Saga - PT Star Wars Episode II: A Galaxy Divided (Prequel AU)

Chapter 26: Nichtfall

Senator Kombus oversaw the battle in the distance. The Bakuran Socialist League was holding ground. The Republic forces were having a hard time breaking through the defense lines. A Bakuran approached the senator. "Senator Kombus, Admiral Tarkin wants to speak."

Kombus walked into the control center. A hologram of Tarkin appeared. "Senator Kombus, I am giving you one last chance of a formal surrender. Your insurrection has failed and is crumbling before you." Kombus gritted his teeth. "Surrender denied, Admiral. Palpatine will need to wipe out every Bakuran on the planet before I give up." Tarkin was stoic, but remained silent for a brief moment. Tarkin then nodded. "Prepare for your Cloning Rights Union to end."

Firebird Squadron moved into position, approaching the stronghold of Nichtfali. The gun emplacement began firing. Arcadia spoke to her team through the transmission. "Firebird! Aim all missiles on the gun emplacements. Save cannon power for the gate." As Nichtfali's armored gate was sealed, the entrance to the city was blocked off from Republic troops. Firebird Squadron began unloading their missiles into the emplacements. One Firebird Squadron member, Lieutenant Falis Biom, a former scoundrel who joined the Republic Navy two years into the war, was having trouble launching his missiles. "Dammit! Commader Speedstarr, I can't fire! My launchers jammed." "Pull back, Lieutenant!" Biom still continued piloting his TIE toward an emplacement. "Lieutenant, I order you to fall back, immediately!" "With all due respect, Commander, I came to play my part." Arcadia's frustration grew. "Lieutenant!" "Thank you, Commander. It was an honor to serve with you and the Firebirds." Before Arcadia could think of a response, she watched as Biom's TIE fighter crashed into an emplacement, a fiery blaze emitting from the gun tower. "Blasted! Firebird, launch all cannons at the gate!" Arcadia and her team all began firing red bursts at the Nichtfali gate, a massive explosion tearing through the wall. "We're clear!" Arcadia noticed several mercenary Union tanks coming to reinforce the now destroyed gate. She flew her TIE close to the ground and charged the tanks. She then unloaded several missiles at them, causing the four tank convoy to rapidly explode into a chain reaction. She smiled. "Admiral Tarkin, this is Commander Speedstarr. Begin landing your troops."

The Alderaanian ships landed, as several Alderaanian soldiers and Obi-Wan noticed a crashed Republic transport. Obi-Wan ran to see Lok, Qia, and Anakin. Lok was surprised. "I see you made some new friends, Master Kenobi." Obi-Wan stroked his beard, smiling. "I was always good at making a first impression." Anakin raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, if you call destroying the entire Union's industrial economy hospitality." Obi-Wan grew defensive. "Well, the Battle of Vullan was where you broke into the quarters and captured thirteen Union scientists." Anakin snickered. "With no casualties though."
One of the twelve Jedi with Lok, Jedi Master Jarob Bachaus, one of the oldest Jedi in the order, with a long white beard, and silver robes approached Obi-Wan. "Obi-Wan! I haven't seen you since that mission on Kallak five months ago!" Obi-Wan embraced the old Jedi. "Jarob, so glad to see you, friend!" Anakin stepped in. "Uhh, did I miss something?" Obi-Wan began to speak. "Anakin, this is Jarob Bachaus. He was Yoda's former apprentice before me and was my mentor for lightsaber combat as as learner. He also was assigned by Yoda to take me on missions. Basically, he was like a second master to me." Anakin smiled at the older man. He shook his hand. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Anakin.." "Ahh yes," Jarob interrupted. "Skywalker. I have heard a lot about you. Seeing what you did back at the downed ship, I can see Obi-Wan is training you well." Anakin smiled. "Thank you, Master." Qia Koolo was scouting the perimeter for a Bakuran counter-attack when he looked up to see dozens of Republic troops landing. "Master Dantos! The final battle has begun." Lok nodded. "Everybody! We are going to end this, once and for all!"

