s with an ambient Force-Heal contentiously going.

Lash jumped up to the ceiling and used Gravity Stride so he could move ahead of the Padawans but not by much. Team Charlie was Syndulla's team. Lash rolled into the next room to see the Lylek's had broken the line but only barely. He jumped forward and slammed a Telekinetic fist straight into one. He used it as a battering ram to force the other insects back into their primary tunnel.

“Reform the line!” Lash called out. “Sappers!” He called out, as two additional tunnels needed to be closed.

“Where's Syndulla!?” Lash called out.

“Here Master Lash!” Syndulla called, as he by the forward mobile turbo laser. Several Twi'lek had been injured and killed. Nope! Lash didn't want to ruin his perfect score.

He reached out and healed the injured, and revived the dead. When they had started their valiant campaign to fight off the Lylek hive watching your friends severed bodies blood reach out. Snag their pieces and pulled back together. Only for your brothers, and sisters to get back up. More than few people screamed in shock. Now? They made sure to keep their severed limbs, and body parts collected.

“How many Lyleks are commonly in a hive?” Lash said as he brought a gunner back to life.

“A few hundred to a few thousand. I would say we are half way through them now. If we keep pushing forward we'll come across the honor guard. They are immune to blaster fire of a smaller caliber.” Syndulla replied, as another Force-Scream went through the room. The Twi'leks were given neural dampeners so they wouldn't lose their minds.

“Why is she making that noise?” Lash asked.

“I don't know! I've never faced a Queen before. The last one to die by our hands was centuries ago. We bombarded their hive from orbit.” Syndulla explained.

Just as he finished speaking a jet black Lylek pushed its way into the choke point. It was covered in spikes, and its pincers were large enough to cut through an assault walker with ease. It let loose a screech that brought their forces to their knees. Lash jumped from his position straight towards it. Right before the creature struck, Lash used Blink. Appearing on it's back. He created a Psionic Blade – Construct of red Chaos energy and bisected the creature. Then its top half swung around and baseball hit Lash deeper into the cavern. That was unexpected!

Now deep into the hive tunnels giant Lylek honor guard went into a killing frenzy to kill Lash. He slammed his fists into the ground and created razor sharp earth spikes through Elemental Manipulation. They stunned the creatures more than pierced. He growled in irritation. Then jumped away and used Earth Swim to pass through the walls like water. Then for the first time since he arrived in this universe he used Manifestation.

From within the earthen walls out poured 1110 Saurian warriors, veterans, and elites. All of them wrapped in shadow, hiding their features. Lash quickly updated the IFF marker for his forces. As the Saurian army sliced through the Lylek forces with ease. Lash pushed through the earth and jumped out of the wall. The Lylek honor guard were in complete surprise as the Saurian army used Size Alteration to grow to the same height if not bigger. Was this over kill, yes. Did Lash care, no.

Lash sprinted down the hall towards the Queen's chambers as another scream rang out. That was when he realized that was how she relayed orders. Lash was in no mood to deal with the small fry and cast Invisibility on himself. Though it didn't completely hide him from the creatures it was enough. As he sprinted past them. Though the honor guard would not be much a problem for much longer. Three Elites kept pace with him. They came to an intersection and Lash posed a question to Cosmic Awareness. His energy reserves dropped but he knew the location of the Queen. They rushed down the upper left most tunnel.

“Master Lash!? Where are you?” Ahsoka called across the communication line.

“I'm heading to the Queen's chamber. Hold the line!” Lash called out across line, and his Invisibility dropped. Fuck! His Elites chuckled as they jumped to his defense. Ya, ya that was stupid of him.

He quickly cast Chameleon, and Nature's Passage. Then continued on with out his own guards. He eventually came to gigantic football stadium grotto. With a Lylek Queen in the middle of the cavern. It's chitin armor was gleaming pure silver, as if she went for a swim in mercury. It reminded Lash of the Xenomorph Queen he was consort to. Though his Queen was far more deadly. The Lylek Queen released a Force-Scream that obliterated anything within a cone in front of her. Rock, flesh, and bone disintegrated.

Lash used Gravity Stride and sprinted up the walls, and to the ceiling just out of range of the scream before it hit him. Sound Manipulation was no joke if used right. Once he reached the top of the ceiling he really took a moment to admire the Lylek Queen. She was easily 40 ft high, and almost 150 ft long. An egg sac was attached to her back, and this thin muscled membrane extended out. Almost like a organic conveyor belt produced egg after egg. While dozens of lower cast Lylek supported her on their backs and moved her around.

