The Weaving Force: Chapter 83 (Patreon)

Chapter 83:

Taylor:

The Senate building was… too much.

It was always ‘too much’.

Too much marble, too much duracrete, too many people, too many species, too many aides, guards, too much rushing to and fro.

Too many senators

It felt like bedlam and chaos and this from someone who was aware of the world almost entirely at all times. 

I hated it. 

I’d been here before, of course. Twice. Both times it had been to speak with Alexandria. A rare occurrence but it did happen, her knowledge of tactics, strategy, her greater read on politics. I’d be stupid to not use that resource, regardless of how uncomfortable it made the both of us. 

But even so; it didn’t change my feelings towards this monstrosity of a building.

A hive of scum and villainy, I’d heard someone say about this place once. 

I agreed.

Given how much I could overhear, I definitely agreed.

We were in an ante-chamber. The room just outside the Chancellor’s office serving as a fancy waiting space more than anything else. Plush chairs, large benches. A central holo plinth of twinkling diamond lights gave idle distraction to the eyes, following the patterns and breaking weaves of illumination.

Everyone here had participated in Illum, the only one missing was Master Tiin, who’d been called away to see to the fleet’s rearmament.

I was pretty sure that was just an excuse to avoid seeing me or Vicky right now; lest everyone’s hostility boil over in the middle of the Chancellor’s office. 

In his place, Yoda had come with us, the little grandmaster sitting on a bench, flanked by Luminara and Junda. 

“Stop fidgeting Anakin.” Obi-Wan chastised.

“Sorry Master.” The sandy blonde answered with a smile. “Just…” He shrugged. “I don’t know, a little nervous.”

“You’ve met with Chancellor Palpatine before.” Vicky noted, her features scrunching up. “Actually aren’t you friends?”

“I wouldn’t say friends.” Anakin defended. “But yeah we’ve talked, and he’s a nice guy. It’s just…” He shrugged again. “I dunno. It feels different this time. More official.”

Vicky grinned, reaching over to coil her arm over Anakin’s shoulders like the big sister she constantly liked to remind everyone she was. “Awww. Is little Annie getting shy now that he’s getting famous?” She reached over as Anakin rolled his eyes, pinching one of his cheeks. “I remember when you were still ‘widdle and cute’

“Cute? I was never cute, you take that back!” Anakin answered with mock anger, a little smile tugging at his lip; betraying the act. 

Vicky snickered and I caught Obi-Wan rolling his eyes at both of their antics.

Me, I turned my attention to Unduli, Cere and Yoda seated across the hall on the opposite bench. 

Unduli was poised as ever, but her injuries were still troubling her, I noted her posture, not so much straight as it was stiff, and the subtle tension in her face betraying the discomfort she must feel along her middle.

She could have remained resting; possibly with Barris but she chose to be here instead.

I couldn’t help but ask why. If she knew something I didn’t about this meeting.

I’d ask her, but frankly, given everything I know about her, I’m not sure she’d answer me; and there was enough tension between me and Jedi without my reminding everyone that it existed needlessly.

Cere was easier to read. Nervous, unsure of herself, of her place here. She remained at Unduli and Yoda’s side out of familiarity, and didn’t engage much with us for the same reason; not necessarily because of… opposed outlooks. 

I turned towards Yoda, who sat between the two women with his legs crossed and his eyes closed. 

“Any idea why exactly he called us here?” I asked. “And I mean beyond the PR thing of meeting with the Jedi who won the big battle.”

Yoda’s ears twitched; but it was Obi-Wan who answered me.

“Six months into the war, A massive battle recently fought and enemy assets captured. I imagine its because he wants to know what our general plans are and how closely they align with his.” He stated, rubbing at his chin. “As far as I’ve heard he’s extracted greater powers from the senate to potentially dictate new deployments of Clone troopers. If his advisors are opening up new theaters of war, he might want to request that one of us be assigned to those Clone legions being deployed.”

I frowned. “That’s a bad idea.”

“How so?”

It was Cere that asked, the hesitant Master stiffening as all eyes turned to her at the sound of her voice, as though she only just realized she spoke aloud  “Sorry.” She winced. 

