Umbara.

It had taken a lot to convince the Council to allow her to go on such a dangerous mission. Even then she was still stuck with Obi-Wan. That was the wrong Jedi to start the mission off with. Not that she wouldn't rather be with him, however if she was going to change the outcome of this mission being with Obi-Wan was going to do little good.

Grim stood between Obi-Wan and Anakin as Master Kenobi explained the plan. "Masters Krell and Tiin will be supporting my troops in the south while Anakin's battalion comes in from the north and takes out enemy reinforcements. It is imperative that we conquer the capital city as quickly as possible and hold it."

"Our biggest problem is going to be the local militia. The Umbarans have aligned themselves with the Separatists and are heavily armed," added Anakin. "ARC Trooper Fives will be assisting my units on special assignment."

"Ready to do my part, General Skywalker," Fives replied.

"Remember, Anakin, Cody, Grim, and I will be twelve klicks to your south. We're counting on you to take out those local fighters or I'm afraid the capital will never surrender," Obi-Wan told Anakin.

Cody and you maybe, I'll be just behind Skywalker, thought Grim.

Anakin sighed, "does my battalion have to do everything?"

"You seem to always volunteer," Obi-Wan replied. He and Cody walked away with the other men from the 212th following. Grim hesitated just behind them to keep up an appearance, before quickly joining Anakin in his gunship just as the doors were closing.

She managed to miraculously not be spotted by anybody onboard, as she stayed in a darkened corner out of the way of the others. Anakin was too preoccupied with the mission to notice the Padawan stowaway.

The outside explosions gently rocked the ship, and as Grim held on tightly she closed her eyes to settle any nerves she might have. Nobody knew, but lives were in her hands again. This was different from the Citadel, and it was going to be far more challenging, but the Padawan reminded herself that she could do it. She changed things before, after all.

The doors to the gunship opened, the lights from the ongoing battle outside filling the ship. Luckily the Padawan managed to remain unnoticed still. "There's a lot of surface fire," said Rex.

"They ain't got nothing we can't handle, sir," Hardcase told Anakin.

Behind them a gunship was shot down, exploding before it even fell past the clouds. Grim bit back a comment that would reveal her location. She was hoping to save the lectures for when she was on the ground. Flying was not her favorite place to be.

"General Skywalker, I'm turning the lights out. Our night vision sensors are having a tough time in this chop," Hawk, the clone pilot informed him. "I hope we don't overshoot the landing sight."

"Just get us as close as you can," replied Anakin.

His comm beeped again. "Anakin, do you happen to know where Grim is?" asked Obi-Wan.

Oh shit.

"What do you mean, Master? I thought she was supposed to be with you?" Anakin asked, there was a hint of concern in his voice.

"I thought she was too, but she isn't here and considering her tendency to be like another Padawan of mine and not follow directions, I thought you might know where she was," Obi-Wan replied.

"Why would I know that, Obi-Wan? I haven't.... nevermind that, I see her," said Anakin. His eyes had spotted the Padawan, who hadn't blended in as well as she thought she had. "It seems your Padawan decided to stowaway with me."

"Of course she did," he replied, sounding exhausted and annoyed.

"Well it's too late now, so I guess I'm sticking with Skywalker and the 501st," said Grim at last, moving closer to Anakin so Obi-Wan could hear her.

"Don't do anything stupid," Obi-Wan told her. "That goes for both of you."

"What's that supposed to mean, Master?" Grim asked innocently. She imagined Obi-Wan rolling his eyes as the call ended. She looked at Anakin, "well Skywalker, it seems you're stuck with me."

The ship descended past the clouds, and Grim watched green and blue blaster fire be exchanged on the ground below as the clones and Umbarans fought. The battle already ensuing.

The ship landed and the clones joined the battle followed by Grim and Anakin with their lightsabers ignited. The two Jedi deflected blaster fire as they ran into the battle, Grim sticking close to Anakin and Rex. She didn't have anything to change until Krell's arrival anyways.

"This map has a ridge at 23 degrees north, northwest," Rex told Anakin.

"Good, we can use it as a staging area," Anakin replied.

They pressed on to claim the ridge. Blaster fire ripped through the air. Fog coated the ground making visibility hard, especially mixed with the planet's natural darkness. The only lights were from the weapons of war as the battle raged.

"Don't stray too far, the enemy could have the whole place rigged with traps."

"I can't even see the enemy!" Tup responded.

Grim and Anakin were side by side as they led the advance to the ridge. The men were behind them as blaster fire raged on endlessly. Grim held onto her lightsaber with a death grip, as if it was a lifeline in the chaos of a raging battle in darkness.

When they finally reached the ridge, Grim was again right by Anakin and Rex. Anakin looked through those sci-fi binoculars that Grim knew weren't called binoculars but was unaware of the Star-Wars equivalent's name.

"General Kenobi's battalion, sir?" Rex asked.

"They're pushing towards the capital. We'll need to move out as soon as the men are ready," Anakin replied.

Dogma ran up to the three. "All platoons have reported in, General," he told Anakin.

"Get some rest," Anakin told him.

"Thank you, sir, I'm fine," Dogma replied.

"The general's giving you an order, Dogma," Rex told him.

"Of course sir," Dogma replied before leaving.

Grim watched Dogma for a moment. He would follow Krell unquestionably, and that would be a problem. She knew it was nothing against him and held nothing to him, it was just what Krell wanted and intended. Of course, Krell wouldn't be expecting a Padawan to be stuck with him.

"He's wound tight, but he's loyal," Rex explained to the two Jedi.

Anakin chuckled, "he kind of reminds me of you."

"Maybe," said Rex. "Back in the day."

Grim smiled slightly, and allowed herself to relax for a little while. She knew that it wouldn't be often she would get the chance on this mission. Her mind was already making plans to deal with Krell.

Before long blaster fire was filling the air again. Grim immediately went for her lightsaber.

"The enemy's circled behind us," Fives realized as he put his helmet back on. Grim and Anakin ignited their lightsabers at the same time. Grim, Anakin, Rex, and Fives rushed to help the others. "Everybody, we must defend our backs!" Fives cried.

Grim, Anakin, and Rex stayed close together. Grim and Anakin deflecting the enemy's blaster fire. "I've called an air strike on the enemy's positions," Rex told the two Jedi.

"Let's hope they're not too busy helping Obi-Wan," replied Anakin. Grim rolled her eyes at the comment.

"There's an opening to our south, I recommend moving all platoons off the ridge in case the air strike overshoots," said Rex.

"That's a great idea, Rex," Grim said.

"Everyone move out now!" Anakin ordered.

They retreated southwards as Rex had pointed out. Grim kept close to Anakin, not wanting to get lost in all the chaos. They hid behind trees to keep their cover.

"All here, sir," Rex told Anakin.

"Stay covered. We have to hold the position," Anakin told everyone.

They all watched the sky. Then two ships roared through the sky and hit the enemy with their bombs.

"Good old Oddball, always on target," said Jesse.

"I'm glad we got off that ridge," said Grim.

"Yeah," Rex agreed.

"Ha! That'll teach 'em," said Hardcase.

Grim noticed a gunship approaching and felt a shiver run down her spine as it landed in front of them. She felt herself go tense as the doors opened to reveal General Krell. Her hands became fists, although nobody noticed this. As Krell approached Anakin, Grim instinctively stepped backwards standing behind Anakin instead of next to him.

The Jedi Master, no, the fallen Jedi, towered over Grim. She found herself gripping her lightsaber as if it would save her from the unknown traitor.

"Master Krell, my thanks for the air support," Anakin said.

"Indeed, General Skywalker," Krell replied. "The locals have proven to be more resourceful than we anticipated."

"But that's not the reason for your visit," said Grim, her hands on her hips, one holding the hilt of her lightsaber. She glared up at Krell with eyes full of an anger unbefitting of a Jedi.

Krell gave Grim a momentarily glance. It seems he hadn't noticed her until that moment. "No," he said. He looked back at Anakin. "The Council has ordered you back to Coruscant, effective immediately."

"What? Wh- why?" Anakin asked.

"I'm afraid a request was made by the Supreme Chancellor, and the Council obliged," Krell replied. "That is all they would tell me."

"Well I can't just leave my men, or General Kenobi's Padawan," Anakin told him.

