| Author |
Topic:
Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 9/17
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Milteck
Registered:
Jul '06
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Date Posted:
6/29 9:31pm
Subject:
CH 40, Part 2. Space Battle finale
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This is part 2 of the CH 40 update.
Sorry for the delay, but was editing this update over the weekend and it wasn't ready until today.
Thank you to my Hands: Raptor and Spyman for their help. They have helped my stories immensely since they have volunteered to edit my updates.
CH 40 Part 2
Orbit of Coruscant
The Galactic Fleet moved away from Coruscant and put the entire attack force between the advancing Republic forces and the planet. Sidious allowed Tarkin to redeploy the fleet, but was adamant that the Avenger be kept at its present position in orbit with Coruscant so he could keep his Meditation and Force linked himself to the forces below. The main turbolaser battery kept a target lock on the temple and was ordered to fire the moment the shields dropped.
Sidious still clung to the hope that his apprentice would come through and knock out the shield generator before it was too late. It was a vain hope and Tarkin wondered if it was just his faith in his apprentice or if he was desperate for a victory. The shroud of the dark side may have fallen, but Tarken saw the Sith Lord’s aura of confidence as well. It left Tarkin in the awkward position of no longer being able to rely on the Sith Lord’s judgment, his abilities, or trust him like he did before.
Darth Sidious was willing to risk everything to achieve his goal and from the desperation in his eyes he could tell he was even willing to make a last stand, here and now, against the Jedi.
“The Separatist Fleet will be within firing range with their heavy turbolasers in ten minutes, Admiral.” Captain Jennings looked nervous and he had good reason to be. They were greatly outnumbered and from his point of view they were about to enter a hopeless battle – one they couldn’t win even if Sidious suddenly reverted back to the Sith Lord they all loved and feared.
All Tarkin could do was acknowledge the report with a nod.
Until Darth Sidious untied his hands and allowed him to act freely to determine the best course of action, the entire fleet was stuck between a rock and hard place – unable to function the way they needed to in order to survive. Sidious was back in another one of his trances and all Tarkin could do was act on his previous order that they give Maul all the time he needed to take out the shield generator. One turbolaser shot was all they needed to lay waste to the Jedi Temple, thus justifying the tremendous risk Sidious was taking by trying to hold off the Republic fleet long enough to complete their mission. But Tarkin privately wondered how far was Sidious prepared to go to see this through and how much of their fleet they would lose in order to achieve it.
“Shall I begin launching fighters?” Jennings asked nervously.
“No, not yet.”
The moment they released their squadrons, they would be anchored to their position and from then on out have to commit to battle. Tarkin was willing to wait until the last possible moment to launch them and would not waste their lives needlessly. Enough lives had already been lost today and it irked him how ugly of a catastrophe this operation had become.
“What’s the status of our forces below?” Tarkin asked, wanting to change the subject from the doom that was rapidly approaching them. He needed time to think of a way out of this and so far he hadn’t found one.
“Not good, sir.”
“Care to elaborate?” Tarkin asked, raising an eyebrow to his disheartened Captain to show he expected a much more thorough report.
“Yes sir; sorry sir,” Jennings snapped to attention and promptly reported, “Our entire ground assault force has been destroyed and we have had no contact with Lord Maul since his confrontation with Kenobi. There is no way we could know if he is alive or dead.”
There was one way. Sidious would know whether the Sith Lord was still alive and thus far he had kept that status to himself. Tarkin could only assume he was still alive and hopefully actually trying to make it to the Shield Generator to take it out. But even if he was, his private battle with the Jedi Master Kenobi had kept him at bay and possibly prevented him from getting there altogether. Tarkin was also convinced that Maul’s loyalty was no longer with them and that he was a traitor. It was just as well that he again be struck down by Kenobi, thus saving them the trouble of having to do it themselves and take away a dangerous pawn that Tarkin had never trusted to begin with.
Regardless; they were quickly running out of time and Tarkin knew that one way or the other, he wasn’t going to be able to hold this position for much longer.
“Sir, if I may suggest…”
“No you may not, Captain!” Tarkin snapped. He didn’t want to hear any suggestions on getting out of this situation because they wouldn’t do any good. “Return to your station and await further orders.”
Jennings saluted and stalked away to carry out his duties.
Tarkin didn’t need the force to sense his commander was angry, almost to the point where he was willing to question his orders and no longer follow them. Fears of mutiny also sent a shiver down his spine, but they would be fools to try such a thing with a Dark Lord of the Sith amongst them. Tarkin had no idea what Sidious would do to them, but from what he knew of the Sith Lord he would most likely take his time in torturing any who turned on him. Whether Jennings realized it or not, he would probably be dead now if Tarkin had allowed him to give his suggestion.
Tarkin turned back to the viewpanel to see the specks of the Republic Fleet that continued to grow larger and larger as they closed in on his fleet. They were easily distinguishable from the vast sea of stars and could even begin to make out the round domes of the Droid Control ships. The majority of the enemy ships would be Separatists battlecruisers and those alone were no match for a single Procurator Class Star Battlecruiser. However they greatly outnumbered Tarkin’s forces and would simply overwhelm him with sheer numbers and he hadn’t even considered what forces might be brought to bear against them from Coruscant itself. Surely the surviving Jedi would dispatch their Knights in starfighters and the tremendous standing military force on the planet would respond once Organa arrived to rally them.
An even greater danger was present however. Bail Organa was now the appointed Chancellor of the Republic and once his own military forces acknowledged that, they would either betray the fleet and side with him or surrender. The clones especially might rebel once they realized they were no longer serving the legitimate ruler of the Republic and the righteousness of their cause would also deteriorate after it became more widely known that he was Sith Lord. Everything was beginning to unravel around them and Sidious’ dream of a Galactic Empire was quickly coming to the end.
“Five minutes before the enemy comes out of hyperspace,” the tactical officer reported from his station.
“Stop broadcasting the countdown, Lieutenant,” Tarkin ordered dryly. “Instead put it up on the screen for all to see from their stations.”
Regardless how Tarkin might feel about the situation, he was honor bound to carry out the Sith Lord’s orders and knew he would die a traitor’s death if he didn’t follow them. He again turned to Lord Sidious and couldn’t help but sigh in frustration that he was still in dream land – either unable or unwilling to help him. Tarkin’s options were fading away and all he could do was carry out his orders.
Tarkin turned back to the catwalk above the pits and felt time itself begin to overwhelm him, almost to the point of drowning him from lack of it. There were a million things that had to happen in the five minutes they had left before they engaged in battle and with what was at stake they would all have to come together to fight in order to achieve their goal of reinstating Palpatine back into his office. He proceeded to order, “Communications; open a channel to the fleet and tell them to prepare to engage the enemy. I want max shields up on each of our Battlecruisers and all damage control teams on standby. All firing crews to be fully linked with our targeting computers and they are to target only the ships they are authorized to shoot at. No shots are to be fired or fighters launched until I give the order.”
