Merry God Damn Christmas!
Coming in at a whopping 43k words, this is officially the longest chapter I have ever written. It took me a long time, as you guys know it's been about what like 4 months since the last chapter came out. Now for posterity I did not write like anything for 2 months straight on this novel or any of my others, as I was dealing with uni exams and stress and all that, so really about 2 months to really write this whole thing.
Honestly I don't think I would have gotten this out so fast if I hadn't set a Christmas release date on the chapter. Seriously I have written about 20k words in the last week to get this done, about 7k just today (24th). Now I proof read as I go and also think that everything is up to scratch, but I might have missed a few things and would love any and all comments about errors that a person sees.
I really hope you guys love the chapter, more important information at the bottom, plus answer to previous comments I couldn't directly Pm back to you, cause you don't have an account or something like that.
One final thing, I took inspiration when writing this chapter from a different novel I have been reading. It would be dishonest of me if I did not mention it here, and there will be a larger more in-depth section describing what I have liked and used from said novel in this chapter. The novel is 'A Sith's second chance.' If you have never read it before, it is a great novel that I suggest you read it right away.
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or any of their intellectual property. I also do not own Bio Ware or their IP
Notes
Speaking: "..."
Thoughts: '...'
Sounds/effects: *...*
Chapter 3: Return of the Sith
(Tatooine, Phantom, Dessert.)
(Ashara PoV)
The warm wind of the desert caressed my cheek as I kept still. Master stood a meter in front of me as he watched the lowering suns. Even though I would call him Mace, usually when we were in a more intimate setting, I always thought of him as my Master.
Even though I was now a Darth, a lord of the sith, a person with my own apprentices, he would always be my master. Even though he was my second master, in the end he was the man I respected… trusted… loved. And in the end both of my masters were one in the same.
Everyone close to him knew that Alira was with him at all times. Using an ability that he would never tell another soul, she followed him even after death. Sometimes she would talk to me, it had been a long time, but I loved seeing her.
I said nothing as I looked at his calm figure. There was a presence about him that screamed the power hidden underneath his skin; if he wasn't actively keeping it concealed I would be able to spot his presence from a system away.
My eyes flickered for a second as I felt the presence of the Jedi and sith on the planet. Two were leaving the planet, they couldn't feel my small probe as masters technique kept me concealed from them. I could just feel the presence of Ayillh on the ship as it left orbit. I was interested in the stories she would be coming back with.
Other than her there was also a strong presence in the force, one that was untrained, but the raw power they radiated was eye catching. I turned my sight from them onto the sith, if you could call him that. I had felt his presence for so long on the planet, but compared to a real sith he was… an animal.
Something that wasn't as rare as expected, I had seen many people that had been bred as attack dogs, he felt like them. He had raw power, but there was no strength in the force, nothing substantial that announced to a person, that they were in the presence of a real sith Lord.
I shook my head slightly as I finally rested my sights on the two Jedi I had taken down. I had just given my report to Master and that was what he was thinking about. They had been… disappointing to say the least.
I had really wanted a tough fight, the Older of the two had been some exercise but I hadn't been able to vent my feelings, something which I craved to do, to let loose. The two were still unconscious from what I could sense.
Vette had been complaining all the way back to the ship about the amount of sand that had 'invaded' her personal gear and the 'incessant itching'. She was sure to be taking a sonic shower as I stood here. I stifled the incoming laugh as I thought of her antics.
My eyes came to rest back on my Master as he finally moved. He was looking in my direction, a small smile tugging at his lips. He had been able to sense my probing of the others. I said nothing as I waited for him to speak.
"How was Vette's performance?" I wasn't surprised by the question, he had put a lot of time into her development. "Her skills in the force are growing, she is still having trouble connecting to the environment around her, but I think she is ready to move onto the next step."
Master gave another nod as he retreated into his thoughts again. I had no clue how he did it, some type of force technique or sith alchemy that he found in the private collection of the eternal emperor, but it had done the impossible, it had given a non-force sensitive the ability to use the force, or more accurately connect to it.
I still remembered the day I had felt her connection to the force grow, from a small sprout or bud, into a full flower reaching towards the universe. I had asked him then and their how it was possible and I would never forget the answer.
"Everyone is connected to the force Ashara, every living being. She and I are closely connected through the force. All I did was take that already formed connection and opened her eyes in a sense. I let my power echo through her, so that she could feel the unseen world around her, so that she could take her first steps into our world. I am sure you can feel the small connection that binds us?"
And I did, I had felt that small tug connected to my heart, the small thread that connected me to him, to more people that I would think to imagine. There wasn't just that one thread though; there had been another, two threads that had lead to him. One for him, the other for my first Master.
He had offered me the same opportunity, the option to have his presence echo through mine but in the end I refused. We were already connected, I already had the force, and there was no reason. I wanted to gain power myself, create my own echo, my own presence, I wanted to improve myself, there were no short cuts on the road to dominance. I would not take any.
Though those like Ayillh and Vette were different, they jumped at the chance, the chance to grow stronger. And so he had done something that was thought impossible, he had given the force to those without. Even if just a glimpse and guide or an 'echo' as he called it. Their power was growing.
Because just that glimpse was immense almost immeasurable, or so Vette told me. There would never be another to come close to the power of my master, that I was sure. And that assurance always brought a small smile to my face. Because even though I was sith, grappling for my own power, to know that he had already gone ahead, that there was something more to achieve, was exhilarating.
I watched him as his brow twitched every now and then, sometimes his eyes would move from side to side. He was talking to her, only those who talked to him frequently would notice the small signs that he was, but it was as clear as day.
She was his wife, his confidant, his closest loved one and my first master.
They finished their internal dialogue as I felt the force shift and call for him. He looked into the ship, past the metal walls and bulkheads. I could tell he was looking at where Vaylin was. He stared for a few seconds before moving towards the ramp.
"Thank you for the Report Ashara, I have much to think over. I will leave the new training for Vette upon your shoulders, until I am required to finish it. Once Blizz returns to the ship, prepare to leave orbit, I will decided our next course of action at that time."
His boots clanked up the ramp as I gave my most respectful bow. "Yes my Master." My heart meant every word as I trailed behind him.
(Tatooine, Phantom)
(3rd Person PoV)
Mace walked into the ship as he followed the tug of the force. Ashara moved off to the right towards the cockpit to keep Vette Company if she was currently there, unless she was still having her sonic shower. Mace smothered the small smirk that came to his lips as he thought of her expression as she returned to the ship.
Mace didn't spare a glance towards the armory or engine room as he made a beeline towards the quarters that held Vaylin. Her presence was wrapped in the force as she meditated on the bed. Her body floated just above the covers as he moved into the room.
He kept quite as he made his way up to the bed, feeling the force trying to tell him something. A frown came to his face for a second as he sat cross-legged in front of the floating woman. He didn't particularly like when the force was being pushy with him.
At most times he would scoff at such prodding and put it in its place, but the situation had been changed greatly. He had been transported to the distant future, he had no clue why this was done, or what the force wants from him. Something that frustrated him to now end, not that it showed.
So now that the force wanted to 'talk' with him, he had to get the answers that he sort, if the force tried to play hard to get he would force it to tell him what was going on. The information on the two Jedi that Ashara had run into had been long passed to the back of his head as he started to close his eyes.
The report had left him greatly disappointed with what he had learned, he needed the distraction that the force provided.
As he closed his eyes and started to listen to the force, letting it guide him in his endeavors. He felt the presence of Vaylin come to him. They both starred at each other through the force as it wrapped around them and brought them somewhere.
Images started to flash through their heads, of troops, ones following the republic, walking to the temple he knew so well, that was situated on a planet he rarely visited, but one that every sith wanted to destroy. He saw the one tainted by the dark side, the one that lead a slaughter only dreamed about by many before him. Of a battle of deceit, one on a grand galactic scale, or betrayal and desperation, of wrath and vengeance, and of the death of the Jedi. Mace and Vaylin became lost as the force showed them what was to come.
(Tatooine, Deep Desert Cave.)
(3rd Person PoV)
Small tremors radiated outwards as the cave shook from the beast that was approaching. The area was dark, only lit up by the sun that shined through the caves entrance.
At the mouth of the cave a small speeder was parked that held a few bags filled with parts and equipment. Inside the cave the tremors started to get louder and louder as muffled bangs went off in the enclosed area.
A small figure shrouded by a brown hood, that covered most of his body, looked on in anticipation as he gazed at the approaching beast. Blizz mumbled to himself as he played with the small device in his hand. Strapped to his belt were a few incendiaries, blasters and charges that he had taken for the trip.
He need to blow off some steam, he was truly angry beyond belief, he had finally had a family, finally found a place he belonged and was loving the adventure he was having with his boss. And all of that had been taken away. He had tried to talk to a few of his own people when he got out, but even that hadn't quite quelled the emotions that were tearing him up.
He had even tried to tinker, to create, to do anything with technology that would take his mind off what was chewing him up, but that failed as well. Finally he couldn't take it anymore, he had taken a speeder he had acquired easily enough and some of the explosives he had been tinkering with.
As he looked at the hulking figure of the Krayt dragon that was in front of him, the huge horns, tough scales and gigantic teeth, Blizz found his mind buzz with excitement as it closed in on him. Having placed bait right behind him, it was really no wonder.
Just as the creature made it 50 meters away from him, he flicked the small panel on the switch in his hand and thumbed the big red button on one of the edges. *Boom* The explosives that were stuck into the walls of the cave all exploded at once and the roof started to collapse on the deadliest creature on Tatooine.
And as the rubble fell on the beast, Blizz flashed an even bigger smile as he pulled out a few grenades and his personalized blaster.
(Naboo royal Starship)
(3rd Person PoV)
Ayillh stood in the shadows starring at the boy working on the small pendant in his hands. With the advanced tech inside her mask she was easily able to zoom in on the small object in his hand. Looking at it for a few seconds, she shook her head and zoomed back out.
She herself didn't know the exact reason she was so focused on the boy, or it was better to say that she had a small idea, but the concept was still very new to her. There was something drawing her attention to the boy, something about his presence that just drew her in.
She had only felt this type of occurrence one other time, when she was in the presence of The Commander, he naturally dominated any room he walked into with his presence, it was why he was so intimidating, it was also the reason he had become the leader of the alliance.
She wasn't able to feel it so clearly before, not before she had started to delve into the power that was the force. It hadn't and had been a long time since she had first touched that which encompassed all and started to feel the universe around her.
She could never understand the importance that the Jedi and Sith put on the force until she could feel it herself. Sure she was able to learn techniques to shield her mind from their probing and attacks, but never actual get in touch with it like them. It was a whole new world of possibilities; possibilities that she wanted to exploit and use to make herself stronger, faster, better, more deadly. The list went on and on.
Her first order of business though had been to learn concealment techniques, concealment for her presence in the force, one of the only draw backs that came with her awakening. Once someone was connected to the force like them, everyone would notice.
She wasn't like the rest of the non-force sensitive beings in the galaxy anymore; she was now clearly visible to Jedi from a distance, something which made her assignments very trick whenever they involved a Jedi or Sith. Luckily Mace had many a technique that he had gifted to her. It may have taken her a while, but it was one of the reasons that the Jed on board the very ship still hadn't figured out her true presence in the force.
Not that they hadn't tried, Ayillh had to purposely hide it from the Jedi master Qui-Gon numerous times, every now and then he would send a probe out through the force, something she had to fool each time. It wasn't that she couldn't just let them know, going to a planet that she was sure was filled with Jedi, she knew that little secret wouldn't likely last long.
What she truly had to conceal was her attachment to Mace or the sith, her most guarded secret once the mission was accepted. Once that cat was out of the bag she would be hunted by the Jedi for any and all answers.
Ayillh was snapped out of her thoughts as the small hiss of a door opening startled her. Looking over to the source, she spotted Padme walking through. She had a pensive look on her face which would have been impossible to miss.
She looked left and right, noting both Anakin and Ayillh. Giving the boy a small wave and Ayillh a nod, they both replied with a small acknowledgement. But it was easy to see that her mind was elsewhere as she moved to the holo-consol.
Pressing a few buttons soon the image of Sio Bibble appeared before her. "The death toll is catastrophic, you must bow to their wishes, you must contact me." The frown on Padme's face darkened as she closes off the small message that had been sent. She wanted more than anything to reply to the message, to tell them that they were so close to help, but she knew it was a trap.
Both the Jedi, Panaka and Ayillh had informed her of the transmissions deceit; it didn't make her feel better knowing though. Forcing her emotions down and trying to control them she looked back over at Anakin, before moving over to sit with him, she wanted to talk to someone, anyone to take her mind off her troubles.
Ayillh, who was watching the two, felt a small tremor in the force, it was almost unnoticeable, and if a person wasn't a Jedi or Sith standing in the same room they wouldn't have felt such a small thing, but Ayillh did.
Padme spoke up first. "You alright?" The boy was shivering slightly, with a blanket around his body. "I'm cold." Padme seemed surprised for a second before she nodded in understanding. "You come from a warm planet Ani, a bit too warm for my tastes. Space is cold."
Padme wasn't sure when she started to use the nickname, Ani so casually but she pushed that thought from her mind. "You seem sad."Coming back to herself, she showed a small smile towards him. He was worried about her and she couldn't help but find his concern cute.
'Well it won't matter if he knows.' she thought to herself. "The queen is worried." Ayillh lets out a small snicker at the words that both of them missed. "Her people are suffering, dying. She must convince the senate to intervene or I'm not sure what will happen."
It was at this point that Ayillh slowly made her way out of the room, she had seen enough and a small part of herself was nudging her to leave the room. She trusted that feeling and made her way out. Just as the door closed behind her she took a peek back into the room.
Anakin was holding up the small pendant he had been working on for the last hour. "I made this for you. So you'd remember me. I carved it out of a Japor Snippet, it'll bring you good fortune." As Padme carefully took it into her hands Ayillh just stopped herself from snorting at the scene.
Ayillh had other things to attend to before they reached Coruscant.
(Tatooine, Phantom)
(3rd Person PoV)
Ashara looked up in boredom as the small scanner of the ship went off. Scooting herself over to take a look, she quickly noted the incoming blip on the sensors, looking at another reading sensors she quickly determined the type of speeder heading in their direction.
'Blizz didn't leave with a Speeder' Thinking to herself quietly she rose an eyebrow before stretching her tired body like a cat. The sweet pop of her bones and muscles releasing all their tension prompted her to bring her feet back to the ground, as she made her way to the landing ramp.
Walking up to the ramp, she pressed the button releasing the pressurized mechanism keeping the ship air tight. The ramp lowered at a steady pace as the warm winds of Tatooine blasted into her eyes, fully waking her up.
Her boots clanked down the ramp as she looked at the speeder approaching. From a distance she could make out Blizz sitting behind the controls, but he hadn't just brought a speeder, behind him was a small caravan of crates attached to the back.
Her eyebrows rose again at the unexpected cargo, but she shrugged it off after thinking about it. Blizz was always an eccentric Jawa, she should have expected him to bring something back. 'At least it looks like he's back to normal.' Ashara didn't like the quiet and brooding Blizz that had left the ship; as long as he was back to his normal self she would be happy.
She waited quietly as the Speeder approached the ship before finally slowing down in front of her. Blizz jumped down from the speeder landing with a small plop when he reached the sand. The speeder was too big for him, Ashara didn't even want to think about how hard it was for him to actually mount the vehicle.
Looking at Ashara for a second Blizz gave her a thumbs up as he walked to the crates behind him, just floating above the ground. He started to talk as he unhooked them. "Blizz blew off some steam killing big dragon. Blizz trade remains for new tech! Blizz can't wait to pull them apart!"
Ashara said nothing as Blizz began to tell her about his little adventure. A small smile came to her lips as she looked at his excited figure. 'Ohh he's fine alright.' After a short few minutes Blizz was ready to pull the cargo aboard as he set a small explosive onto the Speeder he was just using.
They could take the crates of tech he had just brought with him, but they couldn't keep the Speeder. They didn't want to leave much evidence that they had been in the area, so it had to go. Setting the timer to blow after a few seconds he pressed a few buttons on the control board and the speeder took off away from the ship.
Blizz turned his back on the craft as he made his way into the ship, he was heading right for engineering, he had a lot of research and tinkering to do. Ashara stayed back for another few seconds as she watched the Speeder explode in the distance.
Watching the fire ball rise into the air before disappearing, as if nothing had been there, she once again slowly made her way into the ship and hit the button to raise the ramp. She watched the ramp close out the humid air of Tatooine before making her way back to the front.
It was time to get off this dust ball.
(Phantom)
(3rd Person PoV)
I kept my face passive after what I just saw. There were no words really that could some up what I had just witnessed, what the force had shown me. Was it funny? Sad? Depressing? Insulting? Was it a triumph? A master stroke of the sith?
It was hard to tell, my mind kept going over the small amount of information I had been shown. Though I was happy that the Jedi were killed like dogs, that the sith had finally won, it felt hollow. And it wasn't just because I wasn't the one to achieve such an accomplishment.
It was a smart plan, the ingenuity of it was something to be commended, something even Alira was complimenting in the back of my head. But it felt sloppy, not worth it in the end. There were so many points where it could have gone wrong.
For example when the sith was cornered in his office of power, when the Jedi surrounded him, he was no warrior, he was good, but he wasn't that good. The Jedi had him dead to rights and everything that happened after could be placed solely on the shoulders of the Jedi that wielded the purple lightsaber. Just a lunge, a quick cut to the neck, one pierce through the heart and the plan would have failed.
I hadn't seen everything, but if the plan could have failed that easily, then it was sure to have been unstable and flimsy in the past. Even with an insurance policy, which I'm sure a conniving Sith like him would have prepared, if you are no longer alive then there is no victory.
In the end it was the split second decision by the traitor that allowed him to win and proclaim glory for the sith. Though even then the Jedi were a pale comparison to what they used to be, just seeing them falter one by one to the troops they once commanded, showed me that.
With the report from Ashara and what I had just witnessed I could not consider them a truly worthy opponent for the sith, a shadow of their past self. They disgusted me, and so did the sith that had won in the end.
I let out a light chuckle as I looked at my surroundings, in the end it all seemed like a joke to me. I didn't know where the force had dropped me off at; I was just standing in the stars looking out at the infinite space that surrounded me.
I felt Vaylin's presence join me as I stood there and turned to look as her form appeared beside me. She had seen exactly what I had. She too had an interesting expression on her face, it wasn't sorrow, it wasn't glee, it was indifference, exactly what I had come to.
We stayed like that for a few minutes unable to get back to our bodies as the force held us in place, it was waiting for something. After a while I couldn't wait any longer, and after seeing that vision I had an inkling of what the force wanted.
It wanted me to help it, a laughable notion really. It wanted me to stop the sith, save the Jedi. For what purpose I didn't know, but I didn't care. "Is this why you bought me here, to this time?" It still didn't move. "You want me to save the Jedi?" It suddenly warmed up to me, as if giving a hug, I felt disgusted. "Why should I?"
The force seemed taken aback for a second before the warm hug it was giving turned into strangulation as it roared in my ear and bore down a pressure on me. It was angry at my words, I laughed once again at the absurdity of the situation. "The Jedi lost! They died! Their temple destroyed! I may not think it's a worthy victory, but we won!"
The force raged further pressing down even more, but I had been fighting to control the force all my life, I wasn't a stranger to make it do MY bidding! I pushed back with everything I had, as Vaylin also joined me.
She hadn't said a word so far, but like me she didn't care for the Jedi. "Why bring me here? There are many 'Jedi' throughout history that you could have taken!" I almost spat the words Jedi as I continued to wrestle with the force around me.
My mind worked in overtime as these questions came to mind, before I stopped struggling… I stopped, as I finally got it. "Hahaha" I let out a full blown laugh as the situation finally settled in. Why would the force take me and not a Jedi? What could set me apart from the rest? Even though I would gladly let them die, it chose to bring ME here.
There was only one answer. I can get the job done! The force needed someone strong, stronger than the Jedi from the past, strong enough to do whatever is necessary to make sure that it survives! "Hahaha" I couldn't stop my laughter at the situation.
Something was coming, I didn't know what. But something was coming that scared the force and the Jedi being the Jedi, get themselves killed before it arrives. Without the Jedi to protect it, or the galaxy I presume, the Force will be greatly weakened, maybe even worse.
And the sith that won, the one that took over, he wasn't good enough, he wasn't strong enough! Everything finally started to fall into place as the force let up its relentless assault upon me.
It knew I had figured it out. Mostly anyways. "What is coming then?" It wasn't a question, I wasn't asking, I was demanding. The force pulled back for a second as if deciding if it should tell us, but in the end it conceded…bowed to MY will.
I heard words gather in my ear, as if they were brought by the wind. The force whispered to me of a threat soon to come. "They reject me. Enemies… savages…who will ravage the galaxy."
They reject the force? Beings that aren't touched by it? The concept was intriguing in and of itself, it was a known fact that everything in the galaxy was touched by the force, some more than others. But there was no one devoid of its presence. I thought over the implications for a short while before finally giving a glance towards Vaylin, she had her head down and was thinking about something herself.
As if feeling my gaze, which she might have, her head rose to look me in the eye. I stared into the yellow and red irises that seemed to share my thoughts. She wasn't a stupid person, she had ruled over the world of Zakuul, seen it first behind the emperor, then her brother, before finally ruling it herself.
She read me and I read her. We were both thinking the same thing. I could feel Alira's giddy thoughts at the back of my mind as she started to plan for the future that was to come. My smile grew even bigger, more predatory, as I turned back to the embodiment of the force.
There was a new path that opened before me. Knowing why I was here, knowing what was to come, knowing that I didn't have to worry about being displaced again, I spoke with renewed ambition. "How about we make a deal." The force stayed still once again at my words.
If it wasn't so desperate, maybe just maybe it would never give my words a second thought, but desperation made people, beings, do many things they never thought possible. Its words once again rang in my ear, more of a question really."Deal?"My smile grew wider, my ambition flourishing "You brought me here to help the 'Jedi'…" I didn't want to say my next words but it would pave the path heading forwards. "…I agree to help them sometimes or when necessary."
The force surged in happiness at the declaration but I held up my hand. "But you will give me freedom! You will not help the Jedi find me! I am to be given free rein to do whatever I see fit in the galaxy!" The force stopped its happiness and I could feel its apprehension at my words.
I gave another low chuckle. "Don't worry I will not kill anyone deemed too 'important' to the grand scheme of things, but other than that you cannot control what I do!" I would not budge on this. I may help the force as a part of the arrangement, but it would NOT control ME!
I lowered my hand at the end of my words. That was the deal, one that I could use for the time being. I let my power flare around me, showing the force my will, my unbending presence and determination. The force didn't reply for the longest time at the words. Vaylin and me waited and waited, before finally it left us with one word before disappearing. "Deal"
Vaylin and I opened our eyes on the Phantom at the same time. I took a moment to notice that we were out in orbit of Tatooine, I could feel our location through the force. I was about to say something to Vaylin when I felt the force tug at me once again, a small vision of Naboo appeared in my head. I grinned once more as I stood up and made my way to the door.
I pressed the intercom of the ship. "Master?" Ashara's voice sparked over the line. "Yes it is me. Set course back to Naboo, engage the cloaking device as well. I don't want anyone to know when we arrive." It was just a second later when she replied and I felt the ship change heading. "Yes Master, heading set now."
