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.

22. Galactic Opera

Chapter 22

Galactic Opera

"That's quite a bit to keep secret, when you think about it." Merry shrugged. "Though you have your reasons, Anakin. Rest assured me and Pip won't speak a word of it to anyone."

"Aye!" Pippin nodded. "Though, I had heard you say as much to Obi-Wan already." Pippin noted matter-of-factly and Anakin cocked a brow curiously.

"When? Where?!"

"Oh, back before Amon Hen...a night before Boromir...well, you know." Pippin offered. His previous happy go lucky demeanor suddenly darkened some at the memory of their fallen comrade. The only lost from the Fellowship.

"Oh." Anakin simply intoned. "I...hmm. I guess me and Obi-Wan were a bit loud at that time? Though I had thought everyone else was either asleep or off…"

"I have decent ears!"

"And loose lips." Merry intoned. Catching Anakin and Gandalf's eyes.

"What was that, Meriadoc?" Gandalf asked for Anakin.

"Uh...well it's nothing. Just that Pippin had...well we were talking once and we talked about this and that." Merry procrastinated what Anakin could already sense. In response, the Jedi pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Oh Force." Anakin groaned. "Pippin told you didn't he?"

"I, well...I mean yeah." Merry admitted sheepishly while Pippin tried to shush him.

"Merry!" Pippin groaned. Anakin, turning to Gandalf could only see the wizard shake his head.

"You two hobbits still manage to surprise me!" Gandalf boomed. A subtle laugh underneath his voice as he looked to Anakin. "You as well as I know these two can hardly keep a secret between themselves, lad. Though," Gandalf raised a hand to ease Anakin. "As you can easily tell they have spoken to no one else."

"Yeah," Anakin sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. "That is true. At least I hope it's true." He turned back to the hobbits. Both of whom seemed the epitome of sheepish. "You two definitely have good ears, and loose lips." Anakin agreed. "I'm grateful you guys haven't told anyone else. Though...with you two, Gandalf, Aragorn, and Legolas...hmm." Anakin hummed. "I'm guessing very few of the Fellowship actually don't know about my marital predicament." Anakin chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. The realization only then hitting him.

"Oh, and Galadriel, if I recall." Anakin laughed again. "She directly mentioned her back at her mirror."

"A perceptive woman she can be, my friend!" Gandalf spoke up. "Though you can trust all among the Fellowship and the Lady Galadriel to keep your secrets. So long as you may choose to keep them. Against better council…" Gandalf intoned the final sentence. Anakin cast him a weary glance. Though he could hardly maintain it. He knew the wizard was right. He'd known for a while now. Keeping secrets bothered him And, there were few things other than being married that were harder to keep secret.

"Alright, well…" Anakin sighed and threw up his hands. "I guess the secret is all but out with you people. I just ask that you three don't tell anyone else. Please?" Anakin softly pleaded. To which, the hobbits nodded profusely. Merry was the first to speak up.

"Oh, don't worry about us, Anakin!"

"Aye!" Pippin agreed again. "We won't speak a word of this to anyone!" Gandalf stepped forward to that proclamation.

"I'll hold you two to that." The wizard assured with a pointed look. "Our friend's got enough on his plate, and so too do his friends and allies without two hobbits spreading rumors about."

"Rumors?" Pippin repeated. Just for Merry to elbow him in the side. "Oh, rumors! I see!" Pippin grinned. Tapping a single finger to the side of his nose knowingly. A mischievous glint also to be found in his eye.

"Well good." Anakin sighed. Though he felt through the Force for whether or not this was a bad idea. He didn't really sense much, so...he'd take that as a good sign for now. "Come along then." Anakin waved the three into the apartment proper. Threepio having been successful in his mission to retrieve his three friends from their temporary suite. The protocol droid had gone back inside to tend to the twins while Anakin made sure his visitors were in the know. Well, in the know they were! Little had he himself known.

"Welcome to Padmé's apartment." Anakin circled the floor where he walked. His arms outstretched in exaggerated show of grandeur. "I would say it's ours, but then I'd be lying. She's the one with political presence, and credits." Anakin chuckled.

"Oh my, yes this is quite a place!" Merry intoned as he gripped the collar of his rohirric tunic. The white horse of Rohan displayed elegantly atop the shirt.

"Is that a fountain I hear?! A fountain inside the uh...the apartment?!" Pippin wondered next as the four of them made their way into the main lounge. Anakin laughed and nodded. Waving his hand lazily towards it as it came into view.

"Sure is, Pippin. Right over there. I would think you would've been more impressed with the Room of a Thousand Fountains?"

"Oh, aye I was! Well...not more impressed I'd say. But, impressed for sure!" Pippin jovially went on. "It's just that those fountains seemed I don't know? Low, to the ground? Though I suppose with how high everything is here, and what you've told us everything is rather high off the actual ground?"

"You'd be right there, Pippin." Anakin smiled. "Not that'd I want any of you to, but if any of you fall you'll be falling for hours. Well, that is if you didn't hit anything on the way down." Anakin hummed thoughtfully, and playfully.

"Hit something?" Pippin wondered. "What would we hit?"

"Oh, walkways, electrical lines, speeders, offshoot exhaust vents." Anakin began, but kept his eyes pinned to the ceiling thoughtfully. "You'd likely scrape and skip your bodies along one of the spires on the way down. That's if you don't hit a jutting balcony, not to mention cables."

"Cables?" Merry repeated. A horrified curiosity to his tone. All as Gandalf shook his head at the display.

"Yeah, cables!" Anakin nodded. "Electrical wires like I mentioned before. Maybe some tow cables or wire strung between spires in the lower cities. They catch you at the falling speed and momentum they'd tear you in half!"

"Alright lad." Gandalf tapped his staff to the floor. "That's enough hobbit scaring for the time being."

"Just having a little educational fun, Gandalf!" Anakin laughed as Merry and Pippin exchanged sour expressions. Anakin swore he could've seen Pippin swallow harshly too. Alright, perhaps he had been a little too harsh. Just a little though.

"I relent." Anakin raised his hands. "Oh, Threepio!" He called to his droid companion. The whirs of his legs sounding as the golden protocol droid rounded a corner from inside the apartment.

"Yes, Master Anakin?"

"Please bring the twins out! I'd like them to meet our guests."

"Oh why of course, sir!" Threepio bowed awkwardly and turned to do his duty.

"This droid of yours is quite formal." Gandalf noted coming to a sighing sit along one of the sofas. "He speaks like one of the advisors found among the courts of the kings of men!" Gandalf chuckled.

"Yeah," Anakin agreed. "I don't really know what personality matrix I found. Especially back on Tatooine of all places! Although, it wouldn't be totally unheard of for such a piece of technology to find itself missing on that sandy dust ball." Anakin snorted. Though he could tell Gandalf found his tiny tirade amusing. Anakin could see it by the glint in the wizard's eye.

"A father." Gandalf noted somewhat absently as he studied Anakin. "Life always manages to continue on. A great source of hope for the hopeless, and the old fools alike."

"If anyone here is the bringer of hope, Gandalf," Anakin began. "It's you. Théoden, Helms Deep, what you did when the Gondorians were evacuating Osgiliath under attack from the air? Keeping Frodo's spirits up as best and as long as you could. Inspiring Sam. Inspiring Aragorn. Inspiring me!" Anakin sung the wizard's praises. Finally to the point where Gandalf waved him down. Bidding him to cease.

"You give me too much credit, my friend." Gandalf humbly rebuked. "Besides, I was merely trying to congratulate you! In an admittedly roundabout manner." To that, Anakin smirked.

"I'd sing your praises any chance I get! The Supreme Chancellor himself asked about you."

"Did he now?" Gandalf cocked a brow.

"Yep! And, I did my best to make a case for you and the rest of the delegation. He seemed interested in you."

"For what reason?" Gandalf wondered. Anakin shrugged nonchalantly.

"I think the reports I made along with Obi-Wan; as well as the clones who saw you in action back on Arda, have made him curious. It's not everyday in the galaxy someone claiming to be a wizard turns out to actually be one. And, not insane, mad, or a Jedi using...choice descriptors for themselves."

"Ah, so you're helping my reputation precede me, hmm?" Gandalf jokingly stated. Taking on a faux lordly manner and voice. Though in Anakin's eyes it rather suited the wizard. His white regalia, his well maintained beard and pearly flowing hair. His eyes which could peer into you and pierce any and all veils! Of course, Anakin grinned and shook his head as Gandalf laughed his familiar laugh. Anakin knew the wizard was the most humble being he had ever met. In fact, he'd probably be insulted or at the least disheartened were anyone to try and gift him lordly or 'worldly' titles. In his eyes though, Anakin saw Gandalf as nothing short of a hero. A true hero. One of his heroes. Anakin hoped he knew that.

"Here we are, Master Ani." Threepio announced. Catching all eyes. The two hobbits having since begun dipping their hands into the nearby fountain. Likely trailing water for Threepio to have to tend to later. "Master Luke and Mistress Leia are still rather tired, sir." The droid trotted deeper into the room. Ahead of him moved the repuslor lifted mobile. Anakin felt rather than actively placed, a wide grin across his face. Coming near as Threepio came to a stop. He peered over the side as the mobile hummed lowly and lightly motioned up and down in the air. Inside of it Anakin saw the visions of wonder. Two small bodies. Two small creatures that were of him, of their mother! It made his heart skip a second, though he hid any outward show of emotion. More from habit than feeling he needed to. Such came with being a Jedi.

"Oh my!" Merry began as he gripped the edge of the mobile and peered down. A wide smile on his ever boyish features. "They're so small. Though, hobbit babies are even tinier."

"I can imagine!" Anakin chuckled as he reached down and ran his gloved hand atop Leia's sleeping brow.

"So, twins eh?" Pippin began as he joined alongside Merry. "A boy and a girl. Luke and Leia the golden droid said?"

"Sir, my designation is C-3PO and I-"

"Oh right!" Pippin cut Threepio off. "I forgot that you erm...droids have strange names. Though I suppose it makes it all the easier you get nicknames. Does everyone call you Threepio? Or is it C-3PO?"

"Well, it is-"

"Because I'd think that calling you 'C-3PO' would get a little bit bothersome! After all it's not quite a proper name. Such as Aragorn, Legolas, or even some of the hobbit names! Belladonna Took was a fine hobbit lady she was! Married into the Baggins family with Bungo Baggins!"

"Well...that's quite fascin-"

"Bilbo of course is their son." Again Pippin cut Threepio off. Anakin couldn't help but grin. He swore somehow Threepio bore an expression of enraptured horror. For once in his droid existence it was he on the opposing side of someone who wouldn't cease their yammering. It was so good in fact, Anakin chose not to say a thing. Dear Threepio could use a little humility he thought.

"I never would've thought that Bilbo would take Frodo in, but then again I suppose nobody was asking a younger version of meself! Though I think it all worked out for the better. Few other hobbits can I say hold the same place of renown and service as Frodo. Wouldn't you agree Merry?"

"I would, Pip." Merry shook his head. Looking to Anakin with an apologetic expression.

"Alright, Pippin!" Gandalf seemed to have enough and tapped at the hobbit's legs with the butt of his staff. "By the Powers you'll talk an ear off the very stones themselves!"

"Oh, I'm sorry." Pippin rubbed his neck. "I didn't mean to carry on. Um, well anyways...it's Threepio then?"

"Well...yes it is, sir." Anakin openly laughed shaking his head as Threepio seemed all too willing to not speak. It was truly a day of miracles!

"Threepio, mind grabbing everyone a drink?"

"Why of course, sir! Right away!" He was all too eager. "What would you have, sirs?"

"Water." Anakin waved.

"Ah, I'd be fine with water myself, thank you Threepio, sir." Merry smiled kindly and Threepio tipped himself towards the hobbit in what Anakin thought seemed a thankful gesture. For you know...not talking his audioreceptors off.

"Do you have ale in this place?"

"I think this is hardly the time for ale, Peregrin Took!" Gandalf admonished.

"Ah, it's okay Gandalf." Anakin calmed. "Threepio have a courier droid go buy some Corellian ale from one of the more local shops."

"Right away, sir! And you, mister Gandalf?" Threepio probed the wizard.

"Just some tea. Your choice."

"Ah, miss Padmé has a very healthy brew of local Nubian tea. I shall work up a kettle right away, sir."

