In many ways, the Force was an avatar.
It presents itself to the living through various ways; people, the trees, the rocks, everything related to nature and the galaxy at large. From the ground to the clouds, the Force watched over all living things, and guided them with or without their own ignorance. For countless eons, the Force brought life to everything that ever existed, be it light or dark. And, over generations, it also brought death.
Ky Narec took a long moment, his stern eyes cast over the desolute landscape with pity and sympathy. Other times, the Force brings war. It would be arrogant to assume that the darkness alone was responsible for every conflict, every illness, every death. Over almost two decades of Rattatak has changed his perspective on things as a Jedi.
The Force was balance; an avatar of chaos and harmony. Life and death. Light and darkness.
"Master?"
His student's concerned voice called from behind. Arms folded, Ky barely looked over his shoulder, instead inclining his head towards the dark, wartorn lands crafted by centuries of conflict, "You can see Padawan, that the galaxy shows just as much death as it does life. Our battles in Rattatak pale in comparison to the many wars which spread on countless worlds."
And soon, the entire galaxy, with two powerful Sith Lords declaring war against one another.
"It's awful..." Asajj whispered, loud enough for her master to hear, "All the struggling, the hardships on this world... And the Republic refused to yield and help them."
"The Republic can't save everyone young one," Ky reminded his pupil, Dooku's words coming to mind. His eyes narrowed, "But yes, no planet nor people deserves such conflict from all the way to their ancestors."
A part of him wondered. Was Dooku right? Had the Galactic Republic descended into darkness long before its Chancellor was a Sith? Ky had never been properly involved with the politics, preferring to delve into action than the machinations of power-hungry Senators. Was this all a huge test to shake Ky's conviction? A ploy perhaps, to turn the Jedi Master against the Republic he had sworn to protect?
"Master," Asajj spoke from beside the teacher, prompting him to meet her pale concerned eyes. Asajj was never one to inwardly conceal her emotions, "Is it right for us to trust this Count Dooku? If he is a Sith, isn't he our enemy?"
The young Dathomirian had spoken her master's own thoughts. Ky remained silent for a moment, pondering the very question himself. Sith were masters of deception, Asajj was right to be just as skeptical as he was, and Ky applauded her caution. Although, the Force continued to assur ehim that Dooku was playing a pivotal role towards the galaxy, a sensation which took Ky off-guard. Why would a practioner of the dark side be of great significance to the Force so? Regardless, Ky had not taken Dooku into custody as request by the Force, choosing to give the old ex-Jedi the benefit of the doubt.
Though that harldy meant Ky trusted him.
"What do your feelings tell you Asajj?" The Master asked his Padawan instead.
Asajj frowned, pale eyes regarding the carved ground in thought, concentrating on what the Force was telling her. The answer was quiet, contemplative, "I think... We should heed his words until we are proven otherwise," Ky nodded, smiling slightly. Asajj looked back up, expression now curious, "But Master, if Dooku-"
"Count Dooku, Asajj."
The younger woman flushed, "Count Dooku then... Wants to save the galaxy, then why has he become an enemy of all that is peace?"
A question Ky was uncertain of. He desired as much answers from the Count as Asajj, in addition to wanting to question Sifo-Dyas about his own alliance with the Sith. Yet before he could open his mouth, the Force alerted him of danger.
Both mentor and pupil snapped their heads in the direction of a speeder engine's roar.
They were coming, the very thugs Ky and Asajj had been told to dispatch by Jabiim's government, who were more than relieved to have Jedi aiding their world, whether sent by the Republic or not. Two green blades ignited, illuminating their stern features, Asajj, previous looking concerned, now reflecting the exact look as her Master.
Heavy blaster fire erupted from one of the approaching speeders, and Ky deflected the shots without difficulty. Asajj leapt out of the way of the bike, whereas Ky swerved around and prompting slashed down against the front of the speeder as it zoomed by in a faile dattempt to hit the Jedi. From a distance, the vihcele and its occupant exploded in a fiery demise, and both Jedi raised their weapons in sync.
This time, the approaching speeders slowed down and eventually halted, but still active. And the Trandoshan in the middle of the group snarled with gleeful eyes, "Jedi," It rasped, "The hunt just became more interesting."
