Framing and Shifting the Blame

Framing and Shifting the Blame

When Darth Malthael's hologram appeared before Anakin Skywalker, draped head to toe in a black cloak and radiating a sinister chill, he almost immediately drew his Lightsaber. "Sith Lord! What do you want!?"

Darth Malthael's lips curled slightly as he gave a cold smile. "I'm here to help you."

"I don't need help from a Sith!" Anakin Skywalker gritted his teeth. "Unless you want me to help you die."

Darth Malthael took no offense, merely saying flatly, "I can help you find Hutt Gaddula. After that, I can also allow your fleet to pass through the hyperspace routes near Tatooine and reinforce Christophsis."

Anakin's expression turned grave. "What scheme are you playing at now, Sith?"

"You may call me the Archangel of Death. Let me introduce myself once again," Darth Malthael said. "Though we haven't met often, I've never harmed you. Last time on Tatooine, I revived your mother—and spared your life as well, didn't I?"

"I don't need anyone's mercy, Sith! If you want to kill me, then come at me!" Anakin snarled.

"Gaddula is on Teth Planet," Darth Malthael said bluntly.

"Of course I know your scheme, because I'm on Teth Planet right now! Don't think you can fool me with such obvious information!" Anakin Skywalker said.

"Then I can rest easy. When my special operations team comes to rescue you, remember not to open fire on them." Darth Malthael smiled faintly and cut off the communication.

Earlier, he had learned from General Trench that the Republic fleet was still locked in fierce battle on Falrin Planet. Since the kidnapping had occurred before the Republic had even launched its rescue operation for Christophsis, the timing did not match the original events. That meant many details of the kidnapping had indeed changed. For a