“Understood, sir,” Commander Motti acknowledged.
“Make it clear to them Commander that they are to follow my orders to the letter and any failure to do so will result in grim consequences for them.” When Tarkin did not get an immediate acknowledgment, he glared at Motti and demanded, “Is that clear?”
“Yes sir, perfectly clear sir.”
“Then snap to it.”
Tarkin then turned to the tactical pit and ordered, “I want each of those enemy vessels identified and targets of opportunity identified for our gunners to shoot at the moment they are in range.”
Tarkin didn’t bother with any uplifting speeches or push the crew to perform beyond what they were capable of doing. He simply loomed over them and watched as they meticulously carried out their duties to prepare this ship for battle. Whatever fears or doubts the members of the crew might be facing was overridden by their training and they performed their duties well – making Tarkin not only proud but demonstrated that his brutal training methods really worked.
“No!” Sidious groaned. “Not again.”
Tarken turned to his leader and saw him physically collapse from the strain his meditation had taken on him. His Crimson Guard was quick to surround his fallen form with a wall of bodies to protect him, but the damage was done as everyone saw their exalted figure fall. Captain Jennings accompanied the Admiral, wishing both to see the state of their leader and what had become of him. Tarkin actually found himself hoping that the Sith Lord would be incapacitated – thus allowing him to fully seize command and order a full scale retreat.
Tarkin approached the Crimson Guardsman and ordered, “Move aside.”
When the Guardsman refused to budge, Tarkin pulled out his sidearm and pointed it directly at his helmet. Sidious’ Guardsmen brought their weapons to bear on Tarkin, while the entire bridge watched on in horror to what was unfolding before them.
“I said move,” Tarkin reiterated, further making his point by taking the safety off his weapon. “I am the highest ranking officer on this ship and you will submit to my authority or die.”
Clone Soldiers raced up from their positions, but they too were heavily conflicted as half pointed their rifles toward the Guardsmen and the others at Tarkin.
“Let him pass,” a raspy voice called out.
The Guardsman moved aside and Tarkin rushed to his fallen leader who was beginning to get back on his feet. Upon seeing him, he had to hold back the shock upon seeing the Sith Lord’s face so ashen and haggard – looking like a wrinkled frail old man. His eyes were a pair of black holes that were empty yet vast, that Tarkin had to look away out of fear that he might be swallowed up by them. Sidious almost looked a mummified corpse that was wrapped in his thick robes, his skin so sickly yellow and tight around his skull that he barely looked human. Tarkin nearly gagged from the stench of death that emanated from the Sith lord and took all of his inner strength to retain his composure.
“Sithspawn…” Captain Jennings whispered to him. “What happened to him?”
“Silence,” Tarkin scolded him. The urge to send him away was overpowering, but Tarkin was gambling the Sith Lord would return to his senses and needed Jennings to see that.
“Shall I order medics to the bridge?” Jennings asked softly
“No,” Tarkin answered, not elaborating on why they should not help him.
Jennings took a step past him toward the Sith Lord.
“Stop,” Tarkin ordered. He grasped him firmly on the shoulder and tried to pull him back.
“The Chancellor is dying.” Jennings pulled away from him and moved closer to the Sith Lord. “I’ve got to do something to help him.”
“Very well,” Tarkin told him with regret. He braced himself for what was to come and knew that Jennings would regret this, possibly paying for his gesture of goodwill with his life.
The Crimson Guard didn’t try to stop him as he approached the Sith Lord and offered his hand to help him up. Tarkin braced himself for what was to come, neither wanting to see what to become of his captain nor able to take his eyes away from what was about to transpire.
“Thank you… Admiral,” Sidious expressed with a smile.
“My pleasure,” Jennings replied. He even had the nerve to turn back and look at Tarkin and say, “I only live to serve you.”
Tarkin downplayed the promotion Jennings had just received from the Sith Lord and would not allow him to make him jealous or second guess the decisions he had made today. The Sith lord even almost looked like the Palpatine they had all remembered from the holo’s and not the sickly monstrous creature that lingered before them now. Tarkin was surprised Sidious actually took Jenning’s hand, knowing from firsthand experience how much the Sith Lord despised to be touched – considering it a grave insult from anyone who tried, even if they were in his inner circle. Whether Jennings realized it or not, he had just crossed into uncharted territory with the Sith Lord and Tarkin seriously doubted Jennings would be the one to benefit from it.
Though he was indeed smiling, Tarkin saw the smile not as a gesture of gratitude or appreciation, but from a snake about to hungrily devour his prey. The Sith Lord’s smile soon turned cold and to Jennings horror saw that he was not letting go of his hand. He cried out in horror as Sidious began to drain the life right out of his body and into his own.
All Tarkin could do was watch as the Sith Lord drained him, renewing his own life with his own. Within only a matter of moments, Jennings lost roughly thirty years of his life and Sidious didn’t stop draining him until he was well past the prime of his life. Jenning’s blond hair turned ashen grey and huge cancerous sores erupted all over his body from the unnatural change. He now looked much older than Tarkin and would be lucky if he was left with the twilight years of his life, if any at all.
When Sidious finally did let go of his hand, Jennings collapsed on the deck. Tarkin couldn’t tell if the Admiral was alive or dead, but at least he couldn’t say the Sith Lord was being unfair because he did promote him for his service. All Tarkin really cared about was that his leader had taken what he needed to regain his strength and that Jennings had paid the ultimate price. What was really important was Sidious was still alive and well. That was all that mattered.
“No, not again…,” Sidious told the fallen form of Jennings while clenching his fists. In anger he then kicked Jennings hard in the gut to take out his failure on him. He then looked hungrily at Tarkin, forcing him to consider that he may be next.
“I take it Maul failed.”
“Yes,” Sidious simply responded. “Struck down by Kenobi.”
“Again?” Tarkin asked in disbelief.
A mocking smile formed on Darth Sidious’ face and Tarkin couldn’t help but join him in enjoying the anguish Maul must have felt to have been killed by the same man twice. It was poetic justice.
“Yes, despite my warnings he sought out vengeance by going after Kenobi.”
“We should thank Kenobi the next time we see him,” Tarkin told him flatly. “He saved us the trouble of doing it.”
“Indeed,” Sidious agreed and took another step toward him. He put his hand on his shoulder and told him loud enough for all to hear, “Death is the only reward for traitors.”
Tarkin nodded in agreement, though he also felt the tension from what could be implied to be a threat from the Sith Lord. The Crimson Guard responded to their master’s words and activated their energy pikes, ready to strike the Admiral down. Tarkin felt a wave of fear wash over him and knew that his life hung in the balance, but honestly couldn’t find any fault in how he performed his duties. If anything, he was even more valuable to the Sith Lord now that Maul was dead and Tarkin was his only true ally in a galaxy bent on utterly destroying him.
Tarkin played things between them calmly and didn’t allow the Sith Lord to try and intimidate him; knowing that if he killed them then there would be no one left capable who could keep the fleet together.
