Disclaimer: None of the characters in this story are mine. Really, NONE of them. I am not making any profit out of this except, except for self-satisfaction. If you wish, post a review here or e-mail me at DarthKottaram@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Joke of Fate: Chapter Seven
Four Days Before the Battle of Naboo. Mos Espa. Tatooine.
Darth Maul sat in the stands of the Mos Espa Raceway, a box of desert corn in one arm and a Dusta Cola in the other. A large size view-screen sat in his lap, from which he monitored the Sandpeople. For a few rifles and repeaters, they were willing to do anything. Soon, they would prevent the Skywalker child from completing the race, and leave the Jedi stranded, without even a ship. With this turn of events, the Naboo would most certainly abandon the Jedi, and he would then act.
Sidious and Tyrannus had informed him of the older Skywalker's prowess. However, he also was briefed on Skywalker's weakness, his restraint and caution when in a battle. Skywalker never let loose, never allowed the Force to take him where it would in a duel. Maul planned to exploit that weakness and destroy the young man, against his Master's wishes. Both of the elder Sith Lords foresaw young Skywalker turning to the Dark Side, and wiping out the Jedi Order. However, Maul knew that this would leave him the odd-man out, as Tyrannus had a personal relationship with the former Jedi, and Sidious' position of power would most likely spare him. Maul on the other hand, would be eliminated quickly, as he was a loose end. /Not going to happen./ thought the Sith Lord. /At last we reveal ourselves to the Jedi, and I will not miss out./
Maul then turned his attention to the view screen, as he saw that Anakin Skywalker had finally started up his pod, and was on his way. The Skywalker child soon surpassed most of the other pods and was passing through the heart of Beggar's Canyon, he watched as the Sandpeople aimed their rifles at the boy's pod. He then dropped his snacks as a crimson blur slashed through the Sandpeople, before they could even get off a shot. /Aurra Sing? Why would she aid the Jedi, unless perhaps she is one of Skywalker's friends. She was quite close with his Master, before she turned Dark./ His blood boiled in anger, as he watched her ruin his carefully thought out and brilliant plan. /I cannot prevent them from leaving now, but perhaps I can avenge this setback on Sing./ thought Maul, as a smile formed on his face.
****************************
After the Race.
/You see, Aurra is trustworthy, Master Qui-Gon./ sent Luke as they walked to Watto's shop.
/When I asked you to help Ani, I expected to deal with the sandpeople yourself. Or at worst, hire one of those scumbag friends of yours, from your mercenary days!/ Qui-Gon yelled through the Force.
/My friends are not scumbags. They're just different. You ought to get with the times Master Qui-Gon./
/Do you have any idea how many Jedi she has murdered in the past year?/
/Fourteen, maybe fifteen. I didn't ask. Look, she's made some mistakes, but she deserves forgiveness. Aurra hasn't done anything evil in seven months, well, not very evil at any rate. She can still return to the Light. Aurra just needed a push in that direction./
/And what may I ask, was that 'push'?/
/I arranged a date between Obi-Wan and Aurra./
"YOU WHAT?" Qui-Gon screamed in the midst of Mos Espa.
/You really should keep a lower profile, Master Qui-Gon./ replied Luke as he clouded the minds of all those around the Jedi, preventing any memory to remain of the outburst.
/Have you gone Sith? Did you pick up a spice addiction while on Naboo?/
/Now, look, the Naboo may have legalized Sugar; but the hardcore stuff like salt and Pepper is still illegal./
/I forbid it! Obi-Wan is still my Padawan, he cannot have a romantic relationship, or any relationship involving love./
/And what may I ask, does he feel for you, Master Qui-Gon? A different love from what he will feel for Aurra, nevertheless a kind of love. And, yes, I have foreseen they will become a couple. Better sooner than later. Besides, it will be entertaining./
The Jedi ceased arguing as they entered Watto's shop.
"You! You swindled me!" screamed the Toydarian. "You knew the boy was going to win. I lost everything."
"When you gamble, my friend, eventually you'll lose. Bring the parts to the main hangar, and we will get the boy and his mother." Qui-Gon replied, putting thoughts of Aurra Sing into the back of his mind.
"You can't have them! It wasn't a fair bet!" Watto shouted.
"Perhaps you'd like to discuss this with the Hutts. I'm sure they can settle this matter." Luke threatened.
"No more of your tricks! Take them!" relented Watto, as he gave the slave transmitters to Qui-Gon.
"Good day, my Toydarian friend." said Qui-Gon as he exited the shop.
******************************
Skywalker Hovel. Slave Quarter.
Luke and Qui-Gon entered the small hovel where Anakin and his mother lived. "Hello." Qui-Gon greeted from the doorway.
"Luke! Master Qui-Gon! I'd thought you left with Padmé !" Anakin greeted back.
"There was something we didn't take with us yet." Luke smiled.
"What did you not take?" asked Shmi hopefully.
"You two will be coming with us to Coruscant. You have won your freedom, Anakin." Qui-Gon revealed.
"That's great! Didya hear that Mom? We're free!" Ani shouted as he jumped into Luke's arm giving him a hug. "I know you and Master Qui-Gon had more to do with this than your telling us. Thank you." Ani whispered as his head rested against Luke's shoulder.
