Kingdom Hearts: Web of the Dark Heart
Chapter 21: Unraveling the Web of Lies
Morning soon came and Sora woke up to Laura shaking him awake.
Sora: Morning, Laura.
Laura: Playtime?
Sora: (Getting up) How about we have some breakfast first then we can play.
The two children got out of bed and out of the room. They stopped when they heard the grown-ups talking. Earlier, Wanda was explaining to Padmé about the Story of Jesus Christ. Peter took a chance and has Anakin listen. The couple listened with interest. The whole story made sense to both of them. They understood the needed sacrifice that had to be done. Deep in Anakin's heart, as it struggled to maintain its place in the light, the new religious faith made him feel stronger.
Sora: (Coming in) Ms. Wanda…
Everyone saw the children awake.
Padmé: That was very enlightening, Wanda, but I think it's time we get the kids fed.
Breakfast was made and the kids were fed well. Soon, Flash came with a little white hair Dathomirian Zabrak same age as Sora. Her clothes were red and black with a Krayt Dragon Tooth necklace around her neck. Peter couldn't help but think she looked familiar.
Peter: Hey, Flash. (Seeing the girl) Who's the kid?
Flash: (As she clung to Flash) This is Merrin.
Peter's eyes widen in shock. This was the iconic survivor of Dooku's massacre. Sora saw her and excitedly ran up to her.
Sora: Hi, I'm Sora.
Cautiously, Merrin looked at Sora. His smile was warm and inviting.
Merrin: I'm… Merrin.
Peter: Sora, why don't you go play with Merrin.
Smiling brightly, Sora took Merrin's hand and pulled to his and Laura's corner.
Peter: (Whisper to Flash) Merrin, seriously?!
Flash: (Whisper) I couldn't just leave her on Dathomir. No one deserves to be alone like she was.
Peter: (Whisper) I hope you made the right call.
Some relaxing time went by and suddenly Commander Fox came in. Laura ducked into another room and continued to paint her helmet.
Anakin: Commander Fox, what's wrong?
Fox: There's been a situation at the prison. General Kenobi requested you and Mr. Parker investigate.
Anakin: (With Peter agreeing) Alright.
Padmé looked worried as Fox left.
Padmé: Ani, what's wrong?
Anakin: I'll be back.
Peter: (Bringing out eye commlink) Karen, stay in communication.
Karen: Of course.
Joining Anakin, Peter was brought to a special prison Dooku and a few others were being held in. The Coruscant Guard and Police Investigators were already investigating the scene. Anakin and Peter were informed of the Count's death. Peter groaned mentally, having an idea who killed Dooku and made the gap in the Sith rank.
Anakin: (Speaking with Lieutenant Thire, who was leading the investigation) And there weren't any signs of a struggle?
Thire: No, sir. Someone came in last night, rendered the guards unconscious, somehow killed Dooku without a fight, and left before the guards woke up.
Peter: Security cameras caught anything?
Thire: (To Anakin) Uh, sir… Why is there a civilian in a serious investigation?
Anakin: Peter here assisted in the capture of Count Dooku. He has a right to be here.
Thire: (Understanding tone) Right. No, the security cameras somehow were disabled long enough for it to happen without catching anything. Not sure how, though.
Anakin: Any prisoners took the chance to escape?
Thire: Just one: Barris Offee. Security cameras came back online to catch her escaping. She broke out of her cell and managed to escape on a speeder. Some of the guards that woke up quick enough to try and stop her.
Anakin: Any casualties?
Thire: I don't think so. The boys said she looked like she was afraid of something or someone.
While Anakin discussed with Thire about the prison status, Peter thought through his memories. He remembered Barris betraying the Jedi with that bombing attack and she did become an Inquisitor for the Empire. But since things changed, Peter figure Barris sensed Sidious' presence and was afraid he'd come back for her.
Anakin: (Snapping Peter back to reality) Thank for informing me, Lieutenant.
Thire: Two other things, General Kenobi said the Chancellor requested your presence. (Handing Anakin an envelope) The other is this. (As Anakin took it) One of the guards found this on Dooku. It's addressed to you.
