Spoilers: Okay, I have watched the first episodes of Star Wars: The Acolyte and…it's not a series that I find interesting. I am a fan of Star Wars: The Old Republic and Star Wars: Legends. I just don't know why Disney has to destroy everything? I mean it gave the Star Wars an anti-trilogy that made no sense and clearly ruined George Lucas' masterpiece storyline as well as Anakin's legacy and prophecy of bringing balance to the Force. I can clearly say the only thing that Disney did right was make us appreciate the prequel movies more and that's that.
I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori and my other OCs.
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 60: War on Scipio
Ferus was in the foulest mood like Anakin was as he parked the shuttle they were on near the Senate Building of Coruscant after escaping with proof of the InterGalactic Banking Clan's deception.
The other two people in the shuttle that were with them was Padmé and…Rush Clovis.
While on Scipio to fund a mercy mission, Padmé was called upon by an old friend, Rush Clovis, to help uncover corruption in the Banking Clan.
They also hand to evade the bounty hunter Embo to escape the planet with the incriminating information.
Master Yoda meets the ship's arrival with four Senate Guards to escort them to the Chancellor's office.
"Master Yoda."Padmé responded.
"Nice to see you again."Ferus remarked.
"We weren't expecting such a formal welcome, Master."Anakin admitted.
"A personal request of the Chancellor's, my escorting you was, Senator."Master Yoda replied, looking at Padmé."Adventures have you had on Scipio, hmm?"
Padmé gestured Master Yoda's attention on Clovis.
"Have you met Rush Clovis?"Padmé asked.
Master Yoda looked at Clovis.
"Met, we have, yes."Master Yoda responded."Intrigued, we are. By your return to Coruscant much distrust is focused upon you."
"I understand, but I hope to right the wrongs that I have done."Clovis answered.
"Delay, we must not."Master Yoda stated.
In the Chancellor's Office, Clovis pleaded his case before Chancellor Palpatine, Senator Bail Organa and several members of the Jedi High Council.
Senator Organa was skeptical of Clovis, given his past treachery.
"Excuse me if I find it hard to trust you, Clovis."Bail stated."You used to sit on this very Senate even as you funnelled credits into the droid foundries of Count Dooku."
"I understand all of your trepidation, but there is corruption in the banks."Clovis responded.
"And once we find this corruption?"Bail questioned.
"I believe the ones responsible should be ousted from control before the entire banking infrastructure collapses."Clovis explained.
"Oh?"Anakin said coldly."And I suppose you're the man to do it."
This caused Padmé to look at Anakin for a moment.
"I only want the Banking Clan to be what it once was: a fair system of trade and commerce."Clovis replied."I came here to root out the criminals and reveal the truth behind what is happening."
Ferus was unfazed by Clovis' declaration.
"Pftt."Ferus scoffed with his arms folded."Sure you do because you have a sudden change of heart.
Padmé frowned at her adopted younger brother's behaviour.
"Ferus."Padmé said.
"Now, now, General Olin."Chancellor Palpatine instructed with a smile and glanced at Clovis."We are grateful for you bringing us this information, but what exactly can you prove?"
Clovis took out a device that showed the files that have large amounts of credits have been transferred to private accounts, leaving the bank void of capital.
"These files show that huge funds have been diverted out of the banks and into what I believe are private accounts."Clovis explained.
"And the veracity of this information?"Bail questioned.
"I was the one who downloaded the files from the Muun's secure mainframe."Padmé admitted."I believe that what Clovis is saying is correct."
"Then, Senator Amidala, I would like you to spearhead this investigation."Chancellor Palpatine ordered."Work closely with Rush Clovis and find and expose these secret accounts once we know exactly what we are dealing with. Then we can decide how best to handle this situation."
The Chancellor of the Galactic Republic then left his office with a few members of the Jedi Council and Senators with Ferus following them from behind.
Anakin then grabbed Padmé's shoulder in order to earn her attention.
"Why didn't you just say no?"Anakin questioned coldly.
"Say no?"Padmé asked with a glare."Why?"
"I don't want you working with Clovis."Anakin stated.
"You don't want me working with him?"Padmé asked.
"A serpent can shed its skin, but it's still a serpent."Anakin scowled.
"Well, you're just going to have to trust my judgment here."Padmé replied.
"Like the last time, hmm? When you almost ended up dead thanks to Senator Dod?"Anakin argued, not happy that his wife was willing to work with somebody who nearly caused her to die."Or how about you just getting arrested and it was me who had to bail you out?"
"Chancellor Palpatine asked me to do this, Anakin."Padmé reminded.