"It was nothing. Now come on, get all your stuff packed and ready to go." Luke instructed.
***********************************
Room 3486. Waldorf-Espa Hotel.
Luke sat across from Aurra Sing, as she watched the HoloNews. "You must complete your training, if you are to come with me to Coruscant." said the young Jedi.
"What? I'm not coming with you to Coruscant! I've got enough to do here, for Jabba and the other Hutts." Seeing Luke's disappointment, she continued, "Look, I would like to go with you, but I have a job here." Aurra replied.
"You must do what you think is right, of course. I'll see you around." said Luke as he exited the room.
/That Skywalker kid sure is a freaky little guy./ thought Aurra, as she flipped the channel to the HoloCartoon Network.
Darth Maul crept into the room, when he thought Skywalker was faraway enough. He could not face the former Jedi yet, he had to create some additional grief in the boy's mind first. He slinked towards the female Jedi, cloaked in the Dark Side. He reached out and grabbed Aurra, and flung her to the ground giving the mercenary no time to react. He then let loose with a burst of Dark Side energy, and debilitated her. Maul strode over to where Aurra lay, and attempted to begin her torture. However, before he could even kneel down, the snap-hiss of a lightsaber was heard from behind and Maul barely blocked an ebony blade from slicing through his torso. Skywalker was in front of him, and he was quite angry.
Skywalker attempted another slash at Maul's torso, but again the Sith's blade met Luke's. Maul parried, and leapt over Skywalker and swung at his back; Luke turned around, defended himself from the attack, and kicked Maul in the ribs, before the Sith could land. Maul landed with a thud against the wall, but managed to roll out of the way, when Skywalker's blade slashed through the space he vacated. Maul got to his feet, and ignited the other end of his double-bladed lightsaber.
Luke attacked but was forced to defend himself from the Sith's deadly saber, and was pushed back. A blade cut into his chest, and Luke uncharacteristically lashed out for a moment, Force-pushing Maul out the window, three levels down, and onto the sidewalk below.
Now thinking a bit clearer, Luke gathered up Aurra's few belongings in a flight-bag, and levitated it next to him. Skywalker picked up the still incapacitated Aurra, and carried his friend with him towards the Silver Cardinal. "Sorry, but you have no choice but to come with us, my friend."
As they reached the outskirts of the town, Aurra was able to stand on her feet again, and ran with Luke towards his ship. "Why are we running anyway?" asked Aurra, as she tried to keep with the young Jedi.
"I have a feeling we shall be meeting our attacker again, anytime now." Luke replied, as a speeder-bike flew over them. "Get to the ship!" Luke commanded, as he ignited his saber to battle the Sith again. The two battled at a frenetic pace in the desert sands. Luke defended each attack the Sith Lord threw at him, yet he was tiring now. /This guy is good, better than anyone I've fought before, except Master Mara, of course. Ah, Master Mara. I wonder if I'll see her on Coruscant./ Maul, used Luke's lack of concentration, to his advantage and swept the feet out from under the young Jedi's legs, then stabbed Luke in the left thigh, while the teen was falling. He then brought his blade down on Luke, but was met with the crimson blades of Aurra Sing. She viciously attacked Maul, and put the Sith on the defensive. /Wow, she is so hot./ thought the young Sith. However, a well-placed kick, brought Maul back into reality, and broke three of his ribs. The Sith fell to his knees, clutching his ribs in agony.
Darth Sidious was monitoring these events from his lair on Coruscant. He was quite displeased with Maul's disobedience. However, he foresaw that this disobedience would be punished by Skywalker. /Hopefully, in another five ears or so, Skywalker will finally come to the Dark Side, and become a Sith Lord. But for now, I suppose aiding Maul would be in our best interest./ Sidious began to discretely send Dark Side energy towards Maul, repairing the broken ribs as much as he could, as well as rejuvenating Maul.
The young Sith was back on his feet in a moment, and was battling Sing once more. With Sidious' power aiding him, Maul sliced one of Aurra's sabers into a stump, and relentlessly attacked the former Jedi. The Sith was foiled yet again, by the arrival of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Silver Cardinal, which was now hovering over them. The three attacked Maul without pause, and the Sith knew he was out matched by far. He leapt back onto his speeder-bike, and drove away into the Dune Sea, as quickly as he could.
"Luke, are you alright?" asked Obi-Wan, as he knelt beside his friend.
"I think I've lost the leg." said Luke, through clenched teeth. "It's been extremely cauterized, I cannot heal it." The leg was now hanging off, barely connected to Luke.
"Come on, we have to get you out of this hellhole. Guys, pick him up." Aurra commanded, as she signaled for the Silver Cardinal to land again.
The two Jedi picked Luke up, trying not further aggravate the injury. They boarded the ship, and were met with Padmé and Shmi in the med-bay. They attempted to sedate him, and relieve the pain, but Luke waved them off. "I can deal with the pain, just get us off this dustball, will ya?"
They hurried to comply, as Luke called over Aurra. "I deputize you Assistant Chief of Security, so as long as I'm out of commission, you will be in charge of security matters of the Queen."
"Me? You kidding? I'm a bounty hunter not a babysitter!" Aurra responded.
