Chapter 9: Dooku Captured
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. Sorry about the wait I was a little held up with my other stories. Anyway I hope you all like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves at a Separatist Frigate, as Obi-Wan Kenobi sneaks in.
Making his way down the hall, Obi-Wan opens the door to see two thugs playing cards.
"Don't bother getting up. You're not the prisoner I'm looking for." Obi-Wan said closing the door.
Moving a few doors down, Obi-Wan opens the door and walks in to see the cell was empty. Suddenly he activated his lightsaber as a figure jumps down from the ceiling only to reveal it was Anakin.
"Oh it's you." Anakin said as Obi-Wan deactivated it.
"This is how you thank me for coming to your rescue?" Obi-Wan asks.
"Kind of difficult without a lightsaber." Anakin said as Obi-Wan handed Anakin his lightsaber.
"Did you manage to locate Dooku before landing in jail?" Obi-Wan asks as they walk out.
"I know he's onboard but it would have been easier if I had my weapon." Anakin said.
"It was necessary to arrive without to make your capture more convincing." Obi-Wan explains.
"Oh they were convinced alright. Why am I always the one who has to be captured? You have Shun now use him." Anakin said annoyed.
"When you're the Jedi Master you can make the plan." Obi-Wan smirks.
"That's just it. How can I become a Jedi Master if I'm always getting caught?" Anakin asks.
"At least you're a master at getting caught." Obi-Wan smirks.
"Very funny." Anakin mumbles.
Walking down the hall the two Jedi open the door to reveal Count Dooku sitting on a small stand meditating.
Activating their lightsabers both Jedi prepared themselves.
"Surprise, surprise. If it isn't Count Dooku." Obi-Wan said.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi. I thought I sensed an unpleasant disturbance in the force. I see you've freed young Skywalker. Where might he be if you weren't always around to rescue him?" Dooku asks not even opening his eyes when suddenly the ship shakes.
On a Republic Cruiser, Shun, Ahsoka and Rex were watching from the deck as they attacked.
"Let's try not to blow up the ship before they escape this time." Ahsoka said when BD-1 climbed out onto Shun's shoulder and beeps.
"Yeah that was a too close of a call." Shun agrees.
"Your ship is surrounded, Count. Republic troops are boarding as we speak." Anakin said as Dooku opens his eyes.
"Jedi fools." Dooku said as a hatch opens where he was standing and he escapes.
"I should have seen that coming." Obi-Wan said as Anakin ran to the hole. "What are you doing?"
"Following him." Anakin said.
"Not that way. We need to cut him off." Obi-Wan said.
"You cut him off. I'll follow him and meet you at the hangar." Anakin said leaping into the hole.
"Ugh this why I need to use Shun more, at least he listens." Obi-Wan said before running off.
As Dooku and Anakin slid down the hatch Dooku fired Force Lighting which Anakin blocks with his lightsaber, but the bright lights made it difficult for Anakin to see and as a result loses Dooku when he comes across two different paths.
"Oh great." Anakin groans.
In the hangar, Dooku leaps in landing between some droids.
"Uh your ship is ready sir." One said.
"Good." Dooku said.
As Obi-Wan runs into the hangar he saw Dooku making his escape.
Running to an open ship, Obi-Wan destroys the two droids guarding it and starts the engine when Anakin drops in and meets up with him.
"I thought you were following Dooku." Obi-Wan said.
"I was, I followed him here." Anakin said taking the controls and flying them out.
"Shu, Ahsoka, Dooku managed to escape. We're in pursuit, but we could use reinforcements. Follow us in what ships you can round up." Obi-Wan said into the comlink.
"Copy that master. We'll get there as soon as we can." Shun said.
"Race you to the ships." Ahsoka said.
"You're on." Shun said as the two of them ran off.
"Those two." Rex chuckles before following.
Back outside, Obi-Wan and Anakin were chasing after Dooku as they fired hitting his ship.
