Seven Days on Korriban/Moraband

Chapter One: Seven Days on Korriban/Moraband

Harsh winds blew coarse sand through the air as whispers echoed across the harsh and rocky surface of the world. Figures of beings long perished appeared before vanishing leaving no trace of their presence behind. One stared out across the lonely and empty world its form created by sand. Soon the winds began to pick up as thunder and lightning cracked against the sky. A bolt shooting down and hitting the surface sending shockwaves through the planet. The figure moved forward to investigate seeing a crater with the sand and rock melted into glass. In the center was a creature shifting between a humanoid form and that of a quadruped with a rainbow mane. Kneeling down the forlorn spirit placed a hand on the head of the creature in recognition.

“Rainbow Dash”

Rainbow Dash gasped for air as she woke up, sand entering her lungs as she began to cough and gasp for air. Once they were cleared she climbed to her hooves shaking her head trying to clear it. Her mind was a little bit fuzzy. She remembered a voice had spoken to her as her vision began to clear up. Around her was sand, rocky crags, and plateaus. From her position she could see ruins scattered amongst them, what seemed to have been large flags had been torn to shreds due to the winds or the passage of time.

“Where… where am I?” Rainbow Dash wondered before taking a step forward and then let out a paned yelp as a rock jabbed her in her flesh. Confused Rainbow Dash looked down to see her hooves replaced by what seemed to be a hand. Moving back and forcing herself to stand on her hindlegs she looked down. No longer did she have hooves, she had hands and feet similar to Ahuizotl, except her feet looked similar to his hands. Her hands were smaller and instead of four fingers there were five. Gone was her muzzle and coat. Even her ears were a different size, shape, and in a different location. Closer to her face. The only thing that she could tell that she could tell was the same was her wings, her skin color, and her eye color. Whispers began to echo around her as Rainbow Dash began to feel a dark presence penetrating the area around her. She shivered, holding herself close before realizing that she was wearing something. It was a tight shirt with an open back for her wings and some shorts. Similar to what she wore when she was dressing up as a Wonderbolt for Nightmare Night. There was also her saddle bag, though that too was changed. Now it was slung over her shoulder instead of resting on her back.

Rainbow Dash shivered again, the dark presence was beginning to feel oppressive and she began to worry for her friend.

“Fluttershy!” she called out as she climbed out of the crater. She looked back asking. “Woah, what happened here? Focus Rainbow! You’re looking for Fluttershy!”

The glassed surface under her showed Rainbow Dash what was different about her face. Her muzzle was shorter, forming a separate area for her nostrils and mouth. Her eyes were the same color, just smaller. Shaking her head, Rainbow Dash flapped her wings and flew up. The reflection of her face glancing up, eyes changing to gold for a brief moment. Landing on the edge of the cliff Rainbow Dash glanced around for a sign, any sign, of anything living in this place. Though it was hard for her to focus, her mind was a mess of thoughts. That voice had told her to find Fluttershy and that a mistake had been made. All that she knew was that Fluttershy was in danger and she was meant to rescue her. Yet they didn’t even teleport her to where her friend was. How could she save Fluttershy if she was in the same area!

“UGH! WHAT IS HAPPENING?” she shouted only for her mouth to snap shut as a growl echoes throughout the canyon. Taking flight once more Rainbow Dash began to look around for some shelter. On a lower area of the cliff was a somewhat intact metal structure that seemed secure for the most part. Flying down Rainbow Dash inspected it: the only way in was broken glass at the front. Parts of the flat metal were scorched and burned with some wiring exposed. ‘It will have to do for now.’ Rainbow thought as she folded her wings back to take a look inside.

It wasn’t the worst for wear inside, though there were a few parts that seemed to have exploded. Right by the window seemed were what Rainbow Dash could only assume were the remains of the pilot. Swallowing she moved further back seeing weathered seats with a few signs of small creatures having attempted to seek shelter in there. There was also parts of the ship upon them. Sighing she began to shuffle around hoping to look for something to start a fire with when night fell. Opening her bag she pulled out a blanket laying it on one of the seats. She had been searching for Fluttershy non stop for those two weeks that she hadn’t even unpacked her bag from her last adventure. So there was her basic camping gear: Sleeping bag, pillow, blanket, an empty canteen, three full canteens, bandages, some trail mix, flashlight, and a fire starter. There was also the gift she had gotten to give to Fluttershy when she finally found her friend. ‘I will give this to her and give her the apology she deserves.’ Rainbow Dash told herself before turning to look at the doorway that led to the other area. The door seemed to have once slid open and shut, though it was open all the way now. Deciding to take a look at it later Rainbow Dash headed back out to explore the area. “Food, water, and fire. I need to get these before nightfall. Something tells me that I don’t want to be outside when the sun sets.”

Spreading her wings, Rainbow Dash took off, seeing many mountains, valleys and deserts. Knowing that there had to be some water in the desert she took off to find it.

When she returned to her hovel Rainbow Dash had found some water but she had a feeling about it. So she had gathered what she could to get a fire going and boil it. Munching on some of the trail mix Rainbow Dash thought back to what she had seen. Never before had she seen anything like this place in Equestria. “There are the Wastes.” she muttered poking at the fire seeing the steam rise from her filled canteen. “Yet… something hasn’t felt right since I’ve gotten here.”

Looking up she saw the sun setting, getting to her feet she carefully grabbed the canteen and moved into the ship. Grabbing her sleeping bag she managed to hang it over the door. Grabbing her flashlight she turned it on to give some light and set it on the shelf across from where she had made her bed. Sitting down she sighed before resting her hand against her chest. “Cassandra?”

Cassandra, she hoped the Spirit she found in the Core Realm was still with her. It would be a form of company that Rainbow Dash would greatly appreciate. She didn’t feel alone, which she assumed that the spirit was still with her. Yet there was no response. This worried Rainbow Dash as well. If she was sent to this place and was rendered unconscious… did something similar happen to the spirit?

She layed down and began to curl into herself, from the moment she arrived here she had felt something. At first she thought it was the dark presence but now that she had a moment to relax she realized what it was. Something was watching her. Grabbing her blanket she pulled it over her head trying to get some sleep. With her eyes shut she didn’t notice the panel that controlled the door powered on. The only sign was a red light that began to blink slowly.

When the dawn came Rainbow Dash heard something moving outside of her shelter. At first she didn’t register that she wasn’t home anymore. “Five more minutes.” she muttered as she tried to roll over only to end up fall off of her makeshift bed with a yelp. “What the?!” Her eyes snapped open seeing the flashlight rolling on the shelf. Everything that happened the day before came back to her as well as hunger. So she climbed to her feet grabbing her bag and fishing out the trail mix eating a handful. Drinking a little bit from her canteen she pushed back her sleeping bag only to find the door halfway shut. Frowning Rainbow Dash pushed it open all the way before climbing out through the broken glass. She felt the shards graze against her feathers. Once cleared of the glass Rainbow Dash spread her wings and flew into the air. The area that she was next to seemed to be filled with creatures of sorts, none of them looked friendly. A thought crossed through her mind, Rainbow Dash needed weapons for either hunting or self defense. She didn’t know the first thing about it but she knew someone who did.

“Cassandra!” she called out again, this time she got a very curt response. “What?”

“You’re alright.” Rainbow Dash breathed a sigh of relief before remembering what she was thinking. “Right! I need your help. I’m not good at hunting or even making weapons. As you’ve figured out, ponies aren’t fighters most of the time. Except for the royal guards.”

Rainbow Dash sighed as she settled down on the only standing pillar that was far from the ground. “Could… could you help me?”

Cassandra grew silent in thought. During this period of silence a voice whispered into Rainbow Dash’s ear. “We can help you. We can make you strong.”

Rainbow Dash looked around wildly for the source of the voice as she rubbed her ear. “C-Cassandra? Did….”

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath in order to calm down for a moment. “Did you hear that?”

“There is something here.” The words that were spoken were ominous. “Head back we will find you a weapon to defend yourself with. I shall show you how to hunt and cook.”

Rainbow Dash took off back to her shelter quickly not noticing as spirits formed beneath the pillar watching her. “She will get us off this world. She will grant us our revenge.”

One of the spirits glanced, a being larger than the others, glanced towards the spirit within the sands. “Is something the matter, Darth Imperius?”

“She is unlike anything I have ever seen before in my travels, my Lord. The Force seems to be wrapped around her and entangled with something. Do not underestimate her my Lord.”

The large spirit made an uninterested noise before vanishing as the other spirits scoffed at the comment. Darth Imperius turned and vanished as well, the sands making up his form blown away by the wind.

Rainbow Dash had to prepare for the second night, they searched the ruins in front of the large structure for anything that could be used as weapons. The first possible weapon was a rock that reminded Rainbow Dash of a stone knife. There were voices within the temple as well as those nasty creatures that tried to eat her and spat acid at her. So Rainbow Dash stuck to the ceiling as she explored around until she was left alone by them. Eventually she found what seemed to be an ancient armory and upon the rack at the end was a blade. Swooping down, Rainbow Dash snatched it before landing. Her heart was pounding as she glanced around for something to happen. Taking a deep breath she examined the weapon seeing a kind of switch on the hilt. Pressing it she saw a red energy form around the blade part. Bring it up she felt the heat from it before slashing it against the ground watching it leave a scorch mark.

“These will do for now, it is better that we return and I will begin to instruct you on how to use these.” Cassandra informed her, Rainbow Dash flew out towards the entrance making sure to stay up high. She had noticed that the days seemed longer here than on Equestria. So began her training. Cassandra, who still had an appearance of a bear, could only watch and verbally correct Rainbow Dash’s stance until she got it correct. The stone knife was to be used for gathering material from the creatures that she hunted. Despite the thought of eating nothing but meat for now… Rainbow Dash learned that with this humanoid form eating meat would give her the much needed protein and energy to continue longer. Rainbow Dash also knew there was nothing growing here, her fire was made from scraps that she found. So she practiced her swings with the sword until dusk. Then she made the fire, sipping the boiled water in her canteen, ate the trail mix, and crawled inside her shelter. The door was fully shut this time.

“Weird, there is no power so why is this shut?” Rainbow Dash asked before pressing her hand against the panel. The door slid open and she backed up readying her new weapon. The only movement she saw was that of her sleeping bag and the dim glow of her flashlight. Taking a step forward Rainbow Dash moved towards her makeshift bed not noticing a streak of red lightning arcing from her back jumping into the console behind her. The door slid shut as she set the warblade onto the seats across from her and laid down on her blanket. She put a hand over her eye before rolling over to go to sleep in the darkness trying to ignore the whispers that surrounded her shelter. Though they seemed quieter now that Cassandra was around the area. ‘Guess they don’t want to mess with a giant spiky spirit bear.’ she thought as she tried to relax once again. If there was one thing she did miss, it was her ability to take a shower. Normally she would fly into a rain cloud and bath that way but she didn’t know if that would work. “Maybe… I’ll try that tomorrow.”

When the next morning came, Cassandra had woken Rainbow Dash up to get her prepared for her first hunt. This wasn’t something that Rainbow Dash was looking forward to. She was in the area outside of the ruins that she got her blade from. “Do we have to?”

“Do you want to kill the other creatures?” Cassandra asked as Rainbow Dash gripped the knife. “You will be needing your strength, this knife will have to do until you gain your strength. With your speed this makeshift weapon can be very deadly.”

“Wish Fluttershy was here to calm them down.” Climbing to her feet, Rainbow Dash dove off of the top of the statue she had been sitting on, flying down at full speed towards one of the bugs that separated from the rest. That was when something slammed into her and claws dug into her shoulders causing Rainbow to twist and turn until she got a glimpse of the thing. It looked like a vicious hound with three rows of sharp teeth, claws, and horns. The creature snapped at her as Rainbow Dash felt herself get pulled down because of the weight. She turned her head wildly as she tried to keep the creature from biting her while looking for something to help get this creature off of her. The she spotted the cliff face that had gotten closer due to her flailing in the air. She grunted before flinging herself back slamming them both in the wall but the creature remained. So she chose to push off the wall at full force, flying up into the air, her arms getting more and more wounded from the vicious attacks from the creatures. Then she stopped flying, allowing herself to fall backwards. The creature being heavier then her couldn’t keep a grip as it was dragged back faster. Turning around Rainbow Dash gripped her knife before flying down after it slamming her dagger into it as they both slammed into the ground. Yellow arcs of electricity flickering in the sand and dust.

“Rainbow Dash!” Cassandra called as the spirit moved through the dust looking around. “Rainbow Dash!”

The massive bear finally found Rainbow Dash and the remains of the creature. The wormlike creatures were starting to gather but the bear spirit killed any that got to close. Turning Rainbow Dash over onto her back Cassandra let out a sigh of relief as she saw Rainbow’s chest rising and falling. Though there was another issue that she had to deal with. Because of the creature that caught Rainbow Dash by surprise there were a lot of wounds. This meant that Rainbow Dash was in critical condition. The winds surrounded them as Cassandra’s got onto her hindlegs like a normal bear and picked up Rainbow Dash.

“Do not worry, I will not let you die.” Cassandra promised gathering what remains she could, including the skin, and began to head back. “I promise to protect you.”

Pain flooded through her body as Rainbow Dash woke, though the scent of cooked meat was in the air. She groaned before sitting up, seeing her shoulder and arms bandaged. Her shoulder had the bandages that she had brought with her and her arms were bound in a thick red fabric. “Cassandra?” she called out gritting her teeth as even breathing hurt.

“Lay back down, you are still healing.” Cassandra spoked approaching with a flat rock in her mouth. Setting it down on Rainbow’s stomach, the spirit looked at Rainbow Dash. “I had just enough power to seal the wound on your shoulder. You lost a lot of blood, eat and regain your strength. I will keep watch tonight.”

“Thank you.” Rainbow Dash said as she used her less wounded arm to grab the meat and began to eat it. The flavor left much to be desired but she trusted Cassandra and her knowledge. She ate it slowly as guilt rose in her, she hadn’t wanted to kill the creature. Yet… it wouldn’t stop. She focused on chewing, needing to get this down. She swallowed with difficulty before coughing as the sand entered her lungs again. She held back a sob as she continued to eat.

“We should be searching for water after this,” Cassandra told her before leaving. “Do not blame yourself Rainbow Dash, it is I who should hold the blame. I did not see the creature until it was too late. Something about this planet, it blocks my vision, there are demons everywhere.”

“I don’t blame you Cassandra.” Rainbow Dash whispered as she tried to sleep but the pain was keeping her awake. Now she began to hear the whispers clearly and she was unable to block them out.

“We can help you become stronger.”

“You would not need help.”

“All we demand is that you get us off this planet.”

“And take our revenge.”

“GO AWAY!”

The voices melded back with the howling winds as Rainbow Dash finished up her meal. It was hard to drink without the use of her arms. It was hard to do anything really. ‘A few days. I just have to wait for a few days for my arm to heal.’ she thought to herself as she settled in for the night.

While she was sleeping the shadows shifted, a brief form appearing in the blinking red light. In one hand was a canister of some kind before the figure settled down on the edge of the seat. It lifted up one of Rainbow’s arms and removed the bandages there. It gently moved a hand across the wounds as Rainbow let out a small groan. The figure paused before shadows extended across them knitting the wounds back together slowly. Once one arm was finished for the day the figure worked on the next one. Then the hand moved across the wound on the shoulder. This caused Rainbow Dash to stir and the figure stopped before bringing the canister up to her lips pouring what was inside into Rainbow’s mouth. She swallowed the liquid subconsciously, almost letting out a sigh of relief. The figure rewrapped her wounds, after cleaning the makeshift bandages with the liquid as well. It was gone by the time the light blinked again.

At dawn the next day Rainbow Dash woke again, the pain in her arms weren’t as great as the night before. At first Rainbow Dash thought that she had lost track of time. Yet the food next to her was fresh, changed out. So she reached out and began to realize that someone had cleaned the bandages on her arms. The wound on her shoulder was still paining her greatly. Looking next to her she saw the stone knife and decided to mark the days that she had been there on the wall next to her bed. Three nights, three days. Seems like she is going to be stuck in bed for the entire third day. Leaning her head against the cushions she called out. “Hey Cassandra?”

“What is it?” Cassandra moved in, Rainbow Dash was glad that she was a spirit when she saw her easily pass through the small space in broad daylight. Rainbow looked at her with a grimace. “Could you find something I can do? Books I can read?”

“I will see what I can find.” Cassandra told her before walking away and vanishing. So Rainbow Dash was alone, again, to rest. So she finished her meal and slowly took in some of the water. If she was better by the next day, she would fly around to look for water.

It took a few waters before Cassandra came back with a few things she found. They were all strange contraptions. One was a cylinder, another a bipedal mechanical thing, and the third… well Rainbow didn’t know what shape it was but it had a cylinder at the end. For the rest of the day Rainbow Dash worked on cleaning the strange contraptions. She wasn’t like Applejack and being one of the handiest handyponies around. However she did like her items being in good condition if they worked or not. Green sparks jumped out under her fingers entering the strange device as she place it on the seat across from her. She was starting to feel exhausted so she drew a line on the wall for another night and returned to her slumber. A shadow began to creep across her body as a figure of an old man wearing white armor. He stared at her with no emotion in his eyes as he spoke. “How fascinating to see you at the beginning of your abilities. I will observe for now how far you can progress without my guidance.”

A white aura formed around Rainbow’s body as she slumbered on.

When Rainbow Dash woke the next day everything was starting to feel better. There was no pain in her arms or her shoulder, so she decided to do something safe and kind of easy: Find water. She left almost right away, her body filled with energy. She kept high in the clouds trying to feel any kind of water in them. There were a few but it wasn’t much and she wasn’t sure if she could harvest the rain. That was when she noticed something, it was like blue sparks. Curious Rainbow Dash flew down, finding a swamp far away from her shelter. Frowning, she muttered. “Seriously? I know the rule not to drink swamp water.”

That was when she sensed something moving towards her quickly and Rainbow Dash launched herself in the air. She flew away from the swamp as fast as possible, returning to the desert where she had found the water before.

The haul of water wasn’t that great but still she had a half full canteen of water that needed filling and didn’t run into anymore of those creatures. She was sure that they were only biding their time but they didn’t seem to be near the ruins in the valley. Rainbow Dash had a feeling why, the whispers there were louder and the dark presence was stronger. When she returned, she practiced her stances under Cassandra’s instructions until dusk. Then she returned to her structure for some sleep. She knew that she was going to have to explore this place even further, she hadn’t forgotten her mission: Find Fluttershy.

The whispers had grown louder in the night, they demanded that she listened and submitted to them. She just listened to Cassandra’s roar and the whispers returned to the howling winds.

The fifth day she began her flight and search for Fluttershy, armed with her canteen and the last little bits of her mix she honestly realized that she needed to go hunting again. However she had a mission for the day. She had to find her friend. Yet no matter how far she travelled there didn’t seem to be any sign of her. So she turned back the moment she knew that dusk was approaching and flew back and full speed to her shelter. ‘Tomorrow, she has to be here tomorrow.’ Rainbow Dash told herself as she marked the wall for the fifth day and as the sunset the sixth night.

“I’m heading South today and I’m going to explore that structure next.” Rainbow Dash told herself, Cassandra was slumbering in her mind to recharge her powers. She looked to the South before crouching down her wings spreading before running forward and taking off fast leaving only dust in her wake. Silence fell upon the valley as the sand formed a spirit who watched over the shelter without saying a word.

It was around noon when something happened, a strange vehicle descended down towards the planet. Landing on a structure hidden by the cave walls. A door hissed as it opened revealing two humans and an alien wearing robes as they began to walk out. Armored figures walking out behind them. Their armor was white, yet one had orange accents while the other had blue.

“What a lovely place.” one of them bit out in sarcasm. “Moraband, homeworld of the Sith species and a sacred place for the Sith Order.”

“What are we here for, Master?” the younger one, wearing dark red and black robes. “This place is drenched in the dark side.”

“Master Yoda sensed a disturbance coming from here. He wants to be sure that the Sith are not trying to reclaim this place.” the first said as they walked towards the structure in the cliffs. “All of you stay on guard. Just because the Sith no longer reside here does not mean this place isn’t dangerous. The beasts are just the least of our problems.”

“Jeeeediii.”

Rainbow Dash returned just as the sun was setting, she didn’t even take a moment to rest and went straight into her shelter without realizing that she was alone no longer. All she wanted to do was have a small mental breakdown at the possibility that Fluttershy wasn’t here. The beasts were getting smarter and smarter, almost making it to her causing her to fly higher and higher only to find other creatures in the air. These were content to ignore her but they were just as dangerous as anything else in this place. Her cries and screams echoed through the valley but were drowned out by the howling winds and whispers of the phantoms.

The figures from before walked out looking around. The one with the beard stroked it as he listened for a moment before looking at the others.

“Cody, Rex, you should head back to the ship for now. It is too dangerous at night.”

“Understood, sir.”

The young male spotted the flickering of the campfire in the distance.

“Obi-Wan, what is that?”

“I’m not sure, we should check it out in the morning. If it is still there that means someone else is.”

When Rainbow Dash woke she felt her throat parched. There was no meal for her, only the little water that was left. Draining it she sighed in exhaustion as her shoulders dropped. It was time to check out the structure in the cliffs. The realization dawned on her to check in not just for Fluttershy, but for supplies. Her only problem would be getting there without the beasts attacking her. She climbed out of her abode and stretched her wings out as she looked out across the valley. She rolled her neck as she took off. “They’re going to have to catch me first.”

She flew towards the entrance faster, not noticing the others exiting from another location. It was lower than her shelter, closer to the creatures, but seemed better protected. She didn’t even notice the new vessel there. All she was focused on was getting supplies and finding Fluttershy.

“What is that?” One of the robed figures, the strange alien, asked as he spotted something darting into the temple. It was just a glimpse.

“What did you see?” the bearded male questioned as the younger one scaled the walls to check on the spot he had noticed the night before. “Anakin.”

“Obi-wan, you should check this out.” the other called and the older male sighed before heading up the walls followed by the others. “A fire pit, recent too.”

“So someone is here after all.” Obi-wan mused, rubbing his chin in thought.

“Sir, over here.” and the three moved over towards the ship, one of the armored men standing inside looking around. In his hand was the blanket and the sleeping bag. “Someone has definitely been living here alright. I found these as well as old bandages and canisters in the back. Some of the bandages are bloodied.”

“They couldn’t have gotten far.” the alien pointed out, the winds beginning to kick up around the temple. “And I believe I know where.”

Rainbow Dash shivered as she landed, the stone floor of the temple cold unlike the sand outside. The air was heavier and darker than it was further away as well. She clenched the strap of her bag as she glanced around. Taking a deep breath, Rainbow Dash pulled out her flashlight and began to explore the first floor. None of the beasts were even close to the temple which was a relief. So she decided to take her time, Cassandra appeared next to her.

“Be on your guard, the demons here are different from the ones outside.” Cassandra warned and Rainbow Dash nodded in understanding. The layout wasn’t too hard to figure out, two hallways to her left and right, a large crumpled statue in the middle and stairs leading up to the second floor. Down both halls there was a split one leading to another hallway and the other leading to a room with a turn leading somewhere else. The hallways connected and led to rooms of different kinds, one held what Rainbow Dash was assuming was gear and the other had tables. Cassandra was in another room when Rainbow Dash said. “Hey, I’m going to check the second floor.

“Have your weapon at the ready.” Cassandra instructed and Rainbow responded with a “Kay” as she prepared her blade. She wasn’t sure what that would do against ghosts of any kind. The second floor was a bit different, there were doors lining all of the walls. Just as she passed in front of a small alcove a voice called her.

“Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow’s head turned quickly, the whispers louder than before. Yet the one who had spoken, it was familiar. Looking at the small room there was another metal platform, red lights lining the walls. Taking a step onto the platform, Rainbow Dash tensed as it began to move. She looked up seeing that she was headed for the ceiling and winced waiting for her to be squished. The platform came to a halt revealing a dark hallway covered in red lights. The whispers had grown loud enough that Rainbow felt unsure of if she should move or not. Yet her mind began to feel like it was in a haze. It was as if she was being beckoned, guided, to an area in the temple. All thoughts vanished when she walked into the room, a large room filled with destroyed thrones. A figure masked and hooded stood in the middle holding out a hand towards her. She moved forward to take it when she heard what the whispers were saying.

“Destroy the Jedi!”

“Peace is a lie.”

“Make them pay!”

“There is only passion.”

“They defile this place!”

Rainbow Dash began to struggle against the pull, yet it felt like something was pushing her towards the middle. She swung her weapon trying to slice at the invisible force pulling her but it was knocked out of her hand.

“Through passion I gain strength.”

Her arm raised up as she drew closer to the figure.

“Through strength I gain power.”

Her arm flew up trying to stop herself from grasping the hand. “No…!”

“Through power, I gain victory.”

Her hand grasped the other hand and it felt like she was drawing darkness into herself.

“Through victory, my chains are broken! THE FORCE WILL SET ME FREE!”

Rainbow Dash screamed.

Cassandra charged up the stairs trying to get to the platform but was knocked back when she tried. “RAINBOW DASH!”

Rescue from the Sith Academy

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Chapter Two: Rescue from the Sith Academy

“Great, now there is a massive wind storm blocking our only way in.” Obi-Wan stated before taking note of something. “Or so someone wants us to think.”

Anakin was about to question what he meant when a scream echoed through the canyon then a roar shortly afterwards. The group looked at each other for a moment before running towards the Sith Academy. Anakin passed through first with no hesitation as the illusory winds died down the others following close behind.

“So it was an illusion.” Obi-Wan said thinking back earlier. He had noticed that none of the sand and dirt upon the ground had been disturbed despite the harsh winds. Anakin was about to say something when a voice echoed against the stone. “No! I won’t do it!”

Tensions rose as the group prepared for a fight. “That didn’t sound good.”

A massive figure watching them from the second floor before letting out a roar slamming against something. The soldier with orange accents spoke. “And that didn’t sound friendly.”

“The owner of the campsite and a large beast, great.” Anakin replied with a half hearted smirk, though he too was wary. The alien moved forward looking up towards the second floor prompting Obi-Wan to ask. “Is something the matter Master Fisto?”

“I sense something powerful….” Master Fisto started when the large form of a beast was thrown off of the balcony slamming into the wall behind them. The group turned, seeing the large creature rising to all fours. The look of madness seeping it into the eyes and the spikes were the only things that could show that it was a native creature. Yet Anakin took in the massive form partially covered in short black coarse fur, and the powerful muscles beneath it. This wasn’t like any of the other creatures he had seen on this world. The powerful jaw in front wasn’t as large as the Tuk’ata nor did it have the forelegs of them either, the paws were flat against the ground, claws long and curled.

“The large beast.” Fisto said as Anakin turned on his lightsaber as did Obi-Wan and the soldiers with them raised their blasters ready for a fight. Master Fisto was about to when the creature spoke. “Rainbow Dash.”

“CASSANDRA!” Rainbow Dash cried as she struggled to break free as she was lifted into the air. She couldn’t blocks out the voices from before and the words they spoke made her want to fight back.

“She abandoned you.”

“Submit.”

“Fight back Rainbow Dash!”

“You are weak.”

“No wonder she didn’t want to be here.”

“You will not struggle for much longer.”

“Weak.”

Something was trying to invade her mind and Rainbow was using her strength to fight back. Her wings started to move as she screamed in defiance.

“You… talk.” Obi-Wan stated as the beast began to shake its head as if trying to clear its mind. “You are trying to tell us something I presume.”

“I do not have… time for games.” the beast answered with great effort before looking at them. “Are you the reason those de… spirits took hold of my friend to set a trap for Jedi?”

“How do you know this?” Anakin questioned, not trusting the beast or the tone taken towards them. “What are you anyways?”

“I hear them talking, like you they treat me like a mindless beast and only run when I show my strength.” the beast told them before moving past them towards the stairs. “However… what I am, it does not matter at this moment. There is a trap for the Jedi, these demo… spirits want their revenge.”

“How did your friend end up here in the first place, most know not to come here?” Obi-Wan questioned earning a rather irritated growl from the creature. It turned its head to look at him answering. “It was not her choice to come here, but she was sent here on a rescue mission. Yet I believe that she was sent to the wrong place and the spirits here lured her away from me.”

“YOU CAN’T MAKE ME!”

“You want us to help your friend.” Obi-Wan observed before looking at the beast who nodded its head. Anakin gave him a sideways look before posing his own question. “Why don’t you save her by yourself?”

“I… cannot,” the creature admitted, looking ashamed. “Despite being linked they have blocked me from getting to her… they managed to get into her mind somewhat. They will know about me and how to get me to stand down.”

“How are you so sure you can trust us?” Obi-Wan asked curious as to why the creature went to them for help. That seemed to anger the beast as it began to grow until the tip of the spikes on its back was brushing against the ceiling as it snapped its jaws. “Because if you intentionally harm her I will rip all of you to shreds! There will be nowhere that you can run to fast enough!”

“I believe you misinterpreted the question, we are Jedi, three of us are.” Master Fisto chose to intervene, turning the attention of the creature to himself. “The Jedi Order is an Order of peace. We are all merely wondering with all that is going on here, why choose to trust the strangers that may have inadvertently caused this?”

“I have no choice and if you are who you say you are… then you truly can help.” the beast told them its form shrinking to the size it was before. “I cannot do this alone.”

“Then it was no accident that we came here when we did.” Master Fisto told her as he reached out and the beast placed its head against the palm of his hand the weapons deactivating. “If we are by your side we can distract the spirits.”

“How are we so sure that we can trust you?” Anakin questions and Obi-wan let out an exasperated sigh. “Anakin, let’s not make the giant beast angry.”

“I would say he has a point, you shouldn’t trust any random talking beast,” the creature said as it began to lead them up the stairs. “If you don’t trust me… then we all will perish. That I can promise you.”

“Well then, while we distract the Sith Spirits, you, Rex, and Cody could have an opportunity to grab your friend.” Obi-Wan said, he really did want more time to plan and think this through. Yet they all knew the more time wasted the greater chance that this rescue would fail. The group made their way up the stairs and towards the platform. They stood on it before it began to rise up and Master Fisto decided to make some conversation to lighten the mood. “We should really get to know each other after this is all over.”

“Do what you want.” was the uninterested reply from the creature but it didn’t seem to really dislike the idea from what Anakin saw. Everything went quiet as they drew closer to the top. All of them could feel the darkness radiating from here.

“What is up here?” Anakin questioned as the beast moved forward. It looked at him saying. “This is where the darkest and the most dangerous of the spirits reside.”

“The Dark Council of the Sith.” Obi-Wan warned as they turned down another hall. “You said your friend was lured here?”

“I was not careful,” They stopped outside of the door that the beast had led them to. “I will not make the same mistake again.”

The beast let out a roar that knocked the door and part of the wall away as the Jedi and troopers readied their weapons quickly. The room was large, with twelve thrones forming an oblong circle and statues behind each one. The ceiling was showing signs of wear and tear. In the center of the room was a female in her late teenage years. Large wings protruded from her shoulder blades, the shadows making it hard for her skin color to be made out, and her hair making up the colors of a rainbow. She was on her knees with her forehead resting against the ground. Her wings would twitch once in a while as she mumbled. “You can’t make me.”

Shadows grew and twisted into humanoid forms as the whispers began to fill the air. “Jedi.”

The mass of shadows charged the group, most went for the Jedi as the beast lead the charge towards the girl. Some were not as foolish as the others and changed their direction heading towards the soldiers. The creature moved quickly in front of Cody and Rex, swiping at the spirits with great strength. “GO!”

Rex nodded his head as the beast began to fight off the Sith, one lifting it up into the air as they reached the girl. Cody, the soldier with the orange accents, took her by her shoulders causing her to open her eyes which were glowing white. As she was gathered into his arms she looked over at the fight seeing the creature trying to fight against whatever force was lifting it into the air. “No….”

She struggled to get free as the beast was thrown into the wall. “Don’t hurt her!”

“Don’t worry ma’am, the Jedi will help her.” Cody assured her as he got to his feet, the beast was lifted into the air again before being thrown into a throne. The spirits of the Sith surrounded them blocking their way out. Rex was firing at the spirits as the Jedi were getting overwhelmed. The girl could only watch helplessly as her weapon before was activated ready to destroy the beast. Her eyes opened full as her fingers tightened around an object in her hands as she yelled. “I said: DON’T HURT CASSANDRA!”

A pulse rippled through the air as everything stilled. Then all light seemed to be drawn towards the girl as the stone knife in her hand began to glow. The form of the beast vanished as it too was pulled into the rock. The girl let out a pain scream as a shockwave erupted from her followed by a light that filled the entire room blinding everyone within it. When the light faded there were no more shadows as the dust floated around the room in a rainbow colored light. Small arcs of electricity of varying colors leaped from the dust and sand once in a while.

“The Force will set me free.” Were the last words whispered in the chambers. The Jedi moved to regroup with Cody and Rex who were doing their best to tend to the teen who was now unconscious. Master Fisto took note that the beast was also gone. As they got closer the Anakin took realized quickly that the girl now had vicious claw marks on her arms and a large one close to the right wing that were now bleeding heavily. Rex was trying to stop the bleeding of the wound in her shoulder.

“We need to get her to the fleet.” Cody spoke using a healing stim that he had on him. “What do you think happened, sir?”

“I’m not sure Cody,” Obi-Wan said as he began to ponder. “But there is more to this friend than the beast was willing to let on.”

“I do believe the beast was once a female named Cassandra.” Master Fisto said as he picked up the stone knife. “That is one mystery solved at least.”

“We should be on guard, I don’t believe the spirits of the Sith have been banished for good,” Obi-Wan pointed out before glancing at the girl. Master Fisto nodded his head as he placed a hand on her head. “I do believe she will be needing more than just physical healing.”

“We should take her back to Coruscant, see what she knows when she wakes up.” Anakin said, he didn’t know what but there was something off about the teen. The Force was warped around her, they all sensed it. It was like it was all knotted up, weakened but strong, natural but unnatural. The group began to make their way into the lift as the dust faded into ash and sand.

Coruscant, home of the Jedi Temple, a world of cities built upon cities, Heart of the Republic, home of the Galactic Senate. This was where the team of Jedi returned to after getting their new charge healed at the fleet. The teenage girl was shrieking trying to escape the straps that held her down. Never once had she woken and yet it seemed like the spirits of Moraband had indeed fled into her mind. Obi-Wan and Master Fisto left to go speak with the council as Anakin went to escort her to the room where she was to be confined. He wasn’t going to leave the room until each of those spirits were banished from her mind. Yet it seemed like fate had other things planned as he was called away to give his report as well. As Rainbow Dash screeched seven figures of the different colors appeared around her.

“Barsen’thor, is there anything you can do?” the spirit of a violet color asked, this was Imperius.

“If I cut the spirits off from her they will not be banished and we will be at risk of being discovered.” the indigo colored spirit answered, placing a hand against the teen’s head. “They must be removed so we can uphold our promise.”

“Then we conceal ourselves and let the Jedi banish the tagalongs.” scoffed the massive red spirit staring down at the winged female. “Or I can eat them.”

“Gross, Tempest.” a yellow spirit pointed out, the others were silent at the moment. “We should jump in now, before the Jedi discover us.”

Each of the spirits vanished with any final word, Barsen’thor was last stroking the hair in place as the girl struggled and screamed. “I am sorry this must be done, old friend.”

The spirit vanished as the door opened and the Jedi Council stepped to do what needed to be done. They were there to purge the dark spirits from her mind.

The Jedi Order

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Chapter Three: The Jedi Order

Silence. Breathing. The whir of strange machinery. A pounding headache that caused Rainbow Dash to groan. She lifted a hand to grab her head when a monotone voice spoke. “Please do not try to move, you are still recovering. Please wait while I get the Jedi Masters.”

“The what?” Rainbow Dash opened her eyes only for the bright lights to be too harsh and she shut them tightly. She heard a hiss and footsteps approach her. She dropped her hand as she turned her head to the side opening her eyes slightly. The strangers that entered the room were humanoid like her, though a few were noticeably different.

“Awake you are.” Rainbow couldn’t figure out where the voice was coming from until she looked down seeing a bring that was short and green with floppy ears. “How do you feel?”

“Confused.” she admitted closing her eyes again. “And my head hurts, would one of you mind dimming the lights? Thank you.”

One of the robed humanoids made a very unhappy noise. When she opened her eyes next the lights were at a more comfortable level. She looked at the group again, observing them with magenta eyes.

“How did I get out of there?” she asked looking at them. “And where am I? This better not be a trick. I don’t like those.”

“We are the ones asking questions here.” one of the robed figures spoke, his tone trying to keep out hostilities but still came off as rude. “Why were you on Moraband?”

“Moraband? Look buddy, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Rainbow replied observing the one who spoke. From the voice she could guess that it was male. Dark skin and bald. The robes he was wearing seemed to be made for more movement based activities. ‘I should ask Rarity… if I see her again.’ Rainbow Dash thought as she rolled her neck continuing. “And if it’s the place I ended up, I don’t know why I was there. One moment I’m talking with… someone who knows a friend of mine and next thing I know I’m waking up in a desert. Still going to have to find out how they teleported me out that far.”

“Moraband is a world that is heavily corrupted by the dark side of the Force….” the man began a lecture but Rainbow Dash got distracted by something brushing against her leg. Looking down she saw what appeared to be a rainbow colored tail twitching. She sat up quickly, grabbing it, wondering how she didn’t notice it before. She was watching it twitch when a younger voice spoke up. “Master Windu, I don’t think she’s listening.”

Rainbow Dash looked towards them again before letting go of the appendage with a shrug. Moving to where her legs swung over the edge of the bed Rainbow spoke. “Look, I don’t know any of you guys. What makes you think I am going to start trusting you right off the bat?”

“And we don’t know your name, so I think it goes both ways.” it was a young man with brown hair, his robes were darker in color. Rainbow cocked an eyebrow in amusement before saying. “Then let me go first. My name is Rainbow Dash,”

A few of the robed individuals gave her a strange look causing her to ask. “What? It’s not weird where I’m from. Trust me, there are a lot weirder names: Glitter Dust, Humming Dawn, Seaspray… I can go on.”

“Anakin Skywalker.” the young man said with a shrug of his shoulders. “Where are you from?”

“Equestria.” answered Rainbow a little more easy towards him, he seemed to be around her age and not as haughty. “And again, where am I? Where was Moraband? I know I’m not… on my world anymore. I flew around for miles and there was no sign of life where I was. Didn’t even stay up to see if the stars were any different. It never seemed like a good idea to stay up there.”

“Tell me, Miss Dash, how did you end up in the Ancient Dark Council chambers?” another man, one with a beard questioned. Rainbow Dash looked away saying. “I heard someone call me, by name. Nothing else did and I was curious. My mind went blank the closer I got. Look I’m alright. Besides the wounds on me, I feel fine.”

“We are not taking your word on it.” the bald man spoke earning a groan from Rainbow Dash. “We will be keeping an eye on you and you will be healed by a few of the masters. Just to be sure nothing remains in your mind.”

“You mean, I’m on bed rest?” Rainbow Dash laid back letting her head dangle on the other side as she groaned. “I hate bed rest.”

“The more you cooperate the less time it will take for you to heal.” the man spoke before the group moved out of the room. Anakin was the only one who stayed behind.

“Are you here to make sure I don’t escape?” Rainbow didn’t even look up to meet his eye, but ended up sitting up because her wings were getting uncomfortable. Anakin leaned against the wall saying. “Mostly, but I think you know better than to run. If you didn’t you would have taken off by now. I’ve got a few more questions for you.”

“Ask away, not like there is anything else to do.” grumbled Rainbow as she moved one of her wings forward and began to brush her fingers against the feathers.

“How long were you there for?” the first question, Rainbow Dash glanced at him as she responded. “I guess about seven days. Couldn’t tell after I got my arms injured on the third day. I had to rest.”

“And your relationship to that huge beast creature called Cassandra?” Rainbow’s wings twitched at the question as she swallowed. “We couldn’t find her after the battle.”

“I… she’s a spirit I am bound to. I’m helping her move on from a horrible moment in her past.” Rainbow Dash wasn’t sure how to fully explain it. “Wait, I had a rock on me. Do you know where it is?”

“With the rest of your belongings, being examined. What’s so important about that rock?” Anakin tilted his head to the side. Rainbow Dash sighed as she explained. “I learned a binding spell, if I’m injured or killed the binding spell lets the spirit remain inside an object. I think I was so afraid of losing Cassandra that I bound her to the sharp stone she chose out for me to use as a weapon.”

“Spell? Like sorcery?” Rainbow Dash huffed saying. “I don’t know how to explain it, a being from my world said it was the one thing that any creature with a Core could do in order to ensure that they aren’t harmed by creatures or spirits wishing to harm them. In my case, I just wanted to protect a friend. Can we move on to a different set of questions. Please? Like, am I hungry? That’s a good one, I’m starving.”

“How did you banish the Sith Spirits?” Anakin’s question caused Rainbow Dash’s fingers to twitch.

“I was just angry, they were hurting my friend. So I just focused on helping her. That’s the first thing you should know about me. I’m loyal to my friends.” Rainbow admitted her fingers smoothing out the feathers. “Though that’s doing me a lot of good. I can’t even find out the friend I know is missing. I thought she was on that Moraband… Korriban… place but she wasn’t. And judging by the way all of you were looking at me before. She isn’t here either.”

“There are so many species here, I don’t think she would have been noticed.” Anakin told her, moving next to the bed. Rainbow Dash frowned, pulling her hand away and a pink strand following her fingers. Both paused watching as the end of the strand floated upwards vanishing into the ceiling.

“What is it?” Rainbow Dash and Anakin stared at her. “Well I don’t know what that is! This has never happened before!”

Anakin reached out his hand and plucked the strand with a finger watching it vibrate as butterflies flew from it. Rainbow Dash reached out and placed a finger against the strand seeing if that would cause a different reaction. A voice echoed around the room as more of the pink butterflies flew around. “My friends.”

“Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash breathed as the strand faded away tears welling up in her eyes. “She’s alright. She’s alive.”

Anakin stood there silently as Rainbow Dash wept in relief. He rubbed the back of his head saying. “Look, I think it’s going to be a lot harder to find your friend. The way the strand was pointing indicated that she’s off world. It’s going to take time and resources that you don’t have available to you right now. Not to mention that you are currently stuck on bed rest. I have an idea to help you, but you’ve got to do what you’re told right now.”

Rainbow dash gave him a sideways glance before saying. “Fine, but you have to bring me something to read at least. I don’t like sitting around all day and reading is a way I pass the time.”

“I make no promises, especially with the stuff that we keep on hand. I’ll find something that wouldn’t get me in trouble showing you and something that you might enjoy.” Anakin told her before moving away. “First thing’s first, I do believe you said you were hungry.”

“Definitely hungry.” Rainbow’s stomach rang out in agreement. “Wait… what’s a Jedi?”

Anakin turned around to stare at her for a moment saying. “I’ll explain it later.”

Once the door slid shut Rainbow Dash laid back down in the bed, hoping to have a better room after this. She was missing the hospital beds back in Equestria. At least they were a bit more comfortable.

A few hours past and Rainbow was beginning to think that her shelter on Moraband was more exciting than this place. Time seemed to fly by when she was healing there. She sat up and grumbled. “I’m bored! How long does it take for him to find a book!”

“Looking for something fascinating Skywalker is. Hard with restrictions, it is.” Rainbow Dash jumped her wings flapping causing her to remain in the air. She looked down to see a familiar small green alien. He observed her as she landed on the bed trying to calm herself down asking, “How long have you been standing there? Uh, who are you?”

“Yoda, I am.” the alien spoke not answering the first question as he walked into the room. “Your mind races, what you want, but unable to do.”

“I’m that easy to read, huh?” Rainbow Dash’s wings drooped as she drew her knees under her chin. “I can’t just sit here while my friend is still missing. I don’t know what kind of trouble she could be in. I know she’s alive, but I don’t know where! Or if she’s safe! Only that she’s alive! Ugh!”

Rainbow Dash flopped backwards only to jump when she was looking at Yoda in the eyes. She rolled over and her hands gripped the edge of the bed. “How did you do that?”

“Be deceived by one's appearance do not. Full of many surprises even the seemingly harmless can be.” Yoda told her, waving his hand. Rainbow Dash lowered one of her wings and he climbed it up to the bed sitting next to her. “About your conversation, Skywalker spoke. Intriguing and yet unknown to you, your abilities they are. Dangerous combination. Hrrmmm. An eye on you, Skywalker suggested we should keep.”

Rainbow opened her mouth to protest but Yoda continued. “Not as a prisoner, but as someone in need of guidance. Yes, hrrmmm. Guidance.”

“What… what do you think?” Rainbow asked, tilting her head to the side as she looked at him. Yoda raised a hand patting her on the arm saying. “Help you, yes. Your friend we can not help you find. At war we are. Yes, hrrrm.”

“War?” Rainbow Dash tensed, she had never been in a war only read about them. “If there is a war going on I have to find her! She’s too nice! She’ll get hurt! She’s the type of pony to fly into the fray just to save one person regardless of herself! I can appreciate that about her, but I can’t let her die!”

Yoda looked at her calmly. “Patience. Either of you good, if you rush into this war, it will not do. Yrsssss.”

Rainbow’s shoulders drooped, her wings lowering until they touched the ground. She lowered her head into her hands feeling lost.

“I can’t just wait for this war to end.” she explained her voice slightly muffled as Yoda patted her arm. “The only one troubled by this war you are not. Been affected many planets have. Hmm.”

Rainbow Dash’s wings twitched at the thought. She began to think back to Equestria, she and her friends had to help many strangers. Most of the time it was in Ponyville, but when they had to save their homeland they never turned and ran away. ‘Except for that time Discord manipulated me into betraying my element by… being loyal to Cloudsdale instead. Now I’m faced with this war that’s affecting entire planets!’

She looked at Yoda who nodded his head, his ears drooping. “Times we can not help everyone there are. Focus on helping those we can, we must. Yes, hrrmmm.”

Rainbow Dash thought for a moment, she could see how heavy this war weighed on Yoda’s mind. It reminded her of the times she saw Celestia considering something big. She wrapped one of her wings around Yoda, trying to make it look like a reaction as she said “I could, maybe, help out while I’m here. I’ve never been in a war before, but I’ve saved my homeland a few times and you’ll never find a faster flier than me. I could help with getting people out of some tough spots. Plus you guys saved me, so you’re going to be stuck with me for a while.”

“Fast you may be. Still young you are. Into this war you should not rush.” Yoda’s hand shot up grasping onto the wing as he examined it causing her to jump slightly. “Yet, afraid of what you will do if left on your own, I am. Discuss this the Council must.”

Yoda climbed down from the bed and hobbled towards the door. He paused as it opened, glancing back at Rainbow Dash before nodding his greetings to Anakin as he walked in. His arms were full of objects, he looked back as Yoda walked down the halls before he walked in.

“I should have known Master Yoda was going to pay a visit.” he said as Rainbow Dash shrugged her shoulders as she petted her wings. “How did it go?”

“Does he always speak like that?” questioned Rainbow and Anakin nodded his head saying, “Well I haven’t heard him speak in any other way. Here I got you some stuff to pass the time. I figured you don’t know Aurebesh and brought some things to help you learn. Since you’ll be stuck here for a while.”

Rainbow Dash let out another groan realizing that he was right and she couldn’t do anything but read and learn.

Boredom

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Chapter Four: Boredom

Rainbow Dash tried to learn, yet she knew the program was for young children just learning the basics on how to read. Anakin had left some time ago for a meeting he was called to and her only companion was the medical staff. ‘With personality blander than a haystack. Scratch that, the haystack has more personality.’ she grumbled mentally poking at the screen. It flashed red for a moment causing her to slam her head backwards into the pillow. Her eyes looked out at the sky beyond the window as metal things flew by. The program tried to get her attention with the next challenge but she ignored it. She wanted to fly. Climbing out of the bed, Rainbow began to pace the room before seeing pillows. She snatched one up before looking back to where a collection of learning tools and writings were and grinned. These Jedi had to learn that one thing that you should always be wary of is a bored Pegasus. She began to stack the pillows following the shape of the next letter on the screen. An idea grew her wings twitching. She flew quickly around the room gathering up the pillows and had them form letters before flying out of the room to gather more.

A few hours later and Anakin found himself being summoned to the room that was given to her. The High Council and a few Jedi Masters were standing outside looking quite perturbed.

“You called me?” Anakin asked and Mace Windu looked at him as if there was a mess that was his fault. With a wave of his hand the door slid open revealing Rainbow Dash sitting on the bed working on the program. The major difference in the room was the floor was littered in meditation cushions. Anakin bit back a laugh, it seemed like Rainbow Dash had taken every meditation cushion that wasn’t in use. Once in a while she would stand up on the bed and glance around before sitting down and answer a question. A grin grew on her face when she got it right. The door slid shut and Anakin said slowly. “I’m sure if she understood what they were for she wouldn’t have just grabbed them. Besides she seems to be using them to learn.”

“Our own ways to learn we all have. Yes, hrrrm.” Yoda said nodding his head as Rainbow’s voice called out. “I can hear you! Shoot! Why is your writing system so hard to learn? Come on in.”

The door slid open again and Rainbow Dash was facing the door, her legs crossed as she stared at them. The screen was turned off and her arms were folded in front of her chest.

“Young lady….” one of the High Council Members began earning a raised eyebrow from Rainbow Dash. “I am Master Plo Koon, these are for meditation, to clear our mind and find peace.”

“Well if they aren’t being used, then what’s the problem? I was going to put them back. I needed some way to learn.” Rainbow pointed out dangling her legs over the side of the bed. “I’m not just a ‘sitting still and listening to lectures’ type of pony. I have to be doing something.”

“Perhaps you can learn while you put them back.” Mace Windu suggested and Rainbow Dash turned the screen on again. A wave of his hand and it turned off causing Rainbow’s wings to twitch in irritation. Finally a smirk grew on her face saying. “If you want me to, but I might not remember where I got them from.”

“You would do well to reme…” Rainbow Dash didn’t let him speak as she grabbed two cushions with a grin. She spread her wings before leaping off the bed flying over them, a burst of speed and she was heading down the hallway leaving a trail of glowing particles in her wake. Yoda let out a chuckle. “A lot of energy she has. Allowed outside, if we all want some peace, she should be.”

“She’s not a pet.” Anakin said and Obi-Wan patted him on the shoulder saying. “I think you just volunteered to keep an eye on her.”

The wind shifted as Rainbow ran by them to grab more cushions. Raising a hand Yoda stopped Rainbow causing her to look down. “The cushions away we will put. A nice day it is. For a walk you should go, an eye on you Skywalker will keep.”

This seemed to cause Rainbow Dash to lighten up as her eyes were drawn to the sky outside of the window. This did not seem to sit well with most of the Jedi there but they held their tongue until Rainbow was led away from them by Anakin.

“Do you think it is wise to be letting her see Coruscant? So soon after she was cleansed. We are not sure if any Sith spirits still linger within her.” one of the Jedi spoke as Yoda looked on silently in contemplation.

“She has been sleeping for a while and we forced her to stay indoors the moment she awoke. Can you imagine what other trouble she could cause if we kept her inside? Perhaps rearranging the lesson rooms or disturbing mediation.” Obi-Wan pointed out his arms behind his back. “Anakin is probably the only one she can relate to. They seem to be about the same age and she already gets along with him.”

Rainbow Dash stretched her arms the moment they walked out of the temple. Her magenta eyes scan the sky only to be drawn to the speeders flying past. Her wings twitched seeing a challenge.

“So, how fast do those things go?” she questioned pointing at a speeder as it flew by.

“Depends on the make and model, how you customized it, what the engine is like.” Anakin said looking at them as well. “Why, you want to try flying one?”

“I want to try racing one.” admitted Rainbow, her wings spreading. “I’m the fastest flier where I’m from. When I see something move fast, I just want to go faster.”

“I used to race.” Anakin said thinking back to when he was young. “I won my first race just before coming here. I… haven’t raced since then.”

Rainbow Dash smirked as she saw some speeders parked by the temple. “Try to keep up.”

Anakin’s head barely turned as Rainbow Dash doved off the walkway, she fell for a moment before spreading her wings and flying upwards with a shout of joy. Grinning Anakin used the Force to quicken his movement. He looked at the speeders carefully deeming which one would be the best to race in. Finally choosing one he leapt in and hotwired it before speeding off after Rainbow Dash. He moved past the speeders until he caught up with her.

“I am going to get in trouble.” he told her, though the protest was half hearted. She grinned at him as she replied. “Yeah, but what’s life without a little bit of trouble?! This way!”

Rainbow Dash dove downwards to where there were less speeders and Anakin followed. Weaving through the speeders that were flying keeping his eyes on Rainbow Dash. He felt a familiar energy well up inside of him thinking back to the Podraces. He was catching up to her easily seeing her fold her wings back and drop.

Rainbow Dash could feel Anakin gaining quickly and was impressed. She had expected the speeder he grabbed to barely keep up with her. Yet she could tell that he was skilled at using it. She folded back her wings going down further, when she was sure that there would be no more speeders this low she flapped them getting a burst of speed. If she was going to see what he could do she had to go all out. Focusing Rainbow Dash began to push herself faster, weaving around the buildings hearing the hum of Anakin’s speeder as they flew.

“Peace is a lie.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened as she looked next to her, seeing her reflection shift in the window where a figure seemed to be running next to her. His skin was red, a cloak covering most of his form. He looked into her direction with emotionless black eyes.

“There is only passion.”

Rainbow Dash flew faster as if to escape from him, her mind no longer on the race.

Through passion I gain strength.

Anakin saw Rainbow’s movements become erratic and knew something was wrong. She turned a corner sharply and he pushed the speeder to catch up to her.

“Through strength I gain power.”

Rainbow knew where she heard the voice from, the masked figure. The one that caused her to be brought to the city planet.

“Through power I gain victory.”

Rainbow Dash turned a corner slamming into something causing her to fall backwards in a daze.

“Through victory my chains are broken the Force will set me free.”

She felt herself fall backwards trying to flap her wings to not crash. Yet her mind was in a haze.

“There is no emotion, there is peace.”

It felt like something grabbed onto her, keeping her from hitting the ground. Rainbow Dash looked up to see Anakin holding out his hand.

“There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.”

“I guess this means I win.” Anakin laughed and Rainbow Dash frowned, her wings spreading. “And you would want a rematch.”

“There is no passion, there is serenity.”

“Of course I do, I got distracted!” Rainbow told him as she began to flap her wings to steady herself in the air.

“There is no chaos, there is harmony.”

Anakin chuckled as he released his hold the moment he was sure she could stay in the air. Rainbow’s eyes glanced down at something catching her eyes.

“There is no death, there is the Force.”

“What is that?” Rainbow mumbled before flying down. It seemed to be an overgrown building, which was odd on Coruscant. From what she saw. Flying down she settled down on what appeared to be a pile of rubble looking around as Anakin landed down next to her.

“Looks to be like an old temple.” Anakin stated as he climbed out of the speeder. “Are you alright? You seemed distracted before running into that pipe.”

“I was just thinking back to what happened in that temple place. That’s all.” Rainbow said, rubbing her arm. “Where I’m from we don’t know much about dark magic and stuff. But what I felt there was different. It was cold and yet powerful, it wasn’t like any of the bad guys we faced. I mean when I faced them I was with friends and we had the Elements of Harmony if they were truly evil. This… made me feel helpless.”

“Elements of Harmony?” Anakin asked leaning against the speeder as Rainbow Dash nodded her head. “Sounds important.”

“It is… the Elements of Harmony protect the balance of Equestria. If anything powerful disrupts the balance my friends and I use them to drive them back. Or… we used to. They were returned to the Tree of Harmony.” Rainbow explained thinking back. “Now something is stirring and we don’t know what. I just wish I knew what so I can beat it.”

“I know that feeling.” Anakin sighed as he looked around his eyes spotting something glinting on the ground. Bending down he brushed away the dirt finding an ancient lightsaber.

“This place… it’s an old Jedi temple. I don’t remember hearing about one around here.” Anakin said looking around.

