Four LAAT's were speeding towards the FOB. Carrying tired and battered clones, Coda, and the RG's.

Coda was sitting in the back listening to music. 93 stood by the hatch looking out over the horizon as they crested the last hill. Revealing a very busy base, surrounding the Dauntless were AT-TE's, LAAT's and ground transports as clones and RG's scurried about.

93 turned to look at Coda. ''Brother, we're almost there.'' He said as Coda opened his eyes.

Landing at a clearing prepared for them they all dismounted as a Clone Commander walked up to Coda and 93. ''You guys are?''

Saluting the CC, 93 responded. ''Reporting Sir! We're the scouting regiment sent to investigate sector 16. After our wounded were evacuated we proceeded to infiltrate an unidentified droid factory and managed to disable it and any sep droids in the area.''

The CC's head kicked back a bit as he responded in a surprised tone. ''The seventy-first? We thought you'd perished since we couldn't get you on comms. I'm glad to see we were wrong, it's nice to have you back.''

The CC turned his attention to Coda. ''You are?''

Their group had attracted some attention from the surrounding troops at this point as Coda responded. ''Coda, leader of the Invisible Sun.''

Nodding the CC spoke up. ''Excellent, it's nice to make your acquaintance. Thank you for everything you and your forces have done for us. The Banshee and your droids have been instrumental in helping my brothers out in this battle.''

The Banshee? The fuck? ''You're welcome?'' Coda said with a cocked eyebrow. Turning to 93 he spoke up again. ''If any of you guys need any medical attention, speak to an RG. They can probably point you in the right direction.''

Removing his mask he continued. ''Until we guys meet again, stay in one piece. I'd hate to think all the work that went into keeping you nutters in one piece was in vain. See you around.''

Having said his goodbyes he made his way towards the Dauntless. Watching him walk away the CC spoke to 93. ''He's not like the other Jedi is he?''

Thinking back to their assault he responded. ''No, he isn't. Also, he doesn't like to be referred to as a Jedi.''

Walking up the ramp into the Dauntless he spotted Qui-Gon, Trilla, and Beatrix standing inside the hangar waiting for him. ''He guys! Did ya miss me?''

Seeing Coda walking towards them they inspected his outfit. It was marred in scorch marks and yellow blood all over.

''My lord. Welcome back, I've taken the liberty of having your suit prepared in the captain's quarters. Also, Master Yoda, Master Kenobi, Young Master Anakin, and Senator Padmé are inbound. They will arrive within 15 minutes.'' Beatrix reported.

Smiling wryly he responded. ''It's good to be back. I'll go change then, show our guests to the war room once they arrive.''

''Understood my Lord. You can follow RG77 to the captain's quarters, I shall remain here to receive our guests.'' Beatrix explained.

Just giving a slight nod, Coda followed after the RG. Trilla headed towards the war room as Qui-Gon was looking out the hangar. Speaking in a silent tone. ''I guess it's finally time to meet my old friends.''

Arriving at the room, Coda quickly changed to a black suit with a red shirt. Adjusting his sleeves he commented. ''Nothing beats a suit.''

Standing by the door, RG77 spoke up suddenly. ''Incorrect my Lord, my calculations indicate that a suit isn't an effective defense against most forms of weaponry.'' Delivering it completely deadpan.

Soon after a loud burst of laughter could be heard all the way to the hangar.

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Looking over the droids working on Anakin, Padmé asked them. ''Is he going to be alright?''

The idle RG answered promptly. ''A force-sensitive being is usually far more resilient than normal organics. He's fully stable, as soon as we get to the ship we can start reattaching his arm. The only reason we cannot do it here is due to him needing fluids.''

Obi-Wan then asked as they were healing his cuts. ''What is this black stuff?''

''Poly-Mimetic Nanites.'' It answered succinctly.

Slowly nodding Obi-Wan commented. ''They seem far more advanced than the stuff medical corps use.''

Yoda was standing, his eyes wandering over the passing scenery as they approached a small mountain. Feel him, I can. Clouding his surroundings he is.

Coming over the mountain he could spot his black ship sitting there. Like a black metal beast overlooking the desert around it. ''Arrived, we have.''

When the LAAT's set down they noticed that most of the surrounding clone troopers were preparing to move. People were exiting the Dauntless and loading up into transports or the AT-TE's.

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When they dismounted, two RG's were waiting for them with a stretcher. Moving Anakin unto the stretcher, they started walking through the deluge of people milling around the place as they made their way to the ship.

Waiting at the bottom of the ramp was Beatrix, when they got closer she spoke up. ''Greetings Master Jedi, Senator Padmé. We have prepared a room to conduct the young masters' surgery. Lord Coda is also waiting in the war room to speak to you while we wait.''

Looking at the ship Yoda could feel it very clearly now. Coda wasn't hiding where he was, but it was futile to try and sense anything inside the ship. Unsure why he'd do that Yoda was feeling slightly apprehensive about entering but decided it was worth the risk. ''Beatrix, your name was?''

''Indeed Master Yoda. Now if you'd please follow me.'' Not waiting for an answer she started making her way up the ramp.

Following her in they saw Anakin being taken into a room as they made their way deeper into the ship. The closer they got to the war room the more clearly Yoda and Obi-Wan could feel it. The man's presence in the force was immense, he was making no effort to hide his emotional state as it could be easily discerned from the force around him. He was excited.

