LordDarthYoda - Dooku is a master manipulator, and he sees the weaknesses that Nara and Sascha have...and he just gives them the right nudge. They probably don't even know that they are being manipulated. I do love writing Dooku, because he's the sort of villain I can have 'win' and not have it make our characters feel weak.

SpeechBubbleme - Sascha is prone to occasional lapses in judgement...just like all of us. It did end up kind of helping in the end, though ;).

A/N - Getting to a subplot I've loooong delayed in getting to. Don't worry it won't dominate the story...

As always, Please enjoy the next chapter.

Chapter 27: Direct and to the Point

Aurine Brynar generally had a lot of faith in her Padawan. Sascha had proved over and over again that he was reliable and he made good decisions. However, sometimes she had cause to second guess the faith that she had in him. Today was proving to be one of those days.

"He did WHAT?" she nearly shouted at Tyra Harker. Tyra physically shrunk a little at her outburst, "Sorry Tyra," she apologized quickly. She must have really shouted loudly to cow Tyra Harker, even a little.

"They must have done it for a good reason," soothed Tiplee. "We are not in a position to second guess them."

Aurine did not agree. What the Padawans did was deliberately antagonize the target that they were supposed to be spying on. Their goal had been to be a distraction by attending the conference, but now they had done the opposite, drawing Dooku's eye. Though Tyra could not give them a full report, she expected that Tyra was curating her account of what had happened, in order to paint what Sascha and Nara did in the best of light. It wasn't working.

"Tiplee is right," said Teff. "They can be reprimanded when we get a full story from them. But for now we need to re-think our strategy. Dooku is aware that he may be being spied on. We need to do something different."

"Different how?" she growled. "Getting information out of Dooku was already going to be nigh impossible, and now that he's tipped off to the fact that a Jedi might be spying on him, its going to be harder."

"Dooku probably suspected that someone would be sent to spy on him from the beginning," said Tiplee. "I don't see our mission becoming that much harder now. It does call for a slight recalculation of our strategy, I think."

"I think it calls for bold action," said Teff. "Dooku is expecting something from the Jedi Order, let us try to deceive him. Give him something he does not expect"

"Trying to deceive a deceiver is something that usually ends poorly," said Tiplee.

"Then what? We do nothing?" retorted Teff.

"We are doing something. We are planning," said Tiplee stoically.

"Masters, may I say something?" asked Tyra, interrupting an awkward moment. Upon receiving nods from the assembled Jedi Knights, Tyra continued, "I think that maybe we should admit this plan has been a failure and return to the Temple."

Teff looked sternly at his apprentice, "One setback does not mean that we should abandon our overall plan."

"I'm not sure we can afford to back out now," said Tiplee to Tyra sympathetically. "Our task is very difficult, but retreating gets us nowhere."

Tyra nodded in a subdued fashion and retreated behind her Master. It was clear that the Padawan wanted no more to do with this discussion, but decorum prevented her from leaving her Master's side.

"What are our options?" she asked the room. "What do we know about Dooku that we didn't know before?"

"We know where he'll physically be in a few days' time," said Tyra. "We know he'll be delivering his keynote address at the Youth Summit. He may be going on the wilderness retreat tomorrow. This is all according to Sascha and Nara."

"Dooku won't miss the chance to give a speech," said Aurine. "We know he'll be there. The question is what we want to do with that information."

"You won't like my answer," said Teff with a little smile, "But I say we break in to Dooku's estate while he is at the conference and see what we can find."

Aurine was slightly shocked by Teff's blunt idea. While breaking into Dooku's estate was hardly a new idea, the idea that he would still propose it took her aback. "If he thinks the Jedi are going to spy on them, he'll have good security in place," she pointed out.

Teff, for once, didn't disagree with her, "I think we make that a feature of our plan."

"Excuse me?" said Tiplee.

"Dooku expects that the Jedi are going to spy on him. So, let's fulfill what he wants. I think I should get 'caught' by Dooku as well."

"You still want to go ahead with that plan?" asked Tiplee. The Rishati's tone was open, not hostile.

Teff nodded and shifted his weight on his feet, "It makes me deeply uneasy to attempt such a deception, but I feel like the more we learn about Dooku, the more we realize that we don't know anything about him. I know I'm taking my life in my hands, but I am not sure I see any other choice."

"I think it's a terrible plan," she said bluntly. "However it might be the best plan that we have."

"I agree," said Tyra quietly as she shuffled to be closer to her Master, a quiet sign of loyalty and respect.

