StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Chapter 1 - Destinys

Darth Maul looked down at the young Jedi Padawan hanging below him, and toed his lightsaber over the edge, sending it hurtling into the reactor below.

Maul considered toying with the Jedi before making the kill, as he had only one other mission to perform, despite the Viceroy of the Trade Federation's belief otherwise, but decided not to waste time. Something in the Force told him this would be a bad idea.

Maul raised his left hand like a claw, and reached out with the Force. The young padawan, Obi-wan Kenobi, was pulled from the wall where he hung, and clawed at the vise-like Force grip holding him up by his throat. A few moments later, the sound of crunching bones filled there air has Kenobi ceased struggling and joined the Force. Maul let his body fall into the reactor pit.

Maul walked over to the Jedi Master he'd skewed at the end of his lightsaber, picking up the half that the padawan had managed to sever. To his surprise, he found it was still operational, the padawan had just damaged the connection point. A few hours at a work table inside Scimitar, and Maul would be able to restore his lightsaber to double-bladed functionality.

Maul stood over the dying Jedi Master, and smiled at him. Strangely for Maul, he decided to say something to his prey.

"Thank you for bringing the boy with you. Had you left him on Coruscant, my job would have been that much more difficult."

Not waiting for the Jedi to voice a response, his emotional turmoil in the Force being response enough, Maul skewed the Jedi Master again, this time through the head, and then, with a gesture, sent his body down the reactor shaft to join his apprentice. His lightsaber, activated as a vicious parting shot by Maul, following soon after.

Pleased with the results of the duel, and the lack of evidence remaining, Maul moved off make preparations to intercept his real target.

The boy, Anakin Skywalker.



* * *



Anakin got out his starfighter, and was immediately hosted onto the shoulders of several members of Naboo’s security forces, amidst cries of joy and astonishment, as well as of celebration. They’d defeated the Trade Federation blockade, and had captured the Viceroy. Naboo was free. The crisis was over.

Anakin looked around, feeling that something was wrong.

“Where’s Qui Jon?” He said when the pilots finally put him down. “What about Obi-wan?”

The pilots looked at each other. “We don’t know. We assumed they were with the Queen.”

“No, they were fighting that Sith Lord when I left.” Anakin replied. “They should have beat him by now. Something is wrong.”

From his hiding place, Darth Maul felt the boy’s instinctive use of the Force. Untrained and unrefined, it reached out, searching for the Jedi. Had they still been alive, he probably would have found them. Impressive.

Maul was about to make his move, as there were only a few pilots, when he stopped. The Dark side had warned him…

Queen Amidaala and the rest of the security volunteers came in with her, minus Captain Panaka. And all of them armed.

“Congratulations!” Padme called. “I take it you destroyed the Federation Control ship?”

The lead pilot looked sheepish for a moment. “Actually, it was the boy that destroyed the Federation ship. He flew his fighter right into their hanger and blew up their reactors from the inside.”

Padme looked at Anakin in surprise. “You did what?” she couldn’t believe it. “That’s, that’s incredible!” She knelt down and hugged Anakin. “Oh, thank you Annie! I’m so proud of you. Aren’t you master Jin?”

Padme looked up, not getting a response.

“Master Jin isn’t back yet.” Anakin said. “I think they went in there, fighting the Sith Lord....”

Anakin pointed to the shield doors separating the palace from the reactor complex.

Darth Maul continued to be impressed with the boy. Either he was beginning to sense what had happened with the Force, or despite the commotion that had happened, had noted where they went, showing incredible attention to detail and recall. He wasn't sure which was more impressive.

“Okay, let’s go help the Jedi.” Padme said.

“I’m sorry ma’am” one of the security officers said. “I’m afraid I can’t let you do that. Captain Panaka asked me not to let you get close to the supposed Sith if it could be avoided.”

Padme looked at the security guard. “Lieutenant Typho, isn’t it?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Padme sighed. “Very well. Lieutenant Typho, take security and find and help the Jedi. Two of your men will escort myself and Anakin back to the throne room. We’ll await your report there.”

Darth Maul retreated into the shadows, waiting for the security forces to leave. It would be a much simpler matter to take the boy later. For now, he would retreat to his hidden ship, and would wait until nightfall.



* * *



“Keep looking” Lieutenant Typho said “there’s no other way out of the reactor chambers. They have to be here somewhere.”

“Sir” a call came over his communicator “I think I found them.”

“What do you mean, you think?” Typho said, replying into his wrist.

“I’m in one of the heat sink rooms. There’s blood on the floor, some signs there’s been a fight. It also looks like something was kicked or shoved down the heat sink pit. There are marks on the floor, and what look like foot prints leading to the edge…”

Typho felt his blood run cold. “I’ll be right there. Do not, I repeat, Do not inform the Queen until we have confirmation.”



* * *



Darth Maul was on one knee in the cockpit of the Scimitar, awaiting the grace of his master, Darth Sidious, the Dark Lord of the Sith. Maul was prepared to wait his masters convenience, holding his position until then.

He didn’t have to wait long. A moment later, a blue hologram of Lord Sidious materialized.

"Rise, my apprentice"

"What is thy bidding, my master?" Lord Maul said, looking at the hologram, both there faces partially shrouded by the hood of their cloaks..

