Lightside Sith 009

Arriving at the peace summit, Kaine personally would rather classify this event as a party. 

The palace ballroom-where the party was taking place-was richly decorated with gold, silver, jewels, and hundreds of paintings. Manservants were everywhere handing out drinks, and there were tables full of food as far as the eye could see. Amongst the workers, Kaine even spotted R2-D2 with a serving tray strapped to his head, like in Episode VI at Jabba's palace. C3-PO was hard at work translating for several different aliens who couldn't speak Basic, and Jar Jar was gulping down food like he was a man on death row, and this was his last meal. 

About a thousand or more people were jam-packed inside. Influencers, artists, businessmen, politicians, news personalities, all the people who could shift the opinions of others, or make decisions affecting the galaxy had gathered here. Amongst the guests were recognizable faces, such as Mon Mothma, l Garm Bal Iblis, Bail Organa, and many other faces from the movies that super fans might recognize. In short, many of the Delegation of 2,000 peace oriented members of the Senate were in attendance. 

Taking a deep breath, Kaine straightened out the militaristic uniform he was sporting, and seeing that nearly everyone had formed a group or clique, he noticed that there was one straggler. This would be perfect for his divide & conquer strategy. If he could perhaps turn a diplomat representing the Republic against said Republic, it would surely net him some LP! 

Striding forward with confidence, he seized a pair of glasses containing some purple fizz drink from a passing servant, and approached a nearly transparent shadowy figure. He hadn’t seen him at first, but the Force had identified the creature. 

Upon closer scrutiny, it was a Defel. Looking something like a werewolf, Defel came from a planet with a strong gravity, and strong ultraviolet radiation. As such, their appearance was practically invisible in ‘regular’ light, and they wore a visor on their heads for vision. In short, Defel were exceptional at stealth, and were super strong when compared to the average Human. 

Strategically speaking, their planet was home to the only naturally occurring source of meleenium, one of the key components used in the manufacturing of durasteel. If he could win this man over for the CIS, perhaps Count Dooku wouldn't be so irate at his failed ‘assassination.’ 

“Greetings, my name is Kaine Renstar, a Sith Pureblood, I haven't met a Defel before, and am most interested in your culture.” Kaine said in a suave tone, and offered one of the glasses he had taken during his walk over here. 

The shadowy figure reached out to grab the glass, and Kaine-thanks to his own alien biology-was able to somewhat make out the alien's furry cheeks rise into a wolfish grin.  

“Arfm Ombra. You're the first person to notice me in 20 years since I became a Senator.” Arfm said in an appreciative tone. Like a man who has been ignored at every social function, yet came along anyway because it was his job, Arfm's tone was dry. Yet despite that bored disinterest, he was secretly eager to finally talk to someone. 

Kaine raised his own glass in salute, and took a sip. 

“Yes, well, the Confederacy recognizes all species as equal, not just Humans.” Kaine said, gesturing towards the 70% of the occupants in the room being Human. 

“A man of the Confederacy? That complicates things…I see your point, Renstar, and know what you are after. However, despite what some of my fellow Senators have posted on the Holonet regarding anti-alien rhetoric, my people will honor their word. We swore ourselves to the Republic, and we will not go back on it.” Arfm said with finality, although he was firm in his rejection, the nearly intangible wolfman was sympathetic in his delivery. 

“I see you are quick on the uptake.” Kaine praised with a sly smirk. “Such a mind is wasted on those who couldn't be bothered to hear it. A pity. Very well, I shall not try to convince you otherwise, Senator Ombra, I respect a man who sticks to his vows. But should the day come when the Republic spits on that honor, know that the Confederacy shall meet you with open arms.” Kaine nodded at Arfm, and took another sip of his drink. 

Although Kaine was optimistic in swaying Arfm, that didn't mean failure was the end of the world. He was, afterall, just a guy, and this was a casual conversation. If only he possessed that mysterious protagonist halo that allowed him to make ride or die friends with a single shared meal, or sentence. 

“And you, Pureblood Sith, why not join the Republic?” Arfm casually asked, looking out at the crowds as a spectator. 

“They and their pet Jedi destroyed my species. There are but hundreds of us now, when once there were billions.” Kaine replied just as casually. 

