Reuploading this chapter because it honestly needed it, going back, that was not the proper way to have that fight go. So, I'm re-releasing the chapter with a properly done fight, hope you guys enjoy, and sorry for the slip, been distracted lately and got too ahead of myself trying to cut corners. Have a good one, and I hope you enjoy!
Anakin stretched as he stepped through the doorway into one of the Liberation's outer rooms. The High Council taken over one of the lounge areas that was located a dozen levels or so under the bridge, in the neck of the Venator. It was one of the few rooms with any color and comfort to it. The chairs were cushioned in a Republic red, and there were a few tables, as well as holo vid projectors and speakers for entertainment. There were transparisteel windows as well with armored shutters that could be lowered. This wall of windows offered a view of the blue-green gas giant they were orbiting, and of the droids and crew currently performing a spacewalk to start repairing the ship. They'd retreated into a quiet part of the outer rim, well off the hyperspace lanes and away from prying eyes where Anakin hoped they would be safe. Anakin eased himself into one of the chairs that had been gathered into a circle for the Council. Obi-Wan, Master Kota, and Master Mundi were already there. Obi-Wan nodded to him, "Master Yoda and Master Ti will be along shortly, they've been working with some of the younglings."
Anakin nodded, "Alright. I had Kittani and Gant continue practicing their lightsaber forms."
Obi-Wan smiled, "Good, they'll need to keep improving, training, and being as prepared as possible." He said. "Besides, it'll form a better bond for them as friends, and I think we can both know how that goes."
Anakin chuckled, before giving a slight grin, "That we most certainly do, Master."
It was a moment later that the door hissed open and Master Yoda and Master Ti entered. "Our apologies, we wanted to make sure the younglings had grasped their most recent lesson on Force Suppression. They're almost to the point that they won't need us to hide themselves from other force sensitives from a far of range at least." Master Ti elaborated.
"Making progress, the younglings are." Master Yoda said. "Prepare them as much as possible, we shall." He said. "But, other matters to discuss, have we." He said, going over and taking a seat of his own.
"Read all of your reports, I have, and spoken with you as well, I did." Master Yoda began. "Too dangerous it has become, to challenge Darth Sidious and his Empire. Give up, we must not… but take unnecessary risks, we cannot either."
The Grandmaster paused as the room was silent. Anakin deliberated on the words, as were the others around him. He hated to back away from a fight, especially one that seemed in line with his destiny as the chosen one, but, there was nothing to gain from taking such a big risk with their only warship. Anakin spoke after a moment. "Then what do you propose we do, Master Yoda?"
Master Yoda gave a slight chuckle, "Many suggestions do we have already, Master Skywalker. Some from you, Master Kenobi, and those close to you." The little green Master said. "Many force sensitives within the galaxy, do remain. Hunting for them, the Empire is. Be they Jedi already, or younglings with no training, keep them from Sidious we must. A place to reform the temple as well, we need. A place strong with the force, away from the prying eyes of the Dark side." The Grand Master stated.
Again, more silence as the council members thought through the statements. Master Kota was the first to speak. "While I agree with both of those, we can't just stop fighting the empire either, or preparing to fight them at least. Every day they grow stronger and stronger, meanwhile, we're alone aside from Fulcrum. We have to prepare to defeat Palpatine."
Anakin nodded, "I agree as well, and I feel we need to see about upgrading our forces and expanding them. Those new Imperial Fighters, the prisoners call them TIE's, are fast and agile. We need something that can go head to head with them. And we just need more ships overall." He said.
"How do you propose we go about building our strength then, Master Skywalker?" Master Ti asked, curious.
"Padme and I have discussed that. Based on what Fulcrum has told us, the Empire has pulled back most of its military forces to consolidate the inner parts of the galaxy, extending about as far as the Expansion Territories and parts of the Mid Rim. Beyond that, much of the Mid Rim and Outer Rim are likely only lightly defended beyond a few strongholds. The Grand Army is massive, but it still isn't big enough to cover the entire galaxy. Padme and I were going to try and contact some of her fellow senators, especially those who knew of the plan." He said. "We can get Fulcrum's assistance to guide us, and we do need the supplies and equipment."
