Star Wars: Episode III: The Sith Reign Victorious

by Jedi Master Matt

The Star Wars saga concludes in this version of Episode III. As corruptness continues in the Republic, the Jedi have formed a plan to end the devestating Clone War. However, their minds have been clouded from the growing darkness within the galaxy...

1. The Fate of the Jedi

PROLOGUE

The Republic is crumbling from war. The devastating CLONE WARS, which are leading more systems to leave the Republic to join the Confederation of Independent Systems, are nearing an end, but have eliminated thousands of Jedi across the galaxy. Due to these circumstances, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has been declared Emperor, hoping to bring peace and prosperity back to the Republic and the galaxy, while the few remaining Jedi are dying on the battlefields. Obsessed for control of the galaxy, Count Dooku and Sith Master, Darth Sidious, have secretly corrupted the Senate into breaking apart to join the Separatist Movement and leave doom resting on the edge of the galaxy.

CHAPTER I

The deepness of space lay quietly until a solar sailor flew by. It flew toward a very large ship known as the Destroyer and closed its sails. The sleek ship shook a bit as it was pulled into the massive ship's magnetic field. It approached an opening and landed in a hanger bay. The hanger was large with battle droids marching toward the landed ship. The few dozen battle droids saluted as the ramp opened and revealed a cloaked figure. He was a tall and strongly built man with a hood covering his head. His black cape floated behind him as he walked through the formation of battle droids. At the end of the formation stood a group of creatures. Among these creatures were Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation, Shu Mai of the Commerce Guild, Passel Argente of the Corporate Alliance, San Hill of the Intergalactic Banking Clan, and Wat Tambor of the Techno Union. The five of them bowed as the cloaked man approached them. "Please, please, my friends," the cloaked man said, "there is no need for this homage." The leaders rose as Nute Gunray asked, "How did the Senate handle the situation on Ithor?" He was referring to the Battle of Ithor, which was the most devastating battle of the Clone Wars for the Republic. "They are handling it surprisingly well, Viceroy," responded the cloaked man. "But no worry. Due to more groups joining the CIS and the death of Jango Fett, the Republic is being forced to terminate the cloning facilities on Kamino." "I knew it would come to this," commented Wat Tambor. "Don't be too proud," responded the cloaked man. "The Emperor has formed recruiting agencies throughout the galaxy for the Republic's new army." "However, they will never be as precise or accurate as the clone troopers were," added Passel Argente. "You have a point there," the cloaked man observed. "I have also received word of a secret operation planned by Senator Organa and the few remaining Jedi that shall 'bring us to order'." "What is it?" asked San Hill. "Let's just say," answered the cloaked man, "we'll be ready for them." "Ready for who?" asked Shu Mai. "Is it Jedi? I have had enough of those vermin interfering with our business. We would have complete control over the galaxy by now if they wouldn't interfere on the battlefields. " "Don't worry my friend," said the figure as he removed his hood, revealing himself as Count Dooku. "Once our weapon is complete, we shall crush what remains of the Republic. And when that time comes the Jedi will be no more. Now come, we have much to discuss." The Sith walked with his fellow dignitaries out of the hanger.

CHAPTER II

The Jedi Temple looked the same as it always had on the outside: beautiful architecture and ships coming and going all around it. However, the inside was completely different. Of the two hundred Jedi that used to study and train in the temple, fewer than one hundred remained. Due to these deaths, the temple seemed darker and gloomier. Of the Jedi Council, only four remained: Masters Yoda, Mace Windu, Plo Koon, and Knight Ki-Adi-Mundi. All four of them but Yoda had done their service on the battlefields. The three of them fought side by side on Geonosis, and had fought together in many battles ever since. Yoda's great ability with the Force allowed him to remain in the Jedi Temple and focus his mind on the Senate. Occasionally, he would go to the Senate and watch Senators argue back and forth. Those that usually started the arguments were members of the Coalition to Protect the Republic. Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan and Senator Jar Jar Binks of Naboo, who had not seen eye to eye with the newly declared Emperor, formed this committee. The four remaining Jedi Council members were sitting in their chairs in the chamber. No one said a word until the doors opened to reveal Obi-Wan Kenobi. He had the same build he always did. However, the main difference between himself now to two years ago was his hair. Instead of his usual long hair, he decided to go back to the short apprentice style. It was shorter than it had been when he was Qui-Gon Jinn's apprentice, but it still reminded him of his training days, even though it was a bit grayer. The stress of the war and not being to be able to be with his apprentice was the fault for the graying. As he walked in, Mace Windu stood up and greeted his friend. "Obi-Wan," began Mace, "it's great to have you back." "Thank you," Obi-Wan responded. "Being with my fellow Jedi is much better than leading on the fields." "General Kenobi," Yoda began, "Helpful you have been. A true leader you are." "Thank you," Obi-Wan responded again. "Your apprentice is doing quite well," said Ki-Adi-Mundi. "The Emperor has mentioned him quite often during Senate hearings." "I haven't heard," said Obi-Wan. "What has he done now?" "His piloting skills proved very helpful at the Battle of Ithor," answered Plo Koon. "He is actually on his way to Coruscant now to receive an award." "Obi-Wan," began Mace, "we are asking him to assist us with the mission tomorrow." Obi-Wan's eyebrows rose slightly upon hearing this news. He turned away from his fellow Jedi and stared out the window. "Are you sure he's ready?" Obi-Wan asked. "Anakin has proved not to be the most patient." "Patience, Anakin unfortunately lacks," Yoda answered. "Proved himself worthy on the battlefield, he has. Too much proof even for an apprentice." "But Master Yoda," Obi-Wan began, "Anakin has totally gone against the Jedi Order. His marriage, not completing the trials, lack of---" "Obi-Wan," said Mace, "trust in him. He is still your Apprentice." "That is true," Obi-Wan responded. "Maybe you four could teach him something when we're on the mission." "Decided not go, I have," commented Yoda. "Meditate strongly I need to, on the Republic and this still unknown lord of the Sith." "I'm sure Anakin will be glad to see you, Obi-Wan," Plo Koon said. "I haven't seen him for almost two years," said Obi-Wan. "I don't know what he's gotten into, but I do hope he's changed."

CHAPTER III

Approaching Coruscant, a Jedi Starfighter barrel rolled at tremendous speeds. A few ships moved out of the way as the fighter flew into the Coruscant atmosphere. Behind the controls was Anakin Skywalker. The young Jedi had grown up in the past two years since he had last seen his master. Muscles had grown larger and the face that once showed an innocent, young boy, was now that of an adult warrior. The fact that he had been fighting without Obi-Wan still didn't keep him from thinking about the Jedi Master whenever he relied on his Jedi instincts. Obi-Wan's messages and teachings stuck into the back of Anakin's skull, despite his master having to repeat them over and over. The Jedi Council was very lenient on Anakin's decisions with the Jedi Order. He remembered it very clearly when he stood before the four seated Jedi and Obi-Wan. They gave him the decision to live his own life during the Clone Wars. If he wanted to stay married he could. If he wanted to separate from Obi-Wan and work on his own he could. If he didn't want to fight he could. But he did fight. He fought in so many battles he couldn't remember them all. At times he was sad not to have Obi-Wan there to correct him or give him guidance, but Anakin knew that he wanted to fight on his own. He wanted to prove to the Jedi Council that he could do anything without taking the trials. The Council knew during these desperate times that it wouldn't matter what Anakin did. They needed him to fight any way he could. His marriage to Padme was a different story. During his meeting with the Council, the young Jedi admitted it. Surprisingly to Anakin, Obi-Wan did not look shocked at this news. He had always known of the love Anakin had for Padme. Contrary to Obi-Wan's reaction, the rest of the Council did not find it acceptable. Of course, anger was not shown, but rather disappointment. Anakin left the Jedi Temple that day with great confidence. He knew that he could finally prove to them that he was ready to become a full-fledged Jedi. Anakin looked out his cockpit window to see the Jedi Temple. The sun was just coming over the horizon, for Anakin had to squint at the enormous Jedi Freighter that was landing at the Temple.

Coruscant had been growing darker ever since Chancellor Valorum was voted out of power twelve years ago. However, the past two years brought a shadow over the metropolis. Crime and pollution increased, but the decreasing number of Jedi in the Temple left the entire planet in a darker tone. Anakin could see that this was true as he approached the Emperor's office. It was in the penthouse of a building connected to the Senate hall. Palpatine had aged terribly since Anakin had last seen him. His eyes had sunk farther back into his head and wrinkles and creases covered his face. His hair was much thinner as well. The stress of not only leading the planet, but almost every planet of the galaxy had done this to him. But Anakin knew that he had strength in him. Whenever he met with him, he felt that he was with someone that could handle any situation. Anakin was very excited to see the man that he considered his second mentor. "Artoo?" asked Anakin. In the back of the starfighter the familiar head of R2-D2 turned to Anakin and responded with a beep. "Artoo, prepare for landing." The original Jedi Starfighter had an astromech droid hardwired into it, but Anakin did some modifications with his and now his own personal droid could sit behind him. A beep and two whistles reached Anakin's ears and he looked at his translation screen on the dashboard. "Sorry about that back there, Artoo. Just bringing back some memories from the battles."

