CATO NEIMOIDIA
The luxuary sloop of Corellian design swept in towards the planet, having left hyperspace just moments before. Traffic was thick around the planet, trade and commerce conducted night and day all over Cato Neimoidia. And no wonder, seeing as the planet was serving as headquarters for the Trade Federation, an economical alliance with more than two-thousand member-worlds. Among the most influential guilds in the Old Republic, the Trade Federation had grown into a corner-stone for trade and the transportation of goods all over the galaxy, and as such, held great power over the Galactic Senate.
The sloop flew in over the great city of Zarra and the ship found a place to land and settled down on the assigned platform. A small group exited the vessel, hidden by hoods and cloaks as they made their way over to the elevator that would take them down into the hanging city.
The elevator-doors slid open and the cloaked and hooded group were greated by several neimoidian guards and officials, among them Lord Commerce Rune Haako; one of the most powerful individuals in the Trade Federation.
"Welcome to Cato Neimoidia, senator" Haako said with a bow.
The group of visitors pulled back their hoods and revealed themselves as bothans of Bothawui; sentient beings with an appearance best described as a combination of dog and goat, though without any horns. Thick sideburns and impressive goatees was something that all bothans had in common.
"I found the invitation most intrigueing, Lord Haako" the senior bothan said. "Senator Dod was quite convincing as he conveyed your message."
Haako gestured for the bothans to follow him. "Right this way, if you will, senator."
Haako and the bothan senator took point, followed closely by their respective entourage as Haako escorted his prominent guest through the innards of the hanging city.
"Am I to understand that the Federation has grown tired of Valorums leadership?" the senator asked and studied the neimoidian lords features for a reaction.
Haako allowed a smirk. "Most guilds have."
"And the fleet massing near Sullust?" the bothan senator then inquired. "Close to thirty of your largest ships. I would think they would serve you better transporting goods and earning profit, instead of sitting idle in orbit around a moon, waiting."
Haako was not surprised. The bothans were famed for gathering information, and indeed, information was Bothawui's most valuable export.
"We would be greatful if you kept this to yourself, for the moment" Haako glanced briefly at the senator joining him through the corridors. "I am certain we will be able to compensate you."
"Of course" the bothan smiled. "You may inform the Trade Monarch that Bothawui remains a friend of the Trade Federation. But surely, there must have been another reason for your invitation, Lord Haako?"
"Indeed, senator" Haako nodded as they came to a halt infront of an impressive doorway. "The Trade Federation was asked to arrange a meeting, between yourself and one of our closest allies."
"Oh?" the bothan senator found it most interesting. "And who might this ally be?"
Haako pressed a keypad next to the doorway, and as the door opened, the neimoidian simply gestured to the bothan to enter. A green-plated protocol-droid stood waiting inside the now open doorway and the senator stepped through and followed, now alone, the droid. Eventually, after a short walk, they entered an impressive lounge with expensive furniture, large windows overlooking the massive canyon surrounding the city. Large chandiliers hung in the ceiling and the artwork along the walls was worth a fortune.
"Senator Borsk Fey'lya of Bothawui, my lord" the droid said and then made sure to step out of the way.
The bothan adjusted his coat and brushed some dust from its sleeves. He took note of the strange creature standing on its own to the side, all dressed in black; robes, cloak and hood. Its features were hidden behind a simple mask of four golden bars running horizontally across the face, a face hidden behind a black mesh that obscured all but the creatures yellow eyes. At the far end of the room, by the large windows that overlooked the impressive canyon, an old man stood with his back towards the bothan, dressed in simple garbs and an old and worn cloak coloured black and dark gray.
"Welcome senator" the man by the window said, his voice that of confidence and assurance. "I have been looking forward to this for some time now." He turned to reveal his gray beard and face that spoke of decades of accomplishment and eyes radiating with experience and vitality.
The bothan senator was truly surprised as he realized who was adressing him. "Dooku Serenno?" Borsk Fey'lya said, unable to mask his astonishment.
The elderly man nodded. "I see you are as well-informed as one might expect of a bothan senator."
