The very next morning, Jenza woke up with a plan sorted out. She showered, let her maids do her makeup and hair, got dressed and left for breakfast, Yan already told her he had arranged a meeting with Senator Theodar and he will be meeting them both in Hall number 15, like usual. The part that they will have to do now is to talk to Anakin and Obi-Wan.
With a tired sigh, Jenza walked through the doors to the dining hall, seeing that she's the first one to be there. Like usual.
Obi-Wan is Force sensitive. Which means he will be reading her thoughts and intentions if she's not careful, she will have to make sure she won't be thinking of anything suspicious around him and mask her true intentions. Not a difficult job, Jenza was trained to be a politician since she was 5, she knows how to hide herself well.
But
She can't hide herself completely, this will be suspicious enough. If Jenza decides to retreat behind her walls and let the mask of the regal Countess show on the family's dinner table, everyone else will know something is wrong, or that she's planning to do something, so she will have to act normal whole trying to take information. Again, not a difficult job.
And she already has a plan on how to ask them about. First, bring a topic about speeders or flying, let Anakin talk about his adventures, then ask him more about what happened, and then ask Obi-Wan's opinion of her. Easy enough.
When they all arrived, and they were halfway through their breakfast, Jenza decided to proceed with her plan. Her brother can shut up for the time being and let her take the lead.
"You know!", Jenza started with her usual cheerfulness. "I have never flown a ship before! My parents thought it will be unbecoming for a Countess but it was always a dream of mine. I do hope one day I'll get to learn."
Which wasn't a lie. Jenza always dreamed about flying and travelling to see all the planets and stars, about discovering and going on adventures. But her parents had squished that dream quickly, saying that she's a Countess, and she has a duty to her people and her planet here. Not roaming the galaxy.
She had told them back then that Ramil is there, he will be taking over as a Count, and then his children. She can go on her adventures just fine. But that opinion quickly changed when Ramil died and his son sent himself into self exile on Alderaan.
As she expected, Anakin immediately brightened up and started talking about his adventure as a pilot flying through space and destroying the whole Trade Federation fleet - which Jenza still thought is horrifying, letting a child into a war zone like that -, and winning the battle. And of course, the most important part.
Padmè Amidala.
Anakin spoke highly of the Nubian Queen, and refused to say anything negative about her. He went on about how beautiful Padmè is, how kind and sweet she is, how she is so brave for fighting for her home planet and not being afraid in the face of danger. It wasn't long before Jenza realised that Anakin has a crush on her.
Obi-Wan has a different opinion. He said he doesn't know her personally so he can't truly judge her character, but her bravery and her passion to save her people and to be with them is what made her such a remarkable ruler, she didn't mind facing the danger or going into battles if it's necessary. Jenza found these traits about her quite admirable.
When all is said and done, she excused herself to go to her normal duties, her brother walking with her.
Time to meet up with Theodar.
"Senator Theodar, we are glad that you could meet with us on such a short notice.", Yan greeted the Senator with the customary Serennian handshake. The Senator in question smiled and returned the gesture, his Force signature genuinely happy to be meeting up with the royal siblings.
"I am more than honoured to be requested in your presence, Count and Countess.", he gave Jenza a bow after shaking Yan's hand, she returned it graciously. "Though I am curious, you said there won't be any need for further meetings before I leave for Coruscant."
Both Count and Countess looked at each other, trying to decide which one will be telling the news. In the end, it was Yan who relented first and gestured to the sofas, and each one of them sat in their respective seats, waiting for the meeting to start. Theodar can see the tension in both the Dooku's now, and he wondered briefly what could cause such conflict in so little time.
Other than the obvious, of course.
"As you know, Senator, we have our suspicions with the way the new Chancellor was elected", Yan started evenly, his voice monotone. "And after some thinking about it, we decided to investigate. And you are one of our most - if not most loyal - politician, we see that you are most fit for the job."
Theodar isn't a foolish or naive man, he wasn't chosen by the Count for nothing. Theodar is a calculated, intelligent man who always thinks of all the possibilities before doing anything, prepares himself for any outcome, knows what to expect but at the same, leaves room for the unexpected. And he has an idea now about what he is going to be asked to do.
"We are requesting of you to get close to the new Nubian Senator", Jenza chimed in, her poker face making it hard to read her. "We believe something great is going on. And we want to get to the bottom of it."
Ah, Theodar knew they will ask that of him.
"Not a problem, milday", Theodar put a hand on his heart, already accepting the mission. "I'll be more than happy to serve the Serenno. I'll get close to the new Nubian Senator and get as much information about Queen Amidala and Chancellor Palpatine as I can."
