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Chapter 9
Obi-Wan's exhausted eyes stared down at the small little Holocom. He had his right arm draped around Siri for the hours following, his breaths still exiting his chest rapidly. The blanket around them concealed their naked forms. They were drenched in sweat; intense heat wrapped around them. From on top of him, her lips pressed against his again, forehead against his.
The headache that Kenobi was fighting off did pass, though there was more that came, such as how all of this was going to end and what and when his next interaction with Anakin was going to be.
Kriff, he was still attempting to figure out if he had made a mistake in having sex with Siri, though their odious union felt anything but wrong.
"You know, it's going to take quite some time until the Jedi stop dragging their feet over this." Despite the humor in her tone, she understood the severity of the situation.
Obi-Wan kept his face on her face, her beautiful blonde hair falling around her face. "Well, Master Windu have given us explicit orders to wait until further notice."
Siri stroked his disheveled mullet. "You shouldn't always listen to the Jedi Council, Obi-Wan, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands." A small, mischievous grin crossed her lips. "Well, you seemed to have learn that."
Obi-Wan felt his irritation rising and had to resist gritting his teeth against one another. How would he ever be able to explain this to Masters Windu and Yoda? If he'd confessed, it was possible that the Jedi would demand for them - both of them - to hand over their weapons.
Yet, he had to fight in himself to pull away from Siri. It took a lot of impulse control and so many years of training, but he managed to fight the longing for her touch. Sex was one thing. A long-term relationship would be an attachment, and thus their downfall. That type of life wasn't for them.
It wouldn't necessarily be a lie if they kept what happened between a Jedi. It would not be a secret as much, just not be spoken of.
Understanding that he had to make sure the Jedi didn't find out, Obi-Wan pulled away and looked at her eyes pleadingly. "I… I would appreciate it if you wouldn't speak of what happened between us to anyone."
Her eyes flashed with brief hurt.
"I mean we're Jedi. We can't act like this. What happened was pleasurable. But that's the problem, Siri. We are supposed to be celibate."
"Of course, I won't do that to you, Obi-Wan," her shoulders dropped. She was hurt, and it pained his heart, but Obi-Wan knew that it was for the best. That life was not for them. The powers they had were dangerous, and the rules kept their powers in check. They were asked to sacrifice personal pleasures to become better Jedi. What they did broke the most sacred rule of the order.
One time was a mistake.
Two was too much.
It had taken a lot of Jedi impulses in him to resist doing so, but Obi-Wan wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her and hold her close
"Siri, I... I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it," she said instantly with an ounce of biting in her tone, collecting her clothes and placing them on, sitting down on a chair across from him.
Kriff, he might have ruined that, too. What could be not?
'This is why Cerasi died. This is why Qui-Gon didn't want you at first and even wanted to replace you with Anakin. This is why Anakin left the Order.'
"Master Yoda, Master Windu, ah, come in, come in," Palpatine welcomed his old "friends" with a kind smile and a wave of the hand.
Masters Windu and Yoda complied instantly.
"Chancellor," Windu said respectfully, settling in the nearby seat along with the little green toad, "we have discovered more about this conspiracy against Senator Amidala."
"Oh?" Palpatine arched an eyebrow, putting on the face of confusion.
"There is a Clone Army being established on the planet of Kamino where bounty hunter and Jedi killer, Jango Fett, is being used as a template in that said army. This was discovered by Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Siri Tachi."
Astonishment surrounded the Chancellor. "A... A Clone Army?!" he blanched, all the while Sidious cackled gleefully. "Such a use of life is..."
"Unfortunate," Windu concluded, his own disgust evident. "Apparently, this Clone Army was constructed for the Republic by a Jedi Sifo-Dyas and Magister of the Banking Clans, Hego Damask."
"I had grown to have a seeking suspicion against Damask," Palpatine replied, sighing, "the more I hear about my old mentor, the more I realize that I should have been more attentive."
"The same could be said for Sifo-Dyas, Chancellor, the Jedi Council did not authorize the creation of a Clone Army. We do not wish to speak ill of the dead, but if he was still with us, Master Sifo-Dyas's actions would have led to having his title as Master remanded at best, or more likely, received a immediate discharge from the Order."
"Yet... even if his intentions were intended to helping the Republic?" The Chancellor posed.
"The establishment of this Army is an extreme violation," Windu replied. "No Jedi should have given that order."
