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.

18. Valor without Renown

Chapter 18

Valor without Renown

She gave the faintest of seethes from between her teeth as the needle pierced skin into vein. Eyes were darkened, shadowed by the dark of the cloak hung atop her head. It had not been the first time she had been called upon to give blood, and she doubted it would end up being the last. Though truly unique thoughts were rare these days. More she felt willed into her every motions and movements. A dark and foreboding presence lingering and pressing down atop her own mind. Distant, but heavy. The weight unimaginable by any who had not felt it, endured it, and finally embraced it.

Serra tensed her right hand into a fist. The crimson blood flowed into the small cylinder. Quickly beginning to fill it. The sound of flapping wings was vaguely caught in her ears. As were the nearby endless footfalls of the streaming hordes that wandered back and forth around Coruscant. She paid them no mind, but did welcome the beating wings.

She called upon the Force and pulled the capsule free of the syringe, and did the same to the needle after. A trickle of blood flowing down her arm before she pressed a swab lathered in bacta upon the pinprick. A feint weakness rippled down her arm, but it faded in but a second further. Serra turned her head up, eyes wincing as the daylight danced down upon her retinas. The light, though somewhat blocked, by graying clouds, bore down onto her. She could not remember when she had seen sunlight hit her so directly. Often her mind flew to distant memories of endless pain. Yet, she could not remember what had happened to cause it. Only that He had caused it, and she had taken many a year to renounce herself. Hardly she remembered her name some days. Regardless, the star seemed so hot. The light hurt her eyes, and it lashed her skin. She didn't think the pain was real. She didn't know what was real. Only that in her spirit, and in her happy heart she was to fulfill His will. It made her at peace, and she would see it be done.

"Come." She cooed and held her left arm out. The hawk-bat circled above her before gliding down to a stop. Talon claws opening and clamping upon her forearm as gently as they could. The scarred eye of the beast looked into hers. Where within a flash of an instant she was met with a mingling of thoughts, ideas and demands. Her heart beat in her chest. Fear rippling and ripping away inside her. Then, she was again calm. The Great Eye bore upon her always when she closed her own eyelids. She didn't know what it was to be in the dark anymore...she didn't like the light much these days either.

Serra shook her head. "Too much thinking." She seethed to herself. Voice sounding hoarse and raspy as the hawk-bat shook its head. It too knew the horror and pleasure as she did. In service, and servitude. In fulfilling ones duty, and taking on the new will as commanded. She smiled and brought right hand to the beasts brow. It nuzzled up into her fingers. Before Serra lowered her hand, turned it up and opened her palm revealing the healthily filled blood crimson colored capsule.

"He has commanded this of me. Return it to him as you can." Serra rasped and the beast opened its mouth. Allowing her to gently place the vial into it where the hawk-bat gently clamped down upon it.

"I know my orders. Carry out yours." She whispered again and threw her arm up and out. The hawk-bat's wings gave a beating flutter before it zoomed upwards into the day lit sky. Serra again wincing at the touch of warmth upon her. Pulling her cloak in closer to her body.

Her mind flashed with her commands again. Words, names, ideas and thoughts entering her mind that she did not remember. She did not remember remembering these things. That frightened her, but also gave her purpose. As such, it then calmed her. Surely these were the thoughts of her Master. Her Lord. Serra felt a tremor travel up and then back down her body. A memory of a stabbing fire piercing her mind, before she smiled. Turning where she stood and moving out onto the crowded street. Mingling and slowly moving among the thoughtless rabble.

"As you will, my Lord." She intoned. All thoughts leaving her again. Knowing her first now, as the others after slowly trickled into her mind after. She had a date with someone. Someone who now took up a spot in the mind of the Great Eye. If they be on His mind then they were on hers as well.

---

Palpatine rubbed his left hand idly under his chin. A soft sigh escaping his figure. Eyes darting back and forth over the screen in front of him. Reading and rereading the lines he wrote as he wrote them. The day had carried on without word yet reaching him of what was to become of Anakin and the Council. Though he well knew already the fuss that would be spawned from his little declaration. The COMPOR rally was well underway too.

The Chancellor turned his eyes right to a separate screen of the HoloNet. This one a live news report of the rowdy crowd outside the Jedi Temple. A line of Jedi Peacekeepers stood at the ready, and Palpatine could make out Master Drallig in the distance pacing back and forth. On guard and showing a subdued but clearly sour look to his brow. It was enough to make Palpatine loosen a slight chuckle.

Though he had work to do. Two documents he had need of writing. Both having taken up the grand majority of his day so far, but both he knew would be worth it in the end. The Jedi would not rest easily from now till the moment he would be rid of them. Well, there was that, and the fact that he did need Dooku back, and the sooner the better.

Both documents were meant for one of the other two supposed equal branches of the Galactic Republic's government. The first and already completed form lay on a holoterminal screen to the bottom right of his vast workstation. Streaming the words he had carefully written up along with a few amendments made by Mas Amedda. This one would make its way to the Senate come tomorrow morning. Where Vice Chair Amedda will present the document seeking an emergency vote on the renunciation of the Jedi Order's special legal protections and that of their prisoners. Of course, it would only sound to the common, and brainless citizen like the Republic wanted the right to seize war criminals under the nominal protection of the Order. In actuality it would strip them of many legal protections afforded them since the founding of their alliance with the Republic twenty thousand plus years ago.

"Should be fun." Palpatine intoned to himself with a thin, but all too satisfied smile. Honestly, despite the control he exerted on the Senate, he did think there may be a chance the Bill would be killed. The Order still had its friends. Anakin's broodmare came to mind. She, along with the growing vocal minority of democracy loyalists would likely push a vote to have the Bill sent through Committee for review. Arguing such a measure would necessitate an Amendment to the Constitution. As such, Palpatine was working on the second document.

This one, the one he actively typed a few words into was meant for the Judicial Branch and the Galactic Republic Supreme Court. What one could not get done through the systems of government in the legislative branch one would simply need to circumvent with the dry word obsessed and interpretive powers of the Supreme Court. The Justices had little to do these days. Their positions and meaning having long since diminished with the passage of his Emergency Powers at the onset of the war. However, for such a matter as these Palpatine felt the time was right to call in some 'favors' he had long since held in his back pocket. The Court, in the instance the Senate failed to meet its duty to him, would need to hold a hearing. This one, as requested by himself and the Executive Branch, would seek for the Court to litigate the Constitutionality of the ancient treaties with the Jedi Order. The Ruusan Reformations made their rights fairly clear. However, the Republic at that time was all but controlled by the Order. As such, Palpatine smirked. As he would not be arguing on the basis of the Constitutionality of the Jedi Order where Ruusan was concerned. Rather, where the original Constitution stood. The basis of the current modified Constitution stood upon the trembling, cracking and rotting foundations of the original document written tens of thousands of years prior. Of course, those who wrote such a document must've known it would need to be interpreted and reinterpreted by old men and women in the galaxy of today! Or, so the Courts and he would have the easily fooled populace believe.

In the end, all that truly mattered to him was that the Republic gain custodial right over Dooku. The man came to his mind, and a sneer crossed his face. As did an exasperated and all too bored sigh loosen from his chest.

"Oh Tyranus...you should've played your part better. Hmm," Palpatine leaned back into his seat. Eyes turned up to the ceiling. "Well...perhaps you cannot be fully blamed. Anakin should have played his part better as well." He intoned to the welcome silence of his office. Minus the endless low rumble found in most buildings of Coruscant pulsating to life with electricity.

"Perhaps you should have been more forward? Should have goaded the boy further." Palpatine wondered. "Perhaps that wouldn't have mattered? Anakin has not been exactly the same since his little foray into the backwaters of the galaxy. Certainly not the same...but not as different as one may think." Palpatine laughed to himself. "Ah, my boy. How little you understand! All that power, teeming within. All that ambition, and all that hunger for power, yet you don't understand!" His mind flashed once more to the battle between Anakin and Tyranus within General Grievous' ship. Thinking on Dooku's words – "I sense great fear in you, Skywalker! You have hate. You have anger. But, you don't use them…" Palpatine recalled.

"In that way you were right, my old apprentice. Hate and anger, but a lack of use. A lack of creativity! Though," Again he darkly cackled. "Used enough to remove your hands, Tyranus. Just not enough to remove your old wretched head from your shoulders. Pity." Palpatine cackled a bit further. Losing himself momentarily in the freeing enjoyment of his own dark thoughts. Before simmering back down and sighing.

The Supreme Chancellor leaned forward once again. Resting his arms along the armrests of his ovular and egg-shaped metal seat. Clicking his tongue idly, he snapped a few keys along the holoterminal. The screen showing his written document for the Senate shifted. Replacing the lengthy and always wordy bit of legislation came a feed. Showing the interior of his guest's apartment. Palpatine scanned the feed and several others laid throughout said residence. Though, he had noted in the time he had been watching Sauron, the Dark Lord rarely left the living room. Only really seeming to move onto the veranda to read one of his many holobooks. The cameras were not as well placed for the outside, but Palpatine saw no harm in that. The only logical thing to fear was the Dark Lord attempting another escape. Though, considering Saurons power, the balcony leading to a fall kilometers down seemed less likely the route. When he had proven more than capable of murdering an entire clone brigade.

"Bah!" Palpatine shook himself of the idle thoughts. Instead turning back to the feed where he noticed Sauron. As always, bearing the look of that foolish girl Vica. Curiously, unlike the past few hours, Sauron seemed to be once more at work upon his rings. And, Palpatine did note rings, plural.

"Interesting." He intoned. His eyes drawn to the fourth that lay along the table beside the mobile workstation. Tilting his head though, Palpatine watched as Sauron took the three other rings he had seemingly abandoned before and ran them through the molten mixture once again. Their circular bases breaking down some, before he removed them, reforging them. Thrashing metal with chisel and hammer. Letting it cool, before returning them once more to the metallic molten stew.

"Well, it would seem you have found use for those three...for what though?" Palpatine wondered aloud. His eyes scanning the rest of the apartment, but finding nothing out of place. The tables strewn and covered in holobooks. The holoterminal screen displaying one of countless documentaries on advanced cybernetic technology. Rather run of the proverbial mill for Sauron.

Palpatine chanced a quick entrance into the depths of the Force. Closing his eyes for a moment. Dipping and delving into the malignant depths of the dark side. Feeling the mass undulations of Coruscant cover his exertion, and mingle his presence among the countless. The Jedi Temple beamed with light, but Sidious sought the apartment out. He masked himself with all the wit and power he had come to know over the many years of his existence. Since he was found and taken in by Plagueis. It took little time to extend himself out where Sauron lay. His spirit powerful, even if it too was masked by Coruscant. Strengthened seemingly by the growing presence of those rings, which was itself a curious reality that Sidious knew he would need explore sooner rather than late. A flash of memory recalled by him where the reports from Anakin and Kenobi were concerned.

However, what Sidious did see...more felt through the Force was a crackling of thunder. The dark side, the Force as a whole wrapped itself around Sauron. Burning hot, and writhing in the tendrils of piercing electricity. It was extraordinary, exhilarating even! The Force rarely showed such raw intensity, save but for perhaps Anakin whilst he fully delved into either aspect of the Force. Sidious knew it must have something to do with the creature's spirit. He had read enough of Anakin's reports and the collected multitude of the others to know Sauron was beyond man. Force, he had seen it himself on Korriban. The blackening skies above from the words spoken by the creature as it ripped steel from its bearings.

Sidious was no fool. This Sauron could not be trusted. The ebbing and growing power of the Force encasing him was proof enough of that. Though Sidious had known as much since he had seen his blackened mass arise from the bowels of the Sith homeworld and the research center unfortunately buried there. Well, that had been there. That brought a dark cackle to his lips.

"Perhaps we should have another visit, Dark Lord." Sidious intoned, opening his eyes. The yellow of the dark fading into the depths of his natural color as he did so. "Though, your apartment may suffice this time. I am in need of a lesson, after all." Sidious, come once again to Palpatine, chuckled. Recalling their dinner and last meeting. Knowing that he was in a dance. A game between predators with eyes locked. Bodies circling one another in the wild. Both knowing one would need to make a move before the other could or did. Palpatine would have it be him. This Sauron, strong as he may be, was still young to the galaxy, young to its ways young to-

"What?!" Palpatine snarled suddenly! His right hand flew to his head and a piercing sort of jab cast itself against his mind! "Wha...what is this?!" He growled in the loneliness of his office. His left hand, idling, and waving frantically along the table until he found a button. Pressing it would dictate to his secretary he was not to be disturbed.

"Argh!" He snapped again and jumped from his seat. Someone...something was pressing upon him! The Force howled through him, and for an instant he fed on the pain that quaked within his mind. A vice pressed outwards from his skull, and one of the worst migraines one could imagine plagued his very soul! How could this be?! What was this?! Had the Jedi...no! No, it was not the Jedi way to attack someone like this through the Force! Even if they could, he would know it! His teeth barred, and his stomach felt twisted. He had not felt something like this since…

His eyes winced, but opened. "Sauron." The dark realization came to him. He had not felt something akin to this since when he had met the mind of the Dark Lord many weeks ago! Yet, this was not Sauron. He had felt his presence, and his spirit. The Force would be louder, crueler, darker and misshapen, if he had to describe the sensation. This was...a presence that hurt his mind. It demanded of him release...release? That was the only sensation he now felt.

"Release of what?" The Sith Lord snarled. Pulling on the Force and wrapping himself within it as a cloak. The dark side writhed within, and he chanced to loosen upon the tight reins he kept. Pushing back and outwards. The Force rasped and echoed as a jabbing return. Thrashing back against the power that pushed and dared attempt to touch his mind! "Argh!" He groaned again and clasped both hands to the table as he remained shakily standing. For, the power returned and pressed harder! It was...like a piercing light. Barreling up the Force and hammering away at his own mind! 'Release!' Was all he felt as a feeling. The Force giving him a clue what this power wanted. "Release of what?!" Palpatine grit his teeth. Seeming more a beast than a man in the quiet lonesome of his pain.

Eyes once more darting back and forth. Mind, and spirit hammered upon, thoughts turning, twisting and moving! "Release?! Release….release!" Palpatine slammed his right fist to the table. Though it caused no damage and the Force rippled about him. A snap of lightning sputtered at his fingertips. His mind snapping to attention. The Force, the dark side finally giving him another clue!