"I'll be taking over in the interim," Krell assured Anakin.

"No," said Grim. "Absolutely not. Fuck whatever it is Palpabitch wants, don't just leave."

"Grim..." Anakin said warningly.

Grim crossed her arms and glared daggers at both Anakin and Krell. "No," she told them.

"I'm afraid you have no say on this matter, Padawan Kennet," Krell told her.

Grim scoffed. Unwilling to back down. One of her hands still rested on the lightsaber clipped to her belt.

"General Krell is right, Grim," Anakin told her.

"Don't worry about a thing, sir," Rex told Anakin. "We'll have this city under Republic control by the time you're back."

"Hopefully without so many casualties," muttered Grim under her breath.

"Master Krell, this is Rex, my first in command. You won't find a finer or more loyal trooper anywhere," Anakin introduced.

"Good to hear that," Krell replied. "May I ask why Commander Kennet is with you and not General Kenobi?"

"She stowed away with me, instead of going with Master Kenobi. It was too late by the time we noticed," Anakin replied.

As he was heading to the gunship Grim ran at Anakin and hugged him. "Don't leave, please Skywalker." She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. Her fear was obvious on her face.

"Don't worry, Tiny. You're in good hands."

Grim laughed dryly as she let Anakin go. She watched the gunship leave. "If only that were true Skywalker," she whispered.

"Your reputation precedes you, General. It is an honor to be serving you," Rex told Krell.

"I find it very interesting, Captain, that you are able to recognize the value of honor, for a clone," replied Krell.

Grim turned around instantly. She marched over to Krell, standing in front of him glaring daggers. "What did you just say?" she demanded.

"Commander-" Rex started, trying to warn Grim.

Krell looked down at the small Padawan. "I'm sure you heard me just fine, Kennet. General Skywalker and General Kenobi aren't here for you, so you better learn some respect."

Grim scoffed. "I respect people who deserve respect, Ping Pong," she told him. Her arms were crossed and she looked right up at him with no fear on her face, only a cold anger.

"What did you just call me, child?" Krell demanded.

"You heard me, Ping Pong."

"Yes I did, you need to show your superiors respect," Krell told her. "I'm disappointed that General Kenobi hasn't taught you better."

"Oh he has," she assured him. "It's just as I said, I reserve my respect for those who deserve it, and you deserve none."

"Watch your tone with me, child. Your Master isn't around to-"

"To what? Protect me?" Grim asked. "Are you truly attempting to threaten a teenager, Master Krell? That is beneath a Jedi."

Krell looked like he was about to say something back, but he closed his mouth and stopped himself from revealing his intentions too early on. Grim simply smirked in response. Knowing that at least for now she had beat Krell.

Krell turned his attention away from Grim and instead towards Rex. "Your flattery is duly noted, but will not be rewarded." He addressed everyone now. "There's a reason my command is so effective. And it's because I do things by the book. And that includes protocol. Have all platoons ready to move out immediately, and Padawan Kennet, come with me, that is all."

Krell was already walking away, assuming everyone would follow his orders. Grim hesitated for a moment, staying near Rex and Fives. "You shouldn't keep the general waiting, sir," Rex told Grim.

"I don't care, I'd prefer to stay with y'all than Ping Pong," she replied.

"Kennet!" Krell called from a distance.

Grim groaned frustrated and ran to Krell's side.

As they continued on, Grim tried to sneak back and stay by Rex and Fives but Krell had begun to make it where eventually he wouldn't let the padawan out of his sight. "You need to stick close to me, Padawan," Krell told her.

"And why should I?" she asked him.

"Because Skywalker and Kenobi aren't here, so now you're my job," he told her.

Grim scoffed. "Nobody said you had to watch me."

"Taking over Skywalker's mission also includes having to babysit you, unfortunately, of course I could send you back to General Kenobi."

"You could, but that would only ultimately waste time," replied Grim.

"Speaking of time," said Krell. He then raised his voice to address the men. "Quicken that pace battalion! This isn't some training course on Kamino!"

Grim rolled her eyes. Then at the sound of blasterfire Grim turned around igniting her lightsaber. She ran to help the clones but Krell was already ahead of her.

He leapt into the air and grabbed one of the creatures. He caused it to land, and ignited his two saberstaffs one blue and one green, stabbing it. Before slicing the other one. He then addressed the men, "Anyone else want to stop and play with the animals?" he demanded.

Grim deactivated her lightsaber. Almost disappointed that she didn't get the chance.

"Didn't think so," said Krell. "Now keep moving!" He ordered.

Again Grim hesitated before following him. Hating that she had to stay by his side.

Hours and hours passed, Grim tried to excuse herself to be near Rex or Fives but again Krell wouldn't allow her out of his sight. She was getting frustrated and angry. And she was also exhausted.

The more time the Padawan spent around Krell the more darkness she felt.

Grim wasn't sure if it was from the fallen General or herself.

Darkness seemed to hang heavy on this world. As the planet's own and in the Force.

There was darkness in her, and slowly she was feeling it rise.

Her fear had always been a gateway for it - fearing for a future that may never yet come. Now this anger and hate kept growing, and she was afraid it was going to grow too far.

That she would go too far.

Rex approached Grim and Krell. "General Krell, the top of this ridge will make a good place for the men to make camp."

"The men don't need rest. They need the resolve to complete the task at hand," Krell replied sharply.

"But sir-" Rex started.

"CT-7567, are you reading me?" Krell asked.

"Excuse me, sir?" Rex asked, taken aback by the number.

"I asked you a question, CT-7567. Do you understand the need to adhere to my strategy?" Krell demanded.

"His name is Rex," Grim told Krell, snapping at him. There was a hand wrapped around her lightsaber, ready to fight the general if it came to it.

"Commander please don't," Rex told her. Grim released her lightsaber, although she continued to glare at Krell. Rex addressed the general again. "Sir, the terrain is extremely hostile. Despite the difficulties of the conditions the battalion is making good time. The men just need a little break."

"Captain Rex is right, a little bit of rest could do us all some good," agreed Grim, standing by Rex's side.

"Must I remind the two of you of this battalion's strategic mission in conquering this planet?" Krell demanded. He leaned in close to their faces (Rex's more than Grim as the padawan was significantly shorter). He pointed behind them, "look back." They did so. "See those platoons? Their mission is to take this city and take it swiftly. Time and rest are luxuries the Republic can not afford. We are the key to this invasion. The other battalions are counting on our support. If we fail then everyone fails. Do you understand this? Do all of you understand this?! Now, move on!"

Krell continued onwards. Grim stayed close to Rex for a little longer. "You should go back to the general, he doesn't seem to want you out of his sight," Rex told her.

"I don't care what Ping Pong wants," Grim replied. "Nobody disrespects my friends."

"Grim, I appreciate that, but it would be unwise to get on his bad side," he replied.

"Now, who ever said I was wise?" commented Grim, a small smile tugging on her lips.

Rex shook his head. "Kid..." Rex started.

Grim sighed, "I know, I know." She went back to Krell's side.

They pressed on with still no breaks. It was tiring out the young padawan, but she was determined to continue on. She never once let down her guard, the terrain as hostile as it was, with how enemies could attack at any moment, and with Krell so lost to the darkness.

Darkness was everywhere.

"Sir, we're ready to bring our forward platoons in for a surgical strike on the city's defenses," Rex was informing Krell.

"There won't be any need, Captain," replied Krell.

"Sir?" Rex asked, confused.

"All platoons will execute a forward assault along the main route to the city," Krell informed him.

"But sir, General Skywalker's plan was to surprise them with multiple attacks," said Rex. "If we come in from the main route they're likely to engage us in a full-frontal assault."

"Change of plans, Captain. I'm in command now," replied Krell.

"With all due respect, General," said Rex.

"Which is none," muttered Grim slightly too loud.

Krell glared at her. "What was that, Kennet?"

"Nothing," she replied, trying to quickly feign innocence.

Krell looked at her for a moment longer, Grim twirled her padawan braid nervously.

"As I was saying, General, with all due respect, we don't know what we're up against," said Rex. "It might be wiser to think first."

"Are you questioning my order?" Krell demanded. "This battalion will take the main road, straight to the capital. You will not stop and you will not turn back regardless of the resistance you meet. We will attack them with all our troops, not some sneak attack with a few men. That is my order, and you will follow it explicitly. Do I make myself clear, CT-7567?!"

