Hello everyone and welcome back to another chapter, some of you may have noticed that the story category has changed from Clone Wars to the general star wars one, this is because the story is pretty much near the peak of the clone wars section and I want others to be able to read it so for now at least it is more accessible to the readers of the Star Wars and Halo crossover area as well as clone wars.

Starting with this chapter from now on at the end of each one I will give the title and small detail about the next chapter, let me know what you think of it. Also, I don't understand how the more popular the story gets, fewer people seem to leave reviews, is there a reason or am I just reading too much into it. IF there is one that is obvious and right in front of me that I don't see, let me know. Thanks

Replies from the last chapter:

Guest - That is something I wasn't sure about even when writing the chapter (Ahsoka and Captain Jack's relationship) because I had been so focused on the main storyline and making sure the science was accurate I didn't think too much about relationships beyond that of the friendships of the soldiers and military personnel. Right now they have fought battles together and are close friends but I can't really provide a clear answer.

Guest - She's sadly dead but don't worry she lived, sorry I can't reveal anything. Other than these twisted replies.

Guest DCDGoJira - Thanks and yes so far this was the longest wait, sorry.

Maartenvervloet - It was just a thought, I haven't written a pilot or anything but I wanted to see what people thought, I'll put some more thought into it.

Guest L - You always give me long ones don't you… Thanks and yes I was going to originally have him offer UN Credits but we all know Hondo doesn't deal in that type of currency, Deals between them and the covenant species is also something I had not thought about but I wouldn't put too much thought in that since their appearance isn't planned to interact with the pirates. Yeah, Jack did open up about his swords history, I've been waiting for the right moment to explain it and as for Ahsoka's framing and trial getting closer, I am more and more excited to write up and publish the full chapter for you guys. Hoping you'll enjoy it.

Tony Miguel - It isn't a problem or a rush in fact I was probably less than halfway through the story when I read your review and it gave me the push I needed to finish it.

N1cook - 2 reasons, first is just ease of reading and continuity mostly but as well as that don't forget how incredibly advanced the artificial intelligence's of the UNSC are, Roland was put into service in 2557 and this was after the introduction of Fifth Generation AI's so their capacity for running operations is beyond comprehension and since he could scan the disabled Venator on the highest level from the Infinity and science vessels of all ships and find out which wires and circuits went where and that leads to possible words which can be narrowed down further and further.

BrokenLifeCycle - Yes I have done this by mistake on occasion unless there is a short sentence telling the reader who is talking it shouldn't be there.

Guest: Unknown - It's an Unknown planet and they are facing an unknown enemy which they have no clue how effective they will be so it makes sense to deploy the best available, A rivalry does not interfere with orders from a superior. Politics is not my area of expertise since I study Science and Technology not Political and Social studies so I admit I am not entirely aware on how the voting demographic would go and while they did technically declare war they did not intentionally invade or attack any CIS territories for months, this was in my mind similar to early WW2 when the Allies did not do much against the Axis forces.

PM - No it is unlikely that Ahsoka and Captain Jack will end up together for a wide variety of reasons, they are just really close friends and allies.

PM - I switched the story from Clone Wars to just Star Wars because the amount of story's in the Halo and Clone Wars crossover section is very limited when compared to that and Halo + Star Wars section and I want more people to be able to read and review the story. I might change it back at some point but I haven't decided on that just yet, Maybe later.

Also, I rarely included any details about Sierra base and it is in this chapter so the best I can do for the actual overall base is to say imagine ONI Sword Base and Airview Base from Reach but on a much larger complex scale.

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Chapter 16: Mandalore Stands

June 20, 2565 (Military Calendar)

Lucazec

Andromeda Galaxy

On route to Sierra Base

It had been over a month now since Fireteams Royal and Resolute had completed their mission of acquiring information regarding their traitor in the Republic from the criminals and pirates of the galaxy, a mission that did not find favour with the soldiers. Despite the time passed since the mission, both teams had been on many more missions on both front lines and within enemy territories, battling the droid forces of the Separatists and expanding UNSC territory through the liberation of neutral captured planets.

Hundreds of feet above the terraformed Lucazec planet, fireteam Resolute were in their D81-LRT Condor flying across the heavy colonised civilian districts of the planet which still lacked in comparison to the massive military force on the planet and the Guardian fleet above protecting it. Cadmon and Fives sat in the cockpit piloting the ship towards Sierra Base after they had been called away from a mission to capture a CIS general in exile within the Voss system.

