Here is Chapter 6 of the Mandalorian Maverick. Qi'ra sudden and worried call to Will brings him into contact with a holocron of the Old Republic from thousand years ago. Its contents will provide a new path and wealth of secrets for him on a journey they'll take together over the course of the war. A theft at the Jedi Temple puts innocent children in harm's way and it's up to the Jedi to stop them. Can a Mandalorian Padawan stop one of the galaxy's best bounty hunter? Enjoy!
The Mandalorian Maverick: A Bounty Hunter and a Heist
21BBY: Felucia
Jedi trapped on Felucia! Clones are surrounded by droid forces. Their only hope is to escape on Republic gunships waiting to land on the embattled surface. Jedi cruisers have managed to blow a hole in the droid defenses and have sent gunships to the rescue.
Despite Qi'ra's plea to come to back to Coruscant as soon as possible, that would have to wait. He wasn't able to get a chance to leave since right after that call his master and Anakin's fleet were called to launch an invasion of Felucia in the Outer Rim territories. Felucia wasn't that densely populated by civilians as the planet was covered in giant mushroom forests with very hot and humid weather and the native flora and creatures were all over the place. All its plants and animals lived in a symbiotic relationship and created a perfect harmonious ecosystem. Felucia was important since a lot of the plants grown there were only capable of being grown on that planet, one of which was Nysillin. It had very good healing qualities which made it immensely helpful and needed for the Republic war effort.
The Separatists didn't care about that but denying a world like that to the Republic would help them in the long run and they did destroy a medical frigate orbiting the planet earlier in the war. Now that they had enough resources and wins on their side the Galactic Army of the Republic was going to try and take the planet but that was easier said than done. Even a rudimentary battle commander could see that fighting on Felucia was going to be a nightmare and Will was far from rudimentary. The gigantic mushroom forests were dense and extremely treacherous with most of the planet not even being developed because of the sheer tenacity of the local flora and fauna. If the gigantic mushrooms and carnivorous bacteria didn't kill you, an acklay would and force forbid if you encountered an angry rancor or the planet's massive sarlacc. Granted Will didn't know what an Acklay was but Obi-wan told him it was the quadrupedal beast that tried to kill him on Geonosis.
Suffice to say that moving on the planet was going to be extremely rough and difficult which meant the Republic was forced to stick to open clearings for their armor and vehicles. That was bad as it put them in the open field against the Separatists and the droid didn't have to worry about plant life, bugs, and bacteria slowing them down. Will told his master that taking the planet was going to be extremely difficult and Obi-wan agreed but they both understood they needed the planet's resources and to keep it out of Separatist hands. Unfortunately, the battle wasn't going in their favor and a Separatist fleet of several Munificent-class star frigates along with a Recusant-class light destroyer had blockaded the planet, keeping them from leaving. They called in reinforcements for an evac and Master Plo Koon and the 104th Battalion were on their way to get them off planet.
At the moment, Masters and Padawans were separated which wasn't a good thing as Anakin, Obi-wan and their column of AT-TE walkers were under attack by several Separatist battalions. The thick mushroom forest and its deadly plant life forced them to stay in open clearings next to their walkers while the Separatists could just march their droids at them from all directions which was what they were doing. While an emphasis was put on the main entrances in the clearings with the bulk of the droid forces and the AAT-1 hover tanks, it didn't stop waves of battle droids, super battle droids, and DSD1 Dwarf Spider droids from trying to flank them.
The clones stayed in cover provided by their walkers as Anakin and Obi-wan deflected and blocked blaster fire. That's when the wreckage of a Vulture droid dropped down and destroyed one of their walkers and took down a few of the men.
"That was close." Anakin stated.
"If those fighters got through, then our gunships can't be far behind." Obi-wan pointed out as he deflected a few blaster bolts back at a super battle droid. "Prepare the troops to evacuate!"
A few minutes later, several LAAT gunships arrived and landed in the forest clearing while the others provided aerial support against the droid army. Some clones helped the injured onto the dropships first while the others provided cover fire.
"Come on, grunts! We are leaving!" Rex ordered as he and his men began to peel out to the ships while Obi-wan and Anakin covered them.
"Ahsoka and Will should have been back from the jungle patrol by now!" Anakin told Obi-wan.
"I'll try and contact them again." Obi-wan deflected a blaster bolt before activating his comm link. "Ahsoka! Will! Where are you?"
The two Padawans were six kilometers to the east with Ghost Company on their jungle patrol. They had some AT-TE walkers and two HAVw A6 Juggernaut turbo tanks. They were heavily armed and armored ten-wheeled tanks designed for transport. Ahsoka was on top of the one of the Juggernaut tanks deflecting blaster fire next to a gunner while Will was in the front leading his men. The clones kept to their training and took precise shots at the droid company they encountered and they were pushing them back while staying close to the vehicles or foliage for cover.
"We're six klicks east, Master. We ran into a droid company and we're pushing them back." Will told him as Hevy reloaded his rocket launcher and used it to blow up a droid AAT-1 tank. Echo was right beside Will blasting with his DC-17m while Fives was leading the squad on the left flank when one of the clones got hit in the side.
"Tank is hit!" Waxer shouted.
Fives rushed over, using one of his DC-17 blaster pistols to shoot the Super Battle droid that shot Tank. He dragged Tank behind cover as the other clones grouped up around him.
"I'm all right, sir. Armor caught most of it." Tank assured Fives.
"Medic!" Fives shouted as clone medic Patch of Ghost Company rushed over with BD-8 to help. "Keep it together, brother! Cover fire!"
"They're here to extract us! We're leaving!" Obi-wan told them.
"What?" Ahsoka asked. "Wha…we can't retreat now, master. We've broken through. The droids are retreating."
"We're outnumbered. You must evacuate. That is an order!" Obi-wan told her.
"Master Skywalker taught me never to let up when the tinnies are on the run!" Ahsoka told him.
"They are running back here to regroup with the main force!" Obi-wan told her and Will heard all of that. While he was tempted to keep fighting and a strong part of him was, seeing all of the clones under his command shook him out of his need to fight and refocused on keeping them alive which was always priority one.
"Echo, activate your scanner and give me the widest range you can get!" Will ordered.
"Right." Echo loaded a sonic dart into his DC-17M and fired it high in the air to get the best coverage while Will covered him. Echo checked his data pad as the information the sonic dart's sonar mapping was coming in and it did show droid reinforcements closing in. They were coming from the north, east and west and they were trying to overwhelm them. "Sir, we've got clanker reinforcements closing in from the north, east, and west!"
"Obi-wan is right." Will activated his comm link. "Master, we'll be ready to leave as soon as you arrive!"
"What?!" Ahsoka asked him.
"Roger that. We'll be there soon!" Obi-wan replied.
"Fives, get the wounded ready to move! Hevy, lay down cover fire! Echo, head to the turbo tank and set the reactor to overload! If we're leaving, we might as well make it cost them!" Will ordered.
"Yes, sir!" Echo rushed over to the tank while Will blocked and deflected blaster fire.
"You heard him, boys! Let's give these clankers some parting gifts!" Hevy fired another rocket and blew up some super battle droids while the other clones kept up their blaster fire. Fives and his group carried the wounded back over to the tanks as Echo had just climbed in to overload the reactor.
"Will, what are you doing?! We have them on the run! We need to press forward and take them!" Ahsoka told him.
"Not here, Ahsoka. We're about to be outnumbered! When they arrive, we're getting on that ship!" Will told her. "Ghost company! Close rank and get ready to exfill!"
The clones began to close distance to the turbo tank and walkers while maintaining formation and pressure on the droids in the distance. Their actions showed clear influence in Will's training as they moved effectively and in coordination. The clones peeled back to the turbo tank and walker in coordination so that they were covered by their brothers who were then covered by the others so that no one was without cover fire and would have been an easy target.
Hevy and his group began to back up to the tanks and walkers with Hevy using his rotary blaster to lay down suppressive fire for the others, taking down a few droids with it as well. A few of the droids concentrated their fire and one blaster bolt managed to nick him in the chest but his armor took the hit and he kept firing. Will quickly joined him and deflected some blaster fire back at the droids. That's when he could see that while the group they encountered had dwindled more shiny heads and reflections of reinforcements were coming.
"Why are we retreating?" Hevy asked, laying down some suppressive fire at his 11 o'clock while Will covered his side.
"We've got droid reinforcements about to flank us and our evac has arrived. Cover me." Will deactivated his saber and held his hand towards a large mushroom tree while Hevy covered him. He concentrated and tightened his grip which crushed the base of the tree and caused it to fall to the ground right in the path that the droids were taking, giving them cover. "Let's go!"
"Right behind you." Hevy hefted rotary blaster and the two rushed over back to the others. The turret gunners on the turbo tank and walkers kept firing at the droids along with the other clones, with the fallen mushroom tree on the road giving them some nicely welcome cover and protection. Echo climbed out of the turbo tank just as Will and Hevy joined the others.
"Reactor's set to overload, sir. I wouldn't want to be around when it blows up." Echo told him when he saw a Delta-7 Aethersprite Jedi Interceptor arrive to provide aerial cover along with LAAT gunships which dropped down in front of the group.
"What are you doing?!" Ahsoka asked them as the clones in the gunships and Obi-wan provided cover fire against the droids.
"Everyone on the ships, let's go!" Will ordered as all of Ghost Company rushed on board including the pilots and gunners of the walkers and turbo tank.
"Ahsoka, get on the ship now!" Anakin ordered.
"Can't you see they're retreating?!" Ahsoka told him.
"They're regrouping with reinforcements and we're about to be outflanked, Ahsoka! You just can't see it! Get on the ship! WE ARE LEAVING!" Will shouted as the last of Ghost Company got on. Ahsoka reluctantly did as well and they took off just as the droid reinforcements arrived along with the two droid companies that would have outflanked them from the east and west. The army of droids was more than Will, Ahsoka, and Ghost Company could have handled and their sheer overwhelming blaster fire destroyed the two walkers. Ahsoka's look of guilt and shame was evident while Anakin just looked at her in disappointment.
