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All characters appearing in Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek Deep Space Nine and Star Trek Voyager are copyright Paramount Pictures. All characters appearing in the Star Wars saga are copyright Lucas Arts and the Walt Disney Cooperation. No infringement of these copyrights is intended and is not authorized by the copyright holder.

All original characters are the property of Celgress.

Star Trek/Star Wars – Galaxy at War: Part Forty Revenge of the Sith Part V Rise of the Empire

by

Celgress

"I walk this empty street on the boulevard of broken dreams. Where the city sleeps and I'm the only one, and I walk alone."

"My shadow's the only one that walks beside me. My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating."

Boulevard of Broken Dreams (2004) Green Day

Star Wars Dimension – September 19 BBY.

Chancellor's Suite Senate Building on Coruscant two days before Palpatine was abducted, afternoon

"I've come to depend upon the two of you a great deal, perhaps me than is proper," Palpatine said strolling around his spacious office with Mallie Marek on one side of him the young Pau'an Temple Guard on the other.

"Please, Supreme Chancellor don't chastise yourself," Mallie said."If anyone is at fault it is us."

The old man was the only one save for her friend the Temple Guard who seemed to genuinely care about Mallie or her plight. Mallie's mind lingered on her friend. Even though they had been friends for several months Mallie only learned the Pau'an Jedi's real name was Zanol Bumal two days ago. Although technically Temple Guards were strictly forbidden from sharing personal information with other Jedi Zanol had told Mallie his name when asked. He trusted her that much. Their growing bond had become a deep and frankly inappropriate one. The pair were almost intimate more than once during the past few weeks.

"We are honored to serve the Republic and you, sir," The unmasked Zanol said. Being unmasked in public was another violation of protocol by Zanol's as was secretly training Palpatine's personal Red Guards in combat which Zanol has also partaken in during recent days.

"I have a favor to ask of your Knight Marek," Palpatine said.

"Anything Supreme Chancellor," Mallie said.

"I would like you to be my personal representative on the Jedi Council," Palpatine said.

"Me, hold a seat on the Council?" Mallie asked stunned by Palpatine's words. "I'm humbled, sir."

"But, the Council elects its own members and jealously guards that authority. They'll never consent to Mallie's appointment by you, sir." Zanol correctly observed.

"Zanol is correct, sir," Mallie said.

"Oh, but I think they will," Palpatine said confidently. "They need you Mallie and you Zanol, more than they even they know," Palpatine added with a small smile.

Council Chamber of the Jedi Temple the next day, morning

"We can't approve this appointment." Acting Grandmaster Shaak Ti said as much for the benefit of her fellow council members as for that of Mallie who stood before them.

"Such attempted interference in internal Jedi affairs by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is simply unacceptable." Adi Gallia said.

"I understand your misgivings masters," Mallie said in truth she did not. "But, I-,"

"No buts," Oppo Rancisis said silencing her. "We will not give you a seat on this Council, Knight Marek. You are reckless and have flagrantly violated our rules of conduct. If anything you should have already been expelled from our ranks."

"How can you treat Supreme Chancellor Palpatine with such disrespect, especially during a time of war!? You flippantly dismiss his request without a second thought, outrageous! We are servants of the Republic not it of us!" Mallie yelled growing angry. "The Jedi Order is not above the law w-,"

"Knight Marek, calm yourself." Cin Drallig said interrupting Mallie's tirade. "I highly recommend you stop and consider the likely consequences before you continue speaking out against this Council." Cin Drallig sternly advised. The expression on his face showed he could tolerate no further show of disrespect on Mallie's part. Fuming inside Mallie held her tongue while council members muttered and shook their heads in a combination of disbelief and disdain.

The Council Members exchanged a series of worried glances."You are dismissed until further notice, Knight Marek." Shaak Ti said. Mallie did nothing to hide her displeasure. She stomped outside without verbally acknowledging Shaak Ti or the other Jedi Masters.