Anakin was confused. Returning to their Speeder, Peter managed to convince Anakin they head back to apartment and inform Padmé of the event. On the way, Anakin took a chance and opened the envelope, showing a message that only said one thing, "Order 65". They arrived at the apartment and Peter went to his group and told them what happened.
Flash: So much for that plan.
Wanda: (With Peter thinking) There's got to be a way to stop Sidious.
Peter: I have an idea. (Looking at the Symbiote User) Flash, do you have an Astromech droid?
Flash: I salvaged R8-B7 from the crash site on Vanqor. (Peter eyed CH-33P and R2-D2) Took a week for him to get repaired perfectly but he's good to help.
Peter: Good. (To Sparky) Sparky, come here. (As the Genetic Experiment came up) Here's the plan: Sparky will go ahead of us and cause electrical problems all across the senate building. (To Sparky) Think you can play Gremlin lightly?
Sparky: Ih.
Peter: Good. Flash, you come up in a speed with Wanda and the Astromechs. (To Wanda) You'll use your powers to fool people into thinking you're there with the droids to some repairs. (To Sparky) Once they arrive, focus all the surge on the Chancellor's office with enough power to force him out with us. (To Wanda) Once inside, have the droids download everything off his computers.
Wanda: What am I looking for?
Peter: A specific Battle Station Plans I have a feeling he has. But have them take anything thing else: Aerospace Records, Communication Logs… I don't care. We just need plenty of evidence. I'll show you the plans to look for.
Wanda: Got it.
Peter: Once you get that, find a senator named Bail Organa and show him what we got. Trust me, he'll help. Get to Flash and come back here.
Wanda: (Worried tone) Wait, we'll be leaving the kids defenseless if we all go. Won't they be scared?
Everyone turned as Sora cheered at winning a video game he, Merrin, and amazingly CB-1 were playing while Laura was painting her Clone Trooper helmet.
CB-1: Hey, no fair! My controller died on me!
Peter: I think Padmé can handle babysitting for a bit.
Everyone agreed to the plan. Peter took a moment to show Wanda the specific plans before leaving with Anakin. Wanda convinced Padmé to let her borrow R2-D2 for some maintenance work on the Ghost. Padmé agreed and promised she'd take care of the kids. When she and the other Astromechs arrived at Flash's rental speeder, she decided to tell him.
Wanda: Artoo, I can't tell you how I know but the Chancellor is doing something evil.
R2-D2 was stunned by the claim.
Wanda: Listen, I know you probably want to report me about what we're going to do but I need you to trust me. If my friends and I are correct, you'll have helped in stopping a great tragedy. If we're wrong, I'll surrender quietly.
R2-D2 was conflicted. He was as much of a loyal soldier of the Republic as a Clone Trooper but something in Wanda's tone made him both concerned and afraid. R2-D2 said he'll help.
Flash: (Giving a thumb up) He's in.
Sparky turned into his electrical form and sped over to the Senate Building before anyone. Jumping into the Building's power generator, Sparky started making the entire building act crazy. None of the building workers could make sense of it. The Chancellor was equally confused as to what's going on just as Anakin and Peter came in.
Palpatine: Ah, Anakin my boy. Glad you and your friend could make it.
Anakin: Chancellor… (Ducking from a light fixture exploded) What is going on?!
Palpatine: Some kind of electrical problem. Why don't we walk and talk.
Peter smiled, knowing his plan was working. The secret Sith Lord them led them out of his office, unaware Wanda and the droids were hiding nearby and sneaked in.
Wanda: Sparky, you can cut the surge.
Sparky stopped his shenanigans and the droids plugged into the Chancellor's computer.
Wanda: (As the Astromechs searched) Hope you guys find what we're looking for.
R2-D2 beeped urgently and displayed the Death Star plans to Wanda. Thinking ahead, R2-D2 deleted the local copy so he'd have the only existing copy of the Death Star plans.
Wanda: Great. Download anything else we can use as evidence and let's leave.
The Astromechs downloaded some suspicious communication logs they found and disconnected from the computer. Meanwhile, Palpatine talked with the duo and made Anakin his personal representative on the Jedi Council. Everything went perfectly to Peter's memory until Palpatine said something unexpected.
