Author's Note: Hi everyone! I had some extra time this weekend, so I'm able to get another chapter up sooner than I'd planned. Kickbutt Jedi Chick 4191 – Welcome! It's so good to have you join us! I'm thrilled that you are enjoying the story – thanks for giving it a shot! RavenRulzRF – I know, Windu has got to have something up his sleeve, right? Meandmysharpie – You've got me all figured out! Hee! Speaking of toast, I burned some the other day – nothing can stink up a kitchen more than that! The Strawberryish One – I'm so happy you liked it – addicting, huh? That's such a cool compliment! Hellish Red Devil – That doggone Jarrick – he's always gotta come along and make everything all complicated! ;-) I have to tell you – I agree with your review on "Tristan and Isolde." It was good, but could have been even better if there had been more relationship development. Jedi X-man Serena Kenobi – Thanks for your support! I appreciate it – and I'm tickled that you're enjoying it so much! Elmthesmartypants – Unfortunately, I have another evil cliffie for you today. I'm sorry! I can't help myself! Padme's Sister – The good news is that I've updated sooner than expected. The bad news is that there's still a ways to go – or maybe that's good news too? ;-) Hopeless4Life – I'm so glad you're having fun with the story! All – Thanks for the support. Your reviews mean more than you could possibly know. I'll be back as soon as I can with more!
Siri looked at Obi-wan, her gaze sharp and full of warning. Don't even think about sending me away, Kenobi. Let me stay and fight. My place is by your side. It always has been.
Her resolve faltered as he gave a pointed glance towards Padme, who was cradling her mid-section, her face taut with fear for the safety of her unborn child.
His reply was silent, of course, but so resolute he may as well have been shouting it from the rafters. Anakin and I will handle this, Siri. You must protect Padme and the baby. Go to the storage room on the bottom level; I will come to you when this is over. Everything will be all right.
Siri frowned, but nodded her acceptance. Her stony gaze traveled to the enemy, almost daring him to make a move before she left.
"You really should go, Tachi, before I change my mind," Jarrick murmured, responding to her unspoken challenge. He was barely audible, but the threat was clear.
Shrugging, Jarrick turned to Palpatine and bowed graciously, smiles wreathing his face. "For your own safety and good conscience, Chancellor, I beg you to escort these two ladies away from this scene. We will speak again soon."
The Chancellor took Siri by the elbow and began to physically guide her off the ice. She considered struggling, but in the end she went along, snagging Padme's arm on the way by. She was careful to keep the expectant Senator on her other side, so that both she and Palpatine stood between Padme and Jarrick. The crowd whispered curiously, watching their trek.
Siri wondered how many in attendance believed Jarrick's lies, not to mention the thoughts of the innumerable viewers watching from their homes. Unfortunately, she thought the answer was not what she had been hoping for, judging by the way her gaze was being avoided.
After what seemed like an eternity, they neared the enclosed staircase and spotted Kit Fisto and Aayla Secura huddled in the shadows. Kit nodded at them solemnly, apparently agreeing with their decision to vacate the premises. He held out a familiar light saber and Siri took it eagerly, hiding it in the skirts of her costume.
"Now, go quickly," he whispered. As they started to go, Siri saw him slip an extra light saber to Padme, evidently remembering her skill against the assassin droids. He then followed Aayla down the maintenance passageway, weapon at the ready.
The stairwell was mercifully empty when they slipped inside. Siri cursed her ice blades as she lumbered her way down, gripping the railing tightly. I won't be much help in a battle if I fall to my death, she thought darkly. Speaking of which...
"You all right back there, Senator?" she called. She didn't need to inquire after the Chancellor - he was already a flight ahead of them. He was pretty agile for an older gentleman – especially one in such a high ranking position.
"I'm managing," Padme ground out. She bit her lip, worrying the make-up off her skin. "Siri... did we do the right thing by leaving?"
Siri sighed, loud and long. "I hope so," she finally replied.
CENTER ICE - SAME TIME
Anakin's eyes didn't leave Padme until she disappeared behind the rink's doors and they closed with a snap. He pushed off, slowly circling Jarrick while keeping tabs on Artoo's position. He moved with a lethal grace, as if he had been wearing ice blades his entire life.
"Alone at last," Jarrick simpered.
"Not exactly," Obi-wan said pointedly, gesturing to the mass of fans struggling to hear their every word.
