Title: Hidden Shadows Seeking Light
Rating: I wish I knew. I am putting it at PG-13 just because I don't know any better and would rather err on the safe side.
Genre: Drama/Mild Angst
Feedback: I would love to get feedback on this story. I would appreciate it if everyone would put down their flame throwers though because this is only my second time out and I know I made mistakes on the first story and have no doubt I will make many on this one. I need constructive criticism so that I will get better not mean comments that will only serve to make me cry. I thank each and every one of the readers who take the time to review this story. I love fan fiction and hope to write stories that can entertain others as much as their stories have entertained me.
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. They are, were and will always belong to Mr. George Lucas creator of an amazing universe. Not only does this story contain elements of the universe that Mr. Lucas created but also the Alternate Universe (AU) found in a wonderful story called An Untimely Frost by CYNICAL21.
Just to a little guide as to what things mean:
/-/ Bond thought //-// Private thought "-" Speaking aloud
************************************************************
Chancellor Palpatine made his way into the Senate Hall in order to address the delegates assembled there. It would be a brief meeting he hoped. It was merely a formality actually. The delegates were accepting petitions from four more systems seeking resignation from the Republic. Palpatine fought against the overwhelming urge to smirk. His plan was coming together, but it was not yet time to celebrate his victory though that time was close at hand. He thought about young Kenobi imprisoned levels below him and finally did give into the urge to smile. Luckily at that moment he spotted the Nubian delegation and could play it off as a greeting to his home planet's representative. There was certainly nothing for the Chancellor to be smiling about given the grave circumstances of the assembly but glancing about the room he smoldered with delight at deceptive appearances. After all it seemed that more and more star systems were slipping through Palpatine's fingers, but that was only because Sidious was tightening his grip.
Casting a glance around the chamber he wondered if anyone yet suspected him. He wondered if there was any doubt or speculation as to the reason behind the resignation of several systems. No one seemed to have yet noticed that there was a pattern emerging. Energy systems, planets rich with elements needed to construct battle ships, technology driven planets were weaponry, propulsion and navigational systems were constructed, and finally planets with histories tainted by civil unrest and division. It was on these planets that the potential for slave labor was the greatest. There was always a market for the conquered. Evil men always found a way of capitalizing of on the failed idealism of others.
As he took in the apathetic and power hungry expressions of the delegates in the Chamber he found himself drawn to an uppermost corner. It was there that he was startled to find the wizen face of a small green Master. Strange that Yoda would take time away from his other duties to attend such a mundane and uneventful meeting of the Senate. Smiling sadly up at the Master, Palpatine wondered if the Jedi's thoughts were on his missing Padawan. He wondered if he would mourn Kenobi has he himself had mourned Maul. He had never felt any true affection for his lost tattooed warrior but had indeed mourned the loss of time and training that he had invested in the apprentice. Yoda's grief would be of a different nature. He had made the mistake of actually forming some sort of bond with Kenobi. Yoda's affection was always evident in his demeanor whenever the Knight was in his presence. It was not that unlike a Father and a Son. Yes, Yoda would mourn, the Jedi would mourn, but Kenobi himself would be the one to call an end to all mourning as he slowly and methodically set about achieving Sidious' ultimate plan to eliminate the Jedi. There would be no more tears among the members of the Order because there would be no more members of the Order. Palpatine enjoyed the irony of it all.
At times Sidious felt bitter that he would have to destroy the Jedi when in all actuality watching them serve him as their lord and master enslaved to his power would be much more enjoyable in the long run. The Jedi had always been weak due to their overconfidence and trust. Their utter reliance upon an antiquated code was as ridiculous as it was pathetic. Many of the Knights would be willing to serve him, Palpatine had no doubt, but many would refuse. No, controlling Jedi would require too much time and energy. It was much better to kill them off one by one. After all he would always have the satisfaction of enslaving one and the pleasure of watching that one serve him. At least if he was going to keep a pet Jedi, he was keeping the best and the brightest.
