WotH Chpt 16

==War on the Horizon - Chapter 16 ==
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===Show Casing some valuable Trophies===
"Over here, I have quite the collection of Jedi and ancient Sith Artifacts," Yisk waved at a lit trophy stand. "They have taken quite a while to collect, and I have had to brave many an ancient battleground or destroyed fleet in order to acquire some of them."
 
"That certainly is interesting," Sheppard nodded. "I take it the Jedi don't know that you possess these artifacts?"
 
"I may be a civilized man," Yisk shook his head. "But I am not a fool. The Jedi would end my business ventures before I even began them if they knew that I possessed these treasures."
 
"Anyway, onto the rest of my collection," Yisk gestured for the crew to follow him. "Up next, I possess the prototypes for some starfighters that have yet to hit the open markets."
 
"I take it someone gave you a tip that the prototypes were about to be transported?" Sheppard asked. 
 
"Why indeed," Yisk smiled. "It seems that you possess some insight. I possess many contacts from my old position as an enforcer of the tyrannical Trade Federation. Why, the reason I departed from the Federation is that they were attempting to remove the parts of my collection that I spent my own funds and time collecting. These are the things that I worked hard for. Why would I give them up to someone who has not earned them?"
 
"I take it they didn't even ask politely," Sheppard opened up his stance a bit. 
 
"Of course not!" Yisk threw his hands up. "They acted like barbarians, even tried to coopt the droids that I personally purchased. They wanted to take everything that I had worked hard for and use it for themselves."
 
"And you made the hard choice," Sheppard nodded. 
 
"I reprogrammed the droids to respond to only my authorization," Yisk agreed. "And then I ordered them to dispose of the crew that were still loyal to the Trade Federation."
 
"Dispose of?" Sheppard asked. 
 
"I had them thrown into the brig until I reached an appropriate world," Yisk grinned. "I then gave them their agreed-upon severance packages and tossed them into the airlocks. I am quite certain that they are enjoying their payout as we speak."
 
"I'm starting to feel bad for the guy," Paige chimed up. "Sounds like he's been stuck alone with nothing but these droids for the last few months." 
 
"Well, we are now at the end of my collection," Yisk said as he gestured to where the suits of Mithril were now stored. "I thank you for your contribution. Now, if you'll follow me, I will allow you to have a pleasant meal and then be on your way."
 
"I'm afraid that's not how this is going to go down," Sheppard said as he nodded at Paige. "Now, as a civilized person, I'm sure you understand that this isn't personal."
 
"What? How?" Yisk questioned as he raised his hands in surrender, a quick gesture having the droids drop their weapons as he did so.
 
"We're the Marksman," Paige said as she cuffed the Neimoidian. "We were hired by the Trade Federation to stop you from preying on their ships as they went through the trade routes."
 
"I have not harmed a single person!" Yisk protested. 
 
"We know that," Sheppard sighed. "Look, we have to finish the job we're contracted for. But we do have some wiggle room. So, we're going to have a chat. And hopefully, at the end of this, we'll be able to work out something that satisfies both you and the Trade Federation."
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===Recall===
"Yaddle, we must ask that you return to Coruscant," Master Windu said. "You have been pursuing a lead that seems to leave nothing but dead ends."
 
"I am sorry, but I cannot return at this time," Yaddle frowned. "Dooku is right, there is something that lurks here. I can feel the Dark Side Permeating the area."
 
"Are you certain that this is the course you want to set yourself on?" Windu asked.
 
"If I can prevent even a single friend from falling to the Dark Side then this is worth it," Yaddle responded. "I will do as I must. You and the Council may do the same."
 
"Be cautious," Windu crossed his arms and set his stance. "I do not approve of the direction that you are headed in, but I will not stop you from preventing a friend from falling to the Dark Side."
 
"Thank you," Yaddle smiled. "I will speak with you at a later point in time."
 
"May the force be with you," Windu cracked a rare smile. "We'll be in touch."
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===Arranging a Duel===
"I take it your conversation with the Council went well?" Dooku asked. 
 
"About as expected," Yaddle nodded. 
 
"Ahh, so better than I feared," Dooku smiled wanly. "We are approaching Naboo now."
 
"We shall have to charter a ship to return to Serenno," Yaddle sighed. "I do not wish to separate at this point, but you must return, I can sense something dangerous in the Force."
 
"I have felt much the same," Dooku sighed. "Something is interfering in our investigation. But I must find what is threatening Serenno."
 
"Perhaps there is a way to accomplish both tasks," Yaddle considered. "Do you still possess the comm channels to the Tarkins?"
 
"Yes," Dooku replied. "Do you believe they would be willing to offer assistance?"
 
"I am uncertain," Yaddle hummed in thought. "While they seem eager to protect the Outer Rim, their focus was on their own worlds and those who aligned with them currently."
 
"While they were broadening that group, they might not be willing to assist a world on the other side of the galaxy," Dooku frowned and stroked his goatee. "But they might be willing to point us to someone who will assist."
 
"That may be the case," Yaddle shrugged. "While it is time that we must take out of our journey, it may be time that is necessary."
 
"It is a good thing that I do not have to charter a ship then," Dooku smirked. "I had my personal vessel flown to Naboo while we were investigating the stolen ship."
 
"Good," Yaddle smacked Dooku on the back of the head. "Please inform me next time you make a decision like that. I do not like being surprised."
 
"I'll try to do so," Dooku laughed a bit at the expression on Yaddle's face. "You green troll."
 
"It seems that you have not suffered enough recently," Yaddle's eyes narrowed. "I believe I have not educated you in the folly of your youth in far too long."
 
"I do not believe that you are capable of facing me on a level playing field," Dooku replied. "But I welcome a duel all the same."
 
"Hmm," Yaddle agreed. "Set, the field of battle will be. Only once we are finished with our tasks."
 
"No backward speech," Dooku chided her. "You're better than that." 
 
"Hmm? Better than that, am I? Forgotten, you have that much older than you, I am."
 
"Now there are two of them," Dooku kneaded his forehead. "What have I done?"
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Chapter 16