Star Wars: Arda Unleashed

by Lord Exar Kun

After the Arda Campaign ended in victory for the Republic and their local allies, the galaxy's eyes returned to the wider Clone Wars. However, the Dark Lord Sauron has yet to be vanquished. Now he has come to the wider galaxy free from the binds of Arda, and is ready to be unleashed upon the stars. As the Chosen One's fate, the Republic's and the Jedi Order's remains to be seen.

2. Concerning the Clone Wars

Chapter 2

Concerning the Clone Wars

Above the lone world set far from the minds of those within the Core Worlds hung in orbit a few Venator-class stardestroyers. Among them was a lone Venator named the Justifiable. Towards it and through the great void and vacuum of space a lone LAAT gunship warbled towards this Venator. The top hangar entry bay of the Venator was slightly ajar, the ray shields protecting those within barely noticeable as the LAAT came to a slow hover and glide above the massive Republic warship. It then proceeded into a slow but careful descent, until the LAAT dipped beneath the ray shield line, and the massive hangar doors began to pull int and a loud thud of metal hitting metal and magnetic locks sounded throughout the hangar below. The distinct engine warbling of the LAAT sounded more prominently and with louder thrumming as it came to a gentle and controlled landing along its belly against the cold metal ground beneath it within the Justifiable. A hiss sounded indicating the landing and quieting of the gunship before its two large doors along its sides pulled themselves open and allowed the sterile light that burst from inside the Venator to pierce the LAAT. Its also gave all a clear view of those who stood waiting within the lone gunship as a lone robed figure awaited those within the gunship with hands clasped together before themselves and folded within their sleeves.

"How very nice of you to finally rejoin us, my old padawan." Obi-Wan smirked as Anakin came into view. The younger man graced him with a slight smirk all his own.

"Nice to see you haven't died of old age without me, Master."

"Well I'm certainly not that old, Anakin. Though I'm sure you'll do your best to make me age all the faster." Anakin chuckled aloud as he turned his head right over his shoulder and made a nudging motion towards previously unseen clone troopers within the gunship. Obi-Wan idly moved himself to his own right and allowed further berth for the troopers as they jumped down from the gunship and hauled another three skakoans draped in their robes and breathing apparatuses. Clearly the lot were of the Techno Union as Obi-Wan eyed them idly, much as he had those that had come before. The alien men seemed ever so dreadful and defeated in their disheveled and cold state.

"Pathetic the lot of them, Master." Anakin broke Obi-Wan's observational concentration and jumped down next to him. The Jedi Master noted his apprentice adjusting his new glove over his mechanical right arm.

"I still can't believe you broke another one so soon! It's hasn't even been a full month since we left Arda." Obi-Wan declared with a chuckle and broadened smirk layered beneath his beard. Anakin grumbled as he snapped one of the straps into place again.

"For the tenth time, Master, I had to destroy that generator. The facility was killing the planet."

"Oh I don't question that, Anakin. Merely wonder how many more of these we'll be going through for you by the end o this blasted war." Obi-Wan again chuckled lightheartedly. Anakin couldn't help but laugh aloud too some even if it was slightly embarrassing. In fact the whole mission to Nelvaan had been an exercise in the surreal as far as he was concerned. Both in that it seemed so strange now, being back in the galaxy and back to 'normal' after being so long on Arda. Surreal too in that, the Force had been unusually calm around and within him. That too, he guessed had to do wit what he had experienced back on Arda.

The horrors perpetrated by the Techno Union upon the Nelvaan made him angry, furious and wrathful, but he had managed to...well control himself. He had freed them all, and without so much as a hitch. An exceptionally easy mission reall-

"Damn you jedi! Damn the Republic and all its corrupt ilk!" Anakin and Obi-Wan turned in sync with one another towards the gunship as the fourth and final prisoner of the Techno Union was hauled up and out.

"Oh dear, he seems rather upset."

"You don't know the half of it, Master." Anakin replied with a wide grin.

"He wouldn't shut up the entire trip up from the surface. Hes their top scientist I think. He tried pulling a blaster on me, but I yanked t away easily enough. I think, more than anything he's just embarrassed."

"I curse your names, and all jedi!" The man screamed and caused Obi-Wan to cock an amused brow.

"You do know how to make friends don't you Anakin."

"I try, Master." They both again shared a healthy chuckle between them as both jedi began to slowly trek away from the ship and towards the hallway interior of the ship. They passed several clones along the way. All of them radiating wonder and even happiness at the sight of the two jedi. Their long absences still hard to fathom in the minds of many in the Republic. Most had believed them dead of course. Their return, already a sensation by word of mouth, had become something of a frenzy once the first holos had been given to the Republic media outlets, and a sign of woe for the separatists and true believing confederates of the Confederacy.

"What's so important, Master?" Anakin asked as he kept pace alongside Obi-Wan. Both of them walking in the classic jedi manner. Hands folded together inside of their robes before themselves as they walked elegantly but quickly.

"While you were down on the planet finishing up the transfer of prisoners I received a communication request from Master Yoda." Anakin nodded along numbly.

"The Council would like to speak with us concerning the mission."

"Or lack of Grievous more like?" Obi-Wan gave a slight shrug.

"It was something of a wild bantha chase to be sure. However, intelligence reports seem scattered."

"Last I heard Republic Intelligence believed he was on Kashyyyk. Along with whatever is going on there." Anakin went on as Obi-Wan now nodded. Along with confusion regarding there whereabouts Grievous the situation on the Wookiee homeworld were nothing less than confusing.

"Not necessarily from R.I, but rather Chancellor's Palpatine's clone intelligence units again." Obi-Wan corrected Anakin. Though the Knight couldn't help but note the most slight hints of distaste in his Master's words. To that Anakin narrowed his eyes as he cast his friend a sideways glace, but chose to ignore it.

"Regardless, perhaps the Council should've sent us to Kashyyyk instead of Nelvaan. Don't get me wrong-" Anakin paused turning fully to Obi-Wan who paused and matched him in the middle of but one of many sterile hallways.

"I don't regret helping the people of Nelvaan, Master. Grievous though shouldn't be left to 'maybes' and 'we believes.' He should be found as soon as possible. Put down...arrested or defeated immediately. He's slipped away from us after Arda, and I'd sooner like to finally get the monster."

"You're not alone in your sentiment, Anakin." Obi-Wan assured waving his hand some.

"Kashyyyk is tricky. Politics and all that." Again Obi-Wan's tone spoke of some quiet distaste.

"Yet, if Grievous isn't on Kashyyyk, and we become embroiled in some new battle there between the Wookiees, Trandoshans, Republic and Separatist, we'd lack even more resources towards actually finding him." Anakin sighed, casting his eyes over Obi-Wan's shoulder as he silently admitted his Master's wisdom between the two of them.

"I'm sure Kashyyyk will be addressed. Once the politicians and the Chancellor have their say on the matter, the Jedi will have their part to play. Until then we must defer to the Council's wisdom."

"Yes, Master." Anakin chanted much as he had for the majority of his life as he and Obi-Wan resumed walking. Anakin quietly following Obi-Wan's lead as they did so.

"Either way the Council wishes to speak with us about another possible task."

"That being?" Anakin wondered aloud.

"The possibility that Count Dooku has been spotted."

"Dooku?!" Anakin interjected more loudly than desired. He quickly calmed himself though.

"I mean, that is just as good, no, even better than Grievous. That psychopath couldn't control the Separatists as Dooku does. The sooner we bring that traitor down the better for us all!"

"Perhaps." Obi-Wan flatly returned.

"How about we discuss the matter with the Council and see what information they have?"

"Now?" Anacin asked as Obi-Wan came a stop before one of the ships doors along their hall. The Jedi Master snapped the console button and the doorway slid open revealing a conference table set up for them.

"Now." Anakin had to admit to himself, he'd somewhat fallen back into his old manners and moods since returning to the galaxy proper just a few short weeks ago. One of those traits was the uncontrollable need to roll his eyes at another Council meeting, or better still, a reprimand for his way of dong the tasks they assigned while at the same time asking him to do ten further.

"Will the whole Council be there?" Anakin inquired as he and Obi-Wan entered the room and allowed the doorway to close and lock behind them. Obviously not desiring an idly clone to barge in and interject into secured Jedi affairs.

"From what I understand, Masters Koon and Fisto are still tied up in their own operations. However, the others will be there, or make themselves available wherever they are stationed. This call is scheduled Anakin, so let's not keep them waiting." Ever the one to be timely Anakin simply shook his head at his Master's insistence and motioned his hands up and out in silent release for Obi-Wan to enter in the secured code for communication to Coruscant. Though, as the com-terminal beeped and whirred with life Anakin felt a tingle and trickle of agitation crawl up his spine. His right hands fingers began kneading into his metallic palm, and his desire to speak to his wife again flashed through him.

"Masters, can you hear us?" Obi-Wan asked just as the terminal flashed with greater life and several holograms began dispersing to the arranged seats within the conference room. Roughly denoting who was sitting where within the far Council chambers, or where they should be seated wherever they were in the galaxy. Anakin hadn't bothered on the 'where in the galaxy are all the jedi' game either.

"Yes, Master Kenobi." Master Windu greeted, and as usual Anakin felt immediately scrutinized and on edge in his presence. He noted the pictures become clear and their movements tracked as he noted Masters; Yoda, Windu, Ti, Tiin, Kolar, Allie, Kcaj and Mundi. With Obi-Wan that made nine of the eleven current members of the High Council. As Obi-Wan had noted both masters Koon and Fisto weren't present. Causing him to idly wonder at least where they were and what they were doing.

"Successful, your mission was?" Yoda asked though Anakin knew he already had the answer to that. Be it by reports or his own intuition.

"Yes, Master. Nelvaan was indeed the site of a Techno Union laboratory. As I reported before, the Separatists seemed to have been experimenting on the local population and severely affecting the planet's ecosystem. Anakin handled everything I am happy to report. Including the capture of many Techno Union scientists." Obi-Wan offered casting Anakin a proud smirk, or at least as proud as a jedi allowed themselves to get. Either way Anakin smiled thinly and dipped his head.

"Hmm, our collective congratulations you have, young Skywalker." Yoda tipped his aged head slightly, and several among the Masters nodded their agreement. Anakin bowed once more.

"Thank you, Master Yoda. Sadly General Grievous was not present as we thought."

"Yes we're aware. It would seem the Separatists are either moving him across the galaxy quite chaotically." Master Windu began.

"Or, the more likely case, they are spreading disinformation to throw us off his trail." Master Tiin offered seemingly finishing Master Windu's thoughts. Anakin ad Obi-Wan both nodded, and both non-verbally agreed with the assessment laid before them.

"I agree, masters. Grievous is too valuable an asset for the Confederacy to lose so quickly after getting him back." Anakin added his own thoughts.

"Agree with you, we do." Yoda pointed his finger towards Anakin placing emphasis on what he said.

"Yet, it's not just Grievous who has been hard to track. The moves made by the Confederacy as a whole are odd to say the least." This time Master Mundi's holographic form spoke, as it undulated slightly through the expected minor glitches in communication holocalls brought with them.

"Yes, it began with Grievous, but has only intensified with the return of Master Kenobi, and young Knight Skywalker." Master Ti interjected. Anakin always felt odd whenever in a council meeting. Unless a collective notice to differ to one of the leader's being Yoda or Master Windu, the Council always seemed to speak in an almost hive minded manner. Perhaps they did? He didn't honestly know, but it seemed the more likely reality especially as they appeared to have always been this way no matter who sat on the Council.

"What do you mean masters?" Obi-Wan asked quizzically and politely. Ever the Jedi Master to address formally and with grace to his speech even among his equals. Or, Anakin would even say some of them fell well beneath his Master in many regards, but wouldn't ever dare to say so aloud.

"We had hoped to survey the situation further, but with your mission to Nelvaan and no change in the matter it can no long be helped, Master Kenobi." Mace began again as he leaned himself forward clasping his hands together and stretching them outwards. Both Anakin and Obi-Wan stood silent and waited for him to go on then, and both sharing a sense of confusion, and no small matter of very slight unease.

"Grievous' return to the war did not change the manner in which the Separatists waged their war against the Republic. However, when you two returned, we've seen a full stop occur across the galaxy save for several key system attacks. Systems either too deeply entrenched in combat, or too vital to retreat from."

"Yes, it would appear the droid armies have once taken a defensive approach to their campaigns. A disturbing, even if admittedly welcome change of things." Master Allie added following Mace's explanation. Despite what they said, even from across the galaxy the Force was teeming with a heaviness. One of thoughts and concern, but even one without the Force could see it etched onto some of the faces of the Council. They were on edge, anxious as far as Anakin could perceive.

"When returned, their Supreme Commander, act differently the droids do not. Yet, when returned two jedi are, changed becomes the manner war is waged. Disturbing, these developments are." Again Yoda emphasized with a slower a simple jutting of his little green finger in the general direction of the Council chambers, seemingly just circling it.

"What do you think it means masters?" Obi-Wan asked with his brow dipped in deep furrow, mirroring his gathered peers.