"Take the Scimitar and conceal it on the far side of the Naboo system. I foresee it may not be necessary to forcibly acquire Young Skywalker. Other factors may play in our favor, including the dogma of the Jedi."

"Yes, my master." Lord Maul said with a bow.

The hologram disappeared, and Maul moved to carry out his masters will. Inwardly, he wondered what his master may want with the boy, but ultimately, it didn't matter. He lived to serve Lord Sidious, and through him, the Dark Side of the Force.

And if Lord Sidious intended for this body to become his apprentice, then the superior apprentice would prevail, and the Sith would be stronger for it.

Such was the nature of the Dark Side.



* * *



"Master Yoda, Master Windu, may I have a word with you?"

Despite his weary emotional state from having presided over the funeral of another Jedi master, Yoda stopped.

"Of course, Supreme Chanceller." Yoda said, turning to face the newly minted leader of the galactic government. "Do for you, what can we?"

"On behalf of the people of Naboo, I'm curious as to what will happen to young Skywalker. As you can imagine, right now, he's quite the hero to us, and we’re concerned about his future. I understand that Master Qui Jon was going to take him as his Padawan. Will another Jedi be taking him?"

Mace looked at Palpatine. "It was decided, before Qui Jon's attempt at defiance, that young Skywalker would not be trained. All the evidence points to tremendous potential, but he's too old to be properly educated. We were considering sending him back to Tattooine."

"I must say, Master Jedi, that sounds like a bad idea" Palpatine began. "Tattooine is in Hutt territory, and from what I understand, his mother is a slave there. The odds are, he'd be re-enslaved by his former owner, or end up on the streets, perhaps joining up with criminal elements. If his potential is as great as you say, wouldn't that be dangerous? The kind of life he would face is full of anger, hatred and betrayal."

"Yes" Yoda said, his eyes half closed. "All of those, paths to the Dark Side of the Force."

"This presents a problem" Mace said. "He's too old to be trained, but to dangerous to not be at least mentored or monitored.” Mace considered for a moment. “Perhaps into one of the Service Corps?"

"Perhaps I can offer a solution" Palpatine said, as if a thought had just occurred to him. "I could adopt the boy, and free his mother, and bring them both with me to Coruscant. He'd be given a fine education, have access to councilors, wouldn't have to worry about his mother, and could be monitored by your graces. Should you deem it prudent, you could step in any time it was required to bring a wayward Anakin under control, even training him if you deem it is so required."

Mace nodded. "There is wisdom in this suggestion."

Yoda looked at Palpatine. "Why such a thing, would you suggest?"

"I'm old, Master Jedi" Palpatine said. "I have no children, and only distant, at best, family relations remaining. I believe I have a lot to offer a child, even one by adoption. That boy may have single handedly saved my home and brought us hope, and it would seem that doing the same for him would be the least I can do."

Yoda nodded. "Then decided it is. Palpatine will adopt young Anakin Skywalker, and the Jedi council will assist in the education and mentoring of the child, so that he does not follow the path of darkness. A time might come where Skywalker must join the order, but now, that time not is."

Palpatine kept his composure and nodded to the Jedi Masters, but inwardly, as Sidious, he was quite delighted.

The Jedi had just played into his hand, once again.



* * *



Padme came into the small apartment in the Palace she’d given over to house Anakin until the Jedi or the Republic figured out what to do with him. She’d almost been tempted to house Anakin in her own quarters, but had decided against it. She’d had no doubt at least a few reporters would want to talk to Anakin in private, and she’d already had problems with her office having been bugged with spy cameras. She didn’t need them in her private quarters.

Palpatine was behind her. They saw Anakin sitting on a chair, looking a little upset. Probably at Qui Jon’s death, as well as the ambiguousness of his situation.

“Padme!” Anakin said, happy to see her. He got up from his chair and wrapped his arms around her.

Inwardly, Palpatine noted the apparent affection Anakin had directed towards Padme. To his Sith senses, it was very apparent Anakin had, what was called a ‘crush’, on Padme. He noted that as useful for later.

“We’ve got good news for you.” Padme said. “It’s been decided where you’ll be living.”

“Here with you?” Anakin asked.

“No silly” Padme said, tickling Anakin briefly. “You’re going back to Coruscant. Chancellor Palpatine has made arrangements to adopt you.

“What?” Anakin said. “You don’t want me to stay here?”

“Oh, of course I do Anakin. But believe it or not, this isn’t really a place for you to grow up. You’ll be able to visit and talk to me a lot though. I promise.”

Palpatine knelt down. “I promise you Anakin, I’ll do everything I can to make sure you get everything you want, and you deserve.”

“So, I’ll be living with you on Coruscant then?”

“Yes” Palpatine said. “You’ll be able to go to school, have lots of friends, and never have to worry about the Hutts or Sandpeople again.”

“What about my mother?” Anakin asked.

“I’m making arrangements to have her freed. It’s going to be expensive, but for the Hero of Naboo, the people have agreed to pay for her release. She’ll be given a job and a salary at our new residence on Coruscant. You’ll have a family and a good life Anakin, I promise.”

Delighted, Anakin transferred his hug to Palpatine. “Thank you.”

“Oh no, son, thank you.” Palpatine said. “if it wasn’t for you, Naboo would never have been freed from the Trade Federation. After everything you’ve done for my people, for me, this is the least I, or anyone else, could do, for you.”

