Vala and her forces have now taken control of the plaza surrounding the Royal Palace of Had Abbadon. Alliance soldiers patrol the perimeter of the palace, and several mobile cannons are now in position. At this moment, Vala stands next to her padawan, Aja Pinal.

"So… looks like the Rebs aren't going to try to retake the plaza." Aja says.

"They're hiding. We've scared them." Vala says.

"We've got the palace surrounded. They're outnumbered. They should be scared." Aja says.

"Most of the Sedition soldiers are paid mercenaries. They're not really a proper army. They are undisciplined, and poorly trained." Vala says.

"Other than the rogue Mandalorian clans and the First Order remnants." Aja says.

"That's right. But all those First Order people are now quite old. They're not the ones fighting anymore. They're the leadership… and the source of funding. Even all these years later, the shadow of the old Empire remains." Vala says.

"Because the First Order was an offshoot of the Empire, and the Sedition is made up of what's left of the First Order." Aja says.

"That's right. The First Order supposedly collapsed after the Battle of Exegol sixty years ago, but… little pockets remained here and there. Now, they're all united, trying to undo the decades of peace." Vala says.

"Trying and failing, thanks to us." Aja says.

"Indeed." Vala says.

Vala's wrist comm beeps. She switches it on.

"What is it?" Vala asks.

"Just wanted to let you know that Arvon is on his way down." Jek says over the comm.

"Probably to make sure I don't kill that bastard Demarak!" Vala says.

"What did that Snokespawn do now?" Jek asks.

"Another damn suicide attack. No telling how many civilians he killed." Vala answers.

"Damn. I hope Arvon does something about it." Jek says.

"Demarak is not fit to call himself a Jedi Knight, and he most certainly cannot be trusted to command military forces! I know he's Arvon's friend, and I've tried, but… I've had it with him." Vala says.

"If Arvon doesn't do anything, then the Jedi Council might very well step in." Jek says.

"I am going to tell Arvon… that if he doesn't do anything, then I will report Demarak to the Jedi Council and the Senate." Vala says.

"You'd go over Arvon's head?" Jek asks.

"I'd rather not, but… I will if I must. Demarak's actions are enough to warrant criminal charges, or at the very least, the loss of his command." Vala answers.

"Agreed." Jek says.

Vala spots a shuttle escorted by two c-wings. The shuttle is flying above the city, and headed toward a clearing near Vala's position.

"Ah. Speaking of Arvon, here comes his shuttle. I'll catch you later, Jek." Vala says.

"Later, Vala." Jek says. Vala shuts off her comm, and turns to Aja.

"Aja…" Vala says.

"I know. You two want to be alone." Aja says. Vala smiles.

"Thank you." Vala says.

"I'll go keep an eye out for that nerf her… um, General Demarak." Aja says. Vala chuckles.

"He is a nerf herder, isn't he?" Vala asks.

"Yeah. Frack him." Aja says.

"Good. Get it out of your system now. I don't want you saying a word when he's around." Vala says.

"No problem. I'll leave that to you." Aja says. Vala smiles, and shakes her head.

"Go on." Vala says. Aja smiles, and mock salutes. Then, the girl walks away, leaving Vala alone to watch as the shuttle approaches.


Soon, the shuttle lands. The boarding ramp lowers, and Arvon Cade, Mandalorian Jedi Master, emerges. He is followed by a few armored soldiers.

"Move out. Join up with the general's forces." Arvon says. His troops follow his instructions, and leave. Once she is alone with him, Vala smiles, then approaches. She looks around to make sure no one else is present, then, she embraces Arvon.

"Hi." Vala says.

"I see you've been busy, Vala." Arvon says.

"The Sedition didn't make it easy for us. I take it the other cities are ours now?" Vala asks.

"They are. This is the last city under enemy control. All that's left is to take the palace and deal with the Sedition leadership." Arvon answers.

"I'm waiting for Demarak and his troops to get here. They are late, and are not answering comms." Vala says.

"I have spoken to Demarak, and he is on his way." Arvon says.

"So, he's just ignoring me. Typical. He's also violated your orders, and mine." Vala says.

"What do you mean?" Arvon asks.

"He used his suicide droids again." Vala answers.

"Damn." Arvon says.

"I know he is your friend, but Demarak has gone too far, and something must be done." Vala says.

"I know. I've warned him before, and he didn't listen. Now, I'm going to have to do something about it." Arvon says.

