Author's Note: Hey Guys just want to answer a few questions for reviewers I can't PM;
Guest from the 3rd of January: I'm afriad you'll just have to wait and see.
SilentType 1997: I'll give that a check over sometime mate and no this is still around the beginning of season 4.
And to Panda, Fredo and the others cheers for the reviews :)
And without further adieu here's the next chapter.
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The sooner this decadence joins the pages of history the better, Palpatine thought to himself as he resided over yet another tedious and bothersome Senate session. He was in the highest position of power in the Republic and held the lives of trillions of people from so many different species in each decision he passed yet he didn't feel fully satisfied with his role. Wielding the power he did was a start and part of a stage in millennia long planning by the Sith. The more the war progressed, the more the Republic's vast populace and the Senate would lose confidence in the wretched Jedi, a day he longed to see become reality, to see the Sith return as the absolute power of the galaxy.
For now however, he had to remain with the persona of the Chancellor who defends the will of the citizens and the ideals of democracy. Having played the role of dutiful politician to his homeworld of Naboo for many years he truly mastered the pretence of a caring and loyal defender of the Galactic Republic. It was a loathsome facade he had to act on a daily basis to all these self serving, moronic politicians who think they had any real status within the Republic. Some had their uses to him to consolidate his position and further his image as the grand leader but the rest never crossed his mind.
"This is why we must push further into the Outer Rim. Otherwise if the Separatists were to gain more influence in the region, it would increase their numbers and draw the war out longer in their favour!" Senator Arak Fetona of Rendili argued in favour of GAR military expansion to counter the Confederacy of Independent Systems, in the far reached sector that saw the most vicious and brutal battles of the conflict thus far. Shouts of approval and discouragement rang all around the Senate from the many of hundred of senators voicing their opinion on the matter.
"If we did as you proposed, it may be seen as an act of aggression against the Independent worlds wishing to keep out of the war!" Senator Organa countered the argument, his pod floating not far from Fetona's. With the mix of cheers and jeers to the Alderaanian representative's comments echoing all over the Grand Convocation Chamber, Palpatine kept a neutral look on his face as he scrutinised the bickering diplomats masking the true feelings he held for both men.
Fetona was the more useful fool of the two, following the paths of those Senators who supported the continuation of the war and put an end to the Separatist threat by all means necessary. Personally he couldn't stomach the odious little man's smug sense of superiority and mirrored the arrogant and contempt attitude ordinary people thought politicians held. The Sith Lord knew the reasoning behind his pro war stance was in hope of earning favours and securing military contracts for the Rendili StarDrive shipyards, to counter the more favoured and expert building skills of the Kuat Drive Yards. Contracts did go his homeworlds way but Palpatine had more confidence in the Kuats, as well as more allies within the Kuati government and dealings with the Kuat representative were a lot more bearable.
Senator Organa on the other hand was the opposite to Fetona. The Viceroy of the peace loving world of Alderaan was one a leading advocates of a faction within the Senate that opposed further military action, always alongside others like Amidala and Mothma wanting for more peaceful actions to end the Clone Wars. Every Bill, Proposition or Act drawn up and passed on to the Senate for voting that benefited the Grand Army of the Republic escalation in equipment, troops and opening of new fronts. Fine examples of this opposition were the Bill that permitted the creation of more clone troopers and the defeated Senate sponsored Peacekeeping operation of Mandalore.
The head of the Republic couldn't help but begrudgingly deny the man is a good speaker. It was just a shame the senators who favoured the war didn't have such a prominent and excellent orator, otherwise more would willing and swayed for further militarisation.
"Nonsense. A Republic military presence will give those people safety and security from the Separatists and other unpleasantries that have plagued them for so long."
"All this will do is reinforce the image of the Republic stomping over local governments right for self determinations and citizen personal rights and freedoms with imperialistic intentions!" They continued arguing back and forth. A ghostly grin crossed Palpatine's face at the last part of Organa statement.
"You would advocate leaving these aligned worlds to face the evils of Count Dooku and the Separatist Alliance alone!" Fetona sneered at the Alderaan royal.
