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Star Wars Episode III: Broken Forces — Page 2

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Hello, I am new to the forum. Is there any news about when he will return to put updates of Broken Forces? Or is it that he has abandoned the project?

I’m sorry to ask this in the topic, but I sent him a private message last week and even though he logged in to look at it, I guess, he did not answer me.

Thanks.

Author
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Hello and Welcome Danttius. I sent you a private message, with the message that he sent me in October that answers your question.

But in summary: No, he has not abandoned the rewrites, He has taken a break, because other non-SW projects have slowed his progress. But he is already recovering his desire to write and he will be back soon.

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 (Edited)

Cut to the planet of Mandalore where the full scope of the Coalition homeworld is finally witnessed. Its a bizarre setting, halfway to a hellscape with a mismatch of vast building designs on top of a landscape just as varied in its elevation and features. Not unlike its people, the structures almost seemed stitched together, with only strong structural integrity being the common feature among all of them. Numerous Mandalorian ships and weapon cannons are worked on all over as the planet is clearly prepping for the invasion to come.

The camera moves to a surprisingly modest structure where a high ranking Mandalorian officer walks through the halls. She passes by a number of other troopers commanding their own units, all silently acknowledging her presence whe moves past. What clone soldiers are seen appear of a lesser sort those previously seen, some sporting clear injuries and seemingly physically less strong than those in the previously. The officer’s brief reaction to the clones demonstrates she’s readily familiar with the kind of stock they’ve been left with.

She soon somes upon the room at the end of the hall and enters. Inside the room lies a vast three dimensional holographic display of the planet, with the key features of its cities and defenses prominently lit up. In profile, standing in the middle of it near a small desk is General Phakerem herself, face unreadable as she examines the image around her. The officer addresses the general and the latter turns around to look at her.

In a sharp contrast to the controlled anger of the first film, and the determined confidence of the second, here a very quiet acceptance dominates the Mandalorian leader’s features. While not wholly defeated, this is a woman who’s already run the scenarios of what’s to come and determined the most likely outcomes for her people. She’s also notably without a sidearm of any sort for the first time in the series. She calmly addresses the other woman as Zoetrope and asks for her report.

Zoetrope tells her that the preparations with most of the ships are still behind schedule, and that the clone chambers still working can’t be modified for any quicker production than what they have. The general nods, and says its what they had both calcuated. The junior officer adds that planetary defenses have been prepped with the planned alterations, most of them never utilized before. Phakerem replies that surprise will be their best asset for the invasion.

After getting the general’s approval for a change in unit placement, Zoetrope begins to leave, before stopping and turning back. Voice wavering only a bit, she addresses Phakerem and explains that she has lead the Coalition brilliantly during the war and that every Trooper have and will follow her orders to the very end. However, there is a subject she feels the need to initiate to the general at this moment.

The other woman voices the query before Zoetrope can even begin to say it. “Why are we staying here to be destroyed?” The junior officer is surprised at the deduction and responds that she felt the question needed to be asked. The general says she knows most of the officers are asking the exact same thing, even if they’d never tell anyone else. “What is the victory to be had when we can just as easily retreat and regroup elsewhere?”

At that Phakerem turns to the nearby desk and picks up the unactiviated gauntlet sitting on the edge, the same one she utilized in the first film against Kenobi. She asks Zoetrope if she’s ever read about what happened to the Mandalorians that weren’t killed or part of the exodus after the first war of the Republic. When the other woman replies no, the general details how the survivors left behind became pariahs and prisoners all over the galaxy.

“Too hated to be trusted, too weak to be an enemy. No new era to be won, no better galaxy to be created. Everything that they were, everything we value… ripped away piece by piece for a something as trivial as a continued survival. And to eventually perish as a bit of dirt underneath the Republic’s feet.” There’s a pause as she stares at gaunlet, seemingly recalling better days in the past.

“We have lost this war,” the general states as plainly as possible. “Part of that is my doing.” She looks at Zoetrope, almost daring her to disagree. When none comes, she continues. “There’s a better universe where I brought all of you to victory,” she says as she drops the gaunlet down on the desk. “But its one far beyond my reach now. All that’s left is what this invasion leaves us as.”

