Epilogue
Within the endless halls of a tower high above the surface of Coruscant, Senator Palpatine was followed by his entourage as he made for his office. As he approached the door, a guard notified him, "Senator, you have a guest to see you. I wasn't aware of their clearance, but their forms check out."
Palpatine dismissed his associates as the door opened to reveal Prince Xizor, his hand resting on a floating gray slab as if to present it to the senator. He greeted the incoming senator and then elaborated, "Senator Palpatine, as a follower of your work, I admire the progress you've made in combating the heavy-handed tactics of the separatist movement to stagnate our republic. It has recently come to my attention that people affiliated with my organization have drawn some attention in the disappearance of some Jedi. The individuals linked to these heinous actions have been dealt with in the most swift and just manner possible. But as a pardon gift, I'd like to bestow upon you this; a special bacterium designed by a very talented doctor before he retired from his position."
Palpatine replied, "Ah, Prince Xizor of the Black Sun. Your gift is a most welcome one, of which I'm sure we could find extensive use. Your sentiments are appreciated, as is the dealing with those responsible for the disappearance of the guardians of the peace, our beloved Jedi. I'll watch your career with great interest. Your actions are commendable, though I have terribly pressing business to attend."
Xizor and Palpatine bowed to each other in turn. As the door closed, the senator locked it. He then donned a black hooded robe and stood on a holoprojector disc. A stoic bearded man stood before him.
"Yes, my master?", his deep and regal voice almost insisted.
"Count Dooku. The station on the moon of Fractis Minor. Is it destroyed?"
"Obliterated, my lord.", Dooku informed.
"And any survivors?"
"All ground forces met their end, droid forces included, per your orders, Lord Sidious. Though one ship did slip past our defenses at the last moment. The transponder signal indicated it belonged to a bounty hunter. The final sweep has accounted for all Jedi who had entered the system by way of counting lightsaber hilts, complete or partial, per General Grievous."
"Very well, Count. A lone bounty hunter is inconsequential to us. This isolated test has guaranteed us victory. Soon, this war will end.", Palpatine cackled.
--
Conn felt weightless. He could see nothing, but the air was warmer than he'd felt in what somehow seemed like a long time. With Xizor's words still in his mind, and his wounds still fresh, he felt helplessly disoriented. The cool current of rushing air passed over his face. Then the cold kiss of durasteel floor plating greeted him after reacquainting with gravity. He groaned, immediately missing his helmet.
"Oh get him, I thought you were going to catch him!"
"I tried! He's heavy for his size!", a voice said in surprise.
"Conn, you're safe now. You've been frozen for quite some time. My name is Lira Tano, you might not remember me, but I've found you and I'm here to help. Everything is going to be alright, I'll get you out of here. Just let me do my thing. We'll get you back on your feet."