Chapter 27: Romance on Corellia & Kamino Investigation
Author's Note - Sorry for the delay with this chapter, cases of RL, vidding, writer's block and distractions but hope you all like it, yes I kept the Kamino scenes similar except I wanted to have Hannah join Obi Wan on his mission for a different change which will make this and the next chapter fun to write Enjoy!
The transport shuttle continued to travel through hyperspace on route to Corellia. There were many males, females, children, both human and alien. Padme and Anakin had found space close to the back allowing them time together. Padme had never been on one of these shuttles before however for Anakin, it reminded him of the various missions he had undertaken with his father and brother.
Anakin looked over at Padme, sensing her nerves. He knew she didn't want to leave Courscant so close to the vote in the Senate but this was for her safety. He slipped one hand in hers smiling over at her.
"Everything alright?" he asks her seeing her look over at him giving a small smile, but he sensed she was upset. He went on "This is about the vote isn't it?" he asks seeing her sigh, sensing her frustration
"I've worked with Bail for months on voting down the act and to not be there when the vote is cast, feels like all my time and effort was for nothing" she admits as Anakin pulls her towards him, an arm around her
"Padme, I promise you Obi Wan will find this assassin and you'll be back on Courscant in time to see your work on the Act be a success" he promises as she gives him a soft gentle kiss
"Thank you Anakin" she smiles leaning her head against his shoulder "And at least, I'll be able to spend time with you" she admits just as R2 came up towards them with two bowls of food for them from the kitchen as the ship continued on its journey to Corellia.
Whilst back on Courscant, Obi Wan was determined to find out what exactly happened to the planet Kamino and why it would be erased from the archives. He had gone to see his father who surprisingly was just as stunned as he was so he decided they would seek out the one Jedi who perhaps could help. Master Yoda.
Obi Wan and Qui Gon moved through the Jedi Temple heading towards the training rooms where they had heard that Master Yoda was training a group of younglings.
"Reach out and sense the force around you" they could hear him tell the young group who were all wearing helmets over their eyes and waving their training sabres at small probes. For Obi Wan, it reminded him of when he was a young boy, being trained by Master Yoda, being in the same position those younglings were right now. He smiles at them just as Master Yoda was alerted to their presence.
He taps his stick gently on the floor "Younglings" he calls to them "Younglings!" he repeats seeing them stop, turning off the training sabres and lifting up their helmets. "Visitors, we have" he tells them. The children look over at Obi Wan and Qui Gon
"Hello Master Jinn, Jedi Obi Wan" they chimed as both smiled back at the younglings before Qui Gon nods to his son to move towards Master Yoda.
"I'm sorry to disturb you master" he tells him as Master Yoda smirks up at him
"What help can I be Obi Wan?" he asks with a chuckle "Troubling it must be if your father couldn't help" he teases. Obi Wan cleared his throat before he went on
"I'm looking for a planet, described to me by an old friend" he explains "I trust him but the systems don't show in the archive maps" he adds. Yoda looks to Qui Gon before smirking to his students
"Hmm, lost a planet Jedi Kenobi has" he smirks "How embarrassing, how embarrassing" he teases. He then looks over at one of the students "Liam, the shades" he tells him. Minutes later, the room becomes dark as Obi Wan steps into the middle to place the data he had collected already onto a small map reader. "Gather round the map reader, clear your minds and find Obi Wan's wayward planet you will" he instructs them
Once the data was placed on the map reader, the room was filled with small white stars to illustrate the system. Obi Wan moved through the students "It ought to be here" he tells them "But it isn't and yet gravity is pushing all the stars in the area towards this spot" he insists. Qui Gon smiles watching his son explain what he had discovered.
Yoda nods as the young children look back at the older master "Gravity silhouette remains, but the star and all the planet disappeared they have" he recounts "How could this be?" he asks "A thought, anyone?" he asks them. The children are silent before Obi Wan, Qui Gon and Yoda all hear a small voice speak
"Master" he says "Because someone erased it from the archives memory" he replies. Qui Gon smiles at the small boy who reminded him of his two sons when they were young as Master Yoda smiles
"Truly wonderful the mind of the child is" he lightly chuckles "The padawan is right" he admits "Go to the centre of gravity's pull and find your planet, you will" he explains to Obi Wan. Obi Wan then begins to move back over towards his father, pulling the data from the mind reader lighting the room once more.
