(Normal pov)

Mandalorian Wraith warships had a massive blockade around the Mandalore itself and their task was to ensure the home world was locked down tight and to prevent an Imperial military retaliation. On board the Flightmare, Viscus Grimborn and his older brother Ryltre were on board the bridge and going over battle tactics over and over again, in case the Empire did launch a counter attack, clearly being the smartest brother, Viscus ensured that handfuls of Wraith warships were stationed behind Concordia— one of two moons orbiting Mandalore, to launch a surprise attack on Imperial forces, if they were foolish enough to return.

Viscus's flagship was at the head of the Mandalorian navy and Horus even ordered his flagship to be outfitted with missile launchers that are loaded with a customized mist that actually rips thermo shields completely off of warships, cruisers and light cruisers, leaving those ships vulnerable to an attack. Though Flightmare was at the head of the Mandalorian navy, Viscus's older brother Ryltre's ship— Shellfire was the second best, due to not only its impressive size but also its plasma charges and long range firing capabilities that could hammer down enemy ships shields and rip them apart within a minute tops.

As the two brothers had just gone over battle tactics, the alarms sounded and the crew on deck barked out over the alarms. "Sir, a massive fleet of ships inbound!!" That being said, a hundred or more Imperial ships dropped out of hyperspace and on top of that, a massive space station jumped out of hyperspace as well. Viscus, Ryltre and all the Mandalorians on board their respective warships could only stare in shock and horror at the size of this space station, it was massive. Snapping out of his shock, Viscus barked out orders to the crew. "Raise shields and launcher all fighters!!" Turning to his brother, Viscus gripped his older siblings bicep. "Alert the surface that we're under attack and that they need to start evacuating the planet!"

"Flee Mandalore itself?! You can't possibly be suggesting that—"

"That enemy fleet alone is too great for our forces on the surface to handle, on top of that, the enemy battle station is packing enough reinforcements and firepower to singlehandedly cripple us! I don't like the idea of abandoning our ancestral home either, but we have no other choice. Now go!!" Viscus said, Ryltre nodded and rushed off to inform matriarch Val of the dire situation while Viscus turned his attention back to the massive enemy force that was knocking on Mandalore's front door. "We hold the enemy here!! Do not let one ship slip through our blockade!" Viscus ordered, the crew of the Flightmare let out a battle chant as everyone got to their stations and prepared themselves for the fight of their lives.

"May the Force be with us." Viscus murmured to himself.

(On board the Imperial battle station— The Death Star)

Leading this retaliation was a Chiss named Mitth'raw'nuruodo, or better known as Grand Admiral Thrawn. The only alien officer of such high standing within the Empire and Imperial ranks, though he is not an opponent that one should underestimate, let alone trifled with. The majority of Thrawn's career within the Empire has been in the Unknown Regions, due to him claiming that there is an enemy that intends to invade the known galaxy, what this enemy is though is unclear. Never the less, Tharwn's military expertise and tactics were required by command of the Emperor himself, Palpatine ordered his Grand Admiral to retake Mandalore by any means necessary and to show the galaxy how insignificant the Mandalorian rebel insurgents really are compared to the might of the Empire.

Obeying his emperor's orders, Thrawn now finds himself on board the newly constructed Imperial battle station many of the officers call the Death Star, on board this station were many veteran and experienced military officers who served during the Clone Wars as well Grand Moff Tarkin and Orson Krennic who was one of the Death Star's creators alongside his ally— Galen Erso in the Imperial special weapons division.

"The Mandalorian blockade is quite impressive, unfortunately the enemy is gravely outnumbered, and we use our numbers to our advantage." Thrawn said, the Chiss then turned to the left side of the Imperial fleet and ordered. "Launch all fighters, and punch a hole right in the center of the Mandalorian blockade. Emperor Palpatine commands us to deliver him a swift and decisive victory for the Empire and we shall provide it. Begin the attack."

::At once Grand Admiral::

Tarkin turned to Krennic and raised an eyebrow at the military director of the Empire. "Orson, what is the status of this battle stations super laser?" Krennic turned to his rival within the Empire and answered. "The weapon has yet to be fired Moff Tarkin, perhaps... a test is in order. Should we not just obliterate Mandalore and deliver our Emperor the swift victory he craves?"

"In time Director Krennic." Thrawn said in a soothing tone before turning to his fellow companion. "I have spent the majority of my time in the Unknown Regions and establish Imperial defenses at our galaxy's boarders to prepare for a potential new enemy I call... Outsiders." Cocking his head in confusion Krennic was about to ask what these... 'Outsiders' were but then focussed his attention back on the task at hand, as did Thrawn. "For now though Director Krennic, we cripple the Mandalorian fleet and teach them it is unwise to challenge the might of the Empire."

