Brotherhood

Chapter 30 - Death Squadron

We have finished a second tribute for Vader on our YT channel. Check it out if you're interested. :P No spaces in the link: youtu . be / TrRylvLR0fE

~ Amina Gila

It's only been a few hours since Obi-Wan has managed to get Anakin settled in his quarters when Dooku comes to the door. The Count's expression is serious, and the faint hint of concern whispering into the Force worries Obi-Wan. What could have happened now?

"How is he?" queries Dooku.

"Better," Obi-Wan answers honestly, "I talked to him, and I think it helped. He needs some time to recover himself. I don't think he should be alone for now either." While Anakin isn't suicidal that he's seen, leaving him to stew in his own thoughts isn't the best idea. Obi-Wan doesn't want to make Anakin's depression worse by leaving him be. He seems to thrive under personal, undivided attention, and it makes Obi-Wan glad to see Anakin acting more... normal.

Dooku's relief is palpable. "Good," he declares firmly, hesitating slightly. "Sidious contacted me," he admits finally. "He has a new mission for you, and it's one which I don't believe you will like." He inhales slowly before continuing, and the fact that he's putting off speaking is making Obi-Wan feel antsy.

"Within a week, you, Anakin, and Tano are to record a public broadcast decrying the corruption within the Republic and maintaining that the Jedi Order has fallen into the trap and become complacent. It will be released on news outlets across the galaxy," Dooku explains. "You must state your intention to join forces with the Confederacy of Independent Systems until such time as the Republic and Order can correct their failings."

Obi-Wan is struck speechless. He had expected an undercover mission, but this is something else entirely. It's going public with a narrative which can only hurt their future cause. Is this Sidious' attempt to discredit them in the eyes of the galaxy and the Republic when they later try to defeat him? Or is it something else? Something bigger which none of them can see? "I don't really understand what Sidious has to gain by such a move," he admits.

The Count inclines his head in quiet agreement. "It is possible that he wishes to be able to use you more openly, and also, the Republic is now aware that Anakin and Tano have allied with me. The Council likely suspects that you have as well."

Obi-Wan sighs lightly, stroking his beard. "Well, it could have been worse," he concedes.

Dooku raises an eyebrow. "Sidious also intends to plan for another Jedi to be captured, and he wants you to discreetly aid in the subsequent escape. You are meant, for all intents and purposes, to appear to be a Republic spy. He wants the Council to believe you are still sympathetic and working undercover to thwart the Sith's plans."

That... isn't going to be difficult either, but Obi-Wan isn't terribly keen on the thought of deceiving the Jedi and Republic in such a manner. It's one thing to ally with Anakin and Dooku against Sidious. It's quite another to begin playing manipulative games. This is what Sidious wants, he reminds himself. The Sith Master wants everything to be solely under his control, and they'll have to try and remain one step ahead of him which is hard, considering that they don't even know what he's planning. If nothing else, Obi-Wan can take consolation in the knowledge that whatever he does will be at Dooku's direction. His game of being a spy won't be done alone.

"I'll do it, of course, but I think there's a reason behind this which is going to hurt us," Obi-Wan confesses. "It's to be expected, I suppose."

"Yes," Dooku murmurs, "You had best relay the news to Anakin."

***

It takes a few days of planning and preparation before Obi-Wan decides that they can record their broadcast, one which will naturally need approval from Sidious before it can be released. He's standing in the center, slightly in the front, Anakin on his right and Ahsoka on his left. They're wearing their normal clothing, lightsabers clipped in plain sight. As per their agreement, Obi-Wan will be doing most of the talking.