Interior: Coruscant, Padme's apartment.

As they were granted clearance, Captain Typho informed, "Senator Amidala, Masters Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luminara Unduli. The Mandalore.
And Padawans Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee have arrived."

Emerging in a semi-formal outfit, Padme greeted, "It's a pleasure to see you all again," and turned to Obi-Wan, "I take it Ani's being held up by finding a speeder he liked?"
"You know me so well," replied Anakin as he walked in and Typho excused himself.

Ahsoka chuckled, "Typical Skyguy."
Padme smiled, "Ani, it's always a pleasure to see you."

As they sat down, Luminara casually asked, "By the way, how long have you and Senator Amidala been married, Skywalker?"
Padme froze.
"I'm not sure what you're-" began Skyguy.

"Anakin, it's quite alright if you're together.
Obi-Wan and I are a couple. With some slight encouragement and support from Barriss and Galen, over the years."
Kenobi added, "You're my brother, Anakin.
If you're in a relationship, you can trust me to keep your secret."
Qui-Gon interjected, "You can also confide this truth in me, son."
Padme confessed, "Yes, we're married."

"Congratulations." cheerfully said Luminara, "I'm very happy for you.
And while we haven't always been the closest, I'd like to change that.
Galen's spent years helping me to feel comfortable letting my guard down and opening up to people."
Senator Skywalker smiled, "He's also partly responsible for me and Ani staying in touch over the years."
Anakin chimed in, "And that's something I've always been grateful for."

Barriss asked, "If you don't mind my asking, Anakin, what's your mother like? From your point of view?"
"She's kind-hearted, caring, compassionate, loving, warm, reassuring, generous, and knows what's right.
Even when I had nothing, I had her.
I literally had no father, so she was the only family I had.
She's the best." fondly said Anakin.

Ahsoka asked Galen, "Should we show our friends some of the trooper's nose art, including rejected ones, and ones they had to remove?"
"Sure," shrugged Marek who mentioned, "Fair warning: some troopers have been assigned laundry and other despised chores as punishment for some of their artwork being inappropriate." before each present Jedi pulled up several holopics.

Looking at one of the pics, Padme asked, "Whose idea was that one, of me?"
"Crosshair. I had it rejected since I didn't think you'd approve.
Not so much of the artwork as what was written with it."
"'Diplomacy through blasters,'?
Definitely out of character for me." said Padme who adored a small collection of pics of Tano, "ARC-ANGEL Ahsoka?"
"Yeah."

"You look so cute yet badass.
And I'm sure Ani and the boys in blue couldn't feel safer with you, their ARC-ANGEL, protecting them."
"Anakin is, but Palpatine really isn't."
Padme's demeaner changed to one of concern for Tano, "What happened, sweetie?"

After hearing everything, Padme protectively hugged Ahsoka, "How dare he treat you so horribly?" before Anakin's comlink beeped.

Via comlink, Palpatine said, "Anakin, my dear boy, I have something to discuss with you. Please come to my office, alone."
The present company wasn't impressed to hear the bastard himself.

"I don't know how you got my frequency, but I'm on a very important assignment with my amazing Padawan.
Whatever it is will have to wait for someone who cares."
"Oh? How unfortunate. It's upsetting to me that the Council doesn't seem to fully appreciate your talents.
They waste your time and your potential by making you babysit an unworthy child." sneered Palpatine, "They clearly don't trust you with anything more than babysitting insolent younglings and failures.
They're only holding you back from fulfilling your destiny."

Everyone present was disgusted by the bastard's words.

Interjecting whilst Galen recorded the whole conversation, Kenobi said, "On the contrary. It's because of Anakin's talents that he's been granted the privilege of teaching a Padawan.
The Council trusts him with the responsibility of training one of the finest, most promising, most talented, most gifted, and most amazing Padawans in the Order's history: Ahsoka Tano."

Padawan Ahsoka's eyes lit up in appreciation of such high praise whilst blushing as she tightly hugged her Grandmaster.

Surprised, Palpatine asked, "Master Kenobi? I wasn't aware you were with him.
Why does the Council not make Anakin a Jedi Master? Or put him on the Council?
He and I could be doing great things if we worked together.
I see him becoming the most powerful of all the Jedi.
If he and I work together, we could bring… peace, security and order to the galaxy."

Ahsoka snippily chimed in, via Skyguy's comlink, "My Skyguy told you he's busy on an important mission.
He's got better things to do than hear the lies of a vile, foul, creepy, perverted schutta like you!" and cut the transmission.

