Author's Note: Guys, guess what? Star Wars: The Acolyte has been cancelled! Things were rocky from the start for the show since several Star Wars fans were displeased with its cast and premise took to review-bombing it in droves, but Disney's cancellation decision was reportedly driven by The Acolyte's less-than-desirable viewership numbers. I guess we can say the true Jedi and Star Wars fans won today. Though our victories are small, this is a victory nonetheless.
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 71: Sidious Revealed
In the High Council Chamber, Anakin and Obi-Wan were in a meeting with the Jedi Council.
"Chancellor Palpatine thinks General Grievous is on Utapau?"Ki-Adi-Mundi asked.
"A partial message was intercepted in a diplomatic packet from the chairman of Utapau."Anakin explained.
"Act on this we must."Master Yoda stated."The capture of General Grievous will end this war, quickly and decisively we should proceed."
"The Chancellor has requested that I and Nadia lead the campaign."Anakin declared.
"The Council will make up its own mind who is to go."Mace Windu reminded."Not the Chancellor."
"A master is needed with more experience."Master Yoda admitted.
"I concur."Ki-Adi-Mundi stated."Master Kenobi should go."
"I agree."Master Yoda replied.
"Aye."Ki-Adi-Mundi agreed.
"Aye."Mace Windu added."Very well, Council adjourned."
In Kashyyyk, the Separatist invasion has started within the Wookiee city Kachirho.
"The droids have started up their main power generators."Commander Gree reported.
"Then now the time is, Commander."Master Yoda admitted.
"Yes, sir."Commander Gree replied.
In the beach of Kashyyyk, Chieftain Tarfful letted out a loud roar as the Wookiee army rushed to face the droid army.
Among them were Ferus, Master Luminara and the 41st Elite Corps and as well as Ferus' division of the 501st Legion.
Tank droids raced across the water against the two Jedi, the Wookiees and Clone Troopers on the beach.
Droid Gunships provided air support while a spider droid emerged from the watery depths.
A Wookiee places an explosive on a Separatist tank and jumped off just before the tank exploded.
Ferus used his lightsaber to slash the spider droid in half.
The Jedi Knight landed safely on the ground as the spider droid exploded behind him.
From the Hologram Area, Master Yoda watched the ongoing battle.
At a docking facility, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia walked with each other.
The Jedi Master was to head off to Utapau to stop General Grievous, so his former apprentices were going to say farewell to him.
"Master, you're gonna need me on this one."Nadia admitted."You know, just in case something goes wrong."
"You should, Nadia."Obi-Wan chuckled with a smile."However, it may turn out just to be another wild bantha chase."
Anakin chuckled a little at Obi-Wan's complement.
"Ha, ha, very funny."Nadia retorted sarcastically with her arms folded."I don't mean that as a fun way."
Anakin looked at Obi-Wan.
"Master, I' disappointed you."Anakin declared."I haven't been very appreciative of your training. I've been arrogant and I apologise. I've just been so frustrated with the Council ever since Ahsoka left the Jedi Order."
Obi-Wan simply smiled at Anakin.
"You are strong and wise, Anakin and I am very proud of you."Obi-Wan remarked."I have trained you since you were a small boy, I have taught you everything I know and you have become a far greater Jedi than I could ever hope to be. But be patient, Anakin. It will not be long before the Council makes you a Jedi Master."
"We can hope that will happen right after this war ends."Nadia sneered.
Obi-Wan then brought his attention on Nadia.
"And I'm very proud of you as well, Nadia."Obi-Wan declared."You've become an amazing Jedi Knight despite the odds against you because of your bloodline's true potential and everything that happened in this war."
"Thank you, Master."Nadia answered with a grateful smile."That means a lot."
Obi-Wan started down the ramp as Anakin and Nadia watched him.
"Master, be careful out there."Nadia warned, her voice mixed with worry."I know you survived many things since the Invasion of Naboo, but it's better to be safe than sorry."
"Don't worry, Nadia, I have enough clones with me to take three systems the size of Utapau."Obi-Wan assured while looking back at his two former students."I think I'll be able to handle the situation even without your help."
"Well, there's always a first time."Anakin complemented.
Nadia shrugged and simple smirked.
"Obi-Wan."Anakin admitted."May the Force be with you."
"And good luck out there."Nadia stated.
"Goodbye, old friends."Obi-Wan remarked with a smile."And may the Force be with the two of you."
The Jedi Master headed down a ramp toward the waiting Star Destroyer.
Anakin and Nadia watched as the Star Destroyer that Obi-Wan was on lifted off and headed for space.
Maybelline giggled as she suddenly appeared and tackled Anakin in a hug.
"Hey, Anakin!"Maybelline greeted excitedly."How are you doing? I missed you!"
