Chapter I

Chapter I

Citizens of the Galactic Republic! Our fighting men, women, and clones are waging courageous battles across the Outer Rim! Today’s little slice of the war showcases the sailors and pilots of Task Force Seven, known as the “Deadly Mynocks” as they wage a terrific fight near the star system of Belkadan. The rebel ambush is foiled by Admiral Illian and his band of death-defying star pilots. The rebellious forces are driven back with heavy losses.

Elsewhere, our clones fight magnificently, led by such young heroes as Captain Terellia and ace pilot Lieutenant Liam, who has already racked up an impressive thirty-three kills on his first tour of duty.

On Coruscant, the Galactic Senate gives a raucous ovation to Grand Centurion Palpatine as he delivers the latest news on the war and the source of the Jedi Clones.

“Even with all of their lies and denials, it is clear that the rebels are behind the unleashing of this monstrous threat to the galaxy. For bringing this horror to us, the rebels shall know the true fury of the Republic!”

Keep bringing the fight to them! No rebellion! No division! No backing down! Show your patriotism by buying war bonds to give our fighting people the support they need!

———————————

The red-painted transport affectionately known as The Bucket responded to Aiya Rios’s quick maneuvers before she engaged the light-speed engines. She had to slide the ship past the new warship dockyards and through the two security checkpoints that went into service only four months ago. Aiya’s skillful piloting enabled the ship to duck under the newest of three Orbital Weapons Platforms being constructed in orbit around Coruscant. To the public, this was all part of the build-up the Republic required to quell the rebellion that plagued the Outer Rim.

In private, it was in response to a surprise series of raids by the rebellion on Corellia, Ord Mantell, and Carida. The damage was mostly superficial, but enough to cause a near-panic among the government.

Several days into the voyage, one of the passengers The Bucket carried found himself at his favorite viewport at the front of the bridge. However, he found no comfort in the breathtaking view that space offered.

Anakin Skywalker began to pace back and forth on the bridge, wondering when they would arrive at Illum, the Jedi planet where he would begin construction of his own lightsaber. He had grown over the past few months and his height nearly matched that of his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Although he still kept his hair closely cut and tied into a long braid, it still had the sandy color since he was a boy.

His impatience, however, grew along with his annoyance.

“Time to destination?” Anakin asked.

“A whopping seven minutes closer than the last time you asked,” Aiya Rios responded with an edge in her voice.

“If you’re looking to get there faster, I’m always up for a rematch in my Delta-7. Fairly, this time,” she quickly added. “No fair ripping my ship’s wing off just so you can hoist a trophy.”

Anakin turned to glare at her, but continued pacing. Aiya had once been Anakin’s rival when he was a starfighter racer on his home-world of Tatooine. Even though it was only a year ago that he had left that worthless hunk of rock, it seemed like a lifetime had passed. He tried hard to push that life out of his mind. That Anakin that was a nobody from a backward world. He refused to believe that Anakin existed anymore.

On the far side of the bridge, Obi-Wan Kenobi frowned at his padawan while he stood with Captain Raust. Together, they looked at the pacing Jedi as he barked at Aiya.

“He’s extremely impatient, Commander,” Captain Raust said.

“That will change,” Obi-Wan replied. “And please, Captain, I prefer the Jedi title that I earned to the military title that was given.”

“The law is specific about your wartime commission, Commander,” the captain replied.

“The law is only temporary until the Clone Wars is over. Make sure you return when I signal, no matter what the status of the task force is. Master Fisto will understand your absence. Anakin and I will be quite busy, but when it is time to leave, we will leave quickly.”

“You meant to say General Fisto, Commander,” Captain Raust corrected.

“No, I didn’t,” Obi-Wan said coldly.

“I have always enjoyed Illum in its summer season. It is a fine choice for the boy’s education,” a soft voice said from behind them.

Captain Raust saluted sharply as Obi-Wan embraced Jedi Master Ki-Ad-Mundi. “Master, I am pleased you could join us on our journey. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever leave your chambers,” Obi-Wan grinned.

“I didn’t feel it necessary to make myself known,” the Jedi Master said plainly. “The Jedi Council has taken an interest in the boy’s development. As such, they have tasked me to observe and fine tune his training.”

“He is my padawan,” Obi-Wan protested.

Captain Raust held the salute.

“Of course he is, my dear boy. However you are just barely a year removed from being a padawan yourself, are you not? It is only with extreme circumstances that you are allowed to claim someone this old as your padawan,” Ki-Adi-Mundi remarked.

“Given his abilities and his potential, Master Yoda himself wanted to train Anakin. However, things are what they are and with the way the war is occupying our efforts, perhaps it is all for the best that you are his master,” Ki-Adi-Mundi eyed Anakin carefully.

