Chapter 25 Revenge of the Sith Part 2 (Part 2)

Separatist Control Centre, Mustafar…

San Hill of the Banking Clan was a realist, always had been and a pragmatic man. Emotion and sentiment did little to help you in business and often would cause you nothing but problems and limit you.

It was an attitude that had served him well in business and earned him more credits than he could reasonably spend in a lifetime. It still did he thought but one thing that any good business man learned early and suffered for if they didn't was when to get out. Profit wasn't constant and knowing how to watch the markets so you could get out without it really costing you was a vital skill to have in business.

San Hill had certainly learned this skill and could apply it in other places especially the wider political state of the galaxy.

The war was over, he was sure of that. Without Dooku or Grievous their chances of victory were next to none and despite Lord Sidious reassurances San knew they were no longer useful to his plans, now the Jedi were gone.

It was time to get out he thought, wondering if he should advise the other Separatist leaders to do the same but knew Nute Gunray in particular was far too arrogant to accept the idea they were no longer useful to the Dark Lord of the Sith.

That made San realise getting into bed with the Separatists had been a mistake from the very start and they were now all nerfs to the slaughter if Sidious had his way.

He had to get out of here, San thought desperately and go to ground for now. However, he knew as he and his own staff left Mustafar that he was now a marked man. That worried him but for now survival had to take precedence and he would find a way to survive. He swore to himself and regain power again.

A short while after he left, his instinct that the Separatist leaders were all marked for death was proven right as a small group of assassins arrived in an unmarked ship and cut a bloody path through the Separatists before sending a signal for all Separatist units to shut down.

- x -

The Jedi Temple, Coruscant…

Plumes of smoke still rose into the sky after the recent assault and to the three Jedi who dared approach the Temple it was a grim sight of what might be to come.

Approaching the temple, they were confronted by a group of about twenty clones surrounded three Jedi, Obi-Wan and Yoda were slicing through the clones with focused determination while Kalifa at her master's side was doing her best but was only able to down a few clones before the masters finished the fight.

With grim looks on their faces they walked into the temple and felt it was badly damaged with wrecked walls and droids and turrets all over the place as well as the bodies of many clones but few Jedi bodies could be seen. The body of Master Cin Drallig was found as they entered the communications room, it was horrible for the Jedi to see such a revered master laying there dead but there was no time to give him or the other Jedi they had seen a proper funeral and Kalifa who was the most affected by the scenes around her had to be gently moved by Obi-Wan into the large room, staying close at his side as he made the necessary adjustments to change the signal so all Jedi who might have survived this massacre would stay away from the temple.

"Can anyone have survived this?" Kalifa asked her master who frowned at the question, not sure what to tell her but settled on.

"We have to hope so, that is the most fragile but strongest thing in the universe Kalifa, but hope can move mountains and tear down empires. There are few Jedi bodies here Kalifa, take that as a good sign." He told her hoping it provided some comfort.

Master Yoda eventually reappeared having checked the security recordings and was told by Obi-Wan.

"I've reprogrammed the beacon to tell all surviving Jedi to stay away."

"For the clones, to discover the recalibration, a long time it will take." Yoda said before telling them what he had learned.

"The Temple, activated its new defences it did to cover the escape of many Jedi who fled in ships while some stayed to protect the retreat. Many of those who stayed, fell they did but some including your old padawan escaped." Yoda said with his ears falling slightly at the mention of the fate dealt to those that had stayed to try and protect the others.

"Anakin escaped." Obi-Wan said great relief, he had dreaded the thought of finding his body here in the Temple. "Then I think I know where he might be." Obi-Wan said knowing somewhere that he knew was safe for the moment.

"Take us you must." Yoda said, wondering just where Master Skywalker might have hidden. Obi-Wan led them as fast as possible out of the temple and to the speeder they had used, piloting the three of them through the skies of Coruscant until they reached Senate Apartment Complex. Parking just in front of the balcony of one of the apartments, specifically the one that belonged to Padme Amidala they carefully got out, their senses alert for any sign of trouble and all three had their lightsabers in hand, ready for a fight.

Then a sound made all of them ignite their sabers only to be greeted by a purple and green blade too. Looking up they saw Anakin and Olana Chion standing there looking battered and exhausted but ready to fight. The moment they all realised they were on the same side they shut their sabers down and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Anakin." Obi-Wan said with relief that he was indeed okay. They gave each other a manly hug while Olana looked on slightly jealous and a small group of about ten younglings came out of the bedroom behind them.

"Master Yoda!" They all cried out excited as they rushed forward. The sight of the younglings brought a small smile to Master Yoda's old face, the hope that things had not been as hopeless as he feared and the potential future of the Jedi Order right in front of him made his heart lighten considerably.

"Younglings, seeing you safe. Brings joy to my heart." Yoda told them and told Anakin and Olana. "Done well you have to protect them and escape the Temple."

"Thank you, Master." Olana said, still annoyed at having to spend time with Skywalker who she still resented for costing her the chance to study under Master Kenobi. He had been her hero when she was a youngling and she had really wanted to be his apprentice but Anakin Skywalker had come along and ruined that for her. Thankfully another master had completed her training but she just felt resentment at Skywalker for ruining her chances. Still, she knew it was foolish to be so resentful and to be grateful for being a Jedi and that Skywalker had truly saved her life last night.

"I only wish we could have saved all of them." Anakin said with depression at all the Jedi who died in the temple. It was at this moment Obi-Wan and Yoda noticed a different yet familiar lightsaber hung at Anakin's waist.

