Krownest was a cold desolate place. A planet that was practically covered in ice and snow from pole to pole. Sure, there were trees and other plant life, as well as a plethora of other creatures inhabiting the vast openness of the surface. But to most life, it was inhospitable.

Krownest also happened to be the ancestral home of the Mandalorian clan of Wren. Whilst many other clans had competed for land and territory on Mandalore itself, the Wren's had opted to conquer a far greater challenge.

Their stronghold was remote and difficult to find for anyone…

That is if you didn't know where to look.

And within the stronghold were some of the strongest warriors Kanan Jarrus had ever worked with. Specifically, he was here to ask for the company of one individual.

Well, he and his companion were anyway.

"This is where Sabine comes from? This place is as bloody cold as that Geonosian moon!"

Kanan sighed at Zeb's comment. The Lasat had been all excited to accompany Kanan to Krownest, the thought of seeing Sabine again filling both with internal joy. Kanan had missed their resident Mandalorian.

Zeb was happy, until he found out it was an ice planet. Apparently, despite their fur and body mass, Lasats really didn't like cold places.

Not that Kanan could blame Zeb. The Jedi wasn't too fond of the cold himself. But he was here for Sabine. That alone pushed him forward.

"Just keep heading towards the coordinates I gave you Zeb. I'm sure someone will pick us up soon." Kanan spoke. Zeb was currently piloting the Phantom towards the Wren stronghold, since Kanan couldn't see.

"Yeah, yeah. You're doing all the talking though Kanan." Zeb dryly responded, angling the Phantom lower into the atmosphere.

The shuttle continued on its course for another minute, till the com link flared to life, indicating an incoming transmission.

"Rebel shuttle, this is restricted territory controlled by Clan Wren, state your business or we will open fire!"

Outside the window, a pair of Mandalorian fighters pulled in alongside the Phantom. Zeb gulped nervously, waiting for Kanan to respond.

Clearing his mind of any threat posed towards him, Kanan spoke.

"Mandalorian vessel, this is Jedi Knight Kanan Jarrus of Phoenix Squadron. I come to request an audience with Sabine Wren."

Static followed afterwards, the Mandalorian on the other side clearly contacting her superiors for confirmation.

"This better work Kanan!" Zeb growled under his breath.

"Trust me Zeb, it will." Kanan replied, slightly cocky. He was sure they wouldn't be shot down. And even if they were, he was certain that Sabine would personally punish the culprit.

Seconds passed, each one more tense than the other whilst the rebels waited for a reply.

Then one came.

"Master Jedi, you are cleared to land. Fenn Rau will meet you when you land."

Kanan released a sigh of relief that he hadn't even known he was holding in.

"Copy Mandalorian fighter. Much appreciated."

The communication cut off after that, and both Mandalorian fighters broke off from their pursuit, no doubt resuming their patrol routes.

"Well, so far so good I guess." Zeb said, altering the course of the Phantom slightly, descending towards the Wren stronghold.

The shuttle landed with a relatively light landing, being cushioned partly by the thick layer of snow that had fallen the night before. Standing from his seat, Kanan moved to exit the Phantom, lowering the ramp and proceeding down.

Though he couldn't see, Kanan could feel a welcoming presence at the bottom of the ramp.

Kanan respected Fenn Rau. The man had saved his life during the clone war, and despite everything that had happened since, he seemed willing to forge an alliance with the rebellion.

That was why he and Sabine had gone to Krownest, to repair old wounds between family members, and hopefully recruit Mandalorian assistance in the long run.

Clearly, it hadn't happened yet, and with the news of Sabine's father being in captivity on Mandalore, Sabine and Rau had opted to stay and help Clan Wren plan a rescue mission.

Kanan wondered if they had had the chance to enact it yet.

"Kanan, it's good to see you again. You here to see Sabine?" Rau spoke, his voice commanding of respect, with an elegant, yet friendly tone about it.

"Likewise Rau, and yes, if she is here?" Kanan spoke. Behind him, he felt Zeb move to join the two.

"She's inside Master Jedi, I'll take you to her."

