Part I

Chapter IX

Glimmer of the Light

On board the Star Destroyer in high orbit over Coruscant, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Windu arrive meeting one of three of their clone battalions consisting of 250 breeders each. In the bridge, the three Jedi are greeted by a holographic transmission of Emperor Organa.

"Gentlemen, the time has come," the Emperor speaks. "In the following hours, the invasion of Mandalore will be in effect and yet another planet will face the wrath of our Empire."

"Right you are Organa," Qui-Gon speaks. "Mandalore will be yet another notch in our record book of flawless takeovers."

"Don't speak ahead of yourself, Jinn," Windu says in a warning tone. "Mandalorians aren't the ones to surrender willingly. They'll die before knelling."

Qui-Gon cracks a flat smirk, "then I can't wait to make them suffer…"

Master Windu as well as Obi-Wan glance at Qui-Gon shuddering at his remarks. Master Qui-Gon is known for being radical on the battlefield. So radical in fact that even the Jedi find his methods… questionable.

"I'll order the Admiral to prep the ship for light speed," Qui-Gon departs from the hologram leaving Obi-Wan and Windu to wrap up this brief meeting.

"We are off your Excellency, we'll contact you once Mandalore is claimed," Windu says.

"Very well Master Jedi, may you be victorious," Organa concludes the transmission.

Master Windu moves away from the hologram table and to the bridge's window overlooking the surface of Courscant. Obi-Wan wonders over to his side, before he could even utter a word, Windu speaks, "I sense great indifference in you, Kenobi." He doesn't look at Obi-Wan as he speaks to him. "Is it that you fear your diplomatic solution will fail in persuading the Mandalorians to drop their arms and submit?"

In a way, Windu's insight was right on the money. Obi-Wan already knows that he might be wasting his time in discussing terms of surrender with Mandalore, though something else sits heavy on the Jedi's mind. "It's not that master," he insures loosely, "I'm just weary on if bringing Qui-Gon was a good idea…"

Finally, Windu faces Obi-Wan holding a robotic face, "he was once your master yes? Why do you ask such a thing?"

"Well yes, he was…" Obi-Wan admits. "But that was years ago—he was a different man and—"

"We were all different at one point, Obi-Wan," Windu speaks in a baritone voice. "I understand where you are coming from though. Master Jinn has made a more dynamic change than most Jedi at the temple." He glances from under his hood at the Jedi talking with the Admiral directing Obi-Wan's gaze over to him as well. "His methods are ruthless, but necessary."

"You mean the time he tried to kill you and Lord Yoda as well as the Emperor?" Obi-Wan questions sarcastically, "you categorize that as necessary?"

Windu shoots Obi-Wan a stinging glare, "you just worry about your little meeting with whomever your risking your neck over on Mandalore. Because when you fail—and you will, Qui-Gon and I are going to insure this planet won't even have enough strength to even lift a finger at our Empire ever again, is that understood?"

Obi-Wan buries his anger and replies with, "yes master, I understand fully."

Windu leaves the Jedi's company starting out the bridge. "Set a course for Mandalore, men!" The Admiral's voice booms with authority filling the entire bridge. "Our allied forces are expecting our arrival." The ships hyper-drive amps up vibrating the entire cruiser. Flashing a deep purple, the engines at the end of this massive triangular craft thrust out propelling the ship through an artificially made wormhole and into hyperspace.

Emerging from the wormhole, the Dark Legion Star Destroyer joins two other Star Destroyers apart of their fleet, as well as the Nabooian Planet Destroyer and the Alderaanian Warrior Brigade Battleships. The Alderaanian warships are all black and rouged in design. They are much smaller than a standard Star Destroyer but carry a much larger and devastating arsenal that can destroy an entire moon. The Nabooian Royal Naval Fleet consists of one massive battleship that has a cylindrical shape and is as long as an average Star Destroyer. On its flanks are five frigates and two supply ships.

