The Legacy of House Ordo

by Sage1988

Five souls from Earth survive its end and find themselves in a different galaxy, Harry finds himself born into House Ordo one of the most powerful Mandalorian Houses. As the chaos of the Clone Wars spreads how will he and the others fair?

23. Chapter 23 Challengers

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

Hello again! Glad to be back with a new chapter, I really enjoy this story so it is a pleasure to write it! Thank you to all those that read and reviewed the last chapter and for the support you have given!

Just so we know when we are, it is now 981 ARR which translates to 19 BBY. The Last year of the Clone Wars. We are fast reaching the time of Revenge of the Sith with Haron present and all the changes he has brought. Also the Jedi Council is about to make a move that might checkmate Palpatine in at least one thing.

I also have decided to split Revenge of the Sith into two chapters as there is a lot to cover.

In regard to Haron and his people finally revealing their powers? It won't happen in the Clone Wars but soon after when Haron and his people join the defence of a rather critical planet. Won't give all the details yet but it will be for a good reason.

Review Responses for the last chapter…

Starpottergeek - I am a big fan of that era of Star Wars and Satele and Marr are two of my favourite characters. Aayla has a big experience in this chapter that will have a considerable impact on her, letting her see how much more capable she is. HK-47? This has been requested by a fair few people at this point and I am really not sure. I did come up with a way for him to appear so I will have to think about it. Ahsoka's family? Siblings? Interesting idea, I will consider it. I probably won't be going as far as the Force Awakens if it even happens given all the changes. Jango Fett's sister? Meeting Boba? Boba is something I have been meaning to address but never got round to it with so many other things going on. As for another BSG story? With the mobile shipyard, weird you mention that because I actually came up with a concept for that.

aesir21 - I do hint towards something in regard to Order 66 in this chapter, a potential for a huge shift. The problem I feel that even if they get evidence which would next to impossible given how well he covers his tracks, Palpatine could just explain everything away.

danlocke7 - It's not wrong at all and I have thought of bringing those two in for a while but couldn't think of a way to do it. I agree their betrayal was bad, do you think I should bring Ron and Hermione back?

raw666 - Kal is an outsider. Born on Kuat he doesn't seem to have any connections to the Mandalorian leadership and cares little for it. How he even became Mandalorian is a mystery to me. He isn't a count as although he has a 'clan' such as it is he has no holdings to his name, however as he is considered at least somewhat Mandalorian you are right he could be quite dangerous for reasons you will see in this chapter.

mad thought - Happy that you liked it and no problem. You are awesome for following the story and I appreciate it! Interesting ideas for ships and vehicles. The Viking from Starcraft? I looked at it and thank you because although this won't be a Mandalorian unit, I can think of another faction that could use it.

red demon161 - Yoda I thought needed to show that he didn't just get his position by being old. He knows at least to some degree that the Jedi Order needs to change in order to survive and he is doing what he can to ensure its survival. Yoda has been a Jedi longer than they have been alive, what made them think they could outwit him is beyond me. Galen has a role to play and will appear again at a critical moment, as for what Haron thinks of Krennic? Exactly as you said but there are plenty of them around. Oh, about them being sorry not taking them not taking him up on his offer? You are right on that one but it won't be the last time he sees them. Ahsoka being out of the field and in an office is amusing to me as she is such a physical character and a real fighter so being an admin worker would even make her learn greater patience or drive her mad.

Blaze1992 - Definitely, Palpatine makes another attempt on Haron's life this chapter, Haron has become a thorn in his side and you will see some of his frustration here.

Antex-The Legendary Zoroark - Appreciate you saying that!

DarthEmrys - Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Kal is an intelligent man but I honestly feel against Sidious he is simply out of his league.

haubs66 - I really appreciate you saying that! Sometimes I worry that I won't do stories justice so it means a lot you guys supporting me!

hedges19 - You shall see in this chapter.

Hakuorofan7 - Fives? His fate will be very different from this point on. As for the 'Tusken Jedi' you mentioned? I know you who you mean but honestly, I do not know what to do with him.

Creativenameok - Yes he is! This is probably the most critical point in the Clone Wars arc so far and his fate will be changed in this chapter. I actually have a HP/SWKoTOR xover already prepared as it was either that story or this I was going to do. Ordo won in the end but I am wondering about doing the other one at some point in the future which would put Harry in the Knights of the Old Republic era.

To keep things short, I will put the rest of the responses at the end of the chapter.

On with the chapter…

Chapter 23 - Challengers

Dxun, Onderon System…981 ARR…

Jungle warfare was harsh and brutal business.

The smells, the weather, the local plants and animals all affected progress and made the fighting slow and dangerous to all.

Dukes Ge'hark and Sarek were leading their forces against the last of the outsider Mandalorian factions, known on this world as Ash'ad. Formed largely of outsiders and dissatisfied members of their culture they had come to this world to hunt the many dangerous predators on its jungle covered surface. From here they frequently raiding other worlds before disappearing back into the jungle to hide.

While some had returned home when the call was put out like the Hidden Chain on Ruhnuk, a loose coalition of Mandalorians who felt their world should only work towards its own betterment and saw this was the chance they had been dearly hoping for with Heteer Kol as their new Field Marshal. They had agreed to serve the new Mandalore and its people while others like Clan Varad from the Tamarian Sector had to be convinced although they too had agreed to return and stand with the rest of their people.

Some however had refused, either not wanting to give up their freedom or conform to the code like Clan Beroya who had some links to the fallen House Awaud and wouldn't serve House Ordo for their part in their downfall. Or like these Ash'ad who had become a real thorn in their side and had to be dealt with.

Ash'ad was the last though, at least the last they knew about. It was gruesome work but thankfully as they finally penetrated the tomb that the loose collection of rebels was using as a base, they would end the last public group outside of Mandalore and more importantly these groups would never be used against them.

- x -

Military Command Centre, Coruscant…

Haron was sitting at the long table as he and the rest of the senior military personnel discussed the progress of the war and the disposition of their forces.

Ahsoka was at Haron's right hand taking notes as directed, calling up information as required. She was quietly doing her job, showing her greater maturity as once she would have just burst out if she heard something she didn't like. Like for example high casualties on some campaigns and little sympathy for them. In this room they had to be ruthless in their practicality.

Something Tarkin excelled at, and he would have been here if he hadn't just gone with a rather severe case of food poisoning.

Haron had no idea how that could have happened, he thought with a private smirk. It got him out of the way for a while and more to the point meant he had a little private revenge. He had been looking at Tarkin's Doctrine, a recent private document that the man was pushing to be the key concept of the 'Republic's Military' going forward. It pushed for a policy of fear and to be big on both numbers and size of military vehicles, namely the freshly introduced Imperial-Class Star Destroyer. Two which had just been ordered as dreadnaughts for the fleet.

Tarkin had never won a battle in his life without overwhelming superiority, he was far more of a ruthless political animal than leader and Haron could already see just where he was going and more importantly how this military he wanted to build could be beaten.

So Haron was going to let him live, build his idealised military because it had some very big flaws and easily exploitable weaknesses.

That would serve him well in the war to come.

As the meeting finished and he got up to leave Haron remembered Ijaa, Ge'hark and Sarek were coming to meet with him today to discuss their recent campaign to remove the rogue Mandalorian factions and how that had gone, not to mention how their various projects were going.

- x -

Chancellor's Office, Senate Building…

"So, you see my concern." Palpatine said to Kal Skirata who was sitting opposite him in golden coloured Mandalorian armour. "The clones will struggle to find themselves a home if the feeling of the Republic's people is against them and the current Mandalore is I feel not doing enough to help them. They are of course the children of a Mandalorian and therefore are Mandalorian themselves."

Kal nodded with a cold frown on his face as he considered the Chancellor's words and agreed with them. His boys as he thought the clones to be had no real home beyond Kamino and they would never be treated well there he thought with a scowl. Not to mention the way they were used as cannon fodder angered him no end and the way the stuck up so called 'Mandalorians' rejected them as not real people only made him feel even more hatred towards them and Haron Ordo who despite commanding the clones for years had done nothing to help them.

If he were Mandalore, Kal thought he would have. He would have ensured the clones had a home in their space and if the rest of the people argued then they could meet the end of a blaster Kal thought.

The Republic and the Jedi didn't deserve their service, had no right to force them into slavery and his own people should know what a real warrior was before they judged his boys.

If he were Mandalore.

Those words stuck in his head, he could challenge Ordo for leadership and in his own mind had a much better chance of winning. He knew Ordo was strong and skilled, a highly capability tactician and strategist who had probably saved many of the clones' lives during the war with his leadership which Kal was glad of at least but from what Palpatine had told him or rather hinted Ordo was not as skilled in a physical one-on-one fight without using his gadgets like when he had fought Jedi in the past. Kal on the other hand had been training the clones for over ten years and so had been practising his fighting skills the whole time not to mention had nearly over forty years more experience than he did.

As a fellow Mandalorian Ordo couldn't refuse the challenge. If an outsider challenged one of their people, they could refuse without losing face but declining the challenge of one of their own people was cowardice and as a fight for the leadership…well Ordo just couldn't refuse.

He nodded and left the Chancellor's Office, to prepare himself for a fight to the death with Ordo. He didn't see the sinister smile on Palpatine's face or understand that the Sith Lord had no intention of fighting fair. Ordo would lose this fight; he would make sure of it he thought with glee. Skirata had been far too passionate about helping the clones that he sure as his family, it made him far too easy to manipulate.

- x -

Three Days Later…

Haron stood on the landing platform as the shuttles came down, carrying Dukes Ijaa, Ge'hark and Sarek to meet with him. He was surrounded by his own warriors forming an honour guard while the other three dukes would bring their own. Ahsoka would have been with him but she was spending the day with Anakin and his Jedi to continue her force training which he thought was probably prudent. There is always something new to learn.

The sight of no less than three large dropships, each carrying a duke each and their respective guards appeared. They touched down and the landing ramps deployed, allowing each duke and around twenty warriors each to disembark and all gave a bow to their Mandalore as did their dukes which Haron accepted.

