The Price of Sacrifice

by CalaisKenobi

From the time he was an initiate, Obi-Wan's life was difficult. Now, as a Master, it's even worse. Is there more to it than just fate and the Force? COMPLETE

7. 7

Mas Amedda stormed through the halls of the Senate complex, barking orders to each of the patrols he passed to seal off all of the hundreds of exits from the building. "Make certain that no one gets in or out!" he added as he hurried past a group of six guards. The alacrity with which they responded spoke to the ill temper the Vice-Chancellor projected during his hasty retreat from Palpatine's office. He had tried to contact the Senate Guard over the comm. system from the Chancellor's anteroom, but the explosion seemed to have disrupted communications, leaving Amedda with no choice but to deliver the orders in person.

\If Amidala gets out of this complex, the Chancellor it going to kill me\ Amedda knew without a doubt that his life would be forfeit if he failed in his task, but he couldn't allow knowledge of Amidala's survival to spread beyond the confidence of he and Palpatine. If anyone else found out that the Senator still lived, the entire Galactic Senate would soon realize it had been wrong to accuse the Jedi Order of assassinating the Naboo representative. \And if the Senate isn't going after the Order, it's a guarantee that sooner or later, the Jedi Order is going to discover what is going on and come after the Chancellor and I!\

Shuddering at the thought of what would happen if the Jedi unraveled Palpatine's plot to bring a stronger, more sure order to the Republic, Amedda almost found himself glad that he wouldn't live to see it if he failed in his task. He had seen examples of what the Chancellor called "Jedi Justice" and the Chagrian never wanted to experience it first-hand. The charred bodies had haunted his dreams for months.

\If somehow the Jedi Order makes it through this intact, there is no way I will ever allow them to capture me. I'll die first\ he vowed as he drew closer to where he could hear another patrol. \I'm not going to let them use their horrible Force-powers on me!\ Pulling out of his thoughts as he approached the Lieutenant that was in charge of the group of men, Amedda spoke. "Take your men to the secondary east exit and seal it off. Make sure that no one gets in or gets out."

Expecting the guard to respond with the typically efficient "Yes Sir," the Vice-Chancellor swept past the patrol on his way to notify the others. He came to a surprised halt though at the words of the Lieutenant.

"What did you say?" Amedda growled as he turned to face the young guardsman.

"I'm sorry sir, I shouldn't have questioned you," the Lieutenant stuttered, as the color drained from his face in response to the Vice-Chancellor's wrath.

"I didn't ask for an apology," Amedda ordered, "I told you to repeat what you had said."

"I'm sorry sir," the Lieutenant said again, before repeating what he had stated earlier. "I was just wondering, sir, how it was you'd managed to get all the way to the other side of the complex from the detainment area so quickly."

*********************************************

For a moment after she first woke up, Bant was confused as to where she was. The last thing she remembered was talking to Master Qui-Gon Jinn and figuring out a plan to save Obi-Wan. Now she was back in the Healer's ward where she had initially fallen asleep. \Was that all a dream?\ the Mon Calamarian wondered, before dismissing the possibility that something so vivid and so real could have merely been a product of her imagination.

"Healer Bant?"

Turning her head towards the source of the voice, Bant wasn't surprised to find that her neck was so stiff. \I must have been asleep for hours!\ "Yes?" she asked, as she finally turned in her seat enough to face the Healer-apprentice that had awakened her.

"I'm sorry to wake you Master Bant, but Master Ravenna hasn't come back yet and we were beginning to get worried. You said that she had gone to pick up one of the wounded," he explained.

At the reminder of her Master's demise, Bant found her throat tightening with emotion. Making a conscious effort to control her grief, she closed her eyes briefly and took several deep breaths. "You're right, Padawan. I'm going to go check on her," she answered after a few moments had passed. "Tell your Master that I might be awhile, since I have a few other things to check up on," she finished, rising to her feet and turning to exit the Healer's ward.

"Shouldn't someone go with you?" the apprentice asked, following her towards the swinging doors. "What if something has happened?"

"I'm sure that everything is just fine," Bant lied. "I'll take my comm. link with me though, so if something happens I'll be able to get help."

Accepting the words of the older Healer as truth, even as the Force warned that something was amiss, the Padawan held back and simply watched as the Mon Calamarian slipped through the doors.

After he was certain that Master Carlasan understood what he needed her to do, Obi-Wan moved up through the group of guards until he was keeping pace beside the stretcher that carried Anakin. Laying a proprietary hand on his Padawan's shoulder, as a visible sign to all who might threaten, he tried to draw on the Force enough to begin healing Anakin. When the Force did not respond to his beckon, he tried to appeal to the Captain of the guard again.

"Captain, it is imperative that my Padawan be seen by a Jedi Healer immediately," he stated. "Anakin may not survive if he goes without treatment much longer."

Slowing enough that the guards guiding the stretcher could catch up to him, the Captain studied the small, still figure that lay on the litter. "I will allow your Padawan to be taken to the Temple, under guard, as long as you remain with me," the guardsman finally acceded after seeing the validity of the Jedi's worries.

"I will not be separated from Anakin," Obi-Wan argued. "Take us both to the Temple now, and I assure you, I will return to the Senate just as soon as I know that my Padawan will be taken care of."

"Our orders are to take you directly to the Chancellor," the Captain countered. "I am making a small allowance in agreeing to let your Padawan proceed directly to the Jedi Temple, but I am not willing to break the Supreme Chancellor's decree."

Pausing and trying to draw on the Force once more, this time to see if he could use it to persuade the guard, Obi-Wan was frustrated to find that the Force was still not responding to him. \Of all the times for me not to even be able to do the most simple of manipulations\

"Very well," the young Master finally agreed, though he was certain that Anakin needed medical attention immediately. "Take us both to the Chancellor as quickly as possible. We need to get to the Healers immediately, but if we have to detour by Chancellor Palpatine's offices first, so be it."

*********************************************

Knight N'erak was rather astonished that his plan was working so well. He had hoped that it would be possible to rescue the Jedi before the guards returned, but he had realized that the chances of that happening were slim. To his great surprise, he and the other able-bodied Jedi had already managed to evacuate over two-thirds of the injured Knights and Masters and the guards had yet to make an appearance.

\Maybe for once a plan will actually go as expected\ the Knight thought optimistically, as he worked his way back through the damaged halls towards the detention center. He had convinced his fellow Jedi that it was best to move everyone from the guarded room to another empty room that was only slightly damaged from the explosion, instead of trying to evacuate the injured from the Senate complex entirely. Normally he would have removed the injured in smaller groups and made sure that they were safely on their way to the Temple before going back in for the next group, but in this case the Force was warning him that he was running out of time.

Moving swiftly, yet silently, N'erak was accompanied by a group of five other Knights who were helping him to remove the injured. Each trip he had made to and from the detention center to the "safe room" made discovery that much more likely, so he had recruited the other relatively strong and healthy Jedi to help him move as many as possible. "This should be the last trip," N'erak whispered as he and the others drew nearer to the Force- shielded room. "Make certain that those who insist they can walk on their own will be able to without drawing attention to themselves or us," he directed as the group of six turned down the last hallway.

Accepting their silence as the assent that it was, Knight N'erak automatically slowed down and reached out with the Force to make sure that the detention center remained unguarded. Once he was certain that the halls surrounding it were empty, N'erak motioned for the other Jedi to follow as he made his way to the closed entrance of the room. "If we can't get everyone out on this trip, a few of us will just have to come back to gather the rest. Don't risk discovery by allowing someone who is too injured attempt to walk without aid," he ordered, as he palmed open the doorway.

"I think your worries about discovery came just a little too late," a familiar voice called from the opening doorway.

"Master Windu?" N'erak questioned, as he took in the sight of the dark- skinned Councilor, the ten remaining Jedi and the fifteen armed Senate guards who stood with their weapons trained on the unarmed Knights and Masters.

"I believe Master Windu is correct," Mas Amedda announced as he stepped out from behind one of the burly guards. "Your fear of discovery seems to have been well-founded."



Without the support of his gimmer stick, Master Yoda found his pace to be slower than usual as he hobbled his way out of the Council room. He knew that he could draw on the Force to increase his pace, but something told him to conserve his energy as much as possible. Grumbling softly to himself, the small green Master finally exited through the Chamber doors and immediately approached the young Padawan at the front desk. Recognizing her as the one who had interrupted the Council session, Master Yoda barked his order to her without preamble.

"Assist me you will," he demanded, motioning for the sturdy young woman to kneel before him.

"Master?" Elei asked, uncertain what was being requested of her.

"When 800 years old you are, want help walking you will too," Yoda grumbled, circling behind the Padawan.

"You want me to carry you, Master Yoda?" the Padawan questioned, unbelieving that the head of the Jedi Council would ever consent to being carried, let alone ask for it.

"To the Senate we must go immediately," the Master answered. "Get there in time on my own, I will not."

Still in a state of disbelief, Elei could only nod as she reached her arms behind her to help lift the small Master onto her back. Once the Master was settled as well as he could be, the Padawan rose to her feet and began the trek to the Temple exit nearest to the Senate Complex.

*********************************************

As he led his men toward the offices of the Chancellor, Captain Wena hoped he wasn't making a mistake. The orders had stated that if Obi-Wan Kenobi was found, he was to be remanded into custody and the Chancellor immediately notified. But with the communications down, Wena wasn't certain what he was supposed to do. \I don't get paid enough for this\ he thought disparagingly as he worried about the possibility of facing Palpatine's legendary wrath.

