Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
A/N: Remember to vote if you haven't! The poll will go down either at midnight after A Fox In Middleton's next (11th Ch.) update or the midnight the next day if I upload close to midnight one night.
Then it'll stay up until its 12th Ch update then the new story will go up shortly after.
Beta: Chaos-PSD. Contributor: KuronoDono12.
Chapter LXI: The Rise Of Clovis.
To Love, Is To Trust. To Trust Is To Believe.
As the war between the Republic and the Separatists intensifies, many are driven from their home planets, and it is up to Senator Amidala to secure aid for them. All eyes turn to the Banking Clan and the planet Scipio. In an effort to remain independent from the Republic and the Separatists, all operations are divided and money transactions are performed in a neutral zone surrounding the main vault.
For operations to continue, there must be no war on Scipio. However, worry about the stability of the Banking Clan is brewing within the Republic as the wellspring of money may be in jeopardy….
Scipio.
(A/N: This until the bold 1 will be canon, feel free to skip/skim.)
"Welcome to Scipio, Senator."
A Muun banker greeted Padmé who walked with her two guards, her handmaiden, and Nix Card.
"If you will follow me, we will be traveling into the neutral zone." He said as she nodded.
Neither party sees Embo watching them from a building with his pet Anooba.
"I am afraid your guards will have to wait outside." The banker said as they got to the gate.
"Of course." Padmé nodded as her handmaiden followed in the gate before it closed.
Just as a small circular droid got in right as it closed.
They got to a large circular room with a glass floor showing gears moving and five bankers up in rooms beside each other with screens on top to project themselves on them.
"As Council of Five, we are honored but surprised that you have traveled all this way for a mere bank transfer." One said to Padmé.
"A transfer that has not been forthcoming. By request of the Supreme Chancellor, I am here to expedite matters."
"Of course. We would merely request that you meet with our special representative who will go over the terms and conditions of your loan."
"Senator Amidala."
She turned to see Clovis walk in and stand beside her. "Clovis."
"You two know one another?"
"Sir, I was assured that this transaction would be free of prejudice and partisan allegiance." She said to the one in the middle who spoke. "This man is a known Separatist and traitor to the Republic."
"Padmé…"
"I can assure you. Rush Clovis is our most trusted and best negotiator." The banker replied as Padmé stepped forward.
"I am sorry, gentlemen. But I insist that this man be removed from these negotiations. Until then, we have nothing further to discuss."
She then walked away at that as Clovis looked back.
Later that evening, Padmé in her room with the banker that greeted her and her handmaiden turned from the window as Clovis got in and hit in the shadows.
"Milady no longer requires your assistance this evening. Thank you." The banker nodded and left just before Clovis walked up as the handmaiden turned. "Milady, watch out!"
Padmé turned with a blaster and pointed it at Clovis. "I would stop right there if I were you."
"Ah. How did you get a blaster into the neutral zone?"
"We're resourceful. Now, why are you breaking into my quarters?" Padmé asked Clovis who had raised his hands.
"Padmé, you don't understand what is going on here. I need your help."
"Last time you needed my help, I ended up poisoned, and you did nothing."
"That's not true. You stole data files from me." He said as she narrowed her eyes.
"That revealed the location of a Separatist's droid factory sponsored by you!"
"Look, it's not safe. We can't talk here." He said before walking to the balcony.
"Senator, I really don't think…" The handmaiden said before stopping as Padmé spoke up.
"It's all right. I want to hear what he has to say."
As she walked out, the droid camera floated over just out of sight. It then went over to Embo who looked at the two through binoculars.
"The simple fact is the economics of this war are not adding up. You're here for a bank transfer, but I can assure you there is no money in the bank." Clovis said to her.
"That's absurd. They were ready to give me the funds today."
"Oh, they will give you your first installment, yes. But they're robbing one side to save the other. The entire Banking Clan is on the verge of collapse."
"Collapse? Where is the evidence?" She asked him as he looked out to the city.
"In the vault. The accounts are sealed there, and no one is allowed to see them besides the Core Five."
"Convenient."
"Well, now that you're here, you must put pressure on them," Clovis said, missing Embo aiming his weapon at them.
"And do what exactly?"
"Help me gain access to the vault." He said as she scoffed.
"You're insane to think I would ever trust you. I'm sorry, but I cannot help you." A blast went by them before Clovis tackled Padmé to the floor. "Take your hands off me!" She yelled as an alarm went off.
