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Coruscant Holonet Broadcast.
"All across the galaxy, people are reacting to the return of former Chancellor Palpatine with great fanfare and jubilation. This man, who was forcefully removed from office by the Jedi Order, has been living in exile for several weeks now. In that time, he has made several broadcasts across the galaxy from an undisclosed location, speaking about the importance of democracy, and the need to unify in the face of danger. He also sang praise for the Clone Army while they were off fighting in the Outer Rim, urging them to continue fighting for peace and justice against the cruel Sith Empire. Now, with the removal of Chancellor Dalyell, and the succession of Mas Amedda to the Chancellory, Palpatine has been issued a formal pardon. And now, here he is, leading a parade of Clone Troopers that remained loyal to him since his removal from office. For security reasons, he has chosen to project a hologram of himself instead of appear in person. We don't know yet what the Delegation of 2000, or the Jedi Council have to say about this recent revelation, or how they'll manage, but one thing is for sure: Palpatine has returned, and hopefully we may mend the wounds of division that have fallen over the Republic."
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Sheev Palpatine's hologram, traveling with a parade of Spaarti Clone Troopers to the Senate Building.
It was a glorious day of jubilation across all of Corucant, for supporters of Palpatine. In every street across Coruscant, even some in the underworld, people crowded the streets, watching the monitors that showed the Holonet news feed, which showed the former Chancellor's triumphant return.
Red, white, and black Republic banners hung from buildings that were adjacent to the parade route, flapping in the breeze in response to the gusting wind. Confetti and streamers fell from great heights onto the Palpatine-aligned Clone Troopers, who marched in tight formations alongside their impressive military machines. Gray colored Venator-class Star Destroyers hovered above the skyscrapers, launching fireworks that exploded in the distance. Patriotic military music played in the background.
The way people were celebrating showed how big of a deal this was, that a former chancellor, who was removed, and came back against all odds.
The hologram of Sheev Palpatine, who was wearing white robes with gold trims, smiled and waved to his crowd of adoring fans.
He eventually made it to the Senate building, where a crowd of loyal senators and military leaders were there to give him a warm welcome. After giving a speech to the Republic, that welcomed Palpatine back, Mas Amedda surrender the podium, and gave it over to Palpatine.
His holographic hands gripped the podium, and he cleared his throat before speaking into the microphone.
"Citizens of the Republic. My fellow patriots. I am humbled by the fanfare with which you have shown me, since landing on this planet, which is a great symbol of Democracy. I am also deeply humbled by this great extension of generosity shown to me by my colleagues in the Senate, who refused to stop fighting for what was right. When our Democracy was under attack from without, we raised an army of brave warriors to stamp out tyranny and chaos. When our Democracy was under attack from within, by those who planted the seeds of injustice, we didn't stop fighting. And that fighting spirit was spread throughout every level of society, from the military, to the Senate, and throughout the galaxy, to the people that protested day and night to let justice reign supreme."
Palpatine was met with more cheering and clapping from his speech.
When they finally stopped, he continued.
"Many of you have probably asked yourselves: 'But sir, how will you be able to come back into the public life with the Jedi. After all... didn't they betray you?'" He asked everyone. "Yes, the Jedi did, in fact, betray me. But, despite the injustice that they have shown our Republic, I believe that we can give them another chance. But those who must face justice, will come forward to pay for their crimes".
More people clapper and cheered again. And just like last time, he had to pause for a while in order to let the cheers die down before he could finally continue.
"And I am no longer afraid to make myself heard. As of this moment, it should be those who stand in the way of progress and the people who should tremble in fear, at our collective will. And to prove my point, my dear friend and your chancellor, Mas Amedda, has a very important announcement to make."
As Palpatine's hologram stepped away from the podium, Mas Amedda took his place. He cleared his throat and spoke into the microphone.
"Ladies and Gentleman, I would like to announce that I have decided to name my Vice-chancellor. Sheev Palpatine."
The crowd nearly lost it when they heard those words come from Mas Amedda's lips. But then he raised his hand, prompting the crowd to silence themselves.
"But, I believe that the Republic needs to be placed in more capable hands than myself. So today, I would like to make an even more important announcement: I will be stepping down as Chancellor of the Republic, and giving the Job over to my successor, Sheev Palpatine."
The crowd went even more bonkers when they realized that Palpatine was Chancellor again.
As they continued to cheer and clap and scream their jubilation to the world, Palpatine allowed a smile to stretch across his face.
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Jedi Temple.
Mace Windu and several Jedi council members were watching Palpatine's speech. They watched with horror as the True Lord of the Sith was once again made Chancellor of the Republic.
What was more horrifying was how jubilant the senators and people were.
"So that's it then? The Republic is once again under the control of a Sith tyrant," said Cin Drallig, the leader of the temple guard, who was flanked by two masked guards.