"Perhaps you should look for other employment then," the Jedi Master at his side commented, almost as if he had heard the Captain's personal thought.

\These Jedi are just creepy\ Wena realized, making certain to watch Kenobi more closely out of the corner of his eye. \If they go around reading people's personal thoughts like that, it's no wonder that the Chancellor wants to get rid of 'em all\

When the Jedi made no response to his latest inner dialogue, the Captain turned his attention back to the dilemma before him, although he still kept a close eye on the Knight. \Should I try to contact the Vice-Chancellor first and allow him to notify Palpatine, or would that delay only incense the Chancellor further?\

Weighing the pros and cons of the argument, Wena finally decided that it was best to notify Mas Amedda first, and allow him to bear the brunt of Palpatine's wrath. Realizing that the Vice-Chancellor was most likely at the detention center questioning all of the captive Jedi, the Captain changed the course of their journey without notifying his men of the change. He had worked with this group of guards enough that they knew not to question him. Unfortunately, the Jedi Knight at his side had no such qualms.

"Where are we going?" Obi-Wan demanded, sensing the Captain's shift of destinations.

"I need to notify the Vice-Chancellor of your presence before approaching Supreme Chancellor Palpatine," the Captain answered imperiously.

Grounding to a stop, the Jedi Master crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the guardsman. "The longer you delay in this, the more likely it is that Anakin will not survive. I did not agree to follow you around as you search out Amedda because you are too frightened to face Palpatine like a man," Obi-Wan growled, purposely trying to bait the Captain into bravado.

"Frightened?" Wena blustered, his face twisting in outrage. "I am not frightened of Chancellor Palpatine, I'm only following protocols."

"Ah yes, this must be the "if the Senate Hanger Bay explodes and the Supreme Chancellor happens to want to talk to a specific Jedi of the tens of thousands who might respond to the disaster" protocol," the Knight responded sarcastically. "If you are too scared to face the Chancellor, than allow me to take my Padawan to the Temple and then I'll return and face him alone."

"I am not going to allow you to leave the Complex," the Captain hedged, trying to find a way to retain his respect and dignity without fully capitulating to the Jedi's demands.

"Then take me directly to the Chancellor," Obi-Wan directed. "Those are your only two options."

Narrowing his eyes, Wena hesitated than finally nodded his head in assent. "I'll take you directly to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, but you will have to be the one to approach him. I will not be held responsible for your breach of protocol."

"Very well," the Master agreed, motioning for the guardsman to lead on.

Ignoring the implied order, Captain Wena continued. "And just to be certain that you do actually visit the Chancellor, my men and I will keep your Padawan with us."

Master Carlasan kept the Force illusion up until she sensed that the guards with Obi-Wan were too far away to detect anything amiss if she lowered it. Breathing a sigh of relief as the illusion flickered away; the young Master took a moment to regain her waning strength before addressing the Senator and Serrenia. It had actually been easier to maintain the barrier once Obi- Wan was no longer within it, as his fluctuating grasp of the Force had inhibited Carlasan's own, but it was still an immense energy drain even for a Master Jedi.

"We need to exit the Senate complex as quickly as possible and return to the Jedi Temple," Carlasan ordered, once she had managed to dull the throbbing ache within her head from maintaining the illusion and helping to curtail Knight Kenobi's power.

"Wouldn't it be better if I were to appear before the Senate now and show that I am still alive and unharmed?" Padmé questioned, as she stepped out of the wall crevice where she and the two Jedi had been hidden.

"If we don't get you out of the Senate and into the security of the Temple, there is no guarantee that you will continue to be safe and alive," the Master Jedi sighed. "It is apparent, both from what you have presumed, and what I know as fact, that someone wants you dead and is willing to do just about anything to accomplish that task. You will be safe at the Temple, and from there, with the assistance of the Council, we can determine what to do next."

Before the Senator could form another argument, Serrenia interrupted the discussion. "Master?" the Padawan asked, waiting for Carlasan to acknowledge her before continuing. "Why do you have two lightsabers?"

Reaching down to her utility belt, Carlasan grasped the familiar hilt of her lightsaber, before moving her hand to the oddly shaped hilt that hung beside it. "Master Obi-Wan. gave. it to me," the Master responded obliquely.

"Why would Master Kenobi have given you a fencing 'saber?" Serrenia questioned, feeling the Force prodding her to continue her line of inquiry.

"I was confused as to why he was using it, and so he handed it to me after a brief discussion," Carlasan hedged yet again, unwilling to reveal the details of her battle with Obi-Wan even to her own apprentice. After having watched the other Master with his Padawan, and seeing how he was willing to risk everything for Anakin, Carlasan knew that the Jedi Council was mistaken in its belief that Obi-Wan had turned to the Darkside. Even witnessing him drawing on the Dark power herself, Carlasan could not accept that an act committed in such a powerful display of love could be of the Darkside. Until she had the opportunity to speak to Master Kenobi again, Master Carlasan decided to keep the details of their encounters to herself.

"Master, I don't understand why he would have been using a fencing 'saber. He always fights in a broad-sword style, and he has never engaged in any training with fencing style. Master Koth almost beat Master Obi-Wan during our one 'saber class when he used a fencing style against him," Serrenia continued, alluding to the lightsaber class Obi-Wan had taught during her first few weeks as a Padawan. "Why would Master Kenobi use a lightsaber other than his own, and if for some reason he had to replace his own, why would he choose a fencing 'saber?"

"Master Kenobi had another hilt hanging from his belt," the Senator interrupted, drawing the attention of both Jedi. "I saw it when he was talking to the guards. I remember wondering why he had used Padawan Serrenia's lightsaber instead of the one hanging off of his belt."

"Perhaps his was damaged somehow," Carlasan hypothesized.

Drawing a sharp intake of breath, the young Padawan drew the attention of both the Senator and her Master.

"What's wrong Serrenia?" Carlasan asked, concerned at the horrified look on her Padawan's face.

"You have the other lightsaber Master Kenobi was carrying," Serrenia started slowly. At Carlasan's confused nod, she continued. "And you have your own lightsaber, and I have my own lightsaber and Anakin's 'saber."

"Yes?" Master Carlasan questioned, unsure as to what her Padawan was asking. She knew that Serrenia had taken Anakin's lightsaber and other loose equipment off so that it wouldn't get caught during the tight trip through the cleared tunnel when she and Obi-Wan had begun to levitate him, but the Master was unsure as to why that was relevant now.

"Oh no," Padmé gasped as she suddenly realized what the Padawan was trying to say. Turning to face Carlasan, the Senator used a shaking hand to brush the hair out of her face before explaining. "If Master Kenobi's 'saber is damaged, and you two have the remaining four, what is he going to use if he needs to defend Anakin or himself?"

Motioning to the guards to relieve N'erak of his lightsaber, as the five other Knight's weapons were still confiscated, Mas Amedda chuckled low in his throat. "Who would have thought it would be so easy to trap a Jedi? From your Order's reputation, one would think you Jedi were all but immortal."

"Unfortunately, we suffer the same overconfidence as anyone else," Master Windu stated, his comment directed to the strangely silent Knight N'erak. "In fact, we probably have almost as much of a sense of over-inflated confidence as some politicians," Mace continued.

"To hear a Jedi admitting faults, will wonders never cease?" Amedda asked rhetorically, accepting N'erak's lightsaber as the guardsman handed it to him. Turning the hilt over in his palm almost reverently, he ran a finger lightly over the activation switch, being careful not to ignite it. "I always wanted one of these," the Vice-Chancellor murmured, as he continued to reverence the lightsaber hilt. "But of course, your Order is much too pompous to ever allow any mere mortal to have one."

Tucking the weapon into the oversized pocket of his cloak, Amedda returned his attention to his prisoners. "The Senate is convening now to discuss what method to take to insure that the Jedi Order is brought to justice for its crimes. Until that time, you will continue to remain here as our guests."

"Will we be given a chance to speak on our behalf?" N'erak asked before the Vice-Chancellor could completely exit the detention center.

"You think we would actually risk allowing you to use your mind-powers against us?" Amedda scoffed, not even pausing as he exited the chambers after his guards.

Watching as the door slid shut behind the imperious politician, N'erak then turned his attention to the silent Master Windu. "I take it you weren't successful in getting to the Temple then?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow at the slight smile that covered the Councilor's face at his inquiry.

"Actually, no, I was not able to get to the Temple, but I was able to convince the Council to seal the campus and call back all of our Knights and Masters," Mace explained.

"Okay, and how does that help us?" the Knight asked, ignoring the aghast looks from his fellow Jedi at his callous questioning of a Council Member.

"Well, I told the Council to make sure that no one else entered the Senate complex," the dark-skinned Master continued. "And you know how well the Council usually listens to me."

"Ahh," N'erak said as an equally bright smile crossed his haggard face. "So in other words, we can expect the cavalry to show up any minute."

*********************************************

Despite his attempts to convince the Captain to allow Anakin to accompany him, Obi-Wan finally had to concede defeat. He wanted to get through his meeting with the Chancellor as quickly as possible so that he could get his Padawan back to the Temple and into a bacta tank. Assuring himself that the guards would provide adequate protection for his apprentice during his absence, the Master agreed to accompany Captain Wena into the Supreme Chancellor's offices while Anakin waited in one of the smaller meeting rooms on the other end of the long hallway.

