Lightside Sith 004

Spending three days in transit aboard the Odachi, Kaine pretty much spent the entire time coming to terms with his transmigration, looking up stuff on the holonet, or studying the spell to speak with ghosts. 

The propaganda on both sides was pretty intense. Skywalker was already being hailed as a hero, and a gif of him waving his new mechanical arm was already front page news. Meanwhile, Windu decapitating Fett was being spread everywhere, showcasing Jedi brutality. As for his own small role on Ryloth, no mention was made about the creepy masked guy, but Wat Tambor was seen shaking hands with Lon Secura. Publicly, the CIS news sources are saying that a peaceful trade settlement had been reached, whilst the Republic decried the initial bombardment as bullying a weak people with the intent to enslave the entire population. Whiiich would've 100% been the truth, had Kaine not intervened! Uhhn-fortunately, he didn't get thousands of Lightside Points for things that might or could've happened. Honestly, he couldn't wait for those Twi'leks to rebel, and then hand him another easy W. Freeing those poor caged animals should be front page news! 

Speaking of those professional liars, there were all sorts of news organizations, actors, and influencers all trying to sway public opinion, and get that sweet ad revenue. 

For a moment, Kaine considered starting his own anonymous account, so that he could leak the truth to the people at large. Revealing hidden conspiracies should grant him LP, but sadly, it seemed like most of his points could only be gained in person. 

Besides scouring the holonet for entertainment, he had also studied the spell enough times, that it had finally shown up on his status window. Listed under skills, [Commune With Ghosts] automatically upgraded to Tier II, much to his pleasant surprise. At his current level, he could only speak to the recently deceased, long dead extremely powerful Force Adepts (a risky prospect), or those who were already ghosts, like Qui-Gon or Exar Kun. 

After summarizing his experiences from these past three days, Kaine dropped the Odachi out of hyperspace, and was already engaging his stealth drive. A trio of Venators hung over Naboo like specters. Their dagger-like designs held in position, screening all inbound traffic. 

Although Naboo wasn't a particularly populous planet-having only a few tens of millions-it was home to many artists, and had many vacation homes for the rich & well to do. Rich in the energy resource, plasma, the locals were basically the Norway of the Mid Rim, and enjoyed fabulous wealth compared to most other planets. 

Bypassing the small sector patrol-an entire legion of clones was manned by 50 Acclamators/Venators-Kaine flew towards a discreet port that he had found, and already rented over the holonet. At 100 credits a day, the small amounts of cash he had discreetly palmed from Ryloth were swiftly disappearing. During this trip to such a wealthy world, he'd have to find some criminals, and enlighten their wallets to the benevolence of the Lightside. 

Sending out a code, a hangar at the edge of Theed opened up, and closed all within a minute. Landing the Odachi inside a clean, empty room. Kaine eagerly left the cramped confines of his tiny ship, and went to explore the town. 

Perhaps it was due to the peace summit being hosted two days from now, but Theed was packed with people. Many families, and people dressed in designer clothes would frequently stop to take pictures of themselves, and their companions. Water fountains were everywhere, and despite the fact that a galactic war started less than two weeks ago, everyone was relaxed. To be honest, this laid back, no worries life was pretty nice. 

Entering an open air art gallery, he appreciated several pieces, and disdained several more. 

“The opening bid for ‘Rotten Life’ is 10,000 credits! Each art piece sold will raise funds for the peace summit! Place your bid now, and save the galaxy!” A lady leading an auction announced. 

A crowd of people nearby started shouting out outrageous numbers like “15,000, 21,000” and more. 

Curious what awesome art piece could be sold for so much, Kaine froze in place when he saw it was a literal rotting fruit-something blue & banana shaped-glued to a white canvas. Glancing at the crowd of people dressed like they were attending some gala or the Oscars, he shook his head in disgust. A true Lightside Sith would rid the world of such parasites. Fortunately for them, he wasn't a terrorist. Grabbing a goofy toucan-like bird mask from a nearby stall, a bright green jacket straight, and pulling a vibroknife from his inventory, he was all set. 

Now the typical Sith approach would be to destroy the art piece, and murder the artist in a gruesome fashion. Of course, Kaine had other plans. Dropping [Hide Presence], he walked forward wearing the goofy attire, and pointed at the auctioneer who was standing next to the canvas. The pink skinned alien lady had purple hair, had giant hoop earrings, wore more bracelets than he could count, and looked like the type to believe their own hype. 

Perfect. 

“You there, how dare you auction this steaming pile of bantha shit in the name of ‘promoting peace!” Kaine hotly declared, interrupting the auction. 

“Security.” The alien girl didn't even bother interacting with him, and stepped back. 

