A/N: This is where the fun begins!

(Skako Minor)

A massive Separatist armada arrived at Skako Minor, where the Techno Union was based and had continued producing new and advanced battle droids in the six months of chaos and anarchy. This fleet that emerged from hyperspace bore the colors of Admiral Trench, the spider like admiral had watched the droid army's programming had turned and put many sentients to the slaughter, including Separatist citizens. Thankfully, the Harch admiral was clever enough to have his army reprogram themselves so that they wouldn't succumb to such compromise. With his droid army still loyal to him, Trench went across the galaxy as he fetched Separatist warlords who managed to escape their respective droid armies from eliminating them and trying rebuild the assets they had lost.

Now as these remaining warlords arrived at Skako Minor, they took transports to Purkoll, the city where the Techno Union was operating and was now under new leadership. A young Skakoan and grandson of the late Wat Tambor, his name was Jul Tambor. As these Separatist warlords convened with the Techno Union's new leader, they all gathered together and discussed the state of the droid army as a whole.

"It would seem that the late Chancellor Palpatine played us all for fools. He used the droids and the Republic's clones to ravage the galaxy even in death." Huffed a Trandoshan warlord.

"Yes. But now that the Republic's late chancellor and our own leaders, Count Dooku and General Grievous dead, we are presented with an opportunity to win the Clone Wars in a way of our choosing," the super tactical droid, General Kalani, stated. "My army did not turn on me when their programming was compromised, and thanks to the efforts of Jul Tambor and the Techno Union, we have spliced into the entire droid army battle net and reverted their programming. Now they will come here to aid us in finishing this war for the glory of the Separatist Alliance."

Chittering, Admiral Trench spoke next. "While I agree with your proposal, General Kalani, our greatest threat at this time is not the Republic, but rather this... Darth Maul," stroking the fur on his right chelicerae, the spider like admiral brought up reports over the months and the hologram displayed warriors from Mandalorian Super Commandos, enforcers in sleek black and gilded armor fighting alongside the legendary warrior race, along with criminal enforcers in machines of war from mech suits and large, hulking warriors in sleek armor wielding crimson vibroblades to electro hammers. "This... collective of warriors and criminals have been allowed to flourish and become a strong, unified force while both galactic powers have been putting out the fires of anarchy and chaos. We must eliminate this threat if we wish to turn our droid armies on the Republic and its Jedi and clone protectors."

Jul Tambor, who was hosting this gathering tilted his head in curiosity. "And what do you propose, admiral?"

"This third factions greatest assets are its Mandalorian warriors. If we could deploy the full might of our resources to Mandalore, we could crush it overnight, and rip away a very powerful planet from Darth Maul's grasp. Not only as vengeance on behalf of our leaders and council, but also for our own sake." Chittering, Trench's cybernetic eye extended as he brought up a holo map of the Mandalore system. "Undoubtedly, Mandalore is a well secured planet by now, and rightfully so. Ever since the Republic's failed siege some time ago, the Mandalorians alliance the thousands of neutral systems will have no doubt joined forces to prepare for another invasion. But when we invade, we will hold nothing back!"

"You are proposing we unleash the reserve armies that Dooku held back," another Separatist warlord huffed.

"Yes," Trench confirmed, chittering before turning back to the holographic display of Mandalore. "It's true, the Mandalorians are without a shadow of a doubt, the greatest warrior race in the galaxy, we have numbers. And we will overwhelm them with millions of battle droids."

"Admiral Trench's suggestion is sound logic," General Kalani said in agreement. "The Mandalorians will not be prepared for such overwhelming numbers."

Rising from his seat, Jul Tambor looked outside a window to see several droid armada's hovering over the city, and many more arriving. "If we are see this conflict at an end, we must defeat this Darth Maul and his collective of Mandalorians, warriors, and criminal scum." Looking over his shoulder, the young leader of the Techno Union gave a nod of approval to Admiral Trench. "You will lead this siege of Mandalore, admiral. Along with General Kalani, we will see the Mandalorians erased from the galaxy. Let their smoldering corpses and their domed cities be razed to the ground stand as a warning to the galaxy that we will be the victors of this war."

Chuckling Admiral Trench smiled menacingly. "Very well. Let us finish this war and take our rightful place as rulers of the galaxy," chittering, he then turned to General Kalani. "We will take command of this great army and see this through."

"Very well, admiral."

As the Separatist made final preparations, a Skakoan scientist who was present during the gathering, left the room and found a secluded room and tapped on their forearm gauntlet. The Skakoan was actually a Mandalorian Super Commando who was using a holographic disguise matrix to blend in. He then contacted several listening post outposts to warn Crimson Dawn of the impending Separatist invasion. Once that was done, the Mandalorian reactivated his disguise and secretly left the city to reach his Fang Fighter and leave Skako Minor while contacting Mandalore.

"I have a report for Prime Minister Almec. Tell him that the Separatist loyalists have regained control of the droid army, they're going to lay siege to Mandalore in an effort to conquer the galaxy unopposed and unchallenged."

Unknown to the Super Commando who had just jumped into hyperspace, another Mandalorian Fang Fighter was leaving Skako Minor, carrying one of Bo-Katan's Nite Owls. They too had been tasked to infiltrate Separatist lines and learn what they were planning on doing, and after learning for their imminent siege of Mandalore, the Nite Owl contacted the Mandalorian resistance.

"Send word to Lady Bo-Katan. The Separatist remnants loyal to Count Dooku are about to launch an invasion of Mandalore. We can use this as an opportunity to not only defeat the Separatist invaders, but also free Mandalore from Maul's grasp."

Once the Nite Owls sent her message to the Mandalorian resistance, she jumped to hyperspace, retreating to friendly space.

(Tython)

Bo-Katan was in the war room chambers of her flagship, going over the strength and might that the Shadow Collective, or rather Crimson Dawn had accumulated. The spies she had dispatched to assess the enemy only returned with scraps of information. With what information that she had in her possession, Lady Kryze had pleaded with her Jedi allies to do something against the Sith and their expanding empire, but they continued to stand idle while they remained pawns of Galactic Senate.

It was maddening to be allied with the Jedi, only for them to limit when to act when they should be depriving the Sith from gaining anymore power. Because of this, her Mandalorian allies and generals were voicing their opinions that they should break ties with the Jedi and fight Maul and his empire alone, but despite this, Bo-Katan knew that even though she and her resistance were a formidable force, they stood no chance against the growing power that was Maul's Crimson Dawn alone.

Whether she or her allies liked it or not, they needed the Jedi to oust the Sith from power and reclaim Mandalore to begin anew.

The doors to war room chambers opened, revealing Koska Reeves. Removing her helmet, she stood at attention as she spoke.

"Mand'alor," Taurun said, bowing. She was a stickler for formality. "The others are awaiting a decision whether we cut ties with the Jedi. Rek Mast'ran believes that we don't need their help, and has boldly claimed that if you insist on be allied with the Jedi, he will challenge you for the position of leadership over this resistance." Scoffing softly, she added. "It won't be a resistance if he uses all these warriors and pledges fealty to Maul."

Bo gave her a wry look. As if she didn't already know that.

Koska waited. When Bo didn't answer, the light skinned woman pressed further. "Have you come to a decision?"

"Yes." The redhead turned to her fellow Nite Owl. "Whether we like it or not, we need the Jedi. As Mandalorians, we are capable warriors and can handle any opponent. Almost any opponent." Grimacing in remembrance of how Pre Vizsla fought valiantly against Maul but ultimately lost his head, Bo shuddered. "These are different times we find ourselves living in. The Jedi and Mandalorians have been at odds for centuries, but now is the time to set aside our differences and work towards ensuring the galaxy isn't devoured by the Sith and their tyranny."

"Rek Mast'ran will challenge this belief." Koska stated.

"He will," Bo agreed. "But if that fool and his house believe that sacrificing their honor and freedom to serve a Sith Lord is better than working with me to free Mandalore, than I will have him, his brother, and his entire house slaughtered. Let their corpses stand as a warning to any other insubordinates that if you try to compromise with the Sith, you will pay in blood."

An incoming transmission forced Bo to turn her eyes to the war room holo projector. After answering the holographic image of one of her Nite Owl generals, Sena Nunch, the hardened warrior removed her helmet and bowed her head in greetings.

"Sena." Bo acknowledged. "Has our spy from Skako Minor returned?"

"She has, Mand'alor."

Stepping aside, the Nite Owl spy soon appeared, she too bowed her head in greetings before giving her report. "Lady Kryze. The remnants of Count Dooku's warlords and loyalists have combined their forces and are amassing the reserved droid armies to launch a colossal invasion of Mandalore to oust the Sith Lord, Maul, from our home world," the spy continued. "I do not know their timetable, but they were making final preparations for the impending invasion of our home."