"I have an idea of how I want this to go," said Teff, his lekku betraying some of his nervousness now. "I think that I will present myself to Dooku's guards and let them 'capture' me. While they are distracted, Tyra should sneak inside to see if she can find something. Maybe find a computer terminal that is unsecured…anything. That way there is potential to find out further information. Tyra's priority would be to escape, however." Teff placed a hand on Tyra's shoulder, "I trust her to make the right decisions."

Tyra nodded and smiled at her Master, but made no comment. To Aurine's eye, Tyra looked nervous. Probably was pretty nervous about invading Dooku's compound on her own.

"I think one of us should stay close by to Dooku's estate so that Tyra can make an easier escape," she suggested.

"I will do it," replied Tiplee instantly.

"I was going to do it," Aurine replied.

Tiplee smiled, showing teeth, "I'm the better driver, and thus the better choice."

Aurine really wanted to object, but grudgingly had to nod. Tiplee was a slightly better driver than she was. While she would say that she was the better pilot, on the ground or near the ground, the Rishati was almost unnaturally good.

"So, I guess the only thing to decide is when we attempt the break in," she said. "Do we wait for Dooku to be at the Summit, or do we do it tonight?"

"I say we be patient," said Tiplee. "There is no need to rush."

"I agree," said Teff. "We will wait."

Sascha Whitestar was getting really tired of defending the actions of the Jedi Order. During the first day of the Tykon Youth Summit, Sascha had felt like he was on trial for every action of every Jedi Knight in the past ten years.

The Summit had broken into small groups of about ten, and these groups were supposed to discuss the problems and challenges of their planets, as well as maybe a few ideas of how to fix them. These sessions lasted about fifteen minutes and then they went on to another group of young leaders.

Sascha thought that it was a good idea, and a good format, but it had quickly turned into a referendum on the Jedi Order and its interventions, or lack thereof on their planets. He supposed, that there was plenty of time to discuss the issues of their own planets in the other sessions.

"The Jedi came to Ascan IV, and they left it with only some problems resolved!" accused an irate young man. "The good things that they did manage to do reversed themselves almost immediately!"

Sascha hadn't the faintest idea what the issues were on Ascan IV nor which Jedi had actually been there. However, he felt like he had to defend the honor of the Jedi Order. "I am not familiar with the situation on your planet," he apologized. "However the resources of the Jedi Order are limited..."

"Limited?" scoffed a Rodian. "Your entire Order is based on the top level of Coruscant, where you live in a giant temple. You cannot beg poverty. That is absurd."

Sascha tried to remain calm, "I mean that we have only so many members and many demands from our assistance. We try to keep our missions limited in their scope because of this."

"I agree with the Jedi," said a young man with shockingly long, red hair. "There is only so much that they can do."

Sascha nodded the last speaker out of respect, before turning back to the group, "I am not saying that we are perfect. In fact, I would like ideas for how we can improve. That's why I'm heere"

The red haired young man spoke again, "I agree. This means that we should disband the Jedi Order as it exists right now. Make it responsible to the Senate, to the people."

Sascha sighed, "I don't think that would solve anything, unfortunately."

"Why not?" accused the man from Ascan IV. "If the Jedi were organized and under the control of the central government. They could be held accountable for their actions."

"We'd end up just another wing of the Judicials," Sascha snapped, losing his patience at last. "And then we'd end up as the Senate or the Chancellor's personal errand boys. Then, perhaps their enforcers. Don't any of you see that having the Jedi be apolitical that it is the only way we can avoid being entangled by politics?"

"The Jedi need to be more entangled in politics," retorted the Ascanian. "You are too aloof, too far apart from the common person to have the impact you should have on us all. Look at what Dooku is doing here. He is here, he is interacting with us, he takes our opinions seriously." The Ascanian made a dismissive gesture, "All the Jedi could do was send a pair of apprentices to this conference."

Sascha looked around the small group, hoping to find someone that would speak up on his behalf, on behalf of the Jedi Order. A few of the people in the group clearly disagreed with their colleagues, but none of them wanted to vocalize it. He was on his own.

But really...did he even want to argue with these people? He wasn't going to convince them. It wasn't like he had some brilliant counter argument that could persuade these brilliant young men and women. All he had was the same arguments that he'd voiced again and again. What was the point?

The Jedi Order was being held to an impossible standard. Sascha almost sympathized with Dooku.

Nara Nalto was pretty good at reading Sascha's mood. Being one of his two best friends, that kind of came with the territory. As Sascha came back to the room that they had rented, she could immediately tell that Sascha had taken the morning session of the Youth Summit rather badly.

