Chapter 61 - Back to Coruscant [1/2] (1/2)

Part 1

Medical Wing

Green Site

Somewhere in the inner rim

Awareness came slowly. Almost like awakening from a deep slumber and with it… relief? Confusion too.

She felt something was amiss. That she should be doing something, yet she couldn't remember what. The woman tried to open her eyes, yet her eyelids refused to obey.

That wasn't right, she thought.

The sense of confusion, of that something was wrong increased. However, that knowledge came slowly, sluggishly. She tried to recall what was happening, where she was, yet her mind drew a blank.

She felt a twitch, then a soft fabric scrapping over exposed skin. That light contact made her flinch, bringing even more sensations. Her mind froze, expecting an inevitable explosion of agony that simply couldn't be put in words.

The agony – her constant companion for what felt like eternity was strangely absent. It was miraculous, really.

Finally, the woman managed to crack an eye open only to be blinded by soft blue glow. Her eye reflexively closed and she flinched as a lance of pain stabbed straight into her brain. The only thing that surprised her was that the rest of the molten agony she expected didn't materialize.

The pain she actually felt dissipated fast leaving the woman even more confused – if that was even possible. Whatever was happening came at odds with her sluggish mind's expectations and that left her grasping for answers.

Eventually the woman dared open an eye once again. The blue light was no less blinding this time around, but at least it was merely irritating instead of agonizing. She dared open her other eye too and stared at a dull, gray ceiling.

Nope. That didn't help her figure out what was happening or where she was. In fact… she had trouble remembering who she was. That should have scared her, yet all the woman felt was relief that the pain was gone.

=RK=

”What's the sentence, doctor?” I asked and looked at a nearby screen showing Padme Amidala sitting on a hospital bed looking utterly lost.

The Duros looked up from the computer terminal he was working on. The chief medical officer of the facility had a sparsely decorated office which among other things was a testament for the hastily built and temporarily status of the facility he was in charge of.

”Well, she awoke a few days ago and the preliminary tests are promising. Only minor brain degradation, nothing we can't treat. While she's still weak and it will take some time for her muscles to recover after her coma, that's a short term problem. However...” The doctor shrugged.

”Mentally she isn't the same, is she?” I asked.

”We simply have no experience with such cases. The closest thing I've seen was an intelligence agent who had been tortured for information before being recovered. Even then, they weren't in so much pain for such a prolonged period of time. Whatever that thing was…” The Duros shuddered. ”Her brain's pain center was lit up even when she was placed in medical coma, which should have been impossible. Despite everything we could do, she appears to have been at least partially aware too.”

”The Force makes possible equally wonderful and terrible things doctor. I've seen much worse.” I muttered. Not to mention done.

That earned me a dirty look.

”Thank you for your efforts, doctor. I'll go talk with her.”

”I'll advise against that. What she needs is rest.”

”Unless she's more mentally disturbed than I fear, that might not be an option. In a few days her husband will be in front of a military tribunal. She will be called as a witness.”

”Such stress is the last thing my patient needs!” The doctor snapped.

”That would be for Senator Amidala to decide.”

The Duros glared at me, yet he declined further comment when I headed for Padme's room.

”Senator Amidala, I hoped our next meeting would be under better circumstances.” I nodded at the sitting woman.

Her room wasn't better decorated than the doctor's office – plain metal walls, a lot of medical equipment, a bed and that was it. If it wasn't for a data pad presumably with holonet access, the place could easily be mistaken for either a prison cell instead a prefabricated hospital room.

”General.” Amidala spoke quietly. She raised her head and looked at me with a pair of haunted eyes. ”I've been reading about your latest exploits.” She waved the data pad at me. ”About the war and what has been happening to the Republic.”

”It's a depressing topic.”

”You've done all right for yourself, but you're correct.” Padme sighed. ”Congratulations are in order I hear, Mandalore. How did that come to pass?”

”It's a long story. It wasn't something I planned when the Senate, in their endless wisdom sent me there to negotiate.”

”Very few would believe that.” The Senator raised a delicate eyebrow.