"But I'm asking you to say no."Anakin retorted."As your husband, I demand that you tell Chancellor Palpatine you're stepping down."
"Demand? We've been over this before."Padmé stated quietly."I'm not foolish enough to allow myself to be deceived twice, Anakin. My sole intentions are to defend the Republic, if you can't trust me..."
Before Padmé could finish her sentence, Clovis came forward to interrupt her talk with Anakin.
"Uh, excuse the interruption."Clovis said and glanced at Padmé."Padmé, shall we begin?"
"Yes, of course."Padmé replied.
Clovis glanced at Anakin.
"General Skywalker."Clovis said.
Padmé then walked of the office with Clovis, leaving Anakin alone as Ferus went next to his brother-in-law.
Nadia, dressed as a civilian, was walking around the market place which was the shopping streets near the Coruscant Entertainment District. It contained many shops and stalls.
The Padawan of Obi-Wan Kenobi wore a sleeveless lavender polo vest-like crop top with a short skirt of the same style and colour as well as matching lavender leggings and knee-high, magenta coloured wedged heeled boots with white soles. She also wore small and silver pearl earrings. Her raven black hair was styled in a braided ponytail with a magenta streak on it.
A soft smile appeared on Nadia's face as she caught sight of a little girl buying donuts with her parents.
"Must be nice being a parent."Nadia thought with a shy smile.
Nadia soon made her way to Dex's Diner to buy treats for her and her companions.
Dex's Diner was a small eatery in a dilapidated industrial area of the planet Coruscant called CoCo Town. The diner was owned and operated by Dexter Jettster, a Besalisk with a colourful background.
Upon arriving inside the diner, Nadia went to sit near an empty table as Hermione Bagwa, one of the waitresses that worked in the diner came up to her.
"Hello again, Nadia."Hermione greeted."What would you like today?"
"An Adegan Crystal Fizzyglug and a Nerfburger sided with Fritzle Fries."Nadia insisted."Also, a box of iced donuts with shredded Ishi Tib-cracked coconut for a takeaway treat."
Hermione wrote down Nadia's order.
"Sure thing."Hermione answered."Coming right up."
Hermione walked away while her WA-7 waitress droid partner, FLO glanced at Nadia.
"Where is your special guy?"FLO asked.
"Busy, FLO."Nadia declared with a small smirk."Political work."
"Oh dear."FLO answered, shaking her head."I'm sorry to hear that."
FLO went to check on the other customers as Nadia brought her attention on the view outside.
She could clearly see civilians in Coruscant going on with their daily lives, but she was getting fully aware of the distrust on the Jedi that have been growing around as the Clone Wars continued.
Neither the Jedi or the Galactic Republic was not what it used to be.
During the Great Galactic War, the Jedi were the vanguard of the galaxy against the Sith invasion. They were masters of combat, military leaders and they were trained for that from day one. They were specifically trained to combat lightsaber wielding opponents and highly trained Sith soldiers. As such they were more effective at fighting.
The Great Galactic War lasted for 30 years and so an entire generation of Jedi was specifically trained for combat. That and the environment of the battlefield gave birth to more direct and obvious uses of the force which could make the Jedi appear more powerful. Such as crushing a tank with the Force alone.
Now the Galactic Republic was now filled with political corruption, economic instability and military weakness.
Nadia let out a sigh.
"If only they could all change and really see the damages that the Clone Wars have caused to everyone."Nadia thought with a sad frown."Even those that can't even defend themselves."
In the Jedi Temple, Maybelline held her breath as she stood outside Anakin's room which served as his both his sleeping quarters and workshop where he kept his smaller projects.
In the seven year old girl's hands was a transparent crystal music box with a label that said 'Pierce and Alison'. The crank and the label were both made of a golden metal. Small, white sparkle particles fly upwards from the box. The box included a music-activation button.
However, Maybelline sensed something disturbing coming from Anakin's room.
It felt dark and sinister.
But also strangely growing which made her feel anxious.
She didn't know what it was.
Though her senses told her it was something bad and…something utterly evil.
Maybelline shook her head.
This was the room of the Chosen One.
Of course, it was a safe place.
She shouldn't judge it because of what she was suddenly sensing.
After clearing her thoughts, Maybelline pressed the button for the door and walked in.
Anakin was tinkering with some machine or another for some unknown reason with his back on her.
Maybelline became a little surprised to see Anakin's room looks like that of a teenager's with models and posters.
The Jedi were supposed to live an ascetic lifestyle, no possessions aside from basic needs like clothes and their lightsabers.
Yet it shows just how un-Jedi-like Anakin really was.
It almost reminded her of Nadia's room.
"Hi, Anakin."Maybelline greeted.