"Look, I need you to do this. Obi-Wan and Master Qui-Gon can't, they must investigate the Sith Lord who attacked you."
This caused silence and stares at Luke from all the others in the room. It was interrupted by Ani's question, "What's a Sith?" as he entered the med-bay.
"Hey Ani! Where were you?" greeted Luke.
"I was piloting the ship. For some reason, the pilots are fixated on cleaning the restrooms." Ani replied.
/Whoops! Forgot to undo that. Then again, perhaps I should leave them like that./ "Well, to answer your question, a Sith is an evil person who uses the Force to do evil things and hurt people. The Sith have been fighting the Jedi for over twenty-five millennia."
"How can you be sure that it is a Sith?" asked Qui-Gon. "Perhaps, it was another member of the 'Lost Hundred', or a Dark Jedi trained by one of them." he reasoned.
"No. This Zabrak was much darker, than any Dark Jedi could ever be. His presence was reminiscent of Master Sifo-Dyas', yet the Zabrak's anger and hatred was more pure and further ingrained into his personality. He was also far too skilled in the Dark Arts, to have been trained in a less than a year. Remember, I studied the Dark Arts with Master Dooku and Master Sifo-Dyas himself at one point. This young DarkSider has been trained from a young age, less than six months most definitely. It used a double-bladed lightsaber, which has killed all but two others who have attempted to wield it. My only conclusion…."
*********************************
Two Days before the Battle of Naboo. Jedi Temple. Coruscant.
"…is that the DarkSider was a Sith Lord." Qui-Gon told the Jedi Council.
"Impossible! The Sith have been extinct for millennia." replied Knight Ki-Adi-Mundi.
"I do not believe the Sith could have returned without us knowing." added Master Mace Windu.
"The Dark Side is hard to see, Master Windu." said Head Councilor Mara Jade. "This would explain the great stirrings in the Sith Temples we monitor on Almas and Yavin IV."
"I believe that this conclusion is shared by all three of us." Qui-Gon stated, motioning towards Obi-Wan and Aurra.
The Council had not been happy with Aurra's involvement with the Jedi, and had attempted to arrest her on sight. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had prevented it from happening, as they had assured Luke that Aurra would not be detained.
"The Sith attacked with a viciousness and purity of hatred that I have not felt before." said Aurra, as she remembered Luke's words.
"Much like the way you attack?" sneered Knight Ki-Adi-Mundi.
"No, I have been unable to reach that level of hatred. It will be many years until I am able, if I am ever able." answered Aurra.
"You must discover all you can about this Sith Lord. You will continue your mission in safeguarding the Queen. I sense that your attacker will reveal himself again." instructed Mara, who was now glaring at Ki-Adi-Mundi.
"Of course masters, there is another matter however." said Qui-Gon. "I have encountered a boy. He is immensely powerful in the Force. Behind only Luke Skywalker, and yourself, Mara, in power. I request that the Council assign him a master for training."
"Come in, the boy will." Yoda commanded.
Qui-Gon brought the boy in and introduced him. "This is Anakin Skywalker. He and his Mother were slaves on Tatooine. Anakin obtained the parts we needed for our ship by risking his life."
"I sense he has a good heart. Yet he is nine years old. He may be too set in his ways." Mara stated.
"It has been foreseen that he will be a great Jedi. I believe he should be trained." Qui-Gon reasoned.
"It's bad enough that one Skywalker has abandoned us, what if this one does too? We would not stand a chance if this one chose to leave and joined with Luke." said Master Windu.
"It is for that reason we should train him." responded Mara. "If we do not train him, the Sith most certainly will."
"He is far too attached to his mother, and this girl, Padmé to be of any use to us." replied Master Rancisis.
"Does each of us not feel attachment us as well? A love for a Master, for a Padawan, for a friend?" countered Mara.
"He is too old to learn the Jedi way of life. He will not think like one of us." said Master Saesee Tiin.
"Ooh. The perils of a free mind. We should encourage more free thinking Jedi. A bunch of drones are not very helpful to the galaxy." said Mara.
"Approve of his training, I cannot. Pure, he may be now, but much anger and fear there is as well. A danger, he is." Master Yoda stated.
The other Councilors agreed with Yoda, and voted against Mara. "I am sorry Anakin, the rest of the Council does not wish you to be trained. You may return to your Mother, outside now." Mara was saddened to see the heartbreak on the boy's face, the boy who looked just as her former Padawan did at that age.
"Another matter there is. Go with you, Aurra Sing cannot. Pay for her crimes, she will." stated Master Yoda.
"I am sorry my friends. But the majority of the Council found this necessary." Master Poof apologized. He began to use his mental and brought the three Jedi in front of him to their knees.
"To the Sith Dungeon, Sing will go." Master Yoda instructed Windu and Koth. "To their quarters, the Jedi will be sent." he said, instructing Koon and Mundi.
As the Councilors left the Chambers, Mara stayed behind with Yoda. "I urge you to reconsider. I sense that nothing but great evil will come of this decision." she advised.
"Strange that I have not. Clear, are your feelings in this matter? Your friend, she was. Kindred spirit, she is."
"My feelings are most clear. You must order Sing to be freed."