"No, I advocate respecting the wishes of those systems not wanting to enter the war and have their homes and livelihoods destroyed by this conflict that has already claimed far too many lives." Organa shot back with calm integrity.
"Order!" Mas Amedda called out to the boisterous Senate which erupted further from the split of opinion statements. Palpatine felt a tad of gratitude for his Vice Chair for settling the rowdy bunch of petulant imbeciles.
How I look forward to the day of silencing this pitiful squabbling, "You both present very thought provoking and convincing cases. However, until they request our support we must respect those who wish to not participate in this needless bloodshed and prevent risking the lives of more Republic citizens to this war." He addressed to the entire political body, to the repetitive sound of hands clapping in a round of applause to his choice of decision.
Though his face hid his displeasure at the picking of the peace loving side, the Sith Lord could easily sensed anger and embarrassment from Fetona. No doubt the little man had much to ride on this conclusion of the debate to send more GAR military units out to an area of space rife with piracy and other crime syndicate related activities. Rendili would be outdone once more by the Kuats for now and a great deal of credits wouldn't be finding their way into his secretive accounts.
As expected Bail Organa was relieved, seeing this as a victory and perhaps a start to prevent further escalation of the war. A urge to smile at the nativity and false hope he had given the Alderaan Viceroy was squashed, for Palpatine knew it wouldn't be long before his apparent 'counterpart' in the Confederacy would permit the Droid armies to launch invasions into the systems that rejected a military presence. These said worlds would prove pivotal in his plans for galaxy.
Beside him he heard Vice Chair Amedda close the Senate session for the day, much to his personal relief for this wearisome part of being the Chancellor of a government with thousands of representatives bombarding him with fruitless and unimportant requests with holding no significance whatsoever to the galaxy at large or the war. The day will come when these people will do as they are told, but for now he must uphold the principles and purposes of the Republic.
A repulsorpod containing two senate commandos hovered over to the podium, twisting around enabling himself, Amedda and Sly to come aboard. Snapping to attention they saluted him with one turning to the pod's controls, pressing on the buttons that brought the portable viewing platform back to its docking place. Paying no heed to the numerous Senators leaving their own pods to go about their disinteresting duties a great number of which they delinquently performed, he was the first to step off the docked pod where he was greeted by more of the blue full armoured senate guards waiting to escort back to his office.
"I must depart, your Excellency. Other duties require me elsewhere." Sly told him stepping off the platform last.
"Of course. Don't let me keep you, my dear." They exchanged a small bow to each other, then his Senior Administrative Aide left his company.
Taking one last glance at the Umbaran woman who to the eyes of the Senate and those outside the political centre of the galaxy was just an deputy to his office, organising events and his schedule of meetings with other political officials and leaders, help in forming government policy and meeting other figures on his behalf. What none other than a very minuscule few knew was her true role and abilities as a Force Adept who served him not as the Chancellor but a Dark Lord of the Sith too.
He knew of the spread of unrest her homeworld was going through at the moment over the death of Senator Deechi. His sources even informed him of a possible secession from the Republic over what the Umbarans saw as the outrageous and disgusting actions carried out by supposed allies of the Republic. Of course in the eyes of the Senate this would not do and they would demand swift action, for what they would consider as an act of treason. Admittedly the loss of Deechi was a concern to him as the 'Shadow People' representative was useful tool in gaining support for additional military spending.
All the same whatever they decided Palpatine didn't need to question Sly's loyalty to him, rather than the petty tribal allegiance to one's homeworld. With his Chagrian Vice Chair and the Senate guards in tow he proceeded down the corridors on the way to his office to go about his daily duties as Chancellor. The constant meetings and reports were vexing and was just another responsibility he had to endure until generations of planning by the Sith entered their final stages.
On the way he passed many of the Senators talking with each other or walking by, all acknowledging his presence with a respectful bow or calling him, Excellency. Behind the mask of respect his true feelings of contempt for the political rabble festered. He could sense their own feelings and thoughts, wonders of trivial interests and matters that held no importance to the grand scheme of things but for political purposes had to fiend interest to garner their support for the future.
