Hologram transmission is cut and Captain Ajex gives a brief explanation to Fireteam Royal before they leave the ship and board the Hyperion-class destroyer 'Today for Tomorrow' and they soon left the group and it opened its own Slipspace drive towards Coruscant. It was not a long journey and soon they arrived over the grand capital of the Republic, Coruscant. The ship wasted no time in heading towards the planet and after giving the landing codes provided by the Jedi they had landed in the hanger they had been directed to and went down in a Pelican dropship.

When they arrived at the hanger in their ship the team could see from the cockpit several clones and Jedi. The pilot landed the Pelican and opened the back ramp, the Spartans left the ship with their helmets on, Each one had different armour and weapons for their role in the team. As they walked towards the large group Obi-Wan walked up to them. "Greetings you must be fireteam Royal. I am Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi and over here is Anakin Skywalker and Clone Captain Rex and Commander Cody, the 212th troopers will be the ones accompanying us on this mission, ordinarily, we would send in an elite force such as delta or even commandos but the closest team would take too long to arrive and so again I thank you for your being here." Kenobi said to them as they walked up to the large table with holo schematics on it.

One of the Spartans in coal-black armour walked slightly forward and removed their helmet "No thanks needed sir, we're just doing our job, I am commander Iona West, leader of Fireteam Royal." She introduced herself. "We never got the chance to properly introduce ourselves on Kamino Allow me to introduce my team," she said as the remaining four walked up and took off their helmets revealing two men with black hair and almost matching beards with the man on the left having his much shorter and the one on the right was longer but well maintained to regulation and two women both with short hair, one had red hair and the other black. All their faces looked battle-hardened.

Iona approached each one in the line starting with a spartan in bulky armour and several grenades on magnetic holsters and on his back an M90 pump-action shotgun. "Spartan Matt, demolitions expert and breacher, almost always the first one through the door," She said walking to the one next to him. "Spartan Jack, one hell of a pilot and swordsman he's the only one of Fireteam Royal who was gifted an energy sword by the Sangheili". Iona continued

"Spartan Lexi, Out team scout and sniper, I've seen her take out targets so far away that the brass had to check her kills because they didn't think that even a Spartan could do what she claimed". She moved to the last member of her team, "Last but not least, Spartan Kate, Stealth professional and a damn good trickster when it comes to fooling the enemy as well." She finished

"Impressive backgrounds I'm sure I'll see them in action soon, shall we move on to the briefing?" Kenobi asked

Iona nodded and they all gathered around the Table which came to life with plans and details about the mission. "As you all know this is a rescue mission for Jedi Master Even Piell and due to the location and high security it will need to be done as stealthily as possible, Using reprogrammed battle droids and a captured shuttle we can make it past all of the ships and gain access to the facility through a service entrance, unfortunately since most of the records we have of the prison are outdated we will be going in almost blind," Kenobi said while showing the limited holo plans they had of the building.

"Once we find Master Piell, we'll meet back up at the shuttle and exit the same way we came in and they shouldn't even know we were there until it is too late." Skywalker finished.

"So why do we need the droids then if we have the shuttle and presumably clean clearance codes?" Spartan Matt asked in a light voice that sounded vaguely Australian

"Due to the information that Piell has they know that we will not waste any time in mounting a rescue to save Piell and they will scan the ship for any lifeforms so we won't be flying the ship". Kenobi said to the Spartan

"Master Jedi, our armour can block a lot of things but life form signals aren't one, how are all of us supposed to get passed life form scanners?" Iona asked.

"That was Anakin's Idea, we'll be frozen in carbonite which should keep us clear of the lifeform scanners, though I'm not particularly fond of the idea, carbon freezing isn't exactly a pleasant experience," Kenobi said

"Please tell me that's not it." She said while pointing towards several circular platforms with small creatures looking at monitors

"Afraid so" Kenobi replied.

"Come on Commander, sub-zero freezing temperatures, It'll be like boot camp again," Kate said with a smile.

All of them approached the circular disk platforms. "Are we sure this is safe? I don't want to end up a wall decoration" Fives said hesitantly.

"Try to relax, we'll be unfrozen as soon as we arrive". Kenobi said reassuringly

The platforms lowered and the process of carbon freezing began taking only seconds before large metal prongs lowered into the holes and pulled up the large rectangular metal lumps with the soldiers and Jedi encased inside. They were then placed onto the droid shuttle and once secured it took off and once in space made the hyperspace jump towards Lola Sayu.

Upon arrival, the reprogrammed droids piloting the small shuttlecraft were contacted by the enemy fleet above the planet and immediately asked for their identification and reason for approaching the citadel, once all of the information had been given they started to scan the ship and despite being frozen in the cargo hold, the entire team from the start hoped that this would work. Seconds rolled by before finally they were given the all-clear to descend. The closer they got to the planet it was clear that it was almost a perfect description of a Hell, fire and lava everywhere and sudden winds that could violently blow people away.

The droids landed discreetly behind some jagged cliffs near the citadel and brought the Jedi and soldiers out of the ship to be removed from carbonite. Slowly they were all brought outside and the process started with them slowly emerging from the alloy graves they all tried to wave off the effects from the carbon freezing, however, the Spartans who had to use cryo pods back in the days before the universal refits including much more powerful engines did not feel the effects as much.

