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.

30. And a Red Dawn

Chapter 30

And a Red Dawn

Anakin stood still as a statue. Watching as the moments passed by in the uncomfortable silence that befell the vast corridor. Then he felt them through the Force before he saw them. A rush of clone troopers came into the corridor. A few squads worth ahead of him, and he glanced over shoulder to see a few more enter from the opposing side. Issuing commands to one another. Orders and idle declarations. They were all marked with the expected crimson colors of the Coruscant Guard. They had clearly been sent there, and Anakin easily understood such. This was Palpatine's first move. Though, what perhaps struck him as being the most odd was that none of them opened fire.

Anakin centered himself further. Closing his eyes. Opening them swiftly after as he wrapped himself in the Force. Its soothing light and power moving over and through him like a siphon that did not restrain or retain that energy or power he did not need. He melded with the Force around him. Felt its shifts. Felt the movements, and the radiating emotions of all those near him. Save for only the most well guarded such as Gandalf and Galadriel. But, even from them, the Jedi could sense their conviction and power. Unlike the Force, but 'good' was the only we he could describe it as.

Nevertheless, the clones had been sent there to cut him and his friends off. Or, at the very least, him. Palpatine must have bought the ploy. At least wanting to keep Anakin from leaving. That much was self evident. What was also to a degree self evident was in their move to not attack him, Palpatine had purposefully put them in his way. Daring Anakin to move against them to leave this corridor if he wished. To hurt these men, the clones, who didn't deserve it. As the Jedi were, so too were the clones victims. Victims to the whims of one man, one creature. One would-be tyrant who had ordered the creation of what he clearly hoped to be sentient machines. Droids, but so much the better. Certainly not how Anakin viewed them. But...Anakin felt he understood some of Palpatine's mind. Now that everything was so clearly presented to him. Here as he waited for the Sith Lord himself to show.

"Everyone stay steady." Anakin spoke aloud. Just loud enough for his companions to hear him.

"We're with you." Gandalf uttered back in return. Bringing a comforted, even if restrained smile to the Jedi's features. His shoulders tensing as he waited...and waited...then-

"General Skywalker!" A clone called ahead of him. As he did so Anakin watched a line of troopers move behind columns, onto their knees or assorted postures. All aiming their blasters down their sights towards him.

"You may speak, trooper!" Anakin offered. Still assuming a commanding tone.

"You have been ordered to remain within this corridor, sir! You are not authorized to leave it unless given freedom to do so by order of the Supreme Chancellor, sir!"

"Will you fire on me if I try to leave, trooper?"

"We...we would be authorized to do so, General!"

"I understand." Anakin bowed his head. Making no moves to try and leave. "Will you fire on me while I move inside of this corridor? Without attempting to leave?"

"No, sir!"

"Got it. Very good trooper." Anakin nodded to himself. His assumptions proving true. He guessed Palpatine wanted to make a show of this. Make a point maybe? He wasn't sure. But, Anakin didn't want to give him too much credit or the benefit. But, he did sense more thrums of life nearing. Angrier, and tenser than the clones. The Force rippled with danger. Someone was coming. Of course Palpatine was. But, others too. Mingled in his darkness the approach of those who did not share the temperament and outward presence of the clones came closer by the second. Anakin only perceived an image in his mind's eye. Men clad in purple armor and robes. The crimson colors of the Chancellor's personal guard. The Senate Guard and Chancellor's personal retinue. Both were also coming.

"We saw this coming." Anakin intoned to himself. "The clones won't fire. They haven't demanded I surrender. The Senate Guard would be perfunctory with them present. Unless…" Anakin hummed thoughtfully. Brow wincing in rapid thought as the Force whispered the truth, or the truth he found in his own feelings. "No…" He realized. "The Senate Guard aren't the ones here on ceremony. The clones are." Anakin frowned, and tilted to the Elrond's sons and Gimli.

"Aim for purple, my friends."

"As you say, Anakin."

"I hear you."

"Hmm, aye laddie!" Elladan, Elrohir and Gimli replied successively. All of them seeming to understand at once what Anakin meant. All the better for it. As more sounds echoed the corridor. More turbolifts opening across the length and into the main heart of the floor. Doors opening, footsteps clattering. Anakin idly spun his saber at his right. He held the beaming blade out further from himself and set his stance accordingly. Releasing himself to the Force. A feeling as old as his first lessons, and as new as the approaching morning after night. He felt a scowl cross his face. One of preparedness. As from the adjoined distant corridors, in front of, and behind the clone troopers on both sides, a stream of new troopers came into view. The Senate Guard. Armored in purple gear, like but not alike to the clones. Faces hidden behind masks with darkened visors. With some, you could see their faces. Their visors not yet down. They weren't clones. Average men. Their eyes glowering at Anakin. Faces etched in contempt or derision. Fed lies? True believers of the so called 'Jedi Coup?' Anakin couldn't say. But, he felt their hate. He felt their contempt. He would not partake in its reversal upon them. Everyone had been sold a lie.

"Anakin Skywalker!" A new voice. A human male among the troopers called to him. Garbed in his purple armor, with a bluish purple elongated metal frill atop his helmet. He stood at the front of the gathered Senate Guard. Many of whom fell into sloppier postures. All aiming at Anakin. Though, unlike the clones, they kept their sights on the strange friends Anakin had brought with.

"Present, soldier." Anakin replied.

"Stand down at once! You...and your friends are to lay down your arms and surrender to us immediately!"

"Is the Chancellor on his way?" Anakin interjected coolly.

"Lay down your arms, Jedi!" The same man howled. All but frothing. The clones to the rear of the Senate Guard seeming confused by the show of wrathful force by the Guard. "You do not get to make demands! You will not harm the Supreme Chancellor, and you will surrender or be fired upon!"

"I will take that as a yes, then." Anakin smugly retorted. Smirking as he did so. "If you want my lightsaber, you may have it!" He pulled it before himself in his defensive posture. "Come and take it from me while we wait for your boss!"

"Surrender Jedi! Final warning!" The man gave one last attempt of it. But, Anakin could sense he was itching for the trigger. He seemed to be a true believer. Perhaps Anakin could have done better with goading the man? Though, in truth, the man and his friends had made up their minds moments ago. "Open fire!"

In a flash they did so! Anakin immediately fell into the shien variant of Form V. His lightsaber flashed ahead of his body around back as blasters came from all points. He delved into the Force. Releasing himself to its whispers. Every intone led his body to act and in the cascade of bolts, he deflected each and every one.

The clones watched on, rapt and unsure what to do. They could not allow Anakin to leave, but they had no orders to fire. "Hold!" Their Commander called. All as Anakin continued deflecting. As bolts ricocheted back, Striking a Senate Guard in his chest. He fell back with a slump. Another fell over with a crippling howl. His right boot taking a searing hit that dug to his toes.

"Elladan, front, Elrohir, back, Gimli...you pick!"

"We're on it laddie!" Gimli called as Anakin ordered what they had already seemed to silently pick. The first time in all their history that an elf fired a blaster came at this moment. Elladan, son of Elrond, raised his taken blaster, and raised it as he had been hurriedly taught. Perhaps even shabbily taught an hour or two ago. Nonetheless, his elven eyes were keen. Narrowing as they beheld one purple clad Man in armor. Elladan let his aim be true. Pressing his finger upon the simple metal cool trigger. A shot loosed, and the bolt slammed into the man's head. He fell back.

"You have this, brother?!"

"Tend to your own, Elladan!" Elrohir called back. He raised his own. Firing a bolt into another guard's chest. Into the group of them behind Anakin. The bolt sent the man stumbling, but had not felled him. So, Elrohir fired again, and this one ripped into the exact same spot. Accounting for his undulations with the keen eyes gifted of all elves. But, especially to the sons of Elrond. This man fell. Mere seconds passing as the elven twins fired precision bolts that any focusing trooper could see and hold in total bafflement at their skills!

"Hah, take this!" Gimli roared! The boisterous sound of his dwarven voice caught some of the guards attentions. But, the dwarf raised his own blaster and loosed a wild spray into the direction of those Anakin faced. Even as the Jedi danced defensively where he stood. Gimli's bolts flew out wildly. Crashing into a variety of chests, shoulders, face plates and thighs. At least three men fell over dead from the salvo. Another four stumbling and seething from burns and pains. The dwarf then flung around himself. Loosing another wild sortie that tore into those who were behind Anakin. Elladan and Elrohir's shots were true. Efficient, deadly in one to two bolts. Gimli's wild, but deadly. Confusing and alarming. A dwarven spirit with fire at his finger tips in concentrated bursts of plasma gas!

"Khazâd ai-mênu!" Gimli cried! The bolts of the guards firing over his head. Making for him.

Alas, the sons of Elrond found those who aimed for their stout companion. "Not this hour!" Elrohir winced and fired a bolt that felled another guard. The guard huffed and flew back into a second of his men. His body slumping as Elrohir then fired into that second man. He tumbled backwards as well. While Elladan ducked. His eyes giving him aid as reflexes kicked in. Avoiding the burning bolts of death. He too found those aiming for he, his brother and dear Gimli. He fired two bolts in succession. Both cracked the helm of a purple soldier. The head snapped back. His blaster fired randomly into the air, and he fell down dead.

"Now this is a sight!" Gandalf intonated beside the Lady Galadriel. Both tucked away into the corner before a doorway. The elven queen tilted her head to the wizard. A slight smirk on her ethereal face as she loosed the barest of chuckles.

"That it is, Mithrandir."

"Enough!" Anakin whirled himself into a half circle. Loosing a percussive wave through the Force out of both of his hands. A wave hit both groups of men. Causing the clones to the rear to stumble as well. Those Senate Guards who yet lived were tossed back in crumpled messes and grunts. Their armor clanging along the ground while some were slammed into columns or nearby walls. Anakin's breath came out somewhat rattled, and fast. He tried to relax his shoulders. Turning back ahead of himself as he saw many dead guards lining the floor. By his own reflections of their blaster bolts, or the...honestly impressive aim of both the elves, and even Gimli's wild antics.

"That is enough! No more of you need die!" Anakin declared loudly, firmly. His voice trembling with the Force once more. "I am here for the Chancellor! He has instigated this attack on the Jedi! I am not here to willfully harm those in this building! I want him, and him alone!" Even as he detailed it, he saw the guards and members of the Senate Commando force pulling themselves back up. They aimed, and of course, they fired. "Dammit!" Anakin cursed, and instantly deflected an oncoming bolt.

"With me, brother!"

"On it!" Elrohir replied as Elladan called him forward. The two elves ran ahead. Crossing from the pillar they had nestled behind towards the one ahead of them. Daring to move and fire at once. Anakin would have been horrified that those untrained with a blaster would attempt to do so. But, he had long learned that elves were not to be underestimated. The twins moved, and as they did their feet carried them like leafs in the wind. Gliding with expert speed and foot accuracy. Their bodies turned. Blasters raised, bolts released. Each one making a mark. None missing. Each one crashing into and felling those guards who stood or knelt. The men turning to fire on them were aiming with what amounted to wild spray. Hoping to hit these oddly dressed men with pointed ears and long hair.

Yet, one by one the guards began to fall. One, two, three, four, five, six! Anakin paused and turned loosing a shock wave into the Force. Throwing those behind him tumbling back once again. Gimli continued to draw their fire. He rained bolts into their guts, thighs and knees. The men aimed for him, but the dwarf was hardy. He jumped to the left or right as his stout legs allowed him. A bolt singed his shoulder. His right shoulder burned, but the dwarf...didn't seem to even notice it. Gimli merely heaved a throaty laugh. Firing a free spray of bolts. Of which five of six struck his would be killer. The wound on Gimli's shoulder enough to bring a grown man to a seething fall. Alas, this was a hardy dwarf! Made to withstand the ills and ages of the waking world. Stronger than any would dare imagine. As he repelled those who would harm he and his companions.

"Hold!" Anakin called. Bringing his lightsaber down, raising his left fist up. Gimli ceased firing. His small body heaving mighty adrenaline tinged breaths. While the twins nestled themselves beside their new column. A strewn assortment of dead before them that the clones beyond looked upon in amazement.

"Enough of this!" Anakin plead once more. "You men are incapable of defeating us! Do not risk your own lives here." As he said it Anakin was genuinely, though silently, amazed. The twins and Gimli had taken down quite a number of the Guards. Though, so had he. The room was lined in carbon scoring and dead guards. The clones beyond seemed more antsy. Still following orders, like good soldiers. Still unsure what to do beyond that though. They had, had their show. Part of it at least.

"Ah, Anakin. My boy." The Force rippled. A creaking moan sounded in the wind. The corridor grew suddenly both cold and hot. Anakin's heart fluttered as that voice creaked inside of his ears. Familiar...tinged with the croak of a nightmare. The Force whirled, and a howl of pain echoed in his mind. Anakin had his back to the corridor leading deeper into the Annex. He tilted his head right. Gandalf met his eyes. The wizard gave a knowing single nod as they met. While Galadriel's face was tilted to her left. Her eyes narrowing, a strain in her expression. The elven lady looked down to her hand, to her ring. Though Anakin was unsure what for.

