I am sorry I didn't publish in so long. Unfortunately, with exams, I never got the time. Thankfully, I do have time and exams are almost done. Thank you for giving this story a chance. Have a beautiful summer!

Chapter 9: The Numbers...What do they mean?

Third Person

Ahsoka Tano and Jedi Master Luminara Unduli stand before the communicator in front of Jedi Master Yoda and Anakin Skywalker. Ashoka told the council everything she did up to her and master Unduli's fight with Ventress.

Ahsoka's POV

"I'm sorry that despicable wealth worm Gunray got away." I said apologetically. I can't believe Captain Argyus betrayed us and the. Republic. I looked back at my master "It's okay snips. I know you did your best." Master Unduli spoke up "I also regret to tell the council that General Rommel has escaped our grasps. Could he have planned something as daring as this?" I looked at Master Unduli confused. I thought Gunray was important. What makes this general as important as Gunray? After the conversation with the masters, I went to the security room to check the footage of the escape.

I coursed through the video, seeing. Captain Argyus kill the other senate commandos and fighting Commander Gree. As I saw the Captain leave as well as Gunray, I saw the general kneel down to the commander. He looked like he said something then grabbed the blaster and ran off to with the others. I zoomed in on the the general and replayed the scene. I turned on the volume and this is what he said "24...7...21...4...2...14...3...14...7...18...13...6...22." He had an apologetic face as he said it and when he turned back to Captain Argyus, his face was blank but his eyes were furious. Why would a commander just say numbers to the commander and why is he furious at the rescuer. I thought he would be happy. I continued the video. "Come on general, we must leave now." That was Captain Argyus. "Of course captain, let us go." Okay that's weird. The commander said that as if he was a droid. I continued the video until the escape on the Republic cruiser.

The group entered the cruiser and I saw the captain take the controls. The General came from behind and said something. The captain answers back and then the general replied which surprised the captain then...THE GENERAL SHOT HIM. The general just shot his rescuer. Why? I zoomed into the cockpit and tried to get some audio of the conversation. I finally managed to get it. The conversation went like this "The outer shields are still down...the ship is in turmoil...we're home free!" "Excuse me, captain Argyus, I am wondering where I'm going?"

"Simple, we are going to the Vessek sector." "That's good to know...Warden." "What are you talking about!?" "24...7...21...4...2...14...3...14...7...18...13...6...22." "What no, no, no...this is impossible." "Good bye Warden, your evil has come to an end."

What is going on? Why did the general call Captain Argyus warden? Why did he shoot him? What does the numbers mean? I must show this to the Jedi council immediately. After seeing that, I called Master Unduli.

Rommel POV

On the Republic cruiser heading towards Vessek, I finally learned the name of the assassin. Her name is Ventress, planet unknown. I picked her up on the way while Gunray looked horrified that he might die next due to the brainwashing. Problem is I don't know who brainwashed me. It could've been my friends at Vorkuta or the wardens. I don't know. I decided to sleep, exhausted from the ordeal.

Four weeks since arrival on Vorkuta

"Doctor, are you successful in the brainwashing." "Yes Master Krell...the brainwashing is finally complete...despite earlier failures, the brainwashing is complete." "Excellent." "However, I wish to do another analysis and test in insure he follows the orders encrypted in the numbers." "Very well, we'll leave him here." They left the room. I tried to move but I can't. My muscles won't respond to my commands and I just couldn't move. I then heard the door open again. I turned my head and I saw someone I didn't think I would see again. Mandalorian, Zabrak female, 1.8 metres.

I first met her in the First Battle of Lok. I was a Sergeant Major at the time and I accidentally fell into a trap that cost me most of my men. I went in too deep and her Mandalorians ambushed me and my platoon of 48 men. I led my men to the top of a hill, taking defensive positions. We were completely surrounded and many of the men wanted to surrender. However, I have heard stories on what Mandalorians do to their prisoners, so I ordered a victory or death motto against the mando's in order to break out of the encirclement. It really caught them by surprise because when I blew the whistle to signal the attack, we caught them completely by surprise. I ordered the troops to keep moving, however some of the men turned back. I ordered them to keep moving forward, however they didn't so I shot and killed all the men that retreated. At the same time, the Mandalorians started picking us off one by one. By the time I managed to escape with my men, I lost 36 out of my 48 man platoon.

