Greetings! This story is a collaboration between myself and jojobinks01. Go check his works too! He's got some great stuff!
Prologue - 30 ABY
Another terrible war finished and millions more beings dead - billions more who's lives were changed forever. So much tragedy and so much death. The Yuuzhan Vong War was just the most recent in a series of conflicts that ripped and tore at the galaxy and its people. In the eyes of Herron Organa, formerly called Herron Dreis before he took his mother's name, it all started over half a century ago. Whenever he stated his belief, the old timers would shrug or sigh and say, "You can't change the past, Herron. All you can do is look to the future."
He had believed that for most of his life, living in the sadness of the loss of Alderaan, his homeworld, and all of his family who lived on it - his mother, his father, his aunts, his uncle - all were dead. Only his adopted cousins Leia and Winter had survived. He had been off planet, attending the university at Chandrilla for technology engineering. After graduating, he tried to move on, make something of his life but the dreams haunted him. A billion voices cried out and then died. He had heard it right before hearing that Alderaan had been destroyed.
Herron had contemplated joining the Rebellion but he didn't wish to fight in a war that would just cause millions more to suffer. Instead, he studied history in his spare time, taking especially great pleasure into learning about the ancient Jedi Order, which had been ended decades ago by the rising Empire.
Until Alderaan had been destroyed, Herron hadn't cared much about the Empire. He had kept to himself and done the best he could as a person. But then Alderaan happened and, to add insult to to injury, there was a rumor that the Emperor was targeting Alderaanians. He hadn't believed it - until a squad of Imperial soldiers had beaten him to within an inch of his life after one of them had heard one of Herron's friends mention that he was from Alderaan. The only thing that had saved his life was the force. It was the only way he could explain it. He had woken up in a bacta tank completely healed. The doctor had said that he had already been healing at an alarming rate before they had plunked him in the sticky goo and couldn't explain it.
Over the next twenty years, he had studied on slicing techniques, technological engineering, computer, program and encryption slicing and, with the greatest interest, archaeology. Coupling those skills with what he had learned from the history of the Jedi Order, he went to the planet Tython. It had taken him years to learn that it was the home of the Jedi Order and weeks more to travel through the Deep Core and find it. As he traveled through the ruins of the temples and the masters' retreats and the even more ancient ruins of Kaleth and the ancient Je'daii Order, which predated the Jedi Order.
Deep within the most ancient part of the ruins beneath the temple, he found what he had been searching for since the end of the Galactic Civil War and the Bastion Accords. Peace with the Empire had galvanized him to find it and it had taken him over a decade to finally find everything. He had even had to work with the Jedi and their historian Tionne Solusar but it had all paid off. Herron Organa knew how to change the past.
According to legend, at the beginning of time itself, the Celestials formed the galaxy. At one point a family of them - a Father, a Son and a Daughter - created a monolith from where the force was rumored to be kept in balance. There were hundreds of legends surrounding them but it is said that they entrusted something very important to the Jedi Order. Gateways to a place where one could see and even change all of time and space - a World Between Worlds. There had been a gate on Lothol and on Ossus but both of those had been destroyed. The only one that Herron could find was on Tython.
Now he was here, with a datapad and over a hundred datacards of information. He had the schematics for ships, weapons and armor and he had all the information necessary. He had proof that Palpatine was Darth Sidious. He had proof of the whole plot that the Dark Lord of the Sith had used to rise to power, causing the enslavement and death of billions, if not trillions. And he was going to stop it. He was going to save the past.
Armed with a blaster and a vibroblade and all of his information, Herron stepped through the door and into the star-field before him.
Chapter 1: Altered Course
22 BBY - Coruscant
The entire course of the war had changed over night. Jedi Knights and Masters from all over the galaxy had been called back to the temple for a convocation of the Jedi Council. Some information had come to life - a young man from Alderaan had somehow discovered that the Supreme Chancellor was a Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidious. He had the evidence to prove it and now, the Council and several other Jedi Knights and Masters were discussing the situation.
In his seat, the diminutive Jedi Master Yoda shook his venerable head. "Disturbing and hard to believe, it is, that so deceived, we could be."
