Chapter 4
Yoda stood in a above ground area in the trees on Kashyyk. He was speaking to the other Council members via Holo gram. "Palpatine thinks General Grievous is on Utapau. We have had no reports of this from our agents," Master Mundi said.
"How could the Chancellor have come by this information and we know nothing about it? We have had contact with Baron Papanoida and he said no one was there," Mace said.
"He says a partial message was intercepted in a diplomatic packet from the Chairman of Utapau," Anakin said, "whether that's true or not we can't ignore the possibility."
"Act on this, we must. The capture of General Grievous will end this war. Quickly and decisively we should proceed," Yoda said.
"Does everyone agree?" Obi Wan asked as everyone agreed.
"I think the Chancellor is playing the field somewhat and might be involved with the Sith somehow, this could be a trap, so whoever goes must be careful," Anakin warned.
"Proof you have of this?" Yoda asked Anakin.
"Not yet, I don't even know how involved, it's just some of the things he's said. I'm working on getting the proof, but we're going to have to be careful with someone influenced by the Sith having that much power, but there is nothing we can do till I get proof," Anakin said.
"Very well," Mace said, "but be careful, if the Chancellor is indeed in cahoots with the Sith you will need to tread very carefully." Anakin nodded at this and the conversation went back to Utapau.
"A Master is needed," Yoda said.
"Given our resources, I recommend we send only one Jedi . . . Master Kenobi." Mace said.
"Obi-Wan, my choice is," Yoda said.
"I concur. Master Kenobi should go," Master Mundi said. Everyone else concurred.
"Very well. Council is adjourned," Mace said, he then turned to Obi Wan, "Obi-Wan, prepare two clone brigades as quickly as you can. If this report is true, there's no telling how many battle droids he may have with him. Be careful, as Anakin said, this could be a trap."
The transmission ended and Yoda got out of his chair and walked to the edge of the platform. In the distance he could see a nine year old boy and his parents being hidden in a cave by the Wookies. It was obviously the Solo's and Yoda was pleased to see they were being taken to safety.
"The droids have started up their main power generators," Clone Commander Gree said.
"Then now the time is, Commander," Yoda said, looking at the troops.
"Yes, sir," Gree said, moving to position. On a beach on the distance a Wookie chieftain let out a roar signalling his warriors to rush the droid army. Various aerial, land and aquiline vehicles rushed the Wookies. Yoda watched the battle from his perch in the trees.
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Anakin looked through data pad after data pad, book after book at the Sith Legends. He eventually found something about Plagueis. It wasn't pretty. He grimaced at the things it said and swiftly moved on to anything there was about the Sith, things they could look for, their methods. He would catch Palpatine, he would bring the Republic back to democracy.
He spent so long reading that he fell asleep over the escapades of Darth Parafet. He dreamed. Dreamed long dreams of the future, the face always obscured. Dreams of Padme and her death. He woke with a jerk. The future looked more bleak by the minute.
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Padme was sitting on the edge of one of her couches. Obi Wan had come round for a visit and was sitting with her.
"Has Anakin been to see you?" he asked.
"Several times . . . I was so happy to hear he was accepted on the Jedi Council and as a Master," she said with a big smile.
"I know ... he deserves it. He is impatient, strong willed, very opinionated, but truly gifted," they laughed at Obi Wan's description of Anakin.
Padme turned serious and looked at Obi Wan intently, "You're not just here to say hello. Something is wrong, isn't it?" she asked bluntly.
"You should be a Jedi, Padme," Obi Wan said.
"You're not very good at hiding your feelings," she said with a kind smile.
"It's Anakin . . . He's becoming depressed, introverted. He's been put in a difficult position by the Council . . . but I think it's more than that. I was hoping he may have talked to you," Obi Wan looked at her, hoping she could shed light on the issue. Obi Wan had grown worried over Anakin, though he still laughed and smiled, there was always an edge to it always something he was hiding. He only lost the edge when teaching the Younglings.
"He doesn't talk about his work. Ever since he came back he keeps his mouth shut about it. I'm worried," she looked at Obi Wan with a distraught look, "He has nightmares, he won't tell me what they are about anymore. I think he is worried about what he sees in the future. I think he sees death and betrayal. I think he sees a hard road to go down and nowhere to turn."
Obi Wan was silent, he had feared his visions would come back. Anakin had had problems with them during the wars, but they had lessened to some extent after a while. Obi Wan then nodded, "Will you give him comfort? The Council have given him a hard task, but I don't know how he's handling it." Obi Wan said, not really reassuring her, but not wanting to comment on the nightmares.
