God Save the Queen: Book 2 Chapter 18

Chapter 18: The Path to…

“That concludes my report,” said Obi-Wan.

Dooku’s jaw clenched at the knight’s carefree smile. Qui-Gon was always so relaxed with his pupils—even young Skywalker. That was not the source of his disquiet, however.

Dooku was ensconced in his study with Qui-Gon and Anakin, communicating with  Obi-Wan over a secure comm-frequency. Obi-Wan’s report on the friendship growing between Amidala and the Duchess of Mandalore added difficulty to their plans that Dooku misliked.

“And while I maintain that this dubious test of character was a mistake from the outset,” Obi-Wan continued. “I can hardly think of a result that more proves Padme Amidala’s integrity.”

“I did not think she would bring the New Mandalorians to her side,” Qui-Gon said.

“Is it not worrisome, Qui-Gon, that she so quickly coopted a political enemy?” He kept his presence in the force calm, even as an ember of frustration smoldered away in his chest. Their mission was too important to be trusted to outsiders who did not truly understand the importance of a Sith lord. “It could perhaps be a sign of deeper machinations.”

“I had not known that surpassing all expectations was now cause for failure, Master Dooku,” Obi-Wan folded his arms, blue static rippling up his form. “And Naboo and Mandalore are not truly allies yet. They have made overtures and built a foundation of a strong, mutually beneficial relationship. Padme has informed me of new legislation that she is requesting from her parliament to that effect.”

“I well know the ease of which constitutional monarchies can backslide into despotism,” Dooku said.

“How fortunate that she does not intend to seek reelection, Master Dooku.”

A muscle in Dooku’s jaw twitched.

“I am more relieved by what you have said of her plans regarding our newly discovered race,” Qui-Gon replied. “It seems as though our doubts in Padme Amidala were unfounded.”

“Let us not be too hasty—” Dooku began.

“With respect,” Obi-Wan cut him off. “This was your proposed test. If Padme had arrived on Mandalore as a domineering presence intent on browbeating Satine into submission, would you still be so intent on patience?”

Dooku’s emotions spiked. At Qui-Gon’s side, Skywalker twitched. He was an unfortunately perceptive padawan. Dooku mastered his frustration with the help of long practice. “Peace, Obi-Wan. I speak from concern. How can we be certain that Amidala has not…exerted undue influence over the good Duchess.”

“Yes, I thought you might have that concern.” Obi-Wan leaned forward, looming larger in the holoprojector. “I’ve spoken with Satine at length in the week we have been here. She has expressed much frustration with Padme, but also happiness that they can work around their differences to create a more peaceful and equitable outer rim.”

Qui-Gon hummed. “An equitable Rim would, in itself, run up against the interests of the Banking Clans.”

“Would it?” Anakin tilted his head. “They’re friends with Naboo.”

“Large, multi-system conglomerates rarely have friends,” Obi-Wan said. “I agree with my master, of course. The temple libraries have many records on the Banking Clans’ efforts to keep the Rim impoverished in order to extract more value for the Core.”

“A deep problem, which will need to be addressed.” Dooku nodded. “I am glad that we will have Naboo and Mandalore’s support after we eliminate the Sith lord manipulating them.”

“A task that would be far easier with Naboo and Mandalore’s assistance,” Obi-Wan said. “We should include Queen Amidala in these discussions on her return to Serenno.”

“That—”

Qui-Gon spoke over Dooku. “I am in agreement.” He turned, placidly towards his erstwhile master. “Master Dooku, I agreed to examine Padme Amidala’s motives out of caution, but it is clear that even if she has been led astray by the Sith lord Damask, when presented with proof she will ally herself with our cause.”

“I see.” Dooku folded a hand behind his back, fingers clenched tight. “I assume no argument will move you from that stance.”

Qui-Gon smiled. “I would be surprised.”

“Indeed.” Dooku allowed himself to appear conciliated. “We shall reconvene on your return from Mandalore, Obi-Wan. Be well, and ensure that no one yet hears of our plans.”

“This is an encrypted frequency, Master Dooku.” Obi-Wan appeared relieved. “I’ve made sure to take all precautions.”

“Good.” At least this situation could be salvaged, then. “See that you continue to do so.”

“May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon said.

“Force be with you, Masters, Anakin.” And with that, he ended the holocall.

Dooku sank into his chair, steepling his hands. “Forgive me, friends. I wish to consider what this change means for our plans, what information it is best to muster in order to convince Queen Amidala.”

