Title: Strength over fear
Author: ewan's girl
*Author's note: Hey look at this another chapter, am I good or what? Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. And I wish everyone a happy 2004.
Chapter 12:
The wire began to pierce the skin of his neck as he continued to be dragged along the corridors of the Senate building. He reached for his light saber, but found it difficult as his body once again slammed into a wall. He gagged as the wire clutched tighter and tighter around his throat; he tried to pull it away with his hands.
Bobba Fett glanced back at his opponent and smiled. He had long wished revenge on the Jedi. Not only with the death of this Jedi would he avenge his father's death, but it would also prove him better than his father ever was. He salivated at the thought of being the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy. Suddenly a blue glow caught his attention. He looked at his victim again and noticed the Jedi's light saber, the sound of the laser sword causing a chill to run down his spine. He quickly changed directions and crashed through a plate glass window, taking the Jedi with him.
Obi Wan closed his eyes as glass fell all around him. He then felt his body begin to fall, but was stopped by a very hard jerk, almost breaking his neck. The sudden stop almost caused him to pass out, and he dropped his light saber. He used what energy he had and quickly called his weapon back to him with the use of the Force. As he hung in mid air his vision began to blur, he quickly thought of a solution. He began to swing his legs towards a balcony on the Senate building, finally getting enough momentum to reach the ledge and pull himself on. He stood up and ignited his light saber.
Bobba saw this and growled to himself. 'Don't these Jedi ever die?' He quickly took off, heading to the top of the Senate building. Obi Wan gasped as the cable once again tightened around his throat and dragged him higher. His body smacked into the side of the building with a jarring thud, causing immediate pain in the Jedi's right shoulder. Suddenly a statue on the top of the Senate building came into view of Obi Wan's path. He tried to maneuver around it, but instead he was dragged along side the bird like statue, the beak making a long gash along the Jedi's arm, and causing him to drop his light saber.
By this time Obi Wan hadn't much strength to call his weapon back to him. There is only so much hanging a man can take, even a man powerful with the Force. Bobba Fett continued to climb above the Senate building, watching the body below him twitch and begin to fall limp. Obi Wan felt his legs and arms begin to grow numb, he also felt the air in his body begin to leave him. He for the second time in the span of a week prepared himself for death.
Suddenly a stray laser hit Bobba's rocket pack and the two began to fall towards the roof of the Senate building. Bobba glanced up at the sky and noticed a yellow and silver star ship flying towards him. He braced himself for the impact of the roof. Obi Wan hit the roof top with a bone crunching thud and found himself struggling for air. He quickly removed the cable from around his neck.
The Naboo star fighter carefully landed on the roof, trying to avoid landing on anyone. Obi Wan stared at the fighter in confusion as the pilot ran to him. The pilot knelt next to him and removed their helmet. Several brown braids fell around her slender face and she glanced down at the Jedi.
"Obi Wan?" She asked, concerned.
Obi Wan coughed and stared up at the feminine figure. "Senator Amidala?" He coughed again. "What are you doing here?"
She smiled. "Apparently saving your life." She ran a hand through his sweat soaked hair. "Just returning the favor."
Suddenly blaster fire interrupted the two and Padme grabbed her gun and returned fire. Obi Wan struggled to his feet and pushed the Senator back behind one of the statues. They glanced at Bobba who was firing his father's two small blasters. Obi Wan glanced at his belt and remembered he dropped his light saber. 'Of course.' He thought to himself.
Bobba suddenly put his father's blasters away and grabbed a much larger one. Obi Wan stared at the gun in awe, he had been at war for two years now, seen all manner of weapons, but never had seen a gun such as this. Bobba aimed it at the statue and Obi Wan grabbed Padme and pushed her to the ground just as the blast disintegrated the statue. The two friends looked at the smoking pile of ash that was left of the marble bird and quickly ran for more cover. Obi Wan pushed Padme behind another one of the statues when he noticed a silver cylinder lying next to the pile of ash. He quickly called his light saber to him.
"So now what master Jedi?" Padme asked, breathing heavily.
Obi Wan thought for a moment, and noticed a door about two yards from where they were hiding. "I'll draw his fire, you make for that door." He told her.
Padme glanced at the door, then back at her friend. "What if he shoots you?" She asked, motioning to the pile of smoking ash.
Obi Wan smiled. "Then I'll have to make sure he doesn't shoot me."
Padme sighed nervously and nodded. She began to muster up her strength to run. Obi Wan concentrated on the Force and ran towards Bobba. The bounty hunter was surprised at the Jedi's boldness and began to involuntarily back away. He shot at Obi Wan several times, but the Jedi dodged the blast each time. Obi Wan jumped in the air and came down with a powerful kick to Bobba's mid section. Bobba fell backwards to the ground, his father's helmet falling off his head.