"Any Idea why they told us to abandon the mission?" Rookie asked over an open comm channel.

"Not a clue, must be something big though" Jesse speculated

Rookie looked over to the Captain, "What about you Sir?" He said

Captain looked over to him, "A few, could be a more important target or maybe they need an elite fireteam for a rescue but we'll find out soon enough" Jack said going over his own theories in his mind, he knew it had to be important enough for them not to be told anything other than to come back to the UNSC main base for briefing.

Flying over the young city the clones managed to get a look at the buildings and artificial landscapes of the UEG and Colonial Administration Authority. "Are all the cities like this back in your galaxy Captain?" Fives asked, drawing the attention away from their unknown upcoming mission.

Jack walked over to the cockpit "Well there's quite a lot of them Fives, I haven't managed to visit all of earth's colonies but city-wise they do have their unique parts, not all are this well-defended though at least since the war, except for the important ones" He said, aware of the large defence force in orbit as well as the large garrison on the ground.

As he mentioned the defence the radio chatter on the radio increased as they entered the restricted military airspace of Sierra Base. Transmitting the clearance codes, Cadmon was directed to an external landing zone just outside the main checkpoint into the base. Upon landing a ground side crew approached the ship to carry out standard UNSC protocol maintenance and refuelling.

"Be careful with her" Cadmon said to one of the maintenance crew going over the Condor.

The seven of them walked up to the main forward gate, Captain Jack stated his name, rank and clearance code followed by the rest of fireteam Resolute to the main officer guarding the checkpoint. "Fireteam Resolute, the Admirals been waiting for you" The officer informed them as he lowered the metal barriers to the base, "There are two Warthogs over there on standby for your team, Admiral Lasky has informed me to tell you he is waiting in the Delta sector, briefing room 06.

"Appreciated Officer", Jack said before returning the officers quick salute.

Jack, Fives, Rookie and Jesse took the lead vehicle and drove in front while Kix, Jun and Cadmon took the one to the rear and followed close behind the others. As they drove through the military base dozens of marine and army units marched in sync past them and several more squads were seen up ahead in training exercises with drill instructors pacing back and forth in front of them.

"Like Kamino without the rain," Fives said, looking over at the new young squads of troops fresh off the ships to the Andromeda.

"Close, you want to see real military training, you should see the facilities on Reach". Jack said in the contest.

"That where they trained you, Sir?" Fives asked

"Affirmatory, one of few places where Spartans are forged, I'm not one to brag, but the marines may wish to be Spartans but they pray they never go through the training a Spartan does". Jack said boldly.

"Pretty sure you just did, Sir," Jesse said cunningly

"Alright tough guy, if we ever end up on Kamino again I'll try your Clone training and if I can beat it without breaking a sweat then you spend the next leave we get on a Spartan training session" Jack proposed confidently.

"You're on Captain," Jesse said

"You're going to regret that Jesse" Rookie said to the clone.

"Looks like we're about to find out what was more important than a CIS general" Kix said as Jack pulled up the Warthog outside a large dark building followed behind by Cadmon as he pulled up their Warthog. Walking into the building they walked through the automated scanners that scanned their armour and weapons looking for the identity bars imprinted on all UNSC armour and equipment.

After finding it, the bulletproof security doors opened and they walked through, keeping their weapons holstered to avoid any concerned looks from the other military and intelligence personnel. It was clear that personnel didn't normally wear armour there let alone special prototypes made from experimental forerunner alloy.

Accessing the available map on his HUD, Captain Jack led the team single file with Fives beside him as they walked deeper into the building passing more personnel on the way. Eventually, after navigating the hallways, they arrived at briefing room 06 from the rear entrance, Jack approached the control panel next to the bulkhead like doors and opened them through the console, walking through and fanning out they saw Admiral Lasky waiting for them at the bottom of the sloped room, and he wasn't alone.

Lasky saw them as they entered the room, "Ah Fireteam Resolute, come forward I'd like to introduce you to Master Mace Windu and Master Yoda of the Jedi Order and of course, you already know Master Kenobi". He said as the Jedi turned to face them.