“Master Lash! There are....Shadows fighting the Lylek!” Ahsoka called across the line. The Queen whipped its head around right towards Lash's location. That was when he realized she was blind. But had excellent hearing.

“Their with me!” Lash called out as another Force-Scream shot straight up at him, into the ceiling. The very collapsible ceiling.

Rock stalactites on the cavern roof dropped down in pieces. Several of them stabbing straight into the Queen's egg sac. Her high pitched wail of agony called dozens of high guard into the chamber. They unlike the Queen could see him perfectly. As he had jumped across the room to sit on the wall. They rushed to his location but he already climbed back up to the ceiling.

He prepared another Chaos red Psionic Blade and threw it straight at the Queen's center mass. The blade pierced her body, and impaled her. She released a scream so piercing that Lash momentarily let go of the ceiling and dropped to the ground with a resounding smack! Thankfully he was not the only one as the honor guard's looked like they had been liquefied.

“You know I'm a little disappointed in you!” Lash said as he stood up and pointed at the dying Queen. “I honestly expected a bit more of a fight. But then again, I did give myself a handicap.” He finished, and cast a focus target Decomposition and he learned the Lylek Queen's design for his Monster Creation spell.

Thankfully once the Queen was dead some sort of scatter command went through. The Lylek remaining in the hive went off in every direction. Though the honor guard fought to their last. Lash made sure to dust a few of them to learn the design for them. Though he couldn't imagine a reason to make the Lylek species in his own reality. Maybe he could splice with something?

'Once the hive is secure return to aether.' -Lash said to his Manifestations they confirmed his order and one by one he felt them disperse.

Another honor guard raced into the birthing room and Lash impaled with an energy spike. Tenacious creature, it continued to writhe, and wiggle about. Reminded Lash of the roaches of Gaia. How some breeds could survive days without a head. He dusted the creature, though it screamed in pain as the Decomposition worked through its living portion.

Slowly but surely Lash walked through the halls and soon came upon Jensaarai defenders who cheered upon his arrival. The last of the insects had fled, or were killed. Then without warning he was tackled by an Ahsoka who all but latched herself to him. Barriss was no better and hugged one of his arms. He looked at them confused, then looked at one of the defenders.

“Ummm... Hi?” Lash asked in confusion.

“Don't do that!” Ahsoka shouted, as she climbed down and punched him in the arm. She winced as she hit a metal alloy plate.

“Rush in and defeat the Queen? There by cutting off the command structure? Doesn't Master Skywalker do that all the time?” Lash asked.

“YES! Which is why you shouldn't do that!” Ahsoka stamped her foot and glared at him. It was adorable.

“I have to agree with Ahsoka, Master Lash. That was incredibly dangerous.” Barriss said as she released his arm. Though she was a bit more calm about it, at least on the surface.

“What were the shadows? You said they were with you?” Ahsoka asked, as Commander Omen jogged over to them closely followed by Syndulla.

“They are, it's called Force-Phantom. You create apparitional clones of yourself. It requires life energy to create. It's commonly not suited for most battlefields. But mid battle? Against large biological life like the Lyleks? Perfect fuel.” Lash replied, though Force-Phantom was primarily used by the Dark Side. One could do the same on the Light if you were careful.

“Grand Admiral, is it dead? The Queen.” Omen asked as he came over and saluted. Lash returned the salute before he answered.

“Yes, the Queen is dead. Senator Syndulla do Lylek parts have any cultural value?” Lash asked.

“In ancient times we used their chitin as armor, and their claws as weapons. However, the royal jelly from the Queen's egg sac is said to have high medicinal purposes. But it has been centuries since we've had access to them. Please, which way to the chamber?” Syndulla asked, and Lash updated the holographic map of the hive.

“Thank you, Master Lash!” Syndulla said, and called his people deeper into the chamber.

“Well, that only took....Eight hours. I should check in with the other generals.” Lash said as he started to walk off. Only to have both his hands taken by Ahsoka, and Barriss.

“...Yessss?” Lash asked with a bit of mirth.

“I have to make sure you don't go running off again.” Ahsoka said, and squeezed his hand.

“Agreed, you do tend to forget to tell people where you are going.” Barriss continued.

