Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars!
A/N: This is an alternative for the SW prequels I wrote some months ago. After finish writing the story, I was planning to publish it, but I realized how bad I messed up with it, so I decided to give up. Still, I thought I should show you what I wrote. Here it is!
Darth Vader. One of the most powerful Sith Lords known in the history of the galaxy. A man who ruthlessly enforced the rule of Emperor Palpatine upon the galaxy; a man not afraid to use his lightsaber to cut down any threat to the Galactic Empire. A man so feared that he brought terror into the hearts of his own men and his enemies, especially those of the Rebel Alliance.
However, he was not always like this. He was once a Jedi Knight named Anakin Skywalker who fought to protect the Galactic Republic from any harm. How such a Jedi so noble became one of the most feared Sith Lords is an interesting story.
To learn of the rise of Vader, one must first understand what transpired before it: the Clone Wars.
28 BBY – The Mandalorian Jango Fett cloned an entire army from himself and began to attack the worlds in the Outer Rim. The Republic ignores the attacks, believing them to be insignificant.
27 BBY – With the continuing attacks on the Outer Rim, the Republic sends a small force with a handful of Jedi to defeat the Mandalorians.
26 BBY – The strike teams of Jedi and Republic troops launch an attack on Kamino, the planet where the Clone Army is, but they are captured by the Clones. They're then executed and their bodies are sent back to the Republic.
25 BBY – When Jango and his clones attack the Mid Rim worlds, the Republic assembled their army of Stormtroopers with the Jedi to lead them. Among the Jedi were Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. Valorum, the Chancellor of the Republic, ended his term of office by the end of the year.
24 BBY – Palpatine became the new Chancellor as the Jedi pressed their attack against the Mandalorian clones in the Mid Rim. On the planet of Christophis, Obi-Wan and Anakin led the attack and ultimately forced the Mandalorians to retreat, thanks to the efforts of Jedi Knight Padme Nabierre and Jedi Master Mace Windu. There, Anakin and Padme met and the two became close throughout the war.
23 BBY – The Jedi take back the Mid Rim and begun the sieges in the Outer Rim. Chancellor Palpatine extends his term of office to help assist the Republic during the war, but causes great suspicion amongst the Jedi. Meanwhile, Anakin and Obi-Wan take back Ryloth, marking a turning point in the Clone Wars.
22 BBY – The Jedi and Republic Stormtroopers take all of the Outer Rim worlds that Jango and his clones conquered. However, Jango launches a final assault on Corusant, devastating the planet. Many civilians, politicians, and Jedi lost their lives during the attack. Fortunately, a strike teams of stormtroopers, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, and Mace infiltrate Jango's ship, the Warrior's Way, and killed Jango, ending the Clone Wars. With their leader defeat, the clone army surrendered and was disbanded, never to form again. As for Anakin and Padme, the two married in secret, though it was forbidden for Jedi to marry.
For the next two years, the Galactic Republic tried to recover from the Clone Wars, but there were too many worlds that the Republic need to assist. Such worlds were devastated from the longs years of brutal conflict, and much of the Galactic Republic itself was left in shambles as its trade routes were cut off and crime escalated over the couple of years. Chancellor Palpatine extended his powers even further to assist those worlds.
As for the Jedi, they remained as they always were: serving the citizens of the Galactic Republic. From their home of the Jedi Temple on the Old Republic's capital of Corusant, many Jedi continued to serve the Republic and the Senate, though most were were wary of Palpatine. Unfortunately, this would not last as they soon made a decision would cause a chain of events that would bring their very end...
It was raining on the capital of the Galactic Republic or Corusant. The metropolitan planet was filled with large buildings that reached Corusant's skies as well as industrial complexes and factories were placed all over the planet. The city scape of the planet was so vast that it eliminated any sign of flora or fauna flourishing. This included the Senate Chamber, where Senators from all over the galaxy discussed and debated over issues that scoured the galaxy. However, in the center of all of this industrial life was a large monastery-like building that housed hundreds of the Republic's guardians, the Jedi Temple.
Ever since its foundation, the Jedi Order built the Temple on Corusant to be protect the Senate from any harm, and to establish itself as the protectors of the Galactic Republic. Beings from all over the galaxy arrive at the Temple to train as warriors of the Force, to protect and serve those of the Republic. The Jedi Temple was a large box-shaped building with five spires extending from the top. The four spires served as watchtowers, while the center spire held a chamber where the Order's most wisest and powerful masters would meet.
Unfortunately, it was not a joyous day as two humans slowly walked out of the entrance of the Jedi Temple with their bags filled with their personal belongings. The male human in his mid twenties with fair skin, short brown hair and blue eyes, who wore a dark brown Jedi robe and tunic over his body. The female was in her late twenties with light skin, long brown hair, and green eyes, and she wore a green robe over her gray tunic. Dropping their bags onto the ground, the two humans stared at the gates of the Jedi Temple before looking at themselves. "I'm sorry this had to happen Padme," the young man said with sadness in his voice. "We knew being Jedi would forbid us from marrying, but we did it anyway, and now look at us. We're nothing more than exiles."
A small tear ran down the face of the woman named Padme, but one could not tell as the ran poured onto her face. "I'm sorry too Anakin," Padme sadly spoke. However, she kept a strong demeanor as she held the hand of the man, Anakin. "But, no matter what happens, we'll always be together as husband and wife."
Anakin tried to give his wife a small smile as he held her hands. "Yes," he nodded, "we will."
The two former Jedi then grabbed their bags, ready to leave their old lives as Jedi. "ANAKIN!" a voice shouted.
Upon hearing the shout, Anakin froze where he was for he recognized the voice as he turned around to see its owner. "Obi-Wan."
The Jedi Knight known as Obi-Wan Kenobi stood at the doors of chamber. He was in his mid to late forties with brown hair and beard as well as blue eyes. He wore the typical brown Jedi robes and his lightsaber hung from his belt. As the Jedi Knight walked up to the two, Anakin demanded, "Obi-Wan what are you doing here?"
"You weren't going to leave without saying goodbye, were you?" Obi-Wan asked with a small smile.
Anakin could not help but smile back at his old mentor. Suddenly, a thought came up in Anakin's head as he reached down to his belt and pulled out his lightsaber hilt. "Here," Anakin offered his mentor his lightsaber, "I want you to hold onto this."
Seeing Anakin's lightsaber, Obi-Wan shook his head. "Anakin, I can't..." Obi-Wan began, but was cut off.
"Obi-Wan, I'm not asking as a Jedi, but as a friend," Anakin pleaded. "Please, take it."
Hesitantly, Obi-Wan took Anakin's old lightsaber from the hands of his old apprentice before looking up at him. "I will take good care of it," Obi-Wan said with determination in his voice. "Until we meet again."
Anakin nodded at that, but Padme interjected, "I worry if we'll ever see each other."
"Worry, you should not," an old voice spoke.
It was then both Padme and Anakin noticed a familiar green Jedi walking towards them using his cane as support. "Master Yoda," Padme and Anakin gasped in unison.
"Remember, binds us together, the Force does," Yoda spoke with his wisdom. "Jedi Knights, you are no longer, but strong in the Force, you are. Meet again, we will."
The two former Jedi could not help but smile at the elderly Jedi's wisdom that continued to aid them, despite they were no longer Jedi. "Thank you Master Yoda," Anakin thanked as he slung his backpack over his shoulders.
"Glad, I am," Yoda smiled back.
"We should get going," Padme stated. "Thank you masters and may the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you as well," Obi-Wan nodded his head.
Nodding, the two former Jedi nodded back as they carried their backpacks with them and left the Temple that they once called home. The two Jedi Masters watched as Anakin and Padme left the Jedi Temple, and headed towards the nearest transport. Once they were out of their sight, Obi-Wan and Yoda returned back to the Jedi Temple, sorrow filling their hearts of the departure of two most promising Jedi.
After walked through the crowded streets of Corusant and not trying to avoid bumping into other sentient beings, the two former Jedi arrived at the station. They both were sitting on a nearby bench, waiting for transport to arrive. As he waited with his wife, Anakin could not help but stare at the city of Corusant, which was now a shell of its former self. 'How did it turn into this?' he contemplated.
Corusant was once a beautiful metropolis with its cabs and vehicles flying above the street, thanks to the technological wonder of the repulsorlift engine. Unfortunately, Jango Fett's final attack on Corusant at the end of the Clone Wars left most of the transportation systems unavailable to the public. Many of the tall skyscrapers that went up into the skies of the Corusant were damaged from the devastation of the Clone Wars. What even more even more saddening to Anakin was the sight of beings, once rich but now left without a home and to beg on the streets.
At the sight of Corusant's deprivation of its glory, Anakin could not help but clench his jaw in anger. Padme took notice of her husband's anger, so she held his hand and asked with sincerity, "Anakin are you alright?"
Upon hearing the voice of his wife, the young Jedi's hardened face softened as he looked at Padme. "I'm fine, Padme," Anakin sighed. "It's just that everything seems so bad because of the Clone Wars. When we were Jedi we could help out these people, give them better lives. But since..." Anakin stopped himself, not wanting to continue that sentence.
"But since we were banished, you feel useless," Padme finished.
Staring at his wife, Anakin slightly nodded before he stared back at state of Corusant, while Padme waited patiently. There was a silence between the two former Jedi, one not sure of what to say to the other say. "Excuse me," a voice spoke.
The two Jedi looked in front of themselves and much to their surprise, it was a person clad in white armored with a black blaster in his hands. This person was a Stormtrooper, one of the Republic's soldiers and law enforcers. "Can we help you?" Padme asked, wary of the Stormtrooper's blaster in his hands.
"I am here for Anakin Skywalker," the Stormtrooper answered before turning to Padme's husband. "Are you him?"
Anakin nodded at the Stormtrooper without hesitation, "Yes, I am."
"Chancellor Palpatine would like to speak with you," the Stormtrooper stated.
Anakin's eyes widen at that announcement. The Chancellor was the head of the Galactic Republic, a person with incredible powers give to him by the Senate. The former Jedi wondered why the Chancellor would want to talk with him. "Did he say why?" Anakin asked.
The trooper shook his head. "I'm afraid not, sir."
Anakin sighed at the answer, but he looked up at the trooper as he stood. "Alright, I'll come."
"Yes sir," the Stormtrooper nodded.
Then, Anakin turned to his wife and said, "Don't worry about me. I'll catch up."
Though hesitant, Padme nodded, and Anakin turned his attention back to the Stormtrooper. "Alright, take me to him."
Padme watched as the Stormtrooper took her husband to the man who was in charge of the Galactic Republic and help it through the Clone Wars. However, she could not help but feel something ominous was about...
Five months later...
In the center spire on top of the Jedi Temple was a large circular chamber with six seats on the edge. Inside, a council of the six wisest Jedi Masters in the entire Order would meet to discuss the status of the Jedi Order and the Republic. Now, was such a time as the six Jedi Masters sat in their respective chairs in the chamber, waiting patiently for two more figures to arrive.
The council of Jedi were comprised of two humans, one Wookie, two Twi'lek, and one Trandoshan. Each one of these masters wore the typical uniform of Jedi, which consisted of a brown robe and white tunic with their lightsabers hanging from their brown belts. Though they were of different species, these masters were powerful in the Force and met in the chamber to discuss something of great importance.
The person they were waiting for was none other than the Jedi Master known as Yoda as short, green-skinned Master used his walking stick to help him enter the council chamber. Once he entered it, Yoda continued to walk until he reached the center of the chamber.
The bald male Jedi master with a dark complexion nodded at Obi-Wan. "Greetings Master Kenobi."
"Greetings, Master Mace Windu," Yoda bowed his head to the Jedi Master named Mace before bowing his head to the others. "Masters."
"Do you know why you have been summoned?" the male Wookie Jedi questioned in his native tongue.
Yoda shook his head. "Know, I'm afraid I do not."
"An opportunity has arrived for you Master Yoda," the female, green-skinned Twi'lek spoke.
"An opportunity, you say?" the elderly Master chuckled as he clutched his stick with both hands. "And what this opportunity is, I might ask?"
The female human Jedi Master with fair skin and brown hair then decided to continue. "Master Yoda, for years you have served the Jedi Order well," the female human Master explained. "Several of your students have become great Jedi Knights, like Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Though he liked the praise, Yoda knew where this was going. "Join the council, you want me to." It was statement instead of question.
The male Trandoshan Master nodded. "Master Yoda, such a position is usually reserved for the best of Master. We believe you to be one of them."
"That is why we offer you this position after teaching Jedi for so many years," the male, blue-skinned Twi'lek Master continued. "Do you accept becoming apart of this council?"
Upon hearing the offer, Yoda's ear immediately drooped with sadness. "Join the Council, I will not," Yoda declined.
The Jedi Masters in the room were shocked at Yoda declining such an offer. "But Master Yoda, you are the most powerful member of our Order!" the female human Master exclaimed. "You have trained Jedi for years!"
"Indeed. You deserve such a position," the male Twi'lek nodded in agreement. "Yet you refuse. Why?"
Yoda could simply sigh at the council's reactions. "Strong and loyal to the Republic, the Jedi are, but lost in the Republic's politics, we have become. Lost our way, I fear we Jedi have," Yoda stated he held onto his walking stick. "Lead to our own destruction, this will. Decline the council's offer, I must."
The council stared the eldest Jedi Master in the room, pondering about his words. What he said was not false for it seemed the Jedi Order was simple order of warriors that used the Force to protect the Republic when the time came. However, since the Clone Wars, the Jedi have become too involved in the Republic's politics that they had almost forget what their original purpose. "Very well, Master Yoda." Mace sighed at Yoda's response to the council's offer. "We shall respect your decision. You are dismissed."
However, Yoda was not finished as he gripped his walking stick tightly. "Done, I am not. To discuss something, I wish." Yoda stated. "Murders of many Jedi, there have been."
The six other Jedi Masters in the room stared at the little Master in shock once more, but this time for a different reason. "How do you know about that?" female Twi'lek Master demanded. "We have kept that information hidden from everyone, even the Jedi!"
Yoda could not help but smile at that as he pointed his walking stick at the green-skinned Twi'lek Jedi. "A powerful ally, the Force is. Lean of many things, it can," Yoda smiled. When he lowered his sick back onto the ground, his smiled turned into a frown. "Dark times, I sense for the Jedi. Connected, these murders are. Send a skilled Jedi, you must!"
Mace nodded at that last statement. "We've already sent one."
"We have chosen your old pupil, Obi-Wan," the Wookie master growled.
"Obi-Wan?" Yoda's ear shot up when he heard the name of his former student.
"He's already in the Under City of Corusant, where the murders have been reported," the Trandoshan responded. "If he finds anything, he will report it to us."
Yoda stared at the floor of the council chamber, pondering at the Masters' decision. "Very well," he said as he looked at them. "Agree with the council's decision, I do. Confident of Obi-Wan, I am."
The council was relieved that Yoda was satisfied with their decision, but there was still one more thing that had to be clear. "Master Yoda, we request for you to inform no one of this," Mace spoke, "especially Jedi or anyone in the Senate."
Though he was at first hesitant, Yoda nodded. "Very well. Inform no one, I shall."
Mace looked at the other members of the council, who simply gave a small nod to the dark skinned Jedi Master. Then, Mace brought his eyes back to centenarian Jedi Master. "May the Force be with you," he spoke.
"And with you," Yoda spoke.
With a respectful bow of his head, Yoda turned to leave the council of Jedi chamber, but he could sense the anxiety from the Jedi Masters. Though he noticed it, Yoda's mind was more focused on Obi-Wan, wondering how close his old student was to finding this assassin.
Speaking of Obi-Wan, the Jedi Knight and former general of the Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars walked down the streets of the Under City of Corusant. Ever since the attack on Corusant, many in the upper levels always complained how bad it was for them, but the Under City was worse. Crime was more abundant as many were murderers, pickpockets, prostitutes, or whatever position that would give them enough money to survive. There were bars and vendors all over the Under City to provide food, but a high price, much like the gangs who offered protection on shelter to the victims of the attack on Corusant.
Anyhow, Obi-Wan walked through the dirty streets of the Under City with his Jedi robes covering his body. Also, he kept his lightsaber hidden within his robe, so he did not attract too much attention to himself. Where ever the Jedi walked, he would always keep a close ear or eye out for any mysterious characters that were either related the recent deaths of Jedi or knew something about them. However, the Jedi Knight did not have that much luck while in the Under City for the past few hours or so.
Obi-Wan was brought out of his thoughts when he heard a faint beeping from within his robes. Finding a nearby empty alley, Obi-Wan ran into it and and pulled out his small black communicator. "Obi-Wan here," he answered.
After answering, a small holographic image of Mace Windu appeared, and questioned, "Obi-Wan, have you found anything?"
"I'm afraid not, Master Windu," Obi-Wan reported. "I'll see if I can find anything..."
However, Obi-Wan was cut off when he sensed something in the Force as he twirled his head around in the direction of its source. Noting the look of worry on Obi-Wan's face, Mace asked, "Obi-Wan, what is it?"
Without looking at Mace, Obi-Wan answered, "I think I found our Jedi killer."
Before Mace could say anything, Obi-Wan shut off his communicator and put it back inside his robe before rushing through the alleys towards the source of the disturbance. Using the Force to increase his speed, the everything surrounding the Jedi became a blur as he continued towards his destination, and he got closer, Obi-Wan could hear the sound of lightsabers clashing against each other. "That has to be the killer!" Obi-Wan told himself as he increased his speed.
