SMSTSS 20: The Guardian of the Force! – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: R1/2, SM, ST, SW and other properties belong to their respective owners.
Note: this is a mult-genre story.
Special Note: This is a sequel to "TRTSS1: The Warrior of Stars" (which features "The Phantom Menace", "Attack of the Clones" and "The Clone Wars").
Author's Note: I decided to go ahead and re-post this story with edits and revisions. Think of the events of "Star Wars" (featuring "Revenge of the Sith", "The Dark Times", "A New Hope", "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi"), but with the emphasis on the POV of Usagi Tsukino/Sailor Moon. As always, C&C are welcomed. Enjoy!
Part 1
To recap: War! The Republic is facing constant attacks by the ruthless Sith Lord, Count Dooku. In a stunning move, the fiendish droid leader, General Grievous, has swept into the Republic capital and kidnapped Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, leader of the Galactic Republic. As the Separatist Droid Army attempts to flee the besieged capital with their valuable hostage, the Jedi Knights prepare for the moment tide will turn in favor of the Republic...
On Coruscant, the capital of the Galactic Republic, Jedi Master Ranma Saotome directed the recovery efforts, still cursing the fact that General Grievous had gotten the best of him.
"Sir," said one of the Cloned Troops. "We managed to contact the medical center for additional hospital transports."
"Good," Ranma said. "And Shaak Ti?"
"She is in stable condition."
"Good," Ranma said with a sigh, thinking about how Grievous had almost murdered his ex-girlfriend, who was also a fellow Jedi Knight. "If I see that bastard Grievous again…"
"Anger, there is no need," said Jedi Grandmaster Yoda, as he floated on a hover chair.
"But he murdered several Jedi, including Master Jinn, and all in the effort to kidnap Chancellor Palpatine. And right now, our forces are being attacked in orbit around Coruscant, and we're waiting for reinforcements? Come on!"
"You have to have faith in your fellow Jedi," said Weapon Master Mace Windu, as he turns away from some troops he had been conferring with only mere moments ago. "Our job on the ground is to make sure that the capital is cleared of Separatist troops, as well as take care of our causalities. Other members of the Order will take care of Count Dooku's forces here, while General Kenobi returns with his fleet."
"I hope you're right, Master Windu," Ranma said, as he looks up at the skies. He knew that what appeared to be fireworks was really an exchange of weapons fire between two great forces, forces that will decide the fate of the Lu'kas Galaxy for generations to come…
"Thankfully, my padawan was able to create and relay to us a special protocol program—an encryption 'hack'—that will make it easy to root out the Separatists' Droid Army," Windu said, as he accepts a personal data device from an aide.
Mace Windu's "padawan" was, of course, Jedi Adept Ami Mizuno, who had accompanied Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi to the outer rim of the galaxy to investigate a potential crisis, but had been working on the problem of hacking the droid army's computer protocols throughout much of the conflict between the Republic and the Separatists…
"And as soon as someone notices, the protocols will change," Ranma replied. "I don't knock Ami's skills, but still…"
"A start, it is," Yoda said. "Buy us time to recover, the operation will."
"I hope so, Master Yoda," Ranma said. "I hope so…"
Just then, Senator Kasumi Padme Amidala and her entourage enter the area.
"Master Jedis," Kasumi said, as she steps up.
"Senator, it's not safe for you to be here," Windu said.
"I need not worry for my safety," Kasumi said, as she glances over towards Ranma, who nods his head in reply. "Am I not protected by the finest beings in the galaxy? Besides, Chancellor Palpatine is of Naboo, which makes his welfare my business."
"Still in the clutches of General Grievous, he is," Yoda said. "Rescue plan, implemented it will."
"Even as we speak, General Kenobi's fleet is returning to assist in that rescue."
"That is good," Kasumi said, thinking about her husband Anakin. "Now, if you can excuse me…"
"Of course," Windu said, as he nods his head in reply.
"How're you holding up?" Kasumi asked Ranma.
"I'm fine, I guess," Ranma said. "Did you hear anything from Hoshi and the others?"
"They send their regards," Kasumi said. Hoshi Sato and T'Pol were members of the Naboo Royal Advisory Council within the Naboo's capital city of Theed. But Hoshi was special to Ranma, since they were married.
"Hoshi and T'Pol are okay. No Separatist fleet has been seen since the last time you and Usagi were there."
"Good, it means that Dooku and his goons know what will happen if Naboo is attacked again…"
Ranma looks up at the night skies.
"I just hope that this war draws to a close quickly, so I can see my wife and daughter again…"
Meanwhile in space, General Kenobi's fleet arrives at the outer edge of the Coruscant Star System. Coruscant was the hub of the galaxy; control it, and one can control the galaxy. It has been the center of attention for thousands of generations, and has been named and renamed many times under different regimes, but its importance will always remain the same. As of now, General Kenobi will direct the fleet to attack the Separatist warships, while sending the lesser ranked Jedi to spearhead the effort. In particular, Jedi Adepts Usagi Tsukino and Anakin Skywalker will attempt to rescue Supreme Chancellor Palpatine himself, from aboard General Grievous's ship, the "Invisible Hand", the flagship of the Separatists. So, after a final debriefing, Usagi, the more senior Jedi, prepares for the assault…
"Oh, well, I guess it's time," Usagi said with a sigh, as she looks on at the battle scene before her. She was dressed in a brown clock, brown jerkin and comfortable, tan clothes and shoes (which reminded the girl of some ninja outfit). Usagi wore a belt that had a blaster on one side and a metal cylinder on the other. She wore her hair in her traditional style (i.e. "twin meatballs"). However, the stern look on her face, and the clasping of her hands behind her back gave off an imposing figure. As Usagi stared out into space, a white (with a helmet with red trim) suited soldier steps forward from behind.
"General Tsukino," the soldier says. "We are ready to lead the assault on the 'Invisible Hand'."
Usagi turns her head slightly.
"Thank you, Commander Cody" she replies. "I just need a few more minutes to be ready."
"Yes, ma'am."
Once alone, Usagi clasped her hands in prayer, and closed her eyes.
"Mother, please guide my hand this day. Please give me the wisdom to do the right thing, so that my friends might have a better future. Amen."
Usagi then straightens herself and turns curtly, with her cloak bellowing, hood down.
