Back to Coruscant [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 woman waited for the pain she knew was coming. Then waited some more, yet the only thing she could feel was the sensation of soft cool sheets upon her skin. As her awareness expanded and her mind began slowly clearing up, she felt only relief.

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.

=RK=

"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 barely 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?"

A very good question coming from the biggest proponent for peace in the Senate.

"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 bare. 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 barely 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 chest. 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 groaned 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 ass 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 barely 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 ass. 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 button out of sight. The transparent wall cutting the corridor in two retracted and Trench's sensitive 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 groaned. 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.

However, in the end it wasn't Kenobi the only one to blame. In fact Obi-Wan wasn't on Coruscant at the end, when there was still time to reach Shmi when she could be saved. It was Yoda who told Anakin that he should basically cut his emotional ties with his mother and write her off even if the ancient Jedi didn't use those exact words.

"Anakin… I think, no I know that I failed you as your Jedi Master. I can make excuse as to why and some would even be true." Obi-Wan smiled sadly. "Doing so would change nothing."

"Perhaps. Yet, I don't remember other Jedi clamoring for the job. In fact I remember quite vividly that Yoda and the rest of the Council were opposed to my training." Anakin shrugged. "Who is to know what would have happened if things have gone another way? For all we know, I might have ended a slave back on Tatooine. The Force knows, left on my own devices I would have gone back for my mother and as a kid… I can't see it ending well. I've thought about it. Believing that I could have saved my mother as anything less than a Jedi is a wishful thinking. Who else was going to give me the training I would have needed?"

Anakin took a deep breath. "Yet… You see Obi-Wan, that makes what happened even worse. Do you know that as a kid I practically worshiped you and Qui-gon? When you came to Tatooine and got me away you seemed bigger than life. We've heard tall tales about the Jedi even on that dust ball..." A small smile appeared on Anakin's face.

"By now you should know that the tales are far from the truth."

"I know that now. However, you and Qui-gon not only lived up to them but make the stories look pale in comparison. You brought me along to save a Queen and win a war. Then I became a Padawan and everything was right in the world. For a time anyway." A harsh bark of laughter escaped Anakin's lips. "I believe in you. Not only you in particular, Obi-Wan, but in the Jedi as a whole. I wanted the stories to be true. For the Jedi to be the knights in shining armor protecting the Republic. And so, I was willfully blind for some things."

"That we couldn't save everyone. That sometimes we wouldn't even try for reasons you could never call good enough." Obi-Wan added quietly.

"You know, if it wasn't for Padme's love and support, I don't know what I would have done after my mother died. I was in a dark place then and a part of me never left it. I simply didn't have time to deal with that – there's a ware on as you very well know."

"And we never knew." Obi-Wan groaned.

"Well, I had incentive to hide, to present myself as good a Jedi as I could. After all I didn't want the Council digging up into my affairs and figuring out that I married just after the battle for Geonosis. And now..." Anakin shook his head. "How is the Council going to react to my marriage with Padme? What about yours? And who is this Satine of you married, Obi-Wan?"

"Considering what happened lately, you being married to Senator Amidala won't be the Council's primary concern and you should be glad for it. Or not – they might decide to go after you to just to make an example of us."

"You are a Council member..." Anakin looked speculatively at his teacher.

"That only makes it worse. Anakin, I married Duchess Satine Kryze and at the time she was the leader of the Mandalorian government."

"Well congratulations… Wait, she's a Mandalorian, right? In order to marry one of them..." Anakin's eyes widened.

"Yeah." Obi-Wan rubbed the back of his head. "I should introduce myself properly. Obi-Wan Kenobi, Clan leader of Clan Kenobi and a brand new Mandalorian. If I'll be a Jedi for much longer, well the jury is still out on that."

"You've been busy."

"You don't know the half of it."

"Fill me in then. It's mighty boring in here. How long am I going to be in this kriffing cell anyway?"