That's when the turbo tank began to spark with electricity and the reactor overloaded, causing a huge explosion that took out a good portion of the droid army that almost took them out. Will hated running away from a fight and this was a big loss but he didn't leave without making the Separatists feel it a bit.
The Negotiator
The gunships took everyone back to Star Destroyers through the blockade and they retreated back to Coruscant. Felucia was going to be a contested planet from now on and for the rest of the Clone Wars. After Ahsoka's disregard for Obi-wan and Anakin's commands, they were heading back to Coruscant so she could go before the Jedi council for a reprimand. This was technically the second time she did this with the first begin during the invasion of Ryloth where she ignored Admiral Yularen's and Anakin's orders to retreat when she was caught in a trap. It resulted in them losing a Star Destroyer and the invasion being halted a bit. While things worked out, her disregarding orders a second time during a battle was an issue. Who knows what the council would do to her?
While onboard Obi-wan's flagship, Will helped the injured Clones of Ghost Company to the med bay where they were looked at. Lucky there were any life-threatening injuries and everyone would be ok with some bacta and time to heal. In total, Ghost Company suffered 12 casualties with 34 wounded. They were lucky that the number was low but Will had reinforced all of Ghost Company's armor with the melted down Command droid metal. It saved a lot of lives and the causality list would have been higher without it.
Will looked through the window of the med bay as medical clones and droids tended to the injured clones. This was part of the war that he hated. He didn't like to see his men in pain. Clone or not, they were his to lead and he took it with full attention, seriousness, and care like he did with Echo, Hevy, and Fives. Speaking of the three clones, they joined Will after getting checked out by the medical droids.
"You all right, Hevy?" he asked.
"I'm fine, sir. Just a scratch. Armor took the hit." Hevy assured him. "Just another battle marking I can add to my collection."
"Too bad you weren't hit in the head. Maybe it'd have made you smarter." Echo joked.
"Get your armor checked out and fixed. We don't want it to crumble." Will told him and Hevy nodded. "You three did an excellent job today. You've all stepped up in a big way since I was given command of Ghost Company in leading the men and on missions and I can't thank you enough for that."
"There's no thanks necessary, commander. It's our duty. Plus, getting to lead and boss around our brothers is a little fun." Fives pointed out which earned a chuckle from the others including Will.
"I'll bet. But you've all acted bravely and valiantly during our missions in lead of the company and I'm not the only one who's taken notice. Commander Cody has as well. Which is why I'm going to him and my Master to recommend the three of you for ARC Trooper training." Will told them which earned looks of shock from them. "I know we've only been together for a short time but I believe you all are ready for this."
"Wow, sir. We don't know what to say." Echo told him.
"You don't have to say anything. I think you're ready." Will assured them.
"Sir, what does this mean for Rathtar squad? Are we heading back to Kamino for training?" Hevy wondered.
"I'll let you know after I speak with Commander Cody and Master Kenobi. For now, refit your arms and armor and get some rest." He told them before going to find his master. After asking a clone where they were, he went to the command center where he saw Obi-wan talking to Cody. "Master Kenobi, Commander Cody, do you two have a moment?"
"Of course, Padawan. How can we help you?" Obi-wan wondered when he noticed that Will appeared as professional as possible.
"I'm here to recommend CT-782, CT-1409, and CT-5555 for the ARC trooper training program." He stated.
"ARC trooper training?" Obi-wan asked for clarification.
"Yes, Master."
"Are you sure, commander? I know Fives, Echo, and Hevy have been good troopers and they've done well but it takes more than that to be an ARC trooper." Cody told him.
"I know, Commander but I wouldn't put them forward for recommendation if I didn't believe they were ready for the training and responsibility. Ever since I've assumed command of the three, they have shown dedication, valor, and all the other qualities needed for an ARC trooper. I've had the privilege to command them and they have all performed admirably in all our missions and assignments even more so since I've been tasked to lead Ghost Company. They've all stepped up into leadership positions since then and their efforts on Ryloth and on Felucia prove to me that they are ready for ARC trooper training. They have my full support and recommendation." Will stated with no hesitation and absolute assurance in his decision.
"All right. I'll put in your recommendation to command. Hevy, Echo, and Fives will likely have to head back to Kamino for training." Cody told him.
"Of course. Whatever needs to be done." Will replied as Cody nodded to both Padawan and Master before he left to put in the request.
"Are you sure about this, Will?" Obi-wan asked him.
"I am, Master. I know they're ready." He replied and Obi-wan smiled before he pat his Padawan on the shoulder.
"Well, I've seen them in action enough times that I agree with your recommendation. Their performance and training are indeed above the mark of a normal clone trooper. You've done well with them." Obi-wan praised him.
"Thank you, Master. Hevy, Fives, and Echo deserve this. I'll miss them but with the leg up my training has given them I think they'll be back before we know it." He pointed out and Obi-wan chuckled, thinking the joke was funny but given his Padawan…there was a chance it was probably true. "I know you probably shouldn't tell me but what's gonna happen to Ahsoka?"
"That remains for the council to decide but her actions will have consequences. She's talented like you but like Anakin she is also headstrong and single-minded at times. She's got a long way to grow and much to learn." Obi-wan stated before looking him. "You, on the other hand, my young Padawan are advancing too quickly that it is rather unnerving."
"Well, I'm not like other Padawans, Master. You know this by now." Will replied and Obi-wan chuckled.
"That I do. We'll be remaining on Coruscant for a bit before we redeploy. Our troubles on Felucia will no doubt cause delays in our other plans." Obi-wan informed him.
"Well, I don't mind extra time at the temple to train. And Qi'ra did tell me to visit her before we were sent to Felucia. I just hope she isn't mad that I took so long." He pointed out.
"Why do you need to see her?" Obi-wan wondered.
"I don't know. She said a smuggler of Qibbu's found something in the Outer Rim and that I need to see it." He told her which earned a look of confusion. "Knowing her by now, she's likely gonna get me to try and buy it and drain my credit account again."
"Well, take care, my Padawan." Obi-wan cautioned him and Will nodded.
Line Break xxxxx
Coruscant
Obi-wan and Anakin's flagships arrived back on Coruscant and docked at the Republic Army docking yard. Obi-wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka returned to the temple while their ships were repaired and refit with weapons, ammunition, and the injured clones were taken to medical facilities. The clones of the 501st and the 212th were given shore leave while on Coruscant but were on standby in case of an emergency redeployment.
Onboard the Negotiator in the loading bay Will, Hevy, Fives, and Echo stood with Ghost Company as they were holding a small remembrance ceremony/funeral for the 12 clones they lost on Felucia. Did he have to do this? No. Did he want to do it? Yes. These men fought valiantly and gave their lives so he wanted to honor them. Him and his men stood together before the 12 caskets of their fallen brothers.
"Attention!" Fives shouted and all the clones stood straight up with their hands at their sides. Will walked forward to the caskets and scanned each of the troopers identification chips with his personal data pad which contained their number, picture, and other information. One he was done with that he rejoined his men.
"We lost 12 brothers on Felucia. Hilo, Mach, Ter, Warp, Pox, Bor, Mox, Taser, Cut, Snap, Mask, and Ajax. This loss is hard for all of us. They were our brothers and fought valiantly to the end. May Mandalore look after them in the beyond and we shall honor them on the battlefield. This is the way." Will spoke.
"This is the way." The clones repeated and they all gave their fallen brothers a final salute.
Some service clones came by to take the deceased away. "Ok, men. We'll be here on Coruscant for a bit and you've earned yourself some R&R. Get some rest."
They nodded and began to trickle out as Commander Cody walked over to talk to Hevy, Fives, and Echo about their possible shipment back to Kamino for ARC trooper training. His recommendation went to command and he'd know the response in a few days. Will and BD-8 left the Negotiator with their gear and the Solarboard which he immediately got on and headed straight for Qibbu's Hut cantina.
Like the last few times he had been there it was just as busy as ever. Clearly the war wasn't affecting Qibbu's profits or influence as he saw some senators and their aids chatting and mingling in the crowd with other important people of industries and sectors. He parked his Solarboard outside and walked through the Cantina until he arrived at the door in the back where the guard let him through. After making his way through the back corridors of the cantina where Qibbu handled his business and up two flights of stairs he eventually found the office Qi'ra worked out of. A quick knock and the door opened to show her.
"You're beyond late." She pointed out.
"Sorry. After you called, we got deployed to Felucia. We just arrived on Coruscant a few hours ago." Will told her when he noticed she looked stressed and worried.
"It's fine. The thing is over here." Qi'ra led him into her office and removed a painting on the wall near her desk to reveal a special safe. She looked back at Will and BD-8 who both turned their heads so they didn't see anything. Qi'ra inserted her necklace into a keyhole which made a keypad appear and after putting in a code her safe opened up. Inside were various data pads, some precious gems, metals, and credits which showed how well Qi'ra was doing along with a modified A-180 Blaster pistol. Qi'ra made Qibbu a lot of money and influence that also put targets on their backs by the less than savory part of the galaxy but she was no damsel in distress. Her blaster pistol was powerful and she could blast a womp rat perched on a crate from 15 meters away. And if anyone tried to rob her safe than she would make them regret it.
She took out a small case, closed the safe and put it on her desk. A few unlocked latches later and Will saw the item that Qi'ra wanted him to see was a Jedi Holocron. A holocron was a polyhedral organic crystal-lattice device the Jedi order and even the Sith created thousands of years ago and have been used as storage devices for an incredible amount of important data and information. Ranging from instructions on saber techniques and force abilities to more confidential information, holocrons were a vital part of the Jedi organization. Will knew about holocrons since he and other initiates turned Padawans were shown beginning forms and techniques using special training holocrons. Those holocrons were fairly basic information ones and excellent learning tools but most of the temples holocrons were secured in the holocron vault where they were restricted to Jedi Knights.
"I don't know what this is and I don't know a lot about the Jedi but I think this thing is important. Luckily, the smuggler who brought it on only saw a shiny crystal box and didn't think twice when he got paid." Qi'ra said.
