Chapter 17 – Unification Part 1 (Part 2)

Naboo Orbit, Naboo System…

Anakin's three Venator-class Star Destroyers dropped out of hyperspace near the beautiful and peaceful world of Naboo. Already in orbit were two other Venator-class vessels alongside four Victory-class Star Destroyers in formation.

From the bridge of his star destroyer Anakin watched with Ahsoka, Rex and Captain Pellaeon at his side.

"Sir, incoming transmission from the Negotiator, its General Kenobi and Senator Amidala." An officer said and Anakin and the rest of his people turned to face a hologram of Padmé and Obi-Wan which appeared on the bridge. The sight of his wife made Anakin smile but fortunately no one realised just why he was smiling.

"Anakin. Thank goodness." Padmé said with a smile on her face too before unfortunately they became all business.

"Nute Gunray's fleet will be here within a day and our numbers will just about match his." Obi-Wan said trying to get to the matter at hand.

"Then it will be a battle of skill. Something we have way more of than that slime ball." Ahsoka said with a confident smile, wishing it was a ground battle so she could try out her new armour.

"No battle is certain Commander but it is true we have the edge in skill." Captain Pellaeon said with a slight smirk.

"Well put Captain. May the Force be with us." Obi-Wan said before cutting the transmission and Anakin turned to Rex.

"Best get out pilots ready Rex. This is going to be a tough one." Anakin told him, Rex the loyal soldier obeyed without question.

- x -

Three Hours Later…

Formations of ARC-170s, Y-Wings and Z-95 Headhunters held in front of their mother ships as they all prepared for battle. Leading the squadrons was Anakin himself in his Delta 7B while Ahsoka flew at his side.

Obi-Wan stood on the bridge of his flagship and braced himself for the arrival of the Separatists.

Soon the waiting was over.

A Lucrehulk led the taskforce with frigates and destroyers around it. Droid fighters filled the air as both sides massed for battle. Nute Gunray on the throne of the command ship sneered as he considered the revenge he was about to inflict on the Naboo for his humiliation. The fact there were more ships defending the planet meant nothing to him and he told the droids.

"Attack."

The droids surged forward without any hesitation, the Republic fighters and capital ships immediately opened fire.

Anakin engaged his engines to full and dived straight into the fray followed by Ahsoka and the rest of his pilots. His hand never moving off the control stick and keeping a near constant pressure on the trigger for his blasters given how many droid fighters there were around.

Drawing deeper on the force he felt it guiding his hand and helping him know just when to turn, when to dive, to roll and when to fire. Time itself seemed to slow down as the whole battle unfolded before him. Ahsoka while not as skilled a pilot as her master nor as powerful did the same thing with similar results.

But through their bond, strengthening with each day and mission they spent together something was happening. The two slipped deeper into the force and their reflexes seemed to grow even better and their minds thought as one. Their presence in the force surging as their powers combined and enhanced each other.

The other fighters were too busy to really notice it just yet but the two of them began moving together in a near perfect harmony, dancing through the enemy formations with lethal precision.

For a moment there was no Anakin or Ahsoka, they were one person fighting in two bodies, tearing their way across the battlefield.

Obi-Wan, from the bridge of his command ship sensed what was happened and honestly raised an eyebrow in sheer surprise. His master had spoken of this when they had talked of the ancient Jedi and their exploits and abilities. He had not truly believed it existed but his master had assured him it did.

Anakin and Ahsoka had achieved a force meld.

Obi-Wan for once in his life was speechless, he had never thought to see it but this type of bond was indicative of a supreme level of trust and caring about each other not to mention a high level of skill in the force. That Anakin and Ahsoka had come so far they could do it...it was he thought with pride in them humbling. Fighting so closely together that they were able to strengthen each other in a personal sense and through the force.

He smiled, proud of both of them for managing this however dangerous he felt attachments could be but then again he thought with a smirk who was he to talk?

With Anakin and Ahsoka creating an opening the bombers rushed forward and started strafing runs on destroyers and frigates. Proton torpedoes slammed into the fragile structures of the Separatist support ships while the Victorys used their powerful turbolasters to start hitting the Lucrehulk at long range.

Nute Gunray watched with his own rage building as his ships advance was halted and the Republic began to press against him when the ship's captain reported.

"Shields are failing, all ships full retreat!" The ship's captain said and Gunray sneered with anger at his revenge being snatched from his grasp by the same pair of Jedi and the Senator again!

- x -

"A full retreat sir! They're gone!" A clone lieutenant cried out with triumph which was echoed by the other clones on the bridge as they witnessed the Separatist ships jump to hyperspace.

Obi-Wan smiled with the victory, glad at least one world was being spared the Separatist onslaught today.

A short while later when all the fighters had returned Anakin and Ahsoka stood with him, Padmé, Pellaeon and Rex on the bridge it was amusing.

"We did what?" Anakin and Ahsoka said together, still not sure of what had happened out there but knowing it had been perhaps one of their most incredible moments.

"Its known as a Force Meld." Obi-Wan said with a smile as it seemed the two of them were struggling to separate themselves and were now speaking it tandem with each other. "A force bond that connects you both so you can move and fight as one, don't worry it will ease with a bit of separation." He told them amused.

"I did not know the Jedi could do such things...impressive." Captain Pellaeon said while Rex was trying to hide his own amusement at the pair of Jedi he served with.

"It is very rare but yes, such things are possible. However now that Naboo is safe I have something to tell you." Obi-Wan said becoming serious. "Give the situation across the galaxy the Council feels that having a powerful unit to support key campaigns already ongoing may alleviate the pressure on the Republic. So my Battalion will be working alongside the 501st Legion and our fleets merged with each other and Victory Squadron. Captain Pellaeon will be promoted to Admiral to command the force and we will move around the galaxy to support other fronts." Obi-Wan explained to them.

Pellaeon looked very surprised at his sudden promotion but did feel a bit of pride at that while Anakin and Ahsoka were at least glad that Obi-Wan was who they would be working with. However Anakin was now concerned as he was about to teach Ahsoka how to expand the range of her emotions that she could use to strengthen her and her connection to the force. Including her more negative feelings.

Obi-Wan he realised would likely sense it and intervene which to be honest was the last thing Anakin wanted as he knew he would not understand. He would continue to train her regardless but it was not exactly ideal and he could only hope to hide it from Obi-Wan.

Aakka Orr, Outer Rim Territories…

Aakka Orr was a moon in orbit of a gas giant, it was rocky and difficult to live there but it was home to a small colony of humans who wanted to live in peace from most galactic affairs while trading some of the minerals they discovered there for supplies.

However the Clone Wars had cut the small colony off from the larger galaxy and it was struggle to feed themselves with little to no trade. The people were starving and had no real hope of managing on their own.

Until Kerra Holt had arrived.

"Akka Pii." She said pointing on a diagram of the star system, specifically another of the moons. "That is the answer."

"How? Its completely covered in water even if its the only other moon with a breathable atmosphere." The Colony Administrator said with a dismissive voice. Keera wished he would learn to actually think about his problems rather than just have a single track mind but she pushed her impatience with him aside and continued talking.