"Anakin… Things don't look too good right now." Obi-Wan frowned.

"I knew there would be consequences, but I didn't care if there was any chance I could help Padme. In how much trouble am I?" Skywalker asked.

"A whole heap. Anakin, you'll be facing a military tribunal. If found guilty, you'll be looking at either a long prison sentence or death." Kenobi told the truth.

"What?" Anakin stared numbly at the other Jedi.

"Veil will be trying to get you a better outcome, however…"

"There is always a but coming..." Skywalker was still trying to process what Obi-Wan was telling him. Being stuck in prison for the Force only knows how long? Execution?!

"Anakin… There isn't a good way to say this. The rank and file knows exactly what you did. Your actions nearly cost us the battle for Geonosis and if we had lost there the Republic would have been in dire straits. A major defeat in space there might have lost us the war."

"What are you saying, Obi-Wan? You're kinda scaring me right now..."

"Almost every enlisted and officer in both the army and navy wants your head on a silver platter. Officially, Veil has no choice but to condemn your actions. While he doesn't want to see you wasting in prison much less executed, there isn't too much he could do. Some things happened while you were out that might keep him too busy defending his own actions and dealing with the Senate to help you as much as he wants."

"I believe an explanation is in order, Obi-Wan. They can't execute me, right?" For the first time since ending up in the cell, Anakin felt afraid. Not just because of the prospect of being executed, but because he sense that what was happening might be the first steps that led to the nightmares he dreamed of.

=RK=

An hour or so later, Anakin was left alone to eat lunch – just a standard MRE given him by the guards. Obi-Wan's visit gave him a lot of food for thought and he was still processing all he learned while absent-mindedly pocking the meal in his hand.

Kenobi's news left Skywalker even more confuse and not a little angry. Afraid too – not for himself, but for Padme. While Anakin had met his wife only that one time since awakening and couldn't really judge how well she was, his Master was clear – there were mental scars left on her from the ordeal she suffered. He should be with Padme instead tuck in the cell, damn it!

Anakin closed his eyes and leaned back in the small bed. When all was said and done, he had to wonder why he fought. For what reason he fought? A part of him wanted to simply get out, grab Padme and run far away from both the Republic and the Confederacy. From the madness of the war.

If he Skywalker had to be honest to himself, more often than not he fought because it was fun and because it was expected of him. Once, not too long ago he would have said that he did it for the Republic, for the Jedi… yet that would have been mostly a rote response. Oh, he believed it… in part at least. However, now that he thought about it… The Jedi as an organization had lost his respect when they left his mother to die and didn't care.

The Republic… What was it to him? Was it home? Anakin frowned. There certainly were people in the Republic he liked. Some he would call friends, many others he didn't know but had helped again and again without a second thought. He would do that itself, but now that he thought about it, Anakin he couldn't remember a single mission he had been before the war began where he helped people because it was good for the Republic. He helped them because it was the right thing, because they needed help.

The Republic itself… Anakin's frown deepened. He wasn't sure he cared for it one way or another. Oh, it was much better than the Confederacy and worth fighting for even if it was just to ensure that the CIS didn't win, but in the end that was it.

Anakin huffed. Perhaps this was something he should have thought about a long time ago instead of simply moving along with the current and doing things simply because they were expected.

That led him to thinking about the Order. He wouldn't be surprised if they either kicked him out along of Kenobi or make him chose between them and Padme. Heh, as if there would ever be a contest. Nevertheless, that train of thought led him to a strange place. Would it be too bad if he was expelled? Why did he need the Jedi Order? It wasn't like Anakin would stop doing what he thought right even if he wasn't member.

Well, there was a tiny bit of a problem with that idea – he didn't even own the shirt on his back – it was either Jedi or GAR property. In fact, now that he thought about it, Anakin actually had more possession that he owned, that were his, when he was a slave back on Tatooine and wasn't that a sobering thought.

