Hello everyone. Here is Chapter 7 of the Mandalorian Maverick. Will continues his training on Coruscant while Obi-wan stays on the planet as well. This gives him more time training which he uses as best as he can but that gets interrupted when Master Windu and Anakin come back from Malastare with a giant alien known as the Zillo beast. Coruscant turns into the unfortunate battleground for a raging monster. After that, the Republic and the Jedi find out about a new droid factory on Geonosis which prompts another invasion. Knowing what happened last time, Will is determined to prevent the same outcome. Enjoy!

The Mandalorian Maverick: Back to where it all began

21BBY: Coruscant

In the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, Will was walking through the halls with BD-8 on his shoulder. He was on the way for another training session with Obi-wan who was surprisingly free. Obi-wan was going to be on Coruscant for a while to oversee business for the council which gave the 212th R&R and time to refit before they were deployed again. Anakin and the 501st legion were deployed again to Malastare with Master Windu but Ahsoka was staying behind at the temple to continue her time in the Jedi Archives. After the excitement and drama with Cad Bane's break-in and attempted theft, things went back to normal. The holocron vault was quickly fixed and refortified with new security measures put around the temple but there were still variables that needed to be addressed. While the council was quick to assume that Dooku was behind Bane's employment they had no proof and Qi'ra wasn't able to find any leads for them. Whoever hired Bane and gave him the information to infiltrate the temple covered their tracks. If Bane were still alive as Will thought he was, if they encountered one another again then maybe they'd get answers.

Will arrived at the training room and saw Master Kenobi waiting for him but he also saw Ahsoka as well. "It's about time you showed up, Mando."

"Ahsoka, what are you doing here?" He asked.

"I asked her to come. Anakin may not be here and she is assisting Master Jocasta Nu in the archives but I would see that she keeps to her training." Obi-wan said to Will. "And it will give me a chance to see how your training is progressing in a spar against another capable Padawan."

"Sounds like fun." Will remarked.

"I could use the training and it lets me make sure your head doesn't get too big from your ego and explode." Ahsoka said to him which made Obi-wan chuckle.

"In most cases I tend to keep a very level head and my ego in check thank you very much, Ace. But with you, I think we both know I'm the better fighter." Will stated as the two stood across the room from one another.

Ahsoka activated her green saber in her traditional reverse grip stance indicative of her training in Form-Five. One thing she and Anakin shared was the favor for Form-Five of Djem So using power attacks and immediately following up defensive stances by counterstrikes. The Shien variant was for blaster deflection and was Ahsoka's preferred form and focus. Will activated his blue saber and stood with his feet shoulder distance apart and left foot slightly behind his right one, his hips forward, shoulders steady and his saber held in the front of his waist with the blade pointed at Ahsoka. This was middle-level posture stance which was one of the most basic saber stances that provided the perfect balance between attack and defensive techniques. It was the perfect position to lead into quick strikes and thrust from Form-2, defensive sweeps and blocks of Form-3, and acrobatic movement of Form-4.

"Best of luck. And Will…if you lose then know you'll have my profound disappointment." Obi-wan told him.

"Good to know and thanks for the vote of confidence." Will remarked, earning a chuckle from his master. "On your go, Ace."

"Age before beauty, Mando." Ahsoka quipped.

"You're gonna wish you didn't say that." Will chuckled before he quickly adopted a serious face and made his first move. A quick step forward and thrust nearly hit Ahsoka in the face had she not backed away but the blade was close and the sudden lunge caught her off guard. She managed to raise her blade and deflected his next slash followed up by another swipe and then lunge before she parried it into a slash that he blocked. He kept to the style and footwork of Form-2 Makashi and attacked with quick precise strikes and lunges indicative of training in the dueling style. Tight efficient footwork and precise movements with limiting excessive motion and energy wasting. His flurry of attacks and speed forced Ahsoka to backpedal and go on the defensive.

Ahsoka blocked, dodged, and parried all his attacks and then counterattacked with her own power attacks and slashes that were blocked. Unfortunately for her, Will had some training in Form-Five thanks to the training he had undertaken learning Form-6 Niman. He wasn't as well versed like Master Skywalker or Ahsoka but he knew enough to anticipate how she would defend and attack. She blocked several of his lunges and slashes before using the momentum to move into counterattacks aimed at his torso and legs but he used short sweeps, tight blocks, and subtle foot movement to dodge which was indictive of training in Form-Three. Obi-wan watched as Will took quick but precise footsteps back while maintaining tight sweeps and circle blocks in front of him to block and parry Ahsoka's strikes. His training in Form-Three had progressed greatly and he was likely the best trained Padawan in the form. With more time and under Obi-wan's tutelage, he was confident that Will could become a master in the form if he wanted.

Will countered Ahsoka's attack slash at his head with a deflecting slash which redirected the momentum from her attack into a slashing attack of his own. He slashed at her side but she managed to block it and the two were engaged in a saber lock so Will took a small inside step forward and force pushed Ahsoka in the chest, sending her flying onto her back. Will leapt into the air doing the Hawk-bat Swoop which was a force assisted leap forward with his saber raised up and then it would be brought down when he landed. Ahsoka saw his leap and quickly rolled to the side before pushing up to her knees to avoid his ground stab and then side slash but was force pushed again. She skidded across the ground before flipping back to her feet as Will did a front flip strike over her which she deflected before turning and doing a wide slash that he backed away from. Ahsoka pressed the attack with power strikes and slashes that Will either blocked or dodged before ducking under one swipe, sliding on his knees around her and then moving into a 720 spin flip to gain some distance.

Ahsoka charged with lunges and strikes which is exactly what Will wanted her to do as he ducked, dodged, and blocked all her attacks. He back stepped twice which made Ahsoka press toward him as she swiped and slashed but missed. Will then brought his saber down for a power strike which deflected her saber down and then used the momentum to move the blade to her throat, catching her in the second she was open. The power strike wasn't meant to attack her but actually meant to force her to block and his strength caused the blade to deflect away from her body allowing him to catch her off guard.

"Got you, Ace." Will smirked before backing up and moving the blade away from her neck.

Obi-wan clapped and Ahsoka was shook out of her surprise before glaring at him. "Well, done, Will. Your knowledge and instinct in flowing your styles mid-fight is improving. It would see that having you start training in Form-Six was a wise choice on our part."

"It is, Master. Master Cin Drallig is an excellent teacher and it helps to have a dummy to train against." Will joked only for Ahsoka to elbow him in the side.

"Very funny, Ace but that was a cheap shot." Ahsoka told him.

"Actually, it wasn't. I forced you to come to me by utilizing the acrobatics of Form-four which I'm already versed in and dodged before using a Form-Five style power strike to deflect your blade down and used its momentum to move into another attack aimed at your neck." Will pointed out, elbowing her back a bit. "You're good but I've been doing this longer and I'm a better quick thinker then you are."

"Don't take it too hard, Ahsoka. Will is right that he has been training much longer than you have and his training in Form-Six is familiarizing him in the practices of your Form-Five." Obi-wan explained.

"It's not the extensive training that you or Master Skywalker have but I know enough to use it in combat and how to counter it. Sort of. Plus, I can use it in conjunction with other forms like I just did with you." Will said to her. "I guess this could be a lesson to be mindful and watch for tricks, especially from me."

"A wise suggestion to take to heart as you continue training." Obi-wan said to Ahsoka and she nodded. "All right, let's continue. Again."

Will reactivated his blade as he and Ahsoka spared yet again and would continue to spar for a few more hours before moving into training in the force. Will and Ahsoka used the force to move various objects through the air at the same time and then put them together sort of like a puzzle. It tested their familiarity and growing strength with the force. Both still had improvements to make but they were two of the best Padawans in the order. There wasn't a doubt about that.

With the two of them remaining at the temple, they continued their training and their duties but there were occasional events that helped keeps things interesting. One of them was going to see Qi'ra at Qibbu's Hut Cantina. Qibbu's long list of contacts throughout the galaxy in various companies and organizations were a source of valuable intel. Qibbu saw how close Qi'ra was with a Padawan of one of the Jedi Council Masters so he knew it was a good relationship to foster. Working with them before gave him credits and protection so it was something to continue. He had Valkyrie provide them with intel and goods they needed and he had the protection of the Jedi. Helped that his number 2 was childhood friends with one of them.

Will was going into the city to meet up with Qi'ra. BD-8 was coming along as usual but so was Ahsoka. She had a break from working in the archives and could use some time outside the temple so he brought her. The two took a speeder out into the city and arrived at Qibbu's hut where Will led them to the back. The guard by the back room let them through without an issue as he was told to expect them. This was Ahsoka's first time in the place and she was apprehensive. Going to a Hutt for help didn't sit well with her given how things almost went with Jabba and Zirro the Hutt and the place didn't exactly look legitimate but Will did his best to assuage her misgivings.

"Are you sure about this, Mando? How can we trust the intel we get here?" Ahsoka asked him as they made their way up Qibbu's Hut Hotel.

"Relax, Ahsoka. I get that Hutts aren't exactly the most trustworthy but Qibbu's a little different. He's nearly legitimate but has enough pull in the illegitimate part of the galaxy to get us useful intel and resources. Plus, Qi'ra's an old friend and I trust her the same as I trust you." Will said as they got into a lift and took it up. "If you ever need help on Coruscant then she's someone you can go to."

"So, you knew her before you joined the temple?" Ahsoka asked and he nodded.

"Yeah. We grew up together." He answered. "Her parents died when she was young and my mother looked after her. Taught her the same lessons she taught me. After my mother passed it was just her and I for a solid year until I was found and recruited to the temple. Qi'ra's tough, smart, and has enough influence and power to make her Qibbu's number 2."

"She sounds impressive." Ahsoka remarked as the lift stopped on the floor and they walked down the hall. "So, how close were the two of you?"

"Very close. Why?" Will wondered and Ahsoka just shrugged.

"I'm just curious to get to know someone who knew you from before. She must have dozens of embarrassing stories about you." Ahsoka chuckled and Will knocked on a door with his fist.

"Very cute, Ace." He remarked as the door opened and a Rodian let them in. Qi'ra was at her desk working on some things but when she saw Will and Ahsoka she put them away and handed a Protocol Droid some data pads.

"Take these to Qibbu for approval." She told the droid.

"At once, my lady." The protocol droid walked out of the room along with the Rodian who closed the door when they left.

"Hope we weren't interrupting anything." Will told her.

"No, it's fine. Just finishing up some logistical stuff." Qi'ra replied, looking at Ahsoka. "Who's your friend?"

"Qi'ra, this is Ahsoka. She's the padawan of my master's former padawan. She's been at the temple for a while so I brought her along to keep things interesting and not so monotonous. Ahsoka, this is Qi'ra." Will introduced the two.

"Nice to meet you." Ahsoka shook her hand and vice versa.

"Likewise." Qi'ra replied. "You two must be pretty close if he brought you here. Then again, with you being the Padawan of his master's Padawan then it only makes sense. I've met Obi-wan Kenobi and heard stories about Anakin Skywalker. You two have big shoes to fill."

"Story of our lives." Ahsoka remarked. "So, you and Mando have known each other since you were kids. I bet you must have a whole bunch of embarrassing stories from when he was a kid."

"I do." Qi'ra replied.

"I'm hating the direction this conversation is going." Will stated.

"He wasn't always the calm, collected, and smooth Jedi Padawan that he must seem to be. When we were younger, he used to not go anywhere unless he had his stuffed Ewok bear toy. Very cute and very funny." Qi'ra said making Ahsoka laugh.

"Really?" Ahsoka looked at Will in a brand new light. Instead of the calm, collected, confident, and powerful Padawan all she could see was a little boy carrying around a stuff bear sucking on his thumb. "Oh, that is too good. Do you have more?"

"Ok, that's enough of that. Let's focus back on what we came here to work on." Will urged them as he elbowed Ahsoka in the side.

"Right, sorry." Qi'ra stifled her chuckles before she pulled out a few data pads from her desk and handed them over. "Here's what we have. Some reports of Separatist and CIS movement from the Outer Rim. They're mostly staying on the defensive at the moment and reinforcing their key strategic but have sent reinforcements to Malastare."

"Right. We'll send this over the GAR network. Master Windu and Skywalker are on Malastare so we should warn them of the droid reinforcements." Will said to Ahsoka and she nodded, taking the data pads, and putting them in her pack.

"We've also got whispers from our contacts in the Banking Clan and Trade Federation. They're up to something and we think it could involve financing the Separatists for another droid factory. I'm not sure yet but we've gotten whispers of the factory being built everywhere from Hoth to Yavin 4 and even the Illenium system. But, Geonosis has come up a few times." Qi'ra handed him an extra data pad.

"Geonosis? No, that can't be. The Republic took that planet during the start of the war." Ahsoka pointed out.

"And we had to leave behind a single Clone battalion behind to watch over it. Not enough to keep watch over that planet of bugs." Will remarked, having flashbacks to what happened on Geonosis. "Find out what you can, Qi'ra."

"No problem." She replied as he handed over a card that contained the credits the Jedi were paying for the intel and information. "As a gift and since we're old friends, I've had Qibbu's contacts at the refineries and scrapper guilds on the lookout for Commando droids. They're not as abundant as you would think. Either the CIS prefer the cheaper current models or there haven't been enough scrapped Commando droids found. Anyway, they're sending over what they have. About 500 kilos last I checked.

"Thanks, Qi'ra. I tried getting my master to talk to the Kaminoans about upgrading the Clone Armor and they said they'd take it under advisement. AKA stay out of our business Padawan and let us do our job." Will explained. "Have them send it to a scientist named Galen Erso. He's working with Zerpen Industries. Put my name on the notice and he'll know what it's for.

He handed Qi'ra a small data pad that had the information she needed. "Sure thing."

"What are you doing, Mando?" Ahsoka wondered.

"The commando droid scraps are for upgrading clone trooper armor. I got the idea after seeing them in action on the Rishi moon. I melted down what we scavenged and made a secondary layer of protection to reinforce clone armor and it works. It's able to absorb a few shots and I've put it into action with Ghost Company. I tried speaking to the GAR about the upgrade but the Kaminoan armorers didn't take kindly to a Jedi interfering in how they arm the clones." Will explained.

"Which is when he reached out to me. I've been collecting everything the scrapper guilds and refineries come across and setting it aside to send to Vallt." Qi'ra added.

"Why there?" Ahsoka was still confused.

"There's a scientist there, Galen Erso. He's become something of a friend and an engineer who I helped when Master Kenobi and Master Kota took the planet. He's the one who designed the solar board I use and the Tempest's new cloaking system. He's currently working on something for me but I asked him for his help and he said he'd be happy to so he's gonna take the Commando droids and turn it into armor plating we can give to the clones. It's not how I would have liked to do this but it's a start." He answered.

"Huh. Who would have figured you could plan something like this." Ahsoka joked and Qi'ra chuckled.

"I'm sorry, which of the two of us is not in trouble for not thinking a few steps ahead?" Will pointed out and Ahsoka just punched his arm. "How's everything else, Qi'ra?"

"As best as can be given what's going on. Qibbu's shipping lanes are still solid and we're one of the few groups that is able to move supplies and equipment with ease besides the Republic so that is good for business." Qi'ra told him.

"But…" Will figured there was more.

"But war time is the perfect opportunity for a lot of criminal groups out there. A few of Qibbu's caravans have been hit." Qi'ra stated. "But those were all failed attempts."

"Understood. Let me know if there's anything we can do." Will said to her.

"You and the Jedi have your plate full with the war so I can't ask you to put that on hold to help me. But the next time you have leave or nothing to do, I won't say no to a little Jedi escort for our shipping lanes. I'm sure Qibbu can work out an arrangement with the Jedi and GAR that will be satisfactory to everyone." Qi'ra suggested.

"I'll talk with my master." Will promised.

