Shadow of the Jedi

If you want to understand this chapter, then you would have had to watch the Star Wars the Clone Wars episode Legacy of Terror and Brain Invaders.

Chapter 11: HK doesn't know something?

Nico, Barriss and Ahsoka were put into separate rooms in a medical bay on the Resolute, a Jedi healer, known as Bant Eerin, a Padawan assigned to the medical bays for the Geonosian invasion, was seeing to the three injured Padawans, she had already finished her examinations of Ahsoka and Barriss, right now she was examining the Ghost King, who was asleep.

Bant was a Mon Calamari female, with large silver eyes and salmon coloured skin, she wore cream coloured robes and a lightsaber on her waist, like any other Jedi.

As Bant was finishing off her examination of the Ghost King, the doors to the medical centre opened, revealing Jedi Master Ki-Ad-Mundi.

Mundi approached Bant as she finished her examination and bowed toward the Jedi Counsellor. "I'm sorry Master Mundi, but Padawan Di Angelo is not available to speak with you, is there anything I can help you with?" Bant questioned formally, thinking the reason for him being here was to speak with Nico.

Master Mundi smiled warmly and nodded his head, "Yes, you see, the Council has been trying to get a voluntary sample of Padawan Di Angelo's blood to test his Midichlorian count for some time. I'm going to have to ask you to take a blood sample and let me see the results, immediately."

Bant frowned at Master Mundi, her silver eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the newly healed Jedi Councillor. Bant spared a glance in the direction Nico was, irrationally believing he would be listening in on their conversation before she returned her questioning gaze at Mundi, her expression uncertain.

"Do you have his permission, Master?" The Jedi healer asked.

The warmness in the Jedi Councillor's face left quickly, replaced by a sour, almost bitter expression. They'd asked Nico and had been turned down, when they had persisted he had turned them down time and time again, getting ruder and ruder each time, and while they could not Force the teenager to give up his blood, they could ask a Jedi healer to do a blood test to see if there are any pathogens in his bloodstream, a simple safeguard done in concern for Nico's health.

Ki-Adi-Mundi thought to say as much but Bant's stern expression caused him to waver in the rather flimsy request, so instead he decided to answer the Jedi Healer honestly. "We have no idea what diseases or immunities he has." Mundi starts, "It is logical and wise to check his blood for any dangers, be they his Midichlorian count or any diseases he carries or is susceptible to. I don't want to make this an order Bant, but it is necessary, for the security of the Jedi Order. He is a stranger, an outsider who was once a Sith. We cannot ignore that, nor the darkness we can all feel within him. He can be a very great threat and I would like to know what we are up against if that unfortunate event were to occur."

Bant frowned, "I understand why you would want to test his blood for diseases, but why for Midichlorians? Did you ask for permission on that?" Bant questioned, she didn't want to be the one to tell the ex-Sith Lord that the Jedi Council took a sample of his blood without his consent. Plus, she was famous around the Temple for being the most trustworthy of Jedi, and she had a feeling that Nico wouldn't want her to give Mundi a blood sample.

Master Mundi frowned and his expression turned stern, "I didn't want to do this Bant, but now it's an order from the Jedi High Council for you to get me a blood sample of everything, including the Midichlorians." He said in a stern voice.

The Mon Calamari Jedi straightened up and bowed her head in respect to the Jedi Councillor, "Yes Master." She said in a tight voice.

Bant ran the scans of Nico's blood, purposely avoiding the Midichlorian test as she checked for pathogens and immunities he lacked before she was finally forced to check his Midichlorian count. Ki-Adi-Mundi was practically staring over her shoulder and Bant felt his disbelieving huff as he stared at the scan incredulously before looking at her with open suspicion.

"Perhaps I was not clear, Padawan. The results." He said sternly, getting slightly irritated.

Though Bant shook her head, answering honestly as she turned, with a confused expression, to the Jedi Master, "This is his blood, there is no question, and I ran a complete diagnosis on this equipment before I started the scan. Everything is accurate. This is Nico's blood and that scan of his… his Midichlorians is accurate…" She stammered out.

