The shuttle shuddered as it dropped out of hyperspace, the glowing red rock that was Mustafar visible out of the cockpit window.
This wasn't their first trip to the volcanic planet. The last time they had come they had been rescuing captured younglings from Cad Bane.
Younglings that were now more than likely dead. Sidious would pay for that in time, Ahsoka swore to herself.
But for now, as Anakin has suggested, they had to play along with the Sith's machinations. They had to earn his trust, if it could be called that, so that they could get close to him and end him once and for all.
Ahsoka didn't like the idea of serving a Sith Lord, even if it was only briefly. But she trusted Anakin and his plan, regardless of how risky and dangerous it was.
She would help in dealing with the Separatist leadership. It was about time they got what was coming to them after all.
Even still, Ahsoka couldn't help but see an opportunity to undermine Sidious, something that she broached to Anakin.
"I know he ordered us to eliminate the Seppies, but what if we took them in alive? It might throw him off long enough for us to deal with him."
Beside her, Anakin directed the shuttle down to the planet, ordering Artoo to transmit some clearance codes in the process.
"That's one possibility, though capturing all of them at once and ensuring none of them escape might prove difficult. They do outnumber us after all."
"True, but if we can capture Gunray at the very least. He does seem to be the de-facto leader of the bunch. We might be able to ransom him out to Raxus once Sidious is dealt with and the war ends." Ahsoka replied as she turned her attention to the terminals before her, beginning her work on evaluating the topography of where they were heading.
From what she could see, they were headed for either a mining facility or a geothermal plant on the edge of a lava flow, one that was no doubt protected by a heat shield.
That brought another dark idea to her mind. If worse came to pass, they could deactivate said heat shield and watch as the facility was consumed by the lava, taking the Separatist leadership with it.
That was a last case scenario though, and the sort of thing the Sith or Separatists themselves would do. She wouldn't stoop to their level.
"If we can capture them, then I'm game. But if they don't surrender, we might have no choice." Anakin replied as the shuttle shuddered as they entered the atmosphere of Mustafar. "Besides, after what they did to Naboo years ago, I'm all for tossing that worm Gunray and his cronies into the lava."
The harsh tone should have shocked Ahsoka, but it didn't. Anakin always had been very defensive of Naboo and its people, no doubt thanks to his close relationship with Padme.
And from what she had seen and experienced of Nute Gunray in the past, part of her agreed that he deserved to suffer.
"I guess we'll improvise then, like always?"
"That's how we roll."
Despite everything, Ahsoka allowed a small smile to come to her face.
"Destroy the Sith, we must."
"Then send me after the Chancellor, Master Yoda."
"Strong enough to face him, you are not, Master Kenobi."
"I can't fight Anakin, Master. He's like a brother to me."
"Gone is the boy you trained. In his place, Darth Vader stands. Left us no choice, he has."
"He's right, General Kenobi. Skywalker needs to be stopped."
"Listen to your loyal Commander, you should. Like this, I do not. Know firsthand how you feel, I do. But do what must be done, we must."
Caleb could not even begin to imagine how Obi-Wan was feeling. Seeing footage of the boy he trained, his own Padawan, performing such heinous acts and bowing to a Sith would traumatize anyone.
But Master Yoda was right. Skywalker had to be stopped, before he destroyed anyone else's lives.
Speaking of which, Caleb had to ask.
"Master, is there any evidence on if Ahsoka is ok? She was very close to both Anakin and the Chancellor. You don't think they have…"
Caleb didn't finish the statement. His meaning was clear.
"Unsure, I am, Padawan Dume. But assume the worst, we must."
"No! Anakin would die before he let anyone harm Ahsoka. And he would never do anything to harm her directly!" Obi-Wan came to Anakin's defense with a ferocity that surprised Caleb.
Boil spoke up in response.
"I hate to say it General, but I'm not so sure. We all saw the footage. Skywalker murdered younglings because the Chancellor told him to. It's likely Commander Tano could have suffered the same fate. Captain Rex as well for that matter."
"I cannot believe that Anakin would fall so far." Obi-Wan replied after a moment's silence, his shoulders slumping in despair.
"It's not your fault Master Kenobi. He made his choice, and we've got a job to do. We've got to make this right." Caleb said, hoping he would get through to the Jedi Master. He didn't want Obi-Wan to blame himself. None of this was his fault.
