TW: Thank you.
Guest: That's kind of the thing about Windu; he's everything wrong with the Jedi by the time of the Prequel Era rolled into one. He's arrogant, hypocritical, and self-righteous to the point of self-destruction and he doesn't even realize it. He expects everyone to follow the Jedi Code but throws that out whenever it suits him.
Gallifrey 22.3: The Doctor knows he won't stop it by this point. And even The Doctor's mercy has limits, after what was done to the Jedi and Clones; The Doctor knows the time for talking has passed.
Coruscant
Morning
In Bail's apartment, Anakin was sitting down on the couch, appearing deep in thought. But still, he felt a familiar presence approach him from behind.
"Anakin? Are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Fine. Just…have a lot on my mind," Anakin said with a heavy sigh.
"Is it about Padme?" Obi-Wan asked and Anakin shrugged.
"Padme, The Master, everything really," Anakin said tiredly. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
"You thought I would tell the council if I knew," Obi-Wan noted and Anakin looked away in shame. "Perhaps if I had not given you reason not to trust me, you would have confided the truth in me."
"Master," Anakin said, looking up at Obi-Wan in surprise.
"It's alright Anakin, I'm aware I've made mistakes. With you and Ahsoka," Obi-Wan sighed and Anakin noted how tired Obi-Wan seemed. "I should not have dismissed your dreams about your mother, or allowed you to think I was dead. I did not agree with the Council's decision to expel Ahsoka, but I should have fought harder, let her know that I was on her side. I'm sorry Anakin…for all of it."
Anakin stared at Obi-Wan for a long moment, for the first time perhaps seeing him as a man, not the infallible Obi-Wan Kenobi, perfect Jedi. Almost against his will, Anakin felt his resentment towards his old master ebb away.
"There's nothing to forgive Obi-Wan. I've made my own share of mistakes," Anakin acknowledged. "And with everything going on, I don't think any of it matters right now."
"Perhaps not," Obi-Wan agreed, studying his friend. "You're worried about Padme though."
"I'm worried about everyone. But yeah, Padme especially. I'm worried about what The Master might do to her," Anakin said uneasily.
"I understand, believe me Anakin," Obi-Wan assured him, remembering his own fears after receiving Satine's message after Deathwatch took Mandalore. "But you cannot let it cloud your judgement, especially with what we are about to do."
Anakin knew Obi-Wan was right, for more than he knew. In his visions, The Master had used Padme somehow to convince him to turn to the Dark Side. He knew he had to control his fear this time around.
"I know," Anakin agreed with a sigh. "It's time to end this."
Utapau
Same time
Grievous was pacing back and forth, his form practically trembling with anger. He was not pleased.
Yesterday, the battle droids had been inexplicably shut down. And all his attempts at contacting Lord Sidious had been met with silence. Grievous didn't know what was going on, but he didn't like it one bit.
A noise pierced the air, breaking Grievous out of his rage filled musings. He stalked over to the window of the base they were hiding at, seeing three Republic Cruisers. Before Grievous could even start to plan a next move, they began firing rockets at the base.
Coruscant
Not long after
"Everyone know the plan?" Anakin asked again as the group began getting ready to depart.
"Wasn't sure I got it the first time, but now that we've gone over it a few more times, I think I'm starting to get it," Ahsoka said dryly as she clipped her lightsabers to her belt.
Anakin shot her an unamused look before he suddenly felt a powerful ripple in The Force. Judging by the startled look on the faces of the other Jedi, he wasn't alone.
"What? What is it?" The Doctor asked as the others saw the state of the Jedi.
"A disturbance in The Force. Death, suffering I feel," Yoda said grimly.
"Whatever it is, I think we can assume The Master is involved somehow," Ahsoka noted.
"Again. Kriffing great," Rex grumbled.
"We're gonna stop him Rex," Anakin assured him.
"Yeah? And then what? So many dead Troopers, so many dead Jedi. Why? What was the point of it all?" Rex asked.
For a long moment, the silent, none of them really having an answer for Rex.