Arriving at the scene, Obi-Wan stopped to see a male figure standing over the fallen form of a Jedi, whose life ceased to exist just a few moments ago. Obi-Wan looked at the figure to see he wore a black robe over his dark brown shirt and pants with a belt around his waist. The Jedi noted that the figure wore black armor on his chest as well as black gloves and boots. Yet, Obi-Wan could not see his face, since the figure had a hood over his head that covered most of his facial features. What surprised Obi-Wan the most was the fact that the figure had a lightsaber in his hand, its red blade glowing brightly.
Drawing his lightsaber, Obi-Wan activated its blue blade and demanded, "Who are you?"
The figure remained silent as he gripped his red lightsaber. "I will not ask again," Obi-Wan sternly stated as he pointed his lightsaber at the figure. "Who are you?"
Instead of answering Obi-Wan, the figure charged at the Jedi, forcing Obi-Wan to take a defensive stance as the figure swung his red lightsaber at the Jedi. Obi-Wan blocked the figure's red lightsaber with his blue blade before he attempted a horizontally strike at the figure's head only for the figure to block it. The strike made the figure pull his head back a little, forcing his hood to fall back. Upon seeing the figure's true identity, Obi-Wan's eyes widen at who was the killer.
"Anakin?" he questioned with shock in his voice.
The figure was indeed Anakin, the former Jedi who was once Obi-Wan's students and a commander during the Clone Wars. Obi-wan could not believe that the one responsible for the death of so many Jedi was none other than his most trusted friend. 'It can't be!' Obi-Wan denied, even though the truth was literally staring at him in the face.
Anakin took notice of Obi-Wan shock and saw it as an opportunity as he used the Force to fire a telekinetic blast at him, sending Obi-Wan crashing into a nearby garbage bin. "You shouldn't have come here!" Anakin scolded as he deactivated his lightsaber and hooked it to his belt.
Pulling up his hood, Anakin turned his back towards his former mentor and began to leave the scene as he entered the shadows of Corusant's Under City. Seeing Anakin was almost out of his sight, Obi-Wan jumped out of the trashcan and ran as fast as he could in hopes of reaching to his old friend and former student. "Anakin!" Obi-Wan called out to the fading figure.
His call fell on deaf ears as Anakin's form faded into shadows of the Under City, leaving a lone, distraught Obi-Wan in the alleyway. "ANAKIN!" Obi-wan shouted, but it was too late for Anakin was already gone.
Anakin fluttered his eyes open as he awoke from his slumber. He could feel the warm of the sun touch his skin as the former Jedi sat up from his bed and looked at the beams of the sun passing through the window in his room. Rubbing his eyes, Anakin's vision cleared for him to see he was wearing a black pants and shirt, and noticed the bed room was small with only one bed right next to the window and a dresser. There was a door that led to the rest of the apartment while the other led to the refresher.
It was then Anakin remembered where he was: in an old friend's apartment. After being kicked out of the Order, a couple of Anakin's old friends from the Clone Wars offered him shelter in their apartment, and he along with his wife accepted. The place was small, but cozy enough for him and Padme, so they did not really mind. In fact, the two were grateful to their hosts since most of Corusant was still trying to rebuild from the Clone Wars.
Anakin sat up from his bed and when he noticed his wife was not there, he got a little worried, but before he could panic, he heard a knocking on the door. "Anakin, it's me," a familiar voice called out. "Are you up?"
The former Jedi could not help but smile. "Yeah, I'm up Beru," he answered.
When he said that, Anakin saw a young woman, Beru, enter the room with a basket in her hand. Beru was in her mid twenties with short brown hair and gray eyes, wearing a simple tanned dress over her white shirt. "Here, I'll clean up while you get dressed," she offered as she placed the basket on the bed.
Anakin nodded as he stood up. "Thanks for everything, Beru. It means a lot to Padme and me."
"Don't worry about it. It's the least my husband and I can do for you" Beru assured. "You helped us find us home after ours was destroyed during the Clone Wars and that means a lot to us."
Anakin smiled at Beru's hospitality, but a thought popped into his head. "Oh do you know where Padme is."
"Padme's out getting groceries," she informed Anakin as she folded some clean clothes. "She should be gone for a while."
The former Jedi nodded at that and was about to head to the refresher when a voice called out, "Hey, Anakin!"
He turned to see another person enter the room and he realized it was a man in his mid to late twenties with fair skin, blond hair, and green eyes. He wore a tan shirt and pants with a brown sash around his waist. "Yeah Owen, what is it?" Anakin asked.
The man named Owen informed, "Anakin, there someone who wants to see you."
"Who is it?" Anakin asked.
"No idea," Owen shrugged. "For one I can tell you it's not a Stormtrooper."
Upon hearing that last statement, Beru walked over to her husband and slapped him on the shoulder. "Owen, leave him alone!" Beru scolded. "Anakin just gets visitors from the Chancellor, that's all. Remember he got that new lightsaber as a gift!"
As Beru left the room with her basket, Owen told her in a gruff voice, "If he didn't get involved with that man in the first place, we wouldn't be having troopers appear on my doorstep!"
Anakin could not help but chuckle at his friend's antics. "Alright Owen, I'll check up on this visitor," he said as he patted his old friend's shoulder.
Owen nodded at that before he left the room to head to meet up with his wife, and once he was gone, Anakin removed his old, dirty clothes from yesterday. He then put on a clean pair of brown shirts and black pants on before walking out of the room to see the apartment was as large as any. It had a kitchen, a living with two couches near a large window, as well as a door that led to another bed room where Owen and Beru lived in. However, Anakin froze when he saw a familiar figure standing near the window. "Obi-Wan," he spoke aloud.
Upon hearing his named spoken, Obi-Wan turned to face Anakin with a stern face. Anakin knew why his former teacher was here, and though he didn't want to talk about it, he had no choice as Obi-Wan walked over to him. "Anakin, we need to talk."
The former Jedi just stood there in shock, his eyes meeting with Obi-Wan's as the older man approached him. "Anakin are you responsible for killing those Jedi?" Obi-Wan demanded only for Anakin to look away with a hint of shame in his eyes. When Anakin was not looking at him, Obi-Wan raised his voice, "Anakin!"
Anakin looked at his former mentor and responded, "Why ask a question you already know the answer to?" as he walked over to the window.
Obi-Wan stared his former pupil in disbelief as he walked over to him. "Anakin, just what do you think you're doing?"
"I'm protecting the Republic that's what I'm doing!" Anakin shouted back as he looked at Obi-Wan. "The Republic is in ruin because of the Clone Wars and only Chancellor Palpatine can fix it! I'm only trying to help him!"
"By killing Jedi?" the Jedi Knight questioned. "Anakin, the Jedi are only trying to help the Republic!"
"Really? Then tell me what have the Jedi done to help the Republic after the war?" Anakin demanded. "Nothing but sitting on their backsides and become involved in politics, while innocents still suffer from the Clone Wars! Obi-Wan when I was exiled from the Jedi, it opened my eyes! It showed me what horrors the Clone Wars had left on these people! Chancellor Palpatine is only trying to help them, but the Jedi are stopping him! Why?"
The Jedi Knight was about to answer that but he stopped himself as he realized that he could not find any reason or explanation to help his argument. Thus, Obi-Wan remained silent as he let his former pupil continue. "Lets face it Obi-Wan, the Jedi have become corrupt," Anakin spat. "The Clone Wars have twisted them into something horrible. They have betrayed the Republic."
"Did they betray the Republic or yourself?" Obi-Wan countered, making his former student swirl his head towards him. "Anakin, there is no doubt you are angry at the Jedi for exiling you. However, if you think that this can help you get your revenge you are wrong! I fear your road to vengeance will only lead to suffering!"
Anakin gritted his teeth in anger. "Get out!" he growled.
"Anakin..." Obi-Wan began but he was cut off.
"I SAID GET OUT!" Anakin shouted as he pointed towards the exit of the apartment.
Obi-Wan sighed in defeat as he walked towards the door. Anakin just stared at Obi-Wan's back as the Jedi Master walked towards the exit, but was most curious when Obi-Wan stopped right at the door. "Continue this path Anakin, and you will surely fall!" Obi-Wan guaranteed before he exited the door.
The former Jedi just ignored his former teacher's words as he stared back out into the open city of Corusant. Unaware of the former Jedi, his wife was outside the apartment with her back against the wall of the hallway. Padme's hand covered half of her face as she tried to prevent herself from sobbing. She had heard the entire conversation between her husband and Obi-Wan,and she realized what had happened.
"Oh Anakin, what have you done?" Padme sobbed.
The Senate Chamber on Corusant was where senators and ambassadors of many worlds from all over the Galactic Republic came to join in session and discuss about the state of the galaxy. It was also home to the Supreme Chancellor as it held his office above the chamber along with his personal quarters. Right now, the Chancellor was in his office that was filled with red carpet on the floors and walls, while the ceilings had dimmed lights to illuminate the office. As for the Chancellor himself, he sat right at his desk, which was placed near the large window that gave a large view of the capital.
Palpatine was a man in his fifties with yellow eyes and gray hair that was becoming a little bald. He wore the typical dress of the Chancellor that consisted of his brown robes under his black cloak that had a small collar around his neck. The sleeves were long, running up to his knees, as were the each of his robe that went down to his feet, and over his head was a red hood. Standing on either side of him were the red armored guards that carried their silver pikes in their hands.
With him was none other than the Jedi Master known as Mace Windu who sat across from the Chancellor. "Master Windu, I assure you that the powers will be rightfully to the peoples of the Republic once we have adverted this crises!" Palpatine argued. "The Clone Wars have devastated countless worlds and it is my job to help them."
"While that is true Chancellor Palpatine, you must remember that you are exceeding beyond the limits set by the constitution," Mace Windu argued. "You have been concentrating power to yourself for the past year, and it has greatly disturbed the Jedi."
"How so?" Palpatine questioned, putting on an innocent smile that could deceive anyone.
Mace remained unfazed as he continued. "Chancellor Palpatine, you have passed bills that have taken away power from the Senators and given it to yourself. Many of the planets have complained that your are harboring power for yourself. It has come to the Jedi's attention that you plan to extend your powers even further with your new bill. It has caused worry to the Jedi that you may cause harm to us."
"I assure you Master Windu, it will not come that," he assured. "However, in the interest of the Jedi, I will heed their wisdom." Showing off his best smile, the Chancellor offered rather charismatically, "What is that the Jedi wish for me to do?"
"The Jedi Council wishes for you to return the powers back to the Senate," Mace firmly stated.
Palpatine nodded at that. "I assure you and the council that once the grievances of the Republic have been fixed, I will return the power back to the Senate."
Though he was cautious of Palpatine, Mace nodded as he stood up from his seat. "Thank you for your time, Chancellor," Mace bowed his head in respect.
With that, the Jedi Master turned around and left the Chancellor's office with his robe dragging against the floor. Once Mace was gone, Palpatine motioned his guards to leave him with a wave of his hand, and after they had left, Palpatine pulled out a small holographic communicator. Upon activating it, the small holographic form of Anakin Skywalker appeared. "Yes, my master?" Anakin immediately asked, almost like an obedient dog.
"My friend, I have another task for you." Palpatine stared at Anakin's holographic form. "Jedi Master Mace Windu is your next target. Eliminate him."
"It will be done," was Anakin's response as he bowed his head.
Smiling, Palpatine shut off the communicator and stared out of the window into the vast city of Corusant. "Everything is going as I planned," Palpatine smiled.
The former Jedi known as Anakin Skywalker walked through the streets of the Republic's capital at night. He wore the same outfit he wore the other night when he encountered his old teacher, Obi-Wan, but he kept his hood up to conceal his identity as well as hid his lightsaber from plain sight. Anakin used the Force to hide his presence from other beings, allowing himself to move through the crowds and the shadows of Corusant's lower levels to reach his target. However, he could not help but feel a strange presence watching him.
Anakin's thoughts were pushed away as he realized he was approaching his destination: a nearby building that seemed to be empty. From what he was told, there was a Jedi Master inside who he had to eliminate, so Anakin quickly entered the building and walked up the stairs to reach the room where the Jedi Master was supposed to be in. As he came closer and closer to his target, Anakin pulled out his lightsaber handle and activated its blade for the red hum to leave a glow on the walls. When finally reached the room, he barged in to attack the Jedi Master inside, but halted at the entrance to see a familiar figure standing in the center. "Obi-Wan?" Anakin questioned, puzzled at this.
It was indeed Obi-Wan, the one he once called his master, who wore his stood in the center of the room with his lightsaber in his hands, its blue blade illuminating the dark room. Anakin snarled at his former teacher, "What are you doing here? Where's Windu?"
Obi-Wan just stared at his demanding former apprentice. "I came here to stop you, Anakin. I don't know how this happened but I will not let you take the lives of anymore Jedi," he explained. "As for Master Windu, he's long gone. Padme overheard someone giving you orders to kill him and she told me. I met with Master Windu and I told him everything. I then offered to take his place, leading you here."
Anakin could not help but stare at his wife in shock, not believing that she would do such a thing. He shock was then replaced with anger as he realized Padme, his own wife, helped his target get away from him. "Why would Padme do that?" Anakin gritted his teeth as he felt his voice rising. "She's my wife!"
"She was also a Jedi, Anakin," Obi-Wan said as he grasped the hilt of his lightsaber with both hands. "Now, I ask you to surrender and turn yourself in. If not, I will use force."
Anakin stood there with shock on his face, but it soon left him as he remembered his mission. "No," he stated coldly as he grasped his red lightsaber with two hands. "All obstacles to the Chancellor will be removed!"
With that, Anakin charged at his former mentor, swinging his red blade at Obi-Wan, who brought his own blue lightsaber forward in time to block the swing. However, Anakin wasn't done as he swung his lightsaber at Obi-Wan's feet. Fortunately for him, Obi-Wan brought him lightsaber down in time to block the slash and raised his lightsaber to block another slash. When Anakin swung his lightsaber at his mentor's side, Obi-Wan was able to block the slash again.
The former Jedi continued his assault on the man he considered his former teacher as he lunged towards Obi-Wan, stabbing his lightsaber towards him only for it to be swatted away. Obi-Wan then swung his lightsaber downward on Anakin, which would have hit his former pupil if Anakin did not raise his red lightsaber in time. The two pressed their lightsaber blades against one another, one trying to overcome the other. "Just why are you doing this, Obi-Wan?" Anakin demanded. "I'm only trying to help the Republic!"
"I could be asking you the same thing!" Obi-Wan spat. "If you think killing the Jedi would help the Republic, you're wrong!"
Tapping into the Force, Obi-Wan removed a free hand from his lightsaber handle and used the Force to fire a telekinetic blast at his former student. Anakin's feet skidded against the metallic floor of the room as his back was sent crashing into the wall. The former Jedi looked up at Obi-Wan, who kept a strong grip on his blue-bladed lightsaber. "The Jedi always have been the protectors of the Republic," Obi-Wan continued. "They have only served the Republic loyally since it was founded! Destroying the Jedi Order would only leave the Republic defenseless! Who said you can go around killing Jedi?"
Though the question was rhetorical, Anakin roared, "Chancellor Palpatine himself!"
Obi-Wan was taken aback by Anakin's response to his rhetorical question, but quickly shook it off when he saw Anakin charging at him once more. Anakin slashed his red lightsaber blade against Obi-Wan's blue blade before he retaliated as he slashed his lightsaber at Anakin's head, but Anakin raised red blade to block it before he avoided another slash from Obi-Wan. The Jedi Master was fortunate to dodge a slash in time and to back away from Anakin before he parried another slash. Seeing how Anakin had the strength and skill, Obi-Wan used the Force to leap from his former pupil and land at the other end of the room. Anakin looked at the man he once called "master" with eyes filled with malice as Obi-Wan kept his two hands on his lightsaber handle.
Instead of charging, Anakin instead circled around Obi-Wan, his hand tightly gripping his lightsaber handle, while his opponent kept his eyes focused on Anakin. Moments passed, but it felt like an eternity as one waited for the other to strike. Looking into Anakin's eyes, Obi-Wan said with sadness, "I'm sorry it had to be this way, Anakin."
Then, Obi-Wan thrust his blue lightsaber forward at Anakin, who blocked it before swinging his red blade at Obi-Wan's side only to be blocked by her own blade. Anakin used the Force to sent Obi-Wan flying back, but he did a backwards somersault in the air and landed on the ground. When he landed, Obi-Wan saw Anakin charging at him, so he quickly raised his lightsaber to parry a slash from Anakin. This time, Obi-Wan quickly swatted Anakin's red lightsaber away to leave him open. Anakin realized what was happening, but was too late as he froze at the feeling of a burning sensation erupting from his side.
The former Jedi looked down to see Obi-Wan's blade piercing his side before looking up at his former master and friend. "Obi-Wan..." Anakin began.
He never had the chance to finish that statement as Obi-Wan quickly withdrew his lightsaber from Anakin's side before slicing at his legs to leave cuts on his thighs. Anakin let out gasps of pain as he felt Obi-Wan's lightsaber blade cut into the muscles in his thighs and he felt a lot more pain when Obi-Wan quickly cut off his right hand that held his red lightsaber. "GAH!" Anakin cried out in pain.
As his severed hand fell on the floor, Anakin clasped the stump on his wrist with his left hand, trying hard to not let the pain overcome him. Obi-Wan just stood there, watching his former student back away slowly as he tried to suppress his pain with little success. He felt guilty at what he had done, but it was necessary to stop Anakin from murdering anymore Jedi. "Anakin, stop what you're doing," Obi-Wan pleaded, "there's still a chance to save the galaxy without killing the Jedi."
