The Honey Trap
As she stood outside her shop, the Dathomirian Nightsister, Mother Ta'la watched as the squad of plumed Senate guards marched along the walkway towards her. Next to her, Tenacious growled softly and she shot the large Zabrack a warning look before returning her attention to the durasteel security shutters that were rolling across the windows and door of the shop. There was a loud click as the shutters' locking mechanisms slotted into place and, at the same time, the masked guards strode passed, continuing on their way.
"More vampires," snarled Tenacious.
"Hush, they may hear." Mother Ta'la had known most of the Senate guards for years and, despite their concealing masks, had spotted the imposters earlier that morning. With Buffy's warning in her ears, she'd made sure to give no sign that she knew they weren't who they were pretending to be and didn't want her hot-headed grandson to give them away.
Satisfied that her shop was secure, she and Tenacious caught the elevator to one of the lower levels. There they passed the main security office, both careful not to look in that direction in case they caught the attention of one of the fake guards, and headed for the large durasteel doors at the very bottom of the corridor. Two senate guards stood there, one on each side of the door.
When they were within a few feet of them, one called out, "Mother Ta'la. What can we do for you today?"
With an inward sigh of relief, Ta'la recognised the rough voice of Tam Leary one of the longest serving guards and nodded in greeting.
"I have need to access the lower vaults," she explained. It wasn't an unusual request. The jewellery shop kept a secure storage unit in the lower levels and she or Tenacious often accessed it to replenish their stock. She took out the official documentation that allowed her access and handed it to Tam. The document had been signed by Palpatine himself, allowing her and Tenacious not only access to the lowest vaults, but also the right to carry a weapon when items of high value were being transported.
"Have you heard about the big debates starting in the Chamber today?" he asked, glancing over their clearance and not asking to see their weapons. "Palpatine's head of security has had us into his office individually to go over procedures. Drume," he gestured to the guard opposite him, "and I are due to see him at the end of the shift." He gave a grunt of frustration as he inputted data into his pad. "That Trade Federation are always causing trouble, one way or another."
Mother Ta'la tilted her head in agreement. "Yes, I foresee much trouble ahead."
Tam handed back their clearance. "Everything is fine here. Drume, let them through."
The doors slid open to reveal another long corridor with a stairway off to the left. The Dathomirians took the stairs to the lower storage level. However, instead of going to their unit, the pair continued on down the stairs to the very lowest levels of the building.
Inside a filthy passageway that hadn't seen activity for decades, Mother Tal'la and Tenacious slowed their pace, their eyes on the floor as they searched the intricate pattern that decorated the tiled floor.
"Is this it, Nan?" Tenacious's sharp eyes had detected a raised line along one floor section.
Mother Ta'la knelt down by the ridge. She removed a small cutting device from her robe pocket and began to began to loosen the sealing compound that had been pressed into the gaps around the trapdoor. Once the grooves were clear of years of dirt and sealant, she nodded to Tenacious and stood to one side.
The Zabrack pulled out a blaster and aimed it slightly to the right of the trapdoor.
"Shoot directly into the centre of the interlocking circles, nowhere else," Ta'la ordered.
Tenacious fired. The strike hit the hidden mechanism dead-on centre, and with a loud hiss, the trapdoor was released. The ancient mechanism that should have raised the door open smoothly shuddering to a sudden stop. Tenacious took hold of the edge of the trapdoor and, with muscles straining, lifted it fully open. Just visible in the darkness below, were old duracrete steps that led downwards into the remains of the ancient Galactic Meeting Chamber. The building that that the Senate had been built upon.
Once more Mother Ta'la dropped to her knees and this time called out the code words that Andrew had given her, "Captain Picard, this is Janeaway. Are you in position?"
"Janeaway, this is Captain Picard." A moment later, the face of the Jedi Master, Mace Windu appeared below her.
"All is clear. Quickly, quickly." Mother Ta'la motioned for the Jedi Knights to climb up.
In the end, over twenty Jedi knights came up through the door and crowded into the corridor.
