HP: Dance of the Veela

The aftermath of the Battle of Corellia was not quite as dramatic as the rebels and Mandalorians had initially hoped.

Many worlds even those that hated the Empire hadn't tried to overthrow it, perhaps due to the Empire's relentless propaganda campaign that downplayed the whole incident. But they hadn't managed to dampen it fully.

People did see through all the lies and half-truths the Empire was yelling out at the galaxy and realised the incredible fact that the Empire really wasn't invincible and could be defeated.

So, with great care, they started organising in groups, helped by the still forming Rebel Alliance and Liber8. Taught how to hide themselves from the Empire and with some help with the Rift Alliance and other sources began to arm and equip themselves. Some didn't go down this route, preferring to be more peaceful and have to demonstrations and other less violent methods of protest.

But regardless those that wanted it would receive the help, some weapons and equipment and training from more experienced hands, swelling the forces of rebellion across the galaxy.

Corellia itself meanwhile had become a member of the Rift Alliance, strengthening its position while it expanding its own forces. Jedi who previously had hidden themselves across the galaxy would travel to the planet so they could find shelter there. People who had force sensitive children or were force sensitive themselves would go there too so they would be safe from the Empire and eventually the Corellian Jedi would train them in the Jedi Arts.

The Empire of course was greatly disturbed by these developments and cracked down even harder within their own territory while planning to punish those that dared to question their authority over the galaxy and everyone in it.

Reijar, Ordo System…985 ARR…

The day was special as Luna had gathered all of her friends and existing Akaan and learners to witness an important occasion. As Haron and all the others watched, Luna led the ceremony.

"You have both proven your devotion to not only the force but to Mandalore itself. You have grown in skill and in strength until you have earned advancement to the next level." Luna said to the two kneeling before her before naming them. "Trilla Suduri…Cal Kestis. In honour of your achievement, you are both bestowed the rank of Akaan with all the honours, privileges and responsibilities this new rank carries. Stand and be recognised." Luna said with a smile.

Cal and Trilla both stood and everyone present applauded them, watching as the marks of an Akaan was painted on their armour. Luna turned to Haron who nodded and stepped forward to address them personally.

"You both have come a long way and should be proud of your accomplishment but remember that bigger challenges lie ahead and arrogance has brought down many people." Haron warned them and they both nodded in acceptance of his wise words.

Trilla and Cal on the inside though were beaming with joy, being 'knighted' or the equivalent anyway meant they would finally be allowed to go on missions with the rest of the warriors or even on their own. It was a big statement of trust and they were eager to get out there and make their own mark.

"We will Mandalore." Trilla said with a surge of pride and joy inside her, feeling at last like she belonged somewhere, like she wasn't alone anymore.

"Thank you Mandalore, thank you Luna." Cal said with a similar feeling inside him. Like Trilla he at last felt like he wasn't just a survivor…that he was capable of deciding his own fate and making his own way in the galaxy.

- x -

But the two young former Jedi where not the only ones to be honoured today, the House Leaders had gathered on Reijar to celebrate another great achievement by one of their number. As all the dukes and duchesses stood there in patient silence, Haron stood before Luna and told her with a big smile on his face.

"Luna Lovegood, you may not have been born Mandalorian but ever since you put on our armour and swore to our ways you have been truly one of us. You have achieved great things and given us a culture of our own in the force for the very first time. You have empowered us as a people to see the universe in a new way and enlightened us, your visions have guided our people and shown us danger we would likely have never known was there otherwise until it was too late. You are a true inspiration and a woman I am personally honoured to call my friend." Haron said with pride in his voice while Luna smiled broadly, she loved her friends and they loved her.

"So today we are honouring you with a new award, dedicated to those that bring enlightenment and wisdom to our people. For your building and leadership of the new Force Wielders that now stand among us I am truly honoured to present you with the Lern Ceremonial Sun." Haron said presenting her with a medal made of electrum and styled to look like a sun inside a circle with the runes for wisdom, wise one and power inscribed on it attached to dark blue and red ribbon.

Luna with some reluctance accepted the medal, she was quite happy with the order that she had created and would continue to expand, more apprentices were being added and now they had half a dozen Akaan and the Mareks as instructors it would be easier to train them all.

"Not to mention your recent discovery of Luna Steel has enriched our people with new strength, while we do not have the infrastructure to produce enough of it to build vehicles or ships out of it, we can produce it in sufficient quantities that we can enhance all existing suits of beskar armour albeit slowly. While not as strong as pure beskar, it is a close second." Haron said having named the metal that in her honour. He only wished they could mass produce it enough to make vehicles but it was a long and delicate process that couldn't be rushed regrettably.

"You are a credit to our people." Ijaa said with a nod of respect which was a rare thing for him to say or do for anyone let alone someone who had not been born one of them. "Whatever the future holds, we will face it better prepared thanks to your efforts."

Luna nodded to in respect, she could feel how much he meant it and how difficult it was for him to admit that someone not born into their ways had become so important and given them so much.