Inwardly, Palpatine was very pleased. Using the Jedi’s own dogma and fears against them, and with a simple kind action, he’d just acquired Darth Plageusis’s experiment, the so called the Chosen One, as an apprentice.

And no one, outside of himself and Darth Maul, had realized it. And Darth Maul would quickly be convinced of another purpose for Skywalker, or he’d be eliminated in Anakin’s favor.

All in all, not bad for a plan that had seemed ready to spiral out of control and into disaster.



* * *



Normally, this was the sort of thing he’d send Darth Maul to handle, but Lord Sidious sensed that it would be better for him to attend to both stages of this personally.

The situation, was after all, unexpected, and required a lighter touch then Darth Maul was capable of. While simply killing the Troydarian and kidnapping Anakin’s mother would be easier, such an action didn’t really mess well with his plans for young Skywalker.

Sidious looked at the entrance to the shop that Anakin had previously worked in, and despite it’s exterior, found himself pleased by it. If it’s condition, compared even to the rest of Tattooine, was anything to go by, Anakin was not used to comfort by any stretch of the word, and corrupting him with luxury and power would be rather easy. Annoying really, but Sidious wasn’t a Sith Lord for the challenge. Well, not entirely for the challenge anyway.

Sidious entered the establishment and wrinkled his nose at the smell. Very metallic, and very filthy.

“Ah, a customer, can I help you?”

A quick glance at the Troydarian, and Sidious decided he didn’t want to bother with banter. He wanted this over and done with as swiftly as possible. He had far more important things to deal with then this.

Plus, his nose was protesting from the smell as hard as his eyes were from the appearance of the shop and it’s keeper.

“You name is Watoo, isn’t it? I understand you lost a great deal of money gambling recently on the Pontha Eve races.”

The Troydarian took an involuntary ‘step’ backwards. “Who are you? Whoever you work for, they’ll get their money.”

“Of that, I am sure.” Sidious said, stepping forward. “I’m not here to harm you, Watoo. I’m here to get you out of your debts.”

Sidious felt the Troydarian’s fear turn to greed. “Really? How?”

“I understand you are in possession of a female human slave named Shimi. I wish to purchase her for the value of your gambling debts, plus an additional 10%.”

“That’s a lot of money. Why do you want her so bad?”

Sidious fixed the Troydarian with a look that left absolutely no room for discussion. “That is none of your concern. I am aware of the exact value of your gambling debts. I simply find myself in need of Shimi’s particular.... talents, and I am willing to pay you the amount I offered for her. But I should warn you. I am perfectly willing to purchase your debts from your creditors, and then call them all in, at once. I believe that would be considerably more then your total assets, counting the slave. I understand the Hutts do not look favorably on gamblers that can’t cover their debts.”

Watoo caught Sidious’s implied threat. “Do business with me the way I want, without questions, or else we’ll do things the Hutt way.” If Watoo didn’t co-operate, and his apparent customer was able to go through with his claims, Watoo would lose everything, including his life, in very short order, and Shimi would be his anyway. This man would win, and Watoo would lose.

And Watoo hated losing.

“Fine. I was considering selling her anyway” Watoo said. “How do you wish to handle this?”

Sidious smiled. “I’ll provide you with the landing port of my ship. Have Shimi and her belongings their in 24 hours, slave chip removed. But, be warned, should you attempt a betrayal of any kind, I’ll withdraw my offer and seek our your creditors, immediately.”

“Sure, sure” Watoo said quickly. “Just have my money ready.”

“On more thing” Sidious said, “I want her droid as well.”

Watoo sighed. “Fine. What landing bay are you in?”



* * *



Looking up at the ship, Shimi found herself very worried. All Watoo had told her is that she’d been sold to a man that wanted her specifically for some reason. And it wasn’t Qui Jon Jin, or another Jedi. He’d spoken of her ‘talents.’

Shimi looked at Watoo with some disgust. Had the little vermin sold her as a sex slave?

“Mistress Shimi?” the droid, C-3P0, asked. “Are we getting on that ship?”

“I think so Threepio.” Shimi replied, still amazed the droid was standing. Without coverings, it was amazing he didn’t take more damage from the local weather. Perhaps it was a testament to the parts Anakin had used.

Without preamble, the entrance ramp to the ship lowered, and a small droid floated out, carrying a parcel attached to it.

“Your money” the droid said simply, lowing to the ground and releasing the package. “The woman, droid and other cargo are to board the ship immediately.”

“Well, I guess this is good-bye Shimi” Watoo said with a laugh. “I’ll see you around.” Watoo turned to the few pit droids he owned for work around the shop. They hadn’t been used for several years, but Anakin had kept them in good repair. “Okay, come on, grab it already!”

With a feeling of trepidation, Shimi, backpack slung over her shoulders, followed the messenger droid up the ramp, followed by C-3PO.

“This way” the droid said in it’s genderless, monotone voice.

Shimi followed, not putting her pack down. She could feel her dread growing as the ramp closed, and the ship began to climb. It was almost as if there was some great evil about this ship.

“The woman is to enter the bridge” the droid said, then it looked at Threepio. “You are to remain here.”

“Mistress Shimi?”

