Hey guys, it's been a busy summer, that's part of why this was so late. I've also had one heck of a case of writers block, this was a tough chapter to write, but I'm hoping that I can get on track now. Sorry for the lateness of it, and I hope you guys enjoy!


Very few things could captivate Anakin like being in the guts of something mechanical. Only his family and his duty as a Jedi were up above it in the sense of fulfillment it gave him. It was one of the first things he'd been proud of. After all, it'd gotten him and his mother out of the clutches of Gardulla, and it'd spared him a few beatings from Watto. At the end of the day, his mechanical skills had been what got him to where he was today. So, when they'd bought the G9 Rigger, the same as his once beloved Twilight, he couldn't pass up the opportunity to bring it up to his specifications. R2 had helped him modify the defensive weapons to allow for a smoother operation already. They'd restored the ship's shields as well, and he was now working on getting just a little bit more power from the hyperdrive while R2 made sure that everything was in order with the medical droid they'd installed to replace the holographic one. He had a feeling they'd be needing the Twilight II sooner rather than later, especially if Obi-Wan's treaty with the Mandalorians amounted to anything.

Speaking of his Master, Anakin glanced over to see Obi-Wan teaching Kittani the basics of piloting a starfighter. He grinned. This was a new experience for his Master since Obi-Wan hadn't exactly had to teach Anakin about piloting. However, Obi-Wan was a respectable pilot in his own right, and Kittani would learn just fine.

"She most certainly will Anakin." Obi-Wans voice suddenly picked up, letting on that he had sensed Anakin's thoughts through their force bond. "After all, I'm teaching her to fly, which is a far better option than the near suicidal acts that some take when behind the controls of a starship." Oh, Anakin could just feel the smirk coming from his master, and the laugh he heard from Kittani didn't help.

"Oh come now Master. I can't help it that flying is just a way of getting around for most. I look at flying like an art." Anakin fired back, grinning.

"Oh really? Because I seem to remember this one time on Felucia…" Obi-Wan let the sentence trail off. Anakin rolled his eyes, of course he'd bring up Felucia.

"Hey, I couldn't help that we were in a slow ship with vulture droids tailing us." He quipped back. Kittani was trying to suppress her laughter, but it was easy to tell. Anakin sighed and finished his adjustment to the hyperdrive before closing it back up and pulling himself out from under the ship. He grinned and set his hydrospanner down. "I wouldn't pay much heed to Obi-Wans teachings when it comes to me Kittani, he's just trying to ignore all those times I've come to his rescue."

Obi-Wan chuckled, "And what of all the times I've come to your rescue? Or did you forget Teth?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin shook his head but chuckled, "No, I didn't. But you seem to always forget Cato Neimoidia, Master." As a reply, Obi-Wan just shook his head.

"Every time, you always bring up Cato Neimoidia." He said, although the smile hadn't disappeared from his face.

Anakin shot him a smirk, then looked up to Kittani. "So, Padawan, are you ready to fly? Obi-Wan tells me you've done well enough in the training simulators." He smiled as she nodded from her seat in the Eta-II.

"Yes, Master Skywalker. And thank you. Master, all systems are clear up here, I think I'm ready."

Obi-Wan turned to look at her, "You think you're ready? Or you are ready?" Obi Wan asked. Anakin smiled some as he watched the girl's cheeks flush in embarrassment. A pilot always had to be sure their ship was ready… at least, as ready as it could be.

"I am ready, Master." She said, nodding some.

Obi-Wan smiled a bit and nodded, "Alright young one, remember, follow the course we plotted. Stay in sight of the Venator. If you need the help, R4 is fully capable of taking control of the ship. This will be your first flight on your own Kittani, but I trust that you'll do well. I'll be waiting for you here when you land." He said as he stepped away from the fighter, Anakin smiled and did the same.

Anakin watched as the padawan closed her cockpit and did one final check, then couldn't help the grin as she fired up the Eta's engines and, with the careful steadiness he could only expect of Obi-Wan, she eased the ship from its bay and then took off. Once she was gone, he clapped a hand to his Master's back. "She'll be fine Obi-Wan. After all, she only has the best teacher in the Order."

"I don't know about that." Obi-Wan said softly. "I've made my share of mistakes, Anakin… I was distant from you at times, and I'll always regret not listening to you about your visions." He said. "Never mind that whole business with Rako Hardeen." He said.

Anakin shook his head, "Obi-Wan… that's in the past now. It was… a rough time, but we got through. You're still my brother, and my closest friend. You always will be." He said. "Besides, I wasn't exactly the easiest padawan to teach." He said, causing Obi-Wan to smile some.

"No, you may not have been, but I don't think I would trade you for any other." He said, which made Anakin smile.

"Well, if that's the case, maybe in the future you could handle two more Skywalkers?" Anakin asked, after all, his children would need a teacher as much as he did.

"Oh no, one Skywalker was enough. I couldn't possibly imagine training two daredevils who love to not listen and treat simple flying like they're racing through Beggars Canyon." He said, chuckling some. "Besides, I'm sure they'll want to learn from their father." He included.

"Maybe they will, but I'd still like some help." Anakin said, sighing some. "After all, the only Padawan I've taken is Ahsoka." He added.

"And look how she turned out. If it hadn't been for the council's mistakes… I know that she'd be a Jedi Knight right now, she effectively is in all but name." He said. "Speaking of that Anakin… I think you should consider taking on a new Padawan… Master Yoda wants you to… the Order needs every new Jedi being trained that we can manage, and you certainly qualify to train them." He said.

Anakin sighed some, "I just… I can't help but remember what happened with Ahsoka… all the mistakes I made, what I could have done better, and of course what happened in the end." He said.