"It's a Holocron but not one I've seen before. Granted, I've seen maybe one or two but whatever this is…it's unique." Will told her as BD-8 climbed onto the desk and looked at the holocron in question before he scanned it. Jedi Holocrons were blue and tended to be square shaped but this one was dodecahedron and it was colored purple.
"Then it's a good thing I called you. I don't know what a holocron is and neither does Qibbu but take it." She told him and Will noticed her stress and discomfort.
"Qi'ra, what's wrong?"
"It's…ok, I don't know how but ever since that thing has been here it's like I've had this metaphorical dark shadow on my back and it's unnerving." She explained.
"Holocrons are powered by the force and I've read stories during the Old Republic era how over times certain ones would take on the presence and feel of their creator." Will held his hand over the holocron and using the force he was able to pick up its connection and Qi'ra was right. There was a lingering pull of the dark side that was strong with the holocron and to a non-force sensitive it could be unnerving and break the wills of lesser minds. Guess Qi'ra wasn't lesser. But with the pull of the dark side of the force there was an equal pull of the light side that was calm, gentle, and welcoming. And instead of being in conflict, the two sides of the force were in perfect harmony. Both the light and dark side balanced one another and after the initial shock…it felt peaceful. "Whatever this thing is…it's powerful and could be dangerous."
"Then it's a good thing I called you. Qibbu may be a Hutt but he's the smartest Hutt there is and he's not stupid enough to mess with Jedi business. I doubt anyone here would know what to do with that holo-thing." Qi'ra pointed out.
"Fair enough and they do require the force in order to use so the potential client base would be limited unless you tried to sell it to Separatists." He told her.
"Yeah, Qibbu would never do that, even for money. He has no love for the Separatists after some seriously bad dealings with the Techno Union and Trade Federation and their leaders are heads of the Separatists. Besides, he knows not to turn traitor for profit." Qi'ra said. "Anyway, what are you going to do with it?"
"I'll take it to the temple. My master might have an idea." Will closed up the case and picked it up. Seeing him take it gave Qi'ra a sense of relief and she was able to breath easy. "Sorry you've had to deal with this for a while."
"It's fine. I've dealt with weirder and worst. Trust me. I'm just glad it's over." She walked over to the fridge in her room and pulled out two bottles of a purple liquid before tossing one over to him.
"Blumfruit juice? Where'd you get this?" Will asked, excited in seeing his favorite childhood drink after years.
"Working for Qibbu has its benefits other than the money, one of which is a close relationship with a lot of the galaxy's best traders and sellers." She pointed out, opening the bottle, and taking a sip as she sat on the edge of her desk.
Will opened his bottle and took a long sip, relishing in the sweet old flavor of his childhood, nostalgia and a good drink. "That hit the spot."
"Guess that's one thing I have on you." Qi'ra said with a smirk. "You can have the whole magic powers thing and the lightsaber. I always preferred a blaster anyway."
"I don't know about that, Qi'ra." Will walked over and sat down next to her before showing her his saber. "I've been around blasters too but as great as they are, nothing beats a lightsaber. Except maybe an electro staff but even then you can't deflect a blaster bolt with that."
"Yeah, I'd just get behind cover or hide. Only a Jedi can deflect a blaster bolt." She joked and the two old friends shared a chuckle. "But seriously, Will…how are things out there? We hear stories all the time and the HoloNet broadcasts news about battles but I doubt people know what's actually being going on."
"Felucia was tough." He said, remembering what happened on the planet. "Seeing what Wat Tambor and the Separatists were doing to the Twi'leks…they didn't see them as people. And Felucia was a mess. This war isn't going to be easy and honestly it seems like there's no end in sight."
Qi'ra saw this was bringing him down a bit so she playfully shoulder bumped him which made him chuckle before quickly grabbed his saber and walking around. "So, this is your lightsaber?"
"Hey, Qi'ra! Come on, give it back." He followed her as the two walked around her office.
"I'm just looking at it. You made your own energy sword and this is how you designed it?" Qi'ra asked, playing keep away with his saber. "Come on, get a little creative at least."
"Well aesthetics isn't exactly something Jedi consider when we design our weapons. Our foremost thought is making sure it doesn't explode in our faces and the blade comes out of the right end and doesn't kill you." Will pointed out.
"Really?" Qi'ra pressed the button on the handle and the cyan blue blade shot out causing her shrink back from shock. "Wow, ok that's cool."
She moved the blade around and nearly hit Will who leaned back just in time to avoid getting scalped. "Qi'ra, careful! That blade can cut through pretty much about anything including a human head and I don't want to lose mine!" He reminded her.
"Sorry." She held the blade steady and kept it upright. The color was nice but the weird part was the sensation and the weight. "This is weird. All the weight is in the handle."
"Well, it is a blade of light so it's not like a typical melee weapon. The weightlessness of the blade and its danger is the reason it requires a great deal of skill and training to be used correctly." Will pointed out as she carefully moved the blade around to test the weight and feel but it felt weird. To a non-force user or someone not trained in the Jedi arts, using a lightsaber was a very strange experience.
"So, how many droids have you cut through with this thing?" She wondered.
"I never kept count. Felt like I'd be wasting my time counting that high." He joked before he held his hand up and the saber was yanked out of her hand and back into his. He deactivated the blade and put it back on his belt. "Thank god that's over."
"Oh, don't play act like those other Jedi. You could have gotten your saber back whenever yet you waited till now which means you were having as much fun as I was." She said with a smile.
Despite his best attempts to keep a straight face Will couldn't help but smirk and the second Qi'ra saw that she knew she got him. "I will neither confirm nor deny that."
"Oh, come on, Will." She walked over and got close to him. "We were friends since we were kids before you were taken to the temple to train and now you're out there fighting alongside the brave Grand Army of the Republic and helping people. But now that we're back in each other's lives, you can't admit it hasn't been great."
"Of course." Will told her when he noticed how close she was getting. "But…we're not exactly kids anymore."
"True, we got older. Our lives are much more interesting now." She leaned in dangerously close that Will actually gulped. He was getting a little nervous while she kept up a playful smirk when the mood was broken by a loud knock on the door. Will backed up and calmed himself down while Qi'ra chuckled before looking at the door. "Come in!"
In walked one of the Rodians working for Qibbu. "Sorry to bother you, Valkyrie but we've got some intel that just came in on someone of interest."
The Rodian handed Qi'ra the data pad and gave it a brief once over but the second she saw the name she froze for a second. "Cad Bane? He's on Coruscant?"
"He arrived four days ago. Qibbu's concerned." The Rodian stated.
"He's got every reason to be." Qi'ra pointed out.
"Wait a second. Cad Bane as in the Cad Bane? The Duros bounty hunter who's one of the best and most experienced in the trade in the entire galaxy?" Will asked and they both nodded. "Dank farrik that's not good."
"It's not. Cad Bane would only be on Coruscant if he's accepting a job. Shore up our defenses and double the guards and security presence at all our operations and warehouses. And I want ears on the ground figuring out who Bane is working for and working with. And get Qibbu here now." Qi'ra told him.
"He's already on his way." The Rodian replied before leaving to get to work.
"I've got a bad feeling about this." Will and Qi'ra said at the same time. They looked at each other weird before focusing back on the matter at hand.
"Sorry to cut the visit short, Will but I've got work to do." She told him.
"No problem. Let me know if something comes up and I'll help anyway I can." He promised.
"Likewise. I'll let you know if I here anything. Don't call me paranoid but if Cad Bane is here then something tells me you and the Jedi are gonna end up following his trail of bodies." Qi'ra replied, not knowing how right she was.
Coruscant Level 1313
The infamous Cad Bane, one of the best and most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy was on Coruscant level 1313. It was one of the parts of the Coruscant criminal underworld where someone in Cad Bane's line of work often found himself. At the moment, he arrived at an empty apartment for a meeting with his newest client on a job that was supposed to pay very well. Cad Bane leaned against the wall and looked out the window while he chewed on a piece of straw when a hooded, cloaked figured appeared on his holovid.
"Excuse the interruption. I have need of your services, bounty hunter."
"I'm listening." Bane spit out the piece of straw and walked over.
"I need a Jedi Holocron."
"To get a holocron, I'd have to break in to the Jedi temple. It's impossible not to mention deadly." Bane pointed out.
"Perhaps your reputation has been exaggerated."
"I was a Rogue-class starfighter with elite weapons, cloaking device, the works. Oh, and triple my usual rate." Bane demanded as he sat in a chair.
"Your price is of no concern. I will also provide you with the means to get inside the temple."
"You've got a deal."
After getting the information he needed he began working on his plan and a part of that was doing some work on his Techno-service droid Todo 360.
"You know if you would just tell me what it is you're doing back there, I could probably be of some assistance." Todo 360 pointed out.
"Look, I'm just doing some maintenance. You've been having some memory crashes." Bane told him, secretly slipping in an explosive chip in Todo's back port.
"That's preposterous. I have not had any crashes. Oh, dear. I have no memory of any crashes."
"Exactly." Bane made sure the chip was secure before finished.
"Oh no. Bane, you have to help me!"
"Calm down. I'm done." Bane assured him when they heard the door buzzer go off. "Get the door."
"I am a techno-service droid, not a butler droid." Todo pointed out as the door buzzer went off again.
"Get it, Todo. You are what I say you are." Bane said, bringing up some of the info he needed for his heist on his terminal. Todo just scoffed and opened the door to reveal another bounty hunter. This was Bane's partner for the job, Cato Parasitti, a female Clawdite. Clawdites or as they were commonly known as Changelings were a race of reptilian aliens who had the ability to change shape and impersonate any humanoid close to their shape.
"Who are you?" She asked Todo before walking in.
"I am Todo 360, techno-service droid. Who are you?"
"None of your business." Cato put her sniper rifle down and walked over to Bane to see him looking at a file on a Rodian. "Who's that?"
"Bolla Ropal, Jedi, out in the Mid Rim."
"We going after him?" Cato asked.