"Is that Master Windu's lightsaber?" Obi-Wan asked and Anakin's face fell as he felt the eyes of the others on him.

"I lost mine." He admitted slowly. "He was dying, so he gave me his."

The fact Master Windu who had been one of the Jedi Order's greatest champions was gone ruined any good mood their reunion had brought.

Kalifa then noticed something on the holonet which was playing in the background. It was a speech being given by the Sith Lord she thought with disgust. Slowly they all listened as Palpatine gave a public address in the Senate.

They were not the only ones watching, Bail Organa had a front row seat in the Senate to the announcement, on Reijar Haron's inner circle watched alongside Padme, Ahsoka, Rex, Fives, Allara and the droids while on the Good Fortune, Haron and Vysa watched with all the Jedi and Mandalorians they had with them.

"The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated." The applause of the senators was almost painful to the Jedi as they knew it was all lies.

"The attempt on my life, has left me scarred…and deformed." Palpatine continued, covering his head with a cloak to hide his warped appearance. "But I assure you. My resolve has never been stronger." The applause continued with each sentence he said, like it was on cue which they all realised it was really. They would applaud no matter what he said now his power was absolute. Then he came to the important bit.

"In order to ensure the security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganised…into the first…Galactic Empire. For a safe and secure…society." Palpatine said as the applause started again and rose in volume.

- x -

Reijar, Ordo System…

"So, this is how liberty dies?" Padme asked with distress on her face, everyone looking almost as concerned as her. "With thunderous applause."

"It doesn't matter what he says. The Senate would go along with it." Hannah said with a frown, knowing full well the dark vision Luna had was coming to pass and just hoped they could weather the storm when it hit.

"This was always his end goal. Right from the start." Neville said putting a comforting arm around his wife and the pair going off to spend time with their sons.

"Isn't there anything we can do?" Rex asked with confusion at how things could change so quickly.

"Not anymore." Ahsoka said now seeing the situation much clearer. Allara meanwhile was looking fit to burst.

"We have to try, try to stop him." Allara said but Fives shook his head.

"The Senate is with him; the Clone Army is under his thumb. The Jedi are weakened and scattered to the winds." Fives said and Ahsoka finished the sentence with dismay.

"And those in the Senate that see this for what it really is are too few to stop it. He has too much power now." Ahsoka said with worry, knowing now it was all but impossible to remove Palpatine from power now.

Padme meanwhile felt contractions coming, she doubled over at the strength of them and then felt fluid coming down her leg.

"My water just broke." Padme said with sudden shock, not able to comprehend this was happening right here and now.

"Right, to the medical bay." Luna said with a smile, feeling the importance of what was about to happen in the force. She gently guided Padme in the direction of the medical bay while Ashoka, the two droids and the rest of their small party followed.

Ara and Deera meanwhile stayed back to speak privately about something, especially without those not within their circle.

"All Separatist Units just shut down." Deera told her with a guarded look in her eye.

"You're sure?" Ara asked her with a surprised look in her eyes. Deera gave her a frustrated nod and Ara told her quickly.

"Send out salvage teams as fast as possible. We need as many of those ships and droids to bolster our forces as possible. The more we can take before others do, the better." Ara told her and Deera nodded before going off to see to it.

- x -

Amidala's Apartment, Coruscant…Same Moment…

"Destroy the Sith. We must." Yoda said with a grim look on his face.

"With pleasure Master." Anakin said with almost eagerness to end this vicious creature that he had once admired. Yoda however shook his head, feeling a disturbance in the force that told him Anakin must not go.

"Ready to face this Sith Lord. You are not." Yoda said quickly. Anakin was predictably not happy about this.

"Master. It would take everything we have to stop him." Anakin protested and Obi-Wan looked concerned that Master Yoda was seemingly going to face Palpatine alone. Yoda however shook his head.

"To get close enough to him, easier it will for someone of my size." Yoda said trying to bring some humour to the situation but then got serious again. "Besides, elsewhere you must be. Today is the day." Yoda said while walking away.

"Today is the day!?" Anakin said with confusion. Olana was little better.

"What could be more important than stopping the Sith?" She demanded and went to follow Master Yoda but Obi-Wan put his hand up and stopped her.

"He is charging us with making sure the younglings get off Coruscant. Far from here." Obi-Wan deduced looking at the ten or so young Jedi that needed to be kept safe. His eye caught Reva briefly although he didn't know her name, he had a quick vision of Reva as a Jedi Hunter of some kind in the Empire's service. A sense of horror went through him as he considered that happening to all these younglings, their innocence and goodness wiped out forever by the greed and power-hungry nature of Palpatine.

"Besides, I think someone might need you. Wherever you have hidden her." Obi-Wan said, hinting to his secret wife. Anakin turned to look at Obi-Wan in surprise that he knew but realised quickly that it was true. Padme was due any day now and the younglings needed protecting.

He sighed, knowing they would need a ship to get to Mandalorian Space which ironically was the safest place to go right now and just hoped Master Yoda could succeed alone.

- x -

Reijar, Ordo System…

Padme was lying in a hospital bed with droids and human doctors and nurses buzzing around her while Ahsoka was holding her hand and gently mopping her brow.

Despite all her courage Padme was afraid, scared of doing this without Anakin at her side and afraid of dying and leaving her child all alone!