Palpatine: Mr. Parker, there's more. The news of worlds beyond our mapped region has many of the Senators questioning our security. I'm petitioning on sending Clone Squadrons to investigate these worlds and I'd like your and Anakin's signatures.
Secretly, Palpatine was broadcasting this to the Senator. Those who were against the idea just brushed the broadcast aside, but the undecided watched. Peter saw through Palpatine's lies. He knew those scouting parties were just going to be an advanced invasion.
Peter: (Playing Along) Uh, that sounds like a well-intended idea but I'm going to have to go against it. (As Palpatine's smile fell) My world is no stranger to alien invasions… (Under his breath) Constantly… If the experience taught me is that the sudden arrival of life from other worlds could easily be misinterpreted as an invasion. From what Padmé, the Clone Wars is coming to an end. I think the senate wouldn't want to start another, especially over a simple misunderstanding.
Not only did Palpatine lose the undeciding vote but he started losing the votes of the Senators that wanted to send the recon agents.
Palpatine: (Calmly frustrated) I suppose you're right.
Anakin, seeing the logic, stepped in, causing Palpatine to lose his grip on Anakin further.
Anakin: I must agree with my cohort here. Such an action is against the Jedi way. When the war is over, Jedi will handle the action and provide the necessary secrecy to prevent such a misunderstanding.
That was the final nail in Sidious' plan. All the Republic Senators voted against the plan.
Palpatine: I understand. You boys may leave now. (Stopping them before they went too far) One more thing: I take it the boy you have is somewhere safe. I'd be happy to assign some the Coruscant Guard to protect him.
Peter: (With Anakin agreeing) No, thank you. He's being well taken care of.
Palpatine was frustrated that his plan failed. Meanwhile, Wanda and the droids were leaving the Senate Building when she inadvertently bumped into the very senator she was supposed to find.
Wanda: I'm so sorry, sir.
Bail: (Helping Wanda up) Oh, no ma'am. My fault. Are you alright?
Wanda: I'm fine. I'm looking for Senator Bail Organa.
Bail: Well, you're in luck. I'm him.
Wanda: (Extremely relief) Oh, thank goodness. Listen, I was investigating Chancellor Palpatine, and I found something important.
Before Bail could speak out, R2-D2 showed the Alderaanian Senator the Death Star plans. Bail wasn't a scientist, but he understood some of the schematics, including the main cannon. Bail was horrified.
Bail: My goodness. You said the Chancellor had these?
Wanda nodded as the Droids confirmed in binary Wanda's claim.
Bail: But why would he have these?
Wanda: That's what a few others and I are trying to find out. I was told to find you and bring you to Senator Amidala. The rest of my group will catch up.
Bail thought for a minute. He didn't like these secrets but something wrong and he had to find out.
Bail: Alright, let's get moving.
Bail went with Wanda to Flash's speeder. Meanwhile, Anakin and Peter were heading to meet up with the Jedi Council on the matter.
Peter: So. What's your opinion on the Chancellor's action?
Anakin: If I'm being honest, this feels like something I deserve. I'm stronger than most on the council, I'm a skilled pilot, and I honestly the Chancellor is right on a few things about the Council.
Peter started mentally sweating on this. He was getting close to the Dark Side. Then Peter had an idea.
Peter: (Mentally) Please, let this work. (Speaking to Anakin) Anakin, if you want my opinion: Be grateful for what you have. You're friends with many Clone Troopers, you have a new religious faith in God, you have a loving wife, a close relationship with Master Kenobi, and in a few years, you'll be called something than Master. One that's worth leaving the Jedi Order for.
Anakin: What?
Peter: Daddy.
Anakin's eyes widened in surprised shock as he realized Peter was right. If he was there for Padmé and the children, it didn't matter if he had all the power in the galaxy. What matter was his family and friends. He let fresh tears flow freely as he let out a liberating sigh.
Anakin: (Cleaning his eye) Thanks, Peter. I'm glad we're friends.
Peter smiled, feeling the same way. Upon arriving at the Council Chamber, Anakin and Peter told them of the Chancellor's action and everything went exactly as Peter knew it would, including the Council's decision on allowing Anakin to be Palpatine's personal representative.
Yoda: Allow this appointment, lightly, the Council does not.
Anakin: I understand.
Mace Windu: You are on this Council. But we do not grant you the rank of Master.