Master Yoda nodded, thinking for a moment. "If make the journey, Senator Skywalker can, then permit it I shall. Take your padawan for training, and a group of clones for an escort, you should." He reaffirmed. "Hunt for our fellow jedi, and more force sensitives, who will?" He continued.
Obi-Wan spoke up, "I will. Although I will need some support forces." He said. "I would like to take a group of troopers with me, lead by Commander Cody and Captain Fordo. In addition, if she agrees, and if it's okay with you Anakin, I would like to have Ahsoka join me. If we're going to be facing down force sensitives, I will need the backup."
Anakin thought for a moment, he was still protective of Ahsoka, and he'd like it if she could have gone with them since her and Padme were close, but, Obi-Wan would need the help, and Ahsoka did have plenty of experience. "If she's okay with it, then I don't mind Master. Ahsoka is a capable duelist after all, and even if she was still a member of the Order, she'd be a Knight by now, my permission isn't needed."
Master Yoda nodded, "Then approve this I do. Take the Sundered Heart, I recommend. Need its space and hangar bay, you shall. A gunship as well, you should take." He added.
Master Kota spoke up, gathering their attention as he powered up a holo vid table, after some quick typing, an image of a LAAT appeared. "I have just the thing in mind, something I'd hoped to keep in reserve. We took a LAAT and modified it to a stealth model, then my engineers installed a docking ring on its belly. This should give you enough space to still hold two starfighters in the hangar, while the LAAT remains docked to one of the external rings." He explained.
Obi-Wan nodded, "That would come in handy, a corvette isn't easy to sneak onto a planet after all." He said. "You have my thanks."
Master Yoda waited a moment to see if anyone else had something to say about Obi-Wans planned mission. "Now, a small team of Jedi to lead, someone must, to find a planet strong in the force where undetectable a new temple would be." Master Yoda continued.
"I will take on this mission." Master Mundi said. "I can take a handful of Knights and Padawans to help me, and, if Master Kota would allow it, some of his troops."
Master Kota nodded in agreement. "I can have two squads of men set to go with you as an escort."
"Go, then, Master Mundi. Find a planet where rebuild, the Jedi can. Stay here, myself and Master Ti shall. Continue training the younglings and remaining Padawans will we. Master Kota, remain in command of the ship, you shall?"
"Yes, I intend to oversee the repairs personally. It's also obvious to me that we need more firepower, and my Captain and I would like to start planning for this. Although it will be some time before we can even attempt that without a shipyard or at least a docking area. If you could locate one for us Skywalker, I would appreciate it." He said.
Master Yoda gave another nod, "Careful, we all must be. Still clouded, the force is. Tight, Sidious's grip on the Galaxy is. Go now. May the force be with us all." He said and called the meeting to a close by tapping his Gimer Stick once on the floor. For a moment, Anakin could see a tiredness sweep over the Grand Master. It was clear how heavily recent events had weighed on him. Anakin stood and followed to Obi-Wan as he headed out into the hall as the council began to empty from the room.
"Master Yoda seems so much more tired than I've ever seen him… I know Order 66 weighed on us all… but I think it's weighed on him more than anyone." He said, somewhat stating the obvious.
"Master Yoda was a father figure to every force sensitive that set foot in the temple. He made sure to work with each group of younglings as they trained. Combine that with how in tune he is to the force, especially with the specific signature in the force that the Jedi have… there's no doubt he's deeply wounded by it. And now he just ordered half of the current Jedi council away on missions because he has no other choice. Of the few Knights and Masters we do have, the most experienced ones are sitting on the council. And that experience gap is a noticeable one in many ways." He said.
Anakin nodded, "Then we'll do our best to rescue anyone who's still out there. Even if it is your mission master, Padme and I will be on the lookout as well. Some of the senators we're going to visit were friendly to the Jedi."
