Parts of this chapter were borrowed from Revenge of the Sith by Matt Stover.
Chapter 3 - A World Falling Apart
The door to the spare room whooshed as it opened, stirring the Jedi from his sleep. Still in much pain, having not rested much the night before, he silently wished to be left alone. Opening his eyes he failed to see the intruder, but the Force revealed their presence. Turning he head, he involuntarily flinched as his eyes met the curious browns of a child.
"Hello there," he whispered to the child.
He recognized the freckled face of the boy who'd found him. A curious silence filled the room as they studied each other. Finally the boy nodded, as if he'd reached the answer to a burdening question.
"You're a real Jedi, aren't you?" It was a statement more than a question.
"I can see that you are a very bright boy indeed," the Jedi smiled. "How did you know?"
"I've seen the Jedi on the Holonet. They always wear the same clothes. You were wearing some when we found you."
The Jedi nodded. "Yes, I was. But that's not the only thing that led you to conclude I was a Jedi, was it?"
The boy smiled. "No."
"What else then?"
Pausing, the boy seemed to hesitate, as if looking for the right words to explain what he felt. Finally he spoke, "Well, I could see it in your eyes."
The Jedi chuckled softly. "You are very clever indeed."
The door reopened and the mother entered the room with a girl in her arms.
"Reese, I told you not to disturb our guest," she chided.
"Yes ma'am. I'm sorry."
"I'm not the person you should be apologizing to," she lectured.
The boy turned towards the Jedi, his eyes lowered as he spoke. "I'm sorry sir."
"Oh it's quite alright," he replied. Smiling warmly he turned to the mother. "I was enjoying your son's company. He's very astute."
"Yes he is, though he can be quite careless at times when it comes to manners." the mother explained. "I'm sorry again. I was just coming to check on you. I'm preparing a meal in the kitchen and will bring it out soon."
"Thank you. I'm feeling much improved from yesterday. I look forward to enjoying your wonderful meal."
The mother nodded. "Come Reese. You need to wash up before breakfast."
The boy left without another word. The mother turned to leave as well.
"I was wondering if we could talk for a moment," the Jedi spoke, calling her back.
Turning to face him she smiled, "Of course."
"I was curious. The boy; has he ever been tested for Jedi traits?"
"He was, when he was younger. It's standard practice on Subravien to test our children. At least it was until the war. As you know, we haven't been too friendly towards the Republic these last few years."
The Jedi nodded as he listened, a look of understanding crossing his face.
"And what were the results?"
"Reese has an abnormally high midiclorian count; but not quite enough to qualify as a Jedi. Little Mara here was never tested." She smiled at her daughter who giggled in return.
"If he'd qualified, would you have sent him to train on Corscant?"
"I don't know. Reese was a very complicated birth. We worried that we were going to lose him. When he was finally born, I was so relieved to have him alive..."
Tears welled in her eyes at the memory.
"I understand," he said. "It was probably for the best. After my troops turned on me, I knew the age of the Jedi had passed."
"I'm sorry," she said with true regret. "I don't understand how the Republic could turn its back on its greatest servants. Do you know what happened? Why they did this?"
A vacant look washed over his features as he shook his head. "I wish I knew. As I lay dying in your boat, I could feel a great disturbance in the Force. It felt like a great room with burning candles that were being extinguished one by one."
The door opened and Reese reentered.
"Mom, I think something's burning."
A look of panic appeared on her face as she remembered the breakfast she'd neglected.
"I'm sorry, I need to go," she said. Placing Mara in Reese's arms, she left.
The day went on uneventful as so many days before. For the first time things seemed to be returning to normal. The guest in the spare room was the only reminder that things were not as they seemed.
As evening drew near, the children played silently while the adults gathered around the holo-receiver. All citizens were encouraged to watch as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine made an important announcement.
Palpatine took the podium in the great senate chamber. Though he wore a hood to hide his features, it was obvious that his face had been injured by some unknown trauma.
Pete watched with growing concern as the Chancellor waited for the Senate's supportive thunderous applause to die down. "He looks as if he's aged twenty years. What the hell happened?"