The legendary negotiator sighed once before he turned to Yoda and nodded.
"Ok. You're right. I might not like it, but it needs to be done. There's just one problem. How am I supposed to find Anakin?"
"Trust your feelings, you must Obi-Wan, and find him, you will." Yoda replied with a sad smile as he tapped his walking stick on the ground once. "Now, to face Sidious, I go. Inform Senator Organa of our situation, I will. Once complete your task is, meet again, we shall."
With that, Yoda began to hobble his way to the doorway, his intent clear.
Before he left them however, he stopped in the threshold of the doorway and glanced over his shoulder.
"May the Force be with us."
Both Obi-Wan and Caleb repeated the mantra to the Grandmaster before he departed, leaving them alone with Commander Boil, who took his opportunity to speak.
"There's something else you both should know. Whilst you were reprogramming the distress beacon, I got a call on a private channel."
"From who, Boil?"
"From Commander Bly, General. Apparently he's on the run on Felucia with a 'high priority target' and is requesting assistance. He couldn't reach Rex, so he came to me. I can only assume that his 'high priority target' is a certain Twi'lek Jedi. I've decided to leave to see if I can assist him."
The news filled Caleb with a sense of hope. He had never met Commander Bly personally, but he knew who he worked alongside.
If Bly had saved his Jedi as Boil had his, that meant that Aayla Secura was still alive.
Another Jedi had survived. That was reason enough to celebrate.
"Then go, Commander. I won't stop you. You are your own independent person with free will after all. You don't have to take orders from me anymore." Obi-Wan replied with a warm tone as he moved to place his hands on the Clone's shoulders, squeezing them gently.
"I know, Master Kenobi, but I thought I should at least share my plans first. I don't want you to think I'm abandoning you in your time of need."
"Nonsense Boil. There is no one I trust more to extract Commander Bly and Knight Secura than you. You have my complete support. May the Force be with you." Obi-Wan encouraged the Clone, who stood straight and saluted in response.
"Thank you Sir. I'll do everything I can to save them and anyone else I can." Boil said after ending his salute before turning to face Caleb and offering him his hand.
"Good luck kid. Watch over the General for me would you?"
"I promise." Caleb replied as he shook the Commander's hand in response.
The clasp lasted for a few brief moments before Boil broke it, nodding his head one more time at the two Jedi before turning and heading out of the same doorway as Master Yoda.
Caleb hoped that wouldn't be the last time he saw Boil.
Once the Clone had departed, Caleb turned to Obi-Wan.
"So, what's the plan to find Skywalker?"
Obi-Wan glanced back over at the holoprojector from which he had witnessed the crimes of his former Padawan before replying.
"We pay a visit to Senator Amidala."
Hearing the voice of a Separatist battle droid confirming that they were cleared to land was a surreal feeling for Ahsoka. For so long the droids had been the bad guys, fit only to be dismantled before they harmed any of her friends and family within the 501st.
She didn't hate droids because of it. Like the Clones, the battle droids had been created for the sole purpose of war. They were as much pawns of politicians as the Clones had been.
That didn't mean however that they weren't dangerous, and many models of them wouldn't go down without a fight. If the Separatist leaders had a large contingent of battle droids with them on Mustafar, this mission could turn rough, even with her and Anakin working together.
But if it came to that they also had Artoo to provide support. He might have just been an astromech, but he was just as dangerous, if not more so, than a Droideka.
Out of the window, Ahsoka glanced at the terrain around them.
Flows of lava were present in the harsh landscape, just as she predicted. Ahsoka couldn't help but wonder if Mustafar had always been such a volatile volcanic planet, or if something had happened to it to cause it to change.
But there, present in amongst the lava and obsidian landscape sat the single facility she had spotted on the scanners in orbit.
The last hiding place for the Separatist leadership.
"Artoo, prepare for landing. Lower engine thrust by sixty percent, fire up the landing thrusters and lower the landing gear. " Anakin spoke from beside her as he gently pulled the control joystick of the shuttle backwards, helping to slow the descent. From behind, Artoo beeped twice in affirmation.