Oh how he despised them. Each was a representation of a deeply corrupt and rotten government they were all too unaware was dying right before their eyes. The Sith Lord personally felt proud he had a hand in the slowly demising Republic, not that it needed much gauging with these imbeciles running a once proud and powerful government into the dirt. On the way he came across a few familiar faces and a lot he didn't know through no care in learning about them.
He recognised the obese Ryloth Senator Om Free Taa talking with the Senator of Taris, Kin Robb.
"Chancellor." Both addressed him with respectful small bows. Giving a warm smile back Palpatine overlooked the pair, sensing to his mild amusement Robb's distaste for the fat Twi'lek flanked by a pair of female aides of the same race.
"Chancellor?." His ire levels spiked at the sound of that familiar feminine voice. It was a voice that the Sith forever hated hearing and wished it would permanently cease, only she was so dear to someone he wish to twist and turn against the Jedi.
"Senator Amidala." Palpatine addressed her formally with a well maintained fake, warming smile.
"I like to offer my gratitude for holding off the pressure from certain sects of the Senate and upholding the principles of the Republic. Further stepping on the rights of the people would've caused more problems than solutions to ending the war." Padme congratulated him over his decision, walking with them in step.
The so called true champion of democracy, He mentally sneered at the young Senator representing the Chommell sector as he once did "Of course, the last thing we want is for our people to see is the Senate ignoring their concerns and appear indecisive."
"It is shame more Senators seem to want to draw the conflict out longer, instead of vocalising more diplomatic solutions to restoring peace"
"As would I." He put on his demeanour of a caring mentor much like he had when she was Queen of Naboo and continued to do so now as Senator "But as you are fully aware every time we extended a branch for peaceful negotiations they are slapped away, or in the case of your friend Mina Bonteri killed for proposing such notions. Sometimes regrettably force is needed when diplomacy fails."
"Yes Chancellor." She said rather glumly. Palpatine knew the mention of her deceased friend struck a sad cord with her, to which he took a small amount of pleasure knowing it was his orders to Dooku that ended any real attempt at peace.
"Besides, Senator Organa driven the important point home. We must not act like an imperialistic power and feed the Separatists propaganda." The Republic head of state said with false conviction.
"Bail is pretty good when it comes to reminding those of what we're supposed to fighting for." The urge to sneer at the admiration Padme had for the Alderaanian was tempting but this idealistic was no where near worth breaking out into his true nature.
"Indeed." A repetitive beep coming from behind them thankfully broke the irritable conversation he began fast growing tired of.
"Chancellor, Hilda has just informed of the Jedi's arrival." Mas relays interrupting their conversation.
"Very well. My apologies Padme but duties have me directed elsewhere. The war continues to hamper my time, regardless where I am needed."
"It's no problem, your Excellency." With a mirroring respectful bow others had given him she leaves his company much to his delight. The issue now was meeting with those Light side worshipping idiots he now had to discuss details over the conflict with.
Dealing with young, naive politicians like Amidala was a nuisance Palpatine could just about bear with but facing those who had opposed the Sith for thousands of years was an experience he never willingly wanted to participate in. Their holier than thou and self righteous attitude only fed the hatred he held for the 'Peacekeepers'. It greatly pleased him knowing he was able to cloud his Force presence from their senses, proving his superiority of his abilities of the Dark Side to their own menial teachings.
He knew of those in the Grand Army who wished for removal of the Jedi from as many military matters as possible. There was no denying the competency of some high ranking military officers that did a better job at running the Republic military than the Jedi, however Palpatine wanted to continue to raise the distrust and expose the hypocrisy of the Light side affiliated beings. So far it was working, showing their supposed thirst for war instead of doing everything they can to keep the peace. It was another piece of the plan which fell in line nicely.
Free of the political stage that was the Senate, the Chancellor with his entourage soon came to the hallway where his office was situated. Standing outside he spotted Hilda waiting for his arrival with a datapad in hand, greeting him with a bow as always.
"Excellency, the Jedi are awaiting inside."