"That was easy." Anakin said.
"Lucky for you I'm an excellent shot." Obi-Wan smirks when the Separatist fighters started attacking them.
"Oh well now they're shooting at us." Anakin said.
"I'm on it." Obi-Wan said firing but the fighter kept flying in.
"He's getting closer." Anakin said the other fighter hit them making them swerve. "Lucky for you I'm an excellent pilot."
Swerving they and Dooku land on the planet Vanqor.
"For all your expertise this was not a smooth landing." Obi-Wan said as their ships just barely avoids crashing.
"If you'd hit that second fighter, we wouldn't be in this mess." Anakin said as their ship came to a stop near Dooku's.
"I've had better landings." Obi-Wan said.
"Dooku." Anakin said pointing to his ship.
Making their way towards it, the two Jedi heard a beeping noise coming from the ship.
"What's this? A homing beacon?" Obi-Wan said noticing it.
"Which means the distinguished count is waiting for help. So he can't be far off." Anakin said as Obi-Wan examined the ship.
"His engine is damaged. He's not going anywhere." Obi-Wan said.
"Not without a homing beacon." Anakin said destroying it.
Looking around Obi-Wan saw some caves not too far. "There, caves are a good start."
Making their way to the front, they stopped right at the entrance.
"Strange." Anakin said.
"You sense it too. Many life forms in there." Obi-Wan said.
"And Dooku's one of them. Let's try to get him before something else does." Anakin said as they used their lightsabers as lights and walked in.
Once they were a decent distance away they suddenly heard a rumbling.
"What's that?" Obi-Wan asks when rocks from above fell down towards them. "Run!" Obi-Wan yells as he ran just as the rocks came down on them creating a giant cloud of dust.
From the shadows, Dooku emerged and noticed Anakin's lightsaber laying nearby.
"You won't be needing this anymore, Skywalker." Dooku smirks clipping it to his belt.
Leaving the cave, Dooku turns to the entrance and using the Force makes the entrance collapse.
Making his way back towards his ship he noticed a large ship had landed near his.
Looking down he saw several Weequay pirates searching his ship.
There one Weequay dressed in red looked to see Dooku walking towards them, this was Hondo Ohnaka.
"Well, well. What do we have here?" Hondo asks as Dooku walks up to him.
"Who are you?" Dooku asks.
"More importantly, my friend who are you?" Hondo asks as the rest of his crew stood behind him.
Back in the caves, the rocks started to move as Anakin Force Lifted them off him and to the side.
"Master! Obi-Wan, can you hear me? Master!" Anakin calls out turning over some rocks hoping to find him when some rocks rumble forcing him to jump back.
Reaching to his side, Anakin tries to grab his lightsaber only to see it was gone.
"Anakin, when I tell you to run, run." Obi-Wan said walking over.
"Master you're alive." Anakin smiles.
"And where's your lightsaber?" Obi-Wan asks.
"It got knocked out of my hand." Anakin admits.
"By a rock?" Obi-Wan asks.
"Yeah, by a rock. It's got to be here somewhere." Anakin said looking around.
"That is a feeble excuse." Obi-Wan said.
"You know what would be helpful? A little light." Anakin said annoyed.
"Certainly." Obi-Wan lights his weapon but ends up flickering before turning off. "Silly thing. It was just working a minute ago."
"You don't suppose it was hit by a rock do you?" Anakin smirks when they heard a growling.
Looking up at the ceiling they saw a Gundark looking down at them.
"This should be interesting." Obi-Wan said as the Gundark leaps down at them.
Back outside, Hondo and his men were examining Dooku's ship.
"Your solar sailor is very beautiful. It's a pretty rare ship, very expensive. What are you doing all the way out here?" Hondo asks.
"I sustained some damage in an asteroid storm and had to make a landing. Feel free to help yourself to it." Dooku offers as Hondo's monkey lizard climbs on his shoulder.