"Welcome to Coruscant gentlemen." Haron said politely and they then followed him to the apartment at 500 Republica in air taxis. Upon arrival and the usual sweep for surveillance devices they explained to him what they had been up too.

"All the rebel groups we could find have been either brought back home or eliminated." Ge'hark said as they sat on the sofas. Haron nodded.

"Good, I have no doubt some more might appear later but we can worry about that another time. Well done Duke Ge'hark, Duke Sarek your services to Mandalore are greatly appreciated." Haron told them which was gratefully accepted. "How is the shipyard at Mandalore progressing?" Haron asked eager to know given the project's importance.

"Well underway." Duke Ijaa said with a serious look on his face. "The basic framework in now in place. Units are slowly being attached and are expanding outward. Four more years and it will be complete." Ijaa finished sounding actually impressed and wondered just how they were managing to come up with all the parts and material so fast but that was a secret Haron wasn't going to share with any one, certainly not when they were on this planet, he thought almost certain they were being spied on somehow and therefore stuck to speaking about things that were hardly a secret or not easily hidden.

"And the dreadnaughts?" Haron asked, wondering about the disposition of their fleet.

"The last of them has now finished their refit and is ready for service. Our fleet has never been stronger." Duke Sarek told him, thinking the ships were at least a solid design once the various errors were fixed.

"Your man Neville is handling some of the prototypes for testing soon." Ijaa said, not sure about Neville but he served Ordo and kept to the Mandalorian way so it was accepted.

Haron nodded, a communication beeping alerted him to someone making a holo call and knowing it might be important he accepted it. He was surprised to see Kal Skirata appear before him, one of those that trained the Clone Army.

"Haron Ordo. I challenge you for the position of Mandalore." The man said in his gruff voice.

That surprised everyone, Kal Skirata had been a non-player in Mandalorian affairs ever since he was allowed to join them since he came from the Core World Kuat originally. He had been training the Clone Army but had no real contact with any actual Mandalorian faction. His own support was largely in the Cuy'val who trained the clones, the Mandalorian mercenaries hired by Jango Fett to teach them.

None of which came from influential families.

Haron blinked for a moment as did the dukes who were both surprised and angered by this nobody from Kuat whose status as a Mandalorian could be disputed who dared to think he had the right to lead them. Nevertheless, Haron answered.

"I will accept you challenge, tomorrow on the Military Training Room inside the Military Headquarters Building. No armour, no weapons…just hand to hand." Haron said with a mounting suspicion about this. "Who put you up to this Skirata? You know how these fights end." Haron asked him needing to confirm his suspicion.

"I arrived at this myself…when you refuse to accept the boys from Kamino as Mandalorian! It doesn't matter what people think, I will give them a home the moment I kill you and take your position." Kal said with anger which only made Haron realise his suspicion was correct. Kal didn't even wait for a response he just ended the call.

Ijaa, Ge'hark and Sarek all looked ready to explode at what had just happened. While it was the right of a Mandalorian to challenge the leader only when they had just cause and this was no just cause. Not to mention the risk of death would deter many anyway. Haron was more accepting of the clones than most but the majority of his people, the dukes in front of him included didn't see the clones as real people and little more than droids.

It wasn't right, but there was no way his people would ever accept the clones as Mandalorians.

The dukes immediately started cursing Kal Skirata while Haron grimaced at the civil war that would ensue if he tried to insert the clones into their society. Kal didn't have even remotely the kind of political capital to rule their people or the support from inside or out to stay there.

"Someone is pulling Skirata's strings." Haron said to them loudly and firmly enough to get them to stop ranting and listen. "Someone who knows his views and that of our people, someone who thinks I and our people being united poses a threat and wants to use Skirata as a puppet leader. Trying to settle the clones would bring such chaos our people would be much easier to conquer."

"It's time I reveal to you the real reason I am here." Haron said wanting to get his point across before too many questions were asked. Once he was sure he had their attention he spoke again.

"Over the last few years, I came to realise that the Sith have been manipulating the Republic and the Separatists. This war is merely a cover to gain the dark lord greater power and to weaken or destroy his enemies. Among which we stand." Haron said and they were he was glad to see listening to him. "I believe that the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidious as I believe he is called is actually controlling the Republic and now is trying to use Skirata to undermine us. A month or so ago someone tried to kill me with three dark Jedi assassins. Now this is his plan b." Haron said quietly.

"Skirata doesn't stand a chance against you." Ge'hark said with disbelief, knowing how well Haron fought and with his greater stamina and reflexes not to mention he had far more practical experience against high level opponents than Skirata and being twenty plus years his junior.

"He cannot imagine he will win." Sarek said with the same dismissive attitude but Ijaa realised just where this might be going.

"Not if someone has made him think he will and is taking steps to ensure he wins." Ijaa said darkly as he realised that Haron was likely right, and this was just an attempt by the Sith to install a puppet on Mandalore as they had done several times in the past. "It seems the Sith are back to their old tricks." Ijaa said with disgust.

"So, we are to be on the lookout for any possible cheating." Haron said, not worried about the fight even though it was to the death. He was more worried about what Palpatine would do to ensure he didn't survive it.

"And if he does, Skirata will pay dearly for this treason against our people." Sarek said with a dark anger bubbling away that was returned by the others including Haron. Kal could have gone many different ways with his desire to help the clones and Haron would have likely supported them. But to try it this way and start a civil war? Weaken their people so they would be easily conquered by an outside force which he clearly didn't care what damage it did. There was only one way this ended, Haron thought darkly.

In death.

- x -

Military Command Headquarters, Coruscant…Next Day…

Haron arrived with Ahsoka and the dukes not to mention their warriors on time and ready. Haron handed his armour and weapons to Ahsoka who was looking rather unsettled by all this.

"Can't this be settled peacefully?" Ahsoka asked him with a worried look on her face and the dukes who were not amused by her lack of understanding snapped at her.

"Not when the challenge is issued and accepted. If you are going to be with us for any period of time girl you would do well to respect our culture." Sarek told her sternly and Ahsoka just uneasily looked away, not sure she wanted to see this but Haron whispered to her in reassurance.

"These kinds of duels are only allowed under strict conditions and only when there is no other option. Since the consequences are so dire few would even dare try. Just keep an eye out, if I am right about the Sith being behind this then there will be some kind of cheating to help Kal Skirata." He warned her, she looked surprised at the mention of the Sith being involved but then nodded, he hoped that she with the force might see something that the others wouldn't.

Kal Skirata appeared accompanied by what looked like about forty or so members of the Cuy'val, the mercenary force assembled by Jango Fett to train the Clone Army and many of whom were Mandalorian or claimed to be. Many looked on with worry, seeing Haron who was standing there in his pants and boots but nothing else. His torso was strong and well-muscled and while Kal who was seemingly unconcerned was also well-muscled, he was many years older.

The two men didn't was time with words and stepped forward till they were face to face with each other, Kal scowled at Haron who remained calm and collected, readying himself and waiting for Kal to make the first move.

Kal didn't wait long, he launched out with a powerful haymaker that Haron easily evaded and countered with a body shot. Kal proved himself tough though and weathered the hit but Haron then delivered another to his shoulder.

Kal jumped backwards, seemingly caught off guard that this wasn't going to be as easy as he had thought but didn't waste time with regret as this fight could not be abandoned and then attacked again.

The two men exchanged blows with each other but prove they both capable of fighting offensively and defensively, blocking each other's jabs and kicks in a fast paced and energetic fight. But the pace began to tell on Kal the longer it went on as eventually Haron started breaking through his defence again and again, jabbing at his joints and neck. Kal struggled but now Haron was finding his momentum and started gaining the upper hand.

Unknown to most of the group a small group of camouflaged microdroids were creeping along the walls and aimed what looked like tiny lasers or dart launchers at Haron who managed to land a hard kick to Kal and sent him flying back a little. The Cuy'val were looking very nervous now as their leader was on the back foot and as quickly as he managed to get to his feet it wasn't fast enough as Haron closed in on him.

Then Ahsoka sensed danger and thrust out her hand to see a dozen or so small darts hovering in mid-air only a few inches or so from Haron's back. Everyone stopped, even the two fighters to look at this and then Ijaa realised where those tiny darts had come from and threw an ion grenade in the air, the blue blast erupted out and tiny microdroids started falling from the walls and ceiling.

"BETRAYAL!" He called out, infuriated and the Cuy'val all looked terrified as the rather imperious and enraged duke rounded on them. "SHOOT THEM ALL!"

The warriors the dukes had brought including Haron's own didn't hesitate to obey the order and had their blasters in hand before the Cuy'val had a chance to even react and then they fired.

Many of the Cuy'val did wear Mandalorian armour but most of it not particularly pure so it didn't hold up well against their blasters, cutting the mercenaries down on the spot. Ahsoka looked on in horror at the massacre that was happening right before her eyes while Haron wanting this to end grabbed Kal and without a single moment's hesitation, snapped his neck with a single hard twist.

A sickening crack echoed through the room and Haron at least did Kal the curtesy of closing his eyes before walking over to Ahsoka who was staring at the dead bodies with shock. He put a hand on her shoulder and managed to get her attention. He looked into her scared eyes and told her.

"It is harsh and brutal. But in any culture actions speak louder than words and discipline amongst Mandalorians is strictly enforced. Breaking our code has severe consequences and worse I feel that Kal was merely a pawn of a much more dangerous mind, trying to weaken my people so they could be conquered." Haron told her and she slowly nodded as she seemed to understand.

"The Sith." She said and he nodded.

"Those who gain power are afraid to lose it and while he is powerful now, I am convinced he is intending to go higher. The Jedi and my people could potentially overthrow him especially if we were allied. This is what I think he fears so he will try to destroy both groups to make himself feel more secure." Haron told her, while extremely rare the Mandalorians and the Jedi had managed to work together against a common threat in the past and many times had been very successful. They both were very capable but also their ideological differences didn't help easy relations which the Sith exploited to their own benefit many times.

