~Chapter Four~
Dooku or the Jedi …which should be feared more?
The morning air was thick with the smoke as Padmé watched her older brother enter their living area. The smell of burned wood clung to him and thick clouds of dust and smoke blocked out the sun. Rushing over to help her brother, Padmé poured him a glass of water and turned to see her father enter the room followed by two of his servants.
The green troll-like Councilor made no effort to speak with his children as he moved around the small room; his ears flattened against his head in anger. Closing her eyes in frustration, Padmé visibly sighed before crossing the room and kneeling in front of him so she could look into his eyes. She implored, "Father you can't hold Anakin responsible for what that retched Count did. He is just his aide. He has no power to stop Dooku."
Yoda watched his adopted daughter carefully for a moment and continued to move about their dwelling with same the grim silence he had used all morning. As he exited the apartment door, Padmé looked up at her brother and said, "What do you think father will do about this?" Obi-Wan shook his head and hoped that whatever his father might say to the tyrant, Dooku wouldn't impose a curfew. I need to find Qui-Gon and see what he thinks we should do.
Yoda moved through the Palace hallways to Count Dooku's office and burst through the door without offering the usual new day greeting. Instead he elevated his hoverchair so he was at eye level with the Count and said, "Accept the burning of homes, I will not."
"Why not? I'm not doing anything that the people of Naboo aren't forcing me to do," Dooku retorted slamming his hands down on the desk in front of him. His voice was cold and unfeeling at the hurt his actions had caused.
"My people they are. Take care of them I do. In charge of them I am, Palpatine said," Yoda answered just as emotionally as Dooku.
"Look you little troll do I need to remind you that I take my orders directly from Palpatine. His words were to restore his law to this area at all cost," he snapped as he leaned forward placing his face in Yoda's personal space. "Need I remind you that as head of the Planetary Council you are required to keep the law as much as I am?"
"Uphold the law. Do that, how? War you brought." Yoda replied incredulously.
Dooku waved his hand and said, "Nonsense. Offering a reward for the Jedi was a peaceable method. It was totally useless."
Yoda lowered his chair back to the floor and nodded. "Burning and terrorizing, work will not. Despise you they will. Against the Emperor, turn them you will. Further more if burn their homes you do, then pay taxes they cannot. Emperor Palpatine's profits, you are taking away. Like that he will not."
For the first time the Count paused. He dropped into the plush chair and leaned backward thoughtfully. "Councilor Yoda, I have a bargain for you. We are both loyal subjects of Emperor Palpatine… we just see our duty differently. Therefore we enforce the law differently."
Yoda's ears began to rise for the first time since he had burst into Dooku's office. He thought a moment and then asked, "Offering a compromise, are you?"
"I am assuming that you want to uphold the law of our Emperor and punish the lawbreakers?" Dooku asked in a silky voice. He was now optimistic that he could get the troll to go along with him.
Yoda paused thoughtfully and nodded.
Rubbing his palms together Dooku smiled, "Then do this; Tell me, which of your tenants or businessmen are behind with their rents and taxes and then suddenly pay all that they owe?"
"Paid with smugglers credits, you think? Understand this I do," Yoda said thoughtfully leaning on his walking stick.
"Think my good Councilor. I don't think! I know they paid with gold that rightfully belongs to our Emperor. Give me the names and then invite them to your private quarters. When they arrive, Skywalker and I will question them," Dooku sneered. "Yes this will work; in fact I don't know why I didn't think of it before. If you can tolerate the presence of my idiot aide in your home no one will suspect anything."
Yoda was unable to hide his feelings of loathing as he learned the Count would be spending more time in his private quarters. He didn't like the idea of betraying his people but there was nothing he could do. If the Count reported back to the Emperor that he was unwilling to bring the Jedi to justice Yoda knew he would be replaced. Protect my people; I cannot, if sent away I am. "Agree I do. A man there is, poor businessman he is. Start there you can. Treat his mother and two younger brothers, well he does not. Crion, Xanatos Crion, his name is."