"Tho'ohki!" Usagi yelled.
Her pet cabbit "Th-Ohki" comes running up. He then hops unto Usagi's shoulder.
"Hey, little guy," Usagi says with a smile. "You're ready to kick butt?"
"Th-OW!"
As Usagi walks towards the docking bay, she is joined by her partner Wing Commander Anakin Skywalker. Both of them were seasoned Jedi, had only recently been given command of their fleet of ships and cloned troops. While Anakin hated the fact that Usagi was the senior partner, they still consider themselves be close friends. Even when Usagi fell under the sway of the Sith a year ago, and fought each other, they still remained friends.
"Ready, partner?" Anakin asks.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Usagi says. Then, seeing the assembled troops and fighter pilots, she turns to the group.
"Listen up," Usagi began. "Our job is two-fold. One, we are to break the defenses of the Separatist Count Dooku, and, two, mount a rescue of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. I know that it will be rough, but we've handled tougher situations before."
Anakin steps forward.
"We all have been tested. I lost my hand fighting Dooku, and I will never stop until I see to it that he face justice."
Anakin raised his mechanical fist. It had been repaired and restored since the encounter of the Separatists' secret laboratory on Nalvaan, a near-frozen world located along the galactic rim. Separatist scientists from the Techno Union were mutating and augmenting the natives into soldiers for their armies. Thankfully, that sort of business had been stopped.
"Are you READY?"
"WE ARE!" responded the soldiers.
"Then let's move out," Usagi commanded.
"YAY!"
As the soldiers got into position for their assault, Usagi turns to her friend.
"Good luck, Commander," Usagi says, as she shakes Anakin's hand.
"You, too, General," replies Anakin.
"Tho'ohki!" Usagi says. "Transform!"
"TH-OW!"
CH-CHING!
The cabbit transforms into a mini-space cruiser. For an organic creature, Thumper was perhaps the most powerful vessel in existence. Usagi hops into the vehicle. She takes the control-spheres and pilots Thumper out into space, which was followed by several squadrons of fighters…
Upon the initial run, Usagi and Anakin led their tactical assault squadron, mostly by breaking though the Separatists' defensive line.
"Squadron, on my mark," Usagi said, as she moved the floating spheres within her hands. Jurai technology did not rely on a traditional HUD or joystick, but used gravity to affect the movement of the vehicle. Of course, when dealing with a living ship that was Tho-Ohki, it still had a mind of its own.
"It appears that the Count is expecting us," Anakin said with a smirk. "If only Ahsoka could see this…"
Ahsoka Tano was a Togruta (ivory/blue-striped head-tailed, tanned skinned) girl who was Anakin Skywalker's apprentice. In many ways, she was like her master: short-tempered daredevil who took chances.
"Well, I'm sure that she wished she could," Usagi replied. "Right now, we're the tip of the spear. Right, Tho-Ohki?"
"Th-owww!" the cabbit replied.
"Then let the fun begin," Anakin replied with a smirk.
With that, the Jedi ran into a dense "wall" of droid fighters, ready to pounce at a single motion from the enemy…
After wading through a throng of droid fighters, Usagi and Anakin made it through to the hanger of Count Dooku's ship. Tho-Ohki was only slightly damaged from the battle thus far.
"Tho-Ohki, transform to Robo-mode!" Usagi responds. Luckily, she has had extensive mecha training before arriving to the territory of the Galactic Republic years ago.
"Th-OW!"
CH-CHING!
"Robo-mode" allowed Tho-Ohki to become a large, mechanized robot version of its normal form.
Usagi adjusted the control panel, so that she could fight the droids by the dozens. Once the hanger was cleared, Usagi pops out of the chassis, with her twin purple sabers in hand.
SNAP! SNAP! Hzzzzzz…
"Tho-Ohki, guard the hanger for Anakin," Usagi says, as she ran to the bridge.
"Th-OW!"
Usagi ran down the hall, moving at tremendous speed, thanks to the Force. Unfortunately, her way towards the bridge was blocked by scores of battle-droids.
The droids fire upon Usagi, as she uses her light sabers to block the laser fire. Just as she was about to be overwhelmed-
SNAP! Hzzzzz…
SLICE!
Anakin had just arrived into the docking bay, when Usagi took off. Tho-Ohki had transformed to normal, and took off with Anakin and R2-D2.
"Hey, leave some for me," Anakin said, as he parried various energy pikes.
"Ah, you were taking too long," Usagi replied, as she cut the heads of the androids. She then took out a hand grenade from her belt.
"Duck," Usagi said, as she the grenades into a nearby vent. From what she recalled for the debriefing on the Invisible Hand, the ventilation system ran parallel to the power conduit.
"I thought you hated handling those things," Anakin said, as he ran back.
"Hey, you hang out with an ARC Trooper…you pick up a few things."
When that said, Usagi, Anakin, Tho-Ohki and R2-D2 got to a safe distance…
BOOM!
Tho-Ohki had transformed to Mech-Thumper, in order to shield the blast.
"See? It works!"
Anakin shakes his head.
Finally, after going through yet another throng of droids and "Fish-men" (called "Nemoidians"), Usagi, Anakin and company makes it to the bridge of Count Dooku's flagship. After fighting within the bowels of the ship, the damage caused by the Jedi caused the ship to spiral out of control, and towards to city-planet below. As soon Anakin and Usagi gets to the bridge door, the two took a minute to rest.
"Okay," Usagi says. "Now, remember, we are to capture Dooku alive."
Anakin wanted to take down Dooku for what happened to him back on Geonosis, but decided to bide his time.
"Fine."
"Alright. Ready…steady…GO!"
The Jedi burst through the command decks' door.
"Well, you two have arrived," said the old, bearded man named Count Dooku. Standing next to him was the mechanical General Grievous. Tied to a chair was Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who was merely observing the situation.
"Thank goodness you have arrived," said Palpatine.
Usagi nods her head.
"You are under arrest, Count Dooku," Usagi says, as she steps forward.
"How can a little girl like you can arrest ME?" Dooku replied. "General?"
The cyborg rushed at Usagi, while Usagi leaped out of the way. She used her saber to slice away at Grievous' cape, which revealed four mechanical arms…
SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! Hzzzzz…
…And each of which had four light sabers.
