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

8. 8

NOTE: This chapter has had a few parts added. Please read before going on to next section when it gets posted. Thanks again!

Removing the small device from Padawan Bilt's utility belt, Master Gallia attached it to her own. Recovering the small, still form with the sheet, Adi silently offered a prayer that the young Padawan was happy and well within the Force. Once she had completely recovered him, she slid the mortuary tray back in place and resealed the heavy locker door.

Turning slowly, lest she become dizzy again, the Councilor carefully made her way to the new exit the assassin and his young friend had carved in the morgue wall. Stepping through the large hole and into the empty halls of the Temple beyond, Adi immediately made her way toward the nearest comm. station to contact Temple security and notify them of the intruders. Once she had delivered that message to the security center, she turned her attentions toward the device attached to her belt. Removing the small DAT disk from the recording device, she inserted it into the drive on the terminal beside the comm.

The first several moments of the surveillance tape were nothing but the usual images of other Padawans and classrooms within the Jedi Temple. A few of the images would have made Adi laugh if the situation were not so serious. \Somehow I think that when Depa gave this to Bilt, she didn't intend for him to use it to take such 'candid' shots\ she thought as one of the images showed Depa in what had to be one of the early morning cycles of the Temple. The young Master held a cup of café and her usually pristine hairstyle was rather wild.

Continuing to advance through the images, Master Gallia was somewhat surprised at some of the shots the young Padawan had managed to take of his unaware subjects. \Ahh, Depa, you'd have been so proud of Bilt. once you got over the urge to strangle him\ Adi had been with Depa and Bilt when the Master had given her Padawan the surveillance device. Urging him to gain experience in using it, Master Bilaba had explained that soon he might be accompanying her on missions where surveillance would be extremely important.

"Now the question is, what exactly did Bilt manage to film that would warrant his death, and the attempt at destroying the morgue?" she wondered aloud as none of the images struck her as anything but innocent. Keeping her attention both on the DAT tape and on the surrounding area, lest the assassin return, Adi continued to forward through the images at a faster rate until she noticed that the pictures were of an area outside of the Jedi Temple.

Slowing down the advance so that it played in real time, she watched silently as the young Padawan made his way through the downtown streets of Coruscant. The rainy weather made the film slightly blurry, but the closer images were quite clear. Recognizing none of the faces, and seeing nothing amiss, Adi reached to speed up the advance again. Just as she reached to press the button, a certain figure caught her eye. Leaning forward and studying the image closely, Master Gallia was almost certain that she was looking at the young woman that had been found dead alongside Bilt in the back alleyways of the Market.

Studying the images carefully as the tape continued to play, Adi gasped in surprise as the third, very recognizable, figure appeared on the scene. After watching the rest of the file in a shocked silence, the Master once again turned to the comm. unit. Placing a call through to Master Bilaba's comm. link, she used the time it took for the call to transfer through to engage in a light meditation to control her raging emotions. When the familiar voice of Depa came through the unit's speakers, Adi was able to calmly ask the other Master to meet her in the Council Chambers immediately.

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

Although the strength pouring through the bond was minimal, it was enough to allow Anakin to regain control of his pain. Once the agony within his mind had dimmed to a manageable level, the young Padawan was again able to open his eyes and reassess his situation. Although the guards were still unaware of his return to consciousness, he was still too disadvantaged by his injuries to attempt to engage them. Carefully lifting his head, he scanned the room for any other possible exits that might allow him to slip away unnoticed. As his gaze fell on the ventilation ducts that ran along the floor of the storage room, Anakin smiled.

Rolling slowly off of the hover-stretcher, and using the Force to aid in his silent descent to the floor, the young Padawan half-crawled, half- rolled over toward the small grate. Reaching into his boot, he removed the knife Obi-Wan had returned to him on Dooku's ship, using it to loosen the bolts holding the metal grating in place. Keeping a careful watch on his guards, Anakin was able to remove the grate and crawl into the small shaft without drawing notice. Once he was safely inside, he used both the Force and his own strength to maneuver the cover back into place and retighten the bolts.

Breathing a sigh of relief, the young Padawan began to shimmy through the ventilation system, being careful not to further exacerbate his injuries. After he had gone a fair distance away from the room where he had been held, Anakin paused to take a short break. As he lay silently in the darkened shaft, he began to feel uneasy. Reaching out with his senses to detect the source of such an emotion, Anakin was surprised to find nothing in his vicinity that would engender his unease.

Turning his attention to his own mental state, the Padawan finally found the cause of his disquiet. Deep within his own mind a bond thrummed steadily, much like the training bond he had shared with his Master. Attempting to trace the source of the new link, Anakin could not identify the person he had bonded to.

In desperation, and not an insubstantial amount of fear, he tried to sever the unwanted bond. Although he knew that he was only a Padawan, and as such it was unlikely that he had the skill to cut such a link, Anakin relied on the belief that he was the Chosen One, and that nothing was beyond his ability. Directing all of the energy he could spare, he sawed furiously at the link. When the brightly shining bond did not even waver under his attempts, the young Padawan had to admit defeat. Deciding that he would simply have to let it go until he could find his Master, Anakin relegated the bond and the unease that accompanied it to the back of his mind, and concentrated on locating Obi-Wan's Force-signature.

Detecting the familiar signature only a few hundred meters away, Anakin again began to slither and crawl through the narrow shaft toward the young man he had almost come to regard as a father.

As soon as the Sith had left the Chancellor's office, Obi-Wan resumed his struggles against the bonds of Darkside energy. He had managed to free one hand when exhaustion overcame him. The moment he relaxed his struggle, the Darkside again surged, trapping him completely.

\Okay, so it appears that I'm not getting out of here anytime soon\ he admitted as he hung limply from the invisible bindings. His head pounded with the exertion of calling so desperately on the Force and his entire body felt as if it had been submerged in a pit of clinging tar. Accepting that he was well and truly trapped, he relaxed completely; allowing the small quantity of Force energy he had managed to call on to dissipate.

When the Lightside energy had drained from his body, Obi-Wan discovered that the bonds that held him did not seem to be as strong. Struggling again, this time using only his own physical strength, he found that he was still not powerful enough to get free. \So I can't rely on the Force, and I can't rely on myself.\ Closing his eyes in frustration, the Master fought down the desperation he could feel surging through him. His Padawan was injured and alone while a Sith ran loose through the Senate, and he was stuck playing statue in the Chancellor's office.

As his mind reeled, a solution suddenly occurred to him. Drawing in as deep of a breath as the tight bonds would allow, he considered the option. It was not something he would ever have considered in his life, but he needed to get to Anakin, and he needed to make sure that Chancellor Palpatine was all right. After a vicious internal debate, he decided that any sacrifice was worth it if it meant saving Anakin.

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

"Bant and I are on our way to the Senate building," Depa explained to Adi via her comm. link, ignoring the look that the Healer was giving her. "Is it something you need me to deal with right now, or can it wait until we get back?"

At Master Gallia's response, Bant groaned audibly. "This is what I get for trying to work with a Council Member," she grumbled under her breath. Releasing her annoyance into the Force, she was surprised to find it urging her to accompany Master Bilaba to the meeting with Adi. Sighing, she turned to the Councilor just as Depa ended the link with Master Gallia.

"I take it we are making a stop at the Council Chambers before going to the Senate?" the Healer asked.

"Yes," Depa answered, expecting Bant to put up an argument. When the Mon Calamarian made no reply, and instead turned back toward the lifts, the Councilor raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were in a hurry to get to the Senate Complex?"

"I am," Bant admitted, "but the Force is telling me that I should go with you to see Master Gallia first."

"You do realize that if this is Council business you will have to wait outside?" Depa asked tactfully, as she followed the Healer into one of the lifts.

"Excuse me, Master Bilaba, but I doubt that there is anything going on with Obi-Wan that I don't already know about," Bant declared. "And since the Force is telling me that I should be with you when you meet with Master Gallia, I would assume that whatever you are about to discuss involves him. As his Healer, I have a right to be there for anything you discuss."

"Actually, Knight Bant, you do not," Master Bilaba stated, slipping into her more formal "Council voice." "If this meeting contains information that is not meant for those below the level of Councilor, than you will have to remain outside."

"Even if the Force wills that I am there?" Bant asked incredulously.

"The High Council often discusses information that is not meant for general knowledge," Depa replied obtusely.

"And so the Council would act against the will of the Force," the Mon Calamarian deduced.

"If it was for the good of the Order," the Councilor explained, "than yes."

"That is not right!" Bant exclaimed. "The Jedi are supposed to follow the will of the Force, which should also be the will of the Council. Instead you are admitting that there is often a conflict between the two?"

As they stepped out of the lift at the Council Chambers level, Depa paused and laid a gentle hand on the Healer's shoulder. "Sometimes the Council is stuck between acting on the will of the Force, and working for the best of the Republic. It is not an easy situation, nor is it a situation that should have ever been allowed to exist. Regardless, those of us on the Council do everything we can to follow where the Force leads, but sometimes it is simply not possible."

Removing her hand and beginning to again walk toward the Chambers, the Councilor continued. "You may feel that it is the will of the Force that you attend this meeting, but if Master Gallia has information she does not feel comfortable discussing within your presence, you will have to leave. Following the will of the Force at all times is an admirable goal, but it is not attainable within the constructs of reality."

Unable to come up with a response during the short walk to the Chamber doors, Bant merely followed Depa in silence, mulling over the Councilor's statement. \Is it possible that Council has really strayed so far from the will of the Force?\ she wondered, worried at the possible implications if it were true.

With Master Windu acting as his backup, N'erak eased open the door of the Force-shielded room to reveal a sight he had not in his wildest thoughts ever expected to see. By the look of shock on Mace's face, N'erak could tell that the Council Member had not expected to see such a scene either.

"Having a problem, are you, Padawan?" a familiar voice asked, coming a level above the floor much higher than the norm.

"No, Master Yoda," the young girl smiled, her face oddly lit by the combination of light thrown from the three activated 'sabers. "I think that any problem I might have been having has now been resolved."

"Then perhaps you should lower the good Lieutenant," another voice spoke, drawing Mace and N'erak's attention to the trio of Jedi from where they had been studying the Senate Guard who was suspended in midair by the young Padawan.

