Disclaimer – all original Star Wars characters in this fanfic (excluding my OC's) are the property of Lucasfilm and Disney.
Chapter 29 "The Taste of Failure."
Planet Alderaan, Aldera - Capital of Alderaan, Aldera Universal Medcenter.
The whole ground floor looked like a war zone. Molten lightsaber marks covered the walls, the furniture were in pieces, and shards of broken glass lay on the floor. Any person who entered the Medcenter would assume that two armies fought a vicious battle here.
Jedi Master Eeth Koth didn't expect the Sith Lord to be so strong in the Force. Even though the Jedi Master noticed that the Sith didn't feel very good at lightsaber combat, his Force skills negated any advantages he and Obi-Wan could muster up. The Muun enhanced his physical attributes with the Force, so every lightsaber strike was both fast and powerful. Not to mention, the range of his attacks was also tricky to handle.
The Zabrak's whole body was covered in sweat, just like Obi-Wan's, who could barely keep up thanks to his solid Soresu form. If it weren't for his defensive proficiency and the Zabrak Jedi Master's help, Obi-Wan would be dead in a very short amount of time.
The strength of Master Koth lay in very polished basic Force attacks and the perfect Shii-Cho form, but basic attacks could only get you so far. Darth Plagueis had an answer for every attack, and all of his counters were deadly.
"I have played with you long enough, Jedi," said Darth Plagueis. He created some distance between himself and the Jedi, deactivated his lightsaber and attached it to his belt. Extending his hands, he discharged two powerful bolts of lightning at the Jedi. The discharges branched out into dozens of smaller forks. Master Koth and Obi-Wan managed to catch them with their blades, and they were immediately pushed back by its sheer power.
Master Koth was able to hold his ground, but Obi-Wan couldn't handle the intensity of the Force lightning. The attack started to quickly push his own blue blade towards his face. In order not to get cut by his own blade, the human tried to redirect the Force lightning, but his ignited lightsaber was torn from his grasp and hurled at the other end of the reception area. Obi-Wan closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, awaiting the electrocution, but instead, he felt a strong invisible grip on his throat that lifted him from the ground.
Darth Plagueis was able to pierce Obi-Wan's defenses and hold him in a strong Force choke with his left hand, while maintaining the Force lightning, with his right hand, which kept Master Koth at bay. Swinging his left arm, he threw Obi-Wan at Master Koth, who couldn't dodge him since he was guarding himself against Darth Plagueis's Force lightning. Ceasing the technique, the Sith chuckled as the human hit the Zabrak, causing them both to fall to the ground.
With a loud scream, Darth Plagueis once again unleashed the Force lightning, this time with full force towards the human Jedi Knight. Obi-Wan, who coughed and held his throat, could not dodge or guard against it, but Master Koth pushed him aside. Taking the attack's full impact, the Zabrak gritted his teeth as agonizing pain engulfed his whole body. Even his natural Zabrak resistance to pain didn't help him much. The electrocution lasted only a few seconds, but for him, it seemed to last forever. When the pain stopped, the Jedi Master noticed a red flash and felt a sudden pain in the chest, and shortly after, the darkness overtook him.
On the third floor, Anakin Skywalker had an equally bad situation as the two Jedi below. He cursed at himself in his mind, for his lack of equally strong Padawans in the Jedi Temple so that he could properly train. The young Padawan realized that he couldn't beat the Sith with lightsaber combat alone. His left shoulder was injured, and the Sith constantly used the lightsaber's ability to be turned off and on. Anakin had no idea how to deal with it. The Force techniques were his only option.
But the Force push from earlier was the only attack that hit its mark. Anakin didn't expect the Sith to be this skilled. The earlier Force push, he concentrated on the defensive even more. Every lightsaber strike was redirected or dodged, every Force attack was evaded. The Sith toyed with him, and Anakin knew that. It made the young Padawan even angrier. Despite being tired due to the Sith's Force drain, Anakin pushed himself further. It was his first fight against a Sith, and he refused to be defeated.
"You got stamina and power, I'll give you that," admitted Darth Enigma. "But raw power alone is not enough to beat someone, especially me. I assume you didn't have good sparring partners at the Temple. You were much stronger than them from day one, and you didn't hone your skills. You're arrogant and overconfident."
"And you're annoying as hell," Anakin retorted, making the Sith chuckle underneath his nose.
"You know, the problem is that..." Darth Enigma suddenly stopped in mid-sentence. He and Anakin felt something. They both felt the death of Master Koth, but their reactions were totally different.
"No... that's impossible," Anakin muttered, looking at the floor and shaking his head in disbelief. The Padawan didn't want to acknowledge the defeat of a Jedi Council member. At the same time, he feared for Obi-Wan's safety.
