As soon as the droids took us to the command room of the ship, we saw Grievous standing just feet away from us. He let out a sinister laugh. "Oh yes. General Kenobi, the Negotiator, and Storm Ca'ana, the Slayer of Stars. We've been waiting for you. That wasn't much of a rescue."
"Just wait and you'll see." I retorted.
Grievous narrowed his eyes at me. "This time you will not escape. Your padawan is not here this time to save you and neither are those batch of clones."
One of the battle droids gave Grievous our lightsabers, which he quickly snatched up. He then glanced over at Jinx and Anakin, letting out a cough. "Ah yes, if isn't Storm's sister, Jinx Ca'ana. And Anakin Skywalker...I was expecting someone with your reputation to be a little older."
"General Grievous, you're shorter than I expected." Anakin shot back.
"Jedi scum!" Grievous spat before turning away from us.
"We have a job to do, Anakin. Try not to upset him." Obi-Wan advised.
"Your lightsabers will make a fine addition to my collection." Grievous informed us.
"Not this time, Grievous." I retorted.
"And this time you won't escape." Obi-Wan warned.
"R2." Anakin said.
R2 quickly extended out all his arms, shooting out electrical pulses. Obi-Wan, Anakin, Jinx, and I used the Force, grabbing our lightsabers from Grievous. Once we had our lightsabers, we cut the stun-cuffs off of our wrists.
"Crush them! Make them suffer!" Grievous exclaimed.
Several Magna-guards rushed towards us. Anakin, Jinx, Obi-Wan, and I swung our lightsabers, fighting off the Magna-guards. I dodged the electrostaff of the Magna-guard I was fighting, missing the electric sting of the weapon by centimeters. I whipped around, slicing the arm holding the electrostaff. I then swung again, decapitating the droid. Once all the Magna-guards, were taken care of, we destroyed all the battle droids in charge of the controls in the room. We then cornered Grievous, who was clutching an electrostaff in one of his hands.
"You lose, General Kenobi, General Ca'ana." Grievous said.
At that moment, Grievous threw his electrostaff at the window, causing it to break. He then flew out into space, while the rest of us held onto the controls for dear life. Fortunately, there was an emergency door that closed the window. Jinx then glanced over at one of the screens. "All the escape pods have been launched."
"Grievous..." I stated.
"Can you fly a cruiser like this?" Obi-Wan asked, turning to face Anakin and me.
Anakin then sat in the pilot's chair, while I sat down in the co-pilot's seat. Palpatine, Jinx, and Obi-Wan sat behind us alongside R2 as the ship violently shook.
"Under the circumstances, I'd say the ability to pilot this thing is irrelevant." Anakin replied.
"If I were you, I would strap yourselves in. This is going to be anything but smooth." I warned.
Once everyone was strapped in, Anakin and I began to play around the controls, trying to familiarize ourselves with the ship's controls. As we hastily moved things around, Anakin spoke up. "Open all hatches, extend all flaps, and drag fins."
I nodded. "You got it."
As I opened all the hatches, extended the flaps and drag fins, a huge chunk of the ship broke off from us. We all exchanged looks of horror. R2 let out several beeps, sounding very worried. I grimaced. "We might've lost something..."
Jinx scoffed. "No kidding."
"Not to worry, we're still flying half the ship." Obi-Wan assured us.
As we made our way towards Coruscant, we managed to pick up speed. The half of the ship that Anakin and I were flying was engulfed in flames.
"Now we're really picking up speed." Anakin mentioned.
As soon as we entered the atmosphere of Coruscant, I glanced over at one of the screens by my side. "Eight plus sixty...we're finally in the atmosphere."
Anakin pointed over to one of the controls. "Grab that. Keep us level."
At once, I grabbed the control, doing the best I could to keep the ship level as we made our way closer towards the ground.
"Steady. Steady." Obi-Wan urged.
R2 let out several high pitch beeps, sounding very anxious. Anakin immediately responded. "Easy, R2."
"Five thousand...Five fireships on the left and the right." I stated as I looked at one of the computer screens.