Both the siblings sighed in relief at his words, which Theodar found ridiculous. As if he's ever going to refuse an assignment because it's risky or dangerous. He found himself in much more difficult positions before and he can make sure he will get to the bottom of it without any real problems or bumps in his way.
But he will not underestimate the Nubian Senator's intelligence. Underestimating your enemy is the first step to defeat, that's something Theodar learned a long time ago, but he will not overestimate them as well. Keep it nonchalantly careless.
He can play that part very well.
"We thank you for your quick acceptance of the mission, Senator", Yan bowed to him, a sign of deep respect. "We cannot trust anyone more than you with this. We cannot let many people into our investigation. Not even our own family."
How interesting. Not even the family knows about this secret mission, which makes it even more important and complicated. Still, Theodar won't shy away from it because of a few complications.
Theodar returned the bow. "Never a problem, dear Count. I appreciate your great trust in me, and I promise you, I will not disappoint you.", that's true. Theodar will rather die than betray his superiors, or his people or his morals. If he dies, he will die as a man with honour.
"We know you won't, Senator", Jenza said with a smile. "Here, this is a secret communicator, made by our intelligent scientists to make sure no one will be spying on us or leaking our conversations. We hope we will be able to speak to you through it.", Jenza handed him a dark, small comm, when he took it and closed his hands around it, it disappeared.
"It's designed especially, so no people will be able to see it or spot it.", Jenza explained to him, watching him inspect the comm closely.
"Very smart.", Theodar muttered, not taking his eyes off of the comm, making the two royals chuckle in return.
"Indeed. Our technology is one of the best in the galaxy.", Yan said smugly, and for good reason too. No one knew how quickly the technology here expanded, or how massive their knowledge of techs had become. Which also serves as an advantage, one he is sure the Count will take control of.
Theodar eyed them both, his eyes looking for answers. "What made you change your mind?", he asked them finally, finding the whole ordeal puzzling. "You both told me not to do anything in the senate for now."
Yan hesitated before he spoke; "The Force feels... dark", he said finally, his tone grave. "Far darker than it had been in years. I haven't felt such darkness since the Sith Wars.", his eyes turned towards the horizon, unseeing.
Theodar felt shivers run down his spine but didn't let it show. The Sith Wars have been nothing short of terrible, horrifying, and murderous. To think the Count can feel the same atmosphere again...
The galaxy will be doomed.
"It's not a mission for Serenno only", Theodar said after a while. "It's a mission for the whole galaxy. You believe something terrible will happen.", his eyes flickered between the Count and Countess, looking for confirmation.
"Yes. My brother said something terrible feels like it's going to happen and... and we don't want anything to destroy us.", Jenza said, her usual cheerfulness gone and eyes drained and tired. "Serenno is part of the galaxy, if the galaxy is in shambles, then so is Serenno."
And that will ruin everything they worked for for decades now. This will ruin their efforts to make their planet a better place, to give their people a better chance at living here than having to leave and live somewhere else, this will be a major setback which will take decades to recover from. And no one in this room wants that, Theodar is sure the people don't want that as well.
"For the sake of Serenno, I will do all I can and more.", Theodar promised with a clear voice, his passion renewed. "I will not disappoint our people."
Both Dooku's gave him a smile in return and they all said their goodbyes and left.
Senator Theodar of Serenno has a new mission right now, one he will have to find a suitable plan to accomplish. And it is; meeting and getting close to Senator Greejatus of Naboo.
"Do you truly believe the galaxy will fall into darkness once more?", Jenza asks her brother quietly as soon as Theodar left. The earlier news left her feeling rather distraught, a feeling she's getting familiar with now, and she has a feeling it will be familiar for a long, long time. She truly hopes that there is no scheme and everything is just a stupid coincidence.
Yan didn't answer her question immediately, he kept his gaze on the horizon before turning to face her, eyes haunted. "I believe, my dear sister, that trying times will fall upon us soon", his voice was no louder than a whisper. "Sooner than we know."
Feeling nauseous, Jenza swallowed down the bile in her throat. If the galaxy will be thrown into war, then all hope is gone, everything they have worked for will be destroyed and it will take the galaxy hundreds of years to recover. "Do we have much time?", her tone matches his. Quiet and hushed.
Yan's eyes told her enough answer. Jenza sighed and buried her face into her hands, there is so much to do, so many preparations, so many things to put into consideration and so many possibilities, she will have to do what she can to ensure her people's safety, their lives. Where can she even start-
A hand fell on her shoulder, startling her. She looked up to find her staring at her with a tired, yet comforting glint in his eyes, his hand on her shoulder making her relax and gather herself for the moment, pull herself together and concentrate. "We will be alright. I swear to do whatever it takes to save our people and family."