Walking down to the main briefing area, the soldiers greeted the Jedi while Captain Jack walked up to the Admiral, "Admiral Lasky if it's okay with you I'd like to know why my team was pulled away from their mission" Jack asked

"Of Course Spartan as soon as everybody else arrives," Lasky said

Jack was about to ask who else was showing up at the mission when right, as he was going to the rear doors, opened again and fireteam Royal walked in, "Captain Jack" the lead Spartan greeted

"Captain Iona" Jack replied.

"Good, now that we're all here perhaps we can move on to our issue". Kenobi said.

Agreeing, all of them moved into place around the large diameter table, on command from the smaller screens in the tables round base Lasky activated the light emitters above them displaying on the table below. "This is about the information fireteams Royal and Resolute acquired several weeks ago". Lasky said as he pulled up several documents on the display.

"This is part of a ship's manifest that was scuttled months ago, recovered by fireteam Resolute, and after going through what we could we found several items of interest that after heavy researching were finally discovered as being of sith origin". Lasky said, gaining looks of subtle surprise out of the two fireteams, "At this point, I acquired permission from ONI and Fleet Command to inform the Jedi on the situation". He said

"Sir, are you saying the traitor within the Republic is a sith?" Iona asked.

"That is our worry, whoever this individual is, has infiltrated the government and is supplying the Confederacy with knowledge on a scale we do not yet know," Windu said.

"Very troubling this is, a grave danger to our democracy and Order this sith is," Yoda said on his hovering platform, at shoulder length with Kenobi.

"Indeed, however, we have been able to form a plan to uncover whoever it is," Lasky said as he pulled up further information including several criminal organisations. "The information retrieved from Royal is just as troubling I'm afraid known Siths, Maul and Savage Opress have been gathering in secret with several criminal organisations, the Pyke Syndicate, Black Sun and deathwatch just to name a few and we have reason to believe they are plotting a hostile takeover of Mandalore," Lasky informed.

"What information do we have to support this?" Jun Asked.

"Their affiliation with the Death Watch, they're a terrorist splinter group of warriors that oppose Mandalore's pacifist government, they have never shown interest in the Civil War or invading other systems. Their sole focus as we have been able to understand is controlling Mandalore and as they say, restoring it to its former glory" Kenobi said.

"So they take over Mandalore but what does Maul gain from this". Iona said.

"We are unsure but it is our theory that Maul and Oppress will betray them or attempt to at least and take the place of ruler". Lasky said.

"If that is true then we need to stop them, Mandalore and Duchess Satine are the head of the Council of Neutral Systems, if it falls there is no guarantee that it will stay together". Jack said

"My thoughts exactly, I have mission briefs ready for both of you". Lasky said as he pulled up several new locations, "Fireteam Royal, you are to depart for the Zanbar system, intelligence from patrols in that area have shown repeated ships departing and arriving in the system, the ships matched designs used by the Death Watch". Lasky said, handing over the datapad containing the mission information.

Lasky then turned to Captain Jack and his unit "Fireteam Resolute, you are to leave for Mandalore immediately and investigate this threat, start by going through what the Mandalorian Guard has on the Deathwatch and after that go through an overview of what targets they will strike first, they don't have the numbers to take over the planet in an open battle, they'll use precision and tactics". Lasky ordered as he handed Captain Jack the datapad with the mission details.

"In the unlikely event any Fireteams encounter either of these sith, capture is preferable over killing as it's possible they will be able to lead us to the sith within the Republic". Lasky said

"Do not underestimate either of them, they are both extremely powerful in the dark side of the force as well as close combat and have killed several Jedi already". Kenobi said.

"That will be all, May the Mantle Guide you on your mission, dismissed," Lasky said.

In standard military fashion, they marched out of the room following their path of entrance until they found themselves back outside with the Warthog used by Royal parked up behind the two used by fireteam Resolute. "So, you really think these gangs are going to rule Mandalore?" Iona asked.

Jack looked up from loading his weapon in the Vehicle, "Not if we have anything to say about it" He replied.

"We better hope so, over a thousand neutral systems are hanging in the balance," Iona said.

"I'm aware, Mandalore helped us out in the beginning, now it's up to us to return the favour," Jack said as he climbed into the driver's seat.

Starting up the Warthog he drove off from the building and Iona as he was followed closely behind by the rest of his team, it was another short drive back to the landing zone with the familiar sight of training soldiers. Arriving back at the landing field they approached the Condor with a maintenance crewman standing at attention beside the ship until they arrived when he informed them the refuelling and standard equipment check was completed.