"But it is also teeming with sea life and certain areas are rife with vegetation under the water. If we modify some of your mining machines to be water tight they could gather the food from there, I can show you how and with it you wouldn't need to trade so much for food." Kerra told the gathered crowd who all shared looks of doubtfulness and then eventually hope as she showed them how to feed themselves.

She had found her fellow Jedi did little of this she thought with disapproval, helping people and very rarely in the Outer Rim for worlds not part of the Republic. She frowned at their apathy to the people they were sworn to help, how political the Jedi had become and neutered in doing the sort of work they should be doing around the galaxy.

Just as well she was doing something she supposed.

Some people needed help finding ways to sustain themselves, some needed to be protected and/or learn to protect themselves. So merely needed a mediator or someone to speak on their behalf.

Not all of these roles were things she was particularly skilled at but she could do them. She could help these people who had only heard of the Jedi in legends and show them that some did care and would try to make things a little better than when she found them.

Jedi Temple, Coruscant…

In a room that was usually used to test younglings on their gymnastic mastery, a teenage girl was standing on top of the high poles with a blindfold on. She had her lightsaber in hand and its blue blade humming as she did her best to balance on the beam.

Her ears straining to hear any sound that might let her know whatever was coming next, till she heard the slightest noise to her right and managed to twist herself in time to block a blaster bolt from a training remote and using the force to guide her managed to leap onto another further away before batting away another blaster shot. This carried on for a good few minutes as she defended herself while balancing on the top of the poles.

A sudden snap hiss however announced the arrival of a new threat, she jumped again just a lightsaber blade lunged at her and was about to parry when she felt herself being thrown off the pole by a sudden force push.

She flew the short distance to the ground but thankfully the entire room was lined with padding just in case someone fell to prevent injury. Falling on the padding knocked the wind out of her regardless and she pulled her blindfold off and looked up with annoyance at Master Anari who was standing on one leg, on tip toe on the pole above her with a smirk.

"That was cheating." Bene said irritated at the Jedi Master who only leapt down and landed with the grace of a lifelong dancer before offering her a hand to help her up which Bene reluctantly took.

"That was winning." Master Anari told her with a smirk. "Your opponent will not always be as honourable as you, rules are fine for sparring but in the real world, in a real fight there are no rules. Remember that or you are giving your enemy a whole arsenal of underhanded tricks to use against you. So why not develop one of your own? Whether it is a secret weapon, changing fighting styles in the middle of a fight to throw them off it doesn't matter as long as you always have something up your sleeve. As for your performance on the poles it has gotten better. When you started you couldn't even last a minute but now you are getting better at holding yourself." Master Anari told her.

"Your skill is improving and will continue only if you continue to push yourself." She continued and despite her attempts to remain modest Bene could not help but feel pride in the compliment but then Master Anari said something that honestly terrified her. "So go and get a shower because I am taking you out tonight. Wear the outfit I left in your room, no Jedi robes tonight." She said sternly and Bene nodded uncomfortably.

- x -

An hour later Bene was standing with Master Anari in a noisy club, bright flashing lights and noisy music was playing while displays showed various sporting events across the galaxy and gambling tables were swamped with people eager to place a bet.

"Must we come here Master?" Bene asked nervously looking around, not being used to this environment at all and her outfit didn't make her feel any better. Formfitting fabric leggings that clung to her legs and a top that was only a bit more than a bra over her chest. Her face also had lipstick and blusher on and her hair was tied up in a knot behind her head.

"If you are going to learn to not only to fit in anywhere you might find yourself and to relax then yes my apprentice we must." Master Anari said with a smirk, her own black leather pants, boots and similar top was attracting far too much attention already and despite having the much more physically...mature Twi'lek next to her Bene herself was receiving a few admiring looks too which only heightened her embarrassment.

Master Anari led her over to the bar and placed an order for two drinks which the bar man was only too happy to give her especially as she smiled at him. Bene had never seen a master use their beauty and charms like this before and it was so against everything she had been taught that a Jedi should behave it was scandalous.

Offering her a drink Bene nervously held it before an expectant look from Master Anari made her sip it and the spicy exotic taste nearly made her spit it back out but she managed to drink it in one go. The burn it created was hard to take and she really wanted a drink of water but Master Anari told her.

"Don't worry, it will pass in a moment, now tonight there is something else I want to show you. How to win at gambling." Master Anari told her with a smirk and that made Bene gasp.

"No Master Anari! I refuse to learn that! It isn't right for a Jedi to gamble!" She said although thankfully she managed to keep her voice down. Anari only smiled at her naivety before becoming serious and told her.

"According to whom? Jedi Masters who have all their needs supplied by the Republic and never need to hide? Bene the day may come when you find yourself without resources and alone without anyone to turn too. When I was fighting in the New Sith Wars I was stuck in Sith territory for nearly six months before I managed to get back to the Core Worlds and let me tell you I went hungry a lot of nights. I had to learn how to survive on my own with my own wits, body and will in any way I could. To get credits for food and hide in plain sight because if I was obviously a Jedi or was revealed myself to anyone then the Sith would find me in a heartbeat. I don't do this to embarrass you Bene, but to prepare you for the day when you may face a similar trial." Anari told her young apprentice.

Bene was stunned, she knew so little of her new master's life and the knowledge that she had learnt this to survive when isolated and alone was now making a lot of sense. How she seemed to always fit in wherever she was and had no real shame or phobia of acting outside what was supposed Jedi behaviour. She had needed to or she would have been killed by the Sith and now knowing the reason why Master Anari was doing this made it seem less seedy and more acceptable.

So she did not complain as her master led her over to the sabacc table and watched with awe as her master took professional gamblers for all they were worth and walked away from the table with a large pouch of credits. Her arm around Bene's shoulders she led her out of the club and some stores where they picked out a few outfits for more of these 'educational field-trips'.

- x -

Meanwhile back in the Temple, Master Tuwan having refused a military commission stood among the gathered younglings in one of the assembly halls used for large gatherings, his face animated as were those of the younglings, even the apprentices listened intently to what he said.

"Then just as the Nexu surrounded Master Hellencha, her back very literally against the wall she reached into the force and leapt so high in the air she was able to grab at the top of the impressive walls of Ujion in a single leap. The highest in her entire life but wasted no time in swinging herself onto the top of the wall just as the pirates came in their ships to steal from her the incredible crown of Ujion's lost royalty. They aimed their ship's weapons at her but she stayed cool and leapt straight onto the cockpit of one of the ships. The pilot in his panic fired and his shot hit the ship opposite and she leapt from ship to ship with such grace it was almost like she was a bird in flight, letting the pirates who were so desperate to end her shoot each other before finally jumping back onto the walls and running to her own vessel so she could deliver the crown to the museum that would preserve it for future generations." Tuwan told the enraptured younglings, speaking of his old friend the famed Jedi Treasure Hunter Master Hellencha who had spent much of her career dashing around the galaxy looking for historic treasures to preserve and save from fortune hunters.

The younglings were amazed, this Jedi Master was never taught about in their history lessons and she was so cunning, noble and smart half of them had discovered a new hero.