Anakin flinched but remembered his and Peter's talked. He has more than anyone could have in his position. Looking at Peter, all he could do was hope one day have the rank.
Anakin: I accept the decision of the Council.
Anakin took his seat as the Council was surprised by Anakin's reaction. Peter smiled, knowing he was saving Anakin from a dark. What came next came as a surprise for Peter.
Obi-Wan: Onto other business. Earlier today, we received a report Barris came here and ambushed a Temple Guard.
Luminara: Did she kill him?
Obi-Wan: That's the odd part: She knocked unconscious, stole his Lightsaber Pike, and three messages. One for the Council, one for Master Unduli… And one for Ahsoka.
Anakin gained a hurt expression, missing his former Padawan. Master Plo Koon was equally hurt, having been equally close to the former Padawan. Taking a chance, the Council played the message meant for them.
Barris Recording: Members of the Jedi Council, I have information for you. The person that killed Dooku was a Sith Lord. (Stunning the Council) Through the Darkness, I sensed his presence. I understand that you must be hesitant to take my word after my action but please, you have to believe. Don't bother hunting for me on Coruscant, I'm going into Self-Exile. I don't know where I'm going, but please… (Ashamed tone) Let me find my peace.
The message ended the Council silently looked at each other, now understanding there's a mystery that needs to be solved.
Yoda: (Sigh) Find her way back, Barris will. Hope for her, there is.
The rest of meeting went like Peter remembered from the movie with the Council promising to send the message for Ahsoka to her on Mandalore. Peter and Anakin returned to the apartment and found Senator Organa there.
Anakin: (Surprised) Senator Organa, this is a surprised
Bail Organa: Master Skywalker… (As R2-D2 rolled up) I think you should see what your droid found in the Chancellor's computer.
R2-D2 showed Anakin the Death Star plans. Anakin was stunned by the plans.
Anakin: What is this?
Peter: It's called the "Death Star". It's a space station the size of a small moon and has the power to destroy planets.
Anakin's face lost all of its color as he turned to Peter, hoping he was joking. But the dread expression showed he wasn't. Suddenly, Anakin's mind wandered back to his and Obi-Wan's investigation of Master Tu-Anh's death and the giant Kyber Crystal they found.
Anakin: (Not noticing the kids peeking into the room) Artoo, scan these blueprints for a specific power source requirement!
R2-D2 did just that and confirmed Anakin's theory, much to his dread.
Wanda: (Having no idea what the iconic Astromech said) What did he say?
Anakin: Peter's right: That main cannon is powered by Kyber Crystals, the same crystal in a Jedi's lightsaber. It has enough firepower to destroy a planet.
The senators were horrified the Chancellor would have this. Before anyone could say anything else, they started hearing blaster fire from outside the Apartment and the Spider Heroes' Spider Sensed. Donning his Symbiote Suit, Agent Venom peeked outside and saw IG-88 droids going room to room, searching for them.
Agent Venom: (Drawing one of his WESTAR-34 pistols) Bro, got trouble.
Peter: Bad?
Karen: (Scanning) Yes. There are droids taking over the building.
CB-1: (Coming in) Then we fight.
Everyone saw the Turncoat Droid Commander sporting a new paint job: His right arm was red with purple stars, his left arm was green with yellow lightning bolts, both his legs were blue, his body was orange with a white spider on the center, and his head was black. Everyone was confused.
CB-1: Ah, Laura wanted to give me special paint job. I kinda like it. (Bringing out E-5 blaster) Anyway, I say we fight.
Anakin: He's right. We fight them head on and draw them away. (Grabbing his lightsaber) Artoo, send out a distress signal. We're going to need back-up.
Peter scrambled to get his costume on but Anakin just gave him Dooku's Lightsaber.
Anakin: Let's go!
Excitedly, Peter ignited the blade and ran to join everyone. Padmé went over and closed the door to the kids' room, unaware an IG-88 droid armed with an electrostaff was climbing into the kids' room. The heroes attacked the droids and led them away from the apartment.
Peter: (Slicing an IG-88 droid) Anyone thinks these droids are too coordinated for it to be a random attack?
Agent Venom: (Cutting down down) He's right! These things are looking for something or someone.