”Nevertheless it's true. If you want I'll tell you the whole sordid tale later.”

”You're here to see how sane am I. Right? The good doctors can't make up their minds.”

”What you've been through… It changes a person. Usually breaks them.”

”Am I?” A sad smile appeared on Amidala's face. ”Broken I mean.”

”Perhaps. I would be surprised if you aren't.” What she had been poisoned with – it either killed, broke or drove people insane. Sometimes all of the above.

”I'm not the same. I didn't need all those test to tell me that.”

”Will you let that stop you?” I asked.

Amidala perked up when she heard that particular question.

”I… I don't know if I can continue as before. I've never been afraid to die for my ideals. For the good of the Republic and Naboo. Yet, this...” She looked down at herself and shivered.

”Dying is easy. Practically everyone manages it in the end. Living on the other hand...” I said.

”That's the trick, isn't it? I don't know.” Amidala sighed. ”All I want is to go home and get away from this madness, yet I know I won't find reprieve back on Naboo.”

”No. I'm not sure how much of it you'll recognize when you go home. Naboo has been changing ever since the terror attacks. After you were put out of commission, the changes got even more frantic.” I smiled at her. ”You're an icon back there, though you may not appreciate what is being done in your name.”

”I've read about it.” Amidala said in a small voice. ”What am I supposed to do? I… we were pacifists!”

”And now your homeworld is busy creating an army and building its own navy. In your name. You don't know how to react.” I examined her for a few seconds and smiled. ”Because at least a part of you agrees.”

Padme slowly nodded.

”Everything I've believed in... Everything I stood for… It's still in here.” She tapped her temple. ”Yet, all I could feel right now is fear and fury. You know it, don't you? You can sense my emotions.”

I simply nodded. Her bȧrėly restrained rage was delicious.

”I think I know what's the right thing to do. What I should strive for. However, all I want is to see the Confederacy pay!” Padme snapped with a hiss that resembled a large, furious feline. ”For what they did to Naboo. To my home… To me...” Amidala shuddered and hugged herself.

”It's natural. Besides, you're going to get what you want.”

Amidala's head snapped up and she glared at me.

”You should be aware by now. The Confederacy has proven that they couldn't be trusted to treat with us in good faith. There had been too many atrocities, too much spilled blood for this war to end in anything but a victory for one side or the other and none of us could afford to be on the loosing side.”

”What do you expect me to say? That peace still has a chance? That we should strive to end this bloodshed diplomatically? A part of me still believes that.” Amidala paused. ”Or at least hopes so. But that's not something I can count on. There have been too many betrayals.” Padme closed her eyes and grimaced. ”I can't bring myself to trust anyone who might claim to speak for the Confederacy. Where does that leave us?”

”We fight and we win. There is nothing else and we could do nothing less.”

”Somehow I knew you would say something like that.” A tiny smile appeared on Padme's face. ”You're on your way back to Coruscant to report to the Senate, aren't you?”

”Yep. It's going to be interesting experience.”

”Hell, you mean. I don't think that whoever sent you on your errand to Mandalore expected you to be returning as the Mandalorians leader. General, Delkatar. What happened with Anakin? What did he do?” Padme abruptly changed the topic.

”I'll tell you all about it on our way to pick him up.”

”He kriffed up by the numbers didn't he? How much of the story I read about in the news is true?” Amidala looked at me with hopeful eyes.

”Most of it, depending on whose version you've seen.”

”Oh, Ani…” Padme's tone was drowning in exasperation.

=RK=

Part 2

Officer quarters

Republic cruiser ”Defender”

Hyperspace

We were in the flag officer's quarters of the ship bringing us all back to Coruscant. While the furniture was spartan, at least there was enough space so we could fit in comfortably. Most of the room was taken up by a table that could be use for either dinning or holding up briefings without issue thanks to a few built in but currently covered terminals and a small holoprojector in the middle.