“Admiral, we have a new group of signals converging on our positions,” Commander Motti reported to him.
“Are they friendlies?” Tarkin managed to ask.
“Not sure, sir. All four of the ships have Republic signals, but they’ve all been altered to register differently.”
The report broke the tension between them. Both Sidious and Tarkin turned to eagerly look out the view panel to find the five ships heading toward them rapidly. Four were definitely Republic Battlecruisers and the fifth was a ship design unlike anything Tarkin had ever seen before. It had the basic Republic triangular design, except in the back where large round domes that were grafted onto this ship’s hull and clearly not a part of the original design.
“They are changing course, sir,” Motti reported.
“Heading?” Tarkin asked him directly.
“Toward the enemy fleet, sir.”
“Hail them,” Tarkin ordered.
“No response, sir,” Lieutenant Valin reported from his communications station in the pit. “We’ve tried every frequency.”
“Keep trying,” Tarkin pushed. He needed to know their allegiance before things really got out of hand.
“I don’t recognize any of the ships,” Motti told him.
“Neither do I, but they are definitely Republic.” Tarkin turned to Sidious to see him looking at the new arrivals with satisfaction. It was clear that Sidious knew who they were and that most likely they were here at his request; leaving Tarkin to wonder why he hadn’t been informed that they would be joining or why he hadn’t shared the details of his plan.
“Wait; I got something,” Lieutenant Valin reported eagerly. “They’ve broadcast a message to the entire fleet to standby and the Grand Admiral will be making an address. We are ordered to stand fast and await his orders.”
“Who does he think he is?” Tarkin fumed. The poor Lieutenant squirmed as Tarkin locked onto him with his eyes, and like daggers they pierced their way into his soul and made him tremble. “I am in command here and I demand he...”
“No, I am in command,” Sidious snapped. “Acknowledge his orders, Lieutenant.”
“Roger that, sir,” the Lieutenant said with relief. The rest of the crew responded with curiosity from their stations and were all eager to catch a glimpse of this mysterious fleet of five ships that had just come to their rescue. Tarkin couldn’t help but get red faced about this and felt betrayed by the man he had sworn loyalty too. Yet his discipline didn’t falter and said nothing that might further discredit him in the eyes of the Sith lord.
Instead he watched the arrivals with keen interest of his own and wondered who this Grand Admiral was, along with how best to destroy him.
“They are powering their engines back up for another jump into hyperspace,” Motti reported from tactical pit. “They are plotting a course… wait – this can’t be right.”
“What is it Commander?” Tarkin asked.
“They’ve plotted a jump that will take them directly into the enemy’s path through hyperspace.”
“What?” Tarkin asked disbelief. “Check the tactical read-outs and confirm that.”
“Confirmed,” Motti acknowledged. “They’re making a suicide run.”
That brought the entire bridge crew to a panic as the whispers between them turned into shouts of disbelief as they all rushed out of their pits to see this rogue fleet for themselves.
“Everyone remain calm and get back to your stations. The next man who abandons his duties will be shot, no exceptions.” Tarkin’s disciplined crew followed his order, though that didn’t stop them from watching the rogue fleet as they prepared to make the jump.
“This is madness,” Tarkin said out loud. The combat maneuver of trying to ram a ship in hyperspace was always suicidal and seldom worked to destroy the enemy. Ships traveling through hyperspace moved so fast that it would be like hitting a rock with a speeder. Sure it would dent the hull, but the ships would simply keep on going while the ships that stopped in their path would be pulverized. “The Separatist ships will simply slam right through them like they weren’t even there.”
“No they won’t,” Sidious replied to him with confidence. “Watch what happens.”
“We will have lost five perfectly good vessels that could’ve turned the tide of this battle back into our favor,” Tarkin complained bitterly.
“The battle has already been won.” Sidious told him with a confident smile. “They have come to save us.”
“Save us?” Tarkin questioned openly. “Which Grand Admiral do I owe my gratitude too?”
“Wait and see,” Sidious replied. “I will not spoil the surprise for you.”
With that, the rogue fleet disappeared in a flash.
“They just jumped back into hyperspace,” Motti reported. He then theorized, “Sir, if the ships were packed with explosives and set to detonate just the enemy fleet got to them, it might be enough too…”
“I doubt very seriously Commander that that fleet came all the way out here just to blow themselves up.” Tarkin glanced back at Sidious to see his confident poise return and knew that whatever was about to happen, he already knew what the outcome was going to be. This was when Sidious became spooky brilliant and Tarkin had learned over the years neither to question his judgment or faith in the man during times like these. “We will wait and see what happens.”
Tarkin watched as the ships all safely made the jump directly into the path of the incoming ships. Four of the ships all then fired what look like mines and the weird looking one transmitted what looked like a blue energy field that surrounded all the warships.
“Sensors are picking up some very strange readings, Admiral,” Motti reported. “According to the ships sensors, we are now picking up a planetary body inside that energy field the four ships just put up.”
All the ships then jumped back into hyperspace, leaving the energy field in its wake.
“It’s a trick…” Tarkin theorized.
“No, it’s neither a trick nor an illusion Admiral.” Sidious pointed toward the incoming fleet and they both watched as it brought them all out of hyperspace. The Separatists ships all abruptly came to a stop and left them trapped momentarily within the bubble and unable to bring their hyperdrive reactors back online until they cleared it. “It’s called an interdictor field. Our Chiss friends have been using the technology for centuries and have traded it to us for technology of our own.”
“The Chiss…” Tarkin said disbelieving. “Why would they ever deal with us?”
“They don’t,” Sidious told him. “Instead I found one of their own who was willing to join our cause to save the galaxy.”
“Impressive technology,” Tarkin allowed himself to say. “I had heard the Republic had tried to develop technology during the War that would bring ships out of hyperspace, but they could never get it to work.”
The rogue fleet rejoined them and got into formation along with the Avenger while Tarkin’s fleet remained in position ready to engage the enemy. The Separatist ships remained only a parsec from the orbit of Coruscant and for the moment did not advance any further.
“We have an incoming transmission, Admiral.” Lieutenant Valin announced to Tarkin, though it was loud enough to catch the entire bridge crew’s attention and they all stood from their stations. All were eager to discover who had just saved all of their lives.
“Put it through.” Darth Sidious ordered as the image on the massive viewscreen changed from stars and the planet of Coruscant to that of the image of Grand Admiral Thrawn.
“Lord Sidious, Grand Admiral Thrawn reporting as ordered.” Thrawn announced coldly followed by turning to Tarkin and ordered, “Prepare the fleet to withdraw immediately at the coordinates that are being transmitted to you now.”
“Under whose authority do you give me orders?” Tarkin demanded.
“Mine.” Darth Sidious growled at Tarkin who stepped back in disbelief as Darth Sidious stepped forward to address the Chiss Admiral. “Your timing could not have been any better Admiral Thrawn, your arrival has ensured our survival and the technology that you have brought with you will decimate the enemy for years to come. With our combined strength, we will topple the Republic to its foundations and give them a war that will never be forgotten.”
