A standoff ensues!, after fighting her way inside the Deathwatch base padawan Barriss Offee stands ready for the fight to come. But unbeknownst to either girl, escape will not be that easy.

Chapter 16: Back From The Dark

"Enough of this!, men seize the girl!" Pre Vizla ignited his darksaber and pushed the blade inches from Ahsoka's neck as a number of Deathwatch soldiers moved forward and forced Barriss' hands behind her back "lay down your arms Jedi and the Togruta lives!". Barriss briefly met with Ahsoka's eyes before nodding her head in agreement and allowing the soldiers to take the lightsabers from her side, Pre Vizla watched the scene unfold while keeping his blade at the ready.

Before anyone in the room had a chance to blink Ahsoka brought her hand to her lightsaber and ignited the green blade, the weapon hit Pre Vizla's gloved hand in a matter of seconds, while his armor softened the impact his darksaber flew from his grasp and landed several feet away by Lux's feet. As Ahsoka forced Pre Vizla back with a small force push Barriss used the short moment of uncertainty to her advantage, turning at an almost impossible angle she brought a both feet up to the soldier on her right and kicked off his chest plate.

The soldier lost his footing and feel to the ground, letting go of Barriss' arm in the process. Using her newly freed hand to call one of her paired sabers back she quickly ignited the blade and lashed out at the other soldier attempting to hold her back, separating the mans helmet (and the contents inside) from his body. Both Barriss and Ahsoka ignited both their respective sabers as the remaining Deathwatch soldiers moved in towards them, forcing both girls into the middle of the arena.

"Stop!" Lux's voice turned every head in the arena, the boy wrapped both hands around the hilt of his sword as he turned his attention to Pre Vizla "you asked if I refuse to fight, well I don't. I challenge you!"

Pre Vizla's eyes widened as a crooked grin crossed his lips, motioning for his men to stand down he nodded towards Lux "very noble boy, under what grounds?"

Lux waited till each Deathwatch soldier backed out of the arena before letting his eyes meet Ahsoka's "I win and you let them go" Barriss and Ahsoka deactivated their lightsabers and clipped the weapons to their side, the latter smiling in Lux's direction as she walked off the arena with her friend close behind. Lux raised the tip of his sword in Pre Vizla's direction "do what you want with me, but lay one hand on either of my friends and I'll make sure your death is one your men will pass down through the years to come!".

Pre Vizla retrieved his darksaber and entered the arena's opposite end "very well boy, your challenge is accepted" ignited his saber and forming a defensive stance the Deathwatch leader readied himself for the fight ahead.

Ahsoka bit her bottom lip as she watched from the side of the arena "Lux he's too strong, you don't have to do this"

Lux raise his sword in front of him "I'm sorry Ahsoka, you were a true friend, if I would of just come to you at the beginning none of this would of happened. I got you and Barriss into this Ahsoka, this is the least I can do". Before any more protest could be raised Lux charged the Deathwatch leader, raising his sword above his head and bringing it down with all the force he could gather.

Pre Vizla stepped away from the attack and, with a swift kick, knocked Lux to his feet "come now boy, is that the best you got?"

With a look of fierce determination growing in his eyes Lux propped himself up with one arm and brought both legs around in a complete circle, jumping to his feet as Pre Vizla hit the ground. Barriss let out an impressed whistle "nice!"

Lux chanced a look in her direction "dad taught me that one" taking a few steps back as Pre Vizla rose to his feet Lux once again raised his sword "I'm not impressed Vizla, I can't believe I wanted to join you people".

Pre Vizla shoved his cape to his back as he moved forward, lashing out with his darksaber in a series of brutal swings. Lux's sword filled the room with a loud hiss for every attack it blocked, the boys stance visibly weakening with each hit.

When Ahsoka was sure the next blow would brake through the boys defense Lux tapped a button on his wrist, the jet-pack on his back sprang to life and lifted him a few feet into the air. Pre Vizla had just enough time to widen his eyes as Lux dropped his sword to the ground below and dove straight at him, a loud crash echoed through the arena as the two armor wearing forms collided. Lux brought a hand up to his wrist and landed on his feet as the Deathwatch leader hurtled through the air and smashed against the door at the end of the arena.