 

Chapter 27: The Union's Last Stand

As dozens of Republic transports landed in the city, hundreds of stormtroopers began charging. Debris and explosions ripped up the streets. Stormtroopers were hiding behind destroyed mercenary tanks while Bakuran snipers were taking shots at them. Above the carnage, a transport carrying the 13 Jedi and Alderaanians, observed the carnage overhead. They landed several blocks near the Union HQ where Kombus was hiding. Jedi Masters Lok Dantos and Qia Koolo jumped from the transport and cut down several Bakurans. Anakin and Obi-Wan, along with the nine other Jedi Knights, joined them. Jarob Bachaus ignited a yellow saber, and used the Force to slam several Bakuran militiamen into a wall. Anakin jumped behind two Bakurans, slicing one across the spine and the other's neck, decapitating it. Obi-Wan grabbed a Bakuran by the neck, using the Force to augment his strength, to lift up Bakuran and slam him head first into the street. Another gunmen, a Bakuran with an eye-patch and a blue jumpsuit, charged Obi-Wan, who cut through the Bakuran's torso, which split into two. As the Jedi Knights battled there way through the Bakurans, Anakin noticed a shadowy figure enter one of the buildings. A clone?, he thought. He wasn't sure but he had to find out. Lok began screaming over the skirmish. "Kenobi! Bachaus! Get into the HQ with the Guardsmen. Arrest Senator Kombus. Qia, me, and the rest of us will find those clones." Obi-Wan nodded. He looked at Jarob who used his yellow saber to slice a short bearded Bakuran on the neck. "Just like old times, ey, Master?" Jarob laughed. "Except this time, you're gonna lead the Alderaanians, General." He winked at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan grinned. "Troops! We are headed to the Union HQ, let's move!"

The remaining Jedi were running to through the streets to locate any possible sign of the remaining clone slaves. Anakin was still curious about the shadowy figure he saw. "Master Dantos, I think I saw a shadowy figure enter that building there!" Anakin pointed to a silver, tower-like structure. "Skywalker, I appreciate your observation, but we have no time to look for projections." Anakin frowned. He knew he'd be in trouble if he just left the group, but he had to know for sure. He sensed something unusal. Something watching him from that tower. Anakin sighed and took off. Lok Dantos turned around. "Anakin! Get back here now! SKYWALKER!" But it was too late. Anakin was running towards the structure. Lok frowned, gritting his teeth in frustration. He looked at one of the Jedi, a young man with blond, slickly cut, and spiked hair and green eyes named Damen Epsom. "Follow him."

 

Chapter 28: In The Dragon's Den

Anakin heard footsteps behind him. He sensed a presence. "Master Dantos sent you to follow me, huh?" Damen Epsom sighed. "You shouldn't have left the group, Anakin. Master Dantos is going to be angry when we get back." Anakin looked down. He knew the punishment could be severe, especially after Lok threatened him earlier. "I know.." Anakin moved into the corridor. The lights were mostly off beyond the blinks of several operational control panels. "Looks empty," Anakin stated. Damen was confused. "Why are we even here?" Anakin turned. "I saw something...it's luring me here. I have to know..." Anakin and Damen walked down the corridor towards an elevator. As they walked in, they pressed a button to the highest point. "It's above us. Way above us." The elevator moved up and Anakin looked at the younger Jedi. Damen was roughly 18, the same age he was when he joined the Order. "Stay close," Anakin said. "It could be a clone, so keep your weapon on hold too." Damen nodded. Once the elevator reached the top level, Anakin and Damen walked into the room. It was more of a chamber than a room. Darkly lit, Anakin assumed this was a torture chamber the Union used when interrogating Republic spies during the war. He sensed Damen's fear. Anakin sensed his own. He heard a voice. In his head, a trick? No. A premonition? Maybe. But it spoke to him. "I feel your fear." The voice was deep. Breathing heavily. Anakin's eyes widened. Damen was ready to speak. "Anak..." A red blade pierced through the back of Damen's head, out his mouth. Anakin turned to see Damen hit the ground. A shadow appeared, the red lightsaber glow being the only light where Anakin could make out the shadow's features. He saw a silver mask, being wrapped around in a black cloak. Anakin was shocked. "Vindis!" Anakin ignited his blue lightsaber. Darth Vindis stepped from the shadows. "Well it's a shame, I'll admit. I was hoping Kenobi or Dantos would take the bait. Not some low level apprentice." He stepped over Damen's body, walking towards Anakin. Anakin was angry. "You will pay for what you've done." Darth Vindis laughed. "Skywalker...you have no idea how long I've waited for this moment. But this time there will be no Kenobi to save you."