"We're unsure. However, what's clear is that either Dooku, or...someone else may have clear interest in your returns, Master Kenobi." Mace replied giving a stern but clearly concerned pointed look towards both Obi-Wan and Anakin.

"So, what you're saying is that the droid armies have stopped attacking?" Anakin cut in.

"In a way, Knight Skywalker." Master Ti offered.

"More correct it is, that stalled they have made themselves." Yoda carried on after.

"The droid armies have been hammering us for months now. Relentless, but stabilized across the Outer and Mid Rims. Yet, now they've ceased pushing across several operations in both rims of the galaxy allowing the Republic's commanders to redeploy resources where vitally needed. If not so sudden a change in their actions, this would be welcome." Master Tiin gave an earnest assessment. Though Anakin now began to see how strange that was. Surely Grievous would prefer to always be on the attack? Surely he'd have appreciated returning to a far more proactive Confederacy than it had been before the Arda debacle? Strange to say the least. Was it Dooku then? Or, the other unknown Sith they had suspected for some time to be hiding out there in the galaxy like the coward Anakin knew them to be...whomever 'they' were.

"It is certainly troublesome. Noteworthy even, especially given developments of late." Master Kolar added, and Anakin watched the zabrak jedi immediately seem to regret saying anything. His face contorted into a pained thing, his brow furrowing, and eyes turning downwards away from view and themselves thus refusing to view in kind. The other masters expertly played it off, but Anakin wasn't a fool, neither did he believe his Master to be. Their bodies stiffened slightly, save for Master Yoda who did indeed remain controlled and collected as his right hand pinched at his chin in thought. Though, for a brief and heavy moment time remained as still as it was unhappily silent. None choosing to then speak or elaborate. None desiring to follow after poor Master Kolar.

"Now is not the time for anymore of this matter." Master Windu finally interjected, and Anakin could see some of the other master lax and ease into their seats. Playing it all off, and following the leader that was Master Windu in all such pressing Jedi affairs.

"I am not quite sure I fully understand, Master." Obi-Wan pressed, however, seeming himself full of general confusion as his brow was prominently furrowed and bluish-gray eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"Is there a problem with this? It is strange, of course, out of place even. However, is there anything we can do?"

"Offer a solution, do you, Master Obi-Wan?" Yoda, with that familiar almost playful wisp to his voice inquired still pinching his chin thoughtfully and carefully one might even say. Obi-Wan for his part opened his mouth, but when soon nothing followed thereafter it shut and he reclined back where he stood. Anakin silently sharing his master's discombobulated view of this whole exchange. Even if it was all strange the Council was not helping making it any less strange.

"No, Master. I cannot." Obi-Wan relented with a slight tip of his head. All as Master Windu shot a stern look back and forth between Obi-Wan and Yoda sat beside him.

"We shall speak on this matter further at later a time. When more convenient, Master Kenobi." Ever sounding political for one of his high jedi caliber, Windu stated. Anakin could feel his eyes narrow sharply and brow line crease as his lips curled closer. What was wrong with now? They hadn't gotten a mission briefing yet. It had to do with Grievous, and them obviously. The whole Arda experience had worsened, or at the least boosted the conflicted nature of this bloody war, and now that it had reverted shouldn't it be talked about? Yet, he said nothing, only shooting his master a sideways glance. As Obi-Wan pulled his head back, upwards and chin more squarely raised. Did he know something, Anakin wondered? He knew that look. Recognition, but of what?

"I understand, Master." Was all Obi-Wan gave in reply, and Anakin silently looked away and sighed as he felt things truly going back to 'normal' with the Council. Normal indeed.

"What's more important is the mission at hand. Sadly it will cut into any return to Coruscant for both you and your apprentice, Obi-Wan." Mace added taking on a more conciliatory tone and manner as he leaned backwards into his cushioned seat.

"If it's as important as I was made to believe, Master, then we'll see it done." Obi-Wan offered though Anakin felt his jaw tensing and shoulders tighten. The snaking and sowed agitation of the Council starting to threaten to loose from himself. Like a rancid granite slug from the depths of Coruscant wriggling its way up his back and into his skull. He found his right hand once more pulsating. The gloved robotic fingers rolling inwards and outwards as his thumb rolled over his index finger in hidden aggression beneath his long sleeved cowl. He just wanted to talk to her, to karking see her! Of course they didn't know, couldn't know, but Obi-Wan knew. That made him, if only for an instant flash his Master a scowl. Yet, with an unheard breath he closed his eyes and began to count. Anything to get his mind out of where it was headed. Only bad came from that...only bad.

"...tracked on Kashyyyk, however, we have our concerns on that reporting." Anakin opened his eyes and let a silent tremor pass through him as he realized he hadn't caught the usual preamble as Master Ti had given the intro.

"Doubts?" Obi-Wan questioned, and Anakin also noticed how none of them bothered to look to him for any input. Again, the usual, and so he shifted beside his master and remained silent still.

"Believe we do, that seen Grievous has been."

"However, we doubt the implication that he would remain on Kashyyyk. Despite its position and use for turning the Trandoshans to a firm alignment with the Confederacy it does not make sense for him to remain on a world devoid of any challenge to a modest invasion force." Master Windu went on after Yoda.

"Another diversion?" Obi-Wan stated what they meant more out of desire of clarity than out of confusion.

"Republic commando units of esteem did indeed report seeing the General not too long after their mission began there to further strengthen local Wookiee resistance to the invasion forces. That is not in doubt. As Master Windu noted." Master Kolar seemed to reaffirm what Windu had already said.

"We have received further reports that the General has been sighted both in the Outer-Rim and as inward as the Duro Sector, upon Duro itself."

"Some reports indicate a followup strike inwards towards the Core following the initial operation by the Confederacy is in the works. Hence their staging point being Duro." Both Master's Tiin and Mundi stated respectively.

"The fact of the matter being, that we cannot take any further action in an effort to find and either arrest or end Grievous' threat until our intelligence and that of both R.I and the Clone Intelligence services come to some manner of consensus. As it is now, our information regarding Grievous is dubious across the entire Republic." Windu finished firmly.

"We understand, Master." Obi-Wan replied, answering for Anakin who couldn't really argue against it. Even if he did find it overall frustrating.

"However, as we mentioned briefly before, Master Kenobi, intelligence with some corroboration between the branches has been received. Pointing towards a possible location of Count Dooku. In the Savareen Sector on a relatively unimportant world called Tythe." Anakin turned to Obi-Wan who met his gaze. Both of them sharing an intrigued and pointed look between them in a knowing...but unknowing manner.

"Can't say I've ever heard of it, you?"

"No, never." Obi-Wan replied before turning back to the many holograms.

"To be expected." Master Allie gave her own opinion.

"It is remote, but not without Republic protection. The garrison, however, has just been annihilated in its entirety by a Separatist task force. The number of invading units, and landing forces as reported before the loss of the garrison was excessive."

"Better still, security holos sent by the garrison in their last moments show Dooku himself entering the LiMerge corporate headquarters building. For what reason and purpose, we cannot yet say." Both masters Ti and Windu reported respectively.

"What do you think, Master?" Anakin asked turning to Obi-Wan.

"Hard to say." He whirled his cloak as he clasped his right hand to his chin and let his fingers run through his beard in contemplative thought.

"We have evidence of his presence though, correct?" Anakin turned to the Council, and though unaccustomed to addressing a knight so informally, they nonetheless all tipped their heads in hive-minded affirmation.

"Then I think that's enough to make a counter assault worth it, Master. Don't you?"

"It sounds promising, Anakin, but we don't know if he's moved on since the assault. Do we?" Obi-Wan turned to the Council again from a sideways position.

"Several monitoring stations and standard system observational probe droids have remained intact through the chaos there. Rerouted and turned to Tythe, we have seen little activity signaling any mass movement of ships or personnel. Except for those landing on world to establish planetary control, of course." Anakin nodded after Master Windu finished as Obi-Wan readjusted himself and sighed aloud.

"That still doesn't mean Dooku hasn't left the planet or system, Anakin. I would feel better if we had hard evidence that he were still present. As opposed to getting bogged down in a liberation effort while letting him slip through our fingers once more."

"It would be worth it either way!" Anakin countered raising his hands.

"If he was there, as the Council indicates then he'll have left a trail. One far warmer than any trail we've investigated in the past. Warmer than Nelvaan for Grievous. Maybe a little liberation wouldn't hurt either. I doubt the Separatists have manged to establish total planetary control yet. A surgical strike against their naval and ground forces could knock them out of the fight before they could dig in." Anakin finished breathless in manner, and anxious in tone. Without having ceased Obi-Wan continued to stroke his beard thoughtfully, his eyes darting back and forth between his brown jedi boots. He cast another glance left towards the gathered holograms then and addressed them.

"Your thoughts, Master Yoda?" The Grand Master studied Obi-Wan for a moment, before his diminutive form once more loosed a thoughtful humming groan and his green hands came together ruffling the robes around him.

"Bold, and unusual it is, for Dooku to land alongside soldiers in this war. Uncommon for him to act so callously and forwardly, it is." Anakin rocked his head back and forth. Master Yoda had a point, thought since the nature of the war had shifted, why shouldn't Dooku? In fact it made sense to him it was Dooku's doing to change the manner in which this war was fought. That traitor was always scheming. Though, he had a sudden flash of another traitor. A man who so eerily looked like Dooku but with longer hair, robbed in stunning white with as booming if not more powerful a voice, and twisted a sneer and grin. Saruman the White atop the tower of Orthanc. For whatever reason memory of that short encounter sent a chill up his spine, and he did his best to suppress it.

"Nevertheless," Anakin snapped as Yoda went on.

"As young Knight Skywalker pointed out, believe I do, worth investigating this is." Yoda nodded Anakin's way and honestly he felt a little shocked by it. Honestly Yoda never treated him like an outsider. Never came off as hostile or demeaning not like...well not like others here. Still, it was odd getting some recognition. Not that it had never happened before. Anakin just knew it was rare, and from the Grand Master no less.

"I concur, and believe I speak for the Council in stating that the lead warrants immediate investigation and execution of a strike onto the planet." The other Council members dipped or nodded their assorted heads after Master Windu finished. Which in turn led to a sort of mirroring mimic from Anakin who also nodded. As though everyone simply needed Obi-Wan to agree. Though it was clearly a forgone conclusion.

"Very well. By the Council's wisdom." Obi-Wan seemed to give into whatever last bit of trepidation he held over the planned assault and nodded as he weaved his hands into the opposite sleeves of his robe once again.

"Very good." Master Windu bobbed his bald head with his eyes fixed upon Obi-Wan.

"Take your task force along with Knight Skywalker and prepare make for Tythe as soon as possible, Master Kenobi."

"As you say, Master Windu. Is there nothing more in need of deliberation?" Obi-Wan asked politely and quizzically. Master Windu eyed Anakin for a moment, before motionlessly moving back to Obi-Wan's gaze.

"Nothing that requires further holocomm communication, Master Kenobi. A transcript will be, as expected sent to you for review in prompt order."

"Thank you, Master Windu." Obi-Wan bowed, and earnestly gave a polite and friendly ending to their meeting.

"May the Force be with you, Master Kenobi."

"To you as well, young Knight Skywalker." Again Yoda addressed Anakin and felt a small, faintest of faint, flush form upon his face as heat rose upwards. It had to be with what had happened on Arda, he thought. Had to be! He knew from Obi-Wan the other masters had felt his power in the Force. Both in Oneness and in...the depths of darkness when he held that pr...that Ring.

"With you, and the Council, Master Yoda." Anakin tipped at the waist to all members who, fairly enough, bowed their heads as the call, without further need of communication or goodbyes ended and their images flashed and faded.

"Well, that went well enough." Obi-Wan offered with a thin smile. Only to be met by a narrowed look in Anakin's unmoved eyes. Still staring where the others among the Council had been.

"Anakin?" His old padawan sent hims a sideways look and his blue eyes seemed slightly darkened shadowing his mood. Obi-Wan was used to this tell among others.

"They wanted to say more didn't they?" Obi-Wan reclined his head backwards some as he watched Anakin give a more clear and open sneer. More a darkly wry smirk and shake of his head that ruffled his long, but now more well groomed locks of dark blonde hair.

"Anakin, what matters the Council wishes to share with those not upon it, they shall. Otherwise they're not too keen on sharing information with jedi who've not yet attained Master status. It is no mark or act against you, my friend."

"I'd believe you Obi-Wan," Anakin paused as his snorted a dry chuckle.

"If it hadn't been this way since the day you and Qui-Gon mentioned me in front of them. When I was brought before them and tested, accused. Belittled almost sounds right, especially when they refused to even train me." To that Obi-Wan couldn't help but narrow his eyes as he crossed his arms over more firmly and craned his head sideways. Flabbergasted that his old padawan was bring that business to the fore.

"That was a special case, with mitigating circumstances, Anakin. Surely you understand why only certain jedi are allowed into the Order after they gone beyond the standard training age? Surely the fact that I've trained you since those times is proof of their flexibility."

"As I recall they allowed you to train me because Qui-Gon was murdered by Maul." Obi-Wan had a flash of red enter his mind. A slam of hilt to nose and swing of blade into stomach and a loosened howl of horror as he watched one of the greatest beings he ever knew fall to their knees. Obi-Wan sighed and loosed what residual anger, like venom long buried inside his being, into the Force.

