Strange Surroundings

by PaladinDelta

To Jake Matthews, conflict was no stranger. Only now he finds himself in a galactic wide war dwarfing anything the Earth has witnessed before in it's history. He now must fight for not only his country, but for his planet too. He'll come across new friends and enemies as the fate of his world will hang in the balance as both sides battle it out for dominance of the galaxy.

20. The Local Nightlife

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The amount of times he had looked out toward the city engulfed planet from this exact spot within the Jedi's massive temple was lost on Jake. Despite it, he never grew tired at taking in the vast metropolis before his eyes. Thousands upon thousands of flying cars, or Speeders rather as these people called the wheeless vehicles, flew in all directions as well as the numerous spaceships soaring through the sky, coming from or going to an untold number of worlds out across the galaxy.

The sun of this alien world shone high in the sky showing off it's remarkably similar blue sky and stark white clouds to that of Earth. It was peaceful and gave him good thinking space instead of been confined within the walls of this colossal place. Sure he was grateful for their hospitality, having been dropped into their world by that mysterious black orb that confused him more after having that weird dream, and their help in ridding the poison which ailed his body. However, with such a huge world in both the literal and metaphorical sense displayed before him, it only made him the more restless to go out and experience this alien environment more and more. Especially now given somebody was out to kill him.

Since recovering in the hospital ward and watching the security recording of his would be killer tip poison into his food, Jake's mind was near constant on who would want to kill him. The obvious choice of assailant that came to mind was someone who worked for these Separatists the Jedi and the Republic have been fighting for nearly two years, according to the information Ahsoka had been supplying him with. But then it didn't make sense why they would target him specifically, a low rank marine with hardly any experience in this war compared to the number of Jedi Generals living within this giant temple.

It bugged him since being told by the doctor that the reasoning behind his recent illness was because he had ingested a very toxic substance, with the thanks of this mysterious ill intent figure. He tried thinking over who else would want him dead in this part of the universe but as far as he was aware the marine had no enemies within this Republic, unless he unintentionally ticked somebody off.

Leaning against the balcony he scanned his ever curious eyes over the hundreds of skyscrapers littering the capital world surface, wandering of their purposes and how they put to shame the likes of the Burj Khalifa, the Shanghai Tower and the One World Trade Centre. Further out he made out the domed shaped building that was the Galactic Senate, the very building that housed their government. It was puzzling to his Jedi hosts how one world like his was so split considering they were just one species, whereas theirs was made up of thousands of star systems and races united into a common cause.

It was a question he couldn't really answer himself other than even if some countries did have a lot in common, deep down there were still differences that clashed too much to truly unite his people as one nation unless there was a threat to humanity as a whole.

"Haven't you gotten tired gazing out at nothing yet?" The teasing voice of his chaperone approached to his left side.

"Better than staring at the same walls over and over again." He said keeping his eyes out toward the outside world "So what's the latest, kid?"

"Just one thing in regards to the investigation unfortunately." She joined him by leaning on the balcony herself "Anakin and Obi Wan discovered the Mikkian girl from the recording is Padawan Kiplee, apprentice to Jedi Master Hure Chikas. She's currently been deployed with Chikas to Deko Neimoidia, so what my Master has planned will have to wait I'm afraid."

"And how is your Master going about this?" He asked, intrigued with what Skywalker had up his sleeve to gain information from this girl.

"He didn't say. That usually means he's thinking one up now, or will be making it up as he goes along when the situation arises." He turned his head to see a grin forming on her face over what he presumed to be a regular occurrence with her teacher.

"Terrific."

"There's also some bad news." The teen said sighing, the humour now replaced with a serious tone.

"Oh?" Jake raised a brow.

"We've been told there was a riot at the maximum security prison, the one by the GAR military complex that housed Separatist officials, high ranking officers and the like." Ahsoka explained further "Someone managed to bring down the entire security systems and power networks within the prison. It released all the prisoners from their cells."

"Shit, must've been one hell of a hacker." Jake whistled, feeling somewhat a tad impressed somebody was able to pull off such a feat.

"Luckily the guards were able to restore order once the power was back online. Unfortunately some did managed to escape, including that assassin you and the troopers captured above Nubia."

"Wunderbar. Does anyone know where she may of gone?" He asked, not liking the idea of somebody else possibly out for his blood.

"No, the last location her tracker's signal was emitting was at the spaceport. The tracker, however, was found destroyed and the witnesses around the port say they saw her boarding a ship after talking with a small group what they presumed to be mercenaries." Ahsoka recollected the information passed down to her.

"Did the witnesses get a good look at these mercenaries?"

"I don't know, this investigation falls under the military's jurisdiction since it was from their facility the inmates escaped from."

"You almost sound glad that it is." Jake questioned, detecting relief coming from her voice.

"As much as I like going out there keeping the galaxy safe and trying our best to keep the peace, sometimes it feels relieving somebody else is taking the burden off our backs for a change." She gave him a shrug.

"She's a Force user though. Wouldn't they need one you guys to help them out?"

"Maybe. Anakin tells me there's some in the Grand Army hierarchy who prefer to keep the Jedi out of most, if not all matters military related." The Corporal noticed her eye markings narrow slightly through the subject, clearly not happy by what her Master had been relaying to the Jedi teenager.

"Hmm."

"What?" The Togruta teen turned to him with a quizzical look on her face.

"Well not being funny Ahsoka, but take this from a perspective of a man from a military background. Those who join the armed forces have to work hard to advance up the ranks and prefer working with those within the military itself when it comes to war planning and the other jazz that comes with it. Having an organisation such as yourselves given automatic privileges and having a say in said matters can be seen as intrusive and unpopular. Especially since your Order doesn't style itself as military." Jake gave his opinion to the youngster.

"We were there at the beginning when the war broke out on Geonosis. Our experience will, and has been a big help in the effort to end the conflict with the Separatists." She began to snippy, living up to Skywalker's nickname for the Jedi Padawan.

"I'm not trying to upset you, Ahsoka. I'm just saying you need to look at it from a different point of view." The marine assured her calmly, seeing her now beginning to get worked up.

"I know. It's just everything we've gone through, having lead this crisis from the start to suddenly be pushed aside it's...wrong."

"I know, it's politics and all that bollocks. In the end people will remember those who had actually liberated them from tyranny, not what some news outlet or politician tells them." Jake told the downhearted teen, remembering the same words his grandad told him as a child.

"Here's hoping so." He managed to a get a small smile out of her.

"By the way, have you heard anything from your Master or the higher ups over what we talked about the other day?" He asked in hope but by the expression on the alien girl's face it wasn't good news.

"I did. I'm sorry Jake, they don't think now is the best time."

"What, why?" The answer began to rile him up.

"They think it best you stay within the Temple for now where it'll be safer for you, in case the assailant tries to strike again." Ahsoka gave the Council's explanation.

"Hang on a sec, I was poisoned in the Temple. How does that make any sense?" Jake stood up from his relaxed posture, looking at his Jedi friend with puzzlement over her superiors' logic.

"They think if you're out in the open, it would make you an easier target as you'll be out of reach of Jedi protection." The explanation did have a some sense to it but Jake still thought they had missed a part out.

"Wouldn't you be with me though?" He pointed out.

"Yes but soon I'll be deploying out soon, but this time around they want you to stay here." She told him but her eyes glanced away from him in a nervous manner when she continued with the last part of her sentence "And…."

"And?"

"Well Anakin told me in the event I'm called to do other duties, another Jedi will act as your guide." She went on but the shiftiness was still there.

"Ok, so?" The Corporal shrugged, waiting for what she was getting at.

"The problem is no fault of your own but with you having no Force connection, many Jedi have a hard time being around in your presence for too long so-"

"No one is willing to watch over me." He finished off her sentence.

"'Fraid so." She gave a light shrug in sympathy. Scoffing and rolling his eyes at the ridiculous behaviour of the other Jedi, he heard the comm link on Ahsoka's wrist start beeping prompting her to answer whoever was calling from the other end "Tano here."

"Ahsoka, the briefing will be starting in a few moments."

"On my way Master." She replied to Skywalker.

"Where you guys heading out to now?" Jake asked out of curiosity, simmering down.

"I don't know yet. Usually we get a hint on which system is being targeted next but not this time around. Which means it's most likely a recent development." Looking as if she was about to turn and leave, Ahsoka stopped for a second then glanced back at him "You coming back in?"

"Yeah sure. The view has lost it's appeal anyway." He sighed glumly, walking one step further than Ahsoka as they headed back inside.

It bugged him greatly the Jedi were keeping him confined to this place even after inadvertently, in his opinion, helped out in their conflict, the marine would've thought he at least gained a little level of trust from his hosts. He felt like a caged animal, restricted to where he could and could not go for a weak reason that only held a small amount of sense but not enough to keep him in this temple sized cell.

Sure he had no idea what life was really like on the streets of this planet, a world teeming with alien life and limitless amount of cultures scattered over its surface for him to venture and experience. However, the higher ups in this religious like organisation thought it best to keep him away, to behold their capital world within the confines of their sanctuary.

"You know, with what's going on recently do you think it wise to go exploring by yourself?" Ahsoka's voice broke him from his silent strop.

"I'm not some North Korean conscript, Ahsoka. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself." He told her, feeling his ire fester "Besides, it's not like I'm defenceless" Jake emphasis by tapping on his holster which housed his Glock 17.

"I'm surprised Anakin allowed you to keep it."

"I'm not complaining." The marine gave a shrug.

They continued the light chatter on the way to her briefing when he spotted down one corridor a gathering of Jedi and clone soldiers waiting outside one of the many rooms this Temple of theirs contained. He recognised straight away Skywalker and Kenobi talking with the others, as well as the seemingly forever suspicious Windu who Ahsoka had told him acted more as a second to Grandmaster Yoda. With them was a masked alien Jake couldn't remember his species name but the snippy youngster spoke fondly of the Jedi Master she called Plo Koon.

The clone soldiers beside them were a mix of the 501st blue and white patterned armour and the second lot in orange and white, another unit he guessed from his conversations with the cloned humans over each regiment having its own colour scheme to distinguish themselves. There were two of each, one he knew was Captain Rex from his helmet design which meant the other standing with him must've been an officer too. The Corporal noted the difference in the design of the orange armoured soldier's visor, more in line to the standard clone soldier's helmet design.

"Ashoka, there you are." Her Master called out, gaining the attention of the rest of crowd.

"I see you've brought company. It's good to see you are well, Corporal Matthews." The masked alien greeted them both.

"Thank you, sir."

"I'm afraid this time around Matthews you'll remain here and will be left here under Temple security's protection." Obi Wan announced on their joining the group.

"Yeah, I know General. Ahsoka told me a few minutes ago." Jake said hiding the disappointment in his tone.

"I think it best if the Corporal was for the meantime, somewhere away from sensitive internal matters." Windu stated, his eyes hardening a little his way. Jake in turn kept his glare steely.

"Don't let me stop you, General." The marine said returning the same level of silent contempt the Jedi Master held, reasons unknown to him, towards his person.

"Shall we get a move on." Kenobi broke the ice, indicating with an arm to the briefing room.