"Thank you Hilda." He nodded to his loyal assistant then turned to the doors belonging to the Supreme Chancellor's suite, welcomed by the embellishing red and gold decor of the confines he found himself to be forever nestled into as of late.
Only he and Amedda entered in as the Senate guards remained outside, leaving him be to go through another meeting with his hated foe. There standing waiting for this meeting to begin on the wide crimson carpet was the usual duo of Master Mace Windu and Grandmaster. With them was to a more tolerable level was Kenobi and the only Jedi he had a shred of interest in, Anakin. The untapped potential and power the Jedi had was precisely why he was the ideal choice to be worthy of taking the mantle of being his new apprentice.
"Chancellor." Yoda was the first to speak out of the small group "Trust you had a progressive session with the Senate, I hope."
"I did. It makes a change of not having to approve the need for more troop deployment and focus more on internal matters." Palpatine lied through his teeth, walking over to his desk.
"For now it is for the best. We're already stretched thin as it is and it would've left other sectors vulnerable to a Separatist attack." Kenobi stated as if he was ignorant of how war works "They've already been making more audacious moves in venturing into the Mid Rim and even launching offences against some Core worlds."
"It is the will of those systems wanting no involvement in this conflict, until they request otherwise for our help." He declared, playing the long mastered role of a respectful politician who actually cared for the people whilst they took a seat on the long curved seats offered near his desk. He hid a grin at how the Jedi like the Senators lapped it up.
"The issue is the Outer Rim is the focus of many Separatist leaders and military commanders. It'll only be a matter of time before the droid armies turn their attention toward those preferring to stay neutral." Windu counter argued the decision. His words didn't sound like anything their mandate had drilled into them since their acceptance into their blasted Order.
"And until that day comes we must keep the integrity and continuation of the Republic as our main goal. The sooner Count Dooku and the Separatist Alliance are defeated the better, without the need to send more of our troops out to give assurance of our support." He echoed the rhetoric he had to often repeat to assure the anti war faction of Senators.
"A day that isn't forthcoming anytime soon." Anakin commented.
"That is the unfortunate case, Master Skywalker. Sadly this conflict isn't going to be resolved in the near future." Palpatine gave a sad grin in agreement. "So gentlemen, what is the current situation of our forces. I hear we are close to retaking Mahranee?"
"Master Plo has broken through the Separatist fleet and is engaging their forces in the capital. It won't be long now until Mahranee is back under Republic control." Windu retold the information he received in a report from the GAR military command.
"What of the Jedi who was in charge with planet's defences before. Has he been found yet?" He asked in pretend concern, playing on with his mastery of deceit and lying.
"No. As of now the fate of Master Kolar is unknown. Plo's forces have only entered the capital and with their units still involved in heavy fighting within the city, so finding him will have to wait for the time being. Truth is we are expecting the worse." The Korun Jedi High Councillor said bleakly.
"Fear not Master Jedi, I'm sure he will turn up yet." Palpatine gave assurances whilst secretly hoping for the worst to befall another Jedi.
"Hope, there always is. Not the first time we have lost contact with others in seemingly impossible situations." Yoda inputted in. The Sith ignored once more the growing hatred and ire of the sketched speech of the Grandmaster's illustrious words.
"Yes, I believe there are a couple amongst us now who have made quite the habit of defying the odds." Gave a smirk in direction of Skywalker and Kenobi "I do however have an issue to discuss that I hope you care to further elaborate?."
"Which is, Excellency?" Anakin asked him.
"I have the Senator and local government of Bakura sending multiple requests asking for the reasoning behind the increased activity of clone units in their system if they are not expecting another invasion. I have told them it is just military maneuvers to prepare themselves in case of another attack was to arise however, the real reasoning behind this has been somewhat vague even to myself." The Chancellor told them putting a hint of annoyance in his tone of voice over the lack of cooperation.
"Our apologies Chancellor, we didn't mean to keep you in the dark. It's just a procedure and wanted to collect all information and readings before presenting to yourself." Kenobi explained apologetically.
"Readings?"