"Yes, general," replied Rex.

"With all due disrespect that sounds like a karking suicide mission, Ping Pong," replied Grim, glaring up at him.

"Then luckily for you, you are to stay with me," Krell told her.

"Yeah, good luck for me," muttered Grim sarcastically.

"Now engage," Krell told Rex. He turned to Grim. "You need to learn a thing or two about respect, youngling."

"I've already told you, General, I respect those who deserve it, and those who don't treat my friends with respect and send them to death traps do not deserve my respect. You don't even care about the lives of these men, you want them dead. I made a promise when I became a Jedi that I would save as many lives as possible, so if you'll excuse me Ping Pong I am going to join them." She flipped him the bird and marched off to catch Rex.

"Commander!" Rex said, surprised. "I thought the General ordered you to-"

"Fuck Ping Pong and his orders," replied Grim.

"Don't let him catch you saying that," Rex replied.

Grim shrugged, "I couldn't care less."

"So why aren't we sticking to the original plan, and probing the city's defenses first?" Jesse asked.

"We can do this! Let's take 'em!" Hardcase said.

"Yeah, leave it to Hardcase to dive in head-first," said Jesse.

"The General's new plan is reckless," said Fives.

"I can agree with you on that," said Grim.

"Do you ever think maybe the General knows what he is doing?" asked Dogma.

"Oh he knows alright, he just doesn't care," Grim said.

"I know you think this is a bad idea," Fives said to Grim and Rex.

"Commander Kennet and I raised our objections to General Krell's plan, but he didn't agree," Rex replied. "So this is it."

"What if he's wrong? Then what?" Fives asked.

"He is wrong," said Grim. "He is just either too stubborn or doesn't care to admit it. He doesn't care how many die as long as he gets glory. That's not what a good Jedi, or general does."

"This isn't the time for a debate," said Rex. "Right now, we have to stay alert."

"In that case we should watch our step, I wouldn't be surprised if the roads have been booby trapped," replied Grim.

They continued onwards. Grim and Rex leading the men of the 501st.

"Eh, it's too quiet out there," said Tup.

Grim stopped suddenly, and so did everyone else. "There are mines here," Grim announced.

Nobody questioned her on this. Rex turned to Fives, "can you sweep them?"

Fives nodded and began to scan for the mines on the street. "The commander's right, it looks like the whole road's been booby trapped," announced Fives.

"Everyone watch your step," Rex ordered.

Fives led the way through the booby trapped road as everyone began to slowly follow him. Suddenly there was an explosion behind them.

Grim turned around, igniting her lightsaber. The enemy began to attack them from behind. The padawan leapt up and over the others, to cover the rear. Deflecting the enemy blaster fire.

"We're completely exposed!" shouted Tup.

"Hold your ground!" Rex ordered.

The Umbarans were coming from every side.

Grim stood her ground deflecting blaster fire back at them, and attempted to defend everyone she could.

One Umbaran grabbed her from behind and Grim sent her elbow into their stomach before turning around and stabbing their helmet with the sharpened end of her lightsaber hilt. The glass broke and the Umbaran suffocated to death.

Despite her attempts the clones were still dropping dead like flies. Her heart was hammering in her chest. They had no cover and the enemy was coming in all directions.

"We need to pull back," said Rex. "Get them to follow us. If we can draw them out we can see them, if we can see them we can hit them. All squads, pull back now!" He ordered.

Everyone began to retreat, Grim was at the rear trying to cover them by deflecting blaster fire back at the Umbarans. Although it was hard to see in the darkness of the world. Everything about the world was dark.

Grim caught up with the rest of the men and continued to deflect blaster fire back at the enemy as the clones fired back with all they had. Soon the Umbarans were retreating themselves. "They're pulling back! We did it!" Grim shouted, a grin on her face.

The casualties were still high, but she hoped she had prevented some number of them.

Krell marched over to Rex, anger in his eyes. "CT-7567, do you have a malfunction in your design?" he demanded. "You've pulled your forces back from taking the capital city. The enemy has control of this route. This entire operation has been compromised because of your failure!" Krell shouted, jabbing his finger into Rex's chest.

"General Krell, in case you haven't noticed Captain Rex just saved this platoon," said Fives, stepping in. "Surely you won't fail to recognize that."

Krell ignited one blade of his green saberstaff. "ARC-5555, stand down," he ordered.

Grim ignited her own lightsaber and pointed it at Krell. "No one threatens my friends," she growled.

"Did you really just pull your lightsaber on another Jedi, Padawan Kennet? Need I remind you which one of us is in charge here," Krell replied, moving his lightsaber to point it at her.

"For a Jedi Master you sure act more like a Sith," replied Grim. "Jedi don't do what you're doing, I believe Jedi are supposed to protect lives and care about them. You have shown nothing but a disregard for the lives of these men, you won't even fight by them because you're a coward. Although you will threaten lives, will you act on your threats general, or as they as empty as your heart?" The padawan twirled her lightsaber around and got into a brace stance, ready to fight.

"What did you just call me, Kennet?" Krell demanded.

"A heartless coward," she replied.

"Maybe I should teach you a lesson your Master has failed to."

"Try me."

It seemed a fight was about to break out then and there. Rex quickly interfered to stop Grim from getting herself killed. "Excuse her, General," he said, stepping in front of Grim, who deactivated her lightsaber when he did. "And if I may address your accusation, I followed your orders, even in the face of a plan that was in my opinion severely flawed, a plan that cost us men," he took off his helmet. "Not clones! Men!" Krell glared at Rex, as Rex went on. "As sure as it is my duty to remain loyal to your command I also have another duty, to protect those men."

Krell deactivated his lightsaber. "You have a spark of tenacity, Captain. I'll give you that. I know that I don't command like the Jedi you're used to serving, certainly not like General Skywalker. But I have my way. It may be difficult but these are difficult times. And it's proven effective."

"Has it, General?" asked Grim. "Does war mean more to you than lives? As a Jedi it shouldn't, as a Jedi your tactics should assure victory with as little casualties as possible."

"As I've already stated I am unlike other Jedi," Krell told her.

"Is that why the dark side clings to you like fog?" Grim asked him. "I'm not a blind fool."

"You're only a padawan, you know nothing about these sorts of things."

"I don't? You'd be surprised by the things I know, General."

"The sort you believe you know, but you don't have a clue."

"I assure you, General, I have far more than a clue."

Krell left, not bothering to get Grim at his side. She had made her stance as clear as day.

There was another explosion.

The battle raged on.

Smoke and fire began to add to the issues of visibility of the world, as explosions and blaster fire ripped through the air. Men continued to drop injured or dead, the padawan had to force herself to keep focused on the battle as she deflected the blaster fire at the enemy.

She grit her teeth each time a shot got too close to comfort. She kept all her concentration on the battle at hand. She allowed the Force to guide her, but there was a darkness within it. If it was from the world, the general, or herself Grim could not tell.

"You know Ping Pong, you could assist in this battle!" she shouted behind her.

Krell was going to reply but then his comm went off. Grim went to his side to hear the message. A hologram of Obi-Wan appeared. Grim felt instant relief flood her at the sight of him, although it was merely a holographic recording of him.

"The capital city is too fortified. We need your battalion to help us take it," he informed Krell.

"Restience from the Umbarans has been greater than anticipated. We're holding our ground at the moment," Krell replied.

"We've gathered intel on an airbase to the west. It is resupplying the capital's defenses," said Obi-Wan.

There was shouting. "Incoming! Incoming!" A missile went off not far from where they were fighting. "Get down! Get down!"

Grim winced at the explosion, even though she was unharmed by the blow.

Obi-Wan continued talking, "If you could capture that airbase, it would sever the capital's supply lines, allowing the rest of our forces to move in."

"I will see to it that the airbase is placed under our control," Krell responded.

"Remember, General Krell, the entire invasion depends on your battalion," Obi-Wan said. He looked at Grim, as if even from opposite sides of the planet he could sense the turmoil within her. It looked like he was about to say something to her but Krell ended the call before he could.

"Captain Rex, have those coordinates mapped, and all troops ready to move out immediately," Krell ordered.

"Yes, General," Rex replied.

"Padawan Kennet, with me," Krell ordered her.

