Shadow of Malevolence
Easy is the path to wisdom for those not blinded by ego. That was the lesson my father learned on his mission to destroy the Malevolence. Sometimes the bigger goal will only lead to failure and death. And while this mission would be a success, it wasn’t the one that he and the Avengers wanted. And little did any of them know at the time that this would be victory for Sidious either way.
-An excerpt from the Fight For Justice, by Luke Skywalker
Dooku bowed before the hologram of Darth Sidious.
“Toydaria joining the Republic is less than ideal, but still of use. In time we shall recover your assassin as well. However, the discovery of the Malevolence has occurred sooner than I had planned. I need more time to convince the Senate to increase funding for the Navy.”
“What of our increase in Separatist attacks?”
“Many Senators are convinced by them, but more are required to sway the undecided. We can still salvage this. The Malevolence must strike a blow so devastating, so horrific, that the Senate will be forced to act. What is Grievous' next target?”
“The Republic’s secret Outer Rim Medical station.”
Sidious shook his head.
“That will not do, now. You must go for a civilian target.”
Dooku frowned deeply.
“I understand, Master.”
“Good. Grievous does not need to win the battle. The very threat of an attack should be enough.”
“Do you have a preference on the location?”
On the Resolute, Shadow squadron prepared for the fight ahead of them. The clones were fueling and loading into their bombers.
Anakin, Ahsoka and R2 walked through it all.
“Which one’s mine?” the Padawan asked.
“You’re with me. You’ll be my gunner,” he said, causing her to stop and give him a look. “Somebody’s gotta watch my back.”
“Broadside can do that. Besides, you have R2.”
The droid whistled in affirmation.
“But I so enjoy your company, my Padawan,” he teased.
“Just admit it. You don’t like my flying.”
“No, I…No, it’s not that. It’s just I…”
“Anakin,” the two heard Rhodey call out with Plo and Yularen beside him. “FRIDAY has been monitoring Separatist transmissions and was able to decode one.”
“That’s good,” Ahsoka noted.
“Yes, this AI, I believe that’s what it’s called, has been quite the asset in our intelligence. She was able to learn that Grievous's next target is Hosnian Prime.”
“Hosnian Prime? That’s not far from the Agregado System. But can the ion cannon be used against a planet’s surface?” Skywalker inquired.
“I don’t think we wanna find out,” Rhodey said grimly.
“There’s nothing but civilians on Hosnian! Why would Grievous attack it? What would the Separatists have to gain?” Ahsoka exclaimed.
“Perhaps to send a message,” Plo theorized. “Hosnian is a Core World. If the Separatists can launch a successful attack there, then it would strike fear into the hearts of the Republic.”
“Whatever the reason, we can’t let that strike happen,” Anakin said with resolve. “How far are we from the Hosnian System?”
“You should arrive there before Grievous if you and Shadow Squadron leave immediately,” Koon answered.
“Good. Admiral, warn the planet what’s coming.”
Yularen nodded and left.
“This journey may be treacherous. If you lose any ships before you reach the target…” the Jedi Master began.
“We won’t lose anybody,” Skywalker said firmly before climbing on to his bomber.
“I will come along and fly fighter escort,” Plo said.
“Me too,” Rhodey added.
“Any help is welcome, you two. Just try to fall behind,” Anakin smirked.
“Oh, you’re on,” Rhodey said, accepting the challenge.
“I had a feeling you’d come along. Your ships have already been prepped,” Ahsoka informed the two.
Padme released an exhausted sigh. The Senate Chamber was once again in complete disarray. This meeting’s discussion? The bill for Senator Risi Lenoan’s Imperial Star Destroyer program.
“This new threat, the Malevolence, has already cost the Republic several ships. And even if General Skywalker’s counter attack is successful, how can we ensure that the Separatists will not simply build another. We need more powerful ships!” Senator Lott Dod declared.
“At the expense of what? This bill would divert funding from the basic services to the citizens of the Republic,” Mothma argued.
