My thanks again to everyone who reviewed, commented and is
lurkering. Happy to know you are all enjoying. Hope you
like this one!
Lizzy Black: Thanks so much, glad you like.
Doreenthatshot: Glad to see you find the story again. Happy to know that you are enjoying.
Jedi Knight Anakin Solo: I don't think Palpatine needed Darkside powers to know what Veruna had in mind. Thanks for reading!
Winter Queens: Thanks so much for reading. Glad you like. As for one of our favorite couples, keep tuning in to find out ;).
Stanfield Skywalker: Glad to know you liked the cliffe. I love to write them ;). As for Anakin, he is definitely the typical teenaged boy not liking to get fancied up. Thanks for reading!
Emerald Green Queen: Yes, poor 3PO is as clueless as ever. Anakin is definitely settling into his new role although he still has a lot of room to grow. As for the kelvacyte matter, this is an 'issue' that will stretch from this story into the sequel hint hint. You were right about Veruna's title; however, since he is basically 'king of the castle,' as well as an egocentric person, he is unwilling to relinquish that title. Thrilled to know you are still enjoying. Thanks for reading!
Nini the Electrocuted Sheep: Glad to know that you are on the edge of your seat. Makes an author and a muse happy :). As for Veruna, yes he's in a lot of trouble. And as for Anakin and Padme, their friendship is definitely growing strong. Where that will lead...
Hieiko: Happy to you are loving this. Thanks for reading!
Pokey: Nice to know that Anakin is giving you warm fuzzies. It does seem that he is much happier than in the canon story. Will this stay the same? ;). And yes their friendship is really strong. Thanks for reading!
Fortune Zyne: I'd say it is not looking good for Naboo's former King. Thanks so much for reading.
Mizra: Veruna is definitely in very deep bantha poodoo. As for the discovery, it will have a profound influence on Amidala's decision. What that will mean in the future...;). Thanks so much for reading. Glad you are still enjoying this!
Ghostrider: Well, it is not looking good for the ex-King. We shall find out soon about his fate. As for Padme, no she wasn't flirting, more like beginning to realize this isn't the same cute little boy who she first befriended. It was more curiosity than anything else. Thanks so much for reading. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Lizziemackensie: I agree with you. I usually try to research characters, places and events thoroughly before I commit them to paper. If something seems anachronistic or a character is around that should be, it is for good reason. Thanks so much for reading!
NothingFeelsGood: Grin I do love evil cliffes, when I write them ;). And yes, I hate it when stories that I get into are not completed. Don't worry, NC is too close to my heart to quit. Glad you are enjoying.
AJedistuckintheMatrix: Doesn't look good for the King. Happy to know you like. Thanks for reading.
LetNys: Yes, the evil cliffes are fun. Thanks for reading!
Lochar: Thanks so much. Glad you are enjoying.
"Who did you say is here?" Renaltus Veruna asked with a grin.
"Chancellor Palpatine, your Majesty," the young attendant dutifully answered.
Renaltus straightened his tunic nervously while giving a slight nod. He took in a deep breath of air, then headed towards his study. In his youth Veruna had been a student of history, and he was well aware of the dubious past of the Sith Order. They were fabled to have Jedi-like powers; however, in all the years he had known Palpatine, he'd never witnessed any such demonstration. It was more likely that the leader of the Galactic Senate had imposed the title upon himself as a political gambit. Regardless of his intentions, Veruna did not believe in such nonsense.
Perhaps the old man has finally lost his mind.
He rounded the last corner only to find Chancellor Palpatine standing within his grand study, dressed in a simple black robe. It appeared to Veruna that he did not realize that he was no longer alone.
"Your Excellency, this is an unexpected surprise."
The Sith Lord sneered as he withdrew his hood. "Oh come now, Renaltus. After our last discussion, do you really find my presence so amazing?"
Veruna straightened. "Perhaps not." He pointed to a nearby chair, silently offering it to the Chancellor. "What then shall we discuss? Politics?"