With one last backward glance from Ahsoka the Jedi and the clone officers left to attend to their 'sensitive' meeting, leaving him to ponder what he'll do next from here.

"Ha, General Windu doesn't appear to like you so much." An amplified voice chuckled next to him.

Turning in the direction of the voice's owner he saw two of the 501st soldiers approach closer, both taking off their blue stripped helmets revealing two distinct familiar faces with one showcasing his bald head and blue tattoo above his right eye whilst the other had a more normal appearance and short cut hair.

"That obvious is it?" He grinned back, extending out a hand shook both Hardcase's and Splicer's own "Good to see you again lads."

"What did you do to get him on your shebs?" Splicer quizzed him.

"I don't know, I've barely said anything to the bloke but he looks at me as if I've ran over his mum's cat." Jake joked to the pair.

"He's a good fighter though, and a good General from what we've heard from our brothers in the 187th." Hardcase told him the hearsay from another Republic army unit.

"Still comes across as a bit of a dick"

"A what?" The other clone soldier raised a brow over the insult.

"Don't worry" He shook his head, rather than explaining a crude word often used by his people.

"We heard you collapsed after beating the clankers on Dac. What happened?" The tattooed clone asked with concern.

"Some bastard is trying to kill me. The cowardly fuck poisoned me but it didn't do a lot of good except bugger up my potassium levels and kept me in the hospital for a week, looking like a demonic ghost."

"Stang, how did he poison you?" Splicer asked in surprise, his eyes mirroring the same actions as his brother next to him in widening up.

"Snuck some plant stuff in my grub a few days before going to the fish word. We saw it on one of the security recordings the other day." Jake informed the duo.

"Have you found the perpetrator yet?" Hardcase inquired.

"Nope but there's a few leads. So what's new with you lot?" He switched the focus over to them, hoping they had more brightening news.

"Nothing spectacular, still waiting for our next deployment. Can't wait to start mowing down those brainless scrap piles again." The hypo clone stated with almost psychotic delight.

"The Captain will tell us once their briefing is over. It's the longest wait we've had for awhile and the others ares starting to get restless." Splicer told him in a more calmer, professional manner.

"It's alright for some to get out once in awhile." Jake sighed feeling a tad envious they were able to go out into the wider world, even if it was into a galaxy spanning war.

"Hey, we're going with others for a few rounds at the 79's later, think they'll let you join us?" Hardcase offered.

"Loved to mate, but this High Council of theirs says it's best I stay here for my safety. Honestly, I think it's nothing but a pile of shite just keep me indoors for a reason that doesn't make a great deal of sense a majority of the time."

"That's a shame." Splicer said in more mild terms to what Jake thought of the decision.

"Well," Hardcase looked back toward the briefing room and then then other two clones before whispering in a lower voice "You could always sneak out for a bit."

The idea had entertained his mind on occasion but without knowing the planet itself and no one to accompany him to act as guide, the notion had always been squashed. With the clones willing to help him out however, it gave him flicker of hope of breaking free for a few hours at least.

"And say I were to do so, how would it come about?" Jake folded his arms feeling a bit more vibrant "The Jedi aren't just going to let me just walk out on my own."

"Let's go somewhere away from preying ears." The bald clone inclined his head to a more secluded spot further down the corridor "Don't want somebody letting slip over there." He eyed the the orange and white armour troops standing guard.

"Sure." Jake smirked as he let Hardcase lead him and Splicer the way.

"Hey Hardcase, where are you going?!" The same accent voice all the clones possessed called out after them.

"Just catching up with ol' Jake here. Nothing for you to worry about Waxer." The clone shouted back.

"Uh huh. Didn't Captain Rex order you to stand guard?" The other clone said unconvinced.

"Yeah but it doesn't require all of us to to guard one door." Hardcase waved them off

Jake shook his head in amusement at the loose discipline behaviour of the clone. He knew if he displayed such behaviour back home in uniform he'd be facing Captain Phillips and Sergeant Campbell for dereliction of duty. He wasn't going to complaining however. A night out was exactly what he needed to get his mind of all the doom and gloom around this place, especially now he had some partners in crime.

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Ahsoka scanned her eyes over the various worlds lit up in blue tinted holographic forms projecting from the table centred in the middle of the room. She'd lost count how many planets and star systems she'd seen beaming out from the holotables during the course of the war, places in need of support against the Separatists or occasionally missions unrelated to the war but memorable nonetheless. It became a weekly custom to study all the worlds within both the Republic and Separatists' spheres of influence, a fair few she hadn't heard of until their origins were explained for the purpose of the mission.

Just under a dozen were floating above her head rotating shining in a blue tinted light projection, their current status being discussed by her Master and the others whilst she took in the latest goings on over the war.

"Master Mundi reports that the Separatist fleet in orbit above Dorin has been destroyed and his forces are making their push to the capital." Master Windu reported, highlighted the planet the Cerean Jedi Master was currently battling on. Though difficult to see through his mask, Ahsoka could sense relief coming from Plo over his people's homeworld soon to be liberated from the tinnies mechanical hands.

"And Master Fisto has updated the attempted invasion of Rodia has failed and all droid forces have retreated back into Separatist controlled space." Obi Wan added to the briefing.

"Good news all round." Anakin said with some cheerfulness. However, Ahsoka knew from experience the negatives always soon followed.

"Unfortunately comes the bad news, General." Rex spoke up before reading from a datapad "We received word the Separatists have broken through General Kolar's defences and have taken Mahranee."

"What of Kolar?" Luminara's asked next, her projected form stood between Master Plo and Windu.

"No word yet, sir." Commander Cody confirmed next to the 501st Captain "We've lost all communication from the Mahranee system."

"Mahranee is rich in all kinds of resources and will be a big help in their war efforts. We must take it back and find out what has happened to Master Kolar." The flickering holographic form of Saesee Tiin injected in his input.

"I can have the 104th Battalion ready to deploy within the hour. If any of Kolar's units still remain we shouldn't have a problem retaking Mahranee."

"See to it." The Korun Jedi nodded, giving permission for Master Plo to go about his new mission.

"May the Force be with you Master." Ahsoka gave a respected bow to her old mentor.

"You too, Padawan Tano." The Kel Doran replied back giving her gentle pat on the shoulder, his mask twitching on the sides gave away a grin hiding beneath the metallic attachment to his face.

"How is the investigation coming along, Obi Wan?" The Togruta Padawan switched her attention to the next issue.

"Starting to pick up again. The security footage we watched from the Mess Hall showed the moment our Earth friend was poisoned. The assailant, however, had his head covered at the time of the incident, so finding out his identity remains difficult for the time being."

"We might know someone who does though." Her Master added, gaining the attention of the others.

"Who?" Tiin asked him.

"Padawan Kiplee. The footage showed just before this person laced the Rubrumnoxianide into the Corporal's food, Kiplee dropped her tray behind Matthews and Anakin." Obi Wan elaborated more to their findings.

"Sounds like a simple accident." Master Windu said not convinced by the conclusion they had come to.

"Master Skywalker and Corporal Matthews believe the timing of her actions are too perfect to have been simple coincidence." Ahsoka backed the argument of her Master.

"Why is the Earther involved in the investigation. Do you not think it wise including the victim into the matter?" Windu frowned down at her then to Anakin and Obi Wan, clearly not happy with the decision bring Jake into the fold.

"It makes sense to include him, to see if anything may jog his memory that could help in bringing this criminal to justice." Ahsoka could see Anakin's reasoning didn't quite win Windu or the others in the room over yet.

"It's your investigation, you do as you see fit to bring about capturing this would be assassin." The Jedi High Councillor said no more on the subject but still clearly didn't like their decision "What do you have for us, Commander?" He turned to Commander Cody.

"Our forces have managed to put defences in place and rid Bakura of any surprises the Separatists have left over from their occupation of the planet. So far it appears they no longer have any interest in the system." Cody gave his report to the meeting.

"Excellent work, Cody" Master Kenobi gave praise to his second in command.

"However General, upon our sweeps of Bakura we found some unusual energy readings" The clone Commander punched commands into the holotable, bringing up an image of the energy readings found around Bakura along with another set beside it. "At first we couldn't identify what they were or the cause behind them, until we requested to match those found when this Earth soldier appeared."

The interest in the room suddenly spiked and like herself, Ahsoka found all eyes were fixed on the holo images as they were joined together.

"They match." Anakin said aloud, the readings flashing yellow when the images moulded together confirming the results.

"Yes General. But as of yet, we haven't come across any more unexpected visitors around Bakura's space or on the surface."

"Have our forces keep an eye out for more of these anomalies, Cody. There's no telling what else could decide to show up."

"Strange. Why are these anomalies only appearing over Bakura, and why now?" The Mirialan Jedi gave a list of many questions over the issue.

"The only person who can answer that is Corporal Matthews himself. We need to find out whether this thing is a threat to our security." Windu stated to them all "Padawan Tano, has the Earth soldier given any information over how he came here yet?"

"No Master, it's a subject he avoids when I, or anyone questions him over it." She told him, feeling his dark brown eyes bore into her making her feel uneasy.

"It is obvious he his hiding something. There are some on the Council who are beginning to believe he may be a scout for a larger force waiting out there." Ahsoka frowned at the speculation coming from Tiin, knowing it to be nonsense that Jake would be here as possible threat.

"I doubt that, Master Tiin. Corporal Matthews is certainly a mystery and even without his lack of connection to the Force, I believe he has been nothing but honest with us." Obi Wan waved off the notion, pleasing her that she wasn't only one finding this absurd.

"Except telling us the location of his homeworld and how he came about under our custody." Windu countered back.

"His homeworld I could understand. However, I admit it is frustrating why he is so elusive over his transportation here." Her Master came out with his 'half' support for Jake.

"Padawan Tano, I suggest you try a little harder to gain information over how he got here." It took a fair bit of restraint for her to roll her eyes in frustration, or hid how she felt about the way he was addressing her like an ignorant youngling. She felt Anakin send a calm vibe through their connection, a sign he was aware of how she was feeling right now but to put it aside and focus on the mission.

With an inward sigh she nodded to the Jedi Councillor.

"Yes Master."

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The night sky and thousands of artificial lights shining out of the skyscrapers and ships across Coruscant was quite a pleasing view, illuminating the busy city planet in a variety of different shades of multiple colours normally used to brightening up places once the sun disappeared and the four moons took it's place. No matter the time of day the traffic never seemed to die down, both from the speeders racing about and spaceships going to and fro many star systems.

If Jake wasn't so preoccupied making sure no one was going to catch him he may have enjoyed it like he did during the mornings, but keeping his eyes peeled for patrols was his only interest for the time being. Trouble would be on the horizon if he was caught, along with dozens of questions on what he was doing and why he was out so late. He'd been waiting outside for nearly ten minutes and he knew the longer they took, the closer the chances of being caught increased.

"Where are they?" He mumbled to himself, staying hidden and his eyes and ears open for movement behind a low wall by the balcony he was looking out from earlier.