A voice came over the speaker to tell Anakin to land on Platform A- 1138. This surprised Anakin, due to the fact that only close friends of the Emperor were allowed to land this close to his office. Anakin landed the ship and began to climb out. As he did he looked into the cockpit at the picture of Padme. It was taken a few days after their wedding on the beach they live on. After the funeral, which was after the weeding, Anakin thought. He shook the memory of the funeral out of his head and focused on the days after it. Anakin still remembered everything about that day: the climate, the taste of the water, the warmth of the sand. However, the following week Anakin reported to Coruscant to meet with the Jedi Council. Padme didn't want him to go, but he knew he had to. He knew he had to stand up for himself. Taking one last look at the picture, Anakin climbed down the ladder to the platform. At the door to greet him was Sly Moore, the Emperor's assistant. Her baldhead and piercing eyes always haunted Anakin, but he gave it no thought today. His mind was on the fact that he was to receive an award; the award that he had been waiting for, ever since he began fighting in the Clone Wars. As he approached the Emperor's assistant, R2 began to follow. "Your." began Sly, searching for the right word. ".friend will have to wait out here. The Emperor does not allow outside intelligence into his office." Anakin never remembered having to leave R2 outside before, but didn't want to argue at a time like this. "Artoo, you better wait out here," he said. "We don't want any trouble." He then gave a quick wink to the blue droid. It responded with a low curse beep toward Sly and proceeded back to the ship as Anakin entered the building.

The office was no longer a comforting colorful room, but rather a throne room that matched the situation in the galaxy. The black walls and floors replaced the red carpeting in the Emperor's original office building, and the large round table in the center, with tall chairs, represented the original padded furniture with the insignia for the Republic carved into the back of them. Lights were inserted into the wall, casting shadows into all corners of the large room. When Anakin approached the door to the office he took a deep breath and was led in by Sly Moore. The lights in the room were not turned on, but the rising sun began to produce a pink glow to the room. A figure stood by one of the three enormous windows facing the Senate building and the rest of the area. "Your Excellency, Anakin Skywalker," Sly said smoothly. Anakin walked up the first short flight of stairs to the round business table and slowed down as he started climbing the second short flight of stairs. What worried him was not the grand, dark room, but the fact that as he approached the Emperor's desk, waiting for him to turn around with a large smile on his face, greeting his presence, he instead remained in the stance he was in, with his back to the two. "Your Excellency?" Sly asked. "Please leave us," came a voice from the unmoving figure. Sly turned to leave, but took one last stare at the Jedi. As she walked past the Emperor's two red armored guards at the end of the room, they turned and followed. When the door closed and the Emperor still didn't say anything, Anakin was worried. What was going on? he thought. Is he angry with me? "Anakin," the figure began. "Anakin. Anakin. Anakin. Do you know why I called you from your fighting?" "I was told I was to be awarded," answered Anakin. "Indeed you shall," responded the figure. "Indeed you shall." A chill ran through Anakin's body as he heard that last line. The Emperor never acted like this before. He was usually glad to see Anakin and awaited him with positive feelings. But this time seemed different to Anakin. "Are you all right, your Excellency?" asked Anakin. A moment or two passed, until a voice responded, "No, I'm not. I am extremely proud to present you with this." The figure turned towards Anakin with a big smile on his face and a wooden box in his hands. The Emperor burst into laughter and so did Anakin. The two approached each other, shook hands, and gave each other a pat on the back. "I was wondering if you'd be frightened by my little act," responded Palpatine. "What was that all about?" asked Anakin. "It's a new strategy I am working on while I am in the Senate. As you know many Senators are very impatient on the progress of the war. True it is nearing an end, but those impatient ones feel it is necessary to attack me as a group, so I am working on new.a new approach to convince them to not act like such rebels." "I am sorry to hear that," responded Anakin. "No need to worry, Anakin," reassured Palpatine. "I called you here for a reason." At that point, the Emperor opened the box in his hands and presented a medal. It was polished as bright as could be, and even though the light shined in his eyes, Anakin could do nothing, but stare at it. "Oh, your Excellency," began Anakin. "I don't know what to say." "Don't, Anakin," commanded Palpatine. "But please, do sit." Anakin obeyed and was handed the box. He opened it and took a quick glance at the medal, which had the inscription For those with heroic acts, comes great power. He smiled and closed the box. He hoped that that would come true for him some day. "How is you marriage, Anakin?" asked Palpatine. Even though they have discussed this before, Anakin felt that it was quite a strange moment to be asking. "I couldn't imagine it being any better," he lied. The Emperor just stared at him, knowing he was lying. Anakin then set the box down and leaned forward, "Well, to tell you the truth, I miss her." Palpatine just stared at him. He continued, "When I left her four months ago, we had a hard time saying good-bye. She had been sick for the past month or two, and I did everything I could to comfort her. When I was called to the Jedi Council right after we were married, I was nervous to go. But I realized that I would do what I wanted to do. If they forbid my marriage, so be it. In the end I could fight as a Jedi in the Clone Wars and remain married to Padme. When I told Padme about it, she was happy. Happy until the Republic called me. Oh, don't get me wrong, I am filled with pride to serve my Republic, but at the time it wasn't pride I was feeling. "She didn't want me to leave, but I had to. I had to prove the Council wrong. I had to prove everyone wrong. I had to prove a Jedi could fight and love. And I have. I hope now to return to Naboo, with your gift, to show her that I did prove them wrong." Palpatine stared at Anakin, then quickly got up and walked right up to him. "Anakin, the love you share with Padme is the strongest love I have ever seen between two people," he said. "And as much as I care for you and your wife, I am asking you for a favor. Well, more your Jedi friends are wanting a favor." Anakin's eyes opened in interest at the sound of the Jedi needing a favor from him. "The Jedi spoke to me about a mission they are conducting in a few hours. The mission is to bring Count Dooku and his pitiful band to order in the Galactic Senate. I disagree with the mission completely and am totally against it, unless Count Dooku will be captured" Hate and anger began to seep through Anakin's body when he heard Dooku's name. Anakin only thought of Dooku as the ex-Jedi who was responsible for Anakin's robotic arm and the deaths of thousands of Jedi. Ever since his fateful duel with him, all Anakin could picture about Dooku was revenge. "If you feel you can still serve your Republic and your fellow Jedi, then agree to this mission. There is a hearing in the Jedi Temple in a few hours. If you do not accept it, then I wish you good luck with your journey and life on Naboo, my friend." Anakin bit his lower lip in decision. He did make a promise to Padme that he would return after his last mission. "Your Excellency," began Anakin as he stood up, "I am terribly sorry, but I kept a promise. It's not that I don't hate Dooku, I do, but." Palpatine put a hand on Anakin's shoulder and soothed, "I know. I know."

CHAPTER IV

As the sun created a mid-morning cast to the Jedi Temple, the last Jedi arrived in the meeting room where the briefing for capturing Count Dooku was about to begin. About sixty Jedi from around the galaxy were sitting in the room talking to each other. These Jedi were the best of the best. Great pilots, strong warriors, and brave Jedi sat in the room. While the group was discussing, on stage sat Mace Windu, Yoda, Plo Koon, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Obi- Wan Kenobi, and Bail Organa. Obi-Wan was staring off into the crowd, looking for Anakin, but couldn't find him.

Anakin's Jedi Starfighter was leaving the Coruscant atmosphere. R2 beeped and whistled, as Anakin looked at the translation. "No, nothing is bothering me, Artoo," he responded. Anakin then eyed a Hyperspace ring floating that he could use to get home. "Nothing at all."

Obi-Wan gave up looking for Anakin in the crowd. So many of the humans and creatures looked familiar, whether he fought with them or knew them from training in the Temple. He saw fellow Jedi Council members, Saesee Tiin and Shaak Ti, who both stepped down from the Jedi Council a year ago. The two had fought side by side in the Clone Wars, but felt that their role as a Jedi Council member was to serve on Coruscant, not the battlefields. Their only decision was to step down. Obi-Wan turned to look at Mace Windu, who was about to begin the meeting. "The mission we are about to embark on is the most dangerous mission any of us has faced. Bothan spies have delivered information that can save the Republic from falling any farther than it already has. Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan." Mace sat down and Bail approached a control panel. After pressing a few buttons, a hologram of the Destroyer was presented. It slowly spun so the audience could study all parts of it. "The time for our final attack on the CIS has come," he began. "This ship is called the Destroyer. It is a Nova class ship made by Kaut of Kaut Drive Yards. Even though not a member of CIS, Kaut of Kaut is helping to provide ships for them and us as well. Though this ship is the most advanced the Republic has ever seen, it still relies on an energy field powered by the molten lava planet Nkllon. A hologram of the planet replaced the ship. "On this planet lie the CIS's main factories for producing ships, droids, and weapons. Due to the extreme temperature of the planet, all factories are underground. The building producing the shield for the Destroyer lies inside an abandoned volcano located here. Our first strike team will land on the planet and shut down the generator. It should be easy. Information has been given to us that the CIS has begun to move the factories to a different side of the planet, due to the low amounts of ore and other natural resources and numerous lava eruptions on the side they are on. But you should still be careful. When you land you will have an hour to shut down the generator. But once again, it should be easy. The generator is not heavily guarded as most troops are working on digging their way to a different side." The hologram enlarged the surface of the planet as a small mountain came into view. "When shut down, our fighters will move into the ship. From there the extracting of the CIS leaders, Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation, Shu Mai of the Commerce Guild, Passel Argente of the Corporate Alliance, San Hill of the Intergalactic Banking Clan, and Wat Tambor of the Techno Union will commence. They should not be difficult to apprehend. One thing they are all known for is their cowardice, but a team of six Jedi will still be the ones extracting them. All ships that we are flying have a new built in cooling system to protect you from the sun's energy. Pilots will be flying individual restraining ships to put the captured into. The rest of you will be flying Delta 7 Jedi Starfighters and keeping the CIS's new ships off of each other. These ships are a new model called TIEs. Not much is known about them, except that they are extremely fast and are not controlled by droids." He then shut off the hologram and walked back and forth on stage. "As for Count Dooku, who is the leader of this organization, a special Jedi team code named the Golden Five will infiltrate and capture him. They have already been briefed and their team will consist of Masters Windu, Kenobi, Skywalk-" He stopped just then, realizing he was not around, and turned towards Mace Windu and Yoda, who shook their heads to indicate Skywalker was not coming. "Um...Mundi and Koon. Now that the overall message has been explained you are all now to break into your different operation groups. Meeting adjourned." The audience of Jedi stood up and broke into their different groups. On stage the five Jedi and Senator formed a small group huddle. "Where is Anakin?" asked Obi-Wan in slightly worried way. "I don't know," confessed Bail. "I told the Emperor to speak to him about it today." "Eye to eye, you and the Emperor do not always meet, Senator," commented Yoda. Bail just lowered his head realizing that Anakin might not make the mission after all. Obi-Wan walked away from the group and proceeded to the ground floor of the room. Sighing and proceeding towards the door, he realized that at first he was against Anakin's involvement with this mission, that he didn't get to see him. It seemed like it had been forever since Obi-Wan had seen his apprentice. But that didn't matter anymore as the door slid open in front of him. Standing in the opening was a tall, strongly built Jedi, who was completely out of breath. It was Anakin.