Ahsoka looked very troubled at this but nodded as she got what he was saying. He only hoped she did as the time might come when they needed to work together and he was starting to fear that time was coming soon.

- x -

Later that night on the docks of Coruscant two cloaked figures met, one carrying a small infant in a small bundle.

"We can't stay here on Coruscant." The woman said. She had ginger hair with brown streaks and light green eyes with flakes of amber in them but what was really striking was the lightsaber she had at her waist. "Not with Kal gone." She said referring to her father-in-law.

"I know Etain." Darman Skirata said with a worried look around. He was a clone but a member of the exclusive Clone Commandoes and adopted son of Kal Skirata. More to the point he was Etain's husband and the father of their child Venku who was nestled in her arms.

They had been very worried about his plans to challenge Haron Ordo for the leadership of Mandalore and had stayed away to make sure their son was safe. That had possibly saved their lives as Kal had been framed for cheating and all their allies gunned down or now sworn to Ordo. Despite what was said they knew Kal would never cheat and reasoned that he had been set up but if it was Ordo which Etain doubted then it was safest not to stick their heads up.

However, they now had no resources to get off world or allies to call on, not any that could help them anyway. Getting off world sounded like the best move but they had no means of doing so and were considering stealing what they needed when a droid came up to them with a small bag. It handed the bag to Darman who scanned it carefully, thinking it was a trap but it showed no sign of explosives or anything like that or anything alive. So, he carefully took the bag and opened it, blinking in shock as there was enough credits to buy himself, Etain and their son passage to the Outer Rim and still leave them with enough to get started when they arrived at wherever they were going.

Allowing Etain to see for herself she was as surprised as he was but did see a note had been placed with the money. Carefully picking it up she read it.

While I take no pleasure in what happened to Kal Skirata, he was just a pawn of the Sith even though he didn't know it. The Sith are the ones who set him up to cheat and in respect for his valour I give you the money you require for you, your wife and your son to go somewhere and live free. Keep it low key and out of the way so you don't attract attention. Dark Times are coming and secrecy will be your greatest ally.

Darman and Etain both shared a look while Venku babbled, not sure what his parents were doing but wanting their attention back on him. Etain accommodated him while Darman decided to risk it as the credits seemed genuine and would get them to a much safer place than they were now.

He could only assume it was one of their former allies that had sent the credits but he didn't really care as it would make sure he and his family were safely out of immediate danger and free. So, he found them the first ship to the Outer Rim he could find and booked passage, thanking their lucky stars and vowing to keep far away from trouble in the future.

- x -

The Chancellor's Office, the Senate Building…

Palpatine was fuming at another of his plans being foiled! Ordo would just not die! Worse many of the surviving Cuy'val had been quick to swear their allegiance to Ordo so there was little chance of installing another puppet right now.

He honestly was wondering if he was going to have to kill the bastard himself when he decided that maybe, just maybe there was another way to get the man just where he wanted him. The one thing that a Mandalorian prized above all else... family.

Unfortunately, the man's family rarely ever left their protected compound and getting an agent in had been proving next to impossible. But Anakin had revealed something during one of their talks, the man had a bastard sister, one that didn't stay on Reijar and wandered the galaxy.

Vysa, he remembered, yes that was what she was called. The girl was a bounty hunter and had a strong dislike of the Commerce Guild, frequently stealing from them.

This presented an opportunity to get rid of him and his sister at the same time with the same swoop that he would use to bring down most of his enemies.

Palpatine would need to engineer this but it might stand the best chance of killing him rather than Palpatine actually running him through with a lightsaber or unleashing all his frustration on him with force lightning.

---

Leviathan, Lucrehulk-class Warship, Mandalorian Space…

The flagship of House N'Val, a captured ship from the Separatists was now the meeting place for Duke N'Val, Neville who was representing House Ordo and a number of other senior space commanders from the other houses. They were here to discuss the future disposition of their fleet.

"Sector fleets have been established under local leaders but all can be gathered in event of an emergency." Duke N'Val said from the head of the table, Neville then took over as he had to give some important reports.

"The new vessels that make up the fleet have all been tested, all passed quite easily and will begin full production now that the shipyards and industrial facilities have been expanded and upgraded with the new equipment." Neville said not mentioning that a lot of the improvements that would speed up and improve efficiency came from Iokath, similar to those installed at their own hidden factory.

"Production of Skytroopers and worker droids is now in full swing and we have incorporated the Destroyer Droid Mark 2 into our forces. Starfighter and Corvette production is running at full speed." One of the captains of House Yusagi said calmly.

Who would have thought one day I would be talking about building a fleet of spaceships? Neville thought to himself with amusement. Once he had been a stuttering wizard from Earth, now he was a general in an intergalactic army he thought with some mocking.

- x -

Mandalorian Base, Iokath…

Deera and Zara from the building they had commandeered to act as a more secure HQ for their operations on Iokath were looking at some of the sights from their window. The two were still enjoying themselves very much personally and professionally and had grown to like coming here.

It still impressed them after years of coming here, the sheer scale of the city world here and all the time they were making new discoveries. The amount of technology here was incredible and the scientists were excited by each new discovery.

Including Professor Mors who had just joined them here for the first time and now was detailing some of the things he'd devised from their own studies of Iokath technology and his own work.

"So, thanks to the more efficient energy transfer and generators equipment we have developed from studying the Iokath's impressive technology I have finished a practical design for as I call it the Aggressor-class Destroyer." Mors told them and called up a highly detailed hologram of the strange looking ship he had come up with after studying the CIS weapon systems.

"It will be around fifteen hundred metres long, most of its length taken up by the large barrel section while the generators will be housed in the rear section with the living compartments and engines. It will have four primary sublight engines along with four smaller sublight engines, two on either side to help with turning. Shields of course along with three turbolaser batteries for defence." Mors said proudly.

"Fifteen hundred metres!" Zara said with disbelief, Deera nodded in agreement as that made the ship longer than a Venator-class star destroyer and it was nowhere as well armed. There was no hanger and no secondary or anti-starfighter weapons. The cramped conditions would make it very uncomfortable for the crew with the heavy armour and amount of space given to machinery. If the primary weapon was ever taken out or smaller warships came upon it then the ship was near helpless and with the materials required to construct such a vessel it was going to be very expensive to build and maintain.

"Obviously it is unsuited to being a capital ship and will need a support fleet to protect it but the point is this would make the ship deadly to larger enemy ships and even space stations. Not to mention it is possible to turn the gun to act as orbital artillery to support ground campaigns." Mors said with a proud smile.

Deera thought carefully about this as she looked at the design and weighed up the benefits against the negatives. It had some potential and could be really useful in some situations she thought and made a decision.

"A limited production run might be a good idea. Now what about the Keldabe-class?" She asked, moving the conversation onto the other potential capital ship.

"Oh, that is proving incredibly promising." Mors said turning his attention towards the other ship he had been working on, the hologram changing to the more Mandalorian looking vessel.

"At sixteen hundred metres long, it is bigger than the Aggressor but has the advantage of stronger shields, more weapons and a small hanger bay which allows it to carry about thirty-six fighters and accompanying shuttles." Mors said as he outlined the design and then noted the changes they had made. "With the upgrades of Iokath technology its power generators and distribution systems are far more efficient and allow more energy to the shields, engines and weapons. We even managed to fit forward and rear mounted mass driver cannons and some these new drone weapons we found here. The interface to control them is proving tricky but we should be able to smooth out any bugs soon enough." Mors said, loving the problems so he could fix them. A challenge worth his time was something he relished.

Deera nodded, glad of the delay as it was likely they wouldn't be able to put any of them into production till the new major shipyard at Mandalore was ready. All their current shipyards were currently busy with production of other warships mostly the smaller ones with the largest ones building the new Aden and Mirskto class ships as fast as they could. They would not be able to build the Keldabe or the Aggressor for a while yet.

But she thought with a considering look in her eyes, that would enable them to upgrade the established designs with Iokath technology too, the Null ships would likely benefit greatly with the improvements for energy transfer alone.

Mors meanwhile was nodding, excited to get back to the technology here, the nanite medical pods they had just discovered in what they assumed was a hospital that used nanites to reconstruct lost organic tissue with excess material from the body and were capable of building highly advanced and efficient synthetic versions if that wasn't possible. He was eagerly waiting to get a look at them!

---

Wendi, Mandalorian Space…

In her 'throne room' as some might call it Eliza Kane was smirking as she showed Duke Takan, one of the more interesting fellows that she had just what her engineers had come up with.

"The Gondwana." She said proudly with a smirk as they studied the hologram of the ship she and her engineers had created. "Twelve hundred metres long with limited defensive weaponry but its true punch lies in the vast number of automated drones it carries. Anywhere in the number of around two thousand or so depending on loadout." She told him with a smirk of satisfaction. "Production on the prototype is now underway."

"Excellent, it will be interesting to see what our enemies think when faced with such a unique weapon." Duke Takan said with a grim smile, knowing this would be a powerful piece of their arsenal. However, he himself was making a contribution to their future growth. "Logistics will need a new vessel with time. While the Lucrehulks will serve that admirably they serve a dual military role as a carrier and warship. Not to mention eventually they will wear out and need to be replaced, so my people have been coming up with a new ship to fill that role." He said, calling up a hologram of a rather angular looking vessel but had the same general bulky look as other Mandalorian designs.

"Project Spirit of Fire as my engineers have been calling it." Takan said with pride.

Eliza took a moment to study the rough design they had so far which lacked weapon systems or most of the key details. It had promise, not just as logistics vessel for civilian and military purposes but also to act as a support vessel for military fleets.

"It has…potential." She admitted with a slight smirk.

---

Arkannix, Mid Rim…

Aayla Secura was once again in the thick of the fighting alongside her clone soldiers, Bly the ever-loyal commander at her side as they pushed the advance on the enemy base.

