Chapter 37

He burns.

His own screams vibrate into the air.

He is ignored by the one individual who is watching, his disappointment, shame, and sadness palpable.

He wants nothing more but to rip the man's throat out.

Betrayed...

He has been betrayed...

Everyone he had thought he ever loved was quick to betray him.

They only use him as a tool, and now that he is in a time of struggle where he needs them the most, each of them proves themselves lacking.

And that kriffing traitor is standing above him, his Force Signature leaving.

And his vision darkens...

Anakin blinks, finding himself standing from the bed and walking outside, staring out at the twin suns, still feeling the flames burning off his body... the scream vibrating from his throat almost to the point where he finds it difficult to even think of how to speak... tingling agony coursing through his body unlike ever before and his arms begins twitching until he feels a shiver shooting up his spine...

He reminds himself that he is safe... that they are in a comfortable homestead that has been serving as a place of servitude for the past weeks. As of late, the whole crew decided it is wise to help Tatooine regrow instead of leaving it alone to suffer in the galaxy for the remaining Hutt.

There haven't been any other attacks as of late from the Jedi Order which is surprising especially since Vader has warned all of them countless times that there will be. Quite frankly, Anakin doesn't disagree. After all, they are Force Users who are actually making a change in the galaxy and believing in different views of the Force which the Jedi clearly see as a reason to label them a threat and imprison them immediately.

"Anakin," a voice mutters behind him.

Anakin turns to see Qui-Gon Jinn coming out from the homestead, an amused smile on his lips. Jinn has always been that one who can knock them on their feet, and he trusts him with his life. If Vader is unable to see him, the man can always turn to him in times of peril. He's like a grandfather figure to him.

"You have been out here for hours. Aren't you hungry?" Qui-Gon inquires.

Anakin shakes his head and forces a smile. "I ate before I came out here."

Qui-Gon places his hand on his shoulder and stares into his eyes. "You had another vision..." It is not a question.

"They are growing worse," Anakin replies, knowing that there is no fooling the Jedi Master. "There never was a time where I don't see them. Vader knows something, and while I do trust him to no end, there is something that he is not telling me."

"You think he is shying away from training you in some sort of fields concerning the Force?" Qui-Gon asks almost apologetically. "Maybe Vader is trying to protect you from something, Anakin. He has done so much for you through sacrifices as well as his own dreams just to keep you safe from rivals coming after us."

Anakin's eyes widen though he could not blame Qui-Gon for thinking that he is implying that he doesn't trust Vader. Of course, he trusts him. He trusts him with his life. He trusts him more than even Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon... and believing otherwise is insulting to Anakin.

"Of course I trust him," Anakin replies, shoving an index finger into Qui-Gon's face. "The Jedi turned me away when he did not. He was there for me in times of conflict and has always been. He is the closest thing I have to a father."

Jinn sighs. "I didn't mean to anger you, Anakin, but I fear my words may have done precisely opposite my intention. If you don't want to talk about it..."

Anakin feels his anger dimming, nothing but a harsh wave of remorse filling him. "No, I do want to talk about it," Anakin replies, not meaning to close off another close friend just like this. "Qui-Gon, while I won't pretend that you and I are as close as a father and son relationship, I still view you as the man who helped me find my freedom. So can I ask you something?"

Qui-Gon pauses and nods before motioning him inside where they sit across from each other, the former Jedi Master's expression patient and the man choosing not to press for an answer.

"Were there some things you feel like you ever could not tell your Master?"

"Yes; sometimes it felt like he doesn't trust me. I know he wanted to keep me safe." Jinn responds sympathetically. "I have come to learn that while he may fear me or doesn't wish to tell me everything, that there are some things best not vocalized by our mentor. I think Vader would tell you through time as you two are closer than any relationship I have ever witnessed before. There is a Force Dyad between the two of you."

Anakin knows Qui-Gon is right. He understands that Vader cannot tell him everything, but anything that Anakin can find out is something that can help them both as a whole.