Anakin simply smiled and ruffled Maybelline's sandy brown hair.
"Hey, May. I missed you too."Anakin chuckled."How can I not miss my number one fan?"
Maybelline letted out a giggle as Nadia frowned at her.
"Hey, little sis."Nadia responded."Aren't you supposed to be in a lesson to train your healing power?"
Maybelline shook her head.
"Nope. The healers decided to give me a day off today, Nadia."Maybelline remarked before going between Anakin and Nadia to hold their hands."So that means I can hang out with you two."
Anakin smirked. "Great."
"Yay."Nadia responded slightly.
Maybelline noticed a troubled look on Anakin's face.
"What's wrong, Anakin?"Maybelline asked curiously.
"Nothing, May."Anakin assured."Just feeling a little down lately."
Maybelline gave Anakin a bright smile.
"Don't worry, Anakin."Maybelline remarked."No matter what the Council or other people say, you and my sister will always be great Jedi in my book."
Anakin smirked. "Thanks, kid."
Nadia smiled a bit as well, but in her mind, the raven haired girl was thinking about what Chancellor Palpatine told her and Anakin last night.
In the Republic Cruiser heading to Utapau, Commander Cody spoke with Obi-Wan.
"Fortunately, most of the cities are concentrated on this small continent here on the far side."Commander Cody stated.
"I'll keep them distracted until you get there."Obi-Wan instructed."Just don't take too long."
Commander Cody chuckled at Obi-WAN's declaration.
"Come on, when have I ever let you down?"Commander Cody asked.
"Very well."Obi-Wan responded."The burden is on me not to destroy all the droids until you arrive."
On Mandalore, Bo-Katan, Ahsoka and Rex briefed Nadia via hologram in the throne room of the Sundari Royal Palace.
"There are a small number of firefights happening in sector eleven but for the most part your clones have been effective as promised."Bo-Katan explained, studying the holomap in front of them."Still, without Maul in custody this could all fall apart quickly. We must capture him before he escapes."
"He mentioned a name."Ahsoka declared."Darth Sidious."
Nadia widen her eyes in fright at the name that her best friend mentioned as Bo-Katan glanced at her.
"Who is this Sidious, Aomori?"Bo-Katan asked.
Nadia took a deep breath before responding to her best friend and her companions.
"I do not know much, but I will share with you what my Master and the Council suspect."Nadia stated."Darth Sidious is the Sith Lord, who orchestrated the Clone Wars and played both sides of it from the beginning. Obi-Wan told me about that monster by sharing his experience of when he first learned the name from Count Dooku. Though any chance of learning more about Sidious from Dooku has been lost during the Battle of Coruscant."
A glimpse of confusion appeared on Ashoka's face.
"Why, Dia?"Ahsoka asked.
"Because Count Dooku is dead, Soka. Anakin killed him while we were rescuing the Chancellor."Nadia admitted."With Dooku gone, we've lost a vital link to understanding the mystery of Darth Sidious. But if you can capture Maul, he may be able to provide the missing pieces to finally solve this long term puzzle about his old Master."
"Then send me more men."Ahsoka insisted.
"Unfortunately, I can't."Nadia retorted with a frown."I'm training a new Padawan class that's going onto the battlefront in the near future and Master Kenobi is being sent to hunt down General Grievous on Utapau."
"What about Anakin and Ferus?"Ahsoka suggested."Maybe they can reinforce us."
Nadia looked at Bo-Katan and Rex.
"May I speak to Ahsoka, alone, for a moment?"Nadia suggested.
Bo-Katan and Rex walked away to leave Ahsoka with Nadia's hologram.
"I'm afraid they can't help you either, Soka."Nadia answered."Because Ferus went to help Master Yoda and General Unduli protect the Wookiees on Kashyyyk and Anakin is on a special assignment by order of the Jedi Council."
Ahsoka raised an eyebrow at her best friend's declaration.
"What kind of assignment have they given him this time, Dia?"Ahsoka asked.
Nadia let out a sigh before responding.
"I hate to say it, but he's been instructed to observe the Chancellor and report his findings."Nadia scowled with an annoyed tone.
Ahsoka became surprised at what she just heard.
Her former Master being tasked to spy on Chancellor Palpatine.
"Observe? You mean spy."Ahsoka assumed in disbelief."They told him to spy on the Supreme Chancellor? Why? Isn't that treason?"
"It is."Nadia complemented."But this mission isn't on record and it's an exception due to us being at war with the Separatists."
"How come Anakin didn't say no like he always does?"Ahsoka questioned.