“Do as he says Threepio” Shimi said, butting her bag down. She straightened her clothes, and entered the bridge.

“I’m Shimi” she said, stepping in. “I believe you paid for me?”

“Indeed I did, but not only for myself. Someone else here wanted you, and very badly. My co-pilot in fact.”

Shimi didn’t recognize the voice, but she did recognize the co-pilot, as the seat turned and he erupted out of it and into her arms.

“Mom!”

“Anakin!” Shimi said, nearly falling over with surprise. “What are you doing here?”

"Saving you!" Anakin said. "My new father helped me"

"Father? I don't understand."

The man in the pilot seat turned. He was an older man, with an aura of kindness, if authority, around him. Quite the opposite of the dreadful feelings she’d had while entering the ship.

"Allow me to introduce myself my dear. I'm Supreme Chancellor Palpatine of the Republic, and I've freed you from slavery, and adopted your son."

“But I thought, Anakin was going to become a Jedi…” Shimi sat down in a chair. "This is going to be a long story, isn't it?"



* * *



Shimi rolled over in bed, unable to believe her families good fortune.

They were free! Anakin, her little miracle, was free. He'd been adopted by the most powerful man in the galaxy. The entire galaxy was literally before him now. He could become anything he wanted!

Including, perhaps, one day, a Jedi Knight.

Shimi couldn't help by smile. Anakin had promised to return to Tattooine one day and carry out his dream of freeing the slaves. Maybe now, he actually could. After a few days, he was already of to a good start.

"Do not count your luck so easily or quickly, Shimi Skywalker. I brought you here not out of kindness, but for a purpose."

Shimi turned over in bed. She hadn't heard the door open.

Palpatine stood in the door, but he was wearing a cloak that somewhat concealed his features. There was something, menacing about him, as there had been about his ship.

"You bore the future of the Sith in your womb. Now you will help me bring it to proper maturity."

Darth Sidious stepped into the room, the door closing behind him. A device activated.

Had the device not been active, someone would have heard Shimi scream.

(Edit): End of Chapter 1

Bad spelling, but good pacing and a very interesting idea. I was wondering what necessitated Sidious himself to go Tatooine for a while, until whatever he did to Shmi there at the end. Man, she can't catch a break in any timeline, can she?

So you subscribe to the "Plagueis created Anakin" hypothesis, huh? Should be interesting.

Do I subscribe to the 'Sith made Anakin' theory?

Not really. I admit, that would be ironic.

However, most of the EU support I've seen would indicate Palpatine considered it a very serious possiblity.

It's something that's still debated by a lot of fans, kind of like "Sidious threw the fight" vs. "Master Shaft pwned his wrinkly ass". I don't really have an opinion either way, and the ambiguity is part of what makes it interesting for me.

Chapter 2 - Trust
The Next Morning

“Good morning Anakin” came the now familiar voice. “Did you sleep well?”

Anakin looked up from the bowl of cereal he was eating and smiled, then finished swallowing before he replied. “Yup.”

Palpatine sat down, and Shimi appeared with a plate of food for him.

Palpatine was actually a little surprised by this. “Oh, um, thank you. I usually don’t have quite so large a breakfast.”

“Well, eat what you want, and I’ll know how much to make you tomorrow.”

Palpatine looked uncomfortable to Anakin. “That’s not required Shimi. I mean, the Chancellor’s residence does include a full staff.”

“You’re my father’s son now, which makes us family. And I always prepare the meals for my family, alright?”

Anakin wasn’t sure how he felt about his mother giving someone else attention like that, but decided it wasn’t a problem. After all, Palpatine had rescued them from, by comparison to the paradise they now lived in, what was it he’d heard it called? Oh yes, the ‘the sunny sandy shores of hell.’

Anakin was still trying to catch up with everything that had happened to him, and sort out how he felt about it all.

As if sensing the awkward tension, Palpatine spoke up.

“So, Anakin, I’m curious. How much did Master Qui Jon tell you about the Force?”

Anakin looked up from his breakfast, and considered for a moment. “No a lot really. He explained to me that is has a will we can hear if we quiet our minds, and that in some situations, I should feel, not think, because I’ll be able to hear the Force and know what’s about to happen better.”

Palpatine nodded as he ate. “Interesting. Yes, I’ve heard that some several Jedi in the past.”

“Speaking of Jedi” Shimi said. “What is this review you mentioned on the trip here? I don’t understand it. Why are they going to review Anakin if he’s not being trained to become a Jedi?”

Palpatine swallowed his breakfast, and found he was enjoying it despite himself. This Shimi was clearly a woman of considerable domestic talent. “As I understand it, it’s meant to see if Anakin is developing talent with the Force, above what would be expected of someone without any training. Despite there, disinterest, in training Anakin because of his age, they have made exceptions in the past due to unusual circumstances. I’ve heard of humans as old as in their late 40’s being trained to be Jedi under the right circumstances.”

As Sidious, Palpatine smiled as he caught the wave of resentment from Anakin. Just as he’d hoped it would.

“Perhaps that’s the key to the Jedi accepting you for training Anakin.” Palpatine said. “Perhaps, if you figure out how to use the Force, even a little, by yourself, they’ll decide you’re a special enough circumstance and take you for training.”

“Not likely” Sidious thought to himself. “It’s been several hundred years since they did that. No since Yoda gained control of the Jedi Council at any rate.”