"I've risked everything to tell you this. Don't you see they're trying to kill me because of what I know? Please believe me. Our past must count for something. I can't stay here. Think about what I ask."
He jumped off onto a speeder as cops came to the balcony.
Later, Padmé held a holocrom with Palpatine on it. "If what you are saying is true, then this information Clovis is offering is vital to our security. I need you to be very clear in this matter for the Republic. Is he telling the truth?"
"Yes. I'm sure."
"Perhaps then, in this scenario, it would be best for you to trust an old friend and do what he suggests." He said before she turned the holocrom off.
She then went back to the Core Five where Clovis stood. "I have decided to accept Clovis as the representative of this transaction as long as I can go into the vault and accompany the funds throughout the entire process."
"No outsider is ever allowed into the vaults."
"I come with the authority of the Supreme Chancellor. If you have something to hide, then that is something we should discuss." She said to the banker who spoke.
"Hide?"
"I think considering last night's attack on the Senator, it is only fair that we are transparent and agree to these terms. What harm will come of it?" Clovis asked as the five looked at each other
"The vault will be open first thing in the morning. Please make sure you are here, Senator."
Mountains.
Clovis landed his ship at a house on top of a snow-covered mountain and walked out with Padmé and her handmaiden. "Where exactly are we, Clovis?"
"This is my personal residence. A bit remote, but we'll have more privacy here." Inside, Clovis went over the plan with her via a hologram of the vault. "Once I detonate the charge here at the main power source, the vault will go into immediate shutdown. No one will get in or out. This will give you very little time before the emergency generator cycles and takes over."
He then handed her a device before continuing. "You'll then use this to locate the exact files and download them from the mainframe. The vault is one of the most secure in the galaxy. But it was designed to keep people out. Once you're inside, and the power is down, there is little they can do."
"(Sigh.) You make it sound so easy." She sighed at that.
"If you don't mind, Senator, I will retire for the night."
"Of course, Teckla," Padmé said to her handmaiden who left.
"The information we get tomorrow will go a long way to expose, perhaps, the real criminals behind this war."
"These are war profiteers." She said to Clovis. "I've exposed that before. Nobody cares."
"Truth is not on the battlefield." He said before she stood.
"It's late. Good night, Clovis."
Morning, Vault.
The next morning, the Core Five activate the identification scanners to admit Amidala to the vault. Clovis then turned to leave as the door started to open revealing the credits on selves and Padmé walked in. "Clovis, where are you going?"
"I have some business to attend to." He said to the banker as he looked over his shoulder.
"This was your idea. I would very much like for you to await the Senator's return."
Clovis then handed Teckla the device, having her leave as one of the five went to Padmé inside and had the door closed. "If you'll follow me, the credits for the Republic are in this section."
Outside, Teckla put the bomb in place and set it just before Embo shot her right before it went off.
Inside, the vault shook before the lights went out.
"What happened to the lights? I can't see a thing!"
Outside, one of the bankers spoke up. "Find out what is going on, and open the vault immediately."
"Power has been cut, and the security lock has been engaged. It will take some time to switch over."
After a moment, the lights came back on before the door slightly opened letting the five out. "Where is the Senator?"
"We got separated in the darkness."
"I'm here. No thanks to your security system." Padmé got out and walked up to them. "This isn't a vault. It's a tomb. What is going on?"
"My deepest apologies, Senator."
"It seems I'm witness to many firsts on Scipio. Is this an unfortunate incident or a cover-up?" She said to them.
"I'm not sure what you mean."
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to report on your sad state of affairs to the Chancellor," Padmé said before she and Clovis walked out.
Later, the two sat in her room before he spoke. "Let's see if you got what we needed."
She put the device she had in another having several small holograms come up. "As I said, the vaults are empty."
"The Chancellor must see this immediately." She said before the doors opened and Plain walked in with Nix who held a datapad.
"Senator Amidala, you are under arrest for espionage."
"No, there's been some kind of mistake," Clovis said after he took the device from Padmé.
"Take her away."
"I have powerful friends. The Chancellor will hear about this." Padmé said as she walked with them.
A Few Days Later, Morning.
A shuttle landed before Anakin walked out with R2 and up to Plain. "This way, Master Jedi."
He followed the Muun to the cell where Padmé was sleeping before walking inside. "Well, well, well. What exactly is going on here?"
