Chapter 30
Wearing a cloak around his form to protect himself from the merciless rain - after all Tarkin doesn't wish to have his clothes damp thank you very much -, Tarkin glares into the eyes of the Dark Lord. The more he spent time around the Dark Lord, the more he realized that there are few reasons to fear the Sith. Plagueis would not dispose of him anytime soon especially since his allies in the Republic are minimum, and he can tell that the Sith doesn't trust Amedda to serve as a being to rule over the army.
"What is it that you wish to tell me, my Lord?" Tarkin forces himself to speak dutifully, positioning his hands behind his back, a posture which is not irregular to fall in for a man such as him. He is growing annoyed with Plagueis the more he continues to send his "warnings" and "kind words" to him.
"I merely call you to caution you as I have done numerous times as of late. Do remember, to be as secretive as possible and not allow them to discover the truth behind our intentions. This entire Clone Army as well as my current plan relies on you, and it would be a shame if the Jedi discovers the truth intent of the army." There is no denying the threat within Plagueis's voice, the tone itself suggesting the excruciating consequences that Tarkin shall face if he fails at the end.
"I would not fail you, my friend," Tarkin replies, feeling his voice coming back to him. This is one of the reasons why he would need to terminate the half-human soon enough as well as the one that calls himself Vader sooner or later, but he has a feeling he would have to be careful with that one when the time comes as he is not among Coruscant with the others nor is someone who he knows the location of. The Jedi appears daunted by the very mention of this Vader's name in those conversations, which makes him wonder- perhaps he could form him into a weapon of his own should he need a Force Sensitive at his side before at last disposing of him after he has taken care of the rest.
Nevertheless, the fact that Force Users could kill him if they so much think of doing it is a reason why they need to be taken care of.
Plagueis appears to be considering him for a few moments before the inevitable reply comes: "Good. The next time, you contact me, one of my agents would answer you where you shall explain all the events to them. Do not be reluctant to disseminate detail to him, for this information would allow me to think about what we shall do next."
Tarkin, suffice to say, is interested in seeing this Clone Army for himself that Plagueis have told him about. Perhaps it is either due to the Sith Lord's trust or desperation to establish an Empire belonging to the Sith and the Sith alone. Who knows what could be flooding through the minds of the ancient religion that have long since battled the Jedi, now returned from their graves to take one last stand against the Jedi and finally destroy them?
The humanoid being allowed to roam this galaxy would only allow him to be another pawn, an event that Tarkin seeks to avoid at all causes. Him being a pawn to either the Jedi or the Sith would only waste his abilities, and there has to be a new way, an establishment where the Force doesn't reign laboriously.
Imagining himself on a throne of power is too much of a tempting idea to pass up and the ancient religion of the Sith standing behind him would only seek to dominate his skills and traits which is something he will not allow. As for the Jedi, they would only view his tactics as nothing but an outrageous idea of a madman, but they would be helpless to be able to stop Tarkin because they would be cooling corpses by the time Tarkin is through with the others being hunted down in minutes. Additionally, the public is turning against those weak magical individuals each day for their lack of effectiveness in involving themselves with the current conflict that is happening within the Republic. Though there have been no direct protests from the civilians, that shall be amended soon with the people of the Republic having dealt the final blow.
Without this war that Plagueis has informed him that has been planned from the beginning, and upon the word being given by the Sith's command, Tarkin would be able to establish his way into the Republic, being able to build a reputation as a figure who the people could turn to, not what they haven't viewed the Jedi for centuries which is nonsensical since one would have thought that they would know gaining the trust of the common people would cause people to be ever more defensive of them in times of conflict and need.
And the more Tarkin is establishing himself as a ruler, he would have to answer to no one, not even the ever-immune Sith that the Jedi always feared since their return was made a public fact. Mas Amedda shall be none the wiser especially since he is seeking to destroy the Jedi only for the fact that they have killed the former Chancellor which he would have been glad to serve loyally and perhaps for other vendetta motivations-
But Tarkin is different. He would be able to adapt to this change that has suddenly translated through the galaxy, the death of the Jedi. He would be the Emperor of the Galactic Empire, but also as a military Supreme Commander whose entire fleet would bring fear into the minds of the many.
