Chapter Fifty-Two: Opening the Floodgates
As they stood still, watching the ships zoom out of the Base, Obi-Wan couldn't help the nervous tension that pulsed through him. He was concerned with the mission. He was concerned for the lives that would be lost. He was concerned for Anakin. Entering Coruscant had been like being dipped into an oil vat, the heavy, thick Darkness was suffocating. For a Jedi, it was toxic. But what was it like for his apprentice? Anakin was still so new to walking in the ways of Light. It would be so easy for him to relapse. Would he degeneration to his old self now that he was here, surrounded by everything he'd only recently left?
After waiting several lengthy minutes, the Jedi found himself become fidgety. Even after all this time, he couldn't rid himself completely of the habit. "There are still so many people at the Base on guard," Obi-Wan observed, watching as several troopers began filing out to stand guard. "I'm not sure we could get in without someone slipping away and ruining our plans."
"I had anticipated this," the rumbling voice of Vader responded as quietly as the mask allowed. "Another major diversion is the only thing that will draw them away."
Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully. "You have a plan for this, I imagine?"
The mask of Vader stared down passionlessly at his master, and without a word, Anakin pulled something out of his utility belt for the Jedi to see. It looked like the control for a thermal detonator of some sort. Obi-Wan suddenly got a very bad feeling about this.
"What is that for?" he asked cautiously, eyeing the device distrustfully.
"Diversion," the younger man replied plainly.
"Wait―!" Obi-Wan reached out to take the device, uncertain about the consequences of this new plan, but it was too late.
The younger man didn't bother responding, and pressed down on the ignition. The Jedi stared at the Base, waiting in dread for something to happen. A second later, the ground shook and a thunderous BOOM! resounded across the Imperial City and beyond. Pain erupted within Obi-Wan's heart, like a punch in the chest, and he staggered backwards, turning around to peer out over the city, for it was not the Imperial Base that had been destroyed.
With tears in his eyes, Obi-Wan watched as thick black clouds of smoke billowed up into the sky from the angry flames that were now devouring the Jedi Temple.
"You…you destroyed the Temple," Obi-Wan gasped, shaking.
Even as he stared at the former Sith, Anakin either didn't seem to care or understand what he had just done. "I did," the younger man responded calmly.
"Anakin!" the Knight cried, feeling sick to his stomach as he watched the clouds of smoke roll ever higher up, blotting out the stars. "That was…that was a sacred place! A place where all Force-sensatives could go to be at peace. It's stood here on Coruscant for a thousand years!"
"The main frame of the building should be salvageable ," the former Sith replied dispassionately, having turned his attention from the building he'd just destroyed to instead watch the Base. "But for the mean time, it will serve us. Troopers and other Imperial personnel will be assigned to help put out the fires."
As he continued to stare at his apprentice in horror, Obi-Wan realized with a sinking feeling, that he was not as in control of this mission as he'd once thought. He'd always known that they would all have to trust Anakin and his people to an extent, but he'd always thought he'd have some power over the younger man. Now that the plan was in action and Anakin had once again adorned the suit of his old self, Obi-Wan was beginning to see how little he actually controlled.
"Control is an illusion, Padawan," Qui-Gon's voice whispered in his head.
Perhaps… but it's a comfortable illusion, Obi-Wan argued back silently.
But the point had been made. In this, there was little the Knight could do except go with the current of events. All his life the Obi-Wan had struggled with the concept of letting go. How many times had Qui-Gon lectured him about giving himself up to the Force? Of connecting to the Living Force? His master had been more skilled at such things; Obi-Wan had to work at them. This was a good exercise for him…the young Knight just wished the fate of the galaxy wasn't depending on this one mission as it taught him his lessons.
Watching safely from around the corner of a building, the two Force-users waited patiently for still more personnel to come pouring out of the Base. As Anakin had predicted, troopers and crewmen rushed out of the building to see what the tremendous noise had been. Within minutes, more ships and shuttles were deployed, racing towards the source of the explosion. They waited for a minute more after the last of the ships had gone before making a move. Soon, the two men straightened their newly acquired attire, before walking with purpose towards the Base.