The cruiser the three Jedi Masters are posted on takes its position joining the coalition. "Welcome to the battlefront, generals," the other Star Destroyer Admiral addresses via radio transmission. "All fleets are on standby, awaiting your orders to commence invasion."

All heads turn to the three Jedi looking out the window at the surface of Mandalore. Windu and Qui-Gon's attention is to Obi-Wan, since his move is first before they transform Mandalore into a full out battle. "Well, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon starts in his silence, "are you going to continue to waste time by standing here, or are you taking your journey to see these barbarians?"

Obi-Wan doesn't take his master's words lightly, he keeps his anger from showing, knowing that Qui-Gon will try taking advantage of it. "I will go to them now," he turns to the bridge, "prepare a transport."

"I believe there is one awaiting your arrival in the hanger bay my Lord," the Admiral address. "They were most eager to escort you to your meeting personally. The Emperor appointed them himself."

"As well as I," Qui-Gon adds in gaining Obi-Wan's attention. "Come, my former apprentice," he lightly presses a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, "I'll escort you there myself."

The two Jedi start out the bridge, Windu has his eyes glued on Qui-Gon's back, he wonder who Qui-Gon has brought for this mission and why.

[**NF**]

Starting down the cruiser's corridor, Qui-Gon doesn't say a word to Obi-Wan. The hall is silence except for a few mouse droids and R2 units moving about. "Master…" Obi-Wan finally speaks canceling the awkwardness. "Why did you and the Emperor provided me with a personal ride down to Mandalore?"

Qui-Gon smiles sensing the anxiety raging off Obi-Wan, "you will find out in a moment Obi-Wan," he keeps his answer a mystery. "These individuals and I have collaborated at one point during my time in exile…" Obi-Wan looks to the Master Jedi with a confuse glare, he can't image what caliber these people may possess to acquire a partnership with a Jedi—Master Qui-Gon Jinn at that matter.

The doors to the hanger hiss open, occupying the large carrier space is one ship. Rouged with a camouflage paintjob and larger than a standard Dark Legion transporter, Obi-Wan has never laid eyes on such a craft. The drop ramp is extended down with a man on a ladder doing last minute welding on a section above where the drop ramp folds into. Approaching from behind, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stand watching the Human man as he continues to weld. "I thought they were ready to go…?" Obi-Wan asks Qui-Gon.

"This is typical behavior of them," Qui-Gon replies. "Thank the Force they aren't drunk… yet."

Out of nowhere, a clone maintenance worker rushes over to the ship, "aye, you can't do that!" He barks pointing to the Human as he continues to weld not paying any attention to him. "You hear me? You can't weld in the hanger bay—it's against general management!"

"Yea?" The Human lowers his welding rod. Facing the clone, he snatches the goggles off his greasy face, "screw your general management clone! I'ma real person, not some gummed up mind guttering imbecile like you! Now piss off before I really get mad." The Human puts his goggles back on and goes back to welding.

The clone grits his teeth at the Human's offensive remark, looking over his shoulder the clone sees the two Jedi standing like two phantoms, due by the hooded robes obscuring the lining of their bodies. "Oh, thank goodness you two are here!" The clone sighs happily, "can you tell this… moron to stop doing what he's doing before he lights this entire place on fire!"

Qui-Gon totally ignores the clone's ranting keeping his eyes on the Human. Obi-Wan follows what he does ignoring the clone. The clone swallows before speaking, "uh… sorry my Lords, for addressing you in such a matter." He says in a low voice.

Walking close to the Human's ship, Qui-Gon uses the Force lightly pushing the clone back, "leave my sight breeder, I can't stand staring at the likes of you." Qui-Gon speaks callously without looking in the clone's direction.

"As you wish my Lord," the clone acknowledges feeling worthless. He turns on his heels and walks away. Obi-Wan watches the clone straddle away then sets his attention on the ship that he'll be taking to Mandalore. Though he isn't entirely sure of its crew or the ship at that matter.