"One down, two to go," Darth Enigma said simply. "Don't worry, I'll kill you before my Master kills yours, and his death will drown you in sorrow and grief. Hmmm, I just wonder what will happen to that pretty, young Senator."
Anakin glared daggers at Darth Enigma, clutching his hands. The Sith stroked his chin and contemplated. He looked at Anakin. "I've never 'drank' any soup from the Senator before," he stated with an evil grin as his proboscises sprouted from his cheeks pockets, only to quickly retract back. Anakin was too angry to realize that they were too short to reach the brain and do any real harm.
"You won't touch her!" the young Skywalker yelled and charged at him without thinking. It was exactly what Darth Enigma wanted. Extending his arm, he discharged a Force lightning at Anakin, sending him flying with a scream at the corridor's end. The human hit the wall near the window and slumped down.
The Anzat approached Anakin calmly, but carefully. "I'm really disappointed," he stated, looking almost sad. "The great Chosen One is just... well, nothing."
Anakin's whole body fumed and stung with pain. Never before he was so helpless, he couldn't help others, hell... he could even help himself. He stood upright and swung his blade with his right arm, but the Sith casually grabbed his wrist with his left hand. The Anzat placed his right hand on Anakin's left shoulder. Anakin suddenly felt pain as his lightsaber wound from earlier was tore apart by the Force.
The young Padawan could only scream at the top of his lungs from the crippling pain. His wound was even bigger now, and it bled profusely. "Just end it already!" Anakin screamed as tears poured down his cheeks from the pain.
"Shut up already, I'm tired of hearing your voice," Darth Enigma said with a grave expression. He grabbed Anakin with a Force choke and lifted him up.
With a strong Force push, he threw Anakin through the third-floor window. The Padawan broke the glass and hit the large heap of snow in front of the Medcenter's entrance. He didn't even felt the pain and immediately sunk into unconsciousness.
Darth Enigma wanted to lean out of the window in order to see his work, but he heard a scream behind him. "Anakin!" He turned around and saw the young Senator with a horrified expression on her face. Before she could react, the Sith was already inches in front of her, staring right into her brown-colored eyes.
The only thing that Obi-Wan heard was a scream of Master Koth, and when he noticed what happened, it was already too late to help him. Darth Plagueis lunged at the Zabrak with a powerful swing and cut him crosswise through the chest. Despite his Zabrak toughness, Mater Koth couldn't survive being cut that way. Obi-Wan couldn't believe what happened. He killed one Sith Lord, but the red-skinned Zabrak on Naboo was nothing compared to this Muun.
"Are you beginning the regret your decision to come here, Jedi?" Darth Plagueis asked, his gaze fixed on the human. "You could leave us in peace, but no, you always have to stick your nose into everything. Even when someone doesn't want your help."
"You manipulated those people," said Obi-Wan with accusing tone, slowly getting up to his feet. "What are you trying to accomplish here?"
Darth Plagueis snorted and began to walk casually towards Obi-Wan. "We'll show the galaxy your true face and your obsessive doctrine. All living things will understand that to much light will eventually blind someone, even the Jedi Order."
Obi-Wan didn't understand the Sith's words, but he did not have enough time to reflect. The Muun threw the human through the entrance glass door using a massive Force wave. Obi-Wan flew out of the Medcenter with such speed that he bounced a few times of the snow-covered ground until he finally stopped. As he lay motionlessly on his back, he felt several pieces of glass piercing his skin.
Full of pain, he wasn't able to stand up and could barely move. Looking at the building's top floors, he saw patients and medical staff members who observed him from the windows. To his surprise, they weren't sad or afraid, more like relieved, that everything was finally over. For him, this was more painful than the pieces of glass in his back.
He also noticed that one of the windows on the third floor was shattered. When he slightly turned his head, he noticed a person who lay on a heap of blood-soaked snow in the corner of his eye. The Jedi Knight hoped that it was the Sith apprentice, but his last crumb of hope vanished when he noticed the robes. It was his Padawan, unconscious, and badly wounded.
Hearing a scream, he looked up towards the shattered window, and he spotted Senator Amidala, who wriggled and cursed on the Sith's shoulder.
The apprentice jumped down, he landed safely on the ground, letting the Senator go. Padmé immediately ran up to Anakin. Full of concern, she knelt down, gently placing his head on her thighs. "Anakin?! Anakin!" she cried out, not even noticing Obi-Wan, who gritted his teeth and turned on his stomach. Slowly, he began to crawl towards them.
Darth Plagueis and Darth Enigma approached them slowly, casting a large shadow over the defeated Jedi and the young Senator. "Leave him alone, please!" Padmé pleased, looking at Darth Enigma. "You proved that you're stronger, now leave him be!"
