Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Star Wars.

Hello again, I thank all those that read and reviewed the last chapter...I had hoped to have this one out sooner but I suffered a bit of a burnout. It took a bit for me to get myself writing again but I managed it.

We now come to the second part of Unification, Haron goes to the other Houses and gets them onboard with his family's vision of the future.

Some of the ships that will make up the Mandalorian Fleet will be be revealed in this chapter. Some might be familiar but others might not, to those that suggested them I thank you a lot as many of what you came up with ideas that would never have occurred to me.

On with the chapter...

Chapter 18 – Unification Part 2

The Jedi Temple, Coruscant…Late 980 ARR...

Depa had a bathrobe on and her hair in a towel to dry it after a quick shower to wash any residue off her body after being immersed in the tank for so long. She stretched her stiff muscles to try and get some life back into them and smiled a little.

"You feel well Master Billaba?" Master Yoda asked the women who smiled at the senior master and told him.

"Nothing like a long sleep to rest the body and mind Master Yoda." She said cheerfully which did not amuse Yoda much.

"Being glib, not becoming of a Jedi Master." He cautioned her but Master Tuwan said with a smile of his own.

"But it can make conversation more interesting." Tuwan interjected and told her. "I will be happy to assist you in some retraining to get you back to your best."

"I would appreciate that Master Tuwan, given what era you come from there will be much you can teach me." Depa said with a sense of anticipation before turning to Master Yoda to ask him. "Since I am not eligible to return to the Council until I have been judged fit and even if so I have no interest in sitting on the council again, who are you thinking of naming to the Jedi Council to replace poor Master Kolar?" She asked, her voice mournful when she considered the loss of her colleague.

Yoda sighed with tiredness, not sure he wanted to even bother replacing Master Kolar in the current climate, Jedi lives seemed to be lost so often and so wastefully now but he stiffened his resolve and stated.

"Master Unduli, take the vacant seat on the council she will." Yoda told them, glad that her calming presence would soon sit among them.

Lucrehulk – Stormfront, Mandalorian Space...

Haron was taking a moment to spar and teach Vysa moving meditation while they both practised with their swords, he had provided her with the materials to make one of her own and although not used to fighting with a blade, she caught on quickly.

"Don't force the movements, let them come to you naturally and allow your energy to flow through them." Haron told her as they worked through the different stances and positions of swordsmanship. Vysa was a difficult student at times and questioned him openly.

"How can I not force the movements if I am trying to do them?" She asked him in annoyance which he sighed before telling her.

"By just focusing on those moves and nothing else. Do it slowly at first so your body learns those moves and with practice they become easier so you can do it more quickly and with less effort. Time and dedication are the only real way to truly master anything." He told her and she frowned.

"What if I don't have the patience for that? It takes a lot of work." She said with irritation but Haron only smiled and told her.

"If you didn't you wouldn't be here or be as skilled as you are. The only thing that really can hold you back is doubt, in yourself." He told her and she frowned before telling him with a small smile.

"Don't you turn into Yusagi!" She mockingly, referring to the stern Duke that had been admittedly a big help on this journey so far. Haron told her with a small smile.

"Never."

"So where are we going next?" Vysa asked him with some interest in their next destination to change the subject. Haron told her as they continued to practice.

"There are four more houses to reach out to but we can talk to House Ti'harn and House Yarlton together when we attend the coming wedding between them. They aren't warriors like some Mandalorian houses, instead they turn the intensive focus and skill we get from training towards matters of business and commerce. They are easily the richest of all the houses and act as among other things the bankers of Mandalorian society while enjoying high finance across the galaxy. They are key players in the future of Mandalorian Space whatever direction we take." Haron told Vysa who blinked in surprised.

"Really, I thought Mandalorians were warriors first and foremost." Vysa said with confusion but Haron shook his head.

"That is what we are best known for but it isn't the only thing we do." Haron told her with a laugh. "We train as hard as we do to instil not only discipline and focus but also the passion and drive to excel. As a warrior that is important but it is just as vital when you are an architect, a doctor, a nurse, a scientist, a farmer and so on. To put your best into whatever you do so you can achieve the best result. That is the real fact of being a Mandalorian." Haron told her and Vysa seemed to nod in acceptance, realising that she like the rest of the galaxy didn't really understand just how complex their people were.

Prospar, Prystil System…

The planet of Prospar was a major centre of commerce in Mandalorian Space, very industrial although it was not as bad as Coruscant or other city wide planets and still had some green areas and oceans around.

Using the Star Chaser to approach Haron, in his full armour stood with Ijaa, Vysa and Din in the cockpit of the corvette as they headed down to the surface. The high towers and architecture that was not so different to Mandalore was awesome and Haron smiled as Din looked at it with amazement along with Vysa while he and Ijaa shared a small smile.

Landing at the foot of the compound they disembarked with a pair of crates being brought out behind on a hover shed. Standing there to greet them was Duke Sel'ban Yarlten along with his son Kyle and the Duchess Amili Ti'harn along with their guards around them. Haron and his party bowed in greeting and Haron spoke.

"Duke Yarlten, Duchess Ti'harn. Thank you for allowing us to visit at this important time." Haron said politely and the older Sel'ban nodded with a smile on his face.

"We are glad to receive you Duke Ordo, Duke Yusagi. Just in time for the wedding." He said proudly as he turned to his son and future daughter in law.

"Indeed, may your son's and Duchess Amili's marriage be blessed with happiness and many years." Ijaa said with a nod, before turning to the hover sled. "Gifts to bless your union."

He called one of his men over and presented them with a beskad made of fine material and elaborate decoration.

"From House Yusagi I gift you a beskad, forged personally by myself to represent our culture." Ijaa said and while not warriors Kyle and Amili took the sword and held it a bit awkwardly but nodded gratefully to the older duke.

"Our family will treasure in Duke Ijaa, thank you." They said and Haron then presented his gift.

"From House Ordo a give you a pair of sculptures made by the best of Reijar, for to represent each of your houses." Haron said and presented the pair of full sized statues that were made of gold and marble with some precious jewels for decoration. While not as well known in the rest of the galaxy, his people had some very talented artists among them.

They blinked at the gifts and nodded in surprise before telling them.

"They will take pride of place in our home Duke Ordo, now while your associates take advantage of our hospitality perhaps we should talk of our alliance." Kyle said with some urgency as the wedding was soon and he wanted to get this out of the way.

Turning to Vysa and Din he told them.

"Be respectful but enjoy yourselves."

They both nodded and went off to amuse themselves while he and Ijaa did what these two houses liked to do most...talk business.

- x -

In the office of Duke Sel'ban they made themselves comfortable and discussed what they needed to.

"Satine Kryze passed several laws that limited business within our own space." Duke Sel'ban said with annoyance as he sipped his water. "Intent on developing the economy of Mandalore itself and limiting our own trade by prioritising businesses based on Mandalore. We have suffered losses due to that, despite having better products and services we are not being allowed to sell them properly. What we want is that bias to end. To not only be able to trade freely with the wider galaxy but within our own space."

"I understand." Haron said, nodding before continuing. "While I myself have ignored those rules in trade outside as have you to some degree I am a little cautious of trade with the Republic. During my time there I have seen signs that after the war it may no longer be the Republic."

Those present looked confused by that and Duchess Amili asked him with a strange look.

"What do you mean by that?"

"That the Senate is under the influence of the Sith." Haron said plainly making them all share looks of alarm. "There was nothing I could definitely pin down but I have seen signs that point to its possible transformation into a much more aggressive and totalitarian state. With a military that will obey whatever orders are given and the Separatists as an excuse to conquer everyone including us." Haron said with his own features worried at the stakes that could well be against them.

"Just signs? That is not proof Duke Ordo." Kyle said with a look of suspicion.

"But it is a good indication of what might be to come and either way the Republic has shown in its actions especially in regards to Satine they had a more assertive foreign policy." Ijaa said with a look of concern and new understanding of the possible threat they might be facing in the future. "The new laws and amendments being passed increase the powers of the Chancellor to the level he will be able to effectively rule the Republic as a dictator."

"Which is why you are concerned with us trading with the wider galaxy." Sel'ban said with understanding at the other dukes concerns. "Our first loyalty is to our family and our people so while we will exploit the wealth of the out side we are not going to betray our own people for it."

Haron could sense he was telling the truth and the two younger ones nearby but was still wary of them being corrupted by the outside or be used at least by those that could be their enemies. He would watch for signs of that.

"Then we have an agreement. There will not be limits on your trading." Haron said with a nod.

Sel'ban, Kyle and Amili smiled while Ijaa gave them a look of concern but then reluctance acceptance. This was the price and risk they took to gain their alliance and for their help in maintaining the economy of their territory.

Ossus, the Outer Rim Territories…

The planet looked so different to how it had when had last seen it.

Celeste Morne looked from the bridge of her ship with some feelings of depression, remembering the former beauty the world had once held with its beautiful forests, hills, mountains and seas. She dearly wished she could see it again as it had been before the supernova had devastated the planet but knew that could never be.

Still she thought with hope, there was some sign that the planet was recovering, areas of green foliage could be seen from orbit and given another couple of centuries the planet might actually be more or less recovered, less if it had help.

She didn't know if they would be able to provide that but it was an encouraging sign all the same Celeste thought with some joy in that.

The ship landed at the site near where the Great Library had once stood and despite all the centuries that had passed the large building was very much intact. It was a true testament to its great construction Celeste thought with a smile as she exited the ship and her feet touched ground she had never thought possible again.

It was still very different to what she remembered, the sweet smells of the meditation gardens that had once stood around the base of the temple and incense that had once filled the air inside it. She looked over to where a tree that she had once sat under as a padawan had stood and wished she could see it still but it was long gone now. A feeling of loss gripped her but nevertheless she carried on.

"Set up base camp close to the ship, we might need a quick exit since we have little idea of just what surprises this world holds." Celeste said to her party of Jedi who followed her out.

"Well my friends, welcome to Ossus." Gran female Jedi Master Maks Leem said as they stepped off the ship with her apprentice Whie Malreaux at her side. Whie looked around with awe at his surroundings while his master smiled at his awe.

"There is great power here." Master Nico Diath said with a look of calm consideration, feeling all the force energy here and surprisingly given what had happened it was near all light side. The older human male stroked his groomed beard carefully in thought.

"A lot of history too, buried and lost." Master Sora Mobari said with a mournful sigh, she was still dealing with the defection of her former apprentice Evan-Ott who had fled the temple to join the Separatists and Count Dooku. She had wondered many times if staying at the temple had been the right thing to do rather than go out into the galaxy and perhaps that had been the cause of Evan's decision, Master Yoda had sent her on this expedition in hopes that it might lift her spirits. The slight wind snatched at her light brown hair.

"Then we will recover it." Master Politrix said with a smile, her own red curls waving slightly in the wind doing her best to reassure her depressed colleague.