A couple times he forgot himself and went to check the time but the reality of not possessing a phone or watch telling him the time came as a reminder it was pointless, considering he highly doubted this world had the same timezone as Earth. The garden was dead quite other than the faint sounds of flying cars in the distance or when a ship flew over head. As time went by Jake wondered if Hardcase's plan was going to work but so far everything went off without a hitch, except for their late arrival.

The clone soldier's plan reminded him of the times when he was a Royal Marine recruit, sneaking out of barracks with the guys for a drink down at some bar or pub. It was good laugh and brought a lot of good memories back, until the last time they had done so Campbell caught wind and was waiting for them upon their return. To this day he didn't know how the gruff Scotsman found out about their escapades.

Letting out a frustrated sigh he glanced back behind him over to the entrance leading back into the Temple premises, relieved no one was around but annoyed those who were supposed to be here remained overdue. The only close call was almost bumping into one of those white and gold masked guards patrolling the same level his quarters were situated. Their silent and stoic manner creeped him out a little, leaving him to think whether there was a person or a machine behind those runes pattern masks of theirs.

Sitting back against his cover he thought back to this afternoon, to Ahsoka in particular. He slowly grown fond of the alien girl, even going as far as calling her a friend. Not only was the marine impressed by her combat skills but her intelligence and wisdom for someone who was the same age as his teenaged brother, putting many adults to shame. Rather than being in her usual upbeat, cheerful attitude he noticed Ahsoka's mind was elsewhere since leaving their briefing, like she was ticked off with whatever went on in there. Sure he had been like that a few times since that bloody orb cast him out here but it was the first time she had been so. He had tried to get her to open up on what was eating at her but she just waved him off, saying it was just that Windu Jedi talking down to her.

It was hardly surprising given the way the uptight higher ranked Jedi was toward him but Jake could tell something else was gnawing her. Another trait which reminded him of his sister Jess, with both possessing the ability to not hiding their mute irritation well over an issue obviously pestering their minds. His dwelling was cut short by the sound of a low pitch hum coming closer to his position. Turning his head up and peeking over the wall he caught sight of a speeder heading toward the Temple, more specifically the part he was currently hidden. The flying vehicle had a rustic red and black coating, with two square shaped engines sticking slightly out of the back but unlike many he had seen, this one did have a roof and windows.

The speeder flew closer until it stopped over the small garden patch near the balcony, lowering down over the grassy floor releasing a high pitch squealing noise as it hovered a foot off the Temple surface. Popping up from cover Jake saw the back door fly open and Splicer leaning over waving over at him.

"Come on hurry!" The Republic soldier called out beckoning him in.

Wasting no time the marine bolted over the wall and rushed over to the awaiting flying car, practically diving into the awaiting backseat and closing the door.

"What took you guys so long?" Jake asked, finding the other speeder occupants sitting at the front to be Hardcase and if memory served him correct, Coric.

"Blame the picky one up front." Splicer nodded over to Hardcase, who was pulling a joystick that Jake found many these vehicles had instead of a steering wheel.

"Hey, I had to find one that had some speed to it. It kills the fun" The bald headed clone turn his head around briefly with a grin that had Jake somewhat unnerved. He exchanged a glance with Splicer who had the same look of worry on his face.

"The others are waiting for us down at the Talons night bar." Coric informed him, making the marine wonder who else was at this alien bar "We had planned to go the 79s with the rest of our off duty brothers but some of the officers go there too, and if they see you there-"

"We'd get a chewing."

"Pretty much but we'd more likely get the worst of it."

"Ah who cares, with some kriffed up sleemo trying to get Jake here, it best he has some time away from our Jedi superiors." Hardcase said with little care about the consequences, speeding the flying car up a little more as they left the Temple grounds.

"Yeah we heard somebody tried poisoning you, Corp. Nasty business." The medic turned back to him with a look of sympathy.

"The bastard ain't been caught yet. Still, he want's a second chance he knows where to find me."

"That's what I like about this guy. He doesn't take poodoo from anyone." Their 'designated' driver complimented, pulling back the joystick speeding faster causing them all to hold tightly to their seats.

Despite the maniacal driving skills of Hardcase, Jake was able to get a better look at Coruscant outside the black tinted windows. It certainly made a change from staring out at the city from that balcony to finally drive through and take in the sights first hand. The place was thriving with life. Everywhere there was great deal of activity even with the sun long since set. Back home the busiest of cities never had this level of traffic and flurry of nightlife.

All of it was an image that many believed Earth may look in the far future, that's if some gloomy predictions a few spout came true and the human race indeed ended up destroying itself. Going into a open air 'motorway' as he best described it, the marine saw several massive television monitors hovering and spread out across each groundless junction, displaying a recording of the Republic's Supreme Chancellor.

Having only met the bloke once for the briefest of minutes in their senate building, he couldn't really a form an opinion on the man despite the niggling feeling he felt that day that there was something not quite right with the old man. Ahsoka shared the same sentiment as him and Kenobi came across as someone who didn't trust any politician, but it was Skywalker who always had nothing but praise for the leader of this galaxy wide government.

A quick jolt brought his focus back to the front of the speeder, finding the planet's yellow lit ground now taking up the front view.

"Hardcase what are you doing?!" Coric shouted in panic as they all gripped on for dear life as the car plummeted down to ground.

"Relax, I'm just taking a shortcut." The clone waved him off, not worried in the slightest of the danger he was putting them all in.

"Jesus Christ!" Jake exclaimed beginning to fear the clone soldier had lost his mind as the tops of speeder cars zoomed past the windscreen, blurting out a chorus of angered beeps from various pitched horns.

The near crazed laughter of Hardcase rang in his ears as the brightly lit streets below drew nearer and nearer, prompting him to think whether or not to start praying to the deity his grandmother had tried getting him to follow. Everything was passing by at breathtaking speeds to the panicking cries of the others shouting for the mad clone to pull up. Thinking the reaper had come knocking again the speeder suddenly pulled up sharply flying vertically once again through a multi level street.

"By the Core, what in all of the levels of the Void do you think you were playing at, you kriffing son of a Gundark!" Coric seethed glaring over at Hardcase, cursing with a string of words Jake couldn't make heads or tails of.

"Come on, don't tell me you didn't enjoy that one bit?" The apparent oblivious Republic soldier turned to them all with a humoured grin but Jake response was like the others, a silent death glare directed "Alright then, maybe not."

"You're not driving back that's for sure." Splicer stated angrily having recovered from the terrible driving skills of his brother.

Releasing a pent up sigh of relief now the speeder was back to more acceptable speeding limit Jake eased back into his seat, loosening his grip on inside door handle. After five minutes and a couple of turns down different streets the flying car began to slow down near what he assumed to be their version of a car park. There were long rows of speeder cars in all different shapes and sizes, coming in a different assortment of colour patterns that looked remarkable similar to those sprayed on to Earth built cars.

"Here we are, safe and sound."

"We're here yes, but I wouldn't go as far as saying safe or sound, laser brain." The medic disagreed as they all got out of the now park speeder.

Ignoring the squabbling amongst the troopers Jake stepped out of the alien world once more gazing at the alien outdoors.

"Alright let's drop it already and head for Talons. Hey Corp, you coming?" One of them called out breaking him out of his curious enforced gazing.

"Huh. Uh yeah, lead the way guys."

Leaving behind their speeder he walked with the others as they made their way down one street and already the marine was met with a culture shock. The entire place was like an outdoor town centre filled with different people and species walking in one direction or another, packing the entire area. Above them hung neon lit signs shining in all kinds of colours sticking out of buildings, holographic televisions which plastered all over the front of some showing faces of different races or highlighting words in the Basic language of their people and pristine clean speeders flying to what he guessed high end clubs for the privilege.

Humans and aliens alike were everywhere, some he recognised from Ahsoka explaining what each one he encounter was but there were many new ones he passed by or were walking in the same direction as themselves. To the clones soldiers with him it didn't at all bothered them but then again Jake knew this was a daily occurrence, unlike for him to be amongst a very diverse group of people. There was a lot of chatter echoing around everywhere in Basic/English or other languages he'd never heard before mixing with the sound of loud music, the low whine of motor engines above their heads and announcement coming from locations he couldn't pin point because there was so many.

This put the word tourist into a completely new definition for him. Visiting a foreign country with whole set of different customs and traditions was one thing but visiting an alien world with more cultures than Earth's own hundred times over was something else.

"So Jake, how does it feel to be out of the Jedi Temple for a change?" He felt a nudge into his side, finding it to be Splicer.

"It ain't my first trip outside but it's my first amongst your citizens." He replied back then returned to taking in the sites.

"Not all that exciting is it?" Hardcase chuckled "Talons isn't far away. It's more up our level rather than these bunch of rich rabblers."

"Good."

It wasn't long until they left the more glamorous surroundings they travelled through to a more toned down area. The district was more up his street away from the toffs and membership only trollop, where the 'normal' lot went to relax and knock back a few drinks. Some bars and entertainment centres he thought looked a little like casinos had bouncers standing guard of the entrance outside. A few were using droids and others had large built aliens standing by giving an intimidating appearance. One in particular had an alien that stood around seven foot, brown skinned and had horns coming out of his head, built like a brick shithouse staring menacingly their way.

Wouldn't want to bump into him down a dark alley, Jake thought switching his ever investigating eyes forward.

Regardless of the status of the place the same results of a night out were everywhere. He saw people hanging outside some bars in small groups drinking, talking or a fair few puking their guts out onto pavement. There was even one which had the bouncers throwing out a human and an alien out of the entrance, mirroring the usual results of troublemakers either picking a fight with each other or had one too many.

"No matter where you go, some things stay the same."

"Remind you of home, Corp?" Coric asked in front.

"A bit. Doesn't look that different to a usual Friday or Saturday night." Jake told them, bringing back memories of night outs in Plymouth, London and many others he and the Royal Marine lads visited around Britain and the rest of the world.

"Ah here we are!" Hardcase announced loudly.

Glancing up he saw the bar in question sign lit up in a large neon green and yellow with some vicious looking clawed bird foot racing over the weird lettering. Clubbing music blared from the doorway but unlike the others around the district it didn't possess security outside the reasonably big establishment.

"The others should be inside." Coric said taking the lead into the bar.

Upon entering Jake saw a robot standing behind a glass protected counter ushering people in after clearing them for entry.

"Next please." It commanded for them to move up "Ah you guys again. What's the matter, has the 79s become too much of a killjoy?" It said a cheerful almost human sounding voice.

"Nah, just bringing a new friend to enjoy the what the capital's nightlife has to offer." Hardcase told the robotic greeter.

"Excellent, then you have come to the right place!. More clone troopers arrived not long ago, perhaps you should go join your comrades." The mushroom head shaped machine waved them in happily.

Following the others in, it wasn't until he passed the robot did started speaking once again.

"Woah, woah, woah, hang on right there pal." It stopped him, earning the attention of the others.

"What?" Jake questioned the bot.

"Perhaps you don't know Talons' policy but uh, no blasters."

"I'm not carrying a blaster."

"Hahaha, well I ran my daily system checks earlier and my optics are in tip top condition, and that there in your holster is a blaster." It pointed to his hip.

Dropping his eyes down to his holster he realised the machine was talking about his pistol.

"This joint is picky about bringing weapons in, Corp." Coric said backing the robot's claim.