“I can instruct him just as well as Yoda,” Obi-Wan indignantly said.

Master Ki-Adi-Mundi raised an eyebrow and Obi-Wan blushed.

“You are in charge of his education. I am here to make sure that what you say sticks to him. Master Yoda is concerned that we are putting too much into him at too great a rate. He must learn the value of our ways, not just the knowledge,” Ki-Adi-Mundi smiled.

Captain Raust’s arm trembled.

“To be honest, I was glad when Master Yoda asked me to come along. I look forward to discussing Cerea with young Anakin. I have no doubt he can tell me much about my home since I have been forbidden to return,” his voice trailed off and his eyes glazed over in thought.

“Oh do put your arm down, captain, you look the fool,” he snapped.

They watched Anakin turn abruptly on his heel and ask Aiya, yet again, when they were arriving.

“He’s extremely impatient, Commander,” Captain Raust said again, flexing his sore arm.

Obi-Wan frowned as he watched his padawan.

“Illum will change that. It always does,” Ki-Adi-Mundi replied and put a hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder.

———————————

“Really sir, I don’t think you have the first idea of what you’re talking about.” Padme Amidala, Chairperson for the Alderaan Committee of Armed Services, was growing weary of listening to this same, tired argument.

“It’s all too clear!” the shrill voice of the dissident rang through the chamber. “Why can’t you see that the corporations are the ones behind this war simply to line their pockets? They’re raking in profits with the Republic footing the bill!”

Padme rubbed her throbbing temples.

“Mr. Remmick, you have no direct evidence, no proof, and no facts to back your rather insane accusations. While it is true that INCOM starfighters as well as other, larger ships, have been seen used by both sides, can you show us undeniable evidence that they are dealing under the table?” she countered.

“You sold yourself to INCOM, SoroSuub, TaggeCo, and Adascorp when the war first started!” the squat, little man screeched. “People are dying out there by the millions while you sit here in a committee room doing nothing to stop them from taking away our freedoms!”

Padme signaled for order several times. The sound of chimes filled the air. “Mr. Remmick, unless you have something substantial to bring before the committee, we’re adjourned for the day.”

“What about the weapon? Can you sit there and deny that the Republic is constructing a weapon so monstrous that it could make star fleets obsolete? That it can bring any star system to its knees?” his eyes bugged from the effort.

“How fascinating,” Padme yawned. “I suppose it’s powered by a team of Rancors running on giant wheels?”

Several committee members laughed, but Remmick was un-deterred.

“And I suppose you can sleep at night knowing that citizens of the Republic you claim to defend are being harassed, arrested, detained, and eliminated for speaking out? We have Republic Enforcement Squads rampaging throughout the galaxy making citizens disappear on a whim!” Remmick shouted.

“It appears they missed one,” Senator Mira said and a ripple of chuckles went through the chamber before Padme shot him a cold stare.

“Once again, no evidence, no facts. I am growing rather tired of hearing your voice in this chamber. I thank the members for appearing today,” Padme signaled for adjournment.

“You want proof? I’ll give you proof! You’ll see, you’ll all see! I’ll give you something so explosive it will shake this tyrannical government!” Remmick screamed as he was dragged out of the room.

“I thank the committee members for appearing today. Please abide by the wartime curfew and remember that security staff will be coming by your offices today to scan for any illegal surveillance equipment that rebels might have planted,” Padme said in a dead voice.

Padme shook her head sadly before stepping out of the chamber and into a nearby hallway. She was immediately flanked by her Chief of Staff.

“I hate reading a statement detailing how our freedoms are being restricted,” Padme said.

“Senator, we’ve received another request from Alderaan Today for an interview, Senator Rand wants me to remind you about the gala next week, and you promised the Committee for Patriotic Support you would stop by their meeting tonight,” her Chief of Staff ignored her as she typed into a digital tablet.

“No interviews today, tell Senator Rand I have not forgotten, and tell the ‘Committee for Unconditional Loyalty’ they can…” She was stopped in the bustling corridor in front of her office by a tall man with a scar on his face that ran just above and below his left eye.

“The Senator has to meet with a different committee at the moment. I’ll have her contact you when she is ready to sell herself out to the next highest bidder,” he said as the office door slid shut behind them.

Padme slumped into her chair and let out a sigh as she looked at the flashing messages that were displayed as “unread” on her desk.

“Four hundred and fifty-one and the day isn’t over yet.” Padme said.

“I thought your Chief of Staff was supposed to be your gatekeeper? Doesn’t she filter the junk out and only send you what’s important?” Khian asked. He ran a hand through his black, shortly cropped hair before finding a spot on her desk not covered in digital pads to lean against.

