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

I don't quite know how but I managed to get another chapter out before the end of the year although it was cutting it close! Hope you all have a good new year and a great 2024!

This chapter will also feature appearances of two important Jedi Heroes of ages past, heroes that saved the Jedi and Republic in the past. Read on to see just who they are but you might be surprised as to who they are.

Chapter Responses from the Previous Chapter…

Jebest4781, EP, dan . lew . upg, frankieu, Guestreader, qwertyuiop123214685, Guest,Asterion Nyx Black nee Potter, tf330129, Bia1230, Rebell 01 - Thank you to you all! I hope you all have a great year!

WhiteElfElder – Indeed but in this chapter, he gets hold of something that might be almost as bad. Paul is a character I have developed a dislike for ever since I started looking into Dune when it was suggested to me so it was intended as a wake-up call for him.

ironspike68 – Thanks! Glad to hear you like it! Dune is a difficult fandom to get into so it has been hard for me to write. Leia had a rude awakening and, in this chapter, there will be someone else to make sure she learns. Indeed, the Mandalorians are a powerful and aggressive power in the galaxy and that will come to be a problem in the future. The Star Wars canon especially the old one had a lot of interesting characters which should have been preserved but weren't and if they do come back, they are often two-dimensional versions of their old selves. Happy that you like the story so thanks again.

Antex-The Legendary Zoroark – Appreciate the compliment! Thank you! The breakthrough is a problem that will be explained in this chapter although it creates not one but two new headaches for him.

aesir21 – The Cogs are interesting and we might see them again in the Rebel Army although not sure of that just yet. The Hammer of Dawn? It's a weapon of mass destruction so I highly doubt Padme, Mon or Bail would allow it.

raw666 – Nila will eventually face her parents as the Mandalorians have plans for her.

Blaze1992 – Sorry, just felt that it wouldn't fit this story! I know, COD Infinite Warfare had some great ships.

61394 – I know, it's heartbreaking he never got to see just how well received his character was. Probably the best part of the whole series. Baylan is a complex character and he has his own motivations that take some work to really understand but I love the character and I am planning a story regarding him in the future. He will teach his students well and he will be meeting Anakin soon, they might become anything they wish to be. Hondo was fun and I wanted to include him but it took a while to figure out were. The Ravagers were a faction that I felt could exist in Star Wars if given the chance, a pirate faction but one with principles and a code so they are far more than just common criminals. I probably won't be including Avatar, sorry but I just don't think I can fit them in at this stage. As to what would happen when the Empire falls, no Haron isn't the sort to want to conquer the whole galaxy although I think it would be a very uncertain period with so many different nations. Anakin and a new order? You are on the right track but not quite. And to you thank you for your kind words, it means a lot to hear that people are enjoying the story. So, you too, This is the Way.

mr1980rivera – Thanks! You too!

Callum Runchman – Cheers! There is a major offensive planned as is hinted at in this chapter but it won't happen till the next one. Baylan Skoll is a character I have grown to like very quickly since his first appearance and I really wanted to include him. As to there being some kind of 'Force War' perhaps but this is only the beginning, who knows how things might turn out. The familiar face will be recognised by Rebels and Clone Wars fans; indeed, Haron has eliminated most of the threats to his leadership but there is someone he might have forgotten in the chaos of war. It might be a game changer but it goes both ways as you will see. I understand, the X Wing is an iconic design but not for everyone. I can see what you mean about the other designs.

DeluxeHipster1945 – I know, I blame the Disney purchase for them not showing up in later Star Wars, Ceph? I will look into it but I can't promise to include them, sorry but I am not sure if there is room. I appreciate your support so thank you!

Cam . Katarn – Dagan might have been but it has never been confirmed. Liber8 and the Rebel Alliance are two separate factions, they both fight the Empire but for different causes. Liber8 wants liberty for all and an end to its tyranny while the Rebel Alliance at least partly wants to restore the Republic, that hasn't been a problem so far but who knows in the future. Cool idea for renaming the Mandalorian Territories, I will think about it. Too many characters? Probably but they won't all be sticking around; the galaxy is enormous so there will always be something going on somewhere. Minisa? I will try and put them in at some point to catch up. Yes, the Esh'Kha did join the Alliance. True, the Rift Alliance is a very loose one as you can imagine with so many factions each with their own agendas. As for membership, you have to be sponsored by an existing member and even then, the council has to agree. Interesting ideas for leadership but I think the Leadership Council is probably what I will go with and keep it loose, this is more an alliance of convenience more than actually wanting to form a new large-scale government.

LunaShadowWolf – Glad to hear you are enjoying the story! Revan was a man in this story…funny you should mention those specific characters as you will see why in this chapter.

More Review Responses at the end of the chapter.

- x -

994 ARR – 6 BBY

Chapter 36 – Force from the Past

Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Space…994 ARR…

The broken planet of Concord Dawn was the perfect place to do flight testing and training new pilots given the debris field which was relatively stable.

So, it was here that the new starfighter would be tested.

Mandalorian and Rebel officials stood on the observation platform as the new fighter was put through its paces by Roon, one of the Mandalorian force users and Fenn Rau.

The new model was based on the T-65 X-Wing Interceptor, an improved version with many innovations that the Mandalorians and innovative rebel engineers had devised for it. Named the T-70.

It had been given improved armour which was coated with sensor resistant paint to help it avoid enemy sensors, the sublight engines had been replaced with new and more efficient versions to give it vastly improved acceleration, the torpedo launchers had been given a new faster reload system and the torpedoes themselves made smaller to increase the loadout to eight. Along with the four wing mounted laser cannons though a second launch system had been installed to potentially allow it to carry concussion missiles and for combat on the ground an underslung blaster turret could be deployed by the pilot. All of this was done without compromising on the great speed and manoeuvrability of the T-65, in fact improving on it with the improved engines and slight flaps on the wings to help turn faster in flight.

It still featured an astromech to assist the pilot and overall was a major improvement on the previous model if more expensive to build.

Garm Bel-Iblis and Anakin Skywalker marvelled at the impressive craft, in Anakin's case eager to get into the cockpit himself. It performed magnificently they both thought and would give the Alliance a real advantage over the Empire.

Close by Haron and Duke N'Val were impressed too, while not as agile as the Viper it had the armament of a light bomber and the speed of an interceptor. Such a powerful and versatile craft would be immensely useful to both sides in this war.

"Impressive work. Pass my compliments to the engineers and designers." Haron said to his aides who nodded and he turned to Anakin and smiled under his helmet. "I take it you like it?" He asked with amusement.

"Oh yes." Anakin said with a smirk before frowning as he realised something. "But with limited facilities and resources we can't put them into full production."

"We can do it limited though." Garm said as he considered their abilities at present. "At least at first, give the craft to elite units before gradually increasing it to other units."

"The T-65 is still highly useful though and I am sure many rebel factions along with Rift Alliance members will want to continue its use." Haron said and Anakin nodded.

"I agree, I personally find the fighter excellent. The new version will be spread as far as possible and simulator programs devised for it." Anakin said and they nodded in agreement.

"Hopefully this will be the first of other joint projects, we achieved an exceptional result this time." Garm said with a hopeful smile, Haron and N'Val both knew that was unlikely but you never knew what the future might hold.

- x -

Reijar, the Ordo System…Two Days Later…

The Mandalorian Council watched as the footage of the attack on the last Sung Guard facility came in, watching the facility and the surrounding area being blasted into nothing was strangely rewarding as they saw the end of that particular threat.

"Good riddance!" Duke Ge'Hark said with pleasure at the sight which was echoed by most of the council except Korkie who kept his dissatisfaction with such blatant destruction quiet.

"With the Sun Guard removed, at least they won't be an issue for us anymore." Duchess Ceta Farr said with relief but this was soon forgotten as they proceeded to continue their discussion, revolving around the continuing Kalderan raids.

- x -

Deera and Zara played with their daughters, eager to spend time with them while they could as they were both so busy and it was a struggle to manage parenting with their other numerous duties.

Mari in particular was harder to spend time with as she was now training with the Akaan, her sister was as yet only just beginning force exercises. It was somewhat unsettling to realise their little babies were growing up faster than they had believed possible but it was a fact of life all the same. So, they resolved to enjoy it for as long as they could.

- x -

Vysa was meanwhile playing with her own daughter Cera, waiting for Eliza to be done with the meeting. Her little girl was going to be a heartbreaker when she grew up Vysa thought with a smile, great blonde hair, entrancing green eyes, cute face.

She just didn't want to think of that too much though, she was hoping she would stay a child a lot longer. She just wanted to enjoy this time with her, when everything was so simple and straightforward, making sure she had the life she deserved.

- x -

Lelia was proudly showing saber techniques to the hibir who eagerly watched her, really wanting to be as good as her someday.

