“Thundering Force”

Chapter Twenty-Four: “The Coming of the Storms: Part Three: A Cold Wind.”

By Paul Cousins.

Copyright Disclaimer: All copyrighted places, characters, items, and events, within the story, are held by their current owners. No profit is being made on this work of fiction.

(_)

Author's Forward: There is some mild language stated at the end of this chapter. Though, I felt it appropriate for the mood of the ending of this chapter. You will likely understand when you finish reading this chapter.

(_)

At seven hundred fifteen on the morning after Chancellor Palpatine has assigned Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker to be a part of the Jedi High Council Anakin Skywalker was not doing great. He had a lot on his mind.

Anakin has spent the night with Padme, in her apartment. While Anakin and Padme slept in Padme's bedroom, Ahsoka slept in a guest bedroom.

Anakin began his morning by waking up before Padme and Ahsoka had awoke. Anakin did not feel like talking to them. So, he left them to sleep.

Anakin got out of bed without waking Padme.

There was enough daylight coming in gaps in the curtains of the bedroom windows to see with.

Anakin saw on a wall clock in Padme's bedroom that it was seven hundred and sixteen minutes.

Anakin knew the morning Jedi High Council meeting would begin at nine hundred that morning. He has plenty of time to finish his task and attend the meeting.

Anakin quietly got dressed.

Once Anakin was dress, he was able to open the hallway door to Padme's bedroom without a problem. He quietly made his way to the elevator.

The elevator took him to the parking level, where he found his blue speeder vehicle. Once he was inside his speeder, he headed back to the Jedi Temple.

Anakin found it to be a sunny, warm day.

After Anakin reached Jedi Temple, he decided that in case there was trouble, he would park his speeder in the visitor's parking section of the western plaza of the Jedi Temple. This way he could leave on his speeder without anyone, except the Jedi guards at the western entrance being the wise.

Since Anakin was a Jedi Knight. He knew the Jedi Guards would not question why he was returning the Jedi Temple so early in the morning.

Anakin parked his speeder, turned off the engine, and he got out of his vehicle. Anakin headed for the western entrance to the Jedi Temple.

Also, Anakin had gotten into the habit of leaving his mental defenses up, shielding his thoughts and emotions, whenever he was not in Padme's apartment. He could not risk anyone else learning that he was married to Padme, and that Padme was pregnant with their child.

Due to it being after sunrise, the Jedi Guards at the western entrance did not say anything, as Anakin walked passed them and into the Jedi Temple.

Anakin when to his quarters to get cleaned up and change his clothing to fresh clothing. His clothing being some of his more formal clothing, for his meeting with the Jedi Council. This was a gray button up short sleeve shirt, dark brown pants, black belt, black boots, and a nice brown robe he had. He left his brown robe open in the front.

Also, Anakin decided to take his lightsaber with him in the holster on the left side of his belt.

Once Anakin was done, he headed to the mess hall, where he ate some breakfast.

Soon Anakin reached the mess hall, and he got a tray with a plate for food, a glass of juice, some utensils, and a small folded cloth.

Anakin found an empty part of a long table, where he could sit down and think in peace.

On a wall clock in the mess hall of the Jedi Temple, Anakin saw that it was eight hundred twenty. He has forty minutes to finish his breakfast and make it to the Jedi High Council chamber.

Anakin felt he has plenty of time.

Also, Anakin noticed that someone he knew had not shown up for breakfast. Anakin had an idea where this person was.

As he ate breakfast, Anakin began to form a plan in his mind was to how he would get out of the mess he found himself in. Where he was caught between the machinations of the Jedi Council and the Supreme Chancellor

Those in the mess hall left Anakin along to his thoughts. By the time Anakin was finished with his meal, he had a plan in mind, which he believed would work.

During this time, Anakin also realized a few other points of note on the situation he was in, which had been so far overlooked.

Anakin set his tray and items where they were suppose to go. Then, he left the mess hall.

From the wall clock in the mess hall, Anakin found he was still running early. He walked to the main hallways on the southwestern corner by where the elevators to the High Council Tower were.

Anakin took the elevator, but not to the tower. Instead, he headed to the same the same level as Obiwan's quarters.

When Anakin exited onto the level, he walked a little from the elevators.

Unlike other levels, where the elevators let out onto an upper level with step leading down to other parts of the hallway, the surfaced was on level on that area of the hallway.

The hallways were well illuminated from the sunlight coming from the outside windows of the Jedi Temple.

Anakin knew Obiwan sometimes skipped breakfast and Obiwan directly headed for the high council meeting. Since Anakin did not see Obiwan in the mess hall, he guessed he would run into Obiwan at this point in the Jedi Temple.

While Anakin could use the force to sense his teacher, he respected his friend's privacy.

At the time in the morning, there were not many people in the hallway Anakin was inside of. Save a few of the council members talking with each other. Though, none whom were close to Anakin, and all of whom avoided Anakin for various reasons.

(_)

After Anakin stood in the hallway for a few minutes, while he looked around, Anakin spotted Obiwan. Obiwan was wearing his usual clothing, as he calmly walked in the direction towards Anakin.

Obiwan was wearing a white long sleeve shirt, white pants, black belt, black boots, and a brown robe over his clothing. The robe was left open. His lightsaber was holstered on the left side of his belt.

Anakin headed over towards Obiwan.

As Anakin approached Obiwan, Obiwan noticed Anakin and he came to a stop near the windows of the hallway. The windows were to Obiwan's right side.

A few seconds later, Anakin came to a stop in front of Obiwan.

Obiwan said, “Good morning, Anakin.”

Anakin commented, “Good morning, Obiwan. I need to talk to you...” He continued in a softer tone of voice, “Quietly...”

Obiwan replied, “Alright.” Then, Obiwan noticed something at Anakin's left waist. Obiwan looked up at Anakin's face. Obiwan questioned, “So you brought your lightsaber with you?”

Anakin responded, “I know I am pushing my luck. But, after everything that has happened, I believe I need to keep my lightsaber at my side.”

Obiwan said, “I understand.” Obiwan thought, 'In his situation, I would have my lightsaber with me at all times.'

Anakin replied, “Thank you.”

Obiwan stated, “Now, let use talk over here.”

Obiwan turned and he walked over to the nearby windows, away from the other members of the Jedi Order, save for Anakin, whom followed Obiwan.

When Obiwan and Anakin came to a stop by the windows, they face each other, with them being less than a meter apart.

Obiwan quietly asked, “What is this about?”

Anakin softly said, “We both know my appointment on the council will not last long. The arrogance of many other members of the council will not tolerate the Chancellor's edict on me being there for much longer.”

Obiwan calmly whispered, “Anakin, you could get in trouble for such language against the council...”

Anakin softly interrupted, “I am not finished. This is important. What the council members do not realize is that this is all an elaborate trap set by the Chancellor. The Chancellor views that we have two options, neither are good for the Order, nor myself.”

“If the council does not remove me, the Chancellor will have me present his orders within the council. If those orders are not followed, the Chancellor will declare the Jedi Order is disobeying order from the Senate. If the council does remove me, the Chancellor will declare that Jedi Council has countermanded a direct order from the Senate. Either way, the Chancellor will use this excuse to tighten his power over both the Senate and the Jedi Order.”

“Given this is a time of war, either act by the council would allow him to possibly accuse the council of sedition. If not outright treason.”

Obiwan said, with concern in this tone of voice, “I did not realize all this.”

Anakin quietly stated, “Now, I cannot do much by myself. The council ordered me to spy on the Chancellor. In response, the Chancellor ordered me to be his voice within the council. I am caught in the middle. No matter what I do, my actions would be considered treason to the Jedi Order, or the Republic. Should this go on for much longer, it will blow up in some way. With me being the one to blame.”

Obiwan began, “Anakin, we would not...”

Anakin softly spoke up, “After Ahsoka, I realized all of you would. Which means that the only way to both save the Jedi Order, and myself, is for me to remove myself from the equation.”

Obiwan asked, “What are you saying?”

Anakin whispered, “I have to die in a way that looks like an accident. Or, more aptly fake my death. Any other way will lead to trouble for both the Order and myself. A speeder wreck into one of the city canyons should do the trick. We can use a corpse that looks like me. I know how to hide my force presence, to prevent anyone else from within the Order realizing that I am still alive. So, this should work.”

Obiwan understood the logic of what Anakin was saying. Obiwan responded, “I guess so. But, your absence would be a loss in the war effort. Especially with Padme having taken an extended leave.”

Anakin pointed out, “It is better than being labeled a traitor. That would be an embarrassment for myself, my friends. Including you. Along with the Order. And the Republic.”

Obiwan sadly agreed, “True.” Then, Obiwan realized, as he asked, “Though, won't the Chancellor just make another appointment for to council?”

Anakin answered, “No. There is no one else he can appoint with the political background to make this work for him. It is known I am his friend. Though, not a master. I am a Jedi Knight. I am a Hero of the Republic. The hero without fear.”

Obiwan said, “Those are good points.”

Anakin commented, “The Chancellor has no real connection to anyone else in the Order. So, no one else in the Order would work as his representative. Also, the council would make short work of any bureaucrat he would send through use of mind tricks.”

Obiwan agreed, “That is true.” Obiwan realized something, as he asked, “What if we had you sent back to the battlefield? We could state you are needed on the front to fight this war. I know it is not a good option, but this might be the only workable choice we have.”

Anakin thought, 'With everything else going on, I am not going to let you send me to the battlefield as a way to solve your problems. Beside, that would not work.'

Anakin said, “The Chancellor would see that as the same as removing me from the Council. Still, whatever happens, Padme and Ahsoka will be informed of what is going on, beforehand.”

Anakin thought, 'I will have Padme and Ahsoka secretly slip away to meet me in a few months. If this plan works, this would solve a lot of problems for both Padme and myself. And having Ahsoka along would be fine. She is practically a daughter to both of us. Though, I do not know about the droids. R2 can be trusted. But, C3-PO can sometimes not keep his mouth shut when he needs to. Perhaps I will give my droids to Obiwan. They seem to be okay with him.'

'Right now, the droids should be running errands for me. Once a month I send them to off to pay some credits to a few people I owe for items I had brought from them and repair services I have used from them. This includes a few restaurants I go to, whom run a tab for me. The bills are not much. I can afford them on the monthly stipend the Jedi Order gives me.'

'The locations are spread out over the surrounding districts and levels. This takes takes them about a day and a half. They left yesterday morning and they should return by this afternoon. After lunch, I will check to see if they have returned to my quarters.'

Obiwan asked, “I agree. You can trust them to keep quiet. Still, where would you go?”

Anakin answered, “Anyway but here, Though, I would not be joining any of our enemies.”

Obiwan said, “Of course. I trust you would not do so.”

Anakin replied, “Thank you.”

Obiwan inquired, “How did you become so savvy concerning politics?”

Anakin answered, “I spent six years living with Padme. I attended some of the lessons Padme gave to Ahsoka. While those lessons were not directly about politics, there was much history covered on various events. I learned a lot from listening.”

Obiwan complimented, “This also explains your manners. You have become a very mature, well mannered man.”

Anakin happily responded, “Thank you. Even so, I am no longer on the battlefield I was trained to fight. I cannot use a lightsaber in this situation. I am in a battle caught between my friends and my leaders. I see no other option than what I am proposing.”

Obiwan stated, “Yes. Your concerns have merit. And so does your plan. Let us go to the council chamber. Both Master Yoda and Master Windu prefer to come in early to the council chamber. Let us see if they are already up there. If so, I will speak to them alone. I will let you know what we think.”

Anakin replied, “That will be fine.”

Both men turned and they head for an elevator that would take them to the Jedi Council Chambers.

As they walked, Anakin inquired, “Also, I was wondering. I believe you mentioned that you knew how to improve lightsabers to work underwater?”

Obiwan answered, “Yes. Master Fisto showed me how to do so. I have already tested the upgrade and the upgrade works on my lightsaber.”

Anakin asked, “Could you tell me how to do the upgrade?”

Obiwan responded, “Sure. It is not hard to do.”

Obiwan began explaining how to upgrade a lightsaber for use underwater. By the time they reached the elevator they were heading for, Obiwan had fully explained to Anakin how to upgrade lightsabers for underwater use.

Anakin later intended to upgrade his lightsaber, and for him to teach Ahsoka how upgrade her pair of lightsabers.

(_)

At that moment, at the Senate District, in Padme's apartment, Padme and Ahsoka were having breakfast in the dining room of their home.

In the time between Anakin leaving the apartment and talking to Obiwan, Padme and Ahsoka had already gotten up, gotten ready, and dressed to face the day.

They were currently having breakfast in the dining room of the apartment.

The table was elongated and oval. Though, they sat in chairs, across from each other, on the narrow sides of the table.

Padme was wearing a lovely red sleeveless gown, with dark red trimming. She also had on some red slippers.

Ahsoka wore a short-sleeve yellow shirt, red pants, black belt, and dark yellow boots. Ahsoka had left her lightsabers in a hidden location in her bedroom.

As they ate their breakfast, they were holding a casual conversation.

Ahsoka asked, “So, what are we going to be doing today? On our day off?”

Padme answered, “I was thinking, with your lightsabers now complete, we need to find some more clothing you. With you picking out clothing that looks good on you, and you can hide your lightsabers in.”

Ahsoka inquired, “Okay. Do you have any places in mind?”

Padme responded, “Well, since you are with me, I want you to look your best, I am more than happy to pay for the best for you. While we have done some clothing shopping trips, I want have this shopping trip focus on clothing that makes you look more professional in your job as my assistant. I know some wonderful shops in the Senate District. There are also the nearby shops in Sah'c Town and the Financial District.”

Ahsoka commented, “Sounds nice.”

Padme pointed out, “Though, given you will be trying on clothing, you will have to leave you lightsabers behind.”

Ahsoka said, “Yes. I agree. I will make sure they are hidden before we leave.”

Padme thought, 'That is a good idea. Also, I will bring my small, hidden blaster pistol with me. You have the force. So, we should be fine.'

Ahsoka pointed out, “Though, I will need to pick dresses that allow me to move around. I do not want to be caught in a confining clothing. I would hate to have to rip out of my dress to protect you.”

Padme stated, “That is a good point. We will head out after we finish with breakfast. We will head out.”

Padme and Ahsoka continued their breakfast. When they finished. They took their dishes, glasses, and utensils, and garbage to the kitchen to thrown away the garage, while cleaning up and putting away the dishes.

After they were done, Ahsoka checked on her lightsabers, while Padme retrieved her small blaster, with its holster for her right thigh, from her bedroom.

Padme put her holster under her gown, with her small blaster pistol on her outright right thigh.

Once they were ready, they both headed down the elevator together, to the parking level. Where Padme had her red speeder was located. Padme took Ahsoka to a nearby shop area to start searching from some nice clothing for Ahsoka.

(_)

Meanwhile, in the Temple District, inside the Jedi Temple. A few minute after Anakin and Obiwan headed towards the elevators to take them up the High Council Tower, they reach the level for the Council Chambers.

They were the only people in the elevator. As they exited the elevator, into the anti-chamber, they head for the doors to the council high chamber.

The windows in the anti-chamber provided plenty of light to see with.

They were still a few minutes early for the beginning of the Jedi High Council meeting starting at nine hundred. Once the members were inside and seated, the doors would be closed, and the meeting would begin.

When they reached the doors to the council chambers, the doors were open to allow the council members to enter.

No one else would come up that area without a very good reason, or they were invited by the high council to do so.

The windows wrapping around the chamber, behind the chairs, allowed the sunlight in for them to see with. Also, the windows gave a majestic view of Coruscant's cityscape.

As Anakin and Obiwan walked into the council chambers, they saw a few of the other council members were already in the room. The members included Mace and Yoda.

They saw that Mace and Yoda were across the room. None of the other council members were near Mace and Yoda.

Mace was talking to Yoda.

Yoda was sitting in his armchair, while Mace was standing by Yoda, to Yoda's left.

Obiwan came to a stop. Anakin noticed this, and he stopped, as well.

Anakin turned to look at Obiwan. He saw Obiwan looking back at him.

Obiwan said, “Stay here. I will talk with them and let you know what they say.”

Anakin gratefully replied, “Thank you.”

Anakin watched Obiwan walk towards Mace and Yoda.

(_)

As Obiwan approached Mace and Yoda, Mace and Yoda turned to look at him.

A few seconds later, Obiwan came to a stop in front of Yoda's chair, with Mace standing to Obiwan's right side by Yoda's chair.

Yoda said, “Good morning Master Kenobi.”

Mace commented, “It is good to see you, Obiwan.”

Obiwan responded, “Good morning. It has come to my attention that there maybe more serious concerns with Anakin's appointment to the council than we first realized.”

Mace said, “Let me guess.” He looked over Obiwan's right shoulder to see Anakin looking at them from across the room. He continued, “Anakin spoke to you about this?” He looked back towards Obiwan's face.

Obiwan answered, “Yes. The situation maybe worse than we believe.”

Mace inquired, “How so?”

Obiwan stated, “Anakin figured out that no matter what we do, our actions could damage the Order's legal standing with the Senate and the Republic. Especially during this time of war.”

“If we allow Anakin to remain, the Chancellor will use him to issue orders which would further erode our power from within.”

“Should ignore these orders, if we expel Anakin from the council, or send him back to the battlefield, the Chancellor will declare that we defied the direct will of the Senate. The Chancellor will see to it that we are punishment. Perhaps even as traitors to the Republic.”

From Mace and Yoda's change of expressions to concern, Obiwan could tell they were taking the matter seriously.

Yoda commented, “Concerning are these matters. Young Skywalker has thought the situation through.”