"Though you should ask yourself," Ky answered calmly, gripping his lightsaber in a Djem So stance, "Which of us is the real predator."
And the battlefield recieved many more victims.
Across the galaxy, on the far peaceful side, Naboo was conducting its own ceremony; a funeral to remember the Gungan who made... An impact on their lives.
To which, Sidious thought, would be putting it generously.
From pedastal, looming about the metallic casket containing the deceased representative, the obese leader of the Gungans spoke with that mighty offensive tongue of his, "Jar Jar was both a blessing, and blight on our lives. Heesa was clumsy, and yet kind. A hero who saved both the Naboo and Gungan kind with his clumsy bravery. Meesa is proud to have recognized him, not just as a General or politician, but friend."
From far off in the standing crowd, another Gungan whose gender couldn't be identified wailed in despair, prompting Sidious to inwardly roll his eyes. The majority of people gathered today at Jar Jar's - albeit underserving - funeral were Senators and Gungans, and many of them only attended as a formality. As if anyone in their right mind would truly miss the oaf; Gungans couldn't use their brains with the highest functionality otherwise they wouldn't have bothered coming, and Amidala at the front row was too sentimental for her own good.
Although it was a shame, the Sith Lord mused. The Gungan was intended to be a backup plan in case the Naboo senator became too much of a hassle to his plans. Ah well, there's always someone elses strings to pull.
"May the gods bless heesa soul," Followed by that disgusting tongue thing that made the fat excuse for a leader look as though he was having a spastic attack.
Afterwards, Gungans and Senators alike gave their blessings, each walking individualy by the casket to mutter a few words of solemness. Palpatine had only gave the rotting Gungan a fleeting glance and only moving his mouth without making a sound. As if there was anything truly respectable to say towards this being of incredibly less intelligence.
Aside from "You were perhaps the most guillible fool to toy around with of all."
On the plus side, this now meant he wouldn't have to worry about the deceased jester breaking anything in his own office.
And while staying to the side as everyone else were now conversing with oen another about trivial things, the Sith Lord spotted the very person he sought to speak personally with this entire time. Dismissing his guards, Palpatine pursued the Jedi who slinked away from the masses, trailing him down one of the many colourful corridors of this basic underwater city.
"Master Kenobi!"
The young Jedi Knight paused, whirling around to face the Chancellor, and bowed humbly, "Supreme Chancellor."
"Are you alright?"
Kenobi nodded, a small smile on his lips for the sake of politeness to the leader of the Republic, "I'm well, thank you Chancellor, although I should be asking you that question, considering the circumstances."
Palpatine waved dismissively, a pleasant look on his aged features, "Contrary to popular belief, Master Jedi, it is not the first assassination attempt I have survived. But this time, I had the blessings of a Jedi to defend me. I wish to thank you personally for saving my life."
Kenobi inclined his head, "No thanks are necessary, your Excellency. I merely reacted in time and prevented one innocent life from death... Only for another to take the fate."
Sidious refrained from smirking at the Jedi's view of 'innocence' towards him, and Palpatine adopted a solemn look, tone lowering in sadness, "Yes... It's a tragedy for such a thing to be bestowed upon Representative Binks. He only wished to do what was right for his own people. You're a good friend for attending his funeral."
"He helped us save his homeworld, it was an obligation to come here."
Typical Jedi response. Yet the Chancellor only smiled paitently, glancing back at the far-off glass room where everyone else resided, "Forgive me, Master Kenobi, but I couldn't help but notice the absence of Master Jinn or his Padawan the entire time, unless my sight has been failing me as of late. Were they not friends of our Representative too?"
Something briefly flickered in Kenobi's eyes, prompting Sidious to raise a brow, and there was something about his tone that warranted investigation, "You are not mistaken, Chancellor; Master Jinn and Padawan Skywalker are on an assignment by the Jedi Council."
Palpatine expressed skepticism, "This assignment of theirs couldn't have waited until after Representative Binks' funeral?"
"The Council deemed it a high priority," The tone was clipped, and something cracked through Kenobi's facade expression. A miniscule of negative emotion which presented itself before the Sith Lord only for a split-second.
And Sidious recognized it as jealously...
Interesting.
