Chapter 49
Tarkin knows that the Jedi should have control over their emotions. The Jedi rumored as cold and emotionless is something that makes them seem invincible, but the young man's evident hatred questions every belief. Yes, he is well aware that the Jedi could be killed, that they are not unbeatable, but Tarkin never imagined one could show human emotions.
Curt nods, the glare across his face, his cold eyes - all of them break those beliefs. Those are beliefs of fairytailes. Jedi are capable of showing human emotions. Jedi are capable of being broken.
Turning back to the rambling Master Mundi, Tarkin chooses to interrupt him when time is appropriate. "So let me get this straight, you want the Republic to decreed Siri Tachi - a Jedi among your Order - as an enemy?"
"Yes, Siri Tachi has been compromised by the dark side," Mundi responds, eyeing the Chagrian Chancellor sitting in his seat, "I can guarantee you, Chancellor, the danger they represent is something that the Order could not stand against forever. Our Order is being split. We have to send a message that those who touch the dark side will be brought to our Jedi's prison."
The young man's cheek throbs and Tarkin can see his hands tightening up into fists. Hmm...
"I fear that there is no law that dictates someone's place. It goes against our very Constitution to lock someone away for different views. Unfortunately, we must disagree here, Jedi." Amedda declares, rising alongside the Jedi and moving over to the door of the office.
Tarkin notices that the young man seems to be relieved as he walks behind them, all tension escaping his body. Undoubtedly, the former Jedi and this one had a connection of some sort. That or the Jedi Council and this one had some sort of a falling out. Something that begins churning the wheels in the back of his head.
"I do apologize that your Order has a massive split, but the Republic is my priority. I cannot get involved with Jedi's affairs simply because some monks has a disagreement with you. Otherwise, I would have to arrest all those that opposes me." Amedda replies, a slight chuckle escaping his throat. Tarkin cannot help but smirk at the irony of it all.
The Jedi offers smiles which Tarkin can tell are forced before they walk out. The young Jedi still is staring at him. What is it with that Jedi? He can tell the Jedi's cloudy face a mile away, can see that his eyes are glistening with confusion and anger.
When the door shut behind them, Amedda grins at his ally. "A split? That is something that can benefit us in the future. The Jedi Order can allow the Republic to gain more ground, and Plagueis's army could be utilized from the shadows."
Tarkin ponders over his words for a moment, placing one hand on his chin, responding. "We need to lure the Jedi to make a flawed act against the Republic. The Jedi lashing out in ignorance as they are doing with their own members currently - it shows their lack of foresight. Now imagine if they do the same thing they are doing to their members to the body of our system."
Amedda's smile seems to only get broader as he stands at the window of the Chancellor. "In a couple of years, we would be standing at the mantle of the Republic, if not an Empire. I researched Palpatine's documents, and I can safely say that he had a roadmap established. Private information that no one was allowed to see without being in his power, not even his closest Guards."
"What was Palpatine's original plans, assuming that he'd finished them?" Tarkin asks, arching an eyebrow in deep thought.
"Well, it took a lot of reading..." Amedda begins explaining, and Tarkin listens to every detail. It is flawless suffice to say. Tarkin finds himself mentally writing notes about what to do in the near future.
Palpatine had his planet blockaded in order to gain influence in the senate and become Chancellor. By portraying himself as a strong and capable leader in a crisis, he showed that he has the skills to control a Senate that severely lacked direction.
He then secretly sets up a Clone Army, while also setting up the Separatists with the Droids. His aim here was to force the Republic to use the Clone Army to combat the growing Separatists threat. His Apprentice leading them ensures that they work effectively.
Once this has been done, the Clone Troopers were unleashed. He used them to stop the Separatists from resisting him and then has them kill all the Jedi: The Clones are essential to this work, and they do the job perfectly: 99% of all Pro-Republic Jedi die in a single day.
He then cleans the house with the Separatists, keeping what's useful and getting rid of annoying sub-leadership, and organized a coup whereby he exiles the remaining Jedi and uses the Clones to enforce his rule. At this point, he had achieved total control.
He then spent his time trying to keep it despite the Rebellions that came from the Republic. He builds a space station, forced to keep a bunch of systems in check. Whatever Rebellion there would have been would have been crushed, and his swift ascendency would have brought the Republic to a leadership that one could have never imagined.
The Kaminoans are currently breeding the army that would be forced to serve him. Pure obedience is something that Tarkin always relished out of people who serve him. Even his closest aids would always obey him without question, and those white alien long-heads are extremely intelligent.
Once Amedda finishes, Tarkin finds himself shocked for several moments before nodding. "It seems we can get some inspiration."
"The Clone Army would soon be in our and Plagueis's hands." Amedda says.
Tarkin stands up to his feet and turn around, walking out of the office Both the Jedi and Sith are organizations that would have to go or Tarkin would never be able to live in wealth. The Jedi would put too much limitation on the Empire before it began, and he would always be answering to the Sith.