Boarding the ship, Captain Jack ordered Cadmon and Jun to head to the cockpit and get ready for take-off, minutes later the familiar sound of the engines was heard and less than a minute after that the ship gained altitude. Raising high enough that the engines would have no effect on those below Cadmon pushed the engines and began the quick accent to break the planet's atmosphere. With a quick notification of the lead ship in the guardian fleet, he spun up the Shaw-Fujikawa engine and mere seconds later shot the ship through into slipstream space.

Several hours later

After getting what rest they could, the crew was alerted to their impending arrival and gathered their helmets and weapons along with any extra ammunition they would need. Captain Jack was the first one to wake and arrive at the briefing table. He pulled up the information from the datapad. They didn't have long before arriving. "Alright, let's make this quick, our mission objective is investigative only, we need to mark possible targets based on what information we can acquire from the Mandalorian Guard, both the Dutchess and Head Guards have granted us access to what they have". Jack explained.

"What about the Sith Sir? Lasky gave us authority to engage them". Jun said from the cockpit.

"He said in the unlikely event that we have the opportunity, I'll decide what counts" Jack informed the Spartan.

"Yes Sir" Jun replied.

"Captain, if this Sith and Death Watch group are planning this invasion why aren't the Jedi involved?". Rookie asked.

"Because the Jedi are now Generals and commanders of the Republics armies, Involvement would mean gaining the permission of the senate and the chance of them sending investigators to a neutral system is practically 0, that's assuming the Dutchess even gave them permission". Captain Jack told the Shock trooper.

"So why did Duchess Satine agree to let us help?" Rookie asked.

"Beats me, best guess is that we didn't join the war because of the Republic". Jack replied.

At that moment Cadmon chimed in "Captain, we're exiting slipspace" He said.

The Captain acknowledged and pulled up the camera feeds outside the ship, the planet was not what some of them had been expecting. "Hmm, not what I thought Mandalore would look like" Fives commented.

"From what I've read, years of war left the planet inhospitable, the population lives in domed cities now". Rookie added.

"Should be better inside, maybe once we're done investigating an impending hostile takeover we can go sightseeing" Captain Jack commented bitterly as he shut down the holotable, transferring the data to his wrist-mounted terminal while some of the other troops looked at him after his unusually corse attitude.

Shrugging it off the team went to their seats as Cadmon brought the ship closer to the planet, as they broke through the atmosphere the massive dome of the planet's capital, Sundari, became more visible, they were a shiny silver construct with multiple ships stationed at the docks. As they made their approach the dock controllers contacted the ship and Cadmon transmitted their ships ID. After it matched in the expected arrivals database they were directed to the higher dock of the outer wall.

Landing the ship and killing the engines Jun opened the rear exit with Jack taking the lead outside. A small detachment of soldiers stood waiting for them when they left. The lead trooper in different armour than the shield-wielding soldiers behind him stepped forward. "Greetings, I'm Nashil Gaylin with the Mandalorian secret service, I was told to expect a team of UNSC Specialists though I didn't expect soldiers". He said as he shook Captain Jack's hand.

"If you'll follow me I have orders to escort you to the Bureau". He said as he showed them to several speeders waiting.

The group split in two and got on the speeders as the two guards piloted the second one following lead. As they entered the lanes of rapid moving vehicles the team did get a look at the buildings of the capital city. They sped up and eventually, Gaylin parked up alongside the open platform with several more guards in black and silver uniforms stood waiting. Following the small escort inside they passed through the first security checkpoints until reaching an open bullpen.

"Here, you have access to all the known data on the Death Watch and city plans and buildings, courtesy of the Duchess Satine". He said handing over a small chip for accessing the terminals in the room. "Let one of the guards know if you need anything". Gaylin said as he walked out of the room.

"Let's get to it then, start with locations of value and influence that have open vulnerabilities" Jack ordered as they opened the consoles, their suits and implants translators working overtime to process the high streams of information in front of them.

"Sir, wouldn't it make more sense for an analyst team to do this?" Jun asked, looking up from the terminal.

"Probably but considering the UNSC is already technically interfering in neutral affairs by sending us, anymore risks the news getting out and the government has a political nightmare". Jack explained.