CHAPTER V

The two Jedi sat on cargo boxes in the enormous hanger while fellow Jedi moved around, boarding ships and discussing the mission. The hanger was very large, with a slightly low ceiling and pillars here and there. The ships were perfectly organized with the Jedi Starfighters at the front of hanger and the restraining ships in the rear. Electric sparks could be heard here and there as machines were making late modifications on some ships. "Anakin, I just can't believe I haven't seen you in two years," said Obi-Wan. "I know, Master. I have missed your words of wisdom." Obi-Wan chuckled, "Anakin, I hear that you might not need them. The council believes you're mature enough to be on our infiltration team." Anakin smiled at the news again. He was so happy things were going his way. However, Padme was still on his mind. He had promised her that Ithor would be his last battle. If she heard that he would be one of the Jedi leading the most dangerous battle of the Clone Wars, she would never forgive him. Anakin just sat there staring into space, thinking of his wife. "Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked. "Anakin?" Anakin shook his head and looked at his master, "Sorry. I am worried about Padme." Obi-Wan frowned at the mention of a Jedi's wife. Not the fact that a Jedi is married, but his apprentice went against the Jedi Code. "What's wrong with her?" "She doesn't want me to fight," he answered. "She had a hard time getting over the battle of Geonosis. That was an experience she didn't want me to relive. I promised I would be coming home, but then I heard of this mission. I just couldn't refuse this opportunity. However, when this is over, and that fool Dooku is suffering, I'm calling it quits." "What then, Anakin?" asked Obi-Wan. "I don't know," he answered. "I do know that I will miss fighting for the Republic." "We are grateful Anakin," responded Obi-Wan. "Your skills in the way of the Force are exceeding great. However, when we're up there, I don't want you to do anything crazy. Remember, you are still my apprentice." Anakin understood and nodded to Obi-Wan. The two got up and walked toward their ships. Anakin said hello to fellow Jedi that he hadn't seen in years. As the Jedi reach their ships, Anakin turned toward his master, "When we get back, boy do I have stories to tell you." "I'm sure you do," remarked Obi-Wan. "May the Force be with you." "May the Force be with you as well," responded Anakin. The two looked at each other and climbed the ladders to their ships.

CHAPTER VI

The sun just broke over the lake's horizon on Naboo. It cast a golden glow to everything, including the bedroom of Anakin and Padme. The white, silky curtains were blowing gently and birds were chirping outside the window. A figure in a white nightgown lied in bed with the sheets pulled over to its side. The side next to it was bare, with the sheets unwrinkled and the pillow perfectly plump. The figure's hand rubbed the empty spot next to it. From the window the sky could be seen as dark clouds slowly began to form. As the clouds formed the wind grew stronger and began to blow very strongly into the bedroom. Rain began to pour and as the curtains whipped around a big bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree and it burst into flames. The figure woke up and sat straight in bed. "Anakin!" Padme screamed. A low rumble of thunder followed her scream. She looked outside to see a tree burning and an R2 unit putting out the fire. Padme got out of bed with a worried and scared look on her face for her husband.

A few hours later Padme was sitting at a table. It was pouring outside. Her breakfast was untouched as she stirred the bowl with her spoon, staring into space. Anakin was the number one thing on her mind ever since he left. She didn't want him to go, to fight. She wanted him to stay with her, and now she felt that that might not happen. Padme didn't even notice her handmaiden, Dorme, come into the room. As Padme sat staring into space, Dorme walked up and took the untouched dishes into the other room. When she came back she put her hand on Padme's shoulder. When this happened, Padme began to cry. "He's not coming back. Something's going to happen." She put her head in her hands, gently sobbing. Dorme responded by hugging Padme. She knew Padme had been losing hope these past days since Anakin had not communicated with her. Padme sat there, hugging Dorme, as it thundered outside. Padme decided there was only one thing she could do to see Anakin. "I'm going to Coruscant," she strongly stated. "I want to know where Anakin is." "M'lady," began Dorme, "I'm sure Anakin is-" "No," interrupted Padme, "He is not all right. Something is going to happen. I don't know what, but I feel it will." Dorme just stood there staring at Padme, who was very serious about what she said.

CHAPTER VII

A strange blue energy field covered the Jedi's ships as they traveled at light speed to their destination. The dozens of starfighters were organized in attack formation, with the cargo transports behind them. Due to the limited weaponry, the cargo transports were to remain back until the word was given for them to approach the Destroyer. Fifteen Jedi were onboard each of the five transports with ten holding cells. Only one would be used on each ship. On Mace Windu's view screen, the planet Nkllon came into view. "Pull out of hyperspace," he ordered. Upon his words the fighters and other ships stopped abruptly and returned to normal speed. "Move into attack position." The fighters' sides pushed back and the once peaceful looking ships were now fully armed and ready for battle.

In the Destroyer, it remained very still and quiet. The halls were very clean and empty, except for a few battle droids and astromech units moving around. In one of the thousands of halls a room contained the leaders of the CIS, who were conducting a very important meeting. Count Dooku sat as he always did at the head of the table with Nute Gunray next to him, followed by Shu Mai, Passel Argente, San Hill, and Wat Tambor. As Dooku spoke, ships could be seen off in the distance through an enormous window behind him. "As you know," spoke Dooku, "the Emperor has taken new steps in the production of the Clone Army. The Kaminoins are rather displeased with the turnouts of the recent clone troopers. They have to recycle the DNA used from the dead bounty hunter Jango Fett. It is a mess, but I feel when our factories have been moved to the side of Nkllon that has more ore, we shall take the Republic and crush it, as we have always dreamed to." The other dignitaries looked around the table at each other smiling. "There is something rather interesting about the Fett "family" that I have found out. Jango's cloned "son", Boba, has been train-." A blaring siren cut off Dooku. Nute Gunray was the first to jump up yelling, "We're being attacked!" Dooku just smiled at his cowardly friend, "Sit down, dear Gunray. They have just entered our security field. This is the moment, ladies and gentlemen, that I have been waiting for." "What do you plan to do?" asked Shu Mai. "Watch," answered Dooku, as he pressed a glowing green button in front of him. A buzzing noise was produced. "Yes, sir?" an alien voice asked. "Are they ready?" Dooku asked. "Two hundred are ready to deploy," answered the voice. "Oh, not that much for now," replied Dooku. "Let's go with sixty. That should prove entertaining." He pressed the green button and smiled at the figures around the table.

The space around the Destroyer lay empty, except for the approaching Jedi ships. Anakin knew that something was amiss here. Never had he experienced a time where he could get as close as this to a ship without any defense presented. Tuning into the Force, he felt a trap. "Look alive. I feel a disturbance in the Force." "I feel it, as well," agreed Obi-Wan. He did feel that Anakin might be a little too confident. But right as Obi-Wan thought that, a loud screaming sound came from outside the cockpit and dozens of ships came pouring out of the Destroyer. They were small, but fast. They had two square sides and a sphere in the center. "I guess those are the new ships," Plo stated. The Jedi watched as the TIEs dove all over the place, blasting their way through the bunch. "Look alive!" shouted Mace. Then all of the Jedi went into battle. The squadron split right down the center as a group of TIEs flew through it. From there the Jedi went their own ways. The Jedi's ability to use the Force to tune into the pilots' minds proved helpful. By reading their minds, it was easier to tell what move would be made. Whereas the Droid Starfighters had minds of their own. Obi-Wan flew with Mace behind him as the two took out two TIEs. As Obi-Wan turned to separate from Mace he found three TIEs heading straight for him. He quickly banked down and the three other ships quickly followed. Obi-Wan dodged the blast made by the TIEs, but then caught himself heading closer towards the Destroyer. He spun around to find the ships heading right at him. Just then, a Jedi Starfighter shot the three in lightning speed and pulled right next to Obi-Wan. As Obi-Wan squinted he could see that it was Anakin. A smile and a wave proved that Anakin thought he was the better pilot. The fighter sped off with R2 beeping when a group of TIEs headed straight for him. Anakin kept the path he was on, heading for the line of ships. It turned into a game of chicken, until Anakin unleashed fire on the line hitting each other directly. His starfighter flew right through the debris as R2 gave out another whimper.