"Perhaps there was an air of pity and of honor. Honoring the wishes of a now dead man. Yet, we both know, even from the short time you knew him, that he would've made you his apprentice. Regardless of the Council. You would have been jedi." Obi-Wan approached firmly, and as set and strongly placed his elder hand to Anakin's exposed right shoulder.

"You ARE jedi, Anakin. One of the best in the Order." Anakin cast him a meeker smile though his blue eyes flashed in the praise given, and caused him to avert full forward gaze.

"Thank you, Master. I..." he sighed heavily laced with a groan.

"You what?"

"I'm tired of feeling excluded! We spent over a year lost on Arda, come back and everyone needs us, clamors for us, the troops are practically bristling with joy at seeing us! Yet, whenever it comes to the Council, they act like nothing's changed. Can't I be included in anything? Can't I be made a Master?! I think I've done more than my share of proving myself, especially back on Arda."

"Using your dance with the dark side as political ammunition for Master-hood status, my old padawan?" Anakin sucked in breath and clicked his tongue to teeth in renewed aggravation. Ever the negotiator, politically aware one his Master.

"I...no! No that's not it. I want...I want in!" He pulled his hands from outwards in, clasping them to fists as they crashed to his chest to sell the point he was trying to make.

"I've been outside looking in, while my karking body has been inside without me! I want to be what everyone in the Republic claims I am, but what the Order doesn't agree with. I want to be recognized as a jedi, as worth what I do, and have done!"

"Careful Anakin." Obi-Wan warned but with no malice about his figure. His hand dropped from Anakin's shoulder and the Jedi Master averted his gaze. His own eyes dancing over the conference table before working their way back up to meet Anakin's.

"You have much to learn, Anakin. I still have much to learn, and I am a Master. After Arda I can't say as a Master I could vote to make you a Master." Anakin's eyes betrayed him, and immediately fell. Saddened and full of sudden despair.

"As your friend, as your fellow jedi in this war, and after what we've been through since Geonosis, since before it, and past Arda until now, I'd vote to make you a Master in a heartbeat." Anakin craned his head upwards and he was met by the broadened smile of his old Master, and Obi-Wan raised his right hand, his palm facing Anakin.

"Give it time, my friend. The Council are set in their ways. Even when new masters rise they did not do so because of their unorthodox natures or attitudes. Qui-Gon never joined the Council, but even still he did become a Master. Perhaps a final lesson." Anakin again snorted, but this time an amused laugh, breathy and low followed.

"Yes I know your favorite." Obi-Wan chortled knowingly.

"Instead of setting yourself up against the standards of the Council, look instead to those set by Qui-Gon. A Jedi Master who rose to the position not because he acted in the manner by which the Council would've preferred him to act. Rather rose to it by being a jedi set in doing the Will of the Force regardless of the Council. Does that mean break every rule in the book, and the Code on a daily basis for some idealistic version of the 'greater good,'" Obi-Wan made air-quotes as he said that.

"No, it does not. What it means is doing what comes to you consciously while still keeping you within the realm of the Jedi. You and me are...different. That much has become clear to me over the past few months." Obi-Wan stated growing seemingly nostalgic.

"That does not mean that every jedi must be the same, and we are not. Conformity and like-mindedness in thought, attitude and action are not the same thing, Anakin. Qui-Gon did not conform, and he became a Master. In some ways I suppose I could admit I am orthodox. I believe wholeheartedly in the Code. I was raised by it, lived it, sought to live within its guiding principles. I've...made mistakes. Harbored thoughts, and questions. Be it towards people, my fellow jedi, and myself. Yet, I found solace and comfort in that code, and so it had defined me." Obi-Wan paced over towards Anakin's left and he remained silent. Observing as his old Master's brow furrowed, before relaxing, the creases of age showing through in that moment.

"I see now, maybe what Qui-Gon always saw, and knew. Taking and training someone in so unconventional a manner and means did not...could not call on the trainer, the teacher to act as the champion of standard tests and teaching. It has been my thought for some time, and I've expressed as much Anakin, that I did not teach you in the best manner. One you needed for your circumstance, and your power, your station."

"We've already been over this, Master. I do not regret your training." Anakin reminded, and in the deepest pits of his heart he felt it then. He was honest, it was true. He had the greatest Master in all the Order. Even if he had a hard time saying it aloud where some small semblance of ego still held him in check.

"Nor do I regret teaching you Anakin." Obi-Wan smiled broadly.

"You once said I was the closest thing to a father you had, and I appreciated it then. Now I think it's more apt to say we are like brothers. Brothers in the Order and brothers in manner. In a way I suppose it means I am a hypocrite."

"Master?" Anakin questioned, raising an eyebrow, gawking even in no small amount of shock.

"I have formed an attachment. We all generally do, and it is to our Order, our family. Further, I have formed an attachment to you, my friend. You were like a son to me, and now you are my brother. I would in such a position then like to say that, regardless of the Council, you have my support, Anakin." Obi-Wan affirmed drawing close to his taller friend.

"You will one day; when this war is over, maybe even before then, be a Jedi Master. When all conflict is behind us, and the questions raised and answered. Where your deeds that stand in opposition of the Order are brought to light, questioned, and attacked, I will stand with you, and together we will overcome them. That I can assure you." Obi-Wan gave a playful smirk then. Rarer in his older wizened years but also a staple of his being which, without knowing its reason, made Anakin mirror it.

"The day will come when the galaxy will have to deal with Masters Kenobi and Skywalker upon the Jedi Council together. I think that is scarier than any droid, or Sith Lord." Anakin broke and began snickering as his head turned downwards ad he heard his Master chortle with him. Their shared mirth filling the room, and taking Anakin several moments to compose himself.

His head nodding he began.

"You've got a point, Master. Okay, I'll wait a little longer." He meant it. He felt that he meant it. All of this felt like another but more meaningful culmination of the talks he and his Master had back on Arda following the messiness there. It felt a little more real now. He knew his Master was earnest with him. He knew now, and oddly it felt new, that he and his Master had an understanding. So, yeah, he supposed he could wait...yes he could wait.

"Excellent." Obi-Wan bowed and smacked his hand against Anakin's dark tunic and robes along the young Knight's left bicep.

"Let's get the assault specifications worked out early. We still have to drop off your Techno Union friends and possibly get some rest in before we move for Tythe proper."

"Yet, you say I'm always on the move." Anakin quipped as he followed Obi-Wan, already making his way toward the doorway.

"You are, but unlike you I am always productive."

"Yes, productive right into-"

"If you say gundark nest again Anakin I will sorely urge you to find new material with which to demean your old Master." Anakin felt his mouth close and lips curl upwards in an unloosed laugh.

"Very well, how about when Skull Queen Quenelle and Princess Calvaria of Nallastia both announced they intended to marry you at dinner?"

"Oh by the Force!" Obi-Wan blushed as his hand smacked into his forehead causing Anakin to chortle darkly.

"I have you now, Master." The two jedi carried on happily. Even allowing Anakin to, for a time forget to brood over not being able to talk to Padmé still.

For a time.

---

As the call ended and both forms of Master Kenobi and Knight Skywalker faded the Council members still present remained in but a momentary silence. It was odd, but not unusual that matters still needed be discussed with several of the masters being unavailable. What was more odd, was having one present and capable of discourse, but not involving them in their debate. That was assuredly more unusual, though not unheard of, not unprecedented, but odd, and that feeling was clearly present within the chamber. Though, it was clear that there was nothing held against the three uninvited or unavailable to debate. Merely an act of convenience.

"Further to speak on, you have Master Windu?" Yoda broke the silence swiveling his head towards the expected next Grand Master of the Order. His left ear rose thoughtfully, quizzically and Mace nodded as he was addressed. He produced a datapad from his robes and held it aloft. Turning it over in his hands he held it up over his head and bore an expression teetering on numbness but bleeding into disquiet and disappointment.

"I have much to say, Master Yoda, fellow Masters." He began sternly and in his usual cool commanding demeanor.

"Within this datapad lay a litany of accusations, allegations, documents and recordings with no small amount of work invested into corroborating evidence with the former. Names, dates, charges and activities lay inside that I do not feel need be aired in our chamber, but the matter stands to be discussed on what actions to take." He let the datapad fall and watched as the Masters now swiveled their heads left and right between one another. All of them wondering what Mace held within the lone datapad.

"What exactly are we to be concerned with here, Master Windu?" Master Ti asked with her soothing feminine voice teemed with concern, as her eyes showed much the same in narrowed form.

"Hmm, with young Knight Kolvori, this concerns." Yoda stated rather than asked bringing his folded hands up under his chin. In kind Mace nodded as his dark eyes traced the other masters.

"Master Ti, Yoda, all, I want to start by stating some of you have been on the receiving end of Knight Kolvori's tirades and baseless accusations. I have no doubt to the commitment of those among us, however."

"Knight Kolvori?" The ever quiet Master Kcaj asked. The Ongree's prominent mouth and barred teeth repeated the name with heavy accent, but being one of the newer among them relative to the others it made sense to Mace that he did not yet know Kolvori by name. Mace made to speak but was cut off as Master Kolar cleared his throat with exaggeration and shifted in his seat.

"One could best describe Kolvori as a puritan. An orthodox and committed Knight to be sure, but perhaps a sufferer of paranoia."

"An attitude that should've been cleared from his manner after the last time." Master Tiin added his thoughts after Kolar who could only sway his head to the right in unspoken agreement.

"That being exactly, Masters?" Kcaj asked. Master Ti chuckled and shook her head. Her long prominent lekku shifting as she did so. Her seriousness also seemed to have faded some.

"Knight Kolvori approached Master Yoda two years ago and spoke of 'actions unbecoming of a Jedi' occurring between Master Tiin and myself." Master Tiin sighed somewhat aggressively though lowly while Ti simply smiled and laughed. The other masters all shared similar expressions of bewildered amusement or annoyance.

"The boy spends too much of his tie reading fables and tales of the Jedi of old." Master Mundi cut in, though all the masters could tell he was somewhat uncomfortable.

"Any jedi who has passed their mandatory history lessons in the Temple know of Master Sunrider and her affection, reciprocated surely, for Ulic Qel-Droma. The exceptions treatise made for the young Knight Shan and Revan." Mundi opened his holographic palms as he spoke with no small amount of exasperation.

"Needn't we forget all the jedi without the notoriety of those whom Kolvori has brought to bare in debates!" Master Tiin kept going, clearly mildly incensed at the memory of that...debacle.

"Those who fell in the last war with the sith a thousand years ago. Those who fell in millennia before then in times difficult for even the libraries of our Order and those of the Senate to retain and remember. The boy is obsessed, and baseless."

"It would've seemed so until this." To that everyone paused and turned. The lighthearted mirth previously present suddenly stricken from them, and a heavier atmosphere took hold as Mace again held the datapad up. His expression having remained unchanged and sober.

"You mean he's found a jedi who's broken the tenants of the code?"

"Not one." Again stunned expressions etched themselves across the faces of several masters. Mace nodded as though answering some unspoken question, before he pocketed the datapad within his robes once more.

"Two?" Master Kcaj guessed.

"Many." Was what Mace replied, and the mood darkened once more. Master Yoda hummed lowly in his seat beside Windu but did not yet speak.

"'Many.'" Master Ti repeated.

"How many are we speaking of here, Master?"

"I am not yet ready to say for certain. I will not say how many are listed and what names are given, but I shall say some accusations are dubious, untoward even. However, some of them, Kolvori has provided ample evidence that I cannot deny unless further investigation is made into these matters."

"Outrageous." Master Tiin shook his head, now seeming stunned but similarly agitated as before. His tusks prominently shadowing his already roughened ikotchi face.

"If some are baseless, how can the others be believed, Master?" Mundi asked turning toward Yoda and Windu.

"As I said, there is provided evidence. However, in an effort to protect reputations and not spread unnecessary rumor among the Order, names shall not be spoken or given. What matters is not the names, nor which could be baseless. What matters is that, I have been convinced that we have a matter of crisis. A crisis of our Order, and our adherence to the codes that define us and guide us. A spiritual crisis." Mace expertly and politically espoused his concern in grave a manner.

"Disturbing news, this is." Yoda finally, and equally grim noted as he lowered his head and rested his upper lip against his intertwined fists.

"I concur." Master Tiin, ever a noted hard line adherent to the Order and Code agreed with stern a face and hardened eyes.

"Can we be so certain of this?" Master Kolar spoke up. Mace noting Kolar's history of believing his fellow jedi and the inherent good in them and their purposes or actions. A true empath among the Council, even if a silent one.

"As we have stated just previously, Knight Kolvori sees treachery everywhere. The man may be heartfelt, earnest and true in his intent. However, to base accusation and ridicule against friend and fellow jedi in the past leaves me concerned. Concerned that Kolvori is eager to prove himself. Concerned he has grown bold in action and brooding in manner. I would find him dubious then, if I am not permitted to view the evidence at hand that is. With no insinuation meant either, Master Windu." Kolar waved his hands out and Mace nodded his understanding.

