Hello and welcome back to another chapter which sadly as usual took a long time to be finished and released, By the way, I never actually said before that Jack's armour is a dark navy blue with various white lines across it and his helmet is the Venator class. Below is normal are the review replies and I must say they are getting more numerous depending on the chapter, getting to the point where I might have to limit the amount I put in. By the way, spamming "please update" in the reviews won't make me go any faster so please don't do it. I have promised that I will not abandon this story.

One more note, the end is drawing closer but I feel I can say with confidence that it is one none of you have seen or read before. I hope I am right because it will lead to what I can then call a one of a kind story.

Again sorry about the wait time, I almost had it finished but I am English so I have been watching the football and then crying for three days when we lost against those cheating baste- anyway, Hopefully, the decent length of this chapter can make up for the length of time spent waiting.

Replies to the last chapter:

Kabramsch16 - …

Guest DCDGojira - Cheers.

Guest - Well here's the chapter, go find out, sorry though I will never reveal any spoilers in the responses or author notes.

Guest L - Thanks and Yes, thus has begun the bombing arc which means the end of the war is supposedly getting closer. I did think for a little while about writing that small section on both the Republic and UNSC Capital Worlds who knows maybe we'll see earth soon, I did consider having Jack in the room as well and then them both ending up on the run but I went with this one instead, the storylines both end up at roughly the same place anyway. As to her losing the fight because of her only having a single lightsaber and her main skills in Jar Kai, I did come up with a plan in the end. A lot of what if's and possibilities, only one way to find out and...no spoilers.

Scarease - True but I feel doing it that way would be both a bit too complex but also it would probably just look like I was pulling out a Daus ex Machina to end it a completely different way how I wanted instead of a long enough and intriguing chapter. Also, ONI and smart AI will play a much more vital role later.

Tony Miguel - Thanks a lot.

Edboy4926 - Thank You.

Jctherebel - Cheers.

NarutoKurai - En primer lugar, lo siento si esto suena extraño, mi español está bastante oxidado y estoy resistiendo la tentación de usar un traductor, definitivamente tienes razón en que la inteligencia artificial y las capacidades tecnológicas en esa área están mucho más evolucionadas en el lado del UNSC en comparación con la República o realmente cualquier cosa de esa galaxia. Creo que dije que el Jefe todavía está activo ejecutando misiones en casa.

Alex Gudu - I'm going to assume that means Admiral Tarkin.

TwoForFlinching - Thanks, Still can't reveal anything here but the Sangheili appearance is close to the end chapters also it is fine.

The Prophet of Courage - Probably true but I don't give a crap what anyone else thinks.

Nilsrisch184 - Yeah I agree that the governing system in America is rather flawed but it is a democracy so I don't know what I can expect. Also, why would an ODST be allowed to assault anyone let alone a guest of a Rear Admiral?

Possiblespy3187 - Make sure if you are going to comment about punctuation that you remember I am British and do not use American English which is different in many ways. Also, I haven't written much if any speech with the characters mentioning number designations of weapons or vehicles.

Anon44575173 - Well in my experience if you find a religion or belief stupid enough anything is possible. Also, they are not following the Mantle in the same way that the forerunners did, just like the Spartans took inspiration from the ancient fighters, the UNSC/UEG has taken the inspiration of the Mantle and the forerunners to put the mantle into law.

Guest - Yes I did do the maths on the time it would take the Infinity to reach the locator beacon and you are right even though I didn't specify their exact location it would take much too long to reach it so this is one of the few times I have had to break the laws of physics, so to speak, in order for the story to progress, if star wars can do it for 50 odd years I'm sure this slight bending can be forgiven.


Chapter Nineteen: Duty or Orders

June 25, 2565 (Military Calendar)

Andromeda Galaxy, Coruscant

Lower Levels of Coruscant, UNSC Condor

Slowly and with extreme caution, Jun piloted the Condor down the wide but very busy passage to the lower levels of the hollowed planet, multiple vehicles passed them on the way as the UNSC pilot attempted to avoid them. Above them, the sight of Coruscant's nighttime sky got thinner and thinner until it disappeared altogether and they were several hundreds of levels below the outer surface. They had been descending slowly for nearly half an hour before Jun opened his comm to the captain from the controls of the ship.

"Where am I going, Captain?" Jun asked

Captain Jack entered the cockpit gesturing to Cadmon to head to the back, "Just keep going, look for anything out of the ordinary that might lead us to Ahsoka". Jack told him as he kept the ship on its downward circling trajectory.

Jun silently acknowledged the order, "And when we find her Sir?" He asked.

"Are you asking if we follow General Skywalkers Orders?" Jack asked him.

"I follow your orders, Sir," Jun replied.

Before Jack could respond to Jun though, Rookies voice was heard over their joint comm line, "Captain, we have an incoming communication request from the Jedi Council chambers and Admiral Tarkin" Rookie informed the Captain.

Jack became irritated, he knew it would likely be more pandering over Commander Tano or a reminder to contact them when they encountered her, "Ignore it" He ordered causing a slight silence in the cabin.

"Eh Sir, Admiral Lasky is also there" Rookie additionally said.

Another slow second passed before the Captain spoke back, "put it on the holotable" He ordered as he walked back into the room, ignoring a communication from the Jedi and Republic military was one thing but from his own commanding officer and UNSC leader in the Galaxy was something he knew he couldn't do.

Marching back into the main cabin the holotable flickered to life with several holographic figurines appearing, approaching the table several of the Jedi turned their attention, as did the Admirals. "Fireteam Resolute, we appreciate your dexterity in this matter," Tarkin said as they appeared.

The Captain ignored him, "Admiral Lasky Sir" He started, giving him a quick formal salute, "We are currently operating a combat pursuit, might I ask what this is about?" Jack said, looking towards the white-uniformed Admiral.

Admiral Lasky turned to face the Spartan, "I was advised on your current situation and was requested to this short meeting by Admiral Tarkin, you were reported as handing Ahsoka Tano a lightsaber while in pursuit of her for the murder of the temple bomber, is this true?" He asked.

Jack knew the options for his response were limited, "I did Sir," He admitted.

Lasky was about to speak after the Captain's confirmation until Admiral Tarkin beat him to it, "You What! Admiral Lasky, I demand that this Captain be removed from this operation and detained for aiding in the escape of the criminal Ahsoka Tano," He said.

"Calm yourself, Admiral, you are in no position to demand anything of my men," Lasky said strongly to the Republic Commander as he looked back over to Captain Jack, "Would you care to explain yourself, Captain?" He said.

The bulky blue and white armoured Spartan took a moment to form his answer, what was only a couple of seconds felt like hours, "Admiral Lasky, I know Commander Tano did not kill that woman and has nothing to do with the bombing, I intend to find her and then find out who is framing her for this crime". Jack said with confidence and dignity.

Admiral Lasky looked to take just as long in thinking before he spoke, looking around at the Jedi and Republic Admiral, "I'm sorry Captain, but all of the evidence stacked up against the Commander is too great, I am ordering you to continue your pursuit of Ahsoka Tano and if you find her, to alert the Coruscant Guard and General Skywalker...and place her under military arrest in the name of both the UNSC and the Galactic Republic". Lasky ordered with remorse.

Once more a brief but noticeable silence filled the room, "Yes, Sir" Captain Jack said, practically having to force the words out of his mouth.

"Good, that will be all, dismissed," Lasky said.

From behind Jack, Rookie shut down the holotables communication and the automatic lighting came back on from above and around them in the ship. "Captain?" Rookie said approaching the still Spartan Captain.

"Ask the question Rookie," Jack said, turning around to him.

"What are your orders, Sir?" Rookie asked.