Once they had all had a minute to find their ground again, they all got together, with Spartans wondering who an unrecognised person coming out of carbonite was. "General Skywalker, Who's this?" Jack had asked, referring to Ahsoka who had disobeyed Anakin's orders and followed them on the mission.

"Spartans this is Ahsoka Tano, my apprentice who was not supposed to be on this mission and decided to completely ignore my orders and come anyway," Anakin said his voice slightly irritated

"Hmm, I wonder where she learnt that," Kenobi said sarcastically. "Either way there's no going back now so welcome aboard". Ahsoka seemed to find some comfort in his welcome

Once they gathered their supplies the group made their way past the cliff face and could see clearly the peril of what lay ahead, the only way to the access point was up the cliff while being hit by incredibly strong winds. "You were right sir, winds too strong for jetpacks," Cody said

"Guess we'll have to do it the old fashioned way, ascension cables and a steel grip," Kenobi said

"I don't think so, that cliff-face is covered in electro-mines," Anakin said while looking through the scopes.

"I almost don't even want to ask but what are they exactly," Iona asked hesitantly

"They're mines that emit an electric charge across certain distances. If the charge or the electro-mine come into contact with anything, it will explode and alert everyone to our presence and this mission will be over before it even starts."

"So, can't use jets or cables, guess there's only one way up then" Kate speculated

"We'll have to free climb it," Commander Cody said.

They sprinted to the cliff wall and looked up all of them trying to figure out the path with the most amount of distance between them and the mines. Slowly but carefully they all made their way up the massive trap covered cliffs with even the Spartans only just keeping up next to the Jedi.

"Hanging in there snips?" Skywalker jokingly asked his apprentice who then looked up to him.

"Couldn't be better, could do without the wind though" she said muttering the last part.

"Ah, come on kid, you didn't think this was gonna be easy did you?" Iona said sarcastically as she made her way past Ahsoka.

Obi-Wan was the first to reach the small platform where their entry was when several droids came out, he very quickly lowered himself and motioned for everyone to stop climbing and be quiet. After getting close to nearly discovering them, the droids went back inside the complex and Kenobi then gestured for them to continue climbing and one by one they reached the top.

The doorway had been ray shielded though and the only way through was a tiny air vent that was too small for them to crawl through except for Ahsoka who managed to crawl in and deactivate the ray shield from the other side, "Good thing you decided to stowaway young one." Kate said with her french accent. However, as she said that, behind them, they heard some rocks cracking and turned to see that the last clone trooper, Charger, was struggling for grip and then the small ridge he was pulling himself up on broke away and he began falling from down right into the path of an electro-mine.

"Matt!" she said as the split-second Iona saw him fall she rushed to the edge and without even hesitating jumped off and as she did, turned her arm to matt and fired her wrist-mounted grapple gun which he expertly caught and he ran and jumped off the opposite side of the platform, even though it was only half a second, due to the weight of her armour she almost instantly caught up with the clone trooper and grabbed him as their free fall came to a stop as matt had acted as a counterweight hanging off of the other side.

The force of being caught so quickly and violently though had knocked off Chargers pack with his weapons and grenades in, it fell several feet before getting caught in one of the mines and detonated it causing a large purple explosion of electricity, right as that happened a loud siren went off. "Well they know we're here," Kenobi said.

Kate used her cable mount to quickly winch her and Charger back up to the platform and then pulled up Matt who was still hanging off of the edge when her cable was fully retracted and back inside her wrist mount they all caught their breath for a half-second. "Thanks, Spartan" Charger said.

"No problem trooper, Here," She said while handing him an M7 caseless submachine gun with extended muzzle along with her spare ammo holder as a replacement for his lost DC-15 blaster. "Semi/fully-automatic holds 60 rounds per magazine when it's empty, hit the slide next to the trigger and slide in a new magazine in the empty space, Got it?" she asked while giving a very quick overview of the weapon.

"Got it, thanks," Charger said to Iona while making a quick inspection of the new sleek weapon.

They all then quickly entered the prison on their mission, with only the limited information they decided to begin their search by making their way to the interrogation rooms, slowly the group made their way through the halls wondering why they weren't being attacked. As Cody and Jack scoped out the corners they gave the signal that it was clear once they started moving the wall behind them started to buzz and it lit up in a blaze of purple.

"The wales are electrified," Cody said as it began moving towards them. "GO GO GO!" Cody yelled as they all ran for the corners. One of the clone troopers, Longshot, was falling behind and Jack who was standing behind quickly put his weapon on his mag holster and used his arms to push the clone into the safe zone while the wave passed him and threw him several feet forward.

"Jack!" Matt called out.

Slowly he managed to roll onto his back and get on his feet again groaning. "Auh, Damn my shields are down to 7% give me a minute," he said while making his way to his team, his armour glowed in a bright gleam of golden energy as his shields recharged "Might have landed a bit too heavy on my foot but other than that I'm fine, that was a powerful charge though overloaded by systems."

"We must keep moving," Kenobi said.

Through much trial and error, they reached the cells where they believed Master Piell was being held and one by one opened the cells all being empty but one. Eventually, they discover the interrogation cell holding Piell and open the door, immediately Clones and Spartans charged into the room killing all the droids and Ahsoka jumped in gripping the metal of the open door to throw herself into her attack and slashed one of the commando droids. With the commando droids destroyed Cody put a single blaster bolt through the interrogation droid's head and Skywalker cut down Piell with his lightsaber.