Inside the Destroyer, Count Dooku and the CIS leaders stood before the enormous window, watching the battle outside. Starfighters were exploding left and right as the TIEs were outnumbering the remaining ships. Much to Dooku's delight, he let out a little chuckle. On the desk, a button began flashing. Dooku walked over and pressed it. A hologram is produced of a droid. "Count Dooku," started the droid, "current status." "Go ahead," returned Dooku. "Relocation of droid factories on schedule. Will be completed in twenty- four hours." "Excellent," responded Dooku. "And the Jedi?" "Jedi Transportation ship, Alpha R-23, landed zero point five kilometers of shield generator. Three teams of sixteen Jedi each approaching from North East, East, and North West. We'll be ready, sir." The droid then saluted his master. Dooku returned by shutting off the hologram and moved to the window to watch the view.

On Nkllon, Jedi Strike Red moved behind an enormous boulder. Over the rock lied the shield generator. Outside of it stood a platoon of twenty super battle droids and thirty battle droids. The leader of Jedi Red was Kit Fitso. He had fought well in the Battle of Geonosis and proved to be a great leader when infiltrating. The fifteen other Jedi with him he didn't know. However, they had become great friends in the little time that they had known each other. For some strange reason, Kit thought this looked like a little too easy. He had broken into many more guarded places than this. "Keep your heads up, everyone," advised Kit. At that word, he looked over the huge rock to see the other Jedi leaders in their spots. At that word he pulled out a grenade and hurled it over the rock to the group of battle droids. After a clunking sound was heard followed by two more came the explosions. The explosions eliminated all of the droids. At that point the three teams left their hiding spots to meet in the middle of the rubble. "Are you ready?" asked a fellow Jedi to Kit. "Yeah," he responded. "Everyone knows what to do?" The fellow Jedi nodded. "Let's go!" Kit shouted as the Jedi stormed into the cave.

Back in space the Jedi Starfighters thinned out as more and more TIE fighters poured out of the main ship. They blasted their way through the Jedi and seemed not to be afraid of being destroyed. From the sixty starfighters, only nine remained. Mace, Obi-Wan, Ki-Adi, Plo, Anakin, and four other Jedi did their best to defend themselves from the TIEs. Anakin had been doing great even though the outnumbered Jedi were suffering. As the nine Jedi formed to charge the TIEs, the enemy ships were nowhere to be found. "Where are they?" asked Ki-Adi. "I don't know," answered Mace. The Jedi flew closer towards the Destroyer searching for the enemy when their ships shook and uncontrollably headed towards it. Despite fighting for the controls, Anakin couldn't pull his ship out of the path it was heading. "Artoo, what's happening?" he asked the droid. Obi-Wan responded, "Magnetic field. There's nothing we can do." The Jedi sat back to wait boarding the Destroyer.

CHAPTER VIII

On Coruscant, the Senate was in session and had never been so heated before. Over the past two years, more and more Senators had left the Senate to join Count Dooku's group. Many had left for all the same reason: the Emperor was simply incompetent and the Republic is going nowhere but down. When faced with other Senators approaching this issue, the Emperor had dodged it by support of his friends. Certain Senators always had faith in Palpatine and they were the ones that met with him every so often in order to handle the "situation" in the Republic. The other Senators were enemies of Palpatine. Even though there were only about twelve or so Senators that formed the Coalition to Protect the Republic, the Emperor still felt them as a threat to him. Bail Organa and Jar Jar Binks grew apart from the friendship they had with Palpatine before the Clone Wars began. "Don't you realize that nothing has been done to help the Jedi?" Bail addressed the Senate, but was really aiming at Palpatine. "Of course the clone troopers have helped immensely on the battlefield, but our own 'leader' has made it clear that the Jedi are in fact not helping and that they have been the fault of most losses." Palpatine had been silent for long enough. "You do realize, my fellow Senator," began Palpatine. "that I am not against the Jedi, but rather their choices to protect the Republic. As it is known, the Jedi are the protectors of peace in the galaxy. They are not warriors, and I repeat, they are not warriors. How long should we wait for the Jedi to be wiped out completely? A month? A week? A few hours?" At that last comment, the Senate began whispering to each other. "Yes, my fellow Senators, yes," continued Palpatine. "Your fellow friend thought it necessary to been the brains for the Jedi's last mission; the mission that would bring the Republic back to order. I am speaking of the capturing and trialing of Count Dooku." Gasps went from all around the Senate, for no one except Bail and Palpatine knew of this outside the Jedi Order. "It is true," followed Bail, "but I hid it from you all for protection for the Jedi. For years they have protected us all and now it is their most desperate hour. We need them and they need us. Why not help them? I fought with them at the Battle of Ithor. I watched as they died right next to me. Why should I sit back, like the Emperor, and let it continue. The Jedi shouldn't stop their involvement in the war, but strengthen it. And they can only do that with the Republic's strategic planning and-" "What are you proposing Senator?" interrupted Palpatine. Bail sighed and announced, "I am proposing that we begin funding for the Jedi." As he stated this, the Senate broke out in boos and hisses. As he shouted over the Senators that were booing, Mas Ammeda stood up to call order, but Palpatine's hand on his shoulder told him to let the anger and chaos continue.

CHAPTER IX

The nine Jedi Starfighters glided slowly toward one of the Destroyer's main hangers. A siren in the background blared to alert the ship of the Jedi's arrival. As the ships pulled into the hanger dozens of battle droids marched into formation, much like when Count Dooku arrived, except their weapons were drawn and pointed toward the oncoming ships. When the ships landed and the Jedi got out, they all met in a huddle before a platoon of battle droids came their way. "What I want is for everyone to remember the mission," orders Mace Windu. As he says this he glances quickly at Anakin. "Also, we need to split up. The Golden Five will find Dooku and somehow get him to Coruscant. You other four will stay with the ships. If anyone messes with them, defend them at all costs." At that order the four other Jedi nodded and moved into their guarding places. "For the rest of us, we will complete this mission. But remember, no violence. We need to extract Dooku without creating a lot of ruckus." Obi-Wan turned to look at Anakin who was facing the approaching battle droids. Anakin glared hatefully toward the droids, and Obi-Wan put a hand on his Apprentice. "Patience, Anakin," he stated. "Patience." Anakin responded with a glare that slightly frightened his Master. When the twenty droids arrived, they escorted the six Jedi through a door and down a forever-stretching hallway.

About ten minutes later, the Jedi finally arrived at a large, thick door guarded by four super battle droids. The droids stood perfectly straight and silent. As the Jedi walked in front of them, they put their arms down and marched away with the other droids. As the six Jedi stood in the hallway in front of the enormous door, Anakin spoke first. "What is this?" he asks. "We're just standing here like ducks, waiting for them to make their move." The desperate Jedi caught the attention of the impatient, young Jedi and Mace responded. "Anakin, just wait," he said. "I was expecting this." "Expecting what?" asked Obi-Wan. At that moment, the doors quickly opened to reveal a table with the leaders of the CIS seated around it. They all sat smiling at the Jedi. At the head of the table stood the powerful Count Dooku. When Anakin saw Dooku he took a step forward with his hand on his lightsaber. When he did this, Obi-Wan put his hand on him to calm him. When Anakin did not respond, Obi-Wan commanded, "Please, Anakin." He let go of his lightsaber and took a step back. "Please, Jedi, sit," Dooku said. "Your presence is most welcomed." When the Jedi did not sit, Dooku nodded at his seated guests. The leaders stood up and walked out of the room, whispering to each other about what might happen to the Jedi. After the leaders left, the Jedi could do nothing but stare at the man responsible for all of the dead Jedi in the galaxy.

CHAPTER X

Back on Coruscant the sky was filled with the daily lunch traffic as a Naboo ship flew by. It sped through traffic, searching for a landing space at the Senate building. The Senate was filled with people coming and going as the heated hearing had lasted for the past couple of hours. Palpatine and Bail had been arguing back and forth with little assistance from other Senators. Neither had broken a sweat, for there had been times like this, but not as bad. Reporters from different new sources had been coming and going, writing articles about how this was the out of control an argument had been in Senate history.

The Naboo ship found a space close to the Senate and landed in it. Inside the ship arguments were building just like in the Senate. Padme and her handmaiden Dorme had had a heated argument before leaving for Coruscant and had hardly spoken the entire trip. As soon as the ship landed, Dorme warned Padme that she feels she is in danger. Padme responded, "I don't care! I want to find Anakin!" She stormed out of the ship leaving Dorme standing watching her walk towards the Senate. "Take Threepio to the apartment!" After that, she stormed off hoping to find answers. Dorme responded simply, "Be careful."

