Star Wars: Heir of the Force
Episode 3: Chapter 4
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Sidious did not enjoy being rushed. He had clawed his way up through the political ranks, through assassination, intimidation, and outright blackmail. He was the most powerful person in the galaxy and yet now he was being forced to change his plans and timetable based upon the actions of the Jedi.
If Grievous was destroyed the Confederacy would crumble and his own power would quickly wane. He did not have all the pieces in position yet, he needed more time.
Activating the encryption on his control console he sent a coded message to his mechanized puppet, ordering the cyborg to move the confederacy leaders once more. Yes, this could still work out in his favor, would still work out in his favor. A few maneuverings and manipulations would put everything back on track, the Jedi would be eradicated, Windu would be his apprentice, and Anakin would have no choice but to join him else suffer the consequences of going against the entire Republic, soon to be Empire.
It may not have been as he had foreseen, but the Sith would rule once more.
***HotF***
Anger burned through the Jedi master as he took sight of the empty hangar bay. A far-off conversation was taking place between Kenobi and one of the clone commanders, detailing a report that seemed to suggest they had missed apprehending the enemy leadership by mere hours.
Hours
He had missed the opportunity for a great triumph by such a short amount of time! Snarling, the man reached into The Force and sent a nearby shipping container flying across the area, smashing apart machinery and anything else that was foolish enough to stand in its path.
Nearby, the other Jedi recoiled from the sudden action and sought to find some task that would put more distance between themselves and their, apparently unstable, leader.
"How did this happen!?" he growled, spinning, and directing his glare onto the nearest knight, as if the man would somehow have the answers he sought.
Instead, Kenobi gave a nod to the clone before walking over to him, taking what the commander considered to be a disrespectful amount of time. "Master Windu, evidence suggests they were not here long, a week or two at most."
Master, the phrase burned in the dark-skinned man's mind. Always a master but never more. After this embarrassment, the council would be even more reluctant to appoint him as the next Grand Master.
"... or they knew we were coming."
Obi-Wan had continued his report, Mace realized, but the only part he had heard lit a new fury inside of him. "Repeat that." He ordered, earning a sigh from the other Jedi.
"I was saying that with such a short amount of time spent here and how the natives have remained neutral, it seems likely this was either a resupply stop or the Confederacy was somehow informed of our approach and had to evacuate."
The Force seemed to emphasize the second opinion, and the elder nodded slowly. It would have been a risky resupply step on a neutral world, something that made little sense to a strategic commander like Grievous, which meant that someone had to have informed them.
But who?
Palpatine had guaranteed him that the clones were completely loyal, and they would have had no reason to give the enemy advance notice anyway. Those who knew their destination was few, the major commanders along with a handful of...
Years prior Mace Windu might have almost laughed at the notion that the Jedi had sabotaged such a mission, but things had changed. "Check the logs for any outbound signals sent from our fleet, along with any inbound ones to the planet. I want an answer today." If they found nothing then the message would have had to have been sent from Coruscant, which meant only a handful who could be guilty of treason.
Such an action would not go unpunished.
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Grievous paced back and forth aboard the bridge of his flagship, or at least the newest one. How many had they lost since the start of the war? Even worse was the most recent fleet's destruction above Coruscant. All those resources squandered and for what, to kidnap one feeble old man?
They should have just bombarded the damn area where they knew he was and been done with it! Instead a massive invasion had been wasted, Dooku was dead, and their forces fleeing as quickly as possible from the hounds of the Republic.
Now he was the supreme commander, which meant that he was the dog to be ordered around by the mysterious Sidious. Who cared that the man had trained Dooku? That he was supposedly some all-powerful Sith lord? Grievous himself valued the skills of a warrior, not some shadow pulling everyone's strings and manipulating all the sides from the safety of a dark room.
No longer would the cyborg be pushed and pulled around by a voice on a com, by a blurred translucent image. If the Jedi wanted a fight, and every indication seemed that they did, then he would give them a massacre. He would show the Republic what power truly was and would teach them the true meaning of fear.
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"This is... disappointing. Have you uncovered the reasoning behind their escape?"
Windu held in a sneer, but just barely. It wasn't as if any other Jedi would have had better success in catching Grievous! How quick the council was to dismiss accomplishment but also to assign blame. "Nothing yet, I believe the Confederacy may have received information about our departure."
