FicWad

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Star Wars and I make no profit from this work of fan fiction. I am in the debt of its true owners as they have been the creators of worlds of fiction that millions have enjoyed. All Hail to JKR and GL!

A/N: For a time line see the notes in Chapter 1

Last time:
Aboard the Talia
Harry turned to Luna who nodded as she replied, "All system operational and I've entered in the hyperspace co-ordinates for our first jump once we clear the planet."
"Okay, everyone we ready for this?" asked Harry with a smile.
A chorus of approvals sounded so with a broad smile in place Harry slowly lifted off, hovering over the Weasley house before turning and setting course for open space. He smiled as their four newcomers watched the Earth disappear from sight.
"Okay" said Luna, "Next stop deep space."

Chapter 5

Geonosis - Arkanis Sector - Outer Rim Territories

"What a complete shit hole," were the first words spoken by Sirius Black as he stepped out of the Talia.

"Not as inspiring as one small step," grumbled Remus as he squinted against the suns glare.

Harry turned and glared at the older men, "We are not here on bloody vacation, now stay with the ship while we check out the vicinity."

"And be careful," added Luna, "the ships computer didn't have a lot of information on the planet."

"Have you both got your wands?" asked Remus.

Both nodded as Luna patted her hair where her new Yew and Dragon heartstring wand was threaded through her braid. Harry showed Remus his wrist sheath where his new Oak and Phoenix feather wand was just visible.

Remus smiled in reply, "Good, I know your prefer your lightsabers but it never hurts to be prepared and besides I paid good money for those."

oOoOoOo

Making their way through the dry, rugged terrain wasn't difficult, just time consuming, especially if you tried to do it without drawing attention to yourself. By the time they reached the bottom of the outcropping they were both sweaty and covered in red dust.

"Look over there," instructed Luna as she pointed at one of the larger rock outcroppings.

Harry watched for a moment before seeing what she meant. The outcropping was a building somewhat similar to an anthill and almost indistinguishable from the planets natural stone.

"Nice camouflage I'd imagine that they…Luna down," Harry ignited his lightsaber and blocked a blaster shot as Luna rolled away from and then sprang to her feet with her own weapon in hand.

Harry blocked another shot as he spotted their attackers, Battle Droids. Drawing his lightsaber he leapt up and over the two visible droids, slicing downwards as he somersaulted. As he landed facing Luna the two droids simply fell over, neatly cut apart.

"Intruders in…" The remaining droid facing Luna was just beginning to transmit a message when she gestured smashing it in to the rock wall so hard that it was reduced to shattered parts.

"Bugger, they were probably scouts," commented Luna.

Harry nodded as he knelt to study the two Droids he had destroyed, in particular the symbols on their chest plates, "What the hell are Trade Federation droids doing on Geonosis, this isn't an aligned world."

Luna shrugged, "I've no idea but regardless it is clear they don't want visitors, those droids weapons were not set on stun and they fired without warning."

Harry quickly glanced around the area, "We should move away before more of them turn up to find this lot, the question is do we go on or head back to the ship."

Luna gestured toward the outcropping, "That looks like a likely place to begin."

oOoOoOo

Harry shook his head as he whispered to Luna, "This doesn't make any sense, why would they need an army this big? There are thousands of Battle Droids down there and it looks like they're building more."

Luna shifted slightly on the small ledge they were laying on endeavouring to see the rest of the cavern. She suddenly stiffened and whispered back, "Harry shield us, now."

Harry immediately concentrated and a Force bubble appeared around them. He felt Luna grip his arm a moment before he too felt what she obviously had, very faintly somewhere below there was a Dark Sider.

Luna closed her eyes and used her Force awareness, attempting to identify the other presence, "Dooku…..Harry its Dooku, look," moving slowly she pointed down toward the floor of the droid factory.

oOoOoOo

Count Dooku was satisfied that the production of weapons, in particular Droids was well ahead of schedule. His Masters plan would need them all too soon. Beside him Archduke Poggle the Lesser was lecturing the Trade Federation and Banking Guild envoys on the quality of the armaments being produced. The fools were so wrapped up in their own petty desires and needs that they once more failed to see that their army would never succeed it was simply another step in his Masters all encompassing plan.

"Yes, yes it is very impressive my friend. With this new army we can begin the next phase of our strategy," Dooku's voice was warm and sincere. There was nothing present in it that showed just how much he loathed the cowards surrounding him.

He was about to offer another meaningless platitude when he felt…something, a presence in the Force, but what or who? It was only a moment's contact but it felt familiar, he had felt that presence before, recently. Thinking quickly he turned to the Archduke, "My friend we have a problem, I just sensed a Jedi. You need to send out your people and kill the spy he cannot be allowed to report to the Republic."

oOoOoOo

"He probably sensed us if only for a moment," Luna gestured back toward the Droid factory.

"That's enough reason for us to leg it," replied Harry as he scrambled across the exposed rock face to a ledge higher up the rocky outcropping.

"True, now we need to get out of here before the bastard sends all those bloody Droids after us," replied Luna as she landed beside Harry.

Harry spotted movement back toward the factory, "We may be too late, move it."

Luna turned to look; already the first Battle Droids mounted on some sort of speeder were approaching.

oOoOoOo

"Where in the name of Merlin are they?" demanded Sirius as he paced up and down the ramp.

"They said they needed to scout Padfoot, they'll call if they're in trouble," replied Remus as the communicator he held activated.

"Get the ship prepped we've got a bit of a problem here," it was a breathless sounding Harry followed by a burst of static sounded followed, "and its following us home."

Sirius and Remus exchanged a concerned look even as they burst in to action; Sirius sprinted up the ramp yelling for Ron to get the ship ready to leave while Remus pulled his wand and kept watch, ready to lend a hand.

oOoOoOo

Luna dived in to a forward roll to avoid a stream of blaster fire, as she rolled back to her feet she deflected another burst of fire back at her attacker without pausing to see if the deflected attack hit its mark she launched herself in to a Force assisted jump landing on the rim of the broad flat rock that was their destination.

Harry was running away from two pursuing Battle Droid flyers that were doggedly pursuing him across the rocks. As they circled back for another attack he summoned a large rock and Force pushed it at the Battle Droid on the left. The unexpected attack caused it to veer right and impact in to its companion destroying both in the fiery impact.

Harry looked up in time to see Luna Force jump to the top of the cliff and disappear over the edge. With a flick he deflected an attack from yet another Battle Droid before following Luna.

oOoOoOo

Mounted on his personalised speeder bike high above the action Darth Tyranus watched the two Padawan learners fend of the Battle Droids. He was mulling over the situation as he watched the two make for the ridge top and their ship.