"It's going be okay." Ahsoka said trying to reassure her but as the time came to push Padme was struggling and cried out in pain, then one of the Mandalorians entered the room…the one they called Luna and stood on the other side of Padme. Whatever anyone might have said was silenced when she raised her hand over Padme which then started glowing a golden light and Ahsoka felt the force surge, shocking her so much that she momentarily forgot what they doing as she realised Luna commanded the force in a way that she had never imagined.

Padme's pain eased considerably and she felt her body strengthen, it got a lot easier all of a sudden and she pushed, a cry appearing moments later as one of the doctors took the baby and after severing the cord showed her.

"It's a boy." Ahsoka said in awe, she had never attended a birth before and now had seen Anakin's son be born but then a mere second or two later Padme had to push again as it became clear Padme was carrying twins.

Padme cried out briefly as she gave birth to her second child, coming out as easily as the first had with Luna using Earth magics to help her give birth. The doctors took the second baby and repeated the process before placing both children in her arms.

"It's a girl." Ahsoka said with a joyful smile, awe struck by the scene in front of her.

"Luke…and Leia." Padme said with a tearful smile as she held her children. Luna now sure that the mother and children were in no more danger ended her spell and stared at the scene with a smile, feeling the force surging almost joyfully along with them.

Those two, she thought with awe were as powerful individually as their father. Together they could be almost unstoppable she thought and hoped that this was a good thing rather than a bad but that decision was up to them she thought. She saw Ahsoka look at her with confusion, not understand how she could use the force and put her finger to her lips and gave her a wink. Smirking at the younger woman but then left the room while Ahsoka turned her attention back to Padme and the babies, wondering just what it was she had discovered here.

- x -

Good Fortune, Hyperspace…

"So, we are on course of Kessel." Bly said with confusion, turning to his general while they sat in the hold with the rest of the Jedi and the Mandalorians who had claimed opposite side of the small mess on the ship. Aayla nodded and explained.

"A number of Jedi have managed to gather there for a conclave to decide just what to do now. That's where the Mandalorians will be dropping us off."

They both looked at the Mandalorians across the room and saw the suspicious looks that they were getting in return. Knowing they were wearing out their welcome here.

Cere stared at Trilla with disappointment, the young girl not able to meet her master's eyes.

"Trilla. I am deeply worried that you lost your control so easily. I need you to remain collected." Cere scolded her but Master Mavra Zane who had been listening in stopped her saying anything else.

"The fault does not always lie with the student. It can also lie with the master. You took her into a situation she was not prepared to handle and she reacted as best she could. Do not let your own impatience get the better of you." She said sternly, reminding Cere that Trilla was young and despite her wanting her to be ready for this, she simply hadn't been.

Trilla walked away, still not comfortable around her master and sat down next to Cal Kestis who like her was deeply troubled albeit for different reasons.

"It wasn't your fault." Cal said, trying his best to comfort Trilla when she needed it. Trilla smiled slightly at his clumsy attempt and told him.

"Thank you. What happened to Master Tapal wasn't yours either." She said, knowing he blamed himself for the death of his master. Cal looked depressed immediately at the mention of the master that had died because he had failed. Trilla took his hand and squeezed it.

"I wasn't strong enough, I failed to help him when he needed me." Cal said close to tears but Trilla told him.

"It wasn't your fault. None of this is. We all do the best we can." Trilla told him and then had an idea. "I met my master's master, Eno Cordova once. He taught me how to share a vision. Maybe we can do that, make us both feel better." Trilla said, Master Cordova had been nice she thought wishing she could have met him again before his death. He had told her faith in the force and in herself was the key to accomplishing anything. Maybe if they were able to connect properly the force, something neither of them had been able to do alone since Order 66 had begun then they would be able to regain some kind of internal balance.

Cal wasn't sure, his own connection to the force had been…damaged since what had happened and it sounded really nice to slip into the force. So, he nodded and Trilla smiled before telling him.

"We'll find somewhere quiet, be easier that way." Trilla suggested and he nodded, both of them getting to their feet and went off to find somewhere quiet which was harder on the cramped ship but finally they managed to sneak into the small shuttle/fighter that was docked to the ship. They closed the door for some extra privacy before sitting down on the floor and held each other's hand as they tried to slip into the force. It took some effort but finally they both sunk deep into the force and lost themselves in its flow.

Senate Building, Coruscant…

Palpatine was furious, his anger honestly was boiling like the lava flows of Mustafar as he considered just how many things had gone wrong with his plans.

While the Jedi Order had been gravely wounded by Order 66 it had been far from the complete annihilation he had been hoping for. Many clones had removed their chips and had simply let the Jedi run or even defected with them. Roughly a third of the Order had apparently survived and that number seemed to rise every time it was reviewed when new information came in.

To make matters worse when he had eagerly gone to see the vast collection of holocrons especially the Sith ones contained within the Jedi Temple he had discovered they were all gone! So were any books or scrolls and the entire Jedi Archive had been purged! Nothing was left for him to study. That honestly angered him more than the number of Jedi that had survived since he was denied all the power those sources of knowledge could have imparted to him.

But worse of all was Anakin. Honestly, he had thought his hold over him was all but unassailable but the stupid boy was still clinging the dogmatic narrow view of the Jedi. When the moment had come, he had chosen to side with them and that ruined his plans to use him as an apprentice and enforcer for the Empire. He had all but abandoned hope of ever making Anakin useful again but maybe he considered if his and his stupid wife's child survived…they might do just as well.