The Senate was just as Padme had remembered it. The statues of past Chancellors, the position that had been replaced with the title Emperor, stood near the Senate. When Padme heard of the news that Palpatine was ranked to the position of Emperor, she was very happy for him. She knew that he had the patience to guide the galaxy in the correct direction during the CIS movement. However, through the two years of the Clone Wars, she was beginning to lose faith in him. He promised to handle the CIS in the first six months at the most, and it has now been over two years. She sometimes felt that he was somewhat corrupt; for there were many Senators that had disagreed with him, but then don't a few days later. But what even worried her more was that Anakin told her that the two had become great friends. During his hologram messages to her, he always praised him, saying his guidance and leadership was helping him fight his best. Before Anakin left four months ago, he stayed with Padme for a few weeks. During that time, she found him writing letters to him saying how he can't wait to fight again. That he couldn't wait to leave his wife again, risking his life for the Republic. After leaving he sent Padme a few holograms here and there to comfort her and tell her where he is. She saved all of those and kept them recorded in her bedside table. She looked at them everyday, hoping that Anakin would return in her arms. However, then she had hope, but now that hope was draining, for Anakin was to return quite a while ago and she hadn't heard anything. She thought that the Senate was the only place she could go to find her old friends. It would be great to see Jar Jar and Bail again, Padme thought. They were the only ones that gave her comfort when she was fighting the approval of the Republic's army those years ago. She would really love to know how Bail's committee was fairing, due to the numerous amounts of anonymous Senators joining it. Padme always knew Bail could accomplish much. He was a good friend. When she climbed up the front staircase of the Senate, she saw the enormous statues holding their staffs, acting like the guardians of where she was going. They stood taller than she remembered. She also never remembered the walk being this long. She was usually dropped right at the building, rather than have to walk this great distance. But while walking, the familiar faces of the people to the right and left of her came back. She saw old friends, that she thought were long gone. Such as Grehr Hehey who was nearly 345 years old. He had watched the Senate hearings almost everyday taking his own personal notes. Padme always wondered what he did with those notes. As he passed by, she could smell his old clothes and hear his dry breathing. She wished there were more people that were old and wise and knew what was going on in the Senate.

When Padme finally reached the Senate Building itself, she found herself staring at two red guards. She was used to seeing the traditional blue guards, but these seemed very familiar. As she approached them closer she remembered that they were in Palpatine's office. They were his royal guards, she remembered. The guards stood still when Padme stood in front of them. They would not let her pass. As Padme began to question, a recording came from above her, "Welcome, to the Galactic Senate, home of the galaxy's finest Senators. Due to numerous threats on the almighty Emperor Palpatine, security measures have increased greatly to insure the safety of the great protector of the galaxy and his fellow Senators. Please place your ID card into the present slot or type in your eight digit code." At that last request, Padme panicked. She couldn't remember her eight-digit code, and it was quite a while ago that she threw away her card. Being careful not to arouse suspicion from the guards, she began typing what she thought was the correct code. 8-3-4-2-5-1-1-4, she typed. A loud buzz and a voice followed, "Please type correct code for fingerprints." Fingerprints? Padme thought. She looked at the keypad to realize that when typing in the code, her fingerprints were being taken. 2-6-2-2-8-5-1-9, she typed. A buzz. 9-2-6-3-1-6-6-7, she typed. A buzz. 1-4-3-6-2-7-1-3, she typed. A buzz. At that moment, the red guards were getting suspicious and one began to approach Padme. Upon seeing this, Padme concentrated on that long forgotten code. 1-4-1-2-1-5-1-5, she typed. A ding. Relief ran through Padme's body when hearing that noise. "Welcome, to the Galactic Senate," said the voice. Padme walked through the now unlocked doors and searched for someone who could help her find her husband.

Meanwhile, Bail was further explaining his plan to a partly angered Senate. Since the beginning of the Senate hearing, sides had obviously been formed: those who side with assistance to the Jedi and those who believe they should not have affiliation with the Republic. Bail's side, those who should aide the Jedi, was quite small compared to Palpatine's. Of course those who were members of the Coalition to Protect the Republic were siding with Bail, but also a few dozen joined as well. The sides were looking like 1:5. Stressed out from the bantering back and forth, Senator Orn Free Taa left his pod and walked out into the hallway. There he took a heavy breath and began to walk away from his pod entrance. He didn't travel far until he saw a familiar face. "M'lady!" he shouted. Padme heard this and ran towards the Senator. She didn't recognize the voice at first, but did the fat, blue body. Padme hugged Orn Free and a handful of memories came back into her head from when the two worked together before the Clone Wars. As she pulled away, Padme noticed that the Twi'lek looked much, much older from two years ago. The stress put on his out-of-shape body must be tremendous, Padme thought. Sweat covered his face and the heavy breathing told Padme that he was hurting. "What are you doing here?" Orn Free asked. "I've come back to find out where Anakin is," she answered. "My husband." "Ah, yes," he responded. "The great Anakin Skywalker. He has been mentioned quite a few times by the Emperor." Padme was very surprised by this. She asked, "Well, what did he say about him?" Orn Free looked up into space, thinking of an answer. "Something like, 'Jedi have been destroying the Republic's chance to win this war, except for one Anakin Skywalker'. Of course then, people started talking. Well, he is married to a former Senator." Padme could not respond to that. Why would Palpatine speak so highly of Anakin, she thought. "I've heard, literally heard, of the little argument in there," Padme says, pointing towards the door Orn Free came out of. "I would enjoy listening. Oh, if you don't mind." Orn Free shook his head, saying, "Of course not, I'd be proud to announce your 'guest appearance'." "No, no, no," Padme answered. "I don't want them to know I'm here. I've just come to see Bail, but now perhaps Palpatine as well, after what you told me." "Absolutely," responded Orn Free. "If you don't mind my 'assistants'." The two then walked over towards the pod entrance where Orn Free's two female Twi'leks were waiting.

CHAPTER XI

On the Destroyer, the Jedi stood as Dooku calmly looked them up and down while sitting across the table in front of them. After moments of silence, it was broken. "As I said, please sit," Dooku repeated. When the Jedi still didn't respond, Mace began, "Stop this, Dooku. This war will end. You're coming with us to the Senate; there the Emperor will call a hearing and take control of this situation." "Ah, still taking orders, my dear Master Windu?" Dooku asked. "How is dear old Palpatine now? Moved up from the position of Senator those long years ago, hasn't he? But no worry about him, for I will soon be in control of the former Republic." This comment enraged Anakin, as he strongly stated, "Don't count on it." As Dooku heard this, he turned to the young Jedi and smiled. "Young Skywalker, I presume," announced Dooku. "I didn't know you were in this brigade. After your last.encounter with me, you lost more than you bargained for. "It won't be the only thing you'll be missing, when I'm done with you," Anakin threatened. Dooku responded with a heavy, hearty laugh. "Enough!" Obi-Wan addressed, as he turned to Anakin. "Don't give into hate, Anakin. Or you will suffer the fate of Dooku." "And what fate is that, Master Kenobi?" asked Dooku. "Or should I say General Kenobi? Is it that I have become the best Force-wielder in the galaxy?" "Your last battle with Yoda proves different, Dooku," Obi-Wan said. Anger built in Dooku by that comment. "No more fighting," Mace stated. "The Emperor has formed a special negotiating session for you and the entire Senate. Set your ship's coordinates for Coruscant and we can end this conflict." "There is no conflict," Dooku returned. "For centuries, Jedi have been protectors of peace in the galaxy. They don't believe in war, but when it calls, they will do their duty. They don't believe in hate. They don't believe in anger. They don't believe in fear. But I sense much fear in all of you. Especially you, Skywalker. You all fear that your fire will die out and leave you with nothing but ashes of a forgotten religion. And when that time comes, you will be all alone except for one thing: darkness." He stood up as smoothly as he could and pressed a button in front of him. A hologram of the Nkllon's shield generator came into view, similar to the one the Jedi were briefed with. However, this one showed figures cutting through droids, fighting their way further into the building. "As you can see," Dooku began, "your Jedi friends are in the middle of their mission. But what they don't know is that they are walking into a trap." At those words, a feel of panic swept over the Jedi as they walked closer towards the hologram, watching the strike team, work farther and farther into the structure.

In Nkllon's shield generator, Kit Fitso led the Jedi to several operating rooms, deflecting oncoming fire and cutting droids in half. Battle droids and a few super battle droids kept on coming, but it was no problem for the forty Jedi. The other five Jedi died a few minutes ago when they were all caught off guard at a break in the volcano ground. The old, abandoned volcano had several hiding spots and breaks in the floor due to past eruptions. Kit cut through the last battle droid as the group stood before the main operating room for the shield generator. "Alright, this is it," he stated. "Go in smoothly and leave me to shut down the generator." At that moment, Kit signaled and the group ran into the room. To the group's surprise, there was nothing in the room. Not a single computer, droid, or piece of metal, just a cavern. The confused Jedi walked farther into it and felt heat grow stronger and stronger. The more the heat grew, the brighter the room became. The Jedi walked farther and farther until they came to a cliff and stared in horror at what they saw. Below them sat a vast pool of lava. It bubbled and gurgled, sending little bits of lava at the feet of the Jedi. Some were hit by it on their boots and started screaming as it burned through to their flesh. They jumped around, screaming, trying to take of their boots, until they knocked nine Jedi off the edge into the lava. The Jedi's screams didn't last long, for the lava was rising quickly, and their bodies disappeared with a little sizzle sound and a small puff of smoke. Kit gasped at this and screamed for the other Jedi to follow him. The Jedi sprinted off the way they came in to avoid the deadly lava.

Dooku turned his back on his guests and stared out the window onto Nkllon. The dark side of the planet seemed to glow. Not from the sun that was shining on the other side, but from the lava rising from the planet's core. Dooku could do nothing, but chuckle as the Jedi watched in horror as the Jedi strike team sprinted down the twisting hallways of the supposed dead volcano.

The lava began to rise above the ground surface from where the Jedi were standing. As soon as it raised enough, it was off. It slowly moved down the cavern's floor, but then picked up speed and traveled like a creek, growing larger and larger. Kit and the fellow Jedi ran farther and farther, using the Force as their guide through the twists and turns. As the Jedi turned what they believed was the last corner and would lead them to freedom, a platoon of more than one hundred battle droids stood waiting for them. The sweating and tired Jedi looked at each other and stormed the group with lightsabers ablaze.

