The Book of Revelations
Obi-Wan paced quietly onto the viewing deck of Senator's Amidala's apartment in the Izen Towers. He stood quietly in the center of the transparent domed room staring out at the city planet at night, it was aglow with the amber lights of the life below. Remaining still, his gaze found the streaming rivers of light as the constant flow of traffic moved through the artificial canyons of Coruscant.
Slowly he looked along the false horizon, where he could almost make out the Jedi temple in the distance. From there, he imagined the glorious sight of the lighting around the great spires.
Turning stiffly, he studied the quiet apprentice perched on a lounge chair working on the broken PodBot. Bright green eyes caught the pale lighting system as he looked up at his master. He smiled. "How are you feeling?"
The question surprised Obi-Wan and he realized that he was still completely shielded, even the training bond was strangled. Consciously relaxing his shielding just enough to breath life into the bond, he could see and feel the youth visibly relax.
Walking softly across the deck, he approached the youth and reached out allowing rough fingers to brush under the youth's chin and tipped it up. He studied the bright green eyes, still trying to reconcile a truth he already accepted. It made sense in his heart, even if his brain still denied the youth's birthright.
How could he have been so blind all these years?
Brushing his fingers through the apprentice's thick, dark brown spikes he elicited a warm giggle. The Jedi realized with some relief that nothing had truly changed.
"I am fine, Padawan. Sore and tired, but fine." He sank to the lounge chair shared by Bali. Reaching out, he pulled the broken droid from the apprentice's hand and turned the green form about. Its black and gold antenna flopped around lifelessly.
The Jedi wondered what the little droid had seen all those years ago when Bali had been attacked in the senate. Twisting the droid about he wondered, if in the fried memory banks did Warbler remember the flashes and dark eyes that so haunted him?
No, that was just silly. The PodBot was just a droid, nothing but a series of wires and circuits.
"Master?"
Obi-Wan turned back and gave the worried youth a smile. "The Senator has retired for the evening?"
"Yes. She wants to be up early to review notes before going before the Senate and demanding the chancellor relinquish his emergency powers."
Nodding slightly, the older Jedi turned his attention back to the broken droid. "Sometimes, I forget that you are no longer a little boy, but it does not change the fact that you are my padawan and I have sworn to protect you above all else."
"Yes, Master, of course. I understand that." The youth shifted so he could better face the older Jedi. "I do understand. I just—"
Obi-Wan twisted to study the worried face. "Have faith in me, Padawan. Have faith that I know what I am doing and no matter what happens it is because it was meant to be. Nothing more."
"Yes, Master," came the obedient reply.
Smiling softly, the older Jedi passed the small droid back to Bali. "As a Jedi we grow up too fast, do not try to speed it up."
"Oh, do not worry," Bali said with a grin. "Awar and I have been visiting and I am certain he has a trick or two up his sleeve waiting for my return."
"Or three."
The apprentice grinned sheepishly as he made to focus on the droid in his hold. "I cannot always be the good apprentice. I will get a bad reputation."
"My apprentice, you already have one. Or do we suddenly forget the years of terror between ages eight and ten?"
"I thought I was just mischievous back then."
Obi-Wan gave a great laugh and it felt wonderful. "Mischievous? To my knowledge you and Awar are the only two to ever be restricted from getting within twenty meters of the women's locker room on the practice level."
"It was rather frustrating since the men's locker room was next door. We had to keep going back to our apartments to clean up after every practice."
"You should have thought about that before your released that explosive soap bomb in there."
"It was Awar's idea! I did not know it was going to explode into a solid block of bubbles," Bali grinned wickedly. "You should have seen the look on Master Gallia's face when she came flying out of there completely naked."
Obi-Wan frowned. "Probably similar to mine when she stormed into the middle of the shower I was taking to register a complaint."
Grinning, Bali innocently looked away.
The mention of the Councillor's name brought an air of sadness. She was one of many who had not survived the civil war. Her death had come at the hands of an angry mob that blamed the Jedi for causing the civil war that was choking their colony. They surrounded and beat her to death, never once did she raise her weapon to them. They then bound her body to a post just outside the transport station as a reminder and warning to all that they would not tolerate Jedi presence on their colony.
After a long silence, Obi-Wan reached up and flicked the youth's long dual colored padawan braid. He spoke softly for Bali's ears only should anyone else be listening. "Despite your tendency for mischievous acts, occasionally disobeying when you should be attending to my orders, you are a good padawan, but you must obey me, too much depends on it."
"Why does that statement worry me?" Bali frowned.
"Thank you for the vote of confidence."
