Vex spent a good month on practicing with General Di's lightsaber. He could duel somewhat, and his reflexes were above standard to the point he could deflect a few blaster bolts, but he was still no match for a Jedi. When Anakin's Battalion was sent for Geonosis, the tension aboard the Resolute became palpable. Vex helped to prepare the gunships, supplying their munitions and attaching the Walkers to their magnetic transports. While gathering weapons, Vex notices a DC-17m in the armoury that no one had taken. He grabs it and holsters it to his back instead of his usual DC15S, before he makes his way back to the hanger, meeting with Rex, Anakin and Ahsoka as they find their gunship.
"We all ready to go?" Anakin asks.
"Yes, sir. General Kenobi is already under way." Rex informs the two Jedi.
"He's got a head start. We'll have to catch up." Anakin banters, his trademark smile adorning his face. A detachment of soldiers were already on-board, leaving room for the four of them to board. Once filled, the blast doors close and the transport begins its journey to the planet surface. The moment they enter the atmosphere, flak fire peppers the air and space around them. One of the 501st gunships are gunned down almost immediately, bursting into a ball of flaming debris that hurtles down towards the ground. Geonosian strike craft scream through the skies and fire upon the others, two more gunships taken down by the time they get a quarter of the way to the LZ.
"The flak is too heavy." One of the gunship pilots exclaim in warning.
"Land the Walkers, as soon as you can!" Vex calls into his comlink, moments before the gunship shudders, taking a hit to the engines. The pilots wrestle for control, keeping the gunship as level as he can.
"We're down, repeat down! Location five, seven, niner, two." Rex calls into his wrist mounted commlink, but only for the static of a jammer to cut his words off. The jolt of impact as the gunship hits the planet surface throws the men within around, with Anakin holding onto Ahsoka to stop her from being thrown like a ragdoll. Vex is thrown into Denal, who manages to catch him and keep him from impacting against the durasteel. The gunship plows through the sand and rock of the planet surface, tilting only as it's speed slows down. Once the gunship halts, Anakin stands up, and uses the Force to tear the doors off, allowing everyone to climb out. The Geonosian sun blares it's heat, as Anakin ignites his saber, already out of the gunship and deflecting oncoming blaster bolts.
"Come on, get up! We have to keep moving!" Anakin ushers. Ahsoka and Rex are the next to climb out, Ahsoka with her saber ignited, and Rex firing his dual DC17 Pistols. Vex is out next, saber ablaze as he tries to defend the others as Denal helps them climb out of the gunship. Once everyone is out, he makes his way to the cockpit, finding the two pilots dead. He clips the saber back to his hip and unholsters his recently acquired carbine, and moves to join the front lines, firing in bursts against the droids and Geonosians. The small group of survivors move onward methodically, using the sparse cover where they can, or letting the sabers of both Anakin and Ahsoka keep them more protected.
"Rex! Contact Obi-Wan, we're gonna need some help." Anakin orders his Captain.
"I'm beginning to think that the reports on the first battle here were severely underestimated!" Vex complains, continuing to fire upon the enemy troops.
"Last time they were unprepared for a counter-attack." Anakin retorts, his blade a blur as he defends the men from direct fire. Minutes pass, before the troops return behind cover. "Rex, is Obi-Wan able to send support or not?"
"I don't think so, sir. Cody says General Kenobi never reached the landing sight. They think his gunship got shot down." Rex explains.
"Great. The one time I actually ask Obi-Wan for help, he needs some himself and is unable to help us." Anakin complains.
"What if something happened to General Kenobi? He could be injured, or-" Ahsoka's worried ramble is cut off as Vex places a hand on her shoulder
"We can't think like that right now. We need to focus on the here and now, or we won't be able to help him." He explain gently.
"He's right, Ahsoka. Before we can help others, we have to be able to help ourselves." Anakin agrees before facing Rex. "Get the men mobilized. We need to push forward." With that, the Master and Padawan duo rush into the open once more, their lightsabers creating a defensive shield that the men use as cover. Minutes drag on, as the small group move onward on foot. Small entrenchments are destroyed along their path, mostly done by Anakin and Ahsoka. They continue along the junction, turning to come face to face with a massive wall. Turret emplacements cover it's entirety, with droids standing atop, already moving to aim at the small group.
