CHAPTER 7 : Prelude of war
Obi-wan's ship came out of hyperspace still hanging to the lightspeed's ring. He had put a tracking device on Jango's Fett in cause of an eventual change of plan by the bounty hunter, but like years ago, Fett headed to the rocky planet of Geonosis. As he watched the red color of this world, the Jedi started to remember what would come again : the Separatist's meeting, his conversation with Dooku, the arena, the war and the duel in which Anakin lost his right arm.
"I hope I'll be able to save his arm this time… But he will have to listen to my directives!" Obi-wan thought in his cockpit. "Well Jango, time for a fight."
The jedi disengaged his starfighter of the ring and then followed Jango's ship in the asteroids field of Geonosis. Obi-wan knew that in few seconds, Jango would see him on his computer and then the fight would start.
"Nearly there, son." Jango said to Boba in the Slave I's cockpit. Then a small bip showed the Jedi's starfighter on the screen. "He must have put a homing device on our hull during the fight... We'll fix it! Hang on, son! We'll move into the asteroid field. He won't be able to follow us there. If he does, we'll leave him a couple of surprises." And Boba laughed existed by a fight.
This time, Obi-wan opened fire on the bounty hunter's ship but he was only trying to damage the ship, not to destroy it. But Jango was a very good pilot even in an asteroids' field and was dodging Obi-wan's fire. Then Jango released a charge towards the Jedi starfighter, so Obi-wan, already knowing it was a sonic charge, hurried his ship to avoid the deadly weapon. As it exploded, a powerful noise broke the silence of the space and a blue wave destroyed every asteroids around the charge. Arfour beeped really fast to Obi-wan.
"I know Arfour! Just hang on, I don't think he has plenty of those little bomb," Obi-wan replied trying to reassure his droids. The years he passed with Anakin and Artoo had made him friendlier to the droids and was glad to have a companion in such situation. "If Siri knew, she would kill me for sure" .
Another charge came towards Obi-wan but the Jedi dodged it easily. Then the Slave I headed inside a hollow asteroid like many years ago. Obi-wan knew it was a trap, Jango wanted to chase Obi-wan so the Jedi could not discover what was on Geonosis, his client had been very clear : everything had to be secret especially with the Jedi. So Kenobi slowed his ship to the lower speed and waited for Jango to come out right in front of him, and then the fight could continue. Obi-wan's plan succeed and Jango to his surprise was still chased by the Jedi.
"This Jedi is a very clever one !" Jango said annoyed. "We must hurry or he will discover everyth-" Jango stopped talking when one bold stroke a wing of the Slave I. "Damn Jedi !" And with a very quick move, Jango swung back, headed to Obi-wan's ship and opened fired.
Obi-wan was caught off guard and had to dodge quickly every bolts of Jango. "Blast ! This is why I hate flying."
But this time, Jango seemed to be angry and fired two guided aerial torpedoes which followed closely Obi-wan. Kenobi could not use the same trick like in the past because of the second torpedo, so he would have to find another idea but while he was thinking, he was obliged to slalom into the asteroids' field. Then he remembered something : during the battle over Coruscant, Anakin had destroyed easily the two missiles behind him. Obi-wan begged the Force to let him succeed and said to Arfour :
"Surge all power units. Arfour! Stand by the reverse thrusters." Then jedi starfighter started to spinned and Obi-wan heard the two torpedoes on his back collided and exploded on each other. "Very good Arfour". The red droid beeped happily and then explained to Obi-wan that there was no ship around them. Jango had of course ran away but it doesn't matter, Obi-wan was alive and now he would have spy on Geonosis.
Padmé arrived in Shmi Skywalker room's where Anakin and she was sleeping. The padawan was resting in a chair next to the bed and was holding his mother's hand. Padmé smiled and caressed Anakin'hair and then, reassured that the two Skywalkers was in peace, started to leave the bedroom.
"Wait please…," a woman's voice said quietly. Padmé turned back and saw Shmi, sitting in her bed.
"You should rest Shmi. You look exhausted," the Senator of Naboo replied gently.
"I am exhausted, it's true. But my back is killing me, I can't lay down."
Padmé came closer and sat on the bed with Anakin's mother. "He was very worried. He had dreamed of you, he could felt your pain from Coruscant. Your son loves you so much." Padmé told her, looking to the Jedi.