Lelia's recent promotion to Akaan had given her new responsibilities, mainly helping to teach the younger generation since there was still so few of them. She had to split that duty though with running her own expanded holdings as some of the new systems in their domain had been added to her territory. She was also in the middle of the creation of a new facility to mass produce Goblin or as they now called it, Terran Steel. The substitute to beskar its value and use which was only getting more important as time went on and more armour was needed as their numbers grew.

After successful campaigns, well warriors tended to celebrate and with blood running that hot at home with their partners…well she thought with a slight blush, that led to babies.

A large baby boom tended to result especially after a huge territory expansion or large-scale victory, not to mention they had brought many people into their culture since the war had begun so their population was soaring. A spike in force sensitive births too had occurred in the last few years which would eventually lead to many more students so the needs of their order would only grow with time. Already a temple of some sort was being considered but nothing had been decided.

Regardless she began to show her students how to integrate force and magic attacks into actual combat sequences to inspire them and get them to think about what sort of style they wanted to learn themselves.

- x -

Nila meanwhile was now dressed in her own training armour, not a proper suit as she wasn't ready for that yet but it was designed to get her used to the proper armour that she would eventually wear. It had limited gadgets and more would be added as she completed each skill level so by the time, she was old enough to have a full suit of proper Mandalorian Armour, she would be fully prepared to use it. Today however was target practice.

Nila was struggling a bit to hit the training remotes, they always seemed to move just as she was about to shoot and maybe she hit the target one time in ten. Din as he looked at her, being the one responsible for her training today was almost bemused, wondering if he had been that bad at her age but she could improve if she had the right advice and kept on practicing.

"Your hand eye co-ordination is good." Din finally said, deciding he had watched her struggle for long enough. She turned to look at him, her transparent visor showing her frustration with not being able to do this. "But you must learn to anticipate the target."

"Anticipate?" Nila asked with confused anger which Din ignored as he knew her frustration too well.

"Whether droid or organic, things move. Being a good shooter means you have to be able to know just where they are going and see the tiny indications that tell you where they are going." Din told her, showing her what he meant as he drew his own blaster and took a few shots at the remote, hitting it each time regardless of how it moved much to her amazement. "See, learn to anticipate the target and you will make every shot count."

Nila nodded and raised her blaster again, taking a deep breath as the remote moved around seemingly at random but this time when she fired, she did hit the target, still not hitting every time but getting better at it. She smiled broadly at the sudden success and Din smiled too, glad to see her improve. If she was going to be one of them, a warrior of the Mandalorian people then she had much to learn he thought with a knowing look in his eye, but she would make it.

- x -

Ara meanwhile was enjoying dinner with her children, it was a quiet moment and although Haron was delayed by his meeting they understood, after all he led their people and had much to do.

"They said I can qualify for a Viper Mark 3 or a T-70 when I pass my test." Markus said with a self-important smirk, knowing he was the best pilot in his class and would surely get to fly the best ships.

"Only if you pass." Ara told him sternly and he nodded, humility coming to him as while cocky on the surface there was a much calmer mind beneath it. After all, as the future leader of House Ordo he would need to be smart and cunning but also daring and careful at the same time.

"Yes mother." Markus said, toning it down a bit but keeping his smirk.

"I had another marriage request today." Astoria admitted with a frown. She was starting to get a lot of those from different men, mostly socially ambitious people who wanted to join with the powerful and wealthy family to which she belonged.

Ara frowned as she had expected that as her children got older, Astoria was only getting more beautiful as she got older and so it was to be expected, it was the same for Markus and now the rest of her children would start to get them too. She was doing her best to make sure they did not get tangled with any of those fortune or power seekers but they were notoriously good at hiding their true intentions. Vertiserum and the force were both exceptionally useful in unmasking them but she could hardly do that with everyone her children met Ara thought with dismay.

Haron coming in to join their family did lighten the mood as he placed a kiss on her lips and acknowledged Markus, Astoria, Corridan, Li'anne, Siri and Tyus individually before joining them to eat.

As they ate though, Ara had an idea based on what her son Corridan had told her of their recent mission to Trak'el Sigma…and the opportunity it may have created she thought with a calculating look in her eyes.

Cloud City, Bespin…

The beautiful looking floating cities of Bespin were famous in some areas of the galaxy, and more so as Tibanna gas mines. The vital gas which had an immense number of uses and the trade of it was lucrative if you sold your commodity well.

Lando Calrissian was someone who knew how to charm and make a deal as profitable as possible, for him at least. He was also an expert gambler.

While he had recently lost his prized ship, the Millenium Falcon to that swindler Solo, he had struck it real lucky and conned his way into ownership of the mining and processing operation here. He was already dressing to fit the part of the administrator and enjoying the perks that came with being 'reputable'.

Although…not too reputable he thought with a smirk as he found himself a very important customer, well a person that represented many potential customers who were prepared to pay very well for Tibanna.

"So Lando, do we have a deal?" Talon Karrde said as he sat across from him, one of the leaders of the Underworld Alliance. Talon like most of the organisation he had set up couldn't buy their supplies legally or even in mass quantities as it would draw the wrong sort of attention so they were always looking for suppliers that they could buy under the table.

"Indeed, we do my friend. It will be a pleasure to supply your people with our fine product." Lando said with his big flashy smile which only made Talon chuckle, he knew guys like Lando and how to deal with them but having him in the alliance would be very good for them.

"Then we should celebrate, here." Talon said offering up a bottle he had acquired on his last raid as a trophy.

"Merenzane Gold." Lando said sounding impressed and then read the label which produced another hmm as he considered it was quite an expensive one too. "One hundred years old…nice." Lando said as it cost quite a lot to get hold of version that old as it improved with age. He got a pair of glasses and Talon poured them both one each, toasting silently before they drank it to their new partnership.

Tanalorr, Koboh Abyss...

The Jedi Temple which had been built by the Jedi during their initial colonisation of the planet had been a damaged ruin when they had first found it, mostly intact but with some definite repairs needed which had begun the moment they had been able to settle here, using the temple as a base.

The Hidden Path had been able to move many of the surviving Jedi and force sensitives their network took care of here, they were safe and secure which was helpful to the Path as well since they didn't need to worry about hiding people elsewhere in the long term anymore. A small thriving community was being set up here and more importantly, a community that was safe.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was more grateful for that than anything as he dealt with a responsibility that he had never imagined might be his…being a father.

He and Tala both had faced quite a period of adjustment when they had arrived on Tanalorr, their daughter Vala who was a very calm baby, she still had all the feelings, the ups and downs that came with being a young child but she was so pleasant that she hardly caused them any trouble.

She loved them both and they loved her just as much, neither would allow her to come to any harm, watching over her like hawks.

Looking out from the balcony of the Jedi Temple at the natural beauty of the planet beyond he could only smile, it was a true paradise here Obi-Wan thought to himself with a smile, peaceful.

Feeling a tug on his robe he kept smiling and looked down to see Vala with arms outstretched begging to be picked up. He gladly did so and let her look out at the planet which made her smile too and gaze out with wonder.

Tala came up to them too, smiling now herself at the lovely moment and came over to stand with them. Glad they could raise their daughter in peace.

Saloch 2, Mid Rim…

A colony of the strong and beastly looking Tunroth a strange situation had developed, for once the Imperial presence there was seen as liberators.

The colony along with a dozen other worlds had been seized by the xenophobic Lortans, a human group that enslaved and occupied worlds that were alien owned. To his credit Captain Lun Tessra and his right-hand man Lieutenant Soontir Fel had decided to interfere in the racism that was oppressing the sector, so led the Dreadnaught-class heavy cruiser Abroagator with its Tie fighter wing had joined in the fight of the local species the Tunroth in the fight against them. It was going well but the Imperial special projects group arrived and deployed a group of Stormtroopers against the enemy unlike anything either the other Imperials, the Tunroth or the Lortans had seen before.

They ran a speed and with a single punch could kill a man, their chests glowing a fierce orange as they did so while others were outfitted with extensive cybernetics that made them seem indestructible as they moved across the battle field.

The Lortans were already struggling against the Tunroth even if they had been killing many of them but these new soldiers, some of whom exploded as they wrestled their way across the battlefield torn the enemy apart in a frantic rage.

But unknown to the rest of the Imperials, a single ensign on the ship who was unnoticed by everyone made a copy of the footage and sent it to their handler in the Rebellion, eager to let them know about this new danger.

- x -

Rebel Safe House, Secret Location…Two Days Later…

Cassian Andor sat in the room with Vel Sartha and the rest of the team watched the footage themselves with wide eyes as they saw just what the Imperials had achieved.

"These are not force users." Luthen Rael said as he gave them their briefing. "It seems to be a mix of nanotechnology and cybernetics; the results are fatal but the soldiers are almost unstoppable in a fight."

"Have we learned where the technology is being developed?" Vel asked, worried about what this would mean for the rebellion if this became widespread and while completely loyal to the cause, she was somewhat…unsettled by the thought of having to face them herself.