"Master Piell, are you alright?" Skywalker Asked

"Skywalker, what took you guys so long?" He said, his sense of humour clearly still intact. Kenobi handed him his lightsaber as he stood up and looked at the Spartans "UNSC forces, I certainly wasn't expecting that." Master Piell said.

"Do you still have the Coordinates Master?"

"Yeah, I got them, half of them anyway my captain has the other half. I assume he is being held with the other officers" Piell said.

They left their cell and left intent on now rescuing the other officers from the citadel.

They started to run down the hallways to their objective trying to reach it as fast as possible to avoid running into any more traps when at the end of the hallway they several clearly advanced droids charge through blocking their path, the group stopped and several more droids came in from the hallway behind, trapping them. The Jedi activated their lightsabers and soldiers raised their weapons ready to fire but they suddenly flew out of their hands and all flew up to the ceiling including Anakin and the Spartans. The ceiling had become magnetic and pulled their weapons as well as Anakin by his artificial hand and the Spartans who despite having armour that weighed roughly 1000 pounds each were still flung up and stuck.

With no weapons, Ahsoka, Kenobi and Piell used their combined force abilities to push the droids back but they did not end up in pieces smashed against a wall. "They're magnetised," Kenobi said strained. The half-blown back commando droids couldn't move but still fired their blasters at randomly forced vectors not hitting anyone. On the ceiling with all the weapons to far to reach Iona was just barely close enough to pull Anakin's lightsaber to her fingertips and grasped it, prying it from the magnetised roof and passed it to him, he grabbed it with his non-artificial hand and ignited it slashing at the source of the magnetic pull.

Instantly the Spartans and Skywalker fell to the floor with all the group's weapons, Skywalker landed on the tip of his feet going right into a roll and jumping up with his lightsaber in hand, All the Spartans landed right onto the floor with their fists and feet implanted to the ground and instantly dove for their weapons as did the clones and Jedi. With the group armed and in close quarters Kenobi and Jack charged towards the commandos in-front of them. Kenobi instantly cut the blaster arm off of the droid on the left and turned to it to reverse his sabre and plunge it right into the droid's head.

Jack at the same time as Kenobi used his energy sword to slice the droid's legs off before it could even move and used his M6G sidearm to put two rounds right through the droid's head. Meanwhile, on the other side of the group, Cody picked up his blaster and charged headfirst into the commando which stumbled back and he then put half a dozen blaster bolts into it. Kate and Ahsoka were on the other two with Ahsoka dashing right for the gap between the droid's legs and before it could turn around, used her dual lightsabers to slash off its legs and arms in a second and then put her single left blade right through its head.

Behind her was the final Commando who began firing at Ahsoka just as Kate darted right between the lasers and Ahsoka, not that they were too much of a threat given Ahsoka's agility and skills with her lightsabers, shrugging off several bolts that were taken by her energy shields in a golden glow. Not even drawing her weapon but instead activating her active camouflage and jumping right over the droid who was digitally confused as to where the soldier had gone but again aimed at Ahsoka after not having a target but couldn't even fire a single shot before Kate appeared again behind it using just her strength to grab it by its metal neck snapping it off as it fell to the floor headless, sparks shooting out of its exposed metal.

Unfortunately, one of the clones had been hit by one of the commando droids and was on the floor dead, As they were moving out Spartan Matt picked up the deceased clone putting the fallen soldier over his shoulder getting one or two looks from the others.

"We can't be slowed down Matt," Lexi said slightly solemnly, she and the other Spartans clearly found it admirable but didn't want to say anything.

"Dead or Alive whether it's Spartan or Clones nobody is getting left behind on this mission, not if I can help it". Matt said both Sternly and Confidently. Nobody dared or thought to say otherwise either because they couldn't think of an argument against it or did but knew that the Spartans noble decision would not be changed. They moved out and finally reached the cells in which the officers were held, from inside the room blasters could be heard firing and the officers inside looked at each other wondering what was going on outside and they would soon find out as one of the droids within the cell moved to the exit to investigate the noises when the door slid open instantly with a metallic sliding hiss. In a second Skywalker and Piell as well as a longshot and two Spartans, Jack and Iona had breached the room and Skywalker had eliminated the droid that had approached the door and had pushed him into one of the other commando droids. Longshot and Jack unloaded their weapons into the fallen droids.

As they did that Iona aimed her customised MA5 assault rifle for increased range and power right at the final droid commando and pulled the trigger and her automatic rifle let loose a dozen rounds before her weapon ran out of ammunition but it didn't matter because as she reloaded to a full magazine the Commando was nothing but scrap metal. Once the room was clear of droids the officers imprisoned in the cell stood up to supposedly greet their possible rescuers.

"General?" Came from one of the officers addressing Master Piell who had entered the room soon after.

"Captain Tarkin" Piell replied.

"Never thought I'd see you again, and you brought friends," Tarkin said looking at the Jedi and Spartans

"Tarkin, this is Jedi Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is Fireteam Royal of the UNSC Spartan Core. The Republic called in some help on this one" Master Piell said to Tarkin

"Clearly," he said with a hint of condescending "Well now that you've found us what are your plans for getting us out, if they've locked down this fortress there are at least ten squadrons on their way, it is going to be impossible to escape". Tarkin said calmly.