Until he could find them though he would need not only a group of Jedi Hunters but those who could do his bidding on more sophisticated missions. Fortunately, the number of weak fallen Jedi or would-be dark acolytes Dooku had collected and now where in the Republic prison complex here on Coruscant was extensive and would be an excellent source of recruits for not only his Jedi hunting Inquisitors but for the Disciples of the Dark Side who would be those to carry out his will.

But he would still need an enforcer, Palpatine thought but fortunately he always had a plan and just in case he had a substitute for Anakin in mind. He activated the hologram of the lab hidden away in the Works not far from where he was now and smirked as he saw a preserved arm floating in a containment unit but behind it a number of clones, all with various cybernetic modifications and preserved till they were needed.

Anakin had been a failure, but his DNA Palpatine thought with a smirk would be useful. An expendable juggernaut with great power in the force and extensive cybernetics so they could not only be controlled and kept in constant agony to increase their rage. Encased in Sith styled armour for a fearsome look to send terror into the hearts of this enemies. Used at his pleasure…this might he thought with interest work better than Anakin in some ways. He had learned some of the Jedi survivors had gathered on Kessel and already had dispatched one of the cyborgs to that silly little world to deal with it. It would be an interesting test he considered with a sinister grin.

Then at the side of the room he felt an annoyingly familiar presence in the force, turning he saw two of his supposed 'elite' Imperial Guard be knocked out with ease by the little green pest that was Master Yoda.

"Getting comfortable in your new role are you emperor…or should I call you Darth Sidious?" Yoda asked boldly. Mas Amedda made a quick exit as Palpatine turned to face Yoda.

"Master Yoda…you survived." Palpatine said, with frustration.

"Surprised?" Yoda taunted.

"Your arrogance blinds you Master Yoda. Now you will experience the full power of the dark side." Sidious said before raising his hands to do what he had long dreamt of doing and blasting Master Yoda with force lightning, Yoda having his new force infused robes on sensed the attack coming and leapt to the side before blasting Palpatine back.

Palpatine was shocked by this but soon recovered and told him as they prepared to fight.

"Oh, I have waited a long time for this, my little green friend." Palpatine said with an added insult on the last few words, making them sound demeaning. Yoda was untouched however and drew his green lightsaber, Palpatine brought his to hand as well and its red blade came to life as the Jedi Master and Sith Lord clashed.

Kessel, Outer Rim…

The ship dropped out of hyperspace at the misshapen planetoid of Kessel, famous for its harsh but rich spice mines. The planet was notorious for smugglers and so an unmarked freighter coming in hardly drew any attention. Finding a landing spot was somewhat more difficult but near one of the abandoned mines they found a small collection of ships that came from all over the place. Feeling the force strongly here due to a large enough number of force sensitives present.

The ship landed and Haron for one was glad as it finally meant they were able to send a message to Reijar to let the others know they were safe and also to refuel the ship as they were running low with all the flying around that they'd been doing.

The moment the landing ramp descended Aayla, Cere and Mavra walked down onto the surface followed by the other knights and younglings they had.

"Thank you for the ride. We need to address the conclave so if it is alright with you, we'll leave the younglings here to safe." Aayla said and the Mandalorians were not happy about this and neither was Haron or Vysa who answered her.

"Until we refuel but then we are leaving. Alone…you can catch a ride with one of the other ships." Vysa said keen to get their Jedi hitchhikers off her ship. Mavra nodded in acceptance and told them.

"We understand and thank you again. I think without you we would all have met different and much worse fates today." She told them and with just Aayla, Cere and the knights left to join the Conclave in the mine below.

The Mandalorians watched them go and Haron sighed a little in relief before telling them.

"Right, get the ship ready we are leaving the moment we are refuelled." Haron said tensely, he didn't feel comfortable here at all. Not just the world but being here now although he had no idea just why. He decided to send a message to Ara and the others on Reijar while the others worked on getting the ship refuelled, hoping to be back with them soon.

- x -

In the mine a gathering of almost forty Jedi had assembled, gathered quickly from across the galaxy to discuss just what to do with now they were outlaws and being hunted by the new Empire. There was no quiet debate this time as many of those present just argued with each other. A calm and firm voice though called out over the chaos and established order.

"SILENCE!" Plo Koon said, being the senior most council member present many of the Jedi fell in line immediately, some of the more prideful and disobedient ones looked on for a moment before reluctantly falling into line. Coleman Kcaj and Tsui Choi, the other council members present stood at his side as he stood to address them all.

"The last few days have been a nightmare unlike anything we could have imagined." Plo Koon said with a grim voice, knowing many had died since Order 66 went out. He looked around and saw some like Diala Passil and other padawans that had lost their masters but been fortunate enough to find their way here while only a handful masters had managed to attend this conclave. It broke his heart especially as there was no news on what had happened to the rest of the Order including the those in the Jedi Temple. "But the Order has survived the initial attack and now we must choose a course of action to go forward. A way for the Order to survive in the new era."

"Why a new course?" Master Shadday Potkin said with arrogant look on her face. "We should take the fight to the Empire, kill Palpatine. He cannot win against all of us." She said stubbornly. A number of Jedi in the room nodded and started speaking in favour of her stance but others like Aayla had other opinions.

"He has the clone army; he has the Senate and the Republic in the palm of his hand; we have no one but ourselves!" She said loudly to ensure she was heard. A few of the wiser Jedi nodded in agreement.

"He can only truly succeed if the Jedi Order ceases to be." Jyl Somtay who was now seemingly representing Anakin's Jedi with Bultar Swan, Olee Starstone, Darra Thel-Tanis, Ferus Olin and Tru Veld at her side. "He is too strong right now, and the public is against us. The best option for us to slip into the shadows, hide while preparing for the time to make our move." She said seeing it would be all but impossible to take down Palpatine as they were right now.