However, Anakin did not listen as he whipped his head towards Obi-Wan and with a roar of anger, he lunged at her only for Obi-Wan to outstretch a free and to use the Force to stop Anakin where he was. The former Jedi could feel himself floating above the ground before Obi-Wan used the Force to send him flying through the wall and into another room. As Anakin stood up, he glared at the Jedi through the hole in the wall that made by his body. He was about to charge at him, but Obi-Wan reached out with the Force yet again to make the ceiling above Anakin crumble. Seeing the ceiling was about to fall on him, Anakin tried to run yet the extent of his wounds prevented him from doing so. Ultimately, the metallic beams and plates that made up the ceiling fell on Anakin, crushing him beneath their weight.
Obi-Wan just stared at the rubbled on top of Anakin that was supposed to be his tomb, but his victorious moment had left him as feelings of guilty and regret came over the Jedi. He knew what had to do for the survival of the Jedi, but that did not mean he approved of killing the man he considered a brother-in-arms. "Goodbye Anakin," Obi-Wan softly spoke.
Deactivating his lightsaber, Obi-Wan turned around to leave the abandoned building as quickly as he could in hopes of avoiding any Stormtroopers or any civilians. If he had only used the Force, the Jedi would have felt small and faint presence from underneath the rubble...
Padme Skywalker stood near the window in the living room of the Lars' apartment, her eyes looking into the wounded city of Corusant. Though damaged by war, the great capital of the Republic still maintained some of its beauty through the its tall structures and bright lighting that illuminated the dark sky. However, her mind was not on the spectacle that was before her, rather it was on Anakin and Obi-Wan. Padme found herself torn between her relationship with her husband and her relationship with the Jedi Order as she soon learned that Anakin was behind the deaths of so many Jedi within the past few months. Though she believed informing Obi-Wan of Mace's assassination attempt was the right thing, Padme could not help but feel guilty of breaking Anakin's trust in her.
Her attention from the window was removed as she whipped her head towards the entrance to the apartment when she heard a knock on the door. As Padme cautiously approached the door, she gripped her old lightsaber hilt that she kept from her time as a Jedi, just in case if it was some stranger or possibly Anakin. When Padme opened the door, it revealed no one but a tired Obi-Wan standing at the entrance of the Lars' home. "Obi-Wan," Padme spoke with surprise in her voice and she moved to the side to let him enter. "Come in."
Without saying a word, the Jedi entered the apartment complex as he tried to conceal the pain of what he just did, yet failed as Padme saw a glum look on Obi-Wan face. After she placed her lightsaber down on a nearby table, Padme's eyes met Obi-Wan's and it was then that she what happened. Obi-wan could sense waves of sadness overcome Anakin's wife as she sat down on a couch in the living. "It is done then," Padme said, her voice almost breaking. "Anakin's dead."
Obi-Wan simply walked over to Padme and sat next to Anakin's wife, trying to find words that would comfort her."Padme, I know you're hurt, but we must move on," Obi-Wan said as he tried to prevent himself from mourning of the loss of his old friend. "Anakin would have want you to."
"I know," Padme nodded as she wiped a tear, "but I just can't believe he's gone."
"I know Padme, I know," Obi-Wan spoke to Padme.
There was a silence between the two as they silently mourned the loss of a dear friend and husband, who was once a powerful Jedi that humbly served the Republic. Many moments of silence passed and would continue until Padme turned towards her husband's old teacher. "Obi-Wan," Padme began, "did Anakin ever say who ordered the assassinations of Jedi?"
Upon hearing that question, Obi-Wan was at first hesitant answering, but he pushed his hesitation aside as he answered, "He said it was Chancellor Palpatine."
Only for a moment did Padme's eyes widen in shock at the Jedi's answer and after that, Obi-Wan felt her sadness being overrun by her bitterness. "I should have known!" Padme bitterly growled.
Taking notice of Padme's bitterness towards the Chancellor of the Republic, the Jedi could not help but feel there were some details he was not informed of. Obi-Wan inquired, "Padme, is there something I should know?"
Turning towards Obi-Wan, Anakin's young widow responded, "Right after Anakin and I were exiled, Palpatine gave Anakin a job offer. Whatever it was, Anakin never said. He's always kept it a secret, even from me. I had no idea what it was, but now it was to hunt Jedi."
"That does make sense," Obi-Wan nodded in understanding, though he questioned, "Though why would the Chancellor want to eliminate Jedi?" Obi-Wan questioned.
Reaching to the Force, Padme used it to levitate her lightsaber from the table she left it on and have it fly into her hand. "I don't know," Padme replied as she stood with a newfound determination, "but I plan to find out!"
Obi-Wan stood up from the couch, his face filled with concern as he stared at Padme. Though the young woman was filled with a newfound resolution, Obi-Wan feared she will suffer the same fate as Anakin did, so he warned, "Padme, don't let vengeance cloud your judgment. Otherwise you may fall just like Anakin did."
"Don't worry, Obi-Wan. I won't," she assured Anakin's mentor before nodding to him. "May the Force be with you."
"And with you," Obi-Wan nodded back.
With that, Obi-Wan turned around to leave the apartment and as he did, the Jedi could not help but feel that critical in the galaxy's history was to happen.
In the Jedi Temple, there were many places, many rooms for Jedi to train, hone their skills, and enhance their knowledge in the ways of the Force. All over the Temple, there were Jedi training against blaster with probe droids, while others were studying of Jedi lore and history in either in their personal quarters or the library. There was even a healer's wing in the Temple to heal wounds that a Jedi would sustain from a mission or from an accident. Though most famous rooms were the basic training rooms and the meditation classes, the one place most Jedi would agree to be the most serene and tranquil place in the entire temple would be the Room of a Thousand Fountains.
If one were to enter, one would understand why most Jedi would claim it to be the tranquil place in the entire Jedi Temple. Though the temple was made of the metallic substance known as durasteel, the Room of a Thousand Fountains seemed like it was built-in ecosystem. There were trees all over, growing from the fertile ground that produced hundreds upon hundreds of blades of green grass. Large ponds were inside the room as well, providing an environment to dozens of fish that swam in these bodies of water. There were rivers that connected the ponds and ran on hills until the water fell of the edge, becoming a waterfall. It was truly a sight to behold for most Jedi.
Among the Jedi who came to this place was the elderly Jedi Master known as Yoda, who was sitting on a rock in a lotus position. His eyes were closed and his hands were placed upon his lap as he meditated to become more aware of the Force. For Yoda, the Room of a Thousand Fountains would usually be the best place for him to be at peace as he became more entune with the Force. Yoda usual meditation sessions would allow him to be at peace, but his face at the moment showed signs of distress, pain and anguish, all emotions that he tried to suppress. The source of these negative emotions he felt was the vision he saw through the Force...
(Vision)
It was a dark room with very little lighting to keep the room illuminated as well as what seemed to be scorched marks of lightsabers against the wall. The ceiling had a hole in it, making it seem as though it had collapsed, which was true for there was a pile of debris in the center. Standing over the pile was a man in a black cloak with a hood over his head to conceal his identity, while red armored figures surrounding him from all angles, almost as if they were supposed to protect him. "He is here," the cloaked man spoke in a dark, gravely voice.
The cloaked man simply waved his hand in front of the rubbles and the debris scattered towards the other side of the room, revealing a man who sustained major wounds from the rubble that was on top of him. Once the rubble was off of his body, the unknown man let out a loud moan of pain and anguish that echoed throughout the entire room. As the man's cries were heard, the red armored figures were knocked off of their feet by an invisible force that seemingly originated from the wounded man. The cloaked man only skidded slightly from the extend of the invisible force. Whoever this man was, he was important to the cloaked figure as he turned towards the red armored figure that were standing up from the blast and ordered, "He's still alive! Take him to my ship!"
Nodding, two of the red figures approached the wounded man with what appeared to be a hoverboard and placed him on top of it. One of the red figures turned towards the cloaked figure and asked, "What do you want us to do with him?"
"Bring him to the outskirts of Corusant," the black cloaked figure commanded. "After you do, await my command."
"Yes, sir," the red armored figure complied.
With that, the wounded man was brought out of the room as the hoverboard brought him towards his destination. The cloaked figure watch the man's form disappear into the shadows with the red armored figures assisting him. "Soon, my apprentice, you will be reborn!" the cloaked figure swore.
(Vision end)
"Master Yoda?" a familiar voice called out to him.
The call of his name made the elderly Jedi Master snap out of his vision and whirl his head to see Obi-Wan standing next to him. Though he was shocked by his vision, Yoda's sight of his old pupil standing before him calmed his fears. "Obi-Wan," Yoda sighed with relief as he used his walking stick to help him stand. "Seeing you, I am glad."
Though Obi-Wan was happy seeing his mentor, he was concerned of what happened to Yoda during his meditation. "Master Yoda, is everything alright?" he asked with concern. "Did you have a vision?"
Upon hearing that question, Yoda tightly gripped his walking stick as he was at first hesitant in telling Obi-Wan what he saw. "Dark times, I sense. The galaxy, I am concerned for," was all Yoda told him in a foreboding tone. Sensing Obi-Wan's confusion and worry, Yoda looked up at his former student, trying his best to change subject. "News, you have?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "Padme has asked us to meet her soon."
"Has she?" Yoda questioned with some interest in his voice. "Go, we shall!"
With that, Yoda used his walking stick to help him walk out of the Room of a Thousand Fountains with Obi-Wan staring at the back of his old teacher. Following Yoda to their destination, Obi-Wan wondered what was on the Jedi Master's mind that would have made him so worried. Though he wondered about this, Obi-Wan decided it would be best to push those thoughts aside for now as he continued to follow Yoda.
The Chancellor the Republic let out a soft sigh as he walked into his office during the late hours of Corusant. Palpatine walked down the red halls that led to his desk, noticing the multiple golden statues that were on the sides. As he walked, Palpatine could not help but feel that there was something watching him, yet he ignored as he continued towards his desk. Suddenly a blur passed in front of the Chancellor and Palpatine stopped to hear a feminine voice ordered coldly, "Don't move."
Palpatine froze where he stood when he felt the heat of a lightsaber pressing against the front of his neck, and he lowered his eyes to see the green blade of a lightsaber a few centimeters away from his Adam's apple. He shifted his eyes from the lightsaber blade to its owner to see it was none other than Padme, who wore her old Jedi robes over her body. Despite a lightsaber was at his throat, Palpatine's face remained calm as he presented his charming smile that would lower almost anyone's guard. "Ah, you must be Anakin's wife," Palpatine stated with a cheerful voice as he turned his head slightly towards her. "How can I help you?"
Padme's face remained unfazed by Palpatine's charming personality as she approached the Chancellor with her lightsaber closing it at his neck. The Chancellor of the Republic soon found himself walking backwards towards his desk, so he could avoid Padme's lightasber from singing his throat. "Enough with the pleasantries!" Padme exclaimed, her face stern. "What did you do to my husband?"
"My dear, I have no idea what your talking about," Palpatine denied.
That response only caused Padme to use the Force to sent Palpatine's back onto the ground before she pointed her lightsaber at his head. "Don't lie to me!" Padme shouted. "I overheard your conversation with my husband in ordering the assassination of Mace Windu! I know you've ordered Anakin to kill all those Jedi! What I want to know is why?"
Padme was surprised when Palpatine sighed in a mock defeat as he stood up and wiped off the dust on his clothes before turning around. Padme's lightsaber was still pointed at the Chancellor, who walked towards the window in his office. "I might as well tell you," Palptine stated as he looked out of the window, his back turned towards the exiled Jedi. "Tell me, young Padme, what do you know of the Sith?"
When hearing that, she stared at the Chancellor with suspicion in her eyes as she wondered where this was going, yet still answered to the best of her knowledge. "I was taught they're supposed to the enemies of the Jedi who use the Dark Side as their power," Padme answered, remembering what the Masters told her. "They've tried to take over galaxy many times, but the Jedi have always stopped them. They were supposed to have been destroyed a thousand years ago."
Palpatine could not help but smile at that. "That's where you're wrong. The Sith are still alive, and well."
The former Jedi and wife of Anakin Skywalker stared at Palpatine with suspicious and curiosity in her eyes. "How do you know this?" Padme questioned. "There's no way the Sith could have survived for this long!"
The Chancellor of the Republic removed his facade and replaced it with a more maleficent expression as Palpatine turned to face Padme. He then answered with a dark tone, "I know because I am one."
What came over Padme was shock and surprise at what Palpatine revealed to her. "You're a Sith Lord?" Padme gasped.
Palpatine smile turned into an evil grin. "Yes, my dear."
Though she was indeed shocked, Padme soon began to piece the puzzle together as she kept her lightsaber pointed at Palpatine. "Well, it explains it now," Padme stated "The Jedi are a threat to you so you want to eliminate before they can eliminate you. So you had Anakin eliminate them for you."
"Exactly!" Palpatine spoke as he clasped his hands behind his back and Padme was unaware that the Sith Lord pulled out what appeared to be a lightsaber handle from within the sleeve of his robe. "After becoming a Sith Lord, I went into politics in hopes of becoming Chancellor. Fortunately, the Clone Wars gave me that chance and I took it."
"What about my husband?" Padme demanded.
"After you and Anakin were exiled, I gave him what he wanted: the power to help people. In return, he would be my apprentice and learn the ways of the Dark Side," Palpatine replied. "He accepted my offer and thus has remained my apprentice."
Padme just stared there in shock at all of the information that the Chancellor of the Republic and Sith Lord revealed to her, yet one question remained in her head. "Why are you telling me all of this?" Padme demanded, her lightsaber remained pointed on Palpatine. "What motives do you have?"
"Because my young friend, it won't matter any longer," answered Palpatine with his arms hanging by his sides, "For the end of the Jedi will come!"
"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Padme declared as she gripped her lightsaber with both hands.
"Oh, I disagree," Palpatine smiled before he called out, "GUARDS!"
Padme's eyes widen in shock and fear as she soon heard footsteps approaching the Chancellor's office. Wanting to quickly end this, the exiled Jedi turned and swung her lightsaber at Palpatine only for him to whip out his lightsaber handle and activate its red blade in time to block Padme's green lightsaber. Once again, Padme attempted a finishing blow, but her strike was parried by Palpatine' red blade as he attempted to strike at her legs. The former Jedi was fortunate enough to evade the strike, and would have tried to attack the Chancellor if it were not for the sound of footsteps getting louder with every moment.
The door to the Chancellor's office slid open, making both Palpatine and Padme whipped their heads towards the entrance to see stormtroopers entering. Immediately, Palpatine deactivated his lightsaber and hid the handle back in his sleeve just in time as the Stormtroopers entered the office to see an armed Padme ready to strike the Chancellor of the Republic. Palpatine put on a face of terror and shock to mask his true face of deceit. "Help me!" Palpatine cried out to the Stormtroopers, pretending he was being attacked.
The Stormtroopers immediately came to the Chancellor's aid as their aimed their blasters at Padme. "Fire!" the lead Stormtrooper shouted.
The former Jedi saw dozens of red blaster bolts flying towards her from the barrels of the Stormtroopers, so she immediately used her lightsaber to deflect the blaster bolts. Some of the deflected bolts struck at the the Stormtroopers, killing them as their bodies dropped to the ground, but there were still more. Padme knew that sooner or later she would be overwhelmed by the Stormtroopers, so she reached out with the Force to levitate the Chancellor's desk before sending it crashing through the window. Glass shards shot out of the window into the streets along with the desk, leaving a hole large enough for Padme to escape through.
Padme ignored the blaster bolt and ran for as fast as she could towards the window, leaping through the hole and into the depth of Corusant. The Stormtroopers ran after her but it was too late as Padme landed on a passing aircraft that sped away from the Chancellor's office. The leader of the Stormtroopers turned his attention away from the window and towards the Chancellor as he ran towards him. "Chancellor, are you alright?" the lead Stormtrooper asked with concern.
"I am fine," Palpatine answered as he placed a hand on his chest and faked a sigh of relief.
"That person was carrying a lightsaber," the lead Stormtrooper noted. "Have the Jedi betrayed the Republic?"
"I fear they may have," was the response of the Chancellor and Sith Lord. Turning his head towards the lead Stormtrooper, Palpatine ordered, "Bring all the diplomats to the Senate chamber. We need to have an emergency meeting!"
"At once, Chancellor!" the lead Stormtrooper nodded as he ordered his men to leave the Chancellor's office and contact the other members of the Senate.
Once the Stormtroopers were gone, Palpatine's mask of innocence removed itself from his face, revealing an evil grin. The Chancellor turned towards the broken window, his grin never leaving his face as he spoke only three words:
"It has begun."
In the mid levels of of Corusant, Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his old mentor, Yoda, waited in an alley for the arrival of Padme. Obi-Wan paced around the alleyway, worried of what might have happened to Padme. "Padme told us to meet her here at this time," Obi-Wan stated with worry in his voice. "Where could she be?"
Yoda simply stood there, his eyes closed as he rested on his wooden stick for support. "Patience, you must have, my former pupil," Yoda stated. "Much fear, I sense in you. Clear your mind, you must Obi-Wan."
Listening to his former teacher's words, Obi-Wan stopped pacing and let out a sigh. "You're right, Master Yoda," he admitted, trying to suppress his fear. "I just have a bad feeling about this."