“Not if we simply discontinue all production of the Venator,” Lenoan siad. “We already have plenty and do not need to keep manufacturing them. This new vessel will inspire fear in our enemies’ hearts.”
“These ships take more time to produce. That is an ally we cannot afford to waste,” one Senator stated.
“That is why my colleagues at Kuat Drive Yards have already begun construction on eight of them. They should be ready for combat in a few short months. Should this council decide to approve the program.”
The politicians in the chamber began to quiet down, having a hard time finding any flaw in her logic.
Padme moved her podium forward and began to speak.
“Distinguished members of the Senate, I understand the appeal of this program. These recent months have been challenging. The Separatists have increased their attacks and casualties have risen greatly. I know what plagues each and every one of you. Fear. Fear that we may lose this war. That our home worlds will be demolished and our families killed. I’m afraid too. I have a sister and two nieces back on Naboo. I fear what would happen to them should the Separatist invade. I understand that building these new ships could provide security. But we cannot allow our fear to rule us. We are tasked with choosing what is best for the people of this Republic. How can we do that if our thoughts are clouded? We need time to examine this bill carefully. The decisions in this chamber have consequences. And this bill could have terrible ones on the everyday lives of our citizens.”
Many Senators began to murmur amongst themselves.
Lenoan frowned at this, and sent a glare towards the Nubian.
Palpatine demonstrated a neutral exterior, but internally he was seething.
She cannot be allowed to stop this bill. I shall make sure to remove her from future proceedings. In the meantime, I must keep up appearances.
“The Senator from Naboo makes a valid point. We shall reconvene in two days.”
Senators began to leave the chamber and head to their offices. Padme walked alongside her allies Bail Organa and Mon Mothma.
“You did good out there, Padme,” the Alderaanian praised. “I do believe your speech had an impact.”
“I hope you’re right,” she sighed.
“I’m sure he is,” Mon stated with a smile.
“Well, you two go on ahead. I need rest after that meeting.”
The young Senator arrived at her office door, but as she moved to open it she heard the voice of a familiar droid.
“Mr. Maximoff, could you please stop pacing across the room? Mistress Padme will be here soon.”
She rolled her eyes fondly as she opened the door.
“Hello, Pietro.”
The speedster sighed dramatically in relief.
“Finally! I thought I was going to die of boredom over here.”
“Have a seat. 3PO, can you get us some tea?”
“Of course, Mistress Padme.”
Have a seat. 3PO, can you make us some tea, please?”
“Of course, Mistress Padme.”
She sat down at her desk with Maximoff sitting across from her.
“How’ve you been?” he asked.
She released a heavy sigh.
“The Senate is debating whether or not to-”
“I’m gonna have to stop you right there,” he waved her off. “You’re my friend, but I can’t stand politicians and the things they say.” She raised a brow. “You’re an exception.”
“Fine. To put it plainly, I’m a bit stressed right now.”
Pietro grinned.
“Well, I’ve got the perfect cure for you. Did you hear that we found one of our teammates?”
Padme thought for a moment.
“Yes. I do believe Anakin Skywalker mentioned as much.”
3PO walked over carrying a tray of tea cups and a pot, set it down on the desk, and poured some for them.
“Here you go, Mistress Padme.”
“Thank you, 3PO.” She took a sip of her tea. “What about her?”
“She’s been pretty bored lately, and well, she could use some new friends.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“Uh-huh.”
The Senator noticed some sweat building up on his forehead.
“You’re just trying to dump her on me, are you?” she stated more than asked.
He groaned dramatically as his resolve broke.
“She’s driving me crazy! All she wants to do is train, train, train. And without my sister, I’m the one getting the most of it. And I’m not allowed to use my powers. I just need someone to take her attention off me.”
Padme adopted a sly look and hummed.
“I don’t know…”
“I saved your life twice!”
“Once.”
“Regardless, you owe me!”
The Nubian giggled.
“Relax, Pietro. I’ll meet her.”
“Great! I’ll be right back.”
The Avenger sped right out of the office and towards the Jedi Temple.
“Mistress Padme, what exactly is Mr. Maximoff doing?”
