Betrayal - Chapter 35Jedi's Choice
The tension in the shuttle was formidable.
There were twelve of them there: Atel and Qui-Gon, Sle'fey and Xacor, Derst and the guard from the Hunter's Group, Rostak. The rest Obi-Wan didn't recognize but that was not uncommon.
Over the years, the Council had kept him so busy that, unless he or Atel were in the Healer's ward, he'd rarely stayed at the Temple more than a few days. There had been no time for growing friendships. Even the occasional social gathering of Knights and Masters organized to discuss problems in the field had been curtailed; it was too much of an expense according to the Senate accountants. So he'd had no real connection with the remaining Jedi and most of his friends had been cast out early in the first few rounds of dismissals.
Now he wondered if the constant missions had been deliberate, not so much that he was needed in the field but to keep him isolated from the other Jedi.
He couldn't dismiss the idea. Sle'fey and Xacor and Tharten had all used him in their own ways and isolation would have kept him from finding out the truth too soon.
He wasn't the only victim in this. Atel had been a young girl, not quite ten years old when she'd been assigned to him. He'd tried his best to keep her safe. But with her studies and the pressures of mission imperatives, he'd often had to leave her behind. Tharten had 'helped' her with her studies while he was away. In hindsight, it was obvious what a very great mistake that had been but at the time, he'd had little choice.
Now it was too late to repair the damage. Now if they survived this debacle, he might never see her again.
He was already mourning the loss.
She must have caught some of his unease because she leaned into him, wordless comfort in her touch. He sent her back a half-smile. Memories of other missions, of other times when she'd sat next to him before going into battle, caught in his throat. So often they'd relied on each other in the field - for strength, for courage, for the warmth that comes from family. Now he could not bear to see the worry in her eyes.
He turned away and glanced at the other Jedi in the shuttle. Most of them were gathered in the back, obviously lost in thought, staring out the window or else looking at nothing at all. There was nervousness there and concern. He could feel dread troubling the air.
At the front of the shuttle, Masters Xacor and Sle'fey were deep in conversation, whispering heatedly but not so loudly that he could hear what they were saying. It didn't matter. It was none of his concern. But it was disconcerting that Sle'fey kept glancing at him and then at Qui-Gon and away again; his dark eyes were opaque, his fur flattened and still. Xacor, too, would look their way and then mutter something to the Bothan.
It was obvious that they were plotting again. Obi-Wan just hoped it didn't include him or his old Master. He'd had enough of their conspiracies to last a lifetime.
The only one truly at peace seemed to be Qui-Gon Jinn. He was cool serenity in a maelstrom of growing darkness. Qui-Gon sat next to him, eyes closed, deep in meditation. Obi-Wan was not surprised. He thought back to all the times his former Master had found his calm center in the midst of battle, drawing in the Force with complete ease. Now, likely going to his death, Qui-Gon was again reaching to the Force for strength.
Obi-Wan could not. Tainted by fear and the fury of being pushed into something he knew would only end in disaster, he was loathe to touch the Force as Qui-Gon had done. So he sat there and tried not to think.
The respite lasted only a few moments.
The frantic whispering at the front of the shuttle died down. Obi-Wan looked up to see Master Sle'fey walking over to him, halting a step or two away, just out of reach. Xacor was right behind him, frowning.
"Master Xacor..., " the Bothan Master nodded back toward his counterpart and then said softly, "disagrees with me on the timing but I feel that it needs to be said, now, before we reach the Senate and things become complicated."
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Sle'fey settled into ready stance, looking as if he were about to go into battle, even if it was only with words. Looking at Obi-Wan with a steadfast gaze, he said, "Knight Kenobi, when this is done, I would like you to consider accepting an appointment to the Jedi Council. The others and I have discussed this and we would be honored if you would join us."
Beside him, he heard a little gasp from Atel; her hand fell onto his sleeve, warmth and hope in her touch. Clearly, she wanted him to change his mind and stay with the Order.
She was too naive for her own good. She would take the offered bait and never see the price.
But he did.
Once he had been as gullible as Atel. Ignoring the decay of the Order, he'd assumed that he was doing the right thing by remaining with the Jedi but all he had really done was enable them to use him for their own agendas. Manipulation and the lust for power drove Sle'fey and Xacor and the others, not to make things better for all but to control everything and everyone around them. They were little better than gundarks he'd faced so long ago, full of teeth and claws and ravenous hunger. They were power mad and did not think anything wrong in it.
"Are you trying to bribe me, Sle'fey? With the honor of Councilship?" It took all of his strength not to spit in their faces. "Or is this just another of your games?"
"No games, Obi-Wan." Master Xacor said quietly. "Trest is a little premature in bringing this up - it should have waited until after Palpatine's capture, but we do want you on the Council."
Sending an annoyed glare toward Xacor, Sle'fey then turned back to Obi-Wan. "The truth is that we need you, not just the Council but the Jedi Order. If we are regain a little of what we once were...." The Bothan had the gall to look both ashamed and thoroughly earnest. "We need you."