Yoda immediately saw an opportunity to try and relieve some of the stress on the younger man, put him back on track to discovering Sidious, and keep a closer watch on him. "Return to Coruscant, you should. If correct you are then discovering the identity our priority must be." He was certain this would lead back to Palpatine, perhaps this would be able to save Windu after all.
Instead of accepting this new mission Mace looked almost outraged. "Return? We were only a few hours behind ending this war and you want the entire army to return!?"
The grand master shook his head, "Continue the pursuit another will. Keep pressure on Grievous we must."
"I nominate General Kenobi, to take over."
As the other council members nodded in agreement Windu could only stare in shock as his command was taken from him. The knight would never be able to lead such a force, much less defeat the Jedi-killer in battle.
"This is not..."
"It is settled then." Mundi declared, interrupting Windu in a rare sign of disrespect. "Kenobi will lead the force in an attempt to destroy Grievous while you will return to seek out the identity of this informant."
As the holograms faded the dark-skinned Jedi's face twisted in rage.
***HotF***
"Are you sure about this?"
Padme smiled at the younger girl. After discussing their plans, she had been the one to voice her protest first, and loudest. "Yes Ahsoka, I'm sure. We need more to remove Palpatine from office and the entire situation with the clone army has always bothered me at being a little too convenient. Honestly, the only reason I took this long to investigate was not having a way of gaining access to the facility."
"Then I should go with you! If something goes wrong, it will be better to have an extra saber."
Her hands went to the teen's shoulders. "I understand you don't want to be left behind, really I do, but this is going to be hard to convince them even with our plan. If we add extra members in it will be considerably harder. Anakin is the key to this and even that might be pushing our luck."
The former Jedi's shoulder's slumped. "I know, I just... hate feeling useless."
"You aren't, but right now you are affiliated with Qui-Gon and their order. We can't risk them somehow being associated with this. You should maintain contact with Yoda, keep pressing for peace negotiations. If nothing else this will put further pressure on Palpatine which will help us. We need eyes and ears on Coruscant, with Yoda being focused on the Jedi you are the only one Anakin and I can trust."
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Mace Windu had returned only hours prior, and yet he had already called a meeting of the council to go over the task he had been 'assigned'. Perhaps it was a bit spiteful of him, but they were the ones who had demanded he waste so much valuable time on a task that could have been assigned to a low-level knight or even padawan.
"My investigation will begin with those directly involved in the planning of the attack, and on those who might have been given any sort of flight log information."
It was here Yoda saw a chance to begin countermining the Sith's own actions. "A short list it will be hm? A secret operation it was, involved in the destination, few were."
A frown crossed the man's face, "That's right, this won't take me long at all, which is why I feel that someone else should have been told to do this."
"Have the authority to investigate the chancellor, another would not have."
This statement earned silence from the others, both physically present and as mere holograms, in the room. Windu, merely openly stared in shock. "What?"
"All are under suspicion, all who knew the facts. Informed Palpatine was, before the force left. Investigated too, he must be."
"That is ridiculous, the supreme chancellor would never do such a thing."
Several of the other Jedi glanced towards each other in silent communication, "With all of the evidence being released pointing at the chancellor's wrongdoings it would be irresponsible not to examine him as well."
"Those are lies" Windu spat towards the image of Mundi, hatred clearly defined on his face. "Propaganda designed to tarnish the name and image of a man holding the Republic together. I have spoken with him directly regarding this slander and we both agree that the one involved will be brought to justice."
Again, more concerned looks between the other masters, "You seem to have already formed your opinion and passed judgment on the one who is presenting evidence of potential crimes." Plo Koon noted, earning a scowl directed towards him.
"They are guilty, anyone can see that."
"What I see is an attempt to bring attention to crimes that have been overlooked, and freedom of speech." Shaak Ti replied.
Windu spun to face her as well, suddenly feeling as though he was being assaulted from all sides. Was this what the chancellor had to deal with as well? The constant doubt and ignorance of those who were so blind to the truth? "Then you are ignorant. This is war not some peaceful rally, and it is our job to protect the chancellor from all threats."
"Don't you mean protect the Republic?"
Mace caught himself before he lashed out at yet another council member. They couldn't understand, wouldn't understand.
"Perhaps this break from combat will give you some time for reflection, master Windu. It appears you need to do some reevaluation of what the Jedi order, and democracy, means to you."