Sinnel shook his head. "I don't know but I have a bad feeling about this."
"My dear distinguished members of the Senate, special guests and of course, citizens of the Republic. I come to you at a great moment in history; A moment that shall be remembered in the many millennia to come.
"After a long and tedious war, I can finally come to you and announce that we have peace!"
The crowd erupted in spontaneous applause.
"This news, however, does not come without a price. We all know many people who have suffered greatly in this conflict. Many planets were ravaged in wake of this terrible war. Millions have been killed. Even more have lost everything they have. I can assure you these losses are not in vain. They will be honored along with the many men who willingly sacrificed their lives in the name of democracy!"
The crowd again erupted in applause. Palpatine raised his hands to silence them.
"My fellow citizens, in this moment of celebration, it pains me to be the bearer of bad news; news that will no doubt shock and appall many of you. It would seem that our greatest allies, those who seemingly gave the most on our behalf have betrayed us! These so called friends of democracy have taken advantage of this war and used it as an excuse to assassinate me and to despot the senate in a vain attempt to control the Republic!
"I can assure you that I do not come to you with empty accusations. Indeed I have proof of these perpetrators betrayal. I now present a recording that was taken from the interior of the office of the Supreme Chancellor."
The screen changed, showing the office. Palpatine, his face not yet in its current distorted condition, sat at his desk. Four Jedi entered, one of them obviously Master Mace Windu, one of the most recognized and respected Jedi leaders.
"Master Windu, this is a surprise. I must say that you're here earlier than expected. I suppose you have news about General Grevious?"
"Chancellor Palpatine, in the name of the Galactic Senate, you are under arrest."
The Jedi proceeded to ignite their light sabers.
Palpatine, his face a look of shock, calmly looked at his arrestors but didn't move. "I wasn't aware that the Senate had issued a warrant for my arrest. May I see it? What are the charges against me?"
"You will not talk your way out of this, my lord," Windu said with obvious contempt.
"I am only exercising my democratic rights Master Windu. I have done nothing wrong and only wish to cooperate. I implore you to do me the same courtesy. Where is my warrant?"
"As servants of the Senate we are not required to get a warrant. You are coming with us, either voluntarily or by force."
"Master Windu, I tire of this. If you have no warrant than you are treading on treason. Abusing the powers the Senate has given you may be overlooked in some instances but arresting the Supreme Chancellor will not go unnoticed. Once the Senate hears of what you've done-"
"Enough!" Windu interrupted. "We are well aware of the control you have over the Senate. We are here to put a stop to that once and for all."
"It's treason then," Palpatine hissed. "So be it Jedi."
The recording changed to show Palpatine, his face now scared and damaged, lying on his back. Mace Windu stood over him with lightsaber drawn. Another Jedi, recognized to be Anakin Skywalker the 'Hero with no Fear', stood nearby. They appeared to be arguing.
"You can't do this! He must stand trial!" Anakin pleaded.
Palpatine, injured and helpless, pleaded with his executer. "Please! I beg you, don't do this! Anakin, surely you can see I have done nothing wrong."
"I am putting and end to this now!" Windu insisted, raising his lightsaber.
"No! It's not the Jedi way!"
Mace Windu swung his lightsaber down towards the Chancellor. Skywalker swiftly intervened, cutting off the unsuspecting Jedi's hand.
The recording ended.
The image returned to the Chancellor in the Senate chamber. Gaps of shock echoed through the crowd. Angry cries of outrage began, calling for justice to the traitors.
"My dear citizens! These Jedi conspirators will be dealt with! These Jedi murders left me scarred, left me deformed, but they could not sear my integrity! They could not deform my resolve! The remaining traitors will be hunted down, rooted out wherever they may hide, and brought to justice, dead or alive! All collaborators will suffer the same fate. Those who protect the enemy are the enemy! Now is the time! Now we will strike back! Now we will destroy the destroyers! Death to the enemies of democracy!"
Sinnel and Pete exchanged worried glances.
"This isn't good at all," Pete said. "Maybe we should turn him in?"