"Outrageous!" Master Tiin repeated and bumped his right fist against his armrest in as angry a manner acceptable of a Jedi Master.

"We are at war! Tens of thousands of beings are enslaved and occupied daily or suffer under the torment of war in other manner! Enlisted and cloned man alike suffer on the battlefields, and the Force wails against the tumult of it all. Yet, better still jedi, fellow jedi die in this war! Sacrifice their lives and give themselves to the commitment to find peace once more, and what do we hear?

'Jedi unwilling to commit to the same duties! Suffer the hardships in the same grace as their fellows. Jedi enraptured in the shadows that gnaw at all our minds. The vices and dark temptations that pull at us. They would spit in our faces and that of our history, our fallen brethren, our Order!" The other masters noted, but allowed Tiin to calm himself. His eyes closed and he could visibly be seen releasing that rising vigor into the Force.

"Much care, you must take, Master Tiin." Yoda addressed with a pointed chin and look.

"Grace, thought, and due process must we look to, turn to, not to anger."

"Forgive me masters." Tiin acknowledged tipping his crowned and horned head.

"The fact remains," Master Allie broke the momentary silence.

"I agree with Master Kolar in being wary of Kolvori and his record. However, if, as you say Master Windu, his records and evidence is moving then I will contemplate this matter with the thought in mind. Thought that perhaps we have wayward jedi numbering over a dozen?" Mace eyed her a moment, before bowing his head to one side and off center.

"I shall not give exacts, but you may think in that light." Allie nodded slowly and her eyes averted all gaze as she clearly began contemplating within the Force for guidance.

"Tenuous a time, this is." Yoda once more caught the attention of all with his aged voice.

"Lost many masters in this war, we have. A great many lost, upon the fields of Geonosis at the onset, more still." Again Mace felt somewhat discomforted and shifted but said nothing.

"Failing, our code, our structure is! Too many padawans promoted to knights, perhaps? Many new knights, padawan learners, they were given. Untrained, they themselves were. Not yet cemented, our Code was. Not yet honed, their conviction was. A generation of Jedi, lost they are." Yoda portended and set the mood into a more somber, though still grave tone.

"It should not require a Master to teach a padawan their commitments, however, Master Yoda." Master Kcaj debated without any clear thought or emotion.

"Raised alongside myself, Master's Ti, Allie, Mundi, Kenobi, jedi should know better come their knighthood, and better still, before then I say. The trials of knighthood are for self discovery, and readying the body for their duties. Not for facilitating dogma and hallowed creed maintained for over two perhaps even three thousand years as a standard! Kolvori has a point perhaps then." Kcaj offered placing a thought index finger and thumb to his large chin structure.

"A point?" Mundi questioned.

"Yes Master! Should the Order not have learned what comes of attachment? Should the lesson of Ulic Qel-Droma be lost on us? Should the many nameless and forgotten jedi who fell in the schisms of old, and the turned to the sith in the Jedi civil War be left unmentioned? Or, of the long forgotten fields of Ruusan? Where many a number in jedi joined the sith rank, and among them jedi who took lovers, indulged in wants of the flesh even if not for the desires of their hearts!

'Attachment, leads to jealousy. An act all beings who form relationships with one another must relent to. A mother is attached to her child, perhaps purely in an evolutionary driven need to nurture and protect, but given danger the mother shall do anything to protect their child. Even kill another, or sell that child into slavery so long as they live rather than die. One can love, and certainly I hold nothing against the men, women and all sentient beings of the galaxy who love and marry. However that compulsion to protect and save, that physiological response in the way of jedi, of those who can wield the Force is deadly and dangerous." A philosophical debate indeed, but one that Mace could see swayed some among them. Even Master Yoda nodded.

"I must interject." Master Mundi spoke again as his holographic form pulled itself towards Masters Yoda and Windu.

"I feel I must admit I am uncomfortable within this conversation masters. My...'situation' does not, I feel, allow me to make unbiased a figure to decide on these matters." Both Yoda and Mace eyed one another in sideways manner. An unspoken prompt was given and Mace replied.

"Your situation with your wives has been addressed, Master Mundi. You needn't apologize nor refrain from discussion regarding policy and creed because of your people's needs. For your misgivings you have not formed overbearing attachments toward your wives and children, and for the sake of your species you have been given your own treatise." Mundi sighed, and seemed slightly less on edge but still somewhat seeming out of depth.

"In agreement, with Master Windu, I am." Yoda bowed to Mundi, and the cerean nodded, again seeming less weighed down.

"What is at stake here, and what could be lost is what principally concerns me." Again Mace took a political if stern and commanding tone and demeanor, ever attempting to be the rock of the Order.

"This war has, as Master Yoda indicated, worn us down. The Order is...fragile. It is injured, bruised, and I believe we will need many years after this war is over to heal. However, if we allow ourselves to fall into disunity, disrepair, and cast aside our foundations, codes and creeds for political prudence and the cause of fighting a war, then what be the point of fighting the war at all?" Mace waved his arms outwards questioningly, flapping his browned robes as he did so.

"Degradation will lead to stagnation. Until we awake from our slumbers and realize this is not the Order that upheld and protected the Republic for over ten thousand years and more. I cannot in good conscious allow these accusations, strong as some are, and weak as others, to pass me by. Which is why I have brought this matter before the Council."

"An idea, you have, Master Windu?" Yoda sounded more aware, but the question stood spoke either way. Mace nodded and leaned forwards, tilting his fingertips against their opposites upon his other hand in the air just before his face.

"It has been practiced in the times of old, thousands of years ago just following the Great Sith War that small select groups of jedi have been gathered together. To launch inquiries, manage and tend to investigatory matters and mandates. It has happened sparsely and rarely before and since that time, but either way these 'WatchCircles' have proven useful if not always effective or just in the past." Upon the mention of a WatchCircle Mace could see Master's Ti and Kolar's eyes widen ever so slightly, near imperceptibly. While Tiin and Kcaj nodded, seeming to follow where this line of thought was headed. The others simply listened, undoubtedly aware of the history of such circles within the Order.

"I suggest, and urge my fellow Council members to undertake the task of voting towards the creation of such an organization. An Order within the Order to investigate and not only protect the reputation of jedi innocent of any such charges, be they from Kolvori or another, but to also prosecute to the fullest extent of our laws and codes those who would deviate." Mace went on and his dark eyes traveled across the circular room, the endless traffic of Coruscant just beyond them all. In their eyes he gauged their feelings before he once more spoke to his offer.

"I recommend that for the first time in centuries, the Jedi High Council enact the creation of a new Covenant. A Jedi Covenant with a WatchCircle within its folds intended on countering all such deviations and harmful actions taken in opposition to the Jedi Code, and thus, the Jedi Order. Rather than enact this mandate at my own discretion, I would feel more secure and appropriate in setting this as a motion before this Council. So," he bowed his head down and leaned back into his seat.

"I thus ask each of you to cast their votes now. If we do not reach majority vote, Masters Kenobi, Koon and Fisto will be sought to break any tie along with their official transcript recordings." Mace reminded so as to put at ease the minds f those who may have worried the other three were being kept out of the loop.

"However, this session's transcript shall not be left open to viewing beyond those gathered here, along with Masters Koon, Kenobi and Fisto. This for obvious reasons." The Council members collectively nodded their understanding.

"To that end, I cast my vote in favor of creating a new Jedi Covenant and the 'WatchCircle of Temperance.'" Mace gave with finality as he named his WatchCircle and again motioned his hands outwards from one another prompting another of the masters to let their thoughts be heard.

"Impart I will," Yoda once more began, though clearly not yet ready to state his opinion.

"Warn this Council, I must. This enactment, with grave care we must treat it. Past tales and stories have shown, fallen have past endeavors like this been. Too quick to judge, too concerned with the law of the Code, than its practice. Greatest of watch, we must maintain. Overall control, and commitment to the Jedi way, must be maintained."

"I concur." Master Allie took the proverbial podium.

"The most famous of these Covenant's was responsible for the massacre of an entire cadre of padawans out of fear. Perhaps the mitigating circumstances and their leadership ultimately hailing from members not affiliated with the Order could be blamed, in the case of the Draay estates. However, I would demand, before I cast my vote in favor of any such enactment, assurances that a Master be set in place to lead and control this Covenant, and to direct the WatchCircle to act in a way and manner befitting jedi in kind." Mace tipped his head.

"In this we are in agreement, Master Allie. Should the motion pass, a Master picked from among the Order, and with the consent of the Council shall be placed at the helm to coordinate and mediate all actions of the Covenant."

"Very well." Allie nodded only after another long moment.

"I assent and support the creation of the Jedi Covenant and Temperance WatchCircle."

"That makes two." Mace announced, though in little more than a whisper.

"I needn't any further convincing." Master Tiin announced, mirroring Mace he waved his arms out before clasping his fingertips back against their opposites.

"The Jedi Order is one of the foundations I'd say, a pillar of the Republic if nothing else! To cast aside our morals and codes, our creeds and allegiances and betray what upholds us then that is tantamount o admitting a failure in the Force. That I cannot abide, masters. This Covenant has my full support."

"Three." Was all Mace said, and more loudly for all to hear.

"For the sake of credibility I must abstain." All turned to Master Mundi.

"It is not that I still hold reservations about my place in this discussion. Rather, if and when this is all to come to light I would save the High Council and the Order any accusation of hypocrisy on my behalf. I vote neither for nor against the motion, Master Windu."

"A wise and understandable reason, Master Mundi." Yoda spoke for Mace who nodded, and held no ill will in his eyes or thoughts.

"I must state my thoughts before I cast my vote." Kolar spoke and the zabrak cleared his throat before shifting in his seat.

"I cannot in good conscience state that I agree to this Covenant in theory. I do not, nor can I believe that the Order has lost so many jedi to deviation and undermining of our Order for selfishness. I admit," He offered.

"I believe in the inherent worth and good among my fellows. To hear, and be given implication that we have so many wayward among us without us having seen it, is hard to believe. I contend, that of course there will be jedi among our Order who break our creeds, and flounder. Thus, it is the task of the wise, the masters who can guide, to guide, to soothe and ease. To correct course as it were, and if all else fails then expulsion, as has been practice for thousands of years. The creation of this Covenant I feel is the act of soothing a burned hand by submerging that hand in the coldest lakes of Rhen Var. However," Kolar sighed, and gulped down his own thoughts and statements. His eyes averted that of the other masters and turned downward as he took a final pregnant moment of silent contemplation.

"I have and always shall defer my own personal beliefs to the wisdom of this body. I may not believe it to be wholly necessary, possibly endangering, and I did say 'possibly.'" He made sure to accentuate.

"Yet, Master Allie's wisdom shows through, and I will cast my vote in favor of the creation of this new Covenant, so long as promises made for fair treatment, thorough investigation, and prompt meaningful justice is served."

"To that, we agree." Yoda chimed in. Mace nodded, and did not choose to carry this line on with Kolar. Instead mentally noting it was now four to zero, plus one abstention. Only two further to meet majority vote.

"My thoughts have been noted beforehand." Master Kcaj stated.

"I believe differently, respectfully so, from Master Kolar. The Order has in the past shown a propensity to act slowly when misgivings and darker idealism took hold within the Order itself. Four Great Schisms are evidence enough for that. While those who flooded to rebellious factions in the far forgotten Mandalorian Wars, the Jedi Civil War, the Great Sith War before then, and I could go further. Decay of moral righteousness and oversight inherently leads to arrogance, and acceptance of vice. I vote in favor of the Covenant, masters." Kcaj tipped his large and toothy head, and all the masters nodded their acknowledgment. Master Kolar especially showed respect and bowed deeply at the neck.

"That makes 5 to zero, and one abstention. Master Ti?" Mace announced and this time directed the stage to the togruta Master. She had been unusually quiet since Mace had made clear the severity of the situation, which he found curious. Even as he stretched out into the Force and noted a storm of misgiving and apprehension within her.

"In a way, I believe as Kolar does. Though I relent to Master Kcaj that we have, as an Order, often retained many detractors and rebellious members who have inclinations towards vice, and the darker aspects of the Force. However, I do not believe a Covenant will solve these concerns so clearly and cleanly." Her voice soothing and low explained as she waved one hand before herself as she kept going.

"I do believe it is imperative that it fall to we who have been appointed, raised to the status of Master to seek out those who are troubled. Those who are lost and to guide them back onto the path. This Covenant, it feels more like a creation torn from the holobooks of ancient enemies." She did not mention them but Mace knew she spoke of the sith.

"An Inquisition will set those jedi who are found to be innocent aghast at our actions. Some may even feel we have begone policing them in secret. The act of paranoid despots seeking to retain control over their fellow and followers. It may very well turn out to be a stain that besmirches our Order for generations to come should ill come of this Covenant, and frankly, overzealous reaction to possibilities and speculation."

"Master Ti," Master Tiin cut in turning more squarely toward her.

"Perhaps your inclination would have merit. However, can we be sure there are no masters upon that list? No masters at all among our umber who have broken the Code in so open a manner? Could it not be that some among our Order perpetrate this behavior due to their poor leadership, and acts of defiance and disregard for our tenants?"