"Palpatine's vampires have already infiltrated most of the Senate guards," said Tenacious. "I wanted to take a few out, but Nan wouldn't let me."
"Are you sure they are vampires?" Master Ki-Adi Mundi asked. If it was true, the vampire attack on the Senators could happen at any time.
From beneath her hood, the Nightsister glared at him. "I know these men for years. Always from same families. Now they different. Look different, move different-."
"Smell different," interrupted Tenacious. "They don't 'feel' right when you're near them. Nan says it's because they are undead. The guard on the vault doors told us they are all being briefed individually. That's right, Nan, isn't it?"
"Yes, yes. Replace guards with vampires. Soon all will be undead. You must be wary," the Nightsister warned.
"This isn't the news we wanted to hear." Mace looked far from happy at the news. "If he's moved his vampires into position inside the Senate it means he's already consolidated his position."
"Leaving Buffy in more danger." Mother Ta'la grimaced. "Surrounded by much darkness, pain, and death is she. The spirits tell me so. Love is her downfall. It is not good."
Mace ignored her pessimistic forecast. Buffy was a Slayer and always seemed to be surrounded by pain and death. Instead, he asked, "Have you seen Kenobi?"
Tenacious answered, "Kenobi came into the shop earlier. He brought the other Jedi with him, Jinn, Vos, and Tholme. They left for the public gallery to get into position and watch the debates. Palpatine should have started by now..."
…...
Around Buffy and Dooku's pod, the Senate broke into spontaneous applause as the Supreme Chancellor's introduction came to a close. Once the applause had died away, Palpatine took to the stand once more. "My fellow Senators, I would like to use my prerogative as Supreme Chancellor to discuss another topic that is not on today's agenda. It is a matter of some urgency..."
The Senator's amassed around the rotunda walls grew silent.
Now that he'd everyone's attention, the Sith Lord began, "It saddens me to inform you of a great threat to the peace of our galaxy. One that's grown malignantly under our very noses for some time." Palpatine pressed the palm of his hand over his face, shaking his head as if in disbelief. He dropped his hand and glared around at those assembled. "We have been betrayed," he snarled. "Betrayed by those the Republic once trusted implicitly."
Buffy glanced about her. The Senators in all the nearby pods were regarding each other warily, wondering who the betrayer was.
Palpatine continued to glare around him. "My fellow Senators, we have been purposely misled by the Jedi Order."
Despite knowing it was on the cards, Buffy winced. All around the rotunda she could hear gasps, grunts, whistles, and cries of dismay (and hopefully, disbelief) from the delegates.
Palpatine continued playing the audience. "On the Jedi Order's instigation, and despite my own doubts, the Republic recently brought in new laws to legalise the hunting and slaying of vampires. We were informed by the Jedi that these vampires were dangerous when, in fact, this is a monstrous lie!"
Red spots of anger showed on the pale cheeks of the Supreme Chancellor. He slammed his fists onto the edge of his platform in agitation.
He went on, "I have discovered, on good authority, that a vampire is nothing more than a person who has a health condition that causes multiple allergies! Allergies over which they have no control! Colleagues, any one of us could develop vampirism at some point in our lives and the laws we've been forced to pass by the Jedi are cruel to the extreme. Recently, I have been involved in extensive talks-."
"Talking is not all that he's been doing," muttered Buffy angrily and the Count patted her shoulder consolingly. This was giving her a bad taste in her mouth. She was already hot from being bundled inside the robe and having to listen to the sickly-sweet tone of the Supreme Chancellor made her want to puke.
"... a plea for mercy for their kind," Palpatine finished dramatically
The Senators mumbled sympathetically.
Palpatine shook his head, sadly. "Given this information, I wish to take a new vote and repeal all the anti-vampire laws. I also wish for those who misled the Republic so gravely to answer for their crimes. In hindsight, this isn't the first time the Senate has bowed to the wishes of the Jedi." Palpatine's eyes looked about searchingly. "Let me ask you this... How many times have the the Jedi interfered in your planetary politics? How many times has their interference caused you financial loss? The Jedi claim to be without ambition or crave power and yet time and time again we have ben forced to do their bidding. Do these people think they are superior to us?" He slammed his fist down again. "I, therefore, demand that the Jedi High Council are questioned over this. I also demand that their Temple is locked-down whilst independent investigators scrutinise their files and archives for evidence of wrongdoing..."
