Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A few cycles later, Obi-Wan, Cody, Gregor, and half of his D-Squad stepped onto the landing platform of Tipoca City. Vonty, the Lucky Jedi crew, Feemor, and the other half of D-Squad would remain on the platform with Dooku until Obi-Wan was ready for him. (As the Negotiator himself, Obi-Wan knew better than to reveal all his tricks. So he'd keep Dooku up his sleeve for now.)

The near-constant rain had diminished to a drizzle as they strode in formation toward the entrance. Prime Minister Lama Su, his aide, Taun We, and scientist Nala Se stood inside to welcome them. Obi-Wan led the way, with Cody a step behind and to his right, Gregor on the left, and the four commandos taking the rear. Their DC-15s weren't aimed, but they raised them loosely at elbow level in a show of forceful solidarity.

Once inside, the three Kaminoans stepped back to give them room; Obi-Wan inclined his head in a bow barely low enough not to be blatantly rude. The troopers did not. "Greetings, Prime Minister, Taun We, Nala Se. I trust you have been well since last we met." It wasn't a question; it was a brusque statement to put them slightly on the defensive.

"Thank you for your concern, Master Kenobi," said Lama Su in his slow voice. "I hope you have been well also."

"Well, I've ended a war," said Obi-Wan, smiling, sharp and dangerous. Cody shifted behind him, armor creaking, making his presence intimidatingly known.

"Ah, yes," said the prime minister, smoothing his elegant tunic with elongated hands. "I assume that is why you arranged this visit?"

Really? 'Arranged?' Or did he just show up, flash his high general codes, and waltz right in? Obi-Wan smiled. "That is definitely one of the reasons, Prime Minister."

After waiting for a beat, Taun We invited, "Will you accompany us to a meeting room for privacy and refreshments?" She motioned down the hallway in invitation.

"That sounds delightful," said Obi-Wan. Then, as they followed the statuesque Kaminoans down the colorless hallways, he requested, "If you would, please, have Master Ti and Commander Blitz join us. I need their perspectives on how things currently are here in Tipoca City."

After another pause, Lama Su replied. "Of course, Master Jedi."

In the meeting room, two cadets scrambled to attention at their arrival. The pair had finished setting up the refreshments but were lingering to glimpse a real-life Jedi.

"Hello there," said Obi-Wan. Glee radiated from him as he swiftly saluted in reply to theirs.

"Apologies, Master Jedi," said Nala Se. "They should not be here—"

"And what are your names, my dears?" interrupted Obi-Wan, having made his way over to the two boys, still holding their salutes.

"CT-93-5135, sir!"

"CT-93-5513, sir!"

Obi-Wan's soft smile hid his pain exceedingly well. "I'm delighted to meet you, CT-93-5935 and CT-93-5513. I am Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"Yes, sir!" the pair replied as one.

"This is Marshal Commander Cody," Obi-Wan introduced. Their eyes grew wider as Cody walked behind them and gently lowered their still-saluting arms to their sides.

"At ease, cadets," said Cody dryly. They need names, thought Cody or Obi-Wan would cry. But, more importantly, they are children. They are children, and children need names. Now, that was a new realization.

Oh Force, Obi-Wan would be embarrassingly proud of him.

"Yes, sir!" they replied. They widened their stances and shifted their hands behind their backs in a well-practiced move. Their eyes darted between Obi-Wan, Cody, the commandos, and the Kaminoan leaders.

"They are not supposed—" insisted Nala Se.

Once again, Obi-Wan interrupted, "I believe I have you two to thank for this lovely-looking setup. Be sure to thank the cooks for preparing these treats for us with such short notice."

"You're welcome, sir," said CT-93-5913 hesitantly.

"We volunteered, sir," said CT-93-5935. He bounced on his toes once before settling back into the at-ease position, an embarrassed blush creeping up his neck.

"I'm thrilled you did," replied Obi-Wan. "That way, we got to meet you." The pair smiled shyly up at him, then glanced over at the contingent of commandos, who were standing behind Obi-Wan. "But, my dears, I am afraid I must excuse you for now." He leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially. "We adults are going to have a boring meeting that I'm sure you'd rather miss out on. CT-93-5913 giggled, but CT-93-5935 looked as if he wouldn't mind if it meant he got to spend more time with a Jedi general, a marshal commander, and a bunch of totally wizard commandos.

Obi-Wan straightened back up. "I will want to see you after the meeting, though." He glanced over at Nala Se. "I'm sure that can be arranged." The pair nodded enthusiastically. Obi-Wan clasped his hands together. "Now, grab a plate of treats for your batches and run along. Tell your instructor that all the cadets have the rest of the day off."

"Thank you, sir!" the two boys piped, clearly overwhelmed.

"Master Jedi, that will interfere with their training—" said Nala Se, irritation sneaking into her voice.

"It will not be an issue," interrupted Lama Su curtly.

"I'm sure," said Obi-Wan.