"Thanks. That's really all I have for you except for one more thing." Qi'ra handed Will a small data card. "It's whispers at the moment and I haven't been able to confirm anything but we've been hearing rumors of movement going on in Mandalore Space."

"Mandalore space? Last I checked Duchess Satine and Mandalore have declared neutrality since the war broke out. They even lead the council of neutral systems. They're not mobilizing are they?" Will wondered.

"No. They're staying neutral but we've heard rumors that there have been mobilizing people in Mandalorian armor throughout the area. And I'm not talking about the new Mandalorians peaceful brigades. They're wearing the Beskar armor your mother used to tell us stories about." Qi'ra explained which gave Will a moment of pause.

"Will?" Ahsoka noticed he went quiet.

"After the Mandalorian Civil War and the rise of the pacifist movement, all the warrior clans and factions were exiled from Mandalore. Some were sent to moon of Concordia while others fled to other systems including Concord Dawn and Phindar. The ones who didn't give up the old ways took up residence on the other planets so it's possible that with the war that they're taking up arms again. Anything regarding Clan Vizsla?" Will asked her.

"I heard that Pre Vizsla was made governor of the moon of Concordia but nothing else. I'll keep my ears to the ground and let you know if anything else comes up." Qi'ra promised.

"Thanks, Qi'ra." Will and Ahsoka bid Qi'ra goodbye as they left Qibbu's hut and returned to the speeder.

"Who's Pre Vizsla?" Ahsoka asked as they walked out of Qibbu's Hut and over to the speeder.

"My uncle. He fought against the New Mandalorians and the pacifist regime they tried to instill during the Mandalorian Civil War. The War my mother left when she came here." He answered, getting into the speeder and Ahsoka jumped into the passenger seat.

"What's he like?" She wondered.

"Don't know. I've never met him." Will hit the accelerator and headed back to the temple. He stayed silent the entire way back. Ahsoka could tell that hearing all of that information about the Mandalorians must have brought something up but he didn't want to talk about it and when she would try to ask him about it later she got nothing in response.

A few days later…

Will was in one of the main training rooms in the Jedi temple for another training session with Master Cin Drallig and Master Kenobi but it would be a little different. It was going to be a training session yes but Obi-wan invited a group of Younglings to attend the session. Part to help in the training of future padawans and Jedi and part for them to see someone who was once them and had come so far. Master Tera Sinube led the group of younglings into the training room for the session they would having today. It was going to be a mix of hands-on training and lectures given by Master Cin Drallig and Master Obi-wan Kenobi with assistance from his padawan.

Several Jedi Masters and Knights who were at the temple dropped in on the session to take a look at the younglings. This group was nearing the age where they would go on the Gathering to obtain their lightsaber crystals and were one step closer to the Padawan trials. The masters and knights here were essentially looking at the future padawans that they might take under their wing.

Obi-wan was standing in front of the younglings and going through a lecture about more in-depth parts of the temple and the Jedi Temple Central Security Station. After what happened with Cad Bane, instructing future Padawans and Jedi about the temple and innerworkings was a smart idea to hopefully stop and prevent a break-in from ever happening again. Will proved that was the case and the only reason he was familiar enough with the layout of the entire temple was from his training with his former Master, Ur-Sema Du. The two would often go on walks through the temple and she taught me all sorts of shortcuts to make traversal easier.

Will watched the group of younglings as they listened intently to Master Kenobi's lecture who had a holotable that showed images of the temple. He recognized one of the younglings in the group as Caleb Dume. He was a skilled youngling with a youthful energy and curiosity but the reason he knew him was because Caleb Dume was the youngling who stumbled upon Master Depa Billaba while she was still recovering from her coma in a bacta tank. He was curious and many of the other younglings didn't seem to share his curiosity towards her as she recovered but he felt something from the force. Depa Billaba was put in a coma after a nearly fatal encounter with General Grievous where her entire battalion was nearly wiped out. She eventually recovered after six months and was slowly being acclimated back. Master Kenobi was the one who took Master Billaba's place on the Jedi council while she recovered.

He noticed Master Billaba walk into view on the balcony above, looking at the group of younglings. He couldn't tell where she was focused but he had a feeling it was on Caleb.

"Will?" Obi-wan called out and he turned his head to see Obi-wan and the younglings looking at him. "Were you paying attention to what I was saying?"

"Yes…?" He replied only for BD-8 to shake his head and let out an embarrassed beep which made the younglings chuckle along with a few of the masters. Will tapped BD-8 on the head as Obi-wan sighed.

"I was informing the younglings about the security station within the Jedi Temple but perhaps you should take over?" Obi-wan suggested. "Apparently, you know all of this well enough that you let your mind wander during my lecture."

"If you insist." Will rubbed the back of his head and made his way over to the holotable as the group of younglings looked at him. "The Central Security station in the Jedi Temple is responsible for the safety and security for everyone here. It is always manned and observes everything from the speeders that come and go from the speeder bay to the starfighters in the hangar. Now, you are all still younglings so the odds of you ending up in the Security Station are slim to none but familiarize yourself with its location and basic functions. Recent events have proven that it's fallible which is where our duties as Jedi come into practice. There is even an emergency beacon inside the security station that can alert all Jedi in the galaxy should an emergency be declared and the Jedi are called back to Coruscant in times of a great crisis."

All of the younglings nodded when Caleb raised his hand. "Padawan Vizsla, Master Kenobi…if the beacon can be used to bring everyone back to the temple, can it be used to warn them away? Like if the Temple were breached or taken over, wouldn't the beacon be used as a trap to lure the Jedi back here. So, shouldn't it also be used to warn them from coming back?"

Caleb's question had some of the masters, knights, and younglings talk amongst themselves as he suggested a scenario in which the temple was taken over or fallen. That seemed unthinkable and Caleb was worried he might have said something wrong. Will didn't as it made a practical kind of sense. "You're not wrong to question that, Caleb and there's nothing wrong with it. If anything, this war has taught us the errors in relying too much on what has worked." He looked over at Obi-wan who nodded.

"My Padawan is right. This war has indeed been a lesson to many of us and you're not wrong for wondering what could happen. If anything, it shows a great deal of thinking and strategy. My Padawan is another such person." Obi-wan praised Caleb. "And in theory, yes it could be used that way. I'm unfamiliar with the finer workings of the beacon but it could be used in a manner to warn the Jedi away from the temple. Of course, the manner for the temple falling seems highly unlikely."

"If anything, we might warn Jedi away from Coruscant if Master Ranciscis eats too many Jogan fruit and accidently stinks up the temple like he did on an apparently gassy night." Will joked which earned laughs from the younglings and chuckles from the masters and knights. "Take Master Kenobi's words to heart. You are all still young and the represent the future of the order. Your decisions and your questions may in fact mold what becomes of the future generation of Jedi. The past Younglings have led us to where we are now so you may mold what we could become in the future."

"Wise words you should all take to heart." Master Sinube told them and they nodded.

"Now, we'll move on to the combat portion of this training session and we're lucky to have Master Kenobi and his Padawan here to help demonstrate saber techniques and forms for all of you." Master Drallig said as he took center stage on the training ground and activated a training droid nearby. This was a specially designed training droid that were often used to help practice saber forms and for spars. It was humanoid in design and was programmed to execute saber stances, forms, and moves from all lightsaber forms for training. "All of you spent your first year studying Form-One and now a choice must be made. Some of you may be undecided whether to dedicate yourself to one particular form and some of you may choose to build your own lightsaber fighting style. Whether you have gained additional knowledge on lightsaber form combat from data books, participating in drills, or have experimented on your own, I assure you that you all have much to learn in the forms. Each form showcases differing styles and philosophies and each has its respective merits. We shall take you through all of the forms but it will be up to you on what path you take."

Master Drallig took over the lesson and using the Training droid as well as Will, he showcased Forms two through six to the Younglings. He explained the strengths and weaknesses of each form with Will demonstrating them with the help of the training bot. He wasn't a master of the forms like Master Drallig was but he was skilled and having a Padawan showcase what could be done was good visual instruction of the progress they could make. Will was the best Padawan in the order and this showed the Younglings as well as the visiting master's and Knights how skilled he actually was.

Several hours later, the session came to an end with Master Sinube taking the younglings back to their quarters and a sweaty Will sitting against a wall. BD-8 walked over with a canteen on his head which he happily guzzled down. "Thanks, Buddy." BD-8 gave him a happy bop as Obi-wan walked over.

"Well done, Padawan. I do believe that your instructions made a lasting impression on the younglings as well as the Masters and Knights who were watching." Obi-wan told him.

"Always happy for extra practice." Will remarked, drinking some more water, and wiping his face with a towel when Obi-wan got a call on his comm link.

"Master, do you read me?" Anakin radioed in.

"Yes, I read you Anakin. How did the mission on Malastare go?" Obi-wan wondered.

"Uh…it got complicated. Master Windu and I are on our way back to Coruscant with something you need to see to believe." Anakin told him.

"What exactly is he bringing here?" Will wondered and Obi-wan just shrugged.

Line Break xxxxx

A Calculated Risk. Following a costly victory on the Planet Malastare. Chancellor Palpatine orders Jedi Knights Mace Windu and Anakin Skywalker to transport the fearsome Zillo Beast captured during the battle back to Coruscant.

After seeing that not even a lightsaber could harm the beast, Chancellor Palpatine hopes to unlock the secrets of its invulnerability to create new armor for the Republic's clone troopers. Tensions run high as the most dangerous life-form in the galaxy touches down on the Republics most populous planet.

The something they needed to see to believe was a giant monster they encountered on Malastare known as the Zillo Beast. It was ancient, massive, and with an organic armor so tough it shrugged off heavy clone artillery, laser tanks and even lightsabers. They only managed to just knock it out before it was brought back to Coruscant. Obi-wan and Will arrived at the Coruscant shipyards to see for themselves and it was indeed awe inspiring but terrifying as well.

"Ok…I get the needing to see it to believe it." Will remarked and Obi-wan nodded in agreement.

The Zillo Beast was currently asleep and being transported on a large cargo lifter while flanked by an army of clone troopers, AT-TE Walkers and RX-200 Falchion-class assault tanks. There were even LAAT gunships on standby. Chancellor Palpatine and Vice Chancellor Mas Amedda arrived with their Senate Guard to see the beast with their own eyes. Master Windu, Anakin, Master Kenobi, Will, and R2 walked over to greet them.

"Your excellency." Anakin and Windu bowed as Palpatine looked at the beast in awe.

"Such size…such power."

"With respect, Chancellor I believe this creature could pose any number of dangers. Bringing it here to Coruscant is a mistake." Master Windu told him.

"Oh, I assure you, I did not make this decision lightly, Master Jedi. The sooner we unlock the Zillo Beast's secrets, the sooner we can end this terrible war." Chancellor Palpatine told him.

"I hope you're right, Chancellor." Master Windu as Dr. Sionver Boll walked over with some security droids. "I'm turning the Zillo beast over to you, Doctor. I trust it will be given good care."

"The beast is a priceless resource, Master Windu. It will be well treated, I assure you." She replied.

The Jedi walked away but Will stopped after a few steps and looked at the Zillo Beast. It was large and terrifying for sure but bringing it here was a stupid decision, no matter what scientific breakthroughs that could come through. If the stories of what it did on Malastare are any indication then it if gets loose on Coruscant, a lot of people could die.

Will closed his eyes and reached out with the force to see if he could sense anything about the Zillo Beast. He held his hand forward and tried to form a connection. The monster was still asleep but he was able to sense what it was feeling and what it wanted.

"Padawan?" Anakin called out to him and the other master's saw him holding his hand to the beast. He was trying to sense something from the Zillo Beast. "What are you doing?"

"I'm…sensing what the Zillo Beast is feeling. It's past…it's emotions…" He replied.

"And?" Master Windu wondered as Will opened his eyes and ended the connection.

"It's afraid." He told them. "It doesn't want to be here. It thought that the Republic and the clones were there to kill it. It was all alone and it wanted to stay that way. It…it lost its family centuries ago and thought you were there to do the same."

The three masters looked at one another and the Padawan's revelation did give them pause to have the creature here for study when it wanted to be left alone. If the padawan was right, it didn't attack them out of anger or hunger but fear. Obi-wan and Master Windu spoke more about the issue at the temple and felt that having the beast on Coruscant was too risky and that they should have dropped it off on an uninhabited world. Of course, the Chancellor ignored Master Windu's suggestion so they needed someone else to speak with him.

Anakin was told to come to the Senate building so he arrived with R2 and went to meet with Obi-wan who was speaking with Senator Amidala. R2 strolled over to C-3P0 and greeted him. "Oh, hello. You're not in trouble again, are you?" 3P0 asked and R2 shook it shook its head no while responding in a rather mischievous tone. "I am not being rude."

"Not that it isn't a pleasure, Senator but I thought I was just meeting Obi-wan here." Anakin said to her.

"Master Kenobi explained the problem. I'm here to help." She told him.

"Problem? What problem?" Anakin asked.

"The situation with our friend from Malastare." Obi-wan reminded him.

"Uh-huh. I see what's going on here. You think I could help influence the Chancellor." Anakin pointed out.

"The Zillo Beast was chained up and brought here against its will. It has no voice to defend itself. Anakin, we have to be that voice." Padme told him.

"You haven't seen it in action. You have no idea what it's capable of." Anakin told her.

"It's what we're capable of that frightens me. A creature's life…maybe even an entire species, is as state. Doesn't that at least warrant a discussion?" Padme suggested.

"Anakin, if Will was right and he was able to sense what the Zillo Beast was feeling then this should be something brought up to the Chancellor. It may not be a mindless animal but a sentient creature that happened to be in the wrong place in the wrong time." Obi-wan reminded him and Anakin had to concede that. If the creature was as smart as the Padawan sensed then what they were doing was a bit unethical.

"All right, let's speak to the Chancellor but I still don't like this." Anakin relented so he and Padme went to see him in his chambers.

Back at the temple, Will was meditating in one of the chambers in the temple. Bonding with the Zillo Beast gave them much needed clarity on the situation and what they were doing but all the emotions he felt was a lot to take in. The Zillo Beast may seem like a mindless creature but it was smart and everything Will felt was a lot. He was hoping that meditating might calm him down. His eyes were closed, legs were crossed and hands on his knees as he controlled his breathing. In through the nose and out through the mouth. He let the force flow through him and he slowly began to float up off the ground. That's when things started to get intense as everything he felt from the Zillo Beast came back. Fear…Pain…Loneliness…Isolation…Anger…Hate. All of those emotions flooded back as things in the room began to shake or move erratically. Will tried to stay strong and keep his center before those emotions overwhelmed him. He was unsure what to do and just focused on staying calm and focused on the force to guide him.

He seemed to tap into something as the emotions he felt from the Zillo Beast slip away before he was hit with a series of visions like when he meditated during Cad Bane's break-in. He could see glimpses of the Beast in the Republic lab where it was restrained in a stasis field while the doctor conducted experiments on it regarding its scales. The Zillo Beast cried out in pain as one of the medical droids lifted one of its scales to get to the flesh. Its roars and shrieks of pain were difficult to watch and it was basically being tortured. That's when the vision changed and the Zillo Beast was hit with some kind of green toxin which caused it to cry out in pain before it started to thrash around in anger before breaking free of containment. The Beast then went on a rampage through Coruscant to the Senate building with the Republic trying to stop it and while he wasn't sure how it was done, the Zillo Beast's body laid on the ground motionless and dead.