Tuwan smiled, hoping his stories of great Jedi they had never heard of would inspire their imaginations and get them to be daring, to chase their dreams and push themselves harder in their training. So few mavericks were ever taught about beyond particularly famous examples and he wanted these young Jedi to be willing to push the limits and let themselves dream of what they wanted to be when they finally passed the trials.

Tuwan was hoping that through the young and those like Skywalker who would push boundaries, the Jedi Order might find itself again and become the great order it once was.

- x -

The Jedi Council had called a meeting in private to discuss a matter that for once had little to do with the rising war.

"The Returned are starting to become dangerous to the Order." Master Tiin said in holographic form as he was on the other side of the galaxy fighting the Separatists.

"Some of our less focused members are starting to question our practices and the rules of the Order." Master Kolar added, also a hologram.

"They question why we are so tied to the Republic and its 'whims' as they put it, feeling the Order is nothing more than the Republic's enforcers and not guardians of the peace or helping the people of the galaxy." Shaak Ti spoke with a look of concern on her face.

"It doesn't help that there are rogues out there doing as they please rather than following the will of the Council." Master Kcaj said. "This Kerra Holt is refusing to appear before the Council and is interfering in the affairs of different worlds without our consent or guidance. Then there is Tuwan Fulr and Minisa Anari teaching the younger members of our order to be disobedient and lessons that only encourage falling to the Dark side. And lastly there is Skywalker and Tano who are falling closer to the dark side every day with their constantly flaunting of our rules." He said listing off the key offenders in his mind.

"Falling to the dark side? I would dearly like to see how you justify that comment Master Kcaj? After all their actions have been nothing but positive for not only the order but the galaxy as a whole." Master Kenobi said from the side, he had nearly been excluded from the meeting at the insistence of some like Master Tiin for being too close to the 'problem'. "The only real charge that could be levelled against them is not obeying the will of the Council and that is hardly a crime. Some of the greatest members of our order have been at least partly maverick if not full blown."

"People like Count Dooku perhaps? Who leads this war against us. He too disobeyed the will of the Council." Master Mundi said jumping on a potential flaw in Kenobi's argument but Master Kenobi who was very gifted with words easily deflected the attack.

"If you can only draw on a single example then your argument is flawed Master Mundi." Kenobi said. "Count Dooku's reasons for leaving the Order and turning to the dark side are not relevant to this matter as he left the order rather than these people who have chosen to be a part of it. They care about the galaxy and the Order. What you consider a threat is merely them expressing their individuality and if we enforce universal conformity on our members are we not stifling creativity? If so then we perhaps should replace the Order with droids programmed to do our jobs." Kenobi finished.

He looked at Master Windu who had created a new lightsaber fighting form rather than conform to the ones that already existed in particular. Master Windu nodded in understanding, while he was one of the most strict masters to the code in the Order he was at least in agreement with Kenobi's argument. Follow the rules but you had the right to be creative within them and so far none of them had broken the rules yet.

"Is this about the Order's safety? Or about the authority of the council and the rules we set?" Master Fisto asked with a look of concern on his face. "Because to me it seems the only real danger is the council not being obeyed. I have met and spoke to both Masters Fulr and Anari and both of them are caring and skilled masters who only want the best for the order. Kerra Holt has been helping many who are in need with the war and with life in general. Skywalker and Tano? I know there are ongoing concerns about them but at the same time they are becoming two of the greatest Jedi of our era already at such a young age. Their accomplishments in the war so far speak for themselves."

"All good points. The Order will only grow stronger by allowing free thought to flow and by allowing people to express themselves. If someone does break the rules then we should act but not judge people who might. If we become so judgemental then we are no longer Jedi, but dictators." Master Plo Koon said calmly. He was concerned too about some but to act prematurely in his mind would only make the situation worse.

"The Jedi Order, arrogant it has grown if such meetings on such matters are called." Master Yoda spoke with a voice that sounded tired and worried. "The Returned, a window they offer, a view into what our order used to be and a criticism that is valid. Shows us the flaws in ourselves and no one likes that to be seen. Perhaps more flexible our order needs to be, many problems both past and future are of our own making. Dooku, left us he did and fell to the dark side because too tied to the Republic he thought we were and discarded the lives of Jedi too easily. On this, right he may have been although wrong he was too turn to the Sith." Yoda said with his great age telling. The Council was divided on his opinion as some listened and felt his words had merit while others felt he was wrong to think there was any flaw in their teachings.

"Need we do to think deeply on who we are and what we do. Servants of the force the Jedi are meant to be, go where we are needed we must. If reflect on ourselves we don't, then learn we never will. Take time we will to reflect on this situation to see if action is needed and if so what." Yoda told them firmly.

Many members of the Council like Masters Tiin, Kolar and Mundi were not happy about this while some did feel that they needed to consider how they truly felt about this like Masters Kenobi and Fisto. This issue was not solved and it needed to be before something split the order in half.

Orbiting Venato Prime, Mandalorian Space…

Haron had been working in the forging facilities they had brought with them from Reijar under Yusagi's guidance ever since they had left and now the result lay before him.

A beskad sword, a single curved bladed sword with with a hand-guard to protect the grip. To Haron it looked more like a scimitar than anything else but it was he thought with pride a fine weapon.

Made of phrik it was very light when he picked it up and it cut through the air with barely a ripple Haron noticed and the balance of it was very good. He fixed the scabbard up which like the sword of made of phrik in case he ever needed to use it as an off-hand weapon. He had added a decorate finish of electrum with some dark green painted patterns for decoration as was common in individualised weapons.

Yusagi looked at him with approval.

"Good, you have the discipline of a true warrior and the patience and delicate touch to refine a lump of metal into a strong weapon. We will test you on your swordsmanship later but first we must prepare for the meeting with Duke Ma'Gard." Yusagi told him.

"Joy." Haron said with a deadpan voice which only made Yusagi raise an eyebrow before asking him.

"What will House Ma'Gard want of you to gain their support?"

Haron frowned as to be honest he did not know them that well and admitted it.

"I don't know."

"At least you admit you have no answer rather than pretend you do. The first part of wisdom is knowing what you do know and what you don't." Yusagi said and Haron nodded before he continued.

"House Ma'Gard does not just respect strength, they will want you to prove that you are willing to step outside the rules to accomplish whatever goal you set and more to the point that you can create a plan on how to do it. That you have a problem and you do something about it. Credits also help but only if you get them by the ways I mentioned before." Yusagi told him.

Haron nodded and did his best to think on what he said, House Ma'Gard was he thought more complicated than he had thought but he could sense Yusagi was telling him the truth and so he was grateful for his guidance on this.

To that end he thought about how to achieve a way to get credits and step out of the law, he pondered this and smiled as he realised a way to do all of this in a single stroke. It was to be honest illegal but given who they were robbing he would be doing the galaxy a favour.

"I think we should head down to the surface as I think I know how to do all these things and more." Haron said, someone he had become aware of during his time travelling the galaxy and knew was a pain in the backside of no less than two of the major crime syndicates in the galaxy who would be only too happy to see him fall.

Yusagi looked at him with confusion and then apprehension over what he might have planned.

- x -

A short transport ride later, they set foot in the capital city of Venato Prime, Victre City.