"Good job Artoo." Anakin said as Ahsoka felt the shuttle touch down on a waiting landing pad. "Now stay and guard the ship. Monitor any outgoing communications or inbound ships. Ahsoka and I will handle the Separatist leadership."
Again, Artoo beeped in confirmation softly as Anakin and Ahsoka rose from the seats in preparation, beforing turning towards the exit of the ship.
Descending the rear ramp of the shuttle, Ahsoka was hit by the rush of heat from the planet around her.
"One downside of wearing heavy armour." Ahsoka quipped as she glanced around, surveying for any threats. This could very well be a trap, after all.
Anakin however made no reply. Instead, he broke into a march, pulling his hood up over his head in the process as he moved forward.
Taking that as a cue to follow, Ahsoka slipped her customized Beskar helmet over her head and followed.
The duo passed through a doorway, followed by another, and another as they moved through seemingly endless hallways towards what Ahsoka assumed as her goal.
For a few brief moments, she thought they were lost. That was until the hallway they were in suddenly opened up to a large central room, one that looked a lot like a command centre.
And there, stood around a holotable in the centre of the room were several figures, some that Ahsoka recognised easily, and others that she couldn't place a name to.
Wat Tambor. Poggle the Lesser. Rune Haako. San Hill.
And Nute Gunray.
The Separatist leadership, sans General Grievous, all gathered together in one place.
Upon noticing their arrival, several B1 and B2 battledroids, flanked by Geonosian soldiers likely loyal to Poggle moved forward, blasters and sonic cannons pointed in their direction.
On instinct, Ahsoka grabbed her lightsaber from her waist, but didn't ignite it. Not yet at least.
She wouldn't be tricked into attacking first.
The armed greeting continued for a few brief moments before Gunray of all people spoke up.
"Stand down. They are not our enemies. They are Lord Sidious' agents."
Beneath her helmet, Ahsoka both cringed and snarled at the mention of being an agent of Sidious. She hated that title so much.
But, for now she had to play along.
The armed guards lowered their blasters, but remained on station, just in case.
Despite that, Ahsoka did not release her grip on her lightsaber, just in case. She didn't trust Gunray or any of his compatriots to keep his word. He had always been the definition of a slimy politician after all.
"Lord Vader, we've been expecting you. I apologise for the rude welcome." Gunray spoke as he bravely moved forward, stepping in front of his armed battle droid guard, yet still flanked by a pair of Magnaguards on either side.
He was being cautious, and for good reason.
Through the Force, she could feel Anakin's anger and distaste for the being before them.
"This reflects poorly on you and your allies, Viceroy." Anakin spoke as he surveyed the area. Ahsoka could tell he was counting the threats and planning for combat, just as she was. "But luckily your impudence is not the reason I am here."
"Then for what reason are you here? Lord Sidious was not clear in his transmissions, and we have heard outrageous rumours from our spies in Republic space."
"What sort of rumours?" Anakin asked monotonously, clearly bored of Gunray.
"Reports suggest that the Jedi have gone rogue, and that civil war runs rampant within the Republic. Is there any truth to these claims?"
Another spike of anger flooded Ahsoka. Damn Sidious for his actions. Gunray was entirely right in his speculation. Whoever his spies, they were damn good at their jobs.
"These claims are accurate, Viceroy. A Jedi Insurrection has occurred and the Republic is in turmoil."
"Then we have won the war? The Republic will be no match for our fleets in their disorganised state. We must strike Coruscant with everything we have left at once." Gunray's ally, Rune, exclaimed, a sadistic glee present in his tone.
Around him, his fellow Separatist leaders made similar comments in agreement, something that only further heightened Ahsoka's anger at them.
But before she could say or do anything herself, Anakin continued with a dry laugh, earning a perplexed look from Gunray.
"Oh Viceroy, I'm afraid you couldn't be more wrong. For you see, your beloved Lord Sidious has already seized control over the Republic, and has ordered that you all be either captured or executed for your crimes against the Republic and the galaxy. I'm afraid this is the end for the Confederacy of Independent Systems. You lost."
"How dare you?! Who do you think you are! Do you know who you are speaking to!" Gunray's outrage was almost comical, but laughing aloud at them, despite how much she wanted to, would not serve the situation well. Instead, Ahsoka opted for diplomacy.
"This is your only chance. Surrender and come quietly."