Sensing that she was being sincerely honest with him, the Jedi Councillor stared at the results incredulously, his confusion and sudden dread causing his voice to grow gruff, "He-he should not even be able to access the Force…We-we should not be able to sense him in the Force. It-it's just impossible. He should exist outside of the Force, he should be dead if this is correct…" He stuttered in a slightly fearful voice.

Ki-Adi-Mundi and Bant Eerin both stared at the flashing indicator on the screen of Nico's Midichlorian count, the galactic basic numeral sequence for zero flashing before both their eyes and leading more questions than answers. Nico should not have a Force-presence, let alone access to the Force, and both Jedi were suddenly overcome with dread at confronting the Ghost King over the issue. There wouldn't likely be answers to the questions his bizarre results brought up without bringing it to his attention and neither Jedi felt safe about telling a former Sith Lord that they'd scanned his blood without his consent. It was simply inconceivable to them that anyone could exist without Midichlorians. Ever since the Rusaan reformation science had proven that the Midichlorians allowed sentients to access the Force and what Nico was, what his results represented was simply unnatural and unexplainable to them.

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Nico was walking toward his quarters on the Resolute, he had just woken up after the examinations Bant had done were finished, apparently all he needs is a bit of Bacta and some bed rest and he'll be as good as new, though he did find it strange how Bant went from a kind and warm Jedi Healer to a nervous wreck after one little nap, but Nico just shrugged it off, thinking that he had been talking in his sleep again.

Honestly, the things that I dream about just get weirder and weirder.

Suddenly, as Nico was walking down the hall toward his quarters, a door next to him flew open and someone dragged him inside, Nico was caught by surprise for at least half a second, until he quickly grabbed his lightsaber, ignited it, and brought it up to the assailant's neck and looked into their eyes, only to see a familiar ocean blue staring back at him, a hint of exasperation dancing in them.

"Seriously!" Ahsoka exclaimed, "You've really got to stop with that 'shoot first ask questions later' rule."

Nico sighed as the adrenaline running through his veins slowly extinguished, and he deactivated his lightsaber, clipping it back to his belt, "Rule number one: Don't let your enemy get the upper hand." He stated as he looked around the room that he was in.

It was basically the same as his room, there was a small cot attached to the wall, a desk, a workstation for weaponry modifications (Legal or illegal), a small draw next to the bed, most likely filled with clothes, and a holo unit attached to the top of the draw. With a start, Nico realised this was Ahsoka's room, and he suddenly felt incredibly awkward, knowing what their conversation is going to be about.

The Togrutan Jedi rolled her eyes, "Don't start lecturing me, besides I'm not your enemy… Well, not anymore." She added the last part kind of awkwardly making Nico crack a smile.

"Well then, if you don't mind me asking, why did you drag me in here?" Nico asked, but he already knew the answer.

Ahsoka's attitude changed straight away as she remembered the reason why she dragged Nico into her quarters, "It's about the… um… Incident in the tank." She stuttered out nervously, her cheeks going a darker shade of orange. Ahsoka shook her head and recomposed herself, her blush disappearing slightly…but only slightly, "What I did-I mean, it wasn't right."

Nico blinked in surprise, "What do you mean?" He questioned with a frown.

Ahsoka sighed, "I mean it was never meant to happen."

"I-I don't understand." Nico stuttered with a confused expression.

Ahsoka, once again, sighed, "It isn't the way of the Jedi to form attachments." She said, as if that explained everything.

"Form attachments?" Nico questioned.

"Yes, we can't form a…relationship." She said with a sterm expression, though if you looked closely into her eyes, you could see that she didn't want to say this.

"Ahsoka," Nico started gently, "Surely you felt the same way I did when you ki-" He was interrupted by the Togruta Padawan.

"Of course I did Nico!" She exclaimed, "But we're Jedi. You only recently came back from being a Sith Lord, I don't want to see you go down that path again, and besides, if we did start a relationship then the Council would surely find out."

"Not if we keep it a secret." Nico said, ignoring the point that she made of him going back to the Dark side.

"Nico, listen to me." Ahsoka said sternly, forcing the Ghost King to look into her eyes, "We can't be in a relationship, not only is it forbidden by the Jedi, but there is also a war going on, it just isn't the time for that kind of drama."