"And perhaps you could explain just what exactly is going on," Mace added, stepping around N'erak and out of the detainment center. The Council Member watched silently as the slight female Padawan lowered the hovering Senate Guard to the ground.

"Time to explain there is not," Master Yoda explained, deactivating his lightsaber and motioning for the Padawan who's shoulders he was perched upon to do the same. "Find Obi-Wan we must."

"Obi-Wan is here?" N'erak asked, inadvertently echoing the elderly Master's earlier statement.

"Yes, and he is in grave danger," Master Carlasan explained, as she stepped forward to lay a hand on her Padawan's shoulder. She had trusted that Serrenia would be safe, but it was still a relief to be able to assure herself of that completely.

"Do we know where he is?" Mace questioned, accepting that explanations for the most recent events would have to come later.

"We know that he was being taken to the Chancellor," Padmé said, speaking for the first time as she stepped out from where she had been standing behind Padawan Elei and Yoda. "We don't know that he got there, especially with the most recent set of explosions, but that is where we should probably start looking."

Sharing a look with Knight N'erak, Master Windu chose not to reveal just who had caused the 'most recent explosions.' "Two of us will need to remain here to assist the injured still trapped in the room and to keep watch over the Senate Guards," Mace said instead. "And another one of us will also have to attend to the other injured Jedi in the other section."

"If we lock the guards in the detainment center and move these Jedi to where the rest are, then only two of us will be needed," Carlasan suggested.

"Very well," Master Yoda declared. Motioning to Carlasan, he continued. "Take Padawan Elei with you. To the Temple, move the injured if an opportunity you get."

"What about my Padawan?" Carlasan asked, as she watched Master Yoda climb down from Elei's wide shoulders. "Wouldn't it be better for Serrenia to remain with me?"

"Needed Serrenia will be," Yoda answered cryptically. "Take Elei and go."

"Yes Master Yoda," the female Twi'lek acquiesced. Pausing to speak quietly with Serrenia, Carlasan then went to work herding the Senate guards into the small detainment center.

"Find Obi-Wan now we must," Yoda directed, watching as Mace and N'erak reclaimed two lightsabers from the Lieutenant and Sergeant before Carlasan escorted them away. The Vice-Chancellor still had their own personal 'sabers, but they didn't have the time to seek out Amedda.

"Can you sense where he is, Master Yoda?" N'erak questioned as he moved to his knees before the diminutive Master, offering to carry him.



"Clouded the Senate Building is," Yoda replied, after pausing to seek out an answer from the Force. "Powerful is the Darkside here."

"Yes, it is," Padmé spoke, surprising them all as she too dropped to her knees before Yoda. "And since the Senate is so dangerous of a place right now, perhaps it would be best if all of you were free to move as is necessary."

"Senator?" N'erak inquired, confused as to what the young woman was talking about.

"I am not a Jedi, nor will I ever be," Padmé explained. "I believe I am capable of defending myself, but I do not have nearly the skill of any of you. Since I cannot assist you in fighting the Darkside, and my political skills are unlikely to be needed, I'll just have to find another way to help out." Smiling slightly as she pocketed the blaster she had acquired from one of the guards, she motioned for Master Yoda to climb on her back.

Reigning in his shocked expression before it could appear on his face, Master Windu nodded and spoke. "Well then, if we are all ready, I suggest we find Knight Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker before time runs out. "

When no one made any reply to the contrary, Mace turned and began to walk toward the lifts that would carry them up to the Office levels. After only the briefest of hesitations, the other three Jedi and the Senator from Naboo followed silently behind.

Chancellor Palpatine was just entering the lift that would carry him from his private offices to the Senate Chambers when he was halted by a deferential voice calling out to him. Turning, the white-haired politician waited silently as the Vice-Chancellor caught up to him.

"Chancellor, the Senate is convened and ready for you declaration," Amedda stated broadly.

"And the Jedi?" Palpatine asked, his tone just dark enough to cause a slight shudder to travel through the Chagrian.

"The ones that were in the Senate are being held in the detainment center and in another room in one of the side hallways," Amedda began, realizing he needed to offer an explanation for why the Jedi were not being held together when the Chancellor raised an eyebrow. "A few of them had managed to escape, and it seemed best to simply keep them in the room they had run to rather than to try to herd that large of a group back to the detainment center," he hurriedly explained.

"And is this other room Force shielded as well?" Palpatine questioned, though it was clear he knew that it was not.

"No, sir," the Vice-Chancellor replied, "but by separating the two groups it seemed it might be easier to control them. If one group felt that their actions might put the other group at risk, perhaps they would not be so quick to attempt escape again."

"Very well," Palpatine sighed, "but for your sake, Vice-Chancellor, I hope that you are correct."

Swallowing audibly at the vehemence in the Supreme Chancellor's dark eyes, Mas Amedda nodded dumbly, following docilely behind as Palpatine entered the lift.

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

Entering the Council Chambers, Bant's attention was immediately drawn to the active display of the embedded wall monitor. Though she had stood before the Council many times, she had never before had a chance to see the impressive equipment display in use.

"Master Bilaba, Healer Bant," Adi greeted from where she stood to one side of the display.

"Master Gallia," Bant answered with a slight bow of her head, watching as the two Councilors seemed to share a silent communication. A few moments passed, before Adi nodded, apparently backing down from whatever argument they had been having. It never failed to impress Bant when she saw the Council Members carry on discussions telepathically. Though she had shared a training link with her own Master, she could not imagine what it must be like to have eleven different interconnected bonds available all at the same time.

"I found something that I think you need to see," Adi stated, switching back to verbal communication to include the Mon Calamarian Healer. "I'd like to hold off on the explanation as to where I found it until you have viewed it impartially."

"All right," Depa agreed, motioning for Bant to join her where they were both able to see the monitor clearly.

The holo-vid clip began, and Depa and Bant exchanged a confused look as several moments passed showing nothing but the familiar streets of the Coruscant marketplace. The scenery changed briefly to the inside of a shop, and the three women watched as the unidentified holo-filmer picked out several items for purchase.

"Bilt." Depa whispered as she recognized the small hand holding out the credit chip to the merchant. Although she had only been his Master for a short time, Depa had spent many hours teaching the young boy how to properly hold his 'saber, adjusting his small hands on the unfamiliar hilt.

Laying a hand on the young Master's shoulder, Adi silently consoled her friend, knowing that the images in the video would only get worse. For her part, Bant was too stunned to speak or act as she realized that she was watching the last moments of the young Padawan's life.

The Council room filled with a tense and heavy silence as they viewed the sudden appearance and death of the unknown woman who had been found alongside Bilt's body. The silence was broken, however, as the dark cloaked figure, which had so rapidly dispatched of the unidentified woman, turned to face the hidden camera.

"That's Chancellor Palpatine!" Depa managed to squeak out, just before the holo-vid ended in an ominous crackle.

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

Anakin almost sighed with relief as his Force probe returned to him, notifying him that his Master was alone in the chamber just ahead. \Now we can finally get back to the Temple!\ Anakin cheered internally. Though he was worried about Padmé, he knew that his Master would not have left her alone unless she was safe. \Of course, he did leave me alone and in the hands of the guards.\

Pausing in his approach toward where he could sense his Master, Anakin stopped to consider. \Why would my Master have left me alone when I was injured so badly? And why didn't he try to heal me? I know that he isn't the best at healing, but why didn't he even try?\

Chewing on his lower lip as he pondered his Master's actions, Anakin ignored the slight trembling in the Force. Normally such unrest would have come to his attention immediately, but with all that had happened in the past few hours and with his still painful injuries, the young Padawan simply disregarded the urgent whisperings shuddering through his mind.

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

Keeping as firm of a hold on his connection to the Lightside of the Force as he could, Obi-Wan began to slowly draw on the Darksided energy that fed his bonds. The Dark energy burned as it entered his mind and body; clashing at every opportunity with its lighter counterpart. Shudders ran up and down the tormented Knight's form as he gritted his teeth to keep from screaming in agony.

\Please, please just let this work\ he pleaded, unsure as to who or what exactly he was pleading with. He could not expect the Force to aid him in his treacherous endeavor, even though he had served it faithfully all of his life until this point. He had abandoned his connection to the Force, and to the Jedi Order, the instant he began to call on the Darkside. The question remained as to whether or not the Lightside of the Force would choose to abandon him in turn.

Unable to hold back on the pain any longer, Obi-Wan began to sob in great shuddering breaths as he felt the dark, sinuous tendrils of the Darkside imposing themselves within his mind and body. The Lightside energy fought to retain its own grip on the beleaguered spirit, causing as much damage to the Knight in its attempted benevolence as the Darkside caused in its destructive takeover.

Sinking to his knees as the Darkside bonds finally released, but unable to do anything more than curl into a fetal ball, Obi-Wan Kenobi shuddered in agony as the two entities waged their ages-old battle throughout his very soul.

As the door closed, sealing Lieutenant Danrate and his guards within the detention center they had previously been guarding, the Trandoshan let out an enraged bellow.

"The Chancellor will have our heads for this," Danrate's second-in-command commented, his dry appraisal of the situation a direct contrast to his superior's anger.

Giving the Correllian a dark look, Danrate made no comment, instead pushing past the Sergeant and moving towards a panel embedded in the wall of the room. Pressing in a seemingly random pattern along the bolts holding the metal section in place, Danrate released a pent up breath as the panel began to vibrate. Stepping back, the Lieutenant watched in silence as the metal panel slid aside, revealing an elaborate communications array concealed within.

"How is it that the Jedi did not find this?" the Sergeant questioned, studying the vast collection of equipment.

"The panel is made of a Force-inhibitory metal," Danrate explained. "This center was built specifically for containing any Force-sensitive captives, but the Chancellor also demanded that there be communications equipment concealed within in case the detainment center were ever used for unlawful purposes."

"You mean that the Chancellor never wanted to be trapped in here himself," the Correllian Sergeant grinned.

"You can accuse Supreme Chancellor Palpatine of many things," Danrate stated with a sly smile, "but being stupid is not one of them."