"Fine but you better not lose it." He warned the greeter/security robot, opening the holster up and placed the gun in the square shaped opening in the glass panel.

"Sir, it will be looked after with the utmost care. If property is lost, Talons is more than happy to pay compensation." It assured him but Jake didn't feel convinced.

"You better." Turning to join the others the marine was about to enter into the club when the machine spoke aloud once more.

"What a peculiar design. Mandalorian?" He checked over the Glock.

"No, it's Austrian."

"Hurry it up Jake!" One of the clones called out after him.

Leaving the machine to inspect his pistol he finally entered into the bar and was taken aback almost instantly by the settings. There was a great buzz of activity in the packed club, punters all over the place of many races drinking, dancing in the centre amidst the music and flashing lights changing pattern and theme or gathered in their own groups enjoying what the nightlife has to offer. The club didn't look that much different to the bars he'd visited, only it had a strange set up on one side that lead up to a second tier.

Scanning around at the number of different races in the club he caught sight of a couple of women, one human and another that looked almost human if not for the small horns growing out the top of her head and thin, black lined tattoos decorated on her face. The human woman whispered something into the ear of the alien then both giggled, which from his past experiences meant trouble.

"Hey guys over here!" Somebody shouted on the other side.

Seeing three more clones, two of which he recognised and the other he didn't sitting at a curved table he followed the others making their way to their fellow compatriots.

"Starting without us Kix?" Hardcase nodded to the lightning haired soldier who took a swig from a grey coloured mug.

"You took long enough to get here. We were beginning to believe you weren't coming." He shot back shrugging.

"Thank this crazy coot. Almost got us killed out there." Splicer nudged their 'chauffeur' shoulder.

"Not surprising. It's good to see you again, Corporal Jake." Kix greeted him first as they all took a seat on the stools around the table.

"You too mate. Jesse."

"Corp. Take it Hardcase's plan went off without much trouble" The tattoo faced clone quizzed.

"Pretty much but someone needs to retest this crazy bugger's driving skills." He thumbed to the clone sitting next to him.

"Hey we got here didn't we?"

"Barely." Coric knocked back Hardcase's defence.

"Let me introduce Tup, the latest shiny recruited into the 501st" Kix slapped the clone's shoulder who remained silent during the exchange. Jake eyed the clone sitting between Kix and Jesse finding the newbie possessed the same caramel brown coloured eyes but had longer hair than any of the clone soldiers sitting around him, long enough to have a small bun at the top and had a blue tear shaped tattoo running down his right eye.

"Tup this here is Coric, Splicer. Hardcase and that there is Corporal Matthews."

"Aren't you the one that fought a Sith over Nubia?" The latest addition to the 501st asked.

"Me and a few of your lads but she wasn't really a Sith. More like a batshit crazy assassin."

"Yeah we heard that bald harpy escaped from the prison. Fox is going to be in world of trouble." Jesse said, retelling them the same information he received this morning.

"Oh well we're off duty, let our superiors deal with it. So what's everyone having?" Hardcase questioned to everyone around the table.

"Adurmari."

"Me too." Splicer and Coric gave their choices.

"Same again for us."

"Which is?" The bald clone inquired with a confused look.

"Ice blaster for me, a Syrspirit for Jesse and Jawa juice for Tup." Kix grinned at the last order, earning a glare from the new clone "Just kidding Tup, don't get your body glove in a twist. Circuit cider for our new brother."

"So what will it be Jake?"

"Don't suppose they have Heineken or Carlsberg?" Clueless to what alcoholic beverages these people served he threw a half joke their way, getting nothing but blank faces however "Ok I'll just have what these guys are having." He pointed his thumb over at Splicer and Coric.

"Great, come on Splicer give us a hand" Hardcase called the visible peeved clone up.

"What's this we hear somebody is after you, Corp?" Kix brought up.

"Just some would be fucked up arsehole who tried giving me the serious case of food poisoning." The marine said like it was nothing, keeping his true feelings within.

"Any clue as to who he is and why he's trying to kill you?" Jesse quizzed him next, talking up as the music became louder.

"God knows. The Jedi are investigating it so who knows, it won't be long before he's in cuffs. Anyways enough about that, what have you guys been getting up to?"

"Nothing as exciting as what you've been getting up to. The 501st has received new reinforcements like Tup here, finding things to do to kill the boredom between deployment and leave that doesn't involve Hardcase's crazy ideas and trading war stories with the other units." Kix told him of their own doings.

"Some have some pretty good tales but nothing to what we've had under General Skywalker. I'd say the 327th are closest to the craziest encounters and tougher enemies we've been fighting against." Jesse elaborated more.

"Just think Tup. You're apart of your Republic finest soldiers here." Jake turned to mostly quite newcomer "And that crazy lunatic who's late with our drinks."

"Yeah, where have they gone?" Coric turned around with him, looking for the missing duo.

As if right on cue they both spotted the troopers walking through the growing busy bar empty handed.

"Hey, where are our drinks?"

"The bardroids are busy. They say they'll get someone over to us with them momentarily." Hardcase said sitting back down on his stool.

All around him the club was beginning to get more lively with the music booming and more people making a show of themselves on the dance floor. Amidst the club's mostly joyous atmosphere Jake's gut was telling him something was amiss. Searching all around the club he saw nothing out of the ordinary considering where he was, scanning every part of the club his cautious eyes could make out. Starting to believe it was down to a small dose of paranoia he saw in a corner part of the club where the blazing lights barely touched it, a couple figures but it was the one sitting down with their face partially covered by shadows that gave a cause of concern.

Despite the dimness of the light Jake could make out the person was wearing metal armour. What little light reached that part shone off the silvery/gray and red tinted armour plates covering the person's shins, thighs, half their torso and visible arm. Even with the assistance of the darkness he could tell the watcher's gaze was fixated on their table more than anything else in the club. Caution gripped the Royal Marine as he turned his attention back to the table.

"'Ere, seven o'clock, armoured guy sitting down by the end." He cut into their conversation. All of them in unison checked where he had just described, making his eyes roll at their lack of subtlety "Yeah don't make it obvious guys."

"I see him." Tup surprisingly was the first to speak.

"Got eyes on target."

"It appears we've drawn someone's attention." Jesse said from the other side of the table.

"You have now. Jesus, didn't your military teach you lot anything about stealth?" Jake asked irritably.

"Wonder why he find us so fascinating." Coric pondered as they all turned back to their table.

"Here you go boys" A new voice entered their circle.

"Ah Liya, it's a great pleasure to see you again." Jake peered up at the person Hardcase spoke to, finding a bright pink skinned Twi'lek woman wearing a tight fitting light crimson bodysuit and carrying a round tray with their drinks.

"Hmm, I'm sure it is but the answer is still no." The French accented alien politely turned him down with a small smile, to the round of laughter of other the other cloned humans "So which of these belong to you fine men?"

"Circuit, Ice blaster and Syrspirit over there, the Adurmari for these guys and one Sonic Servodriver right here." The Twi'lek served placing each selected beverage to each one of them.

Jake smirked and chuckled to himself when he caught Tup's stunned but wondering eyes checking out the pretty alien barmaid like an adolescent teenager. Three mugs skillfully slid across the table without spilling a drop as they stopped right in front of him, Coric and Splicer.

"Well now, who is this handsome stranger?" The barmaid queried, standing between him and Hardcase.

"This is our new friend, Jake. He isn't from around this parts so we thought we can show him the sights of the capital." Hardcase introduced him. Jake gave his friend a questionable look over his explanation.

"Well you certainly picked an interesting choice of venue. If it were up to me, I'd show him more interesting sights for those pretty eyes to wander." Completely taken back by the boldness and upfront flirting of the alien woman, the marine blinked as he stared up at the Twi'lek again who gave a wink before leaving them be to go about her work.

"You lucky massiff."

"Looks like the Corp is a loss for words." The teasing voices of the clones brought him back to the table, seeing a full circle of smirks except for Hardcase.

"What?"

"Don't they have women on Earth, Corporal?" Kix asked with amusement written all over his face.

"Of course," Jake frowned picking up his foreign drink.

"So?"

"So, what?" He looked at them all.

"You must be as blind as a Miraluka if you couldn't see she was hitting on you." Coric poked fun "I wouldn't need thinking twice to be getting on a beauty like her."

"She's quite nice I suppose." Jake's response drew a whole wall of shocked expressions from the clones like he had said the most stupidest thing ever.

"Nice?!. You need your eyes checking my friend."

"If he did that I doubt Liya would be happy." Hardcase and Splicer continued their attempts to wind him up.

"Sorry lads but my heart belongs to one lady, and hers only" He declared ignoring the rest of the banter for a second as he took his first swig of the alcoholic drink. Immediately the flavour hit his taste buds giving him the familiar bitter, malty texture of beer. Trying to think of the closest resemblance the beer had to a home brew was stopped when Kix broke his train of thought.

"You have a girl waiting for you back home, Corp?"

"I do indeed." Well I hope so, Jake silently wondered to himself "Hang on." He opened his top pocket, pulling out the photo of the woman who never failed to put a smile on his face.

"That's her?" Coric asked looking at the photo.

"Yep that's Kate, my other half." Jake smiled as he passed the picture to the soldier.

"Stang!" A couple of them whistled as they passed the photo around the table, seeing the reason behind why Jake's head couldn't be turned.

"You're one lucky being, Jake." Jesse complimented as he passed the image to Splicer.

"How did your ugly shebs get a woman like her?" Hardcase jested as he took his turn eyeing Kate's picture.

"It's a question I ask myself sometimes." The marine admitted truthfully, taking the photo of his 'Angel from Down Under', his friend Adam once jokingly described Kate for his lovestruck for her.

"What do you say brothers. We raise one for the downfall of the Seppies and the hopeful return of our friend's return to his homeworld and the lovely woman awaiting his arrival." Hardcase raised his arm containing his drink.

Jake rolled his eyes but allowed an amused smirk to pull at his mouth as each one of them copied his actions and clanked their mugs together with a cheer. The topic soon turned to that of the latest action across the many fronts of their war, giving Jake a chance to listen to the experiences these clones have been through in this war. He also found it'll be good for the newbie Tup to know what his new regiment got up to in their conflict with the Jedi's nemesis and their robotic army and fleets.

They reminisced of past battles against their machine enemies in places he hadn't the foggiest of their location but the feats were nothing short of impressive. Names like Felucia, Geonosis, Christophsis were thrown around all telling of specific parts they participating in, boasting about the kills and scores of robotic troops or 'droids' they had defeated. They even told of a confrontation with a huge creature called a Zillo beast on the planet Malastare that drew shock and admiration from their new 501st member.

Tup's reaction reminded Jake of his own experiences and swapping stories with other Royal Marine units, as well as those told to him as a child growing up listening to those of his dad and grandfather. As a youngster listening to his father recount the tales of him and his crew of their FV510 Warrior IFV pushing the Iraqis out of Kuwait and skirmishes in the former Yugoslavia, and those of his grandad battling the Chinese in Korea and keeping the Indonesians from invading Malaysia were the coolest things ever.

