Chapter 20
The Ominous Shadow
"How's Finn?"
Poe looked up at Aayla, rolling the small black device in his hands. "Still a little angry. It'll pass."
The supply ship the Jedi brought with them turned out to be a CR-90 blockade runner, a vessel which brought with it a wave of nostalgia to the time displaced group. The hammerhead vessels had been a staple of the Alliance to Restore the Republics navy from its inception over Scarif until its end with the Galactic Concordance.
The group were currently held up in the ships breakroom, a large open space with built in sofas and lounging chairs, a kitchen fully stocked with food, and soft colours adorning the otherwise Spartan bulkheads. Poe and Aayla sat on one of the larger sofas. BB-8 was powered down in a corner. Finn was leaning against the opposite corner, a set of tools spread out before him as he attempted to repair his armours breastplate. Chewie was seated in one of the larger chairs, a little small for his size, as he read a datapad almost too small for his large digits. Luke and R2 were stuck within the cockpit of their X-Wing, for although they were able to dock they weren't able to disembark like those lucky enough to be aboard the Freighter.
"I'm not angry," The former Stormtrooper huffed, glaring at his friend. "Just a little agitated that you didn't trust me with this is all."
"It's not a matter of trust. For this to work there needed to be as few people knowing about it as possible, even among the Jedi only Aayla and Master Ali knew." Poe explained, eyeing the tracking device which had caused them so much trouble with more than a little spite. "The more people who knew the more chances of someone letting the information slip, hence why we didn't tell you."
"Do you even need that thing anymore?" Finn asked.
"No," The pilot replied, eyeing him quizzically. "Wanna crush it?"
"Yes, please."
Dameron tossed the small black device through the air, twirling end over end before landing in Finn's open palm and with one hateful look he closed it into a fist. The crushgaunt worn over his hand like a second skin dealt with the tracker with a crunch of metal and a fizzle of sparks before he dropped the remains onto the decking and leaned back.
"Better?" Poe asked.
"Immeasurably." There was a cruel smile on his face as he uttered the word.
"Good." He leaned back into his chair. "Because I want you with me when I have to face Luke and tell him what happened to Rey."
Rey. How would Luke take it when he found out his daughter had fought a Sith and lost a limb while doing it? Rey had joked about it after a little time, of the infamous Skywalker curse striking her at last. It had seemed funny to her, but that might have been the antibiotics and painkillers talking. Finn and Poe hadn't found it even slightly humorous.
"When are we going to tell him?" He asked after a long moment.
"The moment we set down on Coruscant." Poe replied. "I refuse to tell him this over the comm. You ready for it."
Finn shook his head. "I'll be there all the same."
"It sounds like this Master Skywalker and his daughter are quite close." Aayla put in, brow furrowing a little, not a lot, but enough for Poe to notice.
"Yeah. In truth he thought she had died along with his wife, and then she found him some ten years later. The two did some fast bonding, making up for lost time I suppose." Finn explained absently as he worked, chuckling a little despite himself. "He got a little overprotective."
"Is that going to be an issue?" Poe asked.
Aayla was hesitant. "Forming such attachments are forbidden under the Jedi code. We believe that such bonds can incur strong emotions, emotions which can be manipulated into walking down a dark path."
"Sounds a little extreme though, doesn't it?" Finn asked, setting his chosen tool on the floor and picking up another. "I mean feelings of love and hatred are natural aren't they?"
"That they are," She allowed, even Chewie was paying attention. "However as Jedi we are considered guardians of the Republic, protectors of the peace and diplomats to the many diverse peoples and planets. Our first priority in what we do is for the good of the Republic and its people as a whole. Emotions such as love are powerful and, if manipulated, can impede such duties. In short they can compromise a Jedi in his or her duty and they would not be able to make decisions clearly."
"I understand the logic." Finn was thoughtful himself. "It's just that it seems like a huge sacrifice to make. You didn't have a choice when you were born with those powers of yours, and yet once you are brought to the temple you have to give up many things that normal people take for granted. It seems unfair if you ask me."
Aayla hesitated, and then smiled. It was a subtle but beautiful smile. "Thank you Finn."
The former Stormtrooper blinked, confused. "For what?"
"For still speaking to me instead of speaking to a Jedi." She replied, leaning back into her chair to look at the ceiling. "I have had to explain this a few times to people, and every time they would call me emotionless, a machine, a lapdog incapable of feeling love and loss when the opposite is true. They misunderstand the concept of non-attachment and think it means that we love nothing when the opposite is true. All life is considered precious to the Jedi, which is why we can't let such emotions blind us."