After a brief moment, Anakin gently patted Ahsoka on the back, "And that's why we call you Snips.
After what he just said about you, he deserved what you called him."

Barriss asked, "What would he know or mean about your destiny?"
Anakin replied, "I have no idea."
"He has no right to tell you what your destiny is.
Your destiny is yours to decide for yourself, Ani." said Padme.
Luminara chimed in, "I agree."

Ahsoka bluntly stated, "He's only interested in you because he thinks you're the Chosen One, Skyguy."
"But I am the Chosen One," joked Skyguy as he held his wife's hand before Ahsoka elbowed his ribcage, "Ow!"
"He's also confusing peace with terror."
"I agree."

"You're in need of a good therapist after everything you've been through, and you'd probably feel a lot better." Snips mentioned to Skyguy.
Luminara interjected, "I'm willing to be your mind healer.
I do it for Galen."
"I know it'll make me feel better to get things off my chest, but I hate talking about my past."
Padme pointed out, "It might've been far worse if Galen wasn't such a good friend to you.
You told me that Darth Maul murdered his family because he was after you."

Barriss observed, "Logically speaking, Galen and Anakin should be enemies because of that.
Yet Galen goes out of his way to help and protect Anakin, instead of blaming and hating him, or trying to kill him."
Marek elaborated, "My part in the prophecy is to protect the Chosen One, and I've never blamed Ani.
It was Maul who killed my parents, not Ani."

Padme noted, "Speaking of hate, another reason Galen despises Palpatine is he sent the Jedi strike team that murdered his aliit.
After some light reading, I learnt the orders weren't to arrest his clan, they were to execute them on sight, so the Jedi disobeyed orders that day."
Everyone pulled Galen into a hug.

Marek asked Padme, "Can you please review the Republic's financial history, the communication logs in the Senate building, and Palpatine's shuttle's flight logs?"

"Is this for an investigation into the corruption in the Senate, and your suspicion of Palpatine being a Sith?"
"Yes. I've been collecting evidence over the years for a case file.
And there's some undeniably strong evidence now."
"I'd like to see it."

"Also, even ghosts of Jetii and Sith past point towards Palpatine being the Sith Lord behind the war and the blockade of Naboo.
Plus, testimony from known associates including Count Dooku, and recorded transmissions from Sidious himself."

Barriss asked, "Do you believe Dooku's telling the truth?"
"He, Exar Kun and Arren Kae have all pointed directly at Palpatine.
Plus Kun wanted to stop Sidious.
Kreia hates the Sith, and loves some of my ancestors.
Also, some of Padme's would-be assassins were directly hired by Sidious with the intention of hurting Ani."
Anakin turned to his old friend, "Show us everything you have related to Palpatine and Sidious."

After securing the room, they reviewed the evidence, leads and recordings.
When they were finished, Marek revealed, "Padme, I found a goldmine of devastating evidence against the Hutts and thousands of corrupt Senators, literally including Palpatine's inner circle and his entire administration, which can also be used to help our case."
Padme reviewed the Hutt holo-diary, "How long have you had this?"
"Long enough for his sources to decrypt and covertly verify the authenticity of everything on there.
An open move or investigation into any political figure in the Senate could've been seen as treason."
"True."

The next day.
Exterior: Hyperspace.
Interior: Starkiller's flagship, The Starhawk, hangar.

Starkiller gazed upon a YT-1300: Falcon, a VCX-100: Spectre, an XS stock light freighter: Redshifter MKII.
The Rogue Shadow. the Ebon Hawk. Jaster's Legacy MKII.
The Scimitar. Havoc Marauder.
A custom Firespray-class interceptor: Akul's Claw.
A modified gauntlet-class starfighter: Howlrunner.
Mando style ETA-2 Actis-class interceptors, and several Delta-7 starfighters.

Starkiller asked, "Which one should I pilot for this op?"
"I think the Akul's Claw." answered Bo-Katan, "it's formidable for such a small ship."
"The Firespray-class Interceptor is a mercenary's ideal choice of starfighter.
I'll let the team fly this little rag-tag fleet, as well as their ships.
I'll fly one of my ETA-2s, and have the others and my D-7s piloted remotely like a videogame," decided Starkiller.
"Oh, I think the troops will love you for that, Mandalore."
"Bo, when a boy shares his toys, that's trust."

Bo-Katan smiled fondly, "I still can't believe how much you've grown, matured and improved since we first met."
"Thanks, and the Jetii council will argue the extent of my maturity amount themselves then with you."