"This is killing me," whispered Buffy to Dooku. With her Slayer hearing, she could hear murmurs of agreement from other repulsorpods. No doubt the delegates from planets where the Jedi Order had stopped greed, criminal activity, and enslavement of others.
"Shh!" Dooku scolded. "We will miss our cue."
"The Senator for Naboo, wishes to address the Senate," intoned a mechanical voice.
The replusorpod containing the Senator for Naboo floated out to the Supreme Chancellor's platform. Buffy was pleased to see that it wasn't Jar Jar Binks, but a human female dressed in ornate umber-coloured robes. She remembered seeing Dooku speaking to her when they were in the diplomats' lounge, shortly before taking they'd taken their places inside the Senate Chamber.
"Supreme Chancellor," the Nabooan called out, her voice high, but strong and unwavering. "These are strong claims against the Jedi you are making. May I ask, what evidence you have for this..." she paused as if searching her head for a diplomatic word, "raid on the Jedi Temple?"
"It is hardly a raid," Palpatine refuted. "If the Jedi are innocent they have nothing to fear by us looking into their actions." He gave her a kindly smile and then added, as if trying to simplify something for a small child, "If they prove innocent they'll be released and allowed to go about their daily business once more."
"And what about Lord Vader?" the delegate asked. "Her role was to protect the Republic against vampires. Is she to be arrested as well? You are arresting your girlfriend?"
"I wish they'd stop saying I'm his girlfriend," Buffy muttered.
Palpatine wavered on his feet and paled. (Buffy thought he was going for the sympathy vote.)
"Lord Vader's involvement is despicable if she knows the true nature of vampires." He sighed, loudly. "My duty is to the Senate and I can't allow my personal feelings to override my duty. Once the anti-vampire laws are revoked, she'll be taken for questioning along with the Jedi." Sid gripped the side of the platform, a carefully distressed look on his face. "It's a very sad state of affairs when after years of being alone, you find the woman you adore above all others and she's-."
The Naboo Senator cut him off, "I heard that you've been unwell recently?"
Buffy smirked and leaned closer to the view screen. For the first time, Palpatine looked apprehensive. "Ah, not really. I was a little run down. I took a vacation. First at my villa on Naboo and then later at a private health spa."
Buffy grinned. Whoever this Nabooan delegate was, she was doing a great job. Now the woman was looking around her, to encompass the rest of the chamber. "Supreme Chancellor, can you state, before the Senate and the entire Galactic Republic, that you areNOTa vampire?"
To most people scrutinising their viewscreen, would Palpatine have look affronted by the question, to Buffy, he looked uneasy.
"Certainly not!" he replied. "That's ludicrous!"
Naboo representative nodded her head and smiled, pleasantly. "Yes, it would be wouldn't it? Because under the current laws, if you were a vampire, you'd lose not only your position, but also your freedom." She beamed at the Sith. "It really is a good thing you aren't a vampire, isn't it? That will be all. Thank you for answering all my questions so clearly and honestly, Supreme Chancellor."
The woman's platform floated back to the Rotunda wall and the next delegate was announced.
"The Senator for Serenno." Intoned a voice, as their repulsorpod floated out into the centre of the chamber to meet the Supreme Chancellor.
"Count Dooku, I had no idea you'd decided to enter the political arena." Sid gave a sycophantic smile and slid a curious glance in her direction, speculating who she could be.
From the depths of her hood, Buffy could see suspicion in his small eyes. His grey tongue poked out and licked at pale, dry lips. No doubt wondering at the last minute switch, considering his options, and the best way of working the new situation to his advantage. Buffy felt a wave of alarm. What if her plan didn't work? Kardash had better not be lying, especially about the part where Sid was still besotted with her!