There was a slight moment of hesitation over the line before she spoke up. "Master, I felt the force spike in Vaylin's quarters, is everything alright?"I smiled once again as plans for the future rushed through my mind. "Everything is alright, even better actually."
She must have heard how happy my voice was as she then replied. "I can't wait to hear about it later, in your quarters perhaps~" I let out a small chuckle at her flirtations voice. "We'll see." With that I shut down the comms and moved back to the bed.
Vaylin had a growing smirk on her face as her eyes flashed with ambition and power, Alira was dealing with all the information in my head and wanted to have a chat about our future plan. I couldn't keep her waiting.
(Coruscant, Naboo Royal Cruiser)
(3rd Person PoV)
Ayillh stood next to the pilot as they came out of hyper space. Her eyes trailed the planet that didn't look like it had changed much since the last time she had seen it. To her left Anakin stood with a look of pure curiosity as he looked at the glowing ball.
The pilot let out a small chuckle as he looked at the boy beside him, remembering the first time he got to see Coruscant from orbit. Looking at the boy for a few more seconds he turned his attention to the stoic bounty hunter. "Have you been to Coruscant before?"
It took a few seconds for Ayillh to realize that the pilot was talking to her. Looking from the window to the man before her, she knew that one of the Jedi was behind her, listening. 'It won't matter if they know.' Thinking for a few seconds she responded in monotone. "Not in a long time." The pilot gave a nod but didn't continue his questioning.
Obi-Wan stood behind her as she said the words. He still didn't fully trust her, especially after Tatooine. Filing that piece of information away he kept to himself as they started to make their way in. As they ship started its decent into the atmosphere the high scale buildings drew the attention of Anakin even more as he stared wide eyed at every building and ship that passed them.
The pilot turned once again to look at him, giving a small smirk. "Coruscant, the entire planet is one big city." As he spoke he turned the ship circling around to one of the landing pads. Pointing at the one they were about to land on, another ship and a few people looked to be waiting for them. "There's chancellor Valorum's shuttle and look over there, that's senator Palpatine waiting for us."
Ayillh followed the conversation as she gazed silently at the landing pad. Under the mask her eyebrows furrowed as she felt something coming from the landing pad they were about to land on, something dark.
Ayillh still felt that strange presence as she prepared to disembark from the ship. As the ship came into land, Ayillh had left the cockpit to grab her gear. She may have traveled light for the mission, but she still had some equipment laying down in engineering, where she had set up a small base.
She couldn't exactly walk around with all her weapons on her, especially her prized sniper rifle. So she moved to grab them while everyone else gathered at the loading ramp.
Looking at the groups that were about to leave the ship, Ayillh slowly made her way over to the Queen's contingent. At the front were Panaka and the Fake Queen, Sabé. She had asked Padme while they were alone, the name of the imitator so as not to get confused.
Knowing that she had already been found out Padme gave out the name of one of her most trusted handmaidens, while sincerely asking that she be as prioritized for safety as herself. Padme didn't want to see anything happen to Sabé, even if it was her job as decoy and loyal handmaiden, Ayillh didn't even have to think before she answered. The benefits outweighed the risks for Ayillh, her yes, something Padme was grateful for. Behind them were Padme, and a few of the other handmaidens.
Just as Ayillh moved to make her way over, Obi-Wan and Jinn stepped in front of her. "We would like to request, that you come to the Jedi temple with us." Jinn spoke for them as they waited for a response. They had not trusted Ayillh since they had first met on Naboo, even though she had helped them greatly in their protection of the queen, especially when the Sith turned up, they could not shake the dark presence that fluttered around Ayillh from their mind.
Though Jinn was a bit more experienced and was beginning to accept the darkness that surrounded her as the vicissitudes of the galaxy, being a bounty hunter wasn't for the faint of heart and could easily leave such a dark presence around a person. Obi-Wan was the opposite though, growing more distrustfully by the second. It was this doubt though that made them wary of letting the bounty hunter out of their sight, much less accompanying the Queen without them.
Ayillh looked at them for a few seconds but gave nothing away. Sabé and her ensemble were already looking in their direction. There wasn't much room in the tight space and they clearly heard the Jedi's request.
Panaka, Rabe, Sabé and a few others in the handmaidens frowned at the request. Though she was an unknown at the start, Panaka and the rest from Naboo had grown a certain respect for the bounty hunter, especially when she protected their queen with such zeal.
Padme herself was frowning at the request from the Jedi, she could hear the undertone of the question and didn't like it one bit. Ayillh looked at their group as well before giving her reply. "I still have to protect the Queen; she is not yet safe Jedi. If I have the time I will come to the temple to answer your questions."
Obi-wan frowned and wanted to say something but Jinn beat him to the punch. Giving a slight bow he backed off pulling his padawan with him. "Thank you for hearing us out, I hope you can come by later. I also want to thank you for the help you have provided in our duties."
Ayillh gave a bow back, as the two went to stand at the front of the ramp, with Anakin and Jar Jar. Looking at their retreating backs for a second Ayillh continued her move over to the queens group.
A few of the handmaidens gave small smiles towards Ayillh as she made her way over and stood behind Sabé. They had been informed on their journey that she knew who the real queen was. Though it had at first scared them, they now trusted her.
Keeping the tactical advantages in mind, Ayillh positioned herself so that it looked like she was guarding Sabé, while it was actually Padme who was right behind her that she was keeping an eye on. In front of their group were the two Jedi, along with Jar Jar and Anakin, they hadn't wanted the boy out of their sight since they got on the ship. Something Ayillh noted easily.
The landing ramp lowered slowly as the Jedi disembarked first. Ayillh noted all the guards that followed the man; she assumed was the supreme chancellor, spread out around their ship, forming a small corridor straight to him.
The Jedi both walked up to him and another, who Ayillh guessed was Senator Palpatine. Palpatine's eyes scanned the large group as they made their way off the royal cruiser, keeping a small smile on his face, his eyes roamed the group as he took everything in.
This wasn't exactly how he wanted his plan to go. 'But I can always improvise; even turn this to my favor.' His eyes still held kindness as he looked at the approaching Jedi, but his mind was thinking exactly the opposite. 'A sith stands right before them and they feel nothing? What fools! They deserve their eventual deaths.'
Palpatine let out a small chuckle inwardly imagining the ways he could kill the two before him, letting the thoughts bring a genuine smile to his lips as he stared at his unsuspecting prey. As he continued to think such things Palpatine's eyes slowly focused on the boy walking next to the two Jedi.
Maul had given him a report of what had happened on the planet. He at first did not put much importance on the boy that they had picked up in their travels, but now, looking at the force as it curled around the boy, the untapped potential that Palpatine could see just from a single glance, his full focus was locked onto the little boy.
A new plan started to form in his mind as he looked at the untapped potential in front of him. 'Plagueis is already past his prime and will soon be out of the picture, it is about the time I find an apprentice, one that could match my brilliance.' Palpatine's undivided focus was now on the boy walking closer, he wanted nothing more than to stretch the force out, to use it and check the boy in-depth, find out what really made him tick, his insecurities, his fears, all which he could use to manipulate him in the future, but alas with the Jedi before him, he could not risk exposing himself, not when he was so close to his goal.
Palpatine left one long lingering glance on the boy that no one noticed, well almost no one, there was one person that held the same interest in the boy and assessed everybody that they met. Ayillh's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the harmless old man they were walking towards.
The senator for Naboo, Sheev Palpatine, there was something off about him, her new powers told her so and her instincts also told her something wasn't right with him. 'He is hiding something.'
With her mask up, no one could determine exactly where her eyes were looking, something that she was always glad of. After giving the whole landing platform a once over, scrutinizing the guards around her and the Supreme chancellor of the Republic, a target she would have loved to kill, not just a few weeks ago, her eyes returned and rooted themselves onto one person, Palpatine.
Obi-wan and Qui-Gon were the first to reach the 2 prominent figures before them. Sabé's group stopped right behind them as they bowed to the Naboo representative. Anakin was right next to them as well as Jar Jar who, for once in his life, didn't mess up something and bowed quietly.
Palpatine spoke up first as the Jedi straightened and moved to the side, letting Sabé step forwards."It is a great gift to see you alive you majesty. With the communications break down we have been very concerned. I'm anxious to hear you report on the situation. May I present supreme chancellor Valorum." With an introduction Valorum stepped forwards with a practiced smile. "Welcome you highness. It is an honor to finally meet you in person."
Sabé gave a nod towards Valorum but kept her imperial regal as she spoke back. "Thank you supreme chancellor."Valorum nodded in turn, keeping the dignity of the republic. "I must relay to you how distressed everyone is over the current situation. I have called for a special session of the senate to hear your position."
Sabé let out just a smidgen of happiness as she spoke with sincerity. "I am grateful for your concern chancellor." With that their group moved forwards to the waiting air speeder. Valorum didn't follow them as he stood next to the waiting Jedi.
As they moved past the chancellor Palpatine locked his eyes onto the unfamiliar figure standing behind the queen. He wanted to frown as he remembered the report Maul sent in for him, but he pushed it off for now.
Walking next to the queen they started a small discussion at the front of the group. "There is a question of procedure, but I'm confident that we can overcome it." Ayillh tuned the small talk out as she listened to what was happening behind them, as the Jedi started to talk to the supreme chancellor. She could just hear them from her position.
"I must speak with the Jedi council immediately. The situation has become much more complicated." But just as Jinn spoke up their procession stopped for a second as Padme walked out from the line. 'A pretty stupid move, if there was an assassin.' Ayillh thought to herself, but she let her be.
Padme turned around to call for the boy. "Ani, come on" Ayillh hanged back for a second as the rest of the group boarded the air speeder waiting for them. Waiting for Padme and Anakin to catch up they made their way over before finding their seats.
Panaka sat in the front, while Sabé sat next to Palpatine. Seeing that the only spots left were on the other side of the speeder, Ayillh, Anakin and Padme sat down in them. It only took a few seconds for the speeder to lift of and begin its way to the senate building.
Ayillh looked around at the slightly changed Coruscant, though it was still the technologically advanced city planet that she remembered, it did seem different than the last time she had visited. 'Well that's what 4 millennia can do to a place.
While she was in her own thoughts Palpatine looked at the retreating landing platform and calculated the distance in his mind. Keeping the smile on his face, he judged that the Jedi were far enough away from him at that point.
Making sure that he kept his cloaking technique up he slowly began to move the force to his intended target. Looking at the bounty hunter as she sat across from him he narrowed his eyes slightly. Unlike a Jedi mind trick, the technique Palpatine was using was an old sith technique that had been passed down since the start of the lineage of bane.
More reliable than mind tricks, and quieter, it was the go to method the sith lord used to scout his prey or victims. Small tendrils of the dark side slowly crawled up Ayillh's body. That was the first sign she had that something was up, she hadn't been trained in imperial intelligence for nothing. She knew when a sith or Jedi was probing her.
She instantly frowned as she felt it's cold touch on her skin. Just as the frown started Palpatine spoke. "Your majesty if I might inquire who is our guest?" The words came out innocently, only one person suspecting something.
Sabé glanced back at Ayillh for a second before she responded. "Ayillh is a bounty hunter hired by an unknown party, charged with my protection. She has been instrumental in helping us arrive here." Ayillh said nothing as the tendrils of force gathered next to her head.
She slowly turned to look at Palpatine as he smiled at her. "Thank you for your timely assistance; I don't know what could have happened without your help." There was silence for a few seconds as the tendrils began to pierce her mind.
Nothing was said for a few seconds before Ayillh smiled sickly under her mask. "You praise me too much senator." It was Palpatine's turn to be shocked as his facade almost dropped. He was being blocked out! He was being completely repelled!
Something that only happened once; when he tried to read his master! He would never forget what happened after he was caught doing such an act. His eye twitched ever so slightly as he tried harder, flaring his power higher.
"Could you possible tell us the name of your employer?" The question was considered in the bounty hunter business very rude to ask. A few others on the speeder sent them glances and waited for an answer. She had said no before, but maybe she had changed her mind.
Ayillh smile grew even larger as she pushed the mental probes out with force. She could just see the flicker of rage and anger hidden behind Palpatine's eyes at such an action. She now knew what was off about him, he was a Sith, and the small pieces of the puzzle that was the invasion of Naboo started to fall into place.
His mental probing might have worked had she not been explicitly trained to block and repel such attacks. Being in imperial intelligence one of their greatest assets was knowledge, and living in an empire ruled and plagued with sith who wanted to bend others to their will, it was one of the first things she had ever been taught.
Should it be through strengthening the mind through pain, pleasure or much, much worse, Ayillh had been through it all, only getting stronger mental defenses as she rose through the ranks. The mental attack that she was feeling from Palpatine, while strong, lacked the finesse she had encountered with those of the dark council.
Ever since she had been 'awakened' her defense had become even stronger, he would not get anything from her. Ayillh sneered behind her mask as she replied to the question. "No, he does not wish to be named." Palpatine almost shook as he felt the resistance and force that struck his tendrils out of her mind.
Padme who was sitting next to Ayillh looked on at the conversation between the two, she didn't know what was telling her, but a part of her instincts were saying something much more was going on than a simple conversation. She listened to each word as they spoke, but couldn't find any other meaning in them.
Finally she ended the conversation before anything else could happen. Palpatine was one of the people that knew of her true identity. "Ayillh has saved the 'queens' life, both on Naboo and Tatooine, I think it is prudent that she gets to keep her secrets."
Palpatine finally relented his mental assault on the bounty hunter as he turned to regard Padme. He wanted to sneer at the naivety of the Queen before him but kept his disgust heavily guarded and hidden. After a few seconds he nodded.
"You are right, sorry, that was most unbecoming of me to question one who is here to help." Padme gave a small nod to both of them before thinking of what will happen at the senate. By now the air speeder had already crossed quite a distance and the senate building appeared before her.
She remembered all her mother's tales of the 'Galactic Senate of the Republic' and couldn't wait to see it for herself. Palpatine quietened down as he shifted his gaze away from the bounty hunter. His mind began to race with theories and thoughts of the one across from him. No one normal could block his sith technique. It should be impossible!
His mind raced from thought to thought, trying to figure out how it was possible, there were known techniques to block such intrusions, but they were a well-guarded secret of the sith, only his master…..
Palpatine's heart began to race as this new line of thought spread. His master was the only one who could know…was it possible he had found out his plans and trained this 'bounty hunter'…was he trying to sabotage him with this…Was it another test from his master….
'No I have been so careful, there is no way he found out…but I can't take any chances… i'll have to silence him faster than I thought, before he comes up with any counter measures. I'll still have to check though, maybe a quick holo call when I have the time to see if he suspects anything.
Anger began to surge with in him as he thought of what he must do next. Though as soon as it rose he squashed it, he couldn't let the rage consume him now. He cast another glance at the bounty hunter. 'And if he thinks that she will be able to disrupt my plans he would be wrong. Maul will kill her, the Jedi and the queen. I have waited too long. It is MY time to hold power!'
Palpatine wanted nothing more than to rip the secrets out of the bounty hunter across from him, but being so close to the temple, it wasn't an option. Deciding the correct path in his mind he slowly relaxed in his seat.
'The plan will continue as set. Nothing and no one will stop me.'
(Coruscant, Queens residence)
(Ayillh PoV)
I stood off to the side in the huge apartment we were brought to, I kept quite as those around me returned to the room. Looking at the queen for a second I realized that Padme had already made the switch. As they all came to sit down and talk I sent a small glance to the boy resting outside the door.
He was sitting out there with Jar Jar talking about something. I looked at them for another few seconds before focusing on the start of the conversation. "Should we talk about such sensitive matters while others are present?" My eyes snapped to Palpatine as he said the words. He was looking right at me; I could feel the hate he emanated my way, though it was heavily hidden.
He didn't want me to hear this conversation…that was interesting. I kept that opinion to myself and banked on the good will I had already accumulated on the trip here, I wasn't disappointed. Padme, who had transitioned into a set of regal clothes, spoke up in my defense.
"I trust her. She can stay for added protection should something untoward-myself happen." She stopped for a second to address Panaka standing at the entrance to the suite. "Not that I am doubting your skills captain." Panaka gave a deep respectful bow in return. "I fully understand your highness."
Giving one last nod and no other objection to my presence, Padme motioned for Palpatine to continue, though I could tell he wasn't happy about the proceedings. I watched as a series of emotions quickly filtered through his eyes, but it had been there for only a second.
After a short silence he began to speak. I listened to all his words raptly, knowing now he was a sith put quite a few of the events regarding Naboo into perspective. Though he looked like an old man, harmless even, I knew he was the second deadliest person in the room, just after myself of course.
"There is no stability in politics, the republic is not what it once was. The senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates. There is no interest in the common good. I must be frank you majesty there is no chance the senate will act on the invasion." Starting out with plan facts, he may have been laying on the inevitability a bit too much, but he wasn't at his true objective yet.
"Chancellor Valorum seems to think there is hope." Padme the ever innocent girl spoke with hope in her voice but hearing her words I started to see where the conversation was going. The senate may be erratic and corrupt, but if Padme was to grease some wheels with credits it would inevitably quicken the process, though I knew it was something she would never condone.
But then, I looked at Palpatine who kept a calm facade, if a sith were to do the same, he could easily lock the senate up on a decision indefinitely. So what was his main goal? "If I may say so your majesty. The chancellor has little real power, he is marred by baseless accusations of Corruption. The bureaucrats are in charge now." I almost snorted at the allegations. No doubt he spread the rumors himself.
Given little options I could see that Padme was starting to realize the likelihood of republic intervention with her people. "What options have we?" It was interesting to watch as her eyes search for hope. "Our best choice would be to push for the election of a stronger supreme chancellor, one who could control the bureaucrats and give us justice."
I saw him pause for a second and knew right then and there that this was his main goal. The satisfaction was just hidden under the surface, but it was there."You could call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum." And there is was.
"He has been our strongest supporter." The words only now seemed to sink in for Padme as she looked up at Palpatine with wide eyes, the shock in her voice was audible.I wanted to shake my head, but kept it still,staring at the scene, no play, before me.
He was good. Even if he backed off now he had gotten what he wanted. When the cruel reality of the senate and corruption bared its weight on such an innocent girl, the seed that had been plated right now would sprout and possible without thinking Padme would do exactly what he wanted.
"Our only other choice would be to submit a plea to the court." And as predicted, he backed off while giving one of the worst options available. Something even Padme could see.I easily heard the anger that entered her voice at the mere mention of that option.
"The courts will take longer than the senate! Our people are dying senator! We must do something quickly to stop the federation!" Palpatine showed a well rehearsed sympathy at the words, but I could tell he didn't mean any word he spoke. "To be realistic you majesty, I think we will have to accept the federation control for the time being."
Padme's face hardened before my eyes as she stared a bit icily at the representative of Naboo, I knew the words that were about to come before she even spoke them. "That is something I cannot do." Hearing the words I tuned the rest of the meeting out. Palpatine had already gone past his main objective, anything else mentioned was irrelevant.
My mind began to work in overtime as I assessed the situation, trying to come up with a different solution. Though he had steered the conversation in his favor, he wasn't wrong about the corruption in the senate, the republic would always be marred by such practices and people, it was ingrained in their nature.
If I still had my funds from imperial intelligence, or my caches of credits I might have been able to swing some of the vote or even the proceedings in my favor. But that wasn't taking into consideration Palpatine's interference. With a sith already controlling power in the senate, it was neigh impossible to shake how events would turn out.
If I let events proceed as is, he will get what he wants and resolve nothing at the same time. Even if they were to call for a vote of no confidence, the senate would take a while to decided on the new chancellor and even then Palpatine would have him in his pocket…
My train of thought stopped for a second as the full details of his play started to come to mind, could he possible want… I had to give him some credit at the audacity of the plan, the fact that the Jedi hadn't found him, or ousted him already showed his confidence in such a move.
It also highlighted the blindness of the Jedi in this era. As one piece after another started to fall into place, my analytical and imperial skills rushed out with full force. I racked my brain thinking of every option available to me, trying to find the hole in the plan, what I could use, what I could disrupt him with.
I didn't have to, Mace didn't mention anything about counter operations, all I had to do was protect the queen. But I was one of, if not the best agent imperial intelligence ever had. It would be almost insulting if I couldn't find a way to disrupt his plans, I did have to improvise a lot in my long career.
Palpatine was an enemy not an ally, even though he was sith, so even if it did help the Jedi or republic in the end, it was better to disrupt his plan. Either way, if he is trying to do what I think he is, it won't matter if I stop him now, it will happen in the future. I was just be delaying the inevitable.
But a smile came to me as one idea came to mind, one simple way that I could disrupt his plan. It didn't matter if it was inevitable; it would be fun to mess with him. I always did love the look on a Sith's face when I got under their skin and ruined their master plan.
(Coruscant, Personal Residence)
(Palpatine's PoV)
The small noise of the door closing behind me signaled that I was now alone. Though I couldn't flare my powers like I wanted, I could still drop the facial mask I always wore. My eyes turned glacial as I thought of all that happened after picking up the Queen.
My initial plan may not have happened as expected, but I have turned it in my favor, with the naivety of the queen it was assured that my rise to power would happen soon, by the end of the day even. Something to celebrate.
I quickly donned my robes as I prepared to make a holo call to my beast. He had failed me on Tatooine, showing once again why I would need to soon find a proper apprentice. Though Plagueis had allowed me to keep Maul as a beast I could sick on our enemies, his use was coming to an end.
Thinking of my Master, I thought about opening a channel with him as well, to assess if he had caught onto my plans so far. But it was better not to take such a risk; any sort of probing could tip him off if he indeed did not know. But then if he hadn't sent the bounty hunter to disrupt my plans, then who had?
I would have to check some of my back up plans should he truly be the force behind the ever growing enigma that was, the infernal bounty hunter. I might have to possible accelerate my plans for his death. Moving away from those thoughts I pulled up the specific transmission I was looking for and only had to wait a small few seconds before Maul appeared before me.
He kneeled obediently as I always taught him. "Master." I let my displeasure show as I scowled at his kneeling form. "Apprentice." He looked up in worry at my words and I gained the small amount of satisfaction seeing the fear behind his eyes.
"You have failed greatly in your last mission. Be prepared to suffer for your poor performance." Though he tried to keep his body still at my words, I could see it twitch ever so slightly. I would have indulged in a bit more of the mental torture of my beast, but I had bigger things to worry about, I was getting a bad feeling about the future of my plans.
"Until then, I want you to go to Naboo and oversee the occupation. I want everything to happen as planned. You know the consequences of failure." Maul bowed deeply once again. "Yes Master." I didn't wait any longer as I turned off the holo table and took of my robes.
I still had to attend the senate meeting in 2 hours. In that time I could convince a few more people to sway in the favor of the Trade Federation. The queen would only have one option left when it came time. The vote of no confidence.
I smiled as I made my way to the door, once again putting on my perpetual mask. I couldn't wait to have all the power in the republic at my beck and call. I was sick of waiting.
(Coruscant, Jedi temple)
(3rd Person PoV)
Qui-Gon Jinn stood solemnly his padawan Obi-wan next to him as he spoke before the high council. "He was trained in the Jedi arts, my only conclusion can be that he was a Sith lord." Every master in the room was shocked for a second at the words, master Mundi couldn't help but speak up. "Impossible. The Sith have been extinct for a millennia"
Master Windu agreed with his sentiment, the idea of a Sith was very volatile subject. "I do not believe that the Sith could have returned without us knowing." Many agreed with his words, making the next speakers opinion carry more weight.