Coruscant Opera House later that day, evening

An extremely unhappy Mallie made her way through the throng of smartly dressed beings. She had hoped by being around the Jedi Council she could have proven her worth and eventually been given back custody of her son. Now, her hopes were dashed. She missed her little Galen so much. What right did the Council members have to take her son from her? She was his mother she knew what was best for him, not some emotionally stunted traditionalist who could offer him no affection only the rigid principles of the Light Side of the Force. She did not care what the "legal experts" claimed, their talk about the situation existing in a legislative grey area, it was not fair!

"You wanted to see me, Supreme Chancellor?" Mallie asked Palpatine after arriving in the Chancellor's private box.

"Ah, yes Mallie," Palpatine said from his luxurious seat. "Come, sit with me." He patted the vacant seat to his left.

"I really shouldn't," Mallie said looking uncertain.

"Nonsense, my girl, sit down rest a spell." Palpatine urged. With some trepidation, Mallie sat down beside Palpatine who angled himself to face her. "Leave us," Palpatine ordered his entourage which quickly complained. Soon Palpatine and Mallie were alone. "Did the Council agree to your appointment as my representative?"

"No," Mallie said her voice full of resentment.

"A pity," Palpatine said. "Mallie you know I am unable to rely on the Jedi Council. If they haven't included you and Zanol in their plot I fear they soon shall."

"I'm not sure what you mean, sir?" Mallie said genuinely confused by his words.

"A Jedi as clever and skilled as yourself must sense what I have reluctantly come to suspect," Palpatine said. He paused briefly before he continued. "The Jedi Council desires to exercise direct control over the Republic. They are planning to betray me."

"While I've had my differences with the Council I doubt they would do that," Mallie said. Her denial, however, lack conviction as her heart wasn't in it.

"Search your feelings Mallie. You know it is true, don't you?" Palpatine said.

"I know they don't trust you." Mallie hesitantly said. She could not deny it felt good to voice her long-held suspicions about the Jedi Council members.

"Or the Senate, or the Republic, or democracy either, or you Mallie or your friend Zalon," Palpatine added to which Mallie simply nodded her assent.

"And we, and I don't trust them either. My faith in them never recovered after they took away my son." Mallie said before she could stop herself.

"Remember back to your early teachings, Mallie. All those who gain power fear losing power. The Jedi Council are no different." Palpatine said.

"I'm not sure if I agree, sir. As Jedi, we are taught to only use power for good." Mallie countered weakly. She was desperately searching for an out. A way to shore up her crumble faith in the Jedi Order.

"Good is a point of view, my girl," Palpatine said. "Take the Sith and Jedi for example. From what I understand they are similar in almost every way, which includes their quest for ever greater power."

"The Sith use negative emotions Jedi do not. The Sith think inward only caring about themselves." Mallie said her voice cracking slightly.

"And the Jedi don't?" Palpatine said.

"The Jedi are selfless even Council members. We only care about the needs of others." Mallie said. Uncomfortable with the direction their conversation had taken Mallie looked away pretending to watch the opera which was still ongoing as did Palpatine. Several moments passed between them in a state of tense silence.

"Tell me Mallie, have you ever heard the tale of Revan and Bastila?" Palpatine asked his eyes still on the opera.

"I can't say I have," Mallie said.

"I thought not," Palpatine said. "I doubt it is a story your Jedi instructors would want to share with their pupils. It is a Sith Legend from the time of the Old Republic. Darth Revan was a Dark Lord of the Sith who fell in love with a Jedi named Bastila Shan and she with him. So strong was their force bond that they always found their way back to each other regardless of whatever misfortune befell them or either of their shifting allegiance in the Force. Their descendants became great warriors one of which was a renowned Jedi Grandmaster Satele Shan who played a crucial role in saving the Jedi Order and the Old Republic from certain destruction. Revan's and Bastila's situation was not unlike your own and that of your late husband Kento, from what I understand. Luckily, the Jedi Council members of the day were more open-minded than those of our own age. Ironic how times change." Palpatine left out certain details of the tale which would not have served his purpose.

"I wish it was possible to love others and still use the Force today." Mallie lamented.

"It is my dear, but not as a Jedi," Palpatine said slowly turning to face her. For some unaccountable reason, Mallie felt a brief shiver of dread run down her spine.