"You are hardly unknown" Borsk countered, regaining his wits. "The first Jedi in a century to leave the Jedi Order willingly. It caused quite a stir" the bothan said as he recalled when the news had spread. "Then followed some years of reports of you hunting down pirates, and then, nothing; vanished without a trace. Not even the Jedi could find you, as I understand it. But now, here you are. And in league with the Trade Federation."
"That I am, senator" Dooku said assuringly. "For the moment, the Federation serves a purpose that is of use to me. They are important for my plans to succeed."
"Plans?" the bothan senator asked, suspicious of what the former jedis intentions were.
Dooku slowly began to casually pace back and forth as he spoke. "I have need of their wealth and their connections. Soon, I will be able to reap what I have sown. The only thing that could stop me, is if my plans became known to my enemies. And to ensure that that will not happen..."
"You need to make sure that the bothan spy-network does not share what it knows" Borsk Fey'lya concluded. He was not surprised by this turn of events, in fact, it was one of his more common topics discussed in his role as senator of Bothawui.
Dooku turned to face his guest as the bothan cut him off in mid-sentance. "Among other things" the elderly man and former jedi acknowledged. "I also require your help to make sure that no-one else finds out, as my plan progresses."
Borsk smiled and took a seat in one of the lounges sofas. "That will cost your friends in the Federation a quite substantial amount of dataries."
"No doubt" Dooku replied, clearly having anticipated the high cost the bothans would demand.
"But I am curious" the bothan continued as he accepted a drink offered by the green-plated protocol-droid, "That the Federation intends to place Naboo under commercial blockade we have already figured out. Senator Palpatine, and Naboo, were after all instrumental in securing the recent vote to increase taxes on the Guilds. And in accordance with the Protection Act, protecting economical interests with the use of firearms, the Trade Federation will most likely make their case that Naboo have threatened the Federations economical interests by forcing new taxes on them." He paused to sip his drink. "But where does a former jedi fit in? You are obviously not trying to prevent the Federation from proceeding with this dubious blockade."
"I left the Jedi Order fifteen years ago" Dooku said, after giving his response some thought. "I left because I realized that the High Council did not care about justice. And since then, travelling the galaxy, I have gained a new perspective on the Old Republic; one that the grand masters of the Jedi Order never could bestow, despite all their wisdom." Dooku stopped to study the city from one of the massive windows. "The Old Republic, as we know it, has grown fat and dull" he said. "It is crippled by corruption and overrun with beaurocrats. Greed, self-interest and deception has become the most prevailing virtues in the Republic Senate. Smugglers and pirates roam freely in entire sectors, the Hutts operate unopposed and organisations such as Black Sun and the Pyke Syndicate have grown into fierce and far-reaching entities, spreading crime and anarchy. For the past century, it has become tradition for the Senate to elect a Supreme Chancellor without the stamina, or courage, to stand up against the corruption that has crippled the Republic." Dooku turned to face the bothan, "Senator Fey'lya, you yourself pay handsome bribes to Chancellor Valorum, do you not?"
"Unconfirmed rumors. Slander and lies spread by those who would benefit to see a weak and impotent Bothawui" the bothan senator explained, his words all too clearly well rehearsed.
Dooku walked over to a console and pressed a series of keys. "I came to the conclusion, some years ago, that the Republic needs new leadership. The galaxy needs it" the elderly man said and turned to face the bothan once more. "The Old Republic is sick and ill, unable to provide any form of security or stability. What the galaxy requires is a new order, a New Republic to replace the old, that is capable of creating a safe and secure society. The Jedi have failed in their task to provide peace and justice. We are in desperate need of another option."
"You intend to make yourself chancellor?" the bothan senator asked, not without sarcasm.
"No, senator, not at all" Dooku smiled like a predator on the prowl. "I have no such ambitions. All I want is to provide safety and lasting peace."
"And how will you create this grand New Republic?" Fey'lya wondered.
"The Senate has provided us with an opportunity" Dooku said. "The new taxes, on the Republics major trade-routes, has caused enough turmoil to allow us to make our move."
Borsk Fey'lya thought upon it and wondered what the former jedi might be up to. "Please explain."