But now that Tarkin is playing traitor, he can kill those Force Monks, save the galaxy, or at least what the people think. He can make it flourish in his own name with no title of Jedi and Sith clinging to it. The Force is something that would have to go forever.
'That, or I would have to find a way to control it.' Tarkin thinks humorously. Perhaps if he can have his scientists do enough research, Tarkin would have yet another tool that he can use for his own calling. The Force are majestic powers that, like everything else, could be controlled and locked away.
Tarkin wants to see it locked away. He wants to have control over such things without anyone in the galaxy being able to even touch such power. That is yet another goal that Tarkin would strive to accomplish.
The same young man from earlier appears right before him, but now he is alone. Tarkin doesn't want to hard-pressed the Jedi, for he cares little about their affairs.
Nothing is stopping him, either. After all, he can just allow the Jedi to die in the upcoming storm of the Clone Wars.
But something inside him—the planner, he reasoned—surfaced. An idea forms in his head as he thinks about Jedi that could be turned to his side, at least until the time is right.
Well, what if… what if Tarkin learned how to control the Jedi? Not just their powers, but them as people, someone who would protect him and never betray him, would put their life on the line for him? If he controlled one of the most destructive beings in the galaxy, not only would he be a king—Tarkin would be the Emperor of the Emperors. A Emperor who would have a calling to his side.
So what if he had to keep up the act? He'd still be getting exactly—no, more—than what he wanted. Tarkin may be a evil bastard but he is also resourceful. And wouldn't it be a waste of a resource if he disposed of the most powerful being in the galaxy, both literally and figuratively? Jedi like Yoda and Mundi cannot be controlled but perhaps this one could.
Just a little bit of manipulation can do wonders.
"I cannot help but notice your... anger," Tarkin declares, placing a hand up, passing off the most sympathy he possibly can. "Perhaps you need a friend."
"It's nothing, sir," the man responds, stiffening up at once, seeming to be ashamed for a brief moment. "I'm alright."
"Are you sure?" Tarkin asks, placing a hand on his shoulder and leading Olin along to his direction. "Keeping negative emotions bubbled up is something that can be a turn for the worse of one's health, and I do consider Master Yoda a friend. I would love to help someone along with my Jedi friends."
"The Jedi doesn't think too lightly of the Republic," the young man responds, his body still stiff, his eyes closed. "It's just... the Jedi... they want the Republic to decreed an enemy was my Master! S-she was like my mother for most of my life..."
Tarkin places a hand up. "Forgive me, but if I remember correctly, the Jedi aren't allowed to grow attachments."
"Yes, it goes against our very codes, but I find myself questioning the Jedi as of late." The man replies, pointing his index finger into his face. "I am wondering why we must arrest those that question us. It feels like a dictatorship."
"Many in the Outer Rim feel the same," Tarkin replies, walking inside his office and motioning for Ferus to take a seat across from him. "The Jedi fears changed and they would do whatever they can to stop it. It is understandable, of course, to fear a changing era, but that doesn't mean they should stand against the Republic if you ask me."
"Fear is not allowed in the Jedi Order," the man says ruefully, folding his arms across his chest. "I highly doubt that my fellow Jedi fear it. They are just afraid of our Order falling, and it is definitely understandable. The threat Vader represent is too dangerous and deadly."
"Ah yes, Vader..." That particular situation is something Tarkin's admittedly stumped with. He would have to ensure that the Jedi can capture him with his rising army. Otherwise, there is a likely chance that there would be a Force User traveling the galaxy, capable of training others to defeat him and his entire Army.
"I understand that they wish to capture him, but declaring people as traitors because they have different interpretations in life is something that would always leave me uneasy. You have my deepest apologies." Tarkin speaks. "In my opinion, I need Jedi like you for the near future. You're what the very face of the Order could be."
The man smiles, his face brightening for a moment. Tarkin can tell that his ego is rising, showing what the face of the Order really is. Egoistical people are just like those of the normal that can be controlled and maintained by all that surrounds them.
"I appreciate it, sir, but I can promise you that I'm far from the best," the Jedi responds, bowing his head down and hiding a possible smirk from the man. "My Master taught me to never strive to be the best. Rather, strive to use what I learn to help others."
"And so that offer extends to me?" Tarkin inquires, genuinely curious.
The Jedi stammers for a few seconds before responding. "Yes, sir, you are after all someone among the Republic, but I meant that I have to put the well-being and safety of others before my own pride. Pride is a path to the dark side."
"Pride is a normal living emotion," Tarkin responds, finding himself growing irritated with the man's loyalty to the Order, the only thing that is truly keeping him from snapping is his utter devotion to seeing that entire Order of warrior monks fall. "Pride may often be considered a flaw, but that doesn't mean that there is no good thing about it."
The Jedi replies. "Pride is a poison because it's the basis for disrespecting others and for creating suffering in our lives. Excessive pride is an exaggerated appreciation of oneself by devaluating others. It is often driven by poor self-worth. We are so insecure that we compensate by feeling superior."