The man could hear the dismissal in the other master's tone and could feel it emanating from the other council members. He hated it, hated being told what to do by the old relics who thought they knew best, who were so against any sort of change that they continued slowing the transition into what the Jedi could be.
Perhaps worst of all, he hated that he couldn't think of a way to turn the situation around into one where it was his choice to leave, rather than being waved off like some broody child. He would continue his investigation, and someday he would show those who looked down upon him who truly was worth being elevated to the highest position.
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"Can I help you?"
The woman nodded, "We are here on orders of the chancellor, to inspect the clones and their training regimen."
"I'm sorry that information is classified."
Padme gave a humorless chuckle, one she had seen other politicians do plenty of times before, "This is an inspection from the chancellor. We are authorized."
Shifting slightly, a clear sign of uncertainty, the Kaminoan still hesitated, "We have not been informed of any such… inspection. Nor are you on the list of authorized…"
This time it was an annoyed sigh from Amidala, "That is because we are not officially listed. I have been working for the chancellor behind the scenes for years now, how else do you think he was able to assume office so easily? As for my companion…"
Anakin reached out, and every object in the room not sealed to the floor began to float, including the only other living creature. Flailing about a bit the one who greeted them was unceremoniously dropped back to the ground, eyes wide in shock.
"I… I was not aware you were a Jedi, master…"
"I am not a Jedi. Surely you heard of my master's new apprentice. Who else do you think would be powerful enough to continue on the Sith lineage?"
Any uncertainty was now replaced with fear, and a hint of respect, as the duo was quickly led into the facility.
***HotF***
The eldest of Jedi wearily rubbed at his forehead. It seemed no matter how he attempted to reach out to Mace Windu he only seemed to further incite the man. Following the meeting Yoda had asked to speak, and perhaps meditate, with him in private. Instead his former apprentice had stiffened, claiming he had an important investigation to run and that he wouldn't want to 'disappoint them again.' Having the words thrown back in his face the miniature Jedi knew they had failed in their attempt to counsel him.
He had not meant for Windu's return to Coruscant to be a punishment, rather a break from the constant fighting and stress. He had wanted to refocus his efforts on the current situation rather than the distant future. Even more importantly, he had hoped his friend would begin seeing the darkness in Palpatine.
He had been wrong.
Now the elder could feel the burning anger, and the man's journey to what he saw as a sympathetic, and understanding, figure.
Sidious.
Was it too late? Was the hatred and rage already blinding the younger man to the Sith's manipulations, or could he still be saved?
Perhaps it was time to act, rather than sit by and try to mediate.
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"I don't understand how they could do this to me!" Windu ranted as he paced back and forth in Palpatine's office. Meanwhile, the elderly man merely watched on, hiding his excitement at the situation that the Jedi council had just handed to him. "First they disgrace me, then they think Kenobi will be a better choice."
"And now they seek to keep you under their control, away from the truth."
This statement caused the man to freeze, then look back at the chancellor. "Truth?"
Palpatine nodded, "The truth behind your failed mission my friend, behind who truly informed the Confederacy."
"You know who it was."
Again, a nod, "After hearing about how close you came, I too realized that there must have been outside interference. Someone who wanted you to fail."
Of course, that had to be it. Mace instantly justified the reasoning, it fed into his ever-growing ego after all. He had not failed, instead it had been someone else forcing him to do so. There was no other reason.
"Who?"
A sympathetic, almost sad, sigh escaped the Sith's lips, "I have managed to trace it back to the Order of Balance, we both know they have been in contact with them ever since the beginning of the Separatist movement. I believe it is through their leader, Qui-Gon Jinn and his connection to his former master, and now deceased leader, that you were able to strike down."
Windu's mind rushed about making connections, or just creating them when there were none. It was all so clear now! If the Jedi failed who would the galaxy turn to? This new order that would conveniently end the war, that would promise peace of course. The only question now was, "But how did Jinn find out? He is not part of any war council's or military organizations within the Jedi or clone army."
"That I am not one-hundred percent sure on, I have several theories including members of the Jedi Council but no evidence of their involvement… yet."
"But it doesn't matter… it had to come from somewhere and this is the only origin that makes sense."
Sidious nodded, "They have the most to gain. Imagine an order remade in the ashes of one that had failed. An order that brought peace to the galaxy, that was not hesitant to seize political power where the former had held back."
