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.

22. Deception

Hello ladies and gents, terribly sorry for another lengthy wait but life has been a little busy as of late. For making you guys wait so long I've worked making this chapter a long one for you :)

Just a quick sidenote;

Longshot: I do apologise friend if I've butchered your native tongue, I more than happy to accept your request. (Do you have an account?)

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Ahsoka stood outside the guest room collecting her thoughts before she would announce her arrival at the door for the occupant to allow her permission to enter. What had become a daily routine for past couple months was to be interrupted with the High Council deciding it best for the Earther, she had grown fond of, to remain within the Temple, whilst she and Anakin departed for the next battlefield the war was to drag them back to. She felt conflicted about this decision seeing as the other Jedi still held him at arm's length due to the dark feeling he unintentionally gave off. The truth was she was the only one to understand Jake, to a point anyway, with much about the Earth-human and his people's culture she still had troubles understanding.

Bringing her hand up she pressed on the button to the smooth sounding chime ringing out, followed as usual by the humour edged voice of her friend.

"Password?"

"Really?." Ahsoka asked with a raised eye marking.

"One has to be careful nowadays. Wouldn't want some cloaked psychopath just waltzing in." Jake said from the other side of the door

"Well you know it's me, so let me in you laserbrain."

"Alright, alright. Keep your hair on." Rolling her eyes and shaking her head in amusement at another attempt to gouge a reaction she waited for the door to open, having no longer fallen for his baited fun making. The door opened up revealing the Corporal fully dressed and an eager expression on his face. "So how are things kid?. Ready for wherever General Skywalker has you lot shipped to next?"

"Ready as I'll ever be. If there's one thing I've learned during the course of this war is to never expect a dull moment." Ahsoka said knowing those words held a great amount of truth.

"I can believe that." He said with a grin, pulling on his gloves. "You come to say farewell before buggering off and leaving me here to face the wolves myself?"

"Anakin informed me a moment ago the transport to take us to the spaceport has arrived. I thought I'd come by and see how you were doing."

"Don't worry about me kid. I'm more concerned with your welfare going out there, fighting God knows what in some far away land."

"Thanks, but you should know now not to worry. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself." Ahsoka smiled confidently, resting a hand on her shoto.

"Not disputing that but war is war. You never know what it throws at you next." Jake said, knowing from her own experiences to be correct statement.

"Was that wisdom I heard?" She jokingly mocked him.

"Oh yeah, the Dalai Lama have nothing on me." He gave her smirked. Ahsoka was glad that despite everything he was putting up with at the moment he hadn't lost his sense of humour. Although she sometimes wished for a better understanding of some of the things he referenced to on a occasion.

"Perhaps you should have an exchange with Master Yoda over intellectual insights?"

"I'm sure your Grand Master has better things to do. Besides, I can't get used to the way he talks."

"True, although hearing opinions from another perspective would be enlightening even for Master Yoda." She shrugged, offering up the suggestion. Ahsoka enjoyed the light banter that become a regular thing between them both. It was a good sign of the relaxed and heartily friendship that steadily grew between them over her 'guardianship' of the marine.

"You heading off now?" Jake asked her as he leaned against the door frame.

"Will be in a moment." Ahsoka told him, thumbing over guest quarters entrance way.

"Mind if I tag along?. I could do with a stretch of the legs." The Corporal asked her, changing his posture back to standing straight.

"Sure. It beats having to listen to my Master's boasting about up setting new record numbers of droids taken down by himself."

"Have you bested him on any?" Jake quizzed her steping out of his quarters.

"A few times. Anakin however, always comes up with an excuse or claim on how there's a technicality on why he lost." She poked fun at her Master's almost child like manner at not conceding defeat.

"That sounds familiar." He scoffed walking beside her, making headway to the Temple hangar. "So what's this new world you'll be fighting on next?"

"Xagobah. It's an Outer Rim world and home world of the Xamster species. The Separatist have recently conquered it and it is believed Wat Tambor has taken up residence there." Ahsoka explained the current circumstance of the world out on the far reaches of the Republic's borders.

"Who's he?"

"One of the prominent members leading the Separatist Alliance and the Foreman of the Techno Union. We had captured him once before, after Master Windu lead our forces to retake Ryloth but he escaped from prison."

"The same one that Sith bitch broke out from?" The Earther asked her. Ahsoka couldn't help but laugh a little at the colourful description her Forceless friend pinned on the Dathomirian assassin.

"The very one. I feel bad for the Commander having to explain the breakout. It's likely their next assignment will be far less comforting and a demotion in order."

"Looks it. Losing a high value prisoner would put anyone on the top of their superiors shitlist." Jake said, fidgeting with the small strap like piece on his glove.

"So, can you assure me you won't be doing anymore of these walkabouts while I'm away?." Ahsoka asked, switching the subject over to his unauthorised departure from the Temple a few days ago.

Having finally caught up with her studies she had longed neglected thanks to the war and additional duties, Ahsoka went to check on Jake before retiring for the night. At first she was satisfied he was sleeping well when she felt something was off. Going over to the bed she found the shape beneath the blanket out of shape and there was a lack of any presence through the Force of any being, light or dark. Pulling the blanket back she found a bunch of pillows rather than Jake's sleeping form.

At first she panicked over his disappearance but that was soon replaced with fury, sensing this was more of a youngling style attempt at hiding his true whereabouts than a possible kidnapping. Choosing to wait for his return back to the Temple instead of contacting her Master to search him out, she remained silent in the darkness. Part of her complained of tiredness and a need for sleep but Ahsoka wasn't going to give in until Jake arrived back. After what felt like an eternity she felt the darkish dead presence of the sneaky Earther and watched as he entered his quarters, looking as if he had a busy night.

The assistance of the Force wasn't needed to know he was guilty of breaking a few ground rules she had set. Ahsoka took a note from Anakin's holobook and gave him a stern lecture of the stupidity of his actions, especially with his life at risk from an unknown assailant and the amount of trouble she would've got into if anybody had seen him.

Part of her felt strange at lecturing a supposed adult for committing acts someone her age was inclined in doing. After giving him both blasters she got an apology from Jake but more from the possibility of getting her into trouble, instead of his reckless actions.

"Yeah, yeah don't worry. I won't take any wrong turnings that just so happens to take me into your worlds streets and lively establishments." He promised.

"You better. I don't want to come back finding half the Temple is on the hunt for you, or more likely with Master Windu having you restrained in a cell."

"Wouldn't put it passed the grumpy sod." Jake snorted at the suggestion. "Don't worry, I promise to be on my best behaviour."

"Good." Although she would take the Earth soldier's word on it, Ahsoka knew better than to believe he would without doubt find himself causing some kind of ruckus.

Having been the longest she, her Master and the 501st had been away from the conflict, Ahsoka felt pleased to finally get back out into the action. The battlefield was an unforgiving and displacing environment for those caught up in the struggle for the stability of the galaxy, but was where Ahsoka believed she made more of a difference. Despite the contradictions of the Jedi's purpose as peacekeepers with their expanding involvement in the war she thought it best for them to be out there and bring Dooku and the Separatists to justice.

The walk was relatively peaceful for her and did nothing to dampen her optimistic mood. Like always there were other Jedi nearby going about their own business. Most had now grown accustomed to Jake's presence in the Temple but she picked up their feelings over a dark void that wandered the halls in the Order who was committed to the Light Side of the Force. She heard the being responsible for it yawning, finding him putting a hand over his mouth as he did so.

"Am I boring you already?"

"Nah, just had some trouble sleeping last night that's all."

"Why's that?. Is it because your potassium deficiency is acting up?" She inquired with concern.

"Not really." Jake replied vaguely.

"Then what?"

"Dreams. Nightmares. I don't know really what they are if I'm honest." He said with a tired sigh.

"Do you want to talk about it?." Ahsoka offered. She had an idea what he was describing having gone through it herself. However, it couldn't be possible for the Earth-human. Unless. Ahsoka thought, he was holding something back about his species' abilities.

"Nah it's fine. You should keep your mind on your fight with those tin pots."

"Don't worry. It'll take more than tinnies to have me worried." She assured him, smiling up at him as a show of confidence to back her words.

"Wouldn't want to meet anything that does." Jake said giving her a grin of his own.

It wasn't long until they reached the last stop leading up to the Temple Hangar, to an awaiting lift opening up revealing a pair of Temple security guards departing out as they entered in. Pressing on the button leading up to her last stop before shipping out, Ahsoka watched as the turbolift door closed and faintly felt the lift start moving beneath her feet.

"Reckon it'll be quick campaign or a long, drawn out one?"

"With Tambor there is likely going to be a real tough one. We fought him before when we retook Ryloth from the Seppies. He's a skilled combat engineer credited for many of the Separatists' more powerful droids and warships." Ahsoka explained their opposite number for the coming battle."He also has a ruthless edge to him, and doesn't hesitate to put civilians in the way of harm if it means protecting his goals or personal assets"

"Sounds like a right tyrant. Then again from what you've told me about this Dooku guy and the others in his company it's hardly surprising."

"I used to believe all Separatists were evil because the only ones I've faced or come into contact with were General Grievous, Nute Gunray and the droid army. I met with a few living under the Separatist Alliance who were no different to the people of the Republic, only they viewed us as the ones driving this war and wanted our government to recognise their independence. I know there are many who wish for a peaceful solution to this conflict just as much as we do." She told him, thinking back to backdoor meeting she accompanied Padme on Raxus.

"You'll find this to be the case in a vast majority of wars. It's good you've seen there are heroes and villains on both sides to a conflict, instead of been driven to believe everyone you fight is some evil doer in need of putting down." Jake said, sounding like he approved of her mindset.