Pre Vizla shook his head in disbelief as he once again stood to his feet and reactivated his darksaber "not bad my boy, it would have been an honor to have you join our ranks, unfortunately I grow tired of toying with you" the Deathwatch once again leaped forward, crossing blades with an unprepared Lux in a matter of seconds. Using one hand to keep the boys sword at bay Pre Vizla brought his fist up and knocked Lux off balance, in the moment it took Lux to steady himself the Deathwatch leader had already swiped the boys sword from his grasp and thrown it to the ground beside him "it was a decent try my boy, but decent will get you killed on the battlefield. Men, set blasters to stun".

Barriss awoke surrounded by darkness, taking a moment to let her eyes adjust she quickly spotted Ahsoka's form propped up against the wall opposite her "Ahsoka, are you okay?"

Ahsoka let out a loud moan as she snapped awake, the young Togruta was on her feet in a matter of seconds "I'm fine, what about you?"

Barriss took a moment to check herself over "nothing serious"

"I'm fine too, thanks for asking" Lux laid sprawled out on the middle of the cells floor with his hands covering his face as he rubbed his eyes, both girls moved forward and helped the tired boy to his feet "did I save you?"

Ahsoka held back a small laugh as he patted the boys back, quickly noticing the Deathwatch armor he had worn before had been replaced by his lighter cargo bay workers outfit"you were very brave Lux, but I don't think even me or Barriss could of defeated Pre Vizla"

Lux nodded slowly as an odd weight brought his hand around to his back "what's on me?"

Barriss walked behind Lux and expected the object, the Iron sword he used in the fight with Pre Vizla was encased in a long, old fashioned sheath around the boys back "looks like you got to keep your sword"

Lux reached a hand around his shoulder and ran a few fingers along the swords hilt "that's not a good sign is it?"

Ahsoka shook her head as she checked her waist "we still have out lightsabers, they know there's no chance of us escaping. I only got out the first time because I flirted with the guard, I doubt they'll make that mistake again"

Barriss took a pained glance at the walls around her "Mandalorian Iron is really starting to get annoying, maybe enough time against the walls and our lightsabers might be able to break through"

Ahsoka gave her friend a worried look "are you okay Barriss?, you look...different"

The second the words left her friends mouth all the fury, all the hate that Barriss had held back to this point let itself loose, knocking the balance from her and legs and sending her to the ground clutching her head in a pain filled screamed "ahhh!"

Ahsoka was at her side in a matter of seconds "Barriss!, what's happening?"

Through the intense pain Barriss forced herself to speak as an orange hand ran through her hair, providing little comfort as she regained her breath "I couldn't do it Ahsoka, I tried to push my feelings away, to handle the situation like a true Jedi would, but I just...couldn't"

"Barriss what are you talking about?"

"the guards outside the base, I slaughtered them without a second thought!, the same with that Commander, she was unarmed when I killed her. I could of taken her alive, oh god why didn't I take her alive?"

Ahsoka felt her heart drop as she watched her usually stable friend break down in front of her, with a silent nod Lux walked to the other side of the room and sat in silence "Barriss you will get through this, you helped me push the dark side away, I'll help you do the same. Just get some rest for now, we'll talk about this later".

It took a few hours of silence but eventually Barriss fell asleep, her head rested comfortably on Ahsoka's lap as the young Togruta stroked the girls hair. Once she was sure the noise wouldn't wake her Ahsoka called Lux over with a wave of her hand, Lux nodded silently before crossing the room and setting down a few feet beside her.

With a roll of her eyes Ahsoka pulled the boy against her side "it's freezing, don't try and pretend you can't feel it. If we stick close together our body heat should be enough to keep us warm"

Lux shifted uncomfortably to stretch out his feet and lean his back against the wall behind him "you have any idea how we're going to get out of here?"

"think that sword of yours could cut through the wall?"

Lux quickly shook his head "ever smash a rock against another rock?, pretty much the same results"

"we'll think of something in the morning, if it's not morning now" without thinking Ahsoka ran a finger against the smooth skin of Barriss' cheek "she needs time to rest"

Lux looked at the girls sleeping form with a soft smile "so you and..."