"I hate to say it, but…" Vala says.

"You told me so?" Arvon asks. Vala nods, and Arvon says "you were right."


A few minutes later, Demarak and his forces arrive.

"Arvon. Good. Now that you're here, we can end this. Vala, I'm surprised to see you here so quickly. Did you even fight the enemy, or did you make peace with all of them like a good little Jedi?" Demarak asks.

This man is no Jedi! He makes a mockery of everything the order stands for! Vala thinks.

"At least I didn't kill innocent civilians! You've gone too far this time, Demarak! You're not fit to call yourself a Jedi, you murdering…" Vala says. She stops speaking when she feels Arvon's hand on her shoulder.

"Vala… calm yourself. Remember as you were taught." Arvon whispers.

Arvon's right. There is no emotion. There is peace. There is no emotion. There is peace. Vala thinks.

"Vala! You are fortunate that Arvon is here to hold your leash! Otherwise, I might have to teach you a lesson. Someone as impulsive as you is unfit to be…." Demarak says. Arvon steps in between him and Vala.

"That's enough, Demarak! You're relieved of your command! I'll be in charge of your troops for the rest of this mission! You will do exactly as I tell you, and only what I tell you! Is that clear?" Arvon asks.

"Have you lost your mind, Arvon?" Demarak asks.

"No, Demarak. Vala is right. You've gone too far! I have told you before to stop using the suicide droids in populated areas! I have no choice but to report this to the chancellor." Arvon answers.

"You'd turn me in to the chancellor? After all we've been through?" Demarak asks.

"I will do what I must. Before I knew you, before I became a Jedi, I swore to follow the Creed of Mandalore. You… have acted without honor, and if I were to lie to protect you, I would also dishonor myself, and my clan. There is nothing more important to a true Mandalorian than their honor. This... is the way." Arvon answers.

"Very well, Arvon." Demarak says, after a moment's hesitation.

"You… will accompany us as we launch a direct assault on the palace entrance. Our droid team will disable the security systems, allowing us easy access. Once inside, we will find the Sedition leaders, and, if all goes according to plan, we will end this war. Vala, prepare all forces to advance." Arvon says.

"Understood." Vala says.


Meanwhile, underneath the palace, U5, BB-8, and several other droids are gathered in a small security room. Several technicians and soldiers lie dead around them.

"BB-8, the room is secure for the moment, but I calculate a ninety six percent chance that the enemy will send reinforcements to this area. You must work quickly." U5 says. The droid beeps in response.

Before U5 can reply, a light begins to flash on his wrist, and a faint beeping is heard.

"U5 reporting." U5 says.

"U5! Status!" Vala says over the comm.

"BB-8 has almost completed his assignment. For an outdated relic, he is rather efficient." U5 says.

"That 'relic' as you call him has been in my family for three generations, and he has never let us down." Vala says.

"Perhaps that is true, but I have on multiple occasions pointed out the advantages of the newer DV series droids…" U5 says.

"I'm not getting a DV unit, and that is final. BB-8 is family, and he is not being replaced. Is that clear?" Vala asks.

"Yes, master." U5 answers.

"Good. We are about to assault the palace. Join us as soon as you are done there." Vala says.

"Understood, master." U5 says.


Vala and Arvon lead their ground forces into the Had Abbadon palace. As they have the advantage of numbers, they easily defeat any enemies they encounter. Eventually, they make their way to a lift.

"According to scans, this lift leads to the throne room. That's where our last intel says the Sedition leaders are." Vala says.

"We need to know what we're going into. U5, come in!" Arvon says into his wrist comm.

"U5 reporting, master." U5 says over the comm.

"U5, I need a thermal scan of the top levels." Arvon says. Several seconds pass.

"Working… scan complete. There are forty seven thermal signatures on the top level. Do I have your permission to find an alternate point of entry, so that I may… surprise the hostile meatbags?" U5 asks.

"No. Continue with your mission, and meet us when you're done." Arvon answers.

"You may scrap all the droids you like, but don't kill anyone without permission. We have orders from the senate to arrest the Sedition council members and take them back to Coruscant for trial." Vala says.

"Acknowledged, master." U5 says.

"Alright… Vala… take your unit up this lift. I'll take the other one. We'll meet up outside of the throne room." Arvon says.

"Alright." Vala says.

Well… here we go. If we arrest the Sedition leaders, then this rebellion will end. Perhaps then we could enjoy some long needed rest. Vala thinks.