"And yet, it does not appear he was incorrect about a threat to the Republic," the Chancellor said, reaching up and gripping the side of his head as if fighting a rising headache, "the secessionist movement have been reported to be gathering droid armies, on record to guard themselves, but I ask, from what Army? It is very likely they wish to become the ruling force of the galaxy. The Republic does not have a legitimate Army, and we do not technically have one if we do not accept this Clone Army unless I rally up the various leaders of the Core and unite them. Even so that might not be enough..."
Master Yoda wrinkled his ears. "Regain trust in the Republic, the systems seceding must. Grow worse, this strain cannot."
"Yes..." Palpatine nodded, "I'll do what I can but I must prepare for the outcome of a war."
A terse silence filled the Chancellor's Office.
"However, I believe it's best if we discuss another matter, namely... surrounding Young Skywalker."
Both Jedi tensed, wondering what Anakin could do this time.
"A few days ago, he came to me and expressed to me that he'd left the Jedi Order..." Palpatine went into the story told to him by the Young Skywalker, albeit he twisted the tale a bit. In this story, Skywalker was angry and sulking, expressing his disgust with the Jedi and how far they've fallen. He'd needed to take advantage of this as much as he could and open up other possibilities.
Now, it was time to get to the bottom of what the Jedi did this time that provoked Anakin Skywalker to leave the Jedi Order. But from their perspective. It would do good to see his young friend depending on him through manipulated evidence.
"Unfortunately, Skywalker's story left out key details," Windu said curtly. "We'd advised that he needs to let go of his mother, and he decided that leaving the Order would be for the best."
"Let go of his mother? Why would Anakin need to let go of his mother?" Palpatine asked. Hopefully, the boy found her in pain.
"It is an accomplishment for the Jedi to resist their feelings and let go. Every Jedi are taught to do this, not just Skywalker. It will teach them more enlightenment through the Force and allow them to inherit to the Jedi Code. However, despite us pointing this out, he'd disagreed, and after a brief argument, Skywalker departed with the intent to save his mother."
'What greater weapon is there than to turn an enemy to your cause? To use their own knowledge against them?' he thought.
"Oh..." Palpatine sagged his shoulders and allowed himself to slump into his seat. "He does seem to be interested in helping my Senator, showing that he is still a Jedi at heart. But I am not above seeing the issues that can appear following this discussion."
Now it was time for the Dark Lord to take the plunge.
"The love between parent and child is fragile and beautiful, but such elements could lead to descent into insanity," he continued. "I want to see Anakin become the best man he could be. But, that won't happen if his feelings are used against him."
"Agree with you, the Council does," Yoda said slowly. It was obvious that the green Jedi had a soft spot for Skywalker that had been hardened in the past few days. Shattering ideals was such an amusing pastime.
"I can also shamefully admit, the young man brings a bright light to my usually droll and exhausting days. In order to prohibit further estrangement between you and him, I believe it's wise that we avoid bringing this up further…" Palpatine trailed off.
Windu exhaled. "He is a good man, of that we agree. The Jedi never intended for Skywalker to feel isolated, nor for him to feel that the Jedi are unreliable and don't have his best interests in mind."
"Then I will keep an eye on Skywalker myself. I'll hate to go behind his back but Skywalker needs to not lose sight of himself. If anything is out of the ordinary, I'll defer to you."
Both Jedi gave him appreciative nods. "Thank you, Chancellor," Windu said for both.
Sidious moved to the window, and the two Jedi left. That had gone well. He would be a fool not to plant seeds inside both parties, or at least lead to separation and division between Skywalker and the Jedi. By depending on him, it would allow Sidious to whisper more for Skywalker to hear what he wanted to hear and also put even more contempt surrounding the Jedi.
And it would be two-fold.
He smiled with elation. He would encourage the boy to rise through the military hierarchy and help him along the way with the various deals he made. The Jedi had always been in control and wanted to use him, so how could they 'grasp' what he had been through? Conceal it all, leave it sheltered, don't seek aid or support except to Sidious himself…
Lastly, there was Amidala. Anakin spoke fondly of the woman throughout the years, even as he transitioned from boy to man. When the time came, unless she became suddenly useful to Sidious, which could admittedly still happen, she would die.
He had felt a shift in Skywalker's Aura. Anyone would have. It was subtle, concealed by the Force, but there. He'd wanted to see how Skywalker would perform with Dooku.
If Skywalker scored above and beyond, Sheev Palpatine would reign him in and favor him with gifts...
If not, well, there was a possibility that Darth Sidious could assist Skywalker on that matter.
The cruel voice kept biting at Obi-Wan even as he put on his clothes, until finally, the Holocom beeped.
Siri, who was still resting against the chair, peaked up like a light.
