Alright so last chapter was a bit of a doozy in setting up many conflicts to come on top of the Zillo Beast debacle but that's out of the way now. Onto the next arc and well, you're gonna notice some strange things here that some may bring up in the reviews so pay attention to the dialogue and lines very carefully.
So a few questions I saw that I want to answer in rapid succession.
Yes Peter's Spider-sense can detect Palpatine's danger though not at this precise moment. It will take a while as Peter is still just grasping his powers. But once he gets better grasp of it all, he will start staying clear of the Chancellor or just staying far away.
Yes, Scott doesn't get that big in canon though I think he did that in Endgame but I made sure to display the stress and if he got that big again, he'd still pass out after using it, especially after seeing him do it in Ant-man and the Wasp. Also, Zillo Beast is too damn big to be shrunken with the tech that Scott and Hope have. Say it was a building like we saw in Ant-man and the Wasp, the building was retrofitted with Hanks tech to shrink down. This was a living creature.
Jebest4781: Besides, in canon, Scott only grew to 60 feet.. Compared to the Zillo beast being about 5 times larger. So yeah, just the only one time extent of him growing that tall and knowing the repercussions of going beyond his 60 feet size limit.
There's also the question of what T'ra Saa said to Steve in private, but here's something you should ask yourselves. Why is it T'ra Saa in particular? Look to the Force, and by the Force I mean the internet and by the internet I mean T'ra's history. There's a reason why it HAS to be her. But it will be revealed soon enough.
Also, Hulk and Thor are still out there and they'll arrive in the galaxy at a later time and date. For now on their parts, it's canon from what we see and learn from Thor Ragnarok up to a certain point.
So other than that, let's not dilly dally.
But I implore you all, please check out A Song of Fire, Ice and Hearts. Me and Jebest have put in a great deal of time and effort into developing this story and I think it's some of our best work together. If you wanna try out new and "exotic" crossovers, I think you'll really like this one.
And then of course, season 7, episode 1 the Bad Batch. Now I was aware of the Bad Batch for years now since the Clone Wars released those unfinished story reels so I already had a solid indication as to who they were. But now that I saw them in their full animated glory, my god, they're even more badass than I had anticipated. They are gonna work brilliantly with the Avengers.
And that's that.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.
Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 26: Holocron Heist
*BLAM* *BOOOM*
Steve narrowly dodged several explosive blasters bolts sent in his direction, flinging his shield forward at a cluster of Super Battle Droids. After going through and denting the cluster, the shield returned to its owner in time for him to block several blaster bolts.
Overhead, War Machine and Falcon flew around the AT-TE perimeter that the 501st legion and 212th battalion had established in holding back the damn near endless wave of Battle Droids that just kept on coming.
Off to the center front, Obi-wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker wielded their lightsabers deflecting every blaster bolt fired at them.
"So, this is what you've been up to?"
"More or less."
Black Widow stayed behind Cap for cover, using her newly acquired DC-17's with great precision and accuracy.
Rex had kindly gifted the Avenger these new pistols as a means of gratitude towards the Avengers for everything they've done for the Clones and Jedi since their arrival here. Something Widow appreciated very much.
If only the circumstances were better to fully appreciate the weapons as they were about to be swarmed by the Droids.
War Machine and Falcon had even had to come down now as too many droids were starting to come upon their position, resulting in a ground game of defense.
The 501st legion and 212th Battalion were slowly being whittled down with the four Avengers and two Jedi having to cover many troopers as to not lose their foothold.
"If we don't get reinforcements or an evac soon, we're gonna get swarmed." Rhodey said aloud, holding out both hands that fired a near endless supply of bullets with his shoulder mounted Machine Gun blasting away at his blind spots.
"Master Plo Koon and his fleet is overhead." Anakin announced. "They're trying to get past the Separatist blockade and come get us out of here."
"Let's hope we'll still be here when that happens." Sam said, utilizing wings as cover for himself and the troopers beside him one of them being Cutup as they fired back at the advancing droids.
Up above the atmosphere of the planet Felucia, the Separatist fleet was engaged with the aforementioned Jedi General Plo Koon and his fleet and legion, the newly rebuilt and revitalized 104th battalion.
Or the Wolffe-pack as it was called.
Plo Koon lead a team of V-19s and LAAT Gunships straight at the Separatist fleet.
"Warthog, protect the gunships." Koon ordered. "I will take out the gunships. The rest of you stay spaced out and focused. Make sure the Gunships make it through."
With a chorus of "yes sir!" from his troops, Plo Koon throttled forward in his ship with his squad right behind him.
They were immediately met with CIS starfighters yet they blew past most of them with the 104th fleet covering their backsides.
The squad lost two V-19s though they pressed on with only several pursuers on their tail.
Meanwhile, Commander Wolffe instructed them to target the left flank taking down a damaged cruiser.
Back down on the ground, the Republic Forces were being backed into a corner as the droids pressed their assault on their position.
The Avengers worked in tandem with the Clones and Jedi in order to stay standing but the amount of spider droids on top of these more durable Super's were proving to be a challenge.
Several times now, Rhodey, Sam and Steve stepped forward as decoys to help in keeping a flank from falling. Anakin and Obi-wan themselves had to run out several times to clear some droids though thankfully, they had some reprieve with the arrival/return of one Quicksilver.
Smashing back several waves, they managed to keep their footing yet with how many droids just kept coming on top of the blaster bolts flying through the air the speedster got struck several times without realizing it.
