Disclaimer: George Lucas is the guy who owns it all. Please don't sue. You
won't get much, Georgie boy.
Notes: Right, this is my first fanfic ever, so forgive me if I get things wrong in the set-up and so forth. I'm assuming those reading this will know the basics of Star Wars, such as what the Force is, what the Sith are, etc etc.
Warning: If this story happened, none of the other films would and even Episode 1 would be altered.
I'd like to thank Dravenstar and The Puppet Killer for encouraging me to write this. Thanks guys. You're the best. So, here it goes.
Chapter 1 - Whispers on the wind
The dark depths of space were cold and merciless, encompassing all except for the dots of brilliant light that were distant stars. The ebony shroud was endless and consuming, unforgiving and immeasurable in any way.
In this immense nothingness was a lone planet. It sat there, a glimmering jewel of emerald green and deep blue in amongst the blackness. The planet was Cornellia. Approaching it was a gigantic Commerce Guild cruiser. The ship was a huge steel sphere with six crooked appendages protruding from it. They somewhat looked like the spindly legs of an insect. To add to the ship's resemblance to a predator, two massive curves mandibles were at the front of the craft, and they looked for all the world like venomous fangs. The cruiser looked as close to a predatory arachnid as a steel ship could.
The ship bristled with weapons.
On the bridge of the Mighty Enforcer, Harak Rogue stared at Cornellia in silent contemplation. He was middle-aged man with dark hair and a well- groomed moustache. He was dressed in an elegant manner, with crimson robes decorated with royal blues and a large neck collar, intricately patterned. He heralded from a long line of aristocracy on a planet called Salbers Prime. He was Archduke Harak Rogue, Archduke of Salbers Prime and commander of the Commerce Guild. He alone had the authority to command the entire Guild army to attack a potential victim.
At present, that potential belonged to Cornellia.
Rogue stared at the planet, rehearsing in his mind what he knew about it. The first settlers had been Correllians, and they had named the planet after their own. Cornellia lay on the outer rim of the galaxy, but it was unusual in outer rim worlds as it was part of the Galactic Republic. Rich in natural resources, such as metal ore, it was considered invaluable to the Republic, a link in the chain of its lifeline. Perhaps it's time that link is severed, Rogue mused. He crossed the bridge of the ship and glared down at the contents of the cargo hold.
Thousands of battle druids stood to attention.
Each battle droid was tall and gangly, with thin metal struts for limbs. The bipedal robots had dexterous arms and fingers, and they all cradled deadly blaster rifles. The legs were attached to the torso by a thin, hard stem. Atop the slender torso was a metal branch for a neck, and attached to that was a long, low head. Each and every droid stood motionless, a silent salute towards Rogue.
An unarmed battle droid with mustard-coloured markings approached Rogue. It was OOL-2, the general of the Commerce Guild Army. He had been modified to give him advanced artificial planning capabilities. "Archduke Rogue, we do not have a sufficient amount of battle druids on this one ship to successfully invade and occupy Cornellia", OOL-2 declared in a hollow, monotone voice. Rogue nodded, "I know. We'll wait for the whole fleet before we put our plans into motion. Also, I need approval from Lord Sidious, not to mention the Separatist Union in general". OOL-2 cocked his head, "The leaders of the Separatist Union placed an enormous investment in order to obtain the battle droid army. Surely they won't want that squandered?" Rogue stroked his chin, "True. Still, invading a planet is a bold move for us to make. The Republic is barely aware of the Separatist Union, and certainly not this army. But by securing Cornellia, we can."
The hologram transmitter on a control console beeped and a light flashed, demanding the transmission be intercepted. OOL-2 glanced at Rogue, who inclined his head towards the panel. The droid activated the transmitter, and a hologram was projected forth. It flickered and shimmered before finally becoming clear. Rogue bowed down to the projected being who faced him.
The man was elderly, that could be seen from his weathered and gnarly hands, and the small portion of his face that was visible. A vast hood that stooped over his brow hid the rest of his face. He was clad in simple black robes. He was the man known as Darth Sidious. He faced Rogue, then spoke to him in a low, drawling voice, "Archduke, I demand an update".