"I've come to find out what you want," Palpatine remarked coldly.
"You know what I desire."
The Supreme Chancellor folded his arms snugly. "Your…request… is even beyond my powers. The Senate cannot interfere with the sovereignty of one its member systems."
"It will be such a pity to watch a career as brilliant as yours end, your Excellency," Veruna mocked, snapping his fingers. Before Palpatine could respond, twenty heavily armed mercenaries rushed into the room, pointing their blasters at the Chancellor. Veruna grinned wickedly, "You have left me little choice but to turn you over to the Jedi for your crimes."
The Sith Master's face remained placid as he watched the men encircle him. "It is never wise to threaten me, your Highness"
Nearly laughing aloud, Veruna said impudently, "Your supposed sorcerer's powers don't frighten me, Lord Sidious. It is sad that you have declared yourself a follower of a cult that has been dead for over a millennium. You…" Veruna clutched at his throat, gasping for air. One of the mercenaries took aim at the Chancellor. He never realized what struck him when the Sith's crimson blade cleanly separated his head from his body. The others began to fire wildly at the Chancellor.
Palpatine adroitly deflected each blaster bolt as he allowed the fury of the Darkside take control of his actions. He cackled in delight as he sliced through the flesh of these pathetic beings. With blinding speed he made certain that each of his feeble attackers met his lightsaber or suffered the voracious dark lightening that erupted from his free hand.
How dare they even attempt this!
Nothing was going to deter him from his task of controlling the Galaxy. It was his and soon not even the contemptible Jedi would be unable to stop him.
Darth Sidious deactivated his weapon as soon as the echo of blaster fire had ceased. The only sounds in the room were the moans of the few surviving mercenaries as they struggled to remain alive. Naboo's former King, the traitorous Veruna lay sprawled nearly unconscious on the floor. Palpatine pulled the man up to face him. "You were a fool to underestimate my power," he sneered
Veruna, still clutching his neck, pleaded, "Have mercy, my Lord. Please!"
"Mercy?" Palpatine scoffed. "You are in no position to request anything." He reactivated his lightsaber and pointed the end near the man's face. As he was about to swing though to rid himself of this nuisance, a whisper of the Darkside alerted him to a presence that had been tugging at his awareness since arriving on Naboo. He extended his consciousness into the Force, and the answer came without hesitation; the growing strength of the Chosen One served as a beacon amongst the violent tides of the Force. A slight grin filled the Dark Lord's face. The boy's powers were expanding even more rapidly than he had envisioned.
The foundation of a plan formed in Palpatine's mind as he glanced down at the cowering King. Veruna. He had many faults, but to his credit, he would be immutably loyal if one played to his greed properly. Yes, this pathetic being could help serve his plans nicely. Darth Sidious deactivated his lightsaber and withdrew slightly as he turned to survey the room. "Perhaps I acted…too harshly."
Removing his hands from his face, Renaltus meekly glanced up. "My life belongs to you, my Lord."
"Indeed," Palpatine responded, turning his attention to the contents of the study. "The Florenza castle is a remarkable structure. You really should consider yourself fortunate that the Parliament didn't send you to the prison barges of Cienia. I hear those cells are quite…uncomfortable."
Veruna had managed to lift himself off of the floor. A quick sideways glance from the Sith Lord frightened him back to his knees. "What is it that you wish for me to do, my Lord?"
The edge of Sidious' mouth rose slightly before returning to its expressionless mask. He continued to pace about the room, while not looking at the kneeling man. "I do not believe that you deserve to live in such splendor," he remarked.
Before Veruna could reply, a snap-hiss filled the room, followed by a howl of agony. Veruna fell onto his back as he grabbed the place his right hand had once occupied. As he screamed, the Dark Lord knelt beside him, watching intently.
"Kill me!" Veruna begged.
"Kill you?" Palpatine asked. "First you want mercy, then you want to die. You should really learn to be more decisive, your Majesty."