Cell Block of the Jedi Temple current day, afternoon

Jedi Master Mace Windu used the Force to dunk Darth Maul's head into a bucket of water. Windu held Maul's head underwater for a full twenty seconds before he released his grip. Maul gasped for air the moment he was released his lungs burning. Maul was held in a metal stockade his head and hands locked firmly in place the bucket of water sat on a tall stool in front of him.

"Next time I dunk your head it stays dunked Sith scum," Windu growled. "If you know what is good for you, you'll start answering our questions." Since suffering his terrible inures the darkness already within Windu had grown much stronger. He was obsessed with stopping the Sith nothing else mattered.

Windu's destroyed right eye had been replaced by an electronic eye surrounded by a steel colored faceplate that covered the right side of his head above his upper jaw excluding nose. The eye shone with a violet light which matched the hue of his lightsaber, an aesthetic choice made by Windu. In the place of Windu's missing left hand was a steel colored robotic appendage with matching violet LED inlays.

"Tell us the true identity of the Sith Lord or Lady who controls the Senate!" Windu thundered while compressing Maul's ribcage with the Force. Maul cried out in pain but refused to answer.

"Master Windu stop! You'll kill him!" Adi Gallia warned.

"Master Gallia is correct, you must cease." Cin Drallig said.

"Talk you piece of nerf shit!" Windu said applying more pressure. In spite of Adi Gallia's and Cin Drallig's protests.

Maul stared into Windu's intact organic eye as hungry blackness clawed at the outer limits of his vision. He recognized what he saw there he had seen the same devilish spark in many other eyes across the galaxy and often in his own when he gazed at his reflection. He knew Windu would indeed kill him unless he talked. He did not want to die, not yet. Even with his own life in mortal peril turning on Sidious was not an easy choice. Maul feared Sidious more than any other being. He knew Sidious would tear him apart and leave his naked soul to burn in the abyss if Sidious survived his betrayal. Maul desperately hoped for once Sidious would not survive that the Jedi would somehow win this time.

"Sheev Palpatine," Maul croaked. "Darth Sidious is Sheev Palpatine Supreme Chancellor of the Republic." Maul finished before he passed out from a combination of fatigue and agony.

The trio of Jedi were flabbergasted. Palpatine was Sidious. Sidious was Palpatine. The Sith Lord they searched years for in vain was right under their proverbial nose all along.

"I sensed no deception in him." Adi Gallia said slowly.

"Neither did I." Cin Drallig seconded.

"We must move quickly," Windu said. "No doubt Sidious has learned by now we have Maul in our custody." The rescue of the previously missing Supreme Chancellor by a mysterious alien warrior known only as Vader and his subsequent return to Coruscant earlier that day had been big news on the holonet.

"What should we do Master Windu?" Adi Gallia asked. While Shaak Ti was technically still acting Grandmaster after her loss at the hands of General Grievous she was in no condition mentally to do much of anything.

"We arrest the Supreme Chancellor before he moves against us," Windu said.

"You think he will move against us?" Adi Gallia said wide-eyed.

"I'm certain he will," Windu said grim-faced.

"Masters the Temple is under attack!" A young female human Jedi Knight said rushing into the cell block. She was fatally shot in the back by a group of six pursuing Clone Troopers.

The three Jedi Masters drew and activated their lightsabers. They made ready to defend themselves and their home as more Clone Troopers poured inside the Cellblock. With purple, blue and green blades swinging and blaster bolts flying wildly, the Jedi clashed with their former allies. Unnoticed by anyone Maul recovered and quietly escaped during the ensuing melee when his stockade was damaged by a blaster bolt.

Chancellor's Suite Senate Building on Coruscant, twenty minutes earlier

"I wonder why he summoned us?" Mallie Marek said.

"As do I, my friend." Zanol Bumal said.

Ten minutes ago a Clone Commander came to the Jedi Temple. The Clone Commander said the recently returned Supreme Chancellor wished to meet with Mallie and Zanol immediately. They were then whisked away via a transport to the Senate Building.

When Mallie and Zanol entered Palpatine's office a strange sight greeted them. Palpatine his body scarred and discolored sat behind his desk in his swivel chair. He wore a pitch black robe with its hood pulled up. To Palpatine's right stood a towering black-clad figure who gave off a menacing aura in the Force. A lightsaber hilt or at least something that resembled one was clipped on the belt of the figure who from reports Mallie & Zanol assumed must be Vader.