Haron let her excuse herself as she had lessons to prepare for the day and he had matters to discuss with the other house leaders. He gave her one last nod which she returned before leaving the room to return to her students.

They all gathered around the conference table and began the meeting.

"Distribution of the new 'Luna Steel' is slowly spreading, mass producing it in sufficient ingots to reinforce all existing armours." Duchess Ceta Farr said having been one of the main houses with sufficient facilities to produce the metal alloy in high enough quantities. "It will take a couple of years but it will be done."

"Excellent, you do us all a great service Duchess Farr." Haron said from the head of the table, knowing there was a thorny issue that had to be addressed next. He turned to Duke Yal Takan, the head of their intelligence network and asked him with a grim look on his face. "Any further news on the situation inside Imperial Space?"

"Yes, I can definitely confirm that an Imperial Invasion of our home territories is now imminent." Yal told them with worry in his voice. They all looked unsettled by the news but Duchess Katale Ma'Gard who was again standing in for her grandfather who had again fallen ill spoke up.

"Look we all knew this was coming." She said with her rough accent and an annoyed look on her face as it was the plain and simple truth and no amount of recrimination or arguing would help. She was already dealing with her grandfather's illness and they didn't know if he would survive this time. Her cousins back home were with him where she should be she thought with frustration.

"Indeed, so what is the status of our border defences?" Duke Yarlten asked, trying to get things back on subject.

"We have a lot of border planets either with considerable defenders, built heavy fortifications like a network of satellites and a few space stations around them but there are still some gaps." Duke Ralmiz said, his own territories being some with outside borders had made him particularly diligent about such things but he was hardly the only one.

They had set up laser and missile armed satellites many of which were automated and with independent shields while on some planets they had put planetary turbolasers similar to the ones on Corellia and planetary ion cannons to go with them. They could now deal a powerful one-two punch so to speak, the ion cannons first disable the target before the turbolaser blows it apart. They had even managed to integrate some Iokath technology to improve the fire power and rate of fire too.

But that being said they were still not finished fortifying their border and had work to do.

"So, do we have any idea just where they will strike?" Duke Mors Lok asked with eagerness, wanting to know just where they would hit them.

"Not specifically, a system not fully reinforced is likely though." Duke Takan told them and then Haron after pondering silently made his suggestion about what they could do.

"The Joryl System."

The others went silent as they absorbed his words. Duchess Morli Kast who held that particular system looked suddenly unsettled.

"Why there Mandalore?" She asked with nervousness but he told her with a grin.

"Because we will leak its unprepared state to the Empire and any reconnaissance that they have will confirm it." Haron said with a cunning look in his eyes and Duke N'Val suddenly caught on to what he was planning and started grinning too.

"It also has a good-sized moon that we can use to hide a fleet behind." They all then started grinning as they understood too.

"And a single vector to which ships from Imperial Space can come in on. You're setting a trap." Duke Cadoruso said to which Haron nodded.

"We could lay mines across that vector. Let them run into a minefield and wreck themselves before our fleet has to lift a finger." Duchess Kane said with an almost sinister smirk. Haron's grin faltered a little when he looked at her but he nodded as it was a fairly good idea.

"Well, let's do it!" Duke Orius said with an eager look in his eyes. The group nodded and went to make preparations for the ambush while Haron held Duchess Kane back. The woman with her white blonde hair was unfazed by this and continued smirking.

"So, is this where you warn me off your darling little sister or threaten to kill me if I break her heart?" Eliza said with a bored look of expectation on her face. Haron was unphased though and told her.

"If I did that then my sister would hate me if not kill me for being so intrusive and heavy handed. What I am going to say is this caring you have for her had best be real and not some form of manipulation. I want her to be happy Eliza and if that means having you in the family then I will accept it, I admire you for your cunning and ability, especially in the face of the opposition that you have dealt with in the past…but that only goes so far." Haron warned her and Eliza actually for once in her life became serious and told him.

"It's real! I don't let anyone see me vulnerable, no-one except her." Eliza said suddenly with anger in her voice. "She knows what it's like…to be alone."

Haron nodded and smiled before telling her with a knowing look in his eyes.

"Then best get to the medical bay. Its time." He said, feeling what was happening down there.

Eliza didn't react at first, then finally realised what he was trying to tell her and ran out of the room to Vysa. Haron smiled as she went, more certain now that she was genuine in her feelings.

- x -

Luna meanwhile was instructing the other Akaan in enchanting their armour.

"What we are trying to do is to weave the force or our magic into the metal, letting it bond and strengthen the armour which in turn does the same to us. It heightens our connection to it and lets us add to our strength." Luna said, sitting in front of all the Akaans who had for once taken off their armour and sat there in front of her, they had even removed their body suits and sat there in their underwear just like her. Gazes struggled to stay professional as baser instincts reared their heads but Luna continued her lesson.