Ahsoka cut him off "yes, I don't suppose you could..."

Lux raised a hand for the girl to stop talking "your secret's safe with me" after a short silence the boy let out a soft sigh "she's a very lucky girl ya know"

"thank you Lux"

Another short silence followed before Lux once again turned his head to the girl pressed up against his side "Ahsoka I want to apologize, this is all my fault. I should of turned to you to begin with, Count Dooku assured me it was the Republic who killed my mother, he said the act came as a strict order from the Jedi. To be honest I had my doubts then, but I was so mad, I guess I was willing to believe anything"

"you don't have to apologize Lux, you felt betrayed and alone, I don't blame you for doing what you did" making sure to keep one hand on Barriss' head Ahsoka pulled Lux close and lightly kissed the boys cheek "thank you for doing the right thing, you're a true friend".

Mandalore, just outside the duchess Satine's palace

Obi-Wan brought his com-link to his mouth for what had to be the hundredth time in the past hour "padawan Offee!, Barriss report in!" once again his only reply came in the form of static "I knew it was a mistake sending that girl alone"

"relax Obi, true love conquers all" the duchess Satine sat on a bench beside the worried Jedi master, waving at the passers by and simply enjoying the warmth of the sun as she did her best to comfort her friend.

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at the comment "you've read too many novels, Barriss is in a dangerous situation, in more ways than one. If she lets her emotions take control she risks losing herself to the dark side, if that happens she won't just be stripped from the order, she'll be destroyed"

"which is precisely why you need to take a few deep breaths and put your faith in Barriss and Ahsoka, they can handle themselves"

"be that as it may I still hate waiting" after a short silence Obi-Wan snapped his fingers "that boy, Lux Bonteri, he said he'd been working at a nearby cargo bay, do you have any idea which one that might be?"

Satine quickly nodded "the capital only has one cargo bay, it's not to far from here, why?"

Obi-Wan pushed himself away from the palace's wall "the astromech said it was Lux who betrayed Ahsoka, maybe someone at the cargo bay knows a little more about this boy"

Satine stood from her seat and pointed down the nearest walkway "the cargo bay is straight down this walkway, I can take you there if you'd like?"

"anything's better than standing here, artoo stay here and contact me if anything out of the ordinary happens".

Concordia, Deathwatch prison base

The second Barriss opened her eyes she wanted nothing more than to close them again, the reality of their situation hit her like a mother gundark. When a slight movement under her brought her out of her depression she quickly realized her head was rested on Ahsoka's lap, taking more than a little comfort from the heat off her friends skin she blocked out the world around her.

"I got it!" Lux's words of triumph forced both Jedi out of their slumber in an instant

Barriss jumped to her feet and turned to the back of their cell where Lux sat on his knees staring at the floor "what is it?"

Lux put his ear to the floor "that incessant humming, it's strongest right here, whatever is making that noise has to be under the floor"

Both Barriss and Ahsoka moved up beside him, the latter focusing intently as her montrals tracked the sound "he's right, if we can stop that humming we could finally focus enough to use our force powers"

"and blast our way out of this damn cell" Barriss added

Lux took a step back as Ahsoka moved forward and illuminated the cell with the green blade of her lightsaber, plunging the tip of the weapon into the ground all three watched with childlike curiosity as the blade slowly burrowed into the floor. Pushing on the hilt with the full strength of both her arms Ahsoka groaned lightly as the minutes passed, after roughly ten minutes of very slow progress Barriss put a hand on her friends shoulder. A silent nod was shared between the two as Ahsoka stepped aside, Barriss wrapped both her hands around the weapons hilt and began it push.

By the time half the blade was submerged in the ground her arms felt like rubber, another silent nod was shared as Lux took her place. Both girls moved to the middle of the cell and sat crossed-legged as they sensed Lux put all his weight on top of the lightsabers hilt "let's hope the blade is long enough"

Ahsoka nodded to no one in particular "almost there, just a little more"

The lightsaber crackling in protest Lux gave the hilt one last push, deactivating the blade just in time to see a large spark light up the small cell for a split second "did that do it?"

