Sailor Moon Redemption

By Dragonfang33

Chapter XXXIII

The Will of the Emperor

Location: Jedi Council Chambers, Netherworld

One word had sent the Jedi Council into one of its most divisive debates. Nearly half of the council opposed what had just taken place on Earth barely a moment before.

"It's the Clone Wars all over again," Kit Fisto shouted.

"How can we be so sure?" Agen Kolar added

"He has clamed the Imperium Silver Crystal for his own," Oppo Rancus continued, "with out the consent of either Master Kenobi, the Queen or the Council. That is what concerns me, ever since Skywalker first came to the Jedi his thirst for power was nearly unquenchable, and now he has clamed our most sacred title for his own."

"That maybe the case," Adi Gallia added, "but I'm sure Skywalker has his reasons for this action." The debate in the Council Chambers could be over heard by the three Jedi Masters who stood on the balcony over looking the clear crisp waters.

"It is done then," Mace Windu said, "I can only hope our faith hasn't once again been misplaced."

"Difficult the coming days will be," Yoda said, "trust in the Force I do."

"We can only hope that Anakin is ready for this," Mace continued.

"I believe he is quite capable of carrying out his duties as the White Knight," Qui-Gon added, "He's come a long way since the Clone Wars."

"Either way the final decision in this matter will be left up to Queen Serenity," Mace replied, "yet I fear that against the gathering storm Sailor Moon and the Sailor Scouts will be no match." The council chamber suddenly fell silent, as Queen Serenity entered, flanked on the left by Gandalf and on the right by Sailor Pluto.

"It is time," Mace said, as the trio made their way back into the council chamber. One by one the members of the Council took their seats as Queen Serenity began to speak.

"I have listened," Serenity began, her voice heavy with emotion, "to both sides of the argument about what had just occurred on Earth, and based on that testimony have reached my decision. As of this moment, I have decided to support the decision of Anakin Skywalker." Cries of disapproval exploded from the audience, cries that the Istari had manipulated the Queen into supporting Anakin's blasphemous decision. It was only when Serenity began to speak again.

"Long ago," Serenity continued, "The Jedi were the closest thing Anakin had to a real family after his mother died, and yet when he needed you the most you all turned a blind eye to it, ignoring his cries and the cries of the people of the Galaxy for help, and instead choosing to serve a system that had long lost any meaning to him or those who you vowed to protect," a tear began to form in her eyes, "when I look at my daughter and the Sailor Scouts that have been awakened I can see that same folly in their eyes. The time will come when Jedi and Sailor Scout will have to reunite I just hope that when that time comes you will all see past Anakin's mistakes." It was then the council chambers fell as quiet as a tomb.

Location: Palpatine's Throne Room, Negaverse

Palpatine sat upon his dark throne eyeing the three Sith like a dark god gazing upon his followers. Though he didn't say anything all three could tell from the look to his face that he was furious.

"Excellent work," Palpatine snarled, "now the traitor and his followers have the Imperium Silver Crystal."

"My Lord," Tyrus said, kneeling before the Dark Emperor, "this turn of events was unforeseeable."

"This is true Lord Tyrus," Palpatine replied, "I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself," when he set his sights on Zoycite, his sickly yellow eyes burned with the rage of a ravenous wolf.

"As for you Zoycite," Palpatine snarled, "care to explain why you deliberatly disobeyed my orders?"

"My Lord please understand," Zoycite said, calmly.

"YOU SUPPLIED THE CLONE WITH A BLASTER," Palpatine snarled, "AND YOU DIRECTED HIM TO ASSASSINATE SKYWALKER WHEN I CLEARLY ORDERED YOU NOT TO."

"My Lord please," Zoycite's plea fell on deaf ears.

"YOU HAVE DEFIED ME FOR THE LAST TIME," Palpatine snarled, charging his trademark Force Lightning attack into a ball of solid energy.

"Lord Sidious please it's my fault I trained her," Dracus pleaded, "Please Lord Sidious." The Dark Lord would hear none of it; he discharged his attack, striking Zoycite right in the heart. The Force Lightning tore through her leaving a gapping hole in her chest, Zoycite's lifeless body fell into Darth Dracus's arms. He looked upon the Dark Emperor, his eyes alight with fury.

"Let her fate be a lesson to you Lord Dracus," Palpatine said, "there is no place in the Empire for bumbling ego driven idiots. You'll do well to meditate on that." Tyrus cracked a sinister smile as he followed his master out of the room, leaving Dracus sobbing over the body of his fallen love.