"Looks like the Council have decided to check on little old us," she commented with as much joviality as humanely possible in that moment. Her mood hadn't improved in the slightest.
Deciding that wasn't worthy of a response, Obi-Wan double-checked his appearance and made sure his hair was returned to normal before he triggered the transmission, watching as the form of Master Windu manifested into existence.
"Kenobi, Tachi," the Korun Master greeted, "since you are already en-route, we have decided that it would be for the best if you continue to pursue Jango Fett. Chancellor Palpatine has been informed of the news."
"Very well, Master," Obi-Wan nodded, sharing a glance with Siri.
"May the Force be with you," both said at once.
"And with you."
The form of the Korunian disappeared.
"Alright," Obi-Wan replied, standing up and stretching, allowing his joints to snap as a feeling of relief passed through his body. "Let's go."
Siri fell back behind him, standing next to the bed Obi-Wan once occupied. Concern screened into the Force.
"You sure that you're up for this?" She asked, showing that she still felt strongly for him.
"I have rested as much as I can, and you'd heard Master Windu," Kenobi replied, looking back at her. "We must get to the bottom of this if the truth of this conspiracy is to be discovered."
"Alright..."
Within two minutes, they were in the Delta, with Siri taking up the seat again. They flew away from Kamino's raining orbit and gradually traveled through the blue streaks of light speed. It took a measly hour, but they arrived on Geonosis, landing on the outskirts of the planet, seemingly without detection from the horrifying number of fleets.
They would both have to worry about that later.
On the planet, the two Jedi sneaked within the fortress, managing to avoid what patrols there were. The lack of security in such a place was surprising and something that both Jedi noticed, but none of them had long to think about it as they searched for the bounty hunters.
No signs of life were spotted within the facility.
They suddenly started to hear footsteps approaching them.
"We must persuade the commerce guild and corporate alliance to sign the treaty." A rich, cultured voice emanated down the halls.
"What about the Senator from Naboo? Is she dead yet?" Nute Gunray inquired. "I'm not signing your treaty until I have her head on my desk." The Nemoidian added firmly. "Moreover, for your delay of this meeting..."
Kenobi felt his chest coming to a halt. By the white hair and beard, he saw it was an elderly person. However, the longer he milked in his appearance, he'd recognized it was none other than Count Dooku, former Jedi, his Grandmaster. Siri nudged him, and she motioned to an archway big enough for them to look within without being detected.
"I am a man of my word, Viceroy," Dooku assured Gunray with the smoothness defined by those who knew the man.
"With these new battle droids we have built for you, you'll have the finest army in the Galaxy," Wat Tambor declared.
The Council walked past the two Jedi. They went back up the stairs, where they stood above their conference room.
"As I explained earlier to you, I am quite convinced that ten thousand more star systems will rally to our cause with your support gentlemen," Dooku announced as he sat at the head of the table.
"What you are proposing could be considered as treason." Shu Mai, the Presidente of the Commerce Guild, declared, sounding apprehensive.
"The Techno Union Army is at your disposal, Count." Tambor declared.
"The Banking Clan will sign your treaty," San Hill added.
"Good, very good," Dooku replied. "Our friends from the Trade Federation have pledged their support and when their Battle Droids are combined with yours we shall have an army greater than any in the Galaxy. The Jedi will be overwhelmed. The Republic will agree with any demands we make. However, there is another issue we have to address."
The words gave pause to Obi-Wan's heart for a moment.
What was happening?
At that moment, a jolt of electricity shot up Siri's body. His friend hung limp, unconscious from the stun blast. Kenobi drew his lightsaber, prepared to defend her, only stopping when he'd noticed. A cybernetic hand was holding Tachi's forehead up. Standing in front of him was an armored figure. There were cybernetic implants on his body. He wielded an arsenal of powerful weapons, including a blaster pistol, currently trained at Siri's forehead. It was a... Cyborg?
"Make a move and she dies, Jedi..." A human voice said behind him, sending a chill down the Jedi Knight's spine. It was one familiar, one from decades ago, yet Kenobi never forgot the tone. The voice of the one who murdered a friend's parents.
"Magus," Obi-Wan realized with chilling horror, recognizing the blond bounty hunter who was grinning viciously.
The Cyborg prodded his blaster closer against the skin in his old friend's forehead.
"I have been waiting a long time to kill you and her, Kenobi, but can't get everything we ever want so fast. How's your Master? Last I heard, he was gutted. You know, maybe I can go after Gallia." Magus continued icily, the smirk never leaving his lips. "Finish it all."