"I knew that from the beginning," the Anzat replied and crossed his arms over his chest. "Your friend here thought he was the best of the best, but I think this will wake him up if you know what I mean."
The Muun noticed that Bail Organa watched everything from the window, so he decided to continue with their plan. "Get them to your ship and get out of this planet!" Darth Plagueis ordered and fixated his eyes on the Senator. "Do it quickly before I change my mind. Bail Organa will send the corpse of the Jedi Master and their weapons back to the Temple on Coruscant."
He didn't have to say it twice. Obi-Wan knew there was no chance for them to win in this situation. The Sith's act of mercy, no matter if genuine or not, was the only way for them to survive in order to fight another day. Obi-Wan slowly and shakily tried to get back to his feet while people around observed them in silence.
Both Sith Lords turned around and began to walk towards the Medcenter, leaving the Senator and the two Jedi alone. "It all went according to our plan, Master," stated the Anzat.
"Indeed, Lord Enigma," replied the Muun. "The Jedi are broken, both psychically and mentally. And of course, they will send a message to the Jedi Order, creating chaos, discord, and a lot of questions. Instead of killing two more Jedi, we are going to have hundreds of them confused, not to mention the Galactic Senate will buzz from rumors about how they started a fight that led to their defeat and the death of a Jedi Master. Now come, my apprentice, we need to talk with Organa about our arrangement."
Darth Enigma nodded and followed his Master. Later, he would inform the Kingdom of the Force about what transpired here. He was sure that Deiven would like to know about a girl, who was created thanks to the midi-chlorians. Maybe even they could convince the Organas so that they would let the young girl be taught of the Temple of Balance.
A few hours later – Coruscant, Republic Executive Building, Supreme Chancellor's Office.
Bail Organa called the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic via holo right after he and his wife calmed down. In detail, he told Palpatine about the Sith helping them with their child, the Jedi's arrival, and the fight that took place inside the Medcenter. Grand Master Yoda, who was also present in the office, paid close attention to the King's words. He old Jedi tried to detect lies or possible dark side manipulations, but without success. The human told them the same story as Senator Amidala, although she believed they were deceived by the Sith.
"This is..." Chancellor Palpatine was lost for words.
"So what's is your decision Chancellor Palpatine?" asked the holographic image of Bail Organa. "Is the Alderaan banished from the Republic?"
"I... ehhh, I cannot make this decision by myself, the Senate will decide this, but I'll admit the whole situation looks grim," Palpatine said honestly.
"Very well, but regardless of the decision, I'm retiring as a Senator and reclaiming my title as Viceroy of House Organa," Bail informed. "With that in mind, I'm making one ground rule. The Jedi are no longer welcome on Alderaan until further notice. My wife feels no longer safe with them around."
Palpatine looked at Master Yoda, who nodded, agreeing with that decision. The Jedi didn't want to increase unnecessary tension between the Republic and Alderaan. "Of course, Viceroy Organa," responded the small alien. "Bother you no more, the Jedi will. But if any help you need, call us you can."
"I will remember that, Master Yoda," said Bail. "The body of Master Eeth Koth and all the lightsabers are on the way to Coruscant. Just for the record, I didn't want it to end like this. The death of Master Koth was unnecessary."
"Believe you, I do," reassured the Grand Master.
The Viceroy looked at the Chancellor. "I'll await the decision of the Senate," he said and ended the call.
The Chancellor sat down on his chair with a sigh. "I need to call an emergency session and deal with this quickly. What's your opinion on this matter, Master Yoda?" he asked.
"Hmmm... very cunning, the Sith have become. The Organa family's fault, it is not," Master Yoda responded, stroking his chin. "Desire to have a child, used against them was."
"I understand, thank you," said Palpatine. "Now, if you excuse, Master Yoda, I have much work to do."
"Certainly, Chancellor," said the Grand Master, turning on his heel and heading towards the door.
When the green alien left the Chancellor's office, Palpatine immediately stood up and headed towards the anteroom and his private office. Even when he heard the name Darth Plagueis from Master Yoda, Palpatine refused to believe that his former Master was alive. He had his ashes in his office. It was proof that he killed him. The Muun on Alderaan had to be a usurper.
Immediately after he entered the private office, Palpatine grabbed the black spirit urn and turned it upside down, expecting the ashes to pour out. However, the urn was empty. Palpatine thought he took the wrong one and did the same with the other one. Unfortunately for him, with the same result. The human's eyes widened, and he backed away from urns in horror. His face became pale, and fear filled his eyes.
"That's impossible," he whispered and reached a terrifying conclusion. His Master found a way to cheat death, and he became immortal like he always wanted. Darth Plagueis became stronger and had a new apprentice who was skilled enough to beat the young Anakin Skywalker. The death of the one Jedi Master was good news, but the whole situation for more than bad for him.