"I would not fail you," Tarkin replies. "I am adamant in destroying the weaken Republic for a stronger one."
"You have your orders, my friend," the humanoid deduces in a snarky tone, tilting his head to the side as if he wasn't threatening his life seconds ago. "And remain cautious of those Kaminoans. Do not allow them to know of your true identity. As far as they know, your name is Sidious."
Tarkin knows that giving them his real name would only result in suspicion should the Jedi learn about their motive here so he agrees to that particular field.
"As you wish, my Lord," Tarkin responds, thoughts of being an Emperor as well as those other relishing mindsets that amuse him to no end would have to be laid to rest as of now.
Landing onto the hanger ramp and departing, Tarkin walks up to the Kaminoans who are waiting for them expectedly. Their intelligence is surely not something the young man shall doubt especially since he would soon be able to rely on them as his source of power.
"Ah, Prime Minister Lama Su," Tarkin says, offering a fake bow before the main one in front of the three Kaminoans. The curiosity that is coming from the Kaminoans is not something that should be ignored, something which the young Governor realizes fairly quickly. "I'm afraid we have never crossed paths before despite how eager I was hoping to meet with you. My name is Darth Sidious, and I have come here in the stead of Sifo Dyas to discuss the future of your Clone Army."
"Yet this raises the question: where is Dyas?" The Kaminoan asks suspiciously, narrowing his eyes idiosyncrasy, appearing to not be completely incompetent. Hmm, Tarkin could use this in the future with these interesting beings being the source of where he could be able to gain the military that he desires against the Jedi and the Sith, destroying them in mere seconds as far as he is concerned.
Tarkin has enough knowledge about that incident from Plagueis to know that causing the Kaminoans to believe him would be extremely helpful. Being able to persuade them would also benefit only him in the end, not the humanoid who must be desperate enough to bring about a staged war while all the puppeteers remain from the war.
That is something that fuels his ego boosts but is something that he is willing to accept - for when the Jedi are at their death's door and his Empire is at last risen - it would all be worth it as there would be no escape for them. Either of them; even Plagueis and the pathetic Sith Order which he is finding.
"He had to concern himself with other matters, I'm afraid," Tarkin responds, appearing to be regretful and truly genuine about his sadness, but he is only utilizing another one of his manipulative tricks. "I'm fearing that the Jedi would soon learn of him recruiting you, my friend, which is why it have been suggested by me for him to stay in the dark. The Jedi Council discovering you would only result in you being arrested. I highly doubt you would wish to see this project failed let alone your experiments being compromised."
The Kominkan's response is immediate, appearing to struggle not to bulk at the intensity that suddenly fills the air of the comment. It is obvious to both the young man and the Sith that the Kaminoan is apprehensive about the Jedi discovering their dealings and imprisoning them from within the cells belonging to their Republic.
Tarkin feels the corner of a satisfying smirk appearing on his face at the thought of the Kaminoans fearing that the Jedi unleashing their fearsome powers among them all and bringing them into the Republic's custody.
"They would not discover what our plans are under any means necessary," the Kaminoan at last states in a venomous tone, still attempting to keep his composure despite the fear that is evident in his huge green eyes.
Whatever happens next will decide what Tarkin says. If he remains loyal to Plagueis, he would inform them of the true intent of this army. If he chooses to start a secret Rebellion against both sides but hides in public without suspicions from all, he would at last manage to acquire the hold of the galaxy and gain access to both sides. Who knows? Perhaps the droid armies could also fall under his command as a stronger military arm and a competent Empire would be necessary.