"Get to cover!" Vex calls, dashing behind one of multiple rock formations. Two of the troopers move too slow, the turrets tearing them apart before they could hit the ground. Anakin and Ahsoka quickly leave the troops, with Vex barking out orders. "Target the turrets first. If you see a need, focus on the droids up top, but those turrets are priority." He pops up, firing a concentrated burst of fire at one of the top turrets, hitting the joints and the power cells behind, causing a small detonation that takes the turret out of commission. He ducks back down before the other turrets could get a bead on him and fire. He looks around, noticing that Rex was nowhere to be found. He peaks over the top of the rock once more, watching as Anakin and Ahsoka hack and slash through the droids. He glances around and finds Rex making his way towards the Jedi. He watches as the droids are all destroyed, before two droideka's roll into position. "Focus on the left droideka!" He orders. The barrage of blaster fire quickly depletes the small shield, making it fizzle out, before the bolts cut through the metal.
Rex walks up to the second droideka, phasing through the shield without issue as the droid is focused on the Jedi. A quick double tap takes it out of the fight. The two Jedi toss the thermal detonators into the internal structure, before tossing Rex off the wall. His screams echoed through the canyon, followed by the explosions that destroy the fortress wall. The dust blinds everyone momentarily, and when it fades away, Rex is being helped up by Anakin, while Vex and the troops move over to them.
"Next time, sir, just tell me to jump." Rex's sighs.
"Now where's the fun in that?" Anakin asks cheerfully. With the path now clear, the troops continue onward, passing on with less resistance, the fortress wall having been thought as enough. Small listening posts are littered along the way, but they are maned with skeleton crews, allowing them to push through with ease. Inhuman screeching captures the attention of the group, as they clear the canyon, as Geonosians burn and try to fly out of a cliff cave.
"Look, what's that?" She asks.
"Looks like a barbecue." Vex notes. Anakin activates his commlink, a call connecting without much issue, the nearby jammer either damaged, or destroyed when they cleared the listening posts and fortifications.
"Master Mundi, do you read me?" He asks. The flamethrowers were given to the Special Operations troopers under Master Ki-Adi Mundi.
"We are here, Skywalker." The Jedi affirms. "We took a slight detour, and found a few friends."
"This has been a day for detours, Master." Anakin agrees, a sigh laced in his voice.
"Indeed. But now the road is clear. But while I can see the landing zone, it does not look good." Mundi warns.
"Can you get me Admiral Yularen?" Anakin asks. Mundi, having extra equipment, reroutes a transmission to Anakin's comlink. "Admiral, we're at the breaking point. You've got to get some fighters down here."
"And if you can't, I will personally contact Broadside and ask him myself." Vex adds. He knew Broadside, among many other pilots, especially those from Shadow Squadron, would find a way to lend a hand, even if it meant dragging Droid Fighters along to witness their assistance before they too get shot down.
"You are in luck, I just got hold of a single squadron. Broadside's squadron to be exact. They will be there shortly." Yularen assures, much to everyone's relief. The two units, led by the three Jedi, push onward, progressing to the Landing Zone, where the 212th had landed with better luck, but were fighting a loosing battle. As they arrive, the screech of Y-Wings overhead brings joy to the troops, as they cheer at the reinforcements, as Broadside and Shadow Squadron bombard the Geonosians, clearing the LZ and relieving the worn and exhausted troops. Anakin, Ahsoka and Vex find an injured Obi-Wan leaning against a supply crate, his body covered in wounds.
"Who beat you up?" Vex asks in jest.
"You'll never believe me, but the gunship did." Obi-Wan retorts with a wince. As Shadow Squadron returns to the Resolute and the battle above, the Commanders and Generals all group around Obi-Wan, bringing the meeting to him, as he couldn't get anywhere in his current state.
"With all our forces combined, we should be able to knock out their shield generator." Anakin explains poorly.
"Well, that won't exactly be easy." Vex notes, gesturing to the numerous gun emplacements and turrets adorning the shield generator. "But, this is also a good time to explain the new regulation that Rex, Cody and I have been working on." At this, Rex opens one of the crates that Obi-Wan was leaning against, showing the contents to everyone.
"Droid poppers?" Mundi asks, his curiosity flaring.
"Yes. But more precisely, they are called: EMP grenades. They should be able to knock out their emplacements, at least for long enough that we can bring in the walkers and blow that generator to Hell." Vex elaborates with a smile.
"A small squad could pass through the shield and use these against the enemy." Obi-Wan agrees. "And once the shield is down, Master Mundi can bring in the rest of the men along with the gunships."
"Anakin, you will be leading this assault. You and Ahsoka are the only Jedi uninjured." Vex explains. "Rex and I will accompany you with several of the best and least exhausted men here."
"Alright. You should go and get them selected then." Anakin notes.
"Already done." Rex informs, with Waxer, Boil and several others from each battalion suddenly behind him. "We're ready to go whenever, sir."