"Soon. Right now, we're stealing a holocron." Bane pressed a button to reveal to show several holographic images of what various holocrons looked like.
"Impossible. The only place you can get a holocron is—"
"I know. Inside the main vaults of the Jedi temple. Fortunately, our Sith Lord client has set us up with some help. For one, the map of the temple you're looking at right now. For another, the security chip I've placed in my droid."
"I have been given all technical data regarding systems in the Jedi temple."
"Both the vents shafts and the vault itself are equipped with all kinds of traps and security measures. Todo can take them out, but we'll need help from someone inside the Jedi library. And that's where your talents as a Changeling will come in." Bane pointed to the body in the corner.
"He looks like a Jedi."
"He was. His name was Ord Enisence. You should be able to walk into the archives and monitor us without a problem." Bane told her so she walked over and touched Ord's dead body. Soon enough, she changed her appearance to look exactly like him.
"Now that I'm a Jedi…I can do that." Cato replied, her voice changing to Ord's voice as well.
"Good. You'll need these. They're ear comlinks so we can keep in communication." He tossed her one.
"Mm, the vault is in the library, which backs onto the communications center. There will be swarms of Jedi nearby."
"We'll use that to our advantage."
"Even if you get into the vault, how are you going to crack that safe?"
"Let me worry about the safe. First things first. We need to get into the temple." Bane told her.
Line Break xxxxx
Will returned to the Jedi temple after his meeting with Qi'ra. He was riding his solarboard and had BD-8 perched on his shoulder with the case containing the mystery holocron in his hand. He entered through the fighter bay and parked his solarboard there before making his way through the temple to find his master and inform him about the mystery holocron. On his way there he ran into Ahsoka.
"Hey, Ashoka."
"Hey, Mando. What's going on?" She asked as the two walked down the hall.
"Nothing much. Just had to pay a visit to Qi'ra. She said she had something for me. What about you?"
"I'm stuck on archive duty with Master Jocasta Nu." Ahsoka replied, the utter boredom in her voice was very apparent.
"That's not so bad. It could have been worse and as Obi-wan would probably tell you, take this as a serious lesson." He suggested and Ahsoka sighed.
"I don't get it. You're only two years older than me yet you've been given a command of your own unit and leading men and you don't get into trouble whereas I do all the time." Ahsoka pointed out.
"Well, let's not forget that with those two years I have two more years of experience over you along with more training and I have better knowledge in battle tactics and strategy thanks to my mother." Will pointed out to her. "And also, I'm awesome."
"Whatever. Seriously, Will. Back on Felucia you saw that droid trap coming? You didn't want to keep fighting?" Ahsoka wondered.
"Two different questions but the first one, no. I didn't see it coming but then I had Echo send up a sonic dart and we saw reinforcements closing in. And the second, of course I wanted to keep fighting. I don't mind a good fight or taking down droids but as much as the Mandalorian in me wanted to keep fighting the Padawan in me and seeing everyone I had in my command reminded me that it wasn't just my life but the lives of everyone else in my hands." He told her. "My mother instilled a lot of lessons in me growing up on top of all the combat training but there is one that I remember fondly. She had a lot of regrets from the Mandalorian Civil war but the biggest one of all was how many of her people were left behind during an attack, disregarded as acceptable causalities or sent out into a trap knowing full well what was going to happen."
"Whoa…" Ahsoka muttered.
"She told me that if I ever was to lead someone into battle that my first priority is to make sure that I never intentionally put them in any danger and do whatever I could to keep them alive." Will told her. "Now, I understand that with the war it seems na?ve to think like that when any of us could be killed by a stray blaster bolt but it's something I'm going to stick with. It's why I train my men so well so they have the best chance of making it out alive and why I pulled myself away from continued fighting and what you wanted to do and we evacuated. We fight to keep the galaxy safe but I'm gonna make sure that the men serving with me stay as safe as possible."
Ashoka and BD-8 smiled at Will's passion and the droid even patted him on the head. "Just a big softy, aren't you, Mando?"
"Ha-ha." Will remarked as they continued walking to the archives when he suddenly stopped.
"Mando?" Ahsoka called out as Will held up his hand to stop her. "Mando what's wrong?"
"I feel…something." He told her.
"What?" Ashoka asked.
"I don't know…it's like a disturbance. I'm sensing something wrong." He closed his eyes and tried concentrating, letting the force flow through and guide him to what he was feeling but didn't get anything. "Ahsoka, you go ahead to Master Jocasta. I'm gonna go see Master Kenobi."
She nodded and patted him on the shoulder before heading to the archives. Will activated the comm device on his gauntlet and contacted Obi-wan. "Yes, Padawan?"
"Sorry to bother you master but is there something going on in the temple? I felt…a disturbance."
"Master Yoda sensed that someone would try to break in to the temple. Anakin and I are working on securing any potential targets. Keep a watchful eye out for anything out of the ordinary." Obi-wan ordered.
"Yes, Master." Will hung up and wasn't sure what to do. He just wished that his disturbance actually gave him a vision or something to go on. That's when he passed by an empty meditation room and decided to try and meditate and see if the force could guide him. "BD-8, patch into the temple's security system and see if you pick up anything. I'm gonna try a different way."
BD-8 nodded and scurried away to a nearby terminal to check on the temple and see if anything was going on or came up weird while Will sat down on a cushion and placed the case next to him. Several deep breaths to concentrate and clear his mind before he closed his eyes and focused on the force. "I am one with the force and the force is with me…" He said as the window shades in the room shut and he focused on his meditation. He continued his steady breathing and meditation, focusing on the disturbance he felt that would occur. If the disturbance he felt was like Master Yoda's then he might be able to figure out who might try to break into the temple or what they could be after.
As he was meditating, the holocron began to glow purple so much so that its light began to seep through the case before it suddenly opened. Will, who was still in his deep meditation, didn't notice anything but the holocron continued glowing purple like it was possibly reacting to something. That's when Will was hit with a flurry of visions and began to see things happening in the temple. He saw Obi-wan and Anakin moving through the vents and tunnels of various secured pathways of the temple, Ahsoka talking to a Jedi Master in the archives who quickly snaps at her, a tiny techno-droid appearing in the communications center next to Master Yoda, Master Windu, Master Fisto and Master Secura before he got the last glimpse in his vision which was of someone taking a holocron from the temple vault and the person taking it was none other than Cad Bane.
The second the visions were over, Will let out a huge gasp of shock and took several deep breaths to recover from the sudden sensation while the holocron next to him stopped glowing. BD-8 walked in a few seconds later and informed him that the scanner and security systems recycled for a brief moment. That's when an alarm was sounded, indicating to everyone that the temple was put on high alert.
"Cad Bane's trying to steal a holocron from the vault." Will stated. "BD-8, we've got to go."
BD-8 crawled up his leg onto his shoulder when Will noticed the holocron case was open. It must be broken so he picked it up and hooked it onto the back of his belt before he took off running to the archives. "Master Kenobi! Master Kenobi! Come in!"
All he got in response was static so something must be blocking his signal to his master so he called Ahsoka. "What is it, Mando?"
"Ahsoka, don't ask me how but I think someone's trying to break into the temple vault and steal a holocron." He told her, running past a group of initiates and their teacher who looked at him odd.
"What? How?"
"I'll explain later. You need to secure the archives and make sure no one enters or leaves! I'm on my way!" He jumped off the balcony and dropped three stories before landing on ground much to the shock of some Jedi knights and workers before he continued heading to the south wing of the temple.
After continuous running through the massive temple, which was strenuous, and hearing small rumble, he arrived at the archives but didn't see anyone so he rushed over to the archive vault and again saw no one. He rushed over to the vault door and saw the entrance terminal and lock were still there and not tampered with which meant that Cad Bane must have entered from another point in the temple. Placing his hand on the vault door and concentrating, he was able to sense that there was in fact someone inside.
"BD-8, can you get me inside?" He asked and BD-8 tried to splice into the terminal but the access was restricted and he couldn't get through. Since he didn't know how to open the lock there was really only one way to get through the vault door and check to see if Cad Bane was inside. If he were right, he would stop Bane. If he were wrong…there was a good possibility he would get kicked out of the order. "I sure hope I'm right."
He activated his saber and began cutting the vault door in half. It was slow at first but eventually cut the door clean in two before force pushing both sides apart. That's when he saw Cad Bane walking into the Holocron vault and reaching for one Holocron in particular. Bane pressed one of the holders on the wall but before the holocron was released a cable snagged his right ankle and he was pulled back to the vault entrance. Will flipped over him and force pushed Bane back out into the archives where he crashed into a table before rushing over to the holocron and taking it.
Bane got up and shook his head to focus from the impact when he saw the young man who stopped him exit the vault with the holocron in his hand. Will put it on his belt and activated his saber while Bane pulled his blaster pistols. "Hand over the holocron and I'll let you live."
"I can't do that." Will had his feet equal distance apart and held his saber in front of him at waist level. It was middle stance which was typically the stance all initiates started with in their training and it was Will's preferred stance. It kept his saber in front to protect him, his feet were solid on the ground and he could move into other stances at the blink of an eye. "Surrender now before this gets out of hand."
"Sorry but I've got a job to do." Bane opened fire with his blaster pistols and Will blocked and deflected all his shots. He closed the distance as Bane rushed to the side, still firing at Will before he used his jet boots to gain some altitude and threw a bolo wire. Will rolled over a table and avoided it before force throwing a chair at Bane who managed to evade it. Will continued chasing after him and closed the distance so Bane aimed up and shot down a light structure.
Will managed to roll to the side at the last second which Bane used to his advantage and rushed him, sliding in between his leg, and knocking him onto his back before backflipping away. Bane then tried to kick him in the gut but Will blocked his kick with his elbow, kicked him in the gut and force pushed him back before doing a kip-up back to his feet. Bane pulled out his pistols but Will closed the distance and jumped, hooking his legs onto Bane's shoulders, and doing a head scissor throw which sent him into a wall. Bane activated his jet boots and flew into the air, using the flamethrower on his gauntlet to burn the Jedi but Will used his and the two cancelled each other out. Bane then shot Will's saber out of his hand but before he could fire another shot Will fired his grapple cable at his feet and pulled. Bane staggered in the air before he was yanked down and Will jumped and dropped kicked back, causing Bane to lose both his blasters.