"No!" Cyn said. "You heard him! All collaborators will suffer the same fate! The moment we took him in we became collaborators."
"But we didn't know," Sinnel replied. "Surly they'll understand if we tell them that."
Something on the holonet drew their attention. The news appeared to be getting worse.
"To ensure that we will always stand together, that we will always speak with a single voice and act with a single hand, the Republic must change. We must evolve. We must grow. We have become an empire in fact; let us become an Empire in name as well! We are the first Galactic Empire!
"We are an Empire that will continue to be ruled by this august body! We are an Empire that will never return to the political maneuvering and corruption that has wounded us so deeply; we are an Empire that will be directed by a single sovereign chosen for life!"
"I think I'm going to be sick," Jillian said.
Pete turned off the holo-receiver in obvious frustration. "Now we know why the Jedi wanted to arrest him."
"What do you mean?" Cyn asked.
"It's obvious they saw this coming. They could see the Chancellor was killing democracy."
"Why doesn't the Senate see that?" Jillian asked.
"Because they don't care. He's just ensured that they'll be in power for the rest of their lives. As long as they have that why would they stop him? They're just as corrupt as he is."
Sinnel shook his head. "I feel so powerless."
"That Jedi in there is our last hope. As long as he's alive, than there's a chance that he can find other surviving Jedi. They couldn't have killed them all. If he finds more than there's a chance that they can do something to change this."
Sinnel nodded. "I agree. There's no way we can turn him in now. If we do than we are giving up our children's only chance of growing up in a democratic society."
"I think it's probably best if you went back home," Pete added. "If they should find the Jedi here, you and Jillian would be safe from any accusations that you were involved."
Sinnel shook his head. "I'm not leaving you with all the burden."
"I'm not going to argue with you about this. You have your children to think about," he paused and looked at his wife, "and mine."
"What do you mean?" Cyn asked in shock.
"You're pregnant. I want you to go with them until the Jedi's well. If something should happen to you and the baby... I don't know what I'd do."
Cyn began to cry as her husband hugged her. "Shh, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Okay?"
Silently she nodded.
Jillian looked at her husband. She knew he didn't want to leave his brother but he would do the right thing. This was why she loved him so much. No matter what, he would always put his family first.
That night, as Reese was settling into bed, he was pleasantly surprised to find that both his parents had come to tuck him in.
"Reese, we have some good news for you," his mom smiled.
"What?" He asked excitedly.
"Tomorrow we're going home," his dad said.
Reese began to smile as he could barely sit still. "Really?"
His mom nodded. "Yes, really," she laughed. "And your aunt Cyn is coming to stay with us for a while.
His smile grew wider. "And Uncle Pete too?"
His parents exchanged a look of concern. "No, he's got to stay here and watch after the sick man."
Reese nodded in agreement. "Oh, well I guess that's okay."
His parents smiled at his approval. His father took them both into his arms and hugged them tightly.
After they left and turned out the lights it took Reese a very long time to fall asleep.
An explosion rocked the house. Reese, immediately pulled from sleep, awoke to chaos. The sun had yet to rise and the moon cast long shadows in his small room. He jumped in surprise as his door flew open. A voice spoke but he could barley hear over his raging pulse pounding in his ears.
"It's going to be alright," the voice said as the intruder sat on his bed and threw an arm around him. He attempted to scream but a soft hand was thrust over his mouth.
"Shh. Mommy's here."
His frightened eyes gazed into the shadowed features of his mother's face as recognition began to set in. A moment later he realized his sister was cradled in his mother's lap.
"I need you to be a good boy and to take your sister."
"Why? What's going on?" He asked, his voice straining against his constricting throat. He fought the tears that threatened to fall.
"Bad men have come to take the sick man away. There isn't much time. I need you to take your sister and to hide in your uncle's boat. Do you understand?"
"But dad said I shouldn't go there unless he was with me!" The tears he had been fighting began to fall.
"I know son, but I need you to do this for me. It is so very important."
Shouting could be heard in the house. A look of worry overcame Jillian as she tried to remain calm. They both jumped at a sudden volley of blaster fire in the next room.