"The data must have been erased" Yoda insists as Qui Gon folds his arms across his chest
"But Master Yoda, it's impossible to erase Jedi archives" he points out as Obi Wan listens quietly as Yoda nods
"Dangerous and disturbing this puzzle is becoming, for only a Jedi can erase those files" he cautions them "The harder question is who was it" he adds "Medicate on this, I will" he promises them as Qui Gon and Obi Wan bow and leave the chamber.
"Contact us before you engage in anything dangerous" Qui Gon says as Obi Wan nods in agreement before he headed towards the hanger bay. Little did he know, he wouldn't be going alone.
As the shuttle came out of hyperspace towards the blue greenish planet of Corellia, it flew towards the spaceport. For Anakin, it felt strange for usually when he would come here, it was always straight to his grandparents home but this action had been decided that they needed the secrecy which didn't alert anyone to their arrival and he wanted nothing more than to keep Padme safe.
He felt her hand slip in his as the shuttle landed down at one of the docking ports and the landing ramp lowered. They allowed some of the passengers to move past towards them before walking out of the shuttle and into the spaceport. Anakin and Padme moved away from majority of the crowds heading from the spaceport. Anakin then spotted a lone speeder with one guard standing beside it.
The guard nodded towards them. Anakin immediately knew he was here for them and had been sent by his grandparents. "Anakin Skywalker" they spoke in a clear voice as he nodded "Your grandparents are expecting you" he informs him taking their luggage as Anakin then helps Padme into the speeder. The guard, after packing their luggage into the trunk gets into the driver's side and takes off into traffic.
Padme was amazed. In her whole life, she had really only been on two planets, Naboo and Courscant. She had never been anywhere else and this was her second trip to Corellia and she was taking in its beauty and buildings. The driver continued through traffic until they could see Anakin's grandparent's estate ahead.
Padme was taken aback by its beauty. The last time she came here, she didn't have time to take in the estate after what they had been through but right now, she was in disguise and was amazed. She suddenly felt not worthy of Anakin's love. She was a girl from the countryside of Naboo who was told she would never be a Senator and yet, she showed them and was engaged to one of the Jedi Order's upcoming fighters.
She then heard Anakin's voice "When I was a little kid, my parents would bring my brother and I here to visit our grandparents. It was a nice change from the Jedi Temple and we didn't have to train much while we were here" he explains smirking "Although Obi Wan and I didn't resist a chance to practice our force skills on our father" he cheekily admits as Padme lightly giggles
"Anakin" she smiles before she went on "It certainly is a beautiful place. Last time we were here, I didn't notice how big it was" she confesses as Anakin pulls her closer towards him
"I'll just remember how nervous I was when I asked you to marry me" he insists seeing her smile
"One of my most favourite memories" she gushed as they shared a soft romantic kiss just as the speeder reached the back landing platform. It was more secluded and away from being seen from any unwanted strangers. The pilot brought the speeder down onto the landing platform as Anakin saw his grandparents waiting for them.
He helped Padme out of the speeder as the pilot then proceeded to unload their luggage from the speeder. R2 followed them as they moved over towards Jacen and Allana. She embraced Padme warmly and for Padme, she hadn't felt this much warmth than when she was with her own mother and grandmother and that brought sadness.
"My dear girl, it's so good to see you alive. Qui Gon informed us of what has been happening with the attempts on your life" she tells them as Padme smiles
"Thank you. I hate not being in Courscant for the vote but I appreciate you having us here" she replies as Jacen smiles
"You're family now and you have done all you can on the vote. We are sure Obi Wan will find this bounty hunter and you'll be able to make it back for the vote" he informs her. He leans in closer towards Anakin "Your grandmother doesn't approve the speeder chase" he whispers as Anakin sniggers. Usually his grandmother and his mother rarely did approve on any dangerous methods.
Jacen and Anakin then followed Allana and Padme back towards the house with R2 following them whistling happily. "We have had your quarters made up for you both" Allana explains "You will find yourselves with the house to yourselves. Jacen is going to the Jedi Temple for a few days and I'll be visiting my dear friend Gav on Mandalore" she tells them. She leans in towards Padme "And don't allow my mischievous grandson get into trouble" she adds. Padme giggles
"You're too kind grandmother" she smiles as she gives her another hug before turning to her grandson giving him a hug
"I'll leave you two alone" she says moving away with Jacen as Anakin took Padme's hand and led her upstairs towards their quarters.