Scarlet Witch: (Shooting with her wrist blaster) Let's just lead them away!
Everyone led them to the main entrance were Doom and Sparky were pinned down. Everyone ducked behind his makeshift barrier.
Doom: (Shooting) General! Glad you and the others are okay!
Anakin: How bad is it?
Doom: These droids have the whole building surrounded. We can't fight our way out without casualties. They're electrically shielded so Sparky can't jump into them and overload them. I don't think Scarlet Witch can use her powers right now without being gunned down.
Peter: (As one approached them) We think they were trying to get to Senator Amidala's apartment.
The droid was about to fire, but Anakin pulled it over and stabbed its head.
Doom: A few of those droids were after me, too. (Giving Anakin his removed Inhibitor Chip) Somehow, they seemed to know I had that removed.
CB-1: (Shooting) Can we focus on the attacking droids right now?!
Anakin: (Pocketing the chip) Right. Agent Venom and Peter, you two with me. Everyone else, Shield and Sword Maneuver!
Wanda: The what?!
Peter: We block, the rest of you shoot!
The Lightsaber Wielders jumped up and blocked incoming shots while the others opened fired from behind. Slowly, they managed to get the upper hand.
Agent Venom: (Swinging custom lightsaber) You holding up well, bro?
Peter: My Spider Sense is helping me blocking shots.
Padmé could hear the carnage down below. Showing her new faith in God, she prayed for her husband and others' safety. Her prayers were interrupted when a crashing sound came from the kids' room.
Karen: (Scanning) Intruder alert! (Drawing blaster) A droid is with the kids!
Running over with her iconic blaster and Karen, Padmé found the door jammed. On the other side, the IG-88 damaged the door controls, so it'd stay shut. The droid approached Sora and the girls while drawing its electrostaff.
Droid: I am to take you alive. (Not noticing Sora grabbing his slingshot and ammo) Do not resist.
Sora: (Taking aim) Not gonna happen, Rust Bucket!
Sora nailed the droid's head, throwing it off-balance. Laura brought out her claws and sliced off the droid's legs like they were nothing. Merrin used her magick via her Krayt Tooth necklace and caught the droid before it hit the ground.
Merin: You threatened my friends, now I get to hurt you.
Merrin used all her force to smash the droid to the ground repeatedly. Each smashed frightened Padmé to blast the door open. She found the kids standing over a destroyed droid.
Padmé: (Calming down) Uh… Looks like you kids did something good.
Karen picked up the Electrostaff and took a liking to the weapon. Meanwhile, Anakin and the heroes were holding out the best they could.
Agent Venom: (Slicing down IG-88s but getting tired) Well… (To Peter) Been nice knowing, bud.
Doom: (Spotting reinforcements) Don't count us out yet. (Pointing to an incoming gunship) LOOK!
Anakin looked as the gunship land and allowed Obi-Wan and the Coruscant Guards to disembark and outmaneuver the droids. Deep in Anakin's heart, his belief in God grew strong. Peter and the others helped them take down the droids.
Obi-Wan: (Seeing Peter's weapon) Is that Dooku's lightsaber?
Peter stammered, trying to figure out how to keep it.
Obi-Wan: We'll discuss giving you the parts to reconstruct it with a new crystal later.
The droids were caught completely off-guard on reinforcements and were struggling to keep up their strength. It didn't take long for droids to be completely overwhelmed and wiped out.
Scarlet Witch: (Using her powers to deconstruct one) That's the last one.
Agent Venom: (Panting) That was exhausting.
Anakin looked at Doom's Inhibitor Chip and remembered Fives' warning. Those droids were looking for more than just Doom. While the clues didn't add up, they all pointed to Chancellor Palpatine.
Obi-Wan: (Trying to get his attention) Anakin! Anakin!
Anakin: (Snapping out of his concentration) Huh, wha? (Seeing Obi-Wan) Oh, sorry. What did you say?
Obi-Wan: I suggested you go check on Sora. The others are already heading to him. Are you okay?
Anakin: Y-Yes, master. It's just… (Looking around) Remember when Fives had that crazy suspicion about the Chancellor and the Inhibitor Chips? (Making Obi-Wan think) I'm starting to wonder if maybe he wasn't so crazy to think that. (Giving Obi-Wan Doom's Inhibitor Chip) Have someone at the temple check this out.