In the corner of his eye, the welding Human sighs deeply seeing two more people standing behind him. Powering off his welding instrument, he descends the ladder. "Alright… alright! I'll stop—" He pauses in midsentence when his eyes land on the two Jedi looking back at him. "Jedi…?" He breaths in surprise wiping his grease covered hands on his vest. The Human is average build and height, olive colored skin covered in smidges of oil and grease. His hair in a short spiked Mohawk leaving the sides of his head shaved besides a tattoo depicting two dragons on both sides of his head. He removes the goggles squinting his green eyes on the Jedi. "Qui-Gon you old crazy bastard!" He complements approaching the Jedi. Qui-Gon chuckles shaking the Human's hand, "what brings you down here mate? Want another demonstration of the ol' girl here?" He gestures to the ship behind him.

"Maybe another time, Dengar," Qui-Gon glances behind him at Obi-Wan. "Though I believe my former apprentice would enjoy it." He steps aside allowing the Human to get a look at Obi-Wan. "This is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi; Obi-Wan, this is Dengar, a good friend of mine."

Obi-Wan draws his hood back staring deeply into Dengar's greasy face. "So this is the infamous Obi-Wan Kenobi…" Dengar praises scornfully. "I've heard plenty of things about you from every corner of the galaxy. Hard to believe people are shaken by the sight of you…" He scans Obi-Wan from head to toe tauntingly.

"Take care of what you say," Obi-Wan warns. "Looks can be very deceiving."

The two become in a deadlock stare when Dengar bursts into laughter out of nowhere, "I like him already," he chuckles glancing at Qui-Gon. "He definitely has that certain charisma in his eye… much like any Jedi." Obi-Wan eases down sensing neutral feelings from Dengar, "well why the hell are we still hangin' out here? Com-on up Jedi, meet the crew!" Dengar walks up the ramp entering his ship. Obi-Wan follows behind while Qui-Gon stands looking in from the outside.

Entering the craft, Obi-Wan finds it more narrow than how it looks on the outside. The craft was at one point a troop carrier, since the fuselage is elongated and still has some of the seats of which the troops sat in. The rest of the craft looks to have been customized. Hundreds of wires run across the inside walls flowing into the ceiling of the craft into one power source hidden from sight. "Is this ship spacefaring?" Obi-Wan asks nervously as he follows behind Dengar.

"Of course it is Jedi," Dengar replies. "What, you don't like what I did with the old girl? She was once a Republic troop carrier, found it floating out in the middle of space damaged like hell." He leads the Jedi to the cramp cockpit. Sitting at the control panel is a large humanoid reptile going about the controls, "aye Bossk, the Jedi's here." Turning around, the reptilian gives Obi-Wan a brief glimpse before turning back to the controls. "Yeah, not much of talker…" Dengar says to Obi-Wan. "But he'll grow on ya later, I'm sure."

He slaps Obi-Wan on the shoulder moving over to the passenger seat tinkering around with a few of the controls. "What are you doing!?" Bossk finally speaks in a hissing voice. "I had everything prepped and ready!"

"Relax lizard man," Dengar replies laidback. "I'm just gonna show the Jedi here the little 'toy' we outfitted our ship with."

Bossk turns his head to him, "think that's a good idea?" He asks in a whisper, but Obi-Wan heard him loud and clear. "He's a Jedi…"

"No really? I didn't know that," Dengar replies sarcastically. Ignoring Bossk's complaining, Dengar hits a button making the lighting in the craft plunge into a deep violet. A machine activates in the background humming lightly.

Immediately, Obi-Wan's muscles begin to feel like weights and his body deflates with energy. "What is going on?" He asks in a slurred voice.

Dengar snickers at the Jedi, "you feel that? Feels like you haven't slept in days right?" Obi-Wan feels his legs weakening and grabs on to a piece of machinery. "You Jedi aren't the only ones with fancy tricks up your sleeves. You see what you're experiencing right about now is how us 'normal' people live day in and day out…"

"What did you do to me…?" Obi-Wan slurs stumbling back against the cockpit wall. Dengar jumps up from his seat and helps Obi-Wan stand up. He guides the drowsy Jedi to a small seat located directly behind the cockpit. "There ya are," Dengar sits him down and backs away. He leans against the wall folding his arms, "comfy?"