"Ani. I'm so glad to see you."
"Ah! I guess I'm not only useful for fighting wars after all." He smiled as he sat down beside her
"How long have I been here?"
"A few days." He replied, crossing his arms.
"They say Teckla is dead. Is it true?"
"(Sigh.) Yes. She was found shot at the bombsite." He replied looking over.
"By who?"
"They don't know. The Muuns say she sabotaged the power grid. What exactly is going on here?"
"You have to get me out of here. Clovis is-"
"Clovis?" He interrupted and stood. What exactly does Clovis have to do with this?"
"(Sigh.) I can't explain it here."
"How could you ever put your trust in a man like Clovis after what he did?"
"It's for the Republic, Anakin." She said looking up. "Something is very wrong with the banks."
"Why is it that when Clovis is around, your excuse is always that you're doing it for the Republic?" Anakin turned at that.
"Anakin, please."
"You know, maybe I'll just leave you here." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Ani."
"You've already been released into my custody. You better come with me before I change my mind."
He walked out with her before walking to the shuttle. "Anakin, please trust me. I can't leave without the files Clovis and I took from the vault."
"Where exactly do you suggest we look?"
"The disks may be outside the city at Clovis' private residence." She replied as he sighed.
"Fine. I'll do this for you, not for Clovis… R2." He brought up his comlink at that.
"(Beeps!)"
"Have the ship ready in case I need you."
"(Trills!)"
They then went to a large speeder and left.
Later, they got near Clovis' house. "Over there." She said before they landed.
They then went inside and saw it was messy. "(Scoff!) Cozy place." Anakin commented as he crossed his hands.
"Someone was looking for the files. They must know Clovis has them."
"Well, maybe they found what they were looking for, and that's why he's missing. We can only hope." Anakin joked as they walked around the room.
"Anakin, you're not helping things. You don't seem to understand how important these files are. They'll expose the corruption that goes to the very core of the Banking Clan." She sighed while they continued looking around. And saw Clovis hiding on the lower floor. "Clovis!"
"Padmé. I knew you'd come." He said walking out and seeing Anakin. "You again?"
"Yes, me again. All right, lover boy, where's the disk?"
"I'm not about to hand over the information to some pilot." He said to Anakin who sighed.
"I'm a Jedi Knight who can save your life if you hand over the files! So, what's it going to be? You gonna give us the disk?"
"Why? So you can leave me stranded like last time?" Clovis asked as Anakin shrugged.
"Well, that depends on how well-behaved you are." He replied as they all walked back up to the top floor.
"Can you both stop bickering so we can get out of here?" Padmé interrupted the two.
Anakin then looked out the window and saw a glint before pulling his saber. "Down!" He deflected the blasts before the others ran and hid at the door.
"Thanks," Clovis said to Anakin who got to the door as well.
"It wasn't you I wanted to save."
"Anakin, get us out of here," Padmé said to Anakin before opening the door.
"Follow me! Run for it!"
They make a run for the speeder, pursued by Embo's Anooba, Marrok. Amidala and Clovis take off, and Skywalker leaps after them, but Embo hits the speeder causing it to fall and slide down the mountain slope. Using his domed hat as a sled, the bounty hunter takes off in pursuit, firing at massive overhead icicles, which Anakin deflects with the Force. Anakin calls R2 to their location, and the droid pilots the ship to catch the trio as the speeder flies off a cliff.
Embo stops following and contacts his employer. Darth Sidious came up on the holocrom before speaking. "It seems your mission was a success, bounty hunter. From this point, I will deal with them myself."
Warprofiteers! In times of war, credits are the fuel that funds all operations. Senator Amidala is sent to Scipio to resolve matters between the Republic and the intergalactic Banking Clan. Here she is reunited with Rush Clovis, a once close friend, but now known traitor to the Republic. When Clovis reveals corruption at the core of the Banking Clan, Senator Amidala helps him steal vital files that may uncover the full extent of the plot.
Anakin Skywalker is sent to rescue the Senator and escort the information back to Coruscant, leaving the Banking Clan in chaos….
The Vault.
"The Jedi Anakin Skywalker should never have been allowed to leave with the Senator in tow. Any future disruptions will be placed upon your shoulders, Nix Card." One of the five said to Nix.
"As you wish."