Dooku turned around to watch the still staring eyes of the Jedi following the action on Nkllon. He knew that this was his time to shine. "Your Jedi don't seem to be doing so well," he said. "Stop it!" shouted Ki-Adi. "They're all going to die!" "Well, of course," responded Dooku. "That is the point Master Mundi." Anakin was not watching the hologram, but the rest of the Jedi were. The whole time he had been watching Dooku. He had been staring into him, burring deep inside his brain, trying to figure out his evil. "We won't let that happen," stated Obi-Wan. "We won't let our fellow Jedi die, and you get away with it." "Qui-Gon didn't teach you about over-confidence, did he?" Dooku asked Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan didn't respond to this, he moved his eyes back to the hologram, watching Jedi fighting and getting shot down. His apprentice still stared at the man before him. As Anakin squinted harder, trying to see into him, Dooku quickly turned to look at him. The two were locked in a stare that involved one another to fight each other in one's mind.

CHAPTER XII

Padme could not believe her ears as she listened to the arguing going back and forth between Palpatine and Bail. She had never heard a Senate hearing be this bad. When someone ever argued with the Chancellor, or the Emperor, Padme corrected herself; they would be cut of from communicating. But the more Bail seemed to argue with Palpatine, the stronger Palpatine's supporters became. Padme didn't recognize most of Palpatine's supporters. They seemed to be new members. "Who are some of Palpatine's supporters, Orn Free?" asked Padme. "I don't recognize any of them." "Well, most of them are new Senators," answered Orn Free. "It is rumored that Emperor Palpatine had something to do with them being elected. But you know how rumors are. You did hear of terrorist attack on the Senate, didn't you?" "Of course!" Padme reassured. "It was the most tragic event for the Republic since the Battle of Ithor. But how did anyone plant explosives in all of those pods?" Orn Free shook his head, trying to remember that awful day. When he arrived that morning, it seemed to be another day. But instead it would be a day no one would forget. It was the day that the Coalition to Protect the Republic finally had enough members to overpower the Emperor in the decisions he was making. As the moment came for Bail to call a motion of no confidence in Emperor Palpatine, an explosion blew nearly a quarter of the Senate apart. Hundreds of Senators died in that explosion. Fortunately for the CPR, Bail survived. An explosive device was found in his pod, but did not detonate with the others. He had just returned from the Battle of Ithor and saw all of the death he needed to for a lifetime, and then that had to happen, Orn Free thought. "No one knows," answered Orn Free as he came back to reality. "It is rumored that the CIS had something to do with it. But you know how rumors are." Padme nodded and listened to more of the arguments.

"What you need to realize is that the Jedi are the backbone of the Republic," Bail addressed. "We are all symbionts. If they continue to be wiped out, then the Republic will fall, no matter how many promises you make, your Excellency." The supporters of Palpatine booed Bail's words, but soon quieted down as Palpatine was about to give his final comment, "My dear members of the Senate, what has gone on today is with my unfortunate duty to admit is the lowest the Senate has succeed to. When I was given the power by you to handle the CIS and defend my Republic, our Republic, the galaxy's Republic, I knew that I would be able to do so to the best of my abilities. But something has been stopping me from doing so. People like Senator Organa from Alderaan or Master Yoda from the Jedi Order have 'handled' the battles against the CIS and done nothing but put the Republic in a downfall and I don't want that to happen. What I want is a place where democracy rules and I will help us get there! We need to forget the mistakes of the Jedi and build a new Republic! One that doesn't have defenders of an old religion, but defenders of an empire! An empire that will build the Republic a stronger backbone as Senator Organa wanted! An empire that will give you freedom and peace from all terrorist organizations and rebellions! An empire that will be here to stay! Long live a Republic that is yet to come!" At the dramatic end of that speech, the Senate turned into thunderous applause as nearly every Senator stood up to recognize the Emperor. Palpatine could do nothing but give a weak smile to show he cared for the Senators' support. Upon hearing that speech, Padme, who remained seated with Orn Free, looked over in the distance to see Bail with his head is hand.

As other Senators left their pods, the Emperor still stood in the center of the room, speaking into a private comlink to fellow Senators that were his friends. No one seemed to notice this, but a small, green creature in a room at the top of the Senate room. Yoda sat cross-legged on a platform and remained staring at Palpatine as he had for the past hour or two. He used the Force to dig into the man's mind, but could find nothing. It was almost as if the man had so much in his mind, that some remained impenetrable, Yoda thought. Something was suspicious about this man, but what? Those years ago when Obi-Wan told him of what Dooku said about the Senate being controlled by a Sith was hard to believe. How could he not see that? Was he getting too old? 876 years was quite a long time, he thought. But out of all of those years, this time was the worst he had ever seen. The war, the fighting, the corruption, it didn't make sense. There had to be someone behind it, but who? His former Padawan, Count Dooku, was always too into himself. He never would of thought his own former-apprentice would be the head of a rebellion whose goal was to destroy the Republic. But there was no way Dooku could manipulate the entire Senate and the Republic for that matter. There had to be an inside person, Yoda thought as he continued to look at the Senators gathering up their things, as they left another hearing. Yoda looked around one final time as he locked eyes with the Emperor. The Emperor's eyes were the coldest he had ever seen. But not cold from evil, but rather from stress and corruption, Yoda thought. But as the two continued to stare, Yoda immediately broke away as he grab his chest sensing something in the Force; something that would spell doom for the Jedi.

Orn Free and Padme walked around the Senate for quite awhile, discussing the day's events and the Emperor's plan of recruiting for his new army called storm troopers. Padme didn't like the idea of it, and especially didn't want the Republic to stretch all across the galaxy as proposed by Palaptine. Some systems needed to remain neutral, Padme thought, to keep themselves out of political conflicts. As Padme and Orn Free walked further and further they came across a small group of Senators talking. Padme recognized the first one she saw. The tall frame, the slow bobbing, and the big floppy ears could tell she was looking at the back of Jar Jar Binks. The gungan and her had been through quite a lot together in the past decade: fighting for their home planet and representing Naboo in the Senate. Padme had to admit that Jar Jar had clownish manners, but from what she had been reading in news reports, he had improved from that silly gungan to a serious, experienced Senator. As Padme walked up to the group, she patted Jar Jar on the back. The gungan quickly turned around and looked down at the smaller figure in front of him. A big smile formed on his face as he screamed, "M'lady! Oh mooie goodness!" He grabbed her and two exchanged a huge hug. As the two were hugging, the other four Senators left their conversation to find out who this person was Jar Jar was hiding behind his big body. When the hugging ended, Padme turned to look at the other Senators. She recognized all of them, but one stood out that she had been friends with for a long time. "What are you doing here?" Bail quickly asked. "I need to find where Anakin is," she answered. "Oh, um, would you excuse me, please?" Bail addressed the other Senators. "I'll contact you for our next meeting." The two left the other Senators and began walking to the lift to Bail's personal shuttle. "About Anakin," Bail began. "What?" Padme interrupted. "He arrived very early this morning to meet with Palpatine about an award," Bail started. "I then met with him-" "Where is he Bail?" Padme interrupted. "That's all I want to know." "He and a legion of Jedi are on a mission to capture Count Dooku," Bail explained. "But that's all I can say for now. Palpatine mentioned the secret mission to the entire Senate, and I fear inside sources of Dooku might be getting the news right now."

CHAPTER XIII

The droids were nearly all in pieces on the floor as the few Jedi remained one of Nkllon's millions of volcanoes. The battle droids thinned out quickly at first, when the Jedi ran into them, but their numbers kept growing and growing. As they kept coming, the Jedi kept fighting and falling. Kit screamed for the other five Jedi to charge for the opening this due to the lava approaching from behind them and that the numbers of droids were decreasing. The Jedi agreed and Force-called dead Jedi's lightsabers to their other hand. They then sprinted at an incredible speed to the remaining twenty battle droids, spinning their lightsabers at 360 degrees, slicing the droids into bits and pieces. Once the Jedi passed through them, they continued their sprint through the long hallway, not looking back as the lava engulfed the pieces of droids and the dead Jedi. Nearing the exit, the Jedi slowed down to catch their breath. At that moment they looked out to where they had landed their ships, to find heaps of rubble, smoking and in flames as super battle droids continued to fire on them. At that moment the Jedi stared in disbelief at their destroyed ships and looked back and forth between the oncoming lava and super battle droids now noticing the Jedi. Kit took a deep breath and looked at his fellow exhausted friends. "It has been a pleasure fighting with you," he said. "All of you." The other Jedi had to smile at him as they gathered up their strength and ran towards the super battle droids. They wanted to die fighting.

At that moment, the hundreds of miles of "abandoned and dead" volcanoes erupted, sending a tremendous blast of lava and ash, all around the planet. The lava spread all around the hard, black, rocky surfaces.

