Guest: Indeed I did, a damn shame. RIP Kevin Conroy.

Jedi Temple

Morning

It had been two days since The Doctor had begun his investigation and things were not going well. The Jedi Archives were proving no help in helping him get anywhere on Palpatine.

Looking into the Clone Wars and Anakin however, had proved much more fruitful. Something had indeed changed with history, not for the better, and it all started with the Republic. Dooku – or Sidious - had somehow managed to manipulate several planets into leaving the Republic and forming these Separatists.

The Doctor wasn't foolish enough to say The Republic was perfect; he'd lived too long and seen too much to ever put his faith in institutions blindly. He put his faith more in the individual than governments. But it was clear to him the Republic was far more corrupt in this new timeline than it had ever been before.

And that wasn't the only difference. Anakin's life was drastically different than what he knew. Rather than being born in a Republic World, he had been born in the Outer Rim and sold into slavery by the Hutts. He was found by the Jedi when he was 9 and was brought to the temple by a Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Following Jinn's death by a Sith Lord known as Darth Maul, Anakin was then made Obi-Wan's Padawan until he was knighted a few months into the Clone Wars.

Currently, The Doctor was thinking this all over as he sat in what seemed to be the Temple Auditorium with Amy and Rory, Amy and Rory eating what passed for soup in the future. They found they enjoyed it.

"Doctor? Doctor, are you listening?" Amy called out to their alien friend, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"I'm sorry, what was that Ponds?" The Doctor asked as he looked at them.

"We've been talking to you for the last few minutes," Rory said, looking at him in concern. "Are you alright Doctor?"

"I apologize Ponds. I've just been distracted," The Doctor admitted sheepishly.

"You're thinking about Palpatine," Amy said knowing.

"Palpatine, this war, the Jedi. Something has gone wrong with history. I just can't figure out what," The Doctor said in frustration. "It's connected to this Darth Sidious, I'm sure of it."

"Do you believe what Dooku said, that he might be a member of the Senate?" Rory inquired and The Doctor sighed.

"I do not know. But if he's right, Sidious orchestrated this entire war and has been playing both sides. Although why he would do all this, I do not know," The Doctor said in frustration.

"That is a question we have been asking for some time," the three looked up to see Obi-Wan standing near their table.

"So Jedi are also eavesdroppers, yeah?" Amy asked dryly and Obi-Wan smiled slightly.

"I apologize, I did not mean to interrupt," Obi-Wan said, sitting down next to The Doctor. "I understand your frustrations; we have been looking into Sidious for some time now but have found no leads. I fear we may never find Sidious until he wants to be found."

"You mean when he wants to reveal his master plan?" Amy asked dryly and Obi-Wan nodded.

"Which is why the Jedi need to be prepared, whatever it is. I must admit, the Jedi are not what they once were," The Doctor said with a disappointed sigh.

"I agree. I fear this war is making us lose our way," Obi-Wan said with a heavy sigh.

"The Jedi were never meant to fight a war. They were peacekeepers, not soldiers. It's what I admired about them, they weren't following orders to the next battle, they helped everyone," The Doctor noted and there was a pause. "But times change, and so it seems have the Jedi."

For a moment, it was silent between the four of them as they mused on The Doctor's words.

"So, these lightsabers, they're the future's version of swords?" Rory inquired and The Doctor chuckled.

"The Roman would want to know about that," The Doctor laughed.

"I'm sorry, Roman?" Obi-Wan asked, looking lost.

"Rory is an expert on swords. Naturally, he's a little curious about your lightsabers," The Doctor explained and Obi-Wan nodded in understanding.

"I see. Well, I'm not busy. So I'd be more than happy to give you a demonstration," Obi-Wan said, causing Rory to raise an eyebrow.

Coruscant

Not long after

In Palpatine's office, Anakin stood behind his mentor, watching awkwardly as Palpatine had a meeting with a group of Senators, including his wife.

"I understand your reservations Senators, but I assure you the appointment of Governors will in no way compete with the duties of the Senate," Palpatine said calmly.

"May I take it then that there will be no further amendments to the Constitution?" Padme challenged.

"I want this terrible conflict to end just as much as you do my lady. When it does, I guarantee an immediate return to democracy," Palpatine promised.

"You are pursuing a diplomatic solution to the war then?" Padme asked and Palpatine frowned.

"You must trust me to do the right thing Senator," Palpatine said.

A hint of unease entered Anakin's heart, remembering Palpatine ordering him to kill Dooku. So caught up in his memory he almost missed another of the Senators speak.

"But surely-"

"I said I will do what it is right," Palpatine said, his voice growing noticeably colder. "That should be enough for you and your committee."

"On behalf of the Delegation of 2,000, I thank you Chancellor," Padme said as she got to her feet, her voice sounding exactly like it did when before she and Anakin got into an argument.

"I think you for bringing this to my attention Senator," Palpatine said although it was obvious to all that he was merely humoring her.

Padme looked at him with an unreadable look before glancing subtly at Anakin. Anakin looked away, hating that there were forced to be on opposite sides in all this. In truth, Anakin didn't all together disagree with Padme, although he did feel a diplomatic solution was foolhardy, especially if Darth Sidious was pulling the strings of both the Republic and Separatists.