The conversation went on next with Coric and Jesse discussing their scaling of a high cliff on a world they called Teth, being shot at by dozens upon dozens of robots with Skywalker and Ahsoka leading the charge. It was the first time since waking up on their space cruiser Jake felt he was in more home like surroundings, if he excused the aliens, humanoid robots and mystical beings with supernatural powers.

After the drinks went Jesse and Tup were the next to go up to the bar for a second round with Jake choosing to stick with the beer drink as before. It was halfway through their second round Jake noticed the sudden drop in the partying atmosphere. Glancing over his shoulder he saw a group of least ten individuals enter the club standing by the entrance way, all scanning over the now lessened active establishment.

"Aye up, trouble ahead." Jake said to others, counting at least six humans and four multi coloured reptilian looking aliens all wearing similar pattern black and grey clothing.

The group strolled through the packed dance floor pushing some of the punters out of the way as the rest gave the new lot a wide berth, intimidated by their presence allowing them to reach the bar.

"Well, is no one going to serve us or do we have to get it ourselves!" The apparent leader of the pack yelled, a human who had face like that of a rat and strapless patch covering one eye.

"Kriffers." He heard Kix say behind him as a bardroid came to serve them.

"Remote Terminators for all my buddies here and keep 'em coming." He growled at the machine then turned to the silent spectators "What are you quiet for. We're here to relax and wind down just like you, so get dancing!"

On the thug's orders everyone went back to their business but more awkwardly and fearful than before.

"What a knobhead." Jake scoffed in disgust at the bully boy.

"And here I was hoping to have a good time." Kix rolled his eyes.

"Shouldn't we leave and find somewhere else?" Tup piped up.

"No Tup, we're not leaving just because a bunch of womp rats want to crash the party." Hardcase said in frustration.

"Any idea who they are?" The marine quizzed.

"Nah, probably just the local deadbeats." Jesse shrugged taking a gulp from his mug.

"Pretty tough looking deadbeats if they have Falleen as muscle." Splicer said about the other half of the unwanted party.

"Falleen, the lizard people with them?"

"Yeah but I don't think they're lizards." Kix answered his inquiry.

Peeved their night was going to be ruined by a bunch of gritty, foul mouthed hoodlums Jake tried returning the conversations back to before but the their presence brought a nervous and scared vibe throughout the nightclub. Several times there was roars of laughter coming from the thugs corner as the drinks began pouring over to them. A sizeable chunk of people began to make an exodus out the club which wasn't at all surprising considering the new company but what did surprise the Royal Marine was the women he'd seen when they entered were now mingling with the group.

"So what else is there to do around these parts for fun?"

"Well there's a smashball match being broadcast just down the district. From what I hear the Belsavis Kretch are-"

"Hey, I want a word with the owner of this poor excuse of a nightclub!" The thug shouted over at the bar.

"For God sake." Jake sighed at the interruption.

"Is there a problem?" A person approached the rowdy revellers.

"You need to reprogramme those droids to get the mixture right." The patched eyed man sneered at the yellow skinned, dark haired human looking alien "This is weak and tastes of Bantha waste."

"If you do not like the drink then perhaps you should chose a different option from our list."

"No, go up there and make this properly." The brute rudely snapped at the bloke, shoving his glass into the patiently waiting owner's hands to the amusement of his followers.

"I've had enough. Your behaviour is diabolical and you making the rest of my customers unhappy with your bullish attitude. I politely suggest you leave." The owner snapped with his patience now reaching its limits.

Jake didn't know whether the man was being foolish or brave but his bold confrontation was rewarded with the one eyed bloke standing up and staring down with his couple inch height advantage over him, causing the rest of the club to fall silent as all eyes watched on.

"I don't think so pal. We're staying and you," The thug roughly grabbed onto the front of the club owner's shirt, pulling him up to the shock and horror of the clubbers "Will make this right until me and the boys are happy with the way it tastes." He finished with, shoving the shaken man to ground to the sadistic laughter of his friends.

Beginning to feel appalled by the treatment of the loud mouth gang throwing their weight around, Jake was tempted to have a 'chat' with the prick but figuring it wouldn't be before long somebody would sneakily make a call to the local authorities he remained seated as a witness. The Twi'lek waitress who had served their beverage rushed over to the owner's aid, helping him off the floor in front of the mocking gang.

"Come on Arwen, it's not worth it." She said pulling him up.

"You better listen to your lady friend here" The thug said with a vicious smile then gave her wink with his good eye.

The atmosphere was dead now and everywhere Jake looked there were terrified faces and nervousness coming from the bystanders. No longer was the music playing or anyone taking to their drinks or conversations from before, instead all eyes were watching the trouble making and disruptive group.

"So what do you think?"

"They have a three man advantage, including Falleen." Jake heard the troopers discussing the field of play

"Numbers are only an advantage, not a definite means of victory." He turned back to them, taking a small gulp from his Adumari.

Noise did return in the form of scattered quiet chatter from punters deciding whether or not to leave. Considering the bunch of arseholes that had come in and ruined the mood of the joint Jake couldn't really blame, especially since it was the more wiser course of action before the usual violent outcome came about.

"Don't mind us people, let's get on with the show." The loudmouth, South Eastern American accented voice gave a single clap for things to return to normal.

The music again returned reluctantly and the mix race of punters tried resuming their interests but the discomfort was written all over their faces and body language. At his table Jake saw the debatable expressions on all the clones faces on what to do next.

"We should go over there and kicks lose foul mouthed sleemos out of here." Hardcase was the first to speak.

"We'll end up being banned from Talons." Jesse said with uncertainty.

"Hey I was enjoying the night before they rolled in. I say we should do Arwen a favour and kicked them out on their shebs." Coric was the next one to support the notion.

Staying silent through the debate Jake's ears perked as he made out the voice of the brute through the lowered music volume. Twisting around again he saw Liya standing over their table with a tray of their remixed drinks drawing the gaze of all on the gang's table.

"Well darlin' let's hope it has the right taste this time round." The one eye pillock gave a lecherous grin the woman.

"I prefer you drink up and get out of here." The Twi'lek glared down at the man, to the laughter of his cronies.

The one eyed one was the first to take a glass from the tray and sipped on their ordered beverage. A few seconds went by when an approved nod came from the leader.

"Much better." He grinned. Giving him evils the waitress spun around and went to leave but was stopped when a hand latched on to her forearm "Where you going honey?"

"Get off me!" She demanded but instead ended up being pulled his way and ended up on his lap.

"Now, now. Is that any way to talk to your customers." He tutted at her as she continued to squirm out of his grip "Besides, I can do with some company with a pretty lady such as yourself." He trailed a gloved finger down her cheek.

"Get off!" She freed a hand and gave a crack of slap across his face, to the sudden halting of everyone's activities.

"We got ourselves a fighter" The thug whistled after being struck.

"Oi, didn't you hear the lady?. Leave her alone." Jake finally snapped and shouted over at his leering behaviour.

Returning to the table he found all the guys were all shocked and surprised at his outburst, spotting in the corner of his eye Hardcase smirking.

"Think Jake just decided for us." The bald, tattooed soldier muttered.

"Uh Corporal?" Tup then injected glancing over him with a worried look.

Remaining quiet and faking ignorance to the footsteps slowly echoing behind him now the place had once again quietened down, the marine kept focus on his drink rather than the presence now lingering over their table.

"You got a problem, pal?" The bloke asked with a hint of a challenge to his tone.

"Along those lines." The marine said dryly keeping his eyes on the drink he was loosely swishing around.

"Then perhaps you would like to indulge on the conundrum we're giving you?"

"That's a fancy word. Do you get a gold sticker for improving your grammar?" Jake said, earning a few sniggers and amused looks from the others.

"Funny man huh?. You know what we like doing to a funny men, don't you Xorix." A low growl backed up the leader's claim.

Glancing back at the source of the speechless response to the idiot's apparent threat he was met by the sight of a tall, green skinned alien the guys called a 'Falleen'. The alien towered at the seven foot mark and the short sleeved shirt he wore displayed his thick muscled arms, boring his eyes into him with a deathly stare.

"This your boyfriend?" Jake taunted him, seeing the man's face drop from smugness to anger at the comment.

"Do you know who we are?" He tried to sound menacingly snarling appearing to of hit a nerve.

"Mike Wazowski and the teletubby crew?" Jake shrugged out of disinterest going back to the table and taking a gulp from his drink, only to be met by a loud bang from his left side. Letting his eyes gander to the noise he found the thug's fist had slammed on the table's surface.

"We're the Black Sun!" He declared to the grumble of improvements as Jake guessed more of his cronies were behind him.

"Is that supposed to mean something?" His reply earned a couple of worried exchanges from the clone soldiers and a number of shocked gasps from the punters watching on.

"You must've fallen out of the stoopa tree or living under a rock if you've never heard of us, buddy. We'll kriff you up real bad."

"Or I don't give a shit and prefer you leave peacefully and let us gents and ladies go back to enjoying the evening."

"And what of the company you keep. Clones, Ha. Well you better make your goodbyes now before they're replaced by another tube baby fit for nothing but dying." The leader sneered.

Jake felt his blood boil and his calmness replaced by fury at the contempt this man directed at his friends. Finally having his temper raised by this mouthy scumbag he wordlessly stood from his stall, putting down his nearly finished drink and turned to the grinning moron. His eyes turned to steel as he eyed the 'Black Sun' gangster who could of sworn saw a glimmer of fear in his one good eye.

Calling him every name under the sun was one thing he could take because he was good at dishing it back out. Insulting his friends however, was a different issue that those who knew him would know was a foolish thing to commit. Doing this brought the attention of the other thugs who all made their way over but as they reached their table Jake heard stools beside and behind him drag across the floor from the clones backing him up.

"What's the matter, I hope I didn't just upset you?" The patched eyed bloke mocked him.

"You know what, I've changed my mind. You're going to do four things. One; you're going to say sorry to my mates here for the pile of shit that just fell from your mouth. Second; Apologise to the lady for harassing her, then you'll do the same thing to the owner of this fine establishment for the treatment you gave him. And last and not least, you'll get your ugly arse mug out of here with angry Dipsy and the rest of your mongrel muppets in tow." Jake listed his demands in a cool, calm professional manner, keeping his simmering anger in check for the time being.

The club fell silent as he awaited a response from the gang, getting one seconds later in the form of laughter from each of the unwelcome party.

"Why should we?. We're here to have a good time, aren't we boys?." The man turned to his gang.

He then threw punch his way, expecting the marine to be caught off guard from the strike but to the shock of everyone on the floor and elsewhere in the club Jake expertly caught it. The saucer eyed expression from the thug quickly turned to pain as Jake crushed his hand into the pressure points of the offender and twisted his arm sideways.

"You're too stupid to have a good time." He said with contempt then sent his fist crashing into the guy's chin, sending him flying backward to the floor.

With their leader taking a hit and on the floor the others converged toward him, only for one of the human members to fall too from a metallic stool sailing past and colliding with the thug's head. With two down it turned into a more even fight as the clone soldiers joined him in the scrap. The big Falleen named 'Xorix' stood in front of him whilst the fists from both sides quickly flew, leaving him with the tougher looking of the bunch.