He thought that would have been the end of the visions but then the vision changed. It went from Coruscant to Wild Space. The vastness of space soon shifted past nebulas, gravity wells, suns, and starts before arriving at a lush and green planet with vast oceans. He seemed to arrive on the planet and it was a bountiful ecosystem of Flora and Fauna with no sign of civilization except for one. An old stone temple that looked similar to the old temples he had seen in the Jedi Archives or that resided on planets like Yavin 4. It was old, probably millennia old dating back to the Old Republic but there was a powerful force presence there. He looked at the temple and saw a large stone gate that didn't seem to have an opening or door which meant it was opened with the force. The vision then seemed to take him inside but he saw nothing but darkness. Darkness all round him. That's when he heard a lightsaber igniting and turned to see an obscured figure in the darkness and whoever they were was wielding a purple lightsaber.

"Who are you?" Will asked but didn't get a response at all. The figure took a few steps forward so he could see the outline of a hood and cloak and the figure's arm seemed to be armored. That's when a red lightsaber was activated in the figure's other hand and it crossed the blades in front of him so the light could reveal its head but instead of a face all he saw was a mask…a distinct red armored mask with a thin visor lens over the eyes. "What do you want?!"

He didn't get a response and was soon pulled out of his vision.

"AHH!" Will was jolted out of his vision and fell to the ground with the rest of the items and furniture clattering to the ground like he did. He must have been levitating them while he was meditating and had that vision. "What was that?"

"One must be careful when shown visions through the force…" He heard along with a clack of wood and saw Master Yoda walk into the room. "…for one will be never one what he is shown and if he was ready to see it."

"Master Yoda." Will fixed himself and stood up before bowing. "Forgive the mess, Master Yoda. My calming meditation didn't go as expected."

"No apologies, necessary." Yoda assured him before he waved his hand and fixed the furniture around the room so it was like before. "Powerful emotions coursing through you, Padawan."

"Um…not exactly, Master. It's…I think I was feeling what the Zillo Beast was. When it arrived, I attempted a force bond with it to try and understand why it attacked and maybe to get some insight on to what happened but I ended up feeling everything it did." He explained.

"Oh?" Master Yoda was intrigued. "A connection through the force, you created? A bond?"

"Yes. I've been able to bond with animals before but this…this felt so much more deep and powerful. I felt the fear…the loneliness…and the anger the Zillo Beast was feeling about being brought here. And how it's feeling now. Like I could feel it myself." Will said, still a little freaked out about how powerful the connection was.

"The force, all around us it is. Intertwines and binds us but powerful the bonds it can create. While good intentioned you were, dangerous it was." Master Yoda warned him. "Fear you felt when you bonded with the beast. It's fear. A creature it is but in tune with the force it is not. You are, young Padawan and that fear grew strong. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. To be a Jedi is to face the truth and choose. Give off light, or darkness, Padawan. Be a candle, or the night."

"In this case, wouldn't it be helping the Zillo Beast?" Will asked him.

"That path and choice…you must make on your own. But what else troubles you, Padawan Vizsla. Not about the Zillo Beast but something else. Something you saw." Master Yoda surmised.

"I'm not sure what I saw in the vision, Master Yoda. You said that they were powerful but misleading so I'm not what I saw…but it felt important." He told him.

"What did you see?" Yoda wondered.

"Going through space and then a planet I've never seen before…and then what looked like a Jedi Temple." He recounted and Yoda was intrigued.

"Recognize this temple, did you?" Yoda asked and Will shook his head no.

"No, I've never seen the temple before but if felt powerful in the force. Then I saw someone."

"Know this person, did you?" Yoda asked and again got a head shake in response. "Powerful in the force you are, Young Padawan but much for you to learn and understand about the living force, there is."

"Why do you think this is happening to me, Master Yoda?" He asked. He was wondering why this was happening to him all of a sudden.

"Mysterious the force is but perhaps the answer lies in the holocron you brought into the temple. Old, the holocron is but an apparent connection it formed with you it would seem." Yoda explained.

"A connection? What does that mean?" Will wondered.

"Answer for that, I do not have but important this revelation is, I feel. Time will give you answers but careful, Padawan. For dangerous this path may be." Yoda warned him and Will nodded when they heard a planet wide alarm and the distant sound of explosions. Will rushed over to the window and saw a distance path of explosions and wreckage making its trek through the city and seemed to start near the warehouses at the loading docks. "Something terrible has happened. Lock down the temple, we must. To safety, you must go Padawan."

"Right." Will grabbed his saber and rushed out of the meditation room. He ran down the hall and stopped at a balcony with a clear view of the city so he could see everything that was going on. He looked at the destruction which is when Ahsoka rushed over.

"Mando, what's going on out there? The Separatists couldn't have launched an attack on Coruscant." She stated.

"It's not. I think it's the Zillo Beast Master Windu and Skywalker brought back from Malastare. It must have escaped containment." Will suggested.

"I heard about that. Why would they even bring something that dangerous here?"

"It was the Chancellor but now that it's here I'm not sure how we can stop it." Will said as he saw the path of destruction in the city and it was definitely heading for the senate building.

"We've got to do something, right?" She suggested.

"I don't know if we can, Ahsoka. It's armor shrugged off blaster bolts, Republic tanks and even a lightsaber. I don't know if we have anything here that can stop it." He stated when he remembered what he felt. The Zillo Beast wanted to be left alone and he could connect with it so maybe there was something they could do.

"You have that look on your face like you have an idea. What is it?" Ahsoka asked.

"Maybe. I have a plan that Master Kenobi will say is either brilliant or hilariously idiotic." He replied before using his commlink to contact BD-8. "BD-8, meet us at the hangar."

"Exactly how idiotic is this plan?" Ahsoka wondered.

"Something tells me we'll know the answer to that soon enough." He replied as the two made their way to the temple hangar.

Back out in the city…

Master Windu and Master Kenobi managed to requisition a squadron of LA-AT gunships and were heading to stop the Zillo Beast which managed to arrive at the Senate Building. It was looking for something or more particularly, someone. Master Windu and Master Kenobi contacted Master Yoda via holocom to go over the plan.

"Desperately needs, the tanks are if we are to stop this creature." Master Yoda told them.

"We're almost at the loading dock, Master Yoda." Windu replied.

"Dire, the situation has become. Before more lives are lost, act quickly we must." Yoda told them and they nodded. Master Windu and Kenobi arrived at the hangars where they saw the tanks getting prepped to move.

The Zillo Beast moved around the senate building to the side where a shuttle was trying to leave the hangar. It attempted to fly away but the Beast managed to grab on and now had it in its grip. It clutched the ship with both hands and brought it close to its face so it could look inside and its target was the Chancellor. The Chancellor's face was painted with fear as was Anakin, Senator Amidala, the shuttle pilot and both droids.

"We're doomed." 3PO stated.

The LA-AT carried gunships just dropped off the Republic tanks outside the Senate building and they were moving into position. "All tanks, acquire solution and prepare to fire on my order." Master Windu relayed through the comm channel.

"Hold your fire. In the beast's clutches the Chancellor is." Master Yoda told them as he walked over with Aayla Secura.

"Anakin might be with him and Senator Amidala." Obi-wan said.

"If the beast falls, at risk their lives shall be." Master Yoda warned them.

The Zillo Beast let out an angry roar from atop the Senate Building like something out of a holonet movie as it held on to the Chancellor's shuttle. That's when it was hit in the back by a short laser barrage from a starfighter. Or more accurately, a freighter. The Tempest flew past the Zillo Beast and while the laser cannon barrage didn't hurt the creature, it wasn't happy that it was shot at.

Chancellor Palpatine looked out the window and saw the freighter fly by. "Who on earth is on that ship?"

The Jedi on the ground saw the ship fly ahead and bank around before flying back at the Zillo Beast. "What ship is that?" Aayla Secura asked.

"That's the Tempest. What on earth is Will thinking that's gonna do?!" Obi-wan shouted.

Onboard the Tempest, BD-8 was plugged into his droid slot and piloting the ship with Ashoka helping in the pilot's seat. Will wasn't piloting as he was currently hanging on to the cargo ramp as the ship flew around. "Easy on the controls, Ahsoka! You're just there to help BD-8! Let him pilot!" He told her.

"You've had a whole bunch of crazy ideas, Mando but this one takes the cake!" Ahsoka told him.

"I'm still young, Ahsoka! Who knows what crazy thing I'll think of next!" He told her. "BD-8, bring us around and shine the flood lights in its face to get its attention!"

[Affirmative Beep] BD-8 piloted the ship around the senate building while staying out of the Zillo Beast's range and then activated the main floodlights on the front of the ship to get its attention and momentarily blind it. Judging by the roar and its attempted swipe, it wasn't too fond of that.

"Padawan, do you mind telling me what you think you're doing?!" Obi-wan radioed in to the comm device on his gauntlet.

"Keeping the Zillo Beast occupied! I think it's working!" He replied, seeing the Zillo Beast's attention seemed to be focused on them.

"Padawan, pull back! You can't engage the Beast. It has Anakin, Senator Amidala and the Chancellor!" Obi-wan informed him.

"Ok, good to know. We're not gonna use the Tempest's weapons. They probably won't work. We're just using it so I can get close. I'm gonna try and force bond with it like I did that Gundark." He explained.

"I think there's a bit of a difference between a Gundark and the Zillo Beast!" Obi-wan pointed out.

"Maybe but I can at least keep it focused from ripping the Chancellor's shuttle apart!" Will told him before he radioed Anakin. "Master Skywalker, do you copy?!"

"I read you, Padawan Vizsla and I see the Tempest. Do you have a plan?" Anakin wondered.

"Sort of. I'm gonna keep it distracted. When you see a chance, get out of there and Ahsoka will be ready to pick you up if necessary!" He replied before taking a deep breath and then in a odd mixed moment of fear and bravery, he kissed his clan Vizsla necklace. "Ok, BD-8! Do a fly by and then keep back!"

BD-8 gave an affirmative response as he piloted the Tempest away and then banked around back towards the Zillo Beast. "I sure hope you know what you're doing, Mando!" Ahsoka shouted.

"That makes two of us, Ashoka!" He replied as the ship flew by and he got ready to jump. "Just another day in the Republic! WOO!"

He jumped out of the Tempest just as it flew past the Zillo Beast and managed to avoid getting knocked around by one of its claws. While it managed to avoid going down, one of its claws did knock off the sensor dish so Will would have to replace it. That distraction was enough for Will to jump out and fall to the Zillo Beast without its focused attention. As he got close, he fired his grapple hook and snagged it on one of the Zillo Beast's horns and swung through the air, looping around the beast's neck before landing on its back. He must have felt like an ant on a Rancor because he wasn't sure if the beast had noticed him. But he did notice the ship flying away so the beast's attention was back on the Chancellor's shuttle. Will saw that it was a few seconds away from crushing it so he needed it momentarily distracted. With one gauntlet securing the grappling hook onto the Zillo Beast, Will used his other gauntlet and activated the flamethrower blasting it in the scales and towards its face. The flamethrower didn't do anything that blaster bolts and rockets couldn't do but it did keep it from ripping the shuttle in half.

Anakin saw the stream of fire and the Zillo Beast was distracted so he moved over to one side of the shuttle and took out his saber. "That looks like a good distraction. I got an idea." Anakin activated his saber and began to cut through the shuttle.

"I hope you know what you're doing." Chancellor Palpatine said to him.

Master Kenobi, Windu, Yoda, and Secura could see Anakin cutting through the shuttle with his saber but could also see the Padawan actually riding on the back of the Beast and using his flamethrower to distract it.

"I have officially seen everything." Captain Rex commented

"Distracting the beast, Padawan Vizsla is." Master Yoda said.

"And what is Skywalker doing?" Windu wondered.

"Probably attempting an escape while it's distracted. Get ready to catch them." Obi-wan remarked and soon enough the shuttle was cut in two with occupants falling out and sliding down the senate building. "Catch them!"

Obi-wan, Mace Windu, Yoda, and Aayla Secura used the force to slow down the shuttle half that still contained the Chancellor and his guard while Anakin, Senator Amidala, R2 and 3PO slid down the side of the Senate building. As they were falling, the Tempest was piloted down to the Senate building where Ahsoka was waiting for them on the ramp. She managed to catch Senator Amidala before she fell off and Anakin jumped off the side of the building and landed on the ramp. R2 fired a suction cable to stick to the wall and managed to catch 3P0 as well before activating his hover jets and flying over to the ship.

"Padawan Vizsla, the chancellor is clear! Get away from the Zillo Beast!" Master Windu told him.

"Hang on a second, Master Windu!" Will deactivated his flamethrower and touched the Zillo Beast's armored scale before closing his eyes and attempting a force bond. "Please, calm down! You don't want to do this! Be at peace!"

His mental pleas and force connection didn't seem to do anything as the Zillo Beast noticed the Chancellor and his guard get out of the sliced shuttle and being escorted onto the Tempest by Anakin. With its target it sight, it let out a vicious roar and walked over to them. "Padawan, get clear!" Obi-wan shouted.

"Please, stop." Will pleaded. "I want to help you! I know how you must be feeling but do not do this! We didn't know you were on Malastare and didn't mean to disturb your home! This is all a huge misunderstanding that can stop more violence and unnecessary bloodshed!"

The Beast roared and crawled over as the Tempest touched down so Chancellor Palpatine and the others could get off. "Open fire on the beast!" Chancellor Palpatine ordered.

"Padawan Vizsla is still attached to it." Master Windu told him.

"What is he thinking?" Anakin asked in disbelief.

"He's trying to calm it down." Obi-wan explained as the Beast climbed down from the Senate Building and began making its way over to them. "But it doesn't look like it's working."

"Prepare to fire!" Master Windu ordered and all the clones soldiers and gunners took aim.

Will could tell the Beast was getting close so he needed to get it to listen. "STOP!" He surged an immense amount of force through him and into the Beast that actually managed to make it stop in its tracks.

"Wait, it's working!" Senator Amidala stated as everyone could see the Zillo Beast seemed to stop walking.

"Talking to the beast, Padawan Vizsla is." Master Yoda closed his eyes and felt the connection the Padawan was making.

"I'm sorry. I understand what you're going through. I've lost people I cared about as well…" Will then poured his emotions to the Zillo Beast about the moment he lost his mother. Everything he felt back then as a child. The loneliness, the anger, and the pain of loving a loved one. It likely wasn't anywhere near the amount of pain the Zillo Beast has gone through in its probable long life but it was enough to get it to listen and momentarily bond with him. "We're sorry. We shouldn't have attacked you and you don't deserve this. So let me help you and I promise I'll do my best to get you off this planet and someplace you can call home."

Everyone waited in bated breath as they saw the Zillo Beast was sitting in place and its former aggressive state seemed to have tapered off. Perhaps the Padawan was actually getting to it. That's when a pair of rockets and a laser barrage hit it from the side causing it to bellow out in anger and the impact knocked Will off.

"Frak!" He fell off the Zillo Beast but since his grapple hook was still attached it caught him. The sudden jerk pulled on his arm which hurt like hell and he was now essentially dangling in the air. "GGRRRRRR! AHHHH!"

A squadron of LA-AT gunships flew by and continued firing on the Zillo Beast which caused it to thrash about with Will swinging around. "Who told those ships to fire?!" Anakin shouted, pissed that they might have cost them the chance to calm the beast down and could have gotten Will killed.

"We've got to help him!" Ahsoka rushed over but Rex stopped her.

"We're no good to the Commander dead!" Rex told her.

The Zillo Beast's continued thrashing was erratic and it managed to take down two LA-AT gunships. With one arm feeling like it was pulled out of its socket or dislocated and being swung around like a toy, he had to get free if he wanted to survive. He activated his other gauntlet's forearm blade and reached up to cut away at the cable which wasn't easy given he was moving around but he managed to finally cut the cable. He fell down and quickly fired the grapple cable from his other gauntlet which hit a nearby building allowing him to swing. He ended up hitting the side of a building where he fell down and landed on a speeder before falling onto the ground.

