Author's Note: I last updated this story on November 15 with approximately 11000+ views recorded. In the span of a little over a month later, this story jumps to 14000+ views and a plethora of new favourites/followers. I honestly cannot thank you all enough for showing me such support. The best Christmas present I could ever get is all the positive feedback you guys give me and the continual support. Just wanted to express my gratitude to you all and to thank you for sticking with me while I was busy with school. Semester's over now and I hope to crank out some more chapters for you all. Doesn't mean real life might get in the way sometimes, but I promise you all that I will never abandon this endeavour.

Alright, enough from me, here's a Christmas present from me to you all!


-Chapter 13: The Elite-

Location: Gwori

"To beat the best, you have to be the best."

Obi-Wan Kenobi made his way down the spacious walkway of the Jedi Temple. It had been a day since the fall of Tibrin and the Jedi Master had been busy with copious meetings between both the Jedi Council and Chancellor Palpatine. The Chancellor was most troubled by the loss of a Middle Rim world and needed whatever intel Obi-Wan could provide, perhaps it was possible that a well-planned attack could recapture the planet.

The Jedi Council, on the other hand, was more concerned with the Chosen One's current medical condition. Which was why Obi-Wan was walking the halls today.

He was going to check up on Anakin.

The Jedi Knight had been beaten to a bloody pulp, his face barely recognizable when first admitted to the Halls of Healing. Being one of the few able to report back on Tibrin's situation, Obi-Wan had been preoccupied with many meetings and was unable to check on the condition of his friend.

During the whole time, Obi-Wan couldn't help but think about The Wraith.

The Jedi Master didn't have time to think about the fluid and hard-hitting fighting style or the calculated and precise tactics. No, Obi-Wan couldn't help but remember how eagerly Wraith tore into Anakin, how ready he was to spill his friend's blood and just how vicious and unrelenting he proved to be.

And if Anakin Skywalker, one of the most talented and powerful Jedi to ever exist, could be beaten so brutally by The Wraith... who else could possibly stand against him?

The Halls of Healing was a wing of the Temple Obi-Wan seldom visited, used only by Jedi extensively trained in the healing arts to heal those who had suffered injuries of varying degrees. The last time he had been here had to have been just after the Battle of Geonosis, he couldn't quite remember the last time he had received an injury so extensive it required his admittance. Obi-Wan couldn't help but remember the crowd that had gathered when they had returned. He had broadcasted an emergency signal, asking the Halls to be ready for Anakin. The shocked gasps as eyes first saw his bloody and comatose form being ushered in vividly filled his memories. Suffice to say, word spread fast that the Chosen One had been beaten beyond recognition.

Words Obi-Wan never thought he would ever hear.

The Jedi Master found Ahsoka sitting by Anakin's bandaged form. After the copious amount of blood had been wiped away, a rather lengthy bacta bath and a multitude of casts had been applied to his broken limbs, the sight of Anakin wrapped in white was a striking contrast from his usually dark robes. Ahsoka hadn't left his side during the entire process and it wasn't until after he had been placed in a proper bed that Mace Windu, Yoda and Master Che finally convinced her to leave and attend to other things. Of course, that didn't stop her from making regular visits.

Obi-Wan couldn't help but note that Ahsoka was just as stubborn as Anakin could be.

The elder Jedi quietly entered the room and moved to stand at the foot of Anakin's bed. Never before had he been so relieved to hear the beep of a heart rate monitor.

"How is he?" Obi-Wan asked the young Togruta. She slowly turned to regard him.

"Still knocked out. But Master Nema tells me his body is doing alright." She replied.

"Well, I suppose that's good news. And how are you doing?" He wondered, walking over and gently laying a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. The Padawan sighed, turning back to Anakin's body.

"I've never seen this happen to him, Master. He's always been so... invincible. Like nobody could ever touch him. He was the best of the best and... now... well..." Ahsoka sighed again. "I've never seen him bleed so much. Never heard him scream in pain like he did on Tibrin. I never thought we'd have to carry him out..." Ahsoka trailed off, losing herself in the horrific memories of the other day.

"We will all get through this." Obi-Wan comforted her. "Anakin will survive, Ahsoka. This may be his hardest challenge yet, but I know he'll pull through." Ahsoka said nothing, shaking her head sadly.

"That's what everyone keeps saying." Obi-Wan had a feeling Ahsoka didn't believe him. But with such visceral evidence before her, how could she? "What about you?" She suddenly asked him. "What's going on?"

"The Chancellor is concerned with trying to retake Tibrin. The Council is worried about the threat The Wraith poses to all Jedi. Both agree that something needs to be done... we have to respond somehow." Obi-Wan replied. The Jedi Master paused, considering what he was about to say next. "And we need your help."

"My help?" Ahsoka sounded incredulous.

"We... I need your help to take down The Wraith." Obi-Wan rephrased his earlier statement. "Both Chancellor Palpatine and The Council want to see Wraith imprisoned. I've been asked to lead an operation to hunt down The Wraith and put an end to him. And I want you to help me, on behalf Anakin." Ahsoka didn't reply, digesting what Obi-Wan had asked of her. After a moment of consideration, she stood and faced him.

"Alright, I'm in. What do we do?"


Elsewhere...

The governor stumbled back, falling to the ground as the dead body of his Clone guard hit the ground seconds later, blood soaking his armor from the gash in his throat. The terrified politician slowly backed himself into a corner, trying desperately to get away from the monster before him.

But the blood-red gaze followed his every move.

"P-Please... don't hurt me!" The governor cried. "I-I'll give you whatever you want!"

"I've already got what I want," Wraith replied, "and it's you." Stalking forward, Wraith picked up the already-terrified governor by the throat and triggered an arm blade. The soldier stabbed his victim clean through the gut once, twice, three times before throwing his bleeding victim to the side. The blood loss kicked in and the governor died from his wounds moments later.

After successfully defeating Republic forces on Mygeeto, Wraith had been tasked with eliminating opposing politicians on the world of Nyriaan, those who preferred the Republic to the Separatists. Somehow this particular governor had managed to secure himself a group of Clone troopers as his personal security, indicating his relationship with the Republic was tight.

A relationship that no longer existed, now that he was dead.

Wraith had spent a whole day tracking his opponent's movement, observing from the shadows his usual routines and daily habits, planning the right moment to swoop down and deliver Separatist justice. No longer would his views delay Separatist plans, no longer would his opposition pose a problem.

The Wraith had done his duty... and left his mark.

Triggering his comms, Wraith contacted Scipio. "The governor is dead, as is his Clone escort."

"Very good, soldier. I'll send word to Count Dooku immediately." Came the reply. Wraith set about hauling the governor's body out into the open as he waited for new orders. Might as well ensure everyone knew about it, as a way to maintain a level of fear to keep the populace in check. Anyone who could be a potential of ally of this governor would surely think twice. Wraith was in the midst of checking the politician's body for any datapads or useful information when his holocomm started beeping. Taking the device from his belt, Wraith activated it to reveal an image of Count Dooku.

"Excellent work, Wraith. This governor was proving to be a hindrance to our plans for Nyriaan." The count applauded his efforts.

"I live to serve." Wraith replied. "What's next?"

"I need you to travel to our shipyard on Gwori. Word has reached me of the possibility of a mole within the overseers. Your presence should be enough to smoke them out."

"And if I catch this mole... your orders?" Wraith asked, having a feeling he already knew the answer.

"Whatever you wish. Ensure that no one else decides to take his place." Dooku replied, affirming Wraith's hopes.

"As you command." Wraith nodded as Dooku ended the communication. The soldier began to move out, heading back to his shuttle. He called Scipio again. "I'm heading to the Gwori Shipyards to uncover a mole. Give me some stats about the place."

"Let's see here..." Scipio paused as he pulled up the available data on Gwori. "Okay, here we are... it's an Outer Rim world and home of Gwori Revolutionary Industries, one of the Separatist's biggest starship manufacturers."

"I can see why the Republic would want to take them down. They'd cripple our fleets if they did." Wraith mused, now seeing the great value behind his mission.

"Well, we can't let that happen, now can we?" Scipio replied.

"The day the Republic gets past me will be the same day Skywalker learns humility." Wraith growled. "Tell me more about this 'Revolutionary Industries'."

"They're good friends with the Banking Clan, which leads me to assume it's a Muunilinst-based company. The make all of our Munificent-class frigates." Scipio explained after pulling up more information.

"Understood. I'm on my way. Inform those in charge of my impending arrival." Wraith ordered before shutting down his comms. Rolling his shoulders, Wraith was looking forward to an opportunity to witness the vast air-power the Separatists had under their control. It was truly a good day to be a Separatist.

Then again... wasn't every day?