Obi-Wan placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke in a calm tone, "Anakin, you are far from the only Master who's had regrets when it comes to how they trained their Padawan. I have regrets about how I trained you, as I just said. No one is perfect, and each Padawan is a different experience. But as teachers, we must eventually accept that we've done the best we can, and that we must let them go their own path. But let me make this clear; you are a good teacher Anakin." Obi-Wan looked past him, and a grin spread. "And I'm sure your first Padawan would say just the same."

Anakin turned and couldn't help but smile sheepishly. Ahsoka had slipped up on them as they'd been talking. She sighed some and looked to him, her arms crossed. "Master, you taught me everything that has gotten me this far. Yes, we had our rough spots… but, I wouldn't want to have learned under anyone else. So, don't you go doubting yourself Skyguy, any Padawan would be lucky to learn under you." She smiled. "I would know."

Anakin raised his hands, "Okay, okay, I'll think about it." He said, before taking a change in the subject. "So, Ahsoka, did you need something?

"I actually wanted to talk to the both of you. I was meditating earlier and… I had a vision." She said.

Anakin glanced to Obi-Wan, concern flooding him. He'd had a lot of experience with visions, rarely any of them good. "Ahsoka, what kind of vision did you have?" He asked his once Padawan. This wasn't the first time she'd had one, her visions had saved Padme from assassination.

"It… wasn't much. I saw flashes mostly. A dark clad figure… a woman, I think. Her armor hid her face, but she was carrying a strange light saber. I… saw children… I think they might have been force sensitive; I could feel it. If this is based off of past experience and suspicions, I think Palpatine might be trying to gather more force sensitives."

Anakin scowled at this and let out a huff. It wasn't good news, but it wasn't a surprise either. After all, this wasn't the first time someone had tried to kidnap force sensitive younglings. They just knew who it was now. For a moment, Anakin heard the darkness in him. 'He's building power against you. You must kill him. Then we may rule.' He shook the feeling away, then glanced to Obi Wan. "We may need to go to Master Yoda." He said, to which Obi Wan nodded. Anakin then turned back to Ahsoka, "I believe your vision… it makes sense, but we don't have a lot to go on with it for now."

Obi Wan nodded, "I agree, the last time we were faced with this problem, it took four of us working together to try and locate the younglings. Let me call Kittani back in, I don't want her out piloting on her own without me nearby to help." He said as he contacted her over his wrist comlink. "Kittani, come in. Something's come up, I'll have to cut your piloting lesson short today."

"Understood Master, I'll be back on the ship momentarily." Anakin heard Kittani's reply through the comlink and couldn't help the grin on his face at her slight reluctance to agreeing.

"Sounds to me like she's gotten a taste for flying." He said to Obi-Wan, his grin widening. "Are you sure you don't want me to give her some lessons sometime?"

He couldn't help but laugh at the glare that Obi-Wan sent him.


They found Master Yoda working with some of the Initiates and Padawans who'd lost their Masters. It pained Anakin to think about what had happened to them; he could feel that some were still deeply disturbed by what they'd witnessed in the temple. Some he didn't even have to reach out to the force with, as a few sported visible scars or still healing wounds, it'd only been a standard month after all. One child even sported a full mechno-arm, from the shoulder down… something that Anakin had helped make himself.

Master Yoda had been assisting them in meditation. Anakin guessed it was a way to grant some peace and closure to both the younglings and to the old Grand Master himself. He looked up as the Jedi group entered and gave them a nod of acknowledgment. Anakin watched as Yoda tapped his Gimer stick against the floor. "Younglings, guests, we have." The older Master announced. The children slowly brought themselves out of meditation, only a few smiled.

"Master Yoda, we were hoping to speak with you." Obi-Wan stated. The Grand Master gave a slight nod of his head, then turned to the younglings.

"Return I shall. Continue your meditation, balance in the force you must seek." Master Yoda stated before heading out into the hall to join them. "Hmm, troubling you, something is?" He asked them.

Anakin nodded to Ahsoka, who spoke up. "I've been having visions, Master Yoda. I think they're trying to warn me. I could use some help identifying them." She said.

"We think it could involve the Emperor's plan to kidnap force sensitive kids, just like the Holocron Crisis. And just like the Crisis, we were wondering if group meditation might help us track down who's doing it or where it could happen." Anakin said.

Master Yoda nodded some, "Troubling news, this is…" The Grand Master nodded, "Yes, meditate on this we will. Enlighten us, the force may. Come, meditate before the younglings we shall. Show them the power of the force this may." He explained before turning and heading back into the room.

Anakin followed, "Master Yoda, are you sure this is a good idea? Many of them are still in training, what if we exposed them to the dark side?"

The elder Master chuckled and glanced to him. "Stopped you from seeking adventure, did it, that you were only training?" He asked. "Surround us, the dark side does. Seen its power, we all have. No, better for them to see firsthand it may be. Teach them to avoid its pull, we must… and the luxury of time, we do not have." Master Yoda stated.

Anakin sighed, but nodded some. Master Yoda was right. They didn't have the time to carefully train the younglings, and many of them had already felt the warping of the force under Palpatine's power. It was better for them to learn how to try and discern information from the force with a group of experienced Jedi to guide them.

"Padawans, Younglings, gather. Come, come!" The Grand Master said. "An important task, before us has come. Visions, Ahsoka Tano has seen. Targeting young force sensitives, an agent of Palpatine may be. Through the force, find them, we may be able to. Join us to learn, you shall." The kids all quickly got up and gathered, albeit with a hint of nervousness as they milled about.