With that, he left. Jenza didn't say it, but that's the thing that scares her the most.
The things her brother is ready to do.
Yan's comm was beeping as he entered his room. Just as he was about to go and answer it, it stopped. With an intent to see the identity of the caller, Yan moved towards the shelf where he keeps it, halfway on his way when a knock sounded on his door.
"Come in.", Yan said loudly and clearly, recognising Obi-Wan's Force signature behind the door. True to his thoughts, the door opened and revealed Obi-Wan, looking rather sheepish and hesitant. His comm beeped again but Yan quickly muted it, whatever Obi-Wan has to say is much more important.
"Grandfather", Obi-Wan started, giving a small bow. Yan chuckled, always so formal, his grandson, one day, he will stop being so formal around him. "I'm here to ask for guidance. I'm clueless as to where to start with Anakin's training and I'm not the suitable Master for him, he's too powerful and deserves a Master who is smart and wise, a Master who is strong-"
"Unlike you?", Yan challenged, raising a brow. Obi-Wan faltered a bit, his gaze wandering around the room, giving a hesitant nod. Yan's gaze turned disapproval immediately, finding the young man's lack of faith in himself disturbing.
Yan sighed internally, moving towards Obi-Wan and putting a hand on his shoulder. The young man looked up at him with uncertainty clear in his eyes, something else shone in them; insecurity. Something Yan himself didn't understand.
Obi-Wan is a great duelist, has an intelligent mind and a sharp tongue. He bested the first Sith to appear in a millenia, and he was a Padawan when he did that, he excelled in meditation and lightsaber forms, Qui-Gon had always sang his praises, with the few times they talked via holocalls, his late apprentice never criticised Obi-Wan once. So where did the self loathing come from?
"Obi-Wan", Yan started slowly, looking intently into Obi-Wan's eyes. "You are the most skilled freshly Knighted Jedi I have ever met. I have no doubt in your abilities, or your determination to train Anakin, he will grow to be an excellent Jedi under your care."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened slightly and he ducked his head down, his neck turning red quickly. "I'm flattered, Grandfather, but I'm afraid I don't live up to your praise.", Obi-Wan said after a while of opening and closing his mouth, probably he was looking for the right words or the right way to phrase whatever was on his mind. Yan frowned and put a hand under Obi-Wan's chin, lifting it up so he can look into his eyes once more.
"Obi-Wan", Yan said softly. "You live up to my praise quite well, young one. You were an exceptional Padawan, Q- Qui-Gon always sang your praises. The more I get to know you the more I'm proud to have you in my lineage", Obi-Wan's shock was apparent in their bond. "Never doubt your yourself Obi-Wan, always have faith in your abilities."
"Yes, Grandfather.", Obi-Wan finally smiled, albeit hesitantly, but still a smile nonetheless. Yan counted it as a success.
"And I, of course, will be here to help you with Anakin's training.", Yan smiled back and turned to continue his way to his shelf, where his comm lies.
"Yes, I was thinking of starting with him soon, since we will be going back in two months.", Obi-Wan's voice sounded from behind him.
"What?!", Yan whirled around, his cape moving alongside him. Obi-Wan blinked at him in confusion, before his expression to it's normal calm mask. "We are going to leave in two months, Grandfather", Obi-Wan said slowly, tentatively. "Surely you knew we wouldn't stay here forever?", Obi-Wan gave him a wry smile.
Yan truly wanted to return it but his stomach churned unhappily at the thought of his grandsons leaving. Why would they ever leave? Yan can and is providing for them quite well here, Anakin is making good progress with his lessons, and he seems happier with his mind healing sessions, and so is Obi-Wan. They can stay here, they can be fine here, they can be happy.
Yan would give them everything they ever ask for. He's a Count, a man of power, a man of superiority and wealth, a man with an ancient name which screams of sophistication. He can make them happy here, they can be a family-
But-
Neither Anakin nor Obi-Wan are Serennian. They may have been adopted - not legally yet, Yan will make sure to do the paper work tomorrow - by Yan and Jenza, they have made themselves a home here, and perhaps it's true that Yan can give them whatever they want. But they still are a Jedi, and they have a future.
'A future to serve the Republic.', Yan thought with disdain.
Still, both of his grandsons have a future. And whether he likes it or not, that future includes them having to stay away from him for a long time, perhaps forever. He can't keep them stranded here, it will be selfish of him to do so.