Barriss closed her eyes and concentrated as hard as she could, instantly melding with the force presence of Ahsoka the scene outside their cell flooded into her mind. A Deathwatch soldier was stationed at each side of the door of the cell along with what had to be a sniper on the cells roof, the sniper laid on his stomach with his scope pointed directly down the path leading away from the cell "we're largely surrounded, two men at the front and one sniper on top. Looks like our best bet would be to try blasting out through the side, try and make a run from the exit while they're distracted from the blast".

Ahsoka's voice echoed next to her "it's only gonna take that sniper a few seconds to switch position, he'll pick us off long before we reach the wall"

"you're right, if we have any chance of escaping we have to do something about that sniper" Barriss let her presence spread wider, easily combining with Ahsoka's to give her a clearer image of the surrounding area "this cell's right against the bases main wall, if we can blast a hole through the ceiling..."

"we can take the sniper by surprise, jump right over the wall..."

"and run as fast as we can to the T-6, assuming the Deathwatch didn't discover it that is" with a satisfied nod both girls opened their eyes and stood up, at an odd look from Lux Barriss waved a hand through the air "don't worry Lux, between me and Ahsoka we should be able to get you over the wall"

Lux nodded as he handed the lightsaber in his hand back to Ahsoka "no I got that, but it took all three of us to get that lightsaber through the floor, are you sure you can just blast our way out of here?"

Barriss shared a worried look with her friends before looking down at her hands "before, when I was trying to rescue Ahsoka, I was able to...charge my force push"

Ahsoka read the obvious look on her face "but?"

"but when I did it I used my fear, my...anger to...well you know"

Ahsoka moved forward and took Barriss' hands in her own "Barriss if there was any other way I'd never even consider this"

"I don't know if I can, if I use my anger as influence over my actions any more..."

Ahsoka strengthened the grip on her hands "don't even finish that sentence, we're gonna do this together okay, I'll be right here the entire time"

Barriss took a few deep breaths, gazing deep inside the eyes staring back at her "okay, I'll try"

Mandalore, cargo bay

Obi-Wan looked over his new surroundings, rows of ships almost identical to the one artoo landed by the palace were docked at both sides of the long walkway, all with a number of workers either moving large crates out of the ship or putting them in. At the end of the walkway sat a small two story building, painted the same dark red of the ships around them the building easily stuck out from the rest of it's surroundings.

Satine led the way passed the workers, more than a few tapped each other on the back and stole an unreadable glance at the duchess and the Jedi as they walked by. Obi-Wan sped his pace up a few steps, sensing quite a bit of hostility from the workers "this workers seem a bit weary of my presence, any idea why that is?"

Satine stopped in front of the door to the building and kept her voice an a whisper as she talked "this cargo bay got a major amount of it's work transporting cargo from here to Concordia, after you confirmed Deathwatch was stationed on Concordia I felt it necessary to investigate this bay, to insure they weren't delivering supplies or weapons to Deathwatch. They have yet to receive authorization to deliver to Concordia, apparently most of the workers hold you responsible for the temporary layoff"

Obi-Wan rubbed his tired eyes as Satine knocked on the door in front of them, the door opened immediately and a rough voice sounded from inside "this better be important!". Walking inside a small office Obi-Wan looked at the figure setting behind a large desk littered with papers, dressed in the same usual grayish clothing that seemed to be standard issue on Mandalore it was the mans face that he focused on. Dark blond hair and a low set jaw painted quite an intimidating picture but something about the mans brown eyes and the presence he left in the force took away from his tough persona.

Even before he spoke Obi-Wan had no doubt this man cared deeply for those who worked under him, the man standing from his seat brought the Jedi masters mind back into the present "duchess Satine, a pleasure ma'am" looking at Obi-Wan the mans expression hardened "Jedi, here to ruin my business in person this time?"