“I don’t know” Anakin said. “That sounds like it might be too hard. Master Qui Jon also mentioned that it could be dangerous.”

“Anakin, don’t talk back to your father.” Shimi said. “He’s making a suggestion, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to.”

Anakin looked at his mother for a moment, surprised by her response. He wasn’t sure if he was going to like this new living arrangement after all.

Palpatine was also looking at Shimi, surprised. Shimi replied simply. “My parents were from Corellia. Even if it’s not be blood, we’re family now, and Anakin has as much a responsibility to you, and you do to him.”

Palpatine smiled. “Actually, before moving to Naboo, my grandparents were from Corellia. I’d like to think my up-bringing had some Corellian traits to it. Perhaps we should give Anakin a proper Corellian upbringing.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Shimi said. “I was trying to do that on Tattooine, but it wasn’t actually easy.”

Anakin looked back and forth between his mother and adopted father. “Can I be excused?”

* * *

Two Weeks later

“I’ll get it!” Anakin shouted, racing towards the door.

“Master Anakin!” Threepio said, attempting to catch up to the eager 10 year old.

Anakin reached the door ahead of Threepio, by a comfortable margin, and looked at the security monitor. He didn’t recognize the man standing there, but he had clearance enough he could watch past the security for the Chancellor’s residence without an escort. Anakin also noticed a lightsaber on his belt.

This surprised Anakin to know end. His first review with the Jedi wasn’t for months, and he didn’t recognize this Jedi. So who was this?

Curious, Anakin opened the door.

An older, well groomed man entered. His hair and beard were grey, but neatly trimmed, and he had an aura of confidence and elegance to him. He reminded Anakin a little of his new teachers at school, or even the principal.

Anakin and the man stared at each other for a moment.

“Hello” the man said simply. “You must be Anakin. I’m here to see your father. I’m Jedi Master Dooku.”

“Um, okay. Father should be…”

“I’m right here Anakin.” Palpatine’s voice came from behind.

“Chancellor Palpatine” Dooku said with a smile, accepting the pro-offered hand. “Congratulations on your recent elevation. I just wish they were under better circumstances.”

“Indeed old friend” Palpatine replied. “The loss of Master Jin, is a tragedy for the galaxy, not just the Jedi Order.

“I know.” Dooku said softly. “I loved him like a son…”

“Speaking of which, I take if you’ve realized who this young man is?” Palpatine said, perhaps sensing Dooku’s despair at the loss of Qui Jon Jin. “This is Anakin Skywalker.”

“I guessed as much” Dooku said. He looked at Anakin again. “So, you destroyed a Trade Federation Control Ship by yourself did you? I must say, I’m impressed.”

“It was an accident, really” Anakin said. “My fighter got hit, and I could barely stir it. When I was trying to get the engines to restart, I hit grabbed the weapons control and launches some torpedoes. I guess they hit a reactor.”

“There are no accidents young one.” Dooku smiled. “Your victory was obviously the will of the living force. You should be conscious of that will.”

“I know Master Dooku” Anakin said. “And I try to me.”

“Come” Palpatine said. “I’ll introduce you to his mother, and you and I can go somewhere and talk in private.”


* * *


Wordlessly, Jedi Master and Supreme Chancellor sat down in comfortable chairs in Palpatine’s home office. It wasn’t much of an office, as Palpatine preferred to keep his work at work, an his home at home. Dooku suspected that the requirements of fatherhood might change that behavior in his friend.

Then again, knowing Palpatine’s organizational skills, maybe not.

“I hardly know where to begin” Dooku said.

“Not knowing is hardly the place” Palpatine replied with a smile. “Let me again say how deeply saddened I was by the passing of Qui Jon Jin and Obi-wan Kenobi. That must have been a significant personal loss to you.”

“Unfortunately, I never had the chance to get to know Obi-wan Kenobi. I was planning on formally introducing myself to him once he became a Jedi Knight. Call it a bit of emotional attachment, but seeing as he was my first Padawan’s first Padawan, or rather successful padawan..”

“How grandfatherly of you.” Palpatine smiled. “I haven’t heard, but what’s the councils’ reaction to this, and the supposed return of the Sith, been?”

Palpatine had a purpose in asking that question. As Sidious, he already knew the answer, but he was hoping to goad the Jedi Master. Dooku was already skating the edges near the Dark Side, and he would prove extremely useful when turned.

Dooku took a deep breath, and called upon the Force for calm. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Nute Gunray is taking full responsibility for the invasion, and isn’t talking to anyone about it, claiming his legal council has advised him not to. They’re not even looking into the possibility the man that killed Jin and Kenobi was a Sith.”

“But you want to, don’t you?”

Dooku nodded. “Perceptive as always my friend. Yes, I’m going to find the Sith that killed my padawan, and deal with him.”

Palpatine smiled. “And for that, you need my help.”

“Yes.” Dooku said. “I do. We’re both aware of my family background. I need you to call Serenno,and let them know I’m coming, and who I am.”

“You’ve left the order?” Palpatine said. “You’re going to reclaim your family birthright…”

“And us that money to find the Sith.” Dooku said.

Palpatine considered. This was exactly what he’d hoped Dooku would do.