Shmi smiled and added "I love him too. I thought I would never see him again… I'm so glad to know how he has grown up. He is so handsome don't you think ?"
Padmé blushed and nodded. "I'm so proud of him, he is a true Jedi. When he saved me, he begged the Tuskens to run away because he didn't want to hurt them. His heart is so pure."
"Yes he is a great Jedi and a great man. You educated him very well," Padmé said, glimpse of a smile forming again on her lips.
"Perhaps yes. But I didn't train him to the Jedi ways. So the Jedi had made Ani even more perfect. I'm so glad for him… He is fulfilling his dream."
"Mom ? Padmé … ? Why are you not resting Mom ?" Anakin asked as he slowly woke up.
"I'm fine my son. I was having a little chat with your friend Padmé." Shmi answeredsmiling at him.
"I'm gonna help Beru. See you soon," Padmé informed before leaving.
"Mom… I thought I lost you forever," Anakin said to his mother as tears were forming in his blue eyes.
"But you saved me, my handsome Jedi. You brought me back to my home, to my family and now I can speak with my son. You're making me so happy Ani." Anakin smiled. "I'm so proud of you, Ani. What you did in the camp was so great my son. You let them live even if they attacked your mother… Only the best of the Jedi can be so passionate. Qui-Gon has taught you well."
"Qui-Gon is not my master, Mom"
"Why Ani ?" Shmi asked.
"When we left Tatooine, we arrived to Coruscant in order to present me to the Jedi. Then we returned to Naboo, Padmé's home, where people were captured by Nemoidians. There was a big battle… Qui-Gon and his apprentice had to fight a Sith on Naboo," the son explained.
"A Sith ?"
"A Sith is the true enemy of a Jedi. He is using his anger and rage to defeat his opponent. They are evil Mom. So, in this battle, the Sith managed to kill Qui-Gon… His apprentice defeat Qui-Gon's killer and promise his master to train me."
"So the man Qui-Gon trained is your master."
"Yes Mom. Obi-wan Kenobi is my master. He is very powerful and wise. He was strict in the beginning of my formation but he care truly for me and recently, our relationship is stronger than before. It was Obi-wan who told me to check on you because he was worried," Anakin said. "Obi-wan is the one who really saved you Mom. I only did a Jedi's duty."
"You seems to love him very much"
"He is … like my father, Mom," the Jedi replied shyly.
"I wish I can meet this Obi-wan Kenobi. I want to thank him for what he did with you : you are an amazing Jedi and a great man. He did that, not me. Please Ani, bring Obi-wan here… I really need to thank him."
"I'll be very glad to Mom," Anakin saidvsmiling with all his heart.
Obi-wan had landed his ship in a different place than in his past : the starfighter was very well hidden and this time, he would have more time to contact Coruscant and the Jedi. He headed to the nearest tower and started to climb the rocky desert of Geonosis as he heard weird cries far away behind him. As he sneaked inside the tower, he was once again astonished by the light inside the building whereas outside, everything was dark because of the night. He looked at the wide opening in the center of the tower and like last time, he saw machines created machines in one area, and in another, he saw completed DROIDS moving along a conveyor. War was definitely not avoidable… Obi-wan continued to walk and arrived at a vast expanse in the stalagmite interior. Immense pillars, soaring Gaudi-Gothic arches, vaulted roofs. The huge space is deserted – completely silent. Then he heard a group coming to him and different voices so the Jedi hide himself behind a pillar and masked his Force presence.
"Now, we must persuade the Commerce Guild and the Corporate Alliance to sign the treaty." Said a powerful who was, as Obi-wan knew, the Count Dooku.
"What about the Senator from Naboo? Is she dead yet? I'm not signing your treaty until I have her head on my desk," a voice replied with a Nemodian accent.
"I am a man of my word, Viceroy."
Then a Geonosian spoke in his language :" With these new Battle Droids we've built for you, Viceroy, you'll have the finest army in the galaxy."
As the group moved out of Obi-wan's earshot, the Jedi was quietly and slowly following them. The group disappeared in an archway on the far side of the courtyard and Obi-wan, like in the past, took the stairs, sneaked up them, to arrive at a narrow gothic archway. He looked down through it to see the meeting.