"That is cowardly." Koffi Arana said with a furious look on his face. Something that made more than a few Jedi present uncomfortable but too many were agreeing with him.

"And it could take years." Coleman Kcaj said which surprised Plo and Tsui who had thought a Jedi Council member would be wiser in this situation. "We must act now."

Then the disagreements began again, loud noisy talking filled the room while the calmer Jedi looked on in despair. This was the Order they thought with distress, the last hope for the galaxy against the Sith? Plo thought and realised they were in for a real rough journey ahead if the Jedi Order in possibly its darkest hour for thousands of years, couldn't stay together and find a way to survive.

- x -

At the same time Vysa was monitoring Imperial formerly Republic channels and detected a message saying a taskforce was coming to Kessel to eliminate a Jedi gathering there. She froze as she realised how little time they had and thanked their lucky stars they had managed to refuel the ship.

"Haron, we have an Imperial taskforce coming in." She told him over the comm and he froze as he disconnected the fuel line as did his warriors for a moment before he passed the lead to Fenn and asked her.

"How long before they get here?" Haron asked as he gestured for his people to hurry readying the ship.

"An hour maybe less." Vysa told him nervously. Haron was just glad they had finished preparing the ship and sent a message to Aayla to warn her of the coming danger before he and his people reboarded the Good Fortune, let the younglings leave with Bly who gave them a respectful nod which Haron returned and then took off as fast as possible. Setting the sublight engines to maximum until they cleared the planet's gravity well and made the jump to hyperspace, finally heading home.

- x -

Aayla was watching the debate with Cere and Mavra with dismay when she received the message from Duke Ordo, her face blanched and quickly she shouted to get everyone's attention.

"THERE IS AN IMPERIAL TASKFORCE ON THE WAY!" Her voice echoing in the large empty mine and that thankfully brought silence back to the room. "The time for debate is over we need to leave!"

"If the Sith is coming. This is our chance to destroy him." Shadday Potkin said with an arrogant look on her face and Aayla wondered if she had actually known about this somehow but Plo Koon thankfully knowing time was short made a call.

"Master Secura is right, the time to leave is now. Regretfully you must now choose whether to run and go into hiding as I intend to do. Or will you join Master Potkin in her decision to fight? Decide now." Plo said with a heavy heart knowing they were going to lose more Jedi her way but he could not control them. They must make that choice for themselves.

Aayla was the first to move, she walked over to stand with Master Plo as did Cere, Mavra and her former students. Jyl Somtay, Bultar Swan, Olee Starstone, Darra Thel-Tanis, Ferus Olin and Tru Veld followed, as did Rivi-Anu.

But as it looked like all of them would go to Plo Koon, Koffi Arana walked over to stand with Shadday Potkin.

Niebur Boton, the attractive Zeltron Jedi Knight walked over to Plo Koon while Qid Proko, a Quarran Jedi Knight went to Shadday.

Rune, a Mon Calamari Jedi Knight and his Quarran colleague Sarn Vals went to stand with Plo Koon.

Fy-Tor-Ana followed them but Ana Zett went over to Shadday.

Wamtra, a Rodian Jedi Knight chose Shadday as did Upulu, a male Azumel Jedi Master along with his Mon Calamari apprentice Shalimin. Borik Yelgo, another knight did so too.

Jhor-Kai, Dorin Se'ol, Kira Vantala, Rorr'hn all sided with Plo Koon while Nos'lyn, Tiberus Anderlock and Nej'a Berto'Lo all joined Shadday Potkin.

Diala Passil, Drakka Judarrl, Kai Justiss, Hanna Ding, Mariineh, Siadem Forte and Deran Nalual his apprentice all went over to side with Plo Koon.

Fellow council member Tsui Choi didn't need to move as he stayed firmly at Plo Koon's side. His presence brought Roblio Darté, Jastus Farr, Sia-Lan Wezz and Empatojayos Brand over to Plo Koon's side.

But in a big surprise his fellow council member Coleman Kcaj, Master Ma'kis'shaalas and Teo Gronn all went over to stand with Shadday.

Although the overwhelming number of Jedi had chosen to stand with Plo Koon, too many in his mind had gone over in search of revenge. Plo Koon knew where that path would lead and told them all with grave misgivings about the road they had chosen.

"May the force be with you." Plo Koon said before turning to leave, his gut twisting at what he felt was about to happen but the feeling of danger was getting closer and there was no time to lose. He and his followers exited the mine and went to their ships. Cere looked around and saw the younglings from her group getting onto one of the other ships and followed them while Aayla and the rest of their party got on another. Cere was sure that Trilla would be with them.

As all the ships lifted off and jumped in different random vectors to throw off chances of pursuit, Cere looked around and saw to her mounting dread that Trilla wasn't on the ship. She doubled checked but found no trace of her and the younglings had no idea of just which ship she and Cal too had boarded.

She wanted to turn around and go back but knew it was a death sentence so she with a heavy heart slumped in her seat and thought to herself.

'May the force be with you Trilla Suduri, wherever you end up.'

- x -

Good Fortune, Hyperspace…

Haron and Vysa sighed in relief as they were at last heading in the right direction. The warriors and Fenn too were relieved especially at the Jedi finally being gone.

"Fenn." Haron said as he turned to face him with a slight smile. "I hope you will have a plan for your flight school by the time we get back to Reijar. I think we are going to need it." He told him with a grim look on his face.