"Well, I guess there is no time like the present." Anakin admits, gesturing for the men to follow him, with Ahsoka in tow. Each trooper had three EMP grenades on hand. With the ten troopers chosen for the assault, that gave a large thirty EMP grenades. Each soldier, including Vex, had stocked up on energy packs, reloading their weapons. Anakin and Ahsoka lead the charge, their sabers a blur as they block the small arms fire. The group are spread out, so their protection was less, but it improved the chance of survival if one of the Heavy Emplacements fired upon them, which they did. Vex was able to roll away, but one of the 212th troopers wasn't as lucky, as the artillery shell blew them apart. Vex quickly rolls himself up and fires burst after burst at the Geonosians who tried to swarm him, before he dashes to the others, rejoining the loose formation. By the time they make it to the base of the generator, three troopers had been killed or abducted.
"Anakin, Ahsoka, make sure those grenades reach the emplacements." Vex orders, as every soldier, himself included, toss their grenades. The two Jedi, calling upon the Force, ensure the grenades land by the emplacements. They detonate in a burst of energy, and the emplacements stutter and fall slightly.
"It seems to be working." Ahsoka chimes.
"It won't last long, bring up the walkers." Anakin orders into his comlink. The three surviving AT-TE Walkers pass through the shield, as the attack force retreats back to the safety of the walkers. The Walkers lay down covering fire with their small arms weapons, while the heavy cannons fire bolt after bolt of artillery at the generator, bringing it down with ease. As the shield fades away, multiple gunships arrive. Vex helps Cody get Obi-Wan onboard, as Anakin and Ahsoka argue with each other, making their way towards them at a slow pace.
"Not now, Ahsoka." Anakin brushes her off.
"Come on. Are you afraid you lost this time?" Ahsoka presses.
"Fine. 55. That's my count." Anakin relents. "And you?"
"60. Looks like I won." Ahsoka beams. Vex manages to tune out the rest, as he looks to the injured Obi-Wan and Master Mundi, both aboard the gunship, ready to be taken for medical care.
"I'll never understand how you can simplify these battles into some kind of game." Obi-Wan admits with a shake of his head.
"Take care of yourselves. I expect to see both of you back here by the time I've destroyed the main factory." Anakin explains.
"We shall do our best." Obi-Wan assures.
"65." Mundi states suddenly.
"I'm sorry?" Anakin asks, confused at what he meant.
"My total. 65. So what do I win?" Mundi asks, a glint of expectation in his eyes. Anakin stumbles for a moment, wondering what to say.
"My everlasting respect, Master Mundi." Anakin replies after regaining his bearings.
"Oh." Master Mundi says, seemingly underwhelmed, though his eyes held some glee within.
"That is a gift Anakin rarely bestows, I assure you." Obi-Wan inputs with a smile. The gunship doors then close as they lift off, leaving Anakin, Ahsoka and Vex to keep the pressure with their absence.
A FEW DAYS LATER
Just to South of where Anakin and Ahsoka were doing a briefing, several gunships land, with Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and her Padawan, Barriss Offee stepping out and making their way towards Anakin and Ahsoka. Deciding to say hello, Vex moves to their side, making his entrance. While he had been a part of the debriefing, the moment Anakin began to override Ahsoka, he left, recognizing the brewing argument.
"They're waiting for you, in the usual manner." He informs with a sigh.
"At it again, are they?" Luminara asks, knowing full well what they were like.
"Again, Master?" Barriss asks in confusion.
"Anakin and Ahsoka have a brother/sister bond. They aren't much for regulation, and they often banter and fight. Though they are still extremely effective in battle." Vex explains. "You get used to it when you are with them most of the time. But I have something I want to try." He walks over to the arguing duo, too engrossed in their argument, allowing him to sneak up behind them. "ATTEN-TION!" His shout, louder at such a close proximity has the two Jedi jump, their bodies moving to the 'attention' stance, bodies straight and rigid, before they shake themselves free. "Huh, I guess it does work. Looks like I owe Rex a hundred credits." Anakin and Ahsoka turn and glare at Vex, who simply chuckles.
"Did you have to do that?" Ahsoka asks, her montral stripes darkening in colour from embarrassment.
"No. But Rex and I were curious as to what would happen. He just earned a few credits this way." Vex smirks mischievously
"I fear we created a monster some days." Anakin sighs. Ahsoka nods solemnly, while Luminara smirks and Barriss watches on in confusion. Both Anakin and Luminara introduce their Padawans, before Vex speaks up.
"Well, now we are all introduced, shall we go turn these fuckers to dust?" Vex asks, his patience with this prolonged battle having grated his nerves, considering it has lasted two and a half weeks. Barriss raises an eyebrow at his language, as does Luminara, whom while having met him, had not ever heard him swear. Even though the whole Nute Gunray fiasco had been quite detrimental to everything, it hadn't brought such pain and aggravation to have such a result from him.
"A full-frontal assault is risky, but there isn't really any other possibility that I could find." Anakin explains with a sigh, taking the attention off of Vex.
