717 FNM (21 BBY) Month 6
Punworcca-class interstellar sloop, Dathomir System
Count Dooku
Meditation, a luxury that I rarely have the time for due to how frequently other tasks in the last decade needed my guiding hand. So much preparation, so many factions, needed to be integrated for this war to coalesce smoothly. Even now, I rarely have moments to center myself in meditation unless I schedule it in advance.
One of those thoughts was not a questioning of the Grand Plan, per se, merely some of the less scientific components of that plan. Those not backed by evidence or justification, like the Rule of Two. While it is a serviceable method to hide from the Jedi Sentinels for millennia, my dream was to build a new, reformed Jedi Order. One whose goals were grounded in material reality and scientific knowledge, not fearfully hidebound and stuck in the Core. For that, I would need more recruits than just an apprentice.
Facing the truth that the Jedi Order was doomed while stuck to corrupt democratic forces, only acting at the beck and call of the Senate, had been one of the harshest lessons I ever had to learn. However, I was never one to shy away from Dark truths. Persuading any of the factions in the Jedi Order to join that mindset seemed unlikely, especially back at the time I joined the Grand Plan. And time had shown me that there were other options on the table.
What other options? I had shared my knowledge, unlike the fearful Jedi. A small group of acolytes were gathered, those who thought as I did. We had a shared greater purpose, a desire for a better Jedi Order out in the Outer Rim, one not afraid of the Dark Side of the Force and willing to delve and discover the truly unknown.
Most of them were scattered across many fronts, doing everything they could to fight the Republic, and I was losing them. Sidious had ensured this. Battle by battle, they were placed in impossible binds, where proving their loyalty meant their destruction. I was dissatisfied with the betrayals I was meting out. That too was part of the plan that Darth Sidious had laid out to wipe out the Jedi.
But now my frustration with my role in the Grand Plan transformed into outright concern about Sidious's inflexibility. There were often many paths to new knowledge, to new advancements. There were many Jedi that could be turned, many that could be of use to a new Order. Factions in the Jedi Order were more splintered than ever before, thanks to the war. And for the most part, besides Sidious's ever-growing interest in Anakin Skywalker, a young man who reminded me of myself, Sidious had emphasized that I should not try to bring these potential Jedi to our side. Despite the obvious proof that when we convince Obi-Wan Kenobi to switch sides, that his former Padawan Skywalker would join our cause as well.
So I had come to a realization: I should not be so trusting in Sidious's plan. Sidious and I shared a great many mutual interests and had the same goal, but I need not walk down the path Sidious has laid before me. I needed to adapt; do more to grow my Order of Force wielders. After all, if I had numerous Force wielders at my command, we could confront Sidious on equal terms and prevent some of his more predictable disasters. And with an Order of Force wielders on my side, it would greatly simplify matters with the Separatist Council.
Presently, I let them play at being the leaders of the war, doing what they please with the forces they have. Of course, I retained control of both the Separatist Droid Army and the CIS Navy, the latter I was going to allow Grievous to use in his planned offensive near the end of the year.
I did not have complete control of every individual system's army because of the Separatist Council. If I was able to streamline command and control, I would have more than enough forces to drown the Core in droids and make my demands known. It's something I don't think Sidious really considered when he crafted this plan together. His plan, after all, depended on the greediness of the corporate lords, who made up the Separatist Council, to hamstring the military efforts of the Separatist Army from actually accomplishing anything.
If I were to put those corrupt corporate lords in their proper place, and utilize the full resources available, I could win. If I wasn't hamstrung at every turn, I could unleash a force powerful enough to remake the galaxy
Then again, I was apprehensive about abandoning the plan completely for a simple reason in particular. In order to abandon the current plan, I would need to embrace my role in the CIS. I was the architect of the CIS and in order for victory, my leadership, and skills would be needed to succeed. The evidence was right in front of me, I already knew it. I saw the path for me more clearly than Sidious could guide me from his distant vantage; I needed to accept that Dark truth as well. I alone know my path best because it is the path that I chose.
"Master, we're almost to Dathomir." I opened my eyes and looked out the window, seeing the aforementioned planet closing the distance.
"Good." I said with an amused smile as I sat up, turning to Ventress. "This is your first time back to your homeworld in a decade or two, is it not?"
Ventress nodded, more focused on the console. This behavior is not surprising. She had been sold as a slave from her homeworld at a very young age, and so never formed any strong attachments to it. There were no restrictions in place preventing her from visiting any time in the past, yet it just couldn't compare to the rest of the galaxy. But for now, I needed Force-sensitive recruits and my options were limited. So, we went to the few places where I could still gather a modest number of recruits.
Under normal circumstances, my identity as a foreign Darksider would cause enough distrust, enough that I could safely assume such a mission would fail. However, with Ventress accompanying me, there is an opportunity for success, a rare opportunity, where there usually was no chance of success. Having a Dathomiri with me would ensure a safe arrival, even if they don't approve of my presence. Ventress would also be able to secure my safe departure as well. Everything in between that point will be up to diplomatic talks with Mother Talzin, the leader of the Witches of Dathomir, the largest Dathomiri cult.
Ventress spoke, but didn't turn away from the console. "Are you sure this is safe, Master? The people of Dathomir do not tolerate outsiders."
I nodded. "True, however, they might be interested in what I have to offer, at the very least."
She shrugged and focused on flying the ship. I watched the planet come closer until we broke the atmosphere. Finding the location of the Nightsisters was not difficult. As we entered, a voice came in over the communicator on the navigation frequency, "Incoming craft, state your business-" The comm cut off and crackled with static for a moment. "-What? Very well. Follow these coordinates. Mother Talzin is expecting your arrival."
Most likely, Mother Talzin had sensed my arrival. It was to be expected. These witches were strong in the Force, even if they don't like to classify their particular skill in it as the Force. They would sense that I was here — I wasn't hiding my presence. This far away from the Core, it was very unlikely for Sidious to sense where I was and what I was doing.
The ship landed in front of a cave, with trees hanging everywhere and pods, filled with the bodies of Nightsisters long dead, from what I understood of their history.
Standing by the cave entrance were about a dozen Nightsisters, armed with energy bows, metal swords and spears. A curious combination of very primitive and somewhat advanced weaponry at the same time. In the center was a woman in regalia that could only be Mother Talzin. She was observing the sleek Punworcca sloop with interest, I noted, as I stood up from where I was sitting.
Walking over to the ramp, I spoke to Ventress, "You shall lead the way. I believe they will take kindly to your arrival more than I would."
Ventress nodded as the doors lowered, and she stepped down the ramp. I followed behind her, my hands clasped behind my back as I observed the proceedings.
Mother Talzin smiled as she saw the young Nightsister walking down the ramp. Then the smile slowly decayed as she noticed me. By the time I approached, it had fully transformed into a frown.