“This is after the filter,” she sighed.

He picked up a tablet at random. “Oh yeah, a message from the Deputy to the Assistant Regent about the lateness of a report detailing why your reports are being submitted after their deadlines. I can see how this is critical to the war effort.” Khian said.

He grabbed another one. “Oh this is a real gem. You need to submit a report detailing what you can do to inspire your droids. Can droids even be inspired? I’m curious, how does the Undersecretary for Records and Logistics think anyone can inspire a droid?”

“And here’s a message detailing how I’m not paying enough attention to the media or the transmission screaming about how I’m supposed to be inspiring our glorious troops from behind my desk. Khian, I’m dying back here!” Padme dropped her head on the desk and several tablets clattered on to the floor.

“Listen sweetheart, you have looked at more strategic naval plans and army tactical reports than anything else. You’re not the Grand Centurion, but you sure as hell are acting like him. What more can you do?” he asked.

“Yes and how did I discover the existence of the clones to begin with? It wasn’t from sitting behind this desk. How did Anakin stop Darth Maul? Which desk is he sitting behind now?” Padme fumed.

“Anakin Stumpwalker is probably out in the middle of nowhere getting his head filled with Jedi ramblings about how everything is a part of everything.” Khian folded his arms.

Padme slapped Khian’s shoulder. “I asked you not to call him that.”

“I didn’t hear an answer for my question. If this desk is a problem, I’ll haul it out faster than a Hutt moves to a buffet. What more can you do? Are you going to enlist in the Republic Armed Forces? If you do, let me remind you that protecting you in a planetary battle ain’t in my job description,” Khian said.

“I might need a raise,” he winked.

“Senator Cordellian was offered a commission and is now a Captain of the Line in charge of a Mandator Class Dreadnaught. Lucky me, I got to inherit his seat as a chairperson. Even General Tarkin got a transfer and is now a Surface Marshal in charge of six sectors!”

“Cordy was offered the commission because he was a Lieutenant Commander long before he served on the Armed Forces Committee. What navy did you serve in? What weapons training have you had? How many people have you killed all in the name of glory for the Republic?” Khian asked.

Padme turned to look at her protector. “Once again, you make a convincing argument. Maybe you should run for office.”

“And wind up stuck behind a desk staring at forms all day instead of a woman whose smile lights up the room? I think I’ll pass,” he leaned in closer to her.

Padme pretended to focus on a digital tablet. “Do you think there’s any truth to what Remmick was saying? Is it possible that the corporations are dealing under the table to the rebels?”

Khian shrugged his broad shoulders. “As possible as a smuggler going straight. The rebellion can’t last very long and backing the loser never looks good to your shareholders.”

“Then how are the rebels getting their equipment? They have an impressive number of clones, but if they were limited in the number of ships and land vehicles then they should adopt a ‘hit and run’ strategy. The reports I have read show they are engaging us in open warfare in numerous systems across the Outer Rim.”

“That’s why Grand Centurion Palpatine gets the big payday.” Khian said.

“There has to be some way to determine that.” Padme’s voice trailed off as she stared out the window at yet another pristine day. “I need to dictate a transmission to Grand Centurion Palpatine. I think he and I can help each other.”

“You should know better than anyone else that investigations lead to a world of trouble. In your case, it leads to explosions and Sith Lords.” Khian fingered his scar in thought.

“That was one time, what are the odds it will happen again?” Padme asked.

Her desk intercom buzzed. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Viceroy Organa insists that he meet with you as soon as he lands on Alderaan. Also, Magistrate Tyr wants to know when he can expect you at tonight’s committee meeting and the fitters are here to make sure your dress is ready in time for next week’s gala.”

Khian stifled a laugh as Padme rolled her eyes. “All for the glory of the Republic, I suppose,” she said.

Padme’s hand moved to press the reply button, but Khian’s hand shot out and grabbed hers before she could.

“Padme, why don’t you let me help?” he asked.

“Help?” Padme asked and tried to pull her hand back.

Khian’s grip was firm, but not crushing. “You, very dramatically, said you were dying back here. You have hundreds of unanswered transmissions, and you’re wasting time with all this nonsense. Isn’t it my duty to stop you from dying, even figuratively? Please, I can help.”

“And you have experience dealing with diplomats?” she asked.

“I have experience dropping them out a window,” he grinned.

Padme didn’t return the grin.

Khian stood up straight and adjusted his vest. “In all seriousness, I am well versed in the art of politics. I know I can help you. I want to help you.”

Padme smiled sweetly at him. “I suppose we can add ‘Administrative Liaison’ to your job description. That’s very sweet of you to offer.”

“Sweet is my middle name,” Khian smiled back.

“I don’t even know your last name,” Padme giggled.

