Disclaimer: It used to be George's sandbox. It is now Disney's. I just play here in my own little AU corner. :)
AN: Here's chapter 38! Thanks for all the great reviews.
Force Jumper
Chapter 38: Fall Out
When they disembarked from the Imperial Hand or what was left of it, the spectacle on the landing pad was about what they expected. The Holonews scrambled as close to Chancellor Palpatine as they could.
"The Chancellor will be making no comments at this time," Mas Amedda shouted, as the red guards quickly closed ranks around him and led him inside the Senate building.
Anakin stood rigid near the wreckage, probing the Force. He knew Mace had survived and would try to make a quick escape. He ignored the calls of the reporters and his keen senses picked up on an inkling of danger. Out of nowhere, a speared cable shot out toward him. he sliced it with his lightsaber and fell into fighting stance. Hunter, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka followed suit. From the top of the Senate building, they spotted two people, one they clearly recognized as Depa Billaba. The other shocked Obi-Wan to his core, but he supposed it shouldn't have, given all he had discovered about Mace. Holding the second gauntlet was Adi Gallia, Siri's former Master. Anakin sensed him before he struck and blocked his violent blade with his own sapphire colored one.
"The secret is out so I might as well make a good show for your demise," Mace hissed, as he made a hand signal. Two cables shot out again, wrapping around Hunter. The voltage out the youth on his knees, as he screamed in agony.
"No…" Anakin growled, as he dueled Mace fiercely in attempt to get passed him to rescue his son. Obi-Wan and Ahsoka started for him, but were forced to duel Adi and Depa, while Ventress emerged from the shadows, dagger in hand.
"He'll die first and then you'll join him," Mace stated.
"No...stop, he's just a kid!" Anakin pleaded. Mace smirked in satisfaction.
"It's interesting that you'd die for him if I demanded it, but as it stands, neither of you can be allowed to live," Mace said, as the witch prepared to slit his throat.
"NOOO!" Anakin cried. Suddenly, an unseen Force suddenly shoved Ventress away and Master Yoda hobbled onto the landing pad. With a quick swipe, he cut Hunter loose and extinguished his blade.
"Master Yoda…" Anakin said in surprise. Standing next to him was Shaak Ti and she gently helped Hunter to his feet, supporting the weakened youth.
"Harm anymore children on my watch any longer, you will not," Yoda stated fiercely.
"Master...you don't understand! Their power is unnatural. It is an abomination!" Mace insisted. Yoda's ears dipped sadly.
"The order's greatest student, you were. Failed you, I did," Yoda said sadly.
"Forgive me Master, but I've done much research and nothing you or anyone else could have done would have changed him. He was indoctrinated into the Xal'Kaar beliefs before he was old enough to know any other way," Obi-Wan stated.
"Save your pity, Kenobi," Mace spat.
"You have more followers within the Temple. Tell us who," Ahsoka demanded. Mace smirked.
"My people are everywhere, not just in the Temple. You'll never extract us all," Mace countered.
"Unfortunately, he's right. But without you as their leader, it may deal them a serious blow," Anakin replied.
"You are a fool if you believe the Xal'Kaar will not endure without me. They have existed for thousands of years, just as you abominations have," Mace retorted.
"Nevertheless, you are under arrest, Master Windu," Obi-Wan stated. Mace chuckled.
"I'm not going anywhere with you Kenobi. I told you...I have people everywhere," Mace said, as Ventress tossed several thermal detonators at them and the crowd. This forced Anakin and Hunter to jump people to a safe distance, allowing Mace and his cohorts to escape aboard a waiting transport.
Once they were gone, Holonet reporters attempted to mob them.
"Much we have to discuss, hm?" Yoda asked.
"Yes Master Yoda and if you'll allow it, Anakin can take us to a more appropriate place," Obi-Wan stated.
"And then you can bring us back?" Shaak Ti asked. Anakin nodded.
"Then go, we should," Yoda said.
"I suggest you close your eyes to avoid the nausea associated with first time jumps," Anakin suggested. They heeded his advice and in a blink, they were gone.