Two big dudes in black shirts stepped forward, acting as if they would manhandle him. 

Retrieving a pineapple-like fruit he had snagged on Ryloth, he sidestepped a lunge, and slammed it across the back of the dude's head, knocking him out. When the next guy came, Kaine used [Inflict Pain] on his knee, making him stagger mid punch. Flopping the hard & spiny fruit around, he crushed it on the dude's face, exploding juice everywhere. 

Stepping towards the girl, she backed away in fear. “Shh, shh, I'm not going to hurt you.” Kaine whispered. 

When she backed up into her canvas, Kaine slowly approached, and his gloved hands reached towards her face-

“Stay back, I'm warning you!” She yelled out. 

Kaine grabbed her by the arm, then turned towards the crowd, placing his knife against her throat. Of course, he wasn't going to use it, but they didn't need to know that! 

“Falicitations, benefactors! As I understand it, this auction is being held to raise funds for peace! I offer you, fine gentle-beings visiting Naboo, a once in a lifetime experience! Instead of bidding on this crappy fruit, you shall be spending to save her life! The opening bid is 20,000 credits. You have five minutes! If I'm not satisfied, I'll cut'er up!” Kaine said in a cheerful tone that would put famous murderbots to shame. 

No one moved for a second, but then screams rang out, and some people ran away. 

“Halt.” Kaine commanded, and pressed the tip of the blade at her jugular. The Force entered his words, and the extravagantly dressed people stopped in their steps. 

“I will do what I can, in the name of peace!” A dude stood up, then glanced at the hot lady sitting next to him, and raised his voice: “25,000 credits!” 

‘Bro really is simping, but I can't even blame him.’ Kaine sweat at what just occurred. 

As if the floodgates had opened, several more people began to make bids. 

“25,500…25.8…27.9…” 

Three minutes had passed, and every second that transpired, Kaine worried he'd be targeted by some special forces sniper. 

“Hurry it up! I'm feeling…stabby!” Kaine said in a psychotic tone, and ripped apart a section of the pink alien girl's dress. 

“50,000!” An old man standing on a wobbly cane declared soon after. 

“Sold!” Kaine declared. “You sir, are a gentleman dedicated to peace! Come on up to make the transfer.” 

50,000 credits was a good amount of money. The Star Wars buying power was much better than Earth's. That kind of money could purchase a modest light freighter, or pay for several years worth of food/rent. No one would physically carry that much, and like most large transactions, the banks would handle the money. 

Taking out his communicator, Kaine tapped the old man's, and transferred the creds to an anonymous account handled by the Banking Clan. That was one of the benefits playing on Team Bad Guys, those big foreheaded bastards-the Muuns-had his back so long as it involved money. 

Pushing the girl away, a +1 Lightside Points notification hovered overhead. 

Kaine grinned. It seemed he found a new glitch in the System. Holding people hostage, and then releasing them. Truly he was the absolute paragon of virtue! 

50,000 credits richer, Kaine bowed towards the social elites. “Ladies and gentlemen, look forward to many more such exciting experiences! Today, peace was purchased for a measly 50,000, proof that your efforts aren't in vain!” 

His words seemed to have convinced several people in the crowd, because his LP gained another +5. It seemed he had somehow, inadvertently, inconceivably…inspired hope in these people?!?! 

‘What the hell? How the fuh-I mean, all according to plan! Of course, these people were convinced by my award winning smile!’ Kaine thought to himself. 

In reality, his toucan-like bird mask stared blankly at everyone silently for a minute, and then when the sound of men running onto the scene met Kaine's ears, he booked it. 

Running down several alleyways, and into a place without cameras, he quick-swapped back into his Sith attire, and applied [Hide Presence] to himself. 

Taking a moment to compose himself, Kaine was proud that he had sold peace today, and was looking forward to selling it at a higher premium next time. However, he had a mission to do, and now that all the eyes were drawn to the marketplace, now would be the perfect time to speak to the ghost of Qui-Gon Jinn! 

Following a map, he entered the royal cemetery, where Naboo's most important people were entombed. Qui-Gon had been cremated at a temple nearby, and if the holonet was to be believed, had a small scoop of ashes spread atop a gravestone nearby. 

Security was practically nonexistent, as the local security forces were too busy at the nearby palace-or searching through the marketplace for the galaxy's newest entrepreneur-providing protection for the upcoming peace summit. Quickly taking a quick glance around, there was literally only one other person in the entire graveyard laying down some flowers a good distance away. 

There literally wasn't a more perfect time than now to enact his plan. 

Bypassing a small wrought iron gate that would only deter ordinary people, he came across a grand tombstone. Dedicated to Qui-Gon Jinn, may the Force be With Him. 

