Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. It all belongs to the George.
A Matter of Trust
Chapter 16: Order 66
Padme stirred and moaned sleepily. She smiled and pressed herself closer to Anakin, if that were possible, as she was already spooned against him. They hadn't even made it to the bed, as their desperation to be with each other had taken over, just as exhaustion had taken over after their passionate lovemaking. Suddenly, she heard a rapping at the cabin door.
"Master Ani, miss Padme, Artoo says we will be coming out of hyperspace in 20 minutes," Threepio said. Padme yawned deeply.
"Thanks Threepio," she called.
"Angel?" Anakin said in a sleepy voice.
"Threepio says we're almost home. I'm afraid we don't even have time for a shower, so it'll have to wait until we're home at the lake house," Padme said, as she reluctantly pulled herself from his embrace. They both threw on their clothes and left the cabin to strap themselves in for when Artoo brought them out of hyperspace and into orbit around Naboo.
Master Gallia and the other Jedi masters took care of the Chancellor's guards and marched into his office.
"Master Gallia, what can I do for you and your colleagues?" Palpatine asked.
"I think you know why we're here Chancellor Palpatine. Or do you prefer Darth Sidious?" Master Gallia asked cooly. Palpatine remained stoic for a moment.
"And just what do you plan to do with me Master Jedi?" he asked.
"You are under arrest Chancellor," Adi said, as she and the other three masters ignited their sabers.
"Are you threatening me, master Jedi?" Palpatine asked through clenched teeth.
"You can come quietly, or we shall take you by force. The Senate shall decide your fate," Mundi replied. Palpatine's produced his light saber and ignited it.
"I AM THE SENATE!" he yelled, as he did a corkscrew spin over his desk and engaged in battle with the four seasoned Jedi masters. Palpatine spun and met blades with Master Tiin first, while knocking Plo Koon out of the way. Their sabers clashed, but Palpatine proved to be a superior, as he plunged the saber through Saesee Tiin's heart. The Jedi master fell to the floor dead. But the other masters had no time for reaction to their friend's death, as Palpatine whirled around and met sabers with Ki-Adi Mundi and Plo Koon. He gave Plo Koon a hard Force push and with an incredible blast of Force lightning, the window of the Chancellor's office shattered and Plo Koon was thrust out the window and into the depths of Coruscant. Palpatine spun back and clashed sabers furiously with Adi Gallia and Ki-Adi Mundi. Suddenly, a figure cloaked in black swept into the room.
"Padawan Caelan," Mundi said.
"No master Mundi, I am Darth Psion," she said, as she swept her saber at him. He met it with his own and the sabers clashed furiously. But Ki-Adi Mundi was immediately amazed at the fierceness in the former padawan's attacks. Psion grew bored with the fight and spun around. She brought her saber down hard on his neck, severing it from the rest of his body.
"Well done my young apprentice. You work so far has been commendable," Sidious said.
"Thank you my master," she replied.
"How could you do this Zara?" Adi growled. Psion smiled evilly.
"Oh, it was very easy master Gallia, easy just like killing you will be," she replied, as her saber hissed and cracked as it made contact with Adi's. Master Gallia fought furiously with the former padawan, but this woman did not fight like a Jedi. Her every move was deadly and evil marred her features. The woman before her was a Sith and there was no trace of the former padawan Zara Caelan.
"This has been nice master Gallia, but it's time for you to die so my
my master and I can continue with our plans," Psion said.
"I don't think so padawan," Adi replied. Psion growled.
"I am no longer a padawan!" Psion yelled, as she blasted master Gallia with an incredible wave of Force lightning. Jedi Master Adi Gallia was thrust out the window and fell to her death.
"Very well done, my apprentice. But we still have much to do," Palpatine said. Psion bowed to him.
"Yes my master, what is thy bidding?" she asked.
"We must execute order 66 before Kenobi, Windu and Yoda return. We will have to deal with them personally," Palpatine said.
"I am unsure of master Yoda's whereabouts, but Windu and Kenobi are likely still a couple hours away. And I am positive that Skywalker has returned to Naboo," she replied.
