Disclaimer: I do not, nor will I ever, own Star Wars.
A/N: I'm so sorry it took me so long to update. Thank you so much to my TWO reviewers Kris and Katiling – you guys rock! I made this chapter longer, just for you, Katiling! Anyway, please leave me a REVIEW! They cause faster updates, as well as just making me feel all gooey *grins* Not sure when the next chapter will be up, but I'll try to make it soon. That's all I guess, except for review review review!
Chapter 7: Rise of the Empire
Over the next week, Courscant, as well as the rest of the Republic, was buzzing with the news of a very important announcement to be made by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. At the appointed time, every Holonet frequency was replaced with the image of the Supreme Chancellor addressing the Senate.
"Citizens of the Republic, representatives of the Senate," he began. "What began as a relatively minor dispute three years ago has escalated into a horror I never believed possible. There is not one among our number who this devastation known as the Clone Wars has not touched. This conflict must be brought to a swift conclusion to prevent further unnecessary bloodshed. Peace and order must be restored to our beloved galaxy before more is lost. It is with this thought in mind that the Senate has granted me the powers of Emperor. I have agreed, reluctantly; the Clone Wars must be finished! So now, I greet you as your Emperor, citizens of the new Galactic Empire!"
Palpatine's speech ended to the tumultuous applause of the Senate, echoed by all those in range of a Holonet transmitter. Almost everyone, that is. The mood was not quite so festive in the Jedi Temple, among the Council especially. They were shaking their heads, wondering how they had ever missed this coming. The majority of the Republic was thrilled that someone was stepping up and taking charge. Some balked at first, but were reassured when the running of the Empire was identical to that of the Republic. Those who were still not convinced were brought into line by the further announcement that a fleet of the Emperor's newly unveiled Star Destroyers were to take a goodwill tour of the Empire.
For Anakin's part, he had been keeping up with the news from Courscant avidly. He was absolutely thrilled, he could not think of a better person to bring the Clone Wars to an end. His delight was dampened, however, by the lack of progress in the negotiations on On'ab. His frustration grew daily, and outbursts of temper were frequent. His fellow Jedi took note of this and was reporting back to the Council on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, the mood in the Temple was growing increasingly grim. Padme, too, was watching the Holonet, but with increasing alarm. The Emperor was gaining more and more power as the weeks passed, and Padme watched as her beloved Republic became her worst fear. Despite her previous relationship with Palpatine, she began to withdraw from her role in the Senate, allowing Jar-Jar Binks to take her place. The Gungan was thrilled to help Padme out however she needed. In the wake of Palpatine's announcement, Padme had been using the comlink provided by the Jedi, and upon learning of her anti- Empire leanings, both the Council and Obi-Wan urged her to leave Courscant out of concern for her safety. As time continued to pass, and more of the new Empire's policies were revealed, she started to agree with them. One day, shortly before Anakin was to return, she contacted Mace Windu and told him she was ready to leave.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~Meanwhile~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The rains on the planet Kamino seemed particularly fierce as the tiny ship struggled to land. The hatch opened to reveal a figure shrouded in a heavy cloak. Upon entering the complex, the figure was immediately escorted to where the Prime Minister was waiting.
"Welcome to Kamino, Lord Tyrannos," greeted Lama Su.
"I am here to check on the progress of our order," said Tyrannos softly.
"Ah, yes. We wondered when you would be here. Follow me." Lama Su escorted Tyrannos to a part of the compound that, from the looks of it, hadn't been used in a very long time.
"I hope this meets with your approval," said Lama Su upon entering.
Tyrannos smiled. "Excellent. My master will be most pleased."
*~*~*~*~*~Back on Coruscant*~*~*~*~*~*
Padme returned to her apartments the next day to find a frantic R2-D2 overseeing the packing of her bags by a now-golden protocol droid.
"Oh, pipe down," Padme could hear C-3PO grumble as she neared her bed chambers. She was greeted by the sight of her clothes strewn all over the bed as Threepio valiantly struggled to place them into bags, much to Artoo's annoyance. Padme chuckled in spite of herself.
"What is going on, Threepio?" asked Padme after a second of watching.
Threepio jumped, or as near to it as he was able, at the sound of her voice. "Oh, Mistress Padme! It's so good to see you! Master Kenobi has sent me to help with the packing as the Council wishes you to be off first thing in the morning."
Padme smiled, inwardly thanking the Knight for his kindness. Thus relieved of the chore of packing all of her bags, Padme decided to have a light supper before turning in early.
The next morning found Padme, along with her possessions, on a landing platform outside the Temple. Obi-Wan and Threepio met her there – the Council had decided they would accompany her to help her with whatever she needed for the duration of her pregnancy. They all boarded without incident, and were soon deep in hyperspace.