After consulting Master Yoda, Obi Wan knew what to do next and he was going to travel to the Kamino system and hope the planet would be there. He was still unsure as to why someone would hide a planet. Not even his father could explain it. He wanted to ask him to come but Qui Gon thought it was best if he went alone.
Until he was surprised by Hannah's unexpected arrival. She was dressed in a skin tight cream coloured battlesuit with matching cloak. "I'm coming with you Obi Wan" she insisted as Obi Wan sighs
"Hannah, I'll be fine. I'm going to go to the system, see what's there and if there is a planet, land and look for the bounty hunter" he explains as Hannah shakes her head
"I don't doubt you can do yourself Obi Wan, but should you find this bounty hunter, two people will be able to append the bounty hunter" she points out. Qui Gon folds his arms across his chest fighting the urge to smirk. Qui Gon then spoke up
"I think Hannah being with you is a good idea because as she is a representative in politics, you could pretend you're there on a diplomatic mission" he suggests as Hannah then adds
"Besides, if the past have shown as anything, I've helped you out of a fight" she reminds him. Obi Wan sighs.
"I'd appreciate the company on the journey" he simply replies before he gave one last hug to his mother before they moved over to one of the other slightly largest Jedi ships, similar to he and Anakin flew in when they went to Dxun. They both moved up the landing ramp and into the cockpit. Obi Wan took his place in the pilot seat whilst Hannah sat in the co pilot seat. He looks over at her smirking
"Hopefully, you'll be a better co pilot then Anakin, less reckless" he teases as Hannah chuckles
"Well, there's no windows to jump out of" she smirks as Obi Wan sighs
"There was an assassin droid trying to get away and we wouldn't have this lead" he states as he starts the ship up. He then looks over at Hannah "Let's hope Kamino is there" he says as the ship lifted off and out of the hanger heading out of the Courscant into the outer atmosphere and off planet.
Whilst back on Corellia, Padme and Anakin had freshened up and out of their refugee clothes and changed for lunch with his grandparents before they left them to be alone. Padme wore a beautiful long, cream halter dress with pink at the bottom. Metal cuffs held the dress at the neck and wrists and her hair was up with three headbands whilst Anakin was back in his Jedi robes.
They sat at a long wooden dining table opposite Jacen and Allana. The food had been brought out to them and Anakin noticed how Padme was relaxed and trying to forget not being on Courscant.
"As much as I know you both were protecting Padme, Anakin. I didn't enjoy hearing how you were speeding through traffic, jumping from speeders and jumping through windows" Allana points out as Padme keeps quiet as Anakin rolls his eyes
"Grandmother" he sighs "That wasn't just me, it was Obi Wan who jumped out of the apartment window and if he hadn't, we wouldn't have a possible lead" he insists as Jacen reaches for his drink as Allana serves up the food
"Still, you both just continue to shock us with your antics" she admits "But we welcome the opportunity to have you here, You will be protected here" she insists as Padme smiles
"We thank you for the hospitality" she tells them before she starts to eat the food on her plate as Jacen leans back in his seat
"We welcome you both to visit us as often as you can. Qui Gon would bring Obi Wan and Anakin here whenever permitted, so if the Senate ever takes a break" he smirks as Anakin shakes his head as Padme had a thought
"Well, we perhaps could have our wedding here in the gardens" she suggested as Allana smiles in delight
"Oh sweet heart, that sounds like a wonderful idea. When Jacen and I get back from our travels and if you are both still here, we can talk about it further" she suggests. Padme smiles back at her. She never had such warmth before, well except her mother when she was little girl but this was different. It was like acceptance into a genuine warm loving family who would protect her.
"That sounds lovely grandmother" she replies glancing over at Anakin who gives her a sincere smile back as they continued to enjoy their meal together, something Padme rarely had as a young girl so she was going to enjoy this time with Anakin and his grandparents.
As Obi Wan brought the starfighter out of hyperspace, he and Hannah saw a large, deep blue planet ahead. Hannah shook her head "Looks like we found our missing planet" she spoke as Obi Wan nods
"Let us hope we will get some answers down there" he insists shaking his head "Wonder why someone would remove any record of this planet from the archives?" he asks as Hannah sighs.
"I'm almost afraid to wonder what awaits us down there" she admits as Obi Wan then replies
"Well, let's not waste any more time" he says flying the ship towards the planet. They were both shocked to find it mostly a water planet with low visibly and heavy rain. They soon found that the entire planet was covered with water and the only city on the planet resided in the middle of water on stilts. Obi Wan noticed an empty landing platform and flew the ship towards the platform.