"You summoned us, sir?" Mallie said trying not to stare at the disfigured politician.

"I did," Palpatine said. He got out of his seat and walked toward the lapsed Jedi with Vader only a step behind. The two shadowy beings stopped when they stood less than a foot away. "This is Lord Vader," Palpatine said gesturing at Vader.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord Vader." Mallie then Zanol said. Vader did not reciprocate their greetings.

"Darth Vader is my new apprentice," Palpatine said.

"Excuse me, did you say apprentice?" Zanol asked doing a double take.

"Wait, isn't 'Darth' a Sith title?" Mallie asked in mounting horror.

"I am Darth Sidious the one true and ruling Dark Lord of the Sith," Sidious said his eyes shining a ghostly yellow. "I offer each of you a simple choice. Join us and help bring a new order to the galaxy or resist us and fall before our might."

"What will it be?" Vader said in his booming artificial voice speaking for the first time since Mallie and Zanol arrived. "Become loyal disciples or become the first of many Jedi fatalities. You are no match for us which I'm sure you sense."

"You want your son back, don't you Mallie?" Sidious said reading the hesitancy of the two. "Join us and he is yours to raise once more. And Zanol unfettered access to the Jedi Holocrons will be yours for the taking. The knowledge the Jedi Council have denied you for so long that you so crave will be within your grasp."

Mallie and Zanol exchanged a quick glance. They knew what they must do. There was no other choice really. They refused to lay down their lives in defense of an Order that had turned its collective back on them.

"We'll do whatever either of you ask of us," Mallie said speaking for both of them. "Just give us what you've promised. I need my son. I don't want to live a moment longer without him."

"Kneel," Sidious commanded which Mallie and Zanol did. He placed a wizened hand on each of their hands. "The Force is strong with you. Powerful Sith you will become. Follow us faithfully and one day you each may earn the title of Darth, arise."

Mallie and Zanol rose to their feet. They followed Sidious and Vader who moved back toward Sidious' desk. Sidious once more sat in his seat with Vader to his right. Mallie and Zanol meanwhile stood in front of his desk.

"Because the Council grew to mistrust you, my young disciples, I believe you are the only two Jedi, or should I say former Jedi, with no knowledge of the plot to assassinate me. You see Lord Vader saved me from the crafty Jedi of our sister galaxy thus why he has a place by my side. Their attempt on my life is why my appearance is so marred today." Sidious lied. "I sense the Jedi of this galaxy will soon attempt to kill us along with the all the senators."

"I agree," Zanol said. "It would make sense to eliminate the Senator before they attempt a seizure of power."

"Every single Jedi has become an enemy of the Republic and must be ruthlessly crushed," Vader said making a fist with his right hand.

"We must move swiftly," Sidious said. "The Jedi are relentless. If they are not all destroyed it will be civil war without end."

"We understand, masters," Mallie said again speaking for herself and Zanol.

"Both of you will accompany me to the Jedi Temple. We will catch them off guard." Vader said.

"Do what must be done. Do not hesitate. Show no mercy. Only then will all you desire be yours." Sidious said.

"What about the Jedi spread across the galaxy as commanders of the Clone Army?" Zanol asked.

"Their betrayal will be dealt with by me," Sidious said cryptically. "You need not concern yourselves with their fate."

"Very well, master," Zanol said.

"Once the Jedi in the Temple have been eliminated while Lord Vader returns here, I want you Mallie and you Zanol to go to the Mustafar System," Sidious instructed. "Dispatch my failed apprentices Darth Deceptor and Darth Barbous along with Viceroy Gunray and the other Separatist Leaders. Do this and you'll be one step closer to becoming Darths. Once more the Sith will rule the galaxy, and we shall have peace."

Vader, Zanol, and Mallie left to carry out their mission. Once by himself, Sidious activated the emergency military broadcast holo channel from his desk mounted console. Speaking to a galaxy-wide audience of Republican Clone Troopers Sidious said. "Loyal legions of the Republic here my words. The time has come. Execute Order 66."