“That’s because this happened a really long time ago when the Sith Empire attacked Coruscant.” Rainbow Dash explained earning a raised eyebrow from Anakin. “What? I had to see if I was learning right and you mixed in ancient reports with the other writings you grabbed me. And some of those were a bit more interesting than learning about a Jedi Philosopher. The Reports of the Barsen’thor was a bit more cool to read about.”

“I should have looked at those more closely.” Anakin sighed as he picked up the lightsaber. “What else did you read?”

“Well the Barsen’thor had to learn a shielding technique in order to keep their master from falling to a Dark Side plague. The downside was that the technique used the lifeforce of the Jedi, so the more the plague spread the more strength the Barsen’thor used up.” Rainbow Dash thought back before rubbing the back of her head. “I couldn’t get anymore reading done after that. Like I said, your written language is hard to learn. I thought treating it like an adventure would help. Use the old reports and the cushions to figure out the mystery.”

Rainbow Dash kicked a pebble as she walked around the pile of rubble in the middle. Anakin fiddled with the lightsaber lightly.

“Come on, let’s get you back.” Anakin said climbing into the speeder. “Let’s take the speeder this time, we don’t want you crashing on your way back up.”

“Ha, ha.” Rainbow commented sarcastically as she climbed in next to him. “You’re not going to get in trouble for this are you?”

Anakin shrugged his shoulders saying. “Hey, they wanted to let you out so you could get rid of all that excess energy. Besides what’s life without a little bit of trouble?”

“Good point.” A grin spread on her face as Rainbow nodded her head as they took off. She didn’t like sitting in something that cramped her wings. At the moment she didn’t want to fly with what just happened. She glanced out seeing nothing but the reflection of her in the speeder.

When they got back there was no one there to tell off Anakin for letting her off of the Temple Grounds. Instead he was whisked away for something as she was led back to her room. The sun was setting as she sat down on her bed. She laid on her side curling up as she heard the machines still working. Closing her eyes she wished she heard a different sound. In Equestria she swore before she went to sleep there was singing. It was soft but it was there every night. On Moraband it was the wind and the whispers. Here the only thing she heard was the speeders, the temple was quiet. No real wind was heard. So she closed her eyes and hummed the tune she heard so many nights in her home until she fell asleep.

How to Piss off the Jedi in 30 Seconds for Five Days

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Chapter Five: How to Piss off the Jedi in Thirty Seconds For Five Days

Blue crystals sat upon a rocky terrain. Two figures, one wearing a clock the other body in armor. One had a lightsaber, the other a glowing sword. Blood dripped from both figures before they rushed forward their weapons trading blows. The cloaked individual was yelling something as the armored figure slid back a pauldron falling to the ground the metal melted. The blade of the sword shattering the pieces floating in the air. The armored individual collapsing to their knees, a victory for their opponent. The cloaked figure moving forward swiftly and catching the armored one. Words were silent until a glow from the armored one. Words became clear.

“I failed my duty a second time, death is all that awaits me.”

The light engulfed the area as white feathers arced towards the sky.

Rainbow sat up quickly, sweat running down her face. Her mouth felt dry and her fingers were clenched. Light was beginning to peek through her window. She stretched her wings as her doctor came in with some food and checked on her arms.

“So… how’s it going?” she asked yet she didn’t get a response, again. She sighed as she ate the food wondering what she could do that day. That was when an idea came to mind. Pranking. She had noticed that these Jedi were dull. There wasn’t much variety in their routine. Some came to the temple, others left, meditation, learning, taking council. ‘It feels like watching Twilight rearrange her library, but with less excitement.’ she thought poking at her food. She turned on the learning program again while brainstorming some fun ideas to prank the Jedi with. ‘Maybe I should start with something small.’ she thought, realizing there weren't any of the items that she had to prank them with. That and she didn’t know what their reaction would be to a surprise, like a fake monster. Her eyes glanced at the screen before moving to the window spotting a cloud as she took a sip of water. A wide grin grew before she flew out of the room quickly finding a way outside before launching herself into the air. She was going to try one more time to get one. Flying up to one of the clouds she took a deep breath before reaching out. Wings glowed and she felt her hand press against the surface instead of passing through. She snickered as she grabbed the cloud pushing it towards the temple. Her hands grabbed more along the way.

Flying quietly near the ceiling Rainbow Dash searched for her first target. That was when she spotted the one who seemed to like her the least. From what she had heard his name was Mace Windu and with such a strict attitude he would be the perfect target. She pushed the cloud until it was directly overhead and poured some of her water into it. The cloud grew dense before she punched it causing water to pour down on top of the Jedi. She pushed the cloud away just as Mace Windu glared up at her. Rainbow grinned before flying away while snatching the cloud cackling madly. Looking behind her Rainbow noticed an eye twitch before he walked away. She slowed to a halt, frowning, before moving after him.

“Seriously? Nothing?” she asked trying to get a better look at him yet he did not even spare her a glance. “Ugh!”

He didn’t say a word which bothered her.

“Oh yeah, you only like to talk about me behind my back.” she pointed out causing a pause in his step. “Except when you want to boss me around or lecture me.”

Another twitch of the eye before he turned and looked at her.

“If you do not need anything then I will be on my way.” he told her before walking off causing her to mumble. “Party pooper.”

She flew off to find someone else while thinking of an even better prank for Mace Windu. A few more indoor showers and a humored Kit Fisto later Rainbow Dash found herself back in her room. With the door locked. She laid down on the cloud yawning before curling up for a nap.

“Why are you doing this?”

“It is my duty.”

“Your duty is to protect the citizens of the…”

“He told me you would try to dissuade me.”

“My duty is to protect the Citizens of the Republic. This is a duty we share.”

“...”

“You could join us, help us keep the peace.”

“I failed my duty a second time, death is all that awaits me.”

“WAIT!”

Rainbow’s eyes shot open her heart racing as she sat up slowly. She jumped off the cloud and began to pace the room. She didn’t know how long she had been asleep, yet with the darkening sky she knew she had been asleep far longer than a nap. That was when she noticed a slight glow, looking at her right hand she saw a thick glowing rainbow colored cord wrapped around her hand. Like with Fluttershy’s cord it was floating up vanishing through the ceiling in a strange direction.

“What is going on?” she mumbled sitting down on the bed running a hand through her hair. She looked at the cord before plucking it with her finger. It vibrated as her own voice spoke out. “Home.”

“So that’s where Equestria is?” she asked as she let go of the cord seeing it float for a moment before vanishing. She tucked her knees under her chin saying sarcastically. “That’s a lot of help.”

Flopping backwards Rainbow Dash yawned her eyes sliding shut. She prayed for a restful sleep.

The next morning did not bring the restful feeling that Rainbow Dash had desired. Her head hung over the edge as she turned her head to look out the window. The sun was rising once again. She sat up scooting until her feet touched the floor. She walked over to the door and checked to see if it was still locked. The door slid open with a hiss and she wandered out of the room. She explored for a bit before coming across the one place she knew that Twilight Sparkle would be happily reading in: A library. Rolling her eyes she wandered the rows of glowing panels wondering how information was even accessed. Rainbow Dash was marveling at the place when an elderly woman in robes approached her.

“Can I help you with anything?” she asked stiffly and Rainbow Dash shrugged as she looked around. “Then why are you here?”

“I was looking around, what is this place? Some sort of library?” Rainbow craned her neck hearing a strained noise from the woman.

“These are the Jedi Archives. I am Jocasta Nu, Chief Librarian of the….” Jocasta almost facepalmed when Rainbow grinned saying. “So it is a library.”

“It is much more than a mere library… you are the one Skywalker and Master Kenobi brought back. You are not supposed to be out of your room, especially after the mess you made yesterday.” Jocasta changed the subject quickly, her blue eyes narrowing. Rainbow raised an eyebrow saying. “Well if they didn’t want me out of the room, they really should have kept the door locked. I was just checking the place out. I have a friend who would love this place.”

“I’m sure you and your friend would just request the information from a Jedi.” Jocasta pointed out and Rainbow Dash frowned before saying. “You’re not curious about my species?”

“Why would I be? Unless you are a Jedi you have no use for the archives.” Rainbow rolled her eyes, wings fluffing in irritation as she mumbled. “Whatever happened to there is no ignorance, there is knowledge?”

Jocasta’s mouth tightened as she watched Rainbow Dash leave. The fast flier turned around for a moment saying. “You know, you guys could learn a lesson from my friend. There is no limit of wanting to learn and not be assured that what you think you know is always the right way.”

Rainbow took off quickly causing the Jedi in the archives to watch as she sped out the window. Jocasta sighed before she felt a drop on her head. She looked up to see a cloud sitting there before rain poured on top of her. Her nails bit into the palms of her hands before she looked at the trail of rainbow particles. Jocasta reached out a hand hovering around one watching it glow a bit brighter in a magenta color. The more she stared the more she swore she saw a figure in the particle. Shaking her head Jocasta went to talk with the High Council about Rainbow Dash and her presence in the Jedi Archives.

The third day some of the Jedi decided to teach Rainbow Dash what peace and serenity could do for her. Some tried to teach her meditation, only for her to fall asleep halfway through. Others would give her lectures. She fell asleep as well. Kit Fisto had the idea of racing her while discussing different pranking ideas. The Jedi were not pleased when those two decided to team up and prank the rest of them for the remainder of the day. Yet nearing the end of the day, like the previous ones, Rainbow Dash was feeling homesick.

The fourth day Obi-Wan visited Rainbow Dash hoping to talk to her about the mess she had caused for the past few days. When the door to her room opened he noticed very quickly the amount of clouds that she had gathered there. Her bed, now unused, was empty. He looked up with a sigh saying. “I know you are up there.”

“What?” Rainbow’s voice groaned out as she peered over the edge of her clouds. She looked exhausted. Obi-Wan sensed something was wrong: Rainbow Dash was normally up and about at the break of dawn.

“Is everything alright? Normally by now you would be out and about causing a ruckus.” Obi-Wan inquired holding out his hand. Rainbow Dash flew down and took it letting herself be led over to the medical bed. She leaned against it as she rubbed her palm against one of her eyes saying. “I just… I miss home, kay? Normally I’m with my friends and… and the only one that is here, I can’t even find. Now I’m getting these stupid dreams and I’m not getting any rest.”

“You are having dreams?” Obi-Wan was a little shocked but he hid it as Rainbow Dash nodded saying. “I mean, there’s these two people fighting somewhere. The place always changes. One of them is using the same weapon you use while the other uses a sword. They trade blows back and forth until the one with the sword falls. The sword breaks, the opponent runs over, there is a bright light, and I wake up. Before I open my eyes there’s these… images. I see one of the sword shards somewhere. On the ground, surrounded by crystals of some sort. Each time I wake up I’m holding one of those cord… strand things that keep appearing.”

Obi-Wan was quiet, pondering the meaning knowing he should go to the Council about this. He glanced at Rainbow Dash rubbing at her eyes again. He could tell that she had been crying before he came in.

“I have to go see the Council. Try and get some rest today.” Obi-Wan told her patting her on the shoulder before leaving. Rainbow flew back up to the clouds and laid on them, pulling her blanket over her head.

The next morning Obi-Wan came to retrieve Rainbow Dash, first he took her somewhere to get cleaned up. It turned out that standing underneath a cloud and letting it rain on you wasn’t the best way to wash when the room didn’t have a drainage pipe. She was given simple clothes that would fit around her wings and she was led to where the Jedi High Council was. Obi-Wan glanced at her before they entered and looked like he wanted to tell her something.

“I’ll try and behave.” she told him meeting his eyes for a second before facing the door. “I want answers too and Princess Luna isn’t here to help me solve them.”

“Princess Luna?” Obi-Wan inquired and Rainbow rolled her eyes slightly as she said. “You know, these are questions you should have asked. About my race, what our culture is like, you know the usual stuff before you ask me questions about places I don’t know about.”

“I’ll keep that in mind for the next time.” joked Obi-Wan before the doors slid open and they walked in. Obi-Wan bowed before the High Council and Rainbow Dash did as well.

“Told us about your dreams Obi-wan has. Intriguing they are.” Yoda spoke and Rainbow Dash swallowed getting the feeling that this might take a while. “Occur every night these visions?”

“It feels like every time I go to sleep now.” admitted Rainbow as she tugged on the sleeve looking away. The room was plain and circular yet she could see Coruscant through large windows. She could hear them talking in the background, no comment nor question was directed towards her. She felt the manelike tail brushing against her leg as it twitched in impatience.

“How are we so sure that these are not just dreams?” one of the High Council members, an alien with a tall tapering head. He had a white mustache and beard that almost blended with his pale skin.

“Every night, the same dream?” Obi-Wan asked as Rainbow Dash glanced in their direction feeling eyes upon her again.

“She seems to have a wild imagination. This idea could have gotten stuck in her mind and she dreams it up.” Mace Windu spoke and Rainbow’s teeth clenched as she turned to face them fully gritting out. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Rainbow Dash I don’t think he….” Obi-Wan started but Rainbow’s wings flew open, hitting him in the face, as she snapped. “Every single night I have these dreams whether I want them or not. Every time I wake up I feel drained, exhausted. You know I almost don’t care that you don’t believe me about them. The one thing that gets to me is the fact you think you know me.”

“You’ve made your personality quite known to us everyday.” Windu shot back and Rainbow crossed her arms saying. “Yeah, that’s because I thought you guys needed a little bit of excitement. You have your peace and your serenity, but everyone needs to have those moments of joy. Where I’m from that’s a part of harmony, that’s balance, both the good and the bad. Oh and don’t get me started on how you guys don’t even think about asking me about where I’m from. You sit here and make plans, going off to war, but don’t ask the being that suddenly showed up about a place that could help!”

“I highly doubt that your people could help in this war.” Obi-Wan facepalmed at the response knowing that this was going to rile her up some more.

“You didn’t ask! The only ones who seemed remotely interested are Master Yoda, Master Fisto, Obi-Wan and Anakin. They checked up on me, they made sure that I was doing alright, they asked questions! You guys are so out of touch as your positions as protectors you’ve forgotten what it is you are meant to protect. Peace! Knowledge! Serenity! Harmony! Sure, you’re guardian warriors, but there is more to being a protector and a warrior than just fighting against one enemy. It is protecting everyone under your care, or helping someone who needs help!” Rainbow Dash spun on her heel and began to walk off, Obi-Wan ducking under her wing. “You don’t strive to better yourselves anymore and that’s never a good thing. You start believing that you are invisible and you don’t take in account that someone will try to grow in strength better than yours just to take you down.”

The doors slid shut behind her as Rainbow Dash moved to the lift standing there quietly as the tears ran down her eyes. She entered almost bumping into the person who exited.

“Rainbow?” Anakin’s voice called out just as the doors shut. Anakin looked behind him just as Obi-Wan ran up.

“What did I miss?” Anakin asked as Obi-Wan summoned the lift.

“I’ll explain on the way, do you have an idea where she might go when she’s upset?” Obi-Wan replied and Anakin nodded his head. “We’re going to need to get there, she just blew up at the High Council.”

“Oh great.” mumbled Anakin as the lift finally arrived and they both got in. “I’ll drive, I can get there faster.”

Visions

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Chapter Six: Visions

Rainbow Dash curled up behind a destroyed pedestal trying to brush away the tears in her eyes.

“Are you sure she’s here?” Obi-Wan’s voice echoed causing her head to lift up.

“I’m sure.” replied Anakin’s voice as footsteps began to move down the hall. “It’s the only place that she knows about.”

Rainbow wrapped her wings around herself.

“Rainbow?” Anakin’s voice was in the room, she heard his footsteps walk around. “Are you alright?”

“Fine.” she mumbled in her knees before a hand touched her shoulder causing her wings to twitch.

“You and I both know that’s not the case.” Anakin said, taking a seat on the broken pedestal as Obi-Wan stood in front of her. “You’re homesick and these visions you’re having are taking a toll on you.”

“Yeah.” her wings parted slightly as she looked over her shoulder at him. “I just don’t know what to do anymore.”

“If anyone knows about being homesick, it is Anakin.” Obi-Wan pointed out kneeling down in front of her. “And we are willing to help you figure out what these visions mean.”

“Obi-Wan told me that whenever you wake up you have one of those cordlike strands wrapped around your hand.” Anakin mentioned and Rainbow Dash nodded her head. “Maybe that’s a reason, could you summon it?”

Swallowing Rainbow Dash stroked her wings as she thought about Equestria, pulling her hand away she saw the same thick cord. She tightened her grip around it as the other hand began to float up to the sky. Obi-Wan stroked his beard as he examined the rainbow colored strand. Reaching out a hand he grasped it feeling a feeling of electricity rush through him. He buckled down as he focused on it. Anakin’s hand grabbed on just above his and the two focused together. The cord unravelled into eight strands as a vision flickered before their eyes.

A shard upon rocky solid ground laying by a large blue hexagonal crystal. The edge still glowing from a battle long ago. A metal foot landed by it. An armored figure opened deep blue eyes before they glowed white.

A blast of energy knocked the two Jedi back as Rainbow Dash collapsed to the side. Obi-Wan placed a hand against her head before looking at Anakin. “Anakin, I have to talk to the Council about your upcoming mission. You get Rainbow Dash to a place where she can rest.”

Nodding his head Anakin picked Rainbow Dash into his arms as they headed back to the speeder. Anakin flew back to the Jedi Temple first before taking the speeder to the one person he knew could keep an eye on her.

Padmé was just returning from a meeting with the Chancellor when she saw Anakin standing in front of her apartment holding a winged female. After a bit explaining she agreed to let her rest at the apartment. They were having tea when their guest awoke with a groan.

“Padme, I would like you to meet Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash, this is Senator Padmé Amidala. You’re at her home.” Anakin introduced them and Padmé smiled in greeting. “It is a pleasure to meet you. Ani has told me that this is your first time off your planet.”

“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash replied, rubbing her arm, Padmé offered a seat and she took it.

“I have never met an Equestrian before, would you mind telling me about your people?” Padmé suggested, as Anakin was summoned away by the council. Rainbow Dash seemed to perk up as Padmé smiled asking. “What is your government like?”

“Oh. Well Equestria, my land, is ruled by two Alicorn sisters: Celestia and Luna.” Rainbow Dash slumped in her seat, she should have guessed this would have been the first question. “Alicorns are the mix of all three races and so far there are four known Alicorns. Celestia and Luna, who rule Equestria. Cadence, who rules the Crystal Empire, and my friend Twilight Sparkle who just came into her role. Celestia raises the sun, she rules throughout the day and is generally the one most seen. Luna rules the night, keeping an eye on our dreams, and protects Equestria through the night.”

“Your friend became an Alicorn?” Padmé tilted her head to the side before standing up. “Would you like something to drink?”

“Oh, yeah and yes, she did. I’m sure she’s freaking out about her role when she isn’t freaking out about a mysterious chest that came from the Tree of Harmony. Or freaking out about ancient magic that a pony from a thousand years ago is bringing to light. Or the mysterious Guardians that are making their appearance. I think the only thing she’s cool with right now is a dragon that her assistant Spike, who is also a dragon, is taking lessons from.” Rainbow commented looking around the apartment not noticing a golden droid bring the drinks. “I wonder if they noticed that Fluttershy and I just vanished.”

“I don’t think I can help you there, I can give your friend some advice about ruling.” Padmé told her as she set a cup in front of the pegasus. “If you wouldn’t mind taking some notes.”

“I’m still not sure how your written language works.” confessed Rainbow looking to the side and Padmé nodded her head. “Would… would you mind helping me learn?”

“Only if you don’t mind telling me more about Equestria.” Rainbow nodded happily and the two began to work on the first lesson.

“The council about this vision you both saw Obi-Wan told.” Yoda spoke to them, the other members of the High Council were quiet. “Unsettling this is. Being led to Christophsis she is. Her first introduction to war this will be. Protected during her search she will need to be. Under both of your care she will be.”

“We do not think this is a good idea, someone with no experience has no place on the battlefield.” Mace Windu pointed out and Anakin raised an eyebrow. “However, we have the feeling she will go regardless of what we say.”

“Where is the young lady currently?” Ki-Adi-Mundi asked and Anakin responded. “I took her to Senator Amidala to rest, she is better at dealing with new races and I believe she’ll keep her calm.”

Obi-Wan shot him a sideways glance before nodding his head saying. “He has a point, Senator Amidala is better at dealing with people in a more friendly manner.”

“Agreed it is. Under your watch Rainbow Dash will be. At the end of her path and the journey she takes we shall see what she finds.” Yoda told both of them, the two Jedi nodded and bowed before leaving.

“How did you convince them to bring her along?” Anakin asked once they were out of earshot, Obi-Wan looked at him as he answered. “I told them that if we do find what she was looking for and it was Equestrian in nature, there is no knowing what it could do. Right now she is the only one we know of that could explain things. Though she doesn’t seem to be the type to remember everything, unless it is ‘cool’.”

“Or if she could get a bird's eye view. She’s a flier, she needs to keep an eye on everything.” Anakin pointed out as the lift arrived. “I should go get her, we’re leaving soon.”

Obi-Wan raised another eyebrow but remained silent. He couldn’t tell if this was an excuse to see Padme or to actually pick up Rainbow Dash. He figured that he would know, with how long they took to arrive at the ship.

The stop by Padmé’s abode was short but interesting. Anakin found the two chatting at the table with lessons spread out on the surface. Rainbow seemed to be in the middle of telling Padmé about how she flies. After managing to get in the conversation Anakin promised to bring her around later for more lessons.

Rainbow Dash didn’t know how to feel as she arrived at the Resolute. From what she saw, the ship was massive. Yet the halls didn’t have a lot of room to fly and it was filled with soldiers wearing the same armor. The first person she was introduced to was Admiral Wulf Yularen who seemed rather surprised about her. He knew rather quickly that she wasn’t a fighter. Glancing at Anakin and Obi-Wan for an explanation. Obi-Wan being the first to speak up. “There is something from her world on Christophsis. She’s the only one that might know anything if it activates.”

Yularen looked at Rainbow Dash one more time as he spoke. “I do not like having a civilian coming along on such a high stakes mission. There will be rules set in place. You will not step a foot on the bridge, when we arrive at Christophsis you will be assigned to a squad. While in their care you will follow all of their instructions. When they tell you to take cover, you take cover. When they call for a retreat, you do not fight them and try to stay. Are we clear?”

“Yes sir.” Rainbow Dash said her back straightened as Yularen summoned two troopers to lead her away. Rainbow glanced back and Anakin who gave her a reassuring grin before she was led off the bridge as Obi-Wan left the ship.

Christophsis

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Chapter Seven: Christophsis

Rainbow Dash was bored, again, after she had been led off the bridge she had been placed in a room. ‘That was days ago.’ She groaned mentally as she poked around the room. Opening up the door she looked at the two men who were guarding her and asked. “How long does it take to get to… uh… Christophsis?”

The troopers glanced at each other before one of them spoke up. “We are already there ma’am, we are currently trying to get past the Separatist Blockade.”

Rainbow Dash felt her wings twitch before she shifted her stance asking. “So, what’s up with these Separatists anyways?”

“You don’t know?” the other trooper tilted his head to the side as if observing her and Rainbow Dash looked between them before shrugging as she replied. “Nah, I’m new here.”

The trooper on the left sighed while the trooper on the right just sighed. “I’m sure General Skywalker can explain it better to you than we can.”

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth and the trooper continued. “You also might want to get into something more suited for running. You’ll be doing that a lot once we get down on the surface.”

Letting out a groan Rainbow Dash closed the door and slumped against it. She pressed her ear against the door not hearing any comments about her before rolling her shoulders.

“Guess I better get changed.” she told herself before realizing she didn’t know where to find the clothes. Glancing at the door she wondered if the guards could help her. Walking over she opened it asking. “Hey, where’s the closet?”

One of the troopers glanced over at the other as if saying he wasn’t going to deal with this. The other one shook his head as he walked into the room and pressed a button on a panel allowing it to open revealing clothes. All the same color saying. “You’ll have to use ours for now.”

“Wait, this is your room, look buddy…. I have wings, those shirts will get wrecked.” Rainbow Dash told as she poked through the clothes taking note of the Aurebesh on the shoulders.

“Don’t think it matters too much ma’am.” The trooper said going back to his post. “If that’s all.”

“What’s your name?” asked Rainbow Dash and the Trooper paused. “Hey, I need to call you something other than buddy. Plus I don’t want to confuse you with your brother.”

Both troopers glanced at each other before the one at the door answered. “CT-0302, they call me CB.”

“CT-8608.” The one in the room said nodding his head and Rainbow gave them a look of confusion. “It’s our serial numbers.”

“I didn’t ask for those, I want to know your names.” She said and the troopers looked at each other before looking at her. “Wow those are worse names than Glitter Dust. Okay from now on I’m referring to you as Crossbones and you as Buddy until I figure out a better nickname for you. Something about 20% cooler.”

The troopers nodded their heads before leaving her to get changed. They were standing outside the doors before there was a thud and Rainbow Dash yelling. “Oh come on! Just fit already… wait what if I put one leg in this hole and the other… there we go! Wait… these are too big. Where’s that hair tie Padmé gave me… oh, in my hair. Now my hair is in my face, ugh, why does this have to be so hard?”

Crossbones held in a chuckle as he listened to the losing battle inside the room. Though the amusement died down when he saw General Skywalker approach along with General Kenobi. They saluted the Jedi when they stood in front of them. They looked at each other before looking at Anakin who asked. “Is everything alright?”

“OH COME ON!” Rainbow Dash’s voice yelled and Crossbones answered. “She’s having trouble getting dressed.”

“I AM NOT!” protested Rainbow and Anakin grinned before calling in. “Are you decent?”

“If by 'decent' you mean I have something covering my top, then yes.” commented Rainbow Dash and Anakin opened the door letting out a chuckle. Rainbow Dash had managed to get on the top, even with her wings, it was torn slightly. What was causing him to laugh was the fact that she had clenched a hair time between her teeth while holding up both her hair and the pants. Her tail was seen twitching behind her.

“Need help?” Anakin asked and Rainbow Dash glared at him before saying. “Yeah.”

Anakin walked into the room saying. “One, put the hair tie back into your hair. Two we can easily adjust those pants like this.”

Anakin worked on the pants quickly, using a blade and some cord he managed to turn them into something workable. Rainbow Dash tilted her head to the side asking. “How do you know how to do this? I didn’t take you for the sewing type.”

“Where I’m from you couldn’t waste fabric. My mom and I… we didn’t have much. We did have clothes but if they were too big for me my mom would adjust them like this.” Anakin said grief filling his face before he stood up. “I was just letting you know that we’ve got a plan to get past the blockade.”

“It might not get you down there but Anakin is delivering important supplies.” Obi-wan explained casting a slight glance towards Anakin. “You might be up here a little while longer.”

“Great.” mumbled Rainbow Dash crossing her arms as Obi-wan left, Anakin following behind. “Anakin… wait. I’m sorry for, you know, bringing up a bad memory. I didn’t mean it.”

“It’s fine.” Anakin replied and Rainbow placed a hand on his shoulder saying. “I don’t buy it, if you ever need to just vent. I’ll listen and try not to crash on your way down. I don’t think Obi-wan would be able to handle me with you gone.”

“Hey he had to deal with me and you’re like a mini me. I think he’ll deal with you just fine.” Anakin grinned before heading off. The two troopers glanced at each other before leaving the room as well. Rainbow Dash groaned before laying on the ground. She brought her wings in front of her as she thought about Fluttershy. She drew her fingers across her feathers before flicking them out allowing the pink strand to extend. Her fingers grasped it as she closed her eyes.

Mountains. Blue sky. Wind drifting through trees. A figure with long pink hair and pale yellow wings sat on broken stone amongst ruins. Her eyes closed as a pink mane like tail twitched before teal eyes opened and she turned her head as if knowing someone was watching her.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes flew open as she let go of the string watching it drift away. She had to blink away tears as she sat up burying her face into her knees. That was when she noticed the slight shaking of the ship and muffled sounds. Laying down again Rainbow Dash wondered what was going on outside of the room. If Anakin was alright, if what she was hearing was weapons.

“You understand very little.” A voice spoke causing her to sit up quickly looking around. “Your species is weak.”

Swallowing Rainbow refused to answer her lips tightening. She knew if she started talking the guards would be in here and would see exactly what she did. Nothing. The voice grew quiet as if the owner saw that she wasn’t going to respond. That was when she felt a chill go up her spine just when the door opened.

“We’re ready to go down ma’am.” Crossbones said as Rainbow stood up saying. “How long was I asleep?”

“About twenty minutes. We checked on you a few times, you’re a heavy sleeper. We’ve just finished clearing out the rest of the Separatists ships in the area and Skywalker delivered the supplies.” replied Crossbones as Rainbow stretched. “8608… Buddy and I will be joining the squad.”

“At least I’ll know two people .” Rainbow said as she followed him outside of the room and towards the docking bay. She saw the shuttle they were taking and felt herself slow. It reminded her of her shelter on Moraband. Shaking her head she followed them in and sat down seeing eight others all ready to go.

“Hey.” Rainbow waved, some nodded in greeting, others stayed silent. “Fun bunch.”

“Sorry about that ma’am, we’re not used to escorting civilians down to a war zone.” said one of the troopers as Rainbow Dash walked in. “I’m CT-5816, I’m the one in charge.”

“No. No, not using that name. Give me something else.” Rainbow said as she pinched the bridge of her nose. “What is with your names anyways?”

“What do you mean, ma’am?” one of the troopers asked from his spot looking around at the others. “They’re our names.”

“I don’t get it.” Rainbow pointed before taking a seat Crossbones moving to the side and motioning over their lead. He glanced at Rainbow quickly before whispering. “I don’t think she knows about us being clones.”

“What do you mean?” responded the leader as the door closed and they took off.

“Back at her room, she called 8608 and I, brothers. I didn’t think much about it because it is true. Yet her confusion with our tags and her insistence in getting our names. I don’t think anyone told her about us.” Crossbones mentioned noticing the uneasy look on her face. “We don’t know much about her or her species. They probably aren’t aware of the war.”

The squad leader sighed before looking over at Rainbow crossing his arms thinking. He and his squad knew they were just cannon fodder, the reason why they went by their tags. ‘She wants to call us by names because she doesn’t know. To her they must seem strange and boring.’ He thought as one of the clones examined Rainbow’s wings before pulling out a balm. She thanked him with a grin on her face. The shuttle shook a bit as they entered the atmosphere.

“8608, 0302, I don’t want either of you to leave her side. 5567, 2801, you protect our flank. I don’t want anything sneaking up on us. When we get to the location we will be setting up a perimeter around the object and signaling the Jedi. We report in every ten minutes.” The squad leader said knowing they were getting close. Rainbow was trying to figure who had what orders. She knew two of them but with the armor all the same it was proving to be difficult.

“Hey Doc, who’s he talking to?” Rainbow asked looking at the trooper next to her. The troop looked around before realizing she was talking to him. “Oh, I’m 4874, 5567 and 2801 are the two closest to the cockpit. They’re on either side of the door. 8608 and 0302 were the ones guarding your room earlier. 5816 is our Squad leader. 5608 is our explosives expert, he carries the most grenades. 3603 is the best sniper in the squad, he’s the only one to use a rifle without a sight. 4141 over there is our heavy weapons expert, he’s normally up front. 6270 and 6660 are our mechanical experts.”

Rainbow Dash heard the two chuckle and was confused but she shook it off. She just figured it was a quirk. She decided to ask a different question. “So why don’t you have names?”

“We're just cannon fodder, it’s better to bury no names then to get attached to us.” 2801 said earning a wince from Rainbow who said. “Wow that’s a grim way to view things. I’m going to call you Grimm and your buddy 5567, Grunt if that’s how you view yourselves.”

“You’re giving us names?” 4141 asked in surprise just as they landed. Rainbow shrugged her shoulders saying. “Yeah, I’m not good with memorizing numbers and helmets. I prefer names and personalities, I mean that and how you treat others, how well you do your jobs….”

The door hissed open as Rainbow Dash continued not noticing who was there to greet her. “You know how you are as a person.”

“Did you talk the entire way down?” Anakin chuckled as Rainbows head turned to look at him. “Or were you confused as to what was being said?”

“Very funny Anakin.” Rainbow replied with sarcasm as the squad saluted. She walked out crossing her arms in front of her chest.

“Any idea of where you're headed?” Anakin inquires as Rainbow took in the landscape. She hummed for a moment before bringing one of her wings forward. The squad watched as she stroked it. A thick rainbow cordlike strand extended from it when she pulled her hand away. It floated in the air before moving in a Northwestern direction. Anakin nodded his head saying. “I’ll let Obi-Wan know. Stay safe out there.”

“I will.” Rainbow said before pausing, her head turning for a moment.

“Everything alright?” Anakin asked and Rainbow looked at him saying. “Not sure, you watch your back.”

“I always do.” replies Anakin as he sees the squad finished getting ready. “I’m leaving you in good hands.”

“Hey… why do they think of themselves as cannon fodder?”Anakin looked at Rainbow Dash in surprise. That was when he remembered that she didn’t know that the troops were clones. He looked at the squad he had placed her with. He should have caught on sooner with the lack of a nickname. They believed that they weren’t going to survive. He glanced back at Rainbow Dash saying. “A lot of people believe that these soldiers are disposable. Some of the troops start believing that they are.”

“Seriously? So the serial numbers…?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow and Anakin said. “You’ll figure it out. I think they’re ready to head out.”

Rainbow nodded as she headed over to the group. Obi-Wan walked up beside Anakin asking. “You’re not going to tell her?”

“I think that squadron needs someone who doesn’t know. They need someone who sees them for them and not just a clone. I get a feeling that she’ll do them some good.” Anakin explained crossing his arms. “So, ready to plan that ambush?”

Ambush

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Chapter Eight: Ambush

Rainbow Dash hiked along the flat terrain surrounded by the squad. Her hand gripping the cord tightly as she looked around. She could almost taste the tension, they had been travelling over a day now. Rainbow wanted to just fly ahead of them but she didn’t want to prove to the Jedi Council that they were right about her. Her wings twitched in irritation as they approached a lone hexagonal crystal. The cord ending at the base of it. She felt a familiar power rush over her as she approached.

“Why have you come?” a voice whispered, causing all of the troopers to tense up. Rainbow Drew up to her full height wings spreading. “An Equestrian? How can this be?”

“I’ve come looking for an artifact with Equestrian magic.” Rainbow said as she approached the crystal. “I am Rainbow Dash.”

“I see who you are, you walk the same path as I. I am Star Forge, I walked the Path of the Commander. You seek the Shard of Duty.” the voice spoke something glinting on the ground. Rainbow Dash knelt down brushing away the dirt seeing the shard she had seen in her vision. The broken edge still glowing red hot from the battle. She was about to grab it when she felt a slight vibration coming off of it and pulled her hand away. She stood up and turned around feeling a vibration in the air.

“What is it?” 4141 asked right before Rainbow rushed forward pushing him to the ground, a bolt flying over his head.

“AMBUSH!” shouted 5816 and the troopers dropped as beams of light shot towards them. The crystal behind them hummed as Rainbow heard the voice speak again. “You are not where you belong, you should be doing your duty and protecting your people.”

“My duty? Look Star Forge, right now my duty is to keep Equestrian magic out of the hands of those who would abuse it.” Rainbow Dash said looking back at the shard her magenta eyes narrowing. “That’s protecting my people.”

A shot flew too close to her head causing her to face forward shouting. “HEY! WATCH IT BUDDY!”

It was her first time actually seeing the enemy they were fighting. Mechanical creatures, all armed with weapons as they marched over the flatland. Most were thin with a light brown color and a yellow stripe on their head. The one that fired the shot looked over to the other one and fired once more. Rainbow Dash growled her anger surging. The shot never hit its mark instead it hovered in the air shrinking slowly.

“I said WATCH IT!” she yelled the bolt vanishing before flying back towards the droid. It missed nailing the one behind it. Rainbow’s eyes widened as she looked at the other troopers seeing them moving in closer to her. She could almost see the decision in 5816’s to order her back. They were going to lay down their lives then and there.

‘I can’t leave them.’ she thought, grasping her hair in frustration before she remembered.

“...Your magic can now block and deflect ranged attacks… more than likely these will be magical in nature.”

“That’s what happened.” Rainbow Dash said before holding out her hand and focusing. ‘I can do this. Twilight always said to focus when it comes to using magic, focus on the type of spell you want to cast. Certain emotions can affect the spell. Anger allows me to deflect, well what about wanting to get these guys back. The urge to protect them!’

5816 was hit in the shoulder and Rainbow Dash’s instincts kicked in. She moved over to him raising her hands once again, her eyes shutting tightly. This time the shots vanished as a pulse erupted from her hands. Rainbow climbed to her feet saying. “Get behind me.”

Her eyes opened revealing that they were glowing white with a red mist coming from them. The shots were being blocked as cords connected to each of the troopers extending from her wings.

“What are you doing?” shouted 5816 but it wasn’t Rainbow who answered but the voice of Star Forge. “She is protecting you despite the orders given to her. It is the heart she bears, she will never let those she cares for die.”

“Our lives don’t matter!” Shouted 5816 and Rainbow snapped back. “Yes they do! I may not have known any of you for long, but I do care! Your lives have value! You can’t just throw them away!”

Rainbow dropped down to a knee struggling to defend them, but she wasn’t going to give up. Not until the droids were gone. Shots were flying back and forth as she gritted out. “Someone get the shard!”

8608 nodded his head as he ran back his hands grasping the edge just as a bolt flew overhead smashing into the crystal. Part of it broke, falling down towards him as Rainbow’s head turned. The troopers took over to clear out the remaining droids as she flapped her wings. She flew up into the air and down at full speed shoving him out of the way. Dust kicking up into the air as the last droid fell. 8608 blinked as he pushed himself off the ground. That was when he saw Rainbow next to him unconscious, one of her wings pinned under the rubble. The main body resting on top of the rubble.

“I need help over here!” He called pulling away the rocks 4141 moving to help him. “4874 call for an evac tell them that we need a medic!”

“Doc.” Rainbow mumbled, her eyes slightly opened but unfocused. “I’m calling him Doc.”

“She’s awake!” 4141 announced as the other clones moved to help. 8608 grunted as he began to move the pillar slightly as 4816 got her wing out.

“I can’t get through!” Doc informed them the shard nearby gleamed as a pink cord attached to it. A gentle voice spoke over their radio. “H-hello?”

“Yes hello, who is this? I’m trying to reach the command center.” Doc said as 5816 tensed up the voice answering. “I’m Fluttershy, um...command center. I don’t think where I am has one of those unless I missed it…. is something the matter?”

“Yes we have someone who is wounded. Her wing was pinned under rubble….” Doc was interrupted by a gasp before the voice instructed. “I need you to listen to me. Is the wing broken anywhere?”

Doc moved over to Rainbow examining the wing for any broken bones before swallowing. “Yes ma’am.”

“You are going to need to set it. Is there anything nearby that you can use as a splint?” Doc looked around before moving over to some of the destroyed droids to scavenge. He came back with a few parts before looking at the others saying. “I’m going to be setting the bone. We’re going to have to hold her down.”

The rest of the squad nodded their heads surrounding her making sure she wouldn’t hurt herself.

“What you need to do is set the wing gently. Then bind it gently but closely in a resting position.” instructed Fluttershy as Doc followed her instructions with a little bit of difficulty. “You have to be very gentle with bird’s wings.”

“I’m not treating a bird, she’s called an Equestrian.” Doc informed Fluttershy, earning a gasp, her reply came breathily. “Did you check for any injuries to the wing? Do you have the splint ready?”

“Both are ready ma’am, we just need to secure it.” 4816 said just as Doc set the wing and Rainbow’s eyes shot open as she screamed loudly. The radio cuts out as her eyes slipped shut as she fell unconscious.

Rainbow’s eyes barely opened as she felt something moving under her. She looked forward, realizing that someone was carrying her.

“Tank?” she mumbled her head hazy as a voice told her. “I’m 8608 ma’am, you’ve called me Buddy before.”

“No, you’re Tank.” she felt tired again as her head dropped everything cutting out once more.

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes once more this time seeing a ceiling above her. Letting out a groan she tried to sit up when a hand pressed against her shoulder.

“Don’t try to get up. You took a nasty tumble.” a familiar voice spoke and Rainbow looked up before squinting. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine… how are the others?” Rainbow asked, looking around for the rest of the squad. She grabbed onto her head as it throbbed a bit at the movement.

“They’re fine, some are recovering from their wounds.” the person answered patting her on the shoulder. “Can you tell me what happened out there?”

“We were ambushed… I could tell that the squad leader was going to tell me to run. I couldn’t leave them.” Rainbow replied looking at him tilting her head to the side. “Who are you?”

“I’m Commander Cody, this is Captain Rex, we are investigating suspicious activity lately.” the man replied motioning towards a trooper with blue accents on his armor. “Tell me, did you see anyone acting suspicious before you left?”

“Not acting.” Rainbow said looking away as she thought back. “I… heard something different.”

“What do you mean?” Rex spoke up crossing his arms across his chest as Rainbow thought of a way to explain it. “I have a gift, I can hear and bring forth the loyalties of others. Normally when I’m around you guys I hear mainly that you’re loyal to the Republic, to your brothers, to your friends. Before I left I heard something different. The loyalty to the rest of you were still there, but there was no loyalty to the Republic or the Jedi. Instead there was loyalty to someone called Ventress and freedom.”

“We had a feeling that there was a spy… but this. Could you tell who it was?” Rainbow shook her head before sighing. “I could only get a read on the loyalty but… I don’t know who this Ventress is. I’m new here, I don’t know anything other than the fact that there was something from my world. I was allowed to come here because I’m the only one who knows what to do if it starts acting up.”

“Right… Ventress is a Sith acolyte of Count Dooku leader of the Separatists.” Cody explained and Rainbow frowned at the word Sith as if the word itself bothered her. “If there is anything you can remember please let us know.”

“Kay.” Rainbow Dash rolled on her side and closed her eyes hearing them leave.

“...Darth Imperius.”

“...The Emperor’s Wrath.”

“She is unlike anything I have seen in my travels, and the Force is warped around her. Do not underestimate her, my Lord.”

“I will become Sith.”

“BROTHER!”

“Family does not matter to me.”

“Don’t do this!”

“PLEASE!”

Rainbow’s eyes snapped open as she panted swinging her legs over the side of the bed. The room was dim and full of injured soldiers as she walked out her head hazy. Someone slammed into her, almost knocking her back.

“Ventress”

Rainbow spun around her eyes, catching on the form as she chased after him her bare feet against the cold floor. Her wings flapped as she began to speed up as the spy looked over his shoulder seeing her gaining on him. He spun on his heel slamming his fist into her face knocking her down just as an explosion went off somewhere outside. Rainbow hit the floor just as he took off running. Shaking her head she took off after him. Anger welled up inside of her as her fists clenched, her wings flapped again sending a gust of air towards him. He rounded the corner just as the wind slammed into the wall. Her eye twitched before she let out a shout of frustration, electricity crackling around her fists.

She turned around before pausing, she couldn’t let this traitor do any more harm. She walked in the direction she saw him go as she took a deep breath. That was when a memory went through her head causing her to grab her hair.

“Show him exactly what the Empire does to traitors.”

She dropped to her knees, her wings twitching sweeping against the ground as her magenta eyes flickered to and from deep red. Her wings spread out as she forced herself to her feet and continued on. Her eyes slipped shut as she focused on the loyalties of the one she had just encountered. Her fingers brushed through her feathers before moving her hand in front of her. Her eyes opened as a strand shot out and she followed it rolling her shoulders. Her wings moved back acting as if it was a cape. A smirk grew on her face before she ran forward. She slid behind the corner as she spotted Rex and Cody peering around, with peaked interest banishing the cord. Moving up to the door she could hear fighting going on inside the room. Her hand reached out hearing the voices inside.

“All of you just blindly following orders!”

Her wings twitched as her eyes flickered back to magenta.

“For what?”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she felt deep pain in her.

“Yeah. I bet you sold out your brothers for some shiny coins, huh?”

“Don’t do this! Brother! Don’t let them take me!”

A scream came from the room.

“Yes she offered me money. But she offered me something more important.”

“Through power I gain victory.”

“Something you wouldn’t understand! Freedom!”

“Havoc squad reporting in.”

Rainbow’s head jerked up just as the emotions disappeared and she moved away from the room. Her heart was pounding as she slumped down by the door feeling exhausted all of a sudden. The door opened as Rex walked out his eyes widening as he saw her slumped against the wall unconscious. He called for a medic and reported that they had caught the spy. His eyes glanced back towards her wondering how they didn’t notice her when they were looking for Slick. That was when he saw the bruise on her jaw and his fists clenched.

The Truth Revealed

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Chapter Nine: The Truth Revealed

“And there was no sign of her being awake during this time?” Rainbow’s eyes opened seeing Obi-wan’s back.

“No sir, though our power was out during that time sir.” Cody answered as her eyes slid up meeting his. He nodded his head as Obi-Wan turned around seeing that she was awake.

“You’re awake.” he said with a smile a rumble echoing around them. “Mind telling me why you were out of bed?”

“I needed some air.” Rainbow answered as she pushed her hair out of her face. “‘Nother nightmare.”

Obi-Wan hummed under his breath as he thought about it.

“I want to speak to him.” Rainbow said and Obi-Wan looked at her in surprise. “I want to know why.”

“I don’t think it would be wise.” Obi-Wan told her and Rainbow’s shoulders sagged. “Especially with the oncoming attack and your injured wing. Listen, you must rest after your injuries are better perhaps then you can go and visit him. And no, there will be guards here to make sure that you don’t sneak out again.”

“It wasn’t my plan the first time.” Rainbow yawned her eyes beginning to shut as Obi-Wan moved away. Behind him stood another man with fair skin, Grey hair and eyes. He was dressed in white and gold. He seemed to study her as she struggled to stay awake. He moved forward as she tried to call out only to find silence. His eyes bored into hers as the eyes went pitch black and she felt like she was drowning.

“Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow’s eyes snapped open as she sat up seeing Anakin standing there. “Everything alright?”

“I… Did you see anyone here when you came in?” Rainbow asked looking around for the man she saw earlier.

“Nope, just you and the other wounded. Come on, Obi-Wan told me you wanted to speak with the spy.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow commenting. “He also wanted to wait until I was healed.”

“Well considering that you were just sleeping on them I’d say you’re just fine.” Anakin pointed out and Rainbow glanced back at her wings. That was when she remembered that she had used them before. She shrugged it off considering that they did have advanced technology. Climbing off the bed Rainbow followed Anakin out of the room. Glancing over her shoulder to confirm no one was there she moved quickly to catch up.

The cells were dimly lit as Anakin led Rainbow Dash to the spy’s cell.

“Does Obi-Wan know you brought me here?” Rainbow asked quietly, glancing at Anakin who looked at her saying. “Kind of, I told him I’d take you here once you were better. He was still unsure about letting you talk to him since this is a Republic situation.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes as Anakin waved his hand towards a cell farther back. “I’ll be here keeping an eye on everything.”

Swallowing Rainbow moved forward peering into the cell. There sat a man with tan skin, dark hair, and dark eyes hidden by the shadows. He looked up, snorting a little and seeing her standing there.

“You pulled some strings I see, how’s the jaw?” The man commented and Rainbow’s tail twitched against the ground. “I know what you are going to say: how could I betray the Republic? My actions would have harmed millions….”

“How about the lines of: YOU NEARLY GOT YOUR BROTHERS KILLED AND ME ALONG WITH THEM!” Rainbow shouted, her fists clenching. The man snorted. “Why would I care about you? You ally yourself with the Jedi, they treat us as slaves. They see us as expendable.”

“No one is expendable. What you did, what you caused, did more harm to your brothers.” Rainbow approached the cell cautiously. The man inside watched her commenting. “You really don’t know, do you? They didn’t tell you anything.”

“Tell me what? What am I supposed to know? You’re soldiers fighting in a war. Big family of soldiers.” Rainbow said looking to the side as she thought about it.

“You haven’t figured it out? Same voice, same armor, same height.” The man moved forward taking advantage of her distracted state and moving close to the bars. “Why do you think there are so many of us?”

Rainbow opened her mouth to speak as the spy watched her shake her head. “What you are doesn’t matter, it is what you do, your actions, that show who you are.”

“That doesn’t seem to matter with them. They think of us as mindless slaves. Blank slates, grunts. We don’t have our own lives, just shipped from one battlefield to the next.” Rainbow paused before her head turned as Anakin called out. “Don’t get too close!”

A hand wrapped around Rainbow’s wrist yanking her forward until her shoulder hit the bars. She felt her wrist twist as it was forced through the gap. Another hand grabbing her other wrist pulling it through as well when Anakin leapt forward quickly.

“Not another move, Jedi.” The spy warmed as Anakin reached for his lightsaber. “You never told her.”

“Let her go Slick.” ordered Anakin and Rainbow felt pressure on her wrist causing her wings to flap hitting the bars.

“I don’t think so. I’m calling the shots here.” Slick retorted as Rainbow’s tail curled around her leg. “Why don’t you tell your friend here what we are?”

“Slick…” Anakin said, keeping his eye on them, his stance tense. “Don’t do this.”

“Tell her Jedi.” Slick growled and Rainbow trembled feeling the grip tightening as he tapped her wrists against the bars. “I’ll break her wrists.”

Anakin seemed to struggle, his teeth clenching before he took a deep breath.

“He can’t even say it.” Rainbow could hear the venom in Slick’s voice. “He can’t admit to you what we are, how expendable we are.”

“She’s got nothing to do with this war Slick, the only reason why she was here to retrieve something from her world.” Anakin explained hearing footsteps as Obi-Wan and a few troopers arrived with him. He held up a hand.

“Why do I find that hard to believe?” Slick mused before slamming Rainbow’s wrist against the bars. “Tell her Jedi!”

“They’re… clones.” Anakin admitted looking away and Slick chuckled as Rainbow Dash tensed. “You see? That’s why we’re expendable to them.”

“I’ve got two questions. One, how does that change what I think of you guys? Two, I’m guessing you aren’t created using a magical pool of water. So you’re not mindless copies. How does that change what you did?” Rainbow asked and Slick frowned before slamming her wrist against the bars hard, a crack resounding through the prison. She screamed, time seemed to slow as she saw the old man again. He was standing behind Anakin watching her with the same cold grey eyes. What felt like electricity rushed through her as he spoke. “Are you really this weak? How disappointing.”

Rainbow’s scream turned angry as red lightning surrounded her, a pulse of energy knocking Slick into a wall. Red cracks crawled up her arms as if her veins were lightning. Anakin moved swiftly forward grabbing her shoulders yelling. “Snap out of it Rainbow!”

Electricity jolted through Anakin’s arms as tears dripped down from her eyes as they slid shut and she collapsed forward. Obi-Wan moved forward quickly as Anakin lowered her to the ground gently.

“What, was that?” Anakin asked, looking at Obi-Wan who looked at him. “I don’t know, but we need to get into contact with the Jedi Council as soon as possible.”

Rainbow’s fingers twitched against the ground as they looked into the cell seeing Slick unconscious.

Named

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Chapter Ten: Named

Voices whispered around Rainbow Dash. Some calling her name, others having different conversations. She looked around before calling out. “Hello? Anakin?”

“There is no one here.” a voice responded causing Rainbow to turn around. There stood a very familiar masked figure. “Just us.”

“YOU!” she shouted trying to fly towards him but he vanished. “What did you do to me?”

“I saved you… at least I thought I did.” the being responded appearing behind her. “The other Sith would have used you against the Jedi. I chose those that didn’t feel the need to continue our reign across the galaxy and hid in the deepest recesses of your mind. I am Darth Imperius.”

Rainbow Dash frowned before looking around asking. “What is this place?”

“This is where your untapped powers lay. There are some who would use it for their own gain.” Imperius answered walking next to her, making her feel short. “Your abilities fascinate me, they are different from what we are used to. Yet they are used in the same way Sith use the Force. Through our emotions. While the Jedi practice control and patience, we use our emotions to heighten our abilities. Most use fear, anger, pride… I used love and the desire to protect others.”

“You don’t sound like a Sith.” Rainbow pointed out before frowning. “Not that I know much about them.”

“You will, in due time.” Imperius told her and Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “For now, I believe you have a very worried friend in the waking world.”

“Rainbow Dash!”

“I know you’re still in there.”

Rainbow reached out towards the voice, a strand floating towards her hand. She grasped onto it feeling herself get pulled forward quickly. Faces flashed before her vision as she saw the armored figure of Star Forge standing there. She glanced over her shoulder before turning around and swinging her sword.

“We can’t just leave her!” Anakin’s voice snapped through the darkness.

“Anakin, this is an order from the Council. This mission can turn the tides of the war if it fails.” Obi-Wan retorted and Rainbow felt a jolt rush through her body. “We can’t risk it.”

“I’m bringing my Padawan, Obi-Wan, isn’t that risky enough as it is?” Rainbow heard him begin to pace.

“Your Padawan isn’t in critical condition or shocking anyone who comes near her.” Rainbow’s eyes fluttered open seeing the two at the foot of her bed. “This isn’t anything we’ve experienced before. Though I agree that we can’t leave her here, Master Yoda has agreed to take her back to Coruscant.”

“You guys can always ask me.” Rainbow groaned, earning a surprised look from both of them. “I’m awake.”

“We can see that, I still don’t think we should be bringing you anywhere else until we can figure out what happened earlier.” Obi-Wan said, that was when Rainbow noticed a young alien woman by the door. She was wearing the robes of a Jedi and seemed to have a dejected look on her face.

“I think I should head back to Coruscant. But first, aren’t you going to introduce me?” Rainbow said and Anakin looked back at the girl. This earned a raised eyebrow from her before she called out. “Hey, kiddo. What’s your name?”

“Me? Oh, I’m Ahsoka, Ahsoka Tano, I’m Master Skywalker’s Padawan.” the alien said walking forward and Rainbow bit her lower lip hiding a snicker. “What… I mean, who are you?”

“Me, I’m Rainbow Dash, I’m an Equestrian. No, I normally don’t look like this.” Rainbow replied before feeling her head throb. “How long was I out?”

“Long enough that you missed our victory.” Obi-Wan told her before getting up. “We should finish the preparations for your transfer back to Coruscant.”

“Hey, can you get that team to escort me again? I think they still need some work… plus I still have a few names to give.” Rainbow called after them as they left, Ahsoka turning to follow. “Hey, Ahsoka, wait. I want to talk to you for a bit.”

Ahsoka winced before she turned around, Anakin looking back. Rainbow’s wing moved as if shooing him away. He rolled his eyes before following after Obi-Wan.

“I can tell that Anakin and you have had some issues. Look, I haven’t known him for long, but I can tell he’s pretty similar to me.” Rainbow said getting comfortable. “We’re pretty stubborn, have our own ways of doing things. I can tell you and him had a rough start, but trust me, you’ll be good friends.”

“How can you be so sure?” Ahsoka asked and Rainbow thought about Twilight, a sad chuckle escaping her lips. “I have some friends, we’re all different, but when it comes down to it, we all learn from each other. We respect and learn a lot from each other. Plus I also have a kid I’ve taken under my wing, just from this interaction I can see the similarities between her and you. Trust me, you have as much to teach him as he can teach you. If you find that you need to hide, I’ll be there to listen. It’s pretty much all I can do with how many injuries I’ve racked up.”

“Master Skywalker did say that you’ve done nothing but get yourself injured.” Ahsoka mused nodding her head, earning another raised eyebrow. “I probably shouldn’t have told you that one.”

“Did he now? Don’t worry about it, I’ve got my own ways of getting back at him.” Rainbow tried moving her wrists only to feel pain. “If I see Slick again, I’m going to punch him.”

“Hrrmmm. These words out of anger or irritation I wonder are?” A familiar voice spoke and Rainbow looked towards the door seeing Master Yoda standing there. A grin came to her face as Ahsoka left to get ready for their mission.

“Hey Master Yoda. I take it I’m not on Christophsis.” Rainbow greeted and the Jedi Master nodded his head as he walked over to her bed climbing onto the chair nearby. “I couldn’t feel the air move naturally.”

