A/N: Because I won't have any time tomorrow, you get this today :)
Chapter 7
Anakin looked at the massive star destroyer with awe. He had seen it so often in Obi-Wan's dreams that he was familiar with every single detail, but standing in front of it now was totally different. It drove home the fact that the war was really here – that Obi-Wan's worst fears had become a reality. Anakin knew well how much his former Master had tried to avoid this. Even when Obi-Wan had told him about the Military Creation Act, there had still been the faintest flicker of hope that things would turn out differently. However, now that the first two battalions of Clones were mounting the Republic warship, Anakin knew that this hope was lost.
Master Windu had planned this operation to the tiniest detail, and it was surprising how fast they were able to embark. The last ones to go in were Anakin, the Commander, who still insisted on being called CC-2224, and the Captain, CT-7567. They slowly made their way to the bridge where Master Koon was standing together with a few officers, Anakin didn't know.
The Kel Dor turned toward them and inclined his head slightly. "Padawan Skywalker," he said in greeting, and Anakin stepped forward.
"These are the Commander of the 7th Sky Corps, CC-2224 and the Captain of the 501st, CT-7567, Master Koon. Master Windu asked me to introduce them because he is making sure that everyone is settled."
The Jedi Master nodded and gave the two men a calculating look, as far as Anakin could tell. With the mask, the Kel Dor was wearing, it was always difficult to decipher his facial expressions. "Good to meet you," the Master said and turned toward the officers at his side. "May I present Captain Wulff Yularen and his men. The Chancellor sent them to make sure you are properly introduced to the workings of this ship. We all hoped that we would have more time for this, but it seems that General Kenobi will need our help soon. So, I am sorry that introductions may be a bit rushed."
CC-2224 bowed and replied with his usual calm, "Master Windu and Padawan Skywalker read us in already. I can assure you our men are prepared for this, Master Koon." He turned toward Yularen, and the officers walked away to discuss how they would share their responsibilities. Anakin sighed at seeing the two Clones standing there, completely unfazed by the fact that they were about to embark on a journey with an unknown outcome.
Master Koon placed a hand on the Padawan's shoulder, and Anakin felt the calming waves of the Force streaming into him. "They were born to do this," the Kel Dor said, and Anakin swore he heard regret in the Master's voice. "The only thing they have to know is that their High General is in danger, and they are ready to do their duty."
"But isn't that terrible, Master?" a female voice asked, and Anakin turned around, startled. "They should have had a choice," the girl said with a grim expression.
"They wouldn't have little 'Soka," Master Koon said with a shake of his head. "If it hadn't been for General Kenobi, who was adamant that the Military Creation Act contained an amendment that gave them civil rights and made their service voluntary."
"We informed them that the Senate left it to them if they fought or if they wanted to leave," Anakin hurried to say. "All of them decided to become part of this army." He gave the Togruta girl an assessing look and hid the smile on his face when he realized that this was his Ahsoka. She had played a prominent role in Obi-Wan's dreams, and he would know her anywhere even though she was younger than she had ever been in his former Master's memories.
Ahsoka shifted uncomfortably and reached out with her hand, "Well, this is awkward," she sighed.
Anakin took her hand in greeting and smiled broadly. "I don't think so. I wasn't prepared to meet you here, but I have the feeling I know you very well already."
"You know another version of me, Padawan Skywalker," she replied in a know-it-all-manner, which he instantly recognized as typical for the Ahsoka Tano he had expected. "I am Master Koon's Padawan in this world."
"Yes, you are," Anakin said with a brilliant smile, glad that he wouldn't have to train someone at his young age. "And I have to say, it's nice to meet you. And. . . as far as I am concerned, I am looking forward to getting to know you as an equal."
She chuckled. "Well, that's good to hear. I really can't see you as my Master."
He laughed and shook his head. "No, I can't either. I'd like to spend another few years as Master Windu's Padawan before becoming a Knight and even then. . . . What was the Council thinking giving me a Padawan to teach at that age?"
"They were desperate," Master Koon interrupted their conversation. "As far as I know, they lost many Jedi on Geonosis, and there weren't enough Masters left to train the remaining Padawans. Thank the Force that Obi-Wan prevented a scenario that would lead us to this. But it means that it is up to us to save him this time."
"Do we have confirmation that he is headed for Geonosis?" Anakin asked, surprised.
"He is fairly sure about it," the Kel Dor said and turned toward the officers. "Let's plot a course to Geonosis. As soon as we have the all-clear from the General, we will adjust it. And I'd like to discuss a plan of action with you and Master Windu."
'Geonosis,' Dooku thought uncomfortably when he approached the building in front of him. It was the planet where the war had begun in Obi-Wan's former life. It would be the stage of a significant battle again, which Dooku could clearly feel in the Force. He had learned long ago that there was no point in disregarding Kenobi's memories, and he had expected to end up here ever since he had made contact with Gunray. He was glad that Obi-Wan had told him about the massive droid factory he had discovered here. It now made things more straightforward for him. The Separatist movement seemed to have slowed down, but it was still there, and the only difference seemed to be that they weren't quite as strong as they must have been in Obi-Wan's former life yet.
He walked through the gates and held his breath at the busy fabrication of droids taking place just below him. The Geonosians were known for their talent in producing weapons, but this was something else. To build this factory, they must have had help, and Dooku knew precisely who had provided them with the necessary blueprints.