"Thank you, Threepio." Gandalf bowed his head and the droid was quick to shuffle off. Likely trying to escape Pippin before he started up again.

"He is very helpful."

"Droids tend to be, Gandalf." Anakin paused. "Well...not always, but for the most part. The Separatists have really given droids a bad taste in many peoples mouths. Not enough to stop using them of course." Anakin snorted. "Who'd wanna give up the all too willing labor?"

"And yet there is still slavery in the galaxy." Gandalf astutely recalled. "It's quite the contradiction."

"It is." Anakin darkly agreed. Though more to himself than anything. "Ahem," The Jedi made a point of trying to change the subject. "Please everyone take a seat!" He offered and shooed both Merry and Pippin away from the mobile. Happy his friends at least got to see the twins. Even if sleeping.

"They are a promise of continued life, my friend." Gandalf noted as he circled behind Anakin. The wizard coming to a stop before their mobile as Merry and Pip fought one another for a cushy portion of a nearby sofa. "I am quite happy for you."

"Thanks." Anakin smiled. "If had known these two were waiting for me alongside Padmé back on Arda I would've been an even worse mess." A dark thought then crossed his mind. "Force...I can't even imagine what may have happened it that witch or Sauron dug into my head and knew such a thing."

"Better for us all those two no longer trouble Arda, or anywhere else for that matter!" Gandalf beamed. Clanking his staff upon the ground as he leaned down and pressed his aged hand atop the brow of Luke. Anakin silently watched him. No fear within him. No concern. Anakin trusted Gandalf implicitly and explicitly. It gave him a swelling of warmth to know there was someone he could count on in such a way. A friend such as Gandalf was worth a hundred other so called 'friends.'

"Hmm, a strong lad I think you'll be." Gandalf hummed happily. Anakin could feel the Force thrum. A subtle, but lively and light thing. Luke's presence stirred, but upon reaching out and touching Gandalf through the Force his son seemed to brighten. It was a raw and primal thing. Untrained and hardly noticeable, but even one so young and untrained could sense the purity of Gandalf's calming warmth. The wizard bore a small smile as he repeated the process of placing his hand upon the brow of Leia.

"Strong willed I think this one will be! I may not have quite the gift of foresight as some, but I can guess easily enough all the same!" Gandalf laughed as Anakin beamed. Also feeling his daughter do much the same as Luke had done. Her presence lighting up, and perhaps a bit more cautious than Luke's? Anakin couldn't say, but still she beamed alongside Luke. In the depths of the Force, Anakin could sense the peace of his twins, and it made him feel an overwhelming sense of love.

"Ah," Gandalf began retracting his hand. "I do think your children will have the fire you hold lad. But, perhaps the calming dispositions of their mother?"

"I'd hope so!" Anakin grinned. "Though I didn't think you got enough of a read of Padmé in the short time you two met?"

"Come now, my lad!" Gandalf smirked. "You think I've walked all those many years among the races of Men, Elves and Dwarves without the ability to observe one's temperament?! A poor Istari I think that would make me."

"Fair point." Anakin raised his hands and led Gandalf to the sofa opposite the hobbits.

"Anakin," Merry began as the Jedi took a seat beside Gandalf.

"Yes, Merry?"

"Have you seen any folk in the galaxy like us? Hobbits I mean."

"Well…" Anakin mulled the question over. "It sort of depends on what you mean. If you mean hobbits who some would say are 'halflings' and half-men then not really."

"Oh." Merry seemed a bit disappointed.

"But, if you mean beings who are of similar if not smaller stature than yes!" Anakin smiled. "There are the ugnaughts! Not exactly the kindest people you'll ever meet. However, I have yet to meet an ugnaught that couldn't fix something for you. Piping, and ventilation shafts, mechanical failures, so on and so forth."

"What do they look like?" Pippin asked.

"Not to be so uh...direct but piggish. They are just a meter tall, or three feet, if you measure that way. Instead of our noses they have snouts. Some have long hair, and tusks too."

"Like a boar?"

"Exactly, Merry." Anakin smiled. The two hobbits eyes glowing in fascination. Gandalf chuckling at the sight.

"Let's see…" Anakin hummed thoughtfully. "Ortolans are quite interesting. At least they'd appear totally strange to those from Arda. Deep blue skins, very short, about the same size as ugnaughts. Though some can get pretty tall too. They have these big floppy ears and long snouts. Sort of like oliphants, but very blue, very small, and very intelligent. Well...some of them." Anakin shrugged. Again the hobbits seemed enraptured at whatever their minds were creating to stand in for the ortolans and ugnaughts.

"I'd sure like to see some of these folk some time." Merry spoke. "To meet them would be even more fulfilling!"

"Aye." Pippin agreed. "Though I'd expect we'd seem rather simple. Hair, ears, short. No big snouts or blue skin."

"In a way you would be sort of tame, Pippin." Anakin agreed. "Though just because you look stranger doesn't mean you're quite as fascinating as one might presume."

"Wise words, my friend." Gandalf nodded. "After all, we need only unleash our hobbit friends on this poor galaxy and I think Arda should be ostracized!"

"You're right!" Anakin and the wizard both laughed as the hobbits waved them off. A litany of scoffs and under the breath retorts following.

A dim tone sounded through the apartment catching everyone's attention. Anakin tilted his head and reached out through the Force. His brow furrowing but his smile only broadening as he sensed Padmé.

"Ani?" Her voice called into the apartment.

"We're in here! I have some guests over."

"Guests?" She repeated without being seen. Anakin rose back up quickly and moved across the room to meet her at the entrance to the apartment. Whilst his guests, in very gentlemanly a fashion, all rose to greet their hostess to be.

"Oh, hello." Padmé greeted as she came into sight. Herself as ever, a vision of beauty to Anakin. Whom ran his arm around her back and motioned his arm to the lounge.

"The twins are sleeping again. Lucky them." Anakin chuckled. "You remember Gandalf, right?"

"Of course I do!" She smiled and bowed her head. "Anakin always speaks very highly of you. And, I do enjoy the tales he tells me."

"Ah, you've said as much before, my Lady." Gandalf smiled and tipped his head much as she had. "It is an honor and pleasure to make your acquaintance for the second time. And, with full open honesty shared among friends." Padmé didn't speak for a moment. Mulling over what the wizard meant. Though, when Anakin did see it hit her, he saw her shoulders relax. Tilting her head so she looked up into his eyes he simply nodded.

"They know. We can trust them. Well, Gandalf anyways." Anakin winked. To which Padmé shook her head. Lightly chortling an airy laugh.

"Ah, don't listen to him, my Lady!" It was Merry who spoke and bowed deeply at his waist. His rohirric tunic and cloak swirling a bit as he did. "We hobbits are fine confidence keepers! At least for myself. Pippin honestly should be muzzled."

"Oi!" Pippin smacked Merry's shoulder with the back of his hand. Before he too bowed. A bit more clumsily, but earnestly. "Ah, I mean, a pleasure to see you again, my Lady!" Padmé couldn't fight the grin that came to her. Eyes lighting up at the sight of the comical duo she had met briefly shortly after the battle ended.

"I'm happy to see you two again as well!" She nodded. "I'm cheating a little, but Peregrin Took?" She noted tilting her head to Pippin. He nodded profusely.

"Aye, though just call me Pippin, my Lady!"

"Will do, Pippin." She nodded. "And, Meriadoc Bran...Brandybuck?" Anakin smiled and silently applauded her memory. As Merry grinned and bowed again.

"At your service, my Lady! Though you can call me Merry."

"The dynamic duo." Anakin sardonically declared.

"Hmph!" Gandalf scoffed. "Dynamic. More fittingly said they're the 'Devious Duo,' my Lady."

"What does that mean, Gandalf?" Pippin asked.

"It means you two are the most prone of all my hobbit friends and acquaintances of getting yourselves into trouble!" Gandalf tapped his staff to the floor.

"I think he has us there, Pip." Merry grinned.

"Aye, perhaps." Pippin relented. "Though we always work it out in the end!" Pip declared folding his arms over his chest.

"My, everything you've said about them is true." Padmé laughed loud enough for all to hear. Both Merry and Pip turned to that.

"What's he said, my Lady?!"

"Probably little to our accomplishments I'd say Merry."

"You're right. Probably eating up all the hard work done over the quest to destroy the Ring for himself!" Merry and Pip prodded Anakin. In kind the Jedi scoffed and waved them off.

"You two are ridiculous. Besides, my wife knows how great, wondrous, amazing, and powerful a hero I am!"

"Oh please." Padmé pushed passed him. Much to the humor of all gathered. "I'm happy Anakin brought you three over! Can I get you anything or-"

"No." Anakin firmly answered for them. Passing by Padmé now, and gazing into the mobile to see the twins shuffle in their sleep despite the talking. "I have Threepio working on that part, Padmé. Although," Anakin continued. "Why are you here? I thought this morning was gonna be a busy one?"

"It has been already, Ani." Padmé sighed, and took a seat on a lounge chair looking out toward the veranda. The hobbits on the sofa to her right and Gandalf on the left.

"Has it?" Anakin wondered. "I've not been on the HoloNet the rest of the morning."

"It has." Padmé nodded. Eyes averting in distant thought for a moment. "The Chancellor called for a vote requiring the Senate to rewrite the ancient treaties with the Order. He wanted to 'expedite' the process in which prisoners are transferred from Jedi oversight to the Republic."

"That…" Anakin began. His mind aflutter with sudden renewed thoughts about the growing tension between his Order and his friend. "That sounds...upsetting. To a lot of people I'm sure." He decided to take the more Obi-Wan like diplomatic approach. Padmé in turn nodded.

"Luckily the bill was moved back into committee. In no small part because of efforts made by Bail. More luck than anything was on our side, I'd say."

"Ah, then you have reason to celebrate, my Lady!" Gandalf offered though Anakin wondered if the wizard truly understood every aspect of how the Senate worked. Though, he was sure Gandalf could understand it quicker than more so...who knew?

"Thank you, Gandalf sir." Padmé smiled but turned to look at Anakin again. "The Senate has entered recess for the rest of the day, so I figured I'd come have lunch at home with my adoring husband. Although I see I'm unwanted." She teased him, but still Anakin felt a rush enter him.

"No! Of course you're wanted." He laughed as she cast coy and feigned glare his way. "I just didn't know why."

"You shouldn't be so inhospitable, Anakin!" Pippin now chimed in. Himself leaned back into the sofa with hands behind his head. "You invite us over, and so rudely make us wait for drinks. Then, your very kind and accommodating wife comes back and all you do is ask her why? Rather shameful if ya' ask a simple hobbit as meself.'"

"I didn't-" Anakin began.

"I think you're right, Pip." Merry grinned. "Anakin has always been a bit too quick to do, and not so big on the whole planning thing."

"My, you do know my husband!" Padmé laughed which brought about a bout from all save Anakin who waved them off dismissively.

"As if I'm gonna allow myself to be taught in the 'fine arts' of hosting by hobbits! Let alone you two."

"Ah, and in that way, your husband is smart, my Lady." Gandalf offered and again everyone laughed. Even the hobbits. As Threepio announced himself returning from the kitchen with the shuffle of his gears. A platter in his hands.

Anakin watched the whole affair and couldn't help but smile. Feeling a measure of content he...well he hadn't known possible. Friends, and family all in one place. His twins, his wife, and his dearest if newer friends. Well, some. He hoped one day to have them all over in some capacity!

"I've heard of a world, my Lady. I think its name is Naboo." Anakin heard Gandalf begin. Astute with good memory as ever. "Anakin has mentioned it before, and by reputation alone it sounds quite the place. You are from there, no?"

"I am!" She cheerily beamed. "It's a beautiful world. Though I've heard Arda is quite wondrous itself.

"Aye!" Merry noted as he took his cup from Threepio. "Quite beautiful, my Lady. At least as far as a hobbit's opinion may be worthy of thought."

"Don't be so humble!" Padmé bowed her head. "It carries incredible weight here, Merry."

"Thank you, my Lady." Anakin saw him blush. He couldn't blame him. Padmé certainly had that affect on him too. Everyday in fact.

"Perhaps you and your delegation would like to see Naboo?" Padmé offered. "Not simply by holovid or recording, but actually in person? I don't know when you'd be available, but I'd certainly like nothing more than to welcome new friends to Naboo for a tour. It's far less...loud than Coruscant."

