Title: Falling From The Light
Main Characters: Anakin/Padmé/Obi-Wan/Bant/Luke/Leia/Han/OC
Secondary Characters: OCs/Qui-Gon
Summary: The sequel to "Slipping Into Darkness." Palpatine knew that Anakin might defeat him, so he left something behind which may not only destroy the Chosen One, but his family as well.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of Star Wars, as cool as it would be if I did. Everything belongs to the Flannelled One. I do, however, own the OCs. They are mine, mine, all mine! (notices the strange looks she is receiving) I mean, (clears throat) They belong to me. (blush)
A/N: Originally, I wasn't going to write a continuation to "Slipping," but my wonderful readers on TFN convinced me to. The Lord blessed me with an idea, and "Falling" came about. This story takes some very interesting turns, and I hope that it will surprise you. :)
A/N2: As always, this story would never be what it is now without my wonderful beta's (Darth Mom's) help. "Slipping," began with an idea she had, and she was kind enough to let me borrow and expand on it, and she is always patient enough to listen to me talk about the sequel. :)
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Falling From The Light
The explosion had ripped through the air with such force that Captain Han Solo, standing by the speeder, had been blown back several feet. He was far enough from the warehouse that he'd been safe from the flying debris and flames, and aside from a few bruises, and a sore backside, he was alright. And he was alive, which was more than he had thought he would be able to say for the Jedi inside the building.
But their Force, it seemed, had been with them… or the two oldest Masters at least. The floor of the building had collapsed from the blast, dropping Kenobi and Eerin into the network of tunnels that ran under most of Corellia, and thankfully for them, under that warehouse. Whoever had constructed those ancient tunnels had known what they were doing, and the walls had been strong enough to keep the debris of the building from crushing the two Jedi.
They hadn't gotten away without injuries though. From what the Healers had told Han, Master Kenobi had a pretty bad concussion as well as a broken leg, and Master Eerin had cracked ribs, and a broken wrist. Both of course had their share of cuts, bruises and burns from the blast, but things could have been much worse.
Han just wished that he could say the same about the Skywalker family. When the recovery teams hadn't found them in what was left of the building, they had been presumed dead. But when Master Kenobi had regained consciousness, he told them about the attack, and his suspicions about them being taken. From the creature the Jedi Master had described, Han had wondered if maybe the old man had a worse concussion than they thought. But then Master Eerin had backed up his story, and so Han now found himself walking down the halls of the Temple on Coruscant, to meet with the two Jedi about the search for the Skywalkers.
It was an assignment he had requested, even though it really wasn't expected of him. But, he had to admit, he felt responsible. Certainly the Jedi could do the job without him, but he had been their contact on Corellia, and so he felt in a way at least a little to blame for the mess they were in. And, besides, he liked the Skywalkers… one Skywalker in particular.
Before this, Han had never known a Jedi. His friend Chewbacca, a Wookie he had met when he had been assigned as a translator on Kashyyyk, had told him that he knew Master Yoda, but that was about as close as Han had gotten to the "Guardians of the Republic." But he'd heard plenty of stories about them, about how composed and serene they always were. Maybe it was the daredevil in him who was used to living life on the edge, but to Han, that attitude sounded rather boring.
And really, the Jedi, especially Master Kenobi, and Master Eerin, had been what he had expected: commanding, sure, but almost eerily calm. Han had seen some of that same trait in Master Skywalker, though he had more of an edge that the street kid in Han could recognize. Luke too, seemed like your average Jedi, even if he was a little less rigid.
But Leia… she had been different. She was every bit the poised and in-control Jedi on the surface, but she had a spirit about her that he liked. She was incredibly beautiful as well, even more so when her eyes flashed with her fiery temper. But, as a gorgeous guy himself, it took much more than looks alone to impress Han.