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

"So how are we going to find these other Jedi that we were sent for?" Boba asked, his impatience preventing him from remaining silent as Jango had ordered. Though his father had worked continuously with him, impatience was still an issue with the young boy.

Sighing, but making no comment, as Boba had chosen a safe time to make noise without attracting notice, Jango explained. "The trace we planted within their system has kept track of any and all comm. calls made from the personal units of our "clients." Once we get to a Terminal, I will pull up all of the flagged records, and we will be able to determine where they are."

"But aren't communications down after the explosion at the Senate?" Boba questioned, his inquisitive dark eyes settling on his father's life- hardened features.

"There was some communications disruption immediately following the attack, but the systems should be up again by now," Jango declared. "Even if they are not, it is a guarantee that the Jedi have attempted to use their links sometime within the past few hours, and that should be enough to give us a general location."

"Do you think they all went to the Senate complex?" the boy asked, knowing that they were drawing nearer to a busier section of the Temple, where he would have to remain quiet once again.

"If they are," Jango smiled, "it will certainly make our job much easier."

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

Taking the lift down from the Council Spire with Masters Gallia and Bilaba, Bant stood-by silently as they discussed their plans for bringing the taped evidence before the convened Senate. The two Masters were determined to reveal the Supreme Chancellor as the Darkside user that he was, and neither was willing to wait and allow Palpatine any more time to wreak havoc throughout the Republic. Bant had tried to convince them to wait, at least until they had a chance to talk to Master Windu, but neither Councilor was willing to take the risk.

"Palpatine has obviously been behind much of the Republic's troubles as it is," Adi had explained, "Can we really afford to risk allowing him anymore time to cause even more conflict and chaos?"

The Healer had to concede that the Master did have a solid argument, but she was still convinced that Master Windu should have been contacted first. Sliding her hand into the pocket of her tunic, Bant gently grasped the objects that she had securely stored within the folds of her cloak. Master Bilaba was aware of the small wrapped object that the Mon Calamarian had taken from the lab, but the Councilor had not noticed as Bant slipped the two datachips in with it.

Closing her hand around the two chips, Bant shut her eyes and offered a silent prayer to the Force that she would not only find Obi-Wan in time to save him, but also that whatever she was being sent to the Senate for would finally help the Lightside of the Force overcome the Darkness within the Republic for all time.

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

"This is Lieutenant Danrate, of the Senatorial Guard, sending notice to any and all units within the area. The Jedi have escaped from custody and are loose within the Senate Complex. I repeat, the Jedi captives, headed by Master Mace Windu and Master Yoda of the Jedi High Council, are loose within the Complex. The orders remain to detain them and/or remove them as a threat if capture is impossible."

Turning from the monitor screen, Boba flashed a brilliant smile at his father. "Well that does make things much easier, doesn't it da'?"

"Something doesn't feel right," Master Carlasan whispered as she reached out and pulled Padawan Elei into an empty room. "I don't feel anything from the Force, but it still seems as if it is too quiet."

"Don't you think that the other Jedi would attempt to remain as quiet as possible?" Elei asked, her confusion evident as she studied the young Master.

"Yes, I believe they would be," Carlasan sighed, "but as this room is not Force-shielded; they should have felt our approach and sent someone to meet us."

"Perhaps they did not want to risk discovery?"

"They are Jedi, they would have sent someone to meet us," the Twi'lek Master explained. Turning and motioning for the Padawan to follow her, Carlasan gestured to a corner of the room that could not be seen from the doorway. "I want you to wait here while I survey the situation."

"Shouldn't I go with you?" Elei questioned. She was a Padawan of the entire Council, and as such did not go out on missions, but she was familiar with the mission protocols from all of the reports she had to archive. During hostile situations, the Council urged field Jedi to remain in teams, unless there were extenuating circumstances. Elei knew that the Council was likely to heavily reprimand a Master for going against such a strict doctrine.

Turning on her heel and moving swiftly toward the door, Carlasan answered bluntly. "No, you should not."

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

As he remained motionless within the ventilation shaft, Anakin began to notice that the link within his mind was changing. He had attempted to break it, and that had caused no noticeable change within the bond, but now it seemed almost to be growing. Reaching out to the location within his mind where he could feel the bond throbbing, the young Padawan tried once again to dislodge the unwanted link. Again Anakin's efforts were for naught.

Deciding that his best bets for removing the bond lay with his Master, the young Padawan began to once again advance through the ventilation system toward where he had earlier felt Obi-Wan's distinctive Force-signature.

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

The pain was unbearable, and Obi-Wan was only minimally aware of the physical world that surrounded him. Although he was still in control of his own mind and body, he could not control his connection to the Force, and instead, it seemed almost to be controlling him. It was as if the Lightside and the Darkside were using him as a battleground for a war that had been brewing for endless centuries.

Gritting his teeth, and merely bearing the pain in the same stoic manner as he had dealt with the heart-rending loss of his Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi remained huddled on the Supreme Chancellor's floor.

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

"You would think that with the Senate building under a lockdown and all of the Senators in session, it might be possible to actually have a lift arrive in a timely manner for once," N'erak grumbled as he and the others waited.

"Patience, you lack," Yoda responded from his position upon Senator Amidala's back. "Works in mysterious ways, the Force does," he finished cryptically.

Before N'erak could respond a chime rang, signaling the arrival of one of the lift cars. Biting back his retort, the young Knight stepped forward in preparation of entering the slow-moving lift. As the doors slid open, N'erak came to an abrupt halt.

"Chancellor Palpatine," Master Windu spoke as he stepped forward to greet the passengers within the lift car. The Supreme Chancellor stood silently, as his Vice-Chancellor uneasily eyed the two Jedi he had been certain were contained within the detention center.

"Master Windu, Master Yoda, Senator Amidala," Palpatine finally answered, his tone carefully controlled. "It is a. surprise. to see you here."

"Surprise it should not be," Master Yoda replied. "Exist to serve the Republic, the Jedi do. In such a crisis, elsewhere we would not be."

"Yes, yes, I suppose that is so," the Chancellor murmured distractedly. "The Jedi have always served the Senate quite well."

"The Jedi Order does not serve the Senate," N'erak corrected. "We serve the Republic, and the species therein."

"Is the Senate still in session?" Padmé questioned, deftly changing the subject as she noticed the dark gleam in Palpatine's gaze. She had never quite noticed the expression before, but now as she recognized it, she realized it was, in fact, quite familiar. It was the same expression he had worn on the day he convinced her to enter a vote of no confidence for Chancellor Valorum.

"Yes, it is," Mas Amedda answered. "As a matter of fact, the Chancellor was just on his way there now."

"Well then, we will not keep you," Padmé replied, with a slight bow. "I am sure that if this lift is operation, the others are as well. We will simply wait for the next one."

Nodding slightly in reply, Amedda reached out and triggered the doors shut. A moment passed in silence among the four Jedi and senator before Serrenia interrupted it. "Did anyone else notice that neither the Chancellor nor the Vice-Chancellor seemed at all surprised to see that Senator Amidala is alive, yet they both seemed rather startled to find Master Windu and Knight N'erak here?"

"The Chancellor knew that it was the Senator's aide that was killed in the attack," Mace explained. "So it is entirely probable to believe that his closest advisor would know as well."

"It seems as though Amedda knows quite a bit." N'erak commented absently as he waited for the next lift car.

"Perhaps the Vice-Chancellor knows too much," Mace replied, drawing a sharp glance from the younger Knight.

"What do you mean?" N'erak questioned, even as he began to suspect what the Councilor was thinking.

"Chancellor Palpatine was with me when the 'Senator' was attacked," Mace explained, "and Dooku was already off of Coruscant at the time."

"So if the Chancellor was with you, and Dooku wasn't available, who killed Cordé?" Padmé asked, as she too began to wonder just what the Master Jedi was suggesting. During the previous wait for a lift, the Jedi and Senator had conferred and shared knowledge of their separate experiences, and so the Senator was well aware of the Jedi's fear that Palpatine was the Sith Lord.

"I thought there could only be two Sith at a time?" Serrenia questioned, addressing the question toward the silent Master Yoda.

"Only two there are," Yoda agreed.

"So if we know that Dooku is a Sith, but wasn't there when Cordé died, and that Palpatine was with Master Windu when she was killed." N'erak began.

Sighing heavily, Mace grimaced. "Then we know that Palpatine is not the Sith."

"MASTER!" Anakin screamed as he scrambled out of the small ventilation shaft that was barely large enough for his small frame. He had not known what to expect when he realized that his Master was in the Chancellor's office, but he had certainly not anticipated finding Obi-Wan writhing in agony on the floor.

Placing a hand on his Master's shoulder in an attempt to turn him over, Anakin hissed in pain and quickly withdrew from the contact. He wasn't certain what had caused the agony, but it was apparent that it was only a fraction of what the older Jedi was experiencing. Sitting back on his haunches, Anakin studied the tight features of his Master as he tried again with his voice to rouse Obi-Wan. "Master, please, Master I need you to wake up and tell me what to do."

To the Padawan's surprise, Obi-Wan's eyelids actually flickered, but it was apparent that he was in too much pain to respond. Cursing the lack of a bond, and unable to form a temporary bond, even he were trained to do so, Anakin considered his options. He knew that the Chancellor must have been in the room at some point, but he couldn't understand why Palpatine would have left when his Master was obviously injured. He briefly considered whether or not the Chancellor may have gone for help, but after a quick investigation revealed the Force-seal on the door he quickly discarded that possibility. The presence of the Darkside Force-seal proved that there was a Sith involved in whatever was causing Obi-Wan such pain, but Anakin did not know how to counteract what the Sith had done.

"Master, I really need you." Anakin whispered as he returned to his position kneeling beside the agonized Knight. "Why have you had to suffer so much for me? I never asked for this. and I never, ever, wanted to see you hurt for me."

Closing his eyes in a futile effort to hold back the rising flood of tears, Anakin again reached for the bond in his mind. He still did not know to whom it led, but he needed help, and it was the only offer of succor he could find. There were no communications stations in the Chancellor's office that he could find, and he did not dare risk leaving Obi-Wan alone and helpless. Concentrating all of his considerable power on the dormant link, Anakin managed to send one small, desperate message to his unknown connection. \\Help me.\\

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

Master Bilaba barely reacted in time to catch the Healer, as Bant suddenly collapsed. Reacting more from instinct than any thought, Adi quickly halted the lift as Depa lowered the Mon Calamarian to the ground. "What's wrong with her?" Adi asked as she knelt on the other side of the unconscious Healer.