Dooku grinned at the bothans curiousity. "Once Naboo is under blockade, the Federation will present a treaty to Naboos monarch and force her to sign it, and by doing so, legally annex Naboo into the fold of the Federation. I have made sure that when this happens, Palpatine will be persuaded to demand a Vote of No Confidence against Chancellor Valorum."
Borsk Fey'lya quirked an eyebrow at Dooku's plan. "To what end? With Valorum gone, the guilds will merely place another pawn in Valorums stead. Palpatine will have gained nothing. Why would he agree to remove a chancellor that has been his strongest supporter?"
"He will recieve prudent council, I assure you" Dooku explained most confidently.
"So you have an ally close to the Naboo senator" Borsk thought aloud. "One who has gained his confidence and his trust. So the increase in taxes... That was your doing?"
Dooku allowed a small smile to grow on his lips. "The stage is set to have Valorum removed and replaced with someone I can control. Someone who will fight the beaurocracy and the corruption."
"Who?" Fey'lya wondered. "The guilds will conspire to ensure that one of their pawns will gain that seat of power. How will you stop them from spoiling your plans?"
"I have already secured the votes of two-thousand senators" the former jedi explained, confident as ever. "Plans are already in motion to secure thousands more."
Borsk did not have to think long. "The Federation?" he said. "You will force Naboo to join the Federation and then install your chancellor of choice? Why has the Federation agreed to this?"
Dooku studied the bothan for a moment, as if calculating his options. "You above all should know that information comes at a cost, senator."
The bothan stroked the classic bothan goatee on his chin. "I assume that you have already convinced the viceroy to pay for my allegiance, and that I am crucial to your plans. I believe your success depends on the outcome of this meeting. Without me, the bothans will eventually discover your plans in detail and make them known. You have no choice, Dooku, but to include me in your plans. If not, you will fail."
Dooku was quite displeased by the bothans assessment, even more so since it was an accurate one. "In order to gain the support of the Trade Federation, I will make sure that my choice of senator is elected Supreme Chancellor. And his first act will be a profitable one for the Federation."
"And who exactly is this senator you speak of?" the bothan inquired rather strongly.
Dooku theatrically paused before giving a response. "Senator Palpatine of Naboo."
"Palpatine?!" it was evident that the bothan senator had a hard time believing it.
But Dooku was as serious as ever. "My ascociates will ensure that he passes a law that guarantees that all sentient lifeforms will be allowed to have a senator to speak for them in the Republic Senate. Like all nabooans, Palpatine is naive and compasionate; convincing him to do so will not be difficult."
"That will mean alot of new senators" Fey'lya said as he thought upon the massive beaurocracy it would require to go through with such a thing.
"A quarren senator, for instance" Dooku pointed out and turned to spot the bothans reaction.
"Quarren?" The bothan nearly laughed out loud. "The mon cal will never allow the quarren to have a voice in the Senate. And the mon cal have too much influence over the Aquatic League for any of its members to support such a turn of events. And what's more; the planet of Champala, the leader of the Aquatic League, holds the position of Vice-Chancellor and Speaker in the Senate. The quarren will never have a senator of their own, their advesaries within the League are simply too powerful to ever let it happen. Advesaries who will be supported by the hutts, the chiss and many others. This is doomed to fail."
Dooku simply nodded in agreement. "Once Palpatine passes the law and the quarren elect a senator, the Trade Federation will offer the quarren membership."
Borsk Fey'lya sat silent. Moncala had two sentient species native to it, the Mon Cal and the Quarren. For centuries, the quarren had been second rate citizens; performing menial labour, working as servants and taking the jobs no mon cal would ever consider. The mon cal, on the other hand, were the nobility, the priviliged and the wealthy. The mon cal would never allow the quarren to be elevated into equals.
"The League will fight this, tooth and nail" the bothan said.
"Even so" Dooku said casually, "with Palpatines law, the quarren will have every right to join the Federation. The Aquatic League would be forced to openly go against the Senate in order to refuse the quarren their rights, should Palpatine succeed."