"Let the force, our magic flow into the materials before you. Let them form the armour into what suits you. What you need." Luna said as she concentrated on her own suit and letting the force fill not only her but the armour, letting it flow into it and begin reshaping it while the others did the same slowly and at their own pace.

Luna herself had already practised this until she had mastered it and taught her friends to do the same already, they already had enchanted their armour and now it was the turn of the Akaans. It was powerful Luna thought and decided it might be best to limit the reach of it to more advanced students who could cope with the deep meditation it required.

The metal and bodysuits began floating into the air, the materials twisting and reforming as golden light surrounded them, the Akaan and Luna all sat there with their eyes closed as they learned to enchant their own armour or as the Jedi called it…Force Forging.

- x -

Nearby, the Mareks were teaching the younger students basic force exercises.

They both smiled as the children all levitated balls around them and through hoops to develop their fine telekinetic control, their own son among them.

Their daughter was still a little young to start her training but Galen, now six years old was able to learn with the group. Kento and Mallie both looked on with pride as their boy began to develop his powers. The force was so strong with him they remarked, stronger than both of them put together and would have all the freedom in the universe to discover just how far he could take it.

That being said, they thought with worry his great power made him a target. They feared anyone in the Empire especially the Emperor discovering just how powerful Galen and indeed Mira later could become. What the Empire would do to them if they ever got their hands on them.

It had given them horrible nightmares on more nights than they could count.

They saw visions sometimes, visions of what might have been had they not managed to find sanctuary with the Mandalorians. Mallie would have died; Mina would never have been born and Kento would eventually been tracked down by the Empire and killed by Vader.

But Galen would have had it the worst, taken by Vader and tortured into being his personal assassin and tool only to betray and discard him the moment his master commanded. That their son would have died too saving others.

It terrified them, how just one random encounter could change everything, if they hadn't met Hannah and Neville that day.

But it hadn't happened they thought trying to draw some comfort in that, smiling as their son ran over to them…just glad he would have a better life this time around.

- x -

Vysa's screams and yelling echoed throughout the compound as she went through labour, having underwent the same treatment as Deera so she could have a child with Eliza and lost a bet with her so she had to carry the baby.

Eliza was with her and for once all her confidence and guile had deserted her as she faced her girlfriend's onslaught of insults that came out of her mouth.

Haron and Ara waited nearby, feeling Vysa's pain through the force but knew she had wanted this and so had Eliza. They or rather Ara had gone through this many times in the past and while it was an experience that neither would likely forget, it was a part of having a family. They had agreed to only do it once but still, they had decided to do this.

After a few hours passed before finally they felt it, the baby had arrived.

Smiling gently to themselves they gave the couple some time to themselves before finally going in.

They saw Vysa whose face was still sweaty from all the effort but she was holding a little baby girl in her arms with Eliza standing at her side. Haron and Ara both smiled at the sight before Ara was offered the baby by Vysa who anxiously watched alongside Eliza as Ara held their daughter but Ara was an experienced hand with babies by now and easily held the little girl before Haron took her and smiling gently handed the baby back to her mother who eagerly took her.

It was a shame Deera and Lelia weren't here, they were with Zara visiting Lelia's holdings so she could get used to them and understand better the things she would one day rule. He and Deera had been managing them for her and made some improvements and upgrades to various things but it was her that would one day run them.

But for now, they just enjoyed the moment and let all thoughts of the hostile galaxy outside go for the moment.

Dac City, Mon Calamari…

The throne room of the palace in Dac City was host to a meeting this morning between King Lee-Char and his foremost advisors Nossor Ri, Admiral Ackbar and Admiral Raddus.

"So, is there much to report?" The King asked with a smile, and Nossor gladly told him.

"We've fortified the shipyards and converted the largest ships we have to increase the effectiveness as warships. We are as fortified as we are going to be." Nossor said and Lee-Char nodded in acceptance even if he didn't personally like the fact that their great ships were being turned into warships and moved on to Admiral Ackbar.

"And there was a matter that you wanted to bring up Admiral?" Lee-Char said turning to one of two leading officers in the Mon Calamari fleet. The Admiral nodded and spoke.

"While our larger MC75 and MC80 cruisers are impressive warships, there are shortcomings in the fleet as a whole. We are only just getting the MC30a frigates and MC40a light cruisers into service and while we now have the X-Wing class starfighter from the Mandalorians we lack a heavy assault bomber and it is problematic to have to commit any of our large cruisers to smaller engagements." Ackbar started saying before calling up two designs on the holotable in front of them.

"But our ship designers have come up with this. The MC55 Fighter Carrier, capable of carrying up to forty-eight fighters of various classes with a reasonable complement of weaponry for a ship its size." Ackbar said as he described the idea. It was a wide half circle with the same bulbous design that other ships they had with a five sublight engines coming out of the back. There was a single large launch bay at the front of the ship with two protruding shield projectors at the side and four smaller bays for retrieval at the sides closer to the rear of the ship. The design even had deployable blast doors just in case.

Admiral Raddus scoffed though at the design chosen.