"If you need a transport, the nearest planet is Florrum. It's six parsecs away." Hondo informs as his pet hops off.
"Is it civilized?" Dooku asks.
"That depends on your definition of civilized. But you would certainly be more comfortable there than here. Vanqor is no place to be after dark." Hondo said.
"Perhaps I shall take you up on your offer." Dooku said following Hondo.
"Very good. Now all that's left to do is settle my fee." Hondo said turning to him.
"Fee?" Dooku asks.
"Just a little something to cover my expenses. It shouldn't be a problem for someone so obviously wealthy as yourself." Hondo said as Dooku covered his lightsaber.
"I'd be happy to compensate you for your services." Dooku said causing Hondo to smile.
"That's it boys! We're heading home!" Hondo declares.
Inside the cave, Anakin was running for his life as the Gundark chased him while Obi-Wan was fixing his lightsaber.
"Jump in anytime!" Anakin said.
"Oh, you're doing fine. She seems to like you." Obi-Wan said.
"Yeah, lucky me! This isn't as much fun as it looks. I thought gundarks were only found on Vanqor." Anakin said.
"Then this system must be Vanqor." Obi-Wan theorized.
"So that would make this one?" Anakin asks.
"The mother of all gundarks." Obi-Wan said as the gundark corned Anakin.
"Anytime now!" Anakin said when they heard a rumbling causing Obi-Wan to smirk.
"Help has arrived." Obi-Wan smiles as a giant hole was made and leaping out of it Haya slams into the Gundark knocking it to the ground.
"Hands off the Jedi ugly!" Shun said riding on Haya's back.
"What took you so long?" Anakin smiles.
"No entrance, had to make my own." Shun said as the Gundark got up.
"Shun do you mind Anakin lost his lightsaber and mine needs fixing?" Obi-Wan asks.
"You hear that buddy?" Shun asks as BD-1 beeps hopping off Shun's shoulder and made its way towards Obi-Wan.
"You see Anakin you could learn a thing or two about listening from him." Obi-Wan smirks.
"And you could learn a thing or two about helping from him." Anakin said as BD got to work on Obi-Wan's lightsaber.
As the Gundark roared at them Haya roars back meaning she wasn't scared.
The Gundark leaps in but Haya swung her tail knocking it back.
"I think you need a time out." Shun said leaping off.
Thrusting his arms forward tons of rocks shot towards the Gundark pelting it until it was knocked unconscious.
Moving the boulders Shun, buries it under all the rocks so it couldn't move.
"That outta hold it." Shun said.
"Good work Padawan." Obi-Wan said.
"It's a pity. I was just starting to sense a connection." Anakin smirks.
"Should I leave you two alone or would you prefer leaving before she wakes up?" Obi-Wan asks.
"Shun you said you made your own entrance mind taking us?" Anakin asks.
"Sure thing." Shun nods when BD-1 beeps and walks over with Obi-Wan's lightsaber.
Picking it up Obi-Wan clicks the button revealing it was working again.
"Good work BD-1." Obi-Wan said as BD-1 beeps happily before climbing onto Shun's back and latching onto his glider.
"Come on, Ahsoka and the clones should be here by now." Shun said as he led them both away from the Gundark.
"You went ahead? What happened to sticking with your group?" Anakin asks.
"What happened to always having your lightsaber?" Shun points to his empty belt.
"You're as bad as Ahsoka." Anakin mumbles.
Meanwhile on Florrum, as Hondo's ship landed all of Hondo's men looked to see them walking out.
"Welcome to Florrum." Hondo said as Dooku reached for his belt only to see his ligthsabers were gone. "Lose your flashy sword? Are these what you were looking for, Jedi?"
Turning around Dooku saw Hondo holding his and Anakin's lightsabers.
"I am more powerful than any Jedi. Know that you are dealing with a Sith lord." Dooku declares taking a fighting stance causing all of Hondo's men to point their guns at him.
