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Star Wars AU The Triumph of Darth Plagueis: Episode Five – Attack of the Clones Part 3

By

Celgress

Coruscant – Senators' Residential Block

Senator Padme Amidala was furious. Following the recent attempt on her life by the still at large and unidentified assailant she was being recalled to Naboo. The governing body of her home world feared the possible loss of two leading politic figures in as many weeks might not only cause panic in the streets but also weaken the influence of the planet in galactic affairs. Padme had protested the discussion vehemently to no avail.

"They have no right" Padme fumed hastily packing her personal carry-on. "My place is here in the Senate. They don't appreciate how important the upcoming vote is."

When Padme was in such a mood her entourage knew better than to antagonize her. Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker however had no such compunctions. "Milady they are only concerned for your safety. I agree with them a possible Sith assassin is nothing to fool around with."

"Who asked you" Padme snapped. "You're only here because both the Jedi Council and Supreme Chancellor Damask insist that I need extra security. Frankly I feel all of this fuss is unnecessary."

Anakin was shocked a Padme's response. His mouth opened and closed on its' own. He felt like asking her where she got off treating him so rudely, but thought better of it. "I apologize milady if I overstepped my boundaries. Your security is my only concern." Anakin finished with a quick bow.

If Padme accepted Anakin's apology she made no indication of it. Padme continued to pack without so much as a glance in Anakin's direction. When finished she left the room not even bothering to gesture for him to follow. Supressing a groan Anakin stomped after her.

Jedi Temple

"A search of Jango Fett's quarters by the Kaminoan Security Forces has revealed he was in touch with both Durge and Count Dooku during the past three months" The hologram of Jedi Knight Siri Tachi reported to the Jedi Council. "The Kaminoans suspect Count Dooku may have bribed Fett not only to provide assistances with the assassination of Co- Supreme Chancellor Palpatine but also to sabotage the Clone Army at some future date."

"The boy Boba Fett who escaped, do you know where is he headed?" Plo Koon asked.

"Yes we do, Kaminoan Flight Control was told by Jango Fett before his demise that he and his son were going to Geonosis for a holiday."

"Geonosis has been a member of the Confederacy of Independent Systems for nearly two years now" Shaak Ti said. "Why didn't Jango Fett's flight plan raise any suspicion with the Kaminoan authorities?"

"It did, they were about to send a security detail to confront Jango Fett when I engaged him in combat after his unprovoked assault on Obi-wan" Siri explained. "All evidence considered I strongly suspect Durge is hiding on Geonosis. Count Dooku could even be there with him."

"What is the condition of Obi-wan?" Depa Billaba asked.

"He is still recovering under the care of the Kaminoans" Siri reported. "During the battle with Jango Fett he inhaled a great amount of sea water. The Kaminoans doctors assure me he'll make a full recovery. However they estimate it might take several days."

"We can't wait that long to act" Mace Windu said. "By then Force knows where Durge will be."

"What should we do?" Shaak Ti asked.

"I suggest we utilize the Clone Army recently discovered on Kamino" Mace Windu answered.

"By the Force Mace why would you suggest we take such an extreme step?" Depa Billaba stuttered in shock. "Surely there must be another course of action open to us?"

"Granted, my suggestion may be extreme however these are dangerous times" Mace Windu explained. "The Republic is under greater threat that it has been in a thousand years. We cannot ignore the facts."

"Are you suggesting we launch an all-out unprovoked, assault on Geonosis?" Ki-Adi-Mundi said in alarm. "Such an attack would be considered an attack of war."

"It isn't unprovoked" Kit Fisto state, "assuming the population of the planet is harboring those responsible for both the assassination of Co- Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and the attack on Obi-wan and Siri. They may even be connected with the would-be assailant who attacked Senator Amidala."

"To a dark place this line of reasoning will led us" Yoda said shaking his head in sadness. "Careful must we be. Clouded the future is. The Dark Side is at work here, of this I doubt not. Contact the Senate we must, learn what think they is the best course of action."

An Abandoned Warehouse

Darth Maul knelt before his Master the Grandmaster of the Sith Darth Plagueis. "You have done well my disciple, arise Lord Maul." The lesser Sith Lord got to his feet still facing his master.

"What is your bidding my Master?"

"Return to your training. Prepare, the time of your public return to the arena of galactic affairs draws near. Soon the Great War with begin. Within a few short years from now the Jedi Order will be no more. Once more the Sith will rule the galaxy" Darth Plagueis said.

"Good, what of my vengeance against Kenobi master?" Maul said, his yellow eyes glittering with a combination of malice and pent up frustration.

"Patience Lord Maul vengeance shall be yours, eventually. This I promise you"

"Thank you my master."

"Depart I will contact you again once the need arises."

A Nubian Star Cruiser in transit between Coruscant and Naboo several hours later

"Senator Amidala we've received news" one of the Officers told Padme. "The Senate has granted Supreme Chancellor Damask emergency powers, the vote was unanimous. Additionally Supreme Chancellor Damask has authorized the use of force against the planet Geonosis, where the Jedi Council suspect assassin Durge is hiding along with the Separatist Leader Count Dooku."

"This is terrible news" Padme said.

"I disagree Senator" Anakin said immediately regretting he had when Padme turned her withering gaze upon him.

"Please explain your position to us Padawan" Padme demanded raising an eyebrow. The Senator's entourage sat silently.

"Um, well, er, Supreme Chancellor Damask is a great being I'm sure he'll handle this situation properly."

"How?"

"Excuse me Senator?"

"How, tell us how Supreme Chancellor Damask will handle the situation properly? Do you have any idea how volatile the situation truly is Padawan?"

"If Supreme Chancellor Damask uses military force now he can stop the Separatist Movement with only a little bloodshed. Even we Jedi believe in battling our enemies, if we are left with no other choice."

"You think there is no other choice left but the military option?"

"They've already attacked us, it is self-defence now. All I'm saying is we should take the chance well have right now to end the Separatist Movement before things get further out of control."

"What about peace? Shouldn't we give peace a chance?"

"We Jedi have a saying you can't negotiate with a saber at your throat. Supreme Chancellor Damask is doing what he must to restore peace. I can't fault him for that."

"I hope you're right, I truly do. There is an old Naboo saying, an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind."

Coruscant three days later

Supreme Chancellor Hego Damask along with a delegation from the Senate, several Jedi Masters, and a group of holo-net journalists stood on the freshly installed massive landing pads which held several newly constructed battle cruiser starships. Ranks of thousands of identically armored Clone Troops stood at attention. They were the first of many more to come from the labs of Kamino.

"Today I inaugurate the new Grand Army of the Republic" Hego Damask announced via the microphones built into the podium on which he stood. "The first mission of our brave Clone Troopers, under the command of the Jedi Council, will be to bring justice to the assassin harboring Separatist planet of Geonosis. We seek not vengeance only justice. Long live the Republic!"

Nearby Jedi Grandmaster Yoda felt a shiver run through his diminutive form. "A dark place this will take us I fear." Yoda said to Mace Windu who stood by his side.

"I fear you're right" Mace replied, his expression more sour than usual as Supreme Chancellor Damask cut the symbolic ribbon signifying the official launch of the Grand Army.

To Be Continued