DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything.
Ferus buried his head deeper into his cowl as two Clones marched past. They didn't look twice at him. He was just another local to them, another shifty figure to steer clear of unless absolutely necessary. Ferus, who was facing away from the two Clones, picked up a jogan fruit off the display in front of him and pretended to inspect it.
In the end they'd only had to stay off the radar for two days. They'd all stayed in the abandoned apartment building, cooped up and emotions running high. Obi Wan kept a vigilant eye on the Force, watching as the Emperor and Anakin drew ever closer. Ferus was the only one Obi Wan allowed to leave the room and that was only so he could gather the daily supplies they would need and to listen out for any more news from Clones or droids.
When the Clones had past, Ferus picked up another fruit and handed the two pieces to the stall owner. The Twi'lek male started to bag his purchases, accepting the other pieces that Ferus continued to hand over.
"There's been an awful lot of Clones around lately," Ferus muttered casually.
The stall owner grunted. "They're messing with business. You only see about half as many customers here these days."
Probably because your usual customers recognise a comprised location when they see one, Ferus mused.
"Do you know what they're here for?" Ferus asked.
The Twi'lek leant forward and glanced suspiciously up and down the street before replying.
"They're after a group of Off Worlders. Apparently they're a part of the Resistance or something. Doesn't matter though, they'll be caught soon."
He motioned at a poster stuck to the wall behind his stall. There was a small description written on the top half of the poster, vague enough that Ferus didn't feel threatened but accurate enough that he didn't feel comfortable. Underneath the description was a reward price.
Five hundred thousand credits each huh? Ferus hid his smile. Didn't realise we were so important.
"I don't envy those guys at all," the Twi'lek muttered as Ferus took the bag in exchange for his credits. "They better watch their backs with all the unsavoury figures down here."
"Thanks," Ferus said and moved into the small crowd.
He kept his head slightly lowered so the street lights couldn't penetrate his hood and his face was kept in shadow. He made his way quickly back towards the apartment with his purchases, keeping his senses on high alert for anyone following him. He didn't take a direct route, instead chose to weave through the dark alleys and busy streets, back tracking some just in case he was missing something. Only when he was sure that no one was tailing him did he enter the apartment building.
Rex and Pieter nearly leapt out of their chairs when they saw Ferus exit the lift. They were starving and had been eagerly awaiting his return. Ferus tossed them a jogan fruit each before biting into his own. He placed the rest of his acquisitions on the kitchen bench and went to find Ahsoka and Obi Wan.
He couldn't find Ahsoka but Obi Wan was exactly where he left him, deep in meditation in one of the suites. Ferus threw a jogan fruit over to his old friend and mentor who caught it without opening his eyes.
"Did you know we're all worth five hundred thousand credits each?" Ferus asked.
He kept his tone light but Obi Wan still glanced up in surprise. "That's more than I expected."
Ferus laughed. "They don't have any holos or anything yet but they described Rex and Pieter pretty accurately. They don't know anything about you, me or Ahsoka which is good. Speaking of which, where is Ahsoka?"
He sat on the floor in front of the old Jedi and continued to eat the fruit. It was good, very juicy and sweet.
"The Emperor has reached Coruscant. I sent Ahsoka to see what is happening up there," Obi Wan replied.
"He's here?"
Ferus hadn't noticed the Emperor's dark presence grow nearer but now that he was in a calmer environment and wasn't surrounded by the people of the lower levels he could sense a stronger pull from the dark side.
"He only landed about an hour ago," Obi Wan confirmed. "I sent Ahsoka out when I felt him enter the atmosphere. Hopefully she got there before he landed."
Ahsoka had reached the Senate building just before the first of the reporters got there. It had taken her a while to learn where he would be landing but after eavesdropping on a troupe of Clones, it hadn't taken her long to work out where he would be. It made sense that he would pick the Senate building as his landing platform. There was plenty of room on the platform for the hordes of reporters and journalists that would turn up. And they would be there, thanks to the "accidental" leaking of a statement made over Palpatine's "secure" comlink.
Accidental my arse, Ahsoka thought as she mingled inconspicuously with the reporters.
She had pushed her way into the throng of people, burying herself in the middle of the group. She could see everything from here but she was deep enough in the group that she wouldn't stand out. Still, she kept her cloak wrapped around her body and her hood raised slightly. There were a few others in cloaks too but she was the only one who was wearing her hood.