Nico frowned, he could see the logic in the teenage Jedi's words, no matter how much he wanted to disagree with it, though he still persisted.

"But you're the one that kissed me, surely it means something." Nico said, as he started to get a headache, I don't think I'll ever understand women.

"I know that Nico," She started gently, "But that was just a spur of the moment, by the Force, I thought we were going to die!" Ahsoka watched as Nico lowered his head so a shadow covered his face and when he looked back up his expression was a void of emotion, making Ahsoka's heart clench.

"You're right Ahsoka." The Ghost King said with absolutely no emotion whatsoever, "I was foolish believing we had a chance, now if you'll excuse me, the doctor said that I need bed rest." Before Ahsoka could say a word Nico was out of her quarters in a heartbeat.

Ahsoka sighed as she collapsed on her cot, This was the best decision for the both of us. Ahsoka assured herself. Attachments lead to the dark side, and I will not allow Nico to be known as Lord Reaper again, no matter what.

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Once Nico arrived at his quarters, he was quite irritated to find HK-47 standing there waiting for him, Great, Nico thought sarcastically, Like I don't have enough problems.

"Oh, you're here," Nico growls as he enters his quarters, "I thought you were going to stay on Geonosis."

HK follows the Ghost King into his quarters, despite the fact Nico, quite obviously, didn't want HK in his room. "Answer: My master had sent me back to his ship only an hour ago, in order to make sure the small Meatbags get there rest."

"I really don't like you." Nico groaned as he collapses on his cot, he wasn't ready to have a conversation with HK again, not after the talk he had with Ahsoka.

"Statement: Your emotional response to my existence is hardly relevant. However, if you would like, my opinion to your own continued survival is quite negative. As it is for all Meatbags, except the master, of course."

"Fuck off." Nico says as he closes his eyes, not entirely amused by the droid's regular verbal abuse.

"Query: As much of your speech patterns are not used by most Meatbags, I must request that you clarify that particular phrasing, especially given that you use the term 'fuck' on a somewhat regular basis."

Nico's eyes snapped open at that, What the Hades? There is no way HK is asking me this. "Uh, it means… I don't know, it's slang for sex, but everyone just uses it as a cuss word, for extra emphasis. I've heard some Clones and Jedi use words like blasted or something along those lines. I just have my own ways of saying things."

"Analysis: You possess a unique dialect, with slight difference in word choice, and pronunciation, though your speech most closely matches Basic that is being used by Meatbags on Coruscant. Statement: Therefore, when you comment: 'Fuck off'," HK switches to a perfect voice imitation of how Nico just sounded a minute ago, much to his disdain, it was just another gun in HK's armaments of mockery that he could use against him. "You are not actually suggesting that I engage in pointless Meatbag mating rituals."

Nico's eyes widened, "You've got to be kidding," He mutters, "It means that I hate you, and you should go die, essentially. But don't take it too personally; it's also a term of endearment."

"Statement: You are attempting to antagonise me, psychotic Meatbag."

"Yeah, it doesn't work, does it?" Nico asked sarcastically. The HK unit falls silent at that giving Nico time to think as he shuts his eyes.

I don't understand. Nico thought to himself as he remembers the kiss that he shared with Ahsoka in the tank, Just a spur of the moment? It sure didn't feel like that to me… In fact I'm not sure what I'm feeling. Nico, once again, opens his eyes and glances at HK, who was messing with a seemingly random blaster at Nico's workstation, if anyone can answer his question, it was definitely a droid.

"HK," Nico called out, gaining the attention of said assassin droid, "What's the definition of 'Love'?" Nico questioned, using air quotes.

The assassin droids red photoreceptors stared at Nico with no emotion, "Definition: 'Love' is making a shot to the knees of a target 120 kilometres away using an Aratech sniper rifle with a tri-light scope."

Nico sat up and looked at the assassin droid strangely, after a few seconds he smirked, "That is the best definition of love I have ever heard." Nico said laughing a bit. Though apparently, HK wasn't finished yet.