Continuing to writhe in torment, Renaltus yelled, "I will do anything for you. Just make the pain stop."
Darth Sidious mockingly patted the King's shoulder. "I do believe now you truly mean that." He moved his hand over the injured man's wrist. Unlike a Jedi, Palpatine never had reason to heal wounds. However, the Darkside of the Force did allow him to control sensations with a simple thought. That ability was usually reserved to inflict pain; for the moment, he would ameliorate it to serve his needs.
Veruna began to breathe more easily as the mind-numbing pain abated. He turned to give Palpatine a grateful look; he asked again, "What is it that you would have me do?"
The Dark Lord of the Sith rose to his feet and folded his arms. "The political climate on this planet is quickly changing. I foresee that Queen Amidala may steer our people in the wrong direction. You are to make sure that…they remain as they've always been." He moved closer to the King. "That is if you are still capable of leading this planet once again?" he baited.
Veruna painfully returned to his feet. "You wish me to kill her?"
"Who said anything about killing?" Palpatine answered, feigning dismay. "Besides, a political death would be more…rewarding."
"How, my Lord?" Veruna pleaded. "I no longer have any wealth or influence. If I even leave this place, Amidala would send me to Cienia for sure"
Lord Sidious shook his head disapprovingly while frowning. "That is why King Veruna…must die."
A beautiful golden crown was lifted high so all could see and be humbled by its majesty. As it was being placed atop a person's head, it toppled down and shattered against the ground like struck glass. When Anakin reached down to pick it up, cries of anguish filled his ears and darkness shrouded his eyes. He then looked down to see his hands, his body and the still form of another at his feet also drenched in blood.
Anakin shot up in his bed in a cold sweat as he tried to slow down his racing heart. For the past several nights, he had woken from the same dream. He realized that he must have screamed because his mother worriedly rushed into his room.
"Ani, are you alright?" Shmi asked, wrapping him in her arms. He was drenched in sweat.
He nodded as he took another deep breath to calm himself. "I'm alright, Mom. Just a bad dream."
"Was it the same one?"
Anakin dipped his head in confirmation.
"Have you spoken to Master Obi-Wan about them?" Shmi suggested. "He might be able to help."
Anakin gently freed himself of her embrace to stand up and gaze out of the window that overlooked the Palace complex. "Obi-Wan has been on a secret mission for the Council. I couldn't even comm him if I wanted to."
"Why not?"
Anakin shrugged as he continued to stare out the window. "I can't always keep running to him whenever I have a silly nightmare. He has far more important things to do."
Shmi rose from the edge of the bed and joined him by the window. "I seriously doubt that he would say the same."
Anakin remained silent for several moments. "At some point, I have to learn to stand up on my own two feet. Obi-Wan won't always be around to pick me off the ground when I fall."
His mother's face dropped as she studied the early morning sky. "I claim to know nothing about the Force or the Jedi for that matter. But I do know people, Ani, and I can feel that you are struggling with this." Anakin sighed deeply and moved away to pace the room. "If you can't talk to me, then talk to Padmé."
Anakin abruptly stopped. "No. I don't wish to worry her with this. She has enough troubles." He gave his mother a lopsided smile. "Nor do I wish to trouble you with this. They are just dreams…nothing more. They will pass," he said trying to more to convince himself.
Shmi eyed him dubiously. "You don't trouble me, Ani. You are my son and I worry about you."
Anakin smiled warmly. "I know, and I'm sorry. I will speak to my Master as soon as he returns to Corellia."
Shmi smiled in return before turning to leave the room. "Try and get some rest. It is still a few hours before the eighth morning bell."
Shmi hurried down the corridor into a small room. After keying in a few buttons, a holoviewer flashed several times until the blue image of a weary-looking Jedi appeared before her.
"Lady Skywalker, is something wrong?"
Shmi sighed. "Anakin's had another nightmare."
"Is it the same as before?"
She nodded solemnly. "Yes."