"He's right, I can see the Coruscant and Earth Daily News Feeds headline already, UNSC and Republic soldiers invade Neutral system" Rookie commented.

"I wouldn't put that past them, journalists will write anything these days". Jack said.

After several hours of searching through the records they had managed to rule out more and more areas of attack, they knew it would be pointless to attack locations with no strategic value which ruled out education centres and civilian housing. Focusing more on areas vital to Mandalore's functioning such as police stations and buildings that controlled the city's utilities.

Soon, after compiling a long enough list the Captain stood up, "Jesse, Cadmon, Jun, I need you to stay here and keep searching and send us locations, this attack is going to happen and soon we need to be ready, Kix, Fives, Rookie, you're with me, we'll start at the outer docks security posts". He said as he left followed by half of his team.

Exiting the room he approached the front desk where by luck he manages to find Nashil Gaylin talking to a civilian, he grabs his attention after he is finished, "Gaylin was it? We need to commandeer some speeders, can you provide us with some?" He asked.

"I'm just the watch commander today but I was ordered to provide whatever you need within reason, give me a moment". He said as he walked around to the front desk and used one of the communication stations next to one of the desk officers.

Minutes later he came back, "a standard platform speeder is out front waiting, I couldn't get anything more than that, will you be needing a pilot," Gaylin said.

"I'm sure they'll do fine, and we won't, thanks," Jack said to Gaylin before turning to Kix. "Kix your flying," He told him as the four of them marched their way outside and found the correct speeder that Nashil Gaylin had acquired for them. It was a bare standard hover transport with rails around the edge and a basic control system at the front.

Accessing the digital map on his amours HUD, Kix took to the controls and started flying the small platform towards their first point of interest, the docks security points. Arriving after another journey across the city centre and outskirts they arrived, showing the relevant security passes to the guards they exited the main city. Immediately they started analysing the defences and how well they would hold out against an attack.

"Kix, go with Rookie and talk to those guards over there if they've seen anything suspicious recently". Jack ordered.

Fives and Captain Jack made their way towards the edge of the docks, past the large shipping containers and docking staff, looking out over the edge, "If Mandalore comes under attack, do you think the UNSC would help Sir?" Fives asked.

"I can't say, we don't have any treaties that would prevent us from doing so but if the Death Watch takeover it's technically an internal civil conflict and not within the jurisdiction of the UNSC...or the Republic". Jack replied.

"Captain, it's Kix, same over here and the guards say they haven't seen anything suspicious or out of the ordinary" Kix reported.

"Okay, head on back, we'll move on to the next location" Jack ordered.

The four of them joined back up just outside the docks and boarded the speeder again with Kix getting in the air before asking, "What's the next location Captain?".

"Cadmon?" Jack asked, relaying the question.

"Second location is the central communications centre, sending you directions now" Cadmon replied with a large number of voices in the background.

As Kix increased speed and they got closer to their next destination Fives opened the channel to Cadmon again.

"Everything okay over there Cadmon?" Fives asked, hearing the louder noise when Cadmon was speaking.

"Standby, something going on, I'll go find the Bureau manager". He replied

"Keep the comm line open" Captain Jack ordered.

"Hey, what's going on!?" Cadmon asked while the others listened in.

"There's been an attack at the main docks, we're waiting on orders" they heard the man respond.

"Ask who" Jack ordered

"Have the attackers been identified?" Cadmon inquired again.

"It's a gang, we think it's the Pyke Syndicate". He answered

"Captain, did you get that?" Cadmon asked as he let the Bureau manager go on his way.

"Affirmative, Kix, get us back there" Captain Jack ordered.

"Sir, wait I wouldn't do that, I'm looking at the security feeds and the security forces are already being overrun, we don't have the numbers to retake the docks". Jesse said.

Jack thought about what he could do, their orders weren't to fight a civil war for Mandalore but he knew he couldn't just watch as a murderous criminal butchered their way through the city.

"Jesse, you and Cadmon stay there and monitor the city's security and keep track of the attackers, Jun, get down to the docks and find somewhere to hide with a decent vantage point, we're on our way. Inform the Mandalore Guard that we intend to retake the docks at nightfall and we'd greatly appreciate some reinforcements". Jack gave out the orders as they all made their way to their positions.

"Kix, get us to the closest occupied command point", Jack requested.