"Statement: This definition, I am told, is subject to interpretation. Obviously, love is a matter of odds. Not many Meatbags could make such a shot, and strangely enough, not many Meatbags would drive love from it. Yet for me, love is knowing your target, putting them in your targeting reticule, and together, achieving a singular purpose…against statistically long odds."

Nico looked at HK with a raised eyebrow, In a weird way he actually makes sense, but in other ways it doesn't. Nico thought to himself as he got up from his cot and walked to his desk, picked up the datapad that was lying there then went back to his cot and started to research the actual definition of 'Love'.

After half an hour of reading Nico came to a conclusion that he didn't love Ahsoka, just cared for her, had feelings for her, but nothing as strong as love, he's only knew her for about two months, though that didn't change the fact that he was still bitter about Ahsoka rejecting him.

"Statement: My master sent me up here to make sure you get rest, psychotic Meatbag. Reminder: The Meatbag doctor said that you should be resting right now."

Nico rolled his eyes as he set the datapad down, "Perhaps your 'master' didn't want to listen to you all day." Nico suggested, using air quotes.

"Commentary: I would presume that if my master had grown weary of my rather smug personality and observations of Meatbags – he would certainly not ask for your presence."

Nico just sighed and closed his eye lids, "Fine, whatever, I'll get some sleep now." Nico was sure that he saw the red photoreceptors of the droid gleam slightly, as if in victory, before he fell into a deep slumber.

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After several hours of rest Nico, Ahsoka, Barriss and Ki-Adi-Mundi were making their way back down to the planet of Geonosis, though Nico wasn't just wearing his usual Jedi robes anymore, he was also wearing a black hooded robe, the hood being up, the shadow covering his emotionless face.

Barriss didn't know what was wrong with Nico, Ahsoka and Master Mundi but she noticed Ahsoka and Master Mundi send Nico weird looks while he just stares off into space, at least, that's what she thought he was doing, it was hard to tell with the hood being up. Both of their looks were different, Ahsoka's were more like sad/longing looks, while Master Mundi's were cautious.

They had just been given word that the Archduke of Geonosis, Poggle the Lesser, has been captured, and that they found him in catacombs where the supposed Geonosian Queen was creating undead Geonosian warriors, this had gotten Nico more pissed off than he already was, he spent nearly two weeks searching for the undead Geonosians while Anakin, Luminara and Obi-Wan find them by mere chance?

As the shuttle was nearing the landing sight, Ki-Adi-Mundi's wrist communicator went off, "If you'll excuse me." The Jedi Counsellor said as he made his way into a more secluded part of the ship.

Once the shuttle landed at the location of where the rest of the Jedi were, the three Padawans made their way off the ship, at the same time Poggle was being escorted onto the shuttle, and as he passed Nico he said something in his strange language, Nico supposed that the Archduke was cussing him, understandable.

Nico looked to his left only to see a Republic medical frigate, making him raise an eyebrow.

Once the three Padawans reached the three Jedi knights Anakin decided that it was about time he got under Nico's skin.

"What's with the hooded robe Nico?" Skywalker questioned in an amused tone, "Trying to act all mysterious again?"

Nico shook his head, "No Master Skywalker, these are just part of my assigned clothing." Everyone's eye widened at that, including the Clones that were in hearing range, ever since Nico had joined the Republic, not once has he been respectful or formal with Anakin Skywalker.

Anakin looked at Nico with a worried frown, "Are you okay Ni-?" He was suddenly interrupted by Master Mundi as he made his way down the hatch of the landing craft.

"I'm afraid we have a complication." He said in an upset tone, making everyone forget about Nico's strange behaviour and listen to Master Mundi.

Anakin rolled his eyes, "Don't we always."

"I've just received a distress signal from our forces on Dantooine," KI-Adi explained. "Master Windu's defences held, but at a great cost to his men. They need medical supplies immediately. We can obtain these supplies at the medical station near Ord Cestus."

Anakin frowned, "We're delivering Poggle to Coruscant, and Cestus is not exactly on the way." He said unsurely.

Luminara stepped in, "The Republic must begin debriefing Poggle right away if we are to gain useful intelligence from him." She added.

Anakin suddenly gained a smile, and he started walking around Barriss, Ahsoka and Nico, "Master," He started "I suggest we let our Padawans handle the supply mission."