Had he been followed, were the Jedi investigating him and if so why would the Jedi council send two Padawan learners? They were important questions, questions that he needed answered before he dealt with the two spies.

Making sure the planets sun was behind him he pushed the speeder in to a steep dive.

oOoOoOo

Remus was moving the moment he saw Luna land and had reached her just as Harry landed a few feet away.

Remus ran his eyes over both of them, "Are either of you injured?"

"No," answered Luna, "but we had better get moving we have only delayed them."

"Righty-oh lets do just that, the others have the ship waiting and…oof ," Remus grunted as Harry forced pushed him toward the ship and out of the way of a fast moving blur.

Harry didn't take his eyes off the speeders rider, "Get aboard Remus, we've got this."

Dooku was seemingly unconcerned as he approached Harry and Luna, "We meet again younglings but this time your Master seems to be absent."

Silently Harry circled right and Luna left each of them had their lightsaber pointed at the Dark Sider. On the fifth step Harry lunged forward using the Force to enhance his speed. At the same moment Luna Force pushed Dooku. It was a move Talia had developed and one they had practised extensively during their training.

It failed completely. Dooku simply leapt straight up avoiding Luna's push and Harry's attack. As he descended he responded with his own Force push which struck Harry in the back blasting him off his feet and sending him crashing painfully in to the rocks. Dooku then immediately attacked Luna using sheer strength to drive her back and away from Harry.

Within moments Luna realised that she was in trouble, she was being forced to defend and give ground just to avoid the experienced duellist's initial attacks. One mistake and she would be dead.

Harry slowly dragged himself to his knees the world spinning about him, shaking his head to clear it he stood, somewhat unsteadily and looked over to where Luna was being forced back by Dooku's blisteringly powerful attack. Forcing himself in to a run he re-entered the fight.

oOoOoOo

"Shit," cursed Sirius as he watched Harry thrown in to the rocks, "Are you two okay here?" he asked Ron and Hermione as he stood up.

Ron didn't even look up from his instruments as he concentrated on piloting the still unfamiliar ship, the few lessons he had gotten from Harry had relegated him to the role. "You go and help Harry we'll be ready to go when you get back, I hope."

Sirius sprinted to the hatch arriving just in time to see Harry stagger in to a run. Raising his wand the former Auror sent a series of stunners flying toward the black clad figure attacking Luna.

oOoOoOo

Dooku suddenly had to give up his attack and defend himself from an attack from the ship. Scowling as he realised that it was some sort of Force attack he hadn't seen before, he easily deflected the attacks with his lightsaber but the steady stream of red blasts were keeping him on the defensive. With a snarl he Force leapt away to give himself fighting room. As he landed he touched the controller on his wrist, he needed a distraction.

oOoOoOo

Harry watched Dooku leap high in to the air to avoid Sirius's stunners. Harry was too far away to engage the Sith in a hand to hand attack so he pulled his wand and cast an explosive hex at Dooku's feet and succeeded in blasting the man backwards and off his feet. A blaster bolt crashed in to the ground next to him as more Battle Droids flew overhead.

Harry looked over at Luna and called out, "Luna, withdraw now, we've got more company."

oOoOoOo

Dooku watched impassively as the freighter lifted off and went to full thrust almost immediately. Once more the two Padawan learners had eluded him and while that rankled him somewhat it was overshadowed by his interest in their unique Force attacks. He smiled as he mounted his speeder bike, "You cannot elude me forever my young Padawans and when I encounter you next I will learn your secrets."

As he lifted off he was already composing his report to his Master. The Jedi may have evidence of extensive armament production but that didn't really impact his Masters plan. In fact it may even help them achieve their next goal.

oOoOoOo

Jedi Temple - Coruscant


"Talia Tal-Shin," echoed Mace Windu as he walked along side Master Yoda, "Are you sure?"

Yoda tapped his glimmer stick against the leg of his fellow Master, "Yes, yes our missing former Jedi I sensed, strange it was her presence, powerful and infused with the living Force."

Mace frowned as he considered possibilities, "Do you think Talia found the two Force sensitive's she saw in her visions?"

Yoda shrugged, "I know not, but my fear is that dead she is."

Mace nodded as he accepted Yoda's perceptions.

Yoda resumed walking, "Failed we have to find the Sith, not the first death will she be."

oOoOoOo

Aboard the Talia – on route to Coruscant

Sirius took a bite of his apple and sat back in his chair, "I'm still not sure why you just don't send them a communication, I mean why do we have to tell this Yoda chap personally?"

Luna snagged the last apple from the platter, "Because Talia always said that Yoda was one of the few Jedi she still respected and because the Republic needs to know that someone looks like they are expecting a war and with a Sith present well, something tells me the right people need to know about this."

Harry took a sip of his spice coffee before speaking, "And we can't expect to have much luck settling down and studying if the galaxy is suddenly at war."

Hermione looked up from the text she was reading, "I think we are doing the right thing who knows maybe the Republic can put a stop to the war before it begins."

Ron's disembodied voice suddenly sounded from the flight deck, "Oi you guys we're about to drop out of hyperspace."

oOoOoOo

"So the whole bloody planet is one city?" asked Ron.

"Petty much it is the capital world of the Republic," answered Luna.

"It is amazing seeing it like this," said Hermione with her face pressed to the flight decks window.

In the pilots seat Harry was busy navigating busy space ways as well as dealing with all the red tape that came with organising a landing on Coruscant.

"Talia, this is Coruscant control, you have been given permission to land but due to a current security investigation upper landing zones are unavailable. Please proceed to landing pad 1167, acknowledge."

Harry immediately responded, "Coruscant control this is the Talia, we are proceeding to 1167."

"Sending the beacon now Talia, welcome to Coruscant."

oOoOoOo

Outlander Club - Uscru Entertainment District – Coruscant

"I can't see why they recommended this place," muttered Hermione.

Sirius looked around the bar area, "I dunno Hermione it looks safe enough and besides Harry and Luna wanted us to blend in until they got back."

Remus waved away some little toad selling something called Death sticks and took a sip of his drink. It tasted surprisingly like pineapple but with a fair amount of alcohol. "I don't mind it besides it is interesting just sitting back and watching the crowd."

Ron didn't enter in to the banter as he watched the wall of images where sports of all kinds were playing. One in particular caught his eye as ships raced through rocky canyons, it wasn't Quidditch but by Merlin it looked great.

