Adumbral: dark, shady; alternatively, of or pertaining to adumbrations, the indistinct outlines of a figure or the vague foreshadowings of a hidden secret.

~penumbral~

GrS 13:5:19, Pelior.

Anakin paced up and down the bridge of the defunct ship. The computer mainframe undoubtedly held what he was looking for - its casing showed signs of recent removal, which meant it had to have been Mortem. The man was intelligent, but Anakin knew that everything left a trace. He just had to find it.

He closed his eyes and brushed the Force, but no new insights came to him, just that this room was significant in his understanding of Sirius Black.

He looked up at the ceiling, wringing his head in frustration, then looked back down to the floor. Then he glanced up again, narrowing his eyes at the blinking red light of the active security camera.

Of course.

He pulled up a chair and began accessing the security systems on the ship. After a few taps to a blue screen, it filled with static and then displayed a pale, blinking dialog box with multiple options.

Ship status.

Weapons systems.

Hangar capacity.

Security logs.

He clicked on the last one, holding his breath.

Enter authorization code to continue.

He slammed his hands down in frustration. Then he noticed that the password was already entered, automatically filled by the program.

Laughing in relief, he entered the security logs, thanking the Force that some security officer four thousand years ago had been too lazy to type in authorization codes every time.

The logs from four thousand years ago were all corrupted, but that was not what he was looking for. Instead, since over a year ago the security system had been reactivated, no doubt by Mortem as he took the ship's computer mainframe. Anakin opened the files corresponding to that time period and began to watch.

Mandalorian Frigate Indomitable

Accessing security logs.

Internal camera system: bridge.

Adjusting hologram resolution capacity...

GrS 11:8:3, Pelior.

Mortem, dressed in civilian garb, stood hunched over the computer mainframe, searching through files upon files, though for what, Anakin did not know. The man held a blaster in one hand and a thin object Anakin couldn't identify in the other.

Finally, he hit upon something and his eyes lit up, shoulders straightening in excitement - and a security screen popped up, asking for credentials. Unlike the security terminal, this one did not have an autofilled password.

Black was unfazed. He drew a small, nondescript object from a pocket and turned it in his hands. "Bridge Commander Cassus Fett," he pronounced.

Anakin watched with bated breath, but nothing happened.

Mortem asked, "What is the password?" and after a moment's pause, he entered a long string into the security system. To Anakin's surprise, it worked.

His mind raced furiously. No doubt Mortem's object was in fact a communicator to someone who was competent and very much able to slice into advanced, even military-grade security systems. Granted, this one was four thousand years old, but it was the Mandalorians, back when they were feared and when their technology was nearly flawless in all regards.

Or perhaps, even worse, the object was a Universal Slicer. The possibility had been considered by many technological experts before being dismissed as impossible. Anakin knew because he had been forced to attend numerous meetings between the Jedi Order and experts on whether the possibility constituted a security risk to the Republic. Of course, as with all committee meetings, nothing ultimately got done except everyone agreeing that there was no risk. But perhaps they were wrong. Such an object would enable its holder to hack any security system and steal any amount of money they wanted. It would be catastrophic to society as they knew it.

The file that Mortem had opened expanded into a full-sized hologram, displaying a man holding aloft a brilliant violet lightsaber and wearing a blood red mask. Words displayed below it, detailing the man's identity.

Commander Revan. (True name unknown.)

Former Jedi Knight.

Most dangerous ally of the Republic.

Tactical and strategic genius.

Conversion? Low probability.

Loyalty: The Revanchists. Dislikes Jedi, Republic, and Mandalorians.

Motivations: unknown.

Anakin leaned back and drew in a breath as he watched Mortem close the computer mainframe and pry it out of its container. And unbeknownst to him, uncaptured by the security cameras due to their sheer inability to record the supernatural, a lone Mandalorian spirit faded away into the void, released from the call of the Resurrection Stone.

~penumbral~

GrS 13:5:21, Geonosis.