Back on Coruscant...

Ahsoka and Obi-Wan met with Chancellor Palpatine and Mace Windu outside the Coruscant barracks. This military base housed detachments of the Republic Grand Army, serving as a home base for Clones away from Kamino. It also happened to be one of the biggest depots in Republic space. The Chancellor had summoned them here with the intent of revealing to them a military project that very few knew about.

"Glad you could make it, Master Kenobi." The Jedi Councillor greeted them. "How's Anakin?"

"Ahsoka's been told he'll make it and I'm confident he will." Obi-Wan reported. "If anything, it'll be his pride that takes a hit." He mused.

"Perhaps we can restore it once we've taken down The Wraith." Palpatine suggested.

"With all due respect, Chancellor," Ahsoka interjected, "I don't think anyone can take down The Wraith. I mean, Anakin was the Chosen One... and look what happened to him."

"Nothing lasts forever Padawan Tano." Mace informed her. "Be it a Sith Empire, a separatist confederacy or a super-soldier's reign of terror, everything grinds to a halt eventually."

"But how do we end his 'reign of terror'?" Obi-Wan asked, still a little skeptical on how such a thing could be accomplished. "Yes, he needs to be dealt with, but how?"

"You're right, Master Kenobi, we can all agree that The Wraith needs to be dealt with. It's just a matter of securing the right manpower for the job." Mace explained. Palpatine was quick to pick up on the Jedi's statement.

"The Republic has been working on a secret military project, one meant to counter threats like The Wraith. We've code-named it: Tango Foxtrot." He explained, motioning for the Jedi to follow him inside the base. The Clone guards opened the doorway and allowed the group inside. Palpatine lead the Jedi through the camp, past the barracks until they arrived at the central training compound. "It's a new elite unit, comprised of nine Clone specialists, accompanied by a Jedi strike team. They're supposed to be better than even the Muunilinst Ten... and Torrent Company. But don't tell Anakin I said that." Ahsoka was impressed.

"Wow. Really?" She had a hard time believing such a group existed.

"Indeed. We've selected four Jedi to oversee their training. Given the members of Torrent Company proved well under Master Shaak Ti's tutelage, we're hoping we can achieve equal, if not better, results under four Jedi masters." Mace added. Palpatine nodded.

"Master Windu speaks the truth. And impressive results we have received. The final product is a Clone unit trained to take down and eliminate the most dangerous of Separatist generals, commanders, assassins... and super-soldiers." Another Clone guard opened the door to the training compound and allowed the Jedi inside. They followed the Chancellor through a corridor until it opened up into a gymnasium-like facility. "This is Apex Company." Palpatine announced. Inside, a group of nine different Clones were busy training, occupied with either the shooting range or the physical training equipment.

Obi-Wan wasn't quite convinced.

"Chancellor, with all due respect, how do you expect a group of only nine Clones to take down The Wraith? You've seen what he did to Anakin and read the reports from all of his appearances, no one survives an encounter with him."

"Your concern is valid, Master Kenobi." Chancellor Palpatine nodded, understanding the Jedi's concerns. "However, this is no ordinary Clone unit. They have been trained by the best of instructors from across the galaxy, purposefully engineered for dangerous missions and to handle top level threats."

"I hope the confidence in your voice is well-founded." Obi-Wan mused, crossing his arms, still uncertain.

"These Clones won't be hunting down The Wraith alone, Obi-Wan." Mace interjected, laying a hand on Kenobi's shoulder. "Master Yoda and I hand-picked a team of Jedi to train and lead these Clones. Allow me to introduce you to them." As they Jedi began to follow Windu, Ahsoka caught up with Obi-Wan. She had a question that had been brewing in her mind since their arrival here.

"So, where do I fit in with this, Master?" She asked him. Obi-Wan paused, considering the possible roles Ahsoka could fill. He had told her he needed her help with this initiative and now that he had some materials to work with, he needed to figure out what her role would be.

"Well, given our new allies, I want you to go with this Apex Company as my representative." He stated at last. "You'll work from behind the scenes, command and control. As long as this operation to hunt down and imprison The Wraith remains active, you'll report directly to me. Something like my 'second in command', if you will."

"'Command and control', huh? I can do that." Ahsoka nodded with a small grin. "Rex and Anakin have taught me a few things over the years about that stuff."

"Then it should come in handy." Obi-Wan remarked. The Jedi continued to follow Mace and Palpatine over to a tall Wookie, who was watching the Clones practice their ranged skills.

"Master Fulcana, everything running smoothly?" He asked. The Wookiee turned to Mace and growled in affirmation. "This is Fulcana, one of the four Jedi who oversee Apex Company. To his left is Master Sek Bast and her apprentice Ashan Hoc," he introduced, gesturing to the Tholothian and her Rodian Padawan, "followed by Master Phomen Tark." The Ithorian Jedi turned and nodded in greeting. "They are directly responsible for overseeing all Apex Company-related training and operations." Mace explained. He turned back to his fellow Jedi. "Master Kenobi is taking charge of a special operation to hunt down a Separatist agent known as 'The Wraith'. He'll be needing Apex Company's specialized training in order to apprehend this individual. Give him whatever help he asks for." He instructed. The Tholothian master stepped forward to greet the Jedi Councillors.

"I believe I already know a way to assist you, Master Kenobi." She greeted with a soft smile. "Here is a complete list of the members of Apex Company." She told him, handing over a datapad. Obi-Wan took it and read the names and numerical designations aloud.

"Clone Captain CC-44-7102 or 'Redd', Clone Commander CT-5544 or 'Blutarch', CT-3003 or 'Greydon', CC-67-9100 'Fix', CT-4947 'Ranger', CC-93-2778 'Boiler', CT-1223 'Patch', CT-6345 'Creeper' and CC-80-2506 or 'Crater'. A vast and varied roster, I must say." The master Jedi stated as he reviewed the names in his head.

"Each of their names reflects an aspect of their class." Sek informed him. "Ranger is our local reconnaissance specialist while Boiler is a flametrooper, equipped with a chemical flamethrower and pack-mounted fuel tank."

"I remember seeing them on Geonosis." Obi-Wan mused with a nod. Ahsoka remembered them as well. She thought the practice of using fire as a weapon a little barbaric, but had to admit they came in very handy when it came to cleaning out the Geonosian hives.

"The intention is to combine together Clones of each specialty in order to form a unit capable of performing any kind of mission."

"They wouldn't happen to be Black Ops, now would they?" Obi-Wan wondered.

"Far from it. They are more akin to ARC Troopers than anything." Sek replied.

"Have they been tested in the field before?"

"For missions of minor value, yes. They have brought down several would-be sabotage gangs and have apprehended a series of Separatist agents on Republic soil." Sek explained.

"But never the likes of a super-soldier, one capable of destroying even a Jedi with just his bare hands." Obi-Wan noted, skepticism growing in his voice. A moment of awkward silence hung in the air until Palpatine spoke up.

"You seem to be in doubt over our solution, General Kenobi." He noted.

"Forgive me for saying so, Chancellor, but you weren't there. You didn't see the ferocity, the brutal, bloodthirsty nature in Wraith that drove him to beat Anakin bloody. And if he is, for a fact, responsible for all the mystery reports we've gathered, than I'm afraid that no one can stop him." Obi-Wan explained. "All we would be doing is sending a few good Clones to their deaths."

"But these, aren't average Clones, Master." Ahsoka interjected, hoping to brighten the situation. "They're supposed to take down guys like Wraith. Just give them a chance to prove themselves."

"Your confidence shines brighter than mine does, Ahsoka." Obi-Wan sighed. "Untrained, inexperienced... and they're supposed to be the ones to bring down a Separatist super-soldier." He muttered.

Suffice to say, the Jedi master was feeling none too optimistic about this situation. One might say, he had a bad feeling about it...


Meanwhile, on Gwori...

Upon arriving on Gwori, Wraith was immediately met by the factory's overseer: a Muun known as Juhm. Having been informed of Wraith's coming beforehand by Scipio, the overseer was slightly flustered by the sudden visit. With only a mere hour before the super-soldier's arrival, Juhm had no idea how to prepare or even what to prepare for his visit. The Muun stood alone on a landing pad as Wraith disembarked from his shuttle.

"Welcome to Gwori, Wraith!" The overseer eagerly greeted him, hoping to make a good impression on the fearsome soldier. "Your arrival was most unexpected, however, I will do whatever I can to ensure you are comfortable here. Um, do tell me, why exactly are you here?"

"It is not so much you attending to me as it is I doing you a favour." Wraith cryptically stated.

"A... A favor?" Juhm repeated, the soldier's words piquing his curiosity. "What kind of favor?" He wondered.