"Hold on sir, I'll get you patched up." A Clone Trooper by the name of Kix said, quickly bandaging Pietro's left arm that had gotten a particularly nasty hit.
The Sokovian grunted in amusement and frustration. "That's the second time I've gotten shot in this arm. Must have shitty luck."
"Don't tempt a repeat of Sokovia, Pietro." Steve said beside him, tossing his shield before using a DC-15 Blaster Carbine to shoot down several B1s.
"We've got company." Widow yelled out, some looking up at a set of Vulture Droids flying overhead when they were shot down by several V-19s that whizzed by.
"If those were V-19s then that means Master Plo isn't far behind with our transports." Anakin stated.
"Anakin, have you gotten word from Ahsoka?" Obi-wan inquired.
"She hasn't responded since her scout into the jungle." Anakin stated just as LAAT Gunships began descending on their position. Anakin continued deflecting the blaster bolts while holding up his wrist comm. "Ahsoka, come in, where are you?"
Off on her end, Ahsoka Tano backflipped atop the A6 Juggernaut AKA The Clone Turbo Tank to help cover the Clone manning the turret atop the tank.
She wielded her green lightsaber, deflecting back every shot sent her way.
With her was torrent squad with Fives leading the company along with his other Domino squad brother Hevy and Echo.
While she fought on, the voice of her master came through from her comm link. "Ahsoka, come in, where are you?"
"About Six clicks east, Master Skywalker." Ahsoka responded. "We've engaged the enemy and we've got them on the run."
Down below, the Clone Troopers steadily moved forward with them shooting down practically every droid within their sights.
"Hold your position, Ahsoka." Anakin instructed. "Master Plo and his fleet is here to extract us. We're getting out of here."
Ahsoka balked at the information. "What?! Wha- But Master, we've broken through their defenses! I've got them on the run!"
Back over with Anakin, the LAAT Gunships had landed and with the Avengers and Obi-wan covered the evacuation of their troopers.
"Get in the ships, quick." Steve shouted, moving about to make sure no Clone was gunned down from behind a method Sam, Rhodey, Nat and Kenobi followed.
Pietro helped in zipping towards the Clones furthest from the Gunships and getting them out of the fire.
"Ahsoka." Obi-wan now contacted her. "The Droid army outnumbers our forces; we are pulling back now. That is an order."
"Master Kenobi, please." Ahsoka said, fighting ferociously on her end. "I've got the tinnies on the run. Master Skywalker taught me never to back down when having the advantage."
"They are regrouping with their main forces now, which you will fall victim to."
"Ahsoka." Steve chimed in. "You are endangering your trooper's lives."
"When we get there, you are getting into the Gunships." Anakin finished. "That's final, Snips."
"Master, please." Ahsoka pleaded. "I got the Seppies on the run."
"Right, so we'll use your advantage to extract you."
As Anakin finished that statement, the remainder of the Clones got into the Gunships and they lifted off with all accounted for.
They flew over to where Ahsoka was, noticing that she continued her advance disregarding her orders.
"Land in front of them." Anakin ordered the pilot.
Doing as he said, the gunships landed before Torrent squad with the clones aboard providing covering fire.
Anakin stepped out to face an irate Padawan.
"Get in the ship, Ahsoka."
"Master, what are you doing?! Can't you see they're retreating?!" Ahsoka yelled out frustratedly.
"That's what you think Snips but they're about to overrun you, you just can't see it." Anakin said sharply.
Ahsoka opened her mouth to retort when the AT-TE to her right blew up from a droid rocket that came from behind. Glancing back, she saw another wave of battle droids marching on her position with more at the front coming to reinforce those that she was already fighting.
"Ahsoka, now!" Anakin said aloud with his Padawan finally acquiescing.
Upon flying up into the air, Ahsoka saw the full scope of just how badly she was about to be swarmed with the remaining two vehicles that they had left behind promptly being destroyed.
She looked back in shame and fear at her master who only gave her a look of disappointment as they had departed Felucia.
Off to the other side, Steve and Nat only looked on with the latter showing slight curiosity and disapprovement as to what had transpired.
Eventually, the Republic Forces had pulled out of Felucia entirely and had returned back to Republic capital.
After a long trip back to Coruscant, it didn't take long for Ahsoka to be facing the Jedi Council with her Master by her side as they had gone over what had happened on Felucia.
"Padawan Ahsoka." Master Windu addressed her. "Do you feel Masters Kenobi and Skywalkers description of the incident to be accurate?"
Looking back up with shame marrying her face, Ahsoka answered. "Yes, my Masters."
Brow raised, Yoda spoke up. "More to add, do you?"
"I know I was wrong. I just got so caught up in my own success, I didn't look at the battle as a whole." She explained. "I wasn't being disobedient. I just… forgot."
Anakin took this moment to speak up. "Masters, this incident is my responsibility. Because of Ahsoka's advanced abilities, I forgot how young she is. I gave her more freedom that I should have."
"That may be," Mace began, "but it doesn't excuse what happened on Felucia. I think she needs some time away from the battlefield."
"What do you have in mind?"
Yoda was the one giving the punishment. "On archive security, reflect on your actions you can, Padawan."
This surprised Ahsoka quite enough. "Guard duty? For how long?"
"Longer now."
Hearing Mace saying this made Ahsoka realize she no doubt extended her punishment than what would have originally been.
-Scene Cut-
Whilst Ahsoka began to reflect on her actions by going to her new post for the time being, Steve was having a small meeting with the Avengers.