Obi-Wan moved farther into the small room "I am sorry my actions last time I was here caused you such displeasure, that was never my intention"

"yeah well that doesn't bloody change what happened now does it?, just tell me why you're here so we can be done with this"

Satine politely cleared her throat, motioning for all present to take a seat before she spoke up "recently you hired a young boy named Lux Bonteri, we need to know all you do about him"

The man moved his chair closer to the terminal on his desk "yeah I know the kid, normally I wouldn't of hired someone so young, but the poor kid had nothing when he came to apply for the job. He actually stayed with me and my wife for the first few weeks, just got a new place a few blocks from the cargo bay last week"

Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully "in the time you spent with Lux did he act...strangely"

"he seemed normal enough, given his circumstances"

Satine thought for a moment before speaking up "is it possible for you to give us the location of Mr. Bonteri's apartment?"

The man cast a suspicious glance in Obi-Wan's direction "for what reason?"

Obi-Wan kept his voice as calm as possible "the duchess just wants to extend her gratitude for what the boys been through"

"such a strong boy to bounce back like he did" Satine caught onto the lie rather quickly, lending a bright smile along with her words

The man seemed unconvinced but shrugged the look away "alight, but before you wast your time I sent Lux on a supply run to Geonosis, he should be back by tomorrow"

Obi-Wan rose from his seat as Satine was handed a data-pad "thank you for your time" with a polite bow the Jedi master led the way back out the building and down the cargo bay, once they were far from earshot of the workers he turned to Satine "ya know the whole reason I brought Barriss and Ahsoka with me was to show them not all the Jedi's duties include slashing everything in sight, with Anakin as their master I fear this is something they may never learn".

Satine raised an eyebrow "you don't think he's capable of training them?"

"I never said that" Obi-Wan let out a short sigh as they rounded the corner that housed Lux's apartment "I taught Anakin everything I know, and I have no doubt he'll do the same with these girls. But Anakin has tendency to...disagree with the Jedi code, I don't believe some of his views are right to be passed down to the next generation of Jedi"

Satine stopped on the first building they came across, with a wave of her hand she led the way through the front door and up a flight of dusty steps "how so?"

"well he seems to think if we were to just drop the code altogether we could bring this war to an end sooner"

Satine shook her head disapprovingly "such an act would cost the Jedi their humanity" Obi-Wan stopped half way up the steps as the duchess turned to face him "is something wrong?"

The Jedi master quickly shook his head "no, that's exactly what I said to Anakin"

Satine turned a blushing face back to the steps "come on, Lux's apartment is on the top floor"

Concordia, Deathwatch prison base

Barriss watched Lux take a few steps back before once again focusing on Ahsoka's eyes, the two girls cupped each others hands together and faced their palms upward. A small blue energy appeared in their hands as Barriss felt her heart beat increase "I can feel it Ahsoka"

Ahsoka turned her head quickly "Lux over here now!" Lux pushed his back off the wall and ran up to the middle of the cell as Ahsoka nodded in Barriss' direction "make sure she keeps her eyes open!" with a compassionate nod Lux put a hand on both sides of Barriss' head, doing his best to keep her eyesight focused on the girl in front of her.

Barriss felt a pain deep in her gut, a sharp sting as she fought her instincts to use her thoughts to fuel the power inside her 'the dark side is incredibly strong!, give into your anger and you could take out this entire base!, then no one would dare threaten her again!'. "No!" Barriss screamed against the voice echoing in her mind, trying to turn her head she was met the strong grip of Lux's hands turning her back 'he'll only betray you again!, kill him now and escape will be that much easier!' "stop it!...please!".

Lux fought against the struggling girl as she screamed "I don't how much more she can take Ahsoka"

Ahsoka focused on the blue energy slowly growing above her hands "Barriss damn it keep your eyes on me!, Lux hit her!"

"what?, Ahsoka I don't think..." Lux's words stopped short when a stern look told him there was no time for an argument, doing his best to hold back he slapped the girl in front of him in the back of the head "come on Barriss you can do this!".

Barriss felt a small jolt go through her as she forced her attention back to Ahsoka 'she's gonna be in danger every day of her life!, what happens if you're not strong enough to protect her!' the voice inside felt as though it was ripping her from the inside out, each word cutting open thoughts long since repressed 'only the dark side is strong enough to save her!, embrace your true potential!'