Another male Muun walked in at that. "Sir, we have confirmed that Rush Clovis was on the Jedi's ship."
"Then there's nothing we can do." One of the five said getting Nix's attention.
"But they have the files!"
"Unfortunate, yes, but they need more than just files to incriminate us."
"That will only take them time. We will all be destroyed. Another said before the first continued.
"We must remain calm. The only way they could find our secret accounts is if one of us told them.
"I want it noted that you and you alone allowed this to happen and that it has put us all at risk!" Nix said before leaving the room.
He went into his room and closed the blinds before pulling a holocrom and had Sidious come up. "You're late! What news?"
"Clovis, the Senator, and the Jedi are on their way," Nix replied to the Sith.
"With the information?"
"Enough," Nix replied having the Sith nod
"Good. Then we can continue to the next stage of the proceedings."
"And what about me?"
"You will be protected, I can assure you," Sidious replied before shutting off the feed.
Coruscant, Jedi Temple.
The group met Yoda at the dock landings "Master Yoda?"
"We weren't expecting such a formal welcome, Master," Anakin spoke after Padmé when seeing the guards that were with Yoda.
"A personal request of the Chancellor's, my escorting you was, Senator. Adventures have you had on Scipio, hmm?"
"Have you met Rush Clovis?" Padmé asked the Jedi who nodded.
"Met we have, yes. 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 spoke to Yoda.
"Delay, we must not."
Later, in Palpatine's office with Organa, Plo Koon, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Windu. "Excuse me if I find it hard to trust you, Clovis. You used to sit on this very Senate even as you funneled credits into the droid foundries of Count Dooku." Organa said to Clovis who sighed.
"I understand all of your trepidation. But there is corruption in the banks."
"And once we find this corruption?"
"I believe the ones responsible should be ousted from control before the entire banking infrastructure collapses," Clovis replied to Organa's question.
"Oh, and I suppose you're the man to do it?" Anakin asked, having Clovis look back.
"I only want the Banking Clan to be what it once was, a fair system of trade and commerce. I came here to root out the criminals and reveal the truth behind what is happening."
"Now, now, we are grateful for you bringing us this information, but what exactly can you prove?" Palpatine asked from his seat before Clovis pulled holograms up of the data they took.
"These files show that huge funds have been diverted out of the banks and into what I believe are private accounts."
"And the veracity of this information?" Organa asked before Padmé stepped forward.
"I was the one who downloaded the files from the Muuns' secure mainframe. I believe that what Clovis is saying is correct."
"Then, Senator Amidala, I would like you to spearhead this investigation. Work closely with Rush Clovis and find and expose these secret accounts." Palpatine said to her as he turned in his seat. "Once we know exactly what we are dealing with, then we can decide how best to handle this situation."
Later, as they left, Anakin stopped Padmé before speaking. "Why didn't you just say no?"
"Say no. Why?"
"I don't want you working with Clovis."
"You don't want me working with him?" She asked raising an eyebrow
"A serpent can shed its skin, but it is still a serpent."
"Well, you're just going to have to trust my judgment here."
"Like the last time, hmm? When you almost ended up dead? Or how about you just getting arrested, and it was me who had to bail you out?" Anakin asked, crossing his arms and getting his wife to turn around to sigh.
"The Chancellor has asked me to do this, Anakin."
"But I am asking you to say no. As your husband, I demand that you tell the Chancellor you are stepping down."
"Demand? We've been over this before. I'm not foolish enough to allow myself to be deceived twice, Anakin. My sole intention is to defend the Republic. If you can't trust me-"
"(Ahem!)"
They turned to see Clovis walking over. "Uh, excuse the interruption, Padmé. Shall we begin?"
"Yes, of course."
"General Skywalker."
The two then left at that, having Anakin sigh.
Count Dooku's Palace.
"Darth Tyranus, it is time for you once again to recruit our friend Clovis. He appears to have lost his way."
Sidious said via hologram before Dooku looked up. "And how would you like me to do that?"
"We're going to help him take over the Banking Clan. But first, you must entrap him, so he has no one else to turn to."
"Of course, my Lord. As you wish."
Coruscant Jedi Temple.
Obi-Wan walked into a room to see Anakin working on something at a table. "I've been looking for you."
"Something wrong?"
"You tell me," Obi-Wan replied, stopping by the wall.
"Not that I'm aware."
"Master Yoda feels that your judgments concerning Rush Clovis are clouded."
