Poof has a love-hate relationship with the Saga. On the one hand, it’s where he has his shinning moments as a Jedi Knight on the Jedi Council. On the other hand, he dies during the Saga era, and that wasn’t much fun at all.
Author Topic: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 10/27
Raptor517 
Registered: Sep '06
42234_Venator-Class Star Destroyer
Date Posted: 7/7 7:46am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/6
Shave his head....lol. cowboy --> plain --> shock

Raptor517

 

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Ocelotl_Nesto 
Registered: Oct '04
6976_Count Dooku<br>LEGO
Date Posted: 7/7 9:53am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/6
Fun bit of banter... They need to track down ol wrinkle butt and eliminate the cloning of Sith...

 

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Talon_Kenobi 
Registered: Sep '03
23962_Obi-Wan
Date Posted: 7/7 5:49pm Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/6
I really enjoyed that talk back and forth, good job

 

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Darth_Kripp 
Registered: Oct '05
23578_Darth Sidious
Date Posted: 7/8 2:45am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/6
It is not the way I expect Padme to react nor to talk. She's more intelligent and polite than this.

 

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Daramin_of_The_Way 
Title: Spokane Fan Force Chapter Rep
Registered: Oct '04
13734_Duel
Date Posted: 7/8 10:50am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/6
Darth_Kripp posted:
It is not the way I expect Padme to react nor to talk. She's more intelligent and polite than this.

And defensive of her husband. It's been a stressful day grin
I thought the banter was hilarious, especially after all the worry of people dying.
Well written, though it was a different way of seeing Anakin and Obi-Wan interact. Still a touch of master-apprentice, but they almost treat each other as equals.

 

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Force_Chick 
Registered: May '08
15155_Anakin Skywalker
Date Posted: 7/8 6:11pm Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/6
I like the points you raise about Anakin and Padme's marriage helping to change the Code. It's something I've thought about before and that I think needs to go. The Jedi should be breeding better Force users not culling the general population for Force sensitives born of parents with no abilities at all, IMO.

I enjoyed the banter too:D

 

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Milteck 
Registered: Jul '06
42103_Admiral Thrawn
Date Posted: 7/8 6:57pm Subject: Feedback
Darth Krip wrote:

It is not the way I expect Padme to react nor to talk. She's more intelligent and polite than this.

grin

I will admit that I have changed Padme to more reflect her real life alter ego than the Padme in the movies.

I have been fortunate enough to actually to have met her irl when I went to Space Camp during the 8th grade. From the experience my impression of her was she was very smart, funny, and very refined to the point where she commands attention no matter where she is or what she is doing. Though she is very approachable despite being a celebrity, respectable, and carries herself about like a Princess and expects to be treated that way. She loves animals, a nature nut, and doesn't eat any meet - including fish. During the first day, the Space camp instructors made that night space food from the packets that real astronauts eat in space, but I remember she wouldn't eat it because it was chicken and rice they made. Breakfast at Tiffany's is her favorite movie of all time and though she was at Space Camp, at the time she had never seen Star Wars or Star Trek. She told me she was there because she had seen Apollo 13 and had to go to space camp. It was something we had in common because that movie inspired me in the same way and had first heard about space camp during the promos before the movie when went to go see it. We were in many of the missions together as well at the camp.

She is also very tiny, though don't let that fool you because she has a temper that would make even Darth Sidious cringe in fear of her. She can make you feel like your two inches tall.

I have tried to keep her true to her character as best I can, though will admit that the last chapter was inspired by what I remember of her.

 

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VaderLVR64 
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered: Feb '04
20251_Anakin Skywalker
Date Posted: 7/14 5:13am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/6
“No. I would rather die than leave her,” Anakin answered without hesitation. “I love her too much.”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” Padme called out. She had kept her distance to allow Anakin and Obi-Wan to speak privately to each other about what was to come, but when they stopped she knew something was wrong. She was honestly scared for their future together as well and feared that Anakin would leave her altogether to continue his career as a Jedi. It had been a fear that had lingered throughout their relationship along with the doubts that their marriage was doomed to failure because of who they were, the secrecy it forced them to maintain, and that it was forbidden for them to do so. Hearing Anakin’s words made her smile and took away any fears that he would abandon her. “I feel the same way about you, Annie.”

“Well there is your answer.” Obi-Wan then told him based on his experiences, “You have challenged the Code in such a way that it is impossible to ignore or dismiss without addressing its ramifications.”

“How so?” Padme asked. She was well versed in politics and hoped that her experience would help the Jedi Masters find a way to resolve this as diplomatically as possible.