"You are right, but sometimes I just wished Vader can understand that I am not a child."

Qui-Gon shakes his head as he grasps Anakin's shoulder, replying. "He doesn't fear that you would fail him, Anakin. He fears that you would be harm. I can tell he cares about you unconditionally."

Anakin stares out at the suns once more before turning to stare at Qui-Gon for the first time. "The trial is happening today. Have you spoken with Windu yet?"

"Yes," Jinn replies. "Windu could not be convinced."

Anakin knows the Jedi Master has taken the injury of his apprentice the hardest. Not that Skywalker can blame him. Something dark within him would rather see Windu dragged in front of a court in chains and possibly executed instead of risking any escape because of what he has done to Obi-Wan.

"Well, we should be ready."

A sense of amusement fills Vader. While he didn't relish seeing the Jedi having to fall again, the fact that Windu is being dragged out did confirm to the galaxy that the Jedi are not above the law. He knows that there would be more Jedi who would have to be cut down by him, but for now, Vader had to stand to the side and watch the trial as if Windu is a bounty hunter who would have to be observed.

Many fears the presence of the Jedi Master, and even Vader knows he is certainly smart enough to escape. Now the thought of killing him may have been a wiser idea if only to avoid the possibility of the Jedi's escape given with his cuffs on his hands as well as those who had joined him prior which dulled his sensitivity to the Force.

He knows that there has to be an outcome where the people of Tatooine wouldn't be placed in danger with the Jedi fully capable of coming here and doing something about their captured Jedi allies. Vader has little doubt that the Jedi would kill the former slaves and those common innocents - they are too morally pure to do that despite how they been attempting to kill him or arrest him years ago - but that doesn't mean they didn't have to apprehend them in one way or another.

The Jedi certainly have the manpower to come here and leave with their captured Jedi ally, replanning to ambush Vader and making all of this useless. That is how Tatooine should limit itself. Despite how powerful slavery was under the rule of the Hutt Empire, they surely did have a standing army that could challenge the Jedi Order despite how they would have lost should the Jedi ever found it within themselves to care about the slaves and finally came here themselves.

That amusement dies quickly when he sees Owen and Beru Lars - still young but actively alive. Vader personally gave the stormtroopers the order to kill Owen and Beru Lars, and he knew who he was condemned to death before he gave the order.

"Lord Vader," says one of the Sandtroopers, adjusting a control on his helmet so that only Vader could hear his voice. "The Jawas sold a protocol droid and an astromech to these moisture farmers, but both droids are gone."

Moisture farmers? Intrigued, Vader examines the holograms of the kneeling couple and asks, "The farmers' names?"

"Owen and Beru Lars, sir," the Sandtrooper responds. "They say they don't know where the droids are, but it looks like a landspeeder is missing from their garage."

Owen and Beru, Vader recalls...

"Tell Mr. and Mrs. Lars that they seem to have trouble keeping protocol droids on their property."

Not certain if he had heard correctly, the Sandtrooper says, "Sir?"

"Then you may extend to them every courtesy that you showed the Jawas before you continue your search. Establish checkpoints to detain any droids entering Mos Espa or Mos Eisley spaceports. And one more thing."

"Yes, Sir?"

"Do not stop transmitting until I break the connection."

"Understood," says the Sandtrooper.

Vader watches the Sandtroopers carry out his orders on their helpless victims. He finds the sight of rising flames — even holograms of flames burning millions of light years away — to be most satisfying.

A sting of pain fills Vader's chest. He had ordered people who cared about his mother to die. They took in Luke - a child who they both raised and loved -, and he repaid them by sentencing them to death.

Their execution was by Vader, feeling it was "revenge" for their supposed weakness, and "failure" to defend his mother. How could one be so lost in the dark side and kill beings who had committed no sin but only craved vengeance?

Darth Vader was an absolute monster.

Vader is a broken-hearted individual who is trying to live up to the deeds he committed.