Obi-Wan gave a nod beside him, "Just be careful Anakin, both of you. I don't want to have to come rescuing you again." He said, smiling some to try and ease the tension of preparing for dangerous missions.
Anakin rolled his eyes, "You do the same Master, I'd hate to have to come and rescue both you and Ahsoka." He said. "Besides, you will have the more dangerous missions out of the two of us." He said.
"Maybe so, but regardless. I would rather see you when I return, old friend. You are my brother Anakin." Obi-Wan said, pausing for a moment. Anakin paused as well, looking to him. Here was the man who had practically raised him from the age of nine, who had done his best to follow the way of the force and the Jedi code. Obi-Wan had protected him and had helped him. Sure, he wasn't perfect, he had his flaws… but Obi-Wan had done his best, and Anakin could never repay him for that.
"You're my brother too Obi-Wan, and you've been a father figure to me when I've had none. I love you Obi-Wan, you are the closes thing I've had to family since… well... since my mother passed away." He said, before pulling his Master into a hug. Obi-Wan was surprised for a moment but returned the hug.
"Thank you, Anakin. I am proud to call you my once Padawan, my brother, and my friend. I love you as well, and, that means more than you realize." Obi-Wan said, and Anakin could sense the emotion in his Master's words. The hug lasted for a moment longer before the two broke apart and started heading for the turbo-lift. "Shall we go collect our Padawans and Ahsoka?"
Anakin smiled, "We can go collect the Padawans. Ahsoka is already with Padme, she's been helping out some where Padme needs to get more rest. The two are close after all." He said with a smile as they boarded a lift and headed down to the training rooms.
There was a surprise waiting for them when they arrived. Instead of seeing their two Padawans hard at work, they were settled on a bench beside one another, both asleep. Anakin raised an eyebrow at this for a moment, but then couldn't help but chuckle, "Guess they took training to heart." He said.
Obi-Wan shook his head, "Partly that and staying up late. They aren't used to life on a ship that isn't oriented to Coruscant time, and I think the things they've seen still weigh on them, Kittani hasn't admitted it yet, but I catch her waking up some nights. I think she has nightmares." He said.
Anakin nodded, "Gant doesn't so much have nightmares as I've noticed he can be jumpy at times, looking over his shoulder. He trusts certain clones like Rex, but I've noticed he doesn't like to be in a room alone with them." He said, sighing. "I had this same issue with Ahsoka when she became my Padawan, when she first started to regularly see battlefields. Never mind that she didn't actually fight organics until Second Geonosis." He said.
"That these two have done both in a very short amount of time, and that they witnessed the Temple Massacre… it's no wonder they don't get much rest, the mind can go to dark places when left to itself. I've tried to teach Kittani to process her emotions and eventually let them go to the force, but it isn't that simple with this." He said.
Anakin walked over to them, "We can only hope that we're able to help them move on." He spoke, voice soft as he reached out and gently shook Gants shoulder. "Gant… Gant, come on, time to wake up." Anakin got his attention, managing to gently rouse the boy from his sleep, Kittani started to come out of it too as Obi-Wan woke her.
"M…master?" Gant mumbled before Anakin saw his eyes widen as he fully woke up. "M-Master Skywalker! I… Ah, this, we were just resting for a second!" Gant tried to explain.
"I… I'm sorry Master Kenobi!" Kittani just said. "We didn't mean to stop training!"
Anakin couldn't keep the grin from his face, "Don't worry you two, you're not in trouble for getting some rest." He said.
Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. "It isn't healthy to deny rest when the body needs it." He said. "Especially when your body is still doing a lot of growing."
The two seemed to visibly relax, leaning against one another for a moment before seeming to realize what they were doing, and that this was probably how they'd been sleeping. There was a moment of red faced scampering as both got up from the bench and came to stand before Anakin and Obi-Wan, and Anakin couldn't help but note it. "Well, if you two are up now, we have new missions. Let's head up to my quarters and we can fill everyone in." He said.
That got both of their interests, and with nods they all made for the turbo lift.
