WotH Chpt 18

==War on the Horizon - Chapter 18 ==
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===Palpatine/Jedi Temple Interlude===
"Master Yoda, Master Windu, I hope you can assist with this crisis," Chancellor Palpatine greeted the two Jedi Masters as they entered the room. "The entire Republic seems to be ready to rip itself apart over this economic matter."
 
"Not much there is, we can do," Yoda shook his head. "Only able to help as we are requested."
 
"That said, there are a few Jedi who we can assign to assist in matters where the usual systems in place are struggling," Windu said as he took a seat.
 
"Hmm," Yoda mused. "The Banking Clans, able to do this. Explain, can you?"
 
"I'm afraid I'm not an expert in these matters," Palpatine frowned. "I have had to rely on my advisors to instruct me on exactly how badly the Republic will be impacted by this."
 
"Survive, the Republic will," Yoda said as he hummed thoughtfully. "Arrange, for Knights to be available, we will."
 
"Thank you for your time," Palpatine smiled softly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, the Senate is to meet in an hour and I must make preparations."
 
"Of course, Chancellor," Windu stood up. "Please keep us apprised of the situation."
 
"I will make the Council aware of anything of importance," Palpatine stood up to see them out.
 
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"It seems that your plan is succeeding beyond even our best predictions," Mas Amedda said as he and Darth Sidious looked at the data. "The Outer Rim is crumbling, the Mid Rim is struggling, and the Core seems to be trying to ensure their worlds remain secure."
 
"Yes," Sidious said as he looked into the future using the Dark Side of the Force. "The Grand Plan had to be changed some. But the results will be the same. I have foreseen it."
 
"And what of the army that you intended to create?" Amedda asked.
 
"Master Syfo Dyas was easily persuaded to go off on his own," Sidious smirked. "His creation shall still serve its intended purpose."
 
"And what of Count Dooku?"
 
"He will still fall to the Dark Side," Sidious faced the window. "It is only a matter of time. And then he will seek me out, eager to learn how to master his newfound powers."
 
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"You have a mission for us?" Obi-Wan asked the Council.
 
"The Banking Clans and Mandalorians are currently having issues," Master Windu explains. "Duchess Satine Kryze has requested a Jedi presence to ensure that the negotiations go as planned."
 
"I am unsure that I am the right Jedi for this," Obi-Wan says after a moment of silence. "Given my past experiences, I may not be an objective and impartial representative."
"Your past experiences are why you were chosen for this," Windu replied. "We believe you and your Padawan will be necessary for the mission."
 
"Will of the Force, it is," Yoda speaks up. "Go, you must."
 
"Very well," Obi-Wan bows. "We will depart tomorrow."
 
"What experience do you have?" Anakin asked once they had left the Council chambers.
 
"I'd rather not speak of it unless it becomes relevant to our mission," Obi-Wan frowns. "Now, we must speak to your teachers and inform them you will be completing the rest of the year's coursework remotely."
 
"Why?" Anakin asked. "I thought being on a mission meant we didn't have to do the work."
 
"Would you rather do the coursework while we are on a mission, or spend months having to do extra work to catch up when we get back?" Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. "The choice is yours."
 
Anakin groaned and started stomping through the halls toward his Astrogation class.
 
"I need to meditate," Obi-Wan sighed. "This mission is going to end in disaster, I can feel it."
 
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"Master," Ferus Olin looked at Siri. "Is there a reason we're heading into the Outer Rim? It was my understanding that we were to return to the temple."
 
"That was before we were requested to aid Serenno," Siri said as she entered the new hyperspace coordinates. "The galaxy stands on the precipice. And we may be what brings it back."
 
"Isn't Serenno ruled by one of the Lost Twenty?" Ferus asked, blowing a stray hair out of his eyes.
 
"Yan Dooku is a wise man, one that served the Order well," Siri explained, her blond hair shifting as she looked at the teenager. "It is believed that we will be the best fit for the task. The alternative was that Obi-Wan and his padawan were sent."
 
"Skywalker?" Ferus scoffed. "We both know that his need to "improvise" has led more than one of our missions to near disaster."
 
"I am aware of your issues with Padawan Skywalker," Siri replied. "And I even understand them to some extent, but Obi-Wan had a rough start to his apprenticeship as well. Yet here he is, an exemplary Jedi Knight."
 
"I understand that there will be other padawans that start shaky," Ferus sighs. "But Anakin is not just on shaky ground. He's building a foundation on emotions that fly all over the place. He has no control."
 
"Maturity will come with age," Siri laughs. "Give it time. I think you'll find that things will change as you grow older. Now, I believe we should both get some rest and then meditate. We do not know what lies ahead at Serenno and should be prepared."
 
"Yes Master," Ferus moves to the entrance of his cabin and opens the door. "I'll be ready for whatever comes tomorrow."
"This, is not what I expected when I was told they were mercenaries…"
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Chapter 18