"Indeed."

Was Krennic's response as the group of officers watched from the Death Star as their Star Destroyers were hammering the enemy blockade. The arrogance of the Empire however soon turned into shock and surprise as the Mandalorians surprised them when ion cannon fire destroyed several Star Destoryers advancing on the blockade, not only that but Mandalorian assault cruisers appeared behind Concordia and launched a counter attack on the Imperial fleet.

"Impressive. Using our arrogance to their advantage to catch us off guard with a counterattack." Thrawn stated as he looked at Mandalore's moon to see many more ion cannon fire continue to strike down handfuls more Imperial Star Destroyers, the Chiss Grand Admirals neutral demeanor changed to one of annoyance and anger seeing that the Imperial fleet was losing too many Star Destroyers too quickly before ordering a line of Star Destroyers on the right side of the Death Star to attack Concordia and destroy the Mandalorian ion cannons. "Need I remind you that our Emperor commanded a swift victory here? We shall not fail our masters command! Send squads of TIE bombers down to the moon of Concordia and destroy those ion cannons!"

::A-At once Grand Admiral::

As the TIE bombers were deployed to Concordia, the Imperial Grand Admiral turned his attention back to the Mandalorian blockade to see two massive warships that stood out over the others. Cocking his head in fascination, Thrawn noticed one of those lead warships had missiles that were ripping apart nearby Star Destroyers shields which allowed the rest of the Mandalorian warships to tear apart, while the other lead warship had power plasma fire and long range capabilities that were hammering shielded Star Destroyers as well as light cruisers.

It was fortunate that Thrawn was in Emperor Palpatine's good graces, because he outfitted some of Thrawn's Star Destroyers with a super laser code named: Silencer. This super weapon was inspired by the Imperial navy during the days of the Old Republic when the Imperial forces were being led by the Sith Empire, this mega laser had the ability to destroy several enemy capital ships in rapid succession.

Now it was time to use such power on the enemies of the Empire.

Ordering three of his main Star Destroyers to fire their Silencer lasers at the Mandalorian blockade, the sight of several of the Wraith class warships vaporizing caused the Chiss Grand Admiral to smile wicked and now that they've managed to punch a hole in the enemy blockade? It was time to order all TIE fighters to hammer and bomb the capital city of Sendari into oblivion.

"All TIE fighters, the enemy blockade has been broken, proceed to destroy Sendari and everyone on it while the rest of the fleet deals with the stragglers."

::Understood Grand Admiral. We're going in::

Hundreds of TIE fighters and bombers manage to slip past the Mandalorian blockade thanks to the Silencer mega lasers, the blockade created an opening large enough for several squadrons worth of fighters to advance on the planet down below.

(On board the Mandalorian warship, Flightmare)

Viscus Grimborn slowly rose back to his feet and groaned in pain as he rubbed his head as the force of the Imperial lasers caused him to fly back and crash into a nearby holo table. Rushing back to the bridge, Viscus was horrified at the sight of several squadrons of Imperial TIE fighters and bombers advancing towards the planet below, he then contacted his brother. "Ryltre! Please tell me you alerted Val Haddock of the attack!" He heard nothing but static on the comms, growling to himself, Viscus repeated himself until his older brothers voice was heard.

::I hear you little brother, and don't worry, Matriarch Val and those down in the capital started evacuation as soon as the Empire arrived::

"Good, I'm going to order my gauntlet fighters to slow the TIE fighters advance on the capital and buy our people on the surface more time to evacuate!"

::Understood Viscus. If... If we fall this day? Know that I'm honored to call you my brother::

Ryltre's words caused Viscus to smile lightly and nod. "The honor is mine big brother, but I have no intentions of dying this day. Let us focus on ensuring the enemy fleet is kept at bay and then figure out how we handle that battle station."

::Acknowledged::

Viscus then turned to his crew who were at work at their stations. "Status report on our ship." He said, one of the crew mates spoke up. "Our shields are down for the moment, they're taking time to recharge. If we don't take out those Star Destroyers armed with this mega lasers? We're dead." Humming agreement, Viscus ordered his gun crews to fire missiles at those three Destroyers. As soon as the missiles locked on to the three Destroyers that held the mega lasers, they were all shot down by the planet sized battle station, causing Viscus to growl out in anger and bare his teeth.