"I'm not sure I understand." Finn managed lamely. "And I'm sorry if I sound ignorant and reverse your opinion but how can a Jedi not allow such emotions as love and still cherish life?"
"Let me give you a scenario." Aayla said in way of reply. "Say there was a Jedi, he fell in love with someone and he was very happy. A terrorist wanted to set off a bomb in a busy marketplace, and this Jedi was the only one standing in his way. So he kidnaps their loved one with the idea of using them as a hostage. Don't interfere, he would say, or I will kill them. If the Jedi does nothing his love is spared, however the bomb will go off and many lives would be lost. What should he do? Should he take the chance and save all these people or do nothing and save his beloved?"
Silence answered them. Poe and Chewie were eerily silent, while Finn was thoughtful, once or twice he opened his mouth to reply but then thought better and closed it. Aayla smiled at him. It was a sad smile. "That is why we Jedi cannot afford such attachments. Our duty is time consuming and in many cases life threatening. I would not wish to place someone I cherish in such a position. It also doesn't mean we are incapable of emotion. We do feel love. I love my Master, and my friends. They will be there for me in good and bad and that is enough."
"Would we be considered friends, then?" Finn asked with a little mischief.
"Yes, you would." She replied in the positive.
"But what about Luke and Rey?" Poe asked. "Will they be looked down upon and punished for this?"
She shook her head. "There are exceptions to the rule. For instance the Jedi of Corellia are far more liberal with attachments than the main branch of the Jedi Order, and Master Mundi of the Jedi High Council is married because of his people's low birth rate. They will be welcomed, I can assure you."
The Consular Cruiser settled on the landing platform. Fighter units of Trade Federation droids and a motley assortment of Republic Starfighters traced lines in the sky in separate formations as the landing pad hissed and descended.
The place was one of the external landing platforms of the Theed Royal Palace, one specially designed for larger starships instead of the hanger bay which held the bulk of the planets fighter craft. The time was midmorning, sun blazing high in the sky. Nute Gunray and his chief advisor, Rune Haako were waiting on the walkway between the landing ramp and the palace proper with a full unit of B1 battle-droids stood to attention behind them.
Descending the landing ramp were the chief negotiators from the Galactic Republic. Jedi Master Dooku was in the lead, flanked by fellow Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, the Queen of Naboo Padme Amidala, her handmaidens, and six Jedi Knights fully garbed in their robes, hoods over their heads as they followed two across and three deep.
The numbers were fairly even, but the quality of soldiers was clear.
"Master Jedi, welcome to Naboo." Gunray greeted, bowing his head. "It is an honour to be in the presence in one of your reputation, Master Dooku."
"Let us not waste time with formalities, Viceroy." Dooku dismissed with a wave of his hand. "We have much to discuss."
"Yes, yes off course." He replied, rising to his full height, meeting the Jedi Masters gaze with one of his own. "I look forward to a fruitful negotiation."
"As do we." Dooku agreed.
"Well then. I understand you have all partaken in a long journey, and you are no doubt tired. If you will allow my subordinates to help you to private quarters where you may rest and prepare for the negotiations." Gunray motioned to a small number of aides and officials, dressed smartly in the robes their people were known for. "Once you are settled we can begin."
Three fighters flew in low overhead, whether Trade Federation or New Republic no one seemed to know, as all eyes were on them. The Viceroy of the Trade Federation and the lead Jedi Master of the New Republic seemed for a brief moment to be engaged in a contest of wills, one attempting to suss out the others motives and goals.
The Jedi Master saw through the Viceroys offer immediately. It was a ploy. One meant to buy time or gain the upper hand in negotiations, and he would have none of it. "That will not be necessary. We have all had plenty of rest on the voyage and would like to begin as soon as possible."
If his words caught the Viceroy off guard he did not show it. "Off course. We will lead you and your entourage to the chamber within the palace, and negotiations can begin."
Dooku nodded and swept forward with the majesty of a king. The Queen, her handmaidens, security personnel and Jedi Knights followed him. The Viceroy turned and walked towards his own transport, chief advisors, guards and aides soon flanking him as he walked. The Neimoidian clenched his teeth, dark mood following him like a billowing cloak.
Qui-Gon was soon by his former Masters side, eyeing him carefully. "He is not going to give in."
Dooku could only agree. "Not easily, no."