While the Jedi was nervous, his apprentice exuded a sense of command and power, the likes of which Obi-Wan hadn't felt from him since before Tatooine. He was worried for Anakin, he truly was, but he had to place his trust in the Force… and in Anakin. Obi-Wan had done all he could for the boy, had trained him as best and as well as he could considering the time crunch and fighting against the young man's other instincts. Now it was up to Anakin. If his apprentice truly wanted to change, truly wanted to leave behind his Darkness, now was the time to prove himself. This was Anakin's test much more than Obi-Wan's.
When they came into sight around the Base, Storm Troopers instinctively raised their blasters in warning, only to lower them when they realized who it was stalking towards them. The closer they got, the lower the weapons became, until the clones were all but gawking at the former Sith Lord.
Without a word, the two new comers were able to walk right past the guards and into the Military Base. Glancing back without turning his head, Obi-Wan noticed that the clones had begun to follow them in, almost like dogs trailing after their master. The moment the black boot of the former Supreme Commander hit the polished floor of the hanger bay, the entire bustling, panicked Base collectively stopped dead in their tracks.
They know that the master of the keep's returned, the Knight thought in awe, his mind straying towards the romantic. Never before had he seen such a response, not even after all his travels and missions to other worlds. Even being an evil Sith Lord, Darth Vader had also instilled in these people uncommon loyalty and awareness. Now the only question was, could Anakin yield such power and not be consumed by it?
Gasps echoed around the hanger as slowly, everyone became aware that the former Sith had truly returned. Eyes were wide, and everything became eerily silent, the only sound being the hissing of the respirator of Vader. They came to a stop in the middle of the hanger, Storm Troopers behind them, crewmen and officers before them. It put the Jedi Knight on edge, but Anakin only looped his fingers in his belt, waiting.
When enough people had unconsciously gathered around, the young man spoke in the commanding, infamous voice of Darth Vader, "There are traitors within the Empire that would seek the destruction of peace," the deep voice reverberated off the walls. "There is a conspiracy at work here. I have come back to stop it. Who will stand with me?"
Everyone remained deathly silent, no one wanting to be the first to speak up. Eventually, however, a middle aged man stormed forward, glaring. "Is this some sort of joke?" he sneered. "Darth Vader died weeks ago. This is some sort of rebel trick!"
"This is no trick," Obi-Wan stepped forward. "This is Lord Vader."
"Really?" the man scowled. "How do we know? This could just be someone they dressed up as Vader! If you are who you really claim to be, then prove―ahh…ack!"
The doubter's hands flew to his neck and he began claw at the invisible hand crushing his windpipe. The Jedi cast a glance over at his apprentice, finding Anakin's hand slightly raised, fingers spread in a pinching gesture. A wave of terror erupted throughout the congregants.
"I find your lack of faith disturbing," the former Sith sneered in delight.
Fear shot through Obi-Wan and he whispered for his apprentice's ears only a desperate warning, "Anakin."
That seemed to snap the young man out of the sadistic glee the Knight had felt slowly forming within his apprentice. "As you wish," he replied evenly, with a small wave of his hand.
The doubter was flung across the floor from the wave, and fell with a resounding thud. Everyone remained immobile and stared down at the now unconscious man. He was not dead, Obi-Wan could feel that, but that's not what it looked like. It was a powerful demonstration.
"Is there anyone else who has any questions?" Anakin asked, the threat hanging in the air unspoken.
Right away, from the back of the crowd, an officer rushed forward. "Forgive my lateness, my lord," he bowed his head. "But with the explosion, I was…detained."
"Is everything ready?" the former Sith asked instead of commenting on the admittance of guilt.
"Yes, my lord. I received confirmation that everyone else is in place."
"Good. Now listen," the giant in black called across the room. "There is corruption within the Imperial Palace. For the good of the Empire and its people, I am seeking to snuff it out. Permanently. You are all either with me or you are my enemy. Stand in my way, and I will not hesitate to destroy you."
Only a Sith deals in absolutes, Master Yoda's teachings screamed in Obi-Wan's head, alarming him. Anakin was speaking and acting much more like a Sith again. Was he slipping into the Dark Side?
"Let go, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon's voice whispered.