Dengar's words become mushy to Obi-Wan's ears. His entire focus strained with clouded thoughts. "What… I can't…" He squints his eyes trying to center his vision, but everything is spinning around his head.

"Don't hurt yourself Jedi," Dengar jokes. "You're more of a slop than I thought." He rubs his chin glancing away from Obi-Wan, he nods to Bossk to hit the button. The reptilian does so, the lights changes back to normality and so does Obi-Wan's strength. Dengar returns to the Jedi, "better now?"

Obi-Wan narrows his eyes in anger, "you have less than ten seconds to explain what just happened to me."

Sensing the Jedi's spike in anger, Dengar laughs backing away slightly. "You're mad, with good reason, but you ain't gonna threaten me on my ship Jedi. I can easily flip that switch and you'll be nothing but a drooling meat puppet."

Suddenly, the wind in Dengar's lungs is cut off by an invisible force gripping at his neck. "Do that, and it'll be the last thing you ever do." Obi-Wan warns clenching his fist tight around the Human's neck. Bossk gets up from his seat reaching for a blaster holstered at his side.

"Release him," Qui-Gon's voice erupts as the Jedi Master steps foot into the craft. "I said release him Obi-Wan." Doing so, the Jedi take his Force grip off Dengar's neck enabling him to breathe again. "As you experienced Obi-Wan, even the Force has its limitations."

"What do you mean by that, Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan asks.

"This ship," Qui-Gon begins darting his eyes to the ceiling of the craft, "is outfitted with a unique energy field, in which can sever any Jedi's connection to the Force… temporarily of course."

Obi-Wan is speechless, though he has a familiar sense that he's heard of something like this floating around the galaxy. "That's impossible, the Force surrounds us, it binds us…"

"You're right," Dengar agrees rubbing his sore neck, "but you've just found yourself on the only spec in the galaxy in which your precious Force is terminated. Which is why I saw fit to call my ship Negative Force." Obi-Wan cuts his eyes to him, "catchy, isn't it?" Dengar smirks.

"Very suitable indeed, Dengar…" Qui-Gon chimes folding his arms within his robes. "Well that's enough of the demonstration wouldn't you say? Wouldn't want to keep the people of Mandalore waiting too long for your arrival." Qui-Gon raises his eyebrows form under his darken hood at Obi-Wan before turning for the exit ramp leaving the ship.

Upon stepping off, the drop ramp to Dengar's ship contracts. Bossk initiates last minute takeoff protocols before igniting the four quad engines enabling the craft to hover off the hanger floor. Position the transport for takeoff, the two engines located in the back of the craft pushes forward leaving the hanger bay. Standing just below the ship, the warm blast of air ripples Qui-Gon's robes. He turns his head keeping his eyes on the craft until it breaks the laser field casting out into space.

The people of Mandalore are on high alert, the entire planet is bracing for the first wave of troops to touch land. Already they have taken precautions in evacuating their citizens to underground shelters for they already know the Dark Legion Empire will bombed their planet until it looks like a lifeless moon before any of their forces invade. From the surface of their planet, in the night sky, the Mandalorian rebels can see countless lights among the stars. Large lights creeping slowly in their orbit, "warships…" A bald, pale skinned Mandalorian heaves looking up at the crafts stretching his neck out a window. "At least three to five fleets maximum."

"The Intel was right then," a female Mandalorian replies standing nearby. Her short orange hair blows gently in the crisp night breeze. "Which means we need to evacuate the remainders from the palace before the bombing begins."

Turning to her, the man nods in agreement. Both are dressed in their traditional Mandalorian armed suit that closely resembles the clone troopers, but is outfitted in such a way that it surpasses effortlessly. Walking down the darken deserted palace corridor, the two enter the throne room, where a few other Mandalorians remain talking lowly amongst one another. It isn't until the two Mandalorian soldiers enter in grabbing their attention. One woman stands out before all others, her face plain as paper though somehow manages to bring light in this gloomy state. A beige dress trimmed with gold lining surrounds her body skirting the floor. A silver hairpiece wraps perfectly around her head reflecting the little light emitting from the floodlights outside the palace.