Captain Rex, Ahsoka, BD-8, Anakin, and Obi-wan rushed over as some clones helped Will back to his feet. His face was cut up a bit and he was cradling his arm. Mostly likely it was dislocated. "Sir, are you all right?" A clone asked as he helped support him.

"Use the gas bombs now!" Palpatine ordered.

"Roger that." The pilots replied before each LA-AT gunship fired Malastarian fuel gas bomb rockets at the Beast. Some hit its side which made the noxious gas flood the area but a few hit the Zillo Beast right in the mouth. Anakin, Obi-wan, and Ahsoka used the force to create a force bubble and protect them and the clones from the poison gas while Master Windu, Master Yoda, and Aayla Secura protected the Chancellor.

They all had to watch as the Zillo Beast groaned and cried out in pain and anguish which was a hard sight to see before it's violent thrashing slowed down and it eventually fell to the ground. Will looked over and got a good sight of the Zillo Beast as it looked at him. He could feel its pain, fear and sadness as the life slowly left its eyes. It let out one last weak moan before it stopped moving.

"Padawan, are you ok?" Obi-wan asked as he helped Will stand up but the Padawan's gaze lingered on the Zillo Beast.

"Honestly, Master…I don't think so." He replied.

"You did everything you could, Padawan. You were brave. Braver than most." Anakin told him.

"I was getting to it…I-I could have stopped it peacefully. I failed." He muttered.

"No, Mando you did everything you could." Ahsoka told him.

"She's right, Will. As skilled and powerful you are…even you can't fix everything." Obi-wan told him, patting his Padawan on the shoulder. Will knew they were right but the force connection he made with the Zillo Beast went deep and the fact that he couldn't help it and then had to see it die…it was a lot to take. He thought this would be the hardest thing he would face in the war…but he was wrong.

Line Break xxxxx

Jedi Temple

The attack of the Zillo Beast was becoming another war story told by the clones and people of the Republic. More and more rotations passed as the event seemed to slip from memory or people didn't want to be reminded of the damage caused and what was done that day. The memory of a large beast rampaging through the city was something not seen every day and questions were asked but no solid answer was told for the people of the Republic. Given the secret nature of what Chancellor Palpatine wanted done, not a lot was told to the Republic which coincidently kept the Chancellor free from blame. That part kind of pissed Will off a bit. He felt that if the Chancellor was the great leader and person that people say he is then he would have taken responsibility for what happened but that wasn't the case.

His bad mood could also be contributed to the fact that he felt guilty for what happened and the Zillo Beast having to die. He wished it could have gone differently and the fact that he had made a force connection to the beast and promised it would be safe, then having to watch it die didn't help. It troubled him more so than any other part of the war so far and would be something he needed to work through. He worked through his feelings in a Mandalorian way which involved combat and lightsaber training which let him work out some of the issues but did raise some concern from Obi-wan. That led him to the work out his feelings in the Jedi way through force meditation.

He was in a meditation chamber sitting cross-legged and hovering over the ground as he focused like before on keeping calm. His eyes were closed and he took slow and steady breaths. Obi-wan was in the meditation room as well, joining the meditation and surprisingly so was Master Yoda. After what happened during the Padawan's last meditation and with the Zillo Beast, he wanted to be there to help the Padawan navigate through this to prevent his feelings from possibly becoming a problem.

"There is no emotion, there is peace."

"There is no ignorance, there is knowledge."

"There is no passion, there is serenity."

"There is no chaos, there is harmony."

"There is no death, there is the force."

Master Yoda recounted the mantra of the Jedi Code during the meditation and guided Master Kenobi and Will through the exercise. Will did his best to keep his mind focused and tried to forget what happened but it wasn't that easy. His force connection to the Zillo Beast went deep as he not only felt what it went through but he brought up old memories and feeling from when his mother died. He had come to terms with it but using the force to connect with the Zillo Beast and show him those memories also hit him with all the emotions as well. To a much greater extent now that he was older.

As he was meditating, his mind was once again shown visions of someplace deep in space and the mysterious planet but he stopped his meditation before he was shown more. He didn't know what the visions were meant to show him but right now it was the last thing on his mind.

"Troubled you are, young Padawan." Master Yoda told him. "Much still troubles you."

"Yes, Master. It's just been one thing after another in a short period of time." He replied as Master Yoda and Master Kenobi stopped their meditation.

"Indeed, much you have been shown and much you have experienced for one so young. Troubled times, the clone wars are. In a dark place we find ourselves, and a little more knowledge lights our way." Master Yoda told him and Obi-wan noticed Will still seemed troubled.

"Take it one day at a time, Padawan. Your ability to forge connections is powerful and something seldom seen among the order. You've bonded with other animals before but never one as sentient, powerful, and emotionally fueled as the Zillo Beast." Obi-wan said. "What happened during the connection?"

"I felt everything it did and to get it to listen I had to show that I really wanted to help. It…it ended up with me bringing up rather powerful memories." He answered.

"About your mother?" Obi-wan asked and Will nodded.

"I mourned when I was child and I have made peace with it but during the connection…everything I felt then came back but was much more powerful. And then seeing Zillo Beast look at me in sadness when I promised to help. I've never felt more powerless than I had at that moment." He admitted.

"Death is a natural part of life, Padawan. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealously. The shadow of greed, that is." Master Yoda warned him.

"But Master Yoda, as Jedi we're taught to be compassionate and care about the Galaxy and other so how can I be compassionate and care but not attached?" Will asked. "It seems paradoxical. We're keepers of the peace yet we stood by when worlds needed our help but we didn't do anything which led them to the Confederacy. I know Dooku left the order because he couldn't reconcile any of this and I'm not planning to leave but I have so many questions that I fear will not be answered."

Obi-wan and Master Yoda could sense the conflict in Will. It wasn't anything new as Obi-wan knew the Padawan was struggling with this. It was brought up during their crash landing accident with the Lurmen and then again when Will was informed that Dooku was his father. These questions were kept in the back of his mind the entire time during the war but this incident seems to have brought everything back up.

"True, compassion we are taught. We care, we love, we hope and protect but we do not possess. One certainty of the universe and the force is change and death. A natural part of life it is. To become attached is to fear the loss of attachment, the inability to let go. Greed gives way to fear, fear to jealous and suffering." Yoda informed him. "Regrettable, the circumstances of the Zillo Beast were, yes but it has become one with the force. Joining your mother and all who came before us. Death and loss is natural but we shall all join them one day or another. Even me, as old as I am, will join the living force."

Will started to understand and just talking this out was helping put his mind at ease. Guess being alone with his thoughts is what made him question everything as he tried to reconcile the competing ideologies. "I don't know, Master Yoda. I think you'll still outlive us all." He pointed out and managed a small smirk. Obi-wan chuckled as did Master Yoda who found the humor in the joke and saw that Will was doing a bit better.

"Natural these questions are, young Padawan. All Jedi go through them. Be mindful of your emotions for they may cloud your judgement but trust in the force and your master. They are to guide you until your path you must decide to take." Master Yoda told him. "A reminder to both Master and apprentice."

"Yes, Master Yoda." Obi-wan replied as he and Will bowed.

"Take heart, young Vizsla. And as for the visions? Important they may seem. Answers will be shown to you, in time. Trust in yourself." Yoda told him.

"I'll try." Will replied only for Yoda to bop him on the head with his cane.

"Do or do not, there is no try." Yoda told him before leaving the meditation room.

"Take Master Yoda's lessons and words to heart, Padawan." Obi-wan told him. "It's natural to have these kinds of questions given the times we're in but don't lose sight of the path of the Jedi and it will show you your path."

"But I don't know my path yet." He replied.

"It will come in time as all things do. Master Qui-Gon was fond of telling me that." Obi-wan pat Will on the shoulder as BD-8 crawled up his back and rested on his other one. "Get some rest."

He nodded as Obi-wan walked out of the room to continue the duties he had at the temple. Will grabbed his canteen and took a sip of water before he walked out and headed back to his room. He sat down in a chair and looked out the window of his room to see the city and construction crews fixing the damage done by the Zillo Beast. Not wanting to be kept in the temple, needing some fresh air and just to clear his head he changed into his casual/undercover clothes and headed out.

He took a speeder and eventually found himself in his old neighborhood where he grew up. Neighborhood was actually a misnomer as it was more accurately a giant long alleyway with various homes, storefronts, and businesses but not too far from main streets. It was sort of in between the good sectors and the bad ones making it a middle ground and home to people who just wanted to live in peace and be safe. It wasn't perfect and growing up he remembered his mother did her part to keep the bad criminal element from hurting people and making the area a better place. He and Qi'ra ended up being homeless for a year after her death and he knew every nook, cranny, and hiding place. It wasn't a lot but it was home but being back after so long didn't prepare him for how it changed.

Before it was scarce and aside from homes and a few shops, it was really only a place for those that lived there. It wasn't old and dirty but it wasn't like the fancy and expensive places the rich or politically connected call home. It was just a regular side street of homes and such on Coruscant which there were millions if not billions so it was nothing special. That was before. Now it was cleaned, well kept, all the houses and apartments looked renovated, the store fronts were bustling and there were now more occupants than he remembered. There were a lot more families and children then he remembered running around and everyone was in good spirits.

He stepped to the side so some kids could run by as he continued walking through the street when he stopped at the wall where his and Qi'ra secret hideout/stash used to be. It had been fixed up, covered and a mural had been painted on in a loving and beautiful tribute to his mother. Whoever did this was extremely talented but what caught his eye was the detail. The mural of his mother looked exactly like her and it was a lovely tribute. She was painted in a warm orange color with various flowers and flora painting in beautiful colors surrounding her and above her head was a phrase written in Mando'a. It read: In loving memory of Pio Vizsla. A loving mother, warrior, and guardian who kept us safe. (1)

Will smiled and wiped away a tear of joy as BD-8 scanned the mural so he had a hologram of it from this point onward. BD-8 looked over at Will and tapped him on the shoulder. "I'm ok."

"Will?" He heard and turned around to see an older Bothan male. Hailing from Bothawui, they were canine, feline, and equine in appearance with fur, an elongated snout/mouth, and long ears. This Bothan was old so his fur and beard had grey with his facial expression and body language indicating he was a kind and gentle soul. "Willie is that you?"

"Mr. Kaku?" He couldn't believe it. "It is you."

"Oh, my god, Will look at you!" Mr. Kaku shouted in joy as Will rushed over and hugged him and the elder Bothan hugged back. Mr. Kaku was the owner of the store in the alley street and he was someone he knew growing up. Mr. Kaku and his mother always got along and she protected him from thugs who wanted protection money and he always looked out for her and him. Even after his mother died, he looked out for Will and Qi'ra and then Will ended up saving Mr. Kaku from some gang members the day he showed his force abilities. "You've gotten so big. By Bothawui you've sprouted up tall. It wasn't too long ago that you were barely up to my waist and now look at you."

"Time did me good, Mr. Kaku and it looks like you as well. You're still chipper and young as I remember." Will told him.

"Please, I'm an old Bothan but I appreciate the compliment." Kaku replied as he was pulling a crate of goods with him. "I haven't seen you in years since you were taken to the temple. What brings you back?"

"I needed to clear my head and I wound up here. I kind of thought at first that I ended up in the wrong area. The place doesn't look at all like I remember." Will pointed out.

"A lot sure has changed. Come with me. We'll talk as I make this delivery." Mr. Kaku told him as they walked down the alley street so Will could see more. More families, other storeowners selling goods, kids running around or playing games and people living good lives. "So, how are you doing at the temple? The Jedi treating you good?"

"Yeah. Well, as well as can be given the war." He replied.

"Oh, terrible business. Politics and war, always a drag. But I'm sure your mother would be proud seeing you know. Out there. Doing good work and being a Jedi." Mr. Kaku told him. "She'd be even more impressed at this place."

"Yeah, how did this happen? The place looks…better." Will stated.

"It is. All the homes were renovated and cleaned, we've got protection and more families and storeowners set up shop here. Place isn't the same as when you were a kid but got better. A lot of good people here who want to live good and quiet lives." Kaku told him. "And we have Qi'ra to thank for that? Have you seen here?"

"Yeah, I have. She did all this?" Will asked and Kaku nodded.

"When she started working for Qibbu, I'll admit I was scared for her but she can handle herself. And she used the money she made and influence she got to donate and rebuild things here. We're under her protection which means that none of the old gangs come around here anymore. They don't want to mess with Qibbu. She fixed this area up and brought in new people who needed a safe place. And she does everything she can to help us with food, water, and power." Kaku told him as they arrived at a new building. "She even built that orphanage."

"Really?" Will asked and Kaku nodded.

"A place where the kids can get off the streets and stay safe. You and Qi'ra were lucky to have each other after your mother passed." Kaku pointed out and Will nodded.

"We were but we also had you." He told him and Kaku smiled.

"Everyone helps out the orphanage as well. Playing with the kids. As teachers or donating extra food and supplies. Qi'ra's helping a lot of those kids who would have ended up in bad situations." Mr. Kaku said with pride in his voice. "She said she wanted to do something your mother would approve of. Look out for those who needed help."

"That sounds like her." Will noted.

"She had the kids help with the mural back there as well. Things sure have changed." Kaku told him as he dropped off the food to one of the service droids. "It's good to see you again, Will. Don't take too long before your next visit."

"I won't. I promise." Will knelt and hugged Mr. Kaku before letting the Bothan get back to his store. He looked around the place and saw all the kids and people, both alien and human, and everyone was happy. Qi'ra really did good work and it inspired him to do better as well. That's when he got a call on his commlink from Qi'ra. "Hey."

"Hey. I've got good intel for you and the Jedi. Can you meet up?"

"Yeah, I'm on my way." Will walked back to his speeder but stopped at the mural of his mother before he kissed his hand and touched it. "I'll make you proud mom. Promise."

He continued on his way and headed to Qibbu's hut before arriving at Qi'ra's office. She was doing some paperwork when she saw him arrive and noted he was in a good mood. "You look happy."

"I am." He replied with a smile. "I uh…I stopped by the old neighborhood and I saw everything. You really outdid yourself."

"I just did what anyone else would have done." Qi'ra told him.

"No, because I didn't. And I'm ashamed that I kind of forgot about that place but you didn't." He told her. "Here I was at the temple and forgot about everyone back there but you looked after them. I ran into Mr. Kaku and he told me everything you did. The cleanup, protection, the orphanage, and I saw the mural. I think my mother would have loved it."

"I'm glad. And don't feel bad. Maybe a little but only because I am smarter and richer than you are now." Qi'ra joked and Will chuckled. "But that was the past. We can't change it. You can change things going forward. Stop by when you can. I'm sure the people there would love to meet an actual Jedi. Well, Jedi in training but I'm sure they'd be excited."

"Sounds like a plan." He replied. "So, what do you have?"

"You're gonna love this." Qi'ra showed him a hologram recording of a meeting. He didn't know who any of them were but did recognize what one group was wearing. Clothing and garb of the Banking Clan. "According to Qibbu's spies, there's a possible traitor in the Senate. Senator Rush Clovis of the Banking Delegation has been meeting regularly with envoys of the Banking Clan and Trade Federation. Normally, this isn't anything to bat an eye out but given the war, Qibbu had his spies dig a little further. And we've found plenty of off the book meeting with Separatists sympathizers, including Trade Federation Senator Lott Dod."

"That Neimodian is definitely still working with Gunray but has the political backing to stay out of harm's way. Do you think this could be related to the rumors about a new droid factory?" Will asked and she nodded, handing him a data pad.

"Definitely and they're using Senator Clovis to get financing. From what we've found out, one thing Senator Clovis loves more than anything is making money. There's enough intel to make this not rumors and a valid concern." Qi'ra told him.

"You're right. If Clovis is working for the Separatists and he helps creates a new droid factory then it won't be good for the war. He betrays the Republic and gets rich doing it while we suffer the consequences. I'll take it to my master and we'll get on this. Thanks, Qi'ra." He told him.