"You heard Admiral Lasky," He said, steadily.

"I did, what are your orders, Sir?" Rookie repeated.

Captain Jack got a slight humorous gleam in his eye knowing at least one of his fireteam were willing to violate a direct order from a superior, "Your bold Rookie, I'll give you that" He said standing up straight from the holotable.

Standing around the holotable Jesse joined them, "I've served alongside Commander Tano many times, not once did she do anything that made me doubt her and this isn't one either" He said agreeing with Rookie.

"That makes 3 of us," Fives said from behind them

"Actually Sir, I believe it makes all of us," Jun said from the cockpit over the internal communication channel.

"Do you understand the consequences of what we'd be doing? This is technically treason at worst and insubordination at best" Jack wanted despite their obvious intentions.

"It wouldn't be the first time Captain," Fives said. Ever since their disregard for the traitorous General Krells orders, Fives and much of the 501st learned to think more before blindly following orders, a capability he had made clear on Umbara separated them from the droids they fought against.

With a vague smile, Jack equipped his helmet, locking it in place and about to walk to the empty cockpit seat when Jun came over the comm "Sir, I think we have her, pulling up the holotable console now" He said to all of them as behind them the holotable reactivated with a single image appearing.

It was low quality and tough to make out but after a few seconds it became more recognisable, It was Ahsoka, clearly keeping her head low to avoid attention, "Is this it Jun?" Jack asked, hoping there would be some clearer images.

"Afraid so Sir, not my security cameras in Coruscant lower levels, even with the ship's onboard recognition, it could only just make her out, without a smart AI this is the best I can do,". Jun responded.

"Okay, we can work with this, Sync the image source to my and Rookie's HUD, FIves and Jesse, I want you two in mobile overwatch positions, we have a better chance of finding her that way" Jack assigned as he checked his gear and headed to the back of the ship as he could see from the holotables outside data display that they were getting nearer to a docking platform on the level they spotted Ahsoka at.

"Kix, stay with Cadmon and Jun on the ship, if we need to we'll get Ahsoka out by the Condor" He ordered.

With their orders clear and assigned, the four soldiers gathered by the rear and Jun lowered the gear followed by the ramp from the cockpit and the four of them paced down the metal sheet and onto the large artificial platform with numerous other ships around it, the soldiers caught some looks from the various civilians, despite their non-military appearance though Jack could tell at least half of them were carrying somewhat concealed weapons and their looks didn't put his nerves to ease either.

Leaving their weapons on their holsters the four of them walked forward leaving the large ringed docking structure, the partial light from the planet's surface vanished almost immediately as they entered the cave-like entrance to the deep level of Coruscant. The compact and condensed housing apartments lined the street way they walked down with discarded scrap metal and old debris littering the roads. On nearly every corner was a vendor of some kind at a stall selling foul looking meats and in the little space of the ally's crooked figures exchanged unrecognisable items to each other.

The four of them kept their heads on a swivel, checking every angle for possible threats though in this dark subterranean world it was difficult to separate the potential attackers from the innocent passerby. "I know Earth has its rough spots but how can the Republic knowingly let their Capital decay like this,". Rookie said as their quick searches coincided with the terrible conditions of the planet's lower levels.

Jack didn't take the time to respond but internally agreed with Rookie, he kept his demeanour intact, however, keeping focused on the mission. Deeper into the slum their investigation hit a standstill, they found the location where Ahsoka had been spotted but there were few clues that could lead them to her current location.

Captain Jack looked around the tight area before looking up to the high points of some of the buildings and walkways, "There's too little surveillance down here, Jesse, Fives, take up mobile positions, start a search radius from here to the nearest source of transport," Jack ordered.

"Yes Sir," They said simultaneously and took off to the nearest point where they could climb up to their positions, they knew that their Jetpacks and grapples might cause too much attention.

Before the Spartan Captain could issue an order to Rookie or to look for more leads, he heard static over their comm for a split second before he caught Jun's voice, "Captain, I've picked up an outgoing signal from Commander Tano's communicator, one and a half klicks to your north" He informed.

"Good, she knows it can be tracked though she won't be on it for long, send the location to my HUD" Captain Jack ordered.

As soon as the flashing yellow marker appeared on their helmet's internal display the two of them started running north towards it, the twists and turns of the poorly lit underworld made it harder for them to navigate at high speed but nevertheless, they kept up the immense pace as they weaved passed civilians and evaded the slim possible shortcuts that would likely lead them to either a dead end or an ambush of bandits.

With their muscles working in tandem with the heavy armour Jack struck a lightning-fast glance at his target indicator showing that they were less than half a kilometre from the signal when it died and their trail was cold. Almost immediately, Captain Jack triggered his comm, "Jun, I need something," He said in frustration.

"Standby…" He replied, with his comm signal getting weaker but still understandable, as from the ship he scanned through all the resources available to him, "There's a train station an additional sixty metres from the last active signal location, sending it to you now, I'll try and access the trains roster" He told them as a new destination appeared on their HUD's and they set off again.

"Negative Jun, try to get into the Coruscant police system and divert any incoming patrols but don't do anything with a high risk of getting caught in it, bad enough Ahsoka's picture is on every government screen down here, somebody is going to notice her". Jack ordered as he and Rookie got closer to the station with the lights getting brighter.

"Acknowledged Captain, I'm no AI but I'll do what I can, we're lucky they don't seem to have good security for their systems down here," Jun said.

The two supersoldiers got as close as they could to the station while maintaining their hidden position, peeking from behind the last corner to the station Captain Jack looked rapidly for Ahsoka darting his eyes from one person to the next, he focused on obscured individuals hiding their faces when Rookie firmly tapped him on the shoulder.

Jack looked to him, Rookie pointed out to one of the middle cars of the nearest train, "There Sir, it's the Commander!" He alerted quietly. Jack looked over to where Rookie was pointing and could just see Ahsoka checking her corners and boarding the train which was about to depart, Jack knew he had to think quickly.

"Activate Camouflage and stay on my six" Captain Jack ordered, not wanting to cause a panic amongst the public and possibly inform the Jedi or worse the Coruscant Guard of their location.

With their appearance hidden from plain view, part for the barely noticeable shimmer that came with the camouflage's light-reflecting properties, they ran out from the dark concealed corner and double-timed it to the train vaulting over the wide array of turnstiles in their path. They arrived at the train and skimmed past the still open doors by a second as they started to close right before they got on. Once they closed, the train started to depart the station and build up speed increasingly quickly.

Avoiding the scuffling passengers, Jack made Ahsoka out at the other end of their car, carefully minding their steps as to not reveal themselves they trekked their way over to Ahsoka, getting as close as possible to speak without spooking anyone else Jack told Rookie to stay put as he walked up to her. "Ahsoka, just look casual don't let anyone make us out," He said quietly.

She jumped unnoticed at the sudden voice from nowhere but she knew it was Jack's, she discreetly looked around for him but couldn't see him anywhere until in the corner of her eye she saw the flicker of light she had seen only a few times when Spartans used their active camouflage. She looked as though she was about to say something under her hood when from behind the both of them they heard Coruscant security demanding passengers train passes as they walked through.

Ahsoka turned and discreetly walked to the closest train doors, they were approaching the next station which meant they had a possible escape. The brakes of the train squealed as it slowed down and finally ground to a half and the platform, the guards were only metres behind them when the doors opened but to their dismay, there were three guards waiting at the doors when they opened and they immediately recognised the rogue Jedi.

Immediately stepping back the two approaching guards also identified her, still camouflaged Jack readied himself for a fight when from the corner of his eye looking through his visor and a check on his proximity sensor revealed Rookie taking a fast run-up to the group surrounding them and brutally charged into the cluster of underworld officers tackling them all down to the floor. "Go!" Rookie shouted as his active camouflage came down and the soldier was revealed and he fought off the police attempting to detain him.