Lux watched helplessly as the girl in front of him ruptured into tears "this isn't working" using all his strength to hold Barriss' head straight Lux felt his heart drop as the force energy lighting the room began to dim "we have to do something Ahsoka, something to snap her back into reality". Even as the words left his mouth he knew what he had to do, with a few deep breaths he tried to push his own feelings away and, with one shove, pushed Barriss' head into Ahsoka's.

Mandalore, Lux's apartment

Obi-Wan opened the door into Lux's apartment with a wave of his hand, the small room housed nothing more than a cot with a thin blanket balled up at its end and a old looking terminal in the far corner, immediately moving towards the terminal Obi-Wan sensed Satine enter the room behind him and roll up the curtain on the rooms only window.

As sunlight pored in behind her Satine turned to the terminal "I really wish this boy would of come to me when he first arrived, if there's one thing Mandalore has going for it it's a robust job market. No doubt I could of found something that would of provided better living conditions than this, poor child"

Obi-Wan began his search of the terminals contents, opening a suspicious program before closing it almost instantly "whoa, don't think that proves the boys motives"

Satine raised an eyebrow "what was it?"

"lets just say Mr. Bonteri was doing some...research on certain Twi-lek rituals"

"point taken, so is there anything useful?"

Obi-Wan held back a light chuckle "well I suppose in a certain point of view"

Satine lightly smacked the Jedi in the back of his head "one would think your sense of humor would of gotten better over the years, I meant is there anything that might give us a clue to Deathwatch's involvement in this situation?"

"nothing I can see, if Lux was smart he wiped this thing clean before he set off for...wait" rising from his seat Obi-Wan dropped to one knee beside Lux's cot "what's this?" reaching under the cot he pulled his hand back with a thick piece of paper in its grasp. Without a word shared between them Satine cleared a spot on the desk beside her as Obi-Wan unfurled the paper and moved back to the desk, both stared at the image in front of them for a moment before it became clear what they were looking at "a map of Concordia"

Satine ran a finger along the map as she tried to figure out just where the map was showing them "the man at the cargo bay said Lux was on a shipment to Geonosis"

Obi-Wan quickly nodded "at the palace he made it clear his shipment was to Concordia, obviously that was a lie to get Ahsoka to go with him"

"well he wouldn't have this map if this area of Concordia wasn't important, maybe with some time we could..."

Satine's words were cut short as a static filled response on Obi-Wan's com-link caused both to look downwards as the Jedi master brought his arm to his mouth "Barriss!, Ahsoka can you read me?".

Concordia, Deathwatch prison camp

Barriss felt a familiar chill chase the thoughts from her mind and force her tear strained eyes to open, quickly realizing the position she was in she looked deep into her friends eyes. The sharp pain in her gut all but melted away as she returned Ahsoka's kiss, without even realizing it Barriss caused the force energy in their intertwined hands to double in size. Pulling back Ahsoka let a bright smile cross her face as she looked down at their hands "one".

Lux unsheathed the sword from his back and tightened his grip on its hilt "two"

With one final push Barriss snapped herself back into reality and moved her hands in perfect unison with Ahsoka's "three!" the force push that unleashed from their hands was unlike anything she'd seen before. Blue energy filled the small cell in a matter of seconds, an ear shattering blast sent all three to their knees as the roof of the cell erupted in a violent burst of dust and stone. The hole above them funneled in a heavy blizzard of snow from outside as Barriss and Lux held their hurt ears (while Ahsoka rubbed a pair of sore montrals), Barriss was the first to regain her composure, pulling her paired sabers from her side and igniting the blades as she kept a cautious on the hole offering escape "we have to go now!".

Lux and Ahsoka both nodded a quick reply, the latter pulling her sabers from her side and activating the green and gold blades. Barriss jumped up first, the blue blade of her saber rising just in time to cut the end of the snipers blaster as he turned to face her. A small force push sent the sniper off what was left of the roof and into the snow with a soft thud, taking a quick look around the base she could hear the distant calls of Deathwatch soldiers as they no doubt made way to their destination "up and over Lux!"