Thinking about what was to come, Palpatine hoped Dooku's prediction would hold true. He knew that the potential damage that Jinn could inflict on the Knight was substantial. He wondered how long he dare leave them alone before the Knight became immune to his ex-Master's condemnations. The Knight had grown in the past year. Palpatine sensed the maturing of both his skills as well as his confidence. Perhaps he should have taken him earlier before he realized he was capable of surviving outside the influence of his Master and the hallowed halls of the Temple. Of course it was too late to go back and change the decisions that had been made. At the very worst the Knight's new found confidence and skill would lead to his own death and at best a stronger alley in the darkness. He could see Kenobi being his right hand, someone he could trust with the affairs of the universe. He would be too afraid to betray his Master and too loyal to disobey his orders. He had a ways to go in his training before he could be trusted to carry out the necessary tasks that would now be before him, but pain was a very effective and thorough teacher. The lessons the dark lord planned to give to the Knight would inflict the scars necessary to reshape the man into the ruthless tyrant Sidious would need to rule the galaxy once and for all. Fear was the key. Kenobi it seemed knew no fear, but he would come to know it. He would come to consider it one of his closest friends. Sidious needed only the opportunity to make the introductions.
The signal was given for the meeting to be called into order. The sound of the bell pulled the man from his thoughts and back to the task at hand. Chancellor Palpatine raised his hands signally for silence as he made his way up to the speaking platform. Clearing his throat he furrowed his brow with grave concern.
"My fellow servants of the Republic it is with a heavy heart that I stand before you this day bringing the following petitions before this Senate for recognition of resignation."
One by one the petitions were brought forth lowering the number of systems within the Republic. As the sound of Palpatine's voice echoed through the immense chamber a picture was taken shape, unfortunately the Senate had become filled with lifelong bureaucrats many of whom could not see past their own selfish planetary needs to recognize the ominous threat taking shape on the horizon.
As one delegation after another expressed their apathetic regret but acceptance of each petition it was as if a silent war cry were ringing throughout the galaxy. It was a desperate cry for those in power to open their eyes and see the fate they were blindingly accepting. Bail Organa sat sadly in the Alderaan box, one of the few who recognized the portrait that was being painted by some sinister alliance. He alone voted to reject the petitions. A small voice crying out into the black hole that had once held the grand Republic.
****************
The door swished open catching the Master by surprise. He was immediately filled with dread as the sight played out before his eyes. It was Dooku moving along with Tahl's ex-padawan, Bant in-tow. Dooku pulled Bant into the chamber. The young Mon Calamarian struggled against him using her size and strength to test the capabilities of the fallen master. Dooku held her tightly, pinning her arms behind her back, refusing to relinquish his hold. He stared hard into her defiant features.
"Resistance will only succeeding in making things harder,not only you, but your friend as well." He gestured toward the Knight. "Have you come to increase his suffering? Is that why you are here?" He words seemed to suck the air from her lungs. Bant glanced over seeing Obi-Wan for the first time.
"Obi-Wan!" She cried her voice breaking at the mere sight of her friend, but she then realized he was unconscious a bloody gash across his forehead increasing her alarm. He looked different than he had the last time she had seen him. He had the beginnings of a beard and the lines of his face were drawn in exhaustion.
The last time that they had been together. She had been heading out for a mission. They had spoken in a lift. He had been trying to decide if Master Gallia was asking him to her apartment for a professional or personal visit. He was so innocent. He was so unaware of his effect on others. Now he hung lifeless and bloody, and she who had come to save him was now at the mercy of those who held him. Using the last of her remaining strength she wrenched herself in Dooku's arms catching the man off balance as she managed to face him.
"What have you done to him?" She accused. Dooku glanced back to the Knight in confusion. When he had last left the Knight, the man had been struggling fiercely against his restraints begging for the release of his lover. Now he hung as though dead. Dooku took a tentative step towards the Knight before realizing that the Knight was merely in a deep meditative state. For good or for ill he realized that this had to be the work on Qui-Gon Jinn.
"What did you do to him?" He spat accusingly at Jinn turning the Mon Calamarian's question on the man. "Do you really think that given his current predicament that meditation was the answer?" He mocked. Jinn's adherence to the old ways amused and irritated the fallen Jedi.