Obi Wan kicked the gun from the bounty hunters hands and placed his light saber up to his neck. Suddenly Obi Wan realized that his opponent was a thirteen year old boy. He stared into Bobba's large brown eyes and felt a lump in his throat. He lowered his weapon and pulled out a set of binders from his belt. He turned the young bounty hunter over and bound his hands behind his back. The Jedi then rose to his feet and quickly walked to the door of the Senate building.
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Anakin swung his light saber gracefully through the air, causing another of the flying droids to split in half and crash to the ground. He smiled at himself as he continued to skillfully destroy the annoying little droids.
"Don't worry Chancellor Palpatine, I'll be there shortly." He called to the Chancellor as he cut down another droid. 'This is too easy.' He thought to himself as he jumped to another of the flying platforms. Suddenly several of the small droids transformed into spider like shapes and flung themselves at the young Jedi's body. Anakin gave a short yelp as the droids dug their "claws" into his flesh. He began to remove them one by one. He then felt electrical currents flow through his body. He stumbled backwards as the droids continued to shock him.
Anakin fell back to the seat of the platform, writhing in pain as the droids continued to shock him. He tried to remove the droids, but they dug their claws deeper into his skin. He then felt a strange power come over him through the intense pain and agony these droids were causing. He called upon that power and felt a renewed strength. He suddenly Force pushed the small droids off of his body and crashed them into an opposite wall. He stood as this power flowed through him and he began to fire blue bolts of lightening from his left hand. After he had dispatched all of the droids he suddenly came to his conscious self and fell backwards to the seat of the platform. He held up his left hand in awe. He quickly shook off his personal feelings and began to jump platform to platform until he reached the center of the room. He quickly disabled the platforms and they hung in midair.
Anakin reached the Chancellor and untied him. The old man stared at Anakin with eyes wide as saucers. Anakin removed the Chancellor's gag and helped him to his feet.
"Are you alright sir?" Anakin asked.
Palpatine backed away from Anakin for a moment, and Anakin worried if he had done something wrong. "My boy that was the most amazing display of power I have ever seen." Palpatine then clasped Anakin on the shoulder. "You are without a doubt the most powerful Jedi in the history of the Jedi."
Anakin smiled, and looked down at his left hand. "All in a days work Chancellor."
Palpatine smiled. "Yes, indeed."
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Padme ran down the dark halls of the structure, heading towards her office. She came to her hallway and found it in almost ruin. She swallowed her fear as she made her way towards the end of the hall. Suddenly she saw movement under some of the rubble, she quickly ran to the source of the movement and her heart broke at the sight before her.
"Jar Jar?" She asked, moving some of the rubble off the Gungan's head. The amphibious creature was covered in dust, and had a huge gash on his head and one of his eyes seemed to fill with blood as he looked at Padme. Padme felt her own eyes fill with tears.
"Milady Padme?" Jar Jar coughed, and Padme nodded. "Yousa safe!" Jar Jar tried to smile. "Meesa was so worried about yousa." He coughed again. Jar Jar then looked into the senator's sad eyes. "Masser Qui Gooon told meesa to protect yousa as meesa's life debt." The Gungan explained. "Meesa's life debt is done meesa thinks."
Padme shook her head. "No." She argued. She then felt the life leave her long time friend. She carefully closed his eyelids and placed a hand on his chest. She cried a few more tears for her friend before rising to her feet and heading for her office. She then saw two figures making their way towards her. She ran to meet them and saw Captain Typho, carrying a woman's body and her hand maiden Dorme walking next to him.
"Senator Amidala?" Captain Typho asked relief evident in his voice.
Padme ran and hugged Dorme and then glanced at the body in Typho's arms. She placed a hand on the cold cheek of her life long friend. "Sabe." She suddenly couldn't stop the onslaught of tears streaming down her face. She held the lifeless hand in hers. "Oh gods Sabe."
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Obi Wan ran back to where he had left Anakin, he feared that his apprentice may have had to engage in a fight with Count Dooku. He had felt a strange disturbance through the Force involving his padawan and his fear grew as he came closer to the Senate hall. He came to a quick stop when he saw the tall form of his apprentice leading Chancellor Palpatine through the rubble. He ran to meet them.
"Anakin!" Obi Wan called when he spotted them. He stopped to catch his breath and glanced at his apprentice then at the Chancellor. "Are you alright?" He asked both of them, noticing Anakin's tattered tunic and strange burns on his skin.