One of the fireship pilot's voice then came in through the communications. "We'll take you in."
"Copy that." I acknowledged.
"Landing strip's straight ahead." Obi-Wan mentioned.
As we approached the landing strip, the fireships did their best to try to put out the fire that the ship had. But they could only do so much. I grimaced. "We're coming in too hot."
Once we landed, we violently hit the landing strip. R2 let out a squeal as the ship continued making its way across the landing strip. We held on for dear life until the ship finally stopped. We all exchanged looks of relief. We did it! We made it out in one piece.
"Another happy landing." Obi-Wan stated.
Once we got off of the ship, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Palpatine, Jinx, R2, and I took a shuttle to the Senate Building. When we arrived, we saw several senators such as Bail, Lorea, Jeren, Orlamax, mom, Riyo, and many others. I also saw Master Windu amongst the senators. I walked out along with R2, Palpatine, Anakin, and Jinx, but Obi-Wan remained inside.
"Are you coming, Obi-Wan?" I questioned.
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Oh no. I'm not brave enough for politics. I have to report to the Council. Besides, someone needs to be the poster boy and in this case poster girls as well."
"Hold on, this whole operation was your idea." Anakin protested.
"Let us not forget, Anakin, that you along with Storm rescued me from the buzz droids. And you killed Count Dooku." Obi-Wan pointed out. "And you along with Jinx and Storm rescued the Chancellor, carrying me unconscious on your back."
"All because of your training, Master." Anakin stated.
"Anakin, let's be fair. Today, you three are the heroes and you deserve your glorious day with the politicians." Obi-Wan insisted.
"All right. But you owe me and not for saving your skin for the tenth time." Anakin reminded him.
"Ninth time...that business on Cato Nemoidia doesn't count." Obi-Wan corrected.
I chuckled. "Of course it didn't...Why am I not surprised?"
Obi-Wan gave us a smile. "I'll see you at the briefing."
With that, the shuttle took off, returning to the Jedi Temple. Mom, Bail, Riyo, Lorea, Jeren, and Orlamax approached us with smiles. I returned their smiles as I rushed towards them, giving mom, Riyo, and my cousins hugs. Once we pulled away from the hugs, I gave Bail a bow.
"Senator Organa." I greeted.
"Generals Ca'ana." Bail greeted back.
I then noticed that Jinx didn't hug mom or any of our cousins, instead she gave them a small bow and a smile. I noticed Mom's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly fixed her composure, turning back to me. "It's good to see you both all right."
"It's good to be back." I replied.
With that, we began to walk into the Senate Building. Anakin glanced over at R2, making sure he was nearby. "Come along, R2."
"The Republic cannot praise you enough." Bail mentioned.
Anakin gave him a small bow with his head. "Thank you, Senator Organa."
"Hopefully this brings us closer to ending the war." Lorea commented.
Anakin nodded. "It definitely is. But the fighting will continue until General Grievous is spare parts."
"Well, I will do everything I can in the Senate." Bail assured us.
"As will I." Mom added.
"So will we." Orlamax, Jeren, and Lorea said in unison.
I noticed Anakin glance at something behind us. He then turned back to face us. "Excuse me."
I then watched as Anakin walked off, heading towards Padmé, who hid behind a pillar. I wore a small smile before I followed the others, walking off. After spending some time with Riyo, my mom, and cousins, I made my way to my apartment, where Echo and Sirius were. As soon as they saw me, both Echo and Sirius rushed over towards me. My smile widened.
"Hello darling, hey Sirius." I greeted, giving Echo a kiss, and Sirius a pat on the head.
"I'm so glad you're all right, sweetheart." Echo mentioned.
"Yeah, I'm fine. But not T3...he didn't make it." I informed him, tears forming in my silver eyes.
Echo's face fell at my words. "Oh Storm, I'm so sorry. I know how much he meant to you. Is there anything I can do?"
"Just hold me." I replied.
At my words, Echo wrapped his arms around me, pulling me in for a hug. I remained in his embrace for a while, feeling safe and at home.