Yan cleared his throat, standing more upright and raised his chin up, quickly masking his face into the usual, impassive expression he wears. "Then I reassure you, I will help you as much as I can during these two months, and afterwards, if you ever comm me.", Yan said evenly, not a hint in his voice, face or Force signature indicating his distraught.
Obi-Wan's smile turned more real and he hastily thanked him. Yan chuckled, amused at the young man, before giving him one last pep talk and telling him to talk about the self crippling thoughts with his mind healer, to which Obi-Wan flushed at, and let him be on his way. Now, time for the comm link.
Yan made his way to the shelf, took the comm, and placed it on his desk. When he opened it, he saw about 10 missed calls from Sifo-Dyas, it's not unusual for Sifo-Dyas to comm him, they have been keeping in touch, what's unusual is Sifo-Dyas constantly calling him even if he didn't answer the first time. Yan frowned, the Force giving him alarm bells and giving him a nasty feeling in his gut.
He returned Sifo-Dyas's call, hoping his friend will answer.
Sifo-Dyas picked up after the first ring. Like he was waiting all along for Yan to call him.
Odd.
"My friend-", Yan started, bowing, but whatever words were lying on his lips died away as he took in his friend's dishevelled form through the blue hologram. Sifo-Dyas looked awful, his eyes sunken, his clothes dirty and clinging to his body, and hair falling onto his face. The Force hummed with darkness.
"Dooku! I'm very glad you picked up! Force! I don't even know how much time we have left! Not much time! Oh not much time!", Sifo-Dyas's words were laced with panic and he ran his hands through his hair, messing it up further.
"Sifo-", Yan started but was cut off again.
"I saw a war Dooku!", Sifo-Dyas yelled, eyes wide and wild. "I saw a war! A terrible, terrible war! It will destroy us! It will kill all Jedi! No survivors! Oh Force, there will be no survivors! It will be a purge!", Sifo-Dyas had gotten quieter with each word, making the last one a scream-whisper.
The hairs on Yan's neck stood up.
"Are you sure?", he asked dreadfully. His friend always had a great connection to the Unifying Force, making him constantly have Force visions. When he told Yan of them, they always came true. Always came to life. For the galaxy's sake, he hopes his friend is wrong.
"I saw it Dooku!", Sifo-Dyas screamed. "I saw it all! All the Jedi dying! Like dying stars! Felt their deaths! The Sith won! A huge galactic war will happen and we where all puppets to the Sith!", Sifo-Dyas hissed. "We will all die! If we don't move, we will die! The galaxy- Oh Force- The galaxy will be broken for many generations to come."
Yan stared at his friend in shock for a long, long moment, he didn't even notice when he sunk down in his chair. A war. The galaxy will be at war in years. The galaxy will be destroyed. The Jedi-
Anakin and Obi-Wan will be Jedi.
The thought left a sick feeling in Yan's throat.
What is he supposed to do?
"We- I'll make sure we survive.", Sifo-Dyas said firmly, his wild eyes still hazy. Yan snapped out of his own disturbing thoughts to stare at the man. "I will- I will build an army! Clones! Clones will protect us! Clones can fight for us! No one has to know!", Sifo-Dyas is now hysterical.
Force, he's going mad.
"Perhaps we shouldn't-", Yan started, concerned.
"We should!", Sifo-Dyas all but screamed, silencing the Count.
"The Jedi cannot die, Dooku. The galaxy will suffer in their wake! The darkness will win! The Sith will win!", Sifo-Dyas said firmly.
Yan stared at his friend for a long, long moment.
If his friend is right, then the Sith will be all over the galaxy, and a galaxy with no Jedi...
The Jedi must live.
Corrupted or not, the galaxy without them will lose it's peace. The Force will be tainted forever with their deaths.
A whole purge.
Yan shivered.
But who will be behind it? Who is the Sith? Was it the Master or the Apprentice that Obi-Wan killed on Naboo? How many Sith will there be in the galaxy in the future?
"And how do you plan to do it?", Yan asked finally, making Sifo-Dyas relax.
"Kamino", Sifo-Dyas said simply, wild look gone from his eyes now. "It's a planet far from here, far from the Republic, beyond the Outer-Rim even. Not many know about them, and they are excellent cloners."
"And who will you clone?", Yan asked. "And how do you know about Kamino?", Yan himself certainly never heard of it before.
"Archives. I'll be deleting all information about it later, no one needs to know.", Sifo-Dyas swallowed.
Yan narrowed his eyes. "Not even the Council?", he asked.
"No. They will never approve."