“Victory will be ours,” Thrawn agreed. Though Tarkin barely knew him, he could tell how confident Admiral Thrawn was and radiated that effect through his red eyes that pierced the souls of all the officers on the bridge of the Avenger, including him. Thrawn’s alien appearance actually worked for him in inspiring awe amongst those who saw him and his mysterious origins as a Chiss only enhanced the curiosity of the fleet’s officers toward their new leader. “With the fleet under my control, we will give the Republic a war unlike anything they have ever seen before and make your dream of a Galactic Empire a reality.”
“Your control?” Tarkin exclaimed dumbfounded as he then looked to Darth Sidious and asked as graciously as he could while also fearing what the Sith Lords response might be, “What plans then do you have for me then, my lord.”
“Relax Moff Tarkin, your future is secure in my empire,” Darth Sidious said calmly but loud enough for all to hear. Tarkin also took in his new title of Moff, the highest rank anyone could obtain in the new Galactic Empire and nodded in acceptance. “I have other plans for you.”
The words eased any tension within Tarkin, who had honestly feared the worst and that Sidious was bringing in this outsider to replace him. Anyone who fell out of favor in the Sith Lord’s inner circle was usually killed for their failure. Being promoted demonstrated that he had not lost the confidence of the Sith Lord and that he still needed him, though the same could not be said for Admiral Jennings who now groaned in agony on the bridge deck.
Tarkin already had an idea to what his new assignment would be and that he would be ordered to oversee the construction of the Death star project. It would be in Darth Sidious’s character to make him finish what he had begun, a task that could take up to two decades to complete. Though when completed, Tarkin would be given command over the super weapon and use it to destroy the Republic.
His attention now turned to the mysterious Chiss who was likewise dressed in a white Grand Admiral’s uniform. The fact that he seemed to command the four Republic Cruisers was also a shock and from the black scorch marks on two of the ships hulls, he was able to immediately deduce they had seen some heavy fighting.
“As you wish, my lord.” Tarkin acknowledged.
“The Separatist fleet of ships has cleared the Interdiction field and has just jumped back into hyperspace. They will be within firing range in less than two minutes,” Motti reported from tactical. Tarkin nodded to him in understanding and the Commander went about making preparations for an immediate withdraw.
Thrawn locked his eyes on Tarkin and ordered him directly, “Order the fleet to withdraw.”
“Should I order the forces below to retreat?” Admiral Tarkin asked openly, hoping to save some of them from certain death.
“No,” Darth Sidious told him. “Darth Maul’s failure has led to their destruction. We dare not risk ourselves to save
them.”
Darth Sidious said nothing further and left the bridge, with his Crimson Guard following in his wake. Tarkin watched him go and he did not need the Force to know that he was more then bitterly disappointed with his apprentice; he was enraged with his failure. Tarkin honestly could not blame him for his rage, for they had allocated much into this attack only to see it fail miserably. Not only had they risked everything to destroy the Jedi, but this failure had cost them all of the specially made dark clones. It had been anticipated that most of the force would be lost in destroying the Jedi, but without their destruction the loss of force was now seen as a waste. Darth Maul had also disgraced himself with his failure and had deserved the fate that had befallen him.
“Your orders, sir?” Motti asked.
Tarkin turned to him and saw his crew still look to him to give the orders. Even though Sidious had already given the order and Thrawn the authority over the entire fleet, the bridge crew of the Avenger would still follow only his orders. He was especially impressed with Motti and had liked how he had stepped forward to take a command presence on the bridge when Jennings had fallen to his own ambitions. Tarkin had always liked Motti and now sought to reward him for his service.
“Do as he has ordered Captain,” Tarkin told him, giving him a field promotion as well. “Order the fleet to withdraw to the waypoints Admiral Thrawn has transmitted.”
“Yes sir.” Captain Motti acknowledgment that followed by carrying them out.
Admiral Tarkin then turned to the image of the mysterious Chiss and for the moment both men just stared at each other. Tarkin then broke the silence between them by saying, “You have saved the day for us Admiral and given our dream new life. I look forward to serving with you.”
Thrawn actually bowed his head in respect to Tarkin as he returned his praise by saying, “I have heard a great about you Moff Tarkin from Lord Sidious and from Republic Officers who have served me in the Outer Rim. The Galactic Empire may belong to Darth Sidious, but it will be us who will build it for him with our iron will.”
“We will give them a war unlike any they have ever seen before.” Tarkin replied in complete agreement, realizing they would
have to depend on each other to make Darth Sidious’s dream a reality.
“Very well, we will have a private conference with our Lord once we reach the rendezvous point.” Thrawn acknowledged followed by saying optimistically, “I look forward to serving with you, Moff Tarkin.”
The viewscreen then went dark as Thrawn ended the transmission and left Tarkin feeling good about the future of the Galactic Empire. Whoever this Admiral Thrawn was, he already made a good first impression with him and knew that together they would bring fear to the Republic.
Tarkin watched his ship enter hyperspace, but noticed that six of the ships in their fleet had not moved from their position in space. He recognized the Corellian Pride and realized immediately that Darth Maul’s dissention had spread throughout the fleet. It would have to be the first thing that was addressed before they moved forward.
“Was the order to withdraw sent to all ships of the fleet?” Tarkin inquired.
“The orders were transmitted to all ships in the fleet,” Dawson acknowledged.
He made no further issue of it as he would assess the situation of dissention, but realized a new rally point would have to be devised once they came out of hyperspace. He would work with Admiral Thrawn to bring forth a new plan for victory, one that would both topple the Republic and bring forth a new Galactic Empire.
“You have the bridge, Captain.” Tarkin ordered. He then gestured to Jennings and ordered further, “Call the medics to take care of the Admiral.”
“Yes, sir,” he replied with a grin. No one was sad to see Jennings fall and left all the underling officers scrambling to fill his position as they diligently performed their duties. Yet despite all that happened, Motti had impressed him and had his complete trust to run the ship and lead it if necessary into battle. Tarkin watched him issue new deployment orders before he left the bridge and was satisfied he had made the right choice in naming Motti his new captain.
It would not be rest that Tarkin would be seeking as he retired for the evening and instead would devising a new strategy for destroying the Republic. He already had some ideas that he would formulate and then suggest to Darth Sidious who would hopefully be more reasonable. He had agreed that destroying the Jedi was the worth the risk as they had killed a great number of them but it was not a direct assault on the Republic itself which could have easily been accomplished had they attacked Alderan capturing the Chancellor.
He did relish in the fact that all was not lost and that with Admiral Thrawn the Galactic Empire still had a promising future. Surprise was no longer on their side, but they had the strength of the Republic’s military at their disposal to impose their will on the Republic. Tarkin also felt that the Galactic Empire was destined to topple the Republic, and that already events had been set in motion that could not be changed.