"Dooku." Jinn nodded calmly. "So the rumors were true. You have turned. What a surprise." There was something mocking and sarcastic in Qui-Gon's tone. Dooku blanched at the Master's words.
"Jinn." He spat as though forcing something distasteful from his mouth. "I hardly think you are in a position to enjoy my supposed failings." He laughed hatefully. "How is your CHOSEN ONE?" Qui-Gon winced slightly to the other man's delight.
"You will not succeed." Bant struggled against his hold only to find herself suddenly struck by an object she had never seen coming. Crumpling to the floor she blinked hard trying to clear her head as she was swallowed up in a wave of pain.
"How naïve of you? " Dooku stared down at her. The door opened once more, Sador and Pratell entered. "Secure her." Dooku ordered before moving over to examine the Knight. He leaned in and scrutinized the man's face. He was meditating. Had he done so in order to escape Jinn or at the Master's request? Dooku threw a quick glance in Jinn's direction. The Master was watching as the two sith worked to secure Bant into the energy binders. He had to admit that the Mon Calamarian was putting up a good fight in spite of her injuries, but would lose in the end.
"So do you plan on capturing the Jedi one by one?" Jinn asked sarcastically throwing a head gesture bitterly toward the two sith roughly handling the young knight to his left.
"I don't plan to do anything to the Jedi." Dooku smiled evilly. "That my old friend will be the job of the Chosen One." He took his hand and ran it lovingly up the side of Obi-Wan's face. "Once he is ours then he will use his abilities to sense and track down every last one of you and destroy the Order once and for all. The time of the Jedi is over." Dooku considered the man before him. He knew that Qui-Gon was a loyalist, but he also was a free thinker. How many times had this man disobeyed the orders of the Council when he had felt that they ran in opposition to the leadings of the Force? Recognizing his opportunity Dooku made his move. Dismissing the two apprentices he stepped closer to the master. "Qui-Gon you are a powerful Jedi." He commented.
Qui-Gon refused to speak. He studied the fallen master closely.
"How did you come to choose this path Dooku? Why would you betray the Order that you loved?" He asked. Dooku paused considering his words.
"Yes." He said thoughtfully. "I did love it. It was so simple. Such an honest existence in the beginning, to be a Knight, to serve the beings of the galaxy trying to defend and protect those who were too weak or too few in number to have their voices heard." He smiled wistfully. "But those were the days of my Knighthood being a Master changed a great many things. No longer was I out in the field but mainly shut up in the Temple watching as the Council became ever more enslaved to the Senate. I watched as the missions that were selected for assignment turned more and more away from defending the defenseless to window dressing for the Republic. How many pointless inaugurations have you attended Jinn? How many ridiculous treaties have you had to wrangle in your career? Have sickened have you been watching lifelong bureaucrats, fat off the spoils of the less fortunate, squabble over positions of pseudo power?" Dooku made a disgusted clicking noise with his mouth turning to stare longingly at Obi- Wan's lifeless body.
"I will admit that I have at times felt my skills were under utilized but that doesn't lessen my loyalty to the cause." Qui-Gon's soft voice bore more strength in its calm than most could muster at full volume.
"The cause." Dooku murmured thoughtfully. Wheeling around on the Master he approached. "You are strong as I stated before. Kenobi is not yet enslaved to the dark lord Sidious. There is yet time." Qui-Gon felt his hopes buoyed until the man's next words. "We can overpower him. The galaxy could still be ours Qui-Gon. Kenobi would turn for you. He would do anything for you, his Master."
"I am no longer this man's Master. I was not even present for his knighting." Qui-Gon's voice still held a note of deepest regret.
"You love him. That much is obvious." Dooku nodded not waiting for the man to respond he pushed on. "You failed him did you?" Qui-Gon refused to rise to the man's bait. "Yes of course you failed him." Dooku smiled. "Will you fail him again though?" He whispered leaning in toward the man. "He will be killed. The dark lord will kill him unless he turns." Dooku followed the other man's gaze and found his eyes were also upon Obi-Wan's limp body.