"There is an alternative." Luminara begins.
"The catacombs, yeah, but I haven't been able to memorize them. It's not my strong point, let alone Anakin and Ahsoka's." Vex interrupts, the idea having already crossed his mind. "From what I could gather, this is a heavy estimation mind you, there are around 150 junctions. We can't memorize a path in that chaos, we've tried."
"Barriss has memorized all 200 junctions. She knows how to get through them." Luminara states simply, her words amazing Vex, who turns his attention to the Padawan learner.
"Fuck. That's impressive." He notes, the shock evident in his voice.
"You always were thorough." Anakin notes, smiling to Luminara.
"How do we keep the Geonosians occupied while someone else is setting the bombs?" Ahsoka asks.
"By doing the original plan, as much as I hate it. Otherwise, the catacombs will be well guarded and nothing we do will succeed" Vex sighs in frustration and resignation.
"Skywalker, Vex and I will create the diversion while Barriss and Ahsoka will plant the bombs within the factory." Luminara explains.
Vex stiffens as her words register, though as soon as he sees Ahsoka's expression, her thoughts written across her features, he relaxes, taking a deep breath. The point of learning to be in a command, the feeling of having to prove yourself, he understands it well.
"What? Now, hold on-" Anakin begins to voice his dislike of sending his Padawan off alone, but Vex cuts him off.
"Anakin. She needs to do this. I wish she could stay with us where we can keep her safe, but we aren't always going to be there for her." He explains reluctantly. Ahsoka looks to Vex, gratitude shining in her eyes. She would be careful, he knew.
"Fine." Anakin sighs in defeat.
"We'll monitor your progress through the chronometers." Luminara states, holding out her arm, the chronometer/commlink hybrid device adorning her vambrace a requirement for the Jedi. Anakin then extends his arm, followed by Barriss, then Ahsoka. "Three, two, one, mark." And with the order, the devices link. Before Ahsoka leaves, however, Vex stops her, a hand on her shoulder as he squeezes gently.
"Be careful." He warns. "Keep an eye on your surroundings and stay focused. We don't want to lose you." With his piece spoken, he watches as she leaves, Barriss leading the way. Luminara walks to his side, placing her hand on his shoulder, the feeling of understanding passing through Vex at her touch.
"She'll be fine" She assures softly.
"I know. But worry is a natural thing, whether I want it to happen or not isn't always up to me." He retorts quietly. Luminara and Shaak Ti were the only ones who could see and feel his emotions, and even had the courage to bring it up with him, offering to help, though Luminara was far more reserved about attachments compared to Shaak Ti. Compared to most of the other Jedi, they had more understanding, their own experiences resonating with Vex. Together, they walk over to Anakin, who had dragged Rex into the briefing once more.
"We'll have to make a bold move if we want to draw them out of the factory and keep their attention on us and not the Padawans." Luminara states with a frown.
"The best way to do that is to march our troops straight down the middle, parade style. They can't resist that." Anakin explains, a grim smile adorning his face.
"With no cover?" Vex asks incredulously.
"We have to make it tempting." Anakin explains with a sigh, his own frustration at the dangers of the plan showing on his face. With reluctance from everyone, they begin to set up the columns that would march toward impending doom.
Once prepared, everyone began marching, with Anakin and Luminara, lightsaber hilts in hand. Vex was beside Rex and Gree, who was leading the groups of troopers, from both the 501st and 41st. As they pass the halfway point of the bridge, the doors began to lift, revealing the mass numbers of droids, slowly marching out to meet them head on.
"Well, we definitely have their attention." Vex notes to Rex and Gree, who merely hum in agreement. As the two Jedi begin to attack, the troops open fire, Vex unconsciously aiming and firing on the droids.
Time was non-existent within the state of meditation Vex seemed to be entranced within, as he takes shots over and over again, firing in bursts of three
"Rex! A little help here!" Anakin calls, his voice dragging Vex from his trance, as he dashes away from the droids, following the others as they fall back.
"RUN!"
"Fall back! Fall back!"
Voices echo within Vex's mind, as artillery fire decimates the droid lines, revealing the door, once more creaking open, revealing a heavily armoured vehicle, something unseen before.
"Looks like the Separatists have a new toy. Rex, pick your targets." Anakin orders. Another round of artillery fire rains down, impacting on the vehicles, only to leave no damage at all.
"Only ray-shielding could shrug off that kind of fire power." Vex notes, his expression neutral, but beneath, a great deal of excitement at what could be done if those tanks were ripped apart and used for Republic vehicles, before a dark chill takes him away from those thoughts, as though something was warning him not to entertain such ideas. "The only way to stop those things will be to blow the bridge."