"How was Felucia, Cap?" Hope asked.
"A mess." Sam responded in a dry tone. "And a loss."
"We got overrun." Steve plainly stated. "Looks like the battle droids have gotten some upgrades."
"And we're gonna need refills on ammo." Rhodey stated. "Tap, how are those schematics on integrating blaster tech into our equipment coming along?"
"They are halfway through integration, comrades." The Avengers' personal AI replied.
"Well, some good news." Sam murmured.
Their conversation halted momentarily at hearing a soft grunt off to the side.
Hope instantly walked over to Scott who was still bedridden after the incident with the Zillo Beast.
"How's Scott?" Steve asked in concern.
"He's better now, but still needs more time to recover." Hope said.
"It's been nearly ten days now." Sam said with clear worry. "How is it taking so long to rest up?"
"The size in which he grew was nearly ten to fifteen times greater than when he first tried the Goliath formula with my dad." Hope stated, gently checking over her boyfriend. "He was out for two days afterwards. This was much worse, involving him having to maintain his giant form far longer than he should have at a size he never should've attempted. He could have killed himself."
"Jesus." Rhodey murmured. "How is he now then?"
"He's better." Hope said. "Had a fever for a bit but he should be waking up any day now."
"Well, that's good to hear." Sam said in relief, a sentiment shared by the other Avengers.
"I know I'm gonna need a break." Pietro remarked, changing his bandages from all the injuries he sustained on Felucia.
"How is it that you're so fast but you get hurt more than all of us?" Rhodey asked with a deadpan.
"Wanda would call you reckless and stupid." Nat said knowingly. "Then again, we all can say the same.
"Yes, but Wanda's not here right now so save it." Pietro said when he slumped his shoulders at the mention of his sister who is still missing.
"Hey, chin up speedy." Rhodey nudged Pietro. "We'll find her. Her and Vision."
"And those other two enhanced that were with Parker." Steve said.
"One thing after another." Sam said, sitting down and grabbing a nearby cup of water. "I need a breather. Felucia was way to close."
"I'm still surprised the Jedi let a teenager lead their soldiers." Nat said. "Why would they let them on the battlefield that young?"
At the mention of the Jedi Order, Steve's mood shifted one of a more critical and serious manner. Something Pietro picked up on as he had spotted the change of face in the team's leader.
"You alright there, Captain?" Pietro spoke up, making the others look to Rogers.
"Not really." He replied.
"What's wrong?" Nat asked.
He looked at the Avengers before crossing his arms and gazing down at the ground, thinking back to a recent conversation he had with one Jedi Master T'ra Saa.
"There's… something you all have to know." Steve said slowly. "Something about the Jedi Order that I recently learned about."
Steve recounted everything he was told by T'ra Saa, leaving none of it out. From the way the order is structured, to the "recruitment" of literal babies, to the insanely asinine and restrictive rules of the order and the code. He made sure to let them know everything.
And their reactions were as they expected.
"So we've been working for crazy cultists who essentially brainwash kids into mindless drones?" Nat asked with a clear sense of fury in her eyes.
Of all people, it was easy to see as to why Nat would be one who holds the idea of indoctrination in particular contempt.
Noticing the look on Nat's face, Sam spoke. "Should we be concerned with her or…"
"No, Sam. Feeling is quite mutual right now. More so for her in case you forgot."
"I know." Sam said. "But Nat, we can't do anything reckless here."
"I know." Nat said bitterly, more to herself than anyone else.
"Still, that's beyond fucked up." Pietro blatantly said. "No attachments? No Emotions? The hell kind of place is this? I thought these were the good guys here."
"No one ever is the good guy these days." Sam murmured.
"What should we do, Cap?" Hope asked. "I'm not really too keen on this Order now to be honest."
Steve sighed, shaking his head. "We can't exactly confront them on this matter the way we are now. Say what you will but they have been gracious hosts in allowing us to stay here. I'm just at a loss of what to do on this."
"But kids, babies!" Hope argued, knowing that if Scott were to hear this… "This is literal indoctrination, Steve. Are we actually going to allow for that?"
"I wish it were that simple." Steve admitted. "Master Saa explained it better than I can."
"Master Saa?" Rhodey repeated. "That vine-haired Jedi?"
"Yeah, her." Steve confirmed. "It was she that explained how the Jedi Order works. More specifically how it has been for the past thousand years. It apparently wasn't always this strict even if the code has been around for thousands of years. She said that everything changed in the Battle of Ruusan which led to a reformation of sorts in the Order. One that she apparently doesn't follow."
"What?" Several of the Avengers said aloud.
"Apparently, she told me that she's in a relationship with another Jedi Master here." Steve said with a mirthful look. "A Jedi I met named Tholme. He was one of Aayla's masters that helped her in her Jedi training. She herself admits to the stagnation of the Order and her want in changing it."
"So they're not all mindless slaves to this Order then?" Sam said with a drawl.
"Not all of them." Steve said.
*Knock Knock*
The Avengers halted in their conversation, looking to one another.
"Were we expecting company today?" Pietro jokingly asked.
"Steve"
It was Obi-wan.
"May I speak with you?"
The Avengers were unsure of what to do but Steve nonetheless went to the door and opened it for the Jedi Master.
"Kenobi." Steve said pleasantly enough. "Is something wrong?"
"Not necessarily." Kenobi said. "I require your assistance in a certain matter."