"You're right, there really isn't a point to any of it. So let's make it matter. Let's make it so they didn't die for nothing. All those deaths, Clone or Jedi, let's make it all matter today," The Doctor said firmly and after a moment, Rex nodded.
"Fine by me," Rex said, grabbing his blaster. "Let's move out."
The Doctor looked around the room, smiling slightly at the group. What an odd bunch they mad. A Time Lord, two 21st century humans, four Jedi, a former Jedi, a rogue Clone and a Senator. For all their differences, they were united in their cause now.
As his swept across the room, The Doctor's eyes lingered on Amy and Rory, caught in a tender embrace as they said goodbye. A hollowness filled him, knowing what he would have to do once this was all over.
"Come back to me," Amy whispered, her face buried in Rory's shoulder.
Even just a few days ago, she would have scolded herself for being too clingy. But that had been before Rory had nearly been killed in front of her. She had already lost Melody, she would not lose Rory as well.
"Always," Rory promised, kissing her forehead lightly.
The Doctor's gaze flickered away from his friends, seeing Anakin and Ahsoka saying their own goodbyes.
"We keep having to say goodbye," Ahsoka noted wistfully.
"Well hopefully, this time it won't be so bad. You free the Clones; I'll take care of Sidious. And hopefully when this is over, we'll be able to just sit down for a bit," Anakin said and Ahsoka looked at him amused.
"You and sitting down don't really go together," she said in amusement and Anakin shrugged.
"First time for everything," Anakin said and there was a pause between them. "Good luck Snips."
"You too Skyguy," Ahsoka said with a soft smile.
Ahsoka moved to turn away, paused and, before she could talk herself out of it, turned back and hugged Anakin. Although surprised, Anakin returned the gesture. They stayed like that for a long moment before letting each other go.
"I'll see you when all this is over," Anakin promised and Ahsoka nodded.
"Yeah," Ahsoka said before walking off.
Anakin stared after her for a moment before Rex approached from behind.
"Things go south, take Ahsoka and get out. Knock her out; carry her over your shoulder if you have to. Just get her out," Anakin said and Rex nodded.
"I'll do my best, but you know how she is," Rex said before holding a hand. "Good luck Anakin."
"You too Rex," Anakin said as they took hands in a handshake.
"May The Force be with us all," Windu said grimly, a dark feeling settling over the room.
Senate Building
Later that morning
In his office, Palpatine was sitting at his desk, having a conversation with a holographic Clone Trooper.
"The Separatist base was destroyed my lord. There are no survivors," the Clone said.
"Then it is done. Well done Commander, you have brought peace to the galaxy. Return home at once," Palpatine ordered.
"Yes My Lord," the Clone said before his hologram faded.
Barely had the hologram faded when Palpatine felt a strong ripple in The Force. Hearing the two guards by the doorway drop to the floor, Palpatine turned his chair as Anakin, Obi-Wan; Yoda and Windu entered the room.
"Master Yoda, you survived," Palpatine noted.
"I did Chancellor. Or would you prefer The Master?" Yoda asked and Palatine smiled darkly.
"So, The Doctor figured it out," Palpatine noted as he got to his feet.
"He did. And now, your reign is coming to an end, My Lord," Windu said mockingly as the four Jedi ignited their lightsabers.
Control Tower
Same time
At the entrance to the control tower, a Clone Trooper was walking by a nearby ship that had its ramp lowered when a voice called out to him.
"Hey, can we get some help? We got a ship load of equipment to unload," the voice of a Clone called out from inside the ship.
Looking around and seeing no one, the Clone shrugged before heading up the ramp. After a few moments, there was the sound of a hit and a thud. Not long after Rex, now dressed in the other Clone's uniform and helmet, walked down the ramp with The Doctor, Rory and Ahsoka, R2 rolling behind them.
"So far so good," Rory noted, looking around the room uneasily.
"Let's hope we keep it that way. And make sure to keep your lightsabers out of sight until absolutely necessary. Last thing we need is these guy trying to execute you two," Rex said, looking from Rory to Ahsoka.
"It's why we're here, to make sure they don't," Ahsoka reminded him.
