Star Wars: Shadowbound Chapter 7 - Crush Opposition, Naboo Roots, Dooku’s Duty & Sweet Rewards

A/N: I'm a bit sick, guys. Fever and cold. It's probably the aftermath of my dip in the community pool. I initially planned to add more action in this chapter, but I couldn't write it. It will be in the next chapter.

Doc - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1386daHhjaL5Ji7kGQBeYF6oK1qdSqNagRBBfUtjCQDE/edit?usp=sharing

"So, you're like me? A being tied to an aspect of the Force?" Arenval asked. 

"We are not alike. Yet in some ways, perhaps we are. I sense great darkness within you, though you do not appear dark. You possess a profound, innate bond with the Dark Side, yet you reject it." 

"Of course, I reject it. I'm not looking to become genocidal. The Dark Side heightens every emotion until they control you. I'd rather avoid that fate.”

"Yet you seek knowledge of the Dark Side? Crush Opposition is not an ability of the Light Side." 

"I know. I don't have a choice. All I can do is keep the darkness on a leash," Arenval said. "Will you teach me?" 

"Yes, I will teach you. I do not remember creating this Holocron, yet it exists. I may stand close to the Force, but I am not its will. If this moment has come, then it was destined." 

Arenval straightened his back, ready to learn. 

"Let's begin, then."

Once again, Arenval tried to probe the Holocron with the Force to reach for knowledge. This time, he felt guided and gained access right away. While he studied Crush Opposition, he heard the Father explain it to him. 

Crush Opposition was an ability that sapped the willpower of everyone around the user to a varying degree of radius. It depended on how powerful the Force user was. However, mastery of this technique could allow one to focus this power on a single individual as well. 

But it was a really effective technique. It wasn't flashy, and didn't need you to throw lightning out of your hands. It was perfect for Arenval. 

He spent the entire night training, seated in the bubble that limited his body from affecting his surroundings with the Dark Side. 

####

Aayla woke up the next morning and chose to meditate first. But as she sat down cross-legged, she sensed those around her and noticed Arenval was nowhere around. Not even on that ship. 

Curious, she postponed the meditation and left the quarters. Arriving in the lounge, she saw Shmi busy cooking something. The Ghostling child was right beside the ex-slave woman. 

Aayla continued, put on an extra layer of coat, and went out of the ship. She looked towards the Scimitar, unable to feel Arenval in the Force there either. Nor could she feel Komari anywhere. 

As her search turned into worry, she looked further into that massive cave. Hoth wasn't a friendly planet; she knew that much. 

"Where are you, Aren?" 

Muttering to herself, Aayla closed her eyes to find him in the Force. That was when she felt a faint wave of the Dark Side from deeper inside the cave. She wasted no time; with her lightsaber on her hip, she ran towards it. 

The cave widened beautifully as she traveled further. Slim bridges, deep falls where the bottom couldn't be seen, and a ceiling so high and ice-blue. Hoth seemed beautiful despite its frigidity. But she focused more on finding Arenval. 

She could feel she was close. The Dark Side was more radiant there, like a trail that was left behind by Arenval. 

Boom!

Then she heard it. A loud explosion from up ahead. She ran forward and finally reached a low-height, tight tunnel. As she crossed it, the tunnel grew wider, eventually large enough to walk normally. She noticed bright, yellow light and smoke from up ahead. The tunnel was coming to an end, leading into a large, open cavity. 

However, as she reached the end, she saw Komari Vosa standing stiffly there, arms crossed. Aayla reached beside the Dark Jedi. 

"Where is Aren…"

She swallowed her words back as the answer presented itself. 

In that open, icy area, Arenval was jumping around with his amber lightsaber while a fire-breathing giant slug-like creature attacked. The slug was extremely fast and agile, but Arenval used Form IV to move even more swiftly, and each strike was a power-focused Form V. 

However, something felt different. Arenval was smiling, yellow eyes burning, and the Dark Side in that chamber felt thick. No, it was Arenval who had let himself go.

"What is he doing? Why aren't you helping him?" Aayla asked the Dark Jedi beside her. 

"My Master commanded me to watch. And he's not fighting. He's training. You should watch it too. You might finally learn something," Komari answered with icy devotion. 

Wooooosh!

Again, Aayla saw the Dragon Slug spew fire at Arenval. But instead of dodging, Arenval used raw Force, extending a palm forward and making an invisible barrier against the fire, letting it disperse all around him. 