Rogue wasn't deluding himself into thinking that he was an equal to Darth Sidious. The mysterious being was a Sith Lord, a master of the Dark Side of the Force. Rogue feared him in a way that would be expected between a womp rat and a krayt dragon. "Yes, my Lord", he murmured, "The Mighty Enforcer is situated above Cornellia. We are just doing a reconnaissance cruise, but absolute secrecy is being maintained. All we wait for is your order, and we can send in the entire fleet". "I have talked with the leaders of the Separatist Union", Sidious snarled, "They have finally allowed me to give you invasion permission".
Rogue tensed. He knew the time had come. "So you may proceed, Archduke. Proceed and do my bidding ", the Sith Lord said before the hologram flickered and disappeared.
Rogue stood staring into the empty space where the hologram had been. Nearly a minute passed before OOL-2 decided to talk. "Sir, what do we do?" the droid asked. Rogue turned to face OOL-2, "We do as the Sith said. Prepare for a full- scale invasion of Cornellia". Without another word, Rogue switched about and left the ship's bridge, leaving the droid with its volatile orders.
Life as a Jedi apprentice was ideal for Anakin Skywalker. Dressed in the traditional Jedi tunic with his sandy hair cut short and with a braid hanging over his shoulder and a ponytail from the back of his head, at first glance, Anakin looked like a typical ten-year old apprentice, or Padawan learner.
He was in a small room in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Hovering before him was a seeker droid, little more than a training remote with a blaster on the lowest setting possible. Nevertheless, the little bursts of energy it fired could be very painful.
Anakin stood staring at the seeker with his clear blue eyes. He was waiting for someone else to join him. He needed to begin his lesson.
The door behind him opened and Anakin's mentor strode in. He was Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, a tall broad man who was dressed in a tunic and high- knee boots like his apprentice, but he also wore a simple brown Jedi cloak.
Qui-Gon was not as energetic as he once had been. He was about sixty years old and beginning to look it. His long, rugged hair and beard were tinted grey, and his face was weathered by many years of life as a Jedi Knight. Nevertheless, there was a quirk to the way he smiled at his apprentice that would always portray a hint of youthfulness, at least in Anakin's eyes. "I am aware that it is time for your next lesson, Anakin", Qui-Gon said quietly, "But first, pass me your lightsaber". Anakin unclipped a black and silver cylinder from his belt. It had a thick handgrip with several jewel-like buttons embedded on the other side.
Qui-Gon took it gently and examined it carefully before pressing one of the switches. Instantly, the device put forth an emerald-green, shimmering energy blade that emitted a low humming as the Jedi studied it like an admiring craftsman. The beam of light was only about half a metre long, but Anakin had constructed his weapon so that it was suitable for someone of his size. "Your lightsaber is well constructed, Ani. In all honesty, most Jedi Padawans do not construct their own weapon until they are considerably older". Anakin shrugged, "You know I like to build things, Master, but this lightsaber was quite a challenge". Qui-Gon handed the instrument back his apprentice, then reached out to activate the seeker droid. Instantly, the tiny robot began to dart every which way, but keeping its minute blaster trained on Anakin.
Qui-Gon produced a piece of cloth from his cloak and tied it around Anakin's brow, covering his eyes totally. There was an awkward silence. "Um, Master?" Anakin ventured after a while, "When I heard about this exercise, I. I didn't know I was going to be wearing a blindfold. I can't see a thing!" Qui-Gon evaded the comment, instead saying, "The lesson can begin as soon as you raise your saber in a defensive stroke".
Anakin paused uncertainly before doing as he was told. He grasped the weapon in both hands, the phloroscent blade glinting before him. Qui-Gon made a small gesture to the seeker and it began an aggressive dive at the boy, then braking less than a metre from him and firing a concentrated beam of light at him.
Anakin swung his lightsaber in a blind arc that did nothing to protect him from the laser. It stung him on the chest, and he yelped in pain. "Ow, that hurts! I thought you said the seeker was on the lowest setting possible!" Anakin moaned. "It is", Qui-Gon replied, "Try again, Ani". "But I can't see it!" the boy pleaded, "How can I deflect the laser if I can't see them!" "You don't need to", Qui-Gon gestured again at the seeker. Anakin once more shifted into a defensive position, determined to defeat the lasers that the seeker fired. The droid fired, the lightsaber swung, the laser hit, Anakin cursed as he was hit on the shoulder.
