Disclaimer: Characters are not the property of the author but of George Lucas.
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Chapter 16: The Apprentice
Following Anakin's disappearance and probable suicide or self-imposed exile, Padme had gathered together thirty potential candidates to be her new apprentice. A series of ever increasingly difficult tests whittled the group down till only two remained. One was a young human girl, probably only 16, with strategic brilliance but not a great affinity with the force. She went by the name Daala. The other was a tan skinned Twi'lek girl named Ayy Vida. She should a greater potential but neither would have been likely candidates to be Jedi. For their final test they were to create their own lightsabers and then fight to the death. They were given a year to create the lightsabers and study as much as possible about the Sith in isolation.
When they returned they were brought to the former home the Republic Senate. The huge chamber was mostly empty save for a few scattered seats where high ranking imperial officials were watching. The Empress herself was watching from the floating hover platform of the Supreme Chancellor.
Daala entered first. She was dressed in a simple flat grey outfit and her copper hair was tied back in a long braid. She turned towards the entrance and ignited her single lightsaber.
Ayy entered next. At first Padme didn't recognize her. Her skin had either dyed or tattooed so it was now an orange colour. She was wearing a tight black outfit that closely resembled those that Twi'lek dancing girls wore. Her arms and legs were covered with intricate black tattoos of a similar design as were her lekku (head tails). Padme couldn't help but be a bit impressed. It was a well known fact that Twi'lek lekku were extremely sensitive to pain and to be able to tolerate the tattooing would have required and incredibly high pain tolerance. She then pulled out her lightsaber and ignited.
Without waiting for anyone to start them, the two candidates charged at each other. The very first lock up showed Padme that they had both studied the art of lightsaber combat quite well. Neither was able to gain an advantage and it broke off after Daala kicked Ayy away. Ayy began attacking with a series of intricate twirling moves, obviously aided by the natural dancing talent of her species. Daala, who used a much more straight forward style, defended easily but was unable to counter attack. They locked up once again but this time Ayy pulled a second lightsaber from off her belt and stabbed at Daala. Daala managed to jump back quick enough to avoid being stabbed. She then deactivated her lightsaber and yelled up to Padme, "Where's the fairness in that?"
"A Sith does not fight fair," Padme replied simply, "They fight to win."
Daala turned to look back at Ayy, and as soon as she did she was met with a paid of lightsabers through her chest. She staggered back and then collapsed to the ground.
Padme landed the hover platform beside Ayy, "Congratulations, my new apprentice," she said stepping off the platform, "From his point forth you shall be know as Darth Sham the deceptor."
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Obi-wan Kenobi entered the Alliance High Counsel meeting in the main conference room on board Mon Mothma's own personal ship; a Chandrillian Dreadnaught called New Hope. The rest of the Alliance High Counsel was already there waiting to begin the meeting.
"Master Kenobi," Mon Mothma greeted him as he entered, "How are you?"
"Very well," Obi-wan replied.
"Well then, shall we get down to business?" Mon Mothma asked the room.
There was a chorus of affirmatives from the room as Obi-wan took his seat beside a rather large grey furred Wookie who he did not know.
"Alright," Mon Mothma said, "As you all probably know, the Empire is looking to strengthen it's hold on planets by installing it's own Governor's to run the planet. It is also using terror tactics to force uncooperative planets into submission, usually with the threat of planetary bombardment. I shall now turn you over to General Dodonna."
A man, who Obi-wan thought slightly resembled the late Count Dooku, stood up.
"As you all know," General Dodonna said, "The Empire has four main shipping yards. The Kuati fleet yards, which constructs Imperial and Victory Class Star Destroyers, as well as several models of TIE starfighters. The Bilbrinji Shipyards, which construct a large number of the Empire's shuttles and freighters. The Corellian Shipyards, which construct mid sized ships of every description. And most recently the Naboo Fleetyard, which has become the largest shipyard in the Galaxy. It is responsible for the construction of the Super-class Star Destroyers or SSD's as many of our military commanders refer to them. Currently there are only nine Super Star Destroyers currently operational at this time. However a recent reconnaissance of the Naboo Fleetyard has discovered that this number may very well triple in the up coming year."
"So what are you going to do about it?" a Gran asked rather cantankerously.
"I was just about to get to that," Dodonna said calmly. "Our plan is to cause large scale disruption to the entire operation. At this point in time however, we do not have a large enough fleet to cause damage of the scale we would like. So rather than a full-scale assault we plan on inserting six teams of commandos to act as workers at the yard until such time as they are in place to cause massive damage, hopefully crippling the Empire's ship production immensely. Colonel Skywalker has graciously volunteered his squadron to help fly the commandos in, as well as to participate in the operation itself. Master Obi-wan Kenobi, are the rest of your troops ready?"
Obi-wan looked across the room to see Anakin sitting expressionless in the front row, looking back at him.
"Uh, yes I believe so." Obi-wan replied.
He tuned out Dodonna as he concentrated on Anakin. He wanted to know just what Anakin was thinking. But try as he might Obi-wan could not read the thought or even emotions of his former Padawan. Suddenly the whole room began to get up to leave. Obi-wan remained seated as Anakin walked up to him.
"Good luck," Anakin said to Obi-wan.
"Anakin you know that there is no luck…" Obi-wan began.
"Isn't there?" Anakin said, "Or maybe it's just a synonym."
He gave Obi-wan a look that seemed to say, Think about that, as he walked away.
"Profound," Obi-wan muttered to the empty room.
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Well looks like Anakin and Obi-wan are headed back to Naboo. What adventures will await them? One things for certain Jar Jar Binks will not be involved.