It's a Start (Dooku and any CIS)

[The Jinn Genie]

Jinn didn’t like ice; it was cold, harsh, slippery and deceptive on the whole. All it took sometimes was an ounce of pressure to send you plummeting although it’d seem as solid as his drinking habits, and sometimes it was near unbreakable despite being as weak as his will against a Twi’lek who wanted a drink, however the red coated Mercenary wasn’t here for site seeing, or mining.

Word on the winds of trade had allowed the mercenary to hear tell that Dooku was going to be on this planet, and he was a target Jinn was paid to ‘get close too’ and find out some information for, he had the perfect alibi in case anyone had seen him speaking to the obvious master on Corellia, he had several plans to get the information but last time he encountered Dooku was on Geonosia, and he didn’t take kindly to his own personal variations on humour, hell it even seemed as if the man didn’t have one, but that was Jedi’s in Jinn’s opinions.

The long haired merc stayed around the Cantina’s in the star port, hoping that when a Sith lord and leader of the CIS arrived it would kind of be a big thing, and even if Jinn’s information was wrong the booze was good, and he still had some credits to refuel and as this was a CIS allied planet he may be able to charm his way up and get some information valid of contacting Dooku, or at least finding out if he will be here at some point in the future.

After his third round or so he brought his drink to one of the windows in the far wall of the Cantina that looked over the main dock of the port, and steadily the Mercenary began to study the ships coming in and out, as well as subconsciously feeling the handle of his DC-17 blaster, this was not a good idea at all, information gathering was usually a suicide mission, and against a Jedi freaking Master gone rogue, Jinn would have to use all of the acclaimed ‘three brain cells’ he had to not be found out and killed, and think of a way out if he did.

[countdooku]

As his ship landed, Dooku's eyes opened. During the ride here had meditated, and meditated deeply. So far, the war was going well, and the droids numbers were only growing. The Confederacy was strong, and he was already collecting a small army of Acolytes. Foremost among them, Ventress and Taan, his two most dangerous. One a master tactician and Force-user, the other a master combatant. There was Sora Bulq too, a dangerous tool all around. Tol Skorr, and the rest. His most prized tool, was Grievous. He had more than enough skill to run the CIS Armed Forces, and could his own against almost any Jedi. He himself, Darth Tyrannus, was yet another tool. The most important, and so it was he had come here. To meet one of the biggest pieces in a grand game, Wat Tambor.

Wat was the head of the Techno Union, and a Council-member in the Confederacy. No doubt, besides Grievous, Nute, and Poggle, he was the most prominent member as well. Almost as rich as Dooku, and a brilliant tactician. He could also handle himself very well, in close quarters and far. His suit was his most major weakness however, one Dooku would not hesitate to act on if he had to. So far, he had n o need to fear such a thing ever coming up. He was coming here to meet with him on the topic not only the Dark Force Harvester, but the Seismic Tank he had been developing. That, and the war was a topic he had in mind. He wanted to collect his thoughts, ideas, and test his loyalties, since greed sometimes bred betrayal.
He had chosen Mygeeto because it was one of the strongholds of the Confederacy, and it had a strong presence of droids. Here they would be secure, and safe.

Dooku rose from his sitting position, using the Force to call to him his lightsaber. He never went anywhere without it, and sometimes it helped to create fear in any potential allies, respect in others. His pressed his suit, and ran a hand through his hair. He looked like a Head of State, as it should be. The ship lurched as it powered down, and he heard the boarding ramp being lowered. He decided it was time to leave, and began to walk for the ramp. He could already hear droids clanking, lining up beside his shuttle. Of course he would be given an escort, not that he needed one, it was just circumstance. He came down the ramp with a bored expression, and waved for the droids to follow. He was going to need to wait for the Foreman, so going to the citadel was useless. He could grab a drink, and some food. Both were necessary, as even he needed nourishment time and again. He spied a bar nearby, and could see it wasn't anywhere as shabby as most were. Dooku headed for this bar, and noticed that as he did, many people would stop and stare, or give him glances. He was practically a celebrity, and for him to be here was...unheard of. Still, Mygeeto was important, so he had no doubt it would see more of him.