Rubbing away the long black strand of hair he has decided to grow out years prior, Vader simply swallows the feeling of remorse within his chest. Being in the same room as the victims he murdered in another universe chews at the defensives he builds around himself.

"Master Jedi," Cliegg Lars says, disturbing Vader's thoughts and causing him to snap his head up to him. He was Vader's stepfather in another lifetime but now he is a judge because he had never married Shmi Skywalker but that doesn't mean he doesn't care about Tatooine. "You have committed crimes against Tatooine's law. I do hope for your future and you ever seeing the light of day that you do have a good explanation for this."

This trial is just a start for many things to come. Vader would have a lot of rebuilding as while Tatooine may have abolished the slavers, still many do plague the galaxy and they are to be eliminated when Vader finds them. He has a deep feeling that while slavery is possible to abolish in due time, crime would never stop no matter how that fills him with a bitter taste.

"In Jedi's religion," Windu starts, trying to remain bold in the face of those who judge him, "there are figures who have fallen to the dark side of the Force. While this may hardly phase you, I see it fit to inform you of the threat that this man poses to humanity itself. Vader is not a savior but a murderer who I attempted to stop before he would have dragged the entire galaxy to utter destruction. You may not see it, your highness, but you would have to do well to remember that the views of the Jedi and the common people are different.

"Sir, I understand that you wish to serve Vader in this upcoming trial," the King of Tatooine says, turning to stare at Qui-Gon Jinn now wishing to hear his side of the story, "it has been brought to my understanding that you have served the man who you are defending for years. While we do owe loyalty to Vader, we wish for this trial to remain unbiased as possibly can."

"Yes, sir," the Maverick replies, clearly not liking the thought of serving as if he is a defense attorney. He acknowledges politics exists but that doesn't mean he would rather be dragged onto these types of cases.

Qui-Gon Jinn stares at the Jedi Master for a brief moment, appearing reluctant to speak out against one among his Order. While he was a rebellious Jedi for his age, he was still a Jedi that stick loyal to his Order and don't wish to see them fall despite how much he disagreed with their views these days.

Vader can see his sight landing on him for a brief second before nodding and turning back to the King and all of his advisors, stepping forward and placing his hands behind his back, looking as if he is ever the politician like his Master is. Undoubtedly, his Master would have been proud of Qui-Gon's current bravery.

"I like to point out that in the battle, the Jedi standing before us was mainly the aggressor. While I was not there, I did speak with Vader on a later date and heard his side of the story. The Jedi didn't have to be here on this planet but yet they came here with the hope of killing someone, simply because he has different views over the Force. This is backed by the fact that they have always feared Vader for many years now which is one of the reasons why I have turned my back on the Jedi Order." Qui-Gon replies, and there is no deception within his words nor attempt to twist the story. The man is still a Jedi by heart no matter if he is inside the Order or not.

Windu stares at the former Jedi Master with a gaze as if he was going to burn him alive with a simple glare. "I fear that the man who is serving as Vader's lawyer has also fallen to the dark side. He is also someone who we are trying to bring into custody."

Jinn sighs and places his hand on his forehead, seeming seconds away from collapsing due to the ill-logic in that statement. Vader can feel his thoughts through the Force. The former Jedi cannot believe that the Jedi are this naive, something which Vader cannot blame him for.

"I like to back up my statement that Vader didn't go to their homeworld or to the core and begin conflict with the Jedi. Yes, he came to Coruscant before but that was to protect a Queen of another world. Why else would the Jedi be here if not for some sort of plot when they have never come here before unless in peculiar positions. And while some of you may testify that their ship could have crashed here, it is odd how they had a task force and that a child was injured. They both acted in self-defense."

"Who was the murderer of these Jedi?" The King queries, narrowing his eyes at the Jedi. Vader has to admit that there couldn't be a better choice. While many view him, Skywalker, and Obi-Wan as heroes, it is obvious that many have not seen Qui-Gon Jinn in battle and thus they don't respect him as much as they respect the others.