"Or suffer the consequences." Anakin added darkly, intent clear.
The Separatist leaders stood in shocked silence for a few moments as they clearly individually deliberated their next move. Ahsoka hoped that was a good sign that they were considering surrendering. Gunray and his allies were notorious cowards after all. They wouldn't risk their lives in such a way.
Poggle the Lesser was the first of the Separatist leaders to reply, but his response was not the one Ahsoka expected.
'I know that voice. It's the Jedi, Skywalker!' Poggle croaked in alarm, pointing with his cane towards Anakin whilst his wings fluttered in alarm.
'Ah kriff. We're busted.' Ahsoka thought. Negotiating with them would now be a lot harder, as was proven seconds later.
"Skywalker?! It's a trick! The Republic has sent a Jedi after us! Kill them!" Gunray shrieked as he darted behind his droid guards, something that his fellow leaders followed suit with.
And like clockwork, the droids began their assault.
"So be it." Anakin snarled above the outbreak of combat as he ignited his lightsaber, deflecting a torrent of blaster fire back at a group of droids that had targeted him.
Ahsoka had no time to worry about the failed diplomacy either, not as one of the Magnaguards advanced on her, twirling its electrostaff towards her.
Evading a blast from one of the geonosian soldier's sonic blasters before the Magnaguard reached her, Ahsoka vaulted backwards to put some distance between her and the guard, buying herself some time to prepare for the upcoming duel.
Beside her, Anakin threw his empty hand out, pushing back the vast majority of the droids and geonosians, taking them out of the battle for the meantime.
The only droids that were left standing were the two Magnaguard, who continued to advance.
Bringing her lightsaber into a ready position, Ahsoka took a breath to calm herself, and then launched her attack first to try and catch the Magnaguard by surprise.
Angling her golden blade for the droid's legs, Ahsoka found her lightsaber clashing against the purple energy of her foe's electrostaff.
Bringing her blade back, she aimed for the droid's head, but again found her blow countered.
Pulling her blade back again, Ahsoka found herself under a flurry of strikes from the droid, both ends of the electrostaff being used in quick succession, crashing against her lightsaber in an attempt to make her stumble.
Years ago, that might have worked on her. But she knew how these droids fought now, and she knew how much strength she needed to use to resist such an assault.
Holding her own against the endless clashes, Ahsoka waited for a brief break in the assault to launch a counter attack.
Rotating her blade in a vicious arc before her, forcing the Magnaguard back in the process, Ahsoka swapped out her grip to her preferred reverse Shien, before dropping to a knee and lunging forward with a horizontal slice, this one aiming for the Magnaguard's ankles.
The droid reacted too slowly to counter this time, and Ahsoka smirked beneath her helmet as her golden blade cleaved through the metal the droid was composed of, knocking it to the ground.
The Magnaguard remained active for a few moments longer before Ahsoka plunged her blade down into its chest, offlining it for good.
But there was no time to catch her breath. Whilst she had been dueling the Magnaguard, the rest of the droids and Geonosians had regained their footing, and proceeded to open fire on her.
Beside her, Anakin had grappled with his own Magnaguard threat and was using its body as a metal meat shield against the blaster fire barrage.
What equated to friendly fire destroyed the second Magnaguard before its remains were sent catapulting towards the line of B1 droids, destroying several of them from the impact in the process.
As this occurred, Ahsoka too reached out with the Force with her free hand, grasping hold of a Super Battle Droid and lifting it into the air before slamming it down on top of another group of B1 droids, crushing them beneath both the weight of the B2 but also of her manipulation of the Force.
Still, despite their success, they still had many more droids to deal with, as well as a small group of Geonosians.
Not to mention the Separatist leaders. They couldn't be allowed to escape.
Blocking and reflecting another round of blaster fire, whilst destroying a pair of droids in the process, Ahsoka took the opportunity to advance into the control room, something that Anakin also did.
Vaulting over a nearby table, Ahsoka cut down another B2 droid, before turning and Force pushing a Geonosian towards Anakin, who cut the bug down with ease.
Ahsoka didn't like killing anyone, but sometimes it had to be done.
The screeching sound of another Geonosian caught Ahsoka's attention as one with a long pointed metal staff charged towards her, clearly planning on impaling her. Ahsoka didn't know if the weapon would breach her Beskar armour, but she didn't want to find out.