"What are we going to do? With Palpatine back in power, he will surely come after us. Then there will be nothing to stop him from purging his opposition from the senate and the military." Said Shaak Ti.
As nervous chatter started to rise in the room between all of the Jedi who were present, Mace Windu raised his hand, and everyone in the room fell silent.
"These are indeed dark times. We may not be able to save the Republic. But we can ensure the survival of the order. Madam librarian," Windu said to Jocasta Nu, "I want you to start purging the Library of sensitive data. Master Drallig, I want you, your knights, and all of the security guards to start guarding al of the entry points and keys locations throughout the temple. Master Shaak Ti, I want you to prepare to evacuate as many younglings and their masters as possible."
"What about you, Master Windu?" Shaak Ti asked.
"We know that Palpatine has an entire army and fleet that is loyal to him, and him alone. But the rest of the Grand Army may be convinced to stay with us. I'll gather a few companies and move to neutralize Palpatine, before he can make a move."
"But Master... don't you remember what happened last time?" One of the councilors asked. "There was a revolution. This time there will be a civil war without end".
Everyone looked at Windu, with the same concern.
"I know. But you should all know by now, that the risks of letting the Sith remain in power, outweighs the risks of removing them from office."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
Dark times indeed.
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Senatorial apartment complex, 500 Replublica.
Mace Windu, along with a Twi'lek Jedi named Sage Kalar, and several platoons of Clone Troopers led by Commander Stone marched down the streets of Coruscant through the cover of night.
They already had the streets cleared by police captains that were sympathetic to their cause.
They eventually made it to the apartment complexes that were used by many prominent figures. The building that they were focused on was 500 Republica. The personal residency of the Sheev Palpatine.
When they made it in front of the building, the column stopped.
Windu looked up. Storm clouds gathered above the building in question in a very ominous manner.
"Commander, report," Windu said.
"Sir, police droids from the nearby precinct have blocked off several roads leading out of the district. All we have to do is surround the building itself."
"Good. Sage, I want you and Stone to set up a command post in the lobby, while the platoon leaders take their men, and surround the building." Windu ordered.
"What about you, master," the female twi'lek asked.
Windu looked back up at the building.
"I'm going to visit an old friend".
Chancellor Palpatine was sitting in his private apartment all day, preparing his speech for his re-inauguration tomorrow. But he stopped, and waited. Hesat in the dark room just as he sensed a familiar presence through the force. He turned around and face the door, just as it opened with a hiss.
He saw a man with a Purple lightsaber standing there.
"Master Windu! Why am I not surprised? I see that you haven't even bothered to arrest me." Darth Sidious asked.
In reality, Mace was one of the few Jedi that could stand up to Sidious and win. He was a little concerned.
"You're time has come, Sith scum!" Windu said with venom in his voice as he walked over to Sidious.
"Is it?" Sidious asked with a smirk.
When Mace was in the center of the room, several lightsabers ignited all around the room. Most of them were red, except for one.
This one was blue.
'Skywalker!' Mace thought to himself.
"You won't be assassinating anyone ever again, Jedi filth!" a hooded Vader said as he stepped forward. "It's over for you!"
Mace looked around at the inquisitors. He was surprised to recognize one of them as Barriss Offee, who was standing next to a Chiss female inquisitor.
"No," Mace said, in a cool voice. "This party's just getting started."
"Take him," Vader ordered.
The inquisitors all charged in at once. But then, time seemed to freeze for Mace Windu. Using his signature 'shatter-point' ability, he was able to observe the world around him, as if it were a still framed 3-D model. He could see Sidious sitting in a chair behind Vader, who was watching as the inquisitors were around Windu, frozen mid-jump as if they were floating in midair.
Then, Mace tucked his arms and legs in and allowed the power of the force to gather inside of him. Then, once he built up enough power, he swiftly extended his arms and legs, releasing the force energy in a 360 degree force push that sent every single Sith warrior flying in every direction. When they started recovered, each warrior began to strike once they got to their feet.
But this meant that they weren't fighting as a unified group. Inquisitors attacked Windu one, or rarely two, at time. This made it some much easier to fight them off. Inquisitors were flung back into the wall after just a few saber strikes.
Some were killed outright by the superior Jedi Master.
Sidious continued to watch patiently. But Vader was shaking his head at how embarrassing this image was.
The female Chiss warrior charged at Windu. She was about to strike when Windu just grabbed her wrists. She struggled to get loose, but Mace simply plunged his blade straight into her abdomen.
"Xuadia! NOOO!" Barriss shouted as she saw her lover getting skewered. With a newfound anger boiling inside of her, she charged at Windu. With one hand, he parried her strikes, while using the other to throw Xuadia's corpse in Barriss, knocking her to the ground.
When it was all over, all of the Inquisitors were down for the count. Some were dead.