Bane leaned up and fired razor darts from his gauntlet which Will managed to duck and dodge as he pulled his saber back into his hand and activated it. But Bane managed to close the distance in that time and kick it away before pulling out a vibro-blade but Will grabbed his arm, twisted his wrist, and knocked it out of his hand. Bane got him in a standing rear-naked choke and Will struggled a bit, pulling the arm to relieve some of the pressure on his neck. Before Bane could choke him out, he managed to get out by bending his knees and stepped behind Bane's legs giving him the superior position. That allowed him to move his arm behind Bane, square up to Bane's side, grab him and slam him onto the ground. Bane hit the ground hard but the close proximity allowed him to grab Will by the arm and press a button on his gauntlet which released a high voltage electrical shock through his entire body.
Will was knocked unconscious after Bane's close quarter electrical shock. The bounty hunter wiped his lip of blood and got up, groaning a bit as he had to admit to himself that the young Jedi was very good. He took the holocron from the boy's belt and noticed his gauntlets.
"A Mandalorian Jedi? How ironic." Bane was tempted to take the gauntlets for himself but heard movement so he put the holocron in his pocket and left.
Ahsoka and Master Jocasta Nu walked back into the main area of the archives with the tied up Clawdite bounty hunter but saw the place was a mess and the holocron vault door was open. That's when they saw Will laying on the ground. "Mando!"
They rushed over and Master Jocasta gently tried to wake him up. "Padawan, Padawan are you all right?"
Will groaned in pain before he managed to sit up and rubbed his head. "Ow, my head."
"Mando, are you ok?" Ahsoka asked.
"Yeah, just lost a fight." He replied when they heard footsteps and Master Yoda, Windu, Kenobi and Skywalker arrived.
"What happened here?" Anakin asked.
"Cad Bane." Will said, getting them to look at him. "He's a bounty hunter and he broke into the holocron vault."
They walked over and saw the opened vault and one holocron was indeed missing. "Our war operations, it was never about."
"What would someone want with a holocron?" Obi-wan wondered as Ahsoka led Cato away when she stopped.
"Wait. Bolla Ropal." Cato said.
"What did you say?" Master Windu asked her.
"Bolla Ropal. That's who Bane's next target is, some Jedi." She told them.
Master Windu, Master Yoda, and Master Kenobi shared looks of concern at the news but Anakin, Will, and Ahsoka were confused. "What's wrong? Who's Bolla Ropal?" Anakin asked.
"He is the keeper of the Kyber crystal, the key that unlocked the data on the holocron." Windu explained.
"What's on the holocron?" Ahsoka asked.
"A list of every known Force-sensitive child in the galaxy. The future younglings. The future of the Jedi Order." Windu told them.
"Dooku. He hired Bane." Will suggested and many agreed it made the most sense.
"We have to warn him." Obi-wan said.
"That's going to be hard to do. He's out of contact, somewhere in the Devaron system." Windu replied.
"Seek him out, you must." Master Yoda told them all.
"Ahsoka and I will set out immediately." Anakin told Master Yoda.
"If this Cad Bane is still here on Coruscant, I'll find him." Obi-wan promised.
"I have a friend who might be able to help with that." Will suggested and Obi-wan agreed that Qibbu and Qi'ra could help. "But there's no cause for worry, Masters. Yes, we need to get to Bolla Ropal before Cad Bane does and stop him but the children aren't in danger?"
"Mando, didn't you hear what they just said?" Ahsoka asked him.
"I did but the Kyber Crystal is only good to Bane if he has the holocron which he doesn't." Will told them.
"What do you mean, Padawan?" Master Windu asked when they heard a droid beeping and BD-8 walked out of the vault with the blue holocron balanced on his head. "The Holocron. But how?"
"I got here just as Bane opened up the door to the vault. Before he could take it, I switch it with a different one and had BD-8 hide the real one while Bane and I fought. He saw me pocket it so he figured I took it for safe keeping." Will explained.
"No other holocrons are missing from the vault. Where did you get the one Bane took?" Master Windu wondered.
"A friend contacted me saying that a smuggler found an old holocron so she called me to take it." BD-8 projected a holographic image of the holocron he scanned. Everyone noticed that the one Bane took was a different shape and color.
"Interesting. Of the Old Republic, this Holocron must be. Lost centuries ago, most likely." Master Yoda suggested.
"So, that gives us an advantage. We know that Bane has the wrong holocron but he doesn't. All we need to do is find him. Ahsoka and I will leave right away." Anakin said as he and Ahsoka left. Some temple guards came and took Cato into custody as Master Windu took the holocron and put it back in the vault.
"Will, how did you now that Cad Bane would be at the holocron vault?" Obi-wan was confused as to how Will knew to be here.
"When I arrived at the temple, I originally was going to go to you to discuss what I found when I felt something." Will explained.
"A disturbance in the force, you felt." Yoda said and Will nodded.
"Yes. I felt something was wrong. It's happened before like when Ventress snuck onto the transport ship and freed Nute Gunray. I went to a meditation room to try and concentrate on what I was feeling and I saw visions." Will explained.
"Visions? Really?" Obi-wan was surprised to hear this.
"There were various images but I saw Cad Bane taking a holocron from the vault. I tried contacting you, Master but I wasn't getting a signal so I contacted Ahsoka to find Master Jocasta Nu and secure the archives while I rushed over. I sensed someone in the vault which is when I intervened." Will told them. "I realize that I broke several rules in the process."
"True but I think given the situation that we can let that slide for the time being." Obi-wan assured him. "Still, the fact you were to sense something wrong and able to receive a vision is an interesting indicator for how your training is going."
"Great progress, you have made. Skilled and powerful, you are becoming. But caution and patience I urge you. Powerful, visions may be but dangerous they are. Through the force, things you will see. Other places. The future…the past. Old friends long gone. Visions, gifts from the force, and curses. Caution, I stress. Always in motion and constantly changing the future is. Blind faith in a vision can lead to disaster." Yoda warned Will.
"Yes, Master Yoda." He bowed his head and listened to his words of wisdom.
"But well done, young William. Great progress in your training you have made. Continue listening to Master Kenobi and greatness I see in your future." Yoda told him. "Both of you, assist Skywalker and Padawan Tano in the search."
"Yes, Master Yoda." Obi-wan and Will bowed but before they left to help Anakin and Ahsoka, they went into the city to get more information on Cad Bane and who he could be working for.
Coruscant, Qibbu Hutt's Cantina
Obi-wan and Will took a speeder through the city and arrived at Qibbu's Cantina. While it was normally busy with activity and a lot of people who would spend their hard-earned credits on drinks and games it was now closed with shutters and locked gates keeping people from entering. There was a sign on the main door that read Closed for renovations.
"Looks like they're not home." Obi-wan remarked only for Will to walk up to the door.
"No, they're here. Qi'ra was how I knew Cad Bane was on Coruscant and she immediately went into lockdown mode, thinking he was after Qibbu. She'll feel relieved when I tell her she's in the clear." Will knocked on the door with his fist and a slot opened up so he could a guy's eyes.
"We're closed for renovations."
"Yeah, I can see that. We need to see Qi'ra or Valkyrie. It's about Cad Bane." Will told him and the man perked up a bit.
"Sure thing. Give me a second." The slot closed and some tumbles were heard before the door was opened. "Come in."
Will and Obi-wan walked into the Cantina which was dark when the light suddenly turned on and thirty armed men and women of various species had blasters pointed at them. They were surrounded and in a very bad situation.
"Did you and Qi'ra have a falling out?" Obi-wan asked him as they raised their hands up.
"I don't think so." Will replied. "Uh…any chance we can talk this out?"
"Hand over all your weapons and get on your knees." The man ordered.
"Gentlemen, while I applaud your dedication to your employer this is all just a mere misunderstanding." Obi-wan assured them.
The only response he got was the safety click of blaster rifles. "Last chance."
"Qi'ra must be really mad at me." Will said when he heard some movement coming from the back room and Qi'ra rushed out.
"Stand down! All of you! They're Jedi!" She shouted, making them immediately lower their blasters and relax. Will and Obi-wan lowered their hands as Qi'ra pushed past the guards with an unhappy look on her face. "Sorry for the rude arrival but things are a little tense. Next time, give me a call."
"Fair enough but this was better suited for a face to face talk and you can give your men and your boss some good news. Cad Bane wasn't on Coruscant for Qibbu." He told her. "It's best we continue the rest in private."
"Right. Follow me. Back to work and don't do anything stupid." Qi'ra told them as she led Will and Obi-wan into the back room before taking them upstairs to her office. "So, I was right that you and the Jedi would end up dealing with Cad Bane."
"Yeah, you were right so you can assure your boss that he's safe. Cad Bane was after…someone at the temple and caused a bit of chaos." Will explained, omitting the theft at the temple. Obi-wan appreciated his padawan's discretion on the subject. "I even ended up running into Bane at the temple and his reputation is well earned."
"Really? Kicked your ass, didn't he?" Qi'ra joked as she sat down and Obi-wan chuckled.
"I got a few good shots in before he stunned me. I'm fine, by the way. Anyway, he left the temple and is in the wind with his next target being another Jedi in the Mid-Rim. You and Qibbu have better contacts than we do. Can you figure out who he's working for and any other information you can?" Will asked her.
"I know that there are probably plenty of people who employ bounty hunters of Cad Bane's skill but very few would actually have the money and resources to assist him in on a mission at the temple." Obi-wan said.
"You think it's the Separatists." Qi'ra suggested and they both nodded. "Ok, I'll do what I can but I can't promise anything. Cad Bane's known to be thorough so he's covered his tracks."
"Just do what you can. We're heading off world so you can contact me on the Tempest." Will told her.
"Got it. Be careful." Qi'ra said before the two left to join Anakin and Ahsoka in finding Master Ropal.