"Welcome back, sister. It was a shame you had to be given to that slaver, but I knew you would return some day stronger for it, if your mother were still around she would be proud." She said, her voice carried a strange echo that told of her long use of Dark Magicks, as they called it. I know Sidious had said they used the Dark Side, yet was dismissive about the specifics of their craft. He always said there were many paths to every end, as there are many ways of using the Force.
Perhaps the Witches found an alternative way to use the Dark Side that differs from how the Sith uses the Dark Side. Order and control took many forms. I sometimes speculated about finding order in the galaxy; did it require both the use of Light and Dark? So perhaps my dual abilities could be of use to my Order, perhaps not. I had much to consider.
"Mother Talzin, it's an honor to meet you, my name is Asajj Ventress." Ventress said, bowing her head before moving her hand to indicate to me. "This is my master, Count Dooku."
Mother Talzin raised an eyebrow before saying, "Oh? Are you sure it's not Darth Tyranus?"
"And how have you come upon that name, Mother Talzin?" I asked, keeping my tone mild, only showing my curiosity. I ratcheted up my threat assessment of this leader — the only person who should know that is Sidious. Was she one of his agents? Or did she come by the name through some other means?
I did not have to wonder for long, as she explained. "You learn many things by simply listening to what is out there. What you call The Force screams names in anger and sorrow. Yours, in particular, is quite sorrowful."
I nodded in understanding. This answer didn't rule out her being an agent of Sidious or other confirming sources. But it did demonstrate that she had listened to the Force. Listened at the same level that Darth Sidious was able to, and had been able to grasp the name.
The name the Force had given me was fitting, for it was what I was going to do. It was, after all, how these names came about. The Force foresaw what I was going to do as a tyranny. Thus, while a member of the Sith, I must take the name and make it my own. So, I became Darth Tyranus. I did not wholly embrace the name though, as I'm fighting tyranny, but it was interesting to learn the context of that name. Sorrow... I wonder why that was.
Whatever it meant, I could investigate it in time, there was no urgency there. Ventress and one of the other Nightsisters seemed to be having a silent conversation, or possibly, telepathy. So I cleared my throat for attention and said, "Well then, it appears that we do not need any more introductions. Is there a place where we can speak unheard by those who would wish to hear us?"
Mother Talzin smiled before waving for us to follow her. "I can provide such a place, yes."
In a quiet procession, we moved deep into the cave. It contained a rather well-lit community built underground, inside of it. Farther in, there was an underground river and the bridges seemed almost cut out of the natural rock. Every visible dwelling was crafted seemingly of natural rock and illuminated with an otherworldly green light. Strange green bonfires out in the open were clearly being used for heat and cooking as well. The eyes of the Nightsisters watched us as we moved. Before long, we arrived at a solid wall. She waved her hand, and I felt the wall shift in the Force, while visibly it shifted, dissipated like a mist. She stepped inside after that display settled, beckoning us to follow.
Once inside, she waved her hand again, and the wall came to be once more. I was able to get a good look around the room. It was a study of sorts, with a kettle in a corner brewing something over an open fire. She waved her hand, and several chairs and a table moved to the center of the room. She said, "Take a seat. I have a feeling I know why you're here."
"Do you now?" I said, moving to take a seat. "What reason do you think I'm here?"
"Allies and subordinates, ones you can trust, ones that you know will serve you to the best of their capabilities, ones that your master has no control over.
You wish to recruit amongst my people. Searching for force-wielders that can be harnessed into weapons for your own use. Not much different than the imperious Jedi scum, walking in here and trying to steal my people. It has happened before, and it wasn't in my people's favor that time. But the Witches of Dathomir have a long history of allowing its members to journey outside and learn new magic and abilities from other Orders.
Two different stories chart my people's history. In one tale, we were long-lost Jedi that were stranded here for generations, developing our own culture. The other tale is even more extraordinary, and tells us that we were stranded refugees of an incredibly advanced galactic-spanning civilization, displaced in time and space. Both stories are shrouded in mystery, but they do speak of one thing, of the importance of knowledge and understanding. Allowing our people to learn what is needed to learn, to not be held back by what one side of the Force tells the other, is necessary for a true understanding of the universe. After all, they are merely two facets of the same whole."
She smiled and sipped her drink. "For example, I've heard that even though you have joined the Dark side, you still maintain your ability to use the Light to perform Force healing."
I nodded my head in confirmation. The trick to healing with Light was self-evident. In addition to the knowledge required to heal the injury, the Light required a true desire for the patient to become whole and grow into something greater in the future.
She tilted her head and her smile widened eagerly at the admission. "The Jedi guard that particular secret of theirs too zealously, if you asked me. I would like to learn more about these techniques. To be able to feel and sense people through the Force. Our own methods are different, requiring a sacrifice of energy.
If you're willing to let some of my people learn from you and allow them to return to teach us their techniques, for as long as that continues, I would be willing to allow you to recruit from our planet as much as you want. As long as the knowledge is shared, you may visit whenever you want and find people to serve in your Order."
I stroked my beard as I considered the offer. It cost me little to empower such isolationist allies and if they decide to rebel, I have more than enough fleets and droids to crush them. In return, I would have a steady supply of Force Sensitives for my Order. "I would be more than willing to go along with such arrangements. I am recruiting to build an institution that truly respects and teaches all the ways of the Force, including both Light and Dark. It's purely rational, it's the only approach to such matters that can succeed. We need numerous Force sensitives to join our cause to succeed. In addition, I could also offer you resources from the CIS if you are interested in that."
"I'm afraid material aid from the CIS would violate our neutrality, at least the neutrality of my Order. I'd prefer you not export your war to our peaceful haven here, and I don't need your doubts to cause me issues in the future."
"My doubts?" I asked.
"Doubts about the future, doubts about your Grand Plan." She replied.
I furrowed my brow. "What do you know about the Grand Plan?"
She chuckled as she took the teapot off the open fire. Several cups flew from a nearby counter to arrange themselves in front of Ventress, myself, and an open seat for herself. "More than most, but not as much as you, I'm sure. Many years ago, your Master promised the seat you now hold to me. Quite the charmer he was, still is, I hear. Instead of continuing our potential relationship, he decided that my Magicks were inferior to that of the Sith and that I could not learn what was necessary. However, someone he found on Dathomir was more interesting than myself. Your Master, Darth Sidious, left without giving me what I was owed, but not before taking something precious from me."
"I had not known this information before." I said with interest, curious about what the Sith had been up to when I had been a Jedi.
"Ah yes, you're a recent addition to the Dark Side of the Force. Some of us do have connections between other Orders. The Sith are known to rarely share their teachings and power." She held a grim expression and paused for a moment to let that sink in. "I assume the reason you're here is you're starting to suspect that, Lord Tyranus. You are starting to suspect that whatever the Grand Plan will be, may not end in your favor and your goals. And most importantly of all, you're starting to wonder why you should share power with a man who ordered the death of someone important to you."