Lux tensed his muscles as an invisible presence lifted him into the air and placed him gently on the cells roof, as Ahsoka jumped up behind him both Jedi gave the boy a silent nod before once again sending him into the air and above the bases wall. Letting go of their grip of the boy both Jedi took a few steps back and cleared the wall in perfect unison, seeing Lux roll as he hit the snow Barriss landed gently on her feet and brought the boy to a sudden stop. Landing beside her Ahsoka watched as she pulled Lux a few feet back "what's wrong?"

Barriss set Lux down as gently as she could "landmines, I had to side step a few of them on my way here, no doubt this entire forest in covered in them"

Lux put his sword back on the sheath strapped to his back "thanks for that, ya know I don't want to jinx us but I can't believe how easily we just escaped" as if on cue a entire platoon of Deathwatch soldiers landed on the edge of the wall above them, a rain of blaster fire began to pour down from the wall as both Jedi deflected what shots they could.

Ahsoka motioned for Lux to take cover behind her "damn it Lux rule number one for situations like this, never say how easy something is going!"

Barriss deflected the shots racing towards them at the wall in front of her, feeling a few break past her defense and race by just inches from her head "so much for a clean getaway!, follow my steps exactly!" not waiting for a response from either of her friends Barriss took off into the forest of red trees. Taking extreme care in every step through the deep snow she chanced a look back, Lux followed only a few inches behind doing his best to leap every time she did as Ahsoka brought up the rear, swinging both her sabers behind her back in a vain attempt to redirect the increasing blaster fire.

After what she guessed was about ten minutes of running and hopping the blaster fire began to die down, a few perfectly aimed swings of Ahsoka's lightsabers seemed to bring the lasers back to their owner. All the while pushing her legs to their limit Barriss chanced another look behind her, the smoke trail of three Deathwatch soldiers could still be seen as they blazed a jet-pack fueled course through the trees. "Lux brace yourself!"

"for what?...whoa!" Lux flailed his arms helplessly as he flew through the air, landing at a roll a good twenty feet ahead of the two Jedi the boy turned back with a blank expression "Barriss whatever you're thinking, don't!"

"just run Lux!, we'll be right behind you!" waiting until Lux reluctantly turned and started down the snow filled path Barriss slowed her pace to fall back beside Ahsoka "the landmines stop just ahead"

Ahsoka cast a mischievous grin "say no more" running to the edge of the path the young Togruta began to slice every tree she ran past while Barriss leaped to the opposite edge and copied her friends actions. The second the first tree hit the ground the forest of mines went ablaze, the shock wave from the gargantuan explosion knocked both Jedi off balance for a split second before a slight will from the force sent them racing away faster than they could blink.

As the mix of soot and snow began to fill her nostrils Barriss felt the presence of the remaining soldiers who had given chase fade from her mind "the explosion didn't kill them Ahsoka, but it did scare them off"

Ahsoka slowed to a fast jog "good job Barriss"

"thanks, the T-6 should be just ahead" both girls deactivated their sabers as a thick brush of red trees gave way to a large open area, in the middle of which sat the very ship Barriss had used to arrive.

Making short work of the open area Barriss led the way up the ramp and into the ships cockpit, Lux sat in the co-pilots seat with his feet propped up on the ships controls "took you long enough"

Mandalore, docking bay

Barriss brought her com-link to her mouth the second her feet left the metal ramp leading off the T-6 shuttle, a short buzz of static followed Obi-Wan's response "Barriss!, Ahsoka can you read me!"

Ahsoka couldn't help but laugh as she leaned into her friends arm "relax master we're fine, you still at the palace?"

"no but we can be there in a few minutes, we'll talk then, Obi-Wan out"

"so...what's gonna happen with me?" Lux's voice caused both girls to turn as he finally walked off the T-6, running an obviously nervous hand over the blade of his sword "I'll understand if I have to face some kind of punishment".