"The Chancellor has a hurt leg master." Anakin informed. Obi Wan nodded and gave a look towards Anakin. "I am fine master." He assured. Anakin then noticed the bleeding bruise forming on Obi Wan's neck. "Are you alright master?" He asked.
Obi Wan placed a hand on his wound. "Oh yes I'm fine." He stated. "Thanks to Senator Amidala."
Anakin tensed when he heard his wife's name mentioned. "Wait, Padme is here?" He asked.
"Yes Anakin, Senator Amidala is here." Obi Wan reminded his apprentice to use formal addressing while in the presence of the Chancellor.
"And she saved you?" Anakin asked, his blood boiling.
"Yes padawan. She is quite resourceful." Obi Wan explained.
Chancellor Palpatine glanced between the two Jedi and smiled. He could sense the tension building between master and apprentice. Suddenly the two Jedi felt a strange disturbance through the Force.
Obi Wan stopped in mid sentence and listened to the Force. Anakin seemed to stare into space, then back at his master. "What is that?" He asked.
Obi Wan closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm not sure."
"I sense a dark disturbance through the Force." Anakin stated. "It's coming from this building." He looked at his master, searching for an answer. "It's Count Dooku."
Obi Wan suddenly opened his eyes. "And Master Tachi." He glanced at his padawan, then at the Chancellor. "Anakin, make sure the Chancellor is safe." He commanded and quickly headed in the direction of the disturbance.
Anakin huffed at being left behind; he also had a bone to pick with Dooku. He glanced at the Chancellor who seemed to be reading his thoughts.
"You know Anakin; this little kidnapping has put something to my attention." Palpatine stated. "I need someone by my side that has the strength to protect me." He smiled at Anakin, who was staring at him. "How would you like to be my personal body guard?"
Anakin was taken back by this. "Chancellor? I don't know if I would be aloud." He motioned to where Obi Wan had just been.
"I'm sure I can come to some sort of arrangement with the Council." Palpatine gave a warm smile. "During the duration of the war of course."
Anakin nodded. "Of course."
"Any leader would be blessed to have the most powerful Jedi as his right hand." Palpatine stated, putting an arm around Anakin. Anakin couldn't help beaming with pride. "Will you join me my son?"
Anakin thought about it for a moment. "I would be honored Chancellor." He stated with a bow.
Palpatine smiled. "Now as your fist act as my body guard, I want you to take care of Count Dooku by any means necessary."
Anakin nodded and followed Obi Wan towards the disturbance.
Palpatine smiled. "Good, very good."
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Dooku struggled against the power that held him against the wall. He was surprised by the power that was being displayed by Siri Tachi. He looked at her and noticed the anger in her eyes. He knew she was treading a thin line between light and dark.
Siri used the Force and pulled Dooku down from one wall, and threw him against another with a loud thud. She stared at him. "How are you enjoying it Master Dooku?" She asked. "How are you enjoying the pain?"
Dooku felt his body being pressed against the wall. "If this is your idea of revenge master Tachi, then you have quite a few things to learn." He spoke in his arrogant voice.
"Really?" Siri asked, walking up to him. "Well this is my first time." She eyed the dark Jedi, still holding him against the wall. "Maybe I should strip you of your clothes and let my servants have their way with you." She Force pushed him against another wall. "Or pump your blood full of a hallucinogenic drug, making you have deranged visions, making you believe that everyone you ever cared for is dead, and that you have gone insane." Her voice cracked at the memories.
Dooku eyed the young woman and smiled; he then counteracted the Force push and pushed Siri across the room. He fell to the floor. "I sense your anger Master Tachi, use that against me." He snarled as he rose to his feet.
Siri picked herself up and began to circle her opponent. She tried to keep her anger in check, but found it increasingly difficult. She quickly ducked behind a column as Dooku sent Force lightening flying at her.
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Obi Wan raced to where he sensed the disturbance, he prayed he wasn't too late. He couldn't believe how stupid he was to believe that Siri would actually go back to the Temple when she knew Dooku was near. 'She never has listened to me, what made me think she'd start now?' He thought to himself as he rounded another corner. He quickly came to the Chancellor's office and knew that was where the disturbance was coming from. He entered the sitting room and came to a set of double doors that lead into the office. He heard the distinct sound of Force lightening and he then saw the two opponents. His heart leaped into his throat when he saw the look on Siri's face.
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Siri continued to duck behind the column when she felt a familiar presence closing in on her. She quickly turned her attention and noticed Obi Wan Kenobi making his way into the office, his light saber ignited. She quickly Force pushed him back outside the office and pushed the double doors closed. She then Force pushed the Chancellor's huge desk in front of the doors.