Captain Jack followed suit and ditched his active camouflage as he and Ahsoka ran down the length of the train carriage, both of them using their enhanced abilities and agility to duck, weave and jump past both seated and standing passengers. A lone-standing civilian saw the chase by the police and tried to stop Ahsoka but was stopped short when she twisted around with his arm and pushed him into several of the pursuing police.

Behind them, two more got close to them attempting to reach out and grab the Spartan Captain, he slowed himself down and let the officers reaching wrist lunge forward, he grabbed it and pulled him further forward right into a metal seat pole, managing to kick him to the side and to the floor where the second officer tripped over him and was sent plunging to the ground of the train.

With the guards chasing after them delayed, they reached one of the train's doors as it approached a new platform but didn't show any signs of slowing down. Ahsoka pulled the doors open through the force and jumped out followed immediately behind by Captain Jack, from the high speed they skidded along the platform solid ground but eventually stabilised and slowed to a standstill. "Rookie, come in" Jack tried to call out.

He received nothing but static in return, "Jun, I need a status update on the police" He tried instead but again nothing got through to him. He turned to Ahsoka, "I've got no one on comms, we're on our own". He said.

"Come on," Ahsoka said.

The two of them made for the exit when before they calmed from their recent escape, another set of guards positioned at the track saw them and shouted out as they gave chase. Jack and Ahsoka started to run fast towards the exit, luck was somewhat on their side as there were little to no civilians at the station's gates and they managed to jump over the barricades with no trouble. "There!" Ahsoka shouted as she ran to an open elevator.

Close behind her, Jack made it into the lift right as the chasing guards withdrew their standard-issue heavy blaster pistols and fired several shots into the large cylinder, Captain Jack took several shots in the back with his shields flaring to recharge after dropping from the fire, the elevator also took several of the blaster rounds and sparks flew out of the console and it started to descend almost violently quickly.

As well as their rapid fall Ahsoka was the first of the two to notice the young Twi'lek inside which ruled out busting the glass and jumping for it with them both knowing they would be the only ones to survive, the two of them looked around for an escape while the partially functioning console showed how close to the bottom they were getting. Ahsoka looked to the ceiling to cut through as Jack noticed the young Twi'lek reach out and press a large blue button on the elevator.

As he did it stopped flat and the force pulled Ahsoka back down from the roof, a quick hand from the Captain and she was back up, "I guess I am not exactly on my game these days" she said as she walked up to the glass and withdrew one of her lightsabers to start cutting through it.

"Not sure anyone could blame you, Commander," Jack said looking at the glass.

"Your team, You're taking a huge risk helping me, won't they court-martial you after this or something?" Ahsoka asked.

"After that mess, we just got out of, Probably, which is why we are going to find who did this and clear your name then hopefully as a bonus Admiral Lasky doesn't drag my armoured rear before a military court," Jack said half-jokingly as Ahsoka finished on the glass and the two of them stepped back and she pushed on the glass with the force, sending the circular pane of glass down to the ground, Ahsoka picked up the young Twi'lek and leapt out of the hole as Jack did the same, activating his Jetpack thrusters to slow his descent.

Landing softly, Ahsoka let the Twi'lek go and he ran to his nearby mother, finally out of the clear, "We need to move, no way shock troopers aren't already on their way" Captain Jack said, Ahsoka pulled up her cloak hood and Jack killed all the lights on his armour and helmet, including the external ones in the gaps of the visor of his helmet. He stopped for a brief second before continuing to follow Ahsoka unaware they were being observed the entire time.

Much later, they were making their way through the lower streets of level 1312 deep within the planet's core, throughout the entire time Jack could have sworn they were being followed but every time he turned his back he saw nothing and his sensors weren't picking up anything either. As they turned to walk down another street Jack heard something behind him as did Ahsoka as they turned around and Jack felt a violent kick to his helmet that sent him to the ground and several feet down the street.

He attempted to jump back up but felt a heavy invisible force throw him into the air and dozens of metres back until he smashed against a solid wall cracking it in the process and sending Jack into a state of dizziness and vertigo.

Their attacker had Ahsoka pinned to the ground with two red lightsabers ignited and crossed across her neck. "Well Well, I didn't believe it when I first heard it, but I guess it's true, the senate has put a bounty on your little head," the person said with an unnerving metal voice until they lifted their helmets front plate, "and I'm going to be the one who collects," she said to the Jedi whilst taking her lightsabers.

Ahsoka recognised her instantly, "Ventress!, it was you wasn't it, you were behind all of this and you framed me" She shouted out

"I don't know what you're talking about" She responded

"Yes you do, so what are you now, a bounty hunter" Ahsoka speculated.

"Yes, and someone who knows how to make easy money," she said as she pulled Ahsoka up from the floor and pushed her down the street.

From halfway across the street Jack managed to get up and compose himself, checking his head where the wall and his own armour had bashed the back of his head. He managed to get a bead on Ahsoka and followed the pathway until he finally caught up to the two of them both right outside one of the open circular docking ports where hundreds of ships were going up and down simultaneously. He instinctively reached for his hardlight submachine gun and revealed himself from the tunnel he had run down.

"Not one more step Assassin" He warned with his weapon drawn moving strategically towards the two of them.

"Wait! Believe me, I would like more than anyone to bring her in but we've come to an...agreement," Ahsoka said, to his surprise.

Jack trusted Ahsoka's judgement but he didn't trust Ventress anymore than he trusted a battle droid not to shoot him on sight. "What agreement?" he asked "It had better be a damn good one for the blow I got back there," He said, very slowly lowering his weapon.

"I believe we should find a better location to discuss this," Ventress said as above them several Republic transports made their way down and not a second later the forward-mounted spotlights turned on lighting them up. Jack could make out General Skywalker along with several shock troopers of the Coruscant guard.

Before Jack could argue any further the three of them ran back away from the docks until Ventress stopped at a nearby console, before Jack could enquire the purpose was clear as a massive energy wall appeared between them and the dock, blocking anyone from coming in or out. General Skywalker had leapt from the transport ship and made it to the wall, they could see him clearly, he had disbelief on his face seeing Ahsoka with Ventress, it quickly turned to anger as well once he saw Captain Jack with them in clear violation of their orders.

The three of them turned away and didn't look back as they dived for the closest ally, out of sight from the Republic forces. It took several more minutes of solid running before they started to slow down, convinced they had made it far enough away from their pursuers to try and formulate a plan. "Right, now that we are in somewhat less deadly circumstances," Jack said looking towards Ventress, "Maybe we can formulate a plan and you can tell me why you are working with her," He asked Ahsoka.

"I'm going to speak on her behalf for a pardon once we clear my name, hold up," She said as they stopped and she kneeled down beside a run down terminal of some kind, Jack didn't recognise its type but it looked like it had been there for much longer then he'd been around.

"What are you doing?" He asked

"Deactivating the transponder, I need to make a call but I don't want them to be able to trace it" She replied

"Who are you calling right now?" Jack asked, wondering who Ahsoka had in contact that could help them.

"A friend," She said.

Letting Ahsoka make whatever contact she needed to, he stepped back to where Ventress was standing. He looked around as did she to make sure nobody was looking at them suspiciously, "you sound familiar" Ventress said looking over the Spartans armour.

"Kamino," Jack said plainly.

"Hmm, only then you were slightly more armed,'' she said, remembering their brief encounter during the Separatist invasion of the clone homeworld.

"I lost my sword to another failed Sith apprentice," He said to her.