"Is that what the Jedi told you?" Tarkin replies, his angry expression giving way. "With all due respect, young man, the Jedi doesn't know about the living conditions as you have always been imprisoned. While I respect you for your goals, I don't respect your Order enough to oversee your flaw."
"Our flaw?" The man repeats, and slowly a crack begins to appear.
Yes.
Yes.
Tarkin would have his control. He could build this man as the face of his army, have him be seen as the ultimate soldier, and then remove him if the time comes when he has complete control over the galaxy.
"You know this," Tarkin replies, ceasing the chance of being more forceful. "Hell, half of the galaxy knows it. The Jedi Order is becoming nothing short of bureaucracy, that I find myself considering them yet another Senate. It is not how they should act. I'm just passing off my beliefs instead of the narrowed minded ones you are used to, my friend."
The Jedi obviously is reluctant at responding. He is trying to figure out some sort of an argument that he could use to counter but every response that comes out is cut off by the cruel revelation of his mind. There is no way to properly argue against Tarkin.
The Jedi coughs, finally managing a response that clearly took a lot of thought. "I believe that we are going to always disagree with that, sir and I respectfully request we stop touching this subject. That said, I do appreciate that you reassured me that it is normal to feel emotions like this, despite how they go against the Jedi's very code."
Tarkin smirks kindly as he replies. "Young man, I can see that you are still a child, and while I'm only in my thirties and am not as experienced as most, I wish to tell you: Whenever you require comfort or just wish to talk, my door's always open. I want to know more about the Jedi, and I can see by you that the tales that they are cold, epitomic figures are completely incorrect."
The Jedi nods. "I would keep that in mind, sir, and I would love to rely on you for comfort. I need someone with an unbiased view currently because my Master is now gone, and I officially have nobody. A friend is something that I desperately do require right now."
"I do have a large family, but we are very political as I am trying to push for a proper Army that could keep the Republic safe. This leaves me lonely." Tarkin replies, bowing his head down and closing his eyes with a sigh. In actuality, Tarkin finds himself relieved he didn't have to be in the presence of his wife. She is too obsessed with him for his liking, and he finds himself drawn to women who have some class.
He married that cursed woman for power, not for love. Tarkin would rather see her dead in the future and get all the wealth from the Motti family, however, such an opportunity has not been granted to him just yet.
Maybe the Jedi could be used for that in the future. Tarkin is after all becoming a riskier man. He needs wealth after all, and maybe setting up his wife's permanent removal could lead to yet another ground being claimed.
He would get to that point when it comes to it. Right now, Tarkin is still searching for a foundation for his Empire - the proper development that is required.
The man's cheek throb, and he opens his mouth to respond, only to close it, and with a smile, he shakes the man's hand. "You wanted a Jedi friend; you would have one. I must say that your interpretation left me thinking about the current state of the Republic and about my position in life. Perhaps a militaristic system is the only way to save the galaxy."
Tarkin nods in forced solemness. "I am glad that you have learned this now. Had you learned this entering a war in the future, you might have been a early face falling. That naivety is something that should be cut short, and I would be glad to teach you about how violent the galaxy really is."
The man nods and begin to walk out of his office, only coming to a stop at his voice. "Forgive me, young man," he chuckles, "but I have yet to learn your name."
The Jedi smirks only slightly as he tilts his head to his direction. "I guess that happens when you are in deep conversation with someone - time just flies. My name's Ferus Olin, sir, I know who you are of course. You are in charge of the Judicial Forces now that you have resigned from the Senate."
"Please," Tarkin forces himself to give an exaggerated roll of his eyes, "refer to me as Tarkin. I may be in charge of the police force but that doesn't mean I am not a person like you. I am not like others within the Republic as you have been taught, young man, who wants to use money for my own worth, but rather money to save the galaxy. Wipe out these rich fools, bring about a new rise, in which the rich can help the poor."
That couldn't be further from Tarkin's mission. He wants to seize from the rich, yes, but he wants all of their riches for himself. He wants to have all power for himself while others answer to him without payment, no questions asked. Tarkin would also see that through, and this young Jedi is blissfully unaware that he would be the one to stop all those that can stop him.
"Yes, Tarkin," Ferus replies, the cracks of a smile appearing on his lips. "I would love to help you the best way I can to accomplish your mission."
Tarkin has a good feeling about this 'new friendship'.
A new card...
The woman known as Padmé Naberrie walks forward towards Mas Amedda. She smiles kindly at the Chancellor, placing up a salute. "Sir, I would like to report that the Trade Federation has been harboring slaves away from public's eye. There is recorded footage of this."
Amedda smirks.
Good.
Very good.
Plagueis would be pleased at knowing that the Republic is gaining more popularity. The rising Confederacy of Independent Systems needs to be painted as the villains, so they would all be forged as the heroes when the time comes, and the entire galaxy would kneel before the Sith.
As long Amedda is on the throne, it doesn't matter. He would never have to worry about a single thing again, Plagueis had promised, and Amedda trusted him at this point, for each of his promises had been fulfilled.