"Happy to help. Be careful, Will. Even from the small details and whispers of intel we've gotten on this possible plan, Clovis and the Trade Federation put a lot of money into this deal which means they're gonna guard it as best they can." Qi'ra warned him and he took it to heart. "I'll keep my ear to the ground and let you know if something else comes up."

"Thanks. Let me know if you hear something. Stay safe and keep a watchful eye out. You've done good for us so it won't be long before the Separatists might look to take you or Qibbu out." He said in caution.

"Don't worry. I don't have a lightsaber but I can take care of myself. And we'll be ready." She promised.

Will left Qibbu's hut and returned to the temple with the intel Qi'ra found. Master Yoda, Master Windu, and Master Kenobi reviewed it and there was enough there to put a plan into action against Senator Clovis. They needed to find out what he knew about the Separatist plot and how far this conspiracy went. And if there was new droid factory being built, then they needed to destroy it. With Senator Amidala's help they learned that the factory wasn't being built, it was already constructed and on a planet the Jedi knew all too well.

It was time to go back to Geonosis.

Line Break xxxxx

Coruscant Ship Yards

Counterattack! With the Clone army stretched in a desperate attempt to engage General Grievous' Starfleet, Separatists planets that were once thought secure are now rising up against the Republic. On Geonosis, Separatist leader Poggle the Lesser, safe in his newly ray-shielded factories, creates thousands of new terrible weapons which march off the assembly line against the outnumbered Clone army.

The Jedi, resolute in their effort to restore order to the Republic, mount a massive invasion to retake Geonosis and shut down Poggle's factories of terror once and for all.

Qi'ra's intel paid off big time and the path it led to gifted the Republic their next big mission for the war. Rush Clovis was indeed collaborating with the Separatists on a new droid factory on Geonosis of all planets under the leadership of Geonosian Poggle the Lesser. The Republic garrison stationed there was wiped out and now new droids, tanks, and weapons for the Separatist war effort were being churned out on the planet the Clone war started on. Senator Amidala's effort in spying on Senator Clovis was dangerous as she was poisoned but Anakin was there to protect her and they got a data disc containing plans and information on the factory.

There wasn't word yet on what would happen with Senator Clovis for working with the Separatists but given how some of the Intergalactic Banking Clan were working for them as well but no Republic sanctions or reprisals were taken, he wasn't sure what would be done. Plus, the Republic needed the banking clan's funds so likely with the Trade Federation, there would be warning and not much else. Politics at work.

But still, the information they got on the Geonosian factory was good and Republic Intelligence knew that they had to act fast before more of the Separatist weapons and droids could make it off planet or the CIS could reinforce Geonosis with more troops and ships. At the moment, most of the CIS Navy was either protecting key Separatist planets or being used by Grievous in the war effort. Early reports and scouts report that Geonosis currently doesn't have an armada defending the planet which means it'll be ground defenses. The Republic wanted to keep it that way to end this quickly and prevent it from turning into a costly battle.

The invasion fleet to take back Geonosis is one of the biggest they're assembling for the war so far. Made up of 6 Venator-Class Star Destroyers and 10 Acclimator-Class Assault ships and close to 200,000 clone troopers, the Republic thinking was that it would be enough. It would be led by Jedi Generals Anakin Skywalker, Obi-wan Kenobi, and Ki-Adi-Mundi and between the three of them they would be able to handle the war but Will had a sinking feeling in his gut. The last time they went to Geonosis, things didn't go so well and the Separatists would be idiots to not put defenses in place or get wind that their factory was exposed and prepare for a Republic attack. The three Jedi Generals were good but the Geonosians were crafty and this was their home turf. They needed extra help which is what Will was doing.

He was in the cockpit of the Tempest, having done maintenance on the ship to prepare it to go back out for the war but contacted Kal Skirata on Kamino to see if he and Omega squad would help again like they did on Ryloth.

"Sorry, kid but we're gonna be busy elsewhere. We're heading behind enemy lines for a recon mission. We can't help on Geonosis." Kal told him. "And after what happened last time, I'm not sure if going back is a good idea."

"Damn. Well, it's kind of why I wanted your help. I'm hoping to prevent something like that from happening again. Everyone thinks it'll be easy but last time didn't go well." He remembered vividly the battle and the death of his former master.

"I remember you said Delta Squad came to your rescue. Guess this invasion is bringing up bad memories. Sorry, kid." Kal told him.

"And I want to prevent more bad memories. I'm thinking the Geonosians would have planned for a Republic invasion after we figured out Clovis's deception so they're gonna have defenses set up. And the Geonosians are crafty bugs so I was thinking of heading down to the planet surface in Tempest like we did on Ryloth." He told him and Kal understood what his plan was.

"I get it. Use your ships stealth functions to get a better lay of the terrain and adjust the battle plan while taking out any kind of defenses they have in store. Smart thinking." Kal told him, as he thought of some other clones who could help. "Omega Squad and I can't help you but I think I know of some clones who can. ARC Captain Fordo is on Coruscant. He and his squad would be up for helping you but I have another idea. You're gonna be behind enemy lines and in bad terrain so you'll need clones who can work with your…uh, unique kind of command."

"Thank you?" Will wasn't sure how to take that.

"You're welcome and I think I've got just the group in mind. An experimental clone unit who have remarkable success…if a little unorthodox." Kal told him.

"That's kind of been my bread and butter." Will pointed out.

"They're not really followers or obey most generals like other clones but for you, I think they'll listen. I'll give them a call and get back to you." Kal told him before signing off.

"What kind of clones are those?" Will wondered before he walked out of the Jedi Temple Hangar to go meet with Obi-wan. He got him just as he was getting out of a meeting.

"Padawan, I hope your ship is all fixed up." Obi-wan told him.

"It is but I wanted to talk to you about the plan for the invasion." Will stated and Obi-wan nodded.

"I figured you would. Consider your aptitude for battlefield planning and you were there the last time, I anticipated you would have some thoughts. You've been most helpful in past campaigns so I'm interested in your opinion on how this should be conducted. Follow me." Obi-wan led him into one of the Temple's meetings rooms where he activated the scans and data they have on Geonosis. "The plan for the attack focuses on us taking out the Geonosian Droid Factory and taking Poggle the Lesser alive to keep the Geonosians from rising up again. Intelligence suspects he's in primary droid foundry here, several kilometers away from the main shield generator."

"That shield generator is gonna make an orbital bombardment next to impossible." Will stated and Obi-wan nodded.

"We'll attempt a three-pronged attack through the defensive lines to a staging area just short of the shield here." Obi-wan pointed on the map. "Once we've landed, we shall knock out the shield generator and continue on to the secondary generator protecting the factory. What do you think?"

Will looked over everything and BD-8 did as well before the droid spoke to him and he nodded. The Separatists were smart placing a larger shield generator to protect the factory and the surrounding area but then they had a secondary one further back protecting just the factory itself. It was a failsafe incase the primary one failed. At least the factory would remain protected.

"It's a solid plan, Master but it hinges on a few estimations and quite frankly, guesses on our part. While we have space superiority since Geonosis doesn't have a defending fleet, we have no idea the kind of ground forces and defenses they have in place. If we hadn't gone down sooner on Ryloth then a good chunk of our landing forces would have been taken out by those proton cannons. There's a good chance the Geonosians would do the same thing." Will said and Obi-wan nodded.

"That is a concern. The Geonosian resistance was incredibly strong the last time we were on the planet and there's no reason to think it won't be the same. Especially with the factory there to support them with arms and battle droids." Obi-wan suggested.

"At the very least, I would expect serious anti-aircraft weapons and artillery in an area around the shield to keep oncoming forces and who knows what kind of defenses the Geonosians could have hidden in the caverns and cliffs." He added. "If we go down there all at once, even from three different directions there's a good chance we'll get cut in half or forced to land further away. What we need to do is take that outer shield generator down first quietly so we can target the surrounding area for orbital bombardment before we move in the remainder of our forces. That'll soften up the landing zone and we can continue on to the factory while minimizing possible resistance."

Obi-wan nodded, thinking the Padawan's plan made sense and the added effectiveness of using orbital bombardment to take care of defenses would make their job easier. Will had a mind for tactics and was more strategically minded then most of the senior Jedi Knights and even some young masters in the order. His past performances in battles and leading Ghost Company were prime examples.

"A solid plan. Good as always Padawan but still runs into the same problem as the original plan. Whatever force we send down to take care of the shield generator so the others can land safely will run into the same problems and defenses." Obi-wan said but realized what the Padawan was thinking. "Unless we use the Tempest and its stealth system to get close."

"Close enough, at least. The Tempest won't be able to make it past that shield generator without detection but we could land a few klicks from the northern sector here." Will pointed on the map. "At the very least, it'll get us close enough so we can get a good view of what defenses they have before going through the shield generator."

"Are you thinking a similar plan like on Ryloth? Us and the Commandos?" Obi-wan suggested.

"I called Kal Skirata but he, Omega Squad and Delta Squad are busy with assignments. He did say Captain Fordo would be willing to help but he also said he was gonna try and get another unit to help." He answered.

"Captain Fordo and his men are excellent soldiers. I think they'll be able to manage the mission provided they have a good commander." Obi-wan said. "Do you think you can manage it?"

"You're gonna let me lead this mission myself without you?" Will asked him and Obi-wan nodded.

"You've proven you can handle a clone force by yourself and while you still have much to learn, it's fair to say that you are more skilled in certain areas then I am. Undertaking unusual combat scenarios, thinking on your feet, and more strategic thinking are a few of them but just those." Obi-wan stated, not wanting Will's ego to get too big. "The question is do you think you can handle it? I know that the last time you were on Geonosis you lost your former Master. Will you be able to keep a level head?"

Will thought back to what happened that day and everything that happened. Obi-wan was right to be a little weary as revisiting all of this could bring back bad memories and given how he was struggling with what happened after the Zillo Beast, concern was warranted. He took a deep breath and stood straight up. "For the mission, for the order, and for the clones…yes, Master."

Obi-wan nodded. "Good. I'll converse with Master Mundi and Anakin and inform them of the change in plan. If you can't get the shield generator down, at the very least your mission will provide a window for us to head down to the planet. Get yourself ready."

"Yes, master." He replied with a bow before heading to his room. BD-8 pat him on the head and told Will he was happy he was getting this chance to further prove himself. "I know buddy. With you by my side, I think we can do this. I just wonder what clone unit Kal said he'd send."

Republic Assembly Area, Old Corellian Run near edge of Outer Rim Territory

All the Republic ships met at the assembly area along the Old Corellian Run hyperspace lane near the edge of Outer Rim territory. From there it would be a few hyperspace jumps to Geonosis. Everyone was assembled with any last minute changes and requisitions taken care of before they headed out. Will got the Tempest loaded up and ready in the hangar of the Negotiator. She was running smooth, everything was at optimal levels and he stocked up enough extra fuel, food, weapons, and equipment for every kind of bad scenario he could think of. Some droids were helping him and he finished his last round of checks as Ahsoka, Captain Rex, and Anakin walked over.

"I still don't get why Mando gets this mission and I don't?" Ahsoka asked.

"Because I've proven I can handle it, Ace. This my specialty." Will told her.

"Besides, Snips, who's gonna watch my back?" Anakin wondered.

"What about Mando's back? Heading down to Geonosis by himself. It's suicide." Ahsoka reminded everyone.

"I won't be by myself." Will reminded her as Captain Force and his men walked over with their gear. It was a group of ten clones and they were more well known as the Muunilinst 10. An elite group of Advanced Recon Commandos Alpha Class clone troopers led by ARC Captain Fordo. Fordo was recognizable in his red colored clone armor. He had two ARC Alpha Lieutenants wearing blue armor but they had similar set ups and were wearing battle shirts known as Kamas. With them were seven infantry clones with special training wearing white clone trooper armor. "Captain Fordo, good to see you again."

"You too, General. It's been a while since the Separatist terrorist ring on Coruscant." Fordo shook his hand and then shook Rex's hand. "Captain Rex."

"Captain Fordo. Well, you boys will have your hands full on Geonosis." Rex told them.

"We can handle it." Fordo assured him.

"You can get your gear situated on the Tempest and have some of your men start to camo their fear. The white is gonna stick planet side." Will suggested.

"Yes, sir." Fordo nodded and had his men head over to the Tempest where BD-8 showed them in.

"I don't know, Mando. You and ten clones still doesn't seem like it's enough." Ahsoka pointed out.

"Which is why we're also getting some extra help curtesy of the GAR's Special Operations Brigade." He told her when there was an alert in the hangar.

"Alert. Havoc Marauder arriving to Negotiator. Access Code 77T19."

The dock hands went to work as the Star Destroyer's hangar doors opened to welcome a ship coming in. "Heading down onto a hostile planet like Geonosis behind enemy lines is dangerous so I contacted Kal Skirata and he managed to send us a special group of Clones. Experimental Special Forces Squad Designation, Hunter Squad. The name is still being worked on. They have a hundred precent success rate and are some of the best the Republic has."

"How come we haven't heard of this squad before?" Ahsoka wondered.

"They're not a normal squad of clones. They're a group of clones with certain mutations that make them especially suited for unique combat scenarios." Will told them as a modified Omicron-class attack shuttled arrived in the hangar and parked itself in a free spot. "Kal says that they call themselves The Bad Batch."

The door to the shuttle opened and out walked a group of four clones in distinct black colored Katarn-commando class clone armor. The first clone out of the ship wore the least modified clone armor except for some skull symbols on the shoulder pads. He cracked his knuckles and neck as the second clone that walked out had a distinctive style helmet and visor with a tech pack on his back. The third clone had a helmet with a smaller visor shield and a crosshair logo over the right eye. The fourth clone was bigger and taller than the first three and had a white skull painted on his helmet. He removed it to show he was a clone but was bigger, had a shaved head and his right eye was opaque.

"The calvary has arrived!"

Rex and Fordo looked at each other weird as the clones walked out of their ship and over to Will. The leader removed his helmet first to show he was a clone as well but had long hair, a red bandana on around his forehead and the entire left side of his face was tattooed with half of a skull. The clone with the crosshair logo on his helmet removed his next to show a tightly kept whitehaired buzzcut and a crosshair tattoo on the right eye. The last clone removed his helmet to reveal he was wearing some kind of glasses and seemed the more engineering and the science specialist of the group.

"Sergeant Hunter, it's good to meet you. Kal Skirata speaks highly of you and the Bad Batch. It's an honor." Will walked over and shook his hand and Hunter shook back as well.

"Honor's ours, sir. Kal Skirata said you were one of the best Jedi he's ever seen. That's big praise coming from him." Hunter said.

"Helps that my training is a little different." Will told him before looking at the others. "This is Hunter. With him is Tech, their resident genius, Crosshairs is the sniper and lookout and Wrecker well…his name says it all."

"Aw…that's all you got to say about me?" Wrecker asked.

"Don't worry, Wrecker. Where we're going, you're gonna have plenty of chances to prove me right." Will promised and Wrecker laughed.

"Ha-ha! I like you already, kid." Wrecker said to him before elbowing Crosshair. "Hey, Crosshair. Maybe this guy will get on your good side too."

"Doubt that." Crosshair replied.

"So, what's the mission sir? Kal Skirata was a little short on details." Hunter told him.

"We're heading behind enemy lines on Geonosis. Get the gear you need and bring it onboard the Tempest. And if you have a flamethrower or anything that goes boom, I suggest bringing it." He told them.

"Ha! Yeah!" Wrecker rushed back onto their shuttle to get his things.

"We'll be right there, sir." Hunter and the others went onto their ship to get their gear as well.

"Quite an interesting group you have Mando." Ahsoka pointed out.