“I can my friend, but before you go, I assume you’d be leaving immediately, in which case, let me loan you my private shuttle, would you do me a small favor?”

“Of course.”

“Anakin desperately wants to become a Jedi. He keeps trying to do was Master Jin suggested, but I think he needs some actual guidance. Would you give him a lesson that’s more then philosophical suggestions? Beyond Jins ‘feel, don’t think.’ If anything, to help him control his emotions. His teachers at school have said he’s showing a bit of a, well, he’s having trouble adjusting.”

Dooku nodded. “I understand. I’ll see what I can do.”


* * *

Anakin looked up from the video game he was playing as Master Dooku knocked on the door. If he was surprised, Dooku couldn’t detect it.

“Yes Master Dooku?”

“Your father has asked me to show you a bit more of the Force, before I leave to handle some personal matters.”

Anakin was clearly surprised this time. “But, I’m not to be trained as a Jedi right now.”

“Fortunately for you, stritchly speaking, I’m not a Jedi anymore.”

Anakin smiled. “Okay. Um, so, what do you want to teach me.”

“You father mentioned you’ve been having trouble with controlling your emotions. A few outbursts at school.”

Anakin nodded. “I get a little frustrated. I’m really behind some of the other younglings.”

Dooku nodded in return, sitting down on a chair near Anakin’s desk. “Yes, I can imagine you would be. However, from everything you’re father has told me about you, you’re very intelligent, and should catch up in time. You simply need to learn to control your emotions until then. Your father is extremely fond of you.”

“I like him a lot too.” Anakin replied. “I mean, at first, I wasn’t so sure, but then we spent a few days together going around Coruscant as a family, and I really liked it.”

“That’s good.” Dooku replied. “Parents and their children, even if they are not related, should always get along. Now then, let’s see what I can teach you before I leave?”

* * *
Two Days Later

Anakin was waiting outside school for his mother and threepio to arrive, when he saw the family speeder pull up. He got a surprise when he saw his father in the back.

“Father!” Anakin said, excited. Palpatine had been rather busy for the past few days, and he’d mentioned there was a chance he’d have to go on a trip.

“Hello Anakin” Palpatine reply, helping the boy climb into the speeder. “I figured I’d surprise you by picking you up. I’m sorry I’ve been busy lately. But I’m afraid it won’t be the only time I may not see you for a few days. Anyway, I have a present for you. Here.”

Anakin took the offered package, and eagerly unwrapped it. It was an old computer station, or some of the parts for it anyways.

“The rest is back at the house. Since you like building things so much, I thought I’d let you try building yourself a entertainment system. Something to do when I’m not home and you get bored.”

“Thanks!” Anakin said. He could barely wait to see the rest of the system.

After a few minutes of typical parent-child catch up, mostly about school, Palpatine asked Anakin an unexpected question. “So, what did Master Dooku show you?”

“He showed me how to control my emotions, so I don’t get so frustrated at school. It’s already helped.”

Palpatine nodded at his son. “That’s good.”

“Yeah, it’s almost like hiding the emotion from yourself.”

Inwardly, as Darth Sidious, Palpatine smiled. Perfect.

“Really? That’s interesting. I wonder…”

“Wonder what?” Anakin said, curious.

“It’s really nothing. I’ve heard stories over the years of how the more skilled Jedi, and I suppose the Sith as well, were able to hide from detection, even hiding there thoughts and emotions from empaths and technology, or even give false information instead It would seem the skill you’ve learned is the bases of all that.”

Palpatine smiled. “Just don’t be using it with your mother and me. After all, you could use that to get out of a lot of trouble.”

Palpatine didn’t say much more for the ride home, as a call came in, but that got Anakin thinking. If it took a skilled Jedi to do that, maybe if he learned enough of that before his next review, the Jedi would take him for training after all. And best of all, as his mother was Corellian, they’d let him see her and his father on weekends, like going to boarding school!

* * *
5 Months after the Battle of Naboo

Despite his practice, Anakin found he was having difficulty keeping his emotions in check. This was it, his first review before the Jedi Council since coming to Coruscant.

He was sure, with what he’d figured out with the Force, they’d want to train him.

At least, that’s what he hoped.

“Come in, young Skywalker.”

Anakin walked calmly into the chamber, and smiled at Master Windu as he did. He thought he saw something in Master Windu.

“So, young skywalker, past some time has, since you last stood here.” Master Yoda said. “Much has changed, since then, I should think.”

“Yes Master Yoda.” Anakin replied with a mischievous grin. “I’ve gotten used to how much colder Coruscant is then Tattooine for one.”

This actually elected a chuckle from a few of the council members, including Yoda.

“Yes.” Yoda said. “Yes, Imagine, I can, the differences between Tattooine and Coruscant’s climate, you would feel.”

“How are you enjoying living with the Supreme Chancellor?”

Anakin turned to Master Windu. “I like it. It’s a lot nicer then it was living on Tattooine. Mom’s also a lot happier. Especially since I can go to school now.”

“And how is school going for you?”

Anakin turned to Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. “Pretty good. I’ve caught up with the rest of my class, and I’m not having to study that hard to handle the work.”

“You sound proud of that.”

“Not really.” Anakin said. “I’m more surprised. I thought it was going to take longer.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi smiled. “Yes, that’s what I sense in you.”

