Chapter 36 - Requesting Immunity
DISCLAIMER: We do not own Star Wars or any of the characters in it, though we wish we did. xD
Author's Note: I recently released a one-shot which I made my headcannon. It takes place shortly before Trial of the Times starts. :P
~ Amina Gila
"Skywalker and Kenobi are currently unavailable," Dooku informs Tano, regarding her carefully, "It is your choice if you desire to remain in my office while I am addressing the Senate."
She hesitates for only a moment. "I want to stay," she insists emphatically.
"As you wish," he replies inclining his head slightly, turning and seating himself at his desk. "You can make yourself comfortable in a chair over there, and I only ask that you remain quiet."
"Of course," she answers, sitting down in one of the indicated chairs. She seems a little uncomfortable – maybe on edge from being alone with him. He can understand her caution. She'd only met him for the first time several hours earlier. Until then, they'd been on opposing sides as far as she was concerned.
Pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind, Dooku focuses on his impending speech to the Senate. He has to use all his charm and persuasion powers to ensure they listen to his offer. Getting immunity is an important step in their plans. He pushes the button to start the transmission. He'd already had a droid set it up.
From the news reports he's heard, the Republic is in a turmoil. The Jedi Council informed the Senate what occurred – that Palpatine is a Sith Lord. At the moment, there is no Chancellor and elections are in order. Hopefully the chaos will make them more likely to be receptive to his offer. Of course, using light Force suggestions will help as well, though he loathes to do so. It's too reminiscent of Sidious' manipulations.
It's not long before the transmission is connected, and Dooku finds himself facing someone he presumes is acting a temporary Chancellor while the elections are occurring.
"Count Dooku?" the man asks, surprise wafting around him.
Dooku tips his head slightly. "I must speak to the Senate about the recent revelations. I have something to add which is important for the Republic to hear."
The man scrutinizes him before nodding. "I'll put you on live."
Dooku waits calmly until he knows his transmission is being broadcast to the entire Senate. "I know it must be a surprise to receive this message," he begins, a faint smiling tugging at his lips, "But I have something of importance to convey to the Senate."
"I am aware that the Jedi Council has informed you that former Chancellor Palpatine is the Sith Lord Darth Sidious. He was my master, but he never informed me in full of his plans," Dooku explains coolly, carefully maintaining his aloofness, "When I became aware of his intend to destroy the Republic instead of reforming it, like he initially claimed, I knew he had to be stopped. Unfortunately, Sidious has escaped and is now at large."
"With that in mind," he continues, leaning forward slightly, "I wish to make a proposal to the Senate. I am willing to offer whatever information about the Separatist Alliance you request in exchange for immunity. As a token of my sincerity, I have agreed to have the presence of some Jedi and a group of clones to ensure I do not break my end of the deal. I will additionally work with whatever Separatist allies support me to bring a speedy end to the conflict to the best of my abilities."
He inhales slowly, still perfectly calm as he prepares to launch into the next part of his speech, "I also suggest that the Senate discuss the fate of the clone soldiers. For all intents and purposes, they are child soldiers. They are no better than slaves. Sidious has complete control over them through a brain implant. It is wrong to think of them as expendable. They are living beings also. Being a clone does not mean being identical. They each have their own personality. You must treat them as humans. I await your decision."
With those words, he disconnects the transmission, knowing that it will be easy for the Senate to contact him once more. They probably already know that he's on Serenno. He's also guessing that the news will reach the media in minutes. That's what he was aiming for. He can only hope that his words had the desired impact. Everything is laid out according to plan. Now all he can do is wait for everything to fall into place.
"That was a great speech," Tano murmurs, looking at him with something akin to admiration in her eyes, "I think the Senate will give you immunity."
He presses his lips together. She's little more than a child. She can't – doesn't – understand the intricacies of politics. "I think that to be a hasty decision, Padawan," he replies, a veiled reprimand in his words, "Sidious might not be present, but he still very much controls the Senate."
A sigh escapes her, "Of course." She doesn't seem angry at his admonishment, but he can sense a trace of irritation. Maybe she dislikes being thought of as a child. Settling back into his chair, Dooku prepares to wait for the next several hours, or however long it takes the Senate to reach its decision. He intends to contact some of his allies; they have important matters to discuss.
**b**
"What's the status?" inquires Anakin wandering into the room, Obi-Wan following him. Dooku looks up from the datapad in front of him. Ahsoka is standing in front of the window, staring out into the night.
"The Senate has given me immunity," Dooku informs him, a smug note in his voice, "And it has agreed to my suggestion that it seriously consider the fate of the clone troops after the war is over."
"So, you are anticipating a quick end to the hostilities?" questions Obi-Wan mildly, leaning against the door frame. Anakin mimics his posture, crossing his arms as he watches the Count.
"I am hoping," Dooku confirms, "I have spoken with a number of my allies. While I am awaiting further reports, it appears the Separatist Alliance has been split in half. Half wishes to hold peace talks with the Republic. The other half is following Sidious who is no doubt planning his next series of actions."
"But we're on the road to peace?" Anakin asks.
After a momentary hesitation, Dooku nods his head. "I hope so. Everyone is on the alert. I have instructed that I be immediately informed if any sightings of Sidious have been made."
"It is crucial that we decide upon a means of rebuilding the systems following you," Obi-Wan points out, "They have legitimate grievances, which must not be ignored."
"You are right," the Count agrees, "Nothing is firmly decided as of yet, but I have spoken with the Duchess Satine as she is the leader of all neutral systems. I am hoping that she will agree to accept the neutrality of my half of the Separatist Alliance and offer aid to help them rebuild." He pauses, a sly smile appearing. "Additionally, I have given instructions that funds be taken from the Trade Federation, which has pledged support to Sidious. These will be transferred to help."
"A good plan, if I may say so myself," Anakin asserts, "Did you create this all now? I get the impression you've been planning for a while."
Dooku chuckles quietly. "Planning is the wrong word, Skywalker, but I have spent time envisioning alternative means of solving the problems the Republic is facing."
"I'm glad you're on our side," muses Ahsoka, turning away from the window, "This is a much faster, less bloody way to end the war."
Acknowledging her comment with a curt nod, Dooku turns his attention to Obi-Wan. "I expect that Duchess Satine will desire to meet with me in person to discuss the details of aiding the systems which wish to join her in neutrality, especially since I am their official leader as of now. I was hoping you could accompany me if I go to Mandalore. I have heard you have cordial relations with the Duchess, and your negotiation skills will be useful."
"I would be happy to go with you," Obi-Wan replies finally.
"Good, now that this business has been attended to, it would be best for us to retire for the night," suggest Dooku, "Tomorrow will be a long day, and we must immediately begin our search for Sidious. A group of clones can be dispatched to the most likely systems to start searching."
"They will be going as travelers, I presume," Anakin murmurs, frowning.
Dooku nods. "Of course. Disguises might also be helpful. It is possible that Sidious will have guards on the lookout for people resembling the clones. He knows our methods well, so we must be smarter."
"Do things he doesn't expect," muses Anakin, eyes lighting up. "That will not be hard."
"Since you're involved, I wouldn't expect so," teases Obi-Wan, glancing his direction.
"We are the heroes of the Clone Wars," Ahsoka pipes up, "If we can't find Sidious, then no one can. I don't believe he can hide from us for long."
Anakin smirks, putting a hand on her shoulder. "And nor do I, Snips, but the Count is right. If we don't get rest tonight, it will make the search harder in the morning."