The rain was pelting against the cockpit's large window as Obi Wan gently landed the ship on the landing pad. He and Hannah quickly pulled their hoods up over their faces. They then proceeded to head out of the ship and down the landing ramp. The rain soaked their cloaks as they headed towards the glass doors leading into the facility.
The doors slid open revealing a bright, white, quiet room. Unsure what was going on, Obi Wan and Hannah slowly looked at each other as they lowered their hoods just as a new figure was joining them. Neither of them had seen this type of figure before - they were thin, tall and white skinned with black eyes. This one looked female judging by their attire.
"Master Jedi" they spoke up in a soft gentle voice as Hannah gave Obi Wan a smirk at the reference to master. "The Prime Minister is expecting you" she went on as Obi Wan and Hannah both looked confused
"I'm not a Jedi master" Obi Wan corrected her before he tilts his head "I'm sorry, we're expected?" he asks her as Hannah gave an innocent shrug. Just what exactly what was going on here. The figure went on
"Of course. He is anxious to meet you" she insisted. Hannah and Obi Wan shared another confused look as she went on "Now, please this way" she insisted once more moving back down the hallway as Obi Wan led Hannah down the hallway still trying to understand what was happening.
Minutes later, Obi Wan and Hannah reached the end of a long corridor seeing the sliding doors open before them revealing another thin, tall white figure. Obi Wan and Hannah stopped before them as the female spoke once more
"May I present Lama Su, Prime Minister of Kamino" she informs them as Obi Wan and Hannah both bowed him before she then went on
"And this is Jedi..." she pauses allowing Obi Wan to speak
"Obi Wan Kenobi Jinn" he tells him looking over at Hannah "And this is my friend Hannah Loran" he tells him.
Lama Su straightens up "I trust you will enjoy your stay" he tells them before two seats were activated beside them "Please" he indicates for them to seat down. Taun We, the female figure remained standing as Lama Su went on once he took his seat. "And now to business, you will be delighted to hear that we are on schedule" he informs them. Hannah remains quiet as Obi Wan is confused even more but allows Lama Su to go on "Two hundred thousand units are ready, with a million more on the way" he insists.
Obi Wan looks to Hannah who shrugs as he then turns back to Lama Su "That's good news" he simply replies as Lama Su went on
"Please tell your master Sifo Dyas, that his order will be met on time" he assures him as Obi Wan shakes his head. Sifo Dyas? Did he hear him correctly? He shakes his head
"I'm sorry Master..." he cuts in as Lama Su clears his throat, seeming quite surprised by Obi Wan's quick question
"Jedi Master Sifo Dyas is still a leading member of the Jedi Council is he not?" he asks as Hannah looks to Obi Wan who takes a deep breath. He had never met this man but he knew his father and grandfather had known and interacted with him and his loss was upsetting to them.
"Master Sifo Dyas was killed almost ten years ago" he informs him. Lama Su looks away, sighing
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that" he admits before he looks back at them "But I'm sure he would have been proud of the army we've built for him" he tells her. Now it is Hannah's turn to look over at him curiously
"The army?" she asks as Lama Su nods
"Yes, a clone army" he replies "And I must say, one of the finest we've ever created" he boasted as Obi Wan then had another question. If there was an army involved, he needed to find out who these cloners were working for.
"Tell me prime minister" he begins to say "When my master first contacted you about the army, did he say who it was for?" he asks him as Lama Su nods
"Of course he did" he replies "This army is for the Republic" he informs them. Both Obi Wan and Hannah blink in surprise as he goes on "But you must be anxious to inspect the units for yourself" he tells them as Obi Wan and Hannah exchange glances with each other.
"That's why we're here" Obi Wan simply replies before they both get to their feet to follow Lama Su and Taun We out of the room, still wondering what exactly was has been happening here.
After lunch with Allana and Jacen, Anakin and Padme headed outside to the estate's private gardens, for Padme, she was instantly reminded of the night Anakin proposed to her and looking down at the beautiful ring on her finger, she was filled with excitement and happiness and if she couldn't be working on Courscant, she took this time with Anakin as a strong distraction even if she had been ordered by the Chancellor.