Anakin turned around and gives Maybelline a small smirk.
"Hey, May."Anakin answered, turning around to look at the seven year old girl."What can I do for you?"
Maybelline showed Anakin her music box.
"It's my music box. It suddenly stopped working."Maybelline exclaimed."So I was wondering since you are so good at fixing machines, I was hoping you can fix it."
Anakin looked at the music box to analyse it.
"Well, I can see what I can do."Anakin responded."But it will take a while until its properly fixed."
"No problem."Maybelline assured with a grin and carefully brought forward a crate to go next to Anakin."I can watch while you fix it."
Anakin playfully rolled his eyes, knowing Maybelline wanted to spend time with him due to the demented crush she had on him.
Maybelline watched as Anakin began to work on fixing her music box.
"Do you like tinkering?"Maybelline asked curiously.
"Huh?"Anakin said in confusion.
"You know fixing things. Mostly, machines."Maybelline remarked."You seem very good at it. To think you're the very one that created Threepio."
Anakin simply shrugged in respond.
"I don't know."Anakin replied."It's something I have been doing since I was a small boy."
Maybelline gives a simple nod, not wanting to ask more questions due to the sudden sense of darkness and loss she felt coming from Anakin.
She was warned by Obi-Wan, Nadia, Hal and Ferus to never ask Anakin about his past since it was something he never wanted to talk about.
As Anakin was doing his best to fix Maybelline's music box, the Jedi Knight noticed the names labelled in it.
"Is this a family treasure?"Anakin asked.
"Yeah, it's one of the gifts my dad gave to my mum. Those names in the music box are actually the nicknames of my parents."Maybelline exclaimed with a small smile."Pierce was the nickname of my dad and the name Alison is my mother's nickname."
"I see."Anakin responded.
"I wish I met my dad like Nadia did. Then again, Hal has only small memories of his dad."Maybelline declared with a hint of sadness."Do you remember your own dad, Anakin?"
Anakin letted out a scoff as he used a screwdriver on the music box.
"Believe it or not, May, I was actually born without a dad."Anakin declared.
A confused look appeared on Maybelline's face.
"Huh?"Maybelline questioned.
"My mother carried and gave birth to me without a husband in her life."Anakin exclaimed."She was the only parent I ever had."
"You must've felt lonely as an only child."Maybelline assumed.
"Not really."Anakin complemented."I had a few friends around my age to play with, so it wasn't all bad."
Maybelline lightly rubbed her head.
"So a mother doesn't really need a husband to have kids?"Maybelline asked with a thoughtful look."I am so confused."
Anakin chuckled and simply ruffled Maybelline's head was his mechanical hand.
"Don't worry, May."Anakin assured with a smirk."You'll understand more when you're more older."
"Okay."Maybelline replied and then smiled brightly."But you know? For the greatest Jedi Knight in the Clone Wars, you are kind of strange sometimes. I guess that what's makes you unique."
Anakin gives Maybelline a rather sarky yet smug grin.
"You have no idea."Anakin replied.
From her room within the Vos Gesal Hotel, Satine was having dinner with Obi-Wan.
The former Duchess of Mandalore wore a beautiful dark blue dress with yellow folds, straps enclosed with gold sun buttons, dark blue sleeves and a sash with dark blue patterned designed leaves dangling from it. She also wore a silver tiara shaped in a circle on her forehead. Her pale blonde hair was styled into a bun, but it was tucked behind her head and had a blue butterfly clip on it.
Satine smiled at Obi-Wan.
"It's wonderful that you are able to have time for me, Obi."Satine remarked.
"You've been through a lot, Satine."Obi-Wan declared."It would be unfair not to."
Obi-Wan picked up the bottle of Laurent-Perrier Rosé which was a sparkling wine and poured a glass for himself and Satine.
Satine let out a light chuckle.
"You're being quiet again."Satine responded."Something is on your mind, isn't it?"
"Sorry, Satine."Obi-Wan apologised."I can't stop thinking about Nadia."
"Because she told you she is in a relationship with Ferus?"Satine assumed with a small smirk.
Obi-Wan takes a sip from his glass of wine.
"I want her to be happy, but sometimes I feel she doesn't actually trust me."Obi-Wan declared.
"Well, she told me she doesn't trust the Jedi Council since they're not always right and judge her because of her ancestry."Satine admitted with a frown."They believed Ahsoka to have been the one responsible for bombing the Temple and didn't bother thinking twice before expelling her from the Jedi Order."
Obi-Wan became silent at Satine's declaration.
"I should've done more on that incident."Obi-Wan admitted.
"You're being too hard on yourself."Satine responded.