"Vert good. Take a legion on troops and storm the Jedi Temple. Leave no survivors," Sidious ordered, as he raised the comlink to his lips. Carefully adjusting it to the secret frequency, which would transmit to all clone troopers, he spoke into it.
"Execute order 66," Palpatine said.
"I will go at once master," Psion said.
"Very good. After you have completed you task at the temple, you may head for Naboo to deal with any personal matters that you wish to. Think of it as a reward for your work," Palpatine said.
"You are most generous my master," Psion smiled evilly, as did Palpatine. Never in a million years would he have realized that she would make a far better apprentice than Skywalker ever would have. He realized now that Skywalker's stupid attachment to that woman would have forever made him unstable and that he would have drifted back and forth between the light and dark sides. But padawan Caelan's jealous heart and obsession had made her a totally willing apprentice. She had welcomed the darkness, whereas Skywalker would have only done what he asked if he thought he would be able to save his wife by doing it. But Psion carried out her duties and loved doing his evil bidding. She was deadly and efficient. And now soon, the Jedi would be no more...
Senator Bail Organa and Senator Mon Mothma arrived at the Senate building together. The Chancellor had just called an emergency meeting of the Senate.
"Honorable representatives of the Republic systems, it is with a heavy heart that I bring us together today. A little over an hour ago, four Jedi masters made an assassination attempt on my life. Fortunately, they were thwarted and dealt with. It seems that the Jedi have been long planning to usurp my power and take control of the Senate for their own. But you can rest assured, as I have taken measures to ensure the traitorous Jedi don't do any harm to our good Republic. Thanks to them, we nearly lost the war. But my top agent has tracked down the Separatists leaders herself and reprimanded them. The war is over, but I'm afraid it has left the Republic in shambles. It is time for change my friends. The Jedi order is being dissolved as we speak and those loyal to their cause are our enemies. We must protect ourselves from their corruption. Together, we shall build a grand Empire from the ashes of our Republic and we shall rise victorious over those that oppose our peace!" Palpatine stated. Mon Mothma, Bail, and a few other senators looked horrified, as they watched democracy die before their very eyes. Roars of applause echoed through the Senate chambers from those that approved of this course of action. Bail knew that he needed to do whatever he could to help the remaining Jedi. He knew that Obi-Wan, Mace Windu and Yoda were not on Coruscant right now and he needed to be the first one they saw when they arrived back on the planet. Suddenly, he was also very worried about Anakin and Padme. He had a feeling that they too were in grave danger...
Anakin and Padme arrived home at the lake house, where Sola was waiting for them with the twins. Upon seeing her little sister and her brother in law, she burst out laughing at their appearance. They were, to put it simply, a mess. She wondered why they hadn't had time to clean up on a five hour trip back from Korriban. Padme rolled her eyes at her sister. "Just what is so funny Sola?" Padme asked.
"You two are a mess. What were you doing on your trip back?" Sola asked playfully.
"We were...um...we were sleeping. We are very tired and you have no idea what we've been through," Padme replied, not making eye contact. Anakin smiled sheepishly.
"Uh huh, I'm sure that sleep is not all you did. The twins are fine with me for a little bit. Go get cleaned up you two," Sola said. Anakin and Padme nodded and kissed the twins before going into the house and heading for their room. Sola shook her head at the young couple, as she watched them go hand in hand.
After they shared a long, hot shower together, they dressed and went to find Sola and the twins. They felt much better now.
"Well, that's better. I think there are two little twins here that are very happy to see their parents," Sola said. Luke and Leia beamed smiles at their parents and flailed their arms excitedly. And Anakin and Padme felt their hearts melt.
"Oh mommy and daddy missed you both so much," Padme cooed, as she picked up Luke and cuddled him. Anakin picked up his little angel and kissed her brown haired head. Then he turned seriously to Sola.
"Thank you Sola," Anakin said.
"Of course Anakin, what are aunt's for?" she smiled.