It was a noisy place Haron thought with a slight smile, a lot of casinos, bars etc. and had become a major stopping point for people entering and leaving Mandalorian Space. At his side Din and Vysa followed at his side while his guards stayed close. Vysa was much more used to this sort of place than even Haron himself and smiled as she considered having some fun while she was here but hopefully there would be time for that later. Din meanwhile was struggling to contain his own urge to look at everything and Vysa swore to take the boy out for a night on the town...it was part of his education after all.

The Ma'Gard Tower was a fortified skyscraper in the centre of town that held their living quarters and other facilities. The guards at the entrance allowed them in and while the number did worry them a little it was ignored as they made their way to Duke Alain's office.

Upon arriving after a long elevator ride they walked in to find the duke sitting at his desk with his three grandchildren beside him. Seeing him Haron smiled and stepped forward.

"Duke Ma'Gard, good to see you again."

"I suppose Ordo. Now what are you going to do to get my family to support you? When I could just go my own way?" Alain asked and Haron nodded.

"The way I have been told you want someone not afraid to bend the rules and can put together a plan to achieve whatever goal is set. So if you are up for it, how about we kill Rttakl L and steal his collection?" Haron said with a smirk.

The four Ma'Gards were speechless at his suggestion as was Vysa especially as they knew just who Rttakl was.

"Are you mad?" Katale Ma'Gard with exasperation on her face.

"Who is Rttakl L?" Din asked not knowing who that was but Vysa enlightened him.

"Rttakl L was a relatively small crime lord who went big after the Zygerrian slavery empire collapsed. He stepped into their territory and has become one of the biggest crime lords in the galaxy involved in all kinds of shady and downright nasty businesses. Only the Hutts and the Pykes can really challenge him now and while I know they would love to see him fall the man is a beast with the highest security imaginable. All the while collecting a massive collection of art and treasures from across the galaxy, most of it stolen." Vysa told Din, wondering if her elder brother was crazy to even suggest it.

Haron however was just smiling.

"Killing him is my job not yours, yours is to help steal as much of the man's collection as we can. I have a plan to get close enough to enter his building and disable his security to kill him. I have a ship with a cloaking device that can get us right up to the door and inside if we choose to use it. There I will create a distraction for the rest of the team to clear out his collection. If of course you don't care for the money that this could bring you then by all means tell me what else you have in mind?" Haron told them with an expectant look.

As he predicted none of them had anything and then one of Alain's grandsons, Andre grinned and said.

"I'm up for it."

"You would you twit." His older brother Tyr said with an exasperated look. "But if you are taking him along then I'd better go too to make sure he comes back alive."

"You two." Alain said with a look of annoyance before turning to Katale and told her. "Sweetheart, keep an eye on them. You know what they're like."

Katale sighed knowing she was being dragged into another scheme while the two boys looked annoyed at being talked to like that but let it go clearly showing this wasn't the first time.

Haron meanwhile turned to Vysa who was now intrigued on just what he was planning but the sound of this was too good to past up so she nodded with a smile while Din just looked at him confused at why he would do this.

"Trust me Din, I will not enjoy this but if we are to unify our people then I need to get those like House Ma'Gard on side. Sometimes you have to stretch your notions of acceptable when confronted with reality." Haron told him quietly and Din nodded, not sure he agreed with it but knowing why it had to be done.

Nar Shaddaa, Hutt Space…A Few Days Later...

The Smuggler's Moon was one of the most lawless places in the galaxy, Vysa knew that all too well having grown up here and if you had the credits you could find almost anything your heart could ever want.

With a freighter they had acquired specially waiting nearby with the team they had assembled already prepared in the nearest dock they could find to Rttakl's base, Haron made the rest of the journey on foot. He had forgone his spear and sword not to mention painted his armour a solid white colour with an orange coloured body suit underneath to prevent it being traced back to him so easily. All of the members of the team had done the same but that was just a precaution as they intended to leave no witnesses behind. This particular colour scheme was also used by a particularly violent group of Mandalorian mercenaries who would be blamed for this if anyone did live to see them as a further measure of covering their tracks.

He saw the perimeter and took a deep breath as he drew himself deeply into the force, casting a notice me not charm on himself and when he caught sight of the lobby of the building, beyond all the computer security that wouldn't be fooled by his charm he apparated. Appearing straight pass the bulk of the security which kept people out. Pass the security scans, automated turrets, guards and more.

Haron did not let himself be elated by this as he walked into the facility, straight pass people while keeping himself under the charm until he discovered a guard that was on his own and not wearing a mask. Haron concentrated with his magic and will before silently casting the Legilimency spell.

It was not a very pleasant experience for Haron as all of the worst thoughts of one of Rttakl's top men rushed through his mind but fortunately he was able to find what he needed...the location of the security office and an image of what it looked like.

Haron with the information now in hand walked the rest of the building to be as close as he could before apparating again, straight inside the security room.

Appearing right in the centre of the room a bank of monitors surrounded him manned by a series of droids who with live power lines to a private generator so they could run without interruption all hours of the day and were loyal to the one they were programmed for.

Smart Haron thought, a pretty good security system but he thought while drawing his blasters, not good enough.

He fired with both blasters shooting down two droids at a time till all the droids were down and without wasting another moment started accessing the layout and discovering just where their targets were.

Rttakl was on the top floor, how predictable Haron thought with dismay seeing the fat human sitting on a throne via the security feed. The bulk of his collection beyond a few particularly prized pieces was a few floors down. Haron now knowing the location plugged in the remote communication device into the command console. It lit up and started humming as remote access to the security system was achieved. The slicer on the freighter now had full control of the system and started deactivating the external defences while turning internal turrets on the guards on the inside.

Haron shot the door controls to prevent anyone from getting in before apparating up to the top floor, seeing Rttakl at his desk Haron wasted no time with pointless banter and started shooting the crime lord who was all but helpless.

The yellowish white bolts hit him hard in the head and four knocked him out of his chair. Haron went over and checked, feeling him die before he even hit the floor. Looking around Haron saw the few particular pieces around were not worth bothering with as they were more sentimental rather than expensive. Looking out of the window he saw the freighter appearing and holding itself against the building on the level that housed most of Rttakl's collection. A hatch usually used for transferring cargo opened and a laser cutter sliced into the side of the building. Haron smiled before apparating again back to the security room to destroy all the security recordings and ensure no trace of their involvement was left behind.

- x -

When he appeared later and watched as the team he and the Ma'Gards had brought were clearing out the collection it was almost comical with droids running back and forth with carts containing statuettes, paintings, jewellery and other valuables that were being looted. Vysa he saw with a smile was holding a particularly expensive moss painting from Alderaan and smirking widely as she passed him. Haron went to help and saw a particularly interesting few items hanging on a wall nearby. It was a small section but looking at it he saw that all the items there were in some way connected to the Jedi or the Sith.

Statues not unlike the ones in Chancellor Palpatine's office which were clearly Sith in origin plus some paintings or other pieces of artwork. On the Jedi side a few ancient tomes and fragments of artwork clustered around a pair of ancient looking katanas with green emeralds in the hilts. While Haron knew nothing of these personally he knew some of it was likely to mean something.