"NOOOO!" screamed Obi-Wan, as he and the other Jedi watched the remaining Jedi be engulfed by a sea of lava. Dooku didn't smile, but was laughing inside. He had been waiting for this moment for years. The moment when he would prove he was in control of the Republic. When the Senate found out of the fall of the Jedi, they would have no choice, but to bow to his wishes. As the Jedi turned away from the hologram to stare at Dooku, he said, "My power proved you all wrong. As you can see, I am a man of my word. Now all that survives of the Jedi are you five standing before me and a few on Coruscant. Oh, I couldn't forget my dear, former master, Yoda. But don't worry; my master will have his ways with the other few in the galaxy." "Why Dooku?" asked Mace. "You kill thousands of Jedi, build up your facilities on a planet, and then destroy them! Why? Why? You crazy, damn fool!" "Calm, be calm," Dooku soothed out of his mouth. "I didn't destroy any of my facilities! It was all an act. I wouldn't be stupid enough to let Bothan spies get a hold of a shield generator. That 'shield generator' was nothing, but an empty cavern, built with sensors in the walls for you Jedi to track. "You have failed, Jedi. You are now in a fully armed and operational battleship. There is no escape. Good-bye." A door behind the Jedi opened to reveal dozens of firing battle droids. Dooku used this moment to escape. He typed in a code into the table and a door appeared on the black wall. He ran through it, taking one last look at the Jedi. They were defending themselves well, he thought. He also caught a glimpse of Anakin staring at him and fighting at the same time. Dooku responded with a smile and the door closed, camouflaging into the wall. "Dooku!" Anakin screamed with tears forming on his face. So much was going through his mind right now: the death of all of the Jedi in space and on Nkllon, while he could do nothing to prevent it, the droids he was defending himself from, and the escape of Dooku. What should he do? he thought. He decided the Jedi could defend themselves, and began moving slowly towards the hidden door Dooku escaped through. "Anakin!" Obi-Wan yelled as he defended himself. "Don't even think about it! We need your help here!" "He's going to escape!" Anakin responded while deflecting laser bolts. "Listen to me!" Obi-Wan continued. "There will be another time!" "And more dead Jedi!" Anakin screamed back. "I'll meet you on the rendezvous on Coruscant!" At that instant he ran to the wall and moved his hand briefly over it. The hidden door opened and Anakin ran through it. Obi-Wan saw this and cursed himself, "Damn."

At a bar in a lounge on the Destroyer, the leaders of the CIS stood serving each other drinks. They all appeared to be calm and professional, but were secretly bottling their nervousness deep down. Nute's hand shook from time to time while holding a beverage, but he would set it down and begin looking at the art on the wall. While Nute was on his usual "tour" of the room, a door formed on the wall and he jumped back with a scream. From out the door came Dooku, a little out of breath, but with a professional stance he walked out of the door and began addressing his friends. "My former colleagues," he began. "The Jedi are being taken care of as we speak. However, I have received unexpected news from my Master and must depart for Coruscant immediately. But as the host of this meeting, I invite you to stay and enjoy yourselves." At that, Dooku bowed and rushed out of the room. Nute looked at the others in the room and observed, "A little hurried he is, isn't he?" After that comment, he let out another scream as another figure jumped out from the open door in the wall. It was Anakin and his lightsaber was pointed towards Nute. "Where is he?" Anakin impatiently asked. "He...w-went.that way," Nute answered, pointing towards the open double doors at the end of the room. Anakin glared one last time at Nute before cutting off his arm that was trembling, holding a drink. Nute screamed and Anakin ran out of the room chasing Dooku.

CHAPTER XIV

In Padme's apartment on Coruscant, she and Bail were enjoying a lunch prepared by Dorme, and were being served by C-3PO. The droid still remained that dirty, rusty color. He had been feeling quite sad lately due to not having any companionship he did in the past. He had grown quite close to the droid R2-D2. When the two first met in Anakin's slave quarters in Mos Espa, 3PO was very embarrassed due to his "naked" body. But when the two were reunited, ten years later, 3PO and R2 actually had time to form a friendship. After the mishap in the Geonosis droid factory and the wedding of Anakin and Padme, the two spent a lot together on Naboo: hundreds of discussions, which would sometimes turn into arguments, serving the married couple, and even getting 3PO out of "situations". However, when Anakin was called away to war, R2 went with him. Even though Padme was sad to see Anakin go, 3PO wished he knew how to cry so his feelings for his good friend could be shown. But a few months later Anakin and R2 returned, only to be called back one last time. Or so Padme and 3PO thought. Both Padme and 3PO had lost someone they cared about, and they were both on Coruscant to find where they could be. Dorme put two dishes of fruit on a large plate and brought them to Padme and Bail. Dorme didn't know Bail very well. She had seen him many times years ago when Padme was a Senator, but her memory of him still stayed strong. She couldn't explain it, but she always had secret feelings for this man. She never had a conversation or was in the same room with just him, so it wasn't like she could express her feelings whenever she felt like it. Dorme had never loved before, and thought it was strange she would fall for a man fifteen years older than her. She then realized she had been standing at the lunch table for a minute or two. "We're fine now, Dorme," Padme said. "Thank you." "You are quite welcome, m'lady," Dorme responded taking one last look at Bail before going into the kitchen where 3PO was cleaning dishes. "She is quite something," Bail said as he watched the handmaiden go into the kitchen. "I'm sure she enjoys working for you." "Oh, she loves it," responded Padme. "We grew up together. Her family was killed when she was very young. She helped serve my family when she was eight or nine and just stayed with me when I was elected Queen through now. She is a great friend." "Yes," was all Bail could say as he stared where Dorme exited. "Bail?" Padme asked. "Oh, I'm sorry," Bail said as he came back to reality. "Where were we?" "You were telling me why Anakin was chosen for this mission," Padme answered. "Well, it was really Palpatine's idea," Bail said. "I heard that the Jedi Council had trouble accepting his proposal. They thought he was too impatient, but realized that he was a great fighter. Obi-Wan told me he was never for it." "How is Obi-Wan?" Padme asked. "Same as always," Bail simply responded. "He and I have been through quite a lot together. The battles we have both fought in have resulted in victories for the Republic. All except for Ithor. I just don't know what happened there." "What do you think happened there?" asked Padme. "We we're cut off guard," he said. "It is as simple as that. The clone troopers' main carrier ship was destroyed by something under the surface. No one knows what it was. Some big, green stream came out from the surface and hit the ship. The funny thing is, is that it wasn't used again. It was as if it was a weapon that was being tested, as if it weren't ready yet. Well, whatever it was, I hope it doesn't show itself in larger form." "Bail, I can't believe what a fighter you are," Padme exclaimed. "Well, I did train at the Academy," Bail said. "I decided that instead of squabbling in the Senate about the number of deaths on the battlefields, I would fight for what I thought was right." "That's very noble of you," Padme said. "I wanted Anakin to escape that, but it was impossible. He has such a need for it. I think it gives him strength, which I guess is a good thing. I just hope Palpatine can put an end to this war. After what I saw today, I'm actually losing hope." "I hate to disappoint you," began Bail, "but I feel that this mission to bring Dooku to the Senate for negotiation will lead to more violence. Some members of the Senate would love to see Dooku dead. Trying to present him in a peaceful manner is no the approach we should take." "What approach should we take?" Padme asked. "I don't know," continued Bail, "but I think that Palpatine is somehow behind this war. Of course he appears to be trying to prevent more, but I think he is corrupt. It is just one of those gut feelings." "Don't tell Anakin that when he returns," Padme warned. "He has great respect for the man. As have I, but I feel something about him that wasn't there when he served as Senator. He is making his own ideas, rather than the ideas of the Senate. He is falling into the dark pit of politics. He used to be the only the real good-natured human being out there. Of course, next to you, Bail." "Thank you, Padme," Bail responded. The two continued talking as Dorme secretly watched Bail from the slightly open kitchen door.

CHAPTER XV

The battle droids kept on coming as the four Jedi defended themselves. Mace knew the mission to capture Dooku had failed, Mace thought. He had been sick of all of this fighting. As great a warrior he was, the fighting had reached its limit. He and Yoda had discussed the war many times in the Jedi Temple. The small, green master predicted the war to be devastating for the Jedi, but knew that Jedi must do their duty. Mace tried to convince Yoda to go on this mission, but the Jedi refused saying that he must stay to protect the Temple. Of course he couldn't physically do that, Mace thought. But he could tap into almost any mind, searching for the answer behind the chaos. Yoda had also always kept an eye on the Senate. For the past two years he went down there everyday, even if there wasn't a hearing. Mace hoped that Yoda found something that would put an end to all of this, he thought as he decapitated a battle droid. All of the Jedi use their best fighting techniques against the droids. Obi-Wan sliced his lightsaber through the air deflecting the shots made by three super battle droids. He continued to dodge the blaster fire. Ki-Adi and Plo were fighting back to back. At one point they both ducked, only to have the droids fire upon themselves. Mace Windu threw his lightsaber in a boomerang fashion, having it slice through the upper torso of super battle droids. "Where's Anakin?" Mace asked. "He chased after Dooku," Obi-Wan answered. "I told him not to, but it looks like he hasn't learned anything." As Mace sliced a droid in half he responded, "I now feel it was a mistake bringing him on the mission." "Oh, I know," Obi-Wan answered sarcastically as he sliced three droids in half. "We need to get to the hanger!" shouted Ki-Adi. "I know the way!" responded Plo as the Jedi left the remaining battle droids and headed for the hanger to escape.