Dooku raised an eye brow at this. "In your sleep you screamed his name so often, and now when he finally comes to your rescue you refuse his help." He chuckled. "That is why I can never understand you women.
Siri gave him a mock chuckle and called upon the Force, causing some of the ceiling to collapse on top of Dooku.
************
Obi Wan felt himself being pushed by the Force back out the door. "Siri, no!" He called out as he saw the doors swing shut. He quickly got to his feet and raced back to the door. He pushed on the doors, knowing it was no good. He then pulled out his light saber and plunged it into the steel.
Anakin Skywalker raced after his master; he suddenly felt the guidance of the Force telling him to head for the Chancellor's office. He raced down the hall and stopped short when he saw Obi Wan being Force pushed outside the office. He then saw his master run back and plunge his saber into the door. Anakin followed suit.
"Anakin?" Obi Wan inquired. "I thought I told you to stay with the chancellor?"
"Chancellor Palpatine told me to help you." Anakin hid some of the truth from his master.
Obi Wan sensed Anakin hiding something from him, but didn't inquire any further. "Master Tachi is in there with Dooku." He explained.
Anakin nodded and the two began to melt the door with their light sabers.
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Siri stood above Dooku as the old man began to remove pieces of the ceiling from him. She then kneeled over him, pinning him down with the weight of her body. She then pulled out the syringe from her pouch on her belt.
"Or perhaps I should fill your veins with a horrible virus that will cause you a slow and painful death." She said pulling out the vile that was also in her pouch.
Dooku said nothing, but watched as she filled the syringe.
Siri looked at him; she felt the rage rise inside of her at the image of this man. "Then, I can shave your head and brand you for what's left of your life with numbers that indicate you were nothing more than digit in a computer." She removed the head dress and turned her head so Dooku could see the black numbers. "Is that a more fitting revenge?" She asked.
Dooku smiled. "Much better Master Tachi." He then laughed and Siri punched him, causing his lip to bleed. "Good, feel your anger Siri, use that against me." He smiled and she punched him again.
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Obi Wan sensed his friend's thoughts and he grew worried. "Siri, do not give in to the dark side!" He called through the doors. "If you give in to hate, then he will have won!"
Anakin stared at his master; he had never felt such emotions coming from the usually emotionally handicapped knight. He knew that Siri and Obi Wan were very close friends, and had been together through many missions, but something in his tone made Anakin wonder if there could be something more. He quickly shook off the idea; he could never see Obi Wan loving someone.
The two Jedi continued to use their weapons to melt the strong metal.
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Siri punched Dooku one more time, causing the fallen Jedi to pass out momentarily. She then picked up the syringe and held it in front of her eyes. She pushed on the end, causing some of the liquid to spill out, trickling down her hand. Her mind was clouded with anger and she had no other desire then to drive the needle into Dooku's flesh. But something was stopping her; she felt a strange whisper in the back of her mind.
Suddenly she caught her reflection in the grand window of the Chancellor's office, and the voice she was hearing was suddenly much clearer.
"If you give in to hate, then he will have won!" She heard Obi Wan call through the door.
She found herself looking down at Dooku and seeing the dark side radiating off him. She then felt the same power inside her. She quickly dropped the syringe and rose to her feet. She felt tears streaming down her face as she stared at Dooku, she still hated him, but she no longer feared him, and even a part of her pitied him.
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Obi Wan felt despair run through him as he could no longer sense what was happening in the office. He suddenly found himself hating blast doors as he tried to push his way through with his saber. Suddenly the doors flew open and Siri Tachi was standing in the door way, tears running down her cheeks.
Obi Wan and Anakin ran into the room. Obi Wan grabbed Siri as she collapsed; he held her face, forcing her to look at him. "Siri, you didn't?" He asked.
She shook her head. "No." She answered him. "I didn't." She then passed out.
Obi Wan held her tightly and thanked the Force. He then noticed her head dress in her hands. He took it and placed it on her head; he then lifted her into his arms.
Anakin watched and shook his head. He then turned his attention to the still form of Count Dooku. He knelt down and felt the old man's pulse. "Well, she didn't kill him, but she sure knocked him out." He told Obi Wan.
Obi Wan nodded. "Anakin, I need to take Master Tachi back to the Temple." He explained. "Take Dooku into custody, the war is over." He said with a smile.
Anakin nodded and watched Obi Wan leave the room, carrying Siri. He then turned his attention to Dooku, who to Anakin's surprise was suddenly awake.
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TBC: Uh oh!