So he took one of the droids that was running back and forth and started carefully taking the pieces that could be carried and putting them in the basket, vowing to look at them properly later. Rushing back to the ship with his haul he was greeted by Katale Ma'Gard who gave him a laugh before saying.

"I don't know how you managed it but I will make sure my grandfather sides with you now. This has gone to be one of the biggest heists in history!" She said with exhilaration running through her.

"Pleasure to be of service." Haron thought with a smirk under his helmet before going back to help take some more stuff in the precious time they had left.

When they had taken all they could they returned to the ship and blasted off, clearing the planet was fast as possible and meeting up with the Star Chaser which they transferred their gains to and scuttled the freighter to ensure no chance of tracing them remained.

Haron returned the Ma'Gards to their grandfather a day later with their much larger share of the spoils although he, Vysa and his men took a small share of their own. Haron in particular kept hold of the Jedi and Sith stuff along with a few pieces that he might have a use for later.

Returning to the Lucrehulk he was met by Din and Ijaa who greeted him. Din was actually amazed at some of the stuff they had recovered and while Vysa was showing him their gains Ijaa spoke to Haron.

"Not quite how I thought you would do it but I have to admit it achieved the objective. Duke Ma'Gard has formally declared his support for you and named his grandfather Katale as his heir."

"I thought he might, I know that it might not be the sort of thing a Mandalore should engage in but if we are going to succeed in uniting our people and securing our place in the galaxy again then we will need to be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that. Myself and others that I know and trust believe that when the Clone Wars end then a new war will begin and if we as a people are to remain free then we need to be ready." Haron said, deciding to share at least some of his fears with Ijaa who looked at him with suspicion but seemed to let it slide before delivering a report.

"I suppose I should let you know that a team sent to Pre Vizsla's last known location turned up nothing. It seems he has gone underground." Ijaa told him and Haron nodding having expecting this to happen.

"We'll get him eventually." Haron said. "But for now it is off to Ralmiz to seek another ally."

Republic Camp, Ambria…

The Battle of Ambria had been a ground and space battle but was now won and allowed Anakin and his people to get a little rest before rushing off to their next crisis point.

Rex was sleeping in the tents or on the ships with the rest of his brothers, all starting to get really exhausted by all the fighting and travelling. Each day they seemed to be rushing off to some new planet to fight in some harsh battle whether it was in space or on the ground.

As Jedi; Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan were dealing with better as they could meditate to recover their energy after a battle but even they were starting to get tired.

Hence why Anakin had started to teach Ahsoka some of what he had learned from Revan's writings and from Master Tuwan. To prevent Obi-Wan from learning what they were doing at least for now they were doing so slightly away from camp.

"Channelling all your feelings both positive and negative will give you a lot more strength in the force and personally in the things you do." Anakin said, unusually stern as he trained his apprentice who listened to him with a much more quiet demeanour than was normal. A sign of how much trust she had in him which did stoke his ego a bit. "But it can be dangerous, if your feelings get the better of you then you might do things that otherwise you wouldn't. When I did this the first time on Maridun I nearly impaled a Separatist officer due to how much anger I felt towards him. So to combat that, you have to create a code to guide you and fix it in your mind."

"What kind of code master?" Ahsoka asked him, a bit worried as she remembered that incident and now sure how close to breaking the Jedi Code her master had come and wondered if she was to learn to do this, how did she keep the dark side...her own in-particular in check?

"That is a question only you can answer, because it reflects the kind of person you want to be." Anakin told her, she looked uncertain. "I made mine out of the principles that I hold most dear, the things that mean the most to me. The people who mean the most to me." Anakin said, smiling at Ahsoka so she knew that she was one of those people. She smiled herself feeling happy of the trust he was showing in her.

Just then as Ahsoka was thinking deeply on what her master had said she saw something a short distance off.

"Master. Is that Master Swan?" Ahsoka asked with confusion as she caught sight of the Jedi Master who had been fighting here before them. Anakin wondered what just what had Ahsoka so interested unless Master Swan was spying on them he thought with annoyance. When he saw her himself he realised just what had Ahsoka so confused.

Master Bultar Swan was standing alone, a bit of a distance away and with her eyes closed but while doing this she was making movements that resembled martial arts. He felt the force surging around her and Anakin could scarcely believe it but the evidence was right in front of his eyes.

"She's using moving meditation." Anakin said with surprise. He and Ahsoka were not sure what to make of it as neither knew of any other Jedi in the order that used this technique except them until now. Granted neither of them knew a lot of the other Jedi really well including Master Swan but none of them seemed to use it.

They crept closer and watched her as she fluidly moved through her katas and in some ways it was educational as neither of them had considered using it for unarmed combat. However it seemed she was more aware than they thought as she suddenly stopped and turned to face them with her eyes open.

"Skywalker. Tano. Out for a midnight stroll?" She asked them with an unconcerned look on her face. Knowing they were busted the would be spies looked at each other before getting up.

"Sorry, Master Swan, we just didn't know anyone other than us used moving meditation although we use it with our lightsabers rather than unarmed combat." Anakin said with a slightly sheepish look on his face from being caught but if she was annoyed the other Jedi who was only a couple of years older than him didn't show it.

"Using it with your lightsaber training? I have to admit I never tried that." She told them without too much worry although did sound intrigued by the idea. "I learnt of meditation in movement before the war when I was studying different martial arts around the galaxy and have been using it ever since. It certainly helps keep you in shape if nothing else." She said with a strange attempt at being light hearted.

"Perhaps we could all train together master? See if we can help each other?" Anakin suggested, eager to have someone who he might debate and share ideas with for once among the Jedi. She seemed amused a little but smiled.

"If you are willing to Master Skywalker then by all means. Perhaps I can share some of the techniques I have learned to maintain a little awareness while you are doing it if you show me some of the force forms I noticed you use earlier?" She suggested with a smile and Anakin smiled too, feeling like she was treating him more as an equal than other Jedi did.

"By all means Master Swan." Anakin said.

He began to walk her and Ahsoka too through some of the Force Forms he had learned from Master Tuwan, Ahsoka to his satisfaction picked them up rather quickly thanks to her prior training from him. Perhaps due to her great discipline Master Swan too didn't take too long to pick them up either and soon she was guiding them through her style of moving meditation.

When they took a brief break, Master Swan spoke to him.

"I have to admit Master Skywalker I had my doubts about you before but you are perhaps the most gifted Jedi I have ever met, never has someone advanced as fast as you have in thousands of years. If you remember that you are only human and can make mistakes then if anyone is going to bring balance to the force, its you." Master Swan told him with a certainty in her voice that honestly Anakin was taken aback by even if Ahsoka smiled proudly at him. No other Jedi had said that to him and it was a major boost to his ego.

"Maybe you would like to learn some force forging Master Swan?" Ahsoka said eagerly. It was so rare to find another Jedi who broke the mould and she was far more supportive of them than the others. Anakin was a little annoyed at Ahsoka for making the offer without consulting him first but only a little as he too would possibly have done so later.

"I have to admit I am intrigued, I notice the armour you are both wearing and it is quite impressive." Master Swan said with an almost admiring look.

"Then let's see if you can make a set of your own Master Swan." Anakin said and the older woman smiled.