Obi-Wan could do nothing but berate himself in frustration at being caught, as he floated in Dooku's specially designed cell. But at least he had managed to get off a message to Anakin before he was captured by droidekas. The Order now knew, or at least suspected, that Count Dooku had fallen to the dark side and was with the Sith.

Speaking of the devil - the Count entered the room again.

"My dear friend Obi-Wan," he said. "How unfortunate for us to meet under such circumstances as these."

"I know you're with the Sith, Dooku. You do not need to humor me."

Dooku began to circle Obi-Wan, taking small steps around the man.

"The situation is more complex than you would think. I thought you, of all people, would understand this, entangled as you were in the Separatist plot ten years ago. For it is the Naboo incident to which everything connects."

"Not Mortem."

"Ah, I was wondering when you'd get around to asking me about him. I'm afraid I cannot say much of him except confirm that I did hire him to attack Senator Amidala and that he is a brilliant tactician. I confess, I do not know him well enough to tell you more. He is a highly independent man, and one whose talents I saw and put to good use. Alas, he is not my man."

"He's a mercenary."

"He is, I suppose, if you decide to phrase it so crudely. But more than that, I cannot say: it's clear to me he's searching for something, but only the Force knows what. I do not think you will have to worry about his interference in the short term."

Obi-Wan's brow curled in thought. "That's what you'd like me to think, but is not necessarily the truth of the matter."

"You think he is my apprentice."

"He is Force-sensitive."

That threw Dooku for a loop. He stopped circling Obi-Wan, and turned to face him. "He is? Most interesting... but no, he is not apprenticed to me. His loyalty cannot be bought and sold - only his talents. But I have not brought you here to talk about Mortem."

"Then?" Obi-Wan quirked an eyebrow.

"The Republic is faltering. Each day that draws past this truth becomes more and more self-evident. Even as systems defect and join the Confederacy, the Senate continues to deny the truth that it no longer represents the people. It is corrupt."

"It is only falling apart because of you, Dooku!"

"No, I simply exposed its failures, and showed everyone what it truly was. It is a deadly beast built upon wealth and lavishness for the rich, miserable slavery for the poor, and arbitrary power for the Jedi. The Confederacy is merely a combination of bodies who wish to change that - several systems, the Trade Federation, and the Techno Union, to name a few."

"The Techno Union has joined you?" That bit of information was concerning. Wat Tambor's group, though not the largest conglomeration in the galaxy by far, held technology and mechanical expertise that gave a large advantage to the Confederacy.

"They were one of the first, in fact, and surely will not be the last."

"But why tell me all this?"

"I suspect soon will be a time when such secrets will be revealed, to be replaced by larger, more important ones. I simply wished to converse with an old acquaintance before he became my enemy. And possibly, to give you an offer."

"An offer."

Dooku ignited his lightsaber, a glowing crimson blade which shined brighter than the lights of the cell controls. "You know what this is."

Obi-Wan drew in a breath.

"You know what it represents."

"So you have fallen. The Jedi Council was right."

"You do not understand, Obi-Wan. The Sith Lord is more powerful than you could possibly imagine. I chose to ally myself to him willingly, because I believe that the change he will provide will be far more beneficial than stagnation."

"You betrayed the Jedi Order and all it has stood for."

"Not without reason. But even I recognize that Darth Sidious - yes, that is his name - is dangerous. I cannot defeat him alone, but with a Jedi Master like you at my side, it would be possible. Another one dedicated to the same cause that I am, one who understands the importance of this age."

"I will not join you. I do not believe your lies."

"I have been telling you nothing but the truth." Dooku looked up suddenly, gazing at the wall. "War is coming. Can you feel it? Even now the Galactic Senate is voting - voting whether to use your clone army to wipe out the Separatists. The droids are merely for our self-defense, but it seems the Republic cannot tolerate any organization as powerful as itself. It will be a close vote, it seems, unless we force their hand."

Dooku turned around as he made to exit the room. "I am sorry, Obi-Wan, that it had to come to this. But you are too stubborn, and unwilling to see the truth."

He walked out the door, and met with a Geonosian. "He will be executed," declared Dooku, and Poggle the Lesser nodded in affirmation.