"And where is the leader?" Amedda asks professionally, folding both of his hands behind his back.
"Dead. Everyone in there is, except for the slaves, who have been sent to the rebuilding Tatooine." Naberrie responds, her voice brooking no argument.
"Tatooine is at risk of becoming an enemy to the Republic," Amedda responds, disdain making the woman slightly grimace. "You should have consoled me or one of my aides, ma'am, but you made the right decision. Are you sure there was no way to capture the leader? We could have brought him to stand trial. Our Jedi friends would have been helpful in that."
Naberrie shakes her head yet again, sneering. "If there was, I would have spared him. The danger had to be dealt with. There was no way to capture him."
One of the women behind the woman shifts uncomfortably, causing Amedda to raise both of his eyebrows. What are they keeping hidden?
Amedda places on a solemn face. "Shame. I guess we would have to stop them another way."
"With all due respect, sir, if we brought him to your custody, it is likely that he would have been able to escape like Gunray did almost a decade ago," Naberrie retorts. "I want change within the Republic, but currently I don't trust in your laws to keep fugitives locked away like they truly deserve it."
"The loss of Chancellor Palpatine was... something that we could not foresee, granting a clear pathway for the Republic to crumble at least temporarily."
Naberrie frowns. "I am not here to have a debate with you, Chancellor, I am here to report my findings, give you the blasted cameras, and hand over the illegal crates. Anything else with what you do is not my concern."
Amedda scowls, feeling something within him burning up at this blasted woman, managing to find his tongue, or else he might have lashed out so loudly that would create a bad image for the Chancellor.
"I am sorry that we cannot change your views," he replies, knowing that he would have to keep an eye on this one in the future or else this could become an problem. "I do hope that does change. To extend my last offer to you that still stands, do you wish to take my personal role of Agent?"
Quite frankly, Amedda wants her to join the Republic. It would make Naboo completely compromised. Not to mention, he would have a personal Agent keeping those within the Republic under check, and it would amuse him to have some control over the Jedi.
"Our answer still hasn't changed," Naberrie replies sharply, ignoring the crates being loaded up by the Senate Guards. "We serve no Order except our own. When change begins to occur within the Republic, perhaps, but I don't wish to see us to get back into political affairs concerning this body."
"Are you sure? I for one don't like the influence of the rising Confederacy of Independent Systems and you have proven to yourselves that you are loyal to a certain goal." Amedda presses, having to keep the spite out of his voice so the woman wouldn't detect it. "And I would love to see that Nute Gunray brought into custody for real this time."
The woman's face cracks for a moment, her eyes widening for some reason. There is a long moment of debate. The name "Nute Gunray" clearly leaves her at pause, and Amedda hopes that she would see reason and accept his offer. Someone so worthy belongs to one planet and that alone is wasted potential when she can be in fact used for the future.
"No thanks; I would see Nute Gunray captured without requiring the title of Agent," Naberrie snaps back. "I don't need such things to hold me down, nor would I entertain the thought of being a bodyguard to Senators that I care little about, or having to work alongside the Jedi that failed you."
Amedda scowls but nods. "Then come, I would have to hear the full side of the story before I address the Senate. No doubt, those of the CIS would wish to hear you and demand why would you have killed one of their own. Many would paint you as a murderer."
Naberrie smirks darkly. "Let them try. If they come after us or our families, we would cut them down. The unsuspecting fools know not what awaits."
That same woman from earlier scowls at that comment, but she doesn't say anything. Amedda begins to wonder what is wrong with this one. While extremists exist within the Republic, this one has disturbing darkness that could make even Mas Amedda bristle uncomfortably.
"Hopefully, it doesn't come to that," Amedda says after a moment of thick silence, and he wonders if the darkness surrounding the woman can even clash with that of Darth Plagueis. Likely not since she's not a Force User but the darkness is quite similar, the glare across her face unmoved. "I don't want to have to enter a war nor have to bear with Assassins."
"We are all use to it," Naberrie responds emotionlessly, flanking behind the Chagrian. "Foolish assassination attempts wouldn't work on us. We would be fine."
"I truly hope so," Amedda responds.
"No need to hope," Naberrie replies. "We have our ways."
Padmé hates the barrier between Sabé and her. Once, she'd never imagined it in her wildest nightmares that she and Sabé would have become as disconnected as now.
But now there is something there. Padmé wants to keep the ones she cares about safe and happy, not cause pain to those who she loves, even though sometimes she have no choice.
After a whole hour of explaining to Amedda about her findings as well as ensuring that he has the recordings, Naberrie wants to talk to someone else.
"Don't worry," Padmé says awkwardly to the woman who is her copilot, repenting the fact that she doesn't work as well with Rabé or Eirtaé as she does with Sabé, especially when it comes to piloting. "The ship may took some damage from the Droid forces on our latest mission but I can ensure we get to Naboo.
"If anyone can fly a junkyard of a ship, Padmé, it's you." Sabé replies.
Such a comment would have caused a humorous comment back then, along with a smirk.
Now, whatever humor there is, is heavily dulled, tested by the limits of time.