"Okay, that's impressive," Aayla muttered. 

"Keep watching. And steel yourself. Or you may soon be on your knees." 

Aayla was confused by that warning but didn't bother asking. She didn't like this Dark Jedi very much. Too cold for her liking. 

Bzzzz!

Aayla watched as Arenval closed in on the Dragon Slug, carving deep lightsaber gashes on its body. Bits and pieces of its charred body fell around, turning it more violent. 

The slug began breathing fire everywhere in a desperate attempt to win. However, Arenval dodged each time. She couldn't help but give a nod; her dear friend was better at Form IV than her. Arenval seemed as if gravity didn't exist. The jumps were efficient. 

But then, after cutting a few wounds on the slug's back, Arenval landed right in front of the Dragon Slug. She expected Arenval to land the final strike. But instead, the amber lightsaber turned off. 

"What is he doing?" Aayla panicked and grabbed her lightsaber. 

"Just watch!" 

She stopped; Komari's heavy hand pressed on her shoulder. She steeled herself, hoping there was a trick up Arenval's sleeve. And she was right. 

"W-What…"

Aayla felt a shiver. She felt weak all of a sudden, like all the strength in her limbs and the Force were being drained away. Worse, she didn't even feel like fighting against it. She just… felt weak and surrendered. 

"What's happening?" 

"My Master's ability," Komari declared proudly, leaning against the ice wall on the side. 

"I… feel like running away." 

"We are this far away. Now imagine the mind of that beast." 

Aayla glanced at the battle and, to her shock, the Dragon Slug was flat on the ice, cowering, shivering in fear. Arenval stood in front of its great maw, yet no fire was unleashed. The slug had completely surrendered. 

She watched as Arenval walked closer to the Dragon Slug and caressed its large snout. She expected him to kill it, but instead, he turned and began walking towards them. Soon, the Dragon Slug backed away and slid into one of the great many caverns there. 

Slowly, the shiver she was feeling vanished. The Dark Side presence from Arenval also shrank, and soon, she felt nothing. Just the usual Arenval she knew. 

"What was that? I felt like running away!"

"It's called Crush Opposition. A dark side ability that wears down the will of those around me. I didn't want you here." 

"Isn't it dangerous? I thought you said using the Force meant you had to use the Dark Side?" She asked, worried for him. 

"That's why I was so focused. It isn't easy, Aayla, but this is the only choice left to me. It's why I walked away from the Order. At least now I can test what's possible. Besides, if we're going to face the Hutts someday, I'll need a Hutt of my own. Preferably one who can use the Force. I'll need to master this ability to defeat him and win his loyalty."

"Wait, we're doing what now?" Aayla frowned. 

"One day, I'm going to rid this galaxy of slavery. The Hutts are among its worst offenders. Come on, let's finish working on the Scimitar today. We'll leave for Naboo in the morning." 

Aayla watched Arenval leave, Komari following behind him like a marching soldier. She hadn't thought this would be the direction Arenval would take. She had expected him to travel the galaxy in search of a way to suppress his Dark Side biology. 

Freeing slaves? Is it for me? 

She scratched her lekku and followed. 

No, he's indiscriminate in who he saves.

She watched his back, draped in a black cloak. How can someone who swore to free slaves be a darksider? She couldn't understand. 

####

Theed, Naboo, Mid Rim Territories, 

Arenval stood at the lead as the ship's ramp lowered. He was still dressed in his usual black Jedi robes, adding a large cloak over it. He kept his lightsaber in the 'Pocket' as it always saved him the trouble of getting inspected. At the same time, he never lost his most important weapon. 

He hadn't bothered to bring Scimitar down to the planet's surface, and kept it in orbit, currently piloted by Alfred alone. 

"Komari, don't make yourself too easy to sense through the Force here. Naboo looks ordinary, but it isn't. It's a piece in a much larger game." Arenval advised his crew. "Aayla, get on the Queen's good side. She has a bright future in the Senate. Shmi, just be yourself. Maybe keep an eye on Princess Arawynne." 

Beep!

"And Teeseven, you stick to my side." 

"T7 = Follow Aren."