"It will be horrendous. He will no doubt endure tortures that are even beyond your imagining" Dooku paused watching the effect his words were having on the man. Jinn was obviously struggling to hide his anxiety but failing to some degree. "You can spare him this pain though. There is still time. You can save him. You can help him once and for all. Help me turn him. Once he is mine then we will over power Sidious and put back all that the Senate has stolen from the Order. We can recapture our days of glory as Knights." Dooku's voice was filled with hope and wonder. "Join me Qui-Gon Jinn. The dark one is over seeing the Senate as we speak. The Republic has already fallen into the hands of darkness. What will you do to save it?"
Qui-Gon's mind reeled as he tried to discern any truth coming from the man. How could the Senate be overseen by the dark lord? Chancellor Palpatine was over the Senate. It was then that he remembered the voice startling he and Adi in the darkened corridor. It had sounded familiar. Could it have been Palpatine? Reaching back into his memory he realized that it had been the man's voice. He felt a wave of shock and revulsion race through his body. This new pain more intense than the constant burning coming from the energy binders. If Dooku was telling the truth about Palpatine could he also be telling the truth about his own plan? Did he truly desire to return the Jedi to their rightful place as champions of truth and justice, no longer serving as decoration or puppets for the Senate?
"You think about it Qui-Gon. I will return, but I will need your answer when I do. We haven't much time." He cast a glance in the Knight's direction. "He will follow your lead for he trained behind your left shoulder. It is his destiny to follow you." With those final words Dooku moved toward the door ignoring the Mon Calamarian who was still violently struggling against her restraints.
"You can't believe him Master Jinn. You can't trust him. He is one of them. Don't be fooled. He is one of them." Bant reasoned her voice strained by the agony of the energy beams burning down her nerves between her arms and legs. Qui-Gon heard her words but barely registered them as he pondered all that the fallen Jedi had revealed.
*****************************
Thanks for the reviews. Just when I think I know where the story is headed it throws me a curve. Hope you all have your seat belts on and secure any loose articles. Here we go. Until next week.
Rating: I wish I knew. I am putting it at PG-13 just because I don't know any better and would rather err on the safe side.
Genre: Drama/Mild Angst
Feedback: I would love to get feedback on this story. I would appreciate it if everyone would put down their flame throwers though because this is only my second time out and I know I made mistakes on the first story and have no doubt I will make many on this one. I need constructive criticism so that I will get better not mean comments that will only serve to make me cry. I thank each and every one of the readers who take the time to review this story. I love fan fiction and hope to write stories that can entertain others as much as their stories have entertained me.
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. They are, were and will always belong to Mr. George Lucas creator of an amazing universe. Not only does this story contain elements of the universe that Mr. Lucas created but also the Alternate Universe (AU) found in a wonderful story called An Untimely Frost by CYNICAL21.
Just to a little guide as to what things mean:
/-/ Bond thought //-// Private thought "-" Speaking aloud
************************************************************
Chancellor Palpatine made his way into the Senate Hall in order to address the delegates assembled there. It would be a brief meeting he hoped. It was merely a formality actually. The delegates were accepting petitions from four more systems seeking resignation from the Republic. Palpatine fought against the overwhelming urge to smirk. His plan was coming together, but it was not yet time to celebrate his victory though that time was close at hand. He thought about young Kenobi imprisoned levels below him and finally did give into the urge to smile. Luckily at that moment he spotted the Nubian delegation and could play it off as a greeting to his home planet's representative. There was certainly nothing for the Chancellor to be smiling about given the grave circumstances of the assembly but glancing about the room he smoldered with delight at deceptive appearances. After all it seemed that more and more star systems were slipping through Palpatine's fingers, but that was only because Sidious was tightening his grip.
Casting a glance around the chamber he wondered if anyone yet suspected him. He wondered if there was any doubt or speculation as to the reason behind the resignation of several systems. No one seemed to have yet noticed that there was a pattern emerging. Energy systems, planets rich with elements needed to construct battle ships, technology driven planets were weaponry, propulsion and navigational systems were constructed, and finally planets with histories tainted by civil unrest and division. It was on these planets that the potential for slave labor was the greatest. There was always a market for the conquered. Evil men always found a way of capitalizing of on the failed idealism of others.