"The project was originally created on Coruscant but it was moved to a research facility in the Expansionist Region. Our intelligence network has managed to discover a location. You will be joining the assault team." Luthen told them and they all felt a little fearful but nodded and Cassian asked the question that was on his mind.

"Who is leading the team?" Cassian asked and Luthen smirked as the leader made himself known from the corner.

"That would be me boy." A gruff voice said, they all turned and saw a battle-scarred human male with white hair in his fifties approach with dented and worn armour.

"Allow me to introduce one of the Rebellion's top commanders and the commander of this mission, General Rahm Kota." Luthen introduced who grinned at them which honestly seemed to make him more intimidating.

"I want you on my ship by 0700. If not, you'll be left behind." General Kota told them and they frowned as they realised that he was as much a hard ass inside as he was outside, they just hoped that this mission didn't take very long.

Ryloth, the Outer Rim…

The Imperial Hover Train carrying the garrison pay roll along with crucial weapons was speeding across the rocky and dusty surface, the soldiers guarding it alert for any sign of trouble which was growing increasingly common of late.

Then as they were passing through a rocky ravine, a burst of ionic energy hit the train, causing all the equipment to cut out and the engines powering it forward to shut down. The troopers and officer in charge could only hold on as momentum carried the caused the train to bury itself in the sand, and gradually came to a stop.

But this gave no relief to the Imperials as seemingly from nowhere Twi'lek rebels appeared all around them, shooting at the stormtroopers who did their best to take cover within the ruined train while their lieutenant tried his best to get their communicators working so they could call for reinforcements.

But things went from bad to worse for the Imperials as it wasn't just the normal rebels today, green and blue blades emerged from the crowd as Twi'leks leapt high over head and began to cut down the Imperials out in the open or reflect their blaster bolts right back at them.

The Lieutenant took out his pistol to join the fight but found himself with a lightsaber through the chest as the rebels swarmed the train, two Twi'lek Jedi one a middle-aged purple skinned female and the other a young green skinned male used the force to pull open the vault on the train and reveal the large credit stash and crates of blasters inside. They and the rebels smirked at the successful operation.

Cham and Master Aayla were going to love this they thought to themselves.

Gazian, the Mid Rim…Separatist Alliance Space…

Gazian had a strong presence in the force and was covered by what many called a living ocean, it fell within the territory of the Separatist Alliance and it was here that the new training facility had been constructed on one of the few landmasses to train the new force users of the alliance.

Baylan was feeling rather nostalgic as it honestly reminded him of the days at the Jedi Temple, training his twenty students in the usage of the force, he had even managed to discover a cave of kyber crystals under the living sea where there was air and would be the perfect place to hold trials.

His students would be more than Jedi he thought to himself as he guided them through basic lightsaber exercises using the training swords that had been prepared, they all copied him with varying degrees of competency but his star student was also his very first.

Shin Hati showed a natural talent that was inspiring, she learnt very quickly and had a drive to succeed that reminded him of himself at that age. She had even managed to recover a crystal for her own lightsaber and it was the same shade of orange-red as his.

He saw much of himself in her and he was proud for her to be his apprentice, he did not treat her any different to the other students but in his mind at least Shin was his favourite and he would make her more than any Jedi.

Finishing the exercises, he told them with a nod of satisfaction at their progress.

"Excellent, you are all showing progress in your training. Now go and get some lunch…I am sure you could all do with a meal before we continue." He told them and the crowd of mostly aliens with some humans mixed in all smiled and went to get some food while Shin hesitated a moment to give him a smile which he returned before nodding for her to go.

He smiled, the pair of them were close as any master and apprentice could hope to be and she was eager for his approval which he had assured her time and time again that she didn't need but still she strove to achieve it. When he finally left to find what it was that was calling to him, he was honestly thinking of taking her with him if she continued to progress at the rate she was.

Thinking about that which was calling to him, Baylan stopped to look out across the living sea for a moment and pondered. The force nexus here had been of great help to him in his meditations to find the source, and seeing pathways too it. Paths that might lead either out of the galaxy itself or perhaps deep into Wild Space.

Either way the journey was going to be difficult and he was definitely going to need more planning before deciding just which path to follow. He then felt his own stomach growl and smiled to himself that it was time to eat himself, he could think more on his own future path once he had eaten and went to join his students for lunch, not letting the lines that the Jedi traditionally had to keep themselves apart from his students, he was their mentor but that didn't mean he had to be cold and aloof.

Liber8 Base, Secret Location…

A ceremony was taking place today, one that Anakin had been proud to do before but this was only his second time doing it and more crucially, both times it had been for his own apprentices.

"By will of the force, for your dedication to your training and a testament to the skill you have achieved…I, Anakin Skywalker and Jedi Master now confer on you, Kahr'hark Tix the rank of Jedi Knight. May you serve the force in your new role, stand and be recognised." Anakin as he carefully moved his lightsaber around Kahr's broad shoulders.

Kahr proudly rose to his full height and looked around as the audience of Liber8 personnel applauded in honour of his big moment. Padme, Luke, Leia, Mace and Allara were among them, smiling broadly for his success. Even Kagame was politely joining in as he personally had issues with the Jedi Order as a whole but would not deny Kahr his moment.

For him it was proof that he was strong enough to stand on his own and pursue his own path which was good as he had much to do to help the people of the galaxy as a healer and a fighter. He knew many needed someone to heal them as much as they needed someone to protect them.

For Anakin though it was a moment to feel proud as a teacher, he had taught Kahr as he had Ahsoka and Allara and now it was time for him to go out and make his own mark on the galaxy. It was almost like being a parent and seeing your child leave home to go out and try to make it on their own, he reasoned to himself and knew the day would come as much as he hated it when Luke and Leia and Mace would do the same.

That sobered him somewhat but as he looked into the force, he saw the same vision he had the day he had met Kahr during the Corellian Uprising.

He was stood surrounded by nine other figures. Anakin looked around and saw Ahsoka, Allara and Kahr first among them but then he saw an older looking Luke, Leia and Mace were with them but then three other figures were still shrouded in shadow.

What did that mean he thought to himself privately? Were they future students of his? He ponded as he went to bed that night with his wife. Who would they be and how would he come to know them?

Imperial Research Station, Classified Location…

Rahm Kota's flagship was a prize he had taken on one of his campaigns, a Nebulon-B Frigate that he had renamed Salvation. He had a number of other ships with it including Corellian Corvettes and a few transports that had been modified to act as small fighter carriers or to deploy landing ships.

The small Imperial guard ships were soon engaging the Rebel starships while the transports launched their small craft. While fighters engaged enemy ships and protected the landing ships; Cassian, Vel and Cinta were rocked in their dropship by enemy fire all around them. The constant noise was nerve-racking but Cassian took deep calming breaths while Vel and Cinta grasped each other's hands for comfort as the dropship next to them exploded and rocked them with the blast.

They reached the surface faster than they had expected and the hatch opened, letting the Rebel soldiers out onto the landing platform. Cassian, Vel and Cinta all picked up their weapons and joined the charge, shooting their blasters at the Stormtroopers, seeing soldiers on both sides get hit and die or be wounded right before their eyes.

But then their eyes widened in worry as they saw those 'enhanced' troopers who were little more than beasts emerge, they charged onto the landing pad with no thought of self-preservation and pushed aside even their own people. The rebels turned their blasters on them immediately but the soldiers shrugged off most blaster hits and it seemed to take three or four of them working together through combined fire to bring one day. Cassian, Vel and Cinta all fired on the same 'Enhanced' as he came charging at them, their rifles glowing red hot with the amount of repeat firing they were doing but they all thanked the force when he went down just before reaching them.

Some of their follow rebels though were not so lucky, being strangled or just smashed to pieces by the Enhanced as they reached and just as they thought that was bad enough, the cybernetic soldiers now emerged too.

Blasters seemed to do extremely little against them while they were able to cut down rebels without missing a single shot. All three realising that they were badly outclassed here and Cinta readied her grenades, preparing to take out as many of these things with her as she could. Vel didn't notice as she was still shooting at Enhanced while Cassian was trying to find a vulnerable spot on the cyborgs.

Then another dropship approached from overhead, the rebels didn't think any reinforcements would be able to help at this point but were shown how badly wrong they were.

As the dropship came close to the group it unleashed a barrage of rockets that scattered the cyborg troopers while a single figure leapt from the dropship at a height would surely have injured a normal human but instead, he landed with grace and then there was a distinctive snap hiss as a emerald green blade appeared in his hand.

Their general was a Jedi.

Maybe someone should have told them that before they went in, Cassian thought although it was in a distracted way as the general was like a force of nature on the battlefield.

His green lightsaber cut through the Enhanced troops with ease before he turned his attention to the cyborgs as the surviving ones rallied and started shooting at him. Rahm though raised his free hand a let out a blast of pure white lightning at the enemy, making them shake and then collapse like puppets with their strings cut.