It wasn't like it had been an issue before or he care – ever since now he had what he needed and that was enough. Nevertheless, the prospect of being out of the Order with only the clothes on his back – he presume that they would let him keep at least them, was daunting.

Possibly irrelevant if he ended spending a large chunk of his life in prison.

Anakin glared at the wall in front of him. He simply didn't know what he would do if he was found guilty and either sentenced to death or a long prison term. Go on the run? Would Padme follow him? Could he justify endangering her if she did?

Padme… She said she was glad that he was alive. Yet, his wife was disappointed of him. Did she know exactly what he did to help her? Well, probably Padme knew even better than him. Even now, Anakin didn't know how many of the 501st didn't make it, not to mention the navy personnel.

Skywalker frowned. He haven't asked, even about Rex and he considered the man a friend. Anakin hoped that the commander was all right, though he didn't dare think how Rex would thin of him.

A pang of guilt wormed its way into Skywalker's heart. The 501st were his men, his command. He had been with them for months and Anakin knew that they would have followed him straight to the deepest of the Nine Corellian hells. Somehow, he didn't think that would be the case now.

=RK=

Part 5

Brig

Republic cruiser "Defender"

Hyperspace, en route to Coruscant

It wasn't until shortly before our arrival at Coruscant, that I went to visit Skywalker. I spent most of the journey either brainstorming with the Kenobis and my wife or catching up a bit of alone time with Bo while we still had a bit of peace and quiet. I actually expected that both Obi-Wan and Padme will be visiting Anakin, but as it turned out, Amidala wasn't too keen on seeing her husband once she was sure he was physically all right. Apparently she was still too pissed off with him and didn't want to vent all her pent up frustration and anger on him right now.

That was actually a good thing. I wasn't sure how Skywalker would react if his wife blew up her top at him, but I doubted it would be pretty.

Speaking about our resident prisoner, I found him sitting on the small bed in his cell and brooding.

"Skywalker." I stared at the man.

The Chosen one. Boy of prophecy if you believe in that prattle. Supposedly created by the Force itself and having no actual father. Well, I've seen enough of the Force to know that it was certainly possible. I don't know if our power had been always sentient or if it in time became such thanks to all the sapient beings using it, but I knew that it had some kind of agenda or at least a vague goal it was striving to. Well, that's what I believed at any rate, not that I had a proof.

Did it really matter?

"Veil." Skywalker shot back.

Perhaps it did.

"You know, if it was any one else in your shoes, I would have them shot back on Coruscant." I spoke calmly.

"You actually meant that!" Anakin exclaimed taken aback.

"What do you want me to say? That you made a mistake? That I understand why you did it? That's true." I nodded. "It makes what happened no less foolish. You wasted the lives of thousands of my men! Thirty three thousand five hundred and seventeen navy personnel and army troopers dead. Eleven thousand wounded and another two thousand odd people who were crippled and might not recover even with state of the art medical care and no expenses spared."

Anakin flinched.

"Most of those soldiers trusted you. Would have followed in hell itself!"

"I know..." Anakin muttered.

I took a deep breath. There were few things that pissed me off more than wasting perfectly good soldiers and ships because someone was either an utter ass, incompetent idiot or because they just enjoyed seeing the world burn. Some Sith I had to deal with were all of the above too.

Honest mistakes I can understand. Fuck ups caused by faulty intelligence or the enemy simply out-thinking and outfighting you too – the Force knows all of the above had happened to me in the past .

"Do you really?" I asked mildly once my temper was firmly under control. "Do you know why Padme hasn't yet visited you?"

"I've been wondering..."

"She is furious at you. Granted, you've been married for less than a year and you spent most of that time away at war, but I had the impression you actually knew the woman. Knew her since you were ten or eleven in fact." I continued.

"Well yes… Where are you going on with this?" Anakin asked.