Kenobi put his left hand to his chin thinking of a solution "What if we split up? I'll take my team and create a diversion while Anakin leads the others away towards the extraction point at least that way if one team is captured, the enemy still only has half of the information" Kenobi suggested.

Tarkin didn't look like he gave Kenobi's plan more than two seconds of thought before walking slowly forwards "General Kenobi, I think it's better if we stick together, a stronger force would have a better chance of protecting the information would it not?"

"Not in this situation" Kenobi replied

Before Tarkin could say anymore though Kenobi turned to Iona "Spartans I'll leave which group you go with to you" Kenobi said.

"Kate and Matt, go with Kenobi's team and assist them with their distraction and Lexi, Jack and I will accompany Skywalker and his team to the extraction point. Keep in contact and keep me updated" Iona Told the members of her team.

"Obi-Wan has a point, I'll go with him and you go with Skywalker and I wouldn't worry too much about strength in numbers Captain, these Spartans have proven to be very fine warriors," Piell said to Tarkin as he and the others left the cell followed by Tarkin and the officers.

Skywalker led the group down to the hall and could hear the droids searching for them in the distance. Meanwhile, the clones and Spartans with Kenobi were planting explosives along the corridor that was right against the outer wall of the complex when they finally used up all of their explosive charges they backed up and were ready to flee as a B1 battle droid spotted them and several more droids began running towards them, right through the explosives-laden hallway.

"All bombs are synced to you, General Kenobi" Matt said as they started running down the hall catching up with the clones ahead of them. Kenobi activated the detonator on his wrist and a half-second later the entire building shook as dozens of explosions erupted in the halls tearing apart the droids who were there. Hopefully, this got the attention of the droids and enemy commanders long enough for Anakin to lead Tarkin and the rest out of the prison.

While the Kenobi's group chased them on a wild goose chase Skywalker had cut through the wall and his group had climbed out to the scorching winds and cliffs with perilous drops again. All of them made it out "Seems as though Obi-Wan and the Spartans distracted the enemy well enough, things seem to be going as planned". Skywalker said with Tarkin next to him.

While Anakin and Tarkin had a slightly heated discussion Ahsoka and Iona had run ahead to scout out the area, by now R2-D2 and his reprogrammed droids should be nearing the LZ. With it, all clear Iona used her comm device in her helmet to contact Matt and tell them to move up.

While Skywalkers group moved towards the extraction, Kenobi and his group were trudging through the tunnels that littered the entire complex, The two Spartans found it slightly tougher to manoeuvre in the tunnels given how bulky their armour was, especially Matt since he was still carrying the fallen clone trooper and still refused to leave him behind. Cody who was at the lead climbed up and was spotted by a small patrol droid that immediately flew away the second it saw them, it must have reported their location because above and around them metal bladed security doors started shutting.

Kenobi dropped and shouted to all the others "Security Doors! Move or you'll be cut in half!"

All of the group got to safe positions but one clone was still in the middle of climbing when the doors started shutting two clones and Matt were the only ones near him. Matt couldn't get out of his position and save the clone in time with the fallen soldier he was carrying, he silently cursed in his head as he dropped the clone who fell down the shaft getting cut by one of the security doors and in a blur he used his armours thrusters to boost himself to the struggling clone and in Spartan time where thanks to both their amour and augmentations they could move so fast that it would seem like everything else was moving slowly he used his speed and strength to pull the soldier up and kill his boosters as he and the clone slammed against one of the already closed doors. "Thanks, Sir" The clone thanked but saw he wasn't carrying the clone trooper, Matt could tell he was going to ask but answered before he could ask, "I don't let the dead get in the way of saving the living," He said. As a Green lightsaber cut through the side door revealing master Piell and above him Kenobi

"We'd better get cutting," Kenobi said while starting to cut through the door above him.

While Kenobi's group was cutting their way to the outside of the building, Skywalker was destroying any probe and scout droids that tried to come in from the rear and report their location. They all walked along the stone path above the lava-like floor. "I am beginning to Admire the design of this fortress. It is rather formidable to evade," Tarkin said with Ahsoka behind him and Iona next to him.

"How can you admire such a horrible place?" Ahsoka asked visibly vexed as to how anybody could take a liking to it

"Ah, you reveal your short sightings, this whole ordeal only demonstrates how effective facilities like the citadel are, pity that it ended up in separatist hands and not ours"

"He's got a point," Iona said glancing at Ahsoka who was vividly shocked to hear a UNSC Spartan say it.

"What!, I thought that a part of the reason your people declared war on the Separatists was because of places like this" Ahsoka said to Iona

"Do you not think we have prisons in our galaxy? The only difference between complexes like this one and ours is that we don't use torture as a method of extracting information and we also don't hold prisoners whether they are POW's or ordinary criminals in such terrible conditions," Iona explained to Ahsoka "It isn't the contents and methods I admire about this place but the puzzles and challenges it presents" She finished, Ahsoka stayed quiet.