"That space station has enough firepower to destroy our entire fleet, and yet... whoever is commanding this attack isn't ordering our total annihilation just yet." Viscus stated, but before he could think out loud again, one of the crew members spoke up. "Captain, a small ships is just now dropping out of hyperspace!" Cocking his head in confusion, Viscus asked. "Is it Imperial?"

"Negative sir, it appears to be... Kaminoan in origin."

Viscus's confusion skyrocketed, he then turned to his crew. "Get me in contact with that ship at once." About a minute later, Viscus approached the holo table to see who exactly was flying that ship but was shocked to see Mandalore the Rebel was flying that small ship. "Mandalore! You're alive!" Viscus said with relief. Horus nodded at the Flightmare's captain.

::I yet live yes, I see you lot are busy up here::

Humming in agreement, Viscus then gestured to the massive space battle raging outside the vacuum of space. "The Empire is throwing everything they've got at us! Several squadrons of TIE fighters and bombers managed to slip through the blockade when three of the enemy Destroyers took out handfuls of our Wraith warships with mega lasers, creating an opening for the TIE's to advance on Sendari."

::I'm going to the surface and aid our people in evacuation. Don't you dare die on me just yet Viscus, you hear me?::

"I understand Mandalore, I will do all I can from up here."

That being said, Horus ended the holo transmission and Viscus returned his attention back to the battle ensuing and barked out to his crew. "Mandalore the Rebel lives! He is now going to Sendari and aiding our people in evacuation. Our mission is to buy our leader and the warriors on the surface as much time as possible to prevent the Empire from eradicating our entire culture and people off the face of the galaxy. We are Mandalorians! We will fight to the last man and ensure our people survive! Victory or death!!"

"Victory or death!"

"Victory or death!!"

"VICTORY OR DEATH!!!"

(Horus's pov)

The sight of the carnage up in space made my stomach weak, our enemies truly intend to snuff us off the face of the galaxy and end this rebellion once and for all. Thank the Force I got here while there's still a Mandalore left to save, once my commandeered ship entered the atmosphere, I contacted Ashara via comms. "Ashara? Ashara come in! This is Horus, can you here me?"

::Horus? Is that you?!::

Chuckling lightly to myself at both the shock and relief in Ashara's voice, I nodded in confirmation. "Yes Milady, its me, I'm just now entering the atmosphere and approaching the capital now. Where are you?"

::Me and handfuls of warriors are aiding our people into ARK ships, our gauntlet fighters and anti air defenses are keeping the Imperial air forces at bay, but we can use some help::

"Hold tight, I'm on my way." I said, once the capital city came into view, I could see TIE fighters and bombers evading Mandalorian anti air fire or being destroyed by friendly gauntlet fighters, luckily, my skills as a pilot are most impressive and I managed to evade handfuls of TIE fighters trying to shoot me down and once I entered the capital city, I landed on the nearest space port, only to be met by six squads of Mandalorian super commandos. Once the commandos saw that it was me, they addressed me by my title and bowed down before, ordering them to rise, I then instructed the elite warriors of our people to continue aiding those who couldn't fight into the ARK ships while I approached a speeder and made my way into the city itself.

As I drove my speeder towards the interplanetary space port, several Mando's flew besides me and one of them was Eric son of Eret. "Mandalore! Its a relief to see you're still up and about!" The muscular Mando said, I nodded in acknowledgment to my companion before asking. "What is the status on the evacuation?" Eric raised his left arm and activated his wrist computer before checking the evacuation status. "About forty five percent Mandalore." Shaking my head, I then growled out to myself. "Thats not good enough. The Empire is raining hell down on Viscus and the rest of the fleet up in space. We need to quicken the evacuation before the Empire arrives an annihilates our ancestral home world."

"I understand Mandalore, me and my men will inform the interplanetary space port to quicken the evacuation." Eric said before urging those alongside him to fly towards the evacuation sight. Meanwhile, I then steered the speeder straight to the Haddock estate to pick up my ancestral Mandalorian armor right where I left it before the mission for Zygerria and then proceed too strap it on, I then picked up a light bag to place my Force Sentinel robes in as well as some meaningful trinkets before exiting my family estate and rushing to the space port to aid in the evacuation.

Once arriving at the interplanetary space port, I could see why the evacuation was taking long, it was because some of the leading citizens were trying to power their way through first and leave those of lower standing to either be left behind or die, the sight sickened me and I made my way down to the nearest ARK ship, the Mandalorian people rejoiced at the sight of me, once I hovered above my people, I then ordered the nearest Mando's to record me so that I could address all of Mandalore.