“Hrrmmm. Come to talk about what happened I have. Been discovered a new ability has. A dangerous new power.” Yoda’s green-gold eyes observed Rainbow who looked at her hands in silence. “Best to hear what happened from you it would be. We need to discover what caused this outburst. Hmm.”

“While… when Slick was holding me captive I saw someone there. It was an old man, he held himself with the stance of a ruler. Head held high, he had gray hair, and cold gray eyes. He was watching me before he spoke. He… he called me a disappointment. I felt angry, I’ve never been that angry before.” Rainbow felt a shiver crawl up her spine as she spoke. “Deep inside though, I was scared. Those eyes held nothing, not just empathy, there was no rage, no emotions at all.”

Yoda was silent as he contemplated her story, like he was searching his memories for a man like that.

“It wasn’t even the first time I saw that man, it was right after I had woken up after Slick’s capture. When Obi-Wan left, he was standing there in the room, but his eyes were going from an eternal black to the grey. It felt like I was drowning, I couldn’t even breathe. The longer I looked into them the deeper I sank.” Rainbow whispered her eyes glancing around the room as if searching for the man. “I should have never gone looking for that… the shard. What happened to the shard?”

“Contained it is, a great power indeed it holds. Connected perhaps this man and the shard are.” Yoda told her with a nod of his head. “Meditate on this I shall, revealed in due time all will be. Yes, hrrrm. For now, rest.”

“I’m getting kind of bored of resting.” Rainbow mumbled under her breath as she leaned her head back. “I feel like I’ve done nothing but rest.”

Yoda chuckled giving her a knowing look before hopping off the seat and heading towards the door. He offered her final words before leaving. “Much we can teach each other perhaps we have. Willing to learn if both sides are.”

“I’m willing, just not sure how awake I can be for a lecture. I’ll try.” Rainbow said hearing Yoda speak as he turned the corner. “Do or do not, there is no try.”

“I do not believe any of them will understand the true danger.” Rainbow stiffened as she heard Imperius’ voice as she looked around. “Be wary of all in the Republic and gather the shards of the shattered blade. From them, your own weapon shall be forged.”

“How do you know so much?” Rainbow mumbled seeing no figures standing in the room. That was when she heard the voice speak directly in her ear. “I have seen it.”

Rainbow felt two hands press against her skull as visions flashed through her mind.

I see her across the field, a figure in armor, two pale cerulean wings come from behind her. She lifts up her blade, cracks showing wear and tear yet they glowed a bright blue. As if it was a lightning bolt, how intriguing. Perhaps a creature the Jedi found. She seems formidable, I shall retreat into the shadows to study her. She seems to be close with the Hero of Tython. How fascinating.

Rainbow Dash gasped for air as the room came back into view. Her head was throbbing even more as her vision swam. The old man was standing there again just as a trooper came into the room passing through him. She looked at the trooper with bleary eyes asking. “Tank?”

The trooper seemed surprised as Rainbow’s vision cleared as he explained. “I wasn’t sure if you remembered the name you gave me. You were pretty out of it.”

“Tank is a much better name than Buddy.” Rainbow pointed out a grin on her face. “I take it you’ve got a question or two.”

“Why did you choose us again?” Tank asked looking at Rainbow Dash. “We should be on Christophsis, fighting, but General Kenobi told us to come along.”

“Like he knew I’d want you guys around, I do.” Rainbow said leaning her head back, observing Tank. “I know you guys are clones, and frankly, I don’t care. Where I am from you see a lot of ponies with the same face or even mane style. It doesn’t bother me, the reason why I want you guys around is to show that you guys are valued by at least one person: Me. Like I said before, I may not have known you guys for long but I’m already attached. There is so much more to you than just being a clone. Doc is good at medicine, Crossbones has a sense of humor, you are hardy, like a tank. Grimm and Grunt have a very bleak view on the world and the other doesn’t say much.”

“The others were wondering if you had already picked out names for them.” Tank said sitting down and glancing towards the door. Rainbow smirked as she thought. “Well since the heavy weapons expert isn’t loud or boisterous until the battle starts. He kind of reminds me of my friend… going on a rampage when it matters. I’ll call him Rampage. The sniper with good eyes has to be Ironsight since, you know, he doesn’t need one. We already have Grimm and Grunt. As for those “mechanical experts” the one with the unlucky sequence of numbers is Crash and the other is Tinker. I noticed Tinker is always trying to find ways to modify his shields.”

“Unlucky numbers?” Tank mumbled and Rainbow nodded saying. “I think it was 6660, it stood out so I noticed it.”

“What about squad leader?” Tank inquired as Rainbow Dash went silent thinking. She thought about how the leader was. Quiet, strong, always following orders, but lacked passion when he thought about himself as a person. It was like he had no spark; he was jaded.

“Ash.” she spoke quietly looking at Tank who tilted his head to the side. “It’s like he lost that spark and is like ash floating on the wind. I’m going to help reignite that spark.”

“Thanks.” Tank said before looking at the door. “We should be arriving at Coruscant soon.”

“Anakin and Obi-Wan already left?” Rainbow asked, swearing that time was getting away from her. “Thought they left a few minutes ago. Wow, I’m out of it.”

Rainbow palmed her forehead tiredly and Tank placed a hand on her shoulder. There was a red jolt causing him to pull his hand back. A look of worry flashed over her face as she asked. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah… just a shock.” Tank told her a reassuring smile on his face and her heart dropped. It was very similar to the one her pet would give her. That was when a trooper poked his head in asking. “Has she given them names yet?”

“Why don’t you all come in here and ask me.” Rainbow answered, grinning as the group walked in. The grin remained as she told them what names she had decided on.

Finding Home

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Chapter Eleven: Finding Home

Rainbow Dash blinked as she walked down the ramp with Yoda next to her and the squad behind her. There were some Jedi awaiting them as well as Padmé and an older man wearing fine clothing. The moment her foot his the ground did the man greet them with a smile on his face. “Master Yoda, we were expecting your return and you must be the young lady who they found. I am Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance.”

“Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow bowed in greeting as Palpatine waved his hand wanting to talk with her some more. Shrugging her shoulders she walked forward as he spoke again. “I must say, when Senator Amidala told me about you and your plight I was quite concerned. We have never met Equestrians before but when she informed me that you are a peaceful race from your explanations I wanted to see you in person. I must apologize for what happened out there.”

His gaze lingered on Rainbow’s bandaged wrist.

“Although I am quite concerned where the Jedi found you. There are dark tales about Moraband, there aren’t many who venture there with good intentions. Many do not survive more than a day there. Yet here you are.” Palpatine’s smile was warm and gentle, yet a chill crawled up her spine. Most of the time when she was close to others she could hear their loyalties. Yet with him there was nothing, she was about to shrug it off as him being well guarded when she saw the old man again. Palpatine’s head turned slightly before he moved away to talk to Padmé. As he passed in front the old man vanished and all sound returned. Rainbow blinked as she heard him say. “We will have to make sure she does have a place to stay. After all she is the only representative of her race and I did hear of her… escapades in the Jedi temple.”

Palpatine flashed her another smile before Rainbow looked at Yoda who nodded his head saying. “With the Jedi she cannot stay. A home she should have.”

Rainbow looked at the two before scooting her way over to the squad and Padmé. She appreciated the gesture but she wouldn’t even know where to begin. Her house in Equestria was a cloud. Padmé offered her a smile as Palpatine looked at her saying. “I am sure we will be able to find something to your liking.”

“N-now?” Rainbow was startled, things were moving quicker than she expected.

“Well we would start out by just looking. You wouldn’t have to choose one right away.” Padmé told her patting her on the shoulder. “We just thought you would prefer a place of your own as soon as possible.”

“Thanks.” Rainbow said looking at all the buildings, Palpatine was at her side saying. “Unfortunately we are all very busy at the moment to help you look. If you want to look by yourself I would be happy to send an Aide or two with you to finalize any paperwork.”

“Sure.” Rainbow Dash wasn’t sure what else to say, Palpatine’s hand was hovering by her back as he guided her over to a speeder to where an alien man stood. The squad followed after her, as was their duty, and Rainbow felt a little relieved. Though she did want to stop by the Jedi temple to gather her clouds.

“Careful be, bored easily she gets. No telling what she will do there is.” Yoda warned though his voice held a fondness. Palpatine glanced at him saying. “I do believe the aides can handle whatever she can do.”

Yoda just replied with a slight smile.

“Whoo hoo!” Rainbow said flying by as the aides attempted to show her one of the apartments that was on their list.

“Maybe something a little higher up?” Doc suggested watching her fly around. “Something not as close to the speeder lanes?”

The aides nodded their heads as they led them out, Rainbow flying above them. The next apartments had a few criticisms lobbied towards them.

“Too cramped.”

“Uhhh, I think something or someone died in here.”

“I think it’s a bit too close to the lanes.”

“Meh.”

One of the aides, a human named Kinman Doriana, rubbed the bridge of his nose as Rainbow looked around the latest apartment they had chosen. It was an older model, having been built upon an older building but kept the same appearance and design. Her eyes took in everything, this time no comment escaped her lips. She turned around looking at him with her magenta eyes as she said. “This’ll do.”

‘Finally.’ he thought, moving away to get the paperwork started, hoping that if they did find more of her species that they would be less picky. Rainbow grinned at the clones as she said. “There are enough rooms in here if you want to visit!”

“Ma’am? Where are you going to find enough money to decorate this place?” Rampage questioned and Rainbow paused before saying. “I’ll find a way.”

She gave them a smile as she moved to explore the rest of the apartment. Ash looked at the rest of the squad the rest of them fanning out. That was when Rainbow Dash poked her head out of the door leading to the stairwell. “Are you guys even paid for your service?”

Silence was the only thing that greeted her and it began to dawn on her just how this Republic treated the ones fighting their war. Her fists clenched, red lightning arcing around it before she turned away saying. “This’ll be your home, for you and your brothers.”

“Ma’am?” Rampage's voice was quiet and she looked up seeing him standing there. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” Rainbow replied, walking forward and patting him on the shoulder with a smile on her face. “Guess I’ll have to find a job. Wonder if they’ll take weather ponies.”

“No… but I think you can try and go for the Republic Navy.” Crossbones suggested leaning against one of the doorways, his arms folded. “I’m sure that, once you’re trained, General Skywalker would love to have you as part of his fleet.”

“Don’t I have to be a part of this Republic for that?” Rainbow pointed out and it was Ash who spoke up. “You do, we shouldn’t discuss this any further until you’ve settled in at least. Is there anything else we can do for you?”

“Make yourselves at home.” Rainbow told them before remembering what she was going to do. “And don’t go anywhere. I’ve got an idea and I want to see if it will work.”

She ran up the stairs before they even had a chance to respond. There was a reason why she rejected the other places, there was no balcony. She had spotted it the moment they were on approach. Her wings spread as she exited the building and took off quickly flying towards the clouds. She swiped as many of them as she could hold in her arms. She flew back and forth to the apartment decorating it with the clouds.

Crossbones leaned against the wall watching her.

“Why did you suggest that she join the Republic Navy?” Ash questioned across from him. “She shouldn’t be involved in this war!”

“She shouldn’t be, but she is, and I’d rather she know how to fight and join us on the field than to see her struggle in the Senate. She’s not a representative, she’s a fighter. Even with how little time we’ve known her, I have to say she’s not one for sitting still.” Crossbones pointed out watching the aide that had stayed move to tell her that everything was finalized. “And I know she’d be more than willing to keep us alive on whatever battlefield she joins us on.”

Ash was quiet as he thought about it.

“There is the problem that her race or her planet is not a part of the Republic. She will be needing support.” Ash sighed, hanging his head and giving it a shake. “I don’t know how much help we’ll be.”

“Well she seems to be close to General Kenobi and General Skywalker. She also seems to be close to Senator Amidala and she seems to have made quite an impression on the Supreme Chancellor.” Doc mentioned as Rainbow flew overhead, almost sticking the clouds to the ceiling. “Is this just replacing the furniture for now or are you planning on keeping some of the clouds?”

“I’m keeping some of them, it’ll remind me of home.” Rainbow replied before flying up the stairs again. Tank chuckled before following after her slowly just to keep an eye on her.

“Do you think it’ll work?” Crossbones asked, looking at Doc who nodded his head saying. “It might take a bit, but I think they would allow her conditionally.”

“Probably just to keep an eye on her. With her speed I don’t think anyone would be able to keep up with her when she goes flying.” mused Ash before shaking his head. “Again, this would be all up to her.”

“Are you guys done talking? Come on, I want to show you around.” Rainbow said from up the stairs causing Crossbones to chuckle. He shook his head before pushing himself off the wall and climbing the stairs. He took note of the swirling clouds on the walls covering the metal.

“Is this a thing all Equestrians can do?” Crossbones inquired, tearing his eyes away from the wall and Rainbow replied rather quickly. “Not really, there are three… technically four species of po… Equestrians. Pegasi, we’re the ones with the wings. Earth Ponies, they would be what you would consider normal if it wasn’t for our tails. Then there are the Unicorns, I wouldn’t say they can be compared to the Jedi. They are able to cast magic with their horns. Then there are four alicorns, beings that hold traits of all three species. There are only four known alicorns and all of them royalty. Princess Celestia and Luna are sisters. Celestia raises the sun and rules through the day while Princess Luna raises the moon and watches over us at night. Princess Cadance is the Princess of Love, not in a 'controls the love of everyone' sort of way but amplifies love in a person. According to Twilight, who is the latest Alicorn, she just became one. She hasn’t figured out what she’s the Princess of just yet, but she’s a smart pony, she’ll figure it out.”

Crossbones glanced at Doc all the Clones taking note of the word choice.

“Anyways, Pegasi are the only ones who are able to move clouds and we also make them. Not that we can control the weather but we can steward it. Trust me, there is a schedule and if we miss one day we have a lot to make up for.” Rainbow sighed shaking her head as the door leading to the outside slid open as she was about to head into the main room. “That is one thing I am never going to get used to.”

“I can fix that.” Tinker said, moving to take a look at the door. “I think it’s because some of the older systems automatically sense someone moving. It was a glitch in some of the older door models but it kept people from running into them, most of the time.”

“You know, I never saw the Chancellor’s aide leave.” Grimm spoke up as they entered the seating area. Kinman Doriana was standing in the middle of the room covered in clouds. The clones looked at Rainbow Dash who then remembered. “Oh yeah, you wanted to tell me something.”

“Chancellor Palpatine requested to know if you were planning on becoming a citizen of the Republic. You are a representative of your people and it would move things along quicker if….” Rainbow Dash cut him off mid sentence. “Well yeah, if I need to pay for things, getting a job would be a lot easier if I was a citizen.”

“Did you have a profession in mind?” Aide Doriana pryed and Rainbow glances at the Clones before answering. “I want to join the Republic Navy.”

Morning Flights

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Chapter Twelve: Morning Flights

Rainbow Dash stood on her balcony watching the sunrise. Ash and his squad were asleep on the ground. They spent all night discussing what the process could be for her joining the Navy. Rainbow eventually told them to go to bed before rolling over and pulling a cloud over herself. The squad was fast asleep and Rainbow decided to take a morning flight. Spreading her wings she looked back saying. “I’ll be back later.”

Tank nodded his head as if he heard her in his sleep. Rainbow Dash dove off the edge as to avoid running into the speeders. Flapping her wings Rainbow leveled out before flying upwards hoping to visit the Jedi temple. She did want to take Master Yoda up on his offer. She flew high enough to keep away from the speeders but low enough to keep away from the oncoming ships going to the nearest landing pad or spaceport. She spun around as her wings stilled as she looked around as her body dropped a smile on her face. She felt the air move around her as she looked at the ground flapping as she lifted up stopping herself from interrupting the speeder traffic. She glided before flying up looking for the Jedi Temple, she spotted it feeling her stomach rumble. She landed next to the other speeders looking around for the Jedi. The temple was as quiet as she left it, she took a deep breath before heading inside.

“Come you have.” Yoda’s voice greeted her and she smiled seeing him waiting for her. “Eager to start this exchange you are.”

“Kind of.” Rainbow Dash admitted her wings twitching. “The other part just wants to get some food, but that can wait. Is Anakin back?”

“Resting he is.” Yoda told her and she nodded her head glad to hear that things went well. “Come.”

Rolling her shoulders Rainbow noticed that he was leading her outside. Shrugging mentally she decided to speak first. “Want to fly?”

Yoda thought for a moment before nodding his head saying.”The world through your eyes I shall see. Yes.”

“Climb on.” Rainbow said as she spread her wings, she knelt down waiting until she felt weight on her upper back and Yoda’s hands secured over her shoulders. She ran towards the balcony edge just as Mace Windu and Kit Fisto rounded the corner. She let out a holler as she flew up into the air as they watched her fly away.

“Was that Master Yoda on her back?” Kit Fisto asked, holding back as chuckle as Windu replied with a strained. “...Yes.”

Kit Fisto laughed patting Windu on the shoulder as the two headed back into the temple.

“What did you want to know?” Rainbow called back as she flew for a moment wondering where she should go. She chose to fly around a bit more towards the old temple but explore the city more as well.

“Your species handle temptation and darkness how does?” Yoda's first question caused Rainbow Dash to think for a bit. “Know you do not? Hrmmmm?””

“It’s difficult to explain.” admitted Rainbow Dash as she flew past the speeders. “Temptation is always a factor in life, it’s if we act on that desire when the darkness settles in. It can cause a lot of damage the more powerful you are. So an alicorn that falls is bad news, but that’s what the Elements of Harmony are for. They help us drive or seal the darkness away.”

“Indeed powerful these Elements of Harmony are. Your understanding of them what is? How can they remove the darkness? Hrmmm.” Rainbow Dash forces herself to keep flying despite the urge to stop suddenly. She hadn’t thought of that. Frowning she thought back to all the times she had used it, what she had felt. “We only have been able to use them twice… but I guess the way to explain it is… that in the instant we surround them with the magic we try to help them regain balance. But they would need to desire that change deep down or else they would be sealed away.”

“Consumed by darkness but to guide them back to not force balance upon those who are. Powerful artifacts indeed.” Yoda surmised watching as they flew through the lower parts of the city. Rainbow nodded her before asking. “What about the Jedi? You are protectors in your own right yet a lot of you seem to be… out of touch with your emotions. Why is that?”

“To fall to the dark side the greater the emotion the greater the temptation is. Yrsssss.” Rainbow nodded her head as she thought about it.

“Makes sense why you guys want emotional control, but would it kill you guys to enjoy a good joke?” Rainbow heard Yoda chuckle. “Find being under a downpour amusing some do not.”

“Good point, but I’ve yet to find a whoopie cushion yet.” Rainbow laughed herself as she flew back up passing by many establishments. She figured a place where they could talk. Flying up high enough she found a cloud of suitable size and she landed upon it. Her wings glowed as she sat down and Yoda noticed that the cloud seemed more solid. Keeping a grip on her arm he moved down placing a foot upon the surface as Rainbow warned. “You might not want to do that. Twilight had to cast a spell on the rest of my friends allowing them to….”

Yoda’s foot rested upon the surface as he looked at her saying. “So dissimilar perhaps the Jedi and Equestrians are not. Magic and the Force, fully understand the ways they work we do not.”

Rainbow nodded her head before she flopped back on the cloud saying. “And what we do know barely scratches the surface on what it truly can do. Though I’m not one for studying and research. The only book I can read constantly for hours is Daring Do. I love adventures, they can sweep you away… while studying, you can find something cool once in a while but a lot of the time the characters don’t seem to jump out at you.”

“Interesting the Reports of the Barsen’thor are.” Yoda mused and Rainbow let out a hearty laugh. Even Yoda chuckled as the laughter began to die down as Rainbow sighed. “I should head back, there has to be a way to get food for me and the boys. I can’t just rely on you guys for food, I want to make it on my own. Though I’ll probably need some help getting on my feet. Don’t know how long it will take before I can become a citizen of the Republic.”

Yoda nodded his head as he climbed onto Rainbow’s back gripping her shoulders tightly as she dove off the cloud. She was heading in the direction of the Jedi temple when a speeder shot past her. Something pink catching her attention and she sped after it before forcing herself back on course. She shook her head continuing on her course when the same speeder flew past her again. Rainbow knew that the driver was challenging her. Flapping her wings she flew towards the temple as fast as she could with someone on her back. She dove down, her wings spreading as she glided towards the temple. She listened carefully until she heard the engines once more. Her wings folded and she felt her speed increase the temple in sight. She heard the speeder gaining quickly and was impressed with the person controlling it.

“Want to hang on or let me drop you off?” Rainbow Dash asked as she almost made it to the speeder pad. Yoda smiled saying. “Hrrmmm. My own ways down I have. Yes, hrrrm. My thanks you have.”

Rainbow felt Yoda leap off her back as she angled her body up her wings flapping. She heard the speeder after her as she flew faster. A grin spread across her face as she flew into the city. She dodged around speeders and buildings glancing into the windows hoping to see the face of the driver. She cursed herself when she realized they were going too fast however she knew she had to get back to her apartment soon. She flew upwards near the top of one of the buildings spinning around. Her eyes locked onto blue eyes surrounded by bouncy pink hair with green tips. Rainbow felt herself fall backwards as the driver pulled goggles over her eyes and piloting the speeder after her.

“You like going fast, huh? Let’s see if you can keep up.” mumbled Rainbow Dash before looking downwards feeling the air rush around her. Finding the right moment she drew herself so she could bounce. She felt resistance under her legs before pushing herself upwards with the air. She bulleted through the air, past all the speeders with a lot of the drivers coming to a stop to watch her. Her wings spread as she laughed flying off towards her apartments shouting behind her. “Keep up with me now!”

The driver of the speeder smirked before piloting it away towards another building.

“You’re back!” Tank called as Rainbow Dash landed on her balcony a huge grin on her face. “You’ve got guests.”

“We’ve got guests you mean.” Rainbow corrected as she walked to the elevator. A huge grin broke out across her face as she saw Obi-Wan and Padmé standing there.

“Sup?” Rainbow asked, leaning against the open doorway, her arms were crossed. “Where’s Anakin?”

“He’s on his way, after all, he was the one who insisted on buying you a few housewarming gifts. Senator Amidala just wanted to bring some food for you and the clones.” Obi-wan chuckled as he moved away from the elevator door holding up the food. “Hope you’re hungry after your morning flight.”

“Starving, but I think the boys are even more hungry.” Rainbow commented, taking the food and walking in. “Wonder what you guys got us.”

“Well for starters, food, a few cots, and something to store food in.” Obi-wan replied as Rainbow shook his head saying. “And you’re making him carry it all up.”

“He was the one who suggested it, he gets to carry it.” Obi-wan pointed out and Rainbow rolled her eyes muttering. “Whatever you say Sass Lord.”

“That is Master Sass Lord to you.” a voice commented behind Rainbow. “Is that food? I’m starving.”

Padmé hid her laughter just as the elevator door opened and an irritated looking Anakin walked in a large box with cots behind him.

“Hey.” Rainbow Dash greeted and Anakin shot an irritated look towards Kenobi who shot him a grin. “I’ll grab those, why don’t you guys pass out the food.”

“At least I’m not the only one who has to carry them.” grumbled Anakin moving to check out the rest of the apartment. “Wait, are these clouds?”

“Yup!” Rainbow responded as she took the cots off the top of the box. One of the cots decided that Rainbow Dash was the perfect target to fall on top of. A hand caught it causing Rainbow to look over her shoulder and see Crossbones standing there.

“Master Sass Lord?” Rainbow asked as he grabbed the others and Crossbones shrugged. “He’s a Jedi Master, to us he would be General Sass Lord. For you at the moment, he’s Master Sass Lord. Makes sense.”

“Good point, hey Rampage! Tank! Can you help me carry this?” Rainbow called back as Crossbones walked back into the apartment. The two clones were in the entrance room in an instance easily picking up the storage unit. Rainbow frowned feeling kind of useless but walked after them.

“Why Sass Lord?” Rampage asked as they walked up the stairs. Rainbow thought for a moment before saying. “He’s sassy and that deserves to be recognized. Anakin would probably have to be Star Glider, Padmé… she’s a little bit more difficult to give a nickname to. I was going to call her Teach, but for some reason it just doesn’t suit her. I’m sure I’ll figure something out.”

“Do you like giving others nicknames or just the people you’re close to?” Ash commented as the door to the main room opened. Rainbow shot a grin in his direction saying. “For one, what I gave you are actual names. They get nicknames because I can actually think of something for them. Like Baldy Buddy, Fun Jedi, Master Yoda is probably going to stay Master Yoda. I’ve got waaaay too much respect for him.”

“A lot of people do, even our enemies.” Obi-wan replied looking around. “This is actually quite a good set up.”

“It’s a good location as well.” Anakin pointed out as the Clones dug into their food, Rainbow sitting down next to them to eat as well. “Padmé told us that you agreed to become a member of the Republic and that you want to join the Republic Military.”

“That is no easy feet, especially with how little is known to the Republic about your species.” Obi-wan pointed out and Rainbow looked at him. “There isn’t much we can do but wait at this point, though I don’t think you want to keep relying on us to keep bringing you food and furniture.”

“I’ll find something to do in the meantime. Maybe there’s a place I can work at for the time being.” Rainbow sighed after swallowing her food. She leaned her head against the wall hoping that there was at least some progress. She glanced at Padmé before smiling as she thought. ‘She’s like a princess. Maybe that’s what I’ll call her, Princess.’

A speeder parked at a building as the pink haired driver leaped out revealing long hair with bouncy curls. The curls seemed to split off into two sections moving past what seemed to be a mane like tail hanging above the hem of pants. She pushed the goggles into her hair as she approached a man with a military like stance.

“Did you find her?” the man asked and the woman shifted her weight to one foot saying. “Got my money?”

“The credits will be transferred to your account shortly.” the man replied curtly and the woman’s shoulders dropped before saying. “Yeah, I found her. Good flier, just like the Chancellor said, even with the modifications to my speeder I could barely keep up with her.”

“So the Chancellor wasn’t hyping her up.” the man muttered at the woman held up her hand. “Hold up. I said she was a great flier, I never said anything about her using a speeder. This teen had wings, I don’t think you want her in a fighter.”

“The Chancellor is suggesting letting her into the Navy, I need an assessment.” the man said and the woman sighed. “What else could you gleam from your chase?”

“Well she didn’t really start showing off until she dropped Master Yoda off. He probably knew this was a test or something because he didn’t attack me. So that’s good.” the woman commented moving her hand as she looked at a device on her wrist. “She got him out of there before really showing off. I think she’d be a great asset for you guys, fast and witty. She’s agile, has great reflexes, good eyes, and she can make decisions quickly.”

“Good, you can go back to that bar of yours.” the man replied waving his hand and the woman rolled her eyes saying. “Yeah, that bar which your men frequent. You know, I’d like to see the Clones there once in a while, you should really think about paying them. You’ve already scared off the rest of my clientele.”

“Criminals.” the man scoffed as the woman hopped back into the speeder. “Why you insist on staying down there, I will have no idea.”

“Hey, that bar has been in my family since the Galactic Cold War. I’m not moving it.” the woman told him before taking off. “Good luck!”

The man frowned watching her leave before heading back into the building.

Being Watched

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Chapter Thirteen: Being Watched

Darkness stretched through the main room, Rainbow Dash was laying on her cot watching the clouds swirl against the ceiling. The only reason why she could see anything was because of the lights of the city. Her mind began to wander, her reading lessons were going well. Padmé was a good teacher for her, always keeping her attention and helping her when she struggled. Obi-wan and Anakin discussed her future if she did get accepted into the Navy. Anakin even offered to make a recommendation. Rolling onto her side Rainbow thought. ‘What am I doing, I’m not a fighter, I’m just a weather pony.’

“Everyone starts from somewhere.” Rainbow pushes herself off the bed seeing the familiar form of Darth Imperius. “Even myself.”

Rainbow opened her mouth to speak but Imperius lifted a finger up to his mask. He waved his other hand towards the sleeping clones.

“They will wake up if you speak and they will see no one.” Rainbow flopped back onto the cot rolling facing away from him. “Don't be like that, I’m only here to help.”

Rainbow just shot a glare over her shoulder before pointing at her head. An indication of the last time he tried to help her. She heard Imperius sigh mumbling. “You are just as bad as my brother.”

Rainbow twitched a feeling of irritation welling up inside of her. Grumbling mentally Rainbow Dash closed her eyes feeling sleep overtake her.

“Chancellor Palpatine, what brings you here sir?” Rainbow Dash rolled over in her cot. Her wings against the ground before she felt two hands push her off. She let out a yelp feeling herself hit the floor. Sitting up she opened her eyes glaring at whoever shoved her. The rising sun in the distance, greeting all those who were awake.

“This better be good Crossbones.” she hissed seeing the clone jerking a thumb towards the door saying. “The Chancellor is here, he wants to have a chat.”

Sighing, Rainbow climbed to her feet heading down to the entrance, her wings dragging behind her. Deciding to look at least somewhat presentable she wrapped her wings around her shoulders like a shawl. She walked out covering her yawn as she tried to speak. “Morning sir.”

“I am so sorry to wake you, but I have news.” Palpatine replied with a broad smile on his face before he spread out his arms. “My dear I am here to welcome you to the Republic and give you my congratulations.”

Rainbow Dash stood there in shocked silence before asking. “What?”

“You have been approved! You are now a citizen of the Republic.” chuckled Palpatine as he approached her. “And onto your request to join the Republic Navy.”

“Did you hear about that from the Aide… uh Kinman Doriana?” Rainbow questioned only to get the smile as a response. “Right.”

“Once you fill out the paperwork and complete the initial physical you will be accepted into the Navy.” Palpatine congratulated her patting her on the shoulder gently. Rainbow blinked unsure what to say before asking. “Physical?”

“In order to make sure you are in peak physical condition as well as getting an idea of what is normal for your species.” Palpatine explained, Rainbow Dash just stood there nodding her head. “I do believe getting started right away will provide the best results. If that is alright with you.”

Rainbow glanced behind her before nodding her head saying. “Sure. Let me just get changed.”

“Of course.” Palpatine replied and Rainbow Dash headed back in, one of the things Padmé had taken her out to do the other day was get clothes fitted for her and her wings. It was surprising, how many people just ignored her appearance. She could understand why there were a lot of strange looking creatures on this planet. Once she found the outdoor outfit, Padmé insisted on at least four different clothing, Rainbow Dash was changed and back in the entrance hall. If Palpatine was surprised at the clothing, he didn’t show it. She was led into the elevator, with Crossbones and Doc behind her. Once they were out of the apartment she was taken to the speeder that Palpatine arrived in. It sped off and Ash gave a sideways glance to Tank on the balcony.

“That was too quick.” he stated and Tank nodded his head. “What are they planning?”

“Sounds to me that you’re attached to her already.” teased Grimm leaning against a console. Ash paused for a moment before responding. “I owe her my life, we all do. Not many would do the same for us.”

“Well besides General Kenobi and General Skywalker.” Tank pointed out and Ash nodded his head. “But it is true, she didn’t know we were clones and once she found out… she didn’t care. She just treats us like people, good friends, makes me wonder what her planet is like.”

“One day we’ll find out, I mean she’s going to need a ride home. Right?” Tinker asked and Tank nodded his head as Ash spoke. “No matter how far her home is, we’ll get her there. We just have to find her friend first.”

Rainbow Dash walked behind Palpatine, glad that her lessons had gone well or else she wouldn’t have been able to read what she was filling out. She only had to work on her hand writing, though it was a little easier using her hands instead of her mouth to hold a pen. The registration officer had been quite surprised when seeing her wings and did point out it would be hard to find her a uniform. Rainbow looked back at her wings wondering. ‘Is he right? Will it be harder because of my wings?’

“Oh do not worry my dear, we will find a tailor if we have to. I’m sure you will be an excellent addition to the Republic Navy.” Palpatine assured her, Rainbow just gave him a look to make sure he wasn’t reading her mind.

“Is something the matter?” questioned Palpatine giving her a sideways glance causing her to shake her head. “Well now that the paperwork is over, I will need to take my leave. Aide Doriana will take you to get your physical done. I do have a schedule to keep to.”

“No problem, Chancellor.” Rainbow gave him a grin, watching as Palpatine moved with his guard towards his speeder. She turned her head to Aide Doriana, the grin still on her face saying. “It’s just you and me again.”

“Lovely.” Doriana replied before leading her towards their next location. Rainbow swore she could hear the sarcasm in his voice but brushed it off. She was just hoping that the physical wasn’t going to be painful.

Rainbow Dash walked out of the room three hours later rubbing her arm. The only painful part about that were the shots she was given. Most of the time it was the doctors and the droids discussing her scans and seeing her vitals as they put her through a series of tests. She had no idea of anything that they said, shaking her head she looked around for Aide Doriana. She spotted him talking with a tall man, rather catlike in appearance. ‘Well he doesn’t have a tail.’ she thought before heading over saying. “Hey, Doriana, I’m going to head back now. Unless you have a way to get some food for me and the rest of the clones.”

“Actually, I want you to meet someone.” Doriana said motioning to the man he was talking to. “This is Cym Pir, he is one of the people in charge of training new recruits. Cym Pir, this is Rainbow Dash. Ah, Mr. Pir is a Cathar, one of the many species in the Republic.”

“A pleasure.” the man replied holding out his hand and giving it a firm shake when Rainbow grasped it. “Hmmm, good handshake. But that doesn’t mean much, guess we will see what you can do.”

“I don’t expect things to be easy.” Rainbow replied feeling the grip tighten for a moment before releasing. “If things were easy I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“Sounds like you have some stories to tell.” Pir replied and Rainbow chuckled about to start one but he held up his hand. “Save the boasting for when you prove yourself in training.”

“Alrighty then.” mumbled Rainbow Dash before her stomach started to protest. “Doriana, can we please get some food? I did get dragged out before breakfast. I think we had leftovers….”

Rainbow began to stare off into space thinking about the meal she had the night before. Doriana sighed before saying. “I’ll get you something. But it won’t be anything expensive.”

“That’s fine with me.” snickered Rainbow Dash as they left the building. Pir rubbed his chin for a moment in thought, watching her. Shaking his head, Pir headed further into the building knowing that they should have actually done a test to see what she needed to work on. He hadn’t heard about Equestria and he wondered just how far their technology had developed. The doorway he had walked through slid shut with a hiss.

Rainbow Dash touched down upon the ancient ruins of the forgotten Jedi temple. Doriana having been tasked with delivering the food to the clones. She knew he would have just headed back to his post afterwards. After all, no one could catch up with her. That was when a chill ran up her spine and she spun around. It was an eerie feel. ‘As if I’m being watched.’ she thought as she looked around slowly. She sighed when she saw no one and settled down on the pile of rubble.

“Okay, I have to start figuring out these new abilities. If I can’t get a handle on them I might hurt someone during training.” Rainbow mumbled to herself before stretching out her hand. “I know I have the barrier, not much I can do with that right now. I just need to figure out that red lightning. I know it has something to do with my emotions, but there’s got to be more to it than that. Come on think.”

Rainbow thought back to what she was feeling at the time. There was the anger from the words, but also fear and pain. She did not want to be hurt anymore. She felt the sparks go from one finger to another. She focused on that feeling, she knew deep down that it wasn’t just fear or anger that caused it to activate. It was a need, a need to protect herself from physical attacks. The lightning crackled further before she forced away from her, it shot through the air before hovering for a second. In it Rainbow could swear she could see a massive figure. From what she could tell the figure was over seven feet tall and had a powerful build. The red lightning only lasted for a few seconds more before vanishing in sparks. Rainbow held the hand that shot the lightning to her chest. She stared at the spot where she had seen the figure, fear was racing through her. She knew there had been more than one Sith in her mind, but when she had stared at that form, she knew that the figure was not like the others. If he had been in those chambers when she had been rescued… ‘I don’t think any of them would have gotten out of there.’ she thought.

“Maybe I should really try that meditation thing.” Rainbow sighed before sitting down cross legged. Taking a deep breath Rainbow tried to think of things that normally made her calm. She thought of her home, the skies of Equestria. They would be clear on a day like this, perfect for relaxing or just having fun with her friends. Twilight would be chatting about a new book she found. Applejack would be in a competition with Rainbow. Pinkie Pie would be planning a party. Fluttershy would have set up a picnic. Rarity would be showing off a new outfit while everyone chatted. That was her peace, that was something she wanted to do again. Her eyes opened seeing strands of different colors floating before her. The red one was dimmed as if to show her that she had already either obtained the power or the shard that the strand had connected to.

“Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, and black. Eight shards or abilities. Or both.” Rainbow muttered before stretching as the strands vanished. She looked up seeing the sky darkening. “Crap, how long was I out here for? I have to get back!”

Rainbow flapped her wings for a bit before she leaped up flying into the air. Her only hope was that she would find her way back in the dark.

The apartment was dark when Rainbow Dash landed on the balcony, her wings folding behind her. She was walking to the door when she stiffened.

“I know you’re there.” she whispered as she looked around. “I can hear your loyalties loud and….!”

Her voice caught in her throat when she tried to raise it to alert the troopers. A tall elderly man walked out of the shadows. His gold eyes examined her for a moment before he spoke. “Do not be alarmed, I have not come to harm you or your clone friends. Though I will if you try to alert them to my presence.”

Rainbow nodded her head in understanding and she felt the hold on her throat release. She rubbed her neck before asking in a lower voice. “Who are you?”

The man stared into her eyes, he was searching for any deceit. When he did not find any he took a step back saying. “My name is Dooku.”

“Dooku? Why are you at my place?” Rainbow asked relaxing when she felt the hold on her body release. She could tell already that Dooku was both real and powerful, yet he wasn’t instilling the same fear as the old man from before.

“I wanted to meet you, before the Republic has clouded your perception of me.” Dooku replied with a wave of his hand. “It seems as if they have not told you about the war they are fighting. That is interesting as they want you to fight in it.”

“I just need access to ships and maps, people who know where they are going. I’m helping out because…” Rainbow Dash glanced at the window where she could see the Clones sleeping. “I don’t want them to get hurt.”

“An admirable pursuit, I could have offered you ships, maps, and pilots. The protection of the clones on the other hand is something neither side can offer. After all, what is a life that has been duplicated a thousand times over to both sides fighting a war?” Dooku posed and Rainbow looked at the city lights. “Yet with your abilities you believe you can save them.”

“Not just believe, once I get a hang of these powers I can save them.” said Rainbow, her fists clenching. “I don’t care if either side can give me exactly what I want, my friends come first. Right now, my friends are the clones, a few of the Jedi, Padmé, and a good friend of mine I can’t find. I can figure everything else out.”

“There is something you can not figure out though.” Rainbow stiffened at his words. “Your abilities, they are quite new to you.”

“How… long have you been watching me?” asked Rainbow spinning around and Dooku walked up next to her saying. “I had originally come to watch the Chancellor. However, when I didn’t recognize your species I watched you instead. When you went to that ancient sight and began to practice I knew that you were something far more than a mere Force user. I fear those abilities would just be utilized by the Republic, as for the Jedi… do you really think that those who lock away their emotions could help you with your abilities?”

Rainbow tilted her head to the side before saying. “Not really, but I’m not all too trusting of you either. Until I figure out what you’re really after, I think I’ll just stick to experimenting on my own. If you don’t mind. I mean, if I can't control these powers myself, how would I know my limits?”

“You make a fair point. A position with me is still available, if you ever see the truth about the Republic and the Jedi.” Dooku told her and Rainbow Dash patted him on the back, feeling him stiffen. Instead of words all she got was flashes of images, whispers. Nothing she could make out clearly. Yet one image had caught her attention, it was of a man with long hair wearing Jedi robes. It was unexpected.

“Just one more thing.” Dooku said, turning to look at Rainbow Dash waving his hand. “You are feeling tired, you want to go to sleep.”

Rainbow Dash felt her head get rather fuzzy, sleep actually sounding really good. She yawned before falling asleep on the spot. Dooku blinked before sighing, he bent down and picked her up. He moved her into the hallway. Hearing movement Dooku slipped out of the apartment after setting her down. Doc paused as he walked towards the room, he sighed seeing Rainbow Dash sleeping peacefully in the hallway.

“Seriously, again?” he muttered before picking her up carefully and taking her into the main room laying her down on her cot. He patted her hair before moving towards his normal spot against the wall and fell asleep as well.

Last Minute

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Chapter Fourteen: Last Minute

Rainbow Dash rolled over in her cot her wings twitching as dreams filled her mind.

A prison, boring, the same walls, the same barrier keeping him from the other prisoners. ‘Beats fighting. Wonder why they just didn’t kill me.’ a thought, it was always the same. Everything goes dark except for the yellow lights of the cell doors. Climbing to my feet as I look around cautiously. Am I going to be killed for my failure now? Well they’re going to know that I don’t go down without a fight. That is when I see it, a figure, standing at the barrier, cloak covering her face. Though I could tell this person about the same height as that girl from Christophsis.

“You’re the assassin they’ve sent after me? I was expecting more of a challenge.” I scoff, though I was worried about how they managed to get past all of the guards.

“Assassin? No. I am here to offer you a chance.” the cell barrier vanished, the voice was soft and feminine, an arm was stretched towards me. “Come with me, you can start a new life. Far away from this war, where you can heal.”

“Heal? Look lady, I don’t need to heal.” I retort taking a seat on my bed and I feel her approach. She sits next to me placing a hand on my shoulder. I glanced at her, she was hard to make out in the dark, especially with that cloak covering most of her features.

“Everyone who is hurt lashes out, you have been hurt by this war. You have lost so much and no one considered you to have a free will. Yet those who offered you freedom left you here. I want to help.” the female said, holding out her hand as she stood up, I look at it. “I will take you to a forgotten place and there you can find peace in yourself. If you wish to return I will not stop you.”

I look at the dark cell before looking at her outstretched hand before taking it. I pulled her close saying. “There is quite a drop, how do you plan on getting me out of here?”

I hear her hide a small nervous chuckle before she steps back. She’s a lot stronger than I thought as she pulls me with her. I close my eyes before realizing we didn’t fall that far.

“Got him?” a deep voice asked and I see an even shorter form, the female nods her head. “Right, hold on tight.”

We start moving just as alarms start going off just as a voice speaks through a communicator. “Sorry, they found me, had to get out of there. Meet you at the ship.”

“Understood, Asriel. Meet you there.” the girl answered as we began to move quicker. This transport feels odd, it doesn’t feel like metal underneath my feet. I kneel down pressing my hands against the surface blindly feeling around. Bone. Well this day just got more interesting.

Rainbow thrashed sweat began to drip down her face. She shot up panting just as Ash turned around saying. “Understood sir.”

“What’s going on?” Crossbones asked and Ash took a deep breath saying. “Someone just broke Slick out of prison.”

“Are you serious? Why would anyone do that?” Crash commented as Doc spoke up. “Was anyone hurt?”

“No, but most of the guards don’t remember anyone even coming to the prison. Or anyone leaving. Cameras and power were disabled.” Ash replied as the Clones began to gear up. Rainbow Dash swallowed, fear clenching her mind as her eyes squeezed shut.

Down, towards the Old Galactic Markets. Huh, seems that they know all the good places to hide.

“Don’t worry about us.” Crossbones told her and Rainbow opened her eyes to look at him. “We’ll get him back in prison. All the ports and pads are locked down.”

“What about the ones in the Old Galactic Market?” Rainbow questioned and Ash’s eyes widened as he said. “Everyone let’s move!”

The Clones moved towards the elevator and Rainbow felt her shoulders slump as she grabbed her head. She wondered why she had connected with Slick and was seeing through his eyes. Taking a deep breath she decided to let the Clones handle the situation while she prepared for her first day. That was when she realized, she had no clue when that was.

“Best to find out then.” She told herself walking to the balcony, the door opening right away. “I just can’t forget to lock the door.”

She pressed a button hearing a beep then a click. Nodding her head she was about to take off when she paused. “How did I get in last night? I don’t remember going in… maybe that was a dream.”

Shaking her head, Rainbow took off towards the building she had gone to the previous day. Landing she walked in seeing a large group of people crowding around in one area. Getting a feeling Rainbow walked over to the desk saying. “My name is Rainbow Dash and I….”

“Oh good you made it, we couldn't get in contact with you to give the details including when training started. I will get you processed. In the meantime please wait with the group for Colonel Pir.” The receptionist said barely even glancing up from his screen. Rainbow nodded her head before walking over to the edge of the group. She glanced around seeing many different species, some a little more strange looking than others.

“Line up!” A voice barked and all the recruits scrambled to attention. Rainbow Dash, having gotten lucky in her placement, scooted next to one of the recruits. She noticed that it was the cat man from the day before. ‘Cathar,’ she corrected herself in her mind as Cym Pir walked up to them.

“I am Colonel Cym Pir, I am your instructor. Even though many of you have volunteered to serve not all of you are able.” Cym Pir spoke loud enough that all were able to hear him as he walked in front of line. “My job is not only to train you but to make sure that all of you are able to handle any and all situations that will come at you. These first three days I will be testing you and no I will not be saying anymore than that. I take it you all know how to march, so get to it and follow me. Rows of two!”

The group filed in and Rainbow Dash heard the muttering begin again. This time it was barely above a whisper.

“We have Pir? I hear that most recruits don’t make it past the first few days.”

“I hear it because he rides them hard.”

“Nah, it’s the tests. Even though they change every cycle, they’re known to be really hard.”

“Seriously, ugh, why did we get placed with such a hardass? The Clones are going to do all the hard work anyways.”

Rainbow’s fists clenched as she looked for the one who said those words. She had just spotted him, a rather tall looking alien with a row of horns, brown markings on his skin. Another alien with a similar appearance, except with red skin, leaned towards him saying. “Careful what you say, you might just get sent home if he thinks you’re going to slack off.”

“Can it, both of you.” This recruit caught her attention, despite the Cathar appearance he had a row of horns and stripes of orange and yellow in his red hair. Shrugging her shoulders she saw him glance at her, his gold eyes narrowing before he looked forward. ‘What was that all about?’

As the recruits and Colonel Pir exited the area they all blinked as they saw a battleship waiting for them.

“I’ve heard about that ship. It’s a decommissioned attack cruiser used in his training sessions. A lot of recruits that came back call it Dead Man’s Bargain.” a young female with light red skin, her appearance reminding her of Ahsoka yet her skin was a deeper red and her eyes were bright red as well. The white markings on her face were around her eyes but the edges were gray. A twinge of familiarity ran through Rainbow as she glanced at her. The girl looked at her and gave her a small smile saying. “Don’t worry, I’m sure if we work together we’ll be able to make it through. I’m Kory, Kory Zavros.”

“Rainbow Dash, nice to meet you Kory.” Rainbow grinned holding out her hand and Kory shook it before they continued their march towards the ship.

Ash and his team ran through the Old Galactic Market seeing a ship powering up. He signalled Tinker and Crash to move ahead to stall it. Crash slid ready to stun the driver when he saw that it was about the height of a child. He could tell it wasn’t a Jawa as his head turned revealing a white muzzle. Amber eyes widened as he shouted at the communicator. “They found me! What should I do?!”

“Tinker, Crash, hurry it up!” Grimm called and Crash looked at him as Tinker yelled. “It’s a kid!”

The being let out a bleat hiding behind the seat as a large skull landed in front of the ship. Three figures, one of them being Slick climbed off before it vanished. The first ran in calling out softly. “Asriel!”

“They’re still out there!” sobbed the child clinging to the robes of the cloaked figure near them. The short one that had arrived was looking at the Clone Troopers carefully as Slick made his way towards the ship.

“Slick!” shouted Ash moving away from his hiding spot causing Slick to pause in his movement. “You’re just going to run away? Just like that? Run from your punishment?”

“You’ll never understand.” Slick said before continuing his route, Ash lifted his weapon and fired a single shot. It didn’t make contact. Instead the cloaked figure who had been inside was standing there. The blast barely hitting, almost touching an outstretched hand, it wobbled for a moment before the fingers curled into the palm. The bolt vanished and the figure nearly collapsed. The shorter cloaked figure ran towards her, Doc noticing bone poking out from under the cloak. It seemed to talk to the other one before heading into the ship. The one who stopped the bolt looked up revealing turquoise eyes as she lifted her hands. The Clones grabbed their heads as their memories began to get a little fuzzy just as the last person was pulled into the ship. The door closed, the ship took off, and they were gone. The Clones shook their heads wondering what had just happened.

“What… where’d the ship go? It was just here!” Rocky asked, looking around raising his hands into the air before he dropped them. “It couldn’t have just vanished!”

“Looks like it did.” replied Ash shaking his head. “Or we’re dealing with some powerful individuals.”

“I just hope Rainbow Dash is having better luck with her training.” Doc spoke up shifting slightly as he looked around.

“I still think it’s weird that they got her in that quickly and that close to when training would start.” grumbled Crossbones crossing his arms. “Guess this means we’re getting reassigned until she’s done.”

“I’m sure the Chancellor we’ll keep us on Coruscant until she needs us.” Tank replied patting him on the shoulder. “We all agree, it is strange.”

“Lock it down, we have to report in.” ordered Ash looking at the group before leading them back towards the automated speeders. He looked over his shoulder before tapping his helmet knowing that they were going to have to get them checked.

Rainbow Dash looked around at the bunks seeing who she was rooming with. To her surprise it was Kory and one other. A tall human female with short red hair, her eyes and ears were more like a Cathar. She looked at them with her green eyes giving each of them a nod as Kory asked. “Where’s your bag Rainbow? Do you like to be called Rainbow? Would you prefer if I call you Miss Dash or Rainbow Dash?”

“Rainbow works just fine.” Rainbow Dash answered before looking at her hands. “I didn’t know we were starting training. Looks like I got in by the skin of my teeth and last minute.”

“It doesn’t really matter, none of us have our uniforms yet.” the unintroduced female spoke up as she opened the case revealing just some heirlooms. “I’m… Lexxi, Lexxi Jorgan,”

“Nice to meet you Lexxi.” Rainbow said with a grin just as the door opened and a female with headtails poked her head in saying. “Hey, Colonel Pir says lights out are soon.”

“What’s your name?” asked Lexxi, the girl looked at her with blue eyes. It wasn’t just her irises, but her sclera as well that were blue. The girl smiled saying. “I’m Zenith. Night everyone.”

“What about the test?” Kory looked at the other two and Rainbow frowned. “From what I researched Colonel Pir always does a test on the first day.”

“Maybe it would be the first day once we arrive at our next location. I mean, we’re just running on engines. This ship doesn’t have a working hyperdrive.” Lexxi pointed out causing Rainbow Dash to raise an eyebrow. “I did my research, anyone who joins the Republic Navy should know about this ship and Colonel Pir. His tests are a complete mystery as is this ship. The hyperdrive engine and any replacement has not worked since it went down. It’s why this ship was decommissioned and used as a training vessel. It’s a complete mystery.”

“Do you think we should try to solve it?” Kory asked, laying down on her bunk, Rainbow doing the same. Lexxi shrugged her shoulders as she laid on hers all three taking a deep breath. Rolling onto her side Rainbow tried to tune them out wanting to just get some sleep.

A cave, so dark. Why did I come? I hold my torch up high as I see a large looming figure in the distance. I pull out my blade feeling it vibrate in my hand. An imposing statue appears in front of me. Oh, is that it? I stab the ground in front of the statue as I look up at it seeing the face covered by a mask. I tilt my head to the side, that’s when I feel heat behind me as flames rise up. I pull out my other blade. There is someone beyond the flames coming towards me. I threw my torch to the side pulling my vibroblade from the ground, steeling myself for an attack. I was struck in the back by lightning, but I refuse to go down to this assailant. I let out a roar as I move forward allowing the vibroblades absorb the lightning.

Alarms go off causing Rainbow Dash to sit up quickly, she got out of bed shouting. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know!” Kory replied as the entire ship jerked. “It feels like someone is trying to activate the hyperdrive!”

“An idiot who wants to get in on the action I’m guessing.” growled Lexxi as they moved outside of the room. “Come on! We’re heading to the bridge to put a stop to this!”

Rainbow Dash began to follow them when she saw the group of boys from before running in a different direction. She waved at them, only the big guy from before running over to her.

“Where are you heading?” Rainbow asked, unsure what his name was as recruits rushed past them.

“Engineering, we’re going to see what’s going on. You?” he asked nodding towards the other recruits.

“They’re thinking that whoever is doing this is planning on joining the battle by turning on the hyperdrive. Do you think there’s a bigger problem?” Rainbow asked and the recruit nodded saying. “Yeah, the hyperdrive, we think it’s the original one. The one that broke, it’s too dangerous to use, we have to shut it down.”

Rainbow Dash paused knowing that everyone wasn’t communicating with each other before looking the recruit in the eyes saying. “You go to the bridge, tell them what’s going on in engineering. I’ll go to engineering and do the same.”

“Right, hey is it true you bribed your way into this?” the recruit questioned and Rainbow said. “No! I… don’t know how I managed it. Engineering?”

“Just follow those recruits. Oh! I’m Verga, it’s to let Sparky know you talked with me.” the recruit said before heading towards the bridge. Shrugging her shoulders Rainbow headed after a stream of recruits heading in the direction that Verga was before. Some of the recruits glanced at her just as they made it to the engineering bay.

“Give me a timeframe!” snapped the Cathar looking male from before as he looked at the screen.

“I would say thirty minutes, if we can’t shut down the hyperdrive or if someone attempts to activate it we’re all dead!” Zenith informed him before noticing Rainbow Dash. “Hey, here to help?”

“Verga sent me, I’m supposed to tell you guys that some of the recruits went to the bridge to stop whoever did this from activating the hyperdrive.” Rainbow said and Zenith nodded her head before looking at the recruit asking. “Got that Sparky?”

“It’s Kimble, and yes I did. You can go up to the bridge with the others. We have this under control down here.” Kimble said not even looking at Rainbow Dash. “You’re just going to be in the way down here.”

Rainbow’s fists clenched and red lightning struck out close to Zenith who glanced it saying. “Actually she might be useful.”

“What do you mean?” Kimble groaned and Zenith took Rainbow’s arm gently as she pointed out. “She generates a form of electricity. If she can send out a high pulse of this we can overheat the engines, causing the failsafe to kick in.”

“Yeah, I see one problem with this, I don’t know how to control this stuff let alone give you an exact burst. You guys will end up getting hurt.” Rainbow Dash pointed out and Kimble frowned.

“We don’t have a choice.” Zenith pointed out with a sigh. “Even if we don’t explode when we make the jump we might end up in the middle of nowhere. We’ll be vulnerable to attacks from pirates, Separatists, we could even crash land on a planet. We have to get the hyperdrive shut down.”

“Isn’t there the possibility that this could also make the hyperdrive activate quicker?” the horned alien with the tan skin questioned and Zenith looked at him saying. “It’s a 25% chance that the hyperdrive would activate sooner, 25% chance that we’ll be destroyed, and a 50% chance that she’ll shut it down! If she doesn’t do anything there is a 100% chance that we’ll all be in trouble.”

“Xestu, you and I will begin to gather the other recruits to a safe area. We’re not taking the risk, Zenith. Find another way to shut this down.” Kimble ordered before waving the other recruits. “Everyone get to the hold.”

“Gah! He’s so stubborn!” Zenith grumbled as she typed away at the computer. “It’ll work, I know it.”

“He’s just looking out for the others.” Rainbow Dash pointed out and Zenith sighed. “I know he is, but we have to be creative. I haven’t seen something like this happen before. Do you really think someone is trying to bring this ship into the fight?”

Rainbow Dash paused as she thought about it. She hadn’t sensed anything unusual, no loyalties were out of place. No one seemed loyal to the thought of glory or making themselves stand out. Other than Xestu.’ Rainbow grumbled mentally before looking at the hyperdrive.

“Don’t worry, I’ll figure something else out.” Zenith told her typing at the computer before it sparked violently, causing her to get shocked. She let out a scream as she was forced backwards. Rainbow heard alarms go off and looked at the hyperdrive. She grabbed Zenith carefully and pulled her out of the room. Once she was sure she was far enough she ran back in and slammed her hand against the button watching the door slide shut.

“Okay, I can do this. I want to protect them.” she said as she rubbed her hands together producing the red lightning. “And I’m going to do it whether you like it or not!”