Anakin couldn't help but smile as he led the others into their small home. Padme and Ahsoka were already there, settled in the living area, Ahsoka with caf and Padme drinking peppermint tea judging by the scent. "I'm back, Angel, and I brought a few more guests." He said. By this point, Padme was showing clearly, even her maternity clothes couldn't hide it. They wouldn't have too much longer. "How are you holding up, dear?" He said as he walked over, placing a kiss to her forehead.
She chuckled some, "I'm doing just fine for feeling like I'm turning into a honey melon." She said. "You didn't tell me you were bringing others by, I would've had Threepio prepare something. Threepio, could you please get two mugs, a fresh pot of caf, and hmm, how does some hot cocoa sound for you two?" She asked Kittani and Gant, to which both nodded eagerly.
"Yes, of course, right away Mistress Padme!" the golden droid said happily as it scurried off into the kitchen unit.
"Well, I hadn't exactly planned on it, but, we have some news after the council meeting. We have new missions, and Master Yoda approved the one you and I had been talking about Padme." He said.
"He's also tasked me with going in search of any Jedi survivors, as well as trying to stop the Inquisitors. To that end, I would like you to come with me Ahsoka. As much as I trust Kittani here, I also need someone who has more experience in facing down other duelists." He said.
"I understand Obi-Wan, and I'll be glad to go, if Skyguy thinks he can manage without me." She added with a slight grin.
"Oh, I think we'll be just fine. Gant, you will of course be coming with Padme and I, I also intend to take along Captain Rex and a small team of trusted clones. Obi-Wan will be taking a group of clones as well."
Anakin watched as Obi-Wan looked to Kittani, "I plan to take Commander Cody, along with Captain Fordo's ARC Squad, I was intending for Boil's squad of ARF troopers to be the other group." He explained.
Padme seemed in thought, "Alright then, I suspect we'll be taking the Twilight II then?" She asked, sending a knowing look at Anakin. She knew him too well, he'd been wanting to test the freighter out for a while now, especially since he'd gotten it up to his standards. He, R2, and some of the maintenance crew had just installed a torpedo launcher and a launcher for concussion missiles and probes, earlier in the week.
"Yes, I would." He admitted with a chuckle. "But don't worry, I added a private captain's quarters." He said with a smile. "Just in case." He said as he eased himself into a seat beside Padme. "With the upgrades I've made, the Twilight II is up to my specs." He said.
Anakin smiled some as Obi-Wan just shook his head, smiling, and spoke. "So, where would you two go first? And what would your plan be Padme?"
"Well, I have a few friends who already knew of the plan. Bail is one and he is already helping." She began. "But there are others. Mon Mothma of Chandrila, Riyo Chuchi of Pantora, Garm Bel Iblis of Corelia, and Lux Bonteri of Onderon. These were some of the strongest proponents of reducing Palpatine's power and restoring it to the galactic senate. If anyone will support us, it's them. Some will be dangerous to get to though." She said. "But it has to be done. In addition,… I don't know about landing there, but I want to contact Queen Apailana as well, she could be an aid to us in our time of need."
Obi-Wan nodded, accepting a cup of caf as Threepio returned, Anakin picked up his own cup, enjoying the warmth it spread through his body as he took a sip. "It sounds like you two have placed some thought into this, what aid do you expect?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Pantora has a lot of influence in its sector of the outer rim and has historically maintained a respectable defense force. This means that Pantora has a lot of potential as a way for us to procure supplies and war material. In addition, Pantora is near Yarma, which is a ship breaker used by the Republic in the past. There's a good chance we can obtain starfighters and small capital ships from there. From Onderon and Corelia we can obtain weapons and starships as well, and possibly even those willing to join. And from Chandrila we can obtain capital from Mon Mothma, which can be routed through Alderaan." She explained. "I don't expect to get much, but maybe they'll agree to help some. Even just getting the upgraded ships Anakin was talking about." She said.
"We could really use some Z-95's or some V-Wings instead of the old V-19's. Something that's more competitive. I'd like to have some more Y-Wings as well. Where do you plan to start the hunt for any survivors Master?" Anakin asked.