The door slammed closed, and Obi-Wan Kenobi was doused in a silence broken only by the slight humming of his cell.

~penumbral~

GrS 13:5:19, Pelior.

Anakin explained what he had learned to Mace Windu en route out of the Pelior system.

"This is unexpected," said the Jedi Master, voice crackling as the connection weakened slightly. "But it matches with some of what we know - or suspect - about the man. Shrack Tunce, the antiques dealer. Force sensitive - though not a Jedi by any means. He could be seeking out artifacts and historical records of value."

"To what end, though, Master?"

Mace Windu's face indicated that he had one or two suspicions, but wasn't willing to share with Anakin. "I don't know."

"He was looking for ancient information - about an ancient Jedi. Why? Do the Jedi Archives contain this Revan?"

"Yes. But access is restricted to members of the Council."

"Where do you want me to go, then, Master Windu?"

"I doubt you will find more on the trail of Mortem just now. For now, I'll contact our friends in the Senate so that Pelior is brought into the Republic. We cannot afford any system to join the Confederacy, especially one with a history associated with Black. You will return to Coruscant to provide evidence that Pelior is fit for entry into the Republic.

"By the way, Anakin, Obi-Wan has contacted us with key information about the recent attacks on Senator Amidala. He traced the initial attack back to one Jango Fett, whom he found on Kamino after also discovering a clone army in the same location."

"A what?"

"Yes," said Windu grimly. "An entire army of cloned humans. Based off of none other than Jango Fett himself."

"Is it for the Confederacy?" asked Anakin.

"No. This army was apparently commissioned for us by Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas before he died."

"But why?"

Windu nodded. "Obi-Wan is tracking Jango Fett's whereabouts as we speak. Hopefully he can provide us with some answers. But first, you need to come back and secure Pelior's admittance into the Republic. And then, we might want to have a chat with your friend, the Supreme Chancellor, about our concerns for the future.

"These clones turned up at a very suspicious time, Anakin. It's almost as if someone wants us to use them - but why? Why give the Republic possibly the largest and best-trained army in existence? Something's wrong here, and I sense a major change on the horizon."

"As do I, Master Windu."

~penumbral~

GrS 13:5:21, Coruscant.

Anakin Skywalker and Mace Windu watched as the Senate voted on whether to let Pelior enter - after being addressed by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine as to the consequences of rejecting them, and after being briefed by Windu about the actions of their temporary ambassador. If added, they would join one of the one thousand twenty four voting sectors and major worlds that were represented in the Galactic Senate.

"The votes have been tallied," announced Mas Amedda. "And Pelior has been rejected from the Galactic Senate, for the grievous actions of its ambassador."

The representative from Pelior - they had sent a different man than Sirius Black this time, thankfully - threw up his hands in disgust and walked out of the building.

"And now, on to the vote for the mobilization of the Republic's military and the use of the clone army, in order to counter the Confederacy's dangerously illegal creation of a droid army under our noses, and despite their assurances to the contrary."

This, decided Anakin as the votes were tallied silently at the central podium, would pass. Just then, a beeping interrupted his thoughts and Mace Windu checked his holocomm.

"Bad news," said the Jedi Master. "The Confederacy's announced that they're going to execute Obi-Wan."

"How soon?"

Mace Windu's face told him immediately that it would be too soon for the clone army to save him.

"Where?"

"Anakin - we can't have you running off in a vain attempt to rescue Obi-Wan."

"We can't just sit here waiting for him to die!"

"No. We gather reinforcements."

"The votes have been tallied!" declared Mas Amedda. "The motion does not pass by a margin of one percent. Should there be any calls for a recount or new vote, we will admit them now. Otherwise, the motion will be dismissed."

Mace Windu stood up and tapped three buttons in front of them. "The representative from the Jedi, honorable Master Mace Windu, wishes to address the Senate," said Amedda.

Anakin and Mace rose as their repulsorpod ascended towards the center of the chamber.

"Members of the Galactic Senate," began Windu. "The situation with the Confederacy is more dire than you may believe. Ten years ago, as you all well know, a similar droid army, owned by the Trade Federation, invaded and laid waste to the planet of Naboo."