This time, the boy had had enough. He switched off his lightsaber, clipped it to his belt and tore off the blindfold. He rounded on Qui-Gon, angry and hurt that his Master should set him such an infuriating task. "I can't do it! This is impossible!" he snapped, showing a surprising flair of rage for one so young. "Calm yourself, Ani", Qui-Gon soothed. "But I can't see the blasted droid! It's impossible!" "Anakin!"
The sharp retort held Anakin's fury back. There was a long pause, in which the boy felt intense shame burning at his cheeks, branding them scarlet. I should have kept my anger in check, Anakin told himself. Yoda, the great Jedi Master, had once said to him that a Jedi should not experience the emotions of anger, hatred, fear and love. As Anakin dwelled on these thoughts, his shame grew as to form a deep upset in him. His face crumpled and tears flowed.
Qui-Gon knelt down and wiped away the cold streams with the corner of his cloak, then placed his hands gently on the boy's heaving shoulders. "I didn't mean to upset you, Ani", Qui-Gon whispered. "It's not you, Master, "Anakin sobbed, "I'm sorry I lost my temper. I must seem like such a spoiled little brat". Qui-Gon gave his apprentice a warm smile, "Of course not, Ani". Anakin wiped away the tears and fought back forthcoming ones, but it was obvious to Qui-Gon that he was still upset. "Perhaps we should skip today's lesson", the wise Jedi suggested.
When his apprentice indicated to him that approved to him also, Qui-Gon deactivated the seeker and waited patiently for Anakin to cover up the fact he was upset, then the pair left the room and began heading towards their living quarters.
They were advancing along the cavernous Jedi Temple Main Corridor. The floor was carpeted and the walls mosaiced and there were looming statues of great Jedi of the past lining the enormous passage. Qui-Gon passed many other Jedi on the way; some Padawans, some Knights and some Masters. One in particular caught Qui-Gon's attention. "Obi-Wan!"
Notes: Right, this is my first fanfic ever, so forgive me if I get things wrong in the set-up and so forth. I'm assuming those reading this will know the basics of Star Wars, such as what the Force is, what the Sith are, etc etc.
Warning: If this story happened, none of the other films would and even Episode 1 would be altered.
I'd like to thank Dravenstar and The Puppet Killer for encouraging me to write this. Thanks guys. You're the best. So, here it goes.
Chapter 1 - Whispers on the wind
The dark depths of space were cold and merciless, encompassing all except for the dots of brilliant light that were distant stars. The ebony shroud was endless and consuming, unforgiving and immeasurable in any way.
In this immense nothingness was a lone planet. It sat there, a glimmering jewel of emerald green and deep blue in amongst the blackness. The planet was Cornellia. Approaching it was a gigantic Commerce Guild cruiser. The ship was a huge steel sphere with six crooked appendages protruding from it. They somewhat looked like the spindly legs of an insect. To add to the ship's resemblance to a predator, two massive curves mandibles were at the front of the craft, and they looked for all the world like venomous fangs. The cruiser looked as close to a predatory arachnid as a steel ship could.
The ship bristled with weapons.
On the bridge of the Mighty Enforcer, Harak Rogue stared at Cornellia in silent contemplation. He was middle-aged man with dark hair and a well- groomed moustache. He was dressed in an elegant manner, with crimson robes decorated with royal blues and a large neck collar, intricately patterned. He heralded from a long line of aristocracy on a planet called Salbers Prime. He was Archduke Harak Rogue, Archduke of Salbers Prime and commander of the Commerce Guild. He alone had the authority to command the entire Guild army to attack a potential victim.
At present, that potential belonged to Cornellia.
Rogue stared at the planet, rehearsing in his mind what he knew about it. The first settlers had been Correllians, and they had named the planet after their own. Cornellia lay on the outer rim of the galaxy, but it was unusual in outer rim worlds as it was part of the Galactic Republic. Rich in natural resources, such as metal ore, it was considered invaluable to the Republic, a link in the chain of its lifeline. Perhaps it's time that link is severed, Rogue mused. He crossed the bridge of the ship and glared down at the contents of the cargo hold.