"He has to do it, if he wants to keep his place on the Council because Chancellor Palpatine appointed Anakin to be his personal representative on the Jedi Council after gaining direct control over them from the Senate and needs someone to be the eyes, ears and voice of the Republic."Nadia said with a hint of suspicion."And the reason for giving him this secret mission is because the Senate has allowed the Supreme Chancellor to remain in office long after his term has expired. The Council wants to know what his true intentions are."
Ahsoka was surprised at Nadia's declaration.
"The Chancellor has been a great friend and mentor to both Anakin and you, Nadia."Ahsoka reminded."I can't imagine you or he are happy about this."
"No, he is not and neither am I."Nadia retorted."So perhaps it's best that you do speak with him."
"And what? Defend the Council's actions?"Ahsoka said and looked away with her arms folded."I hardly think I'm the best person for that."
Nadia closed her eyes before opening them again.
"Ahsoka, you and I are able to see that those hypocrites aren't always right and never will be. Even Obi-Wan finally started to realize that himself."Nadia stated with a firm expression."Besides, even if your old Master wasn't doing this ridiculous assignment, he has a lot to worry about."
"Worry about what, Dia?"Ahsoka questioned.
"The thing is, Ahsoka."Nadia stated."Anakin and-"
Before Nadia can complete her sentence, Rex came toward the two girls.
"Sorry to interrupt, but there's been an attack."Rex declared.
Nadia and Ahsoka looked at each other.
"I'll talk to you again when this is over."Nadia assured with a warm smile."See you soon when you return to Coruscant."
The hologram of Nadia then vanished, making Ahsoka wonder what her best friend was going to tell her.
In Anakin's Vision...
Padmé calls out in pain while Obi-Wan was near her and softly speaks to her.
"Save your energy."Obi-Wan stated.
"I can't!"Padmé cried.
"Don't give up, Padme."Obi-Wan said."Don't give up..."
At Padmé's Apartment, Anakin sat down in thought and stood up to go see his beloved, only to find her folding a few clothes in their room.
Padmé wore a purple dress with her hair down and curled. A simple pattern was found throughout the dress. It was decorated with a belt made from black beads, centered around a large black jewel with dangling beads. She wore a matching necklace. Over this was a black lace housecoat.
"Obi-Wan's been here, hasn't he?"Anakin asked.
"He came by this morning."Padmé replied.
"What did he want?"Anakin questioned.
"He's worried about you."Padmé admitted."He says you've been under a lot of stress."
"I feel lost."Anakin stated.
"Lost?"Padmé asked in confusion."What do you mean?"
"Obi-Wan and the Council don't trust me."Anakin answered.
"They trust you with their lives."Padmé assured.
"Something's happening."Anakin admitted."I'm not the Jedi I should be. I want more and I know I shouldn't."
"You expect too much of yourself."Padmé responded.
The couple stop in front of the window in the bedroom.
"I found a way to save you."Anakin said.
"Save me?"Padmé asked in confusion.
"From my nightmares."Anakin responded.
"Is that what's bothering you?"Padmé questioned.
Anakin and Padmé stared at each other in the eyes.
"I won't lose you, Padmé."Anakin stated.
"I'm not gonna die in childbirth, Ani."Padmé assured with a warm smile."I promise you."
"No, I promise you."Anakin vowed.
The couple then embraced each other.
After her chat with Ahsoka, Nadia sat in the Jedi Archives, holding a book that talked about the heroes of the Old Republic.
Mostly, the chapter that talked about her idol, Bastila Shan.
Seeing Revan, once the Dark Lord of the Sith, maintain the path of the light apparently without any trouble or internal struggles made Bastila question her own devotion to the Jedi Code, even though she and Revan agreed to prevent each other from diverging from that course and the development of this self-doubt later played no small part in her eventual downfall to what she feared most: the Dark Side.
Bastila's redemption saw a change in her personality as a Jedi. Instead of living a life of non-attachment and controlling emotions, Bastila took on a much grayer way of thinking, which led to a deterioration of her relationship with the Jedi Council. Along with Revan, Bastila saw that positive emotions such as love and happiness actually strengthened a Jedi's connection to the Force and helped them battle the dark side rather than increasing the risk of falling. She was also very defensive of Revan towards the Council. In fact, by the time Bastila learned of her husband's capture by the true Sith, she had come to believe that the members of the Council were ignorant, and wrong more often than they were right.
The raven haired girl's mind began to wonder on the Padawan learners she was close to.
Caleb was in Kaller with Master Depa Billaba while Cal was taking part in the Republic invasion of the planet Bracca.
Those two boys showed promise in her eyes that they would become great Jedi Knights someday, but hoped following the corrupted Jedi Code won't ruin their personalities.