With the exception of a few lockers, a small bar – for emergencies only and a refrigerator holding up MREs and a bit of decent food and the chairs we were sitting in, compartment was bȧrė. In fact, the whole ship still had that new smell to it – a whiff of paint, various oils and metal. It made sense really, the Defender had been commissioned bȧrėly two weeks ago and was immediately stationed at Mandalore after the CIS attack. In fact, the cruiser had been in system for just a few hours before I commandeered it along with some escorts for my trip to the capital.

”That's a lot to take in...” Senator Amidala noted after we filled her in on what has been happening lately, especially some of the juicy details that somehow failed to make it to the galactic news.

Our resident Skywalker was sitting across the table from me and holding a cup of steaming tea close to her ċhėst. She looked at Obi-Wan and his wife, then nodded to herself.

”Should I presume that Anakin won't be expelled from the Order for marrying me?” Padme asked.

”I can't really say. For all I know, I'll be send away after meeting the Council.” Kenobi shrugged.

”Their loss.” My wife quipped. Bo was sitting to my right – doing her best not to look too bored and failing miserably. ”I'm sure we can find you something to do besides my sister.”

”BO!” Satine hissed.

Obi-Wan ġrȯȧnėd and looked my way for help. I just shrugged helplessly. That was one mess I wasn't going to get in the middle of. Besides watching the sisters snipe at each other was oddly amusing.

”I guess married life treats you all right, Obi-Wan.” Padme cracked a rare smile.

”It's been and interesting and very good experience.” Kenobi said diplomatically.

Amidala stared at the table wishfully. It didn't take a genius to figure out what she was thinking about, or rather who. We were on our way to pick up Anakin and he would be heading straight to the brig – not something either of the Skywalkers were going to thank me about, but my hands were tied. Offering him anything resembling support in public or where the troops could see wasn't going to do me any favors.

In fact, one of the main reasons for our little gathering was to figure out what to do when we arrived on Coruscant. Now that Padme was briefed on the relevant events we could begin brainstorming. Unfortunately I was going to be out of my depth this time around.

”What can we expect on Coruscant? I've seen enough on the holonet to expect a media feeding frenzy. What is Anakin looking at?” Padme looked at me.

”If he's found guilty it would be either execution or shoving him into a deep dark hole and throwing away the key. Anakin's status as a Jedi makes things more complicated.”

”That's politics for you.” Bo added and thus earning herself a glare from Satine.

I shook my head. And this was the sisters being in a cordial relationship.

”Perhaps. I'm not familiar enough with the Republic's Military Code of Justice to say one way or another. In the end even if technically politic play no part of it, we can't rely on it. Not with Delkatar becoming Mandalore.” Satine nodded my way.

”That's how its supposed to work. In theory at least only the high ranking military officers who would make the tribunal would have any say in the outcome. That's a double edged sword at best. If the panel's made of Clone officers, Anakin is in deep trouble. I'm not entirely sure how the tribunal will be selected – I'll be talking with Valentra tomorrow about it among other things. However, if Anakin get's lucky, every none-clone officer might be influenced by the politics of the situation. I would like to state that this won't be the case but give how fast the GAR is being build and expanded...” I shrugged.

In fact, the whole Military Justice system had to be created almost from scratch in the last year after the Republic suddenly found itself with a brand new army, not to mention fighting a war for its very survival. Anakin's trial was going to be a challenge for a new and largely untested system.

If the circumstances were different, I would have written the whole mess as the price of doing business. However, I could still find a use for Anakin and this trial had the potential to either shove Skywalker in Palpy's clutches or at the very least send him on a dark path that might turn him into even bigger pain in the ȧss than he currently was.

”Can you help Anakin?” Padme asked.

”Not officially. He did kriff up by the numbers and killed a lot of my people. While I do understand why he did it, no matter how foolish it was, I can't condone his actions. On the other hand I don't want to see him executed or imprisoned. That would be a waste of talents. However, I'm not sure how much I could help. Because I became Mandalore, my actions would be under tremendous amount of scrutiny. At the very least I will be a witness on his trial – after all I was his commanding officer. I'll do my best to push for an arrangement similar to what Windu got.”

”It's another question how successful that would be. I'm not blind.” Obi-Wan sighed. ”I know many in the army resent that Mace Windu got away with what they see as a mere slap on the wrist. I'm afraid that some people might want to make an example of Anakin.”