The lift came to a stop and out before them was the ever active Hangar bay. Ahead Ahsoka spotted Anakin and Obi Wan conversing with Rex standing outside on the extended landing pad. She heard the whirling and screeching of tools working on various speeders and starfighters. Beside her she saw Jake was watching a Pantoran and a Abyssin working on one of the common Eta 2 Actis light interceptors widely used by the Jedi. The grey and red coloured styled starfighter was having it's S-foils worked on with the two tinkering with the left inner wing radiator. Several IW-37 pincer loader droids marched up and down carrying metallic silver boxes to load onto another LAAT being refuelled for its journey out.

"Ah Ahsoka, there you are." Obi Wan greeted her first then turned to her Master with a look that she knew usually was accompanied with a teasing remark. "See, her tardiness is far better than yours used to be at her age."

"That's because she gets an advance warning what time she is to be here. Unlike you, who used to tell me five minutes before we actually had to depart." Anakin shot back.

"That is where you are wrong, Anakin. I used to give you plenty of notice, but as perusal you never listened to anything I told you."

"Are we all set to go, Master?" Ahsoka chose to step in before another one of their who's at fault exchanges. As much as it amused her even at this moment to listen to them accuse the other at who was at fault on any issue or situation, she really was eager to get going.

"The fleet is prepared and ready to go once we're aboard." Anakin said, breaking away from his argumentative conversation with Obi Wan.

"Good luck out there, General. Be sure to kick plenty of robotic arse, kid." Jake said giving her a friendly pat on her shoulder

"And you keep your promise to stay out of trouble."

"I already said I'll try my utmost best not to." He gave her a less than reassuring smile.

"Actually, you'll both find a rather interesting situation has arisen that may require to be less than well behaved." Obi Wan said gaining both her's and Jake's curiosity.

"What do you have mind Master Kenobi?" She asked, seeing both high ranked Jedi exchanged a glance which for some reason didn't sit well with her.

"Well, it would seem Corporal Matthews may have someone to watch him whilst we're away after all." Anakin informed them.

"Who?" Ahsoka and Jake both quizzed at the same time.

"Master Chikas has generously offered her Padawan to be your temporary guardian, Corporal Matthews."

"Wait I thought you said she was a suspect?" She asked in slight confusion over the decision.

"I didn't say she was suspect exactly, only her timing came across as bit convenient." Her Master claimed over his suspicion of the Mikkian Padawan.

"Bit convenient too for this Chikas to suddenly offer her student's services since most you Jedi avoid me like I've got the Bubonic Plague." Jake injected as she too found it strange since no one before wanted to watch the Earth-human until now.

"I wouldn't take it personally. Corporal. Many still find it hard to believe you are able to be stand, breath and talk without a key source to life in galaxy." Obi Wan sympathetically explained.

"So I keep hearing." Ahsoka heard the marine grumble.

"Think of it as an opportunity to figure out whether Padawan Kiplee is apart of this plot against you, or her being there at that specific time was purely coincidental." Anakin reasoned.

"But Master wouldn't that possibly put his life at further risk?" She frowned, questioning the logic behind the idea.

"It's a risk worth taking if we want to find out the Corporal's would be assassin."

"Your Master makes a good point, Ahsoka." Jake agreed with him.

"With all due respect Master, I don't think this is a good idea. Criminal investigations never bode well when you use the victim as bait to draw out the attacker, especially if we have no clue as to who this attacker is."

"If it was under a more normal circumstance I'd agree with you, Ahsoka." Anakin said with a nod then continued with his point. "However, this isn't exactly a normal case. It's the only definite way to lure our suspect out in the open."

"As much as it pains me to say it, Ahsoka he is right." Obi Wan admitted with a level of reluctance. As expected she saw the victorious grin plastered her Master's face at having his old teacher give in to his plan of action. "This is of course if you want to proceed with this, Corporal?. I do not wish to make you feel like we are forcing you to into this. If you want- "

"No, General is ok." Jake waved him off. "If this brings us one step closer to figuring out this mysterious weirdo I'm happy to do what it takes to bring him in."

"See, no problems." Anakin shrugged with beaming enthusiasm. The look soon faltered when she narrowed her eyes. "Come on, Snips. The Fleet won't be waiting forever. Xagobah isn't going to be liberating anytime soon without our support."

Letting out a defeated sigh at being outnumbered three to one, Ahsoka accompanied her Master over to the transport waiting to take them to the spaceport. She looked back finding Obi Wan conversing with Jake and watching them board the LAAT. The dropship began to hover above the ground with the repulsorlift turbines starting up as a hangar crew just about finished with their checks. One gave a thumbs up to the pilots as conformation for everything was clear and ready to go.

Climbing aboard Ahsoka reached a hand up to the support hooks hanging from the compartment's railing with Anakin and Rex mirroring her actions. Back in the Hangar she saw Obi Wan and Jake still observing them as the latter brought his hands up to his mouth and called out. "Stay safe out there!"

"That goes for you too!" She shouted back, knowing whatever master Kenobi and Anakin had thought up would likely put a hydrospanner in that simple request. The LAAT soon flew away and put a great distance between the Temple and their transport, quickly turning the visible figures within the Hangar into rapidly smaller dots then eventually nothing but the exterior of the Jedi temple.

Ahsoka shifted her gaze from the main sanctuary and hub of the Jedi Order to the city wide landscape and never ending stream of ships and speeders traversing across Coruscant. The forever busy skies and streets of the Republic's capital world was lost on her as she thoughts were split on the Earther back at the Temple, and that of the battle ahead.

"Hey." Anakin's voice broke through her apparent aloofness. "Don't worry about the Corporal, Ahsoka. He's got Obi wan watching his back and if all goes to plan we'll come back to the sleemo locked up, and Matthews doing a good job keeping Master Windu's glare of disapproval off my back."

"I know Master. I admit going back to the front without worrying about other responsibilities feels like a great weight off my shoulders. It's just.."

"You've been with him for awhile it feels strange without his presence, or lack of it, nearby?" He said half joking.

"Sort of." She admitted. Ahsoka wanted to mention about her still not feeling too optimistic about his plan, or the lack of explanation of what was going on with this 'plan'

"He'll be fine. Let Obi Wan deal with investigation for now, and you concentrate on now. Xagboah isn't gonna be easy and you'll need a clear head."

"Yes, Master." Ahsoka nodded. "Do we have any new information on what to expect once we reach the Xagboah system?"

"What have we got Captain?" He asked the clone officer.

"According to the latest intel, General Grievous has been sent to bolster their forces on the ground. We've also received reports of a new model of battle droid being used to suppress local resistance." Rex reported.

"And here I was hoping for a easy win."

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Jake strolled down the path leading to the outside Temple gardens, wanting to have a moment of peace and to avoid the near never ending curious and scrutinising stares of the Temple's mystic inhabitants. He could've sworn on every floor of the megastructure there was a guard watching him, trailing their unseen eyes to his every step. Usually it would've bugged him to have someone staring at him for no good reason but this time around the marine thought it wasn't too bad with the troubles that latched on to him as of late.

The Temple gardens were the only place Jake enjoyed about the place. General Kenobi had suggested to him about visiting the Archives and learn more about the hundreds of alien cultures the Republic, Jedi and other parts of the galaxy had thriving about. Jake agreed it would've been a good idea but there was one issue; he couldn't read Galactic Basic. The scarce words he picked up with Ahsoka's assistance weren't enough for him to read one of their digital books or scroll through their computer databanks. Jake also didn't want the crazy librarian on his back if touched something that he wasn't supposed to.

The outdoor air was a welcoming greeting compared to the dull and tense surroundings inside the Jedi's oversized home he was unofficially grounded in. He walked down the steps leading into a very spacious area possessing numerous trees and plant life peppered around the place. Trees were hanging next to the walls with freakish, twisted shaped trunks that looked as if they belonged within the wooded settings of a crazed witch's domain than a supposed peace loving organisation. Large pots housed plants that were overshadowed by long, exotic coloured leaves occasionally swaying from a breeze blowing in it's direction.

The echoing sound of engines filled the air as always when he came out to see the alien world. Flying cars and starships were going about their normal routines with the only difference being the assortment of buildings on the horizon with him situated on the other side of the Tempe. Jake quite liked the landscape, despite his preference to a natural one instead of an artificial one. It didn't beat a beach side view in the Mediterranean, Australia or even a British one, once the greyish green waters eventually turned blue, but nonetheless it had a certain appeal.

Amidst the usual soundtrack of the sleepless planet, Jake heard something new coming from the other part of the garden. Turning to its origin he took a few steps in the same way if he wasn't mistaken, sounded like children shouting. Taking a turning near a high wall section blocking the view of the other end of the garden he found just over a dozen kids, some of which he remember seeing in the classroom not too long ago. The mixed species of youngsters were kicking a silver ball in a quite spacious, squared outlined platform. From the positioning of a couple of the Jedi initiates, Jake smiled as the game they played looked all too familiar.

"Ha, she got you there, Chian!" One of the kids taunted the alien boy who was intercepted by his run for goal.

"Yeah, yeah." The brown skinned, horned face boy retorted.

Jake continued to silently observe the match as the ball was passed, tackled and shot for the makeshift goals they had set up. Watching the Jedi initiates reminded him of the times he played the 'Beautiful Game' with his friends in both primary and secondary schools. The spirit of competitiveness also appeared to be high with the junior Jedi playing their version of the sport.

"Saylind, I'm open!" A black haired human girl called out to the boy, rushing passed another three eye kid belonging to a species called a 'Gran'. The youngster did so and the girl dribbled the ball down the side and impressively skipped passed two more of the opposing team to the goal.

Jake was certain the girl had this in the bag and would score with no issue. Unfortunately she sliced the shot and the ball was skied well above the keeper. The ball rocketed into the air then came crashing down, bouncing within a few feet of where he was standing. A chorus of disappointed voices rang out from the poor attempt at goal, leaving Jake to pick up the ball and approach the bickering initiates unaware of his presence.

"You rushed the shot, Mari!"