"A failure that still managed to best you, I'm starting to think I wasn't in much danger at all on that backwater ocean planet," She said sneeringly.

Before their conversation went any further Ahsoka returned to them, "I've got something, there is an abandoned warehouse on level 1315, 3 above us, that could be the key in finding the evidence I need," She informed them.

"I know which warehouse you are referring to, I can get you there," Ventress said.

Captain Jack's curiosity regarding the intel she had received grew and he felt that he had to ask who had given it to her or at least how her contact had discovered it if an entire team of Republic investigators and his unit could not but before he had a chance to he heard something, no sooner than that his sensors recalibrated for short-range spiked and he counted at least a dozen mobile targets coming at them fast.

"Movement incoming," He alerted, Unclipping his weapon from his holster he held it up as the targets appeared from multiple ingress points around them, almost immediately there were nearly two squadrons worth of clone troopers surrounding them.

"Listen to me, I don't want to fight," Ahsoka said to the clones, aiming their weapons at the three of them.

"I do," Ventress said, contradicting as she lowered her metal helmet plate and took a fighting stance.

"We're taking you in now, Commander!" Commander Wolfe said with authority.

"That's not going to happen, trust me, now I'm not going to hurt any of you, we're not going to hurt any of you, but you are not taking me in," Ahsoka said, eyeing both Ventress and Captain Jack who regrettably but trustingly lowered his weapon.

Commander Wolfe looked at the combat-ready Spartan, "Captain, stand down and step back or we will consider you as well as them, enemy combatants, we are taking the Commander in," Wolfe warned as the clones got closer.

"I was afraid you would say that'' Jack said with a sigh as he holstered his hardlight weapon and to his right, Ventress pulled out her twin crimson lightsabers and lunged forward at the right side of the clone forces, Ahsoka made an attempt to warn her against killing any of the troopers when two on her side charged her. She evaded it and landed two solid punches to each of the troopers while back kicking the third.

Meanwhile having ditched his weapon, Jack engaged two troopers in hand combat managing to catch one of off-guard with an uppercut straight to the bottom side of his helmet sending him upwards before collapsing to the ground entirely, before the downed soldiers body had even touched the floor he ducked an incoming weapon bash from the second clone and in his enhanced Spartan time crouched into a forward roll, picking up the fallen clone's blaster and opened fire on him, the stun round echoed out from the barrel hitting the trooper, joining his incapacitated comrades.

To his right he could see four more troopers on the ground thanks to Ahsoka while Ventress had agility sliced half a dozen clones weapons in half rendering them useless, Jack took the opportunity to fire and stun two more clones next to Ahsoka until Wolfe tackled him from the side sending the weapon out of his hands and sliding across the ground. He landed a punch from his right fist using his left to hold the Spartan down, Jack pushed his leg up and kicked Wolfe straight and centre causing him to stumble back.

Jack pushed himself up to re-engage the clone commander with his fists raised, he let Wolfe come to him, from several meters away Wolfe pulled out his secondary sidearm but only managed to fire off three live rounds absorbed by the Spartans shields before the running Spartan ducked a fourth shot and heavily pushed the clone with his armoured elbow into the nearby wall, still conscious enough to fight though Jack gave one final push as he picked up the closest projectile to him, the soldiers own weapon and hurled at his head striking firm and solid as the collision dispatched him soundly.

"Sorry, Wolfe, hopefully, you'll understand soon," He said to the semi-conscious Clone Commander.

He turned around where Ahsoka and Ventress had finally handled the remaining clone force, all of them knocked out or partially down, "See, didn't kill one, it's the new me," Ventress quipped before they quickly fled the scene as already the clones started to regain themselves. Captain Jack knew more would be on their way soon.

With difficulty avoiding both patrols and people the temporary trio found one of the many access points for service elevators going up and down Coruscant's many levels and scaled its length up 3 levels to 1315 where Ahsoka said there would be a clue within an abandoned warehouse. Clusters of scavenging Tookas littered the areas as did bodies of either drunks or the dead. As they reached an edge where the warehouse stood before them, Ventress turned to walk away, "I've done my part of the bargain, which means you're on your own from here, but don't forget you have to speak on my behalf now," She said.

"Agreed, thanks for getting me this far at least," Ahsoka said as she received her lightsabers back from the former sith assassin.

"That pardon doesn't apply with me Ventress, I'd stay away from any UNSC outposts if I were you," Jack vaguely warned.

Ventress gave an obscure look of acknowledgement before she left, now just the two of them, they made their way inside the building scanning through crates and possible hiding spots wherever they could, "What are we supposed to be looking for?" Jack asked.

"Something, Letta visited this place frequently leading up to the bombing, there has to be something here," She replied.

Before Captain Jack could continue any questioning his attention turned to the motion tracker on his HUD which revealed a rapidly approaching unknown, he knew it was too fast and focused to be a street creature and he looked up over the barrels partially blocking his view but managed to see the source of the movement, he didn't try and gain any more focus on it instead only shouting out to Ahsoka, "Ahsoka, behind you!" He tried to warn.

Ahsoka received the warning just in time as she went for her lightsabers before she had even made the move to turn around and ignited the twin blades above her head, the incoming blow from a set of menacing crimson lightsabers was blocked and Ahsoka parried the second attempt to break her defence. As she temporarily pushed the assailant back, Ahsoka took the moment to turn around and face them, at the same time Captain Jack came flying over the debris separating him from the Jedi, landing intensely as the wine from his resting jetpack died down and he pulled out his weapon, though he knew this could end up being a much closer battle for ranged attacks.

There was a silent standoff as neither side engaged, "Ventress! I see you've had a change of heart" Ahsoka said as from their new distance the Jedi and Spartan could make the mask and lightsabers to be Ventress's. Not bothering to respond or even remove the mask she instead used a strong pull in the force to bring down a large steel panel from the piles of rubble, Jack quickly rushed next to it and used his free hand to slow its decent enough for Ahsoka to dodge the rest of it, he too quickly jumped out of the way as it crashed to the ground sending a spray of dust outwards.

The cloud momentarily blinded Ahsoka and Jack to some degree as he relied on his motion trackers to watch for incoming attacks, it died down just quickly enough for them to both see their attacker swiftly climb a stack of shelves up to the next floor of the warehouse in less than a second. In sync, they both followed suit, running up to the wall and using their momentum to gain height on the first jump halfway up and then pushed against the wall upwards to land on the second level.

They looked around but failed to see anything other than empty boxes gathering dust, "Why bring here, Answer me, Ventress! Why?" Ahsoka shouted out.

Jack checked his motion trackers once more but there was nothing, something strange was happening, was it possible the sith was somehow interfering with his sensors, "Forget that pardon, I'm bringing you in, Republic or UNSC you're done assassin" Jack shouted out as the two slowly split off a few metres.

Behind them, the sound of colliding metal grabbed their attention for a second and they looked over to see nothing but worthless scrap on the ground then they heard the steps followed by the lightsaber flaring. Ahsoka managed to turn around first and see the incoming blade attack at the Spartan and with as much focus and speed as she could, hurled one of her active lightsabers towards the gap between them, it flew arrow straight and stopped the twin-bladed blow in its tracks, Jack used the tenth of a second opening to land a direct kick to the attacker that sent them flying backwards with their defences up.

Calling on the force they used the near-endless surrounding debris as a weapon, sending hurls of stone and metal shards towards both of them, the rapidly incoming projectiles took a serious toll on Jacks armour, some of it passing by his shields that were primarily designed to stop energy weapons or specific projectiles. The scrapes and dents in the armour deepened until he fired several hardlight rounds but their attacker had speed and reflexes better than he had seen in a long time. Again though they retreated up the side of a large metal wreck and onto the next floor, before Jack and Ahsoka could get up it through barrels and drums came rolling down.