Aayla was only half paying attention though as she advanced on the base, she knew she should be giving it her full attention and felt guilty for not doing that but she was still reeling from the teachings of Master Tuwan and just what he wanted from his students.

She had never heard of such things under a Jedi Master let alone one as powerful as Tuwan but it seemed he wanted them to come to understand themselves and their own flaws so they could use all facets of their nature and be more comfortable with who they were as people.

In her case, that was to come to terms with all her fears and doubts of not being good enough to be a Jedi. And especially her fall to the dark side early in her Jedi career and before that all the years she had been a slave of her uncle who had drugged and wiped her memories.

Since he had guided her in his meditation sessions, Aayla had started recovering more of her memories of that time in her life and some of the things she had done…or been forced to do. They made her sick and she had shattered into glass. Openly sobbing on the floor of the temple as the emotions that came with those memories overwhelmed her.

She had expected for Master Tuwan to scold her for losing her composure, to reprimand her for breaking down with all the misery, trauma and fear that came with those memories but he had actually sat there with her and given her a hug! He had listened patiently to her telling him everything once she was comfortable enough to do so. He had given her reassurance that what was said would go no further than the two of them and she actually believed him!

He had taken to taken walks with her in the Room of a Thousand Fountains and listening to her thoughts and worries so they would no longer trouble her but didn't give her the answers, instead guiding her to find them on her own.

He was a master unlike she had ever met before, even Master Tholme didn't do these things and it was such a strange thing…to have someone tell you that you had to face your demons rather than suppress them.

Aayla had been running from her demons for so long, most of her life in fact. After so long it was hard for her to turn around and stand her ground without giving in to the urge to run. But according to Master Tuwan if she was going to finally heal from what had happened or at least learn to live with it, then she had to do it.

She wasn't sure if she could do it, accept what had happened and the parts of herself that she had locked away so long ago but according to Master Tuwan she would never reach her full potential until she did.

What did that even mean for her? She wondered as she bisected another droid with ease. In her youth she had been quite arrogant and far more flamboyant, wearing robes of the most ridiculous colours but after her return to the Order she had toned down much of that and been much humbler. Still despite still being a little rebellious in terms of her dress sense, thinking of the leather outfit she was wearing that was far more 'daring' that most Jedi would ever dream of wearing…she missed the brighter colours she thought with a pang but didn't feel right wearing them.

Reaching the command centre of the Separatist base though she was met with a sight that terrified her and knocked her out of her musings. Standing in the middle of the room with his red lightsaber lit was Sora Bulq, easily the most dangerous of all Dooku's Acolytes and the number of dead clones around him made his skill seem apparent.

Aayla was completely caught off guard, why had Republic Intelligence missed the fact that he was here? She asked herself wondering just what she was supposed to do now?

Sora Bulq before his defection to Dooku had been one of the most powerful lightsaber duellists in the Jedi Order, he had helped Mace Windu create and perfect Vaapad. He had fought and killed several Jedi over the course of the war including nearly killing her own master Tholme but here she was face to face with him alone. Well almost alone she thought as Bly and his men came up behind her. She raised her saber feeling very underprepared and stood her ground as he sneered at her.

"The eye candy of the Jedi Order…they send you to confront me?" He scoffed at her, his words cutting deep into her as so many times she was viewed only for her physical beauty and nothing more. As a Twi'lek this was hardly unique to her but it grated on her and undermined her confidence to only be seen for her race and her sex.

"At least I am not a traitor to the Order." Aayla said, trying to rally her courage and taking her ready position while Bly pointed his blaster at the rogue Jedi.

"Traitor? You have no idea just what is really happening in this war do you, silly little girl?" Sora said to her with mocking scorn. "Just as well you will not live to see the end but what other use does the Order have for a used-up whore like you than dying for its rotting carcass?" He said with sinister satisfaction as his words hit home and stabbed deep into her confidence.

His words only made her remember the things her uncle had made her do after wiping her mind which filled her with revulsion, her belief in herself was so weak at that point that she honestly didn't know if she was more than that. Bly however saved her by firing at the ex-Jedi in anger.

"SHUT YOUR MOUTH YOU FOUL BASTARD!" He said, his outrage at what he had said to his general and friend and the Clone Commander along with his men let their anger out by shooting.

Sora Bulq however was more than ready for it and he moved his lightsaber expertly and deflected the bolts with ease before blasting them all back with a force wave. They all were forced backwards but unlike the clones Aayla managed to draw on the force to right herself and land crouched.

However, she saw Sora leap with his saber raised to bring down at Bly and without thinking she moved to block the strike.

Their red and blue blades met in a shower of sparks as she strained to hold him back and he seemed almost amused by this. Smirking he told her.

"So, you put your pathetic skills against mine? By the Force the Jedi must be getting desperate. Well whore, if you want to die then I will be happy to arrange it for you." Sora said with a menacing grin.

He broke the lock and lunged at her with a blitz of rapid slashes and lunges. Aayla was hard pressed even with her considerable skill in Form 5 and 4 Djem So and Ataru, two of the better fighting forms in lightsaber combat struggling against the vicious barrage of attacks that Bulq was giving her. Form 7, Juyo she now realised rather than Vaapad as he had lost the discipline for that it seemed which was good for her but only so much as it was still a highly dangerous form.

It was making her sweat as he continued to batter away at her defences, the effort telling as she did her best to stay calm and in control of herself.

"Is this the best you can do?" Sora asked with derision. "I suppose it's only fitting given you were taught by that fool Tholme. The man is so foolish that he hardly ever developed his skills and as for Vos…. maybe there was hope for that one but he is too much of a useless moron to be of much use to anyone." Sora said with a mocking smirk.

Then something snapped inside Aayla, something that broke her emotional control and let her anger and fury that she had been holding back out, swallowing up her doubts and spitting them out. Insult me all you want she thought with fury but never ever insult the two Jedi Masters in the Order that she respected the most. She thought with fury, letting go of her worry about falling to the dark side again as she was made braver by her disgust of this man.

So, what if she had been hurt? She thought, her anger making her think differently. What if she had been made to do those things? What if she had fallen to the dark side for a time because she hadn't the memory to know better?

None of those things were her fault! She thought with things seeming clearer. She had been trained well by Master Vos and Master Tholme, both of whom were legendary Jedi whereas this traitor would be nothing more than a footnote in Jedi history. Soon to be forgotten about among much greater legends in their age.

Skywalker, Kenobi, Vos, Tholme, Windu and more.

She didn't care if she was ever going to be among them, Aayla thought with fury bringing her strength and focus as her narrowed her attention on Sora Bulq. She started becoming more ferocious with her cleaves and counter attacks not to mention more daring with her acrobatic ducks and rolls, even leaping away to unleash some force pushes his way.

Bulq seemed to notice the change in her and was she could feel becoming more concerned. He seemed to be talking to her, no doubt to try and play more mind games with her but Aayla was no longer listening. She didn't care anymore what he thought she was so angry with him and let all her emotions free for the first time and it was so liberating, not be holding herself back again more.

But she also could feel something else too, like the horizon was shifting before her very eyes and the force which had always seemed so placid and calm to her before came alive. It surged more like a sea being whipped up by a storm and with the increase of power that resulted, her body becoming faster as the force increased her speed and her strength to much greater levels than ever and Bulq suddenly seemed to be having trouble, now forced onto the defensive.

That made Aayla smirk now as she saw the bastard had lost his smugness but she wasn't done yet. As her power in the force grew, she could feel so much around her, the currents of air in the room, the energy running through the people and machines around them…even the molecules in the air around them.

She felt them around Bulq and concentrated hard on them, making them vibrate.

Bulq cried out as his robes suddenly caught fire and he tried to distance himself as he tried his best to get them off but Aayla immediately took advantage of the distraction and with a single seemingly effortless stroke of her lightsaber sliced his head clean from his shoulders.

The Weequay's head fell to the floor, followed by his body with his now inactive lightsaber making a clang as it hit the floor. Aayla stood above him with her saber still lit and breathing rapidly as she took in the sight before her.

The clones who had managed to recover including Bly looked at her with awe, some having never seen a lightsaber duel before in their lives. They didn't know just who this Dark Jedi had been but knew their general had just kicked his ass.

They started cheering as Aayla smiled a little, not able to believe she had just taken down Sora Bulq on her own. She honestly had never felt more alive before this moment, feeling so in tune with the force and more to the point the heavy weight that she had been carrying with her all these years seemed to have lifted at least somewhat. She could still feel those things inside her but now it was muted as joy and exhilaration ran through her.

It was like the sun had come up and warmed her, the force was with her in a way that it hadn't been in years and making her feel like anything was possible. She hadn't honestly felt like this in so long it was like waking up from a long dream. She smiled gently as she realised this was what Master Tuwan had been trying to teach her, what Masters Tholme and Vos had wanted her to do.

Let go of the past, accept it. What had happened back then was bad she thought sadly but it was in the past and now she had to accept it so she could learn from it and look to the future.

To not hold herself back out of fear of making the same mistakes or the same things happening again. She had to have faith in herself that she had learned enough to make sure they didn't happen again.

That was incredibly liberating, soothing to her troubled soul and more so she was still dealing with her own surprise at discovering her latent skill at pyrokinesis. Looking at her hand she was shocked to discover this rare skill which was an advanced subskill of telekinesis. It was an amazing feeling to be able to sense molecules like that. She never managed to gain that level of sensitivity before.

She made a point to thank the masters back at the Temple, she owned it to all of them. She thought, they had believed in her and made her take this chance. It was the least she could do.

---

Military Headquarters Building, Coruscant…

Haron was reading through the multitude of reports that piled up on his desk every hour from every front in the war. Picking them up and speed reading them he could see that thankfully most of the fronts were going well with only a few setbacks in some areas but mostly because those were just campaigns pushed by politicians to push up their approval ratings and he gave those little attention and only sent those that were ill-suited to more important positions.

He sighed, dearly wanting to get this over with and get back to things that benefited his people but so far, he was still stuck here.