Cody took the two cadets by the shoulders and guided them to the treat table. Then, when the pair seemed absolutely unable to decide, he grabbed a plate of sweet dumplings, put it in their hands, and scooted them off to the door.

"Bye, Master Jedi," called CT-93-5935 as he darted out the door. CT-93-5913 paused and gave a little wave before blushing and running off.

"No running," came Blitz's voice from outside the hall.

"Ah, said," Obi-Wan, "It appears more of our group have arrived." He faced the entryway with a small smile.

ARC Commander Blitz strode in, looking around sharply and taking everything in before snapping to attention and firing off a salute. "Sirs!" he said crisply as Master Shaak Ti glided into the room behind him.

Cody and the commandos saluted in return, and Obi-Wan warmly greeted Blitz and Shaak Ti.

"You and your men are welcome, Master Kenobi," said Shaak Ti with a graceful bow. Her keen eyes belied her placid face as she asked, "To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure? Are you here to resupply? Or is there some secret message from the Council that you alone could deliver?"

Obi-Wan smiled at her guesses. "Wrong on both counts, but I do hope this will be a pleasure, Master Ti." He paused and straightened. "However, I am prepared for it not to be."

"For what?" Lama Su interjected, anxiety spilling over before he reined in his emotions. He continued, "How can Kamino assist you, Master Jedi? Of course, we will endeavor to help you in every way possible."

"I am glad to hear that," said Obi-Wan. "I have come to take exhaustive control of the persons, property, and rights of the clone troopers, effectively immediately, on behalf of the Jedi Council."

A moment of stunned silence filled the room before fear and anger burst from the Kaminoans. "You cannot—!" snapped Nala Se before the prime minister cut her off.

"I am afraid it is not so simple," said Lama Su cooly. "The clones do not belong to the Jedi."

"Well, if they must belong to someone, then who do they belong to?" said Obi-Wan coldly.

Lama Su sniffed before continuing, "The Republic bought the clones, but all scientific, medical, and intellectual property belongs to Kamino. That is how this works."

Obi-Wan crossed his arms. "I object to your first point. You recall I was the one who first discovered the clones, correct? And you knew way back then that I had no idea about their creation, nor did the Jedi, the Senate, or anyone in the Republic. Of course, you knew that right from the beginning, didn't you?"

"I assure you—"

"Don't. Bother." Obi-Wan strode right up to Lama Su. Despite being much shorter, Obi-Wan made an intimidating figure as he glared at the Kaminoan. "I know everything. I know the person who contacted you and arranged the purchase was Darth Tyrannus. And I know you have been in contact with Darth Sidious prior to his timely death."

"I never have—"

"I'm going to ask you not to interrupt me again, Prime Minister," Obi-Wan said firmly.

"How dare you—"

Cody strode up, blaster not precisely pointed at Lama Su, but it was close. "The high general asked you politely to mind your manners." The commandos filled in behind him. "We won't be so polite."

At that, all three Kaminoans paled and stepped back. Lama Su nervously nodded for Obi-Wan to continue.

"Thank you. As I was saying, I know you worked with the Sith. You were willing accomplices. I know Kamino is not in Republic territory, but what do you imagine both the Republic and the Separatists will do to you when it is revealed that you knowingly aided and abetted the Sith? The same Sith Master who orchestrated the entire war on both sides. With hundreds of thousands dead and trillions lost in credits, all for a war over nothing, I doubt they'll be forgiving."

"You have no proof!" shrieked Nala Se. "How dare you threaten us with wild accusations!?"

Obi-Wan nodded to Cody. Cody and Gregor grabbed Nala Se's arms none too gently and tugged her as she protested towards the door. Blitz and Shaak Ti, silently watching the exchange, stepped out of the way. Obi-Wan said, "Commander Blitz, please escort her to somewhere secure and have a guard put on her. If any Kaminoans protest, advise them they are welcome to join her."

Lama Su looked ready to object, but he backed off. Taun We's hands fluttered nervously, and she refused to make eye contact with anyone. Shaak Ti watched the proceedings detachedly, but Obi-Wan knew she was carefully evaluating everything.

Obi-Wan turned to the other commandos. "Exa, please radio for our special guest to join us." Then, with a smile at Lama Su and Taun We, he poured himself and Shaak Ti fruit-infused water.

"Who is your guest?" Shaak Ti asked, declining the drink with a wave of her long, elegant hand.

"Why Darth Tyranus, of course," said Obi-Wan, covering his smile with a sip.

"'Of course?'" she questioned, lekku twitching. "Why would you bring a Sith here?"

"I thought my grandmaster could help clear a few things up."

"Your grandmaster?" gasped Lama Su. "Darth Tyranus is coming here? Now!?"

"Why you and I have worked together for so many years, Prime Minister. I would have thought you'd be happier to see me," said Dooku, making a dramatic entrance and looking sinisterly gleeful as he swept into the room. "I understand there's been some confusion about our contract."

"N-n-n-no, sir! N-n-not at all!"