"Now is the time, my friends. This is the moment when you have to decide between the Republic or the Confederacy of Independent Systems," Dooku said with his strong voice. Behind him was Jango Fett in his armor, protecting the old man. "As I explained to you earlier, I'm quite convinced that ten thousand more systems will rally to our cause with your support, gentlemen. And let me remind you of our absolute commitment to capitalism... of the lower taxes, the reduced tariffs, and the eventual abolition of all trade barriers. Signing this treaty will bring you profits beyond your wildest imagination. What we are proposing is completely free trade. Our friends in the Trade Federation have pledged their support. When their Battle Droids are combined with yours, we shall have an army greater than anything in the galaxy, The Jedi will be overwhelmed. The Republic will agree to any demands me make."
"I am authorized by the Corporate Alliance to sign the treaty," Passel Argente informed, more than pleased.
"The Commerce Guilds do not at this time wish to become openly involved, But we shall support you in secret - and look forward to doing business with you," added Shu Mai, the female Gossam.
"The Intergalactic Banking Clan will support you wholeheartedly, but only in a non-exclusive arrangement," San Hill, Muun Chairman of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, also brought his support.
"The Techno Unions are at your disposal, Count," Wat Tambot said at last.
The Jedi Master had heard enough, he had to contact immediately the Republic. He used the Force to increase his speed while running, he arrived to his ship really fast. During his return, Obi-wan had looked out for an enemy because last time, something saw him and he finished captured. He didn't doubt that he will, eventually, be captured but he had to gain time. He had to explained everything
"Alright. We must hurry Arfour, contact Anakin on Tatooine." Obi-wan ordered his little red friend. "Anakin, Retransmit this message to Coruscant. It is very urgent. I hope your mother is doing well Ani. Here the message : I have tracked the bounty hunter Jango Fett to the droid foundries on Geonosis."
And Obi-wan continued his report and succeeding to explain everything. Then he heard screams near him and ignited his blue magnificent lightsaber. A geonosian with wings attacked him behind him but Obi-wan was too fast, and the alien was sliced in two from the head to his legs. A second one attacked without harming the Jedi but then four droids destroyers came out from the shadow. Obi-wan jumped in order to not let the droids destroyed Arfour. The Jedi, with Soresu, managed to block many bolds and to destroy two destroyers but he didn't have a place to cover and finally, his world became darkness as he felt, unconscious.
On Tatooine, Artoo arrived in the Lars' home where everyone was laughing and telling stories about the past. Anakin was explaining the Ansion mission where he had to save his master for the second time, everyone was listening with great interest : after all, Jedi's stories were the most enthralling stories.
"Anakin you are just a fearless man !" Owen admitted laughing with his brother. "But you are a Jedi, so I guess it's normal." And everyone laughed with them even more.
Artoo beeped and then Padmé asked "What is it Artoo ?"
"It seems that he is carrying a message from an Obi-Wan Kenobi. Master Ani, does that name mean anything to you?" C3PO asked.
The whole family went silent because now Obi-wan was a common name for them. Anakin could feel the worried in their mind and in his. Padmé looked at him, nodded and headed to her ship with the padawan. There, Artoo started the message and Padmé transmitted it to the Chancellor's Office.
On Coruscant, everybody was waiting for news from Obi-wan. After he informed them about the creation of the Clone army by Dooku, the Jedi Council needed answers that only Obi-wan could give.
"I have tracked the bounty hunter Jango Fett to the droid foundries on Geonosis," the hologram of Kenobi started. "The Trade Federation is to take delivery of a droid army here and as we already knew, Nute Gunray is really behind the attack of the Senator Amidala. The Commerce Guilds and Corporate Alliance have both pledged their armies to Count Dooku. The Count is also sure to gain support of a thousands of world and we don't know how many will follow. This is why I suggest to send a representative of the Council Jedi to Kamino and to bring clones on Geonosis before the Separatist could create a greater army than the Republic. I'm sorry but war is coming… It seems it was prepared since years and Wait ! " On the holocommunicator, everyone could see the geonosian be sliced in two by Kenobi, then the Jedi jumped and disappeared on the record.
"More happening on Geonosis, I feel, than has been revealed," Master Yoda reassured the assembly.
"I agree" Mace Windu replied.
Siri nodding added :"I feel him in the Force Master. I know he's alive."
Mace looked at her surprised, then closed his eyes. As he opened them, he replied that Obi-wan was indeed alive on Geonosis. Then he spoke to Anakin :" Anakin, We will deal with Count Dooku. The most important thing for you is to stay where you are. Protect the Senator at all costs. That is your first priority."