“Do I?” Lash asked a Jensaarai defender.

“Not really, of course we can feel you through the Force. So we always have some idea of where you are.” The defender replied.

“See... All you two need is to learn to make a connection. That way you'll always know where I am.” Lash said as he started to walk again.

“But I don't know how to do that!” Ahsoka said, as she pouted at him.

“Nor do I.” Barriss said next.

“Well then! I'll just have to teach you!” Lash replied, and both Padawans smiled.

It was several miles back to the surface, or more specifically the spaceport of Kala'uun. The whole way Lash spoke about the academics of creating a Force-Connection. It was often done when a Master chose a Padawan/Apprentice depending on your discipline. The Jensaarai learned to create the bond to keep track of their people. Especially during operations. That way if someone was ever taken, or worse killed. Every Jensaarai near by would know it.

By the time they reached the Acclamator that was being used as a mobile HQ. Lash had given both Padawans a suggested reading list. Unfortunately due to the intimate nature of the connection they would need their Masters permission before Lash would forge one. Lash was reasonably sure the answer would be no. But maybe Anakin, and Unduli would surprise Lash. They had dinner...or was it breakfast together? Lunch maybe? It had been eight hours. Then Lash went to his private quarters. It was on the command deck so it was rather spacious.

Instead of taking a shower he cast Immaculate on himself. Though he did miss the feel of water. He had to much to do. He settled at his desk and pulled up the militia reports. Along with the progress on the siege of Ryloth. All in all it was going well. One by one the CIS strongholds on Ryloth were being taken. The last stronghold was the capital of Lessu. Their advanced scouts revealed that Wat Tambor had not left yet. They were awaiting one last shipment of treasure.

Master Windu was due in the system in less then twelve hours. Palpatine wanted Wat Tambor captured, and brought before the Senate. If Lash left right now he could sneak into the capital, capture Tambor. He sent a message to generals. They needed to discuss this. Once the message was away he turned his attention to the revitalization efforts of Ryloth. But before he could really get into it his intercom chirped at him.

“Apologies Grand Admiral. You are wanted in the briefing room. General Skywalker is on the line.” Admiral Jedree said.

“I'm on my way, thank you Admiral.” Lash replied.

“Of course, sir!” Jedree said.

Lash sent a notification to Ahsoka, and Barriss so they would know what he was doing. He rolled his eyes as he saw Ahsoka tumble out her quarters with a blanket wrapped around her. Barriss at least was fully dressed. But the bags under their eyes was evident. He stopped to admire them both as Ahsoka threw her blankets back into her room.

“You can go back to bed.” Lash told them both.

“Are you going to leave?” Ahsoka asked.

“Depends on the response I'll get.” Lash replied.

“Then we'll go back to bed after we hear the answer.” Barriss said with a defiant eye brow.

Lash snapped his fingers and cast Immaculate on them both. The spell script wrapped around them and cleaned them from head to toe, even brushing their teeth. While the magical energy fed their midi-chlorian count. They both received a rush of energy but they were still exhausted. They were practically dragging their feet after they had eaten. That was all of... Less then an hour ago.

The three of them walked onto the command deck of the ship. Admiral Jedree was on standby. An olden human male with short cropped gray hair, and a trimmed beard. He cut a handsome figure in his gray uniform. He nodded towards Lash who returned the gesture with a slight bow. Jedree noticed how Ahsoka, and Barriss were dragging their feet. He raised a single brow in question. Lash used a hand sign for 'exhausted'. Jedree understood and dialed up the holographic emitter.

The holographic image of Anakin, Unduli, and Obi-Wan appeared. They both looked to be in good spirits. Though each of them had powder burns, dirt, and mud prints on their robes. As Ahsoka, and Barriss stepped into view of the holographic emitter. Anakin, and Unduli looked concerned, while Obi-Wan had a smug grin on his face. As he kept his piece for now.

“Before we begin Masters. I humbly request that Master Skywalker, and Master Unduli order their Padawans to get some sleep after this.” Lash asked, but before they could respond.

“That's not fair!” Ahsoka shouted at him.

“I agree, Barriss unless we need you. I order you to get at least six hours of sleep after the briefing.” Unduli went first, Barriss was glaring daggers at Lash but eventually bowed her head towards Unduli.

“As you wish, Master.” Though the youngling clearly had more to say.