Her experience hadn't been great, but she had learned to not take things too personally. Yes, these young people had expectations that the Jedi Order could not possibly match, but Nara just stood her ground and defended the Jedi Order the best she could. She knew that she couldn't change anyone's mind with just a few words, she would have to set an example that would endure after these young men and women grew out of their idealistic stage.

Sascha tended to take things more personally than she did. That, plus Sascha's tendency towards self-doubt, meant that her friend was in a bad mood. Fortunately, being around Sascha as much as she had, she knew how to get his mind off these things.

"Hey Sascha," she said, welcoming Sascha.

Sascha acknowledged her with a glum smile.

"Ready?" she asked.

Sascha looked confused. "For what?"

"For this!" she said, jumping up and tackling Sascha to the ground. She quickly started looking for control of Sascha's limbs, but she had 'ambushed' Sascha enough times like this for him to be ready for a fight, as he twisted his body and escaped her grasp before she could secure control of him. He scrambled to his knees and she did similar. The two Padawans stared at each other.

"Are we really going to do this?" he asked.

"Grappling practice is a pretty good way to get frustration out," she said. "And there isn't enough space in this room for full contact kickboxing."

Sascha hesitated for a moment, and then started the attack.

She and Sascha wrestled for an advantage for a minute, with both of them getting temporary advantages and then losing them. Nara felt herself smiling. Grappling practice was fun, she enjoyed being up close and with her opponent. She had done this enough with Sascha that they both knew each other's preferences and best moves. She loved joint locks, and was usually looking to grab at Sascha's arm so that she could work towards an armbar. Sascha was a bit more well rounded and something of an opportunist, he would take the chances if they came.

And it was Nara's intent to let Sascha win this first round. So she let herself get a bit sloppy, and Sascha took advantage, getting his legs wrapped around her midsection. She bucked and tried to fight back, but she was sunk and she knew it. All she could do was try and try to prevent his arm from snaking underneath her chin. As she fought, she could feel that Sascha was getting annoyed.

"You know, in a real fight, I could just punch you," Sascha said cheerfully.

"In a real fight, I'd try to lean back and headbutt you," she retorted.

"In a real fight we wouldn't talk...and gotcha!"

While she was distracted by the conversation, Sascha had successfully gotten his right arm under her chin. There was basically no way for her to fight back, so usually she'd just fight for a few seconds and then submit, but for whatever reason, she didn't feel like it today. Today she was enjoying the sensation of having Sascha pressed so closely around her. His breath hot against her Montrals, his strong arms and legs holding on to her tightly. It just felt...good to be in close contact with Sascha.

Nara snapped out of it and quickly tapped her surrender against Sascha's shoulder. Sascha uncharacteristically didn't release her right away. Maybe he was enjoying it too?

After a moment, Sascha pushed her away and rolled back to his knees. "Go again?" he asked.

"Yes," Nara answered quickly. A part of her mind protested the decision that she had just made, but a stronger part of her brain really wanted to keep grappling with Sascha.

The two Padawans went back to the grappling, this time Nara didn't want to lose, she want to put Sascha on his back and assert her dominance. She and Sascha proved to be pretty evenly matched. She was better at creating openings, but Sascha was better at escaping. A couple of times, she thought that she had Sascha in a bad position, only for him to wriggle, worm and sneak his way out. The fact that he was physically stronger than her was also annoying and was an advantage for him.

Finally, Sascha slipped up, and Nara took advantage, grabbing control of his wrists. Eventually, she was able to force Sascha onto his back, and she pinned his hands over his head. Nara felt the fight go out of Sascha, as he looked up at her in her dominant position.

"I think...we should...stop..." Sascha said, breathing hard. His cheeks were slightly rosy as small beads of sweat were visible on his face. He'd never looked better to Nara Nalto.

"You're just saying that because I'm winning," Nara replied, feeling her heart beating faster. She was certainly pressed up against Sascha in an intimate manner.

"You know why we should stop," said Sascha.

Nara did. But she didn't want to stop.

"Nara," said Sascha patiently.

Nara's brain wrested back control of her body and she rolled off of Sascha. She bounced to her feet with ease and offered Sascha her hand. Sascha accepted it, using her hand to pull himself to his feet. They were still really close together though, and Nara could feel the tension between the two of them. It would have been an easy thing to just close her eyes, lean forward and...

Nara snapped out of it.