"It's too small for successful operations."

"But would allow our fleet to spare its bigger ships for operations where they might be needed more." Ackbar said, their mutual dislike for each other rising to the surface and the King again had to intervene while Nossor looked on with a frown.

"That is enough! A new ship that will allow us to only use our larger ships more sparingly and increase the capabilities of our forces is a great asset and it has my full support. Now what about the lack of a bomber that you mentioned?" Lee-Char asked, giving Radis a stare that made him stop any further argument.

"A designer named Quarrie has approached us with a design that he claims has great promise, he calls it the Blade Wing. It has all the required weaponry a heavy bomber would need and still has the versatility of a fighter. Combined with the X-Wing it will be a useful addition to our navy, until it is ready though we have a number of Clone Wars era bombers left here. They will have to suffice until then." Ackbar said firmly.

Raddus had no criticisms of 'Blade Wing' even if he wasn't sold on the idea of the fighter carrier which would allow smaller fleets for missions were larger ships might be a hinderance.

Runa's Place, Nar Shaddaa

The lawless nature of the Hutt's moon, as built up as Coruscant on a smaller scale was much the same as it always was. The Hutts and other crime lords ran their various businesses both legal and otherwise through the moon although the Empire had been trying to enforce their law on Hutt space. The Hutts of course were not to be underestimated and were now running many of their enterprises under the noses of the Empire and even getting corrupt Imperial officers to spread them further.

But the Empire's heavy crackdown, especially after the events of Corellia were being felt everywhere and no one could rest easy.

So, in a run-down bar on the Smuggler's Moon two men had come up with an idea to give the Underworld a chance to thrive in such circumstances. It had taken a good deal of talking to get all the people to agree to this but it hopefully give them a chance to not only survive, but actually thrive and even resist the Empire in their own way.

Talon Karrade and Bolster Terrick, both criminals who had risen to prominence in the chaos that was sweeping the galaxy and established their own small 'firms' so to speak had combined forces and convinced others to join them. Talon took centre stage and laid out his idea.

"We feel that a sharing of resources and information is the best way to survive." Talon said before being interrupted by Stakar Ogord, the leader of the roughly sixty Ravager pirate clans that roamed the galaxy.

"So what? You want us to all unite? Into one?" He asked with a look of amusement and rejection on his face as his wife Aleta Ogord at his side openly scoffed. Talon quickly corrected himself and didn't allow the negativity to affect him.

"No, just share information and co-ordinate for larger jobs not to mention staying one step ahead of the Empire. To build places our people can hide, the best pirates, smugglers, slicers, mercenaries, bounty hunters, assassins and other criminals from across the galaxy. Sharing our skills towards whatever goal we have and to achieve whatever task we need done." Talon said and there was a hum of interest from the other major representative in the room.

"An interesting concept, it requires more thought as to exactly how this will work." Winston, an older male human dressed in a rather stylist suit said. He was representing not one but two bodies here today. He was a leading member of the 'Continental' a network of supposedly luxury hotels across the galaxy that in reality catered to the criminal underworld and offered 'safe haven' where business on site was not permitted. But the Continental had ties to the 'High Table', a collection of crime lords across the galaxy and they had entrusted Winston to represent them too. Both organisations were very powerful and had connections across the galaxy while the Ravagers provided useful muscle and transport. This was only the start of what he had in mind as there were several other groups that he had been reaching out too, an organisation of professional smugglers, a very big network of data slicers, a hard-core mercenary company and several others.

It was an enormous undertaking; he and Bolster knew that but it was perhaps the only way to survive in the current galaxy. Sanctuary in Hutt Space was very expensive as the Hutts would bleed you dry if they could, so being able to keep themselves independent was extremely important in his mind not to mention survive the Empire.

He and his people had already been struggling as had Bolster's but they had managed to acquire a useful corvette called the Marauder which had proven very useful especially with its long-range missiles and other features. Some of the Rebel units that were springing up around the galaxy were using it for the same reason and that if he had his way would only be the beginning Talon thought as Winston and Stakar agreed to work with him on getting this Underworld Alliance started.

Benathy, Wild Space…

The planet Benathy was a recently discovered world on the edges of Wild Space, inhabited by a species of the same name which were easily ten to eleven feet tall, covered in brown fur and prominent tusks coming out of their faces. They were very strong due to their great size and resilience and would be exceptionally useful as a slave labour force and their planet useful for further expansion into Wild Space not to mention mining for minerals.

The Benathy had heavy weapons and reasonable blaster technology so they were able to hold their own against the invading Imperial Army and their spirits were bolstered by the appearance of a figure that had been busily rushing around the galaxy helping people and fighting the Empire, the Masked Jedi.