"I just, I worry that is all."
"I know, Padawan, and you should not."
Bali nodded, even if he did not always agree with or understand his master. "I have not quite got Warbler working again." He turned to Obi-Wan and studied his master's weary face. "Everything sort of happened so fast. We were visiting, then there was this brush of darkness that vanished as fast as it appeared, then all of the sudden the chancellor was there for a surprise visit."
Listening intently, the older folded his arms across his chest, seeking the warmth in the heavy cloak.
Through the newly reopened training bond, Bali sensed pain that Obi-Wan had not been successful in blocking. His master was still suffering much from his recent injuries. Focusing on his story, he continued, "Everything was happening around me and I did try to pay attention but I think a lot happened without my knowledge." He twisted the droid about again. "I just left it circling the room, I did not think Warbler would cause any harm. But when it flew around the chancellor it freaked out. It started whistling and chirping and ramming me then it started to break down. I could not feel anything wrong but just on a hunch I grabbed it and wrapped it in a Force shield and stopped whatever was happening to it." He paused and carefully thought about his next words. "It was like Warbler was trying to push me away from the chancellor."
"Hmm, maybe that little droid is smarter than I give it credit for." "I do not believe you are the only one to hold such a dislike for the chancellor," Bali said, his look turning serious. "Senator Amidala does not seem to like him much either," he paused, "but I thought they were allies?"
"Once during the blockade of Naboo. I suspect their political paths began to shift with the end of the civil war."
"A lot has changed with the civil war's end." Bali frowned but never took his bright green gaze from his master. He noticed that the older man occasionally looked at him strangely, but then the look eased into the same weariness he had long grown accustomed to. "I thought things would be better with the Republic unified again. Except there is this dark shadow over everything." He shook his head. "Maybe I am just crazy."
Pressing a reassuring hand to the youth's shoulder, Obi-Wan said, "No, Padawan, I feel it also."
"Master?"
"Yes, Padawan?"
Again, Bali hesitated, even though knowing his master would understand, it was still difficult to put his concerns into words. "Have you ever known of a non-Force sensitive to use compulsions?"
"There are some races that are more telepathic than others. There were creatures on Cath that are known to bend minds and they are not Force sensitive. Why?"
"I think Chancellor Palpatine was trying to make the Senator agree with him."
"One can be persuasive—"
Bali suddenly reached forward pressing his hand to his master's shoulder and said, "Join me and we can regain control of the Republic. Stand at my side."
Obi-Wan just looked at Bali.
The apprentice withdrew his hand knowing he had gotten his point across.
"Curious."
"I did not feel anything. I was standing right there and almost did not notice the conversation going on. I was working with Warbler but I was paying attention."
"I am sure you were."
Of that Obi-Wan could be certain as Bali was equally good at pretending to be distracted when he is very much enthralled with what is going on around him.
"I do not like him," Bali said softly. "It is not because he is a politician," he quickly added so not to have his words dismissed. "There is something wrong with him. I have always felt it, but now more than ever."
Obi-Wan nodded. "He is power grabbing and that is a dangerous agenda. I would suspect, without knowing for certain, that the council is also aware of this. Their sessions are lasting longer than usual."
"Should we not add this information?"
"No. I do not think it would be wise to send such beliefs over the comm systems."
"Someone should go—"
"No."
"Master?"
Shrugging into the folds of his cloak, Obi-Wan said slowly. "We are to remain in field until further notice."
A cold chill raced through the padawan. Mimicking his master, he folded himself into his cloak. The silence between the two Jedi grew to a roar, but still no words passed between them.
Obi-Wan bowed his head in thought, then spoke softly. "Is there anything else?"
"I will obey."
"No," the ginger haired Jedi looked to Bali.
"About the Sith witch? She is dead and cannot hurt me. I will not allow her to disturb my sleep with nightmares." The words were brave but inside, Bali still felt afraid. She had disarmed him so easily. Her touch was so cold and the memory of it drove him to pull at his cloak.
Something stirred in the back of his mind. The memory of a dying Jedi master whispering in his ear returned after being forgotten for so long.
"Who was she?"
Obi-Wan looked at the youth, then sighing heavily he said, "She was once a Jedi padawan who lost her way."
"Oh." Bali tried to drag up the memories of Nochian Spex's words but only vague notions of things came to him, the words long forgotten. Yet, something in him said the Sith witch, the fallen Jedi, was important. Did it have something to do with her maddened ramblings? He shook his head wishing things came together easier in his mind.
Again the apprentice sought out his master's tired expression. "What did she mean by me having her eyes?"