Reaching out to the Jedi Council, Bo was greeted by what remained of the fractured council. After pleasantries were exchanged, the Jedi were then informed of the situation. "According to my spy, the Separatist remnants loyal to Count Dooku are going to launch the largest invasion force on Mandalore to oust Maul from power. Now that you have regained control of your clone armies, we must join together as one force and join the fight to liberate Mandalore and kill Maul!" Glaring at Mace Windu, and any other Jedi who would try and talk against joining this fight, Bo spoke through her teeth. "You have stood idle for months, licking your wounds after your own troops betrayed you and after your fellow Jedi betrayed you for you flaws and failures as an order. I have sacrificed much by be allied with you; I'm facing knives at every corner within my own resistance. My people have suffered under Maul's rule long enough!"

Obi-Wan was the first to speak up. "I concur with Lady Kryze. If all our enemies are on Mandalore, we cannot stand by and do nothing. We must join the fight and end this war once and for all," he then looked to Master Yoda. "The time is now, master. If we wish to finish this conflict and put an end to the Sith, we must go to Mandalore and finish this."

"We do not have enough Jedi for this—"

"I will go alone if I must," rebuking Master Windu, Obi-Wan looked at Bo-Katan. "As a Jedi, I have a duty to see that the people of this galaxy do not suffer any more than they already have at the hands of a Sith Lord. The very same Sith Lord who murdered Mandalore's previous leader. I must atone for my failure and bring Maul to justice."

Humming, Master Yoda sighed. "Understand your feelings I do, Master Kenobi. Agree with you, I do. Inform Chancellor Amidala of our intentions, we must," turning back to Obi-Wan, Yoda pointed his cane at him. "Alone you will not be, sending with you the Jedi Order's finest to bring an end to the Sith's machinations. May the Force be with us all."

Smiling to herself, Bo was glad that despite the Jedi Order's idleness to stop Maul from getting more power over the months, she was beyond relieved and grateful that Master Yoda was willing to send not only Master Kenobi but the best the Jedi had to offer to bring Maul down. As Bo gave the news to her allies, she just hoped that by the time they removed her sister's murder from power, Mandalore would not be beyond saving.

(Dathomir)

After returning from their journey to Perida, The Enchantress exited hyperspace as it descended to Dathomir. Despite the number of Nightsister coffins that were extracted from the ebony spire on Perida, those who accompanied the Sith Lords and Mother Talzin were able to complete three rotations of work in only a day and a half. Now home once again, the Nightsisters and Nightbrothers helped offload the army within the belly of Mother Talzin's elegant vessel. The witch mother, her sons, and Peridan mothers descended down the ramp as they set their feet down on Dathomiri soil.

"Mother Talzin. My lords. Welcome home."

A young Nightsister approached, bowing her head in greetings. Acknowledging the young woman, Talzin beckoned her sons forward. "My sons, this is Morgan Elsbeth. She, like Merrin, were one of the few survivors of the massacre that Count Dooku decreed. But now, she has become an even greater warrior and a woman has worked with your criminal allies on Corellia to produce the first batch of new assassin droids."

"Indeed. But these droids are specifically programmed to kill Jedi. And what better droid to lead these new assassin droids than a relic of your Sith Order?"

Turning around, the young Elsbeth smiled as a group of dark side marauders exited the Nightsisters' Temple— The Knights of Ren. Leading them was a young, human woman with flawless ivory skin, mousy shoulder length hair, sparkling verdant eyes, and she was clad in black and a lightsaber was clipped to her waist. Her attire in general was inspired by the ancient Sith Lord Karness Muur, with gleaming shoulder cauldrons affixed to her shoulders, a neck collar around her collar bone. And to add a touch of her femininity, she wore crimson eyeliner shaped like a wing on both her eyes and she wore dark red lipstick on her upper lip while a straight line was down the center of her bottom lip.

"My lords."

"Onixa Ren. Welcome to Dathomir," acknowledging his servant, Darth Maul gave her and the other knights a curious look. "I believe I know what droid Sister Elsbeth speaks of, but please, satisfy my curiosity."

The other knights presented the fully operated, and functional assassin droid from the Olde Republic, HK-47, but now it had received a new black and crimson paint job. "Ah, yes. The assassin droid constructed by Darth Revan, HK-47," The Dark Lord praised his servants. "You have done well." He then inquired further. "Have you acquired the item that I seek when the final battle between the Republic and Jedi arrives?"

"Not yet, Lord Maul," one of the knights spoke up, a Symeong male, he scratched the back of his head before continuing. "We are aware of the artifact that you seek. And thanks to the Sith on Korriban, we now know where to find the Fermata Cage."

"The training you put us through has served us well, Lord Maul. Rest assured, we will recover the Fermata Cage before the endgame," a dark grey skinned female Twi'lek promised.

Growling, Savage rumbled. "See to it that you do," placing a hand on his lightsaber, her bore his teeth. "You know the price of failure."

The Knights of Ren lowered their heads in submission, knowing full well that to serve the Sith means that failure and incompetence cannot be tolerated. And despite being marauders seeking to make a name for themselves in the vast galaxy, the knights realized that despite the cruelty of the Sith, the benefits and rewards they gained by serving them had been of great use to them, and so they would continue to serve until they became a power in it of themselves to remove themselves from the leash of the Sith.

"I understand, Lord Savage," Onixa replied. "On our honor, we shall recover what you seek as well as any other artifact of the dark side that you believe will be valuable in the coming war against the Republic and the Jedi."

"Good. I sense the truth in you," Feral smiled before grinning wickedly. "Continue to serve us well, and the rewards will be great." A sudden rising filled the ears of the group gathered, Maul raised his right arm and answered his communicator.

"My lord, forgive the interruption, but I have urgent news for you."

The voice of Prime Minister Almec filled the brothers' ears, and Maul hummed, curious as to what news his puppet ruler had for him.

"Yes, Prime Minister Almec. What is it?"

"Our spy from Skako Minor has reported the remaining Separatist loyalists to the late Count Dooku are preparing to unleash the full might of the droid armies on Mandalore and striking a crippling blow to Crimson Dawn."

"We cannot afford to lose Mandalore and its rich resources."

Growling in agreement with Savage, Maul shared a look with his brothers before giving his orders. "Prepare every Mandalorian for battle. My brothers and I will marshal Crimson Dawn's armies and arrive shortly."

"It will be done, my lord."

Ending the transmission, Darth Maul looked to his mother. "I will require a group of your best Nightsisters to join us, mother. If the Separatists are unleashing the full might of their droid armies on Mandalore, we will need the powers of the magicks to help us."

"You will have them, my son," turning to Asajj, Mother Talzin gave her a firm nod. "You will go with them. Take with you Merrin and a group of our best spell casters. Morgan will accompany you along with a group of our best warriors to protect the spell casters as they use the dead to aid my sons in battle."

"As you wish, Mother Talzin."

Bowing her head in submission, Ventress turned to Morgan and the two went off to gather the best Nightsister warriors while Merrin left to fetch those greatly skilled in spell casting, specifically the spell of using the dead.

"What would you have of us, Lord Maul?"

Turning back to the Knights of Ren, the Dark Lord gave them a dismissive wave. "You will bring me the Fermata Cage. When you return with it, I will have use of you when the time comes to destroy the Jedi and the Republic. Now, go."

Bowing their heads, the dark side marauders summoned their ship, an Oubliette-class transport, The Night Buzzard. Once they left Dathomir, the Sith trio could see Eclipse Fleet and their personal flagships descend and were orbiting above the Nightsister Temple. Several troop transports landed to pick up the Nightsisters while a Mandalorian Kom'rk landed to fetch Maul and his brothers.

"It is time, mother," Maul said firmly. "We leave to defend Mandalore from our enemies."

Wrapping her sons in her arms, Mother Talzin began chanting softly, her eyes rolled back. The brother trio could see their mother's magick encapsulate them, creeping into their bones, and strengthening them. When it was done, she cooed. "You have all grown strong in the ways of the Sith, but you are sons of Dathomir the end, and should I fall by the hands of the Jedi or otherwise, you shall take my place as rulers of Dathomir, leading both Nightsisters and Nightbrothers as one, collective people," placing hands on each of their faces, Talzin continued. "My power shall protect you further while in battle. You have already gleaned the power to steal the Living Force, but my power merged with Sith alchemy will be too much for the Jedi." After kissing each of her sons on the head, Talzin gestured their transport. "Go now, my sons. And return home as victors!"

With their mother's blessing, the brothers and their Nighsister cohort boarded the respective transports waiting for them and soon docked at Maul's flagship before jumping calculating the hyperspace jump to Mandalore. As the fleet made the jump, the Sith trio knew that this would undoubtedly be the largest battle they would ever partake in. And if they were to secure victory for Crimson Dawn, they needed to do whatever it took, regardless of what many in their ranks would feel about it.

(Mandalore)

The skies of Mandalore buzzed with activity as smuggling ships from the Black Sun, the Pykes, the Hutts, and other criminal syndicates, and pirates were offloading munitions, supplies, and rations. By this point, every Mandalorian warrior in Sundari was adorned in their Mandalorian armor and had fully embraced the warrior way, forsaking the late Duchess Satine's pacifist ways. Those who still believed in the late duchess left the capital city and sought out Bo-Katan and her Mandalorian resistance, due to them believing that Darth Maul was not worthy to lead Mandalore or its people and viewing those loyal to the Sith Lord as traitors who tainted the Mandalorian name.