Beneath the simple line of words was a holoprojector detailing his life's work, and all he had accomplished. 

Kaine felt that there was a subtle difference in the Force here, and decided to prepare everything. Lighting a candle-incense would work too-he set it down on top of the gravesite, and began to chant the incantation. 

After half an hour of painstaking work, the incense was blown out by a cold wind, and the specter of a pale blue translucent man manifested. 

“Greetings, young o-”

Crunch. 

The sound of Kaine digging taking a big bite from the fruit from his inventory halted Qui-Gon midsentence. 

The Jedi Master quirked an eyebrow, and folded his hands within his long sleeves. 

“Hmm? Sorry. I was talking nonstop for the last 30 minutes, and am thirsty as all hell. Do you want some?” Kaine offered up a piece. 

Qui-Gon pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed. 

“I never expected the first person to greet me in ten years would be-” 

“A Sith?” Kaine interrupted between bites. 

“So poorly dressed.” Qui-Gon shook his head, the disappointment in his eyes was palpable.

Kaine spit out a chunk of fruit, and stared wide eyed at the man. In the Phantom Menace, he was usually so composed!...but then again, Obi-Wan & Dooku did have sharp senses of humor…that could only mean the little green goblin had been passing down his own unique brand of trolling throughout the centuries.

Damnit Yoda! 

“Hmm, what an interesting young man. You went to such great lengths to see me, yet you have yet to introduce yourself.” Qui-Gon sat down, and gently looked at him. 

Kaine rolled his eyes. ‘Don't think I'm not wise to your game old man! I still remember you failing to [Mind Trick] Wato, and betting Anakin's freedom on a fucking podrace! 

“Name's Kaine Renstar, remember it.” Kaine smiled, and continued to eat his fruit in relish. 

It wasn't like he actually needed anything from the ghost. Just ask him if he should kill Padmé. Then, when Qui-Gon says no, Kaine would have an easy excuse for Dooku, and would evade receiving lightning to the face! 

After a few minutes of silence, the ghost spoke first. 

“Your plan won't work.” Qui-Gon said with his eyes closed. 

“Hrm?!” Kaine choked on his food. “H-how do you know about-!” He began in a startled tone, then caught himself midsentence. “Heh. Crafty old man, trying to get me to reveal my purpose in summoning you.” 

Kaine wagged a finger at the ghost, and chuckled. 

“Obviously your plan is to avoid punishment from my Master.” Qui-Gon simply stated, he was so casual about it, it was like when informing someone about the time. 

Kaine blinked. 

“If that's all you've summoned me for, then, this is goodbye. Until next time, little Sith.” Qui-Gon said, and then began to fade away. 

“No, wait!” Kaine held out a hand, and hurriedly mumbled some of the words for the spell, to strengthen the connection. 

Yet due to his haste, and the food in his mouth, the words came out garbled. A second later, his focus began to burn his chest, and a red light surrounded the disappearing ghost, forcing it to become permeable once more. 

Falling to the dusty graveyard floor, Kaine felt his energy sapped after performing two spells in quick succession. 

“Oh my, that looks painful. Would you like me to help you up?” Qui-Gon asked in a concerning tone. 

“Fffuck you.” Kaine slurred as some dirt fell into his mouth. The damned ghost knew damned well he couldn't interact with the physical realm! 

“Are you okay?!” A woman's voice shouted at him from afar. 

‘Huh, it must be the other person in the graveyard. Running out of juice like this must've broken my [Hide Presence] ability. I should be fine, right? After all, Wat Tambor took all the credit, no one knows who the creepy masked guy is.’ Kaine thought to himself. 

“Let's sit you up.” The lady said, and worked hard to push him into a sitting position. 

‘Damn she's soft, and smells good too!..but why does this voice sound familiar?’ 

Once he was seated, Kaine's eyes opened wide as he saw the twenty four year old Padmé Amidala beneath a navy blue hood. 

She was the other person in the graveyard! 

“Oh, you recognize her? How interesting.” Qui-Gon stroked his beard with a small smile, and looked like an old pervert enjoying a play. 

“Is there someone over my shoulder?” Padmé asked, and glanced behind herself, seeing nothing. 

Kaine blinked. It seemed only he could perceive Qui-Gon at the moment. Better say something to break the ice so she doesn't think I'm crazy. It'd been such a long time since he was this close to a girl concerned with his safety, he sort of accidentally spoke without any filter, and said the first words that came to mind: 

“You can call me Kaine, Count Dooku sent me here to kill you!” 

~~~~~~~

AN: Wow, this is doing pretty well. I'll probably continue this into next month, taking the place of Week 3's time slot.