-Scene Cut-
Sitting in the Jedi library, Peter was going over more information in the galaxy as a whole. From what he was told, the library he was in currently has more accumulated knowledge than anywhere else in the galaxy. Built over thousands of years from the many worlds, even pulled from many defunct Jedi Temples in order to preserve the knowledge from said places.
Peter even learned from Obi-wan and that weird mask-respirator Jedi, Plo Koon, that there are texts located somewhere in the library that are forbidden to be read. Then again, the archives hold a great many secrets that can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
"I should consider this something out of leisure," Peter muttered out. "Feels more like a personal punishment if you ask me."
"How so?" Barriss inquired, sitting beside her friend.
"Look, I would love to enjoy researching a bunch of sci-fi stuff back home in my free time. Now, it feels like too much homework. A chore that I'm starting to dread at times."
"It can't be that bad."
"You've never been to High School." He muttered out. "And don't get me started on college."
Barriss only hummed, having heard these sort of places but never really giving them much thought though she was curious about them after getting to know Peter.
"So you're heading out again soon?" Peter asked.
"Yes, Master Luminara and I are being deployed to the Outer Rim once more. Master Plo Koon will be accompanying us to our next destination."
"Where are you going?"
"I'm not sure yet. Master Luminara shall inform me on that when the time comes."
"Regardless, good luck out there."
"I appreciate it, Peter."
Smiling slightly, Peter heard soft footsteps on the carpeted floors of the library nearby. Looking over, Peter spotted Ahsoka walking with the Jedi Librarian Jocasta Nu.
"Hey Ahsoka." Peter called out to her. "What are you doing back so soon?"
"Hey Peter." Ahsoka greeted. "Hey Barriss. I've got… business to attend here."
Peter tilted his head. "In a library? For studies?"
"Ah yes, I heard about what happened on Felucia." Barriss began. "Not to mention what her punishment is."
"Punishment?" Peter said in bewilderment. "What punishment? What'd you do?"
Ahsoka cringed at the question. "I… didn't follow orders. And endangered the lives of my men."
"Ahsoka, you should know better." Barriss said in a disapproving tone. "You know they follow and trust you."
"I know." Ahsoka said with shame. "I got caught up in the moment like an idiot. So I have to face the consequences."
"At least it's nothing too drastic." Barriss stated
"You were punished, right? What is it?" Peter inquired.
"Archive security."
"You mean guard duty?"
"If you say it like that, then yes." Ahsoka said.
"So what are you doing now, Ahsoka?"
"Right now, just having to help assist Madam Jocasta in whatever needs to be done. Since there happens to be nothing really going on, that's basically what I'm doing."
"So you're being her secretary then?" Peter joked.
"Don't push it, Parker." Ahsoka grumped though Jocasta, who had remained silent all this time, chuckled in amusement.
"Now is that such a bad punishment, Padawan?" Jocasta said in a kind tone.
Ahsoka sighed, berating herself. At least Jocasta wasn't like the stuffy Council.
"No, it's not." Ahsoka said with a small smile.
The sound of a whirring signal from Barriss' comms drew their attention.
"Ah, my Master Luminara is calling me." Offee said, standing up from her seat. "I must be going now."
Barriss stood from her seat and bowed to Jocasta. "Thank you for your time, Master Nu."
"Think nothing of it, child." Jocasta said calmly. "Padawan Ahsoka, be a dear and escort your friend out of the library. Come back to the center when you are finished."
"Thanks Madame Jocasta." Ahsoka said with an appreciative smile.
"I'll come along." Peter said.
The trio walked towards the exit of the library with Ahsoka telling them of what exactly went down on Felucia.
"Jeez Ahsoka, you can't be that reckless on a battlefield." Peter said. "Even I know that."
"I know, I know." Ahsoka said. "It's just what Master Skywalker taught me. If you see them tinnies running, scrap like a Krayt Dragon would Bantha Fodder."
"Seems you've taken more of Master Skywalker's traits than I originally thought."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Barriss said nothing, only wearing a teasing grin as she walked away.
"Oh don't listen to her, Ahsoka." Peter said reassuringly. "Doesn't seem all that bad, if you think about it."
"Oh? Like what?"
Peter opened his mouth... before closing it as trying to think of something positive. Saying anything negative might result with him getting hurt... physically speaking.
"Well…. You could be doing sanitation duty." Peter said after a moment of silence.
The deadpanned look on her face morphed into a slight chuckle, glad that Peter was at least trying to lighten the mood for her.
"Guess… you're right." Ahsoka murmured, thinking of the Clone Troopers who have that unfortunate duty.
Peter only gave her a sympathetic look as they walked back inside.
"Hey don't worry, you're not gonna be alone here. Promise."
-Scene Cut-
Cad Bane sat in his humble abode, tinkering with his techno-service droid Todo 360.
"You know, if you would just tell me what it is you're doing back there, I could probably be of some assistance."
The Duros merely sighed. "Look, I am just doing some maintenance. You've been having memory crashes."
This was a lie, but he didn't need to tell Todo 360 of this.
The time for his client's operation has finally come its way with the final piece of the puzzle coming his way. It took a bit of time for it to arrive, but Bane was patient as he was being paid a hefty sum of credits.
The first part of the task? Retrieve a Jedi Holocron from the Holocron Vault.
Not only was it considered impossible, but it was deadly to boot. Luckily for the bounty hunter, his client has been helpful in making this easier.
On top of his usual rates, which has been tripled for the current job, Bane had gotten a Rogue-class fighter with elite weapons, a cloaking device and so much more.
And of course, his client -the Dark Sith Lord- spared no expense as he wants this job done well.