"I have a feeling they will clear out shortly," Anakin predicted, smirking knowingly at Jarrick.
"Are you implying that I would harm a citizen of the Republic?" he gasped. He held up his hands and made a show of staggering, as if overwhelmed by the mere idea.
"No, I'm implying that you would destroy the Republic completely," Anakin retorted.
"It appears we've gotten off on the wrong foot, Skywalker. You see, I am a champion of peace and prosperity," Jarrick drawled. "All of these fine people deserve to know what's happening to their government, for it may affect their way of life."
"The Jedi have no interest in running the Republic," Obi-wan insisted. "We are preservers of democracy, not rulers."
"And you have made all your choices based on that rule, have you?" Jarrick wondered.
Anakin's eyes narrowed. There was something about his tone… something slick and predatory. Obi-wan apparently didn't give much credence to it because he was quick to answer the jab.
"Yes, we do."
"Then, would you care to tell me why Anakin Skywalker was declared The Chosen One, while I – the true holder of that title – was shunned?"
"What are you talking about?" Obi-wan's voice was brimming with confusion.
"Didn't Master Windu tell you after our last meeting?" Jarrick asked, aghast. "It seems that Skywalker and I share some important things in common: namely, the date of our birth and our command of the Force."
"What does that have to do with anything?" Anakin hissed. He glanced over and checked Artoo's position once more.
"My friend, our existences created quite a bit of turmoil amongst the noble Jedi Council," Jarrick mused. He began to walk, the slick surface giving him no trouble. "There was some debate about which of us was the true 'Chosen One.'"
"You're lying," Anakin said listlessly.
"No, I'm afraid I've never been more serious in my life. I was tracked down the same month you were, Skywalker – in my 9th year. But I had something going for me that you most assuredly did not. You see, I was the son of a king. A very powerful king."
"And I was just a lowly slave boy," Anakin replied softly, his tone acerbic.
"Exactly. Don't you see how they came around to you? Your background made you the perfect puppet! You had no one of importance who could lay claim to you, who might interfere with their master plan-"
"I will not allow you to dismiss my mother in that manner." Anakin's eyes were nearly glowing with anger and he shook off the comforting hand Obi-wan laid on his arm.
"I mean no disrespect. You were strictly a means to an end - a young boy with an incredible amount of Force potential, looking for acceptance and an opportunity to save the Galaxy single-handedly. It must have been so easy for them to mold you to their way of thinking."
"I am no one's mold, Jarrick."
Jarrick smiled and shook his head. "Whatever you are, there is one thing you are not and that's the Chosen One."
"And you base that belief on the fact that your father was a powerful king?" Obi-wan's voice rang out across the Arena and the crowd stirred in response.
"I base my thinking on the fact that I know all the ways of the Force."
"Ah yes, the dark side," Obi-wan murmured. "That is certainly the path to enlightenment."
Jarricks eyes flashed an angry red before settling back to their placid blue. "My Master has taught me powers the likes of which you have never seen."
"And where is your supposed Master?" Anakin wondered. "Leaving you to do all this dirty work while he sits somewhere and meditates? How honorable."
Jarrick didn't answer, a maddening smile coming to his lips. "It is understandable that you feel anger, Anakin. You just found out that your entire adult life has been based on a lie. Who could blame you for being a bit… perturbed?"
"Your claims are a fabrication." Anakin once again began to circle Jarrick, his blades making quiet swishing sounds against the ice.
"Ah, I see," Jarrick smiled. "You are reluctant to disagree with your own trusted Master. You two share a bond, correct? One that is based on complete honesty."
"Yes. Something you could never comprehend," Anakin insisted.
Obi-wan felt a sense of unease permeate his heart. The Force was darkening, becoming unwieldy and sharp. He had a feeling about the card Jarrick was about to play and it was not good.
He was right.
Jarrick pinned them with an indulgent smirk. "Perhaps you might want to ask him why he hasn't told you about the Senator's wonderful news."
"What?" Anakin's fists clenched and unclenched, unconscious movements that revealed his bewilderment. "Master, what is he talking about?"
"Anakin-" Obi-wan began. "You must know, this isn't the way she wanted you to find out."
"Go on, Master Kenobi," Jarrick goaded. "Tell him. It is your right as a stand-in grandfather, is it not?"