"The trial by combat on Maridun was a smart move.
Was it a calculated tactical move, or a risky manoeuvre made because you were severely outgunned?"
"I don't think you want me to answer that.
And the risky manoeuvre is bringing Isabet Reau and Dred Priest into the field.
Within two minutes of meeting them, I wanted to kill them and replace them with you and Ursa."

"That's kinda sweet, and I know that feeling.
Why bring those two psychos into the field, instead of leaving them on Kamino?"
"So they're away from my ad'ika, and can't pass their sociopathy on to any more troops.
They already did a number on Bacara, Neyo and Faie."

"Speaking of trust, wasn't that Dathomir Witch you recruited Dar'jetii?"
"She's another victim of Kyr'tsad who lost everything.
She never wanted to be aligned with the Sith.
And I don't particularly trust Pre, but I still convinced Asajj not to kill him."
"How'd you do that?"
"I let her put a handful of the least trustworthy troops in the same squad."
"That explains how Pre, Gar, Tiber, Dred and Isabet got in the same one."
"I also killed Montross, just like I promised.
He was my first quarry as a bounty hunter."

Chiming in, Visas softly asked, "Master, am I to aid in the space battle?"
"A blind pilot is a disaster waiting to happen," interjected Kryze, "also, I've got my eye on you, Dar'jetii.
You try to kill Galen, then you're all submissive, obedient and subservient towards him?
I don't buy it, and I don't trust you."
"I do not ask for your trust, Owl of the Nite." softly said Visas who turned to Galen.

"What is it, Visas?" questioned Marek, sensing her curiosity.
"Master, who was the woman you spoke the name of in your sleep, last night? Selina?"
"Someone I made a promise to save, and I still need to make good on that promise."

"You believe this woman's still alive?"
"Were you listening in on me while I was sleeping?"
"Forgive me, Master, I didn't mean to.
I find your voice comforting."
"Okay?"

Remembering, Bo-Katan asked, "Wasn't she that little Cat girl you befriended all those years ago?"
"The one your old boss sold to that Zygerrian Princess, Miraj? Yes."
"She's the Queen now."
"And I know just about every elite assassin and bounty hunter in the galaxy.
Many of whom owe me favours, and some of them are ex-slaves.
If I wanted to, I could make a government fall overnight."
"Why don't you?"
"Who says I haven't done it before?" he joked, just to see the look on Bo's face.

Via hologram as he appeared, Obi-Wan inquired, "Galen, where are you?"
Starkiller answered, "An Imperial fleet is headed to reinforce their garrison on Ryloth.
ISB knows Anakin, Ahsoka and the 501st are on their way.
As good as they are, they'll have their hands full with the blockade the way it is.
The Imps will be too much for them without support, so I'm providing it."
Kenobi dramatically gasped, "And you didn't invite me to the party?"
"I thought you had a hot date with Luminara."
"You know me so well."

"Aayla, Eldra, Ara, Xiaan, and Finn Ertay may or may not also be on the way to Ryloth." stated Galen, "off the books, of course."
"Do you have any regard for the Senate's authority? This is unsanctioned, you're-"
"Going rogue? That's what I do best, and I know you're on your way too."

"More importantly, I've been neglecting your training due to these times of war and our other responsibilities, so we'll hopefully have a chance to correct that soon," noted Obi-Wan before his hologram faded.

Turning to Galen, Bo-Katan asked, "I heard a rumour you paid a visit to Malachor V.
What was that like?"
"Now I understand why it's synonymous with hell.
There was no life of any kind.
No emotion, nor trace of the Force there.
It was beyond disturbing."

"Did you have a bad feeling about it?"
"No, and that's how I knew something was wrong.
It was like the air was too dry and stale to breathe yet I did anyway.
Now get to your ship."

Soon thereafter.
Exterior: Space, Ryloth system.

Anakin's fleet of 4 Venators and Ahsoka's fighter squadron were caught off-guard as 10 Imperial Star Destroyers arrived, deployed all fighters, reinforcing the blockade, and sent several transport ships to the surface.

Interior: Venator, Resolute, observation deck.

"Ah, karabast!" exclaimed an alarmed Anakin.
Caught off-guard, Yularen ordered, "Evasive manoeuvres!"

Interior: Ahsoka's D-7.

As her eyes widened in shock and horror, Tano nervously quipped, "I think this is an SPD emergency.
We might need a Lightspeed Rescue."

Exterior: Space, Ryloth.

As if on cue, Starkiller's fleet came out of hyperspace.

