Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars. It belongs to Disney. I make no money from this story.


Chapter 8: The brightest light...

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Part 3

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Republic FOB Chimera

Bestine spaceport

Bestine Township

Tatooine

Vader and Ahsoka found themselves heading back into the control tower, now manned by Clone troopers. The spaceport was secure and guarded by two companies of soldiers. The AA towers were online, with their software updated to recognize Republic IFFs as friendly. A quick inventory revealed the presence of multiple small freighters, which would allow the evacuation of all liberated slaves without burdening military shipping with them.

More importantly, the first reinforcements finally arrived in the system. They were a battered task force fleeing a concerted Separatist's attack on Arkanis, the capital of the neighboring sector, and the seat of the Arkanis Regency. That polity was technically in control of the region over there.

"General Skywalker, I'm Captain Quinn." An old human man introduced himself, speaking in a soft upper crust Alsakan accent. "I'm afraid to report that Arkanis fell six hours ago. We managed to fend off two probing assaults before the Separatist's main force arrived and kicked us out of the system. The local SDF fell in combat before we had to leave. Further, the enemy did not pursue, though they kept a screening force in place to keep us honest. From their disposition, I believe the Seppies intent to leave a holding force in place and move on Christophsis ASAP."

Vader grimaced at the news. Even if he expected a similar turn of events, that didn't make it any easier to swallow. Just like that, the enemy made his victory at Christophsis moot. Hopefully, the GAR units there would be able to retreat in good order along with Kenobi, instead of making a pointless last stand.

"That's unfortunate. What assets do you have, Captain Quin?"

"My flagship, a Venator cruiser. She could use some dock time. However, she's a tough girl and can still fight. I've also got two Acclamators, and five-light escorts, all damaged fending off Droid swarms. Our small craft contingents were severely depleted dealing with those damn droids. On the bright side, I've got two intact Clone Legions. One was supposed to provide cadre and training for raising local troops throughout the Arkanis Regency territory, and the other to reinforce loyalists fighting Seppie sympathizers on Gorno."

The lack of small craft was going to hurt if they faced a concerted Separatist attack anytime soon. On the other hand…

"I can use your ground forces, Captain. We're yet to secure the other major settlements on Tatooine. My orders are to complete a punitive expedition against Hutt's interests planetside. As a bonus, we're liberating and bringing back all slaves we can."

"I see. It's about time we did something about that disgrace. I'll get you in contact with the ground troops commanders. Tell me where you need them, and I'll make sure we provide them with all available support."

"The primary targets are going to be Mos Eisley and Anchorhead. The former is the largest settlement after the capital, and the latter represents a hub between multiple small townships. Controlling it, means we control communications and travel routes in that whole region, allowing us to secure the surrounding settlements at our leisure." Vader explained. Knowledge from his time as a slave, and more recently, when he researched Luke's past, turned out to be of use after all.

"Rules of engagement?" The Captain inquired.

"If they resist, shoot them. Orbital strikes are restricted, airstrikes are allowed if needed." Vader answered. He was glad to see that Ahsoka kept her composure and listened intently, learning and trying to figure out why he did what he did.

The reinforcements, especially the manpower they brought, now meant that Vader could release more Clones to ransack Jabba's palace. Actionable military intelligence would go to GAR High Command, while seized assets and blackmail material would come in useful for his plans.


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medical bay Besh

Republic Cruiser Rising Light

high orbit above Christophsis

Christoph system

Obi-Wan came awake with a hiss of pain, still feeling hot metal digging into his side. His lungs burned and felt like tearing up as he gasped for air. A loud mechanical hiss came with every breath. Cool, soothing air entered his lungs, dousing the agony, and it was quickly gone, replaced by dull pain.

"General, you're finally awake." A vaguely familiar voice came from the right.

Obi-Wan recognized Cody's signature, even if it felt somewhat diminished. He cracked his eyes open and looked around, quickly recognizing a darkened med bay.

There was something cool and uncomfortable stuck to his face. It took the confused Jedi a few moments to recognize the dark form of a respirator. Huh. He was alive. Obi-Wan honestly didn't expect to awake again, and if he did, the odds were he would be one with the Force.