When they were close to the room, they could hear someone speaking. ''I can't wait to see the look on their faces. I have to have Beatrix record this, it's going to be legendary.''

Turning to enter the room they saw three people standing there, two of them wearing identical masks though one of them was in a traditional Jedi robe. Even if they couldn't sense him, the mask did nothing to protect the identity of Qui-Gon from Yoda and Obi-wan at this distance.

They stood in shock when Coda started laughing. ''That's amazing! Look at them, I managed to make one of the oldest beings in the galaxy short out. Totally worth coming here.''

Seeing no reason to keep his mask on any longer, he reached up and slowly removed it. They just stood there in silence for a few dozen seconds before Obi-Wan spoke up. ''Master...how is this possible?''

At this point, Coda stepped out of the room with Trilla. ''You guys might need to catch up a bit. Padmé, if you want we can go check on Anakin.''

Yoda turned his eyes away from Qui-Gon over to Coda only too see him looking back at him with a knowing smirk.

Padmé broke her gaze away from Qui-Gon and answered Coda. ''Yes, I believe that might be a good idea.''

Before walking away with Trilla and Padmé he addressed Yoda. ''We can talk later, in fact, I'm looking forward to it!'' He said with a smile.

Leaving the three to catch up and talk, they got to the infirmary. While they watched a few RG's connect his arm Padmé turned to Coda. ''Thank you for helping him.''

''Keeping him alive and well is on my to-do list Padmé. No thanks needed.'' He said turning to her with a smile.

''I know you two don't know each other, so who is he to you?'' She asked with interest.

Shaking his head slowly. ''You honestly wouldn't believe me if I told you.''

''Why don't you give it a try anyway, I might surprise you.'' She told him.

Nodding towards her he shrugged. ''Alright. I know where he came from and who he was. I know who he is and what it is that he cares about. But most importantly, I know what he becomes.'' He said with a serious tone.

Furrowing her brows she asked. ''And what is it that he becomes?''

Before Coda could answer, Trilla answered instead. ''A monster.''

Padmé's face displayed shock and confusion. Before they could take this conversation any further one of the RG's working on Anakin started walking towards them.

''My lord. We've finished, he should wake up soon. There were no complications.'' It reported.

''Great job, as always. Now I should probably get back and have a talk with the little guy.'' Coda turned around and put a hand on Padmé's shoulder. ''Don't worry about it. I won't let that come to pass.'' Before he made his way out of the infirmary with Trilla.

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After Coda left them they just stood there in silence for a minute before Qui-Gon spoke up. ''It's good to see you two again. I've been told it's been around ten years since I died.''

"So you did die? You are Qui-Gon?'' Kenobi asked in bewilderment.

''As far as I can tell Obi-Wan, it has been quite strange since I woke up. The last thing I remember is dying on Naboo.'' He said shaking his head sporting a wry smile.

''How?'' Yoda asked simply.

''I do not know Master Yoda. Though Coda is connected to it, I don't believe he's the one who is ultimately responsible.''

''Powerful, he is. Agree with you I do. Believe I do not, that capable of such a feat he is.'' Yoda nodded sagely.

''I am just glad to see you again, no matter how strange the circumstances." Kenobi said with a smile.

Nodding towards his former padawan. ''Me too, On that note. I'll be leaving with you to return to the temple.''

''Good news, that is. Dark times these are.'' Tilting his head slightly. ''Ask of you something, he did not?''

With a shake of his head, he explained. "No. He explicitly stated that I was completely free to do whatever I wanted. He holds free will above all else.''

''How strange. Think you would, to go to such great effort, an objective he would seek.'' Yoda stated with furrowed brows.

''I do not know. But make no mistake, though his actions often seem disconnected and whimsical. I believe that he is usually working towards something, even if you do not believe so.'' He said seriously.

''Is he a dark Jedi?'' Kenobi spoke up.

''Absolutely not. From what I've observed, he exists somewhere in between the lines we have drawn. He does not hold the Sith or us Jedi in high regard in general.'' Qui-Gon explained.

"Knowledge of what he seeks, do you have?'' Yoda asked.

Shaking his head, Qui-Gon responded. ''I have no idea to be perfectly honest. But I am sure that he will not suffer anyone getting in his way" Furrowing his brows he continued. "He is an excellent man to have as a friend, that's for certain. But he would make a terrifying enemy.''

''Is he that strong Master Qui-Gon?'' Kenobi inquired.

"Yes." He said instantly. "We should not endeavor to find out exactly how strong though.''

At this moment, the door slid open to reveal Coda holding two pillows that he'd gotten from the captain's quarters. Stopping when he spotted all of them. ''Ehh...I'm sorry. Did I interrupt something?''

Qui-Gon and Yoda both shook their heads as Yoda responded. ''Ready to talk now, you are?''

"Absolutely! Qui-Gon, Anakin should wake up soon if you and Kenobi want to go say hi.'' He explained in a happy tone.

''Sure Coda. Come with me Kenobi, I'd like to see how you've handled little Anakin since I've been away.'' Kenobi nodded and followed Qui-Gon out of the room. Leaving just the two of them there.

''So, we should probably talk. I have so many questions!'' Coda said with stars in his eyes.