The rebels looked on in amazement at the sight and then managed to shake themselves back to the moment and joined him in the fighting, forcing their way into the facility with the general leading the way.

The storage bays were the Enhanced and the Cyborgs were held in preparations for transport were disabled to prevent anymore of the dangerous soldiers from getting out while explosive charges were dropped all over the bay and the rest of the base as they pressed on the command centre, the stormtroopers threw thermal detonators at them in the hopes of killing Rahm and them too but the Jedi General simply used the force to send them right back at the troopers who threw them, turning their own weapons against them. The explosions either killed or scattered them and made it far easier for the rebels to get into the command centre. Rahm moved swiftly to end the few remaining troopers in the room while the other rebels took the Imperial scientists and officers Rahm had spared prisoner in hopes of gaining information later.

Regretfully they would get nothing from the computers they all saw the Imperials had purged them prior to capture so hopefully they would get any information they might need out of their new prisoners who would be swiftly moved to the Salvation for transport to a rebel base for interrogation.

Cassian looked over the corridors which were piled high with bodies, rebel and Imperial alike and felt a chill at the high cost of his operation but at least could draw so hope that they would never see those horrible experiments again.

Imperial Palace, Coruscant…A Few Days Later…

Palpatine sat on his throne and just shook his head at the failure of the enhancement projects, while they had been interesting projects, he was beginning to think they were far too unstable for use at this moment, they still had the science so he decided to have more research done on this before they considered putting it to use again.

He himself was far more interested in some of the reports that came from his cloning operations on Wayland. The scientists there had reported some unusual anomalies in their experiments that might potentially be of use in repairing his decaying body or at least severely slowing its decline. They were hesitant to say much but the results were quite positive so far.

He had also discovered another source of force knowledge to add to his growing abilities, he thought with a sneer. With some effort his Inquisitors and Vader had acquired two quite interesting subjects for him to…study with he thought with dark amusement at how harshly he had gained their obedience.

Two Dathomiri women, Nightsisters he thought with a sneer given his distain of them but they were well versed in their people's 'magic' and he would benefit greatly from that knowledge.

Jeserra and Silri, both of the tribe that had been wiped out by General Grievous during the Clone Wars knelt in submission at his feet. Eager to do anything that would spare them any more of the treatment that they had received at his hand before now.

Although in Silri a simmering anger was hiding just beneath the surface and she vowed silently to herself that she would find a way to destroy this arrogant and disgusting creature whose face was so twisted and warped it looked like something from your worst nightmare. She had heard tale of something that might help her gain her revenge but it would take time for her to be in a position to acquire it so she would need to create the appearance of serving him for now.

While Palpatine began to learn how to summon their green and disturbing magic he put the task of destroying his enemies in the hands of one of the more…intelligent servants he had.

- x -

Meeting Room, Imperial Palace…

Gar Saxon was understandably nervous as he was sitting in the centre of Imperial power and hoped that his new benefactor had a plan that involved him surviving. He didn't even care about his own people, 'The Rogues' but his own survival mattered to him.

"I take it you are wondering why I have brought you here." His benefactor said as soon as he arrived, Gar was nervous and nodded quickly.

"I am…sir." Gar said with deference as this man had his own survival in the palm of his hand.

"You need not worry; in fact, I have a role for you that will guarantee your highly successful future." The benefactor said with a cool and calm voice that was chilling. The sound of his future being 'highly successful' immediately caught Gar's interest and he looked on with an eager expression.

"What…role did you have in mind?" Gar asked with an almost hungry intensity which made the benefactor chuckle before he answered.

"How would you like to be the leader of Mandalore? One that would co-operate with the Empire?" The benefactor asked and added the last part as a reminder that he would only remain that as long as he served the Empire.

Gar was surprised at the declaration and actually laughed at the ridiculous idea.

"I am no match for Haron Ordo. I have seen him tear apart everyone that has gone against him." Gar said dismissively but then the benefactor put an object on the table that made such a think look far more possible.

It was a helmet, Mandalorian style and made of beskar but what really caught his attention was the mask that had been attached to the front.

"It is not real mythosaur bone, it was impossible to acquire a sample but it is similar enough to the naked eye. You have a mask; he has a mask…you will appeal to those that can be convince to doubt him. The ones who are against him and begin to gather them. Either he is unseated or a civil war begins for which you will obviously have Imperial support. Then you will be Mandalore. Are you convinced?" The benefactor asked with a cruel smirk.

Gar was looking hungrily at the mask as it was his ticket to power and riches and eagerly took it and put it on. The benefactor took that as his agreement and told him with a smirk.

"Good choice…Mandalore."

Reijar, the Ordo System…Two Weeks Later…

Ara was enjoying her own achievements as she secured a new world for her son to rule.

"Princess Nyssa will wed my son Corridan when they come of age and they will both rule over Trak'el Sigma." Ara said to the newly reestablished royal council who were the people that currently ruled the planet till the princess came of age. Some of them she noticed with amusement did not like that as they wanted the princess for themselves or their sons but the princess herself and Corridan had already established a bond and would be quite well suited to each other.

Ara ensured the agreement was made before clicking off and smirking in satisfaction and went back to her work before a report passed her desk that made her freeze and reread it in the vain hope that she had misinterpreted it the first time but it was just as she feared.

Her face twisted with worry as the implications went around her mind and she called an emergency meeting of the House Leaders and the Mandalorian Council.

- x -

One Hour Later…

The room was filled with everyone talking as they discussed or rather argued about the situation.

Haron was strangely quiet as he considered the issue they were facing. Gar Saxon had come forward and claimed to have the 'real' Mask of the Mandalore and declared himself the true Mandalore and leader of the Mandalorian people.

Gar was a sellout and a coward to boot, Haron considered and while the mask he had looked authentic he knew it was a fraud. The mask he himself possessed had been ruthlessly tested to see if it was the real one before he had even admitted to the other house leaders that he had it. So, Gar's clearly was a fake and given the man's history it was clear he was doing so as the Empire's little bitch! He thought with scorn for his cowardice and pathetic lust for the tiny scraps of power they would give him. He had no shame…just a common sell out.

He knew the House Leaders knew it was fake as did the council and had they had shown proof his mask was the real one but some idiots or enemies of his were supporting Gar's claim. No doubt this was what the Empire wanted Haron realised with disgust, to cause a civil war that would weaken his people so they could be more easily conquered.

Haron however was not going to let that happen, killing Gar would be easy but then he realised these supporters of his could become a problem by either spying for their enemies or just trying this plot or a similar one again.

So why didn't he use it? Haron thought with a cold ruthlessness that he had developed over the course of two wars. He banged his fist against the armrest of his chair hard enough to bring the room to silence and then spoke about what he intended to do. There were a few surprised or even fearful looks for those in the room but also proud ones from Ara who would never have thought her husband would have had it in him to make such a plot.

It was perfect and unwittingly; the Empire had given them exactly what they needed to secure their own borders.

Liber8 Base, Classified Location…

Anakin was leading his children through their saber techniques and glad to see they were picking up the basics of Shii-Cho quickly and would soon begin to look at the more complicated forms to find their specialisation.

However just as he was correcting Mace's foot placement, he saw that an unexpected visitor had arrived.

"Bao-Dur. What a pleasant surprise, are Masters Holt and Paratus with you?" Anakin asked with some interest as the Iridonian usually travelled with the two other Jedi but seemed to be here alone this time.

"Master Skywalker, I need you help." Bao-Dur said in his usual calm voice.

Anakin nodded and told the children who were now walking with interest.

"Go see your mother, its almost time for lunch." He ordered them gently and they did as they were told, even Leia although she did look at them with curiosity over her shoulder and almost walked into a wall before being pulled away by Luke at the last moment. Anakin smiled a little as thankfully the experience with Manaan had calmed Leia down and she was now becoming much more restrained in her impulses.

But he turned back to Bao-Dur who looked at him imploringly.

"Master…recently I have been having dreams. Visions really of a facility on a planet and with it a growing sense of worry. I managed with difficulty to find out where the planet and the facility on it are but I can't go alone and it looks to be heavily guarded facility. Can you provide me with some support?" Bao-Dur asked.

Anakin was a bit surprised as it wasn't really his way to take a mission like this, the 'Knights Errant' such as they were travelled to worlds that needed help and gave them whatever assistance was possible, they had been busy on Sera for the past year working on helping the population there. This wasn't their style at all and he was confused as to why.

"Is there a reason you want to go to this planet?" Anakin asked carefully, not sure of why he was so interested. Bao-Dur frowned as he wasn't sure just how to explain this compulsion but he just knew in his gut that he had to go there.

"I have only had two visions from the force in my lifetime Master Skywalker." Bao-Dur said. "One led me to the trap that brought me to this time and now there is this. While I doubt it is another trap, there is something worth discovering here."