"I will. Thank you, Obi-Wan," she said. It was comforting totalk to Obi Wan. She knew why Anakin loved him so much. (non slashy way)
"Please do what you can to help him," Obi Wan said before he got up to go, "And look after my future Padawan." Obi Wan grinned back at Padme and walked out.
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Padme was in her living room with several Senators as 3PO served drinks. The other Senators included Mon Mothma, Bana Breemu, Fang Zar, Chi Eekway, Giddean Danu and Bail Organa.
"We cannot let this turn into another war," Padme was saying.
"Absolutely, that is the last thing we want," Bail added.
"We are hoping to form an alliance in the Senate to stop the Chancellor from further subverting the constitution, that's all," Mon Mothma said.
"I know a Jedi I feel it would be wise to consult," Padme said, thinking of Obi Wan. She didn't want to add more stress to Anakin.
"That would be dangerous," Bana said.
"We don't know where the Jedi stand in all this," Mon Mothma said.
"There are several we could talk to in confidence," Padme said.
"Going against the Chancellor without the support of the Jedi is risky," Giddean said.
"The Jedi aren't any happier with the situation than we are . . ." Padme continued.
"Patience, Senator," Chi said.
"We have so many Senators on our side, surely that will persuade the Chancellor," Fang said.
"When you present the "petition of the two thousand" to the Chancellor, things may change," Bana added.
"Let us see what we can accomplish in the Senate, before we include the Jedi," Bail said. The meeting quickly ended after that had been decided. Bail remained behind to quietly talk to Padme. "How much do you trust the Jedi Amidala?" Bail asked. Before leaving.
"I trust them with my life," Padme replied.
"That's not what I asked," Bail said. Bail looked closely at her. "A Jedi is the father, isn't it?"
Padme took a deep breath, "Yes," she said nodding.
"I know you to be a judge of good character, you know as well as I do that this petition will do very little, feel the way with your Jedi." Bail looked at her seriously, "I won't ask who it is, it's not my place, but you are my friend and I hope you can trust me."
"I do, Bail," she said smiling, "I'll talk with him," she gave him a smile as the door opened for him to go. "Give my love to Rachael," she said, waving as he went down the hall. She then prepared herself for what she was going to say to Anakin.
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Anakin and Obi Wan walked to the landing platform overlooking the docking bay. There were thousands of clone troopers and armoured vehicles being loaded into the assault ships. "You're going to need me on this one, Obi Wan," Anakin said.
"Oh, I agree. However it may turn out just to be a wild bantha chase," Obi Wan said as he started to turn and leave.
"Or a trap," Anakin muttered under his breath as Obi Wan walked away.
"Obi Wan!" Anakin shouted, Obi Wan stopped and waited for Anakin to walk over. "Obi Wan, I've disappointed you. I have been arrogant and I apologize . . . I've just been so frustrated with the Chancellor and everything else. Your friendship means everything to me." Anakin knew that this could be the last time he saw Obi Wan, he needed to get it off his chest.
"You are strong and wise, Anakin, and I am very proud of you. I have brought you up you since you were a baby. I have taught you everything I know. And you have become a far greater Jedi than I could ever hope to be, and you have saved my life more times than I can remember. But be patient, Anakin. It won't be long before the war is over and you and Padme can be at peace." Obi Wan started down the ramp and then turned back, smiling, "Don't worry. I have enough clones with me to take three systems the size of Utapau. I think I'll be able to handle the situation . . . even without your help."
"Well, there's always a first time," Anakin shouted after him. Obi Wan laughed. Anakin then turned and walked away again, "Obi-Wan, may the Force be with you."
"Good-bye, old friend. May the Force be with you." Anakin had a funny feeling that that might be the last time he would see Obi Wan.
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The clone troopers stood to attention in rows on the floor of the main hangar deck. Obi Wan was standing next to his blue fighter talking to the clone commanders with their helmets off. The planet of Utapau was holo projected between them. "Fortunately, most of the cities are concentrated on this small continent here . . . on the far side," Commander Cody said.
"I'll keep them distracted until you get there. Just don't take too long," Obi Wan warned.
"Come on, boss, when have I ever let you down?" Cody said.
They all laughed as Obi Wan reminded them, "Cato Nemoidia . . . for starters," he said, climbing into his Jedi fighter.
"That was Anakin who was late. I believe," Cody said.
"Very well, the burden is on me not to destroy all the droids before you get there." Obi Wan said putting on his ear com and starting the pre-flight sequence.