Suddenly though a quick warning came in the force and Master Diath being the most experienced and skilled of the team raised his hand in time to stop a projectile smashing into Master Torhaa Phaa, a male Togruta Jedi Knight who looked stunned at the near miss and all the Jedi present drew their lightsabers and lit them in anticipation of an attack.

However it never came, all the Jedi remained alert though as figures emerged from the rubble between them and the temple. The Jedi looked at the newcomers with suspicion, some they noticed wore masks but others had rough looking clothes on and weapons that they kept to hand but what really surprised the Jedi was that every single one of them had the force within them. It differed in strength from person to person but every single one of them had the ability to become a Jedi Knight had they received proper training.

One of them, a leader perhaps with dark hair that was starting to go grey stepped forward and in very broken Basic said.

"We wondered...if you would...ever come...if Jedi would ever return." The accent was rough and slow. The Jedi were confused as to who these people were when there was not supposed to be anyone living on Ossus.

"Who are you?" Celeste said, stepping forward as the expedition's leader, the apparent leader spoke with reverence.

"I am Koffri, Shamen...of the Ysanna. The people...that survived...Ossus."

Oarlstoy, Mid Rim…

A barren and rocky planet on the edge of an important trade route, Oarlstoy rarely had anything happen here but had now become a major battle field between the Republic and Separatists over who would control the vital trade route it had.

Anakin was leading the clones along side Obi-Wan in the vanguard of the battle, it was going well with the Separatists falling back as they pressed forward.

Ahsoka was defending their left flank although she dearly wished she was in the vanguard with her master, her green lightsaber slicing through droids with ease as her acrobatic style let her dance around the droids. She was smirking though as the force flowed through her and the battle became a blur that she cut through.

However a sudden tremor in the force made her jump back just as a Boltrunian male appeared from the mass of droids, swiping at her with a lightsaber which had a very rare orange blade with a red aura around it. He snarled at her and seemed almost to sniff the air before focusing back on her.

"You stink of fear, good." He growled at her and she gritted her teeth as she spat out his name, knowing who he was already.

"Maw, traitor!" She said with a her anger boiling as she considered the Jedi knight that had defected to Dooku out of his own greed and bloodlust. She tightened her grip on her lightsaber and readied herself into her position for the fight.

Maw was like a savage in the way he fought, all fury without much focus but it was brutal, violent and unpredictable which is what made him such a dangerous opponent. She fell into Djem So as her master had taught her, maintaining a strong defence from Maw's frenzied attempt to batter his way through her defences. He was brutal, but also she started to noticed as she started switching between Djem So and Shien to throw off Maw rather sluggish. His strikes lacked precision and his stamina while enhanced with the force tired quickly due to his furious overwhelming initial assault. Ahsoka realised all she had to do was defend herself a little longer and he would become slower and slower the longer the fight went on until she could counter-attack.

She parried and sidestepped Maw's attacks, using purely defensive fighting maintaining a calm and level headed demeanour which she had started to develop after months of training with her master. Her force armour helping to maintain her own energy while waiting for Maw to expend his.

The seconds turned into minutes and Maw slowed down further as his energy was more and more spent, his desperation fuelling a renewed effort to break through her defence and at last as he became slower still, Ahsoka within the blink of an eye and the force surging through her along with all her joy of the fight, hatred of the traitor, fears of not living up to Anakin's standards and worry for the galaxy among others she switched to her own preferred form Ataru.

She began a rapid series of feints and switches as she pressed the attack, darting in and out at a speed that was almost blinding to Maw who had was already tired from the beginning of the fight soon found himself on the back foot, trying to defend himself from Ahsoka's fast and lethally accurate assault.

Ahsoka was much younger than Maw and yet she was discovering that she was far better with a lightsaber than him, bisected him with a quick slash of her blade.

Maw's body separated into two and while fell she ended his suffering with a stab through the head. His large lightsaber fell and perhaps it had been already damaged or just poorly constructed but the emitter fell free the moment it hit the ground and the small orange coloured kyber crystal fell out with it.

Ahsoka looked away from Maw's body to carefully pick up the crystal, she hadn't held one since she had completed the Gathering on Ilum and built her own lightsaber. This crystal was not like that though she thought with a cold angry aura feeling coming from the crystal, she had heard that the crystal was a reflection of the Jedi who found it and she honestly wondered how corrupt Maw had been to do that to a crystal.

Looking around she saw the battle was over now with the Separatists having mounted a full retreat and that Obi-Wan and Anakin were walking over to her. Looking at her feet they saw the body of Maw and Anakin looked at her with concern.

"Are you okay?" His eyes full of worry but she managed a small smile and told him with the crystal still in hand.

"I'm okay master."

Obi-Wan looked at Maw's body and sighed before saying.

"It is a shame that one of our own could fall so far, what are you going to do with that crystal you have?" Obi-Wan asked her and she stopped for a moment before looking down at it again and frowned.

"I don't know...I was thinking of building a new lightsaber for myself as an offhand weapon, a shoto but this crystal is rotten." She said, almost throwing it aside. Anakin seeing her desire for a new crystal promised her.

"We will make a journey to Ilum the moment we have time to find you a second crystal." He reassured her but Obi-Wan interjected with a surprise offer.

"That might not be necessary, if Ahsoka is willing to try...I can show her how to purify the crystal so she can use it."

Both Anakin and Ahsoka looked at Obi-Wan in surprise and Anakin openly asked him with an almost accusing tone.

"You never told me you could do that." He said but Obi-Wan merely shrugged and said.

"You never asked, now Ahsoka, would you like to try?" Obi-Wan politely asked her and patiently waited for an answer.

Ahsoka was very torn, she knew it would be wasteful to go to Ilum and get another crystal just for herself when it might well be meant for another. But at the same time it was in some ways, wrong to steal someone else's crystal effectively from their dead body. She didn't know what to do at first but looking down at the orange crystal in her hand she wanted to give it another chance to do what it was meant to do.

She nodded and Obi-Wan smiled a little before sitting down on the ground which she copied while Anakin watched with interest.

"Now, hold the crystal gently in your hand and let yourself go into the force. Let nothing else enter your mind but the crystal in your hand and let the force flow through it." He told her and slowly Ahsoka managed to do as he said, opening her eyes a while later before opening her palm and looking at the crystal.

She blinked it surprise at how it had changed, the aura of the dark side was gone replaced with a warm and comforting aura like her own crystal and surprisingly the colour too had changed. No longer was it orange, instead it had turned a shade of yellow not unlike those used by the Temple Guards back at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant.

She held it up to the light and marvelled at the change, Anakin too who was surprised at the change in the crystal while they returned to their ship where she would build her new lightsaber in time for their next fight.

Anakin seeing her intentions might need adjustments to her fighting style advised her.

"When you have built your second saber we will start studying to some Niman, it is essential to wielding dual sabers...Ahsoka...well done." Anakin told her proudly and she looked at him with gratitude and smiled brightly at him which made him do the same.

Wendi, Mandalorian Space…

Wendi was a planet that had a fair amount of industrialisation, a big city with considerable factories and facilities that produced a variety of goods including machine parts and computers. Surprisingly despite a good sized population their warriors were smaller in number which was perhaps due to many of their people choosing to dedicate themselves to engineering, an area where House Kane truly excelled.

Their factories were superb in both speed and quality as were most of the equipment they created. Mechanical issues were infrequent on their world and if they did happen they were generally fixed quickly. Their usefulness in building and maintaining a strong and effective military would be a many asset but Haron grimaced as it meant negotiating with the unpredictable and sly Duchess Eliza Kane.

The ship descended into the bustling city and at the heart of it was Kane Complex, their home and command centre. Haron and Ijaa steadied themselves as their shuttle came in to land and saw that a single man was waiting there to greet them, there was no sign of the Duchess. Haron sighed as they left the ship approached the man standing there.

"Duke Ordo, Duke Yusagi, welcome to Wendi. The Duchess is waiting for you in the throne room, please follow me." He said with a smile and Haron honestly had a bad feeling about this. So far on this journey they had done a lot of things to gain alliances with other houses and some had been horrible but what Eliza Kane would ask was completely a mystery as she was radically different to her own ancestors.

Followed by their guards Haron and Ijaa walked into the complex and saw some impressive engineering work in both the architecture and technology being utilised. No space was wasted and it was very efficient, nodded quietly to himself in approval he walked to the throne room.

It was a room about the same size of the one on Mandalore, all along the walls though were a large number of display boards with different information feeds and some even had holo dramas on them which was a strange contrast. Looking at the throne room he saw that Eliza Kane was sitting sideways on the large chair with her legs draped over the armrest. She looked over at them and told them with a bored look.

"Do you think Kenny will clone Gorr so he can carry on with his copy after he dies? I can't tell but I kind of hope he does then Gorr recovers. That would be awesome to see." She said pointing lazily at one of the displays which seemed to be showing some kind of soap opera as the two men thought they were known but they personally had never seen and had no context for. Ijaa being the more strict of the two tried to press.

"Duchess Kane, we greet you in the hopes..." He started talking but she put up a finger to stop him and said bluntly without even looking away from the display.

"You didn't answer my question."

Haron realised she was trying to put them off kilter with her apparent disinterest and lack of manners so he decided to play her game.

"If the actor is leaving the show then the odds are that they won't go through with the cloning thing unless it is an excuse to replace them with another actor in some way." Haron told her and she smirked a little before turning to face them.

"I think I like you." She told him with a small grin that looked vaguely sinister which he suspected was another way she toyed with people. "So, to cut to quick...I want ships." She told them quickly.

"At least you are clear in what you want." Ijaa said recovering from her earlier dismissal although still felt affronted. "We can discuss allocating you vessels..." But again, she interrupted him.

"If you are going to speak then at least say something intelligent. No, I want ships but I want those like you have in orbit. To take them from our enemies." She said and then then added with a teasing smirk. "The better part we don't even have to fight through an army of droids to get them."

Haron was confused by what she meant, thinking her crazy to even be thinking of raiding some Separatist shipyard but then when she mentioned not having to fight an army of droids he suddenly realised just what she meant.

"You don't mean the Junk Fleet do you?" Haron asked with a worried expression on his face and her smirk only widened.

"Exactly, especially as you if my information is right have a corvette with a cloaking device." She told them with.

Haron sighed, he wasn't too worried about her knowing they had a cloaking device installed on the corvette as they had used it a few times now. Kane was pretty cunning and had a few connections of her own so it wasn't a stretch to imagine she might have discovered things he wanted to hide. She was far more dangerous and capable than most thought. Seeing Ijaa was confused he decided to enlighten him.

"The Republic has over the course of the war so far managed to capture a number of Separatists ships, ranging from destroyers to Lucrehulks. Scrappage firms have been fighting for months for the rights to get them for melting down, all the while more ships are captured and added to the 'Junk Fleet' as it has been nicknamed parked above Taris." Haron explained using his inside knowledge from his time in the Republic.