"Then it's a good thing we came prepared. Rex, have the men fall back." Anakin orders through his comlink.
"Sir, are you suggesting we turn tail and run?" Rex asks in confusion, having never known Anakin to order a retreat without tactical reason.
"You know I never run away. We need to draw them onto the bridge." Anakin explains. The sound of missiles launching catch their attention. They are forced to watch, as the Separatist tank fires salvo after salvo of artillery missiles, their shots destroying the heavy cannons behind the lines, along with numerous AT-TE Walkers.
"I was wondering when the Separatists would make an artillery vehicle." Vex admits with a sigh, before the beeping of the Jedi chronometers warn of the bombs being armed. "Good, now we just need to deal with these things before the whole factory becomes rubble."
"You can admire the design once they are in the moat. Go with the men, Luminara and I can deal with the bridge." Anakin orders, Vex complying without argument, falling back to where the troops stand and watch, as the tanks slowly march across the bridge. The two Jedi are quick to return, before they blow the bridge, sending the new Tanks into the moat below, the impact enough to destroy the pilots inside, the wreckages left in the moat. Vex walks over to the two Jedi, the same thoughts plaguing all their minds.
"They should be back by now." Vex murmurs their thoughts, before the chime of Anakin's comlink sounds.
"Master, can you hear me?" Ahsoka asks, her voice sad, almost resigned.
"Ahsoka? Where are you?" Anakin asks frantically.
"We're trapped. I'm sorry, Master, we can't make it out." Ahsoka answers, defeat, yet determination laced in her words.
"Can't make it out? Ahsoka what-" Anakin is cut off.
"Fire." And with that final word, the factory detonates, collapsing into the moat and the surrounding area, the dust clouding everyone's vision, before it disperses, revealing the rubble.
"Ahsoka, do you read me?" Anakin asks, static all that answers back. The three of them rush to the edge of the moat, where Luminara collapses to her knees. "Master, don't worry." He tries to assure her.
"Be at ease, Skywalker." She replies, her voice becoming distant to Vex, who gazes into the moat, his eyes tracking the sound of a song, a call... a plea for help.
"They're alive down there." Vex states, but he can barely hear his own voice, as his vision becomes nothing but a white, arctic blue light. His eyes glow, their intensity gaining, as his head turns, searching for a non-existent sight.
"But... it was going to be perfect." Tree roots tainted with darkness break from beneath the ground, others tearing through space from rifts the lead to a void, as they spread towards the rubble of the factory. Sparks of life flash before Vex's blindness, a darkness within the arctic light. There you are.
"I'm not ready to die." Vex walks, feeling his legs carry him absentmindedly, his senses dulled, almost completely gone.
"Across the world, there are 13 Apostles of the Apocalypse. People built from the souls of mythical creatures, forced into a new life, rumoured to be the cause of the apocalypse should all 13 gather together. I was the first." His own voice echoes, whether aloud or in his mind, he does not know.
"Find me, please." A feminine cry of sadness echoes, as Vex sheds a tear. He feels loss, pain and grief, as though someone is lost, someone meaningful to him. He continues onward, the roots of darkness sifting through the rubble and rock. He reaches out his hand, an energy pulsing from his skin, his muscles, his soul. "I'm here. Listen, feel, see..." He follows her words, hears the faint heartbeats, feels the fear, the sorrow, deep below the rocks. The darkness of life is dimmer than before. Don't worry. I'm coming to get you out.
"I am the Dragon. Named after the creature I once lived as in peace. I had two children, gifted my power after adoption in the cruel world that killed their true parents. One a Kitsune, the other a creature of pure darkness given the form of a tree, the opposite to the Tree of Life and Yggdrasil, abandoned by the god that created her, gave her life.
"Closer. Almost there." She calls to him, calmer than before, accepting. He reaches out further, trying to grasp onto the darkness, electricity, energy, all condensing into a physical orb that is sent into the rubble, fading from sight. He can see the darkness fading further, their lives beginning to ebb away. He reaches deeper, sending more energy into the orb deep below, as the roots continue to dig.
"I never wanted this, Tiamat." A bronze dragon cradling a humanoid form, singing sweet lullabies to sooth their aching heart.
"No Dragon would ever follow the whims of a demon, especially not when they went as far as killing them to obtain their soul for eternal servitude. We bow to no one, we'd rather die."
The chains shatter, as the beast lunges, her jaws smiling, rather than bearing to consume. His sight begins to return, as before his outstretched hand, a battered, broken Tank is held aloft by roots of darkness, as they bring it down gently. Anakin glances to Vex in thanks, as he slashes open the hatch, revealing Ahsoka and Barriss. He immediately goes for Ahsoka, carrying her out as Luminara quickly does the same for Barriss.