"The ships guarding Bakura have been picking up strange energy readings and anomalies around the planet similar to those that appeared when Corporal Matthews was found." Anakin clarified.
Ah the Forceless human soldier, Palpatine thought on their Force void outlander "Interesting. Are we expecting more of his people to be dropping by?"
"We don't know. However, had these sent to us earlier today which had been found at several sites." Kenobi stepped up and plugged a data chip into his desk. The common blue tinted images beamed out of the holoprojector showing an odd image of a flat but zig zag and wavy lines, leaving the Sith Lord clueless as to what this was to supposed to be.
"And these are?"
"Tracks, Chancellor. We haven't been able to find what caused these yet and they seemingly appeared around the same time the anomalies showed up again."
"And you believe the object or being behind these tracks are perhaps from the same place as the Corporal?" Palpatine quizzed the obvious assumption.
"Our conclusion as well" The little green alien Jedi stated.
"Has he told you how he came into our company?"
"Unfortunately no. All line of questioning on that front has hit a ferrocrete wall. The Earther is adamant in keeping that piece of information solely to himself." Windu said folding his arms over his chest. If Palpatine wasn't mistaken he sense frustration coming from the Jedi Master over the matter.
"And how is Corporal Matthews?" He asked not really interest in the soldier's well being, rather in the information he may be harbouring. It was a shocker for him to discover this being existing without one of life's essential ingredients.
To his knowledge there had been no species or creature who held a non existent midichlorians count. His encounter that day with the human from a world that shared the name as dirt was one he hadn't forgotten about, even if it had been for the briefest of moments. Unlike like the alluring essence of the Dark Side he basked in since his induction into the ways of the Sith by Plagueis his old Master, the darkness this 'Royal Marine' was exuding was as if a dead man had been reanimated. It rewrite what scientists thought how the universe worked and the Force shook the foundation of how the Force operated, showing that there was indeed beings out there that can live quiet happily without its assistance.
He knew this discovery was very intriguing to the Jedi and a paradox to his nemesis. To keep within their sacred and eyesore Temple a living person who contradicted their own beliefs. All other information he had received about the soldier came from the Jedi. It surprised him how someone who came from such a divided and diverse crowded world hadn't destroyed itself by now. The problem too was he had couldn't for the moment make out if this was a welcoming blessing or a curse sent to test his plans for the future.
"He is well and still having a little difficulty adjusting to our way of life. Padawan Tano has been doing a good job in taking care of him." Master Kenobi gave praised to Anakin's young Togruta apprentice which the Jedi Knight had mentioned before was tasked by the High Council to act as his 'guide'. Palpatine knew it was a ridiculous and blatantly clear ruse to act more as a spy to gain more details over his point of origins.
"Unfortunately a troubling incident has occurred involving the Corporal." Anakin said continuing on with the subject at hand.
"Oh?"
"An attempt has been made on Matthew's life." Windu explained "Somebody had tried poisoning him but thankfully the Earth soldier has recovered and we're currently conducting an investigation into who tried this despicable act."
Palpatine could see Anakin's revelation over what was no doubt seen as an internal Jedi matter greatly annoyed Windu. It was no matter to him to see the stiff and traditionalist wound up from the younger Jedi trust in revealing Jedi business to the head of state.
"Goodness, who could commit such abhorrent behaviour and within the Temple itself?" He asked adding the last part in a shock manner but secretly jibed at their supposed tight security and safe sacred building.
"We don't know yet. We have evidence of when and how the Corporal was poisoned, it's the matter now of who and the motive behind it."
"Well let's hope this perpetrator is caught before they can try again, Master Kenobi. We wouldn't our visitor to think we freely allow brigands to run amok. I don't suppose he has revealed the location of his homeworld, or perhaps the reasoning behind why he lacks any midichlorians?" He stood up from his desk and wandered over to the window viewing the vast outdoors of Coruscant.
"I'm afraid again he hasn't been forthcoming about that either. Although according my Padawan he claims he doesn't actually know where his planet is, since 'space navigation' as he calls it isn't in his field of expertise." A slight hint of humour was picked up by Palpatine in Anakin's voice over the ignorant description this primitive called astrocartography.