"They were unfortunately killed by Anakin Skywalker who was defending himself," Qui-Gon replies after a moment. "Your highness, while you may frown at this, Skywalker is a boy who they attempted to kill without hesitation."

"How can we be certain?" One of the King's allies replies, a blue Rodian. "You weren't there, I'm afraid, so thus your claims could be unfounded and far from the truth as an attempt to stand for your allies."

"How right you are, sir, but I bring up the same excuse that I was told by young Skywalker," Qui-Gon responds. "That said, I am unsure what happened in the battle, but by my understanding, it appears as if Vader doesn't wish to see the Jedi to be thrown into prison for life but rather seeing him admitting that he was wrong and that he should have never come here."

"I was doing what I thought was right," Windu replies, remaining compose despite how his presence itself is filled with anger and emotions that not many Jedi should be able to feel despite himself. "I was sent by the Jedi Council itself to stop this madman and his allies. I had no plans of killing any of them because that wasn't my intentional but rather something I accepted I had to do if the need demands it."

Now that is the truth. Undoubtedly, the Jedi wished to bring Vader in because the Jedi craved observation of his power that they wanted to see. And even if Windu had been successful, Vader would have been brought not to the prison on Coruscant for captured prisoners and bounty hunters, but rather to a Jedi's cell where the Jedi would have held him because he was too powerful to be left alive.

Perhaps he would have been cut off from the Force or granted yet another rare sentence that includes severing of all his bonds. None of those are going to ever happen, but he would allow the Jedi to dream.

"The Jedi are not the law. If Tatooine saw Vader as a threat, why isn't he not being forced to stand on trial?" Qui-Gon responds, further disgusted with the Jedi's claims. "The Jedi Order and the Republic hardly has any evidence to wanting Vader brought in in chains and the same can be applied for the rest of us. This galaxy allows one to express himself. Just because of beliefs doesn't mean that justifies bringing someone in."

"That is not the way of the Jedi," Windu responds bitterly, at last appearing to lose what little control he has and is now speaking differently. "Vader has shown all signs of them as well as a sociopath which only makes him more of a threat that would have to be stopped! He doesn't care about those common people but only to sustain a power in the galaxy! Vader have appointed this King and his advisors not because he doesn't want to but because he can easily do so because that is how powerful and corrupt he is! I highly doubt that there would be even an election or any control without Vader being involved!"

Now, that earns glares from all and even a few boos, but the Jedi Master keeps calm. "Again, Vader has the right to have his different views. Us proposing otherwise is taking away all of Vader's rights and is bounding him to the Jedi. After centuries, it is odd how the Jedi come here finally at long last, wishing to charge him with trumped up charges when everyone on Tatooine knows that Republic's law doesn't exist out here so attempting to use that as an excuse is premature no matter how one words it. Thus, this makes Vader's actions justified and I wish to point out Vader didn't execute any person unless they attacked him and he didn't kill those who were defenseless. What Vader was attempting to do is what all Jedi, even myself failed to do, bring some justice back here and finally squash the hell that many have been suffering for decades."

Vader can see much of Dooku in Qui-Gon at this point that he would have never been able to see in the original timeline due to Qui-Gon being killed too earlier by that animal.

Windu seems to stammer for a response before replying. "While I highly doubt you all understand, you would realize Vader is too dangerous to be left unchecked in this galaxy, and as someone who is allowed to spread his traitorous influence. He is a cautionary being who we would only be right to bring into justice before it is too late."

"That's your biased belief," Qui-Gon retorts in under a second, "and you have the right to speak them just like Vader has the right of his own views and ideologies, and it is obvious that Vader has shown more signs of control then you and, the Jedi Order, in general, have been for the past years."

Jinn pauses for a moment.

"However, despite how you have the right to freedom of speech, throughout the galaxy people have the right to defend themselves and Vader was willing to defend the innocent lives here who have gone through so much torment, not because he was forced to, but because he wanted to get involve and bring at least some form of control. Had you and the Order have done something decades ago; this wouldn't have forced Vader's hand."