"They would not if you follow my directions," Tarkin lies smoothly, at last seizing the opportunity to whether remain. "I have had my closest agents wipe this planet from their archives so this planet wouldn't be found. In such, you owe not only Dyas but me as well, and I want control over this Clone army."
It is obvious that Tarkin's methods have worked efficiently, for the Kaminoan immediately jumps onto the idea.
"Yes," the Kaminoan responds, indicating for him to follow inside of the building. "Let us conversate on a more suitable location for you, my young friend, a suitable location where we would have proper introductions."
'At last, inside from this metropolitan planet.'
While Tarkin is not much of an expressive individual, he has to admit that a small part of him leaps in joy at such an idea that has been offered by the Kaminoans. How infuriating it is for him to be out here on this landing pad while the unmerciful rain drenches his outfit.
Tarkin follows behind the Kaminoans, ignoring the doors closing behind him as he walks down the white halls. He can see other white alien creatures walking down the hallways, tending to their own duties. No humans are in sight aside from the only visitor on their world, but his presence is currently being ignored by the rest.
It isn't long before Tarkin sits down in a white chair, settling in fairly quickly as the Prime Minister sits across him. The young man would hardly consider this place a hospitable place to be in but at least he is away from being drenched in rain.
"Since you are willing to protect us from the Jedi that you claim to wish to stop, we would hear you out and decide our choice in joining you," the Kaminoan announces, obviously beginning to believe in the deceptions that Tarkin is currently telling him.
"The Jedi are beginning to suspect plots from the Senate. Several years prior, there have been an assassination which caused the death of the then Chancellor at the time, Sheev Palpatine. He was assassinated before he could have led the Republic into what I believe was the correct path, bringing out the corruption that have rotten the system from within, making whatever he was going to do to make the system better to be avoidable and leaving it in the hands of a Chancellor who cared little about the state of the Republic as long as he was able to prolong his power." Tarkin responds, knowing that he would have to assure that whatever questions they throw at him would not create immediate flaws in his story.
The Kaminoan didn't give any reaction aside from a blink.
"Thus, me and Dyas became allies who shared beliefs about the Republic and believe that the system would eventually lead to a war, informing me that he was reluctant that the Jedi would be lose their place, and the attack of a world closely aligned to the Republic: Naboo."
"And how would impact us?" The Kaminoan asks.
"I believe that it is the Jedi Order who have managed to discover Palpatine's true motives to change the system and so they all murdered him to prevent this, remaining in the shadows while allowing another corruptible system to ascend. Not long after, their viceroy has managed to escape, having dealt a great wound to the Republic and thus filling me with doubt that their intentions are pure as they appear."
Now, the Kaminoan's expression seems to change, those eyes expressing no small amount of interest as well as his skull attempting to relay all the information that he has just been told by the young Governor.
"It seems to me that you are wasting my time," the Kaminoan replies flatly.
"I'm not finished, Prime Minster. I wish to inform you that Dyas came to me personally about this corruption just previously and he have warned me that the Jedi are beginning to learn about his alliance with you. He fears that it isn't long before they would do the same deed that they have committed with the Chancellor of the time, this time with you and your allies. They would do anything to avoid a war even if it means that they would have to wipe out an entire planet of species for it such as yours. This is why the Jedi Order must die."
"They would pay dearly if they try," the Kaminoan says, sounding ever the darker than even Tarkin would have expected of him. "They would not be allowed to wiping out our species for merely aligning with others. Our army would destroy them all."
"Easy now," Tarkin replies, immediately taking control of the conversation before the Kaminoans foolishly start a war against the Jedi Order which could easily wipe them out since the Clone Army is still weak, at least compared to the Jedi. "Not yet. Your Clone Army would have to become adapt to the Republic, gaining the trust of those traitors and those who align with them before we are able to end their rule with one swift stroke. Allow time to pass, for while Dyas is under the radar, I am in control now, and that means you would have to follow my commands if you wish for any source of survival."