"Cody, what happened?"

"We got hammered, General." Grudging respect and resentment flared from the Clone's position. "The 212th is practically gone. If it wasn't for your crazy charge at the end, I doubt any of us would have made it for General Skywalker to rescue us."

You did this to us, which was left unsaid, but the implication and unstated accusations were there.

Obi-Wan's eyes finally focused on Cody's form, and he immediately felt a pang of regret. The left side of the Clone's face looked red and raw, a tell-tale sign of still healing burn. Despite wearing a long-sleeved hospital gown, it was clear that most of the left arm was a rough and functional battlefield prosthetic.

"For what's worth it, I'm sorry, Cody." Kenobi rasped.

"Tell that to our dead, sir."

A few tense moments of uneasy silence followed, only for the blare of combat alert to shatter it. It snapped Obi-Wan of his daze, and he tried to get up.

"Don't bother, General. There won't be a battle. We're in no shape to fight the Separatists now. As soon as evacuations are complete, the fleet will be leaving Christophsis behind."

"Attention, all hands. Heavy enemy fleet elements entered Savareen half an hour ago. Orbital evacuation lanes will be open for the next forty-five minutes, then we leave. All essential personnel to combat stations. We'll be leaving the system within the hour…" An unfamiliar voice announced, proving Cody right.

"What did I miss?" Obi-Wan wondered aloud.

A harried medic entered the med bay, followed by a spider-like medical droid. Only now it struck Obi-Wan how empty the place was.

"General, you're back with us, good. I need to give you a quick check-up, then there are some messages you have to attend to. Over my explicit protests, I must add!" The Clone medic grumbled. "You still need at least a few more days of rest, however, the war waits for no one..."


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Part 4

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Flag Bridge, Victory

CIS Providence Dreadnought

en route to Bakura

This final betrayal was a simple thing. It was so easy, that if Dooku was still a Jedi, he would have found himself struck speechless for a moment at the very idea. His treason didn't begin with a grand proclamation, or epic confrontation, like the Jedi, might have expected from a Sith. Instead, it was a quiet thing, just the orders he would speak in the twilight of an empty bridge.

A state-of-the-art communication suite, protected by the best encryption money could buy. Comfortable seats fit for a Fleet Admiral and their staff. Suitably ominous twilight. That was the stage for Darth Tyranus betraying Darth Sidious.

The communications suite came online, encryption protocols shook hands, and the blurry image of faithful Sev'rance Tann appeared over the main holo tank.

"What is thy bidding, my Master?" The Chiss Acolyte and future Apprentice asked formally. Her red eyes burned with anticipation.

"Eliminate the primary targets as soon as practical, then ensure our friend makes it to the emergency council meeting."

"They're as good as dead." Sev'rance bowed her head and cut off the transmission.

Nute Gunray was in the vicinity of Rodia, where Confederacy-sponsored pirates were about to attack and cause a famine. It was all but certain that in these troubled times, the Senate wouldn't send relief to a world that would soon be cut off behind enemy lines. The Trade Federation's Viceroy would be in place to ride to the rescue with more than enough supplies to avoid hunger. He would also negotiate both Rodia's entry into the Confederacy and trade deals ensuring a steady food supply by the Trade Federation.

Trest Ilroth, one of the Federation's Directors and principle negotiators would be with the fleet to deal with the mundane details of the deal. He was one of the principal candidates to replace Gunray, and as far as Dooku knew, Ilroth was in no one's pocket, much less Sidious', which made him a good choice for the next Viceroy. Dooku needed competent allies to manage the Confederacy and its members, while he concentrated on the big picture, the war, and figuring out his Sith Order.

Besides, with Gunray out of the way, the odds of Rodia joining happily would increase significantly. Ilroth had much less of an ego. He was also more than willing to let his negotiation partners be happy if doing so meant a profitable future relationship. In contrast, Gunray preferred to drain them dry and show his dominance in an unforgettable fashion.