He reached over and grabbed all three of them and pulled them closer, despite Nico's efforts to get out of the iron grip hold of his prosthetic hand. Barriss and Nico looked incredibly uncomfortable being in the hug, Barriss because she wasn't used to them and Nico because he didn't like hugs in general.

Though Ahsoka had a smile on her face, "Whatever needs to be done Master, I'm happy to help." Maybe I can use this time to gain my friendship back with Nico. She added silently in her head.

"As am I," Barriss added.

Though people were confused by Nico's response, "Can't." He said, plain and simple, as he finally slipped out of Anakin's iron like grip.

Anakin looked at him with an eyebrow raised, "Why not?" He questioned in a challenging tone.

"Because," Nico started, "I've got to get to Coruscant and finish my Trials." He said, ignoring the sad look Ahsoka gave him.

Anakin frowned but nodded his acceptance, "Fair enough."

Obi-Wan sighed as he pointed to the medical transport, "Very well, take the medical frigate, and after we've delivered Poggle and Nico to Coruscant, we'll rendezvous with you for the voyage to Dantooine." He said to Barriss and Ahsoka, but Ahsoka didn't seem to be listening, as she watched the form of the Ghost King enter the ship that just dropped them off without even looking back.

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The Resolute was in hyperspace heading toward Coruscant to hand Poggle over to Republic authority's.

Nico just walked onto the bridge, his hood still up, with Obi-Wan and Captain Rex in tow, staring outside of the viewport was Master's Luminara and Ki-Adi-Mundi. Anakin had said he had business that he had to do n Naboo, so he had taken the Twilight and, much to Nico's relief, HK and rushed off, leaving his Clone Platoon in the capable hands of Nico.

Luminara took a glance behind her, "The cargo ship failed to check in on schedule," She said, referring to the medical frigate Ahsoka and Barris were on. "I attempted to contact them, but there is no reply."

Nico frowned, "I don't like it." He muttered worriedly, the first bit of emotion he has had in his voice for hours.

"It is certainly unlike either Padawan to lose contact." Luminara stated in her usual serious tone.

Nico's eye widened as he lowered his hood, "They're in trouble." He stated worriedly.

Obi-Wan sighed, "Nico, have faith in Ahsoka."

The Ghost King glared at Obi-Wan, "She would've checked in." He insisted

Kenobi merely raised an eyebrow, "Like you and Anakin always do?" The Jedi Knight questioned rhetorically.

Nico frowned but let him have that, "Good point." He sighed.

Obi-Wan had an amused smirk on his face, "Sometime, I don't think you three realise how alike you three have become." He said, earning an eye roll from Nico.

Ki-Adi cleared his throat, gaining the attention of the three Jedi, "We need to continue our interrogation with Poggle." He stated, changing the subject completely.

"Yes," Kenobi said, ignoring the frown on Nico's face. "He's being most uncooperative." He said as the three Knights started to head out of the bridge.

As Nico began to leave, he grabbed Rex's arm and leaned closer to the Captain, "Keep your ears open in case Ahsoka calls." He muttered

The Captain nodded his head, "Got it."

Nico smirked and followed the other three Jedi out of the bridge.

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Nico was scowling as he made his way back to the bridge, the interrogation of Poggle had ended in the same way it usually does, with absolutely nothing.

As Nico entered the bridge, he heard a familiar voice, "-oy am I glad to hear your voice." It was Ahsoka. Nico looked to where the voice came from, only to see Captain Rex on a video comm, and he walked over to them.

"Likewise sir." The Captain replied, he then glanced to Nico who was just standing to the side waiting for the Captain to finish, "I've got someone hear who wants to speak with you." That being said, he moved back slightly to give Nico room to look at Ahsoka.

"Ahsoka, what's going on?" He questioned in a worried tone, "Are you okay?"

Ahsoka bit her lip, "Well," She started, "not exactly."

From there Ahsoka started to explain the situation, apparently, parasites from Geonosis have infected the Clones, the same parasites that could bring the undead back to life.

Nico frowned, "Make sure you have a wrist comm, keep it on." He said sternly, watching as she did as he said, "I'm going to interrogate Poggle, he might have some answers. Find Barriss and wait for my signal." Ahsoka nodded and the video screen winked off.