"I'm not sure," Depa answered truthfully. "Perhaps we should take her to the Healer's ward before."

"Wait," Adi interrupted. "What's this?" she questioned as she motioned to the data chips held loosely in Bant's hand. At Depa's shrug, Adi removed the datachips and inserted one of them into the datapad she always carried with her. Perusing the data, she could not help the gasp that escaped her.

"What is it?" Depa asked, from where she was bent over the Healer trying to assess what was wrong with her through the Force.

"These are data chips detailing all of the Sith's activities throughout the galaxy," Adi exclaimed, as her troubled brown gaze settled on Depa's own startled expression.

"Do you think they are actually accurate?" Master Bilaba questioned, as she studied the unexpected treasure trove now held within her fellow councilor's hand.

"We would have to ask Healer Bant where they came from," Adi stated, "but from what I can tell, they appear to explain a lot of the inexplicable uprisings that the Council has been monitoring."

"We need to take this to the Senate immediately!" Depa said, staring intently at her fellow Master. "This, along with Bilt's tape, is the proof we need to bring down Palpatine and all of his collaborators."

"But will the Senate believe us?" Master Gallia questioned, trying to temper Depa's enthusiasm with her own, well-known, caution. "The Jedi are not exactly on the best terms with the Galactic Senate right now, and it is likely that Palpatine has at least some control of their minds for him to have gained so much power so quickly."

"They will have to listen to us," Depa declared. "This is our only hope to bring down the Sith without causing a Galaxy-wide bloodbath. We have to take the opportunities the Force presents us."

"What should we do with Healer Bant?" Adi asked, accepting Depa's declaration and returning to the more immediate problem.

"We'll call the Healer's and notify them that she is here," Master Bilaba stated. "We have to get this to the Senate immediately, and she will be safe here within the Temple."

Nodding, Adi climbed to her feet and restarted the lift before withdrawing her comm. link and sending a message through to the Healers ward. Once that was accomplished, she turned back to the other Master. "This may be our only chance to bring down the Darkside once and for all."

Nodding, Depa sighed. "Let's just hope that nothing prevents us from getting this information to the Senate, and that they actually are willing to listen."

Bant's eyes opened slowly and painfully only to find herself sprawled on one of the benches that lined the Jedi Temple corridors. Blinking in a futile attempt to clear her vision, the Mon Calamarian assessed her condition. Other than a mild headache, and the expected disorientation from waking in such an odd manner, she seemed to have suffered no ill side effects of the unexpected bonding. Bringing a hand up to her head, she idly rubbed at her temples, trying to dispel the slight ache as she sat up.

Once the dizziness had passed, she rose to her feet and began to make her way toward the nearby exits. Although she did not remember anything after the blinding pain in her head, it was a simple matter of deduction to determine that Masters Gallia and Bilaba must have moved her out of the lift and onto the bench before continuing on to the Senate. She was surprised that the two Councilors had not bothered to at least contact the Healers ward, but she understood their need for urgency. \At least they took the time to move me from the lift.\ Almost before she had completed the thought, one of the nearby lifts chimed; the door sliding open to reveal one of the Healer apprentices.

"Master Bant?" the Sullustan apprentice asked, as she quickly approached.

"I am fine, Padawan." Bant hesitated as she waited for the apprentice to offer a name.

"Megara," the Padawan answered.

"Padawan Megara," Bant continued. "I assume you were called here by Master Gallia or Bilaba?"

"Yes," Megara replied. "Master Gallia called the Healers ward and told us that you had collapsed in one of the lifts. She said that she and Master Bilaba were going to move you to one of the benches, but that they had urgent business at the Senate and could not wait."

"Well, I appreciate that you responded so quickly, but I assure you that I am fine," Bant said with a slight smile. "And since I am sure that your Master has many other things for you to be doing other than chasing down errant Healers, I will let you go."

Expecting Megara to simply nod and leave, Bant was surprised when the Padawan seemed to hesitate. Frowning slightly, the older Healer was about to order Megara to return to the Healers ward when the apprentice spoke.

"I am sorry to bother you Master Bant, but." When the Padawan didn't finish, and instead seemed to be rather embarrassed, Bant had to question her.

"Is there something else, Padawan Megara?" the Healer asked.

"Well." the apprentice began, taking a few deep breaths and then finishing all in one breath. "I know it's probably just me, and I'm a Healer, and not a Knight-in-training, so I'm probably wrong, but it just seemed like he was bad, and I know I'm in the Jedi Temple, and bad people aren't here, and that no one is really bad, that it's just bad circumstances, and I know that Jedi shouldn't feel fear, but it was creepy and I don't want to go near him again alone."

Blinking a few times and trying to assimilate all of the information that Padawan Megara had unloaded at once, Bant paused before speaking. As the silence stretched on, the Sullustan sighed. "I knew that I shouldn't have bothered you, and I'm sorry," Megara began only to be interrupted by the older Healer.

"No, you were right to tell me," Bant assuaged, "I am just trying to understand exactly what it is you were trying to tell me. You were sent here to find me, and on the way you passed someone you didn't know and you felt frightened by his presence?" she questioned.

"Yes," Megara agreed. "He was in the first lift that arrived, and when the doors opened he gave me this look. I didn't know him, and it felt almost as if the Force was warning me not to go near him. I decided to wait for the next lift, but I didn't know if I should tell anyone about him or not."

"Was there anyone else with him?" Bant asked, still idly rubbing at her temples.

"I think there might have been someone behind him, but I couldn't see for sure," the Padawan answered as she knelt down on the floor and began to rummage through the med kit she carried with her. Finding and removing a hypospray of painkiller she handed it to the Healer.

Nodding in thanks, Bant accepted it. Administering it before speaking again, she let out a sigh of relief as it began to work almost instantaneously. "Did you happen to notice where his lift was going?" she questioned as she handed the now empty hypo back to the apprentice Healer.

"The indicator showed that it stopped on this floor, but I didn't see anyone near the banks when I got off." Placing the empty hypo container back, Megara then resealed the kit before rising again to her feet. "Do you think that he went through the Senate exit?" the apprentice asked, studying the Mon Calamarian.

Shaking her head, Bant answered. "Not unless he was Force-Sensitive. With the Temple on lockdown, no one can enter or exit unless they have access to the Force." Placing a gentle hand on the Sullustan's shoulder, Bant again smiled. "But I don't think you have anything to worry about as long as you go straight back to the Healers ward from here. Tell your Master what you saw, but I doubt that you will be in any danger."

Bowing slightly in acknowledgement, Megara offered her own smile. Accepting the Healer's assurances, the Padawan turned and began to make her way back to the lift banks. Watching until the apprentice was safely ensconced in one of the lifts, Bant moved toward the Senate exit, pausing as she came to the small terminal that controlled the doorways. Calling up the record of who had passed through the exits during the lockdown period, the Healer was puzzled by one of the last entries. It listed that two people had exited, both human, but neither was identified. Though she knew that she needed to get to the Senate, Bant paused just long enough to run the two patterns through the Temple database. When the search returned having failed to identify either person, the Healer found she was not surprised. Though it was apparent that one of the two had been Force-sensitive, neither was a Jedi.

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

Though his plea through the bond had been unanswered, Anakin knew that help was on its way. He could feel the vibrations in the Force as several powerful Force-users converged on his position. Breathing a sigh of relief, he turned his attention again toward his Master. Obi-Wan's eyes had fallen shut once more, but his agony was still apparent in the taut features of his face. The furrow between Obi-Wan's brow was so pronounced that Anakin found himself absently stroking it in an attempt to relax the tightened muscles, though the contact caused shards of pain to rush through his hand and up his arm.

Although he had become quite adept at healing under Master Bant's tutelage, he was nowhere near ready to even determine what was causing his Master so much pain. He could feel the presence of the Darkside, but he was uncertain of how to counteract it. Instead he found himself relying on the same method his mother had always used with him when he had fallen ill. Kneeling on the floor near Obi-Wan's head, he kept his hand on his Master's brow, despite the pain, and began to speak to him in soothing tones. Though he did not know what to say, he found himself telling his Master things he had never quite been able to say when Obi-Wan was conscious.

"I know you never really wanted me as your Padawan, and I know I was only a promise you had made to Master Qui-Gon, but you have done nothing but love me and care for me, though I have caused you nothing but pain. I wish I could take back whatever it was I did to cause such a rift between you and your Master, and I wish that there was someway for me to take back all of the pain I have caused you, but I swear to you Master, I swear, I will be the best Padawan ever if you will just come back to me. I know that you are in pain, and I know that somehow it's my fault, but please don't leave me."

Sitting back on his heels, Anakin continued. "I miss my mom a lot, and I miss Qui-Gon too, but if you leave me I don't think I could survive. When everyone else wanted to dismiss me, or said I was too dangerous or old, or whatever else they whispered in the halls, you were there for me. You never told me I was too old, or too slow, even when I could barely hold onto my lightsaber during drills." Smiling slightly at the memory of one of their first drilling sessions, Anakin sighed.

"You didn't even laugh at me when I sliced my braid off. for the third time. You were always there for me at night when the nightmares woke me up, and even when you were gone on missions I always knew that I could count on you to be there for me if I ever needed you. Even when the Council forbade you to return from one of the "meetings" when I had the Alderaanian flu, you were there for me. I never realized just how much you mean to me until I realized that one day I could lose you."

Pausing to take a deep breath and to swallow back the tears that he could feel building, Anakin was surprised when he felt a hand lightly covering his own where it lay on his knee. Looking down, he found himself staring into eyes that, though they shone with pain, also shone with love. Though the words were too faint to hear, even with the Force, Anakin could clearly read his Master's lips as Obi-Wan spoke. "You'll.never lose. me."

Turning his hand over to gently squeeze the one that now lay within his smaller palm, Anakin continued to rest his other hand on his Master's forehead. Knowing that no words could ever express what he was feeling, he simply held on tightly to his agonized Master as they both awaited the arrival of help.