He reached into the Force and stood still for a moment. A familiar Force-presence was hovering just at the edge of his senses, and he took a shaky breath fighting his shock. He thanked the Force that he had left Ventress behind. His current apprentice wouldn't like the fact that one of his former Padawans was waiting for him here. He hadn't expected to see Komari Vosa again, and if he was honest with himself, he had hoped that she wouldn't even be alive. He had known that she had joined the Bando Gora as their leader, but he had never thought she would go as far as to become a Sith. However, her presence was clearly dark enough. He sighed deeply, remembering why she had left the Order. Her involvement didn't bode well for his plans.
The eerie hallway opened into a grand conference room, and Dooku looked around curiously. The only person awaiting him was his former apprentice, standing at the end of the table, her blue eyes settling on him with an icy shimmer. "Master," she said with a tone that was a tad too bitter for Dooku's taste.
"Komari," he simply acknowledged her presence, once more shifting his gaze around, seeking. "I hoped to meet the Separatists' leadership, not a failed former Padawan of mine."
His provocation had the desired effect, and her eyes shot daggers at him. "The leadership asked me to test the waters, Master," she snapped at him. "As opposed to you, I am already an accepted member of this circle."
"Are you?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "Or are you just a Sith Lord's pet, sent to do his bidding?"
She leaned onto the table with both of her hands and glowered at him. "I don't see how you became the expert in Sith Lords, Dooku," she hissed at him, purposely shifting from his formal address to his name. "Last I've known, you were conspiring with a Jedi to destroy a Sith Lord."
He shrugged, determined not to let his own tension at her presence show. "I was just doing what every decent Sith Lord has to do. I am only entitled to call myself a true Lord of the Sith if I kill my Master. What did your Master do to earn his title?"
She crossed her arms in front of her chest and scoffed. "As far as I know, you failed. Sidious is still alive."
He hid a smile when he realized that she had dodged his question. She was becoming angry, which had always helped make her do things she didn't want to. "But caged in a Holocron, not able to dictate my actions any longer," Dooku said with indifference. "As long as the Jedi keep him safe, we do not have to fear him."
"And your collaboration with Kenobi?" she said with her eyebrows lifted. "How is that working out for you?"
"There is no collaboration," he said firmly. "I needed him to kill Sidious. But he has served his purpose. He is. . . " he shook himself with a disgusted expression. ". . .a beacon of Light. It almost hurts to see such talent wasted. He would have been a formidable Sith Lord. But I gave up on that a long time ago."
"And here I thought you were still helping him destroy the anchor. . . ." she said with a mocking voice.
"I do not need him to do that, my young apprentice," he replied, straightening himself. "That last step is easy compared to what we already accomplished."
"You taught Kenobi Sith Magic, you traitor," she said with a pinched mouth, suppressing her need to shout at him.
He smiled, realizing that she was more and more losing her composure. "Padawan," he replied, purposely using the title to demean her. "You will learn that sometimes you have to share your knowledge to achieve great things in life. You could also say that by luring Kenobi away from his precious Order, I succeeded in driving a wedge between him and the Jedi. I am sure that is something your Master has come to appreciate over the last few years. Imagine the young General having the backing of the entire Jedi Order? Wouldn't your little war scheme be so much more difficult then?"
"It would be much easier if you had done your duty and killed him," she hissed, taking a step toward him. "Don't tell me that while you were colluding with him, you didn't have an opportunity to finish him off."
He laughed at her words and shook his head in amusement. "Have you fought the man?" At seeing her swallow, his eyes narrowed. "Oh, you have. . . . That's surprising." He walked to her side, towering over her and placing a hand on her shoulder. It was an all too familiar gesture, and she cringed. "He is the best swordsman I have ever seen. There is no shame in losing against him, Komari."
She shook his hand off and glared at him. "Do not play the caring Master, Dooku. Things have changed, and you lost the right to touch me that way long ago." She took a deep breath and looked at him with determination. "My Master is interested in what you have to offer. But he wants me to make sure that your allegiances have indeed changed. I am not sure if I can assure him of that yet."
"But he likes the idea of having me at his side," Dooku concluded. "He knows that the Separatists are short of a leader – a public face."
"And Serenno is a wealthy world, which is an advantage because, as you can see, we will need more money to build an army."
He felt that she didn't like to work with him, but she had received her orders, and as a Sith apprentice, she didn't have another choice than obeying. "Would it help if I pledged a significant sum to the Geonosians here and now?" he asked.
"It certainly would," she replied with a shrug. "But it's not enough. Darth Ianus isn't a man who is satisfied easily. If you want to gain his trust, you have to give him more."
"Darth Ianus," Dooku let the name roll over his tongue. "He is playing the Republic then. . . ."
"You know about Sidious' plans," she said. "This shouldn't be much of a revelation for you. Someone had to take over his role. And I can assure you, Darth Ianus sits at the heart of the Republic government, feeding us the information we need."
Dooku noticed with satisfaction that she was opening up. His plan seemed to work. "What does he want from me?" he asked, trying to convey a deep desire to be let in.
"The Holocron," she said firmly. "He won't accept your offer without you proving that your relationship with Kenobi is truly at an end."
He had expected something like this, but he honestly didn't know how to accomplish getting the Holocron. Obi-Wan would never give it up. "That's not something I can give you now, Komari," he said. "Kenobi gave the Holocron to Master Yoda, and no one knows where it is."
"Oh, I am sure you are going to find a way to steal it and bring it to my Master. Until then, we will work with you but. . ." she gave him an icy stare. ". . . as the Jedi would say, you will be on probation. Now let's talk about what we have planned here. It won't take long until the leaders of the Separatists join us."
