Welcome back!
Remember how I said last chapter was going to be pretty heavy but there would be a lot of humor to soften the blow? This has none of that, or very little. In fact, the next couple of chapters are quite dark. Things have to get worse before they get better.
That being said, there's a lot of action ahead. Any questions, feel free to ask and I will respond.
"The truth is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it."- Venugopal Acharya
Chapter 39. Eve of Shadow
The Restitution- Above Orbit on Kashyyyk
It took several minutes for Captain Rex to reassemble the pieces of his brain after he woke up. They felt scattered across the stars, and to find them required great mental effort. Kix gave him a cooling packet and some water. But then he didn't miss that anxious look in the medic's eye. Kix could be fussy and strict as a general rule. Not like that.
Then it all came back.
Nine hells, what have I done?
He remembered the irresistible urge to kill two people he'd take a blaster bolt for. The words that came out of Tarkin's mouth that immobilized and stripped him of every ounce of free will.
Execute Order 66.
Not much frightened Rex. War couldn't hold a lightstick to the sickening burning in his guts. He'd never betray the Jedi. Never. And yet no matter how hard he tried to resist, he pulled the trigger anyway.
Why? Why did I do it?
"Are you okay, Captain?"
It was Hunter of Clone Force 99. He'd only met the man a couple times but the greeting came as if it were from an old friend. It also jogged more of his memory.
"Sergeant." He nodded respectfully. "You got me good, didn't you? Knocked me out cold."
Hunter gave a quick breath through the noise.
"In fairness to you, sir, I don't think you were in the right frame of mind."
"Fairness had nothing to do with it."
Rex sounded bitter. Not against Hunter, kriff, the man saved him from committing a horrendous act. The Sergeant picked up on it.
"Captain, as confusing as this might be to hear, it wasn't your fault."
It wasn't confusing. It was fundamentally untrue. Rex glanced around the medbay. Fives, fully awake, whispered to Echo, who's expression was grim. Tears streamed down Coric's face, while Attie fidgeted nervously. He counted only seventeen of his men, not the original twenty he picked for the mission. Simple subtraction made it easy to deduce what happened.
"The attempt at making me feel better is appreciated. But not needed."
"Rex-"
"Don't." The word came out so acidically, he might have burned a hole in his own tongue. "You didn't follow that order. I did. I accept responsibility."
"Even if you had no choice?"
Rex still didn't logically process why Hunter attempted to absolve him of blame. It began to make him angry.
"We all have a choice," he growled. "That's why you and your squad did the right thing and I didn't."
"Not all of us."
The Captain's eyes slowly found a cot at the far corner of the other side of the medbay. The sullen Crosshair was being attended to by Tech, though he allowed his brother to fuss over him.
"What are you trying to say, Sergeant?"
Hunter gave another heavy look of empathy and grunted.
"I think it's best if I let the Jedi explain."
In seconds, General Luke and General Kenobi entered the wing. Every clone in the facility straightened, even the ones lying in bed. Both Jedi waved off any formality.
"No need for salutes today," Obi-Wan said and Rex heard the tenderness in that Coruscanti inflection. "We've come to inform you of something of grave importance. At ease."
Hunter shot him a knowing glance as he made his way over to Crosshair. Even Kix took a seat by Fives. Everyone knew whatever this was, they needed to listen.
Luke began first. He looked immensely stressed, especially around his laugh lines which added a few years to a face that had already seen too much. When speaking, it came out tired and deep.
"Firstly, we want to apologize to every man in this room. As your leaders and Generals, it's our job to protect you. As Jedi, it's our job to maintain peace and order within the galaxy. We have failed at both."
Switching off, Obi-Wan took the lead. The clones began to protest at the self indictment, but he held up a hand.
"Please, let us finish, friends. You are owed an explanation as to what happened. First and foremost regarding General Tarkin he has, to use the colloquial phrase: done a bunk."
"He's gone?" Rex recognized the clone's voice as Del.
"Yes. As it turns out, Tarkin is a traitor," Kenobi said, disdain dripping from his posh accent. "He sabotaged our communications on Kashyyyk, used the Wookies as living shields, and deliberately put Republic forces in harm's way."
There were several noises of outrage. Echo actually spat on the ground. Fives said and did nothing. Rex found it to be peculiar.
"Where's Tarkin now?" Zeer asked. A solidly built clone, he flexed and cracked his knuckles. Several others had the same idea.
"Missing." Luke did not want to stay on the topic long. "When his attempt to kill us failed, he fled. Official reports suggest he may have been shot down, or fled to his home planet of Eriadu to avoid prosecution. But there is a darker twist to this story. Something that we missed and you deserve to know.
You did not betray us." The blond said it with the quiet strength of solid steel. Rex saw him gain back some of that old energy. "What Tarkin did was exploit something that you had no control over. Something that has been kept from you and the Jedi alike."
The general pulled out a small, thermoplastic encasement which held a small, blackened looking object inside.
"This is what was inside Tup. Kix removed it after he died. Our new friend Tech helped us figure out what we were dealing with." Luke gave a motion towards the goggle eyed clone, who suddenly looked a bit awkward at the unexpected attention. "And it was determined that this is a biochip implanted in your genetic code."
Low murmurs. Hushed whispers. Rex heard them all and had more than a few questions himself. But the bad news continued to get worse.
"This chip," Luke said and now he looked just as upset as the rest of the men. "Was officially created by the Kaminoans to inhibit the aggression and independence of the original template, Jango Fett. Unofficially it had another purpose: turning the army against the Jedi. That was the order Tarkin activated. A contingency under the number '66' and it robbed you of your free will."
Obi-Wan stepped forward now, heavy and apologetic as any clone had ever seen.
"I'm so sorry. We understand if you need some time to process this."
But the first sentence uttered was a question.
"Sir." It was Echo, now leaning over his bedside next to Fives. "Is this the Sith plot you warned about?"
At the word 'Sith', every eye and every head focused on Luke, even Obi-Wan. Intuitively, everyone knew it boiled down to this man. The most amazing Jedi any of them had ever seen. The one they trusted with their lives. Their freedom.
"Yes," he answered. "That chip is the key. Used to its full effect, the entire Grand Army of the Republic can and will be ordered to destroy the Jedi Knights."
A powerful fog of dread spread among the men. Rex shared in it, unable to speak, instead wrapping his head around that statement.
It's all of us, he said to himself over and over again. All of us. Compromised.
Obi-Wan cleared his throat.
"There is good news amidst the bad. We have the means of removing these chips through the use of surgical pods here in the medbay. Of course, it goes without saying that to ensure your safety and others we will have to remove them immediately."
Rex had heard enough. He stood up, strong and determined.
"If that thing is in me, I want it out right now!"
"Me too," Echo echoed. "I will not be controlled by anyone."
One by one, every clone in the medbay followed suit, hazel brown iron glistening in their eyes.