Nico turned to Rex, who was looking at him with questioning eyes, "Didn't you just come back from a failed interrogation sir?" The Captain questioned.

Nico looked at him with a dark expression, "Yes, but that was a Jedi interrogation," He said as he reached for the Clone Captains belt and pulled out a knife, "It's time to put what I learned with the Separatists to good use."

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Once Nico reached the cells where Poggle is being kept prisoner, a protocol droid next to him so whatever he says will be translated, the two guards looking over Poggle snap to attention, Nico walks closer to the ray shield and gazes at Poggle with dark eyes, he then turns his head to one of the Clones.

"Leave us." He ordered in a dangerous tone, the Clone hesitates for a second, but one look in the Ghost King's eyes, and he immediately gestures for the second guard to follow him out.

The shield to the prison cell went out and Nico stepped into the cell, his eye's bore into Poggles.

The Geonosian leader chuckled and said something in his strange clicking language, the protocol droid translating, "Young man, if you are trying to intimidate me through glaring, may I suggest going to Master Windu for help. Yours still need some work."

Nico ignored the insult and used the Force to put the shield back up and moved the table in front of Poggle out of the way, only to be replaced by a chair, in which Nico sat down in it.

The Ghost King chuckled slightly, "That's funny huh?" He said as he pulled out the knife that he took from the Captain, making Poggle's eyes widen, Nico looked at him innocently, "What? Oh, don't you worry, I just need some information, that's all." He said as he started cleaning his fingernails with the knife, "Now, tell me, how do you stop that mind controlling parasite from Geonosis?"

As Poggle spoke the droid translated, "I will never talk Jedi." The droid said, and Poggle looked at him with, what looked like, a smirk.

Nico smiled calmly, "Oh, I see." He suddenly jumped up, clamped his hand on the Geonosian's mouth and rammed the knife into his bug like legs, eliciting a muffled scream from the Archduke of Geonosis, "Now listen to me Poggle," Nico started in a deadly whisper, as yellow blood dripped from the wound, "If you don't want this, then all you have to do is answer my question, am I understood?" Poggle nodded his head rapidly, tears building up in his eyes, "Good." Nico said as he took the knife out of the Geonosians leg and lit it with black fire and bought it to the wound on the Geonosian, eliciting yet another muffled scream, "I'm just cauterising the wound." Nico says with an eye roll. Once he was finished, he sat back down on the chair looking at Poggle, "Now, answer my question."

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Nico rushed into the bridge, only to see the rest of the Jedi there, they all looked at him with raised eyebrows, so he quickly explained the reason he was in a hurry, "I made contact with Ahsoka."

That got there full attention, "What's there status?" Obi-Wan questioned.

"Geonosian parasites have infected her crew," He says as he makes his way to a communications device.

Obi-Wan frowned, "How did they get on board the ship?"

"Poggle said the parasites must have needed a new host after you and Skywalker raided that temple." Nico answers as he puts in Ahsoka's comm frequency, he could feel the shock radiating from the other three Jedi.

"You interrogated Poggle?" Luminara asked with a frown.

"I did." Nico snaps as he glances at Luminara then he looked back at the comms unit, "There wasn't any time to get the rest of you."

"And how did you get him to talk?" Master Mundi questioned in a calm voice, as if he already knew the answer.

"I asked him nicely." Nico replied, earning a raised eyebrow from Kenobi, "Look, all that matters is that he told me how to stop the parasites." He said as he pressed a button gaining Ahsoka's comm channel.

"This is Ahsoka, come in." Came the voice of the teenage Togruta.

"Ahsoka, listen to me." Nico ordered sternly. "The worms are affected by the cold."

"Cold?" Ahsoka questioned unsurely. "That's how we stop them?"

"Yes, rupture the coolant system." Nico said, and he paused waiting for a reply, but none came, making him frown, "Did you hear me? Rupture the coolant system."

"The coolant system." Ahsoka acknowledged, "Got it."

Nico then turned to the other three Jedi, "We're changing course for Ord Cestus." The three Masters nodded, not questioning the Ghost King.