"Dooku...Tyranus." Sidious growled. Head slowly tilting towards the nearest viewport that faced the Jedi Temple into the far distance. "Jedi...you would…" Sidious began. His head still feeling a presence pressing upon his own, and causing the knot within his stomach to turn over. "You would...try to break into his mind?!" Sidious reasoned, and felt the Force give a dark affirmation in response. "No, not the Jedi. I know who you are...even without knowing exactly what you are!" Sidious declared and pulled the dark side around him. Encasing deeper, hiding himself as a far into the dark depths of the Force as he could. "You...your name...Gandalf." Sidious recalled, and again the Force gave a sinister, but glaringly clear affirmation!

"Master Yoda...whomever it may be...you clever Jedi rats!" Pulling on the Force, the Sith Lord in the robes of the Republic's Supreme Chancellor now understood. They, the Jedi and their new friends, wanted Dooku's mind freed! They wouldn't have it! No matter whom may be trying, no matter how or where! Sidious, pulled upon the Force, and threw himself around his chair. Moving to the center of the room he fell atop his legs. Centering his mind, even as it felt like splitting apart in this battle of the spirits. Sidious closed his eyes, placed his hands atop his lap, and sat firmly atop his legs. His eyes bore the sickly yellow of the dark side, and he would be sure to meet, match and overcome this interloper. No matter what.

---

The long tales of the founding and saddening repeated sundering of the Jedi Order had gone on for some time. Gandalf and Yoda had spoken of many things. Some of which even one such as him would need time to retread and reread. The founding of the Jedi Order's ancient enemy, the Sith. Their fall, and the atrocities predicated by the Jedi and their Republic. The continued wars that came thereafter. Names and events the wizard had heard before. In passing with Anakin and Obi-Wan of course. Yet, having such a vast history laid down before him was no less daunting as it had been hours before.

However, Gandalf was not as worried of learning the long histories of this galaxy. Of course he had questions, and they needed answering! But, the idea of learning so much yet unlearned, of seeing that which was yet unseen, and discovering that which had yet to be discovered by one such as he from Arda? That was enough to fill his with a sort of adventurous curiosity he had not felt in quite a time. Certainly not since he passed out of thought and time and was given renewed life by the Power sat beyond the World.

Gandalf, shook his musings aside. He, Lady Galadriel and Master Yoda were now deep within the bowels of the temple. All stood within one of their moving cylinders...turbolifts they called them. After having spoken of the long histories, Master Yoda had offered to take them to the 'Room of a Thousand Fountains.' To meet back up with the rest of their party and two Jedi friends. Though the name of such a room was very tempting to both he and the Lady, Gandalf was the one to broach the subject of Dooku once more. He had not been speaking in riddle when he had offered to see the man in the state he lay. If Gandalf remembered correctly, the current state this Dooku found himself in was one of the causes for the rowdy crowd beyond the temple. Something that he could feel brought greater ill will and feelings within these halls and the Jedi. They needn't say as much. Any sort of sight would make anyone uneasy.

Yoda had seemed contemplative upon his offer. Before the diminutive green fellow had finally nodded. Agreeing to lead both he and Galadriel to where Dooku was held prisoner. Certainly, Gandalf hoped he could prove of some aid to the man's condition. At least for the sake of his friends and the Jedi, for which he hoped to make good relations with of course! Though, he could not deny that seeing his face, and the uncanny resemblance it held with Saruman was...shaking. Gandalf felt a great sadness within him. Even for one such as Saruman. To have been capable of so much good, and to have fallen as far as he had. It was not something one should revel in. Even in his defeat. There was no mirth to be had in the madness of the once wise, and the cruelty of the once kind. Regardless, Gandalf tapped his staff along the floor. Following after Master Yoda.

Passing through an assortment of humming walls, and terrifyingly massive doors that thrummed and parted of seemingly their own volition, the three came to a long hall. It stretched quite a ways down. Seeming desolate of sight or sound otherwise, but for the ever present matching clangs of Gandalf's staff and Yoda's gimmer stick. The brightly lit hall led through an imposing passage before it came to a final door. Where stood at either side were two Jedi, so Gandalf could make guess of. Neither of them moved to greet them, but as the group of three neared these two guarding Jedi, Gandalf could see that both gave him and Galadriel appraising gazes.

"Knight Kholt." Yoda dipped his head to the woman. She along with the other, strange alien fellow bore armor underneath the traditional robes of the Jedi. She more than the fellow opposite her bore a hardened look about her.

"Master Yoda." She bowed deeply. "I had not expected you to return."

"Mmm, no. Anticipate it myself, I did not. Bring guests, I have." Yoda gave a look past his shoulder with a smile.

"Yes I can see. Is it wise to bring guests here, Master?" The woman questioned. Gandalf had no reason to assume she meant insult. Being on this strange world the wizard could understand that he was in fact the one that looked out of place. He and the Lady bearing simple clothing, and odd manner to them. Though...he did not think such a thing should've been too odd on a world as diverse as this one.

"Normal guests they are not. Perhaps aid in understanding the prisoner's condition, they can? Know I do not. Though harm to be had? I do not think so." Yoda tapped his stick to the ground and smiled broadly. This knight, Kholt again appraised Gandalf and Galadriel, but she clearly relented and nodded her head.

"Of course, Master Yoda."

"Hmm hmm," Yoda chuckled. "Worry you should not, Kholt. Remain here and guard, you and Knight Rowban will."

"Yes, Master." Kholt replied, and the other fellow beside her; Rowban his name seemingly was, spoke something with odd a language. Low, guttural sounds passed naturally pursed lips. Though he bore two large black eyes that when looked into Gandalf spotted not a semblance of wickedness. Without knowing a word spoke, Gandalf could see in this one's eyes a kindness. One he hoped was common among all Jedi. Though this Kholt woman bore...an ill manner to her.

"Thank you, Knight Rowban." Yoda replied to the Jedi and the doorway began to open. The sounding of moving latches, and heavy metal grinding along metal rumbled in Gandalf's ears and very body. The two of them waited by Yoda as the doorway gave a heavy sound of movement before moving aside for the three of them. The Jedi guard remained as still as statues. Though within the room Gandalf could already see a single bed occupied by equally stony and unmoved a figure.

"Hmm, follow me please." Yoda offered moving ahead. Galadriel passed the two and gave a thin, but beaming smile. The two Jedi seemed momentarily put off. Gandalf could only smile himself, and hoped it appeared friendly to the two Jedi. He was more smiling at the Lady, however. Galadriel in all her age, wisdom and beauty did have an effect on those unaware of her powerful presence.

Nonetheless, the three approached the body. Gandalf taking note that the doorway closed slowly, heavily and harshly behind them as they did. Gandalf could hardly believe his eyes as he neared! The face...it was more a spitting image for Saruman than he had seen even with the...hologram. The man was unmoved, silent, but for the sound of some mechanical contraption that beeped rhythmically.

"More here than before he bears the image of Saruman." Galadriel intoned Gandalf's thoughts aloud.

"That he does, my Lady. Quite the odd and...disconcerting resemblance." He added setting his staff against the wall.

"Hmm, long his sleep has been." Yoda chimed in. Resting his chin atop his hands as they clutched his walking staff. "Believe we had, injured his head had been. In a great crash he suffered through."

"During that battle?" Galadriel asked again, to which Yoda hummed and nodded.

"Yes, my Lady. Defeated by Skywalker in combat, he was. Lost his hands in his loss, he did." Yoda pointed the end of his staff to the bed. Both Gandalf and Galadriel followed. Both wincing in their own ways at the sight. His right hand seemed intact. Though the flesh around the wrist bore a notable reddish pink hue that looked painful even from sight alone. A lathering of the healing fluid, Gandalf had heard some clones call 'bacta' appeared to have been laid onto the indentation of flesh. While the opposing, and left hand was metallic. Reminding Gandalf of Anakin's right arm. Truly the technology and works of these people was extraordinary! Gandalf very much wondered if those who suffered upon Middle-Earth with such loss could perhaps be helped…

"Happy I am," Yoda continued. "That kill him, Skywalker did not. Defeat of an enemy, desired it is. Death is never the first option of any Jedi."

"Yet, death follows." Galadriel intoned. Almost a morbid fact of reality than any stab at Yoda. Whom, merely nodded in response. Choosing to say nothing more to so obviously true a statement. Meanwhile, Gandalf pulled a chair near. This one was metal, as many things on this world and within this temple were. Cushioned and smooth to the touch where the seat lay. Spinning on a swivel that made him feel momentarily put off balance, before he came to sit beside the cot.

"He has not awoken, as one may assume he would." Gandalf declared. Yoda nodding.

"Hoped we had, awake Dooku would. Injury to head, painful, and dangerous it can be. As know, I'm sure you do." Gandalf smiled. Noting Master Yoda clarify he did not mean to infer his dimness. "Brainwaves, naturally occurring they are. In dream like state, one can see. Though, dream he appears not. Comatose, he seems. Reason for this, we know not. Troubling it is."

"You think, unnatural, perhaps?" Gandalf dared wonder aloud what had already been a question prickling at the front of his mind.

"Hmm," Yoda hummed again. His eyes closing. As though searching for an answer within the quiet of his mind. Perhaps the Force? Gandalf wondered. "Difficult to say it is. Though considered this possibility, I have." Yoda declared circling the cot to the foot of the bed beside Galadriel.

"If kept in a comatose state he is, then powerful the one who made it so must be."

"The unknown enemy you face." Galadriel noted, her voice calm and smooth though foreboding all the same. "What was their name, Master Yoda? This enemy of your Order?"

"Believe we do, Darth Sidious." Both Gandalf and Galadriel could not help but feel a cold darkness writhe at the backs of their minds. It was as though speaking the name of the great enemies before. Morgoth, and Sauron after him. An inherent dread and doom that the very nature of the world carried through the winds. A terrible presence, this Sidious did perpetrate.

"If this, Darth Sidious can exert such control as to put a man into a coma then he is dangerous indeed." Gandalf intoned. Taking his hand and placing it atop the healing band of flesh that was this Dooku's wrist. He closed his eyes and felt his spirit press ever so gently upon the body. The health and healing of the man coming to mind. Bidding the natural aspects of the world to work at haste. There was a shift as he did so. Ever as he did so in the past. Though it would not show, Gandalf opened his eyes with a thin smile. Knowing the wound would heal quicker than some may have thought. If all went well.

"Hmm, powerful you are, Gandalf." Yoda intoned. The wizard tilted his head up and cast a quizzical glance. "Your presence, powerful through the Force it is. Unusual your power is. To a Jedi at least." Yoda explained. A soft laugh in his voice. Seeming genuinely at awe. "Clear your presence is. Cast a powerful light through the Force you can." Gandalf smiled and dipped his head.

"It is kind of you to say. Though my intent was merely to alleviate these wounds." The wizard noted, and pressed his hand to the brow of a man bearing so strange a similar look to his old colleague. "Perhaps I can bid him awake?" Gandalf questioned himself. "It is no great thing, but nor is it assured. If he is lost within his own mind I can attempt to rouse him. I mean no harm." Gandalf noted though he could guess Yoda needed no such assurance. "It is not beyond my skills to burrow deep. However, that is not my way."

"Hmm, wish you to do so, I do not." Yoda affirmed. Gandalf gave a silent nod to Galadriel. The Lady bowing her head. Assuring Gandalf she would be there if he should need aid.

"Let me chance it then." Gandalf whispered to himself mostly. Closing his eyes with one hand atop Dooku's brow and the other gripping the man's right hand. Gandalf dove deep into thought. Calling upon and biding the natural waking world. Through him flowed the natural strength found in all the ainur. His spirit shown brightly about and through him. Words spoken low in a language unknown to all save for the ainur themselves, or those elves lucky enough to have heard it. Spoken lowly to not sound rough upon untrained and unready ear. Gandalf felt thought and time slip past him. Darkness fell upon mind and body. Taken from the confines of his body, that which he had now worn for so long he nearly forgot what raiment he once showed.

"Come forward...release." Gandalf bade within the echoes of his own mind. Perhaps he had spoken the words aloud? He did not know. However, as he did so he felt it! A writhing and skittering mass of oozing black thrummed. A vibration alone sent from his voice, and bidding sent the mass howling. It did not like his presence. Gandalf found he did not like it much either. He felt himself frown in the waking world, and pressed his spirit more firmly to mind. There was a response, and it was not kind. A rebuke came.

Dark, and hungry. A vile thing, as though one drank tar spit from the wells of Mordor and long destroyed Angband. There was sickness here. Not sickness of the body, but of the mind. It was a sickness borne of the spirit, and within it. Gandalf had rarely felt something so...wicked! An inherent vileness and disdain for his presence. Akin to a fell beast howling as the daylight fell bright upon it. It howled unseen and unheard.

"Release this mind! You cannot harm me here. You will not!" Gandalf still did not know if he spoke the words aloud. Yet, he heard and bade them all the same. The darkness writhed. Sight came to him behind the closed lids of his eyes. As a mass. Tendril and illusive, but present as one chose to gaze upon it. An encasing shadow, choking the freedom of thought. Bearing down, and suppressing the mind of Dooku. It was as though Saruman once more held unnatural control over King Théoden. Striking him not only of hope, but infecting his mind. This darkness was...different, but its feeling, its malice, that was the same! As was the nature of the starved for ever more power, of lust for control, dominion and domination!

Gandalf slowly took in a long mortal breath. He knew he was 'looking' upon this thing. This creature that bore the name, Darth Sidious. It reeked of the same illness that Gandalf had felt upon his few encounters with Sauron. Hate spilled out, wickedness was inherent, and dark intent made manifest. The mind pushed back! It roared and fought back against him as a percussion of unseen wind! Flashes of thoughts entered Gandalf's mind, and he knew not where they came from.

A tall lanky inhuman figure, ghostly and twisted staring down upon him as cold winds whipped unseen flesh. This being faded quickly even as they looked down with cruel joy at the suffering he felt in that moment. As this figure was replaced by a new vision. A figure of a man. Older and familiar, but with a disgust laden in him that was to the core of his being. Disgust and disappointment, so Gandalf felt. Though he knew these feelings and perhaps memories were not his. In response to this older man Gandalf felt a reciprocal give and take of malice. It readily flowed between man and...Gandalf felt...son. The vision was stricken quickly and he was rebuffed once again.