However, it wasn't the only time I met her, another time when I was on patrol, I ran into her. Her back was to me, so I slowly pulled out my knife and crept up to her. I immediately started to note her features. She was a Zabrak because of her horns. Her skin is red with black streaks going along her neck and presumably her face, she looks beau- wait no, what am I thinking, I have a girlfriend and she's the enemy, I can't think like this! I kept creeping up towards her. So far so good until I stepped on a twig. That immediately got her attention, as she turned around and jumped on me. We first struggled with the knife. At first, I was winning, however, after she kneed me in the gut, it went downhill. She was now on top of me and she has my knife. She made multiple strikes to my head. I would always twist my head every time she brought the knife down, though she was close. I then brought my feet to her body and kicked off. She stumbled back regaining her composure while I stood back up and I reached to get my blaster. She threw the knife at me at the same time I shot my blaster. I hit her chest and she fell back while the knife jammed into my chest. I immediately fell back in shock as I started hyperventilating from the stinging and burning pain in my chest. I honestly thought I was going to died here. The knife was logged into my chest and I think it was above my heart. I reached down to my jacket to get my com. I plan on signaling a rescue party for me until I noticed her. She was standing before me, blaster aimed towards my head.

Out of instinct I tried to kick her feet from under her, until I felt the sharp pain. I screamed in pain as the knife was lodged in deeper than I expected. The only impact to her legs was a small tap to her boots. She didn't seem to notice it. I began thinking 'I am so sorry Skylar, I guess I won't be coming home' over and over again. She continued to stare at me with her yellow eyes. Her eyes are telling me that she is contemplating on killing me. She then turns and walks away. That was the last time I saw her.

Now she stands before me, as a prisoner in this accursed place. She said smoothly "The pain is difficult, isn't it." She leans in closer "meet me in cell block 115 and we'll talk more." After that, she walks away. Just who is she?

After another session of torture, I head towards cell block 115. I then saw my former enemy sitting near the centre table of the mess hall. I sat on the opposite side of her. I look her straight in the eyes and she did to me. We stared at each other for a while until she spoke up "The last time we fought it was during the Occupation, yes?" I nodded, then she said "Let us start out with names. I am Kerta Spaar... Who are you." I answered "I am Mason Rommel." We were silent for a while. I honestly didn't know what to say to her. Mandos are... A confusing lot.

I then started thinking back to the time of the occupation. The times I had met her. "Remember in the Occupation of Karthakk, when you fought the Republic." She interrupted me laughing "Oh yes, when you and your troops walked right into the ambush, yes I remember it clearly. At first, when you retreated, I thought you were like all the other Republic commanders, cowardly, trying to save his own skin. By the time we caught up to you to prepare the assault and force you into fighting, you attacked first. Though I noticed something strange." I looked confused "And that is?" "Unlike most Republic commanders, you shot your men when they deserted." I looked down at my palms, ashamed of what I had done. I could justify by saying they showed cowardice in front of the enemy and disobeyed a direct order, but that is just an excuse. "I heard rumors of what the Mandalorians did to prisoners. You would kill us if we surrendered, you would kill us if we attacked. Either way, the platoon were already dead men walking. So I took the chance and tried to breakout and retreat back to the frontlines in hopes of saving what's left of my men. Thus I ordered my men not a step back or they will be shot."