The ramp dropped fully, and Arenval walked down. After Tatooine's sand and Hoth's ice, he really loved all the greenery around the Theed spaceport. The architecture, the waterfalls, the attire of the people. It was a little heaven in the Mid Rim. The people of Naboo clearly lived a spoiled lifestyle. 

Putting sightseeing aside, he focused on the man before him at the base of the ramp. Flamboyantly dressed with a statesman's theme, a sharply pointed beard on his face, and sleek hair. The man looked very pampered and opinionated.  

And Arenval recognized him. 

"Greetings, Governor Bibble." He offered his hand. "I didn't expect the Governor himself to make time for me. I'm Arenval Tython."

Surprisingly, Sio Bibble gave a stately smile and shook hands. "It is an honor to meet you, Jedi Tython. Her Majesty and I were surprised when we learned that the owner of Tython Tech is none other than a Jedi."

"An ex-Jedi now, I'm afraid. I parted ways over a few friendly disagreements," Arenval replied, realizing the man was treating his visit like a business summit rather than a simple tour. 

"If only every disagreement could be settled by one party simply departing, Naboo would not have endured its recent trials. Nevertheless, allow me to welcome you officially. Her Majesty, Queen Amidala, has invited you to her palace." 

"I accept the invitation," Arenval replied with measured courtesy, then introduced those with him. "These are my apprentices, Komari Vosa and Aayla Secura. This is my engineer, Shmi Skywalker, and lastly, Princess Arawynne of Datar. She was abducted and sold to the Hutts." 

Governor Bibble frowned after hearing Arawynne's story. "Your Highness, you are safe here on Naboo. I assure you, the Hutts will not dare attack this far."

"I know. Aren will save me," Princess Arawynne chirped and jumped to Arenval's side, grabbing his hand. Gravity was bothersome for her fragile body, and she used his arm as leverage. 

"The Jedi saved Naboo. I’m certain he will keep you safe as well." Governor Bibble smiled and turned. "Please, this way." 

Arenval followed the man, eventually climbing into the seat of a spacious speeder. It was a slow one, however, and took its sweet time to take them from the spaceport to the main city, then towards the royal palace. 

"Naboo is beautiful," Arenval muttered, inhaling the scent of the city. It was clean. Nothing like Coruscant that smelled of decay. Naboo, meanwhile, felt alive. 

"I learned about your life at the temple, Jedi Tython," Governor Bibble said. "Since this is your first visit to Naboo, I would be honored if you joined me at my home for dinner this evening. It will feature the finest Naboo has to offer." 

Arenval smiled fakely and glanced at the rich man. "Won't the people of Naboo cast doubts on me? I am, after all, just another head of a corporation."

"But a Jedi as well. The people of Naboo hold the Jedi in high regard after the recent events. And the holotabs are a fine creation. They have made governing this world easier, at least for me. Data management and automation have made handling numbers much simpler." 

Just as intended then. 

Arenval nodded in silent appreciation. When he'd made the thing years ago, he hadn't expected it to go this mainstream. All he had wanted was a more feature-rich, streamlined datapad. But clearly, the galaxy wanted it as well. 

Amidst the talks, the speeder finally stopped in front of the Theed Royal Palace. 

Ting!

Just as he got out of the speeder, he heard a familiar chime from T7 and looked. As expected, a red hologram was projected, visible only to him. 

[New Minor Quest - Asserting Dominance!
Description - It requires shamelessness to invade another Sith Lord's home.
Goal - Establish roots on Naboo.
Reward - Dark Side Inhibitor +0.1%, Fury Class Imperial Interceptor Blueprint]

My roots? What does that mean?

Since there was no point in asking T7, who was as clueless as he was, he just followed the Governor into the palace. 

However, he tried to remember what a Fury-class Imperial Interceptor was. He did remember one such ship, and if this was that same thing, then he really, really had to finish this quest. 

The palace was guarded, though the men looked weak, more ornamental than actual security. 

Naboo was an unserious planet to Arenval. If it wasn't Palpatine's home world, he doubted it would have survived the Clone Wars as unscathed as it would. 

Moving across a few hallways, they eventually arrived at the main throne room. The entire council was present, with the Queen seated in the head seat behind the grand table, face painted, crown atop her head. 

As the Governor bowed and walked away to his own seat, Arenval offered a simple smile and a light bow of his head. Any more, it would have angered Komari. 

"It's good to see you well, Your Majesty. And congratulations on your victory." 