Line Break xxxxx
Mid-Rim Territories
Stolen Secrets! Villainous mercenary Cad Bane was hired by Darth Sidious to steal a holocron from the vaults of the Jedi Temple. After fleeing the scene of the crime, Bane hunted down and captured Master Bolla Ropal, who has a crystal which holds the key to unlock the secrets of the Jedi Order.
As a Separatist fleet arrives to help the bounty hunter, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-wan Kenobi race in to cut off their escape and stop Bane from delivering the stolen holocron.
Obi-wan joined Anakin and together their two fleets left Coruscant immediately to head to the Mid-Rim and find Master Bolla Ropal before Cad Bane caught him but they were too late. The second they exited hyperspace they saw a small Separatist fleet guarding the planet. Cad Bane had backup from the Separatists so their Star Destroyers opened fire and destroyed one Munificient-class frigate after another. They were just informed that the Republic base on the planet was overrun and Master Ropal was taken so now they had to make sure that Bane didn't escape with that Kyber Crystal.
Will and Obi-wan were on the deck of the Negotiator and watched as the third Separatist frigate was destroyed before their ships focused fire on the fourth. That's when the fifth began moving away from the battle and tried to escape.
"Master, that ship is trying to leave."
"It must be Bane. Admiral, focus fire on that ship. We must keep it from escaping." Obi-wan ordered.
"Yes, General. Gunners, focus fire at grid 5.7." Admiral Block ordered and the double-barreled heavy turbo laser turrets began firing at the Separatist ship. Anakin's ships concentrated their fire indicating that Anakin probably assumed it was Bane as well. Despite the lead and distance, the Separatist frigate had on the Republic Star Destroyers, a few well placed shots to the ship's aft disabled its engines and left it dead in space. "General Kenobi, the Separatist ship has been disabled and it's hyperdrive is offline. What's the plan now?"
"We need to get on that ship to rescue Master Ropal and take Bane into custody. Knowing Anakin, he's probably figuring out a way to board the ship so we'll do the same and double our efforts." Obi-wan suggested. "Give me a quick scan of the ship."
A clone technician scanned the ship and brought up the data on a screen. Obi-wan looked it over before he pointed to an emergency hatch underneath the starboard thruster. "That emergency hatch seems like a good place for entry. We can go in on the Tempest and board there." Will suggested.
"Then that's our plan. Cody, ready some troops. We're going in." Obi-wan told him.
"Yes, General." Cody went to get some men for the mission while Obi-wan and Will went to the fighter bay to get on the Tempest. Fives, Echo, and Hevy were there, getting their gear ready for their last mission before they head to Kamino for ARC trooper training. Cody soon arrived with three squads of clone troopers from the 212st battalion.
"Ok, men. We're going to take the Tempest and board the Separatist ship. Our mission will be to sneak through the ship, secure the bridge, rescue Master Bolla Ropal and capture Cad Bane." Obi-wan explained.
"Everyone watch each other's back on the ship. Cad Bane is one of the galaxy's best bounty hunters for a reason and he was probably expecting us to chase after him. We could be walking into a trap so everyone stay on guard and be careful." Will cautioned them.
"Yes, sir." The clones replied.
"Echo, I want you manned on the scanner at all times so we don't run into any surprises. Hevy, get rid of the heavy explosives and stick with droid poppers and close combat equipment. Fives, keep an eye on the others and stick with Cody." Will told them and they nodded. "Let's go."
All the clones got situated on the ship while Obi-wan and Will went to the co*ckpit and BD-8 got into the droid slot. Once the ship was powered up and the cloaking and stealth system were activated, Will piloted the ship out of the Star Destroyer and over to the Separatist ship. As the Tempest stealthily approached the Separatist frigate's starboard thruster, Will noticed Anakin's Star Destroyer approach the ship.
"Uh, Master?"
Obi-wan looked and the two of them got a first class ticket to a show as three Republic AT-TE walkers space jumped from the ship's cargo bay onto the surface of the Separatist frigate. A small firefight erupted on the exterior of the actual ship with the walkers using their magnetic feet to anchor to the ship while Anakin and Ahsoka used suits to fight alongside the clones.
"Well, that's one way to board a Separatist ship but I think I prefer our way." Obi-wan commented as Will arrived at the designated spot and used the landing gear to dock the ship right on top of the emergency hatch. "Let's go."
"BD-8, stay here. Ready the ship incase something happens." Will told him and BD-8 nodded, waving goodbye.
Obi-wan, Will, Cody, Fives, Echo, Hevy, and the clones stacked up at the bottom port hatch which connected to the side of the ship and pressurized the path to the emergency hatch. Echo used his vibro-blade to force open a panel and connected to the system, opening the emergency hatch. Obi-wan jumped through first followed by the rest of the clones as they kept an eye on their front and back but they were in an empty hallway.
"Ok, Echo. Where are we going?" Obi-wan asked him as Echo checked his scanner and superimposed all that information on a scanned image of the ship.
"Judging by the ship's layout, the most likely place they'd keep General Ropal is in the detainment center 1.6 klicks east." Echo answered.
"Let's move." Obi-wan led them before he contacted Anakin. "Anakin, Will and I are on the ship and we're heading to find Master Ropal. As soon as you gain entry, head to the bridge and secure it."
"Roger that. We're almost there." Anakin replied.
Inside the main bridge of the ship, Cad Bane was overseeing everything that was happening when a droid came over with a communicator because Nute Gunray wanted to talk to him.
"When Darth Sidious asked me to loan you the Federation fleet, he didn't say you were going to war. Bane, you have already lost four of my ships. I hope you can pay for all of this." Nute Gunray told him only for Bane to hold up the Holocron and Kyber Crystal.
"One authentic Jedi Holocron and the Kyber Crystal key I was after. When my benefactor gets this, he will compensate you for your puny fleet." Some distant explosions caused the ship to rumble and shake. "Sounds like the Jedi want it back."
A battle droid walked over to report the situation. "The Jedi are overwhelming our Vulture droids. Should we send out reinforcements?"
"No."
"What are you doing?" Gunray asked him.
"Did you say no?" The droid asked and Bane nodded. "Roger, roger."
"The Jedi will board the ship and get the holocron back. Transmit the information and close the deal immediately!" Gunray ordered.
"I can't. Only a Jedi can access the device. Fortunately, there are two Jedi on their way to help me, one more than we need for our purposes." Bane said, watching the security camera footage of Ahsoka and Anakin.
"You'd better live through this! I want my money, Bane!"
"You can count on it." Bane assured him as Gunray ended the call when another battle droid walked over.
"Sir, our sensors have picked up intruders on the starboard section of the ship."
"So, the Jedi have some tricks after all. Wipe all the memory banks and destroy every record of our mission. Initiate the self-destruct sequence. You, transfer all ship functions to my wrist-com. I want control of doors, gravity generators, everything!"
"Roger, roger."
"The rest of you, stay here and defend the bridge!" Bane ordered as he left.
"We're defending the bridge alone? Against the Jedi? I hate this job."
The door to the bridge then opened as Anakin, Ahsoka, Rex and the other clones marched in. The clones blasted the droids while Anakin and Ahsoka sliced them to pieces. Rex took point, blasting several battle droids in the head with his pistols and soon all that were left were two droids.
"Don't shoot! I'm not the commander. He-He's the commander!" One of the droids pointed to the other one which was promptly blasted in the chest. "Guess I'm the commander now."
Said droid was blasted twice and the room was secured. "R2, see if you can find Cad Bane." Anakin said and R2 plugged into a terminal and began looking. As R2 scoured the ship's internal security camera footage and sensors he managed to bring up a recording of Bane saying he had both the holocron and the Kyber crystal.
"Oh, no. He has the crystal. We can't let him leave." Ahsoka said.
"He won't. Rex, take a squad and head down to the hangar bay. Destroy all the escape pods. No one gets off this ship." Anakin ordered.
"Yes, sir." Rex saluted and left with some men.
Will, Obi-wan and their group arrived at the detention center and after taking out two battle droids on guard duty, they began checking the cells for Master Ropal. After checking cell #12, Will opened up cell #13 and that's where he saw Master Ropal on the ground. "MASTER!" Will rushed over to Master Ropal as Obi-wan and the others walked into the cell. Obi-wan and Will checked Master Ropal but didn't find a pulse.
"He's gone." Obi-wan said, closing Ropal's eyes and putting his hands together on his chest.
"Fives, take some of the men and take Master Ropal back to the Tempest." Will told him.
"Yes, sir." Fives and four other clones carefully lifted Master Ropal's body and headed back to the ship.
"That bounty hunter is gonna pay for this." Hevy stated when a sudden explosion caught everyone off guard and the ship started to shake. "What was that?"
Echo checked his scanner and saw the cause. "It looks like one of the engines exploded. Bane must have set the self-destruct. We're running out of time."
"Then we don't have any time to waste." Obi-wan activated his communicator and called Anakin. "Anakin, come in."
"I'm here, Obi-wan. We secured but Bane is gone and he has the Kyber crystal key. Did you find Master Ropal?"
"We found his body in the detention center. He didn't make it." Obi-wan informed him.
"Dank farrik." Anakin cursed. "What about Bane? Did you find him?"
"No, we haven't run into him but it looks like he set the ship to self-destruct. We're running out of time." Obi-wan said when Echo's scanner picked up a humanoid body signature moving.
"Sir, I think I've got Bane. He's moving." Echo reported.
"If he's here then we're taking him with us." Anakin reported before hanging up.
"Wait, Anakin!" Obi-wan called out to him but the communication line cut out. "He could be running into a trap. Let's move!"
Obi-wan led the group out of the detention center while Echo continued manning the scanner. The power cycled off for a moment which forced them to go to night vision and they continued through the ship with Echo leading them when the artificial gravity turned off.
"Whoa, what's going on?!" Hevy shouted as everyone began to float around.
"It must be Bane. He has control of the ship's systems. Activate magnetics! You were trained for this!" Will shouted and the clones activated the magnetic pads in their boots which let them stick to the ceiling or the walls. Obi-wan grabbed onto part of the ceiling while Will held onto part of the door.