"Now, we shall end this!" said the cyborg.
Uh, oh! Usagi thought.
"Anakin!" Usagi yelled, as she brought her pair of purple sabers up. "Take care of Dooku-!"
Usagi used her Bene Gesserit and Force (like and dark) training in tandem to avoid the intended multiple strikes from Grievous. The cyborg general knew that Usagi was skilled in the ways of the Force, and in lightsaber dueling in particularly. Grievous himself had been harnessed to be the ultimate warrior: a brilliant tactician and a fearsome warrior. To that end, he was augmented by Count Dooku to become a cyborg with training in the use of the Force, and thus became the one being who put fear in all Jedi, save for a handful of experienced (or foolish) knights who had the skill to put up a fight.
And one of them happened to be his opponent at the moment…
"Foolish girl!" Grievous said, as he swung his swords, driving the fight into another part of the command deck towards the rear. "To think you had been a Sith Acolyte like myself!"
"Even if I was a Sith Acolyte still, I wouldn't BE like you," Usagi said. "You're just another pawn in the Sith's plan for galactic domination, and you don't even know how expendable you are."
Pause.
"Besides, there's nothing about you that I haven't learned to counter, thanks to my time with Count Dooku."
"Then let me show you some that I've learned in your absence," Grievous said, as a port in his chassis opens, and began to blast a sonic concussion that rattles Usagi's head.
"Owie…"
Usagi used her twin 'sabers to counter the General's four. Her strength of will and concentration was being sapped by the sound wave, when something unexpected happens.
"TH-OW!" Mecha-Tho'Ohki yowled, as he blasted through the bulkhead while smaller droids hung unto the cabbit.
"Wha-?" Grievous said in surprise, as he stopped his assault.
Mecha-ThoOhki blasted Grievous in the back, sending him out into space. The vacuum of space began to suck Usagi out, when Thumper grabbed her. As soon as they were at a safe distance, Usagi managed to fine a panel, and activated emergency procedures that allowed the Invisible Hand to automatically seal up the hole in the Plexiglas. However, upon seeing Grievous seeming flying about, using some sort of jet pack as a means of movement, Usagi knew that she would have to face the Sith Acolyte another time.
"Anakin!" Usagi cried, as she remembered what had happened. So, she ran back to the command deck, only to witness Anakin beheading Count Dooku.
"NO-!"
As Dooku's head fell onto the floor, Usagi just shook her head.
"Well, done, Adept Skywalker," Palpatine said. "You do your Jedi Order proud."
A smile is shone on Anakin's face, while Usagi turns away in disgust, for she knew that without Dooku, she wouldn't have the means to expose Darth Sidious to the lime light. Still, she did understand why Anakin would have killed Dooku for what he has done throughout this senseless war.
"Anakin," Usagi said, as she deactivated her lightsaber. "Dooku's lightsaber?"
"I know, I know," Anakin said, as he looks away a bit, as he hands the weapon over to Usagi, for evidence that the Separatist leader was dead. "We should have taken him alive."
"Yes, but it's over now," Usagi said, as she glances over towards the Supreme Chancellor. "And you did rescue the chancellor."
"Indeed," Palpatine said. "Now, if you don't mind…?"
"Oh, sorry, chancellor," Anakin said, as he used his lightsaber to break the bonds holding Palpatine in place.
"Thank you, adept," Palpatine said, as he rubbed his wrists. He then glances towards Usagi.
"At least someone is being helpful-"
Suddenly, the Invisible Hand rocked, as everyone on the command deck stood their ground.
"What was that?" Palaptine asked.
"Sounds like the stabilizers are off," Anaking said, as looked around. He could tell from the feel of the ship was off somehow…
Usagi tapped her wrist band, which emits a holographic representation of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
"Master, I think we're in trouble," Usagi asked.
"Ami confirms your situation," Kenobi said. "A space has been made on the runaway for an emergency landing. You just need to land it."
"Now, you're talking my language," Anakin said.
"I think we have the pilot we need to land this bucket of bolts," Usagi said. "Please stand-by."
Usagi then turns towards Anakin and Palpatine.
"We have to get to the forward deck."
"But that will take time," Palpatine said.
"We do have a friend," Anakin said, as he turns towards Mecha-Tho'Ohki. "Right, little buddy?"
"Tho-owww!" the cabbit said enthusiastically, as it opens its chassis.
"Chancellor, it's going to be a tight fit, but I think we can make it," Usagi said.
"Oh, well, this will prove to be…interesting," Palpatine said, as he climbs aboard the Mecha-Tho'Ohki.
"Indeed," Anakin said.
"Okay," Usagi said, as she grabbed the controls that manipulated Mech-Tho-Ohki. "Here goes nothing-!"
"I thought that was my line?" Anakin said with a smirk.
"Ha, ha, funny boy," Usagi said, as she maneuvered the mech into the elevator shaft, after Mecha-Tho-Ohki smashed the doors apart. He then dropped down the elevator shaft until he arrived at the right floor…
"Here we are," Usagi said, as she looked around the abandoned flight deck. Already, she could tell that that the Separatist flagship was about to descend into the atmosphere.
"Please, Chancellor, buckle up," Anakin said, as he and Usagi took their seats. "R2: patch into the ship's main systems, and reroute the primary systems. I doubt we have an engineering crew anymore."
"Bee-oop!" R2-D2 (aka "Artoo") replied enthusiastically.
"Tho-ow?" Tho-Ohki asked, as he hoped unto his mistress shoulders.
"It'll be okay," Usagi said, as she buckled up. She then paid attention to the instrument panel.
"We're coming in hot. You sure you can do it?"
"Well, I hope so," Anakin said. "Slowing descent…"
Main thrusters are shut down, but, in the process the ship is ripped in half.
"Oo-ooo!" Artoo replied.
"We, um, lost something," Anakin replied.
"Huh," Usagi replied, as she increased the anti-gravity generators. "I'm stabilizing as much as I can. Just keep that nose up."
"Affirmative," Anakin said.
"If I may be so bold," Palpatine said. "According to your instruments, the ship is on fire."
"I'm well aware of it, sir," Usagi said, as she tapped into the line for Flight Control.
"Flight Control, we need assistance," Usagi said. "Over."