“Well I have to save some mystery, now don’t I?” his thumb began to slowly caress the top of her hand.

Padme blushed, but didn’t withdraw her hand. The intercom buzzed again and they both jumped at the breaking of the moment. This caused their hands to break and dart back toward their respective owners.

She straightened her blouse before pressing the reply button. “Tell them they can come in and let them know my Administrative Liaison will need to be fitted for a suit as well.”

Padme giggled as Khian’s eyes widened in mock horror.

———————————

Anakin turned to watch The Bucket begin its ascent away from the surface of the planet and back into space. He shielded his eyes when the blast from the engines caught up to him, then turned to face his master. Obi-Wan wasn’t next to him, he was already walking toward a sheer cliff with Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, a bag slung over his shoulder.

He hastened to join his master. “Master Kenobi, when will the ship return?”

Obi-Wan turned his head, but Master Ki-Adi-Mundi put a hand on the Kenobi’s shoulder and they kept walking.

The bitter cold ripped through Anakin’s robe. “Master Kenobi, is the Jedi Temple close?”

Obi-Wan didn’t look back.

A sudden blast of snow hit Anakin in the face. “Master Kenobi, I’m starting to miss Tatooine,” he tried to chuckle.

Obi-Wan maintained his pace.

Anakin pulled his hood up over his head to provide some measure of protection from the howling wind and walked on in silence.  He tried to count the hours as they approached the cliff and then he saw their destination. Anakin turned to the Jedi Master for answers.

“Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, I’m confused. Why are you here?” Anakin asked.

The Jedi Master also said nothing.

The cliff was massive with sheer, icy walls, but housed the entrance to a tiny cave that beckoned to Anakin. “Is that where we’re headed?” he asked them both. Anakin was desperate to know more, but they returned his question with stony silence.

He couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Where was the Jedi Temple? Where were the massive columns or the hallowed steps leading up to a grand entrance? As they ducked slightly to get in the jagged entrance, he sucked in a quick breath of air.

Anakin could almost swear that the dark, foreboding cave was a living being with a Force presence of its very own. He no longer had the distant sun of Illum to tell him how long they trekked through the cave. He felt fully engulfed in the darkness and lost all track of time as they walked. The two Jedi did not ignite their lightsabers, but walked on without missing a step. Anakin seemed to find every hole, gap, and fissure that tried to trip him up.

How long had they been in this cavern?

Time dragged on until Anakin wasn’t even sure if it was day, night, or the following week. His feet ached, his throat was parched, and yet they trudged on. Finally, he saw that they were headed for a light that emanated from an opening. Anakin’s breath caught in his throat as they entered a vast cavern with formations of blue and green crystals that seemed to go on forever.

Anakin couldn’t even see the room’s ceiling. It was a cathedral of wonder that stretched on forever. He ignored his throbbing feet and only stared in awe.

Obi-Wan and Master Ki-Adi-Mundi continued walking up a path that lead to a higher level of the cave without missing a beat. Anakin stared for just a minute longer before following his silent master. They left the breathtaking room and entered another shaft that, except for the occasional pocket of crystals, left them walking in the darkness once again.

There were some crystals in the larger cavern that were as big as Anakin’s fist, why didn’t they just stop there? It seemed like that was the main room, why are they still walking? Is Obi-Wan bringing a cruel form of punishment by teasing him with crystals? With every step they took, questions grew in his mind.

After what seemed endless twists and turns in the tunnel, Anakin had completely lost track of the time and their whereabouts. Finally, new thoughts entered his mind. His master and a heralded Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi, was guiding him through a crystal cave on the sacred Jedi planet of Illum en route to building his first lightsaber. They were accompanied by not only a Jedi Master, but someone who sat on the Jedi Council itself. Anakin let go of his control over the events and give himself totally to the moment.

Why should time matter in this place? Why does it matter if they travel two kilometers or twenty? The galaxy would still be there when they left the cave. Anakin gave himself to the Force and let it guide him and control what would happen next.

Obi-Wan and Ki-Adi-Mundi came to an abrupt halt.  Ki-Adi-Mundi dropped his bag near a small patch of green crystals.

“Now you’re ready,” Ki-Adi-Mundi said.

“Wait, what?” Anakin stammered and almost walked into him.

Master Ki-Adi-Mundi stretched his legs and smiled at Obi-Wan as if they were sharing a private joke.

“You’ve learned lesson number one and now we can finally move on. To be honest, I wish you had developed your mind a little sooner. My feet are killing me,” Obi-Wan grinned.

Anakin immediately understood. “Then it begins.”

Chapter IV

Chapter IV

 

“No, tell him I’m still waiting. In fact, I’ve been waiting for three days,” she sighed in frustration.