Anakin nodded, sensing himself now that this facility was important and if the Empire was so desperate to keep it hidden, then there was something worth discovering there.

"I will assemble a strike force; we are going to…where is it exactly?" Anakin asked and Bao-Dur told him with a relieved smile.

"Wayland sir."

Rexla, Mandalorian Territory…Two Weeks Later…

Gar Saxon, wearing his impressive new helmet looked in his mind at least resplendent on the makeshift throne he had ordered built. Sitting at the head of the table he grinned as his followers grew in number, Tiber his own brother sat proudly at his side while Hark one of his most trusted men led his guards. A number of the smaller clans had already come over to their side, they had been ignored or burned by Ordo or the other houses in the past and were only too eager for a chance to rise up along with him. Some had been loyalists of the now destroyed Houses Bralor and Awaud for example and one or two had been passed over to replace House Ralmiz but the only thing that mattered to Gar was that they were willing to put him on the throne of Mandalore.

An astromech drone though approached the table, Gar presumed it belonged to one of the clans present but it didn't. The R5 unit stopped and activated its holoprojector, creating the image of a man that struck fear in the hearts of everyone at that table.

Haron Ordo appeared at the foot of the table and looked around before shaking his head in dismay.

"Some of you I expected, others I didn't. But did you really think I would allow this to get as far as it has without it being what I wanted?" Haron asked them with a cold and hard expression on their faces.

"What you wanted?" Gar said with a scoffing sound. "I have the true mask…" Gar started saying but Haron just laughed in a bitter and cold way that sent a chill through them all.

"Please." Haron said with derision and the droid then quickly deployed a laser that sliced the fake mask in half in a split second although the helmet was untouched. "Real Mythosaur bone is much stronger than that. In ancient times the Taung used it as armour before beskar was discovered, it may have looked like the real thing…but it was nothing but an empty fraud. Like you." Haron mocked Gar who froze as the entire illusion collapsed.

The clan leaders, some of whom had known that the mask was fake anyway all turned to Haron and began begging for forgiveness but Haron just kept shaking his head.

"I think we have gone beyond that now. I allowed this to go on as long as I have to find out just who I couldn't trust." Haron told them with disgust at their weakness and betrayal. "I showed some of you mercy in the past and you have just spat that in my face. Neither you nor your families will know such kindness again." Haron said coldly as he put his plan into action.

- x -

In orbit of the planet a ship decloaked, simmering into existence. It was no small corvette though; it was a fully armed Aggressor-class Artillery Vessel named the Parjai after a famous Mandalorian warship of the past. It was already in position and now just needed a small moment to carry out its part of the plan.

It fired its enormous ion cannon first which sped towards the surface. The traitors and sell outs looked up and saw the entire area bathed in a blue blast of energy. They raised their arms as if to shield against it but the energy passed by without doing them any harm, but any of the technology in the camp including the droid that was projecting the image of Haron Ordo fried immediately with its great intensity. This included all their speeders, ships and jetpacks, leaving them with no means of escape from what came next.

Now the ion cannon had trapped their enemy, the crew on the Parjai fired the other half of their main weapon, a massive plasma cannon that let out an enormous blast of angry red energy which hurtled towards the surface.

The trapped traitors on the surface looked up and saw it coming, panic spread quickly and some tried in vain to start their vehicles to escape while others in complete desperation tried to run away on foot but it was futile as they could never get far enough away.

Gar and his brother looked at their approaching death with looks of terror on their faces and Gar screamed out in terror and anger as it slammed into the ground, wiping him, his brother and everyone one down there away along with the camp and just about everything within a mile radius. The enormous mushroom cloud rose into the sky while the ground burned beneath it.

- x -

In orbit Haron watched from the bridge and was satisfied of the result, sending the recording to the other house leaders and Ara so they knew just who had sided with the enemy and would need to be eliminated.

Turning he saw his nephew Tristan sitting at the navigation station, he hadn't seen his niece or nephew for awhile so he smiled and called him over.

"Tristan." Haron said warmly.

The boy froze, almost fearful which surprised Haron a little as he knew that he was family but turned and bowed respectfully to him.

"Mandalore." Tristan said before Haron took off his helmet and smiled at him reassuringly.

"Now Tristan, you know that you can call me something else." Haron told him and Tristan nodded before amending his greeting.

"Uncle, it has been a while." Tristan said quietly but Haron was confused by his continued unease. He was fully aware he had nothing to fear from him, Haron could sense that but there was something he was desperate to hide. Deciding to play along until he could find out the truth, he asked simple questions to dig up some information.

"How are your family? How is your sister?" Haron asked and the mention of Sabine made Tristan far more anxious so clearly it had something to do with her.

"They are fine. We are doing very well." Tristan said, too quickly as if desperate for him not to probe deeper. Haron took pity on Tristan and cut to the chase to spare the boy anymore anxiety.

"What has happened to your sister Tristan? I can tell you are nervous about something and it is to do with her. Also, I would like to remind you that I am a force user and you cannot lie to me. So, what has happened?" Haron asked pressingly as he was sure she wasn't dead as there would be no need to hide that.

Tristan wilted, he tried to stay strong but Haron's relentless gaze broke his will and he finally admitted something.

"Sabine ran away."

"Why?" Haron asked with calm and neutral expression and Tristan admitted just what she had done, what his family had been so desperate to hide to make sure she was safe.

Haron listened and was furious when his nephew finished his little story, he had expected much more of Sabine and he needed to see her face to face so he could understand just what she had been thinking of by doing that.

When alone some time later he told his aide.

"Order Mandalorian Intelligence to look for any sightings of Sabine Wren, she will likely be wearing her armour and in very elaborate colours. She is an artist first and foremost. If she puts her head up, I want to be alerted personally." Haron said to his aide who nodded confused as to why he would take such an interest in this but given she was family Haron was going to be personally watching this one. He would need to break the news to Ara and their children who he knew would not be happy…especially given what he and they would be obliged to do when she finally stuck her head up from wherever she was hiding.

Mount Tantiss, Wayland…

The cold and bitter wind stabbed into Anakin and Bao-Dur as they approached the mountain base. It was by all appearances just a normal mountain but they could both feel the force was twisted in some way here.

"Are we sure this is the place?" Devan at their side asked, finding it hard to believe.

"Confident Statement: My scanners confirm there is an extensive complex within the mountain. Quite a large complex in fact." HK-47 said, sure of his own equipment.

Bao-Dur meanwhile was feeling something that the droid had no hope of sensing, something familiar was within that mountain. Something that he had not felt in a long time but dismissed it as impossible. It simply couldn't be.

Devan with some misgivings led the hundred commandoes they'd brought with them towards a cave which contained the entrance to the facility. Anakin seeing a pair of large turbolasers leapt through the air with single jump and ignited his lightsaber, the blue blade slicing cleanly through them and before he could even land a new figure emerged. Brandishing a red bladed lightsaber, this sole Dark Jedi Guardian attacked Anakin wildly with no thought of self-preservation. This recklessness allowed him to last for a little while but Anakin was a force upon to himself and quickly beheaded the Dark Jedi, allowing them to proceed forward into the complex. The heavy security door was lined with phrik so cutting it was out of the question but thankfully Bao-Dur used his own incredible technical skills to slice into the door panel and into the security systems.

The door slowly opened and the commandos were met face to face with a squad of Death troopers, they began to exchange fire and Devan fired his customised heavy rifle at the Death Troopers cutting them down with HK-47 who used his customised slug thrower rifle with deadly accuracy. Bao-Dur and Anakin ignited their lightsabers and joined in the push, the Death Troopers called in the regular Stormtroopers to assist them but the heavy commandoes mowed them down with heavy repeaters.

So as the enemy fell back, they pressed on into the facility.

- x -

Devan and some of his men arrived into the main computer complex and saw technicians who were reaching towards panels on the far side, guessing they were going to try and wipe the database but Devan wasn't going to get away with it. He and his men shot them down and secured the Computer Core, making sure they were in control of it and more importantly in a position to shut down all the security systems and cut off communications so they could not call for help. Seeing a holographic representation of the facility he was again struck by the sheer scale of it and wondered just what the Emperor needed such a large complex for?

- x -

Bao-Dur and HK-47 were moving into another large section of the facility, according the signs on the wall this was the Cloning Centre and already they had discovered a large number of Spaarti Cloning Cylinders alongside Kaminoan cloning equipment and other stuff too. Dissected corpses lay on tables and preserved body parts floating in tanks. It was like a horror holofilm Bao-Dur thought with disgust and then the feeling of familiarity came to him again and he turned to the next section of the facility where two specific rooms were held with cloning tanks.