Getting closer to the docks, kix lowered their altitude as they looked for any grouping of friendly Mandalorian forces, it was only moments later when they found it. A large group of Mandalore police and guards armed with Westar-35 blaster pistols and riot shields all had their focus on the main gates to the docks which they were guarding.

Several of them turned to look at the incoming speeder when they heard it approach them from behind, "Who's in charge here?" Jack asked as a young-looking soldier came forward.

"I think I am, Sargent Mallak, who are you?" Mallak asked, the young officer sounding frightened

"We're UNSC Special Forces, running security evaluation when we heard about the attack at the docks, do you think you can hold this position until nightfall?" He asked

"Er maybe, it's a thin enough entrance, why?". Mallak asked, wondering what was happening he didn't know about.

"Because that's when we're taking it back, I've got the rest of my team trying to get reinforcements to help and one of my guys should be on the inside by now". Jack detailed.

"Are you sure you can? There are so many" Mallak warned

"We can only try, we'll have the element of surprise and by then they'll be sure of their victory and hopefully let down their guard". Jack said.

Jack walked away from the guard as they got closer to the wall between them and the docks, civilian buildings were still too close for his liking, around him he could see the silver clothed officers and guards take glances at the Spartans before looking back to the closed doors to the docks. Captain Jack got back in touch with Jesse.

"Jesse, are there any other incidents happening?" Jack asked

After a fast look through reports and surveillance footage Jesse reported back "None Sir, It's possible this is an isolated incident". Jesse responded

"It still seems too convenient," Jack speculated.

Hours passed until the light turned to darkness, Satine had been told of the impending attempt by fireteam Resolute and had dispatched what forces she could to assist them. Down at the docks, passing back and forth, Jack got in contact with Jun, "We're getting ready to commence the attack Jun, are you ready?" He asked as the four of them moved to stack up against the large metal doors to the docks with a detachment of troops behind them.

"Affirmative Sir, nothi- hold on," Jun cut himself off.

"What is it?" Jack asked.

"I've got several incoming ships with unknown markings, it has to be hostile reinforcements, we need to engage now Captain!" Jun said.

"Acknowledged", Jack said before running up to the Sargent. "Sargent! I just got word from my man on the inside there are multiple incoming ships with no known markings, open the doors, we're going now!" Jack said urgently.

Mallak immediately contacted one of his officers at the doors controls and told him to open it as fast as possible. With half of fireteam, Resolute stood firmly at the entrance with their weapons ready and waiting, the doors opened in the space of a few seconds, with several dozen officers behind them they pushed through into the large open space of the docks. Even with the minefield of containers in front of them, they could see the incoming ships less than a few seconds away from docking.

"Kix, Fives, go down the left side and wait to engage, Mallak can you go with them and take some of your officers with you". Captain Jack asked

"Yes, Constable Donell" Malak said as he quietly called over one of the other officers who came quickly towards him, "Take your unit with Captain Jack here". He ordered as the officer rallied his unit and the two groups split off with Kix, Fives and Mallak leading one squad of police officers around the left side of the container maze while Captain Jack, Rookie and Constable Donell took a unit around the left.

While checking his corners and hastily closing the gap between their location and their target they heard several sounds of fighting and even blaster fire. They picked up their pace and started running fast, "Jun, sitrep!" Jack shouted

"No idea captain whoever came out of those ships is out of my line of sight, I'm relocating," Jun said as he rapidly picked up his rifle and looked around for a better vantage point.

"Make it quick," Jack said

They were getting closer by the second when right as they turned the last corner they were met with multiple incapacitated gangsters and Mandalorian guards stepping out of containers, Across from them was Kix, Fives and Mallak along with their following officers, it wasn't until Jack saw a noticeable glow in the corner of his eye did he see multiple unknowns flying away from the docks.

Confused, Jack lowered his weapon and approached one of the officers, "What happened here?" He asked

The officer sat on the step of the container and looked up to the soldier, "Those thugs locked us in these containers" He said looking at one of the several unconscious criminals "Until the Death Watch rescued us" He said causing Jack's head to dart back towards him.

"What!? The Death Watch are terrorists, that makes no sense" Jack stated.