Sirius stood up and waved, "There they are, HARRY."

Just as soon as Harry and Luna had taken a seat Hermione leant forward, "So?"

Harry shook his head looking frustrated, "We managed to leave a message for Yoda but apparently the Jedi council is in session so we don't know when he'll get back to us."

Nearly everyone at the table was listening to Harry however Luna was looking around the room, "Harry, I just sensed two Jedi, I'm not sure if they are…..actually now I'm sure, they just walked in."

"What are they doing?" asked Sirius.

"One's at the bar and the other is walking this way," replied Luna.

Harry turned to look and immediately spotted the Jedi in traditional robes sitting at the bar a moment later he spotted the second, a Padawan who was walking through the club looking for something or someone. He glanced back at the elder Jedi and who was sipping a drink and looking around at the crowd. When he glanced in Harry's direction their eyes met for a moment and the Jedi seemed to frown and look more closely. Harry however was now looking past the Jedi as he sensed an undercurrent of danger, but what….there behind the Jedi a woman was approaching him and drawing a weapon, without thinking Harry flicked his wrist and his wand fell in to his hand even as he fired a stunner at the woman.

oOoOoOo

Obi-Wan Kenobi sat and ordered Pyrodi Nectar as he watched Anakin move through the crowd. Their quarry had gone to ground in this club and was likely still present somewhere in the crowded bar. His Padawan learner still had much to learn why expend energy looking through the crowd when simply waiting would bring the Senators attacker to them.

Taking a sip of his drink he glanced around at the crowd and noticed a young man watching him, there was something about the man that caught his attention and so he studied the young mans face for a moment before he saw the mans eyes look past him, then two things happened. Firstly the man was moving apparently drawing a weapon and almost simultaneously he felt the Force warning him of danger behind him.

oOoOoOo

Harry watched the woman drop to the floor even as the Jedi spun around lightsaber in hand.

"What the hell, what's happening Harry?" asked Sirius as he drew his wand. Around the club people were realising that something had happened and were moving away from the danger.

"Someone was about to shoot that Jedi in the back, so I dropped her with a stunner," answered Harry as he watched the Jedi Padawan approach their table.

oOoOoOo

Anakin sensed trouble and turned at the flash of red light, Obi-Wan was under attack! He began pushing through the crowd only to find his Master kneeling by the shape shifter.

"Is she dead, what happened?" Anakin asked as he reached Obi-Wan.

"No just unconscious and I'm not entirely sure what happened, Anakin the man in the grey and black, on the other side of the bar, please bring him to me," seeing the question coming he answered it, "He was the one who stunned our assassin."

oOoOoOo

"I must ask you to accompany me, "The Padawan's tone was formal and cold as he gestured for Harry to follow.

"May I ask why?" asked Harry politely.

"My Master has questions about your actions," replied the Padawan.

Harry turned to Sirius and Remus, "Very well, Remus, Sirius can you get everyone back to the ship. We'll meet you back there after we help the Jedi with their enquiries."

With that Harry turned back to the Padawan, "Very well take us to your Master."

"My Master only asked for you," pointed out the Padawan.

"We're a matched set," replied Luna with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Anakin shrugged and led the two humans to where Obi-Wan knelt checking his assailants pulse. The woman was now disarmed and her hands were secured with binders.

"Ah thank you Anakin," Obi-Wan stood and studied the young man and woman; "I'd like to thank you for your help."

"My pleasure Master Jedi," replied Harry politely.

"The person you helped capture is wanted in a very high profile case and I appreciate the assistance of private citizens although if I may I ask about the weapon you used."

Harry shrugged, "Weapon Master Jedi?"

Obi-Wan got the feeling that the two humans in front of him were being truthful but he could sense a feeling of dislike. Puzzled he tried another angle," As I said she is an important witness and I need to question her I am merely trying to determine how to safely wake her."

"I can do that," volunteered Luna and knelt by the motionless figure. Only Harry saw her short grip her wand and cast an underpowered enervate. Harry smiled at her deviousness it wouldn't do to have the prisoner suddenly wide awake.

Obi-Wan gestured for Anakin to approach, "Anakin arrange for a prisoner transport directly to the Jedi Temple."

With Anakin's nod he returned his attention to Harry and Luna. "I'm sorry but I need to ask a few more questions as you may be needed as witnesses, may I get your names and planet of origin?"

Harry answered, "I'm Harry and this is Luna were from Trallax," he didn't mention Earth or offer any other information.

Obi-Wan smiled, "An Outer Rim world is it not?"

Luna and Harry nodded.

Obi-Wan again opened himself to the Force, trying to sense either truth or falsehood, "And your purpose for coming to Coruscant."

"I'm here to deliver a message, nothing more," replied Harry.

Obi-Wan mused over that for a moment. From what he could tell this Harry was telling the truth, "May I ask the recipients name?"

Harry studied Obi-Wan for a moment considering if he should answer. It was a reasonable question so with an internal shrug he answered, "Jedi Master Yoda."

oOoOoOo

Jedi Temple – Archives


Yoda turned as he sensed the familiar presence of Obi-Wan Kenobi. The usually composed Jedi Master looked….flustered.

"Jedi Kenobi, your investigation in to the attacks, proceeding it is?"

Obi-Wan inclined his head in respect, "Yes Master Yoda in fact we have apprehended the mercenary that made the attempt of the Senator."

Yoda nodded, "Good, question this mercenary we must, uncover the true source of these attacks our goal is."

"Master there is also another matter. The mercenary was stunned by some bystanders using some sort of unknown weapon and then revived similarly. I'm not sure but as strange as it sounds it certainly looks like their technology may be Force based. When they used it you could feel the Force almost vibrating."

Yoda leant on his stick for a few moments, "Strange indeed, speak to them I think I will."

"Strange you should say that Master Yoda the two of them claim they came to Coruscant to deliver a message to you," explained Obi-Wan.

oOoOoOo

Jedi Temple – Meeting Room

Harry and Luna stood just as the Jedi Kenobi led a small green and rather ancient and wizened figure in to the room.

Yoda noted that the two had stood before they could have been physically aware of him.

"Master Yoda I am, wish to speak to me you did hmmm?"

Harry bowed deeply as did Luna both could sense the power of the ancient and frail looking Jedi. As Harry straightened his tunic resettled but not before Yoda noticed what appeared to be the hilt of a lightsaber.

"Master Yoda I wanted to bring word of a discovery we made on a planet called Geonosis," as he told of what they had found he could sense Yoda's Force based subtle probing. With a slight smile he relaxed his shields enough to let the Jedi master sense the truth in his words.