The rest of the Royal officials step aside allowing the two Mandalorian soldiers to stands before the woman, "My Lady," the male soldier starts. "It is at best interest that I suggest you and your staff evacuate the palace immediately. The Empire are in our orbit as we speak and could attack any minute."

"They won't attack," the woman replies calmly. "They are sending a negotiator in hopes of rendering our world."

"By all means, Satine," the orange hair woman begins, "you know negotiating with the Dark Legion is suicide. It's probably a trap to capture you!"

Satine cracks a nervous smile looking down to the marble floor, "maybe so… but if they do, then I'll endure whatever punishment they may inflict on me, for the people of Mandalore, for us."

"You can't be serious My Lady," the male solider presses. "The Empire—the Jedi will torture you just for the pleasure. And then they'll just kill you." The remainders of the royal dignitaries cringe at the soldiers words. Could the Jedi be that cruel? They heard the stories echoing across the galaxy about how ruthless they can be, never did they think that they'll be facing their wrath any minute.

"I do not fear the Jedi, Commander Vizsla," Satine directs her words to the male Mandalorian. "I believe that there is still good in them, a good I hope to bring out. There is hope that they will spare our world."

The orange hair woman shakes her head doubtfully, "what you see in them… is something I'll never understand."

Entering in on their conversation, a royal guard announces loudly, "My Lady, the Dark Legion advocates have arrived." Outside the palace, the loud thrust of a transport ship touching down flares in the throne room. A wave of nervousness comes over Satine causing her to take a breath.

Seeing the distress on her face, Vizsla places his hand on her shoulder, "you don't have to do this, My Lady. We can take you to our base, you'll be safe there. My troops and I will protect you with our lives—you have my word."

The rest of the royals look to the Duchess praying in their minds that she'll take the commander's offer. Neither of them wanted to stay around and wait for the Jedi representative to arrive. Refusing, the Duchess takes Vizsla's hand off her shoulder shaking her head, "you must leave now commander, or risk losing your element of surprise if this all goes bad."

Nodding briskly, Vizsla places his trademark Mandalorian helmet on his head. He turns to his second command, "we have to go."

The orange haired woman stares at Satine with dismay in her eyes. "Listen to your commander Bo-Kata," Satine tells her forcing a line of a smile across her face. "Go."

Giving Satine one last look, Bo-Kata puts her helmet on, she then looks to Vizsla giving him a nod. The two turn heading for the exit to the throne room. The royal guards as well as the delegates remain to meet the Jedi.

Powering down Negative Force, Obi-Wan waits for Dengar or Bossk to drop the ramp, "alright Jedi," Dengar starts turning his neck to Obi-Wan sitting behind, "you have twenty minutes to do whatever you have to do."

Rising up from his seat, Obi-Wan starts down the narrow walkway of the transport waiting silently for the ramp to be extended out. Taking his quite action as a go, Bossk hits the button dropping the ramp onto the surface of Mandalore. Before stepping off, Obi-Wan drapes the hood over his head then walks off. Touching ground, Obi-Wan glances around seeing a few Mandaloirian rebel fighters in the distance looking over at him. They hold their ground whispering to one another trying to figure out who this lone robbed man is. Turning his gaze away, Obi-Wan makes his move from the plaza to the palace steps.