Obiwan mentioned, “Yes. And he has a plan.”

Mace questioned, “That being?”

Obiwan stated, “The only way for all of us to get out of the mess without harm to us and the Order, including Anakin, is for Anakin to fake his death and make it look like an accident. He has a good idea using a speeder and a fake body. Such an accident could not be blamed on us. With us quietly shepherding Anakin off the planet and away from the Chancellor spies. The good news is Anakin pointed out how the Chancellor could not make another appointment. Because Anakin is the only one whom could fill the role.”

Obiwan thought, 'I will leave out that Anakin wants to include Padme and Ahsoka in on his plan.'

Yoda commented, “Hmm... Possible. Such a plan could work. Should we decide to do so.”

Mace pointed out, “But, we would effectually be forced to have Anakin leave the Order. After all, he is the Chosen One.”

Obiwan sadly thought, 'They do not understand what is happening. Anakin only made these plans because his back is to the wall and he is trapped in a situation he is not responsible for. I need to be careful in how I say this.'

Obiwan chose his word carefully, as he said, “I believe that if we continue on the course we are taking, we are going force Anakin to make choices that none of us are going to like. He knows he is the expendable one for both sides, whom have forced him into the middle of this mess. Given the sacrifices he has shown in this war for us. If we turn our back on him. Like Ms Tano. We may not like the consequences of our actions.”

Obiwan mentally lamented, 'Anakin was not happy the way the council handled Ahsoka. I do not blame him for his feelings towards what happened with her.'

Mace inquired, in a stern turn of voice, “Are you saying he may defect to the Separatists?”

Obiwan carefully answered, “No. I am saying he will fight to survive the unjust situation he has found himself in. After decades of loyal service. Should we sacrifice him. He will see no reason not to sacrifice us.”

Yoda stated, “Very true. Asked much of Skywalker, with little to show for us and himself. We need to weigh these options. Though, we must not act rashly.”

Mace turned to Yoda. Mace said, “I agree.” Mace turned to Obiwan. Mace stated, “We will talk about this later. Perhaps tonight. And in private.”

Yoda said, “Discretion is must needed in this situation.”

Obiwan responded, “I agree. Though, given it was Anakin whom brought this to my attention. And it will directly affect him. He should be included in such a discussion.”

Mace and Yoda looked at each for a second. Then, they turned back to look at Mace. Mace said, “Perhaps. We will let you know.”

Obiwan understood the subtext of his colleagues responses. He thought, 'Given it was the Chancellor that put us in this situation by placing Anakin on the council. I can understand their trepidation towards including Anakin. But, we need to. Though, this is not the time to discuss such matters.'

Obiwan replied, “I understand.”

Yoda commented, “Meeting will soon begin.” Yoda looked passed Obiwan's left side, towards Anakin. Yoda continued, “Allay you friend's concerns. Please, inform him that his suggestions are being consider, the matter is being handled...” Yoda looked back at Obiwan. He went onto say, “And that it is time for us to take our places.”

Obiwan replied, “Yes, Master Yoda.”

Obiwan turned around and he headed back towards Anakin.

When Obiwan was not in earshot, Mace turned to Yoda. He commented, “Did you notice that the boy has his lightsaber with him?”

Yoda turned to Mace. Yoda answered, “Yes. Surprised he did not bring it with him yesterday. I would have done so in his place.”

Mace stated, “I can see your point. We will leave the matter of his lightsaber be. And his suggestions should be considered. We will talk about his ideas later tonight.”

Yoda replied, “Agreed.”

(_)

From across the council chambers, Anakin stood silently as he watched his friend, Obiwan, talk to Mace and Yoda.

A few minutes after the conversation began, Obiwan turned around and headed back towards Anakin.

When Obiwan reached Anakin, Obiwan came to stop in front of Anakin.

While both men faced each other, Anakin asked, “So, what did they say?”

Obiwan answered, “They agree that something needs to be done. And that your concerns and plans have merit. But, we should not act rashly. I will be talking with them later on these matters.”

Anakin replied, “I agree. We need to be careful.” He looked pass Obiwan, at Mace and Yoda. He looked back at Obiwan. He inquired, “Will I be invited to attend these discussions?”

Obiwan carefully said, “I hope so. I will have have to talk to them about this. Then, you and I will discuss this. This will all likely take place later tonight.”

Anakin calmly said, “I understand.”

Obiwan commented, “Now, let us take our seats. The morning meeting is about to start.”

Anakin and Obiwan then walked over and took their assigned seats among the council members. Other council members whom were present began to sit in their assigned seats.

Over the course of the next few minutes the rest of the council members came into the room and they sat in their chairs. Those not present had their holograms show up on their chairs by holo-comm.

Soon the double-doors to the high council chamber were closed, and the morning council session was convened.

Anakin remained very silent, as he sat in his chair.

Fortunately, none of the members commented on Anakin having his lightsaber with him.

(_)

Later that morning, in the Senate District, in a shopping area, Padme and Ahsoka were had gone inside a women's clothing store looking to purchase clothing for Ahsoka.

Presently, Ahsoka was inside a changing room, changing into one of the dresses that she and Padme had picked out.

Meanwhile, Padme sat on a cushioned stool a few meters from the door to the changing room that Ahsoka was inside of. The space between Padme and the door being empty space.

Padme watched as the door to the changing room opened and Ahsoka walked out to stand in the middle of the open space.

Ahsoka wore a dark red dress that went down to her ankles.

Unlike Padme's sleeveless gown, Ahsoka's dark red dress had long short sleeves, with a dark red belt and buckle around the waist. Ahsoka's dress went down to her knees. There was a slit on each side of the dress to allow for ease of motion of Ahsoka's legs.

Also, Ahsoka wore some dark red, flat sole slippers she and Padme has picked out in the clothing store they were in.

The clothing and boots that Ahsoka had come into the store in were neatly placed in the changing room Ahsoka had come out of.

There were a few other dresses in the changing room which Padme and Ahsoka had picked out for Ahsoka to try on.

Padme asked, “Does it fit?”

Ahsoka responded, “Yes.” She spun around once clockwise. She came to a stop to face Padme. She inquired, “How do I look?”

Padme complimented, “You look stunning. If this shop has that dress in a lighter shade of color, I might buy one myself.”

Ahsoka look down at her dress. She turned to look at Padme. She said, “You would look good in a dress like this.”

Padme inquired, “Thank you. And can the dress be modified to suit your needs?” She thought, 'And be able to hide you lightsabers inside of.”

Ahsoka stated, “I believe so.”

Padme replied, “Good.”

Ahsoka commented, “I wanted to try on a few more dresses. Then, we will make our purchases and move on.”

Padme smiled towards Ahsoka. Padme kindly said, “That is fine. This day is for you.”

Ahsoka returned Padme's smile. Ahsoka gratefully replied, “Thank you.”

Ahsoka turned around and she walked back to the changing room, to try on a few more dresses she and Padme had picked out for herself.

Padme and Ahsoka spent the rest of their day haing a pleasant time together, as they shopped for clothing from Ahsoka.

Eventually, they ate some lunch, and later some dinner.

(_)

That afternoon, half an hour from the afternoon meeting, Anakin finally had time to make it to his personal quarters. Anakin already had lunch and he just wanted to speak with R2-D2 and C3-PO. Both of these droids were in his personal quarters.

Anakin opened the hallway door and he walked inside the living area.

The light coming in front between the slits of the blinds on the windows on the other side of the room provide plenty of light to see with.

As Anakin walked further into the living area, he saw R2-D2 and C3-PO had set themselves against the far wall, to Anakin's left of the windows. C3-PO stood to R2-D2's right.

Anakin saw the droids having noticed him from across the room.

As the droids heading over to him, C3-PO all but explained, “Master Anakin. It is wonderful to see you.”

Anakin continued to walk, as he said, “It is good to you both, as well.”

Anakin came to a stop in the center of the room. The droids came to a stop a meter in front of Anakin.

By then, the door to Anakin's quarters slid closed.

Anakin looked at the two droids, as he asked, “Were there any problems with your errands, yesterday?”

R2 beeped and whistled a, no.

C3-PO answered, “None that we could tell. The clients you had been using for your electronics were very understanding about the bill. They say that you always pay on time and having a Jedi for a client helps their business.”

Anakin thought, 'Sometimes being a Jedi has its perks.'

Anakin replied, “That is good to hear.”

Anakin mentally lamented, 'Now to tell you want I can.'

Anakin carefully said, “Guys. Listen. I cannot stay long. A lot of happening. I cannot talk about it with you. But, I want you know. If something happens, get out of the temple and get to Padme's apartment. If that is not an option, work together to survive and make the best of your situation. I know you two work together that you both are very resourceful and can take care of yourselves.”

C3-PO replied, “We will do what we can.”

R2 beeped and whistled an agreement with C3-PO.

Anakin replied, “Thank you.”

Anakin turned around and he headed back towards the hallway.

When Anakin reached the door leading hallway, he pressed a button by the door to open the door.

The doors slid open and Anakin walked into the hallway.

Anakin turned to his right and he headed for the Jedi High Council chamber.

Anakin had plenty of time, and he would arrive earlier to the council chamber.

A few seconds later, the hallway door to Anakin's quarters slid closed.

The droids were left in the living area of Anakin's quarters.

C3-PO turned to R2-D2.

C3-PO asked, “So what do we do now?”

R2 rolled the top of its head towards C3-PO. R2 beeped and whistled a comment that C3-PO understood.

C3-PO responded, “I know. Like always. We stay where we are. We wait for the trouble to happen. And we hope we can escape the fighting.”

The droids stayed in Anakin's quarters, but they were on guard for trouble.

(_)

Later that day, it was early evening, during sunset, at the Jedi Temple.

A few minutes ago, the Jedi High Council had adjourned for the day, with them planning to have their next meeting in the morning, at nine hundred.

Inside the Jedi Temple, Mace had returned his personal quarters.

In the living area of Mace's quarters, Mace sat on a cushioned stool, as he meditated.

The only light in the room came from sunlight passing through windows of the room. The windows had brown curtains that were drawn open.

Mace's head was shaved bald.

Mace was wearing the same clothing he had wore all day. That being a white shirt short sleeve shirt tucked into white pants. Over the white shirt was a gray short sleeve shirt that was not tucked in. Around his gray shirt, around his waist was a brown belt. Mace had his lightsaber holstered on the left side of his belt. Over his clothing was an brown open robe.

Mace had yet to eat dinner. This was due to him preferring to meditate on an empty stomach. He planned to get some dinner in a few hours. Then, he planned to speak with Yoda and Obiwan about Anakin's plans for removing himself from the Jedi High Council by faking his death.

Though, Mace was happen that Anakin for remained silent during the various council meetings during the day.

Across the room, by about four meters, on top of a desk, a small holo-monitor began to ring.

Mace opened his eyes and he turned towards the holo-monitor.

Mace used the force to answer the call.

To Mace's mild surprise, above the holo-monitor, he saw the small image of Loki sitting in a chair.

Mace turned his full attention towards the hologram of Loki.

Loki was sitting in an arm chair, wearing a green bodysuit, with a brown fur coat over her bodysuit. The coat was open in the front to show Loki's chest.

Loki's long black hair was loose and draped down Loki's back.

Loki's hologram looked across the room towards Mace. Loki causally said, “Hello Mace. This is not a trick. It is me. Loki Laufeyson.”

Mace all but barked, “I do not doubt that. Only you would be crazy enough to call me here. Now, what is the meaning of this? And it better be good, or you will regret it.”

Loki calmly said, “I know you can use the force to attack through the holo-comm.”

Mace commented, “Not many people do.”

Loki replied, “True. If more people knew they would not return your calls.”

Mace held back a smile at Loki's verbal jab. Mace thought, 'I admit. That was funny. Now, how did you get this number.'

Mace asked, “So, how did you get this number?”

Loki stated, “I have my own abilities.” Her continued, in a more concerned tone of voice, “But, this is not a social call. I have decided to share some information with you.”

Mace growled, “What information?”

Loki replied, “The identity of Sidious.”

Mace said, in an even tone of voice, “I am listening.”

Loki stated, in a calm, casual tone of voice, “Sheev Palpatine is Darth Sidious.”

Mace thought, 'This would not be the first time the Jedi have considered that possibility. But, the problem comes back to one simple issue.'

Mace calmly asked, “And your evidence?”

Loki responded, “I admit that direct evidence is scant. The only direct connections Sidious had to the Confederates were Dooku and his council, whom are now gone.”

“But, I know this for a fact. Still, I will run down the circumstantial evidence. During the invasion of Naboo. Who benefited? Palpatine, by becoming the Supreme Chancellor. In the ensuing years, his power has grown. With the Clone Wars allowing him to become an Emperor in everything but name. Have you even noticed how nothing has successfully gone against him?”

Mace commented, “Yes. Though, we suspect that the Chancellor is in league with Sidious. Not that he is Sidious.”

Loki inquired, “Whom do you believe Sidious is be?”

Mace answered, “We suspect Sly Moore, the Chancellor's senior aide, is Sidious.”

Loki giggled a little. She looked away, as she mumbled, “I forgot about her.” Loki stopped giggling. She focused on Mace. She stated, in a more normal tone of voice, “Sly is only a force adept. She is no match for even a trained Padawan. Palpatine does not really teach his subordinates.”

Loki went onto say, in a more direct tone, “But, think about this. Palpatine now has a clone army. And before I stepped in the Confederacy army was an army of droids. A droid army that can be turned off with a set of codes. Codes that Palpatine has. If the droid army had been shut down. Then, the Confederacy would be forced to surrender, with Palpatine left with his clone army. All he would have to do is get rid of you Jedi. Then, he could declare himself Emperor, and much of the known galaxy would be his new empire.”

Mace stated, “If you are correct, you make some very good points.”

Loki mentioned, “Still, I have changed this. The droids require more than a set of codes to turn off. And much of my army has people in it.”

Mace replied, “Of course.” He thought, 'To add people to the droid army would be the course I would take in your position.'

Loki stated, “I know how events would likely happen. If the hammer and I had not come here. In the fullness of time, Palpatine would have ordered Anakin to join the Jedi Council. In response, you and the Jedi Order would have attempted to have Anakin go undercover to spy on Palpatine.”

Mace was surprised by how accurate Loki's statements were.

Mace could not help but admit, “We already tried that. And Palpatine appointed Anakin to the council, yesterday. Though, the events are reversed to what you claim.”

Loki responded, in a grim tone of voice, “Interesting. Though, this shows Palpatine has reached his end game. He is planning to get ready to destroy you Jedi, turn the Republic into an Empire, and declare himself Emperor. Though, how is Anakin reacting to all this?”

Mace thought, 'Given how Loki's mind works, I believe it is best to be honest. I do not want Loki mistakenly believing that Anakin has sided with Palpatine.'

Mace answered, “Anakin is trying to extricate himself from the situation he has found himself in.”

Loki chose her words carefully, as she stated, “Good. This shows wisdom on his part. Now, I want to state that, Anakin Skywalker, as he is now, has become a very wise, mature man. I do not believe he is like his counterpart in the original timeline.”

Mace inquired, “Timeline?”

Loki said, “We will get to that in a minute. Though, you should be made aware that Palpatine has had his eye on Anakin for as long as you of the Jedi have.”

Mace commented, with concern in his tone of voice, “Yes. He has.” He thought, 'I do not like where the conversation is going.'

Loki stated, “In the original timeline, Anakin was far more emotionally immature than he is now. Palpatine got his hooks into him and turned him to the dark side. Palpatine convinced Anakin to become his new Sith apprentice. With Anakin's help Palpatine destroyed the Jedi Order.”

Mace thought, 'As we suspected. This has to be time travel. Loki is from the future. This explains how Loki knows so much and how she arranged events in her favor. I am glad what she is telling me has not happened in this timeline.'

Loki's tone of voice became more introspective, as she continued, “Though, while Palpatine is a Sith. And Sith traditions require him to have an apprentice. I wonder why he still takes an apprentice? He does not really teach them anything. Nor does he pass down knowledge of the dark side. So, I am not sure. For a Sith, Palpatine likes to play fast and loose with the rules. Maybe he just keeps an apprentice around to help keep himself sharp, so the apprentice does not kill him.”

Mace said, “That is possible.” He thought, 'If this is true, these are good questions.'

Loki commented, “Anyway, I doubt Palpatine can turn your Anakin. That means he will just kill him, along with the rest of you.”

Mace responded, “I agree with you that Anakin will not turn. He is loyal to the Jedi Order. Still, how would Palpatine kill us? Even with Anakin, to make such an attempt would be a monumental undertaking.”

Loki answered, “It would be easier than you think. The answer is the clones. There is one thing about the force. The force warns of emotion intent. If someone is cold and professional, the force may not warn you. And the clones can be very cold and professional.”

Mace thought, 'There is debate on the subject of the force warning a Jedi of danger. If it is clairvoyance of the danger in the future. Or, sensing hostile intentions from those whom are nearby. But, this is not the time for such debates. And not with you, Loki. Though, even if you are from the future, I wonder how you know this? Not even most Jedi understand the dynamics of the force which we are discussing. But, you clearly do. Still, you are sharing vital information with me, so I am not going to interrupt you.'

Loki went onto say, “You personally, and some of the other Jedi, make your move against Palpatine. You fail. Palpatine declares all members of the Jedi Order to be traitor to the Galactic Republic, except for Anakin. Within a day, Palpatine has Anakin and the clone army kill almost all the Jedi from across the galaxy. The attacks were coordinated and done so swiftly, your Order did not realize what was happening until it was too late.”