"Padme Amidala, the Pacifist queen as some tend to call her. What in the name of the Force made you believe that you could kill thirty thousand Republic soldiers in an idiotic attempt to help her and she would approve of that? Especially when you didn't stop to think for a moment, kriff it!"

"What?! And wait while she was in pain and possibly going insane?!" Anakin snapped back.

I glared at the idiot.

"Perhaps it's my fault for believing that you had a brain that you occasionally used.'' I grumbled.

"Hey!"

"What possessed you to believe for even a moment that there would really be an antidote on Geonosis?!" I couldn't help it but snapped at Skywalker.

"It was a chance I had to take!"

"It was… I have no words..." I grit my teeth and took a deep breath. "The whole purpose of that exercise, of poisoning Padme with that kriffing thing was simple – to torment you. To make you feel her pain, to make you feel helpless and bring you closer to the Dark Side! Whoever did made it – Dooku, his master or one of their minions, they wouldn't have created the antidote. It would be pointless when the whole point was to torment you through Padme."

"Thats..." Anakin recoiled in horror.

"What? You thought that the so called Sith of this era would shy away from getting to you through someone you're obviously close to? Get a grip. Granted, Amidala or should I call her Skywalker, made it quite easy for them..."

That earned me a dirty look.

"Are you aware of the consequences? I'm not speaking about your marriage – I'm not a bloody councilor."

"Obi-Want told me." Anakin grumbled. "What is going to be? Prison, execution?" Skywalker glared at me.

"As I said if you were anyone else you'd be dead right now. Fortunately for you, I quite like you for some reason and your wife is a political ally. You already killed any good will you had with me, Anakin. More than thirty thousand lives – that's something you own the Republic and I'll make sure you live so we can collect."

"If I rot in prison it won't change a thing." Skywalker stated.

"No. It wont. Still there are other consequences. Other things I have to worry about besides your hide."

"You're Mandalore now. Congratulations." Anakin said in a dry tone.

"I'll give you credit where credit's due, you're self absorbed as a Sith." I smiled.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You still don't think. I can sense your feeling. There's just a shred of regret for the soldiers you killed."

Anakin looked away morosely.

"Have you even thought about your Padawan? Obi-Wan told me you didn't ask about Ahsoka..." I trailed off.

"What? What about Snips?!" That got a raise of him

"She was wounded on Geonosis and is still in the last stages of recovery. That's however the least of her problems. For the time being she's Obi-Wan's Padawan, however your actions reflected on her very badly. I she's likely to be censured because of your recklessness. Before everything went to hell on Geonosis Obi-Wan heard rumors that some in the Council would like to sent her to the Agri-corps at least until the end of the war so she doesn't do any damage because bad habits learned from you."

"They can't do that!" Anakin exclaimed. "Snips will hate that! Besides, almost no one comes back to the order from the various services!"

"Well, they could always expel her in order to wash their hands of you. Obi-Wan will do what he can but he'll have his hand full explaining his marriage and becoming Mandalorian. I'll spent as much of the goodwill I have left with the Council but it may not be enough."

"Kriff it..." Anakin cursed.

"Then there are the consequences to Padme's political career. Her husband a Jedi – namely you – has been the talk of the media for the last month or so. She'll have to spent a lot of her political capital too to weather the trouble you've caused her. Because you didn't think, damn it!"

Skywalker had the good grace to look away at that.

"Why didn't wait at leas a few hours so we could talk as I asked?" I glared at him.

"I… I don't know, all right?" He brushed a hand through his hair, then stood up and began pacing. "It was the same thing that happened with my mother. Padme needed help and no one was wiling to do it! I was abandoned again!"

"I have no idea what are you talking about." I lied while using the Force to conceal that fact. Given Skywalker's right state it wasn't hard. "Do you want to talk about it? Before deciding what am I to do to help you I want to know how and why this kriff up happened and make sure that something like that won't happen again."

"Obi-Wan said you can't help me. Not officially." Anakin looked at me.