Ahsoka was closer and tried to dodge each one, on the outskirts of the attack Jack put his jets to good use and boosted several metres off the ground staying in the air and opening fire but as well as evading the incoming hardlight rounds they also redirected several of them back at the Spartan forcing him to also take evasive action. His delay worked however as Ahsoka was back up and on top of the metal structure and running straight with her now single lightsaber ready to fight.

But Captain Jack noticed the crimson sword wielder seemed more vested in using the force and dodging her strikes though rather than brute-forcing their attacks, his assumption was made more clear when the aggressor jumped backwards from Ahsoka and still holding the lightsabers pulled several more standing barrels and pushed them towards the pair, they were filled to the brim with what Jack could only assume was fuel or some sort as the moment it hit the ground at their feet it sparked and exploded with the force from it pushing Jack and Ahsoka back nearly two dozen feet with the second and third barrels landing right on top of the rampant flames.

Captain Jack looked up from the floor where he and Ahsoka were thrown and could clearly see the two drums were about to go up, despite being winded from the explosion he managed to reach down and pull out his small hand-sized Temporal bubble shield, activating it just before the barrels combusted in a massive outbreak of flames. They flew into and over the shield wearing it down quickly, the shield collapsed around them and just barely able to stand up in time the masked attacker reappeared in front of them.

Despite his heavy armour, the force user picked up the Spartan who tried to reach his weapon but failed in time as he was violently thrown into the large rectangular hole in the middle of the warehouse, he just barely managed to catch on to the ledge of the floor below and pull himself up, his first thought was to fly back up and get back in the fight but when he tried his jetpack, it didn't offer more than a small rush of thrust that didn't even lift him off the ground, it had been damaged in the explosion. Feeling partially defeated he tried his wrist-mounted grapple that was still intact but before he had a sturdy target to fire at, he saw Ahsoka half off of the ledge above him, her lightsaber fell out of her hand and in his left hand Jack caught it.

Finally, he saw a roof beam directly above him which he aimed his wrist but just when he was about to fire and pull himself back up into the battle he saw Ahsoka falling backwards from the edge and down into the crevice of the warehouse, "Ahsoka!" He Shouted, He watched her fall with several levels of wood breaking her fall before she finally stopped at the ground level, anger starting to take over in his mind he looked upwards to see the still masked assassin escaping, he clipped the lightsaber to his magnetic holster and looked back down once more before sighing bitterly and firing his grapple at his target and going down instead of up.

On the ground, Ahsoka pushed herself upright as Jack landed and detached his grapple's cable, next to her she noticed several crates with familiar markings, "Nanodroids?" She said disorganized.

Jack was about to confer over them and express their relief that they found something in the warehouse they might be able to use when his all of a suddenly working motion tracker started pinged again or so he thought as numerous targets got closer by the second, they were marked as hostels already which Jack knew who was there before he even turned around. The glimmer of white armour mixed with red and grey on a single trooper put him to full alertness as he turned around, Ahsoka could clearly sense his worry as she too turned around to see several shock troopers and Commander Wolfe, aiming his DC-17 right at her.

"No, Wolfe, let me explain" She pleaded but it was no use as Wolfe fired a stun round at point-blank range hitting her directly.

As soon as he saw Wolfe reach for the trigger on his blaster he reached for what weapons he had left, his sidearm and Ahsoka's lightsaber igniting it and holding it in a defensive position with his pistol. He gave a slight glance to Ahsoka who was completely out cold on the ground.

"Stand Down now Captain!," Skywalker said as he and the Jedi General Plo Koon walked forward.

Captain Jack looked to Skywalker "You said you trusted her, yet you came after her, not the one who is framing her," He said accusatorily

"I do but she didn't help herself by running and you haven't either by disobeying orders, you are under arrest, stand down or we will use force," he said firmly as he took out his own lightsaber and ignited it, around him the clones started to get inches closer, he knew he had very few options left but none of them included both him and Ahsoka walking out of the situation unharmed.

Risking the shot from the forces around him he holstered his pistol and reached behind him all in the space of a split second and grabbed one of the few non-lethal weapons he had, he primed and released a flash grenade right behind him, the click must have been enough for the clones as they opened fire as they saw the metal canister drop to the ground but their aims were fruitless as the flashbang detonated before it even finished bouncing against the floor. When the Jedi and clones got their vision back after a few seconds the Spartan was nowhere to be seen. Quickly ordering the clones to sweep the area, he and Plo Koon picked up Ahsoka as Wolfe put a set of stun cuffs on her.

They started to walk away as from several meters above Jack watched them drag Ahsoka away back to the Republic Military base. He paced back and forth on the platform trying to come up with a plan, "Think Jack, Think" He said to himself.

Climbing back up to the floors he reclaimed his submachine gun and inspected the scorched walls and floor front of the earlier battle, "Ventress, I have to find Ventress," he said to himself as he left the warehouse and started briskly running back to where they had evaded the clones and Skywalker earlier, that was most likely where she was going to be.

Many hours later, level 1312

It took a long time to trek all the way back to the area within level 1312 that Ventress had led them to after being discovered by the clones. He looked around for clues as to where she might be, he knew that talking to the locals would be useless, he'd have to either bribe them or threaten to kill them, neither of which he was willing to do, especially after knowing the type of underworld Coruscant sits on. After more time wasted trying to find something of use due to his lack of access to what little security cameras this level had any way he got more frustrated.

While going over what he had discussed so far he felt something behind him, he turned but saw nothing but knew something told him to go over there, he did so and saw a shadow against a streetlight, he followed it and eventually came across the source of the movement, it was a hooded figure walking across a walkway between two buildings. At first, he assumed it might have been Ventress but the hooded cloak wasn't the same one he saw when they were under attack earlier, it was then that the hooded figure turned slightly and the gap in his cloak revealed a silver cylinder, a lightsaber, one that Jack easily recognised, "Skywalker," He muttered under his breath.

"What's he doing here?" He thought to himself as he tracked the Jedi through several more streets until it became clear when he leapt from his walkway and landed right in front of who Jack had been after the whole time, "Ventress," He said.

He rushed to get down to the ground to get to Ventress but as he made it to ground level, or at least what counted as a ground this deep below the surface, Ventress fled from Skywalker and the Jedi activated his blue bladed lightsaber and chased after her. Jack wasn't about to let him kill her before he could clear Ahsoka's name and looked for a route to them, he soon found one and started running across the low rooftops, making several leaps over gaps between buildings.

One final leap and he was in the air above the Jedi and former Assassin, he unclipped the lightsaber and activated it landing right after, clashing his blade against Anakin's stopping him from going any further while behind him Ventress had her hand to her throat after Skywalkers interrogation attempt. "Hold it, general, I don't know what your aim is but I am getting what I need from her to clear Ahsoka's name," Jack said.

Skywalker backed up and collapsed his lightsaber, "That is what I am trying to do, the council has expelled Ahsoka and she is being tried in a military court" He explained.

Jack lowered and holstered the dark green lightsaber, "They what! She is not an enemy combatant or a terrorist" He shouted

"Which is why I am here," Skywalker said.

Captain Jack relaxed a little, "Then our goals have aligned, much later than they should have" He said before turning to Ventress.

"Why did you attack us?" Jack questioned her.

Ventress looked between him and the Jedi, "It wasn't me, that is what I was trying to explain after I left the warehouse after I left your little Padawan and her metal companion here alone I was walking away and I thought she came up behind me to talk more but I was wrong, somebody came out of nowhere and hit me from behind, not just anyone can sneak up behind be" Ventress entailed.