"I am here on a mission directly from Count Dooku." Wraith informed him. "It has come to our attention that a mole has infiltrated your shipyards and is leaking information to the Republic. I am here to put a stop to him." He explained. Juhm was incredulous.

"A mole? Here?! Impossible!"

"So it may seem." Wraith mused, crossing his arms. "It's just like the Republic to slither under our noses without us realizing it. Good thing we managed to uncover such a leak."

"But how? Not even I know about this!" Juhm exclaimed.

"I will explain in good time. However, we must move quickly lest our mole escape and leave us in a dire situation." Wraith stated, suggesting the move inside.

"W-What shall I do?" The Muun wondered.

"Go and gather all your chief overseers, top scientists, everyone of great value and introduce myself. Say I am here to increase security on behalf of Count Dooku." Wraith instructed him, having developed his plan of action on the way over from Mygeeto. The best way to force out a mole was to make a very obvious security presence known. That way, they would be forced to act, assuming they had been found out. In that moment of weakness they would reveal themselves and The Wrath would strike.

"It shall be done immediately!" Juhm quickly replied, making to sprint off and ensure everything was done according to Wraith's plan.

"Overseer!" Wraith called him back. The Muun weakly did so, anticipating he had done something wrong. "After I've dealt with this mole I would very much appreciate a tour." Wraith told him. "I've been wanting to see the new cruisers under construction for some time."

What an answer. The Wraith was enamored by starships much like a young child would be. Juhm breathed a sigh of relief, feeling Wraith to be a little more human than he let on.

"I will personally arrange one for you." The Muun replied with a smile.


Back on Coruscant...

Obi-Wan assumed his best approach to taking control of Apex Company, and possibly helping them avoid instant death at the hands of The Wraith, was to educate them on their quarry. Following advice from Palpatine, Mace and even Ahsoka, Obi-Wan called the four Jedi trainers to round up the members of Apex Company for a meeting. Palpatine had compiled all known data on their opponent and created something of a slideshow for the Jedi Master. Obi-Wan hoped this 'class' was going to hopefully give Apex Company something to work with when it came to handling The Wraith. The group filed in and took their seats as Obi-Wan, Ahsoka and the other Jedi moved to the front of the classroom.

"Afternoon men," Obi-Wan began, "I am General Kenobi. As you might have heard, you are now under my direct command as part of a special operation to hunt down a deadly Separatist agent." He told them.

"Just show us who and where, sir. We'll put him down for good." Captain Redd replied with a smirk. Obi-Wan couldn't help but admire his enthusiasm, something he himself was lacking.

"Your target is The Wraith, a bio-genetically engineered creation of the Separatists." Obi-Wan continued. "We don't know a whole lot about him, but what we do know is that he is tactical, impressively strong, well-trained, highly skilled, very agile and practically untouchable." The Jedi triggered the room's holodisplay and produced a series of four slightly out-of-focus and staticky shots of Wraith. "These images were retrieved from the helmet recorders of Clones moments before they were killed. As you can see, Wraith his both heavily armored and heavily armed. During our encounter on Tibrin, we witnessed Wraith use numerous melee and ranged weapons in order to take down General Anakin Skywalker." The image changed to an image of Anakin, bloody and battered, laying on a pile of blood-soaked bandages in the Halls of Healing. Obi-Wan paused to force his thoughts forward, past his recollections of that terrible day. "His known arsenal includes a pair of blaster pistols of unknown make, a second pair of pistols assumed to be slugthrowers, two combat knives and a pair of arm-mounted retractable blades."

"Any indication of his training?" Commander Blutarch inquired.

"He appears to practice a form of Teras Kasi, but this has been unconfirmed." Obi-Wan replied. "All we know is that he is as deadly up close as he is from a distance." The holodisplay powered down and the Clone's attention shifted to Obi-Wan. "It is up to us to stop The Wraith. He is responsible for many losses, Clone and Jedi deaths. His continued presence is already shifting the war in favour of the Separatists, so immediate detainment and capture is an absolute must. The Supreme Chancellor tells me you all are specially trained for this kind of mission. Well, now's your chance to make a big impact on the outcome of the war." The Clones nodded, seemingly eager and more than ready to do their part. Obi-Wan was about to dismiss them when Chancellor Palpatine suddenly arrived. The troopers immediately stood at attention.

"At ease." Palpatine quickly stated before moving to Obi-Wan. "Master Kenobi, we received a transmission from one of our undercover operatives on Gwori just a few moments ago. His message was very brief, but also very telling. Have a look." The Chancellor informed him, passing off a data pad to the Jedi. Obi-Wan read the message aloud.

"Have been discovered. Wraith is here." He looked up with an expression of surprise as the other Jedi crowded around at hearing his words. "The Wraith is on Gwori?"

"It appears so. Looks like we just found our window of opportunity." Palpatine stated.

"Then we need to have Apex Company on Gwori now. Who knows how long Wraith will stay there." Obi-Wan replied, understanding the urgent need to pin down Wraith as soon as possible. The four Jedi trainers nodded.

The sooner this menace was dealt with, the better.

The Tholothian Master Sek Bast took the initiative and stood before the assembled troops.

"Alright men, listen up!" She called them to attention. "We've just received word that The Wraith has been spotted on Gwori. It's a Separatist-controlled world that manufactures battlecruisers for the Separatist Navy, we've had our eye on it for a while now. Redd, Blutarch, have your men prepped and ready for immediate deployment. We'll work out the transportation variables." She ordered.

"Understood sir!" The two Clones saluted before turning back to their men. "Time to shine, boys! Get ready to move out, we leave immediately!" They ordered. The troopers quickly bustled about as the Jedi began to plan, Obi-Wan thanking Palpatine for delivering such vital information. In reality, the Chancellor was more than pleased to learn such data. The Wraith had been a thorn in the side of the Republic for too long and was quickly blossoming into a galaxy-wide threat that was putting the Republic at risk of losing the Clone Wars.

Hopefully, The Wraith would meet his match and his terror would be put to an end.


Back on Gwori...

The sickening sound of bone being cracked echoed in the room before a man's dead body hit the floor, dropped from Wraith's grip. Juhm's introductory message had almost instantly revealed the mole, thanks to some bio-scanners Scipio had added to Wraith's HUD. Detecting a sudden spike in heart rate after Juhm mentioned 'security', Wraith pinpointed the one responsible and followed him to an empty communications room where Wraith's scanners detected a coded message being sent on a Republic frequency. Further questioning confirmed the identity of the mole and Wraith dispatched him shortly thereafter, ending the security breach and once again securing the safety of the shipyards. Juhm watched over his shoulder with a level of fear and surprise as he took note of the identity of the body.

"Overseer Kal? I... I had no idea..." He whispered in awe, surprised to discover a fellow overseer was really a spy for the Republic.

"You weren't supposed to." Wraith mused. "More importantly, the shipyards are safe now."

"Yes. Thanks to you." Juhm absentmindedly replied, his thoughts still dwelling on the scene he had just witnessed.

"However, we should not rule out the possibility that he may have called for aid before his demise." Wraith added, quelling Juhm's momentary relief. "We should go to the security hub and watch for any unwanted visitors."

"I-I understand... I will take you there." Juhm hurriedly replied as he turned to the door. Wraith followed, leaving the body of the Republic mole behind. "How soon do you think the Republic will arrive?" He nervously asked.

"There's no telling. They could already be their way. However, there is a possibility that the mole did not contact them and there will be no immediate threat from them. Regardless of either outcome, you had best be ready for anything." Wraith told him, making a mental note of the narrowness of these hallways. If the Republic arrive, his best chance would be to attack them head-on and without mercy. These halls would not allow for a prolonged ranged encounter.

"And what about you? What will you do?" Juhm wondered.

"I am your first line of defense. I am always ready." Wraith replied. "But in the unlikely event they get past me, the responsibility of repulsing them will fall to you." Juhm gulped nervously, feeling very unprepared for such circumstances.


In hyperspace...

It didn't take long to get a shuttle off the ground and send the Republic strike team hurtling through hyperspace towards the planet of Gwori. In addition to Apex Company and their four Jedi superiors, Ahsoka Tano had been sent on behalf of Obi-Wan to oversee the operation. She sat off to the back of the transport, alone with her thoughts. She'd been on solo missions before, where Anakin wasn't able to accompany her, but this time the circumstances were so... different. She always felt like Anakin had her back, even if he wasn't there he was always a communication away.

But now... he wasn't there to back her up. She had to lead this group all on her own.

Ahsoka was stirred from her musings when the Rodian apprentice Ashan walked over to her. "Ahsoka?" Ahsoka shook her head and looked to the green-skinned Rodian.