His ghostly silhouette ascending the steps startles the two royal guards posted out front. One of them staggers through the massive doors leading right to the throne room. The other guard's anxiety is raging the closer Obi-Wan comes. Finally, the Jedi reaches the top of the stairs. The guard, trembling with fear prompts himself in front of the door. He sticks his hand when he takes it back noticing it shaking uncontrollably. "T-the Duchess isn't quite ready for you J-J-Jedi… she will summon you when—"

Obi-Wan continues his way lifting the guard off his feet with the Force by the neck. With his other hand, he pushes the massive doors open using the Force. Without even trying, all eyes land on the Jedi as he barges his way into the palace. A few royals stumble back at the sight of the guard being manhandled by some telepathic means. "Duchess Satine…" Obi-Wan starts in a calm dry matter despite the dark moment he's just set in motion, "you had more than enough time to prepare for our meeting." He loosens his Force grip on the guard's neck allowing him to fall to the floor hyperventilating. He approaches Satine throwing back his hood, his yellow eyes pierce through the greyness of the room. "Now you have less than twenty minutes to convince me of why I should spare the lives of your people."

Satine's eyes flare upon the sight of Obi-Wan. She knew the Empire were sending a Jedi, but out of all the evil twist Jedi, they send the one she knows on a personal level. Before he became a slave to Lord Yoda. The other royals stand off to the side as the Jedi stands a mere distance from her. The other guard backs away to the wall keeping his eye on Obi-Wan. "It's good to see you again, Obi-Wan," she says flatly.

"The forces of the Dark Legion Empire want to see this planet completely turned over, Duchess," Obi-Wan replies immediately after in a cold tone. "So you can save your breath on the reunion openings."

Satine is taken back by Obi-Wan's emotionless response. This is defiantly not the man she once knew. "Alright then," she sighs solemnly walking back to her throne chair. Obi-Wan steps closer standing before her as she seats herself lightly. "So, Master Jedi," she begins placing her arms on the armrests, "I didn't think you Dark Legions were one's to negotiate?"

"Well we didn't perceive that you will have three of our representatives executed and have their remains shipped to our doorstep," Obi-Wan replies sarcastically glancing at the remaining royals off to the side.

"That wasn't of my bidding," Satine replies. "Moments before my meeting with your representatives, one of the Stormtroopers you call them, shot and killed one of my guards for a reason unknown." Obi-Wan remains fixed as a statue keeping his attention glued to Satine's face. "Another faction, the Mandalorian Guild took actions in their own hands and attacked the troopers and as a tragic end result…" she pauses clearing her throat, "beheaded the representatives."

"And you, being the Duchess of Mandalore, couldn't prevent such an event from taking place from the start?" Obi-Wan questions instinctively stroking his beard,"kind of odd from my point of view…"

"I couldn't stop it because it happened in an instant, Obi-Wan," Satine sets straight before the Jedi starts jumping to conclusions. "The Mandalorian Guild are ruthless, they're warlike. Their sole purpose is to guaranty the safety of our world."

"They did a fine job with that, I'll say," Obi-Wan counters. "Now the fate of millions lie within your hands, Satine. As they always have." Obi-Wan chirps a laugh rubbing his lower lip with his finger. "It seems my former master was correct about you independent worlds… we grant you too many liberties and freedoms on which you exploit to plot against us!"

Satine's heart leaps in her chest, never has she seen Obi-Wan so cold. Quickly, she buries her emotions and maintains her thoughts on her people. "Now you must understand," she starts finding her voice raspy. She swallows a lump in her throat before continuing, "what happened to those representatives was an incident that shouldn't had ever occurred… we—"

"An incident you could've prevented if you did your job," Obi-Wan accuses with a point. "Now there are more than enough cruises and battleships orbiting your world with enough ordinances to kill even the smallest rodents hiding in the tightest cracks. All because of your failure, your lack of leadership."

"It wasn't my fault!" Satine exclaims with a voice heavy in authority. "And how dare you… a man—a Jedi who instills fear in others to maintain a corrupt empire condemn me of my leadership!?" Her sneering words echo sharply off the smooth plastered walls. "You betrayed everything you once stood for. You and all the other Jedi and that nefarious structure you call a temple!"

Obi-Wan cuts off his emotions staring blankly in the Duchess's anger filled red face. "Ok, show me then," he says almost challengingly.

"Show you what?" She asks sourly.

"Show me that you can save the lives of millions, by turning in the members of this Mandalorian Guild." Satine's blood runs cold. Obi-Wan instantly senses her anxiety, he chuckles under his breath. "I should have guessed, you aren't going to betray your 'people' right?"