"Yeah, I just learned there going to be transferred to the Fourny Metals Corporation who are going to send them all to Bracca for scrapping. They've having slave circuits installed to control all the ships from just one, a Providence-class and I want it. So if you want me to join this little alliance and support your position as our leader, we are going to help me steal them." She said with a cool look in her eye, like what she was suggesting wasn't incredibly dangerous.

"So you want to steal from the Republic rather than the Separatists? Risk the war we are trying to avoid before we are ready?" Ijaa said with a look of both concern and annoyance on his face. However Haron realised that this wasn't actually as dangerous as they had first thought.

"They've been sold to the Fourny Metals Corporation, they don't belong to the Republic any more. Not to mention the company could never risk admitting to the theft, it would make them appear weak, they could loose the contract jeopardising future contracts. If it were a one time thing and we made sure to cover our tracks then and keep the ships from being seen till the heat dies down...it could be done." Haron said with a calculating look in his eye. It was a big risk, maybe too big but it would expand their fleet with some considerable assets and in a fraction of the time and resources.

"So...you down?" Eliza asked him with a smirk and Haron sighed as he knew he wasn't getting her allegiance without this and she might become dangerous if she fell in with their enemies.

"Yeah, we go as soon as possible." Haron said with a sigh. Why did he get himself into these messes? Haron asked himself with annoyance. Ijaa looked at him with concern but gave an accepting nod.

- x -

Taris Orbit, the Outer Rim…A Week Later...

Taris had never really fully recovered from the devastation inflicted on it by Darth Malak thousands of years ago. The once city wide planet was at least partly rebuilt but only a single level unlike Coruscant and had vast disgusting junk-yards and wastelands covering the surface. There was an unnatural purple shade in the polluted atmosphere and its largely human population of one billion, a fraction of what it had once been lived an uncomfortable existence there.

The Star Chaser dropped out of hyperspace before engaging its cloaking device as it flew closer, on the small bridge Haron stood with Vysa and Eliza next to him.

"Locate the target and close." Haron ordered and the two pilots worked their instruments before identifying what they were seeking.

"Upper quadrant 233 by 987 sir." They reported as they flew closer, Haron looked at the ships as they approached as Vysa listed them all.

"Two DH-Omni Support Vessels, Three Recusant-class Light Destroyers, Two Munificent-class Frigates, a Lucrehulk-class battleship and one Providence-class Command Ship. You have ambition I admit that, to steal all this lot with the hundred we have." Vysa said with a look of apprehension at the number of ships they were dealing with.

"Most of the ships are controlled by slave circuits, they are all operated from one ship...the Providence. I want that." Eliza told them with a look of almost desire in her eyes at the lead vessel. Haron and Vysa both looked at her with exasperation and worry for a moment before Haron gave the order to the pilots.

"Take us into the hanger bay then withdraw to a safe position in case we need extraction."

"Yes sir." They answered before carefully flying the corvette closer to the command ship which dwarfed them. The large open hanger bay at the aft side of the vessel was large enough for them to fly inside and thankfully deserted with only a few shuttles around belonging to the skeleton crew operating the ship and the onboard security they'd hired.

Haron left the cockpit and put on his helmet as did Eliza and Vysa, their armour like their warriors being painted the same white and orange that they had for the job on Nar Shaddaa to make sure if anyone did see them it would be put down to the Terror Brigade mercenaries rather than them.

As they pulled into the hanger Haron, Vysa, Eliza and their hundred or strong warriors gathered near the cargo hatch and the moment they were in position they opened the airlock and leapt out onto the hanger deck. Rolling before steadying themselves and once all of them were on the deck getting up into combat formation.

"All teams our targets are the bridge and engine room, move." Haron told the team and they all started running led by him into the hallways of the ship, seeing a room with computer consoles, Eliza smirked and connected up a device to them before starting an upload.

"Virus is in their systems. Say bye bye to communications." She said like she was taunting the crew. Watching as the virus spread throughout the vessel and corrupting the communication system and control systems.

"Understood, team one control room. Team two engine room, go." Haron ordered, their small force split up and headed to the places which had the most concentrations of personnel.

However half way towards the bridge they discovered that the private security the company had hired was far more dangerous than they had thought.

At a junction they were faced with Ubese mercenaries wielding EWHB-12 heavy repeater blasters. Heavy blue blaster bolts came screaming at them and they had to dive against the wall to avoid the fire. A few weren't lucky enough to avoid them and they saw warriors be struck down, their armour not stronger enough to resist the blasts.

Haron saw the masked Ubese mercenaries firing their weapons and manage to catch a few more of their people which infuriated him and he with difficulty managed to aim his wrist mounted rocket and fired it straight at the Ubese.

They had only a moment's warning before they were hit by the missile, blowing not only them but their blaster up. Haron rushed forward and without any effort shot the remaining mercenaries down before pushing on, Vysa at his side with her shoulder mounted blasters firing in tandem with her own pistols. Eliza followed with the rest of their people.

Three more choke points blocked their path to the bridge and the only reason the crew didn't close the blast doors was the virus they had introduced locked the doors open unless given the appropriate access code.

When at last they reached the bridge, Haron and the rest of the people present were totally pissed off, without any hesitation they shot down the crew on the bridge. It wasn't right Haron thought but then again, he thought with dismay what else was in this misery mixed up galaxy?

With control of the bridge secured Haron called Team Two.

"Team Two, status update?" Haron asked and after a moment the response came.

"Control of site two confirmed, lost twelve in ambushes." Haron frowned at that, they had lost ten more just getting to the bridge so over twenty lost. He regretted that not to mention killing the scrappage crew but given what they were doing and how important it was he pushed those feelings aside.

"Understood, secure your position, out." Haron said and turned to Eliza who at least had the sense to keep her helmet on and nodded. He could feel her smugness and could easily imagine the smirk under her helmet as she accessed the controls and input the code that allowed her to seize control of the ship.

Within seconds the navigation computer engaged as did the slave circuits and the whole fleet made the jump to lightspeed.

The familiar glowing tunnel of hyperspace was somewhat comforting, Haron turned to Eliza with a thought passing through his mind that she might choose this moment to betray them but instead she nodded and told him.

"Access to some shipyards to help maintain my new fleet and you have a deal, you have my backing for Mandalore." Eliza said with amusement. Haron was not sure he fully trusted her but he could sense she was being truthful and nodded himself.

"Then we are in agreement. Welcome aboard Duchess Kane, enjoy your new fleet." He told her.

Eliza now took off her helmet and smirked widely in victory.

Vysa who had been watching with anticipation spoke with disbelief.

"You guys are crazy, but this has been a lot of fun." She said almost reluctantly and Eliza just laughed.

"You are my kind of girl." With a clear edge of flirting, Haron wondered if Vysa was into that but feeling her interest in Eliza he guessed it might be mutual.

Jedi Base Camp, Ossus…

Around their small ship the Jedi had assembled a number of tents to form their base camp while speaking with the chief of the Ysanna.

"It is truly impressive that your people have managed to survive for so long after all the damage that was inflicted on the planet Shamen Koffri." Celeste said with a smile as she sat down next to the camp fire with the shamen who looked at her and the others with awe.

"We have long dreamt of the Jedi returning to Ossus, there are so many legends that you have become almost myths to us." Koffri told them, his basic getting easier with practice and Celeste smiled although she honestly was worried that they may have expectations that she and her team would not be able to fulfil.

"Then we will be glad to prove we are no myth, Master Yoda has managed to acquire some equipment that should help with time and effort to help the rest of the planet recover while giving your people any help we can." Celeste said with a hopeful smile.

The Shamen seemed excited at the idea and she meanwhile was using the aerial pictures they had taken along with maps provided by Koffri, combined with her own memory to chart places that might be worth exploring/excavating to see what Jedi treasures might be buried here.

Haashimut, the Outer Rim…

The Outer Rim world of Haashimut in the distant past had once been a fortress world for the Old Republic nearly twenty four thousand years ago and the Jedi Order had established an enclave on the planet for training their padawans. Having recently been rediscovered after a reference in one of their oldest holocrons Yoda's secret group had gone there to discover if it was worth building a hidden enclave here. Nothing remained of the old one but the caves that were strong in the force and ran deep underground were a much more interesting and secure option so secretly they began to structurally reinforce the caves where they needed to be and even expand some of the caverns inside to make room for more people to live down there. It also would be useful as a hiding place for some of the texts they had recovered in other temples to ensure if any of the other temples were lost they would not be lost too.

The Jedi Temple, Coruscant…

Depa Billaba was in blindfolded in one of the training rooms of the temple and with her newly constructed green lightsaber in hand she was deflecting the blaster bolts being sent towards her by a nearly a dozen remotes, despite being temporarily blinded she moved gracefully around the room with her lightsaber creating a field of green around her that prevented even a single bolt striking her.

"Enough." A warm voice said and called the exercise and the remotes disengaged. Depa removed her blindfold and saw Master Tuwan smiling at her with a look of satisfaction on his face.

"Impressive, not a single hit in the whole exercise. Only a handful of candidates have ever managed that." Tuwan said impressed at the Jedi Master who nodded respectfully.

"Only because you have been so kind as to help me expand my knowledge of the force Tuwan. The abilities and force forms that you have taught me along with my new robes and abilities have been truly enlightening and reaffirmed my belief that there is always more to learn as a Jedi and as a person, showing me that no one is ever truly a...master. We are all but learners from the youngest to the oldest as there is always something more to discover." Depa said with her voice carrying wisdom. Tuwan smiled at her understanding.

"Good, then you are already far wiser than most Jedi Masters of my era let alone this one. I too find our discussions of the force to be quite engaging young lady and hope to speak with you more in the future." Tuwan said to her, looking at the robes she had created with his guidance although she hadn't really needed that once he had explained it too her, she had learned very fast.

They were unique Tuwan thought, unlike many who had crafted armour for themselves to wear, Depa had created a new set of robes that enabled her to heighten her connection to the force while not restricting her movement.

A deep green undershirt was visible over a golden bronze coloured overtunic and pants while a brown leather set of bracers and boots covered her arms and feet and nearby a deep green cloak rested till she picked it up. They were more colourful than most Jedi robes of this era which Tuwan approached of, the colours were somewhat more vibrant and individual with some patterns visible in the design that were gently interwoven lines.

Depa was the only Jedi of so called 'master' rank in this era that had been willing to listen to his points apart from Yoda perhaps, she was hopefully not going to be the last or so Tuwan thought. His words had been bringing some more life and energy into the younger recruits and he hoped they would spread to the others but he had seen the accusing eyes of some of the supposed masters especially those on the council.

He knew that they were highly against change, he was sadly realising that he posed a threat to their status quo and would do their best to prevent him trying to help the ones he was teaching grow into more capable and individual Jedi rather than an emotionless and uncaring drone-like knights they seemed to want.

He had no plan here, Tuwan thought with sadness at the state of affairs. He didn't want to destroy the order or split it down the middle, he didn't want to start a revolution but he knew sadly that it might well come down to that regardless of his intentions. He only wanted the Jedi he taught to be the best that they could be.