"People of Mandalore! The Empire is here to annihilate our great culture and society off the face of the galaxy! The evacuation process is only at forty percent!! If you do not work together and stand by each others sides as one? The Empire will succeed in their mission to wipe us out and the brave warriors commanding our fleet in space will have gave up their lives for nothing!!" I roared out before glaring heatedly at my people and pointing outside the capital city. "Even now, Imperial forces are poised to lay waste to these ARK ships and to kill you all! But the warriors outside are buying you time to escape, so please, work together and see Mandalore thrive! Because this place? Its served as our home for centuries, but that may change after today. Mandalore is more than just this planet, Mandalore lives on in us!! The people!! And the Empire wish to erase our history and our culture from history!! Will you take this lightly?"

"NO!!!!"

The Mandalorian people cried out immediately, causing me to nod. "Good. Because we're warriors! All of us! Trained from birth to fight in battle and now when our very survival lies in the balance? I ask you all to work together and see that our people, our history and our culture lives on to see another day! For Mandalore!!"

"FOR MANDALORE!!!"

After that rousing speech, I then land and can see my mother and handfuls of Mandalore's leaders next to myself helping our people into the ARK ships. "Mother!!" I called out, turning around to face me and smiled warmly at the sight of me before wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace, causing me to return my mothers affection. Once we broke our embrace, I look over her to see if I could spoke Ashara or Ahsoka in the crowds of people. "Do you know where Ashara or Ahsoka are?" I ask my mother, she shakes her head. "I'm sure their at one of the many other ARK ships aiding in the evacuation." Nodding to myself, I then kiss my mothers cheek and gently squeeze her shoulder and say in a urgent. "Please get on board one of the ARK's while there's time." She smiles lightly at me and nods before returning to aid our people.

Sighing heavily I then hear the roars of a TIE fighter entering the city and that caused the people to panic once the TIE started shooting at the crowds of people. Snarling in outrage, I grasp the TIE fighter with the Force and crush the fighter until its nothing but a heap of metal, I then see another fighter advancing, so I then hurl the fighter I crushed at the incoming one and watch in satisfaction as the two enemy fighter collide into each other and descend into a fiery heap.

"Attention all gauntlet fighters and anti air gun crews, this is Horus Haddock! Ensure that the enemy doesn't slip past you! We need more time to evacuate the people!!"

::Understood Mandalore, we'll buy you as much time as we can!::

"Horus!!"

Turning around, I see Maul and Cori approach me, I smile lightly at the sight of my red skinned tattooed allies. "Nice of you to join the chaos." Cori teased, causing me to smirk at her before turning to Maul. "Do you know where Ahsoka is?" He nodded and urged me to follow him, we then make our way to another ARK ship that is just now full of my people and I'm relieved at the sight of Ashara and Ahsoka as well as Ty, Rain, Stef, Hall and Fredadan aiding the final passengers board that ARK.

"Ashara! Ahsoka!!" I call out, both women turned around and they gasped at the sight of me before running over to me and each woman received a warm hug and passionate kiss before I then urge my friends to join us. "Its good to see you guys, but under the circumstances? I suggest we save the reunion after we get our people and Bail's rebel cell as well as the former slaves that are now part of our rebellion out of here." I said, causing everyone to agree and then turn to the rest of the ARK ships and see Mandalorian warriors aiding the citizens on board the massive ships.

"You lot get on board an ARK while you still can." I say firmly, Ashara gives me a worried look before grasping my hand. "What about you?" Turning to my blond haired general, I answer. "I'm ensuring our backs are covered in case anymore TIE fighters or bombers slip past the city's defenses." I then place a hand on Ashara's cheek and caress it lovingly, causing her to close her eyes and lean into my touch. "I'll be fine Ashara. I promise." I reassure her, she then grasps the back of my neck and kisses me deeply before breaking off and jabbing a finger into my armored chest. "I better see you on board on of those ARKS." Smirking at her playful threat, I nod at her before turning to Ahsoka. "Do you trust me?" I asked her, she kissed my lips and nodded. "With my life, I just share Ashara's concern here, but I understand the need to cover our backs." I nod at her and then urge both my lovers and my friends to get on board an ARK ship.

Turning to Maul and Cori I then raise both my eyebrows at them. "Well, the Empire may in fact use the super weapon to destroy this planet, and if they do? We're going to need to find a place to settle. Any suggestions?" Maul pursed his lips before his eyes widened slightly and answered. "I suggest... a planet strong in the Force. Perhaps Tython." I hum in acknowledgment before agreeing. "Very well. We will however need to ensure our tracks are covered to ensure the Empire can't find us and lucky for us, I've mastered the ability to cloak our presence in the Force so the Sith and their bloodhounds can't find us."

