Star Wars Star Wars (AU) The Shadow Game

[KilroywasNOTHere]

Summary: I sort of lost the plot for Return of the Clones so that's going to be on pause Indefenitly. In the meantime I have another story that I'd figure I'd post chapters of while I work on it. Personally I'd love to turn this into an audio book at some point. basically I've always liked the idea of the Light Sith so I thought I'd do a story where the Old Sith manged to survive and settle on Naboo. The Results, eh see for yourself.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.

Princess Padme meditated in her throne sitting silently as the presence of the force flowed around her. She did this often when she was alone her master always taught her that when one if she was caught doing nothing else, then it was only proper to use the time to meditate on the force, or hone her skills with a lightsaber.

"Trust in the force." Her mother would say. "Remember the glory of those that came before and trust in the force to guide us back home."

Remember the glory of those that came before. That was something that always stuck in Padme's mind. Maybe it was because she had a fascination with history, or maybe it was because the remembrance of the past was the only thing keeping the Sith order still intact.

The Jedi had thought that the New Sith Wars marked the end of the sith. They were mistaken. They were beaten yes, but they were not broken. Pockets of the old Sith Empire still remained though most of them were hiding deep into the Chommell sector, Still even now as they struggled to survive, the jedi were not the Sith's greatest enemy. That infamous title belonged to Heretic Bane and his so called "Rule of two."

"Two there should be; no more, no less. One to embody power, the other to crave it."

Such a teaching held the appearance of wisdom, but appearances are always deceiving. Padme herself was proof of that in many regards. Bane's teachings may have been good in helping the Sith stay hidden, but it was both an affront to everything the Sith stood for, and it would spell disaster for them in the long run. Thousands of years of Sith teachings could disappear forever all because of a master that was all to confident in his own abilities. It was a kind of arrogance not even a Sith should have been stupid enough to fall into. If the Sith were to survive in the long term, then the Banites would have to be destroyed. If there was anything Bane's rule of two was good at however, it was knowing how to disappear into the shadows unnoticed, but they were not the only ones.

Padme's eyes shot open as she heard the blast doors behind her swing open. Her head turned slightly to see her mother Queen Jobal standing over her.

"Forgive me my child. I did not mean to interrupt your meditation."

Padme simply smiled "worry not mother I was just reminding myself of who we are and why we are here."

Jobal smiled. "Are you nervous?"

Padme let out a haughty chuckle. "A truth sith knows no fear...at least that's what the banites seem to think."

"And what do we know to be true?"

"A sith knows fear but is not ruled by it. Much like we know the dark side but are not dominated by it. Our passion is what drives us. Through Passion we gain strength, through strength we gain power, through power we gain victory and through victory our chains our broken. The force shall set us free. "

Jobal nodded. "Very good. But knowing mantra and embracing it are very different. Are you ready for your Rite?"

"It's not a question of whether I am ready or not. We know the price of failing my Rite. I will walk out of the Chamber of Blood as queen, or I will not walk out at all. I am ready."

Without saying a word, the Queen drew her lightsaber from her sleeve. The echoing of the gold blade hissed around the room with a low drone.

"Show me." Jobal said moving her saber overhead.

Padme activated her dual lightsaber and readied herself in the standard Jar'Kai position. Without so much as a warning the Queen began her vicious assault. Padme found herself starting to be driven back but soon fell back on her parents teachings.

"The lightsabers are an extension of your own arms working in a dance of death. One leads while the other follows suit guarding the your blindsides, making your assaults unstoppable and your defense impenetrable.

Padme closed her eyes and danced with the force. her strikes sure, her movements swift, The results were a fiery whirlwind. Jobal guarded herself to look for an opening. But could not find one. Though her face remained stoic Jobal couldn't help but grin on the inside. every strike Jobal gave, was met with a defense that was equal. So her daughter had gained the strength to overcome one of Jar'Kai's greatest weaknesses.

Jobal in a blink of an eye switched to a form II defensive position but her form had obvious gasps that her daughter was more than willing to exploit. The middle aged Sith Queen crumbled to her knees, chuckling as she felt the head of her daughter blades at her neck.

"Will you strike me down?"

A small smirk crept across Padme's face as she deactivated her one of her blades, the other was used to counter a dirty strike.

"I was hoping you'd be prepared for something like that."

"I learned from the best."