Obi-Wan shrugged his shoulders as he released a deep sigh. "Blast. I knew that he wasn't ready to deal with this on his own. I shouldn't have told him that I would be out of communications range."
Shmi gave him a sympathetic look. "You did what you thought best for his training. But now you have learned what you needed to know."
"I appreciate your help with this matter. I am sorry that it has caused Anakin pain."
"As your Master told me the night before he took Anakin, being a Jedi means making difficult decisions and ignoring our hearts for the greater good," Shmi said softly.
Obi-Wan nodded curtly. "I will make way for Naboo immediately."
The early morning flight to the Highlands castle of Florenza was unusually quiet. Anakin could sense the nervous energy building amongst the handmaidens, Panaka's security detachment and especially with the Queen. Padmé had not come for first meal, but instead, had instructed for everyone to be in the hangar promptly. Since receiving the message from the former King she had become withdrawn, choosing to have her meals in solitude. Anakin had been concerned about her. However, he knew that whenever she drew near to a large decision, she liked to distance herself while she weighed her thoughts. Still, he wished he could have offered her some measure of comfort.
And then there was his recurring dream. He was uncertain what it meant, but the deep sense of foreboding reminded him of the vision he had experienced when the Neimoidian had tried to kill Padmé. This was something much darker though; much more sinister It was as if a black veil was being pulled over his ability to sense the will of the Force. Perhaps his mother was right; he needed to speak with Obi-Wan soon.
Ric Olié's voice echoing through cabin brought Anakin out of his musings. "Anakin, can you please come up to the cockpit?"
When Anakin arrived, both Sabé and Captain Panaka were present along with the flight crew. "What's wrong?"
Ric pointed with his chin to the empty co-pilot's station. "Get on the long range sensors and probe the castle. We have been trying for over an hour to raise them but nobody answers."
The High Protector dutifully nodded and quickly sat down. His fingers danced wildly over the ship's controls as he tried several modifications to boost the ship's scanners. He shook his head unconsciously, causing Sabé to ask, "Where you not able to find anything?"
Anakin slightly shrugged. "I scanned everything from the superstructure to deep underground and I can't find any life signs."
Sabé leaned closer. "And what do you sense?"
He looked up at her briefly then closed his eyes and reached out to the Force. Instead of the normal peaceful waves he was accustomed to seeing, a deep chill rack his body. He began to shake as he muttered, "I feel…cold…death." He then opened his eyes and stared distantly in Sabé's direction. "Something bad has happened."
Sabé and Panaka exchanged a worried glance before heading to the Queen's throne room to inform her of the situation. Meanwhile, Ric threw him a thoughtful look. Regaining hold on the moment, Anakin flashed him a quick grin before returning his focus to the sensor display.
Despite her staff's vehement warnings, Queen Amidala ordered the ship to land so that they could investigate the castle. She changed from her royal garb into a deep purple bodysuit with a black cloak armed with her small silver-encased blaster. Anakin, Sabé, Hugh Panaka and two security personnel accompanied her in a cautious approach the castle's entrance. The High Protector had his lightsaber withdrawn and ready while Sabé took up the rear holding both her blasters at her side. Panaka was at the point.
Amidala pressed the summons button several times, but no one answered. Panaka moved forward, motioning with his blaster for his two troops to cover the door. While he punched in his security override sequence to gain access, Anakin activated his lasersword and positioned himself in front of the Queen. The members of the party winced as the smell of death filled the air. Captain Panaka silently ordered his soldiers to hold their positions and signaled for Amidala and Sabé to stay while he and the High Protector went inside.
The stench intensified in the castle's main foyer, but Anakin's Force sense told him that whatever danger had been here previously no longer was present. He deactivated his lightsaber, but continued to follow Panaka closely until they reached the study.
Both men stood stunned when they witnessed the carnage. Anakin turned to the Captain who appeared more distraught than he had ever seen him.
"Who could have done such a thing?"