"This is Flight Control," said the response over the air. "We have a hazmat team going to provide assistance, over."
"Appreciate that," Usagi said. She then turns towards her flight partner.
"She's all your, Ani."
"Got it," Anakin said with a heavy sigh. "Here goes nothing…"
In spite of the roughness of the landing, Anakin was able to set down what was left of the Invisible Hand.
"I think we made it," Anakin said.
"Well, any landing is a good one," Usagi said, as she glances over towards Palpatine. "Are you okay, sir?"
"Quite alright," Palpatine said with a smile. "At least, one obstacle has been eliminated."
"Well, I was hoping that Count Dooku would stand trial."
"I told you, I'm sorry about that," Anakin said with annoyance.
"And I accept that, Ani. It's just that I wanted him alive mostly for my benefit, I guess..."
A short time later...
"We're glad that you're back, Chancellor," said Jedi Master Windu, as he and Palpatine's staff arrived at the steps of the Senate building to await Palpatine's return.
"I do have Adepts Skywalker and Tsukino to thank for," Palpatine said with a smile, as he motions towards Usagi and Anakin.
"Accomplishments, we're proud of," said Jedi Master Yoda. "Sadly, lost many good Jedi, we have."
"So, I heard," Palpatine said, as he nods somberly, as he glances over at Anakin. Anakin, having heard of what happened to his master, was staring out into the distance...
"Perhaps, I can help Young Skywalker by making a formal request to your council," Palpatine said.
"Request?" Windu replied.
"Yes. Since Master Jinn is no longer with us, perhaps Young Skywalker can take his place on your council?"
"Unusual, this is," Yoda said.
"With all due respect, the Jedi on the council select those who can serve," Mace said. "In fact, we were considering placing Adept Tsukino on the council, since we feel that she has redeemed herself sufficiently."
"And Young Anakin is not qualified?" Palpatine said. "Had he not served well under Master Kenobi's command, as well as took on an apprentice?"
Yoda and Windu glance at each other, before returning their collective gaze over towards the Supreme Chancellor.
"We will...honor your request by honoring Master Jinn's sacrifice," Windu said evenly.
"Thank, Master Jedi," Palpatine said. "You honor me with your acceptance of my request."
"Chancellor, there are others who wish to confer with you," said one of Palpatine's aides.
"Now, we can conduct additional business inside," Palpatine said. "Please, join me. I wish to know of your plans to deal with General Grievous..."
With that, Palpatine and his entourage go inside the Senate building.
Meanwhile, Usagi yawns.
"Geez," Usagi said, as she hands her cabbit a carrot to chew on. "I can't wait until I get some sleep..."
Usagi turns towards Anakin.
"Ani, are you okay?" Usagi said, as she goes over to her friend and colleague.
"I don't know," Anakin said, as he stared off into the distance. "I should have been here. I should have...gone after Grievous instead of Dooku."
"And we'll get him," Usagi said. "This war is not yet over."
"I know, and that's what is so frustrating..."
"Hey, guys," Ranma said, as he and Kasumi Padme Amidala walked up to their friends.
"Ani," Padme said.
"Padme," Anakin said, as he rushes over to his wife of five years.
"We better leave them alone," Ranma said, as he begins to drag Usagi away.
"But I haven't said hello yet!" Usagi said.
Ranma then whispers something in Usagi's ear.
"Oh, I see," Usagi said, having been told by Ranma that Kasumi was pregnant.
"Yeah, I figured that we should leave those two alone," Ranma said. "In the mean time, let's go celebrate your act of heroism."
"Alright, but you're buying..."
With that, the old friends go out to the nearest bar for some merriment.
A day later …
On behalf of Palpatine, Anakin was given a seat on the Jedi Council, much to the consternation of the council itself. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi, still grieving the lost of his friend Qui-Gon Jinn, and Usagi were assigned the task of tracking down General Grievous, since he was the key to end this so-called "Clone War".
At the Jedi Temple, two friends were having an argument.
"I thought that you'd be proud of me," Anakin retorted.
"Look, I am, Ani," Usagi says, as she wrapped her robes around her. It seems to get very chili as of late. "I just wish that we could have followed orders, instead of you hot-dogging all the time."
Anakin gets angry.
"Palpatine was right about you."
"And that would be…?"
"You wanted to reap the rewards! YOU wanted to be a member of the Jedi Council!"
"I don't CARE about being on the council! Long before YOU were born, I was leading armies! Long before you were born, I was in charge of an empire!"
Usagi was referring about her time when she, Ranma, Hoshi and T'Pol had spent many years on the planet Arrakis, thanks to a temporal rift while on assignment for the Enterprise (under the command of Jonathon Archer). On Arrakis, otherwise known as "Dune", a young man named Paul Atriedes had chosen her to be his "right hand", as he began his ascent towards being a "Messiah". And it was during that time that Paul's mother Jessica had trained Usagi in the ways of the Bene Gesserit, an order that was part nunnery, part witchery (depending on who one asks). Before Usagi and her friends left for home, she became known as "the Chancellor-Princess Serena, the 'Usa'Dib'", the only one to be promoted to the rank of Mother Superior independent of the Order proper. How that came about, is another story.
Usagi sighed.
"Look, Ani, I am proud of you. But the way things went will bring nothing but trouble. Trust me, I've seen enough political intrigue to know when something is about to go down. I'm just looking after your best interest, that's all."
Usagi gave Anakin a peck on the cheek.
"Look, I promise to visit Padme before I leave on my mission with Master Kenobi. Just be careful."
"Yeah, well, whatever," Anakin said, as he begins to walk away. "At least Ahsoka still believes in me…"
Just then, Ranma and Ami walk up to Usagi.
"What's wrong with Ani?" Ranma asked.
"He's just mad that he wasn't on the Jedi Council as a master," Usagi said with a sigh. "He thinks that because of Master Jinn's death, the rest of the council doesn't have to confer upon him the respect he deserves."
"Do you think he deserves his place amongst the council?" Ami asked.
"I don't know, to be honest, it isn't fair that the council is using Ani to keep tabs on Palpatine," Usagi said.
"But didn't you say that you were uncomfortable being around Palpatine?" Ranma asked.