•••
The next day, we had the briefing in the communication center. Everyone including O-Mer, Maya, Kina, and several others were here, but there was no sign of Anakin or Jinx anywhere. After the briefing was over, I turned off the holotable and all holograms. It was just Obi-Wan and me in the room. That's when Anakin rushed inside.
"You missed the report on the Outer Rim sieges." Obi-Wan mentioned.
Anakin wore a sheepish look. "I'm sorry, I was held up. I have no excuse."
"In short, they are going very well. Saleucami has fallen, and Master Vos has moved his troops to Boz Pity aiding the troops of Nova and Vinor." Obi-Wan explained.
"What's wrong then?" Anakin questioned.
"The Senate is expected to vote more executive powers to the Chancellor today." I informed him.
"Well, that can only mean less deliberating and more action. Is that bad? It will make it easier for us to end this war." Anakin pointed out.
"Be careful of your friend Palpatine." Obi-Wan warned.
Anakin furrowed his brows. "Be careful of what?"
"He has requested your presence along with Storm's." Obi-Wan mentioned.
"What for?" Anakin inquired.
"He would not say." Obi-Wan replied.
"He didn't inform the Jedi Council? That's unusual, isn't it?" Anakin stated.
"All of this is unusual, and it's making me feel uneasy." Obi-Wan confessed.
"Well we can't keep the Chancellor waiting. Come on, Storm." Anakin urged.
With that, Anakin and I went to the Senate Building, making our way into the Palpatine's office. Once we were inside Palpatine's office, Palpatine's eyes lit up, giving us a smile. "Ah Anakin, Storm, just the two Jedi I wanted to see. This afternoon the Senate is going to call upon me to take direct control of the Jedi Council."
My stomach dropped. What? Direct control of the Jedi Council? He wouldn't...would he?
"The Senate is too unfocused to conduct a war. This will bring a quick end to things." Palpatine mentioned.
Anakin nodded. "I agree."
"But the Council definitely won't." I protested.
Palpatine clenched his jaw at my words. "There are times when we must all endure adjustments to the Constitution in the name of security."
I clenched my fists at his words. "With all due respect, sir, the Council is no mood for no more Constitutional amendments."
Palpatine forced a smile before climbing out of his seat. "Thank you, my friend. But in this case, I have no choice. This war must be won."
"Everyone will agree on that." Anakin stated.
"Anakin, Storm, I've known you both since you were small children. I've advised you over the years, when I could. You both have fought many battles that the Jedi Council thought lost. And you've both saved my life. It's upsetting to me to see the Council doesn't seem to fully appreciate your talents. Don't you wonder why you've been kept off the Council?" Palpatine questioned.
My stomach churned at his words. I hesitated. "...There must be a good reason. Our time will come."
"Storm's right. When we are older, and I suppose wiser." Anakin chimed in.
Palpatine chuckled. "Age is not a good measure of ability. I think they see something in the both of you. They fear you. They see your future, and they know your power will be too strong for them to control. They see you as a threat to their power."
That can't be...They couldn't possibly fear us. To my surprise, Anakin agreed. "I've sensed that."
"I hope you both trust me." Palpatine said.
Anakin nodded. "Of course."
I grimaced, but Palpatine gave me a warning look, forcing me not to say a word of what I knew. I reluctantly nodded. "Yes, Chancellor."
Palpatine wore a satisfied smile as he continued. "I need your help, my children."
"What do you mean?" Anakin questioned.
"I'm depending on the both of you." Palpatine said, still being vague.
I furrowed my brows. "For what?"
"I don't understand." Anakin mentioned.
"To be the eyes, ears, and voice of the Republic. Anakin, Storm, I'm appointing you both to be my personal representatives on the Jedi Council." Palpatine explained.
I was baffled at his words. A small smile grew on my face. "Me? Anakin? Masters?"
A grin appeared on Palpatine's face. "I believe it's time you both get what you deserve. You two have earned this."
My stomach churned. Did we? I wasn't going to lie, I wanted to become a Jedi Master, but was this the way?
"I am overwhelmed, sir, but the Council elects its own members." Anakin mentioned.
"Anakin's right. They will never accept this." I argued.