"Freed, she will not be. Executed for her crimes, she must be. Murder fourteen Jedi, she did."
"I wonder how clear your feelings are in this matter. What if she murdered fourteen civilians. Would you be so quick to end her life?" asked Mara.
"Answer that question, I will not." said Yoda as he glared up at Mara. "Final, the decision is. Executed, she will be." he stated, walking off.
/I so have a bad feeling about this./
thought Mara.*************************************
Nubian State Room. Galactic Senate.
"Our best choice would be to push for the election of a stronger Supreme Chancellor. One who will take control of the bureaucrats, enforces the laws, and give us justice. You could call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum." suggested Senator Palpatine.
/Be careful, I sense something ...elusive... on the Senator's part./ Luke warned. He had just been released for Coruscant Med-Center with a prosthetic on his left leg.
"He has been our strongest supporter. Is there any other way?" Padmé replied.
"Our only other choice would to be to submit a plea to the courts... " Palpatine answered.
"There is no time for that. The courts take even longer to decide things than the Senate. Our people are dying, Senator. More and more each day. We must do something quickly to stop the Federation." replied Padmé
.
"To be realistic, Your Highness, I'd say we're going to have to accept Federation control for the time being." advised the Senator.
"That is something I cannot do." replied Padmé
.
"You can analyze the situation, You Highness. I am required at the Senate Chambers now. The Session will resume in fifteen minutes." said Palpatine, exiting the room.-
"What is so suspicious about the Senator's Force-signature?" asked Padmé .
"I sense no feeling one way or another. The Force is around him, a little weak in comparison to a normal being, but it is a neutral signature." answered Luke.
"Huh? How is that suspicious?"
"A Force-Signature is slanted one way or another. Anger, Fear, Happiness, Boredom, etc. Even in a Jedi Master, there is a slight tilt towards an emotion. Palpatine was devoid of even the slightest feeling, yet not devoid of the Force at the same time."
"Um..."
"The Force is like a lake in the non-sensitive, like a sea in a Jedi. The emotions are like fish. The lakes and seas are always full of fish. They must be. But when someone is cloaking themselves in the Force, there is nothing but a dry crater left. No water, therefore no fish. But the Senator is like a pond. There are no fish in the pond, yet plenty of water in there."
"Um ... ok. You didn't actually get taught that by a Jedi, did you?"
"Noooo ..."
"Anyway, I cannot make a decision on .... that. Is there any other advice you can give me?"
"I could monitor him, as well as the other Senators during the session." Luke's comlink began to beep. "Sorry." he apologized to Padmé . "Skywalker here."
"Luke." came Qui-Gon's voice on the comlink "There is a problem..."
"Yes?" asked Luke impatiently.
"Aurra has been arrested by the Council. We were immobilized while she was being captured."
"WHAT?" shouted Luke, drawing the attention of the entire room. "Where is she?"
"In the Sith Dungeon. They have decided to execute her at dusk. There is another matter. The Council has refused to train Anakin. I will send the boy and his mother back to you."
"No. Send them to the Silver Cardinal. You and Obi-Wan will accompany them as well. Allow only the handmaidens and myself entrance. Get the ship prepped and ready to go. Skywalker out."
****************************************
Senate Chambers.
"If the Federation moves to defer the motion...Your Majesty, I beg of you to ask for a resolution to end this congressional session." pleaded Senator Palpatine.
"I wish I had your confidence in this, Senator." answered Padmé
.
/Why is he so adamant about the removal of the Chancellor?/ thought Luke
"You must force a new election for Supreme Chancellor. I promise you there are many who will support us. It is our best chance. Your Highness, it is our only chance." replied the Senator.
/Something is being hidden. I will meditate and find the answer,/
"You truly believe Chancellor Valorum will not bring our motion to a vote?" asked Padmé
.
"He is distracted. He is afraid. He will be of no help." replied Palpatine.
"The Chair recognizes the Senator from the sovereign system of Naboo." said Chancellor Valorum, from his own pod in the center of the chambers.
Luke piloted the pod towards the Chancellor. "Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate. A tragedy has occurred on our peaceful system of Naboo. We have become caught in a dispute you are all well aware of, which began right here with the taxation of trade routes, and has now engulfed our entire planet in the oppression of the Trade Federation." said Senator Palpatine.
"This is outrageous! I object to the Senator's statements!" said the Federation's representative, Lott Dodd.
"The Chair does not recognize the Senator from the Trade Federation at this time. Please return to your station." ordered the Chancellor.
.
"To state our allegations, I present Queen Amidala, the recently elected ruler of Naboo, to speak on our behalf." introduced Palpatine. He moved away from the podium, allowing her to speak. Skywalker stood on Padmé 's right, while Palpatine stood on Padmé 's left.
"Honorable representatives of the Republic, distinguished delegates, and Your Excellency, Supreme Chancellor Valorum, I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. The Naboo system has been invaded by force. Invaded, against all the laws of the Republic by the Droid Armies of the Trade..." began Padmé .
"I object! There is no proof. This is incredible. We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth.:" interrupted Lott Dodd.
"Overruled." came the Chancellor's reply.
"Your Excellency, you cannot allow us to be condemned without reasonable observation. It is against all the rules of procedure." responded Dodd.
