Author's Note: Great news! My computer's officially been fixed so we can return to every four-to-five day frequent updates. The reason I can't do every-three-day updates anymore – as of now, this may later change – is because of school and my partial rewriting of the chapters as I edit. I hope no one minds, and if you do, well sorry. There's only seven chapters after this anyway. And then we'll move onto the next chronicle in the Lure of the Dark Side trilogy – or duology, I haven't really decided yet as I'm having second thoughts on three chronicles due to my lack of ideas – The Domination of the Sith. I should, I use the word should very loosely here, have that up sometime in January as I'm going to take a hiatus when this is over to continue writing Episode X and typing Episodes VIII and IX onto my computer.
Words of criticism and praise are always welcomed.

Chapter 79 responses:

G-Anakin 13: As always, thanks!

Kalium: If you don't like the story then don't read. It's nothing to be angry over. I welcome criticism. It has helped me in the past, and will continue to do so in the future. And yes, in the next episode, Anakin does begin to plot Sidious' downfall since as of that time he has a reason to do so.

Arsenal: Arica's still growing in her potential, so as of now she isn't stronger then Baynetta in the Force, but as time progresses she will.
The sword-wielding mouse I based my character on was Reepicheep the mouse from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

The Lure of the Dark Side: Chronicle 1-The Turning of an Era

Episode V: Revenge of the Sith

Chapter 34: The Rampage of the Sith Continues, Part 2

Two hours later, the entirety of Labore was successfully extirpated. All life – Humans and animals alike – that had resided on the placid world for centuries was gone forever. The carcasses were burned; the ruin eliminated. It would take some time and work, but Labore could actually be made into a vacation and metropolis world that housed civilized beings.

Leaving behind several task forces of troops to do just that, the Sith returned to Iron Fist via Bomber B and the eleven-Star Destroyer squadron made speed for the Colonies system of Neimoidia.

With the end of the Clone Wars, the Trade Federation was disbanded, and the organization's acting viceroy (as only a spare few knew the actual fate of the Separatist Council on Mustafar), Sentepeth Findos, was urged to sign a peace treaty with the empire – giving all the Federation's resources to the emperor's disposal. The former lieutenant of the Separatist Droid Army agreed to do this only with the promise that the Neimoidia system would be left in peace outside Imperial control. Outwardly, the emperor agreed to these terms, but little did Findos know that the Empire's supreme ruler had other plans in the dark. In the form of the first act of the Human High Culture policy that would, in the years to come, have a larger effect on the Galaxy as a whole. The Neimoidian culture, though no longer considered a threat, had long been something of a thorn in the emperor's side from the moment he began dealings with them. And with the species' large participation in the war, Imperialists wouldn't want anything to do, or be comfortable, with them apart of the Empire either. As such, the Neimoidians ordered eradication would do more than somewhat of a favor to the galaxy.

Upon boarding Iron Fist,Anakin was rushed to the ship's med lab for operation of a replacement prosthetic arm. Arica came with; as did Antellica, but Baynetta choose not to. Not only did she have to contact her father about Labore's expansion, she also had a meeting to attend by holographic transmission concerning the Mygeetan crystals retrieved from Mygeeto by the 501st Legion and its use in the Death Star.

The operation, which lasted about an hour, fared well with Anakin getting an almost exact replica of his original prosthetic. It would take a while to get used to, and sting every so often until he got it broken in enough, but he'd experienced worse and knew it would be no problem.

Unlike Antellica, who went for something to eat following the operation, Arica accompanied him back to his quarters despite her own hunger. Since Padme was still busying with her meeting in another room, he was happy for Arica's company and invited her to train with him.

"On an overview," he asked at their entrance into the foyer of the chambers, "how well of a Force wielder do you feel you are at the present?"

"Surely not adept," she said without hesitation, as they strolled into a moderate sized sitting room, "but not exactly amateur either."

Anakin smiled at her honesty, and lowered the bottle of pain medication he'd been given from the droid medic who'd operated on him onto a small table in-between the room's two center most couches.