"Always remember my child. The Jedi maybe honorable warriors but do not expect such honor or mercy from a Banite heretic. always be vigilant and look for deception. If need be play into it. Give them a false sense of security Make every idea seem as if it was their own. Let them fall into their own hubris. when your enemies overconfidence boxes them in, When you've given them enough rope to hang themselves, that is when you strike. Be like the Huk my child. Lull your enemy into a false since of security and then strike."

Padme bowed to her mother. "Of course mother, may your teachings always be dark flame that tames the light and rules the darkness."

"and always remember that the force is your ally, it neither serves us nor do we serve it. it is our equal. Remember this and you will not stray."

"What is to happen to me after my rite?" Padme asked.

Queen Joal smiled. "A feast shall be made in your honor and we will celebrate in dance and song. You of course will have the Lion's share of the bounty as due custom. The Queen must maintain a certain figure after all.

Padme could not help but giggle. "sure these feasting customs truly necessary? It feels less like a custom for a queen and more for a prized heifer?"

"We do this to honor The Gungan's own king, to show we are equals. Also remember the Gungan's view a bit of extra girth as a sign of prestige and power."

"What is to happen to you when I am anointed as queen? Will you be forced to revoke your own Title as a lord of the Sith?

"My title of Darth Sanandrassa is to remain intact. The Council of Lords has chosen me to be a representative in your Father's place."

Padme's eyes grew dark and piercing at the mention of Darth Veruna. It had only been a year since the death of Ruwee Naberrie and it still shook the young woman to her core as if it were Yesterday. In many ways Ruwee life was considered the embodiment of Sith philosophy. The Son of a Cloth Weaver and a Stone Mason by trade, Ruwee took the crown when he challenged The then current King Darth Tapalo. Many viewed Tapalo as a traitor to the Sith when he declared that Naboo would integrate into the republic, a decision that Ruwee would assure cost him his life.

Naboo would have remained independent had one of the Sith Council members not gotten a vision revealing that The Banites would take over the Republic from the inside destroying the Jedi and ultimately the true Sith as well. Because of this Naboo and the rest of the Chommell sector would remain with the Republic until the Banites were discovered and destroyed. Once that was done, the True Sith would reveal it'self to the galaxy and take its place in it once more. If the jedi got in the way of that, then they would suffer the same fate as the Banites.

Darth Veruna would not live to see such a dream become a reality. A mysterious assassin had slew him in his sleep, what baffled physicians above all else was that his mediclorians were seemingly drained from his body. "Official Republic Investigations" declared that his death a result of poisoning. The primary suspects were select members of the trade Federation, though no nothing could be proven outright and the Federation Executive Board denied any and all involvement.

Those within the Sith council suspected from the very beginning however that the assassination attempt was made possible by the Banites. Though the question was who was the assailant responsible and why would they use the trade federation as a scapegoat. It seemed there would be some answers the force revealed in time. In the meantime, Padme would honor her father's legacy by becoming Queen of Naboo.

"Come, The Council is waiting."

Padme closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she approached the chambers. Looking to her mom part of her wanted reassurance but knew she would receive none.

"I can follow you no further. This is a trial you must stand by yourself."

Padme nodded, walking into the council chambers with her head held high. the shadowy figures of the coucil members gazed upon her with faces hidden by cloaks of shadow. Some were black Others were Scarlet.

including her mother, 7 members would stand in all. 7 witlessness would see whether or not the daughter of Darth Veruna was worthy of becoming the queen of Naboo.

State your name.

"I am Padme Naberrie daughter of Darth Veruna, Lady of the Royal Houses of Naboo and rightful heir of the Silver throne."

"State the code in which you have pledged yourself to." Another council member commanded.

To that Padme Knelt and recited the code.

"Peace is a lie. There is only Passion.

Through Passion I gain Strength.

Through Strength I gain Power.

Through Power I gain Victory.

Through Victory my chains are Broken.

The Force shall free me."

"You know what you must do?" Padme nodded.

"and you know, what will happen to you should you fail." Again, Padme nodded.

"Then take a skull from the pit of the unworthy. Dip it into the pool of blood. Summon the bloodfiend and slay it. Complete the rite of blood and bone that has been done since time in memorial."