Obi Wan stepped forward, "Alright everyone, let's gather around. Ahsoka, if you'd like, move to the center so we can all aid you." He said. Anakin watched as his once Padawan nodded and moved. He followed Obi Wan and settled around her along with Master Yoda. "Kittani, could you and your fellow Padawans help settle the minds of the younger members? Guide them."

"Yes Master." The young Pantoran said. Anakin took initiative as well, turning to those behind him, including a young boy he'd noticed from time to time with Kittani.

"Alright, it'll be okay. I want the four of you to just place your hands on my shoulders or back. Physical touch helps me guide you. You'll reach out into the force, following our guidance, and we'll see what the force reveals. We may experience some visions, but it will be okay, we can sort through them." He said. He wasn't about to say they were only visions… he knew the power they could hold.

The younglings around him nodded and he felt their hands as he turned back around. Anakin reached forward, placing a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. He opened himself to the force and felt the others around him doing the same. He guided the younglings in how to bring their force signatures into line so they could all work towards the same goal.

He could feel Ahsoka starting to focus on what she wanted to see, on the visions she'd had. Before long, the images came. A small city on an unknown planet. An Imperial ship, dull grey in its entirety, landing and dropping off the black clad figure. The momentary feeling of the dark side which emanated from this person. A pair of lightsabers at her hips. Then brief flashes of a scared family of Zeltron. Then nothing.

"Alright… that… was more than last time." Ahsoka said.

"Younglings, now that you've seen this. You need to reach out with the force. We shall guide you." Obi Wan said. "Tell us if you feel anything."

Anakin nodded, and he could feel the signatures around him reaching out. He reached out himself, searching in the force. Searching for anything. He caught flashes too, other force sensitives, at first, he thought they might have just been younglings, but, no, he realized that they were Jedi. There were other Jedi who had survived Order 66 and were now in hiding. The though excited him, but they would have to act on it later. With a breath, Anakin turned back to searching for any children, or for the dark side user themselves. However, it was one of the younglings who found what they were looking for.

"M…Master Skywalker. I feel cold." The youngling that Kittani knew, Gant Sarat, said from behind him.

"Be careful youngling… what you're feeling, it's the dark side of the force. Guide me." He said, voice calm and level. He focused on the youngling, letting him guide him. Anakin felt through the force with him, and then he could see it, the planet. "Good, you're doing good Gant, focus, try to see what the force tells us."

"I… I can feel them Master… I can feel this dark side, getting near the planet." Then a gasp, "I… I think I know where it is… I… I need a map."

Anakin nodded and quickly tapped into his comm link and command glove. He brought up a small holomap of the galaxy. "Here, think this will work?"

"Yes… I think so." He said, scanning the map, manipulating it. "Here. This sector, that's where the force is guiding me to."

"Alright, excellent work." Anakin said, standing. The others had halted their meditation as well. "Master Yoda, it looks like we have enough to at least begin a search, we should know the system now at least." He added.

The Grand Master nodded and looked to both him and Obi-Wan. "Assemble a group of men, take them with you, you should. Initiate Sarat as well, will go. Old enough to be a Padawan he is, and sense the dark side user, he did. An opportunity for him to learn and grow, this is." He said.

Anakin nodded, "Yes Master." He said before turning back to the youngling. "Gant, I want you to go get a com-link like the one I'm wearing on my wrist and a cable launcher like this one." He said, pointing out both of his own as the young man nodded. He glanced to Obi-Wan, "Do you mind if Kittani went with him, she knows where they are."

"No, of course not, Kittani, would you?" His friend asked the Padawan.

"Yes, Master. She said, smiling some. "Come on Gant!" She said, motioning to them as they took off.

Anakin watched them go and stood up, nodding to Ahsoka. "You did well with guiding everyone. You're strong with the force Ahsoka… I know that leading group meditations like that can be challenging."

She smiled some and stepped out of the dispersing circle of Jedi, "What can I say, I had a good Master. It's why I think others need to learn under him as well."

Anakin sighed, but nodded, "Maybe you're right, let's just hope they aren't as snippy as you are, Snipps." Anakin said, bringing up her old nickname, trying to lighten the tension of an upcoming mission. He got an elbow for his troubles.

"Ha ha, very funny, Skyguy." She said while Anakin shot her a grin in return.

"Well, if you two are ready, I've contacted Cody. He, Rex, and some of their men will meet us in the hangar." Obi Wan said.

Anakin nodded, taking a breath. "Alright, let's see what the Empire has in store for us."


"We're dropping from hyperspace now." Anakin said. "Gant, come up here and let's see if we can pick our target back out." He said, motioning for the boy to enter the cockpit of Twilight II.

"Take the controls, Ahsoka. I'll work with Gant to guide us in." He said as he motioned Gant to step forward. Anakin had the younger boy place his hand on his shoulder again, and they reached out into the force. It didn't take long before Anakin picked up on it along with him. However, he could feel it in the force, their enemy had picked up on them as well.

"Get ready, I think the welcoming party knows we're coming." Anakin said as he guided Ahsoka. It didn't take long before they could all feel the presence of the dark side on a planet that was steadily growing closer. Anakin took a breath and centered himself in the force, calming down as it flowed through him.

"Alright, we know there's at least one force user down there that could be an opponent. They could well have support though, and in fact I'd count on it. Obi-Wan, I think it might be best if Kittani and Gant here work with the troopers to give us cover while the three of us deal with the dark side user down there."

"I agree, Kittani, Gant, as Anakin said, you'll be working with the clones to cover us. It's likely that if this person was sent by the Emperor, they'll have some level of support. Be ready for anything, even if it means a lightsaber duel." He said, and Anakin nodded, taking a breath. He then turned on his wrist coms.