"So I've heard." Gandalf chuckled. "Should time allow it I think myself and the rest of the delegation would like nothing more!"

"Should really bring Legolas along." Anakin offered liking Padmé's idea. "I would say Aragorn and the others, but I'm sure he's too busy being a King."

"I can imagine, Ani." Padmé chuckled.

"Oh right."

"What?" Pippin wondered. Padmé smiled and directed herself towards him.

"I was once elected Queen of Naboo. It's a tradition somewhat more recent. To elect a monarch to a term of service. But, it has thus far worked for Naboo. Can't say it wasn't...interesting." She eyed Anakin and he merely smirked.

"Queen of an entire planet?!" Merry gasped. "Now that is quite the responsibility."

"It was." Padmé agreed. "One that I was both sad and happy to leave behind. Though, becoming Senator, representing an entire galactic sector certainly keeps me busy."

"Oh I can imagine." Pippin nodded. "But um...what's a sector?"

"Oh Force." Anakin intoned as Gandalf was quite besides himself as Padmé began to explain. A redness to her face of mirth.

Yes, Anakin quite enjoyed this feeling. Felt like...living.

---

"What do you mean the Chancellor called?!" Arsuna demanded. A heavy breath to her demeanor and her eyes wide in a way Taruk Koll was likely unused to seeing. His blue holographic form shrugged in a manner that told the young pantoran that he was just as confused as her.

"He called my comlink earlier. He wanted me to gather information. Well, lore and tomes and whatever else concerning the local peoples of the planet. He said something along the lines of desiring cultural input for his upcoming meeting with the delegation. Though perhaps he is simply intrigued by the locals? The elves from what little I know are...fascinating if nothing else." Taruk supposed for her, but Arsuna couldn't shake the unease that now twisted in the core of her stomach. Her natural blue features twisting into a scowl as she paced where she stood.

"If he gets a little too invested in that backwater he could very well jeopardize everything you, and by extension I've been working towards! The Chancellor is not a man to be so easily bought off or moved to action on behalf of myself or SipTrade, Koll!"

"You think I don't know that, my Lady?" Taruk asked sarcastically. "You think I haven't had time to wonder why the Supreme Chancellor called me personally? To ask for copies of local lore and written works? But, you know what?"

"What?!" Arsuna demanded with a flail of her slender arms back. Her sudden bout of anger fueled by fear even throwing Taruk off. "What?" She repeated having caught her own display. Reeling herself back into a more emotionless and controlled posture.

"I...well I was going to say that maybe we shouldn't think too hard on this." Taruk offered. The portly man eyeing her demeanor as Arsuna was sure she seemed somewhat...disjointed.

"Speak plainly Koll. I haven't the time nor energy to infer." She sighed, lightly planting a forefinger into her right temple and rubbing small furious circles into it.

"Okay," He cleared his throat. "Maybe the Chancellor just has a genuine interest in the planet? I'm compiling the tomes and the histories so on and so forth. He's a complex man, the Chancellor, and a politician. No politician worth his salt would go into a meeting or political summit of any sort without doing some prep work beforehand. I will send him the copies of everything I'm allowed access to here from the Minas Tirith archives, and he will be pleased and be on his way ruling the Galactic Republic." Taruk supposed some more. Taking the clearly more optimistic route.

"You'd better be right, Koll. The last thing we need is anyone from the Chancellor's circle digging into the finer details of your 'work.'" Arsuna intoned and averted her gaze in thought. "Did he specify anything in particular?"

"He did make mention of elvish histories and lore." Taruk nodded. "I assume since they make up the bulk of the delegation's team he wants more in depth awareness of their history. As he inferred himself, it is a very astute play to know your political guest's culture and history. It allows you to either bond with them or throw them off balance with what you know."

"Yes." Arsuna mutely acknowledged. Seeming distracted to Taruk. The pantoran woman looked down her hall where a figure stood waiting for her attention. She nodded seemingly to herself as the figure remained unmoved. Yet, Arsuna had a thought cross her mind she could only assume came from their presence.

"I want you to make two copies, Koll. Should be easy enough. Send one to the Chancellor, of course. The other comes my way." She paused before speaking again. "Best if I could see a pattern to any research he may be conducting. To safeguard against any potential deeper dive into Arda."

"Sure, wouldn't be of any issue, my Lady." Taruk tilted his head.

"Good. Keep me up to speed. I want to know when Amdirniel gets back to you. And when our cargo arrives."

"Of course." Taruk again bowed.

"That's all for now, Koll. Best not to keep the Chancellor waiting." Arsuna cut the feed and his figure faded from sight. She sighed and turned back to face the hallway.

"Before you use any of your Jedi wizardry nonsense to leave clues or thoughts in my head, ask." Arsuna pointed as her new...friend came into the light.

"It was hardly an invasion of the mind, my Lady. My master would be most grateful to know what it is Chancellor Palpatine finds so intriguing with Arda."

"And why is that?"

"Unknown, even to me." The Jedi; if Arsuna could even call this bizarrely mannered woman that, intoned truthfully. Well Arsuna felt it to be truthful. But, her father had long ago taught her to always be suspicious in the presence of Jedi or those like the Jedi. Be suspicious even of your own thoughts and actions. Especially if sudden or unusual. She'd like to think she had some manner of protection against the so called Jedi mind trick and influence.

"Regardless, don't go prying your claws into my head, Jedi."

"Noted." She intoned. Arsuna sighed and looked out the veranda entrance. The daylight of Coruscant beaming in and causing her to cast a glance to her chrono.

"Kriff, I need to meet with some of higher ups in the Survey Corps. I'll need to head out." Arsuna informed. "I assume the provided room is satisfactory?"

"It is. Though as I said, it is unnecessary." The Jedi replied. After their initial meeting, Arsuna had chosen to offer the woman, who seemed dirty and worse for wear, a room in her suite. Obviously a ways away from her own quarters and this was hardly her only residence on Coruscant. The Jedi had seemed only momentarily unsure what to say to the offer before assuring Arsuna she hadn't needed one. However, Arsuna wanted her close. Especially if her intel proved to be genuine. Plus, she was a Jedi, or whatever the opposite was called...Sith? Whatever. There was little chance little old Arsuna could hurt her, so why not? Besides, it gave Arsuna the chance to keep an eye on her. Who knows? Maybe she could find some use for her besides her 'master's' knowledge, or claimed knowledge, of Arda. In the end, she accepted, and had been quietly holed up in the room since. Until now.

"Maybe it's unnecessary, but it's only polite." Arsuna smiled.

"You don't do it out of kindness. You do it because you seek to gain from me. My Lord's knowledge. You perhaps even seek to take me prisoner? It'll serve no purpose for you." The Jedi intoned and Arsuna raised her hands.

"I learned that threatening you is a bit moot. Use the room, or don't. I can't stop you and I won't sic Jaythree on you. That hulking droid is an important memento from childhood." Arsuna faked a small laugh as she continued feigning interest in small talk. Even she knew it wasn't genuine. Honestly she didn't know what compelled her to try and talk with this woman. Perhaps she was just uneasy by her...gloomy appearance? Arsuna wasn't sure.

"Ah, anyways…" Arsuna trailed as the doorway slid open behind the Jedi revealing Jaythree.

"Mistress, your speeder is waiting you."

"Thank you, Jaythree." Arsuna smiled towards the Jedi. "Please, use my home as if it were your own. I'll return later today. Hopefully when I do you'll still be here."

"To what end?" The Jedi asked simply.

"Well, among other reasons, should news come my way that your Master's information is good I'd like to coordinate. What I own, what you and he have promised. So on and so forth. And, who knows?!" Again, Arsuna laughed. "This could be the start of a beautiful friendship!"

"I doubt that." The Jedi smiled a thin and somewhat unsettling line of a smile. Nonetheless, Arsuna kept her composure and chuckled. Moving past her and made off with Jaythree. Leaving the Jedi to ruminate in the low rumbling silence of her quite comfortable and lofty suite.

As Arsuna left the room Serra felt a painful pang hit her mind. The Force rippled through her and she felt the insinuation of her Lord from afar. Not quite as direct and clear as communicating through one of his beasts, but she could discern his will when applied correctly through their bond.

"Yes Lord." She intoned to herself. She would stay, and enjoy the 'hospitality' of Lady Sipillona.

Then, her comlink began beeping. She grasped at it and looked at the incoming signal address. Eyes widened barely noticeable to anyone else. This was bound to be a very important call, for Serra and her Lord. She was more than sure of it. She just needed a quiet place. One without the potential ears of the pantoran woman left in her wake.

---

Grievous silently watched his holoterminal. As silent as he could be. As the sound of his metallic talons pushing off and falling back upon the metal floor sounded with every step. He was pacing and had been for perhaps...an hour? Perhaps even longer. He had not been keeping watch of the time as it raced him by. The room, the same personal office he had been using only held himself and his two magnaguards. The scenery the same, the nearby viewport looking out over a deck where droids moved about their duties in silent programmed focus. Meanwhile, the interior was a bit changed. Owed to the gashes, and holes leveled into the walls and the floor where he had beat his ever present rage out following his decision to finally learn the truth. As to what truth, he could never have expected to find what he had found. Never had he imagined himself to have been so utterly used, foolish and naive!

Grievous felt his hands tighten together. Both clasped behind his back as he paced. Eyes glowering upon the holoterminal. As though he were a predator deep within the overgrowth of Kalee. Eyeing a would be predator or challenger. What irked him though was something far more mundane. A challenge had been issued in his mind to himself. On whether or not he would make a call he felt...necessary. Necessary to make? Necessary to satiate his pride, his ego, or his own simple curiosity? He wasn't sure of. Though he did feel a strange sense of obligation.

After all, the unknown voice had been the one to prompt him to investigate into his past. His anger being a major factor of course. Grievous couldn't deny, however, that he would likely have never made such a decision without having something, or someone to push them into doing it. Whether that was their goal or not? He couldn't know. Now though, as he stared at the holoterminal, he did feel some unease. Which was why he was pacing. Why he felt a strange constriction shake his metallic form like that of nerves frayed by the weight of agitation and disquiet.

Even now, even after committing what could be called nothing less than a coup upon the Confederacy and its leadership, Grievous still felt as though his thoughts were taboo. Dooku was captured, and better for the old fool! Lest Grievous be given a chance to end him for his part in the great treachery! The Council? They are nothing but sycophantic vampires that suck the power, and credits of all they come into contact with for their own fattening. Both of pockets and of control. Petty dictators with nothing to dictate towards, and Grievous did find something morbidly hilarious in that.

It was Sidious. The man had come to the General's mind many times since he had made the choice to look at documents he had not needed to see before. Again when he had made the choice to find San Hill, and again when in the heat of another moment he ran his talons into soft muun flesh. Every stab and cut, and burrowing fist made into Hill and Poggle brought Lord Sidious to mind. Brought forth every time a second's pause filtered through Grievous. Only to then be once again overridden by his rage, and his need to know what was being hidden! And, once it was revealed his wrath had been unleashed without regard for his dark benefactor. Sidious could not matter anymore. Grievous had crossed a line.

Now everything was different. Not entirely different perhaps, but different in his mind certainly. Grievous had made the declaration before the Separatist Council that he, not Sidious was in command, and in all reality he certainly was. For all his power, all his tactical command and control, and all that which he exerted upon Dooku, the Council and even Grievous himself, Sidious had never been given official command of the Confederacy. No official role, nor title. No command instructions or master droid control unit. No power over the government...what little there was, and no authority over the military. Neither apparatus knew the mysterious creature was. However, there was one thing Grievous knew Sidious had been given. He had been given all the details on his disfigurement. All the details on how he was a tool crafted by Hill for his and Dooku's personal use! Were there official documents and communication intercepts? No, had Hill ever mad mention of what Sidious had known? No, but Poggle? Oh, that memory made Grievous shiver in his rage.