“I think he's right, Ahsoka. You look like your about to fall over. Clearing out the Lylek nest was no joke if the reports are to be believed. Six hours of sleep after the briefing. That's an order.” Anakin said to Ahsoka who crossed her arms and looked away furious. It would be more effective if she wasn't wobbling on her feet.

“Ahsoka?” Anakin asked.

“Fine....” Ahsoka replied.

“Right... Master Lash, you are purposing that you head towards Lessu alone. To infiltrate, and secure Tambor before he leaves? How will you get inside the city? Lessu is placed inside of a canyon. A sheer drop of hundreds of feet surround it. With only a plasma bridge connecting the two points of entry. They have aerial, and orbital cannons in place.” Obi-Wan asked, he didn't sound doubtful just curious.

Lash stepped forward and typed into the database the coordinates he wanted. The holographic figures of the three Jedi minimized and a map of the surrounding area was created. Lessu stood precariously on lone piece of land inside of a gorge. This had been a natural defense against the hostile predators of Ryloth. Over the centuries the gigantic pillar that supported the city had been reinforced with duraconcrete, and durasteel. The city had limited about of space so they built up.

Approximately fifty or so miles away was a sheer cliff that overlooked the city from afar. It had once been a park that families would visit. They could have picnics and watch the city. Go camping at night in a secure preserve. The droids had destroyed it as a way to destroy moral. Lash pointed it out on the map. The Jedi masters were confused.

“I'm going to wing-suit from this location. Glide into the city. They have sensor nets up that would detect any energy reading so I'll be going in silent. The range is enough to get me to the pillar, but not the city proper. Then I'll just climb up.” Lash said, as the demonstration would show he'd have to climb at least one vertical mile.

“Master Lash there are no hand holds. It's a flat surface, it was designed that way to prevent this very thing.” Unduli said.

“It won't be an issue for me.” Lash replied.

“Putting that aside. Once you are... In the city, how will you find Tambor?” Obi-Wan asked. Lash once again updated the holographic map and it showed Tambor's exact location.

“How do you have that?” Admiral Jedree asked.

“When we first arrived in the system I slipped one of my VI programs into the CIS battle-net. It's been feeding us intel this whole time. That is where half of my intelligence comes from.” Lash pointed out several pointers that he had relayed to the Republic forces.

“Well that answers why Rex received information about the back door into the stronghold we took. We barely lost a soldier.” Anakin said with a laugh.

“I'll agree to this on one condition. You let me come with you, Master Lash?” Unduli asked.

“OK.” Lash said with out complaint.

“I wish to come!” Barriss said.

“Me too!” Ahsoka asked.

“No, you both have been ordered to sleep.” Lash told them with a bit of force.

“He's right, you are both dead on your feet.” Obi-Wan said.

“It will be easier with two. We can secure Tambor, and activate the plasma bridge.” Lash said as he nodded towards Unduli who gave him a slight smile.

“I'll swing in with our fighters, if Obi-Wan takes over the ground forces?” Anakin suggested, as Obi-Wan smoothed a hand over his beard.

“Agreed... When do you believe you can start?” Obi-Wan asked.

“I can get out to the starting position inside of three hours. It will be night on that side of the planet.” Lash replied.

“I'll meet you there.” Unduli said.

“I'd love to see Master Windu's face when he learns we've secured Ryloth before he even arrives. May the Force be with us all.” Obi-Wan said, and signed off.

“Six hours Ahsoka. With any luck you can join me in the air when we attack take the city.” Anakin said with a smug smile and signed off. Ahsoka stomped out of the briefing room and marched back to her room.

“Be safe, Master Unduli.” Barriss said and left the room. Though she did smile at Lash when she passed.

“I'll keep him out of trouble.” Unduli replied with an easy smile. Lash placed a hand to his chest in mock offense. Unduli smiled at him and signed off. Once Barriss left the room Lash turned to Jedree.

“Thank you, Admiral Jedree. But before I leave... I need a small favor.” Lash said with a chuckle, and Jedree raised an eyebrow at him.

============================================================

(Ryloth, Acclamator Militia command ship. Officer crew quarters.)

Ahsoka Tano tossed and turned in her bed. She had tried meditating to calm her mind. But she was so frustrated. She wanted to be out there. She wanted to be doing...something! Ahsoka pulled her covers off and went to the refresher room. She disrobed and took a nice long hot shower. She reached for the scrubber and realized she wasn't dirty. Master Lash had used his Force-Clean? Or maybe it was just tech from his armor. She wasn't sure.

