Brotherhood

Chapter 65 - The Brink

Author's Note: Okay, so, I have some things to say on this chapter, because of some of the reviews I've gotten.

First of all, there's nothing unrealistic about Anakin/Vader deciding to stay with Sidious. In canon, Vader stayed with Sidious, and he was treated far worse than Anakin has been in this fic. Second of all, you can't forget that Sidious has promised Anakin the chance to bring his mother back to life. Is he telling the truth? Maybe. Maybe not. But Anakin believes that he is. He wants to believe that he is. And the way Sidious has been treating him since he joined him? That's... much more like how he's wanted Sidious to behave. Not outright cruel to him. Protective. Possessive. It makes him feel safe, I guess, and he wants it to be real, even if he doesn't trust that it is. He's confused about a lot of things, and his desire to get his mother back is really pushing him to stay in a situation that is very... abusive for him. Also, remember: people who are being abused don't always just walk away, even if they know it's wrong. There's a comfort to familiar situations/people, even awful ones.

If I'm already getting comments questioning Anakin's choice to remain with Sidious, well, it makes me wonder how y'all are gonna react to what I have planned. Lol. Probably, I'm going to get a lot of hate. Oh well. I have no regrets. xD

~ Amina Gila

The only reason Ahsoka is staying, the only reason she hasn't taken off on her own to find Anakin, is that she recognizes the greater threat that Sidious poses. She cannot pretend to understand Anakin's reasoning – unless he was tortured into compliance, of course – but she does know that Dooku needs her here. As angry as she may be with him, he is still fighting against Sidious, and they need all the allies they can get.

After her and Obi-Wan's confrontation with Dooku a week ago, she hasn't seen the Count since – she has maybe been avoiding him, not that it's been hard. But she has no choice when he summons her directly. She arrives at his office along with Obi-Wan, Siri, and Asajj, the latter of whom just got back from her mission to Kamino a couple days ago.

Dooku's expression is strained, grave.

"There have been more developments," he informs them, activating a holoprojector. Five faces and names appear, and Ahsoka looks at them, frowning. "These were CIS Senators," he explains, "And they were among those who I consider supporters and allies. In the past two days, all five of them have been assassinated."

A shocked silence fills the room as the implications sink in. "Sidious," Obi-Wan states grimly.

"Indeed. I have complied a list of those who may be potential targets next, and I will assign each of you to protect one of them. I know this is probably not what you were expecting – or even wanting –" He pointedly looks at Siri here, "But this is, nevertheless, important. If I lose too many supporters in the Senate, Sidious will have a chance to oust me from my position. If that happens... we lose."

"Not all CIS Senators are corrupt or evil," Siri says bluntly. "I have no issues with the mission."

"Good," Dooku replies. "I feel that Sidious may be planning something, and I am moving pieces into place to set up a trap for Anakin." Here, he looks to Obi-Wan. "If – if it seems to be working out, I'll let you know."

Though Obi-Wan's expression betrays nothing, Ahsoka gets the feeling that he might not believe Dooku. She doesn't either, really.

"Who will I be protecting?" Ahsoka asks, hoping to get her assignment so she can leave. She needs more time to sort out her head, time that she may not get.

"Someone you know," the Count tells her. "Senator Lux Bonteri of Onderon."

To say she's surprised would be an understatement. The last time she saw him was after his mother was assassinated some months ago. But she knows him, so at least it won't be awkward.