He entered the bar, his 10 droids escort heading for the walls and lining up, with a smile. The bartender looked up and began to say "No droids" but saw Dooku, and nodded his head. He was obviously a supporter of the CIS, which was good...for him. Indeed, it had given Dooku the chance to end this peacefully, fore if he had attempted to tell him no droids, he would have had to force the matter. Regardless, he was thirsty, so he approached the bar. His eyes looked sideways as he felt a familiar presence, and he smiled. He was here, Jinn. How...funny. He raised a hand for a glass of water, and sat, his mind on "other things", seeing if the young man would approach him.

[WAT TAMBOR]

A small Sheathipede-class transport shuttle streaked through the cold Mygeeto Sky, flanked by a fighter squardron of Vulture Fighters. The group of fighters slowly began to descend through the sky, parting the clouds swifly as the air became filled with the shreaks and trills of the shuttle and starships. The fighters broke off formation as the shuttle came in for a slow, yet graceful landing on one of the larger landing pads near the city. The shuttle powered down it's engine and the boarding ramp slowly extended and hit the metal surface with a dull thud. From within the confines of the Shuttle came a total of Neimodian Guards, followed closely by none other than the Foreman of the Techno Union, Wat Tambor.

Wat Tambor was an odd looking fellow, dressed from neck to toe in flowing robes, his chest completely covered by a heavy set of metal armor with various gauges and knobs. Over his face he wore a metal mask with a vocabulator and two goggle-like viewports so he would be able to see. He swivled his head around to glance at all the individuals near the walkways around the landing pad, and with a deep scoff he walked deeper into the spaceport. As he traveled he was closely flanked by the two Neimodian guards, both were armed with a single-shot Blaster Carbine, and a vibroblade at their hips. Both wore medium metal armor with heavy cloth underneath to protect them from the harsh cold, and they wore metal helmets with goggle/visors to protect their eyes from the biting cold.

The trio moved swiftly throught the twisting and twirling alleyways till finally reaching the designated area. Wat Tambor held up his right hand and clenched it into a fist, the Guards immediately nodded and disappeared back into the alleyways as Wat continued the small trip inside by himself. He slowly walked through the archway leading into the tavern, and was assaulted by some odd music being played by a band completely composed of Bith muscians played in the far corner. Wat Tambor usually didn't come to such lowly places like this, but he would have to endure it to meet the Count. Taking a few more steps inside he got uneasy looks from some of the Bar patrons, mostly from his rather odd garb, or for the fact he was a Skakoan. Skakoans usually didn't leave their high pressure planet, and to see one on a planet such as Mygeeto was a rare sight indeed. He hoped his presence here wouldn't cause any trouble, of course he wasn't as more as a pariah as the B1 Battle Droids stationed around the bar, which indicated that Wat was in the correct place.

He turned towards the bar and came face to face with the illustrious Count himself. Bowing slightly he slide into the bar stool parallel of Dooku and quickly adjusted his suit pressure as it had changed since he stepped foot on Mygeeto, but he had no chance to change it on the walk here. Once the pressure was adjusted he looked over at Dooku and nodded slightly. "Quite an odd place to meet don't you agree Count? I thought we would've chosen a more... secure and private location...." Wat's voice came out mechanical and deep, almost hitting baritone even. Wat shuffled slightly in his seat, not really used to being so....exposed and out in the open. Even with the ten droids he didn't feel at all completely safe, because he knew even on a CIS controlled world, there would be others who would kill their loved ones at the chance to take down a member of the Confederate Council. He spied around the bar again and adjusted his suit to lower his voice so he could speak more to Dooku. "What have we to discuss Count, I wish not to stay in this filthhole for much longer..."

[The Jinn Genie]

The second the ramp was down the merc had his piercing gaze upon the events that unfolded, he had a feeling Dooku would instantly know he was being watched, but then again in a star port and with an escort waiting for him that, Jinn hoped, would be an understandable feeling. Quickly the merc ordered some food, and it had just arrived by the time the Lord swept into the Cantina, it was an instant change in feeling, someone important had entered the room and Jinn admired how he could command such things, even if he didn’t agree with how he dealt with some parts of the war, the way he commanded things was impressive to anyone who knew how hard that was.