"But Ahsoka was the closest ally that fought alongside me, Anakin and Nadia for numerous times in the battlefield, Satine."Obi-Wan declared with a troubled expression."I find it now difficult to accept that the Council would immediately turn their back on her after everything she has done for the Republic."
Satine shook her head.
"Obi-Wan, don't you ever get the feeling that the Jedi are actually losing their way?"Satine asked.
"I'm slowly beginning to see now that Anakin, Nadia and Ferus are right when they kept telling me that the Council doesn't always make the right decisions."Obi-Wan responded.
A gentle smile appeared on Satine's face.
"Then perhaps you should start acting more better than they are, Obi."Satine suggested."Remove the pride you have for the Jedi Order if you want Nadia to trust you in telling you anything."
In Padmé's Apartment…
Ferus frowned as he watched Padmé looking herself in the mirror.
Padmé wore a long, sleeveless black dress with a greyish-black bodice than moved to darker black towards the end. There was also a middle stripe matching the bodice on the skirt. The dress was covered with dark black lace and four rows of black beadwork on the sides met in the middle to form a large stripe on the bodies leading into the skirt. The bodice was attached to four rows of light blue beads that attached to the neckline, with another, larger blue bead, connecting the black neck band to the back. She also wore long black fingerless gloves that matched the bodice with the hems being in the darker black of the skirt. She wore a blue headband matching the beads on her neck piece and her dark chocolate brown hair was up in twin buns. She wore black low heeled shoes with an ankle strap underneath her gown.
The Senator of Naboo was dressed to go to the opera with Senator Rush Clovis.
"You're serious in working with him?"Ferus asked in disbelief.
"Ferus, you know clearly it's only for the Republic."Padmé reminded."I clearly told both of you and Anakin that."
Ferus rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, I get it."Ferus retorted."But Clovis is a known traitor to the Republic. I doubt he's all the sudden trying to make a difference."
"Then you'll have to trust me on this one, Ferus."Padme suggested.
A light yet irritated sigh escaped from Ferus' mouth.
"Fine, Padmé. I trust you in your decision."Ferus declared."But if anything happens, I won't say I told you so."
Padmé smiled and gave Ferus a kiss on the forehead.
"Thank you, Ferus."Padmé answered.
Ferus stood up from the bed and then left his adopted older sister's room.
In the Jedi Temple, Nadia was in the middle of having a practice duel with Caleb.
But the duel eventually ended with Nadia disarming Caleb.
"I beat you again, Caleb."Nadia sneered.
Caleb let out a scoff as Nadia helped him back up.
"Only because you have two lightsabers."Caleb admitted.
"It's not how many blades you have that makes you stronger, Caleb."Nadia informed with a smug look."It's the amount of effort that you put in your training and what you've learned that counts."
"Right."Caleb answered, smirking back at Nadia."You were always the one that prefers doing things more faster?"
"We both logically do."Nadia complemented.
In truth, Nadia was losing faith with the Jedi Council in more and more by the day.
She had become thoroughly disillusioned with the Order with their ability to maintain peace and order as they claim to.
After Caleb was called to do training with Master Billaba, Nadia decided to spend time with Ferus for the rest of the day.
Ferus visited Nadia in her room to tell her about his growing distrust on Clovis.
"So what's your issue with Clovis?"Nadia asked.
Ferus' frown deepened.
"Padmé went to Cato Neimoidia with Clovis to spy on him since the Council believed he was conspiring with the Separatists and she ended up getting poisoned by Senator Dod during her mission."Ferus explained with a frown."Besides that, we learned Clovis was a Separatist supporter and Count Dooku's new droid factory on Geonosis that you and Ahsoka destroyed was sponsored by him."
"Yikes."Nadia complemented."And what's Anakin issue?"
Ferus rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well, my sister and Clovis were close in the past."Ferus answered."But Padmé wanted to maintain a professional relationship since her heart really belonged to Anakin which Clovis took very hard."
"So Clovis is Padmé's ex-boyfriend?"Nadia assumed.
Ferus frowned. "Yep."
Nadia bit her lip at Ferus' declaration.
"Ouch."Nadia grumbled."No wonder Anakin's jealous."
"I don't trust Clovis, Nadia."Ferus admitted with his arms folded."If he betrayed the Republic before, how can he suddenly turn a new leaf?"
"You and Anakin think he's up to no good again?"Nadia assumed.
"Padmé told to me to trust her on her decision in working with Clovis."Ferus declared and a suspicious look appeared on his face."He was the Senator of Scipio and there's now corruption in the Banking Clan but I have a feeling those two are connected."
Nadia touched Ferus' face with her hand, making him look at her before she planted a small kiss on his cheek.