“This is the first time in the Order’s history that such an exalted figure like Anakin has challenged the Jedi Code in such a way that challenges the very core of our beliefs,” Obi-Wan explained.

“It’s a precedent,” Padme concluded.

“Exactly,” Obi-Wan confirmed with a smile.


applause

 

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Milteck 
Registered: Jul '06
42103_Admiral Thrawn
Date Posted: 7/19 8:34pm Subject: Feedback - Date Edited: 7/19 8:37pm (2 edits total) Edited By: Milteck
Megacrafter: Glad you enjoyed the banter between Obi-Wan and Padme. I worked hard to make their dialog believable and am glad you enjoyed.

Raptor Thanks for your feedback and your help editing my story. It would be difficult to imagine Anakin with a shaved head, but if Natalie could do it in V for Vendetta then Anakin could to.

Ocelotl I like that, old wrinkle butt laugh . He is much younger after he was cloned, but the Force meditation did take a lot out of him. But as Han pointed out in Dark Empire, even as a baby he was ugly.

Daramin Indeed it was a stressful day for both of them. Am glad you enjoyed the banter. Anakin has matured and come to age, with not only Obi-Wan now regarding him as an equal, but so too does Master Windu and Yoda along with most the council.

Force_chick You are right about the Code, it definitely needs to go the way of the dinosaur. After Dawn is done, the Jedi will never the same again. A New Jedi Order is coming...

vaderlvr64 I enjoyed that part as well, expecially with Anakin not knowing whats going in the background.

 

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Milteck 
Registered: Jul '06
42103_Admiral Thrawn
Date Posted: 7/19 8:47pm Subject: CH 41, part 2 - Date Edited: 7/19 10:33pm (3 edits total) Edited By: Milteck
Would like to thank my hands Raptor and Spyman for going through this for me.

“Remember, you’re the real hero today.” Obi-Wan reminded him. They made their way down the rest of the corridor where Yoda and Master Windu stood waiting for them. “If you had not come to your rescue, we would all probably be dead and there would be no one left to prevent Sidious from destroying the Republic.”

“I know.”

“Try to relax.”

“That’s easy for you to say.” From Anakin’s viewpoint; Obi-Wan’s legacy would only grow from his victory over Maul, while his was still in doubt. Anakin’s transgression of breaking the Code of attachment would not be easily forgiven and there was still a high probability the Council would ask him to leave the Order – hopefully with some honor still intact. It didn’t help that they just walked past the busts of the Lost Twenty and their memory had left him unsettled of what the fate was of those who had been disgraced for breaking the Jedi Code. “You’re not the one who’s broken the Code.”

As they stepped closer to the awaiting masters, Obi-Wan discreetly told him, “Qui-Gon taught me to be mindful of the future – but not at the expense of the moment.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that you should only deal with the things you have to worry about right now, this very moment, and not worry about what might happen later. The future hasn’t happened yet Anakin and all you can really do is deal with what is right in front of you –right now.”

“Qui-Gon taught you that?” Anakin questioned openly.

“It was the last thing he taught to me.” Obi-Wan reflected sadly. “It has served me well and I encourage you to do the same.”

“I will master,” Anakin acknowledged.

“The Council is not going to forget that you were the one who saved them here today,” Obi-Wan assured him. “Have faith in Yoda and Master Windu. They will find a way to save you.”

“Yes, but at what cost?”

Now that the battle was over, Anakin was plagued with how the Council would deal with him for breaking the code. The worst case scenario would be the council asking to leave the Jedi Order and disgracing him by adding his name to the Lost Twenty. Even if they asked him to stay, Anakin knew there would be conditions and they might even strip him of the Master title that he had worked so hard to earn. What he most feared was that they would ask him to divorce his wife and never see his family again if he wished to remain a Jedi Knight.

That was something Anakin could not do.

“Have faith Anakin,” Obi-Wan reiterated.

“I am trying.”

“Regardless of what happens, know that I will be there to support you.” Obi-Wan paused, before committing himself, “I will use all of my influence on the Council to sway the other Masters to support you.”

“I know you will.”

“You are the Chosen One. You will bring balance.” Obi-Wan repeated the last words of Qui-Gon to him before he died and reflected on them, wishing his former master could be here to see Anakin on the verge of bringing balance to the Force. Whether Anakin could see it or not, he had won over many of the Jedi’s hearts and minds today by fulfilling the prophecy. He was the Chosen One and after saving them all today, no one would want to see their hero disgraced and exiled from the Order. “You have made Qui-Gon proud.”

Obi-Wan cringed after seeing the bronze bust of Master Hoth that had separated his shoulder and the scattered ashes he had used to find Maul. The amount of devastation that Maul had caused wore heavily on his heart, with the Order losing so many priceless artifacts that could never be replaced and the temple polluted by the stain of the dark side. It would take years, perhaps decades, for things to return back to normal.