Across The Galaxy

Without warning Clone Troopers everywhere turned on their Jedi commanders. Thousands of unsuspecting Jedi were slaughtered almost instantly. Only a very lucky few escaped most through circumstances or what some might term sheer luck. In the hours, days, weeks, months and years ahead these ones who survived faced a fresh hell. Many civilians frightened by the prospect of Imperial reprisals against them, their loved ones or their worlds, in general, shunned the Jedi survivors. Most remaining Jedi drifted into bounty hunting, smuggling, spacing or other equally unsavory professions. The once mighty Jedi defenders of the galactic government had been laid low by their ancient enemy. The Sith were firmly in control and would remain so for decades.

Jedi Temple, now

The Temple Guards failed to raise any alarm. With his masked helmet in place, Zanol deceived his fellows into thinking nothing was amiss. He called the majority of them to the main gates where he, Mallie, Vader, and the 501st Legion massacred them.

Led by Vader the marching band of death next went to the Jedi Archives where Vader personally murdered Chief Librarian Jocasta Nu. Vader ran her through with his red blade before she could ignite her own lightsaber in defense. Four young Jedi Knights sprang from the stacks attacking the group but these were easily dealt with by the Clone Troopers.

Next, in a hallway, Vader ragdolled Jedi Master Even Piell with the Force before slicing the small being in half with his lightsaber. The group slew any Jedi they could find before being confronted by Jedi Master Oppo Rancisis in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Vader again took point. Vader and Oppo Rancisis battled for several minutes around the lush chamber until Vader collapsed a fountain on Oppo Rancisis. Hopelessly pinned under heavy debris Oppo Rancisis could only watch helplessly as Vader viciously drove his blade through Oppo Rancisis' head from right between his eyes.

Vader was a steamroller of destruction. None could stand before him. The worst thing about Vader's assault was he seldom spoke preferring to talk through his blade work and Force abilities, both of which were highly advanced. Cold fury personified was Darth Vader; an unstoppable phantasm of death who would not be denied.

"Mommy," Little Galen Marek cried out when Mallie, Zanol, and Vader entered a room where Galen and other younglings were hiding no doubt placed there by a frantic Jedi Knight or Master. The Clone Troopers had branched off to "bag more hostiles" leaving the Sith trio to do there own thing.

"I'm here baby," Mallie said.

"I'm scared, mommy," Galen said.

"I know sweetie. Everything will be okay." Mallie tried to reassure her son. Before she could sweep him up in her arms Vader stopped her.

"Don't move," Vader ordered. "The child can wait. We have a job to do. The other younglings, kill them."

"They are only child Lord Vader. They bare no responsibility for the crimes of the Order. Surely they could be tur-," Zanol sensing his friend's misgivings tried to reason with Vader.

"There are no innocents among the ranks of the Jedi. As an old Earth saying in the other galaxy goes; nits make lice." Vader said adding in an even deeper and more threatening tone. "Now carry out your orders or face my wrath."

Mallie looked at the frightened children. She raised her blue lightsaber then hesitated. They reminded her so much of her own Galen. She couldn't do it. There was no way. She was not a monster. She still possessed a shred of decency deep inside herself. Mallie took a few steps forward. She faked an attack on the younglings instead she swung around to strike at Vader. A quick surge of Force lightning from Vader's left hand tore through her body before her blade made contact hurling her back a dozen feet. The younglings screamed in fear.

Zanol attempted to help his ally by attacking Vader from behind but to no avail. Vader turned around. He grabbed Zanol with the Force holding him in midair. Next, he sliced off Zanol's left arm at the shoulder with his red blade. Vader Force Choked Zanol until the ex-Jedi saw stars then dropped him on the floor.

Mallie who had recovered somewhat tried to retrieve her lightsaber through the Force. Vader merely stepped on the hilt with his left boot thwarting her efforts. Vader pulled Mallie toward him with the Force. Try as she might Mallie could not break free, Vader was simply too strong and too skilled for her. She saw her doom coming towards her clear as day. Vader's outstretched crimson blade plunged into her heart a moment later ending her life.