Turning to her, he asked, "Do you know how to meditate at all?"

"Actually, no," she admitted. "I haven't gotten that far in my Force studies yet."

"I thought as much." Seating himself on the red carpeted floor in front of the table he said, "Come than. I'll show you."

Arica followed him onto the floor, sitting directly across from him in a cross-legged position, and closed her eyes.

"Now, clear your mind of all thoughts."

Arica did so, but suddenly got an itch on one of her eye lids, so opened it to scratch. Looking across from herself, she saw Anakin sitting silently before her; his eyes closed, in full meditation mood.

As a smirk started to tug at her lips, she dismissed her meditation attempts for comical faces and snapping fingers in his face.

She got no response. Putting her face into a slight pout, she tried figuring what to do to wipe that expressionless look off his handsome face. An idea came to her: she curled her fingers into claws and began to roar lightly. When that didn't do anything either, she slowly crawled closer to him and stuck her tongue out, while tilting her head back and forth.

Still no response.

She was just giving consideration to the thought of slapping him across the face when abruptly she was knocked onto her back screaming by a loud roar coming from in front of her. It was Anakin, but rather than be mad about her interruption of their meditation lesson, he was laughing. She soon joined in when he scooped her up into a hug. At that moment, Arica realized that she was blushing like a silly schoolgirl with a crush while Anakin lightly gave her a few peeks on the brow but didn't care. She was just so happy. Happier than she'd ever been in her life. She looked up at him with a smile and he returned it, but than, all of a sudden, winced in pain and clutched his new mechanical prosthetic.

"Does your arm hurt?" she asked in concern. "Perhaps you should take some of your pain reliever."

"No Arica, that won't be necessary." But she was already up with the medication bottle in hand as she strode to the kitchen down the hall at the left, next to the fresher. After collecting a spoon and unopened bottle of Liquid Galaxies, she returned to the room and her previous position on the floor, uncorking the medicine container.

Slowly pouring its black contents onto the spoon she said, "It says three spoons for adults; one for children." She gave the medication bottle an affirming nod before turning back to Anakin, holding the medicine filled spoon to his lips. "Now open."

Anakin rose an eyebrow. "You know, I could just drink it out of the cup that comes with the medicine," he said referring to the small container that was sitting idly on the table after Arica uncorked the bottle. "Three spoonfuls equals one cup."

Arica gave him a poutful smile. "Aww. But that wouldn't be any fun."

With a slight twinkle in his eyes, Anakin chuckled.

"Now open up."

Anakin complied and Arica fed him the spoon of medicine. At the look of repulsion that crossed his face, she laughed. "Doesn't taste too good, huh? (He nodded) Well, only two more spoonfuls and you can have the bottle of Liquid Galaxies I brought you."

"Are you going to feed me that too?" he asked with a smirk.

She returned the look. "Only if you want me to."

This brought a chuckle from both them. Arica fed him the remaining spoonfuls before handing over the Liquid Galaxies as promised. He'd been making grabs at it while she fed him the medicine, and for a moment she wasn't going to give it to him, but finally gave in at his irresistible smile.

"Since you've been such a good boy you can have it," she japed.

Anakin playfully snatched the bottle from her hands with a smirk and proceeded to drink half its contents in one gulp.

"Hey!" Arica cried in surprise and disappointment.

He stopped drinking in confusion, but than realizing what the problem was, smirked. "Oh that's right. You wanted to feed me the bottle didn't you?"

Arica hummed her reply and Anakin handed the bottle back over to her. She gave a small laugh as she raised the bottle back to his lips. "Now open up little baby."

Anakin grinned. "Yes mama."

This Arica feeding Anakin gulps of Liquid Galaxies went on for the next few minutes or so with the two laughing in-between.

The pair seated themselves on one of the couches afterwards, and simply took to gazing at each other, the other obviously waiting for the other to speak. Smirking, Arica crawled into Anakin's lap and began running her fingers through his hair. After which she nuzzled her face into his neck, kissing and biting at it lightly. Feeling his arms wrap around her, she cuddled herself even more into his arms, laying her head onto his chest and sighing happily.