"Yes, Ashan?"

"I just wanted to express my condolences for what happened to Master Skywalker." She replied, taking a seat next to the Togruta. "I can't imagine watching Master Bast get beat down like that." Ahsoka nodded slowly, sighing as she remembered the events of Tibrin. Witnessing Anakin's blood fly was a moment seemingly seared into memories.

"That was... the most impossible thing I've ever seen." She admitted. "Up until now, Anakin had always been so... unstoppable. Sure, he got hurt from time to time, but he always managed to get back up shortly afterwards. That was the first time he didn't get up." Ahsoka told Ashan. The young Rodian understood her fellow Padawan had confided this with her, sensing it was something she had never told anyone before.

"I promise, Ahsoka, we'll make sure The Wraith pays for what he's done." Ashan stated, placing a reassuring hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. Although skeptical if this mission would truly be the ultimate end of The Wraith, Ahsoka nodded in reply.

The specialized stealth shuttle, piloted by Master's Fulcana and Tark, managed to infiltrate Gwori's system without raising any alarms. It had been predetermined that the party would land as close as possible to the shipyards without arousing suspicion. Fortune seemed to play in their favor as the sun was setting by the time they arrived, granting the cover of nightfall to aid in their infiltration. The group of Jedi and Clones managed to sneak inside the facility without being detected, eliminating several droid security teams to maintain their secrecy. Ahsoka quickly memorized the route they took, planning on retracing her steps at the first sign of disaster. They entered through a maintenance wing via a corridor that provided access to the southern server room and the command hub through a central chamber. Other maze-like corridors lead to smaller rooms were various levels of production were overseen. The shipyards were so massive, multiple different head offices were required in order to keep the chain of command present in each area of the facility.

And with this knowledge in mind, Apex Company could successfully say they had captured the southern wing of the shipyard offices.

The group huddled together as they planned their trap, a holomap produced by Ashan floating before them.

"It appears we've managed to strike at a most fortuitous time. The populace is minimal and so are the security teams." Phomen noted.

"Then that will provide us with enough time to assume our positions." Sek agreed. "Padawan Tano, how shall we proceed?" The Tholothian asked Ahsoka, deferring leadership to Master Kenobi's representative.

"We need to gain Wraith's attention. No doubt he's concerned about security, so he may be busy observing the rest of the yards. But I think I have an idea." Ahsoka highlighted the central security hub for the south wing of the facility. "If I can hack into the security hub, I can shut down any defenses and keep an eye on the whole area while you all wait for Wraith."

"Always good to have a someone looking out for us." Blutarch agreed.

"Then it would behoove us to split into teams." Sek added. "Apex Company will be our first line, laying in wait for our quarry to arrive. We Jedi will form the second line and wait for Wraith in this common room." She pointed to a large, circular room that connected all the other areas of the south wing.

"Then we should take up positions in this corridor." Blutarch suggested, pointing out a long hallway that connected the south wing to the rest of the shipyards. "If he's anywhere else, he'll have to cross through here in order to get to us."

"A sound plan, Commander." Sek agreed. "Captain, I shall leave you to your men." She told Redd. The Clone Captain saluted as the holomap powered down.

"Yes sir." Turning about, Redd proceeded to distribute orders. "Alright men, just like we've trained to do. Fix, go with Commander Tano and help her hack into their security, then come rejoin us. Creeper, Ranger, you two go and scout these hallways. We want Wraith playing by our rules."

"Yes sir!" The two reconnaissance specialists saluted before taking off.

"Patch, we'll keep you to the rear of the fighting, just in case one of us goes down."

"Understood sir." The medic nodded.

"Boiler, Crater, you're our heavies, so we'll put you up front with Greydon."

"No worries, sir. We'll give Wraith a few problems to worry about!" Crater eagerly replied, arming his rocket launcher.

"The rest of us will keep our attention on him the entire time. General Kenobi says he's unpredictable and ruthless, so make sure he doesn't make a move you don't know about." Redd carefully warned them. "Okay, Apex Company, let's make a name for ourselves!"


Meanwhile...

Wraith and Juhm stood with a security droid in the central surveillance hub of the shipyards. From this location, the status of every wing could be checked via the monitoring systems installed throughout the complex. Juhm stood nervously by as Wraith checked and re-checked each system, ensuring nothing had been tripped.

The security was tight enough to prevent any unwelcome guests. But the means to repulse them were severely lacking. Wraith wanted to know the status of everything, should he need to dash to another area of the shipyards and beat back any Republic operatives. He was the first and only line of defense in protecting the shipyards. All available droid resources had been sent elsewhere, desperately needed on the battlefields of the Clone Wars.

"It appears everything is normal." Juhm mused. "Perhaps the Republic will not come?"

"Perhaps. But I want to make sure." Wraith replied, scanning over the console one more time. "I don't want to leave and then have the Republic show up." He growled. The Republic was known for such frustrating plans, forcing the Separatists to try and be in two places at once. Something, for all his capabilities, Wraith could not do. Another red-marked security droid entered from behind them.

"Sir, we performed the comms check, just like you asked." It reported. Wraith stood up to address it.

"And? Did you find anything?" He asked. The droid produced a datapad.

"Only one message was sent today on one of the frequencies you suggested." That one statement confirmed Wraith's suspicions. The mole had managed one last communication before Wraith destroyed him. Opening the data, Wraith quickly read the six words out loud.

"Have been discovered. Wraith is here." He passed the datapad to Juhm. "What do you make of it?" He wondered.

"A cry for help?" Juhm theorized. "Maybe he wanted some last-minute intervention?" Wraith went quiet, quickly mulling over the last words of the mole.

"Either my reputation precedes me..." he mused, "or maybe-" his musing was cut short as the other security droid suddenly reported,

"Sir, one of our security centers has gone dark." Wraith quickly turned back to the console and examined the monitor that had suddenly blacked out. It was the south security hub. Only one reason could result in such a sudden happening.

"They're here." He grimly noted. Juhm turned to him with a look of terror.

"The Republic?!" The overseer cried, his hopes suddenly dashed as reality set in. "W-What should we do? What can we do? We're not fully equipped to repulse them!" Wraith ignored Juhm's outbursts and began to think things through. The mole managed to contact the Republic before his demise and they must've sent aid. No doubt a squad of Clones was here to do... something. Wraith quickly made one of two assumptions. Either the Republic was here to sabotage the shipyards, or for something else. Going with the first and more likely assumption, he knew he had to act now before the Republic could cause any real damage.

"Lock down this central wing. I'll deal with the Republic." He ordered, heading out. While Wraith had a plan of action in mind, Juhm was still worried about his career.

"Should I have anything prepared? An escape route, perhaps?" He asked as Wraith left. The soldier paused and looked back over his shoulder.

"A cleanup crew." He ominously replied. If the Republic thought they could take these shipyards without a fight, they would be sorely mistaken.

These shipyards were about to become the site of their doom.


Everyone was in position. The Jedi stood as a group, ready and waiting in the central room just beyond the doors to the access corridor.

Ahsoka sat by herself in the security hub, checking all the available holocams for that wing. But the one that was her primary focus was the one mounted in the access corridor, which gave her a platform to view Apex Company as they formed up, weapons pointed at the opposite end of the hall. She would be the team's eyes and ears if The Wraith got past them, providing direction but incapable of assisting them.

Apex Company primed their weaponry as they took up defensive positions before the door that lead to the south wing. In this momentum no one said a word. The Clones remained quiet as they anticipated the arrival of their foe. Lining up the door at the opposite end of the hall in their cross-hairs, they sat waiting in eager anticipation for their chance to take down the fearsome Wraith.


The halls were barren and empty, the only sound to the fill them was the clicking of Wraith's armoured boots against the metal floors. Alone with his thoughts, Wraith thought nothing else apart from calculations and strategies. He mapped out in his mind the corridors and halls of the south wing, plotting every possible route the Clones could take to avoid him or escape them.

How they entered as of no concern to Wraith. None of them would be leaving here anyway.

The access corridor to the south wing was just a few meters ahead now. Wraith readied himself for the coming battle, prepared to handle who knows how many Clones the Republic had sent to aid their mole. Checking his rifle, Wraith ensured a fresh energy cell had been loaded in and charged up. Scipio had recently equipped him with a prototype cell that had been infused with a plasma additive, promising a more volatile and explosive shot. He was very much expecting a squad of Clones he could try it out on, hoping it would produce some rather... messy results. Standing before the access door which opened to the hallway leading directly to the south wing, Wraith holstered his rifle across his back and rolled his shoulders, prepared to storm through into the wing and start blasting the Clones who were no doubt waiting for him. Opening the doorway, Wraith was met with the sight of a long corridor, brightly lit white walls...

and a group of Clone troopers with their weapons pointed in his direction.