(Starkiller's fleet: Mando style Starhawk-class battleships, Venators, Acclamators and MC80s.
Keldabe-class battleships. Crusader-class corvettes. Rag-tag ships.
Fighter, interceptor, tactical support and bomber squadrons of various designs and models.)

Interior: Starkiller's ETA-2, cockpit.

Starkiller, over comms, hailed Blue leader, "My friends and I were hoping we could crash the party.
Mind if we cut in?"

Interior: Ahsoka's D-7, cockpit.

Ahsoka sighed in relief, "Talk about perfect timing."

Interior: Starkiller's ETA-2, cockpit.

Starkiller, via radio, ordered, "All squadron leaders, report in."
"Mandalore, this is Rogue Shadow standing by."
"Redshifter standing by,"
"Ebon Hawk standing by."
"Falcon soaring high."
"Spectre ready to engage."
"Scimitar still sharp."
"Havoc Marauder standing by."
"Akul's claw standing by."
"Howlrunner standing by."
"Inferno leader bringing the heat,"
"Skull leader standing by."
Various other squadron leaders said, "Standing by."

Starkiller ordered, "Lock s-foils in attack positions.
Cruisers, as soon as you're in range, rain down fire upon the enemy as if you're the rain on Kamino." earning some laughter, "And may the Force be with you."
"For Mandalore!" called several Mando squadron leaders.

Starkiller instructed his squadron, "Phoenix squadron, form up on me."
"Copy, Mand'alor." acknowledged Phoenix squadron's pilots.

Interior: Imperial flagship, bridge.

The Sith fleet Admiral clenched his fist in frustration, "It's the Mandalorians, again."
An officer informed, "Admiral, our communications are being jammed."

Interior: Pre Vizsla's starfighter.

Readying his squadron, Pre asked, "Mand'alor, why are we rescuing Jetii? Our two people are long-time rivals."
"Rivalry isn't the same as being enemies.
We have our differences, but we've always been stronger together.
An alliance o'r arms bal kinship between mhi Mando'ade bal Jetii terrifies te Dar'jetii empire.
This galaxy is our home, and the Sith will not take it from us."
"I'll give you credit, that was a nice speech."

Interior: Bo-Katan's starfighter, cockpit.

Bo-Katan encouraged, "First-time flyers, time to earn your wings."
"Copy that, Lieutenant." acknowledged one of the pilots.

Exterior: Space, Ryloth.

Whilst shooting down Imperial starfighters, Iden said, "Get ready, boys, it's time to burn these Sith scum to ashes,"
"Right with you, Iden." replied Inferno-2.

Decimating the enemy forces, Phoenix squadron shot down dozens of Imperial fighter squadrons.

Interior: Axe's V-19, cockpit.

Taking evasive action, Axe, from blue squadron, called, "I've got six on my tail."

Interior: Fanblade starfighter, cockpit.

As she expertly took out the TIE-fighters on Axe's tail, Ventress replied, "You're clear, dear."
"Thanks… wait, who is that?"
"The name's Asajj."

Interior: Rogue Shadow, cockpit.

"Ahsoka, fighters coming in at 0.35," alerted Captain Juno Eclipse whilst shooting down several TIEs.

Interior: Ahsoka's D-7, cockpit.

"Copy, Juno." acknowledged Ahsoka, "I'm on my mark," and simultaneously shot down a squadron of fighters.

Interior: Ebon Hawk, cockpit.

As he shot down several TIEs, Carth praised, "Great job, Ahsoka."

Interior: Ahsoka's D-7.

"Likewise, Carth." returned the Togrutan Padawan whilst they continued to combat the Imperial fleet.

Interior: Fanblade starfighter, cockpit.

With her own fighter squadron, Ventress shot down a dozen or so TIEs, "Nice flying, Ahsoka, sweetie."

Interior: Ahsoka's D-7, cockpit.

"Thanks, Asajj, and likewise," returned Tano whilst taking evasive action and shooting down more TIEs.

Exterior: Space, Ryloth.

Noticing some Imperial transports leaving the atmosphere, the Mando fleet intercepted and drew them in via tractor beam whilst a fighter squadron protected them from Sith starfighters.

Interior: Starhawk, hanger.

As a platoon of troops carefully blasted a few stormtroopers who disembarked, a handful of scared Twi'lek women of various ages exited the transports before being freed from collars and shackles.

A green Twi'lek, in her early 30s, asked, "Mandalorians? Are you invading our world too?"
Silas shook his head, "No, ma'am, we came to help your people liberate it."