"Giji came running out, I had no choice!" The girl fired back to her fellow teammates.

"You could've lobbed it over him." Another countered.

Seeing it quickly turning into a heated exchange, Jake entered into the argument with a much cooler head than the fiery children. "Hey guys, I believe this belongs to you." He said holding the silver coloured ball out to them. They all turned their heads his way with shocked and surprised expressions, but less so from the kids he has a little question and answering session after their lectures.

"No way, you're the soldier without the Force the Masters have been talking about." The Gran initiate said with an expression Jake had trouble figuring out.

"He was in our class last week."

"Yeah, he told us some pretty amazing stuff about his people and his homeworld." Two of the students informed the others he was unfamiliar with.

"So you're not a Sith?" A blue skinned Twi'lek girl asked him. Jake picked up the mix of curiosity and fear in her tone of voice in regards to the Jedi's arch enemy.

"Nope." He gave a reassuring grin.

"But I heard some of the Masters say your presence is like a Sith's." Another initiate said.

"Then perhaps your elders ought to get their facts straight. How could I be a Sith if I don't have the powers they, or even you guys possess?. So how can someone from race who don't have those tiny critters in their bodies be capable of doing all the nasty abilities like shooting lightning bolts from their hands?" Jake explained logically over their fears. The students all exchanged glances at each other quietly pondering his question.

"So you're not here to hurt us?" The same Twi'lek girl from before asked him with less fear in her voice.

"Far from it. Her Majesty's Royal Marines aren't in the business of enslaving and bringing darkness to the galaxy." Seeing the look of relief in each of their eyes he decided to shift away from the topic that plagued him to no end with the other Jedi. "So what are you guys playing?"

"Limmie ball." Three of them answered simultaneously.

"Interesting. So who's playing who and what's the score?."

"It's three points to the Clawmouse to our Bear Clan's two. It would've been three each if Mari scored instead of sending it into orbit."

"I don't see you taking an effort, Liam!" Mari glared at the boy and fellow clan member standing beside her.

"Wouldn't matter, we've got better players than the Mighty Bears." One of the other initiates boasted. Jake predictably watched them begin to squabble from the taunting comment as both sets of initiates argued over each of their clan's honour

"Ok guys, there's no need to go ballistic at each other." He said, bringing end to their arguing for a moment. "Mari, right?"

"Yeah?" The girl answered.

"Your dribbling skills with the ball are pretty good." Jake handed the ball over to her. "The best finish after a successful run to goal is hitting the ball with a side foot shot. You only toe punt it at long range distances or clearing the ball away from the your own goal."

"Do you play limmie ball too?" A Togruta girl asked him.

"My people play a sport that's very similar to it. We call it Football, or a few foolish people name it soccer. My home nation alone has hundreds of teams who participate in it." The look of astonishment spread across their faces at the mention of so many teams from one place. "And you never know guys. If you get bored being a Jedi and keep on improving your skills, you can always play for Accrington Stanley."

"Who's Accrington Stanley?" One of them quizzed, understandably unaware of the joke he inwardly chuckled with the response.

"Don't worry."

"Corporal Matthews?" A new voice spoke out from behind. Turning his head back, Jake found the newcomer was the violet skinned, Mikkian Padawan he had been waiting for and who temporarily inherited Ahsoka's duties.

"Yes?"

"I'm Kiplee. I'm here to take guardianship over you until Padawan Ahsoka Tano returns." She introduced herself.

"Ah ok. Been wondering when I'll be meeting you." Jake nodded then turned to the gathered initiates. "Well gotta go now guys."

"Can't you tell us a few more tricks?" Mari asked with a few others backing her request.

"Another time. Just keep practising your shots, passes and running and don't start rifts with your own teammates." He advised them all, glancing between Mari and the other kid she called Liam as emphasis. "Goodbye guys."

"See ya!" They all bid him farewell. Leaving them to their not-so-alien sporty game he joined the patiently waiting Kiplee.

"Impressive. It's not often I see younglings engrossed with anything other than war stories and tales of adventure." The Irish accented Padawan said with interest.

"Kids should have the chance to enjoy childhood before the world shows them for what it really is."

"Indeed. With the war it may come to them a lot sooner." She stated grimly.

"Let's hope not." Jake said, subtly measuring up the alien girl. The purple Mikkian appeared to be in the same age bracket and height to Ahsoka, making Jake wonder why the Jedi higher ups kept having teenaged girls taking the responsibility of guarding him. He noticed too the hint of fear in her eyes and her stance was somewhat nervous drawing his curiosity. "Is there something wrong?"

"Sorry. It's just," Kiplee said nervously. "I heard your presence can be unsettling and akin to a being aligned with the Dark Side."

With some difficulty Jake overcame the sensation of wanting to grit his teeth in frustration over the now long established fact that became more aggravating every time it was brought up.

"Sorry to be a disappointment but I'm not some wannabe evil Raiden wanting to bring and death destruction." He tried deflecting the anger he felt away brewing with a clipped attempt at humour.

"A what?" The Padawan asked in confusion.

"It was a joke."

"Oh, right." She said, adding to the growing awkward atmosphere between them. Jake felt a case of Deja Vu was coming around again, only it wasn't the snippy, and stubborn Togruta who had been laden with chaperoning his hide.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to be so abrupt. When you have people stating the same thing to you so often and spreading rumours you're some sort of unholy being, it can grate on the nerves a bit." He said with a more softer approach.

"I understand. I meant no offence, Corporal Matthews. It will take time to adjust but knowing it isn't the Sith emitting the darkish presence shall make things easier."

"Alrighty then. What's the plans for the day ahead?" Jake inquired.

"It is to my understanding Padawan Tano has been teaching you the ways of our government and that of the Jedi Order. The High Council wish for this to continue. However," She said appearing to be more at ease. "They have given me permission for a venture out to experience life on the streets of Coruscant, and to get a better understanding of the lives of those we are sworn to defend."

"Oh?" Jake said giving her quizzical expression. "Your superiors were quite adamant about me staying within your Temple compound."

"From what they explained to me you've been here for over two months and only ever ventured to the Senate building, visiting the Chancellor, correct?."

"Yes." He lied, forcing away a smile that was threatening to break out.

"As you can guess there is more to Coruscant besides the political spectrum and the Order. Seeing the people who make up the Republic would be more enlightening instead of meeting politicians." Kiplee said, akin to the dry witted remarks by General Kenobi.

"That I would gladly welcome." He said in agreement. "So when are we going?"

"Whenever you're ready." The Jedi apprentice told him.

"You mind if I grab a couple bits from my quarters first."

"Go ahead, I'll meet you down there. I've got to contact my Master quickly over an issue from earlier."

"Right oh." Jake nodded departing from her company. Suspicion already began to take grip him over his new guardian. Walking alone back to his quarters, Jake had an internal debate whether it was right to immediately be distrustful of the kid or think maybe it was unfair to make a quick judgement on Kiplee.

Having memorised the way to his quarters from the countless times Ahsoka brought him back, it didn't take long for him to reach his temporary residents. Picking up the holster laying out the end of the bed he attached it to the usual spot and pulled out the Glock 17 he kept hidden under the pillow. Satisfied everything was in order with the handgun and shoving a spare mag in one of his vagrant pockets, Jake patted himself down double checking he had what he needed.

Leaving his quarters he found Kiplee already waiting patiently at the end of the corridor.

"We ready to go now?" Jake asked walking over to her.

"All set." Kiplee said. He noticed her eyes glance down to his side and a frown started forming on her brow. "There is no need for you to carry that around." She pointed in the direction her eyes were staring toward.

"I beg to differ." As suspected he found she was indicating at his side arm.

"You will be safe under my protection, Corporal. I may not look like much but I can assure you I'm more than capable of holding my own and keeping others safe at the same time."

"With all due respect, Kiplee I don't doubt your abilities one bit. I've seen first hand what you Jedi are capable of and I'm real glad I've got you guys watching my back." Jake offered his gratitude before continuing. "However, I do have some weirdo killer out for my blood. I'd feel much better knowing I have the proper means to defend myself if, or when really, the bastard wants to take another pop at me."

He could see the internal conflict in her magenta coloured eyes over the matter. It was clear she was uncomfortable with him freely carrying a weapon but he wasn't going to part with the gun, especially under the current plights facing him.

"Very well. If you do find anything suspicious do inform me first. It wouldn't reflect well on you or your people if you went around blasting at the slightest sign of trouble."

"Fair enough. You've got a deal." Jake said. Glad the Padawan approved he let her take point to wherever the main entrance to the Temple was.

Had it been any other time between being brought to Coruscant for the first time to the timeframe of the wannabe killer, Jake would've been ecstatic to have the chance to walk around and see with his own eyes a vast and collective alien civilisation like this. He bugged Ahsoka about seeing the 'wider world' of the Republic's capital planet, experience and take in breathtaking off worldly sights no human from Earth had ever seen before. Now though the marine wasn't as enthusiastic. Jake had already seen some of what Coruscanti life offered which had been a mixed affair. Added with his potassium deficiency thanks to this robed assassin poisoning and ailing him and suspicion everywhere, Jake felt it had sucked away some of the grandness to this otherwise incredible world.

To break the awkward silences that descended upon them, Jake asked more about her, her species and when the Jedi had brought her into their Order. He found her initiation into the Jedi Order was almost identical to Ahsoka with her parents voluntarily giving her up in the hope of a better life. The disagreements over this form of recruitment was still a heated topic he had with his snippy, pointed headed friend but right now he wasn't in much of a mood to debate. Interestingly the marine wasn't expecting Kiplee to be evasive about her people. Apparently Mikkians were secretive and were not overly trustful of outsiders.

"If that's how your people are then why did your parents give you over to the Jedi?"

"The offer for a better life." Kiplee put simply. "Mikkia has its own issues like the rest of the galaxy. They only did what all parents universally strive to do in wanting what's best for their children."