I neither confirmed nor denied that statement, but narrowed my eyes in suspicion. Years of politics have necessitated denying any hint of information that could be used against me. I had not anticipated this exact conversation, but it still seemed possible to steer it in a constructive direction. "And since you seem to have anticipated me so well, what exactly do you think I want?"
Mother Talzin smiled and paused to drink from her cup. "Allies, subordinates, perhaps a new Order. One that is not quite Sith and not quite Jedi. A bold move to play so far into the game, but the pieces are moving so effectively. I do not think, even if you could pull it off, it would be functional."
I kept my face impassive at the supposed jab at my capabilities. I was about to ask if this meant she was going to offer me nothing, but she smiled dangerously. "Sidious has caused me as much harm as he has caused you, and I would not mind supporting you in secret. I admit I want revenge; to hurt him as much as I can because he has hurt me. But I'm also the ruler of my people, and I must put their safety first over my own machinations. The Witches of Dathomir can support you in many ways, but we will not do so openly. I will not let your former Master find an excuse to bring ruin to my people. You can take who you want from here, but they will not be allowed back until this conflict is over. Preferably after your Master's death and the formation of this new Order you're establishing."
I nodded my head. I understand what she meant, their boundaries were quite clear.. "Is there anything else that you are willing to offer in exchange?"
She sipped her drink, clearly stalling. "Besides what I've already mentioned, allowing you to search among the population for potential recruits, I know you are searching for allies and I can provide you with an assassin. They can be used quite effectively against Republican hard targets, targets you want destroyed. Although, their training leaves them lacking when it comes to soft targets. Do not ask them to go running off and capture someone alive alone, they will need guidance otherwise. But whoever you send them after will be dead, that I can say with some assurance."
I already had several individuals capable of assassinations, including Ventress, who was an elite assassin. However, I spoke politely next, in case this was some cultural custom. "I already have a useful assassin. Why should I take on one more who will not be as skilled or trained in the subtleties as they are?"
Mother Talzin laughed. "Because your best assassin, young Ventress, will not be able to stay in your service for much longer. Sidious is closely watching over your inner circle. If he feels that your apprentice is growing too strong and could be used by you to strike out against him, he will order you to kill her. There's only room for two in the Rule of Two, and I can feel young Ventress is rapidly becoming a third. Which means you will either have to decide to kill your assassin or kill Sidious."
I nodded my head. That was what I already suspected would happen eventually, but to hear someone confirm my suspicion merely strengthened my resolve.
"If Ventress is growing to such a degree that she's becoming a threat, why has he not also asked me to do the same to every single acolyte I have gathered to my cause?" I asked.
She chuckled before saying, "If he knows of them he likely would, I do not know of every acolyte under your command. But if I were you, I would start looking for ways to make them appear less capable than they are."
I nodded in understanding. What was being discussed here, was that I needed to keep my acolytes secret in case Sidious tried to remove them.
Severance's failures had given me an excellent opportunity to remove her from her position as my lead acolyte and a possible leader of the CIS Grand Army to a lesser role as a field commander of some note. For all intents and purposes, I had resigned her to a lesser role and given her an acolyte of her own to train as she wished.
This would prevent Sidious from looking at her too closely. After all, she wasn't really a Sith. She was merely a general with Force abilities, fighting for the CIS. She only has a bare minimum of training in utilizing the Force, equivalent to a Jedi youngling. Her acolyte, Tan'Nya, the modified clone, was like another warrior, not under my personal training and not trained enough in the intricacies of the Dark Side to even qualify as a Sith apprentice — yet.
Of course, Grievous had no Force ability, though some had tried to give it to him. Thus, he would be ignored and, in a way, protect Severance as he took the position of high command.
As for Sora Bulq and his group of Jedi who also abandoned the Order, those assets were not as risky to deploy. They tended to operate in the South, far away from me, and could appear to be an independent Order of Dark Jedi, which Sidious would make note of yet generally ignore.
The only other two possible apprentices that were in danger were Ventress and Tanya. I needed to figure out a way to hide Ventress when Sidious demands her death. As for Tanya Kryze, I still hoped to sway her to our side, though I did not see the path to do so yet.
"Let's say that your thoughts are true, that Sidious does plan to remove my assassin from me. How would we go about preventing that, Mother Talzin?" I asked.
She smiled and said, "By putting your trust in your apprentice. When Sidious demands her death, you shall resist, at least at first. However, should Sidious pressure you, then you shall order the death of your apprentice. Prior to that, we shall make a record of droids slaying a woman who resembles Ventress, easy enough for me to accomplish, I assure you. You shall inform me and present this recording to Sidious while Ventress conceals herself from the Dark Side and escapes here, to my fortress. I shall perform a ritual that will echo out across the galaxy, resembling the death of a powerful force user. The best weapons are ones that are not known, and if she escapes and stays hidden here, she can not only be a weapon to stab Sidious in the back when he least expects it, but a weapon that can learn things that the Sith and the Jedi cannot teach her."
I nodded my head as this was a rather simple plan but one that could work. I was concerned about the quality of the deception that the Nightsisters could create, they did not seem to be the most technologically adept but would likely be able to accomplish the elements of the plan that requires sorcery or with a body double. Moreover, a great deal of this plan was in the firm control of Talzin. Her treachery would be disastrous should I commit to this gambit. But, perhaps I have grown a little too caring of my apprentice — assassin. I turned to her and asked, "Well, Ventress, what do you think of this plan?"
She looked at me before saying, "I believe we are powerful and numerous enough to challenge Sidious master. How could Sidious stand against us and our dozens of dark acolytes? I would prefer a more direct plan, one that allows us to cast down that cowardly fool... However, if this gets us closer to accomplishing your goal, I would be willing to risk it, Master. If we are going to embark on this path — I would like to officially be your apprentice if we are going to break with your Master. Now is the time, if we are ever going to break free of the Rule of Two, so I can be trained to my fullest."
"Do not allow your ignorance of his strengths to become arrogance, Ventress. I shall be the sole arbiter of our ability to defeat him, is that understood?" There was a pause before Ventress bowed her head in subordination. I sighed before I said, "There is merit to your thoughts, and I shall deliberate on that before we are done here." Turning back to Mother Talzin with a smile, I said, "However, if Sidious finds out that you are supporting me in any way, his anger will come swiftly and mercilessly upon your world."
Mother Talzin smiled before saying, "Fooling someone of your Master's caliber will always be a risky proposition, but there are options to protect ourselves out there. Dathomir is neutral, but not part of the Council of Neutral Systems. If we were to join them, we could borrow the same rules they follow. "
"An excellent plan. I believe we have come to an agreement." The new idea was around Dathomir joining the CNS. If I could manipulate events to ensure Senator Kryze officiated the event at Dathomir, it would give me a window of opportunity to abduct her on prepared grounds, now that I had negotiated unrestricted access. Even if it failed, the incident should cause the CNS to expel Dathomir. Then they would need me and the CIS aid I alone can provide to stay out of Sidious's clutches. "How long will it take for you to prepare this ritual for Ventress?"