Following the Captain to the barely damaged outer office of the Chancellor, Obi-Wan was surprised when the guard failed to accompany him any further than the doorway. "Just continue on in, I'm sure that Chancellor Palpatine will be able to detect your presence with his monitoring system and will let you in," Wena stated, turning briskly on his heel and hurrying back to where his men awaited him.

Shaking his head at the burly Captain's apparent cowardice Obi-Wan made his way cautiously to the sealed doors of Palpatine's inner office. To his surprise, he could detect what felt almost like a Force seal adding to the security of the Chancellor's inner sanctum. Dismissing the sensation as a product of his confused Force sense, the Knight assumed a casual stance as he awaited Palpatine's acknowledgement. Several long moments passed, during which Obi-Wan had to work to conceal his increasing impatience, before the doors slid open with an ominous hiss.

Taking the gesture as a motion to enter, the Knight stepped cautiously into the darkened office, visually scanning the room when he did not see the Chancellor at his usual position behind the desk. The large windows that made up one of Palpatine's office walls had been set to their opaque mode, allowing the Supreme Chancellor to watch the activity outside without being seen. Obi-Wan felt a faint sense of unease at being alone with the politician, where no one else would be able to see or hear him, but dismissed it as yet another product of his exhausted system.

Continuing his scan of the room, the Knight had to turn almost a full 360 degrees before he finally saw the figure sitting in one of the heavy leather chairs against the back office wall. "Chancellor Palpatine?" Obi- Wan questioned, trying in vain to pierce the dark shadows that concealed the figure's features.

In response, the dark-cloaked figure rose slowly to his feet, the office doorway sliding shut and sealing in tandem with his movements. As his sense of foreboding grew, the Knight edged his hand down towards the lightsaber that hung at his belt, forgetting momentarily that it was still damaged from the deluge of water.

A dark chuckle broke the deathly silence as the dark figure reached his full height. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, I've waited so long for this moment," he hissed, taking a slight step out of the deep shadows that concealed him.

As recognition suddenly flooded through Obi-Wan's mind, he brought his 'saber up in an automatic defense. When the azure blade failed to activate, he uttered a curse.

Another chuckle wafted from the dark-cloaked figure at the Knight's choice of explicative. "Yes Knight Kenobi, I am the Sith. And soon, soon my young man, you will be joining me."



Bant paced nervously outside the doors of the Council Chambers as she debated her options. She had intended on having the Padawan that usually manned the anteroom desk notify Councilor Bilaba that the Mon Calamarian healer needed to speak with her, but upon discovering the desk Padawan's absence, Bant was left with few options. \Well, I guess when all else fails I could just rely on normal courtesy\ the Healer decided, after her attempt to reach the Councilor by comm. link had also failed.

Stocking her courage, the Mon Calamarian walked up to the doorway that sealed off the rounded chamber and made a fist. Using the Force to augment her strength and prevent any damage from occurring to the door, she rapped loudly on the wooden doors. Waiting a moment to see if there was any response, Bant gingerly rubbed at the bruise that was already forming on the side of her hand. \Next time I'll know to protect my hand and not the stupid door. It definitely doesn't need my help\

*********************************************

Inside the Council Chambers, the ten remaining members were locked in a heated debate regarding what actions they should take after the disturbing message from Master Windu and the even more distressing behavior of Master Yoda. "I believe we should follow Mace's initial request and issue an order for all remaining Jedi to evacuate from the Senate," Adi Gallia suggested, her dulcet tones carrying easily throughout the chamber, despite the fervor of the debate.

"And we should lock down the Temple," Master Koth stated from where he sat across the circle. "There is no telling what prompted Master Windu to make such a request, but I believe we would be foolish to ignore his suggestion."

"The Temple is not at any risk," Master Plo Koon scoffed. "There is no force in this galaxy that would dare to take on the Jedi Order. We are the best-trained warriors and we have the support of the Galactic Senate. That should be more than enough to discourage any attack."

Before any of the Councilor's could form a response to Master Koon's admonishment, the session was interrupted by a loud knock on the solid Council doors. Quirking an eyebrow, Depa Bilaba, who sat closest to the doors, reached out with the Force to trigger the specially sensitized doors. The massive doors swung open without their usual easy grace, as the Temple systems were still suffering from the massive power surge that had accompanied the explosion at the Senate. All of the upper levels of the buildings surrounding the blast center had suffered power disruptions and outages. The Jedi Temple, though better protected than most of the surrounding offices, had still felt the force of the powerful detonation.

"Healer Bant, is there something we can do for you?" Master Koon asked as the opened doors revealed the nervous Mon Calamarian waiting just outside.

"I am sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak to Master Bilaba immediately," Bant announced, trying to keep her tone conciliatory yet forceful. She wanted to speak to the Councilor privately with as few arguments as possible, but she also did not want to anger any of the other members of the High Council.

"The Council is in the middle of a." Plo Koon ground out, before being interrupted by the soft tones of Depa Bilaba.

"Ahh, forgive me Master Bant, I completely forgot about the issue you needed to discuss with me so urgently before," Depa stated, rising to her feet and moving to exit the chambers. "If the Council will excuse me, I really need to address this issue immediately," she finished as she stepped through the opened doors, catching the Healer's arm as she made her way to one of the private rooms.

"Councilor Bilaba," Bant began, trying to remember what it was that the Master might have thought she had come to speak to her about. She had not tried to address Depa at anytime earlier, but she could not believe that the Master would have lied to escape the Council meeting.

"Healer Bant, I am assuming that this is regarding information you have uncovered about the death of my Padawan?" Depa questioned, as the two women stepped into the empty meditation chamber, sealing the door behind them.

"Oh, um," Bant stuttered, "in a way this does involve Padawan Bilt, but that's not entirely the reason I wanted to address you." When Depa made no comment, the Healer continued. "I need access to the Council Laboratory, and without Master Windu here, I can't get to it on my own. I know that I am not supposed to know about it, and I know that I ordinarily would have no reason to access it, but it is necessary that I retrieve something from the lab."

"And this something, of such great import that you interrupted an emergency Council meeting for it, would be what exactly?" Depa asked. "And what exactly would it have to do with the death of my Padawan?" Although she tried to cover it, the pain in the Master's voice was unmistakable.

"I. I really can't tell you what it is here," the Healer sighed. "I can't risk anything happening to it, as it is the only chance I have to save the life of someone very dear to me. I know that this probably isn't enough to convince you to violate so many protocols, but if you will just take me to the lab, I will explain everything to you once we are safely inside."

Closing her eyes and weighing the validity and desperation of the Healer's plea, the Councilor came to a decision. "Alright Healer Bant, I will take you down to the laboratory, but you will explain everything to me before I allow you to touch anything in that room."

After gathering the basic information from Knight N'erak regarding the location and condition of the other Jedi, Master Windu began to formulate a plan to secure the escape of the remaining captives. "N'erak, do you still have your datapad with you?" the Master asked, keeping his voice pitched too low for any being of normal hearing range to pick up.

"Yes, but it won't do us any good if there are armed guards waiting just outside," the Knight responded just as quietly.

"Even when Amedda was waiting to ambush you, there were only fifteen guards," Mace explained. "Now that he has us trapped in here, I'll bet he has removed all but a few guards and sent the rest to continue sweeping through the building."

"He does tend to be overconfident," N'erak agreed, strangely pleased that the High Council Member had shown enough faith in his ability to plan their escape together. "But I wouldn't want to stake our lives, or the lives of these other Jedi, on an assumption."



"We can't simply wait here while the Senate votes on the fate of the Jedi Order," Mace argued. "We need to find a way to prove that the Jedi had nothing to do with the explosion, and we need to investigate the presence of the Sith. All that has happened here is working too well in favor of the Darkside for it not to have been orchestrated."

"It would help if we knew who the Sith was!" N'erak growled, still keeping his voice well below the hearing level of any non-Force sensitive.

"We know that it is someone closely involved with the Chancellor, probably even someone on his staff," Master Windu offered. "That is enough to work off of for now."

"Excuse me, Master Windu?" a soft voice interrupted, drawing the attention of both the Councilor and the Knight.

"Yes?" Mace asked, trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice at the interruption of the young apprentice.

"I'm sorry sir, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," the Bothan explained. "I know it isn't my place to say anything, but I think this is important."

"Where is your Master?" N'erak asked, as he scanned the remaining Jedi for anyone who showed more than a curious interest in the young Padawan.

"He was shot by one of the Senate guards, and they forced us to leave him behind when they were herding us into this room," the boy explained, only a slight tremor in his voice betraying his emotions.

Sharing a look, both Mace and N'erak understood that the boy's Master must have been dead for the guards to leave him behind. "What is it you wanted to tell me?" the Councilor asked in a much less gruff tone.

"Well, sir, I. I don't know if you remember when my Master and I had to appear before the Council because of a paper I wrote for my history class?"

"Your history class?" Mace questioned, confusion evident in his tone and expression.

"Yes Master. My instructor felt that my paper on the Naboo invasion took an interesting perspective on events and that it was worth the notice of the Council," the apprentice said with not even a trace of pride. "I wrote about the political ramifications of the blockade, and the parties that benefited," the Bothan finished, when it appeared that nothing he had previously said had jogged the Master's memory.