"There's something else we need you to do Sola," Anakin said, as he glanced at Padme. They both knew what they needed to do, as much as they hated it. Sola frowned, sensing the seriousness of the young couple's mood.
"What is it?" Sola asked.
"I don't know how much longer Naboo will be safe for us. We need you to go home and start packing," Anakin said.
"Tell mom and dad that we have to leave. Our ship isn't big enough for all 10 of us, but you and Darred, mom, dad and the girls should be able to fit on the family ship. Anakin will send Artoo with you so he can check the ship over," Padme said.
"You want us to leave Naboo?" Sola asked in shock.
"We don't have a choice Sola. She's been here and she knows where to find you if she wanted to get to us," Anakin said.
"And just who is this she?" Sola asked. Anakin sighed deeply.
"The new Sith apprentice. Zara turned to the dark side and I know she'll come after me. We have to leave for the outer rim and find another suitable planet to live on until the time to take her and her master down presents itself. In the past, I would have just rushed into battle without thinking and without listening to what the Force is telling me. But I have a family to protect and the Force is telling me that it is not the right time to strike the Sith. My family is the most important thing right now and I can't protect us on Naboo when all of our enemies know where we are," Anakin told her. Sola nodded sadly.
"I'll make sure we're ready to leave by tomorrow," Sola said, as she left. Padme laid her head on Anakin's shoulder, as they spent some quiet moments with their children.
Psion smirked with satisfaction at her work. For the most part, everyone in the temple was dead. She was aware that some of the escape pods were gone, but she assumed that some of the Knights had been successful at getting some of the younglings and padawans into them. It made no difference, for she would hunt down and destroy any Jedi that managed to escape their purge. No one would stand against her master's new empire. Smoke could be seen rising from the temple from all over Coruscant. It was a fair warning to anyone who thought of opposing to her master. She knew the clone troopers could handle any returning Jedi, so she strapped in to her star fighter and left Coruscant's orbit. She set her coordinates for Naboo and jumped to hyperspace.
"I'm coming Anakin and I will soon have everything I want..." Psion said to herself, as she slipped into meditation for the four hour journey.
Obi-Wan and Mace's ships entered the atmosphere on Coruscant and were met with a terrible sight.
"The temple," Obi-Wan whispered in disbelief, as he saw the smoke rising from his home. He had felt the terrible vibrations through the Force. He had felt so many Jedi dying that it had completely overwhelmed him. He knew that Anakin would be feeling the same thing and he needed to get in touch with him as soon as possible. But first, he and Master Windu would have to fight their way inside the temple. The landed on the main temple platform and were immediately attacked by clone troops. Obi-Wan ordered Sabe to stay in his fighter, but she refused and pulled out her blaster. Master Yoda arrived not long after that and with his help, they soon took out all the troopers blocking this particular entrance to the temple.
"Are you sure you want to come in? Some of the things you are going to see will be disturbing," Obi-Wan told her. She squeezed his hands in her own.
"I'm not getting separated from you. I'll be fine and I'm not letting you go through this alone," Sabe insisted. Obi-Wan nodded and ignored the stern gaze that Master Windu gave him. What did their stupid code mean now? They were among the last of the Jedi and now he realized how right Master Qui-Gon had been. The Sith had adapted to change and learned to hide themselves so well, while they had let their old, archaic ways cloud their vision and judgement. How much of this could have been prevented had the rest of the council listened to what he and Master Yoda had tried to tell them. Anakin and Padme followed their hearts and it had served them well. Unfortunately, there was a Sith after them and he knew they had to warn Anakin soon.
"I sense that Darth Psion is no longer on Coruscant," Obi-Wan spoke.
"Correct you would be. Know where she has gone you think you do?" Yoda asked.
"I need to contact Anakin immediately. I think she may be headed for Naboo," Obi-Wan said.
"Contact him from hyperspace you will. Into hiding you and Sabe must go. You as well master Windu. Need time to regroup and plan our attack we do. No good can be done if killed we are," Obi-Wan said.