Padme walked with her arm through Anakin's as they proceeded down the steps and into the garden which was blooming with colourful, beautiful array of flowers and shady tall trees. There were two gardeners working outside who looked up at Anakin and Padme and smiled at them. Anakin recognised them both as two gardeners who were working for his grandparents since he was a boy.
"It's so peaceful here" Padme confesses "Reminds me of being back home or at the lake retreat" she admits as Anakin smiles down at her
"The gardens was one of my favourite places when my father would bring us to visit. I often found myself out here, just enjoying the quiet or practising my Jedi training" he explains "Obi Wan and I would find ourselves out here alot while our parents were inside with our grandparents" he goes on before they took a seat on a stoned bench.
Padme smiles up at him as he sighs before looking back at her "I'm sorry you're not back on Courscant. I know how much this vote means to you" he points out as Padme squeezes his hand gently
"Anakin, being a Senator is everything I've wanted and I have fought for that but I've also fallen in love with you. We're getting married and we don't know how many bounty hunters are out there still" she reminds him "I feel safe when I am with you" she adds as he lightly chuckles
"I love you, Padme" he tells her as Padme grins back at him before gently and slowly they shared a tender, passionate kiss as the sun shone over the gardens.
Whilst back on Kamino, Obi Wan and Hannah were been shown around the facility by Lama Su and Taun We. They were still confused, stunned and amazed that this Sifo Dyas had commissioned and paid for a clone army and troopers were ready for battle. Lama Su led them out onto an overhead bridge where underneath they saw rows of glass spheres which contained embryos.
Obi Wan looks back at Lama Su "Very impressive" he notes as Lama Su seems pleased with that response.
"I hoped you would be pleased" he tells him as Hannah leans in closer towards Obi Wan
"Is impressive really the word?" she whispers going on "They're cloning from birth and then creating an army, I don't know if the Republic will feel the same way" she whispers as Lama Su speaks up once more
"Clones can think creatively. You will find that they are immensely superior to droids" he explained just as they all moved along the walkway looking down into classroom full of young school aged children who looked exactly the same. "We take great pride in our combat education and training" he goes on "This group" he adds indicating the group below "Was created about five years ago" he informs them. Hannah's eyes widen as Obi Wan looks up at him
"You mentioned growth acceleration" he points out as Lama Su nods
"Oh yes, it's essential" he insists "Otherwise, a mature clone would take a lifetime to grow" he explains "Now, we can do it in half the time" he says
"We see that" Hannah replies as they moved on looking down into an eating area where fully grown men all sat at tables eating their meals.
"They are totally obedient, taking any order without question" Lama Su explains "We modified their genetic structure to make them less independent than the original host" he reveals. Obi Wan and Hannah then both exchanged looks with each other
"And who was the original host?" Hannah asks him as Lama Su answers her
"A bounty hunter called Jango Fett" he answers her as Hannah looks to Obi Wan. They used a bounty hunter as an original host? Obi Wan looks back at him
"Where is this bounty hunter now?" he asks as Lama Su hesitates for a moment before he goes on
"Oh, we keep him here" he reveals as they continued down the walkway as Lama Su goes on
"Apart from his pay which is considerable" he tells them "Fett demanded only one thing" he goes on "An unaltered clone for himself, curious isn't it?" he asks them as Hannah looks over at him
"Unaltered?" she asks as he goes on just as they carried on through the walkway "Pure genetic replication" he explains "No tampering with the structure to make it more docile and no growth acceleration" he tells them as Obi Wan wondered if this could be the bounty hunter who killed the changeling
"We would very much like to meet this Jango Fett" he insists as Taun We speaks up
"I would be very happy to arrange for the two of you" she assures them as they both led Obi Wan and Hannah out onto a small balcony where Obi Wan and Hannah looked down and saw thousands of clone troopers in formation then marching onto a large transport. Obi Wan felt Hannah grasp his hand. He didn't even need to look over at her to know what she was thinking or even saw Lama Su move over towards them
"Magnificent, aren't they?" he asks them as Hannah remained quiet whilst Obi Wan simply nodded. An army for the Republic and yet no war however Obi Wan sensed that it wouldn't be long till these troopers were in battle.
While Anakin and Padme enjoyed the time at the estate by themselves, Jacen and Allana headed on their separate journeys. Allana was headed to Mandalore whilst Jacen had planned to head to Courscant to see the council however decided to remain behind in case something happened and there was another bounty hunter attack.
Jacen entered the communications room typing in a code on the comm system before he saw the holograms of his son Qui Gon. Qui Gon smiled down at him.