"I'll be teaching the Thranta Clan within an hour."Nadia thought bluntly."But I hear the younglings Petro, Ganodi, Katooni, Byph, Zatt and Gungi are all showing signs that they are ready to join the battlefield."
A scoff escaped from Nadia's mouth.
"A battlefield is no place for a child. But I have been a soldier since I was a Padawan."Nadia thought with a troubled look before looking at the image of Bastila Shan."Master Bastila Shan was strong, but she was always impatient and headstrong. She tried to follow the Jedi Code as strictly as possible, to the point of expressing even more radical views than some Jedi Masters. She actually believed that no one deserved death without a chance of redemption, a belief that would later result in Revan's return to the Light Side. However, she was not always able to temper her emotions, frequently exhibiting outbursts of annoyance or anger and sometimes disregarded the very idea that romantic relationships, specifically marriage, should be discouraged among the Jedi. Her personality kind of reminds me almost of my own personality."
Once she finished reading the book, Nadia placed it back where it was before she began her way to the Youngling Clan she was going to teach.
"It's really strange that Chancellor Palpatine knew a Sith legend."Nadia thought, rubbing her head a bit."Well. A couple of politicians know the history of the Jedi and the Sith, but why part of me feels like I can't trust him anymore?"
Nadia suddenly felt a huge headache causing her to hold her forehead in pain.
The young raven haired girl groaned and pinned herself against a column at the strong pain she was having.
"What is this feeling I'm having?"Nadia muttered in anxiety."I feel the Dark Side strangely growing. What the hell?"
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan arrived in Pau City on Utapau and began his search for General Grievous, riding a varactyl named Boga.
The Jedi Master eventually found his foe in the Tenth Level and dropped down to confront the cyborg after removing his Jedi robe.
"Hello there."Obi-Wan greeted with a grin.
"General Kenobi. You are a bold one."General Grievous scowled."Kill him."
A bunch of battle droids surrounded Obi-Wan as he activated his lightsaber.
The Magna Guards raised their power staffs to attack Obi-Wan, but the Jedi Master used the Force to release a piece of equipment from the ceiling.
It dropped on the Magna Guards, smashing them.
Obi-Wan walked toward General Grievous as he slashed the last Magna Guard's head off.
The other battle droids moved toward Obi-Wan.
"Back away."General Grievous ordered."I will deal with this Jedi slime myself."
"Your move."Obi-Wan declared.
General Grievous's arms split in half, allowing him to use four lightsabers from his collection at once.
"You fool."General Grievous snarled and activated his four lightsabers."I've been trained in your Jedi arts by Count Dooku."
"You seem to have forgotten that I trained the Jedi Knight who finally defeated Count Dooku."Obi-Wan remarked.
Obi-Wan and General Grievous started fighting across the control room as the battle droids used sharp shooters try to pick off the Jedi.
The Jedi Master continued fight the General and cuts off one of his hands then another.
Obi-Wan quickly cuts off the lower halves of the Kaleesh cyborg's hands, helping to even out the odds a little.
Suddenly, Commander Cody and the Third Systems Army arrived into the entrance of the control center.
The Third Systems Army then began to fight against the Separatist Droids.
"Attack, Kenobi."General Grievous ordered and glared at the Jedi Master."Army or not...you must realize you are doomed."
"I don't think so."Obi-Wan responded.
The Jedi Master used the Force to hurl the General backwards and he fell into a lower platform causing him to jump down after him.
Obi-Wan spotted General Grievous racing toward one of the landing platforms in the midst of the battle.
General Grievous jumped onto a Wheel Scooter and takes off down the wall of the sinkhole.
Obi-Wan whistled for Boga, who runs up to him.
The Jedi Master hopped on the varactyl to go after General Grievous.
On Mandalore, Clone Troopers evacuated the civilian population of Sundari into shelters while Rex, Ahsoka and Bo-Katan watched from above.
Bo-Katan scowled as the Clone Troopers continued to herd the citizens along.
She picked her helmet up and began walking inside the palace, towards the throne room with Rex and Ahsoka following her.
"This occupation cannot last much longer."Bo-Katan stated."The people will not stand for it. I will not stand for it."
"You asked for our help."Rex reminded."My men don't want to be acting as a police force."
"The Republic forces will depart, once we capture Maul."Ahsoka assured."Then you will have your opportunity to lead."
The throne room doors slide open as the trio headed in in.
"I agree."
Bo-Katan, Ahsoka and Rex stopped walking, Maul sat on the throne at the end of the throne room with Jesse on his knees to the side of him.
Bo-Katan scowled and begins running towards Maul, shooting three shots at him with her blaster.
Maul used the Force to deflect the shots with ease, he then froze and disarmed Bo-Katan.
"My lady, is that any way to treat your rightful ruler?"Maul retorted.