Tahl had a bad feeling about this mission, and she missed Qui-Gon at her side. Luan's dreams had ended when they had decided to get to the bottom of this, which indicated that they were following the Force's will, but the girl was restless because she feared what they would find on Concordia. The revelation that she had been Mandalorian of origin had upset her immensely, especially after Adi Gallia explained what that meant. Luan had loathed the Chosen One's prophecy as much as Anakin always had. Being the first Mandalorian Jedi in centuries did only add to her exasperation. Tahl just wished that the truth about Luan's family was not burdened with so many legends. But in the end, it couldn't be helped. They had to deal with it, as much as they had to accept that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were likely headed into a war at the moment.
She looked up when Padmé entered the galley and gave the Senator a wan smile. Padmé's expression showed as much concern as Tahl felt, and the healer knew that it was mainly because Obi-Wan was far away. They just didn't know where both missions would lead them to in the end.
The Senator took a mug with tea from the counter and moved toward Tahl, seating herself on the small couch. The Nabooian diplomatic cruiser provided more luxury than any Jedi shuttle would have, but in the meantime, it lacked the defensive measures Tahl was used to. But they were on a diplomatic mission, so there was no need for them to expect an attack.
"Mon Mothma already arrived in Sundari," Padmé said after a while. "We are not that far behind, but we lost some time while waiting for Knight Allie to arrive."
Sundari was Mandalore's capital, and Tahl had read that it was a domed city that was beautiful but surrounded by desert. The wasteland around it was just another reminder that Mandalore was a planet damaged by war beyond recognition. She sat down beside Padmé and gave the Senator a contemplative look. "Are you all right, Padmé?"
The other woman shrugged. "I really don't know. I am worried for Obi-Wan, but that's only natural, isn't it?"
"It is," Tahl confirmed. "He and Qui-Gon could be headed into a battle they can't win at the moment. But I have the feeling that that's not all you're concerned about."
"No," the young Senator replied and heaved a sigh. "I know that Anakin and Mace will come to their help if it's necessary. I trust them to get through this. No, I am more worried about his . . . mental state. . . ." She gave Tahl a desperate glance and looked to the floor instantly, trying to hide it.
"Because of his reaction to us going to Mandalore?" Tahl reassured herself that he had understood correctly.
"Yes," Padmé said softly. "He was so disturbed by it. I mean, I understand that his former history with Satine Kryze was making him anxious. But he was so shaken. It doesn't add up."
"Well, maybe this is just too much, Padmé. It's one thing to relive things from your past, but it's entirely different reliving them and feeling responsible for changing them. He tends to take the fate of the Universe onto his shoulders, and now he's showing a few cracks in his otherwise perfectly obtained façade. He is not used to that, and neither are we." Tahl sighed and considered talking with Padmé about the multiple symptoms she had expected Obi-Wan to experience sooner or later but decided against it. The other woman was already worried enough without her adding the possibility of flashbacks and mood swings to it.
"I'm so glad Qui-Gon is with him," Padmé said after a moment of contemplation. "The only way for him to cope with his emotions is always to return to his old Jedi teachings. Qui-Gon is just the person to remind him of it."
Tahl gave her a nod, but she couldn't fight the feeling that bad things were about to happen, and she wasn't sure if that had to do with Obi-Wan or with their own mission.
"Well, that's Geonosis," Obi-Wan said with a sigh, and Qui-Gon nodded. Secretly the older Master had hoped that their journey wouldn't lead them here – spare Obi-Wan another trip down the memory lane. Frankly, he didn't know how many more of them the younger man would be able to bear. However, the odds were stacked against them, and he had feared that this would happen.
"Let's try to call Mace," Qui-Gon said with a grim expression. "We are going to need the Clones sooner rather than later."
"Yes," the General confirmed. "Most of the Separatists' droids are manufactured here, and even if we haven't seen the full extent of their operation yet, I am sure it's enough to put up a decent fight. Maybe this time, we can avoid getting captured."
Qui-Gon began to type in Master Windu's code when Obi-Wan held his arm for a moment. "We can't reveal Dooku's role to Master Koon. I know that you've already told Mace. . . ."
"With the explicit instruction to keep that fact a secret, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon reassured him. "We know what's at stake here. We can't give Dooku's true allegiance away to someone who is too entangled with the High Council."
The younger man nodded, satisfied, and let Qui-Gon's arm go. After a moment, Mace Windu's hologram sprang to life in front of them.
"Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan," the Korun-Master greeted them. "We are on our way from Kamino to Geonosis. Please tell me that your hunch was right."
"Yes, it was, Mace," Obi-Wan informed him. "We are there already. We will investigate the situation after this call to see what they are up to. I can sense Komari Vosa as well as Dooku."
He gave the other Master a questioning look, and Mace hurried to say, "We can speak openly. I am alone. Master Koon has made himself familiar with this ship's workings on his way from Coruscant, and he took on the role of its navigator. Anakin and Ahsoka are currently sparring. Her appearance was a bit of a surprise for my Padawan, I must say."
Obi-Wan chuckled. "Yes, Anakin knows that she was his Padawan in my former life. I still can't believe the Council allowed Master Yoda to put them together."
"No, I can't either. Padawan Tano is impulsive, and Master Koon seems to be a perfect match for her with his even temper. She and Anakin must have been quite the team. . . ." Mace sighed at the notion.
"Oh, they were," Obi-Wan said, and Qui-Gon was glad to see a genuine smile on the young man's face. There were good memories, too, and Obi-Wan often seemed to forget that.
"Listen," Mace returned to the matter at hand. "The 501st is the smaller one of the units we have with us. It will be easy to move them fast. I am going to lead them, and we will be there as soon as we can. Just take care of yourselves."
"We will," Qui-Gon promised.
"Just try to aim directly for the massive arena. I somehow have the feeling that that's the place where we will be. Hopefully not bound to any poles this time," Obi-Wan added with a hint of bitterness in his voice.