"Yes, people do have the right of freedom of speech, but we both know that it is not that simple, Qui-Gon," Windu retorts, falling out of character and clenching up both his hands into fists.

"It is not but that doesn't mean you can ply the law and just come here because you fear someone and attack them, immediately claiming that they are too dangerous to be left alive because you disagree with their views," Qui-Gon argues. "How many of those slavers committed horrible crimes? How many of them participated in the murder of past slaves or outright torture in many various means."

At that moment, there is an immediate chill that fills the air and makes a few of the slaves, particularly women, stiffen in response, unbearable memories coming back and even a few sobs entering those.

"I wish to apologize at how I voiced that to all the former slaves who are now watching," Qui-Gon continues, feeling instant guilt at how he brought back so many memories of suffering to the former slaves in the audience. "However, I just wish to defend my ally, who saved you all before is being referred to as a monster, when his only crime is being unfairly bashed by the Jedi and being hunted down as if he is an animal. This defamation of Vader publicly completely goes against someone who doesn't understand him in the slightest but makes baseless assumptions because he disagrees with his views."

The King nods. "Many fail to understand why are you standing here instead of Vader."

Jinn is about to respond when Vader decides to make himself known.

"I am present," Vader announces, walking forward and standing next to Qui-Gon, sending him a slight nod that causes him to back down. "I would love to answer any questions that this court would ask me. Please do not be reluctant to hold back because I am a savior. I wish not to utilize my power for a place of controls."

"Very well," Lars replies, nodding. "Master Jedi, do ask Vader your questions."

Windu nods before turning to face Vader who stares back, seemingly impassive. The two stare each other down as if they are going to engage in conflict, but given one has been imprisoned and severed from the Force, and the other refuses to attack him despite how easily he could be able to do so.

"Vader, can you describe what the Sith is to this planet of people before we continue on?" The Jedi Master asks.

Vader has been expecting this. Windu is attempting to back him into a corner and perhaps turn the people of Tatooine against him despite everything he has done for them. He is attempting to find a way for Vader to make a slip up of some sort, but the man is not going to fall for the Jedi's trap.

Far from it, he enjoys the challenge that comes his way.

"I won't deceive you. The Jedi are right about the Sith." Vader replies, causing more murmurs to rid out when the King silences them once more. "Sith philosophy is entirely based around exploiting every being and everything to gain power for a limited group or individual; generally, the Sith in question or whatever Cult or Empire he or she belongs to, if he's the loyal type. Weakness is considered distasteful at best and outright hate-worthy at worst, and the exploitation and murder of the weak to benefit the "strong" is considered both totally acceptable and even treated with fondness by most Sith. Additionally, their attitudes towards slavery, racism, and other interpretations typically considered bigoted is generally a positive one, and they often embrace social elitism with the Sith on top, of course and the subjugation of "lesser" species. Whatever gets them power, they'll do it. They're all-around psychopaths and utterly self-absorbed."

Vader pauses for a moment and so does the Jedi, allowing the audience to absorb the information as much as they possibly can. This isn't a bunch of Jedi Padawans or Sith Learners who could explain the Force but rather individuals of all type who is watching a trial and awaiting the answers from both parties.

"Yet, have you shown signs of a psychopath?" Windu declares with finality, snapping his restrained hands forward. "You have committed endless murders even before Tatooine and outright hate to those who you have killed. Case and point, you are showing all signs of insanity this more of a reason why we should bring you back to the Republic and allow the courts of the Jedi to keep you in check."

"So, I would be trial with bias by your Order who all believes I am a threat?" Vader taunts, sensing the Jedi's fury and willing to grate onto it. "At the very least, here, there are beings of all type - some who don't understand a thing about our two respective views of the Force and others who outright doesn't care so thus that makes this trial fairer instead of the entire Order granting some sort of galactic justice on me by severing me from all those who have been my allies for the past many years. Allow the people to see this facade that your Order created instead of Jedi whose views are the same as one another, having been brainwashed by the Jedi Order."