The Masked Jedi held his lightsaber aloft and led the Benathy into battle, the Benathy had never seen a Jedi before but the sight of his incredible yellow bladed weapon that cut through the enemy soldiers with ease, his pure white- and gold-coloured robes making him easy to see as he moved across the battle field at an incredible speed and then with a single leap he managed to reach the top of one of the enormous walkers the enemy was using. He used his 'laser sword' or whatever it was to cut through its thick armour and jump inside. More enemy soldiers flew out of it and then the walker began to attack the other walkers and soldiers on the ground.

The Benathy cried out in victory as the enemy was finally routed and the mysterious figure leapt out of the walker and down to their level. His face was masked and they had never seen such a thing before. They were looking forward to asking him questions when in the distance their great god rose, disturbed from its slumber by the fighting.

Anakin under his mask was shocked as he recognised the creature from an incident on Coruscant and Malastare years ago, he had seen the creature killed and its transport had been destroyed by being flown into a sun. He knew it couldn't be the same creature but at the same time it was so far from Malastare he just couldn't understand how a Zillo Beast could be here.

He felt it in the force, its presence ancient and powerful and when it looked at him, he honestly was sure that it could see right through him. He honestly was sure for a moment that it was going to attack him, like it was judging him and finding him wanting but it instead roared out and then retreated away from the field.

The Benathy bowed and knelt in its presence and only rose when it was out of sight, meaning they worshipped it and he would have to ask about that Anakin thought.

Liber8 Base, Secret Location…A Few Days Later…

Anakin having enlightened the Benathy as to what a Jedi and a Sith or their servants were returned to base and was greeted by his children, Luke and Leia ran straight to him as he appeared and he caught them both in his arms as he knelt down to meet them. They started rapidly telling them all the things that had happened while he had been away.

"Master Kagame taught us to levitate balls dad!" Luke told him while Leia told him excitedly.

"He let us use training sabers! I want a yellow one!" Leia demanded and Anakin was amused at her insistence. Although they were still deeply connected their individual personalities were definitely starting to emerge. Luke was definitely the calmer of the two Anakin reflected with relief; he still had a fair amount of impatience in him as you would expect from a Skywalker but otherwise was far more at ease like his mother.

Leia on the other hand was the opposite and definitely a true Skywalker, Anakin thought with a smirk of amusement. She was impulsive, determined and not willing to take no for an answer. She was impatient and Anakin honestly had to describe her as a daddy's girl. She had to succeed and wouldn't accept it if she couldn't.

Anakin adored her but at the same time the echoes of himself in her worried him, he knew how close he had come to falling to the Dark Side and the mistakes he had made and didn't want it to be so hard for her. Unfortunately, he and Padme had yet to get her to calm down and it had kept them awake many nights.

But for the moment at least, he put those thoughts out of his head as he saw Padme and Kagame approach him. Letting go of the kids for a moment Anakin kissed Padme and gently tickled Mace's chin who giggled which brought a smile to them all.

"Well done. Benathy will not forget that a Jedi saved them in the darkest hour." Kagame said sagely before telling him. "I think it is time for Kahr's formal Jedi training to begin."

Anakin nodded, reluctant to break up the moment but after months of basic exercises it was time to do some formal training.

Anakin reluctantly left his family and went to the room set aside for training.

Arriving inside he saw Kahr was standing the centre of the room with a lightsaber Anakin had made for him in hand, its blue blade moving around as training remote zoomed around to attack him at random. He was doing very well Anakin thought but realised that Allara who was supervising the session looked annoyed.

He remembered her stubbornness had made such activities difficult for her at first, she had been too impatient to grasp it and had needed some help from Master Yoda to manage it eventually. Kahr though had managed such things easily and caught up with people about to take the Padawan trials.

She was jealous.

Oh no Anakin thought with worry as he knew how destructive jealousy could be. He had done some very stupid things in his life due to jealousy and didn't want Allara to go down the same path. But he had no idea just how to ease her worries and feelings of jealousy. That was when he had an idea.

"Allara, I feel you require a more experienced teacher than I right now. Master Kagame will therefore be instructing you in the more elaborate and unique force abilities he has learned. Ones that I do not possess." He told her hoping that it might make her feel better at least till he could think of something.

Allara was instantly intrigued as she knew the vast knowledge Master Kagame possessed even if he refused to be addressed or even recognised as a Jedi Master any more. He knew all kinds of things that would be really useful and she was suddenly eager to learn from him. Allara nodded and left the room which left which Anakin hoped would be enough for now. Turning back to Kahr who had stopped practicing and turned to him with a smile Anakin smiled back and told him.

"Now, telekinesis. Use those containers over there." Anakin said pointing to supply containers on the far side of the room. Kahr smiled and put his lightsaber away and stretched out his hand, his brow screwed up with concentration.

The crates slowly began to move, it was slow at first but soon Kahr had the crates moving.

"Remember, size matters not." Anakin said remembering that was something Master Yoda had taught him once. "Your limits are largely in your own mind; you must learn to overcome them."

Kahr unlike Anakin's previous two apprentices, he was not one to question what Anakin said, he would listen and accept what he was being taught which thankfully had made this a great deal easier if off-putting for Anakin.