Kanan nodded, moving to follow Fenn Rau as he walked towards the stronghold. Behind him, Kanan could here Zeb comment on the scale of the place.

Not being able to see, Kanan had wondered what the Wren stronghold looked like. If it was anything like the art that Sabine did, then it would be something unique and graceful.

It was times like these that Kanan wished he still had his sight.

It was a short walk into the compound, and out of the frigid cold, for which Zeb was glad for. He may have been ninety percent fur, but even he was cold.

Still, it was worth it to see Sabine again. He had missed her more than he thought possible.

She was his family, part of his kin. And he would do anything to protect them.

Passing through a pair of grandiose doors, Zeb and Kanan found themselves in a large open room, equipped with what looked like a throne.

And seated on said throne was a regal looking woman, one who bared similarities to Sabine.

'This must be Sabine's mother.' Zeb thought, moving to stand next to Kanan as he was led forward by Rau.

"Master Jedi, it is a pleasure to see you again." The woman spoke, her voice commanding respect.

"Countess Wren, the feeling is mutual. I was wondering if we could speak to your daughter." Kanan replied, respect dripping off his tongue. Zeb had never seen Kanan act this way around someone, save for Hera, before. And Zeb was fairly certain it was for different reasons than when around Hera.

"Sabine and her brother shall be here shortly, as they have just returned from a hunt. In the meantime, I am afraid you will have to enjoy my company." The elder Wren spoke, a small smile coming to her face.

Zeb wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic or not. Did Sabine's mother like her friends or not? Zeb was aware of the history between the Jedi and the Mandalorians. Perhaps there was some hidden distrust between them.

"I understand Countess. Have you had any luck freeing your husband?" Kanan inquired, genuine concern in his voice.

Clearly, Kanan's concern surprised the woman, as a look of surprise briefly covered her face, her features softening at the mention of her husband.

"I am afraid not Master Jedi. Alrich remains a prisoner on Mandalore for the moment. We have been working tirelessly to rescue him."

Zeb was honestly surprised to see this side of a Mandalorian, let alone Sabine's mother. She was clearly distraught at the thought of her husband in captivity. Who knew what the empire would be doing to him?

"I'm sorry Countess. But in time you will save him, I believe that. If there is anything I can do to help…"

And just like that, the Countess reverted back to a steely look, one of authority and sophistication.

"I appreciate the offer Master Jedi, but this is a Mandalorian matter. I do not wish to expose you to any unnecessary conflict. You will have a hard enough time with Thrawn as it is."

Zeb nearly shivered at the mention of the Chiss' name. To many, he was some sort of imperial ethereal spirit. One who would appear at the worst possible moment and destroy everything. He had proven that he could during the Siege of Atollon.

They had nearly lost everything that day.

Zeb snapped out of his thoughts briefly to notice the Countess staring at him, a peculiar expression on her face.

"And you are…?"

Zeb nervously gulped, before taking a step forward and bowing to the woman. He didn't know Mandalorian customs. He was guessing by this point.

He could only hope that bowing to a Mandalorian wasn't some sort of insult or challenge to their authority.

'Wait… bowing is a Jedi thing! Oh Karabast!'

There was no turning back now though. After bowing for a few seconds, Zeb resumed his full height.

"Captain Garazeb Orrelios ma'am, formally of the Lasan High Honor Guard."

Internally Zeb face palmed. What was he thinking, flaunting his success in such a way?

Beside him, Zeb heard Kanan chuckle.

Risking a look at the woman before him, Zeb saw a look of amusement written on her face.

"Honor Guard you say? A powerful position. You must be quite the warrior Garazeb Orrelios."

Zeb almost did a double take. She approved of him?

"I am Countess Ursa Wren, leader of the Wren Clan and mother to Sabine, who I believe you serve with."

Zeb nodded, showing the respect the countess deserved to her.

"Yes Countess. She is my friend." Zeb replied truthfully.

"Then I thank you for looking out for my daughter when I could not." Ursa returned softly, a strange sense of happiness in her voice.

Zeb allowed himself to smile.

Maybe Mandalorians weren't so bad after all.