Obi-Wan felt out of control again. Long ago, before the dismissals and the loss of so many Jedi, he would have been elated to be asked to be on the Council. They had been the wisest of the Jedi Order after all and he would have considered himself fortunate to sit among them.
Now with everything that had happened, he could only feel contempt at their obvious manipulations. "You're lying. I don't think you know what the truth is anymore."
"Obi-Wan, I know that our choices hurt you in the past but we did what we thought was right at the time. I didn't like lying to you but I would do it again if I thought it necessary." Folding one paw over another, Sle'fey stood there, unrepentant. "I had to think of the Order above my own conscience."
"And that is why hundreds died? Because you ignored your conscience?" Obi-Wan could not keep the disgust out of his voice.
"I didn't kill them and we did everything we could to stop it once we realized what was going on." Drawing in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Sle'fey said, "I cannot change the past but I would like to change the future. With your help."
The Bothan Master sounded so reasonable, so calm that Obi-Wan could almost feel himself listening to the bold-faced liar.
If he'd been in his right mind, he'd have turned away, dismissing them without another thought.
Instead he sat there, tired, confused and bitter. The pain medication only kept the sharp agony of his wound at bay but the pull of repaired muscles reminded him of betrayal and the terror of almost losing Qui-Gon, reminded him of mind-rape and the unclean memory of Tharten's final moments under his hand. And now the Master who had used him for all of those years, was as much to blame as Tharten had been, wanted a favor.
He would have smiled at the irony if it weren't so absurd.
Beside him, Atel shifted, spoke up, "Master, this would be a...."
The hope shining in her eyes reminded him again of what he had lost and it hardened his resolve. "Don't!" She jerked back, clearly startled at his vehemence. "I'm leaving the Order as soon as this is over. I'm done with their tricks."
"But he seems sincere."
"He always does."
The cold contempt in Obi-Wan's voice frosted the air but it didn't stop Sle'fey from saying, "I ask that you consider it." The Bothan Master drew back, nodded toward the Senate building in the distance. "When Palpatine is captured and we have time to discuss this further, I would welcome your concerns. Perhaps we can negotiate terms."
"Negotiate? When did anyone ever negotiate for a seat on the Council?" The implications were staggering and yet he was not surprised. Before everything changed ten years ago, such a suggestion would never have been considered; the image of Master Yoda and Mace Windu haggling like Corellian smugglers over the price of a Council seat was so far beyond the realm of possibility that Obi-Wan could not even wrap his mind around the concept. It was preposterous.
He waited for a protest, waited for Sle'fey to tell him that he had misunderstood, waited for an explanation that could indicate that at least one aspect of the Jedi Order had remained pure. But silence was its own answer.
"Ah, I see." Even the words left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Not surprisingly, Sle'fey did not blink at the loathing in Obi-Wan's voice, merely stood there looking down at him. Finally, he shrugged, his paws spread wide in a motion that might be considered contrition. "The Jedi have not been on the right path for some time. It is.... difficult to change overnight."
Sle'fey looked down, then turned away, avoiding Obi-Wan's eyes, staring out the shuttle window into the distance. Whispering half to himself, he said, "It is certain that some of us will not survive this mission, myself included. I thought you should be aware of our plans before it was too late."
Obi-Wan followed the Bothan's gaze, noticing for the first time just how quickly they were approaching the Senate dome. It swallowed the horizon, looming large, growing closer with every heartbeat. The late afternoon light cast a reddish stain over the building's surface, the color of dried blood.
Shivering at the sight, he glanced over at Qui-Gon. The man was sitting there, calm, unruffled by arguments, quietly waiting for the final act in this desperate holodrama.
Although he wanted to get past that calm exterior and shake him into fighting this travesty, Obi-Wan knew it would do no good. But he had to try one last time. Besides, Sle'fey wanted something from him. Perhaps he would negotiate with the Bothan Master after all.
"Very well, I'll consider it." There was stunned silence for a moment. Apparently, no one hadn't expected him to give in so easily.
"I ask a favor in return." A deep frown cutting across his face, hands cramped from tension, Obi-Wan ignored the astonished stares. Instead he focused all his attention on the Bothan Councilor. He wanted Sle'fey to know just how much they would have to negotiate if they wanted him on the Council. He said, flatly, "Send Qui-Gon back to the Temple. I'll come with you to arrest Palpatine but let him stay behind."
There was a soft reprimand in Qui-Gon's voice. "Padawan, no."
Obi-Wan ignored him, stared instead at Sle'fey, waiting for his answer.
"You are persistent, stubborn and, at times, more focused than anyone I've ever encountered - all traits we will need in the coming months." There was a glint of satisfaction in Sle'fey's eyes and he looked almost pleased. For a moment, Obi-Wan thought that he'd succeeded after all but then Sle'fey shook his head. "But no, I will not compromise this mission even for you, Obi-Wan."
He felt defeat settle into his skin. There was nothing else to be done, not with Qui-Gon so adamant and the Council members opposed to it. Sending a sharp glare in their direction, he turned away. Frustrated, dreading the moments ahead and knowing that they would only end badly, Obi-Wan sat there, silent, and stared out the shuttle's window.