"Possibly, but without access to the list I shall remain in the dark on that possibility. Itself conjecture, Master Tiin." She firmly retorted and Master Tiin shrugged his shoulders slightly and bowed his head.

"To that end, I respectfully cast my vote against this measure, Master Windu." Master Kolar seemed slightly uncomfortable by Master Ti's show of conviction, but Mace believed the Master had made the right call. Either way, he did not speak up and retracted his vote, as was his right. He let it be.

"Very well, Master Ti." Again, Mace showed no ill will or much of any emotion at all. However, he did recognize it could become more complicated now. As there remained only one Master left among them who had not voted. Should Master Yoda abstain or vote against it, then it would fall upon Kenobi, Koon and Fisto. Mace believed he could count upon all three, but would rather see the matter ended and enacted here and now. So, all eyes turned to Master Yoda, who gave a low hum of thought.

"Correct, Masters Ti and Kolar are. Great damage, and great pain some Covenants of old have brought. Stood, however, in opposition to the return of the sith, they did. Yet, against their fellow Jedi, make war they did. Terrible gamble, this is, terrible." Yoda shook his head, and his waning whitened hair shimmered in the waning daylight of Coruscant beyond the chamber's viewports.

Yoda shut his green eyes and his lids creased deeply as he fell into another imperceptibly small moment of contemplation within the Force.

"Grand Master, I am. Under my guidance, this Order is. Lax, weakened disrespected, our Code has become. Grave concern, I have toward creation of such a rare council and circle of jedi. Indeed, like the inquisitions of old, they are." Yoda jabbed a cautionary finger outwards against the Council.

"Terrible a cost, this war has been. Terrible a price yet to be paid, we may have, should this matter be less concerning than presented." Again Yoda huffed a groaning tired sigh, and his ears drooped before he spoke.

"Grand Master, I am. Dangerous this line of thought may be. Yet, under my care this Order is. To defend the Republic as best we can, our mandate has been. Forgotten perhaps, our commitment to the Order, has been." Yoda felt images enter his mind. Some far flung tangential message so it seemed from the Force. Faces of jedi he long held concerns for in his heart and mind. Especially their Chosen One, came to him, but he did not speak it aloud, nor allow his thoughts to be so easily gleamed. It concerned him, and deeply. Young and zealous Knight Kolvori may have begun something not so easily stopped, and that troubled Yoda. Yes, troubled him immensely. Dark these times were, and darker yet, they may become.

"Impossible to see, the future is. Many dangers we may face, and as many consequences." He heaved a final heavy sigh. His eyes rolled behind his lids and they fluttered atop them for a moment before he gave his answer.

"To the Order, my utmost care must be given. Vote I do, in favor of the Covenant's creation."

"It is done then." Mace declared, as he other votes no longer mattered. The motion held six against five possible votes. Only one had voted against, and the another abstained. Three further votes would not change what was now done.

"I shall begin planning the creation and implementation of the Covenant and Temperance WatchCircle. A list of Masters shall be gathered, and by majority Council vote, one should be picked to head the Covenant."

"I agree." Yoda bowed.

"Aye." Mundi said.

"Aye." Allie copied.

"Aye." Tiin declared.

"Aye." Kolar followed

"Aye." Kcaj reaffirmed.

"Aye" Ti relented.

"Very well, Council adjourned. May the Force be with us all."

---

"As ever, our Lord Sidious has tasked me with sending you a final reminder."

"To not kill the old man? This I am well aware of, Dooku." Grievous answered in his usual robotic rasp as a cough racked his frame, before his head waggled back and forth trying to shake the assault from him. Dooku nodded idly, truly his mind wandering as he paced alongside the slightly hunched but starkly white robed figure that was Grievous. The clank of his metal talons against the equally metal floor below sounded in the hall as droids of varying type, manner and build passed them. Not saying a word, not thinking a thought, not producing an ebb in the Force.

Everything assault his thoughts of late. Sidious...Palpatine's designs. Truly he had begun to see the man for what he was, so long ago now. Like another life. A star in the furthest reaches of space, but seen as its light passed through the great and endless void, only to grace you with rays of cold light, and from a time long since passed. Never again to be as it was. The memory of the muun, Hego Damask, and the things he had said. Planted into his mind, already at a wander from the Order. How limp it was, how tied to the corpse of the Republic it had become! How everything came together, and fell apart. Master Dyas, and his clone army. Qui-Gon and his discovered Chosen One. Vosa and her Bando Gora, Jango Fett, Naboo, Trade Federations Commerce Guilds, Corporations and greedy pustules fallen from the decaying husk of the Republic! Come to him, bound by him to wage this...this falsity of a war! This fraud of an affair.

"In a matter of hours, the final preparations will be committed, I assure you, Count." He noted Grievous promise with undulating rapture and venom all tangled together in is mechanically tinged voice. His yellow eyes, not of the dark side, though Dooku did not discount they would likely be could this beast of a being feel and use it, they both glowered and narrowed in anticipation.

"I would expect nothing less, General. You have done well. Most pleasing indeed. I daresay the final weeks or days of the Republic draw near. I feel it, sense it. The Force bristles with power and activity." He wasn't lying either. Ever since that power, that ebb and flow had erupted from the world Grievous had been bound to for over a year, the Force had been in a state of change. Dooku knew his Master had felt it, perceived it, yet he said nothing of it. Neither hinted toward it upsetting their plans, nor acting in their favor, or of his will.

It had been an explosion of darkness firstly. Some power like but separate of the Force, but thrust into it so harshly and suddenly the galaxy trembled in its awakening. Only to then feel a bounding and consuming flash of light, pure and nova like that it blinded the Force, and those who felt it. He could sense it as though it was a maggot infested corpse just beneath his nose, so palpable the origination had been.

"Skywalker." So low he intoned with a sneer. He glanced towards Grievous, and noted the cyborg did not note his speaking. Instead the General turned to look outside a viewport to their collective left. Beyond them lay a visible bunch of warships. Five visible, but only because a single recusant-class warship blocked them as it remained stationary in its orbit beside the providence-class battleship the two leaders of the Confederacy of Independent Systems found themselves carried within. It was funny, Dooku mused still eyeing Grievous from the corner of his perceptible eyes, that this creature had returned to them from so long a detour on so unimpressive a world. Only to reach closer towards his inevitable and charted demise. Pawns assuredly had their uses, and Dooku could honestly say Grievous was one of the greatest. Esteemed in his unique ability fight, and slay Jedi, feared as a bringer of doom, and singularly minded towards victory regardless of tact or grace upon fields of battle. That chip implanted in his barely survived brain, adding to and bolstering that native aggression born of the jungles across Kalee.

"You appear to have stepped back into your role with ease, my friend." Dooku fell into passive but friendly a tone, as he was accustomed to. The beast respected and admired him, but even still better to not raise his ire needlessly. Dooku hardly had the time to waste putting him in place should it happen to do so.

For his part Grievous gave a sort of snort that sounded like a gag. Swiftly, and maybe ironically, a cough followed thereafter that shook his frame, but was quickly controlled. Though it did make Dooku muse on the state of the General's organs contained within that ugly sack in his bone-like and skeletal frame.

"That useless backwater was like a cage! Trapped on so backwards a planet, allied to a rabble of mindless beasts, little better than these droids, and bound to a wasteland of filth and magma beds." The General complained and Dooku did his best to follow along as the two clanked and clamored their way right into a hallway leading into the belly of the providence.

Again allowing his thoughts to wander, Dooku couldn't help but imagine what was to come again. Grievous, the poor warmongering fool. The one to be blamed for the state of the war. What had peace negotiations not began? Grievous of course. Why had the Confederacy launched so terrible an assault here and there? Grievous demanded it. Why were the Separatists Council leaders unwilling to seek peace? How could they, when a ravenous jedi hunter and killer cyborg held lightsabers of his victims to their throats, with their droids pawns in his schemes?

He would make a healthy and believable scapegoat. Assuredly his Master had plans for the Separatist leaders. Gunray the sniveling cretin. Wat Tambor, Shu Mai, Poggle and San Hill. A wry smirk crossed his face as he again imagined the other muun, before it was swept away in another instant thereafter.

Dooku would have to deal with prison for but a blink of the eye. His Master would gain another toy to play with, broken and turned together as partners. The boy, Qui-Gon's 'chosen' boy, though he personally preferred the one that had come before in Kenobi. Either way, the turned boy would be used as their 'fist.' Not simply in term, but then Dooku again saw it! His creation, the 'Fist of the Empire,' with little Skywalker turned and made General of an army of indoctrinated jedi turned sith, and then those taken as children made into sith regardless of their wills or those of their parents. He would be pardoned, and seen as a victim of circumstances, and would take up his place beside Sidious his Master, and together they would forge a new era, and atop the ashes of the Republic. All it needed was a war, and rot from within. That same rot he had reviled so long ago made into ally.

"However," Grievous was still going on. Dooku glanced his way as they kept pace. His ears had caught some vague mention of a white city, large fields, charging beasts and riders, catapults and these 'orcs' that vexed him so.

"Nothing was made better by that witch you sent with me! Had I known Elom would become so long a fiasco I would have sooner jettisoned that dark jedi from the nearest airlock than take her along once again. Her choices, her actions, her 'logic' was insulting! Ever did she hold me back!" Grievous hissed and his voice echoed in the long hallway they occupied. Dooku hummed aloud, as though thinking on Grievous' words. Well, honestly he had begun to do so. His mind flashing back to meeting that broken woman, Vica.

It was the formative years of executing the Master Plan. Not long after he recruited Fett following the bounty hunter's defeat of his old padawan turned cult matriarch, Komari Vosa. Her memory again caused his eyes to tinge in yellow. Anger flashed toward her, his Master, the Order. All had failed her, all had led to her loss, and thus his loss. Yet, chiefly the Order failed her, abandoning her to her fate following the debacle at Baltizaar. Though, some dark corner of his mind prickled. Perhaps he too played a part I that whole affair.

"She was useful, for her part, General." Dooku replied waving a hand somewhat dismissively.

"Useful? Perhaps she could have been, but instead she seemed more mad! Alliances formed with that dark being of the world, paid for by our droids, and our manufacturing capabilities! An army decimated of local make, and allied to her, she returns to me upon embarking on an effort to quash local resistance, and makes a mockery of my efforts! She was an intolerable mess!"

"Such is the way of the young and inordinately powerful." Dooku gave in a semi-placating manner. Though honestly it was true. The young and powerful in spirit, body or generalized power often became far drunker upon it far quicker than those who positioned them into that power. Be they their guardians and parents or benefactors of more general a manner.

Yes little lost Vica, the Sith Lord again let his mind wander. He and Grievous passing a large entry door that had slid open a foot before they reached it.

After Fett had defeated Vosa and Dooku took his old padawan's sabers, and after the bounty hunter agreed to become the template that would one day utterly ravage the jedi themselves, he had been 'in the market.' His Master ordered him to go fort and find others, much in the way Dooku knew his old Master, the old muun had made Sidious do. To find others string in the dark side, be they false claimants of the sith title or not. To gauge their power, their threat, and ultimately their use.

It was how he would find Sev'rance Tann, a fine woman, a wonderfully powerful Dark Acolyte, and a fine commander, but ultimately too short a career, before she was replaced by the dear General beside him now. He found Saato, another woman, full to the brim in dark powers born of the Force. She hailed from Dathomir, as many women from there, a witch, and of the Nightsisters. The fallen Jedi Nikko Tyris had come to him in this time as well. As did Kadrian Sey, whom he had corrupted just before the outbreak of the war itself. That brought a cocky smirk to his aged and pronounced, bearded face. Though it was dimmed and twitched along its edges as that one...Vos came to mind. Only to then broaden again, threatening even to allow a chuckle to sneak by. The kiffar fool, and his plots, schemes, plans and ideations. His fight between light and dark, and his inability to choose. Well choose the right path at least when it was so easily and clearly the correct one to make and do. In the end the man met the fate befitting him, and so too would his woman and their child. Now THAT, that was in good humor, wasn't it, 'master' Vos?

That time he did loosen a small chuckle from between bearded lips.

"Perhaps, you'll be pleased to know she is dead then, General?" Dooku prompted, his thoughts seeming longer, though only a moment had passed beyond his mind.

"It does not please me to know she failed to deliver upon simple demands."

"Truly? Well it was your fleet I recalled from the planet. Perhaps had I allowed you to stay it could have been salvaged, that whole endeavor?"

"Perhaps, but it was pointless. Killing the heroes of the Republic would have been beneficial, but it matters not! We will achieve victory regardless of the dark jedi, and regardless of Kenobi or Skywalker."

"An apt point." Dooku bowed his head agreeingly toward Grievous.

Though he did allow a final musing, as his mind flashed back to that hutt infested, endlessly stinking and ever calling metal jungle that was Nar Shaddaa. He had been there, he believed he recalled having a meeting with Representative Lott Dodd of the Trade Federation following the Naboo situation. Traveling, mingling, playing his role, Dooku had left the neimoidian in good spirits and intrigued by further talks on the 'state of the Republic.'