"The Congress of Malastare concurs with the honorable delegate from the Trade Federation. A commission must be appointed." agreed the Gran Senator.
"Enter the bureaucrats, the true rulers of the Republic, and on the payroll of the Trade Federation, I might add. This is where Chancellor Valorum's strength will disappear." said Palpatine as the Chancellor consulted with his advisors.
A vision came to Luke while this was happening.
***The Darkness was almost overwhelming on a barren industrial planet. Smoke rose above many hundreds of factories. millions Droid troopers and white armor-clad soldiers fought on the planet, having no idea of why they were fighting. Flames engulfed the planet. The inferno spread outwards, consuming other planets, other constellations, and eventually the entire galaxy. Out of the fire, emerged a symbol, which Luke recognized as a symbol of the Ancient Sith Order. The symbol changed and grew and became a face. Palpatine's face, with yellow eyes. The face changed, and the yellow eyes turned blue. Luke saw himself, but stronger, smarter, ... darker***
/So he is the Sith Master. This is his chance to gain power, unequaled by any Sith lord before. Perhaps, this can be used to my advantage./
"The point is conceded...Section 523A take precedence here. Queen Amidala of the Naboo, will you defer your motion to allow a commission to explore the validity of your accusations?" asked Valorum.
Eyeing Palpatine, "I see no other peaceful recourse but to follow Senator Palpatine's advice." said Luke. Palpatine opened his mouth in shock for a split-second before he recovered. /Hehe, got some feelings there. Tainted by the Dark Side. He must be a Sith Lord as well./ Luke winked at the Senator, and nodded slightly, knowing that Padmé could not see him
"I will not defer. I have come before you to resolve this attack on our sovereignty now. I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee. If this body is not capable of action, I suggest new leadership is needed. I move for a 'vote of no confidence' in Chancellor Valorum's leadership." stated Padmé .
"Order! We shall have order!" commanded one of Valorum's aides. The entire Senate Chamber had erupted in shouts. Most of them were shouting 'Vote! Vote' while other shook their hands and waved their arms around horizontally. It looked as if someone had taken the patients of a mental asylum to a field trip in the Senate.
"You see, Your Highness, the tide is with us. Valorum will be voted out, I assure you, and they will elect in a new Chancellor, a strong Chancellor, one who will not let our tragedy continue." said Palpatine, as he smiled at Luke.
**********************************
Outside the Senate Chambers.
"Palpatine, I thought you were my ally, my friend. How can you betray me?" asked Chancellor Valorum, walking out of the Senate which had just submitted a vote of no confidence in him.
"I must do what is best for my people. You catering to the whims of the bureaucrats, did not help matters." Palpatine responded, to which Valorum stormed off in the opposite direction.
"It is most unfortunate that Chancellor Valorum is leaving, no?" asked a voice from behind Senator Palpatine. "You honor, I require your assistance. Can we speak in private?" asked Luke.
Turning around, Palpatine smiled, a true and sincere smile, "Of course, Captain. You have been of great assistance to the Naboo, as well as to me. I'll do whatever I can to help you. If it is in my power, it will be done." he replied.
"Thank you, my Lord." said Luke, smiling internally at Palpatine's brief reaction of shock. Soon they entered is office, whose door Luke locked on his way in.
"You have heard that the Jedi Council intends to execute Aurra Sing, no?" asked Luke.
"Aurra Sing? I am afraid I am not familiar with that name. I'm sure, if the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy wish to execute someone, they have an important reason." answered Palpatine, slightly worried now.
"You do not have to hide your true self from me any longer, my Lord. I now full well who and what you are. I believe you have more sympathy for Aurra Sing than you let on. In fact, I sense that there is quite a bit of admiration for her. Aurra has killed more Jedi, than your apprentice has ever faced."
"Apprentice? I do not understand what it is you are talking about."
"The tattooed Zabrak, who attacked me on Tatooine. Surely you remember him. He is quite hard to forget. I am also quite certain, you know the full events of that battle, as you were monitoring him and aiding him."
"What do you want from me, Jedi? I swear I will go down fighting. You cannot hope to survive a battle with me." said Palpatine, now visibly quivering.
"I do not wish to battle you. I wish to join you. There is nothing for me here, in the Jedi Temple now. I wish to learn the ways of the Sith." said Luke.
Palpatine was now gaping quite visibly. "I also require your aid to free my friend, Aurra." continued Luke.
"W-What do you need?" asked Palpatine, now filled with evil glee that his aspirations had become realized so quickly.
"A distraction, preferably a large one, to draw Master Mara's attention away. For example, if one of Black Sun's skyhooks caught fire, it might warrant Jedi intervention, to save the billions that could be harmed in such a disaster."
"Indeed. Such a terrible event cannot be allowed to occur." said Palpatine as a dumb-looking grin filled his face. They were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in." said the Senator, still smiling happily. A buxom, female twilek intern came in through the door.
"Senator," the Twilek cooed. "The vote will start within a quarter of an hour."
"Thank you, Elana. I must leave now, my young friend."
"I believe that I will accompany you, Senator." said Luke, as they left the room, and continued to formulate a plan together.
******************************************
An Hour Later. Nubian State Room.