Inwardly, Anakin was pleased. It was working! Whoops, don’t lose control.

“Have you made any new friends?” Depa Billaba asked.

“Yes ma’am” Anakin said. “I’ve also enrolled into a few social and sports groups.”

“You seem to be very busy.” Adi Gallia said.

“Fairly busy. But I’m not enjoying some of the groups, and will probably stop going at the end of the year.”

“Why not quit now?”

“Because my parents say, and I agree with them, that I should always finish what I start, unless staying with it would cause more harm then good.”

“Wisdom, there is, in such a policy” Yoda said.

This went on for another hour, with the Jedi Council thoroughly questioning Anakin, in greater detail then they had when he’d first arrived from Naboo. Anakin realized they were trying to get him to loss emotional control, but he never once wavered.

“Late, it is getting” Yoda said. “A time younglings should be home for dinner, no doubt.”

“Yes master Yoda” Anakin said. “When should I return?”

“See you, at your next review, we will” Yoda said. “Until then, if you need anything, let us know.”

Anakin was disappointed, but he held his composure. 5 months of work…

“Thank you, Master Yoda.” Anakin smiled. “Good bye everyone!” Anakin waved as he walked out of the chamber.

No one noticed the single tear that threatened to well up through Anakin's self control.

* * *

By the time he’d returned home, Anakin had discarded trying to control his emotions. Outwardly, he remained calm looking, but inwardly…

Without bothering to stop to find his parents, Anakin went to his room, and completely gave up any shred of emotional self-control he was using.

He hurled himself onto his bed, and began pounding and kicking at it. In short, he threw a temper tantum, as months of pent up emotions came boiling out.

All his patience, all his hard work, all his effort, for nothing! The Jedi didn’t want to train him.

The tantrum went on for several minutes, and kicked up a lot of racket. Anakin’s attention was turned solidly inward, so he didn’t sense his father coming.

Anakin looked up at a mirror that was in his bedroom. He saw his face, covered in tears, red and puffy from crying, and hated it. He didn’t want to see it. He wanted it go just go away.

The mirror shattered.

Palpatine choose that moment to come in.

“Are you alright Anakin?”

Anakin tried to compose himself, but couldn’t. He went to his father, crying. Tears of anger streaked down his young face, and he cursed the Jedi for not wanting him.

Palpatine let Anakin vent, playing the role of concerned parent. However, as Darth Sidious, he was pleased. Things were going as planned.

Finally, after a few moments, Palpatine decided enough was enough.

“Anakin, let me see your hand.”

“Why?”

“You’re mirror is broken. Now, you didn’t throw something at it. So, I want to see your hand, since you obviously punched it.”

“Um” Anakin said, showing his hands were fine. “That’s not what happened. I was looking at the mirror, and didn’t like how I looked, and didn’t want to see it. I just wanted the mirror to go away, to break and…”

“You broke the mirror using the Force.” Palpatine said. “That’s impressive.”

“I, I don’t know how I did it.” Anakin said.

“Let’s try something then. Do you see your school book on your desk?”

“Yes” Anakin said. “Why?”

“Sit on your bed, and want it in your hands. Let’s see if you can do that again.”

Anakin looked at his father, puzzled.

“I’ve been doing some reading on the Jedi. Some of the older stories say that sometimes, someone with the potential to be a great student of the Force, could accomplish things by wanting them. By willing them. You should try that.”

Anakin sat on his bed, and tried to will the book to move.

Palpatine watched. “Stretch out with your feelings, like you would stretch out your hand. Try using your anger, since that’s what broke the mirror.”

As Sidious, he watched, pleased, when the book flew across the room with a great deal of raw power. It narrowly missed a surprised Anakin, and plowed into Anakin’s pillow.

“There, see? You can do this.”

Anakin looked at the book. “That, that was so cool!”

“I agree.” Palpatine said. “Perhaps that’s what you should focus on next. Trying to accomplish minor things like that, but focusing on what you want, and how much you want it. And trust in yourself, you can do this. I believe in you.”

“I will father.” Anakin replied, pleased with himself.

“Now then, I believe you have a Mathematics test tomorrow, and that is your math book, so…”

Anakin sighed. “Yes father.”


* * *
6 months after the Battle of Naboo
"It took you long enough to find me, Master Jedi."

Jedi Master Dooku drew the lightsaber that had belonged to his former Padawan and friend, Qui Jon Jinn, and activated it, raising it into a guard position, as the man that addressed him stepped into the light.

From his studies, and his sense in the Force, Dooku had no doubt he was facing a Dark Lord of the Sith.

The question is, which one is it, the master, or the apprentice? Going by the surveillance videos, and his conversations with Nute Gunroy, this would be Darth Maul, the apprentice.

It didn't matter. Dooku would eliminate this one, and then follow the trail the rest of the way to find the other Sith Lord.

"I can feel your hatred, Master Dooku" Darth Maul said. "It's made you stronger on your little quest to find me. Have you come to avenge your fallen student?"

Dooku didn't speak. He wouldn't speak to this murderer, except to inform him of his fate.

"Yes, I have." Dooku said after a moment. "You're guilty of murder. You're going to die."

Maul simply smiled, and shrugged off his cloak. Dooku did the same.

Maul ignited both blades of his lightsaber, and came at Dooku, swinging. Dooku began parrying Mauls attacks, deftly wielding the lightsaber one handed, matching Mauls power with skill.

