Chapter 4

Loyalty, a peculiar word that is rarely executed. There are those who are loyal for personal interests and there are those who are loyal for the sake of another man's interest. Motives can change a man's loyalty.

Mygeeto

Landing on the frost ridden ground of Mygeeto, Plagueis' ship opened it's landing ramp as Maul and his new master walk from the ship towards the laboratory. As the two enter, they were met by the joyful Doctor Tekra, who suddenly stopped in his tracks as he saw the Zabrak in front of him. "My Lord...I didn't expect any company-"

"Don't worry Doctor Tekra, the Zabrak won't be too much trouble." Plagueis assured.

"May I ask, where did this Zabrak come from?" Tekra asked.

"It doesn't matter, I want you to look after him until I come back." Plagueis ordered.

"I don't need to be taken care of." Maul interrupted.

Darth Plagueis used the force to choke his adopted apprentice as he said; "Don't speak, until I tell you too." He then let go of his hold on Maul and turned his attention toward his lab assistant; "See, he only needs some discipline that's all."

Dr.Tekra stood motionless, he was the only being besides Palpatine that knows about Plagueis' true identity. He knew that he wouldn't be harmed because of his devout loyalty toward his superior, but he is still afraid of ever crossing towards Plagueis' dark side. "Don't worry my Lord, thy will be done."

"Good. Make sure he stays bounded at all times and keep him away from our project." Plagueis said. "I will be in touch."

As Plagueis left the building, Tekra pulled out a shocking device and used it against Maul which caused him to fall to the ground. "Go on now." Tekra commanded, Maul grunted, he got up and walked into the chamber with Tekra following him from behind.

The Jedi Library, Coruscant

The Jedi Temple Library, the largest source of knowledge of Jedi history and analytics. The library is usually filled with Jedi Padawans Younglings, who are in training to become Jedi Knights. But it's oldest visitor, a Jedi Master, always had a special section in the library where he would study Jedi history.

"Master Dooku?"

Dooku, son of the Royal Count Of Serenno and acclaimed Jedi Master. Looked up from his book to see a long time friend in front of his view. "Hm. you always seem to find me Qui-Gon."

"If you weren't behind a book all the time, you wouldn't be so easy to find." Qui-Gon Jinn said jokingly.

"You always loved to disturb my reading sessions." Dooku groaned.

"What would your life be without me?"

"Peaceful."

"I'd say it would've been less eventful." Qui-Gon replied with a slight grin.

Dooku chuckled; "What brings you by during this hour?"

"My padawan is doing meditation training right now with Master Yoda."Master Jinn said; "Which gave me some free time to have a chat with an old friend."

"Speaking of Padawans, how is young Kenobi?" Dooku asked.

"He's oddly patient for a child his age, but at the same time he's quite the prankster." Qui-Gon commented.

"Hm, I think your rubbing off on him." Dooku replied.

"You act like it's bad thing." Master Jinn chucked.

"It is if he becomes a troublemaker." Master Dooku said.

The two laughed amongst themselves as the librarian walked over to the commotion. "Shh, Quiet down, no noise allowed!" Jedi Librarian Restelly Quist whispered.

"Master Quist we won't take long." Qui-Gon Jinn assured.

"Just keep the noise down or I'll have to kick both you out." Quist said, walking away from the both men.

"Don't worry about her, we'll be fine." Dooku said, skimming through his book. Both former Padawan and Master sat in quiet conversation as time seems to go slower than usual. "I heard that the council is concerned with your status as a member." Qui-Gon said abruptly.

"Oh you have?" Dooku replied, still skimming through his book.

"They said that your distancing yourself from the council and the Jedi Order altogether." Qui-Gon Jinn explained. Dooku sighed and removed his glasses, looking into the eyes of his former Padawan in front of him. "I plan on leaving the Order, yes but for a good reason." Dooku replied. "My father is dying and unable to fullfill his duties so the Seat of Count in Seranno is vacant."

"I'm sorry to here that, did they ask you to take his place?" Qui-Gon said.