Rolling back across the table she had just vaulted over, Ahsoka evaded the first lunge from the bug, who in response fluttered his wings and jumped after her.
The Geonosian lunged with his pike again, but this time Ahsoka evaded to the side, before bringing her lightsaber across her foe's back, cutting him down with ease.
The Geonosian died with a shriek, his weapon severed in two in the process. Ahsoka could now see that the tip of the weapon was coated in a substance of some kind, likely a poison.
Now she was really glad she hadn't risked letting that weapon touch her.
"Master! The bugs are using poison tipped weapons! Don't let them touch you!" Ahsoka called out to Anakin, thinking it wise to inform him.
"Copy that. You handle the guards. I'll find those Separatist scum!"
As if summoned by his words, Poggle the Lesser made his appearance from beneath a nearby table, attempting to dart for a nearby exit.
The exit slammed shut within seconds of Poggle's escape attempt, forced shut by a simple hand gesture by Anakin, and trapping the Archduke of Geonosis in the room with Anakin.
Poggle clawed at the door desperately as Anakin advanced, lunging forward with his blade and impaling him through the wings and back.
Like the Geonosian she had killed, Poggle shrieked in agony before he slumped to the floor, dead.
Ahsoka didn't agree with outright killing them, but they had had their chance to surrender.
Besides, Sidious had ordered their execution, and they needed to get on his good side to stand a chance of ambushing and defeating him.
Ahsoka watched as Anakin pulled back before charging across the room to where Rune Haako was cowering in a corner, hoping to go unnoticed.
However, and part of her was grateful for it, Ahsoka had to avert her eyes before Anakin managed to cut the Neimodian down, as a pair of Droidekas entered the room from a side chamber.
Gritting her teeth, Ahsoka evaded the first barrage of blaster fire by diving behind a nearby table, before pivoting out of cover and behind another table as the Droidekas fired upon where she had previously been taking cover.
Droidekas were dangerous, but they were slow to turn. She could use her speed against them.
Evading them again, and forcing the two deadly machines to retarget another position, Ahsoka seized her chance.
Evading to the side once again, Ahsoka shifted behind a new table, and as the two Droidekas tried to turn to get a clean line of fire at her, she charged towards them.
When she was within striking distance, she thrust her hand out, pushing the two Droidekas back against the wall behind them, stunning them and disabling their shields.
With their shields down, all it took was one clean horizontal cut from her lightsaber to destroy both Droidekas, sending wreckage sprawling to the ground in the process.
A cry of pain drew Ahsoka's attention back to Anakin as he cut down Wat Tambor and two other Separatist leaders that she couldn't identify.
She knew she should be concerned about how aggressive he was being, but now wasn't the right time.
Besides, they had to do this to get into Sidious' good books. Then they could take their revenge on him.
Pivoting, Ahsoka brought her blade round to slice a charging Geonosian in half, before expertly deflecting a series of shots from a Super Battle Droid that was firing at her from across the room.
Each shot was deflected back at the droid, destroying it and revealing a cowering Nute Gunray hiding behind it.
With his reappearance, Anakin seized his opportunity and advanced on the Neimodian.
"But… the war is over? Lord Sidious, he promised us peace! We…"
Gunray's words turned out to be his last, as Anakin brought his blue blade across his chest, cutting the Neimodian down without hesitation.
It was hard for Ahsoka to feel any sympathy as Gunray cried out in pain, the last pitiful sound he would ever make.
Taking a speeder from the ruins of the Jedi Temple and flying it towards one of Coruscant's many prestigious skyscrapers had turned out to be easier than expected, as had landing on the veranda of what Caleb assumed was Senator Amidala's apartment unnoticed. Despite his and Master Kenobi's new found status as fugitives, it seemed that very few people were actively looking for them.
Perhaps the Sith was so confident in Coruscant being secure from the 'Jedi threat' that he had dropped his guard. If so, that could work to their advantage.
Right now however, Sidious was not their concern. They needed to find that monster Skywalker, and that meant talking to the Senator from Naboo for some reason.
A Senator who moved around her apartment with a haunted look on her face, clutching her belly, and radiating grief and despair through the Force.
She had told Obi-Wan and him of what Palpatine had done. He had ended the Republic and declared a Galactic Empire before the entire Senate.