Zoetrope knows the obvious conclusion of this point. “As the fallen.” Phakerem turns into her, a half smile just barely visible on her face. “As Mandalorians. In death as much as we have been life.” She glances up at the planetary defense image around the two of them. “Peace has a price; let the Republic pay for every bit of it.”

Cut to a close up of Carima’s face lit by a mix of colorful offscreen lights. There’s a bit of wistfulness to her as her eyes slowly read/examine what’s ahead of her. She’s so caught up in this sight, she doesn’t immediately react to the shadow sillouette suddenly appearing in the room. Its only when the arm of the shadow knocks on a wall that she turns into look at the source. “What are what are you doing here?”

It is Obi-Wan that answers, saying that he was stopping by to talk to her and Anakin. Nivir begins to get up formally greet him, and Kenobi assures the pregnant woman there’s no need. She tells him that the Vice President wanted Nik for a meeting at the capital building. The news brings a brief confused frown to Ben, but he quickly moves past is and asks how she’s been.

“Inactive, but that’s not for lack of trying.” Carima mentions with smile that given her options at the moment being limited to either a hospital or their homestead, the latter was a bit more tolerable. She gestures towards what she was looking at before and Kenobi sees its a detailed three dimensional image of a large white home in a lush green countryside. “I needed something to keep me sane.” He inquires what it is.

She explains its the home on Alderaan Nik wants them to buy. Ben is a bit surprised by the news and replies that Anakin mentioned the idea in passing but never seemed serious about it. He sits down on a chair nearby and takes in the revelation. She casually mentions other places they’ve been thinking about but Obi-Wan’s focus is now on the room itself where for the first time he notices different mementos of Anakin’s married life, including images of the couple on various planets and stations. An old apprentice uniform on a hook stands out as the only object that suggests a Jedi existence.

Kenobi’s body language reveals a man finally beginning to sense how much Anakin’s life has become less apparent in their friendship. He spots in the corner just above various infant related furniture a small novelty landspeeder, clearly a future child’s toy. She notices his attention on it and smirks. “What can I say, I’m a sucker for reminders of home.”He replies that she and Anakin seem well prepared all things considered.

Carima scoffs and with a small laugh states that for a Jedi his sense of perception could use a little work. “I’m nervous all the time thinking about this kid, but fake it till you make it has worked for me thus far, so why stop now?” She slowly settles down into a chair and sighs. “Look, I do get too worked up, but its the damnedest thing. Whenever I think this whole thing is just going to be a disaster, I remember this look Nik gets when he talks about kids, and how excited he is about them seeing him fly in a fighter for the first time. And, I don’t know, something about that means I know we’ll be alright.”

After a beat, Nivir says enough about her and asks what his next plans are. Ben mentions the next immediate assignments, and she clarifies that she wants to know what he’s doing after the war. He tells her that he’s at the service of where the Republic needs him, only for to interrupt. “Obi-Wan, I’ve heard the stock Jedi line enough times from Anakin to know it means you don’t feel right giving a real answer. Talking to the owner of spice freighters, remember? No righteous judgment here, what do you really want to do?”

There’s a pause, and Kenobi quietly admits that part of him thinks about teaching. He adds that with so many Jedi that fell in the war, much of them Masters, there’s numerous apprentices that will need guidance soon. She asks about Skywalker and with a knowing glance he says that there’s little more Anakin can learn from him given how far he’s come. “He’s the Jedi other Jedi want to hear about."

She comments that one great Knight and one great Master seems like an ideal combination going forward. Ben waves off the latter designation, saying he’s no Master yet, and he doesn’t know if that’s where he’ll most be needed. He states that he trusts in the path of the Force; if his knowledge is to be truly passed on to another apprentice, it’ll will find a way.

The conversation is interrupted by a noise on his comm link. He answers it and Anakin’s voice responds, asking if he’s free. The former says that he is and Skywalker asks if the two can meet a top a particular Coruscant rooftop. Carima and Ben share a brief quizzical look at the choice in location, and the latter agrees, saying he’ll meet him there soon. He stands up while Nivir remains sitting. Kenobi asks her how Anakin’s been.

There’s a small shrug and she mentions the situation with Owen and Beru has been an issue for him, though he hadn’t mentioned anything else since he’s gotten back, which is significant for him. “Take it from someone who lives with him, hesitancy to express an opinion on something has never been a problem for Nik.”