And Leia Skywalker was certainly more than just a pretty face; he'd known that the moment he met her. She was strong, confident, and smart. But, he had to admit, he'd really enjoyed seeing how far he could push her, wondering how beautiful she would look when she finally did lose the reign on her emotions…
Though, now that Han thought back on it, perhaps getting a Jedi to lose her temper wasn't exactly good for one's health. Still, it would have been worth it, even if it would have been the last thing he saw in this life. But if he ever wanted the chance to drive her crazy again, he knew he would have to find Leia and her family first.
Han finally entered the Healer's ward, continuing until he reached the door to Master Kenobi and Master Eerin's room, then hit the button requesting entry. The door opened a moment later, and Han stepped inside.
It had been a few days since the explosion, and Han had to say that both Jedi were healing much faster than he'd thought possible. Both had done time in bacta tanks, and bone menders were still attached to repair the broken bones, but even then their recovery was surprising. Both Jedi were sitting up in their beds, the only evidence of what had happened a few bandages. One of Han's academy buddies had told him Jedi could heal fast, but he hadn't really believed him…not until now anyway.
"Captain Solo, it is good to see you," Master Kenobi said, pulling Han from his thoughts. "Master Yoda told us that you had contacted him, asking if you could assist us in the search. We would be grateful for your help."
"Thanks, Master Kenobi, Master Eerin," Han answered, glad they had accepted his offer. "I appreciate it."
"You are welcome, Captain."
"Any leads?" Han asked, moving to sit in a nearby chair.
The bearded Jedi Master nodded.
"Before I lost consciousness, I saw the being who attacked us. It was a Sith."
Han felt surprise rise in him. He didn't know much about Jedi history or tradition, but it had been reported galaxy-wide that Palpatine had been a Sith, a sort of polar opposite of the Jedi as Han understood it. But it had also been reported that the former Chancellor had been the last Sith left.
"You're sure?" Han asked after a moment.
"I am." The Jedi Master looked down, and added quietly, "The Sith are not easily forgotten."
Han turned away to process the information, then looked back to the gray haired Jedi.
"So how does that help us?" Han asked after a moment. "It's good to know what you're up against, but that seems like a pretty vague lead."
"It is, I admit," the older man agreed, seeming to shake himself out of whatever memory he had been lost in. "But if it involves the Sith, then I am certain that it involves Palpatine somehow."
"Palpatine?" Han paused, thinking about the deceased Chancellor. "He must have an awfully long reach for a dead man."
"Unfortunately, it seems that he does."
Silence fell for a moment, and Han leaned back in his chair.
"So if Palpatine is somehow behind all this, where do we go next?" he asked finally.
The Jedi Master stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The Naboo have gathered an extensive data base concerning all of Palpatine's dealings, both in the senate, and elsewhere, hoping to find and bring to justice any who may have knowingly played a part in his plans. It is even more extensive than the Republic's file. If we can receive permission to access their database, perhaps we can find information which will shed light on the being who attacked us, or locate someone who would know if Palpatine had another apprentice."
Han nodded. It wasn't much, but at least it was a start.
"Where do we go to get permission?"
Master Kenobi smiled.
"When Bant and I are released tomorrow, I believe we will need to speak with the Nubian senator, Jar Jar Binks."
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Over the years, Obi-Wan had witnessed many changes in the Republic, but the senate seemed to be one of the few constants. The atmosphere still held that same sense of great responsibility and solemn purpose, combined with the influence of aristocracy and upper-class. Even the serious expressions of the countless senators remained the same, though the faces where different from those Obi-Wan remembered in his youth.
Mon Mothma, who had been elected Chancellor when Bail Organa's terms had ended, occupied the center podium, along with her two aides. She sat in her white senatorial robes, a calm and steady influence presiding over the often heated debates which took place.
In fact, it was one of these disputes that held the floor at the moment. Obi-Wan wasn't certain what issue was being discussed, but both of the senators involved in the debate were impassioned… especially the one who had just been recognized by the chair: Jar Jar Binks.
The Gungan was gesturing fervently with his arms, attempting to use movements to punctuate his words. He leaned forward, far beyond his pod's railings, almost as if hoping to better reach his audience that way. Unfortunately, as his voice rose, he gestured a bit too harshly, and lost his already precarious balance. Suddenly all that Obi-Wan could see of the Gungan senator were his feet; the rest of him was dangling unceremoniously from the senate pod.