"It's fine, Seranno needs a capable leader and I see myself as being that leader." Dooku replied. "Plus I've grown too old for these Republic escapades."

"Master Yoda might object to that." Qui-Gon ribbed.

"The old fool doesn't stop does he?" Dooku laughed.

Qui-Gon sensed a being running toward his area, as he turned, he saw an out of breath Padawan standing next to him as he said; "Master...I...was...looking...for-"

"Take a breath young one, this is a Library not a Training Facility." Dooku commented.

"No disrespect Master Dooku but I don't think you should be the judge of someone's stamina." Obi-Wan Kenobi said.

"Hmph a few grey hairs, won't stop me from out-matching you in a duel." Dooku taunted playfully.

"If that's the case then we can put that to the test." The ambitious padawan said.

"Now, now Obi-Wan, Dooku isn't a easy foe, trust me I've tried." Qui-Gon chuckled.

Dooku got up from his chair and laid his book on the table droid as the droid walks away with the book, taking it back to the shelf. "Well, maybe we can duel another time, I have some business to attend to."

"In that case, May the Force be with you." Qui-Gon said.

Dooku went over to Obi-Wan and laid his hand on his shoulder, staring at him for second until he uttered the words; "May the Force be with you, both." He then walked away as he left his former padawan and his padawan's protege, turning from his past for a greater future.

Intergalactic Banking Clan Headquarters, Scipio.

Sitting at his desk, examining statistics from recent tax interest rates, Plagueis' focus didn't mainly occupy his Banking Clan responsibilities but instead he focused on the use of this organization for his ultimate plan. A service droid entered his office with a datapad as it said; "Mister Damask, your council meeting is in 5 minutes."

"Set up the holopads." Damask simply commanded.

The droid replied with a simple 'Yes Sir' and operated on the control panel near the door, to unveil three humanoid sized holopads that faced towards Damask's desk. "You may leave now." Damask said.

The droid left the room, leaving the hidden Sith Lord alone in his office. After a few minutes, each holopad was activated and investors of the Intergalactic Banking Clan appeared before Damask as he sits poised in his chair.

"Gentlemen, I am pleased that all of you have decided to attend this very important meeting today." Damask said; "I can assure you that this gathering will be worth your time."

"Damask, you've called us here for what purpose?" Tann Sartran, Head Of The Sartran Corporation said in a bored tone, Tann Sartran, a cocky wealthy socialite that managed to be among the most wealthy beings in the galaxy, stood before someone he saw as an employee to his overall enterprise. Though he has some stake in the Intergalactic Banking Clan, he still hasn't earned the title of complete ownership of the bank.

"I'm glad you asked." Damask simply replied. He walked around his desk and pressed a control panel hidden underneath the table, causing the contents of the desk to flip over and be replaced by a giant holomap. He activated the device to reveal the map of the entire galaxy, with stats given on the map.

"What is this?" Nel Dirg of the Dyn Synerge Inc spoke up. Nel Dirg, another Successful business man and the richest non-human in the galaxy, his stake in IBC is simply to increase his prolific portfolio of investments and business ventures.

"This gentleman, are the current stats of the Banking Clan's earnings from that past six months." Damask presented; "As you can see we have been able to meet the mark at a consistent basis."

"Making over 800 Billion Credits and counting." Damask paused. "The IBC has made sure to account for every single ounce of currency that flows throughout the galaxy, including thee...non-taxable commodities." Damask pointed out.

Through the hologram, The esteemed Veltzz Arakyd of Arakyd Industries felt a drift of discomfort when Damask uttered that last sentence. Arakyd is known to be a ruthless entrepreneur, some say he has some ties to the criminal underworld. Nevertheless, he manages to still be the one of the most respected men due to his longevity and experience in the Tech Industry.

"But, I know you all aren't here to learn about our usual statistics." Damask said as pulls up another holographic stat sheet. "Gentleman, this will be our earnings in 8 years time." The hologram displayed annual earnings of '5.8 Trillion Credits', including a higher tax-rate than the one that is currently active.