"I do not remember this feeling before." His former apprentice's mouth was set in a thin line. "There is determination and thought. I feel it through the Force, but it was not always there."
"When you first visited Naboo, you mean." His former Master replied, eyeing the retreating Viceroy carefully. "Back then he had an ally in his corner, one he thought would bring him absolute victory. Now this allies ability and motives are brought into question and he realises he cannot be complacent anymore, not if his company wishes to survive."
Qui-Gon seemed doubtful. "It just feels like a different being."
"Things change when one finds themselves driven into a corner with nowhere to run." Dooku replied, turning his steely gaze upon his apprentice. "I feel that he now knows that his only alternative is to fight, however he is not a warrior and he does not wish to be. No, the arena will be in that palace. In that throne room and he will have a few tricks up his sleeve."
"What do we do?" The younger Jedi asked.
Dooku's eyes were straight ahead, step undaunted. "Wait and see."
"Sure of this, you are?"
The holographic image of Adi Gallia nodded. "Yes, Master."
The Grand Masters personal meditation chamber was dark, blinds blocking all light from the windows but the occasional ray of sunlight. Yoda was thoughtful, sat upon his meditation mat. "And apprehended him he did?"
"Yes, Master." She replied in the affirmative. "He had incapacitated him before our arrival, and from what I have seen he is from the same timeline as the others. He introduced himself as Luke Skywalker, and from what I felt through the Force he is strong in the Force."
"Hmm, interesting this is." Yoda hummed, silent for a moment before he spoke. "Escort him to Coruscant you shall, meet with him I will."
Gallia bowed her head. "I will do so, Master. We have already departed Tatooine and shall be with you soon."
"Good." The diminutive creature responded. "Be careful you will, yes?"
His request startled her, for but a moment, but soon she composed herself. "Off course, Master."
Farewells were exchanged and soon the small chamber was darkened as the low glow of the holoprojector died. Yoda sat still for a brief moment, humming to himself before opening his eyes. With him, seated upon similar meditation mats were Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Plo Koon, Depa Bilipa and Ki-Adi-Mundi, all with their eyes closed in contemplation at what they had just heard.
"Ready, we are." Yoda advised.
Billipa hummed in agreement. "With the evidence we have gathered, and one of his agents apprehended. Now is the time to act."
"We must be quick." Windu agreed. "The more we hesitate the stronger our enemies position becomes. We must act now."
"The four of us will apprehend Palpatine. Once he is in custody the Judiciary will arrest all of the ringleaders of this conspiracy. The necessary forces have been assembled from the Jedi and the judicial forces, all are ready. All we need is your word, Grand Master." Plo Koon advised, his voice distorted by his breathing apparatus.
Yoda remained silent, eyes closed as he tried to contemplate what this decision would mean. Would this act save the Galactic Republic or destroy it? Would it bring about its redemption or herald its annihilation? He did not know the answer, but he did now that if they did nothing the Republic would die anyway.
"Go."
One word. That was all it took. The four Masters rose to their feet, bowed to him, and turned to exit the room. They would take a transport to the Senate, a team of vetted Senate Guard would meet them there. Once his arrest was confirmed thousands of law enforcement officers would swoop into action arresting senators, judicial chiefs, judges, Defence force officers, politicians, aides, middle men and brokers. There would be no stone left unturned and nowhere to hide from their sight.
Palpatines arrest would start it all.
With a wave of his hand Yoda opened the blinds, allowing the early morning sun to flow through and warm his skin. Waiting was all that was needed. Waiting was the worst torture of all.
"I'm bored."
The lead droid, noticeable by the yellow stripes on its skeletal body, turned its head to watch its charge. It was not the only one in the room by far. There were twelve other droids in the room, blasters all pointed at the chair the being was seated in. The Gungan was surrounded, outgunned and with no opportunity for escape, and yet the droids programming could not fathom how he could be so calm, nor for that smile to remain plastered on his face.
He was leaning back on the chair, the ball of his foot leaning against the table it was set behind, causing the being and the chair he was seated in to lean back and forth.
"I am so bored." The being continued, looking at him with blazing eyes. "Will you play a game with me?"
"Negative." The droid replied immediately.
"Oh," the Gungan intoned, drawn out and lax. "Such a shame. None of you are any fun at all."
There was silence once again in the small room. The only noticeable movement was the fidgeting of the only organic. He cracked his neck, webbed hands tapping against the arms of his chair, eyes flashing as they moved left and right, seeing nothing and everything. Finally he groaned, jumping to his feet. Immediately a dozen blasters clicked as the droids all aimed.