"Things will be fine, Ferus."Nadia assured and then smirked."And if Padmé gets into trouble, you know we'll be standing by to help out as usual."
Ferus gave Nadia a smug look.
"You're right, Dia."Ferus agreed and changed the subject."So about the visit to Naboo to meet my adopted family? Are you still in?"
A light chuckle escaped from Nadia's mouth.
"Of course, I am."Nadia answered."Though we have to dress up as civilians if we want to avoid getting unwanted attention. Especially, by the media."
"I agree."Ferus answered with a nod.
Just as Nadia and Ferus were about to kiss, there was a knock coming from outside the door.
Nadia went to answer the door while Ferus went to quickly hide behind a nearby crate.
If it was another member of the Jedi Council beside Obi-Wan, the couple would be busted.
Nadia opened the door of her bedroom, only to find Anakin standing outside it.
"It's fine, Ferus."Nadia assured."It's the hero with no fear himself."
Ferus came out from his hiding place and went next to Nadia while Anakin joined them inside the room.
"Hey, Anakin."Ferus greeted and became concerned when he sensed a feeling of guilt within his brother-in-law."What's wrong?"
"You could say I got a little out of hand."Anakin admitted.
"Did you beat someone up because they gave you the wrong menu?"Nadia joked.
Anakin frowned deeply at Nadia, not finding her joke funny.
"Do I look like someone who is in a mood for jokes?"Anakin retorted.
"Sorry."Nadia responded simply.
"So what do you mean you got a little out of hand?"Ferus asked.
"I...beat up Clovis for trying to kiss Padmé."Anakin declared.
Both Ferus and Nadia became stunned at Anakin's declaration.
"You beat Clovis up?"Nadia questioned in disbelief.
"I didn't mean to."Anakin answered in a sad tone."Now Padmé said she doesn't want me to be around her anymore."
Ferus groaned in annoyance as he lightly face palmed at what he just heard.
"My sister's a politician."Ferus scoffed in an unhappy tone."Yet she's being too trusting toward someone who's a traitor to the Republic."
"If so, I guess all of us can do is wait until the true colours of Clovis comes forward again."Nadia suggested and glanced at Anakin."You and Padmé will be back together again so don't lose hope."
Anakin looked at Ferus and Nadia with a surprised expression.
"How can you both remain calm even after what happened?"Anakin asked.
"I have a big distrust on Clovis as much as you do, Anakin."Ferus assured."But I intend to sit by and wait until the guy does something unexpected."
"Which is?"Anakin questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Making the Separatists and Republic end up fighting each other."Ferus replied.
"That's an odd respond, but I see what you mean."Nadia stated."Then again, it sounds still that Clovis is actually a Separatist puppet that Count Dooku and Darth Sidious are willing to discard."
"I told Padmé that, but she didn't listen to me or Ferus."Anakin clarified.
"Then you need to be patient, Anakin."Nadia instructed."I had problems controlling my new bad temper after Ahsoka left, but I learned to eventually control it despite the Council's distrust on me."
Anakin nodded at Ferus and Nadia.
"Then I'll follow the advice you two gave me."Anakin declared with a small smile."Thanks."
After Anakin left the room, Ferus took Nadia's hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.
"You're so far holding up great despite the big shadows, Nadia."Ferus praised."I'm so proud of you on that."
Nadia blushed and gives Ferus a loving smile.
"Because I have your support and comfort to help me overcome anything, my handsome Jedi General."Nadia teased smugly.
Despite being seen as a traitor of the Republic from the other Senators, Clovis became the leader of the Banking Clan which was deeply mired in corruption with Padmé's help.
Now all attention was focused on Scipio as the important transfer of power began.
However, Clovis later announced to a shocked Padmé that the Republic's interest rates have been raised immediately.
In the Senate, Chancellor Palpatine announced the rate rise to the angry senators.
"This is an outrage!"Senator Mot-Not Rab shouted.
"We warned you this would happen!"Senator Kin scowled.
"And what of the Separatists?"Senator Tills asked.
"From the little information Senator Amidala has been able to establish, there will be no raise on their current loan!"Chancellor Palpatine announced.
The other senators began to shout in protest as Anakin, Master Yoda and Mace Windu watched nearby.
Master Yoda glanced at Anakin.
"Hmm, correct you might have been about Clovis."Master Yoda stated.
"It's incredibly foolish for to make a move like this so early."Mace Windu commented." He will turn the whole Republic against him."
"Not clear to us are his objectives."Master Yoda replied."Want this, he might."
"Something's wrong."Anakin admitted with a frown."This doesn't make sense."