Obi-Wan was quiet for a time, but made no move. His words were soft and filled with regret. "She was insane, Padawan. She meant nothing other than to spread her madness. Just ignore her."
The Book of Disturbing News
The doors to the Jedi Council chamber glided open revealing a stern looking Nikto, Master Barras. He marched into the room with great authority. Pausing in the center of the patterned floor, he swept back his deep brown cloak revealing warm grays of his clothing that accentuated the burnt sienna of his rough skin. Dark eyes looked the circle of Jedi over.
"Knight Keemli is dead," he gruffly announced. "Her transport was gunned down just outside Coruscant regulated space by a sentry ship of the Republican army."
The council members remained silent, allowing no emotions to color their faces. They had already received word of the accidental collision with a Corellian light freighter.
His accusation went unquestioned.
Anger flared briefly in Barras at the lack of emotion, but quickly cooled, as he understood the reason. "Masters," he said finally bowing before them. "I bring you news from Kamino."
Wordlessly, Yoda prompted with a nod.
"It is a heavily guarded world."
"Who is guarding it?" Mace demanded as he leaned forward in his chair showing the first sign of interest since Barras' entrance.
"The Grand Army of the Republic." For the Nikto, that said enough. Knight Keemli's death was a hard thing to take, as he had known the younger Jedi for many years. She had willingly put herself on the front line to direct attention away from the real investigation. She died to protect the information he carried. He reached into the layers of his tunic and found the carefully stored data pad.
Officers of the very Republic she had sworn to protect killed Keemli and it wounded Barras deeply.
"And these Kaminoans?" Mace asked. "I am unfamiliar with them."
Master Serrenka, from across the round room, spoke up, "They deal in biological replication. I am of the understanding that they are quite good."
"Cloners?" Ki-Adi Mundi asked with disgust in his usually placid tone.
"Yes," Barras said as he stepped forward and handed Mace the data pad. "They are the source of the Republican Army's stock of soldiers."
The usually staid councillors shifted and exchanged uncertain glances with one another. Everyone except for Yoda, who studied Barras silently while stirring his gimer stick. When he spoke, the complete attention of everyone fell to the ancient master. "Long since banned such massive cloning facilities, the Republic has. Disturbing news this is."
Mace handed the report off to Master Lenx at his left, then drew his long fingers together and studied the Nikto in the center of the room. "Evidently the Senate must not be aware of the origins of their new army or I doubt they would be so accepting."
"The Senate's army it is not," Yoda said firmly while shaking his head sadly. "Palpatine's army it is."
The Book of Repairs
Bali paused in his work at repairing the small PodBot and glanced out the great window of Senator Amidala's apartment. Warm morning sunlight cascaded through the gathering clouds, splashing reds and oranges across the superstructures of the Coruscant's never ending skyline. He turned, staring out onto the deck where his master stood taking in the natural warmth.
Obi-Wan's eyes were closed but his face tilted up toward the sky. Any other time, Bali would be transfixed with the sight, but now he was only bothered. It reminded him of the strange dream he had during the few hours of rest he had managed during the night.
In one of the grand atriums of the Jedi temple, there was a statue of an ancient Bendu monk named Anun Mon'Ari. Legend had it. The cast reddish metal figure was a model for a much larger statue. His master had told him about it on one of the many times they passed by it. He had never given it much attention. In his memories, Anun was the first of the Bendu to speak freely about touching the Force. Not just believing in it, but reaching out and guiding and being guided by it.
Bali had not, of late, put too much thought into the ancient Bendu, but as he slept the ancient monk had come to him. He saw Mon'Ari's age weathered face staring into the sunlight as if for the first time. Much in the same fashion his master was enjoying the warmth at the edge of the deck.
Turning his attention back to the damaged Warbler, he pulled back a panel and made a few more adjustments with a small, all purpose tool he usually kept secured in his utility belt. "Come on," he growled as he called on the Force to aid in his repair of the tiny droid.
"Do you talk to yourself often?" Padmé asked playfully as she glided into the large room dressed in a simple blue outfit.
The apprentice's cheeks flushed at being caught. "Um, sometimes." He quickly finished the repairs and sealed up the small, oval shaped droid body. A series of lights flashed and Warbler immediately took off from Bali's hand. The padawan and senator watched in amusement as the PodBot whipped around the room beeping wildly.
"What is wrong with it?" Padmé asked, drawing back a step the moment the little droid whizzed past her ear and ruffled the soft curls that were drawn into a simple knot.
Warbler immediately found its boy and raced at Bali giving a series of panicked whistles. It rammed the much larger figure repeatedly until Bali caught it and held the tiny green form that continued to wail and chirp wildly in warning.