Master Carlasan took a deep breath, holding it to prevent even the slightest sound of her breath tipping off the guards she could sense just ahead. Although she truly did not want to face such a challenge alone, she also could not risk taking an inexperienced Padawan into such a situation. Had she been paired with Serrenia, she would not have hesitated to make use of her as a partner, but Elei was simply not prepared for the task.

Approaching the cross hall, Carlasan reached out to the Force, trying to ascertain how many guards were ahead of her, and where they were located. Again, instead of receiving the usual distinct answer, she only perceived the odd stillness and sense of anticipation that had led to her leaving Elei behind. Removing her lightsaber from her belt, she palmed it and held it in position, refraining from igniting it until it was absolutely necessary. Without backup, she couldn't afford to make noise and give away the only advantage she had.

Creeping slowly toward the cross hallway, the Jedi Master had to rely on her other senses to determine where the guards were located. Although her sense of hearing was not nearly as definitive of a locator as the Force, it was still enough to allow her to make a reasonable estimate that the guards were only located on the left side of the branching hall. Removing a small, mirrored ball from her utility belt, Carlasan used the Force to levitate it high into the air where no one was likely to notice, before directing it toward the intersection. As the ball hovered in the air, she was able to reflect the images off of the high sheen wall, and she quickly realized that there were many more guards than should have been expected. Even if a patrol had come across the freed Jedi prisoners only moments after Knight N'erak had left them, there should not have been enough time to deploy such a large unit of guardsmen. The only explanation then, she realized, was that someone anticipated the Jedi escape, and had set a trap for the would- be rescuers.

Deciding to return to where Padawan Elei waited and call for backup, Carlasan directed the mirrored ball to return to her hand, slowly backing away from the hallway as she did so. As the ball hovered to her, she paused it in mid-air, and studied the reflected images more closely. \What in the world is a child doing with the guards?\ she wondered, just as the barrel of a blaster made contact with her exposed temple.

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

"I need to return to my offices immediately," Palpatine ordered, almost before the lift doors had completely closed on the hallway where the Jedi stood. "You will continue on to the Senate briefing, and explain that security risks have made it impossible for me to appear as of yet."

Pausing and fixing the Vice-Chancellor with a look that only slightly hinted of the rage and anger that was blossoming in the Sith Lord, Palaptine continued. "You have disappointed me greatly today, Amedda. We will discuss your lack of proper deference for my orders later, for now I highly suggest that you curtail your further. initiative. unless you wish to truly incur my disappointment."

"No sir," the Vice Chancellor replied firmly, though his eyes spoke to his fear. "I will address the Senate exactly as you have ordered, and we will await your appearance."

Smiling a tight smile that looked more menacing than any glare the Chagrian had ever seen, Palpatine nodded. "On the next floor you will transfer to another lift. Do not disturb me again; I will find you when I have need of you or the Senators."

Giving a tight bow, Amedda silently counted down the seconds until the lift chimed at the next floor, hurriedly exiting the small car that had seemed to grow even more claustrophobic and threatening as the seconds had passed. Backing out onto the dimly lit floor, the Vice-Chancellor waited for the lift doors to close before releasing his breath and allowing loose the shudder that he had just barely been able to repress in Palpatine's presence.

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

The lift had just arrived to the floor where Masters Windu and Yoda, Knight N'erak, Padawan Serrenia and Senator Amidala awaited, when Master Windu's comm. link buzzed. Motioning for the others to pause before boarding, Mace removed the link from his belt and inspected it.

"Shouldn't you answer that?" N'erak asked, unable to remain silent as he watched the Jedi Master study the small device as if he had never seen it before.

"I would," Mace answered dryly, "though I must admit I am curious as to how it is working now when all of the communications systems in the Senate were wiped out. Even if the systems are back up, the Jedi who have this code know better than to use it and risk disrupting the emergency communications signals."

"But perhaps there is an emergency?" Padmé questioned, as she too watched the Councilor inspect the device.

"Then they would have sent the signal through on an emergency channel, not a simple broadband signal," N'erak interjected as he began to realize why Mace was so disturbed by the comm. call. "The broadband signals are used only in the Temple, when they are unlikely to be intercepted. Every Jedi is taught basic communications from the time they become initiates."

"So this means what?" the Senator huffed, becoming impatient as the lift chime begin to ring, signaling that the doors would soon close.

"It means that whoever is trying to reach me, is not a Jedi," Mace replied simply. "And since this code is available only to the Council Members and a few close associates, it means that whoever this is, they have information they should not have access to."

Allowing Padmé to digest the information, Master Yoda spoke. "Answer it then, you should," the wizened old Master directed. "Answers they may have for us."

Nodding his head in agreement, Mace motioned for the others to remain silent as he activated the comm. link. "Windu here."

"Master Windu," a strangely accented voice began, "I believe I have something here you want. I suggest you come and retrieve it. or you might just be left with only pieces."

"Who is." Mace began, only to be cut off by a sharp cry of pain from the open line.

"Now tell the nice Jedi Master your name, little one," the voice interrupted again.

"Elei," the agonized Padawan gasped, crying out again as the unidentified voice urged her to say something else. "And Ma. Master Carlasan," the young girl finished, her voice hitching in pain as she completed the desired response.

"Now I suggest that you and the lovely Senator Amidala abandon your other plans and arrange to meet with me," the masculine voice stated almost pleasantly.

Raising his unfathomable dark gaze up to meet Master Yoda's, Master Windu seemed to share a silent communiqué with the other Jedi Master before speaking. "Where?" he asked simply.

"Near the Temple exit," the voice directed. "And I suggest you use all possible haste." With no further ado, the comm. link went dead.

The mask of indifference, although already brittle, did not fall completely from Palpatine's face until the lift doors closed on the retreating form of Mas Amedda. Only when the Sith Lord was again in solitude did he allow his ever-encompassing anger free reign. Amedda was proving to be not only incompetent, but also a liability, which was something the Dark Lord of the Sith could not afford.

\Another disappearance to arrange. and yet another search for a competent assistant\ Sidious growled, before realizing that his search for an "assistant," both as a political ally and as an apprentice, could easily be filled by the young man waiting so patiently for him in his office. Obi-Wan Kenobi had the diplomatic skills and ability to make an excellent political figure, and no senator would dispute the appointment of a Jedi to the position of Vice-Chancellor. Even should Kenobi leave the Order, his former allegiance to it would recommend him highly.

Smiling darkly as plans again began to fall into place, Palpatine folded his arms within the sleeves of his cloak, surreptitiously using Dark energy to speed the lift's ascent to where his future apprentice awaited him.

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

"Go you must," Yoda stated as Master Windu switched off the comm. link. "Afford to lose more Jedi, the Order cannot. And in peril are all of the Knights within our enemy's reach."

"I will do nothing less than my duty," Mace answered shortly. "However, I will not take Senator Amidala into such a situation with me. We cannot risk her life, despite the cost."

"Correct you are," Yoda replied, ignoring the Senator's attempts to speak. "Important to the Galaxy, her future is. Allow harm to come to her, we cannot."

"I'll go with you," N'erak announced, moving to stand beside Master Windu. "You are going to need help, and I might even be able to create an illusion that looks similar enough to the Senator that our "friend" will not notice."

"You need to find Obi-Wan, and assist him," Mace argued. "He is the one most in danger here, and he is going to need your help."

"You can't go alone," N'erak argued.

"I'll go with him," Padawan Serrenia declared. "The Senator and I share a slight resemblance, and I'm sure that with a little help from the Force, I can pass myself off as her."

"That won't be necessary," Master Windu said, only to be cut off by Senator Amidala.

"No, it won't be necessary," Padmé announced, "as I will be accompanying Master Windu exactly as ordered. I will not allow another to risk their life for me, nor will I risk the lives of all of the imprisoned Jedi."

"We cannot allow you to." N'erak began; unable to finish as Padmé again interrupted.

"You are not "allowing" me to do anything," the Senator declared. "As long as the Republic still stands, the Jedi do not have the authority to order a Senator to do anything. I will be visiting the Jedi Temple exit, whether or not you choose to accompany me." As she finished speaking, Padmé knelt on the ground and removed Master Yoda from where he sat perched on her shoulders. Standing once more, her determined gaze met Master Windu's. Allowing her voice to soften, she continued. "I will do my duty, just as you have said you will do yours, Master Jedi. I cannot allow another to lose their life for me. not again."

Studying her for a few moments, Mace finally nodded. "You will remain behind me, however, and I will not allow you to take any risks with your safety or your life," he ordered, as he motioned for Padawan Serrenia to take over in carrying Master Yoda.

Nodding her acceptance, Senator Amidala rechecked the blaster she had taken from the Senate Guards, assuring herself that it was fully charged and ready to fire. Noting the precaution, Master Windu turned to Knight N'erak. "Master Yoda, you and Padawan Serrenia will have to continue on to the Chancellor's office. Be careful, and be certain to trust no one. We know that the Sith is close to the Chancellor, and any and all of his staff are to be considered under suspicion."

"Take care as well, you will," Yoda ordered as he situated himself on Serrenia's shoulders. "Answers we need, but worth your life, they are not."

Acknowledging the order with a slight bow of his head, Master Windu placed his hand gently on Padmé's shoulder, lightly guiding her in the direction in which they needed to proceed. As the Jedi Master and the Senator moved swiftly away from the bank of lifts, only the sound of Knight N'erak's "May the Force be with you" accompanied them.

Entering the outer office of his chambers, Palpatine hesitated as he sensed another presence within his inner office. He knew that the Jedi he had met at the lift banks could not possibly have arrived yet, though he realized that they would soon become a problem. Reaching out with his Dark senses, he tried to determine the identity of the person waiting for him.

As the subtle probe trickled back to him, Sidious grinned darkly. Although the signature within his office was not nearly as strong as that of the Chosen One, it was the second most powerful within the Order. Only Master Yoda had a Force presence even close to that of the two that awaited the Sith Lord within his own lair. Deciding to keep his guise of Chancellor Palpatine in place, Sidious smoothed his robes and strode forward toward the private office where both Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker awaited him.