It made sense that the oldest of the council and current grand master of the Jedi, Yoda, spoke in opposition of the majority. "Ahh, hard to see the dark side is." When Yoda spoke, it carried weight, though many would not like to believe the words of Jinn, especially as he was considered one of the more maverick Jedi in the order, Yoda's words had to always be considered.
"We will use all our resources to unravel this mystery. We will discover the identity of this attacker." Windu turned to look at the Jedi he looked up to and consider the words thoughtfully, thinking the debriefing had finished.
Just as Obi-wan started to leave the room, Jinn held his place waiting to say more. "Master Qui-Gon, more to say have you?" Jinn gave a small nod at Yoda's words. "There were two more subjects I would wish to raise."
Windu leaned forward sensing the seriousness in Jinn's voice. "On our travels, as mentioned we met a bounty hunter, Ayillh." From his back left master Yaddle poof spoke. "Yes, she one who helped defend against the supposed sith, and rescued the queen on Naboo."
Jinn turned to her for a second and gave a nod. "Yes, her. From the moment me and my padawan met her we felt a darkness that lingers on her body…" This caused a few of the council members to frown. "She has a strong presence in the force, like and not like the presence we felt from the Sith who attacked us."
Windu's eyes furrowed even further. "And where is this bounty hunter now?" Obi-wan came to stand next to his master once again. Jinn looked awkward for a second before he revealed the truth. "She is currently with the Queen of Naboo." "What!" The outburst came from Ki-Adi Mundi.
"How could you let someone so dangerous stay with the queen?" Those words came from Windu. He had half a mind to quickly order some knights to the queens residence right away. Yoda kept quiet as he watched the council around him.
Most of them were appalled at Jinn's decision. Jinn seeing that the situation might get out of hand, spoke up before anything was done. "Before we left the ship, we requested that she join us to see the council, but she refused, stating that she still needed to protect the queen. I determined that we couldn't change her mind and didn't want to cause a scene, she has done nothing to suggest that she may harm the queen during our journey."
The words were enough to calm down the council, but it was then that Yoda spoke. "Disagree you do, young padawan." Obi-wan who hadn't said a word the whole time started in surprise. Suddenly all eyes in the room were on him and he didn't know what to think.
Though he didn't agree with his masters' decision, he didn't think it would be called out in front of the council. Looking to the green Jedi master before him, he knew that he couldn't lie to them. "I don't trust her masters; the darkness that surrounds her is unsettling and puts me on edge."
Once again master Windu frowned harder. "Could this Ayillh be apart of the attackers plot?" Jinn turned from Windu for a second to look at his padawan before he answered. "No I believe not, she has had many opportunities to assassinate the queen during our journey."
Jinn gave a sigh as he noticed that a few of the council were still worried about Ayillh. "Ayillh, has promised that if she has the time she will visit the council before she leaves. Though I worry about the darkness that clings around her, it is my belief that it is caused by her profession. Being a bounty hunter and having a stronger connection to the force than usual has caused such an occurrence to happen."
A few around the room nodded at his words, most of the Jedi masters had been to many different planets in their life time, they knew many types of things could taint a person, especially if they were entwined with the force. For Jedi it was a test strengthened them or leads them down a dark path.
It was Plo Koon sitting on the right that felt there was more to be said however. "You have more to add however I sense." Jinn nodded in his direction. "In trying to figure out her identity and the person who hired her, there have been few hints that could lead me to a conclusion. I cannot claim to be up to date with well know bounty hunters, but with her unique appearance I think would have heard of her before."
The rest nodded at his logical thought process. "She has knowledge about the Jedi that not even I know, though I do not claim to know it all." Yoda leaned forwards intrigued this time. "Knowledge on the Jedi?" Jinn nodded as he thought back.
"Yes, she let it slip in such a matter of fact way, as if every Jedi should know. That our mind tricks, something rarely talked about by Jedi in the first place, do not work on Toydarians." It was master Even Piell that cut in this time.
"They don'? That is the first I have heard of this." Depa Billaba backed him up. "Same here." Actually none of the council save one knew of this fact. Mind trick was a more advanced move than some would give it credit for, in a galaxy at peace it was slightly rare for a Jedi to use such a technique, not that many of them would ever run into Toydarians either way.
But there was one master that knew, and he gave a small laugh at the knowledge. Everyone turned to Yoda as he let out the small chuckle. "Old knowledge that is, long time since I last heard it." Coming from Yoda, everyone had to think for a few seconds on just how long 'old' meant for him.
Windu spoke up as everyone turned introspective. "That begs the question. Why does a random bounty hunter know such trivial information. And what else could she know about the order." Jinn jumped back in, hoping to find a few answers about the mysterious woman that had helped them.
"I asked her much the same question. She said she encountered a Jedi on Quesh of all places, and said that he told her about the information." Windu frowned at those words and everyone else in the council turned to him. He was one of the main people that sent and monitored Jedi sent out on assignments.
And Windu had no knowledge of a Jedi being on Quesh. "There are no Jedi currently on assignment at Quesh, no one has been assigned to go to the planet in I would say a decade, but we would have to check the records to be sure."
These were not the words Jinn were hoping to hear, it actually just made him have more questions about Ayillh. His thoughts were matched by the rest of the council, with Windu's thoughts instantly turning suspicions.
Obi-wan suddenly stepped forwards, gaining the attention of the council again. "Masters if I may. When we arrived on Coruscant, Ayillh spoke to the pilot of our ship. She mentioned she hadn't been on Coruscant in a long time. She has been here before; we could possible find information about her last visit."
Yoda nodded his head slowly at Obi-Wan's words. His intrigue about this certain bounty hunter had risen with each point mentioned. "More details about her person you have, master Jinn?" Seeing the interest behind Yoda's eyes Jinn didn't hold anything back.
"We only saw her appearance once, but it will narrow down the result tremendously. She is a Mirialan, which would explain her strong connection to the force." Depa Billaba spoke first as she was a bit more knowledgeable on the species.
"Yes the Mirialan usually have a very strong connection to the force, especially if they are female, that would explain that. Though not much is known about their practices, any Mirialan already in the order must train another Mirialan force sensitive if found."
She stopped for a second thinking of something. "I believe we only have a handful of them in the order right now. Most of them are padawans, while there is that one master, Luminara Unduli. She has the making of a great master of the order in the future."
Saying her piece Eeth Koth spoke for the first time during the meeting. "It might be wise to bring master Luminara to be present when we get the chance to talk to this bounty hunter. One of their own species would understand them better."
Windu nodded his head at the words, it was a good idea. "We will see if she is currently stationed at the temple in case she is needed." Eeth gave Windu a nod. Yoda had a small smile on his face as he moved the conversation along.
"Narrow it down this does not, more to say hmmm." Jinn also gave a small smile as he looked at the grand master. "Yes, her most defining feature is the fact that she is a rare species of Mirialan, one with Purple skin."
Ki-Adi jumped in the conversation again. "That is a rare skin color, not many in the galaxy share it, I would be hard pressed to name any species that come to mind." Windu gave a small smile at the information that would narrow down their search tremendously.
"We will start our search for information at the end of this meeting; it would be appreciated if we could meet her in person. Could you please convey that message to her." Jinn gave a bow, at the request. "Was there anything else you wish to add to this subject?" Jinn shook his head,he had gained so many questions traveling with Ayillh he just had to share them with the council at this time. Her timing in coming to help the Queen was too suspect to overlook.
Windu gave a nod "There was one more subject you wished to discuss." Jinn had a slight bit of hesitation before he broached the subject, he knew how his words would cause another string of questions and doubt in the council."With your permission masters… I have discovered a vergence in the force." The council was intrigued, none more so than Yoda and Windu. "A vergence you say?""Located around a person?" Jinn gave another nod to both masters.
"A boy, his cells have the highest concentration of midichlorians I have seen in a life form. It is possible he was conceived from midichlorians." A small glimmer of recognition flashed through the eyes of those around, they had all grown up in the temple to get to their positions, they had all heard the prophecy.
"You refer to the prophecy of the one who shall bring balance to the force. You believe it's this boy?" Windu had every right to be skeptical as he voiced the councils thoughts. Jinn knew he had to pick his words carefully. "I don't presume…" Yoda interrupted him before he could finish though."But you do, revealed your opinion is."
Knowing that nothing he could say, would be able to convince the masters in front of him, Jinn reconsidered how to approach the sensitive subject."I request he be tested master." And with those words they all knew what Jinn wanted. "Oh, trained as a Jedi you request of him?"
"Finding him was the will of the force. I have no doubt of that."Jinn's conviction as he uttered those words was enough to get the council to consider his request. Though he may have had opposing positions to many of their practices, they saw his dedication to the force.
The council looked around for a few seconds their eyes meeting to confirm their answer; it was Master Windu that spoke for them."Bring him before us then." Getting the confirmation he wanted, Jinn finally gave a bow and retreated from the room.
(Coruscant, Queens residence)
(Ayillh PoV)
I stood on the opposite side of the Queens quarters. Palpatine had left quite a while ago and I had stayed back to look over Padme. She was confiding with her handmaidens when Anakin, the young boy, made his entrance.
He sent one small glance my way before talking to Padme in her queen disguise. It was quite funny how the small boy couldn't recognize that he was talking to Padme. She was deepening her voice though, so that probably threw him off.
Just as he was about to leave, he quickly made his way over to me. He looked nervous as I looked down at him, which honestly just made me want to laugh, his expression was too funny. From the side I could also see Padme covering her laugh.
"It was nice meeting you." I had been listening to his conversation from the side, he believed that he was about to become a Jedi. I could have honestly crushed his dreams then and there, knowing that the Jedi didn't like to take in kids over a certain age, but in the end didn't mention it.
I had a feeling that he would become a Jedi, it was better to leave a good impression to exploit later. Seeing that I hadn't said anything Anakin didn't try and push for my answer, instead he moved towards the door.
"Wait, before you go." I saw him flinch from my synthesized voice but paid it no head. Walking up to him and then crouching down, I looked him right in the eye. "You'll do good in the future kid, going around with your laser sword, I know you'll be known throughout the galaxy."
He gave me the biggest smile since I had met him, my words must have really propped him up. "But remember, Jedi aren't invincible. I'll make it easy on you. If I ever get a bounty to take you out, I'll give you a heads up." Hearing my words, the boy had gone pale, getting increasingly whiter as I mentioned a possible bounty on his head.
"Haha" I finally laughed, I couldn't keep it in at the end. After I finished he bolted out the room as if his life depended on it, giving only a small goodbye to Padme who was also smiling.
After seeing Anakin off, she also asked for her handmaidens to leave the room along with Panaka. He frowned for a second as he looked my way, but didn't question his queen. I had enough good will to accommodate any suspicion and he would be right outside the door, he was a man confident that he could protect his charge.
If I had been assigned to assassinate Padme, it would have been all too easy to take her out now, I had done such tactics in the past, getting close to the target and getting us alone, usually of their own volition, the tactic generally worked the best with male targets. Thankfully for her that wasn't my mission, it was the exact opposite.
As Panaka closed the doors and it was just us, she finally let the mask that was holding her face together slip. She kept it up in the presence of others, but she let it down now that she was alone, it was a good development that she let me see the amount of fear and desperation brewing inside her. It meant that she on either a subconscious or conscious level trusted me.
I could feel the smirk that graced my face as she turned to me, just behind her eyes I could feel the plea for help, the one that she was screaming on the inside. I had come to her aid in her time of need, I had broadened her understanding of the galaxy just enough when we were on Tatooine. She believed…no…she needed me to tell her of another option that could help her people.
Well I had already formulated a plan; I just needed her to take the first step. Looking at me for a few seconds, I said nothing and waited as she gripped her hands into fists. The cogs turning in her mind, thoughts of all her possible words, all the ways that she could appeal to me, convince me. In the end I knew that she would go with the honest approach. She hadn't been jaded yet by politics to try and convince me any other way.
"Ayillh…" Ohh, using my name and not a title, a good development,though I haven't given her any other title, other than 'Bounty Hunter', I'll have to work on that later. "You heard what Palpatine has outlines…I cannot accept the options that have been laid before me." Her eyes that had been downcast and looking at the ground finally came to meet my mask; there was a slight tremble in her voice.
"You told me this would happen on Tatooine. The unreliability of the senate…I hope to convince them, but I am no longer assured that they will help my people." Her fists turned white in anger as she continued. "You seem..seemed so knowledgeable in politics…P-please" Her voice broke as her eyes started to water.
She wanted to put up a front for others, one of a strong ruler of her people, one who would not back down, but in the end she was only a 14 year old girl. A piece of knowledge I might or might not have taken from the queen's personal files aboard their royal cruiser.
As I had noted before, she may have been trained most of her life, and wanted to rule her people gallantly, but she was still new to the harsh reality of the world of politics. "…Please tell me there is another option, another way to save my people…" She reached forwards to grab my left hand, I let her as she held it with both hands, looking up at me. "…Please help me."
I said nothing for a few seconds, letting the words hang in the air, it was time for me to set forth my scheme. "Ok." I said it softly, just enough that she had to strain to hear me. I wanted to say that I was just manipulating her, but I had felt a close connection between us, something I saw in her that reminder myself of me. I wanted to help her.
Using my other hand I reached up slowly for my mask, adding effect. Slowly releasing the pressure and letting her see my face I gave her a reassuring smile. I could see the sense of relief wash over her.
She stayed like that for a second before she recomposed herself. Letting go of my hand she backed off a step and made sure that no tears had actually fallen. Giving her a smirk I walked around the room, speaking with confidence.
"Politics is a dangerous game Padme; I have had to deal with it a fair deal as a bounty hunter. Sometimes subtle is required in my line of work." I could feel her eyes on me as I paced the room, my back now turned slightly.
Making it look like I was thinking, but knowing exactly what I was going to say, I stalled for another 20 seconds, but she hung on each word as I spoke. "In order to get the senate in your favor, you must give them a reason to use their resources to aid you." I turned back to her as she started to think on my words.
She may have been an idealist, but she was catching on fast, I pushed forwards. "What is in it for them to mobilize an entire fleet of ships or an army capable and strong enough to repel the Trade Federation?" It only took her a few seconds to realize the inevitability, but I drove it home anyway. "The answer is nothing. You have nothing to offer them that will make them stand by your side."
She once again gripped her hands tightly and a look of hate appeared on her face. Making her have a questionable outlook on the Republic was honestly just a bonus of what I was trying to accomplish. "But there is one option."
She looked me right in the eye, I loved what I saw. "That is?" Her voice was soft but demanding, almost the opposite of the girl that had asked me for help. "You have to play on their fears. Play on the fear that if left alone the Trade Federation will take your planet and that they will be next. Put the Trade Federation under scrutiny, scare them, hurt them, while also solidifying your support."
The conflict once again returned to her eyes but I knew the appeal of my plan, I was pushing it a bit with my words. But it was what she wanted, she questioned it, but I could see her desire to use such a tactic, it would be revenge, comeuppance, beautiful poetic justice.
"How would this tactic make the senate act?" I turned my back once again as I walked the room. "If the senate did nothing, it would set a very bad precedent. One where the Republic does not care about its own worlds it is charged to protect. It also tells the rest of the galaxy that any planet with a strong enough army, can invade another planet within the republic without fear of any kind of reprisal, either from the senate itself or the overall governing body of the republic."
I stopped for a second. "In short, any planet with strong financial and military manpower can do what it wants without being punished for their crimes. Sparking a sudden desire to make up new 'territory' as one planet is conquered after another while being influence under the senator who has the world invaded. It would only cause further chaos within the Republic and brings about its own self destruction."
Padme's eyes widened as she took a step back in shock at the implications. It took her a full minute before she could digest my words and reply. "And you want me to use this argument, or possibility to make the other senators act? Incase such a precedent does occur?" I gave another nod looking almost bored, it wasn't too hard to figure out once a person really thought about it, you just needed a certain something to make such a precedent appear imminent and threatening, and I had that certain something.
I walked closer to the queen and placed my hand on her shoulder in a gesture of solidarity, to get my point to hit home. "Think about it Padme. This has already happened with your own world. The trade federation is leveraging the fact that they have enough political protection and backing that even if you speak before the senate they could brush off the consequences, even turn it back onto you."
This reignited the flames of anger within her once again. She retreated into herself after my words, the anger simmered under the surface and her mind working in overtime to think about all that I had brought up.
I still had my hand on her shoulder as she looked down. "Will it be enough?" I smiled at that, she had finally accepted my idea, the extra edge in her voice was also nice to hear. "Don't worry…" She looked up as I flashed an even bigger smile slowly raising my mask up. "…This will be enough"
(Coruscant, Spaceport)
(3rd Person PoV)
"We are now arriving at Coruscant space port number…" Aayla Secura's mind forced the rest of the droids words out of her mind as she prepared to stand. Throughout the journey to Coruscant her mind had been preoccupied with what had happened only a few hours earlier.
Fixated on a certain woman, a certain sith, who had taken down both her master and herself. Her mind wandered again and when she came back to herself she slowly released the tension in her grip. She had clenched her hands in anger, something she had been doing all through the trip. She could feel her masters eyes on her, but didn't say anything as they made their way off the transport.
Her mind could only continue to flash with the image of that 'item' still strapped to the belt of the person that bested them. "We must hurry to the Temple Aayla." Finally she snapped out of her thoughts as she looked at her master, Quinlan, walk up to her.
He had a small sack chucked over his shoulder, their possessions that they had quickly grabbed before catching a transport to the planet, were all contained in the small sack. Being on assignment, specifically an undercover one including smugglers and slave traders, they had to travel light.
Generally having no more than the items that could be worn or carried on their body, a few heads turned as they made their way to the closest air speeder. The normal civilian's eyes locked on instantly to the lightsabers at their waists.
Not being on mission they could both now proudly show that they were a part of the Jedi order, more so that they were in the heart of the republic. Another perk the lightsaber gave was the parting of the crowd as they made their way. Most would move in seconds to let them through.
Vos and Secura made fast time and soon made their way to a nearby air speeder, quickly paying for the transport they both rushed to the temple to deliver their report. No more words were spoken on their quiet journey.
And as the speeder took to the air, controlled by Vos, Aayla found herself once again drifting into the thoughts of her fight, emotions raging on the inside, fist clenched once more.
(Coruscant, Senate Building)
(Padme PoV)
The republic senate was the governing body of the galactic republic and had been for several thousand years. I had been told many times of the glory of the senate, or really how it was the pinnacle of galactic governmental society, the embodiment of living in a civilized galaxy.
I looked around quietly, staring at the hundreds of seats that littered the room, races I had only heard of, other I had never seen before. It was slightly overwhelming but I kept my composure. Honestly I was starting to look at them in a different light. I didn't want to believe Ayillh's cynical out view of the senate, but I couldn't help but wonder how many of them were corrupt, how many of them were only here for their own gain.
An emergency session had been called of the congress by the Supreme Chancellor, the same one that my own representative wanted to concede, the same chancellor that promised that he would get justice for my planet.
After everything I've heard I was no longer assured of his word, but I didn't need to rely on him anymore, I would protect Naboo with my own hands. I refocused once again keeping up my regale bearing as I waited. Finally it was time.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Gentle beings the galaxy over. Today we have come before you with the gravest of travesties. One that started here where we taxed all the major trading routes throughout the Republic's outlying start systems. To present our case, I give you Queen Amidala of Naboo."
Palpatine stepped back as I stood and faced the numerous eyes of the senate. "Honorable representatives of the Galactic Republic, I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. The Naboo system has been invaded by the droid armies of the Trade Federation…" I didn't even get to finish my rehearsed opening before one of 'them' interrupted me.
I schooled my features so as not to let the distaste show when I locked eyes on to the Neimoidian, Lott Dod, representative of the Trade Federation, I should have known he would speak up swiftly. His chair flew out fast to cut me off. "I Object! There is no proof of any invasion! This is unfounded slander. We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth."
I locked eyes with the beady eyed senator. He was looking my way, a small sly smirk on his lips. The fake outrage he just showed nothing but smoke and mirrors for the masses. Stealthily I clenched my hands to let loose some of the anger I felt bubble up.
"The senate does not recognize the senator from the Trade Federation at this time." Finally Supreme chancellor Valorum spoke up, he truly did want to help, I could see it in his eyes when he looked my way. But it was as I had been told and as I feared.
"The Senator of Malastare agrees with the honorable member of the Trade Federation. A commission must be Sent!" I turned to look at the new speaker, mentally striking all future trade and relationship deals with Malastare should my people and home pull through.
I didn't know many of the Senators here but I did know this one, Senator Aks Moe. I covered up my glare towards him as I looked back towards the podium;Valorum had been pulled to the side and was speaking with one of his advisors.
Palpatine had mentioned it, Ayillh had also told me what to expect, but it still hurt to see. If I was being honest with myself I would have easily called for a vote of no confidence if I didn't have another option. I was just so angry at the moment, my sense of betrayal and disappointment rose as I finally got to see the inner working of the senate I had been told so much about as I grew up.
I felt Palpatine walk close behind me, he whispered so no one else could hear. On the chair I now floated, sat myself, Panaka my Guard captain, Palpatine and Ayillh. I don't know why she wanted to sit with us, but I chalked it up to her employer's orders. It was nice having her close by, I had grown a lot closer to her ever since we had escaped from Tatooine. I wasn't sure if it was respect or admiration, but seeing her work, the things she did, it drew me to her.
She even helped me in this trying time; I was becoming more indebted to her as time moved on. "Enter the bureaucrats. Twisting the law to benefit those they truly serve. They are the real power in the senate and on the payroll of the Trade Federation. This your Majesty is where Supreme Chancellor Valorum's power fails."
His words rung true as I noticeable watched his shoulders drop and his side long glance my way, I could see the glint of sorrow hidden in them, he could no longer help me. Walking back to address all those around, he spoke with less power in each word.
"The motion is sustained. Will you defer your own motion and allow the commission to proceed?" Everything went as she said, I could not help the sorrow that washed over me for a second as I watched the system I believed in fail and be corrupt so easily.
I steeled my resolve as I knew what I had to do next. "I will not defer. I came for your aid against our sovereignty now! I was not elected just to watch as my people suffer and die, while you discuss this in a committee! The army of the trade Federation is on my planet illegally while imprisoning, torturing, and killing my people to force me into submission!"
I may have wanted to keep my voice regal and solemn but I couldn't help the anger that slipped into it. "We all feel your pain and your plight your majesty, but as stated by the senator from the Trade Federation, there is no proof of you accusations. Unless you can provide any form of evidence regarding these accusations against them, the motion will indeed carry and a commission will have to be made to discuss this further. I will ask you once again Queen Amidala; do you have any such evidence to support your accusations against the Trade Federation at this time?"
My eyes shifted from Valorum for a second to take in the smug look of the Trade Federation's Lott Dod, I was tempted to call for the vote of no confidence either way after being let down so much, a small voice in the back of my head whispered, "Do it", but Valorum truly wanted to help us, it was the Trade Federation that I truly wanted to hurt.
I gained the satisfaction of seeing the widened eyes of Lott Dod as I gave a small smirk his way, signaling to him before anyone else that I had defeated him. "Yes, I do have such proof." I spoke calmly once more and that was when the rest finally spoke up, finally let known their presence, finally acknowledged that I was speaking.