"The same can be argued here," Windu replies, thinking of an idea to underwhelm Vader's words. "Forgive me if I'm wrong but do slaves adopt sorts of mentalities where they would follow in line behind those who manipulate them? Thus, that makes this trial also as biased."

"Hardly," Vader scoffs, knowing that the Jedi would have played such a game and taking a few seconds to come up with his argument. "I'm adamant that the Jedi have little knowledge on true suffering, but I have faced slavery before and witnessed it. I know what the effects can have to all who suffered from it. Believe it or not, Jedi, not all of Tatooine is manifested with lawlessness nor are some individuals on this former hellish planet was slavers and bounty hunters who served the likes of Jabba and his lackeys. Do not assume when you know little of about this planet, Jedi."

Windu and Vader exchange glares for several moments until the King's voice breaks the utter tension the moment he begins speaking. "To be fair, there are merits on both sides, and while we serve heavy debt to you, Vader, unfortunately I fail to see how the Jedi could be wrong about you."

"That is understandable," Vader responds, truly meaning every single word he speaks. "Again, I do not want the Jedi to be executed nor imprisoned, but I would not interject should the Jedi be forced off of the planet and back to his Order. However, I highly doubt that the Jedi would take me claiming the morally high ground rightly and would deploy more of their fellow reinforcements after us. I intent to bring some peace and harmony back to this planet and this side of the galaxy like the Jedi should have done."

Many of them throw up their hands in joy, believing in his words and that he would lead them to a new path.

"That means the Jedi would have to be dealt with so they won't threaten our very planet. Vader have saved this entire planet and thus we should repay him!" A Toydarian - imagine Skywalker's shock when he found out that there are some morally good Toydarians in the galaxy - exclaims, slamming his fist down on the small table in front of him. Vader has to admit he didn't expect for a Toydarian to be one of Lars's advisors at first but they are indeed smart species.

"I agree," another one of the King's advisors - a Togruta -, declares but in a softer voice. "Vader didn't have to do what he did on this planet yet he waltz here and saved us all. That cannot be forgotten."

"But what if the Jedi escape?" An elderly Zabrak states, nodding at his two allies before regarding the Jedi as if he is a wild dog that has to be kept under close watch. "There are too much of a safety threat. Perhaps Vader should take them and ensure that escape is all but an impossibility. He can secure them properly."

Vader can imagine the nightmare that would be. Having to keep an eye on Windu and the Jedi would certainly not be a pleasurable outcome. Having to breathe down his throat and receiving the same treatment otherwise.

"I'm afraid that is not a possibility," Vader states, not willing to risk the chance that Windu can undermine his efforts. He knows from his experience with the Jedi that Windu would never be convinced to join him so thus he would always have a threat in sight and that is not something he can allow at least not yet. "The Jedi's presence would only hinder my goals. While the Hutt Clans may be dismantled, their Empire still rule powerfully and I wish to hunt down those slaves who haven't yet been discovered and bring them here - to the planet which is now a symbol of hope."

Many of the advisors and the King appear to be moved by that statement. Vader has proven himself to be all but an invincible force to be reckoned with the past threats, managing to fight off entire armies of bounty hunters, mercenaries, and slavers without splitting a sweat let alone fighting Jedi Masters who had come here to Tatooine to kill him only proves himself as someone who can stand as a being with hope for all saves that still suffer in the galaxy.

"Well, that leaves us in a predicament," Cliegg Lars replies. "The Jedi could come here with the ambition to free those among their Order."

Vader narrows his eyes at that, admittedly being in deep thought about how to hinder their efforts. It is possible that more Jedi would come here with the objective to free those among their Order under any means necessary, even if it involves dispatching of those who get in their way one way or another.