"Surprising it is not, for him to remain silent over this. Expect our the clones and military personnel to reveal secrets that could put the Republic in jeopardy, would we?" Yoda said in defence over the Earth human's refusal to cooperate over the matter. Palpatine was a little surprised at the Grandmaster's siding of the Corporal's stance, believing it would be in the best interests of the Jedi to investigate his world.
"As for the midichlorian mystery we are still unsure how such a thing can happen. We have people looking into to it but for the moment it remains inconclusive how a species is able to survive and thrive without a connection to the living Force." Having mastered the art of lying for many years, Palpatine could also pick up deception from others.
Turning around facing the gathered Jedi he knew Windu was holding something back. It was tempting for him to reach out into the Force and prod for any clues as to the Jedi's discretion over the well spoken lie but for now he chose to believe it, until he was able to find a way to find the truth or they in their wisdom tell him of their findings.
"That is a shame. I myself would like to know how this truly fascinating discovery has come about. The forces of nature it seems have allowed a race of humans to develop without a vital ingredient to sustaining life, leaving very little clues as to how such an event could happen." He said nonchalantly, for the real reasoning behind his true stake in the matter was of no concern to these idiots sat before him. In the corner of his eye he suddenly picked up a the flashing yellow light which could only mean it came from the one person these defenders of an ailing government were eager to bring to their arrogant sense of justice.
"The universe certainly works in mysterious ways."
"Indeed it does. You'll have to excuse me my friends but I must cut this short. I'm afraid I have other business to attend to. The Office of the Supreme Chancellor never ceases to find ways to split my attention to the fields of politics and meetings to countless dignitaries."
"Of course, Excellency. We too must get back to the duties this war has us chained to." Windu said as they all stood up and gave a departing bow, all except for Yoda.
"Trust they can be productive in helping averting Separatist influence, they will."
"As do I, Master Yoda." Palpatine said in agreement watching as they all left. Doing so his eyes hardened and a flicker of sickly yellow crossed his natural grey coloured eyes at the enemy he wanted to rid above all others. Turning back to the quiet Vice Chair he nodded over to the next suite "I'll be taking the call in the next room."
"Yes, Chancellor." The Chagrian replied pressing down on a few buttons on his desk to transfer the caller.
Walking into the much smaller room that held a holoprojector near the dimly lit window, he went over to the wall in the far corner and pressed on a hidden button known only to himself. A section of the wall opened up and in there in a compact space was the much more simplistic dark robes he preferred to don instead of these expensively tailored clothes he had to wear.
Putting the robe on over his attire he pulled the hood over his head, the Sith made sure the door was locked so nobody decided to burst in. It was one of the few times in the day he could drop the folly of being a loyal subject of the Republic and be his true self, Darth Sidious.
Answering the call he was immediately met by his apprentice and seen by many in both the Senate and the public as his so called 'rival' on the opposite side of the rampaging conflict.
"Lord Tyrannus." He called the former Jedi by the title he bestowed upon him before the outbreak of war as the man knelt down on one knee and bowed. Gone was the grandfatherly, warm tone and in it's place a rasping voice filled with venom and sneering edge as it talking down to those he view lesser than himself "I have a list of worlds I need correction of their fool hearted judgement."
"Yes Master. You your command will be done." Dooku complied obediently.
"See to it that it is. Now, what news to you bring that requires my attention?" Sidious said firmly boring his now yellow eyes at man now facing up.
"Something that may work to our advantage over the Jedi, my Lord."
"How so?"
"I have a reliable source that is hiding in plain sight within the Temple which can undermine the very authority of the High Council itself." His apprentice explained with a grin pulling at the corner of his mouth at the aspect of showing up the Jedi's leaders.
"You have me intrigued, Tyrannus. Tell me more of this 'source' that can help us."
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The night sky had fully settled over the inhabitants of Coruscant but did little in terms of disrupting the busy lives that almost consumed the population. Through the artificial jungle of skyscrapers that covered nearly the entire surface of the planet stood proudly and dominate in its sector of the city planet was the Jedi Temple. The massive ziggurat shaped, five spired kilometre structure usually housed a great chunk of the Jedi population with the war now thinning their numbers out across the galaxy.