"Who are you?"
"Lieutenant Commander Silas of Clan Ordo.
What's your name?"
"Elani Syndulla."
"We'll get you home safely.
You have my word, ma'am," vowed Silas.
"I'll believe you when it happens, Mandalorian."
"Fair enough, and we have personnel ready if any of you need medical attention."

Later.
Exterior: space, Ryloth.
Interior: Starkiller's custom ETA-2, cockpit.

Via hologram, Starkiller ordered, "Rylothian Angels, get over here before something else happens." before several Jedi cruisers arrived.

Interior: The Resolute, hangar.

Exiting her ship to see a relieved Skyguy waiting, Ahsoka observed, "Anakin, you look exhausted, are you ok?"
"I haven't been sleeping well. Nightmares."
"Do you wanna talk about it?" asked a concerned Ahsoka.
Anakin shook his head, "Not really…"

Giving him a hug, she assured, "When you're ready to, I'm here for you to talk to and confide in."
Returning the hug, Skyguy smiled, "Thank you, Snips.
You're the best Padawan and little sister that I could've hoped for."
"I love you too, big brother." warmly returned Ahsoka.

Interior: Coruscant, Jedi temple, council chambers.

Seated with several Council members, Mace stated, "I think we should address the Marek problem. "
Plo protested, "He is not a problem, and it is unfair to make him the topic of debate when he is not present, nor is Master Kenobi, his assigned teacher."

Windu grunted, "He acts as if he's a Knight or Master in everything but the title.
And he's teaching the ways of the Force to entire classes of non-Jedi."
"Passing on what one has learned is one of the greatest responsibilities of a Jedi." interjected Adi Gallia, "And he's showing great maturity when doing so, as Depa, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon can vouch for."
"But they're close with him, it's-"

Annoyed, Plo questioned, "Are the ways of the Force a Jedi's alone to learn, Master Windu?
Would you so bitterly claim the Baran Do Sages have no right to learn the ways of the Force, as you do these Mandalorian Knights?"
"It's not the teachings, but the teacher I have a problem with."
"Petty prejudices, beneath you, they should be." reprimanded Yoda, "For one who preaches maturity, your own advice, you should take."

Knowing it'd vex Mace, Kit suggested, "We could promote Galen to Jedi Knight or Master, given he honestly is one in everything but the title."
"He's too young for that!" rebuffed Windu.
"You weren't much older than he is now, when you were knighted."

"I still don't trust him," stated Mace.
"Yes, you've made that all too clear ever since he and Anakin first set foot in the temple," responded Luminara who proudly added, "Galen's twice the man you are."
Producing a hologram of Galen and Ventress, Mace sternly asked, "Are we just going to ignore he's harbouring the Sith fugitive, Asajj Ventress?"
Gallia interjected, "This is out of context, and Masters Kit and Plo have already made it clear that Ventress is on a redemption journey.
She's no longer a Sith, nor did she ever want to be one."

Mace sighed, "There's also what Marek is, surely you've felt it.
He thrives in conflict, he fails to adhere to our teachings and doesn't even claim to be a Jedi anymore."
"I sense a great many battles that one has left in him," said Cin Drallig, "he finds peace in conflict.
And actions speak louder than words."

"Battlemaster Drallig, surely you feel the Force around him is different.
Since Taris, he has grown more and more powerful yet there's an emptiness inside him."
"We've all felt it, but unlike you who are nothing but cruel to him, the rest of us accept him all the same."

"Speaking of Taris, one of the ancient Sith warships is a literal ghost.
Where it and the one it carries travels, death follows." interjected Eeth Koth, "The Ravager was present when Taris fell."

Later.
Exterior: Ryloth, battlefield.

As he cut down a handful of Sith acolytes and freed several slaves whom picked up the blasters of fallen Stormtroopers, Starkiller acted as a conduit for the Force flowing through him.
He felt peace of mind despite all the fighting, explosions and gunfire around him.

Looming over the bodies of a handful of clones, a Sith pureblood stepped back in shock, mistaking Starkiller's mask for another's, "You!? How the Malachor did you escape the Emperor's prison?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," dismissed Starkiller, "Now who are you?"
"My name is unimportant, my duty to my Emperor is."

"Does he have any name I'd know? Like Vitiate? Or Tenebrae?"
"How dare you speak his name?" snarled the Sith Lord.
"Very easily," replied Starkiller who blocked several fierce strikes from his opponent.