”Is that true?” Padme asked.

”Even without Windu's stunt, most of the GAR wants Anakin's head. The rank and file see his actions as a betrayal and most officers consider him at best a very dangerous lose canon.” At worst – just a madman that needs putting down or at least my feelers in the Navy's rumor mill told me so.

”That's it?” Amidala looked appalled.

Well, duh. If he wasn't potentially useful or a ticking time-bomb, I would simply leave him to the vultures, though I wasn't dumb enough to say it aloud. After all, if it was anyone else pulling such a stunt, my voice would be among the loudest screaming for hid head.

Fortunately for Skywalker, I had plans for him. Well, it was unfortunate too.

”While Anakin is in a lot of very serious trouble, his situation isn't hopeless. Nevertheless, if we're to help him craw out of the hole he so expertly dug for himself, we'll need to be free to act in his support. That won't be the case if we're all too busy fending off various accusations. How do we approach the media and Senate?” I asked.

”You should talk with Bail Organa and Ben Iblis first. Their help will be invaluable.” Padme said after thinking for a bit. ”On one hand, presenting your action as following your orders to gain Mandalore as an ally might help in the Senate...” Amidala paused when the two Mandalorian women in the room glared at her.

”That's preposterous. Doing so will destroy Delkatar's authority among our people. It will paint him in the same vein as Vizsla – just another selfish bastard determined to use us for his own gain.” Bo snapped.

”That's true.” Satine supported her sister. ”Perhaps putting an emphasis on your actions being what's actually best for both Mandalore and the Republic.”

”That's the general idea. Persuading people that it's true is another matter.” When all was said and done, my reasons for becoming Mandalore were complex and some of them I couldn't admit aloud without hurting my cause either among the Mandalorians or with the Senate. Perhaps both.

Well, we were still few hours out of the site where Skywalker was held so there was time enough for figuring out something.

=RK=

Medical wing

Republic detention facility

Location classified

One moment, Anakin Skywalker was enjoying the lack of the constant nightmares that tormented him for what felt like year, then he awoke with a start. He instinctively reached for the Force and was relieved to feel her soothing presence. A wave of energy passed though his body rejuvenating his muscles and chasing away the last traces of sedative in his system.

The Jedi half expected that this was another odd variation of his nightmares, when the presence of a few familiar signatures in the Force made him pause. He jumped up and nearly fell off the hard metal bed he had been laying on.

Only thanks to the large amount of Force energy he was pulling into himself prevented him from suffering ever a greater attack of vertigo and planting his face into the floor. Still he staggered and had to grasp the side of the bed with his artificial hand to keep his balance. Anakin shook his head in an attempt to chase the dizzies away and looked around.

The room was familiar – he had been in more than enough med bays to recognize a lot of the equipment. Besides, the place felt like the prefab buildings preferred by the GAR.

With the exception of the equipment and a pair of beds, the room was empty. Anakin frowned and searched his feelings.

He was sure that Obi-Wan was nearby. He got off the table and wince when his unsteady legs were bȧrėly able to support his weight. For a moment, Anakin idly wondered how long he had been out and what exactly did he do this time to land himself in medical.

His thoughts were interrupted when the single door opened and Padme strode in.

Anakin froze at the sight of his wife and he remembered. She had been poisoned and… he winced. At least Padme looked fine… No she didn't. Her eyes were tired, haunted. Because he was still deeply connected with the force, Skywalker had no trouble feeling the echoes of pain and suffering upon her.

That froze him in place as he stared at his wife in shock. Because of that, what followed caught him completely off guard.

Padme strode until she was standing just in front of Anakin and studied him for a few seconds.

”I'm glad you're alive, Anakin.” Padme muttered softly.

Then her right hand snapped up and slapped him hard. That was too much for his weakened legs and Skywalker found himself landing on his ȧss. He stared dumbly at his wife who simply huffed, turned around and strode out of the room.

A moment later, Veil came in and snorted when he saw him.