"Hold it right there, Wraith!" A Clone with red-marked armor commanded him. "By order of the Galactic Republic, stand down and come with us!"

Upon hearing his words, Wraith suddenly realized the intention of these Clones. They weren't here to destroy the shipyards or sabotage the frigates...

They were here for him.

His second assumption was correct: the mole was hear to locate Wraith so a squad of Clones could take him down. No doubt this was in response to his sound thrashing of Skywalker. They wanted to take him prisoner, to overpower him by any means necessary and lock him away once and for all, as a way of preventing any future bloodshed by his hand. They were here with then intention of ending the threat he posed to the Republic.

Well. Fat chance that plan was going to come to fruition.

"You Clones showed up at just the right time," Wraith growled, beginning to slowly advance upon the group, "I've only killed two people today... and I'm starting to feel the hunger..." The menacing tone in his thinly-veiled threat kept every Clone on high alert.

"Sorry to disappoint, but you're going on a permanent diet!" Captain Redd shot back. Nine different weapons were trained on The Wraith. Apex Company thought they had every advantage. Wraith had nowhere to run in this narrow corridor and the instant he tried, they would light him up. They thought his threat was an empty one.

But Wraith didn't try to run. If anything, the show of force only served to amuse him.

"You must be mistaken..." he replied with a chuckle, "I'm about to have a feast!" While his words were threatening, Wraith quickly calculated his odds of surviving a head-on strike. It would be foolish to do so when nine different blasters were trained on him. He would have to play this smart, lure the Clones into his playing field. "But I am at an obvious tactical disadvantage." He mused.

"That's right. Now be smart and surrender." Blutarch commanded him.

"I'll surrender... if you can take me." Wraith taunted. No doubt these Clones wanted to prove their worth... such foolish thoughts would be their downfall.

"Ranger, cuff him. We've got your back." Redd ordered the Clone closest to their foe. The Clone nodded and moved to obey. Ranger cautiously approached Wraith, keeping his blaster trained on the Separatist and watching for any sudden moves. Wraith stood motionless, hands by his sides, waiting for the right moment to strike. Any moment now... just a little closer...

The instant Ranger was within touching distance, Wraith grabbed his knife and slit the Clone's throat, before driving his knife back, clean through Ranger's skull and pinning him to the wall. The Clone twitched as blood dripped from both wounds, red streams trickling down his armor. The blur of motion was enough to startle and even confuse the other Clones. But as soon as Redd saw Ranger's body up against the wall, he returned to his senses.

"Open fire!" He commanded. The other eight Clones immediately did so, lighting up Wraith with a continuous volley of unrelenting blaster fire. Leaving his knife stuck in Ranger's head, crossing his arms before his face and falling to one knee, Wraith sought to protect himself and draw the fire away from his body. His unbreakable gauntlets could withstand the repetitive fire... but he had to wonder for how long. Greydon's rotary cannon pounded his defense, literally pushing him back across the floor. Wraith knew he had to act now, dispose of these Clones and root out any other Republic members that may have come with them. He had to take the pain, if only for a moment, in order to regain the advantage.

Arming a set of explosive disks, Wraith dropped his projectiles before him, blaster fire ricocheting off his jacket and helmet. Detonating seconds later, a column of flame filled the hall and separated Wraith from the Clones. Redd knew Wraith was up to something, he had seen this move before. A classic smokescreen. "Arms up men, expect anything!" He ordered, not wanting to be caught off guard. The flames were hot and quickly filling the hall, preventing the Clones from seeing Wraith take his knife from the body of Ranger and take hold of his other knife.

He had the advantage. Now it was time to end this.

Wraith lunged forward through the fire and smoke, knives drawn and ready to spill blood. He drove his blades into the nearest Clone, Creeper, blood soaking his knives and staining white armor crimson as the Clone cried out in pain. Wraith used his momentum to throw the Clone into a nearby wall, where he gutted Creeper with repeated slashed from his knives.

Two down, seven to go.

Wraith sheathed a knife and drew his rifle, opening fire on Crater. The advanced, plasma-charged rounds ripped right through the Clone's armored torso, splattering blood and bits of innards across the ground. A gaping whole remained where Crater's back used to be as the Clone fell over, dead before he hit the ground. Shifting targets, Wraith opened fire on Boiler, well-aimed blaster rounds punching holes in the fuel tank mounted on the Clone's back. Boiler immediately recognized the damage and screamed for his fellow Clones to get back, moments before his tank exploded and consumed his body in a mighty fireball. Stowing his rifle, Wraith lept into the air, spinning around as his arm blades deployed. He cut his blades forward in a cross strike, decapitating Fix as he landed on his feet.

Three more dead. Only four left.

Rounds pinged off his back as Wraith turned on his next victim, Commander Blutarch. With a roar, Wraith pounced upon the Clone, driving his blades clean through him as Blutarch cried in pain before Wraith silenced him by tearing out his throat. Hands bloody, Wrath retracted his blades and drew both slugthrowers. He turned on heel and opened fire on the Clone behind Redd and Greydon, the medic called Patch. He pumped his body full of slugs, ripping him apart with a hail of acid-lined rounds. With numerous holes riddling his corpse, Patch fell over dead. Redd couldn't believe what he was seeing. His entire squad had been ripped apart like they were nothing. They were supposed to be the best, engineered to take down threats like The Wraith! How could this have happened?!

"Greydon, we need to pull back, now!" He quickly ordered the last surviving Clone. "Fall back to the Jedi, we can renew our defense with them!" His words intrigued Wraith.

"Jedi? You brought Jedi with you?" He wondered aloud as he sheathed his slugthrowers. "Excellent. Sounds like I will be having a feast after all..."

"They'll put you down. You can't stop them!" Greydon retorted, rotary cannon spinning up.

"I beat Anakin Skywalker into a coma. They are but a mere pittance..." Wraith growled. Suddenly flicking his wrist, a pair of throwing knives speared Greydon in the eyes. The Clone screamed in agony as his vision was stolen from him, replaced with blackness and pain. Quickly drawing his pistols, Wraith blasted Greydon in both legs before delivering a kill shot, right between the eyes. The Clone heavy fell dead, leaving only Redd and The Wraith. Stunned by the sudden turn of events, Redd was barely coherent as he snapped up his pistols and blankly fired on Wraith. The rounds bounced off him like nothing, serving only to scratch the Separatist instead of wound him. Stowing his blaster, Wraith turned on Redd and triggered his arm blade, still soaked in Fix and Blutarch's blood. Redd continued to fire as he backed away, Wraith stalking after him. Thrusting his blade around, Wraith impaled Redd clean through his chin, blade driving deep into his head. The Clone twitched as he was lifted off the ground, blood spilling from his chin and down both his chest and Wraith's blade. Suddenly dropping him back on his feet, Wraith drew a slugthrower once more and blew out the Clone's brains with a well-aimed shot. With a hole bored through his head, Redd was dead before he hit the ground, falling back on a splatter of his own blood and brains. The hallway fell quiet as Wraith retracted his weapons, pausing to take in the blood-stained hallway filled with bodies of Clones as he ejected his spent slugthrower clips and reloaded them with fresh magazines.

He was wise in telling Overseer Juhm to send a cleanup crew... it would no doubt take some time to get this hallway cleaned.


Wraith had decimated Apex Company.

Ahsoka stared in shock at the screen before her. She had observed everything, seen every move anyone made. But above all, she had seen Wraith dispose of those nine Clones with a violent level of calculated precision.

He was brutal.

Ahsoka slumped against the chair she was seated in, still staring at the screen before with a blank expression of shock. Those Clones had been alive and breathing just moments ago, she had just spoken and conversed with them mere minutes prior. And now they had all be slaughtered, reduced to fragments of blood and flesh littered across the floor of the hall. Ahsoka couldn't believe what she had just witnessed. Such brutality, such wanton violence... the young Togruta had seen her fair share of violence, but this carnage was on another level entirely.

This wasn't a battle... it was a massacre. Nothing short of unbridled slaughter.

Obi-Wan was right... they had sent these Clones to their deaths.


The Jedi at the end of the hall couldn't believe it either. They watched as the doorway opened up, revealing the broad form of Wraith and a blood-stained, body-strewn hallway behind him. They were shocked to see he had beaten Apex Company, their Clones, in such a short amount of time. They were supposed to be the ones to end threats like him it was their directive!

A directive that had failed.

"Ah... Jedi." Wraith growled upon seeing them. "Time for my main course."

"What have you done?" Ashan wondered in shock, taking in the sight of his blood-drenched form. Wraith chuckled darkly.