Anakin charged at Darth Vindis who blocked his saber attack. "Foolish. Always thinking with your emotions still." The Sith Lord continued to taunt the young Jedi, but this time Anakin wasn't a low level trainee. He was a Jedi Knight. Darth Vindis lunged towards Anakin, swinging his saber like an downward axe on Anakin's head. Anakin used both hands, deflecting the downward swoop over his head. Anakin then did something that surprised Vindis. While in a saber lock, Anakin twisted his arms to push Vindis's blade towards him. Darth Vindis immediately released from the lock and took a step back. Skywalker was much stronger than he anticipated. "I see you learned much since our last duel." Anakin faced many opponents during the war to gain the experience he did. Two years ago, Anakin participated in a Dark Jedi crisis in the Outer Rim. Also, one of Obi-Wan and Anakin's first missions was to track an defecting Jedi who planned to support the Union. Anakin stepped forward. "You'll find I'm full of surprises." Vindis felt Anakin's hate. He didn't realize though that he doomed himself by trapping the dragon in his den.

 

Chapter 29: Kombus's Last Stand

The Union HQ doors exploded as Alderaanian guardsmen stormed the base. Bakuran militia began firing as both sides were taking casualties. Jarob and Obi-Wan stormed through, slicing down militia. One Bakuran charged Obi-Wan with a battle axe, but Obi-Wan used the Force to freeze the Bakuran in place. Jarob's yellow blade pierced from behind, the Bakuran's chest impaled. Obi-Wan then turned around to cut down a Bakuran with an upward slash who was planning to tackle him. Several Alderaanian soldiers broke into the Socialist League's planning room. Several unarmed government officials raised their hands up. "You're all under arrest!" The Alderaanian Guard pinned them against the table. As resistance was cleared in the main hall, Senator Kombus'knew his time was limited, but there was a trap. A Bakuran ran into his office. "Sir, the Jedi have broken through! What do we do!?" Kombus clenched his fist, he was nervous. "Detonate the explosives.." Obi-Wan and Jarob were looking for any stragglers when an explosion ripped through the hall. Several Alderaanians went flying, as the fiery blaze consumed the entrance and towards the pair of Jedi. Jarob thought fast. "Obi-Wan!!" He used the Force to push Obi-Wan out of harm's way, then created an Force energy shield to block the fire, but it was too late. Obi-Wan barely had time to react before he saw his friend consumed by the fires, disappearing into the red blaze. "NO!" Obi-Wan was in shock. Before he had time to comprehend what happened, a young Alderaanian Guardsman approached. "Sir..." He saw the young soldier look at the bodies of several dead Alderaanian soldiers. "Kombus is in the office.." Obi-Wan was breathing heavily, still trying to comprehend what had happened. He nodded. "Thank you..." "Antilles, sir. Raymus Antilles." Obi-Wan got up. "Let's move then."

Kombus had two Bakuran gunmen at the entrance of the office, when Obi-Wan stormed in. One gunmen let out several shots before Obi-Wan used the Force to push the Bakuran into a wall, killing him on impact. The second Bakuran was decapitated by Obi-Wan's blue lightsaber. Kombus's eyes widened. He had never seen a Jedi in action while as action senator in the Republic. He was stuttering. "I..s-surrender!" Obi-Wan was angry. He knew Kombus had ordered the cowardly attack that killed Jarob and several of King Organa's men. Raymus Antilles and several Guardsmen ran into office, weapons aimed on Kombus. Obi-Wan was stern. "Senator Kombus, you are under arrest by the law of the Galactic Republic."