"Where should we go master?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I believe I can help you with that master Kenobi. I can hide you and Sabe on my planet," Bail Organa said, as he approached them.
"Are you sure Bail? If Palpatine finds out you are helping us, your life would be in danger," Sabe said.
"I am sure milady and he won't find you if you are hidden in the mountain regions of Alderaan. The rebellion is already forming against this new empire and we will need all the Jedi we can find. And you'll need my resources if we are going to find any that escaped the purge," Bail said.
"Most grateful for your help we are Senator Organa," Yoda said.
"The pleasure is mine master Yoda, but we must leave right away. We can contact Anakin and Padme on my ship and warn them about the Sith," Bail said. Obi-Wan nodded.
"What about master Windu?" Sabe asked.
"Senator Mon Mothma is sending for you master Windu. She can accommodate a hiding place on Chandrilla for you. That way, you can also be an integral part of the rebellion. Mace smiled slightly.
"It is nice to know that we still have allies in times like these. I have been wrong about many things and it was too late before I realized it," Mace said.
"Embrace change we must, if to survive we are," Yoda said.
"Where will you go master?" Obi-Wan asked.
"A planet devoid of technology where the Force is strong. Hide my presence from Sidious for the time being I must if our rebellion is to be successful. Go now, you must," Yoda said. The old Jedi master watched with a heavy heart as Obi-Wan and Mace departed. Suddenly, he sensed a very dark presence.
"Hello master Yoda," Sidious cackled.
"Master Sidious, surprised to see you I am not," Yoda said.
"I came to deal with you personally and admire my apprentice's handy work for myself. I must say, she did an excellent job," Sidious said, as he ignited his saber. Yoda ignited his emerald saber with a snap hiss. With a fierce battle cry, Yoda launched at the dark Lord of the Sith...
Padme held Anakin close, as they stood on the very balcony where they were married four years ago. The twins were sleeping in their hover stroller, having fallen asleep on the evening walk down by the waterfalls. It was becoming a family tradition to take a walk after dinner just the four of them. During their walk, Anakin had nearly collapsed, holding his head in agony. When Padme asked him what he was sensing, he said that Jedi were being murdered and he could feel them all dying. Tears had streamed down both their cheeks and the twins began to cry hysterically. Anakin had eased them both into a Force induced sleep so they would not have to experience these feelings, in which they were too young to comprehend.
"Good, you're back. Obi-Wan is trying to contact you both. It seems to be very urgent," Sola said. Anakin and Padme exchanged worried glances. Padme steered the hover stroller inside with Anakin right behind her. They sat down in front of the holo projector and accepted the call.
"Thank the Force you are both there," Obi-Wan said. He looked worried and frazzled.
"Obi-Wan, what's going on. I...I felt them. I felt hundreds of them dying. What's going on?" Anakin asked, in a strained voice. Obi-Wan sighed deeply.
"A few hours ago Masters Gallia, Tiin, Koon, and Mundi stormed into the Chancellor's office, revealing to him that we knew he was the Sith Lord. The tried to place him under arrest and they were killed. Palpatine called an Emergency session of the Senate. He declared that his faithful apprentice had disposed of the separatist leaders. Then, he proceeded to tell them that the Jedi had betrayed the Republic by attempting to assassinate him. He declared that, because of the manipulation by the Jedi that the Republic was no longer functional. He proposed an amendment to dissolve the existing Republic and build a strong, powerful Empire in its place. The amendment passed and Emperor Palpatine ordered that all Jedi are to be hunted down and killed..." Obi-Wan said, despair lacing his voice. Sabe put her arms around his neck from behind. Anakin and Padme gasped in horror.
"Anakin, listen to me very carefully. Naboo is no longer safe. You must get your family and the Naberrie's off Naboo now. She's no longer on Coruscant," Obi-Wan said.
"Who's no longer on Coruscant?" Anakin asked.