So, Dooku made to leave their gathering in one of countless, and frankly forgotten floating resorts, likely a casino or some manner of similar retreat. He found himself quickly after leaving the resort confronted by three men. A weequay, a nikto, and one very portly gamorrean. Easily dispatched as they may have been, Dooku had been intrigued by the shadow following them. A pair of eyes hung in the shadows of a come to find out particularly foul smelling garbage heap. A tattered, a worn, dirty, and foul seeming girl lay in waiting. Her eyes had been predatory and hung on the nikto more than the others. She could be no older than ten to eleven standard years, but she held the hatred of a woman three ties her age, he sensed.

As they made to steal from him they threatened and warned, Dooku laughed their way, and had folded arms over chest. He warned aloud that if she wanted her target she would need to strike now while they were distracted, or he would take them himself. Much to the confusion of the three who were menacing him.

A wild and furious roar, thrumming with the Force loosed and like a contained ack dog given freedom to attack its prey she had come from behind the refuse, and fired one of those archaic blasters into the weequay's back. He screamed like a acklay.

She threw something at the gamorrean, later seen to be an unexpectedly well placed vibro-dagger that slammed into the pig-man's throat spilling hot blood as he gagged upon it. The nikto had turned, and Dooku had sensed the clear horrified look and sensation of shock as he saw this dirty blonde haired wild beast of the slums so she seemed. Huttese had frothed from her mouth, before she had produced a jagged, and bent vibroblade, a full sword, or what had once been. It was coated in dried blood, and she ran at the nikto, who produced his holdout blaster and fired shot after shot. Two landed, burning into her left shoulder and beneath her right breast. Still, Dooku had sensed the dark side in her, fueling her, a bottomless pit of rage making her go, and the pain only added to her power as she ran, the nikto began screaming, panicking. As she leapt higher than a normal being could have without the Force and dug that blade through the rough hide of the nikto, through his left eye into his pitifully small brain. Indeed as they fell and blood poured freely Dooku watched her stab this alien again and again and again until he was riddled in gashes.

He would later learn she had used the Force, and found her slave chip. For, she had been a slave alone and for so very long now. She had suffered torture, and indignity, and was far crueler and ravenous than her age would have led one to assume. He had taken that same vibro-dagger stuck in the gamorrean and dug it out of her body just beneath her left collarbone. She had proceeded to slaughter an entire much dwelling gang, one of countless across Nar Shaddaa. Thirty-seven men of varying race and origin she slaughtered, and these three had been the last. Whom had been her true master, her owner, Dooku did not know, but he assumed she had long since killed him before their encounter, and what a one it was.

He had thought he found a new learner, someone to mold from young enough an age. A chosen one, a one brought to him, perhaps by the Force, if Qui-Gon would have had his say on the matter.

Yet, when he convinced her to come with him, promising her power, showing her his own, and realizing he needed further acolytes, Dooku had been disappointed. For, his Master had seen the girl, watched her from afar as he was usual to do with his chosen followers. He claimed her to be too 'mentally unsound' even for their needs. Claimed she would be better put to use as an agent, but a quieter one, left to mundane, but tasks requiring someone knowledgeable in the Force to complete. So, that young girl, Vicella, became Vica. Deluded into thinking herself a dark jedi reborn and a future sith, for she would in time gleam his ways and manner. She was more studious than his Master or he gave her credit, but her mind was, and perhaps always would've remained fractured by her years and deeds in the days before the fated meeting on the smuggler's wretched moon. In the end, they would choose Ventress for their primary needs. A story in and of itself.

Lost in his memories, Dooku only came back from them as he and Grievous passed through one final set of doors, and were led into the vast hangar bay. Grievous gagged another series of four coughs that led to his arms bolting towards his metallic frame in angered frustration before he again shook his head and willed the sensation away. His talons slammed against the ground, and before the two lay many thousands of droids entering into their transports. Some into their MTT transports, and others into drop pods. While the hangar was lined with hundreds of tri-droids and vultures.

"A final note then." Dooku began catching Grievous, who seemed slightly caught off guard having let the Count retreat into silence.

"We needn't always be so concerned with the endings of beings such as Vica, the dark jedi. Or, those of similar make and manner, General." Grievous cocked his head as he and Dooku made to view outwards toward the massive ray-shielded open bay doors.

Dooku met his gaze and gave a knowing smile before he spoke.

"All pawns have their uses. That woman? She was like the rest, serving her purpose, doing what needed be done, for the wider plans, the greater design. All pawns must play their part, and in this galaxy, there are more pawns than there are knights, kings and lords." Dooku mused with a dry chuckle, and Grievous gave a vibration of sound, that was hum like. Even as Dooku maintained a pointed and deep gaze on the General from the corner of his eyes. No reaction whatsoever. That caused the Count's laugh to deepen slightly. Indeed, not even the greatest of all pawns before him recognized when they were one. Poor unknowing Grievous. A life riddled with grief all his own, and a mind turned to madness and blood lust, for the sake of his betters. How tragic, how foolish, how simple. A pawn.

Alas though, Dooku managed to think as he and Grievous beheld the sights coming to a stop inside the hangar bay together. Treachery is the way of the Sith, and sith he was. He smirked broadly, and darkly. As they witnessed a fleet thousands upon thousands rows and racks, beyond count of eyes and fingers. Tens of millions of droids, fighters utility in manner, bombers, soldiers. All of it for a mere show, an act.

How easy it all was.

---

"Your most high eminence, King of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor, my Lord Telcontar. It is an honor to make your esteemed acquaintance."

Aragorn maintained his calm demeanor and held his hands before himself just before the center of his chest and set against his finely made tunic. A dark thing blackened and vest like where beneath it was a silken shirt of dark crimson color, and a long trim of leggings that matched the vest atop. His eyes studied the man approaching him flanked by two of his tower guard.

He was a shorter man, stocky along the chest, and slightly portly elsewhere. He bore facial hair along his chin tipped into a long strand bound by cloth down the center. His brows and hair atop his head were peppered with white and brown colors while he was fair skinned, and kept eye contact with Aragorn until he neared and bowed at his waist. Aragorn noting as he did they were a dim emerald color.

For his part, Aragorn bowed in kind, and as he rose he was met by the man rising to meet him in mirror image. Allowing Aragorn to give a final once over of the man. Noting his robes were a dark blue beneath a blackened over-robe that hung low and shimmered in the light that streamed in through the high windows of the hall. Beyond that he retained a ring upon his right hand, which flashed through the king still fresh memories, and simple, though shining boots upon his feet mostly obscured beneath his shimmering dark robes.

"I assume you are the representative of this 'Republic' I've heard and seen to some degree of?"

"Oh yes, your Highness, I am Taruk Koll. Though it is a matter of semantics, I am merely a liaison, a delegate representing the Galactic Republic, until formal diplomatic relations are formed. I have been instructed by the Galactic Senate of the Republic to formally address you and recognize you as a none-member of the galactic society." Again this Taruk bowed at the hi, but only slightly so as he maintained a cheery, though Aragorn could feel, slightly forced smile across his face.

"While I understand some of what you mean, due to my time with your Republic's two jedi, Master Kenobi and Knight Skywalker, I must admit to some ignorance on my part."

"Oh needn't you mind that, your Highness! I have dealt with modernization and introduction efforts as well as assimilation procedures and diaspora management across sixteen different systems! I am more than capable of explaining to you, gaining examples and records and any manner of thing you may need to better understand what the Galactic Republic is! Your world will be most welcome into our galactic community this I can assure you." The man smiled, and the more he did the more Aragorn began to see that this man was among the same crop as those who had come to pay him respect at the coronation. Many a Lord and many a Prince, with needs, wants and desires or ancient claims they now felt inclined to advance in the victory of Gondor against Mordor. Truly he had now become King, and these types, advisers, councilmen, barons and lords, all bore the look of fell intent masked by smile. A schemer lay within them, all of them.

"I was explained by the jedi, what my 'world' in their eyes meant." Aragorn began soft but commanding as he motioned with his right hand for Taruk to join him at a small table set down by some of the palace servants.

"Ah yes I see. A world, is like a globe you see, hung in a great vacuum. Ah, how shall I describe it to the uninitiated?" He wondered aloud following Aragorn's hand and sitting opposite him across from the simple table. Aragorn noting the subtle insult the term 'uninitiated' carried in the man's tone. Though he said nothing, didn't even bother letting the man know he knew what shape the world in which he inhabited was.

"Your world, this entire planet, which encompasses all land and seas rotates as one globe a ball circling a star. Your star, and that star is one of many billions across the galaxy. Think of it like a pond, of which there are many. However, your pond, our pond has many stars, and among them are many worlds, like yours. Some incredibly different, and others very much the same. The Galactic Republic invites these worlds into our community. To represent their needs and desires, to help institute communication and support among each world, for security and prosperity. Not only that, but member worlds retain seats in the senate or at least can vote for a sector senator who can represent their interests. A sector merely being a smaller subdivision of worlds, relatively speaking. You can, by joining your world to the Republic increase presence, authority, and trade! All of which means prosperity for your world, and your people you will find." Aragorn nodded, and found much of what this man said to be as Obi-Wan had explained to him and young Anakin had tried much the same in their time together. However, he did not feel inclined to be so cheery on the matter as this delegate.

"Is it not true that ill tidings are carried against your Republic?"

"Ah, you must refer to the war. Well, yes it is true we are in a state of galactic war. Large sections of the galaxy, parts of the pond have broken away." He kept on with his analogy.

"However, as you may have noted and seen from firsthand experience, the Republic goes out of its way to protect the worlds of the galaxy. Even the none-members."

"If I were not mistaken, I believe your armies came to my world to seek out and retrieve Master Kenobi, and Jedi Knight Skywalker." Aragorn stated smoothly and without emotion or meaning in his tone. That caught Taruk off balance. The aged man reclined his head back, and Aragorn could see his eyes dancing over him. Reassessing the King he was speaking with.

"Yes...it is true the Republic Task Force you encountered was given leave from the capitol to rescue the two jedi. However, when it was noticed your world was under assault by the Confederacy of Independent Systems, our enemy, we did deploy our troops. Troops I might add fought and died bravely across several battlefields of this planet to ensure security and safety of your people. Had we not your world would have been occupied in its entirety by the Separatists, and may I say I think you would have found them far less welcoming or considerate."

"The troops, yes." Aragorn began as he reclined in his seat only slightly while maintaining even eye level and composure.

"I understand these 'clones' as you call them are men who all appear the same. Much they are the same man, somehow produced over and over again to fight for you in superior a manner than those metal men, these droids, correct?"

"An adequate description, yes your Highness." Aragorn nodded.

"Are these men, who fought and died for 'my' planet in turn free?"

"Whatever do you mean?" The delegate's eyes narrowed as his brow creased curiously.

"I believe 'grown' was one of the words I heard used to describe them. In the far eastern lands of my world there lay several kingdoms, and most pay tribute to the Empire of Rhûn. There it is that I have traveled in my explorations of Middle-Earth and found some of these kingdoms, and domains of chieftains and lords that the men are sent to war, and it is that more men must be made to fill the needs of their leaders so that they too may fight in their wars and rivalries. Is this not the same?"

"I, I can honestly say I do not follow, your Highness?" Taruk gave only the faintest of stutters.

"Men made to bed their wives and concubines to then go fight and die in war are seen as chattel, Delegate Koll. Their sons and daughters are made to invest in the same roles. Breed and die for the sake of their lords. Though your clones seem not to commit the former they have been indentured to the latter."

"Well, I suppose from a certain point of view that is true."

"Some truths are truths, Delegate Koll." Aragorn corrected him firmly though politely and he watched the man again recline himself. Again Aragorn could see he threw him off balance, and knew now this man had assumed him to be a fool.

"I shall forever be grateful to your knights, and to those men who fought here, died here, and would very much like to appreciate the bounties you claim this Republic to offer. However, I am unconvinced as it stands now."

"I had thought your membership was as good as done? Prior to my arrival I had been given implication that Arda was ready to join the galactic community." Taruk stated losing some of his political tone and false merriment as his hands flew out from his body in incredulous a manner.

"That had not been the case. Surely I gifted Master Kenobi representation of your Republic here within the walls of Minas Tirith. However, I have made no compact nor oath binding me or my world to your collective. For it is that I hold reservations and would seek to have you understand them, good sir." Aragorn offered with a slight loosening of his intertwined hands to cap them lightly together. Taruk bowed, signaling he'd like to hear these grievances.

"The truth of the matter is thus, your 'clone' warriors are indentured to the services of your Republic. Be it of desperation, great need or lack of morality I haven't the right nor knowledge to insinuate. Yet, it is that I do not condone such an act. Are men of valor and gallant strength and will so far and few within so vast a collective as you claim this Republic to be, that you made a pact to sacrifice the lives of these men to the success of your war? What morality is it then that you fight for?

For the first time in their meeting Taruk sputtered as he sought his next well crafted words.

"My Lord Elessar, you must understand the Republic had no official knowledge of the clone army's creation! In fact as far as our intelligence reports they were commissioned by a rogue jedi who worried of coming war."

"So, this Republic are opportunists?" Aragorn countered causing Taruk to shake his head.