"Your Highness, Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as Chancellor." announced Luke, as they walked into the room.
"A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one. I promise, Your Majesty, if I am elected, I will bring democracy back to the Republic. I will put an end to corruption. The Trade Federation will lose its influence over the bureaucrats, and our people will be freed." promised Palpatine.
" Who else has been nominated? " asked Padmé
" Bail Antilles of Alderaan and Ainlee Teem of Malastare." answered Luke.
" I feel confident that our "situation" will create a strong sympathy vote for us. I will be Chancellor, I promise you. " said Palpatine.
"I fear by the time you have control of the bureaucrats, Senator, there will be nothing left of our cities, our people, our way of life." said Padmé
, sadly.
"Yes, which is why Captain Skywalker and I have come to only one conclusion. You and you handmaidens, along with the Jedi must form a ... strike team of sorts." replied Palpatine.
"We will launch a surgical strike upon the Federation. Our objective will be to disable the Federation Control Cruiser, that it's other cruisers and battleships may be put out of action, at least temporarily." continued Luke.
"After that strike, you must continue to the planet's surface. There will be little if any aerial resistance after that. However, the Federation has most certainly established another control base within the Palace." added Palpatine.
"Our team will be split up, one will lay sequencer charges around the control bunker, while the other holds the viceroy hostage. The Droid Commanders have not been programmed to deal with such a complex and delicate situation. That should buy us some time before the Federation can send in another control cruiser, and bombard us from space." stated Luke.
"That should be enough time for me to twist some arms as Chancellor, and sent in the Republic Fleet. I would most probably have to use scare tactics, and bully the Senate into doing so, but we have no options left. The Senate would easily forget the destruction of Naboo in a month or so." finished Palpatine.
"It is clear to me now that the Republic no longer functions as a democracy. If you win the election, Senator, I know you will do everything possible to stop the Federation. I pray you will bring sanity and compassion back to the Senate." responded Padmé . "I will order my handmaidens to pack and leave immediately."
"I have already taken the liberty of doing so. Only your handmaidens, the Jedi, and of course ourselves will be coming on this mission." said Luke.
"How can we possibly succeed in an attack on a force so large, when we have only nine fighters?" asked Padmé .
"I have foreseen that the Jedi will send a large force after we leave, to deal with the Sith. That will be more than enough for our purposes." answered Luke. Suddenly, a large explosion was heard, and they could see through the transparisteel window, a Skyhook on fire. It seemed to be collapsing.
"I believe that is one of Black Sun's Skyhooks." said Luke.
"Yes, it is. They most likely had some kind of dispute with ruthless criminals of the same type." Palpatine responded.
"The danger may not be great to us yet, however the Coruscant Security Force will most likely seal off Imperial City within the hour. A disaster this large would warrant our evacuation from the area. We must leave, now. Pack your things, and gather your handmaidens. I have some business to take care of, I will meet you at the ship." said Luke, as he ran out the of the State room.
*****************************************
Republic City.
Mara rode her swoop through the skyways of Coruscant at a suicidal speed. She had sensed the Force push her towards a large skyhook, only minutes before. Other speeders spun out of the Master Jedi's way, as she paid no heed to traffic laws or other craft. Suddenly, a large explosion at the base of the skyhook, sent shockwaves throughout the entire area. Flames shot out of the structure followed by black plumes of smoke. Mara felt a massive scream through the Force, as many thousands of beings were being hurt.
The thousands of crafts before her turned backwards, and sped at Mara. A wave of air-taxis, hover-trains, transports, and a few capital ships were now racing away from the skyhook. Mara cloaked herself in the Force, as not to cause the approaching craft to swerve away from her and injure others. She began to concentrate and focus her power. Mara broadcasted calming waves of the Force to the billions of beings in the immediate vicinity. At the same time, Mara piloted her swoop right through the oncoming crafts, dodging and swerving between ships, so that she didn't lose any more time. Her swoop erratically danced through the traffic, and finally managed to clear the danger.
Mara stopped her craft a hundred meters away from the skyhook. It looked as if it was going to collapse at any moment, and snuff out the life-forces of billions. Mara wrapped the skyhook with the Force, and held it up, preventing any collapse. At the same time, she concentrated on the water in the Western Sea of Coruscant, and she began to make it evaporate. Soon, huge clouds formed over the formerly clear skies of Republic City. In few seconds there was torrential rain coming down on the skyhook, extinguishing the fires throughout the structure. Mara began to sending healing waves of the Force to those injured, and pulled all the beings within out of the building, with her mind. She set them down upon the roof of the Senate building and sent more calming waves towards the quite frightened beings. Mara then pulled the droids out as well, and scanned the building to see if any other being was within. Sensing none, she crumpled the now crippled skyhook, into a small ball of metal, placing the harmless object on the roof of the Senate as well.
Mara lay back on her speeder, sensing that the security and medical teams had finally arrived. Exhausted from her efforts, Mara smiled at the fact that not a single sentient being or droid had been killed in such a horrible disaster, as she fell asleep.
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Jedi Temple.