There is a silence before Padmé feels her guilt combine into one. She knows that things would never be the same between them, but she didn't want to always have to feel the urge to hide from her closest friend. Sabé means so much to her, and Padmé knows she would destroy the galaxy to keep this woman safe.
Padmé remembers that day fondly. That day, when she first met the woman who had grown to be like her sister. Away from the Queen's introduction and actually having to know her. She was robotic at first but that changed quickly.
"What is your name, handmaiden, and I want your real name?" Padmé asks, causing the woman to tense up all at once.
The woman arches an eyebrow. "My name is Sabé. With all due respect, M'Lady, why do you wish to know who I am? I'm your handmaiden and is meant to serve you and your every need."
Padmé chuckles. "Yes, Sabé, but you are still a girl too with an actual personality." she replies. "If anything else, given what I read about you, you are older than me. Despite Captain Panaka's persistence in how I should focus on my duties, I want to make friends out of the people who I am meant to serve alongside."
She smiles. "I am supposed to follow your orders, ma'am, us becoming anything else than business partners won't work."
"Yeah, and you following my lead all the time, staring at me as if I can break a nail if I fall over, also isn't going to work." Padmé responds cheekily.
Sabé actually rolls her eyes. "Well, I know not to be overprotective of you then, you workaholic majesty."
Padmé gives her a stern look.
Sabé gasps. "I'm so sorry!"
Padmé roll her eyes. "Ah, girl, you should get out more."
"Sabé..."
Sabé stares at her with an unreadable expression. "Yes, Padmé?" She asks tightly.
"I want to say..." Padmé hasn't apologized in so long. She didn't want to fancy such the idea of slipping up and further causing a strain on their relationship. "I'm sorry."
Sabé sighs, touching her shoulder, and respond. "I merely wanted to tell you that I'm afraid of who you are sometimes. Padmé, don't you understand what you are doing to yourself?"
Padmé grimace. It hurts to see Sabé expressing disappointment in her, far more than she expected. They had arguments before as all siblings do, but this seems to be the absolute worse.
"Yes," Padmé replies softly, sounding like a child - so weak and feeble. "I would do anything for you; however, I have to keep you safe. I merely want to change the galaxy for the better, not to cause total destruction and harm. I killed that Neimoidian because it was something that I had to do, not something that I wanted to do."
Sabé replies softly. "No, Padmé, you had the choice. You cannot continue excusing your actions and saying that you regret them later."
And just like that, the moment is gone, replaced by Padmé's snarl.
"You think that I don't regret them when I do them?!" Padmé snaps, her hands shaking at her side. "Every passing moment I killed them, I regret my actions, but it doesn't matter now. We did what we had to do. We made the right decision in killing that scum and escorting the slaves back to Tatooine."
"Doesn't matter now? Are you kidding me? You committed what the Senate and our homeworld would consider murder if not a complete fucking massacre!" Sabé growls, losing control as the strain of these last years finally comes out.
"And what are you going to do, Sabé? Turn me in to the Chancellor? Tell the real truth to my people, knowing that I'm only trying to keep them safe from any threat that exists out of our borders?" Padmé asks, the cold tone returning, but the woman's eyes are still glistening with absolute fury.
"Of course not, but-" Sabé is about to offer a response but Padmé doesn't let up.
"I made the right calling. They invaded our planet once. They would do so again." Padmé retorts coldly, her face frozen with steel.
Sabé clearly didn't want to admit that Padmé is right regarding any of this, but she does have a point. The last time they had given them a chance to surrender, they lost all their friends, and now the consequences of their weakness at the time instead of taking the shot at their enemies when they had the chance, are beginning to show each passing moment.
But now, those times have passed, and that doesn't mean every Neimoidian who they ever cross should die...
Padmé is committing genocide against a species, and Sabé knows that there has to be some way to stop it. This is... racism.
"Maybe, but not all Neimoidians deserve to be judged. They weren't responsible for Nute Gunray's actions." Sabé finally replies.
"Perhaps not, but all of the Neimoidians involved wanted to seize power with no rebellion, meaning that raise the question of what does the rest want," Padmé replies, actually pausing for a second to deliberate. "They might not have been guilty, but they were guilty through association and accepting them back into their ranks. I would have probably forgiven them if they judged their own. They are as guilty as the ones who participated in the invasion."
"Just as we are guilty of murder! Padmé... he surrendered and you chose not to spare him!"
"He would have escaped eventually." Padmé replies grimly. "They always do."
"There was solid evidence that could have helped us to get closer to Gunray!" Sabé cannot help but roar. Padmé is talking in hallucinations from her point of view, and she can tell that Padmé's motives are bigger. "What aren't you telling me?"
"Dané... She told me..." Padmé stammers for a response, chewing on her lip. She remembers what was told to her, but she couldn't last know that she failed her, and so she shakes her head, saying. "It's nothing you need to worry about, Sabé. Just focus on following my lead."
"No! Don't you pull that bullshit with me, Padmé Naberrie Amidala! What the hell do you mean?!"