Her answer didn't sit well with him over the simplicity of her explanation. How can being taken from your family and then forbidden from forming any natural attachment with them a good thing. It was point he had raised a couple times but was met with mixed answers that didn't justify these actions. Jake was going to question if she missed them and her homeworld when they were greeted by the enormous hall leading out of the Temple.

There had only been a few occasions he had been down to this part of the Temple as Ahsoka toured him around the Jedi home stead. The oversized hall reminded him of an old cathedral interior with the same pillar like structures lining up through the middle with another floor further up the support columns. They were all elegantly designed and had a complete smooth surface compared to the common rigid pillars Jake had seen on older structures built long before his time. It was another example of the fine architecture built by those who had done this place.

"Padawan Kiplee, Corporal Matthews." General Kenobi called to them as he approached over.

"Master Kenobi." Kiplee gave him the common Jedi courtesy of bowing to a superior.

"Heading out already?" He asked.

"There isn't much to show the Corporal around the Temple he hasn't seen already. A short break from the Temple would be beneficial to us both."

"Understandable. There is a great deal to see out there for a first time visitor. Do be careful out there and try not cause any intergalactic incidents out there, Corporal."

"I'm a lot more well behaved compared to Skywalker, sir." Jake poked fun at the Jedi Knight, having heard many tales from Ahsoka over his past antics.

"Good. Though something tells me that's not entirely true." Kenobi said with a half smile. "I'll be travelling out in a few hours and likely won't be here once you've returned. I've been called back to the front and I don't know when I'll be back."

"Safe journeys out there, Master Kenobi. May the Force be with you." Kiplee bidded farewell.

"And to you too, Padawan Kiplee."

"Good luck out there, sir." Jake said his goodbye.

"Thank you, Matthews. Though in my experience there is no such thing as luck. Stay safe." The Jedi patted his shoulder then departed from their company.

"My Master says Master Kenobi is one of the best Jedi she ever met, and one of the best the Order has ever produced." The Mikkian teen said glancing back at the Jedi General.

"He does come across as a good sort. Ahsoka tells me he's a decent diplomat, skilled fighter and General."

"I haven't had the pleasure yet to work alongside him. The battles me and Master Chikas have been involved in are usually on the opposite theatres of this war to his and Skywalker's." Kiplee said in what Jake took as hope of working with the Jedi in the near future.

"Never know. There's always that one scrap that requires as many soldiers that can be mustered for a major operation." He said in encouragement.

"Yes, the war with the Separatists doesn't appear to unfortunately be swaying to a conclusion." She said grimly, mirroring the same attitudes held by the others over the conflict ripping through the galaxy. "But the war is not here, not the streets anyway. Shall we leave?"

"You're the boss." He nodded. As they walked down the very wide and extravagant hall, the interior was more exposed to the sun rays reflecting a bright hue off the spotlessly clean innards of the Temple.

A pair of sentinels stood guard by the entrance mouth to the large and heavy width doors to their home, still as a rock much like the statues that littered some parts of the hall. Jake knew through that stoic, motionless stance their eyes were silently watching every movement coming and out of the Temple, keeping alert for the slightest sign of trouble. Stepping out into the metropolis world with approval this time should've been a monumental feeling of exhilaration and awe but the damped feel that still clung to him, threatening to ruin the enjoyment out of this spectacular excursion of the alien world.

He'd seen this part of the Temple aboard their rotorless dropships a couple times from the times he had been going back and forth to their space cruisers. Fresh air greeted him once again with the sunlight beaming down partnering alongside it. A row of statues standing over 50 metres tall and all of which were of robed Jedi standing in various stances with their lightsabers.

They sure love their statues, Jake thought walking out and was met with a sight he grew more and more tired of seeing. "Christ sake, what is it with this place and stairs."

"It is a multi level construct, Corporal." Kiplee replied simply with laughter hidden behind her words. Releasing a sigh he descended down the long, stretched stairs that engulfed the front entrance, keeping careful of each step as the marine gazed at the landscape of the Coruscanti surface.

"How far we going, may I ask?"

"Coruscant has thousands upon thousands of districts that cover the entire planetary surface, as I'm sure you can imagine, and that's not mentioning the levels and sectors that go right down close to the planet's core, or as we call them the Undercities. So I think we'll stick with a district for today and in an area I know will be relatively safe from harm." Kiplee laid out the touring plan.

"Seriously?. It's quite difficult to believe there's entire cities fully functioning beneath the ground." Jake said in amazement at the idea of people scurrying about right below their feet.

"There are species out which have their civilisations underground, so it isn't a new concept. To the rest of the galaxy anyway."

"Is there anything natural leftover of this world?. Can't imagine Earth ever being like this." He quizzed, beginning to think if this planet was ever natural to start with.

"There is the Manarai mountains and the Great Western Sea, the last pocket of water still native to Coruscant." She said the names of places he recalled mentioned once before.

"I dread to be there when the summer season hits."

"Coruscant has it's own self contained eco-system. We are able to control the climate to some level."

"Wow, that's pretty cool." Jake said, adding another note of achievement the Republic far surpassed current Earth level of technology.

"Hope you don't mind, Corporal but would it be alright to give the Senate district a miss?" The Jedi Padawan asked him.

"That's no problem at all. Much prefer to see what elses is out there than the political crap." A relieved grin spread on the Mikkian teenager's face.

"I'm grateful. Fighting a war and dealing with politicians can really wear you down, even for a Jedi."

"Trust me, I know the feeling." Having established a mutual distaste for the political scene, Jake was glad any remaining nervous tension evaporated away. "Where we going then?"

"I was thinking the Collective Commerce District. It's an area that's brimming with many cultures from hundreds of species, different societies and a good place to show how we peacefully coexist, most of the time." She muttered out the last part. "Luckily, my Master left the speeder she used down the bottom after finishing up with some business of her own."

"That's generous of her." Taking the last, and to his relief, few steps from the hill like length stairway, he spotted the hovercar in question left by the Padawan's teacher.

The flying vehicle was one of the same types he had travelled in before but the maker's name escaped the marine after asking Ahsoka about it. Jake found the half moon designed car looked more like a mini starship than a vehicle built to go from A to B. The beige coloured, red striped speeder's oblong cockpit roof rose up when the Jedi climbed on, presenting them with two seats.

"Have you ever been in one of these, Corporal?"

"Once, with Ahsoka and Skywalker but the thing was a four seater." Jake said, recalling the trip he took with the pair to their Senator friend's suite.

"There are different variants but the controls are all the same." Kiplee explained sitting down in the driver's seat. "Be sure to strap yourself in."

"I will don't worry about that." He assured her with the flashes of Hardcase's driving 'skills' playing in his head.

The roof once again eclipsed over their heads and connect to the speeder, as the engines warmed up and his new guardian messed about with the controls. Not before long the speeder lifted off the floor and the small hum of the engines rang in his ears, leaving him tensing a tad over the distrust of the machine he put down to the crazy bastard of clone. Soon enough the hover car was racing forward to his easement of a more steadier, albeit younger driver.

The vehicle joined the onrushing flow of flying cars racing across the invisible lined motorways. Jake pondered whether there has been an instance these roadless lanes never had a speeder driving down them. Below he saw the growing familiar site of the capital world's streets hundreds of metres down from their position. The very high view from the speeder still didn't waver in both boredom and discomfort, knowing if something went wrong with the hovering car, certain death was very real outcome.

"How are you finding life in the Republic, Corporal Matthews?" Kiplee's Irish accented voice tore him out of his daydreaming.

"It's...different."

"Oh, is your homeworld a lot different to our own?" She asked.

"Very." He turned to her. "On a massive scale."

"I'm afraid I only know small pieces of you and your people from what my superiors have told me. I'll try not to question too much if I can on the Force issue, as the topic must be quite bothersome to you now." The Jedi Padawan said.

"It is admittedly. I do feel bad for biting your head off back at the Temple." Jake said apologetically, to which Kiplee waved him off. "Unfortunately it feels like I'm permanently being scrutinised for something that funnily enough my people think isn't possible."

"I understand. Beings out there still find it incredible and unbelievable we're cable of such powers, even with them being connected to Force." She said in sympathy to his dilemma.

"They are impressive feats."

"Thanks."

"So what else do you know about this district we're going to?" Jake quizzed in a change of topic.

"It's an area renowned for entertainment and different cuisines tastes. The district, or CoCo Town as it's known, is the perfect place to see how different races and civilisations which form the Republic get along together." Kiplee explained about their destination.

"Sounds like you're going to enjoy this visit as much as I do."

"CoCo Town is one of the few places on this world where everything isn't so…"

"Uptight?" Jake offered up the word to end her drifting sentence.

"More or less." She said sheepishly admitted. "I like the wide open space of the streets and being amongst those we fight to keep safe from tyranny."

"Fair enough." Jake nodded, sensing there was a more hidden truth behind her words. He chose not to probe further since he didn't want to have a confrontation and cause upset with the girl.

A calm silence encompassed within the speeder, leaving Jake to scan his eyes around the artificial landscape. He mused what this part of the Republic capital would be like, considering this was technically his first trip outdoors with his hosts consent. The clone soldiers had already shown him what the nightlife and, to some degree, normal life within the Galactic Republic's highly populated planet. Seeing what went on during the daytime would be an interesting observation.

Jake's thoughts drifted back to Ahsoka, hoping the feisty teen will be alright out there battling in a star system he'd never heard of, or aware of its existence if it weren't for her mentioning the far off place. He knew she'd be fine having seen her skills as a warrior, in spite of the label being vehemently denied as the description of a Jedi. The confidence Jake had of her welfare was boosted when he remembered the clones that'll be backing her and her Master up.

Thinking over all these things made Jake almost forget his own problems that lingered. The potassium deficiency inflicted upon him by the death stalking lunatic wasn't playing him up much today, compared to the cramps and nausea to yesterday. A walkabout in open air and lack of imposing walls he hoped would do him some good, much like his mum and both his grandmothers would suggest as a cure.

