| abstract
| - When Anakin broke hyperspace near Geonosis, he still had only a vague idea of how he was going to get Obi-Wan offplanet without half the galaxy coming after them. It wasn't the first time he had rescued his Master, why only a few years ago Obi-Wan had fallen into a nest of Gundarks and he had gone in there after him. As the red, rocky terrain of Geonosis rolled beneath them, R2-D2 rolled towards Anakin and tittered something. “Artoo says that there are several unoccupied caves situated near the city,” Threepio translated. “Though I must say his reasons for saying so are quite dubious.” Artoo blatted his own opinion about this. “Of course it’s true,” the protocol droid remarked. “I see no reason at all to trust what you just said, and I am perfectly right for telling it to Master Anakin.” At this Artoo blatted a rude noise that made Threepio start in surprise. “Well, I never!” Threepio exclaimed. “Where a below-standard servo astromech droid picked up such phrases I haven’t the slightest—” “Threepio!” The warning tone of Anakin’s voice was enough to silence the protocol droid, hearing the two of them bicker was the last thing he needed right now. He found one of the caves Artoo had pointed out that was large enough to accommodate the ship and small enough to hide everything else. Anakin had an impression that he couldn’t just stroll up to the front door, so he confronted Threepio to give him a reason for being there. “Master Anakin, I couldn’t possibly do as you are suggesting,” the protocol droid protested. “I am programmed in protocol and etiquette, not as a mercenary.” “This would hardly be mercenary, Threepio,” Anakin said, handing him a blaster pistol he had found on the ship. “Think of it more as…something heroic, you are helping me rescue someone.” “I was not programmed for heroics either,” Threepio persisted. “Really—” “We don’t have time to argue,” Anakin interrupted. “Remember what I told you as once we get inside you will have to do all the talking.” “And what if something goes wrong?” C-3PO asked. “I’ll convince them they have better things to do,” Anakin replied, he lowered the ramp of the ship. “Come on.” Reluctantly, Threepio followed Anakin through the door. After they had gone a few steps R2-D2 trundled up, humming hopefully. “Sorry Artoo,” Anakin said, he didn’t need Threepio to translate what the little droid wanted. “Someone has to stay behind and guard the ship.” Artoo beeped an argument, then reluctantly went back inside. “I heartily agree with you, sir,” Threepio said as they continued to walk towards the city. “That little droid will only get us in to trouble. Anakin wasn't so sure. The ‘small reception’, was held in the upper city near where the conference was to take place on the morn. Politicians preened, drinks were served, the futures of star systems was discussed casually, all goings-on that Padmé was familiar with and detested all the same. How anyone could approach such monumental decisions with such casualness was beyond her. For all their supposed altruism, Padmé had figured out long ago that most politicians were out for themselves, and she wasn’t the only one with these views. But what was interesting, Padmé noted as she scanned the room, was that neither Count Dooku or Viceroy Gunray were present. According to Kanesh they still had not arrived, ‘unexpected business’ they had said. Was this something to do with the fact that Obi-Wan was still captive on Geonosis? Could Anakin have been captured too? Stay calm, she reminded herself, focus on the here and now, whatever is beyond that can wait. “You look worried,” Bail said gently. “Acute observation,” Nalanda said dryly. “Since I survived two assassination attempts in as many days I’m surprised I’m not cowering in a corner while three Jedi stand over me waiting for someone to come in the door.” “That’s not like you at all,” Organa teased. “I know,” she replied, the sides of her mouth twitching into a smile. Yet all Bail had to do was look at her and they were both laughing, and it was a good feeling. For a moment they forgot the immediate threat hanging over them all. “No, really,” Bail persisted when they had both recovered. “You weren't this nervous when last I saw you.” “All right, I am worried,” she admitted in a low voice. “Last time we spoke everything was so absurdly simple that I wonder how I could have been so stupid.” She paused, grinning at him. “And it did seem so, go in, save the Republic and stop a war before it happens.” “You’re starting to sound like a Holonet hero,” Bail teased, they laughed again. “So what’s changed?” “There are so many mines everywhere that we can’t move without setting one off,” Nalanda told him. “I’m not even sure we can stop a war now, I’m starting to think you were right. That the Separatists will just give us a list of demands that cannot be met, we go back to the Senate and…” She extended her hands dramatically. “I've got that many opponents in there, Bail, that it was either we succeed or we prepare ourselves for war.” “But Rhadé, you do have friends,” Bail reminded her, gently taking her hand. “I will stand by you, others will too, I am sure.” “Will that stand if the Chancellor is granted a super-majority?” Nalanda asked. “That won’t happen,” he objected. “How can you be so sure?” Nalanda asked, inclining her head to one side. She’s right, Bail reluctantly admitted to himself, but he would try one last stab. “Those mines,” Bail asked, very casually, “is there any way to go around them?” “Not a chance,” she replied, “not if you’re completely surrounded as we all are.” She looked at him seriously, her eyes set and determined. “You