"No, my Lord. What occurred was surprise! Crisis came upon the Republic, and the Confederacy formed with intent on conquering us in full. Taking what was not theirs and occupying and enslaving us all to their own greed, their malicious intent! Ask any jedi and you will know their lot. Certainly by the beings they employ you can see they are led by madmen and killers. General Grievous and this dark jedi who you had the misfortune of witnessing the fruits of their labors! Our use of the clones is purely for the best of intentions to safeguard our society and civilization itself from total collapse." Taruk gave a pointed finger towards the air, ostensibly finding himself in righteous victory.

"Be that as it may, and this is based on what you have told me, I again ask did you have no warriors who would willingly fight on behalf of safeguarding such civilization?"

"The republic underwent reformation a thousand years prior to now. An amendment was added that barred the creation of a standing military for the entirety of the Republic. It fell upon the Jedi Order and judiciary to keep peace and security. They failed in their endeavor, so we had to act in haste, and with what option were made available."

"Alas it seems, for the road you took is paved with good intentions, Delegate Koll." Aragorn replied without making is thoughts of that revelation known, so Taruk noted.

"Further still, this Republic would need more than just my acquiescence to formally introduce 'Arda' as you call the entirety of the world, into its membership."

"In what regard?" Taruk shifted in his seat leaning his hands into the table.

"I am but one King, a single Lord set among many across Middle-Earth. If it is that entire worlds of peoples vast and plentiful as you claim join your Republic, then it would only stand to reason that you would require the will of all peoples and lands. It is not my right nor my will that shall command all across this world. A sort of collective would need to be gained and worked towards on deciding such a fate for my world."

"I was led to believe you commanded the largest nation of this world?"

"Perhaps that may come to be. The northern lands still must be traveled and returned into the folds for Arnor and Gondor to once more come fully together. Yet, the Empire of Rhûn is vast a land, with many tributary kingdoms and lords beneath it. There lay the Kingdom of Dale to the North, and the elven lords who shall remain yet for a time in the northern Greenwood, and those moving south near to us here into Ithilien. The Southrons are many and scattered and would require consultation. The Kingdom of Rohan would need to give assent as would the dwarves of Erebor, the Iron Hills and Blue Mountains. As would the hobbits of the Shire. Many a nation yet have I not spoken of, and those too would need to believe in such a venture."

"Yet, we allied with you, good King! We aided you in this War of the Ring. A war that I understand held some of these nations you've noted as allied to your warlord enemy. The Republic has gifted onto you the ability to bring your world into the future, and transform the landscape itself into one of prosperity, technological advancement and income. Your world sits in a world rife for resource exploration as well as retaining a newfound coordinate location. Which makes Arda attractive as a stopping point for freighters and cargo shipments, thus ensuring a strong trade presence."

"All magnificent offers and idealizations of what may be, or could be." Aragorn cut him off.

"I am no Lord of the Earth, Delegate Koll. I shall not impose onto all across Arda my will, and neither should I seek to do so unless I have a greater understanding of this Republic for myself."

"For which we are prepared to take a delegation from this world into the Republic. So that they may report their findings with their own eyes back to you, my Lord." Aragorn nodded, he had not forgotten.

"Of which I have made my decision for who will venture forth into the unknown and make note of your Republic. All of them have agreed, but some have matters in need of attending which will take some days for them to finish. Until that time, however," Aragorn noted rising to a stand sending a clear signal he was putting this debate to an end. Taruk joined him seeming slightly more hastily mannered than before.

"I cannot officiate nor singularly commit all nations of Middle-Earth and the far continents to this Republic. You are welcome to remain, and I will welcome dialogue with your Republic until such a later time permits a change in our relationship." Taruk for his part gawked at Aragorn, and indeed Aragorn began to see that the man was coming to understand he was not speaking to a fool. This man from afar held his mouth ajar, before shutting it and shrugging his head.

"Very well, my Lord Telcontar. I shall relay to my superiors within the Senate your willingness to become a none-committed observer. I also eagerly await your delegation. Do inform me when they are prepared, and I shall make accommodations for their visit to the wider galaxy."

"Of course, as you say." Aragorn tipped his head, allowing his well groomed, and shining locks of black hair, flecked with grays to whirl about his head. Taruk gave him a forced smile before turning on his heel and making for the two guards. They turned and matched his pace alongside him as they made for the doorway out from the Great Hall.

"I do not believe he had expected that." Aragorn turned as the origin of the voice came from around the mighty throne.

"I believe you are correct."

"Ah well, I suppose it was good your friend told you to be wary of these representative types, my Lord." Faramir stated with a pronounced smile upon his face, with no small hint of humor at the exchange his Lord and King had just had with this far away newcomer.

"Yes, Anakin did say so, but I would have been wary nonetheless. Always do those of his ilk come in search of power, prestige and profit. Be it for himself or another."

"Or a collective." Aragorn nodded as Faramir wisely pointed out. Indeed he was happy to have among him the brother of dear Boromir, so humble and wise a man, as his Chief Counselor.

"May I ask who you're sending to this Republic?" Faramir inquired as Aragorn had made a point of keeping the names close to the chest save for those who were leaving and their lords.

"In good time, my friend." Aragorn smiled and began to pass Faramir, placing a hand upon his shoulder as he did so.

"Come, regale me with what matter next requires my attention." Faramir chuckled darkly though playfully and bowed his head as he joined King Elessar Telcontar in a nice leisurely stroll through the hall, and beautifully white Tower of Ecthelion.

---

Hours, or what he assumed counted for their hours passed. Sifting quickly through her memory, yes hours had indeed passed. The light of this star had faded into the distant horizon some time ago leaving the endless metal-sea alight in fire born of lights. Some manner of electrical power. The concept was not fully understood nor cared for by her memory or mind, so it was that he did not yet fully grasp at it. Nevertheless, he understood what it was and what its purpose was. A glittering sea of color and bristling prickling lights streamed around, above, beneath from left to right, and the whine of this 'speeders' and ships hummed, thrummed and howled overhead.

The walkways had faded from the grime laden worn and old walkways to more well maintained variants. Only because he forced these pulsating legs of hers, still sore from disuse and old wounds not yet fully 'healed' from her prior battles, to move forward. He had found his way into a new area. This one still as loud and consuming, lighting a sense of chaotic aggravation inside of his spirit that would have lit the flames of his Eye were it a form he was willing to take upon himself. Though better maintained than the worn 'factories' and slummed places of food and racks of homes made for the dispossessed, this new area sported much the same. Simply with a removal of a layer or two of rust and garbage.

"My oh my this is so very interesting!" After nearly twenty minutes of their count he heard her speak. Her voice airy and echoing as it took hold of an astral and unnatural cadence. Her disembodied form took shape in his mind's eye and he beheld another her, separate form the body he now controlled float above the ground, her lower body obscured, just ahead of him along another of many pathways.

"Whatever are you doing, can I ask? Because this, THIS right here is boring!" She whined as a petulant moral child would. The Dark Lord restrained another sigh as he dared to speak aloud.

"I am still discovering your world. Everything I touch and see I gain a new insight into. I wish to see what fell things, what wonders, and what horrors those who would claim the stars live about, among, atop and beneath." He inclined her head upwards and those narrowed unnatural fiery eyes with blackened slits beheld the vast upward climbing glimmer of a great, but all too common spire.

"These spires are taller than mountains themselves, they glimmer and gleam."

"Hey that rhymed!" He ignored her as she snorted with sardonic a manner.

"To your mind, witch, this all seems so simple. Yet, I have never walked these paths, seen such worlds and their wonders, so it is that I shall impart upon myself the knowledge necessary to function in such a world, across all such worlds in this your galaxy."

"Hmm, yeah I kind of like the ring of that. 'My galaxy.' Has an almost sexual allure." She giggled inwardly while Sauron cast her eyes toward the right and beheld a small ugly little creature arguing with one twice its size.

"Ah, an ortolan. Ugly aren't they? That snout and too blue." Vica intoned as her astral self gave a sneering disgusted look toward this new 'alien,' as these people called those who did not seem one of Eru's children.

"It argues with the larger one." Sauron pointed out and came to a stop to watch.

"Yeah I'd say that's definitely not smart." She warned as Sauron appreciated the being the small blue one was arguing with.

"Why?"

"Because picking a fight with one of those s'kytri, especially a mean looking one like that may not be smart for anyone. Especially not that blue blimp." Sauron perhaps could agree, though he felt no concern of course. This being, this alien stood at least six and a half feet in height. Had a broad and toned body of great muscle mass, and bore massive wings that were folded inwards along his back. A male is appeared, his arms were crossed over his barreled chest as he frowned down at this 'ortolan' whom seemed to be accosting him. The little blue creature wearing a brown stain covered set of overalls, or they looked like overalls, atop some lightly plated armor, while in its bulbous little right hand was held aloft some manner of tool. Within her memory it was called a 'hydrospanner.'

"The ortolan is probably annoyed about the vent shaft there." Sauron held an instinctive understanding of what she was pointing him towards and he moved her eyes to view what looked to be some...opening in the side of another of these spires. Within it was another of these blue little creatures, its feet flailing from within this shaft as sounds of some whirring sounded out from within it.

"I'm gonna guess they're some sort of commissioned repair crew, and this s'kytri probably dropped something, threw something, who knows, but something down an upper level shaft port, and the whole spire's suffering for it." Vica guessed, and from her limited understanding and knowledge of such things Sauron gleamed an idea of what she was talking about.

Either way, the Dark Lord soon enough lost interest and remained transfixed on the high climb spire. Even at this level it seemed to tower far above and dare to caress the sky itself. Yet, in the back of his thoughts and gnawing at him was the reality, and hard to truly perceive notion that this was but a few floors of what was undoubtedly an even far greater and far taller thing of metal to the levels beneath him.

"Far larger than any dwarf structure, even Khazad-dûm pales by comparison of such things." Sauron cast her eyes back down and returned to the walkway ahead, mutely noting her legs were burning alight in mortal pain.

"Yet, even still, all these things lack finesse, they lack beauty of craftsmanship. That much I can extend to Aulë's pets."

"Aulë? I've heard you mention that name before." Sauron felt her lips curl for him.

"You would not understand, nor do I desire to speak further on it. Consider me in remiss for mentioning the name."

"Is it that thing of fire, on the throne?" Sauron came to a pause as he stepped her foot forwards once more. The eyes he now commandeered shuffled back and forth thoughtfully and the nostrils he controlled flared.

"What throne?"

"I had the strangest dream one time. Thinking on it though, I think you were there, and I think it was a memory wasn't it!" She grinned inwardly stuck behind the mortal vale of control. His pupils narrowed in sudden realization, memory and anger, but said nothing as he stomped her foot down and continued his paced walk forward.

"You can see all my memories, and I think it would be only fair if I could see yours."

"You do not comprehend memory and time, as I do, witch." He said aloud once more with her voice sounding a venom filled hiss as he rounded her through a right leading alleyway. Three drunkards of indistinguishable alien origin waddled by them as he carried her body forward.

"My memory goes back thousands of years beyond your count. To a time before count even, when all there was to light the world were great lamps, before even the trees came into being, the trees that bore light. Before the lamps came into being and before the stars were cast out into the beyond."

"What?"

"Precisely, witch." Sauron intoned clearly beginning to show through some frustration.

"You would not understand what you would see. As I have inferred already, witch of the stars, I do not wish to share my thoughts with you should I have no need to. They are my own."

"Hardly fair seeing as you've all but pilfered and plundered my mind. My darkest and most secret moments of pain, pleasure, anger, jubilation. Those should be a private affair no?"

"If I cared for your memories beyond what information they held within I would be sure to tell you, witch. Thus far, I only care for your knowledge. Names, places, things, how and why things work, where they go, and how they got there. Your name, your secrets they flow like a trickle of water droplets through a torrential river bursting with the fall rains come down the mountains across the Anduin. Needless to say, I am numbed to your memories and thoughts in any other regard." Sauron spoke with a rumbling finality to him. Though he could perceive in her within his mind's eye roll her own ethereal eyes and shrug.

"Certainly nearly not as fun. Yet, I managed to gleam what I saw...what was that? Who was that?"

"Who was whom?"

"You know, the fire...I think it was fire, the figure whatever, on the throne? I heard a sound, like music, the most soothing music I've ever heard." her words grew dreamy, dreamlike and slowed, as her mind flew to what she had saw. He knew what it was but harbored no desire to think or speak on it.

"You would not understand. You managed to see, but a fraction of a memory. A point in time far beyond counted years and before light came out from the beyond into the world."

"The world? Coruscant?"

"You fail to comprehend." Sauron muttered further as he continued on down this alleyway path. Noting as numbly as before the beings down it held vortexes of ill tidings and wills about them. Easily discernible by their stances and gazes. Orc like even, he thought them. Hardened by their petty experiences, this Force laid bare their seedier minds and unsociable natures, as did his own pure intuition. He had seen the rancid and slummed towns and cities, entire nations fallen to robbery, thievery and debauchery. Lack of coin and conscious, such was mortal kind.

"Either way, it was a….pleasant experience your memory. Maybe I'll surprise you and get a few further sneak peaks." She smirked and Sauron did not reply causing her to internalize a frown of dissatisfaction.