"I knew you'd come looking for me." Ahsoka rasps out with a smile, before she falls unconscious, her strength completely sapped. Luminara and Anakin have tears in their eyes as they hold their padawans close. Vex begins to tumble, but Rex and Denal catch him, supporting him.
"What did you just do?" Denal asks in awe, and concern.
"I... called for... my... daughter." Vex manages to say, before he, too, falls unconscious.
"I'm not human. I'm a Dragon. Forced out of his body and stuffed into a Demon-made human replacement, enhanced by alchemy. I killed my creator in rage from what he did to me, and what his choices did to the rest of my kind. I remember my mother, Tiamat, the mother of all monsters. I remember what I sacrificed, what my daughters sacrificed, to keep the world turning, to keep realms turning. I know who I am now, I know what I can do, and it makes me stronger."
The darkness fades from Vex's mind, as he wakes. He notices the cot he is lying on, and the one beside him holding Ahsoka. He sits himself up, not noticing Anakin for a few moments. They look to each other for a few minutes, before Anakin breaks the silence.
"Thank you." He says sincerely.
"I don't deserve thanks. I simply did what my other self would have done." Vex answers gently, unsure of himself. Anakin looks at him curiously.
"Your other self?" He asks. Vex sighs softly.
"I'm not the real me, I suppose." He begins. "It's why I have those memories come to me over time, rather than having them from the beginning, why they are still slowly returning." He opens the palm of his hand, a small blue flame igniting. "I'm a carbon copy and recreation of another being that lived over 3000 years ago here, and even longer from another realm. Once a creature that soared the heavens, cursed to walk the earth in a human body made by an amalgamation of alchemy and dead bodies." The flame is extinguished without much effort, as Vex looks to Anakin, pain etched in his features. "I'm not... real."
"Not real?" Anakin asks, an eyebrow raised. "Then who was it that saved Barris and Ahsoka? Who is it that has been by my side through thick and thin without the need to do so? Are you saying he's not real?" Vex stammers, trying to think of how to respond. "I don't give a crap if you're a carbon copy, I wouldn't care if you were an android. You've saved my life, the lives of my men and Ahsoka, and several others. You're real to us." Anakin then stands up, giving him a reassuring smile. "We've got a medical frigate arriving in a few days. You'll be going with Ahsoka and Barriss to collect troops and supplies from a nearby Medical Base to reinforce Master Windu on Dantooine." He stops at the door, turning to Vex once more. "I'll admit I'm not great at helping people emotionally, so just know that none of us here would want you to be anything other than what you are. Just let things come as they will and see where it all goes." He then leaves the med bay, Ahsoka and Vex left alone to rest.
A FEW MORE DAYS LATER
The Medical Frigate arrived, and a few of the 5th Fleet Troops were stationed with the two padawans and Vex, ordered to join them. As they were packing and heading to the frigate, Vex overheard chatter about worms and Luminara being a test subject for the worm to use, though he doesn't pay much more attention. The best thing he hears, is the capture of Poggle the Lesser. Vex parts from Ahsoka and Barriss, who head to their bunks and stay, while Vex merely drops off his equipment, the armour pieces and DC-17m, while keeping the saber on hand.
As the Medical Frigate launches, Vex is alone and makes his way to the Mess Hall, while more voices, more memories plague him. The old memories between his beginning and current life, returning with time. His 'Daughter' helping him remember now that she was free once more.
"Good work, Aryn. Take a break."
"Any more stories to tell, Master?"
"I've always got stories to tell, my Padawan. From the adventures I had with Kai alone, I could give you a lifetime of them. Let alone the others I've met in my long life."
Footsteps catch Vex's attention, drawing him away from the memories, as Ahsoka and Barriss enter the mess, the time having passed much faster than he believed, as his internal clock deems it to be the middle of the night cycle. They grab a tray of food each, taking a seat at one of the benches. As they sit down, the door opens, and two troopers walk in, weapons in hand, an immediate concern to Vex.
"Good Soldiers Follow Orders. Good Soldiers Follow Orders. Kill The Jedi. Good Soldiers Follow Orders."
The repetitive saying echoes in Vex's mind, as he watched the clone troopers, filing away the saying for later, he ignites his saber and throws it towards the two troopers, the spinning blade slicing through their necks, before embedding itself into a bench, still ignited.
"Why would you do that, Vex?" Barriss cries out in shock, as the severed heads fall to the floor, rolling around the mess hall.
"No trooper ever brings their weapons into the mess hall. It's something that's drilled into them all their lives on Kamino." Vex explains solemnly, noticing as worms slither out of the severed heads. With a twist of his wrist, a small call of his re-found power, the saber returns to his grasp, slicing through the worms on the way, the floors somewhat slashed in response of his act, as he deactivates his weapon, the danger having passed for the moment.