The Avenger’s hyperdrive engines activated and Tarkin felt the ship make the jump to lightspeed.
They might have lost this battle, Tarkin fumed as they retreated, but the war was far from over.
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Milteck
Registered:
Jul '06
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Date Posted:
6/29 9:34pm
Subject:
CH 40 Part 2
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Orbit of Coruscant-Republic Forces
The flagship of the Trade Federation had arrived only to find that rapidly the missing ships that now made up the enemy fleet were fleeing into hyperspace rather than risk fighting the fleet Chancellor Organa had assembled. Viceroy Gunray was pleased with this outcome as he boasted, “This rogue fleet was no match for the strength of the Trade Federation, Chancellor.”
Chancellor Organa was not convinced of that. Five of the battlecruisers had engaged them with a weapon unlike anything he had ever seen before and had successfully brought them out of hyperspace in order to allow the Sith Lord’s fleet to escape. He then stated his opinion to the Viceroy by theorizing, “Perhaps it was part of their plan to withdraw or worse they completed their objective.” He then saw that six rogue ships were still in orbit and ordered frantically, “Quickly, open communications to transmit to those rogue vessels before it is too late.”
A Neimodian replied, “Yes sir.” There was a short pause as he hit a series of buttons on his consol and the announced, “Communication channel now open sir.”
Chancellor Organa did not waste any time as he announced to the remaining vessels, “Ships of the Republic Navy, this is Chancellor Organa representing the legitimate government of the New Republic. You have abandoned your posts and committed hostilities against the Jedi Order and Republic.” He then offered to the Captain of any ship that would surrender, “I will grant full amnesty to the officer’s and crew of any ship who surrenders.”
Just as his transmission ended two more ships jumped into lightspeed, leaving just four more left. He had hoped that his message would reach just one of the ship captain’s ears, the Republic could get some much needed answers on who the true leader of this rogue fleet was. There was uncomfortable silence as the ships seemed to just sit there making everyone feel tense to what their intent actually was.
“I have a number of ships now in range of these vessels Chancellor.” Viceroy Gunray announced confidently as he then suggested, “My ships might be able to disable one before they can escape.”
“No, I don’t want these remaining ships to feel threatened and would much rather have them openly surrender,” Before the Viceroy could respond the Neimodian communications officer announced, “Receiving a transmission from a ship designated as Republic vessel Corellian Pride.”
It was just as he had hoped as he ordered, “Open communications.”
The screen changed from viewing the rogue Republic vessels to that of the middle aged human male well into his forties with streaks of grey in his hair. He recognized the man as Admiral Hanson, who was one of the most prominent Admirals of the Republic during the Clone Wars and was theorized to be in control of this rogue fleet. However, his being here with only four ships disproved that theory as he found it very likely he was just a high ranking member of the rogue fleet. There was no doubt any longer that Anakin had been correct and the fleet was controlled by Admiral Tarkin, under the authority of Darth Sidious.
“This is Admiral Hanson accepting your offer and I surrender these four ships to you Chancellor Organa, the true leader of the Republic.”
Chancellor Organa nodded and with appreciation in his voiced replied, “Thank you Admiral Hanson and am pleased to accept your surrender.” He then asked, “Can you give me the status of the Jedi on Coruscant?”
Admiral Hanson replied, “The last report we received was they had received reinforcements and that the Dark Trooper force of Lord Maul was destroyed.”
There was relief for the first time for Chancellor Organa since his transmission had broken up with the Jedi Council that the Jedi Order had survived. The only question now was how badly the Jedi Order had been hurt.
“Admiral Hanson you are to immediately power down all defensive systems on your ships. You are to then transport yourself down to Coruscant where I expect some explanation on whose orders you were following and a full report to your ship’s actions leading up to this attack. Is that clear?”
“Yes Chancellor, perfectly clear.” Admiral Hanson paused, before saying openly, “Chancellor, you must believe me when I say we all thought we were restoring the rightful leader back into power. ”
“What changed your mind?” Chancellor Organa openly asked. Despite the man’s treason, he did believe the senior Admiral was being sincere with him and had no reason to try to deceive him.
“The fact that our first offensive was against the Jedi and feel ashamed for our part in the attack against them. We should have realized what a monster Palpatine was from the start.” He paused further, before also admitting, “I have also learned a terrible truth about Palpatine. That he is a Sith Lord and can honestly say that many in the rogue fleet feel betrayed by him.”
“Yet only you and your ships have surrendered to me.” Chancellor Organa reminded him.
“Many feel that they’ve chosen to side with him and there is no turning back,” Hanson replied. “Many others believe it is there duty to follow him, regardless if he is a Sith Lord or not. The clones especially feel this way, whose blind obedience to them honestly scares me that they are willing to do anything in his name.”
“Your surrender to me has revealed your true intentions, Admiral. But regardless; it is clear that Darth Sidious still holds the allegiance of many who will blindly follow him regardless of his true intentions. I am pleased to see that there are still men like you in the galaxy, Admiral, who have the courage to do what is right.”
“Thank you, Chancellor.” Admiral Hanson said followed by saluting him along with all the bridge officers standing behind him. Admiral Hanson spoke for all of them by saying, “We swear an oath to the ideals of the Republic and to you, our Chancellor who stand for the ideals of the Republic.”
“Proceed to the surface,” Chancellor Organa ordered as he accepted their vows. Whether they would ever actually serve again was uncertain, but he was relieved that not all the military had turned against him. Admiral Hanson acknowledged the Order as the view screen then changed to show the image of Captain Blain from his Republic Battlecruiser.
“We have positioned the fleet around Coruscant and have secured the planet.”
“Very good,” Chancellor Organa replied. Now that the planet was secure, it was now imperative to learn how much damage had been caused by the invasion and to send aid immediately to the Jedi Temple. “Deploy our forces immediately to the Jedi Temple and get an army of technicians deployed to the Communication Network to fix the blackout. I also want our entire military ground forces activated to secure every sector of Coruscant.”
“Should I declare a state of emergency over the entire planet?” Blain asked as that would allow the Clone Soldiers to decisively deal with any insurrection or riot on the surface.
“No.” Chancellor Organa immediately replied followed by explaining, “I am not going to risk making this situation any worse than it is by ruthlessly putting down any insurrection.” He wanted to contain this situation as peacefully as possible as he hoped that the attack only focused on the Jedi Order would minimize any chaos that was going on by the general populace below. “Just get the troops in position to assure the security of the Republic.”
“Understood, Chancellor,” Captain Blain acknowledged. The screen then changed back to the view of Coruscant and his fleet’s transport ships and fighters begin to make drops down to the planet.
His thoughts then turned to the Jedi who were fighting for their lives in their temple. He only hoped that his order to release Anakin had been received before the Communications Network went down and that those he most respected were still alive. What was important now was to establish how badly the losses to the Jedi Order were and if he had been in time to save it.