"What?" The Gungan asked, blinking, as he stretched. "I'm not allowed to stretch."
"Sit down." The Captain ordered.
The creature seemed to think about it, eyes once again looking at something in the distance. There was a sudden beep which caught his attention, eyes flashing to his right sleeve before turning back to the Captain. "I think not. It's about that time."
Something tapped against the Captains metallic foot, gaining its attention for a brief moment. It was small and spherical, metallic and rolled a few inches before settling. Its program immediately recognised it as a miniature explosive device, a grenade before it went off. Lances of electric blue electricity were released in an ever expanding dome, short-circuiting half of the droids in the room.
The surviving six droids recovered quickly, blaster bolts flashing, blackening the bulkhead and would have riddled the Gungan if he had not already moved. Janus jumped high into the air. His lightsaber, hidden within the folds of his robes sprang into his hand and snapped to life. The blade flashed, leaving long trails of crimson light as he cut off the heads of three droids before landing on his feet.
The last three spun around to face him, blasters already firing. He deflected the shots with ease and precision, reaching out with a free webbed hand and calling onto the force to crush the body of one in a crunch of metal and a hail of sparks before slicing the second in half and deflecting the thirds bolt back onto its chest, which fizzled as it destroyed its primary core.
Janus relaxed his stance. Five seconds had passed since the EMP grenade had gone off, and he stood alone surrounded by a mass of lifeless and sparking metal. He deactivated his weapon as he eyed the carnage. "Hmm, the range was off a bit. Need to work on that."
He stalked towards the blast door and with a wave of his hand activated the security mechanism, allowing him to walk into the main corridor. He stood at the crossroads, a corridor ahead of him and one on either side.
He made it three steps before stopping, seeing that he was surrounded by another dozen battle-droids, blasters aimed. There was a total of twelve, four ahead and another four on either side. The Captain of this group was right ahead, a few steps behind a firing line.
"Sound the alarm!" The yellow striped droid called.
"Roger, roger!"
The Sith Lord chuckled, lightsaber reactivating in his webbed hand. "Gunray, you are far more cautious than I gave you credit for."
"Open fire."
"But you need something far more powerful than this to stop me!"
A beep caught the Viceroys attention and with a glower he stopped in his tracks and tapped the small device settled in his ear. "Yes?"
"Viceroy." The commander of his flagship, Daultay Dofine, replied. "Your guest has broken out of your office and is currently engaged with our security forces. I require permission on how to proceed."
"You require my permission." Gunray repeated, scowling. "What permission do you need? He has become a nuisance. Dispose of him."
"Y-yes Viceroy. I will do so at once." Dofine replied hastily before ending the call. Gunray's scowl turned into a grimace as he clicked off his comlink.
Rune was by his side, brow raised. "What is wrong, Viceroy?"
"Nothing," The Viceroy bit out, straightening and smoothing his robes with his hands. "Just a little problem with a nuisance. It has already been dealt with."
His aide asked no further, easily keeping stride with his superior as Gunray stalked down the opulent hall of the Naboo Royal Palace, not hesitating in the slightest as they approached the grand doors which were opened for them by the guard droids. Gunray, Rune and a handful of B-1's walked through and into the chamber they had chosen as the centre of the negotiations. It had been the throne room for the Queen once, where she had met with her inner council and greeted important dignitaries.
The throne had since been removed, and in the centre of the chamber was a long table with chairs. The walls, which had at one point held portraits and works of art of the Naboo had since been redecorated with the banners and insignias of the Trade Federation.
Already seated were the Republic and Naboo. Master Dooku sat in the centre, with Master Jinn at his right and the Queen on his left. Four Jedi Knights and a few handmaidens flanked them, and a squadrons worth of armoured humans stood at the exits on their end, staring down his own droid security tensely.
Dooku raised a brow. "Has there been an issue. Viceroy?"
"No," Gunray replied as he walked across the room at a more sedate pace and took the central seat on his side, with Rune seating himself to his left and a young female Neinoidian seated to his right, one he did not know the name off but was aware that her purpose was to record the negotiations. "Please, let us begin."
"I will be brief then." Dooku began, hands clasped together on the table as he spoke. "The purpose of these negotiations is to secure the Trade Federations withdrawal from Naboo and for the planet to be placed under the protection of a Republic peacekeeping force until such a time as the government of this planet is able to exercise control over its own affairs. As such we request that the Trade Federation end their occupation of Naboo and withdraw henceforth from the planet."