“I will pass the message on, Senator…” the receptionist hesitated.

“Amidala. Padme Amidala. You should see me all over your transmission logs,” Padme threw her hands in the air.

“Very well Senator Amidaily. I will tell the Grand Centurion you were looking for him,” the prissy, human receptionist flashed a much-practiced smile.

“Yeah, I bet you will,” Padme said angrily before shutting down her terminal.

She sat back in her chair before staring out her window at the pristine, snow-capped mountains just beyond the city of Aldera. In the distance, she could make out the tourists riding up the hover lifts to the top of one of the mountains before they could enjoy their choice of rides down to the bottom again.

Tourism had quickly become one of the chief industries on Alderaan. With other worlds being raided during what the Holo-net had dubbed the “Clone Wars”, people from across the galaxy flocked to her world.

Soldiers, sailors, and pilots of all ranks had come to enjoy shore leave on a paradise. Fleet Admiral Chodun had visited Crevasse City and re-affirmed that it was one of the Twenty Wonders of the Galaxy. Families came to get away from it all and live a fantasy life they once had before the war started. The unspoiled countryside attracted a flurry of new businesses to the planet catering to every whim and desire that anyone could want.

Everywhere she walked, vendors had merchandise capitalizing on the Clone Wars. Armbands featuring the slogan “Remember Coruscant” and “I support G.C.P.” were the latest craze to sweep the planet.

Padme wanted to enjoy it all. Her planet was thriving, her home was finally going in the direction she wanted it to go, and she couldn’t afford to take even a handful of moments to revel in the transformation.

The only drawback had been the mandatory ID checks that Republic Enforcement Squads were performing on any citizen deemed “suspicious”. The required curfews were equally frustrating, but the government was determined to keep the war at bay and terror in check. Padme wanted to fight these restrictions, but ending the war would end the constraints on the people as well as save lives.

Right now, all Padme wanted was for the person who helped her in the past to just acknowledge her existence. She was well aware that the Grand Centurion of the Galactic Republic was busy trying to end the Clone Wars, but she thought that everything they had gone through together would merit at least an acknowledgment.

“Let’s see. We have a man in power that is avoiding you, refusing to answer your questions, and not helping in any way. Does this sound familiar?” Khian asked, twirling his favorite vibroblade, Alanna, in his hand.

“Even Tarkin was kind enough to be arrogant to my face,” Padme blew a tuft of hair out of her face.

“So now what does the great investigator do?” Khian asked.

“She does what she has done before. I can ignore the baseless ramblings of a dissident who attends committee meetings just to get his kicks,” she said.

“He rambles like a Rodian, but I ain’t heard much of Remmick’s ramblings lately. Where has that bug been hiding?” Khian asked.

Padme hesitated. “It’s funny you should ask. He stopped bombarding my office with calls. There are no more chanting protests outside my door. He has missed the last two meetings including the vote to extend the curfew. I thought for sure if Remmick would be squawking at any meeting, it would have been that one,” she stood up and leaned forward on her desk.

“Could be his ramblings weren’t so baseless,” Khian offered.

“Oh please, you don’t really think there is a vast conspiracy to silence any opposition to the war. That the corporations are really double dealing to the Republic and the rebels? This would go so far beyond even the craziest of theories,” Padme said.

“Maybe that is why it might be true. No one can believe it because it is too unbelievable,” Khian slid the weapon into a hilt attached to his thigh.

“So I am supposed to believe that half a dozen corporations with millions of employees spread across numerous star systems are selling weapons to rebels with zero leaks to the media?” Padme asked.

Khian stood, tossed a digital tablet in her direction before leaning on the opposite side of her desk. “Then how are the rebels so well armed? They just captured the Space City of Numidia. They attacked with a fleet of warships, not just a flotilla or a squadron. They hit us with forty-one capital ships and this was not their usual hit-and-run. They broke from their MO and invaded.”

“I agree it has to be coming from somewhere,” Padme replied.

“And what about the dissidents? We’ve both seen the reports of protests across the Republic’s Outer Rim being brutally put down,” Khian continued.

“Those were rioters, not protests. They were looting, pillaging, and causing chaos. I don’t see the R.E.S. snatching citizens from their beds in the middle of the night because they’re not thrilled with how the war is going,” Padme leaned in a little further.

“Were they really looting? Or is that what the Palpatine news network is telling us? And you don’t think the R.E.S. is really doing mandatory ID checks on only ‘suspicious’ people?” Khian countered.

“Are you saying Palpatine is ordering the abduction of rabble rousers?” Padme asked, her eyes locked on the captivating green eyes of her bodyguard.

“Remmick is an ideal rabble rouser and where is he now?” Khian also leaned in, refusing to break the stare her liquid blue eyes held.