Grim hesitated slightly before following after him. She stayed by Krell as they moved onwards to the airbase that Obi-Wan had told them about. A small part of Grim wished she hadn't disobeyed her Master and had stayed with him, but another part reminded her that she was doing this to stop Krell and save as many lives as possible.

The airbase was just in the distance now, and on the cliff overlooking the scenery of the world, the padawan couldn't help but take in the dark beauty of the world. The dark purples and blues, and the soft ominous glow of red mixed with the light neon cyan of the technology led to a dark yet gorgeous sight.

"There's a base there alright," said Rex. "And it's heavily guarded. At least three tank divisions, plus guns."

"We'll advance along the central gorge and engage their forces in a full-forward assault," said Krell.

"Again, Ping Pong?" asked Grim. "Last time we did that we had heavy casualties and lost. Your strategies are reckless."

"The gorge is narrow, sir," Rex pointed out. "We'll only be able to move our platoons in single squads. Perhaps a closer recon will tell us if there's a more secure route."

"Obi-Wan and the other battalions are holding off the enemy right now while they wait for us to take out this base. We don't have time to look for a more secure route," Krell replied.

"Obi-Wan and the other battalions can hold off a little longer, but what good would our objective do if we cannot complete it due to high losses?" remarked Grim. "Again you show your total disregard for the lives of these men,"

"You are not the one in command of this mission, Padawan Kennet," Krell told her, a warning tone in his voice.

"Perhaps I should be," she remarked.

Krell glared down at her. "If you believe that so much you can join CT-7567 in the attack," Krell retorted.

"I would gladly join Rex," Grim replied, arms crossed and glaring upwards at him. She put extra emphasis on Rex's name to get the point across.

Then she left to assist in the attack.

"All right, listen up," said Rex. "We'll assemble the squads in two divisions. We'll move straight up this gorge towards the airbase at the far side."

"The casualties are going to be high," Kix pointed out.

"Is Krell trying to get us killed?" Tup asked.

"Yes," said Grim simply. "He's fallen to the dark side, that's why he isn't acting like a Jedi. He isn't one anymore. The dark side clings to him like a fog."

"With all due respect, Commander, what you're saying is nonsense," Dogma told her. "The General only wants what's best for the Republic. We're running out of time and this is our best option."

"No recon? No air support? We don't know what we're up against. They have weapons we've never seen before!" Jesse pointed out.

"A few of General Skywalker's plans seemed reckless too, but they worked," Rex argued.

"Yeah, but General Skywalker is usually leading his men up in the front, not bringing up the rear like General Krell," pointed out Fives.

"And I've hardly seen Mr. Ping Pong fight," added Grim.

"Exactly," agreed Fives. "A full-forward assault would leave us too exposed."

"Fives, Grim," said Rex. He pulled them to the side. "It would help if you would ease their minds."

"Oh you mean coax them into following another one of Krell's suicide missions?" Fives asked.

"Fives has a point, Rex, we lost a lot of men last time," said Grim.

"Krell may do things differently, but he is effective at getting them done. He's a recognized war hero," Rex told the two. "He's not some sort of fallen Jedi like you've suggested, Commander."

"I know for a fact that he is," said Grim. "He shows a disregard for life like no other Jedi. Even you have to notice this."

"Grim has a point. Krell may have had some victories but have you seen his casualty numbers?" Fives asked. "More troopers have been killed under his command than anyone else."

"That's the price of war," Rex told the two. "We're soldiers. We have a duty to follow orders, and if we must lay down our lives for victory. You may not understand that Grim, I understand you're a Jedi, but that is the reality of war. The reality for these men."

"Do you believe that?" Fives asked him. "Or is that what you were engineered to think?"

"I honor my code, that's what I believe," Rex replied.

Grim stayed with Fives squad, as they continued through the gorge. "Everybody stay alert," said Fives.

Some of the creatures from before flew past them. "They're afraid," Grim noted, feeling it in the Force.

There was an explosion and the ground began to rock. Grim felt it before she saw it. "Everyone behind me!" she shouted as she ignited her lightsaber.

At that very moment a mechanical worm-like thing burst out from the ground. The men began to shoot at it, but Grim was on the move. She leapt into the air and jumped on top of it as it was rising to its full height. Grim quickly brought down her lightsaber in the center of the eye where an Umbaran controlled the weapon, but it bounced back and sent her flying into a tree. "Shit!" she screamed. Her back ached horribly. "Fucker-" she groaned.

Fives called Rex for rocket launchers and then ran to Grim's side. "Grim, are you alright?" he asked her.

"I can still fight if that's what you mean," replied Grim. "Kark, where's my lightsaber? I must've dropped it."

Fives handed Grim her weapon back. "Here you go, kid."

Grim smiled at him, "thanks Fives." She winced slightly.

Fives helped her up, "are you sure you're fine?" he asked her, the concern was obvious in his voice.

"Fine enough to fight, Fives," she told him, reigniting her lightsaber.

Grim and Fives dodged blaster fire as Grim blocked the attacks with her lightsaber. Her body ached and screamed at her but she ignored it, pressing on. She could seek medical attention after the battle. Besides, she couldn't afford to be out of the mission for too long. Krell could use it to his advantage and she could not allow that.

Hardcase shot the machine with a rocket launcher and it blew to pieces, everyone quickly sought cover from the explosion. More machines were advancing towards them. "Everyone regroup now! Take cover!" Rex ordered.

Everyone followed as they sought the cover of the trees. "We're safe for the moment. They'll be coming around any second," said Fives.

"Bring up the launchers. Spread detonators along that corridor. Trap them into the bottleneck," Rex ordered. "We're going to blow these things sky high."

Everyone followed Rex's orders. Getting into positions. "Here they come," said Dogma.

Everyone began to taunt the worm-like machines. "Over here! Come and get us!" they all called. The enemy fell victim to their trap and Rex blew them to pieces. Quickly everyone jumped down to get cover from the shrapnel of the explosions.

"We got 'em! We got 'em!" The men cheered.

"Hell yeah! We did it!" celebrated Grim.

"Good job everyone," said Rex. "All right, let's move out."

They continued on together. Grim, Rex, and Fives in the front as they led the way. They kept on moving forward until a new obstacle blocked their path. Yet another large machine, this one was more domed shaped with legs like a spider and a giant turret on the top of its head. "We've got a problem," said Rex.

They shot at the advancing group and the explosions began again.

"Fall back! Fall back now!" shouted Rex.

The group began to retreat, explosions all around them. Grim's heart pounded in her chest. She was going to kill Krell if she ever made it out of this mess alive.

Her comm went off suddenly. "Kennet! What are you and those men doing?!" Krell demanded. "Continue your attack!"

Speak of the devil.

"We're overpowered! We need reinforcements," Grim told him.

"You wanted to be in charge, Kennet, you should've known better," Krell growled at her. "The rest of the battalion is holding the entrance to the gorge. They're guarding it so you and those troops can break through to the airbase."

"Sir, we can't possibly-" said Rex overhearing the conversation between the Padawan and the General.

"You must stand your ground. Do you read me?" Krell demanded. "Do not fall back! That is an order!' Just as suddenly the call ended.

"I'm going to fucking kill him when we get out of this," muttered Grim.

"You can't say things like that, Commander," Rex told her.

"I don't give a fuck," she replied. She sighed. "Well, you heard the General."

"He also said you were in charge," Fives pointed out.

"He did, didn't he?" Grim realized a smile forming on her face.

"I know you're aware that if we continue on with this there's only going to be more casualties. Do you have a plan, Commander?" Fives asked her.

"We can't just disobey General Krell," Rex told the two of them. "He ordered us to-"

"Fuck Ping Pong's stupid orders. He is trying to get us killed."

"You don't know that, Commander," Dogma told her.

"I sure as hell do, Dogma," she snapped. "How many of you are really willing to risk more of your brothers' lives? How many more of you are really willing to only add to the number of casualties we have already sustained? I recognize that this is a war, I recognize that we die in war, I recognize that death is unavoidable. I recognize that no matter what, casualties will occur. However, does the number have to be so high? With so much death is victory that much more important? With so many lives lost, who truly wins? What is the cost of all this slaughter? I know war comes with this, I know the price each and every one of us has to pay. I know that in the end death is inevitable and a part of life, I know each and every one of us marches closer to death every day. However, I also made a promise when I became a Jedi. A promise I intend to keep as long as my heart still beats. I promised to save as many lives as possible. I realize in war this does not mean all lives, it never has meant all lives because nobody can save everybody. However I do know that there are times death can be avoided too soon, if we continue this way, then we may be massacred. What honor is there to that? To dying when there was a way to avoid it. I am not following Krell's orders. I do not care what happens. I promised to save as many lives as possible, and I stand by it."