"Look at what you have done to my home and office." The voice laughed. Anakin slowly turned right, and fully back around. The air of the corridor seething past him. His face twisted into a harsh scowl and he felt his eyes narrow. Anakin found him. The Chancellor. The Sith Lord. The Dark Lord of the Sith. Darth Sidious. He bore a black robe and cloak. Dark as the night. His eyes illuminated in sickly yellow. His skin was dim, cold and grayer. Life seeming to have been sucked from it. While the flesh had seemed to sag, and crease in deep lines or pits about him. His hands were pulled tightly to his chest. Resting in crumpled forms before him atop that black robe. While around him stood six of his crimson guards. They whirled their robes from around themselves. Revealing their armor and held their staffs at the ready. While those Senate Guards that remained seemed to pull away. Dragging those who could not move from the sight of the Chancellor as he appeared.

"Palpatine." Anakin greeted. Simply, and coldly. "I see you're not so cowardly to not meet my call." Anakin intoned. Looking to his old friend's hands. Where in the distance between them...he saw it. A tinge of red light. A blackness around one finger. He shuddered quietly to himself and images, screeching of horror, came to mind. The volcano, his pride and hunger for power. His right hand twisted around his lightsaber and sweat bead upon Anakin's brow.

Sidious, for his part, loosed a genuine sounding throaty cackle. "So much has seemed to happen since last we met today, son." He began. "You took my offer to save your wife, your children and the Republic; democracy itself, and you threw it aside. Yet," Palpatine hummed and took a step forward. His guard mirroring him silently. Three on either side and spread out. "Even through all of that' through you siccing Master Windu and the other masters upon me, and through releasing Dooku, you have failed to stop me. I'm sure you think your cause is noble, Anakin. But, look around you." Palpatine raised his arms out. The ring on his finger catching Anakin's eyes even as Palpatine kept preaching.

"You have killed so many of my defenders! Fine and noble men of the Republic. Not only that, but you have aided and abetted a plot to kill me. To have the Republic be taken over by the Jedi Order."

"Just like before, and everyday since I met you, you twist things." Anakin finally rebuffed. His lips curled in disdain, and still raw betrayal. "Everything I've done today, since you tried to use me...has been to stop you! Do you know what you've done?!" Anakin shot back. Raising his lightsaber's tip towards Palpatine. An act that made all the clones flinch. Though, the Chancellor raised a calming hand up. A silent order to hold. "You've killed so many today...so many Jedi. But, before that you've had how many killed across the whole damn galaxy?! Don't get moralistic with me! Don't taunt me with what I've karking done! I am not as easily manipulated as you seem to think! Not anymore, your Grace!" Anakin was trembling. Anger mingled with sadness and hatred. Drifting back in against himself for all those times he failed to see what was now so plainly evident.

To that outburst, Palpatine cackled. Wildly and madly. Everything Mace said about him seeming so much the truer. "Yes, Anakin! Good! Let that anger flow over you! Righteous anger is no evil thing, son! It is true I have done many things. Many terrible things. But, everything done has had a purpose. Every act and moment has led us here. You and I." Palpatine took another step, and so did his guards. "Somehow, even when you use others to attack me, you end up coming before me once more. Happenstance? Luck? It is curious." Palpatine hummed, but clearly thought very little of the musing.

"Whatever the case, Anakin, I must know – what do you hope to accomplish by being here? By calling me out to you?" The Sith wondered. The air thick with his power. His presence knocking at the door of Anakin's own being. He held steady and firm. His friends watching on. The twins and Gimli aiming at Palpatine. While the other two remained silent a while longer.

"After what you did at the Temple, after you activated Order 66...it had to be me. Has to be." Anakin intoned. Though, to that statement the Chancellor smiled broadly. His yellow eyes twinkling quizzically. As Anakin could best tell.

"Ah yes! I had meant to ask. How did you enjoy meeting your old friend?"

"What you did to Serra, I don't even know." Anakin shook his head. Though Palpatine's eyes narrowed.

"What?"

"I know all about your ring!" Anakin bellowed. His own presence in the Force thrashing Sidious' back from himself. To which the Sith raised his right hand to block the wisp of wind. "So much of it makes sense now! Your questions about Arda. How you talked to the delegation, my friends?! You saw your chance to try and replicate it! I told you about Sauron and you jumped at the chance to somehow...I don't know what! But, I see it there, right on your karking hand! Plain as day! You are messing with things even I don't understand, Chancellor! Regardless of it, though, I will stop you!" Anakin growled and sucked in a shaky breath. "Then, Serra goes missing. Conveniantly during the attack by the Separatists. The very same you control! However, you did it, whatever sick and twisted game or ploy or attack you committed to take her, I don't know. But, you won't have me! You won't have another Jedi at your mercy!"

"Serra…" Palpatine intoned. Barely loud enough for Anakin to hear. The Sith's eyes averting thoughtfully. "I…" Palpatine began to speak. Anakin watched as the Sith's right hand, the one that bore the ring, came to his forehead. The runes that burned bright along the band, seemed to spike in luminosity for a flickering second. The dark side growled and Anakin had to stop himself from recoiling as a wave of nausea rippled at his senses.

"Serra...I see. Yes...I see." Palpatine growled. Anakin looked at him and saw a grimace upon his face. The Sith seemed...angry. Well, of course he should be. Anakin had undone whatever he had done to Keto. Even if it required her death.

"You have failed, your Highness." Anakin mocked him. Using words that somehow felt...familiar to him, and he did not know why. "Your plans at the Temple have failed. Your plans with the Jedi have failed. This, this here, all of it will fail! You will not have the Republic! You will not purge the Jedi Order! I stand between you and all of it! So, if you want to take it back you will have to come through me!"

"But, he will not stand alone!" Gandalf's voice boomed. All who heard it jumped, save for Palpatine, Anakin and Galadriel. The White Wizard came forward from where he had hid. The tap of his staff along the floor sounded, and his white attired seemed to shine brighter than it normally would.

"Ah, you've brought your wizard, Anakin." Palpatine chuckled. Seeming to forget his anger from before. The light of his ring dimming. "You think that this, can be stopped by him?" Palpatine raised his right hand. Showing the ring and its shining runes to the pair. "From what I recall of the Arda Campaign's report...you could not stop that Sauron of yours, Gandalf, was it?" He mocked, full well knowing Gandalf's name. "Yet, you think you can help stop me here and now? Curious self aggrandizement, old man." The Force bubbled as the last two words echoed past his lips. A hint of some kind of memory danced on the edges of Anakin's mind.

A figure robed in black. No face to be seen, a dark echoing voice and an iron crown like that of thorns upon his unseen head. Anakin tilted to Gandalf. Furrowing his brow as he perceived the memory to be his. Though Anakin couldn't tell why he was thinking of that...thing now. Nonetheless, he ignored it as Gandalf raised his staff before him. Doing so loosed a low thrum. The air lifted ever so much as Gandalf seemed to delve into his inner being. The true being that was Gandalf. Not the visage of the old man he wore. That much, Anakin could definitely feel.

"You are but a shadow of darkness come before!" Gandalf accused. His voice airy...on the edge of perception almost sing-song. Though, maybe Anakin imagined that?

"The lingering stench of powers beyond you still linger. You have given yourself over to promises of power, and you do not yet even know the cost it shall demand. A foolish gamble if ever there were one! Turn back from this folly, and surrender yourself, or be cast into the Abyss! The same that awaits you that has taken many a wicked Master come before!" Gandalf accosted for all intents and purposes. Anakin took a long breath. Steadying himself further. Knowing Palpatine would not be so easily swayed. In fact the Sith simply grinned a half smile before bellowing a long cackle that rattled the hall. The dark side seeming to almost join him in laughter. An undulating echo to his voice.

"You are quite the character, 'wizard.'" Palpatine mocked. "Your words are amusing. Instead of face me, you wish to what?! Scare me into submission?"

"I am not here to frighten you." Gandalf urged. "I am here to warn you. Turn away from that thing upon your finger. Or, it will destroy you."

"What do you know about it?!" Palpatine seethed. The Force whirling across Anakin, Gandalf and all the rest who stared in horrified awe at his presence and power. "Nothing! You know nothing at all!"

"You would be wise to listen." Galadriel now appeared. Her own form, slender, serene, and gliding. The fabric of her white clothing seemed to sway independent of any actual wind. Her radiant golden hair seemed to shine all the brighter as she came up on Anakin's right. While Gandalf stood at the left. Anakin turned to her and noticed an almost...ghostly light percolate from around her being. The Force rumbled. The power of himself, her and Gandalf was overwhelming! Yet...Palpatine still stood. Still seemed all but insurmountable. The dark side mocking their bravado.

"You stand before two of three." Galadriel intoned raising her hand showing her ring. "We know more than you in fact, Dark One. And I have seen the way of Men taken to the power of their petty rings. Your heart, long corrupted, has been sold for a trinket. And, you will be destroyed as those come before." She uttered. As she did Anakin felt an odd sensation pass through the Force. So too would Palpatine. Gandalf and Galadriel's beings seemed to mesh across the corridor. There was...something here that wasn't before. As Anakin wondered what it was he felt a connection. Gandalf's ring and Galadriel's...they had been silent until this moment.

It had happened. Their rings seemed to...flicker. They; in the presence of Palpatine's ring, seemed to have some awakening. "What's happening?" Anakin whispered to Gandalf.

"I am not sure." The wizard noted genuinely. "We must discover how he made this ring. If it has the power to bring life back to the three then...it is a frightening thought."

"Are you done whispering?!" Palpatine boomed. "Because I grow bored of this display. Anakin," He turned to Anakin again. A broad smile on his wicked face. "You said I had to go through you to get what I want. But, you still don't understand. It is not through you I want to go. It is with you, son! Even now I am willing to forgive you these...trespasses. Though, as any wayward child, and...misguided apprentice," He looked to Gandalf with a glare of contempt. "You must be brought back into line."

"You are mistaken." Anakin scoffed through his nose. "You will never have me."

"No, child. It is you who are mistaken. About a great many things." Palpatine sighed. "Now, let us get this over with, Anakin."

The Chancellor called the Force around him. The corridor creaked as he did so. The air of the hall crackled with dark power, and Anakin planted his feet. His eyes narrowed and he felt Gandalf's presence wrap around he and Galadriel.

"Be brave, Anakin. I am with you."

"I am with you Mithrandir. And you Anakin." Galadriel added.

"I know. Thank you. Let's do this." The three of them stood ready, as Palpatine loosed another final bellowing cackle that rung in all ears that could hear.

---

"With all due respect, Master Windu, you need rest."

"Master Che," Mace began with a pained wince evident in his voice. "I appreciate that. But we are hardly in a position to have me resting."

"You are of no use to anyone in your condition! Neither will you be if you fall over dead." The harsh twi'lek healer glared. Mace shook his head though.

"Master there are so many Jedi that would be better served by your abilities than I. Please, go attend to them. I need to speak with Masters Ti and Hett."

"I…" Master Che began, but seemed to relent the next moment after. Her shoulder rolling as she bowed her head. "Very well, Mace. You are not off my list, however! So you stay here. I mean it!"

"Very well, Master." Mace bowed his head. Giving Vokara enough time to turn and march her way from the conference room he and the other masters found themselves in. "She means well." Mace intoned after she left earshot.

"She is just harsh with everyone because she wants them to get better. Comes from having to deal with so many troublesome Jedi who want to jump back into battle after nearly dying." Shaak smiled. Herself covered in bandages. New and old. Her robes discarded leaving her arms and legs mostly exposed. Mace having heard of her encounter with Serra Keto during the attack on the Temple. He found it strange a mere padawan could be so powerful. He supposed it had been she that had been in Palpatine's office with he, Dooku and the Chancellor. But, Mace wasn't sure of her part. He knew of her leading the attack, but...something was off here. So, he felt. But, he kept it to himself. Everyone had much bigger problems to contend with than Serra's part. Though...she had seemed less than willing to help Palpatine back in his office…

In any case Mace shook himself of his musings and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Turning to the nearby Master Hett as he did.

"I'm glad to see you both made it." Mace greeted A'Sharad and Shaak. She was sat off to the side. Leaning her back against the cold bare metal of the room. While A'Sharad stood observing a holoterminal showing the damage the Temple had experienced as well as placements of barricades and Temple Security Forces.

"We were all dreading the thought of losing you, Master." Shaak replied earnestly. "We learned of your departure with the others, and...feared the worst after the attack began."

"Well," A'Sharad sighed. "We cannot dwell on those lost. Master Kolar and Tiin wouldn't want us to. And, Master Fisto has a chance. As I have been made to understand?"

"Yes." Mace nodded. Having hit them with the whole plan of things immediately upon their arrival. Some of the few Jedi in the Temple who knew it. Some of the few who knew Anakin wasn't here any longer.

"We can't focus on that now." Mace interjected before the conversation could take that turn. "Right now I want to know how things are here. Master Ti," He looked to Shaak from where he sat. Still nursing his ribs. "How are our defenses looking?" To the question Shaak sighed.

"Every Jedi still able to fight is ready, Master. Beyond those sent with the younglings and Master Baas."

"And how is that going?" Mace turned to A'Sharad.

"So far so good, Master." A'Sharad also turned. Meeting Mace's gaze. "The furthest we have the younglings is about two miles out. There are connecting shafts everywhere. Every access route, however, leads to vents. These vents are being buzzed by CSF speeders. Whatever is happening outside, there are still police elements looking for us."