"The Trade Federation would be happy to withdraw from Naboo and allow its original government to regain control." Gunray replied. "However before we can do so we request that the Naboo withdraw their support of the Galactic Free Trade Act currently being debated in the senate."
"That we will not do."Dooku replied without hesitation. "You appear to not understand your position, Viceroy, so allow me to speak plainly."
Gunray tensed. He could not help it. Count Dooku carried with him an aura of power and strength which few in the galaxy were known to possess, as such when he stood all knew of it and when he spoke all listened.
"From the moment your troops set foot on this planets soil you have broken at least a dozen treaties and laws, and not trivial laws but binding agreements which form the very core of the Republic from which no member world are exempt." He spoke with authority and the eloquence of a seasoned politician. Every word he spoke dripped with meaning and seemed to echo through the chamber. "You're every move from the landing of your army to the occupation of this planet and the repercussions met to its people are unethical and illegal."
"Unethical? Illegal? Such words are certainly up for debate, Master Jedi." Gunray took his time in replying, choosing his words. "Is it not the right of members of the Republic to protect their own interests when threatened? Is it not right to rise up when your very way of life is threatened and make your fears known? That is what we of the Trade Federation are doing. We would not be heard through the normal channels in the senate and the courts so we took matters into our own hands-"
The sun was barely peaking over the jagged horizon of Coruscant as the small transport entered the main hanger of the senate, landing with a hiss of steam and a flash of powering down flame. Several officials and aides stopped their usual morning activities to watch the vessel which bore the markings of the Jedi Order and of the assembling personnel lining up around it.
At least thirty members of the Senate Guard stood to attention in a column ten wide and three deep, fully decked in their royal blue armour and robes, rifles braced against their shoulders, horsetail helms encasing their faces in shadow. Standing in front of them were several members of the Judiciary, one wore the uniform of a Deputy Inspector, cap over a head of auburn hair and a blaster at his thigh. He was flanked by another half dozen officers in the branches riot gear, black light armour over their navy blue uniforms.
The landing ramp opened with a hiss of hydraulics and gouts of steam. Four Jedi Masters descended. There were surprised and even a few awed whispers from the slowly growing crowd of employees, officials and aides. Jedi being present in the senate was not unusual, but four of the most well-known and respected Masters, all permanent members of the Jedi High Council, was almost unheard off.
Mace Windu led the procession, taking a few steps onto the immaculate decking before coming to a stop. Right in front of him were two figures. One wore the uniform of the Judiciary, the stripes lining his navy blue attire showing his rank. The other wore the armour and robes of the Senate Guard.
The guardsman stood at attention. "Captain Mor Tophis of the Senate Guard, at your service Master Jedi."
Mor Tophis. A former Major in the Coruscant Security Forces. Unmarried. Was promoted at an early age and subsequently reassigned to the Senate Guard when they became aware of him. He had been on their radar for years before they recruited him. He was also new enough that he hadn't been approached by any of the high ranking guards on the list. His former commanders weren't named either.
"Deputy Inspector Hull Morrin, Master Jedi." The Judiciary officer replied, more casual than his Guardsman counterpart.
Hull Morrin. Middle aged and a career police officer who had started from the bottom and worked his way up. Married with two kids. Had an issue with authority which meant he had been stuck in his current position with no chance of further promotion for some years now. He was named on the list, but among a number of individuals labelled as nuisances in need of removal.
In short, both men were perfect for the current role and all other contacts the Jedi had made were of a similar sort.
"You are fully briefed?" Windu asked.
Both men nodded.
Windu was silent for a long moment, eyeing the still growing crowd. "Captain Tophis, choose five men to accompany you and deploy the rest in the surrounding hallways. Deputy Inspector, you and your men will accompany us and will be the ones to make the arrest. This all needs to be by the book and above reproach. Am I clear?"
"Crystal." Morrin replied.
"Yes, sir." Tophis added.
They waited for a few moments for the Captain to call out the five men who stepped forward from the ranks and quickly joined their commander. Then they were stalking through the massive expanse of the hanger bay, into one of the long corridors and into the senate building itself. They passed masses of people, all of whom moved to the sides to allow them to pass.
"Are the Senate Guard fully aware of the situation, Captain?" Windu asked over the quieting din.
"Yes, Master Jedi." The guardsman replied. "Only those above Captain are aware of the situation. However the corps have been called to arms and are on full alert. No one will be able to enter or leave until you say otherwise."