“How should I know? I can’t keep track of every single citizen!” Padme leaned in until they were inches apart.

“Then what can you do apart from whining?” Khian pressed.

“Unlike some people, I don’t shoot first and ask questions later!” Padme countered.

“I don’t even like using blasters!” Khian replied, his voice rising.

“I know that!” Padme said angrily, but she couldn’t look away from him.

“Then what are we even arguing about?” Khian shouted.

Padme hesitated, her mind going completely blank.

“I don’t know!” Padme shouted back, determined to say something.

They were both breathing heavily. Khian’s cologne mingled with her perfume and their eyes could not break apart. Padme had been used to looking into his bright, green eyes, but this was different. His eyes now held a warmth that she had been yearning for, a kindness she had sought, and a tenderness she had been looking for. She closed her eyes and leaned in a little further. Padme’s heart pounded in her chest.

“Senator? I’m sorry, but Viceroy Organa is back from Coruscant and would like to set up a lunch meeting with you at the Orbital Mansion. Shall I clear your afternoon tomorrow?” Padme’s Chief of Staff shattered the moment.

Khian went back to pacing in front of the window. Padme smoothed her hair and pressed a key on the intercom.

“Apologize to the senator and ask him if we can meet sometime next week. I have a feeling tomorrow won’t be good for me,” Padme answered.

Khian cleared his throat. “I need to review the security arrangements for your town hall meeting tomorrow.”

“Khian,” she said, but he kept walking.

“Khian, please,” she said and he stopped within a step of the door.

“If you would check with some of your ‘associates’ regarding Mr. Remmick, I would appreciate it,” she said.

“I’ll do anything you ask. But if I may, I don’t think Palpatine will ever respond. You’re chasing a comet with an airspeeder,” and he left the office.

“Alone again,” Padme sighed to herself and stared out her office window at the snow-capped mountains beyond the city.

Padme became lost in her thoughts as her eyes glazed over at seeing the numerous people soaring down the various ski slopes. She wanted to be there and she didn’t want to go alone.

The intercom buzzed on her desk. “Senator, you have a transmission from Coruscant.”

“Uh huh, that’s great, Khian,” she murmured.

“Senator? Khian left almost an hour ago,” her Chief of Staff said.

Had she spent an hour daydreaming like a schoolgirl? Padme shook her head to get back to reality. Finally, Grand Centurion Palpatine had responded to her multiple messages. She activated her holo-imager and instead, Jedi Master Yoda’s face smiled at her.

The flicker of disappointment on her face was enough to make the learned Jedi cock his head to one side.

“I’m sorry,” she began and resumed her smile. “I was expecting someone else.”

“Expect many things, people do,” Yoda said. “Pleasant also, the un-expected can be.”

Padme’s expression softened. “You’re right, of course. It is very good to see you again, Master Jedi. What can a humble senator do for you?”

“More than you know,” Yoda smiled. “Discovered the rebellion’s plot, you did. Help to end it, you can.”

————————–

His polished boots clicked loudly on the floor, completely disregarding the silence ordinance on this level. Ethan was already breaking protocol on so many levels that one more infraction would make no difference. The Jedi clones who flanked him as they walked down the dimly lit hallway eyed him with contempt.

“He will not be verrrry happy to see you,” Clone Windu said.

“A Sith and happiness go together like a Hutt and a bath,” Ethan retorted as they turned a corner.

“I don’t know why he uses a brrrrroken toy like you,” Clone Kenobi spat.

Ethan whirled around and felt the anger rise within him. “I may have been broken, but I’m not a jealous test-tube freak who has limited ability at best and has never known the true power of the Force.”

There was a tense silence before they resumed walking to their destination.

Two clone Yodas stood on either side of the standard looking door. They both looked up at Ethan and ignited their lightsabers.

“Belong herrrre, you don’t,” one of the Yodas said. The other Yoda twitched for a handful of moments before resuming its normal state.

Ethan sighed. It was amazing how the clones that he had brought into existence could have become so impertinent and arrogant. It didn’t seem that long ago that Ethan had been directly responsible for the creation of over two thousand Jedi clones that were now ripping through the galaxy.

“You don’t belong in existence. Why don’t you go levitate something or find another equally mundane task? I have business here and I will be heard from. Now either you will fetch your master from behind that door or I will put you back in the petri dish I formed you from,” Ethan snarled.

“You meant, ‘our master’,” a cold voice said from behind them all.

Ethan whirled around, but all four of the clones instantly dropped to one knee. The Yodas extinguished their lightsabers and bowed their heads.

Ethan remained standing.

He marveled at how Darth Maul seemed to emerge from the darkness itself. The gold in his eyes glimmered like smoldering coals.