"Can we go further down?" Mace wondered. "Into the undercity. It may be seedy and uncomfortable, but at a time like this, and with plenty of knights guarding the younglings it may be worth it."

"The turbolifts going down don't work into those levels. I don't know when, but they seem to have been cut off some time ago. Probably to stop anyone from the undercity gaining entry to the Temple accidentally...or willfully." A'Sharad intoned.

"Makes sense." Mace groaned. "Then...then we need to find a way to shepherd the children onto transports as fast as possible."

"We don't have many friends right now, Master." Shaak added. "Even if we could get shuttles or speeders to the lower levels, and then get the children onboard, the CSF or whoever would try to stop them. Without direct escort form the clones that would be impossible, and without Skywalker-"

"The clones won't help." Mace completed her point. "Very well." He added with a stuttering sigh. The pain eating at his broken ribs. "Do either of you have any ideas?" Silence followed. Clearly neither Shaak or A'Sharad did. At least not readily.

"Perhaps one of the senators who are still friendly with us?" Shaak wondered.

"Yeah." A'Sharad agreed. "Maybe Senator Organa, or Mothma can help? Or Amidala?"

"Potentially." Mace agreed. "However, they'd still need to be allowed through by Anakin. Without him we are somewhat stuck."

"Not if they can get to the lower levels. Outside of the clone perimeter." A'Sharad reasoned and leaned into the conference table. "If we can have someone send a transport or transports – however many we may need, then we can move the children onboard and evacuate them to somewhere. Anywhere is better than the Temple right now."

"Yes, but we can't forget that they're all busy." Shaak cautioned. "Senators Organa, Mothma, Amidala and whomever else will be busy preparing for the session of Congress."

"If it even happens." A'Sharad countered. "Senator Organa seemed sure one would occur, but it's just presumption."

"No." Mace shook his head. "It makes sense, Master Hett. The Chancellor will need to explain the situation sooner rather than later. If this continues without a word from him the political classes across the galaxy will be thrown into chaos. Not only that, but the front lines may well collapse if there is a perception of weakness from Palpatine."

"The last thing we need." A'Sharad scoffed. "The Separatists."

"Indeed." Mace nodded solemnly.

"Well...what about our own shuttles? Up in the hangar bays?" A'Sharad wondered.

"The clones are still posted just outside of them. Outside of every door leading into the Temple. Anakin gave them the chance to breach any entrance if they're given orders again." Shaak answered.

"Right… Dammit…"

"We're in a better position to defend ourselves than we were, Master Hett." Shaak tried to calm the younger man. "Every knight, master, guard, peacekeeper, and temple security trooper we have are stationed opposite the clones. If they attack they won't catch us off guard. Not this time."

"Hopefully it doesn't come to that." Mace offered. "But if it should they will suffer far more casualties than they would have otherwise."

"But that still leaves the question of the younglings." A'Sharad intoned. "What about a diversion?"

"How's that?" Mace replied.

"We gather a squad of knights, and we send them outside of the perimeter. We pull the CSF and whoever else is still blasting for us and give the rest time to escape."

"It could potentially work." Shaak agreed with a shrug. "But, if Jedi are seen outside of the Legion's control zone we'd be hit by the CSF and whoever. More importantly is that it could draw an overt show of force. We would be sentencing those knights to death...slaughter."

"To save the lives of the younglings...is that not a noble thing? A Jedi's life is sacrifice, no?" A'Sharad countered. As he did his eyes narrowed. He turned away from both Shaak and Mace and loosed a small laugh.

"What's funny?" Mace asked.

"Me." A'Sharad pulled off the table. "You're right. We shouldn't ask other Jedi to do what we are not willing." He noted. "I do believe our lives are meant for sacrifice in the way of service to others, but we can't throw lives away meaninglessly."

"What are you saying?" Shaak seemed to sense what it was even though she asked.

"I lead the diversion, masters."

"No, Master Hett-" Shaak began, but A'Sharad raised his hand. "I am one of the most able bodied of the masters left. If I must fight the CSF, or clones...whomever in the defense of the younglings...to give them time to escape, I freely offer myself to do so." A'Sharad smiled. An air of calm to him. A sense of power. Both Mace and Shaak looked between themselves. Quietly contemplating such a move until Mace finally looked to A'Sharad again.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely, Master. We have all of us made tough decisions tonight. Anakin most of all. You did when you went to face the Chancellor, and you did, Master Ti, when you and Master Kcaj entered the Great Hall. I can do this."

"If this is the way you want to do this," Mace began with stony acceptance. Clearly seeing the use in such a move. "You must make a move as far away from the younglings as possible. Clear opposite end of them."

"Right." A'Sharad turned to the hologram and swept it to a new image of the Temple and the turbolifts leading into the depths of Coruscant. "They've exited here heading east away from the Temple. I can move west using this access turbolift here." He pointed to one of the ancient shafts. "I'll make my way out and cause a stir. Get every CSF officer on me, everyone with an itchy trigger finger. I pull away further out into the Temple District. You two then have Master Baas usher the younglings beyond the Temple District itself."

"Where we acquire transport." Shaak finished. Which A'Sharad seemed to agree with. Nodding to her point.

"Perhaps even off world." He added.

"Well, for now let's just figure out how we get this transport." Mace groaned in pain again. "Master Hett, I'd say it's best if you get into position as soon as possible. I and Master Ti will acquire the transports. Don't move until you've heard from us. Your comlink active?"

"Yes, Master."

"Give me your code." A'Sharad did so quickly.

"Good. Head down. And may the Force be with you."

"And you, masters." A'Sharad beamed a smile and bowed. Bounding past Mace around the conference table and out into the halls.

"He may well have just run to his own death, Master." Shaak intoned sadly.

"Perhaps." Mace agreed. "But, it is his decision to make. His sacrifice. We honor it, if that be what happens by abiding by his wishes."

"I know." She nodded with a slight shake of her head, and sad shuddering sigh. "Who can we call?"

"We're short on friends, but you're right." Mace began. "Senators Organa, Mothma and all the others will be busying themselves with this plan they've concocted with Anakin."

"Then another Senator perhaps? Or, should we look outside of the body?" As Shaak wondered she saw Mace's brow furrow. A thought clearly coming to him.

"No...we have friends in the Senate. Those who will see this attack for what it is."

"But, who can we trust? Even with whatever friends we may have they could be scared, Master."

"It takes a lot to scare a wookiee."

"What?" Shaak questioned as Mace gripped his comlink and began pushing in a new code.

"Senator Yarua. He resisted the trandoshan delegation's demands before they and the Separatists attacked. He's known to support the Order. I and Master Yoda have spoken with him before."

"Then...he certainly sounds more likely to help." Shaak agreed. A thin but earnest smile forming on her face. But, before Mace made his call the doorway leading into the hall opened.

"Masters." A male human knight greeted with a bow. "Pardon my interruption. One of the Temple emergency channels has received a call. It's masters Kenobi and Yoda."

"Obi-Wan and Yoda?!" Shaak all but jumped while Mace remained tempered.

"Yes, Master."

"Very good." Mace spoke. "Put them through to this holoterminal."

"Yes, Master." The knight bowed and went to the terminal. Quickly entering some code or another. Before long it shifted and the knight took his leave without notice needing been given. As Obi-Wan and Yoda came into view.

"Master Windu! Force, it's good to see you're alive." Obi-Wan immediately greeted.

"Obi-Wan!" Shaak managed to stand and walk over to the terminal.

"Master Ti!" Was all Obi-Wan could get out.

"Good to see you both, it is." Yoda added as he clutched his gimmer stick. Planting it into the ground wherever he was. "Felt great turmoil in the Force I did. Feared lost, you all were."

"We're alive, but much has happened."

"We've been told as much, Master." Obi-Wan replied to Mace. "Senator Organa's people have been very helpful."

"I and Shaak will tell you what we can, but first I need your help, Master Yoda." Mace immediately fell into his serious work oriented mannerisms.

"Hmm, my help you need? If help you I can, I will."

"Do you still have Tarfful's comlink code?"

"I do." Yoda nodded.

"We may need his influence."

"For what?" Obi-Wan wondered.

"A lot has happened here, Obi-Wan. I'll tell you what I can, but time is of the essence." Mace began. Both Obi-Wan and Yoda looking to one another before nodding. Ready to hear what Mace and Shaak Ti could tell them.

---

Her body's eyes were closed as it sat on the floor of the quite spacious room they had been gifted. Vica watched her physical form remain silent and static. Her astral self loosing a...sigh? She still didn't quite know how that worked. She supposed if that's what she would usually do she did it even in astral form? Whatever, it didn't matter.

"Okay, so I think I understand most of your plan. I just wonder what the point of waiting would be?" She asked Sauron. He did not open the eyes, her eyes, that he wore. Instead he raised her head slightly and adjusted her posture as he delved into the Force. Using her body as the conduit to do so, of course.

"The galaxy is already in turmoil, witch. Whatever may occur here tonight and tomorrow, perhaps even further on, will determine just how much chaos will encompass it all. The ripples of the effects felt on Coruscant will spread. To the furthest corners of the Republic. The same Republic that; in spite of the efforts of the ordained and doomed Confederacy, still controls most of said galaxy." Sauron explained within their mind. Cool and near monotone, it was clear he wished not to talk out loud for any potential listeners to hear.

"Okay...and?" Vica pressed him. "I still don't see how that affects Grievous, or the Confederacy as a whole?"

"Our newest friend will have issues of his own in need of attending."

"What makes you think that?" Vica questioned. Her astral form crossing her arms over her chest. "Grievous alone could keep the countless systems in line with reputation alone. He may be...a little dull at times. But, he is intimidating."

"True enough." Sauron concurred. "What I am accounting for is the unforeseen. This government, the Confederacy has lost its charismatic Head of State. This Dooku. The man in your memories."

"Stop digging through my head!"

"You have pertinent information. I see what I require, witch." Sauron rebuffed just for Vica to scoff and wave him off dismissively.

"Whatever, keep going."

"If General Grievous decides to go through with his desire to wipe out this Council then he will be alone. A military mind at the head of a galaxy spanning government. A dictatorship as it may be, without some measure of local control, or representatives to keep in line, the government will undoubtedly experience a period of internal conflict. Depending on the nature or manner in which what happens within the Republic, the uproar could be insignificant or severe. Grievous will need time to subdue any world, system, local sector, whatever have you that may seek to break away. Or, at the least attempt to influence wider Confederate politics to their own ends."

"So you're just wanting Grievous to play it safe?"

"Hmm…" Sauron intoned internally. "If I understand your phrase, then yes."

"Then, the Republic?" Vica wondered once more.

"The Republic is less easily predicted." He admitted. "I had not expected Sidious to act as quickly as he had. But, when the time came it needed to be done. I had not foreseen his movements as I said. However, in light of his actions with the Ring of Shadow I believe we are in a powerful position, regardless of the winner this night."

"Oh, do tell."

"I already have."

"Yes, but," Vica sweetly smiled and rubbed her hands along her astral arms. "Hearing about the potential loss of dear ole' Palpatine just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I guess...I don't know...sensations from my body while like 'this',' She moved her hands up and down her astral self."Are not much of a thing."

"Ever a deep thinker, witch." Sauron sighed using her body. "If Sidious manages to win, and he crushes dissent from the Jedi, defeats Skywalker, or subdues him in some capacity, as well as retains his political power the Republic will more seamlessly transition to a new state. Whatever that state may be, he will rule with absolute power."

"Yuck." She snorted.

"If that should occur," Sauron kept on and ignored her. "The Republic, whatever it is called, will have to contend with a Confederacy unshackled by his direct control. An earnest war would beleaguer this new state. Calling into question the point of his one man dictatorship. Having few accomplishments to point to legitimizing his continued hold. This will potentially, I stress, exacerbate those who would launch open rebellion against such a blatant grab for power. Causing internal crises within the state. These ripples could and likely would affect worlds within the Confederacy's regions of control. Both galactic spanning governments perceived as weak, worn down by this war, and having too much of a plate to chew."

"Too much on their plate to chew." Vica corrected him. To which the Dark Lord said nothing. A low...kind of grumble escaping from her body. Which made Vica smirk wickedly.

"In any case," Sauron continued. Vica stopping herself from mocking his poor understanding of...what were they called? Colloquialisms, euphemisms? "Grievous with our aid can take advantage of the chaotic state of the Republic in the immediate aftermath of Sidious' victory. Seizing worlds and systems that had, beforehand, been blocked from such attack by Sidious himself. The armies and navy of the Confederacy are vast. But, this will still ignore the internal crises occurring within the Confederacy or potential revolts. There are many known unknowns."

"Right, but option B?" She sounded almost giddy to hear it.

"Sidious loses this night. Or rather, he loses in the near future. In which case the Republic is in an even weaker state than if he wins."

"Oh...kriff that makes me all tingly."

"Charming." Sauron dully replied. "In this scenario the Republic will fall to the leadership of others. Whomever takes command...the Republic will be in a state of political chaos. The military apparatus following the use of the clones by Palpatine will be called into question. There will very likely be open rebellion from several systems. These governors of his that he's put into positions of power may revolt or refuse to concede to the wishes of the Senate, or new Chancellor. Systems that hold absolute loyalty to Sidious and not the Republic may switch to the Confederacy, or more likely, simply secede. Not to even begin thinking about the local rioting that may occur."

"I never knew you were such a sweet talker, my Lord!" Vica giggled and again Sauron went silent. She knew from annoyance. But, she found it funny.

"This scenario would mean the Jedi survive as an institution. Though that is preferable." Sauron carried on.

"Yes your silly rings. You've told me you have them with a Jedi, and Arsuna has one, but who is the Jedi? And where's the third?"

"It is not something I wish to divulge at the moment."

"We're being secretive again already?!"

"No." Sauron calmly assured. "I wish to see how these two operate with their new gifts. If they prove inadequate then they will need to be replaced."

"And I can't be told who they are...why?"

"Because they may not matter in the long term. Maybe they shall? I believe I have made good choices. Though one of them...is a more complicated matter." Sauron trailed off. Just serving to make Vica more curious now! "In any case I am being cautious."

"How very boring."

"I'm sure." Sauron all but scoffed. "You will learn in time. For now allow me the time to muse on their place within the plans."

"Ugh, fine!" Vica whined. "At least this time I'm not meant to be tortured for your benefit."

"Unint-"

"I know, blah, blah, blah!" She cut him off, and he made no move to speak again. "To be honest I can't wait to get off Coruscant. I don't mind the planet, but we've been here for too long. I am actually a bit excited to see old Grievous again! When last we met he ran off and abandoned me to die on Arda! Such a sweet cyborg."

"He seemed very surprised by your state of living."

"He did didn't he! Who doesn't love General Grievous?" She asked sardonically. "Well, I'm sure you will charm your way into his inner circle. He needs friends, I think. Not the type of personality that makes them so easily at the playground."

"He will make a great ally."

"And, if by chance he refuses?" Vica wondered absently.

"We leave him to do as he wills. He will be of use regardless of his alliance with us. We will still return to Arda. I will gather what I need, and we will go to these worlds Lady Sipillona has found."

"Hmm." Vica hummed, again rather absently. "Say, what are you doing right now anyways?" She questioned as she looked to see her body still steeped in the Force. Sat with her legs pressed underneath herself. Hands atop her lap and the sensation of the Force reaching out. Carefully of course, and unlike her or Sidious it was not really an explosion of darkness. More a dull but powerful throb through the Force. And, really...who cared right now back in the Jedi Temple? They had...'enough on their plate!' That made Vica smirk to herself.

"For some days now," Sauron began. "Between making the rings and formulating my plans I have been 'listening' with the Force. I can feel and hear many echoes of that which has come before. Or, things happening now. Flashes and sensations. Glimpses of memory, but mere seconds. It is all meaningless and perhaps fruitless unless I were at the spot where such occurred."

"Okay, then what's the point? You just sightseeing?"

"No." He flatly rebuked. "There are other things. Just beneath the surface. Far away things, sounds."

"Sounds?"

"Voices." Sauron self corrected. "I have felt them gnashing in the dark. Clinging to this World, to life. Many a mortal of Arda would do anything to live forever. They fear death. Melkor's shadow lingers upon it."

"Huh?"

"It doesn't matter." Sauron waved her off, proverbially. "I find these voices fascinating. They do not recede into the Void. They remain, but it is a hollow thing. They never feel of the light, as you call it. Within the Force, of course. They always feel dark. Unusually louder, and stronger than those who cling to life but have no power within the Force. This aspect is still strange, and ever to be expanded upon."

"Well, with the Fore anything is possible. So they say."

"'They' who?"

"I don't know. Just...they." Vica shrugged. Honestly not knowing where she had heard that phrase before. "Anyways, what's the point?" Her astral self turned to her body and paced idly around it. Never growing tired as this version of herself. "They're dead. Probably Sith ghosts or Dark Jedi."

"I have not forgotten our bargain, nor my own desire to learn the deeper mysteries and strengths of this Force, witch." Sauron smoothly retorted. "If these beings who cling to life in their own way, are of the dark then we could use them."

"Oh...you're right!" She giggled again. Coming to a stop. "I suppose I put all of that on the back-burner. You know again with all the torture."

"You are very...irritating."

"I know." Vica beamed a wide grin. "So, do you think you could find these beings? The voices, or whatever they are? If they're strong enough for you to...I don't know...notice them from Coruscant then they have to of been pretty strong before they died. You're right, they could know quite a bit about the dark side!"

"Potentially." Sauron uttered, though he sounded unsure. "It would take far too long to simply feel out each of these beings. And...I am not sure all of them are dead...necessarily."

"What does that mean?"

"It means I need a tool from Arda to better find these voices. Dead, alive, whatever have you."

"Oh...I know." Vica grinned and tapped her right temple. "A palantír. Is that why you want it so badly?"

"Not the only reason, witch." Sauron assured. "A palantír can be quite useful for many things. And one used with the added power of the Force? Now that I am eager to test."

"I see. Well!" Vica swept herself in a bored and rather jovial spin in her astral projection. "I guess we both can't wait to get off of Coruscant then!"

"Indeed. Although a critical moment is at hand."

"What do you mean?" She wondered coming to a stop.

"I have to concentrate now, witch. Silence is preferred. Otherwise loose lips will be our undoing."

"I...have no idea what that means, but fine. I'll just be here...quiet as usual."

"Hardly." Sauron almost sputtered! Even whilst falling into silence, that made Vica grin.

---

The cackling of his voice thundered, but it was nothing compared to what followed. Palpatine raised his hands, and from his fingers came bounding bursts of purple lightning! The sound of their sparking birth an electrifying explosion! Sending shivers through the room as all hairs stood on end.

Anakin raised his lightsaber, eyes widening at the sudden sight, but Gandalf raised his staff and a brilliant orb encompassed he, Galadriel and Anakin. The lightning slammed into and across it, forming a second barrier atop the first. Anakin's eyes watched on as Gandalf used his power. Much as he had when they had traveled through Moria and he beheld that fire demon, the Balrog.

"Come now, that can't be all you would do!" Palpatine howled over the endless droning of the alarms. "I had hoped for more from you, Anakin. So much more!" The Sith ceased unleashing his lightning. Instead he lazily motioned his left hand in. As he did his crimson clad guards charged ahead. Wielding their pikes behind their bodies, their cloaks whirling after them and they charged. But, not just at Anakin. He, Gandalf, Galadriel each had one running at them. As the other three charged for Elladan, Elrohir and Gimli.

"Elladan, Elrohir! Gimli!"

"Tend to yaself' laddie!" Gimli howled. As he did he brought his blaster up and fired wildly at the nearest charging guard. The man took two bolts to the chest, but his plated armor only singed. The twins also fired, precisely aiming, but the guard were not mere foot soldiers guarding the Annex or Senate. They had been trained to fight Jedi, they dodged the bolts with precision unexpected, and one ran towards Elladan. The elven prince jumped back and held his blaster up in both hands, catching the downward strike of the staff. While Elrohir fired into his own guard's abdomen, but he moved out of the way. Jumping and rolling aside just to run back up and after Elrohir. Swiping at him with his staff in a large sideways arch. Elrohir jumped back, but threw a powerful kick into the guard pushing him back. But, he was quick to menace the prince thereafter.

One guard came at Anakin, and the Jedi frowned. Raising his left hand he unleashed a powerful wave through the Force. His guard and the other two were thrown back viciously. Gandalf for his part raised his staff and encircled the three of them in another bout of brilliant light. Then a sound occurred like a storm cloud ready to thunder. Before...well tendrils of lightning seem to explode from out of Gandalf's staff! Bounding through the air and cracking as thunder they made for Palpatine.

"Wonderful!" Palpatine cackled and in an instant a lightsaber appeared! Its crimson color bursting to life before his body. The bolts crashed into the beam, and were absorbed by the weapon. Gandalf, however, did not relent. Even as the action required his concentration he held his action. Tilting his head to Anakin and nodding lowly. A signal to move.

"On it!" Anakin bound forward. His lightsaber before him defensively. The three guards ran forward. Swarming around Palpatine from where they had been tossed, and they ran to meet Anakin.

"Enough of this!" Galadriel's voice was hoarse, harsh and a booming hurricane! Sending shivers through Anakin's body, but he could not turn to look. Even as the glow of the room shifted to a greater greenish tint. Unseen by him the Lady of Lórien whirled her right hand up a flick more dismissive in appearance than pointed. In that instant a wave of power like that of Gandalf erupted from her. A percussive wave crashed into the three crimson guards and as Anakin charged to meet them their bodies floundered. Armor flesh and bone shattering. Palpatine raised his free hand out and the Force guarded him, but his guards facing Anakin were turned to dust and what seemed like shattered stone. Their remnants scattering beyond the Sith Lord who at the sight...merely chuckled dismissively.

"Quite the show of power, my Lady!" He laughed over the sound even as he continued to block Gandalf's attack.

"Help the others!" Anakin ordered and as he reached Palpatine, the Sith Lord released a bubble around his body. Exploding out and throwing Gandalf back as it did. Shifting him where he stood. Even as Galadriel passed him and her figure bore a 'witchly' appearance. Cast in a pale light as her form shifted and shimmered in ghostly display. Her movement coated in a power unknown to Anakin.

However, he could not concern himself with her as he stabbed in at Palpatine, howling as he did. The Sith parried with a swipe up and stepped back. Anakin blindingly fell into a series of feints and stabs, slicing down at Palpatine's flank, up the other, spinning himself and swinging upwards in a powerful slash. Each hit and movement, though, Palpatine parried, blocked and easily pushed it away. The golden yellow eyes of the Sith watching Anakin carefully, more seeming to...observe him than be watchful of him.

Unseen by Anakin as he fell into another mode of fast paced djem so sweeps, stabs and overhead falling avalanches – Galadriel swept towards her grandsons and Gimli. Her hand flicked out and once more a powerful percussive wave of power erupted from the so called, 'witch.' The guards had been trying to stab and strike the three. Gimli had hit his attacker several times, but he had still menaced the dwarf. Until he too was eviscerated. The twin sons were locked in physical combat, but their grandmother's light, borne of Aman long before, tore these men steeped in darkness asunder. And, they were left breathless as their foes were there one moment, and gone the next.

"Such power your friends have, Anakin. Yet it is all so utterly...pointless." Palpatine intoned and pulled away, slashing in at Anakin horizontally and forcing the two into a clash as Anakin winced! Palpatine's strength had not been...expected. It was like fighting Master Windu, he had incredible power...or physical strength. Maybe the ring? He didn't know but Anakin felt his neck and shoulders tense and grunts elicit from his throat as he tried to keep Palpatine from pushing him.

"Everything I've done, and will do I did hoping you would join me, Anakin. Not just for yourself." Palpatine noted pushing and pushing. Anakin's face contorting as he felt his muscle shaking. "I wanted you to take my offer because I see it in you."

"See...what?!" Anakin grunted.

"Ambition, but not just blind ambition. You are un-limned by self righteousness. You know who you are, and what you are, son! You can be so much more than the Jedi want of you, expect of you! Control you to be! Better still," Palpatine pushed his right foot forward and Anakin seethed as he took a step back. "You have those who need your protection, my boy! Your wife, your children. Think of them!"

"Don't mention her! Don't mention them!" Anakin growled and with a burst of adrenaline and anger he slashed Palpatine's lightsaber off his to the right. Spinning himself around he struck up. Palpatine parried and stepped back. Anakin slashed in right and left over himself, twirling his lightsaber and advancing without relent. Each slash and crash Palpatine caught and parried. Diverting the swings out away from his body so Anakin could not snake past his defenses.

"You have used me! Been using me! Shut up! Just shut up!" Anakin howled and paused his strikes. Slashing down right with full force. Palpatine blocked over himself and swung down carrying Anakin. He stepped back, cackling into a wheezing laugh before he loosed a small burst of the Force from his right index fingertip. Sending Anakin stumbling back.

"You are playing a dangerous game, Anakin." Palpatine warned. "Your friends cannot stop me. The Jedi cannot stop me. You? Hmm...perhaps you could."

"I will stop you." Anakin growled, his eyes darkening as he gripped his lightsaber in both hands. Bringing the hilt to face level. Illuminating his head in the blue color of his weapon.

"Perhaps." Palpatine mockingly laughed. "But, not as you are. Not as this lost little boy in the veneer of a Jedi Knight. You are greater than that! More powerful than that, son. You can defeat me, destroy me even! But, you must give in to your hatred. You must want to hurt me, you must want to annihilate me! Then you will have the power to do so! Only by your will and will alone!"

"No!" Anakin stabbed in at Palpatine. The Sith parried and stepped left. Anakin threw himself away from Palpatine as his side became exposed. The Sith didn't make to strike though. Instead he cackled. Behind him what remained of the Senate Guard and the clones watched on in awe and horror at what they were seeing. The Chancellor fully unleashed, his true self shown.

"You will not corrupt him!" Gandalf's voice boomed as he stepped forward. "Vile creature! You shall not hurt him, and you shall not use your forked tongue to lure him! Say no more, and fall into the Abyss!"

"What fun!" Palpatine began and zeroed in on Gandalf. "I know more of you than you may think, old man. And, I think you haven't had the proper introduction to a Sith Lord. You may think you know, you all may think you have an idea! But, the truth is none of you know! None of you can comprehend!" Palpatine released an explosion through the Force! A writhing bubble percolating with tendrils of free crashing bolts of lightning exploded from Palpatine. Men behind him and to the far ends of the corridor were thrown back. Some screaming as they were electrocuted without reason.

"Tell me, wizard," Palpatine intoned as Gandalf held his staff up and protected he and Anakin in light once more. "What makes you think you can resist me? Fight me?! You don't know me."

"I know evil when I see it." Gandalf resolutely rebuked. "It carries many faces, but in the end it is the same. Weak, cowardly, greedy and always deluded!"

"So, you think you know me?" Palpatine simply laughed, all but ignoring what Gandalf said. "Very well. Let's see how well you do!" Anakin fell into defensive posture as Palpatine threw his left hand out. A viewport overlooking Coruscant exploded. The glass didn't move after, and instead Palpatine whirled his hand back right and the shards careened towards Anakin and Gandalf.

A boom and thud of power rippled out. The glass was shattered to but particles like that of sand. And, Galadriel stepped nearer. Her presence and being...intimidating. Unlike anything Anakin had seen. A faint whisper of a memory itched at the back of his mind. A sensation form long ago with her Fount. Just before Anakin came to her...after Frodo had seen her.

"Your crude tricks have no power here." She uttered. Voice crackling with some ancient power unknown to Anakin. Palpatine watched her and his face broke into a renewed grin.

"We shall see." Palpatine unleashed another torrent of lighting from his left hand and it exploded. Bounding and crashing into the floor or wall, and burning etchings as it did so. Making its way past Anakin, Gandalf and Galadriel for Elladan, Elrohir and Gimli.

"I have it, stop him!" Anakin bound around and with the Force dashed with speed unknown even to himself. He flung through the air and landed before the twins and leveled his lightsaber. Pulling the Force into his hands for protection as the tendrils careened into the blue beam. Crackling and pulsating with incredible power!

Gandalf stepped forward and leveled his staff. Jutting it forward. A shield of golden white light formed and a pulse exploded from the tip of the staff. It raced out and pushed Palpatine back. He stumbled, but merely laughed as he did so. The lightning from his his left hand losing its mark and bounding into the roof and dancing over the metal of the ceiling. Galadriel stepped near and from her the wickedly awesome light of her being seemed to create a terrible wind. It rushed forward, and slammed into Palpatine. Throwing the old man away with a heave, grunt and cry. The wind became a storm and the wails of some power's awakening uttered in the ears of those who could hear it.

"You three, now's the time. Get back to the hangar! Wait for Kit and wait for us!"

"Oh no ya' don't!" Gimli began. "You're not facing him alone, laddie!"

"I'm not alone, Gimli. I'm not. Go! He is beyond you, and I need you to help me elsewhere!"

"We'll go." Elladan spoke for Elrohir who nodded. Behind Anakin, Palpatine rose to his feet and the Force roared out. The corridor shuttered and all the viewports exploded into shattered glass. A wave of energy crashed into both Galadriel and Gandalf. Both raised their hands, Gandalf his staff, and their 'magic' seemed to blunt the power. Even as the Force dented wall and ceiling and caused Anakin to feel sick.

"Bah! Fine, but don't do anything foolish!"

"I will never be able to promise that, Gimli." Anakin grinned, but pat Gimli's shoulder with a single harsh pat. "Now, on my mark, go." Anakin turned and faced down the hall they had come from. Still lined with Guards and clones. Behind him he heard Gandalf grunt. Palpatine unleashed another explosion of lighting and shook the ground with but a stomp of his foot. The Force cascading out and shaking the floor. The wizard created another defensive bubble. Exploding it out, throwing Palpatine into a stumble. Galadriel brought her hands together and out before herself. A heat rose and more roaring winds whirled like a tornado before her. Energy unknown to those who used the Force carried the hot winds out and they flew at Palpatine. The Dark Lord created a barrier in the Force. Raising his left hand as his right still clasped his crimson lightsaber. The Force blocked the oncoming winds, and the Sith gripped his fingers in. Wrapping the Force around the power Galadriel unleashed. The Lady grimaced. Seeming to feel the grip. Palpatine howled another cackling laugh and threw his left hand right towards Gandalf. The winds were taken from Galadriel's control and slammed into the wizard. Gandalf gasped and was thrown to the wall.

"Mithrandir!" Galadriel called, but set her face. Placing her arms out at either side, her light, ghostly as it was ethereal bloomed! Casting the whole of the corridor in blinding light. Palpatine averted his gaze. Perfect time for Anakin to act.

"Go!" Anakin called, and turning his lightsaber off in a flash. He reeled his body right, both hands in at the side. Throwing them ahead of himself with a harsh guttural cry. The Force threw out and fell as a wave that hit the men. All of them crying, gasping huffing and grunting. Much as Anakin had done back at the Temple all the Guards and clones troopers were thrown many feet away. Allowing the twins and Gimli to charge back down the hall. The elves feet carrying them quickly thence. The naturally dangerous sprinting of Gimli's carrying him much the same.

"Be careful, lad!" He called as he disappeared down the hall and turned down the other, out of sight.

"I'll try." Anakin huffed. Turning and running full speed towards Palpatine. The Dark Lord ushered another bout of lighting that crackled and cackled as it went towards Galadriel. The elf maiden seemed ready for it, but Anakin brought his saber down ahead of her. Running just by her as it reached her body. His saber caught the lightning and Anakin continued running. Flinging his saber out right like a bat. The lightning was redirected and flew into the wall behind Palpatine. Exploding the wall where it hit. Causing the Sith to shrink his shoulders at the sudden act.

"Gandalf?!"

"I'm alright!" The wizard intoned pushing himself back up. Galadriel watching him and guarding from any new attack. But, Anakin fell upon Palpatine. The Sith raising his lightsaber and blocking a series of furious slashes and crashing feints. Anakin whirled in right, slash up left, down right, across himself in a spin back to left. Up right down left, stab in! Palpatine blocked each, twisting and stepping back against each furious assault. As Anakin stabbed in Palpatine used the Force and caught the blade from the tip. Yanking his hand up and throwing both it and Anakin up into the air and back. With such ease as to make Anakin's heart begin beating all the harder! In fact, Palpatine was still cackling...still laughing! He...he wasn't worried one bit. The ring on his right index finger burned red hot and Anakin was thrown to the floor. Sliding along it to the wall among all the shattered glass there.

"Have we played enough games, my old friend? Can you not see the power I wield? The power I freely offer you!"

"Whatever power you had...you have that ring. That's where your power resides now. You've become a slave to it!"

"Because that is what you experienced, does not mean I am as weak as you, my boy." Palpatine smiled in that kindly fashion he used to. Only now it seemed...wrong.

"Come now, Dark One!" Galadriel's thrumming voice bellowed and caught the Sith's attention. She raised her arms out at her sides again. "You shall suffer me now!" With her words her presence within the Force shined hot and bright! A light that could sear emanated from her, that was ancient and powerful! An echo of a land unknown to Anakin. Palpatine scoffed in irritation. His eyes wincing as she pulsated with her power. Before a wicked wind surrounded her. Like a storm, a hurricane or tornado. It wrapped around her and the whole hall began trembling. Gandalf came near and he pushed his staff ahead, vertically facing the Chancellor. A wall seemed to form and knock Palpatine back. Anakin rising to his feet as he felt their powers issue from both of them.

Palpatine steadied himself. Raising his left hand as he did, and an incredible wave of energy erupted from him! The dark side railed and howled in furious release! Sucked in to the Sith at his hand and unleashed as an all consuming burst!

Anakin watched as the ring he wore burned hotter, and brighter. The Force flushed into Palpatine. Like a narrow trench from a raging rapid. Exploding out in concentrated raw energy. The Force met Gandalf's wall of power. The wizard grunted and held his staff in both hands. Tilting it towards the Sith as both of their inherent powers melded and contended the other!

Galadriel wrapped the wind and energy that spun hot around her. Cold and heat encased her as those furious winds tore at the corridor and sent discarded blasters, armor and debris flinging.

"Mithrandir!" She called, her voice trembling with power. Gandalf heaved and sent his staff forward. The wall smacked into Palpatine's. The Dark Lord barely shuffled where he stood, but the Witch, so Anakin now understood her given moniker, brought her hands together, near clapping the palms together from her sides. As she did the winds tore past her. Slamming into Palpatine!

He gave a writhing seethe! The men behind him were scattered. Running or being thrown. The clones were even forced to turn and move away as this show of unknown power overwhelmed them! The Dark Lord deactivated his lightsaber. Placing the hilt almost calmly to his robe pocket. Before throwing both hands up, and he created another barrier within the Force. The winds Galadriel formed dashed around it. The Chancellor encased in a cylinder of defense as everything around him was swept back.

"Move, Anakin," He intoned to himself. "Move!" Anakin ran at Palpatine, using the Force to guard himself from Galadriel's incredible power. His breath were labored, pulse racing, and eyes set. Anakin loosed a howl and ran towards Palpatine. Saber dashed at his right. The Sith glanced his way. Golden eyes burning.

Anakin swung the saber overhead. Both hands upon the hilt. He made ready to slash down and kill the Sith!

Palpatine only laughed.

Without moving himself a tendril of lightning exploded from around his fingertips flying out towards Anakin. Striking him in his chest. He stopped in place. The pain encompassing! Howling in an instant before the electric current froze all functions of his body. He snapped back, falling over and dropping his lightsaber in a seethe. The pain and power of that one spark was like all that Dooku had used on him throughout the war at once.

"Anakin!" Gandalf called. Releasing another luminous beam that struck the Chancellor, melding with Galadriel's continuing windstorm. The Sith growled and was shoved back upon his shoes. Anakin fought to breathe on the ground. Shaking, shuddering as his nerves and muscles twitched and trembled uncontrollably.

"K...kriff!" He managed through grinding and gnashing teeth.

"Anakin!" A voice came to life. He heard it, and recognized it. It muffled through his comlink. Itself warbling and smoking. Much as his clothes were. "We're here! The hangar! We have it!" It was Kit! Anakin's eyes popped open. Refusing to let the pain immobilize him.

"They have it?!"

---

The grating separating the ventilation shaft form the hangar smashed in. A boot slammed into it once. Then twice, denting it further. Before a third slammed down, and hard! The grate detached and fell to the floor below with an incredible thud and metal clang of noise. Kit poked his head out. Ignoring the burning pain in his chest as he did. Before seeing the coast was clear, and allowing himself to fall down into the hangar. He used the Force to cushion his landing. Still grunting and falling to a stumbling knee, regardless.

Kit heaved in a shaky breath. He had felt the turmoil that engulfed the Force. Dark and light, and something else. But, he remembered that something else. He had been on Arda, for a time. He knew that local magic when he felt it. It was going...crazy inside of the Annex. He hoped Anakin knew what he was doing. As the nautolan Master found a crate and sat himself atop it with a long trembling cough of pain wheezing past his lips as he did.

"Okay...so no clones here. Which means Arthree hasn't alerted anyone. Or, maybe they're too busy with Anakin and his team..." Kit reasoned to himself. "No...Arthree has the footage. He has it. We're okay." He nodded to himself. Willing the best possible option to be true. As he landed his hands onto his knees. Glancing over shoulder to see the shuttle Anakin had brought. Of course he wanted to just jump on board, and get out of here as soon as possible! But...he knew better. He wanted everyone who had come to be a part of this...stupid plan to make it back. He had a foot in the grave. He didn't want anyone else to suffer for his part. Though he did have another part to play with these recordings...if they existed.

The doorway slid open. And three pairs of feet came bounding inside. Kit jerked his head up. Seeing three of Anakin's friends from Arda enter. Those two elf lords and that dwarf.

"Oh, it's you!" The dwarf declared. The three of them wielding standard clone blasters. Creating a somewhat odd sight.

"Yes, it's me."

"You're injured. Badly at that." One of the two elves stated. A bit obviously as far as Kit was concerned. Kit also reflected that he didn't even know their names...

"I...I can make it. We just need to get Arthree here. Where's Anakin?"

"The lad is with Gandalf and the Lady Galadriel. Fighting with that nasty creature of a Chancellor you have." The dwarf answered.

"Dammit…" Kit wheezed. Having heard Anakin's broadcast. Muffled though it had been. "I know what he's getting into. I hope he does as-"

"Hey!" The two elves turned sideways towards the door. Gimli fully circled back around and Kit glanced around them towards the door. A few clones were standing just outside of the open doorway.

"Kriff…" Kit cursed.

"The...the Jedi! The Jedi is here!" One of them announced. All of them raised their blasters. But, before Kit could act, the two elves and the dwarf raised their own blasters! The elves fired shot after shot. Each one slamming into the heads and visors of the clone troopers. The dwarf fired rapidly and freely. But, his bolts riddled their chests! In an instant the squad of Coruscant Guards were dead. Riddled with bolts. Leaving Kit wide eyed.

"That...was efficient."

"We cannot be delayed for much longer." One of the elves declared. "We may not like it, but these men stand in our way."

"No, I understand." Kit nodded. "I've had to kill a few today as well. I'd rather not have, but...we are in a poor situation."

"Aye!" The dwarf declared. "Have you whatever it is we came all this way for?"

"It's on its way."Kit answered. "In fact I think it should be…" A set of whirs and beeps announced their coming from the same doorway the clones were scattered around. Rolling wheeled legs pushing the cylindrical body inside of the hangar. A storm and furious release of babbling binary whirs and beeps sounded off. Catching the eyes of all parties present. "Here any minute." Kit finished and smiled weakly as Arthree arrived.

"Ah, one of the droids. Like that Artoo." One of the elves greeted.

"Arthree," Kit pushed himself up and approached the droid. Still hobbling as he did. "Please...please tell me you have it? The footage?" The droid came to a stop and whirred. Crazily announcing something. The Arda born could not understand. Kit, however, loosed a long drawn out, and almost gasping, emotional sigh. Bowing his head. Placing his hands atop the droid's domed head.

"What is it?!"

"He has it!" Kit replied to the dwarf. "He has the footage we need! The Chancellor did have a camera in his office. Just waiting for us to strike. It hasn't been altered yet! You have the copy and source Arthree?" The droid whirred, shaking forward and back in an awkward nod. "Kriff, great! Okay...go ahead and get on the shuttle, friend. We need to get some allies out of here." The droid beeped happily. "Yes, get the engines started, thanks!" Kit patted the droid's head.

"Alright, you three look capable enough with blasters. So," Kit hobbled closer to them and the door beyond. "You two take up position on the sides of the door. We leave it open for our friends to get through. If anyone comes ready to kill, you two take the shots. Agreeable?"

"Agreed." One of the elves nodded. Grasping his brother shoulder and turning him to the doorway.

"You," Kit looked to the dwarf. Gimli? Was that his name? Kit's mind was rushing too much to remember straight. "Set yourself up behind this crate. If anyone or anything comes from the doorway inside, or from that vent up there you shoot." Kit pointed to where he had come.

"Aye, I can do that."

"Good. Alright, lets go." Kit pat the diminutive man's shoulder. Yanking his comlink from his belt and moving around towards the shuttle as its began priming to life. "Anakin!" Kit called on his comlink. "We're here! The hangar! We have it!" Kit waited...but he didn't hear anything at first.

"Anakin?" He called again. The Force whirled and boomed. Thudding in the near distance. In fact...something was actually booming. Kit steadied himself as he felt the building rattle. Stray dust shook from its home here and there. The elves at the door looked to one another at the thudding. A tremendously long and still silence passing as everyone seemed to wait for something...anything to happen. To sound. Even as the Force fell into a turmoil of imperceptibility in Kit's mind's eye.

"Anakin...?" Kit tried again. His lips frowning, ignoring the pain that assaulted him as he looked to the doorway.

"Get them out, Kit!" Was all Anakin said. Kit hearing his voice roar over the comm at last. As another percussion rattled the Annex, or at least the surrounding area. "They're coming, get them out!"

"Who's coming?" Kit demanded in reply. But, he heard nothing more.

"What's going on?!" Gimli wondered. But, Kit himself didn't know...the Force roared, and he stared dumbly out the doorway for a time.

---

Anakin jumped back up. Palpatine for his part howled a cackle in glee! Rapturous and unburdened glee! The Dark Lord gripped his hands inwards. Fingers twisting towards the palms. The fight he waged with Galadriel and Gandalf shifted the whole of the corridor. The Sith took a step forward and the dark side erupted past him. Anakin swore he could almost...see it. A shadow, a wall of corrupted energies born of hate, anger, and lust for power. Palpatine's robes ruffled around him and swayed as Anakin saw both Gandalf and Galadriel shake and wince. Both pushing back. Both being lifted ever so slightly off the floor. Until…

"I have had enough of this!" Palpatine pulled his arms back and thrust forward! The whole corridor exploded with a tremble of the Force! Shaking the foundations, the ceiling and the poor fools who still stood on either side of the hallway. Galadriel and Gandalf were at once thrown back. Both giving grunt and cry. Both of their forms crashing into the air and across! The dark side seething and howling as free forming tendrils of purple lightning crackled like thunder. Bursting from the ceiling around Palpatine. Dropping and cascading along the floor. Singing metal and carpet where they crashed.

Anakin saw the vision of Palpatine. A dark cloaked figure. Featureless but for the yellow eyes that hatefully stared ahead. Arms at his sides. Lightning crashing down around him as the light of the room seemed to fade. Retreating from him as the lamps all shimmered and shook. As well as Gandalf and Galadriel were tossed unceremoniously. The blood fire on his right index finger the lone light. Itself hateful. Palpatine was...everything Mace had warned Anakin about. Powerful...far more powerful than he had dared dread.

Anakin turned, glancing towards the Lady and Wizard. Both wincing and pushing up slowly. The Force, the dark side, swirling around them. Haunting them with trembles of pain or hate.

"Anakin?" Kit's voice called to him. But, Anakin could not answer. His nostrils flared. As Palpatine loosed another bout of cackling laughter. He held his right hand up. The shadow across his face finally descending to show his twisted gray visage basking in the red light. Grinning as he did. Anakin stood back up. He shook through the pain of his body shaking form the lightning.

Slowly, methodically and purposefully he clasped his lightsaber onto his belt. Stepping before Palpatine. Blocking him from his two friends. "Gandalf, you and Galadriel need to leave. Now!"

"Anakin-"

"Gandalf!" Anakin did not dare turn away form Palpatine. As the Sith remained smiling. Incessantly, and never ending. His corporal form returning to Anakin's sight...even if he imagined what he had seen before. It didn't matter.

"Please…" Anakin called solemnly.

"C...come my Lady! We will go."

"No." Palpatine declared. "You two will sta-" Anakin raised his right hand and a boom unleashed from the Force. It crashed into Palpatine and the Sith Lord was thrown onto his back! The power Anakin had focused being enough to shake the whole corridor and beyond. Rippling through the metal bounds and walls beyond.

"Anakin…?"

"Run!" Anakin ordered, chancing a glance over his shoulder. Gandalf looked to him for a long, but terrible second. Eyes wincing, and saying all that need be said. Anakin smiled and dipped his head.

"Come, my Lady! Follow me."

"I...yes, Mithrandir." Galadriel gasped. Clearly in shock at Palpatine's power. The two began bounding. As they did Anakin saw those men he had tossed before readying to give chase. And again, this time without even moving a finger he command the Force. It rippled out much as it had seconds before. Thrashing down the hall. Shaking the structure and walls and shivering this whole small section of the Executive Annex as it tossed men away and in varying displays of crumpled bodies. He snatched at his comlink. Just as Palpatine rose as a shadow from the ground to a stand.

"Get them out, Kit!" He cried, and Palpatine unleashed another torrent of lightning! Anakin raised his left hand. Closing his eyes and drawing on the Force. Allowing it to flow through him. Hoping against hope to...to… The lightning crashed into his hand! Tendrils singed and nipped at his fingertips. Burning them as they did. Anakin grimaced and felt his feet involuntarily lift off the ground. Pushing him back. But...a ball formed in the palm of his hand. Gathering the majority of Palpatine's lightning. Stray tendrils crashing up and sparking, twisting and arching out, in, above and below.

"They're coming, get them out!" Anakin breathed his last into the comlink. Crushing the cylinder in his hand thereafter using the Force to do so. He tossed the remnants and raised his right hand. He brought it close to his left and some of the excess lightning snaked toward it. Gathering there in front of the palm. His mechanical hand also suffered. Powerful bursts escaping the control he tried to exert on Palpatine's lightning. His face immediately beaded sweat and the whole hallway began moaning as two great powers in the Force came to a head.

"All of this, Anakin? All of this to save a dying Jedi Master?!" The Sith cackled over the sound of boundless energy thrashing Anakin. Snaking vines of undulating electric power. Anakin's eyes reflected the golden glare and mocking vision of Palpatine. His blue resisting even as his eyelids winced at the exertion. As his uppers arms began trembling. He was tired. Anakin was fading in strength. He wrapped himself in the Force. Tried to think of Padmé. Of the twins! But, the dark side was around him. Whispering of his failures. His weaknesses. Anakin knew he would not listen. He wouldn't surrender to the dark side. He grit his teeth and bared it. Even as he was pushed back again. Boots skidding loudly upon the floor. As a tendril wormed past his defense and burned a streak from his left pectoral up to his shoulder.

"ARGH!" Anakin hissed. But, through his trembling muscle he kept his arms up, and resisted!

"This is just the beginning, Anakin!" Palpatine menaced. Taking a step nearer to Anakin. "You will see what powers I have to share! What mysteries we can discover! What doors I am opening for you! For your family!"

"I will...not be your...monster!" Anakin shakily resisted. Gasping even as he trembled. Doomed conviction in his shaking voice. Seething as he wanted so badly to let his arms fall. His boots sliding further back...

"The Jedi cannot save you, Anakin!" Palpatine sneeringly smiled. "They have already fallen. The Republic has already failed! It is time for something new! Something greater than this! The Jedi have failed you, and failed the galaxy time," He stepped nearer. "And time," Another step. "And time again!" He was inching closer. Overwhelming Anakin. The lightning rippled with a surge of renewed strength. Anakin's left arm flew back, tossing his whole body to the side. He roared in pain as the tendrils crashed into and shocked him!

Screaming, Anakin was lifted into the air, body and clothes smoking with the wretched stench of burning flesh and fabric. Palpatine cackled and tossed Anakin to his right. Slamming Anakin to the wall opposite the viewports. Then he whirled Anakin up. Slamming him to the ceiling, before finally releasing him. Letting the lightning cease. Allowing Anakin to fall without grace back to the floor many feet in the air with a hard cracking thud. Landing on his chest. Heaving as the air was pushed from him and his body contorted of its own pained volition.

"Hmm…" Palpatine hummed aloud. Anakin coughed, but did not move. Trembling and defeated. Slowly, through the stench in the air, the strewn debris and assorted dead bodies...the soldiers finally began moving in. None of them knowing what to say, or how to react. None of them sure what they had just borne witness to. None of them needing to know. They were simple and simple minded. Beneath Palpatine's care.

"Your...your Excellency?" One Senate Guard addressed him. A member of that group's commando unit. Palpatine looked to the man, as he lifted his visor to address his Chancellor.

"Have your men search for those he came with. And find Kit Fisto if you are able. If they have left the Annex find them! Send word to the Coruscant Guard, and the CSF!"

"At once, sir!" The man nodded.

"And, someone get me Directors Vandron and Isard on a comm at once! I want to know what is happening at the Jedi Temple!"

"You…" Anakin began with a cough. His voice shivering from the electrical attack he had just suffered. His skin burned, and sores showing along his face, and his eyes bloodshot. "You won't...w...win! I...they…"

"Ah, my young friend." Palpatine cooed and cackled. Flicking his left hand dismissively. Sending the Guard away. "You wound me, Anakin. I wanted you to join me willingly... I wanted you to be party to this new Age I wish to usher in. For the benefit of all. Not simply the preening fools of the Senate."

"De...decay...dictator..sh...ship!" Anakin rebuffed. "Your cor...ruption will only...ru...ruin the galaxy!"

"It is that narrow mindedness of the Jedi I hear in your voice." Palpatine dismissed. Kneeling down and using the Force he flipped Anakin onto his back. His dark Jedi attired stuck to the floor, still hot and melding with the exposed metal and carpet. Likely melting partially into Anakin's flesh at that.

Anakin huffed in spasms. Palpatine laid a hand upon his brow and smiled. Coming to kneel beside his old friend. "You have bought into their lies. You have allowed that wizard, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Master Yoda...all of them to poison your mind, child. Lest I remind you...I know who you are, Anakin Skywalker. Murderer of women and children." Palpatine whispered knowingly. Anakin glaring up as his body stiffened with more spasming shocks to his system. "You've given in to the dark side more than a few times. Your Jedi friends would never accept you, should they know the truth. All that you've built around yourself is a lie. A sham!" He laughed.

"Your wife is hidden. Your children are hidden. Your obedience to the Jedi Order, a farce, son. Your adherence to their diktats and Code, comical! There isn't a part of you that is Jedi. You are not meant to waste away under the yoke of the Jedi Order and its dogma." Palpatine shrugged. Pulling his hand away form Anakin's brow as the soldiers began moving to and fro through the corridor around the pair. The clones who passed by, looking with what Anakin could fleetingly sense was confusion, and some concern.

"Yo…" Anakin gasped as his spine stiffened against his wishes. "You speak about th...the Jedi! Y...you want to know some...something?!" As he asked, Palpatine smirked. Derision clear, contempt obvious.

"What?"

"Th...the Je...Jedi are not always ri...ri...right… But they try!" Anakin sneered. His eyes narrowing. Glaring with contempt upon Palpatine and not caring whether or not he showed his anger! He knew who he was, and Palpatine would not shame him into thinking otherwise. Perhaps, in truth, he was a failure... A failed Jedi, and a failed man perhaps. But, he wouldn't surrender himself to this abomination's machinations! Failure or not, he wouldn't be another's karking slave!

"So...you...you do whatever you have to do. Ki...kill me, coward! I won't...won't be your...your karki...karking toy!" Anakin growled. Only barely able to angle his head up to challenge Palpatine.

The Chancellor and dictator to be looked down upon Anakin. An imperceptible cool and expressionless facade coming upon his face. Tilting his head as he looked at Anakin. His hood shifting upon his ragged brow.

"Hmm!" Palpatine breathed a laugh past his nostrils. Smiling at last and patting Anakin's scorched and numb left shoulder. "You think you are set in your ways. Again believing something you want so desperately to mean something! You defend the Jedi because you think you have to – to prove you're better than what you are! This is no way to live, Anakin. To be free, to break your chains...to revel in who and what you are within yourself? That is freedom. I will help you on your journey. You will be set free. Not by me. Only you can do that." Palpatine chuckled. "But…" He droned. "You have forced my hand, it would seem." Palpatine picked himself up. Standing back up fully and patting his blackened robes free of dust or dirt.

"I had shown you all the mercy I could, Anakin. Yet, you've failed to see it for the reason it is. In order to help you fulfill your destiny we must now take a more...drastic approach."

"Kr...kriff yourself!" Anakin shook. All prior feelings of friendship burning raw inside his chest. Emotion threatening to spill out once more. But, he wouldn't allow it! Not in front of the bastard. Not now.

"Hah!" Palpatine laughed. "There are other ways to break you, Anakin. To have you break your own shell. I hadn't wanted to do this to you." Palpatine tsked. Two Senate Guards approached. Palpatine motioned for them to grab Anakin. Each man sliding an arm underneath his shoulders and dragging him up. His body slumping back, and his boots dangling on the floor.

"I shall take this." Palpatine smirked. Grabbing Anakin's lightsaber. It was smoking, and likely broken. Anakin watched him take it but never stopped glaring. He wouldn't give him the satisfact-

"Take him to the lower cells. Keep him watched at all times. I will send some...more appropriate guards down to him in time." Palpatine ordered. "Hold him there a moment." He ordered the Guards just as they made to yank Anakin away. Anakin barred his teeth as Palpatine rifled through his own robes. Pocketing Anakin's lightsaber as he did. Pulling a comlink out and activating it. Dialing in an unseen code.

In the heavy silence that passed, Palpatine remained endlessly smirking. Before the comlink showed the blue shimmering form of..someone Anakin recognized...his name though wouldn't-

"Sate, my friend." Palpatine greeted Sate Pestage. His form harsh. Eyes narrowed and projecting a mood of consistent dissatisfaction. Even before Palpatine. Robed in his ceremonial garb, with his headpiece, almost like a cowl, atop his head.

"Your Excellency, what can I do for you?" He spoke with a less than elegant accent, and more improper tone with his boss. A fact that now made Anakin realize...he must've known who Palpatine really was… To be so bold…

"It would appear that Senator Amidala of Naboo will have to meet with a tragic affair."

"WHAT?!" Anakin howled, yanking at the two guards who forced him back. Though, in truth he had barely managed that. His body was all but frozen to him. "Leave her alone, you son of a kath-" A guard slung a fist to Anakin's left cheek and thrashed him to his side.

Sate's visage turned to Anakin, but then back to Palpatine. "What sort of accident, Milord?"

"Capture her, if you can. She will have two children with her. Take them as well."

"Killing not an option, I presume?"

"For now, Sate, but if unavoidable…"

"Understood."

"Make sure to use people who won't trace back to you, or me, my friend."

"Stay away from them!" Anakin roared and the Force trembled around him. Palpatine smirking as he did so.

"Of course, Excellency. Not a speck of dust will lead back to you me, or whoever have ya.'"

"Good. Carry on Sate." Palpatine deactivated the comm. Watching as Sate gave a bow before his visage disappeared.

"Yo...you touch one...one hair, and I'll…" Anakin was all but frothing! But, Palpatine only smiled. Causing Anakin to stop. His heart racing, mind etched in terror…

"You'll what?" Palpatine wondered.

"I'll kill you." Anakin sneered. Nostrils flared, eyes set into a powerful glare and his body trembling greater than from the pain alone.

"Precisely what you will have to do to save them, Anakin. Break your chains." Palpatine cackled. Meeting Anakin's glare with a deafening bout of laughter. "Oh, Anakin! You will see. In time." Palpatine assured, patting Anakin's shoulder. Even as the Anakin tried to charge him. Again, his body failed and the guards restrained him.

"Hmm, now you two will forget everything but your orders." Palpatine waved his hand and the two Guards holding Anakin both shook their heads.

"Uh...right, move the prisoner to the lower cells, Excellency."

"And, Anakin...you will sleep." Palpatine commanded with a much harsher, and brutish suggestion forced onto Anakin's mind. He wanted to resist it...but he was too tired. In too much pain. He growled, eyes hateful and glaring, but his breaths slowed. His eyelids drooped. His expression softened. The last thing he saw, was Palpatine's blackened visage growing further away. Unmoved, as Anakin was dragged away.

Then it was all black.

---

The shuttle bound its way from hangar 32-D some moments prior. Blasting into the sky and breaking for the Jedi Temple in the distance. The great plumes of smoke still etching the skies as a choking miasma. Inside of the shuttle quiet overcame all present. None of them daring to speak as they all fell into dark contemplation over what had just occurred. Gandalf and Galadriel had come running into the hangar, a few scattered clones had started to give chase. The twins had opened fire. Felling the men. Kit had gotten them all onboard. Gandalf having told him of Anakin's wishes as they boarded and escaped.

Kit sighed where he sat in the pilot's seat. His right hand running down his brow to his chin. Cupping his face as he shook himself. Both relieved beyond words he had somehow managed to escape the Annex, and horrified that Anakin was trapped with Palpatine. Or, perhaps worse. Maybe he was dead? Though, in truth he didn't know which option was worse. A small voice nipping at the back of his skull. Wondering if he was at fault for this whole travesty...

"Ah!" Kit heard the gruff voice of the dwarf, Gimli. He glanced back into the main hold. "We can't just leave him with that monster! Gandalf, we have to go back!"

"We cannot!" One of the elves, Kit thought it was the one he had heard called Elrohir, rebuked Gimli. "Anakin wished for us to leave. To leave with this evidence and give it to those as can use it, Master dwarf. He stayed behind to give us that chance."

"Aye! But, we left him at the mercy of that creature! You lot saw him! I've never seen such power as that!" The dwarf gasped, sputtering as he seemed ready to break out into a fight. With anyone or anything.

"I understand your grief, Gimli." Gandalf managed to speak. His voice low and raw. His manner altogether, tense. "Were it possible I would not have left him behind. But, Elrohir is right. We have to get this...footage to the other Jedi."

"And?! After that?!" Gimli demanded.

"After that," Elladan began. "We will mount a rescue of some sort. Surely once these political games are underway there will be time to rescue him?"

"If he is alive until then!" Gimli grunted, shaking his head. Causing the might beard to do much the same. "He could be tortured, or dead...he could be…" He trailed off. Mumbling to himself. Clearly angry. Kit sensed it was with himself.

"If I may?" Kit offered with a clearing of his throat. His voice ragged. All eyes turned to him. "I've known Anakin for many years. He's gotten himself caught and captured time and again. He always manages to make an escape. With and without help." Kit offered a genuine, if weak, smile. "He'll be alright. I know that sounds hard to believe, but I feel it to be true." Kit intoned. Eliciting a small smile from Gandalf.

"Yes...he will be alright." He agreed. "We will help him, Gimli. Don't worry."

"We cannot attempt to rescue him without properly preparing for the fight we would face." The woman spoke. Her voice airy, cautious, and eyes averted in disturbed thought. "He is powerful, Mithrandir. Far more powerful than I had dared to dread. That ring is a shadow of those come before."

"I saw it too, grandmother." Elrohir intoned. "We all did. It shone blood red text. Was it Tengwar?"

"I do not think so, brother." Elladan shook his head. "I believe I had a fairer look of the script. It looked to be...runic. Angerthas." Elladan shrugged. The others looking to one another confusedly.

"Angerthas? Not dwarvish runes?" Gandalf asked.

"No, Mithrandir." Elladan shook his head. "It has been many a year since I have last laid eyes upon Angerthas runes. But, I remember their distinction between they and Khuzdul script. When father had us tutored in Tengwar and the lesser elvish runes, we had long studies on Angerthas. Do you remember, brother?"

"I do." Elrohir nodded.

"We were trained to specifically note the differences made by the dwarves with their runes compared to the root. Angerthas, of course."

"Of course." Gandalf nodded. Though his brow remained creased and confused.

"As I said, they were of Angerthas. I only caught a glimpse of one phrase. 'Torn from life.'" The elf finished. Kit watching and listening on. Unsure what it was they were talking about. Though the Force prickled at the back of his mind to the earnest severity of it all. So, he kept quiet. Gandalf and Galadriel, however, shared a look. Knowing and dismay mingled together.

"How would he know Angerthas?!" Gimli scoffed. "Surely he has not learned so much in all the time...to use runes to their full...I just don't see the truth in it!"

"However he came to know it, Gimli, he has used it." Gandalf firmly retorted. "We cannot hope to learn how he came to make a ring of his own just by willing the knowledge to be. We will have to find out for ourselves. For now," Gandalf tilted to Kit and bowed his head. "We will finish what it was Anakin wished of us." The others fell back into contemplative, but resigned silence. Well, save for Gimli who grumbled and began pacing up and down the hold. Muttering to himself in a language Kit didn't know.

Beside Kit, and between the two seats Arthree stood, interfaced with the ship and piloting it. Kit leaned back into his seat. Shaking his head again at...what a total disaster this whole prior day had been. He placed his right hand atop the droid's dome and patted him lightly.

"Get us to the Temple, Arthree."

The droid gave an affirmative beep.

---

A flight of LAATs zoomed overhead. Not breaking past the zone of control set up by the 501st. Instead, buzzing the perimeter and creating a security zone of their own. While on this particular walkway hundreds of Coruscant Guard clone troopers and dozens of CSF officers maintained their positions. Setting up their defensive barricades and postures. Though none of them wanted to start a fight with the legendary and seemingly wayward 501st.

Tass Ilarik watched Commander Fox issue orders off to the side. Surrounded by a few of his own petty officers and adjutants. The clones working to ascertain the truth in all of this. Though, as time passed Ilarik felt less and less like waiting. The Jedi beyond this nonsensical charade created by the 501st were of paramount importance! The Order may well still be active beyond them. Not only active, but fomenting further rebellion! Hours now! It had been hours since this new state of affairs had begun, but he had yet to hear of any concrete reaction from Security Bureau headquarters!

He could not imagine he was alone in his restlessness. Many of his fellow patriots within the Security Bureau had to share his anxiety. His fear for the Republic if they allowed the Jedi to exist after tonight. Surely some of the clones still on their side must have shared such distress?! They were programmed to do so! Born and bred! Genetically modified and beaten with rules and orders into their heads until they had been conditioned! They had to know this act...this refusal to act on the part of their brothers within the 501st was not just a logistical and military catastrophe, but an all out insurrection! Rebellion itself!

"This is insanity." Tass shook his head. Sighing as he glanced backwards over his shoulder. Hoping to see the arrival of others. Not clones, not CSF officers, and not even more Security personnel. Patriots, citizens willing to defend the Republic. Even from itself.

"Commander Fox!" Tass turned as he heard another clone run towards the Commander.

"What is it trooper?"

"Sir! A Jedi has been spotted outside of the Temple District!"

"What? Where?!" Fox demanded. Fully turning to the man. Bidding his fellow clones to follow him.

"West end of the Temple, sir!"

"Any identification who it is?"

"No, sir! Jedi, human male with two lightsabers! He's attacked a secondary checkpoint of ours beyond the front with the 501st in the sector." The clone announced as Tass neared.

"See, Commander?" He began with a scoff. "Something like this was bound to happen. The 501st has failed to contain the Jedi rebellion and it is now spilling beyond the perimeter!"

"There is a Jedi beyond the perimeter, yes. That doesn't mean they came from within the Temple. This could be a straggler."

"These excuses grow tired, Commander." Ilarik shook his head. Moving towards the Temple and pointing an accusatory hand at it. "The 501st Legion is clearly either incompetent or treasonous! They stand between the execution of Order 66, and those of us who understand what is at stake! If we continue to coddle your AWOL brothers we will lose momentum! The Jedi will counterattack, and the Republic will be at risk!"

"That is enough!" Fox growled swiping his arm down harshly. "This is a military concern, Corporal! Until I hear otherwise from my superior, we are not going to advance on the Temple! If you cannot follow those orders, and your orders from the Bureau, then I will have you arrested!"

"Sir…" The same trooper that brought word of the Jedi interjected quietly.

"Yes?"

"The Jedi, sir. Local ground units in the area want their orders."

Fox sighed from behind his mask. Looking back at Ilarik who scowled at him. Fox quickly shook his head and ignored him though, turning back to his men.

"Redirect secondary checkpoint personnel away from the front with the 501st. Issue orders to liquidate the Jedi at all costs! Do not allow him to either enter the Temple District or move further beyond into the city. Cordon off the further streets opposite the Temple and issue a bulletin to all CSF and police forces. His features, his apparel, whatever we have!"

"Aye, sir!" The trooper saluted and moved away. Quick to grab his comlink and begin relaying the commands.

"A rather limp reaction to the presence of a Jedi. If I may say so, Commander." Ilarik prodded stepping closer to the clone. Fox turned and gripped Ilarik's right arm and pulled him away from his other officers.

"If you cannot respect the immediate chain of command established here Corporal, then I will have you arrested. If you want I can have you shot for violating the chain of command with intent to impede my duties, if you'd prefer?!"

"Funny how quick to act you are with my impudence, but where it comes to your brothers?" Ilarik jutted his chin to the nearby 501st barricade. "Nothing."

"You clearly don't understand how orders work, Corporal." Fox intoned and shoved Ilarik's arm from his hand. "I follow orders. I do as I'm told! I don't get to makeup how I act or react! Those men, they're good soldiers! Good troopers! They follow their orders! Would I fire on them and kill them were I given command to do so by the proper chain?! Absolutely." Fox growled pressing his helmeted head close to Ilarik who remained unfazed, though he did swallow harshly.

"Now I haven't been issued that order. But, I am in command here, Corporal. You will do as I say, and you will respect me and the chain of command. Or, we will have a problem."

"Commander!"

"What?!" Fox roared. Turning back to his officers. One of which pointed away form the Temple. Along the walkway leading out into the surrounding districts. Both Fox and Ilarik turned to face that direction. Both men saw...well a group of men appear from adjoining streets and alleyways.

"What the hell is this?" Fox grumbled. Shoving himself past Ilarik who remained in place. Clasping his hands behind his back and watching from a distance.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Fox demanded as he neared the secondary checkpoint lines and the troopers and CSF officers acting as the rearguard. The group of men, seemingly only men, seemingly all human by the look of them too...they were grumbling. Talking and some shouting. Faces covered, blasters with them and some carrying banners of the Republic, or those holding up symbols and images of Palpatine.

"Why haven't you clones moved on them Temple?!" Someone in the crowd demanded. Eliciting a heap of shouts, similar questions, slurs and curses suddenly thrown towards the Jedi.

"We've all seen the messages! The Jedi must go!"

"Death to the Jedi!"

"Long live the Republic!"

"Bring the karking Jedi out!"

"Do your karking jobs!"

They kept on cursing and spitting. Shouting and demanding. Fox held his hands up in feeble attempt to pacify the crowd. Their rancor becoming a mesh of curses, venom and spittle.

That's when the comms came to life…

"Command, I have a large group of armed civilians approaching checkpoint Aurek-4."

"Command this is Checkpoint Cresh-14, there is a mob of civilians advancing on my station. How to proceed, over?"

"All units at checkpoint Aurek-20 form in on the rear line! Do not let the civilians through! Command, request immediate orders regarding-"

The open comm channels went alight with an uproar of similar messages. Suddenly there were walkways and paths leading into the Temple District swarming with civilians. Fox listened to it and didn't know how to react at first. He had seen mobs before. Riots. But this? Where had they all…

Then he saw them. Badges, and flags. All bearing the logos and marks of COMPOR. The riot from days prior came to mind. "Kriff!" He snapped. As he saw more beings rising from descending platforms and stairs, coming from alleyways and advancing up the main thoroughfare! A whole army of angry civies had been mobilized! They even looked like karking irregulars too!

"Hey!" Fox began over the crowd. Already becoming very loud. Already becoming very aggressive. "HEY!" Fox roared again. Pulling one of his blaster pistols and quickly firing it into the air. A moment's reprieve following as the nearest line of the mob jumped and ducked in varying displays.

"This is a military matter! You will not cross this line! Return to your homes!"

"What are you all doing?!"

"Homeworld Security said the Jedi were in rebellion! Karking go in there and kill 'em already!"

"Do your jobs! Karking clones!" They went on. Though Fox knew for a fact the Homeworld Security bulletin was more vague than that…

He shook himself of that thought. "You will not cross this line! I say again go back to your homes!"

"Kriff you!"

"Death to the Jedi!"

Fox ignored them and pressed his comm unit on his helm.

"This is Commander Fox. All Coruscant Guard units, you will not allow any civilian past your rearguard! Any civilian attempting to cross the rearguard barriers you may and will fire upon them! All CSF officers – move up and form along the rearguard! All CSF units not currently at their checkpoint stations are to return to them at once! I say again, under no circumstance are these civilians allowed past our barriers!" Fox snapped again. Spinning and marching back towards his retinue of officers.

"Somebody get me command, now!"

As he roared Ilarik watched the gathering horde of COMPOR patriots shouting, yelling. Hollering and jeering. Flags waving, blasters brandished, and anger relished.

"Perfect."

---

"And what exactly is going on outside of the Jedi Temple, Director?" Palpatine wondered with a hint of warning to his oily voice. He found himself walking slowly and methodically through the halls of the Annex. Around him new crimson robed guards had found their way to his side. Not a word given to those six who fell earlier.

Four of them tightly surrounded the Dark Lord, while he spoke to the holographic projections of Directors Isard and Vandron. Whose visages were cast by a four-legged projector droid walking in tandem, though slightly ahead of Palpatine and his guards.

Vandron looked the worse for wear between the two. Isard seemed emotionless, but Palpatine could sense the smug sense of self-superiority radiating from the Intelligence Director.

"There...there appears to have been a communications fault, Excellency." Crueya finally answered. His words stumbling ever so slightly.

"A communications fault." Palpatine repeated. "Perhaps you would like to be more clear of the matter, Director?"

"Uh, ye...yes, Chancellor." Vandron cleared his throat. "Elements of the 501st Legion seem to be under communications blackout. I say elements because it is...thus far unclear to the extent this is occurring among the Legion, Excellency."

"My people," Isard interjected. "Have stated that this so called, 'fault' is effecting the entire detachment at the Temple, Director Vandron." Armand turned and smugly intoned.

"Allow the Director to speak for himself, Armand." Palpatine ordered, and Armand bowed his head.

"Of course, Excellency. My apologies."

"Yes…" Crueya glared to Armand. "That may be true, however, I don't have that information nor do any of my agents on the ground. The Bureau is working to discern what is going on."

"Then what you're telling me, both of you, is that the best Legion in my Army is now refusing to operate as so ordered?!" To that both men looked uncomfortable. Armand clearly not believing he had any fault or concern in this matter.

"We...I mean, I am unsure to the true extent of this failure, Chancellor!" Vandron offered. "But, I can assure you I am using every tool at my disposal to rectify the situation. The...uh, I mean, through the Department of Homeworld Security I have put all Bureau personnel on Tactical Alert. And, I have activated all Coruscant Guard units to full operational status. There is near numerical parity of their number outside of the Temple District."

"Facing off with the 501st Legion." Palpatine added. "The Coruscant Guard may be staffed by clones, Director Vandron, but they are not the 501st!" He seethed. "Now what I-"

"Forgive me, Chancellor." Armand interjected, and boldly at that. Palpatine glared to the man as he followed after the droid and he and his men meandered the halls of the Annex.

"However, I have just received a new report from the ground." Armand intoned holding a datapad seemingly offered to him from off screen.

"And?! What is it?"

"There...appears to be a large gathering of civilians now moving to the rearguard barricades the Security Bureau, CSF and the Coruscant Guard have set in place."

"What?!" Crueya gasped. Only reeling himself in to grasp for something himself. Something out of sight of his projection unit.

"Based on this report by my field operatives it would appear that these are elements of COMPOR."

"Really?" Palpatine intoned darkly. Eyes shifting back to Crueya with angered severity to their yellowed glow.

"Your Excellency, I can assure you that I have had no part in this! COMPOR like every civilian on Coruscant...nobody would ignore the security declaration!"

"Then why are your people out in the streets, Vandron?" Armand spoke up. "They have blasters, their flags and all that self-righteous patriotism for display in stride! Threatening your own men in the Security Bureau and the Coruscant Guard!"

"Vandron." Palpatine addressed. Cutting through Armand's tirade. "I want you to contact every other high ranking official within COMPOR. You will order them to reign in their RABBLE at once!" Palpatine snarled! The dark side shifting around him. The wrath in his voice causing both directors to stiffen straight. "I have a speech to prepare for! I have too much to deal with on my end to have to clean up messes created by you two! You are both directors of prestigious positions within the Republic! Begin acting as such and clean this mess up. NOW!"

"Ye..yes, your Grace." Armand bowed.

"At once, Excellency!" Crueya swallowed harshly once more.

"Both of you establish contact with someone inside of the 501st and issue an Executive Order for them to resume their attack on the Jedi Temple! I want updates by the moment on what's happening out there. Send them to myself or Pestage's offices. I want security redoubled at the Rotunda, and I want to know why the Legion is not doing as ordered!" Palpatine listed off, each one eliciting an ever more angry snarl from his lips.

"Finally...gentlemen. If you are incapable of cleaning up this mess I expect both of you to tell me as much. I will find those who are actually competent to do these jobs for you."

"Yes, Chancellor."

"Of course, Excellency." Armand and Crueya bid, submissively, respectively...feebly.

"Good. Now Crueya, go. I must speak with Director Isard on another matter."

"Ye...yes, sir." Crueya glared to Armand a final time. Though he was quick to do as ordered and cut his side of the communication. Leaving Armand's figure to take up the whole projector as Palpatine came to a stop. His guards doing so and the droid doing the same as well.

"I want to know what has happened to the one I put in command of the 501st. According to new information received they...well…" Palpatine trailed off. Realizing he wasn't quite sure what to make of what Anakin had said. "I want to know what's happened. Regardless of their state, they do not appear to be in command of the Legion any longer."

"That could give clarity to the 'communication fault,' Chancellor." Armand all but jumped at the prospect. An easy answer for what was a career...and life deciding task in front of him. "I will have my agents see what they can find."

"Good. Keep it quiet, Armand. I want this situation brought under control immediately! Do not let petty fights and ego get in the way of your long and prosperous career, Director."

"No, of course not, Chancellor! As you will."

"Good. Now go." Palpatine flicked his right hand. The projector shut off and Armand disappeared.

He turned and faced a viewport that looked out over Coruscant. He could not see the Jedi Temple from here, but he could feel a great conglomeration of beings. He could sense the Force in flux with a great furious assortment of emotions and feelings. Be they Jedi, Coruscant Guard, CSF, or these civilians, who even knew anymore?! The situation at the Temple was becoming more complicated, and Sidious felt the Force warn him to tread cautiously…

Then there was the matter of his ring-making friend. "Serra…" Palpatine intoned to himself. His guards forming a semicircle around him as he stood idling before the viewport. Musing to the quiet of himself.

What had Anakin meant by 'Serra?' Where had Sauron gone? Vica? What had happened earlier when Palpatine had heard the name? Why had he not said his name?

The Sith looked down to his right hand. The runes upon it still shining red, seeming to dance above the metal works and intricate beauty. The gems upon the ring still seeming to glow deeply and faintly with some burning power unseen by those without the insight or power to see it.

A frown crossed his ragged face. The Sith turned back to the viewport where he saw a dim reflection of himself in the glass. "Serra." He said aloud.

Nothing happened.

"Sauron." He said the name. Simple. Nothing to discern. Palpatine turned to his ring again, and felt the base of his neck tingle with some anxious anticipation before he looked back to the viewport glass.

"He…" Palpatine's voice caught. His throat became dry and as he tried to speak...he found he could not. He kept trying...Palpatine kept willing the words out….but they wouldn't…

"I made this ring!" He declared but...why had he said that? Palpatine's head shook. He felt momentarily dizzy.

He brought his right hand to his forehead and pressed the cold fingers to his brow. A dull grunt issuing from his chest.

"Serra, I had Serra lead the attack on the Jedi Temple." Palpatine stated mutely. "I had Sa…" He tried to tell the truth, and again his body stopped him! Palpatine snarled and felt the dark side build around him. His ring burning brighter, and hotter as he grew angrier. The Force wrapping around, into and through him.

"What game?!" He seethed to himself. His left hand grasping at his right. Fingers gripping the small treasure. "What game is this? What move have you made?!" He felt his eyes dance back and forth. Thoughtfully...confusedly. Something was wrong here...in fact quite a few things were.

"I...I've…" Palpatine began. But, he stopped. Turning his face down to his right hand. He found his left had removed itself from it. He had imagined for a second to take the ring off...but...that would've been foolish! He could very well have died...this ring was important to his being now. Whether he liked it or not. But, he had…

"I've underestimated you." Palpatine scoffed to himself. Admitting a harsh truth that became sickeningly and suddenly evident. His mind racing as some things that had once been unknown were now known. Though he did not speak them aloud.

"Very good. Very good play." Palpatine smiled sardonically. "Now, it's my turn."

Palpatine turned, sweeping his cloak as he went. Silently bidding the guards to follow him. The droid doing so of its own accord as well. He still had things to do. Dawn was all but upon them. Glimmers of daylight glinting in the far distance. The day of Declaration and New Order was at hand! Whatever game, and whatever play Sauron had made, Palpatine would simply have to make a better move.

But, he would not remove this ring. He needed it. His life very well...depended on it. A smart move. A daring move.

It was precious to him, now.

---

Author's Note: As usual, if you find or see any grammatical errors, send me a message and I will fix it ASAP. Hello Huan it is nice to see you're still an avid enjoyer of my story! Oh, and to ZabuzasGirl, L told me he hadn't seen you make a post in a long while It is nice to see you're still enjoying the story too. One of the oldest of the readers I do believe.

As for Wandering Scion, DojoYoyo, Archon65, Thomas Drovin, Darth krayt1, The-Nerd321, and ALL those who have left reviews for the last chapter and before. I thank you for the inspiration. Ah, and Lordban, a very apt statement.

As you all can see L is still busy. (He is real btw but sure, go off friend.) Until he's back here I am.

Thank you all again,

- LEK.

Edit Note: Edited/Updated 06/22/2022