"I plan to try and locate any survivors through meditation first, since that's how we last located a force sensitive. Hopefully I can discover them through the force. If not, then we'll just try and see what information can be provided to us about the inquisitors." He said. "I only hope we aren't too late to save at least some before Palpatine finds them."
"We can only do our best, Master." Anakin said, releasing a sigh. "We almost had him there in the council chambers… if Appo hadn't turned on us." He said.
"Then we still might not have won." Obi-Wan interrupted. "Palpatine was a Master of political subterfuge and disguise, he was the result of generations of Sith mastering how to work in the darkness. He probably had contingency plans up his sleeve for most any situation."
"Maybe… but still." Anakin said. He'd almost had Palpatine, he could've stopped him. It still ate at him, especially since Palpatine had targeted him and his family, trying to get him to fall.
"We'll get him Ani, he won't escape justice." Padme said, rubbing his arm gently. Anakin took a breath, but nodded, releasing his anger to the force.
Ahsoka took this moment to intervene and change topics. "Well, instead of sitting around and talking, how about we start preparing?" She said.
"General, the last of the supplies are loaded on the Twilight, we're ready when you are." Rex said behind him as Anakin finished going over his checks in the Twilight's cockpit. Everything was looking good and stable, and R2 gave a few affirmative chirps as he finished his own checks.
"Thanks Rex. I'm finished up here. What do you say we go see Obi-Wan off?" Anakin asked.
"Sounds like a plan. I reckon Cody has his boys loaded for a full-on invasion, not that we're much different." Rex said. Anakin knew what his Captain meant, in addition to supplies and some valuables from Padme's parents to barter with, Rex had brought some spare armaments for the trip. Enough to easily conceal, but enough to also give them a solid chance at fighting their way out of any trouble. Anakin had taken to wearing a blaster pistol for the trip, although he still had his light saber hidden away inside the jacket he'd taken to wearing as part of his spacer outfit.
As they stepped down the stairs, Anakin smiled at seeing the Eta II Actis starfighter parked there. It wasn't the Azure Angel, but it was small enough to fit in the cargo hold of the Twilight II, and that's what mattered. Rex's men were also down here, securing what cargo they had. Rex had chosen some of his top men. Jesse, Kix, Fox, and Slugger had all joined them. It was a small but highly capable team, they were currently dressed in more standard armor that wouldn't draw attention, although Anakin knew they had their clone armor stashed away.
As Anakin stepped out into the main hangar, he nodded to Obi-Wan. Padme and Ahsoka were saying their goodbyes, and he smiled some as Gant and Kittani shared a quick hug goodbye. Behind Obi-Wan stood his two squads. Fordo's full team of ARC troopers, and the ARF team lead by Boil. They were all heavily armed as well, intentionally ready for combat.
"I take it you're ready Master?" Anakin asked.
"Almost, I have a few more preparations to make. I'm trying to ensure that the corvette will have extra medical supplies, I've no doubt we'll need them." He said. "You, on the other hand, look completely ready to start your mission." He said.
"The men are securing the last of the supplies now. R2 and I just finished checking the systems and Threepio is making the private quarters 'livable' for Padme." He said, rolling his eyes and the peculiarities of the droid he'd created. At least Padme found him helpful.
"He's ever ready to serve, and he does at least seem to enjoy what he does." Obi Wan said of the Protocol droid. "So, where do you plan to head to first?"
"We'll go to Chandrila first. It's close to Coruscant, so it'll be risky, but it's also the safe bet to go there first. That way if someone does catch on to us, we will be headed away from the Empire instead of deeper into it." He said. "I take it you don't have a destination in mind yet then?"
"No, my only plan is to meditate in the force and hope that it unveils something to me." He said.
"General Skywalker, all supplies are secured, and the droid is saying he's finished up preparing the Senators quarters." Jesse said, poking his head out of the Twilight II.