"Thank you, Jedi Tython. It would not have been possible without the aid of the Jedi Order. However, I cannot help but remember the last time we spoke and the predictions you made regarding my home. They have all proven true. Was it a vision?" 

Padme Amidala sounded very stiff and formal, her voice hoarse as if she was sick. But it was just a style choice. 

"Only an observation," Arenval replied. 

"A very accurate observation then. Naboo has gained trade independence now. Nute Gunray has been arrested and will be punished by the Republic. The Naboo-Gungan unity has entered a lasting peace." 

Why tell me all that? 

Arenval just kept nodding, believing Padme was just hoping to tell him about her achievements. She was, after all, young and shouldering great responsibility. 

"That is brilliant, Your Majesty," Arenval replied. "But I doubt you will find justice in the Republic. Nute Gunray will spend years living in comfort and freedom. Coruscant's courts have quite the reputation for corruption, and Gunray has more than enough credits to keep delaying the hearings. It's best if Your Majesty's security is strengthened. The Trade Federation may decide to send assassins after you." 

The members of the Council whispered amongst themselves at his warning. 

"They would not dare do such after what happened to their blockade."

"They dared to blockade an entire planet, Your Majesty. There's little point in reasoning with fools. They'll only drag you down to their level. And fools seldom learn from their mistakes. To the Trade Federation, trade monopoly is all that matters, whatever the cost. Take my words as friendly advice," he solemnly said. 

"We are strengthening security throughout the sector," a man voiced, Horace Vancil, the Queen's political and economic advisor. 

Arenval knew the man was going to be the next senator as well. 

"Which is commendable. I deeply admire Naboo's engineering corps. However, the Trade Federation relies on droids, which means no need for training, no sentient life loss, and immediate replacement of fallen troops. I think what the Chommell sector needs most is stronger interconnectivity." 

He still had a reason for coming to Naboo, after all. He needed a sector to test out his experimental transceivers, datacenters, and holotab integration. If successful, he'd be able to monitor Naboo's communications secretly, and also prove product viability. His motivation was purely based on entertainment, however. He truly believed that the galaxy didn't have enough of it. 

No, a better explanation was that there was no medium of sharing. Most planets generated local content, music, films, shows, games, and more. But Holonet was too valuable to be used for sharing that. He wanted to provide that medium. 

"I would like to hear your though—"

"We have other matters to discuss, Advisor Vancil," Padme interrupted calmly. "Jedi Tython, you are my guest on Naboo. You shall be offered residence within my palace. I also extend to you an invitation to a formal dinner this evening."

"I gladly accept it, Your Majesty."

Arenval just nodded and turned to leave. He knew this wasn't the time to discuss important matters. Besides, he wanted to talk to her alone later. 

He followed one of the palace attendants to reach the guest rooms. They were really grand and lavish, not to mention they all came with a view. The room given to him was on the higher cliffside, had a very large open balcony attached to it, and a floor covered in marble mosaics.

Great for some lightsaber training. 

So, he decided to invite his two supposed apprentices to spar. 

####

Serenno, Outer Rim Territories 

The Count of Serenno, Count Dooku, knelt before his own throne in his own castle as the grand table's holoprojector revealed the flickering blue form of a hooded man. Count Dooku looked only down, never glancing at the being. 

"...Shmi Skywalker has been taken by Arenval Tython. The Jedi remain blissfully unaware of what has transpired, but for us, this shall inevitably change things." 

"What is required of me, Master?" 

"Nothing beyond what is reasonable, my apprentice. I have watched Arenval Tython ascend from a mere boy into what he has inevitably become. A wielder of the Dark Side in his own right. He has struggled against it, and has triumphantly mastered it. Yet it is not enough. He must wield it without restraint, thrive within it, and accept it as the only true law of the Force. 

"He is our answer to the Chosen One the Jedi train with such reluctance. Go to him and use your former connection. Sway him to our cause, little by little. He has seen the rot of the Jedi Order and the Republic. Give him what he needs to achieve what the Jedi fail to."

Count Dooku finally looked up. "Shall I keep my distance, or seek to induct him into our Dark Acolytes? Arenval is powerful. I have seen his connection to the Force with my own eyes."

"No, he remains a wild beast. His pride in himself and his convictions is most formidable. I have examined everything the Jedi preserved regarding him. He will never join our cause of his own accord. However, by granting him what he desires, we shall bind him to our cause. The Jedi and the Republic will inevitably question his allegiance, and destiny will compel him to choose. Proceed slowly. Treat this matter with the utmost delicacy, Darth Tyranus." 