The second part of Tyranus' treason, would solve multiple issues as well. Passel Argente was a particularly treacherous creature. He was already maneuvering to discredit Dooku as the first step of a bit to take control of the Confederacy. The plan was simple – blame Geonosis on Dooku, while presenting a stunning victory to the Council. One of Argente's protegees, the Mon Calamari Commander Merai was in the process of planning a lightning strike at Kamino. Under different circumstances, Dooku would have colluded with Sidious to see the plot fail and Argente discredited. From what he knew, Merai was one of the more competent Confederate commanders, and thus, he would have been slotted in for early fatal disaster. Like flying into an ambush at Kamino.

Now that Dooku was busy fighting a real war and executing a betrayal, Commander Merai was a useful asset. The Magistrate of the Corporate Alliance, on the other hand, already outlived his usefulness.

The communication suite came online for a second time. Blue light shimmered into the form of a Zabrak woman – former Jedi Knight Kadrian Sey. She used to be one of his agents within the Jedi Order. After Geonosis, she defied the summons to return to the Jedi Temple and covertly joined his side. As far as the galaxy knew, Say was merely a Jedi Knight missing in action, instead of one of his Acolytes. As such, she was perfect to carry out a few false flag operations, before he officially confronted and subverted her, turning to Say into one of his Acolytes.

"To what do I own the pleasure, old friend?" Say's melodic voice carried out from hidden speakers built into the table.

"The Republic is in grave danger. These dark times require distasteful measures." Dooku knew that a program would alter both his visage and voice to appear as one of the Jedi Shadows working out of the Temple on Coruscant. Anyone intercepting the transmission from Say's side would assume that the orders came from the Republic. "We need to buy ourselves enough time to properly mobilize. Knight Say, you're authorized to neutralize as many members of the Separatist Council as you can. May the Force be with you."

"I understand, Master," Kadrian answered in a grave tone, dripping with just the right amount of sadness. "May the Force be with you as well."

Two down. The third, Wat Tambor, was busy orchestrating an expedition to Ryloth. The Foreman of the Techno Union had an unhealthy fascination with Twi'lek females. That, combined with a lot of deals under the table with the Hutts, whose mercenaries often tested illegal equipment for the Union's internal security forces, made him a perfect volunteer. Tambor would become an example as to what would be no longer tolerated within or by the Confederacy. Dooku wanted him to commit, strike Ryloth and begin his planned operation there. Only then, he would drop the hammer on the cyborg. For that reason alone, Asajj was with Tambor, whispering poison in his ear and ready to take him into custody when Dooku gave her the order to.

Number four on his list was San Hill. That man had to die, and Dooku was going to make sure of it himself. The Chairman of the InterGalactic Banking Clan was heading for Bakura, to negotiate trade and banking treaties, now that the Confederacy was in open war with the Republic. Hill was one of the few people still alive who knew the truth about what happened to Grievous. Dooku wanted to ensure his demise himself before the General recovered from his medical treatment.

Poggle the Lesser was of no consequence for the time being – he was stuck hiding in the catacombs of Geonosis. By the time he would be able to re-establish his power base, the Geonosian would either fall in line or die.

Tikkes, the former Republic Senator for Mon Calamari, was notable as one of the few major players on the Confederate Council not directly in Sidious' pocket. That was why, for now, he got to live. After being implicated as a part of a slaving ring, he already burned his bridges with the Republic by fleeing house arrest. Now, the Quarren would either serve to the best of his abilities or become an example like Tambor.

Po Nundo was one of the few "honest" politicians on the Council. The only reason why he was the new Chairman of the Hyper-Communications Cartel, the Confederacy's equivalent of the Hypernet, was internal politics that saw him as a neutral compromise candidate. The post was also a reward for bringing his star system Ando, along with their allies on board. As one of the people personally recruited by Dooku, the Ualaq Aqualish man was to be kept safe in the turbulent times ahead.

Finally, Shu Mai of the Commerce Guild, the closest thing they had to an independent power on the Council. The female Gossam was the Presidente of the Commerce Guild, which was another power Dooku personally brought on board. Mai, along with Nundo, were two of the people Dooku could count on to support the reforms he wanted to implement. That's why Dooku would be sending the twins to see them protected.

Now, all that remained was to kill San Hill. After that, he would order his regular agents to begin a systematic purge of known Sidious creatures and sympathizers.


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