Jar Jar's two Nubian guards had rushed forward to grab him before his fell, catching his ankles with what seemed an almost practiced ease. A few senators rolled their eyes, and some shook their heads, but surprisingly, the body of the senate hardly reacted to the spectacle, as though it were a rather common occurrence. Considering Jar Jar's tendency towards clumsiness, Obi-Wan had to wonder just how common it was.
Jar Jar himself didn't seem shaken either, and simply stood up once more when he was safely inside the pod, taking only a moment to regain his balance. Then, he straightened his robes, and with a dignified, "'Scuse me," continued from the point where his speech had been interrupted.
Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile at Bant before turning to look at Captain Solo, sitting beside him in the observation box. The Corellian had watched the entire incident in stunned silence, his expression a mixture of confusion and disbelief. Well, the Jedi Master supposed, Jar Jar did take some getting used to.
The remainder of the senate session was far less eventful and ended quickly, with the opposing side actually conceding to Senator Bink's point. Mon Mothma adjourned the meeting, and Obi-Wan stood, motioning for Captain Solo to follow. Bant stepped beside the Corellian officer.
They waited quietly outside the Nubian pod's entrance, and a few minutes later, Jar Jar stepped out to meet them. The Gungan had certainly matured, in Obi-Wan's opinion: his skin had become lighter with age, and he had become a bit more stout. Although he was still clumsy, as the display in the senate had proven, he seemed more sure of himself than he ever had when he was younger.
"Obi!" he said happily when he caught sight of the Jedi. He walked quickly over to them, and took Obi-Wan's hand, pumping it up and down in welcome. "Mesa so smilen' to see'en yousa. And Master Bant!" Jar Jar added, eagerly welcoming her too. "Who is yousa friend?" he asked, noticing Han.
"This is Captain Solo, of the Corellian Security Forces," Obi-Wan said, introducing the man beside him. "Captain Solo," he continued, turning to the Corellian, "This is Senator Jar Jar Binks, of Naboo."
"Good to meet you," Han said, obviously unsure just how to react, given the situation.
Jar Jar nodded, smiling. "Yousa too." He turned back to Obi-Wan. "To what does mesa owe the pleasure of yousa visit?"
"I wish that I could say I'm only here to visit an old friend," Obi-Wan replied.
Jar Jar's happy expression fell.
"Mesa was afraid of that. There has been rumors," the Gungan added, lowering his voice. "Desa sayin' that Ambassador Padmé and Ani and the kids are missing."
Obi-Wan wasn't surprised by the rumors; news traveled fast in the senate. But at least those rumors had yet to be confirmed, as the Council wanted more information before making a formal report to the Republic.
If it was a Sith, and Obi-Wan knew with certainty that it was, then the Senate would demand a formal investigation by the Republic itself, which would mean dealing with the still-complicated, slow web of bureaucracy. It would waste valuable time, time which Anakin and his family may not have in the hands of the Sith.
And yet, Obi-Wan had to admit that he wasn't really in the best of shape to go on a mission. His broken leg still ached, and if he stood too quickly, he still felt an occasional wave of dizziness from his concussion. Bant wasn't much better. But, as she had pointed out, they had each gone deeply into a healing trance as soon as they were able to, and she did have some training as a Healer, should either of them need it. Given the circumstances, they had been cleared to investigate, for even with their injuries, they would still be far more effective then the bureaucracy.
"I am sorry I can't tell you that the rumors have no truth to them," Obi-Wan finally responded , drawing himself from his thoughts. Jar Jar nodded, looking perhaps more grim than Obi-Wan had ever seen him.
"What can mesa do to help?"
"We need access to the Nubian database for Palpatine."
"Of course. Anything yousa need. Mesa will contact Naboo for clearance, and then yousa be able to look through the database in mesa office."
Obi-Wan bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you, Jar Jar."