Author: ewan's girl
*Author's note: Hey look at this another chapter, am I good or what? Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. And I wish everyone a happy 2004.
Chapter 12:
The wire began to pierce the skin of his neck as he continued to be dragged along the corridors of the Senate building. He reached for his light saber, but found it difficult as his body once again slammed into a wall. He gagged as the wire clutched tighter and tighter around his throat; he tried to pull it away with his hands.
Bobba Fett glanced back at his opponent and smiled. He had long wished revenge on the Jedi. Not only with the death of this Jedi would he avenge his father's death, but it would also prove him better than his father ever was. He salivated at the thought of being the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy. Suddenly a blue glow caught his attention. He looked at his victim again and noticed the Jedi's light saber, the sound of the laser sword causing a chill to run down his spine. He quickly changed directions and crashed through a plate glass window, taking the Jedi with him.
Obi Wan closed his eyes as glass fell all around him. He then felt his body begin to fall, but was stopped by a very hard jerk, almost breaking his neck. The sudden stop almost caused him to pass out, and he dropped his light saber. He used what energy he had and quickly called his weapon back to him with the use of the Force. As he hung in mid air his vision began to blur, he quickly thought of a solution. He began to swing his legs towards a balcony on the Senate building, finally getting enough momentum to reach the ledge and pull himself on. He stood up and ignited his light saber.
Bobba saw this and growled to himself. 'Don't these Jedi ever die?' He quickly took off, heading to the top of the Senate building. Obi Wan gasped as the cable once again tightened around his throat and dragged him higher. His body smacked into the side of the building with a jarring thud, causing immediate pain in the Jedi's right shoulder. Suddenly a statue on the top of the Senate building came into view of Obi Wan's path. He tried to maneuver around it, but instead he was dragged along side the bird like statue, the beak making a long gash along the Jedi's arm, and causing him to drop his light saber.
By this time Obi Wan hadn't much strength to call his weapon back to him. There is only so much hanging a man can take, even a man powerful with the Force. Bobba Fett continued to climb above the Senate building, watching the body below him twitch and begin to fall limp. Obi Wan felt his legs and arms begin to grow numb, he also felt the air in his body begin to leave him. He for the second time in the span of a week prepared himself for death.
Suddenly a stray laser hit Bobba's rocket pack and the two began to fall towards the roof of the Senate building. Bobba glanced up at the sky and noticed a yellow and silver star ship flying towards him. He braced himself for the impact of the roof. Obi Wan hit the roof top with a bone crunching thud and found himself struggling for air. He quickly removed the cable from around his neck.
The Naboo star fighter carefully landed on the roof, trying to avoid landing on anyone. Obi Wan stared at the fighter in confusion as the pilot ran to him. The pilot knelt next to him and removed their helmet. Several brown braids fell around her slender face and she glanced down at the Jedi.
"Obi Wan?" She asked, concerned.
Obi Wan coughed and stared up at the feminine figure. "Senator Amidala?" He coughed again. "What are you doing here?"
She smiled. "Apparently saving your life." She ran a hand through his sweat soaked hair. "Just returning the favor."
Suddenly blaster fire interrupted the two and Padme grabbed her gun and returned fire. Obi Wan struggled to his feet and pushed the Senator back behind one of the statues. They glanced at Bobba who was firing his father's two small blasters. Obi Wan glanced at his belt and remembered he dropped his light saber. 'Of course.' He thought to himself.
Bobba suddenly put his father's blasters away and grabbed a much larger one. Obi Wan stared at the gun in awe, he had been at war for two years now, seen all manner of weapons, but never had seen a gun such as this. Bobba aimed it at the statue and Obi Wan grabbed Padme and pushed her to the ground just as the blast disintegrated the statue. The two friends looked at the smoking pile of ash that was left of the marble bird and quickly ran for more cover. Obi Wan pushed Padme behind another one of the statues when he noticed a silver cylinder lying next to the pile of ash. He quickly called his light saber to him.
"So now what master Jedi?" Padme asked, breathing heavily.
Obi Wan thought for a moment, and noticed a door about two yards from where they were hiding. "I'll draw his fire, you make for that door." He told her.
Padme glanced at the door, then back at her friend. "What if he shoots you?" She asked, motioning to the pile of smoking ash.
Obi Wan smiled. "Then I'll have to make sure he doesn't shoot me."
Padme sighed nervously and nodded. She began to muster up her strength to run. Obi Wan concentrated on the Force and ran towards Bobba. The bounty hunter was surprised at the Jedi's boldness and began to involuntarily back away. He shot at Obi Wan several times, but the Jedi dodged the blast each time. Obi Wan jumped in the air and came down with a powerful kick to Bobba's mid section. Bobba fell backwards to the ground, his father's helmet falling off his head.
