A/N: I remain neither George Lucas nor the owner of Star Wars. Consequently, I own the rights to nothing which my readers recognize from the galaxy far, far away ... No profit being made, no intended infringement. Please enjoy this final installment of Star Wars AU Episode II: Art of the Chiaroscurist.
I would like to thank my friend, Flax, who helped me gel my initial 'what if' thoughts into an actual plot and for "plot hole" spotting, as well as InnerDementia, my beta reader. I would also like to thank all my readers, and especially those who also took the time to write reviews.
Look for Star Wars AU Episode III: Reign of the Shadow for the continuation of this story.
The glittering black room without seams held two things of interest: the scale model of the galaxy, the colored orbs spinning in their places; and the black-robed man, his face hidden deep in the cowl of his robes. Count Austerus had climbed out of his ship, walking to the shadows of the secret landing ramp, and into this room. He moved before the shadowy figure and bowed reverently.
"The Force is with us, Master Sidious."
"Welcome, Lord Apollon," the Sith Lord replied. "You have done well."
"I bring you good news, my lord. The war has begun."
Taking his hand from the still-bowing Count, he turned to the model of his galaxy, watching the spinning orbs for a time before speaking again. "Excellent," Sidious said, his gravelly voice hinting at a hiss. From underneath the dark shadows of his huge cowl, the Dark Lord's smile widened. "Everything is going as planned."
The Jedi Temple was a somber place, as so many lamented the loss of friends and colleagues. Obi-Wan and Mace Windu stood staring at the babbling brook left behind by Zaivo Dyas, while the diminutive Master sat in a chair across the way, contemplating the troubling events.
"Do you believe what Count Austerus said about Sidious controlling the Senate?" Obi-Wan asked, breaking the contemplative silence. "It doesn't feel right."
Mace started to respond, but Yoda interjected, "Become unreliable, Austerus has. Joined the dark side. Lies, deceit, creating mistrust are his ways now."
"Nevertheless, I feel we should keep a closer eye on the Senate," Mace put in, and Yoda agreed.
After some more quiet contemplation, Mace turned to Obi-Wan. "How is your apprentice?"
"He is doing well, under the circumstances," replied Obi-Wan. "Adjusting to the new hand. I have to admit, without the clones, it would not have been a victory."
"Victory?" Yoda echoed with great skepticism. "Victory, you say?"
Obi-Wan and Mace turned as one to the great Jedi Master, catching clearly the profound sadness in his tone.
"Master Obi-Wan, not victory," Yoda went on. "The shroud of the dark side has fallen. Begun, this Clone War has!"
His words hung in the air about them, thick with emotion and concern, as dire a prediction as anyone in the Jedi Council had ever heard uttered.
Silk curtains shielded them from casual view as they nibbled at the food that seemed to have lost its flavor. Bail's arm draped around his slender companion's shoulders as they looked at the portable holovid screen.
The holovid screen showed the Supreme Chancellor, his face a mask of grim determination, as he stood on a balcony flanked by his aides, overlooking the deployment of the Republic army. Below them, tens of thousands of clone troopers marched about in tight formations, an orderly procession that brought them in files ascending the landing ramps of the huge military assault ships.
A deep sadness marked the handsome features of Bail Organa as he looked to the very troubled face of his dinner companion.
"I still feel as though I am to blame," she said, turning away from the holovid.
"You did your best, Padmé," he said.
"My best?" A tear trembled on her eyelashes, and then fell, tracing a path down one cheek. "I wasn't even here!"
"We all did," said Bail. "And your secret remains safe. Don't try to bear the weight of the galaxy on your shoulders."
SNEAK PEAK: STAR WARS AU EPISODE III: REIGN OF THE SHADOW
"Anakin, we've already discussed this." Padmé took the teapot and poured for him. "Several times." Deftly, she added the sugar.
"Padmé, I don't understand-"
"The thing that I would admire most in you," replied Padmé, putting the tea in front of him, "is your commitment to the Jedi ideals. And those ideals preclude exactly the sort of relationship you are seeking. Please, Anakin. Don't make this harder than it is already."
"And why is he-" Anakin pointed accusingly at C-3PO, "still serving you? You're not hiding from assassins on Alderaan any more. Or B'reuse." Remember B'reuse? Where you all but admitted your love for me? How can it turn so quickly?
"Bail has given him to me," said Padmé.
"Why?"
"That's hardly your concern." Padmé's tone turned to such frost that Anakin felt the chill to the marrow of his bones.
"I was hoping... I mean, I am a knight now."
"And still a Jedi," said Padmé, "so nothing has changed." Not since Tatooine. What happened on B'reuse was never real.