”Boy, you kriffed up by the numbers this time. So much it's not even funny.” The general shook his head in dis-appointment.

A squad of Clones marched after the Sith. Their leader – a Commander, stood at attention and began speaking.

”General Anakin Skywalker, your are under arrest...”

Anakin looked between Veil and the Clones in confusion. He was sure this was indeed just another, particularly cruel nightmare.

=RK=

Part 3

Confederate Military HQ

Raxulon City

Raxus

Outer Rim Territories

Admiral Trench strode briskly through the well lit corridors in the heart of the Confederacy military. Behind him trailed a handful of aides and an escort of commando droids, though he paid them no attention. Instead his eyes darted to the faces of the officers and enlisted he passed by as he advanced through the halls. All of them looked determined and quite busy.

The Harch hadn't seen the place be such a hive of activity ever since the first days of the war when the first Republic attack on Geonosis and the debut of the GAR caught the Confederate military flat footed. There had been no indications that the Republic had been building massive fleets, certainly nothing big enough to even slow down the Confederacy's military. That belief persisted up until most offensives against the loyalists ground to a halt as the full strength of the GAR was unveiled.

That was an unpleasant surprise and possibly the greatest intelligence failure in millennia. At least that's what Trench used to believe. If the various wild rumors he heard ever since Count Dooku was imprisoned a few weeks ago were at least partially true, the truth was much more sinister. The admiral had the nagging feeling that he would be finding out soon.

Trench stopped in front of a heavily guarded checkpoint that led to one of the most secure rooms in the whole system.

”Only you can go on, Admiral. Your aides and escort can wait over there.” A young looking human captain stated from behind a sheet of transparent metal and pointed at the single door on the left wall of the corridor. Behind the man, Trench could see six deployed destroyer droids and what had to be at least a platoon of commando droids armed with various heavy weapon.

”That's all right, captain. Wait there.” Trench ordered his retinue.

”Sir please step forward and wait for a security scan.” The captain continued.

The admiral obeyed and did as instructed. At least four distinct scanners bathed him in light and probably every detection method known to the Confederacy's scientists. Trench's hairs stood up under the onslaught and he felt phantom pains in the left side of his body as his extensive cybernetics were thoroughly scanned.

”You're clear to proceed, sir. Down the corridor, then left.” The captain saluted and pressed a buŧŧon out of sight. The transparent wall cutting the corridor in two retracted and Trench's sėnsɨtɨvė ears could hear the tell tale sound of a force field shutting down.

The Harch was glad that whoever was in charge these days took security reasonably serious, though it was probably too late if the rumors about the CIS being heavily infiltrated by Sith agents working for either the Republic, their own gain or another, unknown party were true.

Couple of minutes later, Trench reached the end of another corridor, where a single heavily armored door waited for him. It was currently opened and guarded by a squad of tall humanoids in heavy armor.

”This way, sir.” Their apparent leader, a major nodded towards the door.

Trench exchanged salutes with the more junior officer and entered the guarded room. Inside he found out a group of admirals and generals waiting for him along with a single civilian. They were seated around a long wooden table, with Trest Ilroth, the new Neimodeian leader sitting at its head.

”Thank you major, you can seal the door. We are not to be disturbed.” Ilroth ordered.

”Yes, sir!”

”Admiral Trench, please get yourself a refreshment and sit down.” The Neimoidian spoke pleasantly. ”I trust we all know each other or are introductions in order?”

The Harch looked at the gathered beings. Ilroth was flanked by Dua Ningo on his right and a pair of other Neimodians to the left. One was commander Voross Argaya who had taken over Nute Gunray's military responsibilities after the viceroy got himself captured and killed during a following botched rescue attempt. Next him sat a very large Neimoidian who looked quite ridiculous in a very flamboyant version of his people's drab military uniform.

Were those frills along his arms? Trench's eyes blinked in synch at the strange sight.

A short, brown haired human sat next to the Neimoidians and he couldn't look more different than the richly adorned being to his right. It took Trench a few moments to place the face to a name. That was admiral Kirst, notable for his success commanding the experimental battleship Suncrusher. The last he heard of the human admiral, the man had been busy laying down a trap for a Jedi strike team that never came calling. There were also reports that something had went wrong and Kirst had perished along with his flagship but at obviously he was quite well and alive.