She nodded "Yes, in the entire campaign, you exploits have been rumored. The bloody ground war between the Trade Federation and your forces, the raids on multiple Death Watch camps, and even a daring raid on our own heavily guarded base led by you." I smirked that I was so well known to the Mandos. "How many Mandalorians heard of me?" She replied "We told a few clans about you. If you were to face us again, then we would be ready." "That reminds me. I met you during one of my patrols. You could of killed me and just got rid of an obstacle. But you didn't. Why?" She stared at me for a while before replying "I don't exactly know why I spared you. I guess I wanted you to be stronger so when we meet on the field, we would fight a more glorious battle." Mandos, still don't understand them. "Though I am curious, why did the Republic betray one of their heroes." I ended up explaining to her about my story. Her face held a combination of shock and fury like a thousand burning suns.

I decided to ask how she got here considering she asked me first "How did you get captured?" She glared at me. I quickly said "Sorry, I must of touched a sensitive subject." She replied "Doesn't matter." I rubbed my neck "Do you still want to tell me, or should we move on." She looks back at me "I have a story to tell you."

"My clan was on Karthakk, hired by the Trade Federation. During the occupation, my clan as well as Death Watch fought for every inch of the planet. My father and the clan were the only comfort I felt during the occupation. Even now, his voice still haunts me. The Death Watch slit his throat while he slept and then they butchered anyone in my clan that didn't join them. Collaborating with them is a betrayal, a betrayal against all of Mandalore. They aren't true Mandalorians. They betrayed everything we stand for and those they didn't kill were sold to the Republic. They looked only to advance towards their own interests and agendas."

I looked back at her shocked. She suffered through pain and betrayal by her own people. Maybe she and I aren't so different after all. "What happened." She looked back grimly "The Jetii here started to torture my clan. To prevent us from fighting, they would drug us and forced us to watch our brothers and sisters get brutally tortured." "How many members of your clan are still alive?" She stared at me "I am the only one." I immediately said "I am sorry for your loss." She waved me off "The scientist in charge is Naba Se, a Kaminii. The one that drugged us was a Republic Senate Commando Argyus. And the leader was Pong Krell." I absorbed the information as best as I could. She continued "Ben Gemini was one of the bravest man I had ever known...He fought by my side from the First Battle of Lok to the fall of Space Station 1135. The wounds he sustained ensuring our victories should have earned him a hero's welcome to Mandalore... But that Hu'tuun Pre Vizsla had little need for heroes."

She look grimly at me "Ben Gemini was a hero... He deserved a hero's death. Instead of giving his life for Mandalore, he died for nothing... like an animal. He should have died at the space station. As I watched my closest friend die, it became clear that the Republic would exterminate every one of us. Even with any sight of rebellion, they won't hesitate to put it down. Your leaders did it during the Huk war as well as on the occupation itself. At first, I thought it was the Republic manipulating the universe into war, however, it is far worse than that. I realized that the dar'jetii is in the Republic, manipulating hundreds of senators for power. He manipulated the universe for many years, preparing for this moment. He must be stopped. The dar'jetii, Death Watch, Krell, Argyus, Naba Se."

I looked back at her in shock. The Sith, in the Republic itself. That left me speechless. I just couldn't comprehend how the Sith has already manipulated hundreds of the people I trusted. "Mason, listen to me...we are running out of time, my friend...Can you trust your leaders and the Jetti to destroy them, or do you think they will embrace the darkness? The flag may be different but the methods are the same. They will use you, as they used me...You must decide...decide what you think is worth fighting for...Krell...Argyus...Naba Se...These 'MEN' must die."

Present day, Republic Cruiser

I was suddenly woken up by the assassin. "Wake up general, we're here." I stood up "Thank you Ms. Ventress, I'll be leaving shortly." She looked at me, one eyebrow raised before leaving. Once she left, I immediately sat down and took out my black ring case. I opened it up staring at the beautifully, hand crafted diamond ring "I promise you Kerta... Krell, Argyus, Naba Se will die...I promise you they will die." I felt a tear dripping down my face as I cried for Kerta, Woods, Skylar and all that died who served the Republic. These 'MEN' will die.