Voicing their selfish opinions, asking to see what I had, calling me a liar, it was gruesome, it was ugly… I didn't want to talk to these people anymore; I wished I hadn't left my people alone to come here."Order! Order! We will have Order!" I let them get over their surprise as I hear a distinct click come from behind me.
I don't know what it was from, but it sounded like one of those old holo-recorders. I pushed it out of my mind as Valorum spoke once again."If you have evidence to prove these accusations true your Majesty, please show it to us now." I smiled at him, I could hear the strength return to his words.
"Gladly Supreme chancellor." Reaching into my sleeve I raised the data stick me and Ayillh prepared beforehand. "Where did you get that?" Palpatine showed his presence once again behind my ear, the surprise and tension in his voice was palpable. I said nothing to him as I slowly inserted it into the port before me.
"This data stick holds the proof of the invasion of my planet." The lights dimmed in the senate as I looked at the holo-recording that started to play. I had seen it once before when Ayillh explained her plan, sure I was surprised that she had recorded everything that she had come across on Naboo, but she explained it simple. "You never know when physical evidence will come in handy."
And it was a god send right now, though I wish its contents never existed at the same time. My beautiful city appeared before all those present. The design of buildings I had know all my life flashed by as it filtered from one building to the other. Of course the video had been edited a little so that nothing of personal importance to Ayillh was present. She had her secrets and I respected that.
Hell I still wondered exactly how she got so high up on our tallest buildings and moved from one to the other at such a speed. As the recording overlooked the palace plaza, the recording zoomed in on the numerous droids that trailed the streets and tanks that followed them.
The weapons they carried trained on my people, forcing them to go where ever they wanted. One scene in particular caught the entire attention of the senate building that I now sat in. As the video zoomed in from a high ledge, all watched a scene I never wanted to see on my home world.
A small family was forced out of their home at gun point, when the elderly grandfather of the small family accidentally fell to the ground, knocked by one of the droids. Even though it was only a small fall, the damage had been done.
While all this was happening the holo-recorder moved closer in the shadows, no words were spoken as it got close enough to hear what the droids were saying. One was a commander of their forces, with a distinct yellow paint job. As the man fell to the ground and couldn't get back up, the one next to the family spoke in its direction.
"The citizen cannot continue to the rally point. You orders commander." The command droid turned for a second to look at the elderly man and its family before giving out its order. "New orders from Viceroy Gunray have been handed down. All citizens are to be rounded up for a set execution. If the citizen cannot be brought to the rally point then they are to be terminated immediately."
I forced myself to watch the scene again as some of the other senators could not and turned away. "Roger Roger." With those words as a death sentence the screams from the family as they tried to help were drowned out by the short burst of laser fire.
The holo-recording cut after that small scene and returned to above the plaza. Outside one of the palace windows the image of two Neimoidian talking could just be seen, a one Nute Gunray and Rune Haako. Attached to the glass window was a small device that could just be made out, but it was so small I knew no one could tell exactly what it was. But we all knew it was helping us listen in on what was being said.
"I have already passed orders to the droids to round up as many citizens on this planet as they can. I want hundreds of them ready for execution when we force the Queen to sign the treaty. Should she refuse to sign it and make our invasion legal, I will have them executed one by one while she watches. After seeing so many of her people slaughtered, the foolish girl will get on her knees and begin begging us to sign it."
I had to keep control of my anger once again, I had already seen the recording, but the words still cut deep, too deep. Ayillh had told me that she had taken this just before she caught sight of me and my entourage being escorted fact that they had sent me towards one of their camps just before saying this was enough to make my stomach churn and blood boil.
"After she does sign the treaty, we'll have her executed as well." The picture may have been taken from quite the distance but the images were clear and the sound was good. I couldn't thank Ayillh enough that her tech was so high end, to all those present the recording could not be ignored.
Rune Haako finally spoke as the rest of us watched. "But won't that raise suspicion? Legal or not the death of the Queen could make trouble for us in the senate." Gunray waved it off as if it were nothing. "It matters not. We have powerful friends in the senate. A bribe to a senator here, a 'gift' there, even an incentive to visit Naboo after we turn it into one of our pleasure planets should be enough."
Gunray let out a laugh at his own words as I gritted my teeth. "We will even give our friends a considerable discount when they are here in order to make any infraction made go away or be ignored. Besides, after we have the queen executed, we can make up any plausible story we want.A little fake evidence to further back our own innocence and we have nothing to worry about."
Finally they both moved away from the window to go somewhere else as the holo-recorder moved back and panned over the area, before finally settling on my own group leaving the palace. It zoomed in on us for a second before finally going black.
I let a small smile light my face as I stared at the nervous and sweating faces of both Lott Dod and Aks Moe. The recording had brought to light their deceit and the anger from the other senators was palpable in the air.
Watching them sweat was the most enjoyable sight I had come across since entering the building. With so much evidence the republic will finally help my people. I felt a sense of content wash over me as I finished up with the words Ayillh had provided. I hadn't been so sure about them when I first read it over, but now, I couldn't help the excitement that rose as I condemned them.
"That ladies and Gentlemen of the senate and esteem Supreme chancellor is my proof. Proof, that the trade federation has illegally invaded my home world without fear of being punished by the senate or the republic itself. If you do nothing after what you have just witnessed, it will declare throughout the galaxy an unsettling precedent. One that says any civilization on any world, even your own world can be targeted by the Trade Federation without fear. Is that what you want? If so please remain silent on the issue and show your heartlessness for all here to see with their own eyes."
Finally done, finally having said my piece, finally having got some form of retribution, I glared right at Lott Dod, daring him to find a way out, some way to spin my words so that he could prevail. But looking at his panicked eyes, he couldn't, I had him dead to rights.
The sight of his dismal state made me beyond happy.
(Coruscant, Jedi Council Chambers)
(3rd Person PoV)
Anakin stood square in the center of the room as he spoke, feeling for the answer to the question. "A ship…A cup…a ship…a Speeder…" Each time he spoke he would predict the next image to appear before the seated Mace Windu.
He rose an eyebrow marveling on the inside about the potential of the boy. There was also another thought that dominated his mind though, it was the boys shatter point. A special ability that Mace possessed and that he used frequently, it was an ability to see shatter points in the universe.
The boy before him was one such person, and the shatter point that he caused in the force was something that couldn't be ignored. "Hmm..How feel you?" Yoda spoke up as Windu was in his own thoughts.
Anakin finally turned his eyes away from the master before him to look at the green grand master, he didn't even think over the question before he answer truthfully. "Cold Sir." Yoda nodded his head, but through the force he could see something else in the boy.
"Afraid are you?" Anakin shook his head fast, trying to appear capable of being a Jedi, but there was a new thought that accompanied that string of feelings. A small synthesized voice in the back of his head saying, 'Jedi aren't invincible.' He brushed the voice off quick, but the words were picked up by two in the room.
Yoda and Windu heard the small whisper in the back of his mind, accompanied by a small vision of a woman standing in combat gear, weapons strapped to their body, kneeling in front of them. Having heard and read the reports from Qui-Gon they instantly knew who the boy was thinking of.
Mace frowned at the words, not liking the certainty that she delivered them with, while Yoda also became more intrigued in their bounty hunter friend. They both kept their thoughts to themselves and pushed them to the side as they heard Anakin's answer. "No sir"
Everyone else instantly knew that he lied. "See through you, we can.""Be mindful of your feelings.""Your thoughts dwell on your mother." Yoda, Mace Windu and Ki-Adi Mundi spoke in turn sensing his true was shocked for a second at the words before he realized that he couldn't lie, not before a Jedi, they were too powerful.
Finally he told the truth, letting his weakness show. "I miss her."Yoda nodded his head. "Afraid to miss her I think." Though Anakin wanted to be a Jedi, after going through the latest test and being questioned, even he was confused by the endless questions.
With a slight edge to his voice he spoke back. "What does that have to do with anything?" Yoda sensed the small flare of anger and fear as he spoke with conviction to the young boy, but the damage had already been done.
Just that show of anger, the show of fear, everyone in the council knew that the boy was too emotional, too attached to his past life. "Everything. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering."
Anakin grew worried hearing the words; he couldn't help but feel a small twinge of fear towards the so called dark once again by the council around him. "Much fear I sense in you." As if ignoring the boy, Yoda spoke to the rest of the council.
They all heard the hidden question. 'Should he be trained as a Jedi.' Even though they knew the risks, especially after what just happened, the boy was strong in the force. Yoda couldn't just bar him from training without the others input.
Though it was only Ki-Adi Mundi who voiced a small amount of resistance to the preordained answer."The force is strong with him." Jin spoke up for the first time, not noticing the small messages that were being sent between the high council or not caring. "He is to be trained then?" Qui-Gon was hopeful for an affirmative answer.
But after a slight pause and even more communication through their eyes, Windu spoke for them. "No, he will not be trained." Qui-Gon was shocked truly shocked at the reply. "No?" Windu leaned back in his chair, ready for the 'Maverick Jedi' to question their decision, he could feel the turbulent emotions coming off the master.
"He is too old." Windu saying the words, knowing that it was only one part of reason they didn't agree to train him, Qui-Gon should have seen that. "He is the chosen one, you must see this." Yoda shook his head at Qui-Gon's insistence. "Clouded this boys future is."
Qui-Gon took a second to digest the words, and in those few seconds the look in his eyes changed as he resolved himself letting the force guide him. "I will train him then." Obi-wan looked to his master in shock. A small sense of betrayal welled up inside him. 'Was he just thrown away like nothing?'
Though his thoughts and emotions wanted to burst out of him, his training calmed his nerves and he gained control before anyone noticed. Qui-Gon continued, not noticing the look his padawan just gave him. "I will take Anakin as my padawan learner."
Yoda shook his head as he noticed the strong emotions stirring inside the young padawan to the side. "An apprentice you already have Qui-Gon, impossible to take on a second." Even Windu spoke up a frown naturally on his face. His voice was deep and commanding as he stared at Qui-Gon. "The code forbids it."
But Qui-Gon knew what he had to do, even though the others could not feel the presence of the force like he could at that moment, he knew he had to do this. "Obi-wan is ready." Obi-Wan sent another glance at his master and even though he wanted to protest, to cling to their current relationship as master and apprentice, something came over him, something that told him 'it was time.'
Before he even knew what he was doing he had stepped forwards. "I am ready for the trials masters." Yoda turned to him for a second before responding to them both. "Our own council, we will keep on who is ready."
'Why were they so against his idea?' Qui-Gon could not fathom the reason, but to be a Jedi was to be patient, he continued his case before the council. "He is head strong and has much to learn of the living force but he is capable. There is little more that he can learn from me."
Saying his piece Qui-Gon turned to his long time partner, they shared a look as numerous emotions passed between their gaze. Finally they broke eye contact as Qui-Gon closed his eyes ever so slightly, sending a small message across their telepathic link. "You are ready Obi-wan…and… sorry." Obi wan also closed his eyes for a second as he received the message.
Letting the words soak in he let out a breath of air and calmed his emotions once again just as Yoda spoke up. "Young Skywalkers fate will be decided later." A few others in the council nodded their heads, including Windu who had other pressing matters to attend to, after what happened just under an hour ago in the senate building.
Windu took back control of the meeting. "Now is not the time for this. The senate is dealing with the revelation of corporate corruption and subterfuge caused in the earlier emergency meeting. We will discuss the fate of Skywalker…" The Jedi master cut himself off as his eyes turned to the entrance of the room.
Along with him the rest of the master also turned. They hadn't felt it yet, fully focused on the discussion at hand, but once they stopped for a second they felt it, two signatures in the force making their way quickly to their destination.
The signatures were familiar to a few, but unknown to others. A few of the masters frowned as they were not expecting anyone else to appear before them, not only that, to the most powerful of them they could just make out another presence. One that clung to them, something they had come into contact with recently, something dark and ominous.
There had been a faint presence on Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Anakin, but compared to this, it was nothing. Something much darker had touched those that were closing in. Everyone's focus were now on the doors as a few tried to feel the presence and discover its secrets.
Finally after another few seconds the doors opened and 2 figures wearing long brown cloaks entered the room. Reaching up to pull their hoods down, Quinlan Vos with his shaggy black hair and the blue twi'lek, Aayla Secura were revealed.
They bowed low as they stood next to the other 3 people in the center of the room. Qui-Gon wanted to say something to his long time friend Quinlan but he could tell the direness of the situation just from feeling the presence left on them. Something that made the pit of his stomach churn in dread.
"Sorry to interrupt masters but we bring disturbing news." "Hmmm." Yoda hummed to himself as he looked at both of the Jedi before him. He had lived for a long time, but had never felt a presence such as the one that clung to them, something that had left the grand master of the order unsettled.
Windu who had a bit more knowledge on what Vos had been doing spoke up first. "Master Vos, has something gone wrong on your long term mission?" Quinlan and Secura both rightened themselves at the words as Vos stepped forwards.
"I wish it were so simple Master Windu. Me and my apprentice have just returned from Tatooine where we finished our undercover assignment." The words caused all 3 beside them, as well as a few members of the council to move forwards in their seats. Everyone was thinking the same thing at the words. 'Did they meet the Sith?"
This reaction did not go unnoticed by Vos or Secura who had a better view of all those present, causing her to frown. Vos didn't dwell on the reaction as what he had to say was too important. "I am afraid that the Sith have returned!"
His grim voice confirmed what everyone was already thinking, it may have been a mistake had only Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan met the assailant, but now with another source confirming it; the dreaded news was forced forwards.
Seeing the looks of regret on Masters Yoda and Windu in front of him, he knew that they had already expected his news. Taking a look at those around just confirmed Vos's suspicion. It was at that moment that he remembered that he had seen Qui-Gon on Tatooine before they had run into the Sith.
Connecting all the piece in his mind Vos knew that they had also met the same fate as them, but they had escaped and made it back quicker than them. He sent a small thanks through the force as his friend survived such an ordeal, something that he was still questioning in his own mind.
Turning back to Yoda in front of him, he let his thoughts be known. "From you reactions I assume that Master Qui-Gon and his apprentice also encounter the Sith on Tatooine." Windu let out a small sigh as he replied. "Yes they encountered the Sith as he tried to kill the Queen of Naboo that was accompanying them. They were lucky enough to escape before the fight could escalate."
Aayla looked at the 3 people besides her. She had known Obi-Wan for a while even if they weren't the closest. She also knew Qui-Gon, considered a bit of a rebel in the order, though his views coincided a lot with her own masters' liberal way of dealing with situations.
'They had both faced and run away from her? Was it possible? Were the stronger? What could they do that she and her master couldn't?' Aayla quickly stomped down on the thoughts as they entered her mind, even she didn't know where they came from.
It was a dangerous line of thinking, self-doubt, jealousy, inferiority, emotions and thoughts unbecoming of a Jedi, ones that hadn't appeared in a long time, not since her time as a youngling anyway. Using techniques drilled into her for years, she quickly calmed her mind and thought about the experience they must have gone through to successfully escape.
Finally she turned her eyes on to the boy she didn't know. But even if she didn't know him, she could sense his immense presence in the force, even untrained it was a beacon drawing people closer. Aayla starred at the boy for a few more seconds, before the words truly started to sink in.
Turning back to Master Windu she frowned slightly she knew something was wrong in his words just then, there was an inconsistency, but what was it? Before she even knew it she spoke up, a part of her mind knowing the answer instinctually.
"He? But the Sith we faced was Female?" Everyone in the counsel tensed at the words. 'There had been two sith on Tatooine? The Master and Apprentice?' The thought traveled through the minds of all on the council as Yoda and Windu looked at each other.
After a few seconds Windu turned to Secura and spoke in his gravest voice yet. "Yes, he. Master Jin and his Padawan encountered a male Zabrak Sith on the planet as they were leaving. What species and look did your assailant have?" Aayla was shocked at the words as she realized their implication. Her first thoughts drifting to an area she wished they didn't. 'It wasn't her? They faced someone else? Probably weaker and less trained possibly the apprentice. Was that the reason they could escape where we failed?'
Caught in her own thoughts she started for a second as she regained her bearings and caught everyone looking at her. To her eyes it looked like they could see right through her and maybe they could. She quickly looked to her Master for help. He looked at her for a second before turning to the council to answer in her stead.
"Reporting, the Sith we encountered was a Female Togruta as well as a female Twi'lek…" He held up his hand before one of the council could interrupt. "Though she had a slight force signature that could denote force sensitivity the Twi'lek did not use the force and carried blasters as weapons…"
It was a few minutes later when Vos finished his report to the council and another 30 minutes before he left the room. He, Obi-wan, Qui-Gon, Anakin and Aayla slowly left the council chambers and headed to the elevator, tired from their journey they had a lot of thoughts passing through their mind, trying to feel the force for answers to their numerous questions.
Back in the chamber they just left, worry emanated from those sitting on the council. "Master and Apprentice, we have found. Bode well, this does not." Yoda spoke first to break the tension as he talked to his close friend.
"But we have at least identified the two Sith we now face, that is a boon." Adi Gallia spoke from her position in the council, her voice a bit rougher at the new news. Others in the council, nodded their heads. She was right, at least they had information on who they would face.
Windu gazed silently out the windows around them for a few seconds before responding. "Who is the master, and who is the apprentice though?" Ki-Adi spoke up while rubbing his chin. "From both descriptions the Togruta showed more power in the force and combat, Master Vos and Secura are lucky to be alive."
"A good point! Why are they alive? They lost, were knocked out unconscious, easy kills. We would have never know of the Sith's existence if they killed them." Even Piell butted in, a frown marring his lips. All of the council looked each other, trying to figure out the reason, but they could not come to a logical reason.
*Sigh* Finally Yoda let out a breath of air as he called the meeting to an end. "Meditate on this we must. Found the Master and Apprentice we have, advantage we now hold." Everyone slowly rose from their seats as they gave polite bows to each other.
As the rest left, Yoda tried to feel the force, trying to unravel the mystery before them. But the future was distant, shrouded from view. In the end he could only open his eyes and stare out at the sprawling city before him, his mind far away.
(Hours later)
(Coruscant, Jedi Training room)
(Quinlan Vos PoV)
I felt the force drag me towards the training room, I had been sleeping peacefully, I needed it after what had happened on Tatooine, when it had called out to me. Was it truly the force though? Or was it someone else? I stopped myself as I looked at the entrance to the training room, bold letters hung above the entrance to tell everyone exactly what the place was.
It was where younglings and padawan would generally train and hone their lightsaber skills, skill that they would use for the rest of their life's as a Jedi. I hadn't been in the room for a long time. When I had a need to train I would do it all around the temple, against others that wanted to sharpen their skills. Having already selected what type of lightsaber a person would use and then what form they would use, for most of their life it was rare that a person would come back to the training room.
This was where a Jedi learned a new form set, something that wouldn't change much after becoming a knight, less so when becoming a master unless they were specifically trying to master all forms of lightsaber combat, something which a rare few did these days.
What was concerning was the fact I could feel my Padawan inside. She had been agitated after the battle on Tatooine, fidgeting, distracted. Even the mental connection that we usually shared having such a close master and Padawan bond was closed off.
Something was wrong, I hadn't brought it up on the way back, I hadn't brought it up when it started to affect her in front of the council, but now, now I would bring it up. I could feel her raw emotions from whatever she was doing inside.
I slowly walked forwards and pushed open the door, keeping the noise quiet. It didn't seem that she had noticed me as I walked into the room. *Crack* *Crack* *Crack* Two practice blades flashed out as I watched Aayla perform Jar kai, the practice of using two blades.
I frowned slightly as I watched her. She incorporated her Jar Kai with forms 4 and 5 which she was good at while also using form 7, a lightsaber form that I had never seen her use before. There was a good reason for that, she wasn't usually this aggressive.
Form 7 which was the most aggressive style of lightsaber combat was not something that suited her, I knew that, she knew that, but she was still incorporating it anyway. A slight frown came to my lips as I continued to watch her move around and combat the dummy before her.
It only continued to get worse as I watched her sloppy form and style, she was distracted even now, something had deeply affected her, and judging by the use of the two blades I think I know what. I looked a little closer as I moved towards her.
Her hands were bleeding from over use and her breath was ragged, she was dead tired. I walked quietly behind her as she finally turned to look my way. She seemed surprised for a second and stopped in her tracks, just staring at me like I was a ghost.
But as I got closer, her eyes widened and she looked down at the two weapons in her hand. I also noticed she had another hilt clipped to her side, a hilt I had never seen before. Where did she get that? As if realizing that she couldn't come up with an excuse or get away from my imminent question as I stopped before her she let her head drop.
Was that in shame? Or was it something else?
I waited for her to speak, to say anything, but realizing quickly that she wasn't going to say anything I addressed her first. "Did you even go and rest after leaving the council meeting?" She hesitated for a few seconds at her answer before finally sighing in defeat.
"No Master." The frown on my face got worse as my tone shifted, I wanted to know what was going on and I wanted to know now. "What is wrong?" My voice was firm but commanding; she knew that I wouldn't take any flimsy answer.
I felt her emotions fluctuate once again, this time as I was right next to her I could feel how they were bubbling to explode. This was not good, but I said nothing, meeting that sith, fighting her, it really had affected her negatively, it would affect anyone the same way.
She clenched and unclenched her hands over and over again before she finally looked me in the eye. They were red, bloodshot as her body slightly shook. "She played with us!" I was taken back for a second as she shouted out loud. Thankfully no one else was around at such a late hour.
I do admit that I was so surprised from her outburst that my next words were out of complete shock. She hadn't exploded like that… well, ever. Not even when I just took her on as my Padawan. "What?" She shook her head as she turned back to the dummy across from her.
Her voice lowered to just above a whisper, but I could hear it clearly. "The Sith, Darth Zavros, she played with us. Throughout her whole fight…when she knocked me down, beat me, beat you…had us at her mercy…."
Her voice broke a little as I moved a bit closer to her, the fight had affected her more than I ever imagined. I could feel the fear, sadness and desperation that rolled off her voice and her spirit. "…Through it all, she only used one lightsaber. She had another on her waist, meaning she was more proficient with both lightsabers but… she never drew it….she didn't think of us as a threat…she just played with us."
It was a thought that had crossed my mind when I woke up. Something that, yes had unsettled me, but I had hoped that Aayla hadn't noticed such a fact. But in the end she had and now she doubted herself, she viewed herself as less of a person, when she wasn't.
I finally wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into a hug as she let her emotions out and broke down in my arms. I knew it wasn't the Jedi thing to do, to let such emotions run rampant, but I had taken care of her for so many years, she was almost like a daughter to me.
She needed me right now; she needed someone to comfort her, to help her through this trying time. I would be here for her. "We were so lucky that we lived, she had us, she could have ended it at any point." Her voice racked back and forth as I rubbed her back gently, hoping to the force that no one came across us like this.
'It's ok. It's ok. It's alright" I said it gently as she gripped tighter. "I just needed to be stronger; I need to be stronger to protect you and everyone else." Her words bit deep and I pulled her closer. I had no words to say to her, I couldn't tell her that her search for strength was wrong. Though the pursuit of strength wasn't in the Jedi code, the pursuit of protecting others was a key principle of the order.
As her master I knew that I couldn't change her decision, the path that she had set for herself, sometime between that fight and when we got back to Coruscant, it was too late. All I could do now was monitor her, make sure she did not take a dark path like I had once almost done.