"Well, considering what we're trying to do, interesting and unorthodox is what we need." Will said.

"Take care, Padawan. Let us know if anything goes wrong and we'll be there." Anakin told him and Will nodded.

"Take care of yourself, Commander." Rex said, shaking his hand.

"Be careful, Mando." Ahsoka told him.

"Likewise, Ace." Will replied, getting onto the ship. Once the Bad Batch were on, he piloted the Tempest out of the Negotiator's hangar and into space.

BD-8 was piloting the ship away from the Republic fleet as Will helped put some stuff away. Captain Fordo and his men were gathered in the common area of the ship with the Bad Batch for a briefing before their hyperspace jump which is when one of the Fordo's men noticed Crosshair looking at him funny.

"What are you looking at?"

Crosshair grabbed the toothpick from his mouth. "We don't usually work with regs."

"Regs?" The clone thought it was an insult and Hunter stopped him before it escalated.

"He's talking about regular clones. But don't take it personal. This is our first time working with a Jedi as well." Hunter told him.

"Well, whatever issues you have with each other, stow it for another time. The Bad Batch have earned their reputation and have done good work but so have Captain Fordo and his men. You wouldn't be here if I didn't think you could handle this mission but we're doing this together. So, I don't care if you don't work with other clones or are used to handling things a certain way. This is my mission and right now, I need you working together. Your brothers, so act like it. We're heading into hostile territory behind enemies lines so all we can rely on is each other. Is that clear?" He asked them.

"Clear." Hunter replied.

"Clear, sir." Fordo replied as well.

"Good, here's the mission." Will activated a holodisk to show them the shield generator on Geonosis. "Our target is the shield generator on Geonosis. The Separatists have built a new droid factory on the planet and if it stays operational then it could affect the tide of the war. At the moment, it's defended by two shield generators. One is closest to the factory here over this chasm but our main objective is to take down the one further out by the edge of the shield here. We take that down then the rest of the invasion force can land and we'll push in to the factory."

"Ha, I could take down that shield generator with one hand!" Wrecker shouted.

"Well, it's likely guards by thousands of battle droids, Geonosians, along with tanks and artillery so it'll be a little difficult." Will pointed out, deflating Wrecker's enthusiasm a bit which the rest of the Bad Batch found amusing. "We'll be going down there via the northern sector which is closest and the terrain gives us the best location to hide the ship when we land. When we make it on the ground, we mark every single Separatist and Geonosian hold out and artillery position before we make our move on the shield generator."

"According to the data logs from the first battle on Geonosis, the Geonosians were known to implement guerilla style warfare and make use of their vast knowledge of the terrain to launch surprise attacks and ambushes on Republic forces." Tech stated.

"Huh, never did fight on Geonosis back then." Hunter commented and neither did Captain Fordo.

"Well, I did and it's not to be taken lightly. Battle droids are one thing but the Geonosians are another. You all are trained to fight differently, adapt, and think on your feet. It's gonna be necessary here. Is that clear?" He asked.

"Yes, sir." They saluted.

"Get yourself situated. We'll be there soon." Will told them as he headed to the cockpit. He sat in the pilot's chair as BD-8 was in his droid slot. Tech, Captain Fordo, and Hunter joined him in the cockpit as well.

"This is a very interesting ship. A Corellian XS stock light freighter with specialized heavy armor and if I'm not mistaken my scanners have picked up a unique stealth system and sensor array. Fascinating. Not something you would typically see a Jedi fly." Tech pointed out as he looked at the ship and at BD-8 with scientific curiosity.

"You're right. This ship belonged to my mother. She was a Mandalorian warrior and bounty hunter." Will replied, inputting in the coordinates to the navi-computer and prepping for hyperspace jump.

"Guess that's why Kal speaks so highly of you. You and he are the same race." Hunter pointed out.

"Mandalorian isn't a race, it's a creed. Whether we're natural born, alien, Jedi, or clone, it doesn't matter so long as you follow the way. Kal saw that in me." He replied and Hunter nodded, starting to see what Kal sees in him. He's not like the regular Jedi he's heard about. Will glanced over and saw Tech looking at a panel of his ship and was about to tear it open. "Tech, I appreciate your curiosity but if you mess with my ship I will throw you out the airlock."

Tech looked at Will and then at Hunter who shrugged. "You heard him." Tech sat down as Will prepped the last of the ship's systems for the hyperspace jump. "So, Commander, you were on Geonosis for the first battle?"

"Yeah…I was there." He replied, pulling a lever, and sending the ship into lightspeed as he remembered what happened back then.

Line Break xxxxx Flashback

22BBY: Geonosis

Will had a tough time believing this was happening. He never expected it. Here he was with his Master Ur-Sema Du and 212 other Jedi on a mission to rescue Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi when he was captured by the former Jedi turned Separatist leader Count Dooku. Master Kenobi unearthed a Separatist plot and was captured so now they were heading to Geonosis to rescue Master Kenobi and then capture Count Dooku and the other Separatists. They entered the Geonosis system with transport ships and Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptors. Master Windu and Master Luminara Unduli led the company and took out the droid defenses and artillery that were trying to hold them off.

They eventually landed in a captured droid outpost and moved towards the arena in a convoy of Republic Troop Transports. Master Windu and Master Unduli cleared the way of tanks and then collapsed the tunnel catacombs before making their way in. Will took a deep breath in his seat on the transport. He was with his master and their group was going to infiltrate via the north side.

"Are you all right, Padawan?" Master Ur-Sema Du asked him. The brown haired Female Jedi Master had been his master for three years now and the two had been through a lot together. She had trained him well but it was not without its troubles as Will was a unique student but that was part of the journey. The two had a good relationship and she had helped him round out his training, making him one of the best Padawans in the order but this was going to be a first. Hopefully, if all went according to plan, then it'd be over quickly.

"I am. I'm ready, Master." Will told her before rubbing his forearms which were absent of any covering or armor before putting his sleeves down and holding his Clan Vizsla necklace. "I just kind of wished if we were heading into a battle that I would have brought my gauntlets with me. They might have come in handy."

"Don't worry, Padawan. If all goes well then this will be over quickly. Just stay close." She told him and he nodded.

They arrived at the arena and moved into position as Master Kenobi, his Padawan Anakin, and Senator Amidala had fended off their creature executioners only to be held at gunpoint by a group of destroyer droids. The three were currently riding a Reek and were now trapped with no way to escape. Count Dooku was up in the observation box with Geonosian Leader Poggle the Lesser, Nute Gunray and his attendant and bounty Hunter Jango Fett and his son Bobba. They all smiled, seeing the Jedi trapped when a purple lightsaber was activated and held towards Jango keeping him back. Count Dooku turned around and saw it was Mace Windu.

"Master Windu. How pleasant of you to join us."

"This party's over." Windu told him as the Jedi emerged in the arena and activated their lightsabers. Master Ur-Sema Du activated her green saber and Will activated his blue one. All 212 Jedi in the arena were here and their presence caused most if not all the Geonosians to flee.

"Brave but uh, foolish my old Jedi friend. You're impossibly outnumbered." Dooku told him and Windu just scoffed.

"I don't think so."

"We'll see." Dooku replied as the sound of metal clanking was heard down the tunnel and out marched B2 Super battle droids. They opened fired at Mace Windu who blocked and deflected their blaster bolts as Jango Fett put on his helmet and used his flamethrower. Windu backflipped into the air and deflected a few bolts before taking off his Jedi cloak that caught off fire and deflecting a few more blasts. B1 battle droids, B2 super battle droids and Destroyer Droids began to march into the arena from the tunnels. The Jedi in the arena charged at the droids and began slicing through them one by one and soon enough a full scale battle had erupted.

Master Kenobi and Anakin were given spare sabers to fight and all the Jedi blocked and deflected the battle droids blaster fire while slicing through any droids that were close. Ur-Sema Du and Will were up in the arena sitting, fighting off the droids that came through the tunnels on the second level. Ur-Sema Du used Form-Three Soresu to block and deflect blaster fire and Will adopted the style as well, following her teachings on the form. He blocked and deflected the blaster fire from three battle droids before dashing to the side and rushing forward. He slid on the ground and tripped one droid onto its face before he slashed the other two into the pieces while Ur-Sema Du used her figure-8 spins and covers to block blaster fire. She then moved into several quick slashes and swipes, taking out some battle droids but more kept marching out of the tunnels.

The Geonosian warriors began to get into the fight and used large sonic blasters to knocked back and kill several Jedi. Senator Amidala picked up a blaster and got into the fight as Anakin Skywalker covered her. Will blocked and deflected the blaster fire from a B2 battle droid before slashing it in half and then force threw the pieces into other battle droids. Ur-Sema Du force pushed other battle droids as Will flipped over her in a Form-Four Ataru style jump and slashed several droids into pieces. He blocked and deflected more blaster fire before quickly side stepping some blaster bolts and running up a wall which he flipped off. The droids tried to hit him but missed allowing Ur-Sema Du to cut them to pieces.

Jedi Coleman Trebor landed in the observation post with Count Dooku and attempted to apprehend him only for Jango Fett to blast him off. Will force pushed another group of droids back when he saw a Reek charge through the arena towards Master Windu and saw him fight the bounty hunter. He immediately recognized the Mandalorian Beskar armor but was focused on fighting the battle droids. The bounty hunter engaged Master Windu but was no match and Master Windu ended the fight by cutting off his head.

Ur-Sema Du blocked and deflected blaster fire before ducking as Will flipped over her and kicked a battle droid into the others before slashing them into pieces. The two then got back to back and covered each other as more battle droids kept coming. "How are you doing, master?!" He asked.

"Fine but these droids keep coming! We're in confined space here!" She told him, deflecting a blaster bolt back at a battle droid and taking its head off. "It won't be long before they surround us."

"Then let's go someplace else!" He suggested.

"Follow me." She led him down the stairs of the seating with the droids shooting after them and they jumped from the second level down into the arena where they continued to fight against the droid army. During the fight he could have sworn he saw a blue and white astromech droid dragging a gray droid head through the sand but was more focused on fighting.

He and his master kept up their combined defense and then unique defensive-offensive combo but they saw more and more Jedi being gunned down. Their numbers were dwindling and the droids seemed to have no end in sight. The continuous number of battle droids forced all the Jedi on the defensive and they formed a large defensive circle when the battle droids stopped firing. It gave them all a momentary reprieve and Will was able to take noticed that out of the 212 Jedi who arrived, he and his master were part of the 30 that were still alive.

Will took a few deep breaths when Count Dooku spoke. "Master Windu, you have fought gallantly, worth of recognition in the archives of the Jedi order. Now, it is finished. Surrender, and your lives will be spared." Dooku offered as the Geonosians escorted some of the Jedi they had not killed and had them join the others.

"We will not be hostages to be bartered, Dooku!" Windu told him.

"Then, I'm sorry, old friend."

The droids took aim at them once again as the Jedi readied themselves. Will took a deep breath and readied himself in a Form-3 stance to keep fighting.

"Look!" Senator Amidala looked up and everyone else did to see Master Yoda arrive with Clone troopers and LA-AT gunships. The ships went to work on strafing runs, gunning down battle droids in quick succession.

"Around the survivors, a perimeter create!" Yoda ordered and the gunships began to land around the surviving Jedi with he clones providing cover fire. Will and his master got into a ship with some other Jedi and clones before they all took off and left the arena.

"What now?" Will asked his master.

"Something tells me this battle isn't over yet!" She replied as they began to take fire from the ground. The LA-AT gunships flew down and headed to the main assembly area. A few gunships fired their rockets at some of the nearby ships, taking them down but one by one, they landed at the main assembly area where the clone army and Acclimator assault ships had landed to drop off their tanks and artillery.

Will and his Master landed and got out of the ship where they were met by an ARC trooper commander and battalion of clones. "Ma'am, we have a battalion ready for you. We've found the entrance to a Geonosian catacomb a klick west of here. We can use it to flank the army and get the drop on the Separatist army." The commander told her.

"Good idea. Commander, ready your men. We're moving now. Padawan, stay close." Ur-Sema Du told him as she, Will, and the Clone battalion got into the gunships and headed west where they deployed near the entrance to a Geonosian catacomb. "Be careful and watch each other's backs."

"Yes, Ma'am." The clones replied as Ur-Sema Du led the way in followed by Will and the clones their sabers helped light the way while the clones switched on their helmet lights. They made their way through the narrow pathways of the catacombs before the small tunnels turned into large hallways of underground Geonosian structures. A few Geonosians and battle droids appeared but they were able to handle them with ease. They continued on through the underground Geonosian structures when the main door slammed shut followed by a sudden shaking of rubble before part of the ceiling came down and blocked off their exit.

"That's not good." Will remarked when Geonosians began to pour down from the hole made in the ceiling. The clones opened fire, shooting down several of the flying bug warriors while Will and Ur-Sema Du sliced through the ones that they missed. Unfortunately, the contained area that the Jedi and clones were in didn't give them much room to move around while the Geonosians were able to utilize their small frame and wings to their full extent. Their sonic blasters also killed some clones and weren't able of being blocked by lightsabers so he and his master had to keep moving to avoid getting hit. He rolled to side to dodge a sonic blaster volley before leaping into the air and slicing through four Geonosians. Ur-Sema Du force pushed the remaining five into the ceiling where they crashed onto the ground and the clones blasted them. The Geonosians were taken care of but they had lost half their numbers.

"Ma'am, we're trapped and our exit is cut off." The clone commander told Ur-Sema Du.

"We'll handle it." She and Will walked over to the main door and began using their sabers to cut it open. As their sabers melted through and cut the stone, another figure made of metal crawled through the hole made in the ceiling and entered the room. One of the clones reloaded his blaster when he was suddenly grabbed from behind and hurled into the wall.

"Axel!" Another clone rushed over to check on his brother when he was suddenly grabbed and taken up into the ceiling before disappearing in the hole.

"What the Force was that?" Will asked.

"Group up for a defensive position!" Ur-Sema Du ordered and the clones grouped together with their blasters at the ready while she and Will readied their sabers.

"I'm sensing something Master but it's not a Geonosian." He told her.

"I feel it as well. Commander?" She asked the clone commander.

"Scanners are picking up something but we don't have a clear signal on what it is."

"Prepare yourselves." She told them and the clones were ready to blast whatever it was that had arrived.

Will kept his saber ready and his eyes sharp when he felt some pebbles and dust fall on his sleeve from above so he looked up and saw large metal figure on the ceiling with two long staffs that powered on causing the electromagnetic pulse-generating tips to light up and spark with purple electricity. "MOVE!"

He force pushed everyone away and dove to the side at the last second as the metal figured crashed down where they were with a loud boom, kicking up a lot of dust. Ur-Sema Du readied her saber and the clones aimed their blasters as the metal figure started to rise giving everyone a good look at what it was. It was a humanoid like droid body with whit armor and cape. Pretty much everything about this thing indicated it was a droid but Will and Ur-Sema Du were able to sense some kind of consciousness or soul. There wasn't a lot but it was there so it was possible that whatever this thing is involved cybernetics. The most striking thing about the droid were its eyes which were definitely not metal. They were a frightening gold with black slits and red bags around them. The droid stood up on its two large, clawed legs to show a staggering height of about 7-8 feet and it was wielding two long electrostaffs.

"Jedi…meet your doom." The robot taunted as the clones opened fired. The robot moved around with speed and precision that seemed impossible for its size yet it was able to avoid blaster fire and took down several of the clones in rapid succession. It used its electostaffs and knocked them around or its robotic limbs to crush them. Will and Ur-Sema Du charged at the robot, using their sabers to engage it from two sides but it was able to keep up with them. It clearly had hand-to-hand combat training and the electrostaffs were able to block and parry their sabers. Even Will using the quick strikes, parries, and attacks of Form-Two weren't enough as this thing was able to keep both of them back without much effort. Ur-Sema Du went on the offensive of Form-Three to try and find an opening but it kept blocking and parrying their attacks, showing this thing was familiar with their lightsaber forms.