“You have done all you can.” Joruus C’Baoth informed the Chancellor as he patted him on the shoulder to try and comfort him. “I sense that many Jedi have survived this siege and that the battle is all but over. Master Skywalker has saved them”
“Thank goodness for Skywalker,” Chancellor Organa said with relief. “He has saved us all.”
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Milteck
Registered:
Jul '06
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Date Posted:
6/29 9:40pm
Subject:
Updated PM list
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Here is my new pm list
Anakins_kiss
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darth_drachonus
Darth_kripp
darthpandemonium
darth_sidious_1983
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Thanks for reading!!!
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megacrafter2
Registered:
Dec '07
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Date Posted:
6/29 11:07pm
Subject:
RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS. Updated 6-29 with CH 40, part 2. Space finale
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seems jennings experience a very imporant lesson. never trust palpatine. interesting force teqniuqe, draining the life from someone, now that i think of it its kinda like force drain from the jedi games. expect more powerful.
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Ocelotl_Nesto
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Oct '04
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Date Posted:
6/30 2:19pm
Subject:
RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS. Updated 6-29 with CH 40, part 2. Space finale
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Nice use of interdicter technology. Now to find out how many Jedi survived; it was 10,000 before attack of the clones... now I bet it is only in the 100s. The republic needs to shut down Kamino now too. PM list please
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Raptor517
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Sep '06
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Date Posted:
6/30 5:34pm
Subject:
RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS. Updated 6-29 with CH 40, part 2. Space finale
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I enjoyed the Force drain, too. Nasty power, but very handy. Awesome update!
Raptor517
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Darth_Sidious_1983
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Jun '05
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Date Posted:
6/30 8:41pm
Subject:
RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS. Updated 6-29 with CH 40, part 2. Space finale
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Methinks Hanson's a loyal Palps agent pretending to defect. 
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... if one is to understand the great mystery, one must study all its aspects, not just the dogmatic, narrow view of the Jedi. If you wish to become a complete and wise leader, you must embrace a larger view of the Force.
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Milteck
Registered:
Jul '06
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Date Posted:
7/4 2:10pm
Subject:
RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS. Updated 6-29 with CH 40, part 2. Space finale
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I will be updating this this weekend.
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Darth_Nellie
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Jul '08
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Date Posted:
7/5 2:15pm
Subject:
RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious and brought balance to Fo
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Having finally delurked, I just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying reading this story. Your pacing and writing is fantastic. I very much look forward to the next update.
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Milteck
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Jul '06
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Date Posted:
7/6 8:56pm
Subject:
Feedback
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Megacrafter: Indeed, never trust Palpatine. Force drain is a twisted ability in Sidious hands, but any Force ability he uses the most twisted application. Imagine getting a Force hug from him.
Ocelotl_Nesto: The interdictor technology is going to be a big part of future campaigns with Thrawn. The Jedi have lost much of their strength and the number is now less than 500. Kamino will be dealt with in Birth of an Empire. Will hapily add you to PM list.
Raptor517 I am glad you enjoyed the Force drain. It is a nasty ability in Sidious' hands.
Darthsidious_1983 Perhaps, you will have to read future updates to see if he is indeed a spy.
darth_nellie Thanks for your feedback. I am glad you have enjoyed the story and my style of writing. Let me know if you would like to be added to the pm list.
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Milteck
Registered:
Jul '06
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Date Posted:
7/6 9:03pm
Subject:
CH 41 part 1
- Date Edited:
7/6 9:56pm (2 edits total)
Edited By:
Milteck
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Would like to thank my Hand Raptor for going through for me. It is much appreciated.
Jedi Temple
Victory was theirs, but the real battle within these walls was about to begin.
The two Jedi Masters Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi walked slowly back down the corridor leading to the Great Hall, knowing what challenge laid in waiting for them at the end that would have to be overcome to keep the Chosen One in the Jedi Order. Padme and the younglings followed in their wake holding hands during these uncertain times. They were either unwilling or too scared to stay by themselves in the ruined library, forcing the Jedi Masters to reluctantly take them. With the enemy destroyed, Anakin and Obi-Wan risked allowing them to follow, though Anakin also felt relieved to have his wife close enough so he could feel her love and support for him – but far enough away that it gave them the freedom of space they would need to clear the air between them and discuss openly his future.
Between them, Obi-Wan actually looked more like the conquering hero - carrying Maul’s double-bladed lightsaber like a trophy and adding the triumph over Maul a second time to his already long resume of achievements. The legend of the Negotiator would only continue to grow from his slaying of another monster, along with his future all but guaranteed. His victory left Obi-Wan feeling confident not just in his own abilities as a Jedi, but that he would be in a powerful position to support Anakin when the time came to defend him before the council.
Anakin always looked the hero, walking tall and proud down the corridor like the Jedi without fear he was expected to be. But inside; Anakin was a nervous wreck who was bottling up so many different emotions and fears that Obi-Wan feared that it wouldn’t take much pressure to send Skywalker over the edge.
If that happened, all might be lost.
Since the conclusion of the battle, Anakin had become very quiet, withdrawn, and gloomy about his future prospects in the Order. He hadn’t spoken a word since they started to make their way back to the Great Hall. It was clear that Anakin was beginning to contemplate his future and what his place would be, if any, in the Jedi Order. All of Anakin’s darkest secrets were now revealed, leaving his fate now in the hands of the Council who would decide if the Chosen One was still entitled to a place among their ranks.
Meanwhile; in addition to his concern for Anakin’s future, Obi-Wan was steadily getting over the adrenaline rush from such an intense battle of Maul and now was left with only the thrill of still being alive. It was difficult at times to believe that it was really over and Obi-Wan half-expected Maul to come lurking back out of the shadows like a monster to again try and destroy him. The Sith Lord had not become one with the Force after his death, but both he and Anakin had checked his corpse repeatedly to make sure he was even dead. But apparently cheating his own death wasn’t among Maul’s bags of tricks and unless he was cloned again, Maul’s stain on the galaxy would be gone forever.
It was a tremendous victory; adding to his mantle of legendary accolades that would probably raise his status to rival Master Windu on the Council. Obi-Wan had always been Anakin’s most vocal supporter and his position on the Council had always given him the outlet to advocate for his apprentice when his conduct crossed the line between good and bad. But this time, Obi-Wan’s voice alone would not be enough to save his former Padawan. Anakin would need the backing of Yoda, Master Windu, and the bulk of the Jedi Order behind him for the council to seriously consider allowing Anakin to stay.
But would they?
That was the question that now plagued both of them and left Obi-Wan with serious concerns if the Jedi Order were really ready for the change that the Chosen was prophesized to bring them.
“Try and relax,” Obi-Wan encouraged him He focused all of his attention now on his former Padawan to help him endure the real test of his character that was to come. Regardless of what happened, Obi-Wan was going to push the limits of his authority and perhaps even risk everything himself to keep Anakin in the Order. He just had no idea how he was going to save him yet.