But how can I? the Knight thought desperately. Hadn't Qui-Gon also told him before that the Emperor could more easily be destroyed and that the challenge would be Vader?
"We are with you, my lord!" a Storm Troop cried from behind. With him, a cheer from all the other clones around the Base went up in agreement.
"And we are too!" a group of officers cried. There were a few, however, that remained quiet.
"Troopers!" Anakin called. "Protect this Base! No one gets in or out until I order it otherwise! If anyone returns, they must swear allegiance to me. If not, they are not to interfere. Imprison them, or shoot them, I do not care which." The Jedi Knight paled, but understood in part.
"But Lord DuMont ordered―" a brave, foolish officer stepped up.
"Take him away!" the true Supreme Commander cried, and within seconds, troopers grabbed the other man to do as ordered. "You may all have to fight with your fellow officers, fellow troopers, but it is imperative for the safety and well being of the Empire that no one breeches this Base. Trust no one except if their leader has my mark!" he pointed to the handprint on Obi-Wan's tunic, before placing one on the lieutenant that had come forward. "This is war, internal though it may be. Do you understand?"
A great cry of excitement rang through the hanger, one that completely shocked Obi-Wan. Darth Vader had always had the reputation for instilling fear and terror. It was hard to image people cheering for him like this. It was hard to image that there were some that might actually like him.
But such thoughts were better left for later. At the moment, there was a mission to complete, an emperor to overthrow. So, when Anakin turned sharply, Obi-Wan felt obliged to follow. He noticed that the lieutenant began walking along side his leader as well, somehow able to match his pace.
"Report," Anakin ordered.
"Everything has come together, my lord," the officer repeated. "Lieutenant-Commander Piett and I were able to get the message you requested out to all the senators."
"Good. And the moffs?"
"I let word slip to them as well. They should all be there."
The black helmet nodded. "You have done well, continue to do so." It was interesting how a compliment could be so threatening. "I want you to stay here and protect the Base. No doubt with the explosion on the Jedi Temple, the Emperor and generals will be transporting men here to protect the palace and Base. It is your job to either turn them to fight for me or kill them. They must not enter at this point, Lieutenant. Not until my task is complete. Is that understood?"
"Clearly, my lord…But what of him, my lord," the officer eyed the Jedi with appropriate suspicion.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, at your service," the Knight introduced himself with a tight smile, glad for something to pull him from his brooding.
The green eyes of the lieutenant widened considerably. "Obi-Wan Kenobi? My lord! This man is a Jedi Knight!" Both Anakin and Obi-Wan stopped to stare at the officer, impressed and confused as to how he knew this.
Apparently the young man understood and quickly explained, "I'd seen him once during the Clone Wars. I was just getting into the navy at that point."
"I am well aware of Kenobi's past, Lieutenant," Anakin snapped. "He is with me."
The lieutenant nodded instantly. "Yes, Lord Vader."
"Now do as I've instructed," the former Sith snapped as he stalked off.
Knowing he had to follow, Obi-Wan gave the other man another small smile, dipping his head, before rushing to catch up with his apprentice. There were so many secrets Anakin had kept from both sides with only commanding or asking trust in return. There were so many webs both Vader and Anakin had weaved. The Jedi Knight could only hope that they would not become tangled and he would not be betrayed in this.
oOoOoOo
Riding on the back of a Storm Trooper was not something Yoda had done for at least four years. Not since the beginning of the Clone Wars when he'd believed that the troopers were on his side as he'd fought on Kashyyyk. Now it did not only seem inappropriate that he was in league with one, but the Grand Master felt vulnerable and tense. This man had been ordered to help him, to protect him, yet would he? Were there other ulterior plans that Vader had set up?
While Obi-Wan and Senator Amidala insisted that the young man who had organized this was Anakin, a good man, Yoda wasn't so sure, especially since entering into Coruscant space. The stench of the Dark Side permeated from everywhere. It was stifling, chocking. There was no real escape from it. No matter how hard one tried to find peace and Light, it was not to be found on Coruscant. Not even the purity of the Jedi Temple could be sensed from here, so thickly was it covered in Darkness. This was truly the Sith's layer.