Returning to her home after so long had been hard at first. Practically everyone had distrusted her. Hell her own mother had tried to sell out her friends to Gar Saxon.

And then Saxon had betrayed them, and Ursa had been forced to kill him to protect her daughter.

And while that repaired some of the tension that existed within the Wren clan, it did little to dispel the concerns of others, especially in regards to the weaponry Sabine herself had designed for the empire during her days at the imperial academy.

But despite this, they all managed to put aside their differences for the sake of a common goal, rescuing her father from Mandalore. And while they had yet to succeed, they were making progress.

Yet that still did not completely stop the distrust that was evident, and Sabine Wren often found herself alone on Krownest. Sure, Fenn Rau would occasionally come to talk to her, but he had been more readily accepted into Clan Wren's hierarchy than she had.

Truthfully, Sabine was somewhat jealous of the fact that her own mother was more willing to accept the Protector than she was her own daughter.

Still, at least Tristan was still talking to her. Sabine didn't know what she would do without her brother's support. He was a stabilising element to her, always willing to listen and offer advice, as well as spar and practise together.

And right now, the two siblings walked together towards the central hall of the Wren family stronghold. Apparently someone wanted to speak to her.

Despite being back with her real family, Sabine found that she missed the company of the family she had made with the rebellion. The crew of the Ghost, despite its unorthodox members, were a second family to her, and had been there for her in times of need.

"So, what did you do this time Sabine?" Her brother, Tristan, quipped from beside her.

Sabine allowed a smile to come to her face. Ever since they were young, Sabine had been seen as the adventurous child, the one who got into trouble, whilst Tristan was more reserved and generally well behaved.

And he had never let Sabine forget it.

"I haven't done anything Tristan. For all I know I'm being called to clean up one of your messes." Sabine replied with a smirk, agitating her brother.

"Heh!" Tristan laughed lightly at Sabine's response. The two continued down a large hallway, approaching the doorway that led to the central chamber.

As the doors opened at their presence, Sabine saw two figures not dressed in Mandalorian armour standing before her mother, with Fenn Rau standing off to the side.

A bright smile appeared on Sabine's face when she recognized them.

"Kanan! Zeb! What are you two doing here? Where are the others?"

Both the Jedi and the Lasat turned in the direction of her voice, a similar smile donning their faces in recognition.

"Sabine! It's good to see you." Zeb spoke first, crossing the distance between the two, his large hand resting on Sabine's head and ruffling her hair affectionately, as if he was some sort of uncle.

"Good to see you to big guy!" Sabine replied, pushing Zeb off of her.

Behind her, Tristan snickered again, and Sabine resisted the urge to turn and punch him lightly.

Sabine couldn't see Kanan's eyes beneath his mask, but she saw the smile, as well as the nod he gave her.

Despite the fact that he was blind, she nodded back. She had a feeling he would see it anyway. The Jedi Knight had become immensely more powerful since his blinding.

"We are here to ask you for your help, if you can provide it. The rest of the team is off doing the same with other people." Kanan spoke, addressing Sabine personally, whilst simultaneously allowing his request to be heard by the other members present.

Sabine saw a curious look overtake her mother's face.

"What's up? Is it the empire?" Thrawn?" Sabine enquired.

"Worse!" Zeb growled, exhaustion evident on his face. Clearly, this was important if Zeb of all people was concerned.

Sabine turned to look at Kanan, sensing he had story to tell.

"One of Ahsoka's agents has discovered that the empire is building a doomsday weapon, capable of destroying planets. Furthermore, he found out that the Emperor himself will be making a visit to the station in a fortnight's time. Ahsoka wants to attack the station and destroy it when the imperial leadership is gathered, but rebel command thinks otherwise."

Sabine listened to the details. If they had the chance to cut the head of the empire off in one move… why not take it?

Besides, if anyone could get it done, it was Ahsoka. The Togruta was a force to be reckoned with. Sabine hoped she was never on her bad side.

"So, what do you need me for?" Sabine asked, confused. How did this relate to her?

It was Zeb that continued the story.

"Senator Mothma banned Ahsoka from going, even stripped her of her rank and command. So Ahsoka is going against orders to assemble a team for this mission. We need as many skilled people as we can get, so we thought of you and your explosives."

