A/N: Again, sorry for the wait on this chapter. Mid-Term week, what can I say? I'll try to make sure to finish and update a chapter every Tuesday or Wednesday, thank you so much for waiting! Also! I always appreciate the reviews! It means so much to me to know how my readers feel about my story telling. I appreciate all of you guys! Enjoy!
"Hego Damask? The missing magistrate of the banking clan?" "Yes. I assume you know of him?" "Yes…I do." Jinn recalled meeting the slender, pale munn nearly 20 years ago. "Darth Plaguis…" Jinn said, quietly voicing his thought.
"You had better ensure that I make it to that temple…" Maul said, interrupting Qui-Gon's thoughts, "…If my master had even a shred of an intention of preserving me alive, once he learns that I spoke of Hego Damask, I will have guaranteed his desire for my death." "Do not worry, unlike the Sith, the Jedi are not deceptive. We keep our word." "Am I supposed to be offended?" Maul said sarcastically. "I'll wait here until the transport arrives, and deliver you to the temple guards personally. Once you are in their hands, you will be safe." Maul scoffed before laying back down on the cold, prison slab of a bed. Jinn stepped outside, where the guard had waited for him. "Oh and Jedi?" Qui-Gon turned to the Sith, one last time, "Just because I need you Jedi to preserve my life for now, doesn't mean I don't utterly despise the lot of you. And it definitely doesn't subside my rage against you for taking my legs. Once things settle, I promise you, I will hunt you down like the old rat you are and slaughter you, slowly." Jinn gave him a smile, "Well, you just hope your master is not as resourceful as you make him out to be, otherwise your threat will be quite, short lived, hmm?" Maul's confident smirk faded into a worried ponder as the prison door slammed and latched shut.
Jinn once again rested on his knees. Placing his palms onto his lap, he took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes.
"Jinn?" a voice echoed faintly growing louder. "Jinn? Jinn? Hello!?" "Huh? The Jedi blurted in a startle. "Where did you go? I must have called your name about 10 times!" A grunt of frustration left his lips, "How many times have I asked you to not interrupt my meditation?" "You meditate too much Jinn, what could possibly occupy your mind so often?" Jinn just let out a deep sigh. "Oh, leave him be Dyas. Perhaps if you meditated as much, you would be imparted some wisdom for once." Master Jocasta Nu finally shouted. "Oh? I forgot you were here Nu, what a pleasant surprise." "I see your wit is as slow as you are, you dunce." Jinn's eyes half parsed in annoyance. "They should have left you stuffed in the archives, you old bat!" "How incredibly rude!" "We are approaching Serenno now." Master Dooku announced as the transport's cafeteria door slid open. "Master Nu, would you be so kind as to accompany me to the bridge to rehearse our debates?" "Certainly." Nu left the room scornfully with Dooku, leaving the two masters behind.
"I don't understand why we have to come along on this debate. It's not like we're needed for anything." "You would like to be on the council one day, right Dyas?" Jinn asked. "Of course, it's been my dream since I was a padawan." "Then you are going to have to learn the politics of the Republic. Might as well be now." "I guess you have a point there… what about you Qui-Gon? Are you going to join me among the council?" "If that is what the living force wills." Dyas gave Jinn an annoyed glance. "You know, you sound like an old man sometimes." "Well that's interesting…" Jinn stood up and walked toward the door. "Huh?" Syfo asked, watching in confusion. Jinn walked out into the hall and looked back at Syfo before the door slid shut, "…because you sound like child all the time." Jinn gave a smirk and wink before walking out of sight.
The four Jedi Masters walked down the transport's ramp onto the landing port of Serenno's many platforms. Dooku took a deep breath. "Ah. There is no feeling quite like being at home." A human female attendant walked up to warmly greet the newly arriving Jedi, "Greetings Count Dooku, It is so very pleasing to see you once again!" "Thank you Nara, It is quite refreshing to see you as well. However, I do not hold my status as count, you may address me as Master Dooku from now on." He charmingly said has he took her hand in a kiss. "Quite the romantic, aren't you Dooku?" Jocasta said with a smile. Dooku only replied with a warm smile. "Come now, the preparations are being made for the delegations to begin. You may rest inside the lounge for a moment." The attendant said while walking toward the entrance.
The debates soon began. Desiring the lush resources and trade opportunities the system had to offer, Jocasta Nu and Dooku had requested the governing leaders, as well as the congressional representatives, to align with the galactic Republic and open a new route in which both Serenno and the Republic could benefit greatly. The idea of new imports sounded too great of an opportunity to let pass, however, majorities of the domestic senate of Serenno argued that complete independence was what had given Serenno its prosperity. Key members of the banking clan were also present in alliance with the Republic's representatives. Galactic exports meant heavy taxes, and heavy taxes meant requiring billions of lines of credit which the baking clan was happy to supply, with interest.