“Please pour another cup of tea, 3PO. We’re having another guest.”
A moment later the speedster returned carrying a red haired woman this galaxy’s equivalent to a jacket and jeans.
“Have fun you two,” he said before leaving again.
“So.”
“So.”
“Natasha Romanov,” the Black Widow introduced herself with her hand outstretched.
“Padme Amidala,” she responded, shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Romanov took a seat and drank her tea.
“Anakin told me you were the one who exposed the Hutts’ files on their slave trade to the public.”
She smirked.
“Yes. And I’d gladly do it again.”
“I’m just sad that it took this long to happen. But I’m grateful for it.”
“Why’s that?”
“I have a…friend who was a slave of the Hutts. I was appalled by the fact that they were living in slavery. So on their behalf, thank you.”
“Tell them I said your welcome.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Is Pietro just lazy or are you actually that brutal?”
Natasha laughed.
“I hope you know what you’re doing, Anakin,” Obi Wan said over the comms.
“Well, if I don’t, I won’t be around to hear the ‘I told you so.’”
“Well, that’s reassuring. My fleet will rendezvous with you at Hosnian Prime. Steve and I are farther from it than you are so you’d better be there before we arrive.”
“I’ll be there, Obi Wan.” The Knight ended the transmission and opened communications with the squad. “Shadow Squadron, tighten formation. Call in.”
“Shadow 2 standing by.”
“Shadow 3 standing by.”
“Shadow 4 standing by.”
R2 beeped to Ahsoka.
“I know, R2-ie. This is gonna be a tough one,” she said nervously.
“Cut the chatter, Ahsoka,” Anakin ordered.
“Shadow 11 standing by.”
“Shadow 12 standing by.”
“Fighter escort 1 ready,” Plo said.
“Fighter escort 2 ready,” Rhodey continued.
“This is Admiral Yularen. You are cleared for hyperspace jump. Good hunting, sir.”
“Thanks, Admiral. Alright boy, let’s go.”
“Broadside, if we make it through this one, drinks are on me,” Matchstick promised.
“I can already taste it.”
The pilots all pulled levers and one by one jumped into lightspeed to face the droid General.
While the Republic forces were heading for their target, so was the enemy.
“Sir, the navi-computer indicates we only have one parsec to go.”
“Good, we will maximize our casualties with this attack.”
There was a beeping sound.
“General, there is an incoming transmission from Count Dooku.”
The small hologram of the Separatist leader appeared before the Cyborg.
“General Grievous, I have just received intelligence from Lord Sidious. The Republic has launched a small strike force to attack the Malevolence.”
“Let the Republic come,” he responded proudly. “Our ship is unstoppable.”
“Skywalker is leading the mission. Do not underestimate him,” the Count said sternly.
The General groaned.
“I assure you, Count, if anything it is Skywalker who will underestimate this ship and its power.”
Natasha was doing something that many would consider out of character.
Laughing.
Honestly, she didn’t think she’d laughed this much in her entire life. She and Padme had been talking for hours now and they were having a blast.
“Wait! W-wait!” the Black Widow said through her laughter. “You mean to tell me that this guy hit on you with the line “I don’t like sand?”
“There’s more context, but yes.”
The two had taken their conversation to Padme’s apartment to be in a more casual environment. The Senator had changed into lazy clothes and poured them both some wine which may or may not have contributed to their good moods.
“All right, your turn, Nat. What’s the funniest thing someone’s ever said to you?”
The Avenger thought for a moment.
“I don’t know about me, but I heard this story from a friend.”
“Go on.”
“The ship was going down and the pilot told my last boss that they’d lost navigation. Then he asked if he could see the sun.”
The Nubian giggled. Then her brow furrowed for a moment.
“Why are you called the Black Widow?”
She adopted a thinking posture that made Padme laugh again.
“There are spiders on my planet called Black Widows. They kill their mates when they’re done. I was an assassin that seduced my targets and killed them.”
The Senator just laughed.
“Okay. Seriously, why are you…” she stopped as she saw the pointed look Nat was giving her.