As Harry finished Yoda leaned forward, "Hmmm important this information is and many more questions we must now answer, my thanks for your service. One question I have though."

Harry looked at Luna who nodded, "Of course Master Yoda, ask away."

"Who is your Master?" asked Yoda simply.

For a moment Harry considered not answering but he realised that to do so would be demeaning Talia's memory.

"Our Master was Talia Tal-Shin," replied Harry.

"Was?" asked Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"Yes was", replied Luna fiercely, "she died allowing us to escape from Dooku."

Yoda's shoulders slumped, "Raw your grief is and understand it I do, feel it I do. A good and brave Jedi she was."

Luna looked Yoda in the eyes as she stood tall, "With all due respect she wasn't a Jedi was she? You should say that she was a good person."

"What will you do now?" asked Obi-Wan.

"We need to restock our supplies and then we will find a safe place to train. Luna and I are committed to working towards fulfilling our Masters vision," replied Harry as he bowed low. "I wish you luck Master Yoda, Master Kenobi perhaps we'll meet again."

Yoda smiled at the two humans, "Let the Temple restock your ship you shall, repayment for your service it will be."

Harry bowed deeply, "My thanks Master Yoda."

"May the Force be with you," added Luna.

oOoOoOo

Jedi Temple – Council Chambers

If Obi-Wan Kenobi was nervous he certainly didn't show it, "We've questioned the Mercenary and handed her over to Republic security. Alas she seems to know little save the fact that she was hired to kill the Senator for Naboo by a bounty hunter named Jango Fett."

Kit Fisto leaned forward, "We need to apprehend this Fett and find out why he has done this and who is pulling his strings."

"Agreed," Said Ki-Adi-Mundi with a nod to his fellow Master, "and we need to put a stop to them."

Obi-Wan cleared his throat, "Masters we have also discovered the fate of Talia Tal-Shin."

Master Rutga Tahl bit back a pained oath at those words. For even after all this time he blamed himself for the departure of the talented knight, "Master Kenobi you say you have information on Talia."

Obi-Wan sighed knowing how much the next few words would hurt the grizzled Jedi Master, "We have confirmed word of her death on one of the Outer Rim worlds."

Ignoring the words of sympathy from his fellows Tahl focused on Kenobi, "And who brought word of this?"

"Her Pada…. My apologies her apprentices brought word of her death. She died to give them a chance to escape."

"Escape," echoed Tahl, "Escape from whom?"

Yoda stepped in, much to Obi-Wan's relief, "Know we do of Talia's vision of an order of Force sensitive's, well a reality she has made it and began their training. From the two apprentices she has we received word of a grievous betrayal, not just of their Master but all of us fallen to the dark side has my old Padawan."

"Dooku," whispered Tahl in horror.

Mace Windu looked ready to leap out of his chair, "But how can that be possible, he was a Jedi Master, he served on this council."

Jedi Master Kit Fisto shook his head, "It seems unlikely Master Yoda could they be mistaken?"

"Believe them I must, the truth they spoke to me," replied Yoda calmly.

Plo Koon looked "But that would mean Dooku was a Sith….by the Force it can't be, why would he?"

Yoda gestured toward the holo-projector and an image on the planet Geonosis appeared, "A part of the puzzle this world Geonosis is, ask we must why Dooku builds a massive droid army. Brought word of this discovery Talia's apprentices have."

"We should investigate this immediately," said Mace Windu as he studied the data being displayed.

"And we must see to the safety of the Senator," added Plo Koon.

Several of the council members spoke quietly for a few moments before Ki-Adi-Mundi turned to Obi-Wan, "Your Padawan should be an acceptable bodyguard for the Senator Master Kenobi, while you travel to Geonosis to confirm these reports."

Obi-Wan exchanged a look with Master Yoda before nodding and departing the council chamber. Anakin would be a capable and effective bodyguard and yet he had a very bad feeling about the upcoming mission.

oOoOoOo

From the gantry Anakin watched the odd group of people as they loaded a modified freighter with supplies.

"Is that them?" asked Padmé Amidala.

Anakin nodded, "Yes, Obi-Wan said that the Council was still up in arms over the news they bought, and before you ask I don't know what it was."

"They look harmless enough," offered Padmé.

"They were apprentices of a former Jedi Knight who left the order," said Obi-Wan as he appeared on the landing.

"Master Kenobi," said Padmé warmly, "Is there news?"

Obi-Wan inclined his head in respect, "Senator Amidala, there is in fact. We ran the Name Jango Fett through both the Jedi archives and the Republic database and we came up with a number of hits including a note on a file regarding a political assassination on Corellia. The name was mentioned but he was never questioned. The murder weapon was never properly identified so I took a Holo of it to an ex-mercenary friend of mine and he gave us another lead. The council has assigned Master Shaak Ti to investigate."

Anakin looked mutinous for a moment before nodding, as much as he would have liked to hunt down the man responsible for threatening Padmé he had to admit Master Ti was a cunning and powerful Jedi Master and was more than capable of tracking down their mysterious bounty hunter.

Obi-Wan turned to Padmé, "Senator the Chancellor and the Jedi Council hold some concerns about other assassins this bounty hunter may have hired and have decided that it would be safer if you were not on Coruscant. The Chancellor suggests Naboo might be a good choice, a brief visit home while this matter is dealt with were his words."

Padmé frowned in reply, "I dislike running away but I believe that a short visit would not be inconvenient, as long as no important matters are before the Senate."

Obi-Wan gestured to Anakin, "Anakin will go with you as your bodyguard."

"What?" exclaimed Anakin, "My place Master is with you."

Obi-Wan shook his head, "The Masters disagree," he said sternly before placing a hand on Anakin's shoulder, "I'll be fine Anakin and this mission is important, the Senators safety is in your hands." He hated misleading Anakin but the Council had been adamant that word of Dooku's treachery be contained until the truth was determined. "The Council has arranged transport for you on a registered transport, traveling to Naboo disguised as refugees."

Below the Talia slowly lifted off.

oOoOoOo

Aboard the Dalia – On route to the Outer Rim

"Try it again," asked Remus.

Harry raised his wand and called, "Solarius," and again was rewarded with nothing but the faint burst of orange light.

"Excellent Harry," said Remus with a clap of his hands, "It's a bloody difficult spell and you're mastering it very quickly. Now Luna it's your turn."

In the week since they departed Coruscant life aboard the Talia has settled back in to a rhythm of training and study. Harry and Luna were being tutored on a range of magical subjects and in return they were continuing the lessons for the others on the history and technology of the broader galaxy that had begun when they left Earth.