"And as for us being here because of Separatist actions, you are right but we won't cross a line that makes us no better than our enemies" Iona added

"Sounds a bit too much like the Jedi Code to me which I have always thought prevents them from going far enough to achieve, victory," Tarkin said

"Don't be too sure Captain, just because we won't use inhuman and cruel methods does not mean we won't do what needs to be done, we just try to find another way around it but I can't say I disagree with you fully on your statement, while I find the Jedi's beliefs and code to be honourable, to say the least, it does not seem to be a viable asset for a General to have, but again it does not mean that I see them as ineffective" Iona said to Tarkin

"What about the Mantle of Responsibility Act I hear a lot about?" Tarkin asked

"That dictates that we will act but not how we act, believe me, the UNSC has done some terrible things in its existence". Iona responded

While they continued down the pathways, Kenobi's group had finally made their way to a vent that led outside, after removing it all of them repelled down and carefully made their way across the ledge they had dropped to. They were within running distance of the shuttle which lay past one final set of doors but they never had a chance as before they took another step two pillars extended their tops and could clearly be made out as turrets.

Two Crab droids dropped in behind them, four-legged metal creatures with brown painted plates on its legs and head as well as having crimson red eyes and below it two mounted twin blasters. From a closed-door came out several destroyer droids and commando droids using orange bland shields with their blasters partially through them so they could fire without the risk of being hit.

All the Clones and Spartans had their weapons raised, "Just say the word, General" Spartan Matt said quietly to Kenobi

"No, we can't risk it right now, we wait for the opportunity," Kenobi told the Spartan

A commando droid stepped forward "Hand over your weapons" It said in a completely artificial voice having no emotion come through its metal head whatsoever. They did so and the commando droids instantly stepped forth and grabbed them. "Careful, I'm gonna want that back," Matt said almost threateningly getting no response from the droid. Restrained with their wrists behind their heads they were led into a large control room. "Master Kenobi me and Matt can bust out of these restraints easy, just tell us when" Kate added in a whisper to Obi-Wan before they went in

Eventually, after fighting off multiple waves of droids Anakin's group managed to reach the Hatch for a fuel line that went nearly all the way to their extraction point with the shuttle, Two of the clones opened it and the smell of fuel burst from the pipe they covered their noses briefly before taking a second to get used to the foul stench as they walked up and climbed into the tunnel. "Don't use your lights and keep your weapons locked, the slightest spark or electronic pulse could ignite this whole tube" Skywalker ordered, "Hear that Spartans?" Skywalker asked the three Spartans that were bringing up the rear about a metre behind them.

"Got it, General Skywalker, you heard him Spartans, armour on low power mode, Shields down and keep your weapons locked and holstered". She told Spartan Lexi and Jack. Once they did so they made their way into the tunnel, when they entered they felt grateful that their suits could recycle air so they didn't have to breathe in the horrid fumes.

Unknown to the group was that Kenobi and his team had been captured and inside a control room they all stood with several droids watching them and the warden of the entire prison a Phindian, Osi Sobeck. He was demanding that Piell hand over the information they still had not obtained from him on the threat of executing those in the room. He walked over to one of the clone soldiers pointing a blaster at his head.

"Enough!" Came from Kate who had not even taken the time to bust out of her restraint but just ran right into the path of the blaster when Sobeck fired, though it was absorbed by her shields she was still sent to the floor from the point-blank range and surely would have been fired upon again but Sobeck didn't as he was addressed by the Tactical droid.

"Sir, we have located the other group and our droids are moving in on them" The Tactical droid said with the same dead digital voice as Sobeck chucked the blaster back the robot hands of the commando droid and walked past the captured group one of which Spartan Kate was pinned against the wall, she could have easily taken them down but didn't want to risk it just yet.

"Your Jedi resolve only delays the inevitable," Sobeck said with a victorious grin. "Move them to the prison block," He said

A squadron of droids entered the room with red markings on their head and a small part of their chest plate and with their weapons forced the group out and down the hall. But only made it a few dozen metres before they bumped into an identical group of droids but they had blue markings instead of red, the leader of the new droids put his hand up, "We'll take them from here, we'll handle it" the droid didn't take long to respond.

"Yes Sir" It replied standing aside as the prisoners were taken by these droids when they were out of sight R2 came out from one of the gaps in the wall.

"Good to see you R2, I'd wondered where you'd been," Kenobi said as he knelt down so he could lose the restraints as did the clones whereas the Spartans simply pried them off. The droids also handed them the weapons that they had acquired back to them.

They started walking down the hall "What about General Skywalker Sir?" Commander Cody asked

"Not to worry, since we never joined up with them they'll switch to plan B" Kenobi replied

Eventually, they got to their objective, the shuttle, it was being guarded by several droids and they stopped them as they approached it, the droid attempted to trick the other into letting the group pass but to no avail especially when the droid got an incoming message from the Tactical droid that they had escaped and used reprogrammed battle droids. Kenobi could clearly hear it as when the message ended, he drew his lightsaber and cut down the droid as the soldiers did the same to the others standing in front of the ship but they not only couldn't leave until Anakin's group had arrived but also several heavy blaster turrets manned by several droids opened fire from above on the tops of the walls, instantly they all ran for cover and in perfect timing fashion Anakin's group climbed up from the edge of the platform behind them, diving for cover as the got to their feet. With all the groups joined again they tried to figure out a plan.