"Rex, we're entering the planet's atmosphere now. I'm going to be bringing us as close as possible to where I can pick up this force sensitive, they probably know we're on the way as well. Are your men ready?" He asked as he settled them into a smooth descent through the atmosphere. He could still feel the dark siders awareness of them and had a feeling this would be a fight.

"As ready as always Sir! We'll give them a fight."

As they moved closer to the small city, Anakin started looking for places to land. This wasn't the pressed alleys and streets of a major metropolis, there were open areas, markets, squares, even parks. The tallest building may have been six stories. This made it easy enough to spot the white armored figures running out into a park near one of the many apartment buildings there. The missile lock warning started to blare in the cockpit, and blue blaster fire started to arc up at them. "Hold on! Things are going to get a little bumpy!"

Anakin watched as the missile fired and got ready to dodge. He turned the ship into it, knowing if he could make it miss up close, it'd lose lock. "R2! Get ready to take control of the ship, we'll be disembarking once we land!" He said.

"Anakin, what are you doing!?" Obi-Wan said from behind him as he kept closing.

"Getting us to the landing zone!" He said as he rolled the ship to start dodging the blaster fire headed there way as well, all while timing the missile.

At the last moment, Anakin kicked the ship into a skid and pushed the nose down, causing the missile to go streaking past without detonating. A few seconds later he heard an explosion, and the lock warning ended. "Alright R2, get us on the ground and get the rear door open! Rex, be ready to put down some covering fire!"


Rex didn't need to be told that twice. "Alright boys, General wants us to be ready to come out the door fighting!" He said as he stepped into position, both his blasters ready.

"Oh, I'll be ready alright." One of the other troopers, Knockout, said as he readied his Z-6 Rotary Blaster.

Cody stepped up as well, getting his squads ready. "Alright boys… I won't lie… this won't be easy. It'll be other clones down there, our brothers… but, they're on the wrong side. We have to fight, to save ourselves, our brothers, and the Republic." Rex could tell the uncertainty in his voice. "We have to do this, for everyone." He said.

They all went silent when the ramp started to drop. Rex heard blaster fire. The ship finished its turn, and they were face to face with troopers of the 41st Elite Corps. Both sides paused, weapons raised. Rex, faced with brothers, paused. Could he really ask his men to kill their brothers? It had been different on Coruscant, those men had made their choice… but if the chip was so extensive as to take away free will… was this right?

"Surrender!" Cody barked. The tension was broken.

"Traitors! Open Fire!" One of the clones shouted. A blaster bolt streaked past.

Rex didn't hesitate, his mind fell back into that old safety blanket of training as he fired. Blasters ripped to life around him. The Z-6 next to him whirred into action. He then heard lightsabers ignite as the five Jedi with them charged out, pushing the clones back. Rex kept up the fire and advanced. He found himself fighting side by side with the new youngling, Sarat, who was deflecting blaster bolts wildly as he ran. "Come on kid, you're doing fine! Let's keep the pace!" He shouted, gunning down another opposing trooper with his dual blasters.

"Alright!" The kid shouted back. Rex covered the young Jedi, just as he'd done for a time with Ahsoka. He calmed some, deflecting blaster bolts more steadily.

"Rex!" General Skywalker started over the comms. "Think your men can set a perimeter around that entry way?"

"On it General!" He called out, keeping up the fire as they leapt over a wall separating the park from the street. "Cody! This looks like as solid a position as any, you think?"

"As solid as it's gonna get! Jaxx, Sarat! We're staying here, you two are gonna help cover us! The Generals are gonna head in to take care of Jedi business!" Cody replied.

Rex stayed at a half crouch. The fire had slacked off some, the enemy was regrouping. He, along with the others, sent out some blasts to keep their heads down.

"Shouldn't we be helping with that Jedi business?!" Gant asked.

"Not yet! Apartment block like that's too tight! Remember what General Kenobi said!" He ordered.

More of the 41st poured in, and Rex laid on the fire. "Rex!" Someone shouted. He didn't reply. They couldn't risk letting up while they had an advantage.

"Rex!" He heard it again, through his comlink. Rex turned to reply and froze. Staring at him was Fives, just as he'd been on 1313. The smoking hole in his chest, that glare in his eyes.

"You're gonna get men killed, Rex!" Fives snapped at him.

"F…fives?" He said. No, that couldn't be. Fives was dead. Then Fives tackled him to the ground.

Cody was staring down at him. "Rex! You're gonna get killed standing like that! Get back in the fight! I need you to see this!" He shouted. Rex shook his head to clear it and got up. What had that been? He'd seen Fives, why was he seeing Fives? He moved over with Cody to one of the 41st Elite troopers they'd downed.

"Is that Gree!?" He asked.

"Yeah! He's still breathing, he's not the only one!" Cody shouted.

"What're you thinking!?" Rex asked. Somehow, deep down, he knew though. Get their brothers out. Get the chip out. Try to bring them back.

"I think we've got to try! At least once!" Cody shouted.

Rex looked to him for a moment, his mind made up. "Alright! We'll try! Let's make sure we can get out too for now!" He returned to the firing line, trying to ignore what he'd seen earlier. They had to hold out till the Generals handled business.


The inside of the building was chaos. Blast marks scorched the walls, and there were civilians hiding in the hallways and in the open doors of the apartment rooms. There were bodies on the floor, frozen in death. What bothered Anakin the most however, were the clear signs of a lightsaber having been used, either on some of the inhabitants, or parts of the building. Some of the doors had been forced open by having a saber ignited through their automatic locks, there were scorch marks along the wall from where attacks had been used.