"So how do you want to do this?" Jake asked the hulking alien.

His answer came with a lumbering enclosed fist launched intended for his head but the large green hand missed as the marine side stepped the offensive strike. In kind Jake grabbed on to the brute's arm and sent a swift and sharp elbow into the Falleen's hip, attempting to trip him over by kicking the back of his ankle but was met with no movement. Instead he was swung back and met with clothesline of punch, knocking him to the ground right onto his back.

"Christ." The marine groaned but had no time to nurse his head by the ham sized fist heading downward.

Rolling in time for the punch to miss and hit the solid floor rather than his flesh and bone body, he shot straight back up feeling the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The whole scene around him was chaotic with spectators scurrying away from the battling sides avoiding the fight, whilst he and the Republic troops fought the Black Suns.

He had enough time to spot Coric sending a knee into the gut of a purple skinned Falleen and Jesse being wrestled to the ground before the big lout charged at him again. What the big guy had in overbearing strength he lacked in speed, giving Jake the edge to using his size against him. One of the human minions thought he'd intervene by encircling an arm around the back of his neck in hope of giving the alien a better chance at attacking.

Throwing his head into a backward headbutt the thug grabbed onto his nose dazed from the hit, allowing Jake the opportunity to hip toss the man over and sent a rocketing punch into his chest. A few cries rang from the punters as the attention was brought back to Xorix stomping over grabbing and lifting him up into a bear like grip. The crushing hold brought sharp pain shooting into his sides as he felt his ribs starting caving into each other.

In an desperate attempt to free himself before ending up like a squeezed tube of toothpaste the marine raised his free hand and stabbed his fingers into the alien's eyes, causing him to cry out in agony from the debateable foul play move. Dropping him and bringing his meaty hands to his now injured eyeballs he prepared for a counter attack.

"Need a hand?" He Hardcase coming up beside him.

"You first." Jake said to offering their joint target.

Once Xorix moved his hands from his face, Jake saw the pure fury in the giant's reddened eyes. Wasting no time he growled and charged at them like a raging bull.

"Doorstep?"

"What?" The clone questioned his idea.

Both dodging the Falleen, the bulky being faced Hardcase first giving Jake the chance to kneel down on one leg and nod to him. A look of realisation crossed Hardcase's face as it clicked. Ducking a swinging punch from the enraged Black Sun thug he watched the trooper send his entire weight into a shoulder barge connecting into the muscle man's torso, making him stumble back a few steps but enough for him to knock into the knelt marine's body and tumbled over his frame.

Falling like a sack of spuds Xorix crashed to the floor and judging by his lack of movement it appeared the fall had knocked the big man's head rendering him unconscious, to both their relief.

"Nice move."

"All brawn, no brains." They exchanged a triumphant smile.

"You ain't gonna leave this place in one piece." Jake turned to find the Black Sun leader now up with three goons taking up his flanks.

Taking a ganders at the others he found Coric wrestling with Falleen and Splicer out cold on the floor next to a overturned table, littered around him was a smashed glass bottle giving a clue over what happen to the trooper. Kix and Tup were engaged with the other gang members, leaving him and Hardcase to fight the pack alone.

"Go get 'em boys. Remember, leave enough of the hero for me to make an example of." A human and a red skinned Falleen advanced forward at their boss' command.

Preparing for another bout with the thugs despite the numerous disadvantage, Jake waited for the goons to come to them.

"Hey boys, mind if I join in?" An amplified voice intervened.

Jake found the owner to be a fully armoured being with the same gray and red colour code that matched the stranger who'd been watching their table earlier. It surprised him a little the watcher was a woman, doubled with the feminine voice and slender figure giving away the gender of the third party. He found with slight interest the helmet she wore was very much akin to the clone's soldiers own issued headwear.

The two who had taken it upon themselves to go for him and Hardcase first smiled and stood back, giving the woman space as to lead in front of the Black Sun.

"You really want to do this, Miss?" He warned her.

"I do." She replied but unexpectedly to his and Hardcase's surprise the armoured woman swung her arm round and slammed home a cheek shattering punch into the human's face.

The thug's whole right side shot over as he tried staying on his feet, leaving his Falleen friend to try and take on the woman. She dodged a retaliating blow from the reptilian, grabbing hold of his wrist and brought a forearm up into his upper arm then sent a swiping metal booted kick into the alien's chin knocking him to the ground. The other holding his face tried using an upward kick but the ill timed attempt at retribution from her earlier hit was rewarded with her catching his foot and sweeping his other leg out from under him.

With the offender's foot still in her grip the armoured lady then pressed her knee into his own and twisted his calf, resulting in an echoing crack and pain filled cry.

"Fierfek!" Hardcase exclaimed next to him at the skilled fighter.

With his two mates down the leader watched in fear as he, Hardcase and their new friend faced him down.

"Get out there!" He shoved his last remaining compatriot forward but the guy didn't appear what to do being outnumbered.

"What's the matter dickhead. Too much of a pussy to fight your own battles, you have to send your last man to face the fire?" Jake taunted the one eyed Black Sun leader.

"You have no idea who you're messing with, boy!" He snarled pulling an item out from his boot, the top half glowing from the reflection of the lights shining off its metallic sharp body. Raising a brow at the action that drawn gasps from the club crowd, the marine was taken aback a little and worried now this fight was taking a bloody turn that could result in someone getting seriously hurt. "You, your clone buddies and this Mandalorian Schutta will pay for messing with the Black Suns!"

"Hut'uun." The Corporal heard the woman mutter.

Behind the slowly going insane leader Jake saw Coric, Kix and Tup approached over, surrounding the last standing gang members.

"You really think you can take us all on?" He nodded to the unoccupied clones who the loudmouth now turned to meet with his cronies down and out or injured.

"Maybe not. But you'll do." He said darkly, twisting round quickly lobbing the serrated black handled knife in his path.

If his reflects hadn't been sharp or quick enough, Jake was sure the knife would of made it's way into his body, slicing through flesh, muscle and bone but thanks to his training and alert for danger he moved in time for the blade to miss and bounce off the wall. Returning the favour Jake grabbed a nearby bottle and threw it at the creep, sending it full force into his face. Recoiling from his the glass object dazing him momentarily the marine didn't give the man a chance to recover power walked over, once again sending his knuckles smashing into the leader's face. The blow caused him to spin around and land on a table with a group of mixed race people taking cover behind, backing away from the person responsible for ruining their night.

Wasting no time Jake put the gangster's left arm into a lock that he knew would send a great deal of pain if he applied the right amount of pressure into the joint.

"Now," He pulled the thug up finding blood pouring from his mouth, dragging him over to his friends who were now all gathered with the notable exception of Kix helping Splicer up off the floor "Don't you have something to say?"

"Kriff you!" Not pleased with the answer he twisted a little more, sending a wave of sharp pain shooting up the defeated gangster's arm. "Ahhh, alright, alright!. I'm sorry."

Pulling him back he shoved him through the crowd until spotting the Twi'lek Liya amongst the crowd of punters.

"And?"

"I'm sorry to you too." He got the thug to repeat at the waitress, shoving him over to the bar counter next, where the owner was watching on.

"Arwen, right?" He asked the man who looked like he belonged to the same species as Ahsoka's friend, Barriss.

"That is correct."

"I believe this guy has something to say to you." He gave another twist to the guy's arm, receiving another pain filled cry.

"Sorry!"

"Thank you Marl. Now get out of here and never come back." Arwen grinned in delight at the man's misfortune, who for the first time since this scumbag entered the club Jake knew of his name.

"Now you've learnt some manners, perhaps now you'll learn where unwelcome guests tend to go." Hauling him away he found the clones doing the same with the defeated gang followers with Hardcase and Jesse dragging the unconscious Xorix by the legs to the club exit.

"You won't get away with this." Marl threatened him spitting out blood.

"Yeah, yeah tough guy." He rolled his at the cheesy warning that sound just like a film villain.

One by one they were all thrown out to the bewilderment of the doorbot, leaving Jake the last to chuck out the Black Sun's weasel leader. With one last jolt to his arm he pushed him out with his battered and bruised crew, all arrogance and toughness literally beaten out of them.

"Ha, not so tough now are they?" Kix snorted.

"Now why don't you be so kindly as to toddle off before we have to teach you another lesson." Jake gave the gang a finally departing warning.

Heading back in he heard Marl shout back at him and the Republic soldiers but paid no heed, glad now their wretched presence was now out from Talons. Going back in with the clones in tow they were all met with a resounding round of applause and a few whistles from everybody inside, their fear now replaced with gratitude and joy for their dealing with the thugs.

"I wasn't expecting this." Jesse commented from the punters actions.

"I'd thought we'd be thrown out too, to tell you the truth." Coric admitted.

Jake was thinking the same thing when he spotted Arwen making his way through the crowd with a pleased smile on his face.

"Thank you friends. You have no idea how long I wanted to see that Corellian scum get a taste of his own medicine."

"It's no problem mate. It's the only treatment a bullies deserve." The marine Corporal waved off the club owner's thanks.

"My customers can now return to enjoying their fun and you and our brave boys in white can have whatever you want, on the house."

"You don't need to tha-"

"That's extremely generous of you." Hardcase cut in, giving him a quick side glance.

"Don't mention it. It's the least I can do. Now if you'll excuse me, I have customers to attend to." Arwen gave them all a grateful nod before heading back toward the bar counter.

"You idiot, Jake. You almost cost us a free tab of drinks." The bald clone chastised him lightly as they went back to their table.

"I just didn't want it to look like we were taking the piss." Jake shrugged then glanced over to Splicer who was still rubbing the back of his head "You ok?"

"Feel like I've been hit by a hovertrain." The short haired trooper groaned wincing at the part of the head which took a hit.

"You'll be alright. Just watch your alcohol intake." Kix assured him taking a look at the back of his head.

Passing by the wrecked tables and bar stools the marine saw a few different model robots cleaning up the mess, scooping up shattered glass and soaking up spilt fluids from the floor their 'dispute' was mostly settled on. The music changed track but remained at its pre-fight levels as the club revellers went back to dancing or drinking the night away, as if the gang had never showed up.

"You handled yourself quite well out there. For someone who doesn't know who he was dealing with that is." The amplified voice attracted their interest once more. Finding the armoured woman leaning against the wall nearby he stopped, seeing her flipping the knife Marl had tried burying into his person.

"It doesn't matter, our friend here showed them a thing or two." Hardcase slapped his shoulder.

"Maybe." She shrugged then stood up straight, tucking the claimed blade into a sheath built inside her belt. "It's not often I come across a verd outside my people's society who fought the way you had."

"Cheers, the same could be said about you." Jake complimented the as of yet identified woman back.

"Come, I wish to talk with you." She inclined her head to her vantage point she had been observing their table from.

"I'd be careful, Corp." Jesse whispered "She's a Mandalorian, and probably a bounty hunter to boot."

"It's ok mate, I don't think she means any harm." He said turning around to the group "Besides, she did help us kick those pricks arses."

"She tries anything we won't be too far away."

"If I tried anything trooper, none of you would be standing right now." The 'Mandalorian' woman proclaimed confidently. Seeing the clones narrow at the challenge Jake stepped in before another fight broke out.