"Those Clones were nothing more than a warmup, an appetizer." He replied, cracking his knuckles. "Killing Clones is a favourite pastime of mine... but killing Jedi is another treat entirely." This was true. As much as he also enjoyed beating Jedi to a bloody pulp, there was nothing quite like being able to sink his blades into flesh and watching the ensuing blood stain the pristine Jedi robes. A testament to his unstoppable force and his ability to kill even the most stalwart Republic leaders.

"You... Y-You're a homicidal sociopath!" Sek exclaimed, finding her voice and visibly angered by his halfhearted treatment of her now deceased men. If his face were visible, Wraith would've rolled his eyes at the comment.

"Please... I prefer 'psychopath'." He growled in reply.

Such a dark answer made even the Jedi recoil. Ahsoka managed to hear his words in the security hub and they sent a shiver through her spine.

What kind of foul being was The Wraith?

The Tholothian master had had enough of Wraith's villainous tone and proceeded to switch on her green lightsaber.

"I will avenge our men and take you down!" She declared. "Consider yourself a prisoner of the Republic."

"You think you can promote Republic jurisdiction here on Separatist soil?" Wraith wondered. "What an egotistical point of view." He growled. Sek said nothing but summoned the Force to leap through the air as she moved to attack Wraith from above. But the soldier quickly calculated her movements and matched them with his own, executing a kick-flip that caught Sek on the jaw. The Jedi flew back to the floor and rolled to a halt, laying on her stomach and thoroughly jarred by the sudden strike. Wraith recovered and quickly advanced on the other Jedi. Although they aspired to aid Sek, especially Ashan, they dared not get too close to Wraith as Sek's sound defeat indicated he was more than capable of handling whatever came his way. They would need very clever tactics to ensure he was defeated. "You think you can invade this facility and meddle in Separatist business?" Wraith demanded of the other three Jedi. "Not on my watch." He stalked forward menacingly, stopping above the fallen Sek.

He wanted to inspire fear in these Jedi. And he knew just how to do it...

"Others may put you in prison, or chain you up for interrogation. But this is how I deal with meddlesome Jedi..." Reaching down, Wraith suddenly plunged his hands into Sek's back. The Tholothian screamed in pain as Wraith ripped through her flesh, blood splattering her robes. Grabbing a hold of something, Wraith planted his foot against her body and gave a vicious yank, tearing out the Jedi's spine and letting out a primal roar as he did. Sek screamed louder as her bones were ripped from her body, only to suddenly cease and fall dead moments later.

The other Jedi were horrified.

The remaining three stood frozen, paralyzed by raw fear. Ashan as aghast, struck dumb by shock and horror. Her Master was dead, lying in a pool of her own blood with her back ripped open, spine torn out and resting in Wraith's grip. She had told Ahsoka earlier how she was unable to relate to watching her Master get beaten down.

But now she could and then some. For her Master was dead, killed in such a brutal and barbaric fashion. Ashan Hoc had been scarred for life. They watched as Wraith gripped Sek's spine in his bloody fist, fixing his gaze on them.

First Apex Company, now Sek... who would suffer next?

Wraith sized up the Jedi, seeing the stark fear and horror in their eyes. He chose his next words with careful precision, to ensure the Jedi understood him with perfect clarity. "Willpower is like a bone. It is strong and capable of great internal support. But one wrong move, one serious accident... and it is broken!" Wraith promptly snapped the spine in his hands to emphasize his point. Tossing both halves aside, the soldier stepped over the bloody corpse that had once been a Tholothian Jedi Knight. The other Jedi were rendered speechless by the visceral display. In all of their days of fighting in the Clone Wars, never had any Separatist ever shown such cold-hearted brutality. "I beat the 'Chosen One' to a bloody pulp, his face was unrecognizable by the time I finished! What chance do you three stand against me?" Wraith threatened them. The Jedi made no response, slowly backing away from Wraith and the corpse of Master Bast.

"Quickly, split up!" Phomen ordered. Fulcana growled in agreement and the Jedi parted ways, quickly disappearing down different corridors. Ashan cast one last sorrowful look over her shoulder at the body of her dead Master.

"So that's how you want to play, hm?" Wraith mused, quickly noting the different directions each Jedi had fled in. "So be it. Let the games begin." He growled as he turned and took off in pursuit of the Ithorian Jedi.


Phomen Tark was easy to track down having not traveled very far by the time Wraith caught up to him. Upon hearing metal footsteps draw ever closer behind him, the Ithorian stopped in the middle of the hall and turned to face Wraith. The Separatist slowed to a halt a few feet away from his Jedi adversary, slightly amused he was even attempting to make a last stand when his defeat was so very inevitable.

"Why run away, Jedi? I took down one of your own when she broke away from your group, what makes you think splitting up will gain you any advantage?" He wondered.

"I had hoped we would stand a better chance at dealing with you by ourselves, rather than all be slaughtered at once." Phomen replied, activating his blue blade.

"A poor decision on your part." Wraith growled. "One you won't live long enough to regret." Triggering both arm blades, Wraith rushed Phomen fully intent on drawing blood... eventually. The Jedi Master assumed an defensive stance as Wraith's blades clashed with his, a shower of sparks igniting from their confrontation. The two exchanged blows as Wraith fought strategically, learning Phomen's style as he ducked, dodged and blocked each attack the Jedi made, only to counter with a dizzying suite of attacks. Phomen soon came to understand that Wraith was toying with him and decided to press his luck, going on the offensive as he lunged forward with a sweep of his lightsaber.

But that would be another mistake he would not live long enough to regret.

Wraith backflipped away, far out of reach of the Ithorian's blade and fired a tether from his wrist. His grapple snagged the lightsaber hilt and with a quick tug the hilt was torn from Phomen's hands. Catching the lightsaber in his hand as he landed, Wraith quickly rushed forward towards the disarmed Jedi and activated the blade. Executing one final backflip, Wraith lashed out with his new weapon cut clean through Phomen and severed his body in two, splitting him right up the middle. Landing on his feet, Wraith deactivated the lightsaber in his grip and watched as the two halves of Phomen's body dropped to the floor, feeling quite proud of his expert maneuver. Pausing for a moment, Wraith examined the hilt he now possessed. He looked at it with consideration, thinking about possibilities as hundreds of different scenarios ran through his mind. He had seen the potential for such a thing, watching from a distance as the Jedi used them to lay waste to anything. It was a tool, a weapon and a symbol of power, all in one.

Maybe... just maybe... The Wraith should also carry a lightsaber.

"One day..." He mused before discarding the hilt. He had no time to dream. He had other Jedi to hunt.


Fulcana stood at a dead end near the end of another access corridor. No doubt this one was used for maintenance purposes as it only lead to the exterior of the complex.

But Fulcana had no intention of fleeing the facility. Not while Wraith was still on the loose. He was a Wookiee, tall and proud, bold and fearless with boundless strength. He would not turn back from a fight. Wraith had killed his friend and he would pay for doing so. Fulcana was a Jedi and Jedi did not take lightly to losing one of their own. With his green lightsaber drawn, Fulcana stood still and waited for his quarry to find him. The clicking sound of metal boots against a metal floor alerted him of his pursuer, drawing nearer and nearer to his position. But Fulcana did not hide, he did not try to obtain the elements of surprise. Instead, the Wookiee aimed for defiance, to show Wraith that he would not fall so easily. The Separatist rounded the corner, red optics burning brightly compared to the dim lighting around them. Facing Fulcana head on, Wraith sized up his newest opponent as the Wookiee held his lightsaber before him and assumed a defensive position.

"How bold of you Jedi to try and make a stand." Wraith mused. "But, like your Ithorian friend, it will all be in vain." Poor Phomen. No doubt Wraith had just finished dealing with him. He would be another Jedi Fulcana would avenge today. Fulcana growled in his native tongue, issuing a challenge to Wraith. Assuming this soldier was incapable of understanding him, the Wookiee expected silence or some remark about being unable to comprehend what he was saying.

The response he received was the exact opposite.

"If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get." Wraith replied. Fulcana was surprised. This Separatist understood Shyriiwook! He growled again in defiance, knowing Wraith understood him this time. Wraith could clearly understand Fulcana wanted a fight and that the Jedi wasn't going to back down. He wanted to avenge his friends, avenge the Clones under his control.

But that was not going to happen. Not today.