Its a statement that gets a smile out of Obi-Wan and the two hug before he goes. Before he’s out the door, she tells him to keep thinking about teaching; Master Kenobi sounds like someone who can do a lot of good. He offers a small nod of thanks and leaves.

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Wow, I really did not expect it, at least not so fast. If my previous message has forced you to speed things up, I’m sorry. But by not saying anything at the beginning of the update, I have to ask: Is this the end of act 1 or are there still more updates of this act?

Thanks, I regret the inconvenience that I have surely caused and I look forward to the next updates.

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 (Edited)

Welcome back CWBorne. An interesting update: you have introduced Phakerem and Obi-Wan begins to realize how far he has been from Anakin between this film and the previous one.

Thanks and I look forward to the following part.

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An interesting update. In this update you show us more in depth how the friendship between Anakin and Obi-Wan has changed in this episode compared to the previous films.

I know maybe it’s a bit early to ask this, and also because it’s been a while, but: Have you already started working/thinking about the final versions of the previous episodes? Or maybe this will happen when you start making the scripts?

Thanks I look forward to the next update.

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Finally, after so many wait, Episode III continues! I liked it, Carima tells Obi-Wan that Anakin is trying not to disappoint him and he begins to see how far apart they are.

I am very eager to see the next one.

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Finally we will enjoy your updates again. Interesting update. Phakerem is planning to do something during the invasion and Carima informs Obi-Wan of Anakin’s thoughts and fears of not being able to live up to his teacher’s example.

I look forward to see the next one.

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A very interesting update, really. It is very interesting to see how the relationship between Kenobi and Skywalker has changed. They are friends, but it is clear that Kenobi is realizing that they are more distanced than it seems. And Phakerem knows that they have lost the war, but that they will not surrender peacefully (at least for the moment) and that if to end the war and obtain peace the Republic has to lose 100 soldiers, it will be so.

I’m sorry I could not give you feedback before, but I was hoping there was another update to have more content and have something else to comment on.

By the way, I sent you a PM commenting on an issue, do not worry, it’s not bad at all. I’m telling you here because I know that you do not receive notifications to the mail and also in case you have not seen the notification on the web.

Thanks and I look forward to see the next update.

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 (Edited)

Cut to a large Republic war memorial atop a series of short buildings in the area. Vast digital grave markers dot the landscape, each with a series of names. Walking around, Ben spots a figure standing by himself. He makes his way over to him, realizing its Anakin looking at the marker in front of him, listing the dead from a particular battle. Kenobi provides the context, noting its casualties from the battle of Coruscant years before. He asks Nik if he’s been coming here regularly. The younger man shrugs, “Not as much as I should.”

Neither man is sure how to initially break the silence that follows at first. Obi-Wan begins to ask how he is, but Skywalker gently cuts him off, apologizing for his earlier outburst, and he’ll send a formal apology to Organa soon. Kenobi tells him its a good gesture, even if the latter has probably heard worse at most Senate hearings. Anakin has a small grin at that, however the lightness of the moment passes and the awkward silence returns.

Without every directly looking at him, its Nik that surprises Ben with a question; asking how he felt when he was promoted to the rank of general. The older man pauses, and answers that it was significant, but that he was most surprised at how much an honor it felt, given that before the war, he never thought he’d be that high in the ranks of the Republic army.

Skywalker manages a quick grin. “When I became a Captain, the first thought I had was “Better enjoy the enthusiastic salutes now, because all these grunts are gonna hate you soon”.” He adds that he’s sure there were a few that probably did, but they respected the orders and believed him when they needed to most. “It didn’t matter how many more the Republic gave me to lead, once I had that, everything else just fell into place.”

The younger man’s smile turns wistful, internally recalling an earlier, warmer time. Obi-Wan seemingly picks up on this and voices the obvious query and inquires if something’s changed. His mood turns noticeably bemused when asking if he’s lost any authority with them.

Nik’s head snaps towards Obi-Wan’s direction and he immediately says that that’s never changed, only adding that he does have to give a certain motivation from time to time. He explains that there’s something else that he can’t stop thinking about and he’s not sure if things changed recently or that they’ve been like that for a lot time and that he never noticed until now. At Kenobi’s small encouragement, Anakin details the matter specifically.