Sle'fey must have realized that their conversation was at an end. Obi-Wan heard him say, "Master Jinn, we sent the message you requested. I am not sure how long it will take to reach Naboo but it was sent."
"Thank you, Master Sle'fey." Qui-Gon sounded relieved.
There was a jangle of metal and Obi-Wan glanced up to see Force cuffs dangling from Xacor's hands. The Zabrak seemed resigned, almost ashamed when he realized that Obi-Wan was staring at him. But all he said was, "I regret that it has come to this but we are nearing the Senate."
Sle'fey nodded. Looking at Qui-Gon, he reached out with one paw, palm open, waiting. "We need your weapon, Master Jinn. It would look odd if a prisoner were armed." When Obi-Wan opened his mouth to protest, Sle'fey hurried to say, "We will keep it safe until it is needed."
"I will take his saber," Obi-Wan said sharply. "You will be busy with other concerns." It remained unspoken that he didn't trust them with it, that he didn't trust them at all.
With a gleam of reproach in his eyes, Qui-Gon handed the lightstaff over into Obi-Wan's hands. It felt odd, the weight of it awkward and yet there was a sense of his Master's warmth in it, almost as if the man had infused something of himself into cold metal and duraplast. Clipping it to his belt, he nodded to Qui-Gon and waited for Xacor to finish setting the stage for this little farce.
It didn't take long.
As the Councilor stepped forward, Qui-Gon said nothing, merely lifted his hands, and Xacor slipped the binders onto his wrists. There was an audible snap and the soft crackle of blue energy began to shimmer around the cuffs, leaping from one to the other, a cruel radiance, shutting off his connection to the Force.
His Master gave a little grunt of pain and his face paled. But Qui-Gon made no protest, merely nodded his acceptance.
"I thank you for your help, Master Jinn. I will do my best to make sure that you are protected for as long as possible," Master Sle'fey said softly. "I'm sorry."
"Not sorry enough, Master," Obi-Wan growled, his voice harsh with censure.
Then there was no more time for regrets.
The shuttle's windows darkened, the sunlight morphing into artificial gloom as it slid into the landing bay. As it settled down onto the platform, the transport lurched a bit and then stilled; the background noise of engines died into silence.
For a moment, no one said a word. There was no need.
They had arrived at their destination.
Sidious could feel that there was something amiss.
He would have preferred the currents of the Force be stained with the rich oily black of tortured souls begging for death or the molten red of innocent blood. But instead there was only a shadowy murk; the greys of growing Lightside filth were all but polluting the darkness. There were warnings there, of hidden agendas and dangers yet unseen.
It would appear that the Jedi scum were trying to corrupt the Force with their good intentions.
He supposed that he should be amused. After all, they were insignificant, insects all, trapped in their Codes and duty, incredibly blind to the fate that awaited them. But he'd be a fool to ignore the warnings and Darth Sidious was no fool.
At least the traps were in place. He'd checked them a few hours ago and he was certain that nothing would survive should it come to a fight, not even Jedi. In that, he was satisfied.
Turning back into Palpatine persona, he twisted around and began paying attention once more to the prattlings of Senators hovering in his office. He had to admit that at least the Jedi trash has some integrity, that they weren't willing to do anything for power - well except for Tharten and her cronies. But the creatures in the room had no such compunction. Instead they were quite willing to killing their own hive-mates or the younglings under their care or any other sentient being who got in their way.
So much for Senatorial principles.
Indeed, before him was a perfect example of what the glorious Senate had become. A mixture of oily syncophant and fool, the cretin, Kenth Zaros, head of the Oversight Committee on Jedi Affairs, stood before him. He was obviously trying to garner attention. His tunic alone would be enough to guarantee that. It was a blazing eyesore, full of red and eye-popping yellows, the corusca gems edging his sleeves worth a Core planet's yearly revenue.
The man should be gutted like the slime he was, the insignificant worm. Palpatine would have liked a little sport but instead of watching the Zaros's blood soaking the carpet in streams of hot liquid, he had to nod gravely and try to look interested.
"Supreme Chancellor, I welcome this opportunity to see Jinn brought to justice, murderous coward that he is." The rat-faced simpleton was rubbing his hands together, and snickering.
Palpatine tried not to laugh at the sight. It was just too absurd. The brazen peacock knew nothing of justice.
However, he had to play to his audience. He put on his most benevolent yet concerned look, the grandfatherly visage, one that had fooled so many before. He shook his head, saying, "Yes, I was shocked when I heard the news. Jinn certainly has much to answer for."
Zaros nodded eagerly. "He deserves his fate. Master Tharten was a good administrator, Jedi though she was, and she certainly knew how to manipulate those ruffians into accepting their situation. She was fair-minded, tenacious and tough, honorable, too - unlike most of the Jedi. She was quick to understand how scarce resources are these days and always willing to trim her budget in order to help the Republic. A true leader."
"Indeed she was. Master Tharten will be sorely missed." Palpatine bowed his head for a moment, pretending to be saddened by the event.
"Well said, Supreme Chancellor." Zaros looked almost as if he would miss Tharten. Perhaps, he would. She certainly made the fool's job that much easier. "It will be more difficult now to keep those idiotic Jedi in line. They have no idea of basic economics and are incapable of money management. We may need to take over the Council ourselves."