"How are we going to deal with Dooku?" Mace asked.
"It depends on his allegiance. I don't think that he will betray my trust, but we can never be sure. In any case, we have to keep up appearances. Komari can't know that he is still in contact with me," Obi-Wan decided. "Let's just treat him like the Sith he actually is. Maybe we can avoid killing him, though. He might have useful information for us."
Mace shook his head with exasperation. "After everything we've been through, believe me, I have no urge to kill the man. He could be an ace up our sleeves as long as the other Sith believe him."
"See you soon, Mace," Qui-Gon ended their conversation when he saw Obi-Wan's thoughts drifting away again.
"May the Force be with you both," the Korun-Master replied, and his hologram vanished.
"Are you all right?" Qui-Gon asked the younger man with concern.
The General looked back at him and shook himself out of his musings instantly. "I am, and it doesn't help if you ask me that constantly. I am struggling with memories here. I can't deny that, but I can cope, Qui. I wouldn't be here if I couldn't."
Qui-Gon swallowed against a retort, knowing that Obi-Wan always tended to underestimate the impact his mental state could have on him. It had to be incredibly difficult to separate his former experiences from what was happening here, and Qui-Gon just wished that his former Padawan would accept his help. But even if the young man had learned to ask for support, it still wasn't something he regularly did.
Following Obi-Wan out, the Jedi Master couldn't shake all the warnings Tahl had given him. It was probable that Obi-Wan would experience flashbacks somewhere along the line. He just hoped that this wouldn't be the moment the strain of coming back from a former life would be too much for him.
"Do you really think Dooku is still on our side?" Qui-Gon asked after they had made their way through the Geonosian landscape for a while.
"I trust him," Obi-Wan said firmly. "He hasn't let me down yet, at least not in this life. . . ."
"But you met him here before. I don't want to bother you again with this, but it could be a problem. . . ." Qui-Gon's voice trailed off at the exasperated glance Obi-Wan was throwing him.
"Listen," the young man said, his tone strained. "Your concern is justified, and I know you are just trying to help, but at the moment, you pointing out the similarities just shines a light on my weakness. There is a chance that I am going to lose my perspective – that memory will drive me to do something that isn't warranted in this situation. It would be a sign of arrogance to deny that, and arrogance does not help us in this fight. I learned that the hard way. But It's not easier if you remind me of it. I have to pull myself together, and it isn't the first time I am compelled to do so. I still am a Jedi, even if the High Council doesn't think so. I won't lose it when we meet Dooku." He swallowed thickly and stopped in his tracks, giving the massive building in front of them an anxious glance. "At least I hope so. . . ." He heaved a deep sigh and placed his hand on Qui-Gon's arm. "If I do, just remind me of where I am, and seeing you should do the trick. You weren't alive the last time I've been here. As long as you are by my side, I am sure that I can keep myself grounded in the present."
Obi-Wan shook himself when they entered the droid factory. This was much too similar, and he briefly stopped in his tracks thinking about telling Qui-Gon that maybe he had been right. Perhaps he was slowly losing his ability to differentiate between the past and the present. However, when he reached into the Force, he was instantly reassured. The Force firmly grounded him here, and as long as he could feel it, he would be able to make sure where and, more importantly, when he was.
They looked down, seeing the massive droid factory at work, and Qui-Gon hissed in a breath. "No way the Geonosians built this without help," he whispered, and Obi-Wan shook his head.
"They are in league with the Sith Lord. He must have provided them with the plans," he confirmed. "We surely are at the right place."
Moving on, they turned a corner and saw a conference room below them. Obi-Wan held Qui-Gon at his arm, and they both looked down, where members of the Techno Union, Trade Federation, and the Banking Clan were sitting around a massive round table with the Geonosians. It came to no surprise that Komari Vosa was speaking as if she were their leader and Obi-Wan stretched out his senses to understand what she was saying.
"As I explained to you earlier, I am quite convinced that ten thousand more systems will rally to our cause with your support, gentlemen. Serenno is already one of them." She pushed the man standing behind her to the front, and Obi-Wan held his breath at seeing Dooku joining the circle.
The Sith bowed to the other participants and said, "I am here to swear my allegiance to the Separatists' cause. It's high time to end the Senate's ongoing corruption and provide other star systems with an alternative to the Republic. To substantiate my honest wish to be part of your movement, I pledge a considerable sum of credits to Geonosis to advance the building of a suitable army that can stand its own against Republic Forces."
He received several nods, and Komari gave him a wan smile. "We are glad to have Serenno join us," she said and gave her former Master a slight bow.
"The Techno Union is at your disposal," the delegate of the Union said with his voice modulator acting up.
"The Banking Clan will sign your treaty," a Muunilist joined in with a dramatic gesture of his hand.
Obi-Wan inhaled deeply, once more reaching into the Force to assure himself that this was another life.
"Good, very good," Komari replied, satisfied. "Our friends from the Trade Federation have pledged their support, and when their battle droids are combined with yours, we shall have a massive army that can take on this pitiful Clone Army the Republic is currently pulling together. They will be overwhelmed, and the Republic will agree to any demands we make."
She stepped back, and Dooku was the only one who followed her out. Obi-Wan shook himself and whispered, "Let's get to our shuttle, inform Mace and Master Koon. We can't do anything here on our own."
Qui-Gon gave him a nod, and they both stood up. However, the moment they wanted to turn, Komari Vosa was standing in front of them with a triumphant grin. Obi-Wan reached for his lightsaber, but at that moment, it flew from his belt and directly into Dooku's hand. The other hand caught Qui-Gon's saber, and the Sith shook his head in exasperation.