"Good, good. Have him in your quarters early tomorrow morning," Count Dooku said enthusiastically.
Yoda maneuvered his hover chair toward the door before he stopped and turned saying, "Be there Crion will. One more thing there is. This burning, stop you will. Discuss this more I will not."
Dooku stood and bowed to the little green being and said, "As you wish."
*****
Padmé and Obi-Wan didn't share the same feelings about the expected company. Padme was pleased that Anakin Skywalker would return. While her older brother was upset that Count Dooku would be under their roof again so soon; he worried that he could not slip away with out being noticed. "The one thing I can do, though, is try to hear what Xanatos says to the Count tomorrow. At least, I can be useful that way. Qui-Gon can plan for whatever Xanatos reveals," Obi-Wan mumbled to himself as he watched his adoptive father enter the Council chambers.
****
Obi-Wan lingered by the door of the library pretending to do research for his father when the businessman arrived the next morning.
"Good morning Xanatos," the small Councilor greeted the new comer with uneasiness. "Count Dooku has asked to go over the tax records and he has a few questions he wants to ask."
Dooku wasted no time with pleasantries. He leaned over Xanatos placing his hands on either side of the man, "You're not much of a businessman are you? Your shop hasn't made a profit since your father died. You're not even ordering more than a hundred credits worth of merchandise."
Xanatos sat in the chair trying not to flinch as Dooku told him how bad his store was doing. "It's a small stand, there's not much room for extra products. People in the city don't have enough money to spend on my goods, that's why I don't have any profits."
"Yet some how you manage to pay both the rent and your taxes. How is that possible Crion?" Dooku demanded irritably as he began to pace the small room.
"I…well…I umm."
Outside of the library where Obi-Wan was eavesdropping it was plain to him that Xanatos Crion was struggling for an answer. Obi-Wan knew that the Count was aware of this also and he would exploit this weakness until Xanatos cracked. After several moments of silence and the clearing of a throat he heard Xanatos mutter, "I took a silent partner."
Dooku peered at a data pad that Xanatos could have sworn was not there moments ago. "You don't show it here; In fact there's no mention of it in your books either."
"Well," Xanatos mumbled, "He wanted to remain a silent partner and I didn't want him making decisions for my store. Neither the business bureau nor the Council questioned the arrangement."
"What they do or do not question is not my concern. I find it odd that you acquired a partner when you admit the economy is suffering. I don't believe anyone is stupid enough to sink money into a store so that you can throw it away." Dooku stopped pacing and leaned against the wall before speaking again, "Do you want to know what my theory is Crion. I think you paid your debts with smugglers credits."
Xanatos swallowed audibly before he answered, "Smuggler sir? I'm an honest man."
Dooku chuckled callously, "Ok I'm willing to accept the existence of this partner if I first see documents that said this man invested in your store and his reasons for doing so, along with his name. Provide me with these and I'll investigate someone else."
"I don't keep records sir and he never told me his name," Xanatos whined.
Dooku calmly walked around the table and stopped in front of Xanatos. He grabbed him by the front of his shirt and roughly shook him. "Do not lie to me. You paid with smugglers gold." Shaking Xanatos again he said, "Who is the Jedi. What is his name? Is he the same man who leads you or just pays you off?"
"I don't know what you mean, Dooku sir," Xanatos stammered.
"Yes, you do but just in case your small mind can't handle large words, I'll make it simple and give you a choice. I'll throw you in a detention camp where I will keep you until the questions are answered to my satisfaction. Or…"
"Detention camp," Xanatos exclaimed.
The Count lost his patience and lowered his voice dangerously, "Let me finish. You'll be taken to a detention camp unless you give evidence for the Emperor. You will tell everything you know about this Jedi and his band of thieves."
