Well, this is it, the last chapter. We've all seen Darkover, but now the Jedi Council will do it's normal politicking about the Sith. Not much to say, so here it is, the finale!

Disclaimer: Star Wars, I own not.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Coruscant, Jedi High Council chambers

Two days later, Anakin, Ahsoka, and Barriss were all standing in the circle in front of the Jedi Council. Some masters, such as Plo-Koon and Saesee Tin, were attending via hologram transmission from the various fronts. But most of the council was physically present in the tower. Obi-Wan and Luminara had already given their reports, so they were not standing with the others, and instead were sitting in their seats on the Council.

This meeting was called to report on the results of the Bothan invasion. Despite protest, the Republic Navy would retain command to the Bothan shipyards. The news had caused some stir, but there was nothing the Order could do about it. However, the topic had quickly moved once Anakin revealed that Darkover was a Pureblood Sith. The council murmured with disbelief and surprise.

"Are you sure that Darkover is a member of the Sith species?" Mace Windu asked.

"Yes Master. The physical traits he had matched almost exactly with ancient Jedi records of the Sith species, or at least the traits of their descendants," Anakin said.

"Disturbing it is, that any knowledge of living members of the Sith species we did not have," Grand Master Yoda said. "Find out where he came from, we must."

"Indeed," Obi-Wan said, "if he is as powerful as Anakin and Ahsoka claim, we must find out if there are others of his kind who are as dangerous as him."

"Dangerous, all Sith are, Master Kenobi."

Ahsoka spoke up. "From what Darkover said, there is a high chance there are still some original Sith in the Galaxy."

"Said this, he did?" Yoda asked.

"More like implied Master. He was prideful of his heritage," Ahsoka added.

"He said that he was one of the last purebloods," said Anakin, "and that raises the possibility of there being more of them."

Yoda sighed. "Troubling this is. Darker times, they are from, and dark times they will create. Spread across the galaxy, if they do, unknown destruction they may bring. Discover more, we must," he stated, giving a rap of his cane to emphasize his point.

"I agree," Windu said, "but this must be kept a secret. If word of a living Sith species working for the Separatists spreads, it could ignite even more terror in the people. The last time the Sith Purebloods threatened the Republic, they almost destroyed it. We cannot allow that threat to exist, not now."

"If we are going to keep this a secret, then what should we tell the Chancellor about the commander of the Separatist forces?" Anakin said, "Darkover was a military leader of the Separatists and reason that we lost so many systems. The Chancellor should be informed about his existence."

"Master Skywalker does bring up a relevant point," Luminara said, "The Chancellor will eventually learn of Darkover's existence. It would be better for us to bring this information to Palpatine instead of him learning it from other sources and turn it to look like we were keeping something from him."

Mace Windu sighed, "You're right Master Unduli. The Chancellor will learn of him one way or another. Skywalker," he said catching Anakin's attention, "you should be the one to tell Palpatine. After all, you are the one who fought Darkover."

"Of course Master," Anakin nodded, split about playing the Council's politics again and chatting with the Chancellor.

"In the meantime, we should proceed with finding any leads as to where this Sith came from."

"Unfortunately, Skywalker has killed the only lead that we had." Plo-Koon said from his hologram. Anakin grimaced as Plo-Koon continued, "You did what was necessary Anakin, but I fear that if we pursue this matter, we will wind up wasting valuable resources and end up at a literal dead-end."

"I unfortunately have to agree with you Master Plo." Ki-Adi-Mundi said. "As much as we should focus to this, we have few qualified Jedi available for this type of mission, and there are more pressing matters concerning the war."

"I agree with Master Plo as well." Luminara said.

"Very well. We will discuss this at a later date if any more information reaches us." Mace looked at Anakin, Ahsoka, and Barriss. "For now, you three have a short break before your next missions. I suggest that you use the time to rest."

All three bowed. "Thank you Masters." Anakin said.

"You are dismissed. Council is adjourned."

As the members exited the council room, Ahsoka left with Anakin. "It's too bad that we don't know anything about these Sith. Most of our records on the subject are either restricted or hopelessly out of date," Ahsoka mentioned.