"As you command, my Master." Count Dooku bowed his head. 

"Good, good. It's not easily done to trace his movements, but destiny has brought him to Naboo. With a curious new apprentice, from what I have learned. You shall find her most surprising, my apprentice." 

"Who is it?"

"Go and see for yourself."

And with that, the holotable stopped projecting. The grand throne room returned to the subdued silence. Dooku took his time to rise, digesting what he'd learned and what manner of actions he should take to win over Arenval Tython. 

It will be a slow conversion.

####

Naboo, Theed Royal Palace, 

The dinner with the Queen and members of her council was exquisite. He would have preferred it if she hadn't worn that strange attire, but the food was what stood out. Everything was fresh and high-quality, and after Tatooine and Hoth, he enjoyed it. Aayla and Komari, on each of his sides, seemed just as pleased. Shmi was reserved. 

He tried to keep his mood joyful. It had been a struggle ever since he had received the communication through Naboo's official channels that Count Dooku was coming to discuss trade. Arenval knew the real reason was him.

Sidious is on the move. It's not hard to guess. 

"Jedi Tython, what do you think of the rising separatist movement in the Outer Rim?" asked Horace Vancil, seated right beside the Queen.  

Arenval hadn’t smiled since he met the Queen in the throne room. He rarely ever smiled. That made all his words come out more serious and direct than needed. "War."

"War?" Governor Bibble exclaimed. "I'm sure the Republic won't allow it to go that far."

"The Republic rarely looks past its own orbit. Too much wealth and excess have dulled its judgment. The tyranny and tragedy of the Outer Rim have been ignored for far too long. The Ruusan Reformation failed outright. Abolishing the military and making each world pay for its own defense left the poorer Outer Rim worlds unprotected. The lawlessness we see today is the price of old mistakes." 

"And it will lead to a war?" Padme asked. 

"The war has already begun, Your Majesty. A corporation dared to blockade a planet and faced no punishment from the Senate. It always begins with something small. Then alliances form, and eventually comes the point of no return. The Outer Rim wants freedom from the Senate, but the Senate will never consent."

The entire table seemed on edge after his little, calmly worded warning. But Arenval didn't bother with it and focused on dinner. He wanted them to hear this. He wanted them to think of him as a wise oracle in the future. 

Slowly, the plates went empty. Arenval was the last to finish, since he ate so much. 

"Leave us." 

Padme Amidala suddenly ordered the council members. However, when the Governor didn't stand up, she repeated it. 

"I wish to discuss something with Jedi Tython alone."

Finally, everyone began to leave. Arenval gave his crew a nod and watched them leave as well. Then finally, Padme stood up and started walking. 

"Please, follow me, Jedi Tython."

Arenval silently did just that. Though right behind him, T7 followed. The droid followed him almost everywhere he went. 

Passing through a few corridors, they eventually arrived on a grand terrace with its own garden. Reaching its edge, he saw the city of Theed in its nightly beauty. He found it beautiful. After his entire life on Coruscant, this was new. The greenery and balanced city planning. 

Padme turned to face him and smiled, breaking the usual indifference she maintained on the white-painted face. "You saved Shmi."

"I did what was right," he replied, leaning over the terrace edge right beside her, staring at the city. 

"How did you persuade Watto?" 

"A bit of gambling and Jedi tricks."

Padme let out a soft chuckle. "Master Jinn did the same to free Anakin. Master Jinn... after we met on that landing pad, we talked about you. He said your connection with the Force is greater than anyone else's?" 

"I doubt that," Arenval replied, aware of the monster training at the Temple. "And I can't always control it."

"Obi-Wan told me about your situation. It must be difficult to live that way, always carrying that struggle within. But I believe what you said. The Force is still a mystery to me, but perhaps that is why I trust it. What you said about war frightened many, but I believe it will come." 

At last, Arenval turned to face the young Queen of a planet. She sounded more mature than her age. And her compassion for his condition was strange. But he reckoned she was simply like that.  

"There's no need to worry about Naboo, Your Majesty. This planet will suffer little more than a few scratches. The real war belongs to the Outer Rim." 

"That relieves me. But what about the galaxy? There has to be something we can do to prevent this war from happening." 