"Ahh, yes," the Councilor finally stated, after pausing to search his memory for the details of the commendation. "Your instructor was right to have your paper brought to our attention. Your theories were most interesting, Padawan Nashiron."

"Well, thank you Master, but that's not the reason I mentioned it," Nashiron clarified. "I mentioned it because I think that my theory was more than just a theory. I think that Chancellor Palpatine really was behind the invasion, and that he used it to allow him to gain the office of Supreme Chancellor."

"Those are some dangerous accusations," Mace admonished, though his mind was now working to try to remember more of the paper he had only made a cursory scan of before approving it for commendation.

"I know sir, and I wouldn't make them if I didn't think that it had bearing on this immediate situation," the Padawan declared, his confidence in his theory overcoming his nervousness at addressing the Councilor.

"What do you mean exactly?" N'erak questioned as a faint shiver of foreboding ran down his spine. If it weren't for the shield around the room, he would have sworn it was a message from the Force.

"Well, I think that you and Master Windu are mistaken if you think that the Sith is working for Chancellor Palpatine," Padawan Nashiron stated, pausing to take a breath for emphasis. "I don't think the Sith is working for the Chancellor; I think he is Chancellor Palpatine!"

*********************************************

"What have you done with the Chancellor?" Obi-Wan demanded, as he took several steps away from the menacing figure before him. "If he is injured in any way, I assure you, you will pay dearly."

"My dear boy, the Chancellor is the least of your worries right now," the figure hissed, raising a hand and effectively halting the Knight's movement. "You and I have much more important things to discuss."

Struggling against the invisible bonds that held him pinned, Obi-Wan could only watch passively as the dark figure approached him, reaching out a wrinkled hand to stroke his cheek. "Yes, my dear Obi-Wan," the Sith continued, as his age-worn hand caressed the soft skin of the Knight's face, "we have so much to talk about."

Senator Padmé Amidala followed silently behind Master Carlasan as the slightly older Twi'lek led the way through the darkened hallways. Padawan Serrenia followed just behind, giving the Senator a feeling of security she would not have expected from one so young. \You weren't that much older when you ran for Queen of your planet.\ Padmé realized as she snuck a peek over her should at the sober young Jedi.

"Anakin and Master Obi-Wan will be fine," Serrenia whispered, mistaking the Senator's look as a continuation of their earlier discussion. "Master Kenobi is a great Jedi, and he is more than capable of taking care of himself and his Padawan, even without a lightsaber."

"Don't you think that we should at least try to follow them to make sure that they are okay?" Padmé whispered in response.

"We need to get you out of the Senate complex before any more harm comes to you," Master Carlasan interrupted. "It will not help Obi-Wan or Anakin if you are injured, or killed while trying to help them. Your safety is currently paramount, not only because of your political status, but because of the accusations being leveled against the Jedi Order."

"I understand that," the Senator sighed, "but can't you at least contact some of the other Jedi and have them look for Master Kenobi? Surely the Temple sent more Knights and Masters here than just the two of you."

Stopping and shepherding the other two into a shadowed recess as she heard the sounds of approaching guards, Carlasan motioned for the others to remain quiet. Raising an illusionary shield to conceal them, the Master then enhanced her hearing to catch the orders that the patrol leader was barking.

"All of the other exits have been sealed, but the Vice-Chancellor wants us to scan for any openings caused by the explosion. Make sure you don't miss any or there will be hell to pay," the disembodied voice of the lead soldier filtered through the barrier to the Master. She could not see the group of guardsmen from their hiding place, but her Force scans told her that there was a group of ten rapidly scanning the area. Adding another layer to the illusion, just in case, Carlasan then considered her options. The Senator's suggestion to find other Jedi was a good one, but she did not want to risk any further harm coming to the politician. Her only option was to separate from her Padawan.

\\Serrenia, once the patrol passes, I want you to concentrate on finding the Force signatures of the other Jedi. Once you have a clear location, let me know, and then move as quickly and as carefully as possible to rendezvous with them\\

\\Master, what about Senator Amidala?\\ Serrenia asked, misunderstanding her Master's orders to mean that both Jedi would be leaving to meet up with the other Knights and Masters.

\\I will escort the Senator to the Temple and then try to return to assist you. With the gates being guarded so heavily, I may not be able to get back to you. Be careful, and don't take any unnecessary risks, but make sure that you get to the other Jedi. Master Obi-Wan is going to need their help\\ Carlasan responded, also sending as much love and affection as she could through the bond. She knew that Serrenia could handle this task, even if she had only been a Padawan for such a short time.

\\I will be careful Master. May the Force be with you\\ the Padawan answered, before feeling the Force barrier lower as the threat of the patrol passed. Reaching out with her senses, she detected several Force signatures gathered in a room on the other side of the complex. Passing the information to her Master through the bond, and receiving one final wave of affection in return, Serrenia pulled the Force to her and used it to increase her speed as she ran down the wrecked hallway toward her fellow Jedi.

*********************************************

"Ani, Ani honey, it's time to wake up."

The soft, yet strong tones filtered lazily through the haze that was settled over his mind, and Anakin Skywalker tried to open his bleary eyes to focus in on the source. "Mom?" he croaked through a throat gone dry from the effects of pain and illness.

"Ani!" Shmi Skywalker answered, tears of joy filling her warm brown eyes. "I was so worried about you honey."

"Mom?" Anakin asked again, still trying to figure out where he was and why his mother was with him. The last thing he remembered was talking to Padmé in the Senate complex, and now he was back in his old room on Tatooine.

"Yes, it's me sweetie," Shmi crooned softly. "You've been very ill, and I didn't know if I would be able to wake you up in time."

"In time for what? Where am I? What's going on?" the young boy asked as he struggled to sit up. His limbs felt unusually heavy and a dull throbbing echoed through his head. "Am I on Tatooine? How'd I get here?"

"Your friend brought you here," his mother answered vaguely, a brief shadow crossing her face and alerting Anakin to her deception.

"Here? Where is 'here'?"

Sighing deeply, Shmi wiped a work-hardened hand over her son's sweaty forehead. "I'm not entirely sure Ani. I'm just so glad to see you though. It's been so long, and I didn't want to risk losing the chance to see you again."

"'My friend?'" Anakin asked, growing frustrated at his mother's refusal to give him a straight answer. He'd never remembered her being so elusive in answering any of the questions, however personal, he had asked as a young boy.

"Well, I'm not sure if friend would be the right word, but I'm certainly here to help you," another voice called from the open doorway of Anakin's room. The bright light of the twin Tatooine suns shown behind the figure, preventing the Padawan from identifying his unknown benefactor.

It was only as she stepped further into the room, and out of the silhouette of the sun that Anakin gasped in recognition. "Ellana?"

Obi-Wan tried to step back as the Sith Lord's cold clammy hand made contact, but it was as if he was frozen in place. His body wasn't even responding to the shudder of revulsion he felt creeping down his spine. "What do you want with me?" he asked, momentarily surprised that he was able to speak.

"You are able to speak because I am allowing you to," the Sith explained, his words coming out in an icy frost. "And should you displease me, I will take that ability from you too."

Ignoring the Knight's question, Sidious took a step back and with a flick of his hand brought the lights in the office on so that he could better see his prize. Examining the unnaturally stiff posture of the usually graceful Jedi, the Sith made a wide circle around his silent captive. Pausing as he crossed to Obi-Wan's side, Sidious hissed in displeasure as he noticed the deep burn through the sleeve of the Jedi's tunic.

"This will never do," the Sith commented, as he examined the 'saber wound that marred the pale flesh of the Knight's arm.

"And I bet you are going to call a healer for me, right?" Obi-Wan stated drolly as he watched Sidious out of the corner of his eye. He had discovered that if he concentrated all of his energy he could just barely move the fingers on his other hand. \Now if I could only reach the Force, I might actually be able to do something a bit more threatening than pointing at him\

"How exactly is it, my dear Jedi, that you managed to receive such a burn?" Sidious asked, as he concentrated his Darkside energy on the deep wound, healing it almost instantaneously.

Shocked and somewhat disturbed at the dark figure's act, Obi-Wan covered his discomfort with his usual sarcasm. "I got bored waiting for something else interesting to happen, so I decided to duel another Jedi in my spare time."

"Ahh," Sidious sighed, making no other comment as he completed his circuit and returned to face the Knight. Although he made several attempts, Obi-Wan found he could not penetrate through the dark shadow that covered the Sith's features. All he could see was the lowered cowl, and part of the figure's chin.

When several moments passed in silence, Obi-Wan decided to ask his initial question again. "What exactly do you want from me?"

"Oh my dear Jedi, I don't want anything from you," the Sith assured, drawing back from the Knight until he was once more concealed within the darkest shadows. "All I want is you."

"I believe I have had this conversation before," Obi-Wan sighed, "and as I explained to your pet, Dooku, you're not exactly my type."

To the Jedi's astonishment, the Sith Lord merely chuckled. "I cannot tell you what a pleasure it will be to break that spirit of yours. I have looked forward to this day for far too long."

*********************************************

Elei slowed as she drew within visual distance of the Senate Complex. Although the destruction wasn't visible from where she stood, it was apparent that the Senate Guard was on high alert. No fewer than five men guarded the entrances and exits from the building, and each guardsman was heavily armed.