Anakin cocked an eyebrow, but Qui-Gon took the dismissal for what it was and ushered his apprentice from the room.

Dooku leaned forward on his desk. He ran a hand over the smooth wood grain; upon his return he’d considered having his desk from Coruscant shipped here, but such an expense would eclipse the cost of simply procuring a new one. He thought much about costs these days.

About the cost of removing a Sith from the heart of the Republic.

Dooku had long known that the Republic had become rotten - a faltering and failing beast held up by the efforts of the few to support the greed of many. Now, he knew a darker truth. Darth Plagueis and all the Sith that came before him in a chain unbroken had woven their evil into the very fabric of the Republic, and now stood poised to strangle from it everything good and righteous that yet remained. They had moved unopposed for too long; sunk their corruptive influence in too deeply.

Nothing they touched could be trusted.

Dooku sat at his desk. It was a simple thing of wood, easy to replace, easy to find alternatives. But in his current venture, there could be no changes, no alternatives, all would have to be executed perfectly. That he could feel with a thrumming surety deep within him. He would have to control every part of this plan, and deny the Sith lord control of any loose pieces. Only in such a way could his fall be orchestrated.

They could not trust Padme Amidala. She was poisoned. Dooku did not—could not—doubt this. He worried even over using the Naboo. But still there, at least, he had a safer alternative.

One he could control.

Dooku tapped the commlink embedded in his desk once more.

“Count Dooku.” Admiral Tritani-Laeon appeared in the holo. “Have you good news?”

The stern woman, leader of Naboo’s anti-Amidala faction, was Dooku’s point of contact with the…dissatisfied elements of Naboo. She had shared with Dooku many of Amidala’s actions that had darker intimations. Amidala had done good within the outer rim, but Dooku could also see where her actions laid the groundwork for Darth Plageius, a magister of the Banking Clans, to follow behind her.

No, whether intentional, or merely intentionally led, Padme Amidala had become too enmeshed in the plans of the Sith.

Tritani had her own assurances that should more actionable misdeeds come to life, her political coalition would be able to replace Amidala. Not forever and not against the will of the Naboo, but for long enough to strike the scheming head from the poisonous viper. In that as well, Dooku had been skeptical, but should the Queen be deposed by foreign action, the head of the Naboo Navy could assume certain emergency powers. There would be a reckoning, after toppling Amidala. But once the truth came out, it would be possible for Tritani and her allies to survive it.

Especially with the help of Serenno.

In this, Dooku could trust. Tritani and her key allies were untouched by Hego Damask, the false face of Plagueis who had shown little interest in Naboo until Padme Amidala. They would have great need of Dooku’s influence: before their ascension, during the crisis, and after. There, Dooku could ensure that all the pieces moved as he decreed.

Once the Sith was removed, normalcy could return to the Republic. But until then…he saw no cost too great to pay. Dooku took a breath, and took up the blade with which he would decapitate Darth Plagueis.

“There has been a new development,” Dooku said. “Amidala has brought Mandalore into the fold, and it appears that she and Duchess Satine are developing a close and mutually respectful relationship.”

Tritani’s eyes narrowed. “I…have heard that new legislation is being drafted by her party in the Parliament. I assumed it was related to the tour, but it’s for Mandalore instead? Are you certain?”

“Another Knight and close friend of mine has traveled with Amidala to Mandalore and confirmed this report himself,” Dooku replied.

She hissed. “This jeopardizes our plans.”

“Yes.” Dooku nodded. “In order to maintain control of the—” He paused, turned his head. His office was empty, but there had been a tremor in the Force.

“Count?” Tritani asked.

“A moment.” He turned to his desk, placing his commlink upon it. With a few swift jabs of the desks interface, he initiated a simple sweep for devices and turned his attention to the cameras outside. The hall beyond his office was empty, as was expected. Dooku did not employ a bloated staff and left much of the affairs of governance to the people’s elected officials.

He was, as he expected, alone.

“Forgive my distraction.” He returned his attention to Tritani. “I was merely ensuring the security of this conversation. It is, as you have indicated, of utmost import.”

“Yes…Duchess Satine is a known element on Naboo, due to her relation with the Mandalorian outsiders.” Tritani sniffed. “She is a symbol of what Naboo was before Amidala’s reign: a truly peaceful system. If her Majesty brings Duchess Satine to her side, it would appease some members of my own coalition.”