Mace Windu stormed toward the cockpit once they were safely ensconced in hyperspace, just as Ventress put them on autopilot.
"You let him get away! He wasn't supposed to be on that ship! You've jeopardized our whole operation!" Mace exclaimed. Asaaj clenched her teeth in anger.
"How was I supposed to know that he would develop some gadget to nullify our equipment!" she hissed back.
"What are you talking about?" he demanded. she extracted a hologram disc from her pocket and inserted it into the player.
"Do it now!" she screamed. The two operatives she had left fired up their machine and sent a charge barreling toward him. He pressed his belt buckle and an invisible barrier countered the attack. He smirked at the surprise on her face and disappeared, slaying her last two men before she could blink.
"Tell your Master that if he comes after my family again, then I'm going straight to the Jedi Temple to confront him in front of all, consequences be damned," Knightblade growled, before he disappeared. She growled in rage at her defeat.
"I wasn't expecting him to be able to do that," Ventress defended herself. Mace clenched his fists.
"He is growing too powerful. His powers combined with his skills as an engineer make him the most formidable adversary we've ever dealt with. And now...our secret is out," Mace said.
"They are shredding you to bits on the Holonet," Adi mentioned.
"As bleak as things may seem, now that we don't have to operate under the radar, we can go after Force jumpers we haven't been able to in fear of exposure," Depa said.
"She's right. It's time to double our operations. Skywalker wanted to bring this war to the surface and so we will," Mace replied.
"If you'd like, we could drop out of hyperspace and I can take a shuttle to Naboo. I know he's there with his little family," Ventress suggested.
"No, you'll return to Coruscant. The Senator will have to return there and he is easier to follow on the capital world," Mace said. Ventress nodded.
"As you wish," she obeyed, as she went to prepare for her return journey.
"The Force has never been more clouded and muddled with infection than it is now. It is time to wage an even fiercer war on the abominations that plague us," Mace said fiercely.
It's finally happening," Quinlan said, as they watched Mace show his true self for all to see.
"It's been a long time coming. Maybe now, all his victims will receive justice," Sifo-Dyas said. Anakin had brought him here before leaving momentarily for Ari's father and a few others. Master Yoda was quiet and pensive, still taking in all that had transpired. He had allowed himself a small smile at the sight of Blake and the twins, who were playing semi-quietly. Blake knew something important was happening, but had taken to playing with Luke and Leia for the time being, knowing that his parents would explain things to him in time. Yoda then took notice of Hunter and Arianna.
"The same ability you have too, hmmm?" he asked the young girl. she nodded.
"Yes Master Yoda, me and my father are both Force Jumpers," Arianna said respectfully.
"She can also use the Force to channel an element too," Hunter mentioned.
"Show me, can you?" Yoda requested. Ari nodded and conjured a perfect sphere of water before them.
"Very skilled, you are," Yoda mentioned.
"My father and uncles have been training me since I was very young," Ari replied, as Anakin returned with her parents. Jake and Katrina, her uncle Johnny and a few others.
"I can't believe it. Baldy finally cracked," Xander said. His wife elbowed him in the ribs.
"Don't be rude," Anna scolded.
"I know everyone has questions, but first, I've brought Master Yoda to meet with us. As you can imagine, Mace's betrayal has been very shocking to him," Anakin announced.
"It's an honor to meet you, Master Yoda," Jake greeted, as he bowed respectfully.
"Parents of this young one, you are?" Yoda asked, indicating Arianna.
"Yes Master," Katrina answered.
"Much we have to discuss, I presume?" Yoda asked, as they all found seats. Yoda's full attention became focused on Sifo-Dyas.
"Know about Mace all these years, have you?" Yoda questioned.
"Not until I saved Quinlan from two of his operatives, over twenty years ago," Sifo replied.
"Mace has always known what I was. The moment he became a Council member, I left Coruscant. He had his people hunting me from them on. As a Council member, he has had the freedom necessary to lead the Xal'Kaar initiative," Quinlan added.