A Senate that had erupted in applause, if Amidala was to be believed.
"I understand these are trying times, Padmé, but we must know if you've seen Anakin. He is in great danger!"
"From the Sith?" The woman responded to Obi-Wan, terror dawning on her face as she clutched her enlarged belly tighter. Was she…
"From himself. Padmé, Anakin has turned to the dark side."
"No! That's not… he wouldn't!"
How she knew Anakin well enough to act so heavily in denial, Caleb didn't know, but he was growing tired of people trying to deny what they had seen or been told.
Skywalker had turned to the dark side. He had murdered younglings and other Jedi.
And no amount of denial on Obi-Wan's, or Senator Amidala's, or anyone else's part would change that!
"I'm sorry Padmé. But it's true. I saw footage of Anakin… killing younglings. And, we have reason to believe that he may have possibly murdered Ahsoka too." Obi-Wan replied, taking a step away from Padmé, covering his mouth with his palm, his voice breaking as he spoke.
"He wouldn't! He'd never!"
Caleb snapped. He knew it was wrong, but he couldn't stand it anymore. Someone needed to say it.
"Well he did! We saw the footage. Myself. Master Kenobi! Master Yoda! Even Commander Boil! We all saw footage of Skywalker killing everyone, of him bowing before the Sith! He betrayed everyone and he deserves to die!"
Caleb reveled in a dark sense of satisfaction at the look of horror on Senator Amidala's face at his outburst. If she wanted to be so blindly deluded, then fine. But to even so much as to think of defending Skywalker…
She was no better than Palpatine.
"Caleb, please, it's ok." Obi-Wan spoke softly, the Force around him reaching out towards the Jedi Padawan, trying to calm him down.
It didn't work. Caleb still felt angry, but he appreciated the gesture nonetheless.
A few moments of tense silence passed by before Senator Amidala spoke again, her voice trembling.
"What… are you going to kill him?"
"He's become a very serious threat to everyone, Padmé. I have to stop him."
"No." Amidala's voice was soft, full of despair and grief. Her hand traveled to cover her enlarged belly again, as if she was shielding it from…
It all suddenly made sense to Caleb. The enlarged belly. Senator Amidala was pregnant.
And judging her fervent defense of Skywalker, that could mean only one thing.
Skywalker was the father.
Evidently, Obi-Wan too had figured this out.
"Anakin's the father, isn't he?"
Senator Amidala's silence was all the answer they needed.
"I'm so sorry. Come Padawan."
Caleb didn't refuse. He couldn't stand to be in the presence of Amidala any longer, not so long as she was defending the monster who had murdered everyone who he had ever called a family.
If he was truly a monster, he might have considered harming Amidala and her child in a sick twisted revenge against Skywalker.
But he wouldn't. He would never ever stoop to that level.
Caleb Dume was a Jedi, after all, and a far better one than Skywalker had ever been.
Leaving Senator Amidala behind with her thoughts and despair, Caleb climbed into the speeder passenger seat they had used to travel to the Senator's home.
He barely noticed as Obi-Wan took the controls and sped away from the apartment, too lost in his own thoughts and anger.
Anger wasn't the way of the Jedi, he knew that, but how could he not be angry in the current circumstances?
"So now what? She was about as useful as a lightsaber without a kyber crystal. How do we find Skywalker now?" Caleb asked, frustration leaking into his tone.
"We simply need to be patient, Caleb. Padmé might not have verbally stated where Anakin had gone, but she knows for sure. She'll lead us to him whether she knows it or not."
Caleb had to admit to being surprised at the level of deception and manipulation Obi-Wan was willing to pull. Tricking Senator Amidala into finding Anakin for them was smart, albeit very dangerous. He might not like Amidala much, but the last thing he wanted was for her and her child to be harmed by Skywalker. The traitor had already shown he was willing to kill younglings after all. Amidala was just as much at risk.
If it came down to it, Caleb would protect Senator Amidala with his life. That was the way of the Jedi after all.
And Caleb Dume was a Jedi, now and forever.
"In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society."
Darth Sidious, now Emperor Palpatine to the masses, smirked gleefully at the recording of his rousing speech to the Galactic Senate.