Location: Interdictor Class Cruiser, Will of the Emperor, Earth Orbit Sol System

The Will of the Emperor was similar to any of the other Interdictor class cruiser within the Imperial Fleet; on the surface it was similar to an Imperial Class Star Destroyer, with the exception of two bulbous gravity wells on either side of its superstructure. The only other feature that made the Will of the Emperor stand out from other Imperial vessels was its color; it had been painted bright red.

Those who crewed the vessel were primarily regular Imperial Navy personnel; however the ship's compliment of stormtroopers were far different. Each trooper wore blood red scout trooper armor, which was capable of altering its color to fit any background. Their primary weapons were modified DLT-20A Blaster Rifles, though they also carried a standard issued Imperial SR14R Light Blaster pistol, as well as a vibro blade sword slung around their backs. Their other trade mark was the desert brown cloaks they wore around their armor.

This unit was known through out the Galaxy as the Emperor's Will, but to most they were simply Imperial Enforcers. They were the elite of the elite, their skills surpassed only by the members of the Imperial Guard and the Jedi Order. Deployed before every major Imperial offensive the Enforcers were tasked with eliminating all high ranking government, religious, and military leaders. Following the conquest of a world, they over saw the enforcement of Imperial law, often times making examples of entire cities showing no mercy to either man woman or child. However their most heinous task was the pacification of rebellious worlds, these missions were often times ordered by the Emperor himself, even though they were ordered to subdue merely the rebels, they preferred to make an example of the entire planet, often times reducing it to a mound of ash.

The officer slowly approached the dark figure standing in the center of the bridge. The figure was clearly human, though she was human in name only. At one time she was known as Shira Brie, at one time she had friends and a family, but now she was a monster, a fusion of flesh and droid that showed no mercy to anyone who stood in her way of exacting her revenge upon the New Republic, and those who followed it. She was clad in a black and green uniform, with her red hair hidden beneath a green hood, her entire lower face, including her noise was concealed beneath a green face mask, clenched in her hands was her trade mark weapon, a lightwhip. The name she now used was the name given to her by her master, Darth Vader, Lumiya, Dark Lady of the Sith.

"What is it Captain?" Lumiya asked, as the officer approached.

"My Lady we've entered the Sol System," the officer replied, "Comscan has detected two Asgard vessels and one ship of unknown design in orbit around the Third Planet of the Sol System."

"Have we identified the Asgard ships?" Lumiya asked, coldly.

"Yes my lady," the officer replied, "both are Beliskner class mother ships, as I said the third vessel is of an unknown design, possibly a new Asgard vessel."

"Have they detected us?" Lumiya inquired

"No my Lady," the officer replied, "The new cloaking devices seem to be working like a charm."

"It seems the Alliance with that half-Ancient Anubis is finally paying off," Lumiya said, to herself before turning her attention back to the officer, "order all enforces to the shuttle bay, and prepare for deployment." The officer bowed as he made his way off the bridge. Lumiya's order was immediately broadcasted through out the ship, and as fast as their legs could carry them nearly 100 Imperial Enforcers made preparations for deployment to Earth.

Location: Anakin's Apartment, that night

Anakin stood on the balcony, the night's cool breeze blowing on his face. He gazed out over the city, and then caught a glimpse of the crystal embedded in his left hand, and he began to think back to the confrontation he'd had with the Scouts over the possession of the crystal.

Begin Flashback

Location: Starlight Tower, an hour ago

Everyone in the room was silent, especially Princess Serena. Anakin's decision was something none of them, not even Obi-Wan had expected. Princess Serena simply smiled, and let out a soft laugh.

"Anakin," the Princess said, softly, "you've done your duty. It is time for me to fulfill my destiny."

"No," Anakin said, calmly, "I've seen the storm that will be unleashed if I give you this crystal. I won't allow that future to come to pass." The other Sailor Scouts looked at each other with confused looks to their faces.

"What is he talking about?" Sailor Venus asked, all of them suddenly turned toward Jupiter.

"What's he talking about?" Artimus asked, Jupiter remained silent, "Jupiter answer me."

"Anakin's doing what he thinks is right," Obi-Wan said, breaking the silence.

"What is right," Venus shouted, "he's denying our princess her birthright, he's interfering with our destiny."

"Enough," Anakin shouted, "You don't know what you're talking about Venus. The Age of the Sailor Scout ended thirty three thousand years ago with the fall of the Moon Kingdom. This is the Age of the Jedi."

"You have no right to deny our Princess her birth right," Artimus added, "that crystal belongs to Princess Serena and no other." Anakin didn't answer, as Venus, Mars and Mercury surrounded him.