"I'm counting on you," Cody said as Obi Wan settled into his fighter.
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Anakin stood on the steps of the Senate office building landing platform. The Chancellors Transport landed and the Chancellor emerged followed by four guards and Mas Amedda. The guards moved off into other directions as Palpatine greeted Anakin.
"Well, Anakin, did you see your friend off?"
"He will soon have Grievous's head." Anakin said.
"We can only hope the Council didn't make a mistake," Palpatine said, having wanted Anakin to go on the mission.
"The Council was very sure in its decision," Anakin said, having had supported it. The left the platform to enter the main hallway. They passed several Senators and representatives, including JarJar.
"Helloo Ani. Good en to see yousa . . ." JarJar waved as Anakin nodded in greeting, but didn't move towards the Gungan.
"Hi, Jar Jar," he said as JarJar saw who he was with.
"Oopsin da Chancellor! So sorry, Your Highness, sir," he said moving away and bowing. Anakin turned back to Palpatine.
"There are rumours in the Senate about Master Kenobi. Many believe he is not fit for this assignment," he said.
"Not fit?" Anakin asked with a small smile at the stupidity of that comment. "Why would anyone think that?"
"They say his mind has become fogged by the influence of a certain female Senator," Palpatine said, glancing slyly at Anakin.
"That's ridiculous. Who!" he asked, knowing that the poor girl, whoever she was would be disappointed to discover that apart from preferring the male species, Obi Wan had never completely gotten over the death of his lover Qui gon.
"No one knows who she is ... only that she is a Senator," Palpatine said. Oh, I get it from that sly expression, he means Padme, he's trying to make me jealous and to turn against her. I'll play along. I will have to tell Obi Wan about this! What a joke.
"That's impossible. I would know," Anakin said.
"Sometimes the closest are the ones who cannot see," Palpatine said. Anakin silently laughed, knowing that Obi Wan could never hide anything from Anakin, and he had tried. "Idle Senate gossip is rarely true and never accurate. I'm sure Master Kenobi will do fine."
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Anakin was sitting on the sofa. The exact same place Obi Wan was sitting before. He was bending over a data pad with a frown. He didn't normally bring his work back with him, but the schematics on the improved clone shuttle seemed wrong somewhere. Something wasn't right. It wasn't the most important job, but it was one of many Anakin had during the war. Apart from updates he was in charge of various tactics and troop movements and he had various spies dotted around the place he had to check on and he had his mission on the Chancellor as well as teaching the Younglings how to swing a sabre without hurting themselves and Council meetings. All this was in a normal day and it didn't include his usual meditation and sabre practices and talking with his wife. It wasn't any surprise that he started bringing work home, though he never got much done as Padme usually interrupted him by sliding her hands around him and kissing him, like she was doing then.
Anakin leant back and felt something, "I sense someone familiar . . . Obi-Wan's been here, hasn't he?"
"He came by this morning," she said coming round the sofa and sitting next to him.
"What did he want?" he asked curiously as he pulled Padme into his arms.
Padme looked at him, Anakin started to tense. "He's worried about you."
"I have all this work being piled up on me," Anakin said, throwing the data pad down in disgust, "I'm a warrior, not a pencil pusher."
"He says you're under a lot of stress," Padme said, looking concerned.
"And he's not?" Anakin said with a smile.
"You have been introverted lately," she said.
"I'm not introverted . . ." Anakin started to say.
"Anakin!" Padme scolded.
Anakin bent his head so it rested in the crook of Padme's neck, "I don't know ... I feel . . . Lost."
"Lost? What do you mean? You're always so sure of yourself. I don't understand," she said, stroking his hair.
"Everything is in confusion and darkness. I'm heading along a knife edge and don't know where to fall. I'm scared Padme. So scared," he said, gathering her to him tightly. Padme just held on, tears in her eyes. She decided not to press the issue of politics just then
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Obi Wan flew down to the planet in his blue Jedi fighter, he landed on a platform projecting out of the side of a giant crater. Short ground grew came to look over his ship as Obi Wan got out. On a ledge overlooking the platform, Grevious' bodyguards stood watch. Obi Wan went to greet the local administrator, Tion Medon.
"Greetings, young Jedi. What brings you to our remote sanctuary?"
"Unfortunately, the war."
"There is no war here unless you've brought it with you."
"With your kind permission, I should like some fuel and to use your city as a base as I search nearby systems for General Grievous." The ground grew rushed to refuel Obi Wan's fighter as Tion Medon leaned close to Obi Wan and spoke quietly.