I ignored the apology, instead I chose to answer her question. 

“Giving full control of the military to a non military man- that doesn’t strike you as a bad idea?” I asked. 

Cere winced. “I mean… I suppose but there aren’t a great many options.”

“And-” Unduli cut in. “We can’t just give control of the military to a General who has ties to a local planet like Corellia, or Alderaan. The Senate, and by extension the Chancellor is one of the few who can be trusted to place the interest of the republic above that of individual worlds.”

I frowned. I know, I know the Republic had a military branch hundreds or thousands of years ago, and I doubt that they just gave all authority over that military to the Chancellor or the Senate. That was rule one of any army; keep the politics out of it. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t know enough about the old power structure to make an educated argument here and now.

But the point stood in my mind. 

If Palpatine was going to start assigning war zones, troop deployments and engagements; more likely than not we’d start having an even worse time fighting; let alone potentially winning this war. 

I heard footsteps, both with my own ears and the surrounding insects, seconds later the door opened.

“Masters Jedi?” 

The voice was of a young woman, a Nautolan, her large black eyes were wide and guiless, and her smile was charming.

Palpatine’s assistant; a damn good one too. She got the pay to show for it; according to Alexandria at least. 

She bowed. “The Chancellor will see you now.”

Almost as one everyone began to move. Yoda hopped off his place at the bench, Cere and Unduli stood up, marching after him, Obi-Wan and Anakin and finally, Vicky and I were taking up the rear.

I’d already known the layout of the office thanks to my insects, but its interior was… nice. Minimalist, which suited my personal tastes. A wide open space, red carpets, and an oval shape to the walls making the place seem much larger than it actually was. There were four chairs arrayed infront of the very large desk that wrapped around the owner on three of the four sides, behind it the large glass panes offered a dominating view of the Coruscanti skyline, the various cars and traffic movements crisscrossing the view. 

The Chancellor smiled as he saw us enter. 

“Ahh. Master Yoda my friend.” He said, standing up and making the, somewhat marathon effort of walking around his desk to greet the grandmaster personally.

Yoda smiled back, a little claw rising up to reach for Palpatine’s hand as the Chancellor bent down to grasp Yoda’s claw with both his hands, shaking it gently. 

Standing straight again the leader of the Republic offered smiles all round. “Anakin-” He greeted next. “It is good to see you again my boy.” 

“Chancellor.” Anakin’s smile was sincere, and the warmth I sensed between the two men seemed genuine as Palpatine reached over to offer the young man a firm handshake and a pat on the shoulder before he looked to Obi-Wan. “Master Kenobi; you seem to be doing a fine job judging by his grip eh?”

Anakin’s Master smiled. “You give me far too much credit. The boy just eats too much.”

Palpatine chuckled, but as expected continued. “Master Unduli, I thought I read in the reports you were injured. Are you well my dear?”

The Mirialan bowed her head, “I’m doing much better Chancellor thank you.”

“You let me know if there’s anything you need, please.” He turned finally to Cere. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure Master-”

“Cere, Chancellor.” She bowed at the waist. “Cere Junda.”

I saw the realization dawn on him, mouth open, and a firm nod followed. “Ahh of course Master Junda. A pleasure to meet you.”

Finally, he turned to the two of us.

I watched him.

The smile shifted, and I understood that he knew who we were long before we stepped foot in this room. 

“And though we’ve never met I’m certain I know the two of you.” He extended his hand towards Vicky. “The Valiant Jedi herself, yes?” He ventured; ‘guessing’ or at least making a show of it.

Vicky extended her hand, smiling in that way that was more bravado than truth. “That’s what they’ve been saying; I just punch things really hard.”

The man chuckled “Don’t let the media catch you saying that. I’m sure they’re just dying for a scandal.” 

This time, Vicky’s laugh was more rueful than anything. “Yeah that brings back some memories.” I wasn’t sure if it was nostalgia or bitterness that coated her voice. 

Maybe both. 

She’d told me of how the paparazzi back home would just hound her and her family for anything they could get their hands on. 

Sometimes she messed with them, sometimes she ignored them-

And sometimes she was just too tired of it.

