I just wanna go on record, I do not approve of this plan; R4 stated as she looked at what they were up against. They were at the entrance to the Jedi temple, which was currently being guarded by at least two dozen visible clones disguised in Jedi robes. She could only imagine how many more were on the inside, likely having already slaughtered the countless Jedi who called the temple home.
"Trust me old friend," Obi-Wan replied, "sometimes the best plans seem the most unlikely. All you need to do is play the part and lure one of the armored troopers far enough away, preferably one with a backpack. Master Yoda and I will take care of the rest."
…..Well it's not the craziest idea i've heard today.
"That's the spirit;" Kenobi said as the astromech began wheeling off towards the clones.
"In that droid, much faith you have;" Yoda commented.
"She is a competent unit, Master. She and Anakin's droid have gotten us through many battles, and I'm confident she'll get you and me through this."
"Believe this as well, I do. In this war, much bravery and determination I have seen, in these astromech droids."
As R4 wheeled her way over to the courtyard of the Jedi temple, she quickly spotted a clone trooper fitting Obi-Wan's description. And what luck, he looked to be a captain.
'Perfect'
"Halt droid;" the captain said as she rolled up to him. "State your number and your business here."
I am designated as R4-P17. Former droid navigator of Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi. I've been reassigned and sent here by the chancellor himself for the purpose of data retrieval.
"What? Why didn't we receive word of this ahead of time?"
My mission is to be completely off record, as per the chancellor's orders. Given the short notice, I was told to explain this to you upon my arrival. He has also stressed that he does not wish to be disturbed at this time, as the senate is currently in session.
"I see…;" the captain regarded her for a moment.
"Very well. What do you need R4?"
Follow me please.; She replied before leading him around a corner.
"Hey! What's-
*BZZZZZZZZZT
"Captain!;" a clone saluted Obi-Wan for what felt like the hundredth time. Well at least the disguise was working. He was currently wearing the captain's armor over his normal garb, with his outer robe worn over the armor.
"How are you holding up, master?;" Kenobi asked.
"A tight fit this is," Yoda replied from inside the backpack, "But live I will."
Geeze, and I thought this place looked bad from the outside. Indeed, while most of the clones within the temple had come and gone hours ago, their presence was still very much known. Every corner of the temple was smashed, scorched by blaster fire, or decorated with the bodies of dead Jedi.
Obi-Wan suddenly stopped as he looked at one such group of corpses strewn across the floor in front of him.
"Not even the younglings survived."
"Killed not by clones," Yoda said, peeking out from under Obi-Wan's hood, "This Padawan, by a lightsaber he was."
"Who? Who could have done this?;" Obi-Wan asked as he and Yoda knelt down beside their fallen kin.
I don't know. But I'll bet I can find out.; Came the text translation on the H.U.D. of Kenobi's helmet.
—-
It wasn't long before the trio made it to the temple's security/communications center.
"I have recalibrated the code, warning all surviving Jedi to stay away.;" Obi-Wan stated as he finished fiddling with the wall-mounted device. He'd since removed his helmet.
R4, meanwhile, had been quickly slicing through all available security footage from the last several hours. All the while, she'd been awfully silent.
"For the clones to discover the recalibration, a long time it will take."
As they were about to leave, Obi-Wan stopped and pulled out his comlink.
"Wait. There is something I must know. R4, did you find out who led this attack?"
Yes, but I can't show or tell you.
"What? Why not?"
E-even if I wanted to, I can't. It would violate my Owner's Protection Protocol.
"Owner's Protec-...nevermind then, I'll take a look myself."
"If into the security footage you go, only pain will you find."
That's why I can't show you.
Obi-Wan switched on the holo-terminal and immediately regretted it. The recording showed Anakin slaughtering Jedi, young and old, and being knighted as a Sith by his new master.
"I can't watch anymore.;" Kenobi said as he switched it off.
I'm…I'm so sorry, Master.
"Destroy the Sith, we must.;" Yoda said firmly.
"Send me to kill the Emperor. I will not kill Anakin."
"To fight this Lord Sidious, strong enough, you are not."
"He is like my brother ... I cannot do it."
"Twisted by the dark side, young Skywalker has become. The boy you trained, gone he is . . . Consumed by Darth Vader."
"How could it have come to this?"
"To question, no time there is."
"I do not know where the Emperor has sent him. I don't know where to look."
I do. He was sent to Mustafar. And according to the records, he made a quick detour before leaving.
"Padme?"
Padme.
"Settled it is then. To Mustafar you must go. Here I will stay, to confront the Sith lord."
"Very well. But first," Obi-Wan said. "There is something in my quarters I cannot leave without."
A/N: Apologies if my writing quality is dipping a bit these past couple chapters. My issue is that I already have the basic plot figured out for what happens to R4 in the next movie. To get there, I'll have to get through the rest of this one plus a few intermission chapters set on Tatooine post ROTS, pre ANH. As a result, I'll understand if you tell me you think my writing is becoming a bit rushed. I just figured I should explain myself. Likewise, I continue to procrastinate which I also must apologize for. Lastly, feel free to leave a review. I'd love to hear what you think of the story so far.