"Indeed," the Kaminoan replies, at last choosing to side fully with Tarkin. "What shall we do next?"
"We would develop your army until it is ready. I have allies who are spies in the threat and they are delaying their attacks so we could finally have a military that would be able to do combat of all things with those fools." Tarkin replies, smirking at the fool for believing everything he says, a manipulation that he would have to continue to utilize in the future.
An entire army that would be at his mobilization soon enough, enough to turn the tide against those Force Users imbeciles.
He has read the history books about Jedi and Sith spreading their foolish beliefs among the galaxy, taking control over the Republic while the rest of them burns.
This only reinforces they have done enough damage in the galaxy; it is time for someone new that take over and bring about an Empire with a new name different from those past Jedi and Sith Empire.
"We must destroy of those Force Sensitive freaks," Tarkin says. "This army could be the cause of them being removed from the face of the galaxy."
A Tarkin's Empire would be a much better system for the galaxy.
Mas Amedda sits in the chair, tired from the day's events especially considering the incident on the Jedi and Tatooine. There has yet to be a progress report from the strike team that have been deployed there, meaning that they have either failed or have lost contact.
That situation as a whole has hardly been a concerning factor, especially since Tatooine was out of the control of the Republic's authorization as were planets like Nar Shaddaa and whatever is in the Outer Rim.
Perhaps Plagueis would be able to deal with the problem soon enough. He knows that their plans are only moving quicker as the months passes among those who are intending to bring about a stronger Republic.
"Sir, you have a visitor who is insistent in seeing you."
While being Chancellor has many benefits, those tiresome and sleepless nights as well as infuriating meetings in which he is forced to bite his tongue sure as hell combated those goods.
"Who?" Whoever it is better have a good excuse or else Amedda is adamant he would choke the fool out.
"Bail Antilles."
Antilles? Why? The man has hardly vocalized anything about Palpatine's death, even when the old man has received his funeral, and he has been one of Palpatine's many opponents and Amedda as well shortly afterward, thus making him one of many suspected of aiding the Jedi in the death of the Chancellor but those points had no fertile soil, conclusively making him clean of being arrested and dragged in front of the courts for a trial.
Although hard-working, dedicated and efficient in no little measure, Antilles is considered short-sighted among many, the blue Chagrian included. He has been nothing but the harder of annoyances within the Senate, following Amidala when she decided to call for a vote of no confidence in Valorum's leadership, and still making small comments even now that Amedda is now a Chancellor.
"Let him in."
Antilles enters seconds later, an arrogant smile plastered across his lips, making Amedda nearly sigh. What does the fool want now?
"Greetings, Chancellor Amedda," Antilles says, offering a bow, the smile not leaving his lips, "I hate to be the barer of bad news, but as you know, the election is coming, meaning that your first term would soon be concluded."
Amedda narrows his eyes, replying. "I have done much for this Republic. I believe I would be voted in once more if only to continue this Republic's golden age."
"I beg to differ," the smile didn't leave his lips. "You have proven to be ineffective at best and ignoring the calls of the people."
Amedda sneers. If he was in a possession of a blaster right now, the fool in front of him may have the place between the eyes shot in between, but given a blaster is currently unfortunately not present...
"Have you come here to mock me because you have lost the last election?" Amedda quips, a grin crossing his lips. If only the fool knew that he has an effective ally such as Darth Plagueis which would make him being voted out and removed from office extremely unlikely if he failed to see to his Lord's need.
"You believe too much in your lucky win last time, but as you have seemed to forgotten, I was a close second. Perhaps you would be this time." Antilles taunts, grinning like a madman, knowing that he is intensifying the annoyance of the Chancellor. "After all, was it you who have not only preached that arrogance was a flaw in what the Republic have become to the people under Chancellors like Valorum and those of the past, being rewarded with thunderous applause in that moment?"
"You do not care about if the Republic collapses..." Amedda notes.