"That is preposterous." Todo exclaimed. "I have no memory of any crashes." It didn't take long enough for the techno-service droid to gasp. "Oh, my goodness. I have no memory of any crashes! Bane, you have to help me!"
"Calm down." Closing up the hatch in the droids back, Bane got up from his seat. "I'm done."
"Oh, thank you."
The door to his safe house buzzed, prompting Bane to order his droid to answer it; much to Todo's annoyance.
Upon answering the door, Todo was greeted with the sight of a female Clawdite bounty hunter.
"Who are you?"
"I am Todo 360, techno-service droid. Who are you?"
"None of your business."
Walking past Todo, the Clawdite ventured further into Bane's safe house.
"What's going on, Bane?" Spoke the shape-shifting bounty hunter. "You told me you got a job for me."
"I do, Cato."
The identified Cato came up to the Duros male and saw a male Rodian on the computer screen.
"Who's that?"
"Bolla Ropal, Jedi stationed out in the Mid Rim."
"We're going after him?"
"Soon. Right now, we're stealing a holocron."
"Impossible. The only place you can get a holocron these days are the black market or-"
"The Jedi Temple, yes I know. And the Sith Lord client is asking for a particular one in their main vault. Fortunately, he has set us up with some help." Soon enough, Bane projected a layout of the Jedi Temple. "For one, the map of the temple you're looking at right now. For another, a security chip that I placed in my droid."
Todo 360 came up to them, speaking in a happy tone. "I have been given all the technical data regarding security systems in the Jedi Temple."
"Both the vent shafts and the vault itself are equipped with all kinds of traps and security measures." Bane explained. "Todo can take them out, but we'll need help from someone inside the Jedi Library."
"Meaning?"
"Two things." Bane swirled around in his seat as he pointed towards a corpse of a Skrilling male lying on the other side of the room. "With your talents as a changeling, you'll take on his appearance to make things easier."
Cato looked at the corpse and saw something interesting about it. "Looks like a Jedi."
"He was. His name was Ord Enisence, a Knight. Someone our client helped provide for our job." Bane went back to his console and typed through to pull up more information. "You should be able to walk into the archives and monitor us without a problem."
Cato walked over to Ord's corpse and brushed her hand on the dead ones. Taking in a bit of hard concentration, Cato's form shifted to that of the Skrilling male before her.
"Now that I am a Jedi," Cato began before adjusting her voice, "I can do that."
"Good. And you will need these." Bane tossed her something, which she caught. Inspecting them, she saw they were ear commlinks.
Placing the device into her newly shifted ear, Cato thought things over. "The vault is in the library, if I'm not mistaken, which backs onto the communications center. There will be swarms of Jedi nearby."
"We'll use that to our advantage.
"Even if you get into the vault, how are you going to crack that safe?" Cato then realized something. "But wait, you said two things. The corpse was the first, but what was the second?"
Bane chuckled as he stared at the shapeshifter. "The one on the inside and helped provide the corpse. He'll meet you at the temple to make things easier on what we need to do."
-Scene Cut-
Jocasta Nu walked with Ahsoka Tano and Peter Parker, telling them both of the importance of the Jedi Archives on how far back it dates to how much knowledge is held here.
"It is the duty of the Jedi to keep this knowledge safe." Jocasta stated. "More so with what lies over there."
Peter looked over and saw a particular looking vault on the other side of the room.
"Beyond that door there is the Holocron Vault." Jocasta informed the two. "Each hold vast amounts of valuable knowledge passed down from Jedi who have passed on in life. And a good number of them hold much guarded secrets of our Order."
As she spoke, a Green, aquatic themed Jedi that Peter had seen around the temple approached with a Holocron in hand. He gave the trio an easy going smile in greeting while going up to a control panel at the Vaults entrance.
"Good Morning Master Fisto."
"Morning, Madame Jocasta." Kit said with a cheerful tone. "Padawan Ahsoka, hope you're taking your duty seriously."
"Yes, Master Fisto." Ahsoka assured.
"And you must be Mr. Parker."
"Uh, yeah. Hi Master Fisto."
"I hope you're enjoying your research."
Peter's expression changed into one of mixed excitement. "Oh I'm having a blast."
"Good to hear." Kit said with his grin, turning back to open the vault and enter.
As Fisto went in, Jocasta turned to leave the area.
"Can we go in there?" Ahsoka asked as the vault door closed.
"Oh, I'm afraid not my dear." Jocasta stated. "Only the Council or high-ranking members of the Order could do such a thing."
"If you're the head librarian, can't you do it?" Ahsoka asked.
"Even with my clearance, I don't feel permitted to go in there unless needed." Jocasta said. "Some knowledge is better kept out of hands lest they incur greater dangers."
"Makes sense."
"Come along now, there's not much left to be seen." Jocasta said before looking at the Earther. "You don't have to come with, Mr. Parker."
"Meh, I've got nothing better to do." Peter shrugged. "Least I'll have company with you two."
Jocasta merely nodded with the two teens trailing after her.
Elsewhere within the temple, Anakin, Aayla, Yoda, Windu and Plo Koon stood with the general war room of the temple.
Obi-wan had departed earlier on his assignment as for several other Jedi Council members.
"With our setback on Felucia, we shall need a great deal of reorganization of our forces within the Sector." Plo said, looking over the map of the area they had just pulled out of. "It will take some time in order to re-establish a foothold-"
Yoda groaned aloud, clutching his walking stick tightly.