Mace said, “The clones would not turn on us en masse over just an order. Many of the clone troops are very loyal to their Jedi commanders and generals.”

Loki stated, in a firm tone of voice, “They will not have a choice. Palpatine will give what he dubs, Order 66, to the Clone Army. The clones are genetically modified to be more obedient than they normally would be. And each clone has had a control chip implanted their brain that once activated removes their free will for a given amount of time.”

“Those few Jedi whom escape the purge will be hunted down by Anakin and his subordinates. While Palpatine also uses Anakin and his military to crush any other forms of resistance towards his rule. After which, it will be several years before a rebellion is able to form against this Empire.”

Mace was not sure how to response to what he has just learned. He began, “That is...”

Loki commented, “Insidious... No pun intended.”

Mace agreed, “Yes. So, you are a time traveler?”

Loki coyly said. “In a manner of speaking.”

Mace mentioned, “We suspected that is the case.”

Loki commented, “At this point, that much should be obvious. Anyway, Palpatine was very public about being the Emperor. Still, there are things we need to discuss before we conclude this conversation. If you are face Palpatine, you need to understand his mindset.”

Mace said, “Any information you wish to share is welcome.”

Loki stated, “I am glad you are willing to listen. For a Sith, passion is everything. Passion in the form of strength of emotions in fueling one's power. Not just in the force. But, other forms of power. Including political power.”

Mace replied, “I already realize this.”

Loki responded, “I wanted to cover the basics before we moved on. Now, I know about the prophecy of the Chosen One. And I realize you will be tempted to have Anakin help you in fighting Palpatine.”

Mace stated, “If you know that much, you know Anakin is prophesied to bring balance to the force.”

Loki carefully said, “I believe you believe that. But, do you understand what 'balance' means?”

Mace answered, “In this case, to remove the darkness in the force, allowing for a calm peace to flow through the force.”

Loki commented, “That is silence. Not balance. Even the harmony found in a melody has its own tempo of ups and downs. Of what I know about Anakin. Anakin was never destined to be truly light or dark, but for him to be balanced in another way.”

Mace said, “That does not make sense.”

Loki calmly responded, “It does if you are willing to accept that everyone has some light and dark in them.”

Mace stated, “I will concede that point. But, the dark side is an abomination.”

Loki said, “The dark side is addictive. And like alcohol, some people cannot hold their liquor.”

Mace conceded, “That is an... Interesting way to look at the matter.”

Loki commented, “From what I know, many Sith were originally slaves. Not Palpatine. But, other members of the Sith. When such a person is recruited into the Sith, that person is taught to be ruthless and use the dark side of the force as the means of achieving their freedom. The person is also taught that the Jedi want to either make the Sith a slave, or kill the Sith for seeking to be free. Such a point of view would drive a Sith to do everything in their power to destroy the Jedi Order.”

“This lesson is repeated more fervently with each near generation of Sith, thus making each subsequent generation of the Sith more fanatical in seeking to destroy the Jedi Order.”

Mace inquired, “I will keep that in mind. Still, besides ending Sidious, what does the prophecy of the Chosen One have to do with Palpatine?”

Loki answered, “The Jedi are not the only ones with a Chosen One prophecy. The Sith also have a prophecy of the Chosen One known as the Sith'ari. For them, the Sith'ari is the perfect being. Perfect by Sith standards. A being that was the pinnacle of what a Sith could be. The Sith'ari was the true personification of power and control. Power and control of not only oneself, but power and control over everyone and everything.”

Mace thought, 'That sounds like a Sith.'

Loki went onto say, “Palpatine believes himself to be the Sith'ari. And he has the power to back up his beliefs. He is not just a Sith. He is a force of nature. He is likely better with a lightsaber than you. Has more control in use of the force than Yoda. And he has more power in the force than Anakin.”

“This is why I never faced him. He is not like anyone you have ever previously fought in battle. If you decide to face him, you need to understand this.”

Mace replied, “I understand.”

Loki said, “Good. After what I told you, I believe you will understand why I request that you do not included Anakin in your strike force against Palpatine. Anakin is too close to Palpatine.”

Mace responded, “I agree. Still, even if you are a time traveler, how can you know all this? You know enough about the Sith to be accused of being a Sith.”

Loki stated, “Well, I am not a Sith. Though, I have been accused of being worse. But, it does not matter how I know. It only matters what I know. The hows and whys are a discussion for another time.”

Mace reluctantly agreed, “You're right. We do not have time to get into those matters. Still, if you are wrong, this could harm the Jedi Order.”

Loki responded, “I know I am right. But, if I am wrong. At worst, this will be an embarrassment. I know I am right. Do I need to present further proof?”

Mace said, “You had me convinced when you mentioned Palpatine appointed Anakin to the Council. At this time only a few outside of the Council are aware of this.”

Loki commented, “Good. When you confront Palpatine, if given the chance, he will go for his lightsaber, which will be hidden on his person, or nearby. Then, you will have a fight on your hands. A fight you cannot win alone. Gather your best Jedi to come with you. And bring Thor and Mjolnir. With them along, you should have enough skill and firepower to take down Palpatine.”

Mace mentioned, “That will not be possible. Thor has decided to leave the battlefield. She lost her taste war.”

Loki was silent for a few seconds. Then, she said, “That is unfortunate. But, not unexpected. Still, she can help you in other ways.”

Mace realized, “You know who she is?”

Loki responded, “At this point, I am surprised you have still been able to keep her identity secret from the public.”

Mace commented, “Even so, I believe we Jedi can handle Palpatine on our own.”

Loki said, “Well, if you feel that way, bring lots and lots of Jedi with you. Really skilled, powerful Jedi.”

Mace replied, “I will.”

Loki stated, “Good. Now, about the field of battle. In the original timeline, you confronted Palpatine in his personal quarters with three other Jedi Masters. Palpatine took down the other three Jedi in seconds. Then, he fought your counterpart to a draw, with Anakin eventually appearing and siding with him to defeat you.”

“While Anakin will not be a factor in this coming fight, there are other factors which you need to take into account of.”

“Palpatine likes to strike swiftly and decisively. Close quarters combat in a confined space against him is suicidal. If you fight him, you need plenty of space to move around on.”

“You need to trick Palpatine into an open area, and face him with a large force of skilled, powerful Jedi.”

Mace said, “I will take you suggestions under advisement.”

Loki requested, “Though, do not include Obiwan in your strike force.”

Mace asked, “Why not?”

Loki pointed out, “When you face Palpatine, Anakin will come if he believes Obiwan in with you.”

Mace agreed, “That is a good point. Now, why are you telling me all this?”

Loki answered, “Because Palpatine is an evil person whom only thinks of himself. Some would call me evil. But, while I am mischievous, I am not evil. I do believe in helping people in my own way. Palpatine only helps himself.”

“If you can get rid of Palpatine you can put someone in charge that will be open to a agreeing to a ceasefire. I am sure you of the Jedi Order would be open to ending the fighting and deal with matters in a more civil war. Beyond that, we can later work out the details in ending this war.”

Mace said, “I can go along with that.”

Loki replied, “I am glad to hear that. Good luck.”

Loki ended the communication.

Mace got up from his cushion.

Mace stood in his quarters. As he looked around his quarters, he thought, 'Loki clearly has her agenda. But, both our agendas run parallel for the moment. Which is to get rid of Sidious and stop the fighting in this needless war. Everything Loki stated makes sense. And this points that as we suspected. This whole was was engineered to seize power. Now, Loki has informed me as to who is seizing power and how. With this information, we of the Jedi can stop this plot in its tracks.'

Mace let out a deep breath, as he continued his thoughts, 'I know that Loki can talk a Jedi into handing over their lightsaber. Still, she made several good points. And at least Obiwan is right. She is amendable to negotiations to end this war.'

'Now to convene the council. We cannot waste any time. I will also made sure Anakin will not be attending this meeting. Though, I will not mention what Loki told me of concerning the actions Anakin's counterpart took in the other timeline. Because our Anakin clearly has no intention of falling to the dark side in this timeline.'

Mace headed for the exit to his quarters which lead to a hallway. Mace's intent was to contact Yoda, in helping him call an immediate, emergency meeting of the Jedi High Council, in the Jedi High Council chamber, as soon as possible.

(_)

In hyperspace, inside her office on the Malevolence, Loki sat in her armchair, behind her desk.

Loki had just ended her communication with Mace.

Loki thought, 'So, Palpatine is making his play with Anakin and the Jedi Order. But, it is clearly not going to same way as the events played out in the original timeline. Actually, from what Mace said, the events here are reversed. I guess the Jedi Council grew impatient and they sent Anakin to spy on Palpatine. Palpatine likely figured this out very quickly and he send Anakin back to the Jedi Order to be his representative on the Jedi High Council.'

'Though, that really do not matter. What matters is the events have happened. The only good news is that I was proven correct in my assessments concerning Anakin. That in this timeline Anakin is mature enough to try to get out of this mess. It seems there is yet hope for him.'

'I gave Mace a good warning on how to confront Palpatine. And I offered him an enticement of a ceasefire.'

'Should Palpatine be defeated and removed, with the new Chancellor be willing to order a ceasefire of all hostilities for the Republic, and a general armistice for us, I would be open to such an agreement and I would make sure the Confederacy also stopped fighting.'

'It is sad that Padme decided to bow out of the battle. I am not sure why. And I do not have time to find out.'

'I was really hoping she would have been the one to face Palpatine with Mace and the Jedi. They would have stood a responsible chance of victory.'

'Now, I have to hope Mace and his Jedi strike force can do this job without Thor, so I will not have to handle this terrible task myself.'

Loki continued to contemplate her next possible moves, as her waited to see how her warning would effect the coming course of events on Coruscant and the Galaxy.

(_)

On Coruscant, inside the Jedi Temple.

Half an hour after Mace had been contacted by Loki, Mace had been able to quietly contact the Jedi High Council members for an emergency meeting.

The only person technically part of the council whom was not contacted was Anakin, whom Mace wanted to make sure did not know about the meeting. Mace even left instructions with the other council members not to tell Anakin about the meeting, especially for Obiwan not to tell Anakin.

The light from the sunset outside shown through the windows of the Jedi High Council chamber. Hues of yellow, red, and orange light covered everything and everyone in the council chamber.

The double-doors to the anti-chamber was closed and locked from the inside to prevent anyone from accidentally coming into the room during the meeting.

Inside the Jedi Council Chamber, the council members were either sitting in their seats, or having their holographic images broadcast into their seats, with the absent council members communicating by holo-comm.

Among those present were Mace Windu, Yoda, and Obiwan Kenobi.

As Mace sat in his armchair, he did not need the force to tell that no one was happy with him convening an emergency meeting of the Jedi High Council.

Once everyone was in their armchairs, as planned, Mace saw that one chair was empty. That chair belonged to Anakin.

Mace inquired, “Before we begin. While I desire for Knight Skywalker to not attend this meeting. I do desire to know where he currently is?” Mace thought, 'So, he does not accidentally find out we are having council meeting. He is rightly acting guarded all day. If he learns we are having a secret council meeting without him, he might take it the wrong way.'

Obiwan answered, “The last time I saw him was twenty minutes ago. He is eating dinner in the mess hall.”

Mace turned to Obiwan. Mace stated, “Good. Given the subject matter, I do not want him to learning of this meeting until after we have finished discussing the topics at hand.”

Ki Adi Mundi turned to Mace. He inquired, “Why you called this emergency meeting? And where are these topics? This is not like you, Master Windu. It is clear you feel this could not wait until tomorrow morning.”

Mace looked around the room, as he stated, “I assure you, by the time I am finished with my explanation, you will all understand the importance of why I feel time is over the essence.”

Plo Koon requested, “Then, please explain.”

Mace stated, “Less than a hour ago, Loki contacted me by holo-comm in my quarters. I do not know how do so, but we have a very detailed conversation about Darth Sidious. She convinced me that Darth Sidious is none other than Chancellor Palpatine, himself.”

Stass Allie questioned, “Surely you jest?”

Mace replied, “No. I am not joking.”

Saesee Tiin asked, “What of our suspicions of the Chancellor's senior aide, Sly Moore?”

Mace answered, “Loki commented that Ms Moore is only a force adapt. It is likely that while she knows the truth about the Chancellor, she is no Sith apprentice. She is just the Chancellor's errand girl.”

Kit inquired, “And you believe Loki?”

Mace stated, “Loki gave a very convincing argument. She was quite detailed in how she knew all this.”

Yoda questioned, “And how did she know all this?”

Mace answered, “As we suspected. She stated she is from the future. I believe her claim.”

Depa Billaba commented, “Due to her having no records. Her obvious knowledge of key events and people. And her quick rise to power. I agree she is from the future. Also, it is she has come back to change the future.”

Mace responded, “Yes. But, after my conversation with her, I believe she may have done so for the benefit of the galaxy.”

Shaak Ti pointed out, “She has taken over a third of the known galaxy.”

Mace said, “True. But, she took control of the Separatists away from Sidious. So, for us this is not the outcome we desire, but one that we can benefit from. Should the Chancellor escape us, he will not have the Separatists to turn to. And if what Loki say is correct, we need to act on this information as soon as possible, because she shared more information with me.”

“Loki stated the Chancellor planned to create an Empire out of the Republic and make himself Emperor.”

Seasee commented, “Should that happen, I believe we would be able to stop him.”

Mace stated, “The Chancellor already has plans to deal with the Order. Since Loki is from the future, she knows what these plans are. Chancellor Palpatine's plans are to find an excuse to charge the Jedi Order with treason. Then, he will enact what he calls, Order 66. This is the execution order of all members of the Jedi Order. Once this order is given, this order will be swiftly followed by the clone army, killing us all of us at once. And if what Loki told me is true on how events played out in her timeline, the Chancellor is close to issuing these orders.”

Obiwan questioned, “While I understand your desire for haste on this matter, I do not see how all the clones would turn on us?” Obiwan thought, 'It was out our haste and impatience that lead to Ahsoka being wrongly expelled from the Order. I do not want us to make another mistake because we acted to quickly.'

Mace responded, “Loki also mentioned that control chips have been implanted in the brains of the clones. When the Chancellor issues his orders to kill us, the clones will no choice but to obey.”

Yoda commented, with concern in his voice, “This the Jedi were not made aware of.”

Depa inquired, “Since most Jedi off world are fighting the war and they are accompanied by their clone subordinates, if we act against the Chancellor, he has the abilities to strike almost all of us at once?”

Mace said, “Yes.”

Obiwan asked, “But, I am guessing you have a plan?”

Mace stated, “Yes.”

Obiwan inquired, “Okay. But, before we get to far into this. I need to know. What of Anakin?” Obiwan looked at Mace, then Yoda. He continued, “Due we what discussed this morning, he clearly has no knowledge of Palpatine's secret identity.”

Mace said, “True. Anakin's loyalty is not in question. It is clear that Jedi Skywalker was only playing along and he is not allied with Palpatine. He is fine. Though, I do not want him to go anywhere near Palpatine.”

Obiwan replied, “I agree.”

Obiwan thought, 'It is best we get him out of the middle of this mess while we can. At least this development solves the problem of how to get Anakin off the council. Given Palpatine is Sidious, we have justification to removed Anakin from the council. Though, we need to make sure that it is known that Anakin was an unwitting accomplice. Or, maybe we could have it stated that he was undercover. Palpatine being Sidious changed the situation on sending someone to spy on him. I will bring this up later. After Palpatine has faced justice for his crimes.'

Obiwan asked, “So, how many Jedi are you taking with you? To confront the Chancellor?”

Mace answered, “I want to pull together twenty-four of our best Masters and Knights that are in the Temple.” Mace looked around the room, as continued, “Including a few of the masters here.”

From both those present and those being projected by holo-comm in their seats, Obiwan saw a few of the masters had enthusiastic expressions on their faces in response to Mace's suggestion.

Mace went onto say, “Before we leave, I will inform those that are a part of my group and my plan.”

Shaak Ti inquired, “What is your plan?”

Mace commented, “Loki stated that facing the Chancellor in close quarters combat is unwise. So, I will lure him out into the open. The north part of the plaza surrounding the Senate Building. Beforehand, we will quietly have the area cleared of anyone else. From there, my strike force and I will deal with him and any guards he has with him. One way, or another.”

“And should Palpatine escape, or defeat us. It will take him a few minutes to find a communication hub to rely his Order 66. That will at least buy you some time.”

Shaak Ti complimented, “That is a good plan. Simple, but good.”

Mace turned to Shaak Ti. Mace stated, “Thank you.”

Yoda looked to Mace. Yoda stated, “Do not worry about relaying the results of your battle to us. Focus solely on dealing with the Chancellor. Through the force I will sense how your battle goes.”

Mace turned towards Yoda. Mace stated, “Alright.” Mace thought, 'I was wondering how I would be able to warn you, if the battle did not go our way.'

Mace turned to Obiwan. Mace continued his thought, 'Now, to inform you of your role. I hope you understand.'

Mace looked at Obiwan, as he stated, “Master Kenobi. As much as I would like you to accompany my team. I would prefer you stay here. To help quietly prepare the temple for a possible counterattack by the clones. Should that happen, I want you to oversee the evacuation of the members in the temple to off world. Those in the temple may have to make a quick escape and I know you have the ability lead such an operation with minimum difficulties.”

Obiwan turned to Mace. Obiwan thought, ''I can guess that you do not want me to go because if Anakin learned that I went with you. Then, he quickly would follow. I can appreciate your sentiments. And I can perform the tasks you are assigning me.'

Mace continued, “Also, find Jedi Skywalker and order him to stay in his quarters.”