There was silence for a long moment. Then Rex turned to Grim, "what's your plan, Commander?"

"Those tanks will be unaffected by the rocket launchers, but if we can use their own technology against them, we may stand a better chance," said Grim. "I propose a stealth mission, Fives and Hardcase can infiltrate the air base while the rest of us keep those tanks occupied. I'll draw the attention of the tanks in particular, as a Jedi it shouldn't be hard, I stand out easily. The rest of you can cover me, we'll hold out until Fives and Hardcase arrive with the stolen fighters. I know that they can do this." Grim looked around, and tried to sense the emotions of the men. She felt some apprehension among a few of them, but most were filled with a renewed sense of hope and determination. "Any objections or suggestions?" Grim asked. No response. "All right then, men, let's get a move on. Fives, Hardcase, may the Force be with you."

Fives and Hardcase left the group to follow Grim's orders.

Grim and the rest of the men kept the enemy's attention on them. Grim jumped and dodged expertly as if in a dance as she avoided the blaster fire and explosions.

Her comm went off as she did a pirouette and avoided a nearby explosion. "Yes, General Krell?" Grim asked as she answered.

She had fallen into a sort of peace inside the Force despite the battle being raged. Her voice was calm and serene despite the hate she held for the General.

"Where are you?" He demanded.

"I came up with a plan to infiltrate the airbase," she replied. Calmly blocking an attack with her lightsaber.

"And what is your plan?" Krell asked.

"I sent two men on a stealth mission inside the airbase, they're to steal some starfighters and destroy the tanks with the Umbaran's own weaponry," she replied.

"You what?!" Krell shouted through the comm. "You put the entire mission at risk on your hope-"

"My knowledge that they can succeed. I may be only a padawan, but I do know some things you would be surprised about. Now if you will excuse me, General I have a mission to lead, since you will not." Before Krell could respond Grim shut off the comm.

Distracting the tanks seemed to tank both forever and no time at all. Grim did her best to keep all the attention on her, there were many times she was nearly hit, ending her story in just that moment. Never seeing the end of the war, knowing if she changed the ending or failed all the same.

Then she spotted the fighters, and a grin spread across her face.

"Clear out," Fives said.

"The big guns have arrived, sir!" Hardcase exclaimed.

Everyone quickly cleared out of the way as Fives and Hardcase destroyed the tanks with the Umbaran's own weapons. Everyone cheered at the victory.

Within no time at all they had successfully taken the airbase.

Krell reached the group. "Captain, report," he ordered Rex, ignoring Grim's presence. "What is our situation?"

"General, we have taken the base and cut off the enemy supply lines to the capital," Rex informed him.

"Luck has smiled on you today. Consider yourselves fortunate."

"Master Kenobi has taught me that there is no such thing as luck, and in this case he is correct. It wasn't luck that gave us this victory, it was the sacrifices of the men who died in this battle, and the bravery of the men who fought in all," Grim told him.

"Death is the price of such a victory," Krell told her.

"Death is a price of every victory in war, it is the price of war itself, however the extent of the death seen today was not the price we had to pay. It was not the price of victory, it was the price of your disregard for life and cowardly nature," she told him.

Krell observed her for a moment. "Kennet, come with me. The rest of you, dismissed."

Grim followed Krell apprehensively, looking back at the men with a concerned expression on her face. Once Grim and Krell were alone he turned to her, and he was not happy. "You explicitly disobeyed orders and convinced all of those clones to follow you!" He roared.

"You're the one who put me in charge, and it was because you didn't believe in me to succeed. You're only mad that I can command better than you," she replied calmly, her arms were crossed as she stared up at him.

"Watch yourself youngling, this is war not some silly childish game," Krell said threateningly.

"I am aware of this, Ping Pong. I am aware of more to this war than you'll ever begin to understand," Grim replied, threatening him back.

Krell leaned down, now instead of Grim's head reaching his lower elbow she reached his chest. "Be careful with how you talk with me child."

"Why?" Grim asked. "What will you do, kill me?"

Krell laughed. "Keep testing me and I just might."

"Not before you reveal your true intentions," Grim replied. "Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to meditate." Before Krell could respond Grim marched off to find a quiet place to meditate.

The dark seemed to swirl around everything. It coated the entire planet, not only physically but in the Force as well.

Fives approached Grim, "hey Commander, is everything okay?" he asked her.

Grim smiled at him, "yes Fives. Krell was just pissed, that I'm better than him."

Fives laughed. "He does seem to hate the truth," he joked.

"Evil men often hate truths, because the truth shows them as they are," replied Grim.

"I think you hang out with General Kenobi too much," said Fives.

"Maybe a little," she said with a small playful smile.

"Well I have to go back, I'll see you later, kid."

"See you later, Fives."

Grim watched Fives leave and then she sank deep into the Force.

The brightest presence where she was currently at were the men of the 501st. Despite them not being Force sensitive, Grim had come to learn every living thing had a presence within the Force even if they could not use it like the Jedi or Sith, or even the Nightsisters of Dathomior and other wielders of the Force beyond. Those who used the Force tended to have stronger presences, so it was hard to ignore the looming darkness of Krell's, and if she reached out far enough she could feel Master Kenobi and Master Tiin and their light from across the planet. But at the moment they were far away, fighting their own parts of this battle.

So for now, the 501st were the brightest. Grim focused on them. They were divided between themselves. Between Krell. Stress was high among them. Grim decided she would try and do something to relieve that stress if possible. Making a mental note for herself.

When she opened her eyes she found Rex was approaching her. "What is it, Captain?" she asked him.

"There's a transmission from General Kenobi for you and General Krell," he told her.

"Does Krell know yet?" Grim asked him.

"No sir, I decided to let you know first."

She paused and thought about something for a moment. "Captain, how much trouble would you get in for not informing Krell about this for a little longer?"

"From what we've learned about the General, a lot, why do you ask, sir?"

"I want to speak with General Kenobi alone, but if it would get you in trouble then I can do without speaking to him on the subject I wish to. It's not something I want General Ping Pong to overhear."

"You don't have to do that for me, sir," Rex told her.

"With all due respect, Captain, I don't want you to get in trouble on my behalf," she told him kindly. A gentle smile on her freckled face. "And please, just call me Grim, Captain."

"In that case, just call me Rex," he replied. Although he wore his helmet Grim could tell underneath he smiled. "Do you still want to speak with General Kenobi alone, Grim?"

"No Rex, not if it will cost you trouble on my behalf," she replied. She stood up. "We should inform General Krell of Obi-Wan's transmission."

Rex nodded and the two of them approached Krell. "General, there's a transmission from General Kenobi," Grim told him.

"I'll take it in the tower," said Krell.

"I'm going with you, it's for the both of us. After all I am Master Kenobi's padawan," commented Grim.

The three of them went to the tower where a life sized hologram of Obi-Wan appeared in front of them. "General Kenobi, do you read me?" Krell asked.

"Congratulations on the capture of the Umbaran air base," said Obi-Wan. "It's refreshing to have good news."

"There will be time for celebration when we've taken that capital," Krell replied.

"Yes, well I'm afraid that's going to be more difficult than anticipated," Obi-Wan informed them.

"Why, what is it this time, Master?" Grim asked him.

"Patience, my young Padawan. I was just getting to that. Their attacks have increased, and their long ranged missiles are forcing us to retreat from our positions."

"I was hoping we'd cut off their arm shipments and supplies when we took this airbase," Krell told Obi-Wan.

"It seems they're receiving new arm shipments directly from a supply ship orbiting..." Obi-Wan's transmission began to glitch as they began to lose connection.

"Master?" Grim asked.

"Having difficulty transmitting. They must be jamming our signals," Obi-Wan said.

"Can't we just destroy the supply ships?" Rex suggested.

"We're trying, but with little success. Their fleet outnumbers ours, and the extra ships we were promised have not yet arrived," replied Obi-Wan.