"It can't be stopped. Do you remember the man with the red saber who killed Master Jinn? Did the Jedi Order ever tell you anything about him?" he asked. 

Padme Amidala shook her head. 

"His name was Darth Maul, a Sith Lord. An ancient order of Force-sensitives who harness the dark side, fueled by passion, anger, and hatred. Their ultimate goal is to achieve galactic control," he explained. 

Padme stepped closer to his side, her words close to a whisper. "So they're the opposite of the Jedi?"

"Exactly. This galaxy's history is full of forgotten eras where the Sith prevailed and built evil Empires, only for the Jedi to reclaim them in time. Even Coruscant has fallen to them before. The history is long, but all you need to know is this: they're evil, and they want an Empire. Darth Maul is dead, but his Master is still out there. 

"I had a vision of Master Jinn's death. I had warned the Order, but they did nothing. They refused to believe the Sith had returned. They sat there like blind fools, comfortable enough to dismiss me. Now they're busy debating the identity of the other Sith Lord, while the Outer Rim falls deeper into the very chaos where the Sith thrive." 

Padme gulped. It was audible. "Does that mean… the Sith are behind the chaos?"

"Yes, and no. It's the Sith, but it's also the Jedi Order's blindness. They've known peace for so long that they ignore whatever unsettles them. But Your Majesty, promise me you'll never speak of this to anyone. You'll be murdered if you try. The enemy is never far away. Remember that. Just understand that there's a hidden hand behind the coming war. Once you see that, some things that make no sense will begin to." 

"But the Galaxy must learn of this hidden evil hand."

"It's too late, Your Majesty." Arenval stood straight and glared into her eyes. "One wrong move and we both will fall. Naboo will fall to pirates backed by that same evil hand. So what do you choose? Die without a fight, or endure this, grow stronger, and strike back when it counts?"

Padme frowned and looked at the city. Her home that she had fought to protect. She knew the answer. "I… I want to put up a fight."

"Then we're in the same boat. I'm not all that different from the Sith, and you should know that. I use the Dark Side too. I was born this way." 

"Master Jinn told me about it."

He did? Why would he do that? 

"Most Dark Lords carry a name, like Darth Maul. Darth is the title, the second is the name. Mine is Darth Knull. I chose it myself. But I don't want an empire, and I don't intend to surrender to the Dark Side. What I do want is to end slavery across the galaxy through direct enforcement. 

"Our goals align. I figured they would, which is why I came to you. I agree the galaxy should know about the Sith, the Dark Lords, the past, and the enemies of peace. Just not through you. It should be me. And to do that, I want to build a new galaxy-wide communication system that links directly with holotabs. The Outer Rim suffers because information doesn't travel, and I'll change that."

Smoothly, Arenval revealed the truth about himself and changed the discussion from talking about the Dark Side to a sales pitch. As long as she agreed, he'd have permission to experiment throughout the Chommell sector. 

"…Using the transceiver and datacenters, we'll establish sector-wide communication. It will support all twenty billion residents of the sector. From information to entertainment, it will serve as the medium. And once I bring this system to neighboring sectors, the network will grow. Naboo will receive information and media from the Vilonis sector, the Lambda sector, and beyond." 

"Like an ever-growing web?" Padme said, unable to hide her excitement. "It... it will truly change the way we communicate across the galaxy, Aren. This... this will cost you a fortune." 

"That's why I want to begin trials here in the Chommell sector. After that, I'll bring it to the Core and expand from there. I won't let this fall into the wrong hands, so I'll fund it myself. It's a risk, but if we want to bring the galaxy's communities together, it's one worth taking." 

"And you’ll use this network to teach the galaxy about the Sith?" Padme asked. 

"That is my plan."

He may have painted himself a bit brighter than he actually was. He omitted the fact that he wanted to kill the slavers. He hid the fact that his goal was to earn money through this network as well. He obviously didn't reveal the Quests he had to complete. However, he did intend to teach the galaxy about the Sith. 

"Naboo will help. I will help, of course. This will benefit this sector greatly. A faster, more efficient way of communicating will also make it easier to protect the sector. And if it becomes what you described, I can only imagine the good it will bring. Naboo has so much culture and art to share with the rest of the galaxy." Padme dreamily babbled. 