For, as Grievous pounded his fist into that old geonosian fool's face for the first...or second time? He couldn't remember. Either way, as he had done so Poggle screamed about how much he had told Dooku. Screamed that the Council mostly knew, and screamed that Grievous should talk to Sidious. No, actually Poggle pleaded, and begged like a stuck kath hound for the General to call Lord Sidious. Because Sidious 'would be able to answer him.' Now, to what degree did Sidious know? Grievous could not say and he knew attempting to ask that Sith would be fruitless. In fact, Sidious may have been cunning enough to twist his own actions or inaction in the matter to his benefit? Grievous swore to never give him the chance. He was through with him.

Yet, the robed figure still had some measure of control over him. Gave him pause to his actions, or the actions he wanted to make. The taboo of it, and the feeling like a child about to break a parent's rule stung in his mind. It even made the General question if this had something to do with the alterations made to his mind? Had the Council made it harder for him to rebel?! No...no that couldn't be true. Or, at least not as true as they may have wanted? After all, he had butchered, and happily so, two of their number. No, Grievous had to admit it to himself within the ambient lonesome of his mind. He felt as though he were betraying a being he should feel no loyalty to any longer. It was still not quite so easy.

Grievous came to a stop. Thudding his foot down and growling. Tensing his hands harder against one another within the intertwined palms. Turning to squarely appraise the holoterminal. Mounting his spirit within himself. Shaking his head, the whir of servos sounding. He needed to do this, and truthfully he wanted to do this! He had to know...just whom had given him the push to take the leaps he had now taken? What had they known? When?! To that too he deserved answers, and he would have them!

So he steeled himself. Grievous took a few pounding strides ahead and keyed the console with the channel code that he had received before. Having saved it within his console for...well he didn't know why he had but he had. His bony finger paused above the button to send the call. Eyes narrowed and the final leap was at hand.

"Leave me." He called over shoulder, and the guards silently moved out of the room. The doorway sliding open and closed swiftly. Before Grievous then snapped his finger down. He took a step back, watched the console light up and prepare to show an image, whatever that may be, above the table apparatus. The beeping of the call pulsated rhythmically, and for a few moments. It left him in bated anticipation. Eyes darting back and forth. A thrum of concern or fear cascading through his body and mind. Why was it taking so long? Did the being who called still use this channel? Had it all been a ploy perhaps?! Was he being test-

Just then the console made a new sound and Grievous snapped to attention. The blue streams rising from the table top circled outwards and within another moment an image came to be. It was as before. A mesh of lines and warbling movement showing no discernible shape or visage of a sentient. It danced like a cluttered mess of static lines fighting one another for formulation in the center of the table.

"General," The distorted voice began with a rumble. "I had not thought you to contact me so soon. Perhaps not at all."

"And why is that?" Grievous began with a question.

"We dared to think you comfortable enough as a puppet to contact your master and report our last communication. Though we are pleased you have shown yourself to be not quite so gullible as some may think."

"Perhaps not. Though if I were you I'd watch your tone." Grievous gravely warned. The shape showing no expression of emotion. Leaving the General having to assume their reaction rather than see it.

"Calm yourself, General." It did not seem phased. "We mean no insult. Such petty exchanges waste time when there is much work in need of doing. We dare not presume how much or how little time remains, but time all the same is of chief currency."

"What are you talking about?" Grievous prodded.

"That is our secret to keep." The voice dismissed him. "Unless of course, you show yourself an ally rather than a being let off the chain. A predator let loose in the city may be useful for the chaos they unleash, but a predator with direction may be of prime consequence."

"So, you seek to use me just as Sidious, Dooku and the rest have?!"

"I have used you already, General." The voice simply replied and Grievous felt his eyes narrow angrily. "Though I have the strength of will and power of conviction to admit as such. It has proven to be a good gamble. Though, now that you have taken the steps to return my call I should ask...what is it that led to this call?" They wondered and Grievous turned his head away. Thoughtful on just what he should say, or how much he should share? A part of him was still unsure of this being, whomever or whatever they may be was to be so readily trusted. Though, he had already done much this day and the days prior to make any reservations rather moot come the hour.

"I looked into how I cam into the service of the Confederacy." Grievous began slowly. The voice making no sound to interrupt or prompt him. "I have learned much. I was betrayed, used!" He struggled to contain the anger, and rolled his mechanical shoulders in poor attempt to do so. "These fools in the Council, they had me turned into this! They had lied to me, tricked me into thinking that all this time I had been the victim of an attack perpetrated by the Jedi and their Republic! They saw my potential, at least one of them had and-"

"And they turned you into a finely crafted weapon." The voice finished for him. Correctly so as well. Though it was not so difficult a conclusion to come to.

"How had you come to know this?" Grievous pressed. The undulation of a restrained threat in his tone as he took a single step nearer to the terminal.

"I hadn't known anything, General. What I had known was that you were a pawn. A puppet as I told you during our last interaction. I gave you strength, for few puppets are given knowledge that they are being pulled by strings. It was you, and your action, your own strength. You sought out how you were made a puppet, and you found the point where they stapled the strings onto you, so to speak. You should commend yourself for finding such out."

"You mean you didn't know anything?" Grievous pressed again. "I currently have quite a few wretches locked in their rooms who claim the same lack of knowledge."

"You presume I have been in the council of those who have made you their pawn." The voice retorted simply. "Your friend Dooku was taken captive. His ally, Sidious...his reaction to the capture of Dooku is telling is it not?" The voice intoned and Grievous said nothing. They were right.

"Sidious gave up on Dooku so easily, and actions have been taken across Coruscant and the Republic to rile the masses against the Jedi hold of Dooku have they not?"

"They have." Grievous nodded. Having seen the reports issued from both the HoloNet and spies across the Republic. "What does that have to do with Sidious?"

"Who do you think has the power to make what would seemingly be a normal function of the Jedi Order a political fiasco?" The voice offered quite confidently. "Sidious was the one to orchestrate the attack on Coruscant. So as I have been led to believe. Is that true?"

"It is." Grievous nodded. Finding any need to lie even more moot by the moment.

"Sidious planned for the operation on Coruscant. You, your armies and fleet played your parts to the letter. However, Dooku was captured. Dooku has been captured in the past?"

"Yes."

"He has escaped or been rescued before?"

"He has." Grievous nodded again.

"Then how is this any different? Perhaps he is in the care of the Jedi Order, but they have proven themselves fallible in the past, no?"

"What is your point?" Grievous growled even as the logic began stewing within his mind.

"Sidious does not want Dooku rescued because he is no longer of any worth to him. Sidious has orchestrated this political showdown within the government of the Republic to have Dooku transferred to the care of the Republic. The Jedi, as we are all led to believe, do not kill their prisoners. However, the Galactic Republic has shown no such restraint where criminals of Dooku's caliber are concerned."

"Sidious wants him executed by the Republic!" Grievous announced. The reality of what the voice said seeming so obvious, and shockingly right in Grievous' mind! "That weak treacherous Sith! He doesn't have the will to kill Dooku himself!"

"Perhaps." The voice remained calm. "Or, perhaps because he has no use for Dooku, Sidious has chosen to have another do his dirty work for him? Lord Sidious is many things, General. Lazy is not one I would apply. Nor is he a coward. He is shrewd. Why confront another where the odds may be evenly split, when you can marshal an army or an entire nation to assail your enemy? Allow your enemies both real or perceived to destroy one another. Then pick the bones as you see fit."

"The Confederacy...the war..."

"Yes, General." The voice now sounded pleased. "Now you begin to understand."

"How...all of it...all of it for-"

"For his own gains." The voice finished. "Sidious is not a threat taken lightly. This creature will make dead men of all his pawns before he sees his position weakened or plans altered beyond his ability to control."

"I am firmly out of his control!" Grievous declared with a raised fist that sounded with grinding metal upon metal.

"Yes, that much is clear. However, he does not yet know this." The voice intoned lowly, a hint of guile in the way it spoke. Grievous tilted his head. The realization dawning on him as well.

"No...no he doesn't know. Not yet."

"Yes. In that way we have the advantage. Sidious should be made to feel he is still in control, until there can be no more room for deception." The voice went on, but Grievous narrowed his eyes again.

"You speak as though I am in league with you. As though we have become partners. But, I haven't been told of any agreement. I've not agreed to any arrangement yet!"

"Trust me, General, I have made no assumption." It answered calmly. "However, you must admit we both find ourselves on a very similar path."

"And what path is that?"

"The removal of Sidious from his position of power. Excise the being that imposes his will upon the galaxy through his intermediaries and the galaxy suddenly becomes far more malleable."

"So," Grievous began. "You want me to cast off the shackles...the strings of Sidious. Just to become your pawn?!" Grievous threw his arm out. Accentuating his dissatisfaction at such an idea.

"I may be using you, General, but you are also using me." The voice began again. Damnably calm as ever. "We need not be enemies, and I would rather we work together."

"To what end?" Grievous pressed. Fully shed of all past trepidation. "I have control of the entire Confederacy! I could rain death and destruction upon the Republic! My armies are the greatest by sheer number the galaxy has ever seen! The fleets are equally beyond compare and the yards of the Republic cannot hope to keep up!"

"You're anticipating every sector, system and world within your nascent fiefdom will remain loyal." The voice countered. "Despite what you may think, Dooku and that feckless Council are the glue holding your government together. Your armies will be pressed to put down rebellion across the regions you control, and the Republic. The galaxy sees you as a monster, General. A beast and warlord with only the droids to command. Even they can be subverted, reprogrammed and set upon you."

"Could." Grievous corrected with one word. "They could be."

"I admire your determination, General." The voice sounded sincere. Well, as far as Grievous could discern. "However, I have plans. Not just plans for the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Plans and dreams for the galaxy entire. War has its place, and it will play a part. However, there are many strings that will be severed if and when Sidious should be dealt with. Chaos will rear its head across the galaxy, and the house must be put in order. The Confederacy will need time and energy placed squarely upon that matter. While the Republic will fester in its seeming decay. I have seen it, heard its whispers."

"Why not crush the Republic now then?! Crush them and tend to the rebellions and chaos you presume after it is fallen!" Grievous countered. Catching himself sounding as he had under Sidious. Requesting orders...confirmation. It made him feel momentarily weak, but this voice...it did have a presence to it. It was honest in how it...they were using him. And he could see the opposing view that he was himself using them in kind.

"It is a viable option, General." The voice conceded. "However, there are many known unknowns in this galaxy. There is nothing but time at our disposal once we have Sidious where we need him. For that to be, I would hope we could come to work together."

"What am I to gain out of it?"

"Much, General." The voice confidently retorted, and quickly at that. "The Confederacy must be stabilized and rule of it solidified. You may rule it, General, but I have the distinct sense you're not one to rule over a galactic government. Not because you couldn't. Rather, it is a boring affair for a warrior such as yourself."

"Trying to flatter me?" Grievous probed suspiciously, but the voice loosed a single chuckle.

"Hardly. I merely mean to say there is much I can offer one such as you. I appreciate your skill and your abilities. I see potential, and a future where Sidious sees a pawn he is now ready to cast aside. Though do not presume me powerless, General." Grievous noted the subtle dip in tone of the voice. A sudden seriousness to it. "Do not take my offer of alliance to mean I am weak, or incapable. You are a being of great use, of great resourcefulness. I freely admit to desiring to use your access to your Confederacy and your strengths. Where you are lacking whether you want to admit such, I can help you fill the gaps."

"Then you're a politician?"

"Of a kind." The voice simply retorted.

"Then what is this 'we' and 'we're' fit in?" Grievous threw back. "You've slipped more than once in that regard. You're not just one."

"I speak as one. For now. It is safer this way. Better for myself and for you we remain in the shadows. The playground of Sidious so he assumes. Yet, more he is drawn into the spotlight and soon he will forget the shadows. In that way I am at great advantage. Much as you have now become." As the voice noted Grievous remained silent. Turning his head down and away in thought. Not truly focusing on one thought in particular. Rather, there was so much that could be done, and had to be done. Were he to so blatantly and openly break with Sidious. There were...well known unknowns to parrot the voice. Though his likely differed from this being and its nascent cabal.

"Vengeance upon Sidious will come. But, with time, General." The voice carried on without prompt. Pulling Grievous' eyes back to the shimmering image that stood in for the being.

"What...in theory would be the first step in this 'alliance?'" Grievous wondered tilting his head.

"I would need to know what Sidious has commanded of you lately. His recent commands will be the most important towards understanding his moves. As well, what the position of the Council is."

"Who lives?" Grievous chuckled mostly to himself.