Satine doesn't reply, she glances over to the remainders of her staff holding tense face. "Leave us," she instructs. The staffs' tense faces transform into confusion. "All of you, leave me and the Jedi to continue this discussion in private."

The guard posted on the wall beside Satine's throne speaks up, "Madam… with all due respect…"

"I won't repeat myself," Satine declares turning her head slightly in the guard's direction. With no further words, the guard as well as the royal staff shuffle out the throne room leaving the Jedi and the Duchess completely alone with each other.

As the last person leaves the throne all together Obi-Wan speaks, "I see you've grown tired off the ridiculing eyes and ears in one place…?"

"It seems I have," she replies with a sigh standing out of her throne. "And you were right, I won't give away the whereabouts of the Mandalorian Guild," she begins descending the short marble steps. "I stand firmly with my people, even if it means the death of us. Because you and I both know that the Empire will invade regardless." She stands a short distance from the Jedi looking him straight in the eye. "Which makes me wonder Obi-Wan, why did you come to me in the first place?"

"I came on a diplomatic mission to spare your people from the Dark Legion Empire," Obi-Wan replies robotically.

"Really?" Satine says suspiciously. "I think there was another reason, closer to heart…"

Obi-Wan shakes his head turning his body sideways to her, "if you think I came because of you…"

"That's not what I think at all," Satine counters quickly. Obi-Wan shifts his eyes to her trying his best to keep a fossil face. "You came here, because you know… deep down in your heart that what you are doing is wrong." He takes his gaze form her all together walking towards one of the large oval shaped windows. He looks out onto the night sky seeing his reflection in the glass. His yellow eyes plagued with the Dark Side alarms him. It's been so long, he has forgotten what color his eyes were before converting to this twisted way of life. "I saw it written across your face the instant you removed your hood," Satine continues. "You want to do good—you don't want the Empire to invade…"

"I have no choice, Satine," Obi-Wan gravels through his teeth. "It's just the way of the Force."

"You're wrong," she denounces. "I may not have plentiful knowledge of the Force as you do, but I know enough that this wasn't the intended path you're supposed to be on. You remember just as I do… the Jedi Order was nothing like this in the past in the days of the Republic."

"You're right," Obi-Wan replies surprising her. He turns away from the window locking his gaze on her. "We were weaker," the excitement in Satine's body deflates at his remark. "The Sith knew that and seek to destroy us. If it weren't for my master, Lord Yoda, I as well as every Jedi in the galaxy would be dead right now!" Satine shakes her head fighting the tears from surfacing. "I owe Lord Yoda my life, my service at his side and my loyalties! That's why I can't betray the Order!"

Satine slides her way to Obi-Wan placing her hand on his cheek. The coolness from her palm puts the Jedi at ease stalling his anger. "Look at you, look how far you have fallen," the soft tone of her voice sends tingling chills down Obi-Wan's body. His eyes become glued to hers, "you're a good man Obi-Wan, you still are. But you must not allow this hatred to forge your mind."

Closing his eyes, Obi-Wan allows his body to fall numb. He places his hand on top hers pressing it harder into his cheek. "I'm afraid, that it's too late for that," he opens his tear filled eyes. A tear escapes Satine's eye as the Jedi removes her hand from his cheek. Turing away, he stumbles for the doors scratching his heavy eyes. Pausing in step, he reaches behind his head grapping the fabric of his hood. Without using the Force, he can feel Satine's eyes glued on him. "I am so sorry, Satine…"

She wipes her face, "so am I," she mutters lowly. The Jedi draws his hood over his head and starts out the palace.

Staring out the window from his office in the Convocation Center on Courscant, the Emperor gazes upon the city planet. His anxiety running high awaiting word from Master Windu that the invasion of Mandalore has occurred. His office empty besides himself, the Senate guards stand out front of his doorway. He is still upset about his two clone Jedi guards, of which Master Qui-Gon decapitated. Still, Lord Yoda promised to have them replaced in the future.