"Hmm. I believe he can't be trusted." Anakin replied to Obi-Wan.
"Yes, but there is more, isn't there? I sense deep anger in you by my simply saying his name."
"He almost got Senator Amidala killed, and I would have been responsible."
"The Senator has risked her life many times," Obi-Wan commented, crossing his arms. "She's quite capable of taking care of herself."
"They had a relationship once. I simply feel she's vulnerable to her emotions."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at that before speaking. "She is, or you?"
"What are you implying?"
"Anakin, I understand to a degree what is going on. You've met Satine. You know I once harbored feelings for her."
"Senator Amidala and I are simply friends."
"As a Jedi, it is essential you make the right choice, Anakin, sometimes that does mean for the Order."
"I understand my responsibilities."
"Responsibilities that must be observed whatever relationship develops between Clovis and Senator Amidala," Obi-Wan said leaning back up as Anakin stopped working and walked to the other side.
"They have no relationship. It is simply business between them."
"Then we should have no problems, should we?"
Night, Padmé's Apartment.
"The opera was wonderful, but I am glad we can get down to business."
Padmé said as Clovis was looking at the holograms at a desk. "If you look here, the Separatists haven't been repaying any interest on their loans. But still, the Banking Clan promised to lend credits to the Republic. Credits they simply don't have."
"But where have all the savings gone?"
"Each of the files that you downloaded shows hundreds and hundreds of small withdrawals. Small enough to remain undetected individually, but as a sum total, a devastating theft." Clovis replied as the screen he was at turned red.
"Whoever is behind this is no fool. We need to find out who's benefiting. We're still lacking a critical piece of information."
"Whatever we find must remain between only you and me," Clovis said, standing and walking to the couches where two plates of food were. "This would be highly dangerous information should it get into the wrong hands."
"Of course. This reminds me of when we had three nights to prepare for the Senate hearing to rescue Bromlarch's planetary aqueduct system." She said fixing them both drinks.
"And together we saved a people from total drought and famine. I don't think either of us got any sleep that whole week." He said as they clinked the glasses and drank a sip. "Let alone eat anything."
"We're not as young as we used to be."
"We're not that old either." He said putting an arm around her shoulder before she stood to take some food.
"You might be right. Perhaps we should eat something. So, Clovis, why have you gotten so involved with the Muuns?"
"I believe in the banks. The system works. The Muuns aren't bad people. It's just a dishonest few who are destroying everything for their own gain."
"You know, you've never told me how you rose to such heights within the Banking Clan." She said sitting down after handing him his late.
"It's not a happy story. My father was personally attached to the household of one of the head Muun families. We were basically servants."
"I had no idea." She said before he continued.
"As I grew up, the head of the family took a personal interest in my education. I was the same age as his children, and so we all studied together. When my parents and his wife were killed in a shuttle accident, he adopted me."
"How old were you?" She asked as he looked over.
"Twelve."
"That must have been very hard."
"I was accepted as their child everywhere we went. I almost forgot where I was from until I looked in the mirror."
"They sound like good people." She said as he nodded.
"They are. Most Muuns are, and they want this corruption ended more than I do. You should know my contacts within the Muun government run deep. I have many allies, should I need to call on them." He said before walking to the window.
"I didn't appreciate how personal this was for you." She said walking up as well.
"Now, maybe you will trust me."
"I'm here, aren't I?"
"I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. I don't think I would have had the strength alone." He said taking her hands before she pulled away.
"Clovis, don't."
"It's that Jedi isn't it?"
"General Skywalker?" She asked, turning around. "We're friends, nothing more."
"Word has gotten around the Jedi changed their rules. Friends don't argue the way I saw you arguing today."
"There is nothing romantic between him and I." She said before Clovis grabbed her and dipped her for a kiss.
Just as Anakin walked in. "Get away from her!"
He started to choke Clovis and pulled him forward. "Anakin! No!"
Anakin threw Clovis aside and pulled his saber out as he stood. "Why don't you try fighting like a man without your Jedi tricks?"
"Oh, it would be my pleasure." Anakin then threw his saber away and started fighting him.
Padmé begs them to stop as Anakin beats Clovis. Anakin then realizes what he is doing and stops the fight. Captain Typho enters the room, and Clovis tells him that they were attacked and that Skywalker had saved him.