"Master Yoda?" Aayla spoke up. "What is the matter?"
"A… a disturbance in the Force." Yoda said ominously. "Those who bring ill intention, intruders, there will be in this temple."
"Intruders?" Anakin murmured.
"We must have the Temple on alert then." Koon stated.
The Jedi within the room nodded and quickly dispersed across the Temple.
Separated from the others, Anakin and Plo Koon walked through the corridors with their hands hovering over their lightsabers.
"Where do we start looking for these intruders?"
"I am unsure." Plo admitted. "We must trust in the Force to guide us."
"Highly doubt they're after starfighters." Anakin remarked. "What could they be after? What can they get here they can't get anywhere else?"
"Information, most likely." Plo Koon simply said.
"The Jedi transmitter codes." Anakin surmised.
"Every piece of troop information, in one place." Plo added on. "The information that can be found in the East tower."
"I'll head over there right now." Anakin said.
"I shall keep in contact from the central communications center." Plo said. "Make sure to notify the council if anything seems off."
Nodding, both Jedi ran off to their respective locations.
Meanwhile..
Strolling through the library, Ahsoka looked quite bored out of her mind as she made her rounds. Yet with every passing Jedi member, she had to put up a happy facade as she greeted them and asked the usual phrase she quickly grew tired of saying.
"Good afternoon, Master Enisence. Master Bulq. May I be of assistance?"
Enisence looked away while Sora nodded at the young padawan.
"That won't be necessary, Padawan Tano." Replied the Weequay Jedi. "Neither of us don't want to bother you."
"I wouldn't mind at all. Things are rather slow now. I could use something to do."
"Of course, but the both of us have business elsewhere." Sora responded. "Forgive us on that."
Ahsoka grumbled to herself, walking away from the two Jedi.
"Can't do anything right today."
"Hey 'Soka."
Ahsoka yelped, quickly igniting her lightsaber in the face of Peter Parker who went bug eyed and promptly dropped to the ground.
"Peter." Ahsoka patted her chest, attempting to calm her heartbeat.
Parker grunted as he sat up, rubbing his head.
"What are you doing? Where'd you even go?" Ahsoka asked, noticing a web line hanging before her.
"Just figured you could use something to eat." Peter held up two boxes containing some cooked Porg. "Hungry? Believe you could use a meal break."
Ahsoka blinked before smiling widely.
"Thanks Peter, I was starting to feel a bit hungry." Ahsoka said appreciatively, taking a box for herself. "Where'd you get this?"
"Ah, a guy by the name of Guran has a great booth just outside the Temple here." Peter said. "He owes me a favor, as he calls it, and gave me some for the road."
Ahsoka quickly spotted Jocasta and requested a moment to eat which she gave.
"Well, I can't thank you enough." Ahsoka said, taking a bite of her meal as the two walked off. "How'd you know Togrutans were carnivorous?"
"I did not know that until just now." Peter said. "Now I know what to get ya from now on."
While the two walked off, Jocasta looked over to two others who were walking off when they both split up. She didn't pay too much attention to the Weequay, but the Skrilling was a different matter.
All the while, Cad Bane and Todo-360 flew up to the western part of the Jedi Temple.
"Cato, come in. We're in position." Cad said through their Comm Link.
On the other end, after following Bulq's instructions, the disguised changeling sat herself down at one of the terminals and typed in the necessary coding to bypass the security of the archives.
"I'm in." Cato said. "There should be a point within the shielding that Todo can bypass. Beaming the coordinates now."
"Right on time." Cad said, Todo receiving the intel.
"Jamming the temple scanners as we speak." Cato said, typing away on the console. "Why can't our contact stay with me on this job of ours anyways?"
"He's got a different matter to attend to, unfortunately." Bane responded as Todo got busy with his task.
"Let's see." Todo looked over the ray shields. "The entrance… should be... Here."
Pressing at a particular area, a large hole opened in the shield, giving Cad easy space to enter the temple.
"Alright, we're in."
"You're welcome." Todo said casually.
On Plo's end within the communications center of the Temple, he was observing security footage when everything in the room flickered around him.
"What was that?" Koon asked the droid helper beside him.
"That is the system recycling, sir." The droid informed.
As he said that, Anakin appeared along with Aayla and Windu.
"Master Plo, I'm in the tower." Anakin said. "No intruders were here but something just happened."
"Same on my end in the North part of the temple." Aayla said.
"And the council chamber." Windu said.
"All the scanners behaved strangely just now." Anakin brought up.
"The same that has happened here." Plo said gravely. "This is no coincidence."
The sound of the door opening from behind the Kel-Dor Jedi made him turn to see Yoda walking in.
"Arrived, the intruders have." Yoda announced.
"They are not in the tower." Aayla mused. "If not there, what are they after?"
"The Communications Center, perhaps, their target is? Hmm?"
"They could be using the central ventilation system." Anakin suggested.
"I shall check right now." Plo typed in the system and lo and behold.
"There is indeed a breach within the top of the South Tower." Plo said.
"We'll head over." Windu stated. "Master Plo, keep an eye on any other breaches or doors opening. Take no chances."
"Good luck, my friends." Plo said as they disconnected.
"On High Alert, place the temple." Yoda instructed.
With the ventilations, Bane and his droid went down the shaft and soon came across a large ventilation fan as they slowly hovered above it.
"The control board for the fan should be on your left."
Todo spotted said controls, who soon deactivated them for their advancement.
"You should be careful as there should be another past the one fan for security measures."