Padme gave a bow and walked into the Chamber of Blood that rested deep within the Council's chamber. the thirteen year old, considered a woman by sith culture gazed at her mother one last time as she took her place among the council. The blastdoors then shut with a loud hiss, with no chance of it opening until either the bloodfiend, or Padme herself were dead. Padme activated one of her sabers in an effort to provide some kind of light, somehow the crimson light had made the place look even more foul then it already was before. The chamber was befouled with the stench of blood and rotten corpses not of animals but of sentience, various people came down here for a variety of reasons Many however did not return.

Padme's head jerked as she heard the sound of scurrying and chewing. Upon following the sound using her lightsaber's she saw a half a dozen Laigreks chewing at mountain of skulls. She felt revolted. It had been no secret that the only bugs that she tolerated were of the civilized count and of the non-sentient, she considered Laigreks to be some of the worse. Not wanting to waste her time with them, she gripped them with the force and snapped their necks. The insects twitched on the floor for a few moments before laying completely still, but she cut them up just for good measures.

Padme reached out with her hand and telepathically pulled one of the skulls toward her cupping it with her free arm. She then headed to the pool of blood, reciting the code one last time.

"Peace is a lie. There is only Passion.

Through Passion I gain Strength.

Through Strength I gain Power.

Through Power I gain Victory.

Through Victory my chains are Broken.

The Force shall free me."

Dipping the skull into the blood it took no time at all before the pool started to bubble and tremble. Padme leaped out of the pool just as the bloodfiend shot out from under the pool giving a loud deafening roar.

she felt her skin start to go white as she realized that the bloodfiend was a K'lor'slug Queen, made even bigger tougher and nastier as a result of Sith Alchemy.

"Bugs," she thought to herself. "Why did it have to be bugs?" activating her second saber she once again leapt out of the way as the bloodfiend once again charged. Slashing at the creature she gritted her teeth as she came to realize that what should have sawed the creature clear in half simply made a surface cut. The Sith Alchemy that made this thing also made it lightsaber resistant.

Mindlessly slashing at this thing would only result in a quick death, she couldn't just fight stronger she had to fight smarter. She had to reach into the force. Doing so she managed to shoot the creature forward like a rocket causing it to smash into the wall giving the structure a visible indent. The creature moaned and staggered clearly dazed by the unexpected blow its pray laid. Still the creature charged savagely slashing with its talons opening and closing it's many-toothed maw like a foul pit. Closing her eyes Padme once again reached into the force, deeper this time. Suddenly she felt a surge of power flow through her. Letting out a feral roar of her own she pushed her arms forward as bolts of red lightning shot from her fingertips. The Bloodfiend howled in pain and twitching and confusing as the lighting crawled across its body like demonic spiders, but Padme did not stop, not until she knew for sure that the creature was dead. Once its cries were absolutely silent, Padme let her hands down. She heard the sound of the blastdoors opening. She felt herself fall to one knee as she caught her breath. It may not have been in the way she intended, but the results still spoke for themselves. She proved herself strong in the force. She won.

Severing one of the creatures horn with her Saber she walked back up to the council chamber, and presented her trophy to the spectators. Darth Sanandrassa failed to hold back a smile of pride though if any of the other Council members shared such a reaction, it was hidden behind the cowls.

"It is done."

Padme nodded.

"What did you learn from this.

Padme gave a half smile. "The force shall free me."

"Zaja!" the entire council shouted.

"Kneel daughter of Veruna."

As padme knelt one by one the council rose from their seats and stood above her.

"Darth Sanandrassa, the honor is yours."

Padme looked up as her mother stepped forward. Sanandrassa's face remained stoic as she activated her saber and place it mere inches above her daughter shoulders.

"Though you were once a child today you have proved yourself a woman. As of now you are no longer Naberrie, that woman lies at the bottom of the blood pool."

She then deactivated her lightsaber. "Rise Darth Amidala Queen of Naboo."

 

[The Whispering Monk]

Ok, color me intrigued. 😉

I'ma gonna keep an eye on this.

Curious to see how you are planning changes from canon as a result of this alternity.

 

[KilroywasNOTHere]

Queen Amidala sat quietly in the courtyard and observed her subjects go about their day. It was frankly days like this in which she hated wearing her queenly atire. The robes were heavy and the headdress had felt like a massive lead weight on top of her skull, she never quite understood why it wasn't possible to have an attire that was functional as well as real, but to the people of Naboo tradition mattered, and if it mattered to them, then it was going to matter to her.