"Father, is everything alright with Anakin and Padme?" he asks "Have you left for Courscant yet?" he adds as Jacen shakes his head
"I'm not going to Courscant at this moment, just in case there is another bounty hunter attack. Your mother has left for Mandalore. How goes the investigation into the attempt on Padme's life?" he asks
Qui Gon nods "Obi Wan found out the sabre dart was from the Kamino system however after searching the archives found no trace of a planet so Master Yoda suggested he travel to the system and Hannah has accompanied him. Haven't heard from them since they left" he explains
Jacen nods. He could sense his son's worry for his older son and decided to reassure him "Obi Wan will be fine Qui Gon. He'll report in when he has found something and Hannah's with him. She's pretty resourceful" he reminds him. Qui Gon gives him a small smile
"I know and I know they can both handle themselves, it's just that I sense that ever since Obi Wan and Anakin reported that Xanatos had resurfaced, I know he's going to try again" he admits as Jacen shakes his head
"And we'll keep stopping him. He won't destroy our family" he assures him
"Thanks father. I'll contact you when I hear from them" he replies before his hologram disappears once more leaving Jacen alone in the room. He then turns to exit the room surprised to see Anakin standing there.
"Thought you'd be with Padme?" he asks as Anakin chuckles
"She's checking in on Sabe and Dorme's conditions from Sola. Has Obi Wan found out who tried to kill Padme?" he asks as Jacen shook his head
"Not yet, he and Hannah left for a system called Kamino but haven't reported in on any findings yet" he informs him exiting the room as Anakin fell into line alongside him as they moved down the hallway.
Jacen looked over at his grandson "I can sense your upset and wanting to be with your brother on this mission" he speaks "Obi Wan will find this bounty hunter and Padme is safe with you protecting her" he assures him as Anakin sighs
"I know and I love Padme but I sense she wants to be on Courscant and I know that if Obi Wan and I were working together, we would capture this bounty hunter" he insists as Jacen places a hand on his grandson's shoulder
"Anakin, sometimes we all struggle with decisions given to us but this was necessary. Padme's life is in danger for the time and Courscant was not the safest place and Obi Wan did promise you both he would discover the identity of this bounty hunter quickly" he reminds him as Anakin nods gently. Jacen smiles
"Go be with Padme, enjoy your time together" he insists before he watches his grandson head off down the hallway leaving Jacen standing there. He wanted him to enjoy his time because he couldn't ignore the tremors in the force that told him something big was going to happen soon.
With the rain constantly pouring down outside the buildings and thunder roared in the sky above, Obi Wan and Hannah had been informed that Taun We had arranged a meeting with the clone host Jango Fett and followed Taun We towards the apartment complex. Obi Wan and Hannah stood behind Taun We as they reached the door to Jango's apartment. They watched as Taun We rang the door chime where minutes later they saw the door slide open revealing a young boy, who looked to be around the age of 10 years old and beared similar features to the other young boys they had seen in one of the classrooms.
"Boba" Taun We smiles "Is your father home?" she asks. Hannah noticed how Boba was looking straight at her and Obi Wan curiously.
"Yup" Boba calmly replies still not taking his eyes off both Hannah and Obi Wan looking at them up and down before he steps back and starts to move down the small hallway just as Taun We lets them both inside. "Dad!" they hear Boba call out "Taun We's here!" he adds.
The apartment was small, with a large window looking out at the rough water and rain. They made their way into the sitting room just as one door slid open behind Obi Wan and Hannah just as another figure steps into the room. They then hear Taun We's voice once more
"Jango" she smiles "Welcome back, was your trip productive?" she asks him as Obi Wan and Hannah turned to see a man, medium height and looking exactly like the millions of clones they had just seen moving towards them. He adjusts the sleeves on his loose tunic
"Fairly" Jango replies in a casual attitude. Taun We then looks over towards Obi Wan and Hannah,
"This is Jedi Knight Obi Wan Kenobi and his friend Hannah Loran, they've come to check on our progress" she informs him. Hannah looks to Obi Wan who decides at first to play it friendly
"Your clones are very impressive, you must be very proud" he tells him as Jango gives him a simple shrug
"I'm just a simple man, trying to make my way in the universe" he replies as Hannah tilts her head
"Ever made your way as far into the interior as Courscant?" she asks him as Jango shrugs once more
"Once or twice" he simply replies as she presses on
"Recently?" as Boba strangely looks from her to his father who remained composed, before he shrugs once more
"Possibly..." he replies just as Obi Wan then speaks up once more
"Then you must know Master Sifo Dyas?" he asks him. Jango is confused moving towards the window. The door to the room that Jango had come out of, was still open and Obi Wan gently nudges Hannah to look over towards the door where they both saw pieces of body armour on the floor inside the room.