"Yes." Came simple and seemingly understanding reply.

There was much for Grievous to consider. Much he still had left to wonder. Who or what the voice was? Where they were. What was their or its end goal? Yet, his shame, and his dishonor was not something lightly cast aside. Used not only by the Council, but Dooku and Sidious both! The General could not deny the desire for revenge. At least not for long. Be it the changes these cretins had done to his mind, or his own personality he didn't know. What he did know was that he no longer served Sidious, but he admittedly had little direction. He had his armada, his armies, his galactic nation, but...did he honestly wish to govern as a dictator? A president, a premier, a chancellor?!

BAH! No, such was not for him. Dooku was the political figurehead. The army was his, and the war was his. He was, and is a warrior! In that way, and in others this being had a point. The General had to admit, for good or ill he was drawn to the proposition. Though, he was sure he needed to be careful. He would not allow another to simply become what Sidious and Dooku had been. Masters with invisible whips!

"I…" Grievous began. The words catching for an instant. The final barrier of his prior loyalties resisting as a dam. But, the tides were far too great. Again, the General steeled himself and the dam...the dam he let burst.

"I am to move the Separatist Council to the world of Mustafar."

"When will this happen?" The voice wondered without need of further prompt.

"In a day or two. It depends on the Republic fleet's activity."

"What about your own fleet?"

"The system I'm in doesn't have a fleet nearby." Grievous informed. "To better conceal our presence, Lord Sidious thought it best to remove any naval force. The control ship is on-world. Along with an adequate army of battle droids.

"A flank purposefully left unguarded…" The voice intoned, and Grievous clearly heard, but did not prod them to repeat.

"We have much to discuss, General. Tell me everything you can." To that Grievous nodded. The blue of the holoterminal's projection shining across his face. He began to detail Utapau, the army, the fleet, what he had done with the Council.

He was not constrained by any sense of loyalty to what had been before. Nor would he ever be again.

---

The LAAT whirled through the open air of Coruscant finding its way quickly into a streaming lane of airspeeders along one of many intricately placed arteries sprawled across the city world. Obi-Wan sat silently for the moment. Having volunteered himself to go see Master Yoda off as he headed for the task force brought together to relieve the wookiees now under intense siege by the Separatists. His mind, as usual nowadays was teaming with thoughts of politics, subterfuge. And what some would call treachery. Though who was committing treason? Obi-Wan didn't quite know. Nor did he know for whom anyone committing treason was committing such for whom, and what order or government? Perhaps he had become accustomed to the 'simplicity' of Arda's politics. Or, at least the distinction of who was good and who was evil. Who was in the right and whom was in the wrong. Though, perhaps even for that he was simplifying times not too long ago for the dreariness of the here and now? Qui-Gon's voice jumped into his head. Reminding him to stay centered in the here and now. He needed such guidance in times such as these.

"Hmm, much on your mind, Obi-Wan." The diminutive green Grand Master caught Obi-Wan in thought. For his part he could only give a terse nod.

"Yes, Master. My mind is on...many things."

"Trouble you these thoughts do." A statement, not a question.

"Yes, Master."

"Hmm, a terrible cost this war has demanded of us all." Yoda declared catching Mace's attention. He had been peering mindlessly out the open doorway of the gunship. Having also volunteered himself to see Master Yoda away. "Troubled minds, breed troubled thoughts and troubled acts they do. Careful to heed such things when they arise, Master Obi-Wan."

"Of course, Master. Nothing quite so crazy has entered my mind." Obi-Wan chuckled and Yoda joined him for a moment. Though, even that was hard to maintain as Obi-Wan felt his features lower once more. Idly twisting his right hand within his robes. A stray thought entering his mind regarding his old pupil that was compelled seemingly by a force beyond him to exit his mouth.

"Anakin did not take to his new assignment with much enthusiasm." To that Obi-Wan could sense a guarded shift in his two companions. Though Mace had turned his face back outwards he spoke up.

"It's very dangerous, putting them together." Mace intoned further as Obi-Wan watched Yoda rub his brow in a rather...tired manner. A rare sight for one like Master Yoda, and Obi-Wan didn't blame him. These days were hard on everyone.

"I don't think the boy can handle it. I don't trust him." Mace finished. Obi-Wan felt his brow crease and for a second he was thrown off. It was rare for Mace to be so blunt. It was no secret he held this constant air of suspicion around anyone and everyone that did not conform to a very narrow galactic view Mace held. Though to be so open about it? That felt a bit new. Especially since deep inside Obi-Wan felt a pang of contrition stab at him. Anakin was his padawan, his friend and brother. He had seen him do many wonderful things and things no other Jedi could do or had done! Not just for the Order but for the galaxy and Republic as a whole. Mace had seen them, read of them. Who was he to pass judgment on Anakin? For simply not liking the prospect of spying on someone he considered a personal friend? Even disregarding how that relationship was in question within Obi-Wan's mind as well.

"With all due respect, Master," Obi-Wan began, controlling his tone and catching Mace's gaze. "Is he not the Chosen One? Is he not to destroy the Sith and bring balance to the Force?"

"So the Prophecy says." Mace's face showed a brutal simplistic and deeply earnest summation of his own thoughts on that. Obi-Wan did not dare allow his emotions show. Mace may have been at his heart a good man and Jedi, but here, as he had been when Qui-Gon had first brought Anakin before them, he was wrong.

"A prophecy that misread could have been." Yoda offered thoughtfully. Though, Obi-Wan did not choose to see it that way. Nor did he feel it to be true. Force or no Force.

"He will not let me down." Obi-Wan shook his head. "He never has."

"I hope right, you are." Yoda bowed his head. Ending that particular and...oddly uncomfortable line of conversation. So, why not open up another before they reached the naval yard?

"The thin defeat of the Chancellor's measure in the Senate was a stroke of luck."

"Hmm, believe in luck do you, Master Obi-Wan?" Yoda chuckled. Obi-Wan could hear the jest and chose to shrug with a thin smile.

"Call it the Will of the Force, or a simple yes or no vote stroke of happenstance, whatever it may be it was a good outcome."

"Good, but temporary." Mace added humorlessly. "Already there's rumors about a Judicial solution to the Chancellor's concerns." Mace allowed his sarcasm to bite the air.

"Yes, I have heard of them too." Obi-Wan nodded. "Is it usual for the Chancellor or the Executive to push for a Judicial remedy when they fail in the Senate?" Obi-Wan already knew the answer. It wasn't a real question.

"Usual, Obi-Wan?" Yoda again took a questioning tone. "Unusual, much is these days. More unusual still the pressure applied upon the Order by the Chancellor. Though spoken of this, we have."

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan nodded. Noting the troopers standing around them within the gunship. Though they did not speak a word. "Nonetheless, this rumor...if true is concerning."

"It is." Mace replied. "The Order has already begun looking into options for any such judicial review or action taken by the Courts."

"Its been some time since I've heard of the Order's legal department." Obi-Wan gave a halfway earnest chuckle. "Do we have any among the Order well versed in Republic law? Let alone the ancient agreements?"

"Hmm, a few Master Obi-Wan." Yoda nodded, more to himself it seemed. "Though, await any summons or request from the Courts, we would."

"Surely the Senate will be perturbed by the bluntness and speed in which the Chancellor is pushing for this?" Obi-Wan wondered. Though even to himself it sounded hollow. Would the Senate feel in any way undermined? Would enough? Surely some of those votes today were favors owed or offers given and taken. The sense of impending disaster grew stronger. A feeling Obi-Wan had sensed for some time. And he did not enjoy it.

"Perhaps some, Obi-Wan." Mace shrugged turning to Obi-Wan again. "Though we cannot place our faith and the fate of the Order's legal standing in the hands of the Senate. We will need to speak for and defend ourselves." Mace tilted his face grimly back outwards. Obi-Wan felt for the second time this ride momentarily stunned. The way in which Mace had said 'defend ourselves' left him feeling...uneasy.

"I can only hope that cooler heads and sound reasoning wins out, Master." Obi-Wan finished as the gunship came in for a landing. A looming venator-class hung above the ground with transports, troops and armor hauling to and fro. An official wookiee representative gave a low grumbling greeting that was audible even over the rumble of the LAAT. Obi-Wan could only hope that Master Yoda and his troops could bring the situation on Kashyyyk under control.

He was hoping for a lot of things these days.

---

Many thoughts were now coming to him. He was actively aware of that, and that filled him with great joy. Though why so, he was not yet sure. Dooku remembered much. He knew the names of faces that came to mind. He remembered how some of them died, and how some of them lived. Some he knew were not dead, and some certainly deserved to be. That anger he felt, he traced it to the scene of him knelt on a metal floor. Staring up at angered and hardened eyes. Eyes connected to a being, to Skywalker. A boy he had thought so little of. Whom he had disgraced, and thought a disgrace. Not only for his supposed 'Chosen' status from a being so lowly and beneath him and the Order. It was his manner, his attitude, his...one time Master's obsession with him! Not to mention the mechanical hand. A gentleman would've learned to duel with one hand. Alas, such was not the case. Now Dooku dared to imagine Sidious mocking him this very moment for his prior notions, thoughts and disgust. Dooku knew he would deserve it too.

However, it was that disgrace, and that anger that he drew upon. Raw, and alone within the darkness of his mind Dooku could and did draw on that power. Power generated within by strong emotions. There was a part of him that told him to be wary about feeling such strong emotions so brazenly. Yet, he could not yet fully understand or remember why he should. Dooku also could not afford to listen to such innate intuition. For there was another part of him. Stronger than the prior. Driving him to use these raw sensations and emotions to move. To wake up! To open his eyes. His world would become more clear if he could, and he knew it! How? He again wasn't sure. Though it was a powerful thing and he would follow it to its natural conclusion. The face of his Master, of Sidious gave him great strength. His being swelled in a mixture of venom and hatred at the memory. How foolish he had been to believe himself and Sidious above the common reality of Sith throughout time. Treachery and deceit.

Well, he was alive. Dooku knew himself to be. In that there lay a small victory. What he had to do next would have to wait. Though he desired greatly to capitalize and seize the moment. If only he could open his eyes. If only he could have what fog remained clouding his mind, lifted. It was as though a weight was pushing him down, and made all hard to breath. As thoughts and sensations. They were dulled and lacked his usual acumen. There was something there holding him, pinning him. He would draw on his anger, and he would recall the voices he had heard before.

One had been icy, combative and screeching within his mind. The other, booming, lacking discernible sex or background of familiarity with himself. Yet, when it had spoken Dooku had felt himself wake up a little further. His world opened up to him more than it had been but before that moment. As all seemed to come and then fade, the booming voice had arrived and made it all the more clearer. That voice was, as much as his anger and wrath, a beacon. One that Dooku clung to and carried himself toward.

He focused his memory upon it. The power it carried. The baritone it bellowed. The age and presence it had carried. Pushing the other presence, and the weight away. Casting a light that burned through the thickened fog. So thick it had been as oil over his eyes. Only to shine a little light through. Allowing him to rage. Allowing Dooku to simmer and grow contemptuous. He balled his fist. Dooku at least tried to. He squeezed with all his might. Feeling as though his muscles all throughout his face, neck and shoulders would bulge ludicrously. Yet, all he felt was a twitch.

Three fingers turning inward. Touching along...fabric. He felt it. He felt it! Dooku could beam a grin! However, instead he chose to scream. Not a sound happened. The Count had wanted it to ring within his ears, but it did not. A whimper was felt rather than heard. Escaping as little else than a breath from his lungs up his throat and past his lips.

Yet, Dooku would not allow himself to be curtailed. Or stopped! He would not allow himself to be beaten back when a way had been shown. Ground given. The dance of duels between himself and this unseen weight. It was a match of wills. A dance like those he took part in with his lightsaber. Until his enemies were mercilessly and artfully cut down before him. He grit his teeth, or so he imagined himself to be doing. Using every bit of power. Calling on...calling on...calling on the Force! Yes, the Force! Seeking aid in that which was like his sixth sense, his fifth limb! He wanted to see, had to see! Through his anger, his emotions, his passion he would find strength!

The darkness suddenly broke, and a shine of true light scorched him! White light, burning hot, and the painful discomfort was as a song to the deaf ear turned hearing! He could've danced were he not so suddenly thereafter returned into the darkness. Though Dooku screamed inwardly for the light's burning discomfort, he was reveling in his failure. For, failure it may have been, but a step forward it had also been. He would try again. Then again, and again and again! Until he would dispel this fog, and at last he would see.