Chancellor Palpatine continued speaking to the members of the Senate.
"I would like to call for restraint and allow us time to analyze the situation."Chancellor Palpatine suggested.
A Separatist invasion fleet dropped out of hyperspace above Scipio to invade the planet.
The fleet was detected by the Republic forces, who tried to reach cover beyond the city gates.
Commander Thorn contacted Padmé to warn her of the invasion.
Padmé was in her chambers and heard her comlink beeping causing her to respond it.
"Senator Amidala, come in, please."Commander Thorn demanded.
"What is it, Commander Thorn?"Padmé asked.
"We're under attack by the Separatist garrison!"Commander Thorn stated."Looks to be a full invasion."
A shocked look appeared on Padmé's face.
"Invasion?"Padmé asked.
"We can't get to you!"Commander Thorn protested."I suggest you get to a ship as soon as you can!"
Before Padmé could say anything else, her consular ship was destroyed by Vulture droid fighters and Hyena bombers.
The Clone Troopers put up a valiant fight but were outnumbered and overwhelmed by battle droids and Commander Thorn was killed after taking three shots to the chest.
It was now the evening time in Corsucant.
In the Office of the Chancellor, Anakin, Nadia, Chancellor Palpatine and Mas Amedda were listening to Padmé via hologram.
"Our garrison has been attacked by the Separatists and it appears they are staging an invasion of Scipio."Padmé admitted.
"An invasion?"Chancellor Palpatine said in surprise."What do they hope to achieve? With this news, the Senate will vote immediately to attack Scipio."
"It appears war has already come to Scipio."Padmé stated.
"I want you off that planet immediately."Chancellor Palpatine ordered.
"I can't."Padme admitted in fear.
"Surely you can get to a ship."Anakin suggested.
"General Skywalker, I'm afraid I'm trapped."Padmé replied.
Anakin and Nadia glanced at each other in shock.
Suddenly, a Separatist Droid appeared and grabbed Padmé from behind.
"Let me go!"Padmé demanded.
Then the hologram of Padmé went off.
Nadia glanced at Anakin.
"Looks like you and Ferus were right about that snake after all."Nadia admitted.
"That's no surprise."Anakin replied with a small frown.
Chancellor Palpatine looked at Mas Amedda.
"Invoke an emergency meeting of the Senate."Chancellor Palpatine ordered."There is no time to lose."
Mas Amedda nodded before walking away.
Chancellor Palpatine then brought his attention on Anakin and Nadia.
"I feel it is only right that you two should handle this matter."Chancellor Palpatine stated while looking Anakin and Nadia."A lot will be entrusted to you both."
Anakin and Nadia looked at each other with surprised looks while the Chancellor walked away with a evil smirk on his face.
Back in Scipio...
Clovis spoke to Senator Bec Lawise as two battle droids brought Padmé to his office which was atop the Main Vault Fortress.
"Don't touch me!"Padmé said angrily.
The Naboo Senator was shoved to the floor by the two battle droids as Clovis rushed up to her.
"What have you done to her?"Clovis demanded.
The first battle droid gave Clovis a respond.
"Clovis, what is going on?"Padmé questioned with a frown.
"I didn't want this, Padmé."Clovis replied.
Count Dooku walked forward and appeared behind Clovis.
"Why don't you tell her what you did want and how you got it."Count Dooku suggested sternly.
Padmé's shocked look upon seeing Count Dooku changed to an angry glare as she glanced at Clovis.
"Dooku."Padmé said with a cold tone.
Clovis helped Padmé up, but she shoved his hand away.
"Padmé, this is not what it seems."Clovis admitted.
"Hasn't she joined our cause?"Count Dooku asked and looked at Padmê."Clovis here told me how instrumental you were in getting him to power."
"If I had known..."Padmé started angrily.
"Either you are with us or you are against us."Count Dooku replied and looked at the two battle droids."Arrest her!"
The two battle droids aimed their blasters at Padmé.
"We can't do this, Dooku."Senator Lawise protested, earning an annoyed glare from the Count of Serenno."The Separatist Senate will never approve."
Padmé snatched a blaster from one of the battle droids, but Count Dooku used the Force to point the blaster at Senator Lawise and pulled the trigger, killing him.
The Naboo Senator rushed up to Senator Lawise when he lifelessly hit the ground.
"No!"Padmé shouted.
Clovis glared at Count Dooku upon seeing him murder a member of the Separatist Senate.
"Are you insane?"Clovis questioned."This was not part of the deal."
Padmé glared back at Clovis.
"What deal?"Padmé demanded."What have you done here, Clovis?"
"He's given us the banks."Count Dooku replied as he began to walk the Naboo Senator."Gone are our debts and gone is any credit for the Republic."