Bo-Katan struggled to breath before Maul released her causing Rex and Ahsoka rush to help her up.
"And now, as a show of good faith, I return your comrade in arms to you."Maul declared.
Maul used the Dorce to remove Jesse's handcuffs.
Jesse turned his head to look at Maul.
"Run along."Maul declared."There you go. Back to your brothers."
Jesse limped across the throne room to meet Rex and Ahsoka.
Rex steadied him when he reached them.
"Are you all right, Jesse?"Rex asked.
Jesse looked at Ahsoka.
"I'm sorry, Commander."Jesse apologised with a regretful look."I couldn't help it. I told him everything."
"It's okay."Ahsoka assured."Rex, get him out of here."
Rex puts his arm around Jesse and they left the palace, leaving Bo-Katan and Ahsoka alone with Maul.
Explosions begin to erupt and can be seen through the glass of the throne room walls.
"Uh, one of you might want to deal with that."Mail informed.
Ahsoka turned to Bo-Katan.
"You should go."Ahsoka insisted."Your people need you."
This caused Bo-Katan to glare at Maul.
Maul got up from the throne and walked toward the glass wall.
"Don't stay on my account we'll be fine."Maul scoffed.
Ahsoka gave Bo-Katan an assuring look.
"Go."Ahsoka insisted.
Bo-Katan puts her helmet on and rushed out of the throne room too join the fight outside.
Ahsoka turned back to Maul.
The streets outside showed Clone Troopers move up a street in front of an AT-TE and citizens run out of view.
Mandalorian Super Commandos led by Gar Saxon fly down towards the Clone Trooper and began firing, a few were shot out of the air and Clone Troopers were shot on the ground.
As the two armies fought, Maul observed out the window of the throne room.
"Look at them."Maul stated."So blissfully ignorant."
"Care to tell me what this is all about?"Ahsoka questioned."Or would you rather save it for the Council."
Maul turned to face Ahsoka.
"Oh, no, no."Maul replied."You are the one that I wish to speak with."
The former apprentice of Darth Sidious began walking across the room.
"Were you not cast out of your Order?"Maul asked.
"I left voluntarily."Ahsoka stated.
"Y-yes, but you were motivated to leave by the hypocrisy of the Jedi Council."Maul declared.
Ahsoka went silent, acknowledging Maul's point.
She did leave the Jedi Order because of the Council's hypocrisy.
Maul let out a sigh.
"We were both tools for greater powers."Maul admitted.
Ahsoka walked closer to Maul.
"I am here to bring you to justice."Ahsoka stated.
"Justice is merely the construct of the current power base."Maul responded."A base, which, according to my calculations, is about to change."
Maul frantically looked around.
"And Darth Sidious is behind it?"Ahsoka assumed.
"He is behind everything. In the shadows, always. But soon, very soon…"Maul started and paused a bit before finishing his sentence."He will reveal himself."
"With your help, the Jedi can stop Sidious before it's too late."Ahsoka insisted.
This caused Maul to become irritated.
"Too late? For what? The Republic to fall? It already has, and you just can't see it!"Maul snapped."There is no justice, no law, no order, except for the one that will replace it! The time of the Jedi has passed. They cannot defeat Sidious."
Maul looked Ahsoka.
"But, together, you and I can."Maul admitted.
Ahsoka gave a look of contemplation.
"Every choice you have made…has led you to this moment."Maul stated.
Maul extended a hand to Ahsoka from across the room while Anakin's former apprentice gave him a stern look.
Back in the streets outside, the Clone Troopers and Mandalorian Super Commandos continued fighting.
Rook Kast had joined the skirmish and was shown singlehandedly taking down multiple Clone Troopers alongside Gar Saxon.
In the throne room, Ahsoka was still considering Maul's offer when the glass wall of the room was shattered by an explosion, sending shards and ash across the room.
Ahsoka looked up at Maul.
"I will help you."Ahsoka responded."But you must answer one question."
"You have but to ask."Maul assured.
Maul extended his hand further.
"What do you want with Anakin Skywalker?"Ahsoka asked.
"He is the key to everything."Maul replied.
"To bring balance to the Force?"Ahsoka assumed.
"To destroy."Maul declared."He has long been groomed for his role, as my master's new apprentice. So has your friend, Nadia Aomori."
This caused Ahsoka to become outraged.
Her old Master and her best friend were to become Darth Sidious' new pawns in place of Count Dooku and General Grievous?
Impossible.
"You lie."Ahsoka retorted.
"I'm afraid not. In fact, I was so certain of his fate that I orchestrated this war to lure them here with Kenobi, to kill them."Maul admitted with a glare."Thus, depriving Sidious of his prized pupils."