Despite the lengthy amount of time he had been in the care of the Jedi, Jake could only understand a fair amount of words in the Aurebesh language, so when the speeder began its descent downward he couldn't read how long it took to reach their destination on the hover car's version of a dashboard.

"And here we are." Kiplee announced as they whizzed past a couple smaller skyscrapers and down a scarcely populated street. Jake was impressed by the smooth driving skills of his chauffeur, putting to shame the horrid and frightening of the last designated driver he was with last.

Coming up to a car park filled with other weird and compelling designed speeders parked neatly side by side, Jake unclipped the seat belt as Kiplee graciously landed the flying car in one of the few spare places left.

"Nice." He said climbing out of the speeder once the roof retract over their heads.

"Remember, stay close and try not to cause any complications." She told him.

"Cross my heart and hope to die." Jake promised, using his hand to motion a cross over his chest.

"I'm sorry?"

"A figure of speech." He clarified the common term.

"I see." The young Jedi said, lessening her frown. "Are all Earth phrases so morbid?"

"A few. It just makes it sound more sincere."

"Well I don't wish for death to take you. Just follow my lead and if you have any questions bring them over to me. An newcomer is easy pickings for many out here." Kiplee warned him.

"No problem. So, Kiplee, what is our first stop?" Jake asked her in curiosity to their tour.

"How do you feel about museums?" She asked.

"Depends what they exhibit." He said shrugging over the idea.

"CoCo Town has a branch of the Galactic Museum not far from here, and what better place to know the history of the galaxy than a touring through an institution dedicated to preserving the pieces of our past."

"Makes sense. Besides, I'm always up for learning something new." Jake agreed on the idea.

"Excellent." The short walk out the car park was the only bit he found to be relatively lifeless compared to the bustling crowd of people they were met by.

Much like before during his last trip outdoors, Jake found the streets were packed full of humans and aliens alike going about their day to day lives. It truly showed night and day held no real meaning to the lives people of this heavily populated world never stopped. Activity as to be expected the marine found was more alive and normal to that of the night he and his clone friends witnessed. He heard the chatter amongst the mixed raced populace was like the last time with a combination of English and alien languages spoken together, which sounded like a chorus of gibberish to his ears.

The huge buildings laced across the sides were bigger in person and unknown to him of what purpose they served in this area of Coruscant. Jake gave a glance over to Kiplee hoping he hadn't veered off and ended like a lost sheep.

"What do you make of the scenery, Corporal?" She asked him.

"Not that different to the cities back home. Barring of course if you replace half my people with aliens." He said gazing around the busy organic traffic.

"Many people conduct their business dealings here, hence the name given to this district." Kiplee said in a matter of fact.

"How far is this museum?"

"A few blocks down that way." She pointed to the left side of the broad layout paths. "We'll be passing the CoCo District Theatre which is a popular attraction for those visiting. This area is also renowned for the Bithubands that play in many of the establishments here."

"Bith, why does that ring a bell?" Jake queried aloud.

"Bith are one of the races that make up the Republic. They're well known for a lot of the best Jizz music out there, and there's even a couple Bith Jedi, like Master Ph'ton."

Jake assimilated the information in as his eyes absorbed everything in the lively environment. Amidst the mass of people he saw several clone soldiers with red markings on their armour, carrying grey metal shields and batons walking in different directions. There was a four of them talking with an olive skinned alien he couldn't help but find odd its hair resembled that of a brain.

"Is something up?" Jake pointed his thumb at the clones.

"Those are the Coruscant Guard. They are an elite unit tasked with peacekeeping duties on the streets of Coruscant." Kiplee identified them.

"Sounds more like overglorified military police to me." He scoffed at their responsibilities he thought was best left to local law enforcement.

"Their presence has kept crime rate low on the surface." The Jedi Padawan lightly defended the unit.

"Would do if you have soldiers patrolling the streets."

Even strolling along with the locals the never ending hum, whine or screech of speeders and ships flew overhead, adding to the atmosphere of a thriving, productive city. Further down kiosks and stands with an assortment of goods became visible as their owners called out their products sale prices and special offers.

"Muja fruit, get your Muja fruit!"

"Hisp-Silk, newly imported from Chardaan!."

"Today only; discount on droids parts!" A wail of marketeers called out trying to allure customers to their sale pitches. There was a number of kiosks he saw had different robot types assisting their owners in talking with customers over the sales of goods or giving a description of products to potential buyers.

The marketplace had an eerily scene not far off the ones back on Earth, giving Jake a feel of being back on familiar ground.

"This place ain't half lively." He said, looking at a passing by human-Twi'lek couple.

"Keep an eye on your pockets. A busy place like this is a hotspot for pickpockets." Kiplee advised him.

"Yep, sounds exactly like home." Jake said moving out of the way of two charging kids being tailed by a green protocol droid.

"No, thank you." He heard Kiplee politely decline an offer from one of the sellers. It amazed him on how many different faces there were. He wished Kate, Jess, Adam or anyone from his family or friends, even a complete stranger from Earth was here to see what he seeing right this moment.

Eventually leaving the hectic and packed marketplace they strided out to the less busier path ahead. They entered into an area with people hanging around buildings, entering in and out carrying boxes or having crates being pushed on large square face hover platforms. To his best guess, the marine thought the place was shopping or entertainment centres of some sort.

"Here we go." Kiplee pointed to a tall, sandy coloured building with a glass and metal framed dome resting on top near the centre of the museum surrounding around the wide open, heavy duty door entrance.

"Looks busy." Jake said observing the crowd waiting by the entrance.

"They're likely waiting for their tour guides. However, we haven't a need for one, we can walk right in." She stated. Walking past the group being spoken to by at first glance, Jake thought was human until he caught sight of the small spikes growing out the top of her head. Another person that caught his eye was a blue skinned alien he couldn't identify wearing a wide brimmed hat, making him stand out from the rest.

"Blaster, please." An authoritative voice commanded next to him.

"Really?" Jake complained to the lightly armoured guard who stood with his hand outstretched.

"Is there a problem, Corporal?" Kiplee asked.

"It is procedure, sir. For the safety of the citizens and the staff." The guard explained unapologetically.

"Yeah, because the first thought that came to mind this morning was I'm going to shoot up a museum today."

"Corporal." His Jedi guardian gave him a light scold.

"Ok, ok." Jake rolled his eyes and pulled his Glock 17 out from his holster passing it over to the guard. "Here, and you better not lose it."

"Come along, Corporal." He felt Kiplee tug at his arm. His momentary irritation at having to relinquish his sidearm once again was subdued once he saw the vast hall of artefacts and relics.

Everywhere he saw exhibits littering the place, literally from top to bottom hanging from the very high up ceiling to the entire main atrium showing off different pieces of art and history with displays only a few metres from one another.

"Christ, that's a lot of stuff to go through."

"I haven't been here since I was an initiate, so it's likely there are a few new things in here from my last visit." She said as they joined with the rest of the visitors to this remarkable place.

As expected Jake found the place clustered with the type of objects anyone would associate with museums. All around people were viewing, reading or watching holo images giving details over the exhibits displayed everywhere. The marine already had trouble counting the amount of statues, fossils, taxidermy creatures and artefacts among other pieces that spread out all over.

"Woah, this really is something." Jake said in astonishment.

"Are Earth museums much like this?"

"Sure, but they house stuff from all ages of human history and the like. You have things from how many people?" His question got a chuckle from the Mikkian teen.

"I can't say if this place holds any artefacts from Mikkia but it has many from hundreds of worlds. Why don't you go have a look around and see what each race has donated as a representation of their civilisation." Kiplee suggested.

"There is one small problem." He said pinching his thumb and index finger together

"Which is?"

"I can't read Basic, Aurebesh or whatever your language is called." Jake admitted.

"But you speak like us." She said frowning in confusion.

"We speak the same but our languages are different. I can only read a handful of your words and I doubt anything here is written in English." He explained the predicament.

"Most have holograms that narrate the exhibit. Activate them and it'll solve the language barrier."

"Good to hear." Taking in her recommendation he split off from the Jedi and wandered down the various displays on show for the museum spectators.

The first he stopped in front of was a stone statue of a bizarre and startling looking creature he couldn't make heads or tails of. The sculpture depicted the creature to have spiny appendages sticking out of most of it's body and bulky forearms that encased both its arms. Dropping his gaze down to the touch screen pad, Jake tapped a finger across the button besides a Basic inscripted placard. Upon activation it immediately produced a human sized hologram beaming form it's screen, rotating the standard blue hued coloured projection with a voice narrating the stone structure.

"This statue was kindly donated by the Aleena people. The being you see here is called a Kindalo. These mysterious race of humanoid plants dwell below the surface of Aleen, where they co exist peacefully with the Aleena…" The masculine, robotic voice spoke from a nearby speaker. The idea of a living, breathing and talking plant being was a bizarre concept to him, like those mentioned in fantasy tales or film ideas.

Moving on from the freaky looking statue he took in more of the attractions and browsed around more of the different pieces. He walked from one exhibition area dedicated to one part of galactic history to another, finding it unbelievable how so much of the galaxy and its inhabitants past eras were crammed into one place. Curiously, he was drawn to one area with different spacecraft and space equipment possessing a few bits which held an remarkable resemblance to some things back on Earth.

Going up to a rectangular glass protected display case he inspected what he assumed was a spacesuit. It looked a lot like the ones he'd seen astronauts wear on the news and other television programmes, except it was darkish green and the gloves were made for a species with three fingers on each hand. Interested by it Jake pushed on the hologram button and was slightly taken aback to find the spacesuit was over six thousand years old. It made him think again of the technological contrasts between his people and the Republic, that the state of the art equipment the likes of NASA and the ESA used would've been seen as ancient relics to what these people must've used now.