"Well, the Council knows bet of course," Palpatine responded, reaching up to place a gentle hand on the Knight's shoulder, his dark thoughts conjuring up plans that could use this to his advantage, "In any case, I wish to express my gratitude the fullest way possible. I know you and I don't know each other all too well, but that can be rectified. I propose a beginning of friendship between Chancellor and Jedi."
Kenobi raised a brow, "I believed you had a Jedi acquaintance once. Master Kim?"
"Ah, yes," The Naboo politician adopted somberness at the name of the old deceased Jedi Knight, "Ronhar Kim was someone I admired and respected greatly, who helped me understand your Order more during my early years as a Senator. Perhaps, I can understand the working of the Jedi much further with out friendship. Do you accept, Master Kenobi?"
A neutral gaze regarded the offered hand, but not even the Knight's emotion can be guarded from the darkness. Sidious drank in the uncertainty with relish. So many feelings unbefitting of a Jedi residing in this man, yearning to come out. A small trace of blackness - faint, but visible - rested in the Knight's soul. Obi-Wan Kenobi was beginning to become more of a puzzle, and Darth Sidious so enjoyed a challenge.
Perhaps, if Oppress failed to fulfill his needs, Kenobi might be a far more reliable asset... Dooku's blatant failed attempt to kill his rival would only benefit the one true Sith much more further.
Finally, a strong hand shook his own, the Knight nodding with a small smile, "It would be an honour, Supreme Chancellor."
"Please, simply call me Palpatine, while we're not in public," The Chancellor smiled pleasantly, guiding himself and the young Knight back to the funeral room, "Tell me, do you play chess Master Jedi?"
"This is an utter disappointment," Viceroy Nute Gunray all but bemoaned, after the holonews had disappeared, "The Chancellor survived the assassination by that bounty hunter. We could've used this to our advantage."
On the contrary, Dooku mused, this went precisely as planned.
The failed attack against the leader of the Republic sent a clear message towards the people of that diseased government: no one is safe. With the Chancellor now under heavier guard, anxiety and apprehension has seeded through the Republic, and people will begin to question the safety of the system they had been born into. And, with Sidious now being kept a close eye on, the majority of the Republic's attention was now focused on the welfare of their beloved Chancellor, giving Dooku ample time to further spread seeds of distrust in the Core Worlds and Outer Rim.
He will provide Jango with the credits after this meeting with the future Seperatist Council was concluded. But for now, he had a Neimoidian to humour.
"You fail to notice the advantage this provides us, my friend," The Count appeased the Viceroy, smiling confidently.
"I agree," Shu Mai, President of the Commerce Guild, nodded, gesturing to the others around her, "We will be free to expand our plans across the galaxy with a wider gap presented to us. The Republic will focus only on their esteemed leader, while we can conduct our businesses more freely without them sniffing us out."
"In addition," The Count continued, looking around at the attendants of the round table, "Our unnamed hunter friend had demonstrated the incompetence of the Republic's guards. The chaos will last for a sufficient while. We will use this oppotunity to persuade more allies to our cause."
The Council was smaller than it was during the Clone Wars, as Dooku had yet to gain all the key players at this time. Attending the meeting on Serenno now were Viceroy Gunray of the Trade Federation, President Shu Mai of the Commerce Guild, Foreman Tambor of the Techno Union, and Archdule Poggle the Lesser of Geonosian Industries. The very first members Dooku had recruited in the previous timeline to form the Seperatist movement, and now history repeats itself.
The Geonosian clicked in his native tongue, and Dooku nodded, "Indeed my friend, we must take action at once while its in our grasp. Viceroy, your attempts over persuading worlds indebted to your Federation?"
The Neimoidian's lips thinned, "It's a steady process, Count, we will need more time to-"
Harsh laughter barked against the Viceroy, "It is fine to admit you are not doing a very good job of maintaining hold of your clients, Viceroy," Shy Mai spoke condescendingly, prompting Gunray's flustered reaction.
"It is more than what can be said for your inferior Commerce Guild! We have more clients within the Core Worlds than you do in-!"
