Straightening up, Palpatine moaned softly. Perhaps, he thought, sending himself to this universe wasn't such a good idea. But no, he dismissed that notion as foolish weakness deserving of a Jedi.
After all, this universe was special. From here, with the plans he had devised and his minion self had carried out, he could have a place to physically exist at last.
If only, the former Chancellor mused, he could have made contact with his younger self in one of these other universes. But no matter. Once he had a place, it would undoubtedly be easier for him to communicate with another Palpatine.
And, after all, this universe was where he kept all those responsible for his destruction. It was a pity to give up his previous apprentice, but necessary. Likewise, the boy Luke would have made a good Sith, but he had left himself loyal to the wrong side.
Without completely understanding the laws of time, Palpatine had decided that he couldn't be sure that Luke wouldn't be born if Anakin had never existed. Of course, he hadn't meant for Jinn to survive or Anakin to become his apprentice in this universe. But, evidentially, nothing could go his way.
He had only redirected an asteroid in this one. But, by pure accident, that had caused the destruction of a planet that would have occupied the attention of the Federation of Trade for the year before its time on Naboo. And would have been the vacation spot and eventual deathbed for the only man in Mon Espa willing to teach blaster fighting to an eight-year-old.
The redirection of an asteroid should not have resulted in the survival of a Jedi halfway across the galaxy. But it had, and now this universe was good for nothing but his place to stay until he turned another universe to his will, and a 'storage place' for those who would make trouble for him until he had to kill them.
Well, he had Anakin and Luke, oh, perhaps he should add Kenobi. After all, he was rather important to Anakin's life, and Luke's as well. But without either of them… no, he would not make another mistake like Jinn's survival. Kenobi would come to this world to die, just like his apprentices.
And the Princess Leia too? His more cautious side wondered. Yes, he decided, he would take no chances. She was not particularly important to his destruction, but she might have been without her brother.
Yes, he would destroy the two of them along with all the others. He wondered how to do it…
"My lord," a battle droid he had purchased from the Federation entered the room and bowed stiffly. Palpatine had a fleeting wish that he could use the clones, but since the Republic was attempting to reprogram them, the Jedi couldn't either.
"Report," he ordered it, knowing that the droids would only respond to a command like that.
"We have news from our spies at the Jedi Temple," the droid told him. "Master Jinn has taken another apprentice, approximately three days and ten hours ago."
Palpatine leaned forwards. "Who?" he demanded. "Who is it?"
"A human girl, born on Coruscant, approximately thirteen years of age."
"Why would the Council accept one so old?" interrupted Palpatine.
"I don't know," retorted the droid, looking, if it was possible, miffed at being interrupted. "Do you want me to continue?"
Palpatine nodded, barely suppressing the urge to kill the droid outright for impertinence. This was too important.
"Her brother came with her, and is now staying with Senator Amidala. They are very close, and he could be suggested as a possible weakness. The boy was also born on Coruscant, and is eight years old."
"Do you have their names?" snapped the Sith impatiently.
The droid bobbed his head. "Tivania and Colac Merlos."
Palpatine slowly sank back into his seat. "Merlos," he muttered. "Now, there's a name I've heard before." He waved to the droid to leave.
With a muttered "You're welcome," it did so.
"Merlos," Palpatine repeated. Then he grinned. "If the old woman has passed any of her knowledge onto her children, then I believe we can make this work to our advantage. After all, what Sith child would want to be trained by the Jedi?"
Hello again, Mikey15! Thanks for reviewing! My brother's name isn't Mikey, but his friend calls him that! And today's his birthday! Everyone say happy birthday to my brother. One, two, three, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICHAEL!
Okay, so this one's short too, but I'm going to plead lenience because of the length of the chapter before last. Besides, I have a four day weekend because of Thanksgiving and Grading Day, so I'll get more up soon. Please review.