"I see." The second chair nodded. "Good."
"Is this really necessary for one man?" Morrin asked, putting a cigarette between his mouth and reaching into his breast pocket for a lighter. "It just seems a little overkill."
"Perhaps it is." Mace answered, not slowing his pace. "And hopefully it will be, however if this man is who we think he is it will be necessary."
Morrin frowned but followed without another word.
Soon they reached their destination. The Guardsmen were left outside the main door with only the Captain and his lieutenant entering with them. His men were already on the move as they entered to their assigned corridors to stand guard. Mace was in the lead. Masters Koon, Mundi and Baliba flanking him. The Deputy Inspector was a little to his right, also flanked by his own security officers who were now on alert.
The secretary looked up in alarm as the column of men entered the antechamber, but was able to do little more than offer a token protest as they opened the double doors and entered the senator's main chamber. It was large and open, with plenty of room for several dozen people to remain standing. The Senator sat behind his desk, a grand open window showing the backdrop of the city behind him, halfway through signing his name on an official document before they entered and he looked up.
"Master Jedi." Palpatine greeted after a moment of hesitation. "This is indeed a surprise. Is there news from Naboo?"
Mace was quiet for a moment, noticing the guards and judiciary holding the grips of their blasters and his fellow Jedi with their hands on their lightsaber hilts before he spoke. His voice was clear and calm, cutting through the sudden eerie quiet of the room. "Senator Sheev Palpatine. In the name of the Galactic Republic I place you under arrest."
There were a few moments of silence, but a lot could be gleaned from Palpatines face during that time. First there was surprise, then denial, then anger and finally a mask of forced tranquillity before he replied. "And what are these charges?"
"Deputy Inspector." Windu said as way of reply, to which Hull Morrin stepped forward with a small datapad in hand.
"Senator Sheev Palpatine. You are hereby under arrest for several charges against the people and institutions of the Republic including treason, bribery, blackmail, money laundering-" Windu watched the Senator closely as the Judiciary officer listed off the number of crimes he was accused off, fully expecting the elderly man's eyes to turn gold and for a crimson bladed lightsaber to appear in the palm of his hand. He found himself disappointed. "You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. You have a right to an attorney-"
Mace Windu and his fellow Jedi watched and waited. Outwardly they were calm and collected but internally they were tense and waiting for an explosion of emotion and rage, of a roar of anger, a flash of a crimson bladed lightsaber and a medley of death and destruction wrought just like they had all read off in the old stories of the Jedi and the Republics wars against the numerous Sith Empires which had sprung up throughout galactic history.
They found themselves disappointed, or relieved perhaps, when once the words were spoken by the Judiciary the Senator raised his hands in surrender and spoke, voice clear and calm. "I understand, and let the record be shown that I place myself willingly under arrest by the security services of the Galactic Republic."
Palpatine allowed the security officers to surround him, willingly placed his hands behind his back and allowed the Deputy Inspector to place his wrists in a pair of stuncuffs without any complaint or threat being uttered from his lips. He was soon lead from the room, surrounded by judiciary officers and troopers of the Senate Guard.
"That was… easier than I thought." Morrin said, more to himself than to those assembled around him.
Mace eyed Palpatine calmly, gauging him with critical eyes. "Yes, very much so."
Still, something didn't feel right.
This all felt way too easy, too anticlimactic and Master Windu could not hide the feeling of unease which welled up within him.
It was quiet.
Rey breathed a sigh as she looked over the garden, carefully tended.
It was so quiet.
It was to be expected she supposed. With all of the younglings and Padawans under a certain age relocated all of the life seemed to have left the temple. There was no longer the patter of dozens of little feet, the simple conversations of young apprentices going about their daily routine. She had not been the only one to notice, overhearing several conversations from fellow Jedi how lifeless and quiet the temple felt now that the younglings were gone.
They were safe though, sequestered away to the Corellian system under the careful watch of their Jedi cousins there. It was apparent all too quickly that the main branch of the Order and their Corellian counterparts had very different ways at interpreting the codes and laws which governed them. She had overheard fellow Jedi speaking in gruff tones how much trouble they could be, and that their liberal interpretation of the code may get into the younglings heads if they were left there long enough.
Still, those same voices also allowed a little begrudging respect, they would be safe amongst their brethren. They were still Jedi at the end of the day, following the same core values of the code and had proven their trustworthiness time and time again. The younglings would be safe there.