The battle was swift in action, but long in duration. Dooku slowly felt himself losing his grip on the light. And he didn't care.

Finally, Dooku gave himself over to the Dark Side of the Force.

From nearby, in a concealed observation room, Anakin Skywalker watched beside his father, Chanceller Palpatine.

"Impressive sight, isn't it Anakin?" Palpatine said, noting Anakin's wide eyed enthusiasm.

Anakin nodded.

"Tell me, as you look at out the fight, what do your senses tell you?"

Anakin closed his eyes for a moment. At his father's suggestion, he'd tried concentrating on a desired effect to achieve it with his latent force abilities. It was getting very easy. He had no doubt the Jedi would want to train him when he showed them. He was able to move objects around with some effort, and was getting very good at sensing emotions and intention. As a result, he had become the best athlete in his class at school.

"The Jedi is very angry. He's using that anger, and he feels darker now."

"Yes. I can see that in his face. But, does he feel stronger then he did at the beginning of the fight?"

"Yes" Anakin said. "He's definitely stronger now. A lot stronger. He also seems more..."

"More what, son?"

"Sharper. Like a knife. I think the word would be more focused."

"Is he going to kill the Sith Lord?"

"Yes" Anakin said. "At least, he's going to try."

"Good." Palpatine said. "I have no use for a apprentice who can not defeat a Jedi Master during a planned ambush, or a tool that has outlived his usefulness."

Anakin turned, surprised as the change in his father's sense. His father had pulled on a cloak while Anakin wasn't watching, and now...

"You're the other Sith lord!" Anakin said, surprised.

"That's right, my son." Darth Sidious replied. "I am Darth Sidious, the Dark Lord of the Sith."

Anakin backed away slightly from his father-turned-monster. "Why did you take me in then?"

"Isn't it obvious, my young son? To do what the Jedi were afraid to do. To train you, to raise you, to give you a destiny, a purpose."

Anakin reached out again, attempted to figure out what the Sith Lord wanted with him...

And found he was speaking the truth. Darth Sidious, the Dark Lord of the Sith, wanted to give him everything he’d ever wanted, and more.

"It is the way of the Sith, for a Master to choose in his apprentice, his eventual successor, a being with the potential, drive and desire to one day surpass him, so that the Sith grow stronger. I see your strength, Anakin. One day, I have no doubt you will exceed even me in strength. And on that day, some time in the future, you will have everything I do, and could have anything else you wanted. Family, friends, freedom for all slaves, anything, or anyone, you wanted. Consider my freeing of your mother but the first of what you will one day receive."

Anakin looked back out at the fight, in time to see Master Dooku split Darth Maul's lightsaber in half. Darth Maul continued to fight him, two lightsabers against one.

"The strength to have anything you've ever wanted, to do anything you ever wanted. That's why I choose you, Anakin. To one day, become my apprentice, and to take my place as Emperor of the Galaxy, and the Dark Lord of the Sith."

Anakin looked at his father. "Emperor?"

"Yes." Sidious said. "Join me. Be trained by me, and my Sith apprentice, and one day, the galaxy and the Force itself will be yours. Power, Knowledge, Wealth, respect, and freedom. All are your's, if you but serve me, as both my son, and my student."

Anakin looked back out at the fight, and watched closely. There was no doubt in his mind, he wanted what the two combatants had, and what his father, Darth Sidious, was offering.
The Sith wanted him, the Jedi did not. Well, if the Jedi didn’t want him, he didn’t want the Jedi!

"Yes father, I want it all."

Sidious smiled. "Good. And now, I think we need to speak with our newest Sith ally."

“What about Darth Maul? And Master Dooku? Isn’t Maul already your apprentice?”

“For now. Consider them mere place holders until you are ready to take your rightful place at my side.”

Anakin smiled beside his father, as Master Dooku embraced the dark side beyond return, and skewered Darth Maul at the end of his own lightsaber. A moment later, Dooku turned, and took off Maul's head with Qui Jon's lightsaber.

“This blade should have drank your blood long ago.”

"Well done, well done!" came another voice, accompanied by clapping. "Most impressive, Master Dooku. What I would have expected from someone of your skill and knowledge of the Sith."

Dooku turned, his lightsaber pointing at the person addressing him now. He had no doubt who it was.

"Darth Sidious, I presume?"

Sidious nodded. "Again, I am most impressed by your skills, Master Jedi. Then again, I've always respected you, haven't I?"

Darth Sidious pulled back his hood, and Dooku nearly dropped his lightsaber in shock.

"Chancellor Palpatine?" he said, stunned.

Anakin stepped out from behind his father. "Hello Master Dooku."

Dooku couldn't believe what was happening.

"Surprised my friend? I don't see why you should be. Just consider this a gesture of trust, towards my new apprentice."

"Apprentice?" Dooku said.

"Yes." Sidious replied. "Our goals are similar, our beliefs are similar, including your belief in the use of the Dark side of the Force. You hunted down Darth Maul as much to take his place, as it was to avenge your fallen Padawan. Admit it, you slew Darth Maul, to take his place."

Dooku started to protest, until it occurred to him...

Maybe Sidious was right.

"We have, a lot to talk about, my lord.."

(End of Chapter)