"It seems the sentiment is unanimous," Obi-Wan said with a small smile. "We'll get straight to it. Kix and Tech here will be helping with the process and I've already ordered the medical staff of the 212th to assist."
The aforementioned clones, so different in their approaches, but equally determined to help their brothers, began their preparation.
"We will call you by name," Kix said as Tech entered the surgical room to prepare the finishing touches. "Ten minutes for prep, surgery, and recovery. Easy in and out."
Tech poked his head back out.
"Technically, not 'in and out' so to speak," he said which earned him a dirty glare from the medic.
"Captain Rex. A word please."
General Luke and Kenobi took him aside away from the other soldiers. He recognized when he was about to learn something sensitive and stayed subtle.
"Yes, sirs?"
Obi-Wan spoke first.
"We'll be returning to Coruscant soon, and the Council will want to hear evidence of this plot. Luke and I thought you would be an ideal candidate."
Rex immediately agreed.
"Of course, sir. I'd be honored."
"Feel free to pick another soldier of your choosing."
"Of course."
He leaned in, careful to keep his voice down.
"Sirs…this is going to spread like wildfire. Word gets around quick in this outfit. Should I order them to keep it quiet?"
Rex noticed that creative spirit well up within the blond general not unlike General Skywalker whenever he came up with a half-mad, half-brilliant plan.
"No. They have a right to know what's coming. Spread word among the divisions and battalions. But aside from the Jedi, avoid upper military brass."
"Understood."
Another, darker thought occurred to Rex. A thought pertaining to Order 66.
As part of officer training on Kamino, he was required to learn about those contingency orders. Every single one. Only two organizations can enact them: a Senate majority and the Chancellor's office. His mouth tightened
"Rex," Luke said as softly as possible. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, sir." He meant it. The Jedi meant everything to him. They were the only group of people that had ever seen him and his brothers beyond cannon fodder. "I was just wondering…do you know who the Sith Lord is?"
Luke and Obi-Wan briefly looked at each other before the former spoke.
"For your safety and every other clone, we can't tell you everything. But once we're inside the Temple walls, it will all be explained."
The Captain understood and said more, giving a quick nod and returning back to his men.
"Rex, one more thing," Obi-Wan called back. "Keep an eye on Fives."
"Yes, sir."
The ARC had been acting a bit strange since the bridgehead incident. Likely trauma from what they were forced to do. He'd never known Fives to suffer too much from the war, but then again, everyone had their limit.
He took a seat by his bedside and waited for Kix to call his name.
"How long until we're ready to leave?"
Luke had to resist bouncing off the balls of his feet. They needed to get going. The Skywalker predisposition to hurry had taken over.
"In approximately twenty minutes, sir," the deck captain said to him. "We're waiting on one more regiment from the 7th Sky Corps."
"Thank you. Please keep us informed."
"Yes, General."
Obi-Wan ushered him away from the window and into the private holosuite, shutting the automatic doors. None of the crew asked any questions. They had enough sense to stay quiet about Tarkin and where he'd gone.
"Calm yourself, Luke."
"I am calm."
There it was. That knowing, one sided, affectionate smirk Ben used to give him as a youth.
"What?"
"I sense your urgency," Obi-Wan said. "You think I can't recognize that same instinct in Anakin?"
Even Luke had to concede to that one.
"Fair. But you can hardly blame me when the Jedi Council just ordered my arrest."
"I agree, but it also does no good to stress over what you cannot control…"
"Oh I can control it alright. I don't have to do anything or even return to the Temple. I'm the leader of a ship and a whole legion of men."
"Technically, that title falls to me as the senior ranking officer," Obi-Wan said, suddenly seeing a great deal of Anakin in the blond. He wasn't being completely serious but that stubborn determination refused to play into Mace Windu's paranoia. "But I digress. We have a plan. Our men are being de-chipped and we will have the evidence to expose Sidious once and for all."
The Great Negotiator's voice dropped an octave.
"And I'm sure I can convince them not to go through with that arrest."
Luke sighed. Stress lines were still visible beneath waves of thick locks on his forehead.
"Do you think we did the right thing? Not telling them the clones the truth about the Sith?"
"I don't see how we could. Gossip is unavoidable in the army, including the Jedi, something you may not have known in your day," Obi-Wan said with a hint of amusement. "But given the state of the military apparatus, it's likely Sidious has spies everywhere. Tarkin was not the only minion in his back pocket and so there's every chance he could find out and activate the order."
"They'll figure it out sooner or later," Luke muttered. "You heard Rex connect the dots. They're too smart."
"If so, we cannot risk that leaking before presenting our case to the Council."
The mention of the word 'Council' caused a scowl of the deepest magnitude from Luke Skywalker.
"I'd rather eat Bantha dung."
"Luke…"
"Obi-Wan, this is stupid. Even by the Council's standards. I shouldn't have to return to the Temple in binders."
"I know." Force knew it took a great deal of self reflection for his first teacher to say those words. "The Council isn't always right. I remember growing frustrated with my own Master for defying them so often. Now, I see why."
"There's a 'but', isn't there?"
Luke didn't need the Force to read Obi-Wan's posture and mannerisms. He always straightened and rested a hand underneath his chin before a lecture.
"Not so much a 'but' as a 'however.' We're not going to get anywhere if you go completely off the grid. If we present our case in a clear and concise manner, there's no reason why they shouldn't believe us. Master Yoda is also on our side."
Obi-Wan knitted his brows.
"Although, I must admit Master Windu's behavior lately is disturbing."
"It's not a coincidence," Luke said and he grew more solemn as if diving into a memory. "I've seen this before. A person doesn't have to fall to the dark side in order to be corrupted by it."
"What do you mean?"
Kriff, he did not want to talk about this again. But he unclenched his chest and let out a breath. At the very least, venting to Ahsoka made the subject easier.
"The dark side grew strong again twenty years after the Empire's fall at Endor. Its influence took hold of my nephew and engineered his eventual betrayal…and my own."
"Your own?"
"Hubris clouded my judgment. No matter how hard I tried to prevent the darkness from taking hold, it continued to eat away at his heart and twist his mind, like my father before him. I attempted to end his life."
Gritting his teeth, Luke saw the image of that frightened boy in the tent glaring up at him repeat again and again. He reinforced his shields, but Obi-Wan caught wind of the terrible storm of grief inside him.
"I'm so sorry."
"To this day, it's my greatest regret. But now, looking back, I wonder…if I missed a crucial detail."
Obi-Wan dug deeper.
"Are you saying what you felt forty years in the future is similar to the present?"
"Yes," Luke said and now he could confirm that for real. This version of the dark side, this frigid, black cold– an eternal northern wind, biting and gnawing at your soul, whispering all sorts of evil– it was intimately familiar. "At the moment, Sidious is attempting to subdue the Living Force and create a permanent imbalance. I thought Snoke was too weak but…what if it wasn't him? What if it was something else? Someone."
A chill passed through the room despite there being no visible cooling vent.