"I know Anakin and Nadia."Ahsoka stated.
Ahsoka took out her lightsabers from her hips and ignited them, taking a stance.
Maul snarled at her.
"Your vision is flawed."Ahsoka responded.
"I see the Padawan needs one last lesson."Maul scoffed.
Maul takes out his double-bladed saber, igniting both ends and holding it out in front of him.
Maul spun his lightsaber around himself and lunged at Ahsoka, using the Force to scream as he does.
Ahsoka dodged his attacks and blocked the following strikes, she then advanced on Maul with strikes of her own.
The streets of Sundari showed Clone Troopers being bombarded by missiles from the Mandalorian Super Commando's jetpacks.
Back in the throne room, Ahsoka and Maul continued to fight, Maul hits Ahsoka in the face and disarmed her, sending one of her sabers across the room.
She blocked his attacks with a single saber then kicks him away.
She used the force to pull the saber to her hand, narrowly missing Maul as it ignited mid-air.
"You're lucky Anakin didn't show up."Ahsoka taunted."The way you're fighting you wouldn't have lasted long."
The two opponents began to circle each other.
"Oh, you have Kenobi's arrogance."Maul scowled.
Maul and Ahsoka both take a stance.
"You'll find I have many qualities for you to dislike."Ahsoka informed.
Ahsoka advances on Maul using both lightsabers.
Maul takes multiple strikes at her and Ahsoka backflippef three times to escape.
They continued fighting and their sabers lock, Maul grunted at Ahsoka as she falls onto her back, using the momentum to kick Maul up and out the glass of the throne room.
The former apprentice of Darth Sidious left scorch marks in the glass where his lightsaber passed through.
Ahsoka stood up, catching her breath and looking physically tired, she ran and jumped through the hole Maul created.
Now outside the throne room, she slid down the wall of the room using her lightsaber to slow herself.
When she landed she surveyed the Mandalorians fighting in the air, Ahsoka then looked up to see Maul scaling a building.
Without hesitation, Ahsoka began chasing after Maul.
In the streets, the Super Commandos were shown retreating, outnumbered by the Mandalorians.
Bo-Katan attacked Rook Kast and engages in hand-to-hand combat, Gar Saxon began retreating as Clone Troopers forced his troops to surrender.
Gar Saxon takes cover behind some debris and activated his helmet comms.
"Lord Maul! I need backup!"Gar Saxon demanded."Our forces are falling! We need your support!"
Maul was walking along the support beams of Sundari's dome, he raised his comms to his mouth.
"Hmm, no. I think not."Maul responded."Any moment my ship will be arriving. Die well, Mandalorian."
"No!"Gar Saxon protested."Wait-"
Maul cuts off his comms and continued walking.
A blue glow comes from behind him and lightsabers can be heard igniting.
"Obi-Wan was right."Ahsoka scowled as she stood on the beam behind Maul."You are difficult to kill."
Maul scowled at Ahsoka and she ran forward.
He ignited his saber and takes a stance, Ahsoka jumped at him and he blocked her attack, pushing her back.
The two opponents fought and navigated around the beams until a break in the fighting appeared.
"We could have destroyed Sidious!"Maul protested.
"Only for you to take his place!"Ahsoka snapped.
The two began fighting again.
Ahsoka kicked Maul, almost knocking him off balance.
She jumped at him again and he kicked her away, she grabbed onto a beam with her arms, de-activating her lightsabers.
A light shun through the top of the dome and Maul's comms activated.
"Lord Maul, we must depart immediately."the female pilot insisted.
A ship can be faintly seen through the dome and Maul runs up a beam to reach it.
Ahsoka gets up and moves towards him as he slashed the glass of the dome.
She jumped at him with her lightsabers ignited and knocks him off the beam.
They both land on a beam and continue fighting, their lightsabers lock and Maul grabbed her hand, knocking a lightsaber down to the city below.
They locked again before Maul completely disarmed her, he moved backwards and cuts the beam in front of him, causing it to dip.
Ahsoka struggled to balance and Maul jumped and landed on the other side of her, bending the beam even more.
In the streets, Rex walked alongside his troops with Gar Saxon in custody, he forced Saxon to his knees and looked up to see Ahsoka on the beam.
"Come on."Rex demanded."Get the gunships."
Rex then ran off with some Clone Troopers.
Back to the beam, Ahsoka looked around as Maul extended a hand to her.
"I give you one last chance."Maul commented."Join me…or die."
Ahsoka glared at Maul.
"Never."Ahsoka retorted.
Maul advanced on Ahsoka spinning his lightsaber to strike her down, but Anakin's former apprentice caught his hilt, throwing him off the beam.
Ahsoka reached out a hand and catches Maul with the Force, stopping his fall.