"I did, but that could be just nerves. But, we talk about this later. Um, can you watch Tho-Ohki for a moment? I got to see Padme."
"Sure," Ami said. "Come on, little guy?"
"Ooow," Tho-Ohki said, as he hops over to the Ami's right shoulder. "Th-oww?"
"It'll be okay, little guy," Usagi said.
With that, Usagi turned and leaves.
"But…Anakin proved himself time and time again," Ami said, as she turned towards Ranma. "And he trained Ahsoka reasonably well."
"I'll have to talk to Master Yoda about this," Ranma said. "Something's not right around here, that's for sure…"
No one noticed the fact that Anakin was still present. Had they did, they would have noticed the darkening of Anakin's aura…
At the quarters of Senator Padme Amidala of Naboo, two friends were celebrating…
"Ah, thank you, Usagi," Padme said, as she hugged her old friend. She received a pair of booties that Usagi managed to make during her spare time.
"It's no problem," Usagi replied. "Had I known you were having twins, I would have made another."
"Ah, it's okay. The thought counts."
Padme was six months pregnant, and was beginning to show. So far, her elaborate clothing was hiding this fact.
"Is there anything going on with Ani?" Padme asked. "I haven't seen him as often as I would like."
"You know how it is," Usagi replies. "War gets to anyone."
"But you seem to be okay."
"That's because I'm already nuts!"
"Seriously, how do you do it?"
"One day at a time, my friend. You got to remember, I've been through more conflicts that I care to remember. You get comfortable with your experiences after a while."
"Well, I hope that Ani can come to me, and talk about what he is feeling."
"Just give him time. He's the big man on campus these days."
"I hope you're right, Usagi," Padme said. "I hope you're right…"
A few days later, Kenobi's fleet arrived just outside of the Utapau Star System. Jedi Knights General Usagi Tsukino, Commander Ami Mizuno and General Ranma Saotome accompanied Jedi Knight High General Obi-Wan Kenobi to the last stronghold of the Separatists, where General Grievous will be. Since Jedi Knight Commander Anakin Skywalker was selected by the chancellor to represent him on the Jedi Council, Anakin stayed behind on Coruscant.
"I guess that you would want to lead the troops, Master Kenobi," Usagi says.
"Only if I need to, Usagi," Kenobi replied. "You've earned that right…you all have."
Usagi smiles at that.
Kenobi turns towards Ranma and Ami.
"When the time has come, I want you two to initiate the assault," Kenobi said.
"How come I can't come, and take point?" Ranma complained.
"Because YOU, my friend, break things," Kenobi said with a smile. "Fine in most cases, but stealth is in order."
"Yeah, right!"
Upon touching the surface of the planet, Usagi and Kenobi were able to locate General Grievous, and then call in an assault, led by Ranma and Ami. The final assault on the forces of General Grievous was fierce. The war was at a crossroads of sorts. During the fight, Ami, who was in a mobile command unit, was wounded in the crossfire, and had to be evacuated to The Serenity, their flagship. After hours of fighting, Kenobi, Ranma and Usagi had Grievous cornered.
"This is the end of the line, General," said Kenobi, as he and his fellow knights do battle.
Grievous merely snarled, as he charged forward.
Working as one, Usagi and Kenobi blocked the attacks. Then, they countered the attacks; Ranma took the high road, Usagi took the low road and Kenobi went straight for the center.
And then, something happened.
At the last second, Grievous kicked Usagi down. Taken advantage of this, Grievous bared down on her, like a spinning blade of death…
"No!" yelled Kenobi, as he moved to intercept the attack.
SLICE!
Grievous was able to hold Ranma back with his other arms, as he finished off Kenobi.
Just as Usagi could see again, she saw what had happened Kenobi.
"No…NOOOOOOO!" Usagi cried.
"Well, that's one Jedi," Grievous smirked, as he began to laugh maniacally.
Ranma, seeing his comrade down, fought harder. Using Grievous' own weapons, the pig-tailed Jedi guided his own weapon against Grievous' and…
SLICE!
Ranma managed slice off an arm.
"Why you-!"
SLICE! SLICE!
"Argh!" Grievous says, as he runs away.
"Usagi, take care of him!" Ranma said, as he ran after Grievous…
Usagi immediately went down to Kenobi's level.
"Master, please die!" Usagi said tearfully, as she checked on her master's wounds. "Don't die because of me and my carelessness!"
Kenobi managed to open his eyes.
"Don't cry," Kenobi said gently. "I knew that one day, I will perish for what I believe in. So, today...my life...ends, but I know that you will carry on my legacy, and the legacy...of those who have come before me..."
Usagi nods her head in reply. Essentially, her master was reminding her that her training as a Jedi carried the weight of her master's influence, and the influence of those Jedi who came before him...
"Yes, Master," Usagi replied.
"But mostly, I'm just glad that I lived long enough to see you redeemed...as a Jedi Knight..."
And with that, Obi-Wan Kenobi, master of Usagi Tsukino, and padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn, dies, leaving a grief-stricken Usagi behind...
A day later…
"Usagi," said a voice.
"Uhhh," Usagi says, as she wakes up. Ever since that fight with Grievous, she's been in and out of sleep, not wanting to deal with the loss of Obi-Wan. With her were Tho-Ohki, Ami, Yoda and Ranma were on the Alderaan ship helmed by Bail Organa. Unfortunately, Ami had been injured when those Clone Troops under her command suddenly turned on her. In fact, all the Clone Troops had turned on the Jedi everywhere in the galaxy, forcing the surviving Jedi to flee. However, amazingly enough, Commander Cody was the only clone to not have turned against his superiors, and, in fact, rescued Ami during the chaos, but sacrificing his life in the end.
And now, it was time to regroup and learn how things have turned sour for the Jedi, prompting a need to return to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, within the backdrop of a major address being giving to the Galactic Senate by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine...
"Oh, Master Yoda…"
"Listen well, young one," Yoda says. "Made their move, the Sith have…"
"And we need to take care of a few things on Coruscant," Ranma says grimly. "But first, we need to go to the Jedi Temple to find out what the hell happened."
"Okay," Usagi said, as she got up. "Let me…see Ami."
A few minutes later, Usagi was by Ami's side.
"Hey," Usagi said, as she knells by Ami's side.