"On that note, R2, lead the way," The Doctor ordered and the droid began leading them in the direction of the Emergency Broadcast System.
Senate Building
Same time
"You're gonna pay, for everything you've done," Anakin said coldly, trying desperately to control his anger at the sight of Palpatine.
"I think not Anakin. I've planned too long for this," Palpatine said and the change was apparent, they could see the evil swimming in Palpatine's eyes.
"Since you escaped the Time Lock and arrived on Naboo a century ago, is that right?" Obi-Wan noted and Palpatine smiled sinisterly.
"It nearly killed me. It would have, had I not Regenerated. Then I found my master, and he remade me. I was truly reborn that day. No longer was I The Master. I am now, and always will be, Darth Sidious," Sidious declared.
Sidious then called a lightsaber from under his robe into his hand and immediately ignited it. With a roar, Sidious jumped, rushing the Jedi and the four of them immediately began using their lightsabers to block Sidious's red blade.
Elsewhere on Coruscant
Same time
In a military base, Bail looked around until he found who he was looking for.
"Admiral Yularen," Bail called out and Yularen turned to him curiously.
"Senator Organa. What can I do for you?" Yularen asked curiously.
"I must speak to you of a matter of the utmost importance, privately," Bail told him.
Senate building
Same time
The four Jedi did their best to block Sidious's red blade, but he was fast. Even Yoda could barely keep up with him. With a powerful Force Push, Obi-Wan was sent crashing out the doorway before Sidious unleashed a hand full of Force Lightning on the other Jedi. Anakin and Windu managed to avoid it but Yoda was struck by it. The small alien was sent crashing into the wall as Sidious jumped into his senate panel, seemingly in an attempt to flee.
Anakin rushed forward, jumping into the panel after him. The two parried back and forth, blue against red as the panel began rising out of the office.
"Good Anakin," Sidious sneered as their blades met in a stalemate. "Let your anger flow through you."
Anakin felt a ripple behind him before stepping back slightly as Windu jumped up next to him, bringing his purple saber down on Sidious's.
Back in the office, Obi-Wan rushed in just in time to see the panel rise above into the Senate Chamber, out of his reach. Just like before with Maul and Qui-Gon, he had been separated as his friend dueled with a Sith Lord, just when Anakin needed him most.
"Despair, you should not Obi-Wan," Yoda said as he pulled himself to his feet, sensing Obi-Wan's thoughts. "Over, this battle is not. To the Senate Chamber, we must go."
Control Tower
Same time
"How much further R2?" Rory asked as the group continued to move through the corridor.
R2 beeped at them and the other four exchanged grim looks. It was not good news.
"Well we better hurry," Rex muttered, gripping his blaster in his holster tightly.
Rory privately agreed, eying some of the Clones that passed by them. He had a bad feeling when one of them glanced over at Rory.
No, not Rory, he realized with dread as he glanced towards Ahsoka. Rory then saw the Clone reach for his blaster and knew what was about to happen.
"Get down!" Rory shouted, pushing Ahsoka out of the way.
The others immediately headed Rory's warning as the Clones opened fire. The Doctor pulled out his screwdriver, which he used to dismantle their weapons before Ahsoka Force Slammed them against a wall hardy enough to knock them out.
"Kriff, we've been made," Rex swore as they got up.
"Well then we better get moving, it won't take the others long to realize they have a Jedi in the Tower," Ahsoka said uneasily.
Senate Building
Same time
In the Senate Chamber, Anakin and Windu are crossing blades with Sidious, both Jedi noticing he was having trouble keeping up with both of them. With an angry roar, Sidious unleashed a powerful Force Push that sent both Jedi flying.
Using their years of training, both Anakin and Windu managed to land on separate Senate pods below where Sidious was. Hearing the sounds of clanging metal, Anakin looked up to see some of the Senate Pods above them being ripped off the hinges that attached them to the walls.
"Master, looks like he's getting creative!" Anakin shouted out a warning to Windu.