She let out a shout pushing the lightning out, instead of the fiery and angry red from before it was an indigo shade that shot out. It hit the machines surrounding her and they all lit up for a moment. That was the last thing Rainbow saw before a white light filled the area and she was knocked back hitting the door.

Stuck

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Chapter Fifteen: Stuck

Kimble was on the bridge directing the other recruits when the consoles were locked out from their control.

“What’s going on?” he asked and Kory looked at him with fear as she replied. “Something just locked us out of the system! The hyperdrive is activating!”

“What is Zenith doing?” Kimble growled before looking around. “Verga, Jorgan, Xestu, you’re coming with me!”

“I should too.” volunteered Kory looking at him. “I know basic medical aid.”

“Come on then. We just have to stop by the armory, the rest of you find Colonel Pir.” Kimble ordered as they began their journey.

Zenith let out a groan as she opened her eyes seeing the closed door to Engineering. She climbed to her feet holding onto her arm saying. “That should have worked. Let’s check it out.”

She pressed a button on the console allowing the door to open a little smoke pouring out. She coughed her eyes widening seeing flames beyond it. Locks of rainbow hair were seen from the crack. Zenith’s eyes widened as she tried to force the door to open to no avail.

“Zenith, are you there?!” Kimble’s voice called out and Zenith turned on her communicator replying. “I’m here! We’ve got a bit of trouble!”

“Don’t tell me, you disobeyed my order!” Kimble’s voice had a bit of annoyance as Zenith rolled her eyes saying. “Not exactly. Something happened to the console and I was shocked pretty badly. I think Rainbow Dash pulled me out of there. I don’t know what happened next, but it looks like she disobeyed them. She’s trapped! There is a fire in engineering and it looks like the hyperdrive activated.”

“It did! We don’t have any clue where we are going. Can you get Rainbow Dash out of there?” Kory's voice came through the communicator. Zenith smacked the panel only for nothing to happen. She pulled it off saying. “I can’t get the door open by myself. I’m going to need Verga’s and Xestu’s help!”

“We’re on our way.” Kimble assured her, Zenith nodded her head before grabbing onto the edges of the door trying to push both sides away from each other. She managed to get her shoulder through reaching for Rainbow Dash. Her eyes began to water as the smoke got to her causing her to pull back. She coughed the smoke beginning to fill the hallway. She typed away at the panel trying to activate the fire suppression system. Her vision began to blur before she collapsed to the ground trying to breathe.

“Zenith!” Kimble’s voice called out just as a hand touched her shoulder and an oxygen mask was placed over her nose and mouth. “Kory get ready. Verga, Xestu get that door open!”

The two aliens nodded their heads, hands clasped around the edges as Zenith cleared her mind trying to get the suppression systems going. The door slid open and Kimble rushed in grabbing Rainbow Dash under the arms and began to pull her out. Once he got her away from the bay did Xestu and Verga let the door slide shut. Kory ran over checking her over.

“We have to get her to the medical bay, now.” Kory said looking at Kimble who looked back towards engineering. Zenith grabbed his shoulder saying. “Now Kimble! There isn’t anything we can do except survive wherever we end up. What happened has happened. I’ll see what I can do with repairs.”

Kimble growled under his breath as Lexxi picked Rainbow Dash up. They walked away from engineering as Zenith turned around mumbling. “This wasn’t part of the plan! Dumb ship, the hyperdrive was supposed shut down! Not take us to wherever we are now!”

Silence was her only response.

Rainbow Dash stirred as her eyes began to open. She recognized the sight of the medical bay, a common occurrence she felt like. She glanced over seeing Kory standing there looking at a pad. Blinking Rainbow sat up grabbing onto her head.

“Easy there.” Kory said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You hit your head.”

“Is everyone alright?” asked Rainbow looking around seeing a few people in there.

“A few bumps and bruises when we came out of hyperdrive too quickly. Nothing we can’t handle.” Kory explained looking around. “Did you really disobey Kimble’s orders?”

“I didn’t have much of a choice. I don’t know much about engines and Zenith’s plan was the only thing I knew that could work.” Rainbow sighed, shaking her head before holding up her hand. “I don’t know too much about my powers and everything happened so fast. I just wanted to protect you guys.”

“Thank you.” Rainbow looked at Kory as she turned her head, Kimble was walking towards them. “Kimble, not now.”

“She put us all in danger.” Kimble said loudly and Kory refused to move. “She shouldn’t even be here!”

“If it wasn’t for her Zenith would have died and we would have been in a lot more trouble!” Kory replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. “With this we have a chance to fix the ship and get back to Coruscant. Any luck in finding Colonel Pir?”

“No, but some of the decks are sealed. Something doesn't feel right.” Kimble said as Verga spoke up from behind him. “Not to mention we don’t even know where we are.”

“Thank you, we’ve noticed the Verga.” Kimble shot a glare behind him but Verga just shrugged his shoulders. “I think we should continue with the search of Colonel Pir. He knows this ship the best and the sooner we get it fixed the sooner we can get back to Coruscant and continue with training.”

He glared at Rainbow Dash as if wanting to say more but a look from Kory kept him quiet. He turned around and walked off.

“Does he think I don’t belong here?” Rainbow asked and Kory paused looking at Verga before turning around to look at her. “Verga asked if I had bribed my way in here.”

“A lot of us think that it is strange on how quickly you were allowed into the Republic Navy. You were last minute and it seemed like it was only because of connections.” Kory explained sitting down on the bed. “A lot about you isn’t even in the system and everyone has their own opinion on you. I did notice how angry you were when Xestu made the comment about the Clones doing everything. So I thought they had helped you out of a situation.”

“They did and I want to do something to help them too.” Rainbow looked at her hands. “I want to be able to fight alongside them. To show them that someone cares about them. That they aren’t just mindless drones that no one would bat an eye at if they died.”

A look of guilt grew on the faces of the recruits in the medical bay as they all looked at the ground.

“I was at Christophsis to find an artifact of my people and the Clone unit I was with went by their tags. They didn’t have names because they thought that no one would miss them when they died. I couldn’t let that pass, I want to meet all the Clones.” Rainbow told them as she sat up once again. “I want to show them that they don’t have to fight this war alone. That there aren’t cowards out there, that there are people who are willing to fight. Not just the Jedi or people like Admiral Yularen, but people like us. I know that some of you joined for the glory, to get your name out there. That should never be the reason to join, the reason should be to protect, to stand strong. Colonel Pir says that only a few of us are going to remain after his tests. Let’s prove him wrong! Let’s change our mindset and focus on helping the Republic!”

The recruits began to nod their head as Rainbow Dash climbed to her feet.

“What should we do?” a recruit asked, he was a wiry human with a mess of brown hair. “We’re still stuck out here.”

“First we should talk with Kimble, he seems to know how to organize everything.” Kory said, Rainbow nodding her head in agreement. “We need to keep an eye out for the person who caused all of this. Kimble, we’re meeting on the bridge.”

“Understood.” Kimble’s voice came through the communicator.

“I’ve got to get one of those.” Rainbow commented offhandedly causing Kory to look at her in confusion. “Last minute arrival remember? I’m still settling in.”

“I’m sure Zenith has an extra one on her.” Verga said as they began to head to the bridge with the others. That was right when the lights went out, doors slammed shut trapping them in the hallway.

“I don’t think the person who caused this is a glory hound.” Kory said looking around before getting on her communicator. “Kimble, I think that this person is a saboteur. We’re trapped by blast doors close to the medbay.”

“We’re experiencing issues as well, hold on we’ll get to you.” Kimble assured them, his voice beginning to crackle. Rainbow sighed before sitting down closing her eyes.

“We should be finding a way out.” a recruit whispered looking around.

“The panel is on the other side of that door.” another said as they looked around as Rainbow Dash began to focus. She needed to keep the recruits safe, that was when she saw Verga move past them to the door.

“Donnel, you and I are going to get this door to open. Rainbow you can help with that neat ability of yours.” he said looking around and Rainbow nodded her head.

“How? Those are blast doors.” Rainbow assumed that it was Donnel who had asked the question.

“Oh I’m not going to have her get the door, Rainbow the wall. The panel is going to be in this spot, I need to be able to get a large enough bolt until we see the wires.” Verga told her pointing to an area. “Just be careful, you short circuit them and we’re stuck.”

“Easier said than done.” Rainbow moved over to the wall, she looked at her hand seeing the red lightning crackling around it. Instead of focusing on it she placed her fingers against the wall and began to twist her wrist slowly. Her magenta eyes narrowed as they turned red watching as the lightning stabilized carving a hole. Pulling her hand away, Rainbow blinked, shaking her head seeing a part of the metal get pulled away as well.

“Yes!” Verga cheered as Donnel, the brown haired human from before, moved away and started messing with the wires. The door let out a hiss opening a hole large enough to squeeze through. Verga pulled it open a little wider for Rainbow’s wings.

“Okay, let’s go.” Rainbow said as the group began to squeeze through.

“Interesting.” red tinted lenses looked at a computer screen. “Let’s see how you enjoy the lack of gravity.”

A button was pressed and the sound of something shutting down was heard throughout the entire section.

“What is that?” asked Rainbow, looking around in confusion, that was before her feet left the ground. “What’s going on?”

“Someone turned off the gravity in this section!” Donnel exclaimed as they had to pull themselves through the hole. Rainbow’s wings twitched as she folded them, the hole was a tight fit with them. Once she was through, she did her best to settle down next to Kory.

“We need to find a way to stick together.” Kory said looking around. “Donnel, you and Kord Ferrila stick to the middle in case there is a door that needs to be opened. Rainbow, you and Verga take point. The rest of us will follow and keep an eye on your flank.”

Rainbow flapped her wings feeling herself move forward slightly and glanced at Verga. “Grab onto my arm. Without gravity I should be able to get us going a little easier.”

“Should I be careful of your wings?” Verga asked, feeling a hand attach to his ankle.

“You’re going to be in my way no matter what. Either way, it’s not going to matter.” Rainbow pointed out and Verga nodded his agreement. Rainbow Dash felt his hand clamp onto her shoulder and another on her ankle as well. She flapped her wings slightly just giving her enough of a push to grab the corner of the wall.

As they moved through the hallways Rainbow Dash heard a hushed voice speaking from a room nearby. Moving up close to the door she peered into the room seeing Colonel Pir standing at a desk. “...I repeat we are stranded. Something went wrong and the hyperdrive activated. This has never happened before. Please send help.”

“Colonel?” Verga called out and Pir turned around seeing the recruits and sighed. “I’m sorry everyone, I truly thought that the hyperdrive would never work again. Many people have tried to repair it to no avail. Zenith has reported that both it and the engines are down. Now we are stuck out here at the mercy of pirates and whatever else is out here until someone receives the distress call.”

“Sir, I believe that the person behind this has control of the ship.” Kory spoke frankly and Rainbow Dash decided to ask. “Have you been in contact with the bridge crew?”

“No, I have been keeping an eye on the situation and analyzing your skill sets.” The Colonel replied, Rainbow Dash nodding her head in response getting a good read off of him. There wasn’t any loyalty bumps to suggest he was the traitor.

“I’m sorry Cym.” the red tinted goggles glancing at an approaching ship. “It’s just business.”

“Be on your guard, we don’t know what’s out there.” Kimble ordered looking around the lights on the bridge flickered before shutting down. “Jorgan, what was that?”

“That was all controls being transferred somewhere, I can’t access anything.” Lexxi replied, getting to her feet. “I’m getting really tired of this.”

“Kimble, there is a traitor on board.” Kory’s voice called from the communicator. “We believe that this person is trying to take control or sabotage this ship. We’ve found Colonel Pir, he has sent out… distress… help….”

The communicator went dead and Kimble’s eyes widened. “Kory! Kory! Something is jamming us. We have to search and regain control of this ship. Koj, I need you and Nardala to go to the medbay, even if they aren’t there you should find Kory along the way.”

“Understood.” a young human woman with brown hair up in braids replied before waving over another female. A Togruta with green skin and brown markings on her montrals and headtails. Kimble watched them run out before looking out the window, his hands behind his back as a ship approached.

“Everyone, we’re going to have to fight. Get to the armories and guard those airlocks!” Kimble ordered before leaving the bridge with the rest of the recruits.

“I hear Kimble is doing a good job stepping up and taking charge.” Pir commented as they scouted through the halls. Kory nodded her head saying. “He’s a born leader it seems.”

“He won’t be able to make it far if he doubts the abilities and strengths of even one member of his team.” Donnell spoke up causing Pir to look at him. “He’s been having issues with Rainbow Dash sir.”

Pir sighed before turning to look at them. “I want you all to understand something, even I have my doubts. It’s why my tests exists, but it isn’t your job to judge another teammate unless they aren’t pulling their weight. Your job is to ensure that the ship you serve and its crew makes it to the next day. You will be tested in the field and you will see things you wish you didn’t. It’s how you deal with it, how you ensure that there are even less deaths next time. I get the feeling that most of you see the clones as expendable, just remember this. They are there to ensure that you aren’t the one getting shot at. You just have to be sure that the clones survive.”

Rainbow Dash smiled a bit, that was when she was knocked off balance floating in the air a bit.

“What was that?” breathed Ferrila, Rainbow was unsure of his species but he was covered in brown fur that seemed to move. Pir was about to move when the gravity came back on sending them to the floor. While they were climbing to their feet Rainbow Dash wrapped her wings around her shoulders.

“Pir to bridge, Kimble what’s going on?” Pir called through his communicator only to get static. “Someone is blocking the signal.”

“We think… that there’s a traitor.” Kory spoke up, her voice trembling. “They’ve been hindering our progress.”

Pir shifted as he looked at the small group, studying them for a moment. His eyes widened as he pressed another button. “Zenith!”

More static, a growl erupted from Pir’s throat before he looked at them saying. “I’ve got a feeling we’ve been betrayed in more than one way.”

“So wait, you had a traitor for the test but they actually turned against us?” Rainbow asked and Pir nodded his head as he began to lead them to the airlock.

“Sir!” A young human female with brown hair ran up. Rainbow took notice of another female that was of the same species as Ahsoka. “We found you, Kimble sent us to find you, Kory. Has anyone heard from Zenith?”

“Koj, do you know who was with her?” Pir asked, causing her to look off to the side thinking. “We sent Yim Drela, Paz Vik, and Thea Jcirre.”

“Good, get to Engineering and check on them. I’ll take this group and head to the airlock.” Pir ordered and Koj nodded her head before moving away. The group continued on, moving quickly through the halls. As they rounded the corner they saw Kimble with a group of recruits with weapons at the ready. Pir moved up next to Kimble who gave him a sideways glance. The door hissed as it opened and a figure walked through. “Ah, now this is a welcome!”

Pirates

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Chapter Sixteen: Pirates

Rainbow Dash watched as an alien male strode forward a red coat swaying as he moved. A large grin was on his face as he examined the group through bronze goggles with green tinted lenses. Aliens just like him were moving through the docking tube. Colonel Pir folded his arms as he stared down the leader of the pirates.

“Get off my ship before I toss you all off myself.” He snarled, only earning a smirk from the pirate. A chuckle escaped from the pirate’s lips as he walked up to Pir patting him on the arm. “My friend, if you do that there is no one stopping my men! Listen to old Hondo, and everything will be just fine!”

Pir stiffened at both the words and the physical contact, his amber eyes narrowing at the pirate. Another growl erupted from his throat. Rainbow Dash could feel the tension in the air. Then a shot went flying past one of the pirate’s heads and everyone looked in the direction. A young alien woman with head tails, similar to Zenith but her skin was purple. The pirate she had shot at lifted his blaster and fired, only for Pir to take the hit instead. The Cathar crumpled and Kory rushed forward with another by her side, the pirates coming in full force.

“Scatter! We can’t take them here!” Kimble ordered and Rainbow Dash moved to help get the colonel out of there.

Hondo looked down at the injured Colonel Pir. “Well now that wasn’t very nice! You should teach your children some manners! Now listen here everyone, no need to panic. Just listen to Hondo and we don’t need any violence.”

“Shabuir!” The human female who stayed behind snapped, her green eyes narrowing. Rainbow looked up to see the pirates spreading out but most were staying to keep an eye on them. Pir glared up at Hondo as Kory tended to the injury with what she had on hand. The other recruits were already falling back.

“Look at this one men, she has some spunk!” Hondo said to his crew. “Now listen here young lady, no need for such harsh words. You act like we’re pirates or something!”

“Aren’t you?” Rainbow asked dryly, her normal enthusiasm being tempered by both fear and worry. The human female tried to stand up, ready for a fight, but Kory stopped her. “Not now Shae, we need to get Colonel Pir to the medbay. Rainbow Dash, help me get him up.”

“Now now, no one goes anywhere until I say so!” Hondo yelled out, Rainbow Dash stood up blocking Shae’s view of Hondo. She had a feeling that Shae was ready to attack someone for this.

“He needs to be treated and I can’t do that here.” Kory pleaded looking up at Hondo. “What do you want?”

“Hmm...let’s see...ah I know! You there, the one that looks like a rainbow.” Hando said to Rainbow Dash.

“What?” Rainbow Dash was confused, she didn’t know what this pirate was thinking or what his plan was. All she knew was that Pir needed to be treated and Kory would need to go with him in order for that to happen.

“I am in need of your assistance. You two, you may be off. Now miss, if I’m not mistaken, you can fly no?” Hondo asked Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash felt her wings twitch against her skin. She didn’t know where he found that out or how.

“Who told you that?” Rainbow Dash inquired, keeping a blank expression on her face, though her eye was twitching.

“I’m the one asking questions! That is a story for another time.” Hondo responded with a smirk. “We would like you to come with us pirates after we help you out here.”

Rainbow glanced at Kory who looked back at her giving Rainbow a slight nod. Rolling her shoulders Rainbow let her wings unfold returning to a more comfortable position.

“This wasn’t the plan, Hondo.” a voice spoke through the comms, Rainbow took a breath as she thought about the offer. Her eyes shifted from magenta to red.

“The plan has been altered! I’ve never met someone who could naturally fly before, she would be a wonderful asset to the crew!” Hondo replied to the person over the comm. Rainbow lifted her hand as she looked at Hondo, a smirk growing on her face. “Race me. If you want me to join your crew, I need to know if you can keep up.”

Hando raised a blaster and shot it near Rainbow Dash’s feet. “We’re pirates, remember! The only ones making the demands or deals is us!” Hando’s smirk started to look a little more upset, like he was getting impatient. “However...a race does sound like fun!”

“You choose the place.” Rainbow Dash said, holding her arms behind her back, a red streak of electricity streaming downwards as her eyes went back to magenta. “I don’t know the ship well and you’ve seem to be on ships like this before.”

“You don’t have to worry about the Republic Fleet coming, Hondo. They’re busy at the moment.” the voice told him and Rainbow glanced at the ceiling. “Sorry, I have to keep an eye on these things.”

“No problem, Zenith.” there was silence in response to Rainbow’s statement. “It wasn’t that hard to figure out who the traitor was. Pir wanted to know who was with you specifically. He wanted to keep an eye on….”

“You wanted to race. Remember? Now, where is a good place to finish?” Hondo interrupted as he moved forward looking down at Rainbow Dash. She glanced up at him as he stroked his chin in thought looking down each of the halls.

“Since I’m in control of the ship, I make the decision on what this race is going to be.” Zenith said, causing both to have a look of irritation. “Hondo, since you caused the recruits scatter, you two will be having a race to gather as many recruits as possible.”

Hondo looked at Rainbow Dash and they stared at each other as Zenith continued. “You will have to bring them to engineering where I will keep an eye on them.”

“It is as if you expect me to cheat.” Hondo gasped, though Rainbow could tell he was faking it.

“The race starts now.” Zenith said and Rainbow Dash took off not even looking back at Hondo. He looked at a few of his men and nodded his head before moving off in another direction. A few of the pirates headed after Rainbow Dash.

“Okay, I have to find the recruits… wait four of them are in engineering already.” Rainbow Dash mused before heading to the medical bay knowing that Kory and the one called Shae was already there. It was also a good time to check on Colonel Pir. Flapping her wings for a bit Rainbow Dash focused on running as fast as she could. Her speed increased as she headed in the direction that they had just come from. She drew closer and noticed a few pirates coming around the corner.

“Looks like he can’t play fair.” Rainbow growled under her breath, fingers digging into her palm. The pirates cackled as they moved towards her and she moved forward just as someone dove out of the infirmary. It was the redhead from earlier, Shae. She leaped upon the pirate slamming her fist into his face.

“Hut’tuun!” she shouted and Rainbow Dash ran forward, slamming into one of the pirates. Only for him to let out a sneer and she looked up seeing it was a rather large one. He pushed her back before punching her back saying. “Little girl wants to fight?”

Rainbow landed on the ground shaking her head trying to clear before she was lifted up by the collar.

“Rainbow Dash!” Kory called out, Rainbow’s eyes flickered to the medbay where pirates were starting to try to get into. Shae was doing her best to keep them back. Anger and rage surged through her, irises becoming a solid red. Her hands reached up, red lightning arcing over them, and she grabbed onto the pirates wrist causing him to yell out. She brought her legs up and kicked him into the chest sending him flying. Her wings spread before folding back like a cape before she charged forward dodging the attacks.

“Rainbow?” Kory called out as Rainbow fought against pirates. “Something is not right, Colonel?”

“Agreed.” Pir pushed himself to a sitting position blaster in his hand. He fired at a few of the pirates watching them go down. A few flew past the door, red lightning surrounding their bodies. Rainbow moved with them a grin on her face, only for Shae to grab her holding her back. Pir went to climb off the bed only for Kory to place a hand on his shoulder saying. “We’ve got this, rest sir.”

Frowning Pir settled on the bed as Kory walked out, she touched Rainbow’s shoulder saying. “Rainbow? We’re alright now, calm down.”

Rainbow’s breath began to calm before she blinked and looked over at Kory. She shook her head for a moment, clearing it saying. “Thanks… right! The race! Kory, I need you and uh… Shae to get to engineering. I’m in the middle of a race at the moment to find the other recruits.”

“Then we should go with you. We know the recruits and the ship better than you.” Shae explained grabbing a blaster off of one of the pirates. Kory gave her a disapproving look and Shae looked at the blaster before fiddling with it.

“I have it on stun.” Shae told her and Kory nodded her head. “Come on.”

Kory shut the door of the medbay giving a nod to Colonel Pir. Shae was keeping a lookout for more pirates heading their way.

“Kimble would be at the bridge… or at an area that he could defend.” Kory surmised and Rainbow Dash nodded her head. “Do you know which way the pirate went?”

“The opposite direction from the airlock.” answered Rainbow Dash causing Kory to sigh. “He’s got the advantage doesn’t he?”

“If he’s smart he’d use his crew to either herd the recruits to him or round them up.” Shae commented as they began their journey. “Verge and Xestu would be the easiest to find, they would be heading towards the pirates. Those two love a good fight. As for the others… I’m not sure. I mean we do have a large group and I only managed to memorize everyone’s names and races.”

Rainbow Dash twitched as Kory spoke up. “Rainbow Dash arrived at the last minute, I don’t think she had the time to meet everyone. Right?”

“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash nodded her head as she continued on. “I’m the new girl alright.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen your species before.” Shae commented moving up next to her. “Are they new to the Republic?”

“I’m new to the Republic, I’m new to everything. I joined to help the Clones and to find my friend. I don’t….” Rainbow sighed as Kory looked at Shae, realization dawning on both their faces. Kory placed a hand on her shoulder saying. “We’re sorry, we didn’t know. We’ll help you out, after all going into this blind is a bad idea.”

“Well we’ll have to figure out something fast. Without communications, that Shabuir has the advantage.” Shae pointed out and Kory straightened her back as if she thought of something. “Communications. That’s it!”

Both Shae and Rainbow Dash looked at her as Kory explained. “Most of the recruits are going to try and send out communications. Try to get help.”

“But Zenith is in charge of the ship, she’ll be in control of the communications as well.” Rainbow Dash pointed out and Shae tilted her head back as she explained. “Oh, that’s not going to stop them Rainbow. No matter what, we’re still going to need help.”

Nodding her head Kory led the group to the communications center. Two of the recruits were standing out front. One was large in stature though his head was covered by a mask hiding his appearance. The other was of a strange species, with maroon scaly skin and face hidden by a mask.

“Jysh, Rhan, is Kimble in there?” Kory called out as they approached and the two looked at each. The larger one stepped forward saying. “Yes, but he wants Recruit Dash to stay outside.”

“Out of the way Rhan, I’m going to deal with this grudge once and for all.” ordered Shae as she pushed past the two. Rainbow Dash just stood in front of the two as Kory shook her head saying. “Those two are going to get into a fight that we don’t have time for.”

“Is there something we need to know?” Rhan asked looking down at the two and Kory looked over her shoulder saying. “Yeah, Rainbow and the Pirate Captain are racing to gather the recruits. If Rainbow loses then she has to go with them, if they lose they leave us and the ship alone.”

“That’s a win-win for Kimble.” Jysh pointed out just as a slap was heard from the room.

“She’s completely new Kimble! She joined the Republic to find her friend and help the clones out! You don’t get to judge her for how fast she went through! Even she found that suspicious but she’s going with it because she wants to help! Are you really going to judge her because of that?” Shae’s voice was loud and clear, the anger and the irritation was evident. “That is the reason all of us are here! We’re the rejects! Species that are either seen as not helpful or their race joined the Separatists and they want to prove a point! Now stop acting like a child and help us out!”

“Think we should head in now?” Rainbow asked and Jysh looked in before waving his hand. They walked in seeing Kimble glaring at Shae who was now standing by Donnell. She glanced at them saying. “I should introduce the ones here to Rainbow Dash. Since I don’t think there were any formal introductions of people and species. Can’t give anymore detail right now, but you can ask them. Ivama Rhan, we don’t actually know his species. I don’t think he’s ever taken off that mask. Sein Jysh is a Kaleesh, his species joined the Sepratists. Donnell Tyth, human. Verga and Xetsu are Zabraks, two different types. I’m Shae Lyrua, a human I was born on Mandalore. Kory is a Togruta. Koz Si is a Selonian, he’s the only one with fur. He’s normally seen with Caece Zima, both are from Corellia.”

“Where’s everyone else?” Rainbow remembered a lot more people in their class and Shae shook her head saying. “Everywhere else, Kimble sent them out scouting without knowing the full situation or the deal you made.”

“What deal?” Kimble’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Shae who leaned her head back saying. “Rainbow had to stay behind or else the pirate wouldn’t have let us move Colonel Pir. She’s in the middle of a race to gather as many recruits as possible or go with the pirate. Zenith is the traitor, but she’s onboard with this race and in control of the system.”

“Great, so she’s just getting into more trouble already.” Kimble sighed before Donnell spoke up. “Actually I think I’ve figured out what caused the hyperdrive to activate. It’s the computer, it’s currently down, but watch this.”

Rainbow Dash moved to look at the image on the screen.

“This is about the time that Rainbow Dash electrocuted it, the engineering computer registered the computer for the hyperdrive activating. Colonel Pir has all data recorded, but this data is corrupted. Zenith wasn’t working on anything at the time so I did a little digging. The computer for the hyperdrive was found on Iokath. The scientists were hoping that a computer from there would aid in making hyperdrive travel easier and this was a test ship. However it didn’t work, so they removed the computer only to find that its banks were empty. I’m thinking that there was an AI from Iokath in there and remained within the ship. So I decided to check to see if there were any outgoing signals that Zenith might not be aware of and… check it out.”

“I’m guessing none of that information was readily available.” Kimble pointed out and Donnell looked at him. “Not that we really care.”

“Looks like there is a signal we can bounce off of.” Kory mused looking at Kimble who nodded his head. “I just can’t figure out how far it goes.”

“Not far enough, unfortunately.” Donnell sighed and Rainbow looked at her hands saying. “There might be a way. One of the abilities I have allows me to see where my friends are or people I’ve met at least. Can’t I use that and you can somehow use the signal if I plug it in?”

“We can see. Can you use it right now?” Rainbow Dash nodded her head as she focused on Aanakin running her fingers across her wings and hold it out towards the computer. A darker blue, almost indigo, strand floated out and moved through the computer.

“Woah, this is amazing. Yeah, we can definitely work with this… though could you connect with Admiral Yularen? He’s probably more battle ready then anyone else.” Donnell suggested and Rainbow Dash breathed her minding focusing on Yularen. The strand didn’t change much, except that it became more of the indigo in color.

“Perfect! Now we just need to send out a brief message.” Donnell said typing away quickly, his eyes scanning the screen as the words were typed up. Just then there was a shout from down the hallway. “SEAL UP THE…!”

The person was cut off after a sound echoed down.

“That was Kord, he’s in trouble.” Ivama called in and Rainbow Dash kept focusing. “You better hurry up, we’re about to be facing a large group of pirates.”

“There!” Donnell gave a shout of joy just as he sent the message. Ivama was about to say something when something hit him causing him to collapse. Rainbow Dash banished the cord spinning around just as the pirates flooded the room. Most of the recruits looked to be ready for a fight as Hondo walked in. “Oh thank you! You have made my job easier. You are a recruit as well.”

Rainbow Dash glared at Hondo saying. “That’s cheating!”

“Me? Cheat? My friend, we are pirates, there are no rules!” Hondo pointed out as the pirates grabbed the recruits by the arms. Rainbow Dash was pulled from the room struggling against the grip to no avail. They were taken to engineering where they were all pushed into a group. Zenith was sitting on the edge of one of the consoles. Her arms were crossed as she looked at the recruits and the pirates.

“You just had to find a loophole.” She sighed spotting Rainbow Dash in the group. “Well I didn’t say that Rainbow Dash didn’t count.”

“Who’s side are you on anyways?!” shouted Kimble only to have one of the pirates to pistol whip him. Zenith shrugged her shoulders as she slid off the console saying. “I owed Hondo one. Can’t leave that one in the air. He’ll milk that for all that it is worth.”

Hondo chuckled as he looked at Zentih saying. “I believe this is my victory.”

“I guess it is, sorry Rainbow Dash a deal is a deal.” Zenith commented looking at Rainbow Dash, just before the console went off. “What the? Hondo, we’ve got trouble. Republic ships are dropping out of hyperspace.”

“How is that possible? You said you had control of the ship!” Hondo moved next to Zenith who typed away furiously as Donnell hid a grin.

“I did! There were no outgoing transmissions of any kind!” Zenith replied before looking at Hondo. “You better get out of here Hondo, Pir will keep me out of trouble. Most likely won’t take me on one of these training missions for a while.”

Hondo had already rushed forward and grabbed onto Rainbow’s arm saying. “Until we meet again my friends!”

Rainbow Dash felt herself get dragged along, surprised at the pirate’s strength. They were followed by the other pirates cutting off the other recruits from following. Rainbow Dash was pulled to the airlock that the pirates had used. Her hopes and dreams of aiding the Clones were starting to get smaller and smaller as they got closer. There was a creaking sound and Hondo’s eyes widened as blaster fire flew past his head. “To the ship!”

The pirates rushed towards the airlock as something wrapped around Rainbow’s arm. She felt herself get pulled away from Hondo whose eyes narrowed. Rainbow looked behind her seeing Shae with some device strapped to her wrist that the cable was attached to.

“Farewell my non pirate friends!” Hondo called out as he left the ship. The door sealed behind him and Rainbow looked up a grin on her face. “Thanks guys.”

“We can never leave a teammate hanging.” Kimble’s voice said from within the group as he walked out with Pir next to him. “I just needed to be reminded of that.”

“We all did.” Rainbow replied as Shae removes the cable glancing at Pir. “What about Zenith?”

“Let me deal with her. She is currently in contact with Admiral Yularen, after all she is the second highest ranking officer on the ship.” Pir shook his head with a sigh before straightening his back. “I’m proud of all of you, despite some struggles you managed to pull through as a unit and come out on top. I can see all of you making it through and becoming valued members of the Republic Navy. Now get to bed, I expect you to be up by 0500. Training starts tomorrow.”

Training Completed

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Chapter Seventeen: Training Completed

Rainbow Dash didn’t know how she survived the last four months of training. Not only did they have to train on the ship and get supplies but any ship that tried to tow them would mysteriously go off line. Yet when the time for training was complete the hyperdrive turned back on proving Donnell’s theory about an A.I. being in the system. Rainbow Dash was sitting in the mess hall eating while they travelled back to Coruscant. Dallia Koj, a human from the planet Alderaan was chatting nearby with the Bothan known as Kord Ferrila.

“Do you really think there is going to be a ceremony?” Kord asked quietly leaning forward and Dallia nodded her head, blowing her brown hair out of her face. “It probably won’t be a big ceremony, due to the war going on, but there has to be something. I mean normally it’s around five people who pass the basic training.”

“For good reason, they need to make sure that everyone who joins the Navy is loyal to the Republic.” Kord pointed out, this caused Rainbow Dash to glance over. “With the war going on they need to rely on the Clones because they're trained and genetically programmed to be loyal to the Republic.”

“That’s… not true actually. Trained yes, but there are some who notice that they are treated less than people. Some take it... badly, others just accept their fate.” Rainbow Dash spoke up causing both of them to look at her. “They’re still people through and through.”

“It kind of makes me feel bad for them.” Dallia’s shoulders dropped. “It’s too bad we can’t join the Grand Army of the Republic. That way we can be planet side with them!”

“Yeah, but it’s just the Jedi and the Clones doing all the fighting.” Shae commented as she sat down at the table. “So, it’s our job to make sure that the ship is still there when they get back.”

“One problem, the Clones work the ships as well. Our jobs will most likely be on Coruscant.” Kord explained causing all the recruits to frown.

“Well… until they need us and I’ve got a feeling that there will be plenty of missions that require our skills.” Rainbow Dash said, making sure there was no one behind her before stretching out her wings for a moment. “They can’t just waste talent because they're afraid. We’ve got what it takes to fight alongside our fellow soldiers. Whether in the ships or on the ground.”

“True that. I mean look at Admiral Yularen, he’s proved himself.” mused Shae before waving Kory and Donnell over. “Any luck figuring out the A.I?”

“Nope, the thing is ancient but intelligent. All I know is that when I told Zenith what I discovered she was pissed. I think she knows more about what’s going on but can’t tell us.” Donnell sighed, shaking his head. “She told me not to worry about it and that Colonel Pir and her were going to look into it.”

“Why are we still trusting her?” Dallia questioned looking around at the others. “She tried to hand the ship over to pirates.”

“Because she is still a good engineer and she did say she owed that Hondo guy one. He seems the type to milk an I.O.U. for all it’s worth.” Rainbow said, shaking her head. “Plus she isn’t loyal to them, it seems to be more of a friendly rivalry.”

“Some rivalry, though you got to admit. That pirate is persistent.” Kord said with a grin growing on his face. “Lexxi was on the bridge during his last visit. She closed the holocall and he just tried again. Why do you think he stopped?”

“Not a good investment.” Shae spoke stabbing at her food before glancing at them. “He’s not getting anything worth his time. With heavily armed Republic ships coming and going, he’s not able to get close to us… or Rainbow Dash. Did you ever find out how he knew you had wings?”

“Nope, though I haven’t had the chance to talk to him with all the training.” Rainbow Dash shrugged, taking a bite from her food. “Just hope the reason isn’t because he met my friend.”

Rainbow’s shoulders dropped as she thought about Fluttershy. She hadn’t been able to check up on her and when she did it was always on the same planet. She wasn’t sure if she was even seeing her. She felt a hand on her shoulder before it was pulled away quickly. “Ah, I’m sure your friend is alright.”

Looking next to her she saw Kord rubbing his hand slightly. “Are you alright?”

“Just… the red lightning zapped me. It just stings, I’m sure it will go away.” Kord told her and Dallia tilted her head back studying Rainbow asking. “I’ve been meaning to ask about that. Is that a normal thing for your species?”

“Nope, I think it has something to do with a gift that was granted to me.” mused Rainbow going back to eating. “Still trying to figure it out.”

“Well if you need help, I’m always willing to hook you up to a machine and see what causes what.” suggested Dallia before Colonel Pir’s voice spoke over the intercom. “Recruits, welcome back to Coruscant. Please return to your bunks until we have landed and make sure you grab all of your personal items. That includes your computer Zenith, we can’t have another incident like last time.”

“Makes me wonder what happened the last time she played traitor.” Shae chuckled and Donnel picked up his tray saying. “Actually Zenith isn’t always the traitor. Sometimes she’s on as an advisor, always by Pir’s side taking notes. He’ll bring in people he knows look young enough to play the role of a fellow recruit and who he knows personally.”

“You heard that from Zenith?” Dallia asked and Donnell shook his head as he replied. “No, I ask Colonel Pir about her and why she was so familiar with the ship. If she was only here to play the traitor once in a while she wouldn’t have known where to hide. If Colonel Pir trains any kind of recruits once in a while, due to the fact that the Republic didn’t need soldiers before this, that would mean Zenith would have been on this ship maybe once before now.”

“Good point.” Rainbow scarfed her food watching as the other recruits climbed to their feet. She followed them back to their bunks before remembering that all she had now was her casual clothes and her communicator. Her heart twinged as she thought about Equestria again. Her posters, her friends, her trophies, she was missing it again. The door to her shared bunk opened to Lexxi sitting in the lower bunk looking at a picture. Her eyes were glazed as she stroked the image.

“Family?” Rainbow asked startling her, Rainbow smiles as she sat next to her glancing at the picture.

“My ancestors, from a time when the Republic didn’t have a clone army. During the Galactic Cold War. They were heroes, they were the only heroes who truly understood to truly fight for the Republic. Not for political ideals, but for freedom. They were never afraid to stand up for what was right. From what I hear, you’re not afraid either.”

“That’s because I don’t like bullies. I’m going to call them out on it and stand up for those they pick on.” Rainbow rubbed her arm thinking about what Dooku told her. “I do have a question, since I did rush into this.”

“What is it?” Lexxi asked, looking at Rainbow Dash who took a deep breath before speaking. “Why did the Separatists leave the Republic?”

“I’m… not sure.” Lexxi pondered on the question before leaning back. “The reason I hear was because they were angry at the excessive amounts of taxation and corruption within the Galactic Senate. I think it’s that as well as a sense of dissatisfaction and neglect by the Core Worlds. Most of those who seceded are from the Mid to Outer Rim who aren’t as… wealthy as the Core Worlds. The Core Worlds contain some of the most wealthiest and prestigious planets… and planets that have been forgotten. I think that if they wanted to leave the Republic should have considered the reason why. Started making the changes, I’m probably not doing any favors by telling you this.”

“Actually, if people want things to change they should be an example and be the change they want to be. I just don’t get why the Republic wanted them to stay instead of respecting their wishes to leave. Where I’m from, if you want to leave Equestria, Princess Celestia would be sad but wouldn't try to stop you.” Rainbow felt a hand on her shoulder. “I’m a lot farther away and it’s not getting any easier the longer I’m here.”

“I’m sure you’ll find a way home. Try not to take too long packing.” Lexxi told her as she stood up grabbing her bag. She walked to the door and paused like she was about to say something before shaking her head leaving. Rainbow Dash froze seeing the old man again. His head turned like he was watching Lexxi before turning his attention to Rainbow Dash. She was on her feet in seconds as he did something that he had never done before. He walked towards her.

“What do you want?” Rainbow asked, swallowing a few times panic gripping her heart. The old man locked eyes with Rainbow Dash as he stood before her. She tilted her head back.

“You are not as powerful as you could be.” He spoke and Rainbow frowned, her arms crossing as he moved past her. “Why are you holding yourself back?”

“Because others could get hurt if I don’t even understand these powers myself. The other part is because when I use them I feel like I’m not the one controlling them. I have to get myself under control.” Rainbow spoke as the man looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. “Let me guess, you have a faster way. Who are you anyway?”

“There is no shortcut to grow more powerful that you would approve of.” The man said and Rainbow cocked her head to the side, her eyebrows furrowing. “My name… Etaitiv Kaas shall suffice for now.”

He lifted his hand just as Rainbow Dash was about to speak. All air felt like it had left her lungs as an impossible mist surrounded them.

“Rainbow? You ready?” Kory’s voice snapped Rainbow back to reality. She grabbed the clothes before heading out of the bunk quickly. She glanced behind herself not seeing the man anymore. She jumped when Kory moved in front of her. “Rainbow, are you alright?”

Rainbow pondered what to tell Kory before saying. “Kind of, just tired.”

Kory glanced at Rainbow for a while before moving on saying. “Just make sure to rest up.”

Rainbow nodded her head, she was glad for Kory. She didn’t seem to ask too many questions and spent most of her free time in the infirmary. Normally Rainbow would be in there for overworking herself. It was one of the habits she had gotten into since Kimble started pushing her. ‘That is one person who knows just how to get a rise out of someone.’ she thought, a smirk growing on her face as she saw the other recruits ahead of her. She waved at them knowing they were all ready to begin the next step into the Republic Navy.

Rainbow Dash stood awkwardly amongst the crowd. Dallia was right, there was a ceremony. Then a party congratulating them, her problem was that Anakin and the Clones weren't there. Chancellor Palpatine was going around giving his congratulations to the newly graduated. Rainbow’s wings twitched in impatience. She only wanted to stay for some of the formalities so she could go off and celebrate with the people she was comfortable with. She hadn’t been able to see Tank and the others since training started.

“Ah Miss Dash, I must say I was unsure at first of how well you would do under Colonel Pie’s training.” Palpatine’s voice snapped Rainbow back to reality as she quickly focused on him. “You have done quite well.”

“Thanks.” Rainbow replied, spotting the outstretched hand and shook it once. “Would it be rude if I ducked out early? I want to go celebrate….”

Rainbow trailed off as she began to think about how they were going to pay. Palpatine gave her a warm smile as he told her. “My dear, some of your fellow recruits have already left. I am curious, why did you choose to join the Republic Navy?”

Rainbow paused unsure of how to answer the Chancellor. A lot of her reasoning dealt with the Clones and with the information she had found out about why the Separatists made her worried about how her answer was going to sound.

“I….” a loud booming voice cut her off. “Chancellor!”

Both Rainbow Dash’s and Palpatine’s heads turned, seeing a large Cathar strolling up to them. Rainbow swore that his hand was larger than her head in her Equestrian form. Next to him was Kimble who looked rather small in comparison.

“Ah, Mr. Kimble, I must say your son’s performance was exceptional from what I hear.” Palpatine’s smile did not waver though Rainbow did not that there was a slight irritation in his eyes at the interruption.

“Alexander has always put in extra effort when he finds a challenge.” Kimble’s father spoke before he looked at Rainbow Dash. “This must be the latecomer.”

“Yes, this is Miss Rainbow Dash. I do believe she was planning on celebrating her graduation with some of her friends.” Rainbow Dash nodded her head at the statement.

“I’m Gerak Kimble, I do hope you and my son work well with each other,” Kimble’s father stated and Rainbow nodded her head before saying. “Nice to meet you Mr Kimble!”

She was heading off knowing both were watching her until she rounded the corner. Once she got outside she took off towards the apartment landing right outside the doors. She saw Crossbones lounging on what seemed to be a new sofa. She entered her apartment and walked into the main room saying. “I see someone decided I needed more furniture.”

“General Skywalker wanted to surprise you.” Crossbones said and Rainbow raised her eyebrow saying, “Not much of a surprise with you sitting on it.”

“That wasn’t the surprise he was referring to.” Rainbow spun around seeing Anakin, Ahsoka, and Padme standing right behind her. “No Master Sass Lord, he’s busy.”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but grin at the use of the nickname. Instead of commenting on Anakin using the nickname she instead replied. “Shouldn’t you be out fighting?”

“And miss the chance to see you finishing your training? Never.” Anakin grinned before Padmé nudged him in the side. “I’m also prepping for my next mission.”

“Do you know what your first assignment will be?” Ahsoka spoke up, Rainbow shook her head saying. “I think we’ll find out in a few days though. I’ve been hearing rumors about what we will be doing.”

“Well, whatever it is, I’m sure it will put your skills to good use.” Anakin told her that was when a hand clasped Rainbow’s shoulder as Crossbones announced. “Are we going to stand around or are we gonna celebrate?!”

Rainbow Dash chuckled as the music began to play her eyes glancing at the main room. New furniture decorated the placing causing her to shift as she told Anakin. “You guys didn’t have to do this.”

“We wanted to, you had no time to even get this place set up.” Anakin shook his head fiddling with a box in his hand. “You know between being stuck and training.”

“Thanks.” Rainbow moved to join the fun before turning around. What’s in the box?”

“Open it and find out.” Anakin tosses the box to Rainbow who just narrowed her eyes at him before opening it up.

“A rock?” Rainbow asked, taking the object out of the box and examining it. “Wait a minute….”

“That’s the rock you had on Moraband. We couldn’t find anything strange with it so they allowed me to return. With the rest of your stuff.” Anakin explained watching as Rainbow Dash flattened out her palm saying. “You were hiding, weren’t you?”

“I may have trusted three of the Jedi with your life. It does not mean I trust the rest of them.” Cassandra’s voice echoed in her mind causing Rainbow to smile.

“I take it your friend is alright?” Anakin asked quietly and Rainbow nodded. “Well that’s good… I better stop Crossbones from teasing my apprentice.”

“He does it in good fun.” Rainbow followed after Anakin, joining the group, earning a head pat from Crossbones as the other Clones entered the room. The celebration lasted all night.

Rainbow rolled over in her sleep her eyes moving under her lids.

Lightsabers clash against each other, sparks almost flying. Gold eyes under a mask narrow. A lightsaber breaks apart revealing a pink gem. Teal eyes open as a hand reaches out grasping the gem.

Rainbow’s eyes fly open, multitudes of pink strands surrounding her.

The Assignment

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Rainbow Dash sat on her balcony watching the speeders passby. She blinked as she curled her wings around herself. ‘What is Fluttershy doing? At least I assume that it was Fluttershy. The strands were the ones I summoned when I look for her.’ Rainbow Dash buried her face into her hands. She heard a speeder approach and a voice call out. “Hey Rainbow Dash! You busy?”

‘Wait…’

“Rainbow?” a shadow blocked the light from Rainbow causing her to look up to see a familiar face though something was off.

“Zenith? Can Twi’leks grow hair?” Rainbow asked, staring into the familiar light blue eyes. Zenith grinned as she replied. “Part Twi’lek. I’ve got a little Chiss, Human, Twi’lek, and something that no one can identify. We’re guessing it’s where the abundance of hair comes from. Shouldn’t you be going to see Master Yoda or something?”

“I’m working my way up to it.” responded Rainbow as her eyebrows furrowed. “How did you know about me going to see Master Yoda?”

“Because, I was the one who was taunting you before you started training. I couldn’t figure out if it was a one time thing or not. You kind of answered my question.” Zenith pointed out and Rainbow’s eyes widened. “I was asked to do that, some of the higher ups didn’t really like the fact that the Chancellor kind of dropped you on them and Pir was the only one who decided to take any action. He asked me to get the drop on you and see how you would react. I just thought it would be interesting.”

“He must have liked your assessment then.” Rainbow mumbled burying her face into her knees again. A hand touched her shoulder lightly as Zenith asked with worry in her voice. “What’s wrong?”

“I think my friend, the one I’m looking for, I think she might be in trouble. I just don’t know what to do. Right now I can’t help her, but I can’t just sit here and do nothing. I have to be out there… and I get it, you want to keep an eye on the people who just got out of training. But I can’t do that!” Rainbow said her voice muffled by her own knees. Zenith was quiet for a moment before saying. “I’m sure that your friend got out of there. I mean, you can still summon those strand thingies right?”

“Yeah.” Rainbow glanced over at Zenith who gave her a firm nod before grinning. “Then she’s got to be alright, maybe a little scratched up and if you don’t see any battle droids around her that mean she hasn’t been caught by the Separatists.”

“You know, you’re right!” Zenith grinned as Rainbow Dash spoke watching her climb to her feet. “I’ve got to do what I can right now! The only time I can get worried is if I can’t see her. Thanks Zenith… did you get into a lot of trouble because of what happened?”

Zenith went quiet before shaking her head saying. “Don’t worry about that I….”

“I don’t blame you.” interrupted Rainbow glancing at Zenith as she spread her wings. Zenith laughed as she headed back to her speeder. “A girl’s gotta look after herself in a galaxy like this! See you later Rainbow Dash!”

“See ya!” Rainbow called after her before leaping off the balcony as Zenith folded her arms across her chest as she sat down in her speeder.

“Hmmm… something challenging for her that’ll keep her distracted from finding her.” she muttered under her breath. A grin grew on her face as she flew towards the location of a well known senator. “There is always one thing I can count on. Someone who wants to help and is in danger constantly!”

Rainbow Dash landed at the Jedi temple, her wings folding behind her as she looked around. She noticed a lot more Jedi walking around than usual. ‘I guess they got done with a few missions. Well onto my personal mission to find Master…’ Rainbow’s thoughts were interrupted as a voice called out to her. “If you are looking for Master Yoda he is currently unavailable at the moment.”

Rainbow spun around seeing Obi-wan standing behind her with a smile on his face. She grinned saying. “Good to see that you’re still in one piece. Off on another mission soon?”

“When Anakin gets back yes and I do believe congratulations are in order.” Obi-Wan replied as Rainbow rubbed the back of her head. “I heard that you had inspired the group of recruits you were with several times.”

“They did need a few reminders of what the Republic is fighting for.” Rainbow chuckled before rubbing her eyes.

“You’ve been having dreams again, haven’t you?” questioned Obi-Wan earning a nod from Rainbow Dash. “Do you want to share or should I start guessing?”

“There isn’t much to them, I’m just worried. All I saw was gold eyes behind a gold mask, what looked to be a lightsaber shattering, and a hand grasping a pink crystal. No blade shards though….” Rainbow trailed off as she cast a sideways glance up towards Obi-Wan who was stroking his beard. “Anything catch your attention?”

“Possibly, I do want to look into something first. Is this the first time you had this dream?” Obi-Wan’s next question caused Rainbow to sigh. “They have been recurring for at least a day or so, haven’t they?”

“Yup.” Rainbow grumbled before shaking her head. “I think it’s just anxiety over being stuck here while the fighting is going on out there.”

“I’m sure you’ll find your way to your friend eventually. It will require patience.” Obi-Wan told her leaning forward slightly to look her in the eyes. Rainbow hung her head as she replied. “I know, I just….”

A beeping sound from her communicator cut her off causing her to sigh.

“I’ve got to take this, thanks for the talk!” Rainbow said, meeting Obi-Wan’s gaze before walking away. Obi-Wan stood up straight observing her as she answered the call. Her head bobbed before her brows furrowed slightly. She looked back at Obi-Wan before hanging and walked over.

“Is everything alright?” inquired Obi-Wan, Rainbow nodded her head before she responded. “Yeah, Colonel Pir wants me to go to the Senate Plaza for my assignment. Which is weird, because I heard everyone reported to the headquarters. I just find it strange and I’m being treated differently.”

“I think that you should find out what your assignment is before you say that you are being treated differently. It could be that Colonel Pir has entrusted you with a different task.” Rainbow’s shoulders dropped and felt Obi-Wan place a hand on her shoulder as he spoke those words. “You have already proven yourself to the Clones and that shows in the way you act. I trust their judgement, you should too.”

“Thanks General Kenobi.” Rainbow said as she noticed the slight smile on his face. “I should go, thanks for the pep talk!”

Obi-Wan removed his hand and watched as Rainbow Dash ran towards the edge and jumped off her wings flapping as she flew away. A frown grew on his face as he thought about what she had said about the lightsaber shattering. The Clones had discovered parts of a double-bladed lightsaber on Hypori and yet it had not been wielded by any of the Jedi present. It was also strange that just the Kyber Crystal had gone missing. ‘Perhaps her friend is more involved than we originally thought.’ he mused before heading into the temple to consult the survivors to find out if they had sensed anything.

Rainbow Dash was amazed at the sight of the Senate Plaza, she had to admit that Coruscant was still amazing despite the monotone appearance of the buildings. She moved towards the Senate tower spotting Colonel Pir quiet easily. She saluted him properly before he indicated for her to relax.

“Uh, sir? Why are we here?” she questioned and Pir turned leading her into the building speaking as he walked. “Zenith brought up an interesting point to me earlier, that your specialty was sensing loyalties and bringing forth those loyalties. Any position would help you develop those abilities, interrogation, analysis, yet she also brought up the fact that you are a protector. I have seen that myself. So there is one assignment we believe that would suit you the best.”

Rainbow followed Pir into a lift feeling herself getting more and more nervous before the door slid open and they moved past delegates. Most casting the two a strange glance, Pir looked at all the doors before pausing and peering in. He took a step back and leaned against the wall nearby resting his head back saying. “They should be breaking for a recess soon… I hope.”

“Who?” asked Rainbow Dash, looking at Pir who just gave her a grimace saying. “The Galactic Senate, welcome to the Heart of the Republic.”

“Your sarcasm is palpable Colonel Pir.” a familiar voice called out from the room as Senator Amidala walked out her eyes glancing between the two. “I will tell you this now, I do not approve of this assignment. I do not need to be protected.”

“It will be good for Rainbow Dash to understand the way the Republic works as well as easing the hearts and minds of those who care about you. After what happened with Ziro the Hutt we need someone to keep an eye on you to get you out of dangerous situations.”

The argument continued on, so Rainbow decided to prop herself against the wall. She was feeling a bit drained as images and whispers of loyalties started to get louder and louder until Pir’s voice sounded like a shout. “Recruit Dash do you sense any assassins at this very moment?”

“Three… four actually. That guy is one.” Rainbow said nodding her head to what appeared to be a page of sorts. His demeanor changed as he passed his hands reaching for a blaster hidden under his robes. Pir leapt into action subduing him quickly and placing an arm in the man’s mouth to prevent him from trying to kill himself. Padmé noticed Rainbow Dash slumping slightly and went to check on her. Concern was evident in her brown eyes as Pir said. “You both would work well together. I would rather it be Recruit Dash looking after you than anyone else. I’ll send over the necessary procedures for watching over a Senator after I take this one in.”

“Guess you’re stuck with me for now.” Rainbow joked giving Padmé a wry smile though she was trying to shake the tired feeling. “Plus this means I get to travel more, right?”

“I guess so.” concern was evident as Padmé spoke but she kept it hidden from those who passed by. “You need to rest.”

“I need to get out of this place, so many different loyalties at once. It’s kind of making me queasy and I don’t get queasy often. I can spin out and still be fine.” revealed Rainbow Dash managing to get to her feet. “Guess this is something I have to get over but… wow my head hurts.”

Padmé sighed as she looked into the room where the Galactic Senate would meet knowing that it would be hours for tempers to cool and people to be somewhat reasonable again. She led Rainbow Dash away even going back down to the lobby seeing Rainbow’s condition improving the further she got from the Senate Chamber. Bringing her to the Senate Office Buildings, Padmé led Rainbow Dash to her office quickly. She let her sit down as C-3PO came up to check on them.

“Get her some water.” Padmé instructed and the protocol droid headed off to fetch a glass. “Are you feeling better?”

Rainbow nodded her head, just wishing that this wasn’t going to be happening everyday. She glanced at Padmé painting slightly as she asked. “I guess that this isn’t the highlight of the week?”

Padmé shook her head as C-3PO returned and she handed Rainbow Dash the cup of water who drained it rather quickly saying. “I have a lot of protocols to read.”

“Oh my, if there is anything you need to know, all you have to do is ask.” C-3PO stated and Rainbow looked at him before nodding her head stating. “That’ll work.”

Rainbow Dash was about to call the week she had spent with Senator Amidala as eventful. It was mostly standing around and reporting any suspicious activities during the meetings of the Galactic Senate. She had to admit, she did not want to know what Celestia had to put up with back in Equestria. She knew that they held a town hall, but nothing on the scale of the Senate. At the moment she was sitting on a cruiser with Padmé at the helm. Something felt off about the situation, though she had almost fallen asleep during a few of the meetings, she knew that the Banking Clan was fishy at best. To call for a meeting with the Senator, that felt off. Even Chancellor Palpatine had warned her to have protection.

Rainbow was on the edge of her seat, the hairs on the back of her head standing up as Padmé told them that they were approaching the coordinates. They dropped out of hyperspace revealing they had just dropped out in the middle of a battle.