That would never do. He was so close to the final eradication of the Jedi that any interaction with the Senate might force his hand. He would have to squelch that idea and quickly. "Representative Zaros... Kenth, while I understand the need for frugality, it would be unwise to pull people from the other Senate committees at this time. Besides, you are doing such a splendid job that I cannot see interfering with that."
Zaros beamed. "Supreme Chancellor, I don't know what to say. Your continued support has given me new hope that we can get past this debacle with Jinn and move onto a leaner, more compliant Jedi Order."
"I am sure you are right. Luckily, the Jedi have realized their place. But I must remind you that I cannot be seen to be prejudiced in this case. After all, I must remain impartial, a leader to all the people, not just to those in power but the lower classes as well." He looked out the window, into the distance. "While I applaud their decision, it is the Jedi who have condemned Jinn, not this office. I hope you understand the difference."
The over-dressed fool nodded, saying smoothly, "Of course, Supreme Chancellor. The Jedi must take full responsibility. I...."
A soft chime and Palpatine looked up to see his secretary gesturing to him "Excuse me, Representative Zaros. Duty calls." Without a backward glance, not even listening to the synophant's apologies, he moved to his desk and wating for the incoming message.
It was that annoyance, Amidala of Naboo.
Sitting down, he tried to look interested but it was an effort. The woman was tiresome at the very least and sometimes an impediment to his plans, a fact that made him increasingly frustrated. She'd avoided several assassination attempts, too. She was either extraordinarily lucky or more wily that she appeared. In either case, he would need to get rid of her soon.
Putting on a mask of somber but weary concern, he said, "Senator Amidala, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
"My apologies, Supreme Chancellor. I know I am imposing on your time but one of our Naboo citizens, Qui-Gon Jinn, a hero in the liberation of Naboo, has been arrested by the Jedi. But no charges were filed. As you know, the Naboo government should have been informed as to the charges and the defendant given legal council as required by Senate decree. When I contacted the Jedi Temple about this, they told me to contact your office. I know that this is something of a local poblem but I have been unable to get any information. Are you aware of such an arrest?"
"Senator, indeed I am." This was too delicious an opportunity. Her naivete was begging to be crushed.
Looking down at his steeped fingertips, he closed his eyes, as if too weary to cope with one more problem. He waited for a few heartbeats to increase the tension of the moment. Then finally, his voice resigned, he looked up at her and shook his head. "Jinn's behavoir has been appalling. He apparently killed four mine owners on Telos, has been slave-trading for several years and there is a list of other infamous evils perpetrated by this man. Jinn deserves his fate."
She turned pale but the little fool just kept prattling on, "I cannot believe it, Chancellor. I've known Master Jinn for many years. There must be some mistake."
"No mistake." Palpatine shook his head and shrugged defeat. "Unfortunately, even if he were innocent of the other crimes, while imprisoned awaiting trial, he killed the head of the Jedi Council, Master Sera Tharten." He leaned forward, staring at her, savoring the moment. "In cold blood. There were several witnesses. He is condemned to pay the ultimate price."
"Condemned?" For an instant, she looked like one of those deep-sea fishes that, once pulled from the oceans, were left to drown in air. She was pathetic, her eyes bulging, her mouth open wide in astonishment.
Then she seemed to gather strength, protesting, "Even if he did murder someone, he would need to be tried in a court of law. Who was his legal council? I would like to talk with his lawyer and find if there has been an appeal filed. I can't stand by and let this go."
"Senator, I have nothing to do with his sentence. The Jedi have condemned him, not I."
"Sir, you cannot let this happen, not without a proper trial in the courts. It's..."
He cut her off in mid-sentence. He knew from past experience that once Amidala thought something needed to be done with one of her insignificant pet projects, she would push and push and push until most gave way just to shut her up. He had neither the time nor the inclination to deal with her foolishness. Besides, baiting her was always, for want of a better word, amusing. "Senator, I am surprised that you would try and use your office in this way. Jinn has had his trial before the Jedi Council. Besides, my hands are tied. The Jedi, those guardians of peace and justice, have found Jinn guilty of murder, not I. There is nothing more I can do except carry out their sentence."
Apparently the woman didn't know the meaning of defeat. "Supreme Chancellor, this does not make sense. Qui-Gon Jinn would certainly not murder anyone in cold blood. He's not capable of it." When he didn't say anything else, she turned stubborn. "Sir, if you will not stop this, I will have to go to the Courts and have it stopped."
"Senator, you are most welcome to try. If there has been a mistake, I would be remiss in ignoring it." Sounding both resigned and hopeful, as if he really wanted her to go to the courts and remedy the situation, he told her, "But you will have to be quick. His execution is scheduled for this evening, in an hour or so from now."
"Then I better get started." She straightened, looking every inch a former queen. "I'll stop this, Supreme Chancellor. I promise."
And with that, her image dissolved into a blue haze and then into nothing at all.
Snickering under his breath, he muttered, "Better hurry, Senator."