The trained sense of the mercenary kept Dooku in his peripherals, and he knew the Count wasn’t stupid enough not to notice someone he had worked with, or someone who gave him the lip that Jinn was renowned for, however he stayed to his food, and just as he was about to get up to go see Dooku about the job an unexpected man came forth, Wat Tambor. Now this was interesting, the merc lowered himself back into his seat without looking directly at the two at the bar.

It wasn’t surprising when Jinn thought about it, however it did make things more complicated, however he now had to find a way to stay close, without one of the ten droids noticing, or Tambor. The loud mouthed merc for once was quiet as he began to think of ways to get Dooku on his own, survive past guards who wouldn’t let some stranger near his target, and away from Tambor.

Several plans instantly came up however they were discarded, as he wouldn’t have his crystal until this little side mission was complete, as such the blasters of ten droids would just pepper him in this confined space, and even if they didn’t Dooku, being an almost paranoid man, would probably give him a good choking for cutting down his shiny toys. Then there was the near cyborgs himself, Jinn knew little about him other than some of the more public displays he had provided, and there was one thing this mercenary disliked about shady people was things he didn’t know or could not work out.

Jinn’s eating now became slower, however he did move to the window, leaning against the wall and staring right at the two, he was certain Dooku knew his presence, and hopefully, the two DC-17 pistols that were now on show from under his coat, as well as the Vibrosword on the table, would put him off, let his guard down, and make him rush to get Dooku out of this public place.

[countdooku]

Dooku only nodded in response to Wat's bow, which he felt was rather necessary since he was in charge. Of course, it was a show of respect, but he liked to consider it a show of inferiority as well. No matter how smart Wat was, no matter how rich, useful, or loyal, he was not human. He was as alien as they came, so it was Dooku was better, as he always would be. He then turned and looked Wat in the eye, ignoring Jinn's presence at first and instead focusing on his partner-in-war. His guards were outside, he could feel their presence in the Force, and he could sense they were neimodians. Skilled warriors indeed, he knew firsthand. No doubt a gift from Nute as a show of appreciation. Spared Dooku the responsibility of having to give him anything. However, he was still an important piece of the puzzle, and he was a valuable ally. Loyal too, which was hard to come by with these greedy money lovers. The Foreman's question was well asked, but no doubt from the recesses of his pride. Such a cantina was a lowly place to him too, but he had been in many lower places. It was safe, and enclosed, a place the Jedi (if they even knew he was here which he doubted) would not attack due to their protective nature. As well, it contained many Separatists loyalists obviously, unless you did not count Jinn in the corner. All in all, a perfect pre-meeting place.

My dear Foreman, whatever reservations you hold of the people here, let go! We are...quite safe here, do you not feel so even with myself here? Surely you are not saying my talents are wasted my friend he said, hoping to allay what fears he could sense Wat had. Obviously he feared for his life, since he was a Council Member, and more than likely he feared a little for Dooku's. Still, it was unjustified, as they were on an allied planet, surrounded by droids, with two guards outside, and a Lord of the Sith right here (although he did now know it). He had no qualms with the place, nowhere was truly unsafe when one had the Force. Besides, it was good he was here. Jinn was actually particularly useful, but he could sense the boy's eyes on him. It would not do to have him watching him, not at all. Wat spoke once more, to which Dooku sighed. One moment Master Tambor, I do believe I have quick business to discuss with someone far less important but equally in a hurry he said, before heading towards Jinn.

As he came towards the young Mercenary, he could sense his unease in the place. Like Wat's but only...different, as if he was afraid of something else...someone. Dooku had long ago mastered the art of Telepathy, able to see into a man's very soul if he had to, almost as well as his Master. He could see Jinn was here for a reason, but what was it? No no, he was being nosy. It was none of his, that was all there was to it. Jinn was about to forget that business when Dooku approached hom though. He advanced as any noble man would, especially one with his reputation. He knew of Jinn, and his notorious mouth. So he would speak to him in a manner befitting his status. Jinn, my young friend, how good it is the Force has brought you here. I have need of your services, which I am quite sure you can offer? he asked, appearing un-interested but wisened. The perfect disguise, one he wore many a time.