“This isn’t right. That’s a droid warship!” Padmé exclaimed steering their vessel through the fire fight. Rainbow Dash jerked slightly as the battle in space causing her to question out loud. “Does this normally happen on your diplomatic missions?”

“Only the fact that we seem to get shot at.” C-3PO commented as a voice spoke over the communicator. “Naboo cruiser, identify yourself.”

Recognition flew across Padmé’s and Rainbow’s faces as they recognized Ahsoka’s voice.

“This is Senator Amidala.” Padmé replied, communications established and Rainbow Dash saw Anakin asking. “Padmé, what are you doing out here?”

“I was sent on a special mission.” Padmé started to explain and Rainbow Dash felt her wings twitch. “The Senate was told that the Banking Clan wanted to negotiate a treaty.”

“Get out of there as fast as you can.” Anakin warned Padmé who glanced back to Rainbow. Before she could reply the ship shook and C-3PO asked. “Have we been hit?”

“I’m afraid it’s much worse than that.” Padmé bemoaned looking at the dash in front of her. The ship being pulled away from the Republic vessel as Anakin questioned. “Padmé, what is happening?”

“I’m being pulled into the droid cruiser by a tractor beam.” explained Senator Amidala and Rainbow looked at C-3PO who looked back at her. Even though he was a machine she could tell he was concerned as well. Padmé’s voice became clearer. “I will not be made a Separatist bargaining chip. Continue your attack.You must destroy this monstrous ship!”

The signal cut out causing the severity of the situation to rest its full weight on Rainbow’s shoulders. ‘This was a trap. But who set us up?’ she wondered, staring out the window at the battle droids running around.

The Grievous Trap

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Chapter Nineteen: The Grievous Trap

Rainbow Dash gazed out the window as C-3PO walked up to Padmé while she typed away on the computer stating. “It does not look safe out there, my lady.”

“It’s not going to get any safer in here.” Rainbow mumbled as Padmé pointed out. “I see now that this whole thing was a trap and I’m afraid I walked right into it.”

“So we need to walk right out of it then.” replied the fast flier getting up from her seat. Padmé quickly typed away at the panels before quickly getting up from her seat as well explaining. “Come on, I’ve overloaded the power systems.”

“Oh, we’re doomed.” C-3PO bemoaned and Rainbow patted him on the shoulder saying. “Hey, it’ll keep their eyes off of us for about a minute or two. Burning pieces of metal has a tendency of doing that.”

“I suppose so.” mused C-3PO as the two followed Padmé’s lead, she led them to where the docking feet where held and slid out through the open. Rainbow dropped down next to her, the two of them looking up.

“Come on, 3PO, hurry.” Padmé whispered glancing around, C-3PO poking his head through the opening saying quietly. “Hurrying, my lady. I’m not sure this is such a good idea.”

Once C-3PO had climbed down the group rushed over to hide behind crates, Rainbow Dash glancing over and seeing what seemed to be a Kaleesh. ‘But… different. Sein isn’t even that tall.’ Rainbow pondered, only catching the last words he spoke. “...Come with me.”

Her throat went dry as they peered around the crates, she had left her blaster inside the ship. ‘Come on Rainbow Dash, you need to do better than that!’ she berated herself mentally. Padmé shifted keeping C-3PO out of sight as he tried to look as well. The two holding their breaths, Padmé keeping the protocol droid back until the ship exploded. She ushered them behind the crates quickly making their exit. Rainbow glancing at the wreckage quickly before following after them.

They hurried down the hallway, keeping their guard up, until Padmé spotted a panel nearby. She moved next to it examining it. C-3PO moving close saying. “Pardon me, but might I suggest we keep moving? I think I hear battle droids approaching.”

Padmé fiddled with the panel, pressing buttons as both Rainbow Dash and C-3PO looked behind them. Her wings twitched slightly and her fists clenched. She had to protect them, it was her duty.

“But we also need to protect the fleet.” responded Padmé causing Rainbow to glance at her as she continued to press buttons. “If I can just get this comm panel working.”

C-3PO glanced around the corner before recoiling and moving up to Padmé again saying. “My lady, I’m afraid I was right.”

Padmé glanced over before ducking behind debris, Rainbow Dash flew up pressing both her hands and feet against the walls to hold her in place. She watched as the strange Kaleesh approached stopping to observe the panel.

“Uh, General.” a droid spoke, Rainbow assumed it was over a commlink. The General snapped harshly. “What?”

“The damage to the hyperdrive wasn’t as bad as we first thought.” Rainbow watched the General look back and forth as if ready to do… something. “We should be able to get underway again shortly.”

“I must inform Count Dooku. Stay here.” Rainbow’s heart sank when she heard those words. Count Dooku. ‘It can’t be the same guy. It just can’t be.’ she thought her head was feeling light. ‘Why did he leave me alive then? Why did he… he was trying to keep me out of the Republic. What’s his plan?’

“Continue the search.” ordered the General pressing a claw against one of the droid’s chestplate. “Find the stowaways and bring them to me.”

“Roger, roger.” the droid replied, all the droids watching as the Kaleesh General moved passed them before they all continued to march. Waiting until they were passed before she released her grip and her breath. Rainbow managed to hover down the floor as Padmé and C-3PO came out from behind their debris.

“I’m surprised he didn’t notice you up there.” C-3PO said and Rainbow Dash nodded her head taking in air. “Though I suppose your uniform helped you blend in.”

“I don’t think that was the reason.” Rainbow replied, shaking her head as she got to her feet. “What now Senator?”

“Now, we get in contact with the ship.” explained Padmé moving back to the console and began working on it. “Almost… got it!”

“I’m going to keep an eye out further ahead.” Rainbow told them as she looked around. “I’ll keep up high, but I won’t be far.”

“Stay safe.” it was what Rainbow Dash knew as a kind order from Padmé. Rainbow smiled at her before flying up near the ceiling moving just out of normal hearing range. She glanced around for any sign of the battle droids. She closed her eyes trying to refocus herself, though it was harder with the new information she had found out. ‘Dooku, what is his relationship to the Separatists. The Kaleesh General… robot guy seems to be under him. That would mean that Dooku is at least high up amongst their rankings. Could he be leading them? Then how did he manage to get to Coruscant unseen?’

“Rainbow Dash, this way.” Padmé said running underneath her, Rainbow flew down dropping next to them to keep pace. “Anakin and Obi-Wan are on board to rescue us.”

“Aren’t they supposed to be blowing up the ship? Why aren’t they doing that?” Rainbow questioned and Padmé gave her a look saying. “No one gets left behind. We’re going to be meeting them towards a large opening at the center of the ship.”

After a little bit they slowed down coming to the middle. Rainbow Dash blinked at the rail systems, she was getting an idea on how big the ship was.

“This is where we are supposed to meet them.” Padmé said, looking down a small smile on her face.. “He’s probably late again.”

Rainbow chose to ignore the smile as she glanced around the open area. Her head turned as C-3PO spoke. “But we do have company of another sort.”

Battle droids came around the corner, one of them shouting. “Blast them!”

Padmé began to fire as Rainbow Dash held up her hands trying to form a shield as they began to move back. Yet all she could produce was one big enough to form around whoever was in front. She move close enough to Padmé so she could fire but was still blocking most of the shots as they moved backwards down the ramp. Padmé continued to fire before ordering. “Jump!”

“Who, me?” questioned C-3PO before he was pushed off the edge by Padmé and she leapt after him. Rainbow dove off the edge flying to keep up with the train dodging the blaster bolts. She was flying in between the trains when she heard a familiar voice shout. “Padmé!”

“Anakin!” Padmé responded as they glanced towards each other. Rainbow Dash just rolled her eyes not saying a word. Just then Rainbow Dash saw a droid pointing at them with a larger droid firing a single shot. Her teeth gritted as she flew up towards them, energy surging around her as she slammed into them. Red electricity flying around her as she got to her feet on top of the droid’s chestplate.

“Oh no.” the battle droid said before getting hit by a burst of electricity, Rainbow Dash flying up and over the second Super Battle Droid. She used the red lightning hitting it in the back and sending it over the edge. Taking a deep breath she jumped off after it before taking flight after Anakin and Padmé. That was when her comlink went off and Padmé’s voice came through. “Rainbow Dash, I want you to go with Obi-Wan, just in case.”

“Wait, Rainbow Dash is here too?” Anakin's voice came through loud and clear causing Rainbow to wince as she replied. “Yes, Anakin, I’m here. I’m Senator Amidala’s bodyguard, you didn’t think I was going to be here?”

“I was hoping we’d just have two people to worry about.” Rainbow’s eyes narrowed before she turned around snapping. “Hey! I can take care of myself. I’ll stay with Obi-Wan, you two be careful.”

“We will.” was the last response Rainbow got before she turned off her communicator. She flew as fast as she could to catch up with Obi-Wan who greeted her with a nod.

“Let me guess, keep out of sight until you need help?” Rainbow asked as she landed next to him and Obi-Wan nodded saying. “That does sound like a good plan. It would also allow me a bird’s eye view of the situation in case of an ambush.”

He glanced at Rainbow Dash and she gave him a thumbs up as they approached the door. Rainbow lifted herself into the air flying forward as Obi-Wan ran into the room and she flew upwards to keep from being noticed. She watched as he slowed down, taking note that the room was darker than usual as he approached the droids looking at the console. The lights turned on suddenly and Rainbow Dash pressed against the ceiling before flying up a little more to get a better view of the situation. She watched as Super Battle Droids approached Obi-Wan. There were a few regular battle droids there, and a few Destroyers rolled out from behind the console. Rainbow Dash heard mechanical laughter next to her before the General from before leapt out the window landing in front of Obi-Wan but remaining behind a few of the battle droids. “Hello there.”

Rainbow Dash strained her ears to hear what was being said. She couldn’t catch all of the conversation but she did know when the order was given to kill Kenobi. She watched him glance up at her before dispatching most of the droids in the room without her help. Glancing down she watched as one of the Destroyers was pushed towards the Kaleesh General only for him to catch it and throw it off to the side. A few stray blaster bolts flew close to Rainbow Dash causing her to drop down quickly. She made sure to remain behind the battle droids and the General hiding underneath the walkway. From there she could only hear what was going on.

“Impressive.” one of the droids spoke, though shortly after she watched the droid drop.

“Stay here and guard the hyperdrive, I will go after him myself.” The General spoke, Rainbow Dash flew forward as quietly as possible. She didn’t know what to do, she could always attempt to disable the hyperdrive. ‘Remember what happened last time Rainbow Dash. You accidently activated the hyperdrive.’ Rainbow Dash told herself, she grabbed the edge behind the console carefully. She looked over the edge seeing a droid close by. She let go flapping her wings as quietly as possible. ‘If I am going to do that I should wait a little longer to make sure that the General is farther away. Got to get a better view though.’ Peering over the edge once again, Rainbow glanced around for a blind spot. Gritting her teeth Rainbow realized she would have to create a distraction. Wracking her brain for a few seconds Rainbow decided to actually fly up the moment they looked away. She watched the droids counting how long it took for them to return to their original position.

“Do you think the General knows about the guard that the Senator has?” The Battle droid asked, causing the other droid to look at it. “You know, the one she sent with the Jedi.”

“I didn’t see anyone with the Jedi.” The other droid replied and Rainbow took the chance flying upwards quickly. A hand grabbed her ankle slamming her down into the catwalk. Rainbow Dash coughed, she felt herself get lifted into the air. An arc of yellow electricity leaped behind the droids before she was slammed into the ground feeling her consciousness slip as the mechanical voice of the General spoke to her. “You should have remained hidden, Rainbow Dash.”

The Offer

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Chapter Twenty: The Offer

Rainbow’s ears were ringing as she opened her eyes, her body being dragged against the metal ground. A clawed hand gripping the back of her neck and the pace they were moving at suggested that she was in the hands of the General. ‘He’s planning on using me as a shield, isn’t he?’ Rainbow thought as her eyes blinked open. She knew she had to get away, her hands reached back and she tried to loosen the grip to no avail. Instead it tightened, the claws almost digging into her flesh. Lightning arced out from her skin causing the General to turn around and slam her into the ground. Rainbow Dash let out a yell twisting to get away. The General glared at her before dropping her and kicking her in the side. Pain erupted through her entire body as she slid across the ground slamming into a nearby wall. She coughed trying to breath as she was grabbed again. This time it was by the head which was swimming.

“Well that was fun.” a voice spoke causing Rainbow’s eyes to flicker around before landing on the source. She let out a groan as she saw a figure walking next to them. The fact that the General paid no heed signalled that this was most likely a spirit. most likely one the spirits Rainbow had seen during her meditation.

“I mean ‘A’ for effort, but I think you shouldn’t be just using one of the abilities. There are other abilities.” the spirit told her and Rainbow saw the lower half of the figure begin to run before vanishing into yellow lightning. ‘Great, that was really helpful.’ Rainbow grumbled mentally her breathing getting harder. She heard Obi-Wan running up ahead and the pace increased again. She heard the General let out a growl. ‘I can’t let myself be used to kill Obi-Wan.’ Rainbow thought feeling electricity rush throughout her body. She needed to get back to Padmé and Anakin, tell them what was going on. Her body surged forward earning a roar from the General. She didn’t care, she had to get to them, her vision began to blur. Her body jerked, slamming into a nearby wall, the lights flickering before dimming. Rainbow collapsed into a heap as everything seemed to slow down. Footsteps echoed down the hallway.

“You are being reckless, what do you gain by doing this?” Rainbow blinked as mist filled the area. Etaitiv approaches her as she struggled to her feet. He stared down at her before saying. “It is your way I suppose.”

Rainbow was about to speak but pain flooded her senses causing her to drop.

“Your body is not used to the power your abilities wield. You have injured yourself critically.” Etaitiv informed her as Rainbow breathed through clenched teeth. When Rainbow didn’t respond Etaitiv moved past her causing her to stand up and follow after him weakly.

“You seem to know a lot about these abilities of mine.” Rainbow pointed out managing to keep pace with the mysterious elder.

“They are reflections of those who travelled before you. Commanders, leaders, those who understand that war is not just a battlefield but a service to their country. This is your first war.” This statement gave Rainbow Dash pause. “Duty, Honor, Perseverance, Nobility, Justice, Order, Bravery, Integrity, Loyalty. The meaning of the colors, each with their own unique ability.”

“Why are you telling me this?” inquired Rainbow Dash as she stopped in her tracks. Etaitiv turned to look at her, she shivered, staring into his emotionless eyes.

“You are not wise, you are stubborn and brash. Most people would seek to understand a new ability, a new gift. Yet even in your free time you chose to fly and sleep in the clouds. Let me show you what your newest ability can allow.”

Rainbow Dash glanced off to the side as she thought about her response. Looking back at Etaitiv she responded. “Sure, why not.”

Etaitiv moved forward, his fingers barely brushing against her forehead. Power rushed through her veins. The fog swirled around them before vanishing along with Etaitiv revealing Ponyville. It was a normal day, the sun was shining and ponies were going about with their day. Seeing her friends Rainbow Dash ran forward knowing that with their help she could find Fluttershy faster. She barely noticed how fast she had moved.

“Twilight! I need your help finding Fluttershy! It’s rather hard and… Twilight?” Rainbow caught in rather quickly that her friend didn’t even acknowledge her. “Twilight! Applejack! Oh come on!”

Rainbow Dash let out a groan of frustration, the fog returning just as Pinkie Pie passed by. Rainbow looked back to see Etaitiv standing there holding out his hand beckoning for her return. She looked back, knowing that no matter what she would always return. Especially at the moment, she watched Pinkie Pie wave in her direction and for a split second she thought. ‘No. I’m going to return and I’m bringing Fluttershy and the Clones with me.’ she thought before walking back saying. “I could go back, but I have a friend to find first.”

“How truly loyal.” Etaitiv spoke as if there was something interesting in her actions. Yet there was no emotion in his voice as usual so it was difficult to tell. That was when her dream began to glitch, the fog disappearing in some places. Etaitiv’s appearance flickered between that form and a red skinned alien with piercing eyes.

“Rainbow Dash!” Anakin’s voice broke through and Rainbow Dash turned around the mist thickening as she ran towards the sound of her friend’s voice.

C-3PO walked with R2-D2 towards the ship, his optics taking in everything around them. They were going through a particularly dark hallway. The only light coming from R2, it passed over the walls revealing charred patches and puddles of blood.

“I don’t like the looks of this.” C-3PO said as he glanced around. “I wonder what happened here.”

R2 let out a few beeps causing the protocol droid to look at him saying. “A power discharge? Then why didn’t you say anything? We could be in serious danger.”

R2 replied back as he continued to move forward. Though he was taking pictures just in case someone was missing when they found the others.

“R2, are you quite certain the ship is in this direction?” C-3PO questioned as he followed behind the astromech who beeped in response. “This way looks potentially dangerous.”

They stopped right in front of a lift to a door as R2 let out a few chirps. This seemed to upset C-3PO. “I know the whole place is dangerous! I suggest we stay here and let Master Anakin find us.”

The door hissed open and the two droids looked over to see Anakin and Padmé standing there. Anakin looked a little irritated at the fact that the two droids were hanging about there but he says. “3PO what are you doing? Don’t just stand there. Let’s get back to the ship!”

C-3PO watched as they ran past him shaking his head slightly. They moved after him, Anakin revealing that the ship was a lot closer than the protocol droid had originally anticipated. Anakin was busy instructing R2 to power up the engines the sounds of blasters in the distance. Obi-Wan ran down the hall away from Droidekas as they rolled to a stop firing at the Jedi who shouted. “Hold the ship!”

Anakin moved large cubes in the way of the fire as Obi-wan joined them and the doors closed.

“Master Anakin, might I inquire as to where Miss Dash is?” 3PO asked and Anakin looked around saying. “She was with Obi-wan last.”

“We got separated, I tried to tell you before I was jammed. I believe she would have headed back to the rails but I didn’t see her.” Obi-Wan said, Anakin moving towards the door. “Anakin, no. It is too risky.”

“I’m not leaving her behind.” Anakin replied as R2 beeped excitedly, chirps intermixing. “A life form? Is it Grievous?”

“I believe it might be Rainbow Dash. I will go and see.” 3PO told them as they went to take off. The protocol droid walked off of the bridge and into the medical bay stopping in his tracks as he saw Rainbow Dash floating in mid air her whole body enveloped in shadow. Though her outline was in a bright white light. Strands of the same white light were wrapping around her. He took note of the injuries on her, bruises and burns appearing to be glowing white as well. Adding up the total quickly, 3PO knew that Rainbow would need medical attention immediately.

“Oh dear this does not appear to be good.” 3PO said to himself before walking out ready to inform Anakin and Obi-Wan of this. He paused when he noticed they were distracted by oncoming fire and everytime he wanted to speak something rather important was happening. He looked at R2 saying. “I hope there will be enough time to explain that Miss Dash is on board. Though I do not know what is happening with her at the moment. It is strange, she seemed severely injured and yet she managed to make her way onboard the ship without any assistance.”

R2 let out a few worried chirps and 3PO placed a hand on his head saying. “I know and I’m not sure if a medical droid could help her in the state she is in. It is odd the way I found her, I’m not sure there is any historical facts or religious ceremony that would have the sort of state she appears to be in.”

In the background the Malevolent crashed into the moon. Anakin standing up from his seat and looking at C-3PO. “Well?”

“I have found Miss Rainbow Dash, she is on board. However….” C-3PO trailed off and Obi-Wan spoke up sensing worry from the droid. “However?”

“I must show you.” C-3PO led them to the medical bay and Anakin darted forward shouting. “Rainbow Dash!”

“Anakin wait!” Obi-Wan cried out in warning as Padmé moved to check on her as well. “Senator, please. I don’t think we should be moving her or disturbing her in this state.”

“We can’t just leave her like this.” Anakin snapped back and Obi-Wan moved closer saying. “She is injured, Anakin, badly. I can only assume that she encountered Grievous and somehow got away.”

“We did find a hallway that was seemingly damaged by a powersurge.” C-3PO reported looking at the astromech. “There was… blood.”

“That must have been her, but to injure herself by using that power. Anakin, let us wait until we are aboard the ship before even moving her. This state might be the only reason she is alive, if we interrupt it we might lose her.” Obi-Wan told his former Padawan who looked at him then to Padmé. He nodded his head saying. “We’ll be back shortly… R2 I want you to check the ship. Make sure there is nothing new. Rainbow Dash couldn’t have crawled here, we would have noticed it. Either something brought her here and left or it’s still on board the Twilight.”

R2 let out a chirp of affirmation before going to patrol the vessel.

“That is good thinking Anakin.” Obi-Wan told him as they moved back to the bridge and sat down. Padmé decided to remain by Rainbow Dash’s side as they flew back to the ship. C-3PO placed a hand on her shoulder saying. “I am sure she is going to be alright.”

“If I hadn’t ordered her to go with Obi-Wan, she wouldn’t be like this.” Padmé said, her brown eyes looking at the white cord-like strands wrapping around Rainbow.

“I am sure that this was not your fault, you did not know that any of this would happen.” 3PO told her before looking in front of him. “I do not blame you and I am sure Miss Dash does not either.”

“Thanks C-3PO.” Padmé patted the metal hand on her shoulder.

R2 rolled around in the cargo bay, scanning everything carefully as he looked around. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, yet something felt off. Whatever brought Rainbow Dash onboard didn’t trigger any alarms meaning it was careful. Then why would it just turn around and head back to the Malevolence. There was no trace of an intruder so R2 carried on. Inside one of the spare parts containers was a deactivated B1 Battle droid. It’s hand twitched as its head moved up looking around slightly before going back into standby mode.

Reassignment

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Chapter Twenty One: Reassignment

Once the Twilight had docked with the Resolute, Obi-wan sent for clones to give the ship a thorough sweep. Rainbow Dash was quickly removed, the energy surrounding her breaking away in flakes and vanishing when it got too far away from her. When she was off the Twilight, the clones as well as Ahsoka entered, checking the ship carefully.

“Do you really think that a battle droid hid in here?” Ahsoka asked as they searched the hanger. “Or even brought Rainbow Dash on board?”

“We can’t take any chances.” one of the clones replied as they looked behind one of the crates holding spare parts. “Besides, you and I both saw the condition she was in. I doubt she could have moved a finger let alone crawled here.”

Ahsoka thought about it before saying. “That’s a good point. But shouldn’t we be looking for sabotage? If a battle droid is on board wouldn’t they try to….”

Ahsoka’s head turned, hearing something move. She knew that they were the only ones on the ship. The medical droid had even been removed. Eyes narrowing Ahsoka moved towards the source of the noise with the clones behind her. She rounded the corner spotting a lone B1 Battle Droid trying to exit the ship but had knocked over something. She activated her lightsaber and the clones readied their weapons only for the droid to bolt at the sound. Ahsoka leaped forward as the clones fired only for the droid to dodge heading out of the ship.

“Master you were right, there was a battle droid onboard. It’s now on the Resolute.” Ahsoka informed Anakin as she and the Clones followed the droid. “It’s fast!”

“Stay on it! We’re heading in your direction now.” Anakin ordered as the clones fired at the droid only for it to dodge again. Ahsoka gritted her teeth trying to maneuver the droid into a corner. She watched the droid skid to a halt before running down another hallway as Anakin and more clones followed suit.

“Master, something isn’t right. It’s just dodging all of our attacks and hasn’t said a word.” Ahsoka told Anakin who frowned before replying. “We can figure that out once we’re down dismantling it.”

The battle droid stopped in its tracks seeing that all escape routes were blocked as Master Plo Koon was standing there. It lifted its hands. “I surrender!”

“Now this is new.” Obi-Wan mused as Anakin moved forward. “Anakin wait!”

“It’s a droid, we don’t know what damage it has done or what it is relaying to the Separatists.” Anakin protested, the battle droid looking at Anakin and fixing him with a stare. “What are you looking at?”

“I have a name.” the droid told them and they all stared back. “Kyber.”

“How did you receive this name?” asked Plo Koon walking forward and the droid shifted back saying with a nervous tone. “I chose it after I was reactivated by the Caretaker.”

“I have heard this name a few times. Who is this Caretaker?” Obi-wan inquired and Kyber looked at him before answering. “The Caretaker is the Caretaker. The Caretaker travels to help those in need and brings them to a place where they can heal. I was found after the Control Ship was destroyed and my body dismantled on a planet years ago. When I came to, I had heard a humming sound all around me and the Caretaker’s companion found a hidden crystal formation. Hence the name, Kyber. The Caretaker offered for me to join and I agreed. The companion had fixed me and reprogrammed me to not rely on a command ship to function.”

“How are we sure you are telling the truth? You were on the Malevolence.” Anakin pointed out and Kyber shook his head answering. “I was sent to spy on General Grievous. The Caretaker keeps an eye on both sides in order to intervene when necessary.”

Anakin moves off to the side, mumbling to Obi-wan. “I don’t trust it.”

“I agree, for now we should deactivate it and….” Kyber interrupted his thought. “Pardon, but I should be going now. The Caretaker gets worried when any of the assistants do not report back on time or does not show up for the designated pick up. I had informed the Caretaker about my current location after moving the Senator’s security personnel aboard your vessel.”

“You will not be going anywhere.” Ahsoka stated just before the power went out. Dim light filled the area as the Jedi activated their lightsabers. Anakin jumped towards the location of Kyber slicing downwards. Nothing. Lights came back on and the battle droid was gone.

“Spread out and locate that droid.” Plo Koon instructed the clones as Ahsoka whispered. “That’s impossible, there is no way he could have vanished like that in seconds.”

“Agreed, for now we should look at a possible spy aboard our vessel as well.” Obi-wan told them and Anakin looked at him. “I should check up on the Senator and….”

“I’ll do it.” Anakin said moving past Obi-wan hearing him protest. “Anakin!”

Anakin was already down the hall and Obi-wan shook his head. He looked at the clones before moving off to find the strange battle droid and the possible spy.

Anakin found his way to the medical bay trying to quell his irritation about losing the battle droid. ‘We shouldn’t have let it talk.’ he thought internally as the door opened and Padmé turned around. A soft smile grew on his face before he moved forward to embrace his wife.

“Not even gonna say hello?” Rainbow’s voice asked and Anakin peered over Padmé’s shoulder to see her awake. He let out a chuckle saying. “Well this is a surprise. You have a habit of doing this.”

“Not that I want to keep getting injured and winding up here.” Rainbow responded not even trying to move. “But I don’t want grunt work either. You look like you’ve had a day.”

“Turns out there was a battle droid aboard. We had it cornered but, the lights went out and it managed to get away.” Anakin explained as he sat down. Padmé placed a hand on his shoulder as he shook his head. “I don’t get it, why did it save you? I can’t trust the droid but its actions make no sense. Why run? Why save you? Why actually surrender to us? What was its orders?”

“Well if you find it again, you should ask it.” joked Rainbow Dash and Anakin’s eyes narrowed as he said. “Not funny.”

“Calm down Anakin. Don’t tease him Rainbow Dash.” Padmé spoke up and both looked at her. “I wanted to speak to you. While you are recovering, I don’t think it would be wise to continue being on security duty. I know you don’t want to do basic work but perhaps… something that is not as strainful on your injuries.”

“Hey, I’ll be fine, just as long as you don’t get led into any more traps.” Rainbow protested and Padmé glanced at Anakin. “Besides, I can take a few hits.”

Padmé looked like she was going to comment when Anakin grinned. “We will see, I want you to rest. I doubt getting away from Grievous was an easy feat.”

Rainbow Dash nodded her head relaxing slightly as they walked out of the room.

“They are right, you do need to rest.” Cassandra’s voice echoed in Rainbow’s head causing her to groan. “It is not just physical wounds but those of the mind as well. You can not ignore them like I had done.”

Rainbow Dash blinked as she thought about the words before rolling over saying quietly. “I’ll be fine.”

It was like she was trying to convince herself of that truth. It wasn’t working.

Rainbow felt a strong sense of dejavu, being whisked back to her apartment the moment she had set foot upon the surface of Coruscant. She also had the feeling that Anakin, Padmé, and Obi-wan were plotting something. Yet when she got back to her apartment she saw Crossbones talking to an unfamiliar clone. “He just gets on my nerves!”

“What do you want me to do about it?” Crossbones replied and the Clone sighed before shaking his head. “We’re all in the same boat.”

“Could you talk to that friend for me, I hear they were in the same group together.” The Clone requested and Rainbow Dash cleared her throat causing both of them to look at her. She waved. “Hey, right here.”

“That’s her?” the new clone questioned as if not believing his eyes. “She’s so….”

“So what?” Rainbow’s eyes narrowed as the Clone walked up and placed a hand on her head saying. “Spunky.”

“Careful Joker, she’s spunky but she can also use her wings as a bludgeon.” Crossbones warned, though the grin on his face showed that even he was amused by the situation. “Rainbow Dash this is Joker, he’s one of the clones who does a lot more guard duty here on Coruscant.”

“Let me guess, there is a reason they call you Joker.” Rainbow grumbled, brushing his hand off with her wing. “Walk and talk, I’m hungry and I have the feeling two Jedi and a Senator are plotting against me.”

“I don’t know, could be the fact that you got injured.” Ash commented walking by and Rainbow Dash threw her hands up in the air. “Clones talk Rainbow Dash, especially when General Skywalker is involved.”

“Great.” grumbled Rainbow Dash finding her way to the fridge and peering in. “Good thing you guys went out shopping.”

“Actually, a friend of yours stopped by. Zenith, she brought food over because she assumed that we would have been rationing it while you’re gone.” Crossbones explained and Rainbow Dash looked at him. “We’re not ones for shopping, or cooking meals. Ration packs and maybe a few drinks.”

Joker chuckled as Rainbow grabbed something before flopping down on the couch. “Well to answer you somewhat of a question. I’m known for my good natured quips and general easy going personality.”

“For Joker to complain about someone is a rarity.” Crossbones added and Rainbow Dash nodded her head saying. “So this guy who was in my group. He wouldn’t happen to be a rather irritating Zabrak by the name of Xestu, would he?”

“The very same.” sighed Joker shaking his head. “I mean, he seems to get along well with everyone but the clones. Around us he’s arrogant, loud, demeaning… if it wasn’t for a few of our commanding officers we would have dogpiled him.”

“Did you report him to his commanding officer?” Rainbow asked and Joker nodded his head, his shoulders slumping. “What?”

“Colonel Pir… he didn’t show much of interest, or distaste for what I had to say.” Joker admitted and Rainbow Dash cocked an eyebrow. “I don’t think he’s going to do anything.”

“Actually, he’s going to do something. I’m not sure what, we found out that when Colonel Pir has that look on his face, you’re in big trouble.” Rainbow explained patting Joker on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’m sure Xestu is facing his punishment right now.”

“Uhhh, Rainbow Dash? Colonel Pir is here.” Rainbow Dash winced as Tank called out, she stood up heading to the door asking. “What does he want?”

“He didn’t say, he just says he wants to speak with you.” Tank answered back, Rainbow’s shoulders fell her wings brushing against the ground. She hesitantly walked down the stair approaching the elevator as Tank walked up. She poked her head into the hallway seeing Pir standing there his back as straight as ever.

“You wanted to see me sir?” asked Rainbow Dash as she entered the room saluting the colonel who returned the salute before answering. “Yes. I have received an unusual request. Jedi Master Shaak Ti has requested your presence on Kamino. She said that she was intrigued by Equestrians and wished to learn more and commented that you had shown a similar interest in learning about the Jedi. This would also help me a bit.”

“This is about Xestu isn’t it?” Colonel Pir looked surprised at Rainbow’s words. “I met Joker.”

“Ah. Then yes. I am sending him to Kamino as well. Either he actually learns that the clones are not ‘expendable drones’ as he puts it or, and I gave them permission to do this, he will learn to not to say that to their faces.” Rainbow Dash choked at his words, she and Xestu didn’t get along. He would always mock her for being friends with the clones and she would always attack him. She couldn’t imagine him surviving a day on Kamino without getting decked.

“I want you there to make sure things don’t get out of hand.” Pir explained and Rainbow Dash thought about it. She had only heard about Kamino from the clones and had always wanted to visit it. Yet she had the feeling that the request from the Jedi Master was due to some meddling from Anakin.

“What about Senator Amidala, who’s going to keep an eye on her?” inquired Rainbow Dash and Pir chuckled before saying. “Shae Lyrua, even though she’s been training to be a medic. Kory has stated that keeping an eye on a Senator would curb some of the restlessness she has displayed.”

“Not Koj?” Rainbow Dash joked and Pyr gave her a look saying. “No. Lyrua, Koj has her own assignment right now which is vital.”

“Alright, I get it.” Rainbow’s wings twitched. “When are we heading out?”

“In a few days, I have a feeling Xestu will not be as compliant with this new assignment as you are.” Pir shook head looking over his shoulder. Rainbow Dash frowned before asking. “So why tell me in person?”

“Because I know Zenith would listen in on our conversation, she was the one who suggested you get assigned to Senator Amidala. This is only a temporary reassignment.” Pir told her and Rainbow Dash nodded her head in understanding. “Good luck.”

Rainbow Dash and Pir saluted each other before he turned and headed back towards the elevator. She stood there wondering what kind of strings had been pulled when she felt a pressure on her head.

“So, what did the Colonel want?” Joker asked, Rainbow Dash knew that Crossbones wasn’t far behind. She took a deep breath before saying. “Well, I was reassigned to Kamino for the time being as a request from Master Shaak Ti.”

“That is interesting, I wonder why.” Joker mused and Rainbow Dash continued. “And to keep an eye on Xestu who was assigned there to either learn to respect the Clones or to keep his more… petty comments to himself. I’m there to make sure that he doesn’t get killed.”

There was silence, the arm slipping off her head.

“What?”

Kamino

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Chapter Twenty Two: Kamino

Rainbow Dash sat in silence, once in a while glancing up at her traveling companion. Xestu didn’t seem to seem to care about the silence, in fact his eyes were glued to the ground. His fingers were clasped together. Rainbow took note of what seemed to be sweat.

“Are you nervous?” asked Rainbow, causing Xestu to jerk as if noticing her. “You’re out of it. Did Colonel Pir explain everything to you or are you just realizing that you will not be able to get away with the crap you normally say?”

“I’m not worried. You’re here after all.” Xestu pointed out and Rainbow noticed he brushed off the question. “It’s not like we’re going to be on the battlefield.”

“How… you’re going to want the clones to have your back. Both on the battlefield and off.” Rainbow explained trying not to climb to her feet. Xestu shrugged his shoulders in response causing her to look away from him shaking her head. A sigh slipped past her lips. Xestu glanced at her as if wanting to say something.

“We’re almost there ma’am.” A voice told them over the intercom. Rainbow smiled, she had talked to him beforehand, he was a cool guy. She looked at Xestu before calling back. “Thank you!”

Xastu stood up keeping his back to Rainbow Dash and she rolled her eyes. Though there was a nagging voice in the back of her head. ‘He seems worried about something.’

Waiting until the ship set down Rainbow Dash was greeted with pouring rain the moment the door opened up. Rainbow felt her wings twitch as she hears the storm outside, her instincts telling her to remain inside of the shuttle. A Togruta female walked towards the shuttle with a strange long necked alien. Rainbow exited with Xastu behind her. They both saluted as the alien spoke. “Greetings, I am Taun We, and this is Jedi Master Shaak Ti. We have heard of the reason for your arrival.”

Shaak Ti nodded her head in greeting her eyes glancing at the two of them.

“Come, let us go inside and I will explain your duties while you are here.” Taun We told them leading them towards the building that was behind the two of them. Rainbow saw a few Clones watching them. She glanced at Xestu but his eyes were locked forward almost uncaring of the storm. When they entered the facility Rainbow’s eyes had to adjust quickly to the brightly lit white scene that was now before her. Shifting her bag over her shoulder Rainbow listened closely to their instructions. “Xestu, this is Master Chief Bric and El-les, for your stay here you will be shadowing them. Watch their efforts in training the Clones. Rainbow Dash you will be with me. I am told there is much you can learn from me. When it is time to retire you will stay in the provided accommodations.”

“Great, just what we need, a paper pushing newbie to follow us around.” grumbled Bric, Rainbow didn’t recognize the species and made a note to ask Shaak Ti later. Her head turned when she heard a low growl from Xestu. She wasn’t the only one who heard it as Bric continued. “Did I hurt your feelings? What are you going to do about it?”

Rainbow Dash winced realizing that he was taunting Xestu in the same way he’d taunt the Clones. She felt him shift and decided to try and calm the situation. Spreading her right wing blocking Xestu from view she asked. “Can we see the accommodations before this escalates?”

“Of course.” Taun We answered as El-les chastised Bric quietly. “This way.”

Rainbow Dash moved her wings so she could herd Xestu away knowing he would pull the first punch. ‘He always did in training.’ She thought as they approached the room.

“I must admit your species is rather intriguing.” Taun We spoke as Rainbow Dash drew her wing around her shoulders. “I hope you have no difficulties settling in, it must be hard keeping your wings like that.”

“It’s not too hard as long as I can stretch them out once in a while.” Rainbow replied as the door opened, revealing what appeared to be a home like structure. Though it was sparsely decorated, walking in Rainbow Dash could not help but feel uneasy with the sterile and clean environment.

“Your rooms are this way.” Taun We said leading them to two other doors and showed them how they locked. She also showed them how the furniture worked. Xestu remained quiet even after Taun We left. Rainbow Dash was surprised, normally they would be getting into an argument by now. ‘It’s almost like he’s ignoring me, is he mad at me?’ Rainbow questioned mentally before shaking her head. ‘No way, when he doesn’t like you he’ll make it known. Perhaps what Bric said really did get to him… maybe he did get assigned to a paper pushing position. I don’t think Pir would do that, but what if it wasn’t him. Yet he would still try to get everyone assigned to a place that would utilize our special talents. Xestu, he’s not a thinker, he's a fighter. Could it be that he’s…..’

Her thoughts were interrupted by the door chime, curious Rainbow climbed to her feet and walked over to the door. Standing in front of it Rainbow stretched out her wing and pressed the button. The door slid open with a hiss revealing El-les.

“Uh, hi.” Rainbow spoke forgetting all formalities as she stared at the alien bounty hunter who greeted her with a calm smile. “Hello, I am here to retrieve Xestu, the Clones are about to resume their training and Master Shaak Ti is looking for you.”

“Let me get him.” Rainbow told him before moving back. “You can come if you like.”

“I am fine, I believe it won’t take you too long to get him.” responded El-les and Rainbow Dash moved away to the room she had watched Xestu walked into. Taking a deep breath Rainbow pounded on the door saying. “Xestu! El-les is here, he says that the Clones training is about to resume.”

There was silence for a moment before the door slid open and Xestu moved past Rainbow Dash. She was about to say something to him but he was already rounding the corner. Shaking her head Rainbow followed after both of them quickly knowing that El-les would show her the way. It didn't take too long for her to find Shaak Ti once they had arrived at their destination. The Jedi Master bowed in greeting and the two return the greeting with a salute. Xestu followed the bounty hunters downto the training area as Shaak Ti moved to speak with Rainbow Dash in private.

“I find that I must warn you that this training is harsh. While here you will need to find a way to balance your compassion and attachment to the Clones with your duty.” Shaak Ti told Rainbow Dash causing her to inhale sharply. “If you do not I fear it will affect your ability to fight in oncoming battles.”

“How are you able to do it? I mean you train and watch over them. How can you keep that balance?” Rainbow asked, Shaak Ti was silent for a moment before answering. “It is difficult for me, yet as a Jedi I use what I know how to keep that balance. You will need to find your own way, just as Xestu will need to. I do not agree with Colonel Pie’s request, as it would likely cause an even further divide between Xestu and the Clones. Yet sending him here was the right choice.”

Rainbow Dash went quiet as she thought about the words as she walked behind Shaak Ti. Her brows furrowed, her head turning slightly, eyes staring at the wall. There was silence for a quick second until the confusion was too great for Rainbow Dash. “Wait… what?”

Shaak Ti hides a small smile as she led Rainbow Dash to the area where she observed the training sessions.

Xestu

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Chapter Twenty Three: Xestu

Xestu watched the Clones as they lined up in front of the two Bounty Hunters. His eyes narrowed as Bric began instructing them. Keeping himself at attention Xestu began to let his mind wander, almost not paying attention to the words being spoken. That was until Bric waved a hand towards him. “This one here is a prime example of people who see you nothing more as dumb drones who can’t do anything other than fight.”

All eyes were on Xestu and his teeth clenched his eyes narrowing at Bric. El-les looked concerned as Bric continued on. “Well we’re going to prove to this paper pusher that you are the best soldiers the Republic has ever had.”

Xestu’s pupils shrank to pin pricks, his fingers digging into his palms. He would have decked Bric right there and then, it took all of his self control not to. He was good in a fight, but he knew that Bric was goading him on. He wanted Xestu to start that fight, to give him an excuse to punch back. ‘Pride issues much?’ he thought glancing at Bric who sneered at him before going back to running the training exercise. El-les was about to say something to him, he could tell but Xestu chose to walk away. He didn’t need to hear words of pity.

“What’s the matter? Can’t handle simple words?” Bric’s voice called out, causing Xestu to look over his shoulder at him. His lips curled into a snarl as he spoke. “No sir, I was going to the wall to get out of their way. After all, you’re the one who painted a target on my back.”

“You said those words, paper pusher, not me.” Bric replied, causing Xestu to stop mid step before turning around saying. “Expendable is not the same as dumb sir. You should know.”

The room got quiet as Bric glared at him, El-les quickly urging the Clones to get back to their exercises. Bric walked up to Xestu a fake chuckle escaping his lips. “You’re quite something aren’t you, paper pusher. I can see it in your eyes, you just want to punch me. Well what’s holding you back?”

“Other than rank and personal hygiene, sir, orders.” answered Xestu, Bric paused staring the Zabrak in the eyes.

“Got quite a mouth on you, runt.” Bric commented and Xestu moved forward his fist clenched and ready to nail Bric in the jaw. He felt something wrap around his wrist yanking him back and up slightly. His eyes glanced upwards seeing Rainbow Dash holding onto a glowing strand. Grabbing with his free hand Xestu yanked on what was holding him back. He watched as Rainbow Dash slid forward from her spot next to Jedi Master Shaak Ti. He took a deep breath before relaxing, he felt himself get lowered back down to the ground. The grin on Bric’s face told him all he wanted to know. Bric had known he touched a nerve. The only thing that gave Xestu some relief was that Bric had gone back to running the training exercise. He stuck by the wall for the rest of the training exercise and went straight back to his accommodations right afterwards. Xestu knew that Bric wasn’t going to pull his punches. ‘How many Clones did he tell to paint a target on my back?’ he thought, walking into the room that he claimed and shut the door. He paced back and forth trying to collect himself knowing that Rainbow Dash would be back anytime soon. She was most likely going to chastise him for what happened, defend the Clones. ‘She just doesn’t get it. She gets to fight, she gets to do something with her talents.’ he thought bitterly sitting on his bed. ‘A lot of the others do, except for me, I’m just in analytics.’

He heard the door open and close, Rainbow Dash had returned. Unlike what he had assumed, she didn’t walk up to his door to get him to come out. Instead he heard her talking quietly. “Well that went smoothly. What was he thinking? He can’t just try to attack people that piss him o….”

She stopped, as if interrupted, peaking Xestu’s curiosity he moved to open the door before shaking his head. ‘She’s just pondering out loud.’

He pressed the button and the door slid open causing Rainbow Dash to jump. His eyes narrowed as she hid something. From what he saw it had appeared to be a rock. ‘A trinket.’ He told himself before going to make some food. The rest of the night passed in awkward silence.

The few days weren't any better, Rainbow Dash looked like she wanted to say something yet didn’t. Xestu was just fine with ignoring her. Bric didn’t say anything to him but would always seem to use him to antagonize the Clones. It was like he was doing this to say. ‘The only person picking on the Clones is me.’

‘Arrogant son of….’ Xestu was pulled out of his thoughts when one of the Clones spoke up. “Does he really think he’s better than us, sir?”

Bric looked at Xestu with his yellow eyes, a sneer was on his lips. Xestu glanced at the Clone who spoke, he looked just like the others. Bric’s reply caused him to move forward to deck him. “Runts like him always think they're better.”

It was his reaction that Bric was waiting for, the first swing and he grabbed Xestu’s arm and pulled it behind his back. “Quite the temper you have there.”

Bric looked at the Clones saying loudly. “Show him what you’re capable of.”

Bric shoved Xestu into the group, he took a step back as El-les gave him a wary look.

“I still do not agree to this plan.” El-les told him as Xestu nailed one of the Clones in the face with his elbow. Bric glanced over at him, not even interested in the fight, saying. “The only way he’ll learn is by being beaten down. I know the type.”

“It seems like you have learned this yourself.” El-les replied as Xestu was doing his best to keep the Clones off of him. “I still cannot believe that Master Shaak Ti agreed to this.”

Bric scoffed before glancing up to where Shaak Ti stood watching the fight with a stare that one would call unemotional disapproval. Her hand was on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder to keep her from interfering. Bric looked at El-les saying. “Colonel Pir told us to show him what this type of thinking could lead to.”

“He will just end up hating the Clones even more.” sighed El-les, this earned an eye roll from Bric. “We shouldn’t be fostering hatred, we should encourage him to work with them.”

“Then throw him in a simulation with a squad.” Bric told him as Xestu kicked away another Clone. “He’s holding out better than I thought.”

The Clones weren’t ganging up on Xestu, but they weren’t holding back. Neither was Xestu, most of the Clones would pull him back the moment he went towards Bric. He watched for a little bit until he was sure that Xestu was tiring out. “Alright, that’s enough.”

The Clones moved back as Bric moved forward to look at Xestu. There was not a thought in his mind that he went to far as he locked eyes with him. The hatred in there was still burning but now he couldn’t deny why the clones were fighting and not him. Xestu pushes himself off the ground and walks away growling. “Thanks for the fight, sir.”

The air moved as Rainbow Dash flew down landing next to Xestu. She hesitated before asking. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Xestu replied bitterly as he walked out of the room. “They got lucky.”

“What is wrong with you?” Rainbow snapped, blocking his path earning a glare from Xestu. “You can’t sit there and brush off the fact that fighting this war is what they are trained to do. This is the life that they know.”

“Don’t give me that Rainbow Dash, don’t try to stick up for them when they’re the reason why everyone but you is forced to have tasks that kind of suits them but isn’t what they signed up for. You got to protect a Senator, one who is known for getting into trouble. You get to fight.” Xestu rose up to his full height glaring at Rainbow. “Everyone can convince themselves that they’re happy where they’re at. I can't pretend.”

Xestu pushed past Rainbow, neither noticing a deformed clone watching them. As if to add insult to injury Xestu uttered the same words Rainbow Dash had about the Changelings. “You know, there’s nothing good about having the same face.”

Rainbow Dash stiffened as he walked away, her mind running around in circles. She had half a mind to go after him, yell at him, tell him he was wrong. Yet the other half was telling her to let him work it out on his own. Closing her eyes to hold back the tears of frustration she turned around and headed back to Master Shaak Ti. She needed advice.

Xestu was unsure where to go, he didn’t know where the medbay was. Frankly he didn’t want to go, but knew that if Rainbow Dash knew the extent of his injuries she would drag him there. This caused him to roll his eyes slightly, his attention grabbed by movement. He looked over to see what appeared to be an elderly male struggling with some equipment. Xestu moved over to help, not even stopping to think why an elderly man was there.

“Need help?” He asked, causing the man to look at him, Xestu froze for a moment as he realized that it was a deformed clone. Xestu waited for the offer to be declined harshly. Yet the clone gave him a friendly smile saying. “Thank you.”

Resigning himself to his fate Xestu picked up the crate that the clone had been dragging and waited for him to show the way. The clone wasted no time in leading him down the hall.

“So… what’s your deal? I mean who are you?” Xestu asked, keeping pace with the clone. The clone glanced up at him before answering. “I’m called 99, I’m one of the few Clones deemed unfit for combat.”

“That can happen?” Xestu hid the shock in his voice, he glanced at the wall. “I didn’t know that was possible.”

“It is, not all of us can do what we were meant to do, but we still have a job,” 99 said, glancing at Xestu who caught the gaze. “And we do our best at that job.”

Xestu looked away as they walked before asking. “Don’t you ever feel irritated or angry that you can’t be where….”

“I’m where I’m needed to be.” Xestu stopped as 99 spoke those words. “I’m proud of my brothers and I do what I can to help them.”

Xestu glanced away as he thought about it. 99 watched him as they began to walk again. “Do you hate us?”

”I don’t….” Xestu corrected the irritated tone in his voice as they reached their destination. “I don’t hate you guys, it’s just a lot of you are a source of frustration for me.”

Xestu set down the crate before sitting on it as he continued. “Ever since I was a kid I was told that my dream of fighting for the Republic, the way our ancestors did, could never happen. There was no military, the Jedi were always protecting us, there was no need for soldiers. When the war started I thought I would have my chance…. but they decided to keep using the Clones. I joined the Navy but they sent me to analytics where I’m nothing more than a delivery person. In some ways I guess I’m jealous of the Clones and I’m taking my frustration out on them. Back at home I would just fight one of my siblings until I get it out of my system. Can’t do that either….”

Xestu looked at 99 before shaking his head chuckling. “Not sure why I told you all that. Best be going.”

He got to his feet, wincing. “Mind telling me where the med-bay is?”

Rainbow Dash paces back and forth near the door of the apartment. The rain was not doing anything to calm her nerves. She spun around as the door opened and Xestu walked in.

“Where were you?” She demanded and Xestu glanced at her before shrugging. “Med-bay.”

“How did you… never mind. Look I heard Master Chief Bric talking to Master Shaak Ti. He’s going to throw you into one of the simulations with a group of Clones.” Rainbow Dash revealed, Xestu walked over to the kitchenette getting a glass of water. “With the way you’ve been acting none of them would be willing to work with you. You’ve got to say no,”

“Not going to happen.” Xestu replied after taking a sip. “I don’t really care what they think about me. If they can get the job done that’s good.”

“You’re missing the point!” Rainbow Dash marched over to him. “You won’t apologize, Bric is being a jerk, and if the Clones are against you….”

“Rainbow Dash, they won’t fail the simulation just because I’m in it. Their pride is on the line.” Xestu assured her by placing his hands on her shoulders. “Bric can say whatever the hell he wants. He’s just putting words in my mouth.”

“Yeah and you don’t deny half of them. What were you thinking?” Rainbow moved around him.

“Once someone’s made up their mind about you it’s not easily changed. No use trying to deny what you said and show through your everyday actions that you aren’t what they think. If they haven’t changed their mind after a year, that’s on them.” Xestu replied, glancing out the window. “Most of the clones won’t be around me, I’ll be forgotten because they’ll spend most of their time fighting in the war.”

Rainbow made a few unintelligible words of protest and Xestu hid a grin. “You know you should tell Bric that we accept his challenge.”

“That’s insa… wait, what do you mean by we?”

Leaving Kamino

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Chapter Twenty Four: Leaving Kamino

A squad of clones gathered around waiting for the test to begin. They snapped to attention as Bric entered the room with the two visitors behind him. One of the clones, CT-5687, watched as they chatted back and forth.

“Sure you don’t want to join us?” Xestu asked not even sparing the clones a glance. 5687 felt irritation and confusion well up watching as Rainbow Dash shook her head saying. “I told you before, I’m still healing. Besides what fun is there if I’m here to be a buffer?”

“Good point.” Xestu replied before quieting down as Bric glanced at them before speaking. “As you might have guessed, there’s going to be a change to the practice test. You lot are going to have to put up with the paper pusher on the battlefield. Good practice when they allow this one….”

Bric jabbed a thumb towards Rainbow Dash as he continued. “...on a mission finding an artifact of her people and doesn’t get injured.”

CT-5687 watched as Rainbow Dash’s face turned dark as her magenta eyes narrowed towards Bric. Two of the clones of his squad, CT-9483 and CT-947, hid a snicker. 5687 watched as Xestu held Rainbow back saying. “Sir, shouldn't you be heading up with Rainbow Dash in order to view this practice test?”

Bric scoffed before heading out of the room, Rainbow Dash mumbling something that 5687 couldn’t quite catch. Xestu nodded and she left. A heavy silence filled the room, the Clones deciding to ignore Xestu until the practice test started. The floor began to shake as they were lifted into the testing grounds. 5687 decided to take stock of their equipment before they reached the top. Standard equipment for the training course.

“What’s with his blaster rifle?” hissed one of the clones, CT-486, drawing 5687’s attention to what Xestu had equipped. “The thing is ancient!”

“Looks to me like a heavily modified sniper rifle and blaster pistol combo.” CT-3127, the weapons expert of the squad observed just as the lift settled.

“Cut the chatter, our mission begins.” 5687 told them as the signal was sounded and the task given.

Rainbow Dash shifted uncomfortably as the group moved forward to complete the training course. She still didn’t like the challenge. Master Shaak Ti had her doubts as well, yet had agreed to let Xestu complete the course with his choice of weapons. What he had shown them was two weapons used by his ancestors. A sniper rifle and a blaster pistol. To the surprise of everyone Bric had shown appreciation for the weapons though he had to point out the fact that they were so ancient they might turn to dust after one shot. ‘I need to remember to ask about his ancestors.’ Rainbow thought to herself watching the firefight going on below. Xestu was keeping up with the Clones making sure that they weren’t flanked. ‘Got to admit it is interesting watching him do this as an observer rather than fighting by his side.’ mused Rainbow mentally. ‘I just hope that they complete this course and get Bric to eat his words!’

“I must admit, I’m impressed.” Bric said as he escorted Xestu and Rainbow Dash to the shuttle that had arrived to pick them up. “I was not expecting you to complete the challenge. Bit of an argument down there that could have cost you the mission.”

“Nothing too major sir, there were words exchanged and I just told them that we could fight after the task was completed.” explained Xestu, a look of confusion flickered on Rainbow’s face. She knew that argument had gotten to both sides. “... Not in those exact words, more swearing. I just wanted to focus on completing the course.”

“I don’t want to see you around here again.” Bric told Xestu who just shrugged. “No promises, Master Chief.”

Xestu stood tall and saluted as did Rainbow Dash. The pair turned around and walked into the shuttle waiting to take them to the ship that would take them to Coruscant. It had been a short assignment but Rainbow Dash felt like they learned a lot. Bric was the common reason that Xestu kept going into the training courses with the Clones. The first attempt he went through didn’t end spectacularly. They made it to the end but Rainbow Dash had noticed that a fight would have broken out if both sides didn’t have something to prove. Now they were headed back, she gave Shaak Ti a bow just before the door closed. Rainbow Dash took a seat and secured herself for take off.

“Make any new friends?” Xestu’s voice dragged her out of her thoughts and Rainbow Dash looked at him before shrugging. “Not really, I didn’t interact with the Clones. If I wasn’t with Shaak Ti I was dragging you out of trouble. Do you normally ignore the one rule that they gave us? Stay in the apartment.”

“I noticed something, Clones not deemed battle worthy are sent to maintenance. I met one of them so I was curious about how that was done.” answered Xestu, Rainbow looked at him with suspicion. “It’s true. I’m surprised you didn’t notice 99.”

“I was introduced to him briefly, I thought it was just Clones like him. You know, physically unable to fight.” Rainbow admitted before growing silent. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that, she could understand it. They would want the best on the front lines, yet she didn’t think it was fair. The Clones who couldn’t pass were just hidden away and forgotten about. No chance to fight alongside their brothers. Xestu pulled out a datapad to work on something while Rainbow Dash was thinking. His fingers tapped against the screen bringing up a program. It was something that like his weapons had been passed down from parent to children. The only difference being each parent added something to it. It was full of tactical simulations and games. No one truly remembered who created them, but the stories always spoke of the brother of their ancestor who had been fond of them. He brought up the oldest one and got to work. He got so absorbed that he almost didn’t notice Rainbow Dash rise to her feet and contact the pilot.

“Is something the matter?” he asked when she returned to her seat.

“The ship that we were supposed to be brought to isn’t there. We’re being taken to the closest vessel. Near one of the moons of Rishi.” Rainbow said and Xestu looked at her. “I think we’ll find out why soon.”