 

Chapter 30: Lok Saves The Clones

At the Nichtfali Clone Concentration Barracks, Lok, Qia, and seven other Jedi raided the camp. A Bakurran gunman tossed a thermal detonator at Lok Dantoss. The Jedi Master immediately jumped out of the way before detonation, punched the Bakurran in the rib-cage, before making a fatal yet light slash on the gunman's stomach area. Qia saw a watch tower with a Bakurran sniper aimed at him. He sensed the shot was about to fire. When the shot came, Qia used his blue lightsaber to deflect the shot, the blast reflecting back at the sniper, who fell off the watch tower onto the ground below.

With Bakurrans either retreating or surrendering, each of the Jedi ran towards the barracks, cutting off the locks. Several different species of clones walked out of the barracks. They were dirty, wearing different colored uniforms depending on their species, and were thanking the Jedi. A bald-headed human clone, with pale skin and orange eyes, a side effect of cloning mutation, grabbed Lok Dantos's hand, shaking it. "Thank you, sir! Thank you!" Lok smiled and put his hand on the clone's shoulder. "You're free now." Lok looked to the sky to see more Republic transports landing. The stormtroopers were mopping up resistance and escorting Union prisoners to ships. The Clone Wars was all but over.

Obi-Wan and several Alderaanians exited the Union HQ with Senator Kombus and his representatives. Obi-Wan looked to Raymus. "Escort them to the Republic outpost several clicks west." "Yes, General."

Obi-Wan pulled out his comlink. "Master Dantos, I captured Kombus. The Union has surrendered. Jarob...didn't make it." Obi-Wan closed his eyes, trying to hold back his tears. There was a part of him that wanted to kill Kombus. He thought of executing the Cloning Rights Union leader, but knew better. He knew he was expected to remain calm as a Jedi. It's what Yoda and Jarob trained him to be. Lok Dantos's voice came through the comlink. "I..see." There was momentary silence. "I'm sorry to hear that, Obi-Wan." Obi-Wan felt a tear roll from his eye. "Me too..." Obi-Wan knew he had to remain focus. The Clone Wars weren't over yet. Lok Dantos began speaking of the the current situation. "Republic troops are mopping up the remnants of militia, and we rescued the clones." Obi-Wan was relieved the clones were ok. At least there was some good news. "Good. How is Anakin?" More silence. He heard Lok's voice become deeper. "Your apprentice...disobeyed my orders and ran into the Union Interrogation Tower two clicks east from your location.." Obi-Wan put his hand on his hand in frustration. "That..sounds like Anakin.." "I sent Damen to follow him. Best to check up on them..." Obi-Wan felt the awkwardness. He knew Lok was angry at Anakin. "I agree," Obi-Wan said with a passive tone, hoping Lok wouldn't mention any punishment for Anakin. He then turned off his comlink and began running towards the tower.

 

Chapter 31: Anakin Skywalker Vs. Darth Vindis

In the Union Interrogation Tower, Darth Vindis and Anakin Skywalker brutally fought to the death. Anakin swung to the right of Vindis's head but Vindis blocked it. He began laughing. "Good. I can feel you slipping to the darkness. Kill me." Anakin gritted his teeth. He remembered Obi-Wan's lessons and tried to compose himself. "I won't," Anakin said. Darth Vindis had an idea. "Really? Not even after I say I'm the one who killed your family?" Vindis saw Anakin's eyes widen, the boy's anger began swelling. Anakin then heard the same voice in his head. A heavy, deep, breathing voice. "Kill him, Anakin. Justice must be served."