"Well, I guess that's our call." Anakin said. He didn't want to keep them waiting. "Snips, be careful out there, and don't cause too much trouble for Obi-Wan." He said to his Padawan, who just rolled her eyes in response.
"Oh, I'll be sure to Master, you just try not to get into trouble." She countered. "I'd hate to have to come rescue you Skyguy."
"Oh, he'll stay out of trouble, or he'll be in trouble with me." Padme replied, looking pointedly at Anakin, who raised his hands in surrender.
"I surrender." He chuckled, "I know when I'm beat, I'll keep a low profile." He said. "Well, shall we, angel?" he asked Padme.
"Goodbye Anakin, Padme, may the force be with you." Obi-Wan said.
"Be safe you two. I expect you both back as soon as possible. And you be careful too Rex." Ahsoka said.
"Sure thing Commander, I'll do my best." The clone said with a firm nod.
"May the force be with you both as well, and we will Ahsoka. You be safe as well, your mission is riskier than ours." Anakin said, placing a hand on his once Padawan's shoulder. With goodbye's said, Anakin and his group turned to board the Twilight II. It was then that someone shouted from the entrance to their section of the Hangar.
"Wait! Generals, wait!" A clone called out. Anakin looked up and was surprised to see Commander Gree running towards them. For the briefest instance Anakin was on guard. They still weren't sure about Gree, and two other clones were running after him, both with stripes of blue and yellow of the new clone legion on their armor.
Rex was suddenly in front of Anakin, taking him by surprise, and Anakin saw him drawing a pistol. "Stand down Gree, what're you doing here? How did he get out of the infirmary?" He asked the two clones.
Gree skidded to a stop, showing his hands and coming to a stance of attention. He ignored rank and referred to Rex as though he was a higher ranking officer. "Captain, I… I had to speak with you, Commander Cody, and the Generals. I… I have information about a Jedi… I… I remember… I remember." He said as the two guards came running up, placing hands on Gree's shoulders.
"What do you remember Gree?" Rex asked after a moment, Cody and Obi-Wan had came closer, listening intently.
"I… we were on Kashyyyk, holding off the droid forces attacking there when Chancellor Palpatine raised the comms. I… everything gets fuzzy from there, but I remember… we tried to attack General Luminara but the fighting was still too heavy… the Wookiees fought us off and let her escape… but not before I… oh… oh kriff, I shot my General, I shot her." He said, his eyes widening in horror. "I caught her in the leg before she escaped into the forests. I don't remember much after that, just flashes of fighting against the driods before they shut down, then fighting the Wookiees. Then Commander Offee showed up and we were ordered off world. I think someone took over the hunt from us… but she planned to head back there." He said.
Anakin was shocked… so this was the full extent of the chips control. The clones stopped being themselves. It wasn't just Tup who'd gone through that… every clone under that chips control wasn't fully themselves.
"Thank you for this information Gree." Obi-Wan said. "This will be helpful to our search… we're going to try and find Master Unduli, if she's still there." He said.
"Thank you General, please, me and my men want to help." He said. "We want to make up for what that chip made us do."
Obi-Wan spoke again, "I understand trooper, and you'll get the chance. I… can't trust you in combat just yet, but… you could be useful. Your men will stay here, under watch by the Jedi healers. I'm going to allow you to come with us, you may be able to provide us with information of other Jedi." Obi-Wan said. "Come along Commander."
"Yes Sir! But… for now, just Gree. I'm not a commander anymore… at least, not until I earn it again."
"Alright Gree, come with us." Obi-Wan said, giving a friendly smile.
Anakin let out a breath. This was good, maybe they could redeem some of the clones. He watched as Obi-Wan headed towards the CR-70 and gave him one last nod as he turned and faced the Twilight II. Anakin quickly boarded and settled into the pilots chair, waiting for everyone to get strapped in. After doing his final checks and closing the boarding ramp, Anakin lifted the ship off, and soon they were exiting the hangar. "R2, plot a course for Chandrila."
The droid replied with a few affirmative beeps, and set to work plugging in the coordinates, working away. After a moment, he gave Anakin another affirmative. Anakin grinned, "Everyone ready?" He asked.