"If it falls, why should I care?" The man declares superciliously, his obvious ignorance making Amedda feel amused that he believes he would survive the new era.
"Alderaan have depended heavily on the Republic to keep its political opponents away," Amedda responds, now it is his turn to allow his haughty nature to slip through. "Without the Republic or a system similar to it, the entirety of Alderaan would be painted as a target if not destroyed. Who's to say the Trade Federation wouldn't return and try to engulf a different planet of the Core such as your planet? Valorum was helpless to defend Naboo, and the Republic hardly has a leading army which is a qualified weakness, but our influential power that we have in the Senate can keep those systems."
"Naboo broke off from the Republic and yet the Trade Federation attacked again so why can't we do the same?"
So, the man isn't a complete idiot. If only he knew of Plagueis who have been behind the Trade Federation, gaining control among every passing day, and would soon get rid of the worms like the Viceroy of the Trade Federation in due time when his powers are fully established within the Federation and those other systems have joined them. Tarkin has been assigned to do the same for the Republic, assassinating whoever could stand in the way of its plans of Plagueis.
He is also right about the current Queen of Naboo of the time having broken away from the Republic, but should Plagueis order it, Naboo would be at its death door. The humanoid clearly isn't interested in such a planet at least not any longer, but the sorry state of the Republic which has been allowed to sustain for far too long.
"Naboo is serendipity enough to be allowed to sustain their natural role but how far until that even fails them? How far until Naboo's claim of neutrality among countless others would prove to stab them in the back?" Amedda responds, knowing that he is in control of the situation despite how much the Senator wishes to deny it, out of sustaining his big ego, at least in the terms of wishing to gain power in the Senate. "Alderaan could be the unlucky ones who are targeted next by those Separatists scum. Who's to say: The Federation won't appoint a better Viceroy and have different tactics this time? They are certainly not only growing intensely powerful throughout the years but such a calculated attack would not just occur once."
"They wouldn't dare to target my planet!" Antilles snaps, the smirk that has been there for so long being replaced by a crimson face and purse lips which consist of nothing but fury. "They would die if they do! I would see them all decimated if I have anything to say about it!"
"Yes, but if the Republic is morphed stronger, I would be able to stop any drastic actions" Amedda replies sinisterly, walking over to the window and staring out at the planet, hearing his footsteps walk closer. "That is why I should remain in office before the likes of Valorum could take over and claim neutrality. Even centuries before, there have been planets that have been massacred to the ground such as Taris and even Dantooine, all while the Republic stood by and watch. And to think, they had a mighty army that could have avoided this cause, but they had an arrogant Chancellor like Tol Cressa who stood by and watched without any involvement and attempt to avoid them by those butchers at the time and his ways spread into any of those who would follow his path. Allowing a Chancellor like that one was a grave mistake, but it was tolerated, for no one was able to stand up against the tyrannical Republic."
"We shouldn't have to live in fear and allow ourselves to burn," Antilles agrees determinedly, his teeth ground together and fists clenched. "The fact that Republic would allow them to consume the galaxy with their mad conquest of spreading so called peace while allowing their own planets who they have stored loyalty to burn and died is disgusting."
"Yes, and that is why I have taken over before the Republic could fallen further in descent," Amedda replies, not having to be Force Sensitive to know that the Alderaanian is falling more and more into his beliefs. Good. That means there will have yet another follower and pawn. "I have witnessed what is happening to the Republic, and the death of Palpatine have reinforced that belief that led to his untimely death. Who knows what he could have accomplished had he yet lived and was allowed to continue to influence the Republic against those flaws, but the death of the Chancellor have been motivated by those like the Jedi, for they, like many within the Republic, cannot stand the thought of change. We all know this. They despise it to an extreme, and that is what terrified them. Someone who would change the Republic from within as well as the false embodiments and foolish amendments and laws that is backing it up."
"You are not going to allow planets like Alderaan to fall..." It is not a question but rather a statement, for he is fully convinced in Amedda's fray. Perhaps those manipulative tactics he has learned have been paying off...