Anakin feared he would be lost in the enormous ship. The many hallways and tunnels were too much for his mind as he was mainly thinking of what he would do to Dooku when he found him. All of those dead Jedi because of one man, Anakin thought. As Anakin turned one last corner he entered a hanger. Hoping he would find his Jedi Starfighter, Anakin saw dozens of the TIE fighters he had just earlier fought with the other Jedi. In the center of this enormous hanger sat Dooku's Solar Sailor. Anakin recognized this immediately from his last confrontation with Dooku. As he snuck into the hanger, Anakin saw Dooku and his droid pilot get on board. Dooku turned around to see Anakin waiting for him. A duel was obviously implied, as he walked down his ship's ramp towards Anakin. As he approached the Jedi, several TIE pilots came running forth in their black suits to watch the duel. Anakin walked towards Dooku with lightsaber drawn. When Dooku walked closer without activating his, Anakin began to worry. At that instant, Dooku Force threw a cargo box at Anakin's head sending him back into a wall. Dooku decided it was his time to leave. He ran up the ship's ramp and ordered the droid to take off. Upon his order, the droid pulled a few levers and the ship roared to life. As it lifted off, Anakin got up with a cut on the side of his head and ran to the ship as it took off. Too late, he thought, as the ship left the hanger into the deepness of space. Anakin stood there figuring out a way of following Dooku. He turned to see the TIE pilots standing there, defenseless. Knowing they had no chance against him, the pilots got on their knees and surrendered to the Jedi. Full of anger and hatred towards them, Anakin screamed and decapitated all six of them. With a mind flowing with thoughts of confusion and hatred, Anakin stood in the hanger with six dead bodies around him, watching the only man he hated get away.

Mace, Obi-Wan, Ki-Adi, and Plo all made it to the hanger they landed in. But before they rushed in, they could see that the four Jedi that were to remain guarding the ships were on their knees. Super battle droids watched them closely to make sure no funny moves were to be made. Aside from the four Jedi and super battle droids, nearly eighty battle droids were in the hanger formed in a strategic position. Obi-Wan knew this was bad and asked Mace what to do. "There is only one thing we can do," he answered. "Fight." At that, the four Jedi nodded to each other and walked out into the hanger side by side. As the droids began to notice their presence, "Halt!" and "Stop right there!" were shouted, but that did not stop the approaching Jedi. At that instant when a droid yelled, "Fire!" the four approaching Jedi stuck out both of their arms and closed their eyes. Using the Force, they sent nearly forty droids back! The droids that were shot back knocked over others, creating a domino effect. Most of the droids short circuited from the push and remained on the ground. Others did not seem effected by it and immediately started firing. The Jedi defended themselves well as they sliced through the droids as easily as before. When the super battle droids saw these four figures, they opened fire. As they left the group of prisoner Jedi, they got up and took a blaster from fallen droids. The fight was on as Jedi dived between firing droids and using the Force to send others flying through the air, crashing into walls. As a few droids remained, a female, computerized voice came announced, "Detonation. Detonation. Detonation commencing in eight minutes." Upon hearing this, the Jedi ran to their ships. Before reaching them, two guns popped out of the ceiling, firing blasts at the ships. The blasts continued, destroying each ship, one by one. The explosions sent the Jedi flying back. Quickly getting up from the fall, the Jedi armed with blasters began firing on the guns and those with lightsabers flung them towards the target. It didn't take long for the firing guns to explode, sending bits of metal and smoke onto the Jedi. Sensing their lightsabers, the Jedi called them to themselves and hooked them onto their belts. All they could do then was stare at the destroyed ships. Nothing but heaps of rubble lay before them, sizzling, and sending sparks into the air. "Oh, great," said one of the Jedi. But as the smoke cleared it showed that four ships remained: Anakin's, Mace's, Ki-Adi's, and one of the other Jedi's. Upon seeing this, the Jedi knew only four of them would survive. No words were exchanged until the voice came on, "Seven minutes until detonation. Seven minutes." "Dooku is mad!" exclaimed Ki-Adi. "He wouldn't detonate his own ship! Not with all of the leaders on board!" "He's fallen into evil ways," argued Mace. "He doesn't care for other lives." "Well, we have to deactivate the self-destruct!" Plo yelled. "Only then can we all escape! I'm going to deactivate it any way I can! Who's with me?" All of the Jedi stepped forth. "We can't all go," Plo continued. "In respect to the Republic, I believe Masters Windu and Kenobi should leave." "Never!" yelled Obi-Wan. "Why should we leave you?" "Your apprentice needs you," answered Plo. "And you Mace, you can't leave Yoda by himself. He needs you as well." "I can't do that," Mace said. "You will do that," Plo responds. "Now you either let me fulfill my destiny or we die. It is your choice. And to make that choice easier, you can't stop me." At that point, Plo runs off as Ki-Adi and the four Jedi follow. "Masters!" shouts Mace as the Jedi turn around. "May the Force be with you." Plo smiled and the Jedi turned and sprinted off. Mace and Obi-Wan looked at each other and boarded the Jedi Starfighters. Obi-Wan looked at Anakin's empty ship and sighed, hoping that Anakin had escaped some other way.

Meanwhile, the CIS leaders were all coming up with their own theories of what was happening. Nute paced back and forth, rubbing his sweaty hands together. "I've been betrayed in the past, you know," he began. "You can't trust just anyone." "Relax, Viceroy," Shu Mai said. "It is just a bluff to get the Jedi off of our backs." "I hope you're right," Nute responded. A few moments of silence passed until the voice said, "Six minutes until detonation. Six minutes." "Me too," added Shu Mai.

Ki-Adi, Plo, and the other four Jedi reached the control room and found it to be covered with battle droids. Used to this sort of thing, the Jedi plow through cutting down the enemy. The four other Jedi protect Ki- Adi and Plo as the two break into the ship's mainframe computer. "What are we looking for?" asked Ki-Adi as he hacked into a computer. "Look for anything about the internal structure of the ship," Plo answered. "We need to shut down the self-destruct system. It is probably located in the ship's neutron center. I'm deactivating the magnetic field for Mace and Obi-Wan." As Plo continued to shut down the magnetic field, Ki-Adi's eyes widened in horror as he saw the hologram in front of him. It was a sphere spinning on its axis. It looked like a moon or a planet, but when reading its features, he realized that it was a weapon. "Look at this Plo," Ki-Adi said. "What is it?" "I can't believe it," exclaimed Plo. "This is their secret weapon! We need to send this to the Jedi Temple." Plo typed in more and a camera shot up in to record a message. Plo and Ki-Adi stood up in front of the camera, about to record their message as the voice came on announcing one minute until destruction.

CHAPTER XVI

Dooku sat back, with a smile on his face. He didn't remember when he was this happy. All Jedi were dead, but a few here and there, and the old Master Yoda, who would be no match compared to the power of the Sith, Dooku thought. He loved the word Sith. It represented so much just by itself. Master Sidious and I will reign supreme in a galaxy where the term Republic wouldn't exist. As Dooku still chuckled to himself, his droid said, "Approaching ship." "What?!" a shocked Dooku cried. Just then a TIE fighter came roaring into Dooku's view firing upon the ship's sail. The green laser bolts tore away the bronze color and left nothing. The once Solar Sailor was nothing, but a sleek ship, without weapons or shields. "Excuse me, Dooku," began Anakin. "I'm just dropping in for a moment." A scared Dooku knocked his droid out of the way and grabbed a hold of the controls. He banked it left, then right, dodging the shots made by Anakin. "Come on, Dooku," taunted Anakin. "You're not such a great fighter when it comes to flying." At that moment, Anakin fired again, grazing the ship and sending a fluid pouring out of it. A beeping from inside the ship told Dooku that he was leaking fuel. "One more hit, Dooku," continued Anakin. "That's all I need." "Oh, no," began Dooku, "my dear Jedi. That's not all you need. You need more Jedi." "What are talking about?" asked Anakin. "Surely you know of the self-destruct on my ship?" Dooku asked. "If you hurry, you can save your Jedi friends. Or you can let them die and kill me. It's your choice, but I warn you, if you let them die, only you and Yoda will be left." "Liar!" shouted Anakin. "You lie!" "Very well, then," Dooku said. "Destroy me." Anakin was caught again. The remaining Jedi or the most evil man in the galaxy? he pondered. "I'll be seeing you again," was all Anakin could say as he quickly turned around heading back to the Destroyer.

As Anakin reached the coordinates for the ship, he took a five second look at the Destroyer before it exploded in a huge, bright fireball. "NOOOOO!" Anakin screamed as he could feel the death of his Jedi friends onboard. Tears poured down his face as his ship traveled towards pieces of scrap floating in space. But as the tears faded away, they were replaced with a face of anger. Hatred boiled in Anakin, more than it ever had. "Dooku! I'm going to kill you!" he screamed as loud as he could into the deep reaches of space.

On Coruscant, the Jedi Temple was as quiet as it ever had been. All but twelve Jedi remained in it, meditating and practicing the ways of the Force until their friends returned. In the Jedi Council chamber, Yoda sat in the center of the floor with his eyes closed. His mind was traveling at light speed through all of the information he had obtained his whole life. But his mind kept on returning to Anakin. He focused on him, trying to see what was so special about the boy. He looked deeper and deeper, until his eyes opened and he stared straight ahead not believing what was happening. He then felt the screams of all of the Jedi he had taught. All of the Jedi he had worked with. All of the Jedi he was friends with, die so quickly. He closed his eyes searching for survivors. He saw Mace flying his ship with a very sad look on his face, one with failure written all over it. Yoda also saw Obi-Wan flying close to Mace, he too with a look on his face of failure. But failure was not the only thing. There was also worry. But worry of what? Yoda thought. He looked deeper to find it was a worry of Anakin. As soon as he pictured him in his mind, he quickly disappeared, only to be replaced with a sea of lava. And out of that lava came Anakin's face, burned beyond recognition. But the only that Yoda could see that made it Anakin, were the eyes of anger and suffering, which were the first things he ever noticed about the young Jedi. After seeing this, Yoda did nothing but sit; sit and stare into the late afternoon sun, setting on Coruscant's horizon.