We stayed in that position for I would say almost the next hour. Her sobbing had stopped half way through and she just held me close as if to confirm that I was still alive, still there with her. It looked like it was about time I let her go. She was ready to be a knight, if she could overcome that Sith, she was ready to strike out on her own. Learn about the universe around her.
I would be there when she needed it, but it was time for her to learn the lesson of separation, of letting go. I knew it would be hard, I had seen it coming for the last few months, but now it would be the hardest test she could possible face.
Finally we both got up and I pulled her towards the exit. She made a little weak attempt to protest but I held onto her firmly. "You need to rest if you want to grow stronger. Wearing yourself out will not help." She looked at me for a few seconds when I said the words, but in the end stopped fighting and let me drag her out.
It was when we were just a few meters away from her room that I asked the question that had been on my mind for a while now. "Where did you get the second hilt?" Aayla stopped for a second as she looked down at the new hilt at her waist.
She unclipped it from her belt and twirled it in her hand before igniting it. *Snap* *Hiss* A blue light illuminated the corridor for a few seconds before she turned it off. Though she was still a bit shaken from her outburst in the Training room a small smile played on her lips.
"I asked Master Cin Drallig, the Battle Master, if I could borrow one of the lightsabers not in use until I could make a new one. He agreed and handed me this hilt used in live practices." I nodded my head slowly, her words made sense, there was no other way to get another lightsaber so quick without making one. But she would have to wait to acquire a new cyber crystal for her blade or find one herself.
"So from now on you will use two lightsabers?" Aayla stopped as the door to her room opened quietly. She turned back to look at me, the same determination to get stronger shinning stronger than ever. It was harder to see when she had been sobbing on my shoulder before, but know it was clear. This was her path forwards, the way she would get stronger.
I would not question that resolve. "Aayla Know that I support you in everything my Young padawan. I will be here if you require guidance." I knew my voice was soft as I spoke those words, unbecoming affection tinted my words as I made my way back to my own quarters.
I still had a lot of sleep to catch up on.
If I had looked back, I might have seen the most radiant smile Aayla would ever show.
(Coruscant, Queen residence)
(Padme PoV)
I wasn't sure if I should find it funny that after talking to Jar Jar, not the most stimulating conversation, for the past 30 minutes, once Ayillh appeared he would quickly retreat to another room. I mean she did give off the intimidating presence when you first meet her, but after getting to know her, after she helped me. I see how kind she is.
She stood to my left now as I watched Palpatine leave the suite. He had been strange since the Senate meeting, I couldn't quite place my finger on it, but I thought he would be happier now that Naboo would be protected.
Sure it wasn't the outcome that he wanted, but Valorum was a great supporter. I also noticed that his eyes would involuntarily shift to Ayillh throughout our conversation. Though he was very good at controlling his emotions, I had a lot of training in reading people when I became queen, I could see the displeasure that came with his look her way.
Was he distrustful of Ayillh?
I frowned for a second before I shook my head and turned to sit down. Now that Palpatine was gone I could relax. My handmaidens were resting in the other room ready should I require help later this evening. It was starting to get late when we got back from the senate hearing and we only just finished our talks about our plans moving forwards.
Though it should be a closed deal with the evidence I provided. The only reason we were still up, was because we were waiting for the senate ruling. I thought it might come out faster, but I had only just received word that the verdict would come out in the next hour.
*Sigh* I let out a breath of air as I relaxed my body, Ayillh didn't say anything as she sat opposite me, though she also seeming to relax a little. But she still kept her mask on. I really wished she was a bit more relaxed in my presence.
"Soooo, what's it like being a bounty hunter? Especially being a woman." I had nothing better to do, so I just relaxed more in my chair as I started a conversation. I was interested in the life of a bounty hunter, we didn't employ many, or really any on Naboo in my time as Queen. We had our own security force and army.
She turned in my direction and seemed to think about the question for a second before reaching up and pressing something on the side of her mask. For a second I thought she was going to take off her mask, causing a small smile to appear on my lips, but instead… "Well…" It was instantly noticeable that she had deactivated her voice modifier.
Though she wasn't comfortable enough to take her mask off in my presence, the fact she was using her real voice, showed the trust she started placing in me. Though my smile dimmed, it returned as she started to tell me about her job and one or two bounties she had been on before.
I was enthralled in her stories, hearing about a few planets I had never heard or been to before. She had just finished another one of her stories when she stopped and paused. The smile that had been going strong throughout the whole time slowly started to even out as I knew she was about to say something important.
*Sigh* She let out a sigh and I tilted my head to the side in confusion. "You know your Majesty…" I held up my hand to stop her right then and there. "You can call me Padme." I put a bit of force in my voice to transmit my feeling over. Because of her mask though I couldn't read her expression, damn I was starting to hate that thing.
"Whatever. We may have presented the evidence to the Senate, and we may have given them everything to truly step in and stop the Trade Federation, but Lott Dod is no idiot. We may have him where we want him, but the republic won't be able to mount an immediate relief effort. The likely hood of him causing interference in the procedures to form a navy to help liberate your planet high." *Sigh*
She let out a sigh again and I started to grip my arm rests. Her words were not what I wanted to hear. I had put my all into that senate meeting. I had produced irrevocable evidence of what was happening to my people. The Republics response should be swift; there should be no debate on the subject. They were the ruling body that Naboo faithfully joined; they should provide immediate aid to us!
Ayillh seemed to notice my tense state as she started talking again. "I'm sorry Padme, but it's the truth." I wasn't sure if she was trying to help me or not when she said that. I was about to refute her, tell her that she was wrong in just this case. Though my belief was wavering I still truly believed that I would secure that aid I had sort.
If not…what had I left my people for?
I had just opened my mouth when the door to the room buzzed. We both stopped what we were doing as one of the handmaidens came from the side room and opened the door. I stood up as I looked at Chancellor Valorum standing there, a downcast expression on his face.
I felt my heart drop as he moved into the room and came before me. His guards stayed outside the room as he looked indecisive of his next words. I didn't make it tough on him. "What is the senate's ruling Supreme chancellor?" He looked me in the eye for the first time since entering the room and saw the intensity of my gaze.
I tried not to let the desperation show, but I was sure it was there. Seeing my look I watched as his indecision left and he regained his bearing. His back straightened and he stood at his full height before bowing.
He held the bow for a few seconds, letting me know that I would not receive help. I closed my eyes in pain as I took a shuddering breath, waiting for his next words. I held my hands behind my back, so that he couldn't see me gripping my fists till they turned white.
Ayillh might have seen them, but she said nothing. Straightening once more, he spoke in a somber voice. "The Republic has found the Trade Federation representatives Lott Dod, Nute Gunray and Rune Haako guilty of trying to forcefully occupy the sovereign planet of Naboo. An in-depth investigation will take place to ascertain whether this plot was taken just by select individuals in the Trade federation higher management, or the federation as a whole. The Trade Federation as a whole will have certain trade routes blocked; Trade restricted to certain planets and will be monitored closely for the next 2 years as the investigation takes place."
I gripped my hand harder hearing the ruling. Was that it? Trade disruption, a slap on the wrist? Monitoring? It would take 2 years? Was there no other penalty for trying to enslave my people! My fury must have been slipping through as Valorum's eyes became downcast.
"The Trade Federation will be required to supply funding, support, food and any other necessities for the next 5 years caused by their invasion and more…" It wasn't enough, it wasn't enough! "…Because of the rogue elements in the Trade Federation, the Republic will assemble a relief force to help liberate the currently occupied Naboo…"
Before he could continue I spoke up. "How long?" He stopped for a second at the cold response, but knew that I was in no mood for anymore bullshit, I wanted an exact answer. "To create and maintain a fleet to help liberate your planet, it will take at the earliest 3 weeks to assemble the force, and 2 months for a reliable answer to the invasion.
"What."
Even I was shocked by how cold and quiet the word came off my lips. No one said a word after that as I retreated into my thoughts. 3 weeks…3 weeks! My people couldn't last that long! I had left them to seek help from the republic and at their fastest it would take 3 weeks?
Why had I left them? What was I expecting from the republic? A 1 day response where they would come in and save the day like it was nothing. Was I being too naïve? Ayillh said this would happen, Palpatine said this would happen, but I held onto my hope.
"I'm sorry Your Majesty, though many have put forwards their support of forming a relief force, gathering and organizing their forces will take quite a while …sigh…I will try to speed the process up with all means possible." Valorum's words snapped me back to reality as I found it hard to stand up at the minute.
I gave a small nod to the man, who looked a bit defeated by the turn out of events. He was beaten down… but I was almost broken. "Thank you Chancellor, while you gather the relief force, I will go back and help my people."
Valorum stopped for a second as he made to exit the room. He turned back with wide eyes as he starred right at me. I keep a cool demeanor up, though I felt my body was terribly weak. It looked like he was going to say something to my declaration, but after starring into my eyes, I had no clue what he saw, but he looked at me and without another word turned and left the suit.
Seeing him exit the room I slowly unclenched my hands and sat back on the couch behind me. It had been a snap second decision, but one I did not regret, I had to go back to help my people.
They didn't have 3 weeks!
I couldn't count on the republic!
I had to do this myself. I had to somehow do this!
(3rd Person PoV)
"This is the area of the senate, it is not my arena." The words left Padme's lips after she sat quietly for a few minutes. Ayillh walked up behind her as she said the words, letting her speak. "I must return to mine. I have decided to go back to Naboo. My fate will be no different than that of my people. It is clear to me that the republic no longer functions."
Ayillh let out a small smirk as Padme turned to look at her, her eyes raged with fire and determination. 'There was a drive that would have put her right in place with those from imperial intelligence' Ayillh thought. It was an added bonus that her faith in the republic, was shaken, possible even crumbled.
Something sparked inside Ayillh as she looked at those eyes of hers, a glint of hope, expectation for something that could be. While she was in her own thoughts Padme turned to look at Panaka who was standing by the door, ever vigilant.
"We shall ready my ship and set off tomorrow morning."
Panaka bowed once as he moved to leave the room, even he had grown used to Ayillh sticking close to his charge by now, and he had every confidence that while she was here, nothing bad would befall Padme.
Ayillh brushed the small comm. Device she had in her pocket as she moved to accompany Padme to her bedroom, things were going better than expected and she had to keep 'him' up to date.
(Coruscant, Jedi Temple council)
(3rd Person PoV)
Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Aayla and Quinlan stood before the council once again at the start of a new day. After getting some rest for the night, Aayla was looking better than she had been, something Vos noted in seconds of their arrival. They had all been called first thing in the morning, but none of them knew what was going on.
Seeing that everyone had arrived Mace Windu sat forwards and addressed them. "The Queen has decided to return home, which will put pressure on and widen the confrontation with the Trade Federation." Mundi spoke from the side to elaborate the point as they frowned. "And lure out the Queen's attacker, possible even the one who attacked Master Vos and Padawan Secura."
Hearing mention of Darth Zavros Aayla clenched her hand, but kept it discreet so they didn't notice, but her master did. Determination flashed in her eyes as the notion that she might face her again appeared in her mind, almost unconsciously her hand grazed past the new hilt on her belt, confidence surging in her eyes.
Windu continued before anyone could notice her sudden change. "You four will all go with the queen to Naboo to discover the identity of, hopefully, both of these dark lords. This is the clue we need to unravel the mystery of the Sith."
Qui-Gon and Quinlan looked at each other for a second at the news, before giving small smiles. They had been friends for many years, it had been a long time since they had to work together, they were confident that they could take down the Sith by combining forces.
Oppo Rancisis spoke from his seat as he leaned back. "The force has a hand in all things; it has guided you to this point. With your prior experience facing the Sith we have faith that you shall prevail." The new team of 4 Jedi gave a small bow at the words as Yoda spoke with a small smile.
"May the force be with you."
The council was preparing to disband as the mattered had been dealt with, but before anyone could leave a new presence appeared outside the council chamber. A few of the council started as they hadn't felt the presence before it arrived.
Windu and Yoda both frowned as they felt the new presence outside the door. It wasn't too strong in the force, enough to be a Padawan, but not to a Jedi Knights level. But even if it was to just a Padawan's level, it was shocking, because no one knew who's presence it was!
Not just that there was a slight ting of darkness that followed the presence. Qui-Gon who had been preparing to leave had the biggest frown, while Obi-Wan matched him. They both had felt the presence before, they knew who it was but…
'I had felt her connection to the force to be strong, but I didn't think she was an adapt, too bad she is too old and already tainted by the universe at large. Working as a bounty hunter has created a darkness within her that can't be cleansed.'
Qui-Gon brushed the darkness connected to her off as her work as a bounty hunter over the years, but the others in the council did not know who it was yet. A tension entered the room and a few of the council seemed prepared to stand up and face the intruder.
Noticing the escalating situation Qui-Gon quickly stepped forwards just before 'she' reached the doors. "Wait, do not fret. The person outside is the Bounty Hunter in my reports." The frowns on the council got even worse as this information passed.
They had all read the reports on what this Bounty Hunter did. 'Was that the cause of the darkness that clung to her.' The thought propagated through the council, a few of them relaxing in their chairs once more, but Windu and Yoda kept their frowns. They weren't so sure that the darkness was caused just from her upbringing and life choice, it felt deeper.
Ki-Adi spoke up just before the door opened. "A force adept? Did we miss her when she was young? A pity." It truly was for the council, they could feel the force coming from her, it was easily enough for one to become a knight if trained properly, but she was too old.
Too jaded by life, too affected by her emotions, a few in the council let out sighs of regret as the door finally opened and the council, plus Vos and Secura got their first look at the Bounty Hunter, Ayillh.
Waltzing in, in her regular gear, the vibroknifes' shone from the light coming into the room, while all eyes turned to the ordinance and weapons strapped to her body. One or two of the council had to wonder how she got past temple security with such weapons, especially up to the high council. Though they were not afraid of her, she was but one bounty hunter with conventional weapons; they were all masters of the force.
Ayillh surveyed the room as she stepped into it. She had come about 2 hours before Padme was set to depart. She wanted to leave early so that they could save Naboo faster, it was a somewhat naive sentiment to Ayillh, as she was more practical, but she was fine with the time table.
She had been informed yesterday that the high council of the Jedi wanted to question her, of course she wouldn't give them much, but she was interested in seeing what the high council of the new era was made of.
She scanned the room and took in their appearance, trying to gauge the threat level of everyone in the room, she couldn't help herself. She had been the best of imperial intelligence, to get a shot at the Jedi high council was a dream come true, just getting this close set a few thoughts swirling through her mind.
'How easy it could be to take them out now.' Though she knew it was just a dream, there were in total 16 Jedi in a small enclosed space, something that she could use to her advantage, 14 masters and 2 padawan. Even she would be hard pressed to take them all down.
'But a smoke grenade there, blaster shot there, knife through there, thermal near the window.' Ayillh had to shake her head to get it back on track as it started to wander. She had just stepped up next to Qui-Gon when Yoda spoke up with a frown.
"Harm us, you will, given the chance?" Ayillh's body tensed at the word, and so did all the other Jedi as Yoda's words registered. All of them sat straighter and seemed prepared for battle, as Ayillh focused her attention on the Green Grand Master.
She frowned under her mask as she chided herself. She had excellent metal shielding, so as to stop Jedi from reading her mind and thoughts. It had been trained for years so that no one could break into her mind. But it seems she had been sloppy.
Yoda had somehow sensed through her defenses and caught a small whisper of her thoughts. Ayillh focused her mind so as to reinforce those defenses and block everyone out as the other Jedi masters tried to see through her.
They frowned as they seemed to meet a brick wall trying to read her emotions and thoughts, something they hadn't encountered to such a degree before. Mace Windu looked like he was about to jump out of his chair and ignite his blade as Ayillh finally responded.
"In my line of work I don't trust easily and always have to be prepared no matter what…even if it is you Jedi." All in the room got the message behind her words. She didn't trust them and until she did, she would treat them as targets should something happen.
Ayillh and Yoda had a starring contest for a few seconds, before Yoda was finally convinced by her words. Though he tried to feel out if she was lying, he couldn't tell in the end. His interest in the Bounty Hunter increased, 'where had she learnt such a technique? Was it an inborn ability?' Yoda's mind started to wonder as he searched for answer.
He gave a small nod before retreating into his thoughts which put the rest of the council at ease. Though Windu and a few others in the council were still alert, with the sign off from the Grand master of the council, someone they all looked up to, it was enough for them to relax.
It took a few minutes for the room to settle down and reorganize itself from the sudden intrusion of the bounty hunter. Windu sat forward as he started to ask question. "Why were you on Naboo and why were you protecting the Queen?"
Ayillh who had started looking around again turned to the Master and shrugged her shoulders, letting off a carefree attitude. "I was there because I was hired for a job. All I have to do is make sure the queen is safe and I get a pretty pay day. Don't ask me who it was that hired me, because that is between me, him and a butt load of credits."
Windu wasn't happy with the answer or the attitude, but he couldn't force her to reveal her employers details. He quickly searched his information on her for the next unanswered question, but Yoda spoke first from the side, interested in the next topic.
"Told us Master Jinn has, met a Jedi on Quesh, you have, describe him, could you. Did not know, Jedi was on planet, at this time." Ayillh turned to look at Qui-Gon for a second at the question. 'So he did remember that small piece of information. Time to improvise.'
Ayillh dug into her memories of a certain Jedi Knight, the one who would become the orders Battle master and hero, the one who died to the emperor. She conjured an image of him as she started to do what she did for a living, lie through her teeth.
"I'm not going to tell you exactly when I was on Quesh, could affect my business. But I did meet a Jedi there. He had black hair cropped at the top, with a bulkier build than most. Standing at about 2 meters he wore the usual Jedi robes, along with some armour underneath." The council couldn't match any Jedi to that description just yet.
"He was left handed, I saw him use his lightsaber once and he was good. His eyes were a piercing blue and there was a scar that ran across his cheek, not too big but noticeable." Some on the council now frowned as they couldn't think of any Jedi that matched that description.
He had such a unique look, but they couldn't place him, not to mention that he had armour under his robes. Something the Jedi did not do. 'Could he be an imposter?' Ki-Adi spoke up his suspicions. "Did he say he was a Jedi?"
Ayillh turned over to look at the Cerean master and shrugged her shoulders. "He had a lightsaber and said he was a Jedi what am I to think? Plus I was together with him long enough to see him do all your Jedi tricks, jumping to impossible heights, making objects float, using that ability that sped up your bodies. I bet that would be great in bed…ohhh wait."
Almost everyone in the room completely disregarded that final comment, but Qui-Gon couldn't help but crack a small smile at the jab at the Jedi. "Did you see the color of his lightsaber? Was it red?" Windu spoke up again for a final verification.
They had determined that the person Ayillh had met was a force user, and that he carried a lightsaber, but none of them could think of a Jedi Knight that fit such a look. The only other option was that he was a Sith.
Windu asked the question as he knew that it was a lesser known fact that Sith used red lightsabers. Most would not blink an eye if they saw someone use one, but a Jedi would know the truth, that they were a Sith when they saw it.
Ayillh stopped for a second, before turning back to look at Windu, she shook her head. "No, he used a purple blade." That got everyone's attention especially Windu's. He retreated into his thoughts and said no more as he thought of the implications, slightly touching his own hilt.
The questioning continued for a few more minutes before finally, Eeth Koth motioned towards the door, they had asked all the questions they wanted. "You can leave now?" He said it in just the right amount of disinterest that irked Ayillh the wrong way.
As she turned to leave she left some words for the council. "Well aren't you lot pretty arrogant? The Jedi I met was a bit more down to earth. Whatever see you pricks around." No one said anything after that, a few considering her words. Eeth Koth himself was a bit apprehensive about how he had just dismissed Ayillh; she had come into answer their questions, using her time to help them and they treated her like air.
It was a notion to think about.
Some of the masters dwelled on the words before Yoda spoke up. "Sad it is, missed a youngling we did. Potential lost to the vicissitudes of the galaxy." Yaddle who hadn't spoken a word the whole time, slowly closed her eyes in regret. "Yes, truly a great loss to the order."
The council stayed in silence for a little while longer before finally Windu turned to the 4 people still standing in the middle of the council.
"You have your mission, May the force be with you."
(Naboo Royal cruiser, Leaving Coruscant)
(Ayillh PoV)
"Where is Palpatine?" Padme turned to me to address my question, I could see the slight confusion in her eyes so I elaborated. "I mean he is the representative from Naboo, did he not wish to come help his people?" Padme frowned for a second as my words sunk in.
I knew for a fact Palpatine was a Sith, laying the seeds of doubt in Padme's mind was an easy task. Just this one question would throw her trust and respect for him in a downwards arc. I smiled under my mask as she final responded.
"He was indisposed with senate meetings and proceedings. He could not accompany us." I just shook my head silently and added the finishing touches. "Senate meetings are more important than his people? Whatever." I left the subject there and didn't say anything else, but in the corner of my eye I could see the frown that stayed plastered to Padme's lips.
My smile only got wider as I thought of how pissed off he must be. I don't think he would be able to keep a straight face if he saw me now. I restrained my laughter as I slowly got up from my seat. Padme sent me another look as I went to leave.
"I'm got something to do." She looked my way for another second before getting back to her planning; she did have to figure out how to liberate her people. I had to inform Mace of what was happening.
(Queens cruiser, Hyper Space)
(3rd Person PoV)
Ayillh stood to the side and said nothing as she listened to the conversation going on between the Queen's party. Something Ayillh had dubbed the group that was going along to liberate Naboo. It consisted of, Padme and her Handmaidens, Panaka and his security crew, Jar Jar and Anakin, and finally the 4 Jedi that accompanied them; Qui-Gon Jin, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Aayla Secura and Quinlan Vos.
Of course Ayillh also joined the group to round them out. But for this conversation she had nothing to say, or rather she wanted to see what they could come up with on their own. Panaka and Qui-Gon were weary of the current situation and were making it know to Padme as she brain stormed ideas to reach the planets surface.
"Once the ship lands, the federation will arrest you and force you to sign the treaty." Panaka shook his head at Padme's stubbornness, but deep down he knew he would follow her to the end. "I agree, I'm not sure what you wish to accomplish." Qui-Gon on the other hand seemed to become the voice of the Jedi as he spoke for the rest of them. They all thought her idea to return was fool hardy.
A point considerable funny to Ayillh, watching from the side, Jedi that didn't want to help liberate a civilization. 'Well that was always the problem with the Jedi, schutta hypocrites.' But Padme kept a face of determination and grit as she heard their doubts and stances. "I will take back what's ours."
Ayillh retreated into her thoughts as she herself tried to conjure a way to retake the planet. She was good, you didn't become a cipher in imperial intelligence for nothing, but even then she did not know where Padme would find the man power to destroy the army of droids that litter the planet and she knew that Padme wouldn't want to fight with guerilla tactics that could destroy her nations cities.
Panaka shook his head once more. "There are too few of us your highness. We have no army" Living up to his name as her chief of security, he knew what they had, and how impossible the situation was, he was a practical man.
Qui-Gon spoke from the side also shaking his head. "And we can only protect you; we can't fight a war for you." Vos and he both knew what they could and couldn't do, they were Jedi helping the supreme chancellor, they couldn't actively go to war with the Trade Federation.
This was a little piece of information that Ayillh filed away for later.