Rey thought of Anakin then, and how he must be faring, thrust into another planet he did not know with masses of strangers. She hoped he would be able to use the time to make a few friends. Maybe she should contact him, see how he was doing. The time displaced Jedi suddenly shook her head and scowled. She was speaking as if she were her grandfather's mother, what a strange group of feelings that brought.
The thought of family brought other, more familiar faces to her mind. How were Finn and Poe doing? Was their mission a success or an abject failure? Where they alright? She would have heard if something had happened by now wouldn't she? Rey groaned, one good hand reaching up to rub at her face, aiding her in purging these worrisome thoughts from her mind.
They would be fine. This was Finn and Poe she was talking about. They had survived before she had met them and together they could survive almost anything thrown at them, whether it be the First Order or the Galactic Empire. They had BB-8 watching their backs. They had the future Jedi Generals and Legends Aayla Secura and Adi Gallia with them.
They would be fine.
Besides, it wasn't as if she didn't have plenty to occupy her time with either. The Jedi Healers had finally given up on trying to keep her in the Halls of Healing. Her being just one of a dozen who kept escaping their sight. So they had turned to disapproving frowns and warnings not to move around too much instead of sending squads to catch and drag them back to their rooms.
Her newfound freedom had allowed Rey to do a little exploring of the Jedi Temple, and to watch her predecessors in action. She had found her way into the Tower of First Knowledge, a bastion of Jedi history and lore dating back to the Orders founding and had met with its keeper, an ancient Baragwin Jedi Master called Astaal Vilbum who seemed to rejoice at her hunger for knowledge and history. The two had remained together for hours, the old Master answering all of her questions with a keen mind. Alas although his mind and spirit was still sharp his body was not, and upon this becoming apparent she bid him a good day with the promise to return.
This did not mean she was bored, not with so many familiar faces passing her by.
The temple was on high alert, many Knights and Masters had been recalled from missions across the galaxy and had been arriving piecemeal over the last several days. Some faces she recognised from holorecordings and history vids. Rey had spotted several Jedi whose very names brought with them a sense of awe and legend in her time.
Rey had seen the legendary Dark Woman An'ya Kuro moving along the halls as silent as a ghost. She saw the future leader of the Temple Guards, Jedi Master Cin Drallig, barking orders to a line of nervous young Knights. She had watched in awe as Jedi Masters Jon Antilles and Nico Diath, well known wanderers and drifters who rarely visited the temple, walked past her speaking in hushed tones. She had even seen the legendary Jedi Master known only as Fey, a woman of ethereal beauty yet was one of the eldest in the Order after Yoda and Yaddle.
These were just a few examples of the calibre of Jedi she had watched and noticed in the few days between her meeting with her granddaughter and now. It had been awe-inspiring, that much she was willing to admit but it also ground home just how vital the next few hours were. The Jedi were so determined to end this before it began that they were recalling their best and brightest, even those who were known to follow their own path away from the Order.
"Found you out here, knew I would."
Rey just stopped herself from jumping in her seat, and levelled a half-hearted glare upon the diminutive figure seated beside her. "My father never told me how sneaky you were, Master."
Yoda chuckled. "Perhaps not know me well, he did hmm?"
Rey was about to rebuke, but then she began to remember her conversation with Luke about his run in's with Yoda, and she couldn't help but smile. "Maybe."
Yoda was silent for a moment, looking out at the still rising sun. "Here often, you are."
She nodded in reply, looking down to her cybernetic hand and watching with some level of pride as she flexed her fingers, if only a little. She then looked at Master Yoda, who was eyeing her intently, and just managed to stop herself from becoming flustered. "Back on my home planet it was mostly desert, no plants or flowers to speak off. The first time I sat in a forest was when I visited Takodana. I've kind of fell in love with anything green ever since."
Yoda hummed in acknowledgement. "Worth worrying the healers, is it?
The Jedi Healers now knew where she went when she left the halls of healing, so they gave her a little more leeway. The gardens were set in separate points in the Jedi temple, full of plants and flowers and ferns which were lovingly tended and protected. Rey found herself happier here than in the halls where she was stuck within white walls and surrounded by fussing healers.
"I don't mean too, Master." Rey managed to reply in her embarrassment. "It's just that seeing nothing but white walls all day makes me feel trapped. I spent most of my life in wide open spaces and although I wouldn't call myself claustrophobic I still prefer it to enclosed spaces and I'll stop talking now."