“We are almost there ma’am, please secure yourselves.” the voice of the pilot told them and Rainbow Dash sat down making sure that she was secure. When they came out of hyperspace everything seemed calm. When they docked Rainbow Dash was the first to walk out noticing a line of Clones and two familiar Jedi.

“What happened this time?” Rainbow mumbled under her breath. Xestu looked in the same direction saying. “Not sure, though I don’t think this is the ship that we were originally supposed to dock with.”

“Doesn’t seem to matter right now.” Rainbow pointed out before moving to greet the Jedi. Xestu followed after her putting the datapad away. He knew who these two Jedi were, they were in a lot of the reports that he delivered. Jedi Knight, General Anakin Skywalker and Jedi Master, General Obi-wan Kenobi. Anakin spotted Rainbow Dash, looking like he wanted to excuse himself and leave. Obi-wan glanced at them before nodding.

“What did I miss?” Rainbow’s first question was full of familiarity towards the Jedi. Despite her having told the recruits that she knew some Jedi, Xestu never assumed she meant this Jedi.

“The Separatists almost launched a full scale invasion of Kamino. Those two Clones are the only surviving members of their squad, their bravery allowed for us to make it here in time.” Anakin explained before looking at Xestu who saluted him. “Who’s this guy?”

“This is Xestu, he’s a part of Analytics, other than you he’s the kind of the reason I was sent to Kamino. He would….” Xestu cut Rainbow Dash off saying. “I would insult the Clone. A combination of frustration, anger, and jealousy.”

A look of anger flashed over Anakin’s face until Obi-wan spoke up. “Master Koth spoke of how proud, strong, and confident the Zabrak tend to be. Competition is often encouraged and they often seek positions where they would not be ordered around. I am sure Xestu sees the Clones as competition and was just frustrated that he couldn’t actually compete with them. Though analytics is a good way to….”

“I’m the errand boy.” Xestu said, Rainbow Dash looking at him in surprise. “I run datapads back and forth.”

“Excuse us.” Rainbow replied before taking Xestu by the arm and pulling him out of earshot. “What?!”

“I didn’t tell you because you would go to Pir. I don’t think he can actually do anything, I was placed in analytics and was happy, yet when they told me my task… I was angry.” Xestu admitted rubbing the back of his head. “I know Pir had nothing to do with it, but sometimes I wonder who did. The only thing that had happened since the end of training was the Chancellor asking everyone why they joined.”

“Maybe he sees this as a learning opportunity or maybe he didn’t realize the full scale of your skills.” assured Rainbow Dash patting him on the shoulder. “Just don’t admit to insulting the clones in front of Anakin if you do so again. He’s pretty protective.”

“Eh, if I insult them it will be in good fun.” Xestu chuckled, shaking his head as he returned the gesture. “It’s how we do things in my family.”

“What about Verga?” the question from Rainbow caused Xestu to look at her before saying. “We all say he got all the good genetics from our ancestors. He is my cousin though, not my brother.”

“Well that was obvious: he’s got red skin.” Rainbow Dash led Xestu back to Anakin and Obi-Wan. “So, are you two going to regale me with how this all went down or am I going to have to ask around?”

“Actually we were on the Resolute during this encounter. If you want the full story you will have to talk to Captain Rex and Commander Cody. I’m not sure the survivors are willing to open up just yet.” Obi-wan said as Anakin frowned at Xestu. “Oh come now Anakin. Xestu has just gotten back from Kamino meaning his commanding officer did not take the matter lightly.”

“And for your information Master Chief Bric managed to get me to hate him. I can respect anyone who can put up with that a….” Rainbow Dash cut Xestu off saying. “Bric wasted no time in tormenting him when he arrived. Xestu what did I tell you about insulting Master Chief Bric?”

Xestu rolled his eyes as he began to lead Rainbow Dash to the galley saying. “He’s going to hear about it anyways and the only reason I would go back to Kamino is to see 99 and those guys he kept throwing me into the simulation with.”

“Are you going to name them?” Obi-wan glanced at Anakin as the conversation faded into the background.

“I don’t like him.” Anakin admitted and Obi-wan nodded his head saying. “He is still young and with a friend like Rainbow Dash he might actually turn out to be a decent soldier. What worries me is the report that Master Shaak Ti sent in. Xestu is brilliant, hence why he is in analytics yet to be doing errands normally given to droids, it is no wonder he held a grudge.”

“You’re saying someone is trying to drive a wedge between the recruits and the clones?” Anakin inquired and Obi-wan stroked his beard in thought before replying. “Perhaps, it is so the Clones don’t form attachments to anyone in the Navy or it is to drive a wedge. Since they recently came out of training we can’t tell much about the situation. When I looked into Colonel Pir he seemed to wish for those who come out of his training to be placed into assignments geared towards their talents.”

“Maybe it’s a rival of Pir who sees a chance to prove that his training is ineffective.” Anakin pointed out as Rainbow moved off before trying to drag Rex and Cody to join them for a meal. “You are right about one thing Master.”

“Oh and what is that?” Obi-wan glanced at Anakin who laughed pointing at Rainbow Dash saying. “With her around there might be a good chance that most of everyone in the Navy will see the Clones in a new light worst case scenario just her group. I can’t wait to meet the rest of them.”

Anakin patted Obi-wan on the shoulder as the Resolute headed back for Coruscant. Obi-wan watched as his former Padawan walked towards Rex and Rainbow Dash placing his arms around both their shoulders leading them off.

“What are you planning, Anakin?” Obi-wan sighed before following.

Intruder

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Chapter Twenty Five: Intruder

“You know, you don’t have to follow us. We’re just reporting in.” Rainbow said as she looked at Anakin.

“I know, I just want to have a chat with your commanding officer. Make sure everything is alright.” Anakin responded and Xestu gave him a sideways glance.

“Xestu!” a voice called out as Verga ran up, the worry evident on his face. Xestu held up his hand saying. “I’m alright cousin, we need to report to the Colonel and I can tell you what happened after.”

“I was just making sure.” Verga’s face broke out into a grin before seeing Anakin and saluted. “Sir.”

“At ease.” Anakin said as Rainbow and Xestu moved on. It didn’t take long for him to catch up asking. “Why don’t you salute me?”

“Do you want me too?” Rainbow Dash shot back earning a chuckle. “Only when we’re in public. It’s a sign of respect.”

“I know,” Rainbow Dash sighed before shrugging her shoulders. “Oh would you look at that, we’re here.”

The door slid open revealing Shae standing in front of Colonel Pir. “Kory would have been a better choice to take over for Rainbow Dash sir. I don’t mind Senator Amidala but the rest of them….”

“Lyrua.” Shae’s mouth snapped shut at the stern tone in Pir’s voice. “The reason I gave you Dash’s assignment, temporarily, is because you react to danger quickly despite wanting to otherwise….”

Pir’s eyes glanced up before he shot to his feet saluting Anakin. “Sir.”

“See.” Anakin looked at Rainbow Dash who just made an obvious eye roll. “At ease. Thought I’d drop off these two.”

“We have our reports ready sir.” Xestu spoke up before walking forward with Rainbow Dash and handing the datapad to Pir. He nodded his head before beginning to read it. Shae frowned a bit before looking at the other two.

“I see you are still alive Xestu.” she commented, moving to stand next to them. Xestu nodded his head, Pir clearing his throat. Shae went quiet, her finger tapping against her legs. He glanced up at them and they straightened their backs.

“You’re dismissed.” he said after a bit, watching as they filed out. “Is there something I can help you with General Skywalker?”

“You know, I was thinking a lot of those who joined the Navy don’t really get any experience.” Anakin began just as the door slid shut behind him. Rainbow Dash looked back before shrugging her shoulders and looking at Shae.

“You didn’t have fun watching over a Senator?” Rainbow Dash asked, earning a glare from Shae. “What? I had to do that until….”

“Until the Senator got lured into a trap and you got hurt.” Shae continued the story shaking her head. “We’ve all heard the reason why you got reassigned to Kamino. Xestu I’m surprised you weren’t killed.”

“Didn’t stop the Master Chief from trying.” Xestu commented as Anakin walked out of the office. “I probably should be going. I don’t think those reports are going to deliver themselves.”

“Hold on you guys, you just got back. Why don’t you take a break, relax. In fact, I want to meet the rest of the guys you trained with.” Anakin told them and Rainbow Dash stared at him suspiciously. “What? I want to meet them and I also have something to tell them.”

“Come on, I’ll introduce you to some of the Clones I know.” Rainbow Dash said to the other recruits. “And Anakin, you could join us you know.”

“Yeah, but I think I’ll meet all of you at your apartment. I’ve got something to take care of first and something to tell you guys later.” Anakin waved as they walked away. He smiled a bit to himself before heading off to Rainbow Dash’s apartment. He knew that it would be the best place to tell them, after all it had enough room.

“Obi-Wan, I’m going to need you to meet me at Rainbow’s place. I’ve got something that could help with strengthening relations. I’m going to need to tell you before I tell them because you’ll get on my case if I don’t.” Anakin spoke over his communicator, earning a sigh from Obi-Wan. “What are you planning, Anakin?”

“I’ll tell you when I meet you at her place.” Anakin replied before closing the line. He walked out of the building to his speeder.

Obi-Wan was waiting for him when he arrived with his arms crossed.

“So, what is this brilliant idea of yours Anakin?” Obi-Wan asked as they headed towards the lift.

“I was thinking of actually using the recruits, bring them along as observers so they can get a true grasp of the situation and working with the Clones.” Anakin explained as they entered the lift and it began to ascend. Obi-Wan stroked his beard in thought before saying. “You will have to discuss this with….”

“I’ve already talked to their commanding officer and the Chancellor. He wants to meet with us in person to discuss the finer details.” Anakin cut in as they made it to the top and walked into the entrance hall.

“Why didn’t you fill Rainbow Dash in on this plan?” Obi-Wan asked and Anakin grinned saying. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”

The door to the apartment slid open causing both of them to stop.

“I thought Tinker fixed this.” Anakin said before his head jerked up looking into the apartment.

“I sense it too.” Obi-Wan moved in first ready to face any intruder. They moved into the apartment, their eyes glancing around. Humming filled the air and they moved towards it ending up in the Living Quarters. The door slid open revealing a cloaked figure setting up a table.

“Excuse me, but I believe this apartment has already been claimed.” Obi-Wan spoke up and the figure turned around quickly in surprise. “I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“Oh… I didn’t… I just wanted to give her a present.” the figure spoke waving her hands in the air looking at the table. “She’s been working really hard.”

“Who are you?” Anakin asked, his eyes narrowing and the figure moved backwards. “How do you know Rainbow Dash?”

The stranger stumbled over her words before raising her hand. “Please forget that I was here.”

Both Anakin and Obi-Wan felt a haze upon their minds. Anakin gritted his teeth before using the Force to push the stranger back. Her head jerked up to look at him, cyan eyes widening before she straightened up.

“I don’t want to hurt you, but you cannot remember my presence here.” she spoke softly, Obi-Wan frowned as they ignited their lightsabers. The stranger took a step back before taking something off her belt. A hum filled the air as did a soft pink light. Anakin jumped forward as Obi-Wan followed closely behind. The stranger barely managed to block the blows with a squeak. She could barely keep up with the two trained Jedi yet she did her best to get past them to the exit.

“Caretaker, come in.” a voice spoke from a communicator and her eyes widened glancing down at it. She pressed a button saying. “Kyber, not now.”

“Is everything alright?” Kyber asked as the Caretaker blocked a blow from Obi-Wan before spinning out of the way from Anakin’s attack.

“Uh… no, I was discovered by two Jedi.” the Caretaker replied, backing up panting slightly. “I will need some help getting out of here. Please.”

“Understood Caretaker.” the communication was closed and she looked at the two of them saying. “Let me pass, please, I meant no harm.”

“Why were you here in the first place?” Obi-Wan question and the Caretaker glanced towards them before shaking her head. “You know something.”

“I can not tell you, I can’t meet her this soon. I am sorry.” the Caretaker told them her voice trembling as her hand lifted. Two chairs were thrown towards the Jedi and they jumped out of the way. The Caretaker made it into the main room with them following. They moved blocking off both exits lightsabers at the ready. The Caretaker deactivated her own before changing her stance, she activated it again. One blade, then two. Anakin and Obi-Wan looked at each other before jumping towards her. She blocked both of their strikes before jumping backwards. She circled around before throwing her lightsaber towards the window watching it break. She bolted jumping out of the window, the Jedi not far behind. She landed on the balcony running towards the edge, she turned around looking at Obi-Wan and Anakin.

“What interest do you have in Rainbow Dash?” Obi-Wan asked and she looked down before looking at him shaking her head. Her hands were trembling as she spoke. “I can’t say, I’m sorry, please Master Jedi just forget.”

Obi-Wan grabbed his head and Anakin charged forward and the Caretaker took one step backwards dropping off the edge. He dove after her only to get a cloak in his face and his body stopped. His eyes widened seeing pink hair before it vanished past the speeders. He was pulled back to the balcony just as a ship flew past them. Anakin got onto his communicator to head the ship off. Obi-Wan was stroking his beard.

“We have to go, follow them.” Anakin said but Obi-Wan held up his hand. “Master….”

“Anakin leave that up to the Fleet, I’m sure they can handle one ship.” Obi-Wan told him as his eyes glanced off to the side. “There is something familiar about the Caretaker.”

“You can’t be serious, I would remember if we met someone like that before.” Anakin said, crossing his arms across his chest.

“No, it was before when I was Master Qui-gon’s Padawan. I just can’t remember the incident.” sighed Obi-Wan before turning to look at the window. “We should get that replaced.”

“I’m not paying for it.” Anakin said, patting him on the shoulder. “I’m going to check with Admiral Yularan, see if they managed to catch this Caretaker.”

“You best have a good explanation before Rainbow Dash arrives.” Obi-Wan called after him as he sent in a requisition for a new window rubbing his forehead. “This is becoming a bigger mystery than it already was. “

Meeting the Recruits

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Chapter Twenty Six: Meeting the Recruits

When Rainbow Dash got to her apartment she knew something was up. Obi-Wan and Anakin were talking over the communicator and the window was new. But she grinned when she saw Tank and Crossbones there.

“Well at least some of you are here.” Rainbow Dash said as her fellow recruits looked around, Xestu looked unhappy. ‘Well that isn’t too unusual.’ Rainbow Dash told herself mentally.

“So, care to explain?” Rainbow Dash asked as she unfurled her wings letting them rest against her back. Anakin chuckled saying. “Is this everyone?”

“Yup, we all met up for lunch.” Rainbow spoke before gesturing to the window with her wing. “What happened to the window?”

“It got broken.” Anakin told her and Rainbow Dash cocked an eyebrow. “I’ll tell you later. First thing’s first.”

Anakin’s eyes flickered over to the recruits who all saluted him. Crossbones eyed them carefully, as they stood at attention.

“I’ve already discussed this with both the Supreme Chancellor and Colonel Pir. All that is left is smoothing out the finer details.” Anakin addressed them as he paced back and forth. “I have gotten permission to bring any one of you on a mission. Right now I am hoping to start you off in a position of an observer, helping out with the daily functions of the ships.”

“You will still have to be prepared for any encounter and any mission you go on will require the presence of at least one Jedi Master.” Obi-Wan told them as the recruits glanced at each other. “Be prepared to be treated as any normal member of the crew. You will not be given any form of special treatment. Is that clear?”

“Sir, yes sir!” the recruits said at the same time, Anakin grinned saying. “Alright, now that you’ve got that in your heads time for introductions. I’m sure you all know who we are.”

“General Anakin Skywalker and General Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Dallia spoke up and Obi-Wan glanced at her. “Trust me, you’re quite famous for things blowing up.”

“What’s your name recruit?” inquired Anakin and Dallia saluted saying. “Dallia Koj, from Alderaan sir.”

“Alderaan? We normally don’t get recruits from there. They would prefer being a part of the Diplomacy Core.” Obi-Wan said in surprise as he stroked his beard.

“Yeup, that’s what my parents wanted too. Not me, I just wanted to help in a way only I could.” Dallia replied looking at him straight in the eyes. “I’m good at talking but I also prefer working on ships and the Republic Navy needs all the Engineers it can get.”

“She has a point.” Obi-Wan spoke and Anakin grinned, a large Rattataki male placing a hand on Dallia’s shoulder as she tried to continue speaking. She glanced at him before smiling and waving her hand.

“Sir? Can we continue the introductions?” the male Rattataki asked, his voice deep and rough but it caught their attention though he spoke softly. “I am Recruit Garuu Drurne, part of the Diplomatic Core.”

“A Diplomat? I hear there aren’t many willing to serve in the Diplomatic Core as many planets are satisfied with which side they have chosen and leave the talking to Senators.” Anakin mused and Garuu looked away saying. “I follow the path of my family, to solve conflicts through words and raise our fist only when the lives of others are in danger.”

“An honorable aspiration.” Obi-Wan commented and Garuu bowed his head in respect. “A lesson that some do not always learn.”

The purple skin Twi’lek shifted, Rainbow Dash remembered that she was the one who fired at the pirates. Obi-Wan glanced at her asking. “And who might you be my dear?”

“Eture’axee, General, finished basic training but now is in the SBI for the time being.” the Twi’lek answered, saluting him huffing a bit. “Apparently I’m too trigger happy so they put me behind a desk.”

“Too trigger happy?” this seemed to surprise Anakin, one wouldn’t put someone like that in the SBI unless they had a very good reason.

“I shot at the pirates.” Etura’axee admitted shuffling her feet as she looked at the ground. “Which caused Colonel Pir to get wounded protecting me. I think they’re trying to teach me patience and to think before I act.”

“Well you can’t learn that behind a desk.” Anakin told her, earning a grin from Etura who nodded her head. Obi-Wan spoke as he shook his head. “Don’t worry, you’ll be learning that lesson rather quickly with me. Anakin might not be the best influence for you.”

“Hey, I think.” retorted Anakin turning his head for a moment to look at Obi-Wan. “And my plans do work.”

“I never said they didn’t, you just rush into situations while forming your plan.” Rainbow Dash could tell that they would be getting into another one of their bickering sessions. She may have been used to it but the others weren’t. Donnel spoke up nervously. “Sirs? Should we continue or should we just leave the two of you alone?”

“It seems like you just volunteered to introduce yourself.” Obi-Wan said, giving him a smile and Donnel sighed. “I’m Donnel Teth, Engineering and Ship Maintenance… sir.”

He gave a quick salute again before looking off to the side shuffling in embarrassment. There was a few seconds of awkward silence before a Nautolan female spoke up. “Hiya! My name is Lassyl Tess. I’m currently working in Planetary Aid and Relief Support.”

“That is a new program, to deliver supplies behind enemy lines without being discovered.” Obi-Wan said looking at her and Lassyl grinned. “Pretty much, we have to be careful to keep our members’ identities secret. I trust everyone here though.”

The smile on her face grew even wider as she bounced on the balls of her feet. She elbowed the person next to her who rolled his eyes saying. “My name is Paz Vik, I work with Lassyl in Planetary Aid and Relief Support. Yeah, I’m a Weequay let the pirate and bounty hunter comments commence.”

“I do not care what species you are just as long as you are serving the Republic faithfully.” Anakin told him and Paz nodded his head saying. “Don’t worry sir, I don’t plan on betraying the Republic.”

“That is very good to hear.” Obi-Wan chuckled, Shae decided to introduce herself next. “My name is Shae Lyrua formerly of Mandalore. I am part of the Medical Core.”

This seemed to catch Obi-Wan’s attention but he managed to compose himself saying. “You are not a part of Mandalore anymore?”

“No, they made it clear that either I stay neutral or revoke my citizenship and join the Republic so no one can make the case that Mandalore had chosen a side.” Shae admitted but kept her gaze firm. “I made my choice and I do not regret it.”

Rainbow Dash glanced at Obi-Wan who had gone silent in thought. Anakin looked at the other recruits asking. “Who’s next?”

“Jovcar Stulus, sir!” a young human male saluted keeping his back straight. “Medical Core.”

“You don’t have to be that formal here. We’re just getting to know all of you guys.” Anakin told him making a motion with his hands to calm Jovcar down. Jovcar chuckled and rubbed the back of his head as he relaxed his posture. He nudged another human male in the side who gave him an irritated glare before saying. “Joadan Aidsha, Analytics. Slicing and Data Retrieval.”

Anakin nodded his head waiting for anything else. When Joadan didn’t speak he decided to move on pointing at a Miraluka saying. “You. Wait… you’re a Miraluka right?”

“My job does not require sight, I am Eiwsail part of the SBI. I listen to communications from those suspected of collaboration with the Separatists.” the Miraluka said with a bow, Anakin and Obi-Wan returned the gesture politely and Eiwsail stood straight returning to her previous position. A Cathar female looked around before saying. “Syvari Tu, Planetary Aid and Relief Support. Would you be coming with us on missions sir?”

“Not really, our faces are known to a lot of the Separatists.” chuckled Anakin giving a look of familiarity to Obi-Wan who shook his head. He had a smile grace his lips before he hid it. A male blue skinned Twi’lek was nudged forward by Verga. He stood silently for a moment before saying. “Zawacope. Diplomatic Core sir, I want to do all I can for both my people and the Republic.”

“I hope that those do not conflict with each other.” Obi-Wan told Zawacope who nodded his head and returned to being silent. Verga gave him a sympathetic smile before saying. “Verga, sir, part of Analytics as well. Heard you had to put up with my cousin for a bit.”

“Honestly I have a hard time figuring out that you’re related.” commented Anakin, referring to the differences in personality. Xestu merely frowned before looking away. Verga laughed saying. “A lot of people do, Xestu does have the temper of a Manka and I’m apparently rather chill.”

“You are.” a female Togruta said rather pointedly before shaking her head. “Apologies sir, I am Irsha Nardala, Weapons Development. We try to produce high quality armor and weapons with minimal cost so even the cheapest shit can hold together than the battle droids. Kord! Your turn.”

“I’m Kord Ferrila, I was assigned to security.” Kord said, keeping his head high and staying at attention. Rainbow Dash knew that this was normal for him though she was surprised at the fact that he wanted to be a part of the Diplomatic Core. A male Mirialan took a step forward saying. “Jelu Seer sir, Diplomatic Core, I hear you are quite an accomplished diplomat. I would love some advice.”

“Perhaps over some tea.” Obi-Wan offered and Jelu bounced excitedly in place as a Kel Dor stepped forward bowing and speaking politely. “Yim Drela, sirs, I am part of the Diplomatic Core as well. I prefer finding a peaceful solution to problems and am fluent in many languages. I hope to gain much experience.”

Anakin nodded his head and Rainbow Dash was about to make some refreshments for everyone. She was sneaking away when Lexxi walked forward saluting saying. “Lexxi Jorgan, sir, I was assigned to security.”

“Are you happy where you are?” Anakin asked, having the feeling that many of the recruits were assigned to places where they really didn’t want to be. Lexxi tilted her head to the side before shaking it, answering. “Yes sir, I have no issues about my assignment. I will do what I must for the Republic.”

“It will do you some good to get some experience off of Coruscant.” Anakin told her, Lexxi was taken aback as a flash of excitement in her eyes. She hid a smile as Jysh walked forward and saluted saying. “Sein Jysh, I am currently on janitorial duty.”

“You are Kaleesh.” Obi-Wan commented, Jysh nodded his head glancing away. “You are taking a big risk.”

“I did not agree with my people’s decision to remain with the Separatists. I came here to show that.” explained Jysh looking at the two Jedi. “I apologize if my appearance with this group disturbs you.”

A hand touched his shoulder before Kory walked forward a smile on her face. “It is alright Sein, we have accepted you. I am Kory Zavros, part of the Medical Division. It will be an honor to serve alongside the Jedi.”

“The honor is ours my dear.” Kory nodded her head as she stepped back, still bowing. Her eyes flickering to the lightsabers on the belts. A Rodian stepped forward giving them a salute. “Thea Jcirre, part of Ship Maintenance and Engineering. I am hoping to see many more of the vessels then just shuttles very soon.”

Obi-Wan stroked his beard as Anakin nodded his head saying. “Well, work with the shuttles for now, it will give you a better idea on how to survive in them if you get stranded in one.”

“Oh that has already happened multiple times when I was young. I grew up on many different ships.” Thea retorted tilting her head to the side. “You have a point though, Republic Shuttles are more refined than second hand shuttles.”

She took a step back before looking at Kimble saying. “Sparky you have not taken any chance to speak.”

“It’s Kimble, Thea, you should know this.” retorted Kimble before shaking his head and saluting. “Alexander Kimble, assigned to… maintenance.”

Rainbow Dash poked her head back into the room and stared at him in shock. She was expecting something else, anything else. Kimble was a talented leader and did manage to keep a cool head in difficult situations. ‘Maybe Anakin’s plan is a good thing.’ she thought before ducking out again. Kory gave Kimble a warm smile as he moved back into line eyes fixed on the ground. His jaw was clenched as a human male with dark hair walked forward saying. “Jenth Strir, Diplomatic Core, sirs.”

“Your accent, you are from Naboo, correct?” Obi-Wan observed and Jenth nodded his head saying. “Yes, I can’t leave all the Diplomacy up to Senator Amidala. I hear the situations she can get into are dangerous on the best days.”

“Not all the time.” Anakin interjected and Jenth glanced at him with an eyebrow raised before returning it to Obi-Wan. “Just some of the time.”

“Yes, Senator Amidala does have a tendency to want to get things done herself.” chuckled Obi-Wan shaking his head in amusement. His eyes focused on Rhan as he tilted his head back as he asked. “What about you?”

“Ivama Rhan, sir.” answered Rhan keeping his back straight. Anakin looked up at him asking. “What’s up with the mask?”

“My appearance has a tendency to make people….” Ivama paused to think of the right word before continuing. “Uncomfortable.”

“We can handle it.” Obi-Wan assured him, Ivama shifted before reaching up and taking off the mask revealing red skin and red eyes. He shifted uncomfortably as everyone stared at him. Obi-Wan was the first to speak up. “I am not aware of your species.”

“The name of my species was stolen and twisted.” explained Ivama moving to put the mask back on. “If my appearance makes you uncomfortable then the name will cause you to hate me.”

“It is only a name.” Anakin pointed out, Ivama glanced away as confusion washed over Obi-Wan’s face. Ivama nodded his head as the helmet clicked in his place saying. “A name that has been dragged through the mud. Most would see me as evil while others would be interested in discovering the secrets of my species.”

“Don’t worry Ivama, we will work towards earning that honor.” Kory told him both of them sharing a quick knowing look. A Sullusten cleared his throat before saying. “We should probably continue before Rainbow Dash is finished making the refreshments. I am Trek Tondenr, Ship Maintenance, though I do wish to join the Planetary Aid and Relief Support. It would be a chance to actually fly.”

“You’re a pilot?” Anakin asked and Trek nodded his head excitedly. “We might have to race later.”

“Anakin, no.” Obi-Wan spoke, raising his eyebrows before shaking his head. “I don’t want anyone crashing.”

“We’ll be careful.” Anakin argued as another recruit walked forward introducing himself. “Guess I’m next, I’m Jazail Nealros, SBI. Due to an accident when I was young my left arm is now cybernetic as well as a few cybernetic upgrades to improve brain function. I hope I can be of use to all of you in the future.”

“Thank you for letting us know.” said Obi-Wan, breaking away from the conversation he was having with Anakin. Jazail smiled before she stepped back rubbing her left arm. Another human stepped forward, female, but she had a swagger. She grinned before introducing herself. “Caece Zima, I’m from Corelia, and work in Ship Maintenance. Pleasure to be working with Jedi.”

“Corelia, huh? I’m pretty sure you know all the ship schematics by heart.” Anakin jokes and Caece laughed saying. “Yeah, if they actually allow me to work on anything that isn’t an escape pod, at least Thea has shuttles.”

“Trust me, I was surprised as well.” Thea told her and Caece shook her head. “We apologize, Master Jedi, we just find it irritating. Even if we love where we are assigned our jobs leaves us wanting.”

“We both understand that feeling.” Obi-Wan assured them as a human male with dyed white hair and blue eyes spoke up. “Sorry to interrupt, there’s only two of us left. Solomar Kitcul, Engineering, I like a good strong drink.”

“Koz Si, a Selonian from Corelia.” the last recruit spoke and Caece smiled. “I came with Caece after my den was murdered and I did not wish to continue my life as a Breeder. I work in the Engineer Division.”

“Are you done?” Rainbow Dash’s voice called out before she walked out of the living quarters. “Snacks are on the new table. Sweet design by the way, looks handcrafted.”

Obi-Wan and Anakin shared a glance at the recruits filed in. Crossbones had already struck up a conversation with Ivama. Once closer Obi-Wan noticed the surface of the table had the image of what to be a temple of sorts. While along the side there were mountain ranges and what to be an old village. He stroked his chin in thought before pulling Anakin off to the side. “I do believe our Caretaker friend really was just delivering a gift, but I think there is more to it then we first suspected. Try to get as many images of it as possible.”

“Understood.” Anakin replied before grabbing a drink. “Anything else you want to let me know?”

“I do believe we judged her too quickly, it is possible that this is a harmless gift. If we see her again, try not to be on the offensive.” Obi-Wan told him and Anakin glanced at him. “I believe we scared her.”

Anakin took a bit before saying. “Understood, master.”

Body Swap

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Chapter Twenty Seven: Body Swap

Rainbow Dash laid in bed, her eyes glued to the ceiling. She was hesitant to sleep, she was excited and yet fearful of what Anakin had suggested. She loved the idea of having her fellow recruits work with the Clones and understand what it meant for them to serve the Republic. ‘And yet I don’t want them to get hurt.’ Rainbow Dash thought rolling onto her side as she shut her eyes tight. Her body relaxed as a hand soothed her hair.

“Good night, Ace.”

Eyes opened, meditation, yes I was meditating. ‘No, I wasn’t… I just went to sleep. Wait, where am I?’ Rainbow Dash felt her body move. ‘Wait, this isn’t me. I’m not this tall and I can’t feel my wings. Who’s body is this and am I in control?’ She found out pretty quickly that she wasn’t. Though the movement was quick she found herself kneeling and a deep voice speaking. “My master, I have arrived at your request. What is it?”

Rainbow Dash knew she had heard this voice before as a hologram appeared saying. “The Jedi are searching for artifacts of great power. They are using a creature to locate and retrieve the shards of this artifact.”

“A creature my Lord?” The man asked. “And I have heard rumors of these shards, what exactly are they?”

“An alien known as an Equestrian.” explained the hologram, Rainbow Dash knew that they were talking about her. “These shards were once a blade that a servant of a Sith Emperor had wielded.”

“We cannot allow the Jedi to get ahold of these shards. Them gaining these artifacts could potentially prove harmful to our cause.” The man said in response. “What would you have me do, my master?”

“I have managed to gleam the location of one of the shards. I want you to retrieve it.” the mysterious lord ordered a frown on his face. Rainbow felt like he was staring at her.

“Shall I inform General Grevious of this?” the man asked back. “The war has not allowed me to move about so freely, so if he’s in a better spot perhaps he can retrieve it.”

“The abilities of these shards are unknown. I do not want him to mess it up.” the lord said as he began to think. “Use him as a distraction to keep the Jedi’s eyes off of you.”

“Yes Lord Sidious, it will be done.” The man said as he stood up off the ground. “Where am I to go?”

Worry filled Rainbow Dash’s mind after hearing this exchange. The man’s eyes narrowed as he answered. “You are to go to Nathema, however first we will need to rid you of a spy.”

“A spy? Where?” The man asked looking around, trying to feel a presence with the Force. “I can feel nothing.”

Rainbow Dash’s worry turned into a panic, knowing now that her presence was known but didn’t know how to get away. The man lifted up his hand and Rainbow Dash felt something flood through her as if pushing back. Her instincts kicked in and she held on tightly not knowing what that could cause. Her mind was overwhelmed and she blacked out.

When Rainbow Dash came to she was on the ground, she groaned holding her head. Pushing herself up with one hand she opened her eyes seeing a long sleeve. ‘Wait, that’s not right, the only long sleeved outfit I have is my uniform.’ she thought, taking quick note that her hand was larger as well. She pushed herself to her feet looking for a mirror. What she saw stunned her, she wasn’t her, but Dooku. She had sworn to herself that it had been a dream when she had first met him. Yet even with that one moment she had formed a bond of somesort. ‘This does explain how I connected to Slick.’ she thought, looking at the facial hair. ‘Though for an older human, I think he has a fashion sense that even Rarity could appreciate. No, don’t go there Rainbow, you have to find a way back to your body!’

Taking a step back from her mirror Rainbow Dash thought about the conversation. If she was in Dooku’s body, that would mean she was far from the Republic. Not only that but he was to give Grievous instructions, which meant she had to act like Dooku. ‘Only one problem with that. I don’t know how to act like Dooku or know any of their plans.’ she thought, she felt her stomach twist into knots. ‘I don’t know if I can do this. How can I play the villain? I don’t even know how long I’m going to be in this body for! What if that Sidious guy contacts me? I don’t know their actual relationship? Now that I think about it, what do I know about the Separatists other than what I was told?’

Rainbow Dash moved to the only window in the room and peered outside. She clasped her hands behind her back like she had seen Dooku do before. The movement felt natural as she looked out at the planet. She couldn’t see much with the green tint to the window but she saw the shapes of trees. She sighed a bit, shaking her head. The door slid open behind her and she turned her head slightly remembering the subtle movements that Dooku had. A pale bald woman with tattoos on her face entered bowing slightly. Rainbow Dash wracked her head for a name, only one seemed to come forth.

“Ventress.” Rainbow Dash greeted returning to her original position.

“Master, she has arrived and is wishing to speak with you.” the woman replied, her voice a smooth hiss. “Shall I bring her in?”

“No, see to it that she is properly accommodated. I am not of my right mind today and will be returning to my meditation.” Rainbow Dash told her, she prayed it was the right thing to say. She dared not look back.

“Yes, Master.” Ventress replied before leaving, once the door slid shut Rainbow began to pace once again. ‘I need to find something to figure who that Ventress lady was talking about. Ooooor this is my chance to sneak out and get a glimpse of the Separatists. Hmmmm, cloak… closet.’

Rainbow Dash took her time searching the room and the next just turned out to be a study. Opening the door Rainbow Dash poked her head out looking around before heading down the hallway.She kept her back straight not turning her head to look at anyone who passed by but kept an eye on everything. That was when she noticed a golden trail upon the ground, taking a chance she decided to follow it. The first place it led her was Dooku’s room, which was sparse and elegant in its nature with another large window. Finding the closet was a bit more difficult but once she did she ran her fingers across each of the cloaks. ‘Does he have anything that isn’t expensive?’ she thought before finding one. Plucking it off she put it on and brought up the hood, it did cover most of the clothing underneath. ‘Except for the boots, those need to get changed.’ she thought before once again searching through Dooku’s closet until she found one that wasn’t as fancy and slightly weathered. Though they seemed to be buried farther back. Once she was sure that no one would recognize Dooku at a glance she began her quest to sneak out and see the Separatists. She just hoped that Dooku wasn’t messing things up too badly in her body.

“Does something seem different about Rainbow Dash to you?” Tank asked Crossbones as they listened to Rainbow Dash struggle to get changed.

“Other than the situation seeming familiar to me… no.” Crossbones replied, eating his food. “She has never been a morning person.”

“True.” Tank nodded his head before calling to Rainbow Dash. “Did you want us to keep some food warm for you?”

“Yes, please.” Rainbow’s voice called out stiffly, Tank shrugged his shoulders as he finished up. Plating up some food and putting it in a warmer.

“See you later!” Crossbones said as the two headed out for their next assignment. Rainbow Dash’s head poked out from her room a frown on her face. “Cursed clones, they are too clever for their own good. I should stay here today and figure out what has happened.”

Bringing one of Rainbow’s wings forward he hummed under his breath saying. “If she is smart she would return to the Republic and turn me in.”

Rainbow Dash walked around the city on the planet known as Onderon. Her eyes glancing around at the people who didn’t pay her much mind. She had managed to find and fly Dooku’s ship here and hid it in the forest nearby. She saw that the people on this planet were just normal people, though she did not like the propaganda lining the walls. Half of them were insults about the Clones, yet she didn’t want to start anything. There was laughter and children running through the streets. It was actually rather peaceful. One of the kids ran into Rainbow Dash and looked up apologizing, there was no recognition.

“Your toy.” Rainbow Dash said, waving a hand as she knelt down before the child. “It’s broken.”

“Oh.” the boy’s lower lip began to quiver, offering a smile Rainbow Dash held out her hand saying. “I can fix it.”

The boy smiled handing her the toy, Thea had shown a few things on basic repair to Rainbow Dash. Thankfully the damage didn’t look too bad as she began to repair it. She had just completed it when her head started to spin. Flashes of her apartment and the city flickered before her eyes. The man whose face was covered by the robe. Laughter. She gripped her head before everything was settled and the sound of speeders passed by. She looked up, seeing her room, the sun setting upon Coruscant. She chuckled a bit before heading out wondering if she should say anything but figured Dooku wouldn’t be too happy with the situation she left him in. ‘I just forgot to do everything requested of him and took the day off. So that must have disrupted something.’ she thought happily a huge grin on her face, though her mind did wander to the city that she had. The people and the laughter, nothing felt off or seemed wrong. They were just living their lives just like the people here were as well. Propaganda included. She smiled at the food in the warmer and took it out ready for what seemed to be her first meal of the day.

The Second Shard

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Chapter Twenty Eight: The Second Shard

Two weeks passed and Rainbow Dash was growing anxious. She didn’t want to go to the Jedi and tell them how she found out the name of the planet where the next shard was. Sitting down on the cot she stared at her hands before bringing one of her wings forward to pet it. The thick rainbow strand extended outwards, the red color dim. Reaching out her hand she grabbed onto the cord closing her eyes. The cord split off and the orange strand glowed brighter.

Empty halls, metal. The shard floated amongst a blue light as Dooku walked forward. He stared into the reflection of the blade before straightening up and turning around.

“If anything happens, seal the door.” he ordered before leaving the door sliding shut.

The vision zoomed out showing the ship and the planets nearby.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes opened as she got to her feet. She moved swiftly out of her room, spotting the Clones sitting at a table playing a card game.

“Everything alright?” Ash asked, not looking up from his hand. Rainbow Dash gave a grimace saying. “I need to talk to the Jedi Council, I have an idea of where the next shard is.”

“Want us to come with you?” offered Tank and Rainbow Dash shook her head saying. “I’ll be fine. I know where the temple is and they can help me narrow down the location.”

“Be careful, flying at night can be dangerous.” Rampage told her and Rainbow nodded her head saying. “I will. See you guys later!”

Rainbow Dash moved quickly making it to the balcony spreading her wings to take off. While she was in the air she kept close to the buildings to be able to see where she was at. It happened quickly, something hit her in the back causing her to begin carining downwards. She tried to correct herself while trying to get the unknown assailant off of her back.

“Count Dooku requests your presence.” a familiar voice told her before she felt something drag her into a moving speeder. Her head hit the side and her vision went black.

Rainbow Dash groaned as she opened her eyes, she was in a dimly lit cell. Lights flickering beyond the red forcefield. Once in a while the field would dim and Rainbow felt her skin crawl as she moved to the exit of her cell. When the field vanished she bolted through just as it came back on.

“Now, to find out where I am.” Rainbow breathed as she began to move through the hallway. Her eyes scanned the area as she came across a four way path. Down one the halls were just bodies of battle droids, parts strewn everywhere. She took a step back tripping over another part causing her head to hit the corner of the wall. She held the back of her head groaning and rolled around for a moment before a mechanical growl caught her attention. She was on her feet within seconds before jumping up just as a mass of robotic parts crawled through. It paused looking around before heading to the battle droid parts. Rainbow Dash moved to get a better look at the creature: it was an amalgamation of different B1 Battle droids, in the middle of it was a Super Battle Droid. Dragging itself across the floor further down the hallway, Rainbow Dash decided to follow it.

She was quiet as she kept to the ceiling making sure to stay out of sight. The already minimal lighting was flickered making the only way Rainbow Dash could track was by sound. ‘Not creepy at all,’ she complained mentally stopping when she saw nothing but thick darkness up ahead. She swallowed thinking. ‘On the other hand, I should look for that shard.’

Reaching out, Rainbow Dash focused on the shard she watched as the strand extended into the darkness. ‘Of course it had to be in the darkness.’ she grumbled internally as the cord-like strand trembled. “Dishonor.”

“Dishonor?” Rainbow muttered hearing the creak of the metal as the droid zombie came scuttling out towards her. Rainbow Dash managed to jump over it landing on the ground as it spun around. It raised an arm with a blaster attached to it and fired a shot. Rainbow Dash moved out of the way feeling it singe her leg. “Oh come on! I am not getting injured this time! I am going to find out what’s going on! Why are you attacking me?!”

Her wings spread out and the robot seemed to still as it scanned her up and down. A voice echoing from within its depths. “An Equestrian?”

“Star Forge, right? We’ve met on Christophsis.” Rainbow answered and there was silence. “Wait… you don’t remember me? Don’t remember lecturing me on abandoning my people?”

“No.” Star Forge’s voice answered. Rainbow Dash frowned as she folded her arms across her chest wings flaring as Star Forge continued. “I was taken by dishonorable means, these people have not earned the right to….”

“To what? To live? What gives you the right to decide that?” Rainbow Dash demanded causing the droid to still. “This, what you are doing is dishonorable. These droids are programmed to follow orders and you’re punishing them for the actions of the person sent to retrieve the shard you are trapped in!”

“What do you know about honor?” snarled Star Forge and Rainbow Dash took a step forward saying. “A lot more than you do apparently. I at least try to understand the other side. So I can make sure my actions don’t harm innocents.”

“I remember a time when there were innocents, our people. Just the plains of Equestria. In war, though, there are no innocents who fight.”

“You can’t just say that! You can’t forget who you are!” Rainbow Dash fought back waving her arm around. “You’re an Equestrian just like me!”

“And I was dishonored! I lost my wings to someone who I thought was my friend for deciding to remain with the Pegasi! They were right, I should have never trusted a Unicorn.” the metal around them began to creak as the droid parts began to gather around the amalgamation. Rainbow’s eyes turned orange as she grabbed onto one of the parts flying towards the mass of robotic parts hiding the shard. Orange lightning arched out from her hands the piece of metal warping in her grasp.

“You had to choose between you people and your friends? Why?” She asked through gritted teeth and Star Forge answered in an uncaring tone. “They weren’t Pegasi, we had to look out for ourselves when they proved they couldn’t be trusted or relied upon. It was each race for themselves. Sure we would help with the weather, but we would have asked for payment in return.”

“You speak of honor but, you are the reason why ponies were nearly killed by the Windigos!” Rainbow Dash spoke the orange energy forming a blade. “You claim your duty is to your people, you say you cannot trust a Unicorn. Perhaps you are right or perhaps you caused something so unforgivable to happen.”

“You know nothing little one!” screamed Star Forge as the robot leapt forward. Pieces going everywhere as Rainbow rolled out of the way. She was on her feet in seconds to dodge the blaster fire. She slammed the blade of orange energy into the ground allowing the electricity to spread out. The current travelled up the mechanical monstrosity causing it to screech. The orange energy reformed into the blade Rainbow Dash made a slashing motion. The ship shook as Rainbow Dash charged forward slicing into the metal watching as it flaked away. A blaster shot hitting her arm she jumped back flapping her wings quickly.

“I HAD A DUTY! I WAS HONOR BOUND TO SERVE MY PEOPLE!” screeched Star Forge bringing down a mass of claws to swipe at her. Rainbow Dash was knocked to the side. She hit the ground with a thud looking up to see the mechanical mass starting a charge towards her. Glancing at the blade it began to reform into a heavy blaster cannon. It was large and heavy but it felt right for the situation. She took three steps back and opened fire at the creature knocking back the pieces one by one. It leaped towards her letting out a mechanical snarl only to be frozen in midair. Rainbow peered past it to see Mace Windu and a squad of clones there.

“About time you got here sir.” Rainbow said as mechanical mass was thrown into a nearby wall. “The shard is attached to a super battle droid in the middle of the mass.”

“I will handle that.” Windu said as he began to rip pieces off as Star Forge’s voice growled out. “So you have come, Jedi. Did you seek this broken Knight of Zakuul? He told me you would come.”

One of the clones reacted quickly noticing that the technological amalgamation was about to fire at Windu and shot off the arm. Rainbow Dash spotted the shard and flew forward quickly banishing the weapon. She grabbed a hold of it saying. “You have to let go of what some did to you Star Forge. You’re never going to be able to move on if you don’t.”

She glanced down to see the image of the pegasus screaming and crying as she gently removed the shard saying. “Hold to your honor and duty has made you lose sight of who you were. You focused so much on making that your only quality isn’t good for you.”

“I left them to protect my people and yet when my wings were taken they rejected me.” Star Forge responded looking away. “You have shown to be an honorable pony. The shard is now yours.”

“Thank you Star Forge.” Rainbow Dash whispered as the body of the super battle droid. She glanced at Mace Windu nodding her head in thanks, her eyes fading back to magenta. “So, how’d you find me?”

“Ash came to the temple to see where you were. He correctly assumed that you were captured when we told him that we hadn’t seen you. It took us a bit but we managed to find a Jedi to track you down, good thing you didn’t take the ship for a joy ride.” Windu replied, taking note of the change as Rainbow Dash shook her head saying. “Good thing you got here when you did. Thanks for the help Master Windu.”

She walked towards wrapping the shard in a spare piece of her sleeve that she had torn off. “Here, another shard, I’ve got a feeling I’m not going to like where her story ends. Just take care of her, please.”

“We will.” Windu replied as the trooper escorted Rainbow Dash to the ship as he looked at the shard seeing a woman with grey white skin and deep blue eyes watching him. Her face littered with scars from what looked to be battle and a burn scar more recent.

“We’ll keep you safe until she returns home, don’t try anything.” Windu told her before following the group.

Rainbow Dash was already seated in the ship tilting her head back when Mace Windu entered. He glanced at her before moving to the cockpit saying. “We’re all here, take us to the command ship.”

“Yes sir.” responded the clone as Windu took his seat observing Rainbow Dash. After about a minute she twitched before looking at him saying. “You don’t have to stare at me. I didn’t mean to get caught. I was staying by the buildings when someone jumped on me. Told me that Count Dooku requested my presence.”

“Ventress.” Windu uttered before sitting back. “She managed to sneak her way onto Coruscant to capture you. What are the Separatists planning?”

“Well whatever they’re planning it seems like they’re after the shards.” mused Rainbow Dash feeling uncomfortable. “And it isn’t good.”

Diplomacy with Pirates

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Chapter Twenty Nine: Diplomacy with Pirates

When Rainbow Dash had gotten back, she was questioned about her kidnapping. Evidence was gathered and reviewed before she was even allowed to get back to work. It didn’t take too long before she was allowed to get back to guarding Senator Amidala. She wouldn’t admit it to most people, she was glad to have the much more simple task. It was about two weeks later when something happened that Rainbow Dash didn't want to be a part of. Dooku was captured by the same pirate who tried to capture her. Captain Hondo Ohnaka. ‘This isn’t going to turn out well.’ she thought standing in the background watching three Jedi, Senator Amidala, Representative Binks, and Chancellor Palpatine. They were awaiting the report from Anakin and Obi-Wan confirming if Dooku was indeed alive and captured.

“Senator Kharrus would be the best person to deliver the spice and I would recommend Representative Binks to go along as well to help.” Padmé suggested, Rainbow Dash tilted her head to the side as she fought for a moment paying attention slightly to the conversation. Palpatine nodded his head, his eyes shifting over to Rainbow before asking. “What if we send one of the recruits within the Diplomatic Core? As this is dealing with a ransom situation it wouldn’t be too dangerous. Young Skywalker and Master Kenobi are already planetside so there wouldn’t be too much of an issue.”

“It is still too dangerous.” argued Padmé, Rainbow Dash shifted as the Chancellor pointed out. “The recruits are combat trained and have dealt with pirates before. Miss Dash….”

Rainbow’s head jerked up realizing that all eyes were on her as Palpatine continued. “You know the recruits the best. Who would you suggest to go on the mission?”

“Jelu Seer would be the best, since we are dealing with pirates. Garuu would try to confront each hostile situation peacefully, Zawacope and Yim are better for negotiations not a ransom delivery. They would honestly do better learning with Senator Amidala or Senator Organa.” Rainbow Dash said after thinking for a bit. “Whenever Jelu was on the bridge when the pirates bothered us he was able to easily keep up with them in a discussion.”

Padmé frowned, still not happy with the plan. Palpatine nodded his head as he contacted the head of the Diplomacy Core to have Jelu meet the Senator and the Representative at the ship they were taking. Rainbow Dash sent a look of apology towards Padmé. She really didn’t know that the Chancellor would call on her.

Jelu Seer honestly did not know what to feel as he sat down with Senator Kharrus, who was well known for his negotiating skills. As well as Representative Binks, who he’s heard some stories about but none of them were flattering. Senator Kharrus gave him one instruction to observe but not say anything. He glanced around at the Clones who were all quiet and glanced at his hands.

“Hidoe.” Jelu’s head jerked up seeing Representative Binks standing in front of him. “Mesa name is Jar Jar Binks. Whosa are yousa?”

“Jelu Seer.” Jelu said, smiling a bit feeling his nerves calm down a bit. “I’m here to observe this mission.”

“Yousa seem... nervous.” Jar Jar observed looking at him and Jelu nodded his head. “Don't be! Mesa sure dat Senator Kharrus will be able to handle dha delivery.”

“He’s been through hostage negotiations and perilous talks, but I’ve seen what pirates are capable of.” Jelu said as Jar Jar sat next to him tilting his head to the side, his large ears sliding off his shoulders. “I know it’s just a minor mission, that everything should go smoothly, but there are just so many things that could go wrong. Maybe I’m just overestimating them, I mean these can’t be the same pirates that attacked the vessel I was training on.”

Jar Jar just blinked and Jelu chuckled running his fingers through his hair before clearing his throat. “Anyways, it shouldn’t take too long, I better rest up.”

“Okeeday!” Jelu smiled before leaning his head back and closing his eyes. He could see why most people would view Representative Binks as a fool. Even Jelu was swayed by the rumors and whispers he had heard. Yet meeting Jar Jar, he felt relaxed, perhaps it was the carefree attitude the Gungan had. His eyes slipped shut for what he believed to be for a moment.

The ship shook violently and Jelu’s eyes snapped open. He knew they were in trouble as Jar Jar was placed next to him and strapped into place. He pulled down the harness as Senator Kharrus took a seat nearby, brought the flight harness down over his shoulders and locked into place. Jelu didn’t ask questions quickly figuring out that they were under attack. ‘Probably by the same pirates who asked for the spice.’ he thought just as the ship hit the ground. From the corner of his eye he saw the Senator’s harness malfunction and he was sent flying forward. Jelu reached out to try to grab him but was stopped by the harness.

“Sir, are you alright?” a clone asked as he helped release Jelu who nodded his head shakily. He stood up observing the wreckage as they headed out. Jar Jar asking where Senator Kharrus was. They found the Senator in the other half of the ship having perished in the crash. Jelu averted his orange eyes wishing that he had been faster. Did something to keep Senator Kharrus alive.

“Yousa alright?” Jar Jar asked quietly placing a hand on Jelu’s shoulder causing him to look at the Gungan. “Mesa thinkin’ dat wesa should give Senator Kharrus a proper burial.”

Jelu thought about it before nodding his head saying. “That would be for the best. I’ll help.”

“Okeeday.” Jar Jar led Jelu and one of the clones to burying the body while the others looked around to see what they could salvage. Jelu quietly aided the clone, feeling a bit nervous once again. Though Rainbow spoke fondly of them Jelu could admit that they were quite intimidating. They had hardly spoke to them and he had the feeling that they were irritated having another diplomat sent along. ‘One more person to protect.’ he told himself as he began to pick up the rocks glancing at the Clone aiding them.

It took a bit before they had covered the Senator’s body with rocks, making sure it was well covered. Jar Jar stepped forward delivering a saddening eulogy securing the senator’s staff between two rocks. “You-sa find rest, senator. Thosen with good in their hearts always passen too soon.”

Jelu bowed his head somberly as Jar Jar continued on, but he couldn’t find fault. Though it may have been to some a ramble, Jelu knew that the Gungan meant well.

“We be missin’ you senator….” the clone who had helped him spoke up. “Sir, this place is dangerous.”

He held up his arm showing the water from the geyers eroding his armor. “Look, those geysers are spitting out acid.”

Jar Jar’s eyes looked at the native wildlife as they ran from the geysers pointing out. “These-a beasties don’t be like the geysers neither!”

Jelu stayed by Jar Jar as the clone moved to join the others. He tilted his head to the side saying. “You’re observing the local wildlife, why is that Representative Binks?”

“Desa know dha area better than wesa do. Always be keep an eye on them-sa, desa'll let yousa know when isa safe to move.” Jar Jar told him and Jelu nodded his head finding the reasoning to be quite sound. ‘It’s like knowing how truly safe someone’s ship is by watching the way the Captain shows it off. If they try to steer you away from certain areas you know they’re either hiding something or there is something wrong that they don’t want to tell you about. Unless you’re a passenger and those places are commonly off limits.’ Jelu thought before kneeling down in front of the pile of stones. He closed his eyes trying to refocus himself when the sound of swoop bikes caused his eyes to open.

“What-sa dhat?” Jar Jar asked as Jelu climbed to his feet and heading for the shuttle. He searched his pockets for anything that could be traced. He had a feeling that these were either the guys who were sent to retrieve the spice or the ones who fired at the ship. He cursed his luck finding that the only thing they could trace with ease was the emblem of the Diplomatic Core. Detaching it he fastened to one of the straps carefully. The sounds of blasters filled the air as he moved deeper into the shuttle hiding down the stairs.

He heard the blaster fire and the grenades as he searched for an onboard blaster pistol. He was defenseless and dreaded to think what would happen. Letting out a silent groan Jelu finally found a small holdout blaster and snagged it. Hiding it within his uniform he was about to leave when he heard the pirates talking.

“Once that geyser goes off they’re broiled.” Jelu knew that voice, it was one of the pirates who attacked the training vessel. He reached for the holdout blaster but it didn’t sound like they were searching the ship. Just grabbing the spice. He had to wait until they were gone before rejoining the group.

“Should we check down there?” one of the pirates asked causing Jelu to tense up before the first said. “We have the spice, let's just go.”

Jelu waited until he heard the speeders take off before letting out his breath. They hadn’t noticed his presence, probably just thought that the pin was on there to mark it. He waited for a minute before heading out to see what was the fate of Representative Binks and the clones. They were alright, climbing out of the crater. He let out a sigh of relief before a hand wrapped around his mouth and he was pulled out and around the shuttle. He was pressed against the metal and his eyes flickered to his captor before realizing. It was Zenith.

Adventures with Pirates

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Chapter Thirty: Adventures with Pirates

“Znith?” Was Jelu’s muffled question his orange eyes locking with the blue eyes of Zenith who motioned for him to remain quiet. Her hand moved to grip his arm and pulled him away to a swoop bike with cargo attached to it a few minutes away in her ship.

“It would be worse for you if you were found.” Zenith explained motioning towards the back of the bike and he climbed on. “We’re going to have to make sure you aren’t recognized.”

“Is there a reason why?” asked Jelu and Zenith gave him a look as she brought the cargo over to the swoop bike. “Two words, one person. Rainbow Dash. If that traitorous worm was smart he would use you to distract Hondo to get Rainbow Dash, blame the Republic for not delivering the spice, and then make off with the spice on his own.”

“That would actually make sense, you know, if they were smart.” Jelu joked climbing on the back and they took off. “So what’s in the crates?”

“Mostly just alcohol. I still kind of owe him because I didn’t help his escape more.” Zenith chuckled as she sped towards the Pirate’s base. Jelu shook his head, chuckling a bit before looking around Florrum. He missed getting out and seeing the different worlds. That pretty much halted when he moved to Coruscant. Zenith’s chuckle broke him out of his thoughts as she spoke. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you space out before.”