“…Oh.”
“Yeah. I’m not proud of it. But I’m doing better, or trying to at least.”
Though the spy hid it well, Padme knew people. And she could tell that this woman carried a lot of baggage and pain.
She was about to say something comforting but suddenly felt a wave of nausea.
The young woman covered her mouth, ran for the bathroom, and immediately vomited in the toilet.
She took a deep breath before more came pouring out.
Padme tried to brush her hair out of her face but it wouldn’t stay still. Then she felt a pair of hands pulling it back.
“It’s okay. I’ve got ya. Just let it all out.”
She didn’t need to be told twice. It went on like this for the next few minutes. Padme going through it all with Natasha saying comforting words. Eventually the vomiting stopped and the Nubian could sigh in relief.
“You good, Padme?”
“I think so.”
“Any idea what brought this on?”
“Just a stomach bug.”
Romanov frowned. This seemed familiar.
“How long?”
“A few days, I think.”
“Come on, let’s get you to bed,” Nat said as she hefted the Senator up.
She helped her to her room and laid her down on her bed.
3PO then rushed in as fast as he could.
“Oh, Mistress Padme! Are you all right?!”
Amidala smiled fondly.
“I’m fine 3PO. Can you get me some grilled nerf and eggs?”
The droid did a double take.
“Again? Oh! I mean, of course, Mistress Padme.”
The droid left the room to make her requested meal.
Romanov raised a brow.
“Again?”
Padme shrugged.
“It’s all I’ve really wanted lately.”
Suddenly Nat gently grabbed the young woman’s chin and looked closely at her lips.
They were a bit purple.
The Black Widow’s eyes widened. Much to Amidala’s confusion.
“Uh…Nat?”
“Padme…When was the last time you had your period?”
“…So I take the tank. Fly it right up to the General’s palace. Drop it at his feet. And I’m like, ‘Boom, you lookin for this?’”
The clones laughed at the story, giving the Avenger a smug grin.
“That was a great story, Colonel,” Broadside praised.
“Thanks.”
“Master,” Ahsoka began. “We’re almost at the Hosnian System.”
Anakin nodded.
“Cody that, Ahsoka. Get ready boys.”
Rhodey frowned. He pressed a button and switched his comms to only the Jedi Knight.
“Hey, Anakin. Can I talk with you for a moment?”
“Sure. What’s on your mind?”
“I’m not sure about this mission,” he spoke honestly. “I know how important taking out Grievous is, but it seems like we’re just gonna get this squad killed.”
Anakin sighed.
“You and Ahsoka both. But we might never get another opportunity like this.”
“Anakin, I’ve flown 138 combat missions. I know when people pull an Icarus.”
Skywalker made a face.
“A what?”
“There’s a story back on Earth. This inventor, Daedalus, and his son Icarus were being held captive. Daedalus made wings for them both, and they flew from the island they were trapped on. But Icarus, against his father’s warnings, kept flying higher and higher. He got too close to the sun, and it melted his wings. He fell into the sea and died.” The Jedi was silent. “So let’s try avoiding the sun.”
Before Anakin could respond he heard a beeping from his controls, signaling that they were exiting hyperspace.
They jumped out to see the planet Hosnian Prime below.
“Looks like we beat Grievous here,” the Padawan observed.
“We must not take any unnecessary risks. If we lose even a single ship, our mission is that much closer to failure,” Plo advised.
“Understood, Master Plo,” Anakin said.
“Sir, we have a contact,” Matchstick reported. “Coming out of hyperspace. It’s a ship. It’s the Malevolence.”
Everyone’s faces grew stern at that.
Then the Separatist vessel emerged before them.
“A squadron of Republic fighters is approaching,” a droid reported.
“Skywalker,” Grievous growled. “Launch fighters and bring the ship around.”
“Roger, Roger.”
A large number of Vulture droids flew straight for the Republic forces.
“We’ve got fighters coming in,” Ahsoka reported.
The gunners opened fire on their attackers.
“Stead, come on. Hold it steady,” Skywalker encouraged.