“There used to be a time Ben when I could look at one of the soldiers underneath me and know exactly what they were afraid of. Most of them were scared of dying, especially when the Coalition was taking everything in sight. There were a few others that I just needed one glance at to figure they’d be the ones who would be shaking when the number of targets got high enough. Afraid to die, afraid to kill, that was most of them.”

Anakin eyes are cast downward now, with all the bits of the yearning are gone, replaced by a quietly disturbed stillness to his face. “There’s something else there now. Before the tours, before missions its like nothing can get to them. As soon as its done though, everything’s… different. They all wish they could go home, I know they do. But so many of them… they’re scared to say it. I can look straight in their eyes, see they don’t want be out there anymore, and yet they can’t tell me that, not even the ones I could probably do without. So they just keep going, day after day.”

Nik rubs his hand over his face and gazes at his old friend. He lets out the thought that has been so deeply gnawing at him. “And I keep telling myself that this’ll be done soon, next operation has to be the last one. But there’s always more, always. These people need to be home Ben… I just don’t know if I can get them there.”

They’re heavy words for Ben to take in, however he does soon come to an response. He tells him he understands Anakin’s stituation. At that Nik is hopeful, taking a deep breath in anticipation of his mentor’s next words.

Ben tells him that the fears within others are difficult things for any of them to face, that their link to the Force, and its ability to conquer that fear is not something easily given to others. “But the trust in that, the kind that you have, doesn’t just stay within you; it connects to those around and brings the same to them. A wise Jedi knows to let Force flow through them. The wisest one shares that faith to others.”

Skywalker’s face is rigid, but his eyes subtly reveal quiet disappointment at that answer and Nik manages a few faux nods of agreement as his old friend finishes. Kenobi says that the younger man’s accomplishments as both a General and a Knight also have greater significance to his soldiers than he himself realizes. “They may not know the title, but they do have a Darth Vader to lead them. And that makes all the difference.”

They’re words that have Anakin quietly agreeing afterward, but its a subdued concurrence on his part, only unnoticed by his mentor because of Nik’s forced display of relief. He thanks Ben for his reassurance, and says he’ll think about what he’s said. Before the conversation can continue, Obi-Wan’s comlink goes off with a message from Bail Organa, telling him of one last necessary briefing before his departure. The former answers that he understands and says he’ll be there soon.

He once again tells Skywalker that he should never doubt his capacity as a leader and that as good as Skywalker has been at war, he knows that he’ll be even better in peace time.

This time, Anakin’s small smile is genuine. “I hope so.”

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Welcome back, CWBorne. A very interesting update, shows more about the relationship of Anakin and Ben and their internal doubts, especially Anakin’s.

As for the speed of progress, as I told you a while ago, this is a hobby and we understand that when you can rest from your work, you want to do it. But, it is true that it would be good to try to find some way to improve the speed, especially if you have the act that you are doing completely figured out. Obviously, then there’s the matter of being happy with the output, but the ideal would be a speed like Act II of Episode II, but maybe/surely that is not possible anymore, so the matter would be to find a middle ground between that and Act III of Episode II which is the method you’re using now, although with worse results as far as time is concerned.

And to finish, you would be so kind to respond to this little doubt that I have:

This update is the result of all this time of break?

With this question, what I want to know is if you have more developed the act II apart from the bases you told me at the time, even to start putting updates, or this update is all the material you have so far.

Probably I have understood correctly what you wanted to say, but it is to not expect more updates in the short term (next weeks/months).

Thanks and I look forward for the next update!

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A very interesting update, shows more the thoughts of Anakin and Obi-Wan. I’m sorry I can’t say anything else, but being a short update there’s not much more to say.

I am very eager to see the next one.

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Very good update, you show us that Obi-Wan does not see what Anakin means by his words and that Anakin does not dare to tell him clearly his thoughts even though he knows that Obi-Wan has not understood him well.

Thanks and I look forward to see act 2.

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An interesting update. You have shown us more in depth the concerns of Anakin and the lack of ability to see them from Obi-Wan.

Thanks I look forward to the next update.

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An interesting update, although unfortunately it is short. You show us more in depth that Obi-Wan is not able to see at all what concerns Anakin and he is not capable/wants to tell him the whole truth.

I look forward to see the next one.