"I'm not sure they are going to allow us to enter, Master Yoda," the Padawan commented, as she lowered the older Jedi to the ground.

"Allow us in, they will," Yoda assured, as he led the way slowly to the nearest entryway.

"This is why I chose to work in the Temple, and not as a field Padawan," Elei muttered under her breath as the guards took notice of their approach and drew their weapons. "I'd prefer to actually live long enough to see my Knighthood."

Releasing a "hmmph" in reply, Master Yoda otherwise ignored the Padawan as two of the guards approached.

"The Senate building is closed," the older guardsman began before the other guard interrupted.

"Sir, they're Jedi," he whispered, having taken note of Elei's attire.

Pausing in the speech he had recited too many times to the multitudes of curious passerby and holonews reporters that wanted access to the disaster scene, the gray-haired Correllian studied the two figures before him. A curiously blank look overcame his suspicious expression, as he turned to his fellow guardsman and spoke. "We should allow them into the Senate Building. They have important business inside."

"Alecyk, we have orders to arrest all Jedi!" the other guard exclaimed, his features set in a mask of incredulity. "We should." he continued, before a similarly vacant look crossed his face and he finished by repeating his partner's earlier suggestion. ". allow them into the Senate Building. They have important business inside."

"Carry on," Alecyk ordered, motioning for the two Jedi to enter the complex. As Elei passed by the large Correllian, she risked a quick study of his empty expression. Shaking her head in amazement as she followed behind the astonishingly powerful Master, the Padawan sighed. \Perhaps I should have entered into the field after all. it's definitely more interesting than answering phone calls and scheduling appointments all day\

After carefully entering her Council password, Master Bilaba stepped to one side of the doorway and allowed Bant to enter before her. Once both women had entered the laboratory, Depa resealed the door and turned to face the Healer. "Now that I have violated several mandates of the Council just in allowing you in here, would you like to explain to me what exactly is going on?"

"There really isn't time." Bant began, before the expression on the Master's face convinced her that she needed to find the time to explain. Sighing, and vowing to make her account as short as possible, the Healer spoke: "I was worried about Master Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker, so I decided to check in on their mission to make sure that everything was all right. I asked Knight N'erak to assist me, and together we uncovered information that led us to the discovery that Master Dooku left the Order having already become a servant to the Darkside."

Pausing to judge whether Depa was willing to accept the abridged version of events so far, Bant was surprised to see a slight gleam in the Master's eye, as well as a cocked eyebrow, which together led her to believe that the Councilor understood completely what she was leaving out of her explanation. Offering a slight smile at Depa's understanding, the Healer continued. "After having discovered Dooku's connection to the Darkside, we were able to recover personal files of his that offered insight into some of the activities he has been involved in over the course of the past few years, as well as proof that he was involved with the Sith. Master Windu was made aware of that information, as well as some other pertinent information regarding Master Kenobi. Master Windu planned on speaking to Obi-Wan, but the disaster at the Senate occurred, and he has been unable to make contact as of yet."



"And what does this have to do with the Council Laboratory, or this item you supposedly need to retrieve from here?" Depa asked, after it was apparent that Bant had finished her account.

"Well, some of the information we recovered needed to be compared to other data and analyzed, so Master Windu made this lab available for our use. The information we uncovered was highly sensitive, and he felt it was best to keep it secured within the lab," the Mon Calamarian offered, hoping that the Master would accept her brief outline of the major events of the past few days. Otherwise, Bant didn't know how she was going to be able to get what she needed and get to the Senate in time. What she needed to be 'in time' for, she wasn't certain of, but the Force warned her that something pivotal was about to happen, and that she needed to be prepared.

"And it is this information that you need to remove from the lab?" the Councilor questioned, folding her arms across her chest.

"Yes," Bant answered simply, meeting Depa's appraising gaze with her own.

As Master Bilaba closed her eyes, reaching out to the Force for guidance, the Healer found herself holding her breath, hoping that Depa would agree to help. When the warm brown eyes finally flickered open once more, Bant was overjoyed to see the look of acceptance within them.

"Well, Healer Bant, it appears that whatever you are planning on, the Force wills it," Depa sighed. "Although I am certain that the rest of the Council would not agree with my decision in this matter, I feel that I have no choice but to follow the direction of the Force."

"Thank you Master Bilaba!" Bant exclaimed as she turned from the Councilor and made her way over to one of the lab tables flanking the outside edge of the room. Retrieving a small bundle from the table, the Healer wrapped it carefully before placing it inside the inner pockets of her robe.

"Is that all you need?" the Councilor questioned, eyeing the small bulge that was just barely visible under the pale blue robes.

"Yes, and thank you again," the Healer responded, as she followed Depa back out of the doorway, watching as the Master sealed it again behind them.

"Very well then, I suggest we get it to the Senate immediately." At Bant's surprised expression, Depa laughed softly. "Healer Bant, you didn't honestly think I would allow you to remove something from the laboratory without assuring myself of its final destination?"

"I. I guess not," Bant stuttered. "But I am not sure that this is a mission that the Council would approve of," she finished honestly, uncertain about leading the unknowing Councilor into a situation she knew would be fraught with danger.

Surprising the Healer yet again as she merely winked in response, Depa smiled at Bant's expression before explaining. "It's a lesson I learned quite well from the seemingly endless Council sessions with Master Qui-Gon Jinn: 'what the Council doesn't know, can't hurt them.'"

*********************************************

"You're dead!" Anakin exclaimed, watching warily as the dark-haired woman slowly approached where he lay on the bed.

"Yes, I am," Ellana laughed, "but I discovered I still had work to do, and I just hate to leave things unfinished."

"Wh-What?" the Padawan asked, his confused gaze skimming the room, hesitating briefly on the comforting image of his mother, before returning to study the former Sith.

"Anakin, you did me a great service in allowing me to not only see your life, but also to review my own life through your eyes," Ellana said softly as she took his hand and sat on the edge of his bed. "I realized that a lot of what I held to be truth was nothing but a lie, and that I had inadvertently caused a good man a lot of pain in his life."

Sighing and averting her gaze from the intuitive blue eyes that studied her, Ellana ran a hand through her hair. "I was led to believe that your Master was an evil man, and that he had killed both my brother and my. friend out of spite. I had no way of knowing or understanding that the real evil resided solely in my "guardian," and I didn't realize until almost too late all of the damage I had caused."

"What do you mean 'you didn't know'?" Anakin questioned incredulously. "You had to know what you were doing when you did those horrible things to my Master, or when you attacked the two of us!"

"Anakin, I thought what I was doing was the right thing. I thought that my Master was a great man, and that he was going to do such incredible things for the galaxy." Leaning forward and clenching the Padawan's hand tighter as her anguished gaze met his own, the former Sith continued. "I couldn't see that everything he was doing was for himself, and to increase his own power. He cared nothing for anyone else. even me."

A shuddering sigh escaped her lips, as Anakin remained silent and allowed her to regain her composure. "He was like a father to me, and yet nothing mattered to him except power. He is a master manipulator, and he is a dangerous and deadly opponent. I was with him for well over a decade and I never knew just what a horrible and hideous person he really was until I was able to see my own life through you, Anakin."

"I still don't understand," the Padawan said, freeing his hand from her tight grasp. "Where am I? Why are you here? Why is my mother here? And where is my Master?"

"Anakin, if it wasn't for you, I would never have gotten to experience the true beauty of the Force," Ellana stated earnestly, as she once again grasped both of the young boy's hands. "I never would have known anything but the darkness that made up my life, if it weren't for you. You allowed me to see through the shadow that had consumed my entire reality, and your 'goodness' saved me from myself. No one else has ever done anything like that for me before, and I wanted to repay you."

"So you brought me to Tatooine?" Anakin asked, raising an eyebrow in an unconscious imitation of his Master.

"Actually Anakin, you brought yourself to Tatooine, I only provided the means for us to communicate," Ellana answered, releasing one of his hands as she used her own to gesture to Shmi. "Your mother and this room are solely the creation of your own mind, much like the field where you met your Master and Master Jinn was merely a product of Kenobi's mind."

"How do you know about that?" the young Jedi growled, refusing to break eye contact with the former Sith, though all he wanted was to study the vision of his Mother that he had been certain was real.

Laughing gently, Ellana's eyes lit up with amusement. "You have not been a Jedi for long, young Anakin, yet you must certainly have learned that nothing is impossible with the Force." Ignoring the disgruntled expression on the young man's face, Ellana continued. "The Force is a very powerful ally, and lately, its power has grown exponentially for those who know how to harness it. This is a dangerous time for you and your Master, as well as the entire Universe, and you need all of the help you can get."

"And I am just supposed to trust you?"

"That is your decision to make," the dark-haired woman stated, as she released Anakin's hands and stood up from where she had sat at the edge of the bed. "I can understand why you would choose not to trust me, but all I ask is that you listen to me. You have a very important task before you, and the fate of the galaxy rests in your hands. Your Master is about to make a critical decision that could forever shroud the Universe in a permanent darkness. He needs you, Anakin, and you need to be there for him."

Paling even further as Ellana's words registered, the Padawan brought a shaky hand up unconsciously and began to twist and twine his braid through his fingers. "How am I to know what to do? What am I supposed to do?"