"What is the matter?" the apprentice asked.
A series of wild beeps spewed from the tiny droid.
"I do not speak mech."
Padmé stepped close, worriedly studying the tiny droid that bucked to free itself of Bali's hold. "Anakin once told me that on the blue level—sorry, I do not remember exactly where—there is a maintenance station and a mech reader."
He smiled and released Warbler after it had calmed down slightly. "Thanks. Maybe the little widget can tell us something we do not know." Like why the chancellor caused it to freak out. "I will check it out while you are in the senate chamber."
A look of fear briefly graced the young senator's features.
Speaking carefully, Bali said, "You understand that as Jedi, my master and I are not allowed in the chamber. We will be close should you need us. Captain Lanat and Riané will be with you."
Padmé nodded. "I understand." She smiled weakly, then reached out and grabbed Bali's arm in a silent thank you before retreating to prepare to face the Senate.
The Book of Crimson
Stepping into the secured corridor from the chancellor's private hanger beneath the Entrance of Law, Anakin Skywalker entered the grand senate building without his Praetorians. He had left them to their own devices because he wanted to be alone these last few moments before facing the Chancellor.
Reaching out through the Force, he sought that familiar presence of his wife hoping it would calm his restless spirit. Unfortunately, he sensed frustration and tenseness. As soon as his meeting with the chancellor was over, he would return to their new apartment.
Return to Padmé.
If she would have you after what you did.
Anger spiked in him as he tried to shove that little voice clear out of his head.
But she loves you and will follow you anywhere.
Yes, she does, Anakin told himself. She will just have to understand that the chancellor is right and what he does is for the best. She should get out of politics and tend to starting a family. That would be good.
Caught up in his own thoughts, he barely noticed how the few inhabitants of the corridors retreated and fearfully moved out of his way. It pleased him that they respected his position of Captain of the Praetorian Guard. The hand of the chancellor.
The journey was swift and stepping through the two red guards that silently protected the main entrance of the chancellor's office, he did not pause in the anteroom. He did not pause even when Mas Amedda tried to stop him. Bending the Force to his will, Anakin waved his hand while the other remained firm on the silver an black cylinder, leaving the Vice Chancellor standing in the middle of the room in a daze.
Passing through the short security corridor, he breezed into the chancellor's office and to his surprise, Palpatine was standing there as if expecting him. "Your Excellency," he said, stopping for the first time since exiting his ship he bowed before the high politician. The dark blue cloak swept forward, dragging lightly on the deep red carpet.
"Your mission to Tormus went well, I presume?" Palpatine said coolly as he turned and walked calmly back to his desk preparing a few notes.
"The traitors have been put down." Straightening, he found his hand rested comfortably against the hilt of the ancient lightsaber clipped to his belt. It felt so natural there.
"Good." Palpatine turned slightly. "Tell me, did Omik fight you?"
"He claimed he was innocent, like they all do. Then his men attacked my guard allowing him to escape initially."
"So innocent of betraying the Republic, yet he ran." Palpatine shook his head sadly. "When will they learn." Offering a friendly smile, his gaze fell to the lightsaber at the young man's side. "I hope that weapon has come into good use for you?"
Anakin withdrew his hand from the saber hilt and but his eyes fell to the floor at Palpatine's feet. "Yes," he said softly.
"The moment I had seen that weapon, I knew it would be perfect for you."
Omik never stood a chance against your crimson blade.
"I never knew I was missing something," Anakin paused, "until I took the lightsaber in hand. It completes me."
"Good." Palpatine's voice was low and dark, briefly drawing a curious look from Anakin. "Your wife," the chancellor continued without hesitation, "would be proud of you."
"She believes her political life should remain separate from her personal life. She does not agree with my allegiance to you."
"That is a shame," the older man purred. "Terrible shame. She is a spirited girl and do hope that does not get her into trouble." There was a dramatic pause as Anakin caught the older man's intense gaze. "Her attempted assassin was killed yesterday by her Jedi protection. Of course, I am sure you have spoke to her—"
"Not yet." Shock filled him that he did not know. "The Sith—"
"Oh," the politician said worriedly as confusion glossed his strain-withered features. "You do not know. It seems the assassin was a Jedi. Though I find it strange, after all that, she still keeps Jedi protection. I fear they have corrupted her."
The words jumbled in Anakin's brain.
Kenobi and his apprentice will pay for what they have done.
His hand returned to the saber hilt. "Your Excellency, I must ask for time to see to my wife's protection."