Coruscant, Jedi Council

Obi-Wan Kenobi's POV

In the the HIgh Council, I asked Master Gallia about the others. She explained to me that Captain Rommel told her that the Coruscant Volunteers are ready to fight again and that all she needs to do is to 'call them up' if the Republic ever needs help. She also told me that she attempted to call for the remaining volunteers, unfortunately many of the responses were either blank or curses from their families to her. She couldnt understand why. When she tried to go to one of her soldier's home, Woods I believe, his wife was kind enough to tell her that her husband never returned home and that he went missing 8 months ago.

Apparently, Master Gallia was obviously disturbed by this because every time we talked about tactics, I always see Master Gallia space out. I went up to her "Master Gallia, are you alright." She replied "No Master Kenobi, I am not. I half expected that some of the men from the Coruscant volunteers would still be here on Coruscant. However, every time I approached their old homes, I was met with disgust and disdain by many of the residents that happen to know the men. I attempted to gather information about their disappearance, however, all I came across were criminal records and even the prisons don't have any information about them."

I nodded in understanding "Well, once Rommel arrives in Coruscant, we can finally question him about the disappearance of the men." She nodded back "Yes, that would be for the best." After discussing battle tactics, we received a message from Master Luminara Unduli and Padawan Ahsoka Tano. Master Unduli said "Masters, I regret to tell you but Viceroy Nute Gunray has escaped. Ahsoka looked at Anakin "I'm sorry that despicable wealth worm Gunray got away." Anakin replied "It's okay snips. I know you did your best." Master Unduli spoke up "I also regret to tell the council that General Rommel has escaped our grasps. Could he have planned something as daring as this?" Anakin looked confused "Okay how important is this general?" I looked back at Anakin "The general was a Republic citizen and a soldier that served under Master Gallia." Anakin looks back "Wait if he betrayed the Republic and knows Master Gallia's tactics, than...he would know all of our tactics." I look grimly "That is what I fear."

After talking about how the prisoners escaped on a Republic cruiser and how we could trace it, we created plans for their recapture via Kit Fisto's strike force. After that we ended the conversation. The war council was about to finish its session until we received another transmission. The hologram presented Master Luminara and Ahsoka Tano. Ahsoka spoke up "Masters, I'm sorry for interrupting you but we found something interesting to the council." Ahsoka played the video footage of the general checking up on Commander Gree saying random numbers, then footage of him and Captain Argyus. It seemed normal and we even got the location of the planet they will land at then something caught everyone in the room off guard. The General said "That's good to know...Warden." "What are you talking about!?" "24...7...21...4...2...14...3...14...7...18...13...6...22." "What no, no, no...this is impossible." "Good bye Warden, your evil has come to an end."

Something was definitely off, even Master Gallia was shocked. First, was his calm yet dark demeanor when he executed Captain Argyus. Second, was the way he called Argyus and his reaction. The General called him "warden." A prison guard title. And finally, those numbers. The numbers were in like a sequence and the way he moved was so robotic, so cold, so forceful. Something is definitely wrong with the General but I can't put a finger on it.

Master Gallia said in shock "No, no this is impossible. Something is definitely wrong with this. I had served with Rommel, and the way he acted was not something Mason would do. Mason would have given any man under his command at least one warning to correct themselves. And all the security footage here was not something that would have had Captain Argyus executed." I offered "Maybe he doesn't like having someone of lower rank controlling him." She shook her head "He encouraged his men to act independently because his reasoning was that the men should know the main objective and choose a way to accomplish said objective because solid, concrete plans don't always go according to plan. His leadership was flexible, yet firm. He won't tolerate misconduct at all and would go into the extremes in his punishment if his soldiers don't follow his orders if the need calls for it."

Everyone looked at her in shock. Master Windu spoke up "If you knew he does this to his soldiers, then why let him continue to fight in that position?" She looked back "During the Occupation, I had so limited soldiers and combatants that he was one of the only effective commanders. He also knew it too, and would insist I give him 48 men. Only 48 seeing as he knew of his...problems and wouldn't want more people to suffer under him."