Plo and James flew around Shadow Squadron, giving them cover fire. Their blasts had mixed results with some hitting their mark while others missed.
“Charge the ion cannon and prepare to fire,” the droid General ordered.
“But Sir, our fighters will be caught in the blast.”
“Fire at my command!” he barked.
A Vulture droid’s blast hit one of Matchstick’s engines. Rhoedy swooped in and took it out before it could finish the job.
“You okay, Shadow 2?”
“I think I’m fine, Sir. Just a scratch.”
“Get those fighters off of us!” Anakin ordered his Padawan.
“Your fancy flying is making it difficult!” she complained.
“Fire!” Grievous ordered.
The electric purple blast of the ion cannon soared through Space, getting bigger by the second.
“Incoming!” Tano announced.
“Everyone up, now!” Rhodey ordered.
Shadow Squadron pulled up at full speed.
“Give it everything you’ve got!” Skywalker said.
The Kaleesh warrior laughed at the sight.
“Take us below the planet’s atmosphere and ready the ion cannon. We will show the Galaxy the strength of the CIS!”
“Shadow 2, your speed is dropping. What’s wrong?” Ahsoka asked.
“Nothing, Sir! Just trying to keep it together!” he shouted as alarms were blaring in his cockpit.
“You can make it, Matchstick. Just hang on-”
Matchstick screamed as sparks surrounded him and his damaged engine burst into flames.
Ahsoka gasped.
“Shit,” the Avenger cursed.
The bomber lost its speed and crashed into the one behind it, destroying them both.
The Squad reached the edge of the ray and flew over it, but not before it got three of them.
“Shadow Squadron, check in,” Skywalker ordered, dreading the answer.
“We lost Matchstick and Tag,” Ahsoka said sadly. “Shadows 6, 7, and 10 were caught in the ray.
It wasn’t looking good. They just lost nearly half their squadron.
Anakin sighed before saying, “Everyone, make for Hosnian’s atmosphere. If we don’t hurry then Grievous will kill millions on the surface.”
Speaking of said civilians, The people of Hosnian’s capital city looked up at the imposing Malevolence in absolute terror. They screamed and ran in a desperate attempt to flee.
The Republic squad flew right for the Separatist warship. The turbo lasers opened firing on them, barely missing.
“Stay on course!” Koon commanded.
“This flak is heavy!” one pilot said.
“All deflector, double front,” Anakin ordered.
“Master, we need a new plan!” Ahsoka nearly screamed.
“We can make it Ahsoka! Just hang in there!” he responded desperately.
On the bridge, “Enemy fighters are closing.”
“Let them come. First we will destroy this city. Then we will finish off Skywalker.”
“I have a bad feeling about this,” one droid said.
Another bomber was shot down.
“She’s right, Skywalker,” James began. “I think if we can hit that cannon then it might overload when they try to use it.
The young General mulled it over.
“Station has been targeted,” a droid reported.
“Start the ion cannon acceleration.”
“Shadow Squadron, new target. We’re taking out the starboard ion cannon.”
The Jedi and Avenger sighed in relief.
“Ion cannon is 75% charged.”
“Hurry!” the Cyborg growled.
Shadow Squadron flew around the ship and right towards their target.
“Torpedoes away!” Anakin ordered.
One by one torpedoes were launched and met their mark, leaving some nice explosions.
They flew away as the purple glow was at peak readiness.
“Fire!” Grievous shouted.
Big mistake.
The ion cannon on both sides exploded, shaking the entire ship.
Shadow Squadron flew off smiling as they did.
“Good work, Shadow Squadron,” Plo praised.
“Nice job, Ahsoka,” Skywalker said, causing his apprentice to beam.
Unbeknownst to all of them though, the debris from the explosion fell right into the city. Some were lucky enough to avoid it.
Others though…
The Malevolve left Hosnan’s atmosphere and returned to Space.
“Damage report,” Grievous demanded as he clung to a railing.
“We’ve lost both primary weapons.”
“Huh?”
“The hyperdrive has been disabled.”