Ami looks up.
"Hi," Ami replied. "You're up. I was getting worried."
"I know," Usagi said with a smile.
Pause.
"Oh, Ami," Usagi said, as she held her friend's hand. "You've done so much for me, and yet I've done little for you. I…I hope that I can make it up to you someday."
"My job has been to make sure you get back home," Ami said with a smile. "I'll be okay."
"It better," Usagi said with a smile.
"I'll be sure to look after her," said Senator Bail Organa.
"Thanks," Usagi said, as she rises to her feet. She takes one last look at Ami, and then she turns away…
With Ami left in Bail's care, Yoda, Ranma and Usagi went to the Jedi Temple, which was full of Cloned Troopers. With Palpatine giving a speech in front of the full Galactic Senate, declaring the glory of a new era of governance, the three Jedi moved to retrieve key evidence as to how Palpatine could have gotten away with so much, now that it was clear that he was the Sith Lord the Jedi were looking for.
And no amount of force will stop them from finding the answers.
SLICE!
"Argh!" yelled a Clone Trooper.
Hzzzz-SNAP!
Ranma shuts off his lightsaber, as he, Yoda and Usagi enters the security records room, where they discovered the truth behind Palpatine's schemes, and how Anakin was involved.
"DAMN!" Ranma roared, as he punched a fist through a wall…after seeing the security recordings of what took place in both the temple and in Palpatine's office.
"Stop, they must be," Yoda says.
"I'll go after the Palpatine," Ranma said.
"No, confront Palpatine I will," says Yoda. "The honor of the Jedi, it is."
"Master, Ranma should go with you to confront the Chancellor," Usagi said. "I'll deal with Anakin. If he sees Ranma, he'll be combative."
"Very well," Yoda said. He then turns towards Ranma. "Prepared, are you?"
"Just stop me, master," Ranma said, as he cracked his knuckles. "After what happened to our friends and colleagues, Palpatine will pay for what he has done."
"Avoid the Darkside, you must," Yoda admonished. "Careful, you must be."
"Yes, master…"
Yoda turns towards Usagi.
"Careful, you must be, but luck, I wish it to you," Yoda said.
"Thank you, master," Usagi said. "I'll do what I can to remedy the situation…"
After going underground, Usagi and Ami, who was well enough to accompany Usagi on her mission, paid Senator Padme Amidala of Naboo a visit…
"You…you can't be telling the truth!" Padme laments.
"As irresponsible as Usagi tends to be," T'Pol begins, as she hands Padme her tea, "she has always been truthful."
T'Pol was on Coruscant to help deal with the aftermath of the so-called "Clone Wars". To that end, she has been serving Padme as her assistant in matters of state.
Padme looks at Usagi, and then at Ami, who was doing his best to avoid looking at her.
Usagi then clasped Padme's hands. Earlier in the month, Usagi, T'Pol, Hoshi and Padme had gotten together to give Padme a baby shower.
"All we want to bring Anakin back from the Darkside. If he is willing to surrender, I'm sure he'll be fine," Ami said.
"Yes," Usagi says. "You'll have my word that he won't be harmed. We just need to find him first."
Padme looks at T'Pol, then at Ami and finally at Usagi.
"I…I don't know where he is."
Usagi sighed, as she stands up.
"Thank you for the tea, Padme," Usagi said.
"Thank you," Ami said with a bow.
As Usagi and Ami leave in an air speeder, Padme turns to T'Pol.
"I want you to inform Naboo that I will take a personal leave of absence; Ambassador Binks shall take over my duties for the time being. And I will take C3-P0 with me."
"What shall I tell them about destination?"
"Tell them nothing. This is a personal matter."
"Very well," T'Pol says, as she secretly activates the micro-homing device that was planted in Padme's clothes. Earlier, Usagi told T'Pol about what had happened, and made some arrangements in the event that Padme would try to find Anakin; their visit was for the express purpose of prompting the much-needed response necessary to locate Anakin…
From the private diary of Usagi Tsukino:
"We waited until Padme left Coruscant before following her. We ended up in Mustafar, a literal hellhole that served as both a home for a refinery station. Anakin was sent there to get the Separatists to surrender…while conveniently eliminating them. We came upon the scene to see Anakin choking Padme, accusing her of betraying his trust. Attacking Padme was bad enough, but when he attacked Ami, using the 'Force Lightning' technique on her for trying to help Padme, which was the end of the line for me where Anakin was concerned…"
BLAM! BLAM!
Usagi blocked Anakin's blows, as they leaped upon the hover platforms that dotted the river of lava, as the two Jedi traded.
"You will pay for your lies!" Anakin said, as he swung his sword to take Usagi's head.
Ranma moved to block.
"Open your damn eyes, Anakin! Palpatine is EVIL! I know! I served him through Dooku, remember!"
"No, I don't believe you!"
Anakin managed to slice off one end of Usagi's lightsaber, just as Usagi leaps off to a nearby ledge.
"It's over!" Usagi said, as he threw his weapon into the river of lava. "I got the high ground!"
"That doesn't matter. I will be victorious!"
"Please, don't!" Usagi said, as she began to cry. Her instincts and training were at war with her sense of mercy and compassion. But she knew that Anakin did not believe her, and so self-preservation was the deciding factor.
Anakin somersaulted over to Ranma, intent on cutting him down…
FWISH!
A blade made of light appeared in Usagi's hand. In a single stroke, Usagi cut off Anakin's arms and legs with his 'psi-sword'.
Anakin had forgotten about the Jedi ability to will a sword made of pure energy, an ability that was made possible through the exchange of knowledge between the Jedi, and Usagi and her fellow trans-dimensional travelers.
"AHHHHH-!" Anakin screamed, as he rolled close to the river of lava, and began to burn…
Usagi picked up Anakin's lightsaber, and stood transfixed while her old friend was consumed by his fate.
"Oh, Ani," Usagi said, as she shook her head. "You should have listened to me…"
Usagi…
"Ami?" said Usagi aloud. She could feel her friend's life force slipping. "AMI-!"