"But the Dark Side is clouding everything, Master;" pointed out Obi-Wan Kenobi, who had been recently promoted to Jedi Master. "Many questions we have are answered and all of this does make sense."
"We aren't questioning whether it's the truth, Master Kenobi;" said Mace Windu, a dark skinned Jedi Master, "but we still aren't sure how to deal with it. When dealing with the Sith, we have no idea how far his corruption has spread in the galaxy. It is now clear that he absolutely controls the Separatists and much of the Republic. The question is, can we afford to bring the Republic into the fold."
"Do we have a choice?" asked young Anakin Skywalker, former-Padawan to Master Kenobi, recently elevated to Jedi Knight and given his own Padawan to train. "If the Jedi simply take control, the Chancellor will simply execute this Order 66 and the senate will follow him. We have options. Having the senate declare the execution of Order 65 or having the Chief of Defense Staff declare the execution of Order 5."
"I doubt that we would be able to trust the Chief of Defense Staff;" stated Jedi Master Shaak Ti. "He is too close to Palpatine."
Eeth Koth stroked his chin before saying, "We will get together all of the senators that we trust most - Amidala, Organa, Farr, Bel Iblis, Mothma and those that they trust. We clue them in and have them bring forward the evidence and the motion to declare Order 65. They will meat aboard Master Rahm Kota's cruiser."
Silence followed that. "Why Kota's?" asked Plo Koon.
"Because there isn't a single Clone his ship. What's more, it's not one of Sienar Fleet System's ships. It's an old Rendili Dreadnought Heavy Cruiser so it is far less likely that the Chancellor has surveillance or espionage equipment aboard it. Not only that, I trust Kota to be able to guard them. He's a canny soldier with a keen tactical mind."
They all nodded solemnly. "Arrest Darth Sidious, we must. Put him on trial, the Senate will."
"Should we risk that?" asked Mace Windu. "He's a Dark Lord of the Sith, Masters. Would it be wise to allow him to live at all?"
"We don't have a choice, Master Windu;" said Master Adi Gallia. "For the same reason we must involve the Senate, we cannot simply attempt to kill the Chancellor, even though he is the Dark Lord of the Sith. The real question is, who do we send to confront him?"
That was, indeed, the the question. Only a few of them had ever faced an opponent in earnest lightsaber combat and fewer still had faced a Sith. Obi-Wan stepped forward and said, "With respect, Masters, there are only a few of us who have face a Dark Lord of the Sith - Master Yoda, Anakin Skywalker, myself and Master Vos during his infiltration missions. A few others may have face some of Dooku's Acolytes but that would hardly compare to fighting a Sith Lord."
Mace Windu sighed. "Having them accompany you would be better than the alternative. We have no idea what we're dealing with. I, however, cannot go with you. I must go to Haruun Kal. My one-time apprentice has gone missing and I fear she may have gone to the dark side."
"Yes, rescue Master Billaba, only you can do, my friend;" said Yoda. "With the exception of those going to confront Darth Sidious, return to their fleets, the Jedi must. Cut off all communication to High Command, they will. Await the clearance code, they must. Obi-Wan, Skywalker, Vos, Agen Kolar, Master Tiin, Master Ti and myself will go. Confront the Chancellor we will."
"There are others who have faced opponents in true lightsaber duels, Master;" stated Oppo Rancisis. "Master Mundi, Jedi Hett, Master K'kruhk - several others."
"All of our experienced warriors, we cannot risk, Master Rancisis. You, however, will come with us. Aid us, your battle meditation will."
As they began to disperse, Master Yoda's comlink sounded. It was Chancellor Palpatine. Immediately, all but a few of the council member vacated the room. "Chancellor, how may I serve you?"
"I was just made aware of the fact that almost every Jedi has returned to Coruscant and became anxious. Is something the matter?" asked Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.
"Most unfortunate news was received, I fear. Come to you directly I will."
"I am most grateful, Master Yoda and I look forward to the meeting."
When the Chancellor had signed off, the aged master turn to Anakin. "Go you must, young Skywalker, to your friends in the senate. Your padawan take with you and gather them quickly. Relocate them we must; a few at a time over the next twenty-four hours."