"As ready as I can be, Ani." Padme said, chuckling some to hide her nerves.
"Ready Master!" Gant said.
"Then here we go." Anakin said before pushing the hyperdrive lever forward. The ship entered hyperspace with a flash.
Sidious sneered as the Royal Red Guards released the person that was once Master Windu from his prison. The man who had once been a Jedi fell to his knees before Sidious, who looked over at Lord Tyrannus. "My apprentice, this may be some of your finest work yet, and with none other than Master Wind himself." He said, the joy obvious in his voice. The suffering that rolled off of the maddened Jedi, the anger of what had been done to him, and the smoldering hatred of betrayal that burned within him. The man who had once helped lead the Jedi now seemed to carry a deep hatred for the order. It was all amazingly wonderful to the Sith Lord.
"My Master, he will make a fine Head Inquisitor for your forces." Dooku said, bowing. "His own technique proved his downfall, all of the power of the dark side flowing so freely into him with no way to channel it. In addition to the other methods that you have taught me… it was only a matter of time." His apprentice said beside him in his ever calm and regal tone. Sidious nodded, grinning.
"I would like to see a demonstration of his capabilities, if you would, my apprentice." He said, and Dooku nodded, making a waving motion to the Red Guards, who disappeared for a moment before bringing in three Jedi Knights, all desperate and scared. All still barely hanging on to the light side of the force. Each one was offered a light saber, and Palpatine spoke.
"Each of you has an explosive slave chip imbedded in your neck. If you can defeat this man before me, who was once Master Windu, then you will have my favor and will be allowed to live in my service. If not…" He grinned, "you will die." And with that, he dropped Master Windu's lightsaber before him and stepped back. The three Jedi charged, lightsabers ignted.
None of them even came close to landing a hit on the once Jedi Master. Windu snatched up his own blade using the force and shot upwards. Sidious could detect the raw power in the mans strike as he made contact with the first lightsaber blade, the Jedi wielding it sent flying. The second Jedi was caught by a punch with Windu's mechanical arm. Sidious reveled in the barely audible sound of ribs shattering. The third Jedi didn't come close, thrown aside with a wave of Windu's hand as the force seized her.
Before any of them could react, Master Wind went on the attack against the first Jedi again, launching himself forward using the force. Sidious himself was somewhat surprised at sight of the lightsaber suddenly cutting through the first Jedi, a long vertical slash which opened up the mans chest.
The remaining Jedi charged again, together, although their effort was futile. Master Windu was a blur of motion as he blocked one, then the other, with his own blade. Windu suddenly spun around, and a directed force punch met one of the Jedi's chest, sending them flying back. Sidious cackled with glee as he felt another signature in the force fade away. He watched intently as Windu faced down the remaining Jedi, who charged. With ease, the once Jedi Master stopped their blade, locking it with his own. Suddenly, he reached out and grabbed her skull with his mechno-arm and lifted her up. Sidious relished in the scream as the last Jedi was slammed into the ground, killing her instantly. Mace stood there, panting, his eyes glowing a sickening yellow.
"Good, good Master Windu, most impressive. Now, kneel." Sidious said. When the man resisted, Sidious insisted with a blast of force lightning, forcing Windu to his knees. "You will kneel when I say kneel." He reaffirmed.
"Do you want revenge against the Jedi for abandoning you?" Sidious asked. "Against Skywalker for what he has done?"
There was a moment of hesitation, before a reply. "Yes." And Sidious could sense the truth of it. The raw emotion and anger.
"I can teach you… I can help you find those who betrayed you, who abandoned you. The order that you worked so hard for, only to be thrown aside." Sidious continued. "I can make you more powerful. But, there is one more test." He said.
"What? What your bidding?" He could see that the Jedi was still fighting his fall, but, it was far too late for that. Master Windu was his.
"I wish to see who is more powerful, you, or Count Dooku. Master Windu, kill him." Sidious said, standing back as the once Jedi charged at his apprentice.