Usagi took one last look at Anakin burning before turning to leave…
From the diary of Usagi Tsukino:
Anakin was a good man who gave into his anger one too many times…and Palpatine used that to his advantage. He didn't die from his wounds, by the way. He ended up in an environmental suit that made his 'Darth Vader' persona all the more horrific and menacing. He would continue to be a threat for years to come. Meanwhile, Ami and Padme were mortally wounded because of Anakin's actions. I made the decision to save Padme's life for the sake of the children, costing Ami's. Still, I knew in my being that I could bring Ami back, even if it takes years to do so, either through cloning, or through other means.
After leaving Mustafar, I immediately met up with the others at Polis Massa, a planetoid located in the Outer Rim. There, I learned that Master Yoda and Ranma failed to kill Palpatine, although Ranma had gotten some good hits during the process. He really took it hard for not avenging the death of Aayla Secura. Nevertheless, while the remaining Jedi began the process of regrouping, Palpatine used his hard-won victory as a rallying cry 'proving' that the Jedi needed to be destroyed. So, he instituted a pogrom to finish off what was left of the Jedi.
Meanwhile, with the birth of Padme's children Luke and Leia, it was decided that it would be best to fake Padme's death while placing her in cryo-stasis, to be watched over by Hoshi and T'Pol, while splitting the twins up, with me taking Luke to Tattooine to be with his uncle Lars and his aunt Beru (with me keeping tabs on Luke as a hired hand on Lars' moisture farm), and Ranma taking Leia, to be adopted by Senator Bail Organa, to Alderaan to be her governess. I asked Ranma why he wanted to be in his girl form. He replied that his failure to stop Palpatine warranted a penance. Finally, Master Yoda would go into a self-imposed exile on the frontier world of Dagobah, one of the Jedi's numerous training grounds. It would be there where Yoda would direct Usagi and Ranma on their Jedi activities, having set up a network from which we could undermine the self-proclaim "Emperor" Palpatine. How he was able to convince the Galactic Senate that he should become a dictator says to me that there were more people involved in his ascent than just him and Anakin…no, 'Darth Vader'."
In the years since the start of the dark times, Ranma and I watched our respective "assignments" grow and develop. We knew that Luke and Leia were Force-sensitive, so we secretly trained the children in the ways of the Force. Other than a few incidents, Ranma and I rarely saw each other, such as the time when we confronted a rogue Jedi named Asharaad Hett, and old rival of Ranma's, or when we forced to move Padme's body to Tattooine when Queen Apailana of Naboo was assassinated by Storm Troopers for her role in sheltering Jedi. Perhaps the hardest part in coping with Palpatine's reign was when we faced Darth Vader's apprentice, such as Ahsoka Tano (who turned to the Darkside, because she cared for Vader more than anything else) and Galen Merek (aka "Starkiller"). There were other "incidents" that popped during the initial years of the Sith's ascendency, but will be only a matter of time before we were ready to strike against the Palapatine's "Galactic Empire" in earnest.
The planet of Aldreraan is a mountainous world that with snow-capped hills. It was once a colony of Naboo before gaining its independence nearly
"Leia, I told you that girls shouldn't fight," Senator Bail Organa said, as he admonished her daughter. Princess Leia was scraped and bruised with torn clothes. Apparently, someone insulted her about having a nanny at her age.
"Well, 'Winter' started it!"
"Leia, you need to stop acting like a tomboy."
"Why won't you accept me for what I am, Daddy? I hate YOU!"
As Leia runs out of the room, Bail sighs. Leia did have her biological mother's spirit, after all.
Meanwhile, Leia ran into the family's private gymnasium, where her nanny, Lady Ranko of Naboo is training in martial arts.
"Ranko!"
Ranko stopped her katas, and turned to face her ward.
"Leia, what's wrong?"
"Daddy doesn't understand me," Leia cried, as she ran into Ranko's arms.
Ranko hugged the girl, whom was like a daughter to her. She should know, since she was her birth mother.
"Your father is just concerned that you won't be able to one day become a Senator like him. That's all."
Leia, with watered eyes, looks at her nanny.
"Father…doesn't hate me?"
"Of course not! He is proud of you, little one."
Leia sniffles and nods her head.
"Leia?"
Leia and Ranko turn to see Bail standing at the entrance of the gym room.
"Father!" Leia says, as she run into Bail's arms. "I'm sorry for…for…"
"It's okay. Look, you better get cleaned up for dinner."
Leia nods her head, and runs out the room.
"Just like Padme," Bail chuckles, as he looks at her departing foster daughter.
"Bail, have you thought of my proposal?" Ranko says, as she towels herself off.
Bail sighs.
"Is taking her on a ten-year training journey really necessary?" Bail asks.
"Well, you did say that you wish that she takes your place as the representative of Alderaan someday," Ranko replies. "What a better way of preparing her for THAT role while in the midst of training? And it's not like she will be away from home forever…just during the designated vacation period outside of school session."
"Hmmm. And I'm always off world on Senate business. It could work, my friend."
"It had better work. Leia may be the only chance all of us has, if the rest of us fail in ending the reign of the Sith."
Meanwhile, on Tattooine…
"Pull!
BANG!
"Yeah!" said young farm-boy Luke Skywalker, as he and his buddies cheered at Luke's successful shot. While on break from chores at the Lars farm, collecting moisture, Luke and his friends were "skeet shooting".
"That was a good shot, Luke!" said one of his friends.
"I'm the best!"
"Hey, Luke!" Usagi says, as she comes running up to Luke and his friends. Every harvest, Usagi comes down from the mountains to test Luke's potential while working on Lars' farm. "Luke, your Aunt wants you to go to town to pick up supplies-"
"In a minute. Say, you want to try and take a shot?"
Usagi looks at Luke, his friends and at the skeet shooter.
"Okay…"
"You handle a blaster of this type before?"
"Please. I live out in the desert, remember?"
"You never told me why, considering the fact that Tuskin Raiders live out there."
"Let's just say that I am strong in the ways of the Force."
"Yeah, right!"
Usagi went to the skeet shooter, and turned it on setting "11".
"'11'? You think you're going to make that shot?"
"Humph. Never think…KNOW. Pull!
A multiple barrage of disks fly up in the air…
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM-!
Usagi made the target.
"Lucky shot!"
"Oh?" Usagi said, as she puts on her bandanna over her eyes. "Pull!"
Another barrage of disks fly up in the air…
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM-!