Luke walked towards the entrance of the Temple, an illusion blocking others from seeing his true form. Only a tall, black-robed figure could be seen. He would have gone through a backdoor, or an underground entrance, however the Temple did not have any. /Besides, Master Mara always said that brazen action lead to success./ He smiled, sensing that his former Master had secured the skyhook, and that none were killed. Luke had no doubt that she would do it, however he had worried that the effort might not have been enough to put her asleep. Now that she was out of the way, there would be no real opposition to his rescue.
"Halt!" stated two Jedi Knights who were guarding the huge doors of the Temple. As Luke continued, the attempted to mind-trick the him into halting. "You will not attempt to enter." said the Jedi as they motioned with their hands. Slightly amused, Luke pushed the Jedi backwards through the doors, down the Grand Corridor, and into the wall at the end, rendering them unconscious. Luke strode confidently through the doorways of the Temple, his ebony-bladed lightsaber ignited at his side. The Jedi in the Corridor stopped and stared at the figure which radiated of the Dark Side.
"It's a Sith!" cried Mace Windu as he and Oppo Rancisis ignited their sabers and rushed Luke. He easily met the Jedi Masters' blows and took the offensive, lashing out at the Jedi who condemned his friend to death. He wasted no time, and disarmed both Jedi quickly, and debilitated them by slashing at their calves. Numerous Jedi were now ready to attack the Sith Lord in front of them, and sped to their fellow Jedi's aid. Deciding against destroying them with large-scale energy attacks which could exhaust him, Luke slashed his way through, a tornado of darkness through the heart of the Light Side. He struck at the Jedi with punches, kicks, as well his lightsaber.
Soon, Jedi that had been awoken by the pain from their counterparts arrived in the Grand Corridor. Luke continued to wreak havoc in the Temple, and seemed to be doing this effortlessly. The Jedi were no match for him, and he quickly dispatched them. Finishing his task, walked into the lift that would take him to the Dungeons, leaving over three hundred Jedi injured and unconscious in his wake.
He found Jedi Councilors stepping out of the Sith Dungeon, when he arrived. Luke made quick work of them as well, leaving them incapacitated and wounded on the floor. Using his lightsaber, he cut through the durasteel door to Aurra's cell. Stepping inside, Luke's anger rose to new levels at what he saw. Aurra hung limply from a wall, and ysalamiri surrounded her. She appeared to be dehydrated, and was obviously out cold. /Focus your anger. Control it. Channel it./ In a second the ysalamiri were sliced in two, and Aurra was freed from her bonds. Scanning her with the Force, Luke found that the Jedi had given her some kind of lethal injection, a 'humane' form of execution. Using the Light, he began cleaning her blood, starting at her heart, which would shut down first. He began to pull the poison through her blood vessels and through various muscles and bones, out to the skin. Luke took the pain this caused Aurra upon himself, and went deeper into her life-force, healing away any residual effects of the poison. When he finally finished, he put Aurra in healing trance, to combat the effects of forced dehydration.
It was at that point when he saw Master Yoda standing at the doorway. "See through you, I can, young Skywalker." he stated.
"I wouldn't expect anything less, Yoda." Luke growled, controlling and focusing his anger. "Have you come to murder me as well, this time?"
"Do what is necessary, I will." Master Yoda said, igniting his green lightsaber.
"You pathetic little troll," said Luke, as white lightning shot out from his fingertips and at Yoda. "You know nothing of the true power of the Force."
Yoda was able to deflect the first bursts of lightning away with his hand, yet as Luke's attack intensified, the lightning began to periodically hit the diminutive Jedi Master. Luke increased the intensity of his attack even further, sending Yoda onto the floor, writhing in agony.
"Not so fun now, is it? To be on the receiving end of a judgment of death? Perhaps you should have a taste of exactly what you did." said Luke as he gathered the poison he had extracted from Aurra, and poured it over Yoda. The small Jedi screamed and was now convulsing on the floor. "I on the other hand, have let you live, allowing you to heal yourself. You try to tell me that you protect life, and find another way to kill life. You deserve what you have gotten."
He picked Aurra up, and as she regained consciousness, she wrapped her arms around his neck and settled her head on the crook of his neck. Luke left the Jedi Temple, and hurried to the Silver Cardinal. He cloaked the darkness within him, similar to what Palpatine had done, yet allowing the Light to seep through and shine. The Jedi would have no idea as to where his loyalties now lay.
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A Few Minutes Later. Jedi Temple.
Mara had been woken up from her peaceful nap, by screams she heard through the Force. In a moment, she was slightly awake and flying at insane speeds towards the Jedi Temple, not bothering to dodge traffic this time. She felt a Dark Side presence, similar to Master Sifo-Dyas, yet many times more powerful.
She parked the swoop at the entrance, and walked into the eerily quiet Temple. Mara was surprised to see hundreds of Jedi on the floor, seemingly lifeless. Sending healing waves of the Force throughout the Temple, she raced down to the Sith Dungeon. She found several of her fellow Councilors incapacitated on the floor, and she began to heal them as well, as she reached Aurra's cell. Finding Yoda almost dead on the floor, made her certain of what had happened. /Luke has joined the Sith. None other could have done something as brazen, bold, and suicidal without being killed./ She send a message to some of the most powerful Masters and Knights to report to the Council Chambers. /Luke must be heading to Naboo as well, we must follow them./
*************************************
Sith Infiltrator. Orbit Around Coruscant.