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A very interesting update. It shows more about Anakin and Obi-Wan and the mistakes they both make in their friendship.

And finally Act I is finished. Let’s hope that the updates of Act II will not take long to arrive and we can enjoy more of your work more regularly. 😉

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Very small, but significant update, as the Carima/Kenobi and Skywalker/Kenobi scenes have been rewritten (with the previous posts having been edited to reflect this). I wasn’t satisfied with how overt Anakin’s discontent was being portrayed at this point and it seemed like it was giving too much away of how badly his internal struggle was. As a result Carima now no longer suspects something’s seriously wrong with him, and Skywalker’s confession to Obi-Wan is much more indirect and subtle rather than close to blatant like it was.

As far as future updates, the COVID-19 situation is giving me far more opportunities to write than circumstances have allowed in in some time (in fact I’m currently in the longest period of uninterrupted time off from work I’ve had in years), so hopefully the stalling of the last few months and frustrated rewrites of the most recent sections are that their end and actual progress can start happening again. To all those who still want to read this, I want to apologize for my lack of correspondence/updates and say from the bottom of my heart, your comments and continued interest mean a hell of a lot, and I hope I can make up for my bad habits these past two years soon.

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 (Edited)

Hi, I really like it better this way. I think it is better for the story if Obi-Wan does not realize how bad Anakin is until it is too late, and not that he already knew but did not believe that Anakin was so bad to do the things he will do (fall to the dark side, etc).

I have noticed that in the Carima/Obi-Wan update you have deleted the scene that was before with Phakerem in Mandalore, have you purposely deleted it to put it later? Or by editing the scene, have you deleted it without realizing it?

And you could answer me a question (I’m sorry to ask you so many things lately), but could you tell me/tell us at what point is act 2 right now?

By this I mean, if you have it practically figured out, but maybe you are missing some parts/scenes that you have to think about how to do them or even have to start doing updates, you know that kind of thing.

I ask you this because really except for the basic plot, I really don’t know at what point is act 2. I know I have asked you on some other occasion but you have never really told me and with your answer to know or better to intuit if I/we can expect an update soon, for example in the next few weeks. But who knows, maybe now that you can spend a lot more time on episode III, maybe we have something sooner than expected.

Thanks and I look forward to see the next post.

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 (Edited)

Welcome back, CWBorne. Very good the edits you have made in the scenes, I think like DLoomys that for the story it is better not only for Obi-Wan, but also for the rest that nobody knew how bad Anakin was and that they were totally caught by surprise his betrayal.

Could you answer a question I have:
Do you plan to include Tarkin in Episode III?

Since I think that the second antagonist of Episode IV should have more minutes than a brief appearance in the construction of the Death Star (Lucas’s original Episode III) in the prequels, either helping out on Mandalore’s mission or helping Palpatine/Anakin execute his plan or maybe both.

I know that JHodges already asked you this in Episode II, but maybe now that you possibly have more figured out Episode III, you already know if you are going to include it or not.

And as for future updates (waiting for what you respond to DLoomys), try to make the most of these circumstances and advance as much as you can and try to finish Act 2 as soon as possible. Since this Episode really needs a “shot” of important progress. So you understand me: go from having a 20-25% of the Episode to having a 60% “from overnight”, to put it in some way.

Thanks and I look forward for the next update!

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Interesting edits, although unfortunately it is no update from act 2. The scenes are better this way, it shows that Anakin has not been able to tell anyone his doubts, not even his wife.

I look forward to see the next one.

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Some very interesting revisions, I agree with the previous comments that it is better for history in this way. I regret not being able to say anything else, because it is only a two-scene revision.

I am very eager to see the beginning of act 2.

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A very interesting editions. In this new version, Anakin is not so open with his internal struggles and he has not told anyone.

Thanks and I look forward to the following part.

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An interesting edits. In this new version, you show us that neither Obi-Wan nor Carima are aware of what is happening to Anakin.

Thanks I look forward to the next update.

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To answer some various questions, about 75% of the story beats of Act 2 have been figured out, its just a matter of getting the specific plot points detailed and the dialogue right (the latter of which I’m admittedly too much of a perfectionist about).

Kenobi will encounter Tarkin it as part of his mission as the tension and subtle distrust Ben has of him is something I’m trying to nail as best I can. The latter needs to have sense of deception to him and its a balance of having Obi-Wan sense something’s off without knowing exactly what it is. They’re two intelligent characters, and the key element is making sure neither one quite tips their hand about their suspicions.