There was a look of pure shock on Count Dooku's face as Mace charged him. Dooku summoned his own blade, sidestepping as he deflected Windu's own. Mace spun, his purple blade a blur as he used momentum to launch another slash at Dooku which was blocked. This was a true test for both, Sidious thought. Dooku's Mastery of Form Two against the raw power and skill of Mace Windu. Dooku pushed the offense. A strike that would've sunk into Windu's ribs if the once Jedi hadn't swept the blade away. Mace launched himself up over Dooku and struck at his back. Both lightsabers hissed as Dooku spun and caught his opponents blade, fighting for his life. Sidious could see that all of Dooku's usual confidence was gone now that he knew what was at stake. He couldn't help but grin as he watched the fight.
The two fighters broke apart for a moment, Dooku re-positioning himself. Mace charged again, and this time Dooku was more prepared. He deflected a series of attacks from Mace again, relying on the energy conservation that Form II was so known for. Suddenly, the Count locked blades with Mace. The Count kicked Mace squarely in the stomach, sending him flying back. Dooku launched himself forward, sending a quick strike at Mace. Mace barely blocked, still on the floor and recovering. Sidious could see the yellow glow in full in his eyes now, and cackled as Mace unleashed a force packed punch into Dooku's chest, knocking him away. The two opponents scrambled to their feet, and Mace charged again. He was met with a blast of force lighting. Sidious relished in the pain he felt from Mace as Dooku's lighting crackled along his skin. But even more, he took joy in the immense, boiling, hate he could feel in the once proud Jedi. Mace brought his saber up, deflecting the lightning away, cutting a massive scar into the floor. The once Jedi let out a shout, and a massive blast of the force swept towards Dooku, who braced and used the force and his saber to hold his ground. Mace charged, a downward strike aimed for Dooku's skull.
The scream of pain was one that came from Mace. Dooku dodged at the last moment, and his blade had caught Mace along his jaw and side of his face. Part of the once Jedi's jaw was entirely gone, exposing his mouth. The wound traveled upwards under the eye in a straight line into his ear. That ear was now a melted mass of burned flesh, completely destroyed. For a moment, Sidious watched as Dooku's confidence came back. It looked as though the Count would win. However, Sidious smiled as the burning bubble of rage in Mace Windu burst. He suddenly lept up again and launched a flurry of strikes at Dooku, driving him back. Suddenly, his mechnoarm lashed out and seized the hand which held Dooku's lightsaber. Sidious smiled as Mace summoned the force to aid his own strength, and the shouts of pain this time came from Dooku as Sidious heard the bones in his hand crunching. By the time Mace stopped, Dooku's hand was pulverized. His lightsaber clattered to the floor as Dooku just stared in shock at his hand. Dooku attempted to lash out with force lighting with his good hand, but Mace sidestepped. He grabbed the Count by his hair, and speared his light saber through Dooku's back and out his chest before twisting it. Dooku's body slumped, and the force screeched out as he died. Mace Windu extinguished his saber, and Dooku's body fell to the floor.
"Good, well done Mace. Now kneel." He said, and this time, Mace dropped to his knees with no hesitation. Sidious grinned, showing yellowed teeth. "From this day forward, Mace Windu is dead, as is all he stood for. In his place shall rise… Darth Talionis. Rise, my apprentice, we have much to do."
"Y...yes, my m-master." Talionis managed to grit out, his wound distorting his speech. Sidious was not concerned with this however, it could be fixed, but it would serve as a lesson for now of how one had to control their anger. He sneered some, the man would learn soon, and that scar would be a reminder for the future. What an interesting future it would be as well. Oh, Sidious had plans for this man. One of the strongest members of the Jedi Order would do, at least until he had Skywalker.
"We shall begin to prepare. You shall command the Inquisitorious, they will help you in completing your revenge. Your task… hunt down all remaining Jedi and either convert them to the dark side… or kill them." Sidious smiled. Yes, Mace Windu would serve well as his apprentice… and then would come Skywalker.
