STAR WARS JEDI: THE DARK TIMES

Act 1. Before the Purge. Chapter 1. The Mission

(Note: This Fanfic Begins Just Before Anakin Got Involved in the Palpatine Investigation.)

STAR WARS

JEDI: THE DARK TIMES

Just a few short weeks before the Battle of Coruscant, a young Jedi Knight by the name of Clodd has been assigned to investigate Chancellor Palpatine for possible corruption.

Just two weeks into his new assignment, the young Jedi has been offered a means to attain the Chancellor's trust, which he then proceeds to inform the Jedi Council.

Meanwhile... Another young Jedi, known as Padawan Bakkou, has just recently been assigned to the frontlines in order to fend off Separatist Droid Forces in a remote region of the galaxy.

   In a burnt forested area, a group of Separatist Droids including two B1 Series and one B2 Series find themselves running away in fear, as a blonde spike-haired individual with pale skin follows them closely. With a flick of his hand, the individual throws a purple lightsaber at one of the B1 droids; slicing off it's head.

   After force-pulling the lightsaber back into his grip, the Force Wielder uses his other hand to force pick up the second B1 droid before breaking it against one of the surrounding trees. Finally, the Jedi uses Force Crush to destroy the B2 Series.

   As the Young Jedi takes a moment to breathe, two Clone Troopers and an R3 Unit can be seen moving up from behind him. One of the two Clones says "Nice work, General Bakkou. You really tore those clankers a new one."

   "Of course I did," says Bakkou with a cold tone of voice. "Most Combat Droids are nothing compared to me. Frankly..." The Jedi turns around with his dark brown eyes glaring back at the two Clones. "...I think you two should've learned this by now." Padawan Bakkou turns back around and starts walking again. "We should get going. Destination is just up ahead." The R3 Unit beeps in concurrence.

   As they all start moving, the second Clone Trooper comments "Gotta hand it to you, kid. Frontline warfare suits you well."

   "Now you see why I've been clamoring for this type of position for so long," says Bakkou.

   "Not unlike your old friend, Clodd. Am I right? Became a full-fledged Knight, didn't he? I think you wanted that promotion too if I remember correctly." As the second Clone says this, the first Clone immediately shushes him while seemingly nervous.

   Bakkou immediately stops and says "Hold a moment...What did you just say to me?"

   As the R3 Unit beeps hintingly, the first Clone shakes his head and replies "N-Nothing, Sir. Nothing at all, Sir."

   "Good." The Jedi continues walking.

----------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile...On Coruscant...

   A young lad with partially spiked black hair, blue eyes, and pale skin stands before the Jedi Council with his master right beside him. Council Member Mace Windu asks the young lad "Have you anything else to offer the Council, Clodd?"

   "Nothing Concrete," says Clodd while shaking his head. "Though I will say that the time I spent in the Chancellor's vicinity was rather unnerving. Not really sure how to explain it myself, Councilor."

   "Bad feelings are evidence in and of themselves, Clodd. I'm sure Master Cann has told you as much."

   "Indeed," says Master Cann. He then turns toward Clodd. "It is entirely possible that the Chancellor may be sending you into a trap, my nephew. Assuming that turns out to be the case, you'll need some additional help to get you out of trouble. I should go with you."

   "With all due respect, Master Cann," says Kenobi via hologram. "Your familial ties with Clodd could jeopardize the mission. Either one of you could be left vulnerable to emotional turbulence."

   Master Cann puts his hand out. "You have nothing to fear, Master Kenobi. Our emotions will remain in balance throughout this mission."

   "Very well," says Clodd. "But if something does happen to me, whether it's the Chancellor's doing or someone else's, the Council will need to find somebody else to continue the investigation. In that case, our only viable option is Anakin Skywalker."

   "Precisely."

   "Discuss that later we will," says Yoda. "Take care you should, young Jedi."

----------------------------------------------------------

Outside the Council Chamber...

   Jedi Master Cann walks with his nephew, Clodd. He says to the boy "You seem troubled, my nephew. Speak your mind. You have my permission."

   "Forgive me, Master," says Clodd while nodding his head. "I am only concerned about the way this investigation has been handled thus far. I understand Master Skywalker has history with the Chancellor, but at the same time I wish there was some other way that he didn't need to be left out of the loop." He crosses his arms. "I hate lying to people."

   "It was a difficult decision, my nephew, but the Council saw no other alternative. This mission is far too important. Too many lives are at stake. A single foul could cost us everything."

   "I know that, uncle, but I'm just saying...I wish there was some other way."

   Master Cann nods at his nephew with a sincere look. "I understand, Clodd. More than you know. Now come. We must get going."

----------------------------------------------------------

   As the two Jedi enter their shuttle, they are greeted by another R3 Unit who appears very happy to be joining Clodd and his Uncle. "Take it easy there, R3," says the boy. "Our current mission isn't gonna be the same as what we're used to."

   R3 beeps questioningly to which Clodd responds "Uh...this is top level clearance, R3. We're not gonna be heading into a closed off area this time. In fact...and I don't mean to scare you, but for all we know this might actually be a one-way trip for us."

   R3 then beeps worriedly. "It's a scary situation, R3," says Clodd. "I know that, but we need to be brave this time. Alright?"