"Their sincerity is to be admired, although I feel there is more to their request than they're telling us," Palpatine said as Padme and the other Senators left the office.

"What do you mean?" Anakin asked curiously as he looked back towards Palpatine.

"They're not to be trusted," Palpatine said.

"Surely Senator Amidala can be trusted," Anakin protested immediately.

"These are unstable times for the Republic Anakin. Some see instability as an opportunity. Who knows who can be trusted? Take The Doctor for example. What do we really know about him?" Palpatine inquired.

"He saved your life," Anakin protested, silently adding 'and me from becoming a murderer'.

"And why? What is his motive? No one does anything out of the kindness of their heart. Not even the Jedi. Surely you remember how easily they tossed your former Padawan aside when it suited them," Palpatine reminded him.

"It was the Will of The Force," Anakin said stiffly as he looked away, trying not to get angry. "Ashoka had to leave so she could be where she was needed and find Maul. I see that now."

"Is that what you believe or what you tell yourself?" Palpatine inquired and Anakin did not answer. "Regardless, Senator Amidala and The Doctor are hiding something. I'm surprised your Jedi senses haven't picked up on it."

"I just don't sense deception from either of them," Anakin said stiffly.

"Or is that you do not want to?" Palpatine inquired and Anakin didn't answer. "There is much conflict in you Anakin."

Anakin looked away, not sure whether he believed Palpatine or not. But, he supposed, it couldn't hurt to keep a closer eye on The Doctor. Burt he remembered Obi-Wan's warning about Palpatine and wondered whether he was being played. Although who was playing him, the Jedi, Palpatine or The Doctor?

Jedi Temple

Afternoon

Obi-Wan had led The Doctor and Ponds into a sparing room, which was empty, save for a few weapons cabinet.

"The Doctor says you are skilled with a sword," Obi-Wan told Rory as he went through an old weapons cabinet.

"I'm not too bad," Rory said modestly.

"Not too bad? He's brilliant," Amy said proudly causing Rory to flush a little.

"Then hopefully you can handle this," Obi-Wan said, pulling out a lightsaber and handing it to Rory. "Press the button on the side to turn it on."

Rory looked at The Doctor uncertainly but The Doctor merely smiled. Holding it carefully away from his face, Rory pressed the button and an emerald blade of energy erupted from the device. Rory gave it a few twirls, deciding it wasn't that different from a sword after all. Maybe a little lighter, which would give the wielder a bit of edge as far as agility goes.

"With all due respect, why are you giving me this?" Rory asked curiously as he looked over at Obi-Wan. "I thought this was a weapon only for a Jedi."

"It is. But, aside from Anakin, I fear I haven't had a sparring partner in a while," Obi-Wan said as he pulled out his own lightsaber. "You're good with swords? I'd like to see how well you do with a lightsaber."

"I don't know," Rory hedged, this not being what he had had in mind.

"Come on Rory, do you realize how rare an opportunity this is? Few people outside the Jedi have ever held a lightsaber, but you're being allowed to have a lightsaber duel with one of the Order's greatest Jedi. It's like being offered the chance to duel King Arthur or Aragorn from Lord of The Rings," The Doctor said excitedly and Rory raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Come on Centurion, I've never seen you in action before," Amy almost begged and Rory's resolve broke.

"Alright, okay. One spar then," Rory agreed and Obi-Wan nodded.

"One spar," Obi-Wan echoed before glancing at The Doctor and Amy. "Perhaps you two should stand back a bit?"

"Ah, yes. Come on Pond, we wouldn't want to get in the way," The Doctor said, leading Amy over to a nearby set of seats where they could observe.

As The Doctor and Amy took their seats, Obi-Wan pulled out his own lightsaber and ignited it. For a moment, he and Rory merely stared at each other.

It was Obi-Wan who made the first move. With speed that surprised Rory, Obi-Wan raced across the room, attempting to strike Rory in the shoulder. On pure muscle memory, Rory brought his lightsaber up, blocking Obi-Wan's before pushing against it, sending Obi-Wan away from him. Rory then delivered a series of parries with the lightsaber, all of which Obi-Wan managed to block, although just barely.

"Impressive, most impressive," Obi-Wan complimented as their lightsabers met in a stalemate.

"Not that different from a sword," Rory said nonchalantly.

They broke the stalemate and Rory continued to press on, his parries growing in speed and aggression against Obi-Wan.

"Not bad," The Doctor whistled, impressed as he and Amy watched. "As far as swordsmen ship goes, Rory might be better than Obi-Wan. Although skill isn't everything."

"Hadn't noticed," Amy said a lustful look on her face as she eyed her husband.

"Oh Pond, can you not flirt with him in front of me?" The Doctor asked annoyed.

"How many times have you flirted with my daughter in front of me Raggedy Man?" Amy shot back and The Doctor paused.

"Okay, fair," The Doctor admitted, embarrassed.

"You flirted with their daughter?" Obi-Wan paused in the duel to look at The Doctor oddly.