Jelu barely managed to let out a “huh?” causing more laughter. “During training, you were always so busy with your studies and exercises. You almost never took a moment to relax. I always told Pir that dealing with Hondo was the closest you ever got.”

Jelu didn’t know how to respond, it wasn’t that he didn’t take breaks. He just never took them around the other trainees. He wanted to encourage practice and studying during the time they had during the day. He just didn’t want to be wasteful.

“It’s something I learned growing up. We can’t waste the day.” he explained quietly and Zenith glanced at him with her blue eyes. “The ship my family had was old, but they can’t bear to give it up, so I had to help keep it together. Help with the repairs, couldn’t forget the upkeep, or the maintenance. It was old but it was home.”

“I get it. I wasn’t always living on Coruscant. My mom and I both lived on a ship that grandma got from a friend. An old XS Stock Lightweight Freighter. It’s been in my family for a long time. After they gave it to me… I ended up crashing it. On Voss.”

“Voss? The mining world?” Jelu asked, earning another chuckle from Zenith. “Alright, what about Voss is so special?”

Zenith thought for a moment before explaining. “It wasn’t always like that. The Voss had a deep and rich culture that had faded after their planet was decimated in a war long ago. A small group of Voss kept their old history and practiced it in seclusion. Their beliefs were rejected and seen as foolish superstition, that those beliefs were the reason why Voss was attacked. I met them while looking for ways to repair my ship. Anyways… we aren’t talking about how I met my husband.”

Jelu nodded his head before realizing what she said. ‘Husband? She’s already married? To a Voss? Who are you Zenith?’ Jelu’s orange eyes narrowed at Zenith’s back.

“You know, being a diplomat you should actually look into the history and culture of the planets you visit.” Zenith mentioned swerving a bit to avoid a rock. “It shows that you are an attentive diplomat and respect their whole culture. Not just what the Republic wants to see.”

“Is that why you get along with Hondo?” inquired Jelu as he saw them approach the complex. Zenith laughed before shaking her head. “We get along for very different reasons. Most of the time it’s a competition, see who can upstage the other. See how long we can hold a favor over the other’s head. No, I’m not going to tell you how we met… right now.”

Jelu chuckled, he noticed the pirates looking in their direction but once they spied Zenith they went about their way. She stopped the swoop bike and climbed off of it and prepared to carry in the crate while Jelu glanced around once in a while. Most of the pirates paid him no mind as he moved to help with the crate. He heard music as they entered the main building. Wary eyes were locked onto Zenith as she approached Hondo who was listening to the only pirate who made it back.

“They didn’t send the ransom, they sent an army. They ambushed us in Doshar Field.” the pirate lied and Jelu gritted his teeth as Zenith patted him on the shoulder. “I suggest we counter attack with tanks.”

Jelu gave a worried look to Zenith who was watching Hondo turn around asking. “Where are your men?”

The pirate looked down, saying. “I was the only survivor. I think they will try and attack us to free the Jedi.”

That was when Zenith went pale and stumbled slightly. Jelu caught her as Hondo snarled saying something that Jelu couldn’t hear. He carefully set down the crate and helped Zenith sit down as she shook her head. “I really should have listened to my husband and brought him along. You can’t really reason with Hondo when he’s like that.”

When the other pirate left, Hondo got up and was about to go somewhere when he spied Zenith. He glanced around before saying something into a communicator then slid off the barstool he was on and walked over. Jelu didn’t care about being recognized at this point as he tried to figure out what was wrong.

“Zenith!” Hondo greeted and Zenith looked up at him tiredly but with a smile on her face. “You don’t seem to be feeling too well eh?”

“You know me Hondo.” Zenith chuckled, still looking rather nauseous. “You seem upset about something.”

“Ah the Republic decided to break our agreement.” responded Hondo patting her on the shoulder glancing at Jelu. “I know you from somewhere.”

Jelu glanced at Hondo who quickly grinned saying. “Ah yes! The Mirialan recruit! You are quite skilled with that silver tongue of yours. What are you doing here?”

“Helping Zenith deliver the alcohol.” Jelu folded his arms across his chest but didn’t allow any hint of why he was on Florrum. “I hope we didn’t come at a bad time.”

“Just some trouble that doesn’t concern you right now.” Hondo told him throwing an arm around Jelu’s shoulder as the two Weequay helped Zenith up to grab the alcohol crate. Jelu rolled his eyes as Hondo led him over to the table he had been sitting at before. He waved towards a bartender for a drink as Zenith took a seat as well.

“So dealing with the Republic huh?” Zenith asked as the drinks were delivered but she didn’t touch hers.

“I would have expected some honor.” Hondo sighed, shaking his head before downing the contents of his glass. “Yet in times like these some forget that.”

Zenith nodded her head peering into her glass as Jelu took a sip of his own drink. He glanced over at Hondo who gave him a sly grin and instantly felt like something was up. He glanced down at his drink before looking at Hondo once again. Though the pirate captain was now chatting with Zenith who was looking much better. Jelu really didn’t know what was going on but watching the two he had a feeling that they had known each other for quite some time. His mind began to wander, to the days where he would be at ports with his parents. When they would find jobs at the local cantina and he would be sitting at the bar looking at the different people in the area. His mom was always dealing with the negotiations, his dad sitting next to him. His white hair falling in front of his eyes as he chatted with the bartender. Unlike his grandfather his dad never dyed his white hair or even hid his gold eyes.

“We should never be ashamed of the gifts of our ancestors.” he would tell Jelu, who took a lock of his hair gazing at the inky blackness. He didn’t want to dye his hair but he wanted to look normal. ‘Well normal to the Republic.’ he thought before downing the rest of his drink. Zenith pausing for a moment before glaring at Hondo as Jelu collapsed forward unconscious. Her hand went to her blaster just as the pirates aimed theirs at her. Her blue eyes narrowed before she looked at Hondo asking. “Seriously? You drugged him?”

“He is still valuable, might not be worth as much as the two Jedi, but since the Republic has decided to break our agreement. They do not get one of their promising diplomats.”

“For the sake of the stars, seriously?”

A Conversation with the Count

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Chapter Thirty One: A Conversation with the Count

Jelu groaned as he opened his eyes finding himself in a much different place that he was before. He glanced up seeing a cell door with Zenith standing beyond it. He pushed himself up snapping. “What did you do?”

“Nothing! I swear!” Zenith said quickly, holding up her hands. “It’s all Hondo, I don’t know what his plan is but he doesn’t want me leaving yet. Look this man captured two Jedi and Dooku, now he’s angry over a lie. He’s not listening to me and is keeping you to keep me under control. I’ll try to talk him out of this, just stay put.”

Zenith glanced over to the side towards the other cell, her eyes narrowed a bit before she turned and left. Jelu let out a sigh before moving over to the wall and leaned his head against it.

“I just have to keep calm, I can’t screw up anymore on this mission.” sighed Jelu staring up at the ceiling a strand of white hair coming into his vision. “I need to dye it again.”

He clicked his tongue patting his legs wondering what he should do while waiting for Zenith. “Should I trust her? I mean she did try to give the training ship to Hondo but she could have just left me saying she didn’t care.”

“Quiet.” A voice said from the cell next to where Jelu was leaning his head against. Jelu stiffened before turning his head to look at the wall. He hadn’t expected to be in the cell next to the Separatist leader. He swallowed before mumbling a quick apology not even sure why.

The man didn’t respond even though he could hear the mumbling. He sat in his cell silently with his eyes closed, meditating. Jelu twitched before looking at his hands asking. “Can I ask you a question, sir?”

He opened his eyes with an irritated look saying. “If it will keep you quiet.”

“Why start the conflict? I mean I don’t get why the Republic didn’t just let you secede or why you started the conflict.” Jelu asked, letting his hands drop into his lap. “I’ve only heard the Republic’s side of the story but I don’t really know yours.”

“So you know who I am? You must not be just someone that those pirates locked up. Who are you?” Dooku asked.

“My name is Jelu Seer, I’m part of the Republic Diplomatic Core.” Jelu said tapping his feet together. “I had met Captain Ohnaka during my training in the Republic Navy. You can guess why I’m here.”

“Perhaps, but I do find it odd that the Republic sent a new recruit such as yourself.” Dooku stated. Jelu hung his head saying. “I was sent here with Senator Kharrus and Representative Binks to… deliver the ransom for you. I was sent along because I’ve managed to get Hondo to leave us alone, once or twice. Unfortunately we were attacked and Senator Kharrus perished.”

Dooku stroked his beard as he responded, saying. “Tell me lad, why do you choose to fight for the Republic?”

“Being honest? I was trying to get away from the life my parents lived. It was rather hectic, they were smugglers. I also have a talent for talking and understanding. It’s why I was aiming for the Diplomatic Core.” Jelu admitted before staring across the cell.

“You and I are alike in some ways young Jelu. Did you know that I was a Jedi once?” Dooku asked. “I left the Order because I lost faith in the Jedi, and the Republic. I also needed to get away, like you. I found a cause worth fighting for, to show the worlds the corruption in the Republic.”

“Do you see the Republic as too far gone?” Jelu asked bringing his knees up and resting his chin on them. “Do you see the Order as too far gone as well?”

“Yes. The Republic that once was is all but gone now, the peacekeeping Jedi are now aggressive Generals.” Dooku answered.

“Wouldn’t that be the fault of the Republic for relying on the Jedi to fight in this war?” Jelu mumbled seeing a rock and focused on it watching it move slightly before shifting nervously.

Dooku turned to look in the direction Jelu’s voice was coming from. “Do not ask me that question, that is something you must ask yourself.”

“Kind of an open question. You know up in the air for anyone to answer.” Jelu chuckled, shaking his head. “You kind of answered my first question.”

“You know what my answer would be. Tell me young Jelu, how would you feel changing sides?” Dooku asked. Jelu thought about it, one of his legs dropping. He sighed, shaking his head slightly, saying. “Only when I’m absolutely sure that the Republic can’t be saved.”

Dooku chuckled. “It will be wonderful to see you soon, then.”

“We shall see.” Jelu told him before resting his head against the wall before closing his orange eyes. A small smile growing on his face. “I’m guessing you have a brilliant plan to escape. Want me to leave a message?”

"Unless I can get these shackles removed I cannot do much right now. We need to wait for the opportune moment when one of those bumbling buffoons opens the cell." Dooku responded with a frown on his face. Jelu looked at his own hands before asking. “Why would they open your cell when you are obviously their most valued commodity at the moment? Also you being a trained er… former Jedi?”

"They will do routine check ups, when one of the guards arrive I will….persuade them." Dooku said as he stroked his beard. Jelu chuckled as he rolled his shoulders saying. “Well then, I wish you luck sir.”

Jelu got comfortable once again this time laying on his side as he tried to get some rest. He was rudely awakened by the power going out. He yawned before looking at the wall wondering if Dooku had escaped.

"It seems that fate is on our side Jelu, be swift!" Dooku told Jelu as he left his cell. Jelu climbed to his feet before moving out, seeing the dead guard in Dooku’s cell.

"Never mind that, we have little time." Dooku said as he proceeded forward. Jelu followed after him saying. “Guess this was the opportune moment you were looking for?”

"It seems so." Dooku said as they kept on walking when they bumped into a couple pirates. Jelu moved forward quickly and brought down the first pirate while Dooku took out the other. Jelu looked at Dooku before saying. “I know I shouldn’t but I wouldn’t be able to stop you if you choose to go your own way.”

"That is fine with me, but think on what we discussed." Dooku told him. Jelu glanced at Dooku before saying. “Just as long as you remember that there are people who keep an open mind and are trying their best to change the Republic for the better. There is more than just the bad.”

Jelu smiled mumbling. “Like Rainbow.”

Conversing with Spirits

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Chapter Thirty Two: Conversing with Spirits

-Meanwhile-

Rainbow Dash sat in the speeder leaning back glancing at Shae who was flying. She patted her knees before looking at her as Shae focused on flying.

“You know I could always….” she began but Shae shook her head saying. “I am not going to risk you dropping me because you want to fly.”

“I don’t have to carry you.” huffed Rainbow and Shae glanced at her. “What? All I’m saying is that we could have gotten there faster.”

“We’re already in the speeder.” Shae told her, and Rainbow slumped in her seat seeing the Jedi Temple come into view. It was too slow for her, she could be there in an instant. The speeder landed and Rainbow Dash hopped out seeing Yoda standing there. Shae glanced at them hesitantly before climbing out and walking next to Rainbow.

“Master Yoda!” Rainbow greeted before giving him a salute and a huge smile on her face. Shae mirroring the salute but not saying a word. Her eyes flickered at the Jedi walking around before glancing away.

"Pleasure to see you it is." Yoda told her with a warm smile. Rainbow approached him saying. “So, I think I need a little help. My abilities are starting to affect my performance guarding Senator Amidala and I was hoping that you can help me understand them a little better.”

Yoda stared at Rainbow Dash's magenta eyes saying. "When experiencing these powers you do, your mind, where it is?"

“It’s hard to explain, when using them for the first time it’s when I’m getting overwhelmed. It’s like an act of desperation or instinct to escape or in need to defend myself. Recently though… my mind’s been getting fuzzy.” Rainbow Dash admitted looking at Shae who spoke up. “Recently she came into the medbay after training with Crossbones. While we were talking Kory and myself noticed that her eyes changed color for a brief moment. She did say something in that brief moment about how the positioning of the troops are more likely to get them killed and even offered advice on how to correct it. Saving the lives of more troops as well as saving money on lost equipment.”

Yoda turned to look at Shae with a curious look. "Different she was, you would say hmm?"

“It’s subtle, but she did act differently.” Shae admitted as Rainbow Dash glanced to the side shuffling her feet. “We try to see if she’s alright, but she doesn’t really remember those moments clearly enough. Like she remembers what she does but not really what she says. We were hoping you can look into this. We don’t want an incident where she loses control and hurts herself or others.”

"Hmm...unsettling this is. Young Dash, how feel do you?" Yoda asked as he put his hand to his chin. Rainbow Dash shoved her hands in her pockets drawing back a little as she thought about how to answer. She did not want to mention Darth Imperius, she didn’t want to sound crazy, yet she couldn’t keep it a secret if she wanted help.

“I want to be able to get a grip on this, I thought I could do it by myself, but the more this happens I can’t.” Rainbow sighed as she looked at the ground shaking her head.

"Old I may be, but blind I am not." Yoda said as he bonked Rainbow Dash on her head with his walking stick. "Troubling you more, something is. If help you require, all the truth you must say."

Rainbow drew in her breath before looking at Yoda before saying. “I’ve been seeing… people. There’s been an old man who calls himself Etaitiv Kaas, a woman who vanishes in yellow electricity, and someone who calls himself Darth Imperius. The female never introduced herself and told me to think about the other abilities. Imperius has just been helping me get through issues when he can and Etativ….”

Rainbow felt her breath leave her body as she saw Etativ watching her carefully a distance away from the Jedi. She figured the best way to explain him. “He’s the guy I told you about, the one I saw when I was in the medbay on Christophsis. The one who I said held no emotion in his eyes.”

Yoda's look turned from curious to concerned. "Moraband, you said you've been? If involved this Darth is, the work of Sith spirits this must be. With me, you must come."

“I thought that would have been one of the things you would have been looking out for when you found her.” Shae spoke crossing her arms across her chest and leaning her weight on her right foot. Rainbow glanced at Shae, her eyes wide in disbelief, a rare blush appearing upon her cheeks.

Yoda looked at Shae and said. "Wait here you must." His head then turned to Rainbow Dash. "Come!"

Rainbow Dash followed after Yoda as Shae leaned against the speeder looking at the other Jedi Masters who gathered around. She focused on a small bug on the ground watching it crawl around avoiding any gazes.

Yoda brought her to a small room with minimal lighting, it had the appearance of a room for meditation. He motioned for Dash to sit on one of the meditation cushions as he sat on another across from her. "Close your eyes you must, your mind on those you see focused you must be."

Rainbow Dash took a seat and closed her eyes, she took a deep breath as she began to focus. Whispers began to surround her as lights of different colors appeared in the room. The red was faded as her eyes opened revealing solid red. They narrowed at Yoda as her wings folded behind her like a cloak.

Yoda sat silently with his eyes closed, his voice appearing in Rainbow Dash's mind.

"Explain who you are you will. The girl, torment her no longer." Yoda spoke. Rainbow Dash chuckled for a moment before saying. “I would have thought that the Jedi would have used their words, not their minds. I would say it isn’t polite.”

"Little of the Jedi and the Force you know. Possess her, why you do?" Yoda said in response to the spirit. Rainbow’s shoulders pulled back as she tilted her head up staring at Yoda answering. “You shall know me as Tempest, the Wrath of the Empire and its not that I want to share a body with her. I could care little for this small being yet I owe a favor. When called upon I came and was trapped, not even your ‘cleansing’ wiped me from her mind.”

“Lies and deceit, the way of the Sith that is. Believe you, why should I?" Yoda asked his voice calm but his head tilted slightly. Tempest sighed as he climbed to his feet walking to the window as he whispered. “Even Sith have their honor, you can sense truth in words, I have no reason to bring down the Republic. The Sith Empire died a long time ago, their knowledge lost, and the blame passed on those who had nothing to do with their beliefs. Forced to hide, forced to allow their culture to be wiped from history, to us… the Jedi and the Republic are the monsters. Tell me this Master Jedi, what reason do I have to believe that you will not just use her and her abilities for your own gain? That you are trustworthy?”

"Protect her I will, use her I will not. Lost you are, both in young Dash and your knowledge of the Living Force. Confused and uncertain she is of her abilities, wants to protect others she does but her heart clouded with fear it is of those who lurk inside." Yoda responded calmly without opening his eyes. Tempest chuckled as he lowered his head, shaking it once. “She reminds me of my apprentice, not as soft spoken, but her heart is in the right place. I am linked to her power of defense, the red lightning that surrounds her body creating a barrier between her and an armed opponent. It can be used as a weapon if she is willing to learn. What she does with her abilities, how she uses them, she will need to figure that out on her own. I will not help her learn unless she proves herself, so far she has fallen short.”

Rainbow Dash started to fall backwards as Yoda opened his eyes, catching her with the Force and laid her on the cushion. Yoda placed a hand on her forehead willing her to come back to consciousness. "Young Dash, awake you should."

Rainbow let out a groan as the red light grew brighter. “You know, you should really figure this out before asking her to connect to us.”

Her eyes opened revealing yellow as she blinked looking around. “Well this is awkward, I’m not really used to Jedi-y temples and stuff like that.”

Yoda spoke normally outside her mind saying. "Another spirit you are?"

“I’m the Voidhound, callsign Ace.” Rainbow Dash spoke sitting up before stretching out her arms. “Wow, this is weird, never thought I would be able to feel what it’s like to have fingers again.”

She seemed rather preoccupied with Rainbow’s arms and fingers before looking at Yoda. “Sorry Master Oteg… I mean errr… sorry.”

"A Sith, you do not sound like. Oteg, a Master of the Old Republic he was." Yoda said in response, almost looking confused. Rainbow nodded her head before climbing to her feet saying. “Well, I knew it as the Republic but I guess to you guys it would be the Old Republic. It’s been that long, huh? I wonder….”

Rainbow crossed her arms shrinking back slightly as she glanced out the window. “What happened to you Corso?”

Yoda moved back to his cushion and sat down. "Strange this is. More to the ways of the Force I must learn."

Rainbow Dash walked up to Yoda and placed a hand on his shoulder giving him a sideways smile saying. “Hey, none of this was my idea, but we owe it to Rainbow Dash and her friends. This is our way of helping her connect to her abilities as they evolve. Granted that it keeps us from fully moving on… I think the best way of putting it is that the Force still has plans for us.”

Yoda stroked his chin as he responded. "A plan you say? A connection to young Dash you have perhaps?"

“I never really talked with her, we share a mutual friend.” Voidhound chuckled before looking away. “That’s what Darth Grumpy Pants said when he got stuck as a Force Ghost. Wonder if he’s still mad about that.”

She smiled at Yoda before sitting down on the closest seat narby. “That’s what the Outlander said anyways.”

"Intriguing this is. Speak to young Dash I must." Yoda said to himself. "Enough I have learned, leave her you will."

The Voidhound looked a little hurt before looking to the side and nodded her head saying. “Kay. See you around Master Jedi.”

She closed her eyes, yellow arcs of electricity bouncing off of Rainbow Dash. She fell to the side letting out a grunt pressing her hands against the cushion pushing herself up. “I hope that was helpful, Master Yoda.”

"Much I learned, yet understand little I do. Strange the Spirits are, not fully known the motives. Release them I cannot but harm you they won't." Yoda told her shaking his head a little before looking at her. Rainbow Dash frowned before saying. “Are any of them mentioned in history? Maybe that’ll help us figure out a motivation.”

"The Emperor's Wrath, one was called. Tempest his name was. Something on Moraband to shed some light, there might be." Yoda responded, tilting his head up as he thought. "Go there you must, but not alone will you be."

Rainbow Dash felt something weighing on her mind as she looked away. It must have been one of the spirits telling her to correct Yoda while the others were silent. Her eyes flickered up as if searching before looking at Yoda. “Isn’t that dangerous? Even if you send me with more people the spirits there go for any chance to possess any body they can inhabit. Besides… they didn’t really stay on Moraba… Korriba… that place. If we’re looking for information on them, we’ve got to find their vessels or places that they stayed in for long periods of time.”

"Dromund Kaas, the ancient Imperial capital perhaps." Yoda said. "Hard to find now it is. The spirits, lead us there through you they might."

Rainbow’s fist clenched at the mention of Dromund Kaas, not even noticing the action. She heard Etaitiv’s voice in her head. “How interesting.”

Her eyes widened slightly but she didn’t move purple slowly seeping into the iris. Purple energy began to surround her body before letting out a blast of energy throughout the room. Ripples of purple light seeped into the dust as they floated around. Yoda watched realizing that another spirit was taking over. Rainbow’s hand swept through the air before placing it over her heart and bowed her head. “Apologies Master Yoda. I would have rather kept myself from interfering but it was necessary.”

"Know me you do? From the other spirits, different you seem." Yoda said to the new spirit. "Necessary to interfere you say? A visit to Dromund Kaas perhaps?"

“I have always been watching.” Rainbow Dash spoke, her voice even before shaking her head. “Not with Dromund Kaas, though I would not mind it if that world remains untouched. At the moment though it was a presence that I had not realized lurked in the shadows of her mind.”

She chuckled a bit, muttering. “Though it is not me you should be concerned about. There is someone who is being lured to the Dark Side. It is only a matter of time before they fall.”

Finished Conversations

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Chapter Thirty Three: Finished Conversations

Jelu moved down the halls of the pirate’s headquarters quietly. He didn’t know what to think about Dooku. Everything he had heard stated that Dooku always knew what to say to get people on his side. Yet there was that feeling, Dooku was strict and almost cold when talking with him. He did try to get him on his side but he didn’t push the issue further.

Dooku remained focused as they continued to walk their way towards a possible exit. For some reason, there weren’t as many pirates around the cells as they thought. Jelu noticed the lack of pirates and knew Hondo was doing something.

“What happened to the two Jedi?” Jelu asked, trying to figure out who was sent again. In all honesty he wasn’t told much before he went on the mission.

“We’re in a Pirate Hideout child.” Is all Dooku said in response as he kept looking ahead. Jelu gave him an irritated look before mumbling. “Just wondering, Zenith just told me they were here and I doubt Hondo is an idiot.”

“Let’s just hope that they’re still with the pirates and our getaway will be smooth.” Dooku responded, taking a breather. “When we escape, what is your plan? Will you leave with me, or stay here with the pirates? Do you trust your Republic friends enough to save you?”

“We don’t know what is happening.” Jelu pointed out carefully not giving away his thoughts. “However there is no proof that if I go with you that I would be able to go back to the Republic. They would think the worst and the fighting would get worse as well. Or… they would think that I’m a traitor.”

“My dear boy when you’ve crossed over to our side you won’t want to go back to the Republic.” Dooku pointed out with a grin. “If they truly valued you and knew of your position here, do you not think that they would give you a chance? Ah, but this is the Republic. They would indeed label you a traitor. Your Senator is dead, your mission is a failure and for some reason you wouldn’t show up again and thought for dead. But if you were found alive, what is it that they would do? Welcome you back in open arms? I think not. I would say that there’s no hope for you for the Republic anymore.”

“Well, then, how about I do this diplomatically?” Jelu suggested as he thought about it. “You say I wouldn’t want to go back when I see the Separatist way of life. Yet I have seen the destruction of the Separatists as well. Why don’t I go to learn what I can and see what kind of accord we can come to. Diplomatically.”

“You are more than welcome to do that my boy, but regardless of what decision you come to you have no life left at the Republic.” Dooku responded, his grin turning into a frown. Jelu thought for a moment saying. “We will see, I have my doubts but neither of us know what the future has in hold.”

Dooku’s smile returned, but it was more of a menacing grin than a smile with no words in response. He got back to moving and motioned for Jelu to follow along. Jelu’s eyes narrowed slightly but he followed. He wasn’t going to back down from this opportunity to do what he did best. He was also certain that he could find his own way back. He knew one person who could get him out of the situation and was hoping she was doing her best to get the Jedi out of there.

Zenith was not sure how to handle this kind of situation. Hondo was now being held hostage by the Jedi and the blackout was sudden as well. She looked at Hondo before shaking her head. “I told you this was a bad idea.”

Hando scoffed at Zenith in response saying. “How was I supposed to know there would be a blackout? Even someone as great as I isn’t perfect. Now don’t just stand there, do something!”

“She won’t just make a move knowing it could jepordize her life on Coruscant.” Obi-Wan pointed out and Zenith just rolled her eyes shaking her head. “That’s not why, okay it’s part of the reason. You locked up Jelu, Hondo.”

“Okay okay, not one of my better ideas.” Hondo admitted. “I’m sure we can come to an agreement here, Jedi!”

“Jelu is here? Why on Earth did the Republic send him along?” Obi-Wan asked and Anakin’s eyes widened as he remembered. “Master, he was in the cell next to us. I didn’t recognize him at first.”

“Great, so you’re friends! Wonderful! Now you can let poor Hondo free and I can lead you to him yes?” Hondo said excitedly but definitely in a tone that he was out for himself. Zenith gave him a look before saying. “Fine, I don’t get on why you put him in the cell next to the leader of the Separatists. Any cell would have done just as fine.”

“Yes yes yes. But the Count looked like he needed company!” Hondo remarked. Obi-Wan gave a worried look to Anakin as they moved quickly to the cells only to find them empty. Zenith punched the wall angrily.

“Oh well, they escaped. Perhaps you let me go anyway yes?” Hondo asked hopefully. Zenith turned around her eyes narrowing and pressed her finger into his chest saying. “Oh they can let you go but I AM NOT LETTING YOU OFF THE HOOK HONDO!”

Obi-Wan glanced at Anakin who just looked like he was enjoying this situation. He cleared his throat before saying. “If they got out, it shouldn’t be too hard to find them. It’s not like Jelu would go with Dooku willingly.”

“Dooku is crafty and it was dangerous to leave them next to each other.” Obi-Wan mused, shaking his head before glancing at the raging Zenith. “I think we should just leave those two alone.”

Hondo glanced at Zenith, then to the two Jedi, then back to Zenith. “Uh, maybe I’m better off with the Jedi.”

“Oh no, you brought this upon yourself.” Obi-Wan chuckled as Anakin let him go. “All you have to do is make sure that we don’t get attacked by your crew when we leave.”

Hondo’s head fell down for a moment before he threw it back up looking at Obi-Wan. “Fine fine, just get going already!”

Anakin chuckled, moving to leave as Obi-Wan asked Hondo. “Do you know of any ship that could easily be stolen?”

"Ship to borrow yes. Easily well….no. I can't guarantee all of my fellow pirates will be willing to just let you go." Hondo replied. Zenith shook her head saying. “What about a liar who just landed you in hot water with the Republic and is trying to rob you blind?”

"Well we are pirates, I cannot guarantee everyone's loyalty." Hondo said to Zenith shrugging. Zenith face palmed before saying. “THE SHIP HONDO! THINK NOW OR MY HUSBAND WILL GO VOSS COMMANDO ON YOU!”

Obi-Wan chose to go and check to see how far Dooku had gone and hoped that they hadn’t left yet.

Dooku walked outside, ship in view but pirates in the way that were easily disposed of with the Force. He walked onto the ship before turning around saying. "This is your last chance young Jelu."

“I have already made up my mind about going with you. This is purely going to be a diplomatic mission.” Jelu stated looking at Dooku. “Agreed?”

"Do as you wish, but know that the moment you step aboard this ship your ties with the Republic will end, whether you think they will or not." Dooku responded walking further into the ship outside of Jelu's view, engines starting up. Jelu walked in behind him not saying a word.

Sounds of the engines could be heard from a distance. "Well...that was the ship." Hondo responded in a fake sounding voice. Zenith glared at him saying. “We are even now, understood?”

Hondo shrugged at the two Jedi. "Oh well!"

Obi-Wan looked troubled before saying. “Well then, perhaps you can escort us to our transport. Zenith, will you be coming?”

“Unless Hondo decided to have his pirates steal my swoop and my ship, I will be heading back there.” Zenith replied walking away. Obi-Wan could tell she was upset about something and Anakin was moving back to check on Jar Jar and the clones. Hondo looked away suspiciously. Zenith head turned as her blue eyes locked onto Hondo. Anakin stopped her from charging forward saying. “Easy.”

“What did you do to my ship Hondo?!” She yelled trying to get past Anakin but couldn’t. “If you touched my bike I will end you!”

“Seems like you have your hands full here.” Obi-Wan told him before moving towards the exit. “I would like to point out that Jedi do not hold grudges. Dooku is not like us and knows where you live.”

You could almost hear a slight gulping sound coming from Hondo from Obi-Wan's remark. Obi-Wan hid a smirk as he continued his way out. His only fear is what was going to happen to Jelu now that he was in the hands of Dooku.

“You seem quiet Master Yoda.” the spirit spoke through Rainbow Dash watching the Jedi master in front of her. “Can I ask what is on your mind?”

"On my mind much is. Heard of possession I have, but many spirits I have not." Yoda replied. "Seem different all of you do."

Rainbow Dash looked away saying. “We have all come from a different time, long before the Sith you know about.”

"Another Sith you are. Understanding the truth, hard it is. Different you may be, but trust you I cannot." Yoda said with a stern face. Rainbow Dash smiled sadly saying. “I never wanted to be a Sith, I was a slave who was sensitive in the Force and forced to be one.”

"Forced into the Dark Side you were. Pity you I do." Yoda said with a sad face. "Trust you I can."

“I wish the Order had seen things the way you did. Yet they were at war and distrustful. I had always wanted to join the Jedi Order but settled for the Revanites instead.” Rainbow explained relaxing slightly. “I know that the Sith had not mentioned Darth Revan outside of the Empire and tried to keep him buried. Yet I know that he was a Jedi at one point.”

"A legend Revan has become. Few that remember him there are. From my times in the High Republic, learn of him I did." Yoda said. "At peace you are?"

“I can not be at peace until the Force is in balance.” the spirit explained as Rainbow Dash climbed to her feet and walked to the window. “The Sith wiped themselves out, I never agreed with the Sith Empire but without darkness the light will overwhelm. Without light darkness will consume everything.”

"Know this I do. The Sith, a corruption in the Dark Side they are." Yoda pointed out. Rainbow Dash looked at Yoda in the reflection in the window. “How does the Order handle those who delve into the Dark Side?”

"Speak for the Order I cannot. Conflict in the Clone Wars, changing it has. Guardians of peace we no longer are." Yoda replied. The spirit sighed crossing Rainbow’s arms and shrinking back saying. “This war is greatly troubling. It sounds like something the Emperor would do. He almost had both sides destroy each other just to become truly immortal.”

"Feel the same it does. Clouded our vision has become, a puppeteer in control I do fear." Yoda said sadly. Rainbow Dash twisted turning to look at Yoda saying. “We will do what we can to protect her from being controlled. On our honor.”

"Believe you I do. Rainbow Dash's fear however only grows. To ease her mind of you what can I say?" Yoda asked. The spirit glanced away thinking about it before saying. “When her emotions overwhelm her we come forth. When she silences her emotions he does. What she needs to do is find balance. A balance between passion and serenity, emotion and peace, chaos and harmony, ignorance and knowledge. Build a bridge and extend your hand out in friendship. I know you have but she has her doubts and these doubts are leading to her fear. A fear that she is being held back from finding the one she was sent to find.”

"Pass on to her what you have said I shall. Pleasure to meet you it was." Yoda said back. The spirit nodded Rainbow’s head her eyes returning back to magenta. She stumbled holding onto her head saying. “I’m not going to do that again for a good long while.”

Her eyes locked onto Yoda, her brows furrowing. “Did I miss something?”

Lessons to be Learned

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Chapter Thirty Four: Lessons to be Learned

A month passed, Rainbow Dash was feeling a bit drained. Everyday after her work was done she would go to the Jedi Temple. Not to mention that Jelu was still missing and no one had said a word outside of their group. It bothered her, she didn’t know if Dooku had said something to coerce him into leaving with him or if he straight up captured him. Not even Anakin and Obi-Wan were sure.

“Do I really have to go with you? I have nothing to do while I’m there.” Shae said, Kory sitting behind them looking quite nervous. “I do have a life.”

“Because if I’m going and something weird happens again I’m going to need a ride home. Besides, Kory is here to keep you company.” Rainbow replied glancing back to see the frown on Kory’s face. “Everything alright?”

“Just my nerves and being away from the hospital.” answered Kory giving Rainbow Dash a nervous smile. “First time at the Jedi Temple.”

“I’ll say, you keep finding more work every time I bring Rainbow Dash here.” scoffed Shae parking the speeder. “I would say you were avoiding this place.”

“And this is coming from you Shae?” Kory pointed out teasingly as they climbed out. “Do you think Master Yoda will see you today?”

“I’m actually here to see Master Luminara if she’s in. I didn’t get a message stating that she wasn’t.” Shae and Kory shared a look at Rainbow’s response and laid back attitude. A grin grew across Rainbow’s face before she took off. Shae chasing after her, Kory just walked behind the both of them taking in the sight. A pink Twi’lek caught her attention but vanished around the corner the moment she tried to get a closer look. Kory shook her head the moment Shae called out. “Kory! She’s getting away!”

“Coming!” Kory responded, her pace picking up as she moved both quickly and respectfully through the halls.

“Is this the way?” Shae asked, finally catching up with Rainbow Dash who was walking into the library. Shae’s eyes narrowed as she spotted one Anakin Skywalker walking with a young Togruta girl. Rainbow Dash took off flying through the stacks with Shae on her heels. “Rainbow Dash!”

Her voice wasn’t loud, but it did carry, Anakin turned his head before looking up. He shook his head quickly and Rainbow looked at the Padawan before looking back at Anakin landing on the floor. Her wings folded behind her as Anakin took his Padawan to the desk.

“Want to explain?” Shae asked, finally catching up to her. Rainbow Dash looked at her before shrugging her shoulders saying. “Anakin looks busy, looks like Ahsoka is in trouble for something.”

“You should be seeing if Master Luminara is busy or not. We can do the research on what is going on.” Shae told her strictly but quietly. She took note of the kindly old Jedi at the desk, who did not look happy at Rainbow Dash’s presence. Kory just looked at Rainbow Dash wondering what she did, but she had already walked away talking with Anakin.

“My guess is that she pulled one of her famous pranks around here.” Shae guessed as she moved to find a table to sit at. It was hard to find one without a computer. They were currently guests and didn’t want to get in trouble with the librarian. Kory finally found a table that suited their needs. The computer was down for repairs so there wouldn’t be any suspicions that they were snooping.

“So what’s up?” Rainbow Dash asked, walking beside Anakin, glancing around for Master Luminara. Though she didn’t seem to be too upset about not finding her. Anakin chuckled saying. “Are you avoiding learning from someone today?”

“Hey I talk to you like this regularly. What gave you that impression?” Rainbow pointed out folding her arms and puffing out her cheeks. Though she began to chuckle. “Nah, I’m supposed to be meeting with Master Luminara. Just wanted to see what is going on with Ahsoka.”

“She got in trouble for doing something she wasn’t supposed to be doing on a mission and now she’s being punished for it.” Anakin explained, he took note of the questioning look on Rainbow’s face. “No I won’t tell you what it was. I know you won’t say anything but it is a sensitive topic for her at the moment.”

“Just needed to know when I can cheer her up.” Rainbow Dash explained as a female Mirialan approached them. Rainbow felt dread come down upon her. There was nothing about this woman that said emotionally attached to anything.

Anakin looked between them before bowing. “Master Luminara, this is Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash, this is Master Luminara Unduli.”

Rainbow Dash quickly fell into a salute. “Ma’am, it will be rather interesting working alongside you today.”

Lumniara nodded her head in greeting towards Anakin before her blue eyes locked onto Rainbow Dash. “Miss Dash, the honor is mine.”

It wasn’t even ten minutes and Shae could say she was more bored in the Archives than she was by the speeder. The librarian seemed to be keeping an eye on them, Kory didn’t mind. She was using her Corelian Spike deck in a makeshift game of somesort. Carefully setting down seven cards with six of them facing down. The next row was the same, only one card face up on top of the next face down card. Shae’s eye twitched as she rested her chin on her arms. She glanced over seeing the Librarian looking in their direction.

“What?” she asked, causing Kory to glance at her saying strictly. “Shae, leave it.”

"I understand that you two have special permission to be here at the Temple but here you will adhere to the rules in the Archives." The librarian said, her expression appearing warm and welcoming yet at the same time cold and serious.

“So a simple question isn’t allowed?” Shae sniped back, Kory sighed trying to focus on her game. “Or is it her cards that bother you?”

The librarian walked over to them while responding. "Like any great library or archive, you must remain quiet unless you are speaking to me, the librarian or whispering to study partners."

“Thought I was speaking to you. I don’t see any other librarian around.” Kory placed her hands against the table and Shae grew a little quiet. “We weren’t making noise intentionally.”

"If the game becomes a distraction to others or makes too much noise I will have to tell you to stop." The librarian answered with her expression appearing colder. Shae climbed to her feet but one order from Kory caused her to stop. “Outside, Shae.”

She turned her head to see Kory picking up the cards putting them into the pouch. Shae looked between them before walking out angrily. Kory gave a smile to the librarian saying. “Apologies, she can get passionate. It is good when she is saving the lives of others but makes interacting with others not used to her personality difficult.”

"No apology necessary young one, I deal with many rascally younglings so this is no different. You appear to be a good influence with your friend, I am sure she will do better." The librarian said smiling, the feeling of coldness disappearing. Kory glanced away quickly when the librarian said she was a good influence. She returned the smile shyly saying. “Thank you Madame Librarian. Tell me, how far back do your records go?”

"Oh no need for that, you may call me Jocasta Nu." She said. "The records here date back to the elder days of the Jedi Order. Much knowledge can be found here." She glanced around the library while speaking. Kory spoke carefully. “A lot of people have asked if I was related to Ashara Zavros, archeologists maybe, I was wondering if you know who that is. History isn’t my specialty and it is hinted that she was once part of the Order. I don’t want to touch anything for I am not a Jedi myself.”

"Come right this way please and we will have a look. Despite me being the librarian there's so much knowledge to be found here that I haven't gotten to everything." Jocasta Nu said, making a gesture for Kory to follow. Kory smiled as she moved away, her eyes glancing towards the door.

Shae moved through the halls gritting her teeth as she headed for her speeder. Her arms shook as she paused looking around. She realized that in her frustration she passed where she was supposed to turn. Letting out a frustrated groan she let out a few Mandalorian curse words under her breath, her back hitting the wall as she slid down. She laid her arms against her knee and rested her head against them.

A group of younglings happened to be walking in Shae's direction as they left a class. Their eyes turned to see her as a girl in the group asked. "Are you alright miss?"

Shae’s head jerked up and she began to blink saying. “Frustrated, but it’ll pass. Uh… hi by the way.”

One of the boys in the group spoke up. "Master Yoda taught us to be mindful of our emotions. You remember that right?"

“Not a Jedi, I’m just here to keep a friend from missing out on learning from them. She’s… uh dealing with a few things that everyone thinks the Jedi can help with.” Shae explained climbing to her feet. “I’m a medic for the Republic Navy.”

"Not a Jedi?" One asked. "That's allowed?" Another added. The girl from before walked closer to Shae and looked up at her. "Can we help with anything?"

“Special permission, got it right here.” Shae said, pulling out her datapad that Colonel Pir gave her, showing it to the kid who asked if it was allowed. “Help with what?”

"I dunno, you just seemed like you needed help. Master Yoda taught us that it's important to help people." The girl said with a cute smile. Shae got down on one knee and looked at her in the eye saying. “Well I was trying to get to my speeder, but it’s harder than it looks. I’d appreciate all the help I can get. The Temple is massive.”

"Yeah we can help!" The girl cheered gleefully. "Follow us!" The younglings started walking away looking back at Shae. Shae climbed to her feet and began to follow after them putting the datapad away.

One of the boys stopped to talk to Shae and said. "Can we be friends?"

“Course we can, do the Jedi have a rule against that or will it be cool?” Shae quickly had to add the question just to make sure she wouldn’t get the Younglings in trouble.

"I dunno, none of the Masters have said anything so let's be friends!" He said, grabbing her hand. Shae gave him a nod, a grin spreading across her face as she walked alongside the children. Around her belt gleamed a bit of metal a strong cord attached to it.. A skull of a Mythosaur, her only true connection to Mandalore.

Rainbow Dash walked alongside Master Unduli her curiosity getting the better of her.“So what are you going to have me do?”

“Master Yoda suggested I give you a course on Jedi discipline.” Master Luminara answered her, looking at Rainbow Dash closely. Rainbow Dash frowned slightly before nodding her head. “Well discipline is good. The Wonderbolts need to be disciplined when training.”

“Indeed, discipline is important even outside of the Order. Now Miss Dash, do you know what our Jedi Code is?” Luminara asked. Rainbow Dash bit the inside of her cheek before saying. “I remember reading it when I first got stuck here after you guys found me on Moraband.”

She gritted her teeth wanting to say Korriban. “Recite it to me please.” Luminara instructed. Rainbow Dash closed her eyes as she thought back. The words coming to her mind.

“There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no death, there is the force.” she recited, trying not to grin at the ignorance and knowledge bit. She distinctly remembered chiding the Council on that. ‘I’m doing better, normally I would bring up mistakes like that alot… or is that a Pinkie Pie thing?’ Rainbow Dash questioned mentally as she opened her eyes.

“Well done, your memory is excellent not being a Jedi yourself. What does it all mean to you?” She asked pacing back and forth keeping her eyes fixed on Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash shifted her weight as she thought about it. “Well to me, it sounds like it’s not letting yourself being controlled by your emotions or feelings. This is coming from someone who’s overly passionate, but even I know when to calm down… with the help from my friends. But sometimes it seems a lot of you Jedi cut yourself off from emotions and passions. You try to be knowledgeable but sometimes you aren’t curious enough to learn. Well, not all Jedi of course. It’s like saying all Pegasi are outgoing and brash.”

“And do you know why this is so important to the Jedi?” Luminara asked next. Rainbow Dash shrugged her shoulders saying. “Well you guys are guardians of the peace, people who defend need to keep a level head. If you lose your temper you end up causing a lot of harm. I mean I’ve never seen Celestia lose her temper, but living for over a thousand years probably does do that.”

“You are doing wonderfully so far, but now comes what may prove difficult for you. While you may not be a Jedi, you do have powers laying dormant within you that activate based on your emotions. Like you say of us Jedi, we must keep our emotions in check so that we do not succumb and lose ourselves. You must do the same or you may continue to lack control over your abilities.” Luminara stated, no longer pacing and her eyes piercing right through Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash thought about it before saying. “I’m not sure if it will work, but I'm willing to learn.”

Luminara reached into her pocket and pulled out an orb shaped device. “This here is commonly used amongst Jedi to train our young patience, endurance, and their lightsaber abilities. The latter will not apply to you, so we will do things...differently. I am going to activate this droid and it will fly about and attempt to shoot at you. Do not worry, they are not harmful...though they will sting.” Her free hand reached into her other pocket and pulled out a blindfold. “You are going to put this on.”

Any confidence welling up inside of Rainbow Dash vanished the moment her eyes locked onto the blindfold. “Wait… what?”

Luminara smiled and said. “Just listen to my words and the sounds of the droid. You will be fine.”

“Fine.” Rainbow replied after a little while. She did believe she was going against her better judgement but her judgement often led her to doing reckless things. Which meant that this wasn’t reckless enough for her. That meant doing this exercise would be something Twilight would try out just for fun. ‘And now, my head hurts.’

Master Unduli stretched out her arm and activated the little orb shaped droid. It hovered around in different directions when a blaster bolt shot out towards Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash felt the vibration in the air but was late in pinpointing it. She felt the bolt hit her bicep causing her to rub the spot where it hit. She felt the frustration rise but she swallowed it down. After all it was only the first bolt, she knew she’d get the hang of it. Eventually.

Before it started moving again, without saying a word Luminara activate another droid. The both of them started flying around in front of Rainbow Dash, both firing at the same time towards her sides. Rainbow Dash managed to use the vibrations to raise her barrier only to get hit in the other arm. Before they fired again yet another droid activated, this time flying around from different sides of her. Instead of firing at the same time, they fired one after the other. Rainbow Dash felt like she was getting lost in the middle of a storm. She just wanted to protect herself as energy surged forth. The red electricity arced around her almost fusing with her barrier.

“Enough.” Luminara spoke as she deactivated the droids. “You may remove the blindfold.”

Rainbow Dash removed the blindfold holding her head. She gave it a shake opening her eyes.

“When the third droid entered, I felt a surge of emotion. An urge to protect yourself, causing this red electricity to pour out from you. When you felt this, were you in control or was someone else?” Luminara asked. Rainbow Dash thought back, shaking her head. “No, it was more like I was trapped in the middle of a thunderstorm and kept getting hit. I just wanted it to stop, more like instinct.”

Luminara responded with a serious expression saying. “We will proceed with the next lesson.”

No one visiting the temple would ever expect for someone to break in. Yet there he was on a ledge with a droid next to him awaiting for his inside man to find what he needed.

Aggression

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Chapter Thirty Five: Aggression

Anakin found Rainbow Dash sitting on the ground by herself, no Master Luminara in sight. "Hey, everything alright? Where's Master Luminara?" He asked bending down to make eye contact. "I thought she was training you." He noticed Rainbow Dash looking a little bit troubled and irritated.

“She is… I don’t know where she went.” huffed Rainbow looking away. “What about you? What are you doing here?”

"Just thought I would check up on you. Her teaching can be very, well...extreme." Anakin pointed out to her. "She's a bit of a perfectionist."

Rainbow’s wings twitched before they curled around her saying. “Guess I’m frustrating her or something. My abilities don’t seem to be manifesting in the way it normally is. The barrier goes up, but the red lightning doesn’t appear often.”

"It would take some doing to frustrate her. I'm sure she's just checking in with Master Yoda to fill him in." Anakin said, attempting to soothe her. "You're very capable so I am sure that you can figure it out."

A smile grew across Rainbow’s face as she said. “Thanks Sky Glider.”

"Anytime R---huh. Something isn't quite right." Anakin said getting to his feet. He glanced around the room then said. "Maybe it's nothing."

Rainbow Dash glanced around before letting out her breath listening for any sign of another presence. Looking for loyalties that did not belong to the original occupants of the room.

"Anything?" Anakin asked her. Rainbow Dash tilted her head to the side saying. “Yeah, there’s someone here who’s loyalties are different from the Jedi in the temple. Just not hiding amongst them.”

"That's not good. Wait here, I will go inform the Council." Anakin requested of her as he headed off. Rainbow’s eye opened the magenta a solid red as she smirked before closing her eyes again. Her head tilted to the side as she listened to the quiet room.

Master Luminara returned and noticed Rainbow Dash with her eyes closed. "Training while I was away Miss Dash?"

“More like daydreaming.” Rainbow Dash said, opening her eyes which had turned back to magenta. “Anakin stopped by to check up on me.”

"Oh? Where is Skywalker now?" She asked firmly. Rainbow Dash looked around saying. “He went off again, he was looking for someone.”

"I see. Has your training improved while I was gone?" She asked but her mind was on Skywalker. Rainbow Dash wasn't being completely honest.

“Well there’s someone here that isn’t supposed to be here.” Rainbow commented looking upwards before her head began to throb. She groaned a bit grabbing the sides of her head closing her eyes.

Master Luminara rushed over and held the back of Rainbow Dash's head. "What is it?"

Rainbow’s eyes opened revealing them to be white and glowing as she spoke, “In the swamps of the city destroyed in years long passed. The unsettled planet. Awaits the third.”

"You are one of the spirits Yoda informed me of." Luminara spoke still holding onto Rainbow Dash. Her head turned, eyes turning indigo as she whispered. “I am. I guide Rainbow Dash through her visions. I can see what she sees and plant the descriptions in her mind.”

Luminara didn't know exactly how to respond. She knew about what Yoda told her but it was much different experiencing it. "And why do you do this?"

“The blade that was shattered, that I shattered, must be reforged. Her weapon belonged to another, a Commander consumed by a single word.” the spirit said, looking at Luminara and smiled. “I am proud of the Order.”

A respectful nod came from Master Luminara. "I will pass on your words."

“Also, be patient, her abilities were meant to start as instinct and grow into something more.” the spirit said quietly Rainbow’s eyes beginning to return to magenta.

"Miss Dash are you well?" Luminara asked her. Rainbow Dash shook her head to clear her mind, saying. “Yeah, I saw where the third shard was. But I don’t know where it is.”

"Even I am not quite sure with the description. We'll have to discuss it with the council." Luminara said letting go of Rainbow Dash and proceeded to get to her feet. Rainbow’s eyes turned red as her face fell into a frown. Red electricity flooded the room as the door sealed.

“They’re busy, Master Unduli.” Rainbow Dash spoke the red electricity forming over her body into a new shape. “You have been seeking me out. Here I am.”

"Have I? I am not sure what you mean." Luminara said calmly. The spirit chuckled saying. “You wanted to see her abilities. You wanted to tame them, you had a feeling you would be meeting us.”

"Yes you are correct, by why would I seek you out specifically? Unduli asked, still seemingly emotionless. The figure surrounded by the electricity tilted its head to the side: Rainbow Dash mimicking the motion as it spoke its voice deep. “I am connected to the ability that seems to give her the most trouble. In order to tame it you will need to tame the spirit connected to it.”

"Very well then." Luminara added without further word. The figure chuckled as it stepped forward, Rainbow Dash collapsing behind it. It’s shape began to solidify, revealing a large ghostly figure, his face covered by a mask. Dark armor encompassing his body hiding any hint of his species.

Luminara stared at the figure as she spoke. "Do you find my effort to tame you humorous?"

“I find them, absolutely hilarious.” the spirit said before bringing one of his hands out. “The Jedi will try to tame that which they cannot control.”

"And why is that?" Luminara asked, unflinching. The spirit approached her as the electricity formed a blade as he said. “The Sith will crush, the Jedi will tame. It is in their nature. In your nature.”

"I will not tame you." Luminara said, staring at him. The figure tilted his head to the side before glancing behind him at Rainbow Dash. “Her?”

"Do you think that she cannot?" Master Luminara said, continuing to stare at the figure. "She is stronger than she seems."

The spirit hummed under his breath before walking over to Rainbow Dash. He bent down saying. “She has not proven herself.”

"Yet she will. She will and will even more. Her endurance may appear weak, yet the fact stands that she has been able to survive with all the spirits within her. It's only a matter of time." Luminara said walking forward, not letting her sight leave the figure. The spirit lifted his hand, electricity surrounding the training droids as they lifted into the air. Luminara watched to see what he would do. “Fascinating, the Jedi use these now. Let us see how well you do.”

The Spirit moved his hand forward and the droids flew forward firing at Luminara. Without drawing her lightsaber, she closed her eyes and elegantly dodged the blaster fire as if she was dancing. Red arcs of electricity flew out from the walls the moment Luminara got too close trying to catch her. Rainbow Dash’s eyes opened blinking as she looked at Luminara.

Luminara looked at Rainbow Dash as she asked. "Are you well?"

The spirit looked at Rainbow Dash over his shoulder and Rainbow Dash swallowed. “Um, kind of. He’s staring at me.”

"He is one of the spirits that resides in you. He believes that you lack the ability to tame him." Luminara pointed out. Rainbow’s eyes flickered to Luminara before back to the spirit. “Why is he staring at me?”

Red electricity surrounded Luminara like bars as the spirit snarled. “Get up.” Luminara watched Rainbow Dash closely. Rainbow Dash climbed to her feet her wings flaring out as she said. “You’re going to let her go, now.”

“Make me.” the spirit chuckled.

Shae walked alongside the kids, she had a feeling that it was taking a lot longer finding her speeder. Honestly she was caring less and less the more she spent time with them.

“So what’s it like living here?” Shae asked, looking at one of them. It was the girl who had approached her.

"Quiet a lot, but it's fun being taught by Master Yoda! He can be very funny." She said giggling. Shae chuckled a bit before looking down. “Do you know where you’re from? Like do you remember the planet?”

"Um, sometimes I see it in a dream. Lots of buildings and people but it isn't this one." The girl answered making a cute thinking face. Shae grinned saying. “Very descriptive, heck I say it sounds like Mandalore… but it couldn’t be.”

"What's Mandalore?" The girl asked. Shae looked at her before saying. “It’s where… it’s the planet Mandalore. It’s in the Outer Rim. The planet’s damaged surface was decimated in the Mandalorian Civil War so now they live in insulated bio-cubes cities. They have maintained neutrality since the conflict started.”

"Oh. The sounds familiar, hmm." The girl said scratching her head. Shae gave her a smile before stopping and kneeling in front of the girl. She didn’t get her hopes up but wanted to try something. She took the mythosaur necklace off her belt showing it to her as she asked. “Do you recognize this?”

"Mmhmm. I have seen it in my dreams." She answered. "It looks cool!"

Shae handed it to the girl before sitting down saying. “Take a look, see even if you aren’t supposed to get attached to things it is always important to know where you are from. The history and rules of a society are important. The mythosaur was a creature that lived on Mandalore before the Taung came, led by Madalore the First and named the planet after their leader. Mand’alore meaning ‘sole ruler’ in Man’doa. It’s why when you look into Mandalorian culture, you will find a lot of battle, wars, and showing of strength. They love a good fight almost as much as they like spicy food.”

"I love spicy food too! Do you think I am from there?" She asked gleefully. Shae messed up her hair saying. “Maybe. I can’t look into it right now, but if I have the time I think I can see. What about the rest of you?” The rest of the kids shook their heads unsure.

“Think deeply, perhaps some of you are from colony worlds or homeworlds. Perhaps the memories of the waves of Rishi come to mind.”

One of the boys spoke up. "I have seen waves before."

Shae looked at him, smiling. “Well that’s always a start.”

The girl grabbed her hand and said. "Will you tell me more stories about Mandalore? Oh, my name is Mina."

“Shae Lyrua, I’ll see what I can remember. So, are we talking about the planet?” Shae asked not wanting to mention the different Mand’alores of history, but she was curious.

"Everything!" She hopped excitedly. Shae blinked for a moment before looking around standing up. “Alright, but I’m going to need to sit down for that one. You guys might as well if you’re interested.”

"Sure!" They all exclaimed. Shae stood there her hands on her hips asking. “Is there a place we can sit, nearby?”

Mina pointed at a nearby park area on the Temple Grounds. Shae walked over there finding a bench and sat down on it getting ready to relay all the historical information that her parents told her. With some independent researching on Shae’s own accord due to her distrust of her parent’s embellishing.

A Mirialin Padawan walked into the library looking around for Madame Jocasta. When she spotted her she approached at a quick but patient pace. Her eyes glancing around at the almost empty archives as she got closer. “Madame Nu.” She said in a hushed voice.

"Ah young Baris, what brings you here?" Jocasta asked.

“Someone has broken into the Temple, we do not yet know what they are after.” Baris whispered, keeping it so low that Madame Nu could hear her with how close Baris was. “Keep your senses open.”