Ethan wanted to say something. He had this immediate urge to apologize for any wrong he might have done to this force of evil. Fear began to encroach upon him. A great weight descended on Ethan’s chest and settled there.

“You said for my clones to fetch ‘your master’ when you really meant ‘our master’, didn’t you Ethan? Or are you offering me your resignation?” Darth Maul asked.

An icy lump began to form in Ethan Organa’s throat. He tried to swallow, but couldn’t. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead as the Dark Lord of the Sith stepped closer. He almost seemed to bring the darkness of the hallway with him.

“I offer my apologies, my Lord. I wish to continue to serve you as I always have,” the Crown Prince of Alderaan slowly dropped to one knee.

Darth Maul walked up to the kneeling Ethan and looked his red and black face down at him. One of the small Yoda clones began to twitch uncontrollably. His head whipped side to side and he began mumbling incoherently. Darth Maul’s ended the creature’s genetic suffering in one swift motion with his lightsaber still hanging from his belt.

“Rise Ethan, we have much to discuss.”

Ethan felt a tremendous weight lifted from his chest as he stood and walked behind the Dark Lord of the Sith. They went through the door, but before it closed behind them, Ethan threw a smug look back at the waiting clones as they picked up the body of their fallen brother.

“It’s a pity they live much shorter lives than the cloned troopers due to genetic flaws. We only have enough left to cause widespread terror for a short while or use them all in one magnificent battle,” Darth Maul observed. He looked at Ethan as if he remembered he was there.

“Despite your brash disrespect for my wishes, I have great plans for you,” Darth Maul said as they entered a wide, circular room.

The room was brightly lit and contained absolutely no furniture with the exception of a console off to one side. Darth Maul walked to that console and activated it. The room’s lighting quickly dimmed and a holo-image of a massive installation filled the room.

“Great plans indeed. My master needs to accelerate the war and because I cannot be in two places at once, you are needed to serve once again.”

“It is my pleasure to serve. Is this my destination?” Ethan asked, pointing at the hologram of the planet hovering in the room.

“You must let the will of the Force determine where its exact location is. This was a place long feared by many. With your work and the work of your clones, it will be feared once more,” Darth Maul said.

“Where will you be?” Ethan asked before he could stop himself.

The room seemed to darken without the lights dimming.

“I have an old business partner to get reacquainted with. That is all you need to be concerned with,” Darth Maul growled.

“I am only concerned for your safety, my Lord,” Ethan said.

His master saw through his half-truth. “You are only concerned with yourself and making yourself superior to the clones that must accompany you.”

Ethan chewed on his lower lip.

Darth Maul’s eyes narrowed. “They are your own creations, Ethan. If the Jedi learn of this planet as well, they will send their knights to secure it. Their protection will be necessary.”

“It wouldn’t be necessary if you would fulfill your end of the bargain,” Ethan said, but his breath caught in his throat.

“I see,” Darth Maul said in a quiet voice that dripped with death. His eyes locked on Ethan. “You believe me to be untrustworthy.”

“Would you prefer to return to the life I found you in? Constantly looking over your shoulder, on the run from the Jedi Order? Always wondering when your father might learn of what had happened to you? Fearful of what the Jedi Council would do when they got their hands on you once again?” Darth Maul asked in that same quiet voice. It was a voice that held a warning for Ethan.

“I am always grateful for what you have done, my Lord. I simply meant that I delivered the clones to you. I am just waiting to be restored so that I might serve you better,” Ethan hoped this calculated risk would pay off.

“The Force is not a light switch. You can’t earn enough points and cash them in to get the Force back. You will be rejoined with the Force when you are worthy,” Darth Maul said.

“How many clones will you send with me?” Ethan asked.

“Twelve,” Darth Maul replied.

“That should hold off the Jedi Order for all of sixty seconds,” Ethan scoffed.

Darth Maul’s eyes narrowed. “I used five hundred of your clones for something that was necessary to all of our fortunes. Having them aid you instead would have done nothing to speed your search in any way. When you determine the exact location of this planet, then will you have the reinforcements needed to hold it.”

Ethan stood back and stared at the rotating planet. It seemed like a peaceful world; beautiful, but not extraordinary. He felt that this planet held the key to his destiny. On this world, he would become one with the Force. When he did rejoin the Force, every Jedi in the Order would feel his pain, his father would feel his wrath, and even Darth Maul would understand why he was the Daetan.

And then entire galaxy would learn what fear truly is.

—————————

“Master! MASTER!” Anakin was shaking Obi-Wan Kenobi by both shoulders, but he got no response. He went from his friend to Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, but also got no response.