"I agree. Naboo's beauty deserves to be shared. I imagine tourism will flourish here. The food is excellent..." Arenval glanced at her. "The people are beautiful. The atmosphere is clean." 

Padme shyly smiled and looked at the city.

Arenval wanted something else from her, however. But he chose not to ask for it right now. He wanted to inspect Padme's J-Type diplomatic barge, which had a Class 0.7 Hyperdrive. However, since it was related to Naboo’s core technology, he decided to be patient. 

"I'll discuss it with my council and give you our official approval tomorrow, Aren." 

"That will be helpful, Your Majesty." Arenval bowed his head since she was leaving. 

"Just Padme. Call me that when it's just the two of us. I... don't want official titles to shape our conversations." 

Arenval smiled, the usual smile he gave. "I will remember that, Padme."

"I should return now. Good night, Aren." 

He just bowed his head and watched her walk away. Then he looked at the city, had a thought, and quickly voiced it. 

"Wait!" He called after her, using her title. "Your Majesty, may I buy a house in Theed? Since leaving the Temple, I still don't have a place to call home." 

For unknown reasons, Padme's face bloomed, and she nodded immediately. "Of course, Jedi Tython. I will have the Chief Architect show you the homes himself tomorrow."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Finally, Padme left. 

Left alone, Arenval kept looking at the city. 

That should be enough to plant roots. 

####

The next morning, Arenval, with only Komari and T7 with him, climbed into a speeder with the Chief Architect, Hugo Eckener. The destination wasn't Theed, however. The architect had told him that the finest homes on the planet weren't in Theed, but in Lake Country. 

So, awaiting Dooku's arrival, Arenval journeyed for two hours. Aayla and Shmi were left behind as the two women got closer to Padme. 

That looks… familiar. 

"That is Varykino Villa, the Naberrie family's estate."

Ah, no wonder. 

As the speeder moved, Arenval watched the truly gorgeous scenery of the planet. It was remote, but scenic; lakes, mountains, valleys, and so many waterfalls were there. And here and there, on some islands lay grand estates.  

"That is Convergence, the ancestral home of the Palpatine family. But when most of the family disappeared, the Supreme Chancellor back then sold it and moved to a small apartment in Theed. It's currently on sale but—"

"I'll buy it."

Arenval couldn't have uttered those words faster. 

"Jedi Tython, Supreme Chancellor is highly respected. And the Council is hoping to make Convergence a museum to remember—"

"Whatever the price, I'll take it. The chance to live in the same home where the Supreme Chancellor grew up? That's an honor worth having. I'll keep it exactly as it is and preserve it for generations." 

For some time, Hugo Eckener stared at Arenval's face. 

"Would you like to look inside?"

"No. We should return to Theed and finish the documentation. I'll transfer the funds at once." 

Hugo Eckener asked no further questions from there. The property was indeed expensive, as it didn't just have history, but was also very close to Queen Padme Amidala's family estate. 

Soon, they returned to Theed, and there, Arenval wasted no time making his purchase official. He wanted to finish it before Dooku's arrival, whom he doubted would meddle, but he didn't want to take any chances. 

It didn't take long before Alfred transferred the funds. The total cost came out at 238,000 Credits. Arenval had purchased the house and the lands around it as well, which was basically the entire island on that lake. 

Ting!

And then he eyed T7. Arenval believed himself to be a master at controlling emotions, but for a flicker, his greed spilled over. He really wanted that ship. 

[Minor Quest Completed - Asserting Dominance!
Description - It requires shamelessness to invade another Sith Lord's home.
Goal - Establish roots on Naboo.
Reward - Dark Side Inhibitor +0.1%, Fury Class Imperial Interceptor Blueprint]

Immediately, T7 whistled like crazy and began projecting the blueprint of a large ship. It was in that same red light, visible only to him. 

This is it!

Arenval stared at the design as if obsessed. A hundred meters in length, eighty-eight meters wide, and a height of thirty-three meters. Passenger capacity was fifteen, and it came with heavy armaments. It was a flying base of operations for a Sith Warrior from a forgotten era. 

I can hand one of these to every apprentice I end up training. Then I can send them on anti-slavery missions and collect slavecoins. 

The ship was large enough and spacious as well. However, he knew it would only serve him temporarily. It was still not big enough to be called a capital ship. 

But this will do for now. 

A/N: Images of Fury Class Imperial Interceptor are in the community chat.