“In addition, I want you keep an eye on the clones in Jedi Temple. Fortunately, the only clones in the Jedi Temple are in the communications room. You can watch them while monitoring for any troubling communications.”

“To that end, keep a close ear on Republic military communications.”

“While we can ready ourselves for an direct infantry assault. If our plan fail, the Chancellor could call in an orbital strike from the Republic fleet in orbit over us. It is best to keep an ear out on this matters.”

“And save for those we must share this information with, it is important we do not let anyone else know of our plan.”

Obiwan commented, “I understand. Before I head to the communications station, I will find Anakin and order him to his stay in his quarters. Then, I will inform Battlemaster Drallig of the situation. That way we will not have to use a comlink to call him. He can discreetly have security on alert. Also, he can quietly arrange to prepare the transports. He can have some transports fueled and ready in the temple hangar bays. So, if things do not go well for you, we will be ready to fight off a counter attack, while we evacuate the temple.”

Mace stated, “That will be fine.”

Yoda stated, “I will also stay in the Temple. I will enact the Twilight Protocols. It is best we prepare for the worst. So even if the Chancellor enacts Order 66, he sends the clones after us, the Chancellor will not be able to destroy the Jedi Order.”

Shaak Ti said, in a supportive tone of voice, “A wise precaution.”

Mace said, “I agree. Though, we need to have the appearance of things being calm here. But, we will warn all the Jedi whom are off world.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi, whom was talking by holo-comm, inquired, “What about those Jedi that are on Coruscant and not inside the Temple?”

Mace said, “Most of the Jedi on the planet are already inside the temple for the night. Those Jedi whom are not should be here within the next hour, or so. I do not want to issue an alert for them to return to the temple. That might tip our hand.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi conceded, “Point taken.”

Depa questioned, “While this is a solid plan. And I support this plan. Would it not be wise to enlist the aid of other authorities within the Republic? This could still be seen as an illegal coup.”

Saesee commented, “The Chancellor controls the military, the Senate, the courts, and the media. We have to do this alone.”

Yoda asked, “What about Senator Amidala? She is a trusted ally within the Senate. These actions could lead to dark paths which the Order left behind a thousand years ago.”

Obiwan stated, “Yes. We can trust Senate Amidala. She might know a way to approach this from a more legal standpoint?”

Mace commented, “Even so. There is no time. The longer we way. The more chance that someone. Or even the force. Will warn the Chancellor of coming danger.”

Obiwan thought, 'I doubt anyone here is planning to stop Mace from going. I have fought two Sith Lords in my life. I had help in both of those battles and we were still we at a disadvantage. The assassin on Naboo even killed Qui-Gon Jinn. After Qui-Gon was mortally wounded, I was barely able to defeat that assassin. As for Count Dooku. Even with the help of Anakin and an untrained Padme, with Mjolnir, Dooku was still able to defeat us. The only reason he ran was because he could not handle Master Yoda.'

'Against someone like Sidious, it is wise to ask for help beforehand. And given how powerful Padme is, she would be the first person I would ask to help us. Even if she declines, I trust she will keep this secret until we can handle the matter. She might even have suggestions on how to make this action more legal.'

'The second person I would ask would be Anakin if he was not so close to this matter. Those are the only two people outside of this room whom I trust, whom I believe have the power and skill to be able to tilt a battle against a Sith Lord in our favor.'

Obiwan suggested, “We should at least ask her to come with you, as Thor, to confront Palpatine. Her being present may actually convince Palpatine to surrender without a fight.”

Mace stated, “No. She chose to walk out of this war. We will respect her wishes in her desire to not be involve in such violence. If this does not go well, she will be out of harms way. And she may be a major asset to use in a fall back plan.”

Yoda commented, “A fair point.”

Obiwan knew better than to open disagree with both Mace and Yoda.

Mace said, “In case this goes badly, we will keep our promise to Anakin. Before we leave to confront Chancellor. In not so many words, I will call and inform her and Ms Tano to immediately leave the planet with Mjolnir. If our confrontation with Chancellor ends badly, we will contact them to keep them in the loop of our plans to deal with the Chancellor and his allies.”

Obiwan commented, “That should be fine.” He thought, 'This is not what I wanted. But, at least Padme and Ahsoka will be warned before this can get to out of hand.'

Yoda said, “Good. We will not warn her and Ms Tano while we are leaving on our ships, heading out to space. Both of them have earned enough of our respect to at least be given ample warning to have plenty of time to leave.”

Mace said, “I will make arrangements that a time delayed coded message well be sent to her apartment, after the operation has started.”

Yoda stated, “Yes. That would be enough time for her and Ms Tano to make their decisions and to take action.”

Mace looked around the room, as he commented, “Once the Chancellor has been removed and exposed, we can move forward to at least achieving a ceasefire in this war. Loki was open to doing so. And we know other members of the Separatists wish for a peace as well. While we do not agree to the Separatists being their own nation. With the Chancellor gone, we can stop the fighting and work together towards unification of this divided nation.”

Shaak Ti stated, “That would be a good goal to work towards.”

Mace turned to Shaak Ti. He said, “I am glad you agree.” Mace looked around the room again, as he asked, “Are there any other comments?”

Everyone was silent for a few seconds.

Mace said, “Good. Now, let us get this plan underway. This meeting is adjourned.”

Mace got out of his chair and he swiftly stood up.

Those council members not present each turned off the holo-monitor in their assigned chair. While other members whom were present got out of their chairs.

Meanwhile, while a few of the council stood around, Mace immediately headed for double-doors leading from the council chamber to the anti-chamber and to the elevators, so he could begin to implement his plan.

A minute later, Obiwan left the council chamber.

Yoda had his hover chair near his council chair. He got into his hover chair and he piloted his hover chair a meter in the air, as he followed Obiwan out the open doors, into the anti-chamber, and to the nearby elevators.

(_)

Ten minutes later, Obiwan made it to the hallway door leading to Battlemaster Cin Drallig's personal quarters.

As Obiwan came to a stop at the door, he thought, 'Given Cin is in charge of Temple Security. Along with overseeing some of the schooling in the temple. The Jedi Council is privy to his daily schedule. Just in case we need to contact him, we know where he is. At this time in the evening, he should be in his quarters.'

Just as Obiwan was about to press a button on the panel by the door, to ring and inform Cin of Obiwan's presence, the door slid open.

Obiwan saw Cin standing on the other way of the threshold. Cin was dressed a brown long sleeve shirt tucked into dark brown pants, brown boots, with a brown sleeveless vest over his shirt that went have way down his thighs. His brown vest was closed and he had a brown belt around the waist of his vest. His lightsaber was holstered on his belt.

Obiwan thought, 'He must have used the force to sense my presence. Well, he is the chief of security.'

Both men looked at each other.

The door remained open. Cin calmly asked, “Master Kenobi. What can I do for you at such a late hour of the day?”

Obiwan thought, 'He is probably not going to like this.' Obiwan stated, “I cannot go into all the details. But, I need you to quietly alert security. And for you to have security secretly prepare for the possibility that all members of the Jedi Order within temple may need to be quickly evacuated off world.”

Cin maintained a professional composure, as he calmly inquired, “Is this order from the council?”

Obiwan said, “Yes. We need this done quietly. Without alerting the clone army. Because we feel there is a possibility the clone army might turn on us.”

Cin stated, “I understand. I will start to quietly inform security, while I also oversee preparing our passenger ships to prepare for a possible evacuation.”

Obiwan responded, “Thank you. If you need me I will be in the communications center, monitoring communications, and keeping an eye on the clones there.”

Cin said, “If I do, I will directly contact you by the comlink you use.”

Obiwan replied, “That will be fine.” Obiwan thought, 'As head of security, you have a list numbers of the comlinks the various council members of the Order use. This would include the number to the comlink I have in my right pants pocket.'

Obiwan turned and he walked down the hallway.

While Obiwan walked, he thought, 'Now, to find Anakin. After he has dinner, Anakin sometimes practices in a nearby training room, a few levels above me. I will first try to find him there.'

Meanwhile, Cin walked out of his quarters. As he passed by, he pushed a button on the outer panel by the door.

A few seconds after Cin clear the threshold into the hallway, the door to his personal quarters slid closed and automatically locked itself on the outside.

Cin turned and he walked in the opposite direction of the hallway from the way Obiwan was heading.

While Cin walked, he began to formula how to accomplish the tasks the Jedi High Council had assigned for him and his security personnel on short notice.

(_)

Meanwhile, as Obiwan was heading to find Anakin, elsewhere in the Jedi Temple, Yoda had used his hover chair to make the door to his personal quarters.

Once Yoda opened the hallway door to his quarters, he piloted his hover chair into the room.

Yoda's quarters were average size for a Jedi Master. For Yoda's small size, this made for a lot of space.

A few seconds later, the door slid closed as Yoda headed to his a small table in the living area of his home.

Yoda landed his hoverpod on by the table, with him facing the table.

Once the hover chair was on the ground, Yoda got out of his chair and he walked to the table.

On top of the table was a small holo-monitor.

Once Yoda was by the table, Yoda began to type a secret code into the holo-monitor.

While all Jedi knew of the Twilight Protocols, only Yoda and a few other members of the Jedi High Council knew the codes to activate and resent the Twilight Protocols. Along with where the equipment to implement these protocols were located.

The Twilight Protocols were also known as the hideaway protocols.

The Twilight Protocols were created as a set of plans in case the Galactic Republic turned on the Jedi Order in such an overwhelming manner the Jedi could not stop them. Or, the Jedi High Council learned of such a plan and the Jedi Order wanted to warn the other members of the Jedi Order to hide until the assigned members of the Jedi Order could end the threat, allowing the situation to be safe for members of the Jedi Order to out of hiding. At which point, the all clear signal would be given.

The reason the Twilight Protocols were named, 'twilight', was that 'twilight' could be associated with both a sunset or a sunrise. A possible sunset for the Old Jedi Order, and the sunrise of the potential seeds being laid for a New Jedi Order.

There was a code that was used to alert the Jedi, outside of Coruscant, to immediately disappear to one of the many secret Jedi safe houses hidden across the galaxy. If the code for the recall order was not sent within six standard months, the Jedi whom were in hiding were to separately continue the Jedi Order in secret.

The run code and the recall code were to different codes. There was also a different set of codes to run for those Jedi stationed on Coruscant.

The run code was only to be used if a imminent threat to the Jedi was found.

The run code sent musical melody which repeated hourly on various programmed communication hubs across the galaxy. The run code used communication frequencies the Jedi used. The repeat was so that any Jedi whom was busy, or resting, would eventually hear the signal from either their comlinks, holo-monitors, or Jedi starfighters.

The musical melody was a small part of an ancient piece of music composed by a member of the Jedi Order. If someone outside of the Jedi Order overheard the melody they would not understand the important of the melody. Only those within the Jedi Order would understand the importance of the musical piece.

The holo-monitor in Yoda's quarters had been programmed with the run code for Twilight protocols. The transmission equipment for the recall orders located elsewhere. This was so even if an enemy found the transmission equipment Twilight protocols run code, the enemy would not have the recall codes.

Once Yoda put in the code, he pressed the enter key and the code was sent.

Now all Yoda could do was wait and hope that activating Twilight protocols was unnecessary, with Mace's strike force being able to take down Chancellor Palpatine.

(_)

In another part of the galaxy, on a clear night, in the sky over a jungle world, a Jedi Knight was flying in his Jedi starfighter as he lead a squadron of clone pilots in starfighters in a dogfight with Separatists starfighters.

The battle has been going on for an hour. What started was a battle between thirty Republic starfighters and forty Separatist starfighters was now twenty Republic starfighters, including the Jedi's starfighter, and four Separatist starfighters.

It was obvious the Separatists were going be defeated in this battle, but they were not going to lose without a fight.

From his starfighter's communication system, the Jedi in his starfighter received a coded melody for the Twilight Protocols.

The Jedi exited out of the dogfight and away from the battle. Fortunately, none the Separatist forces followed the Jedi.

The Jedi stated, into his communication system to the clone starfighter forces assisting him, “To all forces. I have minor trouble with the engines of my starfighter. I am going to get away the battle and set down on the surface. I should be fine. Continue with the battle. When the Separatist are defeated, report back to the Jedi Cruiser when you are finished.”

Over the communication system, one of the clone pilots stated, “Roger that.”

Instead of going down to the surface of the jungle planet, the Jedi flew his starfighter over the treeline canopy, until he is fully away from battle. Then, he flew into space and towards the Star Destroyer under his command, to get a hyperspace transport ring located in space, near his Star Destroyer.

As the Jedi reached orbit, he had contacted the Star Destroyer and her had ordered the placement of the transport ring near the Star Destroyer. The excuse he gave was that he would not be stranded if the Star Destroyer had to leave without him.

Soon, the Jedi reached the transport ring. He connected his starfighter to the transport ring, the Jedi has the astromech droid in his starfighter set his coordinates, and he jumped to hyperspace without anyone realizing what is going on, nor where he was heading.

(_)

In other part of the galaxy, inside the meeting room of another Star Destroyer, a Jedi was having a discussion with his top officers.

The meeting was about using a group of Republic Star Destroyers to ambush a group of Separatist cruisers in a nearby star system.

Suddenly, the Jedi received a musical melody on the comlink of his left gauntlet. He excused himself from the room. Within ten minutes he used a transport ship to leave the ship, and jump to hyperspace, for whereabouts only known to the Jedi whom had left.

(_)

In another part of the galaxy, on a planet, in the middle of a swamp, during the day, a female Jedi Master was leading a squad of clone troops, when she received the coded musical melody, on her comlink, on her left wrist gauntlet.

A minute later, when the clone troops are not looking, the Jedi woman disappears into the brush.

As the clones look around for her, one of the clones asked, “Where did the General go?”

(_)

On desert world, during the day, in a city, two Jedi were overseeing a relief mission and off loading supplies, a female Jedi Master and her male teenage padawan apprentice. Both of them heard the code melody on their comlinks.

They excused themselves from their activities, and they left, together, for parts unknown.

(_)

In another part of the galaxy, inside a spacestation, there was a Jedi Knight on a diplomatic mission. He was presently meeting the governor of the station, in the governor's office.

The governor's office with a large window into space.

The diplomatic matter dealt with a minor territorial dispute.

The male Jedi received the music melody on his comlink.

The Jedi excused himself from the room.

A few minutes later, the governor turned to look out a large window in his office to see the Jedi diplomatic ship the Jedi Knight had come on board with had left the station.

The Jedi diplomatic ship soon entering hyperspace.

The governor wondered in thought, 'What is this all about?'

(_)

In the north-northeastern part of the Outer Rim, on a lightly populated, currently arid world, it was the middle of a sunny, warm day.

The planet orbited two stars and two moons orbited the planet.

The planet has a dry, but breathable atmosphere for humans, near-humans, and more intelligent alien species.

Presently, a humanoid droid piloted a black speeder bike in a northerly direction in the middle of a very large, wide, nearly empty canyon.

The planet was on the western border of the main Confederate held territory, which stretched to encompass must of the northeastern corner of the galaxy.

The canyon was ten kilometers wide from east to west and thirty kilometers long north to south. The canyon was surrounded by mountains, with only a few cracks around the mountains to get in and out of the canyon. The canyon was very flat.

The canyon was a mix red iron dirt and yellow sand, with dry brush. The animals in the canyon were nocturnal and in their burrows for the day.

The only water in the canyon was from the handful springs on the floor of the canyon.

There were no populated settlements in the canyon and surrounding mountains. The nearest populated settlement was fifty kilometers to the east, on the other side of a mountain range.

The only people that came to the canyon were prospectors for valuable crystals that only washed down from the mountains down into the valley during the middle and end of the rainy season. Presently, it was the middle of the dry season and there were no prospectors present.

A large breeze blew down the western mountains and into the valley.

A hundred meters behind the droid and gaining, was another speeder bike piloted by a near-human woman. The woman was a Jedi Knight.

The Jedi Knight's mission was simple, though it required a lot of work to reach this point.

The droid piloting the speeder was an espionage droid. The outer shell and face of the droid looked similar to a protocol droid similar to C3-PO. Only this droid was a dull chrome color. Though, the droid did not have the outer hydraulics pistons on its elbows than most protocol droids and its knees contoured with its legs better than most protocol droids.

This was because under the shell, the internal body of the espionage droid was basically a slimmed down B2 super-droid. Though, due to its job, the droid did not have any built in weapons and the droid had to rely on its intelligence, skills, and physical strength.

To make up for its lack of weapons and to help it with its mission, the droid was made more intelligent and more autonomous in its thinking when compared to its droid siblings.

Though, the droid was still programmed to be loyal to its Confederacy.

The black painted speeder bike the droid used required the droid to lean forward, towards the steering controls in the front.

The droid was on the last part of its own missions.

A few months ago, the droid had been able to pass itself off as a protocol droid and it had successfully infiltrate the main headquarters of the Kuat Drive Yards company. The headquarters were located on Kaut Drive Yards main ship yards which encircled the planet Kuat, in the northeastern Core near the Colonies.

Within those few months, the espionage droid has been able to learn of the last adjustments, upgrades, and specifications for the energy shields and hyper-drives the Kaut Drive Yards company was building and installing in the Republic military ships. Everything from starfighters to star destroyers.

The Kuat Drive Yards staff did not learn of the data-theft until a day after the droid has disappeared on a transport heading for the Colonies. All attempts by the Kuat Drive Yards company to track down the droid failed. Though, the company did not dare hire anyone outside the company to handle the matter.

Instead, the chairman of the company contacted the Republic military about the data-theft.