The room turned quiet as Padme continued to think, looking around the room as if to find answer, before long she finally stopped when her eyes rested on Jar Jar. "Jar Jar Binks." Jar Jar wasn't expecting the addressee and clumsily pointed to himself in shock. "Mesa?" Ayillh couldn't see what Padme saw in him, but she smiled for some reason at his foolishness.
"Yes, I need your help." Ayillh registered her words slowly as a light of understanding began to dawn behind her mask. She cross referenced the information she had on the Gungan and realized what Padme might be planning. 'Ohh, that is a smart idea.'
Ayillh smiled under her mask as the conversation continued.
(Naboo, Theed City)
(Mace PoV)
I slowly opened my eyes and starred at the metal decking above me. "That should be enough." I pulled myself up from my bed and looked at the soft purple glow that it was now giving off. That should do for my purposes.
I looked at my bed one more time before reaching my hand forwards. I reached out for the small box that sat above my head rest. It floated over slowly and came to rest in my hands as I popped the latches open.
I took my time as I looked at the 3 lightsabers that were before me, lightsabers that had accompanied me for many years. The two that I used on the outside, and my wife's sitting in the middle.
I couldn't help myself as my hand reached out to gentle caress the hilt in the middle, my mind thinking back to its wielder. It had almost become a ritual at this point to take them out in such a manner. Sometimes 'she' would comment on my actions, but sometimes, like now, 'she' would stay quiet and say nothing.
I wasn't sure which I liked more.
I pulled my hand back and placed the box next to my armour. For the next few minutes I took my time placing each piece of gear on, doing it in a certain order, a certain way that had been ingrained in my blood. Starring at the final piece of gear, my helmet, I held it up to my face as I looked into the visor.
My reflection starred back, my eyes turning a blood red as I flared my power internally. I looked into those red eyes for a while longer before placing it on. My vision darkened for a split second before widening as they adjusted to the new filtered light.
Turning back to the box to the side I reached for my lightsabers and clipped them to my hip. Both fit perfectly at my side, the familiar weight bringing peace of mind. Finally I reached out for my Wife's lightsaber and rotated the hilt in my hand once or twice.
'It is time.' I was lost in my thoughts as 'her' voice brought me back to reality. I stopped what I was doing and clipped the lightsaber to my right side, keeping it(her) with me, in arms reach. I started for the door and stopped to grab one of the cloaks at the side, draping it around my armour. It didn't help much with my concealment technique anymore, but I had found that its intimidation factor was quite high. I opened the door and walked out, greeted by the others in the main compartment.
Everyone else was gathered, Jaesa, Nadia, Blizz, Ashara, Vette, Xalek and even Vaylin in the main deck, armour and weapons ready to go. I said nothing to them as I walked to the landing ramp, them falling in step behind me. As the ramp began to lower my mind focused and I stepped out of the ship and surveyed the beautiful Naboo buildings around us.
I sucked in a small breath of air and felt the force around me. We had a deal, I could tell where it was tugging me to go, but I could also feel where conflict was erupting, the sense of death, anger, pain, it was impossible to miss.
"You all can do what you want, do try not to kill the Naboo citizens and focus on the Droid army. Also try not to be spotted when possible. Other than that…" I turned to look at everyone behind me. "…Cause Mayhem and destruction." A few maniacal smiles appeared on Xalek, Vaylin and Jaesa's lips, but everyone was more than ready to blow off some steam. My eyes turned to Nadia for a second. She wasn't showing an insane smile but her body was bursting to destroy something, red flickering in her irises.
Turning back, I let the force guide me to my destination, the others disappearing behind me. They were most likely going to have more fun than I was, hopefully the Jedi could put up a proper fight. I shook my head and focused again as I made my way into the central palace.
Fighting had erupted further away from the capital, I could feel it already. But there were small pockets of battle erupting in the city now; they were making their way closer to the palace. I could sense a dark presence inside, the beast.
It was easy enough to get inside, the droids being less efficient that I first thought, they didn't even employ any anti stealth technology. Truly a disappointment. It was a few minutes later when I finally reached my first target.
I could feel the Jedi getting closer; we were near some type of hanger bay and in a corridor that connected the hanger bay and palace. He was waiting for the Jedi to arrive as he paced back and forth before two large doors. His muscles were coiled for a fight, his anger rising, preparing to slaughter.
I was once like him, almost animalistic in my rage and aggression, not patient for my prey. It's funny what time can change. I watched him for a few more seconds covering my presence above, seeing if in the end there was anything special about this Zabrak.
Sadly enough, other than his rage and animalists tendencies there didn't seem to be much real training. I flexed my hand once before dropping my concealment technique. Even then it took him a few seconds to realize I was there.
I shook my head once again as he stopped pacing and looked around, almost snarling as he felt my presence. I dropped down from my position in a relaxed fashion as he turned to me. *Snap* *Hiss* It was in seconds that he had ignited his saber.
His eyes burned a bright red, but only one that was superficial in the dark side. Once one delved deep into its recesses and truly understood it would their eyes truly turn a blood red. His were more a golden orange. I tilted my head to the side as he released all his anger in my direction, barely noticeable.
Along with it came the thirst for power, the killing intent in his gaze, it couldn't make me flinch. I finally let my thoughts know, it looked like he was waiting for me to say something. "You truly are an animal." It seems I might have hit a sore spot. His rage spiked once again as he dashed forwards, he was fast, but he wasn't wrapping the force around his legs or enhancing his body, I couldn't tell if he wasn't taking me seriously or just didn't know how to use such a simple technique as 'Speed' or even 'charge' which would have gotten him to me faster.
We were only separated by about 100 meters when he started to dash towards me. I looked at his form, looked at his determination, his hatred and I couldn't be bothered wasting my time with him. I could still feel the Jedi closing in. I wouldn't waste my time.
I reached out in the force as I gripped his entire body; he stopped in place as the force closed in around him. He looked bewildered for a second as I kept him in place. He tried to struggle free, but his master hadn't taught him any force related techniques.
He couldn't break free with just his physical body. I took my time as I walked past his body and took up his position in front of the two large doors. The Jedi were close now. No reason to keep him alive. I turned my head for a second and motioned with my fingers, dragging him towards me.
He could do nothing as I ripped the double bladed hilt from his hand. It floated to me and I looked down at the design and had to admit it wasn't bad, truly made for a Sith focusing on combat and physicality, but when met with a user strong in the force what could he do?
I was the worst match up he could possibly hope to face. Relying just on physical abilities and prowess was the sign of someone weak. You must use everything possible to make yourself stronger. Something my wife had truly shown me with her own arcane uses of the force over the years. Some I'm still perfecting today.
I looked at the dull red blade before my eyes for a while before looking into the hate filled eyes of the Zabrak before me. He claimed to be Sith, he had the anger that could make it possible, he had the drive. But he was taught by an incompetent or selfish master.
A master that had turned him into a tool a best or better yet, just an animal. He would be no use in the future. I made my decision there as I positioned his blade right over his heart. Though he tried to keep a strong outwards appearance, I could sense the dread and fear that started to swell up.
He tried to struggle more, but his time had come. *sizzle* The blade hummed quietly as I slowly moved his body forwards. I kept his mouth shut so I wouldn't have to hear his screams of agony as the lightsaber pierced his heart.
After a few seconds his body turned limp and I deactivated the blade. I looked at him one more time before letting his body drop off to the side. I thought about keeping the lightsaber for a few seconds, but I did not require anymore. There was no value in keeping it, it wasn't even worthy of being a trophy.
I turned back to look at the doors in front of me, letting the small whispers of the force enter my mind, telling me what it wanted me to do. I closed my eyes and listened to it as I waited for the Jedi to arrive.
(Naboo, Theed City)
(3rd Person PoV)
Padme, Panaka and the rest got ready as they peered out from their hiding spot near the hanger. They were close to the Palace now and just had to get by the contingent of droids in front of them. Qui-Gon lowered himself as the others prepared to breach the palace, he was at eye level as he spoke to the boy. "Once we get inside, find a safe place to hide and stay there." Anakin nodded his head in excitement. "Sure". But the instant response and hyper attitude didn't assure the master. "Stay there." Anakin just nodded his head again as Jinn shook his head and got ready.
Both Vos and Aayla gazed at the scene and gave a little smirk. They were both prepared for the fight to come. Ayillh stood next to them as they watched their split forces gather on the other side of the square. Gathered in formation, the small hover tank fire the cannon mounted on its front, blowing up one of the tanks in the center near the fountain.
With the explosion all hell broke loose as the gathered droids all turned their attention to the group of men and started a deadly barrage of laser bolts. Staying behind cover they fired back and began to draw the forces guarding the entrance away, while the Queen's group waited for their chance.
They didn't wait long as they moved around the corner and began their entry. Ayillh could of easily made it in there herself, but she didn't want to show them too much of her tech and abilities. She made no use of her stealth tech and was sticking mainly to her incendiaries, knives, sniper rifle and blaster that she had on her.
*Snap* *Hiss*5 Lightsabers ignited at once as blue and green began to flash through the corridors. Any stray droid the encountered was mercilessly taken out in seconds as Panaka led the security forces to the hanger bay. Ayillh had looked over the battle plan before they left, they were going to enter the palace through the hanger bay where they would then decide on which route to take after ascertaining Nute Gunray's position.
It was a good plan in Ayillh's eyes, but the hanger was such an obvious entry point, they would surly have contingencies to stop intruders from entering. 'Well if they were smart enough that is.' Ayillh had brought this up in the meeting, but it had been waved off by the Jedi.
Everyone else, plus the Jedi agreed that 4 Jedi were enough to deal with anything they could have in place. Ayillh could only shrug her shoulders at the arrogance of their tone. Sure she knew it well, having killed many Jedi in the past that didn't think they would need help.
It was almost maddening for her. Ayillh shot another droid down as she stuck close to Padme as they entered the hanger.
(Naboo, Palace Hanger)
(3rd Person PoV)
Blaster fire rained down on the entering group as they forced their way in. The droids that guarded the area shot back with accuracy as Jinn, Obi-wan, Vos and Secura all deflected the incoming fire. 2 green blades and 3 blue blades flashed repetitively as they protected Padme, Panaka and the rest of their forces who were directly behind them. Seeing that they would come under even more fire Qui-Gon turned to Anakin quickly and motioned towards the side, deflecting a bolt with his back turned.
"Ani, find cover, quick!"
Anakin didn't have to be told twice as he dashed off to the side. Ayillh dropped her personal cover and pulled out her sniper rifle as she picked off droid after droid. Padme looked down at the red cover for a second and couldn't help but comment as she dodged behind one of the many pillars holding up the hanger. "I've got to get me one of those."
Ayillh smirked behind her mask as she took down the command droid. "Sorry special product line, only badass Bounty Hunters can grab them these days." Padme stopped for a second at the joke, before smiling and continuing to fire.
Seeing that the droids were dwindling she shouted to the pilots behind her. "Quick to your ships!" They covered the pilots as they scrambled to get inside their fighters, dodging all the blaster bolts they could. Being strapped for time and essentials, half the pilots didn't have weapons as they huddled behind any cover they could find trying to get to their ships.
A few fell to the ground dead as the droids numbers started to dwindle, 2 ships had already taken to the air and left the hanger as only a handful were left. With the help of the 4 Jedi, many were saved from quick deaths as they made their way.
Padme was no slouch as she stood shoulder to shoulder with Ayillh, now also standing behind the cover she had dropped. Ayillh continued to methodically switch from target to target taking down droids faster and faster as she warmed up.
Padme took a second to admire her handy work as all the droids she shot died instantly, taking only a mere second or two to switch to a different target. *Bang* But she was snapped out of it as a blaster bolt struck relatively close to her head. She sent a glare at the offending droids before raising her own pistol and finishing it off.
The battle continued for a few minutes, a few people on the Queen's side falling to the ground from stray blaster bolts. With the 4 Jedi they made quick work of the droids that littered the hanger bay and reduced the casualty rate tremendously.
Finally the last droid fell to the ground, scrapped, as the last pilot left the hanger. All those left in the group formed up on Padme, who had moved around the battle field and was standing next to both Qui-Gon and Ayillh. As Panaka walked closer to her she turned to look at him.
"My guess is the viceroys in the throne room." Panaka nodded his head as his mind though of every entrance point to the throne room and the layout of the palace. He didn't waste a second as he swept his hand towards the right. "Red group, Blue group, everybody this way."
"Hey what about me?" From his hiding spot in a Naboo star fighter, Anakin shouted out to the group that was about to leave. Everyone looked at him for a second as they followed Panaka, while Qui-Gon just shook his head.
After seeing the dead bodies and loss of life that accompanied them, he couldn't in good heart put the boy, who he believed was the chosen one, in anymore danger. He Looked up to him with a no nonsense stance. "Anakin, stay where you are! You'll be safe there." Anakin looked bummed at the words; he was getting so much excitement out of the experience.
"But…" Qui-Gon was not messing around though. "Stay in that cockpit!" Anakin slumped in defeat as Qui-Gon trailed with the other Jedi at the back. They were keeping the rear guard safe, while they could easily move to the front if required.
Which they were most definitely about to.
Aayla felt a cold presence ahead, something she hadn't felt since Tatooine, something that left her with a sense of dread, but it was different than last time. Before she could say anything the doors in front of Panaka slowly opened.
Everyone stopped dead in their tracks as they took in the imposing form of the man before them. His body was covered with a pitch black cloak that just showed the mask underneath. The terrifying visage and feeling that it radiated sent shivers down all their spines as some even took a step back in fear.
All the Jedi stopped in shock for a second as they felt the force tremble in the presence of the figure before them. All of them had one thought in their mind as they stared in mute awe at the figure. "Sith!" *Pew* *Bang* The figure raised his hand at an astonishing speed as he deflected a blaster bolt to the side and into the ground.
The force seemed to tremble, in something the Jedi could just feel as amusement as everyone turned to the source of the pistol fire. Ayillh slowly lowered her blaster and looked at those starring at her. Mostly everyone had a look of complete utter shock and were looking at her as if she was an idiot. Though the Jedi did keep a straight face, the display of power, by blocking that blaster bolt showed them that the Sith was on par with masters, such as Yoda and Mace Windu.
Ayillh just shrugged her shoulders as she took all the looks in. "What? Everyone was just standing around gawking at the guy. Why not just take him out now?" No one had a reply for that, but the 4 Jedi did break out of their stupor and make their way to the front. "We'll take him."
Padme knew when not to argue, especially after seeing whoever that was deflect a blaster bolt to the face, as if it were nothing. "We'll take the long way around." Letting the Jedi handle the Sith they had just run into, they went to the side as a new threat appeared before them, Droidekas. As the blaster bolts started firing the Jedi paid no head to the battle, their full focus on the opponent before them.
A suffocating feeling started to rise from his body and envelop them, promising death should they step forwards.
(Naboo, Theed City)
(3rd Person PoV)
"Fire" "Roger Roger" *Hahaha* Jaesa laughed as she threw her lightsaber out, it glinted a menacing purple as it spun out in a flash of death. It tore through a swath of droids as it took a long arc around the courtyard she was standing in.
While it was rotating around Jaesa sprinted to the nearest droid and began to dismantle it with her hands, cackling madly as she went to the next one, then the one after that, her hands deadly weapons. AS she was taking care of the droids an AAT rolled into the courtyard and prepared to fire upon her, but as it's cannon came into position a rocket flew in from above, landing smack bang on the top most hatch, blowing it to high heavens in one shot.
A few more ATT's looked to be coming towards the area, but more rockets came down from above to take them out. Jaesa stopped for a second as she caught her lightsaber and looked at Blizz perched on the building above, somehow getting his hands on a rocket launcher and pointing it at any enemy he saw. She starred at him for a few seconds before getting back to the slaughter, her laughter starting up once again.
"There armour is rather light." Vette quipped as she stood behind Ashara and unloaded her blasters in the approaching droid forces. Ashara stood in front of her with both lightsabers out, flashes of light blue and pink swishing past as she deflecting all the incoming fire. "They are trying to overrun the enemy with their numbers…" She stopped for a second to pull a droid up and fling it through those behind it.
"Well it's not working." Vette moved behind cover to let her blasters cool down, reaching for one of the grenades on her belt, as Ashara flung one of her lightsabers out. It started to cut through a few droids hidden to the left while she continued to block those in the front. The two continued having a leisurely chat as the decimated the company of droids in their area.
Red and orange flashed left and right, cutting through the ATT in front of them as Xalek and Nadia finished of the tanks attacking them. Littered behind them were 5 ATT's in different forms of destruction. One was crumpled like a ball; one was sliced down the middle, one with a twisted barrel on the top and one with the hatch leading inside open.
The droids standing around the tanks almost looked fearful as the two apprentices turned their attention towards them. Their blasters raised up as both let out ferocious smiles.
*Clack* *Clack* *Clack* The steel heels clanked along the cobble stone as the droids retreated as fast as they could. *Bang* *Smash* A few of the Naboo citizens locked in their homes wanted to look outside to see what was happening, but the noises of rubble being destroyed and metal being distorted keep them inside.
Vaylin looked around with a bored expression as she starred at the retreated 5 droids. She didn't even raise her arms, she just focused on them for a second to grab them with the force. They could do nothing as they were thrown into the surrounding buildings, destroying their heads and armour.
A few that continued to run turned back to fire, but any blaster bolt that came close stopped in place as it reached 10 meters away from her. She just calmly walked past the blaster bolts, not sparring them a glance as she shot lightening at some of those that tried. After she moved past the area, the bolts would continue their trajectory until they hit a building or the ground.
A small smile appeared on her lips as she electrocuted the offending droids. As she reached the courtyard they were retreating to, the smile just got wider as 4 tanks appeared before her, with 3 company of droids behind them, all prepared to fire.
She chuckled as her metal heels continued to clank on the ground. *Clack* *Clack* *Clack*
(Naboo, Hanger Bay)
(3rd Person PoV)
Slowly Mace opened the cloak covering his armour and reached for his lightsabers. The tension in the air rose as the Jedi did the same, shrugging off their Jedi robes and reaching for their hilts. *Snap* *Hiss* Five Lightsabers ignited, 2 green and 3 blue, as they prepared themselves for the coming fight. Starring at their new opponent they stopped for a moment as they took in the menacing armour that just peaked through the dark robes.
Black metallic boots wrapped his legs and led up to the thin armour leggings that he wore. On his belt sat 3 lightsabers clipped into specific holds of the belt, which then lead to his chest armour. It was a sleek silver and black design that gave off a menacing vibe to the watching Jedi.
Small carvings littered the piece to denote its antique feeling; the dark side that rolled of the chest piece alone put both Master Vos and Jinn on edge, not to mention their Padawan's. Thick Pauldrons sat underneath the robes on his shoulders, but they were rounded off and didn't jut out far from his body.
They sat above the gauntlets that sprawled down his forearm and became thin gloves at his hand. Mechanical in appearance they had studded spikes on the knuckles and groves throughout the piece. Finally to finish the image, a Sith eradicator mask sat on his head and looked at them unblinkingly.
A chill went down their spine as they looked into the slits of the mask and caught sight of the red glow beneath. They had never seen a mask like it before, but something primal, something in the force told them of its connection to the dark side, how it had been dipped in blood and destruction. It made them feel sick just being in its presence.
Mace's hands slowly lowered and unclipped the Lightsabers at his side, spreading his arms out as he finally ignited them. *Snap* *Hiss* All the Jedi focused their attention on the blades as they appeared before them, all becoming dumbstruck at the unique and rare coloring. They had been expecting red as he was a Sith; they had never thought they would see Silver and White!
Qui-Gon frowned as he looked at the white blade. There was only one way for a Kyber crystal to be white in his knowledge and if he hadn't seen the process once when master Yoda performed the procedure he would be completely clueless about its sudden appearance.
A white bladed lightsaber only came about when one cleansed the darkness from a red lightsaber, but they were facing a sith, what was going on? That wasn't the only strange thing though, what was peculiar was the fact that the whit blade had red running right down the middle.
'What did this mean?' Qui-Gon was caught in his thoughts as suddenly the force started to change in the area, the pressure the Sith was giving off started to heighten, pressing on them at an unprecedented rate, as if to suffocate them.
Both Vos and Secura knew what was happening as they had felt it happen before, when they faced Darth Zavros. It had almost completely crippled them at the start of a fight. They started to strengthen their resolve and mind, while Vos turned to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to warn them of the imminent danger. But just as it was starting to become hard to bear, the pressure stop rising and did not increase. Though it was uncomfortable, it did now crush them.
Frowns came to their faces as they looked at their opponent still standing there. It hadn't gone unnoticed by both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan that the Sith that attacked them on Tatooine was lying dead on the ground behind said sith, but they said nothing. They had more pressing matters to deal with.
Finally Mace spoke, he's refined voice slightly surprising the Jedi about to face him, though it sounded bored and uninterested. "This battle will be boring, dull, you have no chance against me. It is not worth my time."
Aayla felt her rage spike as she stepped forwards, but stayed close to the group. 'This is exactly like before!' The thought ran through her mind as she noticed that he hadn't picked up his third blade. She knew it was impossible for a person to use 3 blades but images of her last battle flashed through her mind and she gritted her teeth.
"Then why fight us! Why come here?!" She knew she let her emotions get the better of her, but she didn't care, she wanted to know. Mace turned to her a bit of intrigue in his eyes as he sensed the dark side dwelling deep within her.
Vos stepped forwards, ready to protect his Padawan from him but Mace just turned his head away from her as if looking at something else before responding. "…Because this must happen."
The words confused Aayla as she just wanted a straight answer, but before she could say anything else Qui-Gon stepped forwards. "Then prepare to face your end Sith." Mace turned to him and gave him a leveled stare, getting into his favorite stance. "Better Jedi than you have tried."
(Mace PoV)
My words were a trigger for the fight. I watched them as the two masters looked at each other before rushing forwards, both their apprentices following behind. I entered form 3 to test their attack pattern, I wasn't worried, but it was better to assess my opponents.
The two masters seemed to have worked together before. It was easy to tell from their team work as they moved in. They kept a good distance from each other, one aiming high while the other low. If I were using one blade I might have had to put more effort in, but as I was using two, it was easy to block.
But I kept my eyes on the Padawan's that were closing in behind them; I couldn't stay in place for too long. I took a step back putting the black haired one off balance while I moved forwards slashing at the other.
He moved back as I moved into the Padawan's attacks, they weren't nearly as good with their teamwork as they tried to pincer me. I swept my leg out to force one back while rotating around and deflecting a blow to the back.
Our positions were almost parallel now from where we started. I twitched for a second as the force pulled me in a certain direction. I started to back off in that direction as another barrage of swings came at me. Because of their number only 2 of them could attack me from the front.
As I didn't let them get behind me, it was almost a constant barrage, blocking each blow one after the other, but the blows weren't heavy enough, nor fast enough for me to put in more effort. I felt the force shift and saw the Twi'lek disappear with a subpar force cloak before my eyes.
I put it out of my mind but continued to track her movements as I faced the masters. One used form 7 to pressure me backwards, while the other stuck to form 1 and he was almost a master at the basic strikes. The Padawan I could still see focused more on 3 and 5 when he fought me.
He was nowhere near as skilled as the masters, so he was focusing on defense and counter attacks. I had just blocked another blow from the older master and was going to block the other when I felt the Twi'lek behind me.
I rolled forwards into his body, tripping one to the ground to dodge the blow. The Twi'lek looked shocked for a second before moving forwards. Blocking another blow, I pushed in close to her body and shoulder her chest.
