12 Ghosts of the Past 2 (1/2)
Munificent Class Frigate Shadow's Veil
Location Classified
”The capture of Gunray is a serious threat to us. That fool was warned not to step foot on Rodia, at least until it was clear what danger Veil represents. He will break under Jedi interrogation. Even faster if this mercenary is allowed to get his hands on him.” Sidious ranted at his apprentice.
Dooku was kneeling in front of a hologram of his master and listening about the unexpected debacle that had befallen CIS. His anger spiked when the spineless Viceroy was mentioned.
”I am dealing with it, master. My best agent, Asajj Ventress will gain entrance to the Jedi's ship and deal with Gunray one way or another. Perhaps the mercenary too.” Dooku outlined his plan.
”You have a great deal of faith in your pet, my friend. Especially when she had failed so often in the past. Alas I am afraid that she may not be enough. Not with a Dark Jedi of unknown power playing mercenary assisting the Council's puppets. Send Artel Darc with her. He should be close enough to intercept them. Between the two of them they should be able to silence Gunray if not deal with the mercenary too.”
”As you command, master.” Dooku immediately agreed.
When the comm signal was cut from Sidious' side, the Count rose up, revealing a frown marring his face. 'Damn that fool, Gunray!' he thought. With the information that slug had in his too small a brain, the Republic could wreck unholy chaos upon the Confederacy.
To make matters worse, there was a new element in an already chaotic situation. Ever since the visions of the future he and Sidious could gleam were shrouded by ripples in the Dark side a few weeks ago, any further complications weren't welcome. For the first time since swearing his allegiance to Sidious, the Count was facing an uncertain future. It was not something he felt comfortable with. 'And isn't that thought such an understatement!' Dooku sneered.
The Count was still quietly fuming, when the armored doors leading to the bridge slid open and Ventress glided in. She was moving with the practiced ease of a trained predator.
”Master.” Her voice was quiet, almost sultry.
”Sidious has a task he wants done. One we can't fail. You could afford no mistakes, child. A failure could spell disaster for the Confederation and our master will be most displeased. I do not need to tell you what that entails. You must prove that you are worthy to be my apprentice, Asajj.” Dooku tried to impress the gravity of the situation to his protegee.
”I am worthy, Master. I will prove it to you.” The assassin practically purred. Her lips twisted in a cruel smile.
”You're to intercept a Republic ship carrying Nute Gunray who was captured just a few hours ago. Either retrieve or dispose of the worm. Be advised, there will be at least two Jedi on that ship plus a new variable – a mercenary.” Dooku began laying down the mission parameters.
”That won't be a problem, master.” Ventress looked confused.
”Do not underestimate the mercenary accompanying the Jedi, Ventress. I sense danger when thinking about that man. He's a Dark Jedi of some power, Asajj. That's why my master deemed it best to sent Darc with you. The man is expendable in the great scheme of things. Use the his talents as you see fit. Just get the job done.”
=RK=
On route to Republic cruiser Tranquility
Rodia's orbit
Outer Rim
After my civil conversation with his Sithiness himself, I was in for a boring day. Not that I minded the opportunity to stretch my legs and get a nap in a real bed after spending almost three days cooped up in the cockpit of my Torrent before arriving on Rodia.
The reason for the delay was typical one. The Jedi Council couldn't make their mind about how best to transport the Viceroy after they were informed that I'll be tagging along. Gunray spent that time in a small tower near to the one from which we called reinforcements. It had a cell meant for Amidala after her capture, which we used on the Neimodeian. I appreciated the irony of the situation. It served the bastard well.
My only problem was that I was not permuted to interrogate him myself. Shaak Ti declared that the Council had not decided how to deal with him. The infernal woman was following me everywhere except the fresher not allowing me to have a quiet chat with the prisoner! And that infuriating, small smile... that made her face so different and alive compared to her usual severe expression... She was baiting me on purpose!
What were orders from the Council anyway? For her to infuriate me into a murderous rage and get herself killed?!
Ahsoka was no help. After Master Ti ran her into the ground, the Padawan was too busy sleeping, ahem, meditating to be a nice conversation partner.
Shaak Ti appeared to be a quiet, private woman who I sensed would have liked to keep to herself but was unwavering in pursuing her duty. So no fun there. She was not interested in talking and I was not about to start pointing all the flaws of the Council and Jedi dogma before I knew her better and figured out what approach would work with her. If the Jedi leadership was consistent, I most likely would have time to figure her out, with her being my new minder.
I could not even get a heart to heart conversation with the Clones at the facility! They were wary of the Jedi tagging along. And some of the bloody bastards were chuckling at my predicament. Cheeky bastards.
That leads me to the present. I was on board of a Consular class frigate which was used to ferry us to the cruiser tasked with carrying us to our destination. After the Jedi were unwilling to include me in the escort detail, Palpatine evidently threw his considerable weight around and arranged for the prisoner's transportation.
I was with Ahsoka and Master Ti in the cockpit of the relatively small craft. Behind us was Gunray who was wearing chains. That was my idea. A bit of creative use of the Force and the manacles which were meant for Amidala were holding him secure.
When we approached the cruiser one of the clone's piloting our frigate contacted it. On a screen over the windows of the cockpit appeared an image of three men in blue armor. Senate commandos. It will be a wonder if a single one of them was not faithful to Palpatine first. Or perhaps not. An attack aimed at rescuing the Neimoidian could be a good cover to dispose from dissenters in the ranks…
The Jedi Master took charge of the situation.
”Cruiser Tranquility, this is General Shaak Ti. We have the prisoner secure and request permission to dock.”
”You have it. We are awaiting the prisoner.”
”Thank you, captain Argyus.”
Meanwhile, I could hear Gunray trying to bribe the clones guarding him. I wondered how that would go down. With me and two Jedi on the frigate it was obvious that even if they wanted the troopers won't agree. But what interested me was how and why they would decline.
”This is a most generous offer, Viceroy. Considering that because of you and your cronies my brothers fight and die all over the galaxy, I'll have to decline. But I'll make you a counter-offer. Keep your damn mouth shut and I won't have to do it for you.” Growled the clone commander. That was the same one who I met yesterday after dispatching the twins.
As we were about to dock through the hanger in the belly of the Venator, Ahsoka muttered: ”Finally we'll get away from him.”
To be fair, Gunray's whining was more than irritating and if it was not for my image as a level headed Sith, I would have seriously considered the benefits of ripping out his tongue as the phantom of Darth Vael suggested.
=RK=
Shaak Ti, Ahsoka and me plus Commander Green were the ones escorting the CIS leader to the detention center of the cruiser. Near it we were met by five men in blue armors led by the blonde captain with who Master Ti spoke.
”Greetings, General. We have a nice, dark cell waiting for this traitor.” said the commando officer.
”Excellent, Captain. Commander Green, lead the way.”