Beside it were other spacecraft varying in size and some that look like parts of machinery, including just lumps of metal evident signs of battle damage. One he stopped in front of was roughly the size of van and had several scorch marks across the burnout letters near the top of the wreckage. Again Jake tapped for holographic assistance to find out more about its significance, being shown an arrow faced ship projecting out next to the chunk of metal

"This piece of debris once belonged to infamous combat frigate, The Gravestone. This ship was built by a high advance but unknown race that helped the Old Republic overcome and defeat the Eternal and Sith Empires, approximately three thousand, six hundred and nine years ago. It was unique in its design and extremely powerful omni cannon, capable of decimating entire fleets. Sadly this incredible and mighty vessel met its fate at the battle of-"

"Why am not surprised to find a soldier searching through military history." The sarcastic but joking voice of his temporary guardian said coming up behind him.

"What better place for anyone of the military to learn from lessons of the past." Jake countered.

"If you say so." Kiplee said standing beside him.

"Say, uh, don't suppose you know where the toilets are?"

"Oh, I believe they're somewhere down there." She pointed down one of the rows.

"Cheers." He thanked her.

"I shall be over by that exhibit over, once you're finished." The Jedi said. With a nod Jake walked off in the direction she gave, squeezing past a large group of visitors surrounding one display of a star constellation painting.

Passing more artefacts he found many were engrossed with all sorts of pieces, one of which was a totem he raised a brow at when the narration describe its usage for fertility purposes. Eventually getting through the crowds he reached the part that he assumed was the toilet area. A problem arose instantly when Jake realised he hadn't a clue which sign was for the men's room. In the corner of his eye he caught glimpse of the same alien he saw outside with its ridiculous hat, reading off the placard of something contained within a glass framed box.

To his luck working out which belonged to what was solved when a human male walked out the right sided doors. Entering in the marine found the toilet room to be immaculate and empty of occupants, much to his satisfaction. Going along the row cubicles to double check he was indeed alone, Jake was pleased there was not a soul inside and went into the cubicle furthest from the door. Reaching between his Osprey body armour and field jacket, Jake undid his front pocket and pulled out the small circular, silver device Kenobi had given earlier in the day. He had seen these things in use before from Ahsoka and other Jedi utilising them as a type of holographic comm unit.

Fiddling with the handheld device it didn't take long for Jake to activate the holo comm.

"Woah, Jesus." He said giving a surprised flinch from the three small holo figures popping out.

"Corporal Matthews, how are the streets of Coruscant treating you?" Kenobi asked grinning to his response.

"Alright I suppose. Quite the busy spot this place."

"And where exactly are you, Corporal?" The overwhelming urge to roll his eyes at the cynic and gruff voice of Windu was strong for Jake but calmness won over.

"The Galactic Museum in the CoCo town district." He told them.

"Ah, the Collective Commerce District. A good choice of venue." Kenobi said.

"Kiplee says her Master suggested coming here. To get a better look and understanding about the Republic."

"Padawan Kiplee, trust she is performing her duties well I hope, hmm?" The odd speaking, little green Grand Master Jedi quizzed.

"Yeah she seems like a decent kid." Jake admitted.

"So you don't suspect she had anything to do with in the plot against you?" The bearded Jedi questioned.

"Honestly, no. I genuinely believe she's innocent."

"Then yours and Skywalker's suspicions are ill placed and we've put this Padawan under a bad light for nothing." Windu stated, not sounding at all pleased with Jake's conclusion.

"It wasn't for nothing, Master Windu. This allowed us to eliminate a suspect, a Jedi I might add, out of the investigation." Kenobi said in disagreement.

"A dark path for a Jedi to go down, to seek to end life in sinister deliberation. No longer do we need continue questioning Padawan Kiplee. Innocent, she is." Yoda said, practically ending the investigation into the Mikkian Jedi right there.

"Corporal, how much longer will you be out there?." The Jedi councillor inquired

"I don't know. As long as Kiplee has been permitted to keep me out." Jake shrugged,

"She has been told to return to the Temple before sundown, which is a few hours from now. Once you're back we will discuss other potential leads, and I've received word Master Nema has another batch of potassium substitutes available." Kenobi informed him.

"Wunderbar." Back to the prison I go, Jake inwardly thought.

"Be seeing you, Corporal Matthews." With Windu's departing words the holograms disappeared, leaving the marine peeved over the Jedi's stick up the arse attitude.

"Fucking prick." He mumbled stepping out of the cubicle. The men's room remained strangely empty for a venue that was packed on a daily basis. Rejoining the other tourists milling about the museum attractions he went in search for Kiplee, knowing he no longer had to watch for any hints or clues to any participation in the plot to kill him.

The whole museum was aloud with a multitude of organic and machine voices speaking at the same time and at different paces. The portion of the museum he walked through was lit with dozens upon dozens of blue tinted light projections recounting the origins and tales of many objects that drew inquisitive spectators. It truly was a striking establishment for all to see.

Remembering where Kiplee said she would be, it didn't take Jake long to find his way to the patiently waiting Padawan staring at a collection of paintings.

"Didn't get lost then?."

"I wouldn't be a very good marine if my sense of direction were crap." He said, taking a ganders at the very fine painted artwork of a snow capped mountain. "What's this then?"

"This is a painting from one of Mikkia's famous natural landmarks called, The Lone Giant." Kiplee said reading off the display's name. "I know, it's not a very imaginative name but it's called so because this particular mountain stands alone, surrounded by deep, dense jungles hundreds of miles away from the nearest mountain range."

"Oh I don't know. Has a nice ring to it." Jake said folding his arms over

"Mikkians as I've said before are a race that tends to keep more to themselves than seeking adventures into the galaxy, so seeing anything related to my homeworld is rare. Sure there's Masters Tiplar and Tiplee but my people have a spiritual connection to their homeworld, not too different to how Togrutas and a few other species have with their own worlds." Kiplee said. Beneath her explanation, Jake could pick up the emotions she tried hiding.

"Have you been back to Mikkia since your induction into the Jedi?" He asked her.

"A couple times. My Master thinks I should lessen my focus on Mikkia and on concentrate the wider galaxy, because upholding peace in one troubled system means will keep others safe. Attachments of course are not the Jedi way."

"There's nothing wrong with missing home, Kiplee." Jake stated, again picking up the false conviction in her voice.

"Perhaps. Let's move on, there's more to the museum see." She said indicating away from the painting.

Following after the Jedi Padawan and having her words replay in his head, the marine started to believe he finally come across a Jedi who didn't fully support the principles of the Jedi Order. He wasn't sure Ahsoka did as she hid her emotions very well on certain opinions and the not so subtle, UnJedi attachment her Master had with the Senator proved otherwise but he wasn't exactly chummy with the impulsive, smug General.

It made him dwell on whether there were other Jedi who didn't have full faith in their sacred Code. Leaving the speculation to the back of his mind for the time being he resumed taking in the numerous displays and assimilating new knowledge of other alien races. There were some skeletal remains and taxidermy creatures down one section that drew him away from the ancient relics being fawned over by others.

Heads of fearsome, horned beasts were attached to one wall like trophies in a section of the museum dedicated to natural wildlife from a vast array of worlds. Fossilised remains embedded in rock and perfectly preserved skeletons reminded Jake of the dinosaur ones showcased in the British Museum back in London, only a number of these creatures exceeded the ferociousness of Earth's older and long dead inhabitants. He walked by a trio of kids listening to the narrating voice as they gazed at a massive tooth the machine voice claimed belonged to a 'Sarlaac'.

Another close by would give great cause for people to flee had it been alive right now. The stuffed beast the marine viewed up next was probably one of the ugliest things he had seen ever. It's snowy white, hairy coat, imposing 3 metre height and razor sharp teethed mouth and downward horned head made it look like a bigger, hideous yeti like offshoot. Moving away from the unpleasant brute, Jake laid his eyes on the huge skull that sat dominant in the centre of all the others in the nature sector.

The bulky head had several other onlookers admiring the cranial husk of whatever animal it once belonged to. The high number of razor teeth were that of a great white shark but possessed many more of them and the creature's mouth alone dwarfed all of Earth's deadliest predators. The spinning hologram of the skull's former owner was being played out in front but the only thing he picked up clearly was that of his chaperone's accented voice.

"I understand this is quite the attraction but can you not wonder off."

"Sorry, just checking out the big blighter here." Jake inclined his head over to the giant head.

"A Sando Aqua Monster." Kiplee named the animal.

"How very Scooby Dooish." Unsurpisingly the Jedi raised a brow over the comment. "These things really exist?"

"They're native to Naboo and dwell deep beneath the planet's oceans. The natives however, believe these creatures aren't actually real and the remains are of a different sea dweller. They're quite large creatures and grow up to two hundred metres long."

"Blimey." Jake's eyes widened at the animal's truth size. He looked back at the Sando Monster, thinking this creature was exactly the stuff of a seafarer's worst nightmare.

"Yet there are living things even bigger than these residing throughout the galaxy. Come, there's a few things I wish to show you before the day ends." Giving the sea monster one last glimpse he took after Kiplee, interested to see what else was in store.

A peep up to the glass windows high above the ceiling showed the day sky slowly creeping into a darker shade of blue, signalling it wasn't long now until they were to return to the Temple. As much as he preferred pieces related to wars and battles, Jake knew he had to live up to the purpose of visiting this extraordinary vault of artefacts, ornaments and items to know more about the diverse bunch that formed this Republic. Kiplee brought him to some objects and transcripts that said to of dated back thousands of years ago when during an era they called the 'Old Republic' and in the early days of the Jedi's roles as peacekeepers.