Still every bit of her was tempted to summon one of her handmaidens and have them take point while she went off and spared with the others. The handmaidens never seemed to get the kind of credit and respect that Padme believed they deserved. The Handmaidens despite being Sith themselves were best and most dedicated assassins, Masters of both the lightsaber and art of Disguise the group of Female Assassins had learned to master the art of Metamorphosis or using the force to alter their own biology to make themselves into a near perfect duplicate of padme that would physically change as she had changed. In truth such ability was not commonly used even among the ancient Sith, but it was a trick that the Chommell sith had learned thanks to the guidance of the Nightsisters of Dathomier.

thinking upon this Padme concluded that in a way the Chommell Sith were still forced to evolve in some manner of speaking. Though they believed their own belief to not be outright Heresy like The Banite Philosophy was, it was still clear that the Chommell Sith were more removed from their ancestors than they probably cared to admit. Aside form studying primitive magiks, the Chommell Sith also differed in terms of philosophy. Less Focus was put on dominating the weak and more focused on the strength of the individual. The Sith Code while remaining the same in word, became less about the domination of others and more about perseverance and determination of self and being lifted up by the whole when possible. It had taken the intentions of Skere Kaan and tampered with the old sith philosophy creating a new Sith order that was made from proud warriors that while not viewing themselves as equals in the absolute since (stars forbid such atrocious teaching be brought up again) was also careful not to be overconfident in their own power. Both philosophies had major differences that evolved from what came before. Only time would tell which would be considered the heretic and which would be considered the natural evolution.

"Heresy comes from a point of view." Padme mumbled to herself.

"What was that my lady?"

Padme jumped and turned her head to see Sabé standing over her. Though the queen initially tried to hide it she felt herself become a bit red-faced.

"Oh Sabe, forgive me I was just in deep thought."

"To be perfectly honest my lady, you look bored."

"To be perfectly honest I am."

"Would you like me to take watch for you?"

"As much as I want to say yes, it would be irresponsible to shirk off my duties so soon. The last thing I need is to make myself look weak." the princess began to dig at her garments. Though I would greatly appreciate it if the seamstress could make this robe a bit more....comfortable. My Body seems to have went up a couple of dress sizes, my robes however have not."

It had been six months since she was official crowned queen of Naboo and the feasting customs had already began to make thier mark on her figure and sadly the robes were not exactly roomy enough to complicate, Still having met the gungans herself after becoming queen she grew to deeply respect them and had no issue with honoring one of their symbol of power and beauty even if she did find it a bit odd.

What she could not stand however was having to deal with Bureaucratic red tape. Though she mostly followed the advice of the council, it took every bit of restraint she had not to strangle most of the bureaucrats that came through her palace. Of the thousands of senate she could only think of about two dozen that she actually had any kind of respect for. Senator Organa actually understood the importance of putting the intrest of your own planet above all else, Finis Valorum despite being Chancelor was ironically one of the biggest supporters of Naboo Independence, Orn Free Taa, she might of had an inkling of respect for had the obese twilek in question bothered to show any kind of spine when faced with conflict. That could some up her problem with the republic as a whole.

She would not fault them for the pursuit of wealth, or for having to make "behind the scenes deals" as she would put it. But she would fault them for their own ability to confront a conflict or to face the consequences of thier own actions.

"I will make the request that your robes get retailored immediately. I have also been told to send you a message reminding you that Senator Palpatine is coming to the palace tonight for a dinner. Something about discussing the upcoming Eriadu Trade Summit."

Padme visibly gritted her teeth, the irony was not lost on her that perhaps the one senator she grew to despise the most was problem the one at thier own front door. On the surface, nothing appeared to be wrong with the man in question. He seemed like a kindly sophisticated gent who if not a bit naive did have Naboo's best intrest at heart. That problem however was that it was all just that, surface level. something was wrong under that grandfatherly like mask, but she could not put her finger as to what it was. According to the Force nothing was wrong, but sometimes even the force was no substitute for raw gut instinct.

"Are you sure you don't want me to take your place in this my lady?"

"No, if anyone needs to deal with the senator it should be me. Tell the PKN droids to go into cosmetic mode and prepare for my arrival. I will be there shortly."

Padme crossed her arms as the Royal PKN droids fashioned a robe more befitting for her. Looking at the finished product she put her hands through the gold feathered collar admiring the sophistication of the clothing. Gold and purple seemed to be the universal symbols of wealth and royalty and looking at how it complemented the robe she could see how. Overall imagined she'd be yet to find a robe of finer quality anywhere

"it's perfect. Save the blueprints and keep them backlogged. I think I will have this as my go too design for all future endeavors. "

The lead PKN droids gave a series of chirps in affirmation.