"Well, we know we're dealing with force users at least." Asoka commented, igniting her lightsaber. Anakin nodded and did the same, hearing Obi-Wan's ignite as well. Some of the civilians screamed or shouted, seeing the weapons come to life. Anakin acted quickly,

"Easy, easy, it's okay, we're Jedi, we're here to stop the ones who did this." He explained. "Has anyone seen where they went to?" Anakin asked.

One person spoke up, "T..they headed upstairs! I… I think they went to the third floor."

With a nod, Anakin hurried upstairs, the others right behind him. The destruction continued its way upstairs, where more people hid and bodies lay, some having been slapped aside using the force, some cut, and others blasted.

"I think that's where they went." Obi-Wan pointed out as they rounded the next flight of stairs, showing where a door had once stood, but was now partially cut through by a lightsaber, bent in the center, and had been blasted into the hallway beyond. Anakin nodded.

"I've got a bad feeling about this." Ahsoka murmured beside him as they moved through the door, and into the face masks of two very surprised clone troopers. Before they could raise the alarm, a force push from him and Obi-Wan slammed the troopers together, then into the walls, knocking them out cold.

A scream, followed by cry of a baby, caught his attention. Anakin took off at a run to the only open door. As he neared it, a wave of the force hit him. Anakin jumped just in time to dodge a red lightsaber blade that appeared through the wall. Leading with his lightsaber, Anakin pushed into the room. Before him was a violent scene. The father had been struck down for trying to defend himself. A blaster lay on the floor near his limp hand, his chest split open by a lightsaber slash. The mother was still breathing, barely, with a wound in her stomach.

Across the sparsely furnished room stood two figures, both clad in black and wearing full face helmets. The shorter of the two sported a feminine form, and through the red visor Anakin could tell they were staring him down. Over a black uniform they wore a black cape trimmed with red. They carried a strange, circular, lightsaber hilt. The figure held it at the ready in one hand. In the other hand was a young Zeltron who was screaming and crying.

The second being was taller, even taller than Anakin himself. The face mask was elongated as well, and the armor revealed that this being wasn't human, especially since their knees bent the wrong way. They wore heavier armor than the first and held the same strange lightsaber. The dark side swirled around both, and Anakin took up a defensive stance, Obi Wan and Ahsoka doing the same.

"Well. Look who finally arrived." The taller one said, settling into a ready fighting stance.

"The once proud and just Jedi Order, laid so low after it tried to do the same to the galaxy." The shorter one stated. "Even when broken and beaten, you Jedi refuse to accept your fate and die."

"We'll give you one chance. Surrender peacefully. You're facing two Jedi Masters and a Knight. You can't win." Obi-Wan said.

The shorter figure chuckled, "Oh, two masters? So, it took the decimation of the Jedi Order for Anakin Skywalker to become a Master Jedi? Master Yoda must've gotten desperate." She said. "And Ahsoka Tano. I never would've expected to see you come back to the order after everything they did to you."

Anakin's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

"Oh, we used to be Jedi just like you. I got left behind, abandoned, and then I got a chance for revenge by serving something bigger than even the order." The taller one sneered, "And let me say, so far it has been good."

The shorter figure just snorted, "I'm surprised you don't recognize me, especially you Ahsoka. After all. Is that any way to treat a friend?" She said before her helmet unsealed and the face mask retracted.

"Barriss..." Ahsoka said as she stepped forward. "You're no friend of mine. Not after what you did."

"You mean what the Jedi Order did. They were the ones that didn't defend you. They were the ones that turned you over for trial." She said. "They failed you. Just as they failed the galaxy."

"No Barriss… you're wrong. Now look what's happened to you… how far you've fallen. Working for a Sith Lord."

Barriss sneered. "You don't know anything Ahsoka. I'm on the right side now. The Empire will bring stability to the galaxy like it hasn't seen for centuries. Something the Jedi can never do." She said before her lightsaber ignited and she settled into a ready stance

"Hand over the child Barriss, you know you're outnumbered." Anakin said, advancing.

"Oh, I don't think I will be." She countered, pressing a button on her commlink.

Anakin pushed down the feeling of urgency. They were in a race against time now. He charged in. Saber raised to strike. The other dark Jedi blocked,. Anakin grunted as he blocked an attack, then launched into a quick series of strikes. With each blow, he threw more of his strength into the attack. With a sudden thrust, he forced his opponent to sidestep. Anakin pushed his way between them, leaving Barriss open.

"Focus on her! I'll hold him off!" He shouted, leaving Barriss to Obi-Wan and Ahsoka.

Pain shot through him as a kick to the stomach sent him flying back. Anger flared through him as Anakin blocked another strike. He lashed out with the force, and his opponent flew across the room, striking the far wall. Anakin pushed himself up, trying to ignore the pain in his stomach. For a moment, he felt the urge from within. That gentle whisper of the dark side pushing him to unleash his full power on his opponent and kill him, to force all those around him to know his power and make them kneel.

Taking a deep breath, Anakin forced himself to remain calm. He wasn't going to give in to the dark side. He could hear the sounds of Obi-Wan and Ahsoka fighting Barriss. Their fight had moved into the next room judging by the muffled sounds of lightsaber combat punctuated by the screaming cries of the small child they were trying to rescue. He heard a groan from his own opponent, who was pushing himself up.

"Well, the infamous Chosen One. Was that a hint of the dark side I felt?" He chuckled as he regained his footing. "Why don't you just give in to it? Better than fighting off the inevitable." Suddenly, both ends of his saber flashed into being, catching Anakin off guard.

"Sorry, I think I'll pass. I'm not one for giving in." Anakin said, preparing for the next bout. "Neat trick, so that's the toy that all of Palpatine's underlings get." He quipped.

