This is a follow on from my previous 2 stories "Til Death Do Us Part" (1) and "Trial By Fyre" (2). This story is set during the Clone Wars, so there is a possibility of spoilers from the prequel movies. If you don't want spoilers - please don't read until you have seen all three prequal movies.
Corruption and Lies
Chapter One
Chae Jinn was sat in the Jedi Temple gardens, meditating. The scent of the exotic flowers and the gentle running water of the fountains were very soothing. It had been ten years since the death of her father, Qui-Gon Jinn, but Chae had never been able to fully get over it. They had been very close and his death had affected her badly. She had become moody and withdrawn, much to the distress of her secret lover, Obi-Wan Kenobi. He hated seeing her like that.
The sun was slowly setting over Coruscant, making the sky glow a brilliant mixture of orange, purple and red. Chae slowly opened her eyes, took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. There was more air traffic than usual, even by Coruscant standards. It was mostly war ships and battle squadrons going off-planet to fight in the Clone Wars. Or ships returning for repair.
Chae sighed. She hated being at war with the Separatists. The only thing that kept her sane was Fyre, her eleven year old daughter. Then there was her relationship with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan was one of the few people Chae had allowed to get close to her in her time of need. Chae hadn't planned to get in a relationship with Obi-Wan. It had just happened. They both knew they were playing with fire because, if they were found out, they would both be thrown out of the temple. But they were willing to take that risk.
Her musings were interrupted by the voice of Aalya Secura; a blue skinned female Twi'lek Jedi. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Chae…." She said gently. "But the council wants to see us."
Chae forced a half smile. "It's okay. I'm done with meditating for now."
Aalya offered Chae a hand and helped her to her feet. Chae pulled up the hood of her robe and partially covered her face. For some strange reason, it made her feel secure; invisible even. Taking one last look at the traffic-filled sky, Chae followed Aalya back into the Jedi Temple.
"Here we go," Anakin Skywalker said as he, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Asia Kibibi headed for the Jedi Council chamber. "Off to save the universe again".
Asia grinned. "Are you ever the adventurous one?"
"Now, behave you two," Obi-Wan chided. "We don't know where we're going yet."
Aayla Secura and Chae Jinn were already waiting outside the council chamber as the three Jedi approached. Obi-Wan and Chae glanced at each other and smiled. As the five Jedi walked through the huge doors, Chae gently grasped Obi-Wan's hand.
Several seats in the chamber were empty, as many of the Jedi Masters were away on missions. Chae's former Master, Plo Koon, was leading a group of fighter pilots to Onderaan. Saesee Tiin and Agen Kolar were negotiating with the Wookies on Kashyyyk and Ki-Adi-Mundi was returning from Utapau.
"Good to see you all here, it is," Yoda said, looking around at the assembled group of Jedi in front of him. "A mission for you, we have."
Mace Windy continued. "You are to go to Naboo to assist Queen Apilana with negotiations in creating an alliance between Naboo and several other planets."
"Why do Naboo want Jedi presence?" Asia asked.
"Queen Apilana requested our presence personally," Mace Windu replied. "She wishes to have Jedi oversee the negotiations. You are to leave immediately. Master Shakk Ti will also accompany you."
"And may the Force be with you," Yoda finished.
The Jedi bowed and left the room, with Shaak Ti following on behind.
A clocked figure walked into the cantina on Coruscant's lower levels. The figure looked around the establishment and saw the person they were looking for.
Durge, a vicious bounty hunter, was sat alone in a darkened corner. The figure walked towards Durge and sat opposite him, lowering the hood of their robe to reveal the face of an Umbaran.
Durge looked up and grunted a rather impolite "what do you want?"
"I have been sent to find you by my…client. He has a job for you and would be very happy to pay you very well—"
"I'm not that bothered about money anymore," Durge snapped.
"No, no, no, not money! My client will make sure you get to indulge your penchant for bloodlust, as it were," the Umbaran replied.
Durge cocked his head and seemed to ponder the Umbaran's answer for a moment. "Okay, you have my attention."
"A group of Jedi are going to Naboo to watch over the negotiations that Queen Apilana is heading. One of the Jedi is a young woman called Chae Jinn." The Umbaran held out a holocron and a hologram of Chae appeared. "This is your target."
Durge nodded thoughtfully. "I know it's none of my business, but what's so special about this Jedi?"
"She is too powerful and needs to be removed."
"I'll see what I can do for you and client," Durge rasped.