He would have to hope that more masters understood that as he had a feeling those that wanted the order to stay exactly as it was would reject his arguments without even considering them.

Speaking of the younger generation though Tuwan thought with some humour he turned to face the open door where someone had been watching Depa with awe ever seen she had started. Depa having sensed their little interloper too and smiled gently before calling out.

"If you had wanted to see more clearly you only had to walk through the door rather than peering around it. Come here." She said gently but firmly.

A youngling around thirteen standard years of age slowly appeared in the door way, his hair was short and dark brown wearing the normal robes they gave to those that had yet to pass their initiate trials. He looked rather nervous as he slowly walked into the room and looked at his feet rather than look them in the eye.

"What is your name youngling?" Depa asked with a studying look at him, he managed to look up and told her with a worried look on his face.

"Caleb Dume, master."

He was afraid she was going to reprimand him Depa realised and wondered for a moment if her meeting with him was more the will of the force than simple curiosity, already she could feel the boy was important somehow and asked him.

"Was there something you wanted to ask me?"

He seemed surprised, having expected a reprimand but instead asked her after rallying his courage.

"Why do knights and masters choose their padawans the way they do?"

Depa was a little surprised at his question, knowing full well her own former master would not have appreciated that question and despite his nervousness she could see how bold he really was. She was actually a little amused and wondered if he wanted to be her padawan and he was gearing himself up to ask her if she would take him.

"Perhaps you will find the answer to that question the more you think on it Caleb Dume, now I imagine that you have lessons to attend." She said, reminding him and he blanched seeming to remember that he was in fact late for something and ran from the room. She smiled a little as did Tuwan as their eyes followed him.

She would keep her eye on this one, Depa thought to herself, if he passed the trials then perhaps she had found her next lesson she thought with a sense of satisfaction. To continue her path as a Jedi, maybe she had to help someone else walk theirs.

Resolute, Hyperspace…

Leaving the planet Muriporo after another hard battle Anakin and this team were exhausted along with the rest of their men. Over the last month they had been to over a dozen planets and seen a lot of intense fighting with little to no rest at all. The brief respite between planets was the only chance they got and it was starting to wear thin on them all.

Ahsoka while much stronger in the force than she had been as she began to explore her emotions and channel them, not to mention utilise the force forms Anakin was teaching her was taking some much needed time to sleep as were Rex, Cody and the rest of the clones.

Anakin was becoming really worried just how much more he could ask of them all, they were getting more awards and medals than any other unit in the Republic Military while becoming or so he was told celebrities. Reporters were actually contacting him for interviews and the propaganda office of the Republic was using not only his but Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, Rex and Cody's images in their material.

It was quite a heady thing Anakin thought, to be a hero.

Not that he considered himself one Anakin thought sternly, doing his best to stay grounded despite the praise and adoration he was being sent. He was merely doing his duty to the people of the Republic and had said as much when asked to do promotional material for the Republic.

Only for his words to be turned into propaganda Anakin thought, sweating as his words were used to make him even more of a noble hero. Anakin was not happy about that and had already received a reprimand from some members of the Jedi Council for saying anything at all, while others including Obi-Wan and Tuwan had actually praised him for being selfless and devoted.

Honestly Anakin did not know just what to do with the Jedi any-more. They were being pulled in so many different directions it was hard to know just what path was the right one but as he learned more he had started to realise that the right path...wasn't always the best one. He was still struggling with how he felt about that and how some bad things had to be done for the betterment of everyone.

For now though, Anakin decided trying to get his mind off such depressing matters and instead focus on the job at hand. Given all the fighting they were doing it was high time Obi-Wan received force armour of his own.

Surrendering to the will of the force and letting it fill him up came naturally to Obi-Wan and he was easily able to grasp what Anakin was trying to show him. It came so easily to Obi-Wan that for a moment Anakin was jealous but soon that passed as Obi-Wan told him.

"Very impressive, the apprentice becomes the teacher." Obi-Wan said without any trace of arrogance or resentment, instead he just smiled proudly at him which as someone who was the closest thing to a father Anakin had ever known meant a great deal.

Anakin smiled back, Obi-Wan unlike himself and Ahsoka had merely enhanced his existing robes and armour that was similar to what the clones wore, infusing the force into them. It felt slightly wasted at first but Anakin realised that Obi-Wan was much more practical than he would ever be.

Why go for something elaborate and flashy when something much simpler would do?

Either way Anakin was just glad his former master had more protection given the situations they were finding themselves in and knew that sooner or later they would need to do something.

Lucrehulk – Stormfront, on route to Orius…

Ijaa was sparring with young Din in the room set aside as a training room while the ship was on route to its final destination. They had managed to get the support of all the houses but one and soon they hoped that would resolved.

But while on their way there Ijaa had decided to train the boy as Haron was preparing himself for the last mission before the conclave on Graavis. Although his marksmanship was impressive for a boy his age Din Djarin had little training with bladed weapons and that was something Ijaa intended to rectify.

The boy's strikes were expectedly clumsy although he was getting better as they sparred more but he had much to learn about actually handling a fight intelligently. Ijaa slowly manoeuvred him into slowly being closer to the training weapon racks and when he got the young boy in a blade lock, used his foot to knock the stand over and it fell straight down on Din.

The boy yelled in surprise and tried to dive out of the way but as he did so he left himself open to a killing strike across the chest. Din felt it and looked shocked and surprised at the hit while Ijaa told him calmly.

"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy are the noise before defeat." Ijaa said with sage wisdom. "Sharpening your mind and planning out the fight allows you to devise new paths to victory, while learning different techniques and maintaining awareness of your surroundings. To truly stand the best chance of being victorious and of being the best warrior you can be, you must master both tactics and strategy for only together can you obtain victory."

Din looked at the old man and nodded, seeing that he would need to pay more attention to his tactics and strategy lessons in the future. A clapping sound however interrupted them from going further as Haron and Vysa appeared, clapping slowly.

"Well done, now you have learned a lesson few even comprehend, you can be the strongest and most powerful warrior ever only to be felled by a weaker opponent who has planned to exploit the environment to their advantage. Remember this and any opponent can be beaten, it merely takes the right strategy." Haron told him to make sure the Din learned to hone his mind and not just his body.

Seeing the boy smile Haron turned to the others and told them.

"We must be departing soon, Orius awaits."

"Have you prepared?" Ijaa asked and Vysa scoffed.

"Of course he has. Why do you think he's been locked up in his quarters studying and practising for the better part of two days." Vysa said with exasperation which Haron just smiled at.

"Playing it by the ear doesn't suit me any more, I need to ensure that I have prepared myself for what I am facing down there." Haron told her and she just kept smirking while Din told him with a smile.

"You will be Mandalore...Mandalore the Unifier!" Din said with enthusiasm and pride on his face.

Haron was touched by his faith in him and wondered if that would be his title, it was usual for a Mandalore at least the remembered ones to have titles. There had been many and it certainly was not a bad one to have.

"Perhaps young one, that will be his name if he can succeed." Ijaa said with a reflective expression, neither committing to the idea that he might win till he had met with House Orius. Vysa meanwhile just nodded in support.

- x -

Orius, The Following Day…

The planet of Orius reminded Haron of Lehon in many ways, although it didn't have the oppressive dark side aura the other planet had the surface was much the same. A largely ocean world, covering nearly its entire surface except for a number of islands scattered around in clustered chains. Before the world had been conquered by the Mandalorians the people of this world had been nomadic tribes that wandered its surface in sailing ships and as a testament to their strength and determination much of their own culture had survived being conquered and forced to assimilate into Mandalorian culture.

As the Star Chaser descended down onto the largest island were Duke Ge'hark Orius was standing there with his people behind him. Being at home they did not wear their full armour although they did still have their weapons about them. The tattoos easily visible as they wore lighter clothes given the hot climate of their world. Each tattoo meant something, some referred to their personal heritage while others were a sign of your character, achievements or position in their very tight knit communities and were copied onto their armour.

Duke Ge'hark was standing at seven feet tall with his surprisingly broad and muscular chest bare and his fairly long grey hair waving in the wind. Surrounding were his many children, Haron had three children and a ward already not counting Lelia and he thought that was enough but Ge'hark had seven sons, three daughters all of whom were now married with sons and daughters of their own. A really big family.

Haron disembarked, not wearing his full armour due to the heat as did Vysa and Din although Ijaa and their guards did and within moments were visibly sweating from the high temperature.

"Duke Orius, thank you for allowing us to set foot on your people's sacred lands." Haron said with a respectful bow which his own people copied. Ge'hark returned the bow a moment later followed by his own family and warriors.

"You are welcome Duke Ordo, are you ready to face the challenge?" Ge'hark asked him with a stern face, as if to see if he would chicken out. Haron merely met his gaze and told him calmly.

"I am."

"Then let us proceed with all speed." Ge'hark said and turned to lead them all to the challenge area. Vysa and Din both turned to Ijaa and asked given they had no idea of just what challenge this was.

"What is he going to have to face?" Din asked and Ijaa just stared ahead as he answered, seemingly unconcerned.

"House Orius and its clans believe that combat prowess is linked to spiritual power, those who fight the best have the greatest power and therefore deserve the greatest respect. They want Duke Ordo to prove he has great spiritual power and is therefore able to lead them." Ijaa explained.

While Din nodded, understanding at least a little, Vysa looked at him with a look of bemused disbelief but Ijaa gave her a stern look, seeing it in her eyes and thankfully she had the sense to keep her thoughts that were likely less than flattering to herself.

They soon arrived a fairly wide open area with old stone markers showing a battles circle that was fairly wide and flat. Haron handed his weapons over to Din who took them without comment and stepped into the circle.

Ge'hark standing at the side and gestured for one of his men to step into the circle. They stood unarmed against each other. The man Ge'hark had selected was quite tall and broad with tattoos that denoted him as being a low level warrior, Haron guessed this was just the start though and readied himself as the other warrior charged.

Haron saw the punch being thrown at him and side stepped to avoid it before hitting the warrior with a jab to the side and elbowing him in the back of the head, rendering him unconscious. While the warrior was removed from the circle Haron turned to Ge'hark who gestured for another warrior of a presumably higher rank to enter the circle. Looking around Haron saw that the warrior in question had come from a line of them that was standing to the side and presumably one who take the place of the other as they were defeated.

Haron sighed slightly before getting back into his ready position.

Reijar, Ordo System…

Luna was taking an evening off training to allow her students time to rest, they had all been working hard and needed a break at least for one night.

Instead she found herself tending to another duty, babysitting the Marek's son Galen.

The little boy was only a year and a half old at this point and needed care but his parents were in need of some time to themselves so Luna had stepped in to take care of Galen for a night.

She smiled as she played peek-a-boo with him, his childish laughter infectious and she was laughing along with him as they spent more time together.