The only good thing was that he had managed to get home in time for the birth of his fourth child, another daughter that had his hair and eyes but her mother's face. They had decided to name her Li'anne in a combination of both their Earth mothers' names. She was a bright and happy child and he smiled just thinking about her. Gods he wished he could be back home with them rather than keeping an eye on the Sith and preparing for the future.

It was somewhat paying off though as they had managed to make a great deal of money from the military contracts to companies like Incom and the fees for consulting and more importantly they had established a strong intelligence network throughout the Republic using the war as a cover. He had a good feeling for how the future 'Imperial Military' would turn out and his people's territory was seemingly secure while their fleet and army were being developed nicely.

Speaking of intelligence though Haron noticed something coming in, a report that was being sent only to certain figures in the Republic namely the Chancellor himself. He however had installed a program that let him see the messages sent without being detected. The report that had just arrived referred to an 'incident' of the highest security and needing immediate action.

Haron read the report and saw to his surprise that one of the clones had turned on a Jedi and killed her seemingly at random, that was shocking in itself due to how loyal they were but more so that apparently when he had been taken back to Kamino it had been discovered the reason was a faulty chip in his brain. One of the other clones, a captain named Fives that was part of Anakin's legion had removed his own chip which he now claimed was part of some kind of conspiracy and the other clone's chip had been triggered early by a malfunction.

A malfunction triggered the clone to kill a Jedi…early. Haron thought with a feeling of suspicion mounting as he read more and realised just how the Sith were going to turn the clones against the Jedi. Despite what they were taught and conditioned for many clones had become close with their Jedi Generals and many would likely question any order to betray them. Enough that many Jedi would likely survive especially if the clones were loyal enough to warn or even fight for them.

But these chips…they were the key Haron thought with excitement as at last they had managed to discover a key part of the plot by Palpatine to take over the galaxy. First step would be to remove the Jedi as they were one of the few things that might be able to stop him and if they could disarm this particular plan before it even started…maybe the war he feared might not happen either.

Haron noted that Fives had apparently been ordered to Coruscant for additional tests and would likely be here very soon. Knowing that it was likely he would disappear before anyone got any real answers out him Haron sent out an urgent order to his network, to find the ship Fives was on and raid it using skilled freelance mercenaries with no affiliation but above all else Fives was to be unharmed and brought to him alive. Putting a high number of credits on this as this could be the most important investment he ever made.

- x -

Transport Ship, Enroute to Coruscant…Ten Hours Later…

Fives had quickly realised he was a prisoner the moment Master Shaak Ti had brought him on the ship, his brothers watched his every move and Shaak Ti was in the next room.

He honestly was now more convinced than ever that this was a conspiracy and now they were going to try and shut him up. Tup' chip hadn't 'malfunctioned' in its use, the only error had been when it was supposed to activate. Those chips were never meant to stop aggressive behaviour as many of his brothers had indulged in that from the beginning of the war till the end.

No Fives thought to himself with growing fear over what this meant. Those chips were meant to rob them of their free will, make them kill and Tup had gone straight for the Jedi when his chip had triggered so Fives could guess just who they were meant to betray.

He had to reach General Skywalker and Commander Rex Fives thought desperately, they would listen and understand the danger to not just his brothers being turned into nothing but puppets but to the Jedi as well. And to the Republic should it succeed.

Fives was hoping for a chance to escape but had no chance to do so as he was bound quite well to the bench he sat on and had tried to get the bindings off but they held firm. Something that in moments would be very important to his survival.

Before any of them knew what was going on as they dropped out of hyperspace to recalculate their course there was a deafening clang on the outer hull. That made all of them jump but as they did so the entire outer hull was torn open by massive droid arms!

His brothers, already on their feet and with nothing to grab on to had no chance and were ripped off the deck plating and thrown into space screaming. The bindings that held Fives to the bench however anchored him in place and prevented him from suffering the same fate.

But that was only the start of his troubles as all the air was blasted out of the compartment along with his brothers and as he didn't have a helmet, he had no air supply. Fives drew on any training he had for these situations but virtually everything in that training he had told him he was going to die in about two minutes. However, a bunch of people in space suits came in just as the troopers blasted away and with him unable to struggle attached a mask to his face with an air supply. Fives was able to breathe again but soon passed out as a sedative was mixed in with the air supply. Those in suits soon cut him free of the bench and used jetpacks to move away with their large droid to a waiting ship nearby before the Jedi or any of the ship's crew could get close enough to stop them.

The moment the party and their prize were aboard the ship took off at high speed and jumped to lightspeed while the transport reeled from the sudden and brutal attack.

- x -

Coruscant Safe House, Three Hours Later…

When Fives regained consciousness, he was completely disorientated, not sure where he was or what might be happening at first. The last he remembered was the wall of the transport blowing out and then nothing.

It was then that he discovered when he tried to move that he was tied quite securely to the chair, he struggled but whoever had secured him knew what they had been doing. The bindings were firm and unmoving, leaving him wondering if maybe this was whoever was behind the chips. That they had removed him before he could talk. A sound at other end of the room made him look up and see a figure in the shadows. Fives strained but couldn't see who it was.

"CT-5555." The deep voice said, obviously disguised for extra security. "I heard that you have some information that I require. About clone control chips."

"I have a mission to complete." Fives said while continuing to struggle. "It's too big for one clone or even a thousand…it's about the whole Republic. Now please let me go, I have to warn the Jedi." Fives demanded desperately. The deep voice seemed unmoved and asked.

"Then tell me what it is you have discovered and I may allow you to continue your mission."

Fives honestly was thinking this guy was just playing with him but with the bindings not budging and the chair fixed firmly to the floor he had no option so he explained just what he had learned so far.

Deep Voice listened patiently and asked him after Fives finally finished.

"Do you want to help the Jedi? Will you warn them of this plot?"

"It's a matter of honour." Fives said, nodding quickly with worry at the scale of the scheme. "They have served so long and I know they risk their lives for not just the Republic but us Clones too every day. Being down in the thick of it with us or working to save us when many would just abandon us." Fives told him, thinking of not just Skywalker or Kenobi, but Tano and a few others he had met as well. They were good people and didn't deserve to be killed!

Deep Voice seemed to think about that, Fives was not aware that the man was studying him with the force to make sure he was telling the truth and that his intentions were what he said.

"I do believe you." Deep Voice said before stepping forward and removing a mouth piece of some kind. Fives looked up and saw to his surprise that Field Marshal Ordo was standing in front of him in his full armour. He was shocked to see the highest-ranking member of the Republic Military outside of the Chancellor himself there. Moreso when Ordo nodded to someone behind him and briefly Fives wondered if he was about to be shot in the head only for his restraints to release and he managed to get to his feet and free of the chair.

"You managed to find the missing piece Fives." Ordo told him with an impressed look in his eyes. "Over the war I too have noticed signs of a conspiracy to destroy the Jedi and overthrow the Senate eventually but I didn't know how the Sith were going to get rid of the Jedi until you provided me with this information."

"So, you will let me warn the Jedi?" Fives asked, now wondering just what did the Mandalorians know? Haron nodded.

"I will not just let you do it Captain." Haron said with a slight smile. "I am going to help you do it. But if you are going to do this then we have to be careful as the true mastermind will shut this down if he learns what we are trying to do and likely we both end up dead." Haron said knowing Sidious would likely turn the entire planet against them if he caught them doing this.

So, if they were going to get the message out, they had to be very careful about this.

"We have a list of Jedi frequencies." Haron said with a thoughtful look in his eye. "There are only a handful of transmitters that can broadcast on them all though and most of them are heavily protected. I will look for one that we can use while you prerecord your message, if we just have it as a recording and broadcast it over the network. Save having to do it while all the clones on Coruscant converge on our position." Haron said creating a plan that such allow them to get the news out without being pinned down and likely killed.

"We can warn all the Jedi at once?" Fives said looking suddenly hopeful and smiling eagerly. Haron nodded although he knew it wasn't going to be easy.

"We can but hope, at least the Jedi would know of the danger. So go record a message, I need to find a transmitter powerful enough to do the job." Haron said with a frown.

Despite what he said, he knew he wasn't likely to find any transmitters they could use on this planet that wouldn't be shut down before the message could be sent. The only one that Sidious might not have immediate power to shut down was the one in the Jedi Temple.

Haron wondered if maybe Anakin might be willing to hear him out and let him do it there but a strong shiver in the force made him abandon the plan. Despite all their work so far to undermine that relationship Palpatine still had a lot of influence over Anakin and he wasn't sure if he could trust Anakin not to reveal anything.

Ahsoka wasn't really able to do it since her security clearance was revoked and he wasn't friendly enough with any other Jedi. Haron even though of sending Fives in a disguise but security at the Temple had been tightened greatly since the bombing and chances are he would be caught.

That didn't leave them many options, only the larger corporations had them outside of governments and many guarded them just as readily.

It wasn't looking good Haron thought and wondered if it was worth giving up his own cover to do this but then realised the security at the military ship docks here on Coruscant was tough but not as tough giving all the coming and going that was happening all the time.

And it had one of the transmitters they needed, to co-ordinate all the coming and goings. A plan started forming in his mind and he realised he needed to make a call on a droid shop.

It seems he needed a new pair of astromechs.

- x -

Military Docks, Coruscant…Two Days Later…

Astromech droids were a common sight on nearly every planet in the galaxy, their utility and usefulness were so wide that they could be found everywhere doing every sort of job you could imagine.

The military docks were no exception, astromechs worked in the ships held there and within the docks themselves so no one would bat an eye at a pair of them wandering around the area. They split up and one went to the auxiliary control room while another made a trip down to the fuel storage tanks.

Once in position, the droid in the fuel storage areas went up to one of the tanks and stood still for a moment before activating its thrusters and blasting dome first into the tank at full speed. Made of materials meant for insulation rather than resilience the tank ruptured and the flames from the droid's thrusters ignited the now spilling fuel with ease.

The fire sensors in the storage area immediately detected the fire and sounded the emergency stations, loud klaxons rang out throughout the complex to let everyone know a fuel fire had broken out and everyone went to their emergency duties.