"You would've made a great Sith Lord," stated the blood red bastard.
"Tried it once, didn't work out."
"A shame, the Empire could've used your skills."
"No thanks, I don't serve my enemies."
"You're not who I thought you were, but you're so much like him." snarled the Sith who was joined by a Grand Moff.

"I'll assume that's a compliment," shrugged Galen who stated, "If you're trying to estimate my power, I was casting lightning and controlling Terentateks by the age of two years old.
It gave Darth Maul quite a shock when I unleashed both on him."
"Electricity puns? Really? And who is this Darth Maul?"
"He was Sidious's apprentice, independently from the Empire.
He plans to kill your Emperor and usurp him."
"That explains it, and I must inform the Emperor of Sidious's treason." snarled the Sith Lord before being disarmed and knocked onto his back.

"I do not know your names, but I offer you mercy," said Starkiller, "leave this world and its people, or die where you stand."
"A Jedi offering mercy? Why would you do such a thing as let us live?
"I want Sidious dead."
"Just what kind of Jedi are you?" asked the Imperial Grand Moff.
"I never said I was one, and I want the Sith Empire off of Ryloth.
The Twi'leks have enough problems without you being one of them."

"And the Republic treats them any better than we do?"
"Does the Empire grant full citizenship to all worlds that are part of it? Or is it just your capital?
Has slavery been abolished?
Are all species in the Empire given equal rights?"
"The weak deserve their chains, and subjugate worlds must earn their place in our glorious Empire."

Stepping back, Galen tapped into the Imperial comms, and said, "I know you believe in your cause, but be mindful of how you go about it."
"What do you mean?" asked the Grand Moff.
"How you choose to fight is just as important as what you fight for."
"Hmm, and what do you fight for?"
"My people, my friends, and my family.
I don't fight for myself, I fight for them, and for those who cannot." answered Starkiller who ended the transmission.

Getting to his feet, the Sith Lord launched lightning at Galen, "Selflessness is a weakness, now die!" only for it to be absorbed then sent back at him, incapacitating him.

Taken aback by the effortless display of power, the Imp trembled in his boots, "No!"
"You will order your troops to stand down and leave Ryloth. Now." commanded Mandalore who gave him a nudge with the Force.

Unable to resist the Force's influence, the Moff pressed his comlink, "All forces, this planet is not worth wasting our resources.
Pull the division out, the Republic wins this round, but we shall win the war."
"Yes, sir." chorused Imperial officers and troops, without question.

Backing away from Marek who read his mind, the Imp blinked before fleeing with his friend.

"I'm gonna have to look into what prison they were talking about." thought Galen who answered his comlink, "Yes?"
"Galen, what just happened?
One minute the Sith are swarming us, now they're running away?" asked Xiaan, "and they only recently sent the reinforcements you intercepted."
"I had a little chat with a Grand Moff, and convinced him to order a retreat."
"A chat?"
"I can be very persuasive."
"You're definitely learning from Master Kenobi."

Later.
Interior: Imperial flagship, bridge.

Kneeling before many members of the Dark Council, next to his Sith Lord companion, the Grand Moff said, "Pardon our intrusion, my Lords."
"Speak your piece."
"We bring news of high treason and treachery against the Empire."
"Identify this traitor."
"Darth Sidious."
"And the source of your accusation?"
"It was Galen Marek, the Mand'alor.
How he knew Sidious's name in the first place, I do not know."
"Interesting… very interesting."

Exterior: Ryloth, village.

Clearing out some stubborn stormtroopers who didn't follow the retreat order, Galen stopped as a Sith aimed a gun at a terrified, scantily clad, sexy Twi'lek woman kneeling a few feet away from him.

She had pale blue skin with mesmerizing hazel eyes.
She wore a black dancer's bikini, leather fishnet-like wrappings around her lekku, and binders.

As the Sith shot at her, Galen used Force speed to get her to safety whilst dodging all but the last shot which he deflected back at the Sith whose lifeless body fell to the ground.

Freeing the woman whom he helped to her feet, Galen removed his helmet, "Are you okay?" before she threw herself into his arms and deeply kissed him, triggering his psychometry.
Not wanting to offend her, he went with it.

Parting lips, she gratefully said, "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he returned, "what's your name?"
"Lyn, my name is Lyn Me."
"That's a beautiful name.
Mine is Galen Marek."

"When you leave Ryloth, can I come with you?" she requested.
"By all means, but where will you go?"
"I've always wanted to be a professional dancer and singer.
I'd like to study it, but I don't have a credit to my name or any family to help me."
"I'll call in a few favours for you, and in a galaxy at war: no sound would be more welcome than the sound of music." he smoothly answered, making her eyes light up before she kissed him again.