That being said, it would be so easy for the man who had been called Anakin to slip back into Darkness irrevocably. Everything was set, after all. If the Emperor was destroyed, what was to say that the allure of the Dark Side wouldn't seduce the boy again? What was to say that once his master was dead, that young man wouldn't claim the throne? Claim Sidious's title of Master Sith? It would be so easy, all he would have to do was step forward and take it. There would be nothing stopping him.
Of course Yoda knew he couldn't let that happen if Vader was truly to return, and already the boy had shown some unpromising signs. Since adorning the suit, there was a real sense of fear surrounding the boy. That fear had spiked when he'd been arguing with Senator Amidala. In an environment such as this, that fear could only grow, become cultivated. The Emperor would surely use it against the boy, and it would be so much easier for Anakin to fall.
There was also a sense of Darkness around the young man as well. When onboard the Freedom, Yoda had harbored the hope that Anakin was really changing. There were occasional slips into darker thoughts and deeds, but nothing severe. He was still standoffish and rude, but really, it was a trait that had been seeping into the Jedi Order in the last days, the Grand Master had to admit privately. Such arrogance could usually be cleansed from an individual. With enough time and work, it could have been possible to do the same for Anakin.
But now Yoda feared that they would never get the chance to try. Darth Vader was returning, his presence whispering softly to Anakin, slowly winding his way back into the boy's mind. Had there been another way, the old Jedi would have never allowed Anakin to return to Coruscant. At least not until he had proven himself, for concern that the boy would relapse.
Suddenly, agony shot through the small Jedi, causing him to gasp, reaching for his heart. His vision blurred and he lost his grip on the Storm Trooper. He began to fall. The deafening BOOM! in the distance confirmed to the former Grand Master what he already knew.
Surprisingly, yet thankfully, the Storm Trooper turned and caught the Jedi before he hit the ground, even as it trembled under foot. Both turned to gaze out over the horizon. Yoda's heart broke as he watched flames greedily lick at the Jedi Temple, at the place that had been his home for nearly one thousand years. It was gone. The last link to the glorious past. The last link to goodness here. Gone.
Without realizing it, tears were streaming down the Jedi's face. He was crying. For the first time in many, many years, Yoda was crying. He had not allowed himself to do so when the Order had been destroyed, he'd not allowed himself to do so when it appeared all hope was lost because he wanted to believe that there still was a chance. But now, after all that time, after watching the last beacon of true hope crumble in flames, he wept silent, bitter tears. He was now forced to put all of his trust into one man. A man who had not shown any genuine trace of commitment towards their cause of rebuilding a Republic of Light.
"Don't worry 'bout that." Yoda peered up, finding himself surprised that he was hearing words of comfort from a Storm Trooper. "No one was inside there. And the surrounding area's been closed off since the destruction of the Jedi. No one should've gotten hurt."
"How…?" the Jedi Master asked, unable to say more, but not bothering to dry his tears, though his mind was still in shock. How could this have happened?
"Well, probably from the several tons of explosive's I placed around the Temple," the trooper explained in a too cheerful tone, lifting the old Jedi up onto his back once more.
"You?!" Yoda couldn't help but screech. "My home, that was!"
"It was just a building," the clone responded, now sounding confused. "Buildings can be replaced."
"My home, that was," the Grand Master stressed, still feeling woozy and lightheaded. "Sacred, it was. So many memories…Friends long past…"
The trooper began shifting, obviously uncomfortable, but he shrugged. "Buildings can be replaced," he repeated. "Besides, a real home is where your brothers are. You didn't have any of your kind there. At least not anymore."
Yoda frowned thoughtfully, taking the clone's words to heart. There was a simple, brusque wisdom in what the trooper had said. What he had said was true, in essence, the Temple was just a building. There was a certain spiritual connectedness to the Jedi of the past there, to the Force, but they were all covered, smothered by the Darkness now anyway. And there were other places of such connection in the galaxy. One did not specifically have to come to Coruscant to feel the presence of the Light…
"It's time to move on."