Panaka shook his head. "I do not know, but this is no place for her Royal Highness. She should not see this."
"I'd like to see you tell her that," Anakin retorted.
Panaka shot him a sour look, but a slight grin crossed his face before he reached for his comlink. Before he activated it he whispered, "You may have a point there, Milord."
After conveying their discovery to Amidala, both she and Sabé hurriedly joined them. The Queen froze briefly when she saw the massacre, but gathered herself and began to move through the room carefully. "Is one of them Veruna?"
Panaka shook his head. "I don't know, your Majesty. There is too much damage to tell."
With a sorrowful look, Queen Amidala summoned Eirtaé and Saché. Both young handmaidens tried their utmost to remain impassive as they joined her. "I'm sorry to bring you both into such a thing, but I need you to lead the investigation. I want to know what happened here and why. I need answers."
"Yes, your Majesty," they replied jointly.
Amidala turned and headed out of the room. "Lord Skywalker," she said abruptly when she passed Anakin, who dutifully followed her all the way outside the castle.
"Anakin, I know I assigned Saché and Eirtaé to head this investigation, but I want you to stay and assist them. If you sense anything, notify them immediately. And please keep me informed." He must have looked bewildered, for she offered him a slight smile as she touched his arm. "I know that this is a lot to burden you with, but I believe your help will be invaluable." She hesitated slightly before adding, "Renaltus Veruna was not my favorite person, by any means. But despite my personal feelings about the man, he did not deserve this and I think what he wanted to tell me was what caused his untimely end."
"How can you be certain?"
Padmé mischievously grinned. "What does Obi-Wan say? I trust my instincts." They both began to chuckle before she added in concern, "But I am not certain. That's why I need to know."
As she and Anakin half-bowed respectfully towards one another, Sabé and Captain Panaka emerged from the other side of the door to escort her back to the ship. Anakin sighed, wishing his Master was present to help. Nevertheless, the task had been given to him and he would perform it to the best of his ability.
Siri Tachi piloted the nondescript shuttle over the rolling plans of the planet Kegan. For several weeks, she and her former Master, Adi Gallia has traveled along the Kessel Run to track the source of a burgeoning slave trade. Neither the Hutts nor the Black Sun were involved, but rather, the notorious slaver Krayn. Their information had led them to this remote planet.
The newly knighted Siri sighed deeply while engrossed in the sensor display. Adi grinned. "Something troubling you, little one?"
Siri saw a mischievous smile grow on her face. "You haven't called me that since I was a youngling."
"Old habits die hard. What is troubling you?"
She shrugged. "No offense, Master, but I do believe the Council has sent us on a fool's errand."
Adi's eyebrows rose, contemplating briefly Siri's point. "Perhaps, but that is not for us to decide. We do our duty without question and…"
"I know, until the bitter end," Siri recited.
Adi cocked her head to one side as she gazed up her. "Something has been troubling you ever since we left Coruscant?"
"Yes, Master. This mission has disturbed me from the beginning."
Master Gallia shook her head. "I don't mean the mission. Something else has been pulling at you."
Siri sighed while shaking her head. "Nothing to worry about, Master."
"If it is great enough to disturb you," Adi said with a knowing look, "then it could deter your focus when you require it most."
Siri set the ship's systems to automatic before rotating to face her former teacher. "I will only speak of it as long as I am talking to my Master and not a member of the High Council."
Adi nodded. When she was a young Padawan, they had created this buffer to speak freely without retribution. It was a sacred trust, one she never violated even when Siri had nearly been expelled. "Tell me"
Siri released a breath of air that she didn't realize she was holding. "My feelings have once again become unclear towards Jedi Kenobi."
Adi closed her eyes as she listened. "Go on."
"Despite my best efforts, I feel an attachment is growing again for him and I don't know how to deal with it."
"Have you meditated upon this?" The Jedi Master asked serenely.
"I have, but my feelings remain," Siri answered.