In the auxiliary control room, everyone was so busy working on containing the fire that no one noticed an astromech coming in and plugging itself into the mainframe, uploading a program to the entire datanet. The droid did its job quickly and then left, its mind would be wiped and it sold on within an hour.

Later that day when the fire had been dealt with and everything settling down, the program activated and locked the emitter controls before broadcasting on all Jedi frequencies.

All over the galaxy and within the Jedi Temple itself the Jedi stopped as they received Fives' message, a hologram appeared of Fives.

"To all Jedi Knights and Masters. You don't know me but I need to warn you all. There is a plot to destroy your order to corrupt the Republic from within. By now you must have learned of the events on the Ringo Vinda Space Station." Fives said quickly as if in a great hurry.

While the Jedi listened agents of Sidious rushed furiously to cut off the transmission before anything potentially dangerous could be revealed but the program was sending out false relay points to prevent them pinning down just where it was coming from. All the while Fives continued speaking as the Jedi including the council who had been in the middle of a session.

"The murder of Jedi Master Tiplar was caused not by a tumour but a control chip that has been planted inside the brain of every clone from birth! The Kaminoans claim these chips are meant to prevent aggressive behaviour but that isn't true. Instead, they are there to force us to carry out a command, the degrading of his chip made Tup carry out this order earlier than was planned. I discovered this truth and that the chips can be removed safely which the Kaminoans claimed was impossible. The Clone Army is being prepared to attack the Jedi Order and kill you all! So, the mastermind behind this can corrupt the Republic! I implore you to listen to this warning and to save yourselves! Save my brothers from this slavery!" Fives begged but unfortunately whatever else he might have said was cut off as the transmission was ended by Palpatine's agents blowing up the transmitter.

The Jedi who had heard the transmission were confused at what they had just heard, not sure what to think but a mounting sense of dread soon followed it as they felt a resonance within the force.

- x -

The Jedi Council Room, Coruscant…One Hour Later…

"I have the reports from the Kaminoans that say removing the chip from his brain likely caused great and terrible delusions within his mind. The poor soldier had not idea just what he was saying." Palpatine told the Jedi Council with a sad look on his face.

"Is there any proof as to what the clone said?" Ki-Adi-Mundi said with a scowl on his face.

"None from what I have been told. The cloners have sworn that they will keep investigating to find the source of the problem." Palpatine assured the Jedi Council. Many of whom seemed to accept his words readily, sure that no plot such as this could have been hatched without them known about it. Palpatine's hologram disappeared a moment after.

"Efforts will be made to find this errant clone before he can cause any more damage." Shaak Ti said, not wanting to be reminded that the clone had escaped on her watch.

However, some of the Jedi on the Council felt differently, from their seats in the room Mace Windu who distrusted the Chancellor completely could feel there was more to this. Depa Billaba, Obi-Wan, Plo Koon and Tholme felt that too and Kit Fisto looked very uncertain, as if weighing up in his head what to think.

Yoda however was the most uncertain of all, he could feel that the clone had been telling the truth and if he was right about Palpatine then listening to anything he said was the very last thing the Jedi Order should do. He was now more convinced than ever in fact and could feel in the force that the time for the Sith Lord to reveal himself was soon.

"Perhaps, consider the warning more closely we should. And act as we see fit." Yoda said with a worried look in his eyes.

"But surely one defective clone is no cause for concern." Mundi said with arrogance but Obi-Wan who was far more familiar with Fives knew the man was not going to go to these lengths unless something was really wrong.

"Assuming that he is delusional as the Chancellor says but I did not see many signs of that in his transmission and he clearly was able to plan this well enough to avoid detection, so his mind is clearly still rather sharp." Obi-Wan said calmly. "We should take individually whatever action we see fit if it concerns us. Especially as if he was telling the truth, the Order could be facing the greatest threat in its history." He said with a worried frown, something that was copied by several members of the council while others looked at him dismissively.

- x -

Elsewhere on Coruscant…

"We failed." Fives said looking despondent as he was publicly labelled as a 'defective' and nothing being done to stop this plot.

"Maybe…maybe not." Haron said feeling rather worried himself that they ha lost the best chance they had of stopping the rise of the Empire but at the same time he could feel something shift in the force that let him know they had made some kind of impact. "But we got the message out and the Jedi heard it. They have the information, and we can only hope that some of them act on it. In life Fives we can only do what we can and hope for the best." He told the soldier, trying to lift his spirits before getting to an important point. "But now we must get you off Coruscant and let you lie low somewhere for now. I have a team on the way to transport you there."

Fives nodded and told him.

"Thank you, Duke Ordo." Fives said with a sad smile. "I think I would likely be dead if not for you."

"Then we can be thankful for small blessings." Haron told him and the door opened to reveal Kento Marek and Luna enter.

"Luna." Haron said with a smile, happy to see one of his closest friends and they eagerly exchanged a warm hug before he turned to Kento and gave him a much more sedate nod which was duly returned.

"You're troubled." Luna said, feeling it in his body and in his face. Years together letting them know each other well enough to know the signs. After Kento took Fives away so they could have a private moment Haron responded with a look of worry on his face.

"I just worry that we may have lost our best chance to stop the worst possible future." Haron said with a frown. Luna understood his concerns and shared many of them but she told him.

"No, I can sense something in the force. Something has changed and the impact I can feel is huge but…" Luna stopped, wishing for once that the future was clearer so she could see whether they were making progress or not.

"Not whether it is good or bad." Haron finished for her. She nodded and then told him.

"Like you told Fives, we can only do what we can and hope for the best. You planted the seed, now we just have to hope it grows." Luna told him with a smile before adding. "I will be taking my graduate students on a trip soon. See if they are up to actual combat."

"With you as their teacher, I wouldn't expect anything less than exemplary performances." Haron said and Luna just smiled before she went to join Kento and Fives on the ship.

- x -

Little did Haron and Fives know though, some Jedi were not able to dismiss the warning so easily.

Aayla Secura, on her cruiser on the way back to Coruscant and still enjoying her new connection to the force felt it almost surge, like it was desperate for her to believe it.

She honestly had never felt such a thing before and she knew in the moment not to ignore it, so she walked down to the med bay with Bly and their personal squad of clones and had the chips removed.

Plo Koon was hardly one to ignore a threat when it was presented to him and so he had Commander Wolffe and his personal squadron of clone pilots remove their chips.

Obi-Wan was fast to have Commander Cody to the same as was Anakin with Rex and some of the other more wiser members of the 501st that they could trust. A course of action that many of Anakin's small group of Jedi followed themselves.

Even members of the Jedi Council heeded the message; Mace Windu, Tsui Choi and Kit Fisto all had their own personal squads at least secretly remove their chips.

Depa Billaba had Commander Grey, Captain Styles and a number of other clones under her command remove their chips for not only her safety but that of her apprentice Caleb.

While they and a few others like them did have their clones remove the chips, others either out of concern for the clones' health or simply not fully believing the threat didn't do the same.

But at the same time, suspicion reminded and as they were around clones, they would distance themselves a little…just in case.

---

Reijar, Ordo System…A Month Later…

"At least he's a hard worker." Ara said quietly aloud as she regarded the clone that they seemed to have taken in.

Fives as he was named had arrived a month ago and was working in their spaceport, hard transition for a soldier she supposed but it was only because he had helped them that he was able to stay here. To keep him safe from Sidious or at least as safe as he could be.

She meanwhile was busy watching the younger members of their families along with Hannah and Grahuur at their side.

Din was starting to learn the Wookiee language along with Huttese and doing well, he would be fluent soon enough not to mention he was starting a growth spurt and seemed to be growing an inch a day. Lelia and Frank were now training with Mallie in force techniques and basic magic while Markus, Astoria, Corridan, Galen, Mila, Alexander and Li'anne were all too young yet although all were receiving beginner's lessons.

But when they finally took a break, they all started playing together and with Grahuur's sons and daughter. Ara smiled with Hannah as she considered their large, expanded family.

She remembered herself growing up with her sister Astoria on Earth, their home had been stern but still they were a family. Hannah too had grown up in a caring home. Luna, Neville and Harry hadn't been so lucky she thought with a grimace at the homelife they had growing up.

Yet now they were all part of a much larger family. Ara honestly could say that she loved not only her own children but all her unofficial nieces and nephews and wanted to keep them all safe. Even better Ursa had finally consented to allow occasional visits of her own children to Reijar soon.

- x -

Separatist Monitoring Station, Gorrog…

Like the Republic the Separatists had a network of surveillance stations that allowed them to pinpoint incursions into their territory although they had been far more disorganised in where they were placed given the rapid shifts in territory control since the war began.

Gorrog, a moon orbiting an unremarkable gas giant was a barren and near lifeless world despite having a breathable atmosphere. Hardly of any strategic importance but it was also one of the closest positions to both the Republic and Mandalorian borders and was put there to detect any potential fleet action from either space, but nothing had ever come from either direction.

But there was a problem with its sophisticated sensor arrays however, one that had been encountered by the Republic earlier in the war. While it could detect the movement of large starships and especially fleets at long range, smaller ships were far harder to keep track of and worse if the enemy was using a stealth ship, then they wouldn't see it coming even if it was right on top of them.

The small shuttle dropped out of hyperspace and made its way down to the surface of the moon. Specially modified for stealth insertion the shuttle was fast and nimble, only big enough to carry a group of six. One pilot, five passengers.

The shuttle landed behind a nearby hill and the rear door opened and let Luna out of the shuttle with her four top students just behind her. All were fully kitted out in Mandalorian armour and all their standard field gear and weapons not to mention their newly constructed lightsabers.

They followed Luna as she quietly made her way to edge of the small outpost. There were five droids on sentry duty and likely around fifteen more inside. The outer door was made a reasonably thick door and there were no defensive turrets.

With nonverbal signals, Luna directed each of her students to go after one specific droid in particular. Caz, Roon, Makla and Reli all showed their training was worthwhile as they moved silently and quickly into position before moving on a five count.