Obi Wan kicked the gun from the bounty hunters hands and placed his light saber up to his neck. Suddenly Obi Wan realized that his opponent was a thirteen year old boy. He stared into Bobba's large brown eyes and felt a lump in his throat. He lowered his weapon and pulled out a set of binders from his belt. He turned the young bounty hunter over and bound his hands behind his back. The Jedi then rose to his feet and quickly walked to the door of the Senate building.
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Anakin swung his light saber gracefully through the air, causing another of the flying droids to split in half and crash to the ground. He smiled at himself as he continued to skillfully destroy the annoying little droids.
"Don't worry Chancellor Palpatine, I'll be there shortly." He called to the Chancellor as he cut down another droid. 'This is too easy.' He thought to himself as he jumped to another of the flying platforms. Suddenly several of the small droids transformed into spider like shapes and flung themselves at the young Jedi's body. Anakin gave a short yelp as the droids dug their "claws" into his flesh. He began to remove them one by one. He then felt electrical currents flow through his body. He stumbled backwards as the droids continued to shock him.
Anakin fell back to the seat of the platform, writhing in pain as the droids continued to shock him. He tried to remove the droids, but they dug their claws deeper into his skin. He then felt a strange power come over him through the intense pain and agony these droids were causing. He called upon that power and felt a renewed strength. He suddenly Force pushed the small droids off of his body and crashed them into an opposite wall. He stood as this power flowed through him and he began to fire blue bolts of lightening from his left hand. After he had dispatched all of the droids he suddenly came to his conscious self and fell backwards to the seat of the platform. He held up his left hand in awe. He quickly shook off his personal feelings and began to jump platform to platform until he reached the center of the room. He quickly disabled the platforms and they hung in midair.
Anakin reached the Chancellor and untied him. The old man stared at Anakin with eyes wide as saucers. Anakin removed the Chancellor's gag and helped him to his feet.
"Are you alright sir?" Anakin asked.
Palpatine backed away from Anakin for a moment, and Anakin worried if he had done something wrong. "My boy that was the most amazing display of power I have ever seen." Palpatine then clasped Anakin on the shoulder. "You are without a doubt the most powerful Jedi in the history of the Jedi."
Anakin smiled, and looked down at his left hand. "All in a days work Chancellor."
Palpatine smiled. "Yes, indeed."
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Padme ran down the dark halls of the structure, heading towards her office. She came to her hallway and found it in almost ruin. She swallowed her fear as she made her way towards the end of the hall. Suddenly she saw movement under some of the rubble, she quickly ran to the source of the movement and her heart broke at the sight before her.
"Jar Jar?" She asked, moving some of the rubble off the Gungan's head. The amphibious creature was covered in dust, and had a huge gash on his head and one of his eyes seemed to fill with blood as he looked at Padme. Padme felt her own eyes fill with tears.
"Milady Padme?" Jar Jar coughed, and Padme nodded. "Yousa safe!" Jar Jar tried to smile. "Meesa was so worried about yousa." He coughed again. Jar Jar then looked into the senator's sad eyes. "Masser Qui Gooon told meesa to protect yousa as meesa's life debt." The Gungan explained. "Meesa's life debt is done meesa thinks."
Padme shook her head. "No." She argued. She then felt the life leave her long time friend. She carefully closed his eyelids and placed a hand on his chest. She cried a few more tears for her friend before rising to her feet and heading for her office. She then saw two figures making their way towards her. She ran to meet them and saw Captain Typho, carrying a woman's body and her hand maiden Dorme walking next to him.
"Senator Amidala?" Captain Typho asked relief evident in his voice.
Padme ran and hugged Dorme and then glanced at the body in Typho's arms. She placed a hand on the cold cheek of her life long friend. "Sabe." She suddenly couldn't stop the onslaught of tears streaming down her face. She held the lifeless hand in hers. "Oh gods Sabe."
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Obi Wan ran back to where he had left Anakin, he feared that his apprentice may have had to engage in a fight with Count Dooku. He had felt a strange disturbance through the Force involving his padawan and his fear grew as he came closer to the Senate hall. He came to a quick stop when he saw the tall form of his apprentice leading Chancellor Palpatine through the rubble. He ran to meet them.
"Anakin!" Obi Wan called when he spotted them. He stopped to catch his breath and glanced at his apprentice then at the Chancellor. "Are you alright?" He asked both of them, noticing Anakin's tattered tunic and strange burns on his skin.