Smiling gently as she rescued the braid from Anakin's tight grasp, Ellana smoothed the strands of hair before laying it softly down on his shoulder. "When the time comes, you will know what to do. I cannot tell you what to do, as I do not know, but I trust that if you follow what your heart and the Force tells you, you can not go wrong." Laying the flat of her palm against the Padawan's forehead, Ellana closed her eyes briefly as she called upon the power of the Force. When her eyes reopened, they focused intently on Anakin's inquisitive gaze. "Awaken Anakin, and remember what I have told you. The Force is a great and powerful ally, but even it cannot always guide your decisions. Listen to your heart, and trust in what it tells you."

Motioning for Shmi to take her place at Anakin's bedside, Ellana than bent down and brushed a light kiss against the Padawan's flushed forehead. "Thank you Anakin Skywalker," she whispered, as her image flickered and then faded from the room.

"Mom?" Anakin questioned, turning his head so that he could see where his Mother stood beside him. He was startled to find that she was glowing with an ethereal light as she regarded him warmly.

Touching her son's check almost reverently, Shmi spoke. "Follow your heart Ani, and know that I will always be with you should you ever need me." As she finished speaking, the light that surrounded her seemed to engulf her form, blazing throughout the room in its sheer radiance. As the light grew too intense, forcing Anakin to shut his eyes against its brilliance, the Padawan felt a light ghost of lips gently pressed to his forehead before his world went black.

After almost an hour had passed with no sign of either Master Bilaba or Master Yoda returning, the Council members agreed to dismiss the session. Each of the remaining nine Masters had other urgent business to attend to throughout the Temple in the wake of the attack, and there was too much to be done for such highly skilled Jedi to simply sit and wait. As the other Councilors filed out of the Chambers, Adi Gallia activated her comm. link and waited for it to connect to Depa. She was worried about her friend, and knew that despite the tragedy of the day, the loss of a Padawan was still a great burden to bear.

When the signal failed to go through, and her subsequent attempt to reach Healer Bant also failed, Adi rose from her Council chair and decided to seek out her friend in person. Taking the center spire lift to the Healer's ward, the Master was unprepared for the waves of pain and desolation that washed over her as she crossed into the shielded section of the Temple. Despite her knowledge of the Senate attack, she had not realized how many had been severely injured. Allowing her gaze to travel over the halls filled with stretchers and hoverchairs, the Master had to fight to keep her expression serene. \Is the Council really so far removed from the rest of the Order, and the rest of the galaxy, to not have known just how many were suffering only a few floors below us?\

Shaken from her astonished perusal by the approach of one of the Healer Apprentices, Master Gallia had to work to keep her tone level. "Have all of the patients been seen to?"

"We have treated as many as we can, but there is still a long wait for the Bacta tanks. There simply aren't enough to treat any but the most severe of cases," the young man answered sadly. "Luckily, though, we haven't had any casualties among the wounded brought here."

"You all have done a commendable job," Adi declared. "Be assured that you have the gratitude of the Council for your diligent service here today."

Blushing slightly, despite his attempt to keep his Jedi composure, the apprentice gave a slight smile. "Actually, Master, if it's all the same to you, I'd rather just have the thanks of the people I've helped. I think that's what matters most."

Smiling gently, Master Gallia nodded. "I am sure that you have their eternal gratitude as well young Padawan."

"Is there something I can help you with Master?" the young man questioned.

Eyeing the stack of datapads the apprentice carried, Adi sighed. "I can see that you are quite busy, and I do not wish to take you from your patients. If you could merely point me to where I might find Master Bant, I'd appreciate it."

"Actually, I haven't seen Healer Bant since she left to find Master Ravenna. Since she hasn't returned here, I guess she's still looking."

"Ahh, well, thank you for your assistance," Adi said. "I'll leave you to your work, but once again I must say thank you for your diligence in the face of such tragedy. You will make a great Healer someday."

"Thank you Master," the young man replied, blushing yet again. As she turned to exit the Healing ward, the apprentice called out to her. "Actually, Master Gallia, I think you might find Healer Bant in the morgue. I know that's where she and Master Ravenna were earlier today, and since they aren't here, I'd guess that's where they've gone."

Nodding her thanks again, Adi changed directions to visit the morgue. As she walked she mulled over the Padawan's statement. \Why would two of the best Healers be in the morgue when there are so many injured? And why would Depa be with them?\ As she entered her code into the archway sealing the morgue off from the rest of the Healer's ward, Master Gallia was surprised when her Council code was rejected. Even with the Temple locked down, she knew that her code should allow her access to all portions of the campus.

Entering the pass code once more, to be sure she hadn't made an error, the Master was again greeted with the flashing red light of a denied access. \This can't be right.\ Bending down to study the access pad more closely, Adi discovered that the wiring system had been tampered with, preventing anyone from accessing the morgue. Her suspicions confirmed, Adi withdrew her lightsaber, and switching it to a higher setting, she began to cut through the heavy metal doorway.

*********************************************

As she ran through the hallways of the Senate, Serrenia worked to keep her presence concealed from the wandering patrols of guards. She knew that it was unlikely that any would discover her presence, but she did not want to risk having to face down the armed guardsmen. While her levitation skills may have been equal to those of a senior Padawan, her lightsaber ability was still lacking. As she sensed a large gathering of guards motionless ahead of her, the Padawan slowed her pace and reached out with her senses to determine if there was another clear path to where she could sense the other Jedi.

As her mind wandered over the halls of the complex, looking for a cleared path, the rest of her senses stayed attuned to the area surrounding her current position. Though she felt she was relatively safe, she did not want to risk being discovered. Just as she found another route, the sound of someone approaching brought her mind fully back to her present situation. Huddling behind some debris, she worked to make herself as small and innocuous as possible. When the sound of the footsteps stopped just beside her, she held her breath, becoming as silent as possible.

"Why do you suppose he just doesn't kill them now?" a husky voice asked, coming from a position just to the right of the concealed Padawan.

"Probably because he wants to make a big show of it. You know how politicians are, the more they are in the limelight the better," another voice joked. The smell of something burning wafted toward Serrenia as one of the guards began to smoke.

"Yeah, but don't you think that there some people are gonna have a problem with him killing off the Jedi?" the first voice questioned again.

Serrenia held back a gasp as the debris just in front of her shifted violently as the second guard slammed the first man into it. "Are you beginning to question your allegiances, Sergei?" the second voice hissed, all traces of humor gone.

"No, no," Sergei pleaded. "I was just wondering why we had to wait to kill them is all."

"Ahh, can't wait to get your chance at one of 'em, eh? Don't worry, by the time he's done, we'll all have gotten the opportunity to kill plenty of them Jedi." Releasing his hold, the other guard stepped back away from the debris pile once more. "And you better extinguish that before the Captain gets a whiff of it. You know what he'll do if he finds you smoking."

"Yeah, and that's definitely something I'd like to avoid!" Sergei joked, the unevenness of his voice the only indication that he was still disturbed by the interaction with the other guard. "We'd better get back," he suggested, as he flicked the still burning stick into the wreckage.

The other guard made some reply, but the two voices had moved away and Serrenia was unable to hear what he had said. Taking a deep breath and immediately choking on the smoke, the Padawan frantically worked to clear the toxins from her system. Once her system was again clear, she heaved a disgusted sigh and stomped down on the burning remains, obliterating the stick with the heel of her boot.

Once the air had cleared enough, she took another deep breath and began to plan. Reaching out again with her senses, she immediately discovered the Force-null field that she had failed to recognize the first time. \The guards must be holding several of the Jedi in there\ she surmised as she reached out to the bond she shared with her Master to relay the information. As she focused her mental energy on connecting to Carlasan, she was frightened to discover that the field was blocking her bond. With only six months as Master and Padawan, the bond was not strong enough to reach through such interference.

"Well, I guess it's up to me then," Serrenia whispered, trying to assure herself with a bravado she definitely did not feel. Rising to her feet and stepping out of the shadowed recess, the young Jedi prepared for her first and only attempt at a rescue mission.

As the superheated circle of metal fell away from the damaged doorway, Adi found herself almost immediately using her 'saber to deflect blaster shots. Though she was uncertain as to who was in the morgue, it was more than apparent that they did not wish to be identified. Realizing that the situation was a standoff, as she was unable to deflect any of the bolts back to the shooter, Master Gallia decided on another tactic. Uttering a short cry and immediately deactivating her lightsaber, Adi stepped back from the smoking circle in the door, crouching down so that she could not be seen.

Several moments passed in silence before her enhanced vision picked up movement just beyond the doorway. Waiting until she was certain that the other was far enough away from any sort of cover, Adi swung into action. Leaping to her feet, she dove through the opening in the door, tackling the startled figure within. Activating her lightsaber, more as a threat than anything else, she paused to take in the appearance of the young man she was sprawled upon. Realizing immediately that he was unarmed, she determined that they were not alone in the room.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" she questioned, rising to her feet and pulling the young boy up with her. Positioning him so that he stood between her and where the shooter would most likely be, she awaited his answer.

When the surly boy made no response, she spoke again. "Tell your friend to come out here and drop his weapon. I won't hurt either of you as long as he comes forward now."

"You can't hurt me even if you wanted to," the black-haired boy sneered. "You're a Jedi, and you ain't allowed to."

"Oh really?" Adi asked, raising one perfectly styled eyebrow.