"I hear Wookiees are supposed to be tough." Wraith mused, readying himself. "Let's see how true that is!" He growled. Grabbing a stun chip from his belt, Wraith lobbed the projectile at his large foe. The unsuspecting Jedi had no time to react to the small object being hurled towards him, a mistake that would cost him dearly. Despite all the fur, the chip made contact and did its job, zapping the Wookiee with massive amounts of electricity until he was stunned. Wraith charged forward and whipped an explosive disk past the Wookiee, sending it skittering across the ground until it came to a halt. Still being zapped, Fulcana had no time to react as Wraith jumped forward and drop-kicked the Wookiee, sending the beast stumbling back until it stood atop the explosive. The following detonation seared the Wookiee's fur and skin, forcing a guttural roar of pain from Fulcana. Lying on his back, Wraith quickly snapped up both pistols and hit the Jedi with an unrelenting barrage of blaster fire. Fulcana dropped his lightsaber, staggering back as pain hit him from all angles.

Wookiee's were tough, able to take damage that no average being could withstand.

But Wraith could deliver damage no one could withstand.

Jumping back to his feet, Wraith fired a tether from his gauntlet and snared the Wookiee by his robes. Tugging him forward, Wraith holstered both pistols and primed an arm blade. Once he was close enough, Wraith charged forward and slid across the ground on his knees, blade cutting through the left leg and drawing blood. Fulcana roared in pain again as he fell to his knees, blood splattering on the floor. Wraith quickly righted himself, retracted his arm blade and drew his carbine, but not before he attached a trio of explosives to Fulcana's back, snaring the devices within his thick fur with well-placed throws. Fulcana knew something had been stuck to his back and reached around, trying desperately to remove whatever it was. Suddenly, his body was flung forward as a heavy blaster shot from Wraith's rifle slammed into his head. Fulcana roared in pain, but was silenced as Wraith fired again. The Separatist attacked with shot after shot, shooting the Wookiee again and again with heavy blaster rounds until Fulcana could no longer withstand the pain and collapsed. Only then did Wraith reach for his gauntlet and trigger the remote detonation. All three disks activated and exploded simultaneously.

Suffice to say, there wasn't much left of the body.

Fulcana had been reduced to meaty chunks of charred flesh, each coated with burning hair. "Not so tough." Wraith mused, stowing his rifle while admiring the carnage before him. With two Jedi already disposed of, it was time for Wraith to track down his final opponent: the young Rodian. With her demise Gwori would be safe once more, free of intruders and rid of the Republic.


Ashan found herself in a supply room, filled with crates containing who knew what. She didn't care though, all she cared about was hiding from The Wraith. Tucking herself behind a particularly large stack, Ashan sat alone and afraid in the open room, just waiting for her inevitable doom to arrive.

She had never been afraid before, of anything. But seeing her Master get brutally ripped apart like that... that instilled a whole new set of fears in her.

Alone and uncertain of what to do, Ashan sat in silence as she contemplated the fact that she might die. She wasn't very old, probably no older than Ahsoka was. Ashan considered finding her, wondering for a fleeting moment if maybe the two Padawan seems might be able to stand against Wraith together.

But if her Master could be felled so easily... if Apex Company could be destroyed so swiftly... what chance did two young Padawans stand against The Wraith?

Besides, it would be better for at least one of them escape, rather than both of them dying.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the sound of metal boots clicking against the floor echoed in the room. Ashan held her breath, fear consuming her every thought. A tall, menacing shadow slowly rose across the floor next to her as Wraith strode inside. He stopped, unable to see her. Ashan hoped he might look around and then leave, giving her maybe a small chance at surviving this mission.

"I know you're here, little one." She heard him growl. "Your fellow Jedi are dead. There is no one left but you." Master Fulcana and Master Tark were dead? He must've hunted them down first, saving her for last. "If you surrender to me without a fight, I may consider sparing you." Ashan stayed silent, visions of her own Master's death flashing through her mind. Wraith said nothing, scanning the room, searching for any sign of the young Rodian. "You're in here somewhere. You can't hide from me." He growled. Taking another step closer, Ashan instinctively grabbed her lightsaber hilt. "All you Jedi can do is hide. Fighting me won't do you any good, just ask your Masters. The Tholothian was truly pathetic, hardly what I call a challenge." His words tormented Ashan, fuelling her desire to avenge her Master. "And if a Master is so pathetic, I find it hard to believe a mere Padawan could be any different. That is what you are, isn't it little one? A scared, lonely Padawan... no Master to save you, no Master to turn to for guidance... you're all alone." Wraith was taunting her, trying to egg her out of hiding. "How pathetic. You're not even worth my time."

That did it.

Triggering her blue blade, Ashan lept from her hiding place and stood ready to attack Wraith.

"This is for my Master, you monster!" Ashan cried as she charged ahead. Wraith did not move, Ashan hoping he was not expecting such a forward assault.

But that was exactly what he wanted.

Launching a quick roundhouse kick, Wraith knocked Ashan's lightsaber clean out of her grip and sent it clattering across the ground. Landing on his feet, Wraith lept forward and kicked Ashan right in the gut, knocking the wind out of the young Jedi.

It was time to end this.

Wraith delivered a hard left cross, staggering the Jedi further. Drawing his knife, he quickly stabbed Ashan in the chest as she righted herself. The Jedi gasped in pain, but Wraith quickly moved behind her and struck her in the back of the head with his elbow before tearing his knife free from her chest. Quickly drawing his slugthrower, Wraith fired and shot Ashan in the back. The Jedi froze as pain shot up her back, blood beginning to stain her robes as it seeped from the circular wound. Suddenly stepping past her, Wraith plunged his knife back into her chest only to tear it out, turn and fire another slug into her abdomen. More blood stained her robes, gushing from the twin wounds on her chest and seeping from the bullet wounds in her back and front. The Rodian fell to her knees, struggling to breath as the pain took its toll on her mind and body. Slowly dying, Ashan looked up just as Wraith pressed his slugthrower against her forehead.

"Lights out." He rumbled and pulled the trigger. A splatter of blood, skull fragments and brain matter exploded out the back of Ashan's head as the slug ripped through her. The Jedi collapsed in a heap at Wraith's feet, dead before she even hit the ground. Wraith holstered his weapons, pleased by his efforts. He paused to admire the corpse of Ashan. It wasn't nearly as messy as the other three Jedi had been, but still, a dead Jedi sent a pretty powerful message. In this case, it indicated his work had paid off. The Republic operatives were dead, no longer a threat. He had done his job, his duty was complete. The Gwori shipyards were once again safe and secure.

But he did have to wonder... how did they get in here?


Ahsoka couldn't believe it.

Each and every member of Apex Company, both Jedi and Clones, had been slain by Wraith. And she had seen it all. She witnessed the decimation of Apex Company, she watched in horror as Master Tark was cleaved in two, she gazed in shock as Ashan was viciously executed, she observed with a queasy stomach as Wraith destroyed Master Fulcana and she nearly lost her lunch when she saw him tear apart Master Bast.

All of them, dead and gone. Moments ago they were living, breathing people. She had conversed with them, planned with them, lived with them. And now they were just corpses, scattered throughout this Separatist base.

She was the last one. Ahsoka was the last surviving member of this mission. There was no one to help her take down The Wraith, no one to aid her if she ran into trouble, no one to turn to if she felt scared.

But The Wraith was still here. Still lurking in the shadows of hallways, creeping around the base and just waiting to pounce upon her. She had to get out of here, she needed to head back to Coruscant and tell her Masters about what had happened. The longer she stayed here, frozen in place, the sooner Wraith would find her... and who knows what he might do to her.

She needed to leave. Now.

Ahsoka bolted for the door, not caring about anything else apart from her survival. She sprinted down the hall and into the central room, not pausing to look at the body of Master Bast. Retracing her steps, Ahsoka quickly followed the route the group had taken to get in here, hoping to make it back to the shuttle without getting detected. The took the first left and entered a short corridor that lead to a hallway. A long one, that led directly to the outside. Escape was not far away...

That's when the lights went out.

Ahsoka slid to a halt and instinctively reached for her lightsabers, expecting someone to ambush her in the now blackened corridor. Her thoughts drifted to monster she was alone with. If she couldn't make it back to the shuttle, she would face a very grim fate indeed.

She shuddered as she imagined getting torn apart, like Master Bast had been.

The lights suddenly switched back on, illuminating the hall. Ahsoka could see her exit not far away, just down the hall. Looking behind her, Ahsoka felt a chill shoot up through her spine as she saw someone else in the corridor with her, at the opposite end.

It was Wraith.

He stood still, watching her movements. Gauging her actions and determining his next course of action. She quickly took in his tall and menacing form, body splattered with both Jedi and Clone blood. Wraith's gazed remained fixed on her, his HUD scanning her and indicating her pulse and heartbeat had greatly increased.

She was afraid of him.