"We need to hurry!" She said in a hushed voice. Placing Mara on the bed, she went to the window and opened it. "Come here."
Reese went to his mother. Picking him up, she put him through the window and placed him gently on the ground outside.
"Wait there," she said, turning away from him. A moment later she reappeared with Mara. Reese took his baby sister.
Jillian began to cry as she looked at her children. She reached out and took his hand.
"Mommy loves you both so much." Her face contorted in emotional pain. "Go! Hurry!"
Reese cried harder as he watched his mother close the window and disappear into the house.
Mara looked at her brother with a curious expression. Her pudgy hand gently wiped his tears as she flashed him a smile. He couldn't help but return it.
Without another thought he began running as fast as his legs would permit. Mara was growing heavy but he didn't care. He needed to reach his uncle's boat. As he rounded the corner to the docks he stopped. Looking back at his uncle's home he could see troopers guarding the entrance.
"Hey!" one of them yelled as they spotted the boy and his sister.
He forced his burning legs back into motion. As he reached his uncle's boat he put Mara down. He could see four clones making their way to the dock. He quickly untied the ropes, tossing them into the vessel. Grabbing his sister's wrists he picked her up and held her over the boat. His arms weren't long enough to lower her properly. Aiming for a seat cushion he let her go. She fell into the boat with a soft thud and began to cry.
"I'm sorry Mara," he said as he jumped into the boat next to her.
Knowing there was no time to console her, he went to the steering mechanism, remembering what his uncle had taught him. The motor started with a soft hum.
"Stop!" One of the clones yelled as they reached the dock.
The vessel backed out a little too fast as Reese was thrown against the wheel. Struggling to turn the boat he shifted the gear into forward. The craft's nose lifted high before leveling out. He risked a glance at the docks and could see the clones aiming their weapons. Blaster bolts rained overhead, colliding with the water as they narrowly missed him.
Mara began to scream in terror as the craft pounded the rough seas. Reese activated the lift, pulling the vessel out of the water. They picked up speed as the craft smoothed out. A moment later the blaster fire stopped.
Reese risked leaving the wheel unattended as he checked on his sister. Pulling her into his arms he could see she was more frightened than hurt. He placed her in the driver's seat. Standing next to her he awkwardly piloted the boat, wanting to keep her close.
Blinding light engulfed the craft as a large ship hovered over them. Looking up he couldn't see beyond the spot light.
"Stop the vessel in the name of the Galactic Empire!"
Glancing up again he could just make out the shadow of a trooper with a long rifle.
"This is your last warning! If you do not stop we will use whatever force we deem necessary!"
The boat jerked violently as smoke began to poor from the primary engine. A moment later the second engine died. The boat hit the water, knocking Reese off his feet. Mara began to scream again. He frantically got up and tried to start the boat.
The large craft lowered until it was inches from the water. Pulling along side the boat, Reese watched helplessly as a pair of clones stepped on board.
"You've been a lot of trouble for us," one said as they grabbed his arm. The other lifted Mara, who continued to wail in horror.
As they were placed on the flying craft it rose up swiftly, sending butterflies through his already troubled stomach.
"I want my mom!" Reese insisted as they escorted him to a seat.
"Sit down," the clone said before turning away from him.
The other trooper approached with Mara. "Make her shut up," he said, thrusting her into her brother's arms.
He gently rocked his sister, doing his best to not join in her screams of terror. The ship began to descend. A moment later it landed in front of his uncle's home.
Reese looked on in terror as he realized the house was burning. Clones and officers were guarding the perimeter from prying neighbors. He attempted to get up only to be shoved back into the seat.
"I want to see my mommy!" He insisted, again trying to get up.
"Stay in your seat! Your parents are dead."
Shock overtook him as he realized what the man had said. Mara seemed to sense what he was feeling and she too turned pale and silent.
An officer stepped on board. The troopers immediately straightened to attention.
"We captured the Jade children. Do you want them terminated?"
"No," the officer said with a weary look of resignation. "There has been enough blood spilt today. They are now wards of the Empire."