Chapter III
The hum of a hyperdrive engine's coolant being extracted filled Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker's ear, his new Jedi Starfighter, the one he had modified only a month after Sidious' revelation was now black, and a sleek black at that, having the latest Cloaking System, a Jeau 5-Flux, the best in the galaxy.
"Artoo, restart the engines," he said referring to his astromech droid that was in the socket provided for him, the small droid twiddled an affirmation and the engines started again, the engine stalled and Anakin couldn't help but hit his hand against the helm of the ship in frustration, his baby was stalling.
Not of course referring to his twin children, Luke and Leia who were with their mother and her family on Naboo, the former Senator resigning her post as the Senator of Naboo, but to his ship.
Artoo twiddled a query, and Anakin shook his head, "no Artoo it isn't the Pulse-connector, it couldn't be, I only installed it last week,"
The hanger in the Jedi Temple was unusually quiet he noted as he wiped the grime from his hands with a syncloth, and throwing it to the floor in frustration, "This isn't working,"
"What isn't working Master Skywalker?" inquired a small boy who Anakin guessed was only seven, he was a youngling and younglings were not permitted in the Docking bay, but instead of rebuking the child for coming as he would have done a few years ago, he saw an image of his son in his eyes and smiled, "the ship isn't starting, giving a lot of trouble,"
The youngling turned his face in confusion, "did you check the pulse-connector?" he asked, a little smug about it.
Anakin's eyes widened and he felt annoyed, "not you too youngling, but no, I doubt it is the Pulse-Connector, I changed it last week,"
"Okay," replied the youngling who turned on his heels and left.
Anakin's eyes trailed the youngling, he reminded him so much of Luke. How Anakin missed his family, Luke, Leia, and Padmé. He wished he could be with them now but he couldn't, the Council would cast him out if they ever found out. He turned back to his work and felt a familiar presence behind him.
"What's wrong Anakin?" inquired Obi-Wan, looking at the ship.
"Nothing master," he replied, saying Master as it was Obi-Wan's position on the Council and not his being Anakin's master, "just a little trouble with the ship, that's all,"
Obi-Wan nodded and squinted at his ship, "modified again I see, mm-hmm," he looked closely, "sure it's not the Pulse-Connector?"
Anakin cried out in frustration, "you are the third person to ask me that, No,"
Obi-Wan smiled, "alright, alright, but you and your padawan must meet with me and the Defense Council in an hour,"
Anakin checked his wrist Chrono, "alright, one hour,"
Obi-Wan left him with a frustrated look upon his face, Anakin sighed and touched the Pulse-Connector panel and the small thick vile protruded from its socket, he removed it and switched it with his old one, "alright Artoo, try again," he said with a subdued sigh.
The engine stalled for a moment then turned to a silent hum, Anakin looked at the ship with shock, Artoo began to tweet a response and Anakin shot the droid a look, "don't even say I told you so," with a disgruntled sigh he turned on his heels, heading toward the Defense Council chambers.
The Defense Council was in session and at that moment the new Supreme Chancellor Fenn was sitting in as an observer. His three senatorial guards around him, unarmed.
The Defense Council, as well as the many new Councils that were constructed at the end of the Clone Wars was built up of five Jedi Masters or Knights. The Defense Council was consisted of Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Tholme, Aayla Secura,Xafrew and Agen Kolar.
Tholme was the first to speak as Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, as well as their padawans were present, "a disappearance of Jedi Master Keroth Tyram, as well as the death of Arcan D'Cord is under way,"
Obi-Wan looked surprised, "Arthan? You mean the Cerean?"
Tholme nodded and continued to speak, "and the remaining Confederate Droids have been taken control of by MasterDanva on Mustafar, the droids are now under the Republic's control,"
"And for this we are grateful," said Fenn from his seat, "we cannot say how much thanks we owe to the Jedi, to think, Chancellor Palpatine; a Sith Lord?"
Mace cleared his throat, "and we have also persuaded General Grievous to accept his punishment and his sentencing at Star's End,"
Anakin nodded and accepted this, "what is the assignment?"
Master Windu smiled, "always the anxious one aren't you Master Skywalker," he cleared his throat, "you and Master Kenobi are to investigate the destruction of the Alien worlds, we need more information and two Jedi Masters' input as well as their padawan's would be very useful,"
"This would give us much insight into the heart and mind of our enemy," finished Agen.
Obi-Wan looked thoughtful, "Are they our enemy for certain Masters?"
Mace looked confused, "they have destroyed countless worlds through the Force, and you now ask if they are our enemy?"
Obi-Wan didn't back down from his point, "they may be confused, misguided,"
"That does not excuse their actions," replied Agen.
"Yes but none are beyond redemption, remember Master Revan? He was a Jedi during the battle with the Mandalorians and then became a Sith Lord, in fact the first Darth, later he earned redemption and was accepted back into the Jedi Order, and was one of the key Jedi Masters in rebuilding it," continued Obi-Wan.
"Perhaps this is a matter for the High Council?" inquired Mace, reminding Obi-Wan of Fenn's presence.
The Jedi Master hesitated and nodded, "that is true, we will go,"
"Masters Kenobi, Skywalker, you are dismissed," said Mace.
The two Jedi Masters bowed and left the Defense Council's room, "a Jedi transport will take us to Mayras," said Obi-Wan, "or do you want to go with your starfighter still?"
"No, the padawan's don't have their own starfighters, and I wouldn't want them on loan from the temple," replied Anakin, at this Timoth coughed ever slightly.
"Alright Anakin, I'll meet you in the hanger in two hours, we willleave then,"