"Perhaps we should use him as a bargaining chip - force the Republic in a way where they would be forced to imprisoned the Jedi unless they wish to get their hands dirty," Vader insists. "At the end of the day, the Jedi coming here and assaulting someone who broke no law legally speaking was a mistake. Many on Tatooine can testify for me and the Republic would be given with little option but to imprison their Order. Otherwise, they would prove to the galaxy that the Jedi Order is above the law."

"Very well," the King responds, "we will have talks with the Republic and force them to place said Jedi on trial."

"Show little to no hesitation in these terms of negotiation," Vader retorts, not relishing this outcome but accepting that the Jedi lost this battle and that they would no longer be a threat for him to be concerned with at least not at the moment which would allow him to recruit a standing army. "Make it clear that if the Republic chooses not to do something about these Jedi who have come unlawfully on the planet that there would be consequences for their actions."

Chancellor Mas Amedda sits in his seat as he always does. Sometimes, being Chancellor of the Galactic Republic is a tiring job, especially since having to deal with fools in the incompetent Senate. Hopefully, soon Plagueis would assert his dominance in the core and Amedda can finally rid himself of those fools in the Senate as well as the irritating peacekeeping Jedi.

Across from him, Tarkin is also sitting, giving himself to all those who come in here that he is indeed one of the Chancellor's closest allies. By now, the Twi'lek Vice-chair has grown use to the presence of the man who he once wouldn't have sparred a second look to but would soon be the Supreme Commander of the future Empire in their standing military.

The comm begins beeping, and the Chancellor sighs before hitting the button which connects him through to the person on the other side. What greets him is an elderly looking man who is staring down at him with two individuals that his side.

"Greetings, Chancellor of the Galactic Republic," the man greets before Amedda could have disconnected what must have been an incorrect call. "I am King Cliegg Lars of Tatooine who only recently has taken over the planet with my mutual friend and his allies."

Amedda shoots a stare towards Tarkin before reverting his stare back at the King of Tatooine. He has a feeling that this is due to the Jedi Strike Team who the Jedi Council had seen it wise to send after Vader several months back, but he cannot be certain about that thought. Undoubtedly, many within the Order have been worried about Mace Windu but the man's disappearance only caused the Jedi to search harder.

"You would be pleased to know that the Jedi who have been sent here was detained but the rest was a necessary conflict. You should consider yourself fortunate that the Jedi survivor weren't executed for coming here unlawfully but we wish for negotiation so we could bring about a proper trial." Lars continues his speech, fixating him with a stare of respect that seems to be nothing but a formality.

"The Jedi Council is currently not present so you might as well wait until they come before us once more," Tarkin replies, scowling at the holo communicator where the man who calls himself the now King of Tatooine. One thing Amedda knows about the Governor is that he despises individuals who would not bow before him and that now includes the King.

"No," the man is quick to deny Tarkin's statement, fixating him with a stricter stare that would have made anyone other than Tarkin feel smaller. "We are wishing to contact the Republic, because when he and the respective Jedi returns to the Republic, we wish to charge him with attempted murder as well as whatever other crimes that are among our laws. We do not take the thought of a Jedi coming here and attacking our savior too likely and we would fight for this in the law of the galaxy. We are going to show to the galaxy that we are not weak people, and we want to bring back law to the planet under any means necessary. The Jedi would not cease our efforts."

"Proof?" Amedda inquires, knowing that the King could be all but talking in an attempt to bend them to his control. After all, it happened before but he highly doubts it.

Two individuals come into sight with a defeated Jedi Master that they recognize as Master Windu, whose hands have been cuffed behind his back and his body appears to look as if he had better days but that didn't mean the Jedi Master isn't a fighter to the end.

"Master Windu," Tarkin replies, standing from his seat and not even bothering to attempt to manipulate a farce concern as Plagueis had deliberately warned them to do so concerning the Jedi. "I take it that this means your mission has been a failure."

Windu grumbles something inaudible underneath his breath before responding. "Indeed, Governor, am I wrong to assume that you would accept these requests."