As he took in the apathetic and power hungry expressions of the delegates in the Chamber he found himself drawn to an uppermost corner. It was there that he was startled to find the wizen face of a small green Master. Strange that Yoda would take time away from his other duties to attend such a mundane and uneventful meeting of the Senate. Smiling sadly up at the Master, Palpatine wondered if the Jedi's thoughts were on his missing Padawan. He wondered if he would mourn Kenobi has he himself had mourned Maul. He had never felt any true affection for his lost tattooed warrior but had indeed mourned the loss of time and training that he had invested in the apprentice. Yoda's grief would be of a different nature. He had made the mistake of actually forming some sort of bond with Kenobi. Yoda's affection was always evident in his demeanor whenever the Knight was in his presence. It was not that unlike a Father and a Son. Yes, Yoda would mourn, the Jedi would mourn, but Kenobi himself would be the one to call an end to all mourning as he slowly and methodically set about achieving Sidious' ultimate plan to eliminate the Jedi. There would be no more tears among the members of the Order because there would be no more members of the Order. Palpatine enjoyed the irony of it all.
At times Sidious felt bitter that he would have to destroy the Jedi when in all actuality watching them serve him as their lord and master enslaved to his power would be much more enjoyable in the long run. The Jedi had always been weak due to their overconfidence and trust. Their utter reliance upon an antiquated code was as ridiculous as it was pathetic. Many of the Knights would be willing to serve him, Palpatine had no doubt, but many would refuse. No, controlling Jedi would require too much time and energy. It was much better to kill them off one by one. After all he would always have the satisfaction of enslaving one and the pleasure of watching that one serve him. At least if he was going to keep a pet Jedi, he was keeping the best and the brightest.
Thinking about what was to come, Palpatine hoped Dooku's prediction would hold true. He knew that the potential damage that Jinn could inflict on the Knight was substantial. He wondered how long he dare leave them alone before the Knight became immune to his ex-Master's condemnations. The Knight had grown in the past year. Palpatine sensed the maturing of both his skills as well as his confidence. Perhaps he should have taken him earlier before he realized he was capable of surviving outside the influence of his Master and the hallowed halls of the Temple. Of course it was too late to go back and change the decisions that had been made. At the very worst the Knight's new found confidence and skill would lead to his own death and at best a stronger alley in the darkness. He could see Kenobi being his right hand, someone he could trust with the affairs of the universe. He would be too afraid to betray his Master and too loyal to disobey his orders. He had a ways to go in his training before he could be trusted to carry out the necessary tasks that would now be before him, but pain was a very effective and thorough teacher. The lessons the dark lord planned to give to the Knight would inflict the scars necessary to reshape the man into the ruthless tyrant Sidious would need to rule the galaxy once and for all. Fear was the key. Kenobi it seemed knew no fear, but he would come to know it. He would come to consider it one of his closest friends. Sidious needed only the opportunity to make the introductions.
The signal was given for the meeting to be called into order. The sound of the bell pulled the man from his thoughts and back to the task at hand. Chancellor Palpatine raised his hands signally for silence as he made his way up to the speaking platform. Clearing his throat he furrowed his brow with grave concern.
"My fellow servants of the Republic it is with a heavy heart that I stand before you this day bringing the following petitions before this Senate for recognition of resignation."
One by one the petitions were brought forth lowering the number of systems within the Republic. As the sound of Palpatine's voice echoed through the immense chamber a picture was taken shape, unfortunately the Senate had become filled with lifelong bureaucrats many of whom could not see past their own selfish planetary needs to recognize the ominous threat taking shape on the horizon.
As one delegation after another expressed their apathetic regret but acceptance of each petition it was as if a silent war cry were ringing throughout the galaxy. It was a desperate cry for those in power to open their eyes and see the fate they were blindingly accepting. Bail Organa sat sadly in the Alderaan box, one of the few who recognized the portrait that was being painted by some sinister alliance. He alone voted to reject the petitions. A small voice crying out into the black hole that had once held the grand Republic.