In the evening Harry and Luna would continue their self directed study of the Force in particular the priceless Dakshee and Vor'Na'Tu holocron's that Talia had collected. It seemed that the more you studied them the more information they uncovered. Although besides translating its name they still hadn't managed to unlock the Darth Vectivus holocron no matter what they tried.

"It just doesn't feel like the right time," said Luna "I suppose we'll know how to unlock it when the time comes."

A pleasant sounding voice sounded behind them, "How very wise youngling so like your Master, which I suppose is unsurprising considering how she has shaped you both."

Even as they turned both Harry and Luna could sense the massive amount of Dark Side power radiating from the figure of an old man.

Harry's alarm faded when he saw the faint blue tinge to the figure and recognised it at once; the intruder was a Force ghost. "Who are you?" he asked calmly.

The old man smiled, "Ah an excellent question, I am but an echo my dear boy but in life I was Darth Vectivus Lord of the Sith."

Luna raised an eyebrow, "You seem a bit….well um nice."

Darth Vectivus laughed softly, "Nice? I assure you young apprentice I am not nice but neither am I some manipulative, sadistic conqueror. In life I sought power and knowledge as its own end and when I grew old I passed over counting my life well spent. But time is short and dangers multiply as we speak. You must go to Geonosis and take or destroy the Val'Neth holocron held by Dooku. It is imperative you do this for if you fail Dooku will unlock its secrets and believe me that would not be in your best interests."

Luna's eyes narrowed as she considered the self proclaimed Sith Lord, "Why tell us this, why not the Jedi?"

Darth Vectivus rolled his eyes, "Can you imagine the Jedi accepting my guidance?"

"Fair point but why didn't Talia deliver this vital message?" asked Harry.

The Sith Lord shrugged, "Even with you lending power to enable her to manifest your Master has exhausted herself with her constant crossing back and forth and since I knew the dangers I volunteered to come and you will need my help if you are going to defeat Dooku."

"Your help?" questioned Luna.

"Oh yes I'll give you a gift my young friends, the gift of knowledge," with that the Sith surged forward and passed through Luna who screamed and collapsed.

"What have you done?" yelled Harry as he knelt next to Luna.

"Given her a little bit of knowledge and an advantage," replied the now fading Sith Lord. "Her pain should pass momentarily. Remember young one you must take it or destroy it." The Force ghost was fading fast now, "My final gift is my holocron use my knowledge to build your new order as your Master intended."

With that the translucent Force ghost simply faded away.

oOoOoOo

As soon as Luna had recovered sufficiently, everyone convened to the mess where Harry gave everyone a detailed version of recent events.

Ron scratched his unshaven face, "So you're saying this Vectivus was one of the bad guys but one that didn't go mental and all Voldemort when he went dark."

Harry nodded, "That's about it. When we searched Talia's logs she did mention meeting the spirit of Vectivus on an asteroid in the Out Rim territories. Apparently he told Talia his story and she shared some of hers. The end result was that he gave her a gift which I assume was his holocron."

Sirius looked troubled as he considered the situation, "So why should we believe him? I mean he is, sorry was a Sith Lord and from what you have told us we should be taking whatever he said with a huge amount of skepticism."

Luna shook her head, "No he was sincere if arrogant. Darth Vectivus was a very strange Sith more interested in knowledge than power. From what he's shown me its clear that the holocron he wants destroyed is one that contains forbidden lore that even the most power crazed Sith realised was dangerous. Unfortunately the knowledge of why the holocron was hidden was lost and now Dooku has it and in his ignorance may well open it."

"So tell the Jedi," offered Ron, "They're like Aurors aren't they?"

"I'm not convinced that's the right thing to do," said Hermione in a distracted fashion as she scrolled through Talia's electronic logs. "Dooku was once a Jedi who knows who he's corrupted amongst the Order."

"So, it's up to us?" asked Sirius, "Does anyone else feel like we are getting pulled from pillar to post and back?"

Harry shrugged, "We do what we must to bring Talia's vision to fruition as far as I'm concerned this is simply another step toward the goal of an order of Force users who understand both sides of the Force."

"And" added Luna, "an important step it is, we now possess the key to the holocron of Darth Vectivus one of the few Sith holocrons that are safe to study."

"Then its back to Geonosis?" asked Remus.

"Looks like it," replied Harry.

"Well this time you are not going alone," said Sirius in a firm voice, "And that is not negotiable."

oOoOoOo

Geonosis

Obi-Wan Kenobi was feeling quite annoyed as he tried once more to determine a way to switch off the restraints that held him immobilized in his revolving prison. At least he had managed to get a message to Anakin before he was captured. His news of the Clone army and his pursuit of Jango Fett to Geonosis and the presence of Dooku had proven beyond doubt that there was some grand conspiracy in progress. He just hoped that the Council had received the information he had acquired. His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar if unwelcome presence.

Count Dooku entered the cell dressed in his usual finely made robes, "Ahh Master Kenobi I have tried to get you freed but the Archduke was less than impressed to find a Jedi spying on his facilities. Perhaps if you were to explain your purposes to him I might be able to persuade him."

Obi-Wan glared at the older man, "You are a traitor and a Sith so you can stop the act. I'll not aid you or your allies in anyway."

Dooku's expression changed gone was the expression of regret it was replaced by one of hatred and anger.

"Then you are a fool Jedi and very soon you'll die a fool," replied Dooku as he stormed from the room.

oOoOoOo

"Point me Val'Neth holocron," intoned Harry softly as he watched his wand spin to point toward a large stone structure.

"Okay let's go," ordered Harry.

Moving slowly even though they were shielded by a Force bubble they moved slowly through the strange dusty streets of Geonosis. On reaching the stone structure Harry again cast the locator spell.

"Okay hold on," suggested Remus "let's get a better position. Luna shift over a bit before casting, with a bit of luck that will help us triangulate its position."

They watched as the two wands pointed upwards and to the right and quietly moved in that direction. The need for the Force bubble became apparent as they encountered more and more traffic in the stone passageways. There was obviously a large gathering somewhere ahead because the noise grew louder and louder as they continued. Eventually they came to a passageway guarded by several Battle Droids.

"Point me Val'Neth holocron" whispered Harry as his wand pointed at the door.

"Luna and I will take the Droids, you guys open the door and check it out," whispered Harry.

The sudden appearance of two assailants in their midst left the Battle Droids little chance of protecting themselves and they were quickly dispatched.