I'm so in love.

Deeply sighing, Anakin began to pull away from Arica, though he allowed her to remain in his lap. She looked at him in confusion.

"Oh Arica," he said softly, tilting her face to look at his, "you know we can't be together. Now matter how much you want it to happen, and I know you do. I'm happy with Padme. And we're going to be parents soon." The last sentence was said with a hint of pride.

Arica merely sniffed. I'm sure I could give you much better looking children.

Anakin made no move to have heard her last thought as he than continued. "You'll always be my little friend though Arica. You understand, don't you?"

Anakin really did hope she understood because if he didn't stop this now he'd find himself thinking about or even doing things with her that he knew he shouldn't and would regret later.

Arica simply looked at him a long moment, but eventually nodded. "Yes. I understand."

Silently, she added, But that doesn't mean I can't entertain the thought.

"Arica-" He started to protest, but she quickly stopped him from finishing by placing a finger to his lips. He smiled behind it and kissed it gently.

"Oh Arica." He took her hands in his and looked her straight in the eye when he spoke. "If the situation were any different I swear to you Arica, I would be attracted to you."

He sighed than, realizing how stupid his words sounded. "Who am I trying to fool?" he murmured before looking back up at her. "I am attracted to you. I just...get this intoxicated feeling whenever I'm around you now and-"

He cut himself off again with a sigh. "Even more than Padme, and I know I shouldn't because I'm in love with Padme."

Arica took to resume kissing his neck, murmuring, "But is she in love with you?"

This statement, not surprisingly, shocked Anakin. "What?! What are you talking about Arica?! Of course she is! What would make you even say something like that?!"

Arica's only reply was a tiny nimble on his neck. He moaned softly, but pulled her face from his neck to hold her chin within his fingertips; simply staring and drinking in her beautiful appearance.

God was he attracted to her. He sighed and nuzzled his own face into her neck before whispering as he kissed her neck. "If only I wasn't married to Padme...there are things I would do to you Arica that would make your head spin."

As he continued on, the kisses became more passionate and Anakin knew he leaving behind hickey marks that would last for days, but he was beyond caring. Eventually gaining a hold of himself, he stopped, but continued to gaze deeply into her eyes.

Arica laughed lightly at his seductive words, a bit surprised by them, but pleased nonetheless. "I'd like that."

He laughed softly. "I know you would."

Their faces were so extremely close now and both had the powerful urge to kiss again; just like before, only stronger. An instant later, their lips met and they began to make out heavily. But just as quickly as it began, it stopped when Anakin abruptly pulled away from Arica after she took her shirt off. And though he tried to avert his gaze, he couldn't help noticing how developed she was for a girl her age.

"Come on Anakin," she urged, attempting to restart the kisses between them. "It'll be our little secret. No one needs to know about it except the two of us."

She succeeded in kissing him once more and he even returned it, but soon he was pushing her off of him again and lifting himself up off the couch.

"I'm sorry Arica, but I want you to leave," he said in a level tone.

She merely smirked at him in reply and also rose from the couch. "Am I that much of a temptation to you?"

"Leave." It was a command.

"Anakin-"

"Go Arica!" He said this a bit harsher then he intended but it was necessary. If she stayed here any longer he couldn't trust himself to know what he'd do to her.

Arica was slightly irritated at his rudeness, but deep down she was also, to a certain extent, hurt. "Fine. I'll leave." Snatching up her shirt from where she'd thrown it, she put it back on. Then stalked out of the room. Oddly enough, she found that she was fighting back tears as she strolled the hallway that led away from Anakin's quarters and was disgusted with herself for feeling that way. Hastily wiping away the ones that did fall, she retreated to her own on-ship quarters to be alone.

Anakin miserably collapsed onto the couch after he watched Arica leave and sighed deeply. He knew he'd hurt her, but it had to be done. Indeed, he was so lost in thought about Arica that he didn't even notice when Padme entered the room a moment later.