Padmé glanced at Clovis, realising her foolish mistake in helping him.
"All of your idealism was just a front."Padmé retorted bitterly.
"There was nothing I could do."Clovis admitted.
"Everyone has their price, my dear."Count Dooku stated with a small smirk.
Count Dooku then left the office as the two battle droids grab a hold of Padmé, who glared at Clovis.
At the Senate emergency meeting, Chancellor Palpatine told the Senators that Clovis had betrayed them and allowed the Separatists to invade Scipio.
"It is with grave news I come before you."Chancellor Palpatine stated."Count Dooku and his Separatist betrayers have manipulated us, my friends."
The members of the Senate shouted in disappointment and voted to launch a counter-invasion on Scipio.
"The war must go to Scipio!"Senator Kharrus insisted.
"Clovis has been their puppet of deceit as the Separatists are currently invading Scipio."Chancellor Palpatine commented.
"We must stop them and secure the planet!"Senator Kin admitted.
"We have handed the entire economic system over to Count Dooku."Senator Tills reminded.
"We are doomed!"Senator Mot-Not Rab shouted."Invade!"
Senator Chuchi and the other members of the Senate looked at each other in agreement.
"As Supreme Chancellor, I must abide by the consensus of the Senate."Chancellor Palpatine announced."We shall commence a mercy mission to Scipio to be led by General Anakin Skywalker and Commander Nadia Aomori! The banks will be secured at all costs and the Republic will not crumble!"
All the Senators of the Republic cheered and clapped at the Chancellor's declaration.
Inside a Venator Class Star Destroyer, Nadia chatted with Ferus using her holoprojector.
"So the Chancellor assigned you and Anakin to lead the Republic forces to Scipio?"Ferus assumed.
Nadia nodded at her boyfriend.
"Yeah."Nadia answered with an apologetic smile."You don't mind, do you?"
Ferus shook his head.
"Not at all, Dia."Ferus answered."The Chancellor trusts you and Anakin than any other Jedi. But-"
"What is it, Ferus?"Nadia asked.
"It's fine. I'll tell you later."Ferus suggested, knowing it wasn't the right time for him and Nadia to talk."Go get Padmé back."
Ferus then ended his chat with Nadia causing her to put away her holoprojector.
Nadia placed away her holoprojector as Anakin went up to her.
"All good?"Anakin asked.
"Yeah."Nadia agreed with a nod."Let's go."
In Scipio...
Count Dooku left the Main Vault Fortress as he took out his holoprojector and contacted Darth Sidious via hologram.
"Lord Tyranus, the Republic fleet will be arriving shortly."Darth Sidious stated.
"Very good, my lord."Count Dooku answered."Clovis has blindly played his part. It now appears he coordinated the entire Separatist takeover."
"And because of this treachery, the banks will be firmly placed under the control of the Supreme Chancellor."Darth Sidious chuckled evilly.
Then Count Dooku put off the holoprojector and headed to his pod to leave the planet.
Inside the Office of the Main Vault Fortress...
Padmé was being held by the two battle droids as she demanded Clovis to give an explanation of his actions.
"Why are you doing this?"Padmé demanded.
"You wouldn't understand. I had to strike a deal with Dooku."Clovis replied."But don't worry, I am the one in control as soon as things have settled down. I can get rid of him and I'll control it all again."
Padmé shook her head.
"Listen to yourself."Padmé responded sadly."The Republic is sending its armada to take back the banks, you've brought war right where there cannot be war. Your actions have destroyed the banks once and for all!"
In Space...
The Republic Armada began to fire at the Separatist Fleet, who fought back at them.
In one of the Gunships, Anakin and Captain Rex scanned for Padmé's life signs on Scipio as Hawk's squadron of Z-95s escorted the gunships to the surface.
"Rex, have you gotten a fix on Senator Amidala's position?"Anakin asked.
"We'll have a better lock once we get near the city."Rex exclaimed."But initial scans suggest she's still alive, sir."
"Good."Anakin replied.
Nadia contacted Hawk in her comlink.
"Hawk, we're gonna need air support once we're on the ground."Nadia ordered.
"You'll have it, Commander."Hawk responded."Me and the boys are ready to fly."
Count Dooku arrived on his flagship and ordered the tactical droid Kraken to withdraw their forces from the battle, leaving the droids on Scipio behind.
"My Lord, we have fully engaged Republic forces, but we are suffering heavy losses."Kraken reported.
"We have accomplished what we came here for."Count Dooku declared as he sat on his seat."It is time to withdraw."
"But sir, our forces are still engaged in battle on the planet."Kraken informed.