"Speaking of which, you know how people say when you cut a worm in half both parts keep living on? Well they do! Kind of, for a bit. Then one of them dies, not sure if it's the ass or the head."
"Well, I guess I can say that these worms don't keep on living after being cut in half in any way." He notes, the faint memory of an older man moving to the back of his mind.
"What are those?" Ahsoka asks in repulsion. The conversation from before comes to Vex's mind, and he speaks up, something urging him as though his assumption is correct.
"I overheard Anakin, Obi-Wan and Luminara speaking about worms, and something about Anakin killing the one Obi-Wan wanted to study… by letting it take control of Luminara." The door opens, as Trap and Havoc run in, their weapons ready.
"We heard yelling, what…" Trap trails off as he sees the severed heads. Ahsoka and Barriss ignite their sabers, but Vex stops them from attacking, as he holds out his hand, a gesture for them to wait.
"He isn't infected. If he was, he would be trying to kill or infect us. He is doing neither." His words assure them, as they deactivate their sabers, though still guarded and tense. Vex then turns to Trap. "Trap. Were any of your men acting weird before we departed?"
"Scythe." He answers almost immediately. "He had to be woken up with physical contact, which was unusual for him, let alone any other Clone, but we thought nothing more of it at the time, considering how long we've been on Geonosis for, we figured it was just the exhaustion kicking in."
"That makes him the most likely host." Vex mutters. "So all we know, is how they got on-board, and the only known cure so far is death. I'm not happy about that."
"I don't think anyone would be. But we should make sure we are still in control of the bridge." Trap explains. "Havoc, see if you can find anyone else who isn't infected."
"On it." Havoc swiftly, yet somehow silently, departs the mess hall, leaving the four alone. Ahsoka and Barriss take the lead, while Trap and Vex walk just behind them. The halls are empty, the troopers seemingly gone without a trace. Along the way, several worms attempt to infect Trap, with each failing as Vex ends the parasitic lives, much to Traps gratitude. As they reach the doorway separating the cockpit from the rest of the ship, the security measures activate, ray shields barring their entry.
"Well. I don't think we have control of the ship anymore." Vex notes with a sigh.
"At least we now know that they control the bridge." Ahsoka retorts.
"Next plan would be to reach the communication room and send a transmission that details the current issue." Trap explains the protocol.
"Well, Anakin is with Poggle as the Jedi interrogate him, so he would be the second we contact, so that they know to pry for information about them." Vex begins. "First, we should contact General Fisto. He is currently stationed at the medical base, and an early warning about what is happening could stop the worms from further infecting people."
"I agree. But we should also try to stop the ship from continuing its course. Trap and I can head to the aft thrusters and disable them, while you two get to the comms." Barriss offers. A scream echoes in the distance, signaling Havoc's infection.
"While I don't like the idea of splitting up, we need to do everything we can to ensure this ship is quarantined." Vex agrees reluctantly. "But, if you encounter any infected, do not kill them, just run or stun. I don't want any more deaths today."
"Understood." Trap affirms, before he and Barriss disappear from sight, hurrying along the hallways. Ahsoka and Vex don't take the hallways, as their slimmer figures are able to fit through the vents, which they use to effectively travel the ship without issue. In record speed, they arrive at the communication room, dropping down and locking the doors. Ahsoka inputs the codes, as the hologram of Kit Fisto fizzles into existence.
"Master Fisto, do you copy?" Ahsoka asks.
"I read you, Ahsoka." Kit Fisto's calm voice replies, his hologram showing the ever-present smile on his face.
"General." Vex bows in greeting.
"Vex." Fisto returns.
"We have a situation." Fisto's smile disappears from the seriousness of his tone.
"I see." He gestures for an explanation.
"The ship has been infected by a mind controlling parasite. Only four of us are uncontaminated, but that may not last long." Vex warns, before another distant scream echoes across the ship. "Actually, that might make us the last two."
"As long as these things are on-board, we dare not dock with the station. However, we may not have a choice in the matter. The parasites control the bridge." Ahsoka adds.
"Nonetheless, it would be wiser to bring the ship in. The only way to stop these parasites is to analyse them." Fisto notes.
"Or, someone scares the living shit out of Poggle so that he reveals any kind of weakness these things have." Vex offers the alternative. "After you, we plan to contact Anakin, who should be with Poggle right now, in interrogation."
"While that should be done, my orders still stand." Fisto replies sternly.
"I have a bad feeling about this, Master Fisto. But we will follow your instructions." Ahsoka assures.
"May the Force be with you." And with that, the connection is cut. The two prepare to contact Anakin, only for a call from Rex to interrupt.