"Time is a fickle thing, unfortunately, as we too must obey its laws. I believe a few months are required to gather everything I need. Then we will need Ventress to return here to take her part in the ritual to deceive your Master. Thus, I believe that by the end of the year, I will have everything in place for your apprentice."
"Perfect timing, then, if we can pull it off." It wasn't, but I could delay Sidious if he gave me the order to execute Ventress a short while. If the order came too early, I would stall by assigning her to distant missions whose success was mandatory for my Master's plan.
Talzin raised an eyebrow, possibly sensing some of the motives in my thoughts. "Is there something planned for the end of the year that will give Sidious a blow that he'll feel, perhaps?"
"Perhaps, at the very least, the Republic will feel its impact. A strong enough diversion that the Republic will not be able to muster any assets for some time to interfere with my plans."
"Wonderful." She said, lifting her saucer of tea. "To mutual benefit."
"To mutual benefit." I agreed, lifting my own and sipping it with a bemused smile.
Coruscant, Mandalore Tower
Tanya Kryze
Sometimes I asked myself if some people were intentionally trying to drive me insane. Do they get joy out of trying to create political instability just to mess with me? Then I remember that Being X isn't around anymore, or at least I've seen him gloat over the course of the last nineteen years of my life. So it seems safe to assume that what I'm feeling is leftover paranoia, the remnants of our last confrontation.
The idol's performance had been a smash hit. The Coruscanti public enjoyed the story of the fall of the Neo-Crusaders under the hands of Revan. A fallen Jedi who turned us from the path of the conquerors, who was willing to go above and beyond his calling.
Recent events outpaced the Mandalorian Expo planning, so I grew quite concerned when I learned the lyrics of the Gargon Girl's scheduled debut song. It highlighted a rogue Jedi, and the Maelstrom debacle also involved a rogue Jedi; their fanaticism had led them to nuke an entire system off the galactic map. So I was very worried that when the song debuted, I would have angry Senators and Jedi breathing down my back about anti-Jedi sentiments or something of that nature. Thankfully, that seemed not to be the case. The conversation I had with Grandmaster Yoda and Master Windu after the performance was quite friendly. They had been more amused than insulted by ancient history.
That was the good news. The idol's debut did not turn into the expected supernova explosion, thanks to Grandmaster Yoda. I disliked that he was playing favorites, but I couldn't refuse such useful patronage. The bad news was that someone else apparently had been rather moved by the concert. Earlier today, I got a message that a youthful Jedi Knight — no older than nineteen, my own age — was trying to contact me.
Why she was trying to get in touch with me, I don't know, and I don't want to know. She wasn't a Mandalorian, so she wasn't my problem. Perhaps she felt insulted by the play, perhaps she was looking for compensation for distress. It seemed foolish, but I was not exactly in favor of solving someone else's problems.
But there wasn't much I could do on the matter. Jedi Knight Etain Tur-Mukan had managed to bypass my security through an old trick: social manipulation. More importantly, now she was on her way up. She apparently told my guards something of grave importance, which somehow convinced my security to hesitatingly allow her to meet me. So important and sensitive that they refused to explain further except in person; I couldn't fathom any reason that made this situation make any sense.
Letting out a sigh, I sat back on my new couch, happy to have fully furnished and now occupy the top floor of the Mandalorian Tower. Vai prepared a cup of caf for me. If I was going to have my time forcibly wasted by a VIP guest, I wanted to at least be decadently comfortable. My cushy position in the rear wasn't everything I had hoped, it seemed, but at least I wasn't being shot at. I'd pick the familiar monotony of a desk job over the high intensity environment of a battle any day.
My silent complaints were interrupted as the door opened and two of my Royal Guards entered, escorting the Jedi into the room. She looked young, too young for the title of Knight.
Standing up, I confronted the problem directly. "Evening, Jedi Knight Etain Tur-Mukan. I am Senator Kryze. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
The young woman reached out as if to shake an unoffered hand, before aborting the gesture. "I need your help. I... I may have made a serious lapse in judgment."
I remembered to let my confusion show on my face, still not sure what the issue was. "Lapse in judgment? Doesn't that sound like something you should be bringing up with the Jedi Council? Is there a particular reason you have come to me about it?"
She gulped. "Can I have a seat? This is... this is a long story."
"Of course." I said, offering her a seat. I sat down after her, and once she seemed settled, I sighed.
She fiddled with her hands, appearing to be trying to calm herself and visibly work up her courage. I only watched and occasionally took a sip of my caf until she broke the silence and finally spoke. "I'm pregnant with a child of a Mandalorian."
I blinked, and blinked again, the non-sequitur statement taking me a moment to process. "You know, of all the things I expected to hear today, this was not what I was expecting." I bought myself some more time to think by draining my caf before placing it on the table. "Is this pregnancy consensual?"
She looked at me, seeming perplexed at the question. "Yes, yes, he doesn't know yet, but yes."
"Ah-huh, so why exactly are you here then if he is not aware of the situation? Is he violent? This also seems like something you should be bringing up with the Jedi Order."
She lost her composure at my prior question, a panic-stricken look appearing on her face. "No! No, he isn't violent, he is very sweet. It's just." She let out a sigh before finally explaining, "He's Mandalorian by culture, but the father is a clone."
"Ah." The pieces started falling into place. A young Jedi Knight having consensual relations with her clone underling. This was a political minefield with many potential consequences for Mandalore. Could the clones give consent in this scenario, and even if so, did that have any meaning given the power imbalance? This was exactly one of the issues I had highlighted in my reports to the Senate Military Oversight Committee after the action on Geonosis. However, as a mere Representative, those reports were given a very low priority and there was a war on.
Nodding my head, I said, "Okay, I'm starting to see why you're not eager to face the Jedi Council. This would be a bit of a scandal. But why have you come to me?" I had a strong suspicion her reason for coming here was related to the clones being grown from engineered Mandalorian DNA. I had drafted preliminary plans for how Mandalore might independently respond to this crisis, back before I was elevated to Senator. Given the course of the war so far, it seemed prudent to assume the Republic would respond too late to this issue. Tentative responses from Arkanian cloning labs indicated that any engineering done on the Kaminoan clones could be reversed through a specially designed virus, like a more advanced and precise version of CRISPR.
"I was wondering if you would help me determine how to move forward. I really don't know what to do, and there only seems to be two options: discuss with the father's buir or come here. I did talk with him, but I am concerned about the things he said, so I thought I could get a second opinion on the matter here. I heard that you were not told the true story of your birth until very recently, and you're the daughter of Master Kenobi. So I was hoping that your perspective would be helpful as well."