"Be gone of this mind!" Gandalf willed and pressed himself spiritually once more. A howl reverberated in the depths of his mind. A vision of Orthanc fell around him. Gandalf knew his mind spilled but a little of his own experiences, and he feared them not. This mind though, it feared what it may show without desiring to. A figure came forward in the vision. Glinting in the beauty of their white robes. Cruel smirk on face, and powerful voice echoing around him. Saruman stood over him, but Gandalf feared this memory not!

"You will scare me not! Fall back away! Away into nothingness! Flee from the light!" Gandalf felt his brow crease, and he recoiled some. Not to harm the fragile mind this battle was now taking place in. The muffled sound of Lady Galadriel's voice sounded as did Yoda's. Though the wizard could pay what they said no mind. As the world around his inner sight changed once more. The writhing mass screaming as a city came to mind. The darkness wrapped and coiled around the vision. Blocking and obscuring it. Though Gandalf could see great domed structures, the stone of tan-orange with tops of green and glinting cerulean blues. A skyline bright and light, but the darkness came over it as a shadow and thrust him back. An unspoken wrath unleashed against him. Hateful and spiteful of the 'spillage' of one's own memory into his mind.

"Cease this fight!" Gandalf bade with a voice growing of thunder. A power laced within it unheard for millennia. A voice natural to his spirit and it sent the darkness flying back from his mind. The vision changing and showing the halls Gandalf Had not seen in long an Age. The Halls of Nienna showed sadness, showed gloom and weeping. Gandalf loosed such memories, felt his heart quake at the inequities he learned of, and the mercy borne of such thought. The dark spirit in turn screamed! Such feeling was as a lash of fire against flesh and it could not bare the sensations Gandalf loosed.

"Begone, creature! The longer you imprison that which is not yours...the more of your mind I shall see!"

"GET OUT!" Gandalf winced in the waking world as a voice, unnatural, rasping and guttural screamed within his mind! There was neither emotion, nor thought to the voice. It bore a pure hate, and pure wrath Gandalf could only recall one other holding. This being, this creature...this Sidious was every bit as vile as Sauron, so Gandalf now knew, and his heart was saddened.

"Begone!" Gandalf repeated and thrust back the darkness! It seethed and slithered, but recoiled once more. The vision shimmered and fled as though a whirlpool struck the Halls of Nienna from the field of vision and sense. Replaced instead by...something. Gandalf could not speak to what this...thing was.

A massive circle...no a sphere. It was empty, but for a string of what seemed metal bands in a dark nothingness. It took up all that Gandalf was given freedom to look upon. It was as though looking upon a world, as these folk did. Yet, hollow, massive, bearing a circular indent. Where streams of flying ships surrounded it. A cascade and dance of lightning prickling across it. It was a thing of steel, a construct, but it filled Gandalf with unbearable dread! A forsaken intent and ill thought, yet filled with lustful joy. Expectant of something to come, of something to be. A star of death.

"Mithrandir!"

Gandalf's eyes opened with a start. At his side Galadriel stood with one hand upon his right shoulder. Yoda's head was bowed where he stood at the foot of the bed. Though he opened them as Gandalf did so himself.

"My Lady?"

"Your...actions seem to have stirred something."

"Hmm?" Gandalf questioned but looked about the room. There, a scattering of items could be seen. Clearly things had been lifted off of nearby tables and thrown about. The machines and contraptions nearby had been thrown or fallen and rattled. While the bed seemed unusually untouched.

"Master Yoda?!" The Jedi, Kholt came running in. The massive doorway now opening again.

"Under control, the situation is, Knight Kholt. Worry, you should not."

"Ye...yes Master." She replied breathless and with her saber hilt in hand. Rowban following in after her, wordless.

"What happened?" Gandalf wondered aloud. "Never has something like this occurred."

"Hmm, not your doing, this was." Yoda noted. A hardened look to his usually soft eyes. "Through you, another power flowed. Through Dooku, perhaps it was? Either way, strong with the Force, it was. The dark side, rattled the room it did. Contain the effect, I had."

"My apologies, Master Yoda." Gandalf intoned, pulling his hands from Dooku's body. "I have not experienced a response like that before. Though I did...touch the mind of your enemy."

"Then true it is." Yoda noted with a grim intone. "Using the Force, the dark side, Darth Sidious is. Keeping Dooku a prisoner of his mind, they are."

"I'm afraid so. Though," Gandalf pressed his right hand onto his temple. His mind alight in memories, thoughts and no small amount of pain from exertion and battle. "I have seen...visions. Pictures so they seemed. As memories, shown on tapestry." To that Galadriel narrowed her gaze, but said nothing. The both of them now having held some manner of visions concerning the affairs of these off-worlders.

"Visions?" Kholt wondered.

"Worry of this matter you should not, Knight Kholt." Yoda almost sounded as though he were admonishing her. She reclined, but bowed at the waist.

"Yes, Master. My apologies."

"None are needed." Yoda assured her. "Return to your post with Knight Rowban you should." The Jedi Knight said nothing else. Bowing again and turning on her heel, motioning her comrade back out the massive doorway as Yoda flicked his small hand. Bidding through the Force that the door once more close and grant him, Gandalf and Galadriel privacy.

"You do not want them to hear of the visions." Galadriel noted.

"Hmm, sensitive matter, this is. Paranoid the Order has perhaps become? Though, information leaks from the Order. A sad fact, my Lady. Be sure as to who is listening we cannot. Limit the ears, I would wish of you."

"I understand." Gandalf added. "Not all who listen know what they hear."

"Hmm." Yoda nodded. Clearly appreciating Gandalf's understanding.

"These visions, you had? Detail them to me, if you could."

"I will certainly do my best. Though," Gandalf again touched fingertips to temple and pressed down. "I do not know if I can explain or...describe what I saw to any great degree."

"Anything at all, of help it may be." Yoda noted. The three of them sure to talk.

A pair of unobserved eyelids, twitching but for an instant.

---

Palpatine opened his eyes and immediately fell forwards. Only able to catch himself in the final moments of his fall. His breathing was labored, and he sucked in air he had not realized he desperately needed. Obviously, he could not see his own eyes, but he felt them widened. Felt the natural creases at the edges of his eyelids stretch, and felt shakes travel up and down his arms.

"Un...pleasant." He seethed still sounding a mad beast more than the Republic's Supreme Chancellor. "Very, very unpleasant." Palpatine's could not be bothered to carry his usual even tone. He was alone, he did not fear any unexpected ear. His natural crackling croak of a voice sounded as he heaved breaths and cursed to himself, about himself.

"That was…" Palpatine paused trying to collect himself. "If one like that creature can do that...then Sauron…" The thought struck at his very center. A new realization fluttering over his mind. Underestimate this Dark Lord? No, Sidious had not done that. However, if he was to believe Sauron's words on this old man, this Gandalf then he may have need to act more boldly where Sauron was concerned.

Palpatine pushed back onto his legs. They remained curled under him, and he continued heaving labored breaths. As though he had just completed a week long torturous course given him by Plagueis. A stray bead of sweat fell down his brow. Idly he swatted at it, and felt compelled thereafter to stare at his hand. Damp with his own exertion. A sneer crossing his face. He had not liked that. Not at all. Exertion like that...it should've been behind him. It should be beneath him! To such a thought he clasped his hand, balled into a hateful fist. Drawing the dark side around him. Guarding and masking himself within the Force as always.

These beings...these creatures were not normal. Certainly not. Certainly not new information either. However, labored, hot, with no small amount of sweat upon his brow and a shaking of the Force made Palpatine remember this more clearly. The Jedi were surely pressing against him without knowing it. They were looking to make Dooku waken, and he would not let them do so! They so desperately wanted Darth Sidious. They didn't trust Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Too many enemies, but all leading to the same source.

He cast a look back to the holoterminal that showed his documents from before. Palpatine picked himself up. Stray worry shooting through his mind. Images of his past shared with a mind he had no time or...power he must admit, to comprehend. Though he had seen sights himself. Perhaps there was luck on his side? Neither he nor this Gandalf would be likely to understand what they saw from the other...for now. The Jedi may press him for information. They may move on Dooku again. Though, the Force felt calm as he probed it for an answer to such a question.

"Another meeting with Lord Sauron is called for." Palpatine scowled and sat down with a heave. "You will give me Dooku. Jedi filth." He snapped. Silent and brooding with eyes glowering the yellow sneer of hate. Staring into the emptiness of his office. Hands twisting and gripping upon the rests they laid on. Simmering in his rage. Lusting for revenge.

---

"Now this is a magnificent place!"

"Oh aye, Merry!" Pippin laughed as both he and Merry moved about the Room of a Thousand Fountains jovially. Both seeming quite enamored by the high reaching roofs that showed a high serene skyline. The mirage made to appear so by technology of course. The walls having built in mirrors that also showed a far off landscape. Stone pathways lining the ground, leading between shrubs, flowerbeds, up towards rock formations carved and set down long before Anakin was born. An unnatural turned natural recurring waterfall set beside Anakin droned in his left ear. He smiled watching the hobbits all but skip to a nearby pond, created from the runoff from the waterfall. Itself filled with a few, well taken care of fish from here and there in the galaxy. All meant to be able to cohabitate of course.

"Now this is a place I'd imagine the wee princeling would enjoy!" Gimli chortled beside Anakin. The stout warrior leaning into the grip end of his axe.

"Legolas would, wouldn't he?" Anakin smirked. Silently taking in breath and letting it out with a small sense of labor. His mind prickling with...annoyance, irritation...anger. Releasing what he could. Letting the sound of waterfalls remind him of Naboo. Of Padmé.

"Bah, he would!" Gimli though, wasn't the worst one to be interrupting such attempts at self calm, Anakin supposed. "The lad wishes to travel to Fangorn! Of all the dank creaking places!"

"Fangorn isn't so bad, Gimli!" Pippin somehow manged to hear and holler their way.

"Aye! Once you make friends with the ents, it's a very interesting place! Lots of...trees!" Merry added causing Anakin's smirk to broaden.

"There are trees here, young hobbits!" Gimli pointed stubby finger towards a swaying tree. Anakin didn't know his foliage well enough to say what it was. Though its leafs were purple. Swaying as though a steady breeze was cascading through the branches. Petals fell freely, but it seemed to replenish them healthily. So, the amount on the ground and stone pathway would lead one to presume.

"Oh, true enough!" Pippin grinned. "Though, I can't say I've seen such trees as these before! Can you, Merry?"

"Can't say I have Pip!" Merry beamed as they looked down the pathway. Itself lined with reddish pine trees of some manner. They too swayed, and mingled with the atmosphere set by the running waters.

"All these trees are not natural to Coruscant. At least, I don't think so." Anakin offered. Wondering if any of these actually had been? "Hmm, well anyways," Anakin shook his head. "These are usually gifts that the Jedi receive from worlds or people who're appreciative of the Order. Trade disputes, negotiating ends to wars and civil wars. Sometimes going on smaller pilgrimages Jedi come across an assortment of issues." Anakin explained. Although small time pilgrimages hardly ever happened anymore. Hardly was a thing anymore even before the war began really. "The Order doesn't take money as gifts. Nothing that's too...decadent is the word I guess. So, plants do. Helps keep this room peaceful."

"I'd agree! This place is very nice. Peaceful!" Pippin offered running his hands through his curly hair. Interlocking his small fingers behind his head.

"Reminds me a little of the Shire. Say," Merry began, turning and calling to Anakin. "You've never been to the Shire have you, Anakin?!"

"Nope. Had to leave pretty quickly after everything settled, remember?" Anakin smiled.

"Oh, you should come by some time, Anakin!" Pippin cut in. "It's very relaxing if I say so myself. Though, myself and Merry only went home for a few weeks! It was nice to see it again. Even if it was nice to head back out just as quickly!"

"You miss it?" Anakin asked Pippin. The hobbit seeming to take a minute to think it over. Both he and Merry sharing the same...unsure look. That was a bit off to Anakin, but he wasn't gonna judge them for how they may or may not feel.

"I miss it. Quite a bit actually." It was Merry who answered first. "It's just that being back felt different." Merry offered honestly. A slight shrug to his shoulders.

"Aye." Pippin nodded. "It's home. Always will be, and I'm glad it escaped the war mostly unharmed. Minus some odd brigands."

"Huh?" Anakin's brow furrowed.

"Ignore him. Small matter. Nothing too big." Merry waved Anakin off. So, Anakin did as told and dropped it.

"Aye, but I do prefer moving now!" Pippin noted, crossing his arms. "Sitting around and not doing anything feels like a waste. There's much out there to explore! As you have taught me, Merry and the rest!"

"Well," Anakin chuckled. "It's not really me. You all are just seeing what's offered here in the good ole galaxy." 'Good' indeed. Hmm, Anakin wondered why that negative thought crossed his mind? He shook it off as best he could.

"What about you Gimli?" Merry broached the dwarf.

"What about what, lad?"

"Do you miss home? Erebor?"

"Ah, many times I do!" Gimli chortled happily. "We dwarves have a great love of home! Made all the stronger since it was returned after the battles with Smaug the Terrible!" Anakin listened. Recalling some of the names and stories told.

"But, it doesn't hurt to see what rocks have yet to be explored! What caves have treasures to find! What friends are yet to be made! The war taught me that. Though terrible it was, made many friends I have!" Gimli laughed, and it was an earnest one. One that made Anakin's cheek flush some with embarrassment. Kriff, here he was pitying himself. Meanwhile these three had a much more positive outlook on everything. He sighed to himself. Perhaps he could try and be a bit more optimistic? He'd like to feel that way. It was just...hard.

"There you lot are!" Anakin turned, seeing Obi-Wan approach with the three elves in tow. He cast his old master a familiar thin smile and waved him over.

"Master. Good to see you didn't get any of our guests killed."

"If anyone was at threat of doing so, Anakin, it'd be you." Obi-Wan easily shot back causing Anakin to chuckle.

"So you say, Master. Good to see you all." He went on and met Obi-Wan halfway. Patting his shoulder as the Jedi took a stand beside one another in the shadow of the trees.

"Ah, now this is a fine place!" Elladan chuckled. The three elves all sharing more delighted expressions. Especially the lady...Legolas' friend...Tauriel that's it!

"Never have I seen such flowers." Tauriel intoned. Taking a knee beside a trio of sibling-roses. A rare flower that Anakin only knew the name of, but not the source.

"A sibling-rose, my Lady." Obi-Wan answered for him. "See the multi-color? Three buds form to a different base color lined in three rows of the hue. Red, crimson, magenta. Blue, cerulean, so on and so forth."