“Would it not also engender resentment in the Mando’ade?” Dooku asked. “Many of them have a poor opinion of the Duchess.”

“Please. You know as well as I do that people, especially tribals, are easily led by their identity. If Amidala announces that it is in their interest, almost all of her supporters will swallow the lie. Perhaps the old Deathwatch core would become upset, but…”

“But Bo-Katan, presumptive leader of the clans, is deep in Amidala’s council.” Dooku frowned. “I have heard that she reached out to her sister on Amidala’s behalf.”

“A few words from her, and tensions will cool. Especially in the short term.” Tritani shrugged. “It would steal all of our momentum.”

That mirrored Dooku’s own fears. Helming this alliance against Damask was clearly proving difficult enough with only three Jedi at his disposal. An ally like Padme may prove to be a fruitful one, but Dooku could see the difficulties she would bring. Tritani Laeon, by contrast, was more self-motivated. This would pose its own difficulties, but as a creature of self-interest she would understand the immediate quid-pro-quo expected of her for Serenno’s involvement. All that mattered now was to arrange the killing stroke against Hego Damask.

Dooku frowned. He could not risk another factor outside of his control. Even now, Qui-Gon, his own padawan, bucked at his council. Obi-Wan carried himself little better, only excusable because of his own inexperience.

“Then we should, perhaps, move to remedy this issue before it…metastasizes.”

Tritani’s eyes flashed in the blue hologram, looking interested. “I would be willing to lend my support to that goal.”

Dooku nodded. “How long until this new legislation, the statement of reconciliation with Mandalore, becomes public knowledge.”

“If that is what Amidala’s ministers are drafting, not long. The Queen could unilaterally make such an announcement; it is within her role,” Tritani said.

“It appears attempting to appease your faction may lead to her undoing, It allows us time to act.” Dooku replied. “I have heard also that she will not seek reelection. Does this...modify your commitment to our plans?”

“I don’t believe that sanctimonious lie for a moment.” Tritani’s face pulled into a sneer. “Even if she does step down as Queen, it will be to install a puppet as her successor, to consolidate more power over the military.”

This was outside of Dooku’s own concern. The immediate term was what mattered, as was his control over the necessary elements. Without the hand of the Sith Lord manipulating the Republic, all other issues could be contended with in time.

“And you are willing, of course, to immediately sortie the Third Fleet of Naboo to hunt down the fugitives who so misused and misdirected Amidala, under the auspices of the Jedi Order?” Dooku asked.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I would not speak of things so baldly.”

“Peace, Admiral Laeon. I am not recording evidence to indict you. I simply require…assurances.”

“I should think my own presence here counts as assurance,” Tritani replied.

“I have, despite my concerns, a mutual respect with Queen Amidala,” Dooku said. “And while those concerns have grown, so too has my need to see the puppet masters that pull the strings of the Republic pulled into the light.”

“…I understand.” Tritani looked discomfited by the thought of agreeing to something explicit. But she firmed. “As soon as Amidala is deposed, and her successor immediately elected, the Third Fleet will be ready to remove any corporate interests that still have their sights set on Naboo.”

“Good.” Dooku nodded. “Then likewise, I am amenable to supplying more direct proof of Amidala’s weaknesses as a ruler.”

“And you need my assistance.”

Dooku waved a hand. “As her host, should it become known that I conspired to revome Amidala on the galactic stage, she could very well rally more support, and fracture the greater relationship between Naboo and Serenno. It would also delegitimize the entire effort.” Both Naboo and Serenno stood to gain from more stability and cooperation in the Rim.

Tritani scoffed. “And also if I fail, you maintain your relationship with Amidala.”

“How fortunate, that with my assistance your chances of success in this endeavor are absolute,” Dooku replied.

“You have a great deal of faith in your abilities,” Tritani said.

“My dear, you have never seen the more subtle feats within the reach of the Jedi Order.” Dooku allowed himself a small smile. “Queen Amidala will be returning to Serenno within the next few days. It is likely that she and Duchess Satine will wish to release their statements of mutual cooperation and respect at the start of our grand Unity Tour of the Rim. While a second delegation from Naboo would no doubt be looked upon oddly, tourists or supporters from your world could use that time to attend the initial celebrations.”

“And what would be their goals?” Tritani asked.