"Yes, it would jeopardize the Mandalorian peoples safety if Sidious just sends Vader and his Inquisitors to deal with not only you, but myself, Maul and Ahsoka." Cori stated, causing the Zabrak to hum in agreement with his lover before looking behind me and activating his blood red lightsaber. "Duck!" He snarled out, not questioning the Zabrak's demand, I duck and Maul hurls his lightsaber and successfully destroys another incoming TIE fighter.

::Mandalore!! Come in Mandalore!!!::

"I read you Viscus! Whats happening?!"

::The Empire is overpowering us!! We need to withdraw before our entire fleet is destroyed!::

"Very well. Come down to the surface and escort the ARK ships! They're about to depart in exactly three minutes!"

::Solid copy. We'll be there::

(Normal pov)

Back up in space, the Imperial fleet had driven the Mandalorian fleet to withdraw back to the surface and under Horus's direct orders, the remaining warships and cruisers were to protect the ARK ships at all costs. Meanwhile, on board the Death Star, Admiral Thrawn smirked at the sight of the Empire's enemies fleeing. "We have them crippled, but now it is time to deliver the killing blow." Turning to Director Krennic, Thrawn nodded at the man. "I believe it is time to end this conflict once and for all. Let us test the full might of this battle stations super laser." Nodding in acknowledgment, Krennic turned to the super weapon's crew and ordered them to fire on the planet.

"Commence primary ignition!"

Every military officer on board the Death Star's bridge watched as the crew of the battle station proceeded to punch in the correct buttons and levers before the super laser opened fired on the planet below. The laser struck the planet but didn't completely destroy it, the sight of such... power sent chills to crawl down Krennic's spine as a light smile stretched across his face and he murmured out. "Oh its... beautiful." Humming in agreement, Thrawn then turned to the super laser operators and nodded at them. "Fire again." The operators nodded and repeated the same process and fired a second time, and that second blow was enough to destroy Mandalore entirely. As remnants of Mandalore floated in the vacuum of space, the Imperial officers murmured and whispered among themselves before Krennic nodded to himself and pushed through his fellow comrades to excuse himself back to his quarters.

"I believe I owe you an apology Director Krennic. Your work exceeds all expectations." Tarkin said, all Imperial personnel on the bridge turned to Krennic who stopped dead in his tracks and gave Tarkin a skeptical look before asking. "Will you tell the Emperor as such?"

"I will tell him that his patience with your... misadventures has been rewarded with a weapon that will crush future insurrections or rebellions across the galaxy." Tarkin clarified, Krennic merley nodded before taking his leave, Thrawn then turned to his fellow Imperial comrades and asked. "I trust you recorded this historic moment?" Nodding in confirmation, the Imperial officers presented the holographic recordings to the Chiss Grand Admiral. Satisfied with what he saw, Thrawn then proceeded to contact Emperor Palpatine and once the Sith Lords figure appeared, every Imperial on the bridge bowed down before their master.

::A great day my friends. Today marks the death of the rebellion and the birth of a new era of peace for the Empire. Congratulations are in order to you Grand Admiral for leading our forces and delivering me a swift victory::

"You honor me, my liege. But the price of such victory was... costly."

::Those you lost today will be forever remembered as heroes of the Empire Grand Admiral. Now, return to Coruscant at once. Celebrations are in order::

Palpatine's figure fazed out and once the Imperial officers and personnel rose to their feet, Thrawn gave the order to jump to hyperspace and go straight to Coruscant. The Emperor was correct, this was the dawn of a new era of peace for the Empire and with the might of this battle station? No one would ever challenge the Empire again.

(Horus's pov)

I just couldn't believe my eyes.

Mandalore... our ancestral home... was gone.

The sight of our home planet being annihilated was too much for the people of Mandalore to bare and some of them sobbed while others cursed the Empire for being barbaric savages that have no honor in fighting face to face.

As for me? Of course this loss hit me hard, Mandalore was my home and Sidious took that away from me and my people.

He's just made this far more personal.

I'm glad that I caught holographic footage of the Empire's new battle station obliterate my home, because I'm counting on my allies in the Imperial Senate to present this the galaxy and show them that siding with the Empire is not worth it. And I pray that the people of the galaxy will rally together to overthrow this evil who cloaks itself in righteousness. The Empire and the Sith will pay for this attack.

In blood.

"Mandalore? Where shall we go?" One of the Ark's captains asked me, turning to the captain, I sigh heavily before answering him. "Set course to Tython." Nodding in acknowledgement, the captain of the main ARK communicated with all the other ARK ships and the rest of our fleet to make the hyperspace jump to Tython.

This was going to be a very long and quiet journey.