"Felt you could not tell me?" Yoda asked.
"I'm sorry Master, I didn't think I could. It was never personal. But even if you did somehow believe me, Mace would have found a way to get to me," Quinlan replied.
"I'm afraid he's right. This goes beyond Mace. The Xal'Kaar have been hunting Force Jumpers for a millennium, going back even further than the Great Sith Wars.
In those early days, the people of Haruun Kal worshiped the Force as a deity. The planet at the time was a haven for criminals and murderers, the worst the galaxy had to offer. One of their rulers sought to do something about it. A very bad Force Jumper had killed his entire family and continued to wreak havoc on the people of the planet with his followers. So the ruler used the people's fear of his ability to rise up against him after a chance entanglement between them led to the discovery that electric currents were a weakness. He used their belief in the Force to convince the people that all Force Jumpers were evil and their use of the Force in this manner was an abomination and a severe sin.
Machines were built to harness the needed voltage. Anyone with the ability was captured and publicly executed, even children. The ruler carried out many executions himself, spilling the blood of each and burning the remains to cleanse the Force of such perversion. It was not long before all Force Jumpers were eradicated on Haruun Kal. The Xal'Kaar doctrine became a way of life for most. Many young men joined as soon as they were old enough and they enjoyed their existence without their mortal enemy for many years. But it would not last.
The Great Sith Wars brought chaos to the galaxy. The ruler was slain by a Sith that also happened to have the ability and war erupted between Force Jumpers and the Xal'Kaar across the galaxy. In the end, Force Jumpers were chased off the planet forever by the towering EMP pillars that were constructed in planetary defense by the new Xal'Kaar leader. She wasn't satisfied with that though. She wanted them eradicated from every planet and so she started the hunt. They learned how to track them, follow them through their jump scars, capture, and kill, all while erasing all traces. Now that they are exposed, there is no telling to what lengths Mace may go to continue his crusade," Sifo-Dyas explained.
"Know Mace, I thought I did, yet see any of this, I could not," Yoda said sadly.
"It's not your fault Master. He's fooled all and I would have never believed it myself until I saw it with my own eyes," Scout spoke. Yoda perked up at the sight of Scout and Whie. Shaak Ti greeted them with warm hugs, overjoyed to see them alive and well.
"Warms my heart it does to see you both safe," Yoda said.
"So what's our move now?" Ahsoka asked. Anakin smirked.
"I've captured Count Dooku. That alone was not in the Sith Master's plan, whoever he is. Grievous will get sloppy without Dooku and the Master may get desperate. Mace has retreated, but we all know he won't stop hunting us. It will be more difficult with the public opinion against him. We just need to be ready for just about anything now," Anakin replied.
As one might guess, this is by far the biggest news story of the century. Mace Windu, illustrious Grand Master of the Jedi Council has deceived us all and leads a dastardly double life as the leader of a group that assassinates beings known as Force Jumpers. These beings can teleport anywhere in an instant like the vigilante known as Knightblade. In an even more surprising turn of events, the question of the identity of the mysterious Knightblade has been answered. In a move of pure revenge, Mace Windu revealed Knightblade to be Anakin Skywalker and the secret husband of Senator Padme Amidala. Our sources indicate that Skywalker is a former slave from the outer rim and was rejected by the Jedi at the age of ten, despite a remarkably high midichlorian count. It is assumed that Skywalker has also fathered Senator Amidala's children. The Senator, nor her staff, however, have returned any of our attempts to make contact,"
The reporter droned on and the seemingly feeble facade of Chancellor Palpatine had all but faded within his private quarters. The goblet containing his wine cracked and shattered under the stress of his Force projected anger. This was not at all how things were supposed to go. Mace Windu and his little war with Knightblade had already cost him dearly. All his carefully laid plans had yet to come to fruition. His carefully orchestrated war had lasted far longer than he anticipated, because of their interference. Dooku was supposed to be dead, but had been captured by Knightblade no less. If the old fool revealed his identity, then it would be over. Add to that, Knightblade turned out to be Anakin Skywalker, the supposed Chosen One, now too rooted in the light for him to corrupt. It was a missed opportunity if he had ever seen one, mucked up by the incompetent Jedi as usual. Fortunately, he still had a few tricks up his sleeve.