My initial understanding of the situation was confused for a bit as she tried to explain her connection to my past. Sure, my past might appear externally similar, given the Jedi angle, but we are in opposite roles. I've never had any choice in who my parents were. Why would my personal perspective be useful?
"Okay, why don't we start with, what outcome do you want?" I probed.
"Uh, come again?" She asked, confused.
I sighed, apparently even mystical Force powers couldn't solve miscommunication, but I tried to explain the possibilities as I saw them. "It's your child, no matter how the situation plays out you have the final say. Sounds like you're more than willing to carry your child to term, which means you want him or her to live. Do you want that?"
Knight Tur-Mukan looked off into the distance, as she spoke. "I want to raise my child with Darman, the father, but I can't do that until after the war is over. I can't leave the Order in its time of need. It would be dishonorable to abandon the citizens of the Republic just to satisfy my own private selfishness. I've discussed this with Darman's adoptive father, Kal Skirata. And agreed to keep this secret, even from Darman, so he would not become distracted in combat."
I heard a sniffle and looked to my right, noticing Vai was apparently taking the fatalistic romanticism of the situation quite to heart. Sighing, I tried to format a diplomatic response to such a dramatic statement. "Distracted? You don't want him to be distracted by the fact that he has a son? Which sect of Mandalorians is your baby's father from exactly?"
She blinked, seeming confused. "Aren't they all the same?"
"No, no, they're not." I let out a sigh before palming my face to show my frustration with the universe and my multifaceted culture. I calmed myself, taking in a deep breath before letting it out. "I assume that this Kal Skirata fellow, who was recruited by Jango Fett, is a True Mandalorian. Which means the culture he's spreading to the clones is the True Mandalorian culture."
She had a blank look of nonrecognition on her face. "I don't know what that means."
"Right." I continued as if she had agreed with me. "Knowing True Mandalorians, the knowledge that you are pregnant with his child will not distract Darman, unless you are on a battlefield with him while still pregnant. Warriors are expected to return home for the birth of a child and have time to recuperate; many choose and want to stay at home to take care of them. So the child will not be a distraction. More likely, it would serve as motivation, something significant for him to look forward to at the end of the war. Something that will give him purpose, make him treat his life as important and valuable, as he will have a wife and child who need and want him to share in their future. So in this case, honesty is the best policy."
The young woman stared down at her hands for a moment, seeming to be deep in thought. Finally, she looked up, worried expression still in place. "That may not be straightforward... Kal Skirata is pressuring me, so he can become the primary guardian."
What? I gave her a sharp look. "What exactly has Kal Skirata said to you?"
"Darman's adopted father, Kal Skirata, is willing to take my child into his clan when the baby is born. However, he imposed several conditions. He thinks that a child of a clone and a Jedi would not be safe to exist — even in the Republic. He fears that too many factions would want our child for the wrong reasons, and I agree. But he is demanding I go off-world so we can keep the pregnancy a secret. And he wants to be the primary guardian with the right to raise our child. I am certain he will use that as permission to raise them as a Mandalorian. "
I turned to Vai and said, "Use proper diplomatic channels to get this Kal Skirata individual here as fast as possible. Find and bring the father as well." From what I had heard, a number of dangerous assumptions were being made. Best to clear this up quickly and gather everyone together for easier communication.
Knight Tur-Mukan looked at me in confusion. "Why are you asking for Darman to be here?"
"Because Kal Skirata is, in my opinion, an idiot. He can't use this situation to pressure you to keep the secret, it won't end well. There are significant external factors you have failed to mention. I'll be completely honest with you: your child may carry serious genetic defects that were engineered as part of the Kamino cloning process."
"What?" She asked.
"How old is Darman?" I asked rather simply.
"Ah, he's part of the first batch of clones, so I'd say he's amongst the oldest. So, ten years maximum."
"Which means your child would have the possibility of having the same genetic markers that require a normal human that should age into their 20s in ten years. They would age twice as fast, at a minimum."
That seemed to hit home as she opened her eyes in surprise. "Oh..."
"Not only that, every clone has the same possibility of producing bad genetic flaws. You are simply the first in a long line of individuals who will probably have to deal with the same realization you are having right now. Your child may not outlive you, but not by much. You're nineteen now, and in many more decades, you'll be near the end of adulthood, but your child will have aged significantly, they might even look like they're your ancestors. Because that's how fast they're aging."
"I hadn't even considered that." She said, seeming troubled, and rubbing her face.
You hadn't even considered that you're dating a ten-year-old. But I wouldn't hold that against her openly because that sensibility came ingrained from my previous lives. I couldn't complain because I couldn't admit to where my point of view came from. Adulthood worked differently for many in this galaxy. Especially considering they were both young idiots, and one of them actually ages quicker than normal for the years involved.
"Your child is going to need advanced gene therapy treatment to fix that issue, and we should be able to provide that within the Mandalorian sector. Our allies, the Arkanians are rather fine gene smiths and given enough time, they can figure out a treatment for the genetic damage. Of course, it would help if we have information on what the Kaminoans did to the donor DNA before we start poking at it to make sure if this is even necessary, but I'll handle that. If you'd like to avoid your name being attached to such research, we can arrange to work with you anonymously to solve this problem. This could be a rather useful tool for helping the other clones attain a real livelihood after their service in the war."
She looked up at me confused as I continued, "If the same gene therapy treatment developed for your child is employed on all the clones once they reach adulthood, it would prevent them from continuing their aging process at the accelerated rate. That would ensure the genetic damage wouldn't be passed down to their children, and then we wouldn't have a problem with generations having their lifespans cut in half." I paused there, and took a sip of my caf. Privately, I also hoped that this solution might help the public to see these clones as people and not as biomechanical droids, a common issue within the Senate.
Knight Tur-Mukan seemed deeply conflicted about the entire offer. It seemed I still needed to convince the Jedi of the ideal solution. Phrasing it in economic terms would not be the best approach here, Jedi have little understanding of economics. Aunt Satine — Mother would have somehow argued the same terms in high-sounding moral rhetoric. I could do something slightly similar, translate and phrase the economic exchange in regard to what they valued most: morality and humanitarian ideals.
So I tried to persuade her. "Your issue, your problem, could do much good for the galaxy if we have the opportunity to research your situation, and share the cure widely. If you're willing to allow me access, and to use it that way. In exchange, I will make sure to provide a safe, anonymous home on Mandalore for your child. It will include anything necessary for their lifestyle arrangements and needs. Finally, we will provide a faculty to research and construct the treatment, a place to repair the genetic alterations that your child and the clones carry. Your name doesn't need to be attached at all, but this opportunity would help all the clones suffering in the Republic. What are your thoughts on this?"
"I won't need to reveal myself to the public, right? You can do all this without me revealing my identity, but still solve the situation and handle the treatment on Mandalore?" She asked, seeming to be trying to grasp and confirm the details in my offer.