As Clovis leaves to be treated for his wounds, Anakin apologizes for his attack on Clovis, but Padmé tells him that their relationship is based on lies and secrecy, even though the Jedi now allows relationships and his lack of trust in her means she no longer feels safe. She says they should not see each other again for a while.
Clovis.
In Clovis' room, the droid that was treating him spoke up. "Nothing appears to be broken. But more importantly, someone wants to speak with you."
"What are you talking about?" Clovis asked as the droid dropped a holocrom on the floor
"I am a servant of Count Dooku."
He stepped back as Dooku appeared via hologram. "Hello, Clovis."
"What do you want, Dooku?"
"It appears we have a mutual problem that I would like to fix."
Clovis stood up at that. "I know the Separatists have not been repaying their loans to the banks.
"Now why would we support corruption?"
"You expect me to believe that Lesser and his associates have no ties with you? They've allowed you to borrow credits and not pay any interest." Clovis said, walking to a pitcher for a drink.
"What you say is correct, but that information, if made public, will only bring the war to Scipio, and the banks will fall. Nobody wants that. So in the interests of all, I suggest we come to some arrangement." Dooku explained as Clovis turned.
"What are you saying?"
"That the banks need new management, and that it could be you. That I would like help."
Clovis then walked back to that. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were afraid."
"I prefer the term careful." The Sith replied, hands behind his back. "These are delicate matters. We need funds just as the Republic does to pay for this war. I can give you the location of the secret accounts you are searching for so you can plead your case to the Senate."
"And you won't stand in my way?"
"We'll even start paying the interest on our loans to show the Republic our full endorsement."
"What do you get out of this?" Clovis asked as he sat down on the bed and crossed his arms.
"Stability in unstable times. The location of the accounts is on this disk."
"Now, where were we?" The droid asked when Dooku turned the feed off and handed Clovis a disk.
Later, he stood in Palpatine's office with Padmé and Nix who spoke up after the evidence was shown. "The Muun government has seized the accounts and arrested the heads of the Banking Clan. We are indebted to Rush Clovis for his service to our people."
"Well, I have done only what I thought was right."
"Considering the information, it appears that the Separatist government has agreed to allow you to be the new head of the banks," Palpatine said as Clovis looked over.
"And the Republic?"
"I can only give you my endorsement."
"Now, all that stands in your way is the Senate," Padmé said to him before they left.
Later, the Senate is convinced, and a majority votes for Clovis to take control of the IGBC. Afterward, Anakin finds Palpatine and two Republic Senate Commandos and warns Palpatine that Clovis is not to be trusted. Although he acknowledges Anakin's concerns, the Chancellor cites his own "private confidence" in Clovis and says there might be something they have not unearthed yet. With that, the two depart the Senate.
Corruption discovered at the core of the Banking Clan! Reunited, Rush Clovis and Senator Amidala discover the full extent of the deception. Anakin Skywalker is sent to the rescue! He refuses to trust Clovis and asks Padmé not to work with him. Determined to save the banks, she refuses her husband's request, throwing their relationship into turmoil.
Voted for by both the Separatists and the Republic, Rush Clovis is elected the new leader of the Galactic Banking Clan. Now, all attention is focused on Scipio as the important transfer of power begins….
Scipio
"Welcome back to Scipio, Rush Clovis."
The Separatist Senate leader Bec said to Clovis who landed with Padmé and a clone trooper. "Our Separatist government has great hopes for you."
"Thank you, Senator. Only you and Senator Amidala will be allowed to monitor the exchange proceedings. No forces on either side will be allowed into the Neutral Zone.
"Senator Amidala, we will be right here if you should need us." The Clone leader said to her as the others came out of the ship.
"Thank you, Commander."
They walked in to see the five leaders being arrested before the Muun in front of the seat spoke. "We are grateful to you, Clovis, for everything you have done for the Muun people. To have lost the banks would have been a historic disaster."
"I would like you to know I have no interest in controlling the banks. I am simply here to reestablish order." Clovis said, getting applause before Bec glanced at Padmé.
"Do you think our friend is up to the task?"
"There are few men I have met in my career who are more dedicated to a cause than Clovis. Once he decides what he is fighting for, little will stop him from achieving it."
"Let us hope you are right for all our sakes." He said as she turned to look at Clovis.
Later, Clovis with new clothes on in an office looked out the window before Dooku appeared via hologram. "Ah, Clovis. How are you liking your new office? I must say, you look very comfortable behind that desk."
