That evening, rather than Jim and Spock going back to the Jedi Temple, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan went to the underground since they would go to the Enterprise using the shuttle. Jim was waiting for them when they arrived. He thought the Jedi seemed awfully concerned, but he supposed he really did not know the extent of the danger he was in if he were captured by a Sith lord.
"I do not believe we will leave Coruscant without it being known," Qui-Gon said. He seemed to look into the distance. "There's just something."
"Probably a good idea," Jim replied. "My doctor is still working on the cure, but he will leave some medical personnel with the people down there."
"We will be gone more than eight days. Perhaps he could work in the Jedi Temple lab."
"We can't go without the doctor, but he can get in touch with the crew we leave and let them know what he finds."
"Whatever you think is best."
"It'll have to be that way."
They boarded the shuttle and were soon on their way. "Do you use shuttles often?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Sometimes," Jim replied. "But most of the time, we use the transporter. It's just quicker."
"And everyone uses this technology in your galaxy?"
"Not everyone. There are undeveloped worlds."
"Most planets in this galaxy are used to technology because it has been spread throughout the galaxy."
Jim scowled at that thought. "We're not supposed to let primitive worlds see our technology," he said. "We have the Prime Directive."
Spock raised an eyebrow at Jim's disdainful way of saying that. He knew Jim did not like the Prime Directive sometimes but he had to go by it because he was a captain in Starfleet.
They docked aboard the Enterprise, and Scotty was waiting for Jim when he walked out of the shuttle. "Captain, the beacon is moving," Scotty said.
"It's leaving the planet?" Jim asked.
"Yes sir. It seems to be."
Jim hurried to the Bridge. "You got it?" he asked.
"Yes sir," Sulu answered. "He's moving out away from the planet."
Jim looked at Qui-Gon who had come to the Bridge with him. "You want to take a detour?" Jim asked. "Find out where our Sith lord is sneaking off to?"
"I would," Qui-Gon answered. "Kamino isn't going anywhere."
"Good." Jim turned back to Sulu. "Follow that beacon. I have a feeling I know where he's going."
Bones came onto the Bridge. "Jim, how am I supposed to administer this to those people if I'm not there?" he asked.
"You can contact them through the Jedi Temple," Jim said. "They can help make the serum. They have healers there."
"Right. So, where are we going?"
"We're following that Sith apprentice to see where he's going." Jim looked out the viewscreen. "I think he's probably going to Geonosis, but he could be going to Kamino."
"There has been no more word about the bounty hunter," Qui-Gon said. "We don't even know his name yet."
"I'm surprised Kavis doesn't know it."
"I suppose even he has his limits."
They watched the ship they were after go into "hyperspace". "Punch it," Jim said.
They were soon at warp. "Captain, I believe our warp drive leaves a distinctively different signature than a hyperdrive," Spock pointed out. "It would be easy to track in this galaxy since it is the only one of its kind."
"You're probably right, but there's no way to hide it," Jim replied.
"Perhaps not, but it would be wise to try and develop a way."
"You should talk to Mister Scott about that."
"I will right away."
Jim sat in the captain's chair. All they could do was wait, but he thought maybe they would have their proof this time if they could find out what this Sith lord was doing.
"Master, aren't the Separatists operating an industry with Geonosis?" Obi-Wan asked. "Why would this apprentice be going there?"
"That is a good question, young Padawan," Qui-Gon replied.
"Is the Sith lord controlling the Separatists as well as the Senate to make himself look better? This is all so twisted."
"There's nothing like psychology to cause people to think what you want them to think and see what you want them to see," Jim said.
"He thinks he has it all figured out," Qui-Gon pointed out. "It has been the way of the Sith for years. They believe they can see the future and know exactly what will happen."
"Always in motion the future is," Obi-Wan said, quoting Yoda.
"Yes. There is only the possibility of a future with one's ideas of what they intend to happen."
"And his arrogance makes him believe no one can oppose him."
"Not without proof. No one can put him out without proof. People are not easily convinced when it comes to those in government."
"Only because he makes it seem that someone else is causing the chaos. He creates it so that it looks like Chancellor Valorum is losing control."
"Yes. It's clearer now that we are looking at it from a different point of view. We knew the Trade Federation's move was not logical, but now, we see its purpose."
"And their hate for the queen. Her life could still be in danger."
"It is possible, but that is why she has guards."