"Of course, I understand. I suggest you do away with those troublesome Jedi and I offer you the pick of my guard. Choose any men you would like and you may have them as personal senate guard. She will never have to seek protection outside us again."
"You are very gracious."
"You are an excellent member of my staff. I could not say I am adequately protecting the Republic without your aid. Please, it is the least I can do for calling you away so often. I blame myself."
"No, your Excellency. As you said, Padmé is spirited and sometimes choses not to put her needs first." Anakin tilted his head in a partial bow. "Thank you for your offer."
"We are, after all on the same side." He gave a cold grin as he approached the young man and placed a pale hand on his shoulder. "The Senate has convened and I must attend to it. Your wife will be there and as soon as it is over you are free for the time being. Tend to the needs of your family."
A slight nod was all Anakin could offer. Something was buzzing in his head, making it difficult to focus. It seemed to come on more often.
Withdrawing and taking a few steps across the room, the politician paused. "You are welcome to use my office's private viewing room. You will have an excellent view of the assembly. See your wife in action. I am certain it will be a glorious sight. I will have someone escort you there."
Anakin nodded another silent thank you just before Palpatine quickly turned and strode out of his office. For a time the young man just stood there trying to clear the fuzz from his head. Padmé was there? But why did he not sense her being so close?
Things were not right. He tightened his grip on the lightsaber at his hip. Memories returned to Tormus Mengot where his latest mission had taken him. He had been sent to level charges against the colony governor for secessionist activities. Governor Omik had declared publicly his low opinion of the Supreme Chancellor and that his martial law was illegal causing outcry among several of the worlds. They too claimed Palpatine was punishing them for no verifiable reason.
With merely the swiftest cut of his lightsaber, Omik was silenced.
It had been so easy.
Too easy.
In fact, he had wished Omik's guard had resisted more. Still, it had affected him little when he too cut them down for protecting such a traitor. He could not ignore the thrill it had given him to see the shimmering blade in action even if it was red.
Red is just a color, no different than blue or green.
He missed his blue lightsaber. More than that, he missed the power of wielding such a weapon. The power to protect. The power to be the judge, jury and executioner.
"Captain Skywalker?"
Before the breath had been drawn to pronounce his title, Anakin was in action. Crimson flashed in a tight arc and just as quickly was deactivated and remanded back to the clip on his utility belt. Without pause, he decided to watch the gathering of senators from the viewing room. So dearly did he want to see his wife.
As he walked toward the door Palpatine had left from moments earlier, the chancellor's chief Praetorian turned and studied the body of the young assistant lying in the middle of the floor. Her eyes still wide in shock.
Sweeping his long cloak back in a grand fashion, he showed himself to the viewing room.
The Book of Beginnings
The ugly, rusted silver body of an old city transport rattled as it maneuvered roughly in and out of the various traffic lanes ambling toward the massive senate structure in the distance.
Senator Amidala shifted nervously in her seat away from the windows and Bali stepped close offering a bit of support to the ornately dressed politician. While the clothing was not nearly as fancy as the Queen of Naboo's garb was, the heavy material was still cumbersome. The layers of protective shielding built into the petticoat alone made maneuvering difficult should a major threat arise but it should protect her against the smaller but no less deadly attacks.
Silently noting Bali's protective move, Obi-Wan glanced back at the quiet handmaiden in her jade green, hooded outfit. The young woman stared dazedly out at the city as it swept by the large windows. Facing forward again, the Jedi watched as Captain Lanat guided the transport through the heavy traffic. It had been decided the less that knew about Amidala's journey to the Senate the better.
Not wishing to become distracted, but Obi-Wan's thoughts drifted back to the conversation with Bali the night before. He was bothered by the Supreme Chancellor's mysterious and unexpected visit to Padmé's apartment. The chancellor had been to the Izen; he had seen the transport himself, yet no official record existed.
Then there was the way Bali described how the politician had acted and pressed a hand to Padmé's shoulder. It was as if a link was being created—
"We've got a problem!" Lanat barked, ripping Obi-Wan from his thoughts. The transport glided to a near halt along with the rest of the traffic. "Looks like there's been some sort of accident ahead."
Obi-Wan quickly moved to the front of the transport, his sharp gaze leaping from one end of the scene to the next but the skyscrapers rising up through the veins of traffic blocked the actual scene. He turned back to Bali.
"I do not sense anything wrong. Lots of confusion, anger, pain."
The older Jedi frowned and turned back to the scene. That was what bothered him. There was far too much emotion pouring out for an unseen accident sight.
Lanat said, "Looks like we are being detoured down to the city level. Shall I take it?"
"No."