While each of them used a blasting curse to take out each droid, Luna grabbed hers with telekinesis and crushed it with a single effortless gesture before they all moved onto the small landing pad. Luna waved her hand and cast the unlocking charm and then the door opened. The small team moved forward, and the four new graduates ignited their lightsabers and charged straight at the ten droids ahead. Only now did the droids realise they were under attack.

"Intruders." The Commander B1 droid in charge said but ten of his droids found themselves under attack by lightsaber wielding Mandalorians. This confused its logic circuits for a moment, not sure if it was Jedi or Mandalorians they were facing, which was far too long against them.

With speed and brutality, they carved a path through the droids to the control centre, but the remaining five droids had no chance to take up their blasters as Luna who was shielding her warriors with a shielding charm then blasted the five remaining droids with Ionize, the anti-droid variant of force lightning. The five droids had no protection against it and fried within a second or two leaving them in charge of the control centre.

"Begin the upload." Luna commanded. So, she and the others guarded the entrance in case there were any droids they'd missed, Roon went to the control console and connected the virus drive to the computers.

The upload began quickly and took only a minute to complete. From there it went to work on their security and opened up their communication frequencies, stole the tracker beacon information that all CIS ships had and relayed the information to the Aden which was waiting nearby on the other side of the border.

Aboard the large ship, Hannah was in the Combat Information Centre and reviewed the information they were receiving, smirking as she they got exactly what they wanted. Information on all the Separatist communication frequencies which would allow them to track all their ships at once regardless of where they were in the galaxy in real time. She wasn't sure why they hadn't done this earlier, but it was hopefully going to useful.

When the data was secure and the all-clear signal had been hardwired on, she turned to the captain and gave the nod. He then had the navigator who engaged the hyperdrive for the short-range jump. It took less than ten minutes for the large but fast ship to reach Gorrog. The shuttle was already on its way back to the ship and docked only a couple of minutes later. With Luna and her team on board Hannah turned to the captain and gave the order.

"Target the outpost with a full turbolaser bombardment, destroy any evidence we were here." She told him coldly and he nodded. Turning to the ship's gunnery control officer who relayed the order to the ship's gun crews.

The ship orientated itself into the best position and large turbolaser batteries of the ship moved into position themselves before powerful whitish-yellow bolts erupted from large cannons. They reached the surface extremely fast and blasted huge chunks out of the surface and the outpost, tearing the entire outpost apart and leaving nothing but blackened earth and some scorched rumble.

The moment this was done the ship jumped back into Mandalorian Space before the Separatist Fleet could arrive to investigate.

---

Dark Temple Ruins, Dromuud Kaas…

Mother Talzin, now finally restored to her physical form smirked as she felt all the dark side energy here. It was such a rich feeding ground. The Scepter of Marka Ragnos had soaked up so much power that she honestly had never been so strong and was finally ready to take her revenge on those that took her sons and sisters from her. But there was no harm in getting a little bit more Talzin thought to herself as she used the scepter to collect the dark side energy from the ruined temple.

With this power she would finally be able to show the Sith and the Jedi the real power of their magic and remove them both as obstacles to her becoming the greatest power in the galaxy.

---

Jedi Temple, Coruscant…

"It is a great day for the Jedi Order." Mace Windu said to a gathered audience of Jedi, present both physically and in holographic form. Mace continued to speak. "While this war is terrible for the people of the galaxy, the Jedi have risen to the occasion and defended the Republic. Some have grown to be made stronger for their trials. Becoming the heroes and legends of this age. Today, we recognise these achievements and name three of the Order to a rank deserving of their skill and achievement."

There were excited looks shared between those present, wondering just who was going to be promoted. Anakin, Ahsoka and Tuwan stood with their own allies watching proceedings with some interest.

"The first is a Jedi that is reaching knighthood…Lexia Ginorra." Mace said and the nervous looking woman stepped forward. She almost tripped on the steps up to Master Windu and knelt before him. He ignited his lightsaber. There was a frisson of fear that ran through Lexia for a moment like Master Windu was going to cut her head off but instead he moved his saber's violet blade around her shoulders while saying.

"By the right of the Council. By the will of the Force. I name you, Lexia Ginorra a knight of the Jedi Order. You may rise." Windu said and with great care cut her padawan braid off.

It fell the ground and hit with a soft thump, but Lexia was so overcome with emotion that she actually had tears in her eyes. She had dreamt of this for so long, finally reaching Knighthood after so many years, years lost in the dark and then years rediscovering herself in the light.

She was a Jedi Knight.

She rose to her feet and bowed to Master Windu who returned it and gestured for her to stand to next to Master Cin Drallig which she did, feeling so excited that at last she was free to pursue her career as a Jedi.

She had no idea that some of the Council had reservations as to whether she was ready for this but the need for knights pushed her promotion forward not to mention she had been training for long enough, it was time to see if she could manage as a Jedi on her own.

"Aayla Secura." Master Windu called out and the surprised Jedi knight blinked before at the urging of her peers and the proud and expectant looks of Master Tholme and Vos stepping up in front of Master Windu. She knelt and he spoke with a rare smile on his face as this was a responsibility he enjoyed. "Your triumph over Sora Bulq and the conquering of your own doubts and fears has proven that you are finally ready to take the rank of Jedi Master with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities it brings."

Aayla was so surprised that she didn't know what to think, unable to grasp what she was being told but the proud smiles of Master Tholme and Master Vos made her smile too. She couldn't see it but Master Tuwan was smiling also, glad that the young woman had at last come to terms with her past and was ready to embrace the future.

That made everyone else in the crowd wonder who else was getting promoted as there was one last person to be addressed and some wondered if it would be them. So, when Master Windu called out the last name it came as a shock to some.

"Anakin Skywalker."

Anakin who had been watching with some pride for Aayla was stunned at first to hear his own name being called out. Many were surprised too as they knew while Anakin was popular in the Republic and its people, they had known the Council had their concerns about him. Tuwan seeing Anakin's confusion was stopping him gave him a gentle push forward and Anakin made his way to the stairs and knelt next to Aayla who gave him an encouraging smile as did Ahsoka and Obi-Wan from where they were standing.

"Anakin Skywalker." Mace Windu said with a serious voice. "Despite concerns over your age when you were inducted into the Jedi Order and some of your decisions over the years, your conduct since the war began has been nothing short of remarkable." Windu said before starting to smile slowly. "You have shown talent and dedication beyond any expectations the Council may have had and have grown to become one of the greatest Jedi of your generation. Such performance and dedication cannot go unrecognised. Hence forth you will carry the rank…of Jedi Master."

Anakin could hardly believe this was happening, he had never thought this would happen, given his troubles with the Council. He had been content to be a knight, it suited him far more perhaps to be out in the galaxy doing things then staying in the Temple.

But now…he was a master. The youngest in the current Order too he realised with some pride and rose to his feet and was now face to face with Master Windu who smiled and gave him a nod of respect which again was a big surprise but Anakin returned it.

Applause broke out, directed at all three of the Jedi who had been called up. Anakin could see Tuwan proudly clapping alongside Ahsoka and Obi-Wan who stood with the rest of the Council.

Obi-Wan had a small twinkle in his eyes as he dearly hoped that Master Qui-Gon could see this, he had been right about Anakin. However, he was also worried about what the Jedi Council were about to force on Anakin in exchange for this rank. He was fairly certain Anakin would accept but he was worried about it all the same. He hadn't been happy the last time they had done this too him, not at first anyway his eyes turning to Ahsoka.

Anakin and Aayla went over to Master Tuwan along with Obi-Wan, Tholme and Vos. Followed slowly by Master Windu.

"Congrats. You more than earned it." Vos said to them both but more towards Aayla who smiled and suddenly threw her arms around his shoulders and gave him a hug.

Like she had when they had been master and apprentice.

Vos seemed surprised for a moment but soon hugged her back, everyone seemed a little surprised at Aayla being affectionate in public but her new emotional freedom was something she was still coming to terms with and had to find her feet again.

"It is well deserved. Both of you." Tuwan said with pride. "While I personally disagree with calling anyone a master you are both worthy of it. I only wish I could have seen my last padawan become a Master." He said with a wistful look in his eye. Ahsoka who was standing there with Kalifa asked him with genuine curiosity, wondering if she might had heard of this padawan.

"And who was that padawan Master Tuwan?" Still calling him master as a sign of respect. Everyone looked on, now interested themselves. Tuwan frowned for a moment before giving them an answer.

"He was a Neti like myself, he had great potential even if he was a slow learner at first. His name was Ood Bnar." Tuwan said with a proud smile as he remembered his old apprentice.

All those present stopped still in surprise at hearing that name, even Master Windu who was approaching with two younglings at his side.

"Ood Bnar?" Tru Veld said with astonishment. "He's one of the most legendary Jedi of all time. Easily one of the finest the Order has ever produced. A truly amazing master and scholar." Tru told Tuwan while they all stayed silent in reverence for the ancient master.

Tuwan smiled at the sound of that, glad to hear his old student had been recognised for his great wisdom and learning. He would now he realised have to look up his old apprentice's achievements and see for himself but it was a great relief to see he had survived the Great Hyperspace War.

Anakin himself was in awe too, never having imagined that he was being taught by the same master that had trained one of their greatest members.

"Fascinating Master Tuwan, I had no idea you had such an illustrious student under your wing." Windu said interrupting as he approached before telling them. "And congratulations again, your promotions were well deserved." He told them while thinking on some of the reservations that the council had about this.

Aayla Secura had been changed by her experience and her training with them but there was a new vibrancy about her now, like she had suddenly come alive after a long time in stasis. Her promotion had been debated but passed fairly quickly.

Skywalker on the other hand, he thought still not sure if this wasn't a dangerous move that would only make his following increase but even Mace had to admit the young man deserved it. He had accomplished so much and done much good for the Jedi and the galaxy at large. He had even overcome much of his own shortcomings in the process and was a much calmer and more balanced person these days.