After nearly 4 hours of heated debates, the meeting was called into recess to allow time for refreshment and consideration. The senators had announced that they would reach a verdict afterward.
"Well done, master. Your words were thoroughly graceful and precise." "You flatter me, my old apprentice. It would have been in shambles had not Master Nu been present." "Do not be so modest, Master Dooku. You have an unprecedented skill in speaking. It is quite educational to observe, however, it seems as if though they are remaining firm in their independence." "Well said, Master Jedi." The svelte Munn said in a bow. The group of Munns accompanied behind him chattered in agreement. "Ah, Magister Damask, I have not had the pleasure of meeting you in person, however, I have heard a great deal of your exploits." "Allow me to fix that, Hego Damask, Magistrate of Damask holdings of the banking clan." The towering, white Munn slightly bowed extending his hand. "Jedi Master Dooku of the Republic." Dooku shook the large hand with a bow of his own. "May I also introduce Masters Qui-Gon Jinn and Syfo Dyas." "It is an honor to meet you, Magister." Qui-Gon and Syfo also gave a full bow of respect. "Ah, quite the honorable young lads. How delightful."
"Unfortunately, it does not seem that Serenno is swaying in our favor, as well as our arguments might have been." Dooku said. "It seems so. Quite disappointing. However, democracy prevails, as they say." Damask placed his hand on Dooku's shoulder. "I know this stream of revenue was much needed and anticipated by the Republic." "Yes. We had high hopes for my home system…" "Peace time can only prolong for so much. Heaven forbid, something should arise, we would all feel much safer if the Republic had monetary means of preparation." "I agree completely magister Damask. It is always best to be prepared. History has taught us peace never lasts forever." "I agree." Syfo added. "I can't help but feel that the Republic has gotten a bit too comfortable." "What the republic needs is what any governing entity has." "And what is that?" Dooku asked. "A military power, of course. If there is no one to enforce the laws, any could do that which they so please. Utter chaos would ensue." "I see your point magister." Dooku responded. "Well, I'm not so sure I would go as far as to say we need a militia, however, something must be done." "I am quite concerned where the future of the Republic is headed." The magister said plainly, "It seems so … uncertain. Without action, I fear our dear Republic is headed down a depressive path… However, I am but a part of the banking clan. I would not be so knowledgeable in such things. Of course, for the better of our dear government, I could try to convince the rest of the board of Damask Holdings to join me in donating a… sizable contribution to the preservation of our Republic." "How generous of you Magister. We could not impose on such charity. We will keep your offer in mind nonetheless." "Of course, Master Jedi. Well, it seems the delegations are about to resume. It's been a pleasure gentlemen…" Hego glanced over Jinn towards Dooku, and then Dyas, "…we shall meet again, very soon."
"Master Qui-Gon Jinn, the transport is here to take the prisoner." Jinn's eyes opened as he looked up at the guard, "Very well." He stood back up from his knees and stepped aside to allow the guards to enter the cell with restraints and a stretcher.
"Your lightsaber, master Jedi." The guard in the booth said, returning Obi-Wan's lightsaber through the port. Qui-Gon held it still for a moment then attached it to his side, "Thank you."
"Take the prisoner to the Hull, there is a cell at the end of the room where you may place him, these Jedi will escort you." Council member Depa Ballaba said. "Master Ballaba. You will be taking him into the temple?" "Yes Qui-Gon, we realize he is immobile, but we do not want to take any chances." "Understood. May the force be with you." "As with you, Master Jinn." The transport jettisoned towards the Jedi temple, once again leaving Qui-Gon alone with his thoughts. "Hego Damask… A dark lord of the Sith? Syfo and Dooku… I pray you both are not involved in this somehow…" Jinn said to himself.
Jinn unlatched his former apprentice's lightsaber from his side and activated the blade with a hiss. Closely inspecting the bright blue lightsaber, a strange feeling came over him. He sighed, then deactivated it.
Qui-Gon walked until he found himself in one of the many nearby spaceports of Coruscant. "Yes Master Jedi, How may I be of service to you?" The spunky droid greeted "I require a reserved Jedi-class star fighter with an astromech." "Of course, Master Jedi. To whom should I charge the credit to?" "Master Qui-Gon Jinn." "Very good sir…" The droid replied while entering the information in the database to confirm Jinn's identity, "…enjoy your voyage, sir." Another portable droid flew in and led Jinn to his ship with the astromech droid waiting for him near the cockpit. Climbing into the seat, the panel latched shut as R7-Q9 activated the power systems and ran the diagnostic checks. A song of bleeps and whistles rang as Jinn sat quietly with crossed arms and closed eyes, "Take me to the Dagobah system." After an excited whistle, the starfighter hovered and sped off into space.