"Well here goes."

Senator palpatine and the rest of the Sith council (Disguised in normal Noble attire) and Governor Sio Bibble were already sitting at their places in the dining hall when Padme had arrived and taken her place. Surrounding the table were both Padme's handmaidens and an elite group of Royal Guards led by Captain Panaka. Padme's official excuse for their presence was in case of an external political attack. The reality however was they were here in case Padme, or the Dark council had decided to dispose of Palpatine should they grow permanently tired of his presence.

Padme could not help but be unnerved seeing the dark council wearing normal noble garments and crowns as opposed to the dark robes and face-concealing hoods that the council normally wore. Thinking on it, this was the first time in which she had seen the Coucil's face. Save for Darth Adephagia, and could only recognize them based on the description of their appearance by others and the secret signet rings they wore.

Darth Nimmod was the Lord over the Jafan system. He was a tall man with powerfully built shoulders, jet black hair and a thick goatee. He was the most balanced and versatile of all the members of the council in terms of force and lightsaber abilities. Padme had remembered her mother telling her that he looked like the spitting image of Skere Kaan and now seeing him unconcealed she now understood why.

Darth Adephagia or "Adephagia the Mountain" ruled over the Karlinus system, and the one Padme was the closest to save for her father. Her skin was of golden brown with deep blue eyes and black hair that went down to about her waist. She was probably the 2nd wealthiest Council Memeber next to Queen Joal due to her salt mining exports as well as the exports of the highly rare and coveted Karlini tea.To the greater galaxy at large she was Kelma but many would nickname her Kelma The Hutt due to both her excessive girth and Ferocious appetite though the nickname was given out of playful teasing as opposed to genuine malice. oddly enough even with her almost hutt like physique, several species in the galaxy both humanoid and non humanoid thought her to be an attractive woman, the gungans in fact had accidentally mistaken her as their fertility goddess when first meeting her in person, though she herself was quick to correct them as she was not native to naboo. Of all of the memebers within the council, she was probably what could be considered the heart of the council, if any in fighting started to occur she'd be the one to break it up. If anyone was in need of a sparing match, she'd be thier without question, and of course if anyobody needed a good joke or words of comfort she'd be the first to provide. Supposdly her Lightsaber skills were as strong as her tounge though Padme found this a little hard to believe givin the fact that she hardly seemed to move without some form of severant or mechanical aid, though whether this was out of actual need or simply a matter of apperances padme did not know.

Padme was the closest one Adephagia had to an apperntice. While her mother and father were busy with the political affrairs of Naboo, it was Adephagia who taught her how to read the ancient sith text and balance oneself between the light and the dark. Padme had garnard such love and respect for the woman that she made a note to herself that if she ever recived the honor of being on the council, then she'd want to model herself after her.

Darth Qarr was the lord over the Kreeling system and the majority shareholder of the mining facilities on the planet of Kreeling. Those who spoke of her claimed she had the beauty of an angel and a voice of a siren with hair that gave an unnatural crimson glow. Now that Padme had seen her uncloaked for the first time, she could confirm that to be true. Those among the council referred to her as the Seer due to her ability of Foresight. It was her in fact who discovered that the banites had infiltrated the republic. She was not one to use lightsabers, but she had more than made up for it in terms of her force abilities and was probably the strongest of the council in terms of pure force connection.

In Contrast there was Darth Skeer "The Rook" of The Chommell Minor system. The man was about the only one on the council that didn't wear any kind of noble garments, but instead wore Armor made from the rare Beskar metal. Skeer was called "The Rook" due to the fact that he was nearly 7 feet tall and had the physique of a circus strong man. While he hardly had any hair on his head, he more than made up for it in his beard. While he was probably the weakest of the council in terms of force ability Few if anyone could match him in terms of skills with the lightsaber. Padme's Handmaidens would gossip that Skeer would go into battle using two saberstaffs. There was a part of her that longed to see that....so long as she wasn't the opponent.

The young queen had only been half paying attention to what the senator had to say as with most of the council saved for Darth Qarr and Adephagia.

"I'm hoping that with this Trade summit we maybe one step closer to a more solid relationship with the trade federation."