"Enough, Sabé!" Padmé raises her voice, finally standing up and wanting to walk away.
"You are not the Queen anymore, Padmé! You can't command me to shut up! Hell, if I knew any better, I would say that you don't deserve such a rank. Tell. Me. What. Happened!"
"I SAID ENOUGH!"
There is no other way to describe Padmé's reply from an outward view. She roars in rage, snapping her head towards Sabé's, a dark expression on her face similar to that moment back on that planet.
Sabé isn't stupid. She knows she had pushed her too far, but she didn't care. Not anymore. She is through with Padmé's antics.
"Or what? You gonna cut off my head too? Break my arm or leg? That's what that 'keeping Naboo safe' nonsense was about, wasn't it? You've became nothing worse than Gunray!"
Padmé grit her teeth. How can Sabé say such a thing?!
"I would never harm you."
"Prove it." Sabé hisses, standing from her copilot seat and marching across to Padmé. Her best friend in the galaxy reacts too slowly to halt her from grasping hold of her blaster.
"Sabé! What are you doing!"
Sabé didn't respond. Instead of picking up the blaster, she moves her blaster to her other freed hand, forcing her to hold it before moving the entire arm so that the end of the blaster is pointed at her throat, which could kill her with one press of the trigger.
"Go on then, Padmé! Do it! Because you can be damn sure I won't tolerate your means any longer!"
"Sabé! Cease this madness at once!"
Sabé didn't stop. Instead, she pushes the tip of her blaster closer to her neck, forcing it to dig in. It hurt, but Sabé refuses to budge.
"Don't you get it, Padmé! You are murdering all those who have the same race as those that cause pain, blinded by lust for vengeance, and I refuse to participate in it unless you try to change! I want the old you back! That wide eye girl who tried to make the right decision, not this monster who loves to be trigger happy!"
"Sabé, please!" Padmé's tone shifts from anger to pleading. Gone is the outrage in her eyes, instead replaced by watery pain. She is on the verge of breaking down into tears.
And still, she didn't care.
"No! You are becoming the thing Naboo has sworn it would not! You are becoming like Gunray, even after everything! And when I confronted you about your actions before, you threatened me, and would have probably killed me no doubt if I pressed further!"
"No! Never! You don't understand, Sabé! I was…"
"You were what? Trying to simply give me a handshake or a kiss on the cheek? Can't show weakness in front of your exterior, is that it?" Sabé asks, still keeping hold of the blaster, even if she didn't have the intent of pressing the trigger. This is Padmé. "Well… why don't you show all how strong you are now huh and do away with perhaps your only weakness! You are supposed to be better than that, my dear! Might as well just dispose of the little thorn on your side now!"
"You were never…"
"Go on, Padmé. Do it! Shoot the blaster. Kill me! Just like you did to many others throughout the years!"
"No!"
"DO IT!"
"DAMN IT, SABÉ! I BECAME LIKE THIS FOR YOU!"
Padmé's words stun Sabé, long enough for the woman to wrestle back control of her hand and arm, tossing the blaster out of harm's way where it gets flying across the room, landing in front of Rabé and Eirtaé's, - along with Cordé, Dormé, Moteé, and Versé, - aiming their blasters up, unsure who to point them at.
Padmé or Sabé.
R2 follows suit, his arms shot towards both of them, ready to stun one or both of them if this tense atmosphere grows worse.
Sabé let go of Padmé's arms, stepping back, tears brimming in her own eyes as her throat hurt from shouting.
"I… what do you mean?"
"Dané... she was there for me after the Naboo crisis, and we understood each other's views. You discouraged me from my revenge and I needed someone to tell me that vengeance is right. Dané came to me, re-encouraging me to seek revenge, and it built me up to the person I am today. She told me that Gunray wanted us all dead. You, Rabé, Eirtaé, Sola, my parents, Anakin - all of you. Even those that are innocent on Naboo. He wants them all gone. But she told me slaying him would allow me to save you all. She told me if..."
"If you took revenge on Gunray?"
Padmé nods solemnly before she turns away, masking her expression as best as she could.
"I'd… I became like this so he wouldn't be able to harm anyone else. To hurt any of you. I never meant to hurt any of you, to damage my relationships, but it was the only way. I'd never let anyone hurt you, Sabé, not ever. I'd do whatever it takes to protect you. I would protect all of you."
This is the Padmé Sabé knows, the same Padmé who would crumble the galaxy just for peace. She has broken that exterior for a moment. Now, she needs to find a way to break the harsh barrier long enough to rebuild her like Dané. Padmé so desperately needs a lot of rebuilding, and reconstructing as a person, so she could be a less hostile and colder Padmé but still as tough and ready.
There is still hope for Padmé.
She became unbalanced but she would still tear the galaxy apart just for the people she loves. She would go far and wide just to save those who she loves. She would never give up on people. She is too sympathetic and understanding to do that, despite the trigger-happy tendencies that she now harbors.