It then pressed the attack to Will, pushing the Padawan back at it used one electrostaff to keep him on the defensive while it blocked and parried attacks from Ur-Sema Du from behind. It's speed and training made sure it wasn't pulling any punches and it was there to clearly kill them. Will's years of training at the temple, with his master and his own personal dedication to lightsaber training in forms two through four allowed him to last as long as he did. He managed to defend himself against the robot's vicious quick strikes with several quick blocks and parries that redirected the saber staffs momentum utilizing the teachings of Soresu and a Makashi style riposte as Ur-Sema Du attacked him from behind. The robot fought against both Jedi, keeping them back and changed up its attack forms and styles by flipping onto its clawed hands and using its feet to hold the electrostaffs and attack from new angles. Will blocked and parried a swipe to the head before spinning into a duck and slashed at it legs only for the robot to leap into the air and attempt to kill Ur-Sema Du with a double staff strike but she leapt out of the way.

She landed and used a force push but the robot jumped onto a wall to avoid getting hit. It pushed off the wall and landed near the clones, taking them out as Will leapt into the air and attacked with Ataru style power attacks before landing on the ground and force throwing some rubble at it. The droid smashed them to pieces while taking down more clones, grabbing the clone commander by the head with its foot and crushing his skull. Will charged forward again, leaping at it only for the robot to grab him with its other foot and throw him and the dead clone into a wall.

Will's body ached and felt several broken ribs as he hit the ground and struggled to get up. He saw the body of the dead clone commander before moving his head so he could see the robot take down the rest of the clones. It then fought against Ur-Sema Du one on one and while her Form-Three defense was strong, this thing was relentless. It then spun the electrostaffs like buzzsaws and pushed her back. Will struggled and pushed through the pain to get to his knees before force pulling his saber back to his hands to help but was stopped momentarily as his ribs ached.

Ur-Sema Du blocked and parried her best but knew that she wouldn't last much longer against whoever this was. "Padawan…RUN!" She shouted, making a high block only to get hit in the stomach by the other electrostaff and electrocuted. "AHHH!"

She was bashed into the wall and slumped to the ground before the cyborg stomped on her back, breaking her spine, and killing her. "NO!"

Will ignited his saber and force leapt into the air, attacking the cyborg with fast and furious attacks that it dodged and blocked before jumping to the side. He saw his master's saber and pulled it into his arms but the cyborg grabbed it with its clawed hand and activated the green saber. He had his masters saber in one hand and an electrostaff in the other. "One Jedi down…one more to go."

"You're gonna pay for that, you bucket of bolts!" Will charged in a furious attack rage with power strikes and Form-Four acrobatics to stay ahead of the cyborg as it blocked and attacked him with his master's saber and the electrostaff. He then jumped to avoid getting his legs before moving into quick blocks and parries only for the cyborg to knock his saber out of his hands with the electrostaff. Before the killing blow could be delivered, the main entrance doors were blown open by a demo charge and in rushed Clone Commando Delta Squad. They saw a large cyborg with a saber and electrostaff standing over a Padawan for a momentary pause before Will rolled to the side. "BLAST HIM!"

The clone commandos opened fired and the cyborg rushed away. One of the commandos switched his DC-17m blaster into anti-armor setting and fired a volley of grenades that the cyborg managed to avoid before it rushed back up through the hole it made to escape.

Will got back to his feet and held his side in pain as one of the clones rushed over to help stabilize him. "Sir, are you all right?"

He looked around at the all the dead clones in the room and his master's lifeless body. "No. No I'm not."

He was taken back up to the surface where the droid army just surrendered after a costly battle. He was being checked out by some clone medics while other troopers carried away the dead. After getting checked out, he walked over to see his master's body before she was covered up with a tarp and put onto a ship for transport back to Coruscant. He closed his eyes in sadness before tightening his fists in anger. It was at that moment he made a promise.

He would get his master's lightsaber back and make that cyborg pay for what he did.

And he would have his chance again as the Clone Wars had begun.

Line Break xxxxx End of Flashback (2)

Geonosis

Will was brought out of his trip down memory lane when BD-8 alerted him they were nearing Geonosis. "All right, BD-8. Prep stealth system for activation. We're coming out of hyperspace."

BD-8 nodded and got to work. Will pushed the lever back into place and the Tempest exited lightspeed near Geonosis. He piloted the ship down to the planet after activating the stealth and cloaking system so the Tempest shimmered out of view like nothing was there.

"Stealth system is a go and readings are good. Separatists readings are being fed back on a loop. Taking us down." Will piloted them down to the planet surface at a steady pace but soon entered the atmosphere.

"Interesting. Your ship's stealth system utilizes a unique quantum trojan variant key bypass system that feeds back enemy scans on a loop." Tech monitored the ship's stealth system and was intrigued at its capabilities. "Your ship is truly one of a kind. Even I don't think I could replicate this system properly without a more in-depth look."

"Like I said. You mess with my ship I throw you out the airlock. I was lucky enough to find this ship again and spent a lot of time into getting it back in working order. The only one who's allowed to take a peek under the hood is me." Will told Tech when he saw the ray shield up ahead. "There's the ray shield."

Hunter, Fordo, and Tech got up to look and did see the very large ray shield with a large series of mountains, rock structures, and caverns in front of it. Perfect for placing air defenses and troops. "They placed that shield in a pretty good position. Those structures in front provide perfect cover and concealment for anti-air emplacements." Fordo suggested as Tech checked his scanner.

"While my scanner's range is limited to keep the Separatists from tracking us, there does seem to be a concentration of Brondium radiation which suggests the present of Separatist Proton cannons. The largest collection would seem to be here." Tech pulled up a hologram of the shield and pointed to an area outside the shield in perfect position by large cavern walls and rock pillars for cover and concealment.

"Not only that but you see those giant rock structures with the round points and holes carved out at the top?" Will pointed at the general area. "Those are Geonosian hive holes. They use those to hide and for ambushes."

"And there are a lot of those. Starting to see why Kal had us come with you." Hunter pointed out. "Keeping the element of surprise is gonna help here."

"Ok, I'm setting her down a few klicks northeast from the shield. There's plenty of cover and caverns to hide the Tempest. We'll have to press onward on foot." Will told them.

"That's a lot of ground to cover and possible ambushes, sir." Captain Fordo pointed out.

"But it's also the area with the best terrain. Everywhere else is too flat with no cover. Get your men ready." Will told them and the clones left to get geared up as he piloted the Tempest down and found a small clearing between two caverns that fit the ship just right. And the walls were high enough that it provided good cover. BD-8 climbed out of his droid slot and onto Will's shoulder as he powered down the ship except for the stealth and cloaking system. He grabbed a pack from his seat and walked into the common area to see the clones readying their gear and blasters. "All right, we've touched down so it'll only get harder from here. We're only a few klicks from the northern part of the shield which is where we'll infiltrate. The droids and Geonosians don't know we're here yet so let's try to keep that going for as long as we can."

"Yes, sir." Captain Fordo replied.

"Bring on the bugs. I'm ready to squash some." Wrecker shouted, slamming his fists together as Crosshair just pushed a pack into his arms which he took.

"We're gonna be exposed out there, sir so we'll need to move quickly." Hunter told him.

"Which is why we're gonna get some help first." Will walked over and opened up a crate before activating XR. The probe droid hovered into the air and let out some beeps as it was waiting to move out.

"What is that thing?" Wrecker asked.

"It's a Separatist probe droid. I captured it during a mission and reprogrammed it. I call it XR and he'll be able to scout the area for us and let us know what we're walking into. Tech, synch up with XR so you can monitor his feed." Will ordered and Tech did so with a few quick adjustments to his gear.

"XR's signal is loud and clear. Probe droid is ready." Tech replied.

"Ok, XR. Get to work." Will told it and the droid nodded before floating away. It exited the ship from the ramp and began to fly around the area to scout for them. Will and his team exited the ship a few moments later and were on alert. They moved through the cavern clearing but stopped before heading out any further. "Crosshair, do you see anything?"

Crosshair pulled down the rangefinder on his helmet and took aim with his sniper rifle to scout the area. Crosshair's eyesight was greater than a regular clones and his perception was better than any living beings. His HUD scanned the structures and he was able to pick up the sign of blaster turrets set up in tall rock pillars.

"I count 12 blaster turret set ups but looks like no one's home." Crosshair replied as XR returned so it could project similar data.

"The probe droid scanned similar defenses along with a trench created several hundred meters ahead but no one appears to be manning it yet." Tech answered.

"The second we start moving to the shield they'll see us." One of Fordo's men stated.

"Then they get taken out. Crosshair, head up and get a better position to provide sniper cover as we move up. Tech, mark this position for later orbital bombardment. The rest of you, get ready to move. Stay together and move quickly." Will told them and they nodded.

Crosshair used an ascension cable to climb the cavern wall while Will and the clones began to head out of the cavern clearing. They stayed low and moved quickly to avoid making too much noise and given how they hadn't fired a blaster bolt or set off an explosion then the battle droids and Geonosians didn't know they were here. They managed to arrive at the trench which was empty as Tech reported but did have blaster turret placements so they sabotaged them and placed some demolition chargers.

One of the Geonosians in a pillar hideout saw something moving in the distance so it and another Geonosian got on the blaster turret and took aim. They lined up a shot on the group moving through the trench when both Geonosians were quickly taken out. The shots rang out and some other Geonosians in rock pillars moved out and they were quickly taken out by expert shots by Crosshair.

"Wow, Crosshair really is good." Will remarked, placing another demo charge on the ground.

"If you want to hit a precise target from 10 klicks out, Crosshair is your man." Hunter told him, placing down another charge. "It won't be long before those shots start to draw attention."

"You're right. Let's keep moving." Will stated and they continued pressing onward through the area as Crosshair covered with them sniper cover until they were clear of the rock pillars line of sight and stopped at the opening to a narrow pathway of the next cavern. "Crosshair, nice job covering us. Regroup on our position."

"Copy that. On my way." Crosshair replied.

Will led the group through the narrow cavern and hugged the wall as he saw a giant wall which was actually a large defensive barrier the droids put in. There were gun emplacements and it was likely going to be crawling with droids. Tech scanned the wall and relayed the information.

"Gun emplacement wall. 50 meters in height, 3 meters in width. 24 gun emplacements set up along the top of the wall and from my scans at least a battalion of battle droids." Tech told them.

"Sounds like fun." Wrecker was antsy for some action.

"We need to get through that wall to get to the shield but the second we do they're gonna know we're here." Captain Fordo stated.

"Then we do this quickly. Hunter, take Tech and Wrecker and cover the right. Captain Fordo have your men cover the left. I'll take the middle and draw their fire. On my mark…Go!" Will led the charge and rushed out into the cavern to the wall with his lightsaber active. The droids on the top of the walls and gun emplacements opened fire which is when Hunter, Tech, and Wrecker when right and took cover behind some rocks. Captain Fordo and his men went left and took cover while firing at the droids and gun emplacements. Their shots took down a few droids and disabled some of the gun turrets but there was heavy fire.

Will ran to the wall, using the force to increase his speed and movement so he dodged blaster fire and rockets. When he was close he force jumped into the air and fired a grapple hook at the top of the wall and climbed up. A super battle droid saw the hook and was about to blast it when he was shot down by Crosshair who arrived just in time to help.

"It's about time you showed up, Crosshair!" Wrecker shouted, firing some shots with his DC-17m blaster before taking cover.

"Had to take the long route. What's the plan, exactly? Just stay here and take cover until those droids learn how to aim?" Crosshair asked, snipping three droids and taking out two turret emplacements.

"The general has a plan and we're keeping to it. It's his mission." Hunter replied, taking a few shots with his DC-17m blaster in sniper mode.

"The general? Don't kid yourself, Wrecker. The Jedi is just a kid and he's gonna get us killed." Crosshair told him when Tech noticed something.

"Actually, it would seem that the General has this handled." Tech pointed out and they saw Will was at the top of the wall.

He jumped into the air and landed on top of the wall before unleashing a force repulse wave that knocked all the droids off and they fell to their doom. He activated his saber and began slicing through the remaining droids in quick succession using his agility and force to increase his speed and movement. He was sticking to Form-Four for this instance as he front flipped through the air and dropped a droid popper that took out several battle droids. He side flipped and slashed through the last of them when a hatch opened up and out popped a destroyer droid. The shield activated and it opened fire so he blocked and parried when another destroyer droid popped up behind him. He backflipped over the destroyer so the two fired at one another and the volley from one of the destroyers took out the shields of other and destroyed it. He slid forward and then force pushed the droid off the wall before taking out a demo charge from the pack.

Another hatch opened up and a battle droid came up. "Hey, what's going on?"

"Hey, catch." Will tossed him the pack filled with explosives and BD-8 waved goodbye before the droid was force pushed back inside the wall. He then jumped off the other side of the wall and dragged his saber down the middle, carving up a giant line down the defensive wall as he dropped and stopped about halfway before placing the demo charge and pushing off.

The explosives went off with the entire barrier being blown to pieces before it collapsed in on itself. The large defensive wall with battle droids and gun emplacements was taken down all by the Jedi while Captain Fordo, Hunter and the others sat back and watched. The dust and rubble cleared so the clones walked over which is when they saw Will standing on top of the debris with BD-8 on his shoulder, waving at the clones.

"I think that went rather well. Let's keep moving." He told them, stepping over the rubble as the clones followed him.

Hunter chuckled and pat Crosshair on the shoulder. "Looks like he's not just a kid."

"Ha-ha! That was awesome! I love that guy!" Wrecker shouted, nudging past Crosshair as they continued on to the shield. Unfortunately to get to the shield, they would need to pass through a small Geonosian cave and Will knew this was the perfect place for a trap or an ambush.

"Ok, get ready boys. After that defensive wall came down, they're gonna be on the lookout for us and this cave is the perfect place for an ambush." He warned them.

"There's no way around it?" Wrecker wondered.

"Any change in course would take us miles out of the way. This path is quicker to the shield generator." Tech responded.

"Stay close, keep your blasters ready as well as explosives." Will suggested as he led the way in. The clones readied their blasters and looked around for anything out of the ordinary but with it so dark and all the tunnels and holes in the cave, out of the ordinary was essentially ordinary. Tech kept his face glued to his scanner when it picked up something.

"I'm picking up subtle vibrations up ahead." Tech announced.

"Yeah, I can sense it. Something's closing in." Hunter unsheathed his vibroblade as Will kept his saber ready.

Soon enough, several Geonosian warriors flew down from the ceiling and screeched at them but Crosshair shot them all dead quickly. That was just the beginning as more Geonosians came out of every direction and bum rushed them. Captain Fordo blasted them down one by one with his dual blaster pistols as his men overlayed their blaster fire to create a wall of bolts that struck down the Geonosians. One of the ARC lieutenants threw a thermal detonator and blew up some of the bugs before gunbutting a Geonosian soldier that tried to carry him away. Fordo moved to the side behind a pillar before coming out the other side and firing a cable from his gauntlet, hitting a Geonosian through the back. He pulled and yanked it to the ground and blasted it in the head before shooting some of the stalactites from the ceiling which fell down and skewered some of the bugs. One of Fordo's men headbutted a Geonosian and impaled it on a stalagmite.