"Leave them."Count Dooku ordered.
"As you wish, Count Dooku."Kraken answered with a bow.
Inside the Office of the Main Vault Fortress...
A Muun informed Clovis that that the Republic invasion forces have arrived on Scipio.
"Sir, a Republic attack fleet has just entered orbit and is approaching the city."A Muun reported.
"Get me Count Dooku."Clovis suggested.
"It appeared Count Dooku has left the planet's surface."the Muun replied.
"What?"Clovis said in disbelief.
"And the Separatist forces are in full retreat."the Muun explained."We are alone."
Meanwhile...
The Republic Fleet arrived at Scipio to attack the Separatist droids.
The gunships then landed on the surface causing Anakin, Nadia and the Clone Troopers charged forward to attack the battle droids.
"Nadia, Rex, hold the droid forces here."Anakin ordered."I'm gonna push on and get Padme."
"Copy that."Rex replied.
"Understood, boss."Nadia responded.
Anakin headed to the Main Vault Fortress while Nadia used her lightsabers to slash the battle droids while the Clone Troopers used their blasters to fight them.
Inside the Office of the Main Vault Fortress...
As he watched the war that he caused outside, Clovis bemoaned that his reputation would be ruined by these events.
"Such plans I had. You know, I've spent so much of my life misunderstood."Clovis said sadly."What will they say about me now? What will I have left behind?"
"Clovis, you have to turn yourself in."Padmé admitted.
Clovis glanced at Padmé in silence.
Then Anakin came into the office and slashed the two droids with his lightsaber as Clovis panicked and took Padmé hostage.
"It's over, Clovis."Anakin declared with a stern look.
"Stay away from me!"Clovis ordered, aiming the small blaster towards Padmé's face."I didn't do anything wrong! You have to believe me!"
"You don't want to do this."Anakin warned.
"You don't understand."Clovis admitted."You've all been deceived."
"Yeah by you."Anakin replied.
"No! By Dooku, I'm not the villain here."Clovis protested and looked at Padmé."Tell him, Padmé!"
"Let me go, Clovis."Padmé demanded.
In the skies above the city, Hawk shoots down a Vulture droid which crashed into Clovis's office.
As the three of them slide off the ledge, Anakin managed to grab Padmé and Clovis, but struggled to hold both of them.
"I can't hold both of you."Anakin stated.
"Let me go."Clovis admitted.
"No, Anakin, don't!"Padme protested.
"Try and climb."Anakin suggested.
"I am!"Padmé answered.
Padmé tried to climb up, but struggled in doing so and hold on.
"I'm losing you!"Anakin warned.
Clovis gives Padmé an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry, Padme."Clovis apologised.
Clovis breaks free of Anakin's grip and fell to his death.
"No."Padmé whispered.
Anakin then grabbed Padmé and hugged her once he brought her to safety.
"It's okay."Anakin assured, comforting his beloved."You're okay."
"I'm sorry, Anakin."Padmé declared with a sad look, remembering their fight."I'm sorry."
"It's over now."Anakin admitted, forgiving Padmé with open arms."It's all over now."
The Jedi Knight and the Senator of Naboo embraced each other, both feeling happy they were reunited once again.
After the Republic won the war on Scipio, Padmé returned to Coruscant with Anakin and Nadia.
In the Senate Building, the Muun government dissolved the Banking Clan and cedes control of the bank to the Office of the Chancellor of the Galactic Republic.
"It's clear to the Banking Clan, it was Clovis who was behind the corruption that almost caused our collapse."Nix Card stated."In hope of a better tomorrow, we cede control of the Banking Clan to the Office of the Supreme Chancellor."
All the Senators within the Senate cheered, agreeing on Chancellor Palpatine to have control of the Banking Clan as part of his emergency powers.
"It's with great humility that I take this new immense responsibility."Chancellor Palpatine replied."Rest assured, when the Clone Wars end, I shall reinstate the Banking Clan as we once knew them but during these treacherous times, we cannot in good conscience allow our money to fall under the manipulations of a madman like Count Dooku and his Separatists' control again. May there be prosperity and stability in all our Republic lands, may our people be free and safe. Long live the banks!"
The Senators' cheered became more louder at Chancellor Palpatine's announcement.
"Long live the banks!"
"Long live the banks!"
"Long live the banks!"
"Long live the banks!"
"Long live the banks!"
Anakin and Nadia watched the sight with Padmé and Ferus.
Padmé had an unsure look on her face while Ferus looked at the cheering senators with a suspicious look, having no idea of the banks being under Chancellor Palpatine's control was a good or bad thing.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter
See you all in the next one and have a good day:)