"Impossible. He died. I saw it in your memory."
"The Emperor was obsessed with immortality," Luke said in a rare instance of refusing to use the Sith moniker. "If anyone had researched a way to cheat death, it was him."
Obi-Wan, increasingly uncomfortable, altered the course of their conversation.
"But how could something like that affect someone as powerful as Master Windu? His self discipline is the stuff of legends."
It was Luke's turn to begin a lecture.
"Look at the Jedi who have fallen or temporarily fallen during this war- Barriss Offee, Pong Krell, Quinlan Vos, and more. No one, not even the greatest Jedi, are immune to fear, despite claiming otherwise. And right now, Mace Windu is very fearful."
"Small wonder Anakin fell the first time," Obi-Wan said darkly, catching on. "It sounds to me that whatever subtle influences turned your nephew, turned him as well."
Luke hadn't considered that before and now the pieces were beginning to fit together. Yes, he'd failed Ben but what if there had been another factor at play? Maybe Sidious never left.
"We need to contact Anakin right now," he said, moving towards the Holotable. "Padme's apartment has a personalized holotransmitter."
Obi-Wan slipped out a hand to catch him.
"Easy. Ahsoka is already doing that. Let's give her a bit of credit. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if we were to receive a call very soon."
Luke swore the universe had a sense of humor at times as an incoming message flashed red.
"Well, that was easy," Obi-Wan chuckled.
"It's not from Coruscant," Luke said, checking the outsource signal. "It's Serenno."
"Serenno? Who in the blazes-"
They both stopped and looked at each other. The word Dooku rang through their bond. Luke answered it before Obi-Wan could block the call.
Sure enough, a giant image of the aristocratic ex-Jedi appeared, as though he were judging them from up on high.
"Luke Ahch-To….ahhh you have Kenobi with you this time. Excellent. This will go much smoother."
"I don't know what this is about Dooku but we have no business with you," Obi-Wan spat as harshly as Luke ever heard him.
The older man's polite imperiousness transformed into a sneer.
"Even now you still miss the mark, Master Obi-Wan."
After a trying day of battle, attempted murder, and politicking, Luke's cool hung on by a thread. This kind of petty snipping did nothing to help it.
"If you're here to antagonize us this will be a very short call," he said evenly but with an undertone of decisiveness. For a brief moment, he almost felt like a twenty three old knight unsullied by failure, spurred on by optimistic youth to keep Han and Leia from murdering each other.
"You misunderstand my intentions. As of today, I am no longer a part of the Separatist movement. Nor am I the apprentice of Darth Sidious."
"Cowardly defection? Certainly in character, but you'll forgive me for not being a gullible idiot," Obi-Wan snarked.
Luke held out a hand to prevent further squabbling.
"How do I know this isn't a trick, Dooku?"
"Would I come to you if I was not certain of my own decision?"
Obi-Wan lightly scoffed at answering a question with a question. The old man took a different track.
"You said that your offer still stands."
Obi-Wan turned towards his companion.
"Offer?"
"He contacted Master Yoda and myself while you were on Spira and tried to recruit me to his cause," Luke explained. "I suggested he help us take down Sidious instead."
"Luke…do you know the countless massacres man is responsible for? The number of Jedi he's killed?"
"You already know the answer to that."
Obi-Wan's anger retreated but he still did not want to give Dooku the time of day.
"Hear him out. I suspect the Count would not have contacted us without good reason. Isn't that right?"
Years of animosity and witnessing several atrocities personally committed by the Count left a sour taste in Obi-Wan, not easily forgiven nor forgotten. Suspicious eyes narrowed at the Jedi's biggest turncoat. But Luke nodded, giving permission to speak.
"Yes. I have no intention of being a stooge any longer. As such, I am willing to divulge a treasure trove of information that will be useful to your efforts in bringing the
Dark Lord down."
"Well you're a little late, I'm afraid," Obi-Wan said before Luke could respond. "You see, we're already aware of who Sidious is and his plan."
"But do you know how he intends to execute his plan?"
Any hint of cold haughtiness had since left Dooku's expression. Luke sensed something shift in the geriactric. However strong the dark side had become, a former acolyte's Force signature moved away from it, or at least the associated religious organization.
"If you have something to share, now would be the time, Master Dooku," he said with as much respect as possible.
Moved by the show of deference to his old Jedi title, Dooku obliged.
"You are aware of course that Darth Sidious plans to turn the Republic into an empire of his own creation and likeness. You are also likely aware that he covets Kenobi's protege."
"Yes," Obi-Wan tersely as unpleasant memories of Mustafar flashed.
"But he cannot do this without eliminating certain oppositional figures. The first being the Jedi. This he intends to do through the use of an inhibitor chip implanted in every clone trooper. Once the Jedi are backed into a corner, they will be framed for treason against the Republic. Beware Wilhuff Tarkin, as he is Sidious's instrument."
"Once more…a little late."
Luke couldn't resist a small snicker at Obi-Wan's legendary wit.
"Tarkin is dead. And so is his plan to entrap the Jedi."
"Impressive," the Count acknowledged. "But it is a temporary victory. Sidious will no doubt find another way to execute Order 66."
"We're already working on it," Obi-Wan said shortly. "What else?"
"There are two more targets on Sidious's radar. The first being Padme Amidala."
That struck a nasty chord in both Jedi.
"Unsurprising," Luke murmured, protective instincts kicking in for his mother.
"Also ironic, considering how many times you've tried to assassinate her, Count," Obi-Wan pointed out.
"None of that was personal, Kenobi. She is a talented legislator but personal popularity overshadows talent which is where her true value lies. Sidious intends to kill her, likely through poison or some other underhanded method. You must warn Skywalker immediately."
Dooku's urgency was not lost on Luke nor his implied knowledge of Anakin's affection for Padme. Perhaps, there was a modicum of respect buried in what remained of the Sith's shriveled heart.
"What about Bail Organa and the rest of the Liberal Party?" Obi-Wan asked, now genuinely worried enough to put aside his animosity towards Dooku.
"They will likely be arrested and charged with treason after Sidious declares himself a dictator. Amidala's death will serve as the catalyst, while as the leader of a dying Separatist government, I am to be blamed for the assassination."
"Those who don't conform or outlive their usefulness will be eliminated," Luke accurately surmised. "Traitors to the Republic. Sacrifices to the Empire."
Dooku bowed deep.
"Precisely. Your political insights serve you well."
"Who is the second target?" Obi-Wan interrupted.
"That distinction belongs to Miss Ahsoka Tano."
"Ahsoka?"
"Yes. For some reason, she has been singled out by the Dark Lord as a candidate to serve as an enforcer for the new order to come."
"An inquisitor," Luke breathed. He remembered them alright.
"I don't see how that could be possible," Obi-Wan said. "Ahsoka would never willingly join the dark side."
"Sidious does not always need to trick or deceive," Dooku boomed ominously. "Under a generous supply of torture and Sith Alchemy, bit by bit, she will break. It is not a pleasant process."