"Beautiful." She smiled running her hand along the petals. Throwing Obi-Wan a thankful glance for the knowledge.

"As I thought!" Gimli threw his hands up. "Elves and your grass and trees! Always with that which ya' can see anywhere!"

"Master dwarf," Elrohir began. "Never have these been seen on all of Middle-Earth."

"How do you know?!" Gimli offered. "Have ya' seen every inch of the world?"

"Well...well no." Elrohir acknowledged with the faintest of frowns.

"Then there ya' go! I'm sure there's a plant like this one, or that one...or that one somewhere across Middle-Earth!" The dwarf pointed to a series of plants and trees. Declaring his point so firmly and loud that one would almost believe him at face value.

"Unless Arda has a tree from Naboos swampland, a shrub from Alderaan, and a flower from Agamar, I doubt that, Gimli." Obi-Wan laughed, tucking hands into his cloak sleeves.

"Bah! Even if not the same, similar!"

"All plants look the same to you don't they, Gimli?" Anakin countered.

"Well no...and yes."

"Figures." Anakin waved him off as Gimli chortled heartily with good humor. The elves all showing mild amusement at the least.

"Ah there ya' are!" Pippin greeted everyone. Him and Merry both having run to the group. "What did you lot get to see? Anakin showed us some maps of the whole galaxy! That and some of the folk who live here in it! Lot's of fine food too. Even if the look of some is a bit odd."

"Alright Pip, alright!" Merry shushed Pippin. "You'll deafen everyone you keep on like that."

"We saw quite a bit ourselves, my hobbit friends." Elrohir offered for the two. He and Elladan both showing a great deal of amusement at the two. As much as elves could at least.

"Master Kenobi showed us much. How the Jedi duel with their lightsabers, as well as how their younger initiates are trained." Elrohir went on.

"That, and a healthy dose of debate." Elladan added.

"Obi-Wan is known for his debates." Anakin snorted. "You can't help yourself can you, Master?"

"The only reason you pester me about debate is because you're terrible at it, Anakin." Obi-Wan shot back, and quick.

"Ouch, my feelings." Anakin rolled his eyes playfully. "Do tell me, did he try lecturing you about the importance of a lightsaber?"

"Well," Tauriel began.

"Ah-hah!" Anakin cut her off. "You genuinely have no control over yourself!"

"Projection, Anakin. All I am hearing now is projection." Obi-Wan chuckled waving him off. Helping Anakin to forget much of his lingering agitation. "I'm happy to see Anakin hasn't lost any dignitaries or representatives, You three seem in good order."

"Oh yes, Obi-Wan!" Pippin nodded. "Though I must say that I think I'm a little hungry myself."

"Pippin, we ate just a little while ago!" Anakin shot back.

"We know, Anakin." Merry nodded. "We...he's just saying. Have you no idea what a hobbits appetite is like?"

"Trust me lads, that we do!" Gimli scoffed, to which everyone in varying manner got a chuckle. Well besides the two hobbits. Both seeming confused as to how their hunger could be considered funny?

"If I may," Tauriel caught both Jedis attention. "This room, what is its name again?"

"The Room of a Thousand Fountains, my lady." Obi-Wan offered with a smile. Sweeping his arm out towards the far wall lined with vines and outcrops. "This is the best place for Jedi to come and meditate. At least here on Coruscant. The water and more natural feel of the room helps Jedi delve into the Force. Center themselves, find peace."

"I see." She nodded. "It certainly is a much more appealing place. Though that is simply my view."

"I can imagine." Anakin cut in. "Don't get me wrong, Coruscant is interesting in its own ways, but there's only so much metal one can take." Tauriel gave a thin and agreeable smile.

"I think we agree there." She nodded before she took a few steps towards a running stream. Likely wishing to enjoy the sights and sounds. The others from Arda having fallen into some manner of conversation surrounding the food Gimli and the hobbits ate.

"How did your trip go?" Obi-Wan asked as the two Jedi seemed momentarily alone.

"Well enough. Like Pippin said, showed them the cafeteria,"

"I'm sure they had their fill."

"You have no idea." Anakin and Obi-Wan both laughed. "Ah well...then I showed them a few sights nothing too big. A galaxy map in one of the meeting rooms. Some of the species and races out there. Answered what I could. A little Jedi and Republic history."

"Such as?" Obi-Wan wondered.

"Ossus. A little bit about the Great Sith War. Exar and Ulic, and please don't start." Anakin tried to stop his master from going over some expected parable or lesson.

"Calm down, Anakin. I hardly ever try to actually teach you anything anymore."

"If by hardly, you mean you constantly worry over every action I take to the point of neurosis then yes! I happily agree."

"Oh you exaggerate." Obi-Wan waved him off, and Anakin gave a thin smile.

"Maybe. You and your team?"

"Much the similar, and not so similar." Obi-Wan shrugged. "Showed them a training room. Me and the Lady had a duel."

"Really?!" Anakin's attention shot up. "How was she? Always wondered if an elf had the natural reflexes to match us."

"It was cordial, so don't expect much in the way of intricate details on tactic and maneuver." Obi-Wan calmed. "Needless to say, however," He turned his head to her causing Anakin to mirror him. "She is skilled. I think the elves have a natural affinity indeed."

"That much is obvious through the Force." Anakin nodded.

"Not only that," Obi-Wan went on. "She has some perceptive skills to her. Watching Legolas, he shares that with her. I would assume the princes would as well. It's not just their centuries of training. It's that they perceive on a level that even older warriors who cannot use the Force, can."

"Meaning?" Anakin pressed.

"Meaning that...well I don't want to jump to conclusions." Obi-Wan stopped himself. Anakin searched his expression for a moment. Before his brow went from creased to wide and he turned back to the elves.

"You think she's Force sensitive?!"

"Calm yourself, Anakin. They can hear us you know?"

"You remember Legolas told us they don't pry. I don't know how, but I assume they're giving us our space."

"Be that as it may I am unsure." Obi-Wan shushed him again. "All the elves share that affinity. That inherent strength, skill and ability. I cannot say they are all capable of feeling the Force. However, from what I have seen there's a chance."

"What would that mean?" Anakin wondered on. "An entire species that has affinity with the Force? I mean some do, but one that developed alongside humans? The dwarves too? What about orcs? They're an elf offshoot if I remember right...right?"

"Yes, you're right." Obi-Wan nodded. "Though I am unsure what any of this means. The abilities they have shown are not of the Force, Anakin. That is what is so strange. The healing and skill, when they work, when Legolas would fight, or when we were in Lothlórien there was a presence. A power. One that the Force was able to let me feel, to...see. But, it was not of the Force. If they have that and the ability to use the Force...we may not have a species that is Force sensitive alone."

"But, one that has the Force and another power…" Anakin finished. Himself seeming to finally take in the gravity of what Obi-Wan was thinking.

"Do you think Gandalf could use the Force?" Anakin asked. To which Obi-Wan could only shrug.

"I don't see why not, but he is...different. You've sensed him through the Force. He has the same power the elves do, but stronger. More raw and attuned to...well I'm not sure to what. I have not felt the Force off of him. Not in the same way as I have today through Tauriel. I think since he is...claims to be...is" Obi-Wan struggled to choose one way or another what he believed. "Since he is a spiritual being perhaps the Force does not flow through him in a way he can naturally interact with. Like us. If I recall, he's told us that he and Sauron are of the same class of being. If that's true, and we both saw what Sauron was like,"

"That we did." Anakin scowled.

"Point is, there was the Force around them. Through them. Yet, not moved by their direct command."

"So…" Anakin began. "If someone like Gandalf could use the Force...then what you think is that he'd be-"

"Powerful beyond anything we are used to." The two fell into silence. It was only conjecture. Neither of them had much evidence to backup their thoughts or Obi-Wan's claims. Though it did make both of them wonder. Wonder just what could be possible with these beings from Arda. Wonder what this power they held was. What power it could have in use with the Force…

"Good thing Gandalf is who he is."

"You mean, not an enemy." Obi-Wan corrected.

"Well yes and no. Like you said he doesn't seem to be able to use the Force. He or those like him. But, yes. Good in that Sauron and that Dooku lookalike aren't around to try and test the theory. Speaking of…"

"Hmm?" Obi-Wan hummed.

"Do you think we should tell them? Or, Gandalf at least?" Anakin asked to which Obi-Wan remained silent and turned to the elves once more. Thoughts moving over his expression as Anakin could tell by the creased brow his Master held.

"I think...we should. Given some time."

"For any particular reason?" Anakin pressed. Crossing his arms over his chest.

"There is a lot at work outside of this, Anakin."

"What does that mean?"

"It means…" Obi-Wan paused. Exasperation prickling at the edges of his expression. A low sigh escaping his throat. "It means that we have a meeting later today Anakin. The Council and you. About your appointment?"

"Yes I know." Anakin smiled. Though Obi-Wan did not reciprocate. Instead he turned back to the elves.

"We have more to do. You, me, the Jedi and Republic. We can discuss our theory and observations with Gandalf and the rest later. When we don't have a war on the plate. With a side of internal distrust from the masses because of Dooku."

"Alright, alright." Anakin put his hands up. In his own way acknowledging that they did have a lot on their plate. Though, the idea that some of the people from Arda may have been at least able to touch if not use the Force was exciting.

Though, his elevation to the Jedi High Council, and to a Jedi Master? Far, far more exciting.

---

"Hoist, and to full mast!" Came the rasping roar of the Captain. The men scurried about the top of the ship and the blackened sail baring what seemed a mouth with teeth flew in the day winds. The sun shown brightly down upon them and in the distance they could see the prickling of land as a shadow come from out of the nothingness. To either side of them sailed two more ships. All three of dark lumbar from distant trees unknown to most of those within Gondor or beyond.

"Bellow the horn and let them hear! Attack them not, lest we are attacked first or I give signal. Am I understood?!"

"Aye Captain!" The first mate nodded and beat his chest. "The sails you scum laden rotlings! Sound the horn, and rattle yer' sabers!" He gave command and the men continued scurrying and readying. The Captain, the young 'rightful' King of Gondor, Mahalmion came to a stop to the bow of his ship. The rope string there to the sails, clung to by his gloved right hand. Eyes, a wondrous blue, stared forward. Ahead of his three ship squadron all could see a white ship.

Its own sails a brilliant blue, like his eyes. Bearing upon it the symbol of his people, his Kingdom of the north lands far from Umbar. The white tree of Gondor shown in the daylight. As though its presence upon the simple cloth and sail gave rise to a glinting beyond mortal hands. It was enough to make Mahalmion nostalgic. For a land he knew not. For a memory he had not. Yet, he had a mission. A task he need do, and he would see it carried out.

His corsairs set themselves to work. Knowing to follow his commands, set through his first mate. A scraggly elder corsair named Thrasht. Today was day one of the hunt. For days now the distant Belfalas shore had been seen. Seen, but not touched. Alas today it would not be touched still. However, equally untouched were the ships of Gondor. The Pretender upon its throne; as his mother called this Elessar, had sent out patrols. Their friend within the court, Amathir had made as much known. Now was the time to escalate. Though it hurt his heart to do so.

The horn sung with a bellow that was long as the corsair's lungs were strong. The rattling of sabers sounded as they were pulled from sheath and the rabble of boisterous men howled in glee. The horns of the two sister ships also sounded, and the gondorian vessel ahead attempted to speed up. But, Mahalmion could see they were too big. They carried much weight. Alas for them, so it seemed as they neared.

"Orders Captain?" Thrasht asked coming to a stomping stand behind him.

"No arrow, balista or fire is to be loosed. Come alongside aft. I will treat with the gondorians myself. If they fire shot or make war then let arrow fly. Spare the blood of those that need it not spilt."

"Aye aye, Captain!" Thrasht nodded.

"Worry not, my friend." Mahalmion carried on and crossed his arms over his blackened cloak swaying in the sea winds. "Today treasure awaits. Beyond that of silver and gold." He declared, eyes still staring towards the distant shore. Towards beautiful Gondor. His hand fell to the grip of his cutlass. The sea winds lashed himself, his ship and the men. The sails showed dark, but determined against the wondrous blue of the gondorian ship. It was exhilarating as it was tragic. Though, Mahalmion hoped it did not end up being so.

"Hail!" Mahalmion called only after clearing his ever and always scratchy throat. The men moving about the deck of the gondorian ship paid him little mind. Though as his ships neared he could hear them bellowing to one another in the common westron tongue.

"Let loose the horn once more!" Mahalmion drew his blade from the sheathe. It sounded as a sting of metal against binds and the tip pointed towards the gondorian ship. The blade bent eloquently and shining in the daylight in the manner of a scimitar, though long and thin, as the cutlass it was.

"Aye, Captain! Sound the horns ya' scum!" Thrasht demanded, and again the horns blew! One after the other as the three ships began their wolf pack. Mahalmion's coming up along aft, a second to stern up portside. The third banking out to circle back along aft. Cutting the ship off from further northward advance.

"Hail, men of Gondor! Hail seafarers!" Mahalmion gave louder call. Though it strained his throat and he hid a cough beneath his ever present mask. Eyes narrowing as what seemed to be the Captain of the opposing vessel came into sight from behind the wooden cover of the stern. Upon his head was a common glittering steel cap of the Gondor fashion for war. Though it bore a blue tassel atop it, with a prominent etching of the White Tree glinting. While down his back was a brilliant blue cloak hooked underneath his armor from the front. The silver of his armor shining much as the tree upon the banner did above him.

"What business have you with Gondor?!" The man called. Mahalmion smiled beneath his mask and held blade prominently and at the ready. Jumping onto the very edge of the bow as he began again.

"My business lay with all of Gondor!" Mahalmion declared, and could begin to see the features of the man, as their ship came along aft. Even gaining waves ahead of them. "I seek not the blood of my countrymen! Yet, I shall spill that which proves itself enemy! I bid thee to consider the lives of your men, and yourself, Captain of Gondor!" Mahalmion went on. Noting a host of men upon the Gondorian ship readying bows and arrows. The sensation of fear and uncertainty carried in the winds themselves. The rattling of sabers, and laughs sounding from the umbar. Smelling blood. The very blood Mahalmion wished not to spill.

"Your countrymen? You command a pack of corsairs, villain! You are no friend of Gondor, let alone a son of her long endured majesty!" The Captain spat. Mahalmion clutched his blade, its name Azaragar. A pang of insult swelling within him, but he did his best to remain composed. It was the way of the great, and of a Lord of Gondor.