"Anakin must have encountered Bane. We need to go!" Obi-wan shouted.
"Right. Let's move!" Will fired his grapple cable down the hallway and used it to pull him while Obi-wan grabbed on. The clones used their ascension cables to do the same thing. After taking a turn down the hallway, they heard the sound of blaster fire which meant they were closing in on the fight. They eventually arrived at the door and heard the sound of blaster fire coming from the other side. Obi-wan pushed off against a wall and pushed a button on the console which opened the door to one of the ship's main proton cannon rooms. Rex and his clones were engaged in a firefight with the droids, Ahsoka blocked and parried blaster fire while Anakin tried to get to Bane and R2 moved to a nearby terminal.
"Men, back them up!" Obi-wan and Will activated their sabers and engaged in the fight, blocked and parrying blaster fire while Hevy and Echo led their brothers in the firefight. Some pushed off the ground to the ceiling and laid down suppressive fire while Echo and Hevy moved through the air together and covered each other's back on their way to Rex. Hevy tossed down a droid popper, not using a thermal detonator due to the proton cannon shells all over the place.
Bane moved forward, blasting a few clones when a few blaster shots grazed his side curtesy of Hevy and Echo. Before he could shoot at them, a battle droid was force pushed at him which he avoided by flying with his jet boots. Ahsoka jumped forward, slicing the head off a battle droid before landing on a super battle droid and pulling her saber through its body. Obi-wan blocked and deflected some blaster fire as Anakin jumped into the air and slashed the arms off of two super battle droids before he spun around and slashed them in half at the waist. He then pushed off one and push kicked Bane who back flipped into the air and caused the holocron to fall out of his jacket. Anakin reached over to grab it when the artificial gravity turned back on and everyone and everything hit the ground.
Bane saw the holocron on the ground and quickly grabbed it, firing a blaster bolt at Anakin which he deflected. Bane then took off running to the door as one of the clones who was still on the roof tried to shoot him but missed. Bane fired a few shots at the roof, causing the clone to fall to the ground but Anakin managed to save him before he fell.
"I'll get him, master!" Ahsoka chased after Bane and the second Will saw she was going he followed her.
"Ahsoka, wait! It's a trap!" Anakin shouted but she wasn't listening.
"Hevy, concussion grenade!" Will shouted as Hevy quickly pulled out one of his pack and threw it. Will caught it just as the doors were closing. "I got her!"
He dove through the doors at the last second just before they closed. Anakin began to cut through the door as Obi-wan and the clones kept the droids occupied when a battle droid tripped and fell down, accidently shooting one of the proton cannon shells. It caused an explosion which destroyed the rest of the droids but also knocked some of the clones back and caused the ceiling to come down.
Bane continued running through the ship and Ahsoka chased after him until he stopped at a closed door. "You thought you could get away?" Ahsoka asked him.
"You're not much of a challenge, youngling. I got you right where I want you." Bane smirked, firing a blaster bolt which Ahsoka deflected into his left arm. Ahsoka charged with a swipe but Bane ducked and moved out of the way, kicking her saber out of her hand and aimed his blaster at her head. She pushed his arm up, brought his wrist down on her shoulder which made him let go of his blaster before she elbowed him in the gut and threw him to the ground.
"I'm not impressed." Ahsoka held her hand out to pull her saber back when Bane grabbed her ankle and pressed a button on his gauntlet, shocking her just like he did Will. "AAAAHHH!"
The electrical current was strong enough that it knocked her out and Bane couldn't help but smirk. He had her right where he wanted her as he pulled out a pair of electric binder cuffs when he heard movement from behind. He quickly pulled out his spare blaster pistol and fired behind him only for Will to duck and slide on the ground, kicking one of Bane's leg so he dropped to a knee before landing a shoulder charge to the gut and then throwing him to the ground with a shoulder throw. Will activated his saber and tried to stab him but Bane rolled away at the last second and kicked him in the head.
Bane quickly reached for his other blaster pistol on the ground as Will staggered from the kick to the head before he blocked several blaster bolts in quick succession. "You just don't know when to give up, do you?" Bane asked him.
"Not really. And you owe me a rematch but this time it won't end like it did before." Will charged as Bane backflipped to get some distance before he fired a barrage of blaster bolts and then some razor darts from his gauntlet. Will deflected the blaster bolts and vaporized the razor darts before he force pushed Bane into a wall. Bane staggered a bit before rolling to the side just in time to avoid a saber to the gut when Will slashed and managed to cut through part of the bounty hunter's duster. Bane growled in anger and fired another blast that Will deflected back at him and shot his hat off. After ducking a swipe to the head, Bane managed to grab Will's arm, twist his wrist, and throw him to the ground while knocking his lightsaber out of his hand. Will landed on his back with a thud and groaned in pain when he saw Bane pointing one of his blasters right at his face.
"Guess our second fight ended just like our first one." Bane pointed out when he saw Will had a smirk on his face.
"Not exactly." He pressed a button on his gauntlet which caused a beeping noise. Bane looked and saw the beeping was a concussion grenade stuck to the back of his duster. Will placed it there when he did the shoulder charge to the gut and shoulder throw to the ground. Will quickly rolled away as the grenade went off and made a sonic shockwave that threw Bane into the wall with a violent force, much greater than a regular force push. It was so powerful that Bane's body actually dented the steel.
The sonic concussion grenade were mainly for stunning and momentarily disabling the targets but at that close of a range it must have felt like getting hit by a speeder which isn't fun. The force of the explosion knocked the holocron and Kyber crystal out of Bane's duster which Will took, pocketing the crystal and putting the holocron on his belt. He put his saber on his belt as he walked over to check on Ahsoka. Bane slowly got up and quietly grabbed one of his blaster pistols, aiming it right at Will's head only for the Padawan to side step the blaster bolt, activate his saber mid-swing and cut off Bane's right arm at the elbow.
"ARGHH!" Bane dropped to the ground and cradled the stump of an arm he now had when Will kicked him across the face and knocked him out.
"I win this one." He deactivated his saber and put it back on his belt before checking Bane for anything else and removing his weapons. He found the pair of electric binder cuffs and used that to secure Bane to a pipe on the wall before he walked over and tended to Ahsoka. "Ahsoka? Ahsoka, you ok?"
He gently shook her awake but she seemed out cold so he grabbed her saber and picked her up, carrying her back to the others. Bane could wait a while and he could back for him later. "Ahsoka, Ahsoka, come in! Will, do you read me?!" Anakin shouted over the comms.
"I read you Master Skywalker. Bane is knocked out and I recovered the old holocron and the Kyber crystal. Ahsoka's ok. She's just unconscious. We're on our way back." Will said when the frigate violently shook and several loud explosions were heard. "That's not good."
"Commander, come in." Fives radioed in. "Scans show the frigate's not gonna last much longer. You need to evacuate now."
"Roger that. Pilot the ship and head for the hangar. We'll meet you there." Will ordered before he radioed Obi-wan. "Master, we need to get off the ship before it explodes. We don't have much time. Fives is moving the Tempest to the hangar."
"Roger that. We're on our way!"
Will looked back at Bane and saw that he was suddenly gone and the door at the end of the hallway was open so he must have escaped. But before he could give that any more thought the ship shook again so he rushed over to the hangar. Obi-wan, Anakin, Rex, Hevy, and Echo and the others hurried through the ship to the hangar but given how violently it was shaking and the continuous explosions it wasn't exactly easy.
Obi-wan, Anakin, and the others arrived at the hangar and took care of a few remaining droids when they saw the Tempest arrive. "Let's move it troopers! Hurry!" Rex shouted.
"Where are Will and Ahsoka?!" Anakin questioned as they weren't here yet.
"There they are!" Echo pointed and saw Will rushed over to the ship with Ahsoka over his shoulder. He rushed onto the ramp just in time to avoid a falling piece of rebar that would have pinned him and Ahsoka to the ground. Anakin took her while Will rushed to the co*ckpit and jumped into the pilot seat.
"BD-8, close the ramp and activate the shields! Everyone hold on to something because we're moving!" Will pressed a few buttons and pushed the accelerator lever up all the way and the Tempest flew out of the hangar at top speed. Going from hovering to full speed was jarring and a lot of the clones fell over or bumped into each other. The Tempest flew out of the Separatist frigate at full speed and made its way back to the Republic fleet. The frigate began to explode which was the perfect cover for a shuttle that flew out of the hangar at the last second and instantly used its hyperdrive to escape. "Phew. That was cutting it close."
BD-8 nodded as Will piloted them back to the Republic fleet where they would all head back to Coruscant.
Coruscant, Jedi Temple
Anakin, Ahsoka, Will and Obi-wan arrived back on Coruscant and immediately met with Master Windu and Master Yoda and the rest of the council in the Jedi Council chambers.
"The data and servers on the Separatist ship were wiped out so we weren't able to achieve any information on who Cad Bane was working for but given the Separatist fleet there to protect him, it's most likely the Separatists and Count Dooku." Anakin explained.
"Hmm, curious that is. Uncharacteristic of Dooku, this is." Yoda commented. "Much to learn, we have."
"While things didn't go exactly as planned we were able to board the ship and recover Master Ropal's body and the Kyber crystal." Obi-wan stated as Will took it out of his pocket so they could see. Master Windu used the force and levitated it over into his hand.
"We shall make sure that it and the holocrons are secured better this time. What of the bounty hunter?" Windu asked.
"During the fight on the ship, he knocked out Ahsoka and I managed to cut off his arm and incapacitate him. As I was bringing her to the others the ship began to fall apart and Bane must have escaped in the commotion." Will answered. "But I don't think he's dead."
"What makes you so sure?" Windu wondered.
"I'm not sure master but call it a hunch." He replied.
"Considering how badly things could have gone, all of you did an excellent job today. The holocron was never taken, the Kyber crystal is secure, and the children are safe." Windu told them.
"Still, the future of all Jedi uncertain is. Move forward cautiously, we must." Yoda cautioned everyone and they bowed. "Padawan Vizsla, linger a moment longer."