"Of course not, my friend, I am going to only stop the suffering that the Republic have been enduring for centuries. We do not need Jedi to preach peacekeeping in our politics nor have to rely on them to get involved when we have a substantial army backing us up and strong rulers prepared to do combat against traitors across the galaxy."
"That is tempting," Antilles admits.
"We deserve our liberation from those hypocrites. For now, though it would be wise to leave. This would buy time for where you would be able think about what you have just learned." Amedda knows that he would have to speak with Plagueis soon especially since the progress report about Tarkin would be handed in that transmission, and when he finally has the Empire under Plagueis, Amedda is certain that their Empire would be pleased.
Antilles swallow his gulp, but it is obvious that he would come back a changed man the next time they speak, a man who believes the Republic is too far gone to save his planet and the countless others that follow.
"I would speak to you shortly."
Antilles leave the office, allowing Amedda to retrieve the holo communicator that would connect him to Plagueis.
Just in time too...
The immediate beeping alerts him, allowing Amedda to reach down and activate it, static making itself known within their line of sight...
The dark humanoid appears seconds later from the other side, his expression now showing flickers of satisfaction. Even without being there in person, the figure still is a terrifying sight to behold, at least for the Twi'lek and perhaps most who have ever crossed his path.
Amedda bows before the dark figure, knowing that although Plagueis never commented on such an action, it would not be wise to cause a Sith Lord to snap. Given what the stories have told them about the Order that Plagueis is among, the Sith were described as murderers with no regard to who they are harming, and their torture methods are only worse.
"Mas Amedda, our plan has just gotten one step further," the dark figure says as means of greeting. "On top of Tarkin's plan to recruit the Kaminoans to believe our story, I have just gotten word that the Jedi accompanying Mace Windu is dead. They were murdered on Tatooine, though many of the slaves were calling it self-defense."
Dead? Never in his life that Amedda believed a Jedi Masters with such grace would have fallen so easily. It shows how limited the Jedi are in their times of conflict, another tactic that they could utilize in the future.
"Vader..."
"Yes, Vader is certainly playing mind games. He spared Windu but killed off the rest. How interesting. I could use this to remind the whole galaxy when the time comes why we need a new Empire."
"What do you plan to do with him if he rises against us?" Amedda replies, sitting up in his seat.
"Vader is not a threat we should concern ourselves with," Plagueis gives a nonchalant response that he has always given concerning that subject. "He can be causing the destruction of the Jedi Order should we recruit him to our side. The Jedi and the Republic gaining control of such a power would only destroy most if not all of my plans. Not even an army itself would be enough to stop a battle-hardened individual like Vader."
"You seem to be almost... fearful of him." The moment the words come out, Amedda realizes what he has just said out loud to the Sith. Angering a Sith - even unintentionally - is surely not a smart move, especially since when that said Sith can reach across the galaxy and through time and space, and kill you with a mere movement of his hand.
Instead of lashing out like the Chagrian expected of him, he simply tilts his head to the side. "Perhaps I am. He is extraordinarily different from the rest. He is no Jedi who cling to their codes and believed that killing those among my Order is the way to save the galaxy. Yet, he certainly resembles to a Sith, for he has committed genocides on Tatooine and likely other planets as you have just observed and that is why the Jedi wish to bring him in. He is someone who is going to be who we must all fear, for the entire galaxy can be snapped to him in one finger."
Amedda has an idea. "Then perhaps I should arrange an audience with him so we can bring him over to our collective and gain control of the Republic."
"You don't come to Vader," the Muun replies, immediately refusing the prospect despite seeming amused, "he comes to you. Recruiting him would be extremely difficult but I doubt he would stand in the way of our plans as long as it doesn't involve the Queen of Naboo or Skywalker, Kenobi, and Jinn. Already is he offering disciples within those who have expressed doubt about the ways of the Jedi, and that is making the Jedi Order ever the more defenseless against us in due time."