A grin appeared on Grim's face. Only Obi-Wan seemed to notice it. It was the type of face she made when she had a plan, (or had stolen a plan directly from the plot of the story she had seen), and Obi-Wan knew that face all too well. He was going to ask her what her plan was, when Krell spoke instead, "We'll just have to take that capital regardless of the missiles. My battalion will meet you at the rendezvous coordinates."

A feeling of dread came over Grim. She closed her eyes and forced the feeling down. "There is no passion, there is serenity," she whispered to herself. Grounding herself with the line from the code. Although it was only a mantra and not the code of rules in which the Jedi were based upon and followed, it was often referred to as the Jedi Code. It helped to calm her to recite it, even if it was only a line rather than the full mantra.

"We can not expect...." Obi-Wan's transmission cut out.

"I'm trying to get him back, sir!" said Appo.

"Don't bother," said Krell. "The enemy is jamming our transmissions, we are on our own."

They left the tower. As they did, Krell immediately began giving out orders. "Have those containers searched and all weapons prepped and loaded," he ordered a nearby clone. "Have the battalion ready to move out in twelve hours," he ordered Rex. "We're advancing on the capital."

"Sir, should I try and get a message to General Kenobi?" Rex asked. "Shouldn't we coordinate our attack, especially in light of the recent threat?"

"General Kenobi has his hands full, same as us," replied Krell. "We need to throw everything we have at them, now!"

"We're going to be marching straight into our deaths, Ping Pong," Grim told Krell.

There was an explosion in the distance and the three turned around. "Blasted insurgents," said Krell. He looked at Rex and Grim. "I realize you haven't agreed with all my strategies, but you are both smart enough," he looked at Rex, "and loyal enough," he looked at both of them again. "To obey my orders." He looked back at Rex, "now prep those troops!"

He marched off.

Grim crossed her arms and sighed. "He knows what he's doing is going to kill us, he just doesn't care," she grumbled. She turned her head to look at Rex, "can I come with you to inform the men?" she asked him.

"With all due respect, I feel it would be better if they just heard it from me, Commander," Rex told her.

"I understand, Rex," she replied. "In that case I'm going to plan ahead."

The two walked away in different directions.

Grim went to find a quiet place where she could plan out the rest of the mission herself. Without Krell discovering her plans, as a part of it included his death. If Krell uncovered the fact that she was coming up with a conspiracy to murder him, he would frame Grim for treason, despite the fact that Krell was the true traitor. It would be a cover for his own as well.

And if she did commit such an act, would she be seen as a traitor to those who didn't know the truth?

Grim decided meditation was the better option.

Except the Force was as dark as the world, and Grim's couldn't ignore the storm in her heart.

Luckily, Grim didn't have to as Fives approached the young padawan.

"Hello there, Fives. What's going on?" Grim asked him.

Fives looked around. "Is General Krell nearby?" he asked her.

"Don't worry Fives, I made sure he wasn't near me. What's up?"

"I have a plan, but General Krell won't like it, I was wondering if you would be willing to help," he told her.

"What's the plan?" she asked him.

"I cracked the access codes and hardware of the Umbarans. My plan is to use their own fighters to sneak past them and destroy that supply ship that General Kenobi warned us about," replied Fives. "I've already got some men to pilot, but I hope you will help too."

"Of course Fives, that's a wonderful plan. No supply ship, no missiles, makes it easier for us to take the capital."

"I'll let you know when it's time, Commander," said Fives.

Not even thirty minutes later alarms were going off followed by an explosion. Grim was jolted out of her mediation and ran towards the source. Krell and Rex were also there. "Explain this now!" Krell was demanding of Fives and Hardcase.

"Sir, we were decrypting the enemy craft when what appears to be an enemy booby trap went off," Hardcase lied.

"A booby trap?" Krell echoed.

"Yes, sir. The fighter went haywire, and had I not been able to get control of it and aim the missiles at the doors, something worse might've happened."

"Is this true?" Krell asked Fives.

"Uh, ye-yes, sir. That is what happened, no doubt."

Krell turned to Rex, "well, Captain Rex, looks like I was correct. The Umbaran fighters are dangerous and not fit for flight."

"But, sir, we now know how they work," protested Hardcase. "We just need practice."

"Lock down these fighters, I don't want anything else exploding," Krell ordered as he left. Rex looked back at Fives and Hardcase before leaving as well.

"Y'know, you boys are horrible liars," said Grim. It startled the two as they had not noticed her until then and she had to hold back a laugh.

"Commander!" said Hardcase, quickly standing at attention.

"At ease, I'm in on the plan," said Grim.

Hardcase relaxed, Grim gave him a gentle smile. Slow clapping was heard from behind them and they turned around and saw Jesse.

"I thought the plan was to destroy the enemy ship with their own fighters, not our own hanger," said Jesse.

"Look, I agree we should go through with this," said Fives. "So are you three going to be my pilots or what?"

"I'm in, regardless of the consequences," said Hardcase.

"Flying these fighters beats blindly walking into a bunch of missiles, so I'm in," said Jesse.

"And you, Commander?" Fives asked her.

The three men looked at the padawan with expecting and hopeful faces. Grim grinned widely, showing her teeth as she did. "You know it."

"Now we just need a plan," said Jesse.

"Already got one," replied Fives cheerfully. "General Skywalker blew up a droid control ship when he was just a kid, and he told me the trick was-"

"-hitting their main reactor from the inside," Grim joined in. The two saying it at the same time.

The three looked at her questioningly. "What?" asked Grim. "I'm friends with Skywalker too."

"I thought you and General Skywalker had a falling out," said Fives.

"Oh yeah ...that did happen," said Grim. "How'd you know about that?"

"Commander Tano mentioned it," he replied.

"Okay, that makes sense, Skywalker isn't the type to talk about his feelings. We're getting off topic though."

That night, the group of four approached Rex. "Fives, what are you doing out here?" Rex asked him. "You should be in the barracks."

"I found my pilots," Fives answered. "We're going after that supply ship."

Rex noticed Grim was among them. "Commander? You're joining them? You should be convincing them to stop."

"It's the right thing to do, Rex," replied Grim.

"Are you out of your mind?" he asked the two of them. "It's a suicide mission, not to mention against orders."

"The commander is right, Rex. It's the right thing to do," replied Fives.

"We have to try," said Jesse.

"It sounds like you intend to go through with it," said Rex.

"If you're going to stop us, we need to know," said Fives.

Rex took a deep breath and sighed. "I can't help you when you get caught."

"I understand, sir," said Fives.

The team of four left to steal their fighters.

They got into the seats of each of their fighters, and began to set up for lift off. Grim looked between each of the men. "May the Force be with us," she said as they set off to destroy the enemy supply ship.

"These things are tricker than I imagined," said Jesse.

"Well it's better than Krell's plan," replied Fives.

"You know I'm only doing this because I don't like him."

"That's reason enough."

Hardcase laughed. "I'm just doing it for fun."

"Also valid," laughed Grim.

As they exited the clouds they were greeted with a massive battle overhead.

"Whoa what the-" Fives exclaimed.

"Master Kenobi sure wasn't lying," commented Grim, she sounded almost awestruck.

"Try to fly steady, we're going in," Fives ordered.

With that, the four flew straight into the heart of the battle side by side. Before breaking into a row. Fives in the lead, and Grim behind him, followed by Jesse and then Hardcase.

"I'm really not liking this," said Jesse.

"Too late to back out now," replied Grim.

Another group of Umbaran fighters flew right next to them before breaking off to attack someone else. "They think we're umbaran alright," observed Fives. They kept flying and soon enough, "there's the supply ship! Follow me."

"Let's do this," said Hardcase.

Grim grinned, "this is where the fun begins," she quoted.

They entered the supply ship and flew through the inside of it. Battle droids began to shoot at them but they ignored the droids. The doors inside began to close.

"Why did they have to go and do that?" Hardcase complained. He shot at the door and blew it open.

Grim zoomed past him.

"Kid what do you think you're doing?!" Hardcase exclaimed.

"Saving you!" replied Grim, she nearly crashed into the reactor as she tried to reach it before the Separatist dropped the ray shield, she shot directly for it and managed to hit the reactor before the Separatist could react.