"Not to mention going against the Trade Federation" Borsk added, realizing that the situation described by Dooku would put the Federation and the League in direct confrontation. "So the Federation will support you, and in return you will make sure that the Aquatic League will suffer internal strife, allowing the Federation to move in on the Leagues territory, earning a substantial profit in the process." Borsk got out of the sofa and walked over to the aging Dooku Serenno, looking him in his confident eyes. "How will this end the corruption? How will this help you create a new republic?"
"With Palpatine as my pawn, supported by my ascociates in the senate" Dooku said, "I will, step by step, prepare the Republic for the moment when my master will take control. Under his guidance, the galaxy will know an era of peace and security unheard of in history."
Dooku was interupted by his protocol-droid as it walked up to him and whispered in his ear. Dooku allowed a viscious smile to slowly take hold over him.
"Your master?" the bothan senator sounded quite suspicios indeed. "Another jedi? The High Council?" For a moment, the bothan feared that the Jedi Order was planning on taking control over the Republic.
"No, senator" Dooku grinned. "Someone far more powerful."
The lights dimmed and a holographic projection appeared in the lounge, depicting a man in cloak, robes and hood, sitting in a chair with his face obscured by a plain and simple metallic mask; its eyes pitch black, its features cold and sinister. As the projection spoke, its voice filled Borsk Fey'lya with fear and intimidation.
"Senator" the holographic transmission said, "I am pleased to finally have this conversation with you."
The bothan senator slowly glanced at Dooku and the robed bodyguard dressed in black, before turning his eyes back on the holographic transmission. "Who are you?" he eventually managed to utter as he turned to face the image of the masked stranger.
"I am your lord and master, senator. I am Darth Sidious."
Fey'lya felt his pulse rush and adrenaline fill his veins, he wanted out, he wanted to escape. "Why should I recognize you as my superior? You're nothing but a faceless transmission."
"You will learn not to underestimate my powers" the projection said, its voice sending chills down Borsks spine.
The holographic image of the mysterious man in the chair clearly depicted him gently extending his hand in the direction of the bothan. Suddenly, and Borsk Fey'lya could not explain why, but the bothan could not breathe, an iron grip was tightening around his throat for no apparent reason. Deprived of air, panic filled his mind and his eyes were alight with desperation. He could not breathe, somehow he was being strangled to death by some unseen force.
"From now on, you will kneel in my presence" the masked and hooded Darth Sidious said, his sinister voice calm, coldblooded. "From now on, you will call me... Master."
Borsk Fey'lya fell over as the grip around his throat suddenly vanished. The bothan, sitting on his knees, took deep breaths to compensate the loss of air mere moments before.
The projection leaned back into his chair quite casually, resting comfortably in his seat. "Senator Borsk Fey'lya, from now on you and your bothan spies work for me. You will report to Dooku and you will follow his instructions when they are given. Rest assured, senator, that loyal service will be rewarded. Fail me, however, and you will die. I will not suffer failure."
The holographic transmission ended and the projection disapeared, fading into thin air. Dooku looked upon the terrified bothan with amused and sinister eyes as the lights in the room provided stronger lumination once more. The senator was now ready to do his part to make sure the plan would succeed.
"Trust me, senator, when I say you are far more important to my master than the viceroy" Dooku said to reassure the bothan. "You can tell us what our enemies think, what they plan, what their intentions are. The neimoidians are merely tools to be used and disgarded. The bothans, however, are our allies."
Somehow, the bothan senator did not seem all too convinced by Dookus assessment. "So I take it that the Federation is not aware of its status as expendable?" the bothan inquired as he stroked his aching throat.
"Their ships and droids can be replaced" Dooku admitted. "Your network of spies can not."
Senator Fey'lya nodded at the logic as he got back on his feet and regained his posture. "First you offer praise, then you include me, and now you threaten me. You need my services, but wont hesitate to kill me, is that it?"
"Correct" the former jedis simple reply was.
"And the Jedi?" Borsk wondered, stroking his throat to ease the lingering pain. "How will you be able to prevent them from stopping you? From stopping us?"
Dooku chuckled with arrogance and and no small amount of confidence. "My master is, by far, more powerful than any jedi, senator. Rest assured, we are well prepared. The jedi will not be a problem. In the end, they will be removed and the galaxy shall know peace and stability."