'I'm sorry Galen. I'm sorry Zanol. I'm sorry Kento. I failed us all.' Mallie said before everything went black.

In the ensuing chaos, the younglings had all escaped out the open door expect one. Vader stared at the shaking Galen Marek his emotions unreadable behind his sinister blank mask. He regarded the boy for several long seconds before members of the 501st arrived as they did room checks for any Jedi stragglers.

"Take this child. Make certain he remains safe. My master and I have plans for him." Vader ordered a Clone Trooper.

"Yes Lord Vader," The Clone Trooper said taking Galen away.

Vader stepped over to where Zanol lay. He kicked Zanol until Zanol struggled up with a groan. "You and your dead friend have wasted my time," Vader said wrapping his left hand around Zanol's neck. "I will give you one last chance. Fail and you'll join her in death." Vader tossed Zanol to several waiting Clone Troopers. "Have him fitted with a new cybernetic arm. Then take him to Mustafar. If he should fail in his mission to eliminate the hostiles there, kill him."

"Yes Lord Vader," One of the Clone Troopers said. The small group escorted Zanol out of the room.

No longer distracted and more enraged than ever Vader continued to cut a path of destruction through the Temple. Eventually, Vader alongside some of his soldiers reached the hangar bay. Here they stumbled upon the group of younglings Vader had targeted earlier. The younglings were not alone, however, Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Adi Gallia, Cin Drallig and Shaak Ti were with them.

"At last a challenge worthy of my skill," Vader said his lightsaber at the ready. "Who dies first?" Vader could not help but taunt. Rather than face Vader and his soldiers, the Jedi and their younglings pilled into a shuttle and escaped before their enemies could close the distance. Several, however, were injured by blaster fire during their escape."Contact space traffic control. I want that shuttle shot down." Vader commanded.

"Yes, Lord Vader." A Clone Trooper said.

Mustafar, a few hours later

"Welcome you must be Lord Sidious' new agent. We've been expecting you." Viceroy Nute Gunray said to the black-robed and hooded Zanol as the latter entered the control room through one of four entrances. On either side of Gunray stood the former Jedi Sora Bulq aka Darth Barbous and Pong Krell aka Darth Deceptor.

"I've come to make sure you all get what you truly deserve," Zanol said.

Zanol threw back his hood and ignited his double-bladed yellow saber staff while Clone Troopers flooded into the room from the other three exits. Blaster bolts mowed down most of the Separatist Leaders and their pitiful security detail of B1 Battle Droids and Neimoidian Warriors. Zanol cartwheeled forward with astonishing speed. He stabbed Pong Krell through his throat with one blade of his saber staff before the startled Besalisk could react killing him instantly. Sora Bulq and Zanol then engaged in a heated but a short duel. Zanol finished the Weequay when he cut Zanol's artificial left arm expecting a shout of pain that never came. Zanol took advantage of the Weequay's arrogance to deliver a double strike to his torso then he cut off the top of his skull when Bulq fell to his knees.

"Noooooo," Gunray circled as he realized he was alone and surrounded by enemies. "The war is over. Lord Sidious, he promised us peace. We only want wha-," Zanol cut the annoying businessman down with a flick of his saber staff. Zanol then proceeded to fulfill his last order by deactivating the Separatist Droid Army just like how Sidious showed him via hologram while en route to Mustafar.

While disappointed his friend Mallie was no more he was happy he had completed his mission. The Jedi Order was gone. There was no going back. He had no choice but to make the best of his new reality. He would also do his best to protect young Galen. Mallie would have wanted it that way he told himself.

Senate Building on Coruscant, evening

"The Jedi Rebellion has been foiled," Palpatine now clad in a hooded red robe said from his pod. To his right stood Vader to his left Mas Amedda holding the staff of state. "The remaining Jedi and their allies will be hunted down and defeated. The attempted on my life by the Jedi and their allies from the other galaxy has left me scarred and deformed. While my ordeal was indeed a trying one it was not without benefit. It was in the other galaxy where I met Lord Vader, my savior. The man who although taken from our own galaxy and mutilated by the Jedi as a small child never flattered in his resolve. He remained steadfastly loyal to our cause. My body might be crippled but I assure you my resolve has never been stronger. In order to ensure security and continuing prosperity, the Republic will be reorganized into the First Galactic Empire with me as Emperor and Lord Vader as Commander of the Armed Forces." Palpatine said gesturing at Vader. "This change is necessary for a safe and secure society, one that can meet all threats both foreign and domestic." The Senate erupted into thunderous applause.

