Well, folks, this is it. I decided to end the story here rather than stretching it out more than it needs to be. I'd just like to thank everybody for sticking around to finish this fic, and for leaving the encouraging reviews. There's going to be an Epilogue, so I'll wrap things up a bit better in that. I hope you enjoy…

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or anything Star Wars related.


Chapter 14

Remnants


Pain. He felt incredible pain. Straining to lift his eyelids, Anakin Skywalker blinked several times to clear his clouded vision. Directly above him, several lights shone down and warmed his face. His sight still blurred and unfocused, he turned his head towards the faint sound of voices that gradually found his pounding ears. He could tell that they weren't speaking to him, but were otherwise engaged in casual conversation just to his right. He winced when the sudden movement sent an agonizing ache down his neck and a sudden burning sensation consumed his tired muscles. More than anything, however, was a sharp pain that grew more and more intense in the back of his head. He clenched his jaw as the feeling reached his temple and traveled down between his eyes. It stung so severely that, for a moment, he thought he would lose consciousness again. Fortunately, the pain subsided after a few seconds of pure misery.

"Anakin?" he heard a feminine voice speak up. "Anakin, are you alright?"

Doing his best to ignore his throbbing head, he opened his mouth to speak, but all that came out was a low moan.

"Anakin, can you hear me?"

"Padme?" he managed to blurt out.

"It's me, Ani," he heard his beloved wife reply. "Anakin, I was so worried about you. How do you feel?"

"Like I got caught in the middle of a bantha stampede," Anakin answered. He looked down at his hand just as the last of his haze faded. In it rested the small, delicate hand of his angel…of his Padme. Despite his condition, a lopsided grin found its way onto his face as his eyes met hers. "Padme, I missed you."

"But I've been here all along," Padme replied, her tone light and teasing.

"What happened?" he questioned. "Where am I?"

"You've been in here enough times you should have these walls memorized," he heard another familiar voice remark. "Don't you recognize it?"

"Recognize it?" Anakin whispered, glancing over at the white bed beside his. Master Secura lay in it; her shoulder and wrist bandaged with bacta patches. He furrowed a brow before looking around at the rest of the room. Sure enough, upon further inspection, he recognized the medical wing of the Jedi Temple. "Then we…we're back on Coruscant? What happened? I don't remember…"

"Me and Master Yoda found you just before you lost consciousness," Padme explained. "You killed the Respian, Anakin. You stopped him."

"I stopped him," Anakin repeated as the memory slowly returned to him.

"I suppose we owe you one, Skywalker," Aayla commented.

"Where's Obi-Wan?" he asked, attempting to sit up in his bed. He stopped when he felt Padme's hand gently but firmly press against his chest.

"Obi-Wan's fine, Anakin," she assured him. "He's off-planet on an assignment. The Jedi are following up on leads throughout the Outer Rim territories." Noticing the confused expression on her husbands face, she smirked in amusement and decided that it would be best to elaborate. "They're searching for what remains of The Falard. Most of them were killed or captured back on Korriban, but some escaped. Though, I doubt they will be able to do any more harm without their leader."

"Did we lose anybody?" Anakin asked, his mood turning solemn.

"A few, but it was a small price to pay," Aayla answered. "The destruction of The Falard means the restoration of peace to the galaxy. The Jedi who paid with their lives sacrificed themselves for what they believed in. They died doing what they knew was right, and we have all benefited from their actions."

"Hopefully this peace will last," Anakin muttered under his breath.

Just then, all eyes turned to the infirmary door as its doors swished open. Master Windu nodded his head approvingly as he stepped through the threshold.

"I am glad to see you have finally rejoined us," he said, stoically approaching Anakin's bedside. "I was beginning to think you were going to sleep forever."

"Thank you, Master Windu," Anakin replied in puzzlement. He was not used to seeing his old mentor in such a cheery mood. "How long was I out exactly?"

"Two days," Padme answered.

"Two days?" he repeated, clearly shocked to hear that he had been unconscious for such an extended period of time. "How much have I missed?"

"That is precisely why I have come," Mace replied. "Are you feeling well enough to take a walk?"