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Nico arrived at the medical facility on Ord Cestus with the other three Jedi, only to be greeted by a familiar face.

"It's good to see you again Nico." Kit fisto says as he shakes the Ghost Kings hand.

"Likewise Master." Nico replied. "Where's Ahsoka?"

The Jedi Master smiled in a comforting way, "She is in a medical room, if you'll follow me." He said, leading the way.

"Nico!" Someone called from behind the two making them turn around, only to be greeted by the three Jedi Masters, "You stay here with Ahsoka and Barriss," Obi-Wan said, "We'll deliver the supplies." Nico nods and turns to be lead to Ahsoka and Barriss.

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Nico had arrived at the rooms Ahsoka and Barriss were in and they were both knocked out cold.

Right now, Nico was sitting next to Ahsoka, who was still knocked out, while watching video footage on a datapad on what happened on the medical transport, though one piece of footage caught his eye.

Barriss was walking down the hall to the bridge when suddenly the defences came online, and Barriss was electrocuted dropping her lightsaber to the floor, and as the electric shock stopped she fell to the floor.

A Clone came out of nowhere and picked up Barriss's lightsaber, "If there's one thing we Clones know," The Clone started as he flipped the lightsaber in his hand, "It's how to stop a Jedi."

Those word kept ringing in Nico's head, The Clones may have been infected by the parasites, but the parasites feed from the memories of the mind, The Ghost King mused, So somewhere in the Clones training on Kamino they must have been taught on how to take down Jedi.

Nico wanted to keep thinking about what this meant, but was interrupted from his musings when Ahsoka suddenly gasped loudly and sat up.

Nico quickly put the datapad down and moved closer to her, putting a hand on her shoulder, "It's alright Ahsoka," Nico tried to comfort as Ahsoka just stared into nothingness, "It's okay." Ahsoka moved her gaze to Nico and sighed in relief, "You're safe."

Ahsoka lied back down on the bed, "Barriss?" She questioned as Nico put the covers back over her.

"Barriss, is fine," Nico said as he gestured to the bed next to Ahsoka, where Barriss was sleeping peacefully. "Thanks to you, and so are the Clones."

Ahsoka groaned, "What were those things."

"I think I can help answer that." Master Kit Fisto said as he entered the medical room, his usual grin stuck on his face. "We had the parasite worms analysed, they are the same type of creature that Master Skywalker and Kenobi found on Geonosis."

Nico got up and walked to Master Fisto so he could address him properly, and with a frowned and crossed his arms he said, "We'll have to inform the troops on Geonosis, this parasite might explain how they recaptured the planet the first time." Nico's eye narrowed as he remembered the first assault, so many Clones died, "I don't want that happening again."

Fisto nodded, and then turned his had to Ahsoka with a comforting smile, "You've been through quite an ordeal little one."

"Padawan Di Angelo." Ahsoka said formally, making said Padawan raise an eyebrow, "May I have a word?" Nico looked to Master Fisto, who grinned and walked out of the medical room.

Nico walked over and sat on a part of the bed that wasn't occupied by Ahsoka, "Sure Princess, what is it?" Nico said, making Ahsoka smile, liking the fact that he was no longer acting all bitter.

But that smile soon turned into a grimace, "Nico," She started, "On the ship, Barriss was…gone." She stated fearfully, making Nico frown in concern, "A-and, she wanted me to kill her, and she told me-" She was interrupted by the Ghost King.

"But you couldn't do it." Nico stated with a smile.

"No," Ahsoka said as she shook her head, "No I couldn't," She then lowered her eyes, "But should I have?" She questioned making Nico raise an eyebrow, so she elaborated, "I mean, it worked out now, but if we had failed, if the ship docked and the worms spread and…" Sh trailed off looking at Nico desperately.

"Ahsoka," He started gently, "As a Jedi, it is you're duty to save as many as you can, Barriss knew that you could save thousands if the worms were destroyed, which, she thought, meant destroying her to. But you did the right thing, you knew that the freezing cold would kill the worms, just follow your instincts." A smirk worked its way on his face, "I'm sure she would agree you made the right choice."