****************
The door swished open catching the Master by surprise. He was immediately filled with dread as the sight played out before his eyes. It was Dooku moving along with Tahl's ex-padawan, Bant in-tow. Dooku pulled Bant into the chamber. The young Mon Calamarian struggled against him using her size and strength to test the capabilities of the fallen master. Dooku held her tightly, pinning her arms behind her back, refusing to relinquish his hold. He stared hard into her defiant features.
"Resistance will only succeeding in making things harder,not only you, but your friend as well." He gestured toward the Knight. "Have you come to increase his suffering? Is that why you are here?" He words seemed to suck the air from her lungs. Bant glanced over seeing Obi-Wan for the first time.
"Obi-Wan!" She cried her voice breaking at the mere sight of her friend, but she then realized he was unconscious a bloody gash across his forehead increasing her alarm. He looked different than he had the last time she had seen him. He had the beginnings of a beard and the lines of his face were drawn in exhaustion.
The last time that they had been together. She had been heading out for a mission. They had spoken in a lift. He had been trying to decide if Master Gallia was asking him to her apartment for a professional or personal visit. He was so innocent. He was so unaware of his effect on others. Now he hung lifeless and bloody, and she who had come to save him was now at the mercy of those who held him. Using the last of her remaining strength she wrenched herself in Dooku's arms catching the man off balance as she managed to face him.
"What have you done to him?" She accused. Dooku glanced back to the Knight in confusion. When he had last left the Knight, the man had been struggling fiercely against his restraints begging for the release of his lover. Now he hung as though dead. Dooku took a tentative step towards the Knight before realizing that the Knight was merely in a deep meditative state. For good or for ill he realized that this had to be the work on Qui-Gon Jinn.
"What did you do to him?" He spat accusingly at Jinn turning the Mon Calamarian's question on the man. "Do you really think that given his current predicament that meditation was the answer?" He mocked. Jinn's adherence to the old ways amused and irritated the fallen Jedi.
"Dooku." Jinn nodded calmly. "So the rumors were true. You have turned. What a surprise." There was something mocking and sarcastic in Qui-Gon's tone. Dooku blanched at the Master's words.
"Jinn." He spat as though forcing something distasteful from his mouth. "I hardly think you are in a position to enjoy my supposed failings." He laughed hatefully. "How is your CHOSEN ONE?" Qui-Gon winced slightly to the other man's delight.
"You will not succeed." Bant struggled against his hold only to find herself suddenly struck by an object she had never seen coming. Crumpling to the floor she blinked hard trying to clear her head as she was swallowed up in a wave of pain.
"How naïve of you? " Dooku stared down at her. The door opened once more, Sador and Pratell entered. "Secure her." Dooku ordered before moving over to examine the Knight. He leaned in and scrutinized the man's face. He was meditating. Had he done so in order to escape Jinn or at the Master's request? Dooku threw a quick glance in Jinn's direction. The Master was watching as the two sith worked to secure Bant into the energy binders. He had to admit that the Mon Calamarian was putting up a good fight in spite of her injuries, but would lose in the end.
"So do you plan on capturing the Jedi one by one?" Jinn asked sarcastically throwing a head gesture bitterly toward the two sith roughly handling the young knight to his left.
"I don't plan to do anything to the Jedi." Dooku smiled evilly. "That my old friend will be the job of the Chosen One." He took his hand and ran it lovingly up the side of Obi-Wan's face. "Once he is ours then he will use his abilities to sense and track down every last one of you and destroy the Order once and for all. The time of the Jedi is over." Dooku considered the man before him. He knew that Qui-Gon was a loyalist, but he also was a free thinker. How many times had this man disobeyed the orders of the Council when he had felt that they ran in opposition to the leadings of the Force? Recognizing his opportunity Dooku made his move. Dismissing the two apprentices he stepped closer to the master. "Qui-Gon you are a powerful Jedi." He commented.
Qui-Gon refused to speak. He studied the fallen master closely.