Prime Minister Almec and his security forces, along with a dozen Mandalorian soldiers watched as a Black Sun cruiser landed at the docking bay, this cruiser was carrying an item that Darth Maul had requested personally.

As the Black Sun cruiser's docking ramp descended on the Mandalorian docking platform, a dozen of the Falleen enforcers adorned in their violet and gilded armor were escorting Prince Xizor. The hierarchy of Black Sun approached Almec and his Mandalorians with a stern look on his face.

"I trust you have the item that Lord Maul requested?"

Snapping his fingers, the Falleen prince turned to one of his enforcers who was carrying box. Taking the box and extending it to Almec, the Falleen prince sneered. "I have given you the item your master requested, and now I will require something from him."

Looking into Xizor's eyes, Almec raised an eyebrow while smirking. "And what might that be?"

"I wish for Black Sun to be independent. Free to conduct business and endeavors without the oppressive yoke of that Dathomiri Zabrak."

Chuckling softly, Almec's smirk widened. "Tread carefully, Prince Xizor. Under Lord Maul's command, the galaxy's crime syndicates have been one, unified collective. It would be a shame if insubordinates such as Isa Durand, Jabba the Hutt, and yourself were to meet a... fatal accident," the puppet ruler of Mandalore continued. "I will relay your request to Lord Maul, however, you would be wise to submit to his command, if you wish for your house to prosper in the new galactic order."

Snarling softly, Xizor wanted to strangle the smug puppet ruler, but to do so would be a death sentence, especially since Mandalorian soldiers were all over the docks. Inhaling sharply, the Falleen prince exhaled slowly and merely snorted before turning back to his ship, his enforcers close behind.

Looking at the package that was delivered, Almec smiled at the sight of it. Within the case was a mask of pure gold, the mask of Mandalore the Ultimate. Many of the Super Commandos that stood as Maul's generals would be briefed momentarily of this latest acquisition, the sight of this mask alone would stir a deep sense of heritage and pride among the Mandalorians. The authenticity of the mask, whether genuine or masterfully forgery, was of little concern, it would serve a purpose in rallying the Mandalorian's to Maul's side completely.

As Almec tracked down one of the many armourers that forged the Mandalorian armor for the Super Commandos under the Sith Lord's command, the puppet leader extended the helmet to the chief armourer. "Lord Maul's special delivery has arrived. Have this forged to his liking." He then inquired. "Has his Mandalorian armor been assembled?"

"It has. We have placed it in his quarters within the palace," the armourer said before inspecting the gilded mask within the case. Momentarily stunned by awe at the mask of Mandalore the Ultimate, the armourer looked up at Almec. "I will forge the helmet to accommodate Lord Maul's horns right away."

With his security guards accompanying him, Almec returned to the Mandalorian palace and was greeted by a dozen of the top Super Commando generals who were either here in person who meeting with them via hologram.

"Well? What news?"

Turning to one of the generals, Almec crossed his arms behind his back and smiled. "The package has been received. Once Lord Maul arrives to claim it, I assure you, it will truly be a sight to behold," he then turned to a female general. "Any word from our listening posts?"

"We intercepted transmissions from the last of Count Dooku's Separatist warlords, they are combining their droid armies as one to come here and hoping they can crush us. Leading this siege is a male Harch, Admiral Trench."

"Then we'll be in for one helluva fight. Admiral Trench is one of the best assets in the Separatist war machine," Rook Kast stated with serious look on her beautiful face. She then projected a holographic display of the capital city and its vast landscape. "Undoubtedly, Dooku's loyalists believe they can catch us off guard and obliterate us with an orbital bombardment. But since we know they're coming, we'll be ready to not only stave off the enemy's bombardment, but hold their droid armies at bay long enough for Lord Maul and Crimson Dawn's armies to arrive."

"Easier said than done, Kast," another general grunted. "If the spy's report is accurate, we'll facing the full might of the Separatists droid army."

"Which is precisely why we will be attacking our enemy on multiple fronts."

The Mandalorians turned to see Darth Maul and his brothers entering the throne room, along their Nightsister cohort, causing all the Super Commandos either in the throne room or transmitting via hologram to kneel before the Sith Lords.

"Lord Maul, welcome back," Almec greeted before asking what the other Mandalorians were thinking. "We were unaware that you had returned so fast. Have you come alone?"

"No. Thrawn and Borika are commanding Eclipse Fleet and merely await the arrival of the Separatist armies. Crimson Dawn's army are taking up positions and will join the Mandalorians in battle when the time comes." Crossing his arms behind his back, the Dark Lord turned to Tiber Saxon. "I trust you have spent your time wisely and further modified our Mandalorian's armor with the advanced shielding technology that you promised?"

Tiber Saxon, brother of Gar Saxon, and chief weapons designer for Crimson Dawn had his helmet tucked under his arm and spoke with assurance and confidence. "After many tests, I have finally perfected a shield modulator for our commandos to add to their utilities and use it in battle. Unfortunately, there are only six of these modules available, but they are going to six of our most skilled, cunning, and ruthless Super Commandos," he then summoned the six Mandalorians who had this new technology. And once they were in the throne room, they stood at attention. "My lords, this is Hellfire Squad, like many of the Super Commandos, they were par of Death Watch, but now they are the next step in human weaponry. They will lead our Super Commandos and Dawn army in the heat of battle."

Grunting softly, Savage remarked. "We will see if your labor has bore fruit, Saxon. Send these warriors to their areas of expertise and have them make final preparations for battle." Nodding, Tiber dismissed Hellfire Squad as they placed their helmets over their heads and left the throne room. Turning to his Super Commando leaders, Savage inquired. "The Super Commandos who bare my colors will be part of the main force that meets the droids on the ground. Are our warriors prepared for the fight ahead of them?"

Bhai and Cato Suust shared a look before the female Suust reassured her sworn lord. "Our warriors are prepared, Lord Savage. They know the price of cowardice and will fight with their last breath, I swear to you,"

"You tasked us with forging an army of warriors that resembles your ferocity and brutality, my lord, today you will see what the Super Commandos bearing your colors are made of," Cato said firmly. "I swear to you."

Narrowing his eyes at the siblings, Savage growled softly before replying. "We shall see."

Feral then turned to his Super Commando leaders. "Dagan. Val. You will take command of our space forces aiding Thrawn and Borika as they command Eclipse Fleet into battle to attack the droids from the rear. The enormity of the battle ahead of us cannot be exaggerated. Are your pilots up to the task?"

Sharing a smirk with each other, Dagan and Val reassured their sworn lord. "Our pilots can take down fifty droid fighters before they can shoot one of us down. With our familiarity of Mandalorian space, we'll lead our attack squadrons and cruisers one multiple fronts, allowing the Chiss to lead Eclipse Fleet effectively."

Acknowledging Val's words, Feral then turned to Dagan. "I assure you, Lord Feral, the droids may have the advantage of numbers, but we have skill. In the end, quantity over quality is in our favor," he and Val both bowed their heads. "We swear."

Finally, Maul turned to the leaders of his Mandalorian military— Rook Kast and Gar Saxon, two of the first Mandalorians to bow before him when he won the Darksaber in combat. "You two will be my side when the battle begins. We will unleash the full power of our war machines on the droids." The two Super Commandos bowed their heads in submission, Darth Maul's intense gaze burned into every one of the Mandalorians in the throne room. "We have had our share of battles since the formation of the Shadow Collective and the reformation of Crimson Dawn. But lies ahead will be without a shadow of a doubt the largest battle of this galactic war. But every soldier within the ranks of Crimson Dawn is worth ten droids or clones. Our very existence terrifies our enemies because they see what we fight for— a new dawn. The Republic and the Separatist scramble to secure their decaying institutions and keep the galaxy in a place of weakness and corruption." Bearing his teeth, Maul snarled. "They are the past. We are the future! And our enemies seek to stop us from achieving our ultimate goal!" Pounding his fist against his chest, he bellowed out. "Today we will show our enemies that their futile attempts to stop us will fail and we will show them the crushing might of Crimson Dawn. Victory or death!"

"Victory or death!"

"Victory or death!"

"Victory or death!"

(Sometime later)

Within hours Admiral Trench's fleet exited hyperspace with a significant force. Following that was General Kalani's fleet, and then every other Separatist warlord and reserve droid fleet. Tens of thousands of Separatist Providence-class carriers, Munificent-class frigates, Lucrehulk-class battleships, Separatist supply ships, and countless other vessels soon began to offload millions of battle droids to the surface via gunships, carriers, or otherwise.

At the helm of this colossal siege, Admiral Trench sat on his seat as he went over everything he needed to know about Mandalorian fighting tactics, warfare, and specialities so that he would be prepared to counter them. The stage had been set for what undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most monumental battles in the galaxy's history. Trench, understanding the foe they were up against, held nothing back, despite his careful planning and calculative nature, he knew that the Mandalorians were a threat that could not be taken lightly, and so he would resort to defeating this enemy with overwhelming force. With a mix of determination and unease, Trench was hoping that the legendary Mandalorian warrior culture would be no match for the vast invasion force he now commanded.

Soon, the skies of Mandalore were blotted out by millions of droid star fighters and troop transports, signaling the beginning of the largest battle of the Clone Wars. As Hyena-class bombers began bombing the surface of Mandalore, hidden turbo laser cannons emerged out of the barren wasteland and began shooting down hundreds of the Hyena bombers, as well as the Vulture droids and Droid tri-fighters. The newly placed turbo laser cannons established around Sundari began to open fire, bringing down hundreds of the approaching droid gunships and carriers in a fiery blaze. However, the sheer number of droid transports and gunships that were able to deploy legion after legion of droids was too much for the Mandalorian turbo laser cannons to destroy, eventually, these cannons were either obliterated by droid bombers and gunships or retracted back to their secret compartments.

The millions of droids marching toward the capital city was that of an ocean of metal that threatened to wash away Sundari, however, the Mandalorians refused to lose their home to mere droids. Despite the Hyena bombers efforts to bomb the domed capital, the bombs instead struck a powerful shield surrounding the city which would be strong enough to repel not only the droid bombers but also an orbital bombardment. As the droid legions advanced, several Mandalorian turrets emerged from the wasteland from hidden compartments and began gunning down the droids, shredding their lines. As droid after droid fell to these turrets, DSD1 dwarf spider droids and Armored Assault Tanks made quick work of these turrents before the millions of droids continued its thunderous march.

Eventually, the ground rumbled and large compartments with the ground opened, revealing hundreds of Mandalorian Super Commandos bearing the colors of Savage Opress, accompanied by Dawn soldiers quickly rushed the barricades established on the ground and began to mounting heavy repeater cannons mounted on the barricades while exchanging heavy fire with the approaching droid army.

"For Mandalore!"

The roars of the Super Commandos threatened to drown the thunderous march of the droid armies as crimson blaster bolts were exchanged and explosions further devastating the barren landscape of Mandalore. As the droids aggression intensified, the Mandalorians soon realized that this battle would put their resilience and prowess as warriors to the ultimate test. Aside from Bhai and Cato Suust leading the ground battle alongside one of the Super Commandos of Hellfire Squad was fighting along the Sith Lord and his army— Vossar Drog, Hellfire Squad's heavy weapons specialist armored with a large heavy blaster repeater with an under barrel grenade launcher, Vossar used his massive blaster repeater like a turret as he mowed down waves of droids while his crimson shields protected him from the enemy blaster bolts that struck him. Even though the other Super Commandos didn't have the advanced shielding technology that Vossar had, they activated their new crimson shield gauntlets to deflect incoming blaster fire while returning the droid's fire with their own. The Dawn soldiers, with their percussive cannon rifles provided precision fire to take out tougher droid units.

As Separatists continued to unleash millions of droids across Mandalore, the Mandalorian defenders and their Dawn allies stood resolute. However, the relentless waves of battle droids seemed insurmountable; each droid platoon that was destroyed was quickly replaced with two more, casting a shadow of despair across the battlefield, especially with the droids tanks and heavy infantry breaking their lines. The Mandalorians needed nothing short of a miracle to turn the tide of this seemingly unwinnable battle.

Then, as if answering their silent prayers, the sound of salvation came from above. A series of low hums turned into deafening roars. From the skies, thousands of Basilisk war droids, ancient symbols of Mandalorian might, descended on the CIS armies with devastating affect. The Mandalorian warriors on the ground, who were on the brink of despair, were suddenly reinvigorated by the sight of their leader, Maul, wearing the reforged mask of Mandalore the Ultimate while raising the Darksaber above his head.

"Fight on, my brothers! Victory or death!"

"Victory or death!"

Hundreds of Basilisk war droids bearing the colors of Savage Opress aided the crumbling ground forces and were turning the tide of battle. The hulking Sith Lord himself joined the battle as he landed in front of his Super Commando leaders and began deflecting hundreds of incoming blaster bolts before he channeled his rage to summon a devastating Force storm which hung over the droid forces. Crimson lightning came down and destroyed thousands of droid fighters and bombs as well as gunships and carriers. The storm intensified as it descended on the droids, reducing them to molten scrap metal. Awe struck at such raw power, the Mandalorians and Dawn soldiers on the ground were reinvigorated as Savage beckoned them to join him.

"Charge! Victory or death!"

Their roars of courage and elation were deafening as they joined Savage in a headlong charge, utilizing their superior fighting prowess against the droids that were being destroyed. Not only was the brute strength and prowess of Savage Opress as a formidable warrior inspiring to the Mandalorians, but also the sight of their leader, Maul wearing the mask of one of the greatest warriors in Mandalorian history while he himself wore his own black and crimson Mandalorian armor, while wielding the Darksaber. This ignited a fierce determination of those who previously doubted Maul's legitimacy as leader of Mandalore. After all, being a Mandalorian was a matter of spirit, not bloodline. And Maul had unequivocally captured the hearts of every Mandalorian on the battlefield.

With the battle turning in Crimson Dawn's favor, Maul, still atop his personal Basilisk war droid used the Darksaber to cut down several Octuptarra tri-droids while Rook Kast and Gar Saxon, who were in their own Basilisk's took command of several Kom'rk fighters and bombers to decimate the droid's air support and troop carriers. The skies rained down with fallen droid support ships, crashing down on the droid armies, thinning their numbers. Followed by the Kom'rk transports dropping their payloads over the marching droids resulted in a sea of explosions which reduced the droids to molten metal and charred grease.

As the battle raged above ground, beneath the mausoleum of the many fallen, and legendary Mandalorian warriors of the past, Feral and his army of Super Commandos bearing his colors along with Dawn soldiers, accompanied Merrin, Ventress, and Morgan with a cohort of Nightsisters as they prepared the spell to resurrect these fallen warriors and aid Crimson Dawn's forces above ground.

"My lord, what... exactly are the witches going to do here?"

Looking over his shoulder at another member of Hellfire Squad, Velran Tohl, the stealth and reconnaissance expert. Feral's deadpanned response was followed with a smirk. "Even the odds," he then commanded sternly. "Take the men to the lift. I will join you in flanking the droids rear shortly." Bowing his head, Velran commanded the Mandalorians and Dawn soldiers to follow him, leaving Feral alone with the Nightsisters.

As the Nightsister spellcasters began the ritual, their hands burn with green flames and mist began to seep into the trillions of Mandalorian coffins around them. Their chants echoed throughout the halls as the silent groans and moans of the undead filled their ears.

"Choono slalem denni tay'lori olee-ay. Lucheno vadem klavlane. Blenay vedi nalem koreem..."

The first hundred reanimated Mandalorians and Nightsister abominations that were brought down rose and unleashed terrible roars, resembling a caged, feral animal, ready to be unleashed and invoke carnage.

"...Blenay vedi name koreem! Villos susto cono lamal! Vlemon tagoo!"

As the reanimated rose from their coffins and the Nightsister abominations stood on their feet. Merrin, whose eyes were rolled back and her voice resembled the demonic mix of both male and female that Mother Talzin spoke with gave orders to the undead hordes. "Go! Fight and destroy the droids! All of them!" With terrible roars, the hordes of undead warriors began to burrow their way out of the mausoleum until the great horde surfaced above ground.

Feral, looked to Ventress, Morgan, and the other Nightsister warriors and gave them a nod. "Ensure that the spell is not interrupted. If anyone who is not part of Crimson Dawn enters this mausoleum, kill them," the Nightsister warriors nodded in understanding. "Now, I must join my men." Leaving the mausoleum, Feral took one of the hidden lifts that would take him above ground, and where he would join his men in battle.

As the undead hordes breached the surface and charged the Separatist armies from the rear, the droids suddenly turned only to be flanked by undead Mandalorian warriors throughout the millennia and Nightsister abominations. These ancient, and undead warriors began to rip through the droids as if they were nothing. Despite countless droid gunships and tanks ripping the undead abominations to shreds, they would not die, and more reanimated Mandalorians of old and Nightsisters continued to surface and began to overwhelm the droids flank and quickly turning the tide in favor of Crimson Dawn.

"Th-This... cannot be! What is this?!"

From the safety of his command ship, Admiral Trench watched the ongoing battle in horror and disbelief at what he was witnessing. The sight of Mandalorian Basilisk war droids and Nightsister abominations decimating his forces with alarming efficiency sent a chill of fear down his spine. Before the Harch admiral could order a secondary planetary bombardment, his ship's super tactical droid spoke up.

"Admiral, there are several ships coming out of hyperspace."

Turning to his tactical droid, Trench bore his teeth. "Are they Republic or Separatists?"

Over two dozen Republic Venators sliced through hyperspace along with a handful of Mandalorian cruisers. Before Trench could even order his fleet to raise their rear deflector shields, the Republic forces open fired, destroying dozens of his fleet's engines, ultimately cutting off their escape. Now caught between the anvil of the Republic's might and the hammer of Crimson Dawn's ferocity, Admiral Trench had no choice but to fight to the bitter end.

"Raise the shields!"

But the order was given too late, the Republic and Mandalorian resistance fleets unleashed a barrage of turbo laser fire, crippling many of the Separatist ships and destroying many in mere minutes. Trench watched in horror at the sight of General Kalani's Providence dreadnaught being engulfed in fire as well as Jul Tabor's. The casualties only mounted as more Republic Venators exited hyperspace and open fired.

"Sir, our shield generators have been destroyed and the hyperdrive has been disabled. We are dead in space." turning to his ship's tactical droid, Trench was rendered speechless. "What are your orders?" The tactical droid questioned.

Looking out of the viewport of his ship, Trench chittered before growling softly. "We... fight to the end," turning to his tactical droid, he repeated himself. "We fight to the end." As the tactical droid relayed his orders, Trench caressed his right chelicerae and knew that this battle would be his grave. All he could do was go down fighting.

"For the glory of the Separatist Alliance," he said to himself. "For Count Dooku."

While the Separatist armadas fought off the Republic and Mandalorian resistance fleets, Thrawn and Borika, who commanded Crimson Dawn's Eclipse Fleet still had the deadly fleet cloaked and remained undetected. They were about to launch their surprise attack when the Republic and their Mandalorian allies had arrived.

"Thrawn, we're about to unveil our surprise to the droids. Are you and Eclipse Fleet in position?"

Narrowing his crimson eyes at the unfolding space battle, Thrawn eventually replied to Dagan, his silk like voice flooding the comms as he informed Crimson Dawn's space forces of the current predicament. "As if on cue, the Republic and the Mandalorian resistance led by Bo-Katan Kryze have arrived. Undoubtedly, they are here to defeat all of their enemies in one fell swoop, thus ending the Clone Wars," he then advised firmly. "We must inform Lord Maul of this before the Republic and Mandalorian resistance forces deploy their forces on the ground."

"I'll inform him at once," Dagan said before giving the Chiss strict orders. "Keep Eclipse Fleet out of firing range of the enemy forces, the last thing we need is for this stealth armada to be compromised."

"Rest assured, we will keep Eclipse Fleet's existence well protected," Borika reassured. "Now, inform Lord Maul of what is transpiring." As Thrawn walked away from the viewport of his and Borika's shared flagship, the female Chiss inquired softly. "Tell me, dear brother, do you believe we will still emerge victorious this day?"

Seating himself on one of the two thrones on the bridge, Thrawn pressed his fingers together as he remarked soothingly. "We have already been informed of Lord Maul's plan, and we will follow it to the letter," he then urged his sister to sit down. "For now, all we need do is allow the enemy to further weaken themselves and wait for the moment to follow the enemy back to where they keep their most well guarded secret."

"Is it wise to recruit fallen Jedi to our cause? What if they want nothing to do with us or our Sith superiors once he has been freed from the Jedi's secret prison?"

"I have studied these ancient orders in my spare time, dear sister. And if there is one thing that the Sith are masters of, it is manipulation. Whether Lord Maul intends to free these fallen Jedi or kill them is of little concern. In the end, all that matters is that the Jedi will have lost another vital resource and their numbers will be further weakened, allowing Crimson Dawn to reach its end goal with little to no resistance."

"Very well," Borika said before seating herself next to her brother. "Await the Dawn."

Smiling, Thrawn's words reciprocated hers. "Await the Dawn."

The Negotiator, flagship of Obi-Wan Kenobi began to offload hundreds of gunships, carrying thousands of the 212th clone troopers. The lead gunship carried Obi-Wan himself, along with Commander Cody, ARC trooper Boil, and Delta Squad. Accompanying the Jedi Master was Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano along with the 501st Legion, as well as Plo Koon and his Wolfpack, and Mace Windu and his 187th Legion. Several of the Jedi Order's finest Knights were accompanying these respective Jedi generals and their clone legions to hopefully bring an end to the Clone Wars.

"General Kenobi, I've managed to slice into enemy comm chatter on the ground," RC-1140, or Fixer said. "Darth Maul is personally leading Crimson Dawn's forces on the ground."

RC-1207, or Sev chuckled darkly. "Heh, just get me a shot and I'll use his horns as target practice," he then loaded his sniper rifle before looking at his Jedi superior. "Our skills won't do you or the 212th much good in open battle. I recommend you send us behind enemy lines were we can cut off Maul's escape."

The holographic images of the Jedi accompanying Obi-Wan, as well as Bo-Katan Kryze flickered until the redhead beauty spoke up. "I will accompany your Delta Squad and lead them into the capital. If we can cut off Maul's escape, then we won't have to worry about him slipping through our grasp," she then looked Anakin and Ahsoka. "Can you and your 501st create a diversion that will draw the Mandalorian traitors away from the docks?"

"Not a problem," Anakin smirked before looking at his old master. "I take it you'll be on the ground to face Maul?"

Nodding, Obi-Wan stroked his beard as he pointed to the holographic landscape of Mandalore. "With the droid armies occupied with Crimson Dawn, we'll attack from behind and push towards Maul," he then gestured to the holographic image of Sundari. "In the event that Maul does retreat to the capital, we will need to face him. We don't know how powerful he has become since our last encounter with him on Vizsla Keep 09, so we must be prepared for anything."

"I agree. The sooner Maul is removed from the field, the better," Mace Windu grunted before giving a firm nod. "May the Force be with us all."

As Republic and Mandalorian resistance craft breached Mangalore's atmosphere, they were greeted by a planet in all out war. The Separatist droid forces continued to descend to the planet while being gunned down by three fronts. As the Republic gunships doors swung open, Obi-Wan and his Jedi and clone companions watched the raging battle, as well as the hordes of undead warriors tearing the droids to pieces.

"What in the universe are those?!" Cody exhaled in fear.

"They look like... zombies," Obi-Wan muttered. "There's a green mist emanating from them." Realization struck the Jedi Master as he barked over the ensuing battle. "Maul must have Nightsisters aiding him in this battle." Contacting his gunship's pilot, he gave stern orders. "Once Commander Cody, ARC Trooper Boil, and I are off of this gunship, follow Lady Bo-Katan and her Nite Owls, they will lead Delta Squad beneath Mandalore's depths!"

"Yes, sir!"

Turning back to Delta Squad, Obi-Wan gave the clone commandos stern orders. "Do not underestimate the Nightsisters, they are formidable. Disrupt this ritual if you can, that should give my 212th and General Plo Koon's Wolfpack the opportunity to wipe out the remaining droids before pushing for Maul." He then clarified. "Stopping the Nightsister's ritual is your secondary objective, your main objective is to prevent Maul and his brothers from escaping. Understood?"

"Understood, General Kenobi," RC-1138, or Boss, leader of Delta acknowledged. "We'll get the job done. You can count on it."

"Very well. May the Force be with you." Turning to Cody and Boil, Obi-Wan gave them a nod. "Follow me!" Leaping out of the gunship, the Jedi Master activated his lightsaber and cut down an Armored Assault Tank's barrel before unleashing a devastating Force push that sent the droids surrounding him flying. Cody and Boil descended on the ground, thanks to their jetpacks and were soon joined by the 212th Legion as tens of thousands of their troops touched down on the ground along with HAVw A6 Juggernaut tanks and other heavy armor to help decimate the droids.

The droid armies, who were not expecting the intervention of the Republic suddenly found themselves caught in the crosshairs of the 212th and Wolfpack clone legions. With the clones ferocity and their Jedi general's efficient leadership, the droid armies were quickly crumbling.

Maul, having been informed of the arrival of the Republic and Mandalorian resistance, seized the opportunity to order a tactical retreat back to Sundari, effectively turning the planet's surface a battlefield solely for the Republic and Separatist armies. As Maul fetched his brothers atop of his Basilisk war droid, the Dark Lord smiled to himself, everything was going exactly as planned; part of his broader strategy was to conserve his forces while his enemies weakened each other further. The clash between the Grand Army of the Republic and Separatist droid armies soon escalated into one of the bloodiest conflicts in the entire war; both sides taking heavy casualties, more so for the Separatists since they had not been expecting the intervention of the Republic and because they had committed their reserve droid armies to this battle, they were losing more than they could've possibly imagined.

Back in orbit, Admiral Trench watched helplessly as this mighty Separatist force under his command was being torn to pieces by the Republic armada, led by Admiral Wullf Yularen, who was in command of the Venator known as the Resolute. Despite the valiant fight that General Kalani and the other Separatist warlords had put up, the Republic armada had caught them all by surprised and destroyed their ships one by one, due to the fact that their shields were down and all their attention had been on the planet's surface.

As turbo laser fire rocked the hull of his ship, Admiral Trench could see his ship imploding, and as he and everyone one the bridge of his flagship was consumed by a devastating explosion, the last thing he did was close his eyes and accept his utter defeat. Better to die in battle than to live in shame. With the aid of the Mandalorian resistance fleet, the Republic was able to utterly obliterate the Separatist armada, allowing them to deploy the rest of their forces to aid the Jedi, clones, and Mandalorians opposing Maul.

Bo-Katan and a squadron of her best Nite Owls tread through the underbelly of Mandalore's surface, leading the clones of Delta Squad whilst the armies of the Republic and Separatists continued to clash. The labyrinth of tunnels and catacombs beneath Mandalore's desolate surface are large, empty, and dark. The group of Mandalorians and clone commandos switch their night vision and thermal imaging on their helms as they press deeper into the depths.