After four days, the Sith ship arrived at Geonosis just as Jim had predicted. Count Dooku did not know that he was being followed as he ascended to the planet for his meeting with the Separatists which he had brought together under the illusion that they were opposing the government, when in fact, they were the ones who would help to take it over. Dooku loved the shadowy ways of the Sith because it was so devious. One pretended to do one thing when they were doing something else. It had not been difficult for him to talk these beings into opposing the government, especially with a little Force persuasion.
Dooku landed his ship on a large platform in the main hangar of the Geonosian's manufacturing plant, and his ship was lowered into the mountain where it was certainly hidden from view.
The Enterprise came out of warp not long after Dooku had arrived. "Well, we could always beam down to the planet since we don't want anyone to know we're there," Jim said. "We'll just have to beam down in a secluded area."
"Yeah, we thought we were in a secluded area when we were beaming all over Coruscant, but that wasn't the case," Bones replied. "This place looks about like that Tatooine."
"It is, but probably much worse," Qui-Gon said. "They use geothermal energy to power their large factories. It is why the planet seems much warmer than it should."
"Ugh. You mean we really have to go down there?"
"Where's your adventurous spirit?" Jim asked.
"I left it in our galaxy."
"I think it would be best if Obi-Wan and I went on this mission alone for now," Qui-Gon suggested. "It could be very dangerous if all of us go there."
"You think they know we're here?" Jim asked.
"It's possible that they will soon detect the ship. It will be better if we beam to the surface rather than taking a ship down. They would obviously detect a ship."
"Mister Sulu, scan the planet's surface for a secluded area to beam down to. We don't want anyone else seeing our technology."
"Yes sir," Sulu replied.
They all went to the transporter room. "I think we should go with you," Jim said. "We know how to stay out of trouble, and we know how to get out of it. This won't be the first strange planet we visited."
"That is up to you, but this apprentice will most likely know we are there."
Jim made sure he had a blaster and a phaser, as did Spock and Bones. They got onto the transporter pad with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. "I'm beaming you to coordinates outside the place he went into," Scotty said. "Whatever it's called."
"Keep a lock on us, Scotty," Jim replied.
"Yes, Captain."
"Energize."
They were soon appearing on the arid planet of Geonosis which had a reddish tint to it, but it was definitely sand. It reminded Jim of Mars. They headed into the cavern where the ship had gone into. As they entered, suddenly, Qui-Gon stopped as though he had been shocked by something.
"Master, is something wrong?" Obi-Wan asked.
Qui-Gon thought now that they were away from Coruscant, his Force sensitivities were clearer. "Something unexpected," he said.
"Like what?" Jim asked.
"I am not certain yet."
Qui-Gon walked on. They all followed, but Jim hated surprises. As they got deeper into the cavern, it seemed to get hotter rather than cooler. Qui-Gon's face told of his concentration, and his concern. He knew what he had felt. An apprentice can feel their master when they are near, even when they have departed. Could it be true? Were his feelings right? He had to see it. He could not simply believe it without seeing this.
They soon came to a chamber where there was a large control center and what looked like a table, and there were several beings around the table. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan glanced at each other as they were surprised to see Nute Gunray there, along with the other Separatists.
"Isn't that the Viceroy?" Jim whispered.
"It is," Qui-Gon replied.
They listened to the meeting which was a discussion about banking and the trade routes. They also discussed their creation of another droid army and the "ultimate weapon", which was still in the planning stages, although it was nearing the beginning of construction. "My master will soon have control of the government," Dooku said. "Once he does, we will no longer have to worry about the Jedi interfering with our plans of domination."
Jim was making sure to record this meeting and sending it directly to the Enterprise. "How do you know they won't interfere any longer?" Gunray asked.
"Because, they will no longer exist, my friend. One never creates an army without making it certain that they will remain loyal to their master."
Jim looked at Qui-Gon with a puzzled look. "What is he talking about?" he whispered.
Qui-Gon did not answer but simply stood there in disbelief. They intended to slaughter the Jedi and take over the government, and have this clone army at their disposal, as well as a droid army.
"And what of that queen?" Gunray asked. "She humiliated us!"
"She will be dealt with later," Dooku replied. "Right now, we must keep a low profile until we can move forward with our plans. My master has felt a new glimmer in the Force, as well as another disturbance. Once the invaders are taken care of, they will no longer interfere."
"Those invaders from another galaxy? How long will they be allowed to stay here?"
"Not much longer. They will be dealt with and then their technology will be ours to add to our ultimate weapon."
Jim looked at Spock who was looking as worried as a Vulcan could. Bones wanted to go back to the ship and get back to their own galaxy.