“Would you if you were in my position?”
“Probably not,” Obi-Wan conceded. “You must try not to think on this until we seek Yoda’s council. If anyone can find a way to through this, it would be him.”
Anakin gave an exasperated sigh. ”It’s all I can think about. I have worked so hard to get to where I am Obi-Wan, and now
that I have it I’m on the verge of losing everything.”
“Not everything,” Obi-Wan pointed out by glancing back toward Padme.
“Still…” Anakin began to protest. “The Council is going to make to me choose between them and her.”
“You don’t know that yet Anakin.”
“Of course I do!” Anakin cried out angrily. “They are going to bring me to the Council and make me choose. Just like they did between you and Siri Tachi.”
“That was different,” Obi-Wan told him. Since the battle with Maul, she had been constantly in his thoughts and there was now a constant sting from the pain of regret of leaving her. Again his free hand was back inside the pouch where he kept the sacred blue emerald that reminded him of her – a gift to her that she had given back to him when she died in his arms.
“How so?” Anakin challenged.
“We were never married Anakin,” Obi-Wan reminded him. “The Council cannot simply ask you to leave Padme. The choice is now
beyond them.”
“What does that mean?” Anakin asked, stopping at the edge of the corridor that led the rest of the way back to the Great Hall. The first of the Lost Twenty busts greeted them and left a bitter taste to both Jedi Masters that Anakin might be joining their ranks soon. It made Obi-Wan wish there was another corridor to get back to the Great Hall, but unfortunately there was only one.
“It means that you have already made the choice Anakin and they cannot force you apart now like they did between me and Siri.”
“They can ask me to divorce her,” Anakin objected.
“They would only do that if they thought that was an option you would accept. Is it?”
“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.
She was able to immediately able to catch on where this was going while her husband was still trying to figure it out for himself. That made it even more delightful for her to be a part of this and help lead Anakin his way through this.
It became a discussion between Padme and Obi-Wan now as he continued, “The Jedi Council will have to make a decision that will either force them to acknowledge Anakin’s marriage as legitimate or uphold the Code and ask him to leave.”
“This really isn’t about Anakin at all is it?” Padme asked, now believing she understood exactly what Obi-Wan was explain.
“Wait a minute; I am the Chosen One here,” Anakin interrupted. “What do you mean this has nothing to do me.”
“My poor pretty Jedi,” Padme purred to him softly as she began to stroke her fingers through his hair. “So powerful in the Force, yet Annie you’re unable to grasp the subtleties of things beyond it.”
“He always has been a slow learner,” Obi-Wan pointed out with a grin.
“So, shoot me,” Anakin vented. “I’d rather space most politicians out of airlocks than deal with them.”
“Present company excluded – of course,” Obi-Wan added, for Padme’s sake. Though clearly Padme was not offended by Anakin’s words and perhaps even felt the same way herself.
“Yoda must have seen this coming from the start,” Padme theorized. “Maybe even Qui-Gon all those years ago when he found Annie on Tatooine and believed him to be the Chosen One.”
“Master Windu as well,” Obi-Wan added. “I believe he now fully supports what Anakin truly represents.”
“Now I am completely lost,” Anakin cried out in frustration. “If this involves me, please include me in on it.”
“You are destined to bring more than just balance the Force Anakin,” Obi-Wan explained to him excitedly. “You are destined
to bring the Jedi Order into balance as well, by abolishing the one thing that has prevented Jedi from eons from achieving their full potential and living fuller lives.”
“This could turn out far better than I anticipated,” Padme accepted with a nod. “These would indeed be exciting times if it were to happen.”
“Sithspawn!” Anakin cursed in frustration. “Will someone please clue me in to what is really going on.”
“The Jedi Code Anakin,” Obi-Wan finally told him. “The Jedi Order has been waiting for thousands of years for someone worthy to challenge the code. It’s fitting that it’s you Anakin who will not only bring balance to the Force as well by abolishing the Jedi Code.”
“Oh…” Anakin realized. The smile of satisfaction that appeared on his face was priceless as he entertained the idea of being the one who would abolish the code. It had always held him back and now the idea that he would be the one who smash through those barriers was vindication that he was right all along. He would become the example that all would strive to follow in the new Jedi Order that was to come.
Now that he realized his part, a cocky smile appeared on his face and said, “That makes sense. Naturally it would be me.”
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Milteck
Registered:
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Date Posted:
7/6 9:13pm
Subject:
CH 41 part 1
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“Whatever you say flyboy.” Padme rolled her eyes from his inflated ego and tried to pull away from him, but Anakin refused to let go and kept her from escaping. It was good to see Anakin begin to loosen up and smile again. It would only make this easier if Anakin was able to be himself and convince the Jedi with as much his image as his status as the Chosen One that now was the time for change.
“But be aware Anakin, this will be by no means easy,” Obi-Wan warned. “This will be a true trial unlike anything that you have ever faced before.”
“I am ready,” Anakin assured him.
They resumed walking back down the corridor, only this time Padme and Anakin walked together holding hands while Obi-Wan flanked him to his left. The younglings resumed following them and heard whispers as they talked excitedly about his victory over Maul and about the Chosen One. None of them fell behind, not wanting to miss whatever was about to happen next or lose their place in line to get the ice cream Obi-Wan had promised them all for being so good.
They walked past bust after bust of the Lost Twenty and it was a grim reminder of what they were really up against. Very few had actually fallen to the dark side, but had been lost because they had disgraced themselves by breaking the Code and were frankly regarded as traitors. Dooku was the last bust they passed and it filled Obi-Wan with the pain of regret that they had not been able to save him. He was a legendary Jedi Master in his own right, who was exclusively trained by Yoda and served with distinction in the Mandalorian Wars – earning a place even on the Council. The fact that he had trained Qui-Gon as his apprentice hit closer to home for Obi-Wan then it did for Anakin, who only knew him as a bitter enemy who took his arm, but Obi-Wan was able to find himself able to forgive him despite all the torture and pain he had put him through.
Yoda was said to have taken Dooku’s fall the hardest and had even gone a secret mission to Vjun to try and save him from the dark side. Dooku was a figure that despite all the turmoil he caused with the Separatist movement and fall to the dark side, was still highly respected by the Jedi Council and by those who knew him best. Perhaps it was due to the fact the likes of Masters Windu, Ki-Adi Mundi, and Yoda saw themselves in him along with how one misstep in their lives would take them down the same dark path. The same could be said in regards to any of the Lost Twenty, but Dooku hit closer to home because he was the last to fall and it was still fresh in their minds. Keeping Anakin’s name from joining that list was important because he didn’t deserve to fall from grace and Obi-Wan feared what might happen to him if he did indeed become the twenty-first Jedi lost.
“I regret killing him,” Anakin admitted. “I could have spared him.”
“He was too dangerous to be left alive.”