A/N: I'm so sorry it took me so long to update. Thank you so much to my TWO reviewers Kris and Katiling – you guys rock! I made this chapter longer, just for you, Katiling! Anyway, please leave me a REVIEW! They cause faster updates, as well as just making me feel all gooey *grins* Not sure when the next chapter will be up, but I'll try to make it soon. That's all I guess, except for review review review!
Chapter 7: Rise of the Empire
Over the next week, Courscant, as well as the rest of the Republic, was buzzing with the news of a very important announcement to be made by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. At the appointed time, every Holonet frequency was replaced with the image of the Supreme Chancellor addressing the Senate.
"Citizens of the Republic, representatives of the Senate," he began. "What began as a relatively minor dispute three years ago has escalated into a horror I never believed possible. There is not one among our number who this devastation known as the Clone Wars has not touched. This conflict must be brought to a swift conclusion to prevent further unnecessary bloodshed. Peace and order must be restored to our beloved galaxy before more is lost. It is with this thought in mind that the Senate has granted me the powers of Emperor. I have agreed, reluctantly; the Clone Wars must be finished! So now, I greet you as your Emperor, citizens of the new Galactic Empire!"
Palpatine's speech ended to the tumultuous applause of the Senate, echoed by all those in range of a Holonet transmitter. Almost everyone, that is. The mood was not quite so festive in the Jedi Temple, among the Council especially. They were shaking their heads, wondering how they had ever missed this coming. The majority of the Republic was thrilled that someone was stepping up and taking charge. Some balked at first, but were reassured when the running of the Empire was identical to that of the Republic. Those who were still not convinced were brought into line by the further announcement that a fleet of the Emperor's newly unveiled Star Destroyers were to take a goodwill tour of the Empire.
For Anakin's part, he had been keeping up with the news from Courscant avidly. He was absolutely thrilled, he could not think of a better person to bring the Clone Wars to an end. His delight was dampened, however, by the lack of progress in the negotiations on On'ab. His frustration grew daily, and outbursts of temper were frequent. His fellow Jedi took note of this and was reporting back to the Council on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, the mood in the Temple was growing increasingly grim. Padme, too, was watching the Holonet, but with increasing alarm. The Emperor was gaining more and more power as the weeks passed, and Padme watched as her beloved Republic became her worst fear. Despite her previous relationship with Palpatine, she began to withdraw from her role in the Senate, allowing Jar-Jar Binks to take her place. The Gungan was thrilled to help Padme out however she needed. In the wake of Palpatine's announcement, Padme had been using the comlink provided by the Jedi, and upon learning of her anti- Empire leanings, both the Council and Obi-Wan urged her to leave Courscant out of concern for her safety. As time continued to pass, and more of the new Empire's policies were revealed, she started to agree with them. One day, shortly before Anakin was to return, she contacted Mace Windu and told him she was ready to leave.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~Meanwhile~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The rains on the planet Kamino seemed particularly fierce as the tiny ship struggled to land. The hatch opened to reveal a figure shrouded in a heavy cloak. Upon entering the complex, the figure was immediately escorted to where the Prime Minister was waiting.
"Welcome to Kamino, Lord Tyrannos," greeted Lama Su.
"I am here to check on the progress of our order," said Tyrannos softly.
"Ah, yes. We wondered when you would be here. Follow me." Lama Su escorted Tyrannos to a part of the compound that, from the looks of it, hadn't been used in a very long time.
"I hope this meets with your approval," said Lama Su upon entering.
Tyrannos smiled. "Excellent. My master will be most pleased."
*~*~*~*~*~Back on Coruscant*~*~*~*~*~*
Padme returned to her apartments the next day to find a frantic R2-D2 overseeing the packing of her bags by a now-golden protocol droid.
"Oh, pipe down," Padme could hear C-3PO grumble as she neared her bed chambers. She was greeted by the sight of her clothes strewn all over the bed as Threepio valiantly struggled to place them into bags, much to Artoo's annoyance. Padme chuckled in spite of herself.
"What is going on, Threepio?" asked Padme after a second of watching.
Threepio jumped, or as near to it as he was able, at the sound of her voice. "Oh, Mistress Padme! It's so good to see you! Master Kenobi has sent me to help with the packing as the Council wishes you to be off first thing in the morning."
Padme smiled, inwardly thanking the Knight for his kindness. Thus relieved of the chore of packing all of her bags, Padme decided to have a light supper before turning in early.
The next morning found Padme, along with her possessions, on a landing platform outside the Temple. Obi-Wan and Threepio met her there – the Council had decided they would accompany her to help her with whatever she needed for the duration of her pregnancy. They all boarded without incident, and were soon deep in hyperspace.