Palpatine closed his hands and formed fists as the fear began to mix with anger. "After the session, I need to think about my next move. I won't allow Plagueis to destroy all my plans," Palpatine muttered to himself through his teeth.
Coruscant, Jedi Temple, Halls of Healing.
Obi-Wan lay on the medical bed, thinking deeply about Darth Plagueis's words. At first, he thought that the Sith was only tried to confuse him, but something was odd. He and Darth Enigma tried to achieve something more than just defeat them. "How you are holding Obi-Wan?" asked Master Dooku, who entered the room and pulled the Jedi Knight out of his thoughts.
"I went through worse," Obi-Wan assured with a soft smile. "How's Anakin? He was in much more critical condition than I was."
"He's stable, but his wounds are nasty," Dooku responded. "Not counting many cuts and bruises, his skull is fractured, and his left shoulder is completely torn apart. That Sith, Darth Enigma, really did a number on him."
"We did not expect them to be so skilled and strong with the dark side," Obi-Wan admitted, downcasting. "Even with Master Eeth Koth, we did not stand a chance. He died, and I couldn't help him."
"Don't blame yourself, Obi-Wan, there is nothing you could have done," Dooku comforted him. "Now concentrate on getting back to full health. The Jedi High Council has your report, and they will take proper steps in order to handle this situation."
"Alright," Obi-Wan agreed with the Jedi Master and once more returned to his thoughts.
Sometime later - Jedi Temple, High Council Tower, Council Chamber.
"We can't just sit here and do nothing!" said Master Depa Billaba. "We need to act."
"Revenge is not the Jedi way," reminded Plo Koon.
"And what about justice?" retorted the female. "The Sith have killed Master Koth, and they have the nerve to claim that they were 'protecting' an innocent family."
"We did send the Jedi to take the newborn girl and bring her here," admitted Ki-Adi-Mundi.
"In order to help her," argued Adi Gallia. "Who knows what the Sith are planning to do with the girl in the future?"
"Let's calm down for a minute," suggested Mace Windu. "We cannot let the Sith's actions and manipulations cloud our judgment."
All Jedi heard the door to the chamber open and a voice. "Different tactics the Sith, started to use," Master Yoda said, entering the chamber along with Master Dooku, who was summoned by the High Council. "Our rules against us, they have used."
"Do we know where they are now, Master Yoda?" asked Depa Billaba.
"Their destination, Viceroy Organa, does not know. Lies in his words, I have not sensed," replied the small alien, taking a seat in his chair while Dooku stooped in the middle of the chamber.
"So let's sum up," said Mace Windu. "The Sith have managed to gain the trust of the Organa family. They were able to create a Force-sensitive child thanks to midi-chlorian manipulation."
"To whom come near, we cannot. On Alderaan unwanted, the Jedi are," Master Yoda pointed out.
"As if that was not enough," Mace Windu continued. "They sowed fear and distrust in the Organa family. In that, they were able to turn them against us. They killed Master Eeth Koth, who had Kenobi's aid, and severely injured Padawan Skywalker."
"And they managed that without any troubles, this shows that there are more powerful than we anticipated," stated Plo Koon.
"In other words, we have failed," said Ki-Adi-Mundi.
"Clouded by darkness, the future is," stated Master Yoda. "But strong together, we are. Believe in the Force, we must."
"Recently, I started to feel that the Force becomes more and more distant," said Adi Gallia. "Like it's defying the Jedi."
The council members looked at the female, but no one objected to that statement. "Yes... felted too, I have," said Master Yoda after a long silence. "A test for us, this could be. To judge our resolve, the Force wants."
"I agree with Master Yoda," said Mace Windu. "We just need to focus and remember the Jedi Code. The Force was, is, and always be our ally."
Master Windu looked at Master Dooku. "Years ago, we proposed you a seat on the Jedi High Council, but you refused. Now, we offer you that privilege once again. I think I speak for all the Council members, including Master Koth, that you're more than suited to fit this role."
The Jedi Masters nodded and awaited Dooku's response. The older human thought for a long moment about it and answered. "I accept your offer. I'll replace Master Koth worthily, and I'll do anything I can to bring peace to the galaxy."
Master Windu gestured towards the seat that belonged formerly to Master Eeth Koth. "Have a seat, Master Dooku," he said with a nod.
Dooku approached the seat and sat down. Often, the High Council members talked about things not suited for Jedi Knights and even other Jedi Masters. As a member of the High Council, Dooku would give the Kingdom of the Force much more viable information.
The Senate reached his decision after a long debate. Alderaan remained in the Republic, but Bail Organa was no longer the Senator. He promised to appoint a representative as quickly as possible. Despite the lessen tension, some people at the Senate started to look at the Jedi in a more grimmer light.
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