know as well as I do that the price of change is written in blood, and we’re running out from last time.” Before they were in sight of the city, Anakin applied a pair of stun-cuffs to his wrists, yet left them deactivated so he could easily free his hands. With his head bowed and a surly expression on his face, Anakin would easily pass for an escaped prisoner. Threepio looked completely out of his element as the captor, he was extremely uncomfortable with the fact he had to train a blaster to his maker’s back. Why did Master Anakin ask me to do this unthinkable thing? Threepio moaned to himself as he knew Anakin wouldn’t tolerate his complaining, R2-D2 is much suitable for adventures like this, even if he is a conceited excuse for a droid. “Threepio,” said Anakin softly. They had arrived. With his gears grinding as he walked, Threepio looked up into the gaping gateway. “I don’t think this is a good idea, Master Anakin,” Threepio said quickly. “Perhaps it would be a better idea if we both went back to the ship. I am sure Master Kenobi can look after himself, being a Jedi Knight and—” Threepio stopped short as the sound of fluttering wings could be heard. “Goodness gracious me!” “Threepio, shoot me!” Anakin murmured out of the corner of his mouth. “But Master An—” “I said shoot me!” “But I couldn’t possibly—” In the end Anakin had to use the Force to pull the trigger for Threepio, the stun blast knocked him to the ground. “Oh no! What have I done?” Threepio moaned, walking towards Anakin. “Are you hurt, Master Anakin? These nasty things do have a habit of going off.” “No, I'm not hurt,” grunted Anakin through gritted teeth. He had absorbed most of the blast through the Force so he was only slightly groggy. “Keep quiet, you’re supposed to have captured me.” “But I honestly didn’t—” “I said SHUT UP!” “Shutting up, sir.” By that time the Geonosians were upon them, looking curiously at the protocol droid and the captured Jedi. “What are you doing, droid?” one of the asked in the curious language of the Geonosians, they pointed to Anakin. “Who is this, and who are you?” “Hello, I am C-3PO, hum—” That was as was Threepio got with his customary greeting before Anakin broke in, lest he ruin the entire plan. “I tried to get away but that droid came after me,” Anakin growled. “Is this the stinkin’ Jedi they had down in the cells?” the Geonosian asked. “Ah…well…yes, yes he is,” Threepio replied. “Very dangerous, aren’t they these Jedi? No telling what they’ll do next.” “Enough, droid,” the Geonosian barked. “We’ll take him from here.” “Well…that would not be wise,” Threepio said unconvincingly. “You see, I have him subdued now, but you might find it better if I took him down to his cell myself.” At first the Geonosian was going to argue, but it quickly dawned on him that the droid was right. The Jedi could escape again and that would not sit very well with his superiors, far better to let the droid handle him. “Very well, continue,” the Geonosian said, waving him along. “All right, get up,” Threepio said in his most threatening voice, which was not very threatening. “If you don’t I’ll…I’ll shoot you again!” “I’d like to see you try,” Anakin snarled, making it look like it was an effort to get to his feet and they continued inside. Once they were out of earshot Threepio decided to speak on a matter that had had him rather concerned. “I do hope, Master Anakin, that you are not damaged by my carelessness,” the droid said nervously. “I find it quite improper to use a weapon, if I may say so.” “I am fine, Threepio,” Anakin told him. “You weren't that bad getting us past the guards.” “You really think so?” trilled Threepio. “I did think that at one point your plan would not work at all, but when—” “Threepio,” Anakin warned, “Sorry, sir,” Threepio said, and they went on in silence. “The Loyalists have all arrived on Imbroglio,” said a deep, articulated voice that made Anakin stop short. “That includes Senator Nalanda.” “Quick!” Anakin grabbed Threepio and retreated into the shadows. “Master Anakin,” Threepio said, “shouldn’t we—” Anakin reached for the switch at the back of the droid’s head and deactivated him just as the two figures came into view. “I still do not understand why Senator Nalanda must remain alive,” said a second voice. Anakin heard them pass, but at the last moment he dared a look. Yet it was no surprise, it was Count Dooku without out a doubt and with him was Viceroy Gunray. Walking alongside the Viceroy were several aides and imposing-looking battledroids that he couldn’t identify. Taking up the rear was a familiar figure in blue armour, the same that Anakin had seen on the bounty hunter that had killed the assassin. “Patience Viceroy, patience, she will die,” counselled Dooku. “As with all the others who call themselves Loyalists.” “Your plan better work, Count,” Gunray remarked in a warning tone. “It will,” the former Jedi reassured, “everything is in place except ourselves. Nothing can go wrong now.” As they went away Anakin could not resist stepping out to watch them go. Events were moving much quicker than anyone could have anticipated. All Obi-Wan could hope for was that Padmé had sent the message on to Coruscant as he had requested and they were taking action. It was far too much to hope for a rescue, what with the summit beginning any moment. But at least someone could rectify the hopes of the Loyalists which as far as he was concerned were disintegrating rapidly. Maybe—Obi-Wan’s thoughts stopped short. There was a sensation he had felt in the Force, disturbingly familiar. It was unmistakable, but that didn’t answer the larger question of why it was there