"You are mistaken Count Dooku. I don't know anything about the Jedi. He's a criminal and I don't associate with criminals," Xanatos said, sure of himself for the first time since he had sat down.
Unfortunately for him Dooku only snorted and shook him by the shirt once more. "You will tell me where and when they meet and where they go. Is that clear?" Suddenly the Count's voice changed becoming less angry and more persuasive. "I can promise you that no one will know you talked, Crion; A smart man would think it over," Dooku said almost pleasantly.
"But I don't know anything. I swear."
"Very well," the Count's voice turned harsh and rough again. "You're under arrest by the order of the Emperor himself. Skywalker, seize this man."
Xanatos looked around the room wildly and noticed the younger man walking toward him. Wildly flailing his arms he shouted, "No you can't. Wait Lord, please wait."
"Well," Dooku said with a smile that did not reach his eyes.
Xanatos twisted his hands in his lap trying to decide whether a detention camp would be better than what the Jedi would do to him if he were to find out that he had been betrayed. Swallowing several times he pushed forward, "I said I don't know anything and I don't. But I could find out. That is if you'll give me a little time."
"Forty-eight standard hours. Not a minute more!"
Obi-Wan's heart thudded in his chest. Xanatos is going to betray all of us! He stood there as Dooku's voice drifted through the closed door. "Remember Crion, you will either give me the names of the Jedi's men and they will go the detention camp or you will. You have forty-eight hours use them wisely. Now get out!"
Hurriedly, Obi-Wan left his place by the library door and rushed from his living quarters into the speeder shed. "I've got to get to the infirmary. Xanatos is going to betray us and we'll all be executed."
***** **
Qui-Gon Jinn, as usual, listened quietly as though Obi-Wan was telling him about the plants in the garden.
"Qui-Gon we have to do something. One traitor is enough to get you and the rest of the Knights a place before the execution squad," Obi-Wan said worriedly.
The healer merely reached for the teapot and refilled both his and Obi-Wan's cup. "Mmmm and there's a shipment due in tonight from Alderaan. You don't have much freedom now with the Count staying in your quarters."
"You're going to let me ride with you tonight, right Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan asked quietly.
Qui-Gon shook his head, "It's too risky, Obi-Wan. Dooku could figure out where you went and then your family would be in more danger than they are now."
"I don't see how!" Obi-Wan replied angrily and not quite honestly.
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said mildly chastising the youth. He sat the cup down on the table and leaned forward. "You must obey the same orders as the others do, Obi-Wan. Your job right now is to keep an eye on the Count. We need to know where he is and what he's doing at all times."
The older man stood up and placed his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder and said, "Well, there's work to do between now and tonight. I want to thank you for the good work you are doing Obi-Wan."
A compliment from the healer was something Obi-wan treasured. Yet disappointment registered on his face as he walked out of the healer's quarters. He put the speeder in gear and slowly drove home. "I wonder how Qui-Gon will manage this. What rotten luck."
The healer watched Obi-Wan leave his home with a heavy heart. He hated to disappoint the boy who was like a son to him but there was no way he would risk his life dealing with a traitor like Xanatos. He stared out the window until he heard Mace enter the room. They briefly discussed the measures needed to prevent Dooku from learning the truth about the Jedi and his followers. "Xanatos is one of our men he has to be protected. I'm going to have Yaddle pack a basket for me to take over to the Crion's. I need to know what Xanatos is thinking so I can plan accordingly."
*****
Qui-Gon looked at the deserted streets in the once beautiful city and shook his head in pity. Theed was once a great cultural center in the galaxy. People would come from all over to see the museums and art galleries even the musical centers. When the Emperor tightened his grip and became more brutal the tourists stopped coming. The buildings fell into disrepair and closed down putting the workers out of their jobs and unable to pay the high taxes. Qui-Gon drove his dilapidated speeder down a row of small homes and pulled into one that was more run down than the others in the neighborhood. Getting out of the speeder, he leaned in and took a basket of food from the backseat. He nodded at Xanatos as he walked to the door of the home. Offering the old woman in the doorway a disarming smile, he allowed her to lead him inside. Placing the basket on the table, Qui-Gon glanced around the room.