"Um, yeah," the boy responded, though his voice was much less sure. Twisting in her grip as he tried to free himself, the young man suddenly halted as a voice spoke from the dusky interior of the room.

"Release him and I won't kill you," a gruff voice called, the speaker pitching the tone so that the direction the voice came from couldn't be ascertained.

"You have violated the security of the Jedi Temple, broken into a secured room and threatened the life of a Jedi Master, why exactly do you think I would just allow you to leave?" she questioned, reaching out to the Force to try to sense the position of the other man.

"Perhaps because of this." As the man finished speaking, Adi's attention was drawn to a flashing light on the doorframe just behind her. Focusing her senses on it, she recognized it almost immediately as a thermal detonator. Realizing that she would not have time to deactivate it, she instead focused her attention on creating a shield around it. Knowing that if she failed to shield the explosion, all of the Healers and patients in the ward could be killed, Adi allowed the young boy to escape her grip and join the older man on the other side of the room. The small explosion that rocked the room as they created another exit almost escaped her notice as she worked frantically to protect all of the innocents in the rooms just outside.

Just as she sealed the final Force layer, the detonator activated, tossing her across the darkened room with the force of its explosion.

*********************************************

Once Serrenia had left, Carlasan waited until the guards were well away before leading the Senator out of the small alcove. Pausing to make certain that none of the patrols were within hearing range, the Master than spoke. "We need to find a way out of the Senate complex before the guards succeed in sealing all of the exits off."

"We could go through the lower levels," Padmé suggested, after pausing to consider all of the options.

"How would we get there?" Carlasan asked, surprised that the Senator even knew of the concealed passageways. Although each of the Jedi who had achieved the status of Diplomat Knight knew of the emergency exits connecting the Senate Complex to the other main buildings of Coruscant, very few had bothered to ascertain the exact locations of them.

"I only know of one that connects this building to the Jedi Temple," the Senator explained, "and it is located in the main chambers."

"Is there any way to get to it without being seen by the Senators in session right now?" Carlasan questioned.

"Couldn't you just conceal us again?" Padmé inquired, frowning when the Master shook her head. "Well, I suppose we could try to evacuate the chambers somehow, but considering that the Senate is meeting regardless of the recent explosion, I doubt that there is much we could do that would scare them out."

"And I'd rather not attempt any kind of manipulation or concealment with suspicions as high as they are right now. It is one thing to hide us where we aren't expected, it is another thing entirely to try to sneak past alert guardsmen," the Master sighed.

"Well, if we can't leave the complex, than perhaps now would be a good time for me to go before the Senate and show that I am alive and well?" Senator Amidala asked. "I understand why you felt it was important to get me to the Jedi Temple, but as that is no longer feasible, perhaps we should attempt my suggestion?"

"If something were to happen to you, Senator, there would be nothing to prevent this miscarriage of justice against the Jedi Order from continuing," Carlasan stated.

Before Padmé could respond, another voice spoke. "Then make sure nothing happens to her we must."

Although startled, Carlasan quickly realized there was only one individual that could have approached a Jedi Master without notice. Turning to face the unexpected speaker, the Twi'lek Knight sketched a bow. "Master Yoda, I am grateful to see you here."

"Leave the Complex we cannot, but protect the Senator we must," Yoda declared. "Assist the other Jedi, we should also."

"The other Jedi?" Carlasan inquired. "I sent my Padawan to find them, and to convince them to help Master Kenobi."

"Obi-Wan is here?" Yoda questioned, his eyes widening in dismay.

"Yes, he and Anakin are both here. Anakin was injured while assisting the Senator, and Obi-Wan and he were separated. My Padawan and I met up with them, but Obi-Wan was soon forced to leave with one of the Senate patrols that had discovered Anakin," the younger Jedi tried to explain as succinctly as possible, as the expression on the wizened Master's face changed from dismayed to what she would have described as "frightened" had it been anyone but Master Yoda.

Signaling to the young Padawan beside him, Yoda was immediately lifted onto the solid young female's shoulders. "Hurry we must," he ordered, once he was situated securely. "Decided today the fate of the Order will be, and with it, the fate of the entire Galaxy."

As his eyes flickered open, the first thing Anakin registered was the dim lighting. Rather than illuminating, the light seemed to merely cast ominous looking shadows over the small room. Straining to locate the source of the ineffective illumination, the Padawan was able to turn his head just far enough to take in the gathering of guards who watched over him. Realizing that they were as of yet unaware of his return to consciousness, Anakin decided it was in his best interests to keep them from finding out he was awake.

Moving slowly, he brought his hand up to his side, carefully feeling along his belt for where he knew his lightsaber lay. Failing to feel the familiar hilt, he risked lifting his head enough to visually confirm that he was unarmed. Dropping his head back to the soft material of the stretcher that supported him, Anakin had to bite back a groan as the quick movement caused a wave of pain to flash through his torso. \Apparently I'm still injured.\ the Padawan realized as the agony receded only minimally, leaving him in a great deal of pain.

Closing his eyes, he reached to the Force for assistance in healing his wounds. As the flow of energy entered his body, Anakin was nearly overwhelmed by the awesome power he was channeling. Even though he knew he was 'the Chosen One,' the young Padawan had never before experienced such a rush of pure energy. As the Force raged through his system, instantly healing wounds that would normally have taken several hours in a bacta tank in conjunction with several days in a deep healing meditation to even begin to heal, Anakin unconsciously reached for his Master. He had never experienced such raw power before, and his automatic reaction was to access the training bond for Obi-Wan's steadying presence. When his questing probe, enhanced by the powerful Force connection, rebounded painfully off of the tattered remains of the training bond, Anakin was forcefully reminded that he no longer shared a connection to his Master.

Fighting off the gripping claws of unconsciousness as the pain of the severed training bond reverberated with the energy of the Force, the Padawan reached desperately for an anchor in the maelstrom of agony that his mind had become. Just as he reached the end of his limits, Anakin felt another mind reaching for his through a previously unknown and unfinished bond. Clinging frantically to the only solace, the Padawan greedily accepted the offered assistance, forging a powerful bond with his unidentified benefactor.

*********************************************

Though he wanted nothing more than to start immediately in the training of his newly acquired apprentice, Sidious knew that Palpatine was needed elsewhere. The Republic was on the brink of a great precipice, and the Chancellor was needed to assure that everything went according to plan. Regretting that he would need to leave his prize unattended, Sidious knew that the demands of the future must be met first, before he could enjoy the succor of success.

Sighing regretfully, Sidious increased the chains of Darkside energy that held the Knight bound in place before donning his cloak and moving to exit his private office. Throwing one last look over his shoulder at the frozen Knight, Sidious stepped through the doorway, resealing it with a powerful Force seal. Lowering the hood of his cowl so that it lay gracefully along the collar of his cloak, the Sith Lord Sidious smoothed the invisible wrinkles of his costume and became Chancellor Palpatine.

*********************************************

"Chancellor Palpatine has managed to benefit quite suspiciously from the Naboo affair," N'erak commented, as he and Master Windu stood discussing the accusations Padawan Nashiron had leveled against the Supreme Chancellor.

"And he has managed to gain considerable power from several of the more fractious groups of the Senate," Mace agreed, watching as Nashiron returned to the elder Master he had been assisting before approaching the Councilor and Knight N'erak.

"Do you suppose he is actually the Sith, and has succeeded in fooling us all of this time?" the Knight asked, raising the same question that was plaguing Master Windu.

"Although I would like to say that it is impossible for such evil to have hidden in so public a place, I cannot make such a statement," Mace sighed. "The Darkside is a potent enemy and it is quite powerful in the hands of those who are trained in its use. The Sith have managed to keep their continued existence hidden from the Jedi for thousands of years, is it really any more incredible to believe that they have managed to "hide" right out in the open?"

"No, it's not," N'erak agreed. "And if we are operating under the assumption that Palpatine is the Sith, it is that much more imperative that we escape this field and notify the Temple and the Senate."

"Which brings us back to the problem of how exactly to do that with guards waiting right outside," Master Windu said.

"Well, I shouldn't have a problem breaking the code on the door with the datapad," N'erak stated, as he drew the device out of the pocket of his cloak. "If it was able to break through the lock-out codes on Dooku's lab, it shouldn't have any difficulties with this system."

"So all we need is some sort of distraction to get the majority of the guards to leave so that you can access the door panel without their notice," Mace surmised. "But how are we going to create a distraction when we cannot even access the Force?"

Grinning wildly, the Knight simply depressed one of the keys on the datapad. As the concussive blast of several small explosions rocked the detention center, Master Windu merely leveled an unfathomable gaze on his younger counterpart, silently demanding an explanation. As his grin grew even larger, N'erak patted the Councilor on the shoulder. "The Council never bothered to ask just how it was that my Master and I always succeeded on those "classified missions" you sent us on. and we never really felt pressed to explain."

Stepping out from under the hand N'erak had placed on him, Master Windu moved toward the doorway without further comment. Several moments passed in silence as he watched the younger Jedi work to override the door code before Mace spoke. "Remind me, if we should ever allow you to have a Padawan, that I'll need to keep close track of what exactly it is that you are teaching him."

"Afraid that I might pass on some of my less than official skills?" N'erak asked, not even glancing up from where he was crouched in front of the doorpad.