Decades of planning, of manipulating, of scheming and of setbacks and triumphs, all finally paying off before his eyes.
It hadn't been the smoothest of journeys, but in the end, he had won, just as he had envisioned.
Maul. Dooku. Grievous. Ventress. The Clones. The guise of 'Chancellor Palpatine'. The entirety of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. All a means to an end. An end where he had complete unrivaled control of the galaxy.
And at long last, the extermination of the Jedi Order. No more would he have to suffer their pontificating. That at very least meant fewer headaches for him to deal with.
He would still have to deal with the day to day politics of his new Empire of course, but he was prepared for that, and now he could afford to just outright destroy those who opposed him.
And he had just the tool for the job.
Vader. A perfect weapon. Easily manipulated and deceived into doing his bidding. As much as he may claim on the contrary, the trust was that Skywalker would never escape slavery now. That was all he had ever been good for after all. Being a minion, doing everyone else's bidding.
And if for some reason he finally grew a backbone, Sidious had the perfect tool to control even him with.
Tano. The petulant brat. As much as he wanted to kill her, he knew he couldn't. She was more useful alive, a way to keep Vader in check.
Vader would do as his master commanded, or Tano would face the punishment.
And vice versa as well. Tano would serve loyally, or Vader would pay the price.
It would work for now, but in time he would need to find a way to divide them, before they united against him.
But that could come later. For now, he could allow himself to celebrate his new Empire.
Reaching forward, he pressed the play button on his console once again, beginning the clip of his speech again.
The footage barely got a few seconds in before the Force suddenly shifted around him, and the sounds of two of his guards being flung across the room caught his attention.
Stopping the recording, Sidious swiveled in his chair, turning to face the figure standing in the doorway.
"I hear, a new apprentice you have, Emperor. Or should I call you, Darth Sidious?"
Outwardly, Emperor Palpatine kept a stoic expression.
Inwardly, Darth Sidious snarled in rage.
"Master Yoda… you survived."
Author's thoughts
So, here we are...Mustafar, at long last. The final hours of this story are upon us. Who will stand, and who will fall?
Well... one thing is for certain... it won't be the Separatist Council that survives. Bye guys... I guess. Anakin showed no mercy... and in some respects neither did Ahsoka. Hopefully that doesn't bite her in the ass later on.
I'll admit that I'm not overly fond of the scene with Padmé in this chapter, but I'll let you lot be the judge of that. I just hope I did a good job showing both the Kanan aspect of Caleb that he withdraws into in canon, as well as his more Jedi like persona that we see in later Rebels. He's bordering on losing his faith here. Hopefully nothing happens to completed shatter it.
As normal, thanks once again to my beta reader 'ArrinSnyders'. His help continues to be invaluable.
Next time round, it's the moment I'm sure some of you have been waiting for.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Alfredo12StarLegionaire: Yeah that deleted scene was so ridiculous in concept that I just had to include it for the fans of it. Glad you liked it. XD
Australian Dealer: I'm glad you are hyped enough for the ending. I just hope it lives up to expectations even if it doesn't end up as what you'd expect it to. It's certainly going to be a chaotic final two chapters that's for sure. XD
Brick88: I'm glad you enjoyed the story so much. It's always a joy to see people having fun reading it. :)
You are very right about the dangerous game Anakin and Ahsoka are playing. Fingers crossed it doesn't backfire on them.
the Mandalorian terminator: Hey, it's no problem. I don't expect reviews, but they are always nice to see no matter when they come. :)
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapters though, even if I did traumatise Obi-Wan and Caleb a bit too much. I felt bad writing those scenes, but it had to be done for what is to come.
And Obi-Wan's message was a last minute addition to the chapter if I'm honest, but I think it was a good last minute idea as well. Adds a bit of connectivity to Rebels as well with Caleb receiving a holocron from Obi-Wan with the message on. XD
tf330129: Thanks. Hope you like how it ends. Only two more chapters left.
Ryan1017: Well... I'm glad I've written Sidious well in your eyes. Getting him right is a hard one. Almost as scary as writing for Thrawn in Rebels!
There is so much I could say about your comments about what's to come, but I fear I'll accidently spoilt something by mistake and ruin the surprise for you... so yeah.
I hope you enjoyed the Separatist slaughter as you called it however. That was fun to write. XD