There was a chime at his door. He raised his hand to the Force and unlocked it.
"Come in," he rasped from beneath the cloak of Sidious. The clocked form a Asaaj Ventress entered and knelt before him.
"Master," she hissed.
"What news do you have from Haruun Kal?" Sidious inquired.
"Windu has retreated with his little followers. The mood is grim. Mace has embarrassed his entire clan and exposed them like an ugly vein," Ventress reported. Sidious smirked.
"Then it is time. Is our secret weapon ready?" he asked
"He awaits your orders, My Master," she said, as another cloaked figure entered.
"Proceed with Phase one of our plan," Sidious ordered.
"It will be done My Master," the figure, clearly male, responded.
Yoda watched intently, observing the abilities of the young Force Jumpers and their amazing ability to channel elements. The ground shook and snow fell, as Dustin and Mina demonstrated their abilities in a duel. Riley's force fields remained impenetrable, even by Arianna's water beam and the sky was alive with energy, as wind and lightning clashed from Sky and Hunter's spar.
"Remarkable it is. Seen anything quite like it in my nine-hundred years, I have not," Yoda mentioned.
"It is indeed Master. I am glad we are now able to share this with you," Sifo-Dyas said.
"Protected my fellow Jedi and many innocents, I have not," the tiny Master said sadly.
"Perhaps Master, but now that can be rectified," Sifo replied.
"Speak to my old padawan, I must," Yoda requested. They joined Anakin and Quinlan, as Anakin jumped the four of them to Yavin IV.
Haruun Kal
"Master, the High Council is requesting your presence in chambers," Depa said, as they arrived home at the main headquarters in the capital Pelek Baw. He didn't need use of the Force to sense that they were not pleased. By the demure mood of his padawan, he could tell she had already received a severe tongue lashing.
"Very well, let's not keep them waiting then," ace stated. Mace enjoyed being in charge. He had never let the elders dictate to him how to run his operations and he wouldn't begin now.
As he entered the chamber, he spied the sour, weathered faces of the elder Xal'Kaar operatives. Secrecy was very important to them. They were a secluded, but proud race. Pure Korunnai people were all Force sensitive and they boasted this proudly.
"This is quite the mess you've created," Vera Kalani stated.
"I did not create this, Madam Kalani. I think we all know that filthy abomination has done that," Mace hissed.
"Yet for nearly seventeen years, this Knightblade has run free because you have failed to see to his demise," Ezra Brall chimed in. He was the second seated elder and Mace was positive the old codger was enjoying this. Until Mace had come along, Brall had enjoyed the highest personal kill record for Force Jumpers, but Mace had shattered that long ago, something Brall had always resented.
"We have poured all our resources to take this one down. But his powers and ingenuity have continued to defeat us. Our secrecy has held me back from taking him on directly," Mace defended himself.
"That secrecy has protected us for centuries. There are now outcries to imprison our people. Our own Senator has turned on us, claiming to know nothing!" Krell Dallinger said in outrage. The third seated elder, always the coward, Dallinger had no personal kills to his name, always the one to stay at the base and order the kills.
"Senator Pelek is a politician, slimy through and through. He'd turn on us for a better deal in an instant," Mace stated, unfazed.
"And what of these Force Jumpers that supposedly control elements? They alone could spell our doom," Vera reminded.
"They are children and now that operating in secret is no longer a concern, I am planning an all out assault on Knightblade's entire family," Mace stated.
"Yes...but we believe you've had all the chances you deserve," Ezra stated. Mace glared at him.
"We've decided that it's time you be replaced," Vera added, as the door opened. Mace was appalled to see Depa in the doorway with the red beam of a light saber protruding from the center of her chest.