While this was an embarrassment, the Kuat Drive Yards knew their contracts with the Republic government would be safe as long as they contacted the Republic military about the matter.

Due to the importance of the situation, less than a day after the data-theft had been uncovered, the chairman of the Kuat Drive Yards company personally contacted the proper Republic Intelligence officials of the theft.

Because to the sensitive nature of the mission and the time constraints, these Republic Intelligence officials decided to give the mission to a Jedi Knight they trusted, whom would keep this mission secret.

The Jedi Knight's mission was to catch the droid before the droid reached Confederate forces and to retrieve the droids braincase intact, so Republic Intelligence could learn exactly what data the droid had stolen.

The Jedi had been given the mission three weeks ago.

Fortunately for the Republic, the espionage droid had to take back routes to avoid blockades, security checkpoints, and fighting between the Republic and the Confederacy. This made for a long journey from the Core Worlds to the northeastern part of the Outer Rim.

The data the droid had was too important to transmit, so the droid had to deliver the data in person to Confederate Intelligence officials in the northeastern part of the galaxy.

This gave the Jedi woman time to track down the droid.

Unfortunately, from the information the Jedi Knight has attained during her hunt, the droid was heading to the north end of the canyon, where a Confederate spaceship, piloted by droids, was awaiting to take the espionage droid back to the Confederate space.

If the droid got onto that ship, she would lose her last chance to catch the droid before the droid made it into the hands of the Confederacy.

The only luck the Jedi had so far was she was able to shadow the droid to the planet without being discovered by the droid. She had even been able to land her hyperspace transport ship in a ravine close to where the droid had landed its small ship on the south end of the canyon.

But, when the Jedi reached the droid's ship, she found the droid was gone.

She looked to the north to see the droid kicking up a trail of dust as it swiftly hovered down the canyon on a black speeder bike.

Luckily, the Jedi Knight had used a speeder bike on her ship to pilot to get to the droid's empty ship.

The Jedi Knight immediately gave chase after the droid's speeder bike, with her own speeder bike.

That was ten minutes ago. Now, the droid and the Jedi were in the middle part of the canyon.

The Jedi piloted a a brown painted lower rider speed bike that allowed pilot to sit upright in seat with a back to it.

By most human and near-human standards, the Jedi woman was quite beautiful. She had pale blue skin, short brown hair, light green irises. She was slender in build, and she was in her early thirties. The woman was almost identical in physical traits to human women except for her pale blue skin. Though, her species has better senses, such as eye sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, than most humans.

The Jedi Knight's name Shan Tobin.

The Jedi wore a brown cloak. The hood of the cloak was pulled over the Shan's head. The back the cloak was pinned between the Shan's back and the back of her seat.

Under the cloak, among other items, Shan wore goggles over her eyes, a dark red long sleeve button up shirt, black pants, a black belt, brown leather boots, on the left side of her belt was her comlink, and her lightsaber was holstered on the right side of her belt.

While Shan was right handed, unlike some Jedi whom preferred to cross-draw their lightsaber, Shan preferred to draw her lightsaber with her right hand from her right side.

Shan used a standard single hilt lightsaber. Though, the crystal in the blade was yellow.

So far, Shan had been gain on the droid while staying directly behind the droid. This prevented the droid from noticing her.

Now, Shan was ten meters behind the droid.

Shan thought, 'Now, to figure out how to get the droid off its bike without damaging its braincase. Also, I need to make sure the damage the rest of its body so it cannot hurt me. I believe I will cut the head off the droid. That should do it.'

Shan steered to her left, as she gunned the engine to come up from behind the droid's left side.

As Shan's brown speeder bike came parallel droid's black speeder bike, she saw there were no obstructions in front of them. Shan turned to her right to look droid and its speeder.

She saw that the droid was only two meters from her. She moved her speeder to within one meter of the droid. That was far enough for her arm and lightsaber blade to reach the droid, but the droid was out of arm's reach of her.

The droid still had not noticed Shan.

Just then, Shan's comlink came on and played a melody.

The droid heard the melody and it turned to look at Shan.

Meanwhile, Shan recognized the melody as the Jedi Order's Twilight Protocols.

Shan knew the Twilight Protocols took precedence over her current mission.

Without a second thought, while Shan kept her left hand on the steering bar of her speeder bike, she used her right hand to pull out her lightsaber hilt, hold up the lightsaber hilt, ignite the meter long yellow energy blade, and instead of cutting off the droid's head with the yellow lightsaber blade, Shan used her lightsaber to horizontally slice through the black speeder, from near the front to the almost the back of the vehicle.

The damage immediately caused the black speeder bike and the dull chrome espionage droid piloting the speeder bike to crash into ground, with the collision causing the bike to erupt in a fire explosion

Meanwhile, Shan's speeder bike continued forward.

A moment later, Shan deactivated her lightsaber and she holstered her weapon on her belt.

Next, Shan gently slowed her speeder bike down.

A few seconds later, Jedi Knight Shan Tobin turned her speeder bike to her left, just as she came to a stop on her speeder bike. Her speed bike hovered in place, as she looked behind her, to her left, to see the ruins of the black speed body and the droids.

With her own eyes Shan saw that the droid's destroyed head in the fiery wrecked. The droid's braincase was exposed and melting from the fire among the wreckage.

Also, Shan noticed that the fire was no where near any dry brush.

Shan turned back to face the front of her speeder bike. She leaned back in her seat.

Shan took a deep breath and she slowly let out her breath, as she thought, 'Well, that is three weeks I am not going to get back. But, it looks like I am going to have some time to myself, as I hide.'

'At least there is nothing around the fire to cause it to spread. The fire will die down in a few hours. By this time tomorrow, the fire will burn itself out.'

'I would be tempted to informed the Republic Intelligence that I did destroy the droid. Which is not what they wanted, but they would be happy the information the droid had stayed out of the hands of the Separatists. But, my orders from the Jedi are clear. I need to hide from the Republic. This means the Republic has become a danger to the Jedi Order. I do not know the reasons, but I will do as I am ordered. If the Republic does intent to hunt us, I plan to have a head start and hide in the most unlikely of places.'

'I believe I will hide on a beach resort planet. I already have the exact resort planet in mind. During this mission I found some credits no one knows about and I have a few fake IDs no one knows about.'

'I feel I will take a little vacation to a resort planet in the northern Mid Rim, that is away from the war.'

'The rules for the Twilight Protocols leave each Jedi member to choose how and where she or he wishes to hide.'

'Though, I will have to get a new ship first. But, there is a Republic allied planet a few star systems away.'

Shan piloted her speeder bike to turn around and she head back to the hyperspace transport ship she had used to travel in so she could perform her mission. Now, she would use the transport ship to hide from everyone, until she received a signal from the Jedi to do otherwise. If that signal ever came.

Ten minute later, Shan made it back to her transport. Fifteen minutes later, after placing her speeder in her ship, securing the speeder, along with doing a preflight check, the Shan piloted her ship into orbit.

Half an hour later, Shan's ship made it into orbit over the currently arid planet.

From there, Shan had the navigation system of the ship plot a coarse to a nearby Republic friendly populated planet, where she intended to ditch the transport she was using and to buy a ship that the Republic would not be looking for.

Once Shan had a new ship, she would head a beach resort planet in mind, to take a vacation on, as she hid from everyone.

A few minutes after reaching orbit over the arid world, the navigation computer had the course laid in, and Shan had her transport ship jump to hyperspace, towards the nearby, populated, Republic friendly world.

(_)

All across the galaxy, Jedi were receiving the coded signal in the form of a melody. After which, the Jedi whom heard the melody immediately disappeared and went into hiding, with them dropping what they were doing, and running to hide until the received further orders by the Jedi High Council.

(_)

Meanwhile, on Coruscant, inside the Jedi Temple, Cin Drallig was having security quietly move the Jedi padawaans and younglings to bunkers within the Temple, with a few Jedi Knights and Jedi Masters placed with the younger members of the Order, to keep an eye on the children. The members of the Jedi Order within the temple were told they needed to be ready to evacuate the Jedi Temple at a moments notice, on passenger ships that Cin was having other members of his personnel were preparing for takeoff in various hangars within the Jedi Temple. Also, the members were ordered to keep quiet about this matter. The members of the Jedi Order followed their orders.

In addition, Cin alerted quietly several skilled Jedi Knights and Jedi Masters he knew of to be on alert for a possible attack and to aid the rest of the Jedi members within the Temple for a possible evacuation.

Cin intention was if there was an evacuation, he and his security would provide cover for everyone else, with security and himself being the last ones to leave.

Specifically, if the situation call for it, Cin planned to be the last member of the Jedi Order to leave the Temple. After he made sure everyone else in the Temple, whom were still alive, had left.

Cin did all this while not tipping off anyone outside of the Jedi Order, as to what was really going on inside the Jedi Temple.

(_)

Inside the Jedi Temple, on Coruscant, ten minutes after Obiwan had talked to Cin, he walked down a few hallways and took an elevator to reach the entrance to training room that Anakin sometimes used.

Through the force Obiwan could sense that Anakin was inside.

Obiwan used the nearby panel by the double-doors to open the double-doors.

The doors slid open and Obiwan walked inside the training room.

The only light in the room came from the windows, which provided plenty of sunlight from the sunset outside.

While Obiwan walked further into the room, the doors to the room slid closed behind him. While Obiwan walked, he saw Anakin was center of the room.

There no one else in the room, save for the two of them.

Anakin had out his lightsaber, with the weapon's ignited green blade.

Anakin was using his lightsaber to flawlessly preform a lightsaber kata.

While Obiwan walked closer to Anakin, he watched Anakin. Obiwan thought, 'I am so proud of you, Anakin. You have achieved all I had hoped you would. Now, I just hope you understand what I am about to ask of you.'

Obiwan soon came to a stop ten meters from Anakin.

A few seconds later, Anakin noticed Obiwan. Anakin stopped in his kata.

Anakin turned towards Obiwan.

Anakin turned off his lightsaber and holstered his weapon in the holster on his belt.

Anakin walked towards Obiwan, as he said, “Hi Obiwan.”

Obiwan calmly inquired, “Hello Anakin. So, how are you doing?”

Anakin answered, “I am just working off the dinner I ate.” By then, Anakin came to a stop a few meters in front of Obiwan.

Anakin could tell that someone was off with Obiwan. Anakin asked, “You did not come here only to watch. What is going on?”

Obiwan said, “Actually, a lot. You are not going to enjoy hearing this.” He thought, 'I will leave out that this was discussed in a council meeting which you were not invited too.'

Anakin stated, “Then, let us just get it over with.”

Obiwan explained, “Earlier this evening, Mace was contacted by Loki. Loki convinced Mace concerning the identity of Darth Sidious.”

Anakin questioned, “So, who does Loki think Sidious is?”

Obiwan said, “Chancellor Palpatine.”

Anakin responded, “I have known the Chancellor for years. What evidence to you have?”

Obiwan admitted, “While Mace did not present much evidence, he did state that what Loki told him was very compelling. Mace stated that Loki claimed to be from the future.”

Anakin stated, “That would explain a few things.”

Obiwan responded, “I agree. From the information that Loki shared with Mace, Mace stated that if the Chancellor had finished his plans, he would have made the Republic into his Empire. With him as the Emperor of his new Empire. Also, that he has already prepared plans on how to deal with the Order. Mace stated the plan was called Order 66. Which through the use of control chips in the brains of the clones, the Chancellor would have had the clone army turn on us and swiftly destroy us before we could react to stop the purge.”

Anakin thought about what Obiwan said for a few seconds. Anakin also thought about with what Palpatine had said to him yesterday.

Anakin conceded, “It is possible he could be Sidious. Some of what he said to me could have darker meanings and undertones.” Anakin inquired, in a serious tone of voice, “Still, does Mace or anyone else in the Order suspect me of being in league with Sidious?”

Obiwan answered, “Fortunately, no. You are in the clear. Given you were not happy with the appointment. And how you pointed out how your appointment was a trap. With you offering possible solutions to get out of this mess. Your loyalty is not in question.”

Anakin replied, “Good.” Then, Anakin realized a few matters. He asked, “While the Jedi still trust me. What of the Senate? While I trust Padme, when is comes to the Senate, will I face any criminal charges?”

Obiwan answered, “I doubt it. We will attest that you were an unwitting accomplice put into a position you did not have a choice in. That you were ordered to do so. That you did not abuse the position you were forced to take. We will make sure nothing happens to you.”

Anakin inquired, “Thank you. So, how is the Chancellor going to be handled? And what about the rest of the Order? In case the worst should happen.”

Obiwan said, “We are already taking precautions to protect the Order. This includes preparing for a possible quick evacuation of the Temple off world. This is being done quietly so as to not alert anyone outside the Order. Especially, the troopers stations in the communications center of the Temple. Also, within an hour or so, Mace is going to confront Palpatine. He is planning to bring twenty-four other Jedi with him. They are going lay a trap for the Chancellor on the North Senate Plaza.”

Anakin asked, “That could work. Do you want me to accompany you on confronting Palpatine?”

Obiwan stated, “No. You are too close on this matter. I want you to stay in your quarters. If it makes you feel better, I am overseeing the communication center for the temple. So, I am not going either.”

Anakin lied, “I understand. I will stay here.”

Obiwan said, “Good. Now, let us go to where we need to be.”

Anakin stated, “I could not agree more.”

Then, both men walked side by side, with Obiwan's to Anakin's left, as they headed for the exit to the training room.

When the reached the double-doors, Obiwan used a panel by the doors to open doors.

Once they were in the hallway, they split up. Anakin went to his right, while Obiwan went towards his left.

A few seconds later, the doors the training room slid closed.

Obiwan walked towards an elevator that would take him to a few level above him where the communication station was.

Meanwhile, Anakin walked down the other direction of the hallway, towards an elevator near the main western entrance of the temple. The western entrance was a few levels below him, at the ground level.

As Anakin walked down the hallway, he thought, 'At least I am out of this mess with the council appointment. I am glad I parked my speeder out on the western plaza. I do not have to risk alerting anyone to open a hangar bay as I leave. After I reach my speeder, I will head over to Padme's apartment. Padme and Ahsoka need to know what is going on. Just in case things take a turn for the worst. Also, they might have an idea, or two, on how to handle this situation.'

'At least, R2 and C3-PO are in my quarters. So, I do not need to worry about them, as I try to deal with this mess.'

Anakin continued walking towards an elevator that would take him to the ground floor. Once there, he would head to the western plaza where he had parked his speeder. And while Anakin walked, he contemplated what he was going to say to Padme and Ahsoka.

Fortunately, when Anakin reached the western entrance, due to the low key approach the Jedi security were taking, they left the main doors to the Jedi Temple open.

The guards on duty did not stop Anakin, as he exit the temple.

It was still sunset, as Anakin briskly made his way down two sets of stairs to the floor of the western plaza.

Once Anakin reach the western plaza, he headed to the visitor's parking area.

Anakin found his blue speeder vehicle. He open the left driver's side door, got in, closed the door, started the engine, and flew into the sky towards a skylane which would lead him to Padme's apartment.

It was only under fifteen minutes after Anakin had left when the guards at the main gates were quietly informed by security not to let anyone in the Temple leave.

(_)

Within the hour after the Jedi Council meeting had concluded, Mace had pulled together his team. Whom were now waiting for him in hangar bay six of the Jedi Temple.

Mace had three Republic gunships, piloted by Jedi pilots, to take them to the location of the trap and return to the Jedi Temple.

Also, Mace made other arrangements for the trap, including quietly having the area for the trap be evacuated.

Mace used a holo-monitor to contact a few people. Mace had called in a few favors from Coruscant Security Forces to do this evacuation, without alerting anyone. Not even the Supreme Chancellor was informed of this evacuation.

By the time, Mace and his Jedi strike force would face Palpatine, there were be no one else nearby to get caught in the possible crossfire.

Presently, Mace had returned to his personal quarters.

Since it was dark outside, Mace had turned on the ceiling lights of the living area of his quarters turned on.

Mace sat down in his chair at his desk, in the living area of his quarters.

First, Mace used his holo-monitor to create a message for Padme and Ahsoka. He set the transmission of the message to be time delayed by half an hour. Once the half an hour timer was up, the holo-monitor would transmit the message to Padme's holo-monitors in Padme's apartment.

Next, Mace used his holo-monitor to dial an emergency number that Palpatine had given the Jedi High Council, that went to Chancellor's office and personal quarters near the top of the Senate building.

The Chancellor's personal quarters were connect to the Chancellor Office by a set of doors to the right of the office, when facing the windows of the office.

Mace set the holo-monitor to audio only.

Mace thought, 'I will keep this audio only, so I do not risk having a ill-timed facial expression which could give myself away. Also, I will be ready to end the communication if I sense Palpatine is trying to use the force through the connection to harm me.'

After a few rings, Mace recognized Palpatine's voice, as Palpatine answered, “Hello.”

Mace stated, “Chancellor. We have just gained some information on Loki which we wish to share with you.”

Palpatine inquired, with a hint of annoyance in his tone of voice, “Can this not wait until tomorrow morning?”

Mace said, “No. Also, the reason I am not telling you the information over holo-comm. And this is audio only. Is that we already believe Loki has been able to tap our security systems from time to time.”

Palpatine replied, “This troubling news.”

Mace stated, “Yes. A few Jedi, including myself, wish to meet with you a kilometer north of the Senate Building, in the Senate Plaza, in half an hour. In this case, with communications being tapped, we believe a more open space will be more secure and harder listen in on.”

Palpatine flatly said, “I see your point. I will be there. And this better be good.”

Palpatine ended the communication, with the lights on the holo-monitor indicating the call had ended.