It was moments like this that made her wish for a child of her own but she had never found anyone that made her want to commit to a relationship. She was considering having a child of her own by either a random hook up or perhaps artificial insemination but so far had not decided yet as they both seemed 'wrong' to her, while the former definitely was a line she wouldn't cross the latter however...that she couldn't explain even to herself.

- x -

Kento and Mallie were slowly dancing in their room, wrapped in each other's arms as they slowly moved to the music. Their heads resting on each other with smiles on their faces as they let go of their worries and concerns.

They had needed this, both of them after all the changes in their lives since not only their nomadic travels before but joining the Mandalorians in hopes of a safe place and thankfully that at least was true. No longer did they have to worry about where their next meal was coming from or how to get Galen to a doctor if he needed one.

Just as well, they both thought together...since they had just discovered Mallie was pregnant again. The fact they were having another child was terrifying and joyous at the same time, they had a safe place to raise their children that would be hopefully free of the Jedi or Sith interfering but also fear for if their second child was as powerful as Galen was...what did their future hold?

- x -

While Ara was working to handle all the affairs of Ordo her children spent some time with their surrogate cousin Frank under the careful eye of Neville and Hannah who were only too happy to watch over the other children alongside Frank.

As Frank, the oldest of the children but not by that big a margin suspended a ball with the force between him, Lelia and Markus suspended one of their own and had them dancing around each other like a short of game while Astoria and Corridan took a slight nap nearby.

Both Neville and Hannah smiled at the children, glad they got along especially with all the worries they had about the future. Who knew what the future had in store for them all but at least for the here and now they had peace and security.

Looking back at the children they made the decision that it was time to have another child, while their lives were still peaceful enough to do it.

Proving Grounds, Orius…

Haron threw the latest challenger over his shoulder and slammed him into the ground, knocking the challenger out and winning him his fourteenth fight of the day.

At the side Ijaa, Vysa and Din watched with their men on the seats set up for them alongside Ge'hark and his family who were looking rather impressed as Haron had managed to best a good number of their strongest fighters. However their were two challengers left standing and a thoughtful look crossed Ge'hark's face and he said.

"You have proven you have great power and the skill to use it well, however now you must now prove that your family has the same strength as you. The next battle will be a fight between two of my sons and you and a member of your family." Ge'hark announced to everyone.

While the two still waiting fighters, presumably his sons and both looking very confident Haron was in fact worried. He looked over to Ijaa who himself appeared very surprised at this as it was not usual and Haron wondered if this was Ge'hark purposely trying to sabotage them.

Haron knew he was screwed if this was the case, as it was a family only fight none of his men could join the fight nor could Ijaa and Din was still too young to face the two sons who much older and far more experienced. He wondered how long it would take for Deera to get out here? Haron wondered but knew she was currently on her honeymoon and wouldn't be reachable for a couple more weeks. Ara as his wife could do it but she would take at least a week to get here...too long.

Vysa meanwhile saw from her own private reading of their culture that he was truly in a bind, neither Deera nor Ara could get here fast enough for him to complete the challenge. She saw Din getting up to join him only for Ijaa to put a hand on his shoulder to stop him and knew full well that although the boy was skilled he wasn't yet ready to face men as big and as dangerous as the Orius boys.

She was feeling annoyed at Orius for doing this, they had managed to pass every single test the other houses had thrown at them only to stopped by this! She fumed, ready to shoot the bloody prick right here and now but knew they wouldn't likely get off this planet alive if they did.

So without even thinking about it, she got up and walked into the circle as Din, Ijaa and all the others including Haron himself who stared at her with disbelief as she handed her weapons to one of the Ordo warriors before walking up so she was standing shoulder to shoulder with him and announced to the Orius people.

"I am Vysa and he is my brother...I'll fight with him."

Haron looked at her with surprise then smiled, she jabbed him lightly in the arm but couldn't help but smile back at the cheesy grin he was giving her and they both turned to face their enemy. If Ge'hark was annoyed at this he didn't show it and instead said.

"Begin."

Haron and Vysa both squared off against a man each. The two sons, eager perhaps to demonstrate themselves charged in.

They swung their large fists but Haron easily dodged the hit and struck back at the man's exposed chest, right in the ribs causing the back to wheel away in pain but managed a land a hit on Haron's arm as he did. Haron felt pain from it but managed to push past it and pressed his attack.

The warrior swung again but Haron managed to catch the fist and equal the man's strength which obviously surprised him, shocking him enough that Haron was able to force his fist to the side and deliver a strong punch to the man's temple which with his force enhanced strength managed to knock him clean out.

While he was doing this Vysa avoided the punch thrown her way and jabbed the arm of the warrior, who instantly pulled away before dropping to the floor and swinging her legs around to knock him off his feet. He recovered and tried to get back on his feet but with a careful jump Vysa got back to her feet faster and kicked him hard in the side of the head with a single graceful movement.

With both warriors down unconscious the fight was over, Ge'hark surprisingly didn't look too upset that two of his sons had just been bested and in fact saw a small look shared between him and Ijaa that made Haron and Vysa wonder if the two of them had set this up so he and Vysa would have to publicly acknowledge each as brother and sister and test their relationship.

Either way Ge'hark bowed to them and said with good grace.

"You have proven yourself as the mighty warrior that could lead our people back to their full power and beyond it. You have my support." Ge'hark said and made his way to the medical centre to see to his sons and the other warriors. Retrieving their weapons from the others Din asked them.

"Are you both okay?"

"We're fine kid." Vysa said with a smile while Haron told her.

"I appreciate what you did, jumping in like that." Haron said with complete honesty and she tried to maintain her mask of indifference and nonchalance but just smiled instead.

They were all smiling because at long last they had the full support of all the Mandalorian houses and were at last ready to head to Graavis for the first official meeting of the new council.

The Senate Building, Coruscant…A Week Later...

Anakin sighed as he walked through the corridors of the Senate Building, a brief respite while his ships were re-provisioned and re-equipped not to mention receiving some emergency repairs after recent battle damage and take on replacement clones. Obi-Wan and Ahsoka were both at the Temple to attend to their own business which for Ahsoka meant meeting her friends that were there; Master Sinube, Barriss Offee and Kalifa, one of the younglings she had rescued from the Trandoshans when she had been captured by them.

His pride in Ahsoka was strong as she showed time and again how good a Jedi she was and how powerful she was becoming, in his mind she was already stronger than many of the so-called masters of their order and more accomplished but Ahsoka refused to take credit for her achievements, always saying that it was a result of his teachings, in-particular saving Kalifa which she insisted wouldn't have been possible without them.

Her humility was again humbling and only made him even more proud of her.

He was taking advantage of the opportunity to visit his wife and check on her well-being, the pace of the war and constantly being on the move had meant it became difficult to stay in touch. She had looked tired on Naboo, the last time they had managed to meet in person and he was worried she might have gotten worse since then.

Anakin walked into her office and saw her sitting at her desk with a depressed look on her face, she looked up and brightened at the sight of him though which of course made Anakin smile. She got up and embraced him as soon as the door closed and he wrapped his arms around her, doing his best to provide comfort as she leaned into his embrace.

"Padmé, I've missed you." Anakin said, wishing they had more time before he had to head back out to the front. Padmé sighed and said softly.

"And I you, it's just been so hostile here right now." She said with a tired voice and Anakin gently turned her face to meet his and asked her.

"What do you mean?" He asked with worry as he had thought Padmé was in a good position here and popular in the Senate but now saw that something might have changed.

"Ever since the mess with the Mandalorians I have been an outcast here." She told him sadly. "The Senate is blaming me for the situation and the war turning against us with Duke Ordo leaving, most of my so-called friends and colleagues here have abandoned me. Only a few like Senators Organa and Mothma have stayed with me and I am being frozen out of most discussions and debates. The Queen back home is even talking about removing me as Senator and replace me with someone who has a clean record."

Anakin was surprised to hear that and was infuriated to know that Padmé was being blamed for the situation, he honestly was ready to go to Naboo and knock some sense into the Queen's head not to mention some of these senators but seeing Padmé needed him more he just held her and tried to reassure her.

"It will be fine, don't worry." He as he held her but she was doubtful.

"I'm not sure, a lot of people are blaming me for the war turning against us. All my enemies in the senate are circling like sharks around me and I am being excluded from sessions of the senate. If something doesn't change soon I honestly think my career in politics is finished." Padmé told him with depression.

Anakin held her tighter as he fumed at the situation and decided in that moment that something had to be done to fix this.

"I will deal with this." He told her and kissed her deeply and Padmé while she did enjoy her intimacy with her husband was confused at what he meant.

- x -

After spending more time with his wife, including taking her on the desk of her office, Anakin marched through the building to the Chancellor's own office, knowing that if anyone could help Padmé now it was him. The aide outside said something as he appeared but Anakin force pushed them aside, not caring at all if he was busy or not, focusing solely on his mission.

The office door opened on its own which was just as well because Anakin probably would have blasted it open with the force if it hadn't, his state of mind not allowing him to care about anything other than his wife's plight.

Ahead of him he saw that the Chancellor was in a meeting, the familiar face of Brigadier General Meebur Gascon was there speaking the Chancellor who looked up, surprised to see him there and didn't seem to be annoyed at the intrusion...quite the opposite in fact.

"Anakin, just the man I wanted to see. Come in, I was just discussing the situation with the war with General Gascon." The old man said and Anakin was so surprised at his reaction he didn't say anything and just came over to the desk and sat down next to the general who nodded in greeting to Anakin before continuing his report.

"The situation has begun to calm down Chancellor but given signal intercepts and data our spies have managed to obtain we believe it is only a brief respite. As soon as their factories can accommodate they will be using a fresh wave of reinforcements at us and our current strength might not able resist in some key sectors." Gascon said gravely.

"I see General, then we need a new or rather an old advantage back. We need Duke Ordo back here." Palpatine said with a calculating look in his eye.

Both Gascon and Anakin were to say the least surprised at the solution he had presented. Anakin having been there when the whole thing had gone down and said with concern.

"Chancellor, while I agree if anyone could turn this situation around he could it is very unlikely given what happened that he would be willing to come back." Anakin said with reluctance. Palpatine nodded and said.

"Then it will be a test of your own abilities to convince him to do so." Palpatine said with an expectant look in his face while Anakin looked shocked at him. "He's been quite busy since he left, gathering the loyalty of all the Mandalorian factions and unifying them into a stronger whole. He and the other house leaders are meeting on Graavis very soon to discuss their own future plans. So you will need to go there and speak with him. Promise him what you must, the Republic needs his expertise." Palpatine concluded.

Anakin was speechless, not sure what to say given this sort of mission was far from his usual thing and he would have expected another better skilled person to try and approach the Mandalorians to ease relations.

"Chancellor, while I am glad of your trust I am no diplomat." Anakin said but the Chancellor interrupted before he could suggest anyone else for this mission.

