A little girl was kept captive, though she did not know that. She was confused by all that was happening. A City Watch guard, whom she trusted – they were all friends of her father had taken her to this large, fortress like building on the outskirts of Phellar. Councilor Maxer was there – he too would always talk kindly with her – another of her father's friends. Right now, she was sitting at a chair on table in a large, largely empty room. Only two people stood and walked around there.
"Maxer, you have always been sympathetic to our cause."
"Well it's more than that! We have taken a big risk."
"Phew, what risk? The Empire has supported us, and will reward us. It is necessary to pressure Voax, that traitor. Who knows what problems he can connive? The Sons of the Chancellor stand by what makes the galaxy function."
"I need a reward for this."
"Wait, Maxer. Let them come to us.
"The Imperial officer who has contracted us for this task will give you whatever you want.
"Right now, Phellar is being raided by the Empire. Frankly, there is nothing to fear. Voax has been sent a letter. He will do anything for his daughter."
"You won't hurt her, will you?" Maxer felt some humanity in him – he was always caught in the middle. He was affrighted with what the Empire could do know… his dealings, his activities with… smugglers and… corporations… would soon be found out. He needed the protection, and he suavely seized this chance. The Empire may know, of a few quid pro quos he had with separatist elements.
"We just want Voax to come here, and give us his guarantee he'll be loyal to the Empire. We know of these politicians… Ah, not you, Councillor," the cult leader smiled in mock deference, "but men like Voax…
"I know of these Senators… The Delegation of 2000. I'm well informed of politics. I have a wide network. Organa… Amidala, " though he had a slight infatuation with former queen, "they will fervent a new threat to the Empire.
"They will show outward fealty to the Emperor. But inside themselves they'll work to bring terror. Voax is just like them. We just need him… supervised under certain conditions."
"And you've given me your word you will not kill him." Maxer couldn't have his colleague dead. Irritating, as that idealist was, he was always kind and helpful to his fellow councilors.
"Of course, not. This new Empire, contrary to what some delusionals believe is not a tyranny. It doesn't just go around murdering people. It's just a strong hand to bring further order on the galaxy."
"What about these Rebels. They've blown up a building, and they're putting up quite a fight out there."
"Oh, firstly, Councilor, terrorists. And they're no threat. They are barely armed. Soon enough, we will re-educate them on the glorious dealings Chancellor Palpatine has done for us all, and what further good, Emperor Palpatine will do."
Maxer was still agitated. I just want this all to be over. There can't be any bloodshed… I don't want anything to do with that. I just need my protection.
He caught a glace at the girl sitting at the table. She was playing with her doll.
"Uncle Maxer, when will my daddy be here?"
"Don't worry, sweetheart, he will be here soon." And he would be, of that he had no doubt. In what condition he would be arriving and contained, of that he had great doubt.
Well, I can't escape from this now, he thought. I just want to get the best deal. This girl will soon be safe with her father.
He did not know, however, that there was a tactic plan being formed to free the girl, not too far away, involving the most high profile personalities of the galaxy… personas that should have been eliminated by now, or in the case of Anakin Skywalker, be someone completely different… Now they were here, whatever brought them, and they would soon seize and enter the stronghold of the cult. How Maxer could escape from this, he truly would not know.
"So what's the plan?"
Anakin asked, as he stood with Ahsoka, Jor and the new man they met.
"You don't have any, do you?" He said sardonically.
"Well that's why we have you brave men! Help us here." Jor exclaimed.
Suddenly the new man asked, "You are Jedi, aren't you?"
Ahsoka Tano did not know how to respond to this. This had caught her off guard. Anakin for his part, found himself caring less and less. I just want to finish this task, he thought. I've made my own plan.
I am going back to the Emperor. After this. The Dark Side was kept at bay from Anakin… He could only think he was in the presence of Ahsoka and Padme… They still kept by him, he wondered….
When will Padme deliver? She was not able to fight. I should stay by her… before that. But I cannot underestimate Sidious. Did he fear Sidious though, Anakin thought? Anakin could not think so. Yet.. Palpatine may have lied to me… Ahsoka… said this…
He kept himself firm now. Anakin was never afraid of anything, that he was not. Especially of any fight. He had to help these people; he would live up to the word he had promised.
The man felt he knew the answer to the question. But he did not press on.
Ahsoka was grateful to him for this. But he could hardly be against the Jedi, when he too, understood what the Empire was… What the Empire was capable of doing.
Of kidnapping young children and holding them hostage.
"All Right. We have to surround the main entrance to this… Whatever fortress you say this is," Anakin said. "Then I and Ahsoka will infiltrate inside… as we have done in the past.
"We'll rescue the girl, before anything can happen. And then you maintain contact with this Councilor Voax."
"We have no other alternative," said Jor. "But I ask you not to engage in any violence. Whoever these men may be, they are still of this city and planet. We do not want them dead."
On this, Ahsoka agreed. "We should leave soon Anakin," she said.
"All Right, let's get down to action. Let us move forward." He said.