*******************************
As the time grew closer for Jinn's farce of an execution to begin, a small cadre of Senators, their lackeys and the ever-servile Representative Zaros remained. They seemed eager to see a former Jedi brought low and Palpatine could understand why. He looked around the room, watching each being in turn as they preened and sneered, made disparaging remarks about the Jedi or remembered Jinn's exploits while he had still been in the Order.
Each of them had had an altercation with Qui-Gon Jinn on one or more occasions and had been made poorer for it, either through loss of wealth or the relinquishment of power in their systems. Now they were here to participate in something very special - revenge.
Of course, he could not appear to be anything but impartial. Yes, as Supreme Chancellor, he would see that justice was done; he was required to do so. But he could not be the one condemning him. Luckily, the Jedi had accomplished that part all by themselves.
Now he was waiting for the final hour when Jinn would appear and be led away out of the control of the Jedi and into the execution chamber.
Sidious had originally planned for an escape, one that would have had Jinn falling into his hands and away from prying eyes. But that would have left the fate of the prisoner unknown to the Jedi and it might have raised questions. They might have even tried to pursue him. That could be a problem.
Instead, upon reflection, he had decided that the execution would take place after all. Jinn would be killed or at least appeared to be killed by the Senate guards while the Jedi watched.
It would be easy enough to fool them.
A poison mixture, one that caused no pain but merely shut down bodily functions, was usually used in criminal terminations. In fact, the compassionate idiots in the Senate had insisted upon it - an humanitarian gesture, something about refusing to cause unnecessary anguish to the prisoners in their last moments of life. Absurd folly but the Senate cretins had also made it stunningly simple to manipulate the final outcome.
Witnesses would see a man executed before their eyes. What they wouldn't realize was that the right choice of poison and pharmaceuticals would guarantee that the prisoner was merely on the edge of death and not lost for all eternity. More importantly, with the Force choked with a dark mixture of revenge and blood-lust from the Senators, even the Jedi would not be able to see through the deception.
The spectacle of it would be his to savor - the last gasp of a dying man, the sound of triumph from the audience, and perhaps even an outpouring of anger-tinged grief from Kenobi. The Jedi Council would stand around, looking ineffectual; some might even mourn the old rsshak slime's death. Sand-fleas, all of them, hopping around in a frenzy of emotion but yet they would be unable to change a thing.
And when the Jedi had gone back into their gilded cage, he'd have the final triumph. Another application of drugs, judicious use of the Darkside and Sidious would - in a manner of speaking - be able to bring the dead back to life. Until, of course, he tortured the man to death, until there was nothing left but a mound of cooling flesh at his feet.
He was looking forward to it.
But alas, there was no more time for pleasant anticipation. The turbolift doors outside his office opened wide and vomited out the Jedi and their prisoner.
As expected, Jinn was at the center, surrounded by the Jedi; his hands were aglow with the blue haze of Force cuffs and he looked as if he were in pain.
Beside him, Kenobi stood fury-rigid, his usually bright spirit in the Force clouded with a mixture of fear and blood-red anger. It appeared as if this confrontation must be affecting Kenobi more than expected; Sidious was pleased. It might be easier to Turn the Knight than he had thought.
Of course, Kenobi's pitiful little fool of a Padawan followed behind, dutifully guarding his back.
The rest of them crowded into his antechamber, Sle'fey and Xacor and several others, a total of twelve beings including Jinn. For a single execution, the number was surprising. It would seem that the Jedi were taking this matter very seriously, suspiciously so.
It was odd, too odd to ignore. He would have to remain cautious but he was not alarmed. After all, the traps were set and it would only take a moment to trigger them.
He gestured for the Republic guards to close in, surrounding the Jedi on three sides, and then beckoned the group forward.
The bystanders, Senators and their assistants along with Representative Zaros, were scattered about the room but now gathered quickly into knots of anger. Muttering among themselves, mouthing sharp little bursts of noise that seemed to gather into a muted roar, they appeared to be out for blood.
Palpatine sat back down behind his desk, staring at the tableau. It was almost perfect - the Jedi scorned, Jinn in chains, Kenobi glowering, the encircling mob baying for Jinn's death. He would have liked to savor the Darkness but he had a part to play.
"Senators, please. This is not entertainment but a serious matter. Enough!"
He rarely raised his voice but this was one of those times and it had the expected effect. Astonishment rippled in the air. As everyone in the room looked at him, the silence was absolute.
Now that he had their attention, he played the audience, lifting his head high, trying to look outraged and yet resigned. He was the gentle yet strong commander, determined to do what was right for the galaxy. No one would ever think anything amiss. Instead, by following the rules of law, by refusing to show favoritism to one of the citizens of his home planet of Naboo, he was showing that he put the Republic first, that the principles of sacrifice and duty were more important than his own political agendas or private opinion.
It was absurd theater and he reveled in it.
"Master Xacor, I thank you for your diligence in this matter. We all mourn Master Tharten's death. It was a tragic loss but I think she will rest easier knowing that her murderer will pay the ultimate price for his treachery."