"Let me go!"Maul demanded."Let me die!"
Three LAAT gunships fly up towards Maul and surround him, the doors slide open to reveal Rex and clones with their blasters aimed at Maul.
"You're all going to burn!"Maul protested."We're all going to die!"
The Mandalorians restrain Maul with their grapple hooks.
Maul struggled against his bindings.
"You don't know what you're doing!"Maul argued.
Rex then shot Maul with a stun blast and Maul goes limp.
Ahsoka dropped Maul before he got held up by the Mandalorians.
"We'll take it from here, Commander!"Rex declared.
Ahsoka sighed and nodded at Rex, the two other gunships leave as she stood up and looked through the hole in the dome.
Inside the Jedi Temple's War Room, Mace Windu, Anakin, Master Yoda, Ki-Adi-Mundi and Aayla Secura listened to Commander Cody's report.
"Master Windu, may I interrupt?"Commander Cody asked."General Kenobi has made contact with General Grievous...and we have begun our attack."
"Thank you, Commander."Mace Windu replied and looked at Anakin."Anakin, deliver this report to the Chancellor. His reaction will give us a clue to his intentions."
"Yes, Master."Anakin answered.
The Jedi Knight left the room and the hologram of Commander Cody vanished.
"I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi."Mace Windu admitted."The Dark Side of the Force surrounds the Chancellor."
"If he does not give up his emergency powers after the destruction of Grievous then he should be removed from office."Ki-Adi-Mundi stated.
"The Jedi Council would have to take control of the Senate in order to secure a peaceful transition."Mace Windu insisted.
"To a dark place this line of thought will carry us."Master Yoda warned with a firm look."Great care, we must take."
The Siege of Mandalore was over.
Republic Forces took Gar Saxon into custody as Bo-Katan looked on.
Ahsoka went to a mobile communications unit to speak with the Jedi Council with Rex behind her.
Inside the mobile communications unit, the duo saw holograms of council members Mace Windu, Ki-Adi-Mundi and Master Yoda, along with Aayla Secura, discussing a situation.
"I understand your mission was a success."Mace Windu answered.
"Yes. I have Maul in custody."Ahsoka declared."I will escort Commander Rex when he delivers him to Coruscant."
"A great service to the Republic, you have done."Master Yoda said.
"I did my duty as a citizen."Ahsoka commented.
"Not as a Jedi."Master Yoda replied.
"No."Ahsoka answered."Not yet."
Master Yoda gave Ahsoka a sad expression that expressed guilt.
"Actually I was hoping to speak with General Skywalker and Commander Aomori."
"I sent him to inform the Chancellor that General Grievous has indeed been located on Utapau and she's currently teach a Padawan clan right now."Mace Windu stated.
"And Master Kenobi?"Ahsoka asked.
"Engaged the enemy, he has."Master Yoda declared.
Ahsoka smiled. "Then the war could be over soon."
"That depends on the Chancellor."Mace Windu said.
"What do you mean?"Ahsoka questioned.
"I'm sorry, citizen."Mace Windu apologised bluntly."These matters are for the Council to discuss."
"I understand."Ahsoka answered with a frown.
The holograms of Mace Windu, Ki-Adi-Mundi and Aayla Secura then disappeared as Master Yoda looked at Ahsoka.
"Ahsoka, more to say, have you?"Master Yoda assumed."A message for Skywalker and Aomori, perhaps?"
Ahsoka opened her mouth to say something, but then shook her head.
"No, Master. Thank you."Ahsoka thanked."I'll tell them myself when I see them."
Master Yoda nodded at Ahsoka
"May the Force be with you, Padawan."Master Yoda declared with a smile.
The hologram of Master Yoda then vanished as Rex looked at Ahsoka.
"You didn't tell them what Maul said about General Skywalker and Commander Aomori?"Rex said.
"No, I didn't."Ahsoka responded.
In the Chancellor's Office, Anakin went to see Chancellor Palpatine to tell him that General Grievous had been found on Utapau.
"Chancellor."Anakin spoke up."We've just received a report from Master Kenobi, he has engaged General Grievous."
"We can only hope that Master Kenobi is up to the challenge."Chancellor Palpatine stated.
"Nadia and I should be there with him."Anakin admitted with a frown.
"It's upsetting to me to see that the Council doesn't seem to fully appreciate your talents."Chancellor Palpatine commented."Don't you wonder why they won't make you a Jedi Master?"
A small glare appeared on Anakin's face.
"I wish I knew."Anakin answered."More and more I get the feeling that...I'm being excluded from the Council. I know there are things about the Force that they're not telling me."
"They don't trust you, Anakin."Chancellor Palpatine stated and stood up from where he sat."They see your future, they know your power will be too strong to control."