Obi-Wan: (Taking it) I will.
Obi-Wan left with the Inhibitor Chip. Anakin walked toward his group and stop Commander Fox as he walked by.
Anakin: (Stopping him) Commander, after everyone is done here, I want you to tell your men and all Clone Troopers immediate Radio Silence with messages from the Chancellor until further noticed.
Fox: Uh, yes sir. (After Anakin left) That was weird. Pressure must be getting to the General. Poor guy needs a vacation.
It didn't take long for Anakin to find the others. He saw the kids won their own brawl with the droids.
Laura: (In Wanda's arms) Mama, we won?
Wanda: Yes, honey. We won.
Anakin: (To Sora) Looks like you won a against an enemy droid. (Smiling) We might make a soldier out of you yet.
Anakin saluted Sora and Peter helped Sora do it correctly.
Flash: (Inspecting the droid closely) This is a IG-88 Assassin Droid. They all were.
Bail Organa: (Thinking) I don't think I know that model.
Peter: They shouldn't have been released yet. Which means we're asking the right questions.
Wanda: He's getting scared.
Anakin: Can you fill us in on what are talking about?
Peter: Karen, pull up Disney on the screen. Key Franchise: Star Wars.
Karen did so. As she did, Doom walked up to Anakin and Padmé and gave them Crucifixion necklaces.
Doom: Welcome the Faith.
Anakin: (Putting it on) Thank you.
When Karen brought it up, everyone was surprised by it. Anakin and Padmé remembered Peter and Wanda told them the last worlds they went to were based on movies they know from their world and pieced together what they were saying.
Anakin: (Surprising) Our reality… Is a fictional story from your world?
Peter: Yes. I've been a huge fan of the franchise since I first seen it with my friends.
Flash: I actually only got into it back in college. (Seeing Peter's raised eyebrow) College room influence. Long story.
Bail Organa: An interesting as this is, we could use some additional proof.
Peter: Stop me if I'm wrong on something. (Listing) During the Second Campaign of Geonosis, under the Progate Temple, the Queen ambushed Anakin, Obi-Wan, and their Clones with her horde of Geonosian Zombies. Padmé sneaked into Separatist Territory with Ahsoka to speak with Mina Bonteri to act on a peace treaty. (As R8-B7 began identifying a swiped communication log labeled With Mina's name) General Pong Krell trick Rex's forces into doing friendly fire. (Smug tone) Need I mention the Zygarrian Queen fell in love with Master Skywalker?
Padmé, annoyed by this information, stomped on her husband's right foot, thinking he cheated on her. Bail, having been informed of the secret marriage before the droids came, chuckled at the scene, knowing a wife's fury is scary.
Anakin: (Hopping on one foot) Oww! Padmé, I swear, there was nothing going on between me and that woman.
Padmé: (Sternly) We'll have a long talk about that later. (Calming down and turned to Peter) Anything you want to add?
Peter: I know what Palpatine meant when he mentioned the Tusken Raiders.
Anakin's eyes widen in shock. Nobody but Padmé knew about that but here an entire world knew he slaughtered the tribe for killing his mother.
Anakin: … What's going to happen now?
Peter: (Solemn) Let's get the kids to bed. There's been enough excitement for them today.
Sora, understanding this was grown-up business, followed them and went to bed.
CB-1: Is it bad?
Peter: Yes.
Making sure there weren't any Clones nearby, Peter put on Revenge of the Sith. Meanwhile, Luminara played Barris' message for her.
Barris Recording: Master, if you've decided to hear this message. I want you I'm sorry I failed you. I was wrong to assume the Jedi was corrupt. My actions cost the Jedis warriors, it cost me my friendship with Ahsoka, and it cost you me. I want you to know you were like a mother to me. (Starting to cry) I hope we can meet again someday. And I hope you can forgive me.
When the message ended, Luminara began to cry. Meanwhile, Barris was sneaking around a hanger bay and found a N-1 Starfighter with its Astromech, R4-K5, in the socket. Climbing into the pilot's seat, Barris turned it on and flew it out. Barris took one last look at the Jedi Temple and flew away.