When their lips parted, Lyn blushed when they realised they now had a small audience.

"Making friends with the locals, and working on your public relations, Star?" teased Aayla, not at all surprised.
"From a certain point of view," shrugged Marek who gestured, "Buir, this is Lyn Me.
Lyn, this is Aayla Secura."

The two Twi'leks exchanged friendly smiles.

Turning to Galen, Lyn asked, "Would it be alright if we shared your quarters tonight, Master Galen?"
"You don't have to call me that."
"After saving my life and what you said you'll do for me, I owe you a debt.
Do you not wish for my services to repay you?"

"How do I get myself into these situations?" thought Galen who assured, "You don't owe me anything, Lyn.
I don't deal in slavery."
"If I'm going to be a singer, I'll need practice.
Would you like me to sing for you?"
"I need to check on my troops and do a headcount first."

Later.
Interior: Ryloth, Republic communications centre.

Activating the holo-projector, Galen greeted, "Su cuy'gar, Senator Organa, it's been a while."
With a smile, Bail asked, "What can I do for you, my friend?"

As he gestured for Lyn to step into view, Marek answered, "Lyn Me, this is Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan.
Bail, I was hoping you could sponsor Lyn so she can study dance and music.
She's a truly gifted and talented rising star."
"I would be happy to, my friend," said Organa.

Lyn couldn't believe her luck, then tightly hugged Marek, "Thank you!"
"Have you heard of Max Reebo?"
"Of course… Why do you ask?"
"He's taking auditions for new members of his band, and his tour's next stop is Ryloth."
"You think I'm that good?"
"I know you are." he assured her, earning an affectionate smile.

Interior: Ryloth, Republic command centre, med-bay.

Galen turned to Cody, "It's great that neither of us got demoted after I was assigned to Obi-Wan.
Many juvenile Padawans have been, much to my disapproval, made military officers unless they have responsible teachers.
Also, Captain Cody just wouldn't sound right."
"Agreed."

Ahsoka raised her facial markings, "Define responsible teachers,"
"Ones not using juvenile padawans as soldiers.
It's literally a war crime, and can badly impact the development of a youth's mind."
Yularen, who was getting a check-up, added, "I concur with Mand'alor."

Tano agreed, "So do I. It wasn't my choice to be on the front lines of a war.
But I love hanging out with and getting to know everyone.
I don't even know why we're fighting in the first place."
Galen mentioned, "Neither do most Jetii.
We're mostly just pawns in the Sith's galactic game of chess.
They control almost all sides of this war and corrupt everything else."

Galen mentioned to the clones, "For the record: Kota actually likes you guys in his own way.
His objections to clone soldiers are coming from the morally grey areas.
And concerns about the training and engineering."
Kix asked, "What's his main problem?"
"Besides you're being engineered to be more obedient and less independent?
He doesn't trust Kaminoans, Mandos, bounty hunters or mercs of any kind.
You can probably imagine how he feels about all four at once."
"Got it. Reasonably weary old war dog with trust issues."

Kal chimed in, "There's also how some Jedi wiped out Jango's aliit on Galidraan.
I heard Kota was there."
Galen verified, "He was, and he's one of the only Jetii, next to Yoda, who directly apologised to me for what happened.
The guilt is another reason he won't work with clones."

"You were there?" asked a horrified Yularen, "you watched it happen?"
"Yes, I did, thank you for the traumatic flashback!" snapped Marek.
"Sorry, sir, I didn't mean to bring up old wounds."
Marek exhaled, "I know."

"Speaking of trust issues, why doesn't Galen trust Chancellor Palpatine?" asked Fives.
Galen answered, "He sent that strike team to Galidraan.
They were acting on his behalf.
And I believe he's a Sith Lord called Darth Sidious." making the clones tense up.
Noticing the clones' reactions, Yularen asked, "Troopers? Is something wrong?"
Ahsoka, Visas and Galen sensed something off.

"Something is wrong," stated the young Miraluka, "there is a disturbance, an internal struggle."

Rubbing his forehead as if having a headache, Tup blinked a few times then fell into a trance, "Good soldiers follow orders. Good soldiers follow orders,"
"Tup? You ok?" asked a concerned Fives, "you don't look so good,"

Tup suddenly began shooting at Ahsoka so Galen dissolved the blaster bolts with the Force, "Tup, no!"