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

Though the information she had discovered caused Bant to be more cautious in her exit from the Jedi Temple, the Healer did not hesitate to continue her mission to the Senate building. Though the drive from the Force that was pushing her toward the Senate had lessened during the time she had spent with the two Jedi Councilors, it was now back and more powerful than even before. Whatever was pulling her toward the Complex had increased in urgency to the point that she knew she could not allow any other distraction to prevent her from arriving there.

Removing two small strips of fabric from her belt, the Mon Calamarian used them to tie her sleeves in place - a trick she had learned from her former Master. Though Healer's tunics were effective and comfortable in the Temple, in the field they often proved cumbersome and difficult. Once her sleeves were secured, Bant unhooked her lightsaber and held it firmly within her hand. Exiting the Temple, she hurried across the small walkway that separated the home of the Order from the Senate Complex. Just as she neared the doors leading into the Republic Center, Bant hesitated, and on a prodding from the Force, she changed direction to enter the Complex through another entrance. Though it took a bit more time, and led her to an entrance that was heavily guarded, Bant was certain that the Force had directed her not to enter through the Temple-side entrance.

Accepting the will of the Force without resistance, Bant began to plan a way to distract the guards so that she could enter the Senate without notice. There were only seven guards, but they appeared to be highly alert and the Healer knew it would not be easy to slip past them. Normally, as a Jedi Healer, she would have simply approached the guards and notified them of her status and offered her services to the injured within. With the strange events at the Temple and the shroud of Darkness that covered the large Senate Building, Bant felt it best to enter unannounced, and with freedom of movement.

Pausing to more closely study the surroundings, Bant found herself missing the presence of N'erak. Although she consistently teased her friend about his line of work, she realized that N'erak would have little or no trouble entering any building, no matter how guarded, without the slightest notice. He had trained throughout his entire apprenticeship to carry out undercover missions, whereas Bant had never carried out any operation more stealthy than the constant pranks that she and her friends had completed as Padawans.

\Well, I guess I'll just have to pretend that I'm trying to sneak the bottle of dye past Master Ravenna again.\ Bant decided as she realized she had no other experience to draw from. Drawing a deep breath, she looked around for something she could use as a distraction. Spotting an idle speeder that had apparently arrived with the latest group of guards, the Healer released her pent breath as an idea began to form. Reaching out to the Force, she concentrated it on the ignition wires within the engine of the speeder. Within seconds, the throaty purr of the heavy-duty engine rose distinctively over the mostly silent quadrant. The guards' attentions were immediately drawn to the incongruous sound, and after a brief discussion two of the seven swiftly approached to investigate.

Waiting until the guards were close enough to clearly see the speeder, but not near enough to distinguish who was inside, Bant again concentrated on the Force, using it to steer the speeder away from the guards. Each time the guards took a step forward, the Healer would move the vehicle an equal distance away. After three times, the guards finally notified their platoon leader that something was amiss. The lead guard then dispatched two more of his men to flank the speeder, leaving only three guards for the Mon Calamarian to slip past. As the guards' attention was split between the debacle with the speeder and the still and silent entrance, Bant found it easy, with only a slight Force persuasion as assistance, to get past the distracted sentry men and enter the Senate Complex.

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

"Chancellor Palpatine, I'm so glad you are here!" Anakin exclaimed, moving quickly to his feet from where he knelt over his Master's prone body. Obi- Wan had again slipped into an almost unconsciousness, leaving the Padawan to stand watch over him. Though only a few moments had passed, Anakin was grateful to see the familiar and friendly face of the Chancellor of the Republic.

"Anakin, it is good to see you too," Palpatine answered, a smile crossing his normally stern face. As his gaze shifted from the young man to the crumpled body on the floor behind him, the smile dropped. "Whatever has happened to Master Kenobi?"

"I'm not sure," Anakin admitted, as he watched Palpatine move to kneel beside his Master. Lowering himself to the floor across from the Chancellor, the Padawan winced as his own injuries made themselves known once more.

"It looks as if you could both use medical assistance," Palpatine stated as he took in the pained expression on the apprentice's face. "You look as if you should barely be standing yourself, young man."

"I will be fine," Anakin answered stubbornly, missing the slight gleam that came to the Chancellor's eye at his brief flash of anger and fear. "Master Obi-Wan needs help more than I do."

"Of course, of course," the Chancellor acknowledged. "But you would be accompanying him to the medical bay, would you not?"

"I won't leave him," the Padawan declared, his determination clear. "He needs me now, and nothing and no one will separate him from me."

Nodding his head, Palpatine climbed slowly to his feet. "It is good to see such dedication in one so young. Such spirit as well, your Master must be quite proud." Moving over to his desk, the Chancellor made as if to use his comm. terminal and call for help. Had Anakin not been so familiar with the sounds and indications from a terminal unit, the Padawan might not have realized that Palpatine was neither calling for help, nor even completely activating the unit. As it was, Anakin realized immediately that for some reason the Chancellor had failed to make a connection, though Palpatine made no indication of realizing that. In fact, the Chancellor was putting on quite a show of talking to and receiving responses through the hand held unit he held securely to his ear.

Realizing that all was not as it seemed, a dark suspicion began to grow in Anakin's mind. The words of Senator Amidala that he had just barely heard through the drifting fog of unconsciousness again rose in his mind. "I think that Chancellor Palpatine was behind the assassination attempts, and I think that trying to kill me is only the beginning of his misdeeds."

As the words echoed through his mind, the young Padawan reached his hand automatically down to his belt where his 'saber usually lay. Finding nothing there, he glanced swiftly down and realized that he was unarmed. Shifting his gaze to his Master's prone body, he was relieved to see the familiar hilt dangling at Obi-Wan's belt. Raising his gaze to watch Palpatine, he slowly moved his hand toward the only weapon available.

From her position on the floor, it was not easy for Master Carlasan to watch the assassin and the Senate Guards at all times, but she could easily see Padawan Elei and the young boy who kept careful watch over her. Caralsan had automatically tensed when the dark-haired man had grabbed Elei and dragged her to the comm. terminal, but she knew that to move would risk both of their lives. Powerless to do anything, she kept silent as the Padawan was told what to say, and then painfully prodded to do so. Though she wanted nothing more than to draw her lightsaber on the strangely accented man, Carlasan instead chose to work more surreptitiously, drawing on the Force and pooling it in anticipation of an attack.

Before she was ready to act, the man released Elei to the watch of the young boy, turning his own attention toward giving orders to the Senate Guards surrounding him. Although it was obvious that the man was not a member of the Republic Guard, the guards gave him the respect they usually reserved only for their most superior officers. That alone told Carlasan that whomever she was facing, he was dangerous. As if he had realized the current of her thoughts, the dark-haired man turned his shrewd gaze on her, seeming to assess her as she sat under guard on the floor.

"I know you are planning something, but I assure you, it will do nothing but cost you your life and the life of your Padawan," he declared, his dark eyes flashing with the truth of his threat. The ease by which he had snuck up on and attacked the Jedi Master told Carlasan that he was capable and willing to carry out the threat.

"I have no intention of risking anyone's life," the Master responded calmly, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible. Though it was not a common occurrence, field-qualified Jedi were still taught how to act and react if they were ever taken as a hostage. It was well known throughout the Galaxy that neither the Order nor the Republic would ever bargain for a Jedi's life, but it did not prevent the truly desperate from any attempt to sway negotiations or mediations toward their favor. The Jedi were taught how to survive the ordeal, and even how to negotiate despite their position of considerably low influence.

"Ahh, I am certain that you plan on simply sitting still and allowing yourself to be used as a bargaining chip," the man stated snidely. "It is not as if you would attempt to use that mystic Force power or anything."

Changing tactics, Carlasan decided to gather as much information as possible, as long as their captor was willing to talk. "I wouldn't know how or if I was to be used as a bargaining chip, considering I have no idea who you are or why you have taken us as hostages."

"And I assume this is the part where the evil-doer becomes so caught up describing his wicked master plan, that he does not notice as the cavalry sneaks in," he sneered. As he took several steps toward the Jedi Master, Carlasan had to force herself not to flinch. Although she had trained her entire life, and had been taught to not feel fear, she could not deny the menacing presence that was so intricately entwined with the very presence of the man before her.

Before either Carlasan or the man could speak, one of the guards approached, drawing the dark-haired man's attention away. As the man turned and left with the Captain who had approached him, the Twi'lek turned over the information she had just inadvertently discovered. Despite the man's obvious intentions to keep her from learning anything about him, the guard had addressed him by name, giving the Jedi Master enough information to realize not only who he was, but also just how dangerous of an adversary she faced. For despite the man's attempts to hide his identity, there was only one man within the Galaxy who went by the name of Fett.

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

As Palpatine disconnected from his "call" and turned to again face Anakin, the young Padawan kept his expression an emotionless mask. He held his Master's lightsaber tucked up the sleeve of his tunic. It was the first time ever that he had found a reason to be grateful for the loose flowing cuffs. Normally he found them to be more of a hindrance than anything, but he had never had reason before to secrete a full sized lightsaber on his person.

"The Senate medics will be on their way as soon as possible," Palpatine announced, his face set in an expression of concern and anxiety. "I do hope that they will be able to help you and your Master until the Jedi Healers can arrive."

"I am sure that they will do everything they can for Master Obi-Wan," Anakin replied coolly, "though I would prefer that we simply met with the Temple Healers immediately."

"I am afraid that is simply not an option at this time," the Supreme Chancellor declared, as he lowered his head in a pretense of regret. "The Senate is still under emergency protocols from the explosion, and I am sure that the Jedi more than have their hands full with the injuries that occurred during the initial damage."

"I am certain that the Healers would want, and in fact, demand, to see Master Obi-Wan rather than leaving him to the Senate medics," the Padawan said. "Though I am sure that the Senate medics would do all that they could, I believe that my Master's injuries are such that only another Jedi could truly help him. Perhaps if you allowed me to use your communications unit, I would be able to reach the Temple and notify them of the situation."

"That would not be a good idea," Palpatine said slowly, as he withdrew his hands from where they had been tucked within the sleeves of his robe.