"Sorry I'm late," Skywalker said to Obi-Wan

While the rest of them were fending off the droids and ducking from behind cover Tarkin insisted that they try to board the vessel and use the guns to take out the heavy batteries firing at them which would surely kill them before they could even start the ship. They stopped discussing it though as they were fired on by two STAP Airspeeders, Anakin Ignited his sabre and Spartan Jack did the same with his energy sword.

"Right behind you General Skywalker," Jack said as Anakin with the help of the force jumped into the air and landed on the front of the speeder cutting the droids head off and kicking it off the vehicle before taking control of it himself, simultaneously Spartan Jack used his armours thrusters and his strength to follow Skywalker and use his left hand to grab hold onto the speeder and his right hand with his sword to stab the droid right in its back and pull it off, he quickly tried to learn the controls of the speeder.

"You okay over there Spartan," Skywalker asked next to him after he saw that the Spartan didn't exactly have the best control over it

"Hardly a starfighter General, but It'll do I haven't met a craft I couldn't fly, look over there a droid is targeting the shuttle!" Jack warned

They both turned to attack it with Skywalker in front, the damn thing was taking the blaster hits like it was nothing, it started firing its green lasers at them and Skywalker was hit sending his speeder down and crashing to the floor. As he got up he was right in the line of fire. Jack swooped down and grabbed the general before jumping off the speeder with him one hand behind his neck. They barely managed to get to cover in time, but the droid again started to target the shuttle.

Iona was next to two clone troopers "Sir the droids are distracted and spread thin this is our only chance we've got to stop him"

One of the two troopers ran out followed by the other and picked up one of the commando droids shield form the floor and made his way in front of the shuttle but before he could get to the ship's guns the turret moved until it was aiming right at the ship and it fired, streaks of green chased him and eventually reached the shuttle and with the trooper right in front of the shuttle it exploded in a massive explosion that sent a shockwave knocking everybody down, a large piece of debris flew up and struck the turret destroying it in a blast of fire.

"Echo!" Fives shouted.

It was Echo that had tried to make it to the ship and was caught in the explosion when they got up all they could see was the smouldering remains of his helmet which had a dense black char on it. The shuttle was gone and so was Echo, their numbers were getting overrun with more droids appearing by the second. "We need to go now!" Kenobi said firmly while using his sabre to deflect incoming blaster fire. With covering fire from Royal they all dashed it to the edge of the platform and ran.

While they were running Obi-Wan attempted to contact the Jedi Council but to no avail. "Master Kenobi, I've synced my suit's signal booster to your commlink, try again". Iona said to him as he did and was greeted seconds later by Master Plo in the Jedi Temple. "Master Kenobi, What has happened?" He asked clearly seeing that they were running

"Sorry to interrupt you, Sir, the shuttle is destroyed and we have suffered casualties already, we're gonna need a rescue," Iona said quickly into Kenobi's comm.

"It will be done, the nearest force we have is three Venators, I'll contact your Captain Williams to see if he can spare a few ships to aid," Master Plo told them before cutting the transmission.

Eventually, after much running and evading, the group had made it to a safe position and was hidden from sight. Fives gave the all-clear to Captain Rex who walked over to the group from where they had entered the area. "We'll need to hold out until the council and possibly UNSC can send a ship" Kenobi explained.

"Not a problem, we've beaten them once and we'll beat them again," Master Piell said confidently

Fives stepped down from his lookout position "This landscape is almost impossible to cross, how are we going to rendezvous point?" He asked

"That is the trap of the Citadel, it was designed to be almost impossible for prisoners to get off the surface, even if they escaped the tower," Kenobi said

"Good thing we aren't your average prisoners," Spartan Lexi said

"Let us hope so," Piell said as the group began to move out

After five minutes of hasty walking, blaster fire was heard and red laser bolts screamed towards them, immediately they started running while firing back at the commando droids, after several minutes of running and shooting they reached the end of the path and it was a massive drop, The clones immediately used their ascension cables and formed an anchor into the ground to lower themselves from, the reprogrammed droids stayed up top to provide covering fire for their escape and only lasted a few seconds before they were completely overrun and shot down. With one being crushed by an LM-432 crab droid. The Spartans who couldn't use the cables since their armour was too heavy, activated their own specialised wrist cables and winched themselves down. Unfortunately, though the droids had made it to the edge and fired on the cables, Jack managed to toss an electro grenade at them which fried them but not before one shot and hit a cable and two clones went hurtling towards the ground.

"Lexi, Detach!" Iona shouted to the other Spartan and the two of them detached the cables from their wrist launchers and dropped towards the clones and grabbed them both each only seconds before hitting the ground as they used their suit's reverse thrusters to soften the blow. The impact on the ground was violent but they all survived. Moments later the rest of them arrived at the bottom. "Are you alright?" Kenobi asked

"Might have cracked something General, but I'm still in the fight" One of the clones said painfully to General Kenobi.

