Chapter 21
Xanatos sauntered into the detention room where his two captives were. Obi-Wan Kenobi was shackled with Force-resistant cuffs on one restraining stand, suspended in place and guarded by ray shields. Rhiannon was shackled in the same way on the other restraining stand and guarded by her own ray shields.
"Traitor," Obi-Wan snarled when he saw his old nemesis saunter into the room.
"Oh no, my old friend," he protested. "This is a mistake, a terrible mistake. They're out of control; this is madness."
Rhiannon rolled her eyes. "Don't insult our intelligence. We know you're the leader here, Xanatos."
He shrugged. "This had nothing to do with me; I assure you. I'll petition immediately to have you both set free."
"Well, we hope it doesn't take too long," Rhiannon deadpanned. "I think I can speak for the both of us when I say we have work to do."
"Might I inquire as what two Jedi Knights are doing all the way out here on Geonosis?" Xanatos asked.
"We're tracking a bounty hunter named Jango Fett," Obi-Wan replied. "Do you know him?"
The renegade shook his head no. "There are no bounty hunters here that I'm aware of. The Geonosians don't trust them."
"We don't blame them, but he is here," Rhiannon chimed in. "My tracking device doesn't lie."
Xanatos gazed at Rhiannon with undisguised lust. Obi-Wan glared at the dark Jedi.
"It's a pity our paths haven't crossed for so long," Xanatos was saying. "Qui-Gon sure warmed up to you after Melida/Daan, Obi-Wan." He paused. "I wish he were still alive. I'm sure he'd help me."
Rhiannon rolled her eyes again. "You're still insulting our intelligence, and it's really starting to annoy. I know for a fact that Qui-Gon Jinn would never join you."
"Don't be so sure, young Jedi," Xanatos sneered. "If he knew the truth, as I do…"
"The truth?" Obi-Wan asked.
"The truth. Right now, hundreds of senators are under the influence of a dark lord of the Sith called Darth Sidious." Xanatos gazed at his captives to gauge their reactions.
"I don't believe you," Obi-Wan said slowly.
"Neither do I," Rhiannon added.
"Ten years ago, Viceroy Gunray was in league with this Darth Sidious," Xanatos explained. "He came to me for help, told me everything.
"You must join me, Obi-Wan, and together, we will join the Sith!"
Obi-Wan and Rhiannon looked at each other. He nodded at her. "You're insulting our intelligence again, Xanatos," she said smugly.
"I'll never join you," Obi-Wan added calmly.
Xanatos smirked at his captors with mock sympathy. "It may be difficult to secure your release," he said and left them alone.
Dallen was sitting on pins and needles as he listened to Jar-Jar's motion. The Gungan was making a motion to grant emergency powers to the supreme chancellor.
What is he thinking?
He was fighting with everything in him to grab the Gungan and shake him. After everything Padmé had done, emergency powers would bring about what she didn't want, an army for the Republic and civil war.
He felt Dormé's hand on his thigh, and looked up to find a warning look in her eyes. It was clear she wanted him to remain silent.
When the session was over, it was decided that Chancellor Palpatine would reluctantly take the emergency powers until the crisis has abated and his first act would be to create a grand army for the Republic.
On his way out, he overheard a conversation between Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Yoda.
"It is done then," Windu said. "I will take what Jedi we have left and go to Geonosis to help Obi-Wan and Padawan Kai."
"Visit, I will, the cloners on Kamino. See this clone army that they have prepared for the Republic," Yoda said in agreement.
Dallen knew exactly what he wanted to do. Late the evening before, he'd tried to contact Padmé at the lake house in Varykino on Naboo, only to learn from Motée that she and Anakin knew about Obi-Wan and Rhiannon's capture and had left for Geonosis before they could tell Ruwee and Jobal about his mother's misdeeds. He ended up having to do that himself. Now, Sharée was out of the Naberrie home on Theed, and he was sure she would be facing charges when this was over.
He followed the group to the landing platform and hung back watching as the group of Jedi Knights boarded the star cruiser that would take them to Geonosis. Waiting a few seconds after the last Padawan had boarded the ship; he sneaked on board, immediately finding himself a hiding place.
In his experience with his friendships with Anakin and Rhiannon, and even Obi-Wan, he'd learned how to shield himself, and his thoughts so they wouldn't be able to sense him. Of course, when Cordé had died—no, when his mother had killed her—he'd been in a state of shock so he didn't have a chance to shield his emotions. But he wouldn't make that mistake here. The Jedi couldn't find him, not until they were well on their way and couldn't turn back.
I'm going to find my cousin and bring her out of this, he vowed.
This is embarrassing, Anakin thought to himself. Not only have I gotten us captured, but my lightsaber's toast.
He and Padmé were escorted none-too-gently into the interrogation room where they were greeted by Lord duCrion. No, Anakin told himself. It's Xanatos Omega.
Padmé decided to try for a diplomatic solution to this situation. "You have two Jedi in your custody," she said calmly. "I ask that you release them into mine."
Suddenly, the door opened and Viceroy Gunray sauntered in, having heard her request. She wasn't surprised, as she knew that he was behind the attempts on her life.
"So, you ask that the two Jedi we have in our custody be released into yours?" the Neimoidian sneered. "You are in no position to be making such a request."
"Calm, calm, my friend," Xanatos said with a smile as he turned back to Padmé. "I'm sure we can come to an agreement. Perhaps, if your planet will join my cause, I could release the two Jedi into your custody."
Padmé's eyes flashed with anger. "You would have me go against everything I have worked for in the Republic?"
"The old order is broken," Xanatos said simply. "It is time to start over."
"And if I refuse to go along with your plan to start over?"
The renegade Jedi eyed her. "Well, then you'll suffer the same fate as your two Jedi. You and your companion are charged with espionage and will be tried and sentenced." He motioned toward two Geonosian guards. "Take them away to await their trial."