Hunter stabbed one Geonosian in the head with his blade before blasting three more one after another. He gut kicked another and rolled over it before using it as a shield to take a sonic blaster hit, then throwing his blade and hitting another soldier in the face. He flipped forward and grabbed his knife back before blasting two more bugs out of the air and slashed another in the leg before snapping its neck. Tech covered him with his blaster pistol and threw a thermal imploder which sucked in and blew up two bugs. Crosshair blasted more bugs out of the air but focused mainly on the Geonosians hanging back and shooting at them with their sonic guns. He took down one after another after another from a distance while Wrecker just barreled through them. He blasted several with his blaster before charging and tackling through a group. The tiny Geonosians were no match for a giant tank of a clone. He headbutted one into a pillar and then stomped another into the ground when two grabbed him from behind and tried to fly away with him but he was too heavy.

"Get off you stinking bugs!" Wrecker grabbed them by their heads and slammed them into the ground turning their heads into mush. He picked up a large rock and hurled it, actually managed to hit one of the bugs before he grabbed another that flew by and slammed it on the ground before using his vibroblade to stab it in the back. Four Geonosians charged at Wrecker only for Will to jump off his back and slice them to pieces before landing in front of the clones and slashing through several more. He fired his wrist rocket, blowing up two more before using his flamethrower to burn several bugs alive.

"Wrecker, Flamethrower!" Will shouted.

"Yeah!" Wrecker took the flamethrower off his back and joined Will, roasting any Geonosians that came close and scaring the others back. Hunter, Captain Fordo and the other clones rallied up to them and blasted the bugs before Tech threw out two more thermal detonators, blowing up the rest. "Nothing like a bug fry to get the day started! Let's do that again!"

Everyone lowered their guns and checked their surroundings. There weren't any more Geonosians and surprisingly they made it through this with no one injured or dead. "Those bugs sure are nasty." Hunter remarked, sheathing his vibroblade when he saw one of the bugs struggle to get up only for Crosshair to blast it.

"Not anymore." Crosshair stated.

"Nice job, everyone. We're almost to the shield. Let's keep moving." Will told them and they nodded, following him out of the cave and through the Geonosian landscape. They passed through the shield from the northeast, covering the terrain as fast as possible and managed to stay out of sight. They stopped at a group of rock pillars to recon their area and shield generator and things had certainly picked up.

Will used his electrobinoculars to scan the area and their skirmishes had drawn some attention. There were more droids and Geonosians defending the shield generator with an accompaniment of droid tanks and artillery.

"Well, this just got complicated a bit." Hunter said. "Hate to say it sir but these kinds of odds aren't looking the best."

"Hunter is right. We've been lucky up to this point but going up against a force this large even with us is tantamount to suicide." Tech pointed out.

"How pessimistic of you, Tech. Didn't think you were the downer of the group." Will remarked, looking around the area for anything they could use to help them.

"Yeah, that's more Crosshair's job." Wrecker slapped Crosshair on the shoulder and the sniper just groaned.

"They're right, sir. On foot, taking the shield generator isn't going to be easy. We should head back to your ship and attack them from the air." Captain Fordo suggested when Will checked the shield generator and saw the long line of Proton Cannons set up on a defensive line right along the generator. Once he saw the stockpile of proton bombs, he knew exactly what they could do.

"Actually, I think we may not need it. Tech, those proton bombs by the artillery line near the shield generator. If those goes boom you think that'd be enough to take down the shield?" Will asked and Tech scanned the targets before doing some quick calculations.

"Bring it down? Probably not but the explosion could destabilize the area and result in a collapse of the giant rock structure the shield generator is built in to. That would be enough to bring it down." Tech answered.

"Crosshair, think you can make that shot?" Will asked and Crosshair took aim to measure distance, windage and factors he'd need to take in.

"No problem."

"All right. That's our plan. Tech, get me coordinates for all the large groupings of defensive placements here so we can call in an orbital bombardment." He told Tech and Tech nodded, getting him the coordinates. Crosshair took position and aim with his sniper and the others were ready to move should they need to fall back.

Crosshair took a deep breath and lined up the shot at the giant pile of proton bomb cannisters before putting his finger on the trigger. One trigger pull later and a sniper bolt sailed through the air before hitting one of the proton bombs…but nothing happened.

"I think you missed, Crosshair." Wrecker stated.

"I don't miss." Crosshair replied as his shot actually caused it to go overload and power up before exploding, taking the rest of the shells and the Proton Cannon it was close to with it. That set off a chain reaction with the other Proton Cannons and proton bomb stockpiles creating a massive explosive chain all along the artillery line of the mountain the shield generator was placed.

The explosion caused a lot of alarm by the droids and Geonosians and took part of the shield generator with it but it was still operational. That's when the explosion and damage done by it to the mountain caused it to crumble and collapse, taking out the rest of the generator and shutting down the shield completely.

"Nice shot, Crosshair." Will praised him before radioing the Republic. "Republic Invasion fleet this is Commander Will Vizsla. The shield generator is down, I repeat the shield generator is down. Commence assault."

"Roger that. We just arrived in the system. Gunships, tanks, and reinforcements are on your way." Admiral Yularen replied as Will looked at the coordinates Tech gave him.

"Star Destroyer Negotiator. This is Commander Vizsla requesting orbital bombardment fire mission at these coordinates. Approximately three hundred meters south east of my location at grid Alpha-Niner-Three-Three at Grid Sector Seven-Five. Separatist tanks and artillery. Fire for effect." Will radioed in.

"Roger that. Orbital bombardment on the way."

The Republic Star Destroyers and Acclimator-class assault ships arrived in atmosphere and began to deploy their forces. There were blue flashes in the sky before heavy turbo laser volley from the Negotiator struck the point Will radioed in. The aerial bombardment destroyed dozens of Separatist tanks, artillery cannons, and Geonosian rock pillars clearing out some of the heavy forcers in their way. The volley continued for about fifteen seconds in total and it did a lot of damage to the Separatist defense.

"Target mission confirmed. Thanks, Negotiator." Will radioed back. "That softened them. Let's clear out the rest of them."

"Sounds like fun! WAAHOO!" Wrecker fired a round from a rocket launcher and blew up a rock pillar, causing it to crumble and roll down on the droids and Geonosians who were in the way.

The droids and Geonosians that survived the sudden orbital bombardment tried to scavenge what they had and prepare defenses but it was too late. Will leapt through the smoke and cut through several droids and Geonosians in quick succession as Captain Fordo ran alongside him and blasted six droids one after another before signaling his men to fan out. The other clones moved together in formation, blasting the battle droids and Geonosians who were caught off guard.

Hunter rushed forward, slashing several droids with his vibroblade before using one as a shield while he fired a few shots from his blaster pistol. Wrecker charged and barreled through the droids before picking up a destroyed blaster turret like a gaffi stick and started swinging. Tech maneuvered around a group of droids and stuck them with droid poppers which he then activated, taking them out of commission before throwing a thermal imploder that took out a destroyer droid. Crosshair was still in his perch, taking shots at the droids and Geonosians. Captain Fordo kicked one droid to the ground and blasted it in the face before rolling forward and blasting a super battle droid in the legs and then through the middle when a tank blast landed a few meters away from him. Two Separatist AAT-1 hover tanks were still operational and taking aim only they wouldn't last much longer.

Will rushed at the closest one, making him their target. It tried to get a lock on him and fired several shots but missed as he was moving too fast. He jumped on top and sliced open the tank hatch before jumping in.

"No—Ah!"

"Help me!"

"I want…to—live!"

The battle droids cry for mercy was kind of amusing as Will jumped out of the tank and ran away before it exploded. Wrecker charged at the other tank and climbed onto the cannon where he actually began to bend it. One of the droids popped out of the hatch and tried to shoot him only for Crosshair to shoot its head off. Hunter then rushed over and climbed up to the hatch as Tech tossed him a thermal detonator which he tossed in. He and Wrecker jumped away from the tank before it exploded as well.

At this point, the rest of the invasion force had started to land. There was some resistance from Geonosian starfighters but the accompaniment of V-Torrent interceptors and Y-wing bombers helped handle them. And since the gunships didn't have to deal with anti-aircraft fire they were able to land at the assembly area with their tanks. Some Y-wings flew over head and did a bombing run, taking out some of the droids by the destroyed shield generator as Will and his group had pretty much mopped up the remaining resistance

"Nicely done, everyone. That couldn't have gone better." Will told them as Crosshair came down him his perch. "So, Bad Batch? How do you like Geonosis?"

"Ha, this planet rules! Anytime you want to destroy clankers with me, kid, I'm up for it! This was amazing!" Wrecker shouted in glee as he picked up a battle droid head and played with it like it was a puppet. "Right, Crosshair? The commander did pretty great, right?"

"Knock it off, Wrecker." Crosshair pushed the droid head away from him as he fiddled with his toothpick.

"Despite all odds, that did end rather well." Tech pointed out.

"I've been known to beat the odds every now and then." Will stated with a chuckle.

"I see why Kal thought we'd like this assignment. You're good, Commander. Probably the best I've seen and that says a lot." Hunter told him.

"Thank you, Hunter. You and your group have earned your reputation. We did good work today but so did Captain Fordo and his men. We wouldn't have been as successful without you." Will told him.

"Happy to help, sir." Fordo replied as Hunter walked over and shook his hand. "Well done, Hunter."

"You too, Captain." Hunter stated.

The group waited around a bit for some rest and to take inventory of their supplies. Soon enough LA-AT gunships arrived and began deploying clones along with Master Kenobi, Anakin, Ahsoka, Captain Rex, Commander Cody, and Ki-Adi Muni. They and the others arrived to see Will and his group resting around a veritable battlefield. The ground was littered with battle droids and Geonosians, the shield generator was destroyed and the Republic invasion force was able to land yet they looked unharmed and like they just finished some exercise.

"Whoa…" Rex muttered, having a hard time believing what he was seeing.

"It's about time you guys showed up. You missed all the fun." Will pointed out as he was leaning against a destroyed droid tank and Wrecker was playing puppet with a droid.

"Yeah, loads of fun! Ha-Ha!" Wrecker laughed.

"I don't believe. I don't believe it." Ahsoka stated. "Mando, how did you do this?"

"Well, it was a team effort and it had its challenges but we pulled through." He replied.

"Obi-wan, are we really needed here because it looks like your Padawan could do all this without us." Anakin pointed out.

"I can't take all the credit. Hunter, Captain Fordo and their men were exceptional in battle and we had the element of surprise on our hands." Will told them. "Oh, man. Echo, Fives, and Hevy are gonna be sad they missed this."

"Well done, Padawan but we still have a factory to take down." Obi-wan reminded him.

"Right, just resting a big. Let's go." He replied, taking a sip of water before they kept moving to establish a basecamp.

This was the first step in taking the rest of the planet and if they were successful in capturing Poggle the Lesser then Geonosis would be contained and the war was one step closer to being over. Luckily, they were off to a good start due to the leadership of one brave Padawan and some remarkable clones. Confronting demons of the past was hard and would be something Will would have to contend with for the rest of the war.

End of Chapter 7

1). Imagine Tricia Helfer as Pio Vizsla, Will's mother. Thought it would be funny since Katee Sackhoff plays Bo-Katan and the two have a good friendship that his mother could be Tricia Helfer. Just imagine her with short brown hair.

2). The Flashback is taken more from legends which I like and the Grievous fight did happen in legends. He was on Geonosis and killed anyone who went after the Separatists trying to escape and did kill Jedi Ur-Sema Du along with others. Think of the fight in the same vein as the Star Wars 2003 Clone Wars animated Grievous fights on Hypori. Grievous is fast, vicious, and menacing.

And that's the end of Chapter 7. I hope you guys liked it. Sorry for the delay but I wanted to make sure I liked how it turned out. A lot happened and a lot was set up for the future. Zillo Beast is taken care of, the second battle of Geonosis is off to a good start and Will's making more of a name for himself with the help of some badass clones. The Bad Batch are here and this is not going to be their last appearance. Plus, we got Captain Fordo and the Muunilinst 10 from the awesome 2003 Star Wars Clone Wars miniseries. The predecessors for Captain Rex and the other awesome clones.

I changed things up a bit. I figured the Separatists would be smart to have a separate shield generator that's closer to the factory for protection. Also, the reason I didn't call the Bad Batch Clone Force 99 is because they were given that designation after 99's death during the Battle of Kamino which hasn't happened yet. They were active before but received that designation after 99's death. Hoped you guys liked how everything else turned out. We got more glimpses at the mystery holocron and who its owner was, Will is coming to terms with some stuff and we're seeing hints and glimpses of his old life including what happened during episode 2 on Geonosis with his old master. That part is canon in legends which I took inspiration from.

Next chapter, The Second Battle of Geonosis continues as they take the factory and the Geonosian leader Poggle the Lesser. But it turns out that he isn't exactly the leader of the Geonosians and in finding that out, Will gets an up close look at could only be described in two words: Zombie Bugs. After that, they rescue Master Koth from General Grievous giving Will another chance against the cyborg before he ends up sent to his birth planet of Mandalore and to finally meet his uncle. Until next time!

Updates for November: The Perfect One, Omniverse-Earth 38 and the next chapter in Multiverse will be up this month. Until then, everyone stay safe.

Will Vizsla, Son of Pio Vizsla, nephew of Pre Vizsla and Mandalorian by birth. Padawan Jedi.

Birthdate: 38BBY-Age 16

Padawan Apprentice to Obi-wan Kenobi, Former Padawan of Ur-Sema Du, Son of Pio Vizsla, Son of Count Dooku. Nephew of Pre Vizsla. Leader of the 212st Attack Battalion Ghost Company

Appearance: Dylan O'Brien from Maze Runner: The Death Cure. With Padawan braid.

Clothing:

Dark blue Padawan robes and combat boots. Combat belt with Cyan Blue lightsaber.

Ancestral Mandalorian Beskar armored combat gloves and forearm guards with weapons. Necklace with symbol of Clan Vizsla.

A black shirt, black jacket, and blue pants (Casual/Undercover)

Personality: Kind, caring, quick-witted and smart. Able to adapt to situations very easily. Prone to quips to distract or enrage his enemies. Can be a bit of a smartass yet humble and works well with others. Extremely proficient in tinkering and building with electronics. Excellent pilot and mechanic. Knowledge in warfare and weapons from extensive self-tutelage at the Jedi Temple and Mandalorian training by Pio Vizsla. When triggered, can be aggressive and unhinged to a point.

Skills and Powers

Force Powers:

Force speed, Force sight, Force empathy, Force Jump, Force Stasis, Force Pull/Push, Force Throw, Force Barrier, Force Repulse, Force Precognition, Animal Bond, Mind Trick, Levitation, Lightsaber throw. Force Connection (In a limited use)

Combat Skills:

Specialized in Form 2 Makashi-Lightsaber-to-Lightsaber combat, Form 3 Soresu-Blaster counter/Defense, Form four Ataru-combines speed, strength, agility, powers, and the force for to aid in movement and combat. Training in Form 6 Niman which includes training in Form 5 Djem So and Shien. Basic Stance is Samurai Chudan or Middle stance

Adept at hand-to-hand combat.

Mandalorian gauntlets with repulsor, grappling line, wrist rockets, flamethrower, laser splicer, retractable wrist/forearm blades, shield projector, and built-in communicator and holovid.

BD-8 companion droid

Rathtar Squad: Echo (Tech), Hevy (Heavy Weapons), Fives (Second in command)

Leader of Ghost Company of 212st Attack Battalion

The Tempest: A Black and Orange Corellian XS stock light freighter armed with 2 dorsal and 2 port laser batteries with torpedo launchers and modified ion launchers. Built with 2 powerful sub-light engines, heavy armored plating, and a modified/powerful hyperdrive system, making it powerful yet agile and extremely fast. Equipped with a modified stealth system that can bypass almost any scanner. Built-in cloaking system to turn the ship invisible.

XR: Modified and hacked Separatist Probe Droid

Solarboard: Home-built solar powered hover board. Agile, fast, with small twin front blasters and capable of excellent maneuverability.

Disclaimer: I don't own any Star Wars or above-mentioned properties; all rights belong to their owners.