"Oh Healer Jinn you come into this terrible neighborhood and you brought something for me. It isn't safe here anymore you know but thank you." Jocasta Nu exclaimed.
"Xanatos and the boys are taking care of you?" Qui-Gon questioned softly. "You had a terrible fever two weeks ago."
A frown appeared on the woman's face as she began to fidget with the basket. "Xanatos is my stepson and he looks out for nobody but himself. He cares for no one but himself either. If his father was alive I 'm sure he wouldn't be very proud."
"Surely he must care for you and the boys," Qui-Gon placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and offered her a reassuring squeeze.
Jocasta nodded, "It's true!" Whatever comforts the boys and me have are of no thanks to him. He never opens the store unless he's selling stolen goods. It's … it's because of … of ..."
Qui-Gon watched the woman who showed him into her home in such a friendly manner become silent and withdrawn. "Yes?" He inquired softly.
"You promise not to tell anyone that I told you?" She inquired fearfully looking around to see if anyone was listening.
"I'm as secret as a black hole," Qui-Gon replied solemnly. "You know that, Jocasta."
"It's because of the Jedi and his knights." the old woman whispered. "Xanatos is one of them. He denies it but I know it."
"Xanatos has more intelligence than to get involved with that villain and his band of thieves!" Qui-Gon exclaimed with a shocked voice.
Jocasta leaned forward and shook her head violently. "The Jedi and his Knights are not villains to us, the poor people of Theed. If it weren't for him most of us would starve. But Xanatos would betray him if there was a credit in it for him." She lowered her voice even more. "I heard him talking to the boys. He ordered them to do something for him. They're scared of him so they'll do it. He's their bother and they are scared of him. They don't want to do it but they're scared. So they will."
A cold voice spoke from the doorway, "Time for your rest, isn't it Mother?" Xanatos walked into the run- down home.
Jocasta paled and stiffly hurried to the staircase. "Yes, Xanatos. May the Force be with you healer Jinn," she called back over her shoulder as she hobbled up the stairs.
"Is she ill again?" Xanatos inquired.
"No, I just came by to check on her and say good day to you and the boys. I brought a few things for your mother," Qui-Gon replied his eyes losing their slight sparkle.
"Stepmother, she married my father after my mother died," Xanatos commented coldly. "Would you like a cup of tea before you leave, Master healer?"
Qui-Gon smiled tightly, "Thank you, Xanatos but I must be going. By the way, speaking of tea somehow I am reminded of another drink, Alderaan Ale I believe they call it. I have been hearing a lot about it being smuggled into our city under the leadership of the one they call the Jedi."
He watched Xanatos' reaction closely and continued, "It's a wonder…no a surprise that no one in his gang has betrayed him yet. The reward money they could get would let them live like kings."
Xanatos shrugged. "They're probably scared of him. I know I would be if all the stories are true."
"Other wise they would betray him?" Qui-Gon asked his voice betraying none of the emotions he felt.
Xanatos shook his head. "How would I know? And I don't intend to find out… not with those troops burning homes and throwing people into detention camps. There are ways of getting off this planet and I've got plans."
The sound of a speeder pulling a heavy cart could be heard roaring to a stop out front. "I see your little brothers pulling up. I'm sure it's a great help to have them around," Qui-Gon said. "You look as if you have a busy day planned. So I will show myself to the door."
But the Healer was in no great hurry as the Xanatos shut the door behind him. As he slowly walked to his speeder he heard one of the younger boys say, "We got another speeder and cart like you told us Xan. We did just like you told us too."