"Alohomora," intoned Hermione then she quickly stepped aside to allow Sirius and Remus to enter first with their wands drawn.

Standing on opposite sides of the room Remus and Sirius cast at the same time, "Point me Val'Neth holocron."

Their wands pointed to a small metal box standing on top of a slightly larger metal box.

Sirius approached the boxes but didn't touch either of them, "That looks a bit off Moony."

"Probably some kind of security system," replied Remus.

"Do we care if his stuff gets broken?" asked Sirius.

"Nope," answered Remus with a smile.

Sirius smiled and cast a very difficult piece of magic transfiguring the metal in the box to magnesium.

"Be my guest Moony," said Sirius as he stepped back.

Remus cast a simple but powerful fire hex and a bluish shield appeared along with a beeping noise but quickly flickered and disappeared as within moments the metal box was reduced to a white powder and a collection of broken smoking remains.

Sirius tried the locator spell, "Point me Val'Neth holocron."

Both watched his wand fail to react.

Remus gave Sirius a thumbs up "I'd say that's proof positive eh Padfoot?"

Sirius was about to reply when they heard Harry calling out, "We've got some unwelcome company out here."

oOoOoOo

Harry watched Sirius and Remus duck in to the room and then turned to watch the corridor. With whatever was going on as a distraction infiltrating the building had been easy so far but that couldn't last. He resisted the urge to check up on the two marauders as he kept a close watch.

The sound of heavy non-human footsteps approaching was definitely not what they wanted to hear. Harry gestured to Luna with the hand signal for enemy approaching and saw her nod. Then the fight was on as four B2 Super Battle Droids appeared at the far end of the corridor.

Buying time Luna and Harry defected blaster fire as Ron and Hermione shielded and fired explosive hexes at the heavily armored Droids.

Harry deflected another attack and called out to Remus and Sirius, "We've got some unwelcome company out here."

With the arrival of the two experienced wizards Harry and Luna abandoned defense and attacked the three remaining Droids and were able to quickly destroy them.

"Are we done?" asked Harry.

Sirius nodded and held out a bagful of blackened and broken crystal

Harry gestured back the way they had come, "Right then let's get back to the….."

BOOM

The sound of an explosion followed by blaster fire became audible somewhere further ahead. Harry was just about to signal a speedy retreat to take advantage of the diversion when he heard another distinctive sound a lightsaber. Then from around the far corner a Jedi appeared engaged in combat with two B2 Droids. Flipping over the Droids in a risky attack the young human Jedi managed to destroy one but was clipped with blaster fire from the other.

Harry surged forward destroying the B2 as it raised it arm mounted weapon.

Luna knelt and checked the fallen Jedi, "She's alive but in a pretty bad way we need to get her back to a med bay as soon as possible."

Harry breathed a sigh of relief, "Hermione, Ron side along apparate her to the Talia and get her to MK. Prep the ship while we find out just what the hell is happening. Be bloody careful we don't know what conditions are like."

As Hermione and Ron apparated away with the wounded Jedi, Harry turned to the others. "Right lets go."

Following the sound of battle they quickly found themselves on a balcony high above what looked like a gladiatorial arena and below them a battle raged. What looked like thousands of Droids were attacking what had to be Jedi, and from the number of wounded littering the ground the Jedi were going down hard.

"Fuck me," whispered Sirius as he looked down on the fight below.

Luna however rushed to where a Jedi was slumped against a wall and checked the man over before shaking her head, "He's gone."

Harry gestured and the dead Jedi's lightsaber flew in to his hand. On catching it Harry threw it to Sirius, "Collect any you find we'll need them to train with."

"Look," called Luna as she pointed to the arena floor, "there's Obi-Wan and Anakin."

"And there is Dooku," said Harry pointing to a balcony a third of the way around the arena.

"How do we help?" asked Luna.

Harry paused and then shook his head, "It's no use jumping in to that mess below we'd only become embroiled in it but if we are right about the bastard I'd guess that Dooku is controlling this so lets see if we can't distract our resident Sith."

oOoOoOo

Fighting calmly Obi-Wan let his senses guide him. With each passing moment another Jedi fell as an army of Droids encircled them. On his left were Anakin and Padmé and on his right Master Windu.

Then the fighting seemed to stop as the Droids ceased fire. Obi-Wan half listened to Dooku's ridiculous speech as he checked the fallen Jedi. He heard as the Jedi turned Sith uttered some false platitude. He then watched in shock as Dooku seemed to pause and look up before drawing his lightsaber and attacking some invisible foe.

oOoOoOo

Having been told to be quite and guard her while she concentrated the others watched silently as Luna concentrated on Dooku and used a mental attack developed by Darth Vectivus.

oOoOoOo

Dooku was about to re-activate his droids when he felt a very unwelcome presence, Jedi Master Yoda. The small but deadly Jedi dropped to the floor in front of him and immediately attacked.

Dooku parried, barely and began fighting for his life.

ArchDuke Poggle the Lesser and the rest of the delegation watched in shock as Dooku fought an invisible enemy but a greater shock followed almost immediately as a large contingent of airborne troops began arriving in the arena, weapons blazing. The new arrivals were systematically destroying the inactive droids.

With almost universal cowardice they fled the balcony and left Dooku to his 'battle'.

oOoOoOo

Mace Windu led Obi-Wan and Kit Fisto across the arena determined to capture Dooku. When they reached the stairs they were halted by a young man dressed in what looked like some sort of black combat suit.

"Harry?" asked Obi-Wan.

Harry nodded in recognition, "Obi-Wan, Luna can't hold her illusion for long and when she loses it Dooku's going to reactivate those damn Droids. So get your people out of here while we've still got the bastard distracted."

"Harry, Luna looks like she's losing it," warned Sirius.

Harry gestured to where Dooku was glancing around in confusion, "Go get out of here, capture him later. What the hell do you think you are doing?" asked Harry as Mace Windu ignored him and drew his lightsaber obviously to go after Dooku. However it appeared that they had missed their chance as Dooku disappeared from the balcony.

The Jedi Master looked extremely annoyed as he turned to face Harry, "Your delay has allowed Dooku to escape. The traitor can't have gone far, we…..."

Whatever the Jedi was about to say was drowned out by the sound of the Droid army re-activating and engaging the armored infantry protecting the evacuating Jedi.

With a final glare Mace Windu and Kit Fisto jumped of the ledge and ran to aid their people. Obi-Wan was about to follow when a stray bolt from a blaster canon struck the ledge above them sending huge slabs of rock crashing down on them. Cursing Harry grabbed Obi-Wan and pulled him back just as Sirius grabbed Harry's shoulder and apparated them to the Talia.

oOoOoOo

Aboard a Low Altitude Assault Transport

Anakin was growing worried. Obi-Wan had followed Masters Windu and Fisto as they went after Dooku just as he had been getting Padmé aboard the gunship.