"So it may seem, Captain." He pointed Azaragar to the man. "I bid you again, however! Spend the lives of your men not so easily! Believe me or not, I do not wish to make the seas red with the blood of the men of Gondor."

"Then what is it you wish, villain?!" The Captain demanded and pulled free a heavy sword of broad fashion. The men of Gondor now meeting the calls, jeers and threats of the umbar. The third vessel completing its mission, cutting the gondorians off ahead.

"Surrender yourselves! Surrender that which your ship carries and you shall not be harmed! None among your ship shall be harmed, and you shall be returned to Gondor!"

"A thief would have me aid him in the thieving of that which is not his?!" The Captain almost laughed. "Your terms are laughable as they are criminal!" The Captain spat back in retort. "The Corsairs of Umbar are defeated! The Lord of Mordor lay in ruin as does his lands! Slay us if you would be so capable, scoundrels! The men of Gondor cower in the face of the Umbar no more!" To the rallying cry the gondorians gave cheer. Mahalmion looked upon so many young a face, and his heart fell heavy. His blue eyes closed, and a sigh passed from unseen nostrils. Dark were the deeds and actions commanded of him. Though, as his eyes opened Mahalmion looked north. There lay beyond sight Minas Tirith, and all the lands of Gondor. His lands, his people. Alas it was that he should begin his reign like this. Yet, his mother had told him from birth of his right. Their right. If those who would not listen to reason would stand to the death. So be it. Woe unto the Pretender sat within Minas Tirith.

"Woe unto Elesser!" Mahalmion thrust his saber forward. "Loose!" The call sounded another horn and the ship ahead of them fire a balista bolt. The men on the gondorian vessel pulled arrow to bow and the loosening of arrows rained down. The balista bolt slammed through the white tree and the gondorian sail. A line of rope attached the bolt to the umbaran ship. The men began reeling as umbaran arrows, greased in oil and alight in flame reciprocated the gondorians. Within moments the sail was torn down center as the heavy balista dragged along the gondorian deck. A man tripped against it, dragged by his boot up as the sail was ripped and the bolt dragged over the edge. Taking the man with it screaming.

Mahalmion jumped from the bow. Eyes averting the sight in a saddened but muted horror. Though he could not allow himself to be stopped so easily for every loss. Hardening himself instead, for what need be done.

"Ladders! Board you bastards! Board!" He gave call and the umbarans on all three gave hail and roar! Their blood called to action, loosening the pirate heart of their spirits. The smell of blood as wounded cod to the hunting shark of the oceans deep!

Mahalmion dipped low, swiping up a shield placed along the rim of the ship awaiting any who needed one. Placing it to his right from over left and brandishing saber, he watched as an arrow pierced the flesh of one of his men. He howled and stumbled back. Blood pooling around the wound. One among his men threw a javelin. The crunch of metal striking metal sounded and a gondorian gagged as he fell back upon the ship's deck. As ladder bearers and boards-men ran forward to the ready. A series of ropes tossed from the opposing umbaran ship onto the gondorian. Mooring it against its will into place as the third ahead of them rained a hail of burning arrows across the deck. Sending the enemy into a chaotic reprisal in three directions.

"To me, rally to me!" Mahalmion gave rasped an order. The boards fell. Ladders unsteadily from one vessel to the next. The tossing waves throwing it up and off its latch and back down. Yet, Mahalmion was the first to jump with the fire of youth and vigor of his conviction onto the unsteady planks. A charge hailed from the horn to their backs. Mahalmion held shield ahead and dove forward with an abandon that gave the rallying move. The umbarans howled and more planks fell followed by their gleeful cross. Even as arrows sung and felled the first and most foolishly brave. As spears kept the intelligently fearful at bay. Arrows loosed and felled them, the charge would not be stopped.

Mahalmion slammed the shield into the face of the first gondorian. The man tripped and Mahalmion ran his cutlass through him. Metal ground and pierced iron plating. His eyes went wide, and Mahalmion bowed his head, for that was all he could do. Ripping the blade away and blocking the feral strikes of another gondorian. The roars and calls of war sounded alone in the sea. So close yet so far from the northern shore. The men of Umbar fell upon the gondorians. Axes and picks, hacked those who stood in their way. Relentless as they could be. Following their young Lord onto the boat where treasure and no small measure of glory was to be taken! So, they believed.

Turning left with a sway of his blackened coat, Mahalmion came face to face with the Captain. The men threw a kick into the stomach of a portly umbar. Sending him falling onto his back. Mahalmion lunged and brought Azaragar down. The Captain's broadsword cleaved against it, but with great strength mustered, Mahalmion held his stab back. A seethe of effort sounded as Mahalmion stood the clear weaker and smaller of the two.

"You dare claim to be of Gondor?!" The Captain seethed and reeled the sword back. Slashing it at Mahalmion's head. "You have killed many among them! If we are your people, you are nothing less than a traitor!" The swing missed, Mahalmion ducked under and to his left, dropping the heavy shield as he did. Slashing out in a serpentine circle of motion and cleaving Azaragar to the plated armor. The Captain hissed and swung his left arm down, but Mahalmion jumped back.

"Curse you! Curse your name, and your corsairs!" The Captain bellowed, and hacked. Composure lost. Hope for victory faded, and eyes wild in abandon. "A curse on all who serve you! May the seas rip you asunde-" Silence.

Mahalmion stood with both hands on Azaragar's handle. Blade pushed into the Captain's chest. The gondorian Captain had swung down right. Mahalmion had jerked back. Running the blade through him with an as efficient lunge forward. Piercing metal, flesh, and bone. An unexpected skill with the blade, perhaps? The Captain seemed shocked. Age and experience meaning nothing in the face of defeat and death.

"Out of the Great Sea...I am come." Mahalmion whispered. Mostly to himself. Some old mantra it seemed. Though the Captain in his glazed appearance twisted his head quizzically. Before he fell backwards. Coughing, gasping. Sputtering for a moment longer for breath. Though he did not last. For dark and coated in blood Azaragar was. Pierced was his heart. The man was no more.

...

The fighting lasted little time longer. Small fires ran along the breadth of the gondorian merchant ship. Protected by these men of Gondor. Bodies lay across the deck, making slick the wood with the dampness of blood. While the surrounding waters were prickled with the sights of floating corpses alongside strewn armor, and boards of wood floating towards the north and eastern shores. Mahalmion stood upon the deck of the ship, where the Captain would've stood nested. Silently observing the northern shore once again. Noting the sound and sight of the corsairs raiding barrels of wine, store-boxes of silk and trinkets.

"Captain." Thrasht approached. Stepping over a fallen umbaran corpse. "We have prisoners. Thought you'd like a look over." Thrasht chuckled and pointed a thumb over his shoulder. Indeed, shackled in irons, shaking and young stood the faces of nine men. Disheveled, cut and bruised all of them. Some cowards perhaps. Others lucky survivors. Either way, Mahalmion nodded his thanks to Thrasht and stepped around him. The first mate following behind.

"I welcome you, men of Gondor." Mahalmion began coming to a stop before them. "Alas it should be that you had to partake in a battle I had no desire for. Yet, we cannot undo history." He went on. Bringing himself before each of the nine. Each one watching him with wide and weary assorted eyes. All worn, and sweat coated. All filled with undo fear. In the eyes of Mahalmion. Little did they know they looked upon their King. Though he stood shorter than them, he felt titanic.

"I gave promise before," Mahalmion carried on. A gaggle of the corsairs forming a semi-circle around the captured gondorians. "No harm would come to those who surrendered. It was meant for your ship and crew entire. Though," Mahalmion pointed around the bloodied deck. "The offer was met with ill retort. Still, I wish no harm upon you, my countrymen. Believe me if you so wish or not." Mahalmion declared. Coming to a stop before one man. Looking up into his fearful eyes as their secret King patted his shoulder.

"You are bound, and you will be taken into the lower deck of my ship. There to a cramped and small cell, I am loathe to admit." Mahalmion coughed, clearing his throat as he rasped on. "As you can see, your ship is no longer functional." He added with a scratchy tone. The prisoners turning as one of the corsairs, and then another poured oil across the deck. Bringing torches onto the bloodied wood. Where the heat and flame began to take root and spread.

"We...we," One of them began, catching Mahalmion's attention.

"Yes?"

"We beg your mercy, sire! I...I beg mercy!" He went on shaking.

"You coward!" Another beside him snarled and yanked on their attached irons.

"Knock it off, scum!" One of the corsairs slammed the hilt of his crude pick-axe into the rowdy one's helmeted head and a clang sounded as the man lurched and seethed. Mahalmion quick to hold a commanding hand up.

"Hold!" The corsairs did as bidden. "You call this man a coward?" Mahalmion asked, approaching and standing before the ill mannered man of Gondor. "Who here does not desire life? Who here would not beg to live when death seems to be but around the bend?" Mahalmion wondered as the fires continued to spread. Many corsairs quickly moving back onto the blackened ship of theirs.

"I'd rather burn in the flames you set, than grovel at your feet, villain!" The man seethed his face nearing Mahalmion's. Echoing the title given him by their now dead captain.

"Then you are a fool who would rather burn when water lay all around you. Literally and figuratively. Yet," Mahalmion motioned his right hand towards the corsair ship. "Worry not, man of Gondor. For, even in your foolishness I shall not damn you to pain, and undo torment. You too shall be saved. Even from yourself. Take them." Mahalmion shooed as the corsairs yanked the irons and dragged them across the planks.

"Thank you sire!" The first man called. Bringing a hidden smile to the masked features of the man who would be King. Though none of them knew. How could they know? Mahalmion chuckled a little. Though his eyes averted the blood and corpses strewn. The flames whipped the air, and the smoke began to billow high as the ship gave a lurch. Quickly sending mood from humored to sorrow. Mahalmion did not wish to cause anymore pain and death than needed. So, he would say and so he would do. His mother would see him be ruthless, for that was her way. He knew that all too well.

It was not his. Would not be! His blue eyes looked north as he crossed the plank and turned. Watching the gondorian ship groan and bubble as it burned and drowned all at once. Noticing the northern shore past the smoke and the fires as they died. Mahalmion took it as omen. Beyond the fires, beyond the blood and chaos there awaited something beautiful. Seeming close, and far at once. All he need do was keep going.

"Gondor will be mine." Mahalmion swore. "From out of the sea…" He intoned. The black sails hoisted above him.

---

Arsuna tapped her index finger onto her lips. Eyes scanning across an expense sheet from the last month. Her chest contracted unheard and unseen. Bleeding. That was what SipTrade was. Bleeding credits. The war continued. Trade stifled, and the routes were lined with the military of both the Republic and the Separatists. Neither much gave a damn anymore for those officially uninvolved. More and more you were involved by the sheer reality you existed in the damnable galaxy to begin with.

The conglomerates who made up the Separatists were undoubtedly using every bit of their recently found political power to pillage of the Outer and Mid rim systems under their control. Arsuna couldn't even begin to imagine how rich Nute karking Gunray had become! Or Shu Mai, Wat Tambor, and all the others. Meanwhile she had what? A drunk for a brother, another who was...Force knew where. A senile toad of a father, and a long irrelevant made mother. A job in the Republic's Survey Corps and she sat as the shadow CEO of a dying corporate empire. She could only bring her left hand up and pat her forehead. Alone in the quiet of her suite. A wriggling anger shivering up her body, along the spine into her jaw, and up to her temples.

"Kriff." She groaned aloud. Eyes shut, a migraine well on its way. The cool air of the day hitting her back. The doorway to the veranda having been left open with the glass doors slid and left ajar. In fact, it was becoming a bit chillier. She had heard the local weather was to have gray skies in the forecast. Whether that be in some way natural; unlikely as that may be, or the planned weather event as decided by the people who operated the planet's weather control system she didn't know. But, she sighed and shut off the datapad. Pressing hands into the table and moving her chair out. Deciding it was high time to close the doors. Probably up the heater for the plants hanging on the veranda too.

Arsuna turned towards the door and came to a sudden stop. She recoiled where she stood. Her stand uneven, and her hip grazing the seat behind her, forcing her to catch herself. Eyes widening as she stared. Breath catching, but she hid it as best she could. Though her stomach knotted in a sudden fear.

"Who are you?!" Arsuna demanded. Her face contorting into a usual sneering disdain she commonly used for those she actively looked down upon.

"A friend." The voice came back. Low, but clearly feminine. "Or, a representative of a friend." The figure self corrected. Arsuna appraised the ragged and dirty dark cloak they wore. Much like a Jedi. Their features were skewed, but Arsuna could guess a human woman. Though a near-human was always possible.

"I don't have any friends who send someone unwelcome into my apartment." Arsuna sneered. Sneaking her thumb latched into the table, to a button underneath calling her faithful droid companion wherever he may be.

"No?" The stranger seemed almost amused. "What are friends for, if not sudden and unwelcome arrivals?" The woman coughed and meandered her way towards a prominently blue sofa Arsuna had against the nearby wall.

"May I sit?"

"I'd rather you didn't." Arsuna snarled stepping away form the table. "You should leave. Before you live to regret-"

"Demands are easier made from someone who has power over the other, miss Sipillona." The stranger retorted with a gravel in their voice. Sounding pained more than feigned. "I do not want to get violent. It's not why I was sent. Push me, however, and you will not live to see the death of your business."

"What did you say?" Arsuna growled. A sudden anger flashing into her mind. As though a child she did not have had just been insulted. Teeth grinding as the figure pulled forth...a lightsaber.

"Do not make me turn this on, miss." The woman tilted her head up. The cowl covered her still, but Arsuna did recoil again. Seeing her face. It was dirty, pained, eyes alight with a shimmering almost white kind of light. It was...it looked unnatural. But, Jedi...they weren't known for being what one would call 'normal' anyways.

"J...Jedi don't threaten-"

"No they don't." The woman finished as the nearby door slid open to Arsunas right.

"Mistress!" Jaythree stomped inside. Tucking his hulking frame through the doorway. Coming to a full stand, extending his arm out, and readying his arm mounted repeating blaster.

"Prepare to be vaporized, intruder!" The stranger did not activate the lightsaber she held, but did cock her head up and down the droid. Seeming to size the FLTCH droid up.

"If you have your pet machine attack me we wont be able to discuss what's really important."

"What's really important then?" Arsuna sneered, holding her right hand up to calm her protective droid.

"Trade routes. Dying corporations in desperate need of them. Worlds making the acquisition of them so much more difficult than they need be."