Across that trio, next to Ningo sat a blond human with shoulder length hair and short beard and a Muun male who was busy reading from a data pad. Trench had no problem recognizing Admiral Pors Tonith. The Muun was a scion of a very wealthy and influential family, who were big in the Banking Clan among other things. Tonith was famous for going from a successful financier to a reasonable competent military officer. He was one of the better tacticians available to the Confederacy, though his presence was surprising.

Trench knew that the Muun admiral was a big fan of Count Dooku and considering that the latter was imprisoned for betraying the Confederacy… Well, Tonith's presence was certainly interesting.

”I'm afraid I'm not familiar with everyone here.” Trench stated aloud, while looking around the conference room. There was a well stocked bar to the left, a lot of hand carved wood paneling along the walls and that was it as far as furnishing went. The room was mostly empty so there could be less places to stash a bug he guessed.

”Then introductions are in order. I'm Trest Ilroth, the Viceroy of the Trade Federation and more importantly a member of the Confederate Council.” The Neimoidian waved at the Sullustan to his right and soon enough everyone was introducing themselves while Trench went to get himself a drink. He had a feeling that this was going to be a long meeting.

”I'm general Atticus Farstar.” The blond human introduced himself.

Trench frowned. The name didn't ring a bell and he did try to keep up with every high ranking officer of note. The same went for Lok Durd – the obese Neimoidian, who was a general too. Perhaps they were newly promoted and he still haven't heard about them?

Trench grabbed a glass and a bottle of his favorite poison and sat next to the Muun.

”Now that we're all here and the room is secure, let's us clean up the air first. I'm sure you've all heard a lot of wild rumors about what happened lately. Unfortunately some of them are true. A few weeks ago, Count Dooku was arrested for treason. The reason for that is simple, the Confederate Council received certain evidence showing that the Sith were behind the terror attacks on Naboo and the botched up mess that was the hostage crisis on Coruscant. Not to mention the bio-weapon attacks as part of those debacles. Further, and certain members of parliament were implicated in the slave operations on Ryloth, which were of no strategic benefit to the Confederacy as a whole and in fact harmed our standing as far as the rest of the galaxy is concerned.” Ilroth spoke sadly.

The Neimoidian studied the gathered officers for a few moments, then continued. ”What I'm about to tell you doesn't leave this room until you're cleared to share the information. Some of you might be aware that my species shares a limited form of hive mind. Because of that, after Nute Gunray's death, I received certain information that came in the form of some of my predecessor's memories. I believe you would find it enlightening.”

Well, that certainly got Trench's attention.

”The reason why the Council decided to call you here and to share the information in question is because you're the best military officers we have and you need to know it.” Ilroth took a deep breath. ”This whole war has been a farce.” The Neimoidian grimaced.

Trench could agree at least in part. While the very existence of the GAR came as a nasty shock, it simply wasn't numerous enough to stop the Confederacy if it wasn't for a series of nasty blunders in the opening months of the war. That combined with the Republic's knack to place the right people – usually Jedi – at the right place when it was absolutely critical, explained at least in part why the war wasn't won yet. However, the Harch now suspected that there was more to it.

”Dooku, who more than anyone else brought the Confederacy together did so only to betray us. That was his plan. He is a Sith. The Count and his master had been pulling the strings of this war to achieve their own goals and we believe they don't align with what's best for the Confederacy. The reason why I and the rest of the Council are sure of it is simple. Dooku's master is no other than Chancellor Sheev Palpatine.” Ilroth dropped the bomb.

For a moment, Trench thought that the Neimoidian had lost it. By the brief exclamations or shocked expressions he saw from the other officers before they could school their faces in neutral masks, they got the news cold just as he did.

”I found it hard to believe too, but Gunrey's memories were enough that I brought my suspicions to certain members of the Council. To my surprise, San Hill was aware that Dooku was a Sith and he had an unknown master. It appears that the Banking Clans had been working with the Sith for a long time. What he didn't know was who Dooku worked for.” Ilroth smiled grimly. ”I don't think that I need to spell you the implications.”