"Count Dooku, what do I owe the pleasure?" He asked after turning around in his seat.
"Come, come, my boy. You don't think I'd let such an important day pass without wishing you the best of luck."
"Thank you, but luck has nothing to do with it. The transfer has occurred without a hitch." Clovis said as Dooku nodded.
"Well, of course, it has. The Separatists are fully behind your appointment. After all, aren't we the ones who put you there?"
"For your support, I am grateful, but I now must lead without allegiance towards either side."
"Is that so?" Dooku asked, raising an eyebrow. "Quite the idealist you have become in so short a time."
"What do you want, Dooku?"
"To collect on my investment. How do you think the Republic would like to know that it was I who supplied Rush Clovis with all the information he needed to topple the leaders of the bank?"
"I will tell them myself," Clovis said leaning forward.
"Oh, but you can't. I put you in power. You belong to me, and if you want to stay in control, you will do as I say."
"The banks will remain unbiased." Clovis bit back at the Sith.
"Then I'm afraid the Separatists will be unable to pay the interest on our loans."
Clovis stood up at that. "But the banks will collapse, and then-"
"Not if you raise interest rates in the Republic."
"What?" Clovis asked, looking over. You know I can't do that."
"Oh, but you can, and you will, or everything that you fought so hard for will be destroyed," Dooku said to him, arms crossed.
Later, Padmé stood in the room as Clovis took his seat. "By the new order of the Traxus Division and in an attempt to stabilize the banks, it is essential that interest rates on loans to the Republic be raised immediately."
Her eyes widened at that. "What? But you can't do that! Clovis. Clovis! What are you doing?" She asked before he left.
Coruscant Senate Hearing.
In the Senate, Chancellor Palpatine announces the rate rise to the angry senators. Yoda and Mace Windu tell Anakin his instincts about Clovis may have been correct, but his motives are unclear. Palpatine calls for restraint as the senators argue about their next move.
Later, Palpatine in his office with Anakin had Padmé come up via hologram to explain there's an attack by the Separatists. "Our garrison has been attacked by the Separatists, and it appears they are staging an invasion of Scipio."
"An invasion? 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." She said to him
"I want you off that planet immediately."
"I can't."
"Surely you can get to a ship," Anakin said, taking a step forward.
"General Skywalker, I'm afraid I'm trapped." She said before a Commando droid grabbed her. "Let me go!"
"Invoke an emergency meeting of the Senate. There is no time to lose." He said to Mas before looking at Anakin. "I feel it is only right that you should handle this matter, my boy. A lot will be entrusted to you."
Scipio.
"Don't touch me!"
Padmé yelled as she was pushed into Clovis' office where Dooku and Bec stood with Clovis. "What have you done to her?"
"Clovis, what is going on?"
"I didn't want this, Padmé."
"Why don't you tell her what you did want and how you got it." Dooku walked up to that.
"Dooku."
"Padmé, this is not what it seems," Clovis said before Dooku spoke.
"Hasn't she joined our cause? Clovis here told me how instrumental you were in getting him to power."
"If I had known…" She said before Dooku spoke again.
"Either you are with us or you are against us. Arrest her!"
"We can't do this, Dooku. The Separatist Senate will never approve." Bec said as the Commando droids tried to grab her before Padmé got one of their guns and aimed it at Dooku. Only for Dooku to use the Force to point the gun at Bec and shoot him. "No. No."
"No! No!"
"Are you insane?" Clovis asked the Sith. "This was not part of the deal."
"What deal? What have you done here, Clovis?" Padmé asked after going to Bec's body.
"He's given us the banks. Gone are our debts, and gone is any credit for the Republic." Dooku explained walking to the door.
"All of your idealism was just a front." She said to Clovis who looked down.
"There was nothing I could do."
"Everyone has their price, my dear," Dooku said before leaving as the droids grabbed Padmé.
Coruscant Senate Hearing.
At the Senate emergency meeting, the Chancellor tells them that Clovis has betrayed them, and allowed the Separatists to invade Scipio, and the Senate votes to launch a counter-invasion. Palpatine, as Darth Sidious, then informs Dooku of the Republic fleet's impending arrival and expresses glee that Clovis' ostentatious treachery will place the banks under his control.
Scipio.