"Put it behind the house Reeft and then help Garen load all that we can take from the store on the extra cart. Drive to the old house just outside the city limits, the one near the waterfall after sundown. Make sure not to use any lights and don't call attention to yourselves. I'll meet you with the barrels of Ale we are going to take with us."
"Xan what are you planning?" Garen asked distressed.
"Mind your own business. I make all the decisions for this family and I just gave you an order. I expect you to follow it… or else."
"Are we taking Jocasta with us," Reeft asked fearfully.
"No, she would only get in the way. She will be well cared for here. Now, like I told your brother, mind your own business and get back to work," Xanatos said as he reached out and smacked Reeft on the back of the head.
Before the boys could get to work, Qui-Gon sprinted toward his speeder. He started the machine and put it in gear. "The old house near the water fall … now why didn't I think of that as a hideout?" He chuckled to himself as the city slowly began to fall behind him. "The waterfall gives me an idea. I'll have to see that young Skywalker is nearby to meet them this evening. I think a surprise party is in order for Xanatos. We can't have mutiny among the Knights. What would this world come to?"
*****
By the time Qui-Gon returned to his home off the infirmary, his plan was well thought out. Quickly he repeated Xanatos' plans to Mace. "We're going to make an example of Crion, Mace. It will teach the others a lesson they won't soon forget. Betrayal among the Jedi Knights is a more of a danger than anything Count Dooku could think up."
"Are you going to postpone tonight's shipment, Qui-Gon?" Mace asked hopefully.
"No, the shipment from Alderaan is too valuable. Besides if we cancel now Captain Solo won't risk doing business with us again," Qui- Gon explained patiently.
Confusion was plastered all over the dark librarian's face and he asked, "But if Xanatos steals part of it…won't that make the Jedi look a fool to the rest of the Knights?"
Qui-Gon grinned, "Mace, we have to accomplish two things tonight. One, protect Xanatos and two, teach him a lesson at the same time. To do this I need a favor from you. Please go to the good Councilor's home and speak to Obi-Wan. Tell him to take young Anakin into his confidence about a rumor that's circulating through the city. Obi-Wan might suggest that troops be at the house near the waterfall tonight. They should hold the boys until Xanatos shows up. While Anakin is busy with that we will be in the hills unloading Captain Solo's cargo."
Mace shook his head in confusion. "I don't see how getting Xanatos and his brothers arrested by the Emperor's troops will protect either him or us. He will certainly tell everyone everything he knows."
"Don't focus on your anxiety, Mace. I have plans for Xanatos, the drums of Ale, and the Emperor's troops. Now hurry we have no time to lose and a major part of my plan depends on you and Obi-Wan.
******
While Anakin Skywalker and his band of droids watched and waited at the house near the waterfall, the Jedi talked quietly to the captain of the Millennium Falcon on the other side of the swamps.
"I don't understand that cargo alone is worth a fortune. But of course it's your money and your merchandise so you can do what you please with it," he said as he looked up into the face of the most terrifying man in the universe.
The Jedi smiled behind the modified breathing mask and then tossed the usual bag of gold to Han Solo. "Payment in full. Just make sure that my instructions are followed exactly. There's no room for mistakes!"
The bewildered captain shook his head and mumbled something about hokey religions and archaic weapons as he watched the tall figure ride back to his small band of men. "They should be having me smuggle in blasters so they can fight like men. This Jedi has let his costume go to his head."
He turned to the large Wookie standing next to him and repeated the Jedi's insane orders. When the large furry creature barked for an explanation he merely shrugged his shoulders.
The band of men waiting for their share silently listened as the Jedi told them where to go. As each man received his assignment they pulled their carts forward and began to load the precious cargo onto the carts. One by one the men received the goods and disappeared in different directions until at last it was Xanatos' turn.
"Xanatos good, what remains is yours. Take your cart back to the city of Theed and may the Force be with you Crion. Now hurry," the Jedi bellowed as he kicked his mount in its sides and galloped away feeling very, very satisfied with his night's work.
tbc