Usagi made her target.
"Whoa…"
"Hmmm. I guess I made it," Usagi said with a grin.
"Show off," Luke replied.
From the diary of Usagi Tsukino:
Anyway, T'Pol ended up marrying into the Amidala family, and became the Ambassador of Naboo. Her service to Naboo was distinguished enough that she received the chance to be elected 'Queen'. Her temperament allowed Naboo to whether the Emperor's consolidation of power, and thus kept that world safe from harm. Hoshi Sato remained on Tattooine as Watto the Junkman's manager. She was basically Usagi's eyes and ears, since Usagi more or less stayed out in the desert, as well as keeping an eye on Padme's stored body. Meanwhile, thanks to my contacts on the cloning world of Camino, coupled with my Silver Millennium Crystal, I was able to create a baby clone of Ami, essentially causing her to be reborn. Still, I knew that I couldn't keep the baby (it felt weird raising one of your best friends into adulthood), so, I gave her away to the most unlikely of people…
Sometime later on the trading world of Corellia "Ah, man!" said the young Han Solo, as he wanders the streets of the planet's largest port. While he was good to be home, he hated the fact that he was home because he had been thrown out of the Imperial Academy. It wasn't HIS fault that the home planet of the academy's moon was accidentally blown up! Still, he was glad that he wasn't thrown into prison.
Han wandered the streets. He didn't have many prospects, and he certainly didn't have a family to go to. Maybe he should take up on that offer his friend Lando had, well, offered to him.
Han would have remained in deep thought, had he not heard the wailing of a baby.
Curious, he went to investigate the sound…and discovered-
"A baby?" said Han, as he peeked behind the dumpster. Sure enough, there was a baby lying in a basket, wrapped in a blue blanket.
"What am I going to do with you?" Han mused. "Surely, there's a nice family that can pay handsomely for-"
The baby had grabbed Han's finger, and cooing contently.
"Oh, no," Han said. "Don't get attached to me, kid."
The baby giggled.
The only identifier was a bracelet with the name "Ami Mizuno" etched in the metal, as well as some weird, short and blue, rod that had an equally weird, metal symbol ornament on it; there was also a then metal box that was apparently a timed lock on it. It read: "To be opened upon Ami's sixteenth birthday". Plus, stashed within the basket was a bankcard and note asking whoever found Ami to take care of her. If Han did accept the responsibility, the bankcard will be replenished on a monthly basis.
"Alright, kid, let's go," Han said, as he picks the basket up. He wasn't sure if the note was legit or not, but he'll do his best to carry out the wishes of the note. And unknown to him, a certain meatball-headed girl was watching Han at a distance, before leaving the scene…
From the diary of Usagi Tsukino:
We all did our part to lay low for a while, secretly undermining Palpatine's efforts, until Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila chose to openly defy Palpatine. I had worked with her before, so I knew that she would make a good leader for the Rebellion. T'Pol's position as queen of Naboo did much to shield Mon from Imperial scrutiny for a long time, before even she had to disassociate her court from Mon's activities…at least, officially, that is. At any rate, when Ranma left Alderaan to join me on Tattooine, Leia had enough will, clout and skill to take Bail's place as Senator of Alderaan. During that time, Mon introduced Leia to what we were secretly doing, and thus joined the Rebellion as a courier. And it was during that time that the blue prints for the 'Death Star'—an artificial planetoid capable of untold amount of destruction—were 'acquired'. Unfortunately, somehow, Darth Vader tracked Leia down to Tattooine, where Ranma and I were officially 'retired', although Fate had other plans in mind…
"Well, what do you know?" Usagi said, as she turns towards the entrance of the home of the Lars family. She had been helping Beru as her housekeeper for many years now.
"Yeah, how did R2-D2 and C3-P0 get here?" Ranma asked, as he and Luke Skywalker began to clean up droids. Ranma's official cover was that of a mechanic from Mos Espa, where he ran a Watto the Todarian's shop with his wife Hoshi. Hoshi served as Watto's bookkeeper, which was a step down from the days when she served on Naboo's royal advisory council
"You know these two?" Luke asked, as he began to polish the droids.
"Yeah," Usagi said. "But where did you get them?"
"Well, with Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru not back from Anchorhead, I was given permission to purchase droids to help around the place," Luke said. "So, I got them from the Jawa junk dealers. Hopefully, they will be enough to allow me to get out of here."
"You still want to join the Imperial Academy?" Ranma said with a frown.
"Well, may-be…"
"Luke, right now, there is the Imperials and the Rebel Alliance," Usagi said. "You don't want to get caught up in that."
"I don't want to spend the rest of my life as a moisture farmer, you know," Luke said. "I know that Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru don't want me to leave, but I want to at least think that you two support me."
"Well, I don't know about you, but at least we should know why these droids are here," Ranma said, as he looks up at the protocol droid. "So, what of it?"
"I was forced to leave the 'Tantive IV' by R2-D2," Threepio said.
"Wait, what did you say?" Ranma asked.
"Isn't that Raymond Antilles' ship?" Usagi asked.
"Bee-oop-urk!" R2-D2 replied.
"What did he say?" Luke asked.
"He just confirmed what Master Ranma has confirmed," Threepio said.
"Erk-oork-op!"
"And, R2-D2 just said that she has a message for…'The Legendary Onitoyota'. But why would he want to give a message to a ravenous creature, from Naboo, known for consuming more than its weight?"
"Oh, my," Usagi said, as she sits down. "I haven't heard that name in years, since before the Clone Wars…"
"Wait, how can you be around to have heard that before the Clone Wars?" Luke asked. "You're no older than I am?"
"Luke, there is a lot about me that you wouldn't believe," Usagi said with a sigh.
"But Usagi IS a glutton," Ranma said jokingly. "She can put away a bantha in a single day."
"Ranma, please," Usagi said with indignation. "TWO, if I'm lucky."
"What's going on?" Luke said. "I don't understand any of this…"
"Usagi?" Ranma asked. "Do you want to tell Luke, or should I?"
"Let's hear what the message is all about first, and then go from there," Usagi said, with a sigh. She knew that this day was coming, when she and her fellow Jedi would have to be involved in the affairs of the galaxy, once again.
"And I was SO looking forward to retirement, too…"
Tbc.