"He was usually kind during his breaks but when on the battlefield, he is severely serious and will not tolerate insubordination without a valid reason." I suggested "Master Gallia, I think this has been a trying time...for all of us. We should all head to our chambers to meditate." Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Master Windu spoke up "Skywalker, I need you to talk with senator Amidala." Anakin looked confused "Why?" "Because she might have information concerning the general considering she was closest to him when he was captured on Rodia." "Okaay." He said reluctantly.

I headed to my chambers to meditate. This General is...an interesting man. What I agree with Master Gallia with is that something is not right. Something must be done. The Separatist high command must be captured in order to shorten the war. He is one of the keys to ending this conflict.

Padmé Amidala's POV

After the mission to Rodia and ensuring Uncle Ona's loyalty to the Republic, I decided to head to my chambers in the senate building to rest. I still had my white jumpsuit on. At first I wanted to lay on my bed, but decided against it so I decided to use the sonic shower to clean myself off.

A little while later

I changed my clothes into my nightgown seeing it's getting dark out. I decided to cook something when Ani shows up. That and I am also a bit famished. After cooking dinner, I hopped onto my bed. I began thinking what General Rommel said. About why he volunteered as a soldier. He did it to help pay for his mother in the hospital. When he got back, the Republic tore him and many others away from their friends and family. It must have taken an emotional toll on him. And his mother in the hospital must be horrified to hear her son in a Republic prison for a false crime. I decided to call the hospital. "Hello, what happens to be your emergency." "Yes, I would like to know if a person with the last name Rommel is present?" "I am sorry miss, but she past away one month ago...I must express my sincere apologies to you...are you her family?" I was stunned "No, just a...family acquaintance." "Is there anything else?" "No, that would be all, thank you."

Okay, he will not like hearing that his mother died a month ago. But he must be told if I were to regain his trust in the Republic, I must tell him. If I can help him come back to the Republic and get his citizenship, then I can end the war with one more general on the side of the Republic. Sigh, if it were only easy. "Hello, I'm home." Anakin! He arrived! I jumped off the bed to greet him. I immediately hugged him and he embraced me in return. "How did the mission to Rodia go?" "Great, Uncle Ona stayed with the Republic, I captured two Separatist, and you're here." Anakin smiled "Well, you had quite an eventful day my lady, I hope you aren't too stressed." I smiled back "oh Ani..., come on I made you something."

Throughout dinner we discussed about the war, our days, what we did, etc. Sometime during the meal, Ani said "I have also heard that you captured a Separatist General." I nodded my head in confirmation. He then said "What was he like?" I thought for a moment before replying "The Separatist General is...different." Ani looked confused "What do you mean." "General Rommel is kinder than most of the Separatist high command. He tries to be polite, he also tries to have conversation. However, he feels way different when you get him angry." Anakin asked "What did he do to you...I swear if he hurt you." I immediately shouted out "No, no nothing like that." It calm him a little bit. I continued to explain "When you get him angry, he just rants and rage. After ranting for a while he calms down considerably and...he turns all depressed." I can't explain it but he feels regret." Anakin responds back "Regret?" "Yes, like he feels regret about his past and what happened to him. When I tried to convince him to return to the Republic, he got angry and ranted until he suddenly got all quiet and depressed...that is what happened."

I looked back at my food and continued on "I remembered what he said. How he served to help his mother. How he gave up his calm, normal life and serve the Republic only to have his world crashing down and the home he grew up in throw him away like trash." Anakin looked a bit skeptical "Maybe he was lying." I stood up from my chair "I was forced to see his anger in his eyes. No one is that angry at anything unless it's the truth." Anakin raised his hands in surrender "Okay, okay sorry. I just find it hard to believe that a Separatist would feel that way." I sat back down, calm "Yes, I know. The Republic paints this image into our heads on how all Separatists are evil and unfeeling because of their allegiance to the sith." "Careful what you say, some may perceive what you say a treason." I sighed "I know, I know...let's move on to something else."