"Oh, you haven't seen the half of it." The dark Jedi smirked and pressed a button, suddenly the light saber began to rapidly spin as he advanced. "The entire inquisition is going to sing my praises when they learn that the Third Brother has killed the famous Anakin Skywalker."

With that, he lunged at Anakin. Anakin backpedaled, blocking the strikes of the rapidly spinning blade. This Third Brother was going all in. He stopped the spinning of the blade and lunged, attacking with the Saber staff. Anakin met him blow for blow, catching each of his strikes. As soon as he gained an opportunity, Anakin went on the attack. He drove his saber forward, catching the Third Brother's and forcing him into a saber lock. Anakin grabbed his opponent's wrist with his own mechno-arm and squeezed. He suddenly drove the two sabers up towards the Third Brothers face. There was a flash as one of the blades contacted the armor, and a howl of pain as the Brother retreated, holding his lightsaber with one hand and the other over his mask.

After a moment, the mask opened up, revealing the face of a Shistavanen male with a fresh wound along his snout. Anakin stepped forward, ready to end the duel. Suddenly, the Third Brother lashed out with a desperate push of the force. Anakin braced, resisting the attack. Before Anakin could act, his opponent retreated through the door. He heard glass shatter in the next room, and the sounds of lightsabers was gone. Just as Anakin was about to leave, something snagged his boot. It was the mother of the child, still barely clinging to life. He could feel it fading rapidly though.

"P-please… save my baby." She managed to get out, tearing up some.

"We will, I promise, they won't take her." He said, trying to console her as he knelt. She just stared up at him before her eyes closed, and Anakin could feel her fear. She had just been a bystander… caught up in a war she'd wanted nothing to do with. Anakin did his best to use the force to comfort her, and in a few seconds, she was gone.

With a deep breath, Anakin stood and ran towards the window. A simple push with the force made the glass explode outward, and Anakin leapt towards the ground, intent on keeping his word.


Rex's head shot up as he heard the explosion of glass above him. A Window had blown open, and who else but force users were jumping out of it. General Kenobi and Commander Tano were in pursuit of another force user. "Incoming!" He shouted, getting the men spread out.

The force user landed in the middle of the street, his Jedi right behind. The two younglings moved in as well, and Rex managed to gather a squad to level their blasters. "Hold your fire! That force user has a child!" he warned. Even a stun shot could be lethal to an infant. The Jedi all closed in, the dark side user raising their lightsaber. Above them, another window shattered, this time with General Skywalker coming out of it.

"Barriss!" The General shouted as he came flying down, using the force to reduce his impact.

"Surrender Barriss, you're surrounded. End this madness, we can help you." Commander Tano said, her lightsabers still raised.

"Hand over the child Barriss." General Skywalker added.

Rex raised his blasters, ready for what he was sure would be another kriffing fight against a force user. First Ventress, and now this. He could feel that chill run down his spine, a slight tightness in his throat. The last time he'd dealt with a dark Jedi up close, he'd gotten force choked.

He saw a grin on the once Padawan's face as Barriss spoke, "You want this child? Come and get her."

He watched as the Generals moved in, lightsabers ignited. Suddenly, one of the younglings, Sarat, charged forward as well, coming in from behind. In the blink of an eye, another force user came charging in, a tall Shistavanen, and kicked the kid back. Rex fired, keeping him from cutting into the kid as he went on the defensive.

"Useless clone! Stay out of things that are above you!" He barked, and suddenly Rex had a very large lightsaber flying end over end at him. He ducked. The lightsaber never met its target. General Skywalker knocked it away with his own blade. Rex watched as the General stepped beside the youngling Sarat.

"You're a brave one. But a bit reckless." He said, his ever-present grin taking over. "What do you say we take them together?"

The two Jedi rushed in to engage the dark Jedi. Rex moved some of his men into position, targeting him as well. General Kenobi, Commander Tano, and Commander Jaxx were all targeting Offee, who was using the child as a shield to hold them off. The rest of the clones, under Cody's command, were holding off the 41st. As they traded blows, Rex noticed a slight pattern in the dark siders attacks, he wasn't as creative as the General.

"Jessi, Static, fire ascension cables at him on my command." Rex watched, carefully, waiting for the just right moment. There! "3…2…1… Fire!" Rex fire his own cable, and two more joined it from other sides. Each one clunked into the dark Jedi's armor or flesh and secured. "Dig in, hold him!" He barked, digging his heels into the pavement.

The Shistavanen let out a snarl and yanked on the ascension cables. Rex scooted forward some from the raw strength, but put his weight into it and pulled back. "General, now's your chance!" Rex shouted. General Skywalker started to advance, before things went sideways. A loud rumbling was heard overhead. Rex looked up to see an Arquitens cruiser hovering into the atmo over them. At the same time, Offee acted.

"If you want this child, then catch her!" She shouted before using the force to send the child high up into the air to let her fall. Both Skywalker and Kenobi instinctively reached up, catching the child with the force and gently lowering it back down. With the Jedi suddenly distracted, she used her lightsaber to cut through the cables holding her ally. Rex skidded back from the sudden amount of slack. The two launched themselves overhead, blocking a few blaster bolts the clones sent their way. Their lightsabers suddenly began to spin rapidly, and Rex almost wasn't surprised that they were able to fly with them. The remaining 41st troops started pulling back as well. But, for now, there were more pressing matters.

"Rex, Cody! Contact R2 and have him bring the ship. We need to leave, now!" General Kenobi shouted.

"Rex, I'll hail the Liberation, you get the ship here. Generals! We've got some wounded here! They're from the 41st, but we think we can save them!" Cody shouted. Rex quickly got on comms with R2, summoning the droid and the freighter. It didn't take the little droid long either as the freighter swooped in, doors already open.