Before Yoda could speak, they heard footsteps approaching the alleyway, making them turn their heads to see Padme limping towards them. When she collapsed on the wall, both Obi-Wan and Yoda rushed to Padme as quickly as they could. "Are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked.
Padme nodded as she used the wall to support herself. "We don't have much time," Padme stated, a bit out of breath. "Palpatine's a Sith Lord."
This revelation startled both Jedi as Yoda repeated, "A Sith Lord?"
"The Sith are supposed to be extinct!" Obi-Wan remarked before asking Padme. "Is this true?"
"He told me personally," the former female Jedi confirmed. "He was able to become chancellor, thanks to the Clone Wars. He's turned Anakin to the Dark Side and made him his apprentice. Now, he plans to eliminate the Jedi Order! I tried to finish him, but I had to get away when the Stormtroopers arrived. I was lucky to avoid any detection."
Upon hearing this, Yoda stabbed his walking stick in the ground as he declared, "Stop him, we must!"
"I agree," Obi-Wan nodded. "The question is: how?"
Neither one could find the answer to that question would not as Padme called out "Masters look!"
The two Jedi turned to Padme to see she was looking up at the view screen placed on the buildings that everyone else was looking at. On the screen was the inside of the Senate building with the focus on Palpatine who stood in the Chancellor's podium in the center of the chamber. Though they could not see it, the three Force Users and everyone else around could hear Senators, ambassadors, and other members of the Senate arguing with each other, their voices risen to a shouting level. "By the Force, what is going on?" Obi-Wan gasped.
Inside the Senate chamber, the sentient beings inside that represented almost an entire galaxy debated amongst one another from their hovercrafts. Most of the debates first turned into arguments before it was twisted into simple shouts and name calling that seemed like it went on for hours. Palpatine stood in his podium, listening to the arguments become uglier with every moment, so he looked at the Senate with a firm look. "SILENCE!" Palpatine's voice bellowed across the entire Senate.
Palpatine's roar tuned down the shouting as the delegates focused their attention from each other towards the Chancellor of the Republic. "I have called this emergency meeting on a matter of importance!" Palpatine announced. "I am regret to inform members of this Senate the Jedi have betrayed the Republic!"
When those words reached the Senators, they once against shouted, this time at idea of the Jedi betraying the Republic they swore to protect. One human Senator stood up and shouted, "I knew this would happen! It would only be a matter a time before they tried to betray the Republic!"
Many of the other delegates of the Senate shouted in agreement with the human Senator's statement. However, there at least one person who did not agree with this accusation as one of the hovercrafts left its respective stationary position and approached Palpatine's podium. The man inside the hovercraft wore the typical white robes of Alderaan nobility, and he was in his thirties with brown hair, a light beard and green eyes. "No! I won't believe it!" the man shouted. "The Jedi have always been there to protect the Republic!"
"I once thought the same Viceroy Bail Organa," Palpatine stated, "but it seems that is the truth."
The man, named Bail, could only shake his head in disbelief. "But Chancellor, what would the Jedi gain from betraying the Republic?" Bail questioned.
"What the Jedi would gain is control over the Republic!" a voice shouted.
Everyone's attention turned away from the Chancellor's podium to another hovercraft that floated nearby the hovercraft of Bail Organa and the Chancellor's podium. The owner of the voice was a Nemodian Senator who represented the Trade Federation. "What do you mean, Senator Gunray?" Bail demanded.
"Ever since the Clone Wars, the Jedi have become more militarized and have been gaining more power!" Gunray exclaimed. "Everyone in this Senate knows how much power the Jedi were given to lead our troops into battle! Has anyone ever consider that the Jedi would become corrupt?"
Murmurs of agreements could be heard from across the Senate chamber, and Gunray continued, "For centuries, the Republic has depended on the Jedi to solve its matters and look what it has led us! Many of worlds, including here on Corusant, have been devastated by war! We can barely feed our own people! If we are to have order, then perhaps its time for a government without any Jedi."
As the murmurs became louder and echoed throughout the Senate, Palpatine's eyes turned towards the Senator representing the Trade Federation. "What are you suggesting?" Palpatine questioned Gunray.
"To bring order, the Republic must be reformed into a strong government that can protect its citizens!" Gunray declared. "Therefore, we should become an empire with Palpatine as our emperor!"
"I agree with this decision!" a female Rodian Senator loudly agreed as she stood up. "Palpatine has shown strong leadership skill during these troubled times! All of those for it, please raise you hands to show your support!"
Immediately, waves of hands rose from almost every single hovercraft that carried a representative from all over the galaxy. Bail, who was not among those that rose their hands, just stared in shock as the entire Senate were willing to replace the Republic with an empire. "It seems the Senate has agreed with Senator Gunray's proposal," Palpatine spoke to Bail, who turned towards he Chancellor. "What do you say, Viceroy Organa?"
The lone Viceroy stood there, gripping the handle on his hovercraft as he tried to find a decision. Though he was against it, Bail could not argue against the devastation the Clone Wars caused and almost agreed with Gunray that a strong government was needed. Gulping in a small amount of air, Bail finally came to his answer. "I..." Bail hesitated, "...agree with your decision. As long it brings order to the galaxy."
"Very well," Palpatine nodded before turning towards the rest of the Senate. "It has been decided then! Though it burden me with a heavy heart to let go of the Republic, it is a necessary sacrifice! I will accept the power of emperor that the Senate has bestowed upon me! So begins a new government-the first Galactic Empire!"
Many Senators applauded Palpatine's announcement as Bail's hovercraft returned back to its post in the Senate chambers. The Viceroy of Alderaan let out a defeated sigh as he looked at the applauding Senate. "This has all gone wrong," Bail told himself as he took a seat.
The two Jedi and one former Jedi watched in shock at the screen that just displayed the decision that made merely moments ago, while Most of the other people watching it were in awe or surprised at such a decision. "This can't be happening!" Obi-Wan shook his head in disbelief.
"Happening, it is," Yoda darkly stated as he gripped his walking stick.
The screen was focused once more on Palpatine as he announced, "As my first act as Emperor, I will order the Jedi Order to disband immediately! The Jedi will return to the Temple on Corusant to be removed of their rank in the military and in the new Empire! Those that do not comply will be eliminated!"
The three Force Users' eyes widen at such a decision "To the temple, we must go!" Yoda ordered as he walked out of the alleyway. "Warn the Jedi, we must!"
Obi-Wan nodded as he followed his former teacher, but stopped when he noticed Padme was panting really hard, struggling to breath for a while. The Jedi walked over to Padme and asked with concern in his voice, "Padme, are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Padme insisted as she stood up straight. "Just exhausted that's all."
The Jedi gave Padme a nod before he turned around to follow the elderly Jedi named Yoda with Padme following him. As she did, Padme placed a free hand on her stomach, sensing the life force of two more beings emanating from it. Two beings who Yoda could sense as well.
There were many places on Corusant that remained hidden from the public to prevent any panic or fear in the city's residents. Among these many places was a facility in the outskirts, away from the capital's metropolis setting and in the middle of what appeared to be a set of factories all over it. The facility was large, capable of holding at least ten thousand people yet it was well hidden for the smoke from the factories hid it from the public eye and most of it was underground. This was the reason why Palpatine thought it to be a perfect place, so he could conduct his plans away from the general public.
A lone, gray Lambda-class T-4a shuttle landed on the platform nearby the facility and it ramped lowered, revealing Palpatine himself. The Sith Lord and newly appointed Emperor of the galaxy, Palpatine, walked down the ramp of the factory, now wearing a simple black robe with the hood over his head. As he walked down the ramp, Palpatine was escorted by his Royal Guards that wore red armor and a cape, and were equipped with a force pike. The emperor approached the door, which slid open to reveal the long, black halls of the facility that were only lit by the lights on the ceiling.
Palpatine turned to his guards and ordered, "Remain here."
Without question, the Royal Guards left the side of their ruler and stood by at the entrance to act as guards for the facility. Palpatine turned his head back to the black halls of the facility as he entered it, passing by a group of droids along the way. The emperor approached a nearby door and the door slid open to reveal a black chamber that only had a beam of light focused on the center. What was in the center of the chamber was a table surrounded by droids, but what concerned Palpatine was the figure lying on the table. "Anakin," Palpatine spoke.
The former Jedi and Emperor's apprentice no longer looked human for he now wore black armor all over his body. On his chest plate was a small, box-shaped computer that was hooked up to his armor, and a black cape hung from his black shoulder guards to his feet. His round helmet was shaped like the helmet of a damiyo with a mask over his face that almost looked like a skull, giving him a demonic appearance. Palpatine could hear 'Anakin' breathing was now deep, almost sounding like someone in scuba gear. The table had metallic bands around his wrists and ankles to keep the emperor's apprentice strapped to the table.
Palpatine's attention moved from his apprentice to a nearby medical droid. "Has he been given the cybernetic limbs?" Palpatine questioned.
The droid nodded. "As well as the new armor just as you have requested, emperor."
"Good," Palpatine nodded before walking towards the table.
As he did, the table lifted itself upwards for 'Anakin' to be positioned upwards before the straps undid themselves to allow the fallen Jedi stand on the ground. When his feet touched the ground, 'Anakin' staggered a bit before standing up. "Anakin, can you hear me?" Palpatine asked.
The emperor saw his apprentice simply raised his gloves arms to his masked face, and Palpatine could sense the fallen Jedi's horror coming from him. "What happened to me?" 'Anakin' shouted with horror, his voice deep and filtered by the suit of armor he wore. After looking around the chamber, 'Anakin' faced Palpatine and demanded, "Where am I?"
"You were badly wounded with your duel with Obi-Wan," Palpatine informed him. "I arrived in time to find you and bring you here. Unfortunately, your body has been damaged beyond repair and you will need this suit for your survival."
Palpatine could sense his apprentice's confusion as the armored fallen Jedi began to recount the events that led up to this. "Obi-Wan, he left me to die! My wife betrayed me!" 'Anakin' roared. "He shall pay! They all will pay!"
As he let out his anger, 'Anakin' unknowingly tapped into the Force to slowly crumple all of the droids that inside the chamber into nothing but balls of metal. The emperor grinned at his apprentice's performance of his abilities as the fallen Jedi's wave of anger slowly died away. "You will have your revenge, my friend," Palpatine assured as he walked up to him, "but you must first know of what happened in your absence. The Republic has been reformed into the first Galactic Empire with me as its ruler. I have ordered the Jedi to come to the Jedi Temple and to disband at once."
Underneath his helmet, 'Anakin' looked at the Chancellor with a surprised. "The Jedi will surely resist,"
"That is why you are needed," Palpatine spoke as he held out what appeared to be a lightsaber hilt. "Strike down the Jedi that opposes the Empire. Together we can bring peace once more."
'Anakin' looked down at the lightsaber and without a second thought, he took it from Palpatine's hands before bowing at the emperor and Sith Lord. "I will do as you ask, my master," 'Anakin' complied.
With that, Palpatine's apprentice began to walk towards the door, leaving Palpatine alone in the room. "You come very far, Anakin," Palpatine spoke to his student.
Upon hearing that name, 'Anakin' stopped his march right at the entrance to the chamber. "Anakin Skywalker is dead. I am Sith Lord, not a Jedi," 'Anakin' spoke before he exited the chamber with his cape flapping behind him. "From now on, I am Darth Vader!"
The last session of the Senate of the Galactic Republic ended as many of the members of the new "Imperial Senate" left the Senate building. Amongst the Senators walking outside was Bail Organa who was being escorted by his royal guards that had a blaster and wore white robes underneath the white armor consisted of gauntlets, boots, breastplates, and round helmets. "Viceroy Organa, where are you going?" one of the royal guards questioned as he followed Alderaan's ruler.
"To my ship," Bail answered as he walked away from the Senate. "I will need to have a talk with some friends about this."
He was going to his ship as he planned, but the Viceroy could not help but noticed a large crowd of people surrounding a man who stood on a small podium that was about a foot high. "People of the Galactic Empire," the man announced, "the corrupted Jedi are receiving the justice they deserve! As we speak, the Jedi Temple is being besieged by Stormtroopers!"
Upon hearing those words, the entire crowd let out cheers of rejoice, save for Bail Organa who just stood there in shock. "What?" Bail gasped.
Blaster bolts and explosions ran across the night sky of Corusant as the grounds of the Jedi Temple became a battlefield between Stormtroopers and Jedi Knights. Bodies of both Jedi and Stormtroopers littered across the streets of Corusant as well as the entrance at the Jedi Temple. Outside of the Temple were battalions of Stormtroopers trying to barge their way in, while inside were Jedi Knights and Masters trying to prevent any of the Empire's forces from entering the Temple. Among the Jedi that were guarding the front entrance from the Stormtroopers were the members of Jedi Council themselves as well as many strong knights.
The shuttle that carried Emperor Palpatine to the secret facility repairing Darth Vader now flew over the skies and landed a safe distance away from the skirmish between the Jedi and Stormtroopers. After landing, the shuttle's ramp lowered onto the ground, and both the ruler of the galaxy and the fallen Jedi walked down the ramp along with Palpatine's royal guards. One of the commanding Stormtroopers noticed the arrival of Palpatine and Vader, so he ran towards the Emperor. "Report, commander," Palpatine ordered.
"My lord, our forces are meeting heavy resistance at the Temple grounds," the Stormtrooper reported. "We can not move any further. I suggest we use heavy artillery to subdue them."
"That will not be necessary," Vader spoke as he slowly moved away from the Stormtrooper and Palpatine towards the battlefield ahead.
The Stormtrooper's helmet looked at Vader's back in confusion before looked at the Emperor. "My lord, who is..." the Stormtrooper began, but the emperor cut him off.
"That is Darth Vader," Palpatine informed him. "He will be in command of our forces. Relay that to our forces."
Though hesitant, the Stormtrooper nodded. "At once, my lord," he complied as he went to inform the other Stormtroopers about the approaching Darth Vader.
Speaking of the fallen Jedi, Vader approached entrance of the Jedi Temple, walking past many of the Stormtroopers, some who were confused (and even frightened) by Vader's sudden appearance in the skirmish. The Stormtroopers' blaster bolts avoided the fallen Jedi as he walked over the dead bodies of both Stormtroopers and Jedi, and headed towards the multiple groups of Jedi standing at the entrance. He could see some Jedi Knights and Masters using their lightsabers to deflect the blasters bolts, while others used the Force to throw large objects at the troopers. The dark armor of Vader was not that hard to miss as a human Jedi could be seen charging towards Vader with his blue lightsaber over his head.
As Vader saw the the Jedi swung his blue lightsaber at him, he removed his lightsaber hilt from its belt before some of the Stormtroopers saw a red flash of light blocking the Jedi's blow before striking him in the chest. The other Jedi turned their heads to see Vader now standing behind the Jedi, his red lightsaber blazing with life as silence filled the air. The long Jedi let out a groan before his body fell onto the ground along as the blade his lightsaber retracted back to the hilt before it fell to the ground. "No!" a female Jedi shouted at the sight of the lone Jedi's death.
Immediately, the other Jedi saw Vader as the more immediate threat than the Stormtroopers as they charged towards Vader in hopes of striking him down. Two Jedi leaped at Vader with their respective lightsabers ready to strike him, but he reached out to the Force with a free hand to stop the two Jedi where they were. He would have continued if it were not for three more Jedi lunging at him, whose lightsabers he parried in one blow before striking them down in one swing. Turning to his attention to the Jedi left hanging in the air, Vader turned his open palm into a fist, and within seconds, the Stormtroopers watched as the two Jedi's necks were snapped, ending their lives.
Dropping the two Jedi's lifeless bodies to the ground, Vader's attention was towards the remaining Jedi guarding the entrance from the Galactic Empire's forces as he walked towards it. After the Jedi ended the lives of the Stormtroopers they were fighting, they noticed Vader approaching them, and seeing the extent of his power, the Jedi raised their lightsabers in preparation for Vader's oncoming attack. Instead of attack, Vader stopped where he was, his emotionless mask staring right at the Jedi in front of him, who could sense the Dark Side reeking off of him. "What do you want, evil one?" one of the Jedi demanded.
Looking up at the Jedi, Vader ordered, "Surrender to the Galactic Empire, Jedi, and your lives will be spared! If you do not, you and your Temple will be destroyed!"
However, the Jedi in front of him did comply with his orders as a Rodian Jedi charged at Vader, who raised his red blade in time to block a slash from the Rodian before using the Force to sent the Rodian Jedi flying into his comrades. Two human and a Kel-Dor Jedi charged, swinging their blades at Vader only for him to back away to avoid their slashes before parrying a slash from a female Twi'lek Jedi, who happen to be coming at Vader from the side. However, their attempt at ending Vader's life was futile as Vader's red blade swung in the air to strike down the three Jedi in one blow. Seeing more Jedi charging towards him, Vader tapped into the Dark Side of the Force to sent his charing assailants flying into the air and into a volley of blaster bolts from the Stormtroopers.
Vader turned his head to see if there more Jedi about to attack him and his eyes widen underneath the helmet at the sight of a large piece of rubble flying towards him. Vader raised up his free arm as it was about to strike him, and the Jedi surrounding Vader turned away as the piece of rubble exploded, causing a cloud of dust to cover the entire area. Turning towards the cloud of dust, one of the Jedi asked, "Did we get him?"
The group of Jedi received their answer as the dust cleared away, and everyone's eyes widen in shock to see Vader walking out of the smoke with Stormtroopers behind him. "That is not possible!" one of the Jedi exclaimed.
"Oh but it is," Vader spoke.