In the distance, though they can hear what sounds like animalistic growling and shouting, "What is that?" Inoa asked

"Anoobas, they are tracking and murderous creatures used by the Citadel to track down escaped convicts, they must have picked up our scent. We must deal with them or they'll lead the droids right to us" Even Piell explained

"What if we use these caves to ambush them, a small team at the end of this path and another here. We wait for them to pass and as soon as they attack the far team we move in and attack them from the rear." Ahsoka suggested

"Good plan, I recommend Kenobi, Skywalker and I take the front and Tano, Piell and Iona attack from behind while the rest moves to and secures the Rendezvous point." Spartan Jack said

"Let's do it, Rex take the rest of the men and Tarkin to the Rendezvous and once we deal with this we'll catch up," Anakin told Captain Rex

Immediately they all ran to their positions, with Kenobi, Skywalker and Spartan Jack taking up the front narrow pass where the caves ended and Ahsoka, Iona and Piell taking up the rear. Soon though the predatory creatures charged through the caves once they picked up the sight and scent of the Jedi and Spartan ahead. The three of them ignited their blades taking up defensive stances when they leapt at them when Ahsoka saw them start fighting the three of them also ran forth into the fight from behind.

Though the fight was going well they were slowly getting split up and to make it worse several droid air speeders were heading right for them firing their blasters. By the time most of the creatures had been dealt with Kenobi and Jack were trying to evade the incoming fire while Ahsoka and Piell had been fending off incoming Crab droids and they could vaguely make out Skywalker and Iona in the distance fighting off Speeders and a Crab droid which Anakin had managed to destroy, the droids on the speeders turned away from them and towards the clones and officers, Rex had led to the extraction point. "General Skywalker, go help Kenobi and Jack then get to the rest of the group, I'll go help Tano and Piell," Iona said to Skywalker

Anakin didn't waste a second, he simply nodded and ran down the hill they had been fighting on towards the group grabbing Jack and Kenobi on his way, Iona had dashed towards Ahsoka and Piell who had just destroyed the last Crab droid but both their backs were turned when a stalking Annoba jumped out at him and even with her Spartan augmentations and MJOLNIR armour she couldn't make it to them before it grabbed Piell in its jaw in an attempt to kill him, she raised her rifle but Ahsoka beat her to it as she lunged on the beast and put her lightsaber through its skull and using the force to pull it of Piell and into the lava.

On the ground, Piell was in bad shape. Iona went to check on him but it wasn't good "He doesn't have long, I'm sorry" Iona told Ahsoka who looked distraught and even slightly angry at the news. Piell was still conscious and gestured for Ahsoka to come to him. "Listen to me young one, what I tell you you must only tell the Jedi council and no others, do you understand?" Piell asked Ahsoka who didn't bother to argue but instead silently nodded as he came closer and whispered the secret coordinates in her ear before laying back down and closing his eyes. He was gone.

Ahsoka picked up his body and started walking followed by Iona.

The rest of the group was beginning to grow concerned and were considering going back for the three but they didn't need to.

Iona and Ahsoka slowly walked through and past the clones, nobody wondered where master Piell was, they could clearly see him over Ahsoka's shoulder. She reached Kenobi and Skywalker laying down Master Piell right in-front of them. They didn't need to say anything.

They wouldn't take his body with them and decided on a battlefield funeral, the Jedi wrapped his body in special cloth and moved it to the edge of one of the cliffs above the lakes of deadly melting lava. The Spartans behind the three Jedi took off their helmets putting them gently on the ground and saluting stiffly as Ahsoka, Anakin and Obi-Wan used the force to gently raise their deceased brother and lower him into the fires. It was done.

They didn't have time for words or moments to grieve though, they had to keep moving and reached a large gap between them and the final extraction point, a very wide river of lava. They didn't have time to grapple a cable across or wait for an alternative, Spartan Kate was doing several calculations in her head regarding the distance. "I have a way to cross it, We can use our suits thrusters and strength to jump across with one person with this distance and weight it shouldn't be an issue," Kate told them all

Looking slightly hesitant but seeing no alternative the clones and officers walked forward, each holding on tight to a Spartan and gripping as they jumped and used their powerful thrusters to make the jump across and landing surprisingly gently. They did this twice with the Clones and officers that remained. The Jedi were able to make the jump with their abilities in the force.

Finally, they were at the point where they would be receiving reinforcements and rescue but nothing came yet before they could try to contact through several droids climbed over the hills that surrounded their mostly island-like ground and started firing on the group that immediately ran for what little cover there was, the Spartans deployed hardlight shields while using their weapons to shoot back.

They wouldn't be able to fight like this forever as they were almost completely surrounded with no escape, on half of the groups was covered with Kenobi, Ahsoka and Jack expertly deflecting blaster rounds with Jack using his sidearm to fire back, on the other side the Spartans with hardlight shields and Skywalker were trying to cover the left flank of their position. Only metres in front of them were dozens and dozens of droids Commandos, Crab droids and battle droids all firing at them, they all fought valiantly and as they got closer it seemed as though defeat was certain until a spatter of static came over all their commlinks and a voice came through.

"Republic and Spartan forces do you copy?" A voice came through clear

"Yes, we're here, where the hell are you? we're getting hammered down here we can't hold out!"

"Commencing bombing run Lookout, danger close," The voice said

Above them, the whistling roar of fighters rained on them as half a dozen starfighters got closer and closer from the sky, they were Jedi Starfighters and UNSC C712-Longswords. As they got closer to them the six ships split and made a dive run at the droids lighting up their guns and missiles and wiping out nearly all the droids in a hurl of golden bullets, blue lasers and fiery explosions. The droids had been thinned down and a bright white light came from above as Two UNSC pelicans and a Republic LAAT transport landed and all opened their doors for the troops to get in.

