Someone else was there. On the Venerator? It seemed impossible. But that someone stood ahead. A human female wearing a tunic and dark trousers; she walked towards them from the giant pillars of the throne room.
Sidious scowled; but the scowl itself involved a casual amusement. "Oh, but it is no surprise, Cere Junda. I foresaw your presence here."
But the woman withdrew who withdrew her lightsaber, radiated a fierce anger and determination. "I do not care, Emperor, you vile old man. Your rule is over."
"You know," said Sidious. "Someone else said that to me… Now who could it be…?"
"Ah, yes," Sidious realised. "Grandmaster Yoda, the imp. Clearly you will succeed where the face of the treacherous order did not."
Cere Junda seemed to finally be unsure of herself. She looked at Anakin. Surprised.
"I heard someone packed the temple… It was you, Skywalker!"
"I had to pack the temple." Said Anakin. Not gloating; but not with remorse either. Perhaps, reluctance.
Cere Junda stepped ahead.
"And you'd be wise to surrender," said Anakin.
"No, Lord Vader," said Sidious. "We do not take prisoners. That is not the way of the Sith. We believe in fair play, however; we will duel to kill; either Master Junda defeats and destroys us, or, we apply a very painful death upon her."
"The first one doesn't seem very likely," said Anakin, wryly.
Sidious shrugged. "Either way it will be good practice."
A/N: So, this chapter is very small. Perhaps, I ought to include the fight-scene within it. Or at least, the beginning phases of the duel, which I shall, of course, not spoil. I really do hope you are enjoying the story. And, of course, constructive criticism is welcome. :).