Grasping the hilt of his lightsaber with one hand, Vader charged towards the Jedi with the squads of Stormtroopers following him into battle. Vader's red lightsaber struck down the nearest Jedi before it went to another Jedi only for it to be blocked by that Jedi's lightsaber, but it did not stop Vader as he used the Force to snap that Jedi's neck. The fallen Jedi noticed another Jedi lunged at him with her lightsaber, but Vader smacked it away with his red blade before slicing her head off. Vader turned his head to see a Zabrak leaping towards him with his green lightsaber was over his head, preparing to bring it down onto his opponent. However, Vader quickly raised his lightsaber into the air to strike the Jedi in the side, and he immediately dropped dead onto the ground.
A human Jedi slashed her lightsaber at Vader only for him to smack it away with his own red blade before quickly striking the human Jedi in the right arm and leg with his other lightsaber, leaving deep gashes in the respective limbs. As the Jedi cried out in pain, Vader ended her pain by slashing his lightsaber against her chest before blocking a slash from a Zeltron Jedi. As the human Jedi's lifeless body fell to ground, the Zeltron Jedi soon joined her as Vader's lightsaber stabbed through his stomach.
Charging towards the remaining Jedi, Vader slashed his red blade at the Jedi, who quickly backed away to evade the slash, yet Vader used the Force to unleash a telekinetic blast that sent the Jedi flying into the walls that made up Jedi Temple. The Jedi got up immediately, but were struck down by the blaster bolts of the Stormtroopers that assisted Vader in his assault. Then, Vader noticed that there was still one Jedi remaining, who kept her lightsaber raised in a defensive stance. "Stay way!" she shouted at Vader, fear rising in her voice.
The armored Sith Lord ignored her as he slowly approached the female Jedi, his lightsaber pointed at the ground. The Jedi charged at him and unleashed a flurry of slashes that Vader either blocked or parried with ease. When the Jedi slashed her lightsaber at Vader's head, she found her lightsaber to be blocked by his red blade before it slashed across her stomach. Her face froze with a shocked expression before she fell to the ground with her lightsaber blade extinguished.
With the Jedi guarding the entrance dead, Vader looked around to see if there were any more Jedi only to see them either lying dead on the ground or being fired upon by the Imperial forces' weaponry. Seeing the Jedi on the Temple grounds were dead, Vader entered the Jedi Temple, ready to finish the job that his emperor gave him. As for the Stormtroopers, they followed Vader into the Jedi Temple as they reloaded their blaster rifles with more ammo. "C'mon men!" one of the leading Stormtroopers encouraged. "The Temple is ours!"
From a distance, Palpatine could hear the cheers of his forces as they entered the Temple to eradicate the remaining Jedi inside with Darth Vader leading them. The ruler of the new Galactic Empire and Sith Lord could not help but grin at the sight of victory being so near. "And so the Jedi Order falls," he spoke in triumph.
Time passed since Vader's appearance helped the Empire's forces of Stormtroopers break through the defenses of the Jedi Temple. From miles away, crowds in the streets of Corusant could see smoke rising from the area where the Jedi Temple was laid upon. Among those in the crowd were Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Padme, who ran through the crowds of sentient beings in the streets and fortunately for the trio of Force Users, the crowd was too congested for the Stormtroopers to noticed them. Noticing the fire emerging from the same vicinity that the Temple was at, the three used the Force to increase their speed.
After running through crowds of people in Corusant's streets, the two Jedi and one former Jedi were finally able to approach the vicinity of the Temple, but they were too late. Smoke arose from the base of the Temple all the up to the tip of its spires, including the center one that held the chamber of the Jedi Council at the top. The trio stood there in shock at the sight of bodies of Jedi Knights, including the members of the Jedi Council, and Stormtroopers alike lying across the Temple grounds, while the surviving Stormtroopers walked out of the Temple. In the hands of these Imperial forces were the cube-shaped devices known as holocrons, which kept record of knowledge of the Jedi Order. These holocrons were thrown into piles that were then burned away by the flames that ereased all of the history and lore of the Jedi.
The Jedi Temple being sacked by Stormtroopers left such a devastating blow to the two Jedi and one former Jedi as they could only stare in horror at what was before them. "No," Padme gasped as tears began to build up in her eyes. "This can't be happening!"
"I'm afraid it is," Obi-Wan spoke solemnly. "The Jedi Order has fallen."
A moment of silence was overcame the three as they bowed their heads in respect for their fallen Jedi comrades who died in the attack on the Temple. Tears ran down each of their faces as they mourned the lost of their brethren, but they all knew it would never bring them back. "All hope is lost," Padme spoke softly as a tear ran down her face.
Staring at the burning Jedi Temple in front of himself, Obi-Wan began to have the same thought as well. "Indeed," he spoke. "This is truly a dark day."
Though it seemed that hope had left Obi-Wan and Padme, it did not leave Yoda, who gripped onto his walking stick. "Dark, the future may be," Yoda spoke with determination in his voice, "but all hope is not lost. "
The two human Forces users turned their heads towards the elderly Jedi Master, yet before either one could ask, they all noticed a squadron of Stormtroopers running towards them. Immediately, the trio turned around and sped out of the area to avoid the Stormtroopers. "HALT!" one Stormtrooper shouted, but it fell on deaf ears as the three continued to escape them.
Seeing how the three did not respond to their command, the Stormtroopers fired their blaster rifles onto the Jedi in hopes of striking them. Turning around, both Padme and Obi-Wan took out their lightsabers, and their respective blades sprung to life in time to deflect the red blaster bolts. Upon the sight of the lightsabers, one of the Stormtroopers shouted, "They're Jedi! After them!"
The shout drew more attention as Yoda noticed more squads Stormtroopers stood in their path of escape. Seeing as how Obi-Wan and Padme were dealing with the rear, Yoda took it upon himself to take care of the front as he used the Force to unleash a powerful telekinetic wave that sent the first row of Stormtroopers flying into the air. When the rest of the Stormtroopers in front of the trio fired their blaster rifles, Yoda used the Force to deflect the blaster bolts. The three continued their escape route until they soon found themselves surrounded by more Stormtroopers with their blasters pointed at the three Force Users, who had their backs facing each other.
Seeing how their options for escape was blocked by the Stormtroopers, Padme turned her head towards the other two Jedi, wondering if they had any suggestions. "Now what?" Padme questioned.
Yoda was the first to come up with one as he raised his hands in preparation for the Stormtroopers' oncoming attack. "Defend ourselves, we must!"
Nodding at that, Obi-Wan raised his lightsaber in preparation for the Stormtroopers' blasts. "Be ready!"
The Stormtroopers aimed their black blaster files at the two Jedi and one exiled Jedi, but before they could, a familiar voice spoke, "Well, well, what do we have here?"
All three of them turned their heads towards the owner of the voice to see the Stormtroopers moving to the side to let a lone black robed figure walk through. The three could sense the Dark Side come off of this figure in ways and almost immediately, they recognized him. "Palpatine," Padme snarled.
It was indeed the emperor of the galaxy that stood before them as he smiled towards the wife of the former Jedi known as Anakin Skywalker. "It's good to see you too, young one," Palpatine coolly spoke in his dark voice before turning to Obi-Wan and Yoda. "The last two Jedi in the galaxy. It would be such a shame for you to just die in front of a firing squad, but you are threat to the galaxy."
One of the commanding Stormtroopers turned his head away from the Jedi and towards the emperor of the galaxy. "What are your orders, your highness?" one of the Stormtroopers questioned.
Palpatine's eyes never left the three Force Users as he gave his order: "Fire at will."
"Yes sir!" the Stormtrooper nodded.
The trio's eyes widen as the surrounding Stormtroopers aimed their blaster rifles at them. Padme, Obi-Wan and Yoda stood there in their respective stances, ready for what they thought was to be their last battle...
With the Stormtroopers surrounding the three, Padme and Obi-Wan gripped their lightsabers while Yoda raised his hands to unleash his Force powers. Time seemed to have slowed down dramatically for seconds turned into hours as the three waited anxiously for the Stormtroopers to fire. Sweat ran down their faces They all tapped into the Force, ready for what they feared could possibly be their final battle.
Fortunately, it seemed to be unnecessary for the trio as a grenade rolled behind the Stormtroopers and exploded, sending them into the air. As for Palpatine, he too was affected as he was sent flat on his stomach, while the three Force users in front of him simply turned around to not feel the full brunt of the explosion. From out of no where, it seemed like another grenade was tossed and landed right in front of the feet of the other Stormtroopers before it exploded and sent them flying as well. Smoke covered the entire area, blinding many Stormtroopers, while Padme, Obi-Wan, and Yoda used the Force to visualize their surrounding.
Before any of the three could wonder what was going on, Obi-Wan, Padme, and Yoda turned their heads to see a landspeeder speeding towards them. After running over some Stormtroopers, it stopped right in front of the trio, and Obi-Wan only just stared at the landspeeder's driver in confusion. Though the smoke from the grenades covered the entire area, Obi-Wan was capable of recognizing their saviors. "The Alderaanian troopers?" Obi-Wan thought a loud.
In the landspeeder were a group of soldiers who wore the garbs of Alderaan's soldiers that served under Viceroy Bail Organa during the Clone Wars. They all wore brown uniforms underneath the pieces of white armor that covered their body, including the helmet. One of them was driving was the others were firing their blasters at the imperial Stormtroopers to keep them back. "Get in!" one of the Alderaanian troops shouted at the three.
Nodding, Padme immediately got in the landspeeder with Obi-Wan and Yoda hopping into the landspeeder as they tried their best to avoid the blaster bolts from the Stormtroopers. Once they were in, the same trooper shouted to the driver, "GO!"
Without question, the driver revved up the landspeeder's engine before speeding out of the vicinity of the Jedi Temple. The remaining Stormtroopers fired their blaster rifles at the escaping landspeeder, but their bolts either missed or were deflected by Padme's and Obi-Wan's lightsabers. Palpatine watched as the landspeeder became smaller and smaller until it completely left the proximity of the Temple. "RAH!" Palpatine roared in frustrated as he stood up.
Letting out a frustrated groan, Palpatine turned his attention away from the escaping vehicle that carried possibly the last known Jedi in the galaxy, only to see Vader walking out of the Jedi Temple and towards him. "Are you alright, master?" Vader questioned as he approached the ruler of the galaxy.
"I'm fine," Palpatine answered with small hint of anger in his voice.
Vader looked around, noting the destruction and smoke that covered the area before looking back at his master. "What happened?" Vader questioned.
"It was your old master," Palpatine responded as he wiped some dust from his robes.
Immediately, Vader's eyes widen as he inquired, "Kenobi was here?"
The galactic emperor nodded as he looked up at his apprentice. "He quickly escaped with your wife and another Jedi before the Stormtroopers could finish them," he explained. "They will most likely plan to escape Corusant."
With that information, Vader began walking away from the destroyed Jedi Temple and as he did, he stated, "I will deal with him myself, master."
Palpatine just stared at Vader's armored form left the scene and once Vader was out of his sight, Palpatine's mind was no longer on the Jedi or his apprentice, but the ones who rescued the three. It made the emperor curious for the Jedi's rescuers wore the uniform of the Alderaanian militia under Bail Organa. "What were they doing here?" he whispered to himself.
He would have to worry about it later for now he returned his focus back to the burning Jedi Temple in front of him..
The upper levels of Corusant was a place that many desired to live for it provided better hospitality and accommodations. Though it was affected by the Clone Wars, the upper levels were capable of rebuilding at least some of its architecture and economic structure, unlike the Under City. A variety of beings, both organic and mechanical, filled the streets with life as well as dozens of Stormtroopers that patrolled the area for any criminals. With the rise of the newly formed Galactic Empire, more Stormtroopers patrolled the streets of Corusant's upper levers in search of Jedi. Despite their job, the squadrons of Stormtroopers did not notice a single landspeeder flying above their heads, cleverly blending in the congested traffic of other hovercrafts.
The landspeeder that rescued Obi-Wan, Padme, and Yoda from certain death flew into the air traffic of Corusant's upper levels. The three Force users kept their heads down to avoid anyone spotting them as their rescuers, the Alderaanian troopers, simply drove the landspeeder far away from the congested traffic. The landspeeder continued its speed until it landed nearby an abandoned alleyway, where the troopers immediately dismounted and entered the nearby alley. "This way!" one of the troopers called out to the trio.
Padme, Obi-Wan, and Yoda were at first suspicious of their saviors for they were not sure who their superior was, yet they were grateful for the troopers risking their lives to save their own. The three exited the landspeeder and quickly followed the Alderaanian troopers that guided them through the maze of alleys. Keeping their heads down and concealing their weapons, the group were able to avoid any detection from the Empire's squadrons of Stormtroopers patrolling the area. "How much longer until we get to where ever it is we're going?" Padme whispered with a hint of impatience.
"Will be there soon," was the response from another Alderaanian trooper.
As if on cue, it appeared that the group arrived at their destination which appeared to be a doorway into an abandoned warehouse. After the troopers entered, the trio of Force users followed, stepping into the warehouse with curious eyes that did a quick inspection of the area that temporarily sheltered them. It seemed that the place had not been used for some time, yet there were crates all over the warehouse that were filled with what appeared to e blasters and other sorts of weapons. What caught the three by surprise the most was the sight of other sentient beings in the warehouse. It seemed like beings from all over the galaxy were inside this abandoned little warehouse, ranging from Rodians to humanoids to the Mon Calamari. "Incredible," Padme gasped with awe. "I can't believe this place was left undetected by the Empire."
"So many being, there are," Yoda nodded before questioning, "but for what?"
Obi-Wan just walked towards one of the crates filled and inspected the blaster rifles. "I don't know, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan stated as he returned a blaster rifle back to its respective position. "From the looks of thing, I would say these people were preparing for a war."
Before any of the three could comment any further on their situation, Obi-Wan noticed a group of more Alderaanian troopers approaching him. "Master Kenobi," one of the troopers spoke as he presented a small disk to the Jedi, "this holoprojector is for you."
Obi-Wan stared at the Alderaanian troopers with suspicion for a moment, but nonetheless, took the small disk, which was identified as a holoprojector, from his hands. Once it was in his hands, a small blue holographic image of a familiar person arose from the holoprojector. "Viceroy Bail Organa," Obi-Wan identified, surprised to see Alderaan's viceory.
"Obi-Wan, it is good seeing you again," Bail smiled. "I believe the last time we met, you trying to save my planet from being overrun by the Mandalorian clones."
The Jedi Knight and former general would have smiled at that memory as well if it were not for the circumstances. "Bail, what's going on?" Obi-Wan inquired. "What is all of this?"
The viceroy of Alderaan's smile turned into a frown at the seriousness of Obi-Wan's questions as he looked at Obi-Wan and the other two. "I'm sure you're aware that Palpatine has reformed the Galactic Republic into an empire," Bail stated, receiving nods from the Force Users. "I knew sooner or later this would happen, so as precaution, I've set up a organization of those still loyal to the Republic."
"Who else is in this?" Padme curiously asked. "You must have had a lot people to have a place like this."
"We do. There's Senator Mon Mothma of the Bormea Sector, Ackbar of Mon Calamari, and many others," Bail replied. "We have decided to use our organization to fight against the Empire."
Yoda was impressed at this organization of beings against the Empire, but he took note of a couple of drawbacks. "But little power, you have, Viceroy Organa," Yoda pointed out. "Win, you can not."
"No, not this like," Bail agreed. "For now, we'll just hide, carry out covert missions until we have enough power to strike against the Empire. And one of these covert missions is to get you three out of here. There's a shuttle at the spaceport. My ship is in the planet's orbit and will pick you up from there."
"But there are thousands of Stormtroopers after us," Padme reminded. "We can't hold them all off!"
"Don't worry about them. There are several routes you can take to the spaceports," Bail instructed. "The safest ones are through the upper levels, and the Under City. If you split up, you can arrive there much quicker and there's a higher chance of you avoiding the Stormtroopers."
Yoda nodded at this. "Survive, the Jedi must," Yoda answered the viceroy. "Heed your wisdom, we shall. Split up, we will."
Before anyone could continue, the Jedi and some Alderaanian troopers whip their heads around at the sound of metal crates screeching against. They saw that one the former Jedi and wife of Anakin was leaning against one of the crates for support as her breathing quickened its pace and a hand was placed over her stomach. "Ma'am, are you alright?" one of the troopers asked with concern as he approached her.
Padme nodded towards the trooper as she stood up, yet her pace of air circulation remained at a face tempo and her hand remained on her stomach. "I'm fine," Padme assured.
Despite her assurance, Obi-Wan could only frown at Padme. "Padme, you're not fine. You have been constantly having these lapses for a while now," Obi-Wan stated firmly, yet his words were spoken out of concern. "Just what is going on, Padme?"
Yoda simply looked at the Jedi and former general before asking, "Sense it, you cannot, Obi-Wan?"
That question caused Obi-Wan to face his old mentor with a quizzical look of confusion on his face. "Sense what Master?" he inquired.
Instead of answering his old pupil's question, Yoda simply turned back to the holographic image of Bail. "What is the safest route?"
"The safest route would through the Under City. I would suggest to bring anyone with you who may help or you think the Empire will target," Bail suggested before turning to Obi-Wan. "Obi-Wan, it would be best for you to take the route through the upper levels. You and your friends can meet each other at the spaceport in four hours. I suggest you take a squadron of my troopers with you, just in case."
"Necessary for Obi-Wan and I, it is not," Yoda assured, "but need them, Padme will."