Although he didn't fully trust him, he respected him.

"However, the Jedi Council does have a request of both you now that you are Jedi Masters. That you pass on your knowledge to the next generation by taking a padawan." Windu said knowing this was likely to cause trouble with at least one of the new masters.

Aayla and Anakin both looked surprised at the idea of taking padawans or in Anakin's case a new padawan. He was instantly about to say no as to him Ahsoka was still his apprentice and would always be, he didn't want or need another.

"We know this is a considerable task but we are assigning you both a very promising student. Master Secura you will be taking on Lali Oyun as your apprentice." Windu said and a Lethan Twi'lek girl stepped forward, she looked nervous they all saw but Windu told them. "She is one of the brightest students of her clan, she just passed the Padawan trials a year early and we feel needs a master that will understand the challenges she will be facing as a Jedi and as a Twi'lek in this galaxy. Not only that but a master that will challenge her. Allara meanwhile has shown a remarkably headstrong attitude and good promise if she can harness it, so she will be assigned to you Master Skywalker."

Aayla looked at the young girl who was very nervous but gave her hopeful looks and Aayla smiled, not sure if she was really ready for a padawan or wanted one if she was but she just couldn't find it in her to let the young girl down and nodded.

"Of course, Master Windu, I would be honoured." Aayla said with a smile before telling the young girl. "Come. Let us get to know each other over some food. I have a lesson with Master Anari to learn some Form 7 fighting tonight so I have some time at least." Aayla then led the young girl away who was now smiling too.

Windu was surprised to hear that Secura was learning Form 7, he was alarmed to be honest but as a Battlemaster Anari could authorise it.

Anakin however looking at the girl still stood by Windu's side with uncertainty. He wasn't exactly thrilled at the idea of having another young padawan as his responsibility. By the Force Anakin thought remembering those early days with Ahsoka…oh boy he thought with exasperation and wondered if they were coming round again.

"Master, I…" Anakin said about to turn her down but felt a nudge in his side from Ahsoka who just smiled and spoke.

"You should take her." Ahsoka told him which surprised Anakin a little. "She needs a good teacher and you are the greatest I have ever known. Besides, you shouldn't be alone master." She told him with a smile.

Tuwan nodded in agreement.

"The best way to learn is to teach. You learned almost as much teaching Ahsoka as she did from you. Allara will do well under you and if you are to be a better Jedi and a better man then the only way is to take the responsibility seriously." Tuwan told him and Anakin was torn as he respected both of them a great deal but he wasn't sure.

He took a look at the girl; she was human with dark hair and pale skin. Allara was a little younger than Ahsoka had been when he had chosen her, maybe twelve or thirteen. She had a lightsaber so at least she had completed the Gathering he thought but then noticed the stubborn look on her face.

"You know training under me is going to be hard Allara. I don't tolerate people who don't pull their weight." Anakin warned her and Allara rather than acting intimidated like he had expected looked him straight in the eye and told him.

"I faced down General Grievous. I can handle anything you throw at me." Allara spoke without any filter or awe in her voice, looking at him almost challengingly.

Oh boy, she's worse than Ahsoka was Anakin thought with dismay but also amusement as he saw a little of himself in Allara. She was fairly strong in the force and had the confidence to use it. He found himself a little eager to see just whether she could harness that and make something of herself, which made up his mind.

"Very well Allara we will see." Anakin said, making no plans to go easy on her. Ahsoka winced as she remembered how tough Anakin would likely be to the girl and wished her well, knowing she had no idea just what she was in for.

Ahsoka then noticed Kalifa looked down about something and so she asked her.

"What's wrong?"

Kalifa didn't answer for a moment, looking down at the floor with indecision before Ahsoka took a hold of her shoulder and asked her again. "What's wrong?"

"Master Mundi said that if I'm not picked soon, I'll being sent to the Service Corps." Kalifa told her with sadness.

Ahsoka immediately felt a great deal of resentment at the asshole of a master. She knew how much Kalifa wanted to be a Jedi Knight and if she was sent to the Service Corps where all the 'rejects' as they unfairly thought of went then it would be the end of that dream.

She wished she could take the younger girl as a padawan herself but she wasn't a Jedi anymore and even if she were you can't take a padawan as a padawan.

She wondered if maybe one of their group of Jedi might be willing to take her on but that would take time and some were as reluctant to take students as Anakin himself. Her eyes tightened with worry as she put a comforting arm around Kalifa's shoulders before her eyes caught Obi-Wan and grimaced as she considered the great favour that she was about to ask of him. She bit her lip before asking.

"Master Kenobi…would you take Kalifa as your padawan?"

Obi-Wan looked surprised at the question as did many around them including Anakin and Master Windu. Kalifa was right on the edge of acceptability, while she had passed the trials to be a padawan no Jedi Master or Knight had chosen her and she was now older and would only be given another month or so be chosen before being passed over into the corps.

Obi-Wan was shocked as after training Anakin he had never intended to take another apprentice; teaching Anakin hadn't been easy and there had been many times he and his student had felt nothing but animosity for each other. He had kept his vow to Qui-Gon and trained him but it wasn't until Anakin had become a Knight himself that their relationship had really improved. There had been some rather difficult times and he wasn't exactly eager to go through that again Obi-Wan thought with a bit of resentment.

But at the same time, he had once been where Kalifa was now. Passed over as an apprentice by masters and was only saved from the Service Corps himself by Qui-Gon's kindness. Others had dismissed him and he had so much wanted to be a Jedi, he knew the fear that was in Kalifa's heart.

Frowning he looked to Master Windu who merely stared, not willing to involve himself in this since it was Obi-Wan's own decision as to whether he was going to spend years training the girl or not. He saw the Master Tuwan, Ahsoka and even Anakin were all looking at him expectantly and the wide hopeful eyes of Kalifa finally broke his resolve.

"Very well." Obi-Wan said with a small resigned smile. "I will take her as a padawan."

That immediately brought a smile to most of their faces, Kalifa being no exception. She suddenly started beaming with happiness and almost looked like she was going to start jumping up and down with joy.

"Thank you master! Thank you!" Kalifa said with almost in a squeak which made Anakin smirk as if he was going to have to go through this, then Obi-Wan would too.

Master Yoda stood nearby watching as events unfolded and smiled, seeing the future of the Order was in good hands but at the same time he was getting worried as Palpatine had now gained control of the Banking Clan and all its finances after events there. Yoda frowned as he felt in the force that some great shifts were moving around them but couldn't tell if something good was happening or not. Things were still far too much in flux and he could feel in the force that the crucial point would soon be upon them.

Very soon, he thought with worry as their Order would face either its greatest triumph or its worse tragedy.

---

There we are, I hope you all enjoyed the new chapter. Please let me know what you thought with a review.

Markus Ordo is now four years old. Frank Longbottom is five years old. Astoria is three, Corridan Ordo and Galen Marek are two. Alexander Longbottom and Li'anna a newborn.

Din is around fourteen years old now.

The Spirit of Fire ship is of course the USN Spirit of Fire from the Halo franchise.

More Review Responses…

Sterling-Ag - Happy to hear you like it! I know editing isn't my strong suit but I do my best. I did work with a beta once but it didn't work out.

Shran - Cheers!

dan . lew . upg - Thanks!

Joe02 - Happy to hear that you liked rereading it. Its my first big Star Wars Story and I will do my best to make sure it is the best it can be.

Markus2994 - Interesting idea but I think Haron will be a little bit busy that day. Grievous is a tough one and I don't intend for them to meet, sorry!

JaKeS91 - Thank you!

MalSer - Glad to hear you liked it!

A Guest - Haron is a lot older and wiser now and seeing Anakin and Ahsoka who act a lot like he did when he was younger would be an eye-opening experience for him.

Edge Wayfinder - Jaro Tapal? It would be cool but afraid not sure if there is time now. He will have a meeting with at least three characters from the game soon in a surprising capacity. I have to admit Jaro would be one of the few Jedi Haron would respect and likewise Jaro would respect Haron.

DeathCrawler - Hope you like this one!

Lawbringer - Thank you! Hope you like this chapter as well.

Halo-Guy Fan - Kal maybe that way in the old canon as to be honest I knew little of him until someone mentioned him to me but bear in mind this is Darth Sidious we are talking about. I have little doubt in my mind that he would find some reason to twist Kal to his plans and he does because he goes after something that Kal does care about. Not to mention while he does have the clone commando's loyalty, they are all bound by that chip and more to the point the Mandalorians by large don't think much of the clones, they wouldn't see them as true warriors. Some like Haron think differently and know they are more than that but most of their people share that stigma.

Morkail - Thanks! The lore from the MMOs is awesome content and expands things a great deal so it's a shame not to try and use some of it.

Jctherebel - Thanks! Glad to hear you liked it.

Rebell 01 - Thank you, I try to plan as far ahead with these stories as possible. I do make changes sometimes but only when necessary.

George Cristian810 - I get what you are saying but the only reason I did it was to give them a source of Kyber crystals that the Jedi wouldn't know about to be honest and somewhere they could go to take their trials but it won't appear much. Funny you mentioning those characters from the novels, can't say it ends well for all of them but better for some.

frankieu - Happy you liked it!

Azai Jin - It is nice you hear from people who appreciate it, I am glad you like it and hope to keep it good for you all to read.

Abyss Trinity - Cheers!

tf330129 - Will do, I intend to get this story completed however long it takes.

Guest - Bly? Maybe.

Jebest4781 - Glad to hear you liked it!

Hadrian . Caeser - Thanks!

Creativenameok - Yes he is! This is probably the most critical point in the Clone Wars arc so far and his fate will be changed in this chapter. I actually have a HP/SWKoTOR xover already prepared as it was either that story or this I was going to do. Ordo won in the end but I am wondering about doing the other one at some point in the future which would put Harry in the Knights of the Old Republic era.

- x -

Next Chapter - The Clone Wars reaches its climate as the Sith finally reveal themselves. Anakin faces a choice while Haron too finds himself in great danger.