The explosion began instantly and she quickly turned around. "Time to get out of here!" She shouted. Quickly they also exited the ship before the explosions could reach any of them. "Is everyone okay?" Grim asked them.

"We're all fine, Commander," Fives told her.

Grim smiled. "I'm glad. Now let's get back to base."

They flew back to base, past the battle and past the clouds until all four of them landed back safely at the base. Grim let out a sigh of relief as her boots touched the ground.

Rex and Tup were there to meet them. "You did it," said Tup.

"We did it," said Fives, relieved as well.

Their relief and joy of their victory was short, however as a group of clones exited the tower and approached the four who had flown off on their own against orders. "General Krell would like to see them in the tower." Appo informed them.

Grim, Fives, Jesse, and Hardcase all shared a nervous look.

Rex escorted the four to General Krell, where he awaited them with his back turned. "You wanted to see them, sir," said Rex.

"Indeed," replied Krell, still not turning around. "It seems they have accomplished a very brave act. Unfortunately they've also committed a very serious crime, by directly disobeying my order." Krell turned around at last.

"With all due respect sir, the order to attack the cargo vessel was mine," said Rex standing in front of the four. Ready to take the fall to defend his brothers and little sister. "If there's a punishment to be given, it should be directed towards me. I am the commanding officer of these men."

"Rex I already told you, you're not getting in trouble because of me. General Krell, the order was mine. I am the commander on this mission, please do not fault Rex as he has no complicity in the action in which me and these three brave men did. Blame should be placed on me for this."

"Commander!" Fives and Rex exclaimed looking at Grim in surprise.

"She's just a kid, General, she doesn't know what she's saying," Fives said, quickly coming to her defense.

"Oh, she doesn't, does she? I think she knows perfectly well. Don't you, Commander Kennet?"

"I do," she told him, looking him directly in the eyes. "So the punishment goes to me alone."

"You have the audacity to tell me who I should punish?"

"I do, General."

"Let me be clear about the punishment for the treason committed by these clones. They are to be court-martialed, they will be found guilty, and then they will be executed."

"And for me, Ping Pong?"

"You'll be right alongside them, since you care for them so much, Commander."

"What would General Kenobi think?"

"I will let him know his Padawan was a traitor."

"She's just a kid, you can't do this to her!" Jesse argued.

"General, she's only a kid!" Rex protested.

"She's a kid, General, are you really going to have a kid executed?" Fives demanded.

"Yeah she's only a kid!" Hardcase agreed.

"She is a Jedi and military commander," Krell replied. "She should have known better than to cross me in this way."

Grim laughed.

Then she pulled out her lightsaber and ignited the blade.

Without warning she leapt upwards and tried to fling herself at Krell.

Krell grabbed Grim and threw her back into the wall, taking her lightsaber as it tumbled from her hand.

Grim's ears rang and she became disoriented as she tried to look back up at him. "Go to hell, Ping Pong," she spat, before her vision went dark.

When Grim opened her eyes again, she was in a cell with Fives, Hardcase, and Jesse, who were now wearing only their under-outfit from above the waist. She groaned and held her head. It ached as badly as her back, that still hadn't recovered from colliding with that tree earlier in battle. Tears burned her eyes. Then they were falling down her face. Her entire body began to shake as she broke into sobs.

Fives, Hardcase, and Jesse turned around to see Grim crying. None of them knew what to do, they had never been in this situation before. Fives approached her first, kneeling down to her height, "Hey kid, I know you're afraid."

"Afraid?" asked Grim. "Look at us, Fives. We're in a cell, handcuffed, and are awaiting our fates. Of course I'm afraid. Mostly though, I'm angry. I hate Krell. I knew as clear as day what I was signing up for, but that doesn't make this any better, does it?"

"Grim..."

She looked at him. Her eyes met his, and Fives saw something he had never expected to see reflected in them. Fire. Pure fire seemed to burn in her eyes. Not calming like a campfire at night, but raging and roaring like a campfire. It startled him.

"We will be getting out of here, Fives. I've decided that already," she stood up and addressed the three men she shared the cell with. "We will get out of here, and when we do I am going to murder Krell, for everything he has done and to stop him from what he will do."

There was always a fire that raged in the child's heart. This fire burned now, except it was cold and dark. As if the warmth from it had been stolen away and left empty. It was this fire that Fives had noticed in her eyes.

The darkness from the world had invaded Grim's heart, slipping through the cracks that had been placed over the course of the war. It turned her cold inside. Now she was craving revenge. Her soul itself ached for it.

"How do you propose we do that?" Jesse asked her.

"Wait for it," she said with a smirk.

At that moment, Rex with a group of clones, came down to them. Rex walked over to their cell. "Oh good, you're awake Grim, I'm sorry," he said.

"You're not here just to visit," she said.

"No. I'm sorry. General Krell has ordered your execution immediately."

"What? But how? He can't do this!" said Jesse.

"He has authority to render punishment during combat," said Rex.

"Not on another Jedi," said Grim.

"He's using the excuse that you're a commander."

"He can't do that! The Council, Obi-Wan, somebody would-"

"I tried to convince him otherwise."

"Rex, you have to face it. He's been using you. He needs your loyalty to control the others," Fives told him.

He opened the shield and they were escorted onto the platform. "I won't let him get away with this," Rex promised them.

"Eh, don't beat yourself up about it," said Fives. "We made our choice. We knew what the price was."

"Yeah, speak for yourself," said Jesse.

"Heh, still got your sense of humor I see," said Fives.

"Yeah, who said I was joking?" Jesse remarked.

"Well," Fives sighed. "I guess this is it."

The lift began to go upwards.

"No, it isn't," replied Grim.

She threw her body back and knocked down the clone behind her.

The clones behind Hadcase, Jesse, and Fives pointed their blasters at her.

Grim had a horrible moment in where she was in Order 66, but it disappeared as quickly as it had come.

She didn't back down, and ran towards them, using just her body to knock them down.

She turned around, sweat ran down her face, her eyes were wide and wild. She was afraid and desperate. She looked like somebody who had just woken from a nightmare.

The lift reached the top.

Grim made a break for it.

She ran as fast as she could, stumbling with her arms still behind her back and still disorientated from when Krell had thrown her into a wall.

The world seemed to spin around her, but she didn't stop running.

She had to reach Obi-Wan and warn him.

She couldn't kill Krell, not with her hands behind her back, not without her weapon.

Soon blaster bolts were flying behind her. Her heart pounded in her chest as she saw the color was blue. Krell must've ordered this.

She kept running.

She ran into the wilds of Umbara.

Into the darkness of the world.

She continued to stumble, and soon found herself tripping on a plant and landing on her side.

She growled, and tried to get up, but found great difficulty in doing so.

Her body ached everywhere. Her back was sore. Her arms were hurting in the position they were in. Her head pounded in sync with her heart. She was tired, and now she realized how much pain she was in. She curled in on herself, and began to sob on the ground of the Umbaran forest.

She had failed. She was going to die right here in a forest on Umbara. Game over.

Order 66 would still happen, because she would no longer be there to stop it.

Everyone who she knew would die, would still die. She wouldn't be there to stop it.

"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan," she sobbed.

Grim, in pain, tired, and in chains, closed her eyes. Falling asleep in the deadly forest of the dark world.

Grim woke up to being tripped over by Rex. "Grim?!" he exclaimed, surprised. "I thought you had been killed!"

"Rex? How long have I been out?"

"Long enough."

"Clearly, what about Fives, Jesse and Hardcase were they-"

"They're alive, kid."

She let out a sigh of relief, even though she knew they would, all of them would. She had still panicked. "Good to hear. What are you doing out here?"

"We're going after the enemy, they're disguised as clones."

"They're not disguised as clones, they are clones. Krell gave them the same information and orders. It's been staged by Krell so you'd kill your own brothers."

"How do you know?"

"Trust me. I'll be right back."

"Where you were going."

"Shouldn't we come with you?"

"No. They've been given the same lies as you. I'm a Jedi, and it's the 212th, they know me."

"If you say so, Commander..."

"Oh, can you remove my stun cuffs?" Grim asked him.

"Oh! Right," said Rex. He removed her stun cuffs, and Grim ran off to confront the 212th.

When the men saw her they all took off their helmets in surprise.

"Commander?" Waxer asked.