The expansion of Labore was a go. Not only did the emperor approve of the idea, he applauded it. The Core/Colonies world would act as an Imperial base between the two regions, assuring the control of activity and traffic in and outside of the Core. The vacation and metropolitan themes would simply act as a bonus.

However, approval wasn't the only thing the empress was presented with during her holographic meeting. Disapproval came from Tarkin concerning the use of the Mygeeten Nova Crystals as the massive superlaser of the Death Star. Not only did he disapprove it, he rejected the idea all together, opting instead to gather together several trusted scientists and create the Imperial Department of Military Research. This organization would be responsible for developing and researching technologies and weapons, one of which would include the space station's superlaser. The emperor was so impressed with this, despite his daughter's objections, that he gave Tarkin almost complete responsibility of the battlestation's development and appointed him supreme mastermind behind the IDMR. Baynetta was far from pleased with this new arrangement; on the contrary she was furious. But the emperor had made it quite clear how finalized the decision was; either corporate or be dismissed from the project altogether. She wasn't about to go with the former, so corporation was simply something she was going to have to deal with.

She left her office chambers at the meeting's end, testy and bad-tempered, to find Anakin woefully slouched on a couch in the sitting room just beyond the entrance hall. He didn't seem to notice her presence, which was quite alright with her, but she was curious as to what it was that was holding his attention.

Before she could peep into his mind, however, he abruptly sat up and directed his attention to her. He appeared startled. "Padme, how long have you been in here?"

"Just now," she replied. "Why, is there something I should know about?"

"No."

But she sensed that he was lying. "Really? There's nothing whatsoever you should tell me."

He shifted ill at ease in his seat. Her penetrating stare was causing him to grow uncomfortable. "Not exactly, it's just that-" He precipitately stopped, as if he wasn't sure he should continue or not.

"It's just that what?" she pressed, growing suspicious and beginning to think something really was wrong. "Are you keeping secrets from me all of a sudden?"

He aimed to convince. "No!"

But again, "You're lying!"

"I am not!"

"Something happened while I was attending my meeting. And I want you tell me right here, right now what it was."

"Padme, nothing happened." He had an air of calm about him now. "I can assure you. It's just that Arica and I-"

"Arica was here?" Her suspicion intensified. "Why?!"

"She was keeping me company and we were training together."

"And?"

He did a fine job masking his disquiet, though she still felt it. "And, that's it."

"I still say you're lying."

"You can say whatever you want. It doesn't prove anything."

Baynetta pursed her lips together with scorn. She wasn't going to win this argument; not by fighting or constant quarrels, the first of which she wasn't even going to try. That left only one thing to do.

"Leave!" she commanded.

"Gladly." He rose from the chair, and without another look at her, left their quarters behind.

Baynetta watched him go, void of emotion, but promised herself, the next time the opportunity presented itself, to have a nice, long chat with Arica.

The Neimoidia system consisted of four worlds: Neimoidia, Cato Neimoidia, Koru Neimoidia, and Deko Neimoidia. Though it wa Neimoidia itself that was homeworld to the species; the other three were merely purse-worlds (colony worlds).

Only two of the four Sith leading this mission of extermination had been to the system, and most particularly its oldest purse-world Cato Neimoidia, before: Vader and Veradisia. They'd led the First Battle of Cato Neimoidia along with Kenobi earlier in the year to wondrous success. Their mission to the world in arresting the Federation's Senator, Lott Dod, his wife, Lady Arabea of the Cato Royal House, and daughter, Princess/Countess Calasia was completed, even if they were held captive for a time preceding it. However, the trio had since been released from prison on the bail of sixty million credits; twenty for each. Because of the former Jedi's desire to personally give the wicked family what was coming to them, the original plan of the four splitting up to take down each world independently with their own troops was banished. Cato Neimoidia would be made an example of first; the other three after.