"Master Jedi?" the senator worriedly inquired as she straightened in her seat.
Obi-Wan reached out seeking any advice through the Force but found everything sufficiently nonthreatening. "We should keep to the higher routes where we can maneuver better if needed."
"That is the long way around," the senator argued shifting back the deep blue material of her skirt to rise to her feet. "The senate is all ready convening."
"We cannot afford to get caught up in stalled traffic when these main lines jam in constricted areas." Obi-Wan pointed toward the vein of detoured traffic. "It is barely moving. We will not get there any faster going that way." He turned back to his apprentice and the two women and spoke in a careful, but authoritative tone, "It is better if this vehicle keeps moving, even if it takes us twice as long to get there."
"But the Senate will have convened," Amidala said. "I am expected, much depends on my presence."
"Because of that, Milady, they will receive it with delay. Your safety is of the upmost importance. That is all I can do for you Senator." He caught Bali's mildly concerned look.
Brown eyes peaked from beneath the dark green hood of the handmaiden's outfit. "Senator Organa is awaiting for your arrival, he will not fail."
The Book of Preparing
The soft tapping of Yoda's gimer stick stopped as the little master paused in the center of the Jedi Council chambers. His large eyes stared out the windows that surrounded the room. A small stellar transport whipped through the bright blue sky toward the cosmos.
Qui-Gon Jinn had left.
The little master sighed wishing the last conversation had gone better. Wishing he had said more but knowing it was too late.
To his back, he sensed the approach of other councillors and finished his trek across the floor to his seat. He had called the council to session, for the Force warned him that everything was about to change.
The Book of Threats
Rattling as if on its last journey, the old transport made final approach to the senatorial landing pad. All had gone well, save for the unsettling warning through the Force. Hovering just above the landing momentarily, Lanat deftly guided the craft to the platform.
Carefully scanning the surroundings, the two Jedi quickly moved Padmé and Riané off the bulky shape and rushed them toward the protected doors where two large security droids were stationed. Seeing the dark metal figures, Bali grabbed Riané's arm, pulling her back. It was the first time in his many trips to the senate that the red robed senate guards were not standing there. "Master," he whispered as the foursome came to a stop and was quickly joined by Lanat.
A high pitched whine filled the air. Both Obi-Wan and Bali responded immediately, lightsabers blazing but were unprepared for the explosion that destroyed the transport. Obi-Wan threw himself over the handmaiden the instant the fury of the explosion reached out singeing his cloak.
Bali cried out in surprise as the force of the explosion threw him and the senator across the deck. A thick black smoke rolled out of the transport's demolished hull blinding everyone.
The pale blue of Obi-Wan's lightsaber moved quickly through the smoke, zeroing in on Bali's Force signature.
Padawan!
We're fine, Master.
Holding tight to his deactivated weapon, Bali reached for the trembling hand of the rumpled, but still elegant young woman and helped her to her feet. Glancing through the thick air, he saw Lanat's charred form just a few meters away. Holding tight to the young woman's arm, he guided her away from the sight. Alarms were wailing so loud, it nearly drowned out thoughts. "We must get to the doors," Bali barked into his charge's ear, briefly noting the loosened braids cascading over her shoulder. Protective hands held the trembling arm and moved toward the door.
From a previously sea led panel a train of droids flooded out, blocking their path as they rushed to and surrounded the transport's burning wreckage. Simultaneously they released a flood of fire retardant foam causing the thick smoke to immediately begin to thin.
The foursome met up at the door but found it security sealed.
Bali banged on the communications unit with his fist out of frustration but it only flashed a stream of garbled security code.
Obi-Wan grasped Bali's wrist. "The explosion must have triggered a lock down. We need to find another entrance quickly." He was about to say more but froze at the sight of the armored, heavily gunned droids that protected the door begin to move. The dark metallic plating and style was not like any security droid seen before. Reaching out, the Jedi guided the four backward away from the approaching droids.
"Halt!" A mechanized voice ordered from the lead droid. "Disengage your weapons and surrender."
The sirens immediately ceased and all remained was the sound of the worker droids putting out the fire. The two large battle droids pinned the foursome between them. "Surrender or be destroyed," they demanded.
"These are not security droids," Bali said softly, remaining at the ready just like Obi-Wan as they shifted to better protect the Senator and her handmaiden.
Speaking evenly, the older Jedi said, "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is my padawan, we are assigned to protect Senator Amidala of the Naboo delegation. An assassination attack destroyed her transport and she must be immediately taken to safety."
"Surrender or be destroyed."