"Wait," Luna shouted, "don't forget Anakin's our leader, and our friend."

"He's a traitor Luna," Artimus added.

"Am I?" Anakin replied, "Only fools attack before both sides of the story are heard." Anakin went on to explain the nightmare that had been plaguing him. For most of the Sailor Scouts the very idea that they would even consider starting a Nuclear War was offensive.

"You're lying," Venus shouted, refusing to believe what she had just heard, "we'd never do anything like that. VENUS CRECENT BEAM SMASH."

"MARS FIRE IGNITE." Sailor Mars added

"COSMIC MOON POWER." Princess Serena shouted, all three of their attacks streamed toward their target, Anakin Skywalker. However the moment before they struck a white wolf suddenly emerged from Anakin's cape, and absorbed all three attacks. Shadowhawk gazed at the three Sailor Scouts for only a brief second before speaking.

"HOW DARE YOU?" Shadowhawk snarled, "MY MASTER HAS GIVEN EVERYTHING HE HAS TO TRY AND WIN THIS WAR, AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY HIM BY TRYING TO KILL HIM?" Shadowhawk suddenly faded away, leaving the three Sailor Scouts stunned.

"I said this once before and I'll say it again," Anakin said, "If we forget why we're fighting this war and choose to use our powers against each other while the enemy marches his troops down these streets instead of facing him as one. Then we don't deserve the powers the Force has given us."

End Flashback

Anakin stood there silently, his mind racing. It was only when Lita emerged from the shadows did he finally speak.

"I'm surprised you're still here," Anakin said

"Obi-Wan's been known to say I won't leave your side for anything," Lita replied, "You're still thinking about tonight aren't you?"

"Does it show?" Anakin replied

"Anakin," Lita said, taking her boyfriend's hand in her own, "you've proven yourself over and over, and I'm behind you're decision one hundred and fifty percent. The others just need some time."

"At times Lita," Anakin added, "I feel the only question my decision answered is the question of civil war amongst the Sailor Scouts. I fear that it's made civil war inevitable."

"Don't talk like that," Lita replied, "they may not show it but Raye, Serena and Amy all trust you. You just have to give Mina and Artimus some time." Anakin was about to reply when he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. Two streaks, similar to shooting stars, flew across the sky heading toward the beach.

Location: Takeda Family Memorial Beach, just outside of Tokyo, a few minutes later

The two Sentinal class landing craft landed near the main parking lot of the beach. The moment the boarding ramps came down, a hundred Imperial Enforcers emerged from the two ships. Emerging from the second transport was Lumiya. The Dark Lady looked around as the Enforcers formed a perimeter around the landing site.

"You're late," a voice said from behind, some of the Enforcers spun around just in time to watch a young man with thick black hair, and dressed in a black jacket and black pants and flanked by two Imperial Guardsmen emerge from the shadows.

"I'm assuming," Lumiya replied, "you're the one who demanded this little meeting."

"Indeed," Tyrus replied, "I carry a message from His Majesty Emperor Palpatine." The Enforcers looked at each other confused, for all they knew the Emperor had died when his last clone had dissolved.

"Impossible," Lumiya said, "everyone knows the Emperor is dead." Tyrus pulled a hologram projector from his pocket, and upon activating it a full sized image of Darth Sidious appeared.

"My Faithful Enforcers," the hologram said, as the Enforcers knelt before it, "I have summoned you for this mission because you are the best, the elite. The time as come for you to exact revenge on the traitor Darth Vader, your mission is to eliminate him and those who follow him." The hologram slowly faded. Tyrus pulled a series of photos out of his pocket.

"Don't underestimate them," Tyrus said, "one last thing," he held out of photo of Serena, "this one is to be brought to me alive."

"Our orders from His Majesty are to kill them," Lumiya replied, coldly. She suddenly felt her throat begin to cave in.

"And these orders are from me," Tyrus said, as he kicked the Dark Lady in the chest, "I want Sailor Moon alive, no questions asked."

"As you wish," Lumiya replied, angrily.

"Also," Tyrus added, "Anakin Skywalker carries something of great value to the Emperor, a crystal embedded in his left hand. The Emperor wants that crystal brought before him above all else, am I clear?"

"Crystal my Lord," Lumiya replied, angrily, "Is there anything else I should know?"

"One final thing," Tyrus said, "you'll find them primarily at the Cherry Hill Temple on the outskirts of the city."