When the applause eased many minutes later Vader spoke. "Our righteous justice continues with the execution of the arch-traitor. The Jedi sympathizer and spy, leader of the seditious Delegation of 2,000, Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan."

Before Bail could voice his denial of these absurd allegations his pod was surrounded by four pods packed full of Clone Troopers who opened fire upon him. Bail was dead in a matter of seconds leaving the remaining Senators in mortified silence. No one dared say anything.

"Let this be a lesson. No further threats to our security will be tolerated," Vader said.

"Lord Vader is correct," Palpatine said. "Any future treachery will be met with swift justice meted out by the Clone Troopers who will form the foundation of the new Stormtrooper Corps. For far too long corruption, incompetence and outright betrayal have been commonplace, no more! Moving forward our society will become a well-oiled machine of efficiency, prosperity, and loyalty!" Again the chamber roared its approval in spite of the barbaric act they had just witnessed. "The Separatist threat has also been neutralized. However, an even greater threat looms on the horizon. The Jedi loving former Senator Padme Amidala has turned her back on us. She has sided with the Jedi of the other galaxy and their lapdogs in the Federation-Alliance. Senator Amidala now Skywalker has even married a Jedi in clear violation of their own code of conduct and the rules of this august Senate. Even now she, the Jedi of the other galaxy and the Federation-Alliance plot our downfall." The Senators booed loudly.

"Fear not," Vader said. "These evil miscreants will be crushed by our might. We will impose our new order upon their outlaw galaxy. None shall ever threaten us again, this I do solemnly swear!" For a third time, the Senate roared its approval. Palpatine smirked as did Vader behind his mask. With only a few minor hiccups, everything was going according to plan.

Dagobah, night

Yoda was too late he sensed that much. He should have returned earlier. Perhaps his presence would have made a difference. Now he would never know. All that remained to him was the promise of tomorrow. The Force whispered that one day many years from today two wayward travelers would come seeking insight only he could provide.

"Wait here I shall," Yoda said hobbling away into the foggy gloom after emerging from his small pod. "Destiny play its hand it will. Obey the will of the Force I must. My role in shaping events for the better not over yet it is."

Star Trek Dimension – September 2375 C.E.

USS Voyager near the Barzan Wormhole Beta Quadrant

Displayed on the main bridge viewscreen a battered ship of unfamiliar design limped through the Barzan Wormhole. "We are being hailed, audio only," Lieutenant Commander Tuvok reported.

"Patch them through," Captain Kathryn Janeway ordered.

"This is the Jedi Shuttle Bright Star requesting immediate assistance. Be advised we have wounded in need of medical care." The voice of Adi Gallia crackled over the comm.

To Be Continued

Next up What You Leave Behind -

The Federation-Alliance still reeling from the devastating effects of the Breen Raid on Earth, the Breen energy dampening technology and recent events on Romulus face war on multiple fronts as the newly created Empire threatens to invade the Milky Way Galaxy. Meanwhile, Klingon Chancellor Gowron engages in a personal vendetta against the increasingly popular General Martok endangering the fragile defense posture, an embolden Kai Winn plots her next move and the madman Gul Dukat prepares to take ultimate revenge against Captain Sisko and his other enemies.

Author's Note One -

The character who becomes the Grand Inquisitor both here and in canon had no name (in either canon or legends). With no other choice, I just gave him the randomly generated Pau'an name of Zanol Bumal.

Author's Note Two -

I never liked how Yoda was made Sidious' bitch in the canon version of Revenge of the Sith so I forwent that duel. Don't worry, they might very well meet in the future on a more equal footing so to speak.

Author's Note Three -

Vader's disgustingly heartless comment in which he likened small Jedi children to bloodsucking insects was taken from American Military Officer John Milton Chivington (January 27, 1821 – October 4, 1894, C.E) who said the same about Native American children.