"Have you tried telling them about it? I'm sure they-"
"No!", Sifo-Dyas cut off, wild look coming back to his eyes. "They will think I've gone mad! But the Force never rang so right before, Dooku! It whispered to me about the horrible, terrible truth!", Sifo-Dyas was now panting heavily.
"I suggest you think thoroughly about this, my friend", Yan said at last. "This is no joking matter."
"I know", Sifo-Dyas said, calming down a little. "I will make sure the Jedi survive, I swear it."
Yan knew there was nothing else he could to to his friend, nothing he could say more to convince him. But there was one more thing to say;
"May the Force be with you, old friend.", Yan gave what he suspected and felt like was one last bow to his friend.
Sifo-Dyas returned it graciously. "And with you."
The holocall ended.
Yan never felt so conflicted in his whole life.
One week passed by, and Yan found himself watching Anakin and Obi-Wan meditate together. Obi-Wan is teaching Anakin how to connect to the Force and lift small objects for now, how to be able to collect enough power from the Force to gather it around one being. It's a beginner's trick, but Anakin is an eager student, and Obi-Wan is a helpful teacher.
He watched from afar as Anakin closed his eyes and concentrated, lifting a seat in the air without raising his hand and then opening his eyes and clapping, raising other seats and tables as well. Yan chuckled at Obi-Wan's affronted look, Anakin isn't a regular Jedi Padawan, he's extremely powerful and extremely gifted. These normal tricks will prove to not be a problem for him.
On the other hand, he couldn't blame Obi-Wan's shock. Yan himself is in awe of Anakin's abilities, when he can shove things and lift them up into the air with no hardships, when he learned the younglings' Form with ease, when he excelled at connecting to his bond with Obi-Wan and Yan, and then proceeded to talk to them via the bond. Is it a wonderful thing to see? Yes. Is it terrifying? Absolutely.
The boy's raw powers and emotions are the things that make him dangerous. Yan quickly discovered from Lord Keren that Anakin has anger issues, and a true fiery temper, his anger and temper are what make him dangerous sometimes, are what make his outbursts dangerous to be around. But he shouldn't be labeled as dangerous : keep away! because of these things, it will be totally unfair.
So far, Obi-Wan is doing a great job. He's teaching Anakin patiently and kindly, never once getting frustrated with the boy or belittling him for not knowing things that the younglings at the Temple knew, or made Anakin feel like he's something out of ordinary in a bad way. Obi-Wan is doing amazing, and Yan doesn't know why he even doubted himself.
Yan spotted Anakin running towards him, grinning that childish grin of his. "Grandpa!", Anakin exclaimed running up to hug Yan, who laughed and hugged him in return. "Grandpa! Did you see me?! I lifted the whole seats! Obi-Wan said I shouldn't do that! But I did! And it was wizard!", Anakin's blue eyes looked into his dark ones with excitement.
Yan gave a small chuckle.
"Oh I did see, Ani, it was absolutely amazing.", Yan reassured, making the boy beam at him. Then, after staring at him for some time, the boy frowned.
Yan cursed internally. The boy could be so inquisitive sometimes.
"Is something wrong, Grandpa?", Anakin asks, his small hands clutching into Yan's robes. Yan's breath hitched and he took both of Anakin's hands into his, kneeling down to look him in the eyes, wincing internally when his knees cracked. "I'm fine, young one. I'm merely thinking about something for my people.", Yan said, stroking Anakin's hair back.
Anakin's head tilted to the side. "Can I help?", he asked adorably, his eyes bright.
"This is... a difficult matter. You shouldn't burden yourself with it, Ani. Now, why don't we go and have dinner?", Yan quickly changed the subject, hoping Anakin's attention will be averted at something else.
His plan worked, because Anakin immediately perked up at the mention of food and he nearly ran to the doors.
Yan looked at Obi-Wan, who caught his eyes, and snorted.
Oh that grandson of his.
A mercy of the Force itself, it's Yan's turn to house Anakin in his chambers.
Yan held Anakin extra tightly tonight, Anakin didn't say anything, he only clutched his sleeping robe in small clinched fists.
His comm beeped with one message.
But Yan didn't wake to see what it was.
"Count Dooku.", the hologram of Master Windu was the first thing Yan saw after he returned the Council's missing calls.
"Master Windu.", Yan greeted back.
"I regret to inform you, that Master Sifo-Dyas is dead. His shuttle crashed on the moon of Oba Diah.", Master Windu said with his usual stoic face and monotone, but if one would pay more attention, they would notice the hint of sadness in it.
Yan felt the ground crumple beneath him.