Captain Jack and General Skywalker shared a brief glance as Ventress continued, "It had to be another Jedi," She said

"I don't believe you," Skywalker said incredulity

"Believe it, whoever you're looking for has my lightsabers, that's how you'll know you've found the criminal" Ventress replied

"A Jedi" Jack said in similar disbelief.

"Well then this leads me to a dead-end, you're the only one Ahsoka talked to," Skywalker said frustratedly as he leant against the railings.

Jack looked up, "No, it's not," Jack said

"What?" Skywalker enquired

"She spoke to somebody else, somebody who gave us the intel about the warehouse, whoever it was Ahsoka said it was a friend though," Jack said.

"You know who she talked to, who was it?" Jack asked, getting closer.

Ventress stood up and walked to Skywalker, "Your Padawan contacted the temple she spoke to somebody named Barris, it was her that told us to go to the warehouse," she told them.

"If you're lying you're dead" Skywalker threatened before jumping over the railing.

"Such promises," Ventress said

"One we both intend to keep," Jack said before he followed suit, chasing after Skywalker.

"Skywalker!" Jack shouted as he caught up.

Anakin slowed down, "Where do you think you're going?" He asked.

"You know where I'm going, the question is, are you going to try and stop me," Jack asked.

Skywalker thought over the chances of stopping the Spartan "If Ahsoka wasn't on trial I probably would but I don't have time, fine, you're listed as an associate of Ahsoka though if you try and walk into the temple without clearance the temple guards will come after you" He warned, at least this way he knew he could keep watch over the Captain.

In response, Jack simply activated his active camouflage which luckily still functioned despite the fire and debris damage from their earlier battle which now might have been with Barris for what Jack knew.

"Fine, come on," Skywalker said.

Jack, deactivated his camouflage and followed Skywalker to where he had a speeder ready. Next to the very same port opening that he and Ahsoka had fled from when the clones were after her. Climbing inside the speeder, Skywalker took control and instantly throttled it forwards launching it into the air and upwards towards the planets surface, "I think I understand why Master Kenobi hates flying with you" Jack commented as the force from the sudden speed increase almost pinned him to the seat.

Redlining the speeder's engine they made it out of Coruscant's lower levels at a near-vertical angle and finally arrived back to the surface where the light hitting his eyes, Jack darkened his internal visor to adjust to the light before he saw the Jedi temple in the distance. His thoughts trailed over their strategy for confronting their suspect in Ahsoka's framing but before Jack could vocalise his thoughts to the Jedi he heard the long-absent static from his helmet's comm.

"Captain, Captain do you read," Fives said.

"Affirmative, status report Fives" Jack ordered.

"After we lost communications, Jesse and I tracked you to the station, we saw the underworld police managed to capture Rookie and took him to some local police station, we busted him out and located the source of the communications blackout, A Republic signal jammer, we've deactivated it and are on our way back to the Condor now" Fives briefed on the run.

"Acknowledged, General Skywalker and I are on our way to the Temple, our suspect is Barriss Offee, I don't have time to explain but get back to the temple as soon as you can ''. Captain Jack ordered as he spotted the outline of the Jedi Temple's distinctive towers getting closer.

"Yes Sir" Fives responded

Closing the comm channel they arrive at the temple much quicker than Jack had anticipated and as entered the Jedi hangar bay he activated his Camouflage to hide from the security forces that would stop the speeder and request security clearance from Skywalker. Passing through the checkpoint his armour held steady and after clearing the personnel checks they made it through. Skywalker landed the Jedi speeder and the two disembarked, leaving the temple's hanger bay and entering one of the many turbolifts.

They rode it upwards to the quarter's section of the temple, rising above the several floors dedicated to multiple Jedi practices. Eventually reaching it and stepping out, Captain Jack deactivated his active Camouflage and stuck close to the Jedi as they walked through the quiet halls. They passed many doors and corners before eventually Skywalker stopped and turned to face one door, Barris's.

He pressed the ring button on the small door console next to the frame and heard from inside a second later, "enter" they heard.

The door opened, they saw Barris kneeling in front of a small statue, "Barris, I need to talk to you" Skywalker said as he walked in first, followed by Jack.

"Indeed, we both do," Jack added.

"Master Skywalker and a Spartan, I apologise though I am not aware of your name, how can I help you". She said

"Captain Jack, but that is not important right now". He said as he allowed Anakin to continue.

Skywalker walked forward towards the partially blinded window, "I was told that you spoke with Ahsoka before she was arrested" he said as he reached out with his hand and retrieved Barris's lightsaber from in front of her small meditative statue, "what did you say to her?" he asked.

Captain Jack stood against the wall, "We've been friends for a long time, I was only trying to help her, I hope I'm not in any trouble," She said softly, avoiding the Jedi's question.

Anakin looked over the young padawans lightsaber, "it's no trouble, I just need to know what you told her and if you told anyone else" He repeated.

Jack walked forward past her and next to Skywalker, "Ahsoka is your friend, as she is mine and I know I would want to do whatever I could to help her, so please what did you say?" Jack asked without trying to sound too threatening.

"No, I thought I had a clue for her but I really couldn't tell her anything, who told you I spoke to her," She told them.

It sounded familiar to Jack, Ahsoka told them what she had said, about Letta and the warehouse but she didn't know anybody else was there though, that much was clear.

"Ventress, she told me," Anakin said.

"Ventress? Isn't she the one Ahsoka says is really behind all this" Barris said assumingly.

The Spartan looked to the Jedi, "That was my thought too, but we both believe she is wrong" He said.

"Ventress seems to think somebody else is involved," Skywalker added.

"And you believe her? Who else could it be if not her? Surely not Ahsoka" Barris asked sceptically.

Skywalkers grip tightened on Barris's lightsaber, "No, I don't think it was Ahsoka either, I think that both Ahsoka and Ventress are telling the truth" he said

Barris slowly started to back away but not towards the door, Jack could sense something wrong and carefully reached for the lightsaber on his mag holster. "But there's only one way to find out," Anakin said igniting Barris's blade and turning around to strike at her but his blow was stopped as Barris pulled two curved lightsabers from behind her in a small vase and activated them in a red crimson glare right in front of Skywalker, simultaneously with a lightsaber in his hand Jack triggered the lightsaber and the room was suddenly filled with green, blue and red light.

"Funny, those belong to Ventress," Skywalker said, pressing his blade against hers.

Barris pushed forward, drawing his blades backwards and allowing her a split second to step backwards, she slashed away at an attack by Jack deflecting his blade to the floor. He made up for it by ducking as Skywalker ran past him and forced his blade hard against her, "You should have gotten rid of them" Skywalker said, trying to force her strength down.

"I think they suit me" Barris affirmed, she ducked to the side but failed as Jack hacked towards her in a powerful downward attack forcing her to swing one lightsaber around to her neck to block it, she stopped him but left herself open and Anakin kicked her dead centre forcing her backwards through the open door. She ran out down the hallway, making it past multiple corridors and making it into a large open walkway with round oval windows to their right. She saw the Jedi and Spartan catching up to her and reignited the lightsabers.

Turning around to face them she continued to back up as Anakin landed several strong but quick hits against her, Jack continued past the two of them as the fight stopped, he was evenly spaced between the two of them. "Ahsoka trusted you and you betrayed her," Anakin said strongly as he unclipped his own lightsaber, wielding both blue blades.

"I've learnt that trust is overrated, the only thing the Jedi council believes in is violence," She retorted.

"We'll see how far your misguided beliefs get you," Captain Jack said as he charged forward, thrusting his lightsaber towards her, she swiped upwards with both her swords and sent the incoming attack away from her and countered it, striking for his side only to be blocked by the returning green sabre. To her left she saw Skywalker running towards her, only a second away, she abandoned her attack on the Spartan and leapt up to one of the building's curved wall extensions.

