RADIANT VII, REPUBLIC CONSULAR SHIP

The vessel carrying Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn to Naboo was shooting through hyperspace. The captain of the ship joined the two jedi in the lounge together with their astrodroid, R4-P17, as they planned the mission.

"It is an impressive blockade" the captain said as she inspected the holographic projection provided by R4 over the small fleet around Naboo. "One of these Lucrehulk-cargohaulers carries enough firepower to hold its own against most pirate-squadrons out there. Twenty-eight of them is more than enough to secure a planet with limited trade, such as Naboo."

"A show of force then?" Obi-Wan thought aloud.

"Most likely" the captain said. "These are ships that should carry cargo along the trade-routes. Redirecting them to Naboo is a costly en-devour indeed for the Federation."

"Which tells us that they are commited in seeing this plan of theirs through" Qui-Gon concluded. "What ever they hope to gain from this, it outweighs the loss of dataries and duggats they suffer by deploying so many ships around Naboo."

The captain shook her head. "It doesn't sound like something the Trade Federation would do."

"No" Qui-Gon said. "No, it doesn't."

XXX XXX

Everyone was asleep aboard the Radiant VII, except for Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn. Alone in his chambers and with his door secured, he had made use of the transmit-matrix he had been given so many years ago by his former master, Dooku Serenno. The holographic image of his old masters upper torso and head hovered infront of Qui-Gon.

"So, the chancellor has dispatched you to Naboo?" Dooku said, almost sounding concerned.

Qui-Gon was not pleased. "Did you order this blockade?"

"Yes" Dooku admitted without hesitating.

"Why?" Qui-Gon asked. "How does this serve your purpose?"

"Because it will show to all the incompetence of Chancellor Valorum" Dooku said. "It will become a political disaster for the chancellor, and his enemies will flock to have him removed. Paving the way for my candidate to become the next chancellor."

"Your candidate?"

Dooku's projection nodded. "Indeed, old friend. With Valorum out of the way, I have made sure that the Republic will elect a chancellor that will listen to my advice, a chancellor that is willing to fight corruption and right all wrongs."

Qui-Gon was somewhat suspicious, but he could not help feeling slightly intrigued by the plan. "Who is this candidate of yours?"

"Senator Palpatine of Naboo" Dooku revealed, and as he did, took Qui-Gon quite off guard. "He is a good man and a competent politican" Dooku continued, "and he has a genuine interest in doing the right thing. With Palpatine as chancellor, through my guidance, the Republic might once more become what it was ment to be."

"But this plan requires that the Federation succeeds with this blockade?" Qui-Gon said. "In order to make as big a fool as possible out of Valorum, so that he may be voted out of office. The only problem with that is that I am on my way to Naboo to make sure that the Federation fails."

"Destiny, Qui-Gon" Dooku said and clenched his fist infront of his chest. "It is our destiny to work together once more and save the Old Republic. It is the will of the Force, Qui-Gon, I can feel it. Just like on Whills, remember?"

Qui-Gon did indeed remember how his old master had successfully guided republic forces against the mercenaries during the famous battle in the Whills system. Qui-Gon took part in the battle, at the time a young Jedi Knight, and he and his old master and tutor had been instrumental in defeating the mercenaries.

Dooku brought Qui-Gon back from the memories. "If your negotiations fail, if the Federation succeeds, then we will have a chance to end the corruption that has all but destroyed the Republic. Qui-Gon, you must join with me."

"And betray the Jedi Order?"

"No, Qui-Gon. To serve the Republic. Join me and together we can bring order to the galaxy."

"If the Federation succeeds at Naboo?"

Dooku nodded and smiled quite deviously. "Ask yourself, my old friend; is it more important to restore peace and justice in the galaxy, or to blindly follow the will of Yoda and his cronies?"

Qui-Gon sighed gently as he thought upon his options and each possible outcome.

CATO NEIMOIDIA

The Trade Federation was an alliance of 2428 systems, each individual system represented in the Republic Senate as a sovereign entity, but joined together in the Trade Federation for common interests and economical benefits. Now, their representatives had all gathered on Cato Neimoida, currently serving as central headquarters of the Trade Federation and home to the Federations leader, the Viceroy.

Seated on a most majestic throne, a chair of splendor and magnificence, was a neimoidian who was dressed in a most elaborate suit, that combined with his equally elaborate hat, made him appear truly regal. Viceroy of the Purse Worlds Nute Gunray, Trade Monarch of the Trade Federation, moved his eyes across the assembly as he adressed the elected representatives of the mighty Trade Federation.