I sighed. "As far as I can see, there's no reason or benefit for you to reveal your identity. I assume you want to keep this from becoming a scandal between the Jedi, the clones, and the Republic."
She nodded emphatically. "Okay then, if this could help so many more people, then yes, I will. . But keep the exact details secret."
"As far as I'm concerned, your identity as a Mandalorian, or at least someone who's potentially going to join the Mandalorians, will be kept secret. I will do everything in my power to ensure that.
Knight Tur-Mukan stared down at her hands for a moment, but when she looked back up, she seemed to have found some inner strength. "Alright, alright, let's do this."
Coruscant, Mandalore Tower
Kal Skirata
The sleek and elegant towers of the diplomatic district were an unexpected sight. My hangover was fading, but I still wasn't used to the hovercar, I swayed uneasily as it shuddered to a stop in front of the Mandalorian Tower.
I had been sleeping off a hangover from last night's celebration of our mission's success, only to be shaken awake unexpectedly by my second-in-command, Captain Ordo Skirata. We had hunted down a bunch of terrorists who had been trying to cause trouble, and the operation had gone off with minimal losses. Not to mention, I actually met a Jedi who was worth talking to. The kid was doing a pretty good job of fighting, in my mind. He would make a good Mandalorian. But my fuzzy thoughts only grew more confused as Captain Ordo insisted the Mandalore embassy was urgently requesting to meet with me. Next, he threw a dress uniform at me, and after I changed, rushed me into a car.
Darman was sitting next to me in the car. "Did we blow something up that we shouldn't have?" I asked matter-of-factly, receiving a shake of the head from the clone next to me. Republic Senators weren't in the military chain of command, but I knew they viewed the clones as weapons, completely expendable.
"Not that I'm aware of. Besides, I think if it had something to do with our operations last night, it wouldn't be the Mandalorian Senator calling us in; it would be Republic Command." Darman replied with confidence.
"Ha, good point." I mused as I walked forward. Two Royal Guards were standing there, their armor looking as fancy as Royal Guard armor should, though not as Mandalorian as I would like.
"Kal Skirata and Clone Darman, here to see the senator. Apparently, she wants to speak with us for some reason." I explained.
The guards looked at us, and one of them apparently communicated through their helmets before waving us through. "Top floor."
Nodding in acknowledgement, I led the way to the elevator, observing the rather dull finery of the upper classes. There was some neat Mandalorian impressionism here and there, but nothing too interesting as we reached the elevator.
Darman was looking at the stuff with a bit more interest, but I ignored that for the most part until he asked a question. "Is this the kind of stuff we'll see on Mandalore?"
I made a so-and-so gesture before answering, "Maybe in that new capital city, Sundari. As you have clearly noticed, the New Mandalorians style of decoration involves that type of artwork, they add that stuff everywhere. Old cities have older styles, which are mostly weapons on display, hunt trophies, and color banners. I assume that they refurbished this tower when the New Mandalorians took over the government. Erasing whatever might have been here previously."
Once the elevator arrived, we stepped inside and waited as it made its way up the tower. Before long, we came to the top. The view was clearly meant to impress, a visitor could take in the various nearby scenery, and in the background were the Senate building, the Jedi Temple, and a lot of other towers for other famous and important senators. All in all, it was almost worth the trip.
The doors opened, revealing a rather stately apartment mixed with an office and kitchen, a strange arrangement, actually. It seemed like everything that could be done with could be done in the one room, and several bedrooms were near the back.
Stepping into the room, I was about to say something sarcastic about the decor when I noticed a familiar shock of brown hair. Sitting next to her was a blonde girl who could only be the individual Jango Fett warned me about, the senator from Mandalore. He once mentioned that she was dangerous; usually he only said such things about specific Jedi.
"Ah, you've arrived." The blonde girl said with authority, imperiously waving us forward.
"You must be Kal Skirata." She spoke the statement as if reciting a fact, while addressing me. "And you must be Darman Skirata." She added, looking at the clone next to me, he had his helmet off and under his arm as we entered.
"I am Senator Tanya Kryze of Mandalore. Please take a seat. I was just speaking with Knight Etain Tur-Mukan here, she has quite an interesting tale to tell. And I decided it would be better to bring you here and include you in this conversation."
I was suspicious the moment I realized Etain was here. The conversation we had two nights ago about her child had not ended very amicably. Oh, we came to an agreement, sure, but I had made it quite clear that I was not happy with her opinion on keeping this hidden from Darman.
But something seemed to be up. Why else would I be here with Darman if she hadn't had some sort of change of heart?
Stepping forward, I took the seat that was offered. Darman took one between me and Etain, obviously wanting to be closer to her because, well, they were obviously still having a relationship.
"So, Senator Kryze," I said, "I've heard about you through the grapevine. You gave Jango a good, fair deal on an assassination contract a few months back."
Kryze kept her smile fixed, but there seemed to be stress behind it as she spoke. "Oh yes, that... I can assume you've been working with Jango Fett, then. True Mandalorian?"
"Only choice." I said, knowing that answer would piss off some. But in my opinion, there really were only the True Mandalorians. The New Mandalorians weren't really real Mandalorians, they are just aruetii that just happen to have Mando blood in them, since they reject everything that made them Mandalorian. Death Watch were a bunch of criminals, and the Silvers were just True Mandalorians with extra steps and a bit of New Mandalorian fluff mixed in.
"Ah huh... well, that's quite interesting, but let's get to the purpose of this meeting then. Knight Etain Tur-Mukan, would you mind sharing with Darman why we're here?" Kryze said, looking at Etain rather uncomfortably. However, no one spoke and the silence stretched.
Kryze sat observing the silence for a moment. After an uncomfortable amount of time, she tilted her head as if in thought and spoke. "You know, I've heard from my mother that Obi-Wan Kenobi considered leaving the Jedi Order for her. And perhaps if Knight Kenobi had known that she was pregnant, he may have done it. Just a thought to keep in mind." I can see Darman furrowing his brow in confusion as he tries to decipher what Kryze is talking about and why it applied to Etain.
Etain took a breath, and I realized what was about to happen. I did my best to hide my smile.
"Darman, I'm pregnant…" Etain said. Darman's jaw hit the floor, not physically, but the point was all the same. He was stunned, and I was as happy as could be, knowing that the girl had grown some beskar in her spine and wasn't going to use him as I had feared. When she had asked me to keep it a secret, I had come to the opinion that she had no intention of continuing the relationship. After all, if she wanted to keep it a secret, it probably meant she would rather not be involved in the child's life nor with Darman — a fling that had gone out of control. But, well, this was a step in the right direction, as far as I was concerned. I was happy to see it, even if everyone in this room was probably uncomfortable as all hell.
"You're pregnant?" Darman said, looking shocked. "I'm going to be a father... stars…"
"Stars? That's all you got?" I said, elbowing him in the side.