Dooku arrives on his flagship and orders the tactical droid Kraken to withdraw their forces from the battle, leaving the droids on the planet behind.
Inside, Padmé was still in the office talking to Clovis. "Why are you doing this?"
"You wouldn't understand. I had to strike a deal with Dooku, 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."
"Listen to yourself." She said as she struggled against the droids. "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!"
Up in the atmosphere, Anakin's fleet appeared and they started attacking the ships that were still there. Down below, a Muun informs Clovis that the Republic invasion forces have arrived and that Dooku has left the planet. As Clovis bemoans that his reputation will be ruined by these events, Anakin bursts in and takes out the droids, but Clovis takes Padmé hostage. "It's over, Clovis."
"Stay away from me! I didn't do anything wrong! You have to believe me!" Clovis pleaded as they walked around the room.
"You don't want to do this."
"You don't understand. You've all been deceived."
"Yeah, by you," Anakin said, holding his saber.
"No! By Dooku. I'm not the villain here. Tell him, Padmé."
"Let me go, Clovis."
In the skies above the city, Hawk shoots down a Vulture droid which crashes into Clovis's office. As the three of them slide off the ledge, Anakin manages to grab Padmé and Clovis but struggles to hold both of them. Clovis tells Anakin to let him go, then says sorry to Padmé and breaks free of Skywalker's grip, falling to his death. As Anakin pulls Padmé up from the ledge, she apologizes to Anakin about their fight and he forgives her with open arms.
Coruscant, Senate.
In the Senate, the Muun government dissolves the Banking Clan and cedes control of the bank to the Office of the Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. As the Senators chant "Long live the banks!" Palpatine accepts the responsibility with great humility, promising to return the banks to their former standing once the Clone Wars end.
Konoha Evening, Naruto's Apartment. (1.)
Naruto sat on his couch in his apartment making out with Hinata who only had on her mesh top and short shorts. She pulled back and smiled down at Naruto who reached back and groped her ass. "It's been a while since we had some time alone."
"Well, the war keeps me busy and then there's missions when I'm here." He replied before she leaned forward and pressed his face into her breasts.
Later, Naruto walked out of his apartment and saw Ros Lai walking up. "Oh, hey Ros. What's up-?!"
He stopped as she got up and pressed him against the door. "Don't make any plans tomorrow night, you're taking me out on a date finally."
She then walked off as Naruto watched her retreating form. And glanced at her ass before blinking. "What the hell was that?"
Next Afternoon, Top Of Mountain.
Naruto sat on a blanket with Ros and a picnic basket. "Any reason you wanted a date?"
"I'll admit I've started developing strong feelings towards you," Ros replied as she took a bite of chicken.
"Started? You tried killing me when we met. I'd say that's a strong feeling."
"Water under the bridge." She waved him off.
She then picked up a pastry and took a bite. Having cream fall on the top of her cleavage. Naruto froze as he saw the cream start to melt before Ros used her other hand to scoop it up and bring it to her mouth. He took a calming breath as she put the finger in her mouth to suck and gave a low moan at the taste. "Now you're messing with me."
"Now, why would I do that?" Ros asked with a smile as she leaned back on her hands.
And flashed more of her cleavage as her breasts bounced. "Because you're a tease." Continuing smiling, Ros moved to crawl over to Naruto and pressed him on his back. She then moved to straddle him flashing her cleavage again as she leaned down before leaning back up. "A little forward huh?"
"Maybe I'm just trying to catch up."
Later when saying goodbye to Ros Lai after the date, She pushed him against his door again and kissed him before leaving with a sway in her hips. Shaking his head he walked into his apartment and turned on the lights.
"Hey, lover boy."
He blinked as he saw his girlfriends in the living room. Anko only had a black thong and tape on her nipples. Oola was the same but she had mesh panties on. Hinata had a lavender thong on with yellow tape. And Sabine, Aayla, and Riyo had on white thongs and tape over their nipples.
"Hope you're not tired~" Anko purred as she shook her chest slightly.
To Be Continued.
A/N: Thanks for reading and let me know of any mistakes.
Beta: Chaos-PSD. Contributor: KuronoDono12.
1. Just a reminder that's where Canon for the arc stopped.
Decided to to Clovis' arc here as it was originally supposed to be in S5 but got pushed into S6.
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Next to be updated will be Avatar Maelstrom.
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Talk To You Later,
Lone Wolf Out.🐺