"We got a little carried away, didn't we?" she said, quickly retreating to her side of the room.

"That's one word for it," Sascha said.

"It's a good word."

"Do you want to talk?"

"We both know what is happening," she said shortly. "It's not like words are going to change that."

Sascha looked at the ceiling, "Okay, if you want to be like that. I'm going to go take a walk. I need to clear my head."

Nara waited for Sascha to exit the room before flopping dramatically on her bed. What the hell was happening here? Was she falling for Sascha? And was it because Dooku had mentioned it? Or had her feelings for Sascha just grown over time?

Did the reason even matter?

Damn.

Aurine Brynar was about to settle in for a meditation session before bed when her comlink rang. Sighing, she accepted the call without looking who the call was from, "Yes?"

"Aurine Brynar?"

She frowned, the voice sounded fairly familiar, but she couldn't place it. "That's me."

"This is Delx Greevenson. The journalist from a few days ago."

"Hi Delx. What can I do for you?" If Delx was going to invite her on a date, she was going to invite him to get a taste of her fist. It wouldn't be the first, nor probably the last time, some journalist or informant offered to show her what a 'real man' was like.

"I just got a tip from one of my informants," said Delx. "He said that 'something big' was going to happen at the Wilderness Retreat tomorrow. Dooku is rumored to be attending, is he not?"

"I have no idea," Aurine lied.

"Okay," said Delx. "Well, best I can tell, something is going to happen tomorrow, and I don't think its going to be Dooku making some sort of political statement. I think there is going to be violence. I checked the logs of incoming visitors to Serenno, and unless I missed my guess, I spotted some ships that looked like they belonged to some pretty famous bounty hunters landing at the Veekelt Spaceport. I don't think they are here for a pleasure cruise."

"But who is the target?" she asked, confused. "No bounty hunter is crazy enough to take on Dooku, unless they are being showered in credits."

"I don't know what their plan is," said Delx. "If I did, I'd tell you. I can do some digging if you want."

"No," she said quickly. The last thing she wanted was to have happen was have the Jedi interfering in whatever was happening on Serenno. "Thank you for this Delx. It is appreciated."

"No problem, Master Jedi. I'll continue passing along what I find on Dooku, but it would be nice if I could get some compensation..."

Aurine cut him off, "Send me a bank account and I'll see that funds are provided to it."

"Understood," said Delx stiffly.

Aurine ended the call and sought out Tiplee. The Rishati was in her room in the slightly rundown hotel that they were living in. The red-skinned Rishati sat straight up with her legs folded serenely underneath her. Aurine didn't like interrupting Tiplee's meditations, but she wanted the Rishati's opinion, so she used her foot to prod at Tiplee's thigh.

A few moments later, Tiplee's eyes opened, "Sometimes I can't figure out who is more annoying, you, or my apprentice."

"It's me," smiled Aurine.

"I tend to agree," said Tiplee, still remaining in her meditative pose. "What is it."

"The journalist that we spoke to a few days ago contacted me again. He said that one of the informants that he has told him that 'something big' was going to happen at the Wilderness Retreat tomorrow. Then he sort of implied that Dooku may be a target of some bounty hunters. What do you want to do?"

Tiplee considered for a moment and then shrugged, "There is nothing we can do."

Aurine didn't think the Rishati would be so blase about the information. "Explain, please."

"We are supposed to not be here. If we suddenly appear at the conference, Dooku will be on his toes in perpetuity. So we must remain hidden. Simple as that."

Aurine snapped her fingers, "I hate that answer."

Tiplee shrugged, "Too bad. I am sure Sascha and Nara will be fine."

"You are so confident," she said in amazement.

Tiplee finally stood, "I've spent a lot of time meditating on this mission. I sense that the Padawans will have their own challenge, but I don't think that they are in any physical danger. Do you?"

Aurine had to agree. She had sensed no threat towards her apprentice. "We should do something tomorrow. Something besides sitting around and waiting."

"I have to be back for the mission at night, but I suppose we could do something during the day," said Tiplee. "Have any ideas?"

"One," she said. "It's dumb, but it might work. Dooku's got a lot of enemies, right? What if we meet with one of them? We might learn something."

"They also might betray us to Dooku," Tiplee pointed out.

"We just have to find one that has no incentive to betray us. Someone who Dooku ruined. I'm sure Delx can give us a few names," she said, already warming to the idea.

"I agree. We need more information on Dooku. This is one way to get it."

Aurine activated her comlink and smiled, "Hey, Delx. I will send you a few credits if you can do something for me..."