“Everything will be alright,” Padme told both of them.

All they could do was nod in agreement, hoping she was right.

They walked the rest of the way down the ruined corridor to find Master Windu and Grandmaster Yoda waiting for them. The Great Haul was in ruins, with bodies lying everywhere and debris covering every inch of the temple floor. Any fires that had blazed were now put out, but a hazy smoke still hung in the air along with the stench of death and stains of war that might not ever fade away. Scorch marks were everywhere – covering the floor, ceiling, and marble pillars. There were trails of smoke that made the temple appear to be slowly bleeding to death, from the inside out, but slowly but surely the Jedi were mending its wounds by cleaning up the devastation left in the wake of the invasion. Jedi Knights were busy re-erecting toppled statues and using the Force to help clean the devastation while supervising Clone soldiers who were now converted into a cleanup crew.

A squad of clones in the 501st Anakin recognized as the Deathbringers due to their black stripes on their armor and Mandalorian Skull’s on their chest plates were carefully walking among the dead to check for both survivors and to make sure the fallen enemy were really dead. Padawans followed in their wake to pick up enemy lightsabers and there were so many that they had to carry them in baskets that were now stacked high against one of the nearby pillars. There were so many dead that all the Jedi could do was collect their bodies and take them outside where they would all be unceremoniously burned – save for the fallen Jedi who would be honored appropriately. Their bodies were taken to the center of the Great Hall and laid out ceremoniously on cots. Jedi Knights and Masters worked delicately to honor their fallen dead, wrapping their bodies in their robes and cloaks.

Many of the survivors could be seen walking amongst their fallen brethren and mourning their loss, whether they be a friend, former master, Padawan, or colleague they barely knew – all disregarding the code of attachment to mourn for those who had fallen. At the start of the Clone War there was roughly ten-thousand Jedi, there was less than a five-hundred now – not counting the wounded or those younglings and Padawans still waiting to be trained. The collective weight of such losses finally took their toll throughout the ranks and whether it be Aayla Secura holding the hand of the dying Joclad Danva while saying her last goodbyes or Master Windu helping Master Leolum Sachi onto the stretcher. Leolum had suffered a deep gash on his leg that might still kill him if they didn’t get him in a bacta tank fast. Even if he survived, the esteemed Jedi Master might be crippled for life or be forced to walk with a limp. Master Windu whispered something private and comforting to him that was acknowledged by the crippled Jedi Master with pride, respect, and understanding. They didn’t let go of each other’s hand until the stretcher bearers lifted him up and separated them in order to rush Leolum to the medical ward.

Master Windu turned to join Yoda to greet Anakin and Obi-Wan who returned triumphantly to the Great Hall. Many called out their names joyfully as they welcomed their return and stopped what they were doing to give the heroes their full attention.
Master Windu’s forehead was bandaged with a bacta patch to treat the gash he had received during the battle. Physically he looked completely exhausted, but still possessed a commanding presence – making him still appear to be powerful and determined. What was left of his tattered robes were splattered with blood and drenched with sweat. Yet the iron willed Jedi Master still looked able to fight and the grim determination on his face made it clear that he was ready to lead another battle if there were any need to fight. Obi-Wan only hoped that Master Windu realized the next battle to be fought would not be against Sith clones but within these very walls to prevent Anakin from being exiled from the order.

Yoda on the other hand looked completely serene, with the horrors of battle and war unable to touch him. Of all the Jedi Masters who fought today, it was Yoda who arguably had made the biggest difference and had added to his legend by singlehandedly fighting the legions of dark clones that tried to destroy him. Yoda seemed unfazed by all of it and was really just another chapter to define the Grandmaster’s long life and service to the Order.

Most importantly, he had survived to usher forth this new era of change that Anakin was prophesized to bring.

“Seeing you both safe brings great pleasure to my heart.”

Obi-Wan and Anakin got down on one knee and bowed to the Grandmaster and Master Windu to pay their respects. Padme bowed as well, along with all the younglings who pushed themselves forward to assemble behind them. Yoda smiled at all the young innocent faces who greeted him and he made one of his faces while wiggling his ears that always made them laugh and smile. The kids have always loved Yoda, as did everyone who ever served under him.

“We brought the younglings with us because they were too afraid to be left alone and the library is no longer safe for them to stay,” Obi-Wan told the masters.

Master Windu motioned for Bultar Swan, Serra Keto, and Swordmaster Drallig to come forward. They had all fought very well during the battle and Mace knew they were more than capable of protecting them if there was a second attack on the temple. “Take all the younglings down to the cafeteria and get them all something to eat.”