"Good soldiers follow orders. Good soldiers follow orders!
Kill the Jedi!" growled the trooper, alarming everyone present.
"Tup! Stop!" ordered the present clone officers, bewildered by their brother's actions.
"What in blazes is going on?" gasped Yularen.

"Must finish the mission! Must kill the Jedi!
Kill them all for Darth Sidious!" ranted Tup, "must execute Order 66 for the Chancellor!
Must carry out protocol 66!
Kill all the Jedi for Chancellor Palpatine!" alarming everyone present.

Everyone present collectively asked, "What the kriff?"
Galen, whose helmet was recording the whole time, Force pulled the gun away from the trooper.

Getting the drop on him, Yularen punched Tup in the face, knocking him to the ground.
"Woah! Nice right hook, Admiral," praised Ahsoka.
"Thank you, Commander." appreciated the Admiral who received a hug from the Togruta, "oh!"

After a moment, Tup blinked a few times as he found himself on the floor, and looked around to see shocked looks, "Huh? What? What happened?"
Visibly horrified, Fives answered, "You just tried to kill Ahsoka."
"What? I don't- I'd never hurt her," asked a bewildered Tup who was handcuffed, "I don't understand."
"Neither do the rest of us," replied Kal.

Galen mentioned, "Tup, we had to give you cognitive recalibration,"
"What?"
"Admiral Yularen punched you in the face."
"Fair enough, you could've used that electricity of yours as a taser as well."
"Absolutely not."

"Tup, I'll put you under so we can do a thorough brain scan." said Kix, "And I'll have you quarantined until further notice.
We don't know what caused it."
"Okay."

Yularen turned to Iden, "Did anything like this happen when you were with Kota?"
"He doesn't even allow clone soldiers into his unit, and what the hell is Order 66?"
"I'm just as confused as you, Commander."

"Now I know we can't trust Palpatine." growled Skirata, "and we should have a chat with te Kamini,"
Present company agreed, "Ditto."

As he entered, Aayla asked, "I heard blasts. What happened to trooper Tup? Why's he in handcuffs?"
Present company briefed Secura who became visibly alarmed, "I must inform the Council."

Galen advised, "Meet with them in person.
Under no circumstances can we risk transmissions about it being intercepted.
It's obviously been kept a closely guarded secret."

Iden mentioned, "The whole thing started during a talk with Fives about trust issues.
And Galen's suspicion of Palpatine being Darth Sidious."
"That's quite disturbing timing.
He's had that suspicion since he was a child before joining the Order." replied Aayla, "even attacked him on sight, once or twice."

"And the Council didn't at least investigate the accusation?" asked almost everyone in the room, in unison.
"I asked them the same question." replied Aayla, "it was a disturbing possibility."

Galen noted, "Speaking of disturbing, ner vod'e froze up when I mentioned Sidious," then turned to Kix, "I've trained as both a medic bal healer, so let ni know if you need help taking care of any patients."
"Thanks, vod."

Fives volunteered, "If there's anything I can do to help, I will.
If you find there's something wrong with Tup, run the same tests on me to see if I'm compromised too."
Tech pointed out, "This may have something to do with the Reg's programming.
I theorize Tup's inhibitor chip malfunctioned."

"Tup's what?" asked everyone present.
"It's well documented that the Kaminoans inhibit their clones using bio-organic chips."
Galen raised an eyebrow, "And you only mentioned this, now?"
"I thought you all knew.
Clearly, I was wrong to assume so."

"Sounds like I need to have a chat with ner Buir, and punch some people in the face.
The Council needs to know about this, but via secure means."
"I suggest we have everyone's chips removed, and the non-clones checked for such chips."

As he walked in, Anakin paused, "Uh… what'd I miss?"
"Long story short: we have further proof we can't trust Chancellor Palpatine." answered Yularen.
Anakin raised an eyebrow, "What's he done this time?" before being briefed.

Kix mentioned, "General Skywalker, your most recent brain scan results revealed some hardware that shouldn't be there.
There appears to be an inhibitor chip, both behavioral and Force suppressing, and an inactive nanotech explosive in your neck."
Knowing exactly what the latter was, Skywalker demanded, "Get them the hell out of me!"
"That's the plan, though it will be a delicate operation."

Mando'a translations.

Aliit - family.

Jetii - Jedi.

Dar'Jetii - Sith.

Ad'ika - little one.

Mand'alor - sole ruler of the Mandalorians.

O'r - in.

Bal - and.

Mhi - we.

Mando'ade - Mandalorians.

Buir - Parent.

Vod - brother.

Ner - my.