"True. The GAR loathes you. Giving you official support after what you did will not only destroy my authority but will be disastrous for the morale. While the Republic is in much better position than it was at the star of the war, the next few months will be even tougher and we'll need to be on our best."

"I'm out of the loop again, aren't I?" Anakin sighed.

"Yep, though it's not something you need to worry right now. Tell me about your mother."

Anakin gave me an abbreviated version that skipped slaughtering the Sand People's village.

"Well, the Jedi kriffed up by the numbers. Not surprisingly – they had no idea how to deal with someone who had prior attachments. Telling you to just accept the loss… I wish to say it surprises me, but that would be a lie." I sighed. "This put things in perspective. I can see how you see what happened just before you went rogue… you saw us telling you that we couldn't go after Geonosis, much less the supposed antidote then and there as another dismissal. Another betrayal."

"A part of me still sees it that way." Skywalker looked me in the eyes.

"I've been married before, Anakin. I held my first wife as she laid in the ground, dead. I felt the life of our unborn child wink out. I understand you were desperate. I understand that under the wrong circumstances you would have done anything to keep Padme safe."

"Padme… She means everything to me." Skywalker muttered.

"I've been where you're Anakin. That's why I'm willing to help you." I smiled. "Not doing so would be hypocritical, considering that I'm a married man again."

"Obi-Wan missed to mention that." Skywalker raised and eyebrow at that.

"Curious, considering that now he's my brother at law."

"You married that Satine of his sister?"

"Yep. Now back to your troubles. As I said, I can't make your problems go away. Probably not even support you officially."

"Then what can you do? I'm sick of hearing in how much trouble am I in." Skywalker grunted.

"Then think long and hard before you do something dumb again. You're getting to a military tribunal and unfortunately for you the case is as good as open and shut. Do you think that the non-Clone officers don't have families, some of them have them in danger too. Yet you don't see them going rogue. The Clones themselves – they see your action as a betrayal of the highest order. Think about it!" I chided him. "That said, you're still an effective warrior. While no one will be trusting you in a command position for a long, long time if ever, there's still an option, though you won't like it."

"It's been a long time since something I liked happened. Shoot."

"Plead guilty and make a deal."

"And what? Rot in prison while the other Sith go after Padme again?" Anakin snapped.

It was my turn to give a dirty look, that silenced him.

"If you're finished?" I glared at the Jedi who nodded. "As I was saying, you plead guilty, demonstrate your remorse and ask for a chance to redeem yourself in the eyes of the GAR and the Republic as a whole. Then I'll suggest an arrangement similar to what Windu got, though you terms will be probably nastier. In the end, he stopped himself before getting people killed." I twisted the knife.

"So what, I'll be leading a small strike team?"

"Of course not! No on will trust you to do it and not get them killed. No, you'll be attached to a Commando unit and be under it's leader's command. I'll try swinging things up so you would be a part of my own forces. That way it will be less likely that a disgruntled Clone frags your ass."

"That… actually it doesn't sound too bad." Anakin perked up.

I snorted. "This arrangement will be replacing your sentence with equal term serving as a solider. Considering that you're likely to get anything from a few decades to life, you'd be stuck in the army for a long, long time. And if you kriff up again, it ill be straight to prison or execution unless you go on the run. And if you go rogue again, depending on the circumstances, I might have to go after you myself."

Now, that gave Anakin some food for thought.

=RK=

Republica 500

Coruscant

When we reached Coruscant, there was a lot to do. First, I had to make sure that Skywalker reached a GAR detention center, where he would hopefully cool his heels for the foreseeable future. Then I had to avoid the media, which were doing their best to corner me for an interview – Bo had my Mandalorian guard run some interference and they apparently had a lot of fun trolling the reporters.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan went to report to the Council and Satine and an honor guard headed for the Mandalorian Embassy where she would be taking charge of the place.