"Depa…" Mace uttered, as her body fell dead to the floor, revealing her killer. Mace immediately recognized him as Kar Vastor, a fierce Korunnai warrior and a lethal hunter, or at least he had been until he was supposedly killed during the beginning of the war, five years earlier. But this was not the same Vastor he remembered. This one wielded a Sith bladed lightsaber. Last Mace knew, Kar only possessed some Force training, as did most Korunnai. Not enough to be a Jedi or Sith for that matter. Second, he wasn't completely organic anymore. One arm was bionic, all the way to the shoulder and the right side of his face was also marred with metal graft, as well, complete with an artificial eye.
"Kar Vastor…I thought you were dead," Windu stated.
"I'm sure you did," Vastor said, in a muddled electronic voice.
"My kill list was on track to surpass yours and my operations were impressive. Instead of utilizing my skills, you felt threatened and hoped I got lost in the war," Kar garbled.
"You were dangerous. You want to kill not just Force jumpers, but all non-Force sensitives as well," Mace retorted.
"Don't try to justify what you do and demonize what I do. I just take what you do a step further. The galaxy is in chaos and fortunately, I have joined a cause that seeks to bring peace to this volatility," Kar stated.
"The Sith will never bring peace or have you forgotten it was a Sith Force jumper that plagued our planet in the dark days. Following the Sith will lead us to our doom!" Mace implored the Council.
"I'm sorry Master Windu, but the Council is unanimous in its decision. You have been replaced and hereby must be eliminated," Vera stated. At her words, Mace ignited his violet bladed lightsaber and cut a circle in the floor, plummeting him to the level below, before he went about making his way back to his ship.
"Hurry...he's getting away!" Ezra exclaimed. But Vastor only smirked.
"Let him...I'll enjoy the hunt. Besides, I feel he will lead me to much bigger fish," Kar replied.
"As head of this Council, I order you to go after him!" Vera demanded. But she was swiftly beheaded by the new Sith apprentice, as the door to the Council room slammed shut.
"Fools...my Master has ordered that you all be eliminated as well. I am the new Council...I am the Xal'Kaar leader now," he stated. Screams of terror rang out as the nine remaining Council members were swiftly slaughtered in mere moments. The Sith took out his comlink device and a small hologram of his Master appeared.
"It is done. The Council is dead and Windu is on the run. He will lead me to Knightblade, I am sure of it," Vastor stated.
"Well done, my apprentice. Once you find him, use his loved ones to make him take you to Dooku. Then kill him, Knightblade, and all associated with him, including Windu," Sidious ordered.
"It will be done, Master," he responded.
Count Dooku was astonished to see Master Yoda slowly approaching his cell.
"A long time it has been, my old padawan," Yoda stated, as he sat down outside the cell.
"Then you've become aware of Windu's treachery, I assume?" Dooku responded.
"It's all over the Holonet," Anakin interjected.
"Do you realize what you've done by exposing him?" Dooku asked angrily.
"I exposed him so he and his entire operation can be taken down!" Anakin retorted. Dooku scoffed.
"You've just made it worse. Now he doesn't have to be secretive about going after you and everyone you love," Dooku warned.
"Not if I take him out first and if you tell me who your Master is," Anakin demanded. Dooku chuckled.
"Your padawan is reckless, my old friend," Dooku said to his old friend.
"Anakin wants this war to end as much as I do. Who is he, Sar?" Sifo asked, using his first name.
"I don't know his true identity," Dooku replied.
"You're lying," Quinlan accused.
"Perhaps, but it doesn't matter. If I knew, I would never tell you anything," Dooku responded.
"Why? You can't possibly think that you matter to your Master?" Anakin asked.
"I'm no fool, you insolent brat. If you know anything about the Sith, then you know the apprentice is forever plotting against his Master. I have my own agenda, I assure you," Dooku responded.
"Well, you're not getting out of here until you help us take down your Master and Mace Windu, so you might as well start talking," Quinlan said. Dooku chuckled.