"A bit stunned here, sir. None of the simulations ever prepared me for this."
"Which brings us back to what we are going to have to ask about." Kryze said as she crossed her arms. I wondered why all this was happening, but I decided to see how it played out at first.
"Knight Etain came to us with a problem. She's pregnant and worried about a number of issues. Apparently, she went to Mr. Skirata and he offered to adopt the child. That is fine, but I disapprove of it because it doesn't solve the problems that will develop as the years go on."
"What problems?" I said with a shrug, before leaning towards Darman, who was looking at me. "I said I'd look out for your kid, kid. Make sure that they were raised as Mandalorian, even if you ended up dead."
"Oh, ah, thanks, I guess."
Kryze interrupted before he could respond further. "Mr. Skirata also demanded that Etain Tur-Mukan leave the Jedi Order. Something she cannot do because of her honor, which really is the most reasonable answer out there for a Jedi. But those are short-term problems that you can solve on your own and I have no part in, I just hope that you two will resolve them amicably. I'll give you as much help as I can with the power I have available. No, the main problem, the one that Darman here seems to have not considered, is that the clones can reproduce and pass down their altered genes. Which means, what engineered DNA alterations are you passing on?"
"Oh," Darman said in realization. "No, I didn't get it until just now. 'Cause I haven't really considered the whole, halving my lifespan down, before."
Kryze continued, "We can have the situation with your son's or daughter's lifespan dealt with on Mandalore. We have access to some of the best gene therapists thanks to our alliances in the CNS. The problem is, this is going to affect any and all children that you and any other clones may have in the future. This is an issue that could affect the galaxy as a whole. We can create a treatment for your child. However, I want this procedure to be available for every clone. In order to do that, I need to at least have your permission to use your story for political needs, to help clones have proper representation within the Senate, or even proper benefits for their service to the Republic."
Darman nodded his head, understanding, seeming to try and find the right words to say before finally saying, "If it'll help my brothers, I'll let you use my story and anything else."
"There's no problem with me allowing you to do that, as long as Etain is alright with that." I added.
"She's already agreed, and they don't need your permission for this, Mr. Skirata." Kryze said, interrupting me. "And with that agreement, this meeting is pretty much done. You really need to have a conversation about this sort of stuff, act like grown adults, even if you both need to mature in that direction." I smiled, enjoying watching the smaller blonde girl imperiously intimidate the Jedi Knight — Etain definitely deserved it.
Then she turned to look at me with the same expression, and my smile slipped. "And you need to do a better job of thinking about what's going on."
"Me?" I said as she focused intently on me.
"Yes, you, Mr. Skirata. You fought with your gut without thinking with your mind. Sooner or later, the clones' aging issue is going to become a situation that needs to be handled, and you have right here the perfect candidate. Instead, you tried to hide it away. If it weren't for the timing of the haar'chak Expo right now, I don't know what would be going on, but it would not be the right path. The Republic would not have learned of this child, and no progress would be made towards rights and welfare of the clones."
I still didn't care about rights or the Republic, so I shrugged awkwardly under her gaze. "I only care about who's close to me and who is a Mandalorian."
"So what were you going to do when the kids started aging at an accelerated rate?" Kryze asked.
"Hadn't thought that far ahead but I have a plan to normalize the clones' lifespan in the works. I just assumed that the Jedi's genetics would have more at play than the clones. After all, it's only a bit of genetic tinkering. Maybe one generation was enough to undo it." I replied.
"Assumptions make asses out of everyone." Kryze said with narrowed eyes. "Better to leap on this problem now than have it bite you in the ass when you don't have the assets."
I didn't hesitate to stare back into her eyes, and my voice came out harder than I intended. "I have assets that would have helped with this if it had come to that. No worries there."
Kryze simply shook her head at that. "What assets? You're a Mandalorian warrior with probably nothing but a clan house somewhere on Mandalore to your name. What were you going to do, kidnap a Kaminoan to undo what had been done to the clones?"
I carefully controlled my expression, as that was actually the first idea I came up with when Kryze pointed out the possibility of the child having accelerated aging. I wasn't making any move towards it yet, but it was something I'm preparing to do once the war is over to normalize the clones aging.
The look Kryze sent me told me that she knew what I was thinking. "Of course, that was your plan." Her tone was tinged with disgust.
Sighing she glanced at the Etain, she included her in her next statement. "One thing about Mandalorians you will need to be aware of is that their independence can be quite infuriating when they're just doing dumb things that could be fixed with the proper channels."
"It might have been simple, but it isn't dumb. I don't think raising millions of clones solely to throw them to fight a galactic war is right in the first place, but that's just my opinion on the matter. So, if I have to kidnap the people who grew them to ensure that they live a long and happy life after the war, I think that's more within my rights than anything else in the universe."
"I'm just glad I found this out before you did that and caused a diplomatic incident that I will have to fix." Kryze sighed. She turned to look at Darman and asked, "Now you said there was nothing in the simulations about fatherhood. Can I assume that there's also nothing in the simulations about sex education?"
Darman coughed while looking flustered. "No, there isn't."
"Of course there's not." Kryze said in a hopeless tone, putting her hand on her face. "Add that to the list, Vai."
"So what are you going to do exactly?" I asked, trying to get a handle on all of what was happening and if it was a problem for me and the rest of Clone Force Omega Squad.
"What am I going to do? I'm doing the simplest thing. I will bring these concerns up to Chancellor Palpatine. He can create an investigation, and send a fact-finding mission to Kamino. We need more information in order to have estimates drawn up for resolving these issues now, before they become widespread. I know we won't convince them to change the aging process for new clones... The war demands them as fast as possible for the conflicts we have right now, but if we can at least get them to work out how to fix the process so that we can ensure the clones that survive the conflict are altered back to aging normally."
"Kamino is going to charge an arm and a leg for that." I mused, knowing that the cloners were rather cold and callous about that sort of stuff. They wouldn't do it for free, that's for sure.
"Oh, I'm sure they'll try, but they have one problem with that. They will have to accept the contract that is rather on the low end but guarantees the money for themselves. Otherwise, I will suggest that the facilities on Arkanian be used instead or at least be offered as a substitute. After all, nothing brings down a price more than competition between competing companies, and both peoples are known for their bioengineering. The Arkanians are rather annoyed that they're not allowed to engage in much bioengineering right now because of the Kamino contracts and the non-Kamino cloning ban." Kryze explained.
I laughed at that. The idea that she was going to hold the money hostage to force the cloners to do something was entertaining, but it might work. "You know what, Kryze, you're all right."
"Thank you. Now, in the future, if you have any more situations like this," She said, looking hard at all three of us, "and if it has any cultural relations to Mandalore, bring them to me. I know how to use this for the benefit of Mandalore and yourselves. Benefiting Mandalore will help you in the long term as well if you plan to live there once the war is over. We are trying to make a safe haven, untouched by the war."