"Well," Anakin answered, rising to his own feet, his blue eyes shining with a challenge, "I am going to have to insist that I speak to the Jedi Temple."

"Well, Padawan Skywalker," the Supreme Chancellor responded, a cool frigidity settling over his words, "despite your insistence, you and your Master will be remaining here with me."

Reading the underlying threat in Palpatine's voice, and noticing the dark madness that now seemed to glow from within his eyes, Anakin didn't hesitate to draw the lightsaber from where he had hidden it in is robe. The lightsaber hilt had just settled within his hand when the façade of the Supreme Chancellor dropped completely away, leaving in his place the dark and frightening visage of the Sith Lord.

The pale white hands that had calmed so many Senate outbursts curled into gnarled claws as blue lightning began to crackle at the fingertips. Grateful that his Master had remained armed, Anakin brought the 'saber into position in an attempt to deflect the blue bolts that emanated from the dark figure. As the bolts drew closer and closer, the Padawan came to the same realization his Master had only a few short hours previously. Obi- Wan's lightsaber was shorted out.

Though several minutes had passed since Masters Gallia and Bilaba had entered the Senate building, neither Master had yet traveled much beyond the entranceway area. It was as if an invisible Force wall held the two Jedi, keeping them from moving any farther into the Complex until they had served whatever purpose the Force willed of them. At first, the two women had tried to force their way further into the building, but after several futile efforts, and after having discovered that exiting the Complex met with the same resistance; the two Councilors had offered themselves up to the will of the Force, remaining within the entrance archway.

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

"You will remain behind me, Senator, regardless of what happens," Master Windu declared as he and the Senator began to approach the seemingly deserted wing of the Senate Complex.

"I will," Padmé agreed, before adding her own addition, "but I will not allow anyone to lose their life simply to defend me. Too many have died already today." For a moment, the Senator's dark eyes were filled with a deep grief; a poignant reminder of the guards that had been killed beside her during the explosion.

Mace made no comment, allowing the Senator her slight defiance. He knew, that should a life-threatening situation occur, that he would give his life for her without hesitation, but he felt no need to argue over what she believed was a concession on his part. As the two drew nearer through the empty hallways, he turned his attention partially away from her, concentrating instead on the unknown areas before them. Reaching out to the Force, he was disturbed to find that it was oddly muffled in the hallways just ahead, almost as if a dampener had been placed over the entire energy field.

"What is it?" Padmé asked softly, noticing the slight scowl that had settled between the Jedi Master's brows.

"There is a Force-user waiting for us," Mace answered, knowing that the Senator would understand that he meant someone other than the Jedi they would most likely be meeting.

"Could it be the Sith?" she questioned, her hand unconsciously clutching her blaster tighter as she uttered the dreaded word.

"I do not think so," Master Windu replied distractedly, as he continued to focus mostly on his not inconsiderable Force-power. "Though this user is powerful, I do not believe it is the amount of power that would be expected of a Sith Lord."

"His apprentice then?" she continued, having learned more of the Sith ranks from Padawan Serrenia during their wait by the lift banks.

"Possibly," he responded. "For now, we will simply have to be even more cautious until we know more."

Nodding her head in understanding, the Senator remained silent as the Jedi Master led her deeper and deeper into the dark hallways that awaited them.

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

Though the section of the Senate she was in had taken little damage from the explosion, Bant still felt the echoes of terror and agony that resonated within the Force. The volume of the emotion was almost overwhelming. Jedi Healers, as a rule, had empathic ratings well above their warrior and diplomat comrades; and Bant's rating was among the highest of even the Healer ranks. As a consequence, even the slightest pain did not escape her notice, and it was only her highly developed mental shields that allowed her to continue to function in a place of such agony and fear.

The hallways were surprisingly empty, and the Mon Calamarian had no difficulty navigating unseen through the echoing stretches of dark passages. Though she had a passing familiarity with the Complex, as did all Jedi, the Healer was uncertain as to where exactly she was being led. The Force guided her unerringly, however, and it was not long before she found herself standing before a bank of lifts. Pressing the button to call the nearest car, the Healer found herself operating in a state of almost dream- like awareness. The Force had taken control of her very being, leaving her feeling somewhat like a passenger within her own body. The feeling, though strange, was not entirely uncomfortable. In fact, it felt almost as if she was being cradled within the very essence of the Force itself.

\Perhaps this is what it felt like for Master Ravenna.\ Bant thought idly as she waited for the lift to arrive. Though she felt immeasurable grief at the death of her former Master, the short communion she had been allowed within the Force had helped to alleviate some of the pain. \\I know that you and Master Qui-Gon are watching over Obi-Wan and Anakin, and I am certain that wherever I am being led to, you'll both be with me as well\\

Smiling slightly as a feeling of warmth passed over her, the Healer accepted it as the affirmative answer that it was, stepping onto the arriving lift with a newfound confidence and faith.

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

"It appears that your friends will be arriving soon," Jango sneered, as he again stood over the imprisoned Jedi Master. "I hope they appreciate the surprise I have waiting for them."

Ignoring the taunts of the assassin, Carlasan instead focused on trying to send a message to her Padawan, alerting Serrenia to the danger that the Jedi Councilor and the Senator were walking in to. Although the Master part of her hoped that Serrenia had not accompanied Master Windu and Senator Amidala, the Jedi half of her hoped that Serrenia had and would then be able to warn them in time to prevent their deaths. For she was certain that whatever Jango had planned, it would result in the deaths of the Senator and the Jedi Master.

\\Padawan, you need to warn Master Windu and the Senator. Tell them not to come after us. Jango Fett has no intention of negotiation, he will merely kill them.\\ Hoping for an answer from Serrenia, but not really expecting one, Carlasan was startled when she heard a response through the muffled bond.

\\I believe I told you not to attempt any of your mystic Force tricks.\\ Even through the mental bond, the voice carried the same strange accent. Opening her eyes from where they had fallen closed in concentration, Carlasan found the assassin squatting directly in front of her, his gaze focused darkly on her. "I told you not to try anything, or I would have to kill you or your Padawan. Since it appears that this lovely young woman here is not your Padawan," Jango stated, motioning toward Elei, "I guess I'll have to prove my point with you then. I'd hate to have these men begin to think that I was not a man of my word."

With no further warning or threat, Jango Fett raised his blaster, leveling it squarely on the Jedi Master. Before she could even call her lightsaber from where it hung on one of the guard's belts, Carlasan heard the whine of a blaster discharge. It was to be the last sound that the Twi'lek would ever hear.

In their line of work, field Jedi grew accustomed to pain. Blaster wounds, lightsaber burns, even shrapnel from explosions were common occurrences among the ranks of the warrior diplomats. Yet nothing was more painful, nor more disruptive, than the pain of an unexpectedly severed training bond. The psychic agony was beyond comparison, and when the bond was severed due to a death, the anguish was visited doubly on the surviving member of the bond.

In the beginnings of the Order, when the Jedi were more aesthetics than warriors, it was common for the surviving member of the bond to enter into a deep coma. This period of unconsciousness was accepted as necessary for the grieving process, and was treated almost as a sacred occurrence. With the beginning of the Sith War, however, the Jedi Council of the time had realized that such a practice was no longer feasible. Too many Jedi were being killed by the Sith directly; to lose twice again as many due to an archaic liability was too costly.

The Jedi Council of the time worked closely with their Healers, eventually developing a method by which the agony of the torn bond could be sublimated, allowing the remaining team member the time to make an escape and secure a Healer's attention before addressing the tattered connection. This method, called the Ritual of Acceptance, became a fixture of the Temple teachings, and was passed onto all Jedi once they had reached the level of junior Padawan. Several Council Members over the centuries had pressed to have the information taught at the initiate level instead, fearing that the two year period of time between an initiate's choosing until they were deemed a junior Padawan was too long. Always, the matter was passed over as more immediate concerns came to the forefront, and the Ritual of Acceptance continued to be kept in secret until graduation to the junior Padawan Level.

Since newly chosen Padawans and their Masters were kept close to the Temple, and only sent out on the lightest of diplomatic missions, the full ramifications of a torn bond were rarely if ever dealt with. Though death visited even those Masters with new Padawans, there were always Healers present to prevent the Padawan from suffering the full impact and agony of a broken bond.

Unfortunately, for Padawan Serrenia Devon, there was no Healer present as the bond she shared with Master Carlasan shattered.

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

Although Sidious had hoped to find a use for Anakin Skywalker, he was not completely disappointed to have to kill the young upstart. The boy had an incredible untapped reservoir of anger and guilt, to be sure, but he was uncontrollable, making him unpredictable and dangerous even to the Sith Lord.

As the young Padawan grappled for his Master's lightsaber, bringing it up to defend himself, Sidious hesitated. On a prodding from the Dark Force, however, he continued in his assault, almost cackling in glee as the 'saber merely hissed and disengaged. The blue bolts of deadly lightning were unavoidable as the Dark Lord aimed them directly at the Jedi Padawan, allowing no room for the boy to maneuver or escape.

The first bolt made contact with Anakin just below the boy's ribcage, and the delightful scream of agony was pure music to Sidious' ears. As the Padawan dropped to his knees in pain, the Sith redirected his aim, taking care not to damage the unmoving body of his newest apprentice. Pausing in his assault long enough to make certain no harm would come to Kenobi, Sidious was surprised to see the young boy still fighting feebly to regain his feet. \Perhaps Skywalker is more powerful than I thought.\ the Sith reconsidered, as he watched the boy clench his jaw in determination, struggling desperately to stand.

With his attention focused on Anakin, Sidious did not notice as a dull glow began to surround the body of Obi-Wan Kenobi. It was only as the Dark Force begin to hum in agitation, that the Sith realized the amount of power gathering within the Master Jedi. Cords of Dark and Light energy wrapped around the downed man, and when the stormy eyes snapped open, a distant sound, not unlike the low roar of thunder, began to rumble throughout the room.

"Master!" Anakin gasped, as he, too, was drawn to the incredible site. When Obi-Wan made no response, and in fact seemed to not notice, Anakin called out to him again. As his turbulent gaze finally fell upon the Padawan, the young boy took a stumbling step away from him. The pure power and ferocity that gleamed in the usually calm and tranquil eyes was frightening, and though Anakin knew his Master would never hurt him, he had to work to suppress his terror.