She bounced her forehead off the wall as she tried to think. Six hours? The battle for Ryloth could be over by then...... Ahsoka jerked awake as she had nearly fallen asleep while standing up. What ever Lash had done seem to be wearing off. She turned off the water and toweled off. She pulled on a fresh set of clothes and crawled into bed. Asleep before her head even hit the pillow.

Ahsoka dreamed....She dreamed of being back at the temple. Walking through the gardens. Attending a lesson with one of the visiting masters. All before the war and the rush, and anxiety that came with it. She walked through the memory and saw an initiate that hadn't been picked to be a Padawan. Not everyone was picked. If you didn't achieve the required...Focus? Level of mastery? You were placed in one of the corps. Explorers? Agriculture? Diplomats?

But this initiate refused to be shuffled to one of the corps and quit the order. It had been a surprise to Ahsoka. She didn't know you could quit being a Jedi. She had thought it was for life. Tommin, that was his name. He had been a year ahead of her. He was a human from Alderaan. He had been so sure he would be chosen to be a Padawan. But he had always been to quick to anger. He couldn't handle his emotions. So he left.

Ahsoka remember being sad about it. She had asked one of her masters about it. She was led through a meditation exercise to clear her mind, and keep her focus. Try to find the balance between fear of loss, and acceptance of life. It was six months later that she received a holo-message of Tommin. He had reached Veruna. He was training to become a Jensaarai. Ahsoka had been shocked.

Tommin had talked about the trials he had taken. They had stripped him of the Force. Hollowed him out. It had shocked Ahsoka! The Jensaarai could do that? But Tommin had said he understand true balance between the light and dark. They taught him the way. He was still learning, but the Force was coming back to him quicker then ever. He already obtained a light-saber. He chose orange, to remember her by. She had never blushed so hard in her life. Jedi weren't meant to have romantic relationships. But Jensaarai could. For a brief moment, Ahsoka had considered leaving the order to go be with Tommin...

Ahsoka's eyes snapped open. She looked around and saw the darkened interior of her quarters. She pressed a hand to her chest and felt her heart beating fast. She took deep slow breaths. Balance, serenity, peace. Little by little her heart grew still. She reached over to her console and saw she still had two hours left. Maybe she could take a walk to clear her head? She pulled herself out of bed and went to the door. But froze at the sight of two clone troopers who snapped to attention.

“Hello?” Ahsoka asked in confusion.

“Apologizes commander, Tano. We've been ordered to ensure you get at least six hours of rest.” The trooper sounded off. Ahsoka's eye twitched in irritation.

“Who ordered you to?” Ahsoka asked.

“Grand Admiral Lash, Commander Tano.” The trooper replied.

“...I...See....” Ahsoka replied. “Carry on.” Ahsoka stepped back into her room and closed the door.

Ahsoka clenched her jaw and tried to remember. Balance.... Serenity.... Peace. Then she looked up at the ventilation shaft. She pulled the chair out from the desk and used her Jedi training to balance on the backrest. She carefully pulled the cover off and set it down. Then jumped up and shimmied back and forth. Then she turned around to start heading towards...... There sitting in the ventilation shaft was a mouser droid who beeped at her. Her crew quarters door opened up below her.

“Ummm... Commander Tano. He also ordered us to place sensor sweeps in the ventilation shaft.” The clone trooper said, as Ahsoka could hear a soft beep coming from the troopers arm guard.

“So I see... Carry on trooper.” Ahsoka said, as she dropped down into her quarters. The trooper saluted then did an about face and left. She could tell he was struggling to hold in his laughter.

Once the door closed. She walked towards her bed. Buried her head into her pillow and screamed! The nerve! Who does he think he is? Yes, of course he was right to. Because she tried to leave. Wait!? Barriss quarters are right next to hers. She can crawl through the vent that joins theirs together. Ahsoka jumped to her feet and raced to the refresher room. She pried the vent covering off and crawled towards freedom. She popped the cover off to Barriss's refresher room. Then tip toed into her room. She looked around to see Barriss reading a data pad.

“There are guards outside my room too, and a mouser in the ventilation.” Barriss said. Ahsoka's eye twitched. Who does Master Lash think he is!?

Galen