Adi opened her eyes to give her an earnest look. "We aren't celibates, Siri. Perhaps if you taste the proverbial forbidden fruit it would no longer be a temptation."
Siri's cheeks momentarily flushed with embarrassment. Despite the many secrets that they shared, she had never told Adi that she and Obi-Wan had consummated their affections. She cleared her throat briefly before responding. "This is beyond anything physical, Master. I'm in love with him."
"Only you can truly know your heart," Master Gallia said softly. "Has he reciprocated these emotions too?"
Siri slouched into her chair as she tore her eyes away. "No he hasn't. His focus is on…something else."
Adi straightened herself as she said, "Perhaps after this mission you can take a leave of absence to sort your feelings. But for now, I need your focus on our task."
"I understand, Master. I will not let my feelings interfere any longer."
Adi smiled. "I know, little one." She seemed about to said more when a high-pitched chime caught her attention. Siri swiveled around to read the monitor. "I can't believe this. Looks as if our informant was right. There is an underground structure approximately two hundred kilometers from the southern continent."
The Jedi Master nodded. "Then set us down far enough away so that we will avoid being spotted."
Siri guided the ship into a thicket full of heavy scrubs and trees. Several hours passed before they reached the compound's only surface entrance. They used their skills to evade detection as they focused upon Krayn's presence in the Force. Both Jedi sneaked through the empty corridors, hiding in empty rooms when the numerous patrolling guards past. It didn't take long to find Krayn's office. It was at the end of the building and was lavishly furnished. When they entered, they saw a large wooden desk sat atop a flight of stairs with a heavy set, middle aged human sitting behind it.
"Krayn," Adi called out to get the heavyset man's attention.
The slave dealer looked down in their direction. "Strange place to see a couple of Jedi; tell me, did my cousin put you up to this?"
Siri scrunched her face. "You have a lot to answer for. Under the authority of the Galactic Senate, we are placing you under arrest."
The large man cackled as he stood up. He walked down the short flight of stairs to Siri where he took a few strands of her hair in his hand "Now I'm sure that we can come to some sort of arrangement, can't we?'
A wicked grin filled Siri's face. "Just as long as the price we discussed is still the same."
"But of course, my dear."
Adi turned to her with a look of betrayal. "Siri! What are you doing?"
Siri ignited her sapphire blade and was pointed it at the bewildered Jedi Master's throat. Grinning, she said, "My old Master, so gullible. Didn't you stop to think that it was too easy for us to just walk into someone as powerful as Krayn's lair without a fight?"
"But Siri…You are a Jedi! You have a duty!"
"I was a Jedi," Siri spat. "Krayn has promised to help me take what I want."
The slave dealer turned to alert his personal guard when he was flung with the Force against the rear wall. A snap-hiss instantly echoed as Adi's emerald green weapon also came to life. "I don't want to fight you, Siri. It doesn't have to be this way," she begged.
"But maybe I do," Siri snapped, swiping quickly with her lightsaber.
Master Gallia arched her weapon swiftly to deflect the incoming strike and spun it adroitly to regain the advantage, forcing Siri to back away. They traded several strikes before Adi summoned the Force to throw both her opponents against the stairs before Krayn could call for help. She then backed out of the office and ran out of sight.
Siri rose swiftly and then moved to help Krayn to his feet. He raged briefly before activating his comm. She interrupted his summons. "Don't bother. My Master is too skilled to be captured by your guards. It is better that you allow her to escape."
He gave her a skeptical look. "But she will return to Coruscant and bring more Jedi here."
Siri retorted, "No, she won't. Now that I have become a rogue, they will be more worried about a renegade than your operations. I will continue to misdirect them while you bring me in."
Krayn grinned as he patted her shoulder. "Remind me to never cross you ever, Tachi."
Siri smirked. "As long as the credits keep rolling in, my friend, I don't think that will ever be a problem."
TBC-Thoughts, reviews, suggestions, comments are always appreciated and welcomed!