"He is here! We are being held hostage. They are watching us."
"I understand."
"The tenth level . . . thousands of Battle Droids . . ."
"Tell your people to take shelter. If you have warriors, now is the time." Obi Wan started back towards his fighter as Tion Medon left the platform. Grevious' bodyguards also retreated from their posts. Obi Wan climbed into his fighter, "G9, take the Fighter back to the ship. I'm staying here. Tell Cody I've made contact." the astro droid beeped in reply.
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On the balcony Tion Medon looked down at the platform, a few steps behind him was one of the bodyguards. They watched as the canopy lowered. "I told you, all he wanted was fuel."
"What was his name?"
"He didn't say," Tion Medon replied as they watched the fighter take off.
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Obi Wan made his way through the city looking up at the tenth level with electro-binoculars. He tried to figure out what was going on when he heard a strange bellowing cry and went to investigate. He came across a corral filled with six dragon like lizards and several wranglers standing around. Obi Wan moved up to the wranglers and twitched his hand, "I need transportation."
"You need transportation," the wrangler said in his native tongue.
"Get it for me," Obi Wan said twitching his hand again.
"I will get it for you." the wrangler said in his native language again. Obi Wan moved along the line of beasts inspecting them as the other wranglers chatted in their native tongue. The one Obi Wan had spoken to followed him.
"This one," Obi Wan said, patting it on the neck. The wrangle brought the beast over to him.
"Boga. She answers to Boga."
"Good girl, Boga," Obi Wan said, swinging onto the lizards back. The beast reared up and scurried to the edge of the crater. It climbed the wall of the sheer cliff up to the tenth level, Obi Wan alerted to any movement.
Obi Wan got off the beast and crawled along the top of the grand chamber to where Grevious stood before the Council of Separatists. Obi Wan hid and watched the goings on.
"It won't be long before the armies of the Republic track us here. I am sending you to the Mustafar system in the Outer Rim. It is a volcanic planet which generates a great deal of scanning interference. You will be safe there," Grevious was saying.
"Safe? Chancellor Palpatine managed to escape your grip, General, without Count Dooku. I have doubts about your ability to keep us safe," Nute Gunray said.
"Be thankful, Viceroy, you have not found yourself in my grip . . . Your ship is waiting," Grevious said. Obi Wan watched in deep thought. He stood up and removed his cloak before jumping down behind Grevious.
"Hello, there!" Obi Wan said.
"General Kenobi, you are a bold one. I find your behaviour bewildering . . . Surely you realize you're doomed," Grevious said as he turned to his droids, "Kill him!" About a hundred battle droids surrounded Obi Wan, Grevious and his bodyguards. Obi Wan looked around and then walked right up Grevious. They stared at each other for a moment before Grevious got bored, "Enough of this." The bodyguards raised their power staffs to knock Obi Wan away, but Obi Wan only ducked and managed to escape getting hit. Igniting his light sabre, Obi Wan cut one of the bodyguards in two. It's staff flew in the air to be caught by Grevious. The other three bodyguards attacked Obi Wan with intense ferocity. Obi Wan used the Force to release a piece of equiptment from the ceiling which landed on the bodyguards, smashing them. Obi Wan moved towards Grevious, cutting the remaining bodyguards into pieces as he went. The battle droids moved towards Obi Wan, weapons raised. "Back away. I will deal with this Jedi slime myself," Grevious said.
"Your move," Obi Wan said, sweeping his sabre out in an arc.
"You fool. I have been trained in your Jedi arts by Count Dooku himself. Attack, Kenobi." His arms separated and he grabbed all four light sabres in his belt. His arms moved around, showing a flashy display of swordsmanship.
"You forget I trained the Jedi that defeated Count Dooku!" Obi Wan said as they started to fight. Obi Wan was hard pressed to defend himself against the pressing onslaught. They fought across the room as the droids tried to shoot at the Jedi. Obi Wan started to form a counter attack and cut off one of Grevious' arms.
Aloud explosion rocketed through the crevice. Clone troopers started attacking the droids from the entrance of the control centre and the balconies. "I may not defeat your droids, but my troops certainly will," Obi Wan said as they started fighting again.
"Army or not, you must realize you are doomed," Grevious said.
"I don't think so."