"I think they will, Storm. They need you more than you know." Palpatine informed us, placing his hands on our shoulders.
After Anakin and I finished our discussion with Palpatine, Anakin and I returned to the Jedi Temple, making our way to the Jedi Council chambers. Once we were inside, Anakin and I immediately informed the Council of what Palpatine told us. And they didn't take it very well. I noticed the grim faces on nearly all their faces.
"Anakin Skywalker, Storm Ca'ana, we have approved your appointment to the Council as the Chancellor's personal representatives." Master Windu announced.
"Storm and I will do our best to uphold the principles of the Jedi Order." Anakin assured him.
"Allow this appointment lightly, the Council does not. Disturbing is this move by Chancellor Palpatine." Master Yoda mentioned.
I nodded. "We understand, Master Yoda."
"You are on this Council, but we do not grant you the rank of Master." Master Windu informed us.
I was baffled upon hearing his words. How could we not be granted the rank of Master? I let out a sigh, controlling my emotions. I knew this would happen...I nodded. "I understand, Masters."
"No, how can you do this? This is outrageous, it's unfair. How can you be on the Council and not be a Master?" Anakin protested.
"Take a seat, young Skywalker and Ca'ana." Master Windu advised, giving him a warning look.
"Forgive me, Master." Anakin said as he bowed.
We then wasted no time sitting down in the empty seats. I glanced over at Obi-Wan, who was looking at Anakin as he shook his head. I grimaced. Master Windu then spoke up. "However, Storm has proved that her loyalties lie with the Jedi Order. And despite all the odds, especially after being brainwashed, she continued to serve the Order."
"Taken into consideration of Storm becoming a Jedi Master, we have." Master Yoda informed me.
"As well as knighting Areria, your padawan." Master Allie chimed in.
"But we are still discussing that matter." Master Tiin mentioned.
I noticed Anakin's jaw tightened. I forced a smile, feeling slightly uncomfortable in the position I was placed in. I gave them a small bow with my head. "Thank you, Masters. Whatever your decision will be, I shall respect it."
"We have surveyed all systems in the Republic, and have found no sign of General Grievous." Kina informed us, changing the subject.
"Hiding in the Outer Rim, Grievous is. The outlying systems, you must sweep." Master Yoda ordered.
"We do not have many ships to spare." Obi-Wan mentioned.
"What about the droid attack on the Wookiees?" Master Mundi asked.
"It is critical we send an attack group there, immediately." Master Windu urged.
"He's right, that is a system we cannot afford to lose." Obi-Wan agreed.
"It is settled then. Yoda will take a battalion of clones to reinforce the Wookiees on Kashyyyk. May the Force be with us all." Master Windu commented.
Once the meeting was done, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and I walked through one of the hallways as we listened to Anakin rant on. I knew better than to complain. I still couldn't believe the Jedi Council was taking into consideration of me becoming a Jedi Master.
"What kind of nonsense is this, they put me on the Council and not make me a Master? That's never been done in the history of the Jedi. It's insulting!" Anakin exclaimed.
"Calm down, Anakin. You and Storm have been given a great honor. To be on the Council at your age. It's never happened before. Listen to me, the both of you. The fact of the matter is you're too close to the Chancellor. The Council doesn't like it when he interferes in Jedi affairs." Obi-Wan reminded us.
"I swear to you, I didn't ask to be put on the Council." Anakin protested.
"Neither did I, Obi-Wan." I assured him.
"But it's what you wanted. Your friendship with Chancellor Palpatine seems to have paid off." Obi-Wan stated.
"That has nothing to do with this." Anakin shot back.
"Anakin, Storm, the only reason the Council has approved your appointment is because the Chancellor trusts you." Obi-Wan informed us.
Anakin raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"Anakin, Storm, I am on your side. I didn't want to see you put in this situation." Obi-Wan mentioned.
I furrowed my brows. "What situation?"
Obi-Wan lowered his gaze for a few moments. He then hesitated before looking back up at us. "The Council wants you to report on all of the Chancellor's dealings. They want to know what he's up to."