Bao-Dur walked into one of the rooms and saw the tank was murky as different fluids mixed inside it but he felt the force strongly from the tank and there was definitely someone inside there. He would have checked the data display to see just what they had inside that tank but Death Troopers came in and started shooting at them, Bao-Dur had his blue lightsaber already out and was deflecting their fire back at them while HK-47 shot them down but the fighting seemed to stir whatever was in the tank as movement could be seen inside it, then one of the Death Trooper's missed their shot and hit the tank instead, shattering the glass.

The fluid rushed out along with the broken glass but a graceful figure leapt free of the tank and straight at the Death Troopers, they tried to shoot her but she twisted her body to avoid it till she landed at their feet and then swept them to the ground with a sweeping kick, grabbing the nearest and snapping his neck with a single hard twist before ruthlessly moving on to the next one which swung their blaster at her but she grabbed hold of it and pulled it away from him before smashing it hard enough into his chest that it caved it in.

The remaining two struggled to their feet but already the mystery woman was on them, she broke the arm of one while wrenching the blaster from her hand to shoot the other one before shooting the still disabled trooper.

The room now secure the naked figure just stood there for a moment before dropping the blaster and removing the dark body suit and boots of the Death Troopers while discarding armour sections to clothe herself. HK-47 kept his rifle picked at her while Bao-Dur kept his lightsaber ready too.

When she finally stood up and was face to face with Bao-Dur he dropped his lightsaber in sheer shock at who he was seeing, it was impossible and yet here she was. Her soothing and commanding presence in the force something he had never thought to feel again nor actually see her in the flesh.

"General." He said almost breathlessly and Meetra Surik stood there with a small smile on her face, glad to be free of that blasted tank even if she had no idea just how she was here when she had died thousands of years ago! She even remembered being a force spirit vaguely and helping Revan and the Outlander against the Sith Emperor but now here was again, a living person once again.

"Confused Question: Master, is in normal for organics to return from the dead?" HK-47 asked, himself not understanding how she was here but she just told them both.

"I do not know how I am here, only that I am and I will help you now to the best of my ability." Meetra said with a smile, glad to have them at her side during this confusing event. She had her white blonde hair longer than she normally would and was forced to tie it back with a strip of cloth so it would not get in her face and picked up the blaster she had previously dropped. Not her normal weapon but it would do she thought at least until she could get a proper lightsaber.

"Excited Statement: Then master we should move on, there are many meatbags to terminate." HK-47 said with eagerness and Meetra smiled, seeing the vicious droid hadn't changed but there was one piece of unfinished business here.

"That we will my friends, but first I need to set free the other person being held here." Meetra told them and led them into the next room where an identical tank to the one she had been in stood. Rather than shoot it Meetra just purged the tank of fluid and used the force to open the tank, letting another female figure of athletic but also somewhat curved dimensions just like Meetra herself stand up free of the tank. She was different to Meetra with dark hair and pale skin, her grey and blue eyes opened and appeared like Meetra to be in her early twenties. She took a few steadying breathes before looking around to see just where she was. Meetra who technically hadn't met her before but knew full well who she was and offered her another of the body suits from the Death Troopers and some boots with a blaster.

"Time is wasting, work to be done." Meetra told her and the other woman with a slightly breathy voice nodded calmly, radiating wisdom and a strong will from every note.

"Indeed, we must take the fight to the enemy."

- x -

Anakin meanwhile was leading the charge into the upper areas where the Emperor himself would presumably rule while he was here. A throne room and study among other things, he could conceivably run the entire Empire from here, Anakin thought with a shake of the head. Wondering if he had other little command centres like this one elsewhere in the galaxy.

Not to mention the number of vaults he had here, who knows just what was in them Anakin thought with exasperation. What secrets had he buried here? Anakin thought and how many more he had hidden around the galaxy? The more they learned about Palpatine, he thought with disgust the less seemed to true.

He was fighting now against the red cloaked Imperial Royal Guards, there were using force pikes lined with phrik and they were he thought with gritted teeth well trained. Agile and viciously precise, his men were in a firefight with the remaining Stormtroopers so they couldn't help him, meaning he had to deal with the five Royal Guard alone.

At least until Bao-Dur and HK-47 arrived with a pair of very unexpected reinforcements.

Two women in their early twenties dressed in black bodysuits; but what surprised him more was that they both were extremely powerful in the force, perhaps equal to himself! Proven moments later when the one with dark hair and greyish blue eyes used an incredibly powerful force push to knock all five Imperial Royal Guards back along with the Stormtroopers while leaving Anakin himself and the Rebel Commandoes untouched! The precision of that sort of move astonished him and the other woman who had white blonde hair and skin just as pale as the other one leapt through the air and snatched one of the force pikes from the Royal Guard member's mid-air and kicked one hard in the mask so he crashed hard into the floor.

She moved like a skilled dancer, spinning, ducking, pivoting and moving around the royal guard and then stabbing each of them in quick succession as she hit them with Force Stasis to make them stop still.

Anakin was surprised as it was hard to hold multiple opponents still at the same time with that technique but she did it easily and with the room now secure he turned to them both and Bao-Dur who approached him along with Devan who was astonished at what he had just witnessed.

"While grateful for your assistance I would like to ask for your names. I did not see either of you in the temple when we still had it." Anakin said with caution, both of the mystery women were extremely powerful in the force and their skill with using it was so top tier they would have given most of the Jedi Council a run for their credits.

The two women just looked at him with curiosity before smiling. The dark haired one spoke first.

"So, you are Anakin Skywalker. I vaguely remember meeting your former padawan some years ago on Odessan." She said with a calm and warm voice that soothed those who heard it even Anakin and Devan who were the most suspicious of her. "As to not seeing us at the temple, we were there just not when you were. I am Satele Shan and this is my colleague, Meetra Surik."

The mention of those legendary names struck Anakin silent for a moment, not least of which because he realised now that he looked that them both he could see the resemblance from the history holos at the temple. They both were identical to the historic figures but he had no idea just how that was possible. Bao-Dur added as Devan fingered his blaster's trigger in worry.

"The Empire cloned their bodies and somehow their spirits returned with them. It is them Master Skywalker, I swear it." Bao-Dur said with an eager smile, so glad to have the General back as her presence alone made things better. She had saved the galaxy before and he was convinced she could do it again.

Anakin was concerned, maybe they were clones just programmed to think they were the originals but there was the matter of 'Satele' knowing that Ahsoka had encountered her force ghost during the Clone Wars. He frowned as he honestly wasn't sure but a simmering form appeared before him.

"Revan." Meetra said with a calm greeting, while the rest of them all went silent at the appearance of the force ghost.

"It is good to see you again my friend. And that you have managed to get a chance to live your life again after it was stolen from you." Revan said sadly, remembering how she had died before turning to Satele and addressing his descendant. "And you Satele, I know duty is your life but this is a second chance for you. You never explored your feelings for Jace Malcom or was ever really a mother to your son, do not let your life slip past again. Find time for yourself." He advised her as she had neglected so much of herself for the Republic and the Jedi, she deserved to try and have a life of her own this time.

"I…I will try." Satele said with awkwardness as she didn't really feel comfortable in dealing with personal matters. Duty had been her sole focus for many years and having such things had seemed impossible back then. She decided to change the subject as she found this too unsettling. "How are we back again? We both passed into the force." She asked Revan and Meetra nodded in agreement as she wanted to know herself. They all looked to Revan who still wore his mask even as a force ghost and told them.

"Even those such as I cannot be sure of the reasons why, perhaps because of the corruption Palpatine has created the force reacts this way to try and restore balance. His power will only grow until he is destroyed so do not underestimate him." Revan warned them. "Meetra I know he cloned you by mistake. It was me he was trying to clone but somewhere in the past our samples in the Jedi Medical Vault where confused, Satele was cloned as my closest relative so they were intent on using her DNA to try and recover an additional sample if the primary was corrupted. Either way you are both back, so make a difference." Revan told them before disappearing.

That left them all confused and unsettled by the idea that Palpatine was growing stronger and the force was doing things like this to restore balance. Anakin in particular but he then resolved that they could only do what they could, they would find a way to defeat him he thought with his confidence returning. No-one was invincible he reassured himself so they would make it happen.

"Let's make sure the place is completely secure and what else might be here." Anakin said to them all. "If he hid this place and made such an enormous complex so there must be other things here. We search it and then destroy the facility. I won't let him use this place again."

"Agreed, but first Meetra and I will need to visit the workshops. It seems he had all the parts and pieces required to build and make lightsabers for his own use and we would rather replace ours sooner rather than later." Satele said, knowing that whatever dangers may lay buried here it would be best not to face them without being prepared.

"Then we will search the upper levels while you do that. Then you join us for the lower levels." Devan said, not liking it as these two were an unknown element but even he could not deny their usefulness.

- x -

One Week Later…

Anakin was staggered as he watched all the things they had found being carted out of the facility; it honestly was insane the number of things that had been stored in there. The storage vaults on the top of the facility had only been the beginning as Meetra and Satele had discovered an entire level below the complex known as the Labyrinth where even more things had been stored.