By luck or misfortune, nobody had been there to see when Dooku's eyes fluttered open quickly to close after. Barely noticeable, barely to be observed. It had happened all the same.

---

Etched across the features of the flesh he wore, Sauron was the vision of intensity. Eyes set, and expression darkened. Eyes were fixed upon the four rings he had thus far created. Little notice for anyone to know how close to being finished they were. Or how far from completion they were? He certainly was not one to speak his mind aloud. Not now.

The fourth ring of magnificent iron and interwoven silver sat alone on the table. Itself showing the fine etchings along its base already given note and notice by the Dark Lord. While he had seen to its central gem's placement some hour ago or so. It was a simple ring, but for the interlocked carvings that weaved about one another, and the central dark pit now held an equally darkened stone. A fine gem that had been brought with the workstation. Compliments of Darth Sidious. It was a black diamond, and it had been gifted the feral whispers of the Dark Lord. Sauron had plucked a jewel of many rounded faces. Dark as the Void itself, and in it he had seen the hidden hollow heart that he gave power to.

Crafting with unknown strength the darkened words rarely spoken outside the black tower. Black speech as it was called. It was whispered and caused the room to thrum with unknown raging power borne of a spirit its four walls had only just become accustomed to.

The words spoken were not truly important, but Sauron was sure to influence the jewel to give and be giving. To allow one to impose that which he willed with as much power as could be conceived of by a union of the Force and the power held in the written and spoken words, with the faintest of runes etched into the metal of the ring. Not to be so easily destroyed, waylaid or broken ever after. Sauron had come to call this ring, the Ring of Shadow. It gave him a smile when he thought of it. For it was perhaps the greatest crafted of these four with what little time he had, but with great need he also designed.

However, he was looking upon the three siblings of the Shadow Ring. All of who now bore names. All of whom had wearers in mind. All of whom did not know they were to be gifted mighty jewels by the Lord of Gifts. The first two were completed, and Sauron was busying himself with the third and last. This one he gave the name of Atalantëa. The Ring for the Downfallen. It was adequate, descriptive for its purpose, and a beautiful thing in his mind.

Atalantëa was the golden-rose hued of the three rings. Now set within the heart of it sat a beautiful emerald. A true emerald. It was rectangular and small, while adorned alongside of it upon either side of the band sat two shimmering sapphires. Small but luminescent. They cast all light they received back upwards towards their emerald sister. Which took their light and seemed to make it brighter. The ring itself was a shining and pristine band as Sauron had noted before. Only, now with the gems set within it, the innate power of the Force and those powers gifted into it made it shine bright, powerful, low and seductive. The Dark Lord knew none would ignore this ring so easily.

The silver ring that had held an onyx core was given the name, Haldalócë. Where once had been the blackened core awaiting its central gem now sat a brilliant clear diamond. Though it was clear it shimmered in the light of day or the modernized simulated light. Where one would see within the gem a heart of fire. As a dragon's flame there seemed to be the low thrum of orange smelting heat burrowed to the core of the diamond. The intertwined blackened 'cracks' built into the band held the sensation of age, and in it wisdom or power. Be it true wisdom or the spoken word of those who could instill the feeling of wisdom. This ring would be that of a warrior's will, and their corrupted view of order, and wisdom.

Where the final ring of of pale blue hue with a radiance of shifting colors as silver steel had been granted the name Milmënésë. This one had a small circular ruby set within it. The blue of the band as it shifted from reddish tones at the press of a finger or direct shine of a brilliant light captured the glinting blood stream of the ruby and seemed to dance the light across the metal surface. As though the light of fireflies had been captured and prickled across its surface once light was caught within. While the blue core color was ever shimmering and would always return to the surface upon the completion of its unnatural but brilliant pulsation of color and wonder. This ring would be as brilliant and powerful as ambitious youth given freedom undeserved or untested.

"Stones are set." Sauron announced to none. Only to the quiet he found himself in. For the witch had not said a word, and as before he was unsure if she was actively awake. The Dark Lord loosed a low sigh from past his adopted lips. Placing Atalantëa down next to the other three.

"Speak to me." Sauron intoned low, but audible in the emptiness of the apartment. There came a low hum. Like a whisper from across the sea. Heard only underneath the crashing of the waves to jagged rocks. Only when one actively searched for it could they hear with attuned ear.

A deep voice replied. One made of three calling in unison. Mindless, but aware of his call, and his presence. The four rings called to him, reached out to him so subtly, but presently. The Force and the essence of what mortals called magic. Interwoven, interlaced, borne together. As children they called out towards their progenitor. Sauron could've smiled, but he did not.

"Make yourselves known to me!" Sauron demanded again, louder. Though in response to his demand he received another faint and indistinguishable response. Certainly there, but quiet. Beneath the hearing of the closely listening. The reply was wondrous. Yet, he did not show himself to be satiated.

Instead, he reared back and loosed a long nasal sigh of pent aggression and despair. Swiveling on his feet and turning from the table. Only to pace as a caged beast back and forth. Thoughtless so he seemed. Anger and frustration brimming at unseen a surface capping out his tolerance. He gripped his hands into balled fists and interlocked his hands thereafter. Eyes darting the room at a loss of what to do or say.

"Of all days, and all deeds this should be a failure?!" Sauron mumbled in a low growl any could hear were they in the room with him. A snarl passed from his grit teeth and from his nose. The blackened slits of his eyes narrowed and he swung back and slammed open palms upon the table. The rings shook as did the whole of the wall against unexpected power. An uneasy quiet befell the apartment. Created by the imposed wrath of the one within it.

"Useless!" Sauron slammed a balled right fist into the workstation and the thunderous connection imposed a dent upon the table. The Force swirled around him and howled as the darkness borne of his spirit and the witch's melded.

"Long have been my days and nights! Has it been so long since last I allowed myself crafts work? Has the knowledge of so many years of men passed me by with so little to show?! Is not the strength of my spirit…" Sauron silenced himself and felt the breaths of the body turn ragged.

"I am not yet so weak. I am not yet so easily defeated! Long have been the works of the restless and the self imposed. Haven't I the years of the mountains? Do I age like the flesh of Men? No...no I have time. Time even for the failures of the first and second day. Longer still for the failures yet to come." Sauron spoke to himself. Calming what would be the frenzied mind of a rushed being of ill gotten works.

"Worthless have been the works of late." Sauron growled and grasped all four rings. Opening his palms he glowered upon the four bands. "The future may yet gift me time enough to prevail. Yet, where these lay I am proven a fool." Sauron carried on with the idle angered regard. He grabbed the Ring of Shadow and with a vicious disregard he threw the metal band to the far wall of the adjoined kitchen. The clattering of metal to wall sounded and the ring slammed down across the counters until it rolled upon the floor to a stop. No scratch nor dent upon it, though unseen. Sauron snarled again.

"Much work that needs doing. Yet, failure is not to go unpunished! For failure begets further unless it is cut out! As rotten flesh upon the healthy body!" Sauron gripped a dirtied cloth from the workstation table, mangled as it now appeared. He threw the three rings into the cloth and wrapped them within.

"Ashes and bones. Dust and trash! We'll start once again! But for now, better to start anew than to fix what is broken! Begone from me!" Sauron gave a vigorous and furious tilt of his body and with intense strength unknown to all but his enemies he cast the cloth and the rings within it out from the apartment into the open air. Heaving as he did before loosing a terrible but mortal howl borne of the lungs of the witch. The dark side swirled around him, and he felt the presence of the witch come to life confused and shaken by the vibration of her throat as Sauron collapsed onto his knees with a heave of disdain, disgust and venomously fueled adrenaline. Fists falling to the ground and reverberating a thud long trembling to the floors below.

"What in the name of the Force is going on?!" The witch demanded, but Sauron did not reply. Instead he looked down upon the knees he used. As they laid upon the ground beneath. The chest heaved and body shook from all the worked up anger and aggression Sauron had summoned from within himself.

"Nothing you need concern yourself with, witch." He uttered low. Her hair shadowing an already down turned face.

Only then did it bear the thinnest of smiles.

---

Having sat outside the dwelling of the tall master for an hour or longer after giving the reports of the day, the hawk-bat had remained unseen but waiting. The scarred creature waited without concern for self. Even upon the distant calls of its kin from deep below, and as small flocks flew across the winds. Some coming to grant information seemingly needed of them. The scarred one would keep this information and share it when demanded from the Great Eye.

Time then came when the master howled in a dance unknown to the beast, to the mere servant. Yet, it knew its purpose. For the Master had already given silent command. The will of the Eye. For when the Master raged and seethed and with great power tossed the small cloth from the dwelling the hawk-bat gave no cry, but flap of wing.

The satchel fell into the oblivion below, but the eye of the hawk-bat is keen. The scarred one pulled wings into its body and fell as a dashing arrow from the sky downwards. Closing in through the tinged and mixed smells of the world. Then his wings opened and the wind caught. His body was thrown back, but talons reached out beneath, and with expert grip and control one foot grasped the satchel in strong talons. Tied together by the unseen hand of the Master. The clangs of metal and jewels were heard, but such things were beyond the will and need of the scarred one.

Instead the beast gave a triumphant cry and zoomed back up into the air. None to care about one of many hawk-bats seen dancing through the skies of Coruscant. Gripped tightly in one foot lay cargo to be delivered. Targets set by a will greater than its own. By the Master, by the Great Eye.

Several of its kin came and circled around the scarred one calling to him. He gave shrill a squawk and they fell into formation around him. Guarding the avatar of their Lord's will. As they delved into the darkened tunnels of the metal world they made their home. The satchel encased in the scarred one's talons. Night had fallen and rest was needed. The Great Eye commanded time be given, but not too long. So, the scarred one would sleep. Beneath the shadow of thousands of beating wings in the depths of the unseen towers of tall legged ones. Three rings sung in a song unheard by all.

---

The day had gone by rather quickly since Anakin had invited Merry, Pippin and Gandalf over. Seeing them with Padmé had been a real treat, and Anakin had complete confirmation she was taken with his friends. He couldn't wait to have her meet the others back on Arda! Legolas, Aragorn, Frodo and Sam of course. Plus Gimli needed to get off his lazy hide and have a proper meeting with his wife! But, Anakin took the victories as they came. He really wanted to show Padmé some parts of Arda too.

Few worlds in the galaxy really made him feel...well sort of at home. Naboo was one of them for a variety of reasons. Padmé of course being the prime reason, and he admitted as much. The world was charming and relaxing all the same. Much better than Tatooine could ever hope to be. It was no home for him. Never would be, and if he could have it his way the twins would never even hear of the karking planet!

Coruscant had its charms. Because of the Temple it would always have a place in Anakin's heart. Even if the government; that being the heart of the Republic, made him violently ill sometimes. As with any mega city, and that's all Coruscant was at its heart, there was a sort of blending of life not to be found in the quieter sections of the galaxy. Alderaan was nice, from what he had known and seen on trips here and there. Dantooine too. Arda though? It held an air of age, and mystery, of places not yet explored to it. Not to mention all the magic! Gandalf and the elves always had a weird reaction whenever anyone used that word. Best Anakin had come to surmise they just didn't get how their magic was magical. It was just natural to them. Sort of how the Force was like a sixth sense to a Jedi. It wasn't that it wasn't magic. It's that it was so normal for those who knew what they were doing they didn't understand how anyone could see it as abnormal.

Nonetheless, he was rambling in his thoughts. Much better than having to think about all the recent politics and business going on around him. Like he had thought before...violently ill. Thinking about Arda helped put him at ease. Or, at least it helped take his mind somewhere else.

Shortly after Merry, Pippin and Gandalf had left, Anakin had gotten a call from the Chancellor's office. Palpatine had requested his presence. A matter of urgency in some regard. Plus, since Anakin was now the official representative for the Chancellor on the Council it was a request...but a request that hid a summons. Not that he felt ordered around where Palpatine was concerned. Unlike the High Council, Palpatine had never treated Anakin as if he needed to be ordered around. As if he were too stupid or immature as to not understand what a summons was. But...what was the point on dwelling on that? All it did was throw him off balance.