"While Windu may have been defeated, Yoda still lives and he would be able to crumble our plans if we are not careful," Amedda declares, knowing that the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order is someone who should not be underestimated by his size and how the way he communicates with others.
"I am in doubt that even I would be able to adamantly defeat Yoda," Plagueis confesses. That is what is terrifying, the fact that their only hope to make the Republic stronger and more powerful since remembered relies on someone who cannot certainly defeat the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order. "The Jedi are powerful, namely Yoda most of all. He is the only one who pose a threat with his years of battle and learning of the Force that him being beatable would be all but unlikely."
Amedda knows not all hope is lost, but for a moment, he feels his mood souring. What would happen should Yoda and Plagueis clash blades? Would the Grandmaster be able to stop them from transforming the Republic?
"Unless..." Plagueis elects, eyes immediately brightening, an idea striking him.
"Unless?"
"Unless we pin Vader against Yoda," Plagueis continues. "Vader's presence being announced to the Force during the occupation of Naboo is far stronger than anything I have ever sensed from Yoda, and now that the Grandmaster have lost several champions of his Order, he may wish to act brashly and neutralize Vader, something that we could eventually be able to manipulate once the times comes, making it easier for me to seize the power while Vader destroys Yoda."
"Are you confident that Vader would be able to destroy him?" Amedda replies mutely. "Not even Vader is invincible as you believe him to be."
"That I have no doubt of but he is extremely powerful, far since surpassing my abilities, meaning he would be the most likely one who could defeat Yoda should they battle. Why else do you think Yoda have not joined Windu and the Strike Team against Vader on Tatooine?"
"You are implying that he fears Vader-"
"He does," Plagueis confirms. "He is afraid of Vader and what he could do, just like he has been fearful of our return for centuries though he would never confess that, for that would only doubt the rest of the Order against Vader and whatever threat that would come across them. If Yoda is not powerful enough to defeat Vader, what chance do the Jedi have to survive this blow that could lead to their destruction? Windu's defeat deterred the Order; Yoda losing confidence and admitting his fear would only cause the Jedi to be furthered into doubt about what to do in the future."
"And yet Vader is already claiming planets. The power that he has goes wonders which makes it all but the more priority to bring him to our side and use him against the Jedi Order in due time." Amedda declares, knowing that the Jedi would not be easily beatable without a Force User on their side. And while he has an unwavering loyalty and belief in Plagueis, Vader would be the more likely candidate... given he went to Naboo without an army and still came back unharmed, and the same can be said for Tatooine. Imagine using that power against the Jedi...
"Of course but we must move slowly now. While I have no doubt Vader could strike against the Jedi in their palace of power even with Yoda being present, I fear that doing so now would threaten the stability of the Republic as we envision it. We must pin treason, distrust, and distaste against the Jedi before we could finally deal with them. This would take months if not years." Plagueis replies, filling Amedda with sour emotions but he accepts it with stride for his part.
"On the other hand, we can write this down as one of many justifications that the Jedi have fallen given they have wished to assassinate someone who was intent on protecting innocent slaves," the humanoid continues.
Amedda reaches for a nearby datapad, typing in the words that have just been told to him, before replying. "We should gain footage that we could keep concealed until the rise of our new Empire."
"Yes. Delete this transmission and we'll speak again soon. Same time. Same place." If there is the slightest chance that their transmission is tracked unlikely as it is, the person who manages to accomplish what is almost an impossibility would find the transmission scrambled up or deleted.
Amedda nods before the holo-communicator is deactivated, clicking several buttons and deleting the transmission before walking over to the window and staring out, debating to himself.
Master Windu stands in the small cell he has been imprisoned in, his arms and legs bound by chains. He couldn't help it but feel like a caged animal, contributed by the fact that all the guards are watching him like a wild animal who would be able to escape if they so much as stared away from him.