Anakin charged Vindis, using all his anger against the Sith Lord. He whipped his blue saber at Vindis's torso, but to no avail. Darth Vindis then kicked Anakin in the stomach, using Anakin's brief recovery to swing the red saber at Anakin's arm. Anakin blocked the attack, swinging his saber at Vindis with several strikes of fury. Anakin realized Vindis was having a hard time trying to deflect his attacks. Darth Vindis tried to strike at Anakin's neck, but Anakin used his saber to block the strike. Anakin then used the Force to push Vindis back. Vindis began to worry. He felt Anakin's mind beginning to change. It was dark, unstable, but he was still dangerous. Vindis ran towards Anakin but Anakin grabbed Vindis's throat with his left hand, causing Vindis to drop his saber. He began squeezing, tightening his grip on the Sith Lord's neck. "Stop..*ack*...please!" He felt Anakin start to realize what he was doing, and the grip lightened. Vindis smiled. He now had an advantage.

Darth Vindis, thinking quickly, used the Force to grab his lightsaber and ignited it. He struck down at Anakin's leg, severing the leg completely.

Anakin fell to the ground, screaming in pain. "AAAHHHH!!!!!" He grabbed his leg, the cauterized slice burning. Darth Vindis laughed. "Very good, Skywalker. You are much more worthy than the last time we met." Anakin looked desperately to the side. He noticed his lightsaber was near. Darth Vindis began slowly walking towards Anakin, his crimson blade ready to kill him. "I should keep you alive.." Darth Vindis then thought of being replaced. "..but I can make an exception." As he walked towards Anakin, raising his blade at the Jedi Knight, Anakin thought fast. He reached out with his right hand, using the Force to grab his lightsaber. He ignited the blue blade, and threw it at the Sith Lord. The blue blade whirled into Vindis's neck, as the Sith Lord's head rolled off his shoulders. Anakin was sweating as the body of Darth Vindis collapsed to the ground.

Anakin heard the elevator open to see Obi-Wan. He saw Obi-Wan's face in shock. His face was red and flushed. He saw Obi-Wan look at Damen's body, then at Vindis's. Obi-Wan then looked at Anakin's severed leg. "Anakin!" Obi-Wan ran to him and put his head on his knee. "Hang on, Anakin! Please!" Anakin felt light-headed. He was passing out. The faint voice of Obi-Wan trailed off and Anakin slipped into darkness.

 

Chapter 32: Awakening

Anakin saw nothing but darkness and light. And he was stuck in the middle. Where am I?, he thought. Out in the darkness, he saw the shadow that was talking to him. "Hello, Anakin." "Who are you?" The shadow was breathing heavy, it's voice echoing deeply. "I am you." Anakin blinked, thinking the apparition would disappear. "I don't know..." "Sure you do," the figure replied. "You have failed your family, Anakin. I am the guilt. I am your suffering." Anakin was angry. "Go away!!" But the figure moved closer. "I'm the invader of your mind, Anakin." The figure's tone became sinister. "I am always with you!"

Anakin's eyes snapped open. He was sweating and breathing heavily. He saw Obi-Wan, Lok, Arcadia, and Qia all by his side. He looked to see his left leg had been replaced by a mechanical prosthetic. "Where..am I?" Obi-Wan and Arcadia immediately shot up and ran to Anakin's bedside. "Anakin!" Obi-Wan grabbed his shoulder. Arcadia grabbed his hand. Anakin smiled at them both. Obi-Wan turned to Lok and Qia. "We will watch over him." The two Jedi nodded and left the room. Arcadia brushed his hair. "You're in the Republic Medical Facility back on Coruscant. You were gravely injured and went into shock." Anakin was staring at his new artificial leg. Obi-Wan tried to comfort him. "We won, Anakin. The war is finally over. The president has just declared The Clone Wars end a couple hours ago..and you killed the Sith." Anakin gave a soft smile, he felt relief. Arcadia kissed his forehead. "The doctor said you can leave anytime you want." Anakin put his hand on her cheek and kissed her. "How about now?" All three of them laughed.