"That is not as creepy as it sounds. And I did not know River was their daughter," The Doctor quickly explained.

"Time travel, it's a mess," Rory said in exasperation.

"Excuse me," the four paused to see a temple guard in their uniform enter the room. "I apologize for the interruption, but Master Windu has asked me to escort The Doctor to the meditation room."

"Any particular reason why?" The Doctor asked curiously.

"He did not say, merely that he wished to consult you on a matter of the utmost importance," the guard said and The Doctor nodded.

"Very well. Ponds, Master Kenobi, I shall see you later," The Doctor said with a smile before walking off with the guard.

"I thought Windu didn't like The Doctor?" Amy said in confusion.

"As did I," Obi-Wan said as he frowned, not liking the feeling he got from the guard.


"So did Master Windu give you any hints about why he wanted to talk with me? Surely he could have reached Master Yoda on Kashyyyk?" The Doctor asked casually as they walked down the hall.

"Master Windu did not say, merely that he wanted to speak with you," the guard said.

The Doctor nodded, seeming to not think anything of it. They continued to walk for a few more minutes. Once they seemed to be alone in an isolated part of the Temple, the guard raised his double sided weapon to ignite it when it suddenly sparked, causing the guard to drop it.

"You should have come up with a better cover story," The Doctor said stonily as he turned around, aiming his screwdriver at the guard. "Master Windu hates my advice; he would never consult me unless Yoda asked him to. You're obviously not a guard, so who are you?"

Without an answer, the guard threw their hand out and a cable flew out from under their wrist, which wrapped around The Doctor's wrist. The Doctor cried out as he was electrocuted, dropping the screwdriver.

"Have to admit, wasn't expecting that," The Doctor said dazed as he went down to the ground.

Silently, the guard pulled out a blaster but, before he could fire, he found it yanked from his hand and pulled back several feet by an invisible force. The guard turned around as their blaster sailed into Obi-Wan's hand. Obi-Wan dropped the blaster and ignited his lightsaber as the guard saw Rory and Amy flanking the Jedi.

"Hello Ponds," The Doctor said still dazed from where he laid on the floor.

"Doctor, are you okay?" Amy asked concerned.

"Oh yes, I'm fine. I think I'm going to sleep now," The Doctor said before promptly passing out.

"Step away from him," Rory said coldly, a hard look in his eyes as he ignited the lightsaber he had been given.

"I wouldn't be so hasty if I were you," the guard said ominously.

The guard then pulled out two more blasters and opened fire. Obi-Wan managed to deflect most of the blaster blots with his lightsaber as Rory rushed in. The guard fired at him but Rory used his lightsaber like a bat, deflecting the bolts before, with a few swings, cutting the guard's blasters in half. The guard dropped the destroyed blasters before attempting to trap Rory with his cable. As if sensing what the guard was about to do, Obi-Wan used The Force to pull Rory out of the way as Amy picked up the guard's first blaster, firing at the guard, trying to get him away from The Doctor. The guard dodged Amy's blasts before Obi-Wan used The Force to push the guard against the wall, pinning him to it.

"I believe that's the end of that," Obi-Wan said as he and Rory extinguished their lightsabers. "Rory, check on The Doctor."

Rory didn't need to be told twice, immediately moving to check on his friend, Amy not far behind him.

"Is he alright?" Amy asked concerned as Rory began checking his vitals.

"I think so; both hearts seem to be beating. But maybe he should see one of those Healers in the Hall of Healing," Rory noted in concern.

"I agree," Obi-Wan said from where he was still holding the guard in place. "But first, let us get some answers."

Obi-Wan used The Force to remove the guard's mask, hardly surprised to see the face of Cade Bane underneath.

"Kenobi," Bane greeted calmly, as if they were having a casual conversation.

"Cade Bane, why am I not surprised?" Obi-Wan asked dryly.

"You know him?" Amy asked as she and Rory looked up.

"He's a Bounty Hunter, one I've had the misfortune of encountering before. Although why he's after The Doctor, I don't know," Obi-Wan frowned as Bane chuckled.

"Come on now Kenobi, isn't it obvious? Someone put a price on your friend's head," Bane mocked.

"And it was large enough for you to risk infiltrating the Jedi Temple, again?" Obi-Wan asked and Bane smirked.

"I'll do any job, you know that," Bane said smugly.

"So you hired you?" Rory demanded and Bane was silent.

"It doesn't matter who hired him, I know who they're working for," Obi-Wan said and they looked over at him. "Bane has made a living in this war of working for the Separatists. With Count Dooku dead, they all answer to Sidious. Why does he want The Doctor dead?"

"Didn't ask. Although you know if they sent me, they won't stop until your friend there is dead," Bade said as he glanced at The Doctor.

Obi-Wan was silent for a long moment before activating his Comm Link.

"Master Windu, send some guards to my location. There's been an attack; I have the culprit in custody. And send a medic as well, The Doctor is injured."

Anakin's visions start to come to pass with Rory getting a lightsaber, albeit temporarily for now.

Cade Bane has been captured, although this will certainly cause a stir on both sides.