Ahsoka sighed, "Maybe," She then bit her lip nervously, "Nico, about what happened before this mission started, I-" Nico held a hand up, cutting her off.

"It's all forgotten Ahsoka," He said with a small smile, "I've got to learn not to hold grudges if I want to be a Jedi, besides you're literally my best friend, I can't hold anything against you for too long." Ahsoka smiled at the 'best friend' part, they were both happy being friends for now, but maybe, someday, they could be something more.

Well, that was fun. I think you'll notice that this chapter was shorter than most. Anyway, as I said on my last chapter this is the final chapter until I finish my exams are finished.

So, what did you think? I had fun writing the first part of the chapter, what is the mystery of Nico and the Midichlorians? How hard did you laugh when HK and Nico were talking about the word 'Fuck'? And how pissed off are you at me for not bringing Ahsoka and Nico together straight away?

Onto that subject, don't get angry with me just because I didn't put Ahsoka and Nico in a relationship, alright? I mean, Ahsoka's been in the Jedi Temple since she was a kid, and she has been taught that attachments can lead one down the dark path, she isn't just going to throw all her teachings out the window just because she has a crush and has shared a kiss, especially when that kiss is with someone who has already been a Sith. It's just not logical.

Now onto the reviews...

Yugiohfan28 chapter 10 . Mar 12

I can't exactly remember if I have told u this or not but I completely understand why u can't update for awhile. For the people that are saying if he doesn't continue then u will hunt him down and kill him than screw u. I might not not be in high school so I don't know how hard the final exams are but I do have friends that do know. So yes he needs time to study and focus. And to the author I suggest that until your exams are over don't even log on to fanfiction. I really like or story and I can't wait for u to update again but I am willing to be patient and wait for u to finish on what matters most.

Thank you my friend for understanding my plight, just have to say one thing though, I was slightly confused when I read this review because it sounded like the insults were thrown at me, but in any case, I thank you.

Guest chapter 10 . Mar 12

Ya i do not like windu he is too self cofident and hypocritical to be a jedi nuff said

Really? Hmm, Please explain to me how he's hypocritical, but don't use the fact that he wanted to kill Palpatine against him, I mean, who wouldn't? I for one would like to throw a pie in his face, but that's just me.

Guest chapter 10 . Mar 12

Hmm. Okay would joey or ray work? also if you want you can make him a con artist instead. I dont really care too much.

Yeah, sure, one of those names will work, I've got an idea for him, but he won't come in yet. Probably, later on in the story.

alex chapter 10 . Mar 12

Just wanted too make sure you knew about them I knew a guy who read the books but didn't know about the movies once. also is that sith a main antagonist? and good luck on your exams!

The Sith? Well, if I told you anything about him, that would lead to massive spoilers, all I can say is this, the rule of two, a Master and an Apprentice, with the Sith is officially broken.

Guest chapter 10 . Mar 13

Great chapter. Though, the most interesting was definitely the fact Nico as Reaper seemed to be the one to comfort Boba. Showed that even as a Sith, he had plenty of compassion and goodness in him.
Perhaps even more interesting, however, was the the end. Ahsoka and Nico finally kissed. And under some interesting circumstances as well.
As for the two Siths: Are they OC? Can't seem to find Vorn. Whatever the case, they seems rather interesting. Especially since it shows the power struggle within the Sith Order. Though, Vorn and his appretice might be in for a nasty surprise if they piss off Nico too much.
Looking foward to more.
Yours sincerely,
Lightningscar
PS: Good luck with your exams :)

Um, yeah, Vorn is an OC, I picked the name for the Apprentice, Angral, from a random book that I was reading earlier that day, he's also an OC, the mask and robes he was wearing come from a trailer I was watching, if you want to look at Angral's outside appearance just search for Darth Vindican.

aoe123 chapter 10 . Mar 13

Ohh bro! I'm looking forward to this evil grin! Good chapter!

Thanks for the compliments, not really an action chapter, but still.

Anyways, someone asked me in a PM if I could put down the ages of Nico and Ahsoka, they are both 15 and soon they'll be turning 16, Ahsoka before Nico.

Thank you for reading and if you have any questions just ask them in the reviewers box or PM me. Please review.