"You're still outnumbered. The leader of the clanker army and a Sith lord, no less. Someone is sure to pay a pretty price for you." Hondo said walking up to him forcing Dooku to lower his hands.
"Provide me with the proper means of communication. I will arrange for any ransom to be paid." Dooku said.
"And you will arrange for your armies to crush us as well. You don't survive in the Outer Rim by being stupid. If the Separatists will pay to get you back, chances are, the Republic will offer even more." Hondo grins.
Back on Vanqor, Shun was leading Anakin and Obi-Wan to the entrance when Haya yelps hearing something.
"Something wrong girl?" Shun asks.
"Sounds like another Gundark." Obi-Wan said.
"It's too far away to worry about." Anakin said.
"It won't stay far away. Shun how far is your entrance?" Obi-Wan asks.
"Patience master." Shun said using his Earthbending to move the rocks blocking the wall to reveal Ahsoka and the Clones.
"Looks like asking Shun to run ahead was the right move." Ahsoka smiles.
"Yeah these two were in so much trouble." Shun smirks.
"Trouble? We were simply searching for Count Dooku." Obi-Wan said.
"We had this completely under control padawans." Anakin said.
"Really? What part was that? The blocked entrance? Me having to Earthbend our way out?" Shun asks.
"Or that Gundark behind your?" Ahsoka points.
"Gundark?" Anakin freezes.
"You mean the one that's too far away?" Obi-Wan asks as they turn around to see another Gundark.
"Troopers block the entrance." Ahsoka said as the clones fired at the rocks causing the cave to collapse on the gundark trapping it inside.
"Now we have to deal with Dooku." Anakin said.
"You let him get away?" Ahsoka asks.
"So you guys literally almost died for nothing." Shun said.
"No, not get away exactly. Just…" Anakin looks to see the two Padawans looking at him with crossed arms. "Chime in anytime." Anakin said looking to his master.
"Oh, no. I'm enjoying this far too much." Obi-Wan smirks.
Back on Coruscant, Jedi Masters Yoda, Mace Windu and Plo Koon were standing in an office with Padme, Jar Jar Binks and an extremely old man in red robes, this was Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.
In front of them was a holographic message from Hondo.
"If you want the Sith lord, it will cost you a million credits. The payment will be in spice delivered in an unarmed diplomatic ship." Hondo said.
"We will need proof he's alive before agreeing to your terms." Palpatine said.
"Let me present your fearless Sith lord. I'm afraid he's too embarrassed to speak." Hondo said pulling Dooku into view but covered his face upon seeing Palpatine.
"A hologram can be faked." Palpatine said not buying it.
"You want proof? This is his lightsaber." Hondo said taking out Dooku's lightsaber and activating it.
"Yes, belongs to Dooku, that lightsaber does." Yoda nods.
"This scum. Having possession of Dooku's lightsaber proves nothing." Palpatine said standing up.
"If you refuse, I am sure the Separatist council will be more than willing to meet my price." Hondo said as Padme turns to Palpatine.
"We may never have a better chance to capture Count Dooku." Padme said before turning to Hondo. "We would like to send some Jedi to make sure you have Count Dooku before delivering the ransom."
"Send your Jedi, but they must be unarmed." Hondo orders.
"Impossible." Padme said.
"They will be safe. We have no interest in getting involved in your war." Hondo states when Mace gets a communication.
"We've reestablished contact with Kenobi and Skywalker. They're in a system close to Florrum." Mace states.
"And most eager to find Dooku, they are." Yoda said when Padme gets an idea.
On the Republic Cruiser, the Jedi, Padwans and Rex were standing by the hologram of Yoda and Mace as they explained the situation.
"His only stipulation is that you arrive unarmed." Mace states shocking Anakin.
"Unharmed?" Anakin asks.
"We know very little about these pirates. We may be walking blind into what could very well be a hostile situation." Obi-Wan said.