At the sound of this, Padme's face stared at the shorter, yet more powerful Jedi. "Master Yoda, I can take care of myself," she insisted.
Yoda's eyes shifted from Alderaan's viceroy to the wife of Anakin Skywalker. "Know this, I do," Yoda answered, "but your limits, you have and help, you will need."
Seeing how she was not going to win this argument, Padme sighed in defeat and nodded at the short Jedi Master. "Yes, Master Yoda."
One of the Alderaanian troopers present stepped forward towards Padme, announcing, "We will be ready to leave as soon as your ready."
Turning her attention away from Yoda and towards the group of troopers in front of her and the two Jedi, Padme spoke, "Alright, but we first need to pick up some friends of mine."
"Very well," Bail nodded at Padme's request before his holographic image turned towards the leader of the Alderaanian troopers. "Escort her out and stay away from any Stormtroopers."
"Yes, viceroy," the leader of the troopers complied.
With that, the troopers escorted the young lightsaber-wielding former Jedi outside of the complex and towards Padme's destination. With the two Jedi alone, they knew they had to leave soon, or else everyone inside would be caught. "We should get going Viceroy," Obi-Wan told his old friend.
"I know," Alderaan's viceroy nodded at that. "Keep this holoprojector with you. At least that way, I can stay in contact and know when you're in danger. May the Force be with you two."
"And with you," Obi-Wan nodded back.
Once Bail's holographic image faded away, Obi-Wan and Yoda turned around and headed out of the complex, in hopes of reaching the spaceport in time.
It was like a deathly shadow covered itself over the upper levels of Corusant when Darth Vader walked through the streets as he gained many stares from sentient beings around. The sight of his black, evil armor sent shivers down their spine as did seeing his lightsaber hanging from his belt, yet the sight of Stormtroopers following him gave the citizens of Corusant somewhat relief. The armored form of the Sith Lord approached a squadron of Stormtroopers, who immediately saluted to the tall form of Vader when seeing the squadron of Stormtroopers behind the Sith Lord. "Commander, has there been any reports of Jedi?" Darth Vader questioned.
"No, sir," the leader of the squadron replied. "We have searched through the entire area and there have been no sign of a Jedi."
"Very well," Vader nodded before ordering, "Inform the other squadrons to go towards the nearest spaceports. The Emperor has reason to believe any surviving Jedi will try to escape from the Empire."
"Yes, sir," the Stormtrooper nodded as he was about to leave.
However, Vader was not finished as he continued, "Also, send another squadron to the middle ring of Corusant. There should be an apartment complex where a lone couple lives. They have known to be affiliated with the Jedi."
"Emperor Palpatine has already ordered a squadron to bring them in for questioning," the Stormtrooper reported. "They're on their way, right now."
"Very well, continue as you were," Vader stated before he turned around to leave with his squadron behind him.
Unknown to Vader and the Stormtroopers, Obi-Wan and Yoda were watching the scene from a nearby alley, both trying them best to cloak their presence from everyone else around them. Seeing Vader's armored form disappearing in the large crowds of Corusant's upper city, Obi-Wan turned towards Yoda, his face with filled a mixture of surprise and confusion. "Who is that?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Darkness, I sense from that one," Yoda spoke. "A Sith Lord, he is."
"Another Sith?" Obi-Wan quirked an eyebrow at that. "Could it be possible Palpatine trained another apprentice?"
"Know this, I'm afraid I do not," Yoda shook his head. "But worry, we mustn't! Come!"
With that, Yoda used his staff to walk his way through the alley with his old pupil watching him. As he did, Obi-Wan's mind went back to the couple that Vader mentioned and he immediately knew who he was talking about. "I hope Beru and Owen are alright," Obi-Wan hoped as he followed his old teacher.
The couple that gave shelter to Padme and Anakin were in their bedroom that was inside of their apartment. The entire bedroom was a mess as the Lars couple were packing up whatever they could find into suit cases, trying to make sure they only had what they needed to live on. "C'mon Beru!" Owen told his wife. "We have to leave this place before who know what else may happen!"
Beru let out a frustrated groan as she exited the room to get some more things. "I know Owen!" Beru replied.
While walking across the living room, Beru froze at the sound of a knock on the entrance to the apartment, and her face became filled with fear. Beru whipped her head towards the entrance to her apartment and slowly walked towards it with caution, trying to remain calm. The knocks became louder every moment she left the door unattended, so to prevent anyone from blaster the entrance to pieces, Beru opened the door to reveal a small group of Stormtroopers who entered the complex. Though she was afraid that they harm her and Owen, Beru tried her best to keep a stoic face as she politely asked, "Can I help you?"
The leader of the group of Stormtroopers stepped forward and said, "You're going to have to come with us, ma'am."
Suspicion flashed across Beru's eyes as she looked at the Stormtroopers. "Why?" she questioned.
"Just come with us, ma'am," was all the Stormtrooper said before turning towards his subordinates. "Take her."
With that, two of the Stormtroopers of lower rank approached Beru before grabbing each arm, much to her surprise. Beru tried to get out of their hand, but the two Stormtroopers' grips were too strong for her to break free as they begin to drag her out of the apartment. "What are you doing?" Beru demanded as she was being taken by the Stormtroopers. "Where are you taking me?"
Beru's cries caught Owen's attention as he ran out of the bedroom to see wife being dragged out of the apartment complex by Stormtroopers. "Beru!" Owen shouted with worry as he tried to run to her aid.
However, Owen stopped himself when the other Stormtroopers aimed their blaster rifles at him, threatening to fire if came any closer. "Don't move!" the leader of the squadron ordered before he looked over his shoulder at two more Stormtroopers within the group.
Without question, the two other Stormtroopers lowered their blaster rifles as they approached Owen and seized by his arms with strong grips. Owen would have tried to break free from the grip if it were not for the fact that the rest of the Stormtroopers were keeping their blasters on him. Seeing that Owen was in custody, the other Stormtroopers lowered there blaster rifles as the two Stormtroopers dragged Owen through the entrance of his apartment. "Let me go!" Owen demanded as the Stormtroopers continued to drag him.
As he was being dragged, Owen noticed Beru was being dragged ahead by two Stormtroopers, like himself. Seeing the state that he and his wife were in, Owen thought that there would be no way for him and his wife to get out of this situation. A thought that Beru had as well. "It would take a miracle to save us," he whispered.
Fortunately for the Lars couple, they received that miracle when a blaster bolt came from the end of the hall, and struck the Stormtrooper holding Beru's right arm right in his armored chest. "GAH!" the Stormtrooper cried out in pain as he fell to the ground, motionless with a scorch mark on his chest armor.
Everyone, both the Stormtroopers and the Lars couple, turned their heads to see a group of Alderaanian troopers at the end of the hallway, each with a blaster in their hands. Before the other Stormtroopers could react, the Alderaanian troopers opened fire a barrage of blaster bolts that were aimed to not hit Owen or Beru. It work for Beru as the blaster bolt hit the other Stormtroopers holding onto her, allowing her to escape from the clutches of the Stormtroopers and into the hands of her rescuers. Though the blaster bolts hit his Stormtrooper guards, Owen was not as successful as Beru as he froze at the touch of a blaster's barrel pressing against the back of his head. The owner of the blaster was one of the Stormtroopers as he kept his blaster aimed at Owen's head. "Drop your weapons or I'll shoot!" the Stormtrooper threatened.
The Alderaanian troopers stopped firing at the sight of Owen's life being threatened, yet kept Beru behind them so they would protect her. Owen's eyes traveled from the Alderaanian troopers to Beru, hoping they would escape before the Stormtroopers could capture them. "Goodbye Beru," Owen silent whispered as he closed his eyes, accepting his end.
Owen's end would never come as a green blur suddenly jumped from behind the Alderaanian troopers and soared the air towards the Stormtroopers. Everyone looked up to see the blur was none other than Padme Skywalker with her green lightsaber in her hands. "Blast her!" came from the Stormtrooper leading the group.
Following orders, the other Stormtroopers raised their blaster rifles and began firing bolts of red energy at the former Jedi as she descended onto them, like an avian predator. When she landed in front of the Stormtroopers, Padme first took care of the Stormtrooper who had his blaster at Owen's head as she charged at him and ended his life as her lightsaber cut through his armor and into his chest. Then, Padme turned around to deflect blaster bolts from a couple of Stormtroopers, who's fate ended up with their own bolts striking them. After dealing with them, Padme slashed her green blade against the armored chest of the Stormtroopers' leader, ending his life.
As Padme turned her attention to the other Stormtroopers, Owen saw it was the right time for him to escape his captors, and towards his saviors and his wife. After the Alderaanian troopers saw Owen was able to retreat behind them, they focused their attention towards the Stormtroopers Padme was dealing with and. They fired their blasters at the remaining Stormtroopers, each blaster bolt striking their target head on. The bodies of the Stormtroopers fell one by one to either Padme's lightsaber or the blasters of the Alderaanian troopers.
Soon, the bodies of Stormtroopers littered the floor of the hall with Padme standing in the center of them with her lightsaber deactivated, while the Alderaanian troopers remained in front of the Lars couple to protect them. Though she was victorious, Padme began to feel a bit dizzy as she staggered forward a bit. Everyone noticed, especially Beru, who ran to Padme and caught her before the former Jedi could fall unconscious. "Padme are you alright?" Beru asked with concern in her voice.
Padme's dizziness faded away as she looked at Beru. "I'm fine Beru," she assured her friend. "It's nothing."
Beru would have believed that if she did not noticed Padme placing a free hand on her stomach, which made Beru curious as she placed a hand there before Padme could protest. Owen just watched as he saw his wife's eyes widen as she looked at Padme with a face filled with surprise and a hint of joy. "Padme, you're..." Beru began, but Anakin's wife cut her off.
"Yes, I am," she nodded.
Owen stepped in front of the Alderaanian troopers and walked towards the two women with a face that demanded answers. "Beru, what is it?" Owen demanded.
Facing her husband, Beru exclaimed, "Owen, Padme's pregnant!"
His eyes widen in shock at that as he turned to face Padme. "Pregnant?"
Nodding, Padme confessed her 'small' secret to the two. "I'm pregnant... with Anakin's child."
The Under City of Corusant, once filled with just homeless and simple thugs, was now filled with Stormtroopers that patrolled the entire area. Stormtroopers filled the streets, searching for any sight of a Jedi in Under City as well as enforce the laws of the Empire onto the people. In one of the alleyways of the Under City, there were a group of Stormtroopers surrounding a single man, interrogating him for answers. The man was lying on the ground as he used his arms to cover his head from the Stormtroopers' kicks, some which hit his body. The innocent man's body was filled with bruises from the hits of the Stormtroopers. "Tell us where the Jedi are!" one of the Stormtroopers demanded as he kicked the man.
"I'm telling I don't know!" the man cried out as the Stormtroopers continued to harm him. "Just stop!"
"Tell us and we will," another one replied as he too joined in.
The man could yelp in his pain each time he felt the Stormtroopers' boots colliding with his body, the pain increasing with every hit. Eventually, Stormtroopers would decide to finish him with their blasters or continually kick the man until he bleeds to death. Either way, the man did not want to suffer that kind of fate. "Somebody help me!" the man cried.
It seemed like the man's cry for help was heard as one of the Stormtroopers was suddenly lifted off of the ground by an invisible before being slammed into the wall of the alley. As the Stormtrooper's body fell unconscious and dropped onto the ground, the other Stormtroopers turned their attention away from the man they were interrogating towards the shadows of the alley. "Who's there?" one of the Stormtroopers demanded as he and the other aimed their blasters towards the shadows.
Another one shouted to the shadows, "Show yourself!"
They received their answer when the Stormtroopers saw two familiar forms of Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Master Yoda stepping out of the shadows. Shock and fear immediately ran through the Stormtroopers as one shouted, "It's a Jedi-fire!"
Before any of the Stormtroopers had the chance, Yoda used the Force to rip the blaster rifles out of the Stormtroopers' hands and onto the ground. Without their weapons, the Stormtroopers were left defenseless as Obi-Wan charged towards them, slashing his lightsaber against the Stormtroopers. The soldiers of the new Galactic Empire found the heat of Obi-Wan blue blade striking against their bodies, ending the life they led as soldiers. One by one, the dead bodies of the Stormtroopers fell onto the ground as Obi-Wan continued his assault.
As for those that Obi-Wan did not reach, they attempted to escape, but Yoda stretched out his hand as he tapped in the Force. His power in the Force allowed the ancient Jedi Master to sent the Stormtroopers crashing into the wall of the alleyway. The sound of bones breaking could be heard as the Stormtroopers' useless bodies fell to the ground.
The man who was being harassed by the Stormtroopers watched as the final Stormtrooper fell to the ground with Obi-Wan standing over the fallen bodies of Stormtroopers. As Obi-Wan saw his former mentor approaching him, he deactivated his lightsaber before turning towards the man who witnessed what happened. "Go," Obi-Wan told the man. "You saw nothing."
Nodding, the man scrambled to his feet and ran for his life out of the alleyway, so he could avoid anymore Stormtroopers as well as the Jedi. Once the man left the area, Obi-Wan turned towards his old mentor, who told him, "Stay here forever, we cannot. Escape Corusant, we must."
Obi-Wan agreed with Yoda as he and the ancient Jedi Master walked further into the alleyway to avoid detection from the Empire's soldiers. As they did, guilt overcame Obi-Wan as he remembered when he, Yoda, and Padme arrived at the burning Jedi Temple, unable to save anyone from the destruction. Yoda did not need the Force to sense his former student's guilt as he spoke, "Blame yourself, you should not."
Yoda's words took Obi-Wan by surprise as he looked at the small Jedi Master, yet he shrugged it off, remembering who was walking with him. "I know Master Yoda," Obi-Wan spoke. "But I can't help it. We could have saved some of them."
"Regret the past we cannot, Obi-Wan," was Yoda's response. "Only carry on."
Those words reminded Obi-Wan of what Yoda spoke when they were at the burning Temple. "Master Yoda, when we were at the Temple, you said that there is still hope," Obi-Wan reminded. "What did you mean by that?"
Turning his head towards his former student, Yoda replied, "Many things, the future holds. Twins, Padme is carrying."
Shock overcame Obi-Wan at this revelation as he stopped walking and looked at Yoda, who continued walking. "Twins?" he repeated.
Yoda stopped his pace to turn towards Obi-Wan, his face filled with a small hint of hope. "The Jedi Temple has fallen," Yoda spoke with sadness, but it turned into a small a hint of determination, "but survive, the Order can."
Obi-Wan saw where the ancient Jedi Master was going as he finished, "With Anakin's children, we can rebuild the Jedi Order. We can have a chance to strike at the Empire!"
"Yes," Yoda nodded. Turning around, Yoda hobbled off into the shadows of the alley. "Come! We must hurry!"
Seeing his former mentor leaving, Obi-Wan followed Yoda into the shadows, his hope renewed as to bring back the Jedi Order and destroy the Emperor.
Speaking of the ruler of the galaxy, Palpatine sat at the desk in his office, contemplating over the recent turn of events that unexpectedly transpired. The man who was once the Chancellor of the Old Republic did achieve his goal of eliminating the Jedi and becoming supreme ruler of the galaxy, but the rescue of Padme, Obi-Wan, and Yoda was what concerned. If there were those who would rescue Jedi, then it was possible for there to be some form of rebellion that needed the Jedi to oppose Palpatine. The emperor could not take his mind of a possibility of rebellion forming just when his new empire was formed only a day ago.
Palpatine's mind of rebellions left him as he heard the familiar ring of his communicator echoing throughout his office. Answering it, Palpatine saw the holographic image of an officer of the military standing before him and he recognized the man for his badges on his gray uniform. The man had a fair complexion with short brown hair and blue eyes, and wore the standard gray uniform that military commander of the Old Republic wore. "What news do you have, Admiral Tarkin?" Palpatine questioned.
"Your highness, I bring word that the remaining planets have sword their allegiance to you," Tarkin answered. "However, there are few worlds in the Mid Rim that still are divided in joining."
"We shall deal with them when the time comes admiral," was Palpatine's response to that. "What news of Vader?"
"Lord Vader reported he was heading towards the spaceport. He believes the Jedi will try to escape Corusant, so he has ordered Stormtroopers around the spaceport."
Palpatine nodded at Tarkin's answer. "Good. What of the Jedi artifacts?"
"The ones you have requested are in the vault, my lord," Tarkin reported. "That includes the holocrons, and lightsabers."
The emperor of the galaxy prevented himself from grinning at the fact he would savor his victory over the Jedi, and focused his mind on a more important issue. Narrowing his eyes at Tarkin, Palpatine questioned, "How goes the project?"
"Construction has begun, my lord," he replied. "It will take years to build such a vast station, but we will get it done."
Though Palpatine was at ease hearing that, there was still a concern that needed to be resolved. "Are the plans secure?"
"Yes, emperor," Tarkin affirmed. "I have already sent them to you for you to examine."
Pleased with the news, Palpatine complimented, "You have done well, Admiral Tarkin."
"Thank you, my lord," Tarkin bowered
After bowing, Tarkin's holographic form disappeared from Palpatine's holocommunicator, leaving the emperor alone in his office. Palpatine pressed another button on his desk and another image of appeared from the holocommunicator where Tarkin's holographic image was placed. The image was that of a spherical space station whose purpose was only known to Palpatine a few others. Underneath the holographic projection of the spherical space station were two words written in Basic: DEATH STAR.
"Soon, it will be ready," Palpatine grinned. "And when it is, nothing will stop me."