“O-oh.” Arfm choked on his drink, and muttered in surprise. “Those honorless dogs.” 

A small smile spread across Kaine's face, as +1LP silently floated into the air. It seemed changing someone's mind was worthy of some LP. However, he was certain that was only due to the Jedi slander. Afterall, convincing someone else to think negatively of the Jedi was truly how a Lightside Sith ought to operate. 

“Ah, here come the Jedi now.” Kaine gestured towards Anakin. 

Clad in the tight, form fitting dark robes from Episode II, the angsty teenager's entire focus seemed to be on him. Despite entering with Obi-Wan, drawing the attention of several beautiful alien women, and being swarmed by diplomats, Anakin's entire attention was placed on Kaine. 

+10LP +10LP +10LP. 

Simply being in the same room, and being the Chosen One's object of focus was enough for Kaine's LP counter to increase one after another. 

Arfm's nose shifted, and the wolfman furrowed his brow. “The child's pheromones are out of control. He is like a randosaur in heat, preparing to combat another for its mate. I'll step to the side, wouldn't want to get involved in that mess.” 

Thinking about the close call with Padmé in his room this morning, Kaine could only nod along in agreement as Arfm tactically retreated. 

Whilst Kaine was distracted by Skywalker's entrance, he failed to notice a presence creeping up on him. 

“So this is the famed, so-called Pureblood Sith, Kaine Renstar. Anakin has told me so much about you. Come, come, tell me all about yourself, you say the Jedi have eliminated your whole species? You poor thing.” A grandfatherly voice full of pity spoke to him from behind. 

Kaine practically felt his heart stop, and did everything in his power not to shit & piss himself. He, a lowly Acolyte (mid) was standing next to one of the strongest Force Adepts of all time. Palpatine was the man who orchestrated Order 66, played Yoda like an idiot, and was not as merciful as Vader…

His mind had practically gone blank for a second there, before he decided that the proper Lightside Sith thing to do in this exact moment was to…glaze the ever living bantha shit out of the old man, and save his own sorry hide! 

“Oh, Chancellor Palpatine! I didn't see you there. It's true what they say, you really are a man without airs. Even willing to speak to a CIS representative like me. No wonder you were elected to your post.” Kaine inclined his head, then deliberately made sure to make eye contact. 

“Curious. All I had ever heard of the Sith-at least what the Jedi tell me-is that they are murderous brutes, hellbent on slaughter. And yet, here I am, having a refreshing conversation with a bright young man.” Palpatine said in a comforting tone, and leaned in close like an uncle who was sharing an in-joke. 

For the briefest of seconds, Kaine was captivated by the man, and felt himself falling into Palpatine’s charisma. 

“Some Sith are like that, I must admit.” Kaine agreed, nodding his head. “However, there are others that are much more poised. Intelligence. Cunning. These are traits some Sith hold in high regard. However, above all else, Sith are beholden to power. Which is why I respect you, Chancellor.” 

Palpatine blinked, as if the words coming out of Kaine's mouth were preposterous. 

“Power? I have some influence over a handful of Senators, that may be. But the only power I hold is given by the people. To execute the people's will.” Palpatine smoothly declared. 

The politician's words must've been overheard by a few people nearby, as they began to clap, and vocally cheer him on. 

“Please, please, this is a peace summit, everyone. Would you allow this fine young man from the CIS and I to have some space to talk? I think we are really going somewhere.” Palpatine waved down his admirers, and hangers-on. 

The people who crowded around Palpatine smiled in acquiescence, and stepped back to give them space. 

“That, Supreme Chancellor, is power.” Kaine said, his golden eyes glancing at the dispersed crowd. “I admire you for that.” 

Although the words said were spoken to glaze the future Emperor up, they were said whole-heartedly, deep from the soul. Kaine truly admired anyone who could command a room with his presence alone. Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Genghis Kahn, and so so many other great men commanded that respect, and possessed that aura. Each of them had committed great evil in their times, just like Palpatine, yet no matter what they did or how they acted, no one could ignore them. 