"Cargo ship TB-73, this is clone Captain Rex. Please respond." His voice seemed to echo in the room. Ahsoka then connects to his comlink.
"Rex. This is Ahsoka. Boy, am I glad to hear your voice." Ahsoka breathes in relief.
"Likewise, sir. I've got someone here who wants to speak with you." Before either of us could say Skywalker, Anakin speaks.
"Ahsoka, what's going on? Are you okay?" His concern radiated through, his care reassuring both Vex and Ahsoka.
"Depends on whether you mean physically or emotionally, Anakin." Vex sighs, before explaining the situation, just as he did to Fisto.
"Both of you, make sure you have a wrist-comm. Keep it on. I'm going to interrogate Poggle." Anakin orders, before he cuts the connection, leaving the two alone, until the doors open, revealing Barriss.
"Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill."
"She's definitely infected." Vex hisses, igniting his saber. "You need to keep moving. Run and hide, wait for Anakin to contact you. I'll delay her as long as I can."
"No. We stay together." Ahsoka argues. Barriss lunges, but her form is sloppy, easy for Vex to parry, the memories of the days he trained Aryn coming forth to his mind.
"Ahsoka, trust me, just as I trusted you at the droid factory." Vex responds softly. Another strike is blocked, as Ahsoka relents, departing from the Communications room, leaving Barriss alone with Vex, who continues to simply block each strike.
"Be fluid in your movements. Let one strike, or parry, flow to the next." Vex hears his own voice, older, more grizzled, but still caring and gentle, as his body begins to move, muscle memory taking over, as Barriss' strikes become more powerful, more coordinated.
"Keep your elbows locked, use the strength and momentum of your enemy against them, sliding the blade as you parry, rather than block with direct strength." Vex parries, sliding his blade along his opponent, her heavy strike and momentum, sending her stumbling. The room begins to cool, the cold temperatures seeming to effect Barriss, as she slows, her body beginning to fight.
"Use all of your body, not just the upper half and footwork. Use your legs, whether as an added attack, or to get some distance." He blocks another strike, before spinning into a kick aimed for her abdomen, impacting with her and sending her into a wall, knocking her out from the force. The ship shudders as it docks and Vex makes his way to the familiar feel of Ahsoka, traversing the ship with ease. Inhuman screams echo through the ship, as the temperature continues to plummet below freezing. While his body is affected, Vex doesn't feel the cold, as though his nerves and senses are dulled to certain aspects. He opens the door to the cockpit, finding it now open, Ahsoka huddled in a corner, her body shaking through the freezing temperatures, her meager clothing giving no protection at all to the harsh cold. He sits by her side.
"Come here. We can stay in each other's arms to keep warm." Vex urges. Ahsoka jumps into his arms, her body shivering uncontrollably. Vex brings her close, wrapping his arms around her slim figure as much as possible, his own body heat warming Ahsoka as much as possible. "I'll do anything to keep you around. Something about you just makes me feel happy, feel complete. Like there's nothing in the world that could change the happiness I feel." He admits quietly, stroking her montrals gently. Kit Fisto walks in a few minutes later.
"Is she alright?" He asks gently.
"Better than when I first came in." Vex admits softly, allowing Fisto to take her, after re-activating the heating, the frigate slowly warming back up.
"What about you?" He asks, Ahsoka gently in his arms.
"Normally, my body would have gone into hibernation to keep the core organs warm, but I fought it off to ensure you found us and got us out." Vex's eyes droop, as he struggles to stay awake. "Good thing... You got here... when you did..." His vision darkens as he falls unconscious.
Vex awaken in a medical cot once more, the white room bringing pain to his eyes for a moment, before his body adjusts. By his side, he notices a sleeping Ahsoka in a cot of her own, with Anakin between the two of them. With a grunt, Vex brings himself into a sitting position, his muscles stiff and sore.
"Anakin, what did I miss?" He asks, his voice dry and raspy, barely there, but enough for Anakin to hear, his relief radiating in heavy waves.
"Other than worrying me to death, nothing." He answers with a sigh, before he turns back to Ahsoka.
"What about Barriss? The infected troops?" Vex questions.
"They're all fine. Well, except for the two headless ones." Anakin assures.
"At least they were the only casualties." Vex sighs, before the scratch of his dry throat has him cough.
"You did what you had to do. So did I." Anakin states solemnly, before he stands with a sigh. "I need to go to inform the troops on Geonosis about the parasites. I'll come back to get you both once you're cleared for duty." He walks off, leaving Vex and Ahsoka alone. Vex lies himself back down, managing to fall back to sleep, his memories leaving him alone for once, as his body draws in electrical energy from the med droids that occasionally came to check on them, his unconscious powers speeding the healing process of the troops, Barriss and Ahsoka, as well as his own.