The spaceport in Corusant was place near the barrier that separated the poor lower levels of Corusant to their rich upper level counterparts. It was placed there to ensure commercial success for the company that owned the spaceport. Over the centuries, the spaceport did gain a considerable amount of wealth, but the company's profits would vary dramatically during wars. The Clone Wars were no exception as many people sought to leave Corusant to avoid being involved in the political structure of the Republic, but only a few left for felt compelled to remain by the power of the new Galactic Empire.
Outside the spaceport, squadrons of Stormtroopers patrolled the streets to keep an eye out for any sight of a Jedi attempting to escape. Sentient beings did their best to avoid the Stormtroopers, so they would not be interrogated by them with questions that was accompanied by brutal torment. Many children who wanted to approach the Stormtroopers were stopped by their parents in fear of what the Empire's soldiers would do to them.
As for the spaceport itself, it was shaped like a box, and it was large enough to fill over ten thousand sentient beings inside of it. However, there were less then a few hundred inside the spaceport, not including the Stormtroopers that walked in and out of it. From the outside, one could see large beams from the spaceports that connected with the shuttles and other craft that were meant to take people away from Corusant. One could also notice small hangars at the top of the spaceport for smaller crafts to enter and exit though.
As a squadron of Stormtroopers patrolled the silver halls inside the spaceport, one thought he saw something in a nearby corner, so whirled his head around to see there was nothing. Another Stormtrooper in the squadron noticed of this as he walked up to him, asking, "Hey, you alright?"
The Stormtrooper was silent for a moment as he peered his eyes at the corner only to see nothing was there. Turning to the other Stormtrooper, he nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thought I saw something," the Stormtrooper replied as he walked with his squadron.
Unknown to the squadron, that lone Stormtrooper did see something in the hall, which turned out to be group of mysterious figure. These figures slowly walked out of the shadows of the alley, revealing themselves to none other than Padme, Beru, and Owen with the Alderaanian troopers. Everyone of them, including the Alderaanian troopers, wore a long brown cloak with a hood over their heads to conceal their identities from the beings around them, mainly from the Stormtroopers. As for Padme, she kept her lightsaber hidden inside of her cloak, much like the Alderaanian troopers who hid their blasters. "Good thing you used the Force there," Beru sighed with relief.
"Just a bunch of cheap tricks," muttered Owen.
Beru just rolled her eyes at Owen's remark. "Ignore him Padme," Beru whispered to her friend. "You're really talented with the Force."
"Maybe, but I'm not as good as Obi-Wan or Master Yoda," Padme whispered back.
Walking closely together, the group walked down the silver hallway of the spaceport, trying their best to avoid the Stormtroopers as best as they could. The group shifted their vision towards the other beings in the halls of the spaceport to keep an eye out for any Stormtroopers.
"HALT!" the group heard the familiar cry of a Stormtrooper.
Whipping their heads around, Padme and the others saw a squadron of Stormtroopers approaching them. As suspicion ran through their minds, both Padme and the Alderaanian troopers gripped their weapons underneath their cloaks, while some of the Aldeeranian troopers surrounded Beru and Owen to protect them. "Can I help you?" Padme asked the Stormtroopers approaching her and the others.
"We need to see your identification," one of the Stormtroopers requested.
Though the former Jedi and her compatriots were tense, they tried to maintain a calm demeanor in front of the Stormtroopers, so they would not blow their cover. "Of course," Padme nodded as she opened up her cloak to reach down for her identification.
Unfortunately for Padme, another Stormtroopers standing next to his colleague noticed the familiar cylindrical hilt of Padme's lightsaber handing from her belt. Immediately, the said Stormtrooper raised his blaster at Padme, and shouted, "She's a Jedi!"
The other Stormtroopers at first did not believe it until they too, saw Padme's lightsaber, and they immediately raised their blaster rifles at Padme and her companions. "You're going to have to come with us," the leader of the Stormtroopers ordered.
Instead of complying with the Stormtrooper's orders, Padme used the Force for her lightsaber to unhook from her belt and fly into her hand. Activating the green blade of energy, Padme slashed her lightsaber against the chest armor of the Stormtrooper right in front of her before she struck down the one on her right. The others were about to fire their blaster rifles, but the Alderaanian troopers drew their own blasters and quickly fired blaster bolts form the barrels. The blaster bolts struck the remaining Stormtroopers in their chest, ending their lives as their bodies hit the floor.
The commotion drew attention from more Stormtroopers who began running towards Padme's group, while the civilians just ran away from the area as fast as they could. Padme, Owen, Beru, and the Alderaanian troopers turned around to notice more Stormtroopers arriving to apprehend them. "Stop them!" one of the Stormtroopers shouted.
Padme gripped her lightsaber, while the Alderaanian troopers surrounded Beru and Owen to protect them, but were taken by surprise to see them flying into the air as if they were thrown by some invisible force. Everyone turned their heads to see the sources of the invisible force were two familiar robed figures, who were running towards them. "Master Yoda? Obi-Wan?" Padme recognized.
It was indeed the ancient Jedi Master known as Yoda and Anakin's old mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, who ran through the halls of the spaceport towards the group. "Are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked.
Nodding, Padme spoke, "Yes."
"Leave, we must," Yoda said.
The others agreed to that notion, but the reunion was cut short at the sound of footsteps, making the entire group turn their head to see more Stormtroopers approaching the area. In their hands were their blaster rifles pointed towards the group in hopes of apprehending them. Upon seeing the Stormtroopers, Obi-Wan activated his blue lightsaber and stood in front of the group, both hands gripping his lightsaber handle. "Go! I'll keep them busy!" Obi-Wan shouted.
Nodding, Yoda rushed through the halls of the spaceport towards the hangar bay where the ship was supposed to be. "Come!" Yoda called out to the others, who immediately followed the ancient Jedi.
Padme would have protested if it were not for the circumstances of her pregnancy limiting her capabilities as well as the fact of the Empire chasing them. Padme took one look at Obi-Wan with worry before she hesitantly turned around to follow the rest of the group. "Good luck Obi-Wan," she whispered before headed towards the designated hangar bay.
With the others gone, Obi-Wan focused his attention on the approaching Stormtroopers, who fired red blaster bolts at the Jedi. Obi-Wan was quick to swing his lightsaber in the air, the blue blade scattering the red bolts across the air with some them hitting the Stormtroopers. The Jedi Knight used his blue lightsaber to block and deflect the red blaster bolts as best as he could, so he could buy time for the others to escape. Hopefully, Obi-Wan's efforts to buy time would not fail him as he stretched into the Force to guide the swing his lightsaber through the air. However, hope was the only other thing he could do.
The Stormtroopers patrolling the halls soon found themselves under attack by blaster fire from the Alderaanian troopers as well as Padme's green lightsaber blade. The group rushed through the halls of the spaceport, mowing down any Stormtrooper that stood in their way or tried to stop them. Yoda used the Force to sent the Stormtroopers crashing into the wall and knocking them out in the process to avoid little confrontation with them. "We're almost there!" one of the Alderaanian troopers shouted to bring up morality within the group.
His words successfully brought up the morality of the others as they tried to quicken the pace of their escape from the Empire. Padme did her best to suppress the pain she felt that resulted from her pregnancy as she ran with her group and did her best not to fall behind. Beru and Owen ran at Padme's sides to catch her should she ever experience pain again, while some of the Alderaanian troopers stayed at the back. The group continued to run until they reached one of the rectangular doors in the white hallway. "This way!" one of the Alderaanian troopers called out to the others as he approached the panel near the door.
After the trooper pressed a few buttons on the panel, the door slid open to reveal the larger hangar bay that contained a silver Lambda-class shuttle in the center. The ramp was lowered with more Alderaanian troopers standing in front of it to guard the entrance into the shuttle. The group ran towards the shuttle as fast as they could with a few blaster bolts soaring through the air behind them. The blaster bolts originated from some Stormtroopers who eventually caught up with the group, yet they were immediately gunned down by the Alderaanian troopers guarding the shuttle as well as those with Padme, Owen, Yoda, and Beru.
The group walked up the ramp of the Lambda-class shuttle and entered the inside hull of the shuttle to see there were crew members wearing gray flight suits over their bodies. Most of the crew members were humanoid, but there were other species as well, like Rodians as well as Mon Calamari. When they entered the shuttle, Padme collapsed onto her knees of the shuttle floor, panting from the exhaustion of running for so long in her state. Beru immediately ran to her friend's side and helped her stand up right. "Take her to the bunks," one of the Alderaanian troopers told the crew members.
Some of the crew members complied as they ran towards Padme and assisted her towards the bunks on the shuttle. Beru, concerned for Padme's well-being, began following Padme and those assisting her. "I'll stay with her," Beru offered as she followed the crew members and Padme to the bunks.
As for the others, Owen, Yoda, and the Alderaanian troopers rushed towards the cockpit to see the controls being manned by two of the crew members. When entering the cockpit, some the Alderaanian troopers sat down to main the rest of the control while the others stood up with Yoda and Owen. "Fire up the engines!" one of the troopers ordered.
"On it!" one of the pilots replied as he began working on the controls.
As the crew tried to get the shuttle up and running, Owen looked at Yoda and noticed he gripped his walking stick with one hand while placing another on his head and his eyes were shut. It was as if he was in pain, so Owen asked, "Are you alright?"
"Darkness, I sense," was Yoda's response before his eyes shot eyes open. "In danger, Obi-Wan is!"
Before Owen had the chance to ask what the ancient Jedi meant, he and Yoda heard on of the Alderaanian troopers announce, "Look! It's Master Kenobi!"
That announcement caused everyone else in the cockpit to look out of the window and see the familiar robed figure of Obi-Wan Kenobi retreating from a group of Stormtroopers. "Obi-Wan," Yoda said with worry for his old student.
Blaster fire seared through the air in front of Obi-Wan as he used his lightsaber skills and the Force to deflect the Stormtroopers' fire. The Jedi Knight and general of the Clone Wars did his best to deflect the red blaster bolts, despite the increasing numbers of Stormtroopers approaching. Not wanting anymore of the Empire's troops from entering the hangar bay, Obi-Wan reached out into the Force to close the door to the hangar bay and locked it. Without anymore Stormtroopers entering the hangar bay, Obi-Wan attacked the rest of the Stormtroopers he faced.
The blue plasma blade of Obi-Wan's lightsaber swung across the air to deflect the Stormtroopers' blaster fire as he charged at them. Some of them fell by their own blaster fire that Obi-Wan reflected with his lightsaber blade, but some of them remained. Upon reaching the Stormtroopers, the Jedi Knight slashed his lightsaber against the closest one, ending that Stormtrooper's life. He, then, turned to face the other Stormtroopers and charged at them before they had a chance to fire their blasters. The bodies of the Stormtroopers dropped onto the ground when Obi-Wan ended the lives with his blue blade.
Obi-Wan stood over the corpses of the Stormtroopers, feeling relieved that he no longer had to deal with more of them. With the door locked, it would take some time for the Empire's forces to break through, but Obi-Wan and the others would be long gone by then. He turned around to see the Lambda-class shuttle in the hangar and he could sense the familiar presences of Yoda and Padme. Obi-Wan was about to head towards the shuttle if it were not for the door suddenly fly into the air before crashing into far side of the hangar bay.
Seeing that happened, Obi-Wan deduced that someone used the Force to rip the door and send it flying. He was right as he turned his head at the sound of mechanical breathing to see the tall form of Darth Vader walking through the hangar bay of the spaceport. Obi-Wan could not help but feel some sort of familiarity towards the cybernetic behemoth. His answer would come to him when Vader stared at the Jedi and spoke only two words: "Hello, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan could not help but stare at the Sith Lord entering the hangar bay with his black lightsaber hilt hanging from his belt, like a trophy. When Darth Vader burst through the door, Obi-Wan did not recognize the cybernetic Sith Lord for he felt a little overwhelmed by Vader's dark presence. However, after the figure address him by his name, Obi-Wan's eyes widen in realization as to who was really standing before him. At first he did not want to deny it, but the Force allowed him to recognize the person standing before him.
"Anakin, is that you?" was Obi-Wan could ask at the moment.
The Sith Lord let out a small growl at the mention at that name as his grip on his new lightsaber tightened. "I am no longer that weakling!" Vader spat. "My name is Darth Vader!"
With that declaration, Vader dashed towards Obi-Wan with incredible speed that would be considered even faster than a speed of a Jedi Master. Obi-Wan raised his blue lightsaber in front of him, preparing himself for the duel with his former student. It would only be a matter of seconds before their blades met each other.
As he charged at Obi-Wan, Vader grabbed his lightsaber and activated its red blade before swinging it at his former mentor, who blocked it with his own blue one. Obi-Wan brought the blue blade of his lightsaber around in time to block another slash from Vader. The Sith Lord once again tried to to slash at his former mentor, but Obi-Wan sidestepped Vader's slash before using the Force to push Vader back.
With some distance between him and his former student, Obi-Wan tried to reason with Darth Vader. "Anakin, you have to stop this!"
Unfortunately for Obi-Wan, his words fell on deaf ears as Vader stood up and once again let out a frustrated growl when he heard the name of his former identity. "I told you, I'm Darth Vader!" bellowed Vader as he charged at Obi-Wan.
Vader went back onto the offensive as he slashed his red blade at his former mentor's left, but he blocked it before attempting to strike at his chest. Fortunately for Vader, the Sith Lord was quick enough to bring his red lightsaber around in time to parry the strike before he attacked Obi-Wan again. Darth Vader slashing his red blade at Obi-Wan's left this time only for him to block it, but it left him open as Vader kicked him in the side, sending the Jedi staggering a bit.
Seeing that Obi-Wan was getting a little weary, Vader decided to take advantage of that as he charged at him, swinging his red lightsaber upon his old teacher. Darth Vader slashed at Obi-Wan, who dodged it before slashing his own lightsaber at his former pupil only for it to be parried. Once again, Vader tried to land a hit on Obi-Wan only for the Jedi to dodge the slash, but Vader quickly landed a punch in Obi-Wan's gut, forcing him back again. Before Obi-Wan had the chance to retaliate, his former student slashed his own lightsaber upwards, knocking Obi-Wan's weapon out of his hand. "You're mine!" Vader shouted in triumph.
However, Vader's supposed moment was short-lived as Obi-Wan used the Force to send Vader towards the other side of the hangar. Obi-Wan then used the Force to have his lightsaber fly into his free hand before igniting its blue blade and taking a defensive stance for Vader's attack. "You don't have to this!" Obi-Wan shouted, but once again, his words did not reach Vader.
Before either one could continue the fight, they both heard the familiar sound of engines igniting, making Obi-Wan whip his head around to see the Lambda-class shuttlefloating above the hangar bay floor. Though it was in flight, the ship was extremely low to the floor with its ramp lowered, revealing a couple of Alderaanian troopers. The troopers immediately fired their blasters at very when they saw him, being careful to not hit the Jedi Knight they were trying to help. Among the group of Alderaanian troopers, one shouted to Obi-Wan, "C'mon!"
Obi-Wan's first thought was to go to the ship and escape, but he remembered the Sith Lord who was busy trying to block and deflect the blaster bolts. "There's still time!" one of the troopers called.
The Jedi Knight's eyes momentarily stared at Darth Vader before he made his decision and turned around to run towards the Lambda-class shuttle. Tapping into the Force, Obi-Wan bent down before leaping onto whatever room was left on the ramp with the Alderaanian troopers there to catch him. Once he was on the ramp, Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsaber, and one of the Alderaanian troopers shouted into the shuttle, "We have him! Go!"
The trooper's shout was heard as the pilots commanded the ship to fly through the large hangar doors and out of the spaceport. As the ship flew, Obi-Wan took one look at Vader, who stood in the center of the hangar bay. The Alderaanian troopers were still firing their blasters to keep the Sith Lord, which was successful as Vader continued to block the bolts with his red lightsaber. It would continue until everyone had entered the hull of the ship with the ramp closing behind them as the shuttle flew out of the spaceport and into the skies of Corusant.
With the ship gone, Vader could only glare at the hangar door the shuttle escaped through before he heard the sound of boots echoing through the hangar bay. Darth Vader turned his head to see more Stormtroopers entering the hangar bay. "Lord Vader, what are your orders?" one of the Stormtroopers inquired as he approached the Sith Lord.
Turning towards the Sith Lord, Vader commanded, "Order all capital ships orbiting Corusant to have that shuttle subdued! Make sure the crew on board are brought before me!"
The Stormtrooper in front of Darth Vader nodded. "Yes sir!"
He, along with some other Stormtroopers, rushed off to inform the military ships of their orders, while Vader sheathed his lightsaber and walked out of the hangar bay as well. The Sith Lord's mind lurked on the thought of Obi-Wan as he contained his rage towards his former teacher. He would have to save his anger for later. Vader had to inform his new master of what had just happened, and he knew that he had no time to waste.
Obi-Wan's boots walked across the floor of the shuttle along with the other Alderaanian troopers following the Jedi Knight. He was somewhat exhausted from fighting off the Stormtroopers as well as Darth Vader, an encounter that he was fortunate enough to survive. The Jedi's exhaustion was not what was bothering him for the revelation of Anakin-no, Darth Vader-shook him to the core. However, Obi-Wan did not have enough time to rest as he continued towards the cockpit of the Lambda-class shuttle and entered it to see Yoda, Owen, and the rest of the Alderaanian troopers inside.
When he entered, the Jedi Knight saw one of the Alderaanian troopers manning the pilot's controls announce, "Receiving a message from Viceroy Organa! Patching it through!"