The Knights acknowledged the order and the promise of food made the Younglings hurriedly follow them to the elevator.

“Make sure they all get ice-cream,” Obi-Wan ordered. “They deserve it for being so good.”

The Knights nodded in understanding and ushered the younglings to follow them. The promise of a treat lit up the younglings faces with smiles along with giddy anticipation that compelled them to eagerly follow the Knights to the elevators that led to the lower levels.

“What of the young Skywalkers?” Yoda asked. “Keep them safe we must.”

“They are in the vault sleeping,” Padme told him.

Their children were a sensitive issue. Obi-Wan didn’t think it was a good idea to parade them around until after Anakin’s fate was decided and could publicly acknowledge them as his own. Obi-Wan took it as a good sign that Yoda wanted to see them. Padme was grateful for his concern, but had accepted Obi-Wan’s reasoning behind keeping them hidden and told the Jedi Master, “They seem to like being in the Vault and I feel safe with them resting there.”

“Perhaps we should place them under the care of…”

“No,” Anakin interrupted Master Windu. Though Padme had no idea what the Jedi Master was about to suggest, there was no chance he was going to allow his children to be placed in the Jedi nursery. Once those witches who ran the nursery got their hands on his kids and discovered how powerful they were in the Force, he might not ever get them back or possibly ever see them again. “C-3P0 and R2 are watching over them.”

“C-3P0 is trained to watch over children and has served me for many years,” Padme added in support. “I only feel comfortable with him watching over them.”

“As you wish, my lady,” Master Windu relented. “However, I would feel more comfortable with your children safely resting in your guest quarters, rather than in our archives vault. We have many priceless relics and sensitive artifacts that shouldn’t be disturbed.”

“We shall do that,” Padme promised.

“Is the planet secure?” Obi-Wan asked, eager to change the subject.

“Yes,” Master Windu answered. “Only the temple was targeted – no other buildings were attacked by the invasion forces and the Senate remains intact. Other than the chaos caused by the communications break down, there was no major loss of life.”
“What about Sidious and his fleet?” Anakin asked cautiously.

“Deal with them, Chancellor Organa has,” Yoda revealed.

“Chancellor Organa has contacted us and has declared a State of Emergency.” Master Windu confirmed. “It’s utter chaos out there with riots in the lower levels and protests on the upper ones. He has dispatched troops to every major metropolitan area and had declared martial law in every district of the planet. The Chancellor has ordered a special session in the Senate to deal with situation.”

“Our response?” Obi-Wan asked hesitantly.

“None at the moment,” Master Windu answered. “I did offer to send Knights to help quell the riots, but Chancellor Organa knows of our situation and we must deal with our own internal matters before we can resume our duties as peacekeepers. He did say he would ask for assistance if there was a situation his security forces couldn’t handle, but he believes he has everything under control.”

“Need time to heal we do,” Yoda told them. “And deal with internal matters, we must.”

“At least there is one good piece of news from all of this,” Master Windu revealed to them with dry humor. “Peace has been declared with the Separatists. The Clone Wars is now officially over.”

“One less enemy to fight,” Anakin concurred with him. He was able to see the irony of this supposed peace and wondered how long it would last.

“Or one more ally to call friend,” Obi-Wan suggested optimistically. Obi-Wan always had a knack of looking to the bright side of everything. This was certainly one of those times when such thinking uplifted their spirits.

“A special council session has been scheduled for later today,” Master Windu informed them. Both Anakin and Obi-Wan knew what the main topic would be and that Anakin’s future would be decided. Obi-Wan had hoped that the Council would have given them some time to prepare for it, but clearly Yoda and Master Windu were intent on resolving this matter quickly. Whether that was a good or bad for Anakin, Obi-Wan couldn’t tell, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt his chances with his heroics so fresh in everyone’s mind.

Anakin wanted to tell them both what he was feeling inside, but Obi-Wan gestured for him to remain silent and that now was not the time. Anakin continued to hold his wife’s hand to show his feelings for her as the Jedi closed in around them to gaze upon their heroes and celebrate their victory.

“I take it Maul is destroyed,” Mace concluded after seeing the double-bladed hilt Obi-Wan clung too as a trophy. Obi-Wan now had a working hilt to go with the two severed halves of Maul’s original blade he had kept after defeating Maul for the first time. He also held on to the blaster he used to slay Grievous and had retrieved all of the lightsabers Grievous had taken from his Jedi victims so those who had fallen could now be properly put to rest. All that he was missing was Dooku’s blade, but not even Anakin had recovered that and it was presumed lost when Grievous’ command ships went down.