"Fellow nobles, trusted lords and ladies, the Trade Federation has set out to force the Republic and the Senate to come to its senses. When the senators realize that they can not vote through laws that attack their enemies, without facing the consequences, then the chancellor will be forced to acknowledge your status in the Republic. Your rightful place" Viceroy Nute Gunray said, the neimoidian Trade Monarch adjusted his robes of power and status. "When the senate understands our military might and our military capability, then the senate will withdraw its support from Naboo out of fear of suffering the same fate. And then the senate will be forced to obey our every wish. The Trade Federation, and all of its members, will without a doubt control the Republic!"

The viceroy recieved applauds from all present. Some even got up on their feet. Nute Gunray could not even begin to subdue his pride and ego swelling within his chest.

Standing in the shadows up on a balcony, was none other than Dooku Serenno, studying the assembly and its reaction to the viceroys speech. A neimoidian joined him out on the balcony and studied the scene with equal interest.

"The viceroy would like to reward your loyal service with a title" the neimoidian said. "I trust that Count Dooku, and all the power and privilige that comes with that title, is not an inconveniance."

"Titles does not concern me" Dooku replied and turned to look at Lord Commerce Rune Haako. "Inform the viceroy that I am most greatful, but at the moment, I can not accept the honor."

Haako nodded. "I suspected as much. You are a secretive sort, Dooku."

Dooku Serenno turned his attention back at the assembly. "The jedi may still foil our plans. Caution is our greatest weapon."

"A wise strategy" Haako was inclined to admit. "Especially if caution secures that the Federation takes all the blame if your plan fails." The Lord Commerce faced Dookus gaze head on and the tention was close to igniting the air itself.

"Do as instructed, my lord, and it will not fail" Dooku eventually replied.

XXX XXX

Dooku stepped out onto the landingplatform where his personal ship stood waiting, guarded by neimoidian soldiers, on the topmost arch of the city of Zarra. Walking up the ramp to the large transport, the ship sealed shut behind him and he was greated by his apprentice, Darth Maul, bowing in his presence.

Dooku payed the masked apprentice little attention as he headed straight for a small chamber that he locked down as soon as he had entered. Lights dimmed and soon enough, a holographic transmission activated. A soft blue light filled the room and Dooku fell to a knee with his head lowered as a hooded figure appeared in the holographic projection, its face hidden behind an intimidating mask.

Dooku spoke with great respect. "What is thy bidding, my master?"

"You have done well, Darth Ahranus" the hooded figure spoke over the transmission with a voice saturated with age, cruelty and wisdom. "Your apprentice has been well trained."

"Thank you, my master" was Darth Ahranus only reply, head ever lowered.

"A situation has arisen, concerning Naboo" the holographic projection then said.

Ahranus raised his head to lock eyes with his master, awaiting an explanation.

The hooded figure spoke next with scorn. "The Jedi are sending observers to Naboo, disguised as Republic ambassadors on behalf of the chancellor. We must accelerate our plans. Have the Trade Federation deploy their troops."

"And the Jedi?" Darth Ahranus asked.

Underneath the mask, though not visible, it was beyond any doubt that Darth Sidious face twisted with hate. "Kill them."

Darth Ahranus seemed to hesitate. "My master, it has come to my attention that it is my old apprentice, Qui-Gon Jinn, that has been sent to Naboo. I believe he thinks and feels not unlike I did when you first approached me, master. If he could be turned, he would become a powerful ally."

Darth Sidious leaned forward slightly in his chair, inspecting at his end the holographic projection of his own apprentice. "Could it be done?"

"Without a doubt, my master" Darth Ahranus said condifently.

Darth Sidious leaned into his chair and rested his back. "A shame then that you already have an apprentice, Lord Ahranus. Or do you think that Darth Maul could become his master and teach him the ways of the Sith?"

"If needed, I will kill Darth Maul and have Qui-Gon take his place."

Darth Sidious allowed a sinister cackle to escape his throat. "Very good, Lord Ahranus, very good. But by killing Darth Maul, you merely demonstrate your loyalty to your old friend. That is of no use to me."

"How can I demonstrate my loyalty to you, Lord Sidious?"

Darth Sidious cruel smile was hidden behind his mask. "Kill Qui-Gon Jinn."

Darth Ahranus, more known as Dooku Serenno, looked up at the holographic image of his lord and master and that cold mask void of emotion.

"Kill your friend, and your loyalty to me shall never again be in question" the dark lord of the Sith visciously cackled forth.

Darth Ahranus bit his teeth shut, cursing his master in the deepest regions of his inner thoughts as he lowered his head anew. "As you wish, my master."

The small chamber was filled with the sinister laughter of the Sith lord, hidden behind his mask.

KRAMALG

Satele Shan leaned against the pilots seat in the cockpit, and studied the planet of Kramalg as it grew bigger during their approach. There was something disturbing about it, something dark.

"Jedi Satele" the pilot-droid said, sitting in the pilots-seat of the Defender-class light corvette, Frozen Star. "We are picking up a beacon on a jedi frequency."