Excitement filled the air around her as the reporters wondering who the mysterious someone was that Emperor Palpatine had mentioned over his comlink. Ahsoka knew exactly who the Emperor had captured but she had to master her emotions, school her face to look like those around her. She was not excited or anticipating something amazing. She was scared – scared not for herself, but for her old Master.
The ramp lowered from the side of the huge ship and the crowd stilled almost immediately. Ahsoka could feel Anakin's Force presence just as strong as always but she could also feel the tainted dark presence of the Emperor too.
Four figures were walking down the ramp, two at the front and two at the back. A small collection of droids filed down after them, keeping a distance but weapons all at the ready. Ahsoka noticed all of this subconsciously, her eyes having already found Anakin and Padme.
Padme was standing in front of Aayla, walking beside Palpatine, her hands bound behind her back. She was wearing a pretty purple dress that looked completely out of place, her hair was down and a silver collar was around her throat. She stared straight ahead, her head held high as though she was unaffected by her predicament. Ahsoka could feel her fear though. It was almost a palpable thing that hung around her in an aura.
Aayla wore a smug grin as she steered Padme with a firm hand on the other woman's upper arm. Her lightsaber hung on her belt, swinging with each step. Palpatine looked just as satisfied as his old apprentice. He was walking straight for the group of reporters and journalists, his pace casual but full of purpose. He wasn't wearing his usual cloak so Ahsoka could clearly see his two lightsabers hung on his belt.
Stumbling along behind the Emperor was Anakin. He was wearing a smart dress suit but it was rumpled and looked dishevelled. He was hunched over, his hands bound behind his back and what looked like a chain leash ran between the Emperor's belt and the collar around his neck. His hair covered his face as he kept his eyes on his feet, trying to keep up with the Emperor without falling over.
Ahsoka bit back her shocked cry and forced herself to release her anger into the Force. Her hand was clenched around her lightsaber at her belt but she made herself let it go. She couldn't help him yet, not with so many armed droids and so many innocent people. Ahsoka knew all she could do now was observe and then she could come back later with help. She hoped that would be enough for now.
She watched as Palpatine stopped a short distance away from the crowd. Anakin dropped to his knees behind the Emperor. Holos were already being taken now that the shock had worn off a little. Whispers were racing through the group already. Everybody recognised Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Senator Padme Amidala. That was who they'd been years ago, before Order 66. They had been two of the most famous faces in the galaxy but after the purge, both had just disappeared. But everyone knew, everyone remembered.
"My people," the Emperor began. "I am sure you are all wondering where I have been for the past few months. As you know, a movement known as the Resistance has been trying to upset the peace I have fought hard to create. It has been targeting our supply ships, medicinal bases that are helping war torn planets, hijacking diplomatic ships carrying important information. They are ruining our efforts to help planets less fortunate than our own, they are stopping peace treaties from being signed and they are abusing the laws that keep us safe. This Resistance movement is nothing but a facade for the pirates and criminals of the galaxy to hide behind as they continue to pilfer and pillage our homes and businesses. They are a menace and must be stopped.
"When I was informed of the identity of one of the Resistance leaders, I knew that I had to strike at the heart of this beast. I knew that this galaxy would never feel safe unless these brigands were disbanded and thrown in jail. I had to keep my Empire safe so you, my people would be safe. I took my fastest ship and most loyal followers and immediately set out to stop the threat."
Ahsoka could feel the lies and deceit dripping from the Emperor. She could feel that some of the reporters sympathised for Anakin and Padme but for the most part the people were too scared of the Emperor to feel anything more than agreeable.
"I was so disappointed when my source turned out to be correct with the identity of the Resistance leader. To have someone we all thought was on our side, someone who had fought bravely through the Clone Wars and showed such promise..." Palpatine sighed in mock hurt. "I never thought that my close friend Anakin Skywalker would turn against the good of the galaxy. He has corrupted the minds of many with his ideals and sought to undermine my rule. For this he will be punished. As for Padme Amidala, yet another trusted friend turned rogue. She will be tried for treason along with aiding and abetting a wanted criminal. My decision is final."
Ahsoka swallowed back to lump in her throat. She knew that Palpatine would definitely have some sort of public punishment planned for them both but she also knew that there was more to it than that. He had a plan, and there was no way he just got lost in space for three months. He'd done something to Anakin, and possibly Padme too, already. Something that was making Anakin act very subservient and would no doubt be only the start of Palpatine's evil plans.