Chapter 33: Palpatine's Schemes

Palpatine was in his office, looking out the window. He was disappointed but excited at the same time. The war was finally over. His plan to bring ruin to the Republic was near fruition. Soon, he would gain enough power to take control of the galaxy. Still, he was upset to find out Darth Vindis had been killed on Bakura. Shame, he thought, I still had use for him. On the other hand, he was interested that Anakin had been the one to kill his apprentice. He sensed Skywalker's dark side, and he wasn't done pushing the young Jedi over the edge. Still, there was work to be done. With the Clone Wars over, he knew that there would be civil unrest. Palpatine had his army though. His new Republic military would be able to crush any opposition to his future rule.

Admiral Tarkin had walked into his office. "Sir." Palpatine turned his chair around. "What is it, Admiral?" Tarkin was carrying a bag and put it on his desk. Palpatine's eyebrow raised. He unwrapped the bag to find a glowing green crystal. Tarkin continued. "This is the source of the Femorran's plasma generator. A Kyber Crystal. They used this to make the superweapon." Palpatine was surprised. "How did you get this?" "I sent a scout team to explore The Ominous's wreckage." Palpatine smiled. He could somehow use this to create his own weapon when he established his regime. To destroy anyone who will resist his new empire. "Very good, Admiral. Very good, indeed. By the way, where's Kombus?" "We locked him up in the Republic Military Prison." Palpatine nodded. "You realize he is too dangerous to be left alive, Admiral. Order a fire squad to execute him, immediately." Tarkin's eyebrow raised. "Is that legal, sir?" "The citizens want retribution, Admiral. This war has cost countless lives. We can blame it on local anarchists." "It will be done, sir."

Chapter 34: The Proposal

On Alderaan, Bail and Obi-Wan walked through the halls of the palace. "I'm sorry to hear about your friend, Obi-Wan." Obi-Wan sighed. "I am too, but thank you. We couldn't have won this war without your brave men and women." Bail smiled. "What's next for the Republic and the Jedi?" Obi-Wan wasn't sure. "Well, we have a lot of rebuilding to do. This war has strained the Republic. I hope President Palpatine can get everything on track." Bail nodded. "Me too, friend. Me too."

On Yavin IV, Lok and Yoda were discussing the future of the galaxy in the Jedi Temple's conference room. "Skywalker has killed the leader of the Sith cult." Yoda nodded. "Yes. But used his anger, he did. Slipped to the dark side, he could've." Lok was suspicious. "Personally, I never trusted him. I always thought Obi-Wan was a fool to take such an arrogant troublemaker as an apprentice." Yoda was amused. "But destroyed the Sith, Skywalker did, no? Save the galaxy from darkness. Is that not what the Skywalker prophecy said?" Lok sighed. "I suppose. Still, I don't trust he's ready to be a full accepted member of the Order. Not to mention his friendship with Palpatine." Yoda agreed. "Palpatine has been sending military forces to occupy planets during reconstruction." Lok shook his head. "So he says.." Yoda looked at the ground. "Watch close, we must. We lost a lot in this war. The Jedi..are at risk of being destroyed."

Anakin and Arcadia watched the sunset from a lookout tower on Alderaan. "I resigned from the navy this morning," Arcadia said. "I've been thinking of becoming an advisor to Bail's Alderaanian Guard." Anakin looked at her. "Are you sure that's what you want?" Arcadia was still looking at the sun. "Five years of war is enough for me, Anakin. What about you?" Anakin looked down. He didn't want to admit to her that he still wanted to be a Jedi. His look gave it away. Arcadia smiled. "I know. The Jedi Order means a lot to you." Anakin was relieved to hear that but he also wanted more. He grabbed Arcadia's hands. "Arcadia...will you marry me?" Arcadia's eyes widened. "Yes, of course!" The two immediately kissed as the sun began to set. With the Union disbanded and The Clone Wars over, the galaxy was at peace for now but the storm would soon grow. These were the last days of the Galactic Republic. The last days of Anakin Skywalker...

THE END