"Yes, the death of Master Tharten has affected all of us." Xacor's eyes flicked to Jinn and back again. "We welcome this opportunity to show the Republic that the Jedi will continue to be the arbiters of justice, even in these difficult times."
"Well said, Master Xacor. I know that the Jedi have had problems of late but with the proper guidance, the Order will come out of this situation better and stronger than before."
As the Zabrak bowed his agreement, Palpatine tried not to smirk. Xacor was certainly playing his part and it was becoming clearer by the moment that the man would be a good choice for head of the Jedi; he had just the right touch of subservience and seemed to take direction well. Things were looking up.
However, turning his gaze back to Jinn, something caught at Palpatine's attention, giving him pause.
The former Jedi was not playing the expected role. Instead, he was standing there, impassive, no fear playing across his face, no sheen of sweat showing how terrified he was. The man didn't even seem upset.
Sle'fey, on the other hand, was indignant, his white fur whirling with emotion. He stalked over to Palpatine's desk, standing right in front of him, glaring. "Supreme Chancellor, this is unacceptable. I thought this was going to be a private occasion, not a spectacle for a crowd of Senators who are all known to have ...issues with former Jedi Jinn."
Palpatine ignored him, turning instead to Xacor, "Master Jedi, I thought we had already discussed Master Sle'fey's part in all this." He sent a frown toward the Bothan. "He should have remained at the Temple."
"Your pardon, Supreme Chancellor, but he is here to see justice done," said Xacor. "I will vouch for his behavior."
"See that you do." He sent an icy glare towards Sle'fey and then turning back to Xacor, his voice sharp with annoyance, Palpatine continued, "Do you have the documents detailing the charges against the murderer? As you know, we cannot expedite this execution without following the proper protocols. The courts, the Senate and the Republic demand that we follow procedure to the letter." He glanced around the room, making sure that all were watching as he put the Jedi in their place. "And I will accept nothing less."
"I agree, Supreme Chancellor. We will follow proper procedure." Xacor pulled out a datapad and placed it on the desk. "This contains all the charges levied against former Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and the Jedi Council's final determination."
As Palpatine began to read, from out of the corner of his eye, he could see the Jedi spreading out, their movements causing the surrounding Republic guards to back away slightly - not enough to alarm but they did seem to be creating space to maneuver. It felt wrong; it felt like they were planned something.
And then, as he kept reading, he realized why.
Impossible!
The fools, the damnable, slimy muck-worms, had found Jinn innocent on all charges.
This was too much. They deserved to be evicerated, using all the powers at his command to torture them until they screamed out the end of their pitiful lives, until there was nothing left but bone and steaming meat.
Vermin, every last one of them.
However, much as he wanted to destroy the Lightside scum, now was not the right moment. Instead, in a clear, sharp voice, he said, "Is this some kind of sick joke? Because if it is, it is in poor taste."
Xacor straightened, looking impossibly smug. "Not a joke, Supreme Chancellor. After looking over the evidence, the Jedi Council has dropped all charges with regard to former Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn. As you know, as per Republic order AA-6827, the Jedi Order has jurisdiction over former members of the organization and their determination is final. He is hereby released from our custody."
Palpatine wanted to gut the damned fool.
He'd been outplayed. By Jedi. All his work to arrange Jinn's death had come to nothing. Those self-righteous insects!
But before he could say anything else, a collective howl of anger shot through the room.
The Senators and their parasites were all sound and fury, their fists or claws or suckertips waving around frantically as if they were ready to deal their own rough justice. Obviously, once their small minds had caught on to what the Jedi were saying, they must have realized that there would be no execution today, at least not an official one.
The rabble were ready for blood and they would not be denied.
Even Zaros, idiot that he was, shouted, "This is an outrage. You've gone too far, Jedi."
At least the overdressed fool was good for something. Palpatine's perspective sharpened from fury back into retribution. It was possible that he could play the Senators after all and get them to kill Jinn for him. Being torn apart by an angry mob was almost as good as torturing Jinn himself - almost.
Glancing back at Xacor and Sle'fey and the rest of the Jedi, he could see the apprehension growing on their faces. They must have realized that they were greatly outnumbered, not just with the Republic guards but surrounded by beings out for revenge. Their hands dropping down to their sabers, the Jedi looked as if they were preparing for a fight.
He had to admit, though, that Xacor was calm enough when he said, "If you would remove the cuffs, Obi-Wan, Master Jinn is free to go."
"Stop!" Freeing Jinn was the last thing Palpatine wanted. "I forbid it."
Kenobi acted as if he hadn't heard a thing he'd said. The Knight reached for Jinn's Force cuffs and it was only a quick reaction of one of the guards, his pike at the ready, the threat clear, that prevented Jinn's liberation.
Almost instantaneously, Kenobi's saber was in his hand, still unlit but his thumb hovered over the switch. The man looked ragged, almost savage, certainly unbalanced. If Palpatine hadn't had his own problems, he would have been amused. Kenobi was obviously having problems with control - a thing to exploit under other circumstances.
On the other hand, Sle'fey acted as if he wanted to diffuse the situation. He said softly, "It will be all right, Obi-Wan. I promise you."