The moment was broken though by an unexpected pair of young Jedi appearing at the door. Trilla Suduri and Cal Kestis walked in looking at ease and relaxed which shocked the Mandalorians.

"What are you two doing here?" Vysa shouted at them in disbelief, surprising the pair. "You're supposed to have gotten off with the other Jedi on Kessel!"

"We were meditating in the shuttle." Cal said with anxiety as he saw the strange blue swirling tunnel of hyperspace ahead of them outside the cockpit window.

"We must have lost track of time." Trilla said nervously as she couldn't feel the presence of the other Jedi anymore and now it seemed that her master had abandoned her. She didn't want to believe it but she knew Cere was nowhere close.

Haron felt a headache coming on as he realised that they were stuck with the pair of them now! He couldn't risk turning the ship around and even if he did the Jedi if they had any sense would be long gone.

He got to his feet and pulled his small knife from his belt, both Jedi Padawans looked on nervously as he approached but he only took a firm hold of Trilla's padawan braid and cut it off before doing the same to Cal's and told the pair firmly.

"Listen, from this point on…you are Mandalorian and you always have been." He told the two sternly which surprised everyone especially the warriors who would have argued despite their loyalty to him if he had not added. "You will live by our code and live as a Mandalorian lives. We will do our best to hide you from the Empire but you must leave the life of a Jedi behind you if you are going to survive. We will complete your training but you must become one of us. Is that clear?" He asked them.

Trilla and Cal were both terrified but they nodded slowly, not satisfied Haron asked again.

"Is that clear?"

"Yes, master." Cal said and Haron sighed as he realised, they had much to learn. Fenn rebuked them.

"It's yes, Mandalore. He is the Mandalore and your new leader. Remember that." He warned the pair wondering just what higher power they had offended to be stuck with two young Jedi that they now had to hide.

"Yes, Mandalore." Trilla and Cal said quickly and Haron massaged his temples as he felt his headache brewing. He took a pair of overalls from out of the closet and threw them to the pair and told them.

"Get rid of those robes. You can keep your lightsabers because you will need them but the robes have to go." Haron ordered and the pair reluctantly did as they were told while he told the others. "Get some sleep, I think we are all going to need it."

Reijar, Ordo System…

A stolen freighter came in to land on the surface of Reijar, Anakin, Kalifa and Obi-Wan left the younglings they were protecting in the ship with Olana as they walked out on to the surface of the moon that House Ordo had made their home. Both felt the force here but unlike in other places they had been before.

"The force is more in balance here, neutral rather than dark or light." Anakin said, puzzled as he had not expected to find a force aura here. Obi-Wan nodded in agreement having sensed much the same.

"I have heard of such places before but they are rare. I wonder if it is natural or something that has been created?" Obi-Wan thought, wondering if someone had come here long ago and used the force in such a way that it influenced the creation of a nexus here but it felt too new for that. He wasn't sure exactly what to make of it till they were greeted by a surprisingly familiar face.

"Master Marek! I didn't expect to see you here." Obi-Wan said in surprise to the man that greeted him with a slight smile. Seeing Anakin's confusion Obi-Wan explained. "Master Marek was a Jedi Knight of my generation till he decided to leave the Order..."

"To follow my heart and the woman I love Kenobi." Kento said with a frown on his face. "I am not ashamed of it and would do the same every time. Me and Mallie were just lucky the Mandalorians allowed us to settle here, now Skywalker. A pleasure to meet you but I think your wife has a pleasant surprise waiting for you." Kento said, turning to Anakin with a smile on his face, knowing first-hand the wonder the young man was going to experience.

Anakin when he heard those words broke into a run, heading straight towards the compound while Obi-Wan gave a brief nod to Kento before doing his best to follow as did Kalifa. Kento smiled before going to join his wife and children and the other Mandalorian force users, best to keep a low profile he thought with some trepidation as while the Jedi were about to learn they had force, it was better that they didn't know everything he thought wisely.

- x -

Anakin ran straight past the warriors who were not best pleased but Anakin moved so fast they had no chance to challenge him. He followed Padme's unique warm aura in the force until finally he arrived at the medical suite where Padme looked up from her bed. C-3PO, R2, Ahsoka, Rex and Allara were with her and much to his surprise Fives was there too but his attention was immediately taken by the two small bundles in Padme's arms. He almost forgot to breath until Obi-Wan who was strained a little by the pace he set gave him a push forward with a smile, knowing how much this moment meant to Anakin.

Padme smiled as Anakin came over and stood next to her as she carefully handed him one of the bundles. He handled it like it was the most fragile yet precious thing in the universe, looking down at the small face of his son and felt a tear coming down his cheek. He saw Padme who was carrying their daughter, knowing they were a boy and girl through the aura they made in the force. They were like him Anakin realised, filled with awe as he felt their strength in the force.

He turned to Padme who like him had happy tears in her eyes, he bent down and kissed her gently before handing their son back to her.

"Luke and Leia." Padme said, almost in a whisper, letting him know their names and he just smiled, adoring them all the more. C-3PO was babbling in the background but then started arguing as R2 told him to shut up.

Obi-Wan came over to Ahsoka and gave the young woman a smile along with Allara, Rex and Fives who all nodded and smiled back, glad that he was alright and that they were alright in turn.