Jango mutters to his son in huttese something which sees Boba move towards the door shutting it. "Master, who?" Jango asks them as Obi Wan looks back at him
"Sifo Dyas" he repeats "Is he not the Jedi who hired you for this job?" he asks them as Jango moves up closer towards Obi Wan
"Never heard of him" he replies as Obi Wan is confused. Nothing was making sense here, a clone army, a host and he owned body armour and had visited Courscant. Obi Wan sensed something was not right here and oddly familiar about this figure.
"I was recruited by a man called Lord Maul on the Outland Transit Station" he reveals. Hannah was silent as Obi Wan attempted to keep a straight face. Lord Maul, the man who was behind the invasion of Naboo. He hadn't been seen since then. This had just taken an interesting turn.
"Curious" Obi Wan simply replied as Jango then decides to change the subject
"Do you like your army?" he asks him as Obi Wan keeps his straight face
"I look forward to seeing them in action" he replies as Jango smirks
"They'll do their job well, I'll guarantee that" he assures him although Obi Wan sensed he was sounding a little boastful.
"Thank you for your time, Jango" he smiles bowing to him as Jango nods
"Always a pleasure to meet a Jedi" he insists then looking over at Hannah "And a representative in the Senate" he adds before he watches them leave the small apartment followed by Taun We. Jango kept silent even as the door slid shut behind them.
Boba inquisitively looks over at his father "What is it, dad?" he asks him. There is silence between the two as Jango was in thought, concerned about something.
He then turns towards his son "Pack your things, we're leaving" he simply tells him. There is no response. Something was on his father's mind and Boba suspected it involved their two surprise visitors.
Shortly after leaving the apartment, Taun We moved on ahead of them as Obi Wan and Hannah trailed behind. Obi Wan's mind still on Jango and what he spotted in the apartment. "I believe we may have found our bounty hunter" Obi Wan admitted as they moved down the hallway as Hannah looks over at him
"That armour looked eerily similar to the armour that the figure wore on Naboo as Padme and I made our way to the throne room while you were fighting the Sith Lord and if he is the same bounty hunter hired to kill Padme, why would he also be the host for a clone army made for the Republic?" she asks as Obi Wan shook his head
"I don't know but the council needs to hear about our findings" he insisted going on "We will thank our gracious hosts then report to the council" he insists as Hannah nods
"Hopefully, we'll also be able to have another talk with Jango" she insists as Obi Wan nodded
"Yes, there is something about that armour I saw that makes me believe I've seen it before" he confesses seeing her nod before they continued on down the hallway. Perhaps they had found a lead in their assignment.
Whilst back on Corellia, Anakin and Padme were settling down for a quiet, romantic dinner for two. Jacen had headed out into the city ensuring they would be completely alone and hopefully this time would be less quieter unlike when they were alone at the lake retreat and attacked by bounty hunters.
Padme truly looked beautiful once more in a floor length black strapless sleeveless corset dress with long black choker and her hair pulled back in one long plait.
"You look beautiful" Anakin smiles as Padme smirks back at him
"Many have told me this but none have been so sincere except you Anakin. Being here with you has taken my mind of being at the Senate and how much I love you" she tells him at the same time Anakin led her into the dining room which had been beautifully prepared for their private dinner. Anakin led her over to her seat holding the chair out for her before she sat down before Anakin took his seat opposite her.
"I've never had a dinner with just one other person before" Padme admits "Certainly not with a boy I love" Padme smiles as Anakin placed a hand on hers
"I'm sorry for what your father did to you. He can't hurt you anymore and you're a part of this family even before our engagement" he assures her as she blushes
"My mother would be so happy for me" she replies as Anakin saw her face sadden as he touches her chin
"Padme, I promise you, you will see your mother again" he insists as she sighs
"She must feel so alone right now. I've heard rumours that my father didn't return to Naboo as ordered and Sola's on Courscant with Ryoo and Pooja and the villagers would be talking about how I'm the disappointment and disgrace to her because of how I ran away to become a Senator and going to be marrying a Jedi" she admits as Anakin remembered a thought he had a while ago
"What about if after this, perhaps we bring your mother to Naboo" he suggests. Padme tilts her head, tears filling her eyes
"Oh Anakin, that would be wonderful. She deserves a better life than what she has now" she admits as he leans over to give her a kiss
"Of course angel" he smiles right as their meals were brought out for them as they enjoyed their dinner together.