Obi-Wan thought desperately of a way to escape when Komari placed Force-suppressant cuffs onto Qui-Gon's wrists. A look toward Dooku told Obi-Wan that resistance was futile. Once more, he found himself captured on Geonosis, and the irony was that his friend Dooku was again part of the plot, whatever his true allegiances were.
Anakin led Ahsoka over the rough terrain on Geonosis, listening to her complaints with a smile. He remembered well enough how he had argued with his Master at that age, claiming that he could do so much more than Obi-Wan thought him capable of. Master Windu had sent them on a reconnaissance mission to the planet because it would take more time to get the Clones onto the gunships. The Korun-Master wanted to have a clear picture of what awaited them. However, he had explicitly instructed the Padawans to not engage. That order was delivered with such emphasis that Anakin swore to himself that he wouldn't disobey.
"I mean, why would they send us if they do not trust us?" Ahsoka continued her whining.
"Ahsoka," he interrupted her constant nagging. "It's not that they don't trust us. The Senate explicitly forbade them to involve their Padawans on the battlefield. Both our Masters would be in serious trouble if we were found there."
She pouted. "Well, after what Master Koon told me about what I did in Master Kenobi's former life, I can't understand why he would insist on this."
He smiled with a sad shimmer in his eyes. "He did it because of it, Ahsoka. He knows what it did to you – to me. He tries to protect us."
She shrugged. "But we are Jedi. We have to get used to this. How can we learn if we can't join the action."
"There will be enough time for you to get some action," he said with a chuckle. "From what I've seen, you will have ample opportunity to get into serious trouble. Do not try to start with that too soon."
They continued their way, and Ahsoka seemed to have made her peace with their orders when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his head. He sank to his knees, and Ahsoka was at his side in a second. "What?" she asked, and he saw that she was holding her head, too. That was weird because he knew that his pain came from his bond with Obi-Wan, and she didn't have a connection to his former Master.
"Obi-Wan is cut off from the Force," Anakin said between pants when he had recovered from the shock. "He must have been captured."
She looked toward the massive building in front of them. "Well, we are already here. . . ."
"We can't," Anakin said and swallowed against the lump forming in his throat. He had re-established the bond and felt an unusual amount of confusion coming from Obi-Wan. Because of the Force-suppressant, the connection was faint, but it was there. It told Anakin that Obi-Wan needed help, and the Padawan wasn't sure if the Clones would be ready fast enough.
"He was your Master, Anakin," she cried out. "We can't let him suffer."
He looked to the floor, trying to think it over. "Master Windu told us not to engage," he replied with a quiet voice, sensing the increasing agitation coming from Obi-Wan.
"Master Windu told you to protect me," Ahsoka countered. "And I am going to help Master Kenobi!" With that, she began to walk toward the building, and with a frown, Anakin followed her, deciding that he didn't have another chance. The turmoil in his former Master's mind was worrying, and Anakin didn't want to leave him alone in this situation.
Komari led them into the same room in which Obi-Wan had been held captive once in another life, and the young General let out a deep sigh. He briefly wondered how they could fit two Force-sensitives in this cell as the appliances were clearly meant to tie up one of them but not both. However, the Sith walked up to him and shoved him roughly, fastening his cuffs and pushing the button in the wall to levitate him in between the force fields. He was precisely in the same position as he had been when he had first surprised the Separatists on Geonosis so long ago.
With horror, he realized that Komari Vosa wasn't planning on keeping his former Master here. Apparently, she had other plans for her brother Padawan, and with a thrust, she jostled the Jedi Master, who was still fighting the effects of the Force-suppressant out of the room. Obi-Wan took a deep breath and reached out over their bond. Despite the Force-cuffs he wore, he was able to feel the faint echo of Qui-Gon's Force presence. However, his former Master wasn't so lucky, and Obi-Wan cursed the fact that he couldn't assure the older man of his continued support. He should have taught him how to circumvent suppressants a long time ago.
The only hope he felt was that Master Koon and Mace Windu would be well on their way to Geonosis, and Obi-Wan thanked the Force that this time they would arrive much sooner. He closed his eyes and tried to meditate, knowing that the two Sith would currently discuss what to do with the Republic's High General. It was a risk to execute him, more so than it had been the last time. But he didn't doubt that in the end, they would try again. He still wasn't sure about Dooku, and he sensed that with his diminished access to the Force, his energy to ground himself in the present was running out.
After what felt like an eternity, he felt another presence coming into his cell, and he had to roll his eyes at the irony of it. Dooku walked over to look at him, and Obi-Wan saw the honest regret in his eyes. His shifting gaze told the General that they were being watched and that he had to react as if Dooku were indeed the enemy he expected. With an inner sigh, he decided that staying on the script would be the best way forward and growled at the Sith, "Traitor!"
The former Jedi gave him an innocent look and replied, "Oh no, my friend, this is a mistake, a terrible mistake. They've gone too far. This is madness."
Well, at least he didn't have to change their script then, Obi-Wan thought exasperated. "I thought you were the leader here, Dooku!" he spat out.
He was a bit confused by the permanent shifting of Dooku's eyes, but as expected, the Sith said, "This has nothing to with me, I assure you. I will petition immediately to have you set free."
Knowing that Dooku wouldn't be able to keep to this promise if he didn't want to lose his new-gained status in the Separatist alliance, Obi-Wan gave the Sith a piercing look. "Well, I hope it doesn't take too long. I have work to do." If he drew out this conversation as he had the last time, maybe his friend could give him a hint as to what was going on. However, it was challenging to do so and stay alert of the present simultaneously. The lines already began to blur in his mind.