A dark chord struck Luke's heart. Altering the timeline by convincing Ahsoka to stay with the Jedi had been immensely beneficial. Now she was in danger because of him.
He flipped out his holoprojector. A comlink wouldn't work at this long of a distance. He waited in impatient agony as several dials went unanswered. Dooku looked on, dignified but solemn.
"It would seem that Sidious has gotten to her already."
"You're not helping," Obi-Wan shot back. He placed a hand on top of Luke's shoulder. "I'm sure she's fine. Even holoprojectors can be finicky in the Middle Rim."
"And your attempt to inject false optimism as a viable remedy is equally as pointless," Dooku scolded. "The only hope to save Miss Tano is defeating Sidious. That should be the main goal."
Luke spun around and jabbed a finger in his direction. He saw how Dooku fell more clearly now. Ruthlessness at all costs in pursuing the greater good.
"You have to know something."
"I was involved in many of Palpatine's highest level schemes, but even I was not privy to everything. In any case, attempting to find her at this stage is a waste of time."
"I am not throwing Ahsoka to the Lothal wolves," the Last Jedi snapped. "If there's a chance to save her, I'm going to take it."
Dooku's aristocratic sensibilities were temporarily shaken before regaining his stately pose.
"That outburst reminded me of Skywalker."
"Runs in the family. Now talk."
Puzzled, Dooku glanced at Obi-Wan who gave an amused shrug as if to say 'don't look at me.'
"Your best hope lies with the bounty hunter's guild. Sidious likely contacted someone there and paid them their weight in credits."
"Not many bounty hunters would take on such a risky job, even with that kind of reward," Obi-Wan said. "A fully realized Jedi Knight is almost impossible to capture alone."
"Correct. But Ahsoka Tano is only seventeen years of age, making her vulnerable," Dooku droned in his deep baritone. "Having said that, I believe there are three possibilities, the first being Boba Fett. He is known to sport a grudge against the Jedi, particularly Master Windu."
"But he's only thirteen years old," Luke observed. "And still raw."
"Cad Bane," Obi-Wan said darkly. "He's given me trouble more times than I can count. Even Quinlan and I failed to bring him in."
"Indeed. He is the most likely choice," Dooku agreed. "The only other candidate I can think of is my old apprentice…Asajj Ventress."
"Find out," Luke demanded.
"Do not order me like some backworld commoner." The blond felt that regal temper flare. "Even if I did know who it was that kidnapped Miss Tano, I would have no idea as to where they took her. Coruscant is quite a large place if you hadn't noticed."
He recognized Dooku wasn't being difficult on purpose (at least no more than usual), but this brought no comfort. No one else was going to die on his watch. Not a single, solitary soul. Especially Ahsoka.
My father would never forgive me, past, present, or future.
"Master Dooku," he said, toning down his severity to a much softer timber. "You know what it's like to lose an apprentice to Darth Sidious. Please give me the chance to prevent that from happening again."
And the plea touched the old man as little by little, the thralls of anger and hatred receded into the cool river of the Force. Obi-Wan sensed it too in his own amazement.
"I will see what I can do," he finally answered. It was as close to a promise as they would get. "In the meantime, I would suggest a specific section of the Coruscant Industrial District known as The Works. Sidious and I rendezvoused there on a semi-regular basis. It's an ideal place to hold a hostage out of sight."
A series of numbers and symbols came through the log next.
"The access code to my private holochannel. We'll be in touch."
Dooku disappeared leaving the two Jedi to contemplate, muse, and plan. Luke was first to say something.
"Try to contact Padme's apartment."
Obi-Wan tried, but no one picked up. He tried again, resulting in the same outcome. The Force said nothing to either of them. A disquiet before the inevitable deluge to come.
"An chance you have any more booze stashed away?"
"The fact you had to ask shows how little you knew me in your prior lifetime."
Giving a salty grunt, Luke used the Force to summon Obi-Wan's flask from his robe pocket.
"In fairness to myself, you only trained me for three days."
A loud siren went off signaling the jump to hyperspace and in the next three seconds, the Restitution began its journey back to Coruscant.
500 Republica, The Senate Apartment Complex
Padme Amidala saw just how tense her husband was. Anakin tended to have severe mood swings: carefree and jovial one moment, obsessive and brooding the next. Being one of the few who could navigate through this emotional turbulence, it paid to be observant.
"Ani," she said gently. "You're clenching again."
One could judge the level of worry in Anakin by certain physical signs. A furrowed brow meant stress but not anger. One balled up fist equated to stress and worry. Two? Seething fury. She'd only witnessed that level of rage once or twice and preferred to keep such instances to zero.
Sitting at their luxurious dinner table, one chair was yet unoccupied. Anakin hadn't touched his food, and one fist was continually clenched. Threepio kept checking every five minutes, the fussy droid wondering if he'd done something wrong.
"I do say, Master Anakin, you've hardly eaten. Are you sure everything is up to standard?"
"Yes, Threepio. For the fifth time, the meal is excellent."
"But how could that be when you have not sampled it?"
Anakin began growling and Padme, possessing a much stronger skill in tact, humored the golden droid.
"He's just not feeling well, Threepio. Could you fetch me a glass of water?"
"Certainly, m'lady."
Threepio tottered away and Padme reached across the table to grab Anakin's hand, who kept glancing over her shoulder to the front door entrance.
"Anakin, it's okay. She'll be here."
"Ahsoka was supposed to arrive an hour ago."
"I'm sure she got caught up in something."
Padme interlaced her fingers into his. Anakin's tense shoulders dropped with a sigh.
"Wouldn't she have let us know by now?"
It was a fair point. But at this stage in the messy, chaotic Clone Wars, she learned that things could change on a dime. And with a Sith Lord at the heart of the Republic threatening everything she held dear, that went double at present. And that's why Padme too was worried about Ahsoka. When Anakin invited her over to join them for dinner, she took that as the first real step towards being able to show the world their marriage.
Privately, waiting for Ahsoka was also wise given the delicate nature of the truth on the line. Anakin trusted Palpatine just as she once had. She felt certain he would not take the news well and having the equivalent of his sister there lightened the burden.
Padme could handle such burdens with far more grace than her husband. And it showed.
"I still think I should check up on her."
The Senator did not disagree (though she really wished for a glass of red wine at the moment). Reflectively moving a hand to her stomach, Padme's heart fluttered. Anakin eyed her carefully.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"No, seriously. What?"
Padme beamed a white smile and gave him a tender kiss. Anakin grinned back.
"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"
"Many times. Now go check on Ahsoka. I'll tell you in a minute."
It's not all bad news.
She couldn't wait to start a family. After this was all over, provided democracy and liberty triumphed, they'd never look back. Anakin and the baby to come were the only things that mattered.
"Excuse me, Mistress Padme but you have a caller waiting for you in the holoroom."