“That would be subject to a deeper discussion. Naturally, a manufactured scenario will be created to illicit remarks or actions from Amidala that will condemn her in the eyes of the Naboo. You are more familiar with your system’s politics than I, surely there are a few traps that the young queen will be unable to avoid, in the correct circumstances.”

“Yes.” Tritani frowned, eyes flicking to the side. “She is most impolitic at times.” There came a pregnant pause, as her brow furrowed deeply, eyes tracing the edges of Dooku’s form as if unwilling to look at him directly. Then, “If we shall already have agents in place, would there not be an opportunity for the intervention to be even more…direct?”

Dooku’s lips thinned. “An energetic intervention.”

“It is important to…explore all possible avenues,” Tritani said. “All of Naboo would rally behind such an incident, ready to mete out punishment upon those responsible.”

The thought tempted. That temptation, and the immediate revulsion in his soul that followed, ran through Dooku like the blade of his own saber.

Yes, he could see the cold logic of it, colder even than his own. Padme Amidala, murdered by the agents of the Banking Clans for attempting to spread equity in the Outer Rim, would be an icon to which a dozen systems would rally. A swift and merciless response, headed by the Jedi Order, could be sent to bring Damask to justice. Should his location be fortuitous, he could be hounded and cut off by the combined fleets of Serenno, Naboo, Sullust, and many others.

No matter how monstrous in the Force, the Sith could be caught, and Dooku and his brothers could do what was necessary. It would only cost one life, and what was one life against the weight of all living beings in the Galaxy?

Dooku’s brow furrowed thunderously. “There shall be none of that, Admiral Laeon. Amidala is a victim in this as well, despite your disagreements with her.”

He was not so far gone, not so desperate, to condemn an innocent woman to death for the sake of mere expedience. She was a variable, yes. If set aside she would pave the way for Dooku to strike down Darth Plagueis. But to kill her for such a goal?

Qui-Gon would strike him down, and Dooku would deserve the end.

“I will not condone it.”

“Very well.” Tritani let her suggestion pass with aplomb. “A political suicide suffices just as well. Though, at that point, why not have a droid fabricate the entire event.”

“There are ways to uncover such artifice,” Dooku replied. “Amidala’s position is solid enough to demand a thorough review, is it not?”

Tritani’s face twisted. “True.”

“Then we shall proceed as I have suggested. Provide to me a snare, and I shall set it for you. The ceremonies will prove a fruitful time for such events.”

“And how shall I contact you?” Tritani asked.

“I shall have my majordomo provide you with another encrypted frequency that can reach me directly, though I will not always be available for these kinds of discussions,” Dooku replied.

“Serviceable,” Tritani said.

“Good, I await your comuni—”

A heavy knock came at the door. “Master Dooku,” came Skywalker’s voice. “Still here?”

Dooku ended the holocall. Had he been so distracted? Surely not. A quick look at his cameras showed Padawan Skywalker waiting outside his door, leaning distractedly on the frame.

“A moment,” Dooku replied. He quickly scrubbed back over the footage, which showed the padawan wandering down the corridor in the last minute. He had his own commlink out, though Dooku could not make out who he was speaking with. He closed the interface and exited his study, sending the boy almost scrambling back as Dooku billowed out into the corridor.

“Thought you were still here.” Anakin grinned, thumbs hooked in his belt.

Dooku stared deeply at the boy, feeling the weave of the Force around him. Anakin Skywalker was ever a bonfire, but his emotions felt placid. Controlled. Had he been listening, no doubt their turbulent eddies would still be present. Dooku had trained enough young boys to know that they had no restraint in releasing their emotions to the Force.

“I am surprised to find you back,” Dooku said. His let his eyes drift to Skywalker’s commlink. “Were you in the middle of a conversation?”

“Just with Schel. The miralukan.” Skywalker slipped it back in his pocket. “I needed her help with something, but that’s not why I came back.”

Dooku raised an eyebrow, expectantly.

Anakin thumbed the pommel of his saber. “Haven’t gotten our Trakata practice in today.”

Dooku allowed himself a half laugh. “I will be more busy, as the days go by,” he said.

Skywalker shrugged. “All the more reason to get it in now.”

“You have been making decent progress…” Dooku stroked his beard. Likewise, it would be suspicious if his own schedule deviated too quickly. Jedi were a perspicacious group, leading them astray took yet greater foresight. “Very well. Let us see if I can yet disabuse you of your fascination with Trakata.”

The corners of Anakin’s eyes crinkled.

“I think I’ll be changing your mind,” he said.