in the first place. “Hello Master,” his Padawan learner walked into the room as if he was doing no more than interrupting his Master’s meditation. “Anakin! Where in the galaxy did you spring from?” Obi-Wan demanded. “There’s no time to explain,” Anakin said, he examined the control panel. “We have to get to Imbroglio, Dooku’s going to kill Padmé and all the Loyalists.” “I heard the same story and I don’t believe a word of it,” Obi-Wan retorted as he rotated past Anakin. “Well I heard him and the Viceroy talk before they left for Imbroglio,” Anakin replied, pressing a few buttons but accomplishing nothing, “and I have the idea that they weren't just speaking for my benefit.” “What makes you think that?” his Master asked, he had his back to Anakin now and could only rely on the Force to gauge his Padawan’s reaction. “They didn’t know I was there,” Anakin shot back, he flipped a switch but nothing happened. “Careful,” Obi-Wan warned as he swang past Anakin again. “Those controls are very sensitive.” Anakin shrugged and ignited his lightsaber. The blue blade quickly cut throw the panel, causing smoke and sparks to shoot out and Obi-Wan to fall to the ground in a heap. “Well, that’s one way to handle it,” Obi-Wan said as he rubbed his head where it had hit the floor. “Here.” Anakin tossed Obi-Wan his lightsaber, he had found it in the control room when he was looking for where his Master was being held. When they emerged in the corridor, the sound of pulsing gears heralded Threepio’s arrival. “Threepio, I told you to stand guard,” Anakin reproached, what he really wanted to do was get rid of the droid as it was too visual a reminder of his mother. “But sir, it appears that all areas in this sector are alerted to your presence,” C-3PO said. “Squads are blocking the corridors and proceeding in this direction.” As if to confirm this, the sound of a Geonosian sonic blaster was heard. “So much for keeping this quiet,” Anakin muttered, he looked to his Master as they continued down the corridor. Obi-Wan stopped and looked straight up. “We’ll have to make our own way out,” he said, nodding to the windows on the far wall. Obi-Wan felt through the Force, the Geonosians were coming but were still a little way off. They had enough time if they moved quickly. He shot his liquid cable launcher at the upper window, the hook crashed through the window but locked tight on the other side. He pulled the cable tight to test its weight, it would hold. “I’ll go first,” Obi-Wan said, already ascending towards it, “you follow with Threepio.” “But Master—” “Anakin, we can’t leave the droid behind!” his Master warned. With a heavy sigh Anakin pushed the protocol droid through the window. When Obi-Wan had gotten through the pain he launched his own cable. “I’ll pull you up,” he told Threepio, climbing up until he was precariously balanced on the frame and then lowered the hook down. “Grab it!” The Geonosians were closer now, sonic blasts exploding around them. “But Master Anakin I couldn’t possibly—” “Do you want to leave here in pieces?” Anakin exploded, pointing to the advancing Geonosians and battle droids. “I see your point, sir.” Threepio secured the cable around his middle and Anakin started to tow him up. It wasn't that Threepio was heavy, but the fact that the droid wriggled and complained the entire time made the job more trouble than it was worth. Finally C-3PO was on the frame next to him. “Now jump!” Anakin gave him a push to the other side, the Geonosians were nearing them, they had only a few seconds. “But Master Anakin I—” “Jump!” Anakin gave him a violent shove out the window and jumped after him as several Geonosians flew through. “Artoo’s bringing the ship around,” Obi-Wan said, helping Anakin deflect the sonic blasts. Soon enough they heard the welcoming sound of repulsor engines. “There it is!” They quickly jumped on board, Artoo took the ship up until Anakin took over the controls. He used all the power he could to get them away from the planet as fast as possible. Obi-Wan staggered into the co-pilot’s seat just as they cleared the atmosphere. “Just another day,” he murmured, wondering what else was in store for them. “Are we clear?” “No one has noticed we’ve left,” Anakin replied, “I think they’re all gone to the summit.” “Not likely,” Obi-Wan doubted, but there things they had to do. “I’ll plot us a course to Coruscant.” He activated the navcomputer. “But Master, I thought we were going to Imbroglio,” Anakin reminded him. “I never said that,” Obi-Wan replied curtly. “We will let the Jedi Council know of these new developments and that we will be returning.” “But what about Padmé? What about the mission?” Anakin looked at his Master, trying to convince him. “We’ll be there in a few hours, they will take much longer.” “Anakin, this is not a subject for debate,” his Master said in a voice meant to remind Anakin of his place. “This is getting to be bigger than either of us can handle, if we go there now we may start the war that Senator Nalanda and her friends are trying to stop.” He wanted to continue, tell his Padawan of what he had seen on Kamino and of all the droids he had seen being made when he was on Geonosis, but this wasn't the time. “But they’re going to kill her!” Anakin argued. “Senator Nalanda knew she was exposing herself to danger when she left Naboo,” Obi-Wan remarked. “We are going back to Coruscant, and that’s final.” “Fine then,” replied Anakin sulkily, “you tell the Council, I’ll plot us the course.” It was not like Anakin to give in so easily, but Obi-Wan didn’t dwell on it and activated the holocron.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)