She was thrown off guard as I quickly did a spinning kick directly impacting her head and knocking her to the ground. "Aayla!" One of the masters shouted out as I twisted my lightsaber into a reverse grip and started to bring it down to her midsection.
She would have died had her master not pushed her out of the way. My body tensed when I felt the use of the force, but instead of focusing on me, he moved her struggling body to the side, my saber instead impaling the ground. I hadn't hit her hard enough with the spinning kick to knock her out of the fight, but it would take her at least a minute before she could join in again.
I looked to the side and quickly dodge an incoming swing while turning to face the Twi'lek's master. I could feel the undulation of the dark side as his blows became heavier and stronger, he started to blitz me, his show of strength putting my on the back foot.
Sliding under one of my deflective swings he was suddenly behind me, while the other two Jedi were in front. They had me encircled. I let out a small smile at the tactic they just pulled off. They regained some of their confidence as they got me surrounded, but I would have to disappoint them.
I gathered the force around my body and enhanced my speed as I turned around sweeping at the masters feet. He jumped in the air to avoid the blow which I took advantage of. Pushing out I flung his body across the hanger towards the door the force was dragging me to.
The other two Jedi tried to stop me from leaving by attacking, but I moved out of their way and force charged over to the master. He looked up in shock as I sprung towards him lightsabers at the ready. I felt the force behind me surge and knew that the others were coming to help.
*Bam* My boots impacted heavily on the hanger floor as I landed a crushing blow onto the downed master. He held up his lightsaber in defense and it did stop my blow, but the force behind the hit was too much, the hilt slipped from his hand and flew off to the side.
I prepared a striking blow, but as I was about to deliver it a warning from the force came crashing into my mind, I faltered for a second and that was all the master needed to get away. Rolling to the side, his boot came up to impact my helmet I just had enough time to dodge the blow and roll out of the way of an attack coming from behind.
My chance to kill him had passed and I didn't press it as I moved towards where I had to go. The frown on my face was ugly, the force had stopped me there, did it not want to kill any of them? I let a bit of my anger slip as I crushed the controls to the new room, opening the doors.
I kept my guard up as I backed into the generator complex behind me. It was a big space with sprawling catwalks and massive generators all over the place. The master had retrieved his blade as he looked ready to fight, the Twi'lek joining them.
It was almost as if we were back to the start. I tilted my head as the force pointed me to a specific area.
(Naboo, Generator Room.)
(3rd Person PoV)
The 4 Jedi took a second to catch their breath after the intense first clash. Looking at the Sith that didn't seem to be breaking a sweat, a little sense of dread started to build with in them. Qui-Gon and Quinlan once again initiated the fight and ran forwards.
Mace started to take the fight more seriously as he fired a blast of lightning towards Qui-Gon as he closed in. Qui-Gon stopped in shock for a second as he hastily tried deflected the lightning. He wasn't fast enough though as it slipped past his guard and threw him backwards. "Master!" Obi-Wan shouted from behind seeing his master fall to the ground, he wanted to go check on him, but the Sith was a greater threat, he pushed on, knowing that his master while hurt would be fine. This left Quinlan to move forwards. Without the back up of his fellow master, he found it near impossible to stop the endless strikes from the Sith before him.
He lasted all of a few seconds before he was kicked in the chest and sent backwards. His body flew past Obi-Wan and Aayla as they moved forwards to help. Since the start of the battle there team work had improved slightly, and with quick attacks using form 3 and 5, along with Aayla using her knew Jar Kai they kept Mace at bay.
Quinlan was quick to rejoin the fight and the 3 of them began to move Mace backwards. As he neared the catwalk side, Mace sent a small look over the edge to see what was there. The Jedi pressed their advantage as they moved him closer to the edge.
Just as Mace reached it, he gave a small smirk under his mark and drew the force closer. Suddenly before their eyes his body seemed to glow orange and vanish into the surroundings, He used camouflage. "What?" Obi-Wan spoke out as his guard dropped for a second.
Aayla tried to quickly warn him, as the technique was almost like her own force cloak, but she didn't get the words out as Mace appeared once more, his back to her. He drove a hard fist into Obi-Wan's side cracking a rib or two as his body crumpled backwards.
With another quick turn a force push knocked Aayla to the ground. Quinlan was the only one that had time to react as he brought his lightsaber up in defense. He blocked the initial blow, but was surprised when Mace dropped his other lightsaber and grabbed him by the arm.
The gauntlets clasped tight onto Quinlan's arm, before an immense strength threw him off the catwalk. Aayla watch in horror as her master disappeared from view!
(Aayla PoV)
NOOOOO
My eyes widened as I watched my master, my father, get thrown off the catwalk. I sprung to my feet as I desperately rushed towards where he once stood, but as I closed in he stood in my path, the Sith. I felt my emotions bubble up; he had taken my master from me! I hated him!
I found a new reserve of strength I had never felt before as I started an all-out assault on him…. but…. but. He was mocking me! He was only using 1 saber! Just like her! Why?! Throughout the whole fight he had been using two lightsabers, but now that he was facing me alone he switched to one!
It was infuriating! I racked my body for every piece of strength I had, every muscle memory I had to make him draw his other saber. I incorporated every piece of knowledge I had in form 5 with my new Jar Kai style, but it wasn't working. Why wasn't it working!
Left, right, spin, dodge, block, parry.
He made it look so easy as he moved backwards, one hand behind his back now. I kept grabbing for the new found strength but it was failing me, leaving me… and that was when he spoke. "My apprentice mentioned you." I stalled for a second and almost lost my head as I fell backwards.
"She told me all about her encounter on Tatooine, how it was a disappointing affair." His apprentice? He couldn't be talking about 'her' right? No… but if she was the apprentice… I didn't want my mind to falter at such an important time, but I couldn't help it. I had set her as my new goal and he was her master!
He began to force me back, his blows getting heavier and heavier. Did I even have a chance? "She was right, you are weak." I blinked as I heard those words, blocking another strike and backing off. He didn't follow me this time, giving me room to breathe.
His words sunk into my mind, was I weak? My fists gripped harder on my lightsabers hilts my emotions a mess. No! I would not give up! I would get stronger! I would defeat the Sith! I would make them recognize the strength of a Jedi!
I found myself with new resolve as I drew the force inwards, enhancing my whole body, before moving forwards. I was never the best at form 6, but at this moment it felt so natural to wrap my body in the force and let it help me.
My speed became faster, my attacks heavier, I felt like he was moving slower in my vision, I felt like I had been reborn! Silver and blue flashed before my eyes as a deadly dance of death unfolded before me. We continued the dance down the catwalk and away from the others.
Just as I gained my second wind I heard a small chuckle come from him. His style suddenly changed before my eyes as I came in for another attack. He wasn't on the defensive anymore; he wasn't utilizing the same attack pattern or form it had completely changed.
The moves that had seemed slow before, sped up in real time as he knocked my new lightsaber out of my hand and a fist found its way into my gut. I doubled over in pain as I dropped my other lightsaber at my feet.
"You do have potential, but you have not practiced Jar Kai before. When facing an overwhelming threat, when fighting a life and death battle, always stick to your strong skills." I slowly looked up at the menacing figure looming over me, I wasn't sure if he was giving me advice or mocking me at that moment.
But I was glad, I did get him to recognize me in the end. I closed my eyes as I accepted that I wouldn't make it out of this fight. The other were too far away to help me, I just hoped that my master could avenge me in the end.
Before everything went black I heard him speak. "You have promise don't disappoint in the future now." I just caught sight of the back of a hand before I was knocked out.
(3rd Person PoV)
Qui-Gon sprinted across the cat walk as he closed in on his Padawan. Stopping down to check if he was ok, he shook his head at the damage that could be felt, there was definitely some internal bleeding and broken bones. He looked up and could see in the distance Aayla fighting the Sith on her own and it wasn't looking good.
He wanted to stay and help his Padawan but Aayla needed him. He sprinted down the catwalk to help as Obi-Wan slowly pulled himself up. He would need a few minutes but he would be ready to rejoin the fight soon.
He took a small Bacta packet from one of his pouches and started to drink it to reduce the internal bleeding as Qui-Gon headed to help Aayla. Quinlan Vos groggily opened his eyes and looked around before hearing the sound of battle above. He couldn't see who was fighting but he pulled himself up anyway. Grabbing his lightsaber that had fallen next to him, he quickly infused the force into his legs and jumped to the higher platform.
Noticing that the one facing the Sith was his own apprentice a fire of determination lit in his belly as he ran to help, praying that he would be fast enough.
(Mace PoV)
The Twi'lek slumped to the ground knocked out after the blow to the head. The Jedi were tough though, so it wouldn't take her long to wake up. I had to admit she had potential, the report that Ashara had given of her original fight on Tatooine hadn't told me as much as I had just learned.
The use of the dark side when I threw her master of the catwalk was something amusing. I was sure that if enough buttons were pushed she would be an easy target to turn to the dark side. But, as it was starting to consume her somehow she calmed down. I wasn't sure what caused it, but it happened.
Instead she had found her second wind and attacked with a whole new determination that wasn't dependent on the dark side. Yes she definitely had potential. I looked down at her one more time, deciding if I should finish the job, but well the ringing of the force was telling me that she too was on the list of people I could kill.
I was almost starting to regret my decision to make a deal with it, but I pushed that thought to the side. I turned my head to the side and watched as the two masters made their way to me. Their will to fight was still standing strong.
I turned my back and let the force guide me to where I had to go. I knew the Jedi would follow. Finally I spotted where the force was dragging me, one of the many generator shafts that littered this generator complex.
I leapt up onto the connecting catwalk and slowly walked towards it. It was only a few seconds later that I heard the dull thud of boots behind me. *Snap* *Hiss* The two masters ignited there blades once more as I prepared as well, this would be the last round.
They attacked as I pulled them ever closer to the reactor shaft.
(3rd Person PoV)
Obi-Wan gritted his teeth but ignored the pain that still pulsed while sprinting across the catwalk. He kept his eyes peeled looking for the fight that he could still just hear. Jumping onto one of the catwalks, he spotted the downed body of Aayla Secura and sprinted over to her, her face had the beginning of a bruise starting to form and scratch marks from the earlier blow.
Kneeling down to see if she was alright, he had to dodge back as Aayla jolted awake and nearly took his head off. "Where's the Sith?" Obi-Wan just shook his head, not knowing the answer as he kept looking for the fight. Finally his eyes stopped as he spotted the flashes of green, silver and white happening above.
He got Aayla attention and pointed in their direction. "Up there." Aayla followed his line of sight and just caught sight of both their masters fighting the Sith into some sort of energy reactor, or pit. She struggled to her feet as she picked up her lightsaber. The other one was lost somewhere below and it would be impossible for her to grab it now.
"We have to help them!" Aayla voice was worried, the reveal that Darth Zavros was just the apprentice still shaking her a little. Obi-Wan gave a firm nod. "We will!" The two wasted no more time as they jumped up to the catwalk and sprinted to help their masters.
But they both had a small feeling in the pit of their stomach. 'Something bad was about to happen.'
(Naboo, Reactor Shaft.)
(3rd Person PoV)
Mace blocked another attack and sprung backwards as a red reactor shield appeared between him and the two masters. They starred at each other waiting for when they would come down. Mace stood still as he watched them, while both master got down into kneeling positions. They had already been stopped by one before and knew it was coming.
Qui-Gon and Quinlan both took their time to recoup their energy while Mace just watched them. It was easy for him to tell, that while the one with the black hair was still in his physical prime the other, older one, was not.
They all deactivated their lightsabers and waited patiently when at the other end of the reactor shields, both Obi-Wan and Aayla appeared. They had anxious expressions as they looked at their tired masters. Both were bouncing on their feet ready to sprint forwards as the force whispered in their ears. It was time.
*Tush*The first shield disappeared and Mace retreated into the reactor shaft room, noting that it was a dead end. Luckily he had already prepared for such an occurrence. *Tush* The second shield disappeared and both Masters got to their feet, ready to battle. *Snap* *Hiss* The battle started once again as Qui-Gon circled Mace and they fought back and forth. *Tush* Mace spared a small glance at the retreating reactor shields and knew he didn't have much time.
*Tush* He had moved them to here specifically, all he had to do was make it look convincing.*Tush* As long as no one died the force would be happy. *Tush* A savage smile came to his lips as his eyes glowed a bit redder. *Tush* Mace switched his left hand into a reverse grip as he blocked another swing from behind. *Tush*
Pivoting on his left foot he forced Vos back and slammed his hand on the ground. *Tush* Not expecting the force repulse Qui-Gon and Quinlan were knocked backwards by the force, Qui-Gon slamming into one of the walls, knocking the wind out of him. *Tush* Obi-Wan and Aayla sprinted forwards trying to get through as many shields as possible, they could see the situation was going bad.
Turning to Quinlan who was picking himself up Mace dashed forwards, using speed unseen throughout the whole battle. Vos flinched backwards on instinct and dodged one blow before blocking another. But he was off balance, Qui-Gon was still picking himself up and couldn't help as Mace deactivated one of his blades and spun inside Vos's body.
Shouldering him into the wall he knocked the wind out of him. *Tush* The reactor shield came back up as Obi-Wan and Aayla came to a stop. Aayla felt fear grip her heart as she watched on. Gasping for breath an elbow found the side of Quinlan's head splitting it open and causing blood to pour out.
He tried to struggle free but before he could, his lightsaber was knocked from his hand and something gripped his throat. Vos gritted his teeth as he took a blow from the chin and then a flash of silver went past his vision.
"Noooo!" Aayla screamed out as she watched Quinlan Vos lose an arm, she started to bang her hand against the reactor shielding, but she couldn't get through. Her eyes began to water as she stared fixedly at her master.
He himself didn't seem to register the fact that he just lost an arm before a burning sensation from his right shoulder down sent his nerves into overdrive. Before he could scream out another blow came to the head and knocked him out.
Mace didn't waste his time looking at his downed opponent as he instantly turned around to block an attack from an angry Qui-Gon Jinn. Qui-Gon channeled the force to strengthen him, in an attempt to use form 6, but he was running on empty.
He was gasping for breath as he retreated from blow after blow. Finally his body couldn't keep up anymore as his lightsaber was knocked upwards, a knee hit his stomach causing him to double over before he lost feeling in his right hand.
Before he could think on the matter, his legs were swept out from under him as Obi-Wan's heart leapt into his throat. Qui-Gon tried to recover in his groggy state but a quick blow to the head forced him back to the ground. He looked up with stars in his eyes as he looked at the Sith above him.
He knew that he had lost the moment he realized that he had lost his saber hand, his lightsaber falling off to the side. A flash of white went by his vision as he also lost feeling in one of his legs. "Master!" This time it was Obi-Wan that let his emotions show as he watched Qui-Gon loss a hand and a leg in battle.
Mace knelt down next to the defeat master who was still tried to struggle upwards, if for no other reason than to protect his padawan and the galaxy. Mace held his hand firmly on his chest to stop him from moving and Qui-Gon realized that he wasn't going to die that day.
The force whisper it in his ear, he didn't know why, but the Sith wouldn't be killing him. Mace's magnetic voice sounded out so just Qui-Gon could hear him as he leaned closer. "I respect you for trying to continue the fight Jedi. I would, if I could, give you an honorable death, but that is not how this end."
Qui-Gon struggled to keep awake and channeled the force to keep himself stable. A frown came to his lips as he listened to the words. 'What was going on?' "You put up a good fight but you are getting old, even I can see that fighting you now. After your injuries it's better for you to hang up your saber Jedi, maybe take one of those comfy arrogant seats on the Council, maybe that way you could train someone that will one day come to challenge me."
Mace looked at him one more time, before calculating the time in his head. "This is no place for you Jedi." He said the words with such certainty that they shook Qui-Gon to the core. Sure he knew he was getting old, he was no longer in his prime. But he couldn't just trust the words of a Sith!
He wanted to believe that it was some Sith deception, one geared to take a Jedi out in a more malicious way than just killing them, breaking their will. If that was the case Qui-Gon would never bend, though he didn't always agree with the Jedi code, he would always be a Jedi!
But even as those thoughts drifted through his mind, his connection to the force pulsed the words of the Sith seemed to vibrate with it, as if they were an undeniable truth. Did the force want him to sit on the council, give up his active part in the galaxy?
Qui-Gon's mind was a mess as he closed his eyes, he knew he wouldn't die today; he needed to connect to the force, sort out the signals it was sending him. He could do this as another part of the force assured him, no harm would come to the Padawan's. That wasn't what was going to happen today. A small sense of relief washed through his mind as he delved into the force
But that wasn't what it looked like from an outside perspective. When Qui-Gon closed his eyes, Obi-Wan felt like a piece of himself had died. His emotions sky rocketed just Like Aayla standing next to him. She had just turned her eyes off her own downed master and was giving a death glare towards Mace.
Mace stood up from his position as he turned to them. He gave a small chuckle as he felt the darkness of their emotions start to rear its head. They were out for blood. *Tush* The red reactor shielding came down and they came in for the kill. Mace prepared himself one more time, but he had already finished his objective, there was no other reason for him to be there, he would finish this battle fast.
It was 1 minute later when Mace finished. The two Padawan's were groaning on the ground as they nursed a few broken bones while Vos continued to remain out cold. He looked at them for a few seconds, before Qui-Gon opened his eyes again.
They seemed to have a brighter clarity to them now as he starred at the Sith. They both said nothing as they turned to look at each other for a few seconds. Obi-Wan let out a sigh of relief as he saw his master open his eyes, while Aayla moved over to Vos.
They were both down for the count and if anything else she wanted to be next to him at that moment. She pulled herself over to his body and slowly cradled it between her arms. All 3 Jedi stared at the sith as he walked around the Reactor shaft to the exit.
He turned to both the Padawan's as he spoke his final lines. "You both utilized the dark side when you tried to kill me just now, how…. un-Jedi like." Mace cracked a small smile as Obi-Wan and Aayla felt a sense of shame at his omission.
They had tapped into the dark side when they let their emotions run free to try and beat Mace, but in the end they had still failed. Was it worth it in the end? Both of them didn't think so. In the future they would have to find a better way to strengthen themselves.
"Know that you will have to use much more to defeat me. But then again…" he shook his head in disgust sending one last glance at the 4 Jedi. "…The Jedi order has become weak beyond measure, it is not worth my time destroying it as it is. You can rest in your cradle of corruption and continue to grow weaker until you all die out."
Taking a step away from them the force gathered around his body and a flash of purple was seen before he was gone. The 3 conscious Jedi looked at the spot he disappeared at for a few seconds before Qui-Gon took charge of the situation.
"Obi-Wan." His voice was weak but Obi-wan quickly came to his masters aid as he propped himself up, only just keeping himself awake. "Help me get to the nearest holo terminal; the Council must be informed of what has transpired. I feel that the fighting outside has stopped, we must get Quinlan to a medical center as fast as possible."
Obi-Wan nodded gravely as he helped his master up. Aayla did the same for her master and slung him over her back as they made their way out, weary and defeated in both body and spirit.
(Naboo, Phantom)
(3rd Person PoV)
Mace disappeared in a flash of purple and reappeared in his bedroom. He looked around at the familiar bulkheads and reigned in his battle lust, it had been provoked in the short battle, but not fully let loose or sated.
Reaching out for the box on the dresser he slowly unclipped the hilts from his waist and put them gently back into their case. He followed that by taking off his armour and switching to a comfier set of gear. He sent one last look at his gear before he put it away and made his way to the cockpit.
Sitting down at the lead chair he pressed the intercom button. *Beep Beep* It rang once or twice before the rest started to answer. First was Vaylin, who had a small smile on her lips, a few droids scattered behind her, followed closely by Jaesa and Blizz who were sporting happy expression.
It took a few seconds but everyone joined the call and looked towards Mace. Mace looked them all over one time before speaking. "The mission is complete. You can finish whatever droids you see fit, but make your way back to the ship and make sure you are not noticed."
He stopped for a second to make sure everyone got the message before standing up himself. "We will rest here until Ayillh has completed her mission and then set out, we have important decision to make when the crew is gathered once again."
"""""Yes Commander/Master/Mace."""""
Mace nodded once more time before cutting the holo connection. With that done he slowly made his way back to his bedroom and laid down on the bed. The fight played through his mind once or twice as he thought of their tactics and skill set.
Reading a report and actually experiencing the skill of the new Jedi were two completely different things. Though it wasn't a ground breaking battle that had pushed him to the limit and challenged his powers to the extreme it had become an engrained action to review every fight, every swing, anything to improve.
He would be the best; he would make sure of it.
He entered a sort of meditative trance as his eyes closed and he drifted into his thoughts.
(Naboo, Theed City)
(3rd Person PoV)
Obi-Wan sat quietly as he waited for Yoda to speak. The ceremony was over, the night celebration had started just over an hour ago. Everyone in Naboo was celebrating their freedom and liberation, but the atmosphere in the room was quite somber.
Because of their injuries, both Master Vos and Master Jinn were held up in Bacta tanks, secured safely inside the palace's medical wing. Aayla Secura was at her master's side, refusing to leave until he woke up. Obi-wan would have been the same if Yoda hadn't arrived and requested his presence.
Qui-Gon had a small amount of time before he lost consciousness to organize the two distraught Padawan's, to help Vos and get him in contact with the council before he himself slipped into unconsciousness. Yoda had taken a personal trip to the planet after hearing the report.
"Returned, the Sith have." The sad tremble in Yoda's voice told Obi-Wan how terrible the master actually took the confirmation. "More than two there are. Trying times ahead, we face." Obi-Wan nodded his head in trepidation.
It had always been known for the Jedi that the sith could one day return, but there would always be two. It had been that way for millennia, but now there were more. The Sith they had faced, the one that had completely overwhelmed them, the sith he had killed, the one that had come for them on Tatooine, and finally the sith that Secura and Vos met, the supposed apprentice,with such terrible power.
That was already 3 Sith. 'What if there were more?' The thought was a terrifying prospect that the Jedi now had to consider. An idea suddenly appeared in Obi-Wan's mind, something that he almost forgotten about in the last few days.
He spoke with hesitation. "Master, could the disturbance felt 3 days ago be the force trying to warn us of such a change in the Sith?" Yoda looked at the young Obi-Wan for a few seconds, thoughts drifting back to that day.
"Possible it could be. Trust in the force we must. Adapt to the new threat, we will" Obi-Wan bowed slightly reaffirming his trust in the force. "Discuss with you, important matters, I must." "Master Yoda?" Yoda waved his hand as he started to pace around the room.
"Master Qui-Gon, offered a position on the high council, he has. Master Yaddle has chosen to step down." Obi-wan found it hard to keep his excitement for his master under control hearing the words. But he knew that his master might not want the position, actually the fact that they had offered the 'Maverick Jedi' such a position was abnormal in itself.
Before he could think on the subject further, Yoda interjected. "Accepted, he has." This confirmation blew Obi-Wan's mind! 'He had accepted it so fast? When did he accept it?' Yoda gave a small chuckle as he looked at the bewildered face of the Padawan.
"Many responsibilities come with his new position. Nominated you, he has, to take over training of young Skywalker." That was the Sand Person that broke the banthas back for Obi-Wan, his jaw lowered in shock, slack jawed at the news.