The delegation from the Trade Federation made to interrupt, but Windu continued without acknowledging them.

"Now, barely half an hour ago, the Confederation has announced that they will execute the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, to whom many of you owe a great debt, during the next standard day. If this is not sufficient impetus to call the Republic to declare war, then so be it. At the very least, allow us to authorize a rescue mission with a detachment from the clone army so that a great ambassador of the Republic will not die an ignoble death." Mace Windu glared at the crowd, daring them to object.

"I ask you a single question, Senators: will you stand back and allow corrupting forces to whittle away at the power of the Republic? Let your heritage, the tradition of a thousand years, and tens of thousands before that, waste away within the freezing gales of apathy? Or will you allow us to extend this Golden Age for a thousand years more, so that your sons and sons of sons and your posterity look upon you with pride, not hatred or disappointment?"

"We will vote again," said Mas Amedda. Five minutes later, he declared, "And the Republic will, for the first time in a thousand years, remobilize its military, and bring the full force of the clone army to bear on the Confederacy."

A rousing applause broke out in the Senate chamber. Mace Windu stood grim in the center, considering the magnitude of the beast he had unleashed. But it was for the best; Obi-Wan Kenobi was one of their best Jedi Masters, a rising star, and his death - especially due to the inaction of the Senate - would negatively impact the Chosen One. He could not allow that to happen. Anakin had to succeed in bringing balance to the Force again.

"Mobilization will happen quickly when they hear the news," said Anakin, "but not quick enough. We have to do something."

"And we will," said Mace. "Come with me to the Temple. There is a team of Jedi we need to assemble."

~penumbral~

GrS 13:5:21, Geonosis.

Dooku watched as his informant revealed the results of the vote to him.

It was exactly as planned. Now, he would bring the clone army to the sands of Geonosis by setting up Obi-Wan's execution.

And now that the conflict was about to start, and the cogs of war could not be halted by any means, it was time to wake up the Naboo Senator and show her what had happened to her precious Republic.

Count Dooku opened up a communicator and dialed in the holocomm identification code of one Sirius Black.

~penumbral~

GrS 13:5:22, Geonosis.

Obi-Wan gazed at the light blue Geonosian sky, tinged with a slight hint of red. The beautiful sight, though, offered him no respite from the jeering crowds or the dry, hot air around him. Chained to a post in the center of a large arena, he had nowhere to escape and nobody to turn to.

He wasn't Mortem, who could break from his prison cell with barely any effort. Obi-Wan still wondered how the man did it, but accepted that it was a truth he would never learn.

He wasn't Master Qui-Gon, serene and in tune with the Living Force.

He was just Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jedi Master, but that didn't improve his chances of getting out of this mess.

After an announcement by Count Dooku, the iron gate in front of him raised, revealing a tall acklay. The beast had six spined legs and three eyes, and let out a shrill screech at the sight of Obi-Wan.

Things were about to get interesting, and Obi-Wan Kenobi would be damned if he went down without a fight.

~penumbral~

GrS 13:5:21, Chandrila.

Windswept greens and fertile browns graced the planet of Chandrila, but scenery wasn't what Harry was looking for. If it was, he would've searched up pictures on the HoloNet. Neither was its strong tradition of democracy the reason he chose to visit.

Blaster shots raced past Harry as he attempted to enter the dig site where the archives he needed to access were located. He was in the middle of a large facility. Somewhere, deep inside was the entry point to the old archives.

"This is not the time," said Harry as he opened the Count's call. "What do you want?"

"I need the Senator awakened."

"How soon are you talking?" asked Harry as he jumped to the side to avoid another blast from the guard droids. There were at least fifty large droids, all primed to kill. That was most unusual for an archeological group.

"From the sound of your predicament," noted the Count drily, "any time within the next three years would be nice."

Harry fired off a flurry of shots, destroying two droids which had attempted to sneak up behind him.

"Yeah, I'm a bit busy. And besides, there's a fee attached."

The Count sighed. "There always is, isn't there, Mortem?"