Ah. So that was why. They needed a team, one capable of taking down the empire.

With no hesitation, Sabine produced her response.

"I'm in!"

Silence filled the room, one born of shock.

In the corner of her eye, Sabine saw a look of concern briefly cover her mother's face, before returning to her normal steely look. It was nice to know that she actually cared.

"Can't say I'm surprised." Zeb spoke, his tone full of joy. He was clearly happy to have another member of the family back together again.

Sabine nodded at Zeb's response, before a hand rested lightly on her shoulder.

"Sabine, are you sure about this? We only just got you back, we can't lose you now. What about father?" Tristan said with concern, worry present in his eyes.

Sabine turned to her sibling, flashing a smile at him cheekily. "I'll be fine Tristan, Kanan and the others will take care of me."

Tristan seemed to relent slightly, stepping back from Sabine and looking at the ground, as if contemplating something.

Sabine didn't need the force to sense he was conflicted by something.

Then, with a strong resolve, Tristan's head rose up and looked past Sabine, directly at Kanan.

"If Sabine is coming, then so am I!"

"Tristan no!"

The tension in the room exploded suddenly, as both brother and sister stared each other down. One, desiring to protect his sister, and help where he could, the other, wanting to ensure no harm came to her brother.

Neither Kanan nor Zeb said anything, it not being their place to intervene.

In the end, it was Ursa Wren that broke up the dispute, as most parents did between their children.

"Enough! Sabine you have chosen to assist your friends in their hour of need. That is a very honourable thing action to take, one worthy of the name Mandalorian. Your brother's desire to help is the same as yours."

"But mother, what about father?" Sabine retorted. In her mind, someone had to remain behind to rescue him when the time came. If both Sabine and Tristan were on this mission…

"I can handle the operation myself Sabine. You and Tristan had my permission to leave." Ursa spoke, stepping down from her throne to approach her children.

Sabine didn't bother to reply. She knew deep down that Tristan would not change his mind. Once he was set on doing something, he rarely if ever backed out.

"However, all I ask is that you keep my children safe Master Jarrus." Ursa turned her attention to the Jedi in the room, who nodded his acceptance.

"I'd sooner die than let anything happen to any of my friends Countess." Kanan replied, respect in his tone.

"As would I." Zeb agreed.

Their responses seemed to please Ursa, who turned back to her children, smiling at them briefly.

"The good luck on your hunt, and ensure the Emperor gets what is coming to him."

With that, Ursa Wren made to move out of the central chamber, not being able to bear saying goodbye to her children for what might possibly be the last time.

Sabine watched her mother briefly, before turning to walk with her brother back towards the Phantom, following behind Kanan and Zeb.

Behind them all, Fenn Rau escorted.

As the group exited the stronghold and were back out in the frigid cold of Krownest, Sabine spoke.

"Why Tristan? This is dangerous?"

Tristan shrugged his shoulders before replying.

"Every mission is dangerous Sabine. If I can help in any way I will, even if that means volunteering for a suicide mission."

Sabine sighed, before muttering under her breath. "Just don't get killed brother."

Tristan laughed. "If your friends are even as half as good as you say they are, then I doubt that will be happening."

The group continued towards the Phantom, Zeb reaching it first and heading to the cockpit to warm the shuttle up.

Next up the ramp was Kanan, followed shortly by the Wren siblings.

Then another surprise greeted them, as Fenn Rau followed up the ramp rather than head back to the stronghold.

Taking a seat opposite the Wren's, and next to Kanan, Rau looked over the others assembled, refraining from laughing at the confused expression of their faces.

"What? I thought this was an open invitation? Was I wrong?"

No one said anything for a short while. Sabine joining was expected, and sort of depended on. Tristan had been a welcome addition to the team.

But now Rau was volunteering as well.

Kanan recovered first, a smile coming to his face.

"The more the merrier Rau."

Fenn Rau nodded at the Jedi, settling back comfortably in his seat as the ramp to the Phantom closed, the shuttle lifting off thanks to Zeb's piloting.