The two men walked together in the hallway.
"You must break through the fog of lies the Jedi have created around you."Chancellor Palpatine explained."Let me help you to know the subtleties of the Force."
"How do you know the ways of the Force?"Anakin asked.
"My mentor taught me everything about the Force."Chancellor Palpatine responded."Even the nature of the Dark Side."
Anakin became alarmed and went in front of Chancellor Palpatine.
Did the Chancellor just said he learned the ways of the Dark Side?
"You know the Dark Side?"Anakin questioned.
"Anakin, if one is to understand the great mystery one must study all its aspects not just the dogmatic narrow view of the Jedi."Chancellor Palpatine commented."If you wish to become a complete and wise leader, you must embrace a larger view of the Force."
The two men began to circle each other.
"Be careful of the Jedi, Anakin."Chancellor Palpatine warned."Only through me can you achieve a power greater than any Jedi. Learn to know the Dark Side of the Force and you will be able to save your wife from certain death."
"What did you say?"Anakin demanded.
"Use my knowledge, I beg you."Chancellor Palpatine insisted with a smile.
Anakin activated his lightsaber upon realising a dark secret.
Chancellor Palpatine was Darth Sidious.
The Sith Lord that he and the Jedi Order have been looking for since the Invasion of Naboo and the one who orchestrated the Clone Wars.
"You're the Sith Lord!"Anakin said with a glare.
"I know what's been troubling you."Chancellor Palpatine stated."Listen to me, don't continue to be a pawn of the Jedi Council. Ever since I've known you, you've been searching for a life greater than that of an ordinary Jedi. A life of significance...of conscience."
Anakin continued pointing his lightsaber at the Chancellor.
"Are you going to kill me?"Chancellor Palpatine asked.
"I would certainly like to!"Anakin scowled."You're the one responsible for every suffering that has happened in the galaxy!"
Despite the Jedi Knight's outburst, Chancellor Palpatine remained calm.
"I know you would, I can feel your anger."Chancellor Palpatine answered."It gives you focus...makes you stronger."
"I'm going to turn you over to the Jedi Council."Anakin admitted.
"Of course, you should."Chancellor Palpatine replied simply."But you're not sure of their intentions, are you?"
Anakin frowned before he deactivated his lightsaber.
"I will quickly discover the truth of all this."Anakin responded.
"You have great wisdom, Anakin."Chancellor Palpatine remarked."Know the power of the Dark Side. Power to save Padmé."
In Utapau, General Grievous roared through the stone block tunnel system, riding up on the curved walls as he goes around corners or passes oncoming traffic.
Obi-Wan raced after him with his varactyl moving onto the ceiling.
The Jedi Master caught up with General Grievous and they charge through the tunnel, side by side.
Obi-Wan grabbed the cyborg's electronic staff.
Extending from the wall of a small sinkhole was a secret landing platform with the Separatist warlord's starfighter sitting in the middle of it.
Obi-Wan and General Grievous race out of the tunnel system and onto the landing platform.
The Jedi Master yanked on the staff, then jumped off his varactyl onto the General's scooter.
Both Obi-Wan and Grievous hit the floor.
General Grievous pulled out a laser pistol and fired at Obi-Wan.
The Jedi Master reached out his hand, grabs the General's electrostaff and spun the staff, blocking the laser bolts.
Obi-Wan charged General Grievous, swinging the staff and hitting the General in the stomach, knocking the gun away.
General Grievous was hit by the staff and the Force bends his forearm.
The General kicked Obi-Wan on the floor causing the electrostaff to knocked away from the Jedi Master's hands.
The two then engage in hand-to-hand combat.
Obi-Wan struggled to avoid the deadly blows of General Grievous, whose stomach plate was loose.
Obi-Wan grabbed it and ripped it off, revealing the alien warlord's guts encased in a bag in the cyborg's chest.
General Grievous grabbed Obi-Wan, hoisted him over his head and tossed him across the platform.
Obi-Wan dangled off the edge of the platform and clutches the rim from falling to the ground below as General Grievous grabbed the staff to kill him.
At the last second, Obi-Wan reached out his hand and uses the Force to retrieve the cyborg's laser pistol.
The Jedi Master fired several blasts in the stomach area of the alien warlord and he exploded from the inside out.
The smouldering cyborg fell to the ground.
General Grievous was dead.
The Jedi Master looked at the destroyed corpse of the Separatist General.
Obi-Wan then pulled himself up onto the platform and threw the laser pistol away.
"So uncivilized."Obi-Wan complemented.
It would've been nice to see scenes of the Revenge of the Sith re-animated into the Clone Wars Series style. That would've made Season 7 more awesome.
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day!