Wasting no time, all of them boarded the craft and they took off while closing the ramps and doors soon they were off the planet's surface and a massive battle raged between three Republic Venators, Two UNSC Charon-class light frigates and the enemy fleet of several providence-class destroyers and a single Lucrehulk battleship, it was an even match with the light coil guns on the UNSC frigates drastically weakening the shields and the Venators finishing them off.

"Pilot, head for the Republic ships they're closer and we need to get out of here ASAP I'll contact our frigates and tell them to follow the Venators and us to Coruscant.

They were close to the hangar bay doors of the Venator, all around them fighters of all kinds fighting off wave after wave of vulture droids, once they lowered into the hanger they retreated back to their own ships and all the frigates and cruisers turned around to make the jump out with the UNSC ships entering slip-space portals right as the Republic ships jumped to Hyperspace.

When they arrived at Coruscant the same ships that rescued them carried the group down to the surface and they landed at the Jedi temple peak where Master Plo and Yoda awaited their arrival and when they did they brought with them the solemn news of Master Even Piell's death. "Of Master Piell's loss, we are sorry to hear," Yoda said.

"His information was not lost, he and Ahsoka each memorised have half," Kenobi said

"Debrief them we must," Yoda told them

"With all due respect, Master Jedi, I was instructed by chancellor Palpatine to bring the information directly to him for debriefing," Captain Tarkin told Master Yoda

"I promised Master Piell I would deliver it only to the council". Ahsoka told Yoda, reaching an impasse

"Personally deal with the Chancellor I will decide what is best to do we shall, one more thing there is, Spartans our gratitude for your efforts you have, many lives you saved today" Yoda thanked

"Thank you, Master Jedi, I can only offer my condolences in that we couldn't rescue Master Piell," Iona said

"Change the past we cannot, only the future," Yoda said to the grateful Spartan as he turned and left.

As a transport arrived at the temple for Captain Tarkin he stopped in front of Anakin Skywalker "A job well done General Skywalker" They shook hands "I wish more Jedi had your military sensibilities and Spartans, I hope I get the chance to fight alongside the UNSC another time, give your commander my regards." and Tarkin left.

"It seems you may have a new ally General Skywalker, I'm not sure what to think of him, really," Spartan Jack said

"I think we need people like him, this is a war if we aren't willing to do what it takes to win, we risk losing everything we're trying to protect". Skywalker Pointed out

"Unfortunately, war tends to distort our point of view, if we sacrifice our code for victory, we may lose that which is most important" Kenobi countered

"Well, It has been an honour fighting with you Generals," Iona said as her team readied to board the pelican and take them back to the frigate, she reached out a hand and both Kenobi and Skywalker shook it. "For us too, you saved many lives and you truly are accomplished warriors," Kenobi said.

With that, they walked up the ramp and as the ship powered up and slowly lumbered up off the floor the ramp started to close and the Jedi turned to walk away before one of them called out, "Skywalker!, that was damn good swordsmanship out there, Next time we'll have to do some sparing" Jack shouted out as the hatch finally shut and a burst of the engines sent it flying away. Anakin had a smirk on his face.

"He's keen," Kenobi said sarcastically

"I bet your just jealous he didn't favour your fighting" Anakin said with a smile

"Oh I'm sure," He said equally sarcastically

Once on board the ship, they headed for the bridge where captain Ajex was waiting via hologram. "Fireteam Royal, I can't leave you alone for a few hours before I have to send in ships to rescue you," He said with a smirk

"Sorry Sir, things got a little heated," Iona said to the Captain.

"Wish we could say Mission Accomplished but at least the Separatists didn't get that info, Captain Alfred, head on back to Lucazec we'll be waiting. Lasky is probably going to be back soon and I'm not looking forward to the meeting I'm going to have to attend to explain this whole mission to, after all, the planets we retook were outlined by him need I remind you, might as well have gone rouge for this one" Captain Ajex said as he cut the transmission and the two frigates opened their Slip-Space portals.

Wow that was by far the longest chapter of the story so far by a wide margin, Couple things to mention, yes I created a fireteam as no such Fireteam Royal exists in Halo I hope you all enjoyed this creation. Secondly, even though I don't want the story to just clone wars with UNSC forces involved it is an essential part of the plot and you'll see why soon enough. Something I should have mentioned in the last chapter involving Rookie and Alpha-Nine. For those of you that haven't read Halo Bad Blood or Halo New blood SPOILERS, Rookie is alive, yes and in this story, though Mickie didn't betray Alpha-Nine instead Buck still because a Spartan and Joined fireteam Osiris so did the rest of them Except for JD aka the rookie. If you haven't read them or any of the Halo books you can get two for free I believe when you get a free trial on audible (Not Sponsored) I love them, I'm sure you will too.

Small notes…

I didn't add a lengthy description of the planet when they were above for two reasons, firstly there is no way this is the first time you've heard of the planet and prison, secondly, it is from the soldier's perspectives so they aren't really there to experience/witness it so I didn't see much point. Also, Fireteam Royal are Spartan V's and have incredibly advanced armour.

As usual, make sure to leave a review/comment on the chapter and story and I'll put a response in the following chapter. Finally, I know there is a lot of these kinds of crossovers so I am trying to avoid (even though I and none of the other stories don't own Star Wars or Halo) copying without realising from other crossovers like The Terran Alliance, Mantle's promise and a lot of others.m Let me know if it seems like it.