Kanan Jarrus had come to Krownest seeking help. Now he was leaving with three Mandalorians by his side.

He called that an excellent addition to the team.

Kanan could only hope that the others were having similar success.

And that Ezra had not got himself into trouble.

Author's thoughts

Welcome to the team Sabine Wren, Tristan Wren and Fenn Rau. Originally I was just going to have Sabine and Rau join, but then Tristan argued his way onto the mission as well. Oh well, the more the merrier.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. It was a tricky one to write, as I'll freely admit that I'm not a great fan of the Mandalorians in general. Normally warrior cultures/races are my type of thing (The Sangheili for example), but in this case the Mandalorians don't really do it for me. But I still wanted them involved somehow, so here is Clan Wren at the very least.

So, not much to say really, other than I'm glad you all liked the last chapter.

Oh, actually there is something to say. As of this chapter there are only three more people joining Ahsoka's team who have yet to be suggested. One of them is Maul's recruit, which seems to have baffled all of you, for which I am glad. Another is the super mysterious person who is the least likely person to join a suicide mission in the galaxy. So, I wonder who these three are?

Next time round we return to Lothal with Ezra and Chopper as they try to recruit Ryder Azadi to the team. I'm sure everything will go smoothly... right?

As usual, comment and speculate at will.

Speaking of which:

LukeDude: Only time will tell what Vos will do. But yeah, if his character is anyhting to go by, it's likely we have not seen the last of him.
As for why they managed to avoid any imperial interferance, I felt it didn't really suit the chapter to have imperials running around, as it was a more personal chapter.
Now... question time:
1. To be honest, I have yet to decide who the Devastator will belong to, only that it will show at some point. But it will belong to someone who is part of the "Meeting of the Moffs".
2. I am saving the Darksaber for a one shot after this fic is over, as I don't really have the time to include it in this story.
3. Scar Squad? Unlikely. But they might if I can fit them in.
4. Galen Erso will feature later on in the flesh. But things will be a bit different for him this time around.
5. At least one AT-AT will feature. The rest will be a surprise. :)
6. Naboo? Probably not. However I do have an idea for a one shot involving Jar Jar meeting the Eighth Brother.

FossilQueen1984: They sure do need all the help they can get, considering the odds, and Vos would be most useful. You will have to wait and see what he does.

Chiara Polairix Edelstein: I'm glad you really liked the chapter. It was a fun one to write.

Mogor: Glad you liked the chapter, as well as the dynamic between Ahsoka and Kaeden.

Travis Middleton: Good old Vos. He can survive anything. But yeah, poor guy. He lost everything twice over. Still, lets hope the knowledge of Obi-Wan living keeps him happy. As for your questions:
1. The Meeting of the Moffs will come later on. Who will be there will be revealed in time.
2. I already have an idea for a Vos one shot involving how he escaped Order 66 and what he did afterwards.
3. Yoda will make some sort of appearance. How and when I can't say... you will have to wait and see.

Mysterious Guest number one: I'm glad you liked Vos being alive. And as for more Vos... it's likely you have not seen the last of him.

WolveHulk: Hey, your idea was a good one. Very few ideas seem to include Savage at all, which is a shame as he is a cool character. I do want to write Ventress at some point, its just finding a way to do it. Maybe one day though. :)

jamese765: Poor Vos, he just wants to be left alone after everything he has been through. But hey, the information about Kenobi might fuel him on.

SLE's fave guest: I'm really glad you liked the bit between Ahsoka and Kaeden, especially since you were sceptical about their romance in this. Hopefully I'm doing an ok job of slowly fleshing it out.
Yeah I have many options of what happens to everyone. At this point in time, I have decided on which ending to take, and on everyones fate. However, there is still one character I'm trying to figure out what will happen too.
When I started writing this whole AU and planned it out, I had always intended two characters to be completely safe and make it out alive. That hasn't changed. Those two characters will live. Everyone else was up for debate.
You seem to be expected a bloodbath for our heroes, but what about the villians? Who will make it out alive for them?
And don't worry. Your opinion won't influence how I right. The deaths I've had in mind have been planned since the beginning.