"Which is exactly why I am sending you. You are a warrior Anakin, its your nature and despite being a Jedi they will respect that. All your accomplishments in battle go a long way with them and you had the best relationship with Duke Ordo, so he will at least give you a fair hearing. I need you to convince him to return to his position here and we will do our best to meet their demands. This goes beyond your normal duties and is the highest priority. Good luck Anakin, the Republic is depending on you." The Chancellor told him with a hopeful look in his eyes.

Anakin was so taken aback that he could only nod and leave the room to prepare his starfighter for the long flight to Graavis. He had only intended to help Padmé by asking the Chancellor if could do something to help her and even demand it if needed. This however was far outside his comfort zone and he would not have Obi-Wan there who was a far better person for a job like this but what else could he do? Anakin thought with anxiety, as the Chancellor himself had pointed out the fate of the Republic could well depend on him not screwing up this mission.

The fact that if Duke Ordo did come back and managed to turn the tide of the war back around things would hopefully get better for Padmé, Anakin reasoned not to mention he would get more time to spend with her if he wasn't having to dash from one front to another all the time.

So he ran down back to his starfighter as he had a long journey to make.

- x -

Watching Anakin rush off so he could 'save' the Republic and his wife's reputation was amusing Palpatine thought privately to himself.

He had been enjoying all the Jedi casualties caused by the war but alas he thought sadly for now it was time to rein things in, at least he consoled himself Order 66 would deal with the Jedi soon enough he thought with a sense of anticipation.

To be truthful watching Ordo gain control of all Mandalorians was starting to become a possible concern so it would serve his purpose to get him back here so Palpatine could keep him close by and under his watch.

To use him and eventually remove him when the time came.

Graavis, Mandalorian Space…

Graavis was an uninhabited world in roughly the centre of Mandalorian Space, a rough and dusty world it had a breathable atmosphere and was unclaimed by any faction. No resources were worth mining and it had no strategic value so no one came here.

Which made it perfect for a secure meeting place. An old mining base had been recommissioned for the meeting and now teamed with personnel as all the representatives arrived for the meeting.

A number of ships were in orbit guarded the planet as the leaders gathered and prepared themselves. All of them had much to say and suggest as they tried to find a path forward.

Haron was standing on the observation deck of the Stormfront as he waited for the other dukes and duchesses to arrive, normally he would have waited for them down on the planet but first there was something he wanted them to see.

Ijaa was standing with him, both in full armour as they waited for each of the house leaders to arrive. One by one they appeared until finally all of them assembled on the hanger deck. Haron turned to face them before saying with a smile.

"Firstly welcome, it is good to see you all again. I know you are eager to begin the conference but I wished to show you a ship that my house acquired the design for. As you are all aware while the Janus-class Battlecruiser and the Dreadnaught-class heavy cruiser are robust designs and currently are the heavy firepower of our limited fleet. However they lack versatility and suffer from a number of key design flaws that are difficult to resolve. To that end my house acquired a design that was created by the same company as the Dreadnaught. Let me introduce you to the Mirskto-class Heavy Cruiser." Haron said, gesturing with his hand to the large vessel that appeared as if on cue.

The ship had a narrow and aggressive hull shape, presenting a smaller and more evasive target than most ships its size. It was far less squat than the Dreadnaught and had a more streamlined hull with more curved edges. The guests looked at it with some interest but little more.

"So you have a new toy. Does it light up?" Alain Ma'Gard said with a little mock which Haron ignored as he briefed them on their new warship.

"Six hundred and fifty metres long, two hundred and forty metres wide. Fairly strong armour with a powerful defence shield and driven by four large sublight engines. It is quick and fairly manoeuvrable for a ship its size and as you are about to witness, has a lot of teeth. Begin the weapons test." Haron added into his comm link and turned back to look at the Mirskto.

His audience watched too as its twelve medium turbolaser batteries opened fire on some targets that had been left for them. Moving ahead at impressive speed it quickly with almost white blasts tore the asteroids and derelict ships to pieces in moments while its smaller twenty quad-laser cannons ripped into anything they got close enough.

Then it started firing long range concussion missiles from its six launchers all with different yields before turning in an almost impossibly small arc in time for a modified Munificent-class ship to fire a spread of missiles at it. The other house leaders watched confused as the ship took no real evasive action and almost seemed ready for the missiles to hit it.

Only to be shocked when all along its hull small laser rapid fire cannons and a number of regular flak cannons opened fire, creating almost a wall of flack and lasers that shredded the missiles the moment they got close enough before ever hitting the ship.

"The ship's hull is covered by small laser cannons and flak guns that can create a near impenetrable point defence system against both fighters, missiles and even small ships if they get close enough. Twelve medium turbolasers and twenty quad-laser cannons alongside its six variable yield missile launchers provide the ship with impressive firepower against larger targets. But also the flight pods along side of the main hull fix a key weakness in the Janus and Dreadnaught." Haron said, gesturing with his hand as from three launch tubes on the bottom of each flight pod started spewing out starfighters longitudinally.

"They carry twelve starfighters and other small craft in each pod while automation allows a crew of only eight hundred to operate the vessel. While the Dreadnaught will be the immediate front line warship of our fleet it is the Mirskto which will I hope become its eventual replacement." Haron said, eager to show them the capabilities of the new ship.

"I like." Alain Ma'Gard said with a look of amusement in his eyes.

"It will be a fine weapon in our arsenal." Duke Ge'hark said with pride.

"But..." Eliza Kane said with a suspicious look in her eye. "You wouldn't show us this if you didn't have something better on the drawing board."

The other house leaders all looked at him with guarded looks but he just smiled as he shrugged before telling them.

"It's not so much on the drawing board, its just not finished yet. This ship has a bigger and more powerful sister." He told them plainly before projecting a hologram of another ship, similar in shape to the Mirskto but with less angular and more smoother lines and six sublight drive units rather than four.

"The Atin-class Battleship. The first Mandalorian Capital Ship in centuries. Twice the size of the Mirskto with a crew of two thousand five hundred, far more powerful shields and heavier armour. She carries a hundred starfighters and support craft with a rapid launch and recovery system. The same point defence system of flak guns and laser cannons but with double the number of missile launchers, eighteen medium turbolaser cannons, twelve ion cannons and twenty four heavy turbolaser batteries. Slower than the Mirskto but far more resilient." Haron said, proud of the work his ship designers had put into the vessel after receiving the original flawed design.

"What a beast." Harlan said with awe at the design as did the others.

"With larger warships becoming more common in the galaxy we must keep up with our rivals." Ceta said with a nod of approval.

"But we will need more, a balanced fleet if we are to be a true military power once again." Yal Takan said with a calculating look in his eyes, easily seeing opportunities here.

"That is part of the reason for this conference." Ijaa said. "We must combine our knowledge to assemble the forces we need. The Dreadnaughts and these large vessels are a good start, the Crusader-class Corvette is a reliable support vessel but there are other roles that must be filled."

"Hence why we will bring together all our ideas to create a fleet and army capable of rising to meet any challenge we might be faced with." Haron said, taking back control of the meeting.

- x -

Duke N'Val meanwhile was silent but stroked his chin as he considered the designs that Ordo had acquired and saw just how capable they would be in a future war. He was immediately interested in obtaining some of them but also his imagination was stoked by them too.

In his mind a design for a starfighter was already taking shape, a fast and agile one that would match the Atin and Mirskto, be worthy of them, he would need to work on some of the details but it would be a major asset to their people in any future war.

- x -

Later that day after going down to the surface they sat in discussion of their new fleet and first, the distribution of the remaining Dreadnaughts.

"With open access to shipyards maintenance will be eased for all the fleet." Duchess Lila Kast said with a smirk at having such heavy fire power.

"Indeed, those who have the shipyards can help maintain ships for those that don't, not to mention producing more fighters and corvettes to support the larger cruisers." Haron said before moving on to the next part of their discussions. "We have the Lucrehulks to act as carriers and battleships for now although the Atin-class will probably have to take over that role eventually. But we do need smaller warships that can act as support vessels or deal with smaller tasks so we can reserve our larger ships for when they are truly needed. Any designs we can find to suit these roles would be useful."

"Heavier corvettes and lighter cruisers will be useful for that purpose but we will need more than that. Vehicles for the army, dropships that can carry more warriors not to mention a dedicated bomber. There is a great deal of work to do." Sel'ban said looking at the holes in their armed forces.

They all nodded, knowing there was a lot of new vehicles and ships needed before they could call their still rather divided and disorganised force a military.

"Houses will be allocated an even number of the Dreadnaughts each, as for the bomber we have a potential candidate for that role already in the modified U-Wing design but we will look in alternatives to be safe." Deera said from her chair as she looked through her data pad. The rest of them nodded before Lila Kast spoke up.

"There is a pair of designs one of my people came up with awhile ago, a Missile Cruiser called the Halberd-class and a heavy corvette called the Gladius-class. They might fill some of our needs." Lila told them and Haron said.

"Show the designs to our shipwrights and we shall see what can be made of them." Amili said which received a nod of acceptance.

"I had an idea that is a little different but sounds a lot more fun." Eliza said with a cunning look in her eyes which made them all a little wary. "We could create a drone fighter that rams into the hull of a vessel then explodes slightly inside the hull. A droid carrier that could be useful in supporting fleet actions and dropping those Basilisks for fights in space or on the ground." Eliza said, letting her idea hang in the air for them to absorb and process.

Haron thought it was certainly a unique idea but potentially one that could be a major asset for them. Despite knowing now that Eliza could keep her word he was still a little uncertain of her which he knew was what she wanted.

"That would be an interesting concept." Haron admitted before telling them. "Stay unpredictable. Break with convention in war and no one will be able to fully anticipate you. Ideas like this give us an advantage over our enemies. Develop the idea, try to make it into something tangible. The RP DF Project is yours." He said, coming up with a name off the top of his head and she smirked in triumph.

While the others stared Yal Takan then brought up an idea he just thought of along those same lines.

"The Basilisk in a fierce weapon but as a ground vehicle it is somewhat limited. The Canderous Tank is a good companion to it but if we are willing to expand the range of Basilisk war droids into newer more focused models we could expand the range of our forces and their strength." Yal said. The idea was a rather strange one as they had never really changed the design of a Basilisk in thousands of years and it immediately met with some resistance from one of their number.

"Never! The Basilisk is the greatest war machine ever created, it needs no change!" Sarek raged and the others looked at him, his outburst having raised concern in them about his inflexibility. Haron decided it was probably best to reassure him and give him a greater role to ensure he felt he had a voice.

"We are not changing it. The version that we have now is always going to be a symbol of our people. This is merely expanded its lore by creating variants to focus on other threats and we haven't actually decided to do it yet...we must first see if it is possible but in the meantime yourself and Duke Ma'Gard will look for possible ground vehicles we can use to bolster our warriors and the Skytroopers. We need powerful and capable units if we are to contend with the rest of the galaxy. Clear?" He asked sternly to them all and reluctantly they backed down, Duke Sarek seeming to understand and calm down but Haron knew this might not be the last time they fought over this.