"Thank you, Threepio."
She excused herself from the table and lifted the folds of her floor length dress (the light blue, silky fabric complimented her dark brown hair wonderfully, which was done in loose updo today) and headed to see who it was. 2 to 1 odds said either Bail or Mon. She looked down at the transmission history– two missed calls from Obi-Wan over dinner. Whatever he wanted had to wait.
Accepting her current caller, a pale, slender woman her age appeared dressed in white robes.
"Senator, are you secure?"
Mon it is.
The Chandrilan's hologram appeared beset with worry. Her hands were steepled together and real alarm widened her normally soft eyes.
"Yes. I am safe in my apartment and a Jedi Knight is here for extra protection. What's going on?"
"The headquarters of three major publications were attacked all in the span of two hours."
She rattled off their names and Padme had to resist a small cry escaping her lips. Those were major outlets. And the same ones they'd leaked evidence of Palpatine's crimes to.
"Fatally?"
"Twenty in critical condition, four dead," Mon said bleakly. "And now the majority leader is calling for further security measures on the eve of the vote to remove Palpatine from office."
"More emergency powers?" she said in disbelief. "How can that be when our clone intelligence units have reported the Separatist government is on the verge of collapse?"
Palpatine was a Sith Lord. Right. But Palpatine's office hadn't even issued a statement. It was one of her fellow Senators calling for this anti-democratic measure. Just how many were under the man's sway?
"Padme, he knew…the Chancellor somehow found out about the evidence that we gave those publications."
"And he twisted it to his advantage," Padme finished glumly. "His reach is longer than ever."
"There is more besides. Bail's meeting with the Jedi Council did not go well."
No…no, that was all wrong. Luke had told them the truth. Master Yoda was on their side.
"What happened?" she managed to say.
"They would not commit to forcefully removing Palpatine. Only a tacit support of the peaceful transfer of power."
"But they know, don't they? The truth about him?"
Mon sighed, long and deep.
"Some on the Council, including Mace Windu, would not accept those findings. They questioned Luke Ahch-To's integrity and instead wish to interrogate him."
Padme bowed in near defeat. So short sighted. So foolish. This is how democracy died. She could see it clearly now. When the good and righteous failed, when people focused more on division and personal gain, it opened the back door for evil to swoop in. Evil like Palpatine.
"It seems we are on our own."
"Senator," and Mon's voice became truly hushed now, hardly heard above the static line. "During the meeting, Luke…"
"Yes?" she'd never seen her so hesitant before.
"Luke Ahch-To claimed to be the offspring of Anakin Skywalker."
Padme blinked twice, as though she hadn't heard her.
"What?"
"I don't know how such a thing is possible. In fact it should be impossible. But there was no lie in his eye according to Bail."
Padme's hand went to her stomach once more as the synapses connected all at once.
He's my son.
Luke was her son. It made so much sense. So obvious. Why he shared so many of Anakin's facial features, why they got along so well, how he seemed to know about their marriage from the start without any prior introduction. Somehow, despite not being of the Force, she believed it with all her heart. A pleasant warmth spread across her abdomen as if confirming that fact.
"Stars," she whispered.
"Padme, we are running out of options." Mon now looked truly desperate. "If our gambit to remove Palpatine fails, the Jedi will be needed to prevent full scale reprisal. I have little reason to believe he intends to let us live after the fact."
She wasn't necessarily wrong. The window for a legitimate course of action without bloodshed was fast closing. But even if the Jedi managed to kill Sidious, would there still be a Republic after that kind of precedent being set?
"There aren't any good options," she said. "We will have to improvise."
"Where is Luke?"
They needed him. Both women understood that more than ever.
"On Kashyyyk with Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"I fear we may lose everything without him here."
Padme concurred with her friend and colleague. Sweat beaded down her forehead and she dabbed it with a handkerchief.
"We would not have gotten this far if it wasn't for his help. I don't know much about power in the Force, but Luke would be one of the few who could take down Palpatine. That much I do know."
"What did you say?"
Standing in the open doorway, Padme's heart sank as she realized she forgot to switch on the room's audio silencer. Anakin's jaw worked itself into a frenzy. Both fists were now clenched.
"Mon, I'll call you back."
The transmission ended but the explosion had only begun.
"Anakin-"
"The Chancellor was right." His voice was quiet but it steadily increased in volume. "He warned me about Luke turning you and the other Senators against the Republic."
"That is not what's happening!"
The argument spilled into the wide, expansive living room with Padme struggling to keep up with Anakin's long strides. The warmth from her abdomen quickly spread to the rest of her body. Suddenly the air conditioned apartment felt like an inferno.
"I can't believe you!"
"Anakin please calm down-"
Evidently he had only come in towards the very end of their conversation.
"Don't tell me what to do!" he shouted, his face contorted in fury and hurt. "I heard you and Mon Mothma talking about assassinating the Chancellor!"
"It's not that simple!" she yelled back, though her energy continued to fall precipitously.
"You lied to me!" Anakin half sobbed. "When we took our vows on Naboo, we swore to be honest and faithful to each other! What else have you been hiding? Do you love Luke now, is that it?! Is he trying to take you from me?!"
The absurdity of his accusations reached a point of near insanity. Padme saw that same obsessive, manic look in Anakin's eyes and for the first time in her marriage, feared for her personal safety. But she wasn't going to back down. He needed to understand who was really manipulating him.
"Chancellor Palpatine is trying to take you from me," she rasped, her breathing becoming labored. "He's a monster ruining our family."
"How?" Anakin challenged. His voice lowered, though his body language was still hostile. "Prove me wrong."
Padme opened her mouth but the room began to spin rapidly. She did not have the strength to stay upright.
"Padme?"
Disoriented, sick, and gasping for oxygen, she began to fall.
"Padme!"
The last she heard was Anakin screaming her name as the world went black.
The Jedi Temple- Ivory Tower
Debate circled amongst the Jedi Council well into the evening and into the night. Each Master brought various opinions to the discussion, each one leading into a different segment or pathway, followed by another tedious turn into something else. It was repetitive, tiresome, and most of them desired to retire for the night. Compounding the situation was the fact that five Council members- Kit Fisto, Depa Billaba, Plo Koon, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Agen Kolar- were offworld as the Separatists still had not formally surrendered, choosing to fight on instead.
"So you're not concerned about the chips within each and every clone ever created or currently being created?" Kit Fisto asked Mace Windu over the hologram.
"I am concerned about every and all events in connection with this plot," Windu replied, his bald brow wrinkled in concentration, allowing every thought, feeling, and connection in the Force to pass through him. Adi Gallia pressed a tired hand to her head.
"That is incredibly vague and once again, brings us nowhere. You did not have the right to speak for the Council when making those demands of Luke and Obi-Wan."
Mace Windu flashed a hard stare towards her. The Order's greatest champion had never appeared so agitated.