That at least allowed me and my wife to reach Amidala's residence unnoticed. That was our first stop for the night. It was only our strategically timed arrival late in the evening that postponed any official inquires with the senate for tomorrow. In fact, there was scheduled hearing in the early afternoon and I would be meeting Palpatine at noon. Before that I would be having a chat with Valentra and few of the Intel directors and GAR HQ, too so it was going to be a very busy day. That was the primary reason why we were at Republica 500 too – to meet some prospective political allies for tomorrows fun and games.

We were met at the door by C-3PO and the irritating golden droid was as irritating as ever. I managed to tune out its prattling and concentrate on the people sitting in the living room. Our host was lounging on the sofa and sipping kaff. Next to her sat Mon Mothma – the Senator of Chandrila – an old political ally and longtime friend of Amidala. Bail Organa was sitting in an armchair next to the two women and was looking at me as if this was the first time he was seeing me. Last but not the least we had Gram Bel Iblis who had an open bottle of Corellian ale in hand and saluted me with it.

"So the rumors are true?" Organa asked. "I'm not sure if congratulations are in order or if I should be concerned, Darth Vael."

"You finally read the records about my visit to Alderaan back in the good old days, didn't you?" I smiled crookedly and headed to a pair of free armchairs, then sat down on the one closer to Iblis. Bo headed for the remaining seat and began studying the politicians from behind a carefully kept blank face.

"I wouldn't call them good days." Bail grumbled.

"What could I say, me and your family were on different sides."

"You almost drove the Organas extinct!"

"I did the same with your rivals that the Empire backed because they were kriffing incompetent fools. Besides, you've obviously recovered. It's refreshing that someone besides the Jedi Council accepts that I'm who I say."

"That's not exactly something to endorse." Mon Mothma added.

"The Sith Empire had been dust for a long, long time. The Old Republic too for that matter. We're all living in a different galaxy and when all is said and done, our current problem aren't hordes of murderous Sith."

"Said the resident Sith Lord." Iblis quipped.

"What? It's much more peaceful without thousands of screaming unhinged maniacs around. Not having to answer to a Council made of murderous lunatics with incredible power is refreshing too. I prefer this status quo to be honest. It's much better for my health."

"We aren't here to discuss the ancient past. I'm aware that some of you have qualms in working with General Veil. I did so in the beginning and to be honest I do have reservation even now." Padme interjected.

"True, we aren't here for a history lesson. Sorry about that, Padme." Mothma said.

"You want our support." Iblis looked at me. "Do you seek it as a Republic general or as Mandalore? Its an important distinction."

"Both. You're all aware that my mission to Mandalore was a fiasco – I was sent to negotiate without diplomatic aid and had only my experience with the Mandalorian culture to fall upon. An experience that is millennia out of date if still somewhat relevant."

"Yes." The woman from Chandrila wince. "That wasn't one of the Senate's best moments."

"Let's not mince words – he was set up to fail."

"At least half the Senate will see it that way. In fact I would have gathered a lot of new enemies no matter the outcome. That much I know." I stated.

"More now." Organa noted.

"Yes. Short term your decision to become Mandalore might garner some support. The Republic right now needs all the help it can get after all. However, many will be afraid that the Mandalorians will turn on us the moment this war is won."

"Some are concerned that you'll be leading them to conquer a weakened Republic after having first hand experience and intelligence about our armed forces." Organa added.

"I can understand where those people are coming from. Yet, thanks to my position I already have such information. After all, I'm one of the people making strategic decisions for the GAR, help direct R&D and so forth. Even without becoming Mandalore, I would still have that knowledge and it is going to be relevant for years after the war ends." I spoke carefully.

"As a Mandalorian, I personally find the insinuation that we would ever turn on our allies without a just reason offensive." Bo added and glared at Organa. "Even if I can understand where you're coming from. Our history with the Republic is… troubled."