"No one has broken into the Temple in years...well, no one of suspicion has been here." Jocasta responded. Baris glanced around before saying. “Even Master Yoda has sensed a disturbance within the Temple.”

"I sense nothing nearby. No one would have gotten past me now run along and warn the others." Huffed Jocasta. Baris nodded her head before hurrying off just as a Jedi snapped. “Look youngling, I said I was fine. Now let me go about my business.”

The Jedi moved past Ahsoka with her hanging her head. Kory approaches her from one of the stacks looking at the Jedi as well. She looked at Jocasta before moving to check on Ahsoka.

"Something is up with that Jedi." Ahsoka told Kory, crossing her arms. Kory nodded her head saying. “I noticed. Are you alright?”

"Yeah I'm fine, we should probably follow to see where they're headed." Ahsoka answered, looking in the direction the Jedi ran. Kory nodded her head as she took a deep breath. “I will be ready to treat any injury.”

Enemies and Companions

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Chapter Thirty Six: Enemies and Companions

"Master Eminence is behaving really weird, Kory. I thought it was just me but I'm not sure." Ahsoka told Kory, eyeing the Jedi Master as he took a seat on one of the computers. Kory watched him for a moment saying. “What do you want to do?”

"Maybe we should let the Masters know, I-" Ahsoka was interrupted as the lights flickered around. "Say, I have an idea that could work. Do you know where Rainbow Dash is?"

“No… I’ve been in here since she left to find Master Luminara Unduli.” Kory replied as she began to think. “Do you know where a good place to train is?”

A beeping sound occurred on Ahsoka's holocommunicator. "One second Kory." She answered it, revealing to be Master Yoda. Ahsoka took the message and relayed it to Kory.

"There's intruders here at the Temple...one of them posing as a Jedi. Where's Madame Jocasta?" She asked. Kory looked around before seeing Master Eminence gone, her eyes narrowing.

"Wait, there she is. She's getting on the same computer Master Eminence was on. Something is definitely up." Ahsoka warned Kory as she closed in on Jocasta Nu. Kory walked with Ahsoka looking for any sign of trouble. She didn’t have any weapons on her so she was most likely going to take care of any injured parties. Ahsoka approached the Jedi as she asked bluntly. "Who are you and what have you done with Madame Jocasta?"

The imposter glanced at Ahsoka as she rose from her seat saying. “The same thing I’m going to do to you!”

She ignited her lightsaber slashing at Ahsoka who blocked. Kory moved to find Madame Jocasta while Ahsoka kept the intruder distracted. She found her unconscious behind a nearby table, kneeling down Kory began to check her over for any injuries. There was no visible sign of how she was rendered unconscious.

“Pressure points, whoever this is… they are skilled.” Kory replied, resting Madame Jocasta’s head on her lap as she looked through her emergency kit.

Ahsoka gave chase to the imposter, easily overpowering her with her better lightsaber skills. "You may have Madame Jocasta’s shape, but you lack her skills." Ahsoka taunted as she held her lightsaber at the imposter. Kory glanced over at the two before pressing both her hands against the sides of Madame Jocasta’s head whispering. “If there is any moment to awaken, now is the time.”

Madame Jocasta Nu's eyes started to open as she started to get up, a hand on her head. "Thank you for looking after me Kory but where is my assailant?"

Kory looked over at Ahsoka who had apprehended the changeling saying. “I believe this is the person responsible. How are you feeling?”

"Better, just was out for a while. There's more important matters to attend to now however." Jocasta responded as she looked at the changeling. Kory nodded her head almost bumping into a passing Jedi sending him a quick apology.

The Jedi kept moving forward with a gesture showing that it was no problem. Kory glanced in his direction before saying. “I should probably check on Rainbow Dash. Do you need me around?”

"No Kory, run along. I will stay here with young Ahsoka." Jocasta assured. Kory nodded her head before rushing out looking for Rainbow Dash.

Shae was resting outside, she knew she shouldn’t have been surprised with the patience of the younglings. ‘Still, I’m starting to run out of stories about Mandalore.’ she thought as she glanced at the younglings and smiled saying. “How about I come back later? That way you have something to look forward to?”

Most of the group nodded their heads in agreement but Mina walked up to Shae and grabbed her hand. "Can't I stay with you awhile longer?" She begged. Shae knelt down in front of her saying. “I’m still going to stick around, but don’t you have lessons? I don’t want to interrupt anything… important.”

Shae trailed off when she noticed something strange about a passing Jedi. His boots.

“Mina, why don’t you head back inside. I’ll meet you there.” Shae told her. Mina shook her head in disagreement holding tighter. "Let me come with you!"

“Mina, now.” Shae told her sternly as she patted her on the head. “There is possibly a dangerous situation and I do not want you to get hurt.”

"I promise I will be safe. You might need my help anyway!" Mina begged some more. Shae looked at her before climbing to her feet. “You are going to stay behind me, understood?”

"Roger roger!" Mina exclaimed, cutely imitating a B1 Battle Droid. Shae chuckled a bit before heading after the Jedi she had seen. At first she seemed to have lost him before she saw the boots once again. She moved quickly running up saying. “Excuse me, Master Jedi?”

The sarcasm in her voice was palpable as she reached out and tapped the man on the shoulder.

The Jedi said rather rudely. "Don't you have someplace to be?" He started picking up a faster pace moving away from them.

"Um, miss Shae? I don't recognize that man. Never seen him here before." Mina said as she tugged at Shae's hand. Shae nodded her head before saying loudly. “Never seen a Jedi wear your kind of boots before. Seems like you got them from the Outer Rim or….”

Shae jumped towards the Jedi reaching for the robe barely managing to grab ahold of it. The robe fell off as if barely on him as he kicked Shae away and started to fly away using his jetpack, firing two blasters at Shae and Mina. Shae pushed Mina away as she dove the other direction. Rolling to her feet Shae chased after the man before leaping and firing a grapple from her wrist towards his leg.

The man followed suit with his own grappler, but aiming for Mina instead. It wrapped around her waist as he yanked her towards him, grabbing her and aimed one of his blasters at her head. "One more move girlie and the kids a goner."

“Who are you?” Shae asked, wishing she had her own blaster on her. Yet she had made a promise to the Duchess. She may have given up being Mandalorian but she wasn’t going to let violence control her life. ‘Now I’m regretting that.’ Shae thought bitterly as she stared into the eyes of the Duros.

"Cad Bane and you will do well to remember that." He said as he flew higher into the air, letting go of Mina as he made his getaway.

Mina looked at Shae with a sad look as she started falling. "I'm sorry momma Shae!!!"

Shae ran forward and dove off the edge towards Mina. She released the grapple to get into a faster diving position. She grabbed onto Mina before spinning around and firing another shot at the ledge. She felt her arm get yanked as they stopped causing her to wince saying. “It’s alright.”

Mina started sniffling as she said. "If I had only just listened to you…" Her sniffling started to turn into tears. Shae looked up hoping that a Jedi would notice them hanging there as she said. “That’s why being young is so important. We make mistakes but we learn from them.” Mina held tightly onto Shae as she responded. "I will try momma Shae…" She tried to keep her tears back but they kept coming.

“I’m going to need you to hold on around my neck. I can get us to the ledge.” Shae told Mina before her shoulders sagged. “Don’t cry Mina, you’re being trained to become a great protector. That means you have to put on a brave face, understand?”

Mina sniffled one more time as she grabbed around Shae's neck. "Kay."

Shae began to pull them up the cable until they reached the ledge. She placed Mina onto the ledge first before climbing next to her. Mina proceeded to give her a big hug. "Thanks for saving me momma."

Shae places her hand against Mina’s head saying. “It’s what any good person would do. Remember this, there is a reason Jedi don’t get attached. It is so they can be prepared to keep a level head and make their move without being guided by emotion.”

Despite her words, Mina hugged Shae even harder. Shae returned the hug saying. “No matter how hard it is Mina, I think you will become an excellent Jedi one day.”

Rainbow Dash circled around the Spirit who just watched her as the red energy circled around his hand. It changed to red orange as it formed into a lightsaber. Rainbow blinked in surprise asking. “I can do that?”

The spirit looked at Luminara and she could tell there was an eyeroll. Her wings flared before she charged forward wrapping her arms around his waist. She tried to fly anywhere only for him to backhand her. She went backwards as he turned and began to approach her. He swung what appeared to be a replica of a lightsaber causing her to dodge and roll to the side. She didn’t know what to do without a weapon of her own.

When the spirit attacked again Rainbow Dash flew into the air, only for a hand to wrap around her ankle and slam her into the ground.

Luminara watched closely when she tossed her own lightsaber to Rainbow Dash to use in battle against the spirit, not saying a word. Rainbow Dash reached out to grab the lightsaber but it was snatched by the spirit instead. Rainbow Dash glared at him as he struck again her hand reached out, the red lightning surrounded her hand. The color was no longer a deep crimson but a brilliant amaranth. It halted the lightsaber long enough for her tail to reach out and wrap around Luminara’s lightsaber, yanking it out of the spirit’s grasp. The spirit jumped back looking at Rainbow Dash as he chuckled. “Impressive, for a novice.”

Luminara continued to stand there, simply observing the battle but her eyes stayed fixated on Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash felt the weight of the lightsaber in her hand just as the spirit leapt towards her. Out of instinct she clumsily managed to figure out at the last second how to activate it blocking the blow. The amaranth lightning surrounded her as her wrist was grabbed, shocking the spirit. He released the wrist and began to deliver blow after blow which she barely managed to block until she hit his own lightning wall causing her to shout out in pain. Taking advantage of her weakened state he slammed her into the wall causing her to scream as the electricity coursed through her body and he backed off. Rainbow Dash panted as she glared at him shouting. “That’s enough!”

The lightning on the walls surged forward wrapping around the spirit like a net pinning him into the ground. The lightning around Luminara began to fade when it began to grow stronger instead as the spirit sliced through saying. “I don’t follow your orders. I am my own master!”

Luminara finally spoke up. "That is where you are mistaken. As long as you remain a part of her she will be your master. Look into her eyes, see the resolve in her. The love in her heart to protect those she cares for."

“I will never bow. I will never let anyone control me!” the spirit exclaimed, gritting his teeth. “Love? Resolve? Duty? None of those things matter to anyone. They will just use and use only to cast you aside. The only thing to do is rise to the top.”

"Somehow, I feel that you do not believe your own words. I sense resolve in your own heart, love for those who care for you and the duty you hold true to keep them safe. The same found within young Dash. I would say that the two of you were destined by the Force to work alongside each other." Luminara explained, unphased. The spirit growled before moving towards Luminara only to face a wall of lightning. He turned to see Rainbow Dash drawing up to her full height as she approached him saying. “I don’t want to be your master. My goal is to get an idea of how to master my own abilities and I can’t do that on my own. If that means working with you and the Jedi so be it, but I’m not going to do that by forcing you to bend to my will. That’s not the way of Equestrians.”

“Then what is? Hugs and songs?” the spirit mocked and Rainbow Dash extended her hand saying. “Something close, friendship. Instead of being your master I would like to be your friend.”

The spirit glanced at the hand before staring at Rainbow Dash for a while in silence. He reached out his own hand. “My friendship will have to be earned… but you have proven yourself to me. I will be your companion as you will be mine.” Rainbow Dash shook the hand saying. “Deal. I’ll be sure to set something up for you.”

All she heard was the sarcastic laughter that he had given before as he vanished into lightning. She felt a surge of energy and something heavy in her hand. Looking down she saw another lightsaber comparing it to Luminara's; it felt ancient. The design was also strange with four decorative metal pieces that would look like blades when looking at it a certain way. Shaking her head Rainbow Dash moved towards Luminara, the electric bars vanishing as she held out the Jedi’s lightsaber. She had deactivated it after the fight.

“Are you alright?” Rainbow Dash asked a look of worry on her face. “I’m so sorry.”

"Oh I'm quite alright. After what Master Yoda explained to me I found it best to let things play out. This was how the Force chose to have you trained. And you did very well." Luminara said with comfort, yet still carried her usual serious expression on her face. Rainbow Dash swallowed before asking. “Is it true? Did you seek him out?”

"Yes, of all the spirits he was the one Master Yoda was most concerned about. I believed that you would prevail, otherwise I would not have agreed to train you." Luminara answered with an almost smug tone. Rainbow Dash nodded her head saying. “Great… well at least I know the dude is about 7’2” and built to throw boulders at people. I should probably head out, don’t even want to know how long this took. Thanks for helping me out.”

Council Report

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Chapter Thirty Seven: Council Report

Shae watched speeders fly by glancing down at her communicator, she had tried to contact both Kory and Rainbow Dash. The one problem was neither of them picked up. It didn’t take her long to realize that her communicator must have gotten damaged when she tried to get a hold of Zenith only for there to be static. She leaned her head back against the side muttering. “There has to be something I can do.”

She looked at Mina before wrapping her arm around her shoulder. She gave it a rub before looking at her grapple before moving to look up. Without falling off the ledge. She did a few calculations in her head before looking at Mina. “I’ve got an idea… however it is a dangerous one. I need you to stay here.”

"Okay...I will listen to you this time. I don't want to cause any more problems." Mina said with one more sniffle. Shae reached out and patted her on the head saying. “Hey, someone is going to notice this, I just want you to be alright in the end.”

Mina tugged onto Shae's arm. "You be safe too okay? I don't want to lose you momma."

“Mina… even though I won’t go out and fight I will be going into dangerous situations to heal. I can never make that promise but I’m always going to try.” Shae assured her as she gently removed the arm. “And careful about calling me momma. Just call me Shae, understand?”

"...okay. I don't want to, but if that's what you want mom, I mean Shae." Mina said as she looked away. Shae smiled, took a deep breath, and made sure Mina had let go. She turned around before allowing herself to fall backwards off the ledge. Taking aim Shae fired the cable feeling it attached to something sturdy. She hung there for a moment and yanked her arm back making sure it was secure. She climbed up to where Mina was and said. “I’m secure for now.” Mina nodded as she stared closely at Shae. Shae glanced up ready to begin her climb but her hand hesitated. She couldn’t leave Mina by herself.

"Don't worry about me! You told me to stay so that's what I will do!" Mina cried out, feeling Shae's hesitation. Shae nodded her head before saying. “If no one is up there I’m coming back with my speeder.”

She began her climb up muttering. “I don’t care how many traffic violations I will have to do. I am not leaving her by herself for any longer than necessary.”

“Why can’t I have wings like Rainbow Dash?”

“Right, because her species is still on their planet.”

“MY ARMS HURT!”

“Almost there Shae, almost.”

Shae’s fingers wrapped around the ledge as she pulled herself over hoping that she was at the top and not another indent in the temple. “That’s it, I’m fixing my wrist tech and giving it control over my speeder.”

A figure stood at the ledge as it reached down an arm to pull Shae up. Shae grabbed onto the arm before seeing who it was and asked. “Did you just hear everything I just said?”

The figure revealed to be the Nautolan Jedi, Kit Fisto. He smiled as he said. "Yup. Though it's understandable."

“Excellent, there’s a youngling down there that will need help up. I was just about to go grab my speeder.” Shae replied before her brain processed who she was talking to. “Sorry, Master Jedi.”

"Don't worry about it. I will go rescue the little one. The council will want a report on what happened though." Kit Fisto replied as he leapt down. Shae hung her head sighing before looking at the temple once again knowing she was probably going to be up all night either giving the report or writing it. She wasn’t known to keep sarcasm out of her voice when talking to anyone. Which was why Pir had her write up the reports and just hand it in. She stuck around though just to check on Mina when Kit Fisto returned.

Kit Fisto hopped back to where Shae was as he set the child down. "I would think it would be a good idea to just follow me back to the council, both of you." He said with a big grin. Shae looked at Mina before saying. “Won’t be the first time I was sent to the headmaster’s office.”

Kit Fisto chuckled and showed them the way. Shae was doing her best to hide how nervous she truly was. ‘This is even more terrifying than meeting the Duchess to tell her I was leaving Mandalore.’ she tried to think of things to help her calm down.

“I sense you’re nervous.” Kit Fisto said as he put a hand on Shae’s shoulder. “Do no worry, it will be alright. I know that the two of you weren’t up to no good.”

“That’s good to know.” Shae smiled at him, she was feeling a little bit better. Her eyes glanced back at the doors and she twitched. ‘Does Rainbow Dash do this every time something happens to her that the Jedi need to know about?’

Mina grabbed Shae's hand as the three of them glanced around at the council. Yoda eyed the three of them as he motioned for Kit Fisto to take a seat.

"An intruder we have had, steal an item of importance they did." Yoda said as he sat looking directly at Shae. "What you know, tell us you will?"

“I was outside, after telling stories of Mandalore to a group of younglings, when I noticed a man disguised as a Jedi.” Shae said, ignoring the eyes on her. “His boots, looking at all of yours, I know that they aren’t the same. Most likely bought in the Outer Rim. So I decided to talk to him after Mina said she didn’t recognize him.”

"Do you know where he headed?" The also present Mace Windu asked. Shae glanced at him saying. “Just a speculation but he probably had a getaway vehicle or he was aiming for an empty speeder. However when I poked him a bit he had to improvise.” Yoda's head turned to Obi-Wan to see if he had anything to say. Obi-Wan closed his eyes before asking. “How did you ‘poke’ him?”

“I walked up to him, pointed out the glaring flaw in his disguise, and took off his hood.” Shae said as Anakin hid a chuckle. Obi-wan glanced at him as he continued. “What else did you find out?”

“He is a Duros named Cad Bane, most likely was hired, bounty hunter judging by the grapple he has on him, and dangerous.” Shae answered keeping her arms behind her back standing at attention.

"A Holocron he has. In the hands of the enemy it must not go." Yoda added as his expression looked concerned. "To children strong in the Force it will lead."

Shae twitched before asking. “Shouldn’t there be a failsafe? Something to keep him from accessing the data?”

"A Jedi is the only person able to access it and that's what we're afraid of. There may be a traitor working alongside this bounty hunter." Mace Windu said. "If someone like Dooku has this Jedi working for him then I fear the worst."

“Or he’s just prepared.” Shae pointed out and Anakin nodded his head. “Is there any Jedi who you’ve recently lost contact with?”

"Bolla Ropal. Though he's not the traitorous type...maybe he's been captured." Windu answered. Shae nodded her head saying. “Well there you go, I’d help you find him but I’m just a medic.”

Obi-wan glanced at Anakin who spoke up. “This might be a good time to actually put my plan into action.”

“Oh please no.” Shae sighed as she remembered the introductions and the reason why Anakin wanted to meet them. “Just had to open my mouth didn’t I?”

"Opening your mouth is why you're here young lady." Mace said sternly. "We need to get the holocron back at all costs."

Shae did an internal happy dance before Obi-wan spoke up. “She was able to spot Cad Bane quickly, my question is: How did he escape?”

Shae looked down at Mina biting her lip. She decided to tell the truth. “He spotted Mina and used his grapple to capture her. He ended up using her as a shield.”

Yoda's hand rubbed his chin as he said. "Desperate this hunter is. Capture him we must."

“I guess I’m done with my report. I don’t see any further use of my time or yours.” Shae told them taking a step back. Yoda nodded with everyone in unison at Shae. "Your help, most appreciated it was."

Shae left the room before looking at Mina and gave her a wave. Rainbow Dash watched her for a moment seeing her head towards the lift. Shrugging her shoulders Rainbow Dash poked her head into the room just as Anakin said. “If they are going to work with the Clones they need to be around them. Shae already knows who we’re looking for and can pick out the bounty hunter in disguise. We shouldn’t just disregard them or their talents.”

“Anakin, after what happened with Jelu Seer I’m not sure this is a good time to try out this plan.” Obi-wan cautioned and Rainbow Dash glanced at the floor as she pulled her head out. Anakin looked at him saying. “Actually that is why we should. No one paid attention to him, tried to get in contact with him, we don’t know what Dooku is doing and the only people who know what to look out for with any hints he may leave are the recruits he trained with.”

Mina who was still in the area walked over to them. "Um, excuse me. I think Anakin has a good idea. Shae is able to help, I know she can."

"Agree I do, Master Obi-Wan. Use Shae to capture Bane you will." Yoda said to his fellow Jedi Master. Luminara nodded her head saying. “We will discuss who we are sending later. Mina, return to your training. Rainbow Dash, enter”

"Yes Master Luminara." Mina said as she bowed and left the room. Lumniara looked at the rest of the council as Rainbow Dash walked in. “I have met one of the spirits during Rainbow Dash’s training.”

"The one I instructed you to bring out it was?" Yoda asked her. Luminara nodded her head as she spoke. “Correct. He managed to take on an almost tangible form. I am not sure yet if this will persist with the other spirits or not. He saw through my intent as well as the training. In the end it was Rainbow Dash who took control, but she did not destroy the spirit. Instead she offered a truce, he will remain within her and offered her this…. ”

Luminara held up the lightsaber given to Rainbow Dash laying on a cloth. “I believe it was once his.”

"A lightsaber it is." Yoda said as he grabbed hold of it and approached Rainbow Dash. "Yours now this is. A gift it was, but also chosen by the crystal you were."

Rainbow Dash looked at the lightsaber before saying. “I think this will always belong to the original owner. I just asked for something to honor his memory and he gave me this. I’ve even got a spot where I’d think this would look really cool.”

She heard the chuckle of the Emperor’s Wrath in the back of her mind causing her to roll her eyes. “Anyways, that’s not all I did today during training. I found the location of the third shard.”

“Another matter I wish to discuss.” Luminara brought up looking at Rainbow Dash then to Yoda. “There was another spirit who manifested. One of a Jedi.”

Yoda held up his hand as he folded Rainbow Dash's hands over the lightsaber. "Correct you are, it's owner it still belongs. Chosen you as it's new wielder the Force has." His head turned to Luminara. "A Jedi you say?"

“Yes, she said she was there to guide Rainbow Dash through her visions, that she sees what Rainbow Dash sees, planting the descriptions in her mind.” Luminara explained as she thought back to everything that happened. “The Jedi also told me that the blade that she shattered must be reforged and that she is proud of the Order.”

Yoda was hesitant at first to say anything because of his doubts of the Order since the war started. "Reforged then the blade shall be."

“Well first we’re going to need to find the shards of the sword.” Rainbow Dash spoke up, after being quiet for a moment. “It looked like large ancient buildings, once a city, in a swamp. There were these creatures, nasty creatures, crawling all over them. Just looking at them….”

Rainbow’s wings folded around her shoulders.

“The spirit said ‘In the swamps of the city destroyed in years long passed. The unsettled planet. Awaits the third.’.” Luminara informed the council, Rainbow’s eyes flickered towards all of them hoping for an answer. “It seems like this spirit is fond of riddles.”

Yoda's head turned to Obi-Wan. "An idea you have?"

“Perhaps, these creatures, they could be Rhakghouls. A species that has been giving the planet Taris a hard time. They have asked for help but the Senate has not been able to spare any troops to contain the growing threat.” Obi-wan replied and Rainbow Dash felt an overwhelming familiarity to that name. It was like a sigh of relief that the planet was still around.

"Taris is too dangerous to send a squad over to investigate. A small party, one with vaccines on hand. We cannot risk the plague escaping the planet so if need be...you know what has to be done for the sake of the galaxy. I wish there were an alternative." Mace inputted as he looked towards Rainbow Dash. Indigo lightning was surrounding her hand as she continued to listen. Yet it wasn’t to the council, it was like distant whispers. There was a question they were all asking, through the debating and arguing. “Why not let me bring the clones along? In total there’s eleven of them all twitching and wanting to get out there again. Doc can handle the vaccines…. What is this vaccine for, exactly?”

"The Rakghouls are like an infectious parasite. They contaminate you, and you slowly lose your will and become one of them. They were created by the Sith of old." Mace warned. "It would be better for Jedi to accompany you on this mission as the Force will be vital in surviving it."

“And who would you suggest? I mean most of you are fighting a bigger war right now.” Rainbow pointed out as the lightning turned orange. “No offense.”

“Rainbow Dash, what’s going on?” Anakin asked, taking a step forward and Rainbow looked at him in confusion. “Your hand.”

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash glanced down as if seeing the lightning for the first time. “I don’t know.”

"The spirits, active they are. Reveal to us the different colors do who is present." Yoda explained. Rainbow glanced at her hands. “Do I need to take notes on them? Did you want me to try and talk to them?”

"The better you will be if learn more you do." Yoda instructed.

Kit Fisto stood up and said. "I will accompany her on her quest." He said with a smile, looking at Rainbow Dash.

"Very good. And take Master Plo with you, his insights should prove useful." Windu added. Rainbow Dash nodded her head asking. “Am I dismissed?”

Kit Fisto walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You are. I will meet up with you alongside Master Plo later."

“Understood.” Rainbow Dash told them looking up at Kit Fisto. “I’m going to pack and tell the guys. Don’t know how long this is going to take!”

She moved off quickly and once she was outside noticed that both Shae and Kory had left. She understood, both probably needed time to themselves. Flapping her wings Rainbow Dash took off towards her apartment. When she landed she headed inside to explain everything.

Shae sat at her desk trying to figure out what to do. She knew she didn’t want to be a burden to the clones yet… she hit a switch under her desk. There was a whirring sound as a hidden compartment in her closet opened up revealing a suit of armor. ‘Now is not the time. I need to finish restoring this and I can’t use any of the components without the whole suit. Maybe just the breastplate? Claim it was a parting gift? Wait… the blasters, of course!’ Shae nodded her head as she stood up and walked quickly over. Her hand hovered over the blaster as she said. “For a good cause, I promise you.”

Inner Mandalorian

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Chapter Thirty Eight: Inner Mandalorian

Shae shifted her duffle, still in disbelief that she was going on the mission. She had thought for sure that the council would have shot down the crazy plan. What she had thought was that they would take it slow, a few non critical missions to get them used to it. She slipped her headphones over her ears as she played some Mandalorian music as she looked around for Skywalker. She glanced around at the clones keeping her expression neutral. She didn’t know why Rainbow Dash was fond of them, but she respected them for what they did.

Captain Rex happened to be walking by Shae when he took notice of her. He gave her a salute and said. "You know, Rainbow Dash has spoken well of you."

Shae saluted back as she took off her headphones glad to have had the volume down low. She shrugged her shoulders saying. “Apparently well enough, I’m here aren’t I? Have you seen General Skywalker? I’m supposed to report in.”

"Ah, he's on the bridge with the Admiral. Would you like me to escort you?" Rex asked as he took off his helmet. Shae thought about it before nodding her head. “Sure, keeps me out of trouble.”

"Alright just follow me. Oh uh, I know that you are a medic but it's just as important, and regulation, to have your blaster with you in the field." Rex instructed as he motioned for Shae to follow him. Shae frowned for a moment before moving quickly to catch up. “Aren’t I just going to be on the ship?”

"Yes but the ship is considered just as much the field. You never know what could happen, the Seps could attack us at any moment." Rex explained. Shae let out a frustrated sigh before opening up her duffle. Her hand paused before she reached inside and pulled out the blaster pistol she had with her. She holstered it saying. “There. I swear if the Duchess hears about this, she’s never going to let me live it down.”

The two of them reached the bridge where Anakin and Admiral Yularen were talking. "Pardon the interruption sirs, but Shae here is to meet with General Skywalker." Rex said with a salute. Shae saluted as well, seeing Ahsoka standing there. She glanced off to the side as Anakin said. “Thank you Rex. Shae, this is Admiral Wullf Yularen. Admiral Yularen, this is Shae Lyrua, she’s the one who managed to notice the disguised bounty hunter.”

“Sir.” Shae nodded her head towards Yularen keeping herself at attention.

"General Skywalker has spoken very highly of you. I look forward to seeing you." Admiral Yularen said with a serious yet welcoming expression. Shae looked at Anakin who chuckled saying. “I didn’t say anything that wasn’t undeserved. Colonel Pir has also written recommendations and he has mentioned how being out in the field would help with keeping focused.”

“He mentioned me attacking one of the Weequay pirates while he was injured, didn’t he?” inquired Shae and Anakin thought for a moment saying. “He might have mentioned that, don’t worry you’ll do fine.” Rex gave another salute to Shae as he took his leave.

"Master Anakin actually suggested you help out with us capturing Cad Bane." Ahsoka said, folding her arms. Shae gave a small eye roll saying. “Yeah, I know, don’t see how much of a help I can be though. I’m a medic, I’m either going to be over here getting ready to receive incoming wounded or I’m over there treating said wounded and being in the middle of a firefight.”

"From what the youngling Mina told me I beg to differ. For a medic you have some serious skills." Ahsoka said with a smile. Shae looked almost ashamed at that mumbling. “I know. It has concerned the Duchess on more than one occasion.”

"It's probably not my business to say but, don't you want to just carve your own path? Despite what the Duchess thinks?" Ahsoka asked curiously. Shae looked at Ahsoka before looking at Yularen saying. “Mandalorians… we are warriors but after countless years of fighting and the Civil War. We devastated our planet to the point where we live inside a dome. I had to give up my citizenship of Mandalore to help the Republic by healing the wounded… but the Duchess fears that I will become a warrior. I just want to help.”

Yularen looked at Shae and said. "While I admire your dedication I have to ask of you to not hesitate to do what's necessary if the situation demands it."

“I will.” Shae said, nodding her head and Anakin patted her on the shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. Best get ready, we’ll be jumping to hyperspace soon.”

Shae looked around not sure if she should be on the bridge or finding her way to the medbay. Ahsoka walked up to her and asked. “Wanna walk around the ship?”

“Sure, not like I have anything better to do.” Shae told her with a shrug of her shoulders before heading off of the bridge. “You know, I’m kind of surprised Kory wasn’t selected for this mission.”

“Why do you say that? Anakin wanted you.” Ahsoka asked. Shae rubbed her arm saying. “She’s more level headed. She always knows what to do and how to follow orders and she can get along better with you guys. Jedi, I mean. I always get sarcastic and let my mouth get away from me. Fight superiors and orders, I mean I learned protocol and rules just to know how to get around them.”

“I don’t think you give yourself enough credit. Clearly your actions show otherwise!” Ahsoka shouted with a smile. Shae gave her a gentle friendly punch to the shoulder saying. “Thanks, I just do well in simulations. My fight or flight instincts have a tendency to lean towards the fight option. Guess that’s not too dissimilar to Rainbow Dash though.”

“Well that’s good! I heard about what happened with Mina and Cad Bane too, you really showed what you’re capable of.” Ahsoka said, giving her a friendly punch to the shoulder back. Shae rubbed the back of her head saying. “Guess so. So what is it that Jedi do in their off time waiting to arrive at a battlefield?”

“Not a lot...Anakin and I are almost always on a mission with the war going so we just wait and talk.” Ahsoka sighed as she continued. “Sleep.”

“That probably comes after all the fighting. My mother said that my ancestors before battle would drink ne’tra gal and tihaar. Mandalorian black ale, our family’s recipe goes for a little more spicy than sweet and a colorless spirit distilled from fruits. They would sing war chants as well.” Shae spoke as she thought back before shaking her head.

“I think I would get in trouble if I drank, well despite the fact that I’m not old enough.” Ahsoka muttered. Shae patted her on the back saying. “I’m not old enough either, I wonder if there are any herbs or spices laying around for shig. I mean I carry some behot around and it would be fun.”

"Jedi Ahsoka Tano and Medic Shae Vizla, the two of you are to report back to the bridge at once. We are about to jump out of hyperspace." A voice boomed over the intercom.

"Well that was fast. So much for any downtime." Ahsoka muttered sadly. "Let's go Shae."

“Hey, we can have some shig later.” Shae assured her as she made her way back to the bridge patting Ahsoka on the shoulder.

"Alright!" Ahsoka cheered as she followed Shae. Shae made it back to the bridge just as they exited hyperspace. Her eyes widened seeing the Separatist ships in front of them as the battle began.

Ahsoka looked at Shae as she said. "Don't worry we'll be fine, especially with you around."

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Shae shot Ahsoka a grin as Anakin said. “Opportunities like this don’t normally fall in your lap.”

"General Skywalker I realize the praise you have given young Shae however she still lacks experience! I do not believe she should go to the ship." Yularen protested. Anakin looked at Yularen saying. “We’ll keep her safe, also it would give her good experience watching the Clones in the field and be able to treat them on the spot. It’s not like I’m sending her after Cad Bane.”

One of Yularen's eyebrows shifted upwards in disbelief. Anakin looked at him asking. “What? I’m not! She’s just there to help out and to notice if something is up.” Yularen just shook his head and walked further to the front of the bridge. Shae paused before walking towards Admiral Yularen saying. “Permission to say something sir?”

“Permission granted but be swift, we’re in a battle here.” Yularen said seriously but not without meaning. Shae took a deep breath. “I may doubt General Skywalker’s faith in my abilities, but he has a point. How am I going to learn to be a combat medic if I don’t see combat? It’s the same with why I left Mandalore. How am I going to help people if I don’t take the steps to help them and stay on Mandalore? I’m not one to be inactive and I’m also going to try to remain alive. Living is kind of important to me.”

“There are other ways to learn than heading into one of your first missions that could prove more dangerous than most. I am only being cautious. Now report to General Skywalker and follow his lead.” Yularen ordered as he turned back to face the front window of the bridge. Shae saluted him before heading to Anakin who was talking about ways to get on the ship Cad Bane was on.

She did not know whether to praise Anakin’s ingenuity or curse it. She hadn’t expected for him to use the walkers as a transport and she did not like the pressure suits. She would have preferred the Mandalorian armor she was restoring. Anakin glanced back at her, giving her a big grin as he told her. “I would say keep calm and everything would be fine, but I won’t. Just don’t panic and do what you do best.”

“Thanks.” Shae replied as they headed towards the outside access shaft making sure to keep out of the line of fire. Ahsoka patted Shae on the shoulder saying. “We’ll be fine.”

“Well, I’m in charge of keeping you guys fine.” Shae joked as they made it inside moving towards the bridge with them. She held back a bit as she looked around before moving to catch up. When she walked into the bridge as Anakin ordered. “Rex take a squad, lock down the hanger bay and destroy the escape pods. No one gets off the ship.”

The ship decided to shake as explosions wracked it signalling something was very wrong. Meanwhile Cad Bane was devizing a plan to separate the Jedi in order to get the Holocron opened. He ordered the droids on board the ship to engage the Clones as a distraction.

Ahsoka made her way down a hallway of the ship and opened the door, on the ground was the now dead Jedi Master Ropal. “Master...I found him.” She said sadly. Shae moved forward but Anakin stopped her looking at Rex saying. “Rex, have some men take Master Ropal back to the Resolute. Shae….”

“Hey, you wanted me to have experience as a combat medic. I’m staying here, even if it’s just to patch these guys up.” Shae said jerking a thumb towards Rex and his troopers. “I’ll keep my head down.”

“Master, this ship is not going to last, maybe it’s better to have the holocron blow up with the ship. At the very least Nute Gunray won’t have it.” Ahsoka pleaded. Her head turned to Shae as she continued. “I don’t want to lose anyone if I can help it.”

“Maybe, but I’d rather return it to the library personally.” Anakin told Ahsoka as Shae patted her on the shoulder. Anakin shot her a quick look as she said. “Hey you wanted me here, you’re stuck with me.”

Ahsoka sighed but she still smiled. "Alright, let's hurry!"

Cad Bane lay in wait not far from the group's position with a group of battle droids. The door he was facing opened as they began firing at the Clones.

"Shae take cover!" Ahsoka ordered as she blocked some of the fire. She felt her feet slowly lift from the ground as Cad Bane said. "See how you handle this Jedi."

"Anti-gravity! We were trained for this men!" Rex cried out as he got into cover. He looked towards Shae as he repeated Ahsoka's order. "Take cover!"

Shae fired her grapple pulling herself towards what little cover there was. She grabbed her blaster as she pulled herself around firing at the droids with careful shots. Rex continued firing back shots at Cad Bane but lost control when R2 reverted the gravity controls, causing one of the fired shots to hit him near the shoulder as he fell to the ground next to Shae.

Cad Bane attempted to flee saying. “So long Jedi!” Ahsoka started to give chase looking back to Anakin yelling. “I got him Master!”

“Ahsoka, wait! It’s a trap!” Anakin shouted after her giving chase as well. “Ahsoka, wait! We’ll take him together!”

The door slammed shut and he began to cut his way through hearing Shae shout. “Watch where you’re shooting that thing! If you hit one of those shells we’re done for!”

“Shae, get Rex and the others onto a transport. I’ll get Ahsoka and Cad Bane!” Anakin ordered and Shae shouted. “Yes sir! Wait… You’re putting me in charge?!”

“I trust you!” Anakin told her just as one of the droids tripped over a fallen droid's head hitting the shell and causing an explosion. Shae detached herself as Anakin prevented debris from falling on top of them.

Rex turned his head to Shae as he said. “I knew I could count on you kid, now show me what you’re made of.”

Shae checked her blaster before saying. “Don’t tell the Duchess.”

She took aim and fired careful shots at the remaining droids walking forward. Using her grapple she would pull a few of them forward and decapitated them.

“You two, help Captain Rex up, the rest of you make sure no more droids ambush us. We need to get to the hanger.” Shae ordered as she went to check on Rex taking out her medkit and found sthe spray bandage. “Wound doesn’t look too bad, but I don’t want a chance of infection.”

She used the item as the two clones helped Rex to his feet. As Shae began to lead the way and found a firefight in the hanger.

Death and Those Who Remember

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Chapter Thirty Nine: Death and Those Who Remember

Shae had never felt so drained before in her entire life. She didn’t know if the adrenaline from the fight was wearing off or the fact that she had done more than just get in everyone’s way. She was currently on a shuttle heading towards the Resolute with what was left of the boarding party treating Rex’s wound.

“How’s that sir?” she asked, sitting back on her heels. Rex moved his arm flexing his fingers despite the flare of pain. “Better, I’ll make sure to get it treated once we’re back.”

“Good, would hate to have to drag you to the medbay myself.” Shae joked as she got to her feet.

Rex chuckled as he placed his good arm on Shae's shoulder. "At least we completed our mission, more or less."

“Too bad we didn’t get the holocron back.” Shae shook her head as she thought about it. “At least no one is getting their hands on it now.”

"Yeah, those children are safe." Rex said with a sigh of relief. Shae looked around for any more injured troopers. A few of the troopers in the back were celebrating taking out Cad Bane but one of the troopers was hiding an injury without saying a word. Shae tilted her head to the side before walking forward to check on the trooper.

“How are you feeling?” Shae asked, wanting to take a closer look at the wound. The trooper ignored Shae's question and shifted his body onto the ground as if to get some rest. Shae’s eyes narrowed before she said. “I want you to get yourself to the medbay the moment you get off the shuttle.”

She glanced down at the trooper awaiting a response, not leaving until she got one. He lifted up one of his arms and gave a thumbs up and laid it back down. Shae’s eyes narrowed as she turned around and walked away. She took a seat before looking at Ahsoka asking. “Are you alright?”

Ahsoka looked at Shae with a sad look yet still smiled. "Yeah."

Shae gave her a look before slumping in her seat starting to feel a little less useful now. “Want to talk about it?”

"It's...just me. I was careless." Ahsoka said, sighing. Shae raised an eyebrow saying. “Is this about you running off or is there more to that statement?”

"It started with me running off. I was overconfident and let the bounty hunter get the best of me putting Anakin in a bad spot. Also I…" Ahsoka gestured to where she usually wore what represented her being a Jedi Padawan. Shae blinked once not really getting where that was going.

"I lost it. My Padawan Silka Beads. He took it as an insult to me." Ahsoka curled up into a ball as she said that. Shae frowned seeing how much it hurt Ahsoka as she fingered her own hair for a moment. “It means a lot to you, huh?”

"Yeah it does. I could always get a new one but...it just isn't the same you know? It has memories." Ahsoka said looking at Shae with tears forming. Shae nodded her head before looking at her side. She took off the pendant and held it out to Ahsoka. “I know it doesn’t have the same meaning, but you can hold onto my memories until you get yours back.”

"But...it blew up with the ship." Ahsoka said hesitating to take the pendant. Shae patted her on the shoulder saying. “Just a feeling. Besides, wasn’t there an incident where you thought that the astromech you guys bring with you was destroyed? Don’t give up on your memories that easily.”

"Alright Shae, thanks." Ahsoka said, wiping her eyes and grabbing Shae's pendant. She held it against her chest and said. "I will keep it safe."

Shae felt the shuttle land and knew she was going to make sure that trooper got to the medbay. The troopers exited the shuttle first congratulating the quiet trooper from earlier. Ahsoka rushed out to say something to the trooper when Rex grabbed Anakin and Shae's attention. "You both are going to want to see this."

Shae and Anakin moved to see what Rex was showing them. He wiped his finger against the ground as he revealed blood where the clone was sleeping yet it wasn't red. Shae’s hand went towards her blaster as Anakin rushed to confront the trooper. Shae on his heels before she looked back saying. “Thanks Rex, now get to the medical bay!” Rex at first tried to get up and follow her but realized that he wouldn't be much help. He nodded his head as he yelled. "Don't let him get away!"

Shae fired a few shots at Cad Bane her eyes narrowing before aiming her grapple at his arm and fired. Cad Bane grabbed a nearby trooper as he dodged the blaster shots and caused the trooper to get pulled instead. He hopped into one of the nearby ships and prepared to launch. Shae detached the wire as Anakin stopped the trooper from flying into her. Shae’s shoulders sagged hoping that Rainbow Dash was having better luck.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t believe how long it took to get permission to leave the city walls to explore the ruins. ‘Weeks, it took weeks to finally get out here and I’m sitting in an armored vehicle.’ she grumbled internally as she tried to focus on the shard again. The yellow strand she thought was going to be next wasn’t even appearing causing her to grumble. “Why aren’t you working?”

Kit Fisto put a hand on her shoulder as he smiled. "Do not worry. Relax."

“It got us this far, I’m sure we’ll be able to locate it with clues.” Crossbones assured her before jerking his thumb to the driver. “As long as Crash gets us there in one piece.”

“So what was Pir’s reasoning for allowing me to actually bring you guys along?” Rainbow Dash asked, crossing her arms. Tank placed a hand on her shoulder as Ash explained. “In case of separation. You see if one of the Jedi is injured or you are separated from both of them it would be better to have a trained medic as well as a larger group so none of you will be alone.”

"We however must take heed of Master Windu's warning." Plo Koon chimed in. "We cannot let anyone get infected by the Rakghouls."

“Don’t worry, I’ve got enough vaccines to keep us good for a month, sir.” Doc replied looking at Plo Koon. Plo Koon gave him a look as he said. "And if even with our group someone is infected and we cannot find them to cure?"

“We do what we need to sir, let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.” Ash told him and Rainbow Dash felt a surge of panic. She kept herself calm as she just reached out for the shard, a blue strand appearing in front of her.

"What is it miss Dash?" Kit Fisto asked, surprised. Rainbow Dash turned her head as she focused. “I’m seeing what appears to be an old lab. Where a hand that was reached out in friendship was rejected and a life was ended. Whoever died there, it left a bitter taste in one of the spirit’s mouths.”

"We must be extra cautious then incase the spirit loses control. Can we trust you to keep it together young Dash?" Plo Koon asked, a hand to his chin. Rainbow Dash nodded her head with a grin saying. “Of course. I’ve got all of you with me and if I end up alone, I’ll just fly up and find a cloud.”

“Nothing is ever as simple as that.” Ash warned her as the blue strand pointed the way. When they arrived Rainbow Dash looked around. Taris was a beautiful place despite how dangerous it was. She looked around for the entrance of the complex that she had seen in her vision. Kit Fisto and Plo Koon activated their lightsabers as a precaution incase of any sudden attacks. The clones all readied themselves as Rainbow Dash found the entrance covered by brush. “Over here!”

Doc walked over to inspect it with Rampage as Ash mumbled. “I don’t like this.”

Kit Fisto sat down to meditate as he tried to sense what was beyond the door. "I cannot sense anything...like something is preventing me almost."

“It looks all clear.” Doc called back as Crossbones asked. “So what’s the story with these Rakghouls? Where did they come from?”

Plo Koon took a deep breath as he explained the dark history of the Rakghouls creation by the Sith, and why they continue to plague the planet. Crossbones frowned as he thought about it saying. “So something from so long ago is still wrecking havoc today.”

"Indeed. And why we cannot let any of us succumb to the disease." Master Plo added. Ash frowned when a low growling caught his attention. “Ambush!”

The troopers readied themselves as Rakghouls charged at them. One of them stood taller than the others as it walked forward, barely clothed, and a strange blade upon its back.

“What is that?” Tinker asked as it growled sending the Rakghouls charging forward.

"Get into the building! Master Fisto and I will defend you!" Plo Koon ordered as the two of them carefully slashed at the Rakghouls, trying not to get hit. The larger one charged towards the Jedi as the clones retreated towards the building. Crash getting cut off by a Rakghoul and fired at them to prevent the creatures from following the clones. Kit Fisto and Plo Koon were too distracted with defending themselves and the clones that they didn't happen to see Crash getting separated.

"Master Plo is there any end to these Sith abominations?" Kit Fisto asked, though Plo didn't answer. Crash felt the creature bite into him right before he kicked it off. He got to his feet looking around before seeing the vehicle they used to get there. He moved as fast as he could climbing into it saying. “I’ll make sure there is an end.”

Master Plo and Kit kept fending them off but they seemed almost endless when Plo spotted something. "There! They're coming out of that cave!"

"But how do we get to it? We're not making much progress!" Kit Fisto responded, slashing at more Rakghouls. Crash gritted his teeth as he drove the vehicle forward shouting over the radio. “Get out of the way!”

"Crash no!" Kit Fisto yelled as he and Plo jumped out of the way. Crash grinned as he went full power shouting. “I’m going out my way, just make sure to salu….”

The vehicle hit the cave wall as an explosion rocked the area. It caused the entrance to the complex Rainbow Dash was in to crumble and the force was powerful enough to knock back the Rakghouls in the area. After making sure there weren't any more the two Jedi yelled in front of the entrance but their voices couldn't get through.

Rainbow Dash sat in the complex her hand wrapped around the blade shared as blood flowed from her tight grip. She had heard the final transmission, they all did, but nothing had prepared her for the death. Her wings curled around her as the clones bowed their heads to honor Crash.

“We have to get out of here, see if you can unbury the entrance Rampage.” Ash ordered, Rampage nodded his head. “Doc, was anyone…”

“No one here has a scratch on them. I can’t say much about the Jedi until we get out of here.” answered Doc glancing at Rainbow Dash as he lowered his voice. “If Crash did what I think he did, we only have whatever supplies in our bags and that’s it. Once those run out, that’s it, we’re either getting a rescue or we get out of here. The third option is to perish in this hole. Right now we’re safe.”

“Not if we try to dig ourselves out.” Rampage revealed walking back to them. “I can manage a few rocks, but I think the explosion caused a few cracks. Someone will need to hold up the foundation. If we had one of the Jedi with us it would be a little easier.”

“We just have to hope that someone will get us out of here.” Ash said looking around for anything to become a source of light for Rainbow Dash other than the small lights on their helmets. “So far, this place has no Rakghouls… yet.”

Rainbow Dash was barely listening as her eyes stared at the wall. She didn’t know how to process she was feeling. She had never experienced something like this before. The voices of the other clones were becoming muffled as the haze began to seep in. It felt like days or even weeks before the old man appeared watching her once again. Etaitiv walked forward, his eyes watching her as if intrigued though the lack of emotion was a comfort to her. There was no pity, there was nothing. She wanted that, she didn’t want to feel anything. The shard in her hand began to glow dimly as she reached out with her other hand.

“You do not wish to feel.” Etaitiv stated as he stood over her. “This pain, this loss, it is beginning to overwhelm you. You seek a way to numb your pain.”

Rainbow Dash barely nodded her head, Etaitiv reached down to place his hand on her head. She was pulled out of his reach. A ringing sound filled her head as reality came back to focus. The building was crumpling around them. Large rocks flew from the blocked exit as the clones filed out. When the light hit her eyes she was blinded for a moment. She heard the blasters charge as Ash asked. “What is the meaning of this sir?”

“We did not have time to request for more Jedi and Count Dooku offered his help.” Rainbow Dash blinked rapidly as figures came into view. Kit Fisto and Plo Koon were there, as was Count Dooku and a woman Rainbow Dash had never seen before, then there were hundreds of battle droids surrounding them.

“I have a proposition to make.” Dooku spoke with his eyes fixated on Rainbow Dash. “If you are willing to hear me out.”

“Why should we listen to anything he says?” Crossbones growled, Dooku did not even look at him. The Jedi glanced at each other before Kit Fisto spoke up. “What is this proposition?”

“I am willing to trade Jelu Seer for Rainbow Dash and her clone unit, Master Fisto.” Dooku explained, causing most of the troopers to ready themselves for attack.

“Calm yourselves.” Master Fisto ordered them, Rainbow Dash feeling a numbness was through her as her emotions dulled. Her eyes flickered next to her seeing Etaitiv resting a hand on her shoulder.

“Of course we would expect another trade for the Clones.” Dooku continued, Kit Fisto decided to point out. “You only have young Jelu captive.”

“On the contrary Jedi, it would be a shame if something happened to the wall protecting the city from the Rakghouls.” the woman spoke the threat lingering in the air like a foul stench. “A city for a squad.”

The words made sense to Rainbow Dash, normally her anger would rise and she would shout. With her emotions numbed she found the logic. ‘They can make their own choices.’ Rainbow’s own voice told her. ‘You know the right choice to make. You can never abandon your friend, however make sure that Jelu is safe.’

“Where is Jelu?” Rainbow asked quietly as she looked at Dooku. His head turned as he waved his hand. Two battle droids brought forward a cuffed Jelu who stared at Dooku with a frown. “If you didn’t want me on Nar Shaddaa talking to my parents. You could have just said so.”

Rainbow’s eyes scanned him for serious injuries. He had a few faded bruises on his face but she couldn’t tell if they were from mistreatment or just a fight.

“I will go.” Rainbow Dash said and Jelu was about to say something but she shook her head. “This is my choice and mine alone.”

“Miss Dash…” Klo Ploon spoke but Ash told him. “Don’t worry General, we will make sure she’s going to be alright. Worry about the city.”

“You will not keep them forever Count.” Kit Fisto warned him as the clones and Rainbow Dash walked over to Dooku. The woman shoved Jelu forward who ignored her and moved to the Jedi hissing. “They have bombs on the wall. If you don’t let them leave they will blow them up.”

Kit Fisto glanced at Plo Koon, they couldn’t do anything at the moment watching Dooku walk away with their soldiers. They moved back to the city as fast as they could. They had to find those explosives and fast. Rainbow Dash watched them go before she was led to the ship. Her magenta eyes going pure white as a black energy began to cover her skin.

Mystery of the Caretaker

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Chapter Forty: Mystery of the Caretaker

Screams filled the air of Coruscant as a massive beast rampaged heading towards a single area. A wounded trooper fired at the creature trying to keep it from reaching its destination when a hand was placed on his shoulder and a kind voice spoke. “You should lie down. If you continue on your wounds will get even worse.”

The trooper stumbled to the side before slumping down as a hand reached down taking the helmet off. A hooded young woman set it to the side kneeling just out of sight as she healed the trooper. “I wish I could bring you peace, but you have a duty to protect. I will do what I can to help. Afterwards I will ask you an important question.”

The young woman walked back into view as she walked to the place where the clone had been standing. Pale yellow wings spread as she held out her hand. The beast stilled before turning its head in her direction. It did not take long for the Zillo Beast to reach her. Instead of attacking, it watched her carefully as she spoke quietly. “Let me take you away from here, so your species can recover.”

The Zillo Beast let out a low growl before lowering its head against her hand. It closed its eyes as she pressed her head against its own. A light green and pink energy passed between the both of them. A tear fell from the female as she pulled back petting the Zillo beast. She took out a vial out saying. “I cannot dissuade you from this, then let me bring your species back. Away from the Dugs and their vile poisons.”

The Zillo Beast looked at the vial in thought then reached for an area that had been untouched by the Malastarian Fuel. It dug its claws drawing the smallest bit of blood dropping it into the vial. It returned the vial nuding the young woman who reached forward placing her wing against its face. Her hand reached up removing her hood as long pink locks flowed forth as she hugged it once again allowing her turquoise eyes to slide shut. The Zillo Beast let out a rumble before pulling away and continued on towards the Senate Building. The woman bowed her head, shoulders shaking before she took a deep breath. She turned to look at the trooper saying with a shaking voice. “I know you have a duty to protect, I know you take that duty seriously, not just you and your brothers but the Jedi as well. I will give you a choice, I cannot let you remember me but I wish to see you away from this war. Too many lives have already been lost and I do not want you to be one of them. Will you let me take you away?”

“I can’t leave my brothers behind.” the clone said out of sight and the young woman sighed. “I understand.”

She held out her hand as she whispered. “Forget what you have seen here. Let the known become unknown and the one you have seen tame the beast become unseen.”

The clone let out a groan as he collapsed to the ground. The young woman picked up the helmet and placed it gently on his head as she turned to leave.

“Pause it there.” Obi-wan spoke as the image froze and he approached it. “I believe this is the one who broke into Rainbow’s apartment.”

“In agreement, we are. Fluttershy, we believe, this is.” Yoda said looking at the image. The young woman, despite the dark, was slightly illuminated by a necklace around her neck. Her skin held the same pale and light grayish gold color as her wings. The cloak she wore was tailored around her wings, small images of butterflies could be seen woven into the fabric.

“This could also be the Caretaker that the battle droid spoke about.” Anakin pointed out and Obi-wan nodded his head. “Could they be the same person?”

“Find out, you must. Her powers, in Dooku’s hands, they must not fall.” instructed Yoda as Obi-wan nodded his head speaking in thought. “I might know of someone who could help.”

“Then go.” Mace Windu said, Anakin looked a little annoyed asking. “What about Rainbow Dash?”

“Count Dooku will not harm Rainbow Dash, especially with the lengths he went to retrieve her. We will find her, but we cannot simply divert our attention to finding her. Let us leave that up to the Senate Bureau of Intelligence.”

Anakin took a deep breath before bowing and leaving. He was upset that they couldn’t go after them. He considered Rainbow Dash to be a good friend and asset in the war. He knew they couldn’t abandon her or just hold off on rescuing her. He knew though that he would be showing his attachment to his friend if he did protest. ‘Please be alright Rainbow Dash and hold on. We’ll find you and get you out of there.’ Anakin prayed mentally.

Jelu walked around Rainbow’s apartment looking for an area to place the shard that had appeared in his hands. He knew that she must have sent it to him, to keep it out of Seperatist hands. The guilt was weighing on his mind. If he had not gone with Dooku, if he had waited in the cell, none of this would have happened. ‘It might have though, Dooku would still have traded the lives of everyone in the city.’ he told himself before sitting down at the table. The apartment felt emptier than before, without the clones messing around or Rainbow Dash nothing felt right. Jelu sat down spying what seemed to be a letter and decided to take a small look. A frown grew on his face as he realized that it was written in Rainbow’s native language. Sighing he stood up before walking away not even seeing a figure sit down at the table where he once was. It picked up the letter reading it out loud in a deep masculine voice.

“Dear Princess Celestia or Twilight or whoever’s reading this,

I don’t know if you have realized that I’m gone or Fluttershy is too. I’m in a strange place, a different world even. The rules of magic don’t really apply here, well they might in the term of “Force-user” they’re kind of like Unicorns, but it’s more based on the individual than an entire species. I miss you guys so much, but I have to find Fluttershy. If I could return home and she isn’t there then I would feel like I abandoned her. Just like when I got angry and started this whole mess. If I had listened to her and talked to her about the whole mess with Daring Do she wouldn’t have ran off. This is my fault and I’m not coming back without her. I just hope all of you understand, it might be some time before I see you all again. I might bring back a few friends as well. I get a feeling they see me more as a little sister but I don’t know. They’re all clones but each of them is different. Different heart, different mind, same blood. I can’t wait for all of you to meet them.

~Rainbow Dash”

The man folded the letter before placing it in his bag as he turned and vanished into thin air whistling a melody unheard by anyone.

To be continued in Clone Wars: Year 2