He could only stutter a weak protest. "B-but I'm a padawan." Yoda once again gave a small chuckle and shook his head. "Forget so easily young Kenobi. Ready you are, Qui-Gon believes." But Obi-Wan was almost in a state of denial as he tried to find something wrong with him suddenly becoming a master, taking on his own padawan.
"But we failed against the sith, the trials…" He spluttered the first thing that came to mind spilling out, but Yoda shut him down quickly. "More than most trials this Sith was. Ready you and Secura are. Tell Knight Secura later, I will." Obi-Wan's brain seemed to have stopped working as the full weight of what was about to happen set in. He starred dumbly into space thinking of what was to come.
Yoda gave him his time before mentioning the final piece of business he had. "One final thing, Young Obi-Wan. Take Credit you 4 will, for the dead Sith." Obi-Wan was snapped out of his thoughts as he turned to Yoda. "But why?"Yoda let out a tired sigh as he looked out the window of the room they found themselves in. "Got out it has, that a Sith was sighted. The younglings and Padawan's are disturbed from their training."
Obi-Wan frowned at the news. How did that happen? He could only imagine the fear that would spread in the Jedi order if their most feared enemy was to reappear and be on the loose. No one should have known except the council, plus everyone directly involved. "Do this you must, to relieve their fears." Yoda continued as he laid out their plan going forwards. "A select few only, will know the truth." Obi-Wan had nothing to say at the words, he realized the necessity of the secrecy, though he didn't find pleasure in taking undue credit for such an act.
The two continued to talk for a short while before Obi-Wan finally left the room, making his way back to his Masters side. He would have to question his master on his decision and ask for guidance if he were to truly take Anakin as his Padawan.
Yoda looked at the retreating back of the young man and smiled for a few seconds. Turning from him, he looked into the night sky, letting a small frown come to his lips. He was one of the most powerful Jedi alive, so it wasn't hard for him to feel the dark presence that still seemed to linger on the planet.
He felt it out, tried to reach out in the force, follow it to its source, but in the end his vision became obstructed and blurry, he could see nothing. It had been like this for too many months, years even that the force had started to be clouded, clouded by something sinister…
"Troubled times ahead, there are."
(Naboo, Theed City)
(Ayillh PoV)
I let out a content sigh as I starred up at the stars above me, one of the little pleasures in my line of work, the times when you got to quietly sip on a good glass of wine while starring at the stats above. Every new planet they would look different.
I had to admit that the Naboo truly were blessed, looking down at the glass in my hand. The name of the wine in the cup wasn't as important as how good it tasted. The taste of a luxury product truly showed a society's ways.
Naboo was a planet devoid from war, yes, should they be required to defend their planet of course they had contingencies and a standing army to protect them, but they were truly a peaceful people. The wine's taste, the design of the buildings, the party going on behind me;them showing of their best dresses and suits. All denoting a wealthy planet.
Naboo was a planet that hadn't seen a real war for a long time, one that pushed it to develop better weapons instead of delicious wines. Though some might call the Trade Federations attack and subsequent occupation a wake up call, I knew that within the week nothing much would change, not if they weren't pushed towards such change.
Padme would have to be the one to push for change; she was their queen, the one deciding the future of the planet for the next few years. She had the power, she had the passion and most importantly, if I could convince her, she had the determination.
I took another sip of my drink as I felt someone approach me from behind. Sitting on the terrace that lead to the ball room, not many noticed I was out here, if I had to hazard a guess with nothing but my intuition I would say that was Padme now.
I had done the required mingling, left the impression I had to, should I have to continue using my current allies which was most likely the case. Factoring in that no one else at the party would come in search of me at this time, it had to be her.
I looked at the small screen in the peripherals of my sight. It was closing in on the time that I had to leave; I couldn't keep him waiting anymore. I couldn't wait to get back to him, he that had started to brighten up my dreary life.
I felt the smile come to my lips as I took another sip. Yes I was still wearing my mask, but that was because the less people that knew my facial and racial features the better, I was still a very noticeable person, because of my outward appearance.
This was one of the reasons that I had specifically built my mask so that I could retract the mouth piece, to drink and eat while keeping it on, though I didn't use that function much.
I had just placed my glass on the table next to me as Padme arrived at my side. She said nothing as she took a seat to my left, also placing her drink down. Both of us sat starring at the sky not saying anything, just letting the comfortable silence persist.
It wouldn't last forever but it was nice.
I hadn't been able to talk to Padme much after helping her take back her throne, even throughout the celebratory ball; she had been taken to many of the ministers and officials that filled the halls. This would be the first time we could talk to each other alone since we landed on the planet.
Finally I decided it was time to break the peace. "It's been a long 3 days for you Your Majesty." My eyes shifted to her for a second as she pouted at my words; though she heard the joking tone in my voice she wasn't happy about the address.
"I've told you before Ayillh, you can call me Padme." I just gave a small laugh as I shifted back into a comfortable position. "My people and I owe you a debt of gratitude. I don't know how things would have turned out if you hadn't rescued us 3 days ago and especially if you hadn't helped me at the senate meeting…"
She trailed off for a moment as I caught the frown that appeared on her face at the mention of the senate; a good sign. "But know this if you ever need help, Naboo will come to your aid." We both turned to look at each other at the words. I could see the determination in her eyes, the sincerity that came with it.
I just shook my head and gave a small laugh. "I only did this because I was getting paid, I had to protect you, I did my job, I'll get paid a pretty penny very soon." I waited to see her reaction and it didn't disappoint. She continued to stare at me, the determination not wavering.
"I don't care what you say about your employer or mission. You have truly helped us, going I would say beyond whatever your employer tasked you with…" Well she technically wasn't wrong; I didn't need to do anything extra. "…I will help you because that's what… friends are for."
I stopped for a second as her words sunk in, looking at her one more time. I knew that she couldn't see my face, but there was something about the smirk she showed as she said those words, she held out her hand as I turned. I looked down at it for a second, then back at her eyes.
Sure I wanted to create another ally in the future, I truly did see something in the young woman that I would like to nurture, the question was, do I really want to go through with it. It would be a long term plan to gain a true ally, a friendship based off true feelings of mutual respect, ability and drive.
I'm sure Mace would be fine with it and even encourage this long term plan…If you could call making a friend, a true friend, a plan. Maybe it was…Maybe it wasn't
Finally I decided and slipped my hand forwards grabbing hers steadily. The small hesitation in her gaze as she looked at me disappeared in a split second as a wider smile came to her lips. *Beep* *Beep* Just as we were letting go a small beeping noise went off.
It was my holocomm, it was time to leave. Padme looked curious for a few seconds as I looked at the small message sent before draining the rest of my glass. "I guess we'll have to continue this another time. It's time I went and turned my mission into my employer."
Padme slightly deflated at the words. She was bummed I had to leave so soon, but I was sure I would be seeing her around. She stood up as I did, also draining the rest of her glass. We left them on the bench as we faced each other.
The mouth piece on my mask closed up as I placed both hands on her shoulders. "I'll be seeing you around Padme." She gave a small nod. I looked at her for a few more seconds before saying what the hell, why not, and pulled her into a hug. Padme made a small sound of surprise as I pulled her in, but she returned it soon after.
As we pulled apart I had one last thing to say. "One last thing before I go." My voice turned a bit serious. "You may have repelled the Trade Federation now, but don't get complacent, Naboo needs better protection, better contacts, Better weapons, better allies for if something like this happens again. You can't be caught flat footed again."
Padme the ever loving girl looked troubled after my words; she knew what I was implying, the message behind my words, but the hesitation passed soon after. She had changed over the 3 days since I met her, and personally I think she was making great progress.
(Padme PoV)
Ayillh's words sunk in as she quietly moved backwards. She was right, I knew she was right. I might not have liked the direction of where this might take Naboo, but just remembering the senate building, the corruption that I witnessed firsthand, I knew what I would have to do.
I would protect my people!
I nodded my head forcefully. "I understand." She said nothing for a few seconds as if studying me, she probably was, checking to see if my conviction was real, I starred right at her to tell her my answer. Finally she gave a nod as she backed off even more, moving into the shadows of the balcony.
I starred at her for as long as I could, but in seconds her body vanished into thin air. I didn't know when I would see her next, I didn't know what would have happened by then. But I knew it would happen someday, I knew that I would show her how much my conviction truly counted for. A small smile tugged at my lips, I couldn't wait for that day.
I looked one more time at the night sky we had both been looking at, the night sky I loved since I was a child. "I will protect this." I left those parting words as I moved back into the ball. The 'Queen' couldn't disappear for too long without a commotion happening.
It was time I got back.
(Coruscant, Private building )
(Palpatine PoV)
I looked down at the dead body of my master. I wanted so much to be exalted for my accomplishment, for the satisfaction that came with him finally being gone from the universe, finally I could let my grand plan move forwards. I would finally grab the power that is rightfully mine! The unlimited power of the Universe that came with being the master of the Sith!
My fists tightened as I slowly began to control my aura, though I wanted to proclaim my dominance it was not yet time, not till the Jedi were dealt with. But even with my Master dead I could not fully revel in satisfaction.
My plan had a hiccup, I know it was caused by that bounty hunter schutta, my informants couldn't find anything out about her employer and after the mess that was Naboo she had vanished. I didn't like having a piece on the board that I didn't know about and her and her employer were such pieces, they could be a thorn later in my plans.
I knew the frown on my face got worse as my thoughts drifted to the other surprises my master left for me. He had to have known, there is no way it could be a coincidence, he knew about the other 2 'Sith' that had appeared. I could hardly stop the disdain that flooded my body at the title they had appropriated.
They were not true Sith! I was!
Though from what I could tell one of them had even been able to fend off 4 Jedi, though2 were Padawan's the display of power showed that he was someone of notice. It was possible that he was even closer to my power level than I thought possible, if indeed he held anything back.
But though he may be powerful, I was certain that my own skill in planning and deception would bring him down just like my master. It should…*Bam*… I looked down as my clenched fists as I pulled it away from the wall next to me.
I still need to improve my control, it seems I let my anger spill out for a second there; I can no longer have such mishaps moving forwards. Well I had some time to spare…. I looked at the dead body of Plagueis once more and sent a shock of lightning or two into his immobile body.
"Even in death you teach me master." The disgust in my voice was palpable, but I had to admit not telling me about the other sith was a good ploy to keep my want for dominance at bay. Too bad he underestimated my thirst for strength.
Even in the end he wouldn't tell me the truth of who they were, but no matter. I would find out in the end. I gave my master one last shock before turning and making my way out, there were greater things to do now.
I had to rally support for the coming election and continue my smearing of Valorum. Though, I would not forget the Bounty Hunter that ruined my initial plans. I would have to send someone to deal with her for that transgression. A big enough bounty should encourage some to take on the task.
I let my mask down one more time before I left, the image of her impending doom etching a smile on my face, one a little too sinister for one such as myself, an upstanding representative from Naboo.
(Coruscant, Jedi temple)
(3rd Person PoV)
Anakin stood stoically as he tried to keep his composure before the council, he already knew what was coming and that was why he was finding it so hard to stop the smile from spreading on his lips. Mace Windu and the rest of the council could easily see the building excitement in the little boy but chose not to mention said fact out loud.
Moving slightly forwards, Mace kept his voice grave and respectful as should be expected of a Master on the council. He may have his doubts about the boy, but only time could tell. "Anakin Skywalker." Anakin nodded stiffly at his name at his name being mentioned at the end of the meeting.
"You have been accepted into the Jedi order." Anakin couldn't stop the small smile that appeared on his lips. Qui-Gon sitting in one of the council seats to the left, hid the smile that came to his lips as he watched the scene. "However you will start like all others as a youngling, working your way up to become a fully fledged Jedi." The smile slightly dampened on the boy face before a fire of determination lit within his eyes.
Mace gave a small nod at the determination he saw. "Though, because of your age, you shall additionally be prematurely apprenticed to the newly promoted Jedi Knight, Obi-wan Kenobi." Obi-Wan, who was standing next to Anakin and already knew of his impending responsibility bowed respectfully. "As the council wishes."
The smile on Qui-Gon's lips got even wider as he felt proud watching his apprentice finally become a Knight with his own padawan. Obi-Wan just picked up the thoughts as he straightened himself. A small smile came as his eyes drifted to his proud master for a second.
Next to the two there stood one more. Aayla Secura stood quietly watching the scene, her old Master just waiting outside, the small proof of her new knight hood resting on her person; same as Obi-Wan to her side. The council looked at the two new Knights and one new youngling as Mace came to the close of their meeting, their thoughts contemplating what the future could hold, obscured by the force.
"May the force be with you in the times to come."
(Phantom, Conference Room)
(3rd Person PoV)
Mace starred at the Astrogation charts before them. Sitting around him were the rest. To his right and left sat, Ayillh and Ashara. After them, came Vette, Jaesa, Xalek,Nadia, Vaylin and Blizz. Though the positions changed to accommodate needs and deter favoritism,his earned trust could still be seen by those closest to him. Everyone was gathered to choose where to set course to next, but Mace already had an idea of where they had to go. "We could set up base on Ziost."
Mace's eyes turned to look at Vette as she laid out her suggestion. As if on cue it set the flood gates open, ideas flying left and right from all present. Ziost from Jaesa, Odessen from Ayillh, Zakuul from Vaylin, Korriban from Xalek, many places strongly connected to the force, even strong in the dark side.
Everyone voiced an opinion, saying the planet, the pros, the cons, the unpredictable, but with millennia of out of date information anything could be drastically changed. As the Sith were 'extinct', supposedly, Ziost and Korriban had likely fallen in ages long past.
A discussion started, trying to plan a way forwards, but it was after a full hour that they turned to their leader, the final decision maker. Mace closed his eyes as he caught the looks from those around, contemplated each option, taking advice from the voice inside his head, the one he trusted the most; finally he reaching the same conclusion as the start.
The silence was deafening as he reached forwards and moved the charts to a certain sector, where a vague memory prompted him it once sat, a place he had only been to once. Nadia and Ashara's eyes widened for a second as they knew the meaning in seconds.
They turned to look at Mace, the same question in their eyes. "There? Are you sure?" Mace looked at both before giving a nod. "Do you two still remember the coordinates?" The two contemplated for a few seconds before remembering them, something every Jedi knew and kept secret at all costs.
They gave affirmative nods to their master. "Go with Vette and Ayillh and account for orbital Drift to find the planet, once found set course immediately after finding the safe specific hyper lanes to get to the system." All four of the nodded and left the room.
Mace looked at those left as he clasped his hands together and leaned forwards on to them, a trait he had picked up from his late wife, she always looked her best when she entered such a pose and began to plan her numerous plots and traps. New plans for how they would move forwards started to be constructed themselves in his mind.
"Now moving forwards…"
(Weeks Later)
(Tatooine, Mos Eisley)
(Ashara PoV)
"Haa!" The warm air wasn't as pleasant as last time I came here. I looked up at the small sign that denoted my destination. I guess if Vette had come with me it would have been tolerable. But she was busy. Nearly all of them were. Setting up had taken longer than most of us considered, not to mention all the plans that Ayillh and Mace were working on. But it would be worth it in the end.
I shook my head and walked into the store. It was dimly lit and pretty dusty, droid parts were everywhere, dust piling up on the side. "This should be the place. Ayillh's directions led straight here." I mumbled to myself as I felt out in the force. It was hard to tell, but it was just there, a presence in the force that was familiar.
Delving a bit deeper I noticed the similarities to the boy. I didn't stop the smile that appeared on my face as I watched a weather old woman walk into the room. She was rugged in appearance and demeanor and had definitely seen better days.
"Hello how can I help you today Miss?" She spoke politely and had her eyes down, meek in stance and attitude, all clear signs of the slavery she had been indoctrinated into. I smiled at her as her eyes flickered upwards for a second.
The eyes I caught were slightly dead inside, not completely, but it was close. "I would like to speak to your boss." She didn't say another word as she bowed and walked out. It was a few minutes later when she returned with her owner, my smile grew even bigger.
The Toydarian didn't even get a word out as I spoke. "Watto." His wings stopped flapping for a second and his eyes narrowed as I addressed him. "Yes?" There was a bit of trepidation in his voice. I brushed my cloak to the side to show off the Lightsabers that sat on my hips.
I could see the fear that flashed through his eyes, before a bit of smugness reared its head. Did he think I was a Jedi? "What have you come for Jedi?" This would be fun. I pointed in 'her' direction. "I want her." Watto looked at my target for a split second before he shook his head.
"NO!NO! I only have one slave left, I ain't selling her! Gambling her! Nothing you say could make me give her to you Jedi!" I just continued to smile. He thought I could do nothing as a Jedi. I had to stop myself from giggling at his foolishness.
"Well actually, you are going to go find her slave collar controls, give them to me, let me walk out of here with your last slave and crawl into whatever hovel you came from." I waved my hand in disdain and waited for his choice.
He seemed to be amused at my words, a cocky smirk on his lips. "Jedi mind tricks don't work on Toydarians you Stupid Sith spit, now what you going to do?""Hahaha." I couldn't keep my laughter in this time a small bit of my power leaking outwards.
Watto stiffened, so did 'she', they felt it, even if only for a second. "Sith spit huh." I gave one last chuckle as I gripped my hand towards him and bent the force to my will. *Urgh* *Crick* Watto clawed at his neck as I slowly pulled him over.
"When did I ever use a Jedi mind trick? And did you just use my title in vain?~" Watto paled as he struggled for oxygen, I pulled him even closer, whispering to his terrified face. "I am no Jedi you animal. You are speaking with a sith…" I knew my grin was sinister. "…We have our ways to make animals follow our orders."
I dropped my hold and watched him flop to the ground gasping for air. He regained himself after a few seconds of spluttering before looking up in terror, I slowly unclipping the blade at my side. *Snap* *Hiss* He backed away in fear, body trembling.
Yes this would be fun~.
That is the end of this HUGE chapter!
So first and foremost about Mace's White lightsaber. Yes I know that in current cannon a white lightsaber crystal means a red blade is purged of it's dark side or something like that, but what I'm going with is that the crystal is a Krayt dragon pearl, that produces the color white.
Knowing this I added the blood red line running down the middle, to denote the fact that his dark side has infected the crystal or better yet crystallized in the center of the pearl to produce it's unique color.
*Note* So I will put this here and leave it while also having a before chapter note put in. I will not take credit for the great idea which is having a recording to use in the senate. I read this general plot in 'A Sith's second chance.' If you have never read it before, it is a great novel that I suggest you read.
Now while I have taken and copied the main concept and a few of the longer paragraphs, there are a few differences between this and the original content. There is however well more than enough that I have to mention it. I loved the idea and honestly couldn't, not use it when I did this chapter.
For those wondering if Ayillh had enough time to get the recording before saving Padme in chapter 1, basically I did say that she scouted the area for entrances to the palace, aka when this happened, and is a retroactive continuity change or addition. Wanted to put this in so that people know.
A person (The name eludes me right now) mentioned that sound effects are not necessary in the story, I would like to say, I tried this chapter to get rid of most of them and would love feedback on what you guys think. I did keep filtering between them and not having them, so that you can compare. Personally I think the sound affects helped out, but if people really don't like them I can strive to get rid of them.
Now moving on I saw an interesting comment last chapter and couldn't reply to it directly so I'm just putting it here. It is about the technology difference between the old republic and the 'Movie Era', And my stance on it during the novels duration.
1nt3rD1ct0r: About the technology difference between the Old republic and the Movie era. I completely understand where you coming from, I know that technology has changed after 4000 years, it was easy to tell when I was looking into the Queens royal starship. I saw that their hyper drives and other technologies have advanced, that was specifically why last chapter I put in Ayillh commenting on this subject.
Of course she was commenting on the fact that she could upgrade the phantoms engines after only a quick overview of the new ship she found herself on. Because I am not a super fan of star wars and only have superficial knowledge about tech in universe, I kept it simple by skirting around the subject.
So far the tech I have commented on has been the hyper drive of the Queens ship, the blasters used by the droids, as well as the holonet security. As mentioned in your comment the fact that the republic hasn't been to war in a millennia has led to the security of their holonet to be a simple thing in the eyes of Mace and Co. (easily hackable)
As I was saying before; when I had Ayillh mention the tech on the Queens ship, I only mentioned the speed and size of the engine/capacity/output because I am truly a novice in the area. Also why I mentioned that the ship had underdeveloped/non-existent shielding and weapons (because it is a luxury cruiser). I did this because as you have said, in the 'Movie era', cannons and heavy weaponry has advanced, but I am just too illiterate on the subject to know the differences and go in-depth mentioning them.
Finally I also mentioned how the blasters the droids were using didn't seem to have changed. I have no clue if there are major differences between the old republic and 'Movie era' when it comes to this subject. From just looking, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference, though there probably is a huge on.
Also as mentioned in the comment the gear used by the Jedi has regressed because of the long lasting peace, which is also an easy thing to skirt around when writing. In later chapters I am going to put in a few words about their tech being upgraded using the 'movie era' technology, but I will be very vague about the subject.
About the personal shields, honestly forgot about them until you mentioned them, like completely forgot. And what you said makes sense, that they are still around but not used as much. And with that I have nothing else to say on that subject.
Having said that, you probably brought the comment up as the characters have repeatedly mentioned that Technology doesn't seem to have changed and instead regressed. To Mace and Co. right now, yes that is the case, but as said I will be making sure that they learn that this isn't the case (But will be vague about it), and Technology has advanced in certain areas.
Thanks for the Review, always love the insight, it helps me refine the novel.
Having hopefully read my answer to the above comment, I would like to ask for some help! I'm not the biggest legends aficionado for star wars and honestly will have to do a lot of research to find places that mace and co. can go to upgrade their gear , build ships and all that.
While I thought of using the Chiss, I have other plans for them (Foreshadowing). So I would love comments on planets to look into or places that he can go to deal with such problems.
I'm just going to put in now, when I name dropped Master Luminara as being a Jedi knight, I have no clue what she was up to at the time of Episode 1. Though as she is on the high council by the time of the clone wars, I must assume that she was already a Jedi Knight, possible even a master. Would love to know if we have any Luminara fans reading. Update: She was a Jedi master a few years before the invasion. Already fixed.
For all those wondering where this novel is going to head I think I'll just drop a name of planets mace and the rest will be visiting in the future, well most of them, not including where they are about to go. Would love your best guess at where mace is about to set up base!
So the planets are: Kashyyyk, Kalee, Dathomir, Sarkhai, Ryloth, Zakuul, Rattatak and Coruscant.
Going off that some of you might realize that before I get into the events of Episode 2 Mace will be going on a few personal and professional quests with his companions. Well I let you think about what all those planets might mean.
Now for the final piece of news, this will be about the next chapter going forwards. I will be trying to stick to a 10-15k max words for each chapter so they don't take as long to release, but I will be focusing on my other novels for a while after releasing this mega damn huge chapter.
I also just got a second job that will be night shifts that will affect my timetable and all that. So I have no clue when it will come out.
Honestly if I have missed mentioning something you think is important, please mention it in the comments. This chapter has taken so long to write that I have forgotten somethings I might have had to answer down here at the bottom.
Edit: If anyone is wondering how much Mace and Vaylin saw in their vision of the future, it mainly focused on the events of episode 3 and not everything from episode 1-3 meaning they still don't know a lot of what's going on behind the scenes and how everything happens. They just know the main players in the future. I think that should be enough of an explanation
Thanks for reading See you in the next one!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!