Just as this was spoken, the fans started back up again.
"Todo! Do something!" Bane bellowed out, trying to stabilize himself. "We're getting sucked into the fans! Turn it off!"
"I can't! I don't see the security board!" Todo cried out, using his thrusters to the max to get away from the spinning fans.
Fortunately for them, Cato came to their aid and soon deactivated them on her end.
"You can thank me later." Said the shapeshifter. "Now this next part should be simple. Make your way down the shaft until you reach-"
"Excuse me." The voice startled Cato from her concentration. Standing up, she saw the librarian was addressing her. "I-I don't mean to disturb you, but, uh, the whole temple is on high alert."
"...Thank you."
It was so sudden that Jocasta didn't register the punch across her face until it was too late.
With her knocked out cold, the shapeshifter took hold of her and dragged her away to hide the elderly woman from prying eyes. With the task done, Cato shifted her Skrilling form and onto the librarians before going back to work.
Below the temple, where the prison cells were kept, a miraluka male meditated. His eyes were closed with his grey hair slowly drifting about around his head.
Feeling a presence coming near his cell, he spoke. "Seems I've finally gotten a proper visitor after so long. Come to greet me or just lecture me, Sora."
The Weequay master stood before the cell of the imprisoned Jedi Master, Prosset Dibs.
"Now why would I do that, Prosset?" Bulq asked conversationally. "I have come here with something much greater than a lecture."
"And what would that be?"
Sora grinned sinisterly. "You have been wrongfully imprisoned here my old friend. Imprisoned for being open about your distaste in the way the Jedi's have conducted themselves."
Prosset shifted about, clearly disgruntled by the obvious assessment of his mood.
"I offer you a chance, my friend." Bulq deactivated the ray shield that held Prosset in his cell. "A chance for something more than this old, stringent and stagnant Order."
Bulq held out his hand which Prosset regarded silently.
All the while...
Traversing through the shaft systems, Masters Skywalker investigated where the intruders were heading off to, being joined by Aayla. He had found where they started their infiltration and went on from there. It was a little tricky figuring out where the breadcrumbs went off to, but the two Jedi trusted the Force to lead them in the right direction.
"Plo come in." Anakin contacted the Master that remained in the central security station. "Have you got anything for us?"
"The intruders are not near the communications center." Aayla informed. "There is no sign of them being here."
"If they're not here, what are they after?' Anakin asked aloud.
All the while, Cad Bane with Todo were working on getting through to the Holocron vault with most of the security systems having already been deactivated by Cato.
They just needed to bypass the last security laser grid.
Ahsoka could quite say she was enjoying her lunch time with Peter. The two enjoyed the well prepared Porg meat with the spices used just right to help bring out the flavor.
Who knew such cute little critters could taste all so delicious?
With them tossing away what remained of their meal, Ahsoka's wrist comms went off.
"Yes? Is something the matter?" Ahsoka asked.
"Padawan, alert you must be." Yoda warned from the other end. "Sense deception, I do. Posing as a Jedi, the intruder is. Find Master Jocasta, you must."
With the transmission ending, Ahsoka and Peter quickly made their way back to the library in search for the librarian.
It didn't take long for them to get back, given Peter used his web-slinging to speed things up. When they drew near Jocasta's location, they heard something odd coming from the librarian.
"Bane, the two Jedi have turned around and are making their way towards you."
The two teens looked at each other as they silently agreed something was not as it appeared to be.
Quickly running up to Jocasta, Ahsoka spoke. "Who are you and what have you done with Madame Jocasta?"
The woman before them stood up soon after. "The same thing I'm going to do to you."
Igniting her stolen lightsaber, Cato swung the weapon towards the Tortuga, who ignited her own to block the attack. With the weapon pushed back, the shapeshifter soon swung at the male teen beside the female one.
"Whoa!" Peter leapt back, ducking his head back at the lightsaber that was swung at him.
The form was erratic and frankly desperate, leaving Peter an easy opening for him to fire off webbing to snatch the Lightsaber out from the imposter's hands.
With a force push into a nearby chair from Ahsoka, Peter quickly bound the imposter with his webs. With the shapeshifter down for the count, the Tortuga shook her head.
"You may have Jocasta's shape, but not her skills."
"Now… what can you tell us on what's going on today missy." Peter said to the bounty hunter.
After some means of persuasion, they got what they needed.
"We better report this in."
Ahsoka nodded before opening up a channel back to Master Yoda, who soon relayed the message over to Anakin and Aayla. "Master. Peter and I captured the intruder disguised as Madame Jocasta. She says the intruders are going after the Holocron vault."
"The Holocron vault?" Aayla repeated, who drew near the intruder's current location. "Those can't be opened without a Jedi. What are they after?"
Anakin thought on this for a moment. "Must be trying to gain access to the communications center from the vault."
"Could be."
With Cad Bane, he was working on getting past the security panel to the vault but it was taking too long.
Unfortunately for the Duros bounty hunter, he was no longer receiving a transmission from his shapeshifting partner. Either the comms were being jammed or she was captured.
"Todo, is the hole finished?"
"Yes but-"
"Go to the communications center."
"I beg your pardon?"
"You heard me."
"But that place will be crawling with Jedi, Bane. Why would I need to go in there?"
"Now!" Bane said aloud in annoyance.
"Ok, ok." Todo pushed open the metal hole he made and went towards his new destination.
Cad grinned, placing a device upon the Holocron security panel and the recently made whole before walking away at a safe distance.