"I don't know what you're-"

"All of this false need to hide what's true." The stranger scoffed. "My Master has received word of your woes and troubles. He has information he can share with you. Through me, for a price. Make this difficult, however," The stranger tilted her head towards Jaythree. "And there can always be found another desperate fool with money to help get what my Master wants. Made all the easier by your demise."

"Watch yourself intruder!" Jaythree's trembling robotic baritone sounded as the repeater in his arm primed for fire.

"What do you know about it?" Arsuna prodded. Again raising her hand up to hold Jaythree at bay. For the moment.

"Enough. Arda is proving difficult. One is preparing to aid in some manner of regime change. Though, I would imagine the King...Elessar has made things difficult?" To that name Arsuna felt her brow dip confusedly.

"How do you know that name? Nothing of Arda has-"

"Precisely the point." The woman held her hands up. A sort of exasperated shrugging move. "You can fish for theories on how I may know what I know. The truth is so much simpler. My Master has given me detail on what you need know." The woman offered. "Names, peoples, so on."

"How do I know you're telling the truth?" Arsuna pressed. "If this is some attempt by the Jedi Order to phish for corruption, or my slipping of intel then you can tell your Order to kriff itself!"

"If that were the case, the Order may take issue with my threats." The stranger pointed out. "Here, let me say this with your droid watching and listening." She cleared her throat comically loud. "I am not here to entrap you. I am here to offer you information to help gain your company some measure of political control over Arda. I am doing so to the detriment of the friends of the Republic. I am doing so not for the Jedi Order, but for my Master and Lord. People will die. They will be killed. My actions directly to blame in that case. Furthermore, if you have your droid shoot at me, I will butcher it and you." She sneered and gave warning again. Arsuna glanced to Jaythree. The droid swiveling its metallic head and nodded. Indicating he had recorded it. Perhaps there was something here...though Arsuna still could not understand how...or why?

"Very well. Jaythree?"

"Yes, mistress?"

"Make yourself useful and stand guard. Outside the room."

"Of course, mistress." The droid nodded lowering his blaster mounted arm. Quickly taking careful thudding steps back out of the room. Leaving the two alone.

"Now that we're alone." Arsuna began as the door shut. "Mind telling me who this 'Master' is?"

"Yes, I do mind." Came the quick retort. "My Lord does not wish to share too much about himself. Only what he can offer you and you offer him in return. He believes you understand the importance of discretion?"

"Of course. Though I fail to see what I can offer you or him?" Arsuna motioned to the sofa and the woman...Jedi? Whomever, took a seat. "As you have so elegantly pointed out, I have little resources to share with anyone."

"My Master does not care about money. Credits or jewels or anything otherwise. He can take care of himself." The woman coughed lightly as Arsuna took seat in an equally blue chair opposite the stranger.

"I see...then what is it I am supposed to offer here? Who's to say I don't take the information you share and use it for my own ends? Not fulfilling my part, hmm?" The small pantoran woman prodded. A smirk on her face as she reclined back into the seat. The opposing stranger tilted her head. Her eyes now showing a strange yellowish tinge. Sickly.

"Then I would kill you, and expose your attempts to usurp power from the 'King' of Gondor. I would destroy what little you had left first and hunt you to the ends of the galaxy. Not because it would matter at that point. Rather, because it would make my Lord happy to see you broken. Broken, hunted, defeated and then slaughtered." Arsuna remained silent. Honestly taken aback by the cold matter-of-fact tone the woman had.

"Well," Arsuna cleared her throat. Shuffling her discomfort away in the seat. "I see."

"Your desperation would also indicate a less than favorable position." The stranger added. A renewed frown forming across Arsuna's face.

"Would it?"

"If you're willing to liquidate assets and turn it into precious metals to help fund a war on a single planet when there's a galaxy full of them; I'd hazard to say you need all the help you can get. Without any ability to say no. Without any sense that you will be the one making demands." She said with such malignant arrogance that even Arsuna felt she believed her. Her own heart beginning to race a little. All weakness laid out before her. Information she had not shared with but a soul or two somehow coming back to bite her. Realization of the gravity pulling her down as though a black hole had formed in the floor of her suite.

"Needn't you worry, miss Sipillona." The woman carried on. "My Master only wants a few things from you. Trifles for one so rich, and about to be richer."

"That being?" Arsuna wondered. Eyes narrowing.

"You manage the discovery of new worlds at the Republic Survey Corps, don't you?"

"Yes. For the most part. For what I don't delegate to my staff and the others in the service. Why?" To that the woman smirked darkly. Her yellowed eyes seeming to tint with that white light from before.

"Tell me about what worlds you've learned of, of late. All the ones your department has yet to catalog. Those that have no meaning to the Republic. Those that don't exist." Arsuna took a moment and reclined again. The meaning hitting her in the seconds after. She looked the woman up and down. Not entirely sure she could trust her. How could she?! She had burst into her apartment from what she could only guess to have been the veranda.

She had to be some form of Jedi. Even if it was one of those dark or fallen ones that Count Dooku used across the galaxy for the war. However, she knew things. Her 'master' knew things. They both knew she was in precarious a position. Arsuna knew she was. She steeled herself, and took in a breath of air through her nostrils. Smiling a familiar fake sweet smile she took on when in negotiations.

"Who am I to deny someone a little knowledge of the vastness of the galaxy? And all the bounties it has to offer." This wouldn't be the first corrupt bargain she had to make. What was corruption anyways? But, good business where the laws of those incapable got in the way.

The stranger smiled as well.

---

Gandalf, Galadriel and Yoda had appeared a bit abruptly. Master Yoda having seemingly dropped the two off in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Reminding himself and Obi-Wan to not be late for the meeting. Anakin was excited to see Gandalf and say hi, but he had to be honest he was even more excited about his appointment and ascension to the Council! Gandalf and the Lady had greeted them both. Gandalf being the good reader he was shooed him and Obi-Wan off. Though Anakin promised to meet back up with him afterwards.

As he and Obi-Wan had traveled their way up the temple to the High Council Chamber Anakin found himself flicking dirt from his robes. It may have been there or not. It didn't matter really. He was about to become a master. Finally a master! Finally at the point where deference to the Council was welcome, but as he had personally seen himself not always the law of the land. He would reach the same rank as A'Sharad Hett! See? He wasn't upset with Hett. How could he be? He hadn't done anything to himself personally. Especially since the two would be on equal footing, all would be well.

Anakin felt himself understand on some deep level that wasn't the healthiest of mindsets to have. But, kriff he had wanted this for so long! He had been lost in the galactic wilderness for a year. He had wished to see Padmé again with every fiber of his being and he had gotten it. He couldn't be happier there. Now, all Anakin needed was the recognition he felt ow...deserved! He would do Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, his mom and Padmé all proud. The Chancellor too! Everyone would be proud of what he was able to do. Chosen One or not. He had made it. He, him!

"Anakin?"

"Hmm?" He turned to Obi-Wan. The two of them riding up the turbolift together. Somehow trailing Master Yoda.

"Head up in the clouds, as usual." Obi-Wan jokingly admonished.

"Sorry, Master." Anakin nodded. "I guess my thoughts are a bit all over the place."

"That much is obvious, Anakin. Relax! You're not going to be able to hide your emotions and feelings so well in front of the whole Council. Especially if I can get the faintest idea of them standing right next to you."

"You can?" Anakin cringed.

"You're a little too excited my friend. It carries the air of arrogance. Not only that…" Obi-Wan trailed off. His tone shifting ever so slightly. "If I were you I'd temper myself."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that...it means the Council was not happy with the Chancellor injecting himself into Jedi business. As I told you they wouldn't be. As you knew full well they wouldn't be."

"It wasn't my fault!" Anakin began. Obi-Wan quick to hold his hand up.

"I know, Anakin. I know. Just…" Again he trailed off. "Don't be surprised if the Council comes off as irritated."

"Aren't they the ones talking about centering oneself all the time?" Anakin snorted.

"Fair enough point, Anakin. My point, however, is that you shouldn't expect a warm welcome. A warm much of anything."

"I'm shocked." Again, Anakin snorted as the turbolift reached the end of its journey upwards. "Since when has the Council been warm with me, am I right?"

"That's not entirely fair." Obi-Wan shot back as they moved into the waiting atrium to the Council Chamber. "Not all of them are so cold with you, Anakin."

"Just enough of them." To that Obi-Wan sighed. Not being entirely able to disagree. Though, also agitated. Knowing what this meeting would entail. Knowing what needed be done. It pained him.

"I know." Obi-Wan chose to relent. Anakin's brow rising. Seemingly shocked by Obi-Wans candor. "Just promise to control yourself?" Anakin tilted his head towards the door leading to the chamber. Saying nothing for a moment before nodding to Obi-Wan. Not entirely sure what he meant by that. A foreboding knot growing in him that he dared not tug at.

"Alright. There's some business to attend to besides the appointment. Keep that in mind as well."

"Will do, Master." Anakin briskly noted. Obi-Wan gave a faint sigh and moved to the door. Pressing the console along the wall it opened revealing the other High Council masters. They were in council with one another. Men and women of the Order with hands tucked within the sleeves of their robes. Chatting away about Force knew what. Each of them expertly guarding their feelings, emotions and intent. Though, as the doorway slid open the already low chatting came to a stop. All eyes turned and fell on Anakin. So he felt like anyways. None betrayed any emotion...except maybe Master Windu. Though he always bore a hard creased manner to his brows. So, Anakin didn't take offense to that just yet.

"Hmm, glad to see you've arrived so quickly we are, Master Obi-Wan." Yoda greeted. Already having taken his padded small circular seat.

"Masters." Obi-Wan bowed. "Anakin has come with me, as you can see. I thought it best to not drag this out and invite him in from the start. If there is no issue?"

"None, Master." Yoda superseded all potential opinions and coaxed Anakin forward. His small green hand beckoning with a wave.

"Come, young Skywalker." Anakin bowed his head. Blonde stray locks prickling his brow as he did so. An age old nervousness rising in him. First felt too many years ago when he stood here alone and again with Master Jinn. He took tentative, but hopefully outwardly calm and cool strides to the center of the room. Noting the skies bore an overcast of gray clouds with small streams of daylight barely breaking the cover here and there. Didn't help to focus on the outside weather as his stomach twisted and flipped. Now he wrapped his hands together in the sleeves of his cloak. So nervous, so anxious, so excited and exhilarated all at once! Finally a master. Finally on the Council. Anakin sighed low and slow. Straightening his back. Guarding his feelings.

"The Council will be in Order." Master Windu called. The varying masters in kind having already begun taking their seats. Anakin watched them do so. Obi-Wan taking his and casting him what he thought was a supportive glance. Masters Mundi, and Koon appeared via holo. Masters Ti, Allie, Windu, all of them took their seats. Anakin subtly glancing. Noticing one seat had not yet been taken. His heart fluttered. Blood raced. It was difficult to center himself. Hide the wriggling excitement. He would do his best.

"Welcome everyone." Master Windu began. "We have several items to discuss for today. However, the most pressing concerns the...appointment we have received from the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic." Windu leaned forward in his seat. His fingers placed from one hand against the opposing as he held steady and one could say judgmental a look upon Anakin. He did his best to ignore it.

"Such matters do not belong in the realm of the Republic's politics." Anakin turned. Hearing the subdued irritation, or one could perhaps accuse anger, in Master Tiin's voice.

"Agreed," Master Koon followed from wherever he may have been. Sinking Anakin's mood some. "Though this matter has been debated already, Master." Koon gave a light admonishment. Bolstering Anakin just a little quickly after.

"Correct, Master Koon is. Order we will have."

"My apologies, masters." Tiin bowed his crowned head. Though he bore a brooding look on par with Master Windu's. Anakin just wanted to get it over with. The sooner he had the position the better. Far as he was concerned. Master Windu reclined back and continued watching Anakin carefully as Yoda came forward. As though they traded speaking places.

"Allow this appointment lightly the council does not." Yoda began. "Disturbing is this move by Chancellor Palpatine." Yoda echoed the thoughts Anakin knew most shared. Even just from conversation with Obi-Wan. He felt it best simply to acknowledge them. Maybe cool the waters?

"I understand." Anakin nodded. So close. He just needed to hear it.

"You are on this council…" Windu began. "But, we do not grant you the rank of master." Anakin heard it, but he did not understand. Time came to a halt. A strike of lightning had shot from the sky, but did not hit the ground. A sudden and unwelcome anticlimax. His heart skipped a beat and he felt hot. Very hot, suddenly hot. Twisting his head as though he had not heard right he turned to Windu who had said it.

"What?" Nobody said anything. Windu again leaned forward. Clasping his hands together. Unfazed by the befuddlement, the simmering outrage, the earnest confusion Anakin felt welling. He felt ready to hit something!

"How can you do this?" Anakin began. Turning to look at everyone. Even Obi-Wan who said nothing. "This is outrageous. It's unfair!" He went on. Dropping his hands from the sleeves of his robes. None of them batting an eye. Only Yoda who glanced Windus way.

"How can you be on the Council and not be a Master?!"

"Take a seat," Mace motioned to the empty chair. "Young Skywalker." That was it...that was all he got?! He was shaking. His voice had betrayed it. Anakin looked between them all again. Nobody said anything. Nobody cared.

"Forgive me, Master." Anakin grit his teeth and bowed. Turning to his reward. His empty chair. Empty in more ways than one. He dared not look at Obi-Wan yet. He was sure he was shaking his head. Judging him. Annoyed he had failed to temper himself. Obi-Wan must've known! That's why he said to keep himself in check. His expectations. His kriffing hopes, and what he felt owed. As he sat down he finally looked to Obi-Wan. His old Master was not shaking his head though. Instead he bore an expression Anakin couldn't quite place. Not that it mattered too much. Looking back to Master Windu, he showed no emotion. His eyes declaring all he had not said verbally. Anakin was to be a good boy. Shut up and sit down. Do as told. His right hand shook, the servos sounding in his ear. He balled it into a fist. Old sensation from that volcanic mountain ringing up and down his flesh. Images of Gardulla and Watto popping into mind. Be a god boy. Do as told.

"We have surveyed all systems in the Republic...but have found no sign of General Grievous." Master Mundi carried on. Anakin didn't care. Not right now. He'd just listen. Like they wanted him to. As they always wanted him to. Listen, shut up, sit, heel!

"Hiding in the Outer-Rim Grievous is. The outlying systems you must sweep." Yoda pointed out. Anakin chose to remain silent. Eyes steeled and full of undoubtedly noticeable wrath as his right hand pulsated.

