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Unorthodox: Part II

Anakin Skywalker, the Hero with no Fear. Respected Jedi Knight of the Jedi Order. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Negotiator (or Silver Tongue). Feared Sith Warrior of the New Sith Line. Both are the unorthodox members of their own groups. Their paths cross when they are sent on a mission together to the frontlines of the Clone Wars.

Darth Serpentus was a well-known name amongst the people of the galaxy. It instilled fear into their hearts for the most part. He was a Sith Lord after all, the 'opposites of the Jedi'. But he wasn't Ventress with her prowess from dark corners or Sora Bulq for his raging swordsmanship.

Silver Tongue, they would whisper behind his back.

Unofficially on the Holonet, they named him 'The Negotiator'. It was a nickname that the Republic encouraged as propaganda, of a Sith that could actually bring a battle to a standstill with just mere words. They don't dare say 'a Sith that brought about peace' though, oh no; now that would incur the New Siths' wrath.

But the ones who've met him know better; that he wasn't the gentleman warrior with diplomatic skills.

Negotiator came from his way with words; Silver Tongue was for the methods used in enforcing those words. It was the way he approached his dealings, the predatory aura about him differed from the easy and cool expressions on his face. He was charming and polite, suave even if he has to be, good at piquing the interest of the easy-to-fool. Those who were...stubborn though, brought about the more menacing part of him; the one that enjoyed the fear and discomfort projecting off his targets.

Practically, his mediating skills was used for all sorts of situations. He had haggled with a merchant for hours, with the results depending on how mean he had to be (that was how he had helped a disapproving Qui Gon in getting Anakin off Tatooine). Or that time when he had to end an uprising, specific instructions being there would be no violence, but still he promised either blood or peace for the opposing forces (Mandalore was a distant and sad memory now).

Today was one of those days when his commandment in war wasn't needed. Instead, he had to baby sit the proceedings of a treaty between two rival factions of this one planet. Glorious.

"I can practically see the dark clouds above your head." Master Jinn mused by his side.

Serpentus glowered, feeding off the energy of distrust lingering in the room. "I hate politicians."

"That I know." There was a teasing air about the Jedi that made Serpentus grimace even more.

"I hate being a peacemaker even more." He rubbed a hand over his face. "Isn't this a Jedi's job? Peace and happiness and all?"

"I won't be the one to start up that old argument again." As they have been for over twenty years now. "But the Chancellor sees you as an asset in establishing these treaties; you are quite the negotiator after all."

He hates the Chancellor the most. "It's against my Sith ways."

"Again, I will not start. For now, however, the Republic requires your...touch in this matters."

"And your council approves of my meddling?"

"Let's just say I'm here to ensure that no 'sabres are raised today."

Serpentus couldn't help the smirk. "Ahh, I so do appreciate the level of faith your Council has in me. Warms my heart, truly." Master Jinn rolled his eyes. "Well, I best not disappoint them; I do have a reputation to upkeep."

Qui Gon smiled (a sad one Obi Wan knew, but Serpentus ignored) and bowed, hand gesturing towards the table where the delegates and representatives awaited. With the strides of a confident and regal man, Serpentus walked over and bowed low before the group. And as he came up, gone was the dim glow of old Kenobi.

Yellow eyes gleamed under the lighting of the room, as Serpentus prepared his poison and bared his fangs.

"Well now? Shall we proceed?"