"Oh, do not underestimate the Master. As for Windu, he does not have complete control within the Xal'Kaar as he would have you believe. His own kind will take care of him," Dooku stated.
"What does that mean?" Anakin demanded to know. Dooku smirked.
"It means that Mace is not your only problem and you are a fool if you think you can take down the Xal'Kaar. It cannot be done," Dooku replied. Anakin shook his head.
"You're wrong. I will take them down and I will find the Sith Master and do the same, with or without your help. Rot in this cell for all I care," Anakin spat.
"As powerful as you are, the Sith Master is still one step ahead," Dooku warned.
"Then tell us how to stop him!" Anakin exclaimed.
"Stopping him could have benefits to me, but I demand to be released," Dooku replied.
"Oh right, so you can escape," Anakin refuted.
"Lock me out from any of the docking bays that have ships and I cannot go anywhere. I am not the one who can jump planets," Dooku said. Anakin sighed.
"He has a point," Sifo stated.
"Master…" Anakin protested.
"It is all right, young one," Sifo said, as he pulled him aside.
"We have been friends a long time, Ani and he was once Master Yoda's padawan. Perhaps a few days in a meditation retreat with us may help him rethink his ways," Sifo whispered.
"Master...have you forgotten that this is the same man that was going to use your own blood and tissue to make Grievous walk and talk?" Anakin asked.
"He has a point, Master," Quinlan whispered.
"Yes and I'm not naive. But what information he has, he will only divulge if it benefits him. Perhaps some time in a place like Yavin IV, so connected to the Force, he may realize
revealing what he knows will in fact benefit him. Right now, he is sure that if he tells us anything, it will result in his demise. Give that time to change," Sifo responded. Anakin sighed.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Master," Anakin said.
"Go home to Padme and the young ones. Master Yoda and I will handle the illustrious Count. Master Yoda has a way about him. Sar might even reveal things without even realizing it," Sifo replied. Anakin nodded, as he and Quinlan disappeared.
"I'm hungry. Will you join me for evening meal, Master?" Sifo asked.
"Remember your cooking, I do. Take that, my old stomach cannot," Yoda joked. Sifo chuckled.
"It's not as good as Padme's cooking, but my cooking droids make a decent meal. You must be famished as well, Sar," Sifo said, as he reluctantly followed them into the main temple which had long ago been converted into their home.
"Your hospitality will not change anything, my old friend," Dooku reminded. Sifo smirked.
"Perhaps not, but I'm not one for keeping people locked up like animals," Sifo said. Dooku glared at them, as he followed.
As Padme sat at her vanity that evening, she smiled, as her husband came in and started getting ready for bed.
"Ani...are you okay?" she asked, noticing the pensive look on his face.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm glad everyone is now seeing Mace for what he is. But they're dragging you through the mud now that they know about your marriage to me. They're destroying your career and I never wanted that," Anakin replied.
"I know, but it's not your fault. And I think they're still more focused on Mace than me," Padme said.
"It doesn't scare you to go back to the Senate and face all the scrutiny?" he asked in amazement. She shrugged.
"A little. But I'd never give you or our children up for the sake of my reputation. If Queen Apilana asks me to step down from my position, then I will, no regrets," she replied, as she kissed him softly.
"Now, forget all the gossip on the Holonet and come to bed," she beckoned.
"I'll try, but I don't think it will be easy. I even tried calming my thoughts with meditation, but let's face it, meditation is not my strong suit," he replied.
"I think I know just the distraction for you then," she said, as she parted her robe and it fell to the floor, leaving her in just undergarments.
"Does this help you forget all that silly gossip?" she asked coyly, as he stared hungrily at her.
"What gossip?" he asked. She smirked and the distance closed between them. She clawed at his tunic, practically tearing it off, and her hands delighted in exploring her husband's bare, chiseled chest and abdomen. He pressed her against the wall and pinned her arms above her head, as his lips dueled with hers.
"I love you so much," he rasped,
"I love you too," she replied, as he swept her into his arms and carried her to bed. For the moment, they would forget all else and focus only on their love.