"How can we expect the Trade Federation not to stab us in the back. We already have reason to believe that they've already interfered with our sovereignty once, resulting in the death of my own father." Padme spat.

Palpatine's face turned to a slight frown before reverting back to it's default smiling position. "yes King Veruna's death was most unfortunate. But I have it on good authority that the Trade Federation will be going through a restructuring and the official annulment is supposed to occur at the Summit. This probably goes without saying, but I do believe it would be in Naboo's best interest to go to the summit."

"If Naboo goes to the summit it will only be as a favor for Chancellor Valorum. But remeber this Senator, Naboo's concerns primary concerns are Naboo."

"Of course. I understand."

"My Primary concern is if The Federation is willing to trust us." Kelma said softly

"and why should we be concerned about that?" Skeer said (Or Dopal as he was known to the greater galaxy). " As the queen said was it not the trade Federation who murdered Ruwee using poison?"

"So Republic investigations said but certain things about the circumstances make no sense to. Ruwee was in the process of renegotiating theeds contracts with the Trade Federation and even supported voting against new taxation. Likewise, Nute Gunway was willing to renegotiate to allow the Chornorall system more financial independence. Why would the Trade Federation so willingly burn such a valuable ally and asset? The Trade Federation is greedy yes, but they are not stupid."

"You must remeber that Corruption runs rampant in the Republic. It is possible that Someone gave the federation a better offer and one of the terms was to get Ruwee out of the picture."

"Well let's just say, I won't by that for a dollar."

Jobal and Padme looked at each other with concerned looks before gazing back at the council. "Perhaps it would be best not to trouble the senator with conspiracy theories. Tensions are already high enough as it is. The Sooner we can clear them the better."

She then looked over to Palpatine. "If you belive the Eriadu Trade Summit will ease tensions then know you have me and my daughter's support."

"Excellent. I know politics can be a dirty and dreadful game sometimes, but if we play our cards right I believe we will win out in the end."

"Indeed, in the meantime if you are in need of boarding my hospitality is open to you."

"Oh, while I thank you for the offer Lady Jobal, I must head back to Coruscant. In fact, I probably should probably get going. I am happy to have your support on this one."

As Palpatine got out of earshot the council debated amongst themselves.

"I was just saying what was on everyone's mind."

"No one here condemns you Adephagia" Darth Nimmod quickly comforted his sister in arms. "But if we speak too much of what we believe to be true to outsiders we risk exposing ourselves. I do not trust Palpatine. For all, we know Bane's eyes could be watching."

"Do you believe Palpatine is a Banite?" Jobal asked. "I sensed no strong force aura within him.

"Remember above all else though mother, even if Palpatine is not a false Sith or a force sensitive, he still a politician. and politicians lie. the council chose him as Naboo's representative as a form of exile because he has no place within our order."

"zaja." a couple of the Lords spoke.

"For all we know the Banites are aware of our existence and Every senator is a spy so that they can discover which planet we are on. If palpatine proves to know too much or proves to be more trouble than he is worth, then we will dispose of him."

Padme looked to the greater council. "in the meantime, what is our next move?

"You will go to this Trade Summit on Eriadu to maintain appearances," Nimmond announced
"A couple of handmaidens will accompany and serve as your guards and our spies. For now, we can only handle things as they comes. For now above all else, we must remain in the shadows."

Padme bowed. "As the council wills.

"zaja." Everyone said in unison.

"remember your highness. Peace is a lie."

 

[KilroywasNOTHere]

He felt the wind of his hair press against him like a tornado. The engine of the podracer rang in his ear like a krayt dragon. Even with his noise suppression headgear the sound was practically defining. None of that however worried him. He was too busy taking in the adrenaline and focusing on getting through the finish line. He was there. It was so close. Almost there…stay on target. Suddenly the bell rings the crowd begins to cheer as he hears the racing announcer shout his name.

"Youre winner for the race, Anakin Sky…!"

Just like that blackness takes over. The sound does not fade, so much as it's cut off. The young boy opened his eyes and found himself back in his banthaskin bed. He looked around and realized he was back in his room. It was all a dream, a dream and nothing more.

"Dank Farrik." The young boy put his head between his knees as tears fell from his face.