Wraith rolled his shoulders, ready to put an end to-

No. He wouldn't. Here, in this moment, Wraith did something he never did. In all of his experience, where quick-thinking and split-second decisions helped him overcome all odds, Wraith did the one thing he had been instructed to never do. While his mind screamed at him to rush in and attack while the advantage was his, Wraith did the exact opposite.

He hesitated.

His eyes drunk in her lithe form, memorizing every curve and feature. Her orange skin, her striped montrals, her bright blue eyes that radiated fear... a very fine form indeed. She was the only member of this raiding party left. The last of those sent to apprehend him. He wouldn't kill her... interrogate her maybe, but not kill her.

"Come here, little one." He growled and began walking towards her at a slow pace. Without a second thought, Ahsoka turned and bolted towards the exit, fear driving her to escape and escape now! Seeing her retreat Wraith broke into a sprint, hoping to chase down Ahsoka before she could leave. Ahsoka quickly boosted her agility through the Force, acting on instinct. She looked over her shoulder to see Wraith closing in on her, growing larger and larger as he closed the gap between them. Thinking quickly, Ahsoka reached out with the Force and triggered the nearest door control. Wraith was almost directly behind her, Ahsoka could practically feel his mechanized breathing. Hopefully a narrow escape would cut him off, and one of these doors was bound to do the trick. A pair of doors a few feet in front of her started to close and Ahsoka sprinted with everything she had. With the Force fuelling her stamina, delivering such longevity even Wraith wasn't capable of, Ahsoka charged forward and lept through the narrow opening just before the doors closed behind her.

Wraith himself slammed into them, creating a sizeable dent and dislocating his shoulder in the process.

With a pained growl, Wraith forced his shoulder back into place and examined the doors before him. There was no way he could cut through them and there was also no way they would open, now that they had been forced out of place by such a sizeable dent. He could try to pry them open and fit himself through. But by the time he accomplished that, there would be no doubt that Ahsoka would be long gone, having used this as a means to buy her time as she fled from him.

No matter. Perhaps this was a better outcome. Someone needed to tell the Republic of their failure here. It might as well be her.

Fourteen Republic operatives had entered the complex... and only one escaped to tell of the utter defeat that had befallen them.

Wraith returned to the central surveillance hub and Overseer Juhm immediately took note of his blood splattered appearance.

"I... I take it your defence was a success?" He wondered.

"Indeed it was." Wraith replied. "The Republic has been dealt with, they will not bother you any more tonight." He reported. Juhm breathed a sigh of relief.

"On that note, our scans have detected a shuttle leaving the atmosphere." The Muun reported. Wraith assumed that had to be the shuttle Ahsoka was using to leave the planet. "Should I activate our air defences?" Juhm wondered. Wraith shook his head.

"No need. Let them go. I want the Republic to hear a first-hand account of their failure." He stated. Juhm nodded and turned back to the console.

"Well, since all is quiet, I must personally thank you for your efforts here today. You have done us a huge favour by repulsing the invaders and I am forever indebted to you Wraith." Wraith slowly nodded and crossed his arms.

"Perhaps, Overseer, you can repay me with that tour I asked for earlier." He replied, still hoping to get even a glimpse of the frigates under construction. With a smile Juhm lead him out of the hub.

"After what you've done for me today, it's the least I can do for you."


Back on Coruscant...

Obi-Wan Kenobi was concerned.

Not long ago, Ahsoka had sent him an emergency transmission and explained that the mission was a failure. The shuttle was on its way back immediately, but she did not indicate the status of Apex Company. Concerned for the wellbeing of all those involved, Obi-Wan quickly informed both Master Windu and Chancellor Palpatine of this recent development. The three men now stood waiting on a landing pad, anticipating the arrival of what they assumed would be Ahsoka and the remnants of Apex Company.

"Ahsoka didn't say much in her transmission, did she?" Mace commented to Obi-Wan.

"All she told me was that the mission was a failure." His fellow Jedi replied. "I'm assuming this means great trouble has befallen Apex Company."

"Perhaps we could look on the bright side of things, Master Jedi," Palpatine interjected, trying to be hopeful, "maybe The Wraith has been injured and was forced to retreat. Perhaps the casualties aren't nearly as bad as we think they could be."

"With all due respect, Chancellor," Mace responded, "considering what became of Anakin Skywalker after his encounter, I'm beginning to anticipate the worst if it involves The Wraith." Palpatine fell silent, knowing the Jedi was right but still hoping for some good news. The arrival of the shuttle drew their attention upwards as the specially designed craft landed before them. The engines powered down and the exit ramp extended from the now open access door, revealing a lone figure within the shuttle.

"Ahsoka!" Obi-Wan cried as the young Togruta staggered out, noting how she looked shaken and traumatized.

He also noted she was the only one to exit the craft.

Obi-Wan rushed to her side, fearing she might fall. But she managed to maintain her balance... barely. "What happened? Where is Apex Company?" He asked her. Ahsoka looked like she was in shock. She stared blankly off into the distance, absorbed by her thoughts.

Obi-Wan had no idea the horrors she had witnessed just hours ago.

"It... It was... horrible..." she whispered. "Master Fulcana was reduced to... n-nothing! Master Bast had her spine torn out, Master Tark was ripped in half a-a-and Ashan was... was..." Ahsoka couldn't say anymore as she collapsed to her knees, Obi-Wan was by her side in an instant. "And the Clones... by the Force, those poor Clones." She trembled, hands shaking as she remembered watching the security footage, seeing blood and limbs fly, innards be blasted apart and bodies torn open. "They never stood a chance!" She exclaimed. She turned to look at Palpatine and Master Windu. "You said they were supposed to be the best... but he killed them. He killed all of them without e-even thinking!" She told them. "He's a monster..." Ahsoka fell silent, flashbacks of the murders she had witness quickly shot through her mind. Obi-Wan turned back to Mace and Palpatine.

"She's been traumatized." He quietly stated.

"Dear me... whatever happened? How could we fail?" Palpatine wondered. Mace remained silent, but the understanding that Wraith had brutally executed several members of the Jedi Order did not sit well with him.

Savagery was one thing... carnage was another...

"Out of everything, e-everything I've ever seen during the Clone Wars... Such c-carnage... a blatant d-disregard for life..." Ahsoka mumbled, starting to grow lost in her recollections once more. Obi-Wan slowly helped her up.

"You need to rest. Come, we'll talk about this later." He gently told her as he began to escort Ahsoka away from the shuttle. Mace excused himself and moved to follow his fellow Jedi. As Palpatine watched them leave, he began to think. If even a unit engineered to eliminate deadly threats could be destroyed, if the Jedi's own Chosen One could be destroyed... was there truly anything that could stand against The Wraith?

This development, although he was aware of it, had progressed far beyond his initial predictions. This super-soldier was becoming more and more of a threat to Palpatine's ultimate plan. The potential consequences of this Wraith's activities could result in upsetting the entirety of Palpatine's massive scheme...

And this could not stand.

It appeared Palpatine himself would have to take action in order to secure his plans. Obviously, intervention would be required on behalf of Darth Sidious... and a communication paid to Count Dooku as soon as possible.


Elsewhere...

Count Dooku sat alone in his quarters, meditating in quiet and undisturbed silence. Events had been progressing well as of late, Wraith's actions had been spearheading Separatist advances throughout the galaxy and had also helped in securing the complete loyalty of several systems. His most recent report concerning the events of Gwori was equally positive. A Republic strikeforce had been cut down and eradicated by him alone, preventing the possibility of sabotage and loss of the valuable shipyards.

It was his own master: Darth Sidious.

"Darth Tyrannus." The Sith Lord addressed him.

"Master." Dooku bowed in reverance. "How may I serve you?"

"I have been observing the recent actions of The Wraith... and I am growing concerned."

"What troubles you, Master?"

"The fact that one man is capable of beating the most powerful Jedi to a bloody pulp." Sidious replied, a notable edge to his voice. "If he could do such a thing to someone who wields the Light Side of the Force, then he could just as easily defeat someone who controls the Dark Side."

"If I understand correctly, my lord, you are concerned whether Wraith will turn against us?"

"Beating Anakin Skywalker has proved to be a major blow against the Republic, but I have no doubt it has also boosted Wrath's ego tenfold. There would be nothing to stop him if he turned against us."

"I see. Such thoughts had not crossed my mind."

"You have been blinded by his skill, my apprentice. You put too much faith in one man." Sidious reprimanded him. "Keep me appraised of his work."

"It shall be done, Master." Dooku replied as Sidious disappeared from view.


Author's Note: Shoutout to SAK-96 for the idea of Sidious' thoughts on Wraith! Another shoutout to everybody who answered my challenge at the end of Chapter 12. I have a boatload of new ideas to play with, thanks to you all!

Until my next posting, Merry Christmas everybody!