"I am head of this Order and this Council which we serve on with distinction," he said loftily. "I have the right to take any member into custody. Especially one who has defied our rules and teachings so blatantly."
"None of that has been established," Gallia argued back. "You ordered an arrest without cause and without consent from the rest of the Council."
"But he is related to the plot we have sensed the past couple of days," Ki-Adi Mundi said, playing devil's advocate. "You can feel it too Master Gallia. Luke Ahch-To is a colossus in the Force. Someone that powerful cannot be ignored as a possible threat."
Plo Koon spoke next through the hologram.
"With respect to the faction of this body that holds suspicion of Luke Skywalker, it is obvious that suspicion had turned into outright hostility. You believe him to be a Sith Lord. Do not deny it, Master Windu."
The Kel Dor was a consistently wise presence on the Council but rarely did he speak so forcefully. From Mandalore, his low rumble thundered throughout the room.
"Master Plo, do you seriously believe him to be the son of Anakin Skywalker?" Agen Kolar almost laughed. "Such a thing is impossible. Time travel?"
"Do not mock what you have not studied," Depa Billaba chided through the static feed. "It is an abstract branch of our academic knowledge, outside of it even. But there are stories, legends of this occurring in the Old Republic. Through the Force, many things are possible which would ordinarily not be."
"And this is why we must confirm this for ourselves," Oppo Rancisis insisted for the third time. "If his heart is true, if he is a Skywalker, then it will be obvious once he is here in front of us."
"Is it really that hard to believe?" Gallia said, growing more exasperated. "He even looks like Anakin. Are we so dogmatic to think he would not indulge in a sexual partner?"
Annoyingly, Mundi cut in again.
"Luke's mental shields are strong. He has withheld much from us until it was convenient to do so: away from Coruscant on another planet. If the Sith have hidden themselves in plain sight, there are plenty of suspects."
"Then why do we ignore Palpatine?" Fisto asked. "At best he is a corrupt politician bent on using the war to increase his power. At worst he is our ancient enemy. Master Yoda showed us the darkness that inhabits this planet at the heart of the Senate. Surely it must be him?"
"Palpatine already rules most of the galaxy," Mace Windu countered. "Therefore it points to someone who controls him."
"What about these chips?" Fisto pressed again. "If Obi-Wan is correct, the only person who could order the clones to turn on us would be the Chancellor himself."
"It fits," Plo Koon agreed.
"Obi-Wan is free to show us evidence of these chips upon return to Coruscant," Windu said dismissively. "In the meantime, attempting to remove Palpatine from power would only turn the public against the Jedi even further."
"Then what is your plan?" Shaak Ti asked.
"Cut off the head of the snake, it dies," the Korunian shot back. "That is how the Jedi will survive this plot, just as we did a thousand years ago."
"With respect, Master Windu, perhaps doing things as they were one thousand years ago is part of the problem. Perhaps it's what has blinded you to the truth despite the evidence, direct and circumstantial, pointing in one direction."
It was a stinging indictment from one of the most serene, cerebral members of the Council. Adi Gallia's vigorous verbal sparring with the Head of the Order would have been considered impressive, were it not for the thick tension that surrounded them.
"It seems that this is what the dark side wants," Saesee Tinn muttered sadly. "Division amongst ourselves."
Mace Windu stood up, dark pupils scanning his fellow brethren as if they were foreign enemies of some kind.
"I for one am not going to let this Order be manipulated and strung along any longer." He closed his eyes and then opened them. "We still have time…still have the power."
Gallia, uncomfortable with just how strange Windu was acting, looked towards Yoda, deep in thought and had not spoken in quite some time.
"Grandmaster Yoda, what is your wisdom?"
"Hmmm."
He rumbled and grumbled, both hands on his gimmerstick. Ears twitched and a great sigh released into the Force. Every member suddenly took in just how strained their leader was.
"Consent I will not, to Skywalker's arrest. To win this fight, unified we must be. Look around. We have played into the hands of Darth Sidious."
Yoda's power stood as a bulwark against an equally determined one. The two leaders of the Order were no longer in sync but actively competing for influence over the Council, something not lost on the other members. They glared intensely at each other.
"Master, we do need answers," Shaak Ti said gently, trying to reduce the tension. "There is a way to get to the bottom of this quagmire."
"What do you suggest?" Ki-Adi Mundi inquired.
"A compromise. Luke Ahch-To will not be arrested but taken in for questioning. He will be allowed to present evidence in defense of his claims. Obi-Wan can share data from these chips, allowing us to analyze them ourselves and find out about their true nature. In the meantime, we also do not engage with Palpatine or follow any of his orders."
Several nodded their heads. A majority. Even Mace Windu did not object.
"And who is to inform them of this development? They're likely in hyperspace on the Restitution."
"I volunteer myself," Shaak Ti said, standing with a bow. "If the Council agrees, of course."
They did. Every member except Adi Gallia and Master Yoda raised their hands. The motion passed.
"We will meet in one of the war rooms tomorrow evening as the Senate prepares their session. Until then, Council is adjourned."
Windu dismissed them. Gallia stormed off in silent protest, but Shaak Ti stayed behind to talk to Master Yoda, whom she noticed was as perturbed as she'd ever seen him.
"Master, what troubles you?" she said kindly.
"A great disturbance I have felt...something terrible has happened."
Said disturbance rippled through the Jedi as the exiting Council members stopped and tried to make sense of the sudden change around them. A somber, sad note in the Force accompanied by a scream of great pain.
"Anakin," Yoda said aloud.
"Contact Skywalker immediately," Mace Windu ordered. He looked quite shaken himself. "Find out what has happened."
This melancholic wave would last the entirety of the night, even as the Council tried to investigate. Even as reports of an incident at 500 Republica grew louder and Anakin failed to return contact. Babies awoke crying, younglings ran from their beds to their masters and knights who were at a loss to explain or reassure their charges what was going on, for the dark side too dampened their spirits.
As Coruscant slept, the beast kept its eye fixated on his enemies, the heartbeat of murder growing louder and louder…
During the night and into the dawn, the Jedi Temple was on the verge of chaos.
The Resitution- Hyperspace
Obi-Wan felt it. The Force kept sinking further and further into a black hole of darkness. He couldn't sense precisely what had happened, but it was nothing good. Then Shaak Ti called and explained how police had converged on 500 Republica. An incident had happened with one of the Senators and the Temple buckled under the massive weight of the dark side. The Council had to keep the place from going crazy,
It seemed things just kept getting worse.
Speed walking down the lower deck near Luke's quarters, Sergeant Hunter of Clone Force 99 suddenly emerged from the room.
"Oh, sorry, sir. Didn't see you there," he said with a crisp salute.
"Quite alright, Sergeant. Did you need to speak to the General?"
"Yeah…"
He looked a bit awkward and flicked his eyes back and forth. Certainly uncharacteristic for a confident clone commando.
"I don't know how else to put this, but I was asking him permission for the boys and I to hitch a ride back to Kamino when we arrive on Coruscant."