[WAT TAMBOR]

Wat Tambor would only nod slowly at the Count's reassurance, why should he worry? He was just being over-paranoid again, they were on a CIS controlled planet, surrounding by Confederate Loyalists and ten or so B1 Battle Droids, so why should he worry? He shouldn't and he forced his muscles to relax as his mind to be clear of troublesome thoughts, for who would dare attack him or the Count on such a loyal world? A suicidal moron that's who, but again he thought who would be so bold? Wat moved his eyes from the Count to the counter as Dooku moved away to have a quote unquote Business conversation with some ruffian across the bar. On the outside Wat didn't seem to mind much, but in reality his pride took a bit of a hit. Why would the Count need to put Wat second for some unknown scumbag? It infuriated him slightly but he forced himself to remain calm as he silently awaited for the Count's return. T

he wrist comm on Wat's wrist lit up and flashed on and off, and quickly Wat pressed a small button under the light to answer. A small holo of another Skakoan appeared, about 5 inches tall and 2 inches in diameter, it adressed the Foreman in Skakoverbal, a language that Wat suspected no one else in this cantina could even comprehend. "Greetings my Foreman, I am Zat Svilian, and we are proud to inform you that our associates, the Colicoid Creation Nest... may have created a new type of repulsorcraft for our cause... But what they called it escapes my grasp... the Prozo....daka? I believe? Something along those lines... we wanted to inform you of this development." Wat Tambor would remain silent for a moment before answering his Skakoan comrade, "I thank you Mr. Svilian for informing me of this new development, be sure to be absolutely certain that the Colicoids are infact building a new device, and be sure that the Techno Union gets first claim to said device before any others, like the Trade Federation... I'd rather have it than those slimey.... Neimodians..."

Obviously the Foreman didn't exactly like Neimodians that much, but they made good soldiers and bodyguards, and he wouldn't shy away from aid like that. Of course he'd rather rely on his self programmed Battle Droids, who wouldn't dare think of any ill will towards him. "We shall do as you command Foreman, Svilian out." The Holo flickered and died, and Wat Tambor returned to his slumped over position at the bar, looking rather bored as he waited for the Count, but now he had some new information to tell Dooku, and he thought that perhaps the Count would like this news as much as he did. A new repulsorcraft, and the Techno Union may get their hands on it first before any of his competitors! Oh how profitable that would be, and if it was a success he could rub it in that snivling Viceroy's face... and if it was a failure... he'd make sure to cover it up as best as possible as to deter any humilation against him.

[The Jinn Genie]

Even though Dooku was someone Jinn respected he loved pushing his buttons, as he had the skills and Dooku knew that he could only hurt Jinn rather than kill him and hire some second rate mercenary, as such Jinn moved his body and sat with his arm resting on the windowsill, looking at Dooku with a cocky smile. As he spoke the smirk only grew and prodded for a reply “’Ello beautiful, it’s been far too long, and you never call” A look of mock worry came across the merc’s face as he leaned forward and put his hands on the table.

If anyone was watching it’d be mirrored opposites, Dooku with his lack of emotion and Jinn with too much, slowly the man moved back, not scared but knew if he pushed too far he would be killed, he could already feel that he was being watched by more than just the cantina’s patrons, however he knew that if he was going to die he’d be ready for it, he’d also take as many as he could with him.

A warm smile flashed across the loud mouthed man’s features and he said, whilst picking up his drink “Indeed master of all that is proof that someone can prod a Rancor and live. I am indeed looking for work, after I helped you on Geonosis someone pasted my face on the Jedi’s most wanted list, and I barely got away from one of the council members. So I figured, ‘whose stupid enough to hire me twice’ and after they all said no. I came here, on a hunch you’d be…..floating through.” Jinn took a sip, knowing full well that at any point his oesophagus would be closed and what fluid in his neck would not go down as well if it did.

There was something niggling at the back of his mind, the force didn’t bring him here and this was all a lie, and if he even got a whiff of deceit he’d be on a no suit trip to the nearest star, as such he let go for his drink and casually put it on his lap, where the table hid it from normal view, and gently Jinn moved it around looking for one of his detonators, just in case.