"The Chancellor has a hurt leg master." Anakin informed. Obi Wan nodded and gave a look towards Anakin. "I am fine master." He assured. Anakin then noticed the bleeding bruise forming on Obi Wan's neck. "Are you alright master?" He asked.
Obi Wan placed a hand on his wound. "Oh yes I'm fine." He stated. "Thanks to Senator Amidala."
Anakin tensed when he heard his wife's name mentioned. "Wait, Padme is here?" He asked.
"Yes Anakin, Senator Amidala is here." Obi Wan reminded his apprentice to use formal addressing while in the presence of the Chancellor.
"And she saved you?" Anakin asked, his blood boiling.
"Yes padawan. She is quite resourceful." Obi Wan explained.
Chancellor Palpatine glanced between the two Jedi and smiled. He could sense the tension building between master and apprentice. Suddenly the two Jedi felt a strange disturbance through the Force.
Obi Wan stopped in mid sentence and listened to the Force. Anakin seemed to stare into space, then back at his master. "What is that?" He asked.
Obi Wan closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm not sure."
"I sense a dark disturbance through the Force." Anakin stated. "It's coming from this building." He looked at his master, searching for an answer. "It's Count Dooku."
Obi Wan suddenly opened his eyes. "And Master Tachi." He glanced at his padawan, then at the Chancellor. "Anakin, make sure the Chancellor is safe." He commanded and quickly headed in the direction of the disturbance.
Anakin huffed at being left behind; he also had a bone to pick with Dooku. He glanced at the Chancellor who seemed to be reading his thoughts.
"You know Anakin; this little kidnapping has put something to my attention." Palpatine stated. "I need someone by my side that has the strength to protect me." He smiled at Anakin, who was staring at him. "How would you like to be my personal body guard?"
Anakin was taken back by this. "Chancellor? I don't know if I would be aloud." He motioned to where Obi Wan had just been.
"I'm sure I can come to some sort of arrangement with the Council." Palpatine gave a warm smile. "During the duration of the war of course."
Anakin nodded. "Of course."
"Any leader would be blessed to have the most powerful Jedi as his right hand." Palpatine stated, putting an arm around Anakin. Anakin couldn't help beaming with pride. "Will you join me my son?"
Anakin thought about it for a moment. "I would be honored Chancellor." He stated with a bow.
Palpatine smiled. "Now as your fist act as my body guard, I want you to take care of Count Dooku by any means necessary."
Anakin nodded and followed Obi Wan towards the disturbance.
Palpatine smiled. "Good, very good."
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Dooku struggled against the power that held him against the wall. He was surprised by the power that was being displayed by Siri Tachi. He looked at her and noticed the anger in her eyes. He knew she was treading a thin line between light and dark.
Siri used the Force and pulled Dooku down from one wall, and threw him against another with a loud thud. She stared at him. "How are you enjoying it Master Dooku?" She asked. "How are you enjoying the pain?"
Dooku felt his body being pressed against the wall. "If this is your idea of revenge master Tachi, then you have quite a few things to learn." He spoke in his arrogant voice.
"Really?" Siri asked, walking up to him. "Well this is my first time." She eyed the dark Jedi, still holding him against the wall. "Maybe I should strip you of your clothes and let my servants have their way with you." She Force pushed him against another wall. "Or pump your blood full of a hallucinogenic drug, making you have deranged visions, making you believe that everyone you ever cared for is dead, and that you have gone insane." Her voice cracked at the memories.
Dooku eyed the young woman and smiled; he then counteracted the Force push and pushed Siri across the room. He fell to the floor. "I sense your anger Master Tachi, use that against me." He snarled as he rose to his feet.
Siri picked herself up and began to circle her opponent. She tried to keep her anger in check, but found it increasingly difficult. She quickly ducked behind a column as Dooku sent Force lightening flying at her.
*************
Obi Wan raced to where he sensed the disturbance, he prayed he wasn't too late. He couldn't believe how stupid he was to believe that Siri would actually go back to the Temple when she knew Dooku was near. 'She never has listened to me, what made me think she'd start now?' He thought to himself as he rounded another corner. He quickly came to the Chancellor's office and knew that was where the disturbance was coming from. He entered the sitting room and came to a set of double doors that lead into the office. He heard the distinct sound of Force lightening and he then saw the two opponents. His heart leaped into his throat when he saw the look on Siri's face.
*******
Siri continued to duck behind the column when she felt a familiar presence closing in on her. She quickly turned her attention and noticed Obi Wan Kenobi making his way into the office, his light saber ignited. She quickly Force pushed him back outside the office and pushed the double doors closed. She then Force pushed the Chancellor's huge desk in front of the doors.