Twenty clones then arrived at the control centre, ray guns blazing and laser bolts flew everywhere. It was complete chaos. Obi Wan attacked Grevious, who defended himself with one of his bodyguards electro staffs. Using the Force, Obi Wan hurled Grevious backwards who landed on the lower platform. Obi Wan jumped down after him. He cut down several droids on the way to Grevious who was racing towards one of the landing platforms. He jumped into a wheeled scooter and took off down the wall of the cliff. Obi Wan whistled for Boga who ran up to him. Obi Wan jumped on and followed Grevious. Over a sharp bump Obi Wan dropped his light sabre. But he was to close to Grevious to go back for it.
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Papatine stood in his office, Anakin to one side, as Padme and her followers addressed the Chancellor.
"I understand your reservations completely, Senator, and I assure you the appointment of Governors will in no way compete with the duties of the Senate," palpatine said.
"May I take it then, that there will be no further amendments to the Constitution?" Padme said.
"I want this terrible conflict to end as much as you do, My Lady, and when it does I guarantee an immediate return to democracy . . ."
"You are pursuing a diplomatic solution to the war, then," Padme said.
"You must trust me to do the right things, Senator. That is why I am here," Palpatine said in a oily voice.
"But surely . . ." Fabg said.
"I have said I will do what is right, that should be enough for your . . . Committee," Palpatine interrupted. He seemed to sneer slightly at the word committee.
"On behalf of the "delegation of two thousand," I thank you, Chancellor," Padme said, she didn't try bowing, her stomach was far too big. She was obviously frustrated with the result.
"I thank you for bringing this to my attention, Senator," Palpatine said, insincerely. Padme sent Anakin an agitated look.
Calm Padme, the Jedi are aware of the situation and will do what they can, Anakin sent.
I hope so, Padme sent back, We will talk of this later! Padme then left with the other Senators. Palaptine turned to Anakin.
"Their sincerity is to be admired, although I sense there is more to their request than they are telling us."
"What do you mean?" Anakin said puzzled.
"They are not to be trusted," Palpatine said. Anakin said nothing, he waited patiently for Palpatine to say something. "These are unstable times for the Republic, Anakin. Some see instability as an opportunity. The Senators hiding something. I can see it in their eyes. I see it in Amidala's eyes." Anakin raised an eyebrow at that.
"I'm sure you're mistaken."
"I'm surprised your Jedi insights are not more sensitive to such things."
"I simply don't sense betrayal in Senator Amidala." Anakin said. He'd expect me to support her. Palpatine studied Anakin.
"Yes, you do, but you don't seem to want to admit it. There is much conflict in you, Anakin." There was, but it was over whether or not he could get away with killing the Chancellor then and there. He didn't think he would though. What a pity.
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"What are the Jedi doing?" Padme asked when they were alone.
"At the moment, we can do nothing, we have no proof, but Palpatine seems to be working the other side of the fence. We need more information though. That's my job." Anakin pulled Padme into his arms. "You can't trust him though, be careful around him, Padme." Anakin looked down at her concerned.
"I will, but not at the expense of my beliefs," she said.
Anakin frowned, "He's dangerous," Padme's face didn't change. "Just be careful," he said, pulling her back into his arms.
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Anakin sat in the Council meeting watching a holo of Commander Cody instead of Obi Wan. "Master Windu, may I interrupt? General Kenobi has made contact with General Grievous, and we have begun our attack."
"Thank you, Commander. Anakin, deliver this report to the Chancellor after the meeting. His reaction will give us a clue to his intentions." Mace replied.
"Yes, Master." Commander Cody's hologram disappeared.
"I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi. The dark side of the Force surrounds the Chancellor." Mace said.
"I'm trying to figure out if he is a pawn or not, it's taking time though," Anakin said. "I will soon know though, I can feel it." The other members nodded in agreement.
"If he does not give up his emergency powers after the destruction of Grievous, then he should be removed from office." Master Mundi said.
"That could be a dangerous move ... the Jedi Council would have to take control of the Senate in order to secure a peaceful transition . . ." Mace started
". . . and replace the Congress with Senators who are not filled with greed and corruption." Master Mundi finished.
"To a dark place this line of thought will carry us. Hmmmmm. . . . great care we must take." Yoda said, wary about this move.
"It might not be needed. Two thousand of the Senators, with Amidala, Organa and several others at the head are trying to bring the Republic back to order and the Constitution and Palpatine out of power. I feel we can leave our trust in them. It would give us a bad representation if we took over and take us as an Order to a place, as Jedi, we should not go," Anakin said.
"That is true," Mace said, and they all started thinking, "I have heard rumours that the Jedi are becoming corrupt. It would-be best not to give them ammunition. Anakin, speak to your wife about her delegation, we will need her help to restore order."
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review please!