Anakin followed her, jumping upwards to try and land a successful attack on her only her to jump to the opposing structure behind and force push the two of them, they cleaved backwards against the wall allowing Barris a moment to strike, she jumped downward towards Anakin, lightsaber ready to drop down onto him. Without regaining his lightsabers he weaved away from her incoming strike and kicked her with both legs sending her backwards to the floor.

Jack was back up and had his lightsaber in a defensive stance in case she tried to get past him, she tried to fall back down the hallway in the opposite direction of the Jedi and Spartan when her getaway was blocked by two temple guards in white Jedi robes and armour, they activated their gold blade twin staff lightsabers cutting her off from going further.

"Cease Hostilities!" The guards ordered

Turning around to try getting past the Captain and Knight two more temple guardians blocked her second escape once again. She was cut off and multiple lightsabers closed in around her. Desperately looking for an escape she looked over her shoulder before running towards one of the large oval windows slashing it across and shattering it. Jumping through it and out onto the temple grounds roof, Anakin and Jack quickly followed outwards.

Their fight continued as Barris went wide with her attacks to try and fend off both Skywalker and Jack but failed quickly as one of her lightsabers was pinned to the ground by Anakins and Jack took the moment to get close behind her and try and disarm her but she saw through his manoeuvre and used her remaining lightsaber to catch his off guard and push it backwards as well as Jacks arm, he stumbled slightly but got balanced again rapidly. Down to one attacker, she let go of her pinned lightsaber causing Anakin to fall forwards from the lack of opposing force, spinning around him, Barris pushed him forwards further and he fell down the slope to an open ground area.

She lunged down after him right as Jack swung his sword in her direction missing her by a hair, he too jumped down and caught the steep stone, sliding it down to the button and pushing off before reaching the floor, he landed in front of Anakin as Barris sliced through Anakin's second lightsaber, her former one. Around them were multiple younglings and their Jedi teacher in the middle of a training session with their lightsabers when their fight reached them, he knew several of the young Jedi from his mission on Florrum. He used his suit's boosters to jump over the two and step in between the class and the fight. He made several pushing attacks forcing Barris back.

Around them, more temple guards started to arrive, their appearance managed to distract her for long enough and Anakin's heavy smash-like attacks forced her to lose her grip on one of her lightsabers and Anakin reached forward and grasped her hand forcibly and she dropped it. Leaving her with just one, she started to falter when Skywalker pressed forward and their blades clashed consistently until the guards approaching her as well as the Spartan forced her to use her last remaining strength to push Anakin's lightsaber back but he was only pushed back a few steps.

From his HUD, Jack saw a familiar friendly and large icon and knew that their battle would soon be over as from below them the roar of the Condors engines got louder and louder until they saw the wide bird-shaped ship right in front of them, rising above the low wall.

On the ground, Barris's further attacks got sloppy, Captain Jack and Skywalker easily deflected her attacks and eventually, she made a fatal mistake. With two temple guards behind Anakin and Jack by his side all of which had their lightsabers ignited, she leapt to attack him but he stopped her in the middle of her jump with the force and held her there before throwing her backwards straight into a tree. Unable to move, the four lightsaber equipped warriors moved forwards to her.

From the condor, the side door opened and two more armoured personnel appeared, "Sir, we just received notification that Ahsoka Tano's sentencing is about to begin" Jun said aloud.

"General Skywalker, I recommend we arrest this criminal and bring her to the trial immediately, if we don't it might be too late," Jack said

Anakin didn't seem to give it much thought, "Alright, the temple guards will accompany us, they follow only Jedi orders, as far as I'm concerned your not associates of a known criminal, not anymore, let's go," He said as he holstered his lightsaber followed by Jack and they forced Barris onto the ship with the Temple guards keeping their lightsaber staffs active for the duration guarding the prisoner.

Once onboard the ship departed the temple and made a straight line for the Republic Coruscant military base where Ahsoka was on trial. With clearance from General Skywalker, they made it past the checkpoints and into the restricted airspace whereas without them they would have been tagged as a hostile vehicle and likely shot down. Landing close to the entrance of the base they walked the now defeated Barris coffee inside past multiple soldiers of the Coruscant guard until eventually, they reached one of the many entrances to the military courtroom of the base.

Captain Jack took off his helmet as they entered the room and he could see and hear right as they walked in that chancellor Palpatine was about to announce the sentence of Ahsoka right as they entered, he silently thanked their timing and skill in detaining Barris. "Chancellor," Anakin said aloud in the chambers, stopping the proceedings.

Ahsoka and Padme Amidala were stood at the front stand when they walked in and turned once Skywalker announced their arrival, "I hope you have a reason for bursting into our proceedings Master Skywalker" Palpatine said slowly as Anakin and Jack walked forward with the Temple guards behind them.

"I am here with evidence and a confession, from the person responsible for all the crimes Ahsoka has been accused of, Barriss Offee! Member of the Jedi order and Tratiour," Anakin announced to the court.

Barris walked forward as the Temple guards stood aside, there was proof and evidence that Ahsoka was innocent but she looked only distraught when Barris approached, to hear that one of her closest friends had not only betrayed her but the Jedi order. The rest of the court shared varied looks.

Ahsoka looked towards her former friend "Barris is that true?" She asked.

"Tell them the truth," Anakin said severely.

Barris looked to the Jedi, then to the Spartan, Jack looked back expecting more hate than he saw, he glared at her "You heard him" He said in the same tone as Anakin.

The traitorous Jedi walked forward to the edge of the platform, addressing the court, "I did it because I have come to realise what many people in the Republic have come to realise, that the Jedi are the ones responsible for this war, that we have so lost our way that we have become villains in this conflict, that we are the ones that should be put on trial, all of us!" She shouted, "My attack on the temple was an attack on what the Jedi have become, an army fighting for the dark side, fallen from the light we once held so dear, this Republic is failing, it's only a matter of time," She finished with Skywalker pulling her aside before she could continue.

"Take her away," Palpatine said.

The Temple guards retook their formation and ignited their blades as they turned her around and escorted her out of the courtroom, Both Anakin and Jack looked towards Ahsoka, they did manage to see her smile faintly until it was replaced with a disappointed look.

With her name finally clear, Ahsoka left the courtroom and walked back outside the base with Anakin and Jack to the Condor where the rest of fireteam Resolute were waiting, once aboard Jack gave Cadmon and Jun orders to set a course for the Jedi temple in the Condor, "they spoke very few words on the flight back, other than the brief explanation of how they managed to declare her innocence. Jun and Cadmon landed the ship right next to the great stairs that led up to the temple.

Jack watched as Anakin and Ahsoka entered the temple, he allowed Cadmon some time to go over the ship and run some checks after the recent flights, he looked over his armour and weapons while he waited and approached the clones over their orders, "What we did was dangerous" he said to Fives, "It's one thing for us to disregard orders but I don't know what the Republic or even the Kaminoins expect when it comes to the clone army." He said concerningly.

"According to the Kaminoans, free will is supposed to make us more efficient soldiers, I don't think disobeying orders was ever really a concern," Fives said.

"It concerns me, the Republic is on very thin lines when it comes to the clone army, it's not a secret that a lot of people considered it a breach in the Mantle act, myself included," Jack said.

"Sir, you don't think your people would go to war with the Republic, do you?" Jesse asked

"No, I don't, fighting a cloned army would be like fighting against an army of hostages in the eyes of the UEG, they would never do it, but it doesn't make it any better," Jack said.