"Ok, ok. We've already had disagreement with someone, don't need to start another."

"If you say so. You want the same again?" Hardcase asked over their now unlimited drink supply for the rest of the night.

"Get him a Tihaar." The woman spoke before he could open his mouth "I'd like another too as well."

Leaving it at that he gave the clones a shrug then followed the steel gray and red armoured lady to her alcove in the corner of the resumed upbeat club. The small round table had seats attached to the wall in a half moon shape but unlike the hard metal bars stools from before the seats were made up of leather type material. The lights of the Talons nightclub did little in brightening this part of the building up but did enough for Jake to see the woman sit down and begin taking her helmet off.

The clone soldier's visor look alike helmet once removed and placed on the table revealed a woman who appeared to be around her mid twenties, a fair skin tone and blazing red hair that reached down to her neck. Taking a seat opposite he saw her move a stray piece of hair covering one of her piercing hazel coloured eyes. If Jake was honest she looked quite beautiful.

"I believe we haven't been properly introduced." He said settling into the more comfortable chair.

"My name is Parjar, of clan Vizla. Yours is Jake, correct?" She introduced herself, her voice now more natural had a Northern American accent sound to it.

"Aye that's me, Jake Matthews." He offered a hand over the table. Grabbing it in a firm hand shackle, Jake was surprised by the strength she shook. She's quite strong, He thought but then again she did do a number on those would be hard nuts.

"Well, Jake Matthews," She pulled back her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet someone as gutsy as you standing up to those who work for one of the biggest crime syndicates of the galaxy."

"Those tosspots?" Jake said keeping himself from laughing at the claim.

"They maybe so far down the chain the crimelords barely notices their existence, but once word gets around about putting their name through the dirt, it will draw more competent attention." Parjar said with no amusement, twinned with the serious expression on her face.

"Oh, great." He grumbled, releasing he may have just added another pissed off group to ever growing list of those out for his blood.

"Tell me Jake Matthews, where was it you learned to fight like that?"

"I have Her Majesty's Royal Marines Commandos to thank for keeping me on my toes."

"Which monarch do you serve?" She quizzed. For moment Jake was suspicious over her line of questioning but gut instinct and that little voice often nattering on whether a decision was right or wrong was telling him this 'Mandalorian' was asking out of pure interest, not intelligence gathering but caution remained to still keep the vague persona.

"One I doubt you've ever heard of."

"I see. You are military, there's no question, but something tells me you're an aruteii, not these Republic rusurs."

"Arutey?" He inquired with a questionable brow over the foreign word, more so if he had pronounced it right.

"Outsider." Parjar clarified for him in English.

"Is it that obvious?" Jake gave a smirk over the label.

"You have never heard of the Black Suns. Even a nerf herder from a far off backward farming colony has heard of those Cha'kaar. Plus, your uniform isn't like anything I have seen before, and your burc'ya call you by the rank of Corporal. It doesn't take a genius to work out you're not a native."

"I see."

"Which leaves the question; where do you come from?" She inquired leaning back into her seat more comfortably but her posture remained careful for any trouble.

"A little old world so far away from the rest of the galaxy, that we've had the fortune of keeping out of this war of theirs and only thought people with supernatural powers like the Jedi were things made in television or told in myths."

"Jetii?" She said in her strange language the marine found odd she mixed with English/Basic "You've met the benevolent peacekeepers?"

"Difficult not to. When I was dumped in this part of the galaxy by God knows what contraption I came aboard one of their space cruisers. I've been under their hospitality for a nearly two months." He elaborated more, keeping sketchy over the details.

"Did they tell you of us?"

"Mandalorians?, no. The first time I've heard of you lot was when I walked in and that machine by the door thought my gun resembled one of those made by them." Jake said but detected there was more to Parjar's question than simple curiosity "Is there problem between you guys and the space wizards?"

"Ha, that's an understatement." She scoffed "Though mine is more on personal matters with a few of their members, rather than our long, bloody ruyot with the Jedi Order. They're not all bad, I've worked with a few during the course of this conflict. They could do with a lesson from us over how to fight war."

The approach of footsteps for a moment stopped Jake's further enquiry into the Mandalorian woman's apparent mixed feelings for the Jedi. Peering up he found Liya now standing over their table with tray of two small glasses containing their drinks of which Jake had no clue of.

"Two Tihaars for our two heroes." The pink skinned alien said aloud but her matching coloured eyes lingered on him more than Parjar.

"Cheers." He took one of the glasses off the tray. As Parjar did the same Jake scrutinised the alcoholic ordered by his new growing friend. The beverage was colourless giving it the appearance of water however, taking into account the size of the glass it was poured in and from home brews with similar deceptive looks the marine assumed this 'Tihaar' was a spirits type drink.

"It was amazing watching you take down that sleaze Marl, and his bodyguard bully Xorix." The Twi'lek waitress traced a finger on his shoulder. Looking over the Mandalorian he could see an arched brow over the alien woman's still not so subtle interest in him.

"You know if it weren't for Hardcase, hulk's angry cousin would've probably kicked the shit out of all our arses." Jake pointed his thumb over to the clone crowded table, who were know talking with another group of people.

"Yes, he did quite the number on him." She said now gazing over at his friends' able.

"I think he was complaining his shoulder hurt when he tackled him. Is there anything you have to ease the ache?"

"I might have something that could cure his pain." She gave him suggestive smile over his hint then left them be, seeing her making her way over to the clone in question. Turning back to the armoured woman sitting opposite he found her rolling her eyes at his actions.

"Some things never change, regardless of culture."

"I have no idea what you're on about." Jake remained coy.

"I admit I am surprised. She was clearly had more than serving you drinks on her mind." She said still holding her glass over the table.

"I know. It's strange to have an alien hit on you, but regardless of species there's only one woman for me."

"Admirable. I know a few who claimed to be loyal but proven to be anything but."

"Same. So, what's the deal between the Mandalorians and the Jedi." He changed the subject back to her.

"The Jedi have been for the better part of a few thousand years our enemy. From the time of Mandalore the Ultimate to now we've battled against the Jetti. There have been occasions we've put our differences aside to fight against worse enemies like the Eternal Empire, or the Sith even. However, once that conflict ended the old rivalry was resurfaced because some wanted the return of the glory days. It was close to being as bad during the Neo-Crusades but we tended to steer clear of each other, but it wasn't until our last akaan the Jedi had a hand in my people's downfall from grace." Parjar recounted her people's past to him.

"So you Mandalorians are what, a warlike bunch?"

"We're warriors, it's in our blood to fight but we do so honourably, as our code dictates. Same can't be said about those aruetyc cast offs, the Death Watch." Parjar spat the last word like poison.

"Death Watch?" Jake asked over the supposed faction the woman said in disdain..

"They're a splinter group that formed over the disagreement with Mand'alor the Reformer, Jaster Mereel, and the SuperCommando Codex. He set it for all Mandalorian clans to follow. The Death Watch however, preferred going back to the old savage raider days, to fight anyone for the sake of fighting. Because of their narrow minded ideology caused a civil war to erupt between those loyal to Mand'alor Jaster Mereel and those traitors who followed Tor Vizsla."

"It wouldn't be the first time in history war broke out for because of difference of opinion."

"Difference is Death Watch would choose to raid, rape and destroy any world they'd come across, to satisfy their lust for conflict. Those glory days are long gone and are not the way forward for my people." She said sincerely over the last past.

"So what happened, did your side lose?" He asked her for the end result.

"For a time the True Mandalorians were winning and crippled the Death Watch's operation across several star systems. Problem was the war also did a number on the True Mandos numbers too. Both my parents died during the war and even Jaster, our last Mand'alor, fell."

"Wow, I'm sorry to hear that."

"They fought and died for what they believed in and taught me what it means to be Mandalorian. I can only hope my death will ve as honourably as theirs." She said with conviction but Jake could see sorrow cross her eyes over her parents death.

"What happened to these True Mandalorians?"

"During what was supposed to of been a simple hire job to put down insurgents on the planet of Galidraan, turned out to be the killing blow of the True Mandalorians. The governor was harbouring Tor Viszla, the leader of the Death Watch and set up the True Mandalorians forces. The governor called on the Jedi for assistance, accusing my people of slaughtering political activists and civilians. Instead of investigating these claims the Jedi took it on the word of the aruetii governor and ordered for their forces to stand down, but were met with blaster fire rather than raised hands"

"Take it surrender isn't in your dictionary?"

"I have no idea what that is." Parjar said blankly "Both asking a Mandalorian to surrender without a fight and accusing them of committing dishonourable deeds is not a wise course of action. The battle was fierce from what I was told but it ended with only one survivor still standing from our side. Took out a good number of Jedi and rebels though. Still, it doesn't make up for the loss of many seasoned and strong warriors and having our world handed to a bunch of pacifist ord'innis who've made of mockery of the name Mandalore."

"Is there any of you left?"

"A few. Not all of us agreed to give up our armour and weapons, allowing our traditions and history be rewritten and stamped on."

"So why work with those who had hand in your people's fall from grace?" Jake continued with his line of questioning.

"Credits. The Republic pay well for the capture of terrorists, criminals and other unpleasant beings they're after but lack the forces to apprehend. Despite my own dislike for them, they're a safer bet than the Separatists." She explained simply, picking her own glass of Tihaar up.

"Back home, bounty hunting is considered an out of date profession. Something you'd often hear in old Wild West tales."

"And what of your profession, Commando." She said with emphasis on the last part, taking a swig from her drink.

"Not that overly different to yours really, other than our loyalties lie with Queen and country and need be fight against other nations if they wish to take a pop at us" Jake said then went about taking in the first taste of this 'Tihaar'. With the predication of it being an alien spirits drink he took the precaution of not downing it right away. Even doing this as the colourless liquor mingled into his taste buds his mouth and throat were met with a strong burning sensation, flaming up his tongue and gullet from the intense feeling the drink was giving his insides.

"The Tihaar is not to your likening, soldier?" Parjar said clearly finding it funny by his reaction to the inferno his mouth was experiencing.

"Fucking hell." He cursed between coughs, wincing at his body's reaction to the spirited alcohol "Jesus what's in this, napalm?!"

"That would be a triple distilled alcohol spirit created by no other than the people you've just been learning about. Talons is the only place I know that makes it close to our culture's perfection. Though the could use better fruit for it."

"Christ, even pure Russian standard vodka isn't this bloody strong." Jake put the glass down coughing into a closed fist "God, how can you lot drink this stuff?"

"It takes some getting used to but I wouldn't be a hero and drink loads of it, unless you want your liver to burst." She explained taking another swig from the lethal tasting drink.

"I'll keep that in mind the next time somebody offers me a drink that turns you into a walking molotov."

"You've done better than most dik'uts who attempt to drink it down in one gulp. They usually be running around asking for water right about now."

Commotion by the clone soldiers table drew Jake away from their little corner and to find the cause. Expecting to find noisy revellers congratulating the guys the Royal Marine instead found two more clones standing over the sitting and startled troops, one of which was Captain Rex to his own alarm. All the eyes of the clone's faces he could see were widened up like saucers with Kix's own glanced his way for a split second.