Still, whatever she was feeling, soon enough Palpatine turned his eyes to me. “Master Hebert yes?” He asked rhetorically.

I raised an eyebrow. “No name for me?”

His smile was almost a grimace. “I did not wish to cause offense. It seems far less flattering than ‘The Valiant’ that’s been given to Miss Dallon.”

I shrugged, “Fair enough” ‘Infernal’ was hardly the best name I could have gotten, but it did have the added benefit of making people forget that I did more than just light fires. 

An armored tank battalion sitting at the bottom of a lake on Illum could attest to that. 

The Chancellor stepped aside, gesturing towards the seats. “Please, sit; I will have more seats brought in a moment so we might speak comfortably; please, please.”We marched forward, Master Yoda took his seat, and as per tradition, the Masters that would sit with him were ordered by seniority.

Seniority that was shared by me, Victoria and Obi-Wan over Cere, Unduli and Anakin.

So, we sat.

About a minute later, three more seats hovered in behind us, allowing for the remaining three to sit but given the high backed “guest” chairs and the raised elevation of the desk, it felt very much like it was only us four here; and I had to wonder if that was by design.

I imagine it had to be… Chancellor palpatine meeting with senators, their aides and attendants seated behind said senators, present but not contributing.

“Now-” The Chancellor began, reaching for a dataslate as he plucked a pair of thin, square eyeglasses from his desk to read over it. “There are some matters we must discuss- both regarding the confrontation on your temple world of Ilum and for future operations.”

Yoda nodded. “Hmmm. In your mind, the most pressing?”

“Admiral Tonith.” He asked immediately. “What has been done with him?”

“Imprisoned for now.” Obi-Wan answered. “He’s being held aboard the Negotiator, which is currently leaping between random systems until I recall it.”

Palpatine frowned. “You have not transferred him to a dedicated holding facility?”

Obi-Wan shrugged. “No. I would rather he not be able to track how long he’s been held, or where he is, or risk his escape. The 212 will hold him and the Negotiator is secure.”

Palpatine offered a slow, careful nod. “I see. I suppose I have no objections. So long as you can extract the information he holds.”

“It is my first priority” He replied. “Although,” Obi-Wan turned to Anakin. “What updates from the engineers?”

Anakin perked up, slightly surprised at being called upon. “Ahh, yes.” He cleared his throat. “We’re actually breaking through their firewalls with relative ease. They expect that if all things hold as they are now, we should be able to get a full data extraction and decode the encryption within a month’s time.”

“A month in this war means several Billion droid replacements.” Palpatine sighed, rubbing at his head. “Master Kenobi, I must ask that you try very hard to extract the information from Pors himself. We must destroy those manufacturing facilities before we lose the ability to do so entirely.”

Kenobi nodded. “I understand Chancellor, as I said; it is my highest priority.”

The Chancellor looked at his dataslate again. “You’ve pre-empted my query regarding the engineers and captured fleet. Save one point of order, the Jedi killer droids; How great of a concern are they?”

“Capable, the Jedi are of defeating them.” Yoda assured. “However, replaceable the droids are, the Jedi are not.”

“We again come to the manufacturing issue then.” Palpatine groused. “But you’re certain they will not be a problem in the short term?”

“Capturing so many, and one mostly intact has allowed us to determine much of their capabilities.” Obi-Wan reassured. “We will be factoring in such encounters in the future.”

Palpatine didn’t seem convinced, and I didn’t blame him. Knowing how most Jedi fought, I expected that those droids, even one on one would have a solid chance of killing some of the… less combat capable knights. Which made up the lion’s share of the entire Jedi order.

So; Obi-Wan was kind of lying out his ass right now. At least in my opinion; I didn’t exactly think the Jedi would adapt fast enough or well enough to combat on this scale and with these stakes. Not most of them anyway. 

“I must pray you are correct Master Kenobi.” The Chancellor sighed. “Now then; the battle of Illum was granted Five Clone battle groups for its defense. The 501st, the 212th, the 41rst, the 309th and the 707th.”

“That’s right.” Vicky nodded

Palpatine took a moment to read over the dataslate a bit more. “Hmmm. As some of you no doubt heard, I have recently been granted authority by the Senate over the deployment of Clone legions.”