"What?!", Obi-Wan almost screamed when Yan told him about the news. "What do you mean he died? Just like this?", Obi-Wan asked in a frenzy.
"They say it was a crash.", Yan said slowly.
"You believe it's something more than a simple crash.", Obi-Wan said, looking at Yan suspension clear in his eyes.
Yan didn't answer.
"What makes you so sure of that?", Obi-Wan asks, more like demands.
'I have enough reason to believe it was.', Yan thought but never said outloud, nor did he let it fly through their bond.
"I'm not sure of anything, Obi-Wan. I'm merely thinking it's suspicious enough as it is, Jedi Masters don't die randomly every few months.", Obi-Wan reeled back at his words. "Plus, the Council is investigating in the matter."
"So they believe someone was behind it?", Obi-Wan seemed more sure of Yan's suspensions now that the Council is investigating.
Yan would be a liar if he said that didn't sting.
"Apparently.", Yan said dryly.
He lost his Padawan and his friend under five months. It's like the galaxy is against him.
"Will you be going?", Obi-Wan asked after some time. "To the funeral, I mean."
Yan scoffed.
"Of course. He is- was my friend.", Yan averted his eyes to the ground, not willing to meet Obi-Wan's pitying ones. "It's best if I go now, actually.", Yan moved to get up, done with the conversation for the time being.
"Grandfather wait!", Obi-Wan said behind him, making Yan stop and turn to look at him. Obi-Wan pulled him into a hug, holding him for a few moments before letting go. "You're not alone, Grandfather.", Obi-Wan said softly.
Yan swallowed, giving Obi-Wan a sad smile. "Perhaps I'm not as lonely as I thought I was."
Obi-Wan smiles back at him.
Yan briefly wonders what Qui-Gon's body looked like burning. How his funeral was done, who were the people present at it, who burned his body, who cleaned him and dressed him into his white robes, did it feel as sombre as Sifo-Dyas's? Or more? Did the people in there cry? Why didn't Yan go?
'You didn't want to belive it's real'. A traitorous voice said in his head. 'You thought if you don't go, then he won't be truly dead.'
But Qui-Gon is dead. And so is Sifo-Dyas.
And the Sith is out there... scheming... waiting...
And no one at the so-called wise Jedi Council is aware. A bunch of hypocrites.
Sifo-Dyas's body burned quickly, far too quickly. Yan stared impassively as they closed the tomb of his dead friend's ashes, as they all moved away and past him like the pyre meant nothing now, whispering amongst themselves about the tragedy. Did they do the same about Qui-Gon? Did they react the same way?
Yan still has to see a single reaction from a Jedi. All of them stared at the burning body with an emotionless, cold mask. Is that how Jedi are supposed to be?
Yan gathered himself to leave, already on his way out, when he heard a too familiar stick hitting the ground. He walked faster, hoping to miss the old troll but-
"Going somewhere, my old Padawan?", Master Yoda's voice sounded from behind him, making Yan cringe. "Know trying to lose me, you are. Stay. Talk, we will."
"What is there to talk about?", Yan said evenly, turning around very calmly to look at the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order.
"Appear at Qui-Gon's funeral, you did not. Why appear now?", the old troll really had the audacity to-
"I hardly think how this is any of your business. Now, excuse me, while I go and prepare myself to return to my home planet. I have many duties over there.", Yan turned around to continue his way to the door.
"And train a certain Jedi Padawan, hmm?", the old troll chuckled.
Yan whirled around, furious.
"And?! Obi-Wan is the one training him. Not me. I will be on my now. Goodbye.", Yan spit out forcefully, this time purposely walking to the door.
"Let your conflict win, you should not.", Yoda's voice said behind him, tinged with sadness. "Meditate, you should."
"I. Said. Good. Bye.", Yan hissed, walking through the door.
"Goodby, my old Padawan.", Master Yoda's sad voice sounded faint behind him, but Yan walked faster, he has other duties to attend to.
Meditate. Ha! Fat chance, old troll, fat chance.
Yan never noticed the message before. Perhaps he did, but he didn't have the time nor the energy to go through it or deal with whatever it is. But now, he almost chided himself for not checking it.
It's from Sifo-Dyas.
Yan fumbled to open the message, the comm falling to the floor of his ship and opening, revealing a blue hologram of Sifo-Dyas. He's still dishevelled, eyes sunken, and hair a mess, but now, he looks worst for wear. He's sweating, panicking, and his image is flickering every now and then from the poor connection.
"Dooku!", Sifo-Dyas screamed. "Dooku! I'm being attacked! The assassinate told me that a 'Lord Sidious' is the one who paid him! I- I don't have much time! I'm going to die tonight! The Sith- The Sith is the Master, Dooku! The Master is still alive! Do not let the Jedi know of the clone army! Do. Not. Tell. Anyone!"
