Motto: Evil Has the Power to Take a Welcoming Shape

The interior of the LAAT/i Gunship was illuminated by the holographic glow of Senator Padme Amidala's form, which was under the direct attention of its occupants, which included Anakin Skywalker, Shaak Ti, Captain Rex, Commander Fox, Fives, and a hodgepodge of 501st and shock troopers.

"It is the decision of the Security Council," Padme began, "that Chancellor Palpatine has committed treason and sedition against the Republic and the Jedi Order, and that he must be removed from power. Order 65 has been issued; all Republics troops have been order to disregard all transmissions from the Chancellor and his advisors. But I must warn you; we have tried to keep this quiet, but we have learned that Palpatine has barricaded himself in his office." Nodding to the senator, Anakin began to speak.

"Don't worry Senator," he began, "We will deal with this. We do not know what Palpatine is planning, but it is clear he's onto us. Just make sure the other senators and all other non-security personnel are kept safe." Padme nodded, and before signing off, looked to her secret husband with pleading eyes.

"Please be careful, Ani." Anakin could hear faint snickering from some of his men, as well as a few snorts from the Corusaunt Guard at the senator's pet name for Anakin. Paying them no mind, Anakin joked to his wife.

"Hey, I'm always careful." With a small smile, followed by an eye roll, Padme signed off. The chuckling from the other occupants of the gunship continued for a few moments until Anakin decided enough was enough. "All right everyone! It's time to focus! As the Senator said, Palpatine has barricaded himself in his office, which definitely means he has no intention of coming quietly!" The clones all mumbled in agreement, only to be abruptly cut off as Anakin continued. "So, we'll need to divide in teams so that this can be done quickly, and without risking collateral damage. Fox!"

"Yes, Sir!" the Shock commander bellowed, snapping to attention, helmet tucked under his left arm.

"You and your men will protect all non-essential personal!" Fox then gave a prompt salute.

"Understood, Sir!"

"Rex! You and the boys will accompany myself, Shaak Ti, and any other Jedi who may be coming to lend us a hand!" Rex, who was supporting a still recovering Fives, nodded to his general.

"You got it, boss!" he stated. Looking to Fives, both Anakin and Shaak Ti could feel the eagerness imitating from him. The tattooed clone was bolstering a confident smile and determined gaze that could only be rivaled by Anakin's.

"I'm ready to do my part, General." At this statement, both Anakin and Shaak Ti looked at each other with uncertainty. They knew Fives wanted to be a part of the operation, understandably so as Palpatine had set him up, but he was still in no condition to be any help to anyone. Picking up on the uneasiness in his generals, Rex decided to cut them a break by speaking to Fives himself.

"Fives," he began carefully, earning a somewhat weary glare from the ARC Trooper, "while I understand where you are coming from, you are still in no condition to…"

"I am not a liability Rex," Fives groaned out; if only Rex knew that wouldn't be the last time he'd hear those words. Letting out a long sign, Rex was about to counter Fives's statement, when the sound of Anakin's com broke the tension. Lifting his com to his face, Anakin answered.

"Skywalker hear!" The small compartment was then filled with the familiar, authoritative voice of Mace Windu.

"Skywalker," he begun abruptly, "We have received Senator Amidala's transmission. Myself, Master Yoda and Obi-Wan are in route to the senate complex. Masters Plo, Secura, and Unduli will also be arriving promptly. This treachery must not continue!"

"Understood Master; see you there!"

"Copy that; Windu out!"

"Skywalker out!" looking back to Fives, Anakin promptly turned his attention over to the senior medic of the 501st, Kix. "Kix, stay with Fives; make sure his looked after." Snapping to attention, Kix quickly moved over to Fives as Rex handed over the incapacitated clone. Letting out a groan of annoyance, Fives finally relented as Kix braced himself against his still slightly disoriented brother.

The Outside of the Senate Building was in full disarray; Shock Troopers were setting up a perimeter around the complex as riot troops attempted to keep back curious onlookers. A majority of the senate, including Senators Chuchi of Pantora, Free Taa of Ryloth, and Organa of Alderran, were being escorted out of the building by more shock troopers, as well as Senate Commandos. The roar of gunships was heard over the platform as Skywalker's force began to jump down onto the durasteel floor before the transports even touched down.

Before moving to join Skywalker and the rest of the troops, who at this point were joining the newly arrived 212th Battalion, Wolf Pack, and 41st Elite at the base of the complex, Shaak Ti looked down to Fives, who had by seated by Kix on the edge of the transport and was looking back at her with a sort of longing. Smiling tenderly at the ARC Trooper, Shaak Ti leaned, which was followed by her right hand cupping the troopers left cheek. Kix, feeling a little awkward, turned away on the false pretext of checking his medical scanner. Shaak Ti took this as an open invitation to lean into Fives as she placed a tender kiss on his lips, which was gladly reciprocated. Pulling back, she flashed Fives a loving smile.

"Everything will be fine, my love." Fives caring smile was soon replaced by a look of horror at what, or rather who, had appeared behind Shaak Ti. Shaak Ti, catching onto Fives's nervousness, felt her own spike at the feeling of a rather familiar, and disapproving presence. Turning around, Shaak Ti found herself mere feet from none other than her fellow council member Mace Windu, who was sending her a very harsh glare. After a few tense minutes, Windu finally broke the silence.

"The Council will have a discussion about THIS later, Master Ti," he began, his gaze shifting between the togruta and clone, "But for now, we have a mission to complete."

"Yes, master," Shaak Ti mumbled, her head lowered in submission. As Windu turned to rejoin the other newly arrived masters, Shaak Ti spared one more glance at Fives, who offered an encouraging nod and loving smile. Returning the smile, Shaak Ti moved to join the others.

Looking from the retreating from the Jedi Master, to his brother, Kix couldn't help but let out an amused laugh at his brother's predicament.

"You sure know how to pick 'em, Fives," he joked, which earned him a shoulder to the ribs from said clone.

"Shut up, Kix!" jeered Fives as he couldn't help the smile that was forming on his face. However the smile faded as Fives recalled Shaak Ti's promise that everything would be fine; to Fives, something didn't feel right. Shaking the though from his head, Fives could only watch as the Jedi, backed by legions of his brothers, marched into the Senate Building.

And so the Jedi march forward into what could possibly be their greatest challenge yet! And just so you know, one of the Jedi strike force will perish, not in the next chapter, but the one after that. As for who, you will just have to keep reading to find out. Why? SUSPENSE! So until then, don't be afraid to leave reviews, so long as they do not exceed constructive criticism, and as always, HAPPY READING!