Location: The Temple of Cherry Hill, a few hours later

It was going on midnight and still Raye couldn't fall asleep. Her mind kept drifting back to what had occurred at the Starlight Tower, most of the Scouts were sure of where they're loyalty was, but Raye had always been conflicted. For as long as she had been Sailor Mars she'd always desired to be the leader of the Sailor Scouts, but Anakin was more powerful then all five of them combined, and he'd earned the respect of most of them, he also knew how to spot suspected traitors.

Serena was far weaker and more trusting, if Raye was ever going to become the leader of the Sailor Scouts, Serena would be easier to overthrow then Anakin. But Obi-Wan, ever since she was a little girl Obi-Wan had been her idol, and the feelings she'd developed for him made her decision all the more hard to make.

"Penny for your thoughts Raye," Chad said, entering the room.

"Chad," Raye replied, startled, "what are you doing here?"

"Oh you know," Chad said, hesitantly, "just hanging around."

"I can see that," Raye replied, her comment was cut short by the sounds of her grandfather screaming. Raye grabbed Chad and as fast as her legs could carry her, made her way outside.

Grandpa Hino fell to the ground, as the five Imperial Enforcers continued to beat the living daylights out of him.

"I'm going to ask you one last time," the Enforcer Leader said, "where is your granddaughter?" Grandpa Hino didn't reply, this time the Enforcer Leader drew his sword, and decapitated the old man, sending a shower of blood into the air, and his severed head rolling onto the ground.

"All of you fan out and find her or you'll be answering to me," the Enforcer Leader shouted. The other Enforcers bowed, and instantly changed the color of their armor to blend in with their surroundings.

"GRANDPA," Raye shouted, as her grandfather's body hit the ground. Chad was too shocked for words.

"Sailor Mars," the Enforcer Leader said, sinisterly, "must be my lucky day." A small blaster suddenly shot out from the armor plating on his wrist, and instantly he fired. As the blood red blaster bolt streaked toward its target, Chad managed to push Raye out of the way; however he took the blaster bolt to the shoulder. The two managed to duck behind the bushes as the night seemed to erupt with the sounds of blasters.

"Chad are you okay?" Raye asked, taking a look at the wound in Chad's shoulder.

"I'm fine Raye," Chad replied, holding the gaping hole in his shoulder, "go do what you do best." Raye was about to pull her transformation stick out of her priestess robes, when she felt a vibro blade underneath her throat.

"Like I said must be my lucky day," the Enforcer Leader said, as the other members of his squad surrounded them.

"Take her stick," the Leader ordered.

"What about the other Scouts as well as Kenobi and Skywalker?" one of the Enforcers asked

"Relax Sergeant," the Leader replied, "Lady Lumiya said she'd deal with Skywalker personally. As for Kenobi, I believe we have the perfect bate to lure him into the trap."

Location: Anakin's Apartment, later

"Listen," Anakin said, into his communicator, "alert the other Scouts and have them rendezvous in the park, Lita and me will be there as soon as we can."

"We'll try Anakin," Amy replied, the communicator went dead just as the sounds of blaster fire echoed in the background. For the past half hour Anakin had been getting reports from all the Scouts about Imperial troops attacking them at their homes.

"What now?" Lita asked, concerned about the fate of her friends.

"We haven't heard from Raye," Anakin replied, "so I sent Obi-Wan to check it out, he should be checking in any moment, for now we'd better get to the park." Anakin no sooner finished his statement when the door blew in. A dark figure emerged from the shadows; a figure Anakin knew all too well, Lumiya.

"Shira!" Anakin said, in shock.

"You know this lady?" Lita asked, confused.

"Know her," Anakin replied, "I trained her."

"It's been a long time, master. You're still looking half-way decent since the last time I saw you." Lumiya replied, angrily.

"So you're still in league with that snake Palpatine." Anakin snarled

"Ah you mean Darth Sidious, yes I am," Lumiya said, with a sinister laugh, "He even named me to command his most elite unit." She drew her lightwhip, which Anakin countered with his lightsaber.

"You don't have to do this, turn away from that path Shira!" Anakin said, "Take a good look at yourself and what your devotion to the Dark Side has done to you."

"That's the second time you've called me 'Shira', Shira Elan Colla Brie is dead, I am Lady Lumiya, Dark Lady of the Sith!" Lumiya replied angrily, "It'll be my pleasure to kill you traitor, as well as your pretty little friend." The Dark Lady lunged toward the two of them, her lightwhip held over her head in preparation for the attack.

Stay Tuned for Chapter XXXIV: The Battle of the Rose Finishing School

PS: For those of you who don't know this, Lumiya was at one time Darth Vader's apprentice.