Dooku raised an eye brow at this. "In your sleep you screamed his name so often, and now when he finally comes to your rescue you refuse his help." He chuckled. "That is why I can never understand you women.
Siri gave him a mock chuckle and called upon the Force, causing some of the ceiling to collapse on top of Dooku.
************
Obi Wan felt himself being pushed by the Force back out the door. "Siri, no!" He called out as he saw the doors swing shut. He quickly got to his feet and raced back to the door. He pushed on the doors, knowing it was no good. He then pulled out his light saber and plunged it into the steel.
Anakin Skywalker raced after his master; he suddenly felt the guidance of the Force telling him to head for the Chancellor's office. He raced down the hall and stopped short when he saw Obi Wan being Force pushed outside the office. He then saw his master run back and plunge his saber into the door. Anakin followed suit.
"Anakin?" Obi Wan inquired. "I thought I told you to stay with the chancellor?"
"Chancellor Palpatine told me to help you." Anakin hid some of the truth from his master.
Obi Wan sensed Anakin hiding something from him, but didn't inquire any further. "Master Tachi is in there with Dooku." He explained.
Anakin nodded and the two began to melt the door with their light sabers.
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Siri stood above Dooku as the old man began to remove pieces of the ceiling from him. She then kneeled over him, pinning him down with the weight of her body. She then pulled out the syringe from her pouch on her belt.
"Or perhaps I should fill your veins with a horrible virus that will cause you a slow and painful death." She said pulling out the vile that was also in her pouch.
Dooku said nothing, but watched as she filled the syringe.
Siri looked at him; she felt the rage rise inside of her at the image of this man. "Then, I can shave your head and brand you for what's left of your life with numbers that indicate you were nothing more than digit in a computer." She removed the head dress and turned her head so Dooku could see the black numbers. "Is that a more fitting revenge?" She asked.
Dooku smiled. "Much better Master Tachi." He then laughed and Siri punched him, causing his lip to bleed. "Good, feel your anger Siri, use that against me." He smiled and she punched him again.
**************
Obi Wan sensed his friend's thoughts and he grew worried. "Siri, do not give in to the dark side!" He called through the doors. "If you give in to hate, then he will have won!"
Anakin stared at his master; he had never felt such emotions coming from the usually emotionally handicapped knight. He knew that Siri and Obi Wan were very close friends, and had been together through many missions, but something in his tone made Anakin wonder if there could be something more. He quickly shook off the idea; he could never see Obi Wan loving someone.
The two Jedi continued to use their weapons to melt the strong metal.
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Siri punched Dooku one more time, causing the fallen Jedi to pass out momentarily. She then picked up the syringe and held it in front of her eyes. She pushed on the end, causing some of the liquid to spill out, trickling down her hand. Her mind was clouded with anger and she had no other desire then to drive the needle into Dooku's flesh. But something was stopping her; she felt a strange whisper in the back of her mind.
Suddenly she caught her reflection in the grand window of the Chancellor's office, and the voice she was hearing was suddenly much clearer.
"If you give in to hate, then he will have won!" She heard Obi Wan call through the door.
She found herself looking down at Dooku and seeing the dark side radiating off him. She then felt the same power inside her. She quickly dropped the syringe and rose to her feet. She felt tears streaming down her face as she stared at Dooku, she still hated him, but she no longer feared him, and even a part of her pitied him.
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Obi Wan felt despair run through him as he could no longer sense what was happening in the office. He suddenly found himself hating blast doors as he tried to push his way through with his saber. Suddenly the doors flew open and Siri Tachi was standing in the door way, tears running down her cheeks.
Obi Wan and Anakin ran into the room. Obi Wan grabbed Siri as she collapsed; he held her face, forcing her to look at him. "Siri, you didn't?" He asked.
She shook her head. "No." She answered him. "I didn't." She then passed out.
Obi Wan held her tightly and thanked the Force. He then noticed her head dress in her hands. He took it and placed it on her head; he then lifted her into his arms.
Anakin watched and shook his head. He then turned his attention to the still form of Count Dooku. He knelt down and felt the old man's pulse. "Well, she didn't kill him, but she sure knocked him out." He told Obi Wan.
Obi Wan nodded. "Anakin, I need to take Master Tachi back to the Temple." He explained. "Take Dooku into custody, the war is over." He said with a smile.
Anakin nodded and watched Obi Wan leave the room, carrying Siri. He then turned his attention to Dooku, who to Anakin's surprise was suddenly awake.
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TBC: Uh oh!