Apart from several thousand Spaarti cloning cylinders that had supposedly been destroyed during the Clone Wars there were schematics for a cloning device and lists of hidden credit accounts Palpatine had put aside.

And that was just to start with! Anakin thought as they had needed to call in a medium sized transport ship to carry all of the stuff they had decided to remove away.

Pieces of priceless art, Old Republic relics, expensive objects, Sith and Jedi artifacts, Sith holocrons, ancient energy weapons, religious objects, Master Yaddle's lightsaber, the weightless lightsaber of Darth Bane, a huge collection of crystals including Kyber crystals and much more. Satele and Meetra had both managed to find crystals for them to build new lightsabers with and still have many to spare.

Gruesome discoveries had been found deeper down in tombs located in the Labyrinth, mummified bodies were discovered there with no idea of just who they were, Anakin could only presume them to be victims of Palpatine that he had preserved for his own amusement.

Going through the extensive library too had given them much to analyse. Apart from records of his experiments with Sith Alchemy and records of the different frame ups that he had created to ruin the Jedi there were many important texts like a copy of the Caamas Document along with Jedi and Sith tomes and scrolls long thought lost.

Crucially though there had also been Palpatine's personal copy of the Book of the Sith, Anakin held it in his hand and stared at it. He knew there was a great deal to learn about the Sith from it but he personally just wanted to burn it! The credit accounts too as who knows how he obtained that money but with it Liber8 and the Rebel Alliance could do some real good in the galaxy.

The Hidden Path would take and hide most of the relics and relevant texts for a more stable time in the future. As for the cloaking device and some of the other pieces of technology he had given them to Bao-Dur who promised he and Kazdan would look into seeing if they could be made workable. Anakin hoped so as the cloaking device alone would be immensely useful to the rebellion.

But the cloning cylinders and much of the rest of the stuff would never leave the mountain Anakin thought and turned to Devan who nodded with some eagerness.

While most of them had been clearing the place out, Devan and his demolition team had been setting explosives all over the complex and at last with them all clear, they were ready to detonate them.

They all watched from the nearby hillside, eager to see just what would happen as Devan pressed the detonator. There was a brief moment of silence before a rumble travelled through the earth beneath their feet and their all stumbled a little as it hit them and nearly missed the massive cracks that formed in the mountain as the internal structure inside collapsed in on itself. And then right before their eyes the mountain started to break apart and fall into a massive heap.

The sight was incredible and they all took a deep breath before smiling as they had hurt the Emperor today, personally not just bashing his Empire but had struck a blow at him. Something they really hadn't done before.

Anakin turned to Meetra and Satele.

"What will you do now?" He asked them, and they told him with a smile.

"See where the force takes us." Satele answered, Anakin was about to invite them back to Liber8 before Meetra told him.

"We will meet again Master Skywalker, for now though we must go our separate ways."

"Stay in touch General." Bao-Dur asked, sad they would not be travelling the galaxy together again but all the same he was so happy she was back as it gave him hope that somehow, they would turn this situation around.

Ord Vaxal, Callia Sector, Inner Rim…

A prison planet Ord Vaxal was also the main base for Imperial rule in the sector, Moff Adria Reyn who had used murder, political manipulation and other such tools to rise to her current position despite her lack of military experience was meeting with the Hutt slave lord Sassallo who had been blackmailing her for some time. She was already planning to eliminate the Hutt the first moment that she could but for the moment he had her over a barrel so she complied with his requests.

But another Hutt vessel had arrived the same time, under the pretext of buying slaves from Sassallo, slavery was his main trade after all but hidden in its cargo bay was nasty little surprise for both the hutt and the moff.

"No, I can't open the gap any wider or longer Sassallo." Adria said with anger at being told by this slug what to do, her arms crossed and her foot tapping the floor with impatience.

"You will do as I tell you, or our little arrangement will become public knowledge." Sassallo threatened her but before she could argue with him a distinctive snap hiss sounded in the room and a squad of heavily armed Mandalorians jumped down, both Sassallo and Adria were caught off guard while the Mandalorians, one of which was armed with a lightsaber leapt into action. The warriors gutting down all the Stormtroopers while the Akaan among them cut down the Hutt's guards with ruthless efficiency and then used the force to make one of the Stormtroopers shoot Sassallo.

Adria meanwhile found herself with a sleeping dart in the neck, feeling immediately dizzy before slumping to the floor, caught by the Mandalorians before she hit the floor and was restrained.

"Right pack it up. We have five minutes." Trilla told her warriors, a Special Operations team named Pterosaur Squad. They all nodded and obeyed her orders, taking the uncomfortable Moff with them before returning to their borrowed ship and leaving the planet through the same gap in the scanner net that the Moff ironically had opened for Sassallo.

Making the jump to hyperspace Trilla sighed before making the call she needed to make, not liking having to deal with these people but it was the best way to get into such places.

She activated the holonet transceiver and saw the image of a large hutt and a protocol droid appear before her, she gave a small bow and told him what he wanted to hear.

"Great Jabba, I can report the death of the rival Sassallo and thank you for your graceful lending of this vessel to carry us to our target." She said and was glad she was wearing her helmet as it hid her discomfort at dealing with the Hutts.

Jabba spoke in huttese and while Trilla did understand the language the droid still translated anyway.

"The Mighty Jabba is most pleased to hear of the death of the pretender Sassallo and is grateful for your assistance. Upon the return of the vessel our business will be concluded." The droid told them and she nodded before the transmission was cut.

Jabba's clan was a rival to the one Sassallo had belonged too and had wanted to remove him but could not be seen to be doing it himself. So, he had instead helped the Mandalorians gain entry to the world so they could kidnap the Moff and eliminate his rival at the same time. It was a dirty business but a necessary evil as the Hutts had connections they could only dream about and working with them opened certain doors that would otherwise remain firmly closed.

Trilla took off her helmet in private and sighed in distaste at having to make sure deals but they were a people at war and sometimes that meant making deals with people that otherwise you would never even talk to if given the choice.

She decided to interrogate their prisoner a little to see what they could pull out of her with determination, she was fully trained in extracting information and it didn't make any sense to wait as who knows what might happen before they got home and if any intel might be lost.

A short time later Trilla was standing in front of the restrained Adria and holding her hand out as she used the force to pull the information from her. Adria resisted but she was no match for Trilla's will. She had some useful details already, political blackmail material the corrupt Moff had might be helpful in making some new assets inside the Empire but Adria then let slip something while trying to insult Trilla.

"Project Stardust will destroy you all!" She said with a laugh that was almost hysterical and Trilla frowned as she could sense the other woman was completely certain of it and decided to probe deeper.

"What is Project Stardust?" She demanded with the force pressing harder on Adria who immediately stopped laughing and started screaming with frustration and pain but Trilla eventually stopped as while she knew the name…that was all Adria knew about it.

Apart from the belief among the higher-level Imperials that it would end all rebellion against the Empire and make all the other powers surrender.

Trilla felt a chill run down her spine as she could feel in the force that this was important and now that they had the name hoped they might be able to uncover more but for the moment it was still a massive mystery and one that was concerning many senior figures in the Rift Alliance as they had no idea just what the Empire was planning. They had a bunch of confusing pieces but could not solve the puzzle.

She just hoped they could before too long.

Spirit of Vengeance, Mandalorian Raiding Force, Nevarro Orbit…

On the bridge of his Keldabe-class flagship the Spirit of Vengeance, Neville had a small smirk as he saw his forces level the Imperial Base there. It had been a thorn in their side for awhile now and after trying to install a puppet on the throne of Mandalore it had been decided to launch a series of raids in retaliation. The Mass Driver Cannon was levelling the facility below with brutal accuracy and it would not be the only place to feel their anger.

For which he had been assigned control, Neville thought with pride at having been entrusted with such a campaign. Hannah stood at his side while their two boys watched their father launch his own series of attacks against the Empire.

Kidnapping or assassination of Imperial officials, bombings, raids and more had been deployed and it would pave the way for greater territorial expansion which was planned. While he wasn't completely comfortable with taking over worlds for themselves it would make sure they kept their people safe and strong.

He had been promised by Harry as he still thought his old friend that he and his family would be given a holding of their own with the next expansion. He had not asked for it but it would be something for him and his family to call their own.

Neville and Hannah both smiled as they held each other, glad to have not just each other but their boys and all their friends. Grateful for all that they had been given in this life.

Liber8 Base, Classified Location…

"Now when making a souffle the important thing to remember is consistency. You must not over or under whip." Devan told both his own son Jal and the Skywalker children as they watched him prepare dinner. He handed the whisk over to Luke and let him have a go at mixing and the boy was painfully awkward in doing it but Devan smiled and told him. "You are doing well, just make sure you have a steady hand and rotate on a three count."

Luke nodded and followed his advice to the letter which Devan gave an approving nod before turning to Leia who was now eager to help.

