### Coruscant – Jedi Temple Communications Chamber
Anakin Skywalker leaned casually against the holoprojector console as the blue hologram of Padmé Amidala flickered to life.
The image stabilized, revealing her standing aboard a sleek senatorial cruiser. Crew members moved quietly behind her as preparations for departure continued.
"Anakin," she said warmly. "I was hoping you'd answer before we jumped to hyperspace."
He smiled slightly.
"I always answer when it's you."
Padmé rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile.
"I'm leaving for the Mid Rim."
Anakin snorted.
"Yeah… about that."
Padmé tilted her head.
"What do you mean?"
"News just came through from the Outer Rim," he said. "Some pirate king—Gorian Shard—just disappeared."
Anakin smirked.
"So your diplomacy might actually work for once?"
She gave him a mock glare.
"Senators *solve* problems, Anakin. We don't just blow them up."
"Sometimes blowing things up solves problems faster."
Padmé laughed softly.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."
A chime sounded behind her as a crew officer approached.
"Senator Amidala, hyperspace coordinates are ready."
Padmé nodded, then turned back to Anakin.
"I have to go."
"Be careful," Anakin said quietly.
"You too."
She hesitated a moment before adding:
"And Anakin… if that pirate really is gone, a lot of innocent workers and traders might sleep a little easier tonight."
Anakin gave a half-smile.
"Then whoever did it… did the galaxy a favor."
Padmé's hologram flickered as the transmission ended.
Anakin stood there for a moment longer, thoughtful.
Then he muttered to himself:
"Still… disappearing a pirate king without a trace…"
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Sounds like something a Jedi might do."
---
### Aboard the Terminus
My brief rest was interrupted by the ever-restless and tireless Ahsoka.
"Master, the Jedi Council is calling you!"
"Hutt… I'll be right there."
It was the fifth day of our patrol. After 5 days days of running around, I had settled on the *Terminus*. Ahsoka was here too — with no one left to chase, she was growing bored.
After freshening up, I made my way to the command post.
Before me appeared the holograms of the Council members: Yoda, Windu, Shaak Ti, Plo Koon, and Ki-Adi-Mundi.
After the formal greetings, Master Windu got straight to business.
"Knight Marek, the Council has a mission for you. You are to depart for Lantilles, where you will meet a delegation of senators led by Senator Amidala and Senator Organa. Your task is to provide them with security. They are heading to the planet Randon for negotiations with the local government."
Ki-Adi-Mundi continued:
"There are rumors that Rendon plans to abandon neutrality and side with the Separatists. The senators' mission is to persuade the government — if not to join our side, then at least to remain neutral."
Oh... shit.
"I understand, Master Windu. I'm departing for Lantilles immediately."
The hologram faded.
"Ahsoka, get ready. We're going on a little trip."
"Are we going to fight?" the Togruta perked up.
"We'll see, Snips. Politics is a game where you can't be sure of anything…"
---
### Earlier — Jedi Council Chamber
Before contacting Marek, the Council had already attempted to assign the mission to another Jedi.
A hologram flickered to life in the center of the chamber, revealing the armored figure of **General Rahm Kota** standing aboard his flagship.
Behind him stood several rough-looking soldiers — clearly not clones but hardened freedom fighters.
"General Kota," Mace Windu said. "The Council requests that you escort a diplomatic delegation to Randon."
Kota crossed his arms.
"I'm in the middle of a campