Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.
News Reel:
REPUBLIC IN DISARRAY!
Following the defeat of the Sith Lord known as Darth Sidious, the Jedi, aided by the ARC Trooper known as Fives, prevented the planned extermination of the Jedi Order.
However, these turn of events have caused great uproar throughout the Republic, with public trust in the Jedi being turned against them by Sidious' closest allies.
With the Clone War still raging, the Jedi find themselves in a much more personal battle…
The senate chamber was filled with the thunderous roars of the senators within.
All around, arguments were flying, calls of treason and betrayal being shouted by the angry inhabitants as evidence was presented of the altercation that had occurred in the Chancellory Office just weeks ago. Following the death of the late Chancellor Palpatine, Speaker Mas Amedda assumed the role of Chancellor until such a time as the next election, or a new vote was called. But in that time, Amedda had assembled a team of investigators to gather evidence of what had transpired during the destructive altercation.
Unfortunately, the evidence gathered did not shine too greatly on the Jedi. According to Amedda, the security camera's within the Chancellor's office had been so damaged by the explosion caused by the late General Mace Windu, that a short in the system caused all audio, and most visuals of the confrontation, to be lost, leaving only visual recordings of the Jedi surrounding Palpatine, only for the clones to turn their blasters on their commanders.
And that is were it stopped.
From a certain point of view, Palpatine was the victim of a viscous assassination attempt.
But Luckily, the Jedi still had allies who could see through the obvious ruse.
From Senators Mon Mothma, to Bail Organa, to Padme Amidala...even Lux Bonteri, who watched the madness unfold from his pod, still in place along the sloping walls. By his side sat Ahsoka, her lithe but fit frame covered by a regal Onderonian gown, a lace top which exposed her shoulders and midriff, and an elegant dress that flowed to her calves. And adorned on her head, a crystal headdress, one of the stones laying perfectly on her forehead.
Unfortunately, even though Lux wished he could pay more attention to his stunning girlfriend, his hard gaze kept falling with hers on Senators Dod, Card, and Saam, the representatives of the Trade Federation, Banking Clan, and Techno Union. And the more he stared, the more he girt his teeth upon hearing the lies spewing from their mouths about how the Jedi were planning a rebellion, and that the death of Palpatine was only the beginning.
What was even more absurd...was that others were buying it.
Even Halle Burtoni of Kamino seemed to be on their side.
But, as Lux continued to seethe in his seat, Ahsoka just watched and listened, a great uneasiness settling over her as she was overcome with a strange feeling of familiarity. Quickly rising from her seat, Ahsoka bolted out of the pod, leaving a flabbergasted Lux behind, only for the young senator to quickly follow, a moment not unseen by the lovely senator from Naboo.
"Ahsoka!" Lux called as he hurried after the gorgeous togruta, becoming a little winded as he tried to catch up to her, actually surprised that she managed to gain an impressive lead while in her clear open-toed heals. But luckily, after gaining a second wind, he manged to catch up just in time hear Ahsoka finish a conversation on her personal come, placing the small device back in the punch on her hip.
"Lux," she said suddenly, never once taking her gaze away from the hall in front of her, "I need you to patch me through to the Temple from your office...I need to speak to Master Yoda and the Council immediately. I just spoke with Commander Fox, he will also be contacting the temple as well. There is something very familiar about the recording that Amedda showed the senate."
"What are you thinking Ahsoka?"
"I'm thinking that this conspiracy goes a little deeper than what the Council and Fives think."
The Jedi temple was in no better position than the Senate Building.
Outside, held back by Temple Guards and soldiers of the 212th and 501st Batallions, Anti-Jedi protestors crowed the steps leading to the temple, many shouting insults to the occupants inside, their obvious rage radiating through the force. And the concentration of said rage made the Jedi inside the Temple very uneasy. Some younglings even shrank in fear as these very raw feelings overwhelmed them. One such youngling, a furry togorian cub wept as she clung to the robes of Master Luminara Unduli, the mirialin Jedi actually embracing the child as she looked sadly through one of the upper story windows down at the crowd below, running her fingers through the fur on her head as she did so.
"I'm scared, Master," the toddler sniffed, clenching her stunning green eyes shut as she sat in Luminara's lap.
Pulling her attention away from the window, Luminara looked down at the cub, a soft smile forming on her lips as she removed her hand from the child's head, using it to pull the little Jedi's gaze to her.
"It is alright to be scared Tai," Luminara cooed as she rested her forehead against that of Tai G'rss, both closing their eyes as they began to breath together.
"I promise, nothing will happen. All is as the Force wills it."
For a few moments the pair sat in silence, focusing on each other's company.
Until a very posh voice broke the moment.
"I hate to interrupt my dear...but Master Yoda has requested our presence in the communication center."
Looking to the source of the voice, Luminara sent a loving smile to the dashing Obi-Wan Kenobi, his bearded face returning the smile, though in the form of a sly smirk. Looking back to Tai, Luminara slowly rose from her seated position, placing the much more calm child on the floor before taking a hold of her hand, or paw...Luminara could never really know what to call it. Before long, Obi-Wan and Luminara were walking toward the main communication center, the green-skinned Jedi being sure to drop Tai off at her mediation class on the way.
And as the pair walked, Obi-Wan offered his arm to her, which Luminara gladly took, receiving a little surprise in the form of Obi-Wan placing a gentle peck on her cheek, a deep green blush forming on Luminara's face as she lightly giggled at the feeling of her new boyfriend's whiskers tickling her skin. And if Luminara was being honest with herself, she had always hoped that something, or someone, would come along and challenge the code of no-attachment. And at this point, she was glad it did.
And with the abolition of that code, many more quickly followed. Eventually, the Jedi Council decided to allow those in the order to live their lives without restriction...
So long as it was legal within the Republic of course.
Many were surprised to see that Luminara herself took full advantage of the change. In the short amount of time since the changes were made, Luminara seemed to change greatly. While she still maintained an air of dignity, she was a lot more relaxed, not just in personality, but also style. Even Obi-Wan was shocked when he first saw Luminara walking through the halls of the temple in a simple dark-brown blouse, bound at the waist by a matching belt in the same style as her traditional mirialin sash, a pair of beige trousers bound beneath the knee by a pair of brown, standard-issue boots.
But what really surprised Obi-Wan was her hair. For the longest time, Obi-Wan and many others thought Luminara kept her hair short beneath her headdress. But, as Obi-Wan saw that day, Luminara had long, flowing locks of shining black hair that fell to the middle of her back, the luscious tresses tied back in a neat braid that she would have draped hover one shoulder or the other.
The darkness of her hair rivaled the blush on her cheeks when Obi-Wan told her how stunning she looked.
Unfortunately, the happy aura surrounding the two masters was short lived as Obi-Wan suddenly felt a sudden aura of sadness radiating from his lady-love. At first, he thought perhaps she was still feeling some anguish from just a few minutes prior. But, the more he tapped into the sorrow that radiated from the beautiful mirialin, the more he found that her sorrow was linked to a far more personal matter.
One he knew was very painful for her.
"Have you spoken to Barriss yet?
Luminara stiffened at the question, her breath hitching as Obi-Wan mentioned her former padawan. Truth be told, while she was relieved that Barriss was spared death, thanks to the surprise efforts of Ahsoka and Senator Bonteri, she was still hesitant to meet with the young woman, even after Ahsoka had told her that Barriss deeply regretted her actions, especially framing Ahsoka after a visit at the prison complex. And it wasn't because she resented her former student. In reality, Luminara loved Barriss as if she were her own daughter, but could never express this because of the code forbidding attachments.
But it was because of this love that caused her anguish.
She felt she had failed Barriss, and couldn't bring herself to face her.
Sensing Luminara's sorrow intensify, Obi-Wan briefly stopped, stepping in front of her , a tender smile a his face as he raced a hand to her cheek, gently tracing his thumb against her cheek. Luminara leaned into the embrace, a long sigh escaping her throat as she felt the calloused hands of Obi-Wan on her cheek, happy that the Jedi Master had decided to completely shed any clone armor on his person.
"You will see her when the time feels right."
Looking into Obi-Wan's eyes, Luminara couldn't help but smile at the handsome Jedi, from his striking blue eyes to his auburn hair and ruggedly handsome beard. After leaning up to place a quick peck on Obi-Wan's lips, Luminara walked past the stunned human, only for him to quickly match her stride as they continue don to their destination.
The communication center was bustling with activity. Clone strategists were leaning over holo-maps, holo-maps which displayed multiple fronts and territories throughout the galaxy. But near the back of the room, behind another set of doors, doors which were being guarded by two "Boys in Blue," rifles at shoulder-arms, was a second chamber, one used by the General Staff. Upon entering the war room, Obi-Wan and Luminara were quickly met with a round of salutes, which they returned while still maintaining their stride. But, as soon as both Jedi reached the doors to the second chamber, they were met with pleasant surprise.
Inside the room with Master Yoda was Anakin, Captain Rex, and Commander Cody. But the people they were most surprised to see were Shaak Ti and Fives, the latter covered in his ARC Trooper armor, standing beside Anakin and Rex.
"Shaak Ti, Fives," Luminara called as she approached the two, "I thought you two were on your way to Kamino to oversee the removal of the inhibitors chips."
"We were," Fives began, "but then all this bantha fodder about Palpatine being the victim came up. So until further notice, any Jedi involvement with the army or the war is prohibited."
Obi-Wan and Luminara's faces soured at the news, this new development making them feel quite aggravated.
But, at that moment, Master Yoda spoke up.
"Troubling this new development is," he began, a sly smirk slowly forming on his lips as he continued, confusing the others, "but sense I do, that reveal new information that may help us, some old friends shall."
As if on cue, a loud beeping came from the holo-table in the middle of the chamber, a clear indication that a transmission was coming through. Receiving a nod from Cody, the commander of the 212th hit the button that would answer the call. In an instant, Anakin's eyes opened wide when the translucent form of Ahsoka appeared on the holo-table.
"Ahsoka?"
Looking to the voice that called her name, the hologram of Ahsoka smiled gently at Anakin.
"Hello, Anakin, it's good to see you again."
"News for us, I suspect you have, Ahsoka," Master Yoda added, a teasing smile on his face as Ahsoka bashfully turned her gaze to meet his.
"Yes, Master Yoda," Ahsoka answered, "but before I do, there is someone who will need to be present for what I have to say."
Once again, another series of beeps came from the consul.
"Sir," the same 212th trooper said to Cody, "we are receiving a transmission form Commander Fox at the military complex."
"Put him through," Cody ordered, slightly turning his uncovered head to the trooper, allowing Ahsoka to vaguely make out the surgical scar from when Cody had his inhibitor chip removed, a scar slowly being covered by the hair growing back from when it was shaved off.
Ahsoka was quickly pulled from her staring at the appearance of Fox's hologram, his helmet tucked under his arm, revealing to the others a similar "hairstyle" and scar to Cody's a clear indication that Fox also had his inhibitor chip removed.
"General's, Madame Tano," Fox said, snapping to attention, earning a small smile form Ahsoka and the others.
"Fox," Ahsoka began, " I trust you found what I had asked to recover."
"Yes Madame," Fox said, suddenly feeling a bit uncomfortable when he saw Ahsoka roll her eyes with a smile, clearing finding it humorous the way Fox was addressing her. Taking a moment to recompose herself, Fox began to relay what he had uncovered.
"Madame Tano had contacted me after Vice-Chair Amedda presented his so-called evidence to the senate. She had informed me that the manner by which it was presented appeared reminiscent of the evidence presented against her during her trial following the bombing of the Jedi Temple. In other words, I have discovered it was more than coincidence that both these events were met with the same methods of defamation."
"What are you getting at, Fox?" Rex inquired.
"When an investigation was launched into the incident in the Chancellor's office, any troopers form the Corusaunt Guard involved in the operation were excluded, and ordered to present any evidence to the lead official."
"That included the audio I gave you from the Medical Facility?" Fives questioned.
"Yes," Fox confirmed with a nod, "which is what Madame Tano was implying when she informed me of the similarities between her case and recent events."
"What are you saying, Commander?" Shaak Ti asked, clearly invested in the new information being revealed.
His gaze hardening, Fox answered.
"The leading official in the investigation is Admiral Tarkin."
At that moment, it all started to make sense.
"It would stand to reason," Ahsoka continued, causing everyone's attention to once again shift to her, "that Tarkin might be involved in the conspiracy. It is no secret that he has been very critical of Jedi involvement in the war."
At that moment, Anakin chipped in.
"He also told me during the Citadel Operation that he had fallen into favor with Palpatine. It's possible that with his advancing career that Palpatine would see him as a potential candidate for his plans."
"That's not all," Fox once again sounded. "Under Madame Tano's instructions I looked into all evidence presented against her during her trial, including the video feed from when she allegedly killed Letta Turmond. As it turns out, the recording WAS tampered with by ways of disabling audio playback."
"I see what you are suggesting," Obi-Wan finally said. "Tarkin manipulated the recording from the Chancellory Office to make it appear as if we unjustly attacked Palpatine. And to further discredit us, purposefully left out the audio recording from the medical facility."
"Precisely," Ahsoka added in.
"And that's not all. When I was with Senator Bonteri in the senate chambers...shut up."
This quip was sent toward Anakin, who had a playful smirk on his face when Ahsoka mentioned Lux. The little scene alone caused a few chuckles to rise from those present in the meeting, even Fox. But, after taking a moment to recompose herself, Ahsoka continued.
"When I was in the senate chamber, I noticed something as the Senators form the Banking Clan, Trade Federation, and Techno Union spoke against the Jedi. I sensed a great amount of fear radiating from them. And I know this type of fear. It was the same fear I sensed when Anakin and I arrested Letta Turmond."
"They're involved as well," Anakin theorized, earning a nod from Ahsoka.
"Obviously. All three have benefited from the war, and would continue to benefit without any Jedi interference. But, with Palpatine dead, they realize that their days are very much numbered."
"But so long as they have leverage in the senate, it will be difficult to persuade other senators of our innocence," Luminara added.
"Not necessarily," Fox added, causing everyone to look at him inquisitively.
"I have been paying close attention to the happenings in the Senate. There are a vast number senators who are in support of the Jedi, Including Senators Bonteri, Amidala, Organa, and Mothma, to name a few. If you can give me time, I can retrieve the medical facility recording, and possibly the original recording of what transpired in the Chancellory Office."
"If you think you can do it Fox, get going," Ahsoka urged, causing Fox to snap to attention.
"Yes Madame!" he replied smartly before cutting off the feed, leaving Ahsoka with the group in the communication center. And after a few moments of tense silence, Ahsoka allowed a smile to form on her lips.
"May the Force be with you."
With that, her image disappeared, leaving the others alone to ponder what their future might be.
The Military Complex was filled with activity.
All around, shock troopers were moving into formation, preparing to board gunships that would be departing soon.
And Fox knew why.
Orders had just come in from Mas Amedda for the Corusaunt Guard to be on standby, as the Senate was preparing to cast a vote to have the Jedi involved in the attack on Palpatine arrested for treason. At this point, Fox knew he was running out of time to gather the evidence needed to prove the Jedi innocent. But in order to gain the evidence he would have to sneak into one of the most secure rooms in the facility.
The Office of Admiral Tarkin.
Making his way past several of his brothers who were running in the other direction, Fox made his way to Tarkin's office, the shock troopers he passed not giving him a second thought. But, as Fox continued toward his destination, he ran into someone he did not want to see. The groomed brown hair and piercing brown eyes, as well as the rank plaque on his uniform was a dead give away to any trooper of the identity of Tarkin's immediate subordinate.
"Vice-Admiral Rampart," Fox said with a salute, the gesture being lazily returned by Rampart, who just stared at Fox. At that moment, the clone commander was grateful he was wearing his helmet...
Otherwise Rampart would see him sweating.
"Going somewhere, Commander?" Rampart inquired in his condescending way, making it very clear that he was, in everyday, like his superior. Taking a moment to steady himself, Fox answered with the truth...that was totally a lie.
"I was going to speak with Admiral Tarkin in his office."
"Oh," Rampart said with a hint of amusement, "I'm afraid that is quite impossible."
"Why is that Sir?" Fox inquired, his nerves becoming on edge as he began to theorize that his plan would unravel before it could start. Luckily, Rampart gave an answer that conveyed to Fox that his mission could very well succeed.
"Because he is currently overseeing the preparation of the troops."
Silently releasing a breath he did realize he had been holding, Fox gave a nod toward Rampart, who without another word, brushed past the commander, not bothering to give any form of a farewell. Once he was certain Rampart was out of sight, Fox soon found himself lightly jogging toward Tarkin's office. Luckily, with Tarkin overseeing the operation in the base, the two mandatory guards at usually stationed at the door were not there.
Cautiously walking up to the control panel, Fox made sure that the coast was clear before opening the door, quietly stepping into the dimly lit office, which was just as bare and bland as Tarkin was himself. Making his way toward the curved desk at the opposite side of the entryway, Fox came around and sat in the chair behind the desk. There must have been a motion sensor int he desk, for the moment Fox sat down, Tarkin's files came into view.
"This is too easy," Fox laughed to himself, removing his helmet before typing away at the keyboard on the desk, searching for the files he had handed over to Tarkin. Unfortunately, Tarkin's files were extensive, making it difficult to find what he was looking for.
But then, Fox was struck with an idea.
Typing quickly at the keyboard, Fox decided to pull up RECENTLY ACCESSED FILES. From there, he could work through process of elimination. And fortunately, he didn't have to look for long, as the second file, labeled COM 1996-57, held the original recording of Palpatine confessing his plan to Fives in the medical facility. Looking further, Fox was elated when he looked into a file labeled SECURITY 2008-2020/21, revealing the original recording of the altercation in the Chancellory Office.
From what Fox could see and hear, Ahsoka had been correct. Within the file was proof that the evidence presented to the senate had indeed be doctored to appear that the Jedi had attacked Palpatine, and not the other way around. This was all the evidence he needed to prove the Jedi's innocence. But then, Fox noticed something. This file, along with the file on the medical facility, were linked to another. Out of curiosity, Fox opened the file.
And what he saw made him feel sick to his stomach.
Not only were there plans for mass occupation of conquered and neutral planets, but also the planned mass-extermination of the Jedi, found under the code-name OPERATION: KNIGHTFALL. Also in the file was a list of individuals who were set to benefit from these plans, transaction codes for private banks accounts on benefactors that Fox was surprised to find were being funneled through the Banking Clan.
And of the names, Fox was not-so surprised to find the representatives of the Banking Clan, Techno Union, and Trade Federation. Fox even let out a huff of amusement to find Tarkin and Rampart on file.
And to his further shock, Vice Chair Amedda himself.
But one file greatly peaked Fox's curiosity…
PROJECT WAR-MANTEL.
Opening the file, Fox found himself reading over what it entailed, only for his eyes to widen in horror at what he saw.
They were going to replace us, he thought to himself, tears forming in his eyes at the full knowledge that once the clone army had fulfilled it's purpose, the newly formed Galactic Empire that Palpatine had planned was going to cast them away like last season's droid model, replacing them with natural-born recruits.
But, despite this shocking revelation, Fox forced himself to focus on the task at hand.
Wasting no further time, Fox began to transmit the files he found through a secure channel, one which Ahsoka had told him would allow the files to reach Senator Bonteri, who would then present it to the senate. But as Fox continued to work, his heart stopped at the sound of footsteps approaching the office, the familiar voice of Tarkin filling him with dread. But, just as the sound of Tarkin's voice stopped at the door, Fox let out a sigh of relief when he saw the data transfer was complete.
Quickly restoring the files to their original places so as not to leave any evidence of his work, Fox quickly rose from the chair, bolting toward the door, pressing his back flat against the wall as the door opened. Luckily, Tarkin was too busy with his data-pad to notice, allowing Fox the chance to slip past him and out the door.
The tension in the senate chamber was unbearable.
In just a few minutes a vote would be held to determine if the Jedi involved in the death of Chancellor Palpatine should be arrested. And given the recording presented of the so-called attack, many were more than willing to vote in favor. And once everyone had settled into their pods, the floor of the chamber opened, allowing the main lectern pod to rise, seated with Vice Chair Amedda.
And once the pod had ceased its accent, Amedda spoke.
"My friends, today we shall have justice. I implore you, do not let the murderers of Chancellor Palpatine walk free without consequence. Please cast your votes, now."
But just as each senator prepared to cast their vote, a young voice spoke up.
"Vice Chair, I have new evidence to present!"
Pausing in their actions, the senators cast their gaze to Lux Bonteri's pod, the young senator, standing defiantly as the pod approached Amedda, who with great reluctance, acknowledged Lux.
"The chamber recognizes Senator Bonteri of Onderon."
And without missing a beat, in fact, not giving Amedda time to finish, Lux began.
"My fellow Senators, you are being deceived into believing the Jedi are monsters that must be hunted down for crimes they did not commit. Evidence of their innocence has been withheld to bolster the claim that the Jedi unjustly attacked and killed Chancellor Palpatine. But I come before you with new evidence that will prove to the contrary."
Pausing in his speech, Lux inserted a data-card into a slot on his pod.
"What you are about to hear is a recording of Chancellor Palpatine, and ARC Lieutenant 5555, also known as Fives, when the later was brought to the Republic Medical Facility. The lieutenant was then accused of going insane and attempting to assassinate Palpatine. But you will hear the true conversation that was purposefully withheld by the investigators looking into Palpatine's death."
And upon hitting a button on the console, the horrifying confession of Palpatine truly being the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, having organized the war with Count Dooku, creating the clone army to exterminate the Jedi, and to reorganize the Republic into a Galactic Empire. And as the recording played, the scene within the chamber was broadcasted throughout the Republic. Not Just on Corusaunt, but on all the planetary systems with the Republic.
On Naboo, Queen Jamilia's court watched and listened with wide eyes, the knowledge that the man who had represented their people in the senate for so many years was responsible for the war that raged in the galaxy.
On Mon Cala, Prince Lee Char and the newly promoted General Akbar were aghast at this turn of events.
On Onderon, the Royal Court of King Dendup were at a loss for words, the King and his loyal protector Saw Gerrera speechless at the startling news they had heard, but at the same time feeling great pride in their senator for bringing this evidence to light.
On Ryloth, General Cham Syndulla watched with his wife and young daughter within his office at the capital Lessu, the trio accompanied by Cham's close friend and confidant, Clone Captain Howzer, who tenderly caress the right side of his head with a trembling hand, the soldier becoming greatly overwhelmed by what he had heard.
"Everything will change now, Hera," he said to his daughter.
"Everything HAS changed."
On a modified Omicron-Class attack shuttle, a group of unique individuals sat in silence, no discernible expressions on their faces as they listened to the broadcast, though at the same time staying focused on their current objective. Though that did not mean the shock wasn't there.
In the Jedi temple, masters, knights, and younglings, watched and listened intently, many letting their new, unrestricted feelings wash over them. And it sent a great wave through the force…
A massive ripple…
The Fear…
The Sorrow…
The Anguish…
Which could be felt by a Zabrak warlord on the planet of Mandalore, who watched the broadcast with a demented smile.
And not only he felt this massive ripple, for within the Republic Military Complex, in a single solitary cell, sat a lone female mirialin prisoner, curled in on herself in a bare corner, hot tears of sorrow and remorse sliding down her cheeks as she felt the anguish of the people she had fought with…the people she had loved…the people she had hurt, radiate through the force.
The recording ended with the sound of the altercation that was meant to incriminate Fives as a would-be assassin. Looking around, Lux could see that many senators had been swayed from their previous thoughts of the Jedi being guilty. But, to ensure that the truth hit home, produced another data-card, replacing the one already in the console.
"What I present to you next is the FULL recording of the altercation that resulted in Palpatine's death, having been doctored to appear as if he were the victim of an assassination."
Within minutes, the vast majority of the senators were now convinced that they had been duped, that they would have unwillingly played into Palpatine's hands. But Lux was far from done.
"I now present Commander Fox of the Corusaunt Guard."
And for the first time, the senators took notice of Fox, Helmet tucked under his arm as he stood from where he sat in the pod, stepping toward the counsel before speaking in a firm, authoritative voice.
"Senators, under orders from a third party, who shall remain nameless, I uncovered this evidence. But, in the process, I uncovered a deeper conspiracy. Senators, withing this chamber, are guilty of conspiring with Darth Sidious, as well as Count Dooku of the Separatist government."
At that moment, Fox began revealing individuals, causing a great uproar of senators making the same calls of treason and betrayal, but not at the expense of the Jedi.
"Senators Card, Dod, and Saam, you are hereby placed under arrest for Treason against the Republic."
Fox's attention then turned to the man in the central pod.
"Vice Chair Mas Amedda...You are also under arrest for treason against the Republic."
Within minutes it was absolute bedlam...
Until Lux spoke up.
"I CALL FOR AN EMERGENCY VOTE!"
Padme Amidala of Naboo couldn't agree more, proudly proclaiming,
"I SECOND!"
A cry sounded from Bail Organa's pod.
"VOTE NOW!"
And with that, a chorus of voices sounded in the chamber.
"VOTE NOW!"
"VOTE NOW!"
"VOTE NOW!"
And as the floor was filled with calls for nominations, Lux returned his pod to the recess in the chamber walls, allowing Fox to leave and oversee another arrest.
And as he walked through the halls of the senate building, a wry smile spread on his lips as he saw Senators Card, Dod, and Saam being taken away by the Corusaunt Guard and senate commandos, the trio receiving jeers for other senators as they were escorted out of the building. And while Fox wished he could revel in this turn of events for a little longer...
He still had a job to do.
Just an hour latter, the shock commander exited the gunship as it landed at the military complex. Flanked by two troopers, Fox began walking toward the complex itself. And standing just outside of the main entrance, backed by a team of additional shock troopers, was Rampart, sweat dripping form his brow as Fox approached him.
"Vice Admiral Rampart, I place you under arrest for treason against the Republic. You have the right to remain silent and make no statement at all. Any statement you do make will be used against you in judicial proceedings up to and including court martial...Get him out of my sight."
Now the Jedi weren't there to see it, but they heard that Rampart cried like a youngling when they took him away.
Tarkin, however, had no intentions of going that quietly.
From his office, Tarkin could hear the multiple footsteps fast approaching. Reaching into a drawer in his desk, the Admiral procured a standard DC-17 pistol. Leaning forward in his chair, Tarkin rested his elbow on the desk, aiming the pistol at the door, his intentions clear as he did not plan on going to prison.
"ADMIRAL TARKIN!" a clone's voice sounded, whose, Tarkin didn't care to find out.
"OPEN UP! WE HAVE WARRANT FOR YOUR ARREST!"
Soon, the sound of clicking hit the man's ears, a clear sign that the men on the other side of the door were picking the lock. For the next several minutes Tarkin kept the pistol aimed at the door, running every possible scenario in his head.
Tarkin contemplated blasting his way out of the complex, making for a speeder or shuttle and escaping into the underground. But he quickly came to the realization that too many troopers stood in his way. And even if he wasn't killed in the process, he would still be captured and face court martial for his treason, along with Rampart.
And in the Republic, treason was punishable by death.
At this point, Tarkin knew that no matter what he did, death was inevitable.
So, why not cut to the chase?
And so, with little to no thought or effort, Tarkin leaned back in his chair, wasting no time in placing the pistol under his chin...
Before pulling the trigger.
A load report was heard as the blaster fired, followed by the sound of the small weapon clattering to the floor.
Many in the Republic would like to think that the last thing that went through Tarkin's head, other than that blaster bolt, was how the Jedi had gotten the best of him.
And on that day, the deadly plants grown from the seeds corruption were beginning to be uprooted…
And Burned.
Meanwhile, in hyperspace, a Separatist Fleet was making headway toward it's next assignment.
On the bridge of the lead dreadnought sat Admiral Trench, the harch officer stroking his mandible as he gazed out at the swirling blue tunnel outside of the bridges view port. But, his little moment of piece was soon interrupted by his super tactical droid commander, who leaned down so as to be face-to-face with Trench.
"Pardon em Admiral," the droid began in the common monotone voice associated with tactical droids, "but you are receive a transmission from Count Dooku."
"Put him through."
Not a second went by until Dooku's holographic form manifested itself in front of Trench, his displeased expression unnerving the usually stoic admiral.
"Yes, My Lord," Trench greeted as he rose from his seat, slightly bowing his head in a gesture of submission.
"We are about to face a great challenge Admiral," Dooku began cryptically.
"I sense that we will soon be facing a war on two fronts. The Republic will certainly turn the people of the Confederacy against us."
While unnerved by this new development, Trench released a sinister chuckle.
"Fret not, Count Dooku. With the death of your master, you now have total command of the Separatist Military. And when I have succeeded in destroying the Republic Shipyards at Anaxes, any form of opposition, be it Republic or Confederate, will be futile."
It was at that moment that Dooku allowed a sinister smile to form on his bearded face, his eyes twinkling with malice.
"Then you may proceed with the operation, Admiral."
With that, the signal cut out, leaving trench to plot his next move.
"I smell fear...and it smells good."