"Now I need you to take care of the rice and carefully add the spice. Be careful not to add too much. Some people don't like it too hot." He warned her and she nodded before going to prepare the rice as he had taught her and gently adding the spice so it had enough punch to it without being overdone.

"Jal, I need you to chop and prepare the meat while Mace you do the vegetables." Devan told the final two who eagerly got to work as he had showed them, the smells teasing their nose and making their mouths water as they cooked their meal.

Anakin and Padme when they came in a while later were impressed at how good Devan was with their children, they listened to him and respected him completely not to mention he was a great cook they thought with their stomachs growing hungry at the great smells being created. He was teaching all the children to cook as well since despite his prowess in battle he was also a master chef who never failed to make incredible food.

They smiled as the food Devan had prepared with the help of the children was put on the table and they all sat down to enjoy it. Anakin and Padme both loving it from the first bite and as they meal progressed, he and Devan couldn't help to share the details of their most recent adventure.

"So, when we cleared out the mountain fortress, we put bombs all over the inside and then blew it up…the whole mountain." Devan told the children who were wide eyed at the picture they had painted and Anakin added more while Padme rolled her eyes at their enthusiasm with a small smile.

"It collapsed into a massive hole in the ground and buried the place forever." Anakin said with almost childish eagerness and the children just looked on in awe.

"Don't get any ideas!" Padme warned them, half joking and half serious. "I don't want any of you blowing up mountains till you are at least grown up."

The adults all laughed at the expressions on the children's faces before they went back to eating and sharing details about their day with each other. Laughing and just enjoying the peace and warmth of the moment. The Skywalker children already were fond of Devan, he was like a fun but wise uncle they could learn new and interesting things from while he gave them advice and he and Jal found comfort in being with the Skywalkers who were a warm and welcoming family.

- x -

Later that evening when they had all cleaned up and the children had gone to sleep, Anakin and Padme were still up to enjoy some private time to themselves. Sitting on their large seat together and enjoying just being with each other they kissed and were about to get intimate with each other when a holocall came in at just the wrong moment.

They both wanted to ignore it but the persistent beeping finally got to them both and they reluctantly stopped what they were doing, straightened themselves out and opened the channel. A hologram of Bail Organa appeared and while the man was a great ally and a dear friend but they both couldn't help be irritated by the interruption.

"It is good to see you both again, I am sorry for calling so late but I have a situation that requires your…assistance." Bail said and wondering with exasperation just what was wrong this time Padme asked.

"What do you need? We're always happy to help." She said fixing a smile on her face and Anakin was always impressed with how good she was at masking her true feelings, making it hard for even him to feel them at times.

"I need to sent two younglings to you." Bail said which surprised them as this wasn't the sort of request that he was known for but the reason soon became clear.

"Their names are Tash and Zak Arranda. Brother and sister but they have been discovered as force sensitive and worse caught reading about the Jedi. I've got them in a safe house for now but the Inquisitors are looking for them. They need a place to stay and someone to teach them. Can you help?" Bail asked, the two young Alderaanians were to his mind perfect candidates for the Jedi but they were currently in danger and Padme and her husband were the only two he had contact with that he could send them too.

Anakin was immediately against the idea at least at first, after all he had three children to teach already even if it was with Kagame's help and what Bail was effectively asking them to do was to adopt two more children, younger than Luke and Leia and be responsible for them for who knows how many years.

Padme on the other hand was all for it, her natural compassion bleeding for the two endangered children and it was the right thing to do in her mind. They needed help and she and her family could provide it.

"We'll take them. You can rely on us." Padme said and Anakin blinked before reluctant about it he knew that when his wife was focused on something she wasn't going to let it go for anything. Regardless of what he said they were going to end up with two more children to care for.

Well, Anakin thought with resigned acceptance, he just hoped they were the right kind of students for him.

Leviathan, Mandalorian Lucrehulk…Classified Location…

The Rift Alliance Council had gathered for their secret meeting but crucially, after they had made sure that the room was secure of any surveillance equipment and that everyone present could be trusted before beginning their meeting. Representatives from all the members were there and even the Rebel Alliance, Liber8 and Underworld Alliance had someone present.

Admiral Ackbar (Mon Calamari/Quarran), Tarffel (Wookiees), President Foylkk (The Salient Federation), Whorm Loathsom (The Separatist Alliance), Garm Bel-Iblis (Corellia/Rebel Alliance), Duncan Idaho (Pasdisahah Imperium), General Sky Falls in Thunder (Than Hegemony), Admiral Etahn A'baht (Dornea), Minister Kyburn (Namzor), Sweitt Concorkill (Semba), Kagame (Liber8) and Talon Karrde (Underworld Alliance).

Haron made the key speech.

"We have been preparing for a long time, building up our forces and positioning ourselves. Now we are ready, defeating the Empire and making our way to the Core Worlds is out of our reach for now but after this we will shake it to its very core. A massive co-ordinated strike, inside and outside. To cause the most damage and the most chaos possible. Those that cannot join the fighting can support and there will be benefits to us all. We know our targets, what we must do." Haron said as they all nodded in agreement, it was time for a big push. Some preparations had to be made yet but soon they would be making a major strike against the Empire.

The Imperial Palace, Coruscant…

The Emperor had been in a dark mood for days, no one with any hope of living would dare approach him.

The reason was very simple, one of his most important facilities on both a strategic but also a personal level had been raided and destroyed by the Rebels. His cloning operations might continue on Byss but all of the Jedi samples had been on Wayland.

His fury upon discovering that the Rebels had dared attack one of his personal facilities had killed major members of his palace staff and even two or three of his closest advisors. Palpatine had truly been ready to explode the entire planet but as if a miracle, one last piece of information had arrived from his clone scientists that had stopped his massacre if not improved his mood.

They had taken blood samples from Satele Shan who he had cloned to exploit her powerful blood and maybe create a secondary source of Revan's DNA if needed but they had from her blood finally discovered a cure for his degradation!

While he would still wither as the dark side took its toll on his body the wasting sickness he had suffered from since that harpy Talzin had attacked him. But it could also be used to stabilize the Vader clones and make a more powerful version. They had even become applying it to his 'sons' or clones of himself in the hopes of learning something and perhaps let them breed in the hopes of creating a powerful force sensitive that might finally be a useful apprentice to him.

But all the same he was in dark mood, it felt like the force was fighting back against him, strengthening the light whatever he did as if to spite him and this enraged him all over again. He was the master of the force! It did as he commanded and yet it was slipping through his fingers more and more every day.

He would need to increase his efforts, Palpatine thought with hate filled determination and to suppress any hint of rebellion. One of his generals Rom Mohc had proposed a very intriguing project he called 'Dark Trooper' which he claimed would allow the Imperial Army to destroy any opposition.

He would give the project his blessing, like the Jedi before him his insight into the future was diminished too almost nothing, he would not tolerate this! Palpatine thought with fury as the dark side raged inside him, a storm forming above the palace in response to his mood but as the people headed for cover the Emperor let loose his anger, creating a fierce and unexpected storm that baffled the local weather control stations as to how it was possible.

There we are and I hope you all enjoyed it! Please leave a review and let me know what you thought.

What did Sabine do? She did not invent the Duchess but she did something else, something that has gotten her in a lot of hot water with her people. That is all I will say for now.

The food Devan was preparing was a souffle and Jambalaya or based on it at least. I am not a chef so I do apologise if I got anything wrong.

More Review Responses…

Vic the Man – Not sure exactly what you mean but ironically the war might limit the spread of a disease as borders remain closed. Tyber Zann? The thought has occurred to me but with the Underworld Alliance already in play he wouldn't join unless he thinks he can take it over. Characters from that game will show up but as for Tyber himself? I am unsure.

ShadowbaneXX – Paul is a man that had all the markings of greatness but I don't think he ever really achieved it. It isn't Dune as it was before as I did have to make changes to make it fit into Star Wars as they are two different fandoms.

HowlnMadHowie – I understand your feelings regarding Dune. It is not something I would have done normally but I wanted to expand the number of factions in the Star Wars universe and it seemed like a good fit but there is a reason for it as something important comes in the next chapter. Nila Vist is based on a story I saw a long while ago and she herself has a purpose but that will come later.

TheRazgrizDragon – There is a similar medal, I was going to include them more but I lost my notes on them although I think I have found them again so I will try and work them back in.

Uber Ghidorah – Not sure if they would fit but elements of Halo have shown up and another big one is coming in the future. Their ships have certain qualities that make them fit well with the Mandalorians.

AnimeFan13579 – The next weapon? It is a familiar one, or rather should I say two familiar ones.

ASd – I think I managed it! Hope you have a good new year too!

Tassadar112 – Possibly but probably not.

- x -

Next Chapter – The next major offensive is launched while we enter the era of Rebels and while good things happen, the Rift Alliance suffers a setback.