"Congratulations to you both." A familiar voice said making Obi-Wan, Anakin and Padme look up startled as they knew that voice. Ahsoka, Allara, Kalifa and the clones too were shocked at the voice although they unlike the older three didn't recognise it. The droids present didn't seem to register it, nor the simmering apparitions that appeared in the middle of the room. Rex and Fives reached for their blasters out but Allara and Ahsoka stopped them from shooting.

"It has been too long." The force ghost of Master Qui-Gon Jinn said with a pleasant smile on his face.

"Master Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan said with shock at the sudden appearance, he had started to wonder if he had imagined his brief contact with him on Mandalore and now here was the simmering spirit of the man who had trained him.

"You're dead?" Anakin said with confusion which was mirrored on Padme's face. They had all been at his funeral but he didn't seem to mind at all.

"We all die eventually, becoming one with the force is merely another part of the great journey we all take." Qui-Gon said with a gentle smile before turning to the children and telling them. "Those two, there is a great destiny about them. They are true Skywalkers." Qui-Gon said with confidence.

"And will hopefully give you some of the headaches you have given me and the other Jedi over the years." Another familiar voice said. This made Anakin in particular look on with confusion as Master Windu, the Jedi Master that had died before his eyes on Coruscant appeared.

"Master. I-" Anakin started to say before Windu interrupted him.

"Anakin." He said, abandoning formality which was so out of character. "I gave my life willingly and for a good cause. That is all I could ever have hoped for and I have faith that this situation however dark it seems will be turned around. I trust you to see it through and to bring peace and freedom back to the galaxy." Mace told Anakin which given their previous relationship surprised them all. Anakin however was strangely bolstered by those words.

"It is always dark at the beginning." A third simmering figure said in a voice none of them knew, but soon as his form came together, they saw a figure in dark robes with a strange but infamous mask.

"Revan!" Ahsoka said in a single breath, unable to believe it but he told her.

"That was my name in life young one. I wish you the best in finding your own path, it is not easy to find the road between light and dark but ensure you stay true to your own principles and you will find your way." Revan told her which almost made her fall over in surprise that the great Revan had actually spoken to her.

Revan however turned back to Anakin who was nervous at the incredibly famous and powerful figure before them. Allara and Kalifa too were in awe of him but Obi-Wan was concerned given Revan's mixed reputation.

"But we cannot stay too long on this plain of existence, not with the Dark side so strong now." Qui-Gon said trying to get to the point. "But what matters is not what has happened, but what you do now." Qui-Gon said wisely.

"Indeed." Mace said in agreement with his old colleague. "Palpatine might have won the day. But what is important is keeping hope alive across the galaxy and not giving up."

"Exactly, even in the darkest times…hope endures. What matters now is you make the most of it. Do not give in to fear and despair, it is always darkest just before the dawn." Revan told them, his mask making it impossible to see his expression but his words struck a chord with all of them.

"Then we will do what we can to make sure the fire is kept alive." Padme said, not sure what was going on but the two Jedi Masters seeming to come back from the dead was something she thought best to ask about another time.

The three spirits simmered briefly and disappeared which was a disappointment for those that had seen them but it was also it had made them feel more hopeful towards the future. Palpatine had won, this battle they all thought but eventually, when the time was right…they would win the war.

Their new struggle had only just begun, but for a while at least Anakin realised they would all need to find somewhere safe. He had two young children not to mention all the younglings in the ship. For a while at least they would need to be kept hidden, where they could go eluded him but he knew they couldn't ask the Mandalorians to shelter them. It would mean putting them in danger from the Empire and with Haron still missing they wouldn't be as likely to help them.

Anakin made his decision and told them.

"We will leave as soon as Padme can safely move. We can't stay here for too long and sooner or later Sidious will come after us." Anakin said and everyone nodded in agreement. It was safer this way for everyone.

- x -

Ara watched the Jedi leave a couple of hours later and the clones had left with them, glad to see the back of them and her worries about them finding out that the children had the force were thankfully relieved. She was also much less anxious as Haron had finally managed to let her know he was okay and was on the way home with Vysa.

She just hoped there were no more nasty surprises in store for them.

Kessel, the Outer Rim…

Shadday Potkin was still in the mine on Kessel with the Jedi that had chosen to side with her. The cowardice of the others honestly sickened her.

The Jedi Order was no place for the fearful she thought with distaste for those that would rather hide than fight. The Sith must be destroyed she thought with absolute conviction, and she would see to it. When they had succeeded, she thought with complete self-righteousness, she would rebuild the order to what it should be and make sure the Jedi had a much firmer hand on the running of the Republic, no Chancellor would ever be able to challenge them again. Maybe there would be no chancellor at all, maybe the Grand Master would command.

Maybe that position she realised with intrigue would be hers. Seeing herself commanding the Jedi Order and Republic both was a powerful image and one that filled her with excitement.

However, a sudden chill came upon them, she honestly had felt warmer on Ilum the day she had harvested the crystal for her lightsaber. She and the others turned and looked around to find the source of the sudden cold unlike anything they had collectively sensed before.

Then a sound started, coming from the dark tunnel nearby, a strange and chilling breathing sound that seemed to echo all around them. A shiver ran through them all and finally they realised just where the sound was coming from and they all turned to look at it.

A ghastly red light suddenly appeared with a snap hiss, a red bladed lightsaber revealing a tall figure in black durasteel armour with a mask that completely covered their face. It was strangely designed but had a sort of mask on the front that seemed to be making the breathing sound they had heard. It reminded them of the pictures of Ancient Sith Warriors they had seen in their history lessons back at the temple.