And here was the other shoe. 

The Chancellor offered a smile that was almost apologetic. “I am not a military man; never have been. But I do believe its simply logical that men will follow and work with a Commander they know and respect yes? Master Yoda, unless you have an objection; I would like to formally, and permanently assign these Legions to these veteran commanders here. The 501st to young Skywalker, the 212th to Master Kenobi, the 41rst to Master Unduli, The 309th to Master Tiin and of course, the 707th to Master Dallon.”

I felt a thrum of ‘excitement’ barely concealed tingling along my back, Anakin. 

Yoda rubbed at his chin, his eyes closing. “Assigned these commands already, the Council did for Skywalker, Obi-Wan, and Unduli. What need is there?”

It was a good question… I could guess though.

Taking more power from the Council, placing it in his hands. 

If the Chancellor now had control over the Legions (formally) because of the senate, and he assigned a Commander… well. The Council could hardly strip that person of command.

Alexandria’s warning rang clear in my mind, watching the old man.

Palpatine nodded at the question. “Part of the problem is that our Clones are faceless, to the public; they do not exist. But assign them to a single commander, a name and a face they can see, and follow; and suddenly those clones become more important. People will begin to recognize the name 501st or the 212th. Which will make them care, and once they care, it will be far easier to grant the clones the sapient,  civilian and human rights and considerations they deserve.”

I thought for a moment on calling out the… gains he stood to make as a knock on effect.

But the Jedi council and I weren’t exactly on the best footing right now.

Him giving Vicky control of the 707th… it would cement her position as ‘too important’ even more. Make it that much harder for the Council to act against her.

Or me, for that matter. 

So… I stayed quiet. 

Palpatine smiled apologetically towards Master Yoda. “I understand if I am overstepping but I do feel it is for the best my old friend.”

Yoda shook his head. “No. Correct you are. Rights the Clones deserve. Their deeds and contributions. Known they should be. 

“Anyone wanna ask what I think?” Vicky chimed in.

Palpatine blinked, surprised. “Oh. I- I’m sorry. I thought you’d be pleased.”

“I’ll accept but I have a condition.” She said.

I sent her a questioning look, but she didn’t seem to catch it, plowing on full steam as she usually did. 

“I’ll accept; but only if we start introducing doctors and nurses to the Legions!”

Again, Palpatine looked surprised, so was Obi-Wan and even Yoda. “Each of the clone battle groups I’m assured has all the medical supplies and equipment needed, along with droids that can treat-”

“That’s just it- Droids.” She interrupted, glaring hotly. “They’ve been spending their whole lives fighting droids. Their friends killed by droids. You really think they want to get treated by a droid?” She huffed. “You do that, I’ll accept the command, otherwise no deal and I’ll be going public with this complaint too if it keeps getting ignored.

The Chancellor held up his hand. “No- please, Master Dallon, there is no need for such. In truth, I hadn’t considered the insensitivity, but now that you point it out. I agree, something must be done.” He paused, lips pinching in thought. “I will be willing to bring this matter formally for a vote in the senate. And I’ll put my weight behind it passing.”

Vicky nodded. “Then the second that goes through-” She offered a mocking salute. “Point me at em, chief.”

The Chancellor smiled, chuckling. “Of course.”

Alexandria was right, he was a good actor.

“Now-” He continued. “For Master Taylor perhaps-”

“No thank you.” I answered, cutting him off. “I have Noble team. For now; I think that’s what I’m comfortable with.”

He paused. “Oh? I’ve seen your reports. Battlegroups under your command are exceedingly effective, coordinating and seizing tactical objectives with surgical precision.”

“They do.” I conceded. “But that’s because I can move where I’m needed… I’m… flexible.”

I didn’t want to be solely under his thumb anymore than I would anyone elses.

The Chancellor eyed me for a long moment, his features neutral.

Then he smiled.

“I understand of course; as I said. I am not a military man, so I trust you to know better than I.”

I couldn’t read that smile, or the look behind his eyes.