Windu was saved from responding when Sidious used The Force to throw the pods at them. Anakin and Windu both managed to doge but Sidious then threw more pods at them, cackling insanely as he did so.
Deciding to give him a taste of his own medicine, Anakin used The Force to grab one of the pods that had just landed and threw it back at Sidious. Sidious was able to stop it with his Force Grab but Windu had taken advantage of Sidious's distraction and jumped up along the other pods. Windu jumped into the pod Sidious was in and attempted to strike him but Sidious abandoned his grip on the pod, whirling around and meeting Windu's blade with his own.
"You reign is at an end," Windu sneered and Sidious laughed mockingly.
"Your arrogance blinds you Master Windu. And it will be your undoing," Sidious said menacingly.
Sidious sent a Force Push Windu's way but Windu was ready for it, meeting it with one of his own. However, this had merely been a distraction. While Windu was focused on his Force Push, Sidious unleased a stream of Force Lightning, which hit Windu's lightsaber. The unexpected blow caused Windu to not only stop his Force Push, but to drop his lightsaber as he stumbled back.
Windu only had a moment to react to this before Sidious rushed him and drove his lightsaber through Windu's chest.
"The Jedi are no more. And soon, the rest of your Order will join you in death," Sidious said gleefully before pulling his red blade out of Windu's chest.
Sidious laughed gleefully as Windu's body fell off the pod before a rage filled roar filled the chamber. Sidious turned as Anakin jumped up onto the pod, swinging his lightsaber as Sidious.
Control Tower
Same time
The group was making their way towards the Emergency Broadcast System as quickly as they could when Ahsoka felt a ripple in The Force. Ahsoka turned around, seeing a group of Clones headed their way, all having weapons aimed at them. Ahsoka ignited her lightsabers as they opened fire, doing her best to deflect the blaster bolts.
Beside her, Rory had ignited his own lightsaber and was doing his best to deflect the blaster bolts with impressive ease as Rex pulled out his blasters, returning fire. The Doctor used his screwdriver to take out as many of their blasters as possible, which allowed the group to take them out with ease. Rex shot them on stun with Ahsoka Force Slammed them into the wall once more.
"We have incoming!" Rory shouted as they saw more Clones approaching.
"We don't have time for this," Rex grumbled, gripping his blaster.
"We do. The Doctor doesn't," Rory said as he turned to his friend. "Doctor, you and R2 get to the Emergency System. Do what you need to do, we'll hold them off."
"He's right, we can handle ourselves. Go Sir!" Rex shouted, gipping his blasters tightly.
It wasn't something The Doctor wanted to do, he hated it. But he knew they were right, and this would be over once he knocked out the chips. So, reluctantly, The Doctor turned and followed R2 down the corridor, leaving his friends to fight off the army of Clones.
Senate Building
Same time
Anakin was furiously clashing his lightsaber against Sidious's, his anger rising as Sidious's laughter. Sidious sent a powerful Force Push towards Anakin, sending him flying off the pod, although Anakin managed to land safely on a pod below.
"Good Anakin. Let the hate flow through you, let it give you focus," Sidious goaded.
Anakin froze, realizing that's exactly what he was doing. He was making the same mistake he had made in those visions, allowing his emotions to cloud his judgement. Remembering Obi-Wan's early teachings on meditation and centering himself, Anakin let out a deep breath, releasing his anger into The Force.
"No. I will not do what you want, be who you want me to be," Anakin said his voice firm and focused. "I will never turn; will never be your apprentice."
"We shall see, my old friend," Sidious said.
"We were never friends. You used me, manipulated me, my whole life. No more," Anakin said firmly.
Relying on all the discipline he had, Anakin jumped forward, performing a somersault before landing in the pod, crossing blades with Sidious once more.
Control Tower
Same time
Rex fired, getting a Clone in the shoulder as Ahsoka whirled her lightsabers, deflecting the blaster bolts as Rory rushed some clones, cutting their blasters in half before delivering a few kicks to their abdomens, knocking them on their backs.
"There are too many! We can't hold them off forever!" Rex shouted as he desperately tried to fend off the Clones.