Mimban was the fifth planet in the Circarpous system, in the far reaches of the Expansion Region. It was a cloud-covered jungle world that was largely unexplored. The planet – formally known as Circarpous V – was never colonized by the Cicarpousians, but it had once been the site of a thriving galactic energy mining operation. As such, the atmosphere over the planet had been very turbulent. Starships without special hulls had faced tremendous danger from the energy storms that streaked the stratosphere. Its surface was gloomy and dank, and the perpetual mist made it difficult to distinguish night from day. It had only five makeshift mining towns; all of which had been ran by natives during the height of the operation.

Mimban had numerous intelligent species indigenous to the world, including what were most commonly referred to as the "Greenies" and the Coway. The first was a species of green-furred Mimbanite humanoids who had previously been exploited by the human population. The latter was a gray-furred species of troglodytes who were renowned for being powerful and cunning warriors. Their digestive systems utilized stronger amino acids for digesting uncooked meals, lichens, and funguses that were poisonous to normal humans. The planet had many other species as well who had since become extinct. One of these, the Thrella, had built enormous temples and structures to honor their many gods throughout their existence. It was one of these very temples that Obi-Wan had been sent to investigate. All he found was what appeared to be a tribe of the Coway.

An underground-dwelling race, the Coway were famous for their aggressive behavior and intense dislike of surface dwellers. When the first miners had arrived on Mimban, they had at first avoided them by moving deeper into the planets core. Unfortunately, the operation had infringed on that space, causing them to rebel with unpredictable spurts of violence. Near-bottomless shafts built by the extinct Thrella often had side passages called 'Coway shafts', which led to their underground world. This shaft's inhabitants still appeared to live in a primitive village built in a huge natural amphitheater.

Obi-Wan folded his arms beneath his robes and politely smiled when he spotted one of the creatures heading in his direction. He knew that their tribes were ruled by a triumvirate of leaders, who appealed to their gods for judgment on important matters. He could only assume that this being was one of them. With any luck, they would both speak the same language.

Covered with fine gray skin, the bipedal Coway had small eyes and large eyelids. This, the Jedi Master knew, allowed it to see in the dark with infrared vision. Squinting to better see the creature through the shadows, Obi-Wan wished he too possessed that particular gift.

"Greetings," he said once the creature had reached him. "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"Jedi," the Coway hissed.

"Yes, in fact, I am," Obi-Wan replied with a courteous nod. "I was hoping to speak with your leader."

"State your business," the creature growled, his speech heavily accented.

"I have come on behalf of the Jedi Order and the Republic," Obi-Wan answered. "We are searching for a group who may have recently trespassed on your planet. Have you seen anything unusual lately? Perhaps unfamiliar ships or other vehicles?"

"The robed ones," the creature spat. "They are gone. They were here, but fled two cycles ago. You should do the same, outlander, you are not welcome here."

"I don't mean to impose," Obi-Wan calmly replied. "I will not be here long, I assure you. Now, these invaders you speak of…were they hostile?"

"They invaded with red laser swords," the Coway sneered. "Maybe they were Jedi. Maybe you are one of them, hmm?"

"Believe me, I mean you no harm," Obi-Wan retorted, respectfully inclining his head. "You have been most helpful. Thank you for your assistance."

The Coway's only response was a low growl as it turned and stomped away. Obi-Wan paid it no mind as he too spun around on his heels and started back for his starfighter.

"Arfour, contact Master Yoda," he said once he had reached the surface and joined his astromech droid. He didn't have to wait long for the elder Jedi's image to flicker to life in front of him. "Master Yoda, I am on Mimban. I believe The Falard have been here, but I don't believe they are any longer. The natives say that they departed two cycles ago. I have no reason not to believe them; I don't sense any deception."

"Very good, Master Obi-Wan," Yoda stated. "Return to Coruscant, you will. Needed here, you are."

"I am on my way, Master," Obi-Wan replied as he quirked a brow. "Is something wrong?"

"Awake, young Skywalker is," the diminutive Jedi answered. "Another assignment for you and your padawan, we have. By his side, you should be"

Obi-Wan slightly smirked at this. "Yes, Master."


Anakin and Mace Windu walked side by side; the sound of their footsteps falling against the polished floors of the Jedi Temple the only sound to be heard. His eyes still heavy and sore, Anakin did his best to keep his concentration in check and his head held high. Weakness was not something that he liked to show, least of all to members of the Council. Mace didn't seem to notice the effort it took for him to stay upright or his obvious exhaustion, but kept his steps wide and his pace steady, as usual. Or, Anakin thought, he just chose not to comment on it.