[countdooku]

((I apologize for the reply Jinn...I am so sorry. The best I could do))

Dooku's face fell with disappointment the moment the mercenary opened his mouth. The last time he had worked with him, he had been quite the ass. His mouth moved faster than his mind, and Dooku could only wish his hand did as well. He had proved to be...useful, although not even half the mercenary Fett was, but still had not impressed Dooku. He was an idiot, a complete and utter idiot. Still, he had his uses, and as one who was useful he would be used. He sighed in response to his mock sadness, and shook his head. This boy was truly a brave man, to speak to him in such a fashion. He had no doubt Wat would have smacked him for such nonsense, but he was useful. Too, he did not want to lose what respect the man had for him, at least not yet. Indeed he said dryly, bored by this exchange of wits. He was not some child, or greased up technician cracking jokes. He was a Dark Lord of the Sith, and Head of State for the Confederacy of Independent Systems. He did not play games, no matter who you were.

As he continued, Dooku began to get angry. So, he was trying to prove something was he? No, one did not prod a rancor and live. A calm smile slowly spread across Dooku's face, and he listened with nearly no interest. The Council, after him? He highly doubted that lie, for Jinn was worth almost nothing in the grand scheme of things. Maybe he had done something on his own that was foolish, which he found believable, and gotten himself hunted. It all didn't matter, none of it. His smile held even Jinn had finally finished, stating he had a "hunch" he would be passing through. A hunch, more like an informant. Someone needed to die, for if he knew than the Republic could find out just as easy. He looked Jinn in the eye, and though he did not show it, watch him ease his hand down into his lap. His smile grew darker, and it seemed the room hushed a little, the lights darkening. No matter what he was doing under the table, he could not stop Dooku from reaching up and using the Force to squeeze the young man's throat. He let the Force ease its way around, taking his time so as to not kill him, just hurt. Then he looked around the bar, eying each person until at last he found his gaze again on Jinn.

Perhaps you find it funny to mock me, but I do not. Take this warning, and remember it. Those who decide to try and embarrass or toy with me in front of my associates, allies, or even noone at all, do not live to finish their joke. You are lucky, yes lucky, I have a need for you Jinn... he said, his smile growing even more dark, And that need must be fulfilled first. He slowly released Jinn, letting him savor the pain, and the room lightened up. The bartender only smiled crookedly, and the patrons went back to their business. Dooku's smile fell, and his face again became eerily serious. He regained his genteel posture, and let his hand fall to his side. Now... he commanded, demanding Jinn's attention, let us discuss the nature of your mission, shall we?

[The Jinn Genie]

The young force abuser knew this was coming, not specifically this but he knew that something of the like was coming and he took a deep breath in as the room darkened, hell he took it in as Dooku smiled. A man like Dooku should never smile, the pain was nothing new to the warrior he had felt worse on numerous occasions however he knew Dooku was trying to make a point however Jinn and he felt Dooku too knew all to well that the jokes would not stop.

When his throat was now free the man only laughed, guffawed, chuckled, and was all to jolly about the fact he was just choked. Letting go of his blaster he leant forward on the table, a new vigor in his eyes, as if he ‘got off’ on the idea of pain, and said “Oh now honey…. We both know you kill me not only will you be down a very good pawn, that does the job of five ‘elite’ hunters, but we both know that the jokes won’t stop. However I’ll be more than happy to negotiate when they’ll be used, holding them back for radio transmissions or when none of your allies are around. Something like that “ to the last part he raised his hand and spun it in the air, sitting back in his seat.

The long haired miscreants back was now against the wall of the Cantina, looking around he could see people were watching him, and the droids had gained somewhat of an interest as to what was happening. Then he slowed his gaze as he looked around, almost mimicking how Dooku did it, until his fiery hazel eyes met his darkened orbs, then he said “So what’s going to be blown up forward slash, killed next? Hoping you adhere to my rules of course.” The mercenaries fingers played with the edged of his drink’s glass before he gently raised to his lips, the ease and carefree nature of how he sat would put most people off watching, someone so relaxed in the face of what could be certain death, especially after being warned of it.

Many men feared Dooku, little respected him, Jinn simply did not care.