"We are not certain yet," Amedda replies, feeling a headache forming about the current issue. He cares little about this planet or the future of the Jedi Order with the loss of these Jedi. "The Jedi have been fighting for the Republic for centuries."

"Listen here, Chancellor," Lars replies harshly, showing little to no care about their claims. "The Jedi came here and broke multiple newfound laws and we would not stand by it any longer. We have been neglected by the Republic for centuries and you would be obligated to listen to our commands or else you would find yourselves no longer with the hyperspace lanes out here. We would cut off you entering the Outer Rim, and if you breach it, those who are unluckily enough would be intercepted immediately by our ships."

Amedda is not hesitant to encounter the potential threat of the Republic, but Tarkin can see the flaws of allowing someone who has taken all of the supplies from the Hutts he could not risk the Republic in such a way, at least not until they are stronger. At that rate, his plans would only be hindered further and he already has to build the standing army against the Jedi and Sith as it is.

"The Republic do not crave for another war so we are obligated to listen to your terms," Tarkin didn't sound as desperate as someone would have in his position, for he doesn't care about the threat that would do nothing but damage the Order's reputation.

"As stated, when the Jedi return to your planet, you are to arrest them and place them on trial," Lars replies. "They are to be found guilty and sentenced with whatever sentence that you see fit. Afterwards, that is not of any concern to us, but we demand protection of the Republic from the Jedi Order. If they intrude on our planet once more, we would fight back with hostile force, and these invaders would face a less severe."

"You are bold to threaten the Republic," Amedda snarls. "We are needed to listen to your terms but that does not mean we would allow ourselves to be limited to your puppets. Tatooine may have established a new leadership but we of the Republic would not shy away if an entire nation of society chooses to fight against us. As regrettable as such deaths would be, that doesn't mean we would allow you to sustain your leadership if it threatens the stability of this body."

Lars' expression appears to grow severed at that comment. What has just been confidence is now replaced by a worried stare. Tarkin has to admit to being amused by Amedda's threat of the planet, for that would soon become common as soon as his Empire rises, and blackmail and the threat of war would have to be utilized to keep countless planets in check.

Amedda clears his throat, knowing that he has to sustain his role as the Chancellor despite how amused he currently is. "We are not a dictatorship despite your beliefs clearly suggesting otherwise. We would charge the Jedi but you should proceed carefully if you are to threaten the Republic next time. We don't seek violence with your planet but we would give it as long as you dare to threaten us again."

"You are the one who deployed Jedi after us," Lars replies sharply, locking eyes with the Chancellor, obviously finding himself terrified. "We are not here to debate with one another but negotiate about the future of the Jedi Master and his group of thugs that dare to come on the planet and make demands of us as if we are his lackeys. The future of Tatooine would not stand for it! I would not stand for it!"

And with that, the communication disconnects.

After several moments of silence, Tarkin states, his voice sounding as if he has just drank rat poison, "Interestingly enough, Vader is involved. That means that we would have listen to all of the King's demands or else we would have the Sith breathing down our throats. It is a worthy sacrifice if only to make our future plans easier to accomplish and for us to at last take control over the galaxy."

"The Sith would need us-" Amedda declares, knowing that the Sith would not do away with them easily.

Tarkin sneers as if disgusted entirely by the loyalty shown by the Chancellor. "You overestimate our use, Amedda, the Sith would only cast us aside if we no longer serve of a tool to them. You should really do your research about the past Sith and all of those who allied with them."

"Without the Sith, our position would be compromised, and eventually we would be removed from office. We need the Sith." Amedda replies.

Tarkin shakes his head as he responds. "We don't need them. We can gain control politically, but the Sith knows nothing, for their power only differs them from us which is why we have recruited them to begin with. They only stand over us in term of power but that doesn't mean we can't get the upper hand."

"You are bold to question the Sith," Amedda replies coldly.

Tarkin chuckles bitterly. "Wait until you are struggling for breath, my friend. Only then you would see I am correct."