Working quickly he helped several of the wounded aboard with the last Jedi clambering aboard just as the remaining droids began firing once more. He caught a glimpse of Master Windu aboard another gunship and then he was rocketing skyward.

He just hoped his Master was safe.

oOoOoOo

Aboard the Talia

"That was a rather unique experience," commented Obi-Wan after patting himself down.

"And an unexpected one," replied Harry, "What the hell was going on?"

Obi-Wan shook his head, "The short version was I was sent to confirm your intelligence and you might say things escalated after that, I was captured after finding Dooku still in residence. Anakin got himself captured as well and I would suspect that Order mounted a combination rescue and capture mission."

Harry looked over at Luna before turning back to Obi-Wan, "Okay so now the question is what we do with the two of you."

"Two of us, you have another Jedi aboard?" asked Obi-Wan.

Luna nodded, "Yes and she won't be going anywhere for a while, she's hurt and probably floating in a Bacta tank right now."

Obi-Wan nodded in acceptance and thanks, "Perhaps if the Jedi have left the planet you could transport us to a space port on a Republic world?"

Harry shrugged, "That should be…" only to be interrupted by Sirius calling out "Holy Merlin," from the flight deck.

"What is it?" called Harry as he made his way forward, followed by Obi-Wan and Luna.

Sirius pointed outside, "We have a serious battle going on below and…whoa Ron it's not a bloody Nimbus."

"Sorry Padfoot but everyone is shooting at bloody everything, Harry you had better take over mate, I'm still…..bugger that was close," said Ron as a huge explosion rocked the Talia.

Harry slid in to the co-pilots seat and took control, "Right we are getting the hell out of here."

Obi-Wan however turned away from the battle and looking intently out the side viewport over Harry's shoulder, "Harry can you get me to that mountain?" he enquired pointing down toward a single rocky mountain.

"Are you bloody kidding, why?" asked Harry as he rolled the Talia along its axis to avoid heavy anti-air fire..

"Because," replied Obi-Wan, "Dooku just landed there."

oOoOoOo

Aboard a Low Altitude Assault Transport

The gunship carrying Anakin and Padmé to the temporary Jedi space port for evacuation rocked as it was struck and only Anakin's Jedi refluxes saved Padmé from a potentially fatal fall.

"That's Dooku," hissed Anakin, "Pilot shoot that speeder down," ordered Anakin.

"Sir we're out of ordinance," reported the clone pilot.

"Then follow him," ordered Anakin as the gunboat was struck by more

oOoOoOo

Geonosis – Docking Facility

Dooku landed his speeder and abandoned it as he quickly made his way toward where his ship was docked. He knew full well that pursuers were likely on their way.

The plan had worked but not without a few complications. The Jedi had taken the bait but he had failed to kill as many as he had hoped. Something had happened right at the moment of his victory and he still wasn't sure how it was done. Then a worse failure although this one was far more personal; someone had stolen his hard won holocron and again he didn't have a clue how it had been achieved or who had managed it. He had been so close to true power….it was galling to have to admit that someone had beaten his elaborate defenses around the priceless object. When he found who was responsible for the theft they would pay dearly for it.

"Going somewhere Dooku?" asked a voice behind him.

Dooku halted but didn't turn around, "Ah young Skywalker and," Dooku slowly turned, "Senator Amidala. Back away boy, you alone can't take me alone and protect her."

"Alone?" said Obi-Wan as he appeared with two hooded figures, "I wouldn't say Anakin was alone, surrender Dooku you can't escape."

"I beg to differ, Master Jedi," snarled Dooku as he struck with Force lightning, which Obi-Wan calmly blocked with his lightsaber. Seeing his attack wasn't working Dooku immediately changed tactics and turned targeting the person least able to defend herself, Padmé Amidala.

"No!" screamed Anakin as he realised what Dooku was doing. With a burst of Force enhanced speed he threw himself forward trying to intercept the deadly attack but knowing he would fail.

Dooku's eyes were alight with dark satisfaction as he struck only to see a figure pop in to existence in front of the Senator and block the attack with a lightsaber. The blond Padawan from Trallax, so two Padawan and one fully trained Jedi. Those odds were still manageable.

Then the situation changed again as another Padawan, the male, appeared beside the first. Dooku was worried now, there were four Jedi arrayed against him and Kenobi was a dangerous fighter. He needed to even the odds.

Dooku sneered, "Hunting in packs now I see and yet you will still fail because you fail to understand the power of the Dark Side," he gestured and a huge metal beam tore free from the wall and flew at Kenobi.

Anakin watched in horror as Obi-Wan tried to leap over the beam only to have it suddenly change direction and pin him to the wall. Driven by his fear Anakin charged Dooku lightsaber raised.

Dooku simply blocked Anakin's attack and launched a flurry of strikes that the Jedi was pushed to defend against. He ended with a Force push that sent Anakin careering into the stone wall.

"You will have to do better than that Skywalker," Dooku stated calmly, "Perhaps with the proper motivation."

Dooku launched another bout of Force lightning at the stunned Jedi but again found it blocked by the female Padawan. Cursing Dooku ignored the other Padawan's shouting and used the Force to launch a large metal crate at the foolish girl only to see it pause in mid air and then rocket back at him. It was only the fact that he was already moving that saved him as the crate impacted against the wall behind him.

Even the most powerful can be caught off guard by something new and as he gaped at the girl's feat he failed to keep watch on the other Padawan.

Harry banished the crate back at Dooku, sheathed his wand and then launched himself at the Sith.

Dooku sensed an attack and managed to sway aside from a strike that would have beheaded him, damnation the boy was fast. He didn't banter this time he simply attacked.

Harry knew he was in trouble as Dooku countered. The older man was a very experienced dueler and it showed it was all Harry could do to defend himself.

Luna watched as Harry was driven back by Dooku. The plan to capture Dooku was out the window, now this was about survival. With a burst of speed Luna charged in to the fight sweeping at Dooku's legs as Harry struck at his head.

oOoOoOo

With a curse Sirius stopped and turned to the others, "Come on I can hear fighting up ahead."

"Harry told us to wait on the ship," complained Hermione even as she drew her wand.

Sirius made a dismissive gesture, "Yeah and he also said they would be helping Kenobi go after Dooku. I'll be buggered if I'm letting them do it alone again."