“Obi-Wan slew him,” Anakin answered. “But the victory did come with a price. The Inner Sanctum and Library are in ruins.”

The Jedi survivors began to converge around them along with the Masters, who all basked in their great victory over the Sith. The news of Obi-Wan’s victory over the Sith lord spread with excited whispers through the ranks.

“Obi-Wan defeated him?” Mace challenged with a raised eyebrow. “All on his own?”

“He struck him down as a Jedi, piercing his heart with his blade,” Anakin answered.

“Oh, you should have seen him,” Padme expressed excitedly, speaking more for the benefit of the assembled Jedi who had converged around them and clung to every word then to the Masters who were intent on critically judging Obi-Wan’s victory. Things would not pan out well for her husband if the Masters were just as critical of his own heroics here today. “Obi-Wan withstood Maul’s attacks and then overpowered him with his own. He was a true hero out there today and all of us owe him our lives.”

“Truly?” Master Windu turned to Obi-Wan and asked, “Is that the way it really happened?”

“It is,” Obi-Wan answered. “I won’t deny that there was some luck involved in my victory, but the Sith Lord fell to my blade.”

“Won another great victory, you have Master Kenobi,” Yoda told him. “A great victory.”

“Thank you, Master.” Obi-Wan bowed to the senior Jedi Masters. He relished the praise as the Jedi Masters and Knights all around them clapped for his achievement.

“I knew you could do it!” Zett Jukassa called out excitedly. He pushed his way through the mob of Jedi and ran to his master, hugging him. “Maul never stood a chance.”

“I hear you were quite the hero yourself,” Obi-Wan told him as he returned his embrace.

“He held the center all by himself,” Master Windu confirmed. He genuinely looked pleased at the boy’s efforts, saying further, “Your Padawan fought like a Knight today and all would have been lost if it weren’t for him. With the dark days ahead, we will need more Padawans like him if we are to prevail against the Sith.”

A chorus of agreements emanated from the ranks and made Zett blush from all the attention. Zett responded by looking up Anakin and saying, “I only did what I thought Anakin would have done if he were in my place.”

“The Chosen One, Anakin has become,” Yoda praised. “Saved us he has.”

Sensing the moment was right, Yoda nodded to Master Windu who ordered all the rest of the Jedi to stop what they were doing and assemble around them. Those who were still physically able came, along with many from the medical ward who were missing arms, legs, or other wounds – but were determined to join them nonetheless to hear what Master Windu was about to say. Master Barriss sent a runner to inform him she could not attend due to her duties, and that Master Luminara would relay all that was said to her when it was over.

It didn’t take long for the rest of Jedi to assemble and when Master Windu began to move toward Anakin, Obi-Wan was shocked to see that only half the number of the five-hundred or so Knights had survived the battle. Yet despite their losses and how haggard the survivors appeared, there wasn’t one among them who looked to be in despair, hopeless, or bitter. They all stood proudly, ready to hear Master Windu’s words and unify around them.

Obi-Wan at that moment realized Anakin’s future would be decided here and now. Both Yoda and Master Windu were committed on giving the Chosen one his chance to fulfill the prophecy and within the next few minutes they would know if the Jedi Order would accept that change.

The air in the Great Hall suddenly became thick with the tension and anticipation of what was to come. Master Windu walked to Anakin and offered his hand to him. As Anakin took it, the Jedi Master told him loud enough for all to hear, “There was once a time when I questioned whether you truly belonged amongst us or believed you to be the Jedi that was prophesized to bring balance to the Force. Your actions today have proved you are every bit the Jedi that Qui-Gon believed you to be when he brought you before us to be tested. You have earned the trust and respect of every Jedi here today, earning the right to truly be known as the Chosen One, and your place amongst us on the council.”

At first the Jedi did not respond. Many stood and blinked disbelief, unsure whether they truly believed Anakin was the Chosen One or could accept that. Some even looked angry that the Jedi Order would exalt Anakin because of heroics, and again ignore his transgressions. Except this time it wasn’t disrespect of his master or doing something incredibly reckless during a mission that nearly got either himself or colleagues killed – this time he broke the Code. He had broken one of the cardinal rules that could never be broken and because of it the Jedi had expected him to resign.

To see the opposite unfold among them was shocking.

Master Windu raised Anakin’s arm in the air in victory and declared, “The prophesy is upon us! Anakin Skywalker is the Chosen One, the one who will bring balance to the Force and destroy the Sith for all time!”