Dooku held up a placate gesture, and nudge from the Force by him caused the two arguing corrupt business leaders to calm somewhat, "We are not here to quarrel, my friends. Our alliance is for the good of the galaxy, and our businesses seperately. To accomplish this shared goal of ridding the corrupt Republic and maintain an order of peace and fairness, we must cooperate without even the faintest hint of treason. Agreed?"
"Agreed, Count Dooku," Wat Tambor spoke next, whilst Gunray and Mai eyed one another sourly from their places, "The Techno Union offers to persuade over companies that has allied with us to join this cause. They will be useful for manufactering an army, in addition to vehceles and fleet ships, for this alliance in our inevitable war against the vile Republic."
Poggle concurred with the Foreman Skakoan in his own tongue, offering his own suggestions and assets in turn.
And Dooku inwardly smirked. Poggle was the closest member of the alliance Dooku once had to a friend, and Tambor could be trusted should his own pride not get the better of him at times. The disgraceful loss during the Battle of Ryloth was evidence of pride over common sense.
Still they all had their uses. Like the previous timeline, Dooku viewed these corrupt business individuals as more tools than reliable allies. They were self-centered, cyring about the Republic's lack of support to their own businesses whil being just as unfair and oppresive towards those that were indebted to them. Dooku inwarldy sneered in digust. None of them were to be truly trusted with his real plans, but it was imperative the Sith Lord convinced every know leader of the previous alliance to join his cause once more, before Sidious could possibly get to them.
Even if that meant tolerating their bickering once again.
A beeping noise was heard on the table, and Dooku pressed the response button, a holographic call from a Jedi Master the Count recognized easily. The representativs also regarded the large Jedi hovering over the round table, "Master Narec," Dooku greeted casually, "I trust you have news for us?"
"Why he allows Jedi to join him I'll never know..." Gunray muttered in clear distaste.
Ky didn't seem to hear that, bowing politely, "Count Dooku, the Trandoshan Raiders have been repelled. They've retreated, and Jabiim is now indebted to you, just as you have planned."
"Jabiim?" Mai questioned, "That backwater world with no value whatsoever?"
If only she knew.
"Additionally," The Jedi Master continued with a straightened posture, as theough the Gossam hadn't spoken, "The Jabiim Congress are having a private discussion as we speak. I had spoken with the congress about joining your cause," The news just gets better, "And someone right now would like to speak with you."
And Dooku had a suspicion as to who. He nodded, smiling pleasantly, "You and your student have done well, Ky Narec. Report back to me once the congress has ended, and the Jabiim government had made a decision. I will speak with our friend," Ky nodded in turn, stepping out of the way for a warrior with long hair entering their field of vision, and strong features hardened by battle, "Alto Stratus, it is an honour."
The head of the Jabiim Nationalist Army raised a brow, "You know of me?"
"Your reputation is well-know even on Serenno, my friend. I trust you wish to thank me personally for providing assistance?"
"By sending Jedi, no less, Count Dooku. You had succeeded where the Republic failed," Alto's lips curled into a strong smile, showing confidence yet gratitude at once, "You have the thanks of my people. I personally would be interested in joining your cause against a corrupt Republic."
The pieces was falling into place more smoother than the Count anticipated. He hid a smile.
"I have some more news for you, Alto; the Trandoshan Raiders won't be the last threat against your homeworld..."
This was so unfair!
For the thirteenth time now, Anakin internally objected to his Master's idea, standing outside the seedy-looking cantina. Master Qui-Gon insisted the young teenager stationed himself at the doorway, just in case anything happens outside they could pursue immediately. Anakin understood what his mentor meant, but that didn't mean he wasn't entirely useless helping the older Jedi inside the establishment; he can take care of himself, capable of fending off anyone down in the lower levels who tried to rob him blind or something stupid.
The point was, his Master was being unreasonable. One of the few times Anakin disagreed with his orders.
When the Council dispatched them to investigate the Coruscant underworld to find any leads in their hunt for the assassin against the Chancellor, Anakin was thrilled to take the assignment. The young Jedi Padawan was more than eager to prove himself to the Council who clearly disliked him for some reason. Four years under their eyes was more than enough for Anakin to know they didn't trust him or his Master. But now, they can prove them wrong!