"Oh? Is there a particular reason?
"Well without sounding harsh, sir, my squad has mixed feelings towards the regs."
Obi-Wan interpreted the meaning quickly. Standard clone troopers had been encouraged by their Jedi Generals to embrace individualism in order to differentiate themselves. But Hunter and his men pushed even the farthest boundaries of the word 'different'. He knew from experience what deviating from the norm might bring.
"I see," he said.
"We're happy to help, don't get me wrong," Hunter assured him with a couple of hand waves. "But now that we have our chips out, it's probably time for us to depart. I doubt anyone will want us to stick around anyway."
Obi-Wan noticed the small bandage underneath the long mane of dark brown hair. It was good to know at the very least these incredible soldiers couldn't be turned against them.
"You are free to do as you see fit, Sergeant," he said kindly. "It's the least we can do."
"General Luke said the same thing."
Hunter nodded appreciatively and offered one more salute.
"It's been an honor, sir. If you ever need help in the future…call us any time."
"I certainly shall."
They parted ways and Obi-Wan touched the keypad on the automatic door. Luke hadn't locked it yet. He knew his former padawan likely wasn't asleep. Too much turmoil in the Force to rest easy.
"Luke?"
He sat slumped over on the bed. He peered through his dirty blond bangs, which had grown long enough over the past few months to shag over his eyes when gazing downward.
"I detect you have more news," came the dry pronouncement.
"Yes. Both good and bad just in case you were wondering."
"Joy."
Obi-Wan worked the inside of his mouth just a bit. Before, Luke had been this grizzled but good hearted outsider who served as both a seasoned warrior and passionate reformer of the Republic. Now, having seen who that seasoned warrior used to be…it nearly broke his heart.
"Do you want the bad news or the good news?"
"I suppose it's wiser to take the bitter medicine first," Luke grumbled.
"Well, the first you might already have an inkling of. The Force-"
"-is continuing to slide out of balance. But there was something else."
"Yes," Obi-Wan said sadly. "Apparently there has been some sort of incident on 500 Republica at the Senate residential complex."
Luke's light blue orbs flashed.
"What kind of incident?"
"Unknown at this time. The Coruscant guard is being very tight lipped, and the matter is under investigation. But whatever happened, it's quite serious. Younglings and children are in a state of panic."
The Last Jedi wasn't stupid. This had Sidious written all over it, the evil slime.
"Padme is likely in trouble. Dooku said she's one of his targets."
"That would be my guess as well."
Luke shoved a hand through those bangs and turned his head away for a second, as though he might cry or shout. Instead, his reply came out quiet.
"Then that means Anakin was right in the middle of it."
Obi-Wan didn't need to confirm the hunch. Instead, he tried to offer a silver lining.
"The good news is, you're not being arrested. The Council instead wishes you to testify and present evidence of your findings. They are giving us a fair hearing."
"There's no time, Obi-Wan," Luke said morosely. "Ahsoka is Force knows where. Anakin is probably losing his mind and now the Senate will be in disarray before the final vote tomorrow. We either succeed or we die."
Obi-Wan both admired and pitied the man in front of him. He joined him on the bed, sharing in his concern but not the guilt.
"You are without a doubt the most courageous Jedi I've ever met. But even you can't fix this alone."
"Courage doesn't equate to wisdom."
"Maybe," the Master conceded, lightly touching his beard. "But I think you were wise not to tell the Council everything right away. Otherwise, they would have attacked Sidious immediately, activating Order 66, Anakin likely falls, and we're back at square one. The Force has been guiding us in various ways. I've felt it for quite awhile now."
Luke knew him to be right, but something else tugged at his heartstrings.
"I…feel as though I'm toying with people's lives. I've failed to save so many already. It makes me no better than Sidious."
"Luke." Obi-Wan peeked underneath his former student's eye. He looked stern but compassionate. "Never mistake yourself for that fiendish creature who operates under the guise of a human being. I saw those memories. I saw what the future holds. That you're here trying to change it is a supreme act of selflessness."
"I think of it more as atonement," Luke said in what sounded more depressed than cryptic. "It's…hard to let go of mistakes. Especially when you're at risk of repeating them."
Anakin. They both knew that's what he was referring to. But for Luke it went deeper. It always did.
"Did you know I tried to build a new Jedi Order and failed? Did you know that the nephew I lost was my twin sister's son?"
"I didn't," Obi-Wan said. "And it does not change my opinion of you one iota. There is nothing wrong in feeling attached to your family. Especially having never known them."
"They're as amazing as I imagined they would be," Luke said, his voice choking up. "They deserve to be happy."
"Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala are exceptional people. I know you're worried about them but I can guarantee they'll be more than understanding once the truth is made clear."
Luke really did love Obi-Wan and thanked the Force for his presence.
"Provided Mace Windu doesn't ruin everything…again."
It was comical to see a forty eight year old version of the padawan you once trained in a future-past life have a near identical face as the padawan you trained in the present. Though the pout was different.
"What?"
"Nothing…it's…I don't know if anyone ever mentioned this in the future, but you look extraordinarily like your father. Except the expression you just made reminded me very much of Padme."
Luke made a hollow sound. A failed laugh.
"Yeah, I used to get that a lot. Everyone compared me to Anakin."
"And yet," Obi-Wan said slowly. "Your true nature is much more like your mother. Compassionate, gentle yet strong, never giving up even when a situation appears hopeless."
"Thank you." Luke croaked as he suddenly became very interested in the floor. "Growing up, I didn't know anything about my mother. Leia said she could remember her but I think she just wanted something to fill the void." He added a wisftul smile more reminiscent of the young Obi-Wan saw in the memories. "Her personality is...different from mine."
Obi-Wan shared a smile with Luke.
"Focus on that. On her and everyone you care about. I've often found lately that thinking of friends and family does wonders for the soul. Even light years away. It's not exactly the Force but something different."
"Love," Luke clarified for him. "It transcends all things. Even the Force."
The Great Negotiator gave his shoulder an affectionate pat, not quite ready to give another hug (old Jedi habits die hard), but their affection for one another ran like a lifeline of pure light. Even amongst the blackest coils of the dark side, it could not be broken.
"Get some rest," Obi-Wan said to his former student. "We're half a rotation behind standard Coruscant time. By the time we get back, it'll be late afternoon into the evening. You'll need your strength."
Fatigue was finally winning the battle against his body and he resolved to follow his own advice.
Sleep would come surprisingly quick, but it would not be relaxing.
Coruscant- Undercity
In level 1313 of the underworld portal, within the confines of an ordinary maintenance garage, Asajj Ventress gazed up at the buzzing with various speeders, ships, and military personnel. The circular opening in the middle was the only thing she could see amidst the walls of concrete and steel but she saw the clouds overhead consuming the stars above.
She gave a shiver and cold tricked up her spine. The dark side had never felt stronger.