Those same words Obi-Wan spoke had been widely accepted by the Republic and the Jedi ranks from Palpatine since Anakin killed Dooku. No one knew that it had actually been an execution ordered directly by Sidious in the guise Palpatine to eliminate his former apprentice or that Dooku had been helpless before Anakin before he took his life. But even if they did, no one would fault Anakin for what he had done and at that point of the war even the Council believed it was a lost cause to ever bring Dooku back into the fold after Yoda’s on attempt Vjun to bring him back.
“I know,” Anakin conceded. “I just wish I would’ve been able to find a way to save him.”
“That’s why they were lost to us Anakin,” Obi-Wan said to him. “They could have all been saved, but their actions made it impossible to do so and why it hurts so much to contemplate each of their tragedies because of the irony of their fall. You will not become one of them Anakin, that much I promise.”
“What makes you sure,” Anakin objected. “This can still end very badly for me.”
“Because you can still be saved, they could not.”
A few moments passed between them in silence, before Obi-Wan said further. “Dooku had become very bitter about the perceived corruption he saw in the Senate and the Jedi Council’s unwillingness to do anything about it. Some believed it was Qui-Gon’s death that sent him over the edge, since the mission he had been sent on was a diplomatic mission to mediate a dispute given to him by the Chancellor and not mandated by the Council. But his fall was ultimately his own doing when he had forsaken whatever good was inside him in order to go on his crusade to save the Republic. He allowed himself to become an agent of evil instead of the savior he envisioned himself to be for a cause that was never his own to begin with. As Yoda has preached to every generation of Jedi for hundreds of years, once Dooku allowed himself to be consumed by the dark side, forever it dominated his destiny until you ended it Anakin by taking his life. You have nothing to feel guilty about.”
“I could have easily become the next Dooku,” Anakin pointed out. “Or perhaps something even worse, had I fallen to the dark side like Sidious wanted me too.”
“But you didn’t.” Obi-Wan then told him, “Even if you had, I would never have stopped trying to save you Anakin.”
Anakin simply nodded in understanding. Even contemplating the idea of trying to strike Anakin down made Obi-Wan uneasy and was unsure if he was ever in that position if he could ever actually do it. He simply loved Anakin too much and it would break his heart to actually have to do it.
“That’s good to know,” Padme told him. “I would hate to see you two really go at it and see Obi-Wan humble my pretty Jedi.”
“Excuse me!” Anakin shot her an agitated glance for her claim, that then proceeded turned into shock of disbelief, “You think that Obi-Wan could actually beat me?”
“You may be the Chosen One, Annie. But Obi-Wan would wipe the floor with you.” Padme answered with a suggestive wink to Obi-Wan that made him blush. “He’s too good.”
“Echuta!” Anakin cursed with disbelief. “There is no way in a Hutt’s gambit that Obi-Wan would ever be able to beat me. Not even if I fought him with one arm tied around my back would he stand a fair chance of beating me.”
He then turned to Obi-Wan and told him boldly, “I know all of your tricks old man…”
“Old!” Obi-Wan interrupted.
Anakin pointed his finger into chest and told him flatly, “You wouldn’t last more than five minutes if we were to square off for real.”
“Don’t be too sure,” Padme objected with conviction. “You didn’t see Obi-Wan when he went up against Maul. He was magnificent.”
Anakin didn’t contest that or bring up the fact that he saved him in the end.
“Just because I’ve trained you Anakin doesn’t mean you know all of my tricks.”
“I know all of your tricks,” Anakin corrected. “And most of the ones you’ve tried to use on me are not that good.”
“They were good enough to put you down on the mat,” Obi-Wan reminded him. “Or have you forgotten our last training session already?”
The giggling younglings embarrassed Anakin to the point where he began to turn red. But to his credit, he didn’t blow up or allow Obi-Wan to goad him into blowing up. Instead, he told him, “I let you win.”
“Whatever,” Obi-Wan nagged him. “You may know all my tricks, but I know all of yours as well Anakin.”
“I am more powerful than you,” Anakin pressed. “I could defeat you easily if I didn’t hold anything back.”
“You think you’re the only one holding back?”
“When this is all over, we are going to go to the arena and settle this.”
“If we must,” Obi-Wan told him confidently.
“You won’t last five minutes,” Anakin declared. He then let go of Padme’s hand and got directly in front of Obi-Wan’s path, blocking him. He crowded him and outstretched the palm of his close enough to his face so he could see all five
figures. “Five minutes and your toast!” he vowed. “I’d even be willing to wager on it.”
“Um, guys…” Padme interrupted. Her intention of trying to change the subject had back fired and she had no intention of wanting to see her husband and Obi-Wan square off for real.
“As you wish.” Obi-Wan accepted. “Terms?”
“If I win, you shave off your beard,” Anakin demanded.
“And if I win, you grow one and keep it.”
“Now I must really object.” Padme got between them and told them both adamantly. “No way is Annie growing a beard.”
“I guess I had better win then, angel.”
“He may look better that way,” Obi-Wan pushed, unable to contain the broad smile from his face. “Every Jedi Master is expected to grow one at some point in their life and it might even show the council he’s come of age.”
“You might even like it,” Anakin teased her. He was beginning to catch on that Obi-Wan was really only playing with him and wanted to now rile up Padme in the same way she had done to him. He was more than happy to play with him.
She began to get red in the face and told him grimly, “Unless your goal is to never sleep with me again, I suggest you wager on something else.”
“I could ask him to shave his head,” Obi-Wan suggested with a grin.
“No!” Padme cried out. “Leave his hair and his entire head, for that matter, alone entirely. I like it just as it is.”
Anakin pretended to feign disappointment and told Obi-Wan, “Well, I guess am going to have to decline our duel.”
“It’s for the best,” Obi-Wan agreed.
“Jedi!” Padme pouted and pushed her away from them, moving down the rest of the way down the corridor.
Anakin waited until she was out of ear shot and whispered to Obi-Wan, “You’re lucky she stopped me, otherwise I would have whooped your…”
Obi-Wan interrupted him with laughter. “Only in your dreams, my former Padawan.”
“One of these days…” Anakin vowed.
“You can dream…,” Obi-Wan reiterated and patted him on the shoulder. “You can dream.”
Before Anakin could say anything further, Obi-Wan patted his shoulder and they both shared a laugh at the very idea of fighting one another.
It was inconceivable.
They hurried to catch up with Padme, who wasn’t in the mood to talk with either of them until they let her in on the joke they just played on her. Even then, she didn’t find it very funny and made them both vow they would never go through with it. They made piece, then with the younglings in tow they headed the rest of the way down the corridor where Grandmaster Yoda and Master Windu awaited them.
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Milteck
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Jul '06
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Date Posted:
7/6 9:18pm
Subject:
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megacrafter2
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Dec '07
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Date Posted:
7/6 9:51pm
Subject:
RE: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious and brought balance to Fo
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The interaction between obi-won, Anikan and padame was really well done. it seemed to match their personallitys really well, plus it was really funny. I lookforward to the next part/chapter
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