Mace thought, 'That went better than I had hoped. Now the trap is set. All we have to do is catch him. Or, kill him. I will not leave anything to chance.'

Mace got up from his chair. He turned and he headed towards the hallway exit to his quarters. When he reached the hallway door, he used the buttons on the panel by the door to open the door and turned off the lights to the living area of his quarters.

Mace turned and walked down the hallway towards an elevator.

A few seconds later, the door to Mace's quarters slid closed and locked itself on the outside.

Mace's destination was hangar bay six, which was a few levels below him. He was going to meet with his attack force and give them his plan of attack. This included each of their positions in their attack formation.

(_)

Meanwhile, Palpatine stood by the holo-monitor on the table, inside the living room of his private quarters, near the top of the Senate Building.

Palpatine's white hair was cut short.

Palpatine wore a long sleeve black formal shirt, black pants, dark gray belt, and dark gray dress shoes. He had on his dark red Chancellor's robe, which he left open in the front.

Palpatine had just ended the transmission with Mace.

Palpatine chuckled a little, as he said, “Fools.”

Palpatine turned and he began walking towards the hallway which let to his office. From there, he intended to head to the meeting location Mace had arranged for him, on the north part of the plaza, a kilometer from the Senate Building.

(_)

Half an hour later, it was a dark, clear night by the time the twenty-five Jedi strike force came to a stop on the north pathway of the Senate Plaza leading to the north entrance to the Senate Building.

There the temperature was cool, with a light breeze. The moons of Coruscant had risen over the horizon and into the sky, with the moons providing some light. In addition, illumination came from the buildings of the cityscape and the stars above them. From all these sources, there was plenty of light to see with.

The Senate Plaza stretched for kilometers in all directions from the Senate Building. Though, much like the plaza around the Jedi Temple, the Senate Plaza was not flat. The Senate Plaza had levels. Like the Jedi Temple plaza, the levels gradually went up and down. Though, some of the levels has flat walls to the sides of the steps, leading from level to level.

There were paths with stairs going up and down the various levels of the Senate Plaza. These paths lead from the edges of the plaza to the Senate building.

The stairs were sixty meters wide. The steps were gradual, with the steps leading to one small flat area, then another set of steps to the next level.

The floor of the plaza was made of patterned stone and metal. There was underground tunnels below the Senate Plaza. But, these tunnels were guarded by the Senate Security using various monitoring equipment.

There were large metal statues placed in a spread out, grid fashion on the plaza around the Senate Building. Each statue was placed on large stone plinth.

The statues were placed in rows that were thirty meters apart leading to the Senate Building, and fifty meters apart in width when facing the Senate building.

The statues were evenly spaced with the staircases, with two rows of statues being fifty meters apart, one row on each side of the stairs, but not on the ends of the stairs. The statues were not placed in the middle part between the two sets of steps that lead from level to level. Instead, the statues were placed on a level either above or below a staircase.

The Jedi strike force was forty meters from a set of dual staircases leading up to the next level. The Jedi stood facing near the center of the sixty meter wide staircases.

The group of Jedi were surrounded by eight large statues, on large plinths, with a row of four statues to each of their sides.

Pass the statues, there was a stone wall, that was flush with the level the staircases in front of Jedi went up to.

They were a kilometer from the Senate Building. Specifically, they were facing the middle of a set of steps going up, to another level of the plaza, which lead to the Senate Building. The steps were a double set of steps, with a flat space placed in the middle of the two sets of steps.

Mace had made sure the area was cleared of anyone else but the Jedi, and the person they were expecting.

Three Republic gunships whom had dropped off the Jedi, had left to return the Jedi Temple.

While the Jedi did not have their lightsabers in hand, they were ready for combat. The Jedi were on their guard, with their mental defenses up to protect their thoughts and emotions from force attacks.

Most of the Jedi present were Masters. Though, a few were Knights were part of the group.

The twenty-five Jedi stood in an inverted chevron formation, with the group facing Senate Building. Their semicircle was around ten meters wide.

Mace stood in the middle, and furthest most Jedi from the Senate Building.

Mace looked around, as he thought, 'This is the time and place. We told him to come to the plaza on the north end of the Senate Building, a kilometer from the building. He should be here any minute. Then, we deal with him. One way or another.'

'This is the best location for such a battle. The area is open and near enough to the Chancellor that I was able to convince him to come here.'

'I quietly had Coruscant Security evacuate the area. No one else is nearby. Speeders only land on various levels of the Senate Building, and not on the plaza. We can cut loose without worry. I called Palpatine and told him I needed to tell him some things what we learned from Loki. But, given how Loki can hack security systems with ease, it would be better to talk in the openness of the plaza, away from any cameras.'

'Fortunately, he agreed to the meeting.'

'I have also gone over the plan with my strike force. And I have placed each of these Jedi where I believe they will fit best if we have to fight Palpatine. This plan should work.'

Then, Mace spotted Palpatine as Palpatine came into view at the top of the stairs towards the Senate building.

Palpatine was in his Chancellor's clothing and robes, as he walked towards them from the Senate Building, down the two sets of staircases.

The Jedi patiently waited another few minutes as Palpatine walked down the steps and closer to them.

As Palpatine approached them, Mace realized that Palpatine was alone. Mace thought, 'Where are his guards? Maybe he figured out our plan. Not that is matters. Either way, I will ask him before we arrest him, or execute him.'

Palpatine made it down the two sets of stairs.

Palpatine came to a stop in the middle of the Jedi semicircle, ten meters from any of the Jedi.

Palpatine body language was relaxed.

Mace looked at Palpatine. Mace passively sensed through the force, as he thought, 'It is wise of us to be on guard and shield our thoughts and emotions from you. You are acting passively, but I do not sense you in the force. You are using some sort of mental defense to not only shield your thoughts and emotions, but to cloak your thoughts and emotions. No wonder would could not sense the darkness coming from you. Because we could not sense anything from you. We did not notice this because we were not looking for an emptiness in the force, but darkness in the force. This proves there is more to you than we suspected.'

Palpatine turned to look at Mace. Palpatine casually said, “My, my, Master Windu. What have you been up to? As much as I enjoy a walk during the evening, while meeting with people, I believe this is a bit much for a quiet conversation.”

Mace asked, “Where are your guards?” He thought, 'I need to make sure this is not a trap for us.'

Palpatine lips curled into a slight smile. Palpatine said, with a hint of smugness in his tone of voice, “I believe they will not be needed here. I do wish to use them in the future. Competent help is so hard find.” Palpatine dropped his smile. He frowned in slight anger, as he flatly stated, “Now, let us get down to business.”

Mace thought, 'At least we will not have to immediately deal with your guards.'

Mace stated, “Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine, you are under arrest.”

Mace and the other twenty-four Jedi pulled out their lightsabers and ignited their weapons. Most of the lightsaber blades being either blue or green. Though, Mace's blade was a violet color.

The Jedi took defensive stances, either holding their lightsaber in one hand, or both hands.

Mace held his lightsaber in his right hand.

None of the Jedi took their eyes off of Palpatine.

Mace went onto say, “We know you are Sidious.”

Palpatine looked at the weapons draw on him. He turned back to look at Mace.

Palpatine guessed, “Loki told you?”

Mace thought, 'You are not even denying my accusation.' Mace admitted, “Yes.”

Palpatine responded, “That explains a lot. I do not know how she knew. But now you confirmed that she knows. Also, your bait was well done. Always hide a lie in a truth.”

Mace said, “It worked for you.”

Palpatine smiled in a grin that did not reach his eyes. He calmly replied, “Thank you.”

Mace mentioned, “We also know about Order 66 and the control chips in the clones.”

Palpatine dropped his smile. Palpatine responded, “Loki clearly knows much about my plans. I can guess that you have already warned your Jedi brethren to go into hiding?”

Mace replied, “Of course.”

From the corner of his right eye Palpatine saw four Jedi were slowly circling around him. Though, Palpatine kept most of his attention on Mace and the Jedi in front of him.

Palpatine asked, “And why tell me all this?”

Mace responded, “Because it is over for you. Even if you escape this fight, we have already taken measures to defeat you. Since Loki knows this much, she has likely taken similar measures before she even contacted me.”

Palpatine stated, “Even so. Besides taking actions against me being an act of treason, you have forgotten two very important facts.”

Three of the Jedi directly to Mace's left were slowly approaching Palpatine, as Mace questioned, “Which are?”

Palpatine smirked, as he said, “It is you who should be worried about escape, for a Sith never surrenders.”

By then, the three Jedi in front of Palpatine were five meters from him.

Without warning, just after finishing his sentence, Palpatine rushed at the three Jedi in front of him.

As Palpatine rushed the three Jedi, he used his right hand to draw his lightsaber from his clothing. Once the hilt was clear of his body and clothing, Palpatine ignited the red blade of his weapon.

In the first stroke, Palpatine killed one the Jedi in front of him. He killed the other two Jedi in the next two strokes of his red lightsaber.

As the three dead Jedi fell to the ground, they let go of their lightsabers, and their lightsaber deactivated.

Palpatine stopped five meters in front of Mace. Palpatine immediately released a direct force attack on the remaining twenty-two Jedi.

Most of the Jedi were quick enough to sense the attack and use the force to protect themselves, including Mace.

But, two Jedi Knights to Mace's right side were not swift enough, as Palpatine used the force to snap their necks. The two Jedi in question were instantly being killed, with them letting go of their lightsaber, causing their lightsabers to deactivate, as they and their weapons hit the plaza floor.

Palpatine immediately realized the surviving Jedi had countered his force attack. He swiftly switched tactics. He extended his arms to his sides, with his lightsaber hilt held in his right hand, as he used the force all around him in an attempt to push all the Jedi away and up into the sky.

The bodies and lightsabers of the five Jedi whom were already dead were pushed away from Palpatine, as various directions, across the plaza, passed Mace and his Jedi group, to come to a stop about thirty meters from Palpatine. Three of the bodies and three of the lightsabers came to a stop roughly thirty meters down the path in front of Palpatine, while two of the bodies and two of the lightsabers were pushed to his left, against the stone wall roughly thirty meters to his left.

Though, the Jedi were already on guard, and they quickly used the force to anchor themselves to the ground, to keep Palpatine from literally pushing them into the sky and into the distance.

Palpatine realized his attack was not working. He let out a roar, as he summoned more of his anger and hate to enhance his force powers.

Palpatine's pushing abilities with the force quintupled. Beneath Palpatine, the stone parts of the floor began to crush and shatter in many places, while the metal parts of the floor began to buckle and tear at several points. Though, the floor of the plaza still held and did not collapse under Palpatine's force assault.

The force attack was localized to anyone or anything within twenty meters of Palpatine. This was due to Palpatine used the force to push out to Mace and his Jedi group, and then upwards in a curved forty-five degree angle away from Palpatine. Palpatine intend with the force was to knock the Jedi down and sweep them into the air away from himself.

Anyone or anything further away was not effected by this force attack. This included the five dead Jedi and five lightsabers that Palpatine had pushed away from the battle.

As Palpatine's force attack increased, slowly, one by one, five Jedi lost their force anchoring, and they were quickly pushed into the sky, in a forty-five degree angle into the sky, and away from the battle.

Of those being thrown included two of the Jedi attempt to circle around him. Though, none of the Jedi that were thrown headed for the Senate Building. The power of Palpatine's force push threw these Jedi several kilometers into the sky, in an arc where they would land at lead thirty kilometers away, likely to crash land to their deaths.

But, the other fifteen remaining Jedi were able to remain anchored, including Mace Windu.

As the seconds passed, several of the Jedi, including Mace, continued to anchor themselves with them for, as they used the force to push back on Palpatine's force push, with their focus on using the force to literally crush Palpatine's body.

Palpatine was felt the push back by the Jedi, and the felt the Jedi's killing intent with the force. Palpatine realized what was happening. He quickly stopped his force push attack, as he brought his arms closer to his body, and he focused his abilities in the force to protected his body from the crushing force attack by the Jedi surrounding him.

Palpatine was careful not to harm himself with the lightsaber he held in his right hand.

Unfortunately, the Jedi quickly found that Palpatine's force defenses were as strong as his offensive abilities in the force.

Within the next few seconds, all of the remaining Jedi stopped their force attack.

The moment the attack ceased, Palpatine jumped back four meters.

While in the air, Palpatine used the force to swiftly pick up the eight of the large metal statues around them, and throw the statues in different directions at the Jedi.

Most of the Jedi jumped out of the way. A few, such as Mace, used the force to push away the statues heading towards them in a direction that the statues would land safely where no one was standing. Among those that pushed a statue away, were the two Jedi circling around behind Palpatine.

But, two other Jedi to Palpatine's left did not jump away in time, and they were not strong enough in the force to catch the statues heading towards them. Thus the two Jedi were crushed by two different statues, instantly killing them both.

As Palpatine landed on the ground, Mace realized, as he thought, 'He can continue to use the stateus if we do not get the statues out of here.”

Mace kept his eyes on Palpatine, as he ordered, in a loud tone of voice, “Throw the statues away from here!”

The Jedi swiftly used the force quietly throw the statues around them, far far the battle. The statues landed in other parts of the plaza, any from anyone. Especially, Palpatine.

The only signs left of the statues were the eight large stone plinths which were still anchored to the ground.

Mace and the twelve other Jedi whom remained alive turned their full attention back towards Palpatine.

Palpatine smirked, as he looked at Mace and six other Jedi near Mace. Palpatine stated, “Intelligent thinking. But, useless.”

Palpatine swiftly threw the red blade lightsaber in his right hand, to his right side.

Palpatine used the force to spin the lightsaber blade, as he hurled his weapon clockwise around him.

While Palpatine did this, he threw up both his hands towards Mace and the Jedi in front of him.

Instead of sending a bolt of force lightning at the Jedi in front of him, he sent a wave of lighting that arced out of his fingers, and spread out in front of himself.

This was far too more lightning than a Jedi could deflect with a lightsaber.

Mace and two other Jedi by Mace were able to jump up and out of the way of the lighting.

Though, four Jedi were not quick enough and they were electrocuted dead by the force lightning. The lighting destroyed the four lightsabers the four Jedi had been holding.

While Palpatine used his force lightning in front of him, his spinning red blade lightsaber had sliced through the chests of the Jedi whom had made it to stand four meters behind him. This attack instantly killed both the Jedi behind Palpatine.

As Palpatine stopped his force lightsaber, his lightsaber quit spending, and came to him, from his left side. Palpatine caught the hilt of his lightsaber with his right hand, without harming himself.

By then, Mace and the other two Jedi whom had jumped out of the force lightning attack had landed.

Meanwhile a Jedi from each side of Palpatine charged Palpatine with their lightsabers.

Palpatine saw this. He immediately used the force to pull one of the lightsabers from a nearby dead Jedi. He was careful not to get one of the lightsabers he had destroyed with his force lightning.

The lightsaber hilt slid into his left hand. Palpatine gripped it, and ignited the the green blade of the weapon.

A moment later, Palpatine used the red blade of the lightsaber in his right hand to parry the green blade of the Jedi to his right side. While at the same time, he used the green blade of the lightsaber in his left hand to parry the blue blade lightsaber of the Jedi to his left side.

After a few strikes, parries, and counters, between Palpatine and the two Jedi. Palpatine was able to strike down both the Jedi whom had directly attacked him.

Palpatine look at the remaining seven living Jedi, including Mace Windu.

There was a group of four Jedi to his left, and a group of three Jedi in front of him, which included Mace Windu.

Palpatine focused on Mace Windu.

Palpatine looked at the green blade of the lightsaber in his left hand. Then, he looked at Mace. Palpatine lips curled into a wicked smile, as he gave an evil laugh for a few seconds.

As Palpatine laughed, Mace and the other Jedi watched as Palpatine used the force to pull the other nine functional, but deactivated lightsabers from the deceased Jedi whom Palpatine had just killed. This included the five lightsabers which has been pushed roughly thirty meters away from him, when he first used force push on the entire group, but before he increased the power of force push to throw five of the Jedi in the air, and into the distance.

The nine lightsaber hilts floated between Palpatine and Mace.

Palpatine use the force to ignite all nine blades, with the blades either blue or green.

When Palpatine stopped chuckling, he had four of the floating ignited lightsabers float near him, while he made the other five floating ignited lightsabers started to spin.

Then, Palpatine sent the five spinning lightsabers at Mace and the two Jedi near Mace.

Mace and another Jedi were able to jump out of the way of the five spinning lightsabers. But, the other Jedi was unable to move quickly enough, and the Jedi was cut to pieces.

Meanwhile, the four other living Jedi charged at Palpatine. But, between the two lightsabers in Palpatine's hands, and the four floating lightsabers under Palpatine's command, Palpatine made short work of the four Jedi.

As Mace dodged the spinning lightsabers, he swiftly used the force to crush hilts of the lightsabers all at once.

Crushing the activated lightsabers caused minor explosions that did not affected the combatants.

When Mace landed on his feet, with another Jedi beside him, to his left, Mace turned to see that Palpatine had killed four other Jedi, besides the Jedi that he had killed with the spinning weapons.

Mace used the force to crush the five lightsabers of the Jedi whom had just been slain, along with crushing the four floating lightsabers.

Mace also tried to destroyed the two lightsabers in Palpatine's hands, but Mace was unable to do so.

Mace continued to look at Palpatine, as he said, to the Jedi to his left, “Be ready.”

A moment later, Palpatine charged at Mace and the other Jedi.

While Palpatine reached them, Palpatine used both his lightsabers at once.

But, while Mace was able to counter Palpatine's attacks, the other Jedi was not.