"We don't have to! Just long enough for The Doctor and R2 to do what they need to do!" Ahsoka shouted as she jumped before cutting a Clone's blaster in half.
R2 led The Doctor over to a sealed door. The Doctor immediately realized it was magnetically sealed and pulled out his screwdriver.
"Battery's too low, I can't open it and then set off the pulse," The Doctor noted before looking at R2. "Looks like it's up to you my friend."
R2 beeped in agreement before plugging himself into a panel, attempting to unlock the door.
Senate Building
Same time
Anakin was furiously trying to strike Sidious with his lightsaber but something was becoming apparent. While Anakin was clearly superior in terms of swordsmanship and strength, Sidious had him beat on speed and Force knowledge.
Anakin tried a feint left before going right but Sidious seemed to anticipate this, blocking Anakin's strike.
"You will either turn or you will be destroyed Anakin," Sidious taunted him.
"Then destroy me already, I won't turn," Anakin said, grunting against the force of Sidious's lightsaber against his own.
"If that is your destiny Anakin, so be it," Sidious sneered.
Something seemed to shift then and Sidious unleashed a stream of Force Lightning on Anakin. Anakin futilely tried to hold it back with his lightsaber but it was no use and Anakin could only watch helplessly as his lightsaber was blaster from his hand before he found himself struck by lightning, crying out in pain.
Control Tower
Same time
Ahsoka deflected a blaster bolt back at a Clone Trooper, which struck the Clone in the shoulder. Around her, Rex was still doing his best to return fire with his brothers without getting hit himself while Rory swung his lightsaber, taking out the weapons of his Clone opponent before elbowing the Clone in the helmet. All things considered, they were doing surprisingly well in this fight.
Then Ahsoka felt an unexpected ripple in The Force. Like someone was screaming in pain. No, not someone Ahsoka realized in horror.
"Anakin," she breathed.
Ahsoka was frozen for but a moment, only broken out of this when The Force warned her of danger. Ahsoka jumped into the air, barely avoiding a couple of blaster bolts from behind.
"Stay focused, we have to buy The Doctor enough time!" Rory shouted as her as struck down another Clone.
Ahsoka nodded, whirling her lightsabers as she deflected a blaster bolt. She would have to have faith that Anakin could handle himself for now.
At long last, R2 beeped happily as the door slid open. The Doctor entered the room as a man in uniform stood up, startled.
"Hey, you can't be in here," the man said.
Without responding, The Doctor slugged the man, hard. The man went back down to the floor, unconscious as The Doctor grimaced, shaking his hand.
"Sorry about that, but don't have time to be reasonable about this," The Doctor said as he looked at the controls around the room. "Now, let's see if we can turn on the Broadcast System."
Senate Building
Same time
Anakin cried out in pain as Sidious manically laughed while pouring Force Lightning onto Anakin's twitching form. There was a sound of screeching metal and Sidious, paused, looking over. One of the Senate pods detached itself and was heading right for him. Cancelling his lightning, Sidious jumped onto another pod, barely avoiding the flying object as it struck the wall, where it shattered.
Then Yoda jumped into his pod, igniting his lightsaber.
"Pick on someone else, why don't you?" Yoda asked.
"Gladly," Sidious sneered as he reignited his lightsaber.
As Yoda and Sidious began their own lightsaber duel, Obi-Wan jumped into the pod where Anakin was, seeing his former Padawan was on his side, groaning.
"Obi-Wan," Anakin said weakly as he saw him.
"We're here Anakin. Stay down for now," Obi-Wan said as he glanced towards where Yoda and Sidious were fighting.
Control Tower
Same time
"Okay, here goes. Either this is going to take out those chips, or it'll all be for nothing," The Doctor told R2 as he pulled out his screwdriver.
R2 beeped at him and The Doctor nodded absently, pulling the tip of his screwdriver towards the controls before turning it on.
Out in the corridor, Ahsoka, Rory and Rex were still attempting to fight off the increasing number of Clones when a piecing sound pieces the air. Only Rory realized it was the Sonic Screwdriver before the Clones, save Rex, all dropped their weapons, holding their heads in pain.