The next twenty-four hours, there was a flurry of activity in the Senate District. There were many clandestine meetings between senators and the Jedi and, little by little, they snuck off to General Rahm Kota's Dreadnought Heavy Cruiser. Within several days, an emergency session of the senate was called - without the Supreme Chancellor and his retinue. Yoda kept them occupied with fictitious war . Bail Organa addressed the senate. It took less than an hour for him to make his statement. The vote was cast - deposition of the Chancellor or no.
It passed resoundingly. Immediately, the clearance code was sent to the Jedi generals and Order 65 was issued.
"Stay close and be ready;" said Master Kolar.
They strode into the officer where Yoda and the Chancellor were speaking. Rather than address the Chancellor, Agen Kolar said, "Master Yoda, it is done. The Senate has spoken."
"The senate?" asked the Chancellor, confused.
Yoda nodded and joined his fellow Jedi. Moments later, a group of Clone Shock Troopers, Senate Commandos and Senators Organa, Mothma, Amidala and Bel Iblis strode in. After a brisk nod from the senators, Yoda cleared his throat. "Darth Sidious, regretful I am, to inform you that you have been deposed and by the Galactic Senate of the Republic and Clone Protocol Order 65 has been issued. Under arrest, you are, for the practicing of the Sith Religion and for treason against the people of the Republic."
At first, it seemed as though the Supreme Chancellor would protest. But instead, he sneered. "You think you have won, Jedi? I am more powerful than your small mind can imagine."
"To safety, get the Senators;" said Yoda as he set aside his cane. "The Sith, we shall deal with."
Seven lightsabers leaped to life - green, blue and red in the case of Vos, who had not had the chance to change the crystal out after his infiltration of Dooku's acolytes. Darth Sidious sneered and from each sleeve, a lightsaber appeared. With twin snap-hisses, they came to life and he leaped among them. Immediately, Master Kolar died on the end of one blade, putting the others on the defensive. Only Skywalker and Vos pushed the attack. The Dark Lord laughed and leaped into the hall as if making after the senators. When they reached the open, he was somewhat surprised to find it empty. "Very clever, Jedi;" he sneered again, facing his enemies. "You had the whole building evacuated. Do you really think I did not foresee this?"
"Considering how we obtained this information?" snarled Skywalker, "I highly doubt it."
"Put your doubts to rest, Skywalker;" said the Sith Lord as he fended off the six remaining Jedi.
He managed to cut down Saesee Tiin as well before a joint force blast by Kenobi and Skywalker slammed him into a solid duracrete wall. Before leaping back into the fight, he hit something on a wrist band. The fight continued to grow more and more vicious. Yoda managed to slice apart one of the Sith Lord's lightsabers before he cut off Skywalker's right hand - the mechanical hand he had lost once already. A severe blast of force lightning put young Skywalker out of the fight. Just then, alarms began to sound and a dozen Clone Troopers ran in, covering the Sith Lord. "Sirs, a Separatist fleet just dropped out of hyperspace."
Sidious ceased his chance. Grabbing all twelve of the Clones, he flung them at the Jedi, forcing them to deactivate their blades. When they were able to disentangle themselves, the Sith Lord was pelting with force-powered speed towards his private landing pad. His retinue, those who were fully aware of his identity, were already on board and ready to take off. Overhead, the Separatist Fleet pounded away at the planetary shields.
The Sector Defense fleet was already engaging the enemy but the gap was there and as soon as Sidious was on board, his shuttle took off, making for space. The pilot, whoever they were, managed to avoid the starfighters and anti-air guns and make it safely to the command ship of the Separatist Fleet. As soon as he was aboard, the Separatists turned about and made the jump to lightspeed. Darth Sidious had escaped and the whole war had just changed.
Anakin Skywalker woke up in the Jedi Temple's medical facility. His right hand had, once again, been replaced and he could feel the after-affects of the Jedi Healing trance. With a groan, he sat up and stretched. "Oh good, you're awake;" came an eager voice beside him.
There sat his young Torgruta Padawan Ahsoka Tano. She looked relieved and tired. Anakin smiled. "Hey, Snips. What happened? Did we get the Sith?"