"Distress call?" Satele inquired.

"No. It is a locator-signal. It appears it has been stationary for some time."

"Is it a ship?" the jedi wondered.

The small R5 unit installed directly next to the pilot chirped and beeped.

"It is indeed a ship" the pilot-droid translated. "Jedi registered. The Enlightenment."

"Sifo-Dyas ship" Satele said with a whisper.

"It would appear so" the pilot-droid said as the R5 unit chirped.

"I thought the ship was missing as well?" Kayo Kai Kahn said, the padawan turning to her master.

"It was" Satele confirmed. "For some reason the signal has been activated."

Satele's own vessel eventually settled down on a landing-pad of its own, located in a vast city on the planets surface, and was lowered into the dockingbay. As she and her padawan disembarked, Satele turned to her pilot-droid.

"Inform the Jedi Order, G9, that we have found the grand masters ship."

"Of course, Jedi Satele."

XXX XXX

A valet guided the two jedi to a large and impressive lounge and they were soon greeted by the owner of the majestic household; an old Chevin resting his bulky weight against a cane that was as thick as a small tree.

"Welcome to my home. A great honor to recieve two jedi, a great honor indeed."

"Arthan Gom" Satele said with a bow. "Your reputation as an art-dealer and cultural benefactor is well known, even on Coruscant."

The chevin chuckled. "I did not know that such seccular pleasures were of interest to the jedi."

"Only to some" Satele smiled. "Grand Master Sifo-Dyas for instance."

The chevin nodded. "Indeed. You are without a doubt aware of his ship being docked in one of my hangarbays?"

"We are aware" Satele confirmed. That very fact had been the clue that had lead the jedi to the chevin in the first place.

Arthan nodded and sighed. "An old friend, Sifo-Dyas. That the signal from his ship was activated for no reason troubles me. I must confess that I am worried for him."

"How so?" Satele asked.

"He came here, oh, about three months ago" Arthan explained while pouring drinks.

"Why?" Kayo Kai Kahn wondered out loud, the young padawan eager to discover any clues that could lead them to the whereabouts of the grand master.

"We have had a long relationship, Sifo-Dyas and I. Even before he became a master of your Order" the chevin explained. "You see, I do at times come into contact with certain individuals, certain groups. People who trade with certain objects."

"In other words" Kayo concluded, "you are a smuggler."

Arthan Gom turned to face the jedi, now with a drink in his hands. "When it suits my needs, yes."

"So Sifo-Dyas came here and asked for your help?" Satele wondered.

"Actually, no" Arthan said. "He came here because I asked him to. You see, since I do on occassion come across objects and artifacts with at times disturbing history behind them, Sifo-Dyas has asked of me to inform him when I happen to come across very specific items of such background."

Satele was intrigued. "Such as?"

Arthan seemed to hesitate at first, but then directed the jedis attention at the far end of the room by extending his hand holding the drink. Satele moved over to the wall and the many pieces of art covering it. She did not know what she was looking for, but one stone tablet caught her attention, covered in strange symbols and depicting a man in its center. There was something about it that reached out to her; it touched her through the Force. The Dark Side.

"Master?"

Satele was woken out of her throughts as Kayo placed a hand on her shoulder. Turning to Arthan, Satele had already figured out where the tablet came from.

"Korriban" she said, unable to hide her fears linked with that place. "This tablet is from Korriban." She turned, eyes wide, to face the chevin. "It's a depiction of Exar Kun."

Arthan Gom simply nodded. "I informed Sifo-Dyas right away and he came here. I told him whom I had acquired the artifact from and he left to investigate the matter further."

Satele felt uneasy. "And he left his ship here and never made contact again?"

"Exactly" Arthan admitted. "He asked me to look after his ship until he came back. Which he never did."

"Where did he go?" Satele asked.

"I assume he went to investigate where Sandahar had gotten hold of the artifacts" the chevin said. "Sandahar is a smuggler, you see; specializing in the exotic. And he has reasonable prices aswell" Arthan added just as he was about to sip his drink.

Kayo got suspicious. "Wait a moment. Artifacts? This tablet wasn't the only one?"

Arthan sighed, as if having said too much. "Sifo-Dyas might have taken with him the other artifact, believing it was indeed the only one."

Satele took down the stone-tablet from the wall and inspected it further. "What did he take with him?" she then asked.

"A gem" Arthan revealed and drank of his drink. "A crystal, actually."

Now, Satele took her eyes from the stone-tablet in her hands. "A red crystal?"

The chevin nodded. "As a matter of fact, yes. Sifo-Dyas claimed it for himself and then went to speak to Sandahar about it. He did seem a bit upset, actually."

Satele did not find it amusing. "This Sandahar, where can we find him?"

"Last I heard, he was on Corellia" Arthan said.