Rising to his feet in one swift and sure move, Obi-Wan Kenobi turned his back on the Sith Lord, focusing all of his attention on Anakin Skywalker. "You will leave, and you will not return," he ordered, his voice completely flat.

"I will not leave you!" Anakin countered, though he was swaying precariously on his feet. He did not know what his Master intended to do, but he would not leave Obi-Wan's side again.

"If you stay, you will die," Obi-Wan continued, seemingly ignoring the Dark presence of Sidious behind him.

"I will not leave," the Padawan declared, squaring his shoulders and locking gazes with his Master. His blue eyes hardened with determination, and the fear that had haunted the edges of his gaze was now gone. "I will remain with you, even it means that I die with you."

Reading something in his apprentice's gaze that he had never before seen, Obi-Wan hesitated, before closing his eyes and slightly nodding his head. "Remain behind me, and don't interfere no matter what. I will do everything I can to protect you, but you would be much safer if you left."

Met with only an expression of determination, and a Force presence to back it up, Obi-Wan conceded, turning his attention away from his Padawan and back to the Sith Lord that awaited him. Noticing the change in his Master's concentration, Anakin backed up until he stood against the far wall of the office. Once there, his physical injuries again overwhelmed him, and he slid down the wall until he was seated against it. Knowing that it was not his physical presence that his Master would need most, Anakin instead put his trust in Obi-Wan, and dropped into a meditative state. Drawing as much Force energy into himself as he could, Anakin waited.

The sound of the blaster bolt caused Master Windu to freeze, automatically going into a defensive crouch with the Senator securely behind him. When there was no further outburst, other than the single shot, the Jedi Master resumed the slow and steady pace forward toward the Temple exit. The Force was still humming strangely around him, offering him no warning or suggestion of what might lie ahead.

"I want you to wait here," Master Windu whispered as he and the Senator approached the final intersection leading to the exit. "Wait until I call you, but remain here even if I do not summon you."

Nodding her head again in understanding, the Senator dropped down into a crouch, making herself as small and unnoticeable as possible as the Councilor continued around the final corner alone. Several moments passed in silence, before Padmé began to hear a faint sound echoing down the far length of the hallway. The sound was vaguely familiar, but it was too quiet for her to place. It was only as the noise grew louder that the Senator realized the source of the sound, and discovered why she knew it so well.

"Master Windu!" she called out, heedless of his order that she remain silent. Knowing that the Jedi Master would hear her, she nevertheless slipped around the corner and began to run toward where she had last seen him.

A blur of dark brown was all she saw before the Councilor was at her side. "I believe I told you to remain silent and stay in place," Mace admonished, before he took in the look of ferocity on the Senator's face. "What is it?"

"Droidekas," she stated simply. "It's a trap. He's trying to box us in, and allow us no escape. It is apparent that whoever this is, he is not looking to take us as hostages, but rather to kill both of us outright."

"We'll have to find another way around then," Mace declared. "We can't afford to have the droidekas at our back."

"Do we have time?" Padmé questioned, as she listened to the ominous sound of the destroyer droids rolling closer and closer. "If we do not meet with your contact, will he kill the Jedi?"

"We don't have a choice," the Councilor responded. "I cannot risk your life, Senator. Not when I know that there is little to no chance of either of us surviving."

"Perhaps those odds would be better if you had another team of Jedi at your back?" a familiar voice called from the shadowed entryway that lay just ahead of Padmé and Mace.

"It seems that another two Jedi would definitely change the scenario," a second voice called out, as Masters Adi Gallia and Depa Bilaba stepped forward to meet the Councilor and Senator.

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

He had only a moments warning before Padawan Serrenia collapsed beside him, but N'erak was able to react quickly enough to prevent her from hitting the ground, and to keep Master Yoda from falling with her. "What's wrong with her?" he asked, as he cradled her limp form.

"Broken bond, she suffers from," Master Yoda answered solemnly as he lowered himself to the floor, allowing N'erak to place his full attention on the Padawan, instead of concentrating on keeping the elder Master levitated.

"Why hasn't she sublimated?" the Knight questioned as he quickly took her pulse and checked to make sure she suffered from no physical ailment.

"Taught how to do so, she has not been," Master Yoda declared, as he also studied the still form of Serrenia. "A Junior Padawan, she is not yet."

"Well, we can't just leave her here," N'erak stated as he gently brushed the hair back from around her face. "We don't know where the Sith is, and she will not be able to defend herself in this state."

"Call for a Healer, we must," Yoda agreed.

"We don't have time for that either," the younger man argued. "Isn't there something else we can do? We need to get to Obi-Wan and Anakin, but we can't afford to leave her here or take her with us!"

"A Padawan, you do not have," the elder Master answered, drawing a confused look from his fellow Jedi.

"Master Yoda," N'erak began exasperatedly, "with all due respect, now is not the time to tell me yet again how much I deserve to have a Padawan as terrible as I was."

"No, time for that there is not," Yoda agreed. "But take on a Padawan you should, and needs a Master, Serrenia does."

Raising a hand to brush the errant locks of his own hair out of his face, N'erak sighed. "Are you telling me that if I create a bond with Serrenia and take her as my Padawan, she will regain consciousness?"

"Perhaps," the smaller green Jedi responded. "Though, know for certain, I do not."

Pausing to consider his options, N'erak realized he had no choice. Closing his eyes and preparing to drop into the light meditation necessary to create the bond, the Knight muttered just under his breath. "If I didn't know better, I'd swear that you contrived this whole fiendish little plot just to make me take a Padawan."

Blinking his heavy green eyes sagely, Yoda answered in his own cryptic manner. "Strange things, the Force wills. All to serve a purpose, this is."

Repressing the urge to sigh heavily, N'erak instead concentrated on forming the bond; winding the torn and sundered edges of Serrenia's former bond into a bright and gleaming connection that bound her solidly to his own mind.

Pressing the floor indicator button, Bant relied upon the Force to guide her. As the lift began its rapid ascent, she found herself absently cradling the small package she still held secreted within the folds of her cloak. Although she was uncertain as to what purpose it would serve, she knew beyond a doubt that she was serving as an instrument of the Force, and that it was guiding each and every decision she made.

As the lift finally reached the indicated floor and the doors slid open, the Mon Calamarian removed her lightsaber from the front of her belt; moving it instead to the secondary clip that hung on the back of the belt under her robe and tunics. The position made it much more difficult to access the weapon, but it also prevented others from knowing that she was armed. Once her 'saber was secured, the Healer adjusted her cloak so that it hung freely and tucked her hands serenely within its sleeves. Assuming the dignified strides of a Jedi, Bant made her way toward what she now knew to be the Supreme Chancellor's offices.

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

As the edge of the bond sealed into place, almost as if it had been meant to, N'erak released a pent breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding and settled back with his weight resting on his heels. "The bond is complete," he murmured to Master Yoda, though he knew that the elder Jedi was already aware of the state of the link.

"Meant to happen this was," Yoda replied. "The beginnings of a bond, you two already shared. Her Master you were meant to be."

"I doubt even the Force would be malicious enough to take a young Padawan's Master simply so that another bond could form," N'erak argued wearily. The strain of creating the bond had drained his energy, and he found that he needed a few moments to recover before he would even contemplate standing.

"Malicious the Force is not," Yoda agreed, "but work for the good of the majority, it does." When the Knight made no comment, the Councilor continued. "Painful is it to have a broken bone set?" the small green Master questioned.

"Of course," N'erak replied, vividly remembering the many broken bones he had suffered in his short career. "And I understand that you are saying that it is sometimes necessary to cause pain to heal, but I don't think that is the case here. A broken bone is vastly different from death, and the pain that Serrenia will feel is of a much sharper and distressing variety."

"Agree, I do," Yoda nodded. "But dead Master Carlasan is, and need a new Master Serrenia does. Your responsibility she now is. Master N'erak."

As the Jedi Master's last words reached him, N'erak's eyes widened. Although he had understood the need to form the bond, the complete implications of what he had done had not fully occurred to him. Before he could form a reply, however, Serrenia began to stir. Realizing that his Padawan would need his assurances, he concentrated solely on her, shelving his own discomfort and concerns.

"Awaken now you must," Master Yoda whispered as he rested one small hand on the Padawan's forehead. "Need you, we do."

Blinking a few times as her eyes adjusted to the minimal lighting of the hallway, Serrenia turned a troubled gaze to the head Councilor. "My Master?" she whispered, though the desolation in her eyes revealed her own conclusions.

"Joined with the Force she has," the elderly Master confirmed sadly, as he removed his hand from her forehead.

"Are the other Jedi all right?" she asked, surprising N'erak. Although Jedi were taught to deal with death, as it was not unknown even to the youngest of initiates, there was still a grieving process for those who were left behind. To have one so young immediately concerned with the safety and well being of others, before even questioning about her own welfare, was astonishing.

"Know for certain, we do not," Yoda answered. "But felt nothing through the Force, have I."

Nodding her head slowly, as the massive headache building up behind her eyes kept her from sudden movements, Serrenia then turned slightly to regard her new Master. "Thank you," she whispered softly, the words echoing slightly through the newly formed bond.

"You're welcome," the Knight answered just as quietly, as he leaned forward and placed a hand gently on her forehead. Drawing the Force to him, he channeled it through his palm, easing his apprentice's pain. As it flowed through him, it renewed him; replacing the energy he had expelled to form the bond.

When the last of the power dispersed around them, N'erak and Serrenia climbed to their feet. Pausing only long enough to resettle Master Yoda on the Padawan's shoulders, the trio stepped into the waiting lift. As the lift quickly ascended to the Chancellor's office, Master Yoda slipped quickly into a light meditation, gathering the strands of the Unifying Force to him and using them to ascertain as much of the future as he could. Immediately feeling the rightness and the strength of the newly formed bond, the Master smiled slightly. As the eddies of the Force continued, however, the slight smile faded, and a grimmer, more determined expression replaced it. Although the Force spoke of a sure bond between the young Master and Padawan, a battle for the future of the galaxy was soon to be waged, and the outcome was anything but certain.