While Jack tried to piece together what was happening he noticed all of the Mandalorian officers and guard become alert all of a sudden and many of them started leaving the area quickly, Mallak went up to the Spartan, "Captain, we just got word from central command, several groups of criminals and thugs are spread throughout the city, opening fire on civilians and one group is currently engaged with police outside the Mandalore Banking Center". Mallak informed

"How did they get past us!?" Jack questioned

"Unknown Sir," Jun said

"Resolute rally on me, Cadmon, Jesse, send us the locations of the attacks, prioritise civilian locations first". Jack said as they started running back past the stationed guards towards the speeders, they were joined by Jun who leapt down from his new position a few feet behind them and soon caught up.

"Captain this makes no sense, I thought the Death Watch was working with the gangs," Jun said running alongside the Captain.

"I don't know Jun, maybe the Pykes jumped the gun or tried something they shouldn't have" Jack replied as they once again made it out of the dock's exit and jumped onto their commandeered speeder.

Pulling out of the area, Kix built up as much speed as he could in the speeder and plotted the quickest course he could to the location of the closest attacks until Cadmon opened his comm to the team. "Captain, I found Savage Opress, surveillance cameras at the Banking Centre just caught him along with members of the Pyke Syndicate". He alerted.

Captain Jack's attention was drawn between the criminals attacking Civilians and the Sith that could possibly lead them to the traitor and Sith within the Republic, he had to decide quickly. "Rookie, Jun, Kix, head to Peace Park and assist the Mandalore Police, Fives and I are heading to the Bank, Follow me Fives". He said as he climbed over the railing of the speeder and jumped.

Activating his Jet Pack he gained altitude and put the small engines to maximum thrust setting his direction to the Bank, He checked his HUD and Fives was right behind him. As they got closer to their objective they made out the faint crimson glow of a lightsaber, Jack enhanced the image through his visor, gaining a better view and in an instant connection the images from the intelligence, "It's him, Oppress, Hope we can handle him" Jack said retracting his optics.

"You handled Krell Sir, Just another thug with a lightsaber" Fives said

"At least then I had the 501st and 212th at my back, look ahead we're approaching the target," Jack said as he could see the Sith along with two members of the Pyke Syndicate close behind him.

As they got far enough away from the building it exploded outward sending several Mandalore guards to the floor, two managed to get up and follow him but were already far behind. "Come on!" Jack shouted as they gave their engines one final push over the limit and killed the engines when they were mere inches off the ground. Running to catch up they saw the criminals cut a corner of the building. Seconds later they managed to catch up followed behind by the two police officers.

When they pulled themselves around the edge they were met with a cutoff chase and the two Pykes on the ground, blaster wounds dead centre. In front of them though was the Sith Savage Opress battling a Mandalorian with a blade of pure black. It only took a few seconds for them to identify him. Running up to them, the Mandalorian defeated Opress, sending him to the ground as the two officers rushed to restrain him.

"Fives stay with him" Captain Jack ordered as he ran to the edge and jumped over the low wall, flying to catch up to the fleeing sabre wielder.

"Vizsla!" Jack shouted out.

That stopped the warrior as he turned around, "Ah a Spartan, the greatest warriors of humanity, that is a bold title you give yourselves" Vizsla said in an amusing tone.

"So you've heard of us" Jack fathomed

"By now there's nobody in the galaxy that hasn't heard of you". Vizsla replied

Jack ignored his comment, "Mandalore doesn't belong to you, by your Alliance's falling out I'm not so sure how you intend to take it". Jack told him.

"Falling out? Not quite so sure what you mean, all we're doing is bringing these ruthless criminals to Justice". Vizsla defended sneeringly

"Your terrorists, we know you're plotting a takeover of Mandalore. What I can't figure out is why you're eliminating your own allies...unless" Jack pondered for a second before finally realising what his plan had been all along. "You meant for them to attack, cause chaos, then you and your Death Watch sweep in and play the hero". Jack deduced with an increased look of anger in his eye.

"Very good and your assistance has been most appreciated". Vizsla feignedly thanked.

"Our Assistance, what the hell are you on about?" Jack asked with his frustration growing as he slowly lowered his hand to the hilt of his energy sword.

"Well my warriors are currently dealing with the brutes attacking Peace Park after your friends there failed to deal with them and your delay at the docks, all your efforts only prove that Duchess Satine's rule is weak and not fit to rule Mandalore". Vizsla said

"Enough of this Vizsla, I'm taking you in!" Jack shouted as he withdrew his hilt and ignited his white blade.