"We have an assignment for you," Mace spoke up just as they came upon the doors to the Temple's massive hangar bay. "If you are feeling well enough, that is."

"Of course, Master," Anakin replied.

"Good. Obi-Wan has just returned to Coruscant," Mace continued without hesitation. "He will be accompanying you to Bal'demnic on a diplomatic mission."

"Bal'demnic?" Anakin questioned, instantly recognizing the name. "That's in the Auril sector, isn't it?"

Mace nodded an affirmative. "That's right."

"What about The Falard?" Anakin inquired. "Shouldn't finding them be our main priority?"

"As far as we can tell, what remains of The Falard's forces have disbanded and gone into hiding," Mace answered. "It is time that we resume our usual Jedi affairs and return to normal. We believe that they can no longer present a threat."

"Is that wise?" Anakin asked as they proceeded to walk towards the hangar. "Just because we can't find them – "

"We are needed elsewhere," Mace interrupted.

Frowning, Anakin bit his tongue and bowed his head in apology. "I will do what I must."

The moment Mace and Anakin entered the hangar they spotted Obi-Wan climbing out of the cockpit of his starfighter. Dropping to the ground, he offered a friendly smile when he caught sight of the other two Jedi heading in his direction.

"Welcome back," Mace said once they had reached him.

"It is good to be back," Obi-Wan replied. His smile broadened when he turned to his former padawan. "Anakin, it is good to see you are up and around."

"Well, you know, Master…I figured I couldn't leave you alone for too long," Anakin quipped, returning a grin of his own. "Master Windu was just filling me in on the details of our new assignment."

"Oh, yes, of course," Obi-Wan replied. "And where will we be going this time?"

"The Auril sector," Mace answered. "But you two should get some rest before you leave."

"We'll get started first thing in the morning," Obi-Wan said as he clasped Anakin's shoulder. "That will give you enough time to recuperate."

"Very well," Mace replied. "Negotiations should be short. We'll see you when you get back."

With that, Mace nodded his head and started out of the hangar. Crossing his arms across his chest, Obi-Wan looked Anakin up and down. "Well, you look well."

"As well as can be expected," Anakin muttered.

"You have built quite a reputation for yourself," Obi-Wan retorted. "Not that the 'Hero With No Fear' needs anymore accolade." Anakin slightly grimaced at the use of the title. "You defeated Palpatine, and you stopped this Respian before his power could grow. That is no small feat for any Jedi."

"You made me what I am," Anakin countered. "We have only your training to thank."

"You are who you are, Anakin, it has nothing to do with me," Obi-Wan replied. "On another subject, it seems we have the night to ourselves. Shall we go and find something to eat?"

"I am a little hungry," Anakin admitted. "And I know just the place…"

Picking up on the younger Jedi's thoughts, Obi-Wan held his arm out and gestured for him to lead the way.

"I am sure Dex would appreciate the business."


Deeply submersed in meditation, Yoda didn't even acknowledge Mace's presence when he entered his chambers. Mace silently took a seat beside his minuscule Master and patiently waited for him to complete his session. It wasn't a long wait.

Clearing his throat, Yoda opened his eyes and turned to his visitor. "Master Windu. Questions, you have?"

"I have felt a shift in the Force," Mace replied. "Have you sensed it?"

"Felt it, I have," Yoda confirmed. "Balanced, the Force has become. No longer tainted by the dark side, is it."

"Then it is true," Mace pondered aloud as he thoughtfully stroked his chin. "Anakin has restored balance, just as the prophecy said he would. The Sith are no more."

"Gone, are the ways of the Sith," Yoda replied. "Diminished, the dark side has…but destroyed, it is not. Never destroyed." Yoda released a toilsome sigh before continuing. "Careful, we must be in the future. Allowed our arrogance to blind us to Sidious, we did. Only with experience did we fail to do the same with the Respian."

Shaking his head in agreement, Mace rested his chin on his fist and silently reflected.

The Jedi had been humbled. The Jedi had learned from their mistakes.

Through trial and error, they had gained knowledge and wisdom. Through trial and error, a destiny had been fulfilled. Through trial and error, they had found their Chosen One.

The End