Dooku paced around him, and after a moment, he looked up thoughtfully. "May I ask why the High General of the Republic is all the way out here on Geonosis."
"I've been helping Qui-Gon Jinn tracking a Dark-sider named Komari Vosa. Your former apprentice, if I remember correctly," Obi-wan replied, his gaze locking with the Sith.
"That was a long time ago, Obi-Wan. . . ." Dooku said with a rueful shimmer in his eyes, and the young General began to relax because finally the script was gone, and they had arrived in the present. Things were different. He just had to trust the Force to provide them with another outcome this time. "I think she is currently occupied with trying to get Qui-Gon to see reason. She always spoke very highly of him, and she wants him to join her." Dooku looked down and closed his eyes briefly. "We could use his help right now."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened, but if he was honest, he wasn't overly surprised after Komari's fixation with her brother Padawan on Cato Neimoidia. She had dismissed the chance to beat them by talking to Qui-Gon, and it had been evident that she had tried to sow discord between him and the Jedi Order. "Qui-Gon Jinn will never join you," he replied with just the right amount of scorn that their observers wouldn't become suspicious. This display of hostility could be crucial for Dooku's future role in the Separatists' leadership. He wouldn't deprive them of the possibility of having his unlikely friend privy to their secrets.
Dooku straightened himself, and Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes, remembering that at this point, the Sith had shared vital information with him once. He asked himself if history was about to repeat itself and swore to himself to take any hint Dooku was giving him more seriously this time.
"Don't be so sure, my young General," Dooku said, and Obi-Wan cringed at the patronizing tone of his voice. "You forget that he was once my apprentice just as Komari Vosa was. He knows all about the corruption in the Senate, but he will never go along with it if he learns the truth as I have."
Obi-Wan flinched and couldn't help but asking, "The truth?"
"The truth," Dooku confirmed and took a long breath to emphasize his following words. "What if I told you that the Republic was now under the control of a Dark Lord of the Sith?"
"No, that's not possible," Obi-Wan countered, and he wondered why this conversation was playing out exactly as it had before. Bail Organa was their Supreme Chancellor. There was no way that he was controlled by a Sith. Obi-Wan would have felt it, wouldn't he? "I would be aware of it," he voiced his thought firmly.
"The Dark Side of the Force has clouded your vision, my friend," Dooku said while constantly pacing around his prisoner, and Obi-Wan had to fight a sudden burst of dizziness. This was not how he had expected this to play out. He closed his eyes to ground himself in the present because at the moment, he felt the push into another reality keenly – a reality where Dooku was the real enemy and the Supreme Chancellor was indeed a Sith Lord. Dooku didn't help his efforts when he continued, "Hundreds of senators are now under the influence of a Sith Lord, called Darth Ianus."
Without acknowledging the game-changing information he had just received, Obi-Wan, deeply lost in the past, shot out the words, "I don't believe you!"
At Dooku's incredulous stare, it dawned on him that this was not the Count Dooku he knew from his former life. This was Dooku, the man who had helped him break free from Sidious' mind occupation. What was happening to him? He began to struggle desperately against the bindings and his diminished connection to the Force. He needed to ground himself, but he couldn't do so without access to the one thing that could show him the truth. Dooku swallowed thickly when he saw his distress. He threw a glance at the ceiling, and Obi-Wan knew that there was no way for the former Jedi to release him without losing his position.
The Sith seemed to decide that he had to share another piece of information to ensure Obi-Wan of his honesty. "The Viceroy of the Trade Federation was once in league with a Sith Lord named Darth Sidious, as you know. But he was betrayed not only by Sidious but also by his successor, this Darth Ianus. He turned to Komari Vosa for help, told her everything. That's why the Separatists are fighting against the Republic. They do not want to live under the tyranny of a Sith Lord."
Obi-Wan inhaled sharply, trying to get air into his lungs. He refused to believe this. It didn't help that he felt disorientated and lost in time. His mind assaulted him with memories, and he couldn't form a clear thought.
"You must join us, Obi-Wan!" Dooku hissed. "And together we will destroy the Sith!"
"You are a Sith!" Obi-Wan shouted, not able to hold his agitation in any longer. "I will never join you!" It was the only truth he could cling to at the moment. Dooku didn't expect him to agree. . . Dooku was still a Sith. . . Dooku was his friend, or maybe he was not. . . The thoughts caused chaos in his head, and the strain of holding himself upright became almost too much. He pushed against the invisible barrier that separated him from the Force with all his might. When he finally accepted his fight's futility, he slumped down and gave Dooku a resigned look. Obi-Wan felt disconnected from reality, and the Sith saw it, taking a step toward him with concern in his eyes.
Suddenly, the door flew open, and Komari Vosa strode in with a glare at her former Master, who instantly retreated and drew himself up to his full height. "That's enough!" she exclaimed. "You know that you just signed his death certificate!"
Obi-Wan tried to understand the impact of her words through the haze in his mind. But he was too exhausted to do so. Being cut off from the Force was taking its toll, and even worse was the fact that he couldn't feel his former Master any longer. Even the faint echo was gone, and it left him deprived of anything that could ground him in the present. Slowly his whole reality shifted, and he was back in his former life, wondering why Komari Vosa was here. She had died years ago. How had Dooku found her?
Dooku gave him a worried look, but the shimmer of compassion was gone the next moment when he said, "Well, you didn't expect me to make the mistake of letting him go, did you? Executing the Republic's High General is too good of an opportunity. It will crush our enemy before the war has even started. The Republic will be crumbling much sooner than expected, my young apprentice!"