”So it's to be the Sith Empire reborn.” Admiral Nindo muttered, breaking the silence that fell after Ilroth's words. ”That's has to be. Palpatine is using this war to gain absolute power and turning the Republic into Empire with him in charge has to be his endgame. It's what the Sith always wanted, isn't it? Just this time they decided to be subtle about it instead of invading the Republic from outside.”

Everyone stared at the Sullustan. His theory did make sense, though Trench wasn't convinced that it was true or at least the only thing the Sith were after. He simply lacked enough information about their motives to make an informed decision. On the other hand… He ġrȯȧnėd. The war being a performance orchestrated by the Sith actually made sense. It explained a lot of things Trench himself had been wondering about. Both Palpatine and Dooku as the leaders of their respective sides would have had close to perfect intelligence when working together. They would know how to ensure the war went for as long as they needed without a victor and would be in a unique position to choose who won and who lost.

Trench closed his eyes and spoke quietly. ”Every time our intelligence was spot on, every time we wasted forces on strategically insignificant places and lost momentum, every time the GAR was in position to stop us when we might have come closer to ending the war once and for all...”

”That's our conclusion.” Ilroth nodded. ”It's why you're all here. The sad truth is that we can't really use our knowledge. We were played expertly. Right now the Confederacy has no credibility left. Even if we had proof that couldn't be refuted, no one in the Republic would believe us that Palpatine is the Sith responsible for the war. Even worse, now that we know we don't dare even attempt to find a peaceful solution. It won't end well as long as either Palpatine or another Sith controls the Republic. We now know about three of them – the Chancellor, Dooku and their new general – Delkatar Veil. It's anyone's guess how many other Sith wait in the shadows.”

”I find this hard to believe. For the longest time, Count Dooku has been someone I looked up to.” Admiral Tonith spoke carefully. ”However, I'm not blind. Chairman San Hill asked me to carefully review the major strategic decision that the Confederacy military did since the start of the war in preparation for this meeting. I can't deny that we should have been able to win the war months ago. Instead, too much time and a great amount of combat strength had been wasted on objectives that were of no consequence. In hindsight it makes sense that we were betrayed. Either that or Count Dooku was blind to what happened and whatever you say about the man he was too competent to let such blunders continue.” The Muun looked down. His tall face appeared to be carved out of durasteel as he tried to get to grips with the fact that the man he saw as a mentor betrayed him and the Confederacy.

”I'm aware of some questionable decisions unfortunately I haven't had the time to look at the big picture and how it was influenced by such blunder.” Trench added.

”All of you will have access to whatever data you need after this meeting.” Ilroth continued. ”The reason you're here is simple. We can't go on in the same way if we're to not only survive this war but to win. Our military has been infiltrated by both Sith and probably all too many Republic agents. Some of our officers should have never gotten their commands because its obvious they kriffed up by the numbers in the field again and again, yet they weren't removed.” Ilroth snarled. ”That ends now. You're here to reforge the Confederacy's war machine, overhaul our command structure and find a way to win the war. While an approval from the Council will be required, you will be the ones deciding the strategy for winning the war.”

Yep, this was going to be one long meeting. And he might actually enjoy it.

=RK=

Part 4

Brig

Republic cruiser ”Defender”

Hyperspace, en route to Coruscant

Anakin paced in the small cell he had been shoved in. He couldn't help it but feel like a caged animal and the worst thing was that getting out would be oh so easy. There were just a handful of guards – regular clones that were stationed at the brig as a SOP. A part of Skywalker felt insulted that there weren't more people to keep him contained, however once he stopped for a moment to think, it made sense.

The guards were little more than a formality really. If he decide to let himself out, the Clones wouldn't be the ones to worry about. It was Obi-Wan and Veil, who were on board. Skywalker glowered at the force-field shimmering in front of the metal door of his cell. Even those two were an afterthought really. What kept him in – angry and confused was Padme.