"Ah shit." He turned back to the bounty hunter, covering half his face with one hand.

"Problem?" She quizzed.

"Sort of. Let's just say I'm breaking curfew and the lads over there kind of broke me out."

"I thought you said you were under the Jedi's protection?" Parjar questioned him again with suspicion.

"I am. Just for whatever reason they haven't given me permission to leave the Temple." Jake told her, hoping the officers hadn't noticed his presence yet.

"Why-"

"Corporal Matthews." Jake's hopes were quickly squashed by the new voice entering their conversation "How interesting to find you out here."

"Captain. Fancy meeting you here." He looked up finding Rex and the other clone accompanying him stood over their table.

"May I ask how you managed to find yourself here when the Generals ordered for you to remain within the Jedi Temple?" Rex asked bearing his eyes down at him waiting for his response.

"I went for a walkabout, took a wrong turn and ended up here. This lady here was just giving me directions back to the Temple."

"Oh, and you so happen to bumped into these guys over here too, huh?"

"Oh hey lads, didn't see you there." He waved over at the soldiers, all of which appeared sheepish over being caught.

"I suppose you know nothing of a bar fight that took place here, with reports describing someone with an uncanny resemblance to you Corporal, and those of six Republic troopers?" The clone officer persisted with his line of questioning.

"It was quite noisy in here sir. It's difficult to hear such a thing happening with all this music blaring." The Corporal remained playing ignorant.

"You're making quite the impression, Corporal Matthews." The other clone with Rex commented, appearing to find this more amusing than Skywalker's second in command "I've never heard of anyone asking a bounty hunter for directions."

"Nice to see you again too, Fives." Parjar sarcastically greeted the clone.

"Su cuy'gar, Parjar. You know you're in the company of a soldier who defeated an assassin trained by Dooku himself?"

"I didn't-"

"You fought against a Sith and won?" The Mandalorian asked looking astounded by the claim.

"No-"

"Come on Corporal, don't be modest. Nash told us it was your plan that got that crazy witch in our custody before she broke out of prison." The goatee bearded clone stated. Sighing Jake went to pick his drink up again then remembered it's blazing contents, placing back down to the table.

"Lieutenant, why don't your return the Corporal here back to the Temple before they notice his absence." Rex brought them all back to the current situation back to the fold.

"What of them?" The clone named Fives nodded over to the others.

"We'll be having a little talk."

"Alright Captain. Come on Corporal, you best get going before your shebs finds itself in further deep water." The mixed armoured clone ordered him up.

"Fine." Jake complied standing up.

"I need to get on a move on too. I've been paid, had a little evening entertainment and now I need to return to my clan. Ret'urcye mhi, Corporal Jake Matthews. Perhaps if we meet again you'll no longer be under curfew." The Mandalorian bounty hunter bid him farewell, raising up from her own seat.

"Wouldn't that be the day." Jake snorted "Well thanks for the help again Parjar. It's been a pleasure." He thanked her once more as she placed her helmet over her head, giving him a short nod leaving him in the company of the two officers.

"Let's go Corporal. You best hope the Jedi don't notice you missing."

"If you say so, sir." The marine followed Fives, passing the clone soldiers toward the club's exit.

"See you, Corp." Hardcase raised a drink up to him.

"You too guys, stay safe." He bid farewell, catching one last glimpse of the group of sheepish soldiers awaiting whatever bollocking Captain Rex had in mind.

After collecting his pistol with the Lieutenant who too grabbed his own weapons he had to hand over they stepped outside, finding the streets just as lively with crowds going to and fro other parts of the untold number of streets of the Republic's capital world. There was no sign of the bounty hunter or any of the Black Sun gangsters he'd suspected may of been lingering outside for an attempt at revenge.

"Wait here Corporal, I'll have a dropship come pick us."

"Just at the click of your fingers?"

"Benefits of being an officer and ARC trooper." Fives grinned dancing his fingers over the wrist computer device on his forearm.

"What's an ARC trooper?" Jake asked the clone officer.

"Advanced Recon Commando. An elite unit of skilled troopers of the Grand Army of the Republic. Wasn't always though, not too long ago I was a trooper of the 501st with the guys back in there until the Seppies tried taking Kamino. Apparently I displayed great courage and valor, but I was doing what every other one of my brothers did that day. Keeping the clankers greasy droid mitts off our home."

"Fair dues, sir."

"Ah, that didn't take long." the Lieutenant said pointing up to the sky as a ship approached their position. Unlike the types he seen and ridden on himself, this dropship was smaller and possessed three sets of wings at the bottom and top of the glass faced cockpit, one set at the back. The passenger pay appeared smaller too, allowing around six people aboard at most.

Climbing aboard the cramped dropship he saw Fives go to the cockpit speaking with the pilot for just a second then return back, as the craft lifted off the ground quickly putting the distance between the Talons nightclub and themselves.

"So Corporal, how did you get the others to help you break out of the Jedi Temple?"

"Aye?" Jake turned to the 'ARC' trooper.

"Captain Rex isn't here Matthews, you can quit with the false ignorance. Besides I served with those men. I know what they're like and I'm not the one for tattle tailing my own brothers in." The Lieutenant stated with a humoured smile appearing on his face.

"That's a question best left to the schemer, Lieutenant. I'm just an innocent tourist." Jake shrugged in response remaining tight lipped.

"I'll be sure to tell Hardcase that the next time I see him." Fives said, working out without his assistance on who conjured up the plan.

Taking in the passing sights as the Temple soon came into view, Jake hoped no one was up and he could managed to sneak back in the same way he did out. Keeping his hand gripped on to the straps hanging above he leaned out carefully of the dropship as they drew closer toward the entrance of the huge headquarters of the Jedi.

"I suggest dropping me off nearer the top, by the garden area."

"Why's that?" The trooper questioned with a raised brow

"I didn't exactly walk out the front door." He guiltily admitted.

"Pilot, take us up." Fives ordered the dropship pilot, laughing and shaking his head at the admittance. The pilot did as he was ordered, bringing the transport upward and away from the huge entrance way of the Jedi temple.

The spires were now dominating the view as the dropship flew up the huge walls to the flat surface above, nearing the same spot the clones picked him up from earlier. Searching for around for anyone who may be taking a late night stroll or patrolling the premises, it was a great relief for Jake to find no one was about despite the approaching racket of the dropship's engines.

"Over there mate!" The marine signalled over to the spot for the pilot to drop him off at. Hovering over the familiar grounds he had at the beginning of the night been hiding out in for Hardcase and the others to pick him up from, he jumped out of the floating transport to the grassy surface keeping his eyes peeled out for any movement from within the spired landmark.

"Hey, Corporal Matthews." Fives called out to him "The next time you head out, I suggest not picking fights in bars and wear something that doesn't make you stand out."

"I'll keep that in mind, sir. Cheers for the lift." He gave the clone officer a wave then turned back to the Temple itself. No longer focused on the dropship and its occupant the sound of the dropship engines soon left his hearing and was quickly replaced with silence.

Stealthily creeping back in he checked both sides of the first corridor leading back to his quarters, discovering no living being in sight. Thanking his lucky stars nobody was up and about he traversed through the same way he snuck out, doing his best from keeping his boots from making too much noise on the pristine clean floors as he sped his pace up. With the consideration of it being late into this world's night cycle, Jake thought there wouldn't be anyone up other than a few security personnel he could avoid drawing their attention.

The first real obstacle came up in the shape of a flight of stairs. Listening out for any indication of anyone up and about or other noises that could get him caught if he went charging down the stairs. Happy there wasn't any sign of life he waked down the stairs, glad his boots weren't echoing out from each step. The marine began to think he was going to reach his quarters without incident when on the last corridor he heard voices coming up the otherside.

Jake hid around the corner, cursing the last obstacle to safety being the one having a high possibility of getting caught. Taking a peek down the hall he saw two of those masked Sentinels yattering to each other standing in front of the guest quarter hallway. Worry began to swamp his mind as he stayed hidden as the continued to talk to each other, increasing his chances of being spotted by anyone who could walk around the corner any second now.

What could've been only 30 seconds felt agonisingly longer as each second ticked by, leaving him frustrated and worried by their chin wagging. Glancing at the Sentinels again he saw the two finishing their chat and splitting up with one heading down the other way, whilst the other to his alarm was walking in his direction.

"Crap." He whispered with the Jedi fast encroaching. Hastily searching for somewhere to hide the best place Jake found that may help conceal him was a statue a little further down the corridor he was stuck hiding in built into the wall facing the outside world.

Risking the chance of giving himself away he ran over to the statue and slid behind the stone architectural structure, pressing his back into the wall trying to keep his body as concealed from the Jedi as possible. With his hearing filled with nothing but the converging footsteps and his own heartbeat, he kept silent as the Jedi Sentinel came into view walking pass going about his patrol pattern. His training had taught him how to keep himself well hidden from the enemy in different types of terrain and situations but keeping yourself out of sight from powerful beings like the Jedi wasn't covered at the CTCRM.

Each step and each second the masked Jedi was close by made his heart race faster. He hoped their hearing wasn't good enough to hear the beating of his heart pounding up against his chest. The fully robed Jedi walked on by with his head fixated ahead, to the utmost relief of the marine Corporal who resisted the urge to release a breath until he was back in the safety of his quarters.

Waiting for the stoic Jedi to turn the corner he left his hidey spot once the guard was out of view and went back to reaching his safe haven. To add to his easement the other Jedi was nowhere to be seen, giving him a clear path back to his room. With all that went on through the night Jake couldn't wait to hit the sack.

It was great he was able to finally experience first hand and come up close to the streets and massive population of Coruscant. However, avoiding detection and fighting gangsters belonging to one of the supposed biggest and nastiest crime syndicates, plus trying out different alien alcoholic drinks was just about enough for one night. As he stood in front of the door belonging to his quarters he thought back to the Mandalorian and bounty hunter, Parjar.

A night out for him didn't often result learning about a people's history and culture, especially after beating the crap out of some arseholes wrecking everyone else's enjoyment. Pressing the button he released a sigh as he step in and went over to the table cabinet beside the bed.

He started to undo his holster and place the belt on the metallic made cabinet when the room began to illuminate. Blinking in surprise from the light turning on he first thought was if he the electricity had tripped, only the thing wasn't on in the first place and the switch to the light was by the door.

The feel of another person's presence in the room however answered his mental inquiry. Clenching his eyes knowing whoever was behind him was waiting for him to return, Jake spun around to find Ahsoka standing in the bathroom doorway with an eye marking raised and her arms folded. Her posture and body language was that of silent anger, not yet released until the appropriate time.

Oh Christ above,"Oh uh, hey kid. What are you doing here?" He asked her with an unsteady voice and smile. Her face didn't budge from its lack of emotion and almost scary calmness which Jake knew was always a bad sign.

"Corporal Matthews. Perhaps you would like to explain where you have been all night?"

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And there you have it, the first chapter of 2017. Hope you all had a good Christmas and New Years. I would like to thank Mandalore the Freedom for his help in this chapter and improving my Star Wars knowledge :).