It was at this specific pieces Jake learned the amount of times the Republic had broken up or was at the cusp of collapsing, only to be saved at the eleventh hour by some act of heroism or out of the blue solution. One section that tempted his curiosity but made the Padawan uncomfortable was of the Sith. Metallic and half wrecked stone statues of the Jedi's nemesis and relics of their long disbanded empires seem to be capture the keen eyes of many visitors. Kiplee mentioned to him the idols were of deceased Sith Lords who fought in the more brutal conflicts millennia ago.

"You'll have to forgive me, Corporal, but even now many of those artefacts still hold a dark presence which I find..unnerving."

"Hey, if you don't want to go over there, neither will I. Ahsoka has taught me enough about those unpleasant dicks anyway." The Marine said of which he got a grateful nod from the Mikkian teenager in response.

Soon the blueish/white skies of Coruscant began to fade to evening blue and sunlight became scarce from the night cycle replacing the daytime. Jake had lost count at the amount of alien species names and already forgotten many from what could be considered a historian's paradise. It was incredible to him that this place was only a portion of the capital world's museum, meaning so much more was out there that he wasn't too sure anyone was capable of seeing everything in the space of one day.

One thing he did pick up was in spite of their breed of humanity holding a few levels of difference with Earth-humans, they too had hundreds of different governments and their own form of nationality. It corrected what he was lead to believe they were all united under one flag.

A few paces away he found Kiplee talking into her comm link with her back to him. In front he saw the blue alien wearing the flat brimmed stetson from before passing by in front of her. The alien turned his head in the teenager's direction and gave the youngster a lecherous grin and wink that didn't sit quite well with the marine. Jake's eyes formed into a glare as he bore them at the man, who didn't seem fazed at being caught leering at Kiplee. Tempted to say something that would likely result in a confrontation the words hadn't finished forming in his head before Kiplee turned around and spoke first.

"Sorry, that was Master Windu. He has ordered me to return you back to the Jedi Temple."

"Cool." He said still tracking the creeper.

"Corporal, is something wrong?" Kiplee asked him.

"It's nothing." Jake said turning back to her.

"We should go. I prefer not to receive a lecture over punctuality from Master Windu and Charkas."

"Back to prison I go." He muttered under his breath. The exit out the museum was on the other end of main atrium, having to brush past the tourists steadily doing the same thing.

Awaiting by the exit he stood patiently for Kiplee to retrieve their weapons whilst keeping on the lookout, hoping the pervy alien from before had cleared off. Thankfully the wait wasn't long and his Jedi guardian returned with her lightsaber strapped to her belt and his Glock 17 in her hand, offering it back for which he was glad for no longer feeling vulnerable. The streets outside were not as busy compared to their earlier but it still remained quite vibrant.

Across the street he saw aliens packing up their stalls and kiosks for the day with their assistants, both of the robotic and organic kind, helping out with storing away their sale items into containers. The Coruscanti sky had now changed into night time and the city skyscrapers started flickering on their lights everywhere, illuminating the speeder lanes and paths.

"Let's go this way."

"But didn't we come from that direction?" Jake quizzed over the change of route back to their speeder.

"Yes but, uh, this way is shorter. I took us the long way around so you can see more of Coruscant's civilians life." She explained.

"You know this joint a hell of lot more than I do." He shrugged accepting the change of route. The path she had opted to go instead was to his observation quiet and a lot less populated to the others they'd travelled through.

A Coruscant Guard patrolled close by without the riot shields their colleagues possessed earlier, equipped only with the same laser rifles as the clone soldiers in the 501st Legion and batons. Unlike the previous buzzing streets, the marine found this to be nearly devoid of the lively activity and believe he found the first genuine 'normal' one you'd come to expect at the this exact time of day.

What also intrigued him was the sudden muteness of his guardian. The Mikkian teenager was fiddling with her hands and had her head facing down to the ground as if she was quietly contemplating.

"That musuem of yours sure was a sight." Jake said breaking the unreasoned silence.

"That it is."

"Your Republic is nothing short of resilient, that's for certain. And here I thought us Earthlings were of a tough stock."

"It seems that way." Was her clipped, solemn response.

"Hey, what's wrong, Kiplee?" He stopped and fully faced her.

"What?, oh, uh, nothing." Kiplee fumbled with her words.

"You sure?. You haven't said much since you last spoke into that comm link of yours." Jake told her.

"Look, Corporal. You must understand, I didn't w-"

"Well hello there." A deep, raspy voice approached over to them. Turning to see who the person was, Jake's brow narrowed and anger rose within him as the blue alien from the museum strided over. "I can't believe how easy it was to get you here. Why don't we continue this easiness without the need to resort to arms. It has been a long day."

"Why don't you clear off, mate." Jake warned putting himself between the troublesome alien and Kiplee.

"Happy to oblige once I've got what I've came for. Wouldn't want people to think I'm some sort of conman pinching credits for a living." He said refusing to budge.

"Piss off, now!" The marine barked, resting his hand on his holster. "Or trust me bud, this will not end well for you."

"This is the last time time I'm asking nicely. Put your weapon down and come peacefully."

"If you want the kid, you'll have to get through me." Jake said unclipping the holster strap and reached for his pistol. To his confusion the alien gave a mocking, unsavoury chuckle in reply.

"Who says I'm for the little lady. It's best you give up, big man. You're impossibly outnumbered."

"I don't think so, mate."

"We'll see." The snap-hiss of a lightsaber echoed behind him, bringing the Jedi's first response to the confrontation.

Jake saw an ugly smirk form on the blue alien's face as he inclined his head to the person behind. His gut began to react as an unwelcoming sensation ran throughout his body to it's natural alerting reaction to danger. Heat started to vent on to his back and the low hum of the plasma blade filled his hearing as all the pieces quickly fell into place. Jake closed his eyes and released a small breath as he mentally took note of never disbelieving his gut instinct again.

"Stand down, Corporal." Kiplee ordered.

"So, Skywalker and I were correct. You really are apart of it." Jake said, calmly raising his arms above his head.

"Don't make this any more difficult than this has to be." Outside their little circle of twisted of events, the marine saw loads of shocked and worried faces from bystanders with a few even running away in fear.

"How do Jedi deal with those who betray them?. Prison or execution?"

"You don't understand, Corporal. What we're doing is for the wellbeing and future of the Jedi, and the rest of the galaxy." The Jedi girl's voice wavered a little.

"By being disloyal to your principles." Jake swung around facing her with his hands still up, catching Kiplee by surprise with his quick movement. "What crime have I committed so terrible that warrants assassination!"

Conflict began to manifest in the teen's eyes, appearing to strike a chord somewhere deep down in her conscious. The part of Jake that wasn't consumed with fury hoped his words would do something in swaying her to see reason.

"Enough, you heard the Jedi." The blue alien, who was now apparent to be hired help of some kind, cut in by pushing a gun into his back. "You're coming with us, on your own free will or not is completely up to you."

Jake gave the would be turncoat Padawan one last look to see what her choice was going to be. A shake of the head was all the answers he needed to confirm her stance. With a cold, hard glare and the sense her accomplice was reaching for his gun, Jake swiftly span back around again and slapped the alien's offending hand away and followed up with a right hook straight into the merc's chops. The strike and the unexpected action triggered the alien's finger and a laser bolt blasted from the energy weapon, causing a flurry of panicking voices whilst Jake ran for cover.

The momentarily stunned hit was quickly worn off as the alien mercenary drew out a second pistol from his other holster.

"The hard way it is." The merc said blasting a rapid burst from the laser guns right at him. Jumping behind a barrier that ran the entire length of the street with a gap hovering over another level, Jake pulled out his pistol and pointed it over his choice of cover firing back at the alien.

The dull whine of a laser pistol met the short, loud bark of a bullet of a slugthrower handgun with both their owners looking to incapacitate each other. Jake pulled the trigger of his Glock twice sending two more bullets the alien's way then ducked back into cover from the returning fire. Keeping behind cover he reached into his pocket scrounging for the holographic comm link. Pulling it out hastily he attempted to click on the side button, hoping somebody would pick up on the other end straight away.

Come on, come on, pick up for God sake!, He mentally willed for somebody to receive his call. Just as the flicker of blue beamed from the device Jake felt something wrap around his other arm and hand holding his handgun. He only had the briefest of seconds to find a metal cable had encircled around the entire length of his arm before being forcibly yanked away from cover. Pain ripped through his trapped arm as he found the source of the cable belonged to alien flying over with hoverboots of some kind, dragging him across the pavement on his back. Jake lost grip on the holo link and his indisposed hand still holding the pistol had great difficulty breaking out of its confinement.

Trying his best to point the pistol up at his captor, Jake fired off a shot but the bullet missed and veered off from it's intended target. The shot obviously alerted the alien who stopped still hovering above aware he was still armed.

"I was told not to hurt you too much, but that doesn't mean I don't get to break a few bones." He shouted down to him.

Jake responded to his menacing gloat by pulling the Glock's trigger thrice again. The first two bullets sailed by from his persistent dodging but the next clipped the man's shoulder. With him distracted by the inflicted wound it gave Jake an opening and pulled on the cable attached on his arm, waving the thick wire like a heavy kite into the closest wall. The rough movement sent the alien merc crashing into a sign floating above the street, causing the screen to crack up and spit out sparks. Mustering all the strength he could in both his trapped arm and free one, Jake stood up and pulled the cable downward sending the attacker crashing down in a heavy heap onto the solid surface. Doubled with the bullet wound and hard fall the alien must've delivered a great deal of inflicted pain.

Jake pointed the pistol at the blue skinned alien, only for another blaster bolt from out of nowhere suddenly land within inches of his path. Searching for where the shot came from he saw a tall, narrow head robot leaning over a balcony a few floors up on a building behind him, stretching it's bony arms out holding a long barrelled rifle, pointing at his person. The shot could have, or rather should of hit him but the reasoning behind this action was immediately snuffed out by the sharp jolt that collided into Jake's waist.