Activity was scarce as many slept through the night cycle of the capital world. Down below the base of the Temple away in the areas that saw little life regardless of the time of day. In one room used primarily for storage a meeting was taken place away from the eyes of the Order. Four cloaked figures were circled together staying vigilant in case someone outside their group could so happen to stumble on their secretive rendezvous.
"What do we do now?" A feminine voice asked with an anxious edge.
"The plan has failed and every minute the abomination lives, the more it is an affront to the Living Force." Another growled with a deeper and gruffer tone sounding more masculine, dominating the quadru with his bulky frame.
"The plan was sound. How were we supposed to know his body was able to put up a strong resistance to the poison." The hooded man said in his and their fellow accomplice next him defence.
"I heard it has caused other complications. Why not just wait it out and let it draw away any attention." The last of the group spoke in accented womans voice.
"No he must go as quickly as possible. I no longer want to see our beloved Temple have its grounds desecrated by his filthy footsteps." The larger being spoke with venom.
"And what would you propose doing instead. Storming up there like brainless gundarks?" The accented figure snapped at her impatient associate. A glare from the hulking individual was aimed at her and vice versa, worrying the others of unneeded standoff.
"Enough. The last thing we need is turn on each other when we must stand together in this blight." A new voice entered the scene. All twisted their heads in the direction of the newcomer then had their worry deflated at the recognition of the man approaching.
The man too had his body hidden by his cloak and face covered by the hood, revealing only his white beard that the dimmed down lights of the storage room briefly exposed to the eyes of the cluster.
"I agree but what do we do now?. The Council has assigned a team to investigate-"
"Hardly a team it's just Kenobi and Skywalker's Padawan learner. They have no leads however, I must confess it will make our job a little harder but not impossible." The bearded man assured them "Besides, I have good news that can help our cause."
"We need some after our last failure." The big figure huffed.
"Oh I think this will more than make up for it, my friend." The leader of the incognito group patted him on the shoulder "I've been in contact with someone who is quite willing to lend us their support in our endeavour to put a stop to the greatest threat our civilisation has ever encountered. You're all aware what we are doing is going against our code and principles which the others may perceive as us going down the route of darkness. It could be seen a treason, a falling from the Light and the ideals we hold dear. None of them will understand what we are doing is for the very future of our people."
"The Council are oblivious to the fact they brought an advanced part of pending doom to our Temple, to learn of our ways. Who though is willing to help us?" One of the woman asked folding her arms into her robe, showing a glimpse of green sucker tipped fingers.
"I think it best he introduces himself." The leader told them all then reached into his pocket, pulling out a disked shaped, hand held holoprojector. Levitating it to the floor the others started gather around the little device.
As it touched the floor a tall blue and shimmering projection shot up, presenting them with the holo imagine of a familiar person the Republic and the Jedi Order saw as the enemy. A man who had once been one of their own before denouncing the very
"Count Dooku!?" Two of the hooded beings said in shock at the man leading the Separatist Alliance.
"Good evening to you all. I understand you are in need of help in correcting a grave error the High Council has intruded upon you." The Sith Lord spoke eyeing them all.
"You expect us to put our faith in a traitor?"
"It has come to my attention you have someone in your care who possess a great danger to us all?" The ex Jedi Master ignored the outburst.
"Why should we trust you?. You turned you back on the Order." The biggest of the bunch snarled.
"I won't lie and say I have my grievousness with the Jedi. But this is an instance I'm willing to put those differences aside and work together to put this beast down before it runs rampant." Dooku said gaining their increased attention.
"And how would we go about putting this 'beast' down, as you say?" A delightful ghost of a grin crossed the Sith's face now he'd gotten their interest
"First we must know what he does and how to draw him away from the Jedi's protection. Then strike when he least expects it."
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Well here you are ladies and gents, thought I'd have a crack at ol' Palps. So what do you guys think?