Though, as Palpatine used his red blade lightsaber in his right hand to kill the other Jedi, Mace was about to parry the green blade of the lightsaber in a manner to force the hilt from Palpatine's left hand.

Mace jumped back, as he used the force to destroyed the green blade lightsaber that he had removed from Palpatine and the lightsaber in the Jedi whom Palpatine had killed only a few moments ago.

Mace landed ten meters from Palpatine.

Mace looked around, and he found himself alone with his comrades dead.

Mace saw that Palpatine had defeated twenty-four Jedi in less than two minutes.

Mace looked at Palpatine, as Palpatine looked back at him.

Mace thought, with concern, 'Loki was not lying. I should have convinced Padme to come. Maybe Anakin and Obiwan, also. But, I have one more technique to try before I use Vaapad. I would not try this technique, but I am not sure I can defeat him with Vaapad and my shatterpoint technique. I only hope I can hold him until help arrives.'

Mace immediately focused and he used the force to grip time and space around Palpatine.

While Palpatine could shield himself from direct force attacks, this was not a direct attack.

For those looking at Palpatine at that moment, Palpatine appeared to slightly shake in place, as if he was stuck shifting between two sequential picture frames of time.

Mace thought, 'This technique was called, force stasis. This technique swiftly bends the time and space to surround the target. I have literally captured Palpatine between moments. He is trapped between tic and toc.'

'Since this technique does not harm the target, we council members felt this might be an ability to consider to use against Padme, if she ever turned on us. Or, if she was brainwashed to turn on us.'

'I am feel fortunate that situation never arose. Because I am not sure if this technique would hold Padme for long, given Padme's unique abilities from Mjolnir, with Padme and the hammer connected, both would have to be put in the same force stasis. Or, the technique might not work. Even then, with Mjolnir's electrical abilities, Padme might be able to use Mjolnir to break free. And trying to make the force stasis more powerful would be too risky.'

'The reason we rarely allow force stasis to be taught, let along used, was that centuries ago a Jedi Master named Lemaitre had been testing the abilities of force stasis. Jedi Master Lemaitre discovered that force stasis could be used to hold a blaster bolt in place. When the blaster bolt was released the blaster bolt traveled its course as if nothing happened.'

'This means that force stasis temporarily suspended the laws of relativity at a specific point of time and space. Before then, force stasis was only thought of as a more advanced form a using the force to stun someone and hold them in place. Master Lemaitre proved that force stasis was so much more.'

'Master Lemaitre proved force stasis created a bubble in time and space. Master Lemaitre immediately realized the dangers that force stasis could cause. That in theory, putting too much force into using the technique of force stasis could permanently damage reality in a specific location the technique was being used on.'

'Master Lemaitre immediately took his finding to the Jedi High Council. The High Council of the time tested his theory on force stasis. They found the ability was not as they previously thought, and use of the force technique did create a bubble in time. This meant that Master Lemaitre's concerns were valid. Afterward, the High Council banned the use and teaching of the force stasis technique except for a selected group of Jedi Masters in each generation so the ability would not be lost to ages.'

'This discovery also created some theories on how force users. Both the Jedi and Sith. Can go into hibernation for thousands of years without aging a day. That it is not so much hibernation as creating a bubble in time around oneself. They do not age because they are no effected by the flow of time outside of their temporal force bubble.'

Suddenly, Mace's trained of thought was interrupted as he felt his force grip on reality around Palpatine slip.

Time and space swiftly returned to normal around Palpatine.

Mace realized, as he thought, 'Palpatine was able to free himself of this ability. I guess I did not have the experience to correctly use this force technique and Palpatine was still partly aware of of the flow of time outside the temporal force bubble.'

Palpatine smiled wickedly, as he gloated, “Nice try, Master Windu. But, the Sith developed a counter to that technique several millennia ago...” He chuckled a little, as he maintained his smile.

Mace thought, 'Well, there goes that idea. It looks like we are going to have to fight it out. I hope I can defeat him, because after the abilities he just displayed, I am not sure I can take him in a fight. But, I am going to give it all I got and hope for the best.'

Palpatine stopped laughing. He maintained his wicked smile, as he commented, “So Master Windu. It is only the two of us. You now stand alone against me.”

Mace held up the hilt of his violet bladed lightsaber in both his hands. Mace took a defensive stance. Mace stated, in a defiant tone of voice, “A Jedi is never alone.”

Palpatine held up the hilt of his red bladed lightsaber in both his hands. Palpatine took an offensive stance. Palpatine stated, with confidence in his tone of voice, “Neither is a Sith.”

Both men charged at one another. When they reached each other, they clashed in a vicious lightsaber dual. The skills by both of them prevented either of them from achieving a swift victory.

(_)

A few minutes before Mace Windu and his Jedi strike force confronted Chancellor Palpatine on the North Senate Plaza, Anakin's blue speeder had arrived outside of Padme's apartment.

Anakin's intent was to secretly warn Padme and Ahsoka what was going on.

Anakin flew through the clear night sky, as he used the skylanes to reach Padem's apartment. Like the other speeders flying at night, the front headlights of his vehicle were on, along with taillights being turned on at the back of his vehicle.

As Anakin approached the apartment building, Anakin could sense that Padme and Ahsoka were both awake and in the living room of Padme's apartment.

Also, through the windows of the living room, Anakin could see the lights were turned on inside the living room of Padme's apartment.

Due to the urgency of the situation, Anakin flew counterclockwise, to come to a stop by the landing ramp at the end of the open, covered veranda of Padme's apartment.

Anakin's speeder came to a stop with the left side of the speed being by the platform. The side Anakin was sitting in.

Anakin set his speeder to idle, with the vehicle floating by the docking platform. He opened the left driver's side door, he got out, he stood onto the docking platform, and he closed the speeder door behind him.

Anakin turned towards the veranda and he rushed through the veranda to the double-doors leading into the apartment. When he reached the locked double-doors, he typed in the passcode on the panel by the doors.

The code was accepted and the doors slid open.

Anakin headed inside, at a quick pace, towards the living room.

A few seconds later, the doors closed behind Anakin, with the doors being locked on the outside.

Less than a minute later, Anakin reached the living room from the hallway leading to the elevator. As Anakin entered the room he saw the lights in the room were on, and that Padme and Ahsoka were sitting beside either other, on the couch facing the windows with the balcony.

Padme sat to Ahsoka's left side.

Padme and Ahsoka were watching a holo-film, on the holo-monitor, on the table in front of them. From the sound of music and dialogue from the cast of the holo-film, Anakin guessed it was a romantic movie.

As Anakin walked towards them, he could see that Padme was wearing a red dress with red slippers. While, Ahsoka wore a short-sleeve yellow shirt, black belt, red pants, and dark yellow boots.

As Anakin approached them, Padme and Ahsoka noticed Anakin.

Ahsoka leaned over and she paused the holo-film on the holo-monitor. She leaned back, as she turned to look at Anakin.

Anakin soon came to a stop by end of the table between the two couches in the center of the room. This was to Padme and Ahsoka's left side.

From the concerned look at Anakin's face, Padme and Ahsoka could something was wrong.

Padme asked, “Anakin. What is the matter?”

Anakin stated, “Padme. Ahsoka. We need to talk. And time is of the essence.”

Ahsoka inquired, “What is it?”

Anakin questioned, “First. Have you both eaten? If things go bad, we might not get a chance to eat for a while.”

Padme answered, “We have already eaten dinner at a restaurant. We returned home about ten minutes ago.”

Anakin responded, “Good. I just came from the temple. A little while ago, Obiwan told me that Loki had contacted Master Windu. Loki told Master Windu that Chancellor Palpatine is Sidious. And Master Windu believed Loki on this matter. Now, Master Windu and a group of Jedi are going to lay a trap for the Chancellor on the north plaza of the Senate Building. After Obiwan told me, I immediately came here to tell you.”

Both Padme and Ahsoka could tell Anakin was being serious.

Padme stood up.

Ahsoka turned off the holo-monitor. Then, she stood up.

Both of Padme and Ahsoka looked at Anakin.

Padme mentally reflected, 'I am glad I that I decided to have Ahsoka and I take the day off. It looks like we really will not get the chance for another day off any time soon. I guess this is why Loki refused to tell us who Sidious was. We really are too close to this situation.'

Padme stated, “This explains a lot about Sheev Palpatine.” She thought, 'If this is true, I refuse to call him Chancellor.' Padme continued, “And this explains why Loki refused to tell us who Sidious was. We are too close to this.”

Anakin agreed, “Those are my exact thoughts.”

Ahsoka understood the subtext of Padme and Anakin's comments. Ahsoka questioned, “Loki previously told you that she knew who Sidious was?”

Anakin answered, “Yes. But, at the time she did not say who Sidious was. She stated that she had reasons for not telling us. Now we know why.”

Padme commented, “Now, I can understand her reasons.”

Ahsoka replied, “Well that is an important secret to keep.”

Anakin responded, “Yes. It is. Anyway, I did not just come here to inform you. But, to to ask your advice to figure out what we can do to help.”

Padme stated, “Anakin. I am not sure we should help. Both the Jedi High Council and the Chancellor have been using you against each other. The three of us could use this opportunity to disappear.”

Padme placed her right hand on her slightly extended stomach, which was only just beginning to show she was pregnant.

Anakin said, in a firm tone of voice, “If we run, we may never be able to stop. I understand why you want to run. You are pregnant. And no matter the victor, we stand to lose.”

Padme lowered her right hand from her stomach. Padme looked at Anakin's face. Padme responded, “It is not just that. Anakin, you are very close to this. So am I. If the Chancellor is Sidious, than I have been serving my tormentor for years without even realizing it. I want revenge as much as the next person. The issue is that if we stay and fight, I can see us falling to darkness. Neither the Jedi or the Chancellor are on the right side of this mess. To help either side would lead to darkness.”

Ahsoka turned to Padme. Ahsoka commented, “A Sith Emperor, or a Council of Jedi Lords.”

Padme to turn Ahsoka. Padme replied, “Exactly.”

Ahsoka said, “You both taught me well.”

Padme alternated between looking at Ahsoka and Anakin, as she stated, “Thank you. I believe both of you also see what will likely happen. After the battle has concluded. No matter which side wins, the results will be very similar.”

“Neither side will respect the laws of the Republic, and the freedoms those laws protect. Should Palpatine win. He consolidate his power and use the Jedi as scapegoats. Should the Jedi be victorious, they will shut down the Senate and take over. The Jedi High Council will see the Senate and the Republic government as being so corrupted by the Palpatine and dark side that the government cannot be allowed to reign.”

“And that is a lie. The Senate is salvageable. The Republic is redeemable. We just needs a strong, honorable leader.”

“The problem is that I fear that if we choose either side. If we are on the losing side. We will be killed. If we are on the victor's side. They will lead us down very dark paths. Paths far darker than this war has created.”

“We will become the worst we could possibly be. I have had visions that showed what I would be if I fell to darkness. The monster that I would become terrifies me.”

Anakin stated, in a reassuring tone of voice, “I have had similar visions about myself. Now, I realize that the solution is that we will be on our own side. We have to stop them both. We will do so in our own ways. Not theirs.”

Padme looked at Anakin for a few moments, as she thought about what her husband had just said. Then, she stated, “You are right Anakin.”

Ahsoka looked at both Padme and Anakin. Ahsoka asked, “So, what is the plan?”

Ahsoka and Anakin looked towards Padme.

Padme looked over at Ahsoka and then towards Anakin. Padme thought, 'It figures I would the one looked to come up with a plan. We have to stop both the Sheev and the Jedi High Council. We cannot do this with only brute force. And I do not want Anakin or Ahsoka anywhere near Sheev. That leaves only a few workable options. Options I do not like. But, I guess we will have to do... I will have to do what is necessary... But, first I need to known were all the pieces on the game board are located.'

Padme let out a deep breath she did not realize she had been holding in. Then, Padme inquired, in a confident tone of voice, “Okay. I am working on a plan. But, I need to answer a few questions before a finalize my plan. Anakin, does the Jedi Order still consider you an ally?” Padme thought, 'Given what has happen recently with Sheev and the Council playing you against the other, there is a chance the Jedi High Council might not consider you an ally.'

Anakin answered, “Obiwan stated that I am fine on that matter.”

Padme replied, “That is a relief.”

Ahsoka spoke up, “That is good. What about R2 and C3-PO?”

Padme stated, “That is a good question.” She thought, 'Those two droids know enough about us, that we need to account for them.'

Anakin said, “Right now, they are in my quarters in the temple. If we have to run. I can contact R2 and C3-PO to meet us elsewhere in the Galaxy. They are resourceful enough that those to droids will figure out a way to leave the planet on their own.”

Ahsoka replied, “That is nice. I kind of like those droids.” A thought occurred to Ahsoka. She asked, “What about the rest of the Jedi?”

Padme thought, 'That was going to be my next question. But, I do not mind you asking that question, as long as the question is answered.'

Anakin stated, “Obiwan did not go into detail, but he said that the Order has taken precautions. This includes plans for a possible evacuation of the Temple, should the Jedi have to leave the planet in a hurry.”

Padme inquired, “It is good that the Jedi are taking precautions. Speaking of Obiwan, where is he, right now?”

Anakin said, “He is in the communications center in the Jedi Temple, to overseeing both the clones and communications channels.”

Padme thought, 'Unless than is a military operation in conjunction with the Jedi, the only clones in the Jedi temple are in the communications center to act as liaisons with the clone army. After everything that happened on Alpha Sigma Nine, I believe Rex is assigned there. The members of Rex's former squad are station in a nearby garrison.'

'Still, why would the clones need to be watched. Unless, Loki is correct.'

Padme asked, with concern, “Why is Obiwan overseeing the clone troopers in the temple?”

Anakin answered, “Palpatine's plan to deal with the Order is to issue an order called, Order 66. Unknown to us, Palpatine had control chips installed in the brains of the clones. Likely as they were grown in their cloning tubes. Should Palpatine issue Order 66, the clones will likely temporarily lose their free will and become Palpatine's puppets to kill anyone he desires them to kill.”

Padme dispassionately thought, 'This is exactly as Loki said Sidious, I mean Sheev, baited the Jedi. Why is it never easy? Well, this time we will find a way to prevent Sheev from destroying the Jedi Order, turning the Republic into an Empire, and becoming an emperor. Though, Loki would know the situation she is setting in motion. She would not tell Mace this unless she had her own plans in motion which would be aided by stirring up this mess. So, we need to take her and her possible plans into account as part of this situation.'

Ahsoka commented, “I do not want to have to kill my friends whom are clones. Especially when they do not have a choice in such a situation.”

Anakin responded, “I agree. Though, with luck the situation will not come to that. Palpatine would have to issue such an order. We need to make sure he does not have the opportunity to do so.”

Padme stated, “Well, Obiwan being there will make things easier.” Padme mentally reflected, 'The only major question in this situation is how are we going to legally depose Sheev.'

As Padme began to think on what was going and her plan, she remembered something Loki told her some time ago.

Padme's eyes went unfocused, as she whispered, “The law that cannot be broke can surely be bent...” Padme's lips curled into a wicked grin, as she said, under her breath, “Oh Loki, you magnificent lady... That is what you meant when you said exposing him will leave him powerless. And I know just how to do this.”

Anakin and Ahsoka heard Padme muttering under her breath.

Ahsoka inquired, “Padme? What were you saying?”

Padme looked at Ahsoka and Anakin. Padme maintained her grin, as she stated, “The law that cannot be broke can surely be bent. When I spoke to Loki, she told me that battling Sidious might be the easiest part in what needed to be done to defeat him. I now understand what Loki was trying to tell me then. I understand what needs to be done concerning that part of the battle.”

“But, we also need on all the players involved. It is obvious that Loki is playing all of us. We need to take that into account. Now, here is my plan. This plan will have a many parts. But, if we do this right, we should all survive this, and achieve victory in a way that saved the Republic, the Senate, and the Jedi Order. To accomplish this task we are going to need to do several things at once.”

Padme focused on Anakin, as she continued, “Anakin, I need you to return to the Jedi Temple. Go to the Jedi Temple communications center and meet with Obiwan. If Loki told Mace this, it is clear Loki has her own ulterior plans. This situation she has created would make for a perfect distraction. If I was her, while everyone was fighting each other on the ground on Coruscant, I would be sending a fleet here, to arrive at anytime, to perform a decapitation strike on the Republic leadership.”

“When you reach the communication center, convince Obiwan to help you. Then, see if Loki is sending a fleet. If she is, see if you can contact her. Loki is no fool. She knows even if she defeats the Republic, she will have to deal with pockets of resistance for years, perhaps decades to come. She might be open to negotiation if she realizes we can handle Palpatine on our own, without the Jedi taking over.”

Anakin commented, “Okay. I see where you are going with this.”

Padme looked over towards Ahsoka. She said, “Ahsoka, I need you to go with Anakin. We do not know what the Jedi High Council is planning.” Padme look at both Ahsoka and Anakin. Padme went onto say, “Anakin, you may need someone to watch your back.”

Ahsoka commented, “I just need to retrieve my lightsabers and lightsaber holsters from my bedroom, before we leave.” Ahsoka thought, 'Given the situation, I will use my belt holsters. I may need to get to my lightsabers very quickly. And my hidden holsters take a few seconds to reach. Second I might not have.'

Anakin stated, “That will not be a problem.” Anakin looked over at Ahsoka. Anakin thought, 'If someone at the temple makes it a problem, they will regret it.' Anakin turned to look at Padme.

Padme said, “While you do this, I will handle the political side of this plan.”

Anakin responded, “Okay. If you know anyone in the government that could help, that would be great.”