After saying farewell to their hosts and hearing the thundering rain constantly pouring down outside, Obi Wan and Hannah asked for a private quarter that would allow them to the contact the Jedi Temple. They had made contact with Qui Gon and Masters Windu and Yoda who were mediating in one of the council chambers and Obi Wan recounted what they had uncovered and who they had found.
"And you believe this Jango Fett is the bounty hunter involved in the plot to assassinate Senator Amidala?" Master Windu asked. Hannah then answered him
"Master Windu, as I told Obi Wan about the armoured bounty hunter who tried to ambush Padme and I during the battle of Naboo. He wore similar armour to what we saw in Jango's apartment" she explains as Qui Gon then went on
"And these cloners" he begins to say "Do you think they know anything about the plot with Senator Amidala?" he asks as Obi Wan shakes his head
"No Master. They seem to have no idea who Jango Fett really is and are quite proud of this army which I will say is impressive as well as alarming" he admits.
Yoda looks straight at their hologram "Clear your minds must be, to uncover the real villains behind this plot" he warns them as Hannah looks over at Obi Wan who then speaks up
"They spoke of a Master Sifo Dyas but I thought that he died years ago" he admits. Qui Gon exchanges looks with Mace and Yoda. This was correct. Obi Wan was only a baby when Master Sifo Dyas was killed and it appeared that he had gone behind their backs before hand to commission an army, the question was why.
"That is correct son" he replies "However, you spoke in your report that Lord Maul approached Jango Fett" he reminds him as Obi Wan nods before Master Yoda knew what they needed to do
"You need to escort Jango back here, so question him, we can" he informs them as Obi Wan nods
"Yes Masters" he replies "We'll report back when we have him" he tells them before the holograms flicker and Obi Wan looks to Hannah.
"Let's hope that our bounty hunter Jango hasn't decided to leave so suddenly" he points out before they exited their quarters heading back to Jango's apartment unaware that they were about to discover Jango was preparing to give them a wild chase.
The cantina was filled with bright lights however there were small corners of the cantina which were darkened for some of its patrons which is where Xanatos found himself sitting at one of the tables awaiting his guests whom he had been instructed to bring to Geonosis. He didn't know much about them except they hated the Jedi and Xanatos hoped they could help each other although he was confused as to why they chose Nar Shaddaa to meet on.
Xanatos raised his head as the two men took their seats in front of him. One was older than him whilst the other looked about two years younger than him. The older man spoke first
"The bartender said you wanted to speak with us but all I want is a passage back to Courscant and back to my disrespectful daughter" he spat as Xanatos scoffs
"You're wasting your time going back to Courscant when Senator Amidala isn't even on Courscant according to my master" he informs them as the younger man slams a hand down on the table
"Blasted Jedi!" he snaps "Probably once more all over my fiancé!" he snaps angrily as Xanatos rolls his eyes
"It appears we have something common" he reveals "A hatred of the Jedi especially the Jedi known as Anakin Skywalker Jinn" he reveals watching them both remain cold and angry at that name.
"That boy has ruined my family's name. I cannot return to Naboo unless he is dead and my daughter is married to Palo" the first man insists as Palo nods
"It's the only way that will restore her family name by marrying into mine" he reveals as Xanatos smirks
"Perhaps you should consider joining me and soon you will see the Jedi fall and you'll have Senator Amidala all for yourself" he assures them. Palo and Ruwee exchanges glances with each other. They were blacklisted from Courscant and now knowing she wasn't even there so perhaps this man could help them.
Ruwee holds out his hand "We have a deal" he eventually answered him casting him a cold glare "But you better not fail us" he warns him as Xanatos smirks. There were times where his old master and his brats stopped him but he knew the next time he saw them it would be their deaths and the beginning of war.
Next time: The chase to capture Jango Fett proves tough and hard for Obi Wan and Hannah but ends with even further discoveries whilst Anakin and Padme enjoy their time on Corellia and Jacen realises that there are deeper threats to the Republic which creates tensions in the Republic and everything comes down to a showdown on Geonosis