When their telekinesis exercises were over and they were drawing their sabers to spar Anakin decided to see just what his apprentice might want to specialise in.

"So, have you found any abilities that spark your interest?" Anakin asked Kahr, he seemed to think for a moment before telling Anakin.

"I am a medic; I have always wanted to heal. Force healing might be an area I want to pursue." Kahr told him with excitement.

But Anakin was immediately struck with a small problem in that area, while he was competent enough in it to heal his own injuries at least so that they could hold together till he could get help from a proper healer Anakin was no expert in the subject. Few Jedi could really use Force Healing and those that could rarely went beyond healing their own injuries, only a select few masters and specialists really went into the advanced areas of the practice.

None of which were around.

Anakin frowned, not sure exactly how to either break it to his newest student that he might have to give up on force healing for now or find someone else who could teach him. Then he remembered a legend he had heard of in Jedi History class.

"There might be somewhere we can go to help you learn, a Jedi Temple in the Deep Core that had a holocron dedicated to Force Healing." Anakin said, struggling to recall the name off the top of his head but he dug deep and managed to remember the name. "Aloxl, that was it. The planet is too hot to visit most of the time but it should be habitable at the moment. We could go there and try to retrieve it." Anakin thought with a considering look on his face.

Kahr was immediately excited, the idea of looking around an actual Jedi Temple was just too good to pass up. He was ready to go now while Anakin pondered again as to whether it was a good idea to go there, the planet hadn't seen any Jedi or indeed anyone in centuries so who knows what might be waiting for them there.

- x -

Padme meanwhile was standing with Kagame who had a job for her if she wanted a more active role in rebellion going forward.

"There is a planet Hargeeva, its people are being brutally abused by the Empire and they might with some guidance be willing to stand up and fight. You and HK-47 will go to see to it. I would send more people but we are somewhat short-handed right now." Kagame said which was true and they had a narrow window of opportunity so waiting would not be a good idea.

Padme who hadn't been on a mission on her own for years was stunned but determined and reassured however much she hated leaving them that Luke, Leia and Mace were safe under his and Anakin's protection. Although the idea of going on a mission with that psychotic droid didn't fill her with confidence, quite the opposite in fact.

"Understood, do we have a local contact?" She asked and Kagame nodded.

"I will give you the details before you leave. May the Force be with you." Kagame offered with a smile knowing he had no control of that. No one ever really truly commanded the force, that was a fantasy he thought with dismay that anyone would ever think otherwise.

- x -

Jaemus, Separatist Space…

One of the major shipyards of the Separatist Holdouts Jaemus had become something of a capital for those that continued to fight and allowed them to maintain and build up their fleet. San Hill was here often as it was heavily fortified and perhaps one of their safest worlds.

Kalani having avoided deactivation and his exile on Agamar had analysed the situation in the wider galaxy and determined given recent events that there was a 37% percent chance at present of overthrowing the Empire, which could be improved by three percent if he joined the fight.

Kalani presented himself to San Hill who honestly was surprised the droid had managed to avoid deactivation and was now proving its incredible tactical abilities by planning a series of strikes on some Imperial held targets.

"I predict a ninety six percent chance that the Mandalorians already know about the coming Imperial push into their sectors and have plans to deal with it. Such an attack would leave a number of facilities along the border vulnerable and relatively easy targets for raiding and would prevent a similar push into our own sectors." Kalani said with as much confidence as his computerised voice had.

San Hill knew the value of these droids and only wished more had survived the war as they were very difficult to build but it was proving its value now. He would send a message to the Mandalorians anyway to ensure they did indeed know about the coming invasion but he would be preparing his own forces to attack into enemy territory.

"If this plan succeeds...Kalani." San Hill said with a guarded voice, not sure if the droid was still as sharp as it had been during the Clone Wars. "Then I will take you as my advisor."

"It will succeed, if not then you can melt me down for scrap." Kalani said with certainty which surprised San but as an experienced businessman and negotiator he knew how to hide his shock.

"It will take that under advisement. Now let us prepare." San Hill said eager to strike a few blows himself and if he could secure the mines of Augesty for his own uses it would be a real jewel in their crown he thought seeing a great opportunity in this which was part of the reason he was willing to give Kalani a chance.

Sern Prime, Colonies Region…

Unlike many other planets in the galaxy that had been emboldened by the Empire's crushing defeat at Corellia, Sern Prime was able to rise against their Imperial Garrison. The President Elect and the planet's former Imperial Senator Fang Zar had both sworn to not take this anymore, especially after the Ghorman Massacre only three years before. When Tarkin had to quell a local protest landed his ship right on top of the protesters killing most of them and injuring and terrifying many more besides.

They had simply had enough and decided that since talk had gotten them nowhere, it was time to take more affirmative action. The Empire had sent one of the Emperor's own servants to put down the uprising but Jallar Golin, the one sent found himself against an opponent he hadn't been expecting.