Because her family has ruled Mandalore for years, Bo knew this place like the back of her hand, it was only natural for her to take the lead. But of course, after she left her sister and her pacifist regime to join Pre Vizsla and the Death Watch, much had changed on Mandalore, even more so now that a Sith Lord ruled in her late sister's stead.

The eerie silence was almost enough to drown the muffled sounds of battle raging above their heads. However, the group pushed on until they stumbled upon a massive, hulking creature. By the looks of the black and gilded armored creature, it's a Benathy Berserker. It's twice the height of the entire group combined, and its belly has been spilled open, its intestines and blood cause a foul stench to fill the air.

"This thing hasn't been dead for long," Boss muttered as he examined the corpse. He then turned to Bo-Katan. "You ever fight one of these before?"

"No. But I've heard that the Benathy are a proud race who value size and strength. If these things have joined Maul, then he has a very powerful and fanatically race of warriors to his cause," she then added dryly. "Lucky us."

Fixer removed the fallen Benathy's large wrist comms and began to splice into it so that he can listen in on Crimson Dawn's chatter. "Splice formed." While Fixer was working, RC-1262, or Scorch steps forward to inspect the Benathy corpse until—

"ROAGHHHH!"

The Benathy corpse eyes suddenly open wide, green mist escapes its pupils and its mouth was wide open it unleashed a ferocious roar, spittle and blood flying out of its mouth. Before Scorch could even react, he's forcibly batted away with a large hand. Scorch crashed into the adjacent wall and crumples into unconsciousness. Fixer cries out in both fear and surprise as he leaps back and takes cover behind a nearby pillar so that he could continue his work. Bo-Katan draws her dual WESTAR-35 blaster pistols and unleashes a volley of blaster fire into the Benathy's helmeted face. In response, an armored fist bursts through the blaster-smoke and crushes the leader of the Mandalorian resistance to the floor.

Boss turns toward the rest of his squad and the Nite Owls and shouts, "Contact!"

The Nite Owls open up with blaster pistols and blaster carbines as the Benathy zombie begins to rise to its full, intimidating height. Boss and his fellow commandos raise their DC-17 blaster rifles at the zombie's exposed belly.

Boss rushes forward, sliding to meet the hulking zombie head on. He activates his gauntlet blade and shoulder charges the undead Benathy into the chamber wall. He rolls under a retaliating fist and grabs the zombie's throat, stabbing it several times, wrestling to spin its back to his fireteam and Mandalorian allies. They respond by blasting the zombie's legs and vital body parts: head, neck, legs, anything that would bring it down.

Bo-Katan gasps, as she recovers from the fatal attack strike she received. Were it not for her helmet and armor, she would have certainly been crushed to death. Back on her feet, she rushed to the still unconscious Scorch and takes a position amid the rest of Delta and her Nite Owls, shouting. "CONCENTRATE FIRE!"

Two Nite Owls tell Boss to get out of the way as they unleash their flame throwers, burning the Benathy zombie. The fetid stench of burning fur, blood, and intensities fills the air, but the clones and Mandalorians don't allow that to distract them from bringing the beast down. Sev raises his sniper rifle and aims at the zombie's head. Heated azure blaster bolts puncture armor, flesh, and bone as it finds its mark, causing the Benathy zombie to stumble back and collapse to a single knee. Mandalorian blaster fire shred through the behemoth's face, and before it could rise, two male Mandalorians use their whip cords to keep the beast on its knees as laser fire continues to shred it.

"Everyone, take cover!"

Bo-Katan barked as she then fired her jetpack's mounted rocket at the beast's head. As the rocket made contact, the devastating explosion caused everyone to take cover and sent molten armor and scorched gore and remains skidding across the ground.

Scorch, who coughed violently as he regained consciousness groaned. "W-What... What just happened?"

"Nightsister abomination got you pretty good," Sev chuckled before showing genuine concern for his brother. "Are you alright?"

Chuckling softly, Scorch clutched his head and nodded. "I'll live. Nothing a little Bacta won't fix."

Boss, relieved that Scorch was alive and well, looked to Bo-Katan, then the rest of the fireteam. "Contact down... let's keep going."

Asajj Ventress was meditating while her sisters continued their spell, she, Morgan Elsbeth, and some of the Nightsister best warriors, along with two Benathy Berserkers armed with large electro cleavers were to protect Merrin and other spell casters as the undead Mandalorians and Nightsister abominations caused further chaos for the Republic and Separatist forces above ground.

Suddenly, there was a shift in the Force. Ventress opened her eyes and stood straight, reaching for her lightsabers, she turned to Morgan and the other warriors. "I can sense our enemies approach. Prepare yourselves!"

Morgan then drew two sickle swords strapped behind her back while the other Nightsister warriors readied their energy bows. A sudden flash temporarily blinded the occupants in the Mandalorian mausoleum, allowing Bo-Katan and her Nite Owls to kill the Nightsisters armed with energy bows. Boss and Delta Squad quickly took down the Benathy Berserkers, and because they weren't undead, they fell easily after being taken down with headshots.

Merrin, who was concentration broke because of this distraction, summoned a protective barrier over Ventress and Morgan as they were just now regaining their sight. Both Nightsister warriors turned to Merrin and gave a nod in thanks before watching in horror as Delta Squad gunned down the spell casters, ultimately breaking the spell keeping the undead hordes from unleashing carnage.

"Run!"

Ventress snarled as she unleashed a powerful Force push, sending the clones and Mandalorian back. As the three remaining Nightsister fled, Bo-Katan fired a wrist rocket at Ventress, however, she quickly turned around and redirected the rocket back at her with a mere flick of her wrist. With a cry, Bo rolled away as the rocket zoomed pasted her head and struck down a statue of one of Mand'alor's of old, sending it crashing down and dust to fill the air.

As the air cleared, Bo-Katan turned to her Mandalorians, who were about to pursue. "No! Let them go. We need to reach the hangar bays and prevent Maul from escaping," she then looked at Fixer. "Have you sliced into the enemy's comms?"

"Affirmative. The enemy has every available soldier fending off droid stragglers approaching the city and fending off the combined force of your resistance and the Republic. The hangar bays are virtually undefended."

"Perfect. Let's get going before those Nightsisters reveal our presence to Maul," Boss said.

As the Nightsister trio exited the mausoleum and were escorted to the throne room by Super Commandos, they saw the Dark Lord and his brothers conversing before their eyes fell on them. Kneeling before the Sith Lords, Ventress spoke first. "My lords, the enemy has broken the spell holding the undead together. It's only a matter of time before they and the rest of the Republic's forces reach the city." She then asked softly. "What do you command?"

"Conceal yourselves for the time being. When the Jedi arrive, I will have my surprise waiting for them," he gestured to several coffins containing Nightsister zombies be taken out of the throne room and into another section of the palace. Maul turned to Merrin. "Begin the spell again, Sister Merrin. When the undead rise, have them attack only when I allow it." The young Nightsister nodded and followed the Super Commandos escorting the coffins out of the throne room. Morgan and Ventress too followed her, as they would act as her protectors once again.

As the remaining members of Hellfire Squad entered the palace, alongside the brother trios Mandalorian leaders, they gave the Sith Lords their report. "The Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi, along with Anakin Skywalker, and several other formidable members of the Jedi Council are nearing the throne room, Lord Maul. They will be here momentarily." Rook Kast said before tilting her head curiously. "What do you command, my lord?"

Sighing, the Dark Lord reclined in his throne before smiling. "At the moment, do nothing." His smile only grew as he felt the Jedi's presence approaching fast. "I will deal with them personally," looking at Savage and Feral, the Dark Lord nodded at his brothers. "Leave me. When they capture me, you know what to do." Reluctant at first, Savage and Feral nodded as they left the throne room, along with the Super Commando leadership.

As soon as the Jedi burst through the door, Maul smiled deviously at the sight of Obi-Wan Kenobi, his foal, Anakin Skywalker, several members of the Jedi Council, as well as several of the finest Jedi Knights. Clone troopers were present as they raised their blasters at Maul, ready to gun him down.

"Darth Maul. In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic, you are under arrest."

Scoffing in amusement, Maul retorted to his nemesis. "An empty threat, Kenobi," rising from his throne, the Sith Lord approached slowly. "You have made a grave mistake coming here."

"Bold words, Sith scum!" A loudmouth Jedi Knight sneered before smirking. "Care to back up those words?"

"As you wish."

Seizing the Jedi with the Force, the Jedi Knight couldn't cry out as he was then in the cold, ruthless grasp of the Sith Lord. Maul's eyes bore into his victim's as he then began to drain his life force until all that remained of the Jedi was a twisted, hollowed husk of a corpse. Laughing darkly at the Jedi's horror as he discarded the fallen Jedi like trash, Darth Maul locked eyes with his nemesis. "I have grown stronger the last time we faced each other in combat on Florrum, Kenobi. What you just witnessed was me stealing the Living Force from your fellow Jedi, and I were to continue to feast on the Living Force, I would surpass all of you in power..." his sinister smile widened as he then looked to Anakin Skywalker. "...including your precious foal, Skywalker." Drawing both his crimson blade and the Darksaber, Darth Maul pointed his blade and summoned the undead warriors Merrin was resurrecting. "Destroy them!" The Nightsister abominations descended on the Jedi and clones from above, a shower a glass rained down as bloodcurdling screams filled the air. More undead abominations charged the Jedi and the clones with the intent of tearing them to bloody shreds.