The worst part is that getting off of this planet and informing the Council of how much power Vader have gained in recent years seems all but impossible. A small handful of guards standing in position at his bridge.
The guards are little more than formalities to be honest. If he decides to let himself out, the guards wouldn't be the ones that he would have to worry about. It is Vader and Qui-Gon that could pose any chance of stopping him especially since he has not yet accustomed to the new mechanical hand that they have been seemingly gentle enough to give him.
Windu remembers witnessing many of his Jedi allies all being butchered without a second thought, their murderers being the ones who are prized as heroes.
And this makes him feel nothing but blood on his lips, seeking the blood of his greatest enemy, even if such a thought is touching the dark side. Windu would not be able to stop them while they are spreading their biased influence on this planet, severed from Coruscant, and severed from his fellow Jedi.
So, Windu can only stand in his cell and brood, thinking about ways to free Tatooine from the corruption that the influence of Vader and his allies are spreading as the days continue. Without Windu's intervention, the galaxy would be in their hands, and the Jedi would be helpless to stop these invaders.
The Korun Master's dark thoughts are interrupted when he senses an all too familiar presence nearby. Sure enough, the cell is deactivated seconds later and the ever-familiar presence of Qui-Gon Jinn enters the prison.
"Master Windu, it's good to see you in more or less one piece despite the circumstances," Qui-Gon states, a bitter smile across his lips.
"I'm not sure I can say the same, traitor," Windu spats. "Care to explain why you joined the Sith?"
Jinn looks at his former friend with mixed feelings.
"Master Windu, surely you knew there would be consequences in attacking someone like Vader and a teenager. You are the one who came here and began aggressively, not the other way around. Vader didn't come on Coruscant and killed Jedi, unprovoked. You made it seem like those many people who suffered didn't have the right to be protected."
"I had no choice!" Windu growls, nearing him and staring into his eyes with equal determination. "Vader's influence has been too much of a risk and they are going to lead the galaxy down to a very dark path! You are insane as well as corrupted if you believe that this is the right decision to align yourself with the Sith."
"If you can calm down and see the flaws of your logic..."
Windu didn't allow him to finish. "Ah, I see that you have lost hindsight about the purpose of the Jedi: the complete annihilation of the Sith and bringing peace to the Republic."
"Master Windu, the purpose of the Jedi is to save the galaxy, not to annihilate individuals because of different beliefs." Qui-Gon replies mutely, appearing now disgusted but managing to keep him calm.
"That is true but we are to protect the people first..." Windu responds, sneering as he glares into his eyes dangerously. "That is why we should have apprehended Vader before he could have corrupted you and your Padawan."
"I understand, you know," Qui-Gon replies. "Years ago, I might have committed the same actions, but times have changed and I see things differently now. For all intents and purposes, in the beliefs of the galaxy, you are willing to defend slavers and mercenaries. That is not the Jedi way, that is the way of the corrupt Council and what we have become. Your actions prove how far we have allowed ourselves to become. You have started a war. It is because of you that so many Jedi would die."
Windu's expression doesn't change. "I did what I had to do."
Qui-Gon shakes his head with exasperation before beginning to walk out of the cell, appearing to lose all content. "You can fool yourself in believing that you did what is right, but deep down you know it was wrong. It is a shame that you cannot find it within yourself to admit how far the Order has become."
And behind him, Qui-Gon realizes that by turning his back on someone who has been a Master he answered to, he is turning his back on all that defines him.
He was definitely angry when he heard of the news and that anger is still blossoming from within. He already learned the hard way what the dark side does when he almost got corrupted by the dark side when Tahl was killed, leading to him being very close to killing Tahl's killer out of anger, only for him to realize what he was turning into and pulling back before it was too late.
Obi-Wan would need a suit now, and the anger is greater than before. However, he would not submit to the darkness no matter what, and the former Maverick Jedi would be strong and hope his Padawan would be able to recover. Otherwise, he doesn't know what he would do.