“A Sith so often takes what he desires by force. Yet such thinking has often led us to our ruin time & time again. For all our power, all our physicality, and mastery over the Force, we would end up as the losers.” Kaine said in a bitter tone, and glanced at the floor with clenched fists. “And here you are, a Senator from a minor world, now the man sitting at the highest office in the land. No simpleton could achieve this feat. And now, emergency powers are in your hands, billions of faceless clones and Jedi must go where you please. This is power.” 

Kaine then looked up from the floor, and stared at Palpatine with an intoxicated look on his face. 

For Palpatine’s part, the Dark Lord of the Sith managed to look awkward at all the praise, and shook his head with a wry smile. 

“I don't believe I am worthy of such praise. Surely Count Dooku, your master, has achieved just as much, and as dictator, commands more respect.” Palpatine was quick to dismiss his own achievements, and deflect. 

Hearing this, Kaine found himself with a perfect opportunity to sow discord between the ‘master & apprentice’ of Palpatine/Dooku. At the same time, he'd hopefully earn Palps’ appreciation. 

“That pretender? He is no true Sith.” Kaine replied with narrowed eyes, and scoffed. 

+1LP floated into the air, proving that he was on the right path. 

“Oh? And what is a true Sith?” Palpatine lowered his voice, leaned in close, and seemed to focus his entire attention on him. 

Danger! 

Every single one of his cells unintentionally pulsed as he felt like death & opportunity had come to a crossroads determining his fate. 

“Do not get me wrong, Count Dooku, by all metrics, is a great man. However, his ideology has been influenced by the Jedi, as such, any attempt to act like a Sith can only ever appear as a pale mockery of our beliefs.” Kaine spoke from the heart, practically transmitting into the ether: ‘yes, your honor, everything I am saying is 100% truthful & not bantha shit!’ 

Palpatine remained still for a moment, and a shadow from the chandeliers seemed to spread across his face for a second, making Kaine's breath hitch. 

+50 LP. 

“Hm. I had considered Count Dooku still retained Jedi proclivities. I feel as if we have grown rather close, Lord Renstar. If ever you feel you have need of my ear, or my so-called power, please, do not hesitate to contact my office. The Confederacy is fortunate to have you, perhaps there might be a path for you once the Republic emerges victorious.” Palpatine said in a soft, understanding tone, and patted Kaine's forearm as if he genuinely cared about his wellbeing before departing to speak with someone else. 

“The pleasure was all mine, Chancellor. I look forward to our future cooperation.” Kaine raised his drink in salute, and finally let out a breath of relief once the old man left. 

Although he rarely drank spirits, Kaine was quick to snatch a drink off a passing R2-D2, and chugged it all at once to steady his nerves. 

Speaking with Darth Sidious had been the scariest thing he had been involved in since transmigrating. Truthfully, he wasn't terribly fearful of death, as ‘becoming one with the Force’ didn't sound terrible. However, Palpatine could make that death really, really horrific. If burning alive was one of the worst possible ways to go, [Force Lightning] was perhaps another tier above that on the pain scale. 

It appeared throwing Dooku under the bus was the right thing to do, and just like when interacting with the Chosen One, it appeared that interacting with the Dark Lord of the Sith was worth way more LP than the common man. His System was biased, but truthfully, Anakin & Palpatine were higher tier lifeforms than 99% of all sentients, so it wasn't that unreasonable. 

Just when Kaine thought he could relax, and go grab himself some food, he felt a mechanical hand clench painfully onto the back of his shoulder. 

“Renstar. We have unfinished business, you and I.” 

~~~~~~

AN: This is how I imagine Anakin/Palps’ conversation going: 

Anakin: This Sith is trying to kill Padmé!

Palps: ‘No shit, I ordered the hit myself.’ “Ahem, Anakin, surely this isn't the case!” 

Anakin: “Unfortunately, no one believes me, Chancellor. He even claims to know the identity of the secret Sith lurking in the Senate.” 

Palps: Pauses. A brief, murderous flicker crosses his eyes. 

“Well my boy, you have my full support in this matter. Do as you see fit. I shall take care of the aftermath.” 

Anakin: “Thank you Chancellor.” 

(Anyway, now imagine, just imagine for a second if our boy Renstar performs so spectacularly in the Clone Wars, ol'Palps wants him to be his Number Two instead of Mr. Burnt Leathery Bacon. Lol, imagine Kaine's shock!)