Chapter Twenty-Six
Obi-Wan floated impatiently in his cell. He had tested the beams that held him only to find them completely unbreakable. He would have to wait for the opportune moment to escape.
Unless, of course, Sarali were to escape and find him.
Where was she?
Almost in answer to his unspoken question, he felt the presence of a mind.
"Obi-Wan?" Sarali's voice asked in his head.
"Sarali?"
"Where are you?"
"In a cell. And you?"
"The same, unfortunately."
"Dooku was here-"
"And here," she added.
"He asked me to join him-"
"Yep."
"And said there is a Sith lord controlling the Senate."
"What?"
"I don't know if I should believe him or not."
"I wouldn't."
"I do not think he would say such a thing unless it was true."
"You know him better than I."
"So he was in your cell as well?"
"Yes. He seemed sincere, but there was something off about him."
"That would be the Dark Side. It isn't surprising that you can sense that, considering your Midichlorian count."
"By the way, how are we communicating?"
"Through our minds. Apparently, we have formed some type of bond. It doesn't feel like a master-padawan bond, and I have no experience with any other type."
"How could it have formed?"
"I would say the amount of time we have spent together, but that lone is not enough. Perhaps it is the will of the Force."
In the midst of this conversation, the door to Sarali's cell slid open.
"He's here," she thought hurriedly before turning her attention to the man standing on the threshold.
Count Dooku himself walked in. "Ah! You're awake!" he said cheerfully.
"Where is Obi-Wan?" she asked instantly.
"He is quite safe. Unfortunately, the Geonosians don't take kindly to intruders to their planet," he said. His voice was deep and pleasant. She imagined he could have done quite well in life as an actor or politician. He sounded so likeable and trustworthy, which was exactly why she did not trust him.
"Then why are you here?" Sarali snapped.
"I was fortunate enough to meet their ambassador. He invited me-"
"And the Trade Federation along with you?" she interrupted.
"No. The Trade Federation has long been an ally of Geonosis."
"And allies keep lots of ships on the other's world?"
"I will be frank with you, my dear," Dooku began, changing demeanours entirely. "Geonosis has joined the Separatists-"
"Just like you," she snapped.
"Only to mediate, to keep them under control," he assured her gently.
Sarali snorted.
"My dear, if you trust me, I can get you out of here. The Separatists trust me. I can negotiate your release," he said reasonably, sitting beside her.
"What's the catch?" she asked, scooting away from him.
Dooku sighed and said, "You would have to join them."
"Never," she snarled.
"Then, I cannot guarantee your release, my dear," he said with regret colouring his tone.
"Don't call me that!" Sarali snapped angrily, baring her teeth to him.
"Why not? It is quite appropriate for you," he said, sounding like the voice of reason.
"No. It is not. I am a prisoner. You are my jailor. I am not beautiful, and I do not like you. It is not appropriate," she hissed, her yellow eyes blazing and her tail swishing.
"But you are beautiful," he said, tilting his head in genuine confusion.
"Stop it! Get out!" she hissed, her back arching in anger. A quick glance revealed that her claws were out. He left quite quickly after that.