As he bobbed and weaved through the crowd of socialites, politicians and the rich Anakin had to remind himself to steel and ready. Did he like it? No, but for Obi-Wan's sake and he guessed for the Council he would play the earpiece for Palpatine. Tonight was to be a test! That's the only way he could really think of it. To see if he could just talk. That's all he was doing. Just talking after all. Talking and listening. Yeah...like a normal visit to Palpatine. Nothing more. The quicker it were over though, likely the better. So, he let out a swift shaky breath and passed a few notable faces from around the Senate and found himself rounding a circular hall.

Down the way he could see the two ever quiet and ominous figures of the crimson guard. Two stood on either side of the entrance to what was obviously the Chancellor's balcony here at the Galaxies Opera House. Anakin made his way over to the entrance. Dipping his head ever so subtly at the two guards. Neither of them moved to respond or stop him, so he carried himself in. His cloak whirling with his moving body as he did so.

The balcony was dark and quiet as he moved onto it. The Chancellor was sat at the first row at the far right coming in. His attendants and aides were with him. Well...Amedda didn't count as an aide, but Anakin always felt the chagrian to basically be as much. What with all the backside kissing the man did. Sly Moore was there too. Ever the odd and quiet woman. Anakin ignored all of them, however. Numbly noting two more crimson guards in the balcony box itself. He came to Palpatine's side, and knelt low to reach his ear quietly. The elder man tilted to him and smiled.

"You wanted to see me, Chancellor."

"Yes, Anakin. Come closer." Palpatine greeted happily and leaned himself over his right armrest. "I have good news. Our clone intelligence units have discovered the location of General Grievous. He's hiding, in the Utapau System." Palpatine all but grinned, and Anakin could not hide the own sudden adrenaline rush of exuberance he felt!

"At last!" He replied with an open grin. "We'll be able to capture that monster and end this war!" Anakin caught himself grinning like an idiot. Idly turning to watch as a mon calamari ballet performer hopped from one floating bubble of water into another. The crowd of the rich, powerful and politically connected all clapped subtly and low as was custom of the opera houses and their shows.

"I would worry about the collective wisdom of the council if it didn't select you for this assignment." The Chancellor added. Himself having followed Anakin's own gaze towards the show. "You're the best choice by far."

"I…" Anakin began, but caught himself. "I'd like to think I am, Chancellor sir. But…"

"But?" Palpatine pressed.

"Well...I think they'll keep to their own wisdom on who is the best choice, sir."

"Ah, so you don't think you're the best choice son?" Palpatine pressed him again. Anakin again averted his gaze. Not really watching the show as it carried on. The line of questioning making him reflect rather reflexively. It wasn't that he didn't think he was the best choice. In fact he knew himself to be. He had defeated Dooku after all. He had never dueled Grievous, true. However, if his Master had time and again before, Anakin was confident he would be more than a match. Not to say Obi-Wan was in some way his...inferior of course.

"I think I'd like to be the one to end the war. Capturing Grievous would be a great honor. Not only for the Council, and the Jedi, but for the Republic. The galaxy, sir."

"There's no shame in wanting that now is there?!" Palpatine smirked and caused Anakin to do so in kind. Though he felt a slightest bit of shame as he reveled in his own self confidence.

"Ah, and enough with this 'sir,' nonsense son! Come, sit down." Palpatine corrected him with a humored laugh. "Leave us." The Chancellor lowly ordered.

Such power and simple direction in his voice as to leave Anakin the tiniest bit awestruck. Especially as the three others in their seats without a word lifted themselves off their chairs and exited. So, the polite thing to do was to move passed Palpatine and sit down on the central seat beside him. Sitting upon the central seat gave Anakin a...well a sort of powerful feeling he was sure was just his own odd observation. The Chancellor himself sat at his right as though he were a mere attendant or aide. While a slave boy turned Jedi Knight and war hero was sat central upon the Supreme Chancellor's own balcony at the opera house? It left an impression, was all Anakin could think.

"Anakin I don't want to dower the mood you should know…" Palpatine began catching a sideways glance from Anakin. "Having discovered Grievous' location is by no means a small matter. Nor one that should be weighed down by matters of petty political squabbles. Of which I have had enough of today I assure you."

"Yes, I heard about all the drama." Anakin nodded. Though he wasn't quite sure where this was going, but he did feel a pit forming in his gut. Forcing himself to be guarded. Even if it was hard to do so with a good friend.

"Hmm." Palpatine nodded. "The attack on the Jedi Temple...a terrible thing. One I do not want to see happen again here or anywhere else in the Republic. Even during the midst of war we cannot lose sight of what it means to be civilized. No collective anger can be allowed to spill into wanton violence. Even if against those we hold in our hearts to be absolutely in the wrong."

"I agree." Anakin nodded. "I have my own troubles with the Council, but I don't think a mob of angry and rowdy COMPOR thugs should be let loose like rabid ack dogs on the whole temple."

"Troubles with the Council?" Palpatine repeated and furrowed his brow. Observing Anakin directly. To which Anakin shrugged.

"When haven't they made me feel like a youngling?" Anakin laughed as his cheeks flushed. Lying as best and quickly as he could. "Don't allow your feelings to be so freely felt, don't lose your lightsaber, don't go near power couplings. So on and so forth." Anakin gave a low laugh and Palpatine chuckled lightly nodding as he did.

"True enough. Though as I said in the Senate; though I assume you did not listen to the boring ramblings of old men and women?" Palpatine winked and Anakin gave an honest laugh and shook his head.

"Sorry sir...I mean no I didn't. I was taking a day off from, well everything."

"Ah, I understand son." Palpatine again nodded but carried on. "In any event; the Senate I had hoped would see reason. The attack cannot be tolerated. The people must behave themselves. We do not condone anarchy. Simple principles we can all agree to, of course."

"Of course." Anakin agreed.

"Yet, the core issue is there. The Council have been holding Dooku for a few days, and this of course has not been an issue in days past. What is concerning to the people should concern the Jedi. Or, so I would have once liked to believe." Palpatine intoned and fixed his eyes back upon the show as a trio of mon calamari jumped from one floating body of water, and twirled the air, before diving back elegantly. Receiving another low rumble of applause. Anakin caught the underlining accusation but chose to let Palpatine speak his mind. Rather than press for what he meant.

"The Jedi have lost touch with how the people feel about them, and the Order. Dooku was one of them. Dooku was trained by none other than Master Yoda himself was he not?"

"He was."

"Then it should come as no surprise that the people fear...well favoritism. Look to times past, Anakin. Has it not been the way of the Jedi to attempt to 'redeem' those who are touched by the Force?"

"Redemption is…" Anakin again paused and sifted for the right words. Even he wasn't quite so sure on how the Council or any Jedi qualified another for 'redemption.'

"Redemption is meant more for those who are willing to be redeemed. Dark Jedi, Fallen Jedi. Whatever you want to call it. Perhaps even those who can feel the Force but do not know how to control it and are driven by the dark side. Redemption for them is seen as a sort of imperative."

"And for Sith?" Palpatine countered quizzically. "Are they worthy of redemption? Should Dooku, or what was it...Darth Tyranus, should he be redeemed? Even with all the things he's done. The people he's killed. Innocent or otherwise? Should his crimes be forgiven because a Council of his one time friends ask if he wants to work towards redemption? It seems a...convenient system to me, Anakin."

"I can't say I feel he deserves it." Anakin honestly and quickly offered. Scoffing inwardly at his own loose lips. "I mean...I think that Dooku should go to prison. Which I think is the point, right? The Republic and you want to put him on trial for his crimes. There shouldn't be a reason why that can't happen."

"Yet, there is, Anakin!" Palpatine sighed, but Anakin sensed it wasn't to do with him. "The Jedi like to keep to themselves. Defend their own, deal out the sentences and crimes they feel are worthy of themselves. When was the last time a Jedi was tried for a traffic violation? Causing collateral damage? Killing an innocent in the pitched battles of war, or in chasing down terrorists and bounty hunters?"

"I...can't say I recall."

"Precisely." Palpatine smiled sadly. "The Republic has always covered the costs and legal messes the Order has left in its wake. At any time the Republic is more than happy to defend those I and the rest in the government know are working towards the common good. It is just a shame the Jedi are never willing to compromise. To see the other side. To understand their dogma cannot nor never shall apply to every situation and circumstance in the universe." Anakin remained silent. Himself finding much to agree with Palpatine on this. Even where he himself was personally concerned. Long dead were the days Jedi had wives, husbands and families. The Jedi at those times had perhaps been reserved and unappreciative of such things, but they didn't say no. They had become more rigid. They are more rigid. Of course, that was where he was concerned, and he fought to think about the big picture! Of course the Republic's citizens held a right to put Dooku on trial. To arrest and sentence the man! Palpatine was right...well at least here. The Jedi didn't have a monopoly on justice.

"No, you're right, Chancellor." Anakin nodded subtly. His eyes on the show, but paying little attention. "I think Dooku should get everything that's coming to him."

"It is a curious thing then…" Palpatine intoned.

"What is?" Anakin furrowed his brow and turned to see Palpatine searching his expression.

"You believe he deserves what's coming to him, as you say, but you don't believe yourself worthy enough to deal out such justice?" Palpatine prodded and Anakin knew what he was talking about. Memories flashed of the old Sith on his knees. His blue lightsaber, and the man's own curved red beam at his neck. An impulse throbbing in him to kill the man. Causing his right hand to flex as even older memories of smoke, fire, a ring and another vile creature came to mind.

"I...am not the one who deserves to deal out justice." Anakin offered. Though even to himself his explanation sounded weak. At least coming from his own mouth.

"Who is qualified to serve justice then, Anakin? The Jedi Council? The Senate?"

"No...yes...I don't know. Not me. Someone wise, or others more wise. Or, at least a collection of people who are in some way a part of the situation. Dooku made war against the Republic, so it's up to the citizens to hold him accountable. Trial, the courts. The usual law and order apparatus."

"Hmm. I see." Palpatine nodded. "I think you have a negative perception of your own wisdom, my friend. You are wise beyond your years. The Council may not see it, but I do." Palpatine reached over, clasping his left hand onto Anakin's right mechanical wrist. Shaking it in a light grip. Anakin appreciated the sentiment, but...well considering how things happened on Arda and...everything else in his life. He wasn't sure if he actually was wise. Wise enough to kill Dooku? He hadn't killed Vica. At the very least he'd have been a hypocrite.

"Thank you, Chancellor. I don't think many people would agree I'm wise though." Anakin smiled in return as Palpatine shook his head.

"Wisdom comes in many forms and fashions, my friend. There are those who think they are wise because they play the game of politics well. Learning to back stab and betray colleague and 'friend' is wisdom in the eye of the beholder. Some even among my supporters voted to kill the bill, for instance." Anakin listened. Sensing a quiet sentiment through the Force.

"Supporters?"

"Ah, nothing you need worry yourself with." Palpatine waved him off. The lights of the room shimmering as the floating orbs shifted slightly. Followed by two mon calamari diving from opposing bodies of water and trading places. The room clapping in kind of course. "Those who were once my closest friends have for a time now appeared to have found me no longer worth aligning with. It is their imperative of course. Times change, people change...or, perhaps they show you who they really are?" Palpatine wondered aloud. Though Anakin did not think the question was actually directed at him.

"I guess I wouldn't know, sir. I'm not really a fan of politics. Only a few politicians, here and there."

"Ah, I see someone still has me on their list of friends!" Both men chuckled lightly as Palpatine fixed his gaze forward again. "No my boy, I wouldn't expect you to know what I'm talking about. It saddens me is all. I have been a long standing friend of Senator Amidala since, well since before she was even Queen of Naboo." He went on, and immediately Anakin felt inwardly uncomfortable. Actively sensing himself thrown off balance. He shifted wordlessly as Palpatine carried on, having not taken notice.

"It isn't just today of course. She has grown...distant. I think? Or maybe I've grown old and weary." Palpatine sighed. "I don't know anymore. There was once a time she would come to me with any problems she would have in the Senate and we'd talk things out. I'd tell her of my time as Senator and my contacts and she'd network. I could count on her support backing important economic bills, the anti military legislation. Before the war, of course."

"Of course." Anakin cleared his throat and nodded.