Kenobi hesitated, his chest clenching tightly in horror as he saw Siri like that. Additionally, he had his forearm poised in his direction, likely a flamethrower or equivalent. From the little area Kenobi found himself in, it was unlikely he would be able to save her.
"What do you want?" Kenobi asked, deactivating his lightsaber.
"Toss your lightsaber, put your hands behind your head." The bounty hunter ordered.
The Jedi complied. Battle droids surrounded the Jedi, and his hands were roughly dragged behind their back. They did the same for the limp Siri.
"Move, Jedi," the commanding heavy battle droid sounded equally as lethal.
Led to the Conference Room, Kenobi and Tachi were forced down on their knees. The heavy battle droid gripped the Tachi's shoulders.
Dooku stirred in interest, reaching down to grab Kenobi's chin and turn his cheek, observing him.
"Well, well, well..." he said, eyes lighting up. "I do hate to be keep waiting."
"Jedi!" Gunray hissed, his hands clenching. "What are their type doing here?!"
"My, this is not a surprise, Viceroy," Dooku said nonchalantly, only a small outline of annoyance leaking into his tone. "We'd already knew they were coming, hence the delayed meeting." He looked once at the Cyborg. "Well done, you'll be a force to be reckoned in this war."
"Vengeance is to be mine, Count Dooku," the mysterious, modulated voice responded.
Dooku looked down at Kenobi, his eyes replaced by some form of pity. "And Obi-Wan Kenobi. It may have been a noble effort, but the Jedi Order's little smokescreen didn't work." Obi-Wan scowled sharply, straining against his captors. "Two traitors in one day, the Confederacy will be able to show its true purpose to the galaxy."
"You're too late, Dooku! The Jedi Order and Republic will find out, and Anakin is protecting the Senator!" Obi-Wan exclaimed.
"No matter," Dooku chuckled. "Sooner or later, he has to come for you, and when he does, we will see what he has learned."
"You... are focused on Anakin?"
"I do know of the boy's power, Obi-Wan. I imagine most Force Adepts do."
A Magnaguard strolled over and handed the hilts to the Count, who took them. "May I ask why two Jedi Knights are all the way out here on Geonosis?"
"We were chasing a bounty hunter, Jango Fett, who no doubt works for you."
"And the proof?"
Obi-Wan met his eyes, unflinching. "Of an associate bounty hunter and Jedi's sworn testimony to the Council..."
"Bounty hunters are not known to be trustworthy, especially in court. They would say anything to save themselves. And Jedi can be deceived. It's a great pity our paths have never crossed before, Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon always spoke very highly of you." His eyes darkened and became severe. "I wish he were still alive. I could use his help right now."
"Qui-Gon Jinn would never join you."
"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 corruptions of the Senate, but he would never have gone along with it if he had known the truth as I have."
"The truth?"
"The truth. What if I told you that the Republic is now under the control of a Dark Lord 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."
Dooku motioned to Gunray, "The Viceroy of the Trade Federation can testify for me. He 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. You must join me, Obi-Wan, and together we will destroy the Sith!"
"I will never join you, Dooku."
"It may be difficult to secure your release then." A somber sigh escaped Dooku. "Now, take them away."
Author's note: This is my Word of God moment, so stay bare with me. Palpatine is not manipulating Anakin. Anakin is manipulating Palpatine. The only reason why he is is that he wants to save at least some Jedi, which is an honorable act. If he wanted to be selfish? He could just leave and navigate through the Clone Wars while allowing Palpatine to burn the Jedi. If Anakin doesn't do this, it all but ensures victory for Palpatine. Getting out was what was best for the Jedi, if they managed it, true enough. That type of mindset doesn't take into account a few things. Palpatine could very much keep his hands clean and still unleash his Clone Army or even the Judicial Forces on them and then use a patsy to take the blame. Anakin is not hoping to unleash the GAR on Palpatine. No, that wouldn't work since he was legally elected, and a Military Coup would be folly. He is hoping to reduce the impact of Order 66. He has to do this if he wants to lessen the impact of a thousand-year-old plan, but the journey won't be easy. He would be making a lot of tough decisions. This fic is tagged moral ambiguity for a reason.
Remember, this is (now former) Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker. Even so, there's been a few times in the lore where Vader look Palpatine straight in the eye and lied out of his ass successfully. As far as Sidious knows, Anakin trusts him completely. He's not privy to the knowledge of time traveling so he would think everything's going his way. As far as he is concerned, everything is coming together exactly as he'd planned, though much sooner than expected. Palpatine's smart and borderline invincible, but he's not a God.
May the Force be with you all always.