Obi-Wan gave him an incredulous stare. What was he talking about? He was merely a Jedi Knight on a mission to track down Senator Amidala's attacker. He had to get free. He had to return to the Temple. And his Padawan, Anakin, he was on Tatooine. He just hoped that Anakin was safe. . . . And the Senator. . . . Completely lost in the past, he began to drift away from the pain, shielding his mind from the onslaught of memories. He didn't even notice the two Sith leaving the room, arguing with each other.
Dooku followed Komari out of the room with a bad feeling. He couldn't tell what was happening to Kenobi, but it seemed as if the young man had trouble distinguishing between what was happening at the moment and his memories. Dooku knew that Geonosis had been where the war had started, but that wasn't enough to put the man in such a state. More must have happened to let him suddenly lose his grip on reality. Being cut off from the Force certainly didn't help, but that had never diminished Obi-Wan's ability to use his strategic mind. However, when Dooku had shared the information about Darth Ianus, the young man hadn't reacted the way he should have. To get confirmation that a Sith was influencing the Senate on a massive scale should have left an impact. But it didn't. Obi-Wan had just flat-out denied it, and it wasn't like the man Dooku knew to just dismiss something so important. That must have been what past Obi-Wan would have done. . . .
Komari opened the door to the cell where she held Qui-Gon, and Dooku was shocked at seeing his former Padawan hidden behind a mask – not any mask, but a Sith Torture mask. He barely kept himself in check but swallowed the sudden anger that began to consume him to not alert Komari of his true allegiance. He turned to her with lifted eyebrows. "Do you think that this will make him amenable to our ways, Komari?" he asked icily.
"He resisted," his former apprentice said with a shrug. "I thought it would help if Kenobi couldn't feel him any longer."
Dooku was disconcerted by the way Qui-Gon's eyes followed them. They were the only thing visible of the Jedi with his whole head covered by the hooded mask. He cringed when Qui-Gon shot him a pleading look. Sith Torture masks were imbued with Dark Side energy, and for Qui-Gon, who had a unique connection to the Living Force, being caught in it had to be horrifying.
"Well, I'd say it did," Komari just continued, ignoring her former Master's silence. "Not with him. . . . But with Kenobi, it was quite the success, wasn't it?"
Qui-Gon flinched almost invisibly but enough for Dooku to notice it. "What do you mean?" the Sith asked, thinking about a way to release the Jedi from the torture device.
"You spent quite some time together when you helped him defeat Sidious. You should know that he isn't just an incredibly powerful Jedi. He came back from a former life, Master," she explained, and Dooku nodded, not surprised that she knew that. The spy in the Jedi Council must have told her. "Now, I can only assume that his erratic behavior, so unbecoming of a Jedi Master, is due to that fact," she continued. "And it's about time he cracked. He was a bit too confident in his actions for our Master's taste."
"Darth Ianus?" Dooku asked for confirmation and, at the same time, making sure that Qui-Gon could file away that information in case Obi-Wan couldn't remember.
"He is the only Sith Master out there," she replied with a threatening tone. "You might think that you can call yourself a Sith Lord, but you haven't passed the necessary trials."
Dooku gave her a scornful glance, and his voice became cutting when he said, "I'd say that I passed them when I dealt Sidious the killing blow. What has Darth Ianus done to earn the title? You didn't answer me the last time I asked."
She took a step forward, and her eyes shot daggers at him. "He embedded himself in the heart of the Republic, ensuring that we now have the power to play both sides against each other."
Dooku laughed. "Well, my apprentice, you just destroyed your last hope of Qui-Gon joining us. You should bear in mind that the mask cuts him off from the Force, but he can still hear you. He won't believe your tale about us trying to fight the corruption in the Senate any longer."
"Oh, he never has," Komari replied with a shrug and turned toward her brother Padawan. "Kenobi has told you long ago, what we have planned, hasn't he?" When Qui-Gon just stared at her, she backhanded him causing him to fall back to the ground. "We will make you watch!" she exclaimed, her eyes blazing with anger.
"Komari!" Dooku cut in before she could do even more damage. "I appreciate your ability to use your anger, but in this case, we should remain level-headed. We are on the brink of war with the Republic. We do not want to endanger our plans by acting rashly." He pulled Qui-Gon up, and when his back was turned to Komari, he sent the Jedi a reassuring look. "If you want Qui-Gon to really suffer, you need to restore his connection to the Force." He stood up and grinned at her. "Only if he feels Kenobi's Light being snuffed out, he will know what it's like to lose the only son he ever had."
"I really can't believe the Order allowed them to play family," Komari said with indignation. But Dooku hadn't miscalculated that her lust for revenge would be more important to her than thinking this through. She was furious that she hadn't been able to turn Qui-Gon, and she wanted him to feel pain. With a flick of her finger, she removed the mask, causing Qui-Gon to inhale with relief.
"Be grateful," Dook answered to distract her from the Jedi, who slowly collected himself on the floor after the sudden influx of Force energy. "It gives us so many more opportunities to make them suffer."
Before his former apprentice was able to reply, the alarms sounded, and she rolled her eyes. "What now?" she asked and was out the door in a rush.
Qui-Gon leaned on the wall, giving his former Master a grateful look, inhaling and exhaling slowly to re-establish his connection to the Force.
Dooku knelt down and bound the Jedi's hands with a pair of stun cuffs. "I'm sorry," he mouthed so that the cameras wouldn't see. Qui-Gon gave him an imperceptible nod, and the Sith left to see what the alarm had been about.