"Understood Master" replied the boy on transmission. The hologram switched off and Padmé started to look at a map.
"They'll never get there in time to save him. They have to come halfway across the galaxy. Look, Geonosis is less than a parsec away."
"I know Padmé. Come, I'll tell my mother that we have to go." Padmé smiled to Anakin, glad he decided to save Obi-wan. The two of them exited the ship of Amidala and joined the Lars family. Everyone was silent, waiting for Anakin to speak.
"My Master had been captured on Geonosis. He had discovered terrible things … War is coming and many mysteries are still remaining…. I had to go Mom." the Jedi explained sadly and worried.
Shmi rose from her chair and slowly, ignoring her pain, took her son in her arms. "I understand Anakin. You must go… You saved your mother, now go save your father. But please … be very careful and protect Padmé."
"I promise Mom. I will return and Obi-wan will be with me. See you soon Mom. Cliegg, Owen, Beru… thank you for everything. Goodbye !" Anakin added before leaving with Padmé, Artoo and 3PO. And the silver ship flew off the sandy ground of Tatooine and headed to the dangerous Geonosis.
Count Dooku entered into the cell holding Obi-wan Kenobi who was suspended in a force field, turning slowly as blue electric bolts restrained him. He looked to the young Jedi and fainted to be surprised.
"Hello Count Dooku," the Jedi said calmly.
"Oh no my friend ! This is a mistake. A terrible mistake. They've gone too far. This is madness," the elder man appeared shocked. But it was only an act.
"Aren't you the leader here ?" asked Obi-wan with an amused smile.
"This had nothing to do with me, I assure you. I promise you I will petition immediately to have you set free."
"Well I hope it won't take too long. I have work to do."
"May I ask why a Jedi Knight is all the way out here on Geonosis?" The Count questionned.
"I've been tracking a bounty hunter named Jango Fett. Do you know him?" Obi-wan had to act like he knew nothing because Dooku was Palpatine's apprentice so if he talked too much, Palpatine would know that Kenobi had discovered his plot to destroy the Jedi.
"There's no bounty hunter here that I'm aware of," the white haired man informed. "The Geonosians don't trust them."
"Well, who can blame them? But he is here, I can assure you."
"It's a great pity that our paths have never crossed before, Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon always spoke very highly of you," Dooku said with a bit of sadness, a true sadness, not a lie. "I wish he were still alive. I could use his help right now."
"Qui-Gon Jinn would never join you."
"Don't be so sure, my young Jedi. You forget that he was once my apprentice just as you were once his. He knew all about the corruption in the Senate, but he would never have gone along with it if he had known the truth as I have."
"The truth ?" Obi-wan asked.
"The truth. What if I told you that the Republic was now under the control of the Dark Lords of the Sith?"
Obi-wan smiled gently to the master of Qui-Gon Jinn. "I thought the Sith were only telling lies…"
Dooku was surprised by Obi-wan's answer. "The Sith ?"
"Don't act like you don't know anything. You are far too intelligent for such game Dooku… Or should I call you Darth Tyrannus ?"
Dooku became white and stayed silent a moment :"I underestimated you Obi-wan… You're much wiser that I thought… so you believe me ?"
Obi-wan nodded :" Yes I believe you Dooku. I have felt a great darkness in the Senate… Something very similar to the Sith who killed your apprentice."
"You must join me Obi-wan and together, we could destroy this Darth Sidious !" Dooku said strongly.
"So he's called Darth Sidious… I am a Jedi, I will help the Jedi to stop the Sith. I won't join you… Darth Tyrannus. I won't join the dark side of the Force !"
"It may be difficult to secure your release then" Dooku sighed before leaving Obi-wan.
As the old Sith left the cell, Obi-wan was sure he had seen the Force smiling to him, very pleased by the answer he gave to the Count.
Author note : First of all, I'd to thank you everyone for your reviews ! I'm so glad !
Jedi Kay-Kenobi : No problem at all. I think you are right : the previous chapter was rushed. I could have write more details about the conversation between Obi-wan Yoda and Mace. I hope this one won't be the same.
That's all for the moment. I'll be posting as soon as possible the next chapter : next time, Anakin and Padmé "rescue", Siri and the Jedi, and Kamino.