Count Dooku gave nothing away. In fact, if anything he looked slightly bored. "My position as Count of Serenno gives me the right to take a seat in the Senate, as I'm sure you already know."
"Quite," replied the Supreme Chancellor. "And your question?"
"I would like to ask, what exactly does a vampire look like? How would we Senators recognise one?"
"I am sure you know-."
"Actually I don't, that's why I am asking for confirmation. I am sure the other Senators would love to know what a vampire looks like. Should he or she prove dangerous or not."
"Very well, if you insist." Palpatine addressed the Senate, "Vampires look exactly like the person they were before they developed their allergies. During an allergic reaction they do have a slight facial deformity, this occurs only when they transform-."
"Into a demon?" Buffy asked.
Buffy stepped forward and throwing back the heavy cloak to reveal herself. Underneath the cloak, she wore a low cut, semi-transparent, white dress with special underwired cups to enhance her cleavage. She smiled, broadly, at the shocked and now mute Supreme Chancellor, making sure she tilted her head to one side to show off her neck.
Spike had been a vampire for much longer than Sid and she knew that posing like this drove the peroxide vampire crazy – one way or another. Would this work with a newly made vampire-Sith?
Buffy reached up and trailed her fingers enticingly along the length of her neck. "My skin is so delicate and soft just here. Easily broken. Look." She leaned over the front of her platform. "See how the pulse in my throat throbs? My vein is there – pulsating."
Palpatine's nose flared and his face darkened with anger. He knew what she was doing and yet the part of him she enticed was unable to look away. Buffy licked her lips, keeping an eye on him while all the time angling her neck so that it kept his interest. However, foolish she felt doing this, she knew she needed to lay it on thick. Otherwise, it might not work.
"A master vampire called Spike once told me that a Slayer's blood tastes far sweeter and more powerful than a normal human's. See these marks? Angel bit me just here and almost lost complete control." She touched the scars made by the Master and Angel so that Palpatine's eyes were drawn to them. "They all want my warm, sweet, Slayer blood..."
"Supreme Chancellor?" Mas Amedda spoke from his seat next to Palpatine.
Buffy bit her lip. She didn't want Palpatine's attention to waver from her neck. Using the spiked ring that she'd worn especially for this purpose, Buffy pressed the point into her neck until she felt the blood well to the surface. Palpatine's nose twitched. Buffy could see he was using every iota of his Sith training to stop himself from vamping out. That she could see his internal battle meant that he was really struggling to keep control.
As the blood trickled down her neck, Buffy whispered intimately, "Can you smell me? That rich and heady aroma? Imagine the texture and the sensation as it flows from your mouth and down into your throat." Palpatine swallowed heavily, his eyes on her throat.
"What is the meaning of this?" Mas Amedda spoke again. "If this continues I shall have you thrown from the Chamber."
Buffy was getting panicky. A newborn should have vamped out by now. Around her, she could hear mumbles as the Senators got restless. She touched the blood, raising her fingers level with Sid's face, and placing a drop onto her tongue.
Palpatine made a strangled noise in his throat and paled.
"Your lips on my neck, the sharpness of your fangs as they pierce my skin, the cry from my lips..." 'Come on, come on,' Buffy thought. She was running out of things to say. Spike would have vamped by now, although Palpatine was probably put off by the audience. "Touch me, feel me as I sag into your arms when your tongue licks at the drops from my th-"
Without warning, Palpatine Force sprang at her, his face fully vamped out. His feet landed on the edge of their platform and he grappled her to the floor before Buffy had chance to avoid him.
The entire Senate erupted. Shouts of horror, piercing screams, growls, grunts, and yells for security rang out. Buffy trapped beneath the Supreme Chancellor tried pulling away, but Palpatine's arms were pinning her in a vice-like grip, his head sinking down onto her throat. She felt the sharp cut of his fangs on her throat and the press of his lips against her neck. In the background, Dooku was yelling. Everything was too dark, there wasn't enough space inside the pod to fight, there wasn't enough air to breathe...
…...
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