"Which is why Chancellor Amidala came up with an idea to help in case it does." Mace states getting their attention.
"Padawan Namikaze, go with the Masters you shall." Yoda states surprising him.
"Me?" Shun said pointing to himself.
"Ah yes, Shun has his bending on him." Obi-Wan smiles.
"It's not lightsaber but at least we have something in case things turn bad." Anakin said.
"I don't know Master. This is big deal, I'm a little nervous." Shun admits when Ahsoka puts her hand on his shoulder.
"Hey you got this. You're the Avatar." Ahsoka smiles.
"Keep an eye on BD and Haya for me?" Shun asks as BD hops onto Ahsoka's shoulder.
"I'll guard them with my life." Ahsoka nods.
"You're the best." Shun said handing her his glider before turning to the Masters and nods his head.
"We can't let Dooku slip through our fingers again. Report back as soon as you arrive." Mace said signing off.
Soon, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Shun flew in towards Florrum and landed at Hondo's base.
Walking out the three of them were greeted by a handful of pirates.
"This should be fun." Obi-Wan said as one scans them to see if they had any weapons.
"Follow me." He said leading them inside.
Upon entering music filled the base as they saw tons of pirates with Hondo sitting at a big table.
"Gentleman, can I offer you something to drink?" Hondo asks.
"Uh no thanks brought my own." Shun said holding up his cantine but Hondo pushes a green liquid towards them causing Anakin to cringe thinking he might have to drink it.
"Congratulations on your capture of Count Dooku. Very impressive." Obi-Wan said.
"Yes, it was. Even a Sith Lord is no match for my warriors." Hondo said as they noticed a few of his "warriors" were already drunk and knocked out. "He put up quite a fight. Blasters, cannons, that glowy thing" Hondo said mimicking a lightsaber.
"A lightsaber?" Obi-Wan asks.
"That's it. And I don't need to tell you, those things can do some damage. Carved up some of my best men pretty good before I could get the jump on him." Hondo said when his lizard monkey came in to pour him a drink and Anakin noticed his ligthsaber still in its hand.
"And how exactly did you get the jump on him? With this?" Using the Force Anakin yanks the lighsaber out of its hand and almost instantly all the pirates pointed their weapons at them.
"Oh spirits." Shun said thinking he might have to blast them out sooner than he thought when the Lizard monkey took the lightsaber back.
"We have no interest in disagreeing with you. All we want is to confirm you are holding Dooku, and we'll go." Obi-Wan said.
"I will arrange a meeting." Hondo said as he gestured for one of his men to lead them away.
Making their way to the holding cells the three of them look to see Dooku trapped.
"Take it in Padawan. A once mighty Sith Lord has fallen." Obi-Wan said as Dooku saw them walk in.
"So you're Count Dooku? Gotta say you're not very popular back on Coruscant." Shun said.
"New Padawan?" Dooku raised his eyes.
"Shun is very helpful and has been a great help to the Republic." Obi-Wan said.
"I gotta say, this place suits you Count." Anakin mocks.
"It wasn't so long ago that you yourself were in similar surroundings on my ship." Dooku reminds.
"Yeah, but now I'm free, and you're not." Anakin said.
"I'm confident the situation will rectify itself soon." Dooku said.
"Soon you'll be brought to trial by the Senate and most likely spend a very long time in a cell just like this one." Obi-Wan said.
"And that's if you're lucky." Anakin adds.
"My naive young Jedi, you must be overly optimistic if you think these Weequayans plan to let you leave this planet." Dooku said.
"These guys are just trying to make a quick buck. They don't wanna mess with us." Shun said.
"Ah to be young and foolish. They are devious, deceitful and most importantly stupid." Dooku said.
"It's a wonder you don't get along with them Dooku. You have so much in common." Obi-Wan said as the three Jedi walked out.
"You underestimate them at your own peril, Kenobi." Dooku said as they closed the door on him.