"Well you can try, but even if you succeed all you'll be doing is helping me in turning the people further against the Dutchess" Vizsla said

Jack thought it if he was right and the people's opinion was swaying in favour of the Death Watch, then arresting their leader could be the final nail in Satine's coffin. "Damn you Vizsla, you aren't going to get away with this!" He said in extreme irritation as the Mandalorian turned his back and flew away.

Captain Jack did the same and went back to the Banking Centre to rally with Fives, "Captain, the Death Watch just showed up and engaged the Park attackers, they're pushing them back" Jun informed

"Understood, do not fire on the Death Watch unless fired upon, acknowledged?" Jack ordered

"What!? But Sir they're terrorists" Rookie asked loudly

"We were wrong the whole time, their plan wasn't to attack the city or use key locations, the gangs and syndicates attack civilians and public buildings then they come in and eliminate them, the Duchess is seen as weak and the Public won't bat an eye when Pre Vizsla takes the throne". Jack explained as he landed back and the Bank with Fives.

At that point Cadmon spoke up with alarm, "Sir if you're right we have seriously bad news, I'm tracking a group of Death Watch soldiers heading on a direct course for the Palace, Pre Vizsla is with them". Cadmon warned

"Damnit, alright regroup at the palace, there is little left that we can do other than protect the Dutchess" Jack ordered as he, followed by Fives, once again sprung their Jet Packs into action towards the Palace.

"Sir, we're pretty far out, we won't be able to reach the Palace before the Death Watch arrives". Kix said

"Just get there as quickly as you can," Jack told them "Looks like it's just us Fives," Jack said

It wasn't long before the palace came into view, they couldn't see any signs of distress yet. Approaching fast, they landed just outside the main throne room balcony and ran quickly from there into the main throne room where Satine was sat with an advisor beside her and multiple guards.

"Dutchess, the Death Watch are on their way here as we speak, we need to get you to safety" Jack urged the Dutchess.

"I greatly appreciate what you and your men have tried Captain but I fear it may be too late," She said as she looked to the main entrance where Pre Vizsla and a small group of Mandalorian soldiers walked through with no resistance, aiming their weapons at the guards and surrounding the throne room floor.

On instinct Fives and Jack pulled out their weapons and closed their distance to Satine but allowed their flanks to be open and four Mandalorian warriors ran past them with a clear line of weapon sight behind them. With the doors still, open the low sounds of chanting could be heard, "Listen, Dutchess, Do you hear the people? They cry out for change and your weak-minded rule of Mandalore is at an end, the resurrection of our warriors' past is about to begin" Vizsla declared as the soldiers closed in.

"Captain, while this is still my throne room you will not fire that weapon," Satine said sternly looking at Captain Jack

"With respect your highness, I don't think it is anymore," Jack said, keeping his aim firmly at Pre Vizsla

"I'd listen to her Spartan, your resistance won't end well" Vizsla warned.

"You think I can't take you on?" Jack questioned

"Me, of course you could, but so much could happen between now and then, after all, I'm sure not all of the people have been made fully aware of how the Death Watch has saved them, do you think they need a little reminder" Vizsla threatened.

Hesitantly he lowered his weapons looking to Fives "Do it Fives" He ordered as Fives too, lowered his weapon with reluctance. They were picked up by the soldiers in front of them.

"Hmm, if it weren't for your blind morals you could have stopped me, what about you soldier?" Vizsla said looking at Fives

"I follow my Captain's orders," Fives said with restraint

"Your Mantle of Responsibility has led you astray Captain, without them you might actually accomplish something, Pity" Vizsla mocked.

Before Jack or Fives could say anything they felt a massive surge of energy shoot through them and their vision went black as they collapsed and fell to the floor.

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Next Chapter - Mandalore Falls

Hello all once again another chapter finished and this one was a little bit earlier than I was expecting to have it up but either way I hope you all enjoyed it. The situation on Mandalore gets serious. Will fireteam Resolute get any intel on the sith from Maul or will something much different happen. Sorry for those who like the chapters being longer, this one is a bit shorter than the last few at just 7000+ words but it is meant to be a 2 parter and I need to save some story for the next chapter.

As usual, if you guys spot anything I missed, did wrong or just even mistyped let me know in the reviews as well as what you'll think of the overall story. Weird how the story is getting more popular but the amount of reviews per chapter seems to be getting a little smaller, I don't get that at all.