Drawing nearer and nearer, Anakin and Aayla soon felt a rumble in the ventilation shafts. It was like an explosion went off. Fearing the worst, they quickened their pace. Coming to the source, they saw the large hole not far away where they landed.
"Hurry Skywalker, the Communications Center." Aayla said with Anakin silently following after her.
Neither of the two noticed the presence of an intruder.
Walking around a corner in the shaft, Bane saw the two Jedi go down the hole where his droid was located. He was pleased to see neither took notice of the one on the vault lock which kept the door in place.
Coming up to the vault door, Bane grabbed hold of the metal panel and pulled hard with all his might to get it wide enough for him to slip right through. Once pried far enough, Bane saw the many glittering blue lights in the enclosed space.
Smirking to himself, he grabbed a random Holocron and made himself scarce.
Todo, who had arrived at the Communications Center of the Temple found what he said he'd find. A room filled with Jedi.
All of which looked directly at him.
"Hey everyone~" He said awkwardly. "I-I was just testing the access hatch." He grabbed one and began pulling it back. "Works great."
Then came a sharp beeping noise from his back.
"Bomb!" Master Windu said aloud.
"Bomb? What-"
Todo didn't have time to ask any more questions as he was force pushed into the ventilation shaft. The same one that Aayla and Anakin stood in.
"Bomb!" Anakin yelled out, him and Aayla running back for cover.
Todo cried out in a vain attempt before meeting his end in an explosive fashion.
After all that was said and done, the Jedi council had met at the library where Peter and Ahsoka awaited their arrival with a captured changeling.
Along the way, both saw Madame Jocasta groggily walking towards one of the desks.
"Hey, you alright?" Peter asked.
"Probably." Spoke the elderly woman. "Just need something for my aching head."
"Padawan Ahsoka." the aged voice of the Grandmaster gained their attention.
He had arrived with the other Jedi.
"Are you alright, Madame Jocasta?" Kit Fisto asked.
"Nothing a moment's rest won't do."
"We have our intruder." Anakin said. "One of them, at least."
Going past them all, Yoda waved his hand with the Holocron vault door opening.
Entering, Yoda looked up in slight dread.
"Our War efforts, it appears, not the target to be." Yoda said, facing the empty Holocron slot within the vault.
"They stole a Holocron?" Aayla said with disbelief. "What purpose would they have in stealing a Holocron?"
Knowing her fate to be sealed, Cato spoke up. "Bolla Ropal."
"What did you just say?" Windu asked sharply.
"Bolla Ropal. That's who Bane's next target is, some Jedi."
"Bolla Ropal." Plo muttered.
"Who's Ropal?" Anakin asked.
"He is the keeper of a Kyber Crystal, which contains very sensitive data."
"What's on the crystal?" Ahsoka asked.
"The list of every known force-sensitive child across the galaxy." Windu informed in a grave tone. "The future Younglings. The Future of the Jedi Order."
Peter shifted about uncomfortably though he remained silent. Best not to speak one's mind right now considering what had just happened.
"We must warn him." Aayla said.
"MASTERS!"
The Jedi turned to see a Jedi Padawan rushing towards them with a panicked expression.
"Padawan Jace, what is the matter?" Plo asked.
"Masters, I was doing a sweep of the holding Cells with my master when we found one that was empty!" The Padawan said in alarm. "The one containing Master Prosset Dibs!"
Maces eyes narrowed.
"There would be no purpose to freeing Master Prosset. He does not hold any knowledge on the Holocron."
"Much to do, we have." Yoda cut in, completely serious. "Skywalker, go, you must. Find Jedi Ropal in the Devaron system, you will."
"My Padawan and I will leave immediately." Anakin said.
"And I'm coming to." Peter said determinedly, surprising the Jedi present.
"Peter…" Ahsoka said.
"You don't have to do that, Parker." Anakin said. "This is a Jedi matter."
"I know but… I was here and I could have done something more." Parker stated. "You guys have been keeping me and the other Avengers here without asking for much so let this be my way of helping you guys."
"Go with them, you shall." Yoda said, eyeing the young fledgling hero. "Will need a great deal of assistance, Skywalker. Young Parker, aid you in this task, he can."
Anakin looked to Peter for a brief moment, looking him in the eyes. It didn't take long for the Jedi Knight to recognize that spark of determination and conviction. Something he himself has and sees in his Padawan.
Knowing now wasn't the time for debates, Anakin only nodded with the trio quickly walking out of the library.
With the feeling of dread filled the air in the library, no one noticed Master Bulq escorting a cloaked being outside of the Jedi Temple. Descending the steps, the Weequay Jedi Master saw a figure flying away from the building.
'Seems both of our tasks have been successful.' Sora thought as his eyes went from Bane's form to that of Prosset beside him. 'He's gotten the blank Holocron while I've got my friend. Now the next steps will be underway.'
Well that was an easy one.
Jebest4781: This can be considered an easy chapter to write out. Not as complicated or long as many of the others previously written. Getting it all done in one sitting was quite good in our opinion.
And now we are underway on this small, yet crucial arc on what's to become for the story.
FMW: And this is only the beginning of course. Lots to happen with some crazy twists and turns here and there. Seriously, it was insane how quickly and easily we got this chapter done. Only took one whole sitting and BAM, another one done.
Jeb: Wish this could be the same with many other chapters, yet it can never be that easy for all of them.
FMW: Indeed but when it does happen, feels damn good.
So other than that, we'll be continuing this arc in the next chapter with much more insanity to come trust me on that.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.