Barriss led the way to the transport and waited till they were well on there way to the palace before speaking up "well, the Jedi don't hold grudges so you have no problem there, but I don't imagine Mandalorian law is too lenient on those who side with Deathwatch" Ahsoka shot her a glare before seeing the grin on her face "but I'm sure with the duchess Satine's help we can figure out something"

Lux put his sword back into it's sheath, pulling the entire strap off his back and into his hands "thank you, both of you"

Turning to the back of the transport Barriss jumped off the second the metal vehicle hit the ground next to the palace, Satine and Obi-Wan were already standing outside the main entrance, the latter tensing a bit when he noticed Lux stepping off the transport "Barriss, care to explain?"

Barriss opened her mouth to speak but Ahsoka walked in front of her "allow me master, you see when I was captured Lux believed..."

"Barriss" Lux's voice once again forced her to turn, the boy stood a few feet away gesturing for her to join him. Barriss gave a silent nod and walked away from the group behind her, once he was sure no one else could hear them Lux spoke up "listen, about you and Ahsoka, I thought you should know...I'll never tell anyone"

"oh, thank you. As long as we're here, I want to apologize for how I acted when we first met. I'll admit when Ahsoka first told me about your first encounter I was a little jealous, you two share a deep connection"

Lux let out a uncomfortable laugh "maybe me and you should just start over, friends?"

Barriss shook a the hand offered to her "friends"

"just do me one favor Barriss"

"anything"

Lux turned his glance towards the young Togruta "never let her go"

After a few minutes of awkward conversation Barriss let out a sigh of relief when Obi-Wan finally waved her and Lux over "it seems I owe you an apology Mr. Bonteri"

Lux waved his sheath in air dismissively "no master Jedi, trust me you don't. But uh...what happens now?, don't imagine I still have my job at the cargo bay" all present went silent as Lux searched for an answer among the group "I see, guess I'll be...".

"hey boy!" all heads turned as one of the duchess' royal guards walked up from the palace's front entrance "what kind of weapon is that?"

Lux cocked an eyebrow at the question before remembering the sheath in his hands, with a blank expression the boy pulled his sword from it's sheath and handed it to the guard "it's called an Iron sword, the uh...the Deathwatch's leader Pre Vizla came up with the idea of forging a sword completely out of Mandalorian iron so it's capable of withstanding attacks from a lightsaber".

The royal guard looked over the weapon thoroughly before handing it back to it's to owner "when the time comes it will no doubt be the royal guards who face off against Deathwatch, how much do you know about them?"

Lux took a moment to answer "quite a bit, I was around their leader for an extensive period of time and even fought with him one on one"

Satine moved forward with a smile already forming on her face "Raxun here is the leader of my personal guardians, any information you have will be extremely helpful Lux"

Raxun nodded, his deep voice filling the air around him "how about this boy, you share what information you have and in return I offer you a role as one of Satine's royal guards, after the proper training of course"

Lux took a moment to glance behind him, being met with the reassuring smiles of both Barriss and Ahsoka he turned his attention to his sword. After putting the weapon back in it's sheath he promptly strapped the sword back onto his back and fell to one knee in front of Raxun "it would be my honor".

Raxun let out a hearty laugh as he pulled Lux to his feet and started to lead him into the palace "come boy, we have much to discuss"

Satine smiled and began to head inside the palace herself when Ahsoka stepped forward "wait, that's it?"

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow "I'm afraid I don't follow Ahsoka"

"well no offense master but our job isn't done here, we know where Deathwatch is based, I mean shouldn't we..."

"what Ahsoka?, attack their base and slaughter them, your master taught you better than that young one"

Ahsoka let her head drop as Barriss stepped to her aid "I think what Ahsoka means is that it's a Jedi's job to keep peace in the galaxy, and Deathwatch..."

Satine stepped into the argument "is Mandalore's problem, and we will find a solution. Your hearts are in the right place girls but with all do respect we don't need your help, Mandalore can handle its own problems"

Obi-Wan nodded slowly "we've done what was asked of us you two, Satine needed a lead as to Deathwatch's location and we've given that to her. Our job is done"

Barriss and Ahsoka both took a moment to consider Obi-Wan's words, coming to the same realization both girls bowed respectfully and answered in perfect unison "yes master".