— 

Palpatine:

He spoke with them for hours. Little comments, tiny observations. All of it adding fullness to the tapestry, strings he could tug, leverage he could employ

He enjoyed these moments. The minutes where he had to decide how much to push, how much he could show. 

Hebert was suspicious… on her guard. No doubt she’d spoken to Alexandria. 

But she wished to use him. His… politician’s ambition. That much was clear even from just this small exchange.

Oh what fun he would have; the... challenge in turning her was exquisite in and of itself.

There were others in that group he could pull down to the depths. Skywalker, Dallon. Even Junda or Unduli. Oh yes.

But they were easy. They were Jedi.

He watched them leave, sensed them. He continued his duties. Continued his work as the dutiful chancellor. The quiet hours rolling by. Meetings. Discussions. Updates.

As the hours grew long and the night drew near, he left.

He left this place. This work. The mask slipped free. And he became himself once more.

The holo’s flickered to life.

“The Battle for the Jedi’s temple on Ilum, is over.” He said.

It was Sev’rance who answered him. “Was it worth the expenditure?”

By her measure. By what she wished out of this war?

No.

But by his measure, by his rules, and his desires…

“Yes.” He answered easily. “We have learned much.”

“We sacrificed one of my more competent admirals for it.” She said. “I hope we did more than simply ‘learn’ Master.”

“Not to mention that we lost two fairly decent enforcers and assassins.” Komari chimed in, ever seeking to undermine him. To make the others rebel and fight her battle for her.

“Hebert and Dallon still live as well.” Jorus drawled, arms crossed and face implacable “The more and more this seems like a blunder on your part sidious, plain and simple.”

Palpatine allowed himself to smile, his hands aching with the desire to put them all in their rightful place. But not yet. Not quite yet. They were still needed to play their parts. 

“We have learned… that Hebert is susceptible to the Dark Side of the Force. Casting her fate against the Jedi, we will eliminate their other weapon in Dallon in a single stroke.”

“How?” Taan demanded. “It is easy to say, not so easy to do.”

“The path to the Dark Side is manifold and… insidious in its nature.” He assured. “I suspect, she already walks far closer than most would like.”

“I need specifics-”

“You need what I say you need.” He snarled, his patience slipping as each of the three tensed, a tendril of his power leaking through to choke them across the length of the galaxy.

Jorus, foolish, prideful Jorus tried so hard to fight but his arrogance had made his guard slip; he’d forgotten who he was dealing with.

He let the threat linger, the fear and realization settle in their minds as they understood they could not free themselves before he released his hold; allowing them each to breathe again.

“I have tasks- for each of you.”

They remained in silence, angry, unsure, but already too far along this road to back away now. 

He turned first towards Komari. “Apprentice, you will contact the Mandalorians. I have given them… a project. One that we must be certain is being carried out to exacting standards.”

She glared at him, but did not challenge him. A well beaten dog.

“Jorrus.” He called. “How goes your study of the Dathomiri’s necromantic sorcery.”

The fallen fool glared at him. “It is proceeding.” He answered cagily, trying to keep his secrets.

In vain of course. He knew well enough that the foolish man had already given much and more to Talzin and her coven for their secrets. Much that he would never get back.

Still… a necromancer of high enough caliber would be useful enough.

“The war escalates.” Palpatine said. “And so we must do so as well.”

He held out-

A holocron.

The surprise flitted through Jorus’ face. “What is this?”

“Secrets.” He answered, his smile widening. “I will give this to you. Share it with Talzin.”

“Why?” He demanded, suspicion rising in his voice.

Even the fool could be right on occasion.

“Her sorcery will… expedite its use.”

Not a lie. 

Not the full truth either. 

“Tann.” He turned to his fleet master next. “Soon the Jedi will at last locate one of the droid plants. You must be sure to prepare our welcome accordingly.”

In spite of herself, Tann smirked. “I see. Is there one you were thinking of in particular Master?”

He nodded.

“Yes, my apprentice… there is one”

(X)(X)(X)

So this chapter kinda flew off the page for me really. I've been looking forward to Palpatine meeting with "the cast" for some time, and you can expect him to be a bit more involved with them from here on out.But I wonder if you all caught the seeds he's planting and the strings he's pulling? :)