"We do not have many ships to spare." Obi-Wan noted to Master Yoda. "If Grievous is hiding in the outlying systems the Separatists have a stranglehold there still. Attempting any kind of push even just for scouting will prove difficult."

"Agree with you I do, Master Obi-Wan." Yoda nodded.

"What about the droid attack on the wookiees?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked. A bit out of nowhere, but Anakin supposed it was a question in need of asking.

"It is critical we send an attack group there immediately." Master Windu nodded. Apparently Anakin had missed out on what was happening on Kashyyyk. Well...more than he thought he supposed.

"He's right." Obi-Wan added. "It's a system we cannot afford to lose." Anakin tried to visualize a galaxy map in his head. He may have been off, but he wasn't entirely sure the Republic itself would fall if Kashyyyk fell. Though he didn't want the Republic to abandon the wookiees or anything either.

"Go I will." Yoda offered. Catching Anakin's glance. Though he tried not to show too much outward emotion. "Good relations with the wookiees I have."

"It's settled then." Master Windu seemed all the eager to let Yoda go. Though Perhaps Anakin was projecting. Kriff it, regardless.

"Yoda will take a battalion of clones to reinforce the wookiees on Kashyyyk." Mace affirmed.

"And of Grievous?" Master Mundi pressed.

"Continue the search we must." Yoda replied. "Hope we must that found his location will be. Intelligence units from the Grand Army, or the Clone Intelligence units perhaps?"

"Republic Intelligence should be more on top of this as well." Obi-Wan noted to Master Yoda. "It seems as though R.I has been less than forthcoming with any new information since our return?"

"Republic Intelligence sends all information through the Senate and Chancellor's Office. They no longer offer direct reports to the Order, Master Kenobi." Master Tiin snorted. Anakin could hardly stop his eyes from rolling. Maybe if the Order actually made an effort to be approachable the Senate and Palpatine wouldn't feel hemmed in all the time?! Maybe if they dared to be of any forthcoming-ness in how they themselves operated then the Republic would feel more willing to share and share in? The temple had citizens outside it right now chanting for Dooku because not a single one of them believed the Jedi would do the right thing. Simple justice! Anakin didn't blame them. Projection or not, the Order insulted everyone's intelligence. Everyone's opinion but their own.

"-continue to press the Senate for quicker information." Windu just finished saying something. Anakin hadn't caught all of it. He didn't really care either.

"Beyond that, the Council will be adjourned for the day. May the Force be with us all." Master Windu dipped his head. A silent cessation Anakin could guess. The others all dipped their heads and in varying degrees of silence of idle chatter rose from their chairs. As Koon and Mundi shimmered out of sight. Anakin remained planted where he was.

He could sense the others leaving. Giving him sideways glances. Some he could sense the faintest tinge of sympathy. The only way he could sense that is if they were letting him. So, whether it was earnest or not was up for debate honestly. Master Windu and Tiin he could sense them drilling holes into his brow. Before they walked off. Incensed by the fact he dared question how they could do this to him. Bring him into the High Council Chamber and make a mockery of him! The Chancellor made a simple request, he hadn't asked for it. Yet, they chose to spit on Palpatine, and to do that they spit on him! His jaw hurt. He didn't know he could grit his teeth this much. He didn't know his right arm could shake as badly as it was. That volcanic mountain came to mind again. A surge of adrenaline. A want for something he couldn't place. Mostly because what it was, was molten and gone. He hated having this residual feeling!

"Care to take a walk and talk?" A shadow loomed over him. Anakin tilted his head up and saw Obi-Wan standing there.

"Talk about what?" Anakin motioned his arms out at his sides. "The fact that I've been left out? Again! The fact that I've been humiliated? Or, the fact that you didn't tell me before we got here?"

"Perhaps a little of all the above?" Obi-Wan gave quick retort. Not 'rising' to Anakin's ire. For his part Anakin scoffed and shook his head. Rising to a stand and stomping toward the turbolift. Obi-Wan at his side. Both entered it quickly. Noting everyone else had scurried off to wherever they need be. Anakin still didn't care.

"You knew. You knew they were going to do that to me!" Anakin accused as the doors closed in front of them.

"Anakin we-"

"No!" Anakin cut Obi-Wan off as they began the move down through the spire. "You don't get to tell me to calm down! You don't get to tell me that it's this or that! You didn't have the courtesy to tell me I was walking into humiliation!"

"Anakin, calm yourself. Now." Obi-Wan gave cool and pointed look. Anakin could feel himself shaking. He could sense his anger thrumming in the Force. He recoiled and loosed a breath of air. Trying so damn hard to release his anger into the Force.

"I knew you would not be made a master, yes." Obi-Wan began again after a moment of collection and silence. "The Council has its reasons. You should know the Council would not simply take what Palpatine shoved upon them."

"So, to get back at him they make a mockery of me?! They demean me?!"

"It was no so great a slight, Anakin. I understand you're angry, but don't you feel you're being a little over-dramatic?"

"Over-dramatic?!" Anakin swung his head back. "Yes, I'm being dramatic! I'm the one who should be thankful for the honor of being treated like a child! Good boy to do as the adults say! Did you know, Obi-Wan," Anakin went on, feeling he was on a roll. "Master Jorus C'baoth, you know the one?"

"The...the Master who led the Outbound Project?"

"Yeah him!" Obi-Wan's brow was furrowed as Anakin nodded. "Did you know that he bestowed the rank of Master on himself?! Did the Council do anything, anything at all to admonish him?! Did they strip him of the title and rank?! No! Why? Because he was such a good Jedi! What have I not done to deserve the same recognition?!"

"You are making a great case for that right now actually." Obi-Wan, as calm and damnably cool as ever quipped. Anakin threw his hands up. "What has been done in the past with past Jedi doesn't matter. We live here and now in the moment, Anakin."

"Don't go Qui-Gon on me right now, Obi-Wan. I don't want to hear it."

"Maybe you should want to hear it? You seem to have forgotten yourself. Look at yourself. You're seething with anger. This kind of behavior would get another Jedi sent to meditation leave on Dantooine. Or, a position in the AgriCorps. Perhaps worse even."

"Then send me off! Expel me! After all I'm a total failure of a Jedi anyways!"

"That's not what I said. You're the one projecting that onto yourself Anakin." Obi-Wan pointed towards him. "Even with everything you've done. Everything I now know; I know you're a great Jedi. A flawed man? Who isn't Anakin? But, you are a great Jedi." Anakin didn't say anything. Something deep inside of himself swelled at the praise. But, another part of him hated it. It felt wrong. Not only wrong, but just plain incorrect. He wouldn't say it out loud though. His emotions were too raw at the moment. He couldn't handle it.

The door slid open. The two of them moved out. A large hallway came into view, and the daylight took on a pronounced orange glow. The gray clouds making an opening for the time being.

"This...this…" Anakin began and began again as he stomped beside Obi-Wan. "What kind of nonsense is this even? Put me on the Council and not make me a master? It's never been done in the history of the Jedi. It's insulting!" Anakin continued with heavy breaths exhaling form his nostrils.

"Oh calm down, Anakin. You have been given a great honor. Even if it doesn't feel that way. To be on the council at your age – it's never happened before." Obi-Wan noted, pausing them near a viewport as the gray clouds briefly overtook the sun. only for it to reappear quickly thereafter.

"The fact of the matter is you are too close to the Chancellor. The council doesn't like it when he interferes in Jedi affairs." Finally a little honesty, Anakin felt. Though he could only shake his head.

"I swear to you, I didn't ask to be put on the Council."

"But it's what you wanted. That much has been made plainly clear to me." Obi-Wan's eyes widened as he nudged Anakin to continue with him down the hall. Himself being unable to say he hadn't wanted it. Obviously, like Obi-Wan had said, he had wanted to be.

"Your friendship with Chancellor Palpatine seems to have paid off."

"That has nothing to do with this."

"Be that your view. The only reason the council has approved your appointment is because the Chancellor trusts you." Obi-Wan noted. Again making Anakin at least feel like he was getting more honesty now.

"And?" He pressed his old master.

"Anakin, I am on your side. I didn't want to put you in this situation."

"What situation?" Anakin continued to more loudly press. Sensing the mood shift. Obi-Wan finally stopping and carrying them both closer to a viewport and away from any potential nearby passing Jedi. Obi-Wan's head turned down. Anakin could sense unease flowing between their long established bond. The elder Jedi sighing as he trudged nearer the viewport still.

"The Council wants you to report on all the Chancellor's dealings. They...want to know what he's up to." Silence became pregnant between them. Anakin's head tilting. Following Obi-Wan before he neared. For the second time in the last hour finding himself almost without words.

"They want me to spy on the Chancellor?" Anakin asked incredulously. "But that's treason."

"We are at war, Anakin." Came firm, quick and terse retort.

"Why didn't the Council give me this assignment when we were in session?" Anakin asked after a disbelieving shake of his head.

"This assignment is not to be on record."

"We're hiding our assignments from our own record keeping now, Obi-Wan? Can't imagine that being a problem at all." Anakin wondered sardonically.

"It's not that, Anakin."

"Then what is it?" The older Jedi sighed. Glancing left and right over his shoulders. "Some among the Council are not sure if we're being listened to."

"What?" Anakin shook his head. "By who?" He asked, but as Obi-Wan simply stared at him, the answer came. Anakin recoiling to the very notion.

"The Chancellor is not a bad man, Obi-Wan." Anakin offered. Though it sounded hollow in the moment. "He befriended me. He's watched out for me ever since I arrived here."

"That is why you must help us!" Obi-Wan sounded almost pleading. Anakin recalling how his old Master had said he didn't want to put him in this situation. Then it was the rest of them. The Council. He felt sick. He didn't know how to feel. His loyalties pulled in two directions.

"Anakin, our allegiance is to the senate, not to its leader," Obi-Wan went on. "who has managed to stay in office long after his term has expired." Anakin raised a hand. Confusion on his brow.

"Of course he has! The Senate demanded that he stay longer. Before the war, before Geonosis they could hardly agree on what color the sky of Coruscant was. He's been the only one directing them. The only one making sure the Senate prosecutes the war, Obi-Wan."

"Then he is a saint?" Obi-Wan retorted.

"No!" Anakin groaned. "I'm saying he's still in power because everyone wants him to be. It's not always a grand conspiracy, Obi-Wan! Has the Council not been paying attention to galactic affairs these past years?"

"Yes, but use your feelings, Anakin. Something is out of place!" Obi-Wan again sounded pleading. Anakin wasn't even sure if Obi-Wan believed in what he was saying. In what Anakin was saying. Anakin wasn't sure he believed anyone. Even himself! Ever since coming back from Arda it's been a mess. It made him miss the year long trek he had taken.

"You're asking me to do something against the Jedi code." Anakin sighed as he began shuffling towards the viewport. He felt like he needed air. "Against the Republic," He carried on. "Against a mentor and a friend. That's what's out of place here." Anakin turned back to Obi-Wan. Knowing a harsh manner was etched across his features. "Why are you asking this of me?" Obi-Wan did not answer at first. His Master remained staring down at nothing, before looking his way.

"The Council is asking you." Obi-Wan intoned. His manner calm as always. His brow furrowed and concerned. Anakin could not simply bring himself to think Obi-Wan didn't care. That this didn't bother him. It bothered them both. But, Obi-Wan was not the one being asked to play the part of spy. Jedi had done so before. Infiltration was not so unusual a thing. Of the Senate? Of the Supreme Chancellor? No...he couldn't recall that having ever happened before.

"What would they have done, had we not come back?" Anakin asked, turning toward the viewport.

"What?"

"The Council." Anakin answered. "What would they have done about the Chancellor if we, if I hadn't of come back from Arda?" He turned back to Obi-Wan. Unsure, and simmering anger and confusion beneath the surface. "They don't trust him. You don't trust him. That much is clear. Are we talking about removal?"

"Nobody is saying that, Anakin."

"Then what are we talking about here, Master?!" Anakin pressed coming nearer to Obi-Wan. Both of them lowering their voices, his a subdued seethe.

"Nobody is telling me anything. The Council doesn't trust me to be a master, but they trust me enough to spy on the Chancellor? I'm not good enough to be elevated to equal status but good enough to use? For my friendship?"

"The circumstances are not as easy as you want them to be, Anakin!" Obi-Wan now pressed. Folding his arms over his chest. "The Council will not simply lay down and roll over for the Chancellor. He is using every weapon he has in his arsenal to undermine the Order. Dictating who will be on the Council? Dictating how we operate and ordering himself a representative? You can't tell me that's normal, Anakin!"

"Normal? No maybe not." Anakin acquiesced. "The Council wants me to spy on the Chancellor. Desperate times and desperate measures. All of that? Well, perhaps Palpatine is thinking the same thing?! What has the Order done to breed confidence in him?"

"What does the Council owe him to prove anything!" Obi-Wan shot back. One of the rare times Anakin saw his Master become flustered. Though he was quick to rein himself in. "Like I said, Anakin. We are loyal to the Republic. Not to its leader. Not to the Chancellor."

"Are we loyal to the system of government the Republic chooses?" Anakin pressed Obi-Wan. "If we're not loyal to its chosen leadership what are we loyal to then? Policing the will of the masses, so called?"

"I never took you for one to defend the Republic's functioning, Anakin." Obi-Wan coolly noted.

"The Republic may not be what I think a stable and functioning government looks like, but it's the one we're stuck with isn't it? And, what are you even implying, Obi-Wan? What is the Council implying? We don't have to defend the Republic's system anymore? Because if that's the case what is the difference between us and the Separatists?!"

"Nobody is arguing regime change."

"It is implied!" Anakin seethed. The both of them coming to a stop as a group of Jedi passed by them. Though they appeared to pay the two of them no mind.

"Democracy, Anakin." Obi-Wan intoned. "Our allegiance is to the notion of the Republic's very democracy. Your friend, your mentor the Chancellor has broken the Republic's foundations so thoroughly. Is it wrong for the Order to be nervous? Can no one be concerned of how their government is operating if the government claims to be a democracy? Or, should we take politicians at their word?" Now it was Anakin's turn to not know what to say. Damnably Obi-Wan had a point, but it didn't sit right with him. None of this did. He still felt sick, and angry, let down and made a fool of. Now he was going to commit treason? Treason for the Council? Treason for those who disappointed him not just today but damn near every day?!