"We've been on the different sides of more wars than I care to name." Gram snorted. "Yet, that's besides the point. Senator Amidala might have suggested this meeting, but we're here to hear you. What do you propose? What do you want?" The Corellian leaned forward in his armchair and looked me in the eyes.

"I wan this war won. I want to do the best thing I could by my people. I want the Mandalorians to be seen as something much better than a scourge upon the galaxy."

"Just that?" Bo asked.

"Fishing for compliments, dear?" I looked at my wife and cracked a smile. "I want to wade in glorious battles beside you so we could write our names in history on a thousand battlefields."

"You know how to make girl's day." Bo smile at me.

"Try not to tell that to the Senate tomorrow. While a part of me appreciates the sentiment, the same can't be said about most of my esteemed colleagues."

"What? I am a Sith Warrior. War and battle is in my blood and that made becoming a Mandalorian natural. That said, I'm actually not a maniac and can find ways to amuse myself that don't include starting another war once the Confederacy is put down for good." I extrapolated.

"Am I to understand that you aren't a proponent of a peaceful resolution of the conflict?" Mothma frowned at me.

"My professional opinion is that any reasonable hope for peace died on Neimodia. After what the Confederacy did there, as Senator Amidala can attest, we can't trust them. Not to mention all the atrocities they have been visiting upon the galaxy in the last few months." I pointed at Padme. "Can you honestly tell me you would trust the CIS to held up their end of any cease fire or approach peace seriously unless they're clearly loosing. And even then, they would use such an opportunity to rebuild and go at us again."

"I have to agree." Iblis indicated his support. "They used bio-wepons on a peaceful world like Naboo just to terrorize us. Even tried to unleash the same crap here on Coruscant! They tried to decapitate the Republic and nearly succeeded and we all know what happened when they claimed to want peace!"

"This is madness!" Mothma exclaimed.

"Of course it is." I conceded the point. "This is a galaxy wide war. Madness is the nature of the beast."

"Even if we want peace, and we do..." Bail spoke, "We have to admit that we won't achieve it until the Confederacy is defeated. For months I hoped that this conflict could be stopped before it goes out of control…" The Senator from Alderaan slumped in his seat. "Lately I've been doubting that anything less than a military victory could end this madness."

"Either that or someone sane pulling out a coup in the Confederacy and surrendering." I added.

"Well, there was apparently a coup over there but the indications are the new leaderships is determined to win." Iblis stated.

"Yeah, I went over similar Intel reports. That leaves us with our current issue." I tried to put the conversation back on topic.

"Like it or hate it, you're one of the Republic's most effective generals, some would say the highest ranked too. Many would see that as unacceptable now that you're Mandalore." Organa said.

"You're becoming indispensable for the war effort." Mon Mothma was blunt. "Democracies and indispensable people don't go well together."

I laughed at that. "Are you really concerned that I would pull off a coup and take power for myself?"

"By the time the war is over a lot of the GAR might just follow you. Perhaps enough to succeed. Certainly enough to wreck what would be left from the Republic."

"Have you actually run a world, a star system? I have done it on multiple occasions as a Sith Lord during my time with the Empire and now I found myself doing so as Mandalore. Let me assure you, the last thing I want is even more work! I have my hands more than full as it is!"

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. I can't read your mind." Mothma shrugged. "For all I know, you're telling me the truth and my fears are unwarranted."

"Ask the Jedi. I told them the same and they could tell I was truthful." I added.

"Perhaps I will. Though rumor has it that a lot of them don't trust you either."

"Of course not. They have been taught that my kind was the enemy ever since they learned how to walk."

"There is that. I personally trust our Green Jedi and they had a favorable first impression." Iblis stated.

"I liked them too. Your Corellian Jedi are among sanest and best adjusted of their kind I've ever seen."

"That's not why we're here." Amidala grumbled.

"If we're to support him, we need to know we can trust him." Organa countered.