"Alright, get the wounded on board! We've gotta outrun that thing!" General Skywalker shouted, holding the baby. Rex glanced back, and noticed a shuttle docking with the Arquitens now, it wouldn't be long before it came after them. Rex pushed his men into overtime, getting everyone on board. The Jedi helped with the wounded, moving them into the bay where the medical droid could start looking them over. As soon as the last person was on, Rex climbed aboard. As he stared out the closing ramp, he caught another glimpse of Fives, staring back at him from the street they'd just fought at.


"R2, get the shields up and divert power from the weapons to the engines. We aren't going to outfight that cruiser." Anakin said, handing off the crying child to Ahsoka. "Everyone, hold on!" He said as he powered up the ship. He could feel the child's fear radiating out through the force and did his best to send out his own calming waves.

"I've got sight of that ship, it's giving pursuit. Can we outrun it?" Obi-Wan asked, making sure he was buckled in.

"Barely. The Twilight II isn't entirely up to my specs yet." Anakin turned the ship skyward, putting the throttle to max as he fought to escape atmo.

"Then let's hope the Liberation picked up on Cody's call then." Obi-Wan before a turbolaser shot streaked past the ship. Anakin skidded the ship, keeping it moving to make them a harder target. More shots streaked past. One made a glancing blow to the shields, making the ship shudder.

"We won't take many more hits like that!" Obi-Wan stated.

"Well, then it's a good thing I don't think they're trying to shoot us down!" Anakin snapped back as he eked every bit of power out of the ship. They were slowly pulling away, the sky darkening as they started leaving atmo. They weren't far enough from the planet though to jump to hyperspace.

It was just as they escaped into space that the Liberation dropped out of hyperspace in the distance. Anakin quickly got into contact. "Master Kota! Think you could give us some support?"

"I think that can be arranged. We'll have the hangar bay open for you, just get on board so we can get out of here before the Empire comes down on top of us!" He replied. Within a moment the Liberation opened fire on the cruiser behind them, sending heavy turbolaser fire streaking past.

"They're breaking off, looks like they at least know when to give up the fight." Anakin said, sighing. He didn't back off the throttle, instead keeping up the speed until they were practically landing down the flight strip of the Liberation. There was a group ready to receive them as Anakin slipped the Twilight II into one of the hangar bays. With a bit of a relieved sigh, Anakin set the ship down and shut it down, they were home.


Anakin grinned sheepishly as he stepped down the ramp with the others. Rex and Cody were already working with their men and the medical staff to get the wounded clones to the ships med-bay. But for the moment he was more focused on Padme standing before him, her arms crossed, and an eyebrow raised. He noticed her chocolate eyes glance to Ahsoka, who was still carrying the baby they'd rescued, he sighed at the questioning look that came across her features for a moment.

"We were too late to save the parents… two dark Jedi had attacked and cut through anyone that stood in their way… One of them called the group they were with the inquisition… he was a Shistavanen… the other was Bariss Offee." He explained, not only to her but to the entire group.

A deeply troubled look appeared on Master Yoda's face. "Turned some Jedi to the dark side, Darth Sidious has, troubling, this is."

Obi-Wan spoke up, "From our experience in fighting them, I do not think Sidious has given them much training in the Dark Side. They most certainly are not Sith, but it means that Sidious and Dooku may well have or are developing a large group of force sensitives to command, especially if they are taking children like this."

"We'll have to keep an eye for them then, especially if they were Jedi once. They might be able to seek us out for Palpatine." Padme spoke up. "I'm just glad you're all safe, I was worried for a moment when the ship jumped into hyperspace and the announcement was for a rescue mission." She said.

Anakin smiled softly and went to her, wrapping an arm around Padme. "We're fine, just a close call." He said.

"Just… keep your close calls to a minimum if you can." She said, shaking her head. "That goes for all of you." She reaffirmed, sending a pointed look to Obi Wan and Ahsoka as well.

"I think we can arrange that." Obi Wan said, offering a small smile.

Ahsoka gave a bigger smile, "Oh, don't worry, I wouldn't want to miss the chance to teach them how to best bother their father." She said. "For now though, I think we need to get this little one to medical for a checkup." She motioned to the baby still in her arms, who had settled down but was still clearly fussy.

Padme nodded, smiling some. "Master Yoda, if it would be alright with you, I would like to help with taking care of the child. We… don't have the dedicated nursery here that the Jedi Temple had, and out of everyone here, I have the most free time on my hands thanks to these two." She added, motioning to her own stomach.

The Grand Master seemed to consider it for a while, but eventually nodded. "Hmm, yes. Work with Master Ti you can, taken it upon herself to care for the younglings she has." He explained.

Anakin nodded, "I… promised her mother that we would take care of the child. Those two… they took her life." He said. "This won't be an easy life for her… but it will be far better than what she would've experienced under Palpatine." He explained. "I wonder how many children Palpatine's underlings have already gotten to."

"Even one is too many. We've seen what he does to those who serve him. I have no doubt he'll do it to children as well." Obi Wan stated. "We'll need to be ready, I doubt this is the last time we'll encounter any of these Inquisitors."

Anakin nodded, and then looked to the initiate, Gant Sarat. "Sarat. You took a bold but reckless action today, trying to go up against that Shistavanen."

The boy looked down some, "I… I know Master Skywalker, but, we're Jedi, I couldn't just stand by. I wanted to help." He said, standing by his actions.

"I know you did young one, and you show some ability with a lightsaber, but you need training, discipline. You remind me a lot of myself." He said. "And… I think I might be able to help you. Some of the others have urged me to take a Padawan. Think you can keep up?"