"Surely you can do better than that!" Rahm Kota said with a smirk that looked vicious with his scarred face. "Surely the Empire must have given you some training? If this is all they taught you, then you must not have been paying attention." Rahm said, taunting him to put him off balance and given the intense hatred Jallar had for everyone else it didn't take much.

Jallar screamed and tried to cut the Jedi Master in two for his insults but Kota was a far better dualist that he was and far more experienced. It was relatively easy too as the man had little training with the more complex lightsaber forms so when he overextended himself, Kota was easily able to bisect him at the waist.

Rahm looked down in satisfaction before returning to help his own militia in the battle to kick the Imperials off this world, something that would be far easier now he had dealt with the force user.

Joryl System, Mandalorian/Imperial Border…

The Joryl System was ruled by a clan that operated a Agriworld, producing crops for themselves and for the rest of Mandalorians worlds. They had been largely New Way so were pacifistic in nature which was fine for farmers but it also made them among the most vulnerable of the border planets and they had even protested having weapons there. Until House Kast had put their foot down and forced the issue and had to remove the previous clan there as it was creating a huge issue for all Mandalorians.

Haron was commanding the fleet hidden behind the moon, using a nearby satellite to keep an eye on the situation outside on the approach vector. He had no real information about just when the Imperials were coming but he did know it was supposed to be today.

"Scanners report multiple signatures approaching. They've come in too close to the system." Din reported, acting as his aide in this battle. Haron nodded before telling him.

"Arm the mines, tell all ships to move up to action stations." Haron said and Din went about giving the orders.

"All mines to be activated and armed, fleet to move to action stations." He called out, Haron watched wanting him to get more experience in commanding and thinking this was probably the best way to do it before giving him a command of his own.

A moment or two passed and the mines activated, just as the Imperials jumped in.

- x -

The small taskforce was meant to establish the planet as a beachhead for future expansion into Mandalorian Territory, but still it was large as half of a newly established Sector Group had been sent, twelve Star Destroyers with accompanying support ships all came in jumping in far too close to the system which had easily alerted the Mandalorians but the Mandalorians didn't activate the minefield until the Imperial Fleet was right in the centre of it. A minefield that the Wookiees and Salient had spent days helping them up.

The explosions that were triggered when the mines were activated ripped through the fleet violently tearing open hulls and some small shops were blown to pieces. Running with shields down in preparation for landing troops and with no discernible dangers around they were unprepared for the sudden attack.

The larger ships hit more mines than the others but by virtue of their size they had greater endurance and some of the support ships managed to survive so they lumbered their way through the field.

The Mandalorian Fleet then moved out from behind the moon and positioned itself between the Imperial Fleet and the planet, the moment that the already damaged Imperial ships came into range they opened fire. The larger A'den class warships firing their heavy turbolasers while the Mirshko-class joined in a moment later with their own heavy weapons.

The Gondwana launched its attack drones while the Halberd and Gladius class escort ships let rip with missiles, striking at the Imperials who were limping along damaged. They fired back but had the disadvantage of being already injured so to speak while the Mandalorians were fresh.

The heavy turbolasers, missiles and drones of the Mandalorian fleet tore into Imperials, Vipers and X-wings fought with the few Tie Fighters they had managed to launch but the Mandalorian fleet was clearly going to win this battle.

Haron watched as his own ship and the Judgement, another A'den class pincered one of the damaged Star Destroyers and tore into it from both sides while the other warships ripped the surviving Imperial ships apart. He would be awarding many of the new Defender Medallions today. A special medal given to those that showed bravery in defence of their homeworld and its territory.

He might have called on his other allies for this fight but his people could handle this on their own and he had a more important task for them.

- x -

All along with Imperial Border with the Than, the Mon Calamari, Dorneans and the Separatists their forces launched a massive number of raids against Imperial facilities, meaning another Invasion would take quite some time to arrange after the damage was eventually repaired. Not just against the Mandalorians but against the other members as well.

Haron knew that he needed to retaliate in some way and so planned it, it had some considerable issues and would likely cause trouble further down the line but he was going to make use of the situation to do something his people hadn't done in roughly a thousand years or more.

He would also he decided assemble a council of ministers who would work with the houses and clans, made up of experts to ensure the needs of their people were met and advise him on matters he himself was ignorant in.

But then his thoughts were disturbed by a message from House Ma'Gard, he grimly read it and sighed having expected this but hoped it would not come so soon.

Duke Alain Ma'Gard had died.

Liber8 Base, Hidden Location…

Kagame was trying to teach Allara to master Kyber Manipulation but the girl simply had no patience. He frowned as the crystal distorted from her attempts to change it and seeing what had happened made the girl so frustrated that she threw the crystal across the room so hard it shattered on contact with the wall.

Kagame said nothing, just ensured that the girl could not run off as she tried to storm out of the room but he held the doors shut. She hit the button to open but the door jammed every time and she yelled in frustration and he pulled her lightsaber off her belt and into his hand.