Anakin remembered feeling her relief when she saw him after he awoke. Unfortunately he acutely remembered sensing her fury and disappointment – both aimed solely on him. It was as if she didn't understand or care that everything he did was to help her. After all, Padme was the most important thing for him in the whole galaxy.

Yet… Despite everything he did for her sake, everything he sacrificed, Anakin couldn't help it but feel a tiny amount of doubt. A tiny part of him whispered that he was losing her. Worse, there was something deeper, darker that insisted Padme had betrayed him because she didn't support his attempt to help her.

So Anakin paced in his cell and brooded thinking dark thoughts. His heart was torn between joy and relief that Padme was all right, which clashed with embers of anger aimed at everyone.

Skywalker's dark thoughts were interrupted when he sensed a familiar presence nearby. Sure enough, the force field winked out and the door slid open revealing Obi-Wan. The older Jedi looked grim.

”Anakin. Its good to see you in one piece.”

”I'm not sure I can say the same from where I'm standing.” Skywalker grumbled. ”Can someone explain to me what the kriff is happening?” Anakin's composure shattered.

Kenobi looked at his former apprentice with mixed feeling.

”Anakin, surely you knew there would be consequences. Nor being a Jedi, neither your rank as a general can cover up what you did. They in fact make your position that much worse.”

”I had no choice!” Skywalker snapped. ”It was happening again! I needed your help! Yours and Veil's yet you were going to let Padme die or go insane! I'm not sure I recognize my own wife any longer and that's on you!” Anakin pointed at his mentor.

”Again? Ah...” Kenobi sighed and closed his eyes.

”Ah. Did you forget about my mother? I needed help then too and instead I had to go there myself only to hold her as she died!” Anakin shouted. ”I wasn't going to risk losing Padme too! I simply can't lose her!”

”Anakin, I understand.” Obi-Want said quietly.

”You all...” Skywalker stopped mid-rant. His mouth opened then closed with a click and he stared at his former Master. ”What?” Anakin asked feeling confused. His building anger deflated and was replaced by befuddlement.

”I said I understand. I might be unable to condone your actions – you did go rogue and that's putting it mildly, not to mention all the men whose death you caused and the ships you destroyed – but I understand why you did it.”

”That's...” Anakin shook his head and stared at Obi-Wan. Skywalker was unsure what he was expecting. Disappointment, berating, a lecture, another betrayal… One thing was certain – this wasn't it.

”Being married changes a man's outlook of life. His priorities shift.” Obi-Wan continued.

”And how would you know that?” Anakin frowned.

”I got married of course.” Kenobi gave him one of his patented long suffering look.

Anakin actually chuckled at that statement before it dawned to him that Obi-Wan was serious. ”Wait, what? Married? You?!” Skywalker blurred out before he could think about it.

”Yes. Me. I know, it's such a shock.” Kenobi deadpanned.

”How long was I out? Years?” Anakin looked suspiciously at Obi-Wan. The other Jedi didn't really look any older than the last time they met.

”Har, har. Very funny. Anakin, I had some time to think lately. If I was in your position…” Obi-Wan sighed. ”I wish I could say I would have thought clearly, that I wouldn't have put Satine's life as more important than the thousands under my command. Most of the time I believe that. Yet...” Kenobi trailed off.

Obi-Wan had Anakin's undivided attention.

”Yet?” He prompted after Kenobi didn't immediately continue voicing his thoughts.

”Some things happened that convinced me things aren't that clean cut. That they could never be simple or obvious when emotions are involved.” Obi-Wan chuckled sadly. ”I think you've noticed but we Jedi aren't very good with handling emotions.”

”I don't remember being taught how to handle emotions. Clear your mind and so forth. More like ignore them and pretend that they didn't exist. That didn't work for me.”

”I could see that now. I'm sorry I was blind before. I'm sorry I didn't listen. That I didn't took you to visit your mother when you first began having visions of her death.” Obi-Wan spoke sincerely.

Anakin glared at his mentor. He wanted to hate Kenobi. To scream at him and blame everything on his shoulders. After all, Obi-Wan was conveniently right here in front of him.