Beeping loudly taking the silence form his office, the Emperor rushes over to his desk hitting the button to his hologram. An image of a blue skinned humanoid man with horns takes form, killing the Emperor's whaling energy. "My Lord, the CIS Viceroy has arrived to see you personally."

The Emperor gives him a confused face, "I didn't authorize this meeting."

Suddenly, the doors to Emperor Organa's office bust open and a big headed, bug eyed man dressed in a black gown complete with a rectangular headpiece enters in with a fierce look on his face. "You have no right!" He spits charging his way towards Organa. "You have no right invading an independent world Emperor!" The Senate guards tug and pull at the man's robes but he violently pulls his robes out their grasps. Organa waves them away allowing the angered Viceroy to continue.

"I knew sooner or later you independent advocates would come whining at my doorstep," Organa snickers turning back to his desk.

"You have your forces prepared to stage an assault on an independent world," the Viceroy replies bitterly standing before the Emperor's desk. "Worst of all, you kept this claim from the Imperial Senate."

"I can assure you Viceroy," Organa folds his hands on his desk. "The Imperial Senate isn't completely blind of my judgment."

The Viceroy inches closer to Organa's desk, "yet you still invade an independent world, which is a complete violation of the Trade Federation's Independent Clause—a clause, you yourself appointed with both our signatures on the document!"

"My memory isn't dull, Viceroy," Organa scratches his ear. "And if you care to listen to what I have to say, maybe it'll change your mind on why I am invading a planet of your jurisdiction."

"Then enlighten me Emperor," the Viceroy jeers coldly.

Before Organa could explain his reasoning, the hologram on his desk lights up with an image of Jedi Master Windu and Kenobi. "Your Excellency," Windu begins. "Everything is running according to plan as you perceived."

Organa glimpse up at the Viceroy standing out of image of the hologram, "so I take it that your diplomatic reasoning has failed, Kenobi?"

Obi-Wan lowers his gaze, "yes your Excellence," he replies drearily. "The Mandalorians are not going to step down. We… we have no choice but to invade."

The Viceroy's mouth falls open in shock. Organa smiles devilishly at the look on his face, "invasion was the only choice Master Jedi. Alright, carry on as planned, contact me once the planet has fallen and remember, I want the Duchess alive along with any other high value individuals of their government. The rest of the peasant can burn…" The Viceroy shivers at the Emperor's nonchalant tone in the matter.

"As you wish, your Excellently," Master Windu and Obi-Wan bow their heads ending transmission.

The Viceroy shakes his head at the Emperor, "you're a monster…" he quivers.

Organa laughs, "if you think I'm sadistic, Viceroy… you haven't seen what the Jedi are capable of…" The Viceroy shudders backing away slightly, "now leave my sight, you worm!"

Dampened by the Emperor's cold remark, the Viceroy turns heading for the doorway.

"And Gunray…" Organa calls after him. "You barge into my office again spitting venom… and I'll kill you myself, Understand?"

The representative doesn't utter any kind of acknowledgment or response from Organa's final remark.

Watching the Neimoidian Viceroy leave his office, Organa waits a moment before activating his hologram again. On the holoprojector, an image of two men in a seated position takes form. One with a spiked Mohawk and the other a reptilian. "Emperor Organa," Dengar speaks surprise. "You came through faster than I expected…"

"I just wanted to remind you of our deal," Organa speaks.

Dengar laughs, "still want me to do your little dirty work aye Emperor?"

"I decided to double your pay… ten million each for the Jedi's head."

Dengar's smile wipes away and turns into shock. He looks to Bossk who doesn't look all that surprise. "We're still talking about just one Jedi, right?" Dengar double checks.

"I want his head personally delivered to me," Organa tells him. "Then, you and your friend will get your reward."

Nodding his head like a bobble head, Dengar grows a smirk across his face. "Alright Organa, you'll have your Jedi's head. I'll send it on a silver platter!"

Organa smiles, "Good Dengar, very good…"