"In regards to the ships, houses and clans will have direct control over the ships they have to use as they choose but when called on to defend us then they must meet the call, standing as our sector fleets. It will be expected to maintain your ships and if that proves a problem then reach out to others. A stronger Mandalore is a Unified Mandalore." Haron said before he put his hand to the comm link.

"Haron." Vysa said from the Stormfront in orbit, sounding concerned. "We have a visitor. A single Jedi Starfighter just dropped out of hyperspace and is approaching at high speed. Do you want us to shoot them down?" Vysa asked.

Haron looked at the others who he knew had heard the report and were looking very uncomfortable at the Jedi coming here. What the hell did they want? Haron frowned and then felt a familiar tremor in the force, he was surprised at just who it was but why would Anakin be coming here? He asked himself and said to the others and Vysa at the same time.

"No." Haron said surprising them all. "Let him land, we need to see just what would get a Jedi to dare to come into our territory. Then send him packing." Haron said with a firm stare directed towards the other house leaders.

None of them looked happy at this and neither was he.

"The Jedi could pose a problem for us. We need to find out why he is here and deal with it." He told them and they nodded in agreement. Their plans had only just begun and they didn't need the Jedi poking their noses in. If they shot him down then others would come and that was the last thing they needed. Better to find out just what Anakin wanted so they could deal with it quickly.

- x -

Anakin was very surprised to see the number of ships in orbit of Graavis, flights of ARC-170s and another smaller fighter were quick to surround him as he headed towards the planet but he was glad did not fire on him.

Flying past the ships in orbit, many of which he had never seen although Dreadnaught cruisers and several captured Separatist ships he did recognise. He had no idea the Mandalorians had so many he thought with astonishment and wondered if there were other ships that he hadn't seen.

Flying down to the old survey base he saw the presence on the ground was no less intimidating. Landing his fighter he found himself surrounded by a lot of Mandalorian warriors with their weapons drawn and a pair of vicious looking Basilisk war droids which he had only ever seen on history holos. As he got out of his fighter he saw that the odds were definitely stacked against him. His hand was near his saber, ready to draw it if needed, all the hostile looks and glares of disdain were unsettling even for him and wondered briefly if coming here without warning them first wasn't a huge mistake.

"Anakin, what are you doing here? This isn't a good place for you." A familiar voice spoke and it was a blessed relief to see Haron appear nearby along with the other Mandalorian leaders.

"The Chancellor sent me." Anakin said, the sight of him made him feel a little more confident. "We need you to come back to Coruscant immediately, the Republic's situation is getting a lot worse since you left."

"The Republic threatens my people with invasion, now it wants my help." Haron said with a dismissive look on his face which Anakin could only grimace at, knowing what an uphill struggle he was facing here. The other Mandalorian leaders too looked rather dismissive or incredulous at the request.

"The Separatists are winning the war." Anakin said in a gambit that he hoped would get them to at least think about it. "If the Republic falls just who do you think they will come after next?"

That seemed to resonate with them, all sharing troubled looks as they considered that possibility very likely. Haron himself nodded which made Anakin a little hopeful.

"That is quite true, but my people are aware that the Republic itself might invade us if it wins." Haron said which made Anakin's heart sink while also feeling very troubled at that word. "We have seen it change since this war began, become more corrupt and power hungry. Some parts of it would love nothing more than to see our territory subjugated under the Republic. What can you do to assure me that won't happen?" Haron said with an expectant look which was soon copied by the other Mandalorian leaders.

Anakin was unsettled for a moment that Haron was against him but then realised he was giving him a chance to make his case rather than dismiss it out of hand. Anakin was grateful for that but now was faced with a difficult decision, just what did he say now? He racked his brain, wishing dearly that Obi-Wan was here as he was far better at these things than he was but surely he thought he must have picked up something about this after all those missions they had been on together.

Anakin knew it was the threatened invasion of their space that had made Haron and the others withdraw from supporting the Republic, he knew that the Chancellor had tried to revoke the motion to invade should Satine Kryze be dethroned but too many senators who wanted to gain from the invasion stood in support. So he knew he couldn't promise them that, they'd leave the moment they realised that it wouldn't be honoured.

Then Anakin realised something, the motion named Mandalore specifically...none of the other worlds in their space. An idea formed in his mind that might just be doable though.

"The invasion motion can be altered to only target Mandalore itself and not the rest of your territory, that way even if Pre Vizsla does manage to somehow overthrow Satine Kryze you wouldn't be invaded but would have Republic support to remove him." Anakin offered, hoping it might work and they might accept the deal.

Haron and the other house leaders all looked thoughtful at his words, seeing perhaps that they might turn the situation to their advantage and told Anakin.

"We need to discuss this." An older man with great hair and strange extra padding on his armour. "Stay here and we will talk."

They all turned to go back inside the room they had come from but Haron stopped for a moment, turned and gave Anakin a smile and a nod.

- x -

"If they won't remove the threat of invasion then there can be no deal." Alain said sternly which Sarek, Ge'hark and Sel'ban nodded in agreement. Eliza Kane however had a point that could be important to raise.

"But it would allow us to keep an eye on both the Republic and the Separatists, not to mention allow some of our people to infiltrate their military to learn all their secrets." She said with a calculating look on her face. Amili in agreement with this spoke.

"It would also lower the threat level against us. We would only have to wait for Kryze to fall and then use the Republic to invade and retake Mandalore before installing someone we want in charge. You know, take a problem and turn it to an advantage." She said with a pondering tap to her chin.

"True, but getting back into bed with the Republic is against the grain after what they threatened us with." N'Val said grimly.

Haron sighed, he knew the dangerous course of action this could be and dedicated to share some of his concerns with them all.

"During my time with the Republic I noticed some things that made me doubt it will remain a democracy for long." Haron said with a grim tone that had them confused at what he could mean. "The corruption inside it is so great and the Chancellor keeps gaining more and more power for himself. The Jedi, the ones who to be honest would probably keep it from changing are growing weaker and less trusted by the Republic due to not only the war but their own self-isolation from the galaxy. It might not happen but I could see it getting more likely with each passing day. Eventually if it does become an empire it will seek to enforce its will on all outside its own sphere, even us." Haron said laying out his worries without revealing the fact they had visions in the force of it happening.

The other Mandalorian leaders all exchanged looks and were both confused and worried by his assertion although some nodded having already heard these suspicions from him. They could scarcely believe it but given it had already threatened them with invasion once to support a leader in favour of it, the idea it could do so again if it was turned into a dictatorship was too likely to ignore.

They all stayed silent, most of them now understanding why he was so obsessed with building up a military and uniting them all. If what he claimed came to pass then they would be under the threat of occupation, one that they would be hard to resist against an empire the size of the Republic even if they were prepared...without those preparations it would have been near hopeless.

"Then we should take the deal and insert some people into their forces as spies, so we can learn more and make more contacts within the Republic which would be useful regardless of what happens." Ceta said with a pondering look in her eyes. The others all looking on quietly in contemplation.

In truth they all knew it might still be stretched to include their other worlds but the Separatists winning the war was something they couldn't ignore. As long as the war went on, they had time to work and prepare themselves for what might be to come and perhaps work to prevent it.

Haron shared a look with Deera who nodded, seeing they had managed to convince them to play along with the Republic for now at least.

"If I am to return to Coruscant then I will appoint the vote Ordo has in our alliance to my sister Deera who I trust the most to represent our interests in this matter. Without question or hesitation." He added, letting all of them know that she had his support and trust which given his own reputation was a big endorsement.

"So be it." Ijaa said with acceptance. "Your sister will have the vote of Ordo and Qarl in your absence."

Haron smiled at Deera who raised an eyebrow before smiling slightly herself.

- x -

Anakin meanwhile was glaring at the warriors that were all trying to intimidate him, he wasn't afraid as regardless of what happened he would do what he must to get out of it. One of the guards that had closed in on him from behind threw a punch straight at the back of his head but Anakin felt the attack coming and managed to move his head out of the way in time to miss the punch and step aside so it instead struck one of the other warriors who stumbled back as the armoured fist hit him.

Anakin saw the other warriors all ready to fight and he immersed himself in the force and rather than escalate it any-more used his fists and feet instead of his lightsaber.

He twisted out of the way and landed a hard kick against the chest of one warrior and punching another in the unprotected gaps in the side of his torso. Both staggered back and Anakin wasted no time grabbing the fist of one warrior and using it as leverage to force the owner into another warrior who collapsed into a heap on the floor.

One warrior activated his cable gun but Anakin showed why such tactics might work against some Jedi but not him. Anakin with a fluid grace moved out of the way and it wrapped itself around another Mandalorian warrior while Anakin grabbed the wire and pulled them both together.

"ENOUGH!" Haron's voice called out and they all stopped to see Haron standing there with a furious look on his face. Anakin wondered if he was angry about him fighting with the warriors and if that was the case his heart sank as it meant the end of any chance of Haron coming back to Coruscant.

"If you wished to try your luck against a Jedi then you can challenge him fairly and with honour. Attacking him without warning and in such a group is cowardly." Haron said coldly to the warriors who all seemed to lose most of their spirit and some Anakin could feel their fear of Haron and their respect for him. That confused Anakin but he was at least glad that Haron was not angry at him.

"This one might be a Jedi, but he has a warrior's spirit. Rare among your kind." The older grey haired man with tattoos said with a curious look on his face and all Mandalorians even Haron looked at him with surprise but at least Haron smiled a little.

"Shame he's a Jedi, among us he'd be a legend. And pretty too." A woman with very bright blonde hair said with a calculating and mischievous look in her eye, one that unsettled Anakin a little. Haron however came to his rescue.

"His heart belongs to another."

"Spoilsport." The woman said with a slightly childish pout but Deera Ordo thankfully got them back on track.

"Well General Skywalker, as long as the invasion plans only affect Mandalore and not the rest of our territory, I think we might be persuaded to allow Haron to return and help you in the war. But only if that condition is met." Deera told him with a stern look in her eyes which Anakin nodded at, knowing she was serious in this and it was not such a big concession.

"It will be Countess Ordo." Anakin said with a respectful nod. The honouring of her title did seem to grant him a little more respect.

Haron smiled a little as he walked over to stand next to him, in the time since they had last seen each other nothing much had changed for either of them but Haron did look at his armour with a critical eye and said.

"Impressive, as is your performance in the war from what I have heard." Haron told him and Anakin felt a bit of pride at that but returned the compliment.

"You haven't done so badly yourself."

The two men shared a moment of silence before Haron broke it to tell them.

"I have a few things to put in order and then we will go to Coruscant." Haron told him and Anakin was immediately relieved to hear it.

- x -

Katale Ma'Gard was a little bored by the conference, she knew it was important and she would have to replace her grandfather at some point in these things but that didn't change how she felt. She hummed quietly to herself and was so distracted by her thoughts that she didn't notice until a knife appeared at her throat. She gasped in shock as she felt the cold metal against her throat.