The Jedi blinked, feeling strangely awed by the continued astuteness he was receiving from his companion. It was time to move on, to leave the past behind. Was that not one of the many lessons he'd taught others for so many years? To stay living in the past was just as dangerous as looking too far into the future. His friends, his students had gone, that was true, but their spirits lived on. They were part of the Living Force now. He should rejoice that they had moved on in their journey in the Force and found rest. They would not want him to wallow in grief at their passing and destroy himself as he had been for the past four years.
Yes. Yes, Yoda would move on. He would move on, because that's what he should have done a long, long time ago.
"We've got work to do," the trooper said rather awkwardly, unaware of the true wisdom he'd imparted or the Jedi's own spiritual growth. Instead, he stood awkwardly, waiting for acknowledgement as he began his continuation towards the palace.
Silently hanging on, Yoda allowed his mind to marvel at the trooper that bore him. Clones had always seemed so…artificial to him. Obi-Wan and a few other Knights had had better relations with them, claiming that they had personality, but the Grand Master had never seen it. Since the betrayal of the Order, he'd believed them incapable of anything other than carrying out their orders. They were little better than computers to him. They weren't real. Now…
Now he had to reevaluate his preconceived assumption. This trooper, CT-585 as he's learned from his companion earlier, had shown in their short acquaintance that he had independent thought and personality. There was a sense of humor about him when he'd been first explaining the Temple's destruction. He'd shown genuine concern when he'd realized Yoda was distressed. He'd comforted the old Jedi as best as he could. True, it had been a little stiff, but it had been sincere. There was a certain amount he was able to show because of his programming, but it proved that he was going learning to go beyond what he'd been designed to feel.
And Vader had known this. Somehow, someway, Darth Vader had discerned that Storm Troopers were capable of much more than just what they had been bred to do. He somehow had gotten to know that they could form attachments, personal loyalties. Loyalties that could override certain orders. That's how he had gotten the clones on his side. They were all loyal to him.
Things were changing, changing rapidly before Yoda's eyes. He was beginning to understand, beginning to see the unfailing confidence of Vader was not misplaced. The Sith had been arrogant, Anakin as well, because he could be. He knew everything that was happening, had set up plans so complex, yet so flexible, that everything he could do just had to work. While Sidious's talents had been foresight and cunning, Vader's was not just brute strength and power. The younger Sith had obviously been watching his master at work, perhaps without Sidious realizing to what extent.
This was all the more reason to watch the boy now. Everything was set up for not only his victory against his master, but for him to succeed him. Had Senator Amidala and Obi-Wan's influence really ever had any control on the boy?
At last, the pair came to the palace grounds. As predicted, it was under heavy guard since the rebel attack. Thankfully, most of the guards outside were Storm Troopers. "Halt!" one cried. "Identify yourself?"
The trooper Yoda was piggybacking came to a stop and answered simply, "CT-585."
"Orders?"
"I have orders to take control of the security around the palace. No one gets in or out."
"By whose authority?" an indignant officer came storming forward towards the new arrivals. "Who ordered this? And what the hell is that thing on your back?"
"This is Master Yoda," the clone introduced simply. "And my orders came directly from Lord Vader himself."
The confused night seemed to quiet around them. "That's preposterous!" the man cried, laughing. "Lord Vader is dead, Trooper!"
"I have orders to take command from Lord Vader," CT-585 repeated. "There is a conspiracy within the palace. There is to be no unauthorized comings or goings from within. Only those who bare Lord Vader's mark are allowed to give orders unless expressed otherwise."
Troopers' heads collectively swiveled to stare at the large black hand print on the white armor of their brother.
"This is preposterous!" the officer snorted, becoming angry. "Troopers, take this lunatic away!"
"I'm not lying. Lord Vader is here, on Coruscant, in the Imperial Military Base. And he's not happy," CT-585 added for good measure.
"Troopers!" the officer yelled, scowling fiercely as he turned to glare at his men.
The other Storm Troopers did not move.
"I gave you a direct order!" the man cried, sputtering in fury. "Take this broken piece of poodoo away!"
Still, the Storm Troopers did not move.
"By order of Supreme Commander DuMont, you are to do as I say! Take these things away!"
The other clones turned and looked over at each other, before two finally stepped forward. Yoda tensed, waiting to draw his lightsaber to defend himself and the clone. But instead of coming towards the new comers, the two clones grabbed their commanding officer and cuffed him. Yoda couldn't quite believe it.