"The past year, however, she has grown close with those who have never been my most ardent supporters. Her and Senator Organa. They're quite close in fact. For a while I had even thought them a powerful political couple."

"What do you mean?" Anakin asked sharply. Having not realized he would be so terse as Palpatine cast questioning glance. "I mean...in what way?"

"Hmm, the way political duos and dynamics form naturally. Aligned interests, common views. So on and so forth. Though...well rumors are rumors, son." Palpatine chuckled. "Nobody likes a gossip, and the Senate is a hall known for it!"

"I would like to hear it." Anakin pressed. Again, finding himself having to reel back his emotion as he felt the wall and facade crack. Thoughts bubbling into undue anger. Painted images flashing in his mind that made him seethe and right hand ball into fist. For his part, thankfully, Palpatine seemed unconcerned or aware.

"Oh senators and politicians are like anyone else in the galaxy, Anakin. Just people. And where people go they will find their outlets. Romantic, platonic, or even strictly physical. I must say I always found the idea of cavorting with another politician...distasteful. Can you imagine the drama? Debates would be a death sentence for any such affair!" Palpatine whimsically chuckled. Though Anakin swallowed hard and forced himself to nod as though he was actively paying any mind.

"Yeah. It would be...trouble I think. Though I don't think Padmé and Senator Organa are like that."

"No?" Palpatine replied with an air of disbelief. "Hmm, well you and her are still friends. Hopefully she'd be more open with you about herself then she has been with me. Though this year has been rough on everyone. Not made any easier by your and Master Kenobi's disappearance for a whole year! For which we are all grateful for your return." Palpatine again, pat Anakin's arm. The Jedi again thinly smiling even if his stomach turned in the silence of his own occupied and darkened mind. Jealous thoughts and ideations he forced from his mind, releasing as much into the Force as he could. The venom burning inside his veins as he thought...stupid things. Untrue things.

"Ah, I'm sorry Anakin." Palpatine began. Anakin jumped a bit at that. As though snapping back into reality from a dark corner of his mind. "I've gone and bored you with useless banter when we should be discussing more pressing matters. Not least being the expected attack on General Grievous."

"Yeah...it'll be a task the Council will want to jump on first thing they hear of it." Anakin numbly nodded. Palpatine for his part remained silent. A sigh again escaping from his nose as he and Anakin both watched four mon calamari dash from the orbs. Two from one, and two from the other. As they did they exchanged small metal hoop-rings between themselves and dove into the opposing orb. Where they began a dance as part of the operatic tale. The crowd clapped again.

"Anakin, you know I'm not able to rely on the Jedi Council." The Chancellor began and Anakin turned to him. Brow furrowed, anxiety heightened and hands clenched. "If they haven't included you in their plot, they soon will."

"I'm not sure I understand." Anakin tensely retorted as Palpatine seemed to grow more weary in expression by the moment.

"You must sense what I've come to suspect. The Jedi Council want control of the Republic. They're planning to betray me." The swift and sudden assurance in which Palpatine declared what he 'knew' was almost too strong of whiplash. Though, Anakin could've sensed this entire conversation had been leading to this moment. A revelation made bare by the Chancellor with someone he trusted. With Anakin. It troubled him, bothered him. Angered him even. Because...Anakin couldn't even say the Chancellor was wrong. Well...not about everything anyways.

"I don't think that-"

"Anakin…" Palpatine cut him off. His voice and expression pleading. The foregone conclusion and knowledge rippling across every worn and tired wrinkle of his elderly face. Cutting Anakin off who could only watch his friend suffer in his own paranoia. Not wholly undue paranoia.

"Search your feelings. You know...don't you?" Palpatine implored. Searching Anakin for an answer. An answer Anakin knew in his heart Palpatine just wanted to hear the truth of. Wanting to simply put his friend at ease and tell him everything was going to be alright and there was no political intrigue and mistrust between them all...Anakin simply couldn't. So, he shrugged in a relenting but easing manner.

"I know they don't trust you." There, Anakin thought. A shred of honesty to placate his friend, without really lying.

"Hmm, or the Senate, or the Republic. Or democracy for that matter!" Palpatine shook his head. Once more turning to numbly watch the opera play itself out. Anakin also turning his attention ahead as thoughts swam through his head. He felt words fight to come from his lips. To simply be open and honest about how everything really was. About how the Council felt, how Obi-Wan wanted him to spy. Because that's what it was. It tore Anakin up inside, and he felt that pit in his stomach twist and turn.

"I have to admit...my...I see where you could come to that conclusion." Anakin struggled but found words he felt more navigable. Even if he had almost stuttered into a little too much truth.

"You can see? How is that?" Palpatine pressed him and Anakin once again had to fight. Struggling to find what he felt Obi-Wan would use. Diplomatic language. Things that...just didn't sit right with Anakin.

"The current battle in the Senate of course." Anakin finally offered with a tip of his head. "The Order seems inclined to fight you in every way. Especially with my placement onto the Council. It's politics, sir. Really beyond my expertise, but I know it's made them...uneasy."

"But, not you?"

"Not me what?"

"It's not made you uneasy?" Palpatine wondered. "This fighting and bickering between the Order and myself? It does not come off as strange? To have the Jedi Order push back on what are matters of politics and government? It seems odd a thing to me, Anakin. The last time the Jedi found themselves this embroiled in galactic politics the Republic lay under control of Jedi Chancellor's at the very end of Ruusan." Palpatine expounded. "To many, and myself included, it seems clear that the Jedi feel they are once more the only body worthy and capable of leading the Republic to victory. Though, this time I would wonder if their vaunted wisdom would have them hand power back to the politicians and elected officials. Or, if like the Sith, they should think that the Republic requires...stronger leadership."

"I think…" Anakin paused. His brow creasing in thought. "I think the Council does not represent all the Jedi as they think they do, sir."

"No?"

"No." Anakin affirmed. "After all, you and I are friends. We trust one another. There are many Jedi on the front lines of this war who want nothing more than to see it done and over with. Nothing more than to return to mitigating trade disputes, ending local and not galactic wide wars. Protecting politicians from terrorists, bounty hunters, and estranged noble uncles." Anakin smiled and managed to force a thin smirk onto Palpatine's face.

"Perhaps you're right, Anakin. There are some Jedi who have more than earned my trust." Palpatine patted his mechanical hand again. "I only wish there were more voices of reason on the Council. Master Yoda and Windu...both have known me many years, and I sense they have grown tired of me. Tired of my positions and political motivations."

"True." Anakin blurted out. "I know some on the Council more than others are uneasy about all the changes being made. The Amendments and legal jargon. My addition on the Council and the drama last night and today has likely only made it worse. Sometimes the Council excels at making you unsure how to feel, or who to trust."

"You speak from experience, Anakin?" Palpatine prodded and Anakin realized he had let a little too much slip. He swallowed hard and again motioned his hands out in a passive sort of dismissive wave.

"Like I said before, they and I hardly see eye to eye on everything."

"Hmm." Palpatine nodded, but did not remove his gaze from Anakin. "That may be true, Anakin, but I think I've known you long enough to know when you're uncomfortable. Something has happened hasn't it? Between you and the Council?" Palpatine asked and Anakin didn't answer right away. "They asked you to do something that made you feel dishonest, didn't they?"

"I'm…" Anakin cut in before Palpatine could continue. "I'm always dishonest when I'm with them. Ever since I was a little boy, Chancellor." Anakin steered with a bit of honesty. "They always pry into me. Always demand to know how I did this or that. How I won this battle. Have me write reports, or make a recording of my recount. Don't step on any politicians toes or say the wrong words. They want to whip me into someone who I am not! Regiment things in such a way as to meet their…" Anakin fiddled his hands about the open air searching for the right words. "Their own narrow view of what is right and what is wrong! Dishonesty?! With them the only way a Jedi can be honest is by being dishonest!" Anakin unleashed as low as he could as to not draw attention from the neighboring balconies. The entire time Palpatine observed him. Searching Anakin's outward demeanor. Shaken by a moment's anger and dismay.

"I can see you've been long troubled, my friend." Palpatine nodded. "I would caution you to remember back to your early teachings. All who gain power are afraid to lose it." Palpatine warned. "Even the Jedi." Throatily, Palpatine condemned. Anakin again felt as though he was treading on thin ice. Playing a game he didn't want to play. Again he felt there was some kernel of truth in what Palpatine said. Even if another part of him wanted to rebuke him wholly and earnestly.

"The Jedi use their power for good." Anakin offered.

"Good is a point of view, Anakin." Came Palpatine's counter. "The Sith and the Jedi are similar in almost every way. Including their quest for greater power." Anakin listened. Feeling himself actively refute such a claim. His brow furrowing on its own as he began to reproof his friend.

"The Sith rely on their passion for their strength. They think inwards, only about themselves."

"And the Jedi don't?"

"The Jedi are selfless." Anakin concluded. "They only care about others." He finished, averting his gaze. Knowing that even now, even having seemingly dodged Palpatine in as best a manner he could he found himself at odds. Not with his old friend, but with himself as always. His right hand flexed again, and he felt a compulsion to search for a small circular band that he knew would never be there again.

"Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?" Palpatine asked. An air of story based whimsy to his voice.

"No. I...don't think I've ever heard of him." Anakin intoned turning his head as Palpatine stared forward.

"I thought not." The Chancellor laughed. "It's not a story the Jedi would tell you. It's a Sith legend." He tilted his head and recounted. "Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith, so powerful and so wise he could use the Force to influence the midi-chlorians to create life." Palpatine offered turning to Anakin. An expression of storytelling humor to him. Though such a notion made Anakin uncomfortable. He didn't like to think about his parentage...for many reasons. But, that sounded...all too familiar to him.

"He had such a knowledge of the dark side, Palpatine continued. "He could even keep the ones he cared about from dying." Again he turned and looked to Anakin who felt it rather than saw it. As for himself, he felt his blood pressure surge. A sudden flush of adrenaline and the knotting of his stomach with a pulse of unfulfilled release. Images flashing of nightmares and the screams of not just his wife, but two small babies.

"He could actually...save people from death?" Shakily he echoed such a thought back to the Chancellor.

"The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities, some consider to be unnatural." Palpatine noted turning away and watching the play again. All as Anakin brimmed on the inside. An answer to a question unasked, and the solution to an impending doom unspoken. Both discomfort and ease raced through him.

"W...what happened to him?" Anakin goaded. Palpatine immediately smirked as Anakin watched his expression morph subtly. Recalling the story as he apparently knew it.

"He became so powerful the only thing he was afraid of was," He turned to Anakin. "Losing his power. Which eventually of course, he did." Palpatine seemed to fix his gaze. Anakin intuiting he was relaying this story to their previous conversation regarding power and those who fear losing it. Though Anakin did understand such a comparison, truthfully he was more interested in this being, this Plagueis.

"Unfortunately, he taught his apprentice everything he knew. Then his apprentice killed him in his sleep." Such is the way of the Sith, so Anakin thought even as he mused over such...supposed power. "It's ironic." Anakin turned as Palpatine went on. His eyes distant. An expression Anakin couldn't quite place upon his old mentor and friend's face.

"He could save others from death...but not himself."

"Is it possible to learn this power?" Anakin blurted his question out. Though truthfully he was pulling at straws asking a man like the Chancellor. He in kind turned to Anakin slowly. Another expression Anakin couldn't quite decipher upon his face.

"Not from a Jedi."

---

L's Note: Long has been my update schedule of late. Lol, sorry as always. Life has a way of keeping you back. It's coming! Slowly but surely. This one was a doozy to proofread and I was lazy. Lord Kun sends his regards! As always, lemme know if you find any really bad errors I can fix. Otherwise leave a review if you feel inclined.

OH, and to the guy who left a review on the Arda Campaign, (Don't contact this person guys! I mean it!) you have proven yourself foolish. Your 'critique' was answered in the PM's and I REALLY hope you have stopped reading my friend's story. Otherwise I'm here to let you know I still think you're a coward for not replying to me. But unlike Lord Kun, I don't retreat from those with literally nothing to say. :)

Anyways, everyone else ignore that, it had to be said. I don't play nice.

ALSO people...this story is not linked with Clone Wars 2008. If ya can't handle that cool, no problem, but enough with the whole 'what about this or that or this' where Clone Wars is concerned...it's not gonna happen.

-L

Edit Note: Edited/Updated 12/14/2021