BOTTOM LEVEL – STORAGE ROOM
Siri closed the door and flipped the lock, knowing it was an exercise in futility. Any Force user could disable it in a split second. Still though – there was no point in making it easy for Jarrick.
She turned and faced Palpatine and Padme, who looked equally disturbed by the situation. A feeling of awkwardness spread over the room and she winced at the sensation, immediately seeking to lessen it.
"The folks in the audience sure are getting their money's worth tonight, huh?" she joked, stepping out of her ice blades. "We really ought to get a cut of the profits."
Her attempt at humor was met with stony silence. She cleared her throat and wished desperately for her cloak – or any type of physical cover. She felt incredibly exposed in her frilly costume – very un-Jedi-like. She took comfort in the fact that she at least had her light saber. That was something, she supposed.
She looked up as Padme stepped forward.
"Chancellor, I do hope you won't fall prey to Jarrick's lies," the young woman entreated. Some color had returned to her cheeks and she looked determined and very… well, senatorial.
"You have to admit, he brought up some valid points," Palpatine responded. Siri felt her heart sink.
"He is misinformed," Padme insisted passionately. "This whole thing came about because the Jedi were helping me. One year ago, my life was being threatened and well, it was thought that hiding me in plain sight was a wise strategy. It worked so well, we utilized our undercover personalities for another mission or two, as needed. The last time was to work against Jarrick himself – he even held us prisoner while he plotted a way to bring down the Republic!"
The Chancellor didn't answer right away and Siri's senses went on full alert. Something is going on…
"I don't believe I can trust the Jedi any longer," he mused.
Siri couldn't help it; she laughed. "You're telling me you're going to believe the ravings of that madman?"
"I don't care for your tone, Master Tachi," Palpatine rebuked.
Padme floundered, silently begging her friend to subdue her outward display of temper. We need him on our side, Siri. He can go before the public and give Anakin and Obi-wan the authorization to apprehend Jarrick.
"Now why would I do that?" he asked.
Padme gasped and staggered backwards, her shoulder bumping into Siri. "Excuse me?" she whispered.
He sighed and repeated himself as if he were speaking to a small child. "Why would I want the Jedi to take Jarrick into custody, after all I've done to get him here?"
"You-" Padme cleared her throat. "You could hear us?"
He waved his hand impatiently. "Of course, my dear - you didn't even make a feeble attempt to shield your thoughts. It's really quite insulting."
Siri stood in front of Padme. "You know the ways of the Force?"
"It would appear so, now wouldn't it?" He smiled, but the expression dripped with maliciousness. "But I can assure you, I can do much more than eavesdrop."
"You're a Sith lord?" Siri cried, even though she knew it was the truth. She activated her light saber and glanced behind her at Padme, who was holding the elegant weapon by her fingertips, staring at her former mentor in shock.
Siri realized she had to keep the Chancellor's attention on her until Padme snapped back to reality. "What do you want with us?"
Palpatine ignored the bar of plasma that Siri was aiming at his chest and walked away, his pace leisurely and assured.
"Could you imagine finer bait for the team of Skywalker and Kenobi than their lady loves? And even better - the tragedy of the whole situation will be laid at the feet of the meddling Jedi Council. I do fear the public will never allow them to continue functioning. I will scarcely have to lift a finger."
Keep him talking, she reminded herself. Obi-wan and Anakin will sense the danger; they will be down here in no time, Jarrick be damned.
"I wouldn't put too much faith in either of your beloved Jedi," Sidious hissed knowingly. He tapped his com-link and sure enough, the sounds of a fierce battle came through the transmission. "You see? I'm afraid they are otherwise engaged – both mentally and physically."
Siri frowned, but called for Obi-wan and Anakin anyway, Master Yoda's warning ringing through her mind.
"Cruel deception is what Jarrick will use. Breaking apart the four of you will be his goal."
She doubled her efforts. Oh, Force. Please tell me they didn't allow him to succeed, she begged. But she knew her attempts were fruitless, as feelings of weakness and loneliness were already clawing at her with their icy talons.
The mystical connection that had bonded the four of them together so tightly was gone.
She glared at Sidious, bringing her saber to a defensive position. "What did you do?"
"Simple," he replied. He snapped his arm and a light saber sprung into his hand. "We told the truth. Oh yes, that reminds me – congratulations, Senator-"
"The child of Skywalker will make a formidable Sith."
With a snarl, he attacked.