"Though I guess it did kind of get uglier near the end." She pressed on with exaggerated a weary sigh.

"The music was interrupted by ugly sounds. You know like listening to some really good piece of music while some schutta sings her own rendition to the back of you? Thinking they can sing along and do just as good, but all they do is ruin it for everyone else." Sauron felt the eyes he controlled dart some.

"An unusually apt comparison." Again, darkly with her voice he intoned without elaborating. Her comparison forcing thoughts into his mind of what experiences she pulled from, and the image of the music coming to his fathomless mind, as the one who Arises in Might flashed before, before he cast the memory aside, beyond her or his own view.

"Alas, you shall contrive to loosen my tongue, as it were, however, you will find I have nothing to remark on history far beyond mortal memory. What you saw was an occurrence of ancient a time. Yet, you already figured as much. Leave it be there, witch."

"Whatever." She finally scoffed haughtily. Only a moment followed between them as the Dark Lord envisioned her astral form look about with cocked and unsure a look.

"Uh, I think you've taken one too many low turns."

"You think?" Sauron repeated.

"Yeah this is one of the scummiest cantina its I've seen yet on Coruscant. I mean, not a big deal for us I suppose. Though if you want to keep a low profile I suggest we-"

"Looky here!"

"..leave." Her inward representation finished clearly exasperated. For his part Sauron came to a stop and turned heir shared body right, where his eyes perceived several beings. Three he knew from her memories to be devaronians, one was a human male, and the head of their party a green thing. Mannish in look with long glossy black hair that hung down the being's back from a single braid. His skin was a pale green, but Sauron could perceive scaly a complexion, and he knew then this creature held some relationship to lizards. Putrid really, so he thought in a moment of aesthetic overview. Though oddly this creature held quite symmetrically lined a body, proportion and facial features. Some manner of strange design for a being that walked and talked as a man.

"Falleens. Careful around them, they have-"

"Strong pheromone control, and aesthetic design to their features and bodies in order to sway another into their desires, whatever that may be." Sauron spoke having in an instant received her knowledge of these creatures.

"Again, unfair." he ignored her childish remark as this Falleen stepped into greater light, allowing the Dark Lord to perceive subtle ridge lines along this ones face leading back across the cranium and over the forehead.

"I haven't seen you round these parts before." The Falleen began and Sauron perceived an excess release of these pheromones.

"This'll be rich." He heard Vica note with a laugh. Her body reacted to the chemical cocktail, but the Dark Lord felt nothing and so remained unfazed, his face blank, and head downward turned, eyes staring in upwards a manner in the dim light of this alleyway.

"Where are you from beautiful?"

"Oh please, give it a rest Xolak!" One of the devaronians called the Falleen with an apathetic wave of his hand, and clear disinterest.

"I'm merely being neighborly Krint." The Fallen announced with a plastered toothless smirk along his face. The other men, Sauron noted encircled him but did little else.

"So, where are you from, gorgeous?"

"Twice a compliment seems unnecessary does it not?" He retorted with dry and monotone a voice, and that caused this blue eyed alien to cock a curious brow. In fact all of them seemed a little stunned and looked between themselves.

"Huh, you've got some good control there. I've had to deal with this mongrel race in the past, and it's always hazy work."

"How very sad." Sauron retorted inwardly so only she heard.

"I am of an order and creation above these chemical reactions. Such a thing seems quite pathetic really." Sauron almost seemed to mock, but Vica gave no reply. Only rolling her astral eyes and sneering.

"Hey now, compliment for a beautiful woman isn't a crime. I mean it can be, but we don't need any of that now do we?" This Xolak chuckled and dared to raise a black tipped hand and swipe at the golden hair atop Vica's head. Brushing it off to his left Sauron felt the nostrils he commanded flare, and brows curl inwards toward the bridge of the nose. Not only through her powers of the Force did he perceive this alien trying harder to bring them under his sway, but through his own intuitive powers and his being as a maia took note of the excessive release of energy into the air. Less an act of power or magic as some call it, and more a smokescreen, a salesman's pitch and a lie.

"I believe, you are what would be known as a 'walking talking stereotype.'" Sauron addressed this pathetic excuse for a criminal. The Falleen's eyes widened now and his hand dropped as he eyed the human next to him who in kind shrugged.

"A chaotic self expression of the dismal nature you bring wherever you tread. Such a waste, a life well wasted."

"Hey now you got a pretty big mouth for someone clearly in the wrong place schutta." Gone was the false endearment and charm. Now he bore a frustrated frown, with a glower of self confidence about him even as his pheromones still raged in the air. Twas a contest now, so Sauron sensed.

"Are we really doing this?" The same devaronian from before asked. His boredom more evident.

"Shut up!" Xolak commanded with a pointed claw. It caused the horned being to raise his hands apologetically.

"Good, now I'm willing to let that mouth of yours slide, but I'd need an apology to do so."

"Well it can keep sliding, just not with words." Another devaronian cackled and caused some of the fellows to flatly cackle unevenly. The Falleen, however, remained transfixed through the innuendo as the woman did not so much as move or flinch. Surely his men had even be feeling this?!

"A sad state, a sorry state. Pride, and arrogance, a condemnation for all such things made of flesh. Born of their mind, and festering in their heart. Craven thoughts and little power leads one to echo words far beyond their station. A little being you are."

"Yeah, not sure what all that stang means, but pretty sure this little schutta is insulting us again."

"Sounds like one an upper city dweller. In need of a lesson or two I think." Two of them, uncaring which ones, sounded off to Sauron.

"Yeah maybe," Xolak intoned eyeing her up and down.

"You're in my alleyway, little girl. This, the street over there, the corner over there, the walkway up there, all belong to me, and Black Sun."

"You say all this as though I am to be impressed. Alas, for thee I am not." As Sauron felt his wrath rise, he tipped his head to look him in the eyes with hers now made his, and the Falleen immediately went from wrathful fury to stunned horror.

"The kriff?!" He cursed and yanked his blaster out from some back pocket causing his men to do much the same by pure reflex.

"What in Corellia's-hells are you?!" He demanded as the eyes tinged in the light of fire, glowing and glowering cast their fell power onto him. An ebb of flames layered within those white orbs sent a thrill of danger and horror through this worm of a creature, and Sauron perceived then those nearby, two of his men also reeled in abject terror barely hidden beneath their thin veil of power.

"Really could've expected better from Black Sun these days. Sadly where a man's loins take over they can hardly retain control of themselves. Targeted and easy prey they all become then." Vica intoned with a sense of knowing that Sauron did not pry towards.

"What are we doing Xolak?" One of his men asked, and the Falleen glanced his way, which was what Sauron had been waiting for.

"Hey!" He cried as her body flashed forwards. Her right hand grasped the barrel of the blaster and yanked it up towards the sky. His teethe barred in confusion and shock as those eyes held his gaze emotionless. His reeling mind was broken when he heard the whir of their blasters around him.

"Watch it! I'm standing right here you karking idiots!" They did not fire, but Sauron could now feel the unease and fear creep form within them outwards.

"One foul deed deserves another." Her voice tinged in trembling power spoke, and the Falleen opened his mouth to speak when he felt it.

"Stang!" he cried, as the blaster in his hands began to boil! The metal turned burning orange hot in just a second and he howled in pain that reverberated the alleyway. Civilians, citizens, the knowing of gangster rule scattered unwilling to take part in or see what wasn't their business. After all, they just thought it was another gangster business deal gone awry. Common in these parts.

"Force, shoot her n-" One yelled but her left hand rose at her side upwards and suddenly the heat come from her hand was made manifest around her, and a volcanic storm erupted so it felt. A current of air flowing down atop her head and outwards around her in a circle save her targeted prey in the Falleen.

Their screams joined in a chorus, and their bodies were in an instant wrapped in broiling heat as their clothes erupted in flames and the metals upon their bodies grew hotter and hotter pushing through cloth, flesh and bone. They ran, as ants assaulted by the giants above them. Their screams a thing of horrific wonder. Some leapt in their madness hundreds if not thousands of feet still burning as winds tore at them. Others rammed into walls, falling to their back and writhing as the heat turned them thusly to piles of ash. All as those burning eyes remained fixed on the Falleen whose hands were melting away. His terror manifest as even the pain no longer registered and he realized the error of his actions.

"No lament I sense shall be sung for your passing." The words were booming with some unnatural power and not one this alien felt could come from a human's vocal chords.

"Swallowed by the nothingness, know that there is nothing there in the void, only-" Her hand flashed and pressed palm to his chest igniting him in a howling inferno that consumed him, loosed a scream for him, then cast him to the winds.

"Death." Thus silence fell upon the walkway, and not a man to witness it. Well, not a man, but Sauron did tilt her head left as he noted a small floating thing with a light cast upon their shared form.

"Now that looked like fun!" She hissed blissfully relishing in the death cast there just then.

"We were watched." Sauron intoned with her voice. For then a set of four speeders to round the corner from either wide of the alley towards them. Sauron remained fixed as they hummed and whirred sending some debris flying. Only taking a second or so longer for them to fall to the adjacent plots lining the alley for speeders to make quick stops at.

Come from within them came at least a dozen of those white clad men Vica called clones. Their blasters came up, as he knew them as, and pointed toward him. A threat of execution he knew it to be from past experience, but hardly worth his time. Especially as from one speeder he noticed two men. One garbed in a reddened suit and another in a dull brown teetering on gray in color. They were much the same, well tended and clean, matching suited shirts and leggings with small placards upon their breasts indicating some manner of rank or prestige. All information taken from Vica's memory.

"I'll handle this Vandron." The one in reddish colors said turning to the other man. He nodded and remained seated within their shared speeder. The one who spoke climbed out and gracefully, or as gracefully as he could marched towards Sauron and Vica. A brisk undertone in every step he made as his eyes darted around to the subtle hint of burning smells wafting this place, and the pile of still molten armor and metal scattered about.

"Greetings….my Lord." This man spoke and bowed at the hip. Sauron noted a strip of whitened hair among the otherwise black locks.

"One of dear Lord Sidious' Republic lackeys." Vica spit within.

"I am Armand Isard, I work personally for the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic. I believe you've met." He confirmed what Vica said.

"Indeed." Sauron intoned with dulled a look to the face he sported.

"Yes." Armand waved his left hand out and motioned it downward. Causing the troopers to lower their blasters though their ready stances did not change.

"I understand you saw fit to….leave his Excellency's temporary residence made available to yourself."

"I shall not be shackled to some dead abandoned domain of metal." Sauron replied coolly and simply.

"Of course, my Lord, of course." Armand placated with a raised and apologetic hand.

"The Chancellor wishes to extend his apologies, but insists you come with me. To meet with him of course. Where I am more than sure more accommodating quarters could, no shall, be found for you." Sauron studied the man a moment in silence. His eyes, burning and unnatural as they were betraying no such thought before he spoke with her voice.

"Very well."

"Excellent!" Armand heaved a clearly unexpected sigh, as he cleared his throat and motioned Sauron to make for the speeder containing the other man who had watched the exchange thoughtfully.

"Really?! Just like that?! Can't we not be I the presence of that old waste of a Sith Lord?! I say we go out and do what we need to do to gain that power you claimed to want!"

"Better to utilize the resources of another to further your own goals, witch." Sauron reprimanded her internally as their shared body methodically made for and entered the speeder without so much as a word to this Vandron. Who in kind turned his head forwards and said nothing to them, as the troopers marched back tot their speeders.

"Nevertheless, I have need of access to information."

"What kind of information?" Vica asked clearly pouting the end to their little trek, even through her earlier complaints.

"All kinds, from all walks and manner. I am of the stock of Aulë. Whatever I touch, and whatever I see I learn to craft. Such it has always been in my nature, such shall it always be. In order to build for myself a new base of power to draw I shall need access to knowledge. I shall require transport."

"To where?"

"Home." Sauron intoned internally as Armand waved a lazy hand to their driver, another trooper, and the speeder gave a small lurch and lifted off the ground.

"There are things, items, resources, and pools of power to take advantage of across a 'peaceful' Middle-Earth."

"As long as you don't get me stuck there again! Over a year there and I've had my fill." She scoffed.

"Of course. Firstly I shall sift through your mind, and correlate what I see with what I can find here upon this Coruscant."

"Great, a nice little school lesson for the Dark Lord!" Again she scoffed.

"Any subject in particular I can look forward to?"

"Cloning." Was all he said.

---

L's Note: Hey guys! let's get the usual out of the way. Any grammar issues, point them out and I'll fix them, and reviews are not only welcome but deeply desired for my sake and that of the ACTUAL writer's. Well he claims to not care anymore, but I think I can make him care if I show him the show of support you guys have given. As another note to clarify I am NOT the writer of this story. It's still all Lord Exar Kun, I am merely taking over responsibilities of posting and monitoring. he simply has lost interest in seeing people lambast his work and him personally. Can't say I blame him but to the four or so people who did send me messages, LOL you are pathetic little losers aren't you? Blocked, ignored and hence forth regarded as little d**ked morons less than contemptible. But do please ignore my saltiness folks. :D

A very wordy chapter, but important to the story! Needn't you all worry or question we've got a hell of a long way and much more to say/go! Till the next!