"Thank you Anakin, I would appreciate that." She said calling him by his first name.

"You are welcome, Bultar." Anakin replied with a smile.

- x -

Unknown to the other Jedi though, someone was watching them with a smile on his face.

Obi-Wan was glad to see Anakin make more friends within the order and while Master Swan was not someone he had thought of as a friend for Anakin she would he hoped be a good influence. Watching them both share what they knew and aid in not only their own Jedi training but Ahsoka's as well, it was rewarding Obi-Wan felt to see Anakin become a more rounded and capable Jedi.

Master Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan thought with a sad smile, you were right. I only hope I have trained him as well as you would have.

Obi-Wan watched as Anakin guided Master Swan in making her own force armour, taking satisfaction that he was growing into a fine man and pondered on their moving meditation. It was he thought impressive and wondered just where they had learned it. Not from each other he thought as they seemed surprised the other had known it but it was regardless an interesting concept.

He would have to try it himself he thought with a smile.

Ralmiz, Mandalorian Space…

As the ship moved towards their next destination Haron, Din and Vysa were both training with Ijaa and his people to pass the time.

Haron was using his new one handed sword to duel with Ijaa, the man might not be force augmented as Haron was not to mention more than two decades older but his skill with a blade was more than enough to keep Haron on his toes.

"You waste too much energy." Ijaa said with the stern edge of a very strict teacher with an exceptionally awkward pupil. He proved his point moments later when after too hard a strike he skilfully stepped to the side so Haron's arm went wide and with a precise jab made Haron drop his sword. "A sword is not a blunt instrument, it is a precise weapon that needs dedication and focus to master properly. Conserve your energy and master your economy of motion." Ijaa told him with a stern eye.

"Understood." Haron said managing to control his irritation as tried to not fight while relying too deeply in the force. It might be a great tool but it would do him no good to become dependant on it. They resumed training as the clanging of their blades filled the room, Haron however was starting to become more reserved in his movements and much more precise as his own discipline and experience grew. Ijaa found picking through his defences much harder this time.

"Duke Ordo, we have arrived in the Ralmiz system." A voice came over the intercom and the pair stopped fighting as they realised they needed to prepare to meet with Duke Ralmiz. They cast their eyes over to Din and Vysa who were training with Ijaa's own men.

Din was doing well for his age and getting more than a few hits in before they took him down which made Haron smile with pride at his ward. Din was probably one of the best young warriors in his generation and continued to improve as he got older, when the time came to reforge his grandfather's armour Din was going to do his family proud.

Vysa meanwhile was sparring with some of Ijaa's guards and while her technique was a little 'unpolished' perhaps meaning raw and brutal she was a fierce and capable fighter, laying a strong beat down on several of Ijaa's men.

"Hold." Ijaa called out before approaching the warriors. He looked them over and told Din first.

"You have the makings of a fine warrior young one. Your heart and passion is in your fighting and it served you well, continue to train and you will only improve." Din they all noticed took a great deal of pride in that. Ijaa then turned to Vysa who was annoyed at the interruption of the fight and told her with a calm measured tone.

"You fight like us despite not being raised as one. Your heart and passion is in your fighting, your actions...you have the spirit of a Mandalorian and perhaps a highly skilled one but something is holding you back. During the fight there were moments of hesitation when you seemed to doubt yourself. Why?" Ijaa asked her.

Vysa looked stunned for a moment by his comment and told him with an angry expression.

"I don't hold back for anyone." However Ijaa was unaffected by her apparent anger and regarded her for a moment before cutting straight through her mask with ease.

"Yes you do, you want a family but are afraid of being hurt. Of being rejected like your father rejected your mother and you." Ijaa said not holding back however much it might hurt her.

"Hey." Haron said with anger as he saw and felt the pain Ijaa's words left his sister with. Not holding back and with the force enhancing his strength and speed stood between them grabbed Ijaa by the scruff of his neck. The man's own warriors looked ready to attack Haron but he waved them off.

"Haron, get out of my way." Vysa said with her anger turning cold. He let go of Ijaa and did as she said, smiling as his sister smacked the older man right in the face, knocking him back.

"I am not afraid." Vysa said before spitting on the floor next to him.

"And she will never be alone because we are her family." Din said bravely stepping up and Vysa with a small smile ruffled his hair pressing a kiss to his forehead in thanks for that.

Ijaa might have been angered by the hit but instead seemed to approve strangely.

"Perhaps, my dear. But one thing I know for sure is you will be one who breaks the mould." Ijaa told them before walking off with his men, not offended at all.

That left Haron, Vysa and Din alone. The three shared a look before they all smiled and Vysa grabbed both of them by the arm dragged them out of the room.

- x -

The system that Ralmiz resided in, home of the House of the same name was harsh with two very strong suns that baked most of the planets within their reach. Ralmiz itself was just far out enough that it was able to maintain an atmosphere and in oasis's sheltered by mountains dotted across its rocky and desert covered surface enclaves stood were many of its people lived although there was a large number of orbital space stations that served as not only industrial centres but to house its people too.

The compound on House Ralmiz was located on one of the oasis that dotted the planet and the heat of the planet was as bad as Tatooine, all of them despite the temperature regulators in their suits were sweating in their armour as they stepped out onto the sandy surface.

"So what will House Ralmiz want from you?" Ijaa asked with a voice that was like the crack of a whip. Haron still angry with him for what he had said to Vysa earlier answered without looking at him.

"To prove that I have the commitment, the will to survive regardless of what adversity I face. A test of my endurance is likely." Haron told him while doing his best to keep his hostility in check. Ijaa, unconcerned by his attitude just said.

"Good."

So he and Ijaa along with some of their warriors walked into the compound, the number of Ralmiz warriors around them was large and the looks of suspicion sent their way. They ignored these looks as they continued forward and saw Duke Ralmiz himself looking at them from the doors of his home.

"Dukes Ordo and Yusagi welcome to my home." Duke Sarek Ralmiz said with an imperious look. "You will take the challenge?" He asked with a questioning look.

"I will." Haron said, having already expected this. He had been reading up on House Ralmiz and knew the trial each of their warriors had to go through to prove they deserved to be called warriors.

"Then I hope you are ready for it." Duke Sarek said with a dismissive look in his eye that Haron could endure what he and his warriors had, so many didn't.

"We shall see." Duke Ijaa said with a quiet certainty.

- x -

Two Days Later…

The burning heat made the simple shroud he had been given to protect his back and head seem pointless. The sweat off his brow was horrible but he endured it as he must endure this he thought with a shallow breath.

House Ralmiz demanded a trial of all their warriors before they were allowed to don the armour, they must survive a week in the harsh desert with no food or water beyond what you could find yourself.

Apparently it proved endurance and the will and intelligence to survive which House Ralmiz prized.

Haron personally thought they were insane, nearly half of those that took this trial didn't survive and were swallowed by the sand.

And he thought with fury, it wasn't just the heat and the burning sun that could take you down as there was the various creatures that wandered the desert looking for food.

He just found the carcass of one of them he thought, the smell was appalling given how quick meat rotted in this heat but he forced himself to pull one of the exposed bones free and used a rock that jutted out of the sand to sharpen the already damaged bone to a point so if he happened upon one of the predators he wasn't completely defenceless.