"What are you doing?!" the man exclaimed in rage. "You're Storm Troopers! You have to do as I say! I order you to―"
Another trooper came forward and shoved something in the officer's mouth before tying a gag around, effectively silencing him. "Lock him in the office," the clone ordered. "The other officers too." It was done without hesitation.
"We need to spread everyone around the palace," CT-585 said once the officers were arrested and taken away. "Our orders are to keep everyone in and keep everyone else out. Reinforcements might be coming, so we must stop them from entering."
"How do we know what you're saying is true?" the trooper that had gagged the officer asked skeptically. "I see the mark," he nodded towards the handprint. "But that could be anyone's. And you're harboring a known Jedi fugitive."
"I have my orders," CT-585 argued. "I've seen Lord Vader myself. He's the one that sniffed out this conspiracy."
"There's no conspiracy."
"It's true."
Everyone snapped their heads to the side, watching as two elite troopers walked over to Yoda and his clone.
"What do you mean?" the spokesman for the undecided troopers asked sharply.
The two elites looked at one another before nodding. "The Emperor is harboring General Grievous."
A definite murmur ran through the Storm Troopers. Yoda could sense their angry confusion. This was not only a shock to everyone, the Jedi included, but it was exactly what was needed to spur the clones into action. Had Vader known about the cyborg, or was this happy coincidence?
"It's true," the other elite trooper called over his brothers grimly. "We've seen him ourselves. We were…ordered to assist him."
"Why?" CT-585 snapped.
"To cause disruption in the galaxy. It was Grievous who attacked the Royal House of Alderaan. It was Grievous who began attacking other settlements in the Empire."
"And we were forced to help on occasion," the other admitted with disgust in his voice.
The angry murmurs became growls and shouts of fury. These men had fought a war to be rid of the Separatists. These men had died to rid the galaxy of its supposed enemies. To find out that your leader was somehow involved and cooperating with a traitor…that was a hard blow. The Jedi were enemies of the Empire, true, but the clones had not directly fought and died against them the way they had with the Separatists. To hear news of Grievous's not only survival, but that he apparently had favor with the Emperor was not only devastating, but unacceptable.
"This is what Lord Vader must have seen!" CT-585 cried over the roars of rage. "He knew there was corruption within the palace! It was probably this same corruption that led to his attempted assassination!"
"That was the rebels!" one trooper called out.
"Are you sure?" CT-585 asked. Everyone went still. "If Seperatists are involved, what's to say they weren't manipulating the rebels too? What's to say that this is not all connected? Lord Vader is here, now, and he is going to solve this mess. He's going to right the galaxy as it needs to be righted. He has found the root of all of this, and he's going to destroy it. But he needs our help!
"Join us, brothers! Join us in fighting alongside a true man. A true leader! A man that does not plot with traitors and murders! Help us protect the Empire and as let me be witness to you all, you will be rewarded with full life, the life that the Emperor has forbidden for us!"
Yoda's eyes widened in astonishment for what felt like the millionth time. Was this true? Had this really been accomplished? Had Vader really found a way to extend the lives of clones?
"Join us, brothers, in serving a man who has only ever had our best interests at heart! Join us in the protection of the Empire!"
A deafening cheer went up from the troopers, the name, "Vader!" their war cry. And without further delay, they all scrambled to set up defense around the palace. They worked quickly and efficiency, almost without need of direction. It was almost as though all of this had been planned out for them before. Perhaps it had, but for different circumstances. There was no clear way of ever knowing.
As the old Jedi watched the troopers work, he couldn't help the sinking feeling he felt as he watched them prepare for battle with such fervent joy. He had hoped that few lives would be taken, but that was looking less and less likely all the time. These men were out for blood.
Turning around, eyes on the flames that consumed what had once been his home, straining to hear the sirens and cries from out around the city over the trooper's, Yoda knew that tonight would be the final battle. Tonight he would either see the beginning of restoration, or the seal of darkness.
Author's Note: …I keep lying to you. Actual real fighting begins next time…I hope. Sorry!
Reviews please?