Thousands of battle druids stood to attention.
Each battle droid was tall and gangly, with thin metal struts for limbs. The bipedal robots had dexterous arms and fingers, and they all cradled deadly blaster rifles. The legs were attached to the torso by a thin, hard stem. Atop the slender torso was a metal branch for a neck, and attached to that was a long, low head. Each and every droid stood motionless, a silent salute towards Rogue.
An unarmed battle droid with mustard-coloured markings approached Rogue. It was OOL-2, the general of the Commerce Guild Army. He had been modified to give him advanced artificial planning capabilities. "Archduke Rogue, we do not have a sufficient amount of battle druids on this one ship to successfully invade and occupy Cornellia", OOL-2 declared in a hollow, monotone voice. Rogue nodded, "I know. We'll wait for the whole fleet before we put our plans into motion. Also, I need approval from Lord Sidious, not to mention the Separatist Union in general". OOL-2 cocked his head, "The leaders of the Separatist Union placed an enormous investment in order to obtain the battle droid army. Surely they won't want that squandered?" Rogue stroked his chin, "True. Still, invading a planet is a bold move for us to make. The Republic is barely aware of the Separatist Union, and certainly not this army. But by securing Cornellia, we can."
The hologram transmitter on a control console beeped and a light flashed, demanding the transmission be intercepted. OOL-2 glanced at Rogue, who inclined his head towards the panel. The droid activated the transmitter, and a hologram was projected forth. It flickered and shimmered before finally becoming clear. Rogue bowed down to the projected being who faced him.
The man was elderly, that could be seen from his weathered and gnarly hands, and the small portion of his face that was visible. A vast hood that stooped over his brow hid the rest of his face. He was clad in simple black robes. He was the man known as Darth Sidious. He faced Rogue, then spoke to him in a low, drawling voice, "Archduke, I demand an update".
Rogue wasn't deluding himself into thinking that he was an equal to Darth Sidious. The mysterious being was a Sith Lord, a master of the Dark Side of the Force. Rogue feared him in a way that would be expected between a womp rat and a krayt dragon. "Yes, my Lord", he murmured, "The Mighty Enforcer is situated above Cornellia. We are just doing a reconnaissance cruise, but absolute secrecy is being maintained. All we wait for is your order, and we can send in the entire fleet". "I have talked with the leaders of the Separatist Union", Sidious snarled, "They have finally allowed me to give you invasion permission".
Rogue tensed. He knew the time had come. "So you may proceed, Archduke. Proceed and do my bidding ", the Sith Lord said before the hologram flickered and disappeared.
Rogue stood staring into the empty space where the hologram had been. Nearly a minute passed before OOL-2 decided to talk. "Sir, what do we do?" the droid asked. Rogue turned to face OOL-2, "We do as the Sith said. Prepare for a full- scale invasion of Cornellia". Without another word, Rogue switched about and left the ship's bridge, leaving the droid with its volatile orders.
Life as a Jedi apprentice was ideal for Anakin Skywalker. Dressed in the traditional Jedi tunic with his sandy hair cut short and with a braid hanging over his shoulder and a ponytail from the back of his head, at first glance, Anakin looked like a typical ten-year old apprentice, or Padawan learner.
He was in a small room in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Hovering before him was a seeker droid, little more than a training remote with a blaster on the lowest setting possible. Nevertheless, the little bursts of energy it fired could be very painful.
Anakin stood staring at the seeker with his clear blue eyes. He was waiting for someone else to join him. He needed to begin his lesson.
The door behind him opened and Anakin's mentor strode in. He was Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, a tall broad man who was dressed in a tunic and high- knee boots like his apprentice, but he also wore a simple brown Jedi cloak.
Qui-Gon was not as energetic as he once had been. He was about sixty years old and beginning to look it. His long, rugged hair and beard were tinted grey, and his face was weathered by many years of life as a Jedi Knight. Nevertheless, there was a quirk to the way he smiled at his apprentice that would always portray a hint of youthfulness, at least in Anakin's eyes. "I am aware that it is time for your next lesson, Anakin", Qui-Gon said quietly, "But first, pass me your lightsaber". Anakin unclipped a black and silver cylinder from his belt. It had a thick handgrip with several jewel-like buttons embedded on the other side.