When he had his makeshift weapon he carried on walking towards the mountain.

He needed some shelter from this heat, he thought desperately, somewhere he could hole up until the full seven days had passed and he could be picked up. He could use his magic to help survive and the cooling charm was at its finest in keeping him moving rather than be stuck still where he was during the hottest point of the year. But first shelter would be needed or he was likely to suffer a heat stroke.

He forced himself forward, drawing on the force to give him the strength to keep going despite the effects of the heat starting to get to him. Sensing the area around him he could at least avoid most of the creatures that were around including much to his surprise a sarlacc he thought with alarm. On the third day when he was starting to flag even with the force he finally managed to reach the mountain and found a cave at its base.

Sensing something within Haron was cautious about entering given that he could certainly sense a creature inside but looking around there were no other caves around and with the cold of the night coming he would need the shelter, he had nearly frozen the last two nights.

So with a steadying breath he walked in.

The cooler interior of the cave was a relief and he managed to conjure a ball of light to illuminate the cave so he could see. A snarl ahead of him made him stop and ready himself as the creature he had sensed appeared in front of him.

It was a large sand coloured lizard of some kind with four spindly looking legs and at the end of each of them were knife like claws and its wide and large mouth had teeth the size of daggers. Haron gritted his teeth and readied his primitive dagger.

The creature ran forward at a surprisingly fast speed but with the force guiding him and own training Haron ran froward and slid under the creature before it was able to bite him and forced his sharpened bone straight into its body and tore it around roughly.

The creature screeched with pain and tried to twist away from him but that only made the injuries Haron inflicted on it worse. The man in question quickly got to his feet and with his now bloody bone in hand turned to face the creature as half its insides started falling out. Sensing its pain and wanting to put it out of its misery Haron used the force to make a very precise jump and stabbed the creature straight in the head.

It struggled for a moment before falling to the floor dead. Haron did pity the creature but he had to do this he thought sadly.

Looking at the creature to see if he could eat it he saw its skin was covered with scars and looking at the meat he could tell the creature was sick with something. He grimaced as he knew this was only going to make him sick in turn and so with the force he picked up the creature and carried it to the mouth of the cave threw it as far as he could.

With that done Haron went back inside to explore his temporary dwelling.

Recasting his light spell he looked around and saw it was a reasonably normal cave now the creature was gone and rather than danger he could sense it was a good place to hide from the heat of the day and the cold of the night.

However as he reached the end of the space he discovered a pair of surprises.

A clear pool of water rushed through the cave before disappearing again in some underground river. He smiled carefully looking the water and the rock around it for any sign it was dangerous, thanking his uncles survival training before seeing it was safe and took a very long drink, the cool refreshing taste was like nectar on the lips and throat after the last couple of days. He sighed with pleasure at finally relieving his thirst before looking up to see something he hadn't expected on the other side.

A simple stone sarcophagus lay on the other side of the small river and judging by how old it looked it had to have been there for thousands of years. Haron was bewildered as it was not the practice of House Ralmiz to bury their dead in the middle of caves in the desert and he was wondering if this had been here longer than they had.

He carefully jumped across the small river and landed on the other side before wandering up to the sarcophagus, he examined it and saw on the stone lid something had been carved. Covered by dust he had to wipe it away so it was legible but saw not only a name but a symbol.

Xaset Terep and just below it was the ancient symbol of the Revanchists.

Haron was incredibly surprised as he had not expected to find this but had heard in his own history lessons that the Revanchists had fought and defeated a Mandalorian fleet near here and wondered if this was something to do with that battle. It would be he thought with sarcasm a hell of a coincidence if it wasn't.

Curiosity made him use the force to open the sarcophagus, not sure why but perhaps just to see what was inside and while any bones had turned to dust a long time ago there was something inside that was preserved.

A suit of ancient Mandalorian Armour, the same pale colour that his own suit had once had.

One of the missing Bloodguard suits Haron thought with amazement, he did not know the fate of all the members of the Bloodguard but knew that all the suits had disappeared before or in the immediate aftermath of Malachor 5. This Xaset Terep he thought looking down at the sarcophagus must have bested one of the Bloodguard but died and been buried with the armour.

Well done Jedi, Haron thought with a slight respect and carefully removed the armour before replacing the lid so the Jedi's grave would remain undisturbed from now on. Looking at the armour he was smiling as that left only one suit left to find. Granted he didn't expect to find it but given the force had led him to this one and the Mandalore's too perhaps it might eventually lead him to the last.

Regardless though he thought, he had more days to survive in the desert.

So knowing that while he had water he had no food he would still need to rely on the force to survive.

So he settled himself down and began to draw deeply on the force, immersing himself deeply into it so he might save his strength and replenish it. This was he thought going to be a long few days.

- x -

When he finally emerged from the cave a few days later Haron activated his beacon and let everyone know where he was to be picked up. He held a bundle made from his own clothes to carry the armour in and waited patiently for the shuttle which arrived not ten minutes later. The ship landed nearby and he walked out to it with the bundle and Din appeared at the ramp with Vysa to greet him.

"You are nuts to go through with this." Vysa said seeing the sun burn he had and shook her head before offering him a canteen of water which he gratefully took a swig from before Din asked him.

"Are you okay?" Din asked with concern seeing the reddened skin but Haron just smiled and told him.

"I will be fine, now let's get back to Ralmiz's compound. I don't know about you but I am sick of being in this desert." Haron told him and they returned to the ship.

Haron was instantly going to give the Bloodguard suit to Vysa but something held him back, she had been offered a suit of beskar and turned it down as the Durasteel suit she had created was 'more her' and wasn't going to change it.

Haron wanted her to have the best protection but he was not going to force it on her besides he could feel a push from the force away from giving it to her, he had no idea but he could just feel that this suit was not meant for her.

He might have given it to Din but knew the boy wouldn't wear anything but his grandfather's pure beskar suit.

So who? He thought to himself with confusion. He was sure that the suit was meant to go to someone but who.

Waiting for the ship to arrive back at the compound Haron put his own armour back on and it was a big relief to have it after enduring the desert in rags. The weight of his weapons a comfort after having to rely on what he could make from what he found.

The ship soon arrived back at the compound and Haron walked out of it with his own people, Din and Vysa at his side. He approached the interior of the building and once inside he felt the cold air kept there by the different cooling units. Ahead of him was Duke Yusagi and Duke Sarek Ralmiz but surprisingly there was another standing there.

Duke Vorxel N'Val stood there in his own armour and all three greeted him.

"So you survived the desert, then are a warrior. House Ralmiz will stand with you." Duke Sarek said with a slight bow which Haron returned. "Duke Yusagi has convinced Duke N'Val to join us here as he has a request in return for his involvement."

"I see and just what is that?" Haron asked, outwardly he was calm but inside was angered that Yusagi had jumped the gun so to speak but glad to at least not have to travel all the way to meet House N'Val but wondering just what was he going to have to do to get him onboard.

"I want a voice in the establishing of the new fleet. A say in what ships we use. My house has a number of designs that we think would be perfect for a future fleet." Duke N'Val said and Haron wondered with a headache if they would have to build their ships just to keep them happy but since they did have a history of being very good at space warfare Haron made a concession.