"HEHEHEHEHEEHHH!" Sidious laughed. "Excellent work, Master Windu. You've managed to separate the wheat from the chaff for me." He then turned to Vader. "Lord vader, deal with the Jedi."
Vader, leaving the Grand Inquisitor to guard Palpatine, twirled his lightsaber in his hand, making sure to watch Mace's every move as he approached him.
Both duelists circled one another, before they both struck at the same time. They crossed their blades in a saber lock. They stared each other down, daring each other to make a move.
Vader pushed against Windu, making him lean back. Then Windu pushed back so that it looked like they were evenly matched. Both combatants knew that what happened next was going to be nothing less than a fight to the death.
Both combatants broke off to circle one another. After a few long seconds of staring at each other, Anakin used his aggressive Form V fighting style to start the attack, aiming for Master Windu's head.
But Mace responds with Vaapad, a variation of Form VII that Mace invented himself. It was an aggressive fighting style that allowed mace to channel the dark-side, while still remaining in the light.
Vader began to clash against Mace's saber, the two of them engulfing in a battle more aggressive and fast then either of them have seen before. Blow after parry after blow, the two of them looked like streaks of blue and purple light, moving through the Chancellor's apartment as if floating through air, knocking over vases and paintings, and slashing through walls. Their surroundings were only a playground for their duel.
"You can't take him! I need him," Vader said with venom dripping from his lips, as he and Mace broke apart to stare each other down.
"I never should've trusted you, boy. I knew you were corrupt from the beginning. Know, it's time for you to meet your destiny, chosen one," Mace said in a mocking tone.
Windu quickly spins his lightsaber around, too fast for Vader to see. Mace is moving faster than Vader ever knew that he could. He quickly jumped back, trying to avoid the strikes, and is grazed in the shoulder pad, his skin stinging from the burn that it just endured. But Anakin didn't stop to dwell on the pain, for he knew that if he stopped for even a millisecond, he would be dead, his master would follow, and Padme who succumb to Anakin's nightmares.
He wouldn't allow it to happen.
Mace continued to spin around, like a tornado of lightsaber energy. He was clearly the most gifted fighter Anakin had ever crossed blades with. Faster then Dooku, more powerful than Obi-Wan.
The two broke off at the exact same time, and they began to square off in the middle of the apartment.
"Palpatine is manipulating you, Skywalker. He's controlling your mind. Stop this foolishness. Don't make me do this." Mace warned. "Remember Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon".
Something that Mace said caused him to freeze, before he thought back to memories of when the two Jedi took in off of Tatooine, and brought him into his life as a Jedi. He thought about how they rescued him from slavery. How Qui-Gon taught him about midi-clorians. How he and Obi-Wan stood side by side for over a decade, and went through thick and thin.
But then Mace's words pulled Anakin back into reality.
"Remember what the Jedi have fought to-" Mace began.
"The Jedi..." Anakin interrupted. "...protect nothing but their own self interests. They abuse their power, overthrowing anyone who doesn't fall in line with your beliefs and interests. They place their own status quo over the will of the Senate. Is that the way of the Jedi? Or is that the way of the corrupt council? You've all held me back this entire time, with your narrow-minded view of the force. I could've surpassed everyone's power, if you decided to train me with every aspect of the force, not just your own!"
Mace was taken aback by what Anakin said. Then he looked passed his shoulder to see Darth Sidious continue to sit there, a wide smirk spread across his face.
"You want to know more about the force, Skywalker? Fine!" Mace said, before he made the ceiling damaged, dropping clouds of dust from above, creating a purple cloud of dust that obscured everyone's vision. "Study closely".
Anakin jumped into the purple fog, only to have all of his limbs lock up, before he was thrown into a wall on the other side of the room. Sidious leaned forward in his seat as his apprentice was thrown into a wall, and looked back at the purple dust cloud, just in time to see Mace Windu emerge. He fired a bolt of Sith energy at the Jedi, who used his lightsaber to block the lightning, before swiping with his lightsaber, and sending the energy back at Sidious, who fell back out of his chair. He scooted back to the window.
Mace continued to advance, looking down on the deformed old man. "Your reign of evil ends now!"
But before Mace could strike the Dark Lord down, Vader jumped back into the fight and plunged his blade through Windu's side. He looked down, to see Vader's blue blade through his side, and could feel the blade cooking his organs. When Vader pulled the blade out of his opponent's side, Windu stumbled to his knees in front of a smirking Palpatine.
The Dark Lord then stood up and used the force to lift Windu with the force, before sending a coarse of electricity through the Jedi Master, who could barely scream in pain, before being thrown through the window, and began to plummet to the streets below.
Vader stood next to Sidious, and they both looked at the streets below. Then The Dark Lord of the Sith broke the silence.
"Good riddance."
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That's chapter 38 folks. Hope that you enjoyed.
Part 39'll be right around the corner.
Until next time as always, this is Grubkiller, over an out.