Ahsoka and Anakin spared him a concerned look before the left and Obi-wan took his council seat. "Yes, Master Yoda?"
"Wish to speak with you, we do. Much progress you have made since you've become a Padawan." Yoda told him.
"Thank you, Master Yoda. I've had excellent teachers. Master Kenobi has a wealth of knowledge and Master Ur-Sema Du was a good teacher." He replied with a hint of sadness over his deceased master.
"A talented Jedi, she was. Learned from her well, you have and Master Kenobi. Much prowess you show but clouded your future still is." Yoda warned him.
"Your recent meditation that resulted in a vision of the temple being robbed, while fortuitous, is not something to take lightly or for granted. Visions, while helpful are also dangerous. Force visions are not absolute in their meaning and leaves much to the interpretation of the viewer thus resulting them being misread. This ability is powerful and not one to take lightly." Windu warned him.
"Yes, Master." Will nodded.
"On to the other matter. The mystery holocron that Qi'ra found." Obi-wan said. Will took the holocron off his belt and levitated it into the middle of the room so all the masters could get a look at it.
"Interesting. It's not like the holocrons we have at the temple." Master Shaak Ti noted.
"The dodecahedral design was more common during the time of the Old Republic. The color is what's interesting." Master Plo Koon added.
"Where did your contact say she found the holocron?" Master Fisto asked.
"She told me that one of Qibbu's smugglers found it in the Outer Rim. He had no idea what it was but Qi'ra had an idea it was Jedi related." He answered. "When I went to get it, she was relieved because ever since she took the holocron she felt something surrounding her and it made her uncomfortable."
"Really?" Master Windu asked as he levitated the holocron over to him and looked at it. "I sense nothing."
"When I went to pick it up I briefly tried to feel why she was acting like this and it was the Holocron. It has a strong connection to both the light and dark side." He told the council.
"But that's impossible. Jedi and Sith Holocrons have never been able to fuse together." Master Eeth Koth stated.
"I don't think it was made from a fusion of Jedi and Sith holocrons, Master Koth. When I felt the holocron it wasn't like two pieces were fused together but more that it was created by someone who was balanced in the force." Will answered. "I don't know how I know but I could feel it."
"What else did you feel, Padawan?" Master Gallia asked.
"Both sides of the force were in equal balance. The light and the dark. I'm not sure how to explain it." He replied. While that idea was intriguing, the Jedi Masters who were actually present in the room were more concerned with how the Padawan was the only one who could sense it. Everyone else in the room wasn't feeling anything from the holocron like it closed itself off from them. "Anyway, when Qi'ra told me about the holocron I brought it to the temple but that's when Bane broke in."
"Much to think about, we have, young Padawan. But well done. Go now, rest and recover." Master Yoda told him.
"Yes, Master." Will bowed his head and walked out of the council room. He walked down the hall and saw Ahsoka waiting for him. "Hey, Ace."
"Hey. Everything ok?"
"Yeah, just some questions about the holocron I brought in. That's it. And some praise for my training and stuff." He replied.
"Well, add me to that list. Thanks for coming to help me." She told him.
"No problem. Just don't make it habit. I'm not always gonna be there to save you." He pointed out which caused her to chuckle. "But seriously, Ahsoka. Try not to run off by yourself anymore."
"Trust me. After the past few days, I think I'm done with that." Ahsoka promised as the two walked to the commissary.
Back in the council chambers, the Masters were still unsure what to do about the mystery holocron and the possible connection it had to Padawan Vizsla. "So, what do we do about the mystery holocron?" Master Ki-Adi-Mundi wondered.
"What's more concerning is the apparent connection to the holocron the Padawan was able to feel that none of us could." Master Oppo Rancisis added.
"William is a talented padawan with a good head on his shoulders. At the moment, the connection seems more surface level. He was likely the first force user to interact with the holocron in years." Obi-wan pointed out.
"Master Kenobi does have a point but it's arrival does warrant some caution. Master Yoda, what do you think?" Windu asked him.
"Uncertain, I am. Old, this holocron is but powerful. Kept secure it should be, with the other holocrons." Yoda suggested. "And as for the Padawan, watch him closely we will."
The other masters agreed with that idea and while they had no idea what would happen and neither did Will, the holocron wasn't going to stay idle for much longer. After Will went to the commissary, he made his way back to the Republic shipyard just in time as a Venator Star Destroyer was about to leave for Kamino.
Echo, Fives, and Hevy were hanging around the waiting area with their bags and gear as Will walked over. "Commander, what are you doing here?" Fives asked.
"You three were about to head to Kamino so I didn't want to miss it." He pointed out and they smiled. "ARC trooper training. You three ready for it?"
"More than ready, sir but it's kind of hard to believe." Hevy commented. "We joked about how we wanted to be ARC troopers when we were shinnies and now that's it's here it doesn't seem real."
"I just don't like how we'll be off on the sidelines for the war. You'll need us." Fives pointed out.
"That's true but this training is important and will only benefit all of you further down the line. As ARC Troopers, you'll be my second in commands and I'll be counting on you when we're needed in the field." Will told them. "You've earned this. You all put in the work and I couldn't be prouder. When you get back, I expect to see you three ARC troopers in modified and personalized armor."
"You can count on that, sir." Echo assured him as the three clones gave him a salute before they all crossed their arm over their chest. "May Mandalore watch over you Commander until we return."
Will then did the same. "May Mandalore guide you on your training. This is the way."
"This is the way." The clones bowed before they all shook Will's hand and boarded the Star Destroyer that took them back to Kamino for ARC trooper training. Will would stay on Coruscant with Obi-wan and the 212th and spend that time training unaware of a future incident on Malastare that would bring a monster to the city. That along with his training at the temple would bring him into the path of that Holocron again and learn the identity of its creator. A creator whose name brought both fear and respect across the galaxy eons ago.
End of Chapter 6
I know this chapter is short but I'm comfortable where it ended here. I'd rather end it here instead of adding on more that would make me cut off an interesting plot line for the story but I think we got a lot done here. Battle of Felucia and the Holocron heist which ended up going not in Bane's way at all.
Next chapter, The Battle of Malastare has the unfortunate consequence of bringing a monster to Coruscant who causes a lot of destruction. That interrupts Will's training but not enough that the next part of his journey as a Jedi is shown by that mysterious Holocron. This time, he learns the creator and shock is one reaction he will have. On top of that, the Republic figures out of a new droid factory that takes them back to Geonosis and knowing how bad things went last time, Will doesn't want to make that mistake again. So, he's gonna need some help and fortunately with Kal Skirata's help he gets access to a unique bunch of soldiers known as Clone Force 99. The Calvary is here! Until next time.
I hoped you guys like the chapter, especially Will's fight and interactions with Cad Bane which will come back up again and again as time goes on. The two aren't done with each other yet at all and their next encounters will be even better. Rewatching the episodes, I knew that things would happen differently and I hope you guys like it. As for the mystery Holocron, it's going to be a recurring subplot device throughout the story and more and more of its history will be told as we continue on.
Updates for August: The Perfect One and Omniverse: Earth-38 for sure. I can't say when the next Multiverse will be up since it's going to be long and I haven't gotten much done with it yet but I'll try for late August if I can. Stay safe everyone.
Will Vizsla, Son of Pio Vizsla, nephew of Pre Vizsla and Mandalorian by birth. Padawan Jedi.
Birthdate: 38BBY-Age 16
Padawan Apprentice to Obi-wan Kenobi, Former Padawan of Ur-Sema Du, Son of Pio Vizsla. Nephew of Pre Vizsla.
Appearance: Dylan O'Brien from Maze Runner: The Death Cure. With Padawan braid.
Clothing:
Dark blue Padawan robes and combat boots. Combat belt with Cyan Blue lightsaber.
Ancestral Mandalorian Beskar armored combat gloves and forearm guards with weapons. Necklace with symbol of Clan Vizsla.
A black shirt, black jacket, and blue pants (Casual/Undercover)
Personality: Kind, caring, quick-witted and smart. Able to adapt to situations very easily. Prone to quips to distract or enrage his enemies. Can be a bit of a smartass yet humble and works well with others. Extremely proficient in tinkering and building with electronics. Excellent pilot and mechanic. Knowledge in warfare and weapons from extensive self-tutelage at the Jedi Temple and Mandalorian training by Pio Vizsla. When triggered, can be aggressive and unhinged to a point.
Skills and Powers
Force Powers:
Force speed, Force sight, Force empathy, Force Jump, Force Stasis, Force Pull/Push, Force Throw, Force Barrier, Force Repulse, Force Precognition, Animal Bond, Mind Trick, Levitation, Lightsaber throw.
Combat Skills:
Specialized in Form 2 Makashi-Lightsaber-to-Lightsaber combat, Form 3 Soresu-Blaster counter/Defense, Form four Ataru-combines speed, strength, agility, powers, and the force for to aid in movement and combat. Training in Form 6 Niman which includes training in Form 5 Djem So and Shien.
Adept at hand-to-hand combat.
Mandalorian gauntlets with repulsor, grappling line, wrist rockets, flamethrower, laser splicer, retractable wrist/forearm blades, shield projector, and built-in communicator and holovid.
BD-8 companion droid
Rathtar Squad: Echo (Tech), Hevy (Heavy Weapons), Fives (Second in command)
Leader of Ghost Company of 212st Attack Battalion
The Tempest: A Black and Orange Corellian XS stock light freighter armed with 2 dorsal and 2 port laser batteries with torpedo launchers and modified ion launchers. Built with 2 powerful sub-light engines, heavy armored plating, and a modified/powerful hyperdrive system, making it powerful yet agile and extremely fast. Equipped with a modified stealth system that can bypass almost any scanner. Built-in cloaking system to turn the ship invisible.
XR: Modified and hacked Separatist Probe Droid
Solarboard: Home-built solar powered hover board. Agile, fast, with small twin front blasters and capable of excellent maneuverability.
Disclaimer: I don't own any Star Wars or above-mentioned properties; all rights belong to their owners.