The message ended.
Yan sunk to the floor, his fingers shaking and holding the comm tightly to his hands.
The remaining Sith is the Master, not the Apprentice. And if one Apprentice was able to kill a Jedi Master...
Force, how did the Sith know of Sifo-Dyas's visions? Of Sifo-Dyas's army? This is the only reason he's been targeted and not any other Jedi. How powerful is the Sith Master? And most importantly, how much influence does he have?
Sidious.
The Sith's name is Darth Sidious.
If the this Sidious knew of Sifo-Dyas's visions, then he must have known that the late Jedi Master will do something about it. He had to get rid of him. He can't know that Sifo-Dyas told Yan, so he's not being targeted.
Perhaps, Sifo-Dyas was right. There should be an army to protect the Jedi.
With purposeful steps, Yan reset the coordination.
Kamino.
Kamino is an oceanic planet. Which isn't great but it's certainly better than the other planets with deserts or unbearable storms. Still, Yan feels a great disturbance from the Force in this place.
The moment he landed, Yan was greeted by a tall, white and humanoid looking creature. The creature's stares are downright creepy and the way he holds himself is even creeper. "Master Sifo-Dyas", the Kaminian bows, Yan bows back, playing along. "We are happy to inform you that the Clone Army you asked to be built for the Republic has started. Jango Fett has been a very generous donor."
Jango Fett? The Mandalorian bounty hunter? The best bounty hunter in the galaxy? Sifo-Dyas really chose well.
"I'd like to see the preparations.", Yan says evenly, the Kaminian smiles and leads the way.
Yan has a really bad feeling about this.
The Clone Army sounds barbaric. And to the Republic too! What was Sifo-Dyas thinking! But-
The Senate will be in an uproar if the Jedi are have armies handed to them on a silver plate, but if it's under the name of the Republic, no one will bat an eye.
Smart move, Sifo-Dyas, a truly smart move.
The Force is quickly turning dark, and Yan can feel it surround him, trying to sway him.
Still, he holds on.
He doesn't know how long he can hold on.
Theodar commed them several days later, his eyes distraught. Yan felt dread run through him as soon as the blue hologram of the Senator appeared, knowing he is holding some dire news, news that will only bring more to the headache that Yan already has. Force, he feels exhausted.
"Count. Countess.", Theodar addressed both the royals and bowed each time, a gesture the siblings returned. Yan still haven't told Jenza about the news concerning Sifo-Dyas, and quite honestly, he doesn't know how to do it. For now, he decided it to leave it be. "I have gathered enough information about Queen Amidala and Chancellor Palpatine."
"Start with the Chancellor. He's her mentor, after all.", Jenza said, hands clasped together.
"His name is Sheev Palpatine, he comes from a noble, rich, Nubian house. Parents unknown. He served as an aide for the Naboo Senatorial Delegation and the 36 other backwater Chommells it represents before Senator Kim's death.
Now, this is the suspicious part. Senator Vidar Kim did not die of natural causes, he was assassinated by an unknown being two years after his succession, his son, Jedi Knight Rohnal Kim survived and captured the assassinate but they killed themselves before they can be interrogated, and the case was closed. Since Palpatine was his aide back then, they granted him the rank of Senator. He started the organisation of "Apprentice Legislature" for the young children who have a passion for politics and that's all about him."
Yan and Jenza exchanged a look. "The Queen?", Yan asked.
"No history of any 'Amidala's', but she was born as Padmè Naberriè, her father was the president of the "Refugee Relief Movement" and she joined him from the age of 5 on missions. She joined the organisation which was led by Palpatine when she was 12, crowned Princess of Theed for her love to service people and her sharp tongue at politics at 13, and won the elections as a queen at 14", Theodar answered. "Far too young, if you ask me."
Yan agreed, honestly, they let a 14 years old rule a planet? How desperate were they?
"Queen Amidala is young", Jenza said, making Yan turn towards her. "She's young, very young actually. And she used to be part of the organisation that Palpatine led. If anything, she doesn't seem like someone who was planning a scheme-"
"More like a puppet in one.", Yan finished, expression grave. Jenza looked at him and nodded, then both looked at Theodar, who seemed lost in thought.
"The death of Senator Kim doesn't sit right with me", Theodar deadpanned. "It's suspicious enough that the new Chancellor has absolutely no background other than that he was born into a noble house, and that he became Chancellor out of mere pity. So the assassination of the Senator before him is just- It makes me feel unsettled."