The tackle made him lose grip of his gun leaving him defenceless with the merc pushing him to the ground. In an automatic motion learnt from his hand to hand combat training, Jake raised his arms to block a combination of punches trying to connect to his face. Each one missed his face but managed to connect to the sides of his head and arms, leaving a more the stinging feel to his exposed parts. The next punch thrown he raised an arm out to block and formed a fist with his other hand, slamming a short but strong jabbing uppercut into the alien's chin.

The punch stunned the hired help long enough for Jake to send another into the side of his head this time, abling to forcefully shove the alien away. The marine did his best to rush back this feet and readied himself for the next assault but instead found the alien struggling to get up.

"What's the matter dickhead?. Having trouble beating a sickly man, aye?" Jake goaded him. A flicker of movement under his trench coat alerted Jake in time as a low pitched whistle emanated from the half hidden forearm under the mercernary. A small object jettisoned past his eyes by mere centimetres that he felt the wind and heat from the projectile brush against his skin

"You're not much of a challenge, soldier boy." The mercenary sneered twisted back to his feet.

"That's because I save the good stuff for opponents worth fighting." Jake's remark earned a ill disciplined, predictable swing he block with little effort and launched a punch of his own right into the alien's gut. He followed up the wallop of a hit with a knee striking the same spot and chucked the merc over his hip, slamming him into the pavement.

Giving the blue skinned alien one last hammer like punch to the face, Jake stood up to his feet again glaring down with disdain at his defeated opponent.

"Pathetic." He said with contempt. The marine raised his head and stared with fury at a visible confused Kiplee.

The young Jedi's lightsaber was sheathed and the Padawan herself was stunned, lost in what to do with her hired help down on the ground for the count. Behind her red and white armoured clones came running to his relief. That second of easement was snuffed out just as it came when all three were cut down from a trio of well placed sniper shots. Forgetting about the robot sniper above in the building tops, Jake made the mistake of dropping his guard.

A tug at the bottom of his leg brought him back to the merc giving him a sickly grin then reached over to armoured gauntlet taking up much of his forearm, pressing down on one buttons that covered the base. A course of red electricity burst out from the gauntlet, sending jolts of searing pain through his entire body.

The last image Jake saw as his vision dashed away into darkness and his body give out was the gloating expression on the sly mercenary's face, cursing he'd been beaten by such a cheap move.

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"We said to capture him unharmed!" The Jedi scowled the bounty hunter dusting himself off from the short but intense fight.

"Relax. The stun charge was non lethal." He said waving her off, frowning at the unconscious form of the soldier.

"And you had to create such a scene that every law enforcement in the district will be bearing down on us any second." Kiplee said disapproving of his actions.

"That won't be a problem." He smirked pressing another button on his gauntlet.

"I don't know why my Master trusted you to get the job done without incident, Bane." She said walking over glancing at the dead still Earth-human.

"It would've been without trouble had you subdued him back there." Cad Bane, the notorious and infamous bounty, challenged back.

Kiplee went silent, still looking over the man she deceived and lead into a trap that didn't go the way she wanted. Her emotions and thoughts were in a state of confliction. One part told her the re-said the words her Master and the others kept on telling her over and over again that this was for the good of the galaxy, for the future of the Force itself. The other was telling the actions and path this was going down will lead to a dark ending which they'll be no turning back from. The Corporal's own statement over her going against what she was taught from an early age added to the inward clash.

The question of whether this was right or wrong plagued at her, even as Bane rasping voice spoke again. "Ah, and here's our ride out of here."

Unbeknown to her, Bane and the droid jumping down from the balcony above was an armoured figure hiding in the shadows, observing and listening to their every movement and conversation. The black and red, T visor helmet the hidden person wore highlighted each of the perpetrators on their headset. The witness knew who two of the there were, having had dealings with them in the past, especially the Duros bounty hunter.

The Mikkian Jedi was new and to their confusion was helping Bane detain the Outsider. It greatly puzzled them why a Jedi was helping Cad Bane out. Having collected the fee for successful hunt for yet another grotesque being styling themselves as a freedom fighter, the hidden being was about to set off back home when the panicked screams, stampeding people and blaster fire attracted their attention. Going in search of the origin to the firefight in the opposite direction of the frightened civvies, it was to their bewilderment in finding the present party fighting it out.

As to be expected with Bane, he didn't fight honourably, resorting to dirty tricks to compensate for his lack of finesse and unarmed skill set. The other man, out cold and being picked up by both Bane and an IG assassin series droid into the back of a heavy duty speeder with the Jedi climbing in was somebody they had met once before. He again put up an impressive performance fending off the scum of the galaxy, making them believe if they were was indeed more to this human from a far off system.

Darting out of cover the figure's black and crimson red armour was lit up by the street lights, showing the slim build and armoured plate positioning was that of a woman. She saw the same street sign the soldier threw Bane into was no longer illuminating and it's screen possessed a number of cracks covering its surface. On the floor she caught sight of a blaster holding a strong resemblance to a WESTAR-35 blaster pistol, only it's barrel was shorter and had greyish/black coat.

The hum of the speeder's engines alerted her back the kidnapping crew. Running over scooping up the pistol she bolted back to her BARC speeder bike before they could end up lost amongst the eternally busy traffic of Coruscant. Barging into people to get to her vehicle, the armoured woman jumped aboard and sped off into the now evening skies. To her luck Bane's speeder wasn't far and easy to pick out due to the clunky, cumbersome design in stark contrast to the sleeker models racing up and down the lanes.

Tailing behind the slow choice of vehicle the Duros bounty hunter had picked wasn't difficult to keep up with, but it did cause some difficult for her not to accelerate ahead from the current speed she was reduced to. Questions started popping into her head as to what made this soldier special enough to warrant both Jedi and third party attention. The man was a tough and disciplined fighter, good signs he was well a trained warrior however there were many across the galaxy that didn't have this level of awareness from the Force wielding mystics. And why was a there Jedi involved?.

Speculation continued to dominate her thoughts whilst the odd company broke off from the main lanes. Staying in pursuit she ghosted them into a secluded dock yard. Nothing says shady like a hidden extraction, she thought pulling up by one of the buildings covering the widely unseen dock yard. Parking the speeder bike on one of the platforms concealed by the stacked high cargo containers, she snuck silently across the yard in search of Bane and his compatriots.

Her helmet picked up voices coming from the centre of the dock where she stayed hidden behind a collection of smaller boxes, peeking through the adequate gap left by the unneat piling. In the middle was a landing platform housing a Luxury 300 space yacht with two BX-series commando droids both armed with E-5 blaster rifles standing guard to the entrance of the runned down yacht. More suspicions rose over who was involved in the Earth soldier kidnapping.

Bane's speeder landed close by and the back doors swung open upon landing, revealing the bounty hunter and his mixed entourage.

"Get the ship running." Bane ordered the droids who motionlessly did as they were told. A techno-service droid flew out of the driving compartment and joined the rest pulling the unconscious soldier out of the back of the speeder. "Todo go fetch the stretcher and make sure the restraints are fitted properly. I don't want him breaking out and causing issues if he wakes up."

"Ugh, Why am I always left with the menial jobs." The floating droid complained flying into the ship.

"We need to hurry this up, Bane." The Mikkian Jedi said anxiously.

"No need to worry that little head of yours missy. We've got this all under control."

"Right, and back there was you sticking to the plan." The Jedi snorted

"You may not like my methods but that is what I'm paid for. Speaking of which," He paused looking up at the servant droid returning with a hover gurney."The old man promised to pay once I dump you and the soldier boy back at your little enclave."

"Let's just get him aboard and get out of here." The Jedi girl sighed. The gurney slid alongside the back of the speeder and the pair pulled the subdued soldier on it, locking his arms and legs into the side restraints.

The silent watcher watched the partnership between them was a unsteady one made from reluctance. The droids entered into the ship first bring the stretcher up the steps of the ramp with Bane pushing it from the bottom. The last to walk in was the Padawan trudging up the steps. Once she reached the top she stopped and snapped her head back, almost catching the watcher as she hid against the boxes, hoping the Jedi hadn't spotted her.

She slipped a cautious finger over the grip of one of her WESTAR-34 pistols, preparing if necessary make a hasty retreat. The seconds ticked by and thankfully the threat of exposing herself didn't come to pass by the roar of the ship's engines come to life. Peeping through the gap again she saw the ramp had retracted and everyone was aboard the vessel lifting off the landing pad.

Sticking a hand in her pocket the observer fished out a flat face gadget and stood, lobbing it at the ascending ship. The device latched on the hull of the starship and opened up, sending out a discreet signal that her comm picked up straight away. Once Bane's ship flew off into the distance toward Coruscant's atmosphere the observer walked back to her speeder bike, activating the holographic comm unit on her wrist.

Upon activation the hologram of another armoured behind appeared only showing the upper half of his body and wore the standard armour and helmet of Mandalorian males

"Parjar, I have been trying to contact you for over an hour. Was the job successful?" The man questioned in a gruff, amplified voice.

"Indeed. All credits have been transferred to our holdings and even won a little support in the Mid Rim." Parjar reported in.

"Ori'jate. Then what has kept you from answering your comm?" He asked.

"Cad Bane." Was all the Mandalorian woman needed to say over the issue.

"Ah, I see. Whatever business you have with that Aruetyc must be postponed for now. Itera needs you back here."

"I'm sorry but this something I can not let pass."

"Evaar`la`lor, you have been ordered back-"

"It is a matter of dishonour." She stated in a tone that was not to be argued.

"Very well, Parjar." The man said with a defeated sigh. "But you must wrap it up quickly. To the awaiting barrage I go."

"Itera would understand."

"Best hope so. Re'turcye mhi, Evaar`la`lor." The Mandalorian bid her farewell. Parjar climbed aboard her speeder bike reviving the engines to life once again, preparing to head off into a race to save a man she barely knew but couldn't allow to face whatever endeavors those dishonourable cowards would have in store for him.

"Re'turcye mhi, Uncle."

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