Obi-Wan, who had his sights fixed on Maul rushed his nemesis, avoiding the undead abominations and meeting the Sith Lord in battle. As azure and crimson blades collided, a shower of sparks flew as the two foes exchanged a flurry of attacks. However, as their duel progressed, Obi-Wan could sense a power within Maul, he was stronger than the last time he had fought him and Savage Opress on Florrum.

Each strike from Maul's blade seemed to rattle Obi-Wan, despite this, the Jedi Master remained composed as he sought to disarm the Sith Lord. Ducking and blocking the powerful strikes of his adversary, Obi-Wan drove his knee into Maul's stomach and bash his elbow against the Zabrak's face, causing him to step back. Laughing, the Sith Lord wiped away the blood oozing down his nose before returning to battle. To anyone watching the fight between these respective warriors of light and dark, it would seem as though they were engaged in an elegant dance. A dance of skill, knowledge, and understanding as each sought to defeat the other.

Now engaged in a ferocious blade lock, the two enemies glared heatedly at each other before Maul grinned menacingly. Drawing the Darksaber, Obi-Wan's eyes widened as he broke their lock and quickly blocked the ancient Mandalorian blade that would've severed his left leg clean off. This diversion allowed Maul to bashed his head against the Jedi Master's and then hit him with crimson Force lightning. Crying out in agony as the crimson electricity crawled up his body like insects, the Jedi Master noted that Maul didn't press his attack.

"I have learned patience, Kenobi. Destroying you now would be far too easy. You have not nearly suffered enough; and I wish to dismantle you piece, by piece."

"Not today!"

Maul was set flying back with a powerful Force push and crashed into his throne. Looking behind him, Obi-Wan laid eyes on his old student, Anakin Skywalker. Helping the Jedi Master up, the Chosen One smirked. "What was it that you told me when we faced Count Dooku for the first time?"

"We'll take him together."

"Right. Let's do what we do best, and take Maul down."

In agreement, the two Jedi took their respective battle stances as Maul recovered from the Force push and snarled. "You cannot defeat me," pounding a fist against his inflated chest, the Sith Lord bore his teeth. "I have defied death itself! I will not let you stop me, not after everything I have done to get this far!" With his crimson blade in hand, the Zabrak used his Force lightning to bathe his blade with crimson electricity before swinging his blade and sending a shock wave at the two Jedi. As both Obi-Wan and Anakin evaded the lightning, Maul sent a precise bolt of lightning at Anakin, which struck him in the stomach before he whirled towards Obi-Wan.

Maul knew that if his plan were to work, he needed to draw this battle elsewhere. After a flurry of attacks and blocks, the Sith Lord landed a vicious kick to Obi-Wan's face, sending blood and spittle to fly out of the Jedi Master's mouth. Deactivating his lightsabers, her fled the palace whilst the remaining Jedi and clones were still fighting off the Nightsister zombies.

"NO!" Obi-Wan cried out. Turning to the best Jedi in the room, he barked out. "We cannot let Maul get away. After him!"

As Maul ran, he cut down any clone trooper that stood in his path while applying the Force in his strides to move almost like a blur from the palace to the hangar bay. As he approached his personal Kom'rk transport, it suddenly exploded, sending the Sith Lord back while he quickly shielded himself with the combined powers of Nightsister magick and Sith alchemy.

"Oh, I love that sound!"

Turning to see a group of clone commandos and renegade Mandalorians surround him, Darth Maul then laid eyes on Bo-Katan, causing the Sith Lord to smirk. "Ah, the insolent coward, Bo-Katan." Igniting his crimson blade, his smirk turned into a grin. "Have you come to pledge fealty to your rightful ruler?"

"Never."

Drawing her beskar sword, it soon crackled with azure electricity as she then pointed her family heirloom at the Sith Lord. "I, Bo-Katan Kryze, of House Kryze challenge you, for the title of ruler of the Mandalorian people and owner of the Darksaber." Glaring at the Sith Lord under her helmet, she bore heated daggers at him. "Do you accept my challenge?"

An amused chuckle bubbled from Maul's chest as he gave a nod. "Very well," he then smirked tauntingly. "But please, put up more of a fight than your sister did."

With an enraged cry, Bo rushed Maul as the two respective warriors weapons locked with each other. Driven by rage and determination, Bo was pushing Maul back, but in truth, he was only allowing this to happen so that the Jedi could catch up and capture him.

It was all part of the plan.

The enraged Bo-Katan, despite her rage threatening to consume her, managed to compose herself. Fighting out of anger wouldn't serve her well, especially against an opponent like Maul, he would used her anger to his advantage. Each of her strikes were calculated, as she slashed across his Mandalorian armor, Bo quickly drove her sword at his cybernetic legs. Azure electricity crackled along his legs, yet did not short circuit them as she hoped it would have.

Driving a sharp elbow against her helmeted face, Maul snarled as she slashed at her upper body. His crimson blade cutting not only beskar armor, but also exposed hip and upper neck. The searing pain caused the redhead warrior to scream in agony as Maul then landed a ferocious kick to her face, sending her helmet flying off of her head.

Spitting blood out of her mouth, Bo cried out as her fellow Nite Owls and clone allies raised their blasters. "No!" Struggling to get back up, she seethed. "This is my fight." On her feet once more, she stood tall and defiant in the face of her sister's murderer.

"Such spunk." Darth Maul deadpanned before grinning. "A shame your sister didn't display such courage. She whimpered and begged like a dog before I took her life with the very blade you covet."

The Sith Lord's taunting laughter caused Bo-Katan to scream in rage as she activated her jetpack and tackled Maul while landing ferocious blows into the Sith Lord's abdomen until hurling the monster into a glass wall, causing it to crackle. As Maul looked up at his opponent, he grinned and quickly reignited her blade to deflect a volley of blaster fire from Bo-Katan. He then dove away when she fired a wrist rocket, causing glass and dust to fly everywhere. Regaining himself, Maul continued to deflect blaster fire as his opponent took to the sky on her jetpack. Sprinting throughout the hangar bay, Maul then hurled his lightsaber at Bo, landing a fatal hit on her jetpack, causing it to sputter and spiral out of control, forcing the redhead warrior to detach herself from her pack just as it exploded.

Groaning at the impact of her fall, Bo gasped as Maul rushed her like a ravenous animal, intent on tearing her to pieces, and as she closed her eyes, preparing to accept her demise, nothing happened. Opening her eyes once more, she could see that Maul was suspended, looking to the hangar bay entrance, she saw Obi-Wan Kenobi with an outstretched hand.

Seizing the opportunity, Bo-Katan and her Nite Owls fired their whip cords around Maul, causing him to drop both his Sith weapon and the Darksaber as he thrashed around violently. Anakin Skywalker, who too arrived outstretched his hands to keep Maul suspended. The raw, refined power of the Chosen One was like an unmovable object that the Dark Lord could not remove. Eventually, Plo Koon, Mace Windu, and the other Jedi who had come kept Maul suspended with the Force, successfully trapping him.

"ARGHHHHH! YOU ARE ALL GOING TO BURN! YOU ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!"

Maul's roar was that of a caged predator that if unleashed, would go on a murderous rampage. And despite the Jedi's efforts to restrain him with the Force, the Sith Lord pressed forward. Before he could kill another Jedi, however, the Zabrak was rendered unconscious after being hit several times with stun blasts from the clones of Delta Squad. Dropping to the hangar bay floor, Maul snarled softly and laid eyes on Obi-Wan with burning hatred before his world went dark.

As the Jedi lowered their hands, the respective clone leadership of the legions arrived and gave their report. "Generals, the droids forces have been defeated and Crimson Dawn forces are retreating. But there's no sign of the other two Sith Lords who are by Maul's side." They inquired for further orders.

"Place any enemy combatant under arrest. We will take them and Maul to the Prism," the clone leadership nodded before relaying the Jedi's orders to their troops.

Bo-Katan, who had summoned the Mandalorian vault to be brought to her location. This mobile prison cell was utilized by the Mandalorians of old to capture and detain Force sensitive beings, Jedi, Sith, or otherwise. Once the sarcophagus had been delivered by more Mandalorians under the Kryze banner, Maul was placed within and was ready for transport.

"You spoke of taking Maul and his pawns to... the Prism." Bo said as she narrowed her eyes at Mace Windu. "What is this Prism?"

"That is confidential information—"

"And we are meant to be allies." Bo rebuked just as firmly at the Jedi Master. Glaring at him, she seethed. "If Maul is being imprisoned, I would like to see just how secure this Prism of yours truly is."

Turning to his fellow Jedi Master, Obi-Wan shrugged. "What harm will come of it? After all, if she wishes to leave behind a small detachment of warriors to ensure Maul stays locked away until we can have a trial carried out, I see no reason why we should deny that."