"Yousa welcome, Obi-Wan. If yousa need anything else, tell mesa staff, and theysa will be get it. Anything to help find Ani and Padmé and the kiddos."
Obi-Wan smiled, and Jar Jar's unusually serious expression faded. "Now, if yousa will 'scuse me," he said, "Mesa am needed at a meeting." He bowed diplomatically, then turned to walk down the main hall.
The Jedi Master watched him go for a moment, then moved back to the others.
"Interesting Senator," Han commented.
Obi-Wan's smile grew. Jar Jar may not be the most articulate or graceful being, but he had a genuinely good heart. The Gungan had felt terrible after learning that his motion for granting emergency powers had given Palpatine the opportunity he needed to take control of the Republic, and he had worked very hard to make up for it since then.
Obi-Wan's train of thought was suddenly interrupted, when he heard a loud crash down the hall, and turned, searching for the source of the sound. There, now laying in an undignified heap, was Jar Jar, holding what Obi-Wan guessed was one of the many statues that lined the senate's main hall. The sculpture seemed to be a fine work of art, although Obi-Wan had to admit that it's effect probably wasn't quite the same, now that a few key elements of it were missing.
Obi-Wan shook his head. Jar Jar may have grown in many ways, but some things never change.
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The young woman walked swiftly and silently down one of the many corridors in her Master's citadel on the deep core world of Byss. She had traveled this particular path many times over the years, its twists and turns long since ingrained in her memory. She paused however, as she passed the entrance way to the cell blocks.
The Jedi would be waking soon, as the effects of the neural disrupter which had robbed them of consciousness, and the drugs which had kept them in that state, were already beginning to lessen. Then her work would begin.
With that thought she turned once again, and continued her journey. She walked until she reached the end of the narrow passage, calling on the Force to open the lock that kept the servants from entering her Master's secret chambers.
The door opened immediately for her, and she stepped inside, pausing for a moment. Though the chamber was kept in darkness, the young woman's enhanced vision enabled her to see far more than others would have, and she allowed her gaze to sweep the room, taking in the sight of the many ancient Sith artifacts, and grim trophies which her Master had kept. There were scrolls and texts, crystals from lightsabers that had once belonged to the Great Sith Lords, and even several sabers from fallen Jedi of the Clone Wars.
But she pushed all thought of those objects aside as she moved down from the stairs at the entry, and stepped to the center of the room where the most precious of her Master's treasures rested: his Holocron.
She drew upon the Dark Side, focusing on the small pyramid which sat on the black marble base before her, and watched silently as the black crystal and its gilded inscriptions became illuminated by the Force's energy. Then she knelt, and bowed deeply, waiting for her Master to appear.
A few moments later, his form shimmered into view. He appeared the same as he had always been in her mind, his long dark robes draping over his deceptively frail frame, the hood of his cloak concealing his face in shadow. Perhaps the image would have been enough to convince others that he had somehow returned from the depths of the Force, but the young woman knew that this apparition wasn't truly her Master; it was merely a reflection of him created by the Holocron.
But the Holocron did contain his knowledge, everything that he wished for her to know, and it seemed to her that, though it should not have been possible, some part of his essence did remain within the device.
It was here, in this room, that she had continued to learn from the image of her Master after he had been defeated by the Chosen One, waiting for the moment when Lord Sidious had told her that she was ready to carry out his vengeance. And now, she would tell him of her success.
"Child," Lord Sidious's image addressed her, "What have you to report?"
"My Master," she began, keeping her gaze upon the floor, "I have brought Skywalker and his family here, as you ordered." There was silence for a moment, yet she didn't move. It was forbidden for her to look into her Master's eyes, for she wasn't worthy. That was the first lesson he had taught her.
"And your mission was without complication, I trust?" he asked finally.
"Yes, Master. Just as you said, they became powerless when they were cut off from the Force."
The Sith Lord's hologram smiled. "Good…good. The abilities you share with the ysalamiri have served you well, child. Are you ready to fulfill your purpose now?"
"I am, Master."
Sidious smiled again. "Then do so. Kill them all."
TBC
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IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ:
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Ani-maniac494