Master Windu was going to push the ranks to accept Anakin as more than just their savior. But Anakin began to have serious doubts that the Jedi Order wanted to be balanced – in essence to be saved by the change he represented. Instinctively he tried to pull away from Master Windu’s iron grip, but he held fast and forced Anakin to remain where he was. After Master Windu was done, there would be no doubt any longer what Anakin represented to the Order as the Chosen One and whether they wanted or would accept the change that he was destined to bring.

Yoda watched carefully as Master Windu advocated the change to come. Though Anakin was indeed the Chosen One, much of Yoda’s life work was tied to the Chosen One and the prophecy that he would bring balance to the Force. He looked completely serene and supportive as he stood beside Master Windu to his right, leaving no doubt to any Jedi who looked to him for guidance where he stood on this. Yoda could have used his powers to sway the Jedi to accept this change, but refused to do so or even add his voice to support it – much to Obi-Wan’s dismay. This would be something they would have to decide on their own.

The only question that remained was: Were they ready for it?

There was no better time for the prophecy to come about and if they failed; Yoda knew they wouldn’t get another chance like this again for another thousand years.

“A Dawn of a New Age is upon us,” Master Windu continued. “Embrace it!”

This was it. Master Windu had given his speech and now the fate of Anakin rested in their hands. If they denounced him, his life as a Jedi would be over and he would certainly be asked to leave. But if enough of them rallied behind Anakin now, it would give all the justification the Masters would need to not just keep Anakin a member of the Jedi Order, but allow him to fulfill the prophecy as well. The dream would continue, with the fate of the Chosen One turned over to the Council to decide.
Change was in the air.

All the Jedi had to do was embrace it and it would become a reality.

Master Shaak Ti was the first to break the Jedi’s silence. She activated her blade, raising it high into the air, and cried out joyfully, “Skywalker!”

In triumph many of the Jedi joined her by raising their lightsabers in the air and repeated her chant, calling his name out over and over again. Some were more reluctant than others to accept the change, but gradually every single one of them raised their blades into the air and chanted his name. The support was overwhelming, making it clear that not only did they embrace Anakin as the Chosen One, but were also willing to give him the chance to fulfill the prophecy and embrace the change that would come when he brought balance to the Force.

Anakin allowed himself to enjoy the moment. All around him the Jedi celebrated what he had done, what he represented, and never before in his life had he ever felt more proud to be a Jedi. To be accepted as their Chosen One was such an honor that tears of joy began to flow freely down his face. Everything that he had worked to achieve since the day he first became Obi-Wan’s Padawan was actually happening. He was now the Jedi Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan believed he could be.

He was the Chosen One.

He would bring balance.

Nothing could stand in his way now.

He looked over to Obi-Wan to see him weeping tears of joy as well. Anakin couldn’t resist tearing himself away from Master Windu and embracing his former master with both love and triumph.

“This isn’t over yet,” Obi-Wan whispered to him. “The Council still needs to ratify all of this.”

Anakin nodded in understanding.

“How can they say no to the prophecy now?” Anakin whispered back.

“They can be impossible stubborn, as you already know,” Obi-Wan said with a wink.

That made them both laugh and again they embraced to enjoy the moment. Despite Obi-Wan’s warning, this was the closest any Jedi had ever come to instituting real change since Lord Hoth assembled an army of Jedi and declared from the day forward the Order would serve as the Republic Guardians of Peace and Justice – vowing to destroy the Sith. Now a millennia later; Anakin was fulfilling the prophecy of bringing balance to the Force and would radically change the way Jedi lived their lives forever.


Anakin next turned to his wife and embraced her passionately. The Jedi continued to chant his name as he embraced his wife, thankful that nothing had happened to her and that she was here to share this moment with him. He was overwhelmed by the feelings of joy and love for her and couldn’t help but lean down and kissed her directly on her forehead. Padme did not resist or the Jedi stop cheering as he leaned down to kiss her on the lips. Padme did not resist despite how awkward it was to embrace her husband passionately in front of roughly a hundred Jedi, but somehow she sensed that it was alright to now openly feel love for her husband to the order and kissed him back.

Some of the Jedi were uncomfortable with such a display of emotions, but most saw it as a part of the change that was coming and cheered for it. The Jedi Order had a long history of broken hearts and forbidden loves that spanned all the way back to the founding of the Order. The code had been originally written to exclude love because of the original founders feared Jedi would be unable to control their emotions and lead to the dark side. Anakin was proof that such fears were misplaced and that Jedi could love others without falling to the dark side.

It opened many of the Jedi’s eyes and made them realize that it wasn’t the Sith to blame for nearly wiping them out, it was their own ideals and how their complacency in an outdated Code was nearly their undoing. All the Code did was prevent Jedi from reaching their true potential and limit how their powers could be used, even for their own good or the good of the Republic.