"Waxer, what Krell told you was a lie. I just stopped Rex. Can you come with me? We all need to talk about Krell." She paused. "But first, how far away is Master Kenobi? I want to talk with him."

"He's not far," Waxer told her.

"Okay, I'll call Rex and he'll give you coordinates to the base," Grim replied,

Grim did just that and then left to find Obi-Wan. When she found him he was in the middle of a firefight. Cody was right next to him covering Obi-Wan while he deflected enemy fire.

A nearby clone fell to the ground dead, after taking a headshot. Grim mumbled a little, "sorry," as she picked up his blaster. She wasn't stupid enough to be in an active war zone without a weapon.

She approached Obi-Wan and Cody, shooting a few Umbarans as she did. Obi-Wan turned around and saw her. "Grim!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here? I thought you were with General Krell, and where's your lightsaber?"

"General Krell is a traitor," Grim informed him. "As to my lightsaber, um..." she trailed off. "Nevermind my lightsaber."

"Krell is a traitor? Oh Grim, why didn't you tell anybody?"

"I didn't think of it until it was too late, and then I got stuck with Ping Pong."

Obi-Wan sighed. He turned to Cody, "Commander, you're in charge, I'm going with Grim to deal with another matter."

"Yes, sir," said Cody.

"Wait, you're coming with me?" Grim asked him.

"You think I'm just going to let you face, Krell alone?" Obi-Wan asked her.

Grim pursed her lips together, then she stopped and dropped whatever argument she was about to start. "No, of course not."

Grim and Obi-Wan headed back to the airbase. Obi-Wan turned to Grim, "you know your lightsaber is your life, you can't just lose it."

"Shut it, Kenobi," retorted Grim. "When we met you dropped your lightsaber, we're not having this argument."

"If you say so, Grim," Obi-Wan replied.

They reached the airbase as a mixed group of 501st and 212th men marched towards the tower. Grim and Obi-Wan joined them, "mind if we assist?" Grim asked Rex.

"Of course, Commander," he replied. He looked at Obi-Wan, "General Kenobi, it's good to see you ,sir."

"It's good to see you as well, Captain," Obi-Wan replied.

First they freed Fives, Jesse, and Hardcase, then they entered the tower where Krell stood, his back turned.

Grim used the Force to grab her lightsaber from his belt.

"General Krell, you're being relieved of duty," said Rex, he pointed both his blaster directly at the fallen Jedi.

Grim and Obi-Wan both ignited their lightsabers.

Krell turned around. "It's treason, then." He noticed the two Jedi. "Commander Kennet, I thought I had you killed, and General Kenobi, what a surprise. Do you really believe what they've told you?"

"I believe my padawan," Obi-Wan told him. "And seeing you now, I agree with her already. The dark side surrounds you, General."

Krell pulled out his lightsabers. "Because I know the truth," he replied, activating the blades.

"Surrender, we have you outnumbered," Rex told him.

Krell merely laughed.

The clones ran at him, shooting at him. Krell started cutting them down.

Grim and Obi-Wan moved to attack Krell together, the Master and Padawan moving in sync. Krell blocked their attacks.

Krell jumped out the window.

Without waiting Grim jumped after him.

Her blood had been replaced with rage. Her heart fire.

Krell grabbed her before she could land and threw her into the clones.

He continued to run off into the forest.

Some of the clones helped Grim up. Grim mumbled a small "thank you" before going after Krell again.

Grim caught up with Krell.

She began striking at him, aiming to cut off his legs, as she couldn't reach much on Krell. The fallen Jedi easily, and lazily blocked each and every one of Grim's attacks, laughing the whole time.

Grim shoved Krell back into a tree, using the Force. Then with the Force she took Krell's blue saberstaff, igniting both blades. Holding her lightsaber with Krell's.

Krell got back up and ignited his remaining saberstaff. "You are a fool, little girl."

She shrugged and readied herself for his next attack, "eh, maybe I am."

Suddenly blaster fire ripped through the air. The men had arrived!

Krell began deflecting their attacks.

As he was distracted with defense Grim went for an attack to Krell's unarmed side and tried to remove his arms from his elbows with his own saberstaff. Krell caught on and blocked the attack in time. Grim then used her lightsaber to stab him in his abdomen.

Krell cried out and stumbled backwards. He kicked Grim back, causing her to land on Obi-Wan, almost knocking him down, but he had caught her.

"Thanks," she mumbled.

The battle went on as they continued to attack the fallen Jedi who hid in the darkness that matched his heart.

It was Tup that defeated Krell, using the nature of the world to capture him. He then stunned him.

Obi-Wan and Rex were the ones who carried Krell back to the base where they put him in the brig. When Rex, Fives, Jesse, Hardcase, Grim, and Obi-Wan went to interrogate him, Grim couldn't help but feel a sense of justice, and a bit of satisfied revenge seeing him sitting in the same cell she had been in.

Krell growled when seeing them.

"Why General, why'd you try to kill your own men?" Rex asked.

Krell chuckled and stood up. "Because I can. Because you would've fallen for it, because you're inferior."

"But you're a Jedi! How could you?" Rex demanded.

"A Jedi?" Krell laughed. "I am no longer naive enough to be a Jedi. A new power is rising, I've foreseen it. The Jedi are going to lose this war, and the Republic will be ripped apart from the inside. In its place is going to rise a new order."

Krell looked at Grim. His yellow eyes met her green ones. "And you've seen it too, you're not a true Jedi either," he laughed.

Grim took a step towards him. Obi-Wan put a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

Krell went on, not looking away from Grim. "Yes, I can feel your anger, your fear, your hate. You keep playing pretend, little girl, but reality will catch up with you soon enough."

Her fire heart became ice. Obi-Wan felt the sudden coldness in her.

Everyone in the room watched the light inside of Grim be replaced with fresh darkness, as her blood became ink.

Grim lifted her hand and grabbed Krell's neck with the Force. There was the sound of bones snapping. A horrible crack resounded through the prison, even muffled by the forcefield in front of the cell. Krell lay on the floor dead.

"You know nothing about me," she said coldly.

"Grim..." Obi-Wan began.

His voice brought her out from the deep pits of the ocean in which she had fallen into. Calling her back to the light. Her eyes fell upon the corpse.

Grim's eyes widened as she realized what she had done.

She had tasted the darkness, and there was no coming back.

No, she would not fall. Never would she become a Sith. Although forever she was tainted.

What was worse is she could not find it in herself to regret. The revenge had felt good, and after all hadn't Krell deserved to die for his actions?

Yes, but not like this, surely she had gone too far. It was too late.

She turned around and saw the horrified faces of her friends, of Obi-Wan. "I-" she started to defend herself. Tears welling in her eyes. "I'm so sorry," she whispered.

"Don't be," Dogma replied. He too was shaken by everything that had happened. Who he had been helping, serving loyally.

Grim turned around again to see him staring at the corpse in the next cell to him. He was angry and hurt.

She looked at him with confusion. Her vision was blurred by her tears. "Why shouldn't I be? I just killed a defenseless prisoner, I used the dark side, I gave into my anger ... .that isn't the Jedi way."

"The general was a traitor. He nearly made me kill my brothers. He killed my brothers. I would have done the same," he replied.

"His actions don't excuse mine," Grim said. She shook her head. "He may have needed to die, but the way I did it was wrong." There was a long pause, as she considered what the consequences of her actions would be.

"Grim, you know I'll have to inform the Council of this," said Obi-Wan.

"No! Master please don't! I'll be kicked out of the Jedi Order for sure!" cried Grim.

"You have just used the dark side to kill a defenseless prisoner, which is not only against the Jedi code, but is a war crime."

"Master, he was a traitor!"

"And a defenseless prisoner. Jedi do not kill unarmed men, my young Padawan, you know this."

"Skywalker's done worse, at least my war crime was justified," she muttered under her breath.

"What was that?" Obi-Wan asked her.

"Nothing!"

Obi-Wan gave her a look that plainly read he knew she was lying but didn't say anything of it. He only sighed and shook his head. "We're talking to the Council when we get home."

Grim let out a heavy defeated sight, "yes Master."

Obi-Wan left to go back to the 212th and fully take Umbara, leaving Grim in charge of the 501st. She was surprised he allowed her after she had committed her war crime.

Not long after they had successfully taken Umbara.

Although Grim wondered, at what cost?