Pushing through the layers of her protection, the elegantly dressed woman approached the lead droid. "I am Senator Amidala, you will let me pass as the Senate is convened."
"Senator Amidala," the hulking dark droid droned.
A warning spiked through the Force and before Obi-Wan could push her out of the way the droid fired a rapid succession of shots striking the young woman square in the chest before being thrown to the ground.
Bali leapt back grabbing the stunned handmaiden and threw her out of the way of the blaster fire. Saber ablaze, he cut low slicing through one of the droid's legs sending it toppling over.
Bounding away from the murdered young woman, Obi-Wan rolled under the range of blaster fire slicing through the second droid's arm sending it and the weapon clattering to the ground. A series of tight motions hacked the droid into several pieces.
Bali severed the main droid's head from its body and immediately turned his attention to the green cloaked figure holding the now tattered figure of the senator. "Milady, we must go."
"What about Riané?" the handmaiden asked. "I've lost two handmaidens in nearly as many days."
"We cannot do anything for her now."
Padmé nodded sadly and laid Riané's head down. With Bali's help, she stood and was pulled along the walkway.
Obi-Wan was only a few paces behind but suddenly stopped. "Wait."
"Master?" Bali asked glancing around as he too sensed the flood of danger through the Force. The entrance doors were too dangerous to force their way through.
The Jedi master turned his weapon on the sealed panel the maintenance droids had used and quickly sliced through it. It took precious little time before he had cut an opening wide enough to slip through into a narrow passage.
Understanding his master's intention, Bali pulled Warbler from a pouch on his utility belt and activated the little droid. "Show us a way to a main corridor."
The tiny PodBot warbled and chirped its compliance turning on a small light in its battered body and dashed into the dark passageway.
The sealed entrance doors few open and two more super battle droids marched into the hazed open.
Obi-Wan pushed Bali toward the makeshift door. "Go."
"Master?"
"Get the senator to chambers, now!" With that, the Jedi marched forward to face the droids.
The Book of Civilized Government
"Order! Order!" Mas Amedda bellowed to the occupants of the crowded Senate chamber. The Chagrian pounded the podium on the chancellor's platform with a large gavel. The sound reverberated through the massive chambers but none would listen. "Order!"
"This is ridiculous!" Bail Organa boomed over the rising din of agitated dignitaries as his pod hovered out to the center of the room. He held his arms out in mock emphasis as he addressed the blue skinned Vice Chancellor. "The Chancellor now hides from the Senate? We are convened, his presence is demanded."
The crowd of dignitaries roared at the verbal shot the Alderaani had fired.
"His Excellency has been briefly detained," Amedda shot back, eyeing the delegate from Alderaan that seemed to be sparking rebellion in the chambers.
Hisses and jeers joined the rising throng of the agitated while underneath the noise a chorus of voices began to rise. "Relinquish the emergency powers. Return power to the Senate."
Senator Organa turned to study the crowd, his dark brown eyes showing no surprised at the growing chants. Smiling to himself, the Senator turned back to the empty platform. "This is a free government! We will not stand by and allow it to become a dictatorship."
The room swelled with responses.
Striding out onto the walkway that led to his centralized platform, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was met by mixed emotions. The calm, politician's demeanor carried a lot of weight drawing the crowd to near silence. "In my time as Chancellor," he began with no preamble. "I have served only in the interest of the Republic. Protecting it from those who would upset and destroy the peace we have maintained for so many generations." His gaze swept the many senatorial pods, pausing to focus on one in particular, then the white haired man turned slightly to glance at the viewing rooms behind his platform.
Organa followed Palpatine's visual search, his heart sinking at the sight of the still empty Naboo pod. He then sought out the viewing rooms Palpatine he looked too but could not make out whom—if anyone—was there.
"I have just received word that Senator Amidala of the Naboo was killed by an assassin's bomb in her transport," Palpatine calmly continued. "Security has sealed the area off and have apprehended her killers." He shook his head sadly listening to the unsettled silence that fell over the chamber. Turning a sharp gaze to Bail Organa, he certainly had chance to see the shocked look that glazed the senator's face before being hidden behind a mask of calm. Palpatine spoke with an air of warning, "We are in a war, Senator Organa. Can you not see this? The Republic is in danger from within and from without. Even those entrusted to protecting the peace and justice of the Republic have their own agenda."