"I can't believe that guy used to be on our side." Shun said.
"Yes, quite unfortunate." Obi-Wan said.
"Well I don't know about you guys, but I could use some rest." Anakin said.
"Remember, Anakin, this could still be a trap." Obi-Wan said.
"You think Dooku might actually bust out?" Shun asks.
"Maybe but we should also keep an eye on these pirates." Obi-Wan said as a pirate walked over to them.
"Jedi! Now that your business is completed, we invite you to join us in the grand hall for a banquet. And a true Weequay banquet is not to be missed." He said.
"We will in a minute. Just have to make a call." Shun said as they walked back to their ship.
On screen they spoke with them.
"No question, they have Dooku. Send the ransom." Obi-Wan confirms.
"He's being securely held?" Mace asks.
"And being very cranky about it." Anakin smirks.
"Good. Senator Kharrus and Representative Binks will be dispatched immediately." Mace said as the call ended.
Making their way back inside, the three of them sat at the table when Hondo walks up to them.
"Now, can I persuade you to join us for a drink? It's a tradition, in the name of friendship." Hondo offers.
"I'm underage." Shun said.
"So what? I started drinking around your age and I turned out alright." Hondo said causing Shun to cringe.
"Anakin and I will have a drink, but nothing too strong. He's flying." Obi-Wan said.
"Bring our guests some refreshments." Hondo calls out as one pirate puts a strange powder into the drinks before bringing them over.
"To a successful transaction." Hondo declares.
"To powerful pirates and new friends of the Republic." Obi-Wan declares.
"Enjoy your evening gentleman." Hondo said walking away.
Looking to the pirates next to them Obi-Wan and Anakin swap their drinks with them.
"Uh Master I'm gonna try and find something good to eat." Shun said getting up.
"Don't wander off too far Shun." Obi-Wan said as Shun got up.
"I still don't get it." Anakin said.
"Get what?" Obi-Wan asks.
"How a bunch of drunken pirates managed to catch Dooku when we couldn't." Anakin said.
"Maybe there's a lesson to be learned here." Obi-Wan said.
"I don't get it." Anakin said.
"It's to remind us to be humble and never too proud, to accept a gift when it comes our way." Obi-Wan said.
"Well, to unexpected gifts, then." Anakin said as the pirates who they switched their glasses with drank their drinks and passed out next to them.
"Hear hear." Obi-Wan said as both drank thinking they were safe.
Nearby Shun was walking around looking at all the pirates drinking themselves to death and he cringed before picking a fruit and walking away.
"What's a young man like yourself doing all alone?" Shun looks to see Hondo walking over.
"Just trying to not end up at gun point." Shun said.
"I understand my men can be intimidating but make no mistake they would never kill a potential customer." Hondo said.
"I guess that's somewhat assuring." Shun said.
"Listen how about I show you something that'll put your mind at ease?" Hondo asks.
"That would be great." Shun nods when suddenly a pirate came at him from behind.
Sensing it Shun ducks as he avoids being zapped.
"I don't believe it!" Shun said turning to Hondo.
"How could you miss? I had him right in front of you." Hondo said.
"You tricked us! Master!" Shun yells only to see Obi-Wan and Anakin were already knocked out from the heavy drinks.
"My drinks are only for the strong. Guess your master didn't have the stomach for it." Hondo smirks. "Give up you have no way to stop me."
Shun looks around and saw the lizard monkey still had Anakin's lightsaber. Shun was about to get it wwhen Hondo put a gun to his head stopping him.
"I'd strongly think your next move carefully." Hondo suggests.
Shun cringed he could use his bending but what about Obi-Wan and Anakin? Things could be worse if he tried to fight back and not to mention Dooku.
Shun was about to say something when suddenly something hit him hard in the back of the head knocking him out.
"And now our pay has just gotten better." Hondo grins as Shun, Anakin and Obi-Wan were taken away.