Qui-Gon took it gently and examined it carefully before pressing one of the switches. Instantly, the device put forth an emerald-green, shimmering energy blade that emitted a low humming as the Jedi studied it like an admiring craftsman. The beam of light was only about half a metre long, but Anakin had constructed his weapon so that it was suitable for someone of his size. "Your lightsaber is well constructed, Ani. In all honesty, most Jedi Padawans do not construct their own weapon until they are considerably older". Anakin shrugged, "You know I like to build things, Master, but this lightsaber was quite a challenge". Qui-Gon handed the instrument back his apprentice, then reached out to activate the seeker droid. Instantly, the tiny robot began to dart every which way, but keeping its minute blaster trained on Anakin.
Qui-Gon produced a piece of cloth from his cloak and tied it around Anakin's brow, covering his eyes totally. There was an awkward silence. "Um, Master?" Anakin ventured after a while, "When I heard about this exercise, I. I didn't know I was going to be wearing a blindfold. I can't see a thing!" Qui-Gon evaded the comment, instead saying, "The lesson can begin as soon as you raise your saber in a defensive stroke".
Anakin paused uncertainly before doing as he was told. He grasped the weapon in both hands, the phloroscent blade glinting before him. Qui-Gon made a small gesture to the seeker and it began an aggressive dive at the boy, then braking less than a metre from him and firing a concentrated beam of light at him.
Anakin swung his lightsaber in a blind arc that did nothing to protect him from the laser. It stung him on the chest, and he yelped in pain. "Ow, that hurts! I thought you said the seeker was on the lowest setting possible!" Anakin moaned. "It is", Qui-Gon replied, "Try again, Ani". "But I can't see it!" the boy pleaded, "How can I deflect the laser if I can't see them!" "You don't need to", Qui-Gon gestured again at the seeker. Anakin once more shifted into a defensive position, determined to defeat the lasers that the seeker fired. The droid fired, the lightsaber swung, the laser hit, Anakin cursed as he was hit on the shoulder.
This time, the boy had had enough. He switched off his lightsaber, clipped it to his belt and tore off the blindfold. He rounded on Qui-Gon, angry and hurt that his Master should set him such an infuriating task. "I can't do it! This is impossible!" he snapped, showing a surprising flair of rage for one so young. "Calm yourself, Ani", Qui-Gon soothed. "But I can't see the blasted droid! It's impossible!" "Anakin!"
The sharp retort held Anakin's fury back. There was a long pause, in which the boy felt intense shame burning at his cheeks, branding them scarlet. I should have kept my anger in check, Anakin told himself. Yoda, the great Jedi Master, had once said to him that a Jedi should not experience the emotions of anger, hatred, fear and love. As Anakin dwelled on these thoughts, his shame grew as to form a deep upset in him. His face crumpled and tears flowed.
Qui-Gon knelt down and wiped away the cold streams with the corner of his cloak, then placed his hands gently on the boy's heaving shoulders. "I didn't mean to upset you, Ani", Qui-Gon whispered. "It's not you, Master, "Anakin sobbed, "I'm sorry I lost my temper. I must seem like such a spoiled little brat". Qui-Gon gave his apprentice a warm smile, "Of course not, Ani". Anakin wiped away the tears and fought back forthcoming ones, but it was obvious to Qui-Gon that he was still upset. "Perhaps we should skip today's lesson", the wise Jedi suggested.
When his apprentice indicated to him that approved to him also, Qui-Gon deactivated the seeker and waited patiently for Anakin to cover up the fact he was upset, then the pair left the room and began heading towards their living quarters.
They were advancing along the cavernous Jedi Temple Main Corridor. The floor was carpeted and the walls mosaiced and there were looming statues of great Jedi of the past lining the enormous passage. Qui-Gon passed many other Jedi on the way; some Padawans, some Knights and some Masters. One in particular caught Qui-Gon's attention. "Obi-Wan!"