Anakin cursed himself for not listening to his Master for what must have been the hundredth time. How did it happen that he and Ahsoka were captured by droids? It went wrong from the start. . . He had lost his lightsaber in the droid factory, and Ahsoka was still too inexperienced to fight off the battle droids on her own. She was fourteen years old, maybe just thirteen, by Anakin's estimation. Mace Windu had explicitly told him to not engage because the troops wouldn't be far behind. This was meant to be a reconnaissance mission. But the moment he had felt that Obi-Wan was in trouble, he wasn't thinking clearly any longer. He looked at the Togruta Padawan with a rueful smile when the droid put them in stun cuffs. They should be able to free themselves, but at the moment, any attempt would be useless because Anakin already felt the Dark presence that was making its way toward them.
Ahsoka gave him an inquiring look, and he almost heard her saying, "A Sith? Here?" in his mind. He shook himself, knowing that he couldn't have developed a bond with the girl in the short amount of time they knew each other, even if she had been Anakin Skywalker's Padawan in another life.
"Well, what do we have here?" the woman who approached them said with a sardonic grin. She was a blonde human, her hair almost shining white, with blue eyes that definitely had the yellow glow of corruption in them. At her hip, he saw two lightsaber hilts, and Anakin concluded that she must be the lost apprentice of Dooku Obi-Wan had told them about.
She gave him an inquisitive stare and crossed her arms over her chest. "If it isn't Anakin Skywalker, Kenobi's discarded Padawan," she said, and her eyes shimmered with provocation.
Anakin took a deep breath and refused to answer. She was trying to bait him, and he wouldn't play the game. Ahsoka snorted, and as young as she was, she couldn't resist the temptation. "Nice try, Sith!" she growled.
The woman's eyes turned on the Togruta with a broad smile, and Anakin cringed at the shift in her focus. "And who might you be, young Padawan? Since when are Padawans allowed to infiltrate an enemy droid factory on their own? Last I checked, the Order didn't rely on children to do the hard work."
"I am not a child! "Ahsoka retorted, and Anakin shook his head at her.
"Do not engage, Ahsoka," he sent instinctively and received a shocked look from the girl. He narrowed his eyes when he realized that she must have heard. But if that bond worked, he decided to give her an explanation, "She is just trying to make you angry. We can't let her succeed. "
The Togruta looked uncomfortably to the floor, and Anakin couldn't tell if it was because she was feeling chastised or because of the mental communication, which shouldn't be possible.
The Sith woman let her gaze roam from Ahsoka to him and back and let out a triumphant laugh. "Well, I have to say this was amusing. But as I know now, that you, Skywalker, are determined to ignore me and because I am not the least bit interested in you, little girl, why don't we cut this short? Kenobi is about to be executed, and he will be happy to see that he won't be alone in the last moments of this life. Who knows, maybe he will awake in yet another one after we finally killed him off. "
At that moment, Dooku walked in with an asking look toward the two Jedi Padawans. "What are you doing here? "
Anakin didn't react and shot a gaze full of daggers at the former Jedi instead. What was wrong with Dooku? How could he stand idly by while Obi-Wan was suffering? While the desperate turmoil that Anakin had sensed was almost gone by now, he knew that Obi-Wan was still struggling with a significant amount of confusion. It certainly meant that Dooku hadn't done enough to help him.
"They tried to sneak in," Komari explained. "Well, the Geonosians always love a spectacle. Three Jedi fighting for their life is just the thing to keep them happy." She gestured the droids to lead the Padawans away and turned to her former Master with a smile. "Let's see if young Skywalker is up to the task," she chuckled and left to fetch Qui-Gon to watch the execution.
Mace Windu was looking at the ready gunships with worry. Somehow he had felt multiple surges of panic coming from Anakin, and he suspected that his Padawan had not followed his order to stay away from the battle. They should be back by now, but they weren't.
Plo Koon walked into the hangar and looked around with approval. "It seems you are ready to go, Mace," he said.
"I am," Mace replied with a frown. "But I fear that our Padawans are in the middle of it already. What I sense from Anakin isn't encouraging."
Master Koon reached into the Force and shook his head. "Oh, little 'Soka," he sighed and looked at Mace. "She is filled with remorse and fear. I guess they defied your order. Just. . . ." his words left him, and Mace put his hand on the other Master's shoulder.
"I am going to keep her safe, and I am sure that Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Qui-Gon will do their part right now. You have to remember that Obi-Wan knows her better than she knows herself. She is not alone out there."
Plo Koon nodded and touched Mace's hand gratefully. "Just bring her back," he said, fighting against a lump in his throat. Then he shook himself and returned to his usual professional tone. "As soon as you've taken the 501st, I will instruct CC-2224 to prepare the 212th for deployment. I am going to stay here to coordinate air support. We have three squadrons at our disposal, and while CC-2224 is on the ground, I will take over command on the ship with Captain Yularen. Make sure that you send the gunships back as soon as you have the situation under control. We cannot defeat our enemy with the limited troops we have. Chancellor Organa wants his High General back safely."
Mace gave him a nod. "We will focus on getting Kenobi and the others out and destroy as many battle droids as we can. From what I've seen on our radar, we could be overwhelmed easily. Just make the Commander hurry. I don't know how long the 501st will be able to hold out."
CT-7567 approached them and inclined his head. "Master Windu, the battalion is ready."
Mace gave Plo Koon a last reassuring look and said to the Clone, "We are going to concentrate our gunships on the arena. Let the 212th deal with the starships around it. We have to help General Kenobi first."
The Captain gave him a salute, and Mace rolled his eyes. It really would take some time to get used to this. While the Clones had realized that the Jedi weren't their superiors, they still deferred to them with respect. But it wasn't surprising. Even Coruscant's security forces did so, and these men had been told that they would be led by Jedi for the most part of their lives.