Qui-Gon wanted to confront Dooku, but he was not certain that this was the time. He would contact Yoda and the Council, and perhaps they would confront him when he was at the Jedi Temple.
They left the cavern, and Jim called the Enterprise to beam them up immediately. They were soon standing on the transporter pad. As they stepped off the pad, Jim stopped. "Who is he?" he asked.
"He was my Jedi Master," Qui-Gon said. "He discovered me. Let's continue to Kamino. I will contact Master Yoda and the Council about this."
"Alright."
Jim went to the Bridge and Spock followed him. "Mister Sulu, take us on to Kamino," Jim said as he sat down.
"Captain, I believe this situation is becoming a Jedi matter," Spock said.
"It's really always been one. You heard what he said."
"They intend to destroy the Jedi."
"There are too many things we don't understand about this."
"I agree. What do you think we should do?"
"We'll decide that after we take them to Kamino."
When they arrived at Kamino, Jim and the others looked at the planet through the viewport. "It's all water," Sulu said.
"Amazing," Jim said. "How does it survive like that?"
"It is not the only planet of this sort in the universe, Captain," Spock said.
"I know that, but it's still odd."
The intercom whistled. "Captain, the Jedi are ready to beam down," Scotty said.
"Go ahead, Mister Scott," Jim replied. "Make sure you get them on the platform."
"Captain, are you implying that I don't know what I'm doing? That I'm somehow going to put them down in the ocean instead of on the ground?"
"Uh, no. Just go ahead, Mister Scotty."
Jim shook his head. "I think everyone on this ship is getting too sensitive."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan beamed down to the planet, and they were standing on a round platform surrounded by a dark ocean, and being pounded by rain. They could see no sky because of thick, dark clouds. The structure they were standing in front of was a large dome-shaped building that seemed to be just sitting above the water, but it was not the only one of its kind.
As they approached the clear, transparisteel doors, they opened without them even having to press a button or anything. They looked at each other and walked on in. They had never seen such a creature as the one that greeted them. It had a small head on top of a long neck, and a long thin body and legs to match. It had large black eyes with grayish irises, and bluish skin, no protruding nose, and a small mouth.
"Greetings," the being said. "We weren't expecting you so soon."
"So soon?" Qui-Gon asked. He could not understand why she would be expecting them at all.
"It will take a few weeks before we will have a specimen."
Qui-Gon realized she was referring to the army they were cloning. "Oh," he said. "Well, I guess we're early then. Is the host here whom you are fashioning them after?"
"Why yes."
"And what is his name?"
"Jango Fett."
"May we meet him?"
"Upon the approval of the Prime Minister, Lama Su. Come."
Qui-Gon followed, but he stayed wary. He did not know much about the Kaminoans, but he had a feeling that they could be more of a foe than they looked like. Lama Su did not look much different than the one who had met them at the door, but he had a crest on his head. He talked just as calmly as the other one, but with a much deeper voice. He gave them permission to meet Jango Fett.
They were led to a room where Fett was staying. He definitely had the scars one would expect to see on a bounty hunter. He was not a tall man. He had black hair, tanned skin and dark brown eyes. Qui-Gon had to wonder why they chose this specimen, but he supposed it was because of his personality which showed in his eyes.
"So, you're the bounty hunter who was hired to create a clone army," Qui-Gon said.
"Yes," Fett answered. "The pay's good. I see they didn't choose you."
Qui-Gon frowned. "I assume you make your way to Coruscant at times," he said.
"If I feel like it."
"Do you know anyone by the name of Palpatine?"
Fett frowned. "No. Why?"
"Just checking. Who recruited you for this…job?"
"I believe his name was Lord Tyrannus. Don't you know who recruited me for your army?"
"I'm afraid I don't agree with this army, and you were recruited under false pretenses…but then that is not your fault, is it?"
"No. I guess not."
Qui-Gon turned to leave the room. Obi-Wan watched Fett a moment as they walked away. He certainly did not trust that guy. He thought they should have interrogated him more or something.
Qui-Gon contacted Captain Kirk and the Enterprise as they walked outside again. "We must return to Coruscant at once," he said.
"Beam them up, Scotty," Jim said. "Take us out as soon as they're aboard, Mister Sulu."
Jim arrived at the transporter room just as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan arrived. "Did you find out anything?" Jim asked.
"It's all just as we thought," Qui-Gon said. "We must get back to Coruscant and meet with the Jedi Council."
"We're getting on our way now."
"The bounty hunter's name is Jango Fett. He's the model for these clones who will become the army."
"Are they gonna stop them?"
"It will be up to the Republic."