Slowly nodding, Windu allowed the images to continue filling his mind. The Jedi had ordered the creation of the clone army after all, what if they had the power to take control of it? What if the destruction of Grievous allowed them to take the droid forces as well? The Jedi had previously been the enforcers throughout the galaxy, with two armies under their influence this power would be expanded even further.
This new order might completely take control of everything.
"We… we need to take action immediately! We must stop them before any further harm can be done!"
Palpatine smiled warmly, "I know… and I need you to help me. We must save the galaxy, transform it into something safe, something secure. Before we can do this, we must prevent the next civil war."
"How, tell me what you need me to do."
"Go to Yavin IV. Take a battalion with you and remove the threat of the new order through any means necessary. I already have one in waiting for you, specially trained and altered to follow only our commands. Once this threat has been removed, we will purge the Jedi order of traitors, like a cleansing flame burning away the dead limbs and leaves that prevent new life from springing forth."
Rather than question why such a military unit had been formed, and was on standby, Windu nodded with determination. This was the first step towards true peace. He would bring an end to this insurrection before it could spread, end a conflict before a shot could even be fired. Then he would track down those who had allowed it to take hold, those who had become traitors to the system that they served.
With any luck he would be done before Grievous would even be located, and from there it would be a simple matter to track the monster down once more and put an end to his reign of terror.
And then they would have peace and he would reorganize the Jedi into what it should have been decades ago.
***HotF***
"General Kenobi, our sensors have detected the Separatist forces setting up on the planet below."
Obi-Wan frowned, fighting back the weariness that had been plaguing him for some time. He needed to focus, now more than ever. If Grievous and the other leaders could be captured, the war could be over.
Just one more battle, if he could just put everything into one more battle.
"Any other forces in the area?"
The soldier replied in the negative.
Odd, if it was a trap it was an obvious one, yet perhaps that was the point? They couldn't afford to ignore such a target. "What planet is this?"
"Mustafar, sir."
A volcanic world if he remembered right, and likely one of some production significances to the Confederacy. Even if it weren't the potential holdout of the most feared general in the opposing army it would be a good target for the Republic. "Set a blockade around the planet, we don't want them escaping again. Target the sensors on any structures, I want as much information before we land as possible and have the officers prepare for ash and lava."
With the orders given Kenobi turned his attention once more to the future battlefield below them. He had done all he could, the only question now, was what awaited them planetside?
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"This is where the special weapon units are being developed as per requested. We are hoping to have at least five divisions worth ready in the next…"
Anakin felt The Force pull him away from the demonstration. They were running short on time, and the truth needed to be discovered quickly to avoid massive catastrophe. They were missing something, or perhaps being pushed away from it. "The primary reason we were sent here was not to inspect new technologies, but to ensure the loyalty of the soldiers themselves." He interrupted, earning a nod from their guide.
"Ah yes, all clones are conditioned and have loyalty chips installed so that…"
"They are loyal to the Republic, yes I am aware. But what about to the chancellor. We are nearing the climax of the war and my master does not want any… complications to his plans."
A slow nod answered him, "Yes, yes of course, you wish to inspect the special orders."
There was something in the phrasing that bothered Padme, and she quickly nodded as well. "That's right, surely you were expecting this. We are so close to our inevitable victory and the next phase that everything must be confirmed before proceeding."
They were led down a series of hallways, twisting and turning until reaching a secured room far away from any other signs of life. This required several codes to be entered to finally gain admittance, and once they did Padme was told why, "This is the central core of all training and operational procedures. All of the chancellor's orders were created and are stored here for transmission when required."
Anakin nodded, and didn't so much as look the individual in the eye before sending a minor mental command to check on the clone nourishment standards, leaving him and his companion alone.
Padme, on the other hand, immediately went to work, scouring through information with a fervor that would impress even the most resolute Jedi or politician. The Chosen One, on the other hand, merely sat back and let her work, knowing at that this point he would likely only get in the way of her self-appointed quest.
Several hours passed until a secured file caught the former monarch's attention. It was password protected beyond what anything previously had been, which was odd. Why the extra security in an already secured area for one order?
Luckily, Padme had never been deterred by such measures before and had learned to bypass such systems. With a bit more time she had cracked the password, her eyes widening in shock as she took in the information before her.
"Oh God…"
Order 66
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