"No matter what I say, you have only my word about my intentions. I've been in this time for less than year. My actions as a part of the Sith Empire aren't a real indication how I would act here and now – the situation is a unique one for me. I don't have the Dark Council and hundreds of competing Sith to deal with this time around. All I have to show for myself are my actions since arriving here and they could be viewed as self serving aimed to ingratiate the Republic and the GAR to my person. In the end you'll have to decide if you trust me or not for yourselves." I smiled. "And make some contingency plans in case I turn against the Republic."

I carefully didn't mention that the Republic in its currently existing iteration was looking less and less likely as a state that could be ready for the Vong. That left me with plans I would have preferred to be unneeded. Ironically, when I was saying that I had only the best intentions about the Republic, I meant it… from a certain point of view. From where I stood, changing the Republic in something better that could be ready for the future would be for the best for everyone involved.

Unfortunately saying so aloud would be seen as a typical plot of a power-hungry Sith and would destroy my credibility. That left me with two main avenues of approach – one was to let things go on, keep myself as close to a top krath hound as possible as far as the GAR was concerned and when the time came hijack Palpy's plan for a Galactic Empire and dispose of him while doing so. Plan B so to speak was a reformation that might leave the Republic existing at least in name but it would turn it into quite a different beast. To do that I would need an external enemy, so keeping a CIS remnant and ensuring an ongoing cold war might be the way to go. A lot of details were not set in stone – I would need many allies to pull that off, especially outside the military and at any rate much would depend how the galaxy would look like in a few years.

For all I knew, we might collectively screw up and lose the war thanks to the inevitable CIS offensive in which case I would have to go in hiding for the foreseeable future. Speaking about the CIS…

"That's true. On the other hand, the one thing we could really judge you on are your actions and they were good enough so far." Iblis took said and took a swallow from his ale.

"You'll have to give the Senate an explanation, preferably without accusing them that they set you up." The Corellian continued. "You might want to keep both your position within the GAR and title as Mandalore, but you'll likely have to make some kind of deal."

"I'm aware of that. However, stepping down as Mandalore or screwing over my people to appease the Senate is out of the question."

Bo gave me a nod of approval.

"While that gives you credit, it's a problem that will be obvious." Organa added.

"The conflict of interests is plain for all to see." Mothma nodded. "I and many Senators would be deeply uncomfortable with a foreign leader being in command of all our combat forces. In fact that status is unacceptable."

"Perhaps if Mandalore is to become a part of the Republic..." Organa tried. "If handled properly doing so would allay most fears and might avoid a potential war in the future."

"That's…" Bo trailed off.

"I'm unsure if the Clans will go on with it. On the other hand, making the proposal so I can bring it home to roost can't hurt." It was going to buy me some time at the very least.

"That's good but it still leave the big problem – you can't be one of the highest ranking GAR generals and a leader of a foreign nation. In fact I'm surprised it the issue hasn't been raised on all levels yet."

"The galaxy at large didn't know about it until the last few days." Mon Mothma said. "Give it a bit more time and the media will be all over it. I'm sure someone will raise the issue tomorrow in the Senate anyway."

"True enough." Bail agreed.

"Still, give us a good reason why we should place our support on the line for you." Mothma stared at me.

"A good one?" I stared back. "In less than two months the Confederacy will have at least a few thousand ships coming online almost at the same time. Shortly after that, they will unleash hell upon us all the likes of which this Republic hasn't seen. I've read the Intel reports. The CIS had recalled back their best admiral. If we're very lucky, it's to purge them as unreliable supporters of the previous administration." I paused.

"We aren't that lucky." Iblis snorted.

"No. We aren't." Padme muttered darkly.

"The sad truth is that the Republic has a better chance to weather the coming storm with me as one of the people making the high level military decisions when the hammer falls. That's the best reason I could give you."

The gathered senators looked at each other.

"I think it's dinner time. We all need some time to think." Padme shook herself from her brooding.

"That sound like a good idea." Organa smiled.