Chapter Thirteen

Everett had not been expected the bounty-hunter to enter her apartments, nor had she expected him to stun her. In all honesty, she had thought herself safe. Foolish thoughts for a senator who had been targeted all her life.

The most surprising piece of this puzzle was to find herself seated across from Count Dooku, the former Jedi.
"My dear Senator Alvera," he greeted. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"You as well," she replied smoothly. "Under the circumstances, at least."
"Ah, yes," he said, "Rather unfortunate."
"If you don't mind my forwardness, but if you wish to kill me, can it happen sooner rather than later?"
"I'm afraid that your death is out of my hands. Our hosts are hoping for a show."
"My death will not be very memorial."
"Ah, but yours and a Jedi?"
"Jedi?"
"We captured Master Kenobi just this morning. I am on my way to speak with him now. He has been convicted of espionage and will be executed."
"He is an officer of the Republic; you can't do that."
"We don't recognize the Republic here, Senator. But if Naboo were to join our Alliance, I could easily hear your plea for clemency."
"And If I don't join your rebellion, I assume I also will die?"
"I don't wish to make you join our cause against your will, Senator, but you are a rational, honest representative of your people, and I assume you want what is in their best interest. Aren't they fed up with the corruption, the bureaucrats, the hypocrisy of it all? Aren't you? Be honest, Senator."

She shook her head, "The ideals are still alive, even if the institution is failing."
"You believe in the same ideals we believe in! The same ideals we are striving to make prominent."
"If what you say is true, you should stay in the Republic and help Chancellor Palpatine put things right."
"The Chancellor means well, but he is incompetent. He has promised to cut the bureaucracy, but the bureaucrats are stronger than ever, no? The Republic cannot be fixed. It is time to start over. The democratic process in the Republic is a sham, no? A shell game played on the voters. The time will come when that cult of greed, called the Republic, will lose even the pretext of democracy and freedom."
"I cannot believe that," Everett said. "I know of your treaties with the Trade Federation, the Commerce Guilds, and the others. What is happening here is not government that has been bought out by business… it's business becoming government! I will not forsake all I have honored and worked for and betray the Republic."
"Without your cooperation I can do nothing to stop the Jedi's execution."
"Am I to be executed also?"
"I wouldn't think of such an offense. But there are individuals who have a strong interest in your demise. It has nothing to do with politics, I'm afraid. It's purely personal, and they have already paid a great sum to have you assassinated. I'm sure they will push hard to have you included in the executions. Unless you cooperate, I must turn you over to the Geonosians for justice."
"I will not."
"Then I have done all I can for you."

A few hours later, Everett found herself chained in Obi-Wan's cell, watching as the suspended force field spun him around. "That seems dizzying," she remarked.
"You get used to it," he replied.
"You know… this wasn't what I was expecting when you said you'd be "right back"."
"This is not what I planned."

When the force field spun him to face her, he gave her a reassuring smile.
"I'm sure Anakin has gotten my message by now."
"If he isn't distracted by the Senator."
"Anakin is capable of obeying orders, Senator Alvera."
"You forget that I've been his closest companion aside from yourself, Obi-Wan."
"Do you know his secrets?"
"Are Jedi allowed secrets." He barked out a laugh.
"I believe that past few days have proven that we are indeed allowed secrets."

They grew quiet as Count Dooku strolled into the room. He smiled sympathetically at Obi-Wan.
"It is a great pity that our paths have never crossed before, Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon always spoke very highly of you. I wish he were still alive. I could use his help right now."
"Qui-Gon Jinn would never join you," Obi-Wan said. "Don't be so sure, my young Jedi. You forget that he was once my apprentice just as you were once his. He knew all about the corruption in the Senate, but he would never have gone along with it if he had known the truth as I have."
"The truth?" Obi-Wan questioned.
"The truth. What if I told you that the Republic was now under the control of the Dark Lords of the Sith?"
"No, that's not possible. The Jedi would be aware of it."
"The dark side of the Force has clouded their vision, my friend. Hundreds of Senators are now under the influence of a Sith Lord called Darth Sidious."
"I don't believe you."

Everett blinked, looking to the floor as she tried to wrap her head around Dooku's words. Who the hell was Darth Sidious?
"The Viceroy of the Trade Federation was once in league with this Darth Sidious. But he was betrayed ten years ago by the Dark Lord. He came to me for help. He told me everything. The Jedi Council would not believe him. I tried many times to warn them, but they wouldn't listen to me. Once they sensed the Dark Lord's presence, it would then be too late. You must join me, Obi-Wan, and together we will destroy the Sith."
"I will never join you, Dooku."

Sighing, Dooku turned away from him.
"It may be difficult to secure your release." He strolled out of the room, doors sliding close behind him. Everett's eyes closed, trying to relax.
"Everett—"
"I'm fine, Obi-Wan." Her eyes opened, waiting until their eyes could meet once more. "I've escaped death many times, I can do it again."

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