Act II is also tricky at points as I want to have some select exciting moments for the audience even though the Kenobi story is a slow build to the invasion of the Mandalorian homeworld, and Darelda looking into the Coalition infiltration is essentially an investigative thriller. Neither one really lends itself to big action set pieces, but the story could use them to remind the audience of the stakes.

To Dloomys, I’ve restored that Phakerem scene as I didn’t mean to delete when I was re-editing.

Thanks again everybody for the feedback.

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Back for another update, as we finally get a bit of an action scene followed by some character stuff. I know two months is hardly fast, but given my previous long gaps in posts, I hope its a sign of quicker things to come. Thanks again for the feedback and your continued interest in the story. And now, Act 2 of Broken Forces kicks off:


Cut to the green sky planet from the opening scene, were much of the remaining Republic encampment is gone or is in the midst of being taken apart. Various smaller black and spherical construction droids hover around, disassembling structures and transporting the walls and ceilings of the outpost buildings.

As the sun sets, the same humanoid Jedi from before walks along what’s left of the small camp. She speaks into her communicator, confirming her plan to stay one last night before departing with the rest of her troops tomorrow. The voice on the other doesn’t see the need, but she replies that its orders directly from the commander himself, and that she can’t begrudge the higher ups trying to cover their bases.

Once the conversation’s over she starts heading towards her bunk area only to suddenly stop in her tracks. She takes in a deep breath and looks around, sensing something’s off. She slowly inches her way towards the corner of one of remaining buildings. After readying herself she slowly peeks around, expecting to see something, only to spot nothing. Calmer, but still alert she turns back around, only to come face to face with one of the hovering construction droids.

Initially confused, she asks what it wants, with the machine saying it requires information about the deconstruction plan. She replies that all the relevant data’s been uploaded and that it can contact the engineering core if necessary. It again states that it needs specific information about the project and to come with it to the area for clarification. She’s unconvinced and states if its that critical to tell her what the issue is now. The droid lets out a string of complicated technical jargon to explain the need for her to travel with it. She seemingly does not sense the small hovering object behind her readying a blast.

Quickly enough however she pulls out her lightsaber and deflects it it back at it, destroying the machine’s attempt at an attack. The original droid attempts an attack of its own but only manages to blast her communicator before she cuts the bot in two. With digital communication no longer an option she starts to run, soon yelling out to anyone who can here that she was attacked, only for her to quickly be confronted by a contingent of construction droids, all facing her and armed with weapons beyond just simple tools.

She feints readying her lightsaber for combat only to in fact use the Force to throw various nearby small supply crates at the machines, damaging a few. Distraction achieved she runs off, heading between the standing constructions as the remaining droids stalk after her. After getting some distance, she stops at a delivery skiff, quickly cutting it into smaller pieces. With clear strain on her face she hurls each one into separate directions as the different groups of droids check the source of noise when they land. She deactivates her lightsamber and runs off in the opposite angle away from them.

Soon enough she sees an emptied one story building and leaps through an opened window. Panting hard on the ground, she rolls over and tries to collect herself, listening to see if she’s been followed. After a beat, she crawls over to the wall and pulls out a necklace from under her shirt; staring at it. Its an old Jedi symbol attached to a simple chain. The subtle reverence she has when looking at tells far more than words can.

The silence doesn’t last however as she faintly hears a buzz not too far away, and as she raises her head, she spots the would be mob of droids surrounding the building. There’s no way out now. For a moment, the reality of the situation hits her, but she calms herself, gripping her necklace one last time before letting out only one whispered sentence. “Be well Mistress Nellith”. She activates her lightsaber and jumps through the nearby window. Weapon readied the last thing scene is her charging at the multitude of enemies.

Cut to a large windowed hall on Coruscant at night where Carima sits and looks over the cityscape. A nearby skyscraper projects a gigantic three dimensional holographic program, at the moment displaying a stream of news reports about the war. Someone walks up to her and asks if the nearby seat’s taken. Nivir looks up and is delightfully surprised to see Darelda. Before she can initiate a hug, Organa tells her to not get up, and sits down so they can casually embrace.