"Anakin, please." Obi-Wan clasped Anakin's right shoulder. "I wouldn't ask this of you were it up to me. The Council has asked me to ask you. Because they have no other option."

"So, I'm the last resort?"

"No." Obi-Wan shushed him. "No you're not the last resort. You're our only hope. I know this must feel wrong. It does in a way go against the Jedi Code. Though," Obi-Wan paused and shrugged. Anakin in kind giving a half scoff half laugh.

"Yeah I know. I've done plenty of breaking with the Code." Obi-Wan and him shared a subdued low chuckle.

"Regardless," Obi-Wan carried on. "The Council doesn't want to admit it...I don't want to admit it, but the truth is they're frightened. Frightened the Republic they began defending at the start of this war will not last out the end of it. Palpatine has centralized power so deeply into himself that he controls all the levers Anakin, all the functions of government! If he wanted to he could sign an Executive Order tomorrow dictating a new day of the week and the Republic would have to accept it. Most of them willingly I might add. Let's not even talk about the cult of personality he has surrounding him!" Anakin remained silent as Obi-Wan laid out his position. He couldn't fault him, Obi-Wan for it. He still didn't feel as though he owed the Council anything, but...Obi-Wan.

"Please. Help us to know what he's up to. He trusts you. Perhaps more than he trusts those cronies he wraps around his office. He confides in you. I saw it, I heard it. I've seen it. If we have nothing to fear than let us know. Only and only after you've seen it for yourself. And, if we by the slim chance do have something to fear think of it not as helping us, me or the Order if you must," Obi-Wan shook him by the shoulder catching Anakin's eyes to his own. "Think of it as safeguarding the democracy your wife holds dear." Anakin felt a ripple go through him at Obi-Wan mentioning her. He turned his eyes towards the viewport as the orange light once more ebbed and faded from the dueling gray clouds.

Anakin knew there was nothing to fear from Palpatine. He was...is a good man. He had felt it, and seen it. Unlike Obi-Wan. Unlike the others. They just didn't trust what they couldn't contr...what they didn't understand. Such a thought made his eyes narrow and a deep place within himself was sunken in an old sadness, but he buried it away. Yet, Obi-Wan...had a point. Something like one anyways. They didn't understand what Palpatine was doing so they were scared. It was nice to know they had something akin to normal feelings in their bodies. For them...no Anakin didn't think he could do it. But for Obi-Wan? For her? For Padmé? She did love the Republic. Why? Beats him. But, she did. He didn't know if she was in any way concerned about the Republic. Though if she was...could he do it for her?

"Yes." Anakin intoned.

"What?"

"Yes, alright. I'll do it. Just...give me some time." Anakin plead. "I need to think, but I'll do it." Obi-Wan searched his eyes in silence. Though he finally nodded and let go of his shoulder.

"Thank you, my friend."

"I...I need to clear my head. Maybe chat with Gandalf or the others...maybe see Padmé?"

"Do what feels best. I don't think Yoda will be leaving tonight for Kashyyyk. Tomorrow most likely. I'll report on your decision." Anakin nodded and moved to leave.

"Anakin," He paused and turned back to Obi-Wan. "Thank you. May the Force be with you, my friend." Anakin nodded. A sad smile crossing his face.

"And with you, Obi-Wan." With that he took off. He needed air. A lot of it.

---

One band of the three was a rose-golden color. Glinting the orange hue of the daylight that streamed into the apartment. It like the others was not yet complete, but the Dark Lord took a moment to admire the reflection of the witch. Admiring more the pristine mirror that allowed him to see the woman's features. He smiled and placed it down. Allowing it to cool further. Though it had cooled enough as it was.

The second he brought to his face was silver. Baring an onyx core, so it would seem. The metals of his knowledge and those from among the stars melding together. Forming noticeable 'cracks' and lines where they met and glued themselves together upon cooling. Sauron intended to have a red jewel placed within the dark heart. He felt it within himself that it would make the most sense. Be the most orderly and beautiful. Though all the rings still had several moldings yet before they would be complete of course. Like the first, he put the second ring down.

The third was a pale blue color. Forged in a mixture of iron, silver and steel that bore the hue of pale blue once the band was held to daylight. In darkness it thrummed as a glittering light of silver steel. Just as mithril. Though the blue shine thrilled and amused the Lord. Never before had he seen such a color come to fruition, but with the many metals gifted him he was able to accomplish much, and he was excited by all the possibilities. The potentialities. The third ring, he placed down beside its siblings. All the while the ring that kept his spirit in the waking world, upon the finger of the witch shone bright with the nearness of the four others. Including the first and primary one that sat nearby atop a separate table.

The door gave a chime catching Saurons attention. He tilted the head he wore. Blonde locks falling across his vision as he did so. Through the Force he could sense the other beings behind the doorway. It was a strange thing to be able to do, and even he had yet to fully understand how he did it. It seemed more a natural response as time lingered. Sauron, flicked his right hand...well the witch's hand, and the door unlatched and slid open.

"Ah, I hope I'm not interrupting anything, my Lord?"

"Nothing at all, Lord Sidious." Sauron replied and shuffled the three rings together. Turning to face the elder mortal. "I had not expected your company. Has something happened?"

"Ah, no no...well perhaps." Palpatine chuckled and closed the doorway behind himself. "I figured you and I could have another discussion? Alone of course. Don't need any unwanted ears listening to us be candid. Who knows whom else could be listening, after all?" Palpatine laughed and Sauron gave a rare nasally single laugh as he motioned to the sofa.

"Take a seat then, my Lord."

"Ah, my thanks." Palpatine smiled, pushing his robes aside as he passed Sauron and took the offered seat with a thankful sigh.

"Join me if you would?" The so called Supreme Chancellor motioned the opposing sofa. Sauron nodded and took a seat himself.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, Sidious?"

"Hmm, well to your earlier question something has indeed happened." Sauron did not ask, but instead waited for Sidious to carry on. The Sith smirked upon the silence. "I felt a pressure on my mind I had not felt since we first came into contact. When you...oh so forcefully expelled me from your presence."

"When you came to Middle-Earth, yes I remember." Sauron nodded. The eyes he bore of burning orange and the blackened slits narrowed.

"You felt such again? Though not from me…"

"Precisely my Lord." Palpatine sighed and showed a forlorn look. "I believe some from the world you come from, Arda of course," He laughed, and Sauron perceived a hint of an insult, but let it be. "I believe one of them tested me. Now, they did not use the Force, but their inherent spirit. I would guess based on my conversations with you. I could gleam a little of what I saw, though not much."

"It was a man, elder?" Sauron asked. Palpatine gave a single nod. Seeming surprised by the quickness of Sauron's deduction.

"That it was. From what I could piece together. What did you call him?"

"Gandalf he is known by some. Mithrandir others. He has held other names, but they are not of any importance." Sauron sneered. "To how were your mind and Mithrandir's linked, may I ask?"

"Ah, it's of little concern." Palpatine tried waving the matter off. "I have my mind set on many things. The Force can be used from a distance despite what some who do not use it may think. I often times...test the ability of the Jedi. To see if they can feel me through the Force. I was doing just that. Though I believe this Gandalf is visiting the temple. I can only imagine what he may be up to there?" Sauron remained silent. Eyes tilting to the veranda. Palpatine followed and saw nothing but the daylight streaming in. The Force gave the barest tinge of activity from this distant creature. Allowing Palpatine to at least guess his thoughts were running wild. Even if he could not, and for the moment dare not attempt to discern them.

"I had come hoping you may have insight." Palpatine went on as he idly flattened out his robes. "Can you imagine what may be going on in the temple?"

"Imagine?" Sauron repeated. Eyes darkening and turning back to the Chancellor. "I can imagine many things, Sidious. None of them bode well for either of us if care is not taken." Sauron warned. "Mithrandir is likely sent by the Powers. Beings like myself, but...stronger." The word seemed to make the creature seethe. For Palpatine, however, it made his brow twist upwards with interest.

"Oh? Stronger, more powerful?"

"None who would make ally with you, Sidious." That came almost as a spat, but Palpatine would not take offense to it. He had pressed him, after all. "The Valar have long been enemies of the works of Melkor, and myself. Though they have not confronted me directly they bare no love for what I do. Even if what I do be for the betterment of the world...and now beyond."

"Truly?" Palpatine chuckled. "Then they must be shortsighted."

"Narrow sighted." Sauron corrected. Though Palpatine did not see a difference. "Whatever he may have been doing he perceived you. Do you believe he was able to discern your being?"

"If you mean do I think he was able to know it was me, then no. Not that he would know who I am anyways."

"If he were to see an image of you, or meet you then he would know." Palpatine gave a small shrug.

"I don't believe I need worry about that all the same. However, what concerns me is the strength in which he was able to push at and pull me. The Force was my weapon and tool. I was able to push him back but he did give me a scare."

"Mithrandir will have used more of his strength than even I would have thought him willing then."

"His strength?" Palpatine repeated.

"The power of spirit. His natural ability to interact with the World. I discussed this with you last we met." He snapped and Palpatine raised his hands to calm him.

"Forgive me. I had not totally walked away from our last meeting understanding your ways in depth."

"No...you wouldn't have." Sauron intoned. Seeming to reel himself back in. "You've come seeking more skills in my way." A statement, not a question. One to which Palpatine smiled and nodded.

"It would appear that my end of the bargain has been held up." Palpatine rose to a stand and meandered his way towards the table lined with rings. Clasping his hands behind his back he wrapped himself in the dark side and drew on it for strength.

"These little trinkets here...these are your rings of power?"

"They are rings of power." Sauron both acknowledged and corrected. Coming to a stand beside the Sith Lord. "They are not yet ready for any use."

"Four of them." Palpatine noted. "Why four?"

"I have little reason for them yet, Sidious." Sauron waved his hand dismissively. "Once uses are known I will discern them. For now they are tools. Much as a lightsaber is a tool of both the Jedi and Sith."

"A tool without a purpose is just a thing." Palpatine chuckled. "Little more than a rock, or pebble. May as well be at least."

"Because one has a sword without anyone to stab does not a sword unmake." Sauron shot back plainly and Palpatine had to concede with a bow of his head.

"Still...I have read the reports Anakin and Obi-Wan made concerning Middle-Earth. Tell me, Dark Lord, do you think me weak enough to take one of your rings?" Palpatine smiled and eyed Sauron carefully. The Dark Lord narrowing his own gaze and tilting the head of the woman he wore.

"Do I think you're weak enough to take one?"

"Yes. See, I've read the reports and they were as thorough as one could hope from Jedi like Skywalker and Kenobi. This ring you had, the Ring of Power?" Sauron slowly nodded. "You've mentioned it several times as well. I got to thinking and rereading the reports from the Arda Campaign. And it would appear there was a supernatural property to your Ring of Power. I can only imagine that any other rings of yours would be of similar quality? Especially since I laid eyes on these trinkets I've had an unusual desire to grab one and put it on. Vanity? Perhaps, but I find it odd all the same." Palpatine explained as he moved aside from the table passing the rings without a glance. Sauron watching him the entire time.

"You see, Sauron," Palpatine went on with an exaggerated sigh. "I think you've made these rings with a purpose in mind. I won't say I know every move you have in your head, but I would imagine at least one of them is meant for my hand. I would just like to tell you that it won't work. I won't be taking one of your rings because I don't need them to accomplish my goals. However, what is of interest to me are your skills. Both with your words and your written languages. As you showed me in our last meeting." Palpatine fell into a slow circling of the stood still figure Sauron wore. Who remained watchful but unmoved.

"Now I do not wish to interfere just yet with whatever plans you have for these rings. I trust that I have made the correct assessment, and you think me not only weak but foolish enough to take one if you offered it. No...no I don't think I will. However, I've been gracious. I've allowed you to make your rings. I've allowed you to think up whatever plans you may have for 'escape.' Perhaps your trek outside your apartment has a missing piece to the puzzle that are your plans? Frankly I don't care." Palpatine paused and threw his arms up at his side.

"What I do care about are those who have no business in my affairs pushing themselves into them. This includes this Gandalf we've spoken of. Now, I don't want to presume to tell you how to do things. Nor do I want to get confrontational." He chuckled as Sauron's expression remained steely and cool. "I simply wish to be given some useful knowledge. Show me a little more of what your powers can do. Magic, whatever you want to call it. I want to know more than what I've been given."

"Do you now?" Sauron questioned. "You think you understand my plans so deeply?"

"Perhaps not every in and out, but certainly enough to know when one thinks they're smarter than me."

"I see." Sauron nodded and walked to the table. Grabbing one of the rings as he did so. "The power one can imbue in such a little thing is extraordinary. If one is willing to make the sacrifice. If one is willing to understand what they're using of themselves to make it."

"You power your rings with the knowledge you have." Palpatine stated. To which Sauron waved his hand out.

"Yes and no, Sidious. Yes and no." Sauron smirked, placing the ring down. Though Palpatine silently found the expression continuously off-putting whenever this creature made that expression.

"Very well. You wish to learn some deeper strength of the spirit then I shall teach you."

"So easily?"

"It was part of our deal, was it not?" Sauron showed what Palpatine perceived as feigned confusion as Sauron pushed past him. Bringing a twisted smirk to his own aged features.

"That it was. So, what does the Dark Lord offer to teach a willing learner such as myself?"

"First I will teach you how to resist what you call 'Magic' more effectively. Then, I shall take you down the path to what all men of great power and renown so desperately wish to know."

"Which is?" Palpatine stepped forward. Very intrigued.

"The pathway to eternal life." Sauron smiled.

Ever unsettling as it was.

---

L's Note: Hello all! I think I actually got this one done pretty quickly...comparatively. Lol. Any and all grammar issues that really upset anyone can be shot my way, but I did proofread this sucker already like last time! So, hopefully nothing too bad has gotten away from me. PLease leave a review if so inclined. Lord Kun wants to thank everyone who is a longtime and new reader for the support, especially since I have taken care of MOST of the rot that infected this account. ;)

One note I have to say though concerns the implication that Lord Kun and I NEED to focus on certain aspects of this story because the others are not important. Well, my simple answer to that notion is that if you can't see the wider picture then that is not my nor the author's problem. All stories being followed are integral and are connected whether you can or want to see it or not. Again, I recommend anyone unhappy with the direction this story is going or has taken to write your own and prove Lord Kun the weaker author. I'll wait. :)

Till the next one!

-L

Edit Note: Edited/Updated 7/6/2021