Padme stated, “I do have a friend whom would likely help, even if it meant going against Palpatine.”

Padme thought, 'Bail will help. But, I am not sure about the others in our little group of senators.'

Then, Padme realized something. Padme commented, “Though, back to you heading to the Jedi Temple. If the Jedi know all this. They are likely on high alert. I suggest you park your speeder outside the temple and walk inside.”

Anakin said, “I agree. I do not want to accidentally cause a security scare. We do not need to create more problems.”

Padme commented, “Correct. We would not want to create further problems.”

Anakin pointed out, “Still, someone needs to confront Palpatine. The way Loki talked about Palpatine, it sounded like he would be a handful for anyone. Master Windu and his team might not be able to stop Palpatine.”

Padme said, “I know.” She looked over to her left, at the far corner, to the left of the entrance to elevator hallway. In the corner was a small table with Mjolnir set upside-down on the top of its head.

Padme looked back towards Anakin and Ahsoka.

Anakin and Ahsoka realized what Padme was alluding too.

Ahsoka was not sure what to say.

Ahsoka thought, 'Padme, I am not sure I could make such a call in your shoes.'

Anakin questioned, with concern in his tone of voice, “But, what about the baby?”

Padme calmly said, “Before I take any such action, I intend to have a chat with Mjolnir. Also, as I stated. I have a few other ideas I intend to put into play. Options that will make things difficult for Sheev. Even if he defeats Master Windu and the other Jedi.”

Padme took a deep breath and slowly let it out. She continued, in a more sober tone of voice, “I understand now. On the first night I had gained Mjolnir, concerning what you meant in that gaining Mjolnir was both a gift and a burden.”

Anakin responded, “I am glad you understand. I will respect any choice your make. We do not have time to argue. I just hope you make the right choice. Whatever that choice is?” He turned Ahsoka. He stated, “Come on Snips. We have to make sure Loki does not exploit this situation.”

Ahsoka looked over at Anakin. Ahsoka replied, “Okay.” She turned to Padme. She said, “Good luck, Padme. And may the force be with you.”

Padme responded, “You too. May the force be with the both of you.”

Ahsoka turned to Anakin. She stated, “I will be right back.”

Ahsoka turned and she rush out of the room, as she headed towards the sections with the bedrooms. The entrance to the hallway was on the opposite side of the room from the entrance to the hallway that lead to the elevators and the veranda.

This was an awkward few seconds for Padme and Anakin. But, they remained silent, as they waited for Ahsoka to return to the living room, so she could leave with Anakin.

Fifteen seconds after Ahsoka had left the living room, Ahsoka had made it to her bedroom, retrieved her two lightsabers and two belt holsters, and returned to the living room.

Ahsoka continued walking pass Padme. Anakin followed Ahsoka, as they headed for the hallway leading to the veranda. As they walked, Ahsoka worked to put on her the two holsters through her belt, and to her sides. Then, she would put a lightsaber in each of her holsters. Her lightsaber hilts were identical, and she had yet to shorten the length of one of her white lightsaber blades to be her off-hand weapon. So, Ahsoka was not worried which lightsaber when into which holster.

Ahsoka and Anakin headed for the veranda and Anakin's blue speeder vehicle.

Less than a minute later, Anakin and Ahsoka were in Anakin's blue speed vehicle, with Anakin piloting them to the Jedi Temple.

(_)

Meanwhile, several seconds beforehand, in Padme's apartment living room, Padme watched her husband and segregate daughter leave for the veranda and Anakin's blue speeder vehicle.

When Anakin and Ahsoka were out of sight, Padme sat back down on the couch she had stood by.

Padme turned her attention towards the holo-monitor on the table.

Padme leaned towards the table. She dialed a number to the residence of someone she knew, as she thought, 'He should be at his home right now. His home in the Senate District is actually nicer and larger than my home.'

Padme leaned back in her couch.

After a few rings, the call was answered.

Padme saw the small hologram of Senator Bail Organa, in a standing position. Bail was wearing one of the uniforms he wore in the Senate. The uniform was a white long sleeve shirt, gray closed sleeveless vest, white pants, black belt, and black boots.

Bail smiled towards Padme. Bail said, “Hello Padme.”

Padme replied, “Hello Bail.”

Bail asked, “So, why did you call my on this lovely evening?”

Padme calmly said, “I wish I say it was a lovely evening.”

Bail inquired, with concern in his voice, and showing on his facial expression, “What is the matter?”

Padme stated, “Actually, a lot. There is much going on. It is good that you are still dressed. There is much I am about to ask of you, and I will understand if you decide to turn me down.”

Bail requested, “Please, tell me what is going on?”

Padme said, “My sources from within the Jedi Order contacted me. They informed me that Loki contacted Jedi Master Windu. Loki informed Master Windu of the identity of Darth Sidious. The Dark Lord whom is rumored to be pulling the strings of the Republic and starting the Clone Wars is none other than Sheev Palpatine.”

Bail calmly inquired, “Oh... Okay... You believe these sources?”

Padme answered, “Yes.”

Bail commented, “Okay. I believe you. The Chancellor is devious enough to be Sidious.”

Padme stated, “I agree. The Jedi are going to confront Palpatine. But even so, no matter if they win, or not, this is going to cause problems for the Senate. If Palpatine wins the coming battle, he will declare himself Emperor of the Republic, and he would probably dissolve the Senate either immediately, or at some later date. If the Jedi win, they may dissolve the Senate a quickly as possible.”

“Should either side be victorious, that side will likely purge the Senate of any political holdouts within the next few days. While I am not sure where we stand with the Jedi. Palpatine would likely immediately target our small group of Senators.”

“But, I do not want to get ahead of ourselves. We still have time. And no matter what, we need to try to separate the Galactic Senate from Palpatine.”

Bail realized where Padme was leading too. He responded, “You believe the Senate should immediately distance itself from the Chancellor? To either slow down the Chancellor transition of power to a dictatorship? Or, if the Jedi win, show the Jedi that not all the Senate are the Chancellor's sycophants?”

Padme commented, “That would be a good start. But, this needs to be done now. Tonight. If we wait until morning, it will be too late.”

Bail said, “That could be a problem, because the Senator will not return to the Senate Building until tomorrow.”

Padme pointed out, “A Senator of the Galactic Republic has the authority to convene an emergency meeting of the Galactic Senate.”

Bail realized, as he questioned, “And I believe you wish for me to do this?”

Padme said, “Yes. I will likely be elsewhere.”

Bail realized the subtext of what Padme was saying. Bail responded, “Oh... But, if the matter is not important, the Senate can expel the senator whom convened the emergency meeting by majority vote.”

Padme stated, “I believe this is important enough to warrant an emergency meeting.”

Bail asked, “I agree. So what do you have in mind?”

Padme told Bail her plan.

When Padme finished laying out her plan and Bail's part concerning her plan, Bail commented, “And I thought Palpatine was ambitious.”

Padme stated, “Ambition in of itself is neither good, nor evil. Only the application of ambition can be called into question.”

Bail commented, “You sound like a Jedi.”

Padme happily replied, “Thank you. What I suggest is technically within the law.” Padme thought, 'The law that cannot be broke can surely be bent.'

Bail stated, “True. If we are executed, we will be executed for following the law.”

Padme inquired, with concern in her tone of voice, “So, can you do this?”

Bail responded, “Yes. You can count me in on being a member of your little conspiracy. I will do my part.”

Padme said, “Good. We do not have much time. I need you get to work. I will handle my part. You handle your end.” She thought, 'Anakin and Ahsoka will handle their end.'

Bail said, “I will. And good luck. You are going to need it.”

Padme replied, “I know.”

Bail cut off the holo-communication, and his hologram disappeared.

Then, Padme noticed a blinking light on the holo-monitor. Meaning there was message recorded while she was talking to Bail. Due the political deals Padme had made in the past over her holo-communications, set had her holo-monitor to not alert her of second incoming call during the holo-comm call she was having, thus preventing the possibility of ruining the mood with the person she was speaking too.

Padme leaned forward and Padme pressed a button on the holo-monitor to look at the message.

Padme leaned back in her couch.

Padme saw a small hologram of Mace facing her.

Mace stated, “Senate Amidala. This is a message for your eyes only. I cannot go into detail. But, much is about to transpire. I believe it would be in your best interest to immediately leave the planet, with Ms Tano and Mjolnir accompanying you off world. With the force, and some luck, this is merely a precaution. Though, if events do not go in our favor, you may become our only hope.'

The message ended and the hologram of Mace disappeared.

Padme thought, 'Cryptic. Which is what I have come to expect from a Jedi Master, such as yourself, Mace. But, at least you had the respect to give me a warning before you went into battle. Even if the warning is a bit late. Though, let us see if I can save you all.'

Padme turned to her left to look at the hammer is resting on its head, on a small table in the corner of her living room, near the entrance to the elevator hallway, across the room from the windows and the door to the terrace.

Padme thought, 'But first. I need to talk to Mjolnir.'

Padme looked forward and she stood up. She turned to her left and she walked over to Mjolnir.

As Padme walked, she realized something, as she thought, 'Wait a minute... When Palpatine touched you, Mjolnir...'

By then, Padme came to a stop, with her standing next to Mjolnir, which was set upside-down on the top of its head. Mjolnir's head was at Padme's waist and stomach, with the shaft going up to Padme's eye level.

Padme continued to remember something about the first time that Mjolnir was in the presence of Palpatine. She looked the hammer, as she stated, “Even from the start, you realized who and what Palpatine was. And none of us listened. Though, we should have.”

Padme reached out with her open right hand, to where her right hand encircled the middle of the shaft of Mjolnir without touching the weapon.

Padme asked, in a serious tone of voice, “Mjolnir. Will my unborn child be safe if I use the power you gift to me?”

Suddenly, bluish-white lightning erupted from hammer, into her hand, with the energy swiftly flowing into her entire body. But, it did not hurt Padme. Instead, Padme felt a very familiar sensation, as she became her Thor form, with he clothing changing into her armor and equipment, along with her helmet being over her head, and the strap across her chest and back which was attached to the scabbard that held the sheathed Black Solace vibro-katana.

Padme's long brown hair had turned to blond, with her hair running down her back.

This was the first time Padme had ever changed into Thor without actually touching Mjolnir.

It was then that Padme noticed that her leather bodice, belt, and waistline of her pants, had been let out a few centimeters, to allow for her slightly larger, pregnant belly.

While Padme pregnant stomach was still small enough to not be noticeable to those around her, as long as she wore a shirt, the difference in her body size was noticeable to herself to the point she had to loosen the clothing she wore to preventing herself from feeling constricted by her clothing.

Padme continued to look at the hammer. Under her helmet, Padme smiled, as she stated, “I will take that as a, yes.”

Padme gripped the shaft of the hammer and she picked up the weapon. She noticed that the hammer was now as light as it was before she had lost her temper with Ahsoka, on the planet Rustibar. Padme's smile widened slightly. Padme warmly said, “Thank you for restoring your faith in me.”

Padme used both of her gloved hands to reverse her grip to hold Mjolnir upright. She let go of the hammer with her left hand, to hold shaft of the weapon in her right hand. Padme lowed the hammer to her right side.

While having the opportunity to do so, Padme used her hearing ability to do something she has been wanting to for a while. She used her enhanced sense of hearing to listen to the heartbeat of the child growing with in her body.

Padme thought, 'The heartbeat is a little fast. But, right now there is nothing I can do about it.'

Padme smiled. Then, she turned around and she headed for a nearby balcony. She soon reached the sliding door to the balcony. She used her left hand to push a button on the interior panel to the left of the translucent door to open door to the balcony to slide up into the ceiling.

Also, Padme pressed another button on the same panel to turn off the lights in the room.

Once the sliding translucent door was fully open, Padme walked out onto the balcony. As she passed by the exterior panel to her left, on the outside of the doorway, she used her left hand to press a button to close the door behind herself.

The translucent door slid down to close and lock itself on the outside.

Padme walked further onto the balcony.

Padme came to a stop in the middle of the balcony. Padme used her right hand to hold up Mjolnir in front of herself. Padme looked at the weapon, as she said, “Now, let us go have a chat with the Sheev and the Jedi outside the Senate Building. They say revenge is best served cold. And there is nothing colder than the wind of a coming storm.”

Padme looked out at the cityscape illuminated at night.

Then, Padme used Mjolnir to fly into the air, towards the North Senate Plaza and her destiny.

(_)

“Time to make the chimi-fucking-changas... Not often a dude ruins your face. Skull-stomps your sanity. Grabs your future baby mama. And personally sees to four of your five shittiest moments... Let's just say it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” God's Perfect Idiot commenting on understandable reasons for revenge, from the Deadpool 2016 Film.

To be continued.

(_)

Author's Notes:

Admit it. Padme has a lot of issues to work out against Sheev Palpatine. Considering Palpatine is behind most of the horrible events in her life. I plan for the next chapter to be very cathartic for both Padme and her fans, when is comes to dealing with Palpatine. As for what else happens, you will just have to wait and see.

I kept the Jedi that were killed by Palpatine vague, in case I wanted to come back and use some of the characters in a later date in this story timeline.

For those whom have not seen the Deadpool film. If you are over eighteen, go see the movie. The Deadpool film does to the super-hero genre what Animal House did to college movies.

Actually, one could argue that the Deadpool film is pretty much an update Animal House film. Only with more violence, more sex, more comedy, with a slightly crazier cast. This is ironic considering Ryan Reynolds starred as both Deadpool and as the main character of the last quasi-Animal House film, Van Wilder.

The comparisons can be found, such as Dopinder would be Flounder.

Why am I talking about Deadpool in the middle of a Star Wars/Thor fanfic? Because Deadpool is cool enough to talk about for almost any occasion.

Among other things in this chapter, I showed more of how Anakin is more mature than in the original timeline. How Anakin spending more time with Padme has made him more savvy in the realm of politics, to the point he knows when he is in over his head and his is willing to admit that to those whom he trusts.

Also, I wanted to arrange the situation where Loki would be able to convince Mace and the rest of the Jedi that Palpatine is Sidious. With them going to confront Palpatine, only to find they underestimated Palpatine, but not from lack of preparation. Twenty-five Jedi, made up of Jedi Knights and Jedi Masters would be able to handle almost any lone individual save for someone as skilled and powerful as Sidious.

To be honest, what little of Palpatine's skills and powers have been shown in the Star Wars franchise hints that Palpatine is as skilled and powerful as what was stated in this chapter.

This is why Loki never directly faced Palpatine in this story. Loki knows she is no match in battle against Palpatine.

Though, Palpatine has no real idea how powerful Loki is. He suspects Loki defeated Dooku, along that Loki has been able to fight Thor and escape. As such, Palpatine is cautious in dealing with Loki and he refuses to directly face Loki in battle.

As for the force technique, force stasis.

In Star Wars Episode Seven, the Force Awaken, Kylo Ren's learned how to use force ability is force stasis. And Kylo Ren used this ability a lot. Much like Darth Vader's go to force ability is force choke.

At the beginning of the Force Awakens movie force stasis is shown in detail. In the Force Awakens film, Force stasis is shown to hold a blaster bolt in midair, until it is let go and continues on its course.

This means that force stasis can bend time and space at a specific location. Such a discovery would have the Jedi High Council ban its use. Though, the technique would be taught to some Jedi Masters so it is not lost. Mace Windu would be an prime candidate to be taught such an ability.

Though, it is shown that when Kylo Ren used this force stasis ability on Poe Dameron, Poe was still aware of his surrounding, meaning Kylo had not yet mastered the technique. If force stasis technique was mastered the capture target would be fully trapped in a temporal force bubble and the target would not be effected by time and space outside of the bubble until the force user trapping the target let go of the force stasis.

This force stasis ability could easily explain how some force users can go into force hibernation and awaken thousands of years later without aging. The force user creates their own temporal force bubble and this protects the force user from the effects of time outside the bubble until the force user awakens.

One further interesting note on force stasis. Force stasis is a high left Jedi ability. Force stasis is not a Sith ability. Though, the Sith likely figured out a counter to the ability.

This begs the question of where Kylo Ren learned the ability. Kylo claims to follow the darkness but force stasis is an ability of the light. In addition, Luke Skywalker did not know the force stasis technique. If Loki did know such an ability, he would have used force stasis against Vader, or later Palpatine.

So where did Kylo learn the ability? Or, if Snoke, Kylo's master taught Kylo this ablity, then where did Snoke learn to use force stasis? Is this a clue of Snoke's true origins.

But those are questions for another day which will be likely answered in Star Wars Episode Eight and Episode Nine.

In this chapter, I had Mace used force stasis against Palpatine to take the fight up to the next level by showing that not even time and space can hold Palpatine for long.

Also, in this chapter, I named Jedi Master Lemaitre after Georges Lemaitre, whom was one of the first professors of physics to support the theory of the expansion of the universe.

An other part of this chapter. After a millennia of serving the Galactic Republic, it does make sense the Jedi Order would have an escape plan, such as the Twilight Protocols.

The only reason these plans were not used Episode III was Mace Windu and those Jedi with him greatly underestimated Palpatine.

The Twilight Protocols scenes was an inversion of Episode III Order 66. Instead of a purge of the Jedi, the Jedi receive a melody that is signal for them to run and hide.

The reason for the scene with the Jedi Knight Shan Tobin was that I wanted to add a speeder bike chase in this story. But, I could not find a place to put such a scene elsewhere into this story. So, I put such a scene in this chapter.

Shan is a variation of a female Welsh name. Tobin is a name from the Norman people.

The next chapter will be the climax of this story. I will post chapter twenty-five as soon as possible.

Until next time. Have fun.