“How deep of a meditation can you be in to ignore this?” Anakin asked as the cave shuddered with the force of another set of explosions.

“Wha…what’s going on?” Obi-Wan asked as he blinked himself out of his meditation.

“If I knew that, I probably wouldn’t be this panicked,” Anakin said as he helped his master to his feet.

“Calm yourself, Anakin. We will accomplish nothing by giving in to fear of the unknown,” Obi-Wan said and he closed his eyes.

A moment later, his eyes flashed open in alarm. “There’s an orbital bombardment. I can’t believe I’d see the day when someone would dare attack a Jedi planet. I have no doubt that some landing craft will be arriving shortly,” Obi-Wan said.

Anakin also closed his eyes and stretched out with the Force. “Master, why would they send troops down here? If the rebels wanted to obliterate this cave, so why not just do it from orbit?”

“They cannot be truly certain of this temple’s total destruction unless they have boots on the ground to confirm it. They want this hallowed place wiped from history,” Ki-Adi-Mundi stared at the cave’s ceiling.

“But why?” Anakin asked.

“The why is not important. Stopping it from happening is what matters,” the Jedi Master replied.

Another set of explosions rocked the cave.

“Master, I don’t think we will stop anything if we’re sealed in here,” Anakin said and they rushed out of the small chamber and back into the Grand Crystal Chamber.

Obi-Wan and Ki-Adi-Mundi hesitated when they saw how the cave had suffered from the attack. Light poured in from several holes that had been blasted from the bombardment. Where there had once been simple and beautiful crystalline formations of blue and green now lay brittle fragments. They were now dull and listless by the hell of war that had been brought to Illum.

Anakin sensed the briefest flash of outrage from Obi-Wan. He looked back to see his master standing beside Ki-Adi-Mundi. The Jedi Master was cradling a crystal in his hands before looking to the sky.

“Masters, we need to get back to the surface and find out what is going on,” Anakin urged. He placed a hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder.

Obi-Wan nodded to his friend and extended a hand to Ki-Adi-Mundi. The crystal fell from the Council member’s hands and shattered on the stone floor. He nodded grimly to Obi-Wan and then to Anakin. Together, they raced out of the cavern.

—————————–

Khian never left anything to chance. That being said, he double-checked his equipment before embarking on a mission that Padme wouldn’t quite approve of.

The time they had spent together had been extraordinary. Khian stomached boring meetings with squawking bureaucrats just so he could state Padme’s position and race back to see her and deliver his report. She had been grateful and every moment they spent discussing politics had brought them closer together.

There had only been one or two meetings that Padme vehemently insisted she handle herself and Khian agreed. All that mattered was that she saw that Khian was making her happy as well as keeping her safe.

As he walked down the avenue, the cheery decorations and numerous street vendors catering to tourists brightened his heart. Before, he would have been suspicious of them and held each of them with contempt as they waved “Remember Coruscant” memorabilia at him.

Today, the music and the brightly colored lights and streamers warmed him. He knew it had nothing to do with them, it was all Padme. The world itself seemed to glow just by thinking about her smile.

It was the height of the Regent’s Festival in Aldera and more people had flocked here than ever before to escape the misery of the war. It made the local businesses go the extra mile to oblige the masses with lights, streamers, banners, and musical groups around every corner.

Khian wanted to embrace it all. He wanted to join in with the revelers, but when a kid with sandy colored hair brushed past him, Khian’s mind snapped into focus.

From the very beginning, he liked Anakin. When he held Padme hostage during his interview to get the position of being her bodyguard, it was Anakin that dared make a move to free her. The other paid security stiffs were frozen. At least the kid had guts.

Since then, he had really warmed to Anakin. Keeping sane while being around a few thousand Jedi would have been nearly impossible for most people, but this guy was different. He still held his sense of humor. He smiled, joked, laughed, and seemed to enjoy himself regardless of his sterile surroundings.

Now, as Khian pushed through excited tourists who chanted “Remember Coruscant”, his mind was troubled. He wanted to give Anakin the benefit of the doubt. After all, Sith were legendary liars and twisters of words. Whatever they were talking about might have been playful banter. Khian himself had been known to trade a few quips with people trying to kill him.

The digital tablet in his bag beeped. Khian ducked into a side-alley away from the vendors and the cheering masses. He frowned when he saw what the tablet displayed.

The program he was using was painfully slow in figuring out what Darth Maul and Anakin were discussing. He only had twelve percent of the conversation deciphered, barely one word in ten. But two pieces of text struck him.

            “Jedi will restrict”

            “Ability is being wasted”

Khian leaned back against a wall. So far it wasn’t anything too serious. True, this raised more than a few red flags within him, but there was more of the program to see.

There was still time for Anakin to redeem himself.