“Impossible!”
“General, we are picking up three Republic warships entering the system.”
With that, three Venators jumped out of hyperspace.
“Anakin, do you copy?” Kenobi asked.
“I’m here.”
“Congratulations,” Steve said. “Cody owes me some credits.”
“Looks like your mission was a success,” Obi Wan praised.
“Partially, but Grievous is still alive. The battle was pretty rough on my men. We’re heading for your hangar.”
The Jedi Master watched this from the bridge.
“We’ll take it from here. You and your men get some rest. We’ll call when we need you.”
“We’ll be waiting, guys,” Rhodey said.
“Alright, let’s take out this son of a bitch,” Steve said with conviction.
“Language,” Obi Wan chastised.
Rogers stared at his friend. Then he let out a long suffering sigh.
“Was it Sam?”
“Oh, yes.”
Grievous groaned loudly.
“Full retreat. Make for Separatist Space.”
The Malevolence flew off with blaster firing right behind it.
Padme’s head was spinning as she paced across the living room.
Pregnant?! No, I can’t be. It’s just a stomach bug. And cravings…and purple lips…
…
…
…oh god. If it’s true, then…what am I gonna tell Anakin?! We never talked about this. Are we even ready? And during a war? Of all the possible times-
“You should really stop pacing like that. You’re gonna make a trench,” Natasha teased.
Amidala smiled sheepishly.
“Sorry.”
The Russian shook her head. She walked up to her new friend and held her hands.
“Don’t apologize. I know how difficult this can be.”
“You do?”
“Yeah. My best friend, Clint, he and his wife have three kids. It was a big shock for them too.”
“We don’t know if I’m actually pregnant,” Padme argued more to herself than Romanov. “It could just be a scare.”
“You should take a test though.”
She bit her lip.
“How about this? We talk some more to distract you from your very obvious fear, and I can go buy a test for you later? I know it wouldn't look good if you did.”
“That would be great.”
They sat down on the couch. Natasha still held one of her hands, but used the other one to scroll through her phone.
“What are you doing?”
“Finding a distraction. You know Windu?”
“Of course.”
“Then look here.”
The redhead showed her a picture of what looked like Windu with a small beard, black clothes and an eyepatch.
Padme laughed so hard that tears came out of her eyes.
“Who is that?” she inquired after calming down.
“That’s my old boss, Nick Fury.”
She shook her head.
“Next you are going to tell me that there is a version of me on your planet too.”
She looked at the phone again to see exactly that. This obviously caused her jaw to drop.
Nat laughed at how speechless she was.
Palpatine looked down at the reports of the attack on Hosnian Prime. While there was no major damage, but there were some casualties from falling debris. And the attack had completely terrified the people of the Republic.
Everything for his next step was in place. He just needed to remove Amidala from the equation. And he had the perfect idea.
The Dark Lord of the Sith stared at the Coruscant skyline with a maniacal grin.
Back on Earth
Tony and Bucky sat across from each other, not saying anything.
That’s what it had been like for the past few weeks. Pepper told them that they needed to talk about it if they were to move past it.
So here they were.
Bucky opened his mouth to speak.
“Stop. Let me go first.”
Barnes let him go on. He looked hurt yet somehow put together.
“My Dad and I did not have a good relationship. He drank and was abusive. So when I was told that he and my Mom died because he was drunk driving, I believed it. For years. I hated him for it. I hated him for getting my Mom killed. Now I know that wasn’t what happened at all.”
Stark looked Bucky right in the eyes. But his gaze was soft.
“I’ve read the Winter Soldier files. I know you had no choice.”
Bucky shook his head.
“I killed my friend and his wife. Nothing will ever change that.”
“You're right. But I’m not mad at you though.”
“Then what is it?”
Tony was silent for a moment.
“Did Steve know?”
Barnes thought for a moment.
“I don’t…I don’t know what Steve knew.”
It was silent for a few minutes.
Then Tony stood up and gently clapped his hands.
“Guess there’s only one thing to do. Come on, Cyborg. Let’s try to fix that broken mind.”