"You wanted something irreversible, and now you expect it reversed. That's a hefty fee. Half the cost of the original job - five thousand credits." It would be the easiest money Harry had ever earned. All he had to do was enter the hospital and administer the Wiggenweld Potion.

"Agreed, but only if you do it within the day."

"I'm not exactly on that sort of time schedule," said Harry, crouching below cover and deciding on his next course of action. "Give me three."

"Two thousand credits, then. Time is money."

"I don't think this job can be all that time-sensitive. But four and a half, because you seem so concerned."

"Two and a half. It cannot be that hard to administer an antidote."

"Still four and a half. It took me years scouring the galaxy searching for something this obscure and irreversible. All the Jedi healing and advanced medical treatment they gave her hasn't done a thing, Dooku. That requires effort, and the cure isn't exactly an easy thing to devise. Otherwise Amidala would be cured by now."

"Three and a half thousand, then," said Dooku.

"Let's just split the difference, Dooku, and get over it. Four thousand credits."

"Deal," said the Count. "But it must be done quickly," he added, closing the connection.

Harry smiled. He already had the antidote on hand; he'd played Dooku for a sucker. He had more important things to worry about than haggling, though, so he refocused on the task at hand.

The conventional approach wasn't helping any, so he decided to use some of his... special abilities. He had already mangled the camera system after Apparating inside the security room and destroying the entire thing. After that, he had decided to use conventional armaments in order to hone his skills.

Unfortunately, he had miscalculated just how many droids were guarding the facility. That was of no matter; he had magic.

He drew his wand with a flourish. "Bombarda!" he cast and a cluster of droids went flying. Their armor was annihilated by his spell, but miraculously, one of them was still functioning. A small swipe of his wand tore apart its damaged metal chassis.

"Incendio." The hallway behind him lit up in flame as electrical wires burnt up due to his spell. Droids burst through the doorway behind him, firing rapidly, but they couldn't make it through the obstruction and by the time the fire died down, the wizard was long gone.

Harry barrelled through the hallways of the facility, destroying droids with wide sweeps of his wand whenever they got close. Finally, he burst through a door and entered a room surrounding a large dirt pit. Below, he could see the flicker of electric lighting.

He jumped, slowing his fall with a flick of his wand, and landed softly at the bottom.

~penumbral~

Obi-Wan watched as the acklay walked steadily closer. Its three eyes focused on him, testing him. The beast made a feint towards him and drew back, and the crowd jeered.

But Obi-Wan didn't flinch.

Then the acklay threw itself at him, and he jumped high, avoiding its attack, and landed on its back.

The crowd roared in delight at the spectacle, and Obi-Wan did not disappoint. Wrapping the chain tightly around the beast's neck, he pulled and twisted.

But the acklay's neck proved too firm for him to snap with his hands alone, and it bucked violently, trying to dislodge him. Obi-Wan held on, grimacing as the chain strained his hands and the post to which it was attached.

Finally, with a sudden twist, the acklay tore the chain from the post and sent Obi-Wan flying at the sudden lack of firm resistance. He landed roughly on the ground, and blearily watched the acklay stalk up and raise its legs over him.

He rolled to the side as it thrust its legs down, embedding them in the ground. Again and again the acklay tried to stab him, but, using his preternatural ability to sense when and where it would attack, Obi-Wan avoided its clumsy attempts without difficulty.

Then, as it drew back for another strike, he jumped up, wielding his chains, and knotted them around the acklay's neck; as it shrieked and tried to attack once more, he fell back down on the other side, pulling the chain taut and cleanly snapping the beast's neck in half.

He landed in a crouch, and for a moment the entire arena was silent, the crowd seeming to hold its collective breath.

The acklay gave one last shudder and keeled over to the ground, dead.

~penumbral~

A/N: Something that might confuse you is that not all these scenes are in chronological order, though they happen very close to each other. As far as I know, they are arranged in a way that is not ambiguous, but if there is any confusion, look at the dates. And if the dates seem wrong, contact me by PM or leave a review.

Also, Obi-Wan is a badass.