"Ani," a gentle voice echoed across the mud hut. "Ani, come to the table. It's time for breakfast."
His name was Anakin Skywalker, and for his entire eight and a half year life he had only known it as a slave. The first 6 years of his life was under the cruel hand of Gardulla the Hutt. Anakin couldn't help but shiver upon thinking her name. It was not uncommon for Anakin to have nightmares. Most of them involved having to doing disgusting acts such as cleaning her or worse feeding her. The worst dreams however often involved her eating him instead.

Anakin and his mother's servitude ended when the Female hutt lost a bet with a junk dealer named Watto. Anakin had to give Watto credit. The Toydarian junk dealer seemingly treated them less like slaves and more like low wage workers. Watto would teach Anakin the tricks of trade such as figuring out a customer's needs and pitching the proper sale. Watto would even give Anakin a set amount of money once every couple of weeks. Though he insisted it was not a wage but an allowance. He'd even give Anakin the occasional day off. On those days off, Anakin would use his allowance to buy parts from the local jawa's and even Watto himself. He would then use these parts to work on his special projects. In fact he had just recently bought a salvaged protocol droid. He had hoped to fix the thing up so that maybe it could help his mom. How he did not know, but he would find away.

"Ani, come to the table. I'm not going to tell you again."

Anakin washed his hands and sat at a table. His face turned into a grimace when his mother handed him a bowl of Cream and vaporator mushroom. In truth he expected his mom to give him a scolding look followed by a lecture, but when he looked at his mother's face, all he saw was pity.

"I know it tastes awful honey but even with the allowance, Watto gives us it's the only thing we can afford. The Hutts increased the tariffs on Offworld foodstuff again. I wish I could do more but I can't."

Anakin didn't know how but he could sense the desperation and despair that his mother had felt. It was almost as if he could see the tears form in her mind before they formed on her face. He reacted accordingly.

"don't cry mom." Anakin spoke before grinning and switching to his sales pitch voice. "One of these days I'm going to become the best racer and pilot in the galaxy. I'll buy our freedom, get us a nice ship. We'll get off this planet. We'll eat real fruits and meat and even bread.

"Honey, please don't mention that awful racing. you know I die anytime Watto makes you do it."

"Come on mom I love it."

"Then please don't fill my head and heart with such foolish dreams."

If the galaxy was a body, Tatooine was practically the armpit of it. Unless your name ended in The Hutt, or you were a part of the spice trade or space trade, then you'd be lucky if you made a decent living. Even Traders and dealers like Watto were squeezed by the Hutts to the point where profits were minimal, the hutts often called it "A tax" but it was more a less a racket. Pay the protection tax or prepare to have your store blown up, and yourself sterilized in the most barbaric way. Anakin would sometimes overhear Watto at night mournfully talk to the walls asking "The goddess" why he was placed in this dustbowl of all places in the galaxy. Sometimes Watto would sing about what he would do if he were a rich merchant. How he'd set up his own shopping center in the mid rim or even the core. Living in a luxury mansion where the streets were paved with limestone and the water was as clear as Crystal.

Anakin would never mention these things to Watto for fear of embarrassing the Toydarian and risking getting a slap across his rear. Still in its own twisted way, there was some kind of comfort in knowing that even Watto felt the harshness of Tatooine even if it wasn't quite the same as being a slave. Anakin finished the bitter suit before getting up from his seat.

"Bye mom I'm heading out."

"This early, what for?"

"Watto got a new Ship part, a T-14.

"Aren't those meant for Nubian ships?"

" yep which means it's likely to sit in the back of the shop for stars only knows how long. So I'll need to make sure it stays in sellable condition. It's likely to stay there for months."

Shmi could not help but chuckle. "Maybe someone wealthy will come along and buy it and Watto will give you a cut of the profit."

"Wouldn't that be nice." Anakin quipped sarcastically Who knows maybe that hyperdrive is our key to getting off this rock."
With that, Anakin left.

 

[KilroywasNOTHere]

Padme sat at one of the VIP crossing her arms watching as the trumpeters sang their fanfares and announcing the beginning of the summit. Looking over she saw the massive throne of Darth Adephagia being moved toward the entrance. She could see four very strong guards holding each side of her throne. Adephagia pointed one of her plump fingers toward the empty space next to Padme. Without question or complaint, the guards place the throne in the space.



"Is this spot taken?" Adephagia asked.



"it is yours to claim Lady Adephagia."



The two sat in silence for a moment before Padme once again opened her mouth. "Truth be told, I find this thing to be a waste of time. We should have established our own meeting with the trade federation. Not hid behind the republic."