The trio watched in confusion before one of the Clones lifted their heads, the other seeming to still be processing what just happened.
"What have we done?" the Clone asked horrified.
Senate Building
Same time
Sidious and Yoda paused in their duel as they heard the sound of the screwdriver before it faded. Realizing The Doctor had done something, Sidious acted fast, unleashing a stream of Force Lightning that knocked Yoda's lightsaber out of his hands. Sidious then unleashed lightning from both hands, laughing insanely as he did. But Yoda caught the lightning in his hands, to Sidious's surprise.
Angrily, Sidious tried to channel more power into his lightning but this did not seem to throw Yoda off. Instead, a large ball of Force Lightning seemed to form between Yoda's hands. Sidious realized what was happening a moment before the ball burst, sending a wall of Force Energy into both Yoda and Sidious, throwing them both back.
Yoda was thrown from the pod, landing hard on one below. Grimacing in pain, Yoda turned his head, staring sadly at the lifeless body of Windu.
Up above, Sidious was clinging onto the edge of the pod, trying not to fall when someone jumped into the pod. Sidious looked up to see Obi-Wan wielding his lightsaber. Obi-Wan attempting to strike Sidious with it but Sidious unleashed a stream of Force Lighting at him with his free hand. Obi-Wan used his lightsaber to block and the lightning struck the blade, deflecting it back at Sidious.
Both Obi-Wan and Sidious grunted, Sidious from the pain of his lightning being directed at his face and Obi-Wan from the effort of holding it back. This went on for several seconds until Sidious canceled the Lightning and instead sent a powerful Force Push at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan was thrown from the pod.
Obi-Wan landed on another pod, hard and lost his lightsaber. Palatine managed to pull himself up, his face now scarred and disfigured from the lightning as he glowered at Obi-Wan.
"I have waited a very long time for this, Master Kenobi," Sidious sneered.
Before Obi-Wan could react, Sidious sent two powerful streams of Force Lightning at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan cried out as they struck him, unable to do anything.
Nearby, Anakin looked up at the sound of his master's cry, seeing Obi-Wan thrashing in pain. A life time of memories seemed to flash before his eyes then.
"Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"You will be a Jedi, I promise."
"You're the closest thing I have to a father."
"Good luck, Commander."
"It's time we became…brothers."
"Obi-Wan!"
"You took me under your wing and practically raised me. I'm your Padawan just like Ahsoka was mine. How well would you sleep, knowing I had failed you?"
"I'm not leaving without you Master!"
"You are my brother Anakin."
These moments and many more replayed inside Anakin's mind as he managed to pull himself to his feet, staring at his thrashing friend before turning his gaze to Sidious.
Later, Anakin would try to describe what happened. He couldn't.
Feeling The Force flow through him more clearly than he ever had, Anakin reached out with both hands and grabbed Sidious through The Force. Sidious stopped in his laughter, looking around in confusion. Spotting Anakin, Sidious realized what was happening and unleashing his lightning on Anakin. Anakin was struck but did not lose focus, did not falter.
There was no aggression in his actions, no hate or anger. Merely the desire to protect his friend.
Even with the Force Lightning striking him, Anakin made a dropping motion and Sidious cried out in terror, screaming as he went plummeting. When Sidious hit the bottom of the chamber, there was a burst of blue energy that seemed to rise up from the bottom, filling the entire chamber before it faded.
Anakin breathed heavily as Yoda and Obi-Wan stared at him. Anakin glanced at Obi-Wan, managed to nod before his legs gave out and he collapsed into the pod, welcoming the abyss of unconsciousness.
Not very confident in my ability to write lightsaber duels, so I hope these were okay.
While I do think Windu is the superior swordsman, the only reason he won against Sidious in Revenge of the Sith was because Sidious allowed him to do so in order for his plan to turn Anakin to work.
The Clones are freed (at least the ones on Coruscant), The Master/Sidious is dead, and Anakin has fulfilled his destiny as the Chosen One. Things are just about to wrap up, so next chapter will be the last one.