It was time to leave this place while she still could. A storm was coming. She did not want to be here when the maelstrom hit.
"Are you finished back there?"
"Yup."
The two dark haired mechanics, far too young to be on their own but hardy folk (something Ventress admired) emerged smeared in black grease and engine residue. But she had a soft spot for women like these. Sisters should always stand by each other. These two did in spite of their bickering.
"My gratitude."
She paid them fairly and added a small tip for their trouble.
Asajj was glad to be rid of Coruscant and seek jobs on greener pastures. Perhaps Boba was having better luck on Quarzite. She wished she'd taken that particular one.
"We're going to do some finishing touches and you'll be on your way," the elder Martez told her.
"Of course."
Ventress was sure to keep her lightsabers out of sight. Though she was no Jedi, they weren't popular around these parts and had no desire to draw unnecessary attention.
Fools, she thought to herself.
As the Martez sisters vanished into the backroom for more supplies, Ventress was half tempted to just take off. A powerful figure in the dark side was on this planet, not her former master, but someone else…
Not much scared the ex-assassin, but the looming shadow of the one who commanded Dooku certainly did.
Then her holoprojector beeped. When looking at the identifying bar, her jaw nearly dropped.
Speaking of the old man…
She initially thought of ignoring the backstabbing traitor and going on her merry way. But something…a peculiar curiosity…gave pause for reconsideration. Just what in the stars did Dooku want after all this time? Surely not to grovel and beg.
Consulting the Force, it gave a small nudge and Asajj opened it.
"Well, well, look who decided to call."
She gave a sultry, thin smile to Dooku who frowned in response.
"Ventress."
"I don't have time to waste on double crossing old men," she hissed, knowing full well there wasn't a damn thing he could do to prevent her from voicing the thousands of epithets owed to him. "What do you want?"
"A favor."
Those two words came out so reluctantly, Ventress could see the bile bubbling in the back of his throat. She began to sneer.
"And what makes you think I'd do anything for you?"
Dooku flicked invisible particles from his hand.
"Tell me, why are you on Coruscant?"
"I don't have to tell you."
"I know there was an anonymous bounty posted by the guild seven rotations ago. It offered a substantial reward for the capture of a certain Jedi Knight," Dooku said, answering for her. "One Ahsoka Tano."
"I didn't confirm I was on Coruscant," she shot back.
"You already did," the wily Master pointed out astutely. "Now tell me, do you have her?"
Ventress thought very carefully about her next choice of words. An anonymous patron wanted the Togruta girl but wouldn't give the reason. If Dooku was contacting her now, it was either on behalf of Sidious or an attempt to steal her reward. Well, he wasn't getting either.
"I don't," she replied shortly. "Cad Bane got to her before I did. Now if there isn't anything else-"
"You must rescue her."
Ventress gave a cruel laugh.
"And why would I do that? Let the Jedi brat rot for all I care."
"I'll pay you double."
That certainly got her attention though she didn't take the offer right away. She sensed something off about Dooku. A shift in his demeanor.
"Why are you doing this? What's in it for you?"
Dooku's anger crackled through the Force, though not as intensely. Ventress remembered the severe punishments issued by his hand. This wasn't raw anger but indignant outrage.
"Do you know who ordered your execution during the Battle of Sullust?"
Her own anger began to rise now.
"I don't give a-"
"Sidious!" he boomed. "I had no plans to get rid of you, my former apprentice. He saw your power growing and decided it was a threat to him."
"So this is about revenge," she surmised, eyes hardening. "You finally summoned enough stones to betray the Dark Lord and want me to follow along. Not exactly a tempting offer."
Count Dooku deflated from his normally uptight, unyielding posture. She noticed how his eyes no longer contained that glimmer of yellow, but their natural brown.
"You were once exploited by the dark side. By my personal hand," he said. "I do not wish for anyone else to suffer that fate."
Ventress couldn't believe her former Master had completed such a one eighty. This man, who'd taught her Sith philosophy as the essence of life, now openly embraced something greater than himself.
Everything was relative.
"I want full payment up front."
"Done. The credits are being transferred to your personal account as we speak."
It figured the old man still had access to her bank records. Not that she would complain. The number she saw would easily be enough to retire on.
"One stipulation," she said slowly. "I can't guarantee I'll be able to find her."
The ex-Jedi saw through the ruse.
"I wasn't born yesterday, Ventress. I know that the most successful bounty hunters have various hideouts scattered throughout the planet."
Fine, if the old man wanted to be that blunt she'd do so in return.
"The industrial district," Ventress said, knowing full well that Bane used several warehouses in that area as did she. "If the Tano girl isn't there, there's no telling where Sidious took her."
Dooku gave an odd look, dare she might say, it resembled pride.
"You will find a way, my former apprentice. You always do."
The contrast between that and his last parting words generated one last spark of affection between them. Ventress didn't smile, but she did nod.
"May the Force be with you."
"And with you, padawan."
Dooku disappeared. And within seconds, so did Asajj Ventress, flying high into the night. The Martez sisters received an extra tip.
The next morning. Dawn. 5:58 CDT (Central District Time)- Coruscant
Today was the day.
Darth Sidious, peering from the window of his luxurious flat near the Senate Building, gazed at the rising sun, its pink and orange gaze briefly illuminating the room before disappearing behind a gray wall of clouds. How fitting.
Though the Sith had barely slept more than five hours, he'd never felt so alive. He breathed in the power, inhaling and exhaling slowly, the intoxicating strength allowing him to spread the Shroud of the Dark Side ever further. Not for the purpose of concealment but to drive his enemies mad. To extract every drop of pain and anguish before putting them out of their misery.
A sense of destiny impressed upon the Dark Lord. He'd always had an extra presentiment of greater things ever since he was an adolescent. Now back in control with the pieces arranged exactly where he wanted, the time had come.
He buzzed the button on his desk, summoning Mas Amedda into the room.
"Yes, my Lord?" the Chagrian said, bowing deeply.
"Send a statement to the Holonet: Senator Padme Amidala has been poisoned by the Separatists in a last bid effort to cripple us at war's end. Summon the Senate for a special session and declare martial law at zero seven hundred. The Republic is now in a state of emergency until the crisis is resolved."
"Yes, Master. Is there anything else?"
"Schedule my shuttle to the Grand Republic Medical Facility this afternoon at zero five thirty."
"It shall be done."
Sidious gave a reptilian smirk as Amedda exited.
Today was the day. The end of the Republic and the final chapter in the story of the Jedi Order. The last day any of them would ever see.
So as everyone here is aware, I've built this up for quite some time with a few fakeouts thrown here in there. I've seen many predictions about when the endgame is going to be. Well this is it. We're right at the climax. Said climax is already mostly written but it will be broken up into six separate parts that will be released from this month right into early July. As a I said, I aim to post it quicker than past updates.
It's been a long story but we're right there. The stuff everyone's been waiting to see. And I can't wait for you guys to see it.
Rock on!
~The Wasp