I am very sorry for not updating in a while. That is very lazy of me. And this Chapter is very short. Therefore I posted two chapters to make up for my tardiness. Read, enjoy, review. Vumanchu out.

Chapter 11: Third time's the Charm

Third Person

Mason runs through the dark cave and hides behind the rocks and stalagmites. The Count is above preparing to release the trap. Just when the stalagmites start rumbling down on the two Jedi, Mason rushes through them and slides underneath Anakin's feet...almost getting crushed in the process. Mason heads outside to do a little reconnaissance while Count Dooku finishes up.

Rommel's POV

That was very close. I got to remind myself to never do that again. I ran towards the place where Skylar was stunned. By the time I reached the area, Skylar was slowly getting up, hand on her head. I walked towards her, blaster in my holster.

"Su'cuy gar (Mandalorian greetings), Skylar." At the sound of my voice she immediately turned towards me lightsaber ignited. She said "Why...why did you spare my life when I was in your hands. You could of killed me, created a reputation many Jedi would fear, yet you still spared me." I looked at her in shock "Skylar I still love you, no matter what! I told you that in the cell. I can't hurt you. You had nothing to do with...with what happened to me. Please, just...I...I just need you to leave here. I don't want to hurt you"

She looked slightly moved by my reaction. I hope she would leave. She gaped a few times before saying "I'm sorry General, but for crimes against the Republic, I place you under arrest." She then lifted her palm towards me and I flew back several feet into a rock. The back of my head was killing me as I tried to get up. I had so little time to react when Skylar jumped on top of me. She brandished her point of the lightsaber to my neck "You have been defeated general, surrender."

Suddenly, Skylar was lifted from the ground and she was clawing her neck gasping for air. I saw Count Dooku, hand raised in a choking position. "General, I see you had trouble trying to kill this Jedi." I nodded. "Very well." Skylar's gasps started to be more erratic as her hands started clawing her neck more. "Stop!" Skylar hands stopped moving as her body went limp. She was released and I immediately ran to her. I checked her pulse, happy that she was still alive.

"General, I am most disappointed in you. You had an opportunity to eliminate a threat, yet you spared her." He said sorrowfully. I looked at him in anger "She is NOT a threat!" The Count didn't seem to care all that much as he tucked away his lightsabers towards the wrecked sailer "Indeed." I recomposed myself as I stand beside Dooku in a guarded manner. When we reached the wreckage, we saw several people dismantling and scavenging from the wreckage. I looked towards Dooku for orders. He looked at me that said to follow his lead. I hope he knows what he is doing.

Skylar's POV

The moment I blacked out for the second time, I thought I would be one with the force. Apparently not, as I was suddenly woken up by a clone. He put his arm around my shoulder as I struggled to stand. I saw Anakin and Master Kenobi with Padawan Tano moving away from the closed off cave. I can't believe I didn't sense Dooku behind me! Sigh, I just wish that Mason would just surrender so we could be together again...wait what am I thinking! I'm a Jedi and Mason is...is an enemy. It can't work out.

They carried me to the Republic Shuttle and securely fasten me to one of the seats. "Knight Noble, are you alright?" I looked up to face Master Kenobi. I said pitifully "No, master, I allowed Mason and Count Dooku to escape. I failed you." He replied "Don't be, there was nothing you could of done." I bowed my head to hide my shame. Suddenly, I heard one of the clones "Sir incoming transmission...Apparently, some pirates captured Dooku and the General." I looked back up, my face brightened. I guess this day isn't that bad.

Coruscant, few minutes earlier

Padme Amidala's POV

I was called to the chancellor's office immediately and without question. When I arrived, I saw Jedi Master Yoda and Windu as well as the chancellor. "Come in Senator. Come in. There is something of great importance I must show you." I went over to the chancellor's side and the chancellor opened a holo communication. The hologram shows a weequay man wearing clothes of the wroonian nobility, square goggles, as well as a Desevrar infantry helmet. He said "Hello chancellor, I am Hondo Ohnaka of the Ohnaka gang and I have a preposition for you." I looked at the chancellor as he said "I will not negotiate with pirates." "Abut but but but I'm sure you will be interested with a Sith Lord and Separatist general do you." That caught my attention.

"If you want the Sith Lord, it will cost you a million credits. The general cost you another million credits. The payment will be in spice delivered in an unarmed diplomatic ship." The chancellor then said "We will need proof they are alive before agreeing to your terms." Hondo acknowledge what he said and answered "Let me present your fearless Sith Lord. I'm afraid he's too embarrassed to speak." Then he pushes Dooku away and points it towards a new person. The random general has his hands tied behind his back and his hair covered his face. He wears a dark combat suit and combat boots. I think there was a scar on his left cheek. Hondo goes over to him and pulls his hair back. I silently gasp in shock. It was General Rommel. "And this is General Mason Rommel. Traitor of the Republic!" "Don't call me THAT!" The General attempted to attack him but was pulled back and shocked with an electro staff. I cringed slightly, pitying the General. "As you can see, he has been attempting to attack ME, on multiple occasions. So I must defend myself" said Hondo, trying to justify his action. The chancellor said defiantly "A hologram can be faked." Hondo looked a bit upset but continued "You want proof? This is the Count's lightsaber."

"Hmm. Yes. Belongs to Dooku, that lightsaber does." Said Yoda. "This scum having possession of Dooku's lightsaber proves nothing." Said the Chancellor. Hondo sighed "If you refuse, I am sure the Separatist council will be more than willing to meet my price." I pulled the Chancellor away from the holo and whispered "We may never have a better chance to capture Count Dooku or the general." I said "We would like to send three Jedi to confirm you have Count Dooku and General Rommel before delivering the ransom." Hondo bargained "Send your Jedi, but they must be unarmed." I replied "Impossible." Hondo reassured me "They will be safe. We have no interest in getting involved in your war." Then the communications closed. Master Windu "We've reestablished contact with Kenobi, Noble, and Skywalker. They're in a system close to Florrum." Yoda continued "And most eager to find Dooku, they are."