Obi-Wan stood next to Yoda as the holoprojector between the pilot and navigator seats, activated and the holographic image of Bail Organa appeared. "Obi-Wan, are you there?" Bail called out.
Stepping forward, Obi-Wan answered, "I'm here, Viceroy Organa. We have left the spaceport and are en route to you. What is it? Has something happened?"
"We are in orbit of Corusant, waiting for you to arrive," Bail stated. "However, we've noticed a group of capital ships have started to surround the planet. I believe the Empire is trying to set up a blockade to prevent you from leaving."
"Is there anyway for us to get past the blockade?"
"There might be," Bail replied as he pondered a solution to this predicament. A second later, Bail looked up at the Jedi and told him, "Head towards the moon of Centax-1. We'll be waiting there. I don't believe the Empire can assemble a blockade quickly, so there should be enough time for you to get there. Once you're on board, we can use the moon to cover our escape."
"Understood," Obi-Wan nodded.
When Bail's holographic image disappeared from the holoprojector, Obi-Wan returned to standing next to Owen and the ancient Jedi Master. The pilots and the other Alderaanian troopers manned the shuttle's controls, flying it above the tall skyscrapers and through the skies of the Corusant.
The Lambda-class shuttle eventually left the atmosphere of Corusant, en route to one its moons known as Centax-1. Everyone in the cockpit could see the diamond-shaped Star Destroyers gather around the other end of the planet's orbit to set up the blockade. The ships that were once belonged to the Republic now were under order of the Empire to subdue any Jedi attempting to leave the planet, specifically Obi-Wan, Padme, and Yoda. Fortunately for them, the Star Destroyers would take some time to form a blockade and by the time they would, Obi-Wan and the others would have been gone.
Passing the line of Star Destroyers patrolling the space above the Empire's capital, the shuttle soon found itself approaching Centax-1. The crew inside the cockpit could see a white CR90 corvette, also known as a Corellian Corvette, orbiting the moon to stay hidden from the Empire. The starship was long with the bridge at the front for its crew to monitor and maneuver it, while the thrusters placed upon back. It carried a total of six turbolasers and there were hangars on the sides that allowed smaller ships, like starfighters and shuttles, to enter.
The shuttle glided through the empty vacuum of space as it came close to the CR90 Corvette. There were no words over the comlink between the crew of either craft for they knew that open communications would risk blowing their cover to the Empire. Besides, the crew of the CR90 Corvette already knew who they were supposed to pick up.
Entering through the hangar on the right of the CR90 Corvette, the shuttle slowly descended onto the floor of the hangar bay as it folded up its two wings. The ramp lowered and the first to come out was Padme on a stretcher, being rolled towards the nearest medical facility on the ship. Some medical personal were on either side of the rolling stretcher and so was Beru. Next, came Obi-Wan, Owen, and Yoda, who were followed the Alderaanian troopers who helped them throughout the entire dilemma.
With the shuttle and its crew on board the CR90 corvette, the crew on board the bridge knew what do to next as they punched in the coordinates for Alderaan. The thrusters of the ship flared as it slowly left the moon and successfully evaded the Star Destroyers that were under the Galactic Empire. Once it left the sector of space surrounding Corusant, the CR90 corvette's hyperdrive engines activated as it entered the hyperspace lane heading for Alderaan.
They were safe... for now.
Emperor Palpatine sat in his office, waiting for the arrival of Darth Vader to report on the situation with the Jedi. However, it seemed that it was unnecessary for he sensed something within the Force that made his eyes shot wide open. After a few moments of silence, Palpatine growled as he sensed through the Force the life forces of the Jedi becoming far out of his reach with every passing moment. That could only mean one thing: they had escape.
Palpatine heard the sound of the door to his office opening, making him raised his head to see the Sith Lord known as Vader enter with his black cape dragging on the floor. Though he knew what had happened, Palpatine asked, "What news do you have, my apprentice?"
The breathing of Darth Vader echoed through the office for a few moments before he answered, "The Jedi and their allies have escaped, my master. According to the fleet above, the shuttle they took has disappeared when it approached Centax-1."
The emperor of the galaxy would have unleashed his rage, but he knew losing his calm would not solve anything, so he simply frowned. "This is indeed disturbing," Palpatine said as he stood up from his desk and walked towards the window. "If the Jedi have escaped, they can prove to be a threat."
"What is your wish, my master?"
Turning around to face his apprentice, Palpatine answered, "For now, we must focus on the Empire. We need to gain the alliance of the other planets first before we can deal with the Jedi. Going after them right now would simply be wasting resources. We must first ensure our control over the galaxy before we can hunt down the Jedi. Go aboard the main ship in orbit and wait for my command."
"Yes, my master," Vader bowed to his Sith Master.
Palpatine watched Vader turn around to leave the office with his black cape dragging on the carpet. Once he was gone, Palpatine turned his attention back to the metropolis of Corusant, his mind focused on the Jedi. The enemies of the Sith had been disbanded, yet there were still some out there in the galaxy; some who still proved to be a threat to his power. The Jedi could gather their forces for a preemptive strike, something that the emperor did not want to happen. Unfortunately, he would have to wait about that for he first needed to worry about the state of the Empire.
The planet of Alderaan was always considered to be a peaceful place, no matter the state of the galaxy. Whether the galaxy experienced times of war, or peace, Alderaan was seen as a shining beacon of hope, and it was obvious as to why that was. The planet always offered safe passage to other sentient beings across the galaxy, and remained a prominent member of the Galactic Republic. Alderaan's government always stood for the values and ideals that the foundations of the Republic, now named the Old Republic by Emperor Palpatine, was placed upon.
Alderaan's surface was consisted of wild grasslands and old mountain rangers, while the large oceans and inland seas allowed Alderaan to provide conditions for various creatures and plants. Multiple cities were placed mainly the mountain ranges of the planet since they provided good foundations. Among the list of cities was the capital of Aldera.
Unlike Corusant's metropolitan landscape that eliminated any chance of animal, or planet life, Aldera blended quite nicely with its mountainous surroundings. It was consisted of tall skyscrapers, including the royal palace, that spread across the entire region with long tunnels that connected the buildings to each other. Hovercrafts flew all over the city to head towards their destinations for their drivers had errands to run. The drivers were too busy to notice the Lambda-class shuttle exiting a CR90 corvette and entering the planet's atmosphere.
The shuttle's thrusters let out a hum as it soared through the air above Alderaan's capital city and approached the royal palace. At the base of the palace was a hangar bay where the Alderaan royal family could enter and exit through, should the planet come under attack. The shuttle passed through the energy field and enter the center of the hangar bay that was filled with numerous Alderaanian personnel. Most were royal guardsmen, who were meant to protect Viceroy Organa, but there were some doctors amongst them.
Landing in the center of the hangar bay, the shuttle's wings folded upwards as its ramp lowered onto the metallic floor. Once the shuttle's extending legs had touched the floor, the first thing that came out was a hovering medical bed with a distraught Padme Skywalker lying on it. The medical personnel surrounded Padme to notice her eyes were red, which made them assume she had been crying for some time, but they ignored it as they carried her to the medical facility within the royal palace. Beru and Owen had joined with the medical personnel as the Lars couple followed Padme's escorts.
The next group to come down the ramp were the two Jedi, Obi-Wan and Yoda, walking with the Viceroy of Alderaan, Bail Organa. The royal guardsmen approached the viceroy, and noticed his face was filled with shock and horror. "Viceroy, is everything alright?" one of them asked.
Bail only nodded. "Yes. I would like to discuss some things with our guests here." He gestured towards Obi-Wan and Yoda. "I would wish for you to escort us to my private quarters. I wish to keep our conversation in private."
"At once, Viceroy Organa," the same royal guardsman complied.
The royal Alderaanian guards immediately surrounded the two Jedi and the Viceroy of Alderaan as the trio walked through the hangar bay. They left the hangar bay and walked on the red carpet in the white halls of the palace, heading towards Bail's personal quarters. It was as elegant as the Emperor's office with the silver furniture placed across the red carpet and a balcony placed outside for a view of Alderaan's capital. When the trio entered, Bail turned towards his royal guardsmen. "Thank you. You may go now."
The royal Alderaanian guards bowed to the viceroy before they left him in his private quarters with Yoda and Obi-Wan, both who wore the same shocked and grieved expression that Bail tried to hide. Once they were done, Bail turned towards the two Jedi and let out an exasperated sigh. "I can't believe this is happening! First the Republic is gone, then the Jedi falls, and now this-Anakin is that monster!"
Unlike Alderaan's viceroy, the Jedi were able to keep their calm as Yoda looked up at his former student. "Grave news, you have told us, Obi-Wan," Yoda said as he grasped his walking stick. "No longer a Jedi, Anakin is. Darth Vader, Anakin has become."
Obi-Wan nodded in agreement at the ancient Jedi's words. "I still can't believe it either, Master Yoda" he said, a linger on shock in his words. "But there is no doubt about it. He's lost to the Dark Side. There's no bringing him back."
Bail silently agreed with that notion, and he soon noticed another lightsaber handle hanging from Obi-Wan's belt with his own. "What is that?" Bail asked as he pointed towards the other lightsaber handle.
The Jedi Knight wondered what the viceroy meant until he looked down to see it was Anakin's old lightsaber handle that Bail was pointing at. Removing it from his belt, Obi-Wan stared at it with nostalgia and regret. "This was Anakin's..." Obi-Wan began, but stopped himself and correct, "...I mean, Darth Vader's old lightsaber. He gave it to me when he and Padme were exiled."
That answer was enough for Bail as he joined in the silence between Obi-Wan (who returned the lightsaber back to his belt) and Yoda, none of the trio capable of speaking. Spread across the entire room was a silence that lasted for many standard minutes, yet it was soon broken when Bail questioned, "What shall we do now? The Jedi have been disbanded and we only have a small group of resistance that can stand up against the Empire."
The two Jedi with Bail were not sure how to respond to that question as they pondered for an answer. After many moments of silence, the ancient Jedi Master found a satisfactory response. "Buy time, you can," was Yoda's answer. "Gather more allies, you should. Carry the fight, you will."
Obi-Wan knew where his old teacher was leading with his response. "Master Yoda is right," Obi-Wan agreed. "Until the Jedi are ready, you can at least weaken the Empire. When the Jedi have met with your movement, we can end the Empire."
Bail nodded in understanding of the two Jedi's words, but he still had another question left. "That may work. But the question is, how long will that take?"
The two Jedi looked at each, one hoping for the other to have to answer to Bail Organa's question. They both knew what they planned, but Bail's question did bring up a certain factor that could affect their plans: time. Looking at Bail, Obi-Wan answered, "Only the Force knows."
A few days passed since the group escaped from the clutches of the Galactic Empire, and arrived on Alderaan's capital of Aldera. While Obi-Wan and Yoda remained with Viceroy Bail Organa, Padme was placed under the care of doctors and physicians of the royal family, who were the best on Alderaan. Padme was not alone for she had the Lars couple to comfort her, which proved to be useful when she was distraught by the news of Anakin being the cybernetic Sith Lord named Darth Vader.
Now Obi-Wan stood in the white halls of the royal Alderaanian palace, outside of the room that contained the wife of the Sith Lord, who was once Anakin Skywalker. With Obi-Wan was Yoda standing next to him, using the window to see inside of the room that Padme resided in. Through the window, the Jedi could see Beru and Owen comforting Padme, who looked like she just received treatment. After many minutes of comforting Padme, Owen and Beru exited the room as the door sliding behind them, and they saw Obi-Wan approaching them with concern on his face. "How is Padme?" Obi-Wan inquired Beru and Owen.
"Physically, she's fine," was Owen's answer. "Emotionally is another story. She didn't take the news with Anakin-I mean, Darth Vader-very well."
"Can we see her?"
"You can," Beru nodded, but cautioned, "But be careful when mentioning Anakin."
Yoda stepped into the conversation, telling the couple, "We will."
After Yoda spoke those two words, an assured Beru and Owen walked down the halls towards their personal chambers that Bail offered to them. Once the Lars couple had left, the door to Padme's room slid open, allowing Obi-Wan, and Yoda to enter it, and see the white walls occupying Padme. The wife of Darth Vader sat upright on a comfortable medical bed with her legs being covered by a white blanket, which seemed to have tear stains on them as did Padme's Jedi robes she wore. Padme's tears dried up some hours ago, so there were still some hues of red on her eyes. "Padme?" Obi-Wan asked with concern as he, and Yoda walked up to the bed.
The exiled Jedi simply said nothing as she sat there on the bed with her head staring down at the white sheets that covered her. Both Obi-Wan and Yoda knew if they continued with this silence, they would lose the chance to talk with her. "Padme," Obi-Wan began, "Master Yoda and I know about your pregnancy. We know you're carrying twins."
Upon hearing that, Padme's head shot up towards the two Jedi in front of her, but after a few seconds, Padme relaxed her head onto the palm of her left hand. "There's nothing to keep from you with the Force, is there?" Padme bitterly laughed before she turned her head towards them. "What do you plan to do with them?"
"Palpatine will most likely want them to train them," Obi-Wan stated. "It would be best to keep them hidden."
Padme knew where this was going and she did not like it one bit at all. "You want to separate them," she said with sadness in her voice. It was not a question.
"Yes," Yoda answered. "If kept separated, safe, they will be."
"But that's not all, is it?" Padme stated. "You plan to train them as Jedi. You want them to destroy to kill Vader... to kill Anakin..."
From those words, the two Jedi Knight knew that Padme believed there was still some bit of Anakin Skywalker left in the cybernetic husk named Darth Vader. Though impressed with Padme's optimistic attitude, Yoda and Obi-Wan looked into Padme's eyes and knew that she still carried some doubt of Vader ever returning as Anakin.
"We do," Obi-Wan nodded. "They're the galaxy's only hope against the Empire. They must be trained as Jedi."
"But at what cost?" she demanded as she placed a hand on her belly. Her face was filled with rage being kept at bay. "Will you take away their childhood and turn them into weapons?"
"Happen that, will not," Yoda assured her. "When they are ready, train them, we shall. Until then, we wait."
After Yoda spoke those words, Padme fell into silence which filled with room as the two Jedi waited for her to respond. Both Jedi knew that the children of Anakin Skywalker, now Darth Vader, would be powerful in the Force and would be useful in destroying the Empire. However, the choice ultimately decided upon Padme.
Obi-Wan and Yoda finally received their answer when Padme looked up and spoke, "Train them."
Her answer surprised the two Jedi, who thought she would have refused their plan. "Are you sure?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I am," Padme nodded.
Satisfied with this outcome, Yoda stated, "Then decided, it is. Hope, there is in defeating the Empire."
Both Padme and Obi-Wan silently agreed with Yoda's statement for they now had the chance to bring down the Empire. Though it would take time, they would be able to stop the Empire. All they needed was patience and the Force.
Darth Vader would continue to serve the Empire as its enforcer, spreading fear throughout the entire galaxy as murdered many innocents in the name of the Empire. For the next ten years, the Sith Lord would hunt down and destroy the remaining Jedi Knights in the galaxy, save for a handful that included Obi-Wan and Yoda. However, a small part of him yearned for Obi-Wan's death as well as vengeance on Padme.
Palpatine would continue to be emperor for the next couple of decades, ruling the galaxy with an iron fist. Over the years, he would rip away the laws of the Old Republic and establish his totalitarian control over the many sentient beings as he, also, ordering anti-human laws to be passed. As for the project of the Death Star, the emperor would keep any knowledge of the station secret from the rest of galaxy, while he tried to figure out any signs of rebellion against his rule.
Bail Organa, Viceroy of Alderaan, would continue to build up resistance against the Empire. With the help of Senator Mon Mothma, Ackbar, and countless other, Bail formed the Alliance to Restore the Republic, or more famously known as the Rebel Alliance. Using the resources gathered from over the years, the Rebel Alliance will launch strikes against the Empire in attempts to cripple it. Within the next two decades, many planets would secretly join the Rebellion, giving it enough resources to strike the Empire
Padme Skywalker eventually gave birth to the twins; a boy and a girl, who she respectively named Luke and Leia. Though somewhat reluctant, Padme agreed to give up her son, Luke, to Beru and Owen, who promised to take care of him. Padme would remain in hiding on Alderaan within Bail Organa's home, but she died two years later after due to a heart attack. After Padme's death, Leia would be taken into the care of Bail Organa and would later take part in her adopted father's rebellion.
Yoda, the ancient Jedi, traveled to the swamp planet of Dagobah, as he planned. While on Dagobah, Yoda would find a cave covered in the aura of the Dark Side. He would enter the cave and face his fears, becoming more entuned with the Force. For the rest of his days, he remained in a hut, meditating and controlling his power of the Force, awaiting the day that either Leia or Luke would arrive to train as Jedi.
As for Owen and Beru, the Lars couple agreed to adopt the baby Luke left for the desert planet of Tatooine. With enough money, the Lars bought a farm outside of Mos Eisley where they would harvest moisture vaporators. As they did, the couple would raise Luke for the next two decades and did their best to hide the truth of his father.
Obi-Wan Kenobi would remain on Tatooine, living his life as a hermit and become more entuned with the Force, much like the ancient Jedi Master Yoda. The Jedi Knight would live in the mountain, keeping his watchful eyes on the young baby named Luke, in hopes of him growing up to a be a powerful Jedi. When Luke was ready, Obi-Wan would give Luke Anakin's lightsaber and train him as a Jedi to defeat the Empire once and for all.