"Darth Psion. While Mace and I were on our way back to Coruscant, this "order 66" as Sidious is calling it, was executed. Psion stormed the temple and killed those inside. Some of the escape pods are gone, so we believe a few may have escape, but we have no idea who they were. The clone troopers have been ordered to take out any Jedi on any other systems. We have no idea if any of them survived. Yoda arrived just behind us and we sensed the Psion was no longer on Coruscant. We believe that she is headed for...Naboo. You and your family have to leave and head for the outer rim and you must search for a place where you'll be safe. Sabe, Mace and I have been ordered into hiding as well. Mace has already left for an undisclosed location and Sabe and I are leaving now. We will contact you as soon as we can, but you must leave Naboo. May the Force be with you Anakin," Obi-Wan said, as his transmission blinked out. Anakin stared blankly. This was a nightmare, but there was no time to lose. He sensed that they didn't have much time...
"Sola, we can't wait until morning to leave. Go home and get everyone into the cruiser. Take Artoo with you. He can begin his search for a suitable planet and then he can relay the coordinates to our ship and we can follow you. She'll be here soon, I can sense it. Go now, we don't have much time," Anakin ordered. Sabe nodded and began running for her speeder.
"Ani, what are we going to do?" Padme asked.
"Threepio, finish getting the ship loaded and run a quick diagnostic scan on the engines. We need to leave as soon as possible," Anakin ordered.
"Yes master Ani," Threepio said faithfully, as he quickly went to work.
Yoda flipped and fought furiously with the dark Lord of the Sith. Sidious cackled, as he met each and everyone of Yoda's parries, thrusts, blade spins. Yoda knew he was in trouble when clone troopers began to rally behind their new master. Yoda spun away from him and began to quickly head for one of the temple ship hangers.
"Do not let him escape!" Sidious ordered. The clone troopers began to follow the little Jedi master, but fortunately, Yoda was far quicker and made it to a ship in a short time. By the time the troopers caught up, he was already taking off. Yoda carefully set his coordinates for Dagobah, as he quietly reflected on everything that had happened.
"Need your council we will master Qui-Gon. Never should I have allowed any of this to happen," Yoda spoke to the Force.
"This is a dark time for the Jedi, master, but we still have the chosen one. It is he and his legacy that will save the galaxy..." a ghostly voice spoke. Yoda slipped into a deep meditation and called upon the Force to guide and calm him...
Psion arrived on Naboo, as the sun was beginning to set. She landed her ship in the meadow near the lake house. She saw Anakin's droid faithfully loading things into their ship. So, they had been alerted to her arrival. But that didn't matter, as she would still get what she wanted.
Inside the lake house, the hair on the back of Anakin's neck stood up, as he sensed a dark tremor around them.
"No," he whispered.
"We're ready Ani," Padme said, as she held Luke and Dorme held Leia. They had told Dorme and Typho that they didn't have to leave Naboo if they didn't want to. But both had responded that they would go wherever the Skywalkers did if they'd allow it. Anakin and Padme had smiled in agreement, both glad that their friends, who for a while were the only ones that knew of their marriage, were going with them.
"What's wrong Ani?" Padme asked.
"She's here. Get them in the ship. If I'm not back in 20 minutes get Padme and the twins off Naboo," Anakin ordered Typho.
"No Anakin, I'm not leaving without you!" Padme cried.
"Please angel, I can't allow any harm to come to you or the twins. If she defeats me, then she'll come after you. Wait twenty minutes and then leave," Anakin repeated, as he drew his saber and walked out onto the balcony. Psion stared up at him from the sandy beach, a sadistic and evil grin painted on her face. Using the Force, Anakin jumped over the balcony and onto the sand below.
"You leave them out of this," Anakin said, referring to his family.
"Don't worry Anakin, I have nointention of killing you. However, I can say the same about your wife. With a snap hiss, Anakin and Psion ignited their sabers.
"You stay away from her!" Anakin said, as his saber clashed with Psion's. His muscles screamed in protest at the exertion, as they were still raw from their fight only a day ago. But he ignored them and used the Force to help him push the pain down deep. On the sandy beaches of Naboo, he and Psion fought furiously, she Nubian sun dipped low in the sky...