The boy's head shot up, his eyes going wide. "Y…you want me to be your Padawan?"

Anakin gave a bit of a smile and nodded, "If you'd like that, I won't force you into something. That and so long as you don't call me any nicknames." He added, chuckling.

"Don't worry Skyguy, only I'm allowed to call you that." Ahsoka said, smirking.

Anakin rolled his eyes but smiled. "So, what do you think?"

"Yes! I accept! This is awe…" he caught himself, and Anakin could see the boy forcibly reigning himself in. "I mean… I would be honored, Master Skywalker."

Anakin nodded, "Alright, well then. Lets go ahead and get through your initiation ceremony. I'm not one for pomp, but this is a big moment in any Jedi's life. And Gant, I want to make you a promise. I will do everything in my ability to teach you and show you what I know, think you can do the same for me?"

Gant nodded to him, seeming caught off guard by Anakin's unusual way of doing things. "Yes, Master Skywalker, I promise to be a good student, I will do my best."

"I don't want you to just be a student, I want you to show me what you can do and teach me what you know as well. I'm going to learn and grow just as much from this as you will be, Padawan."

"Then, I promise Master. I'll do my best, I won't let you, or myself, down." He said with a nod.

Anakin smiled, "Good, I'm holding you to that." And with that, he stood and placed a hand on the young boys shoulder, he gave Padme a quick goodbye kiss. "I'll see you back at our room." With that, he went with the others to complete the ceremony.


Rex ran a hand through his short hair as he watched outside the med bay. A few of their boys had sustained minor wounds, one was in rough shape from a thermal detonator that went off too close. The 41st men they'd captured were in just as rough shape and were all heavily sedated so their chips could be removed. He hoped they could be convinced to switch over… he had no idea what they'd do with the ones that didn't. If it did work… how many men could they save? His mind kept drifting back to the images he was seeing of Fives.

He jumped, actually jumped, when Cody walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Rex… you good?"

"Y-yeah, I'm fine, just tired." He said, a thin excuse. Cody raised an eyebrow.

"Tired? The Rex I know handles a short combat op like that without needing a nap." He countered. "Rex… what happened out there today? You stood up right in the middle of a firefight. You almost bought the farm today. That's not like you."

Rex sighed, "I…" He sighed. "I keep… I keep seeing Fives. He just… He keeps popping up in my head."

Cody's eyebrows scrunched up at that, "Rex, Fives is dead… you know that."

"Yeah… I know it's not really him. It's just a figment of my imagination. But… Sith, I can't seem to get him out of my head Cody. And every time he talks about all the men I've lost, about all the men who've gotten killed under my command."

"When did this start Rex?" Cody asked.

Rex let out a breath and rubbed the back of his neck. "A few weeks back, started having some dreams. I don't know if it's warning of something bad coming, or if it's just everything that's happened." He said.

Cody sighed, "It could be both Rex… we both thought the war was winding down… that the killing would stop… and now we're in a war where we don't know how much longer we'll have to fight." He said.

Rex nodded some and sighed again, "I… yeah. I just want to know how to get this out of my head. I can't afford to freeze up in combat like that again."

"I know Rex, and I know you can get through this, just give it time… maybe see if one of the Jedi can help you clear your head." Cody said.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do."

"Good, I can't afford to lose you Rex. And I mean that as a friend, a vod, and a commander." Cody said.

After a moments silence, Rex spoke again, "Any news on Gree and his boys?"

"Not yet, the docs are stabilizing and working on the wounds first, but they're going to also do the chip surgery while they have them under. We'll have to wait for them to rest and come out of it before we know for certain." Cody said. "Now, come on… let's go to the mess and get some caf and something to eat. It'll help you." He said, offering Rex a hand.

Rex looked to the hand, then smiled a touch and accepted it, letting Cody help pull him up. "Alright, but only if you're buying." He joked as they made for the mess. He wasn't okay, he could feel it... but... maybe he was better.


"So, you failed to capture a simple child then?" Sidious sneered into the hologram of the commlink that had been established between him and two of his inquisitors.

"Y…Yes My Lord." The shorter one, Offee, said while kneeling.

"And what caused you to fail in capturing this child?" He demanded.

"We… encountered the rogue Jedi sir, those that escaped the temple. Specifically Skywalker, Kenobi, and Skywalkers Apprentice Tano." Offee answered.

At this, Sidious perked up some. This was a new development to say the least. So the Jedi weren't going to run away and hide then? He grinned, this would only make his job easier, although he did love a good hunt like this. "I see, and you managed to survive a duel with Knight Skywalker and Knight Kenobi?"

"Yes My Lord, but… it isn't Knight Skywalker anymore. Apparently he has become a Master now. In addition to the Jedi, they have a Venator on their side. It was… most unexpected to see, Emperor."

Ah… so that must be the missing Liberation. Rahm Kota's ship. It had disappeared from Republic tracking, but, now it had revealed itself and its cargo again. They could narrow down where in the galaxy the rogue Jedi might hide. "This is most intriguing news. You are to continue your activities in the sector. Draw the Jedi out, they must be hiding nearby." He said.

They both nodded, "Yes, Master. We will stop the Jedi." The Shistavanen said. Palpatine nodded, although internally he found it humorous.

'No, you won't, not these ones at least.' Palpatine thought. "You will do as I say." He reminded them. "Your discovery today is what has redeemed you, do not fail me again." He warned before ending the transmission. A thrill rushed through him. He had fully expected the Jedi to run and hide in some far corner of the Galaxy, but this… oh, this was far better. In time, he would have a new apprentice who would be ready to hunt down the Jedi. He could feel Master Windu's resolve waning. It was only a matter of time.