"Sirius," Remus said laying a hand on his friends arm, "We need a plan, we can't just rush in."

"Disillusionment charms should keep us safe while we get a look at the situation and if Harry and Luna need help we can," offered Ron.

Hermione nodded and then added. "We should be prepared to shield as well, if it's an untenable situation let's just grab our guys and apparate back to the ship."

Sirius smiled at the two of them, "Right we've got a plan lets go."

oOoOoOo

Padmé was trying to wake Anakin as the two Padawan's fought Dooku. She didn't need to be a Jedi to tell that they needed help.

"Padmé?" whispered Anakin.

Padmé breathed a sigh of relief, "Anakin, are you injured?"

"I'm a bit…," Padmé watched as Anakin shook of his injury, "Dooku?"

"He's fighting the other two Jedi, wait Anakin…" she tried to stop him but he rushed past to re-enter the fight.

oOoOoOo

Luna barely held Dooku's lightsaber at bay as he pushed downward. Luna watched in horror as Dooku kicked out at Harry's knee dropping him to the floor. In desperation she tried to change position to protect Harry but even as she shifted her grip slightly Dooku stopped his downward pressure and shifted it to a different angle. Luna felt a burning pain in her wrist and staggered back as Dooku kicked her severed hand and lightsaber across the floor.

"How valiant young Padawan but not good enough," Dooku swung his lightsaber only to have his attack blocked by Anakin.

"Back for more boy?" asked Dooku as he shoved Anakin back.

"Here Anakin," called Harry as he threw Anakin his lightsaber.

Anakin launched a vicious attack on Dooku driving him back couldn't seem to find a weakness in the Sith's defenses and soon he was being forced back.

"I sense your anger and fear boy," taunted Dooku, "yet you still fail to use them. Let me show you…." Dooku was interrupted by a beam of red light that he barely managed to block.

Spinning around he saw an older man against the far wall raise something and call, "Stupefy," and another red light shot toward him.

From behind him he heard another voice yell, "Reducto," and spun to block even as something impacted his lightsaber throwing him backwards away from Skywalker and off his feet.

Dooku was again outnumbered and although the dark side flowed at his command he was growing weaker as his aged body began to fail him. It was time to leave so with a snarl Dooku fell back to his last resort and gestured at the roof sending huge chucks of stone crashing to the floor. In the chaos that followed he ran for his shuttle.

Harry's pulled Luna to him and covered her with his own body as the rocks began to fall.

oOoOoOo

Republic Medical Frigate

Harry watched from his bed as a Medical droid worked on fine tuning Luna's new fitted artificial hand.

"Harry?"

Harry turned to see Obi-Wan standing beside his bed.

"Master Kenobi," Harry acknowledged the Jedi with a nod.

Obi-Wan looked uncomfortable as he spoke, "I'd like to thank you Harry; without your help I would have been killed. We…I underestimated Dooku and we all paid for my hubris."

Harry shrugged, "We survived and frankly that's a win in my book even if Dooku escaped."

Obi-Wan nodded absently as he watched Luna moving her hand, "The council wants to speak to you both."

"About," prompted Harry.

"About your training, the code doesn't allow Jedi to be trained the way your master trained you. I would expect they would like to see you tested to make sure you don't pose a threat to the order."

Harry's face was devoid of expression as he answered. "I see and if we don't wish to be tested? Neither Luna or I claim membership of your order Master Kenobi, nor do we acknowledge its right to approve or disapprove of us."

"As stubborn as your master you are," said Yoda from the door.

"Master Yoda," said Obi-Wan inclining his head in respect.

"I won't submit to testing," stated Harry.

"Hmm disagree with the council on this I do," replied the diminutive Jedi master.

"Will the Jedi council force the issue?" asked Harry.

Yoda didn't reply for several moments his eyes on Harry, "Leave you should, follow your Masters vision if you must. Need new enemies the council do not."

Harry nodded and stood, limping slightly in his leg brace he walked over to Yoda, "I won't forget your assistance Master Jedi. If we hear anything about the Sith I'll be in contact."

Obi-Wan watched on unsure what to say after Yoda all but admitted the council would try to detain Harry and Luna.

"Master Yoda what happened to my friends?" asked Harry.

Yoda smiled, "Fine they are, ready to be depart they seem to be," with that Yoda walked slowly away.

Harry was about to mention the wounded Jedi aboard the Talia but something made him reconsider, it was like a whispered warning 'say nothing'.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat, "They are docked with the ship, taking on medical supplies apparently. If you like I can show you."

Harry smiled, "I'd love to see that, lets collect Luna I'm sure she would like to see it as well."

oOoOoOo

"You are sure that this is wise?" asked Rutga Tahl as he approached Yoda, "the rest of the council is sure to object."

Yoda leaned on his glimmer stick watching the departing ship, "Wise, no but the right thing it is my heart tells me."

"Do you think Talia's vision was true?" asked Rutga quietly.

"Ahh see that far ahead I can not but perhaps…..think more on this I will. Sleep I need now."

Rutga nodded and turned to leave, "Then I will bid you goodnight old friend."

Yoda nodded absently as the Jedi Master left the cabin, his eyes still on the dwindling shape of the freighter, "May the Force be with you."

oOoOoOo

AN – Another chapter done and now it's back to work on some of my other stories.

But fear not I already have chapter 6 in the works for A New Order.

I have rushed the story somewhat BUT before you go up in flames and rain curses upon me let me explain.

It was my intention to establish the crew of the Talia's relationship with the Sith (Tick) and the Jedi Council (Tick) as well as some of the main characters (Tiiick).

This alows me to move the story forward to the period I want to play in, the period between episode two and three. We have already seen events differ slightly and moving forward those ripples will have a profound effect on SOME events. The entire SW canon universe will not be re-written but there will be some different outcomes.

Does that clear it up?

Now for those that can't wait…

Here is a sneak preview of the upcoming chapter

The hologram of the hooded figure turned to face them, "Both the Jedi and Sith philosophies are flawed. The Jedi abandoned their emotions in search of peace and the Sith embraced negative emotion in search of power. Both have failed to understand that only by seeking balance can a Force user fulfil their potential. Light and dark are the same it is the purpose to which power is used that defines it."

"But that argument implies that evil is nothing more than a perspective, the Sith spread lies and hate and whole worlds are torn apart by war."

"It is your lack of perspective that clouds your vision, yes the Sith who plague the Jedi have committed evil, great evil but that is not the Force that is the philosophy of the Sith. You must put aside labels my apprentices."