Borsk merely nodded, seeing there was no point in argueing, considering his delicate situation. "So what do you offer Bothawui?" he asked instead. "I still represent my homeworld, Dooku. You have my loyalty, but what do you offer my people?"
"Simple, senator" Dooku was clearly pleased by his answer, before he even had given it. "You will become one of Palpatines most trusted ascociates. You, and Bothawui, will be in a position to directly influence the decisions of the Supreme Chancellor. I am certain that an experienced senator, such as yourself, will be able to make the most of that situation."
Somehow, the bothan senator was not so certain. "And when our, master, takes control?"
"Then the Republic will have a strong leader" Dooku was almost filled to the brink with pride as he spoke. "A capable leader. One who will ensure that the values of the Republic are upheld and respected. There will be peace and stability, and the Senate will be a congress of dignity and prosperity yet again, as it once was, as it was intended to be."
XXX XXX
The bothan entourage stepped out onto the landingpad and headed with determined strides towards their luxuary sloop. The bothan senator was unable to hide his mindset, the need for action radiating from his very core. They boarded and as soon as the airlock was sealed and the sentor had found his seat, he turned to his closest aide.
"Find out everything you can about a man called Darth Sidious" Borsk Fey'lya told his most trusted servant. "And when I return to Coruscant, I want a full report on my desk, detailing the dealings of Dooku Serenno this past decade."
"As you wish, mylord" the aide, a bothan by the name of Sork San'lya, replied and then made a nod to his own two subordinates, a simple gesture to pass on the commands given by their lord.
Within moments, the bothan vessel was airborn and heading for space.
XXX XXX
Lord Commerce Rune Haako entered Dooku Serennos lounge. Dooku was pouring himself a drink as the neimoidian noble appeared and offered Haako a brief glance. Haako, making sure to not get too close to the intimidating bodyguard dressed in black robes and hood, casually made his way towards the former jedi.
"So the bothans have agreed to join us?" Haako wondered.
"They had no choice" Dooku said as he drank from the strong alcohol in his glas. "Senator Fey'lya is a clever man, he knows that there is nothing to gain by turning us down. By rejecting our offer, he would only gain powerful and vindictive enemies, and that is something he has no need of." Dooku sipped his drink and studied the hanging towers of Zarra. "He will do his part" he added, having given the matter a brief moment of thought.
Haako nodded as he pondered the words of the former jedi master, joining Dooku by the windows of the lounge. "I know that the viceroy trusts you, Dooku." The comment certainly gained the attention of the former member of the Jedi Order. "And I agree that Palpatine is an excellent choice as a pawn. And when the Aquatic League has been delt with, then Mas Amedda will be unable to hold on to his position as vice-chancellor and Senator Dod can replace him. It is a good plan, and it could possibly even work."
"But?" Dooku said, not having need of his Force abilities to sense there was more to the neimoidians way of thought.
"But... I am curious what you will gain from all of this?" Haako said, turning his inhuman eyes on the elderly man standing next to him. "Why are - you - helping us?"
"I intend to have Palpatine strike down hard on criminals and pirates" Dooku explained. "Passing laws that will end the chaos in the Outer Rim territories. For many years I personally witnessed the atrocoties commited in the far reaches of the Republic. Vile criminal acts ignored, not only by the Senate, but also the hypocrites sitting on the Jedi High Council. Through Palpatine, I will be able to influence the Republic to take steps to save the innocents suffering in the Outer Rim, and bring order to the galaxy."
Then neimoidian lord studied the human for a moment and then simply smiled. "The viceroy trusts you" Haako said. "I do not" he added before turning to leave.
Watching the neimodian lord walking away, Dooku surpressed the urge to reach out with the Force and snap Haakos neck. Instead, he swallowed a mouthful of his drink and let out a sigh as the drick burned its way down his throat. He knew that Haako would be delt with eventually, and that knowledge only fueled his longing for seeing the putrid lord crushed and killed. The hatred consumed his heart and soul, and it made him feel comfortable and at ease; he felt in touch with the Dark Side of the Force and it made Darth Ahranus, lord of the Sith, that much more powerful.