"I know. I've also tried to find leads, but even I don't have access to the more important documents we hold in the archives. There might be something, but I doubt that we will find it."

"And to think that we were concerned with only two Sith a short time ago." Obi-Wan said, who had come up behind them. "It seems that our list of enemies is growing rapidly. War by its nature breeds darkness and chaos, and that is the power the Sith thrive on."

"Another reason we need to end this war quickly." Anakin said.

"And unfortunately, I have another why it won't." Said Obi-Wan, "The Bothans have re-established their neutrality for this war, despite having their shipyards leased to the Republic."

Ahsoka sighed, "I was afraid that would happen. Senator Se'lab felt that the Bothans should not have gotten involved in the first place."

"Ahsoka, the Bothans have been involved from the start, just not the way you think," Anakin said.

"Meaning?" Said Ahsoka, who was in the dark.

"The Bothans have always been master spies and have used this war to gain information on both sides," Said Obi-Wan. "They believe that giving information to both sides will end this war sooner. Also leads to a nice profit for them as well, but however it's become, understandably, a security risk. For the brief time they were allied with us, we got a lot of data on Separatist movements and plans. I find it amazing that the Bothans allied with the Republic for as long as they did."

"Can't we do more?" Ahsoka asked.

"Unfortunately, we've already done as much as we can. It's now an internal affair of the Bothan Council and we can't become involved."

"I see. So we have no proof of any spies?"

"No," Anakin said, "only suspicions and instances of past cases."

"Well we shouldn't worry about it right now. There's not much we can do at the moment anyway." Obi-Wan said.

They walked down the hallways of the Jedi Temple. With no place to be, Ahsoka felt a little angsty but she realized that it was caused by so much combat over a long time. I need to relax. Maybe I'll meditate in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Or visit the Archives for more information. Or just… do nothing. That thought was slightly puzzling to her, but she figured she could do it. Man I've really been out fighting for a while. "I think I'll go to my quarters and rest a bit." She said.

"Go ahead Snips, I need to go and inform the Chancellor about the Bothan Operation anyway. I'll see you when I get back." Anakin said.

"I'll see you around." Ahsoka walked away, leaving Anakin and Obi-Wan talking to each other and headed to the wing where her quarters were. Along her way, she walked past a group of younglings who were training in force powers. They were a mix of different species, ranging from human to Wookie. Ahsoka remembered her group, the Clawmouse clan, and was slightly surprised at how long ago that was. A lot has happened since then, she thought.

"Padawan Tano, a moment if you please."

Ahsoka stopped and turned. Standing a few meters away was Master Yoda. "Of course Master, what is it?"

"Strong in the force, you have become, padawan. And at such a young age, you have reached this. An inspiration you are, to our younger Jedi."

Ahsoka felt pride welling up in her. Phrase from the Grand Master himself! She didn't let her pride overcome her modesty though. "Thank you master."

"A mission, I have for you, after your rest." He turned and looked over at the younglings practicing. "These younglings, some of our most promising they are. Almost ready, for the Gathering, they are. Lead them on this journey, I would like you to, when the time has come, yes."

Ahsoka smiled and bowed slightly. "It would be my pleasure, Master."

"Very good. In two days time, we will head to Ilum. Until then, padawan." Yoda turned away and resumed watching the younglings. Ahsoka took her leave and resumed heading to her quarters.

Two days, then I will head back to Ilum. The Gathering, a time when younglings built their first lightsaber with the crystals they gather on the ice planet. That will bring back some memories, returning there. I have been there twice, once for each of my lightsabers. One, several years ago. The other, not to long ago. She thought as she entered her room and laid her lightsabers out in front of her. Since both times, I have learned much under Anakin and have improved my skills. But there is still much to learn and so far to go. She closed her eyes and laid out on her bed. But for now, there is no learning to be done, no battles to fight. Now it's time to rest. With that thought, Ahsoka drifted off into a meditative sleep and left the day behind her.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

That's the end. I really had a fun time writing this and I want to thank all of you for reading this and your reviews. But this is only the beginning! The next story in this series is Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Machinations [The Red Sith, Part Two].

R.R.F.F

This is OrangeGalen, signing off for the time being.