She didn't agree with how far she had gone this time, but she would as always, serve her. She wouldn't abandon her now, not when she can take advantage of the holes. Padmé would never sacrifice the people under her command but she would go as far and extreme as she possibly can to keep them safe.
Letting go of her rage, she moves back towards where Padmé is sitting, kneeling down next to her so that she is at her eye level.
"Oh, Padmé, you know I'd do the same for you, always." She speaks softly as she moves forward, wrapping her arms around Padmé, and rubbing her hands into her brown hair. She needs this side more.
Padmé didn't outright return the hug like normal, but she did lean into it gently. Had she not been the other participant in the embrace, Sabé isn't sure she would have noticed.
"It's okay though. Once we get rid of Gunray, everything would be alright, and I-I would get rid of Dané."
Padmé's words cause Sabé's eyes to widen.
"Wait, are you saying that you know what she has been doing to your behavior, that you notice how she affected you?"
"I'm not blind, Sabé, I know when people are manipulative," Padmé responds as Sabé moves out of her hug. She glances up at Sabé once again, a small grin present on her face.
Sabé didn't point out the irony of Padmé manipulating Dané like the latter has been doing for a while. Is Padmé lying to her? Or is it possible that Padmé knows exactly what she's doing?
Instead, she goes for a different reply.
"That's surprisingly cunning for you. Are you sure it'll work?"
Padmé shakes her head, quipping in response. "Oh, come on, you think I wouldn't notice when people are trying to creep in my head? It would work, I would guarantee you of that, but even if I wasn't, we have to try. I won't allow that bitch to get into my head for her own intent. I love all of you but Dané and I always had a professional relationship."
Despite the dangers it raises, and despite how much she loathes Padmé's actions with everything that had happened, Sabé agrees.
"Yeah, I guess we do."
It is the first time in a long while Anakin had seen another individual, but the presence of Savage Opress is strangely encouraging. He can sense the Zabrak's rage targeted at him, and better yet, targeted at everything; but yet he is more in control than he had been when he was working alongside Darth Plagueis.
He presumes that Valum's wisdom has rubbed off on the Zabrak. The Zabrak has been lured here of course, - likely sometime after Anakin came here -, but now the darkness is cutting through all of Anakin's senses. What does he want with serving Valum? He is clearly here for his own reasoning.
So did the Sith offer him something? If so, what?
Anyway, now is not the important time to debate those musings, for Valum is sitting on the throne, watching with black orbs. On his throne, two lightsabers lay in their abandoned.
"Now, you both would test against each other. I have taught you differently and increased your abilities. Do combat, but preferably shy away from killing one another. I still have a use for both of you." Valum says, the lightsabers levitating into the air, before coming at their respective owners.
Anakin grip hold of the lightsaber, and he recognizes it as his own. It has been so long since he touched his hilt. Had the Sith done something to it? Is his crystal darker? Or perhaps in a cruel twist of fate, they had decided to sever his bond as he had done with Darth Maul?
No, Anakin can still feel connected to it, and so with vigor, he ignites it, its purple plasma shooting out illuminating the air. Opress does the same though less dramatically, allowing a small snarl to emit from his lips.
"Come," Anakin taunts, extending his hand in his direction. "Show me what you have been taught, Opress. It was a shame that you and I didn't clash before."
Opress snaps. "I am stronger now. You would serve me. I would never serve you."
"Your move," Anakin replies, welcoming the challenge.
The Nightbrother's eyes glow yellow, illuminating his large stature. He bellows and charges towards Anakin, who quickly sidesteps, bringing up his purple lightsaber to block two attacks from opposite directions, before attacking with his own swings that cause Opress to stumble back only slightly.
"Your powers are considerable, Skywalker, perhaps you will be a more challenging foe than I anticipated." Opress says. Anakin knows it is all talk. That is all the Sith do. They talk too much.
Anakin would never consider himself one of them, at least not yet again. One thing that carried on from his future past is his distaste for having to kill innocents, his acknowledgment that serving the Sith isn't as grandeur as serving the Jedi, and that would never change. No matter what Valum would do to him, Skywalker would never become a Sith like this monster.
"You don't know the power of the dark side. But I'll show you." Skywalker says before at last sending frenzied stabs, their lightsabers crossing as they push against one another. Opress's weight is something that does cause some unbalanced within Skywalker but not enough for the Zabrak to ensure his defeat.
Opress quickly realizes that he underestimated his opponent, he is quick and strong, but visibly blunt with his attacks. He lifts his double-bladed saber and advances toward Skywalker, quickly and decisively overpowering his opponent with quick, powerful strikes with no pause in-between.
Anakin has been pushed back, his adversary was clearly stronger muscularly and more efficient than he was, and the speed is what surprises him the most.
"My brother would have been quite pleased to hear that I have defeated you. You are weak. Not a Sith, that much I can tell." The Nightbrother boosts, now full of confidence after overwhelming his opponent, or so he thinks.
"You don't know what I am.." Anakin replies, only grinning as the glow of his purple lightsaber illuminates his face.