"And he mentored Amidala and spoke with her before her vote of distrust in Valorum.", Jenza said, eyes focusing on a point in the wall opposite from her.
Yan hummed. "The girl doesn't seem to be aware of any scheme. Her own background shows that she's been dictated to helping people her whole life, if she joined the organisation, then it was to serve the people", Yan said thoughtfully. "But she's young and naive, and that's something that can be easily taken advantage of."
"Like Palpatine did.", Jenza said, gaze hardened.
Yan nodded grimly. "Exactly."
"The real question is..", Theodar said. "Who paid the assassinate?"
Yan remembered his friend's message.
Sidious.
"Sidious", Yan said outloud. His sister and the Senator turned to him sharply, a bit confused. "The Sith Master.", he cleared.
Theodar raised an eyebrow in confusion. "My lord, I'm confused. Sith Master?", his Force signature hummed with puzzlement.
"A user of the Dark Side of the Force", Yan explained. "Very dangerous, very dark. They're driven by their emotions and unnecessarily cruel. Darth Sidious. He's the Master."
"And how do you know about this Sidious?", Jenza asked with a pinched expression.
Yan was silent for a moment. "My friend, Sifo-Dyas, a Jedi Master and Councillor, died a few days ago. It looked like a crash, but the Jedi Council is investigating.
He left me a message right before he died. In it, he said the assassinate had told him that "Lord Sidious" made him do it. He told me that Sidious is the Sith Master. I suspect he attacked Sifo-Dyas in particular because Sifo-Dyas could see the future, he told me about great disturbing visions of the galaxy at war and the Sith winning, he tried to find a way to save the galaxy but the last mission he was on resulted in his death."
Taking a deep breath, Yan continued.
"My friend was never mistaken in any of his visions. Ever. If Sidious knew of Sifo-Dyas's visions somehow, then he's more powerful than we thought. And we have no idea who he is."
"But- Why would the Sith Master make Palpatine Chancellor?", Jenza asked. "Why not someone else?"
"Of that, I have no idea. Maybe, Palpatine is being paid to do that, or perhaps...", Yan didn't continue that sentence, preferring to think about it later.
The room went silent for a long moment.
"These are grave news, my lord", Theodar said grimly. "Very grave news."
"Indeed they are, Senator.", Yan said, stroking his beard. "Indeed they are."
Theodar gave a tired sigh. "I hope this information was enough for the time being. I'll get more out of the Senator, he's naive and unpopular, easy to talk to and get things out of. I'm afraid I must retire now, it's late night over here."
Jenza and Yan bowed. "Please, go get some rest. Thank you very much, Senator, we couldn't of done it without you.", Jenza smiled at the Senator pleasantly, a smile he returned.
The hologram of Theodar disappeared, leaving both the siblings alone.
"Oh by our ancestors! These days are getting worse!", Jenza moaned, closing her eyes. Yan would've rolled his eyes at her, but he agreed with her wholeheartedly now.
The Force is threatening to drown him in darkness.
"I'm afraid, we're heading towards some really, really, dark times, Jenza.", Yan said, turning towards her. She swallowed.
She didn't get a chance to say anything, because Yan's comm beeped, both siblings frowned and he answered it.
"Master Windu", Yan said bowing, not a hint of his surprise on his face. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"The assassinate of Master Sifo-Dyas has been arrested and proven guilty, but otherwise refused to say anything about who hired him", Windu said, voice devoid of emotions. "Thought you should know."
"Ah, thank you, Master Windu, I deeply appreciate it."
"May the Force be with you."
"And with you."
With one last bow from one another, the call ended.
"So", Jenza's voice sounded beside him. "What now?"
What now?
What are they supposed to do?
"We wait for further feedback from Theodar", Yan said. "And I'll see who this Sidious is."
Yan isn't about to let the galaxy to be broken into shambles because of the arrogance of the Jedi Council.
Yan is going to do the thing he always wanted to do.
Bring peace and harmony to the galaxy.
A/N : WOOOOOO 8TH CHAPTER!!!
This chapter is the start of chaos, utter chaos. I enjoyed writing it sooooo much. Tell me what you guys think!
DS2010 : Thanks! I was a bit confused on how to write the binding scene but I'm very glad you liked it!
Anyways, the history is correct, almost. Dooku was the one to kill Sifo-Dyas, and Sifo-Dyas actually told the Council of his visions but they refused his request to create an army and removed him from the Council, so he went on and did the deed himself. Jango Fett also never met Sifo-Dyas, he only knew a man called "Tyrannus" without even meeting him.