"How did you come to choose this path Dooku? Why would you betray the Order that you loved?" He asked. Dooku paused considering his words.
"Yes." He said thoughtfully. "I did love it. It was so simple. Such an honest existence in the beginning, to be a Knight, to serve the beings of the galaxy trying to defend and protect those who were too weak or too few in number to have their voices heard." He smiled wistfully. "But those were the days of my Knighthood being a Master changed a great many things. No longer was I out in the field but mainly shut up in the Temple watching as the Council became ever more enslaved to the Senate. I watched as the missions that were selected for assignment turned more and more away from defending the defenseless to window dressing for the Republic. How many pointless inaugurations have you attended Jinn? How many ridiculous treaties have you had to wrangle in your career? Have sickened have you been watching lifelong bureaucrats, fat off the spoils of the less fortunate, squabble over positions of pseudo power?" Dooku made a disgusted clicking noise with his mouth turning to stare longingly at Obi- Wan's lifeless body.
"I will admit that I have at times felt my skills were under utilized but that doesn't lessen my loyalty to the cause." Qui-Gon's soft voice bore more strength in its calm than most could muster at full volume.
"The cause." Dooku murmured thoughtfully. Wheeling around on the Master he approached. "You are strong as I stated before. Kenobi is not yet enslaved to the dark lord Sidious. There is yet time." Qui-Gon felt his hopes buoyed until the man's next words. "We can overpower him. The galaxy could still be ours Qui-Gon. Kenobi would turn for you. He would do anything for you, his Master."
"I am no longer this man's Master. I was not even present for his knighting." Qui-Gon's voice still held a note of deepest regret.
"You love him. That much is obvious." Dooku nodded not waiting for the man to respond he pushed on. "You failed him did you?" Qui-Gon refused to rise to the man's bait. "Yes of course you failed him." Dooku smiled. "Will you fail him again though?" He whispered leaning in toward the man. "He will be killed. The dark lord will kill him unless he turns." Dooku followed the other man's gaze and found his eyes were also upon Obi-Wan's limp body.
"It will be horrendous. He will no doubt endure tortures that are even beyond your imagining" Dooku paused watching the effect his words were having on the man. Jinn was obviously struggling to hide his anxiety but failing to some degree. "You can spare him this pain though. There is still time. You can save him. You can help him once and for all. Help me turn him. Once he is mine then we will over power Sidious and put back all that the Senate has stolen from the Order. We can recapture our days of glory as Knights." Dooku's voice was filled with hope and wonder. "Join me Qui-Gon Jinn. The dark one is over seeing the Senate as we speak. The Republic has already fallen into the hands of darkness. What will you do to save it?"
Qui-Gon's mind reeled as he tried to discern any truth coming from the man. How could the Senate be overseen by the dark lord? Chancellor Palpatine was over the Senate. It was then that he remembered the voice startling he and Adi in the darkened corridor. It had sounded familiar. Could it have been Palpatine? Reaching back into his memory he realized that it had been the man's voice. He felt a wave of shock and revulsion race through his body. This new pain more intense than the constant burning coming from the energy binders. If Dooku was telling the truth about Palpatine could he also be telling the truth about his own plan? Did he truly desire to return the Jedi to their rightful place as champions of truth and justice, no longer serving as decoration or puppets for the Senate?
"You think about it Qui-Gon. I will return, but I will need your answer when I do. We haven't much time." He cast a glance in the Knight's direction. "He will follow your lead for he trained behind your left shoulder. It is his destiny to follow you." With those final words Dooku moved toward the door ignoring the Mon Calamarian who was still violently struggling against her restraints.
"You can't believe him Master Jinn. You can't trust him. He is one of them. Don't be fooled. He is one of them." Bant reasoned her voice strained by the agony of the energy beams burning down her nerves between her arms and legs. Qui-Gon heard her words but barely registered them as he pondered all that the fallen Jedi had revealed.
*****************************
Thanks for the reviews. Just when I think I know where the story is headed it throws me a curve. Hope you all have your seat belts on and secure any loose articles. Here we go. Until next week.
