Chapter 8:

Spock Before the Senate

While Jango Fett was fidgeting in the Brig of the Enterprise, Spock and Kenobi discussed the process and protocols of addressing the Congress with Senator Amidala on the planet of Coruscant . "I believe that I will speak first, Ambassador. I will introduce you to the Congress and Captain Picard may join us as well." Spock agreed. "I believe it would be logical for you to begin, as you are a member of the Senate. I would also suggest bringing the prisoner with us." "Oh, of course." Picard came in. "Are we prepared?" "We are prepared, Captain." Picard touched his combadge, "Picard to Officer Ortega, beam the prisoner to the apartment at these coordinates." The prison guard responded, "Coordinates, coming in. Ready to beam over." "Energize." Mr. Ortega and Jango Fett materialized on board. Captain Typho came in. "Mr. Ortega, relinquish custody of the prisoner to Captain Typho." "Aye, sir." Captain Typho nodded and placed Fett in vibro-chains. "Jango Fett," said Padme, "you are under arrest for the attempted murder of a member of the Senate and for conspiracy to seal evidence. You will be tried under the laws of this planet, do you understand?" Jango Fett remained silent, but then said, "He's coming for you." "Who?" "I won't answer any questions." Amidala ordered the prisoner out, "Captain Typho, place him in holding cell." "Yes, Senator."

"What does he mean? Who else could be after you?" Spock answered, "I believe I must speak to the Jedi Council. I saw a figure during a mind-meld with the prisoner. A face I cannot name, but hopefully someone on the Council may know." Picard asked Padme, "When is the session scheduled to begin?" "Less than two hours." "Mr. Spock, at your convenience, we need that name within that deadline." "I will not be long. Please proceed to the Senate floor, I will meet you there." Spock left the room and returned to the Jedi Council.

Spock Before the Council…Again

Spock entered the Council chambers. Mace Windu was there. "Good afternoon, Masters. I wish to inquire about a person that you may know." Mace Windu, "We know that you have gone to lengths to protect the Senator from Naboo and we thank you for your assistance, but this is clearly a Jedi matter. The Senate and the Jedi Council work hand-in-hand." "I must disagree, Mr. Windu. Furthermore, I would like you to see the image of a man." "We are not interested." "I and my colleagues have apprehended the man behind the assassination plot against Senate Amidala. He is now in the custody of Captain Typho." "We've never met him." "His identity is irrelevant in this matter: however the identity of a possible second assassin may interest you." Spock approached Mace. "Please. This will be the final time I approach your chambers." "As you wish." Spock placed his hand upon Mace's left cheek. Mace then opened his eyes and forced the release. Spock opened his. "Can you identify him?" "Yes, he is one of our own…or used to be." "I need a name." Mace Windu came closer and whispered the name of the mysterious man. Then Spock left.

Spock Addresses the Senate

Palpatine was in talks with the representatives of Malastre. "May I remind the Senator from Malastre that negotiations are continuing with the Separatists. Peace is our objective; not war."

Padme entered the Senate arena. "My noble colleagues, less than a week ago, an assassination attempt was made against my life. One of my bodyguards were ruthlessly and senselessly murdered. I was the target; but more importantly, the security measure before you was the target. For more information on this attack I would like to present some very distinguished guests." Another platform approached Palpatine's pod. "This is Ambassador Spock of the planet Vulcan, who along with Captain Picard, come from another galaxy to help with the investigation. I ask that we all hear what these gentlemen have to say." Padme sat and nodded to the ambassador.

Spock then faced the Senate and its leader. "Mr. Supreme Chancellor, member of the Senate, I am Ambassador Spock. I have come to assist Captain Picard and his crew as liaison to the Federation of Planets and we have come to make clear the truth behind the assassination against the honorable senator from Naboo. With the help of the Jedi, I have come to the conclusion that firstly, the senator is not free from danger. And secondly, we the crew of the Enterprise will not stop until all members of this horrendeous plot are brought to justice." Applause roared. "As we work on finding to true suspect, we have apprehended the assassin." Spock motioned to another platform where Jango Fett and Captain Typho was standing. "His name is Jango Fett, a bounty hunter from the planet Kamino, whose species is making an army for you, Mr. Supreme Chancellor, for what purpose we have no knowledge of as of yet." Chancellor Palpatine rose, "I must disagree with the honorable Ambassador. I have not asked for a grand army." "Indeed, not you, but someone you may have an association with." Spock then through a ball of energy and it expanded to reveal a face. "He is called Lord Tyranneus by the suspect, Mr. Fett and the Jedi Council calls him Count Dooku. My source on the Jedi Council believes he was once a Jedi and has gone rogue, turned to the 'Dark Side.' This Lord Tyranneous is said to be a Sith Lord and his master is also a Sith Lord the Jedi have been looking for months." "You said that I may have an association with him; I have never met this man, I know him only by reputation." "A reputation that may be betraying you." Spock continued, "In my recent study of history, there was another Sith Lord called Darth Maul, a Zabrak from the planet Dathomir. Do you recognize that name?" "No." "He was trained by a Sith Lord called Sidious. Does that name sound familiar?" "No." "I said that I performed a mind-meld on Master Mace Windu to get the identity of Count Dooku. I also performed a mind-meld on the prisoner, Jango Fett and saw another face…yours." "I protest this." Senators were shouting. "Order! Order!" Mas Amedda was asking for. "And we place you under arrest, Chancellor." Mace Windu entered with lightsaber ignited. Spock backed up, "Thus ends my report."

Spock walked through the corridor. "Ambassador!" Padme was running to him. "How did you know?" "Logic, Senator. Vulcans are replete in their study of logic. Perhaps I will teach you one day." Padme clutched his arm. "Thank you."

Spock said, "I would suggest that you cease more clones from being made. Contact Kamino and close down their factories and laboratories." Padme smiled, "I'll get right on it." Padme left and Picard approached, "Ambassador, that was stupendous. Well done, sir." "I only used what I needed: Evidence and logic. You can call it 'cowboy diplomacy' now, because that is what is needed here." Picard smiled Anakin approached Picard and Spock. "Gentlemen, I don't have any nightmares. I feel more calm then ever. What did you do?" "That is confidential, but I suggest you get to your quarters; there's someone whose been wanting to see you." "Thank you, Captain, Mr. Spock. May the Force be with you." Obi-Wan approached, with Yoda and Windu. "I now relinquish the power of justice to you, Master Windu," Spock said "You did what you did and the Council is grateful for your help and resilience." "Blind we were. But now see, we do, the truth of it all," Yoda said. "I hope that Anakin will be an even better apprentice, Mr. Kenobi." "I believe he will, Ambassador. If you'll excuse me." The Jedi walked off. Picard touched his communicator, "Picard to Bridge, two to beam up."