She was silent for a moment as he held her weapon, Kagame was patiently waiting for what needed to happen for her to finally overcome her impatience and gain inner calm.

Then she started yelling almost incomprehensively with her rage and jealousy just pouring out of her with no valve to slow the flow. He maintained his force wall as objects reacted to her rage and began to fly around the room and at him but he easily deflected them as he waited for her anger to burn out.

It took somewhat longer than he had thought but Allara finally stopped and sank down to the floor, exhausted. Kagame waited for a moment as the girl's real depression at not being able to do it came out and she finally asked the questions she should be asking, the ones that really troubled her.

"Why can't I do it?" She asked him with bitterness and tiredness, just not able to understand. "Why can't I be enough for him? Why does he need another apprentice?"

"For Anakin?" Kagame asked her with a pointed look in his eyes and she sagged and she nodded her head slightly as if ashamed. Kagame just shook his head before telling her. "You are enough, you are his apprentice and you have come a long way under his teaching but masters can teach many students in their lives. Once it was common practice for Jedi Masters to have multiple students learning under them all at once but as the Order shrunk it quickly fell out of favour which only helped the Order shrink smaller. Kahr is not you and neither was Ahsoka. Each student has a special bond with their teacher, the bond you have with Anakin is unique to the pair of you although it may not feel that way. You are advancing and do not need him as much anymore, Kahr on the other hand has much to learn too and needs more of his time. It is a sign of his trust in you, and in your ability to take care of yourself but if you were in trouble he would be there in a heartbeat. Trust me on that." Kagame told her sternly.

He could feel that she needed to hear this and would need to speak to Anakin about it as this was really his job. Allara's mood seemed to lift a little before he told her.

"As to why you can't do this, you have a powerful fire in you Allara. Very strong and it has driven you to become more powerful and skilled compared to the rest of your peers but like any fire it must be carefully managed. It like any fire can burn not only the enemy but those use it too, focusing your fire, your passion and drive will only make you stronger and find your own balance. In the force and within yourself." Kagame told Allara who surprisingly was now properly listening and considering just what he said. "Try again, but remember to control your fire, direct it and not let it direct you." He told her and tossed her a new blank crystal.

Allara caught it and held it for a moment before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath summoning the shards of the crystal she had thrown earlier and held them in the palm of her hand, letting the force fill her and to his own relief she began to control her passions, direct them rather than let them direct her. The crystal in her hand began to glow as the force flowed from her into it, letting its colour shift, becoming brighter and brighter as she finally managed to let her energy flow as it should.

Kagame watched with satisfaction as she completed her task and finally managed to use Kyber Manipulation, she opened her palm and saw to her amazement that she had not only finally managed to shape the crystal but actually repair the crystal she had broken and it too had changed.

One was a clear and transparent still but had a silvery shade to it while the other was very pale yellow. She held the crystals up to the light and studied them closely while Kagame told her.

"You have done well, may I?" He asked and she reluctantly parted with the crystals while he studied them and after a few moments handed them back to her.

"Congratulations, it seems you have created synthetic Velmorite and Sapith Crystals. Velmorite creates a blade which is thin and graceful, excellent for duelling while Sapith produces a very intense blade that is easy to control. I think you were being guided in the force to this. Perhaps you are meant to use them both." He suggested.

Allara was intrigued as that meant a dual-phase lightsaber. They had gone out of fashion long ago but it would allow her to modify the length of her saber's blade and give herself a new advantage in battle.

She nodded and went over to the workbench to begin work under Kagame's careful eye, feeling not only calmer than she had before but more in tune with the force as she worked. Her saber didn't change design or colour but it felt far more fitted in her hands after she had made the changes, adjusting the size of her blade with a smile. Kagame nodded before telling her.

"You are a natural dualist, I have noticed that you have a natural skill at the use of Battlemind, pushing yourself far more than most Jedi can with it. I can aid you in that, in discovering your limits if you so desire and to overcome them."

Allara listened and with a fierce look on her face told him.

"Teach me."

- x -

With both Anakin and Padme off base and Allara training with Kagame, care of Luke, Leia and Mace had fallen to C-3PO, R2 and their Noghri minders.

"Now children please calm down." C-3PO said with a strain in his electronic voice as Luke and Leia were playing a game they had invented, force ball. At each end of the room a goal had been set up and they each stood in front of one of the goals before a ball was placed between them. They each had to use the force to manipulate the ball to get it into the other goal while defending their own.

Mace watched with wide eyes as his siblings played, clapping eagerly in the arms of the Noghri as they watched. The twins bounced the ball around the room, slamming into walls, boxes and even C-3PO and knocking him to the ground. R2 kept score as they played, knowing the twins couldn't manage to keep track of it themselves and would almost certainly end in a fight.

Leia being the sneakier of the two launched the ball so it bounced off a crate and then a wall to make a goal but as she smugly grinned Luke repaid her in kind by bouncing it off the ceiling to go straight over her head and score a goal of his own.

The score now even the two played even harder, determined to outdo each other.