"Pray tell, what are you! SHOW ME!" Opress roars, charging once again at his opponent. He starts swinging his saber and thrashing it against Anakin with unpredictable precision and power. And while Anakin is sidestepping and deflecting, the Zabrak could not even come close with entirely overwhelming him.
"Show me!"
Skywalker swings his blade down to deflect the downer lightsaber before sending a Force Push which sends the Zabrak flying back.
"Very well."
Skywalker roars, and lets out a burst of pure Force energy so powerful, it knocks Opress off his feet and he flies backward into a large boulder, colliding with a sickening crunch.
Opress wanted this. He would get it.
He rushes forwards, leaping toward Savage Opress, who rises just in time to see Skywalker descending upon him. Anakin screams and lashes out with swing after swing of increasingly powerful strikes, his mind is blank and he is seeing red, everything around him is blurred and distorted except for Opress.
With each blow Savage feel the power being drained from him, the Sith had taught him to be strong and quick, to always be nimble on his feet, but Valum's teachings couldn't help him from the relentless onslaught of frenzied swipes and slashes that were being directed at him.
Anakin Skywalker can feel the surging strength within him now, he advanced and pushes Opress back further and further, until one mighty swing causes a crack to form on the ground
Opress feels the ground begin to give way beneath him, and he swiftly delivers a powerful kick to Skywalker, causing him to stumble back.
Opress sees his only opening and gives all of his energy into this last attack, hitting Anakin with all of his strength and ferocity, it is working.
Opress's attack seems to be effective against Anakin until he retaliates with a devastating strike, the power within the blow is unnatural and it knocks the lightsaber out of Opress's hand.
"You have won, an admirable effort," Opress gasps, exhausted.
"You tested my connection to the Force, and now you will experience how strong it really is," Anakin replies, sheathing his lightsaber and walking towards his battered foe.
"If you kill me… You will regret it." Opress tells Skywalker. "You don't have a Sithly bone in your body."
Anakin's clawed hand reaches out against the Zabrak, causing him to grab his throat, not enough to snap his throat or still his breathing, however, enough for him to feel the pain.
"I doubt that now."
"You don't know the powers you will awaken; they will come for you. And you will know the true power, of the dark side of the Force."
"I'll show you, the dark side..."
Anakin raises his blade into a killing motion, moments away from running him through. This is an animal who clearly has darker ambitions, similar to the Sith of the past.
"Enough."
Lightning crashes against both of them, both of them sliding away from each other. Valum now stands before them, his form walking down the steps, and Opress manages to stand and give the Sith a bow.
Anakin follows suit, and the hatred in his heart cannot describe how much he loathes doing so. He feels like a puppet yet again.
Valum, instead of stopping before them, walks past them, and glares up at the stars, his only companion. Anakin can feel the darkness intensifying in his senses, and he relishes in it, and so did Opress.
"I cannot teach them. They both have no patience." Valum says to the stars.
Murmurs seemingly come as a response. Anakin cannot help but wonder what words are being exchanged. Valum is very ritual as a Sith and he knows what he is doing. Hopefully, Vader would be able to cast him down when the time comes.
Turning to him, Valum seems to be reading him, his black eyes peering past his soul.
"His attachment to Vader... It is a weakness. I should kill the rat." Valum says, and Anakin feels his hands tightening up for danger. More whispers come. "It is time then. I shall lure Vader to us."
Anakin trembles. He is still slightly angry with Vader; however, he didn't want to kill him. How would he react to him is a mystery. Did the other version of himself give up on him after he abandoned him maliciously?
He didn't mean what he said that day. He was just angry.
If he can break Vader, and turn him, they can morph the galaxy into the way they envisioned it.
"Leave me, my student, while I conjure up a plan to finally destroy Vader."
Anakin slips away to the Millennium Falcon, sensing Opress going to his meditation as well. He is surprised when he sees someone who he haven't seen for a long while.
"Oh, Master Skywalker, I'm so glad that you are intact."
"Yeah, it's been a while, old friend." Anakin replies, knowing that he would have to make the moment short given the fortress.
"Threepio," Anakin murmurs. "I have a mission for you. Find Vader. Bring him here. Take the Falcon."
Threepio seems worried, showing the sign of vulnerability. "Are you functional, Master Skywalker?"
"Yes, however, the galaxy is at risk. We need to stop the monster that rules this place. I need Vader help."
"Very well, Master, my life for yours."
Anakin wants to go with Threepio so badly but he cannot let Valum to escape justice yet again. He may break him by the time Vader gets here but luckily Threepio has a tracking system to all the location he's been at. Vader can follow that and it would lead him here.
Anakin watches as the Falcon powers up for the first time in a long time and takes off.
Hopefully, Vader can find him before it is too late.
Arthur's note: Sorry I haven't done this for a while. I was editing earlier chapters and trying to wipe out my grammatical mistakes. I caught a lot of them but I don't know if I got all of them just yet. This story would not be abandoned. I regret abandoning past stories and might go back to them someday. Might.
May the Force be with you all always.