"Strong arm tactics are not the way to bring it under control!" the Alderaani barked, leaning against the edge of his pod. "You and this Republican army you are forcing us to use in diplomatic—"
"You can always seek the aid of the Jedi," Palpatine replied coolly. "Of course, it is due to their negligence that our dear friend Amidala is dead. Maybe if they had sent more capable knights, instead they entrusted her safety to a sick Jedi and a child. No telling when they can spare a qualified knight to mediate negotiations. Do you want to take those chances? They cost Amidala her life. The Jedi are woefully out-numbered and I am afraid, their time is passing. The Republic is entering a new phase and the Jedi are too caught up in tradition and the old ways to bend to the new order."
Palpatine's last two words reverberated through the massive chamber.
"New order?" Senator Muton Urot challenged as his pod entered the center of the room. "You speak as if we are under a new regime."
"We are," the chancellor answered without inflection.
The gathered senators exploded into a roar of frustration and jeers.
"We have come through a great civil war that divided us and nearly destroyed us." Palpatine's words played to the crowd. "Here we are once again whole and I for one am determined to protect it. We cannot allow our petty differences and bickering to undermine the strength in unity we have re-forged."
Bail Organa looked the crowd of senators over and saw that those loyal to the chancellor were quiet, hanging onto the older man's every word. He saw that those who were undecided being lulled by the patriotic speech dished out to them. "This is our sacred oath to protect the Republic creating a safe haven for our worlds to exist and trade within." He paused to face Palpatine's withering look, not allowing the politician's powerful gaze to silence him with fear. "This is a democracy. A government run by representatives of the Republic not a single man. Be it right or wrong, this is not your place to make all the decisions. Relinquish your emergency powers, turn control of the Republican army over to the Senate and turn your records over for inquiry."
"And let your good intentions be bogged down by petty bickering? That is what got us into trouble in the first place," the chancellor mocked.
"You act as if you no longer possess faith in your constituents," Padmé Amidala's voice called out as the Naboo pod was directed to the center of the room. She stood tall so all could see her and the cloaked handmaiden sitting passively behind her.
A hush fell over the crowd.
Bail Organa smiled at the young senator's grand entrance for the rumpled senator dressed as a handmaiden was a glorious sight.
A look of surprise, then relief fluttered over Palpatine's worn features. "Amidala! I just received a report that your transport had been destroyed and you were killed."
"You should not believe everything you hear." Padmé turned her attention back to the hooded handmaiden sitting low on the seat behind her. Offering a small smile, the young senator found the strength to face the gathering of hushed politicians. "We are all straining under martial law. The Republic is reformed. The Senate will not be back down, we have been appointed to the governing of the Republic, and we shall continue to do it at all costs."
The senate roared.
"You speak in harsh tones," Palpatine darkly pointed out. "One would think you are inviting mutiny."
The Book of Screamed Warnings
In the serene surroundings of the Jedi council chamber the circle of twelve stopped and listened to the warning in the Force. It moved gently at first, tugging at the edge of their thoughts, demanding they listen. The soft warning grew into a senseless rumble that seemed to shake the twelve to their very core.
"Moving, the darkness is," Yoda said as several of the masters leapt to their feet and raced out of the chamber.
The Book of Mystifying Scenes
Blue flashed as Obi-Wan cut deep into the armored breastplate of the last standing droid. Metallic bodies lay strewn about the landing pad where he had worked his way through the "security" droids.
The damage to the hulking figure did little to slow it down as its weapon arm unfolded and triggered a round of orange blasts aimed at the Jedi. Obi-Wan bound out of the way, pausing only to catch his breath before launching himself at his attacker.
Keeping the saber moves tight and economic, Obi-Wan sliced through the shielding severing internal systems. Still the battle droid was not slowed. The upper torso twisted suddenly, crashing the free arm into the Jedi and sending him flying.
The impact drove the ginger haired knight into the landing platform with a pained cry. He rolled back to his feet and wiped the blood from his gashed cheek. Muscles were aching, straining from the continued abuse.
Tightening his grip once more on the silver and black lightsaber hilt, Obi-Wan raced at the droid, ducking below the bolts aimed at him. Blue flashed again and the cut divided the dark metal figure. The two halves crashed to the ground and there was silence.
Standing there, the Jedi kept his thoughts focused on not collapsing at the moment. Casting out, he determined no more assassin droids were coming, then reached for the link with Bali. He was mercifully greeted with a safe padawan and senator.
Although, for a moment, he thought he sensed embarrassment through the link.
Deactivating his weapon, he refused to loosen his hold on it and walked slowly toward the panel he had opened for Bali and Padmé. Pausing, he looked at the destroyed droids and the bodies of Lanat and Riané, who still looked like the senator.
Where was the real senate security, he dully wondered before entering the dark corridor. They should have responded to the explosion by now. They should have responded not those battle droids intent on murder.