"And at some point we will, but for now we have to keep up appearances."



Padme let out a sigh. "I'm getting sick of hiding. We are sith. We are not pacifist monks like the Jedi. We are proud warriors who fight for what we believe in. Our Destiny is to build a great civilization not hide and wait as time passes us by."



"Fear not. When the time comes we will reveal ourselves to the Banites. We will have our revenge."



"What of the Jedi?" Padme asked



Adephagia put her hand to her chin as if pondering the question.



"In truth Lady Amidala, I do not believe the Jedi are as strong as they think they are. I've met some of the Jedi on a few occasions. Their belief in our extinction has caused them to grow arrogant. They're becoming too sure of themselves, even the older, more experienced ones."



"Weren't the Jedi always like that though?" Padme asked giggling. Adephagia couldn't help but follow suit.



"Very true."



The two watched as different sides argued both for and against the taxes of the free trade zones. Many of the Chommell sector viewed trade tax as little more than the Republic taking a cut of the trade from the people who did the heavy lifting. One of the representatives of the trade Federation began to speak.



"The Trade Federation will only agree to the Tax if and only if we are allowed an increase in security. We cannot be expected to submit to the Federalization of trade without some act of good faith from the Republic in question."



Padme couldn't help but grit her teeth. She began to open her mouth in objection but Adephagia put her hand in padme's "Peace Lady Amidala. I know what you are thinking but I don't think they are making back deals with the Republic."



"We offered them protection and resources in exchange for better trade deals..."



"...and now the king that offered said protection is dead, now on top of that the Republic taxes them. I don't sense deception from them. I sense desperation."



"That doesn't make any sense. Why would they kill my father if it would screw them over and put them into desperation?"



"They wouldn't. Not unless they were being played. Now you understand my suspicion."



Senator Organa was the first to object to the trade federation's terms, condemning the concept of the Trade Federation possibly being militarized. Padme couldn't help but shake her head. She admired Organa's dedication to his own sovereignty, but there were some things she could not help but think he was helplessly naive over, such as his "Pacifist at all cost values."



Other's did not approve of the taxes for the same reason that the Chommell Sith did. Mainly that it would hamper trade and ultimately force the Federation to offset the cost to the consumer. the roar of a thousand rambling voices echoed in the halls as the moderators desperately shouted for order.



"Well this is going nowhere fast." Adephagia said with a smirk.



Padme couldn't help but chuckle, only to fall quickly silent as a feeling of deep dread suddenly came over her. She looked over at Adephagia who had a very similar look of dread on her face.



"You sense it too?"



"I can sense something but I don't know..."



Then it happened. Blaster fire started to echo across the hall as the security battle droids seemed to turn on those that they were supposed to protect. Senator's screamed as they were practically climbing and running over top of each other. Though the trade federation board remained still, they had activated the force fields to avoid getting blasted. Soon the handmaidens quickly rushed to Padme's and Adephagia's aid.



"Masters all of the security droids seem seemingly compromised."



Various blades of Blue Green and yellow shot up in the crowd.



Padme immediately recognized them as Jedi. "I can't believe I'm asking this, but should we help them?"



"I would not advise this. The Jedi are bound to notice a bunch of red lightsabers being wielded by figure's they don't recognize. And if there are senators working as spies for the Banites, then intervening will paint a large target on our backs. Besides, these are security droids. I'd hope the Jedi would at least be able to handle them."



"Um masters,"



Sabe pointed to the droids that were advancing toward the trade federation board as they seemingly tried shouting commands and curses. Everyone watched with a dumbfounded as the droids blasted all but Nute Gunray into oblivion.



"You were saying Lady Adephagia?"



"Guardians of the peace my Hutt-Sized backside," The Dark lady cursed letting out a sigh. "This is indeed a disturbing turn of events. Come we must let the council know of what we have witnessed today."



Adephagia summoned her guard before taking the lead. Everyone escaped in single file using the chaos as a distraction. Everyone boarded the ship breathing a sigh of relief. The two dark ladies of the sith looked at each other both equally confused of the total train wreck that had managed to occur in the span of less than an hour.



"So what does this mean?" Padme asked.



"The game has started but the endpoint remains unclear. Our time to reveal ourselves is coming, but for now we have to wait and see how this plays out. No game of Dejarik can be won without pawns, and this may prove to be a very long game."