The Senator says she was surprised that Carima isn’t resting back at her place, and the latter responds that she’s stayed cooped up in there long enough and that she needed to get out. Darelda is slightly impressed and can’t believe she convinced Anakin and asks where he is. Nivir tells her that he said he was on his way. “No doubt to lecture my ear off about overexerting myself and dazzling me with all the facts about pregnancy he’s commuted to memory.” Darelda says there is a matter with both of them she wanted to discuss.

The other woman is intrigued at that, however Organa first wants to again offer her congratulations and best wishes about the baby. Before she can continue, she notices reports about the war across the street on the screen and adds that it’ll be a child lucky enough to grow up when the war is just history to them, not the news. Nivir agrees with the sentiment with a small smile. “Answering endless questions and telling war stories about their dad, that’s gonna be something.”

Now curious, Carima inquires if Darelda’s thought about having any kids herself and the Senator admits her mixed feelings on the matter. Her and Bail always had to put their duties first before anything else. Now that those are almost finished, they don’t know if its too late or how they would even take to being parents. Nivir places her hand on hers and notes that any woman who worked that hard for so little thanks to help both Alderaan and the Republic would be a hell of a mother. Organa appreciates the warm words and thanks her. Carima can’t help but smirk.

“Plus I’m pretty sure there’s a babysitting subroutine I can put in 81’s programming somewhere.”

Both women chuckle at that and that’s the sight Anakin comes across when he finally arrives. He shakes the Senator hand and sits down next to Carima. Darelda asks him if he’s felt anything off in the room. He’s a bit surprised by the question but after a moment answers that he senses no threat or danger as far as he can tell. After subtly scanning the large room herself and seeing it largely deserted except for the three of them she concludes that its safe.

In a low voice she describes the fears of possible Mandalorian infiltration high up in the Republic to the two of them and mentions that she’s launching a secret investigation into the matter herself. Nivir is noticeably shaken by the news, while Nik can only nod, agreeing that given the attack at the President’s speech, its an idea that does make sense. As she goes on, images of both Llaland and Palpatine appear on the news, unnoticed by the three of them. Darelda adds that she’ll need get information quickly as the closer the invasion of Mandalore happens, the higher the chances of another attack.

He asks if she wants any of his intel and she responds its his direct help she wants in the investigation. Skywalker has no response as at first and Carima looks him, unsure of how he’ll answer. While he still thinks of how to respond Darelda states that there’s very virtually no one she can completely trust with this. Moreover with Kenobi as part of the invasion plans, Anakin is the one officer whom she knows is both uncompromised and capable of sensing the kind of hidden threat involved, especially if there are more cloned Jedi involved.

The senator looks at the other woman and adds that given the potential risk to anyone involved, she wasn’t going to ask him to do it without letting Carima know about the dangers as well and she’ll understand if he can’t accept. There’s an uncomfortable silence as both women wait to see what he’ll say. After no expression for several seconds, he eventually he nods and says he’ll do it. Nivir immediately objects and says Nik can’t put his on the life on the line again.”

For the first time in the film, he takes a commanding tone with Carima, saying if all this is true then all their lives are on the line and that anyone can be a target, them included. His eyes turn ever so briefly cold when he speaks about not letting the Coalition win here when the Republic’s so close to victory. “We root this out now, who knows how many people will be saved.”

Organa asks that he’s sure about doing this and he confirms, stating with a deep frown that his only condition is that Carima gets the best and most secure transportation to another Republic base as soon as possible. That’s a bridge too far for her and she makes it clear she is not leaving Coruscant. She immediately shuts down his protests, pointing out that the best facilities are here and that she’s not going to be away from him this close to the birth of the baby. “You can protect us better than anyone, I know it.”

Skywalker is deeply torn by the situation with his instincts pulling him in two different directions. Its Darelda that comes to his rescue, saying that there’s enough loyal guards and soldiers both of them trust to keep Nivir safe and that there are emergency medical transports on standby for her if the need arises. While neither Anakin nor Carima are at all happy, they quietly accept the compromise and Organa says she’ll start making arrangements immediately.

She stands up and begins to walk off, before looking back at them, regret and sympathy apparent in her voice. “I”m sorry about this.” The pairing doesn’t even need to look at each other to express their shared response, voiced by Nik.

“We know.”