Yoda was quiet for a long moment, and Rey thought she had just made herself look certifiable to the last Grand Master of the Jedi Order. That was until he chuckled. "A good soul, you are."
Not sure how to respond to such a proclamation, Rey decided upon the simplest approach. Placing her hands on her lap, eyes closed and cheeks coloured. "Thank you, Master."
"Made our move, we have." Yoda said, leaning against the bench. "Arrived at Naboo the allied fleet has, and moving to arrest Palpatine we are."
"Good." Rey replied, recovering from her embarrassment quickly. "What about my friends?"
"A success they're mission has been," Yoda responded, eyeing her solemnly. "Captured an agent they have, returning they are."
"Good." She released a sigh of relief she had not known she had been holdng. "I'm happy to hear it."
Yoda studied her for a moment. "Mean much to you, they do."
It was more a statement of fact than a question, but Rey's embarrassment from before evaporated and was replaced by certainty. "Yes, they do."
"Glad I am." Yoda nodded to himself.
The two fell into a companionable silence, both looking beyond the garden, out into the great cityscape of durasteel skyscrapers and lines of speeder traffic to the giant mushroom shaped structure in the distance. The Senate building was one of those grand structures of Coruscant which towered over all around it and was visible from where they sat.
"I hate waiting." She allowed, her one organic hand slowly curling into a fist as she spoke. "The moment before a battle you cannot control, where you are waiting on the news and hoping for the best. Those moments are some of the worst."
Yoda hummed. "Agree with you I do. Still, trust in others you must."
The bridge was awash with death and disaster. The sparking wrecks of security droids joined the bloodied corpses of the Captain and his command staff on the decking. They weren't the only victims of this incident, from the Viceroys office through the twisting corridors to here there was nothing but the sparking remains of droids and the still forms of the Neimoidians who maintained and commanded them.
Darth Janus stood in the centre of the chaos, blood spattering his black robes and skin. He looked around, golden eyes scanning the bridge for any sign of movement or life. Once he was content he allowed his lightsaber to fizzle and die, stepping towards the command console, hopping and skipping over the dead as he went.
Soon he was standing where he needed to be, reaching into the folds of his robes to fetch the much needed datachip and grinning when he found that it was undamaged by his trail of destruction. There wasn't much time. He bet that there was already another unit of security droids rushing down the halls to his location.
"How foolish you were, Master." Janus crowed with mocking glee, pinning the datachip between two webbed fingers and looking at it briefly. "You had still thought me a Sith with the same ideals and wishes as you. To see the Jedi and their precious Republic burn and our peoples Empire reborn from the ashes. How simple you are."
He tossed the datachip into the air, catching it easily with his hand. "I may have wished for that once, but no more. I have since grown weary from it all you see. The Jedi, the Sith, the Republic, Unity in the galaxy either through diplomacy or force. I am sick and tired of it, all of it. I no longer wish for such a thing as order or unity. No. I want chaos and bloodshed above all things and this will bring it to me. I want a galaxy where so much pain and destruction has been wrought that unity is but a distant memory, and this will be the tinder from which the galaxy burns."
He pressed the datachip into the slot, pressed a few buttons and it was done. Darth Janus stepped back and grinned, even as the much awaited squadron of security droids barrelled into the room and levelled their blasters at him. He spun on his heel, faced them with his arms outstretched and a vicious grin on his face even as the visors of the droids turned from black to crimson.
"Well? I'm right here." He cackled in glee. "Have at me!"
It happened in an instant, spreading across the galaxy like a plague which could not be stopped or hindered. Millions of battle and security droids, all of whom were once under the control of the Trade Federation, were caught in it. From the Neimoidian Purse Worlds in the Colonies to their myriad outposts and stations across the galaxy, from the worlds and systems under the protection of the Trade Federation to the capital of the Republic and finally the occupied world of Naboo itself innumerable numbers of battle-droids had their programming overwritten by a single irrefutable purpose.
That purpose was his will.
Janus grinned as the dozen droids lowered their weapons and stood to attention. The yellow striped leader stepped forward and spoke, voice a distorted nightmare from the almost childish counterpart. "Orders, my Lord."
In response Janus pointed towards the grand view screen, towards the amassed ships of the Republic navy and the planet of Naboo below them. "Kill."
"At once, my lord."
It begins.
Sorry about the few months late update. This is the third draft and the only one I am happy with. All of the others felt too campy or just plain wrong.
Let me know if I forgot something or made a mistake. I will correct it immediately.