And yet, Qui-Gon ordered he stayed outside. And so he obliged, albeit reluctantly, with arms folded and keeping on a mask of composure. Though inwardly, he wished something would happen to dull the boredom slowly growing in his mind. Constantly blankly regarding passerbys or drunken banthas as they glanced at him with amusement or downright sneers was beginning to wane on his patience.
He can hear Qui-Gon now from inside the filthy cantina, lecturing him about patience and the virtue of good things coming to those who-
His highly attuned senses picked up on something, an unknown Force presence prickling at his brain. Anakin reactively dropped the mask of composure - scolding hismelf somewhat for it - as he looked around wildly, tyring to disclose the exact location of this signature that was strong in the Force. He's had enough training to be able to sense it, but seemingly not enough to pinpoint the precise location with such large crowds of weaker Force signatures all around him.
Was it a Jedi? But why would one be here? Backup maybe?
Anakin glanced at the doorway into the buzzing cantina, sounds of people enjoying themselves and lights enamating from the structure. Should he get Qui-Gon, alert him of this presence? The Jedi hesitated, looking back and forth between the building entry and the crowd of people transversing through the underworld.
Well... Qui-Gon did tell him to remain outside while he asked questions around the place. And if there's backup, Anakin can lead he or she over here to help with the investigation.
Decision made, the Chosen One broke into a brisk pace, a young boy shoving himself past snarling aliens and the like as he locked down on the signature. At least now he was finally doing something beneficial.
Ignoring looks of disdain and seedy smiles by hobos and smugglers alike, Anakin rushed to find the presence, using the Force with all his ability. He was more than capable of it; he was the Chosen One, as Qui-Gon had said it was okay for him to acknowledge himself as such. He was destined to destroy the Sith; he can find one simple person among thousands more.
There!
Spotting the familiar robe of a Jedi's swishing around the corner, Anakin quickened his pace, hurrying to catch up with the unknown Jedi. Could this guy not sense him as well? He was told that every Jedi in the Temple could detect his presence even from the other side of the Temple. So what was this guy's deal?
Maybe he knew he was being followed and thought Anakin was a threat. The young Jedi frowned at that thought, the idea absurd whilst passing another corner, spotting the presence entering a nearby alleyway. Who would deem him a threat, other than clearly the Council? Everyone knows his Force signature. He must want to talk without the public hearing. Yes, that must be it.
With that, Anakin confidently strode into the dark alley... And halted afterwards. Light from the underworld barely illuminated the place, but he could see at the far end the alleyway leading into two seperate paths. Worse, the Chosen One could no longer sense the signature.
Maybe he was in trouble...
It only took a few more steps within the place for his question to be answered. Anaking froze at the stern voice, "It's dangerous to wander around without your Master, Padawan."
Slowly, the Padawan turned around, anxiousness settling into his features. The light only revealed a good side of the Jedi Master's face, revealing a bearded man with strong features and judgemental eyes. Although his beard was far more styped and groomed than Qui-Gon's wild facial hair. Arms folded in his sleeves, the taller Jedi peered down at Anakin, raising a brow.
Whoever this was, Anakin had no recollection ever meeting this particular Jedi at the Temple. Anakin swallowed before finally regaining his voice, "Um... Are you our backup?"
"'Backup?'" The Jedi Master echoed, frowning softly, "Where is your Master, Padawan?"
The Chosen One, yet again, hesitated, "B-Back at the cantina. I thought you were here to-"
"Anakin!"
Hearing the stern yet concerned call of his Master, Anakin whirled around, grinning in relief to see his Qui-Gon striding diligently towards them, "Master! Backup's here!"
At least, he thought that's who this Jedi was.
The Jedi Master slowed down upon reaching them, sounding as stern yet warm as ever, "Anakin, I've told you about venturing off in the lower levels alone. You must be careful." Anakin looked at the ground, feeling shame. Technically he didn't disobey his Master, but he did feel somewhat ashsmed when Qui-Gon put it that way. Qui-Gon's weary sight drew his attention back up, the Master looking from him to the Jedi behind Anakin, but this time, he sounded more serious, "Master Sifo-Dyas."
Wait, the Jedi they unsuccessfully looked for on Rattatak? What?
Anakin whipped his head around at the other Jedi, who smiled faintly at the name, "Master Jinn. It is good to see you again."