"Perhaps once the war ends, things will change but for now we have a purpose, all of us," Fives said.

"Too true Fives," Jack said.

Jun approached from behind him, "Captain, we have a mission brief from Admiral Lasky and the Joint Chiefs, there is also a message from the Admiral, audio-only,"

"Alright, let's hear it inside," He said as he stood up straight to walk inside when Fives stopped him.

"Err, Sir," Fives said, subtly pointing towards the entrance of the Jedi temple.

Ahsoka was walking down, Jack had a thought as to why she was walking down the steps of the temple alone, she would have to walk past the ship to go further down past the platform, when she got close enough Jack greeted her, "Ahsoka" he called out, he could see her change her direction and walk towards him, he looked down and unclipped her lightsaber from his magnetic holster, flipping it up to hand her the receiving end.

It was only when he looked back up from retrieving the lightsaber that he saw her expression was not pleased, "Ahsoka, what's wrong? I'm sorry I only saved one but I'm sure you can work out-" She stopped him mid-sentence pushing the outstretched hand with her lightsaber against his chest, "You said no, didn't you," He said softly.

She nodded slowly, "You saw what happened, the council didn't trust me and expelled me from the order at the request of the senate without thinking twice," She said.

"You know I trust you right, all of us do, even Skywalker does," He said, gesturing to his ship and crew.

"I know he does and I know you do too, but this isn't about that, I can't stay here any longer, not now, I have to sort this out on my own, without the Jedi," She said, turning away from him and walking.

"If you ever need anything Ahsoka, you know how to contact me," He said.

Ahsoka stopped, "I appreciate everything you've done Jack, more than you know," She said.

Jack looked towards her as she turned her head once more, "May the force be with you Ahsoka Tano" he said.

He saw her give him a soft sincere smile before continuing her walk down the great stairs past the statues of the founding Jedi and out of their view. Jack held her lightsaber close to him before putting it back on his magnetic grip. "Jun, give me a rundown of the mission assignment". Jack ordered, breaking the stillness.

Jun opened the mission brief on his armours wrist console, "Battle transfer orders sir, Republic/UNSC attack on Ringo Vinda, we're to meet up with the Republic Venator-class Star Destroyer Foreshadow in 36 standard hours, it's on route to Lucazec where the task force is will be waiting".

"I'll listen to Admiral Lasky's message on the way, for now, though we have time".

"Time Sir?" Kix asked.

"Set a course for 79's," He said.

"Yes Sir" Cadmon said with a grin.

Fireteam Resolute packed up their gear and entered the ship, June and Cadmon headed for the cockpit while the others stood around the main cabin. The faint rumble of the ship's engines heard from inside the Condor started up, they grew louder until holding at a steady continuous vibration lifting the ship into the air, from the cockpit flight controls Cadmon pivoted the ship around so the nose was facing towards their destination, once his manoeuvre was complete he pushed forward on the throttle control and the ship thrust itself forward at several hundred miles per hour, getting close to its top in atmosphere speed.

From within the ship, Jack as well as the rest of his team took off their heavy armour plating, he sat down, looking over the silver lightsaber hilt, he stared at it for several minutes until Jun informed them all over the ships internal speakers that they were almost at the clone bar, as they called it. He clipped it to his standard off-duty clothes belt that he and all the members of fireteam Resolute kept on their ship, whether it be Republic or UNSC.

Soon the ship arrived at the skyrise building with 79's taking up two floors of the behemoth building, it settled gently onto the landing platform with a slight bump as the landing gear's suspension took the brunt of the kinetic shock. They all casually gathered by the exit, "keep your eyes on the time boys, don't want to be late to the rendezvous point" Fives said as they left the ship.

Leaving most of their weapons on the Condor they walked forward into the fresh high sky air of Coruscant, the building as were many of the large skyscrapers had illuminated signs on them, causing the night sky and the clouds above them to glow. The orange light sign above the bar showed the logo and name of 79's with multiple patrons outside and in. They approached the entrance and ambled inside, most of them instinctively checked all the exits and possible threats.

"You weren't kidding Kix, a lot of clones," Rookie said as they converged on the bar against one of the far back walls.

"Told you, I also believe you said the first round was on you," Kix said acerbically.

Rookie looked toward the clone, "Did I, I don't remember that," He dismissed.

"Nice try hell jumper, first one is on you," Jack said leaning backwards against the bar.

Rookie gave in and turned towards the bar attendant and ordered a round of drinks for all of them, he tossed a small scattering of UNSC credits, lucky the bar accepted them among the many types of currency the planet saw. He waited as the barman filled up several glasses of whatever was known as Utoz, a dark-coloured brownish beverage severed in a short wide glass. He took one of the glasses and passed it to Jack before grabbing his own, the others grabbed their Utoz from the bar surface when Jack heard a voice behind him.

"Why am I not surprised, disobey orders and the first thing you do is go for a drink?" Captain Jack heard, he looked behind him with his drink in hand.

Jack sighed as he saw the source of the voice, "Locke, I take it you're not here for a drink" He said as he took a quick drink from his bitter drink and Locke as well as fireteam Osiris got closer to the bar.

"And I take it you didn't hear back from Lasky after you ignored the arrest orders for Commander Tano,'' Locke retorted.

Captain Jack put his drink down behind him on strongly and stood up from the bar, "Maybe you didn't get the briefing, Ahsoka Tano was innocent, if I followed my orders there's a good chance Tarkin would have got his capital punishment sentence wishes," Jack defended.

"Uhhuh, then what's that? You a Jedi now then" Locke asked looking down at the lightsaber on Jacks belt.

"The Jedi council betrayed her, apparently trust from us and her Master wasn't enough to come back, I guess until she does I'm keeping it in safe hands, why are you here Locke?" He asked.

"Admiral Lasky dispatched us, your lucky that Ahsoka Tano was innocent or you would likely be dragged in front of a similar military court right now, as it was though I am just here to make sure you follow the mission orders," Locke explained.

"You mean he sent you to babysit us," Rookie implied.

"That's your way of looking at it," Buck said from behind.

Jack reached behind him and picked up his half-drunk glass of Utoz, "Then I recommend you pull up a stool commander, we still have a few hours," He suggested.

Locke looked intently at him when Buck spoke up again from behind him, "No harm Sir, we still have 34 hours until we need to arrive on the Foreshadow," He said calmly.

Begrudgingly Locke agreed with his teammate, "Fine, keep it low, we have a battle to win soon," He said, walking away from them, Tanaka and Vale followed him while Buck and Tup approached the bar.

"Sorry about Locke, Captain, he's just a stickler for regulations," Buck said, pointing to a drink behind the bar for the barmen to retrieve.

"I understand, I don't regret anything though, I would do it all again" Jack replied.

"No doubt about that" Buck said, "You Okay Tup?" He asked.

Jack looked over to the Clone, "Fine, Sir, just a headache," He assured.

"Alright, keep an eye on that, the Jedi are going to be counting on us at Ringo Vinda," Buck said as he retrieved his drink from the barman's tray.

"Yes Sir...the Jedi are counting on us," Tup said as he rubbed his head.

Jack took a final gulp from his glass and took another look at the lightsaber on his belt in the corner of his eye.


Next Chapter - An Order Too Soon

Well once more that is another chapter completed and while it did take like a month and a half it is a very long chapter, easily the longest I have written for the story so far at over 13k words, I wasn't planning on it being this long but I couldn't really draw it out for a third chapter.

Not sure if any of you spotted the subtle hints of the next few chapters but that is for next time, hope you enjoyed this very long chapter. Anyway, as usual leave, a review of the chapter and I'll put the response in the next chapter. The title had a couple of meanings as well, feel free to guess and comment on them.