"Not exactly," Mace commented, waiting for the Knight to look up before continuing. "Actually I was more interested in what other skills you might have that would be beneficial to the rest of the Order." Laughing softly at the startled expression that crossed N'erak's face, Master Windu squatted down beside the younger Jedi. "It appears that you have much to teach the rest of us, Knight N'erak," Mace clarified, before sobering and concluding his explanation. "And unfortunately it looks like skills such as yours may become more and more necessary in the future."

"Da, I don't understand," Boba complained softly as he followed his father through the strangely still halls of the Jedi Temple. With the Temple under a full lockdown, it was easy for the well-trained assassin and his son to move unnoticed through the pristine hallways. "If we were sent here to take care of some Jedi, why did you plant explosives in the morgue?"

"Son, you'll learn that in our line of work it pays to know everything about the situations you are going into," Jango answered, slowing his swift strides so that his shorter son could catch up to him. "And once you know everything about the situation, it is even better to take steps to go above and beyond what it is your employer has asked of you."

"Why?" Boba questioned, displaying the insatiable curiosity that made him such an apt learner.

"Because son, the more indispensable you are," Jango replied with a slight smile, "the less likely it is that your employer will hire someone to take care of you."

*********************************************

Depa and Bant were almost to the outside doors of the Temple when the Councilor came to an abrupt halt. "What's wrong?" Bant asked as she took in the distressed appearance of her companion.

"I'm not sure," Depa admitted, reaching out to the Force to try to gain a better understanding of the unease she was feeling. "It feels almost as if someone is in trouble, but I can't sense anything through the Force."

"Are you sure it isn't just some of the turmoil from the Senate explosion that you are sensing?" The Mon Calamarian questioned, immediately assuming her role as a Healer as she analyzed Depa's statement.

"That's probably all that it is," the Councilor agreed, after again failing to sense anything amiss within the Force. "But just in case, I'd like to try to contact the Council to make sure that nothing has happened."

"Master Bilaba, I don't have an explanation for it, but I need to get to the Senate complex immediately," Bant argued. "Perhaps I can go on ahead of you and you can meet me there?"

"No, we are not separating," Depa declared, "but I need to be certain that nothing has happened. Experience has taught me that ignoring my intuition is never a good thing."

"Can't you just contact Master Gallia on the way to the Senate?" the Healer tried again. "I know it isn't my place to dictate to you, but the Force is urging me to hurry, and I have learned that it is never a good thing to ignore it."

"Very well," Depa agreed, removing her comm. link from her utility belt and activating it. "But if I can't reach Adi we are going to go back to the Council chambers."

Nodding in agreement, the Mon Calamarian stood by silently as the Councilor attempted to reach her fellow Master. When no response was forthcoming, although it was apparent that Adi's link was on, Depa frowned. Readjusting the signal on her link, she tried to make a connection to the main comm. unit in the Council Chambers. When no one answered there either, the Councilor shared a concerned glance with the Healer.

"Where could." Bant began before being cut off by a chirp from her comm. link. "Bant here," she said as she activated the unit.

"Master Bant, we need you in the Healer's ward immediately!" the panicked voice of one of the apprentices came over the static-distorted line. "There's been an explosion in the morgue and several of the nearby Healers and patients were injured."

"Were all of the other Healers injured?" Bant questioned, ignoring the surprised look Depa gave.

"Um, no," the Padawan replied.

"Are there enough Healers to take care of the problem without risking any further harm to any of the injured?" the Mon Calamarian persisted.

"I guess so, but my Master." the apprentice tried to answer, but Bant cut him off.

"Then there is no pressing need for me to be there," she stated briskly. "I am needed at the Senate Complex, and will not be available to assist. Please inform your Master of that," she finished before cutting the link. After attaching the comm. unit back to her belt, she once again made eye contact with Master Bilaba. "I guess that explains where the Council is, and why you were feeling such unease."

"With the Force shielding around the Healers ward, I'm surprised I felt anything at all," Depa commented, accepting the Healer's explanation and subsequent dismissal of her unease.

"Yes, well if that's taken care of, perhaps we can continue on to the Senate," Bant said brusquely, once again moving towards the outside exit without waiting for confirmation from the Councilor.

Sighing audibly at the Healer's audacity, but allowing a slight smile to slip past, Depa followed behind Bant. \Perhaps Ki-Adi Mundi's suggestion of adding a Healer to the ranks of the Council wasn't such a bad idea after all.\

With a groan, Adi fought to lift her head despite the horrific pounding that wracked her with pain. Calling on the Force to ease the agony, she climbed unsteadily to her feet, taking several moments to regain her equilibrium before she attempted any other motion. Once she was relatively certain that she could keep her balance, and concentrate on any possible dangers, the Councilor began to assess the damage to the room.

\Well I suppose it could have been much worse\ she concluded after taking in the devastation that had come in the wake of the explosion. The two laboratory tables had been pulled loose from their bracings and were thrown haphazardly against the far wall. The doorway where the detonator had been set had borne the brunt of the damage, but the Force shield had clearly prevented the majority of the destruction. Rubbing idly at her aching temples, Adi spun slowly, carefully searching the remains of the morgue for whatever it was that had led the assassin to it.

As her gaze flickered over the wall of cold lockers, a frown crossed her features. Taking an unsteady step towards the relatively undamaged section of the room, she surveyed the row of five lockers. Starting with the one closest to her, and using only a twinge of Force to help overcome the slightly bent frames, she opened each of the lockers. It was only as she reached the last two that she hesitated. The first three had been empty, but she knew that at least two would not be. She knew that the bodies of Depa's Padawan and the strange young woman that had been found with him were being held at the Temple morgue.

Taking a deep breath, and releasing it almost immediately as it only increased her dizziness; Adi swung the next locker open. Pulling on the metal tray within, she revealed the sheet-shrouded figure. Judging by the length of the body, Adi knew that she was looking at what physically remained of her best friend's Padawan. Steeling herself for what she knew would be a difficult sight to see, even for a seasoned Jedi Master, Adi lifted the sheet that covered the still form of the eight-year old.

\How can one so young and so innocent be allowed to die?\ she questioned rhetorically as she studied the pale, youthful features that she had come to know well in the short time that Bilt had been Depa Bilaba's Padawan. \It hardly seems right.\ Turning her thoughts away from the digressive tract they had taken, Adi concentrated on the task at hand. Using the Force, she gently swept over the still figure, trying to take a reading of what had caused the young Padawan's death. She knew that the Healers had already made an attempt, but the Senate disaster had prevented them from completing a full study.

Almost immediately, her senses detected the presence of the Darkside of the Force. Concentrating and drawing on the Force more and more she was finally able to ascertain that Bilt had been strangled by a judicious use of Darkside energy. As understanding flooded through the Councilor's mind, her attention was suddenly drawn to a shimmer of metal on the Padawan's utility belt. Stepping closer, and bending down to better see the item, Adi let out a gasp as she made the recognition. "So that's why they tried to destroy the morgue."

*********************************************

Serrenia was still finalizing her plan of attack when the hallway surrounding her suddenly shook violently. Reaching out with her senses, she could detect nothing amiss. Assuming it was only a case of the debris still settling, the young Padawan went back to her plotting. Finally deciding on a plan, she took a deep breath to steady herself and then began to walk purposefully up toward the detainment center doorway.

Noticing immediately that the number of guards was substantially diminished, she felt a rush of relief. \At least now they only outnumber me by ten to one.\ Correctly guessing that the missing guards had been sent to investigate the cause of the minor tremor, Serrenia decided that her original plan would still work; and, in fact, might even be all the better for the fewer guardsmen she had to deal with.

Drawing herself up to her full, unimposing height of just over four feet, Serrenia stepped out of the shadowed hallway and addressed the lead guard. "You are holding my fellow Jedi illegally, and I demand that you release them immediately," she ordered, surprised that there was but the slightest tremor in her voice.

"Or what?" the large Trandoshan smirked, his fathomless amber eyes studying the petite young human.

"Or I will have to let go," Serrenia stated calmly as she reached out with the Force, using it to hoist the large creature almost to the ceiling of the cavernous Senate structure. "And somehow I doubt you want me to do that."

As his fellow guards drew their weapons on the young Jedi, the Trandoshan began to bellow from his position several stories in the air. "Don't shoot her you fools! She dies, and I die too!"

Making eye contact with the guard she had identified as second in command, she merely stared at him challengingly. The Correllian hesitated briefly, flicking his gaze to the suspended form of his boss before giving the order to lower weapons. "I suggest you lower Lieutenant Danrate immediately," he declared. "If you put him down now, he might even decide to spare your life and just throw you in with the rest of the traitors."

Releasing her hold on the Lieutenant and allowing him to freefall for several meters before she resumed her hold, Serrenia kept her gaze firmly locked on the Correllian, even as the sound of the Trandoshan's frightened yell echoed throughout the chamber. "I will not tell you again," she directed. "You will open the door and you will release my fellow Jedi."

"I will not," the Correllian challenged, unwilling to face the wrath of the Chancellor or even the Vice-Chancellor should he carry out the young Jedi's demands. His determined expression took on a confused look as Serrenia suddenly smiled.

"On second thought, I don't think I'm going to need you to open that door after all," she smirked, motioning with her free hand to a point just over the Correllian's shoulder. As he turned to look, all color drained from the swarthy man's face.