"Then you will have it, present your designs to the other house leaders when we all meet on Graavis, but this might give you something to think on until then." Haron said and used his datapad to call up the images of the Mirshko-class Heavy Cruiser. A hologram projected the ship above them and they looked at it in surprise.

"The Mirshko-class Heavy Cruiser, the eventually replacement for the Dreadnaught as our heavy cruiser. Heavily armoured and armed with an impressive fighter capacity. Team that with the Atin-class Battleship." He said diplomatically switching over to its larger counterpart. "Potentially the future capital ship of the Mandalorian Fleet and I will be happy to discuss the plans with you all when we meet up but since there are many other positions in the fleet I will be eager to see just what you house has in mind." Haron told him.

The other three dukes looked at both designs with interest as they realised their potential. Din and Vysa too smiled as they liked the feeling of being at the centre of events.

Duke N'Val in particular seemed really interested in the two ship designs and smirked before telling them all.

"I too will like to see just what we can present. But I believe that Duke Ralmiz has an asset that may be of value." He told them and they turned to the local leader who told them.

"My house has preserved ten Janus-class Battlecruisers and is now in the process of reactivating and upgrading them. They too can serve a role in the fleet." He told them.

Haron however was unsure as was Duke N'Val as the Janus-class was a very old design and far more of an old fashioned capital ship. Rugged and well armed but had no fighter capacity, they were also slow and had little manoeuvrability. But he admitted until they got more Atin-class in service they might just do as a substitute.

"Then they will be considered too. But for now there is something else." Haron said, turning to Duke Yusagi and offered him the bundle containing the blood guard armour. "I discovered this in the desert, but be truthful this would have been more harder without your help so I offer this to you as a thank you. I trust you know what to do with it." He said passing the armour to Yusagi who took it and peered inside. His eyes widened at the sight of the special armour and he then looked up to say.

"I will enjoy reforging it with my sons. I am appreciative of it, given what it stands for and I intend to continue my support of your campaign to become our leader...Mandalore." Yusagi said with a small bow. Haron returned it, glad more of the houses on board now and hopefully soon the rest would follow.

Azure, Mid Rim Territories...

The planet Azure had remained loyal to the Republic in the Clone Wars and due to significant codebreaking facilities there as well, it was guarded by a large force or at least it had been prior to Haron Ordo leaving the Republic war effort.

Due to the pressure being put on the military for certain campaigns key units had being transferred away from this key world, largely due to few caring the value of this planet to the war effort and caring more for their own wealth and status. Now a much smaller force guarded this key facility and somehow the Separatists had learned of it.

Now General Grievous approached with an enormous army, wrecked Republic cruisers lay in pieces all around the planet's orbit while on the surface the few surviving clones and their Jedi General Master Agen Kolar recently named to the Jedi Council did their best to hold them off while crucial data and equipment was destroyed.

"Stand strong men, we can defeat this assault." Agen told his clones but the massive number of battle droids marching towards them said otherwise, made worse by the parting of the battle droids as General Grievous appeared on the field.

"I think not Jedi, this should be interesting." Grievous said with his sinister electronic voice and pulled four of his stolen lightsabers out, igniting them and engaged Kolar.

The Jedi Master was a master of Form 4 combat with some skill in Form 5 as well which gave him a strong offensive and defensive base but the rapidly spinning blades of Grievous were an assault unlike anything the Kolar had ever encountered. He strained himself hard to hold off the relentless barrage of lightsaber blades coming at him and the speed of the attack began to tell, Kolar straining to maintain his defence.

Grievous, sending weakness locked sabers with the Jedi and started laughing in his face, wanting to look him in the eye before suddenly impaling Kolar through the chest with one of the lightsabers he hadn't managed to block.

The clones watched with horror as the Jedi Master fell and Grievous claimed his weapon before the droids resumed their march.

The Senate Building, Coruscant...Hours Later...

"The loss of the Azure and its facilities means my people and those of the Than Hegemony no longer feel that being part of the Republic is in our best interests. To that end while we will not be joining the Separatists, we announce our secession from the Republic." The Kalderan Commune Senator said, his pod floating in the centre with the insectoid Than Hegemony pod floated along side.

This caused an up roar in the Senate and while the chair called for order Palpatine was unconcerned. The fear and panic created by the worsening of the situation was playing straight into his hands with the situation perfect to pass certain laws and amendments which would help his rise to power later. It also diminished the public trust in the Jedi as they received a fair amount of criticism for failing to prevent the situation from getting this bad.

Senator Amidala he thought with satisfaction was being quiet, she in the past might have tried to convince the two races to stay in the Republic but few gave her any voice now. He sneered under his look of concern.

She was brave to still attend the session and not send the complete fool Binks in her place since few wished to speak to her now, just as he predicted (even if he had secretly encouraged the feeling) she had become something of a pariah in the Senate for the Mandalorian mess and now only a few key allies were keeping a discreet contact with her.

He was not too concerned with the Than and the Kaldarans breaking away from the Republic, they would be reconquered later but right now he had a potential problem to deal with.

Haron Ordo and his group had been busy, gaining support in the other houses of Mandalore and it was a potential problem for his future plans if they were unified but even then he was not too concerned.

It was an irritation but one that needed to be watched.

So while killing him had appeal it might only make Ordo a martyr to his cause so he needed him back here till a plan to destroy him could be put together and before he could accomplish too much.

- x -

The Jedi Temple, Coruscant...

The Temple was in mourning for Master Kolar, his death had hit the Temple hard when so many had believed him one of their very best and a member of the Jedi Council albeit for only a few short weeks. So many had thought if anyone could stop Grievous he could.

So it was almost with a fever that more Jedi were trying to learn force forging to create force armour of their own so they might stand some kind of chance against the monster was plaguing them.

Tuwan was now holding classes for many Jedi before they left in the hope it might give them more of a chance out there. He had never seen a creature such as this and honestly was growing very worried for all the Jedi that had to leave the Temple or fight in a war that honestly he didn't feel should be fought in the first place and certainly not by the Jedi.

Seeing Minisa and her padawan wearing their freshly crafted armour brought a smile to his face a little as he saw the young Jedi take the girl under her wing but as he walked the corridors of the Temple lost in thought he unknowingly entered the medical area where the most serious long term cases where held.

He looked up and saw a middle aged Chalactan woman floating in a bacta tank, he knew she was Master Depa Billaba who had succumbed to a coma after the loss of many of her clones during the Battle of Haruun Kal and being very badly injured herself. He didn't blame her he thought with a sigh, death seemed so widespread now it was hard to see any real light at all.

He put his hand against the tank and tried to see if he could wake her with the force, he knew many masters including her previous master Windu and even Yoda himself had tried but perhaps she was more open to it now after so many months asleep. Or so Tuwan hoped, dearly wishing to give the Temple some good news right now.

He felt her mind, still locked away but slowly it was opening he smiled she was coming back to them. He just needed to show her it was safe to emerge from her coma and rejoin the galaxy again.

He sent his reassurance to her and slowly in the tank her eyes began to open.