The soldiers of the 501st cheered for Anakin as well, raising their rifles in the air and likewise chanted his name. Anakin began left his wife’s embrace and began to move through the Jedi ranks to celebrate with them as well and accept their thanks. There was a wounded Jedi Knight missing his right arm named Dama Montalvo that caught Anakin’s attention. The young man held his lightsaber up proudly crying out his name and Anakin patted him on the back for his support.

Major Cody landed directly in front of Master Skywalker and removed his helmet. He saluted him and said, “We did it General Skywalker.”

Cody then extended his hand out to Skywalker who eagerly took it and then went overboard and hugged the Captain saying, “Your men performed brilliantly and I will not forget what you have done here for the Jedi Order today.”

Captain Cody smiled in appreciation as he returned General Skywalker’s joyful embrace and then once Skywalker let him go replied, “The 501st will never let you down.”

Regardless of what Anakin Skywalker’s future was as a Jedi he would never forget this moment. The Jedi mobbed him with joy and appreciation for what he had done. Each Jedi approached him, wanting to individually say a few words of thanks, shake his hand, or hugging him. Master Luminara was the first to greet him with a stern handshake as she stated, “You truly are the Chosen One Master Skywalker. What you did here today will not be forgotten.” Anakin nodded appreciatively to her as all around him Jedi were thanking him and calling him the Chosen One while many were still chanting his name.

Master Windu pulled out the holocron that Yoda gave to him at the start of the battle and flipped it back to him. Yoda caught it with the Force and drew the small blue cube it into the palm of his hand.

“Sure you still don’t want this?” Yoda asked, offering the cube back to him.

“Hell no,” Master Windu told him with relief that the burden to lead the Jedi Order still fell on Yoda’s shoulders. He wiped his brow of sweat and the anguish that came with Yoda’s position. “I don’t know how you do it.”

Yoda smiled at him.

“Made me old and gray, it has.”

“I can believe that.”

“Done well you have today,” Yoda told him appreciatively. “It won’t be forgotten.”

Master Windu nodded in understanding. Yoda stopped short from actually naming him his successor, but after his actions today during the great battle it was all but clear who Yoda favored to take his place after he was gone. From that point forward; the Jedi Order would regard Master Windu as the heir apparent to Yoda. Even now the Jedi were still treating him as their leader and Yoda was all but delegated to figurehead of the Order– whose authority to lead the council as Grandmaster was still intact, but the real leadership would come from only Master Windu.

But Yoda also wasn’t giving any indication that he would be resigning anytime soon and Master Windu understood he wouldn’t do so until the Force was actually brought into balance and his life’s work was done. It would still be many years, decades perhaps, before that goal was achieved and he wouldn’t step down until he had seen this through. A lot could change during those years with Master Kenobi’s legend continuing to grow with each of his victories and the Chosen One’s legacy only just beginning. Either of them in time could also make excellent Grandmasters, leaving Master Windu with no guarantees that he was the heir apparent – only the most likely to secede the Grandmaster.

“Things are in motion now that cannot be changed,” Yoda warned him. They watched as the Jedi embraced their savior and continued to rally around the change that he represented. “Once we do this, no turning back there is.”

“I understand,” Mace acknowledged.

“Yet sense great fear in you I do,” Yoda challenged him abruptly. “Unsure you are, if this truly best for the Jedi Order.”

“I trust in you,” Mace told him confidently. “I have given you my full support and am fully willing to embrace the prophecy that the Chosen One represents. But Anakin still needs a lot of work and I doubt he will be able to truly become the Jedi we need him to be on his own or with Kenobi’s continued guidance.”

“Know that, I do,” Yoda confided him. “Doubt of your convictions, I do not. Yet still the fear remains, I feel it also.” Yoda sighed and then told him, “Not ready to bring balance, Skywalker is. More training he still requires.”

“It will not be easy for him – for any of us for that matter,” Mace concluded. “Yet I do feel he is now capable of actually doing it despite the attachments he had made and fears he still has. He will be the role model that all future generation of Jedi will aspire to become.”

“I agree. Take both of us it will to complete his training.”

“Both?” Master Windu objected. “At the same time?”

“Yes, it is the only way.”

Master Windu paused as he considered that. He had always assumed that Yoda would finish his training and dedicate the remaining years of his life to make Anakin the Jedi they needed him to be – leaving Master Windu to run the Jedi Order. Asking Mace to help him was unexpected and was forbidden by the Jedi Code. Clearly he had underestimated how drastic Yoda was intending to change things and only his trust in the Grandmaster kept him from panicking at the very idea of so much of it being stripped away. It also made him wonder if Yoda’s physical condition was far worse than he was letting on and why he didn’t feel up to the task of completing his training like he tried to do with Dooku. It could be that Anakin was simply to powerful for Yoda to handle on his own, but if Kenobi could have managed he didn’t see why Yoda couldn’t finish the job on his own.