"Good luck," I said before adding, "I really mean it, though. Good luck. Our homeworld is right on the frontier. The war will spill over it eventually, I fear."
"Well, if that happens, then there's been a massive failure on my part." The look in the girl's eyes was dangerous; it told me that she would fight for Mandalore's freedom and independence from war like a cornered animal. And I got the sense that I just did not want to be fighting against her if that ever happened.
Coruscant, Chancellor's Office
Sheev Palpatine
"Hmm," I muttered, as I glanced at the paperwork displayed on the datapad before me again. Tanya sat on the other side of my desk, her hands neatly folded in her lap.
I had been keeping an eye on her, ever since I realized that Dooku had some sort of interest in the girl. Why exactly, I had yet to determine, but that did not matter.
What others saw in her didn't matter. What I saw was an interesting distraction worth poking at. She was well-connected, and now that the story of her birth was more widely known, it is very likely that she is Force sensitive even if I have no proof. That could be what Dooku had seen, but what aims he had, I did not know — yet.
What I did know was that Dooku was still exploring options for his Empire's Fist idea, which I played with now and again. I played with a lot of things. Dooku often argued against the Rule of Two, but in the past I rebuked him each time. However, I don't believe the Rule of Two will be needed once the Grand Plan is complete and the Jedi are destroyed, but that is the future. For now, I simply kept watch over her for my own amusement — she was very good at politicking.
We happened to enjoy the same flavors of chocolates and caf, the small coincidence was also somewhat interesting. Initially, I suspected that she might be lying to get closer to me; it was a common enough tactic. Enough time spent in her company and after receiving many small tokens and gifts from her office, I had enough data to allow me to distinguish her interest as true appreciation. I was now of the opinion that she genuinely enjoyed the chocolates and caf while also just trying to be friendly with the leader of the free Galaxy.
Hilarious but useful. I was able to use it recently, hiding my real motives for the decision allowing the Neutrality League's formation; allowing Tanya to believe it was on the basis of our trustworthy relationship. Amusingly, since then, every few weeks, I would receive a box of chocolates. I wouldn't want them to go to waste. After all, the League had other uses for me, causing problems for factions in the Republic and the CIS.
Having an alternative financial option for some systems enabled the Republic to free itself from the Banking Clan's control. This was useful, as the more discretion I had over monetary and fiscal policy, the easier it would be to assert control over the Banking Clans. I needed to control them fully and take them under our wings, make them firmly a part of my government during the implementation of my Galactic Empire.
Oh, sure, some systems would benefit; those escaping the death traps that the banks had been building for years. I could use their gratitude after freeing them from the Banking Clan's control. But even if they resisted, that wouldn't matter because, by that point, I would have an army to put down any resistance.
Today, Tanya came to my office with candies and treats, and a little bit of work. Said work was displayed on the datapad in front of me, including an interesting situation of a clone getting an officer of the Republic army pregnant. No, I didn't care greatly about that situation entirely, but I didn't know what exactly Tanya wanted. She was trying to improve the prospects of the clones. Why?
Well, unlike most, she probably saw through how wasteful it was for them as an asset that an army of highly trained clones that can only live half a generation. As a result, she wants to extend their lifespan so they could be put to work even after the war was over to at least get some return on their investment. Or perhaps her Mandalorian heritage was motivating her to assist them as fellow Mandalorians. She wanted an investigation team sent to Kamino to inquire a few things: how the genetics of the clones would affect the galactic population, what training the clones have to prevent such situations, and what would it cost to undo what is done to the clones so that they can have a normal life after the war.
Three very interesting questions. None of them were a threat to the Grand Plan, exactly. Assuming, of course, she didn't stumble across the biochips in their heads meant to reinforce following orders and alter how the clones remembered their services with Jedi.
Now, if I were a cautious man, I would probably deny this request outright. If I were interested in having it fail, I could also go out of my way to ensure my own people were sent in to do this investigation; to make sure they didn't ask the right questions. However, I could see a bit of a political opportunity developing here, one that could be useful to my machinations.
If Tanya was successful in learning the information she wanted, what would be the result? Well, she could put together a rather interesting bloc of interest groups; a coalition of systems and corporations who would benefit from ensuring the clones were well cared for, which is not the same thing as being anti-military like some blocs. Good. This would, of course, require more credits to be spent funding the military. After all, we need to make sure they have all the gear and resources they need. It would be straightforward to ensure that the right groups and corporations were in charge of such matters, and those credits could be spent in many ways.
And there were ways to rub it in the Jedi's faces. The contradictions that their slave army imposed on the Jedi had already ruined their morale. These contradictions would only be heightened if it was also being repaired by me, the Emperor... I mean, the Chancellor. Snapping their image and will would be oh so delightful.
But there was also another thing, one that I find useful, one that could be quite bad for whatever Dooku was planning.
I was aware that there was going to be an assault on Kamino within the next few weeks, just enough time for Tanya to arrive for her investigation into what's going on at Kamino. At best, the attack on Kamino would lead Tanya towards a more useful stance in the war. It should cause her to take a more hard-line stance against the CIS and withdraw their tentative requests for a peace conference, given the assault on one of their senators.
And well, should Tanya perish instead, one aspect of Dooku's plans would go up in smoke. Smiling, I put the datapad down. "I agree, Senator Kryze. This situation must be dealt with immediately. We cannot risk this getting out of control. Could you imagine if the process by which a clone ages quickly is passed down to the next generation? Why, someone could genetically breed a fast-growing population for slave labor using the clone's DNA."
The look in Tanya's eyes told me she had not considered that possibility. Understanding the machinations of evil minds does grant one many benefits.
"Of course, Chancellor Palpatine. I assume then this will go straight to the Senate floor."
I shook my head. "No, no, no. I think this is already a crisis. It is well within my rights to expedite this process. If you're willing, I'll have the administrative details wrangled by tomorrow morning, so you can be on the first ship to Kamino to lead the investigation yourself."
Tanya seemed a bit stunned by my suggestion. After taking a moment to think, she looked resolute. "Of course, Chancellor, but I'm not really trained for this. I'm only a junior senator."
"Your experience as a Representative will serve you well — you went head-to-head with the leaders of the CIS in a diplomatic debate in the opening moments of the war. You have a vested interest, but also it's the best of possible interests on this issue. The Republic needs someone who can ensure that this does not become a greater wrong, my dear Tanya. Yes, you're right that you aren't perfectly qualified, but no one is trained for this particular operation, and you do have the motivation to ask the right questions. We need you spearheading this, and you will have the full support of this office behind you."
"It's an honor, sir." She said, sounding less eager than before, and more formal. It seemed that she was less than pleased by the assignment. No matter, the events on Kamino were already decided. I would be listening to the Force and guide the course of events as needed. Many useful outcomes existed, and it would only require a small nudge to ensure any one of them occurred.