Kenobi's look of pure disbelief was a thing of beauty. For a moment, Palpatine thought that he would ignore the Jedi Master's words but finally Kenobi nodded, lowering his saber. He couldn't help but notice that the Knight was frowning sharply, his face white with hostility.
"Supreme Chancellor, you have no authority in this matter," Sle'fey protested. Then he turned to the guard and said, "Stand aside."
So it would appear that the Jedi were actually going to try and defy him after all. They were in for a rude awakening.
As expected, the guard only shook his head at Sle'fey's command and remained where he was. Palpatine's guards were hand-picked for loyalty and the brute was certainly doing his job well.
It was a stand-off. The Jedi would not dare to maim a member of the Republic guard doing his duty; it would not look good in the eyes of the Senate and it would certainly be used against them in the next round of dismissals.
It didn't matter. The Jedi were doomed. They didn't even realize how close they were to extinction. Fools - refusing to use the Force for their own ends, ignoring infinite power for small-minded compassion. They deserved their fate.
The rest of the room had quieted by now; the Senators and their lackeys were standing there, waiting. It would appear that the rabble wanted to see how he would play the situation before they took matters into their own hands. Besides, if he would be the one to have Jinn executed, they would not have to soil their worthless reputations. Miserable cowards, the lot of them.
He did not let his audience wait long. "This is absurd, Sle'fey. He murdered Sera Tharten in cold blood. You told me that yourself."
Sle'fey glanced back, looking at the tense crowd before he turned to him and barked out, "The holovids proved otherwise." Leaning forward, paws splayed on the desk, he said loudly, "In fact, she explained herself quite thoroughly in the vids before she died, Chancellor."
What was the rsshak slime talking about? Explanations? This was no longer about the execution of a simple-minded ex-Jedi. Sle'fey, truly devious as only a Bothan could be, was planning something.
Indeed, the Force was growing darker, more dangerous by the moment. There was something there that couldn't be ignored, something that was vital to his future and the future of the Sith. He could feel it.
It all hinged on Sera Tharten.
That muck-brained little fool could not have betrayed him. She didn't have had the nerve.
But if she had, then he'd better make sure the Jedi would be in no position to accuse him of anything.
"Master Tharten was murdered and you have just let her killer go. I have to wonder if the Jedi are capable of judgment in this. Or anything else, for that matter. Justice will be served." He leaned forward, staring directly into Sle'fey's eyes. "With or without the Jedi Order."
The Bothan animal ignored the obvious threat, instead shoving a data crystal at him. "She was going to assassinate Qui-Gon Jinn. Acting under the direct orders of a man who called himself...," his voice lowered into accusation, "Darth Sidious."
For the merest faction of a second, Palpatine was taken aback.
Tharten had betrayed him. She had betrayed him.
If she weren't already dead, he'd have shredded her worthless carcass until there was nothing left but a few bone fragments and a pool of blood on his carpet.
Behind his Palpatine facade, his fury began to claw at his shields, his mind screaming obscenities. He wanted to destroy them: the Jedi, the insects in the Senate, that corpulant mudfowl, Zaros - wipe them out, every last one of them. They deserved annihilation and he would be the one to deliver it.
But the time was not just yet. And so with wild rage beating against his chest, he continued to show only a placid face and mild eyes.
It was no small feat, even for him.
Sle'fey seemed to be more perceptive than most. Nodding, radiating self-satisfaction, the Bothan scum looked as if he'd been expecting just such a reaction, as if he'd seen beyond the mask.
"He is a Sith Lord, Chancellor," Accusation in his beady eyes, Sle'fey stared down at Palpatine and said flatly, "An enemy of the Jedi and the Republic."
"The Sith have been extinct for a millenium." His voice sharp with scorn, Palpatine shot back, "Or would you have us believe in tales told to frighten little children?"
In the crowd, there was a choking noise and several sharp whispers. But he ignored them. He had more important things to deal with.
The Jedi scum were planning something. The Force was growing agitated, the darkness churning in the murky currents, warning him of danger. It was coming and fast.
"He's real enough." Xacor said flatly.
Sle'fey shrugged and pointed to the data crystal. "You might want to look it over carefully. I've sent a copy to the Judiciary Department. I am sure that they will be very interested in what she had to say." He shifted back, looking like he was ready to go into battle, standing there fingering his saber as he watched Palpatine. "We've also forwarded the other information on Sidious that we found in Master Tharten's files."
"Files?"
He couldn't believe it. That muck-brained Tharten had files.
On Darth Sidious.
He should have killed her when he had the chance.
"Yes, Supreme Chancellor." Sle'fey was too calm, too sure of himself as he said, "Files that will prove that you conspired with Master Tharten to murder Qui-Gon Jinn."
There it was - the danger to him and all his plans.
The Jedi had been more observant than he'd expected. He thought it had been beaten out of them long ago. Rsshak scum.
He could deny it, of course. But there was an easier way. All he had to do was blame the self-righteous Jedi.
"Files that will prove that you have been an accomplice to the murder of over a thousand former Jedi in the last ten years."