Her face fell slightly. "No but a lot has happened. The Senate is putting forth candidates for the chancellorship. Bail Organa is one. So is Mon Mothma and Garm Bel Iblis. I think Senator Organa will get it though."
Anakin stood and flexed his new artificial hand. It was as good as new. "I agree. What about the war?"
"It's pretty well ground to a halt. Almost immediately, the Separatist Alliance was contacted and peace negotiations were suggested. Of course, after hearing how they had also been manipulated, they agreed. They apparently deposed Count Dooku and elected a Senator Mina Bonteri to become the knew Head of State. All combat has ceased - for the moment."
"It won't stay that way;" said Anakin as he paced around the room, getting life and feeling back into his limbs. "The Sith will be far too determined to keep this war going and to conquer the galaxy. It's how it always is."
Ahsoka's face seemed to fall. With a chuckle, he went over and tapped her beneath her chin. "Cheer up, snips. I'm starving. Let's go eat and then we can get back to our command with Obi-wan and get ready for the Siths' next step."
Ahsoka smiled and jumped up. "Right behind you, Sky-guy."
Korriban - The Ancient Citadel
The holo-map of the galaxy rotated slowly before them. "You will order your commanders to launch an attack on the worlds listed on this datacard, Lord Tyranus;" said Darth Sidious.
Tyranus could sense the barely contained rage of his master after his plan had so totally collapsed. Plugging the datacard in, the Sith Apprentice's eyes widened. "So you are attacking the worlds of the Separatists who are suing for peace. How will we maintain control of out military if the systems are no longer willing to fight?"
Sidious's irritation was palpable as he replied, "Because we still control all of those who fund, supply and manufactor for the war effort. I have already contacted Viceroy Gunray and his peers. They are still building their armies and readying them for combat - as are most of their planets. Only a few, such as Onderon, are suing for peace. We will deal with them."
"Yes, my Master;" said Lord Tyranus.
He bowed and strode from the room.
Darth Sidious sat on his throne, seething with pent up furry. A thousand years of planning had led him to the very sight of galactic domination - until suddenly, the Senate and the Jedi were on to him.
It had been a vicious duel, too. Yoda, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and several others had all come for his arrest - with a squad of Clonetroopers, no less. The Security Council had activated Clone Protocol Sixty-Five at the order of the Galactic Senate.
Turning to face a bank of vid screens, he watched with disgust as Bail Organa, in a landslide emergency race was elected Chancellor. Of course, his first orders were to cut far back on the emergency powers of the Chancellery and to attempt to open negotiations with the Separatist Parliament. There was a strong case for it considering the emergence of the Sith to the galaxy - but Darth Sidious and Count Dooku would never allow it, of course. The second order had been to end all additional orders form the cloners on Kamino. Instead, volunteers from the citizenry of the Republic would be called for and trained by the Clones. For sure, the Kaminoans would not be pleased with that.
Sidious's lip curled into a derisive sneer. First, he would seize all Separatist holdings using the Separatist's own armies and fleets. Then, he would go to his secret fortress on Wayland. He had many treasures and secrets stowed away in there - treasures and secrets that would definitely give him and edge. Finally, he would launch a massive attack against the Republic worlds that were most loyal to the new Chancellor - Alderaan itself, Naboo, Chandrilla, Corellia, Rodia, Kuat and so on. Finally, he would launch a full scale invasion of Coruscant and, so help him, if they did not surrender and turn on the Jedi, he would burn the planet to the ground - a large feat considering the ground was literally miles below the city-scape. With a low growl, Darth Sidious stood and turned towards a cluster of glowing red pyramids - Sith Holocrons. Using the force, he activated one and a man who wore a strange masked helmet. "Your plan failed, Darth Bane;" snarled Sidious. "The Jedi have found us."
"Your incompetent is what led to it;" said the holocron's gatekeeper. "My plan was perfect. Only a fool could have failed it, someone unworthy of being a Sith."
"Fool;" hissed Sidious. "Even you could not see all ends. Your teachings, your Rule of Two, are useless to me now. I will shape the Sith in my own image and you will pass into history as another ancient who failed in his task."
With a wave of his hand, Palpatine closed down the holocron. It was time to make a change to the Sith.