“Need you I do,” Yoda told him flatly. “Teach him things that only you can, that I cannot. Failed with Dooku I did because unable was unable to help him let go of his hate and anger. Train him to control his emotions and fears through your discipline, only you can.”

“I can train him in Vaapad and in Shatterpoints to help control the darker side of his personality, but that will only take him as far as his will to learn and desire to change.”

“Be the figure he needs to guide him against the dark side, you must. Teach him in how to fully harness the living Force I will to complete his training.”

“And Kenobi?” Mace challenged. “Will he be involved.”

“No,” Yoda answered definitively. “Completed the training of Skywalker he has and has a new apprentice to teach.”

“We could justify it because he is a master and has already completed his training,” Mace told him. “This will be advanced training in the Jedi Arts that will complete his training, control his feelings, and make him into the Jedi we will need him to be in order to usher in this new era. I see no reason it cannot work.”

They shook on the agreement to train Skywalker.

“Now all we have to do is figure out how we are going to save Skywalker,” Master Windu told him with some reservations. “Anakin has the popular support of the Order, but it will take nothing short of an unanimous vote of all the members of the Council to achieve this.”

“Aware of that, I am,” Yoda acknowledged. “Gambling that the time for change is now. Ready we are to come into balance.”

“I agree with you that the odds are good and Anakin now has strong backing on the Council besides Kenobi to speak for him, but have you even considered what might happen to the Order if we fail to…”

“We won’t fail.” Yoda told him determination. “Otherwise all that we have done and all who have died will have been for nothing. That I refuse to allow happen.”

Master Windu nodded in understanding.

“Be prepared you must to do whatever it takes to see this through,” Yoda warned him.

“Whatever it takes,” Master Windu responded with conviction. He harbored no doubts any longer that by making his pledge, his fate along with Yoda’s was tied to the Chosen One. For a man who had spent his entire life in the service of the Jedi Order, it was a scary thing for Master Windu to risk everything in order to save the Chosen One so he could bring balance to the Force. Yet that was the commitment he was willing to make and was impossible for him to refuse with Yoda leading this change.

A Dawn of a New Age was truly at hand, with Mace determined to be among the leaders in the frontlines to bring this change forward. Anakin might be the Chosen One, but now that Yoda was prepared to usher forth this change Mace was intent on making sure he still got a big piece of the pie when this was all over. He, along with Yoda and Kenobi would be hailed as saviors and champions of the Force who were responsible for helping bring balance to the Force.

Now all they had to do now was figure out how it was they were going to have to do it. It would be a daunting task that would challenge the very principles that the Jedi believed in.

“This won’t be easy.”

“True,” Yoda agreed, “But nothing in life worth having ever is.”

 

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Milteck 
Registered: Jul '06
42103_Admiral Thrawn
Date Posted: 7/19 9:38pm Subject: PM list
Anakins_kiss
Daramin_of_the_way
darth_drachonus
Darth_kripp
darthpandemonium
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egkenobi
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Force_chick
Hewes
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Kevin_solo
Lordpullus
Megacrafter2
Moangel
Ocelotl_Nesto
Raptor517
Silsolo
Spyman290
Talon_Kenobi
the_slilent_one
Ultima_1
Vaderlvr64
Yoda-I_AM

 

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megacrafter2 
Registered: Dec '07
Date Posted: 7/19 11:28pm Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/19
nice chapter. you managed to work in the name of the story a couple times it seems. i cant wait to see how the council take Yoda's ideas.

 

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Darth_Nellie 
Registered: Jul '08
6531_Bart Vader
Date Posted: 7/20 4:47am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/19
Just when I think that this story can't get any better, you bring us a new chapter with all sorts of exciting possibilities. Please add me to your PM list.

 

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Raptor517 
Registered: Sep '06
42234_Venator-Class Star Destroyer
Date Posted: 7/20 7:03am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/19
Ah, and now the real battle begins. It's much easier to fight others who want to bring bad change than to change the bad ideas and concepts and practices already in place in one's personal lives. Great update!

Raptor517

 

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Darth_Kripp 
Registered: Oct '05
23578_Darth Sidious
Date Posted: 7/20 7:23am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 7/19
Interesting approach: two masters for one apprentice. It won't be easy indeed.

 

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"Use my knowledge, I beg you!" (Chancellor Palpatine)
The Forcefather (ESB AU): http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=23789577&brd=10476&start=23817802
The Defendant's pleading (RotJ AU): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/26069511/p1
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