"What is all of this?" Sartran asked in a skeptical tone.

"This Gentleman is what I call our 'War Initiative'." Damask explained.

The businessmen eyed each other in confusion to what is about to unfold in front of them. "War Initiative?" Akayrd questioned, crossing his arms.

"Yes, this 'War Initiative' will be our gateway into financial prosperity." Damask said; "The 'War Initiative's purpose is to profit off Warfare from both sides of the established power struggle between two idealistic governments."

"The IBC has always been a neutral banking corporation, taking sides does not contribute to our best interests at all." Plagueis said, standing in front of his investments.

"Hmph...War seems like a profitable venture." Dirg said; "But how will this come about? Their hasn't been any opposition that has posed a threat to the Republic in centuries."

"Oh, but indeed there has..." Damask then turned his attention towards news articles that appeared on the screen behind him. "The Rim Faction has expressed their concerns about their representation in the Senate, gathering supporters who rally behind their ideas of a 'oppressive speciest government'. "

Damask then shifts the holoscreen towards hundreds of articles of non-human Senate members expressing their support for the The Rim Faction. "This, this right here is only the beginning, the beginning of a revolution."

"Why eight years?" Akrayd asked.

"Things like this take time, The Rim Faction doesn't have any financial backing, their too...fragile to form their own government." Damask explained.

"Do plan to back them?" Sartran pressed.

Plagueis stood, examining the skeptical business man in front of him. He knew that Tann Sartran didn't like him or his kind and would do anything to gain control of the Intergalactic Banking Clan. But unlike any other Chairman, Plagueis knew he had a major advantage against his enemies; His heritage, his tactics and his connection to the Force.

"It's up to them to make that decision, not mine." Plagueis simply said. "Now it's up to you all of you, too make an even greater decision."

They all eyed each other once more, confirming each other's decision. Sartran hesitated; "We all have decided that it's best that we trust that your plan will indeed benefit us in the future."

Plagueis grinned, "Good."

"We will keep in touch, Chairman." Sartran replied with a slight scoff.

All three holograms dissapated, leaving Plagueis in his quarters. He walked around his table and planted himself on his chair, planning his next successful move. Knowing that he has the IBC's investors in his control and a hungry apprentice at his side. His main goal now is to achieve control of the Galactic Republic.

As he was in the middle of his fantasy, a droid entered the room with a holopad in hand as it said; "Sir, Senator Antilles, has sent you a call."

Damask sat straight, remaining poised; "Send the Transmission to my office."

"Yes sir" the droid simply said.

After a few minutes the call was activated in Damask's office as the small hologram of Senator Bail Antilles stood in front of him. "Why have you called me?"

"It's urgent, we have a problem." Antilles said.

Plagueis almost lost composure but he maintained his calm state, curious about why his underling is bothering him at the moment. "Check the recent breaking news story on GNN." he said.

Plagueis did as such and came across a video of what it looks like to be a well-dressed man addressing the people of Coruscant. He activated the video, examining it as it began.

"Ladies, Gentlemen and Races Across The Galaxy, I am here to give an address and a very important announcement to you all today about the concerns about how our galaxy is run. The Core and Rim Faction have maintained a constant skirmish within the Galactic Republic, grasping for power, just to make themselves more richer and powerful and use us as their pawns." The Speaker paused. "But this year, we cannot stand for such oppression, The Senate and the Republic does not care about the people but instead they care about their pockets." The crowd's spirits began to rise as cries of oppression were heard like sparks throughout the gathering. "The Republic needs a leader that is without bias and without greed. The Galaxy needs a leader that cares about the wellbeing of all of their citizens, not just a specific group. The Galaxy needs a strong leader that will fight at any cost to protect our present and our future." The crowd's cries became louder and louder as the speaker continued his speech and by the end of his address, he had the whole crowd at his feet. "Now as for my announcement, I, Jarrus Carmoda will be running for Chancellor Of The Galactic Republic as an independant faction, The Separatist Faction."

A/N: Haven't posted a chapter in a long while, due to recent real life events and finishing school online. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, more to come soon.