Sle'fey was still mouthing accusations but Palpatine's rage was already morphing into plans, his mind weighing the consequences of various scenarios. The energy of the Dark filled him and he used that to focus. It would be easy enough to push his enemies into making mistakes. They were incredibly short-sighted; he, on the other hand, took the long view.
He was not concerned with their so-called evidence and besides, it would be simple enough to prove that the Jedi had manufactured it all.
However, his supporters, the Senate rabble in the room, were looking increasingly worried, some of them glancing back at the exits and edging away from the Jedi. If things continued this way, he couldn't afford to let them escape. Eliminating them would be a minor nuisance but an acceptable loss of temporary allies. He might even enjoy it. He locked the escape routes, just in case.
But the Bothan animal kept prattling on, oblivious to the danger. "Files that will prove you've been slave trading against Republic law as well as other illegal activities ranging from making deals with the Hutts over the spice trade to diverting weapons systems to the Separatists. You've also been blackmailing and sometimes killing Senators and former Senators who have refused your demands."
There were a few gasps from the crowd. Some of the Senators in the room had been friends with those he had killed - not that it mattered. The dead had been useless fools and in his way.
"Files that prove you are Darth Sidious." Sle'fey's litany ground to a halt.
The scum had finally shut up.
"This is beyond belief." Palpatine straightened, staring at the Jedi. As he kept talking, he made sure his voice quavered, pitching it so that there was just the right balance of disgust and astonishment coloring it. "I had always tried to help the Order maintain their place in the Republic, even when others would have dissolved it entirely." He forced tears into his eyes, enough to look as if he'd been blind-sided by friends and was only now realizing the treachery. "And to lie... to fabricate such accusations in order to cover your own incompetence is beyond anything I would have imagined. You wound me deeply."
"Spare me the protestations, Chancellor. We have more than enough evidence to condemn you to the same fate you would have condemned Qui-Gon Jinn."
With one wave of his paw, Sle'fey signaled the Jedi forward. Several of them drew out their sabers, still unlit but in their hands. Kenobi tried to shove past the one man standing between him and Jinn but the brute just stood there, glowering. The other Jedi were more successful, slipping away from some of the other Republic guards and starting to cluster around his desk.
There was a clamor of alarm from the crowd; some of the Senators began skulking towards the exit. The puffed-up mudfowl, Zaros, was staring at him, mouth open in shock.
His guards were busy powering up their pikes, aiming them at the Force users, threatening them with deadly skill.
It was a tableau worthy of Sith Legend, that breathless moment before everything tipped into bloody war. The Jedi Order versus the Republic. The Jedi Order versus Darth Sidious.
Perfect.
"If you come with us now, I'm sure the courts will take your cooperation into consideration." Sle'fey was still looking quite smug; he must have been sure of himself but he would be in for a rude surprise.
"You have no right to come in here and make false accusations." He was still playing to the audience but a slight gesture and the traps were powering up. He had merely to push one button and the place would be saturated with death. "This is insane."
"The Jedi are still the guardians of justice, Chancellor Palpatine, and we will deliver you to the courts for trial - with or without your consent. Security Act or not, you've gone too far. " Sle'fey must have realized something was wrong because he looked suddenly wary. But he only said, "You are under arrest."
They had gotten in his way for the last time.
He stared up at Sle'fey, secure in the knowledge that everything was being recorded. He'd release the audio later, spliced, of course, after everyone in the room had been killed, his guards cut down by sabers as they defended him, the Senate muck-worms destroyed in the heat of battle. The outcry would be enormous, the Jedi Order declared outlaw, swept away by their own foolish actions.
At last, their destruction was at hand.
"They're trying to take over the Republic," he shouted, a frightened plea quavering in his voice.
Scum all, the Jedi merely looked confused and the Senate fools more so. Did they think so little of him that they thought he'd go without a fight?
Sle'fey barked out, "Chancellor, you....."
Palpatine shrank back, waving his hands in front of him as if to stave off an attack. "Guards, help! They are trying to kill me."
"Chancellor, enough of this." Xacor came up to Sle'fey's side, his saber at the ready but still unlit. "You are under arrest."
"They are insane." He began to wail, as if he were terrified for his life. "Help me!"
The Republic guards surged forward, their pikes crackling with energy, aiming for the Jedi. One of them shouted, "Get away from him." Then shoving his weapon forward, he jabbed at the Zabrak Master.
Not fast enough, the energy charge caught Xacor along one arm and he dropped back, grunting in pain.
Snap-hiss.
The strident sound of igniting lightsabers was all it took.
Chaos erupted across the room - electro-pikes spitting furious energy, Senate fools screaming as they panicked and ran for the exits, the thud of overturned chairs, the sharp shattering discord of breaking glass.
Watching the pandemonium, Sidious smiled satisfaction. But he thought he should add one last touch. In a quavering, terrified voice worthy of a holovid star, he wailed out, "Rebels! Assassins! Help, they are trying to kill me."
Then he sprung the traps.
Lightning ripped across the air, the blue light crackling madly as it seared through flesh and bone. Red blasts of plasma energy shot through the air, catching at beings who screamed out their agony.
The room was filled with the dying and the dead.
He had won. And it was glorious.
To Chapter 36 |