Sighing, Mace Windu grunted. "Very well. We will depart for the Prism once the Mandalorian citizens have been tended to and all other collaborators of Crimson Dawn are apprehended."

Unknown to the Jedi and Mandalorian resistance, a DRK-1 Dark Eye probe droid witnessed what had transpired before flying away and reporting back to Savage and Feral were onboard the cloaked Scimitar. As the Sith Infiltrator vessel glided undetected above the domed city, the two Sith Lords had their Nightsister companions in tow before they contacted Thrawn and Borika.

"The Jedi have taken the bait. Once their vessels jump to hyperspace, the Nightsisters will track Maul to where he is being taken, and once we know where he is exactly, we will call upon you to lead us to where our brother is being imprisoned."

"Of course, my lords. I await your command."

Turning to Merrin, Savage handed her a compass imbued with Maul's essence. With it, they would be able to find the Dark Lord anywhere in the galaxy. "You know what to do, Sister Merrin," the hulking Sith Lord rumbled. "When the time comes. Find him." Merrin nodded in understanding and focused on the essence within while Savage and Feral piloted Scimitar to space.

(Many years ago)

"If I had to do it over again..."

Maul murmured to himself, his fractured mind replaying the moment he had revealed that the Sith's return to the galaxy on Tatooine, to the moment he was cut in two by Obi-Wan Kenobi on Naboo, and the moment he was all but forgotten by everyone. As punishment for his arrogance, he had been suffering a fate worse than death. Living in a den of rot, filth, and decay on a trash heap of a planet for twelve long years.

"If I had to do it over again, I would have struck through the air and broken the Jedi's defense. Breaking every point, anticipating every move, I would have cut him down in cold blood," laughing to himself in hysteria, the malnourished, and quite mad Zabrak continued to rant to himself. "No hesitation, no theatrics, just a swift, decisive action. The weakling Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi wouldn't have stood a chance. I would have struck him down where he stood without mercy, another dead corpse at my feet. My master would be more than satisfied, oh yes. I would be praised."

Laughing miserably while clawing at his face and snarling like a wounded animal, the Zabrak's intense gaze looked upon the fire in his den within the maze of trash, filth, and half eaten corpses. Regret fills Maul as he whimpers pathetically. "But no, I had to indulge in the thrill of the chase. The dance of combat. I underestimated him. His strength, his cunning, the Force favored him and I paid the price for my arrogance." Sobbing, Maul's cries echoed in the den and clawed at his head. "Is this what it feels like? To harbor the sense of total failure? It hurts." Grimacing in agony, Maul began gnashing his teeth as he continued to lament. "Failure. It gnaws at me like a wound that refuses to heal. I am looked down upon by my master, discarded like the filth that I am." Panting heavily, Maul's looked down at his trembling hands. "How could I have failed? How?! How could I, a Sith Lord, be bested by a mere Jedi Padawan?!" His blood began to boil as the memory of Obi-Wan cutting him in down flashed in his mind's eye.

"Kenobi. Kenobi. Kenobi will pay for his insolence with his life. As will all the Jedi!" Maul cried out, his spider like legs scraping against the ground, filling the air with the shriek of metal scarping against metal. "I cannot afford to fail again. I will not allow weakness to define me. The path forward is clear. I must succeed at any cost," nodding furiously, the deranged Maul laughed as he continuing his rantings. "Redemption lies in victory and victory shall be mine. Through victory, my chains are broken. Through victory, my chains are broken. Through victory, my chains are broken." Clenching his hands into fists, Maul could feel his over grown nails digging into his palms, drawing blood. Shuddering to himself, the forgotten Sith apprentice continued to mutter.

"As I fall into this dark abyss, I know that in time, vengeance will come. Kenobi will fall by my blade." Snarling while twitching violently, Maul laughed quietly as his intense gaze bore into the fire. "After all, fear is my ally."

(The Prism)

Awakening from the disturbing torment he endured in the past, Darth Maul took in his surroundings and found himself in a massive prison chamber where he himself was seated in an artifact of the Old Republic, kept by the Jedi Order to contain the most dangerous Sith Lords. While contained in this seat, a powerful azure ray shield surrounded him. Within the chamber, there were not only six Jedi Temple Guards within the chamber to watch over the Sith Lord, but the Zabrak laid eyes on what remained of the Jedi Council and the higher echelons of the Republic, including Chancellor Amidala.

"Will it hold him?"

"It will, Master Kenobi. The very throne that Maul is confined to was used to confine some of the deadliest Sith Lords during the days of the Old Republic, including Darth Malgus." Zhao Wen, brother of the late Shin Wen, and also warden of the Jedi Order's Prism reassured the anxious Jedi Master. "Despite all of his power, his rage, and strength, this tortured creature will only be getting up from that seat if I allow it." Snarling, Maul attempted to rise from the seat, yet the shackles around his wrists crackled with electricity. And because he was a cyborg, the magnetic electricity pulled at Maul's lower body, forcing him to sit back down.

"While we wait for our Sith guest to speak, we can discuss what we have gleaned from his soldiers that you captured on Mandalore," Zhao handed Obi-Wan a data-pad and continued. "These mercenaries have revealed that Crimson Dawn has infiltrated not only major corporations to increase the production of their fleets, arsenal, and resources, but also swaying influential senators to advocate for them. One of these senators that Crimson Dawn has won to their side is Orn Free Taa of Ryloth."

Scoffing softly, Anakin spoke up. "Unsurprising. All that overgrown fool cares about is opulence and lavish living. And he's willing to allow Crimson Dawn to racketeer Ryloth to gain resources, wealth, and anything else of value."

Padmé, who was by her husband's side looked to the warden of this secret prison. "What else did these mercenaries reveal?"

"The Dawn has been working tirelessly on a super weapon of some kind. Whatever it is, it's been kept from many within the Dawn, not even the soldiers we captured know much about it. All they know is that massive slave labor was gathered to ensure the construction and completion of this weapon."

The Jedi could sense Anakin's fuming anger that Maul was using slaves to construct a super weapon, Obi-Wan, however, reassured his old apprentice. "We will find this super weapon, Anakin. Not only will we destroy it before it comes to fruition, but we will free all the slaves who are forced to create a weapon that will be used for unspeakable evil."

"Agreed." Plo Koon spoke up. "We will be the light of these slaves darkened world and save them from damnation."

"Fools."

The Jedi and Republic officials turned to the confined Sith Lord, whose piercing gaze threatened to burn holes into their very souls.

"What did you say?" Anakin asked coolly.

Glaring at the young Jedi, Maul repeated himself. "You are all fools." Chuckling, the Sith Lord continued. "You think by capturing me that all will be made right? Well, you are sorely mistaken."

"Too bad you can't back it up, Maul," Anakin remarked with a smirk. "Because you're locked up like the animal you are. And soon enough, you'll be executed for your crimes."

"Don't be so certain, Skywalker. Secrecy has been this prison's greatest ally, but that will last for much longer." Smirking he added. "I can sense that the dark side is very strong here. I can only imagine that those are the fallen Jedi who turned against you. Having trouble keeping your house in order?"

Glaring at the Sith Lord, Mace Windu spoke up. "Enough of your taunts, Maul. Tell us, what this super weapon is and how we can stop it.. Cooperate, and perhaps the Senate will be merciful."

"Spare me your empty promises, Jedi," Maul spat. "Crimson Dawn is the fire that will finally raze the Jedi and Republic to the ground. When I am free, you will not have to worry about me, but those you once called brother and sister, as well."

Obi-Wan's eyes widen in realization, he knew that something was off when they had fought on Mandalore, and now that they had Maul where they wanted him, it suddenly clicked. "You wanted us to capture you on Mandalore. You wanted us to bring you to the Prism so that you can gather an army of some of the most nefarious beings in the galaxy and sway them to join your cause!" Maul's knowing smile was answer enough, and Obi-Wan turned to Master Zhao. "Since you command the last of you and your late sister's clone legion, are your troops and Jedi guards we have left here sufficient to repel a riot?"

"We can repel a riot, yes. But if Crimson Dawn finds the location of this prison and attempts to storm this place by force, we will not have enough men to defend these high value prisoners."

"The clone army is stretched too thin, and we need them to take territory Crimson Dawn has gained, bleed those who have allied with Maul dry, and ensure that we find this super weapon and destroy it," Padmé said firmly. "I hate to say this, but we cannot leave behind support to aid you and your troops and fellow Jedi, Master Zhao."

Bowing his head in understanding, the Jedi warden replied with humility. "Then we will ensure that the Sith Lord and every other threat that is locked away here does not escape. I swear to you, Chancellor."

With the final decision made, Darth Maul watched as his enemies left his prison chamber. Now alone, aside from the Jedi guards stationed here watching him, the Sith Lord closed his eyes, calling out to his brothers. They would arrive her far too soon, and when they come, Darth Maul will revel in slaughtering every Jedi and clone stationed on this prison.

A/N: Phew! Hope you all enjoyed this beefy chapter because the end is drawing near and the best is yet to come!