Iron Fist and squadron arrived in Neimoidia space five hours after leaving Labore, and, upon orbit, were joined by a league of approximately a hundred more Star Destroyers – Imperator and Tector class in addition to Venator and Victory II – and other Imperial ships like frigates – Immobilizer 418 and Vindicator-class heavy cruisers – and TIEs.

Though Cato Neimoidia was to be attacked first, blockades were still placed around the other three worlds. That way when news of Cato Neimoidia's happenings reached the HoloNet, as the emperor had hired one of their newsmen to come and report on the abolishment live, the other Neimoidias couldn't send backup to aid their confederates nor could they escape from their own worlds for safety.

It just so happened that as Iron Fist's division of Cato Neimoidia's strike force, under the leadership of Vader and Veradisia as they were the most familiar with the planet, were boarding the numerous assault vehicles they were to take onto the planet, Baynetta came across her opportunity of speaking to Arica as the girl was walking by herself to join the troopers of Gunship Bomber C. Before she reached it, however, the empress pulled her aside and demanded to know what transpired between she and Anakin during her meeting. Arica merely laughed, and kept walking. This prompted Baynetta to give Arica the warning of keeping away from her husband. If Baynetta expected to receive intimidation in response to her words, she was sadly mistaken; for Arica's reply was only a smirk and cackle. "What's the matter Pada, afraid Anakin might like me more than you? Jealous perhaps? Think that I'm a threat maybe? I'm flattered."

As the strike force was than ready to leave – they were simply waiting for the two females – Baynetta didn't have time to continue the matter, but managed to snarl, "This isn't over girl," before boarding Bomber A.

An innumerable number of frigates, bombers, and TIEs were flown down onto the mountain, field, and bridge city world that was Cato Neimoidia; dropping bombs on buildings and firing at everything in sight as they went; taking the planet's citizens completely by surprise. All but three of the Gunship bombers continued their attacks on the countless bridge cities. Bombers A-C landed in Cato's Royal Plaza, downtown the capital city of the same name. From there, the Sith deboarded and gave their troops the special task of 'seize and capture' concerning Lott Dod, his wife and daughter. The trio was not to be harmed, said Veradisia, but brought back to them alive.

The troops returned roughly two hours later with the family in question bond and captured. During that time of waiting, the Sith had proceeded to make it useful by bringing the utmost carnage to the plaza center; cutting civilians down left and right, and repeating many of the techniques they'd done on their previous massacres. But when the wanted prisoners arrived with their clone captors, everyone knew it for the youngest of the three was making a show of being noticed.

Calasia, Princess and Countess of Cato Neimoidia, was busying herself with screams and looking as ridiculous as Veradisia had ever remembered her. Donned in a fluffy pink dress that appeared as though it belonged on a five-year-old girl and not a young twenty-something freak show, the outrageousness was topped off with a purple wig and nerf-skin boots. Her screams continued endlessly as the stormtroopers dragged and tugged her, as well as her parents, along harshly.

"Stop it you clone dogs!" she currently exclaiming. "You'll ruin my dress."

Lady Arabea, member of the Cato Royal House, didn't look any different then the last time he'd seen her, Vader observed. With her blonde wig and navy blue robes that appeared to be the exact same ones she'd worn before in his presence. Her face was of stone. Lott Dod, however, was a different story altogether. He didn't even attempt to hide his fear and was shaking in pure terror; his eyes continuing to dart around at constant intervals.

The expressions of the three changed, however, when they got nearer and were able to get a good look at their real captors.

"You!" Dod's red eyes were bulging, if that was possible, and he looked beyond frightened to see the four Sith. Actually, all three of them seemed somewhat startled at the discovery. But Calasia soon got over hers, and turned it into her usual demeanor of stuck-up arrogance. "What are you cakesniffing dogs doing here?"

"More to the point," Arabea spoke up coldly, "Why are there clones running loose through the streets on a killing spree?"

"Because we ordered them to," Veradisia haughtily replied, hands on hips.

"Because we ordered them to," Calasia mocked.