Now realising what they were faced with all the Jedi present ignited their lightsabers and stood ready to face the creature that honestly terrified them all instinctively to the bone. The warrior then started advancing and swung its lightsaber hard, one of them tried to block it only to find their throat within his hold which he snapped with a quick brutal motion and then blasted the others with a force wave that sent all of them flying and before they could blink, the warrior cut down to more Jedi before they even got up.

All of them were now completely terrified of the warrior, the likes of which they had never seen before as he continued to advance on them. Some swung their lightsabers at him but he simply batted them away with inhuman strength. He never spoke a word, not as he cut them down one by one, just made that horrible breathing sound and occasional angry noises as he attacked them.

One of them tried to flee but the warrior grabbed him with the force and pulled him back, impaling him with his lightsaber and threw the body onto another of the Jedi in the chamber.

It was a slaughter, none of them had ever faced a force user of his strength before and soon only Shadday was left standing, trembling as she faced him while the bodies of her colleagues lay all around her. She tripped over the body of Master Kcaj and yelled out at him in fear.

"WHO ARE YOU!?"

The warrior stilled for a moment before finally it spoke.

"I am Darth Vader." The warrior said in an electronic voice, ripping her lightsaber out of her hands with the force and levitating her in the air. She struggled but it gained her nothing as Vader advanced on her and without wasting a second he choked her with the force, watching as the life drained out of her body until finally, she was gone.

- x -

Senate Building, Coruscant…

Palpatine received the report from Kessel and smirked as Vader proved his usefulness, he was disappointed as compared to Anakin they were nowhere near intelligent but they were more rageful than he probably could ever have been.

And expendable, if one was worn out or killed, he could just replace it with another.

Lord Vader could never die, a living legend at his command to instil terror in the people.

Excellent he thought with some anger at being denied the apprentice he wanted but instead had found a perfect weapon as his enforcer.

All around the galaxy, people reeled from the events of the last few days.

Average citizens were divided, some very worried about this new empire while some saw it as a good thing and others were just hoping their lives didn't change too much.

For a few though, especially the Jedi that had survived Order 66…it was a new beginning. A new era of secrecy and fear. Hiding what they were for fear of being killed.

Naat Reath, having avoided death at the hands of her own soldiers retreated to a planet that already had someone hiding there. Krant, where her former master Echuu Shen-Jon met her with surprise. He would she hoped benefit by learning the things she had from Masters Skywalker and Tuwan and they could at least keep each other company in the dark days ahead.

Kelleran Beq, a Jedi who had been for years constructing his own training facilities on a forest world far from anywhere disappeared into those forests with the younglings he had brought with him, eager to complete their training far from anyone's eyes.

Kerra Holt, formerly so bold in her desire to help had watched a Jedi killed by the clones that served the Republic realised she would need to be more careful, especially as she was found by two survivors of the Jedi Temple who had fled when the temple was lost. Bao-Dur and Kazdan Paratus were hard struck by the thing they had escaped but would join her in her quest to be a knight errant only now it was done while hiding the fact they were Jedi.

Minisa Anari and her apprentice Bene, they too having escaped the Temple managed to flee the planet by abandoning their robes for more daring civilian dress and acting the part of girls merely gambling their way around the galaxy in starliners.

Not all Jedi though were content to hide, Saesee Tinn and Oppo Rancisis who too had escaped the Temple were far from beaten. They were secretly even to themselves angry at what had occurred and vowed to not only fight the Empire but in time rebuild the Jedi Order 'right' namely as the great Odan-Urr's code demanded which had brought a thousand years of peace. No deviation from it would be tolerated.

Speaking of training Obi-Wan began to learn not only lessons imparted to him by Master Yoda to preserve his consciousness after death but also, he reluctantly began to go into Dooku's Holocron in the hopes that something useful to them would be found.

Master Yoda, though humbled by his failure to stop Darth Sidious retreated to the world that he himself had been hoping to visit since its rediscovery. The small ship he had acquired landing on Ossus and being greeted Master Tuwan, Tera Sinube and Celeste Morne who did their best to welcome him to the still being restored Great Library. The sight of so many Jedi especially the younglings bolstered his flagging spirits. Master Sabla-Mandibu was eager to show him all the holocrons the group here had uncovered so far.

On the planet of Auratera, where the second largest group had gone was likewise doing their best to settle in. Work on the temple there would now have many more workers and Master Jocasta Nu was so glad that a backup copy of the Archive was being kept here and she would along with the other Jedi do their best to make a new home here, Professor Huyang assisting her in maintaining the archive. Master Tholme though, he worried Quinlan and Aayla but knew the best way to help them would be to help find Jedi around the galaxy that were stranded or unable to find the safe places they had. He would need he realised need to create some kind of underground to find their lost fellows and bring them to a safe place, if not here then somewhere else but not just Jedi that had survived Order 66 but potential recruits so they would be protected from the Empire.

Many of the secret temples Master Yoda had ordered restored now contained Jedi who would be able to hide from the Empire there.

Kit Fisto and aquatic Jedi would be fine on the Ocean moon of Delriss.

Shaak Ti a highly skilled survivalist would find it easy to manage the jungles of Yavin 4. As would other Jedi on several other hidden temples, safe and protected where they were.

- x -

Haron Ordo as he at last returned to Reijar, greeted by his family which he hugged them all and his close friends was relieved that it seemed they had actually made a difference, whether it would be enough they would soon find out.

The Clone Wars were over he thought with a grim expression on his face as he knew the real war for the heart and soul of the galaxy without meaning to be melodramatic was about to begin.