"It looks like we did not need to rescue Aurra, after all." Dooku said to the woman nestled against him in the cozy starfighter.
"Who knew Luke would turn so soon? I expected his turn to occur at least four years from now." the Dark Woman said to her Sith counterpart. "Do you think he'll bring Aurra with him, over to the Sith?" she asked.
"Most likely. She's like an older sister to him, a kindred spirit." Dooku answered. "You miss her don't you?"
"Yes, I suppose I do. More than any other padawan I have had, she was like a daughter."
"I feel the same way about Mara. She is quite stubborn though. She will not leave the Light so easily."
"I don't think any of us have, completely. 'A Sith knows no love.', yet here we are, reminiscing about Padawans that we love like children."
"Yes. We should work on that. Perhaps after we relax a little." said Dooku, as he began to nibble on his lover's neck. The Dark Woman put the Sith infiltrator on the course to Naboo, and sent the ship into hyperspace, before beginning to reciprocate towards Dooku.
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Council Chambers. Jedi Temple.
"As Master Yoda is in the infirmary, I have taken over the full responsibility of leading the Jedi Order." announced Mara to the seventy assembled Jedi. "As such, I have decide to organize a second mission to Naboo, to apprehend and if necessary destroy the Sith Lords who have attacked us in recent days."
"What Sith? What attacks? The council has not informed us of anything." stated Master Quinian Vos.
"Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, along with Aurra Sing encountered a Sith Lord on Tatooine. The Sith attacked Aurra, but eventually with the aid of the Jedi, was forced to retreat." stated Mara. "Earlier this afternoon, an explosion occurred in one of Black Sun's skyhooks. Coruscant Security believes another crime syndicate is responsible, however my feelings tell me that the Sith are responsible for this also." she continued. "In my opinion, a second Sith Lord is responsible for the explosion that required my attention, causing me to leave the Temple, and exhausting me to the point of sleep. In perfect timing, a third Sith Lord attacked the Temple to get to the Sith Dungeon."
"Why would a Sith Lord want to go to the Sith Dungeon?" asked Master Lanius Qel-Bertuk.
Sighing, Mara explained, "The rest of the Council wanted Aurra Sing to be captured and executed for her crimes. This Sith Lord, was obviously concerned about her safety, and arrived just in time to save her death. This leads me to the conclusion that the Sith Lord who attacked the Temple is a former Jedi."
"Perhaps Aurra herself is a Sith, and they came to rescue one of their own?" suggested Master Windu.
"Aurra has not reached that level of darkness. She would not be able to hide it from me now. I know the Force-signature of a Sith, she is not one of them, yet." said Mara.
"When else did you feel the presence of a Sith?" asked Master Koon.
"I did not realize it then, but I feel that Master Sifo-Dyas and his Padawan Jerec were Sith Lords." replied Mara.
"Impossible. A Sith Lord in our very midst. We would have had some inkling of it." reasoned Ki-Adi-Mundi.
"None had any idea that Sifo-Dyas was using the Dark Side, until after he revealed himself. For close to thirty years, a DarkSider was in our midst, and none could sense it. And If I may remind you, that is the same way you reacted when confronted with the possibility of the Sith existing at all." Mara responded.
"But who is capable of defeating some many Jedi at once? I could even sense that the Sith was holding back." stated Master Gallia. "No Jedi in history has been powerful enough to do anything of the sort except for ...."
"Luke and I of course." finished Mara. "I believe that my former Padawan, Luke Skywalker, has joined the Sith. It is for this reason, that we must travel to Naboo, and confront the Sith, while we have this chance. You will all pack as quickly as possible, and meet me at the Jade Eagle. We will leave within the hour." Mara said as she dismissed the other Jedi.
***********************************
Silver Cardinal.
Senate Docking Bay."How can you just sit here like this when Aurra's about to be executed." asked Obi-Wan.
"Aurra will be safe by dusk. Luke would not allow such a thing to happen." Qui-Gon replied, unperturbed by Obi-Wan's anxiety.
"How can you say that? She's probably deep within a Temple with hundreds of Jedi protecting it. How can he possibly rescue her?" asked Obi-Wan, his patience wearing thin.
"With the Force, nothing is impossible, it is we who have limits. And apparently I have none." said Luke as he entered with Aurra in his arms.
"Let me down, Skywalker." shrieked Aurra regained consciousness.
"Back to your feisty self, eh?" smiled Luke. "Here, take her to a bed, and put her to sleep." he commanded, as Aurra was placed in Obi-Wan's arms.
"Um." was all that Obi-Wan could manage as Aurra's face was pressed against his.
"Well, get going Obi, I don't intend on making your arms my nest." Aurra chided.
The young Jedi ran to his quarters, causing snickers in the two remaining men. "See, I told you this would be entertaining. We must be off now, I sense that time is of the essence." commanded Luke.
"Good. I will help the Queen and the Skywalkers to settle in." decided Qui-Gon, as he walked down the corridor.
Luke entered the ship's cabin, and piloted it out of Coruscant's atmosphere. He launched the ship into Hyperspace, contemplating the Darkness which he had now fully embraced.
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