Eyes flashing with rage, Veradisia sent loose a stream of Force lightning at the girl. Her loftiness had irked the former Jedi for the last time. Calasia screamed horribly as she was thrown onto her back, hard, onto the pavemented ground. Arabea and Dod also screamed, trying, without success, to get out of their bonds and reach their daughter. Veradisia merely smirked as she continued her lightning performance several more moments before ending it with Calasia's death. Just as she stopped the flow of lightning, Arabea finally broke free of the troopers holding her. They made to go after her, but Veradisia motioned them 'stop'. The royal lady fell to the ground beside her deceased daughter and shook her as much as possible with bond wrists, crying out, "Calasia, can you hear me? Answer me! Calasia, you gotta get up. Calasia! Calasia!"

Tears were now streaming down Arabea's face, and that of husband's in his captive position. Yet, just as suddenly as the tearful sorrow came to Arabea, it seemed to vanish, turning into livid anger. She turned to glare at the Sith and with a bloodcurdling roar, rose from the crouched position next to her daughter and ran at them. But she was soon joining her daughter in death as Vader outstretched his new prosthetic, gloved, hand to send a powerful wave of Force that sharply threw her back onto the pavement beside Calasia, breaking her back and neck bones in the process. She was dead upon impact.

Seeing his wife and daughter killed before his eyes, Dod seemed to lose it, hollering in a mental pain that far succeeded anything the Sith could do to him, or so he thought anyway.

"Stop! Stop this madness! Stop this at once! We-we have done nothing wrong!"

"Your very existence is what's been done wrong," Baynetta snarled. "But no matter. Soon, the entire Neimoidian race will be nothing but a distant memory. The Neimoidia system will be wiped clean of its native species, and people of purpose shall be allowed to dwell here for a change."

Dod stared at the empress in horrified disbelief. "You-you can't do that!"

Her lip curled. "I think I can. And I will." She lit her crimson blade. "Say goodbye to your world pathetic life form."

"Stop! Wait!" Dod was squirming with fear. "What of the peace treaty? Neimoidia was supposed to be left in peace from the Empire!"

"Says who?" Zenevieva laughed, brushing past Baynetta as though she wasn't even there. "That 'peace treaty', as you call it, was nothing more then a trap set by the emperor to gain control of the Federation and eliminate your worthless species."

"It's not shocking that your precious viceroy fell headlong into it," Vader continued, also giving Baynetta the brushoff and leveling his own lit blade at the former Federation Senator. "All Neimoidians are the same it seems: non-intelligent beings, easy to manipulate. You won't be missed."

Knowing his intention with the activated lightsaber, and obviously not being able to think of anything else to buy time with, Dod, weak-minded and foolish, began to plead for mercy.

"Mercy!" Vader sneered. "I'm afraid my heart goes cold to your pleas of mercy."

And with a brief scream, Dod was also joining his wife and daughter on the pavement with a decapitated head.

Eventually, most of Cato Neimoidia's bridge cities were shot out of the sky, falling to their doom millions of feet below, and the same destruction and horror that was brought there soon extended to the other worlds of the system. Since the droid units of the Trade Federation were long shut down, the Neimoidians didn't have much of a chance against the Empire's might being as the species was known for their cowardice nature to begin with. Sentepeth Findos was killed personally by the empress as a gift to him from her father, and his fellow Federation members were soon joining him in a timely manner. Slaughter and bloodshed sweep over the worlds' entireties with no one being left alive, save the killers themselves. The Neimoidian species was thus outlawed from the Empire. The reason given to excuse their non-existence being the emperor's claim that Findos was unwilling to corporate with his highness' wishes of handing over the Federation peacefully and threatened to go to war with the empire. If any Neimoidians were still out there somewhere, living on other planets – just as the Gungans – Imperial citizens were urged to kill on site, for only together "can we root out the enemies of the empire."

That concludes the slaughtering of worlds; at least in this episode anyway. Coming up next is the long-awaited birth of the twins in a chapter of the same title.