"I see I'm not the only person whose a little bored." A sly and almost childish voice said, out of the corner of her eye Katale saw it was Duchess Eliza Kane who was holding the knife with a lazy hand. "I have a proposition that might be more entertaining." Eliza whispered in her ear, sending a shiver up Katale's spine.

"I'm all ears." Katale said nervously. Eliza seemed happy with that.

"My own sources have found a couple of good ships that might serve our new fleet well. The problem is that they happen to belong to someone else. Now I need some extra help to get them...you interested?" She asked with a cruel smirk.

"How can I refuse?" Katale said, scared this crazy woman was going to slit her throat but her agreement at least made Eliza take the blade away although she she held onto her shoulders and whispered in her ear.

"Good, but I think we need a practice run to make sure we have the right team and can work together." Eliza said which only filled Katale up with more anxiety. "I think I have a job in mind, one that will humiliate that prissy little Naboo senator and her world for messing in our business."

"Sure, what did you have in mind?" Katale asked with a grimace. Eliza just smiled.

"Taking something they prize as a trophy."

- x -

Haron and Deera spoke by hologram to Ara. She did not look amused at the idea of Haron returning to Coruscant especially now.

"Sometimes I think you are running off to the Republic to escape our marriage." She said with annoyance and Haron looked affronted at first before telling her.

"You know as well as I do that isn't true. At least this way we can prepare for war with the Republic better. Besides we are now in a far better place than we were before and preparations can now accelerate now we have the other houses fully onboard." Haron said. But before they could speak again Vysa entered the room and with a nervous look on her face said.

"If you are going back to the Republic then I had best be making tracks. Thank you for having me along...it was fun." She said with a smile that looked completely natural and without sarcasm. My, Haron thought with slight amusement, we have come a long way.

"It has been good to spend time with you too." Haron said smiling back at her and she looked a little touched by that but soon retreated back behind her mask.

"Yeah, don't get all messy on me. But seriously though, I'll stay in touch." Vysa said with a smile before walking over to give Deera a hug which surprised her and then doing the same to Haron who returned it and she left with her head held high before she lost her mask completely.

Haron and Deera let her leave, knowing that was her doing her best to express how she felt in her own way. Seeing Din likewise standing there Haron smiled at him and told the fast growing boy.

"I trust you will keep learning. The Clone Wars might not be your war but your time will come to prove yourself." Haron assured him and Din nodded in quiet acceptance.

"I will your grace...Mandalore." Din said adding the last part so only they could hear it. Haron smiled a little at that, feeling the strength Din's faith in him. It was troubling in other ways though and he just hoped not to let the boy down.

The Senate Building, Coruscant...A Couple of Days Later…

Anakin's starfighter dropped out of hyperspace followed by the Canderous, flying straight to the Senate Building. They both flew down at high speed till they landed at the docking area of the Senate Building and as Anakin climbed out of his cockpit and R2 ejected to follow him, the loading ramp on the Canderous lowered and Haron emerged followed by a group of his warriors.

With Anakin at his side Haron marched forward, the sight of him and his warriors scaring many of the senators, aides, staff, Jedi and military officers that saw them. They jumped out of the way and stared in surprise as they passed.

Arriving in the familiar military control centre Haron looked at the barely organised chaos going on around him and sighed, seeing the Chancellor standing there sent a chill up his spine. Haron hated having to come back here but being around Palpatine was perhaps the thing he was most concerned about. Palpatine saw them and smiled a little which to Haron's mind looked creepy.

"Alright." Haron called out loudly, his voice loud enough to be heard by everyone in the room who all looked on in surprise...even Tarkin who raised an eyebrow while others gaped at his sudden appearance. "I need a screen with all active campaigns listed."

"Duke Ordo..." Tarkin started saying, probably to remind him that he was no longer in a position of power here but Palpatine cut in.

"Do as my freshly reinstated military adviser says...there is much work to be done to get this war back on course." He called out with his voice full of authority, so much so that even Tarkin obeyed without question.

Haron was forced reluctantly to admire that, walking forward to the interactive screen where a list of nearly a hundred and fifty separate campaigns, both offensive and defensive. Haron sighed with frustration, seeing the complete mess that greedy senators and idiot Jedi had created. Too many campaigns had spread the Clone Army thin, far too much for them to gain much ground especially when unskilled people were leading it.

He began highlighting campaigns immediately and divided them into two groups, his fingers moving at lightning speed as was his mind as he took in the situation. He quickly divided the campaigns, one group was larger than the other and began giving his orders.

"All units assigned to these campaigns." He said pointing to the larger group. "Are to be pulled out immediately." Haron then moved a couple over to the other smaller list of campaigns. "Transfer these units to support those while assembling all the remaining freed units here in System 33469, while maintaining comm silence." Haron said as a plan to blunt the CIS war effort and turn the tables back in the Republic's favour formed in his mind. Everyone was somewhat confused at why they would need so many ships and troops in a deserted and overlooked system. Tarkin, ever the ambitious politician however spoke up.

"Duke Ordo, many of these campaigns were requested by some very powerful senators...it would be unwise." Tarkin said as he looked at the list but Haron cut him off with a stern look.

"So they can't fill their pockets with credits or otherwise improve their own status. I am here to win a war Admiral, not cater to their whims." Haron told him which didn't even phase the older man before turning to Anakin. "Join the assembled taskforce in System 33469, you have complete charge of it. Wait a week then launch concentrated attack on these targets." Haron said turning to the star map and highlighted a number of star systems. Some of which were key industrial centres for the Separatists.

"I want you to smash them to be pieces while most of their units are concentrated on the front before making your way back to Republic space, use orbital bombardment if you can or regular bombing runs if needed. Only engage in a ground fight if strictly necessary." Haron said with a smirk that Anakin was soon wearing too.

"This is where the fun begin." Anakin said and Haron nodded.

"Indeed, have some. It will take us awhile but we will turn this around." Haron told Anakin who nodded and went to get his fighter refuelled to join the taskforce, followed by R2.

"Welcome back Duke Ordo. I trust your time away was restful." Palpatine asked and Haron could almost see the gears moving behind his eyes, Palpatine already knew exactly what he had been up too and was just toying with him.

Laugh at me in private if you wish Sith, Haron thought privately to himself with his walls up at full. But I will find a way to stop you, Haron swore to himself. He would have attacked him if he thought it would help but that would only play into the old man's hands and give him an excuse to attack his people if it failed.

Seeing that Palpatine was expecting an answer Haron nodded politely and said.

"It was Chancellor, very much indeed."

Jedi Cruiser Carnage, One Week Later…

Anakin stood with his arms behind his back on the command deck with over twenty Venator-class ships at his command, none of his regular friends were with him but in some ways that was liberating as he didn't have to worry about them so much.

His fleet was larger than this but other ships were attacking other targets while their defenders were at a minimum, most of the units being sent to help their push into Republic space.

Anakin stood on the bridge of his temporary ship as it left hyperspace right above the planet and saw only a handful of frigates in their path. Turning to his comm officer he commanded.

"Cruisers 5 through 8 engage the frigates, launch fighters, the rest of the ships close on the planet and the moment we are in position begin planetary bombardment of industrial complex."

"Yes sir." The clone said and issued his orders to the fleet, Anakin watched as the ships closed in and the moment they were in possible, they opened fire on the industrial complex below.

It was strange watching this happen, Anakin thought to himself with a strange feeling of disconnection from the devastation he knew the ship's turbolasers were causing. A sight being repeated on five other worlds right now. He guessed distance really did make you feel separate he thought to himself.

But there was a sense of satisfaction, enough that made Anakin smile. This he knew would really damage the Separatist war effort. They would have to pull back units to protect their own industrial sites and these while they were being rebuilt and have at least for awhile a limited production capacity. The Republic could catch its breath and regain some lost ground in that time, not to mention lick its wounds.

He was grateful for that and glad that Haron was back to help them in this war, hoping that he could finally spend some more time with Padmé.

The Senate Building, Coruscant...A Few Days Later…

Haron rubbed the bridge of his nose as he looked at the tactical and strategic picture.

His surprise attack had done its job and scared the Separatists, forcing them to stop their forward advance and pull back into their own space for now. That meant the Republic was able to concentrate on more important campaigns and defence for the meanwhile.

Haron estimated that the war might have been put back as much as a year by all the damage and wastage being caused. The fact that incompetent Jedi were now more widespread than ever didn't help and he was trying to reassign them but as usual he thought with annoyance the Jedi were fighting him.

Still he thought with his tiredness, not having gotten much sleep over the last week as he oversaw several campaigns and battles personally and reassigned the units he had pulled to reinforce other campaigns.

He chuckled as he saw a particular message being sent around the network, one of the communication officers had a sense of humour and he had begun sending a simple two word message from one unit to another until it was bouncing around the entire Republic.

It said simply "Ordo's Back".

He could almost hear the groans of the Jedi at that and it amused him but as he left to get some rest in his ship he remembered he had another briefing to give...one to his own people, held in his ship as it was one of the few places he could be reasonably sure wasn't bugged.

A number of his warriors always watched it and he gave them a nod as he passed, walking up the ramp and into the small cargo hold where a dozen or so volunteers from different Mandalorian planets had assembled.

"Your grace, we were told to report to you." The leader of the group said, a man that was younger than him with red hair, blue eyes and fair skin.

"What's your name?" Haron asked and the young warrior bowed in respect.

"Fenn Rau sir. Here to prove that not all Mandalorians have forgotten honour and obligations." Fenn told him and Haron nodded. Turning to the group he briefed them all.

"You are all here for a very important purpose, myself and the other house leaders have grown to believe that a war with the Republic maybe brewing in the future. While not yet certain we are taking no chances with the safety of our people so to that end, you have all been chosen to join the Republic's war effort and learn everything that you can learn about it. Its strengths, its weaknesses...anything that might give us an advantage should the worst come to pass." Haron told them, giving them the task he was asking of them.

The group even Fenn looked a bit uneasy at effectively working for the Republic so that they might learn how to beat it later but out of the volunteers they had the strongest loyalty to their people and were the smartest and most capable.

They would do their job and learn how to fight the Republic...Haron just hoped it wouldn't be necessary.

There you have it, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and while it might be problematic for Haron to not be there to keep his people focused there are reasons I put him back on Coruscant. Please let me know what you thought with a review.

Some of the ships and special weapons were suggestions made by some of you wonderful readers. I will try to give a list of who in the next chapter.

But here are some of the ones mentioned in the chapter so far; the automated ramming fighter was suggested by nicklaren. The Basilisk variants were a concept suggested by Sajuuk. Many of you suggested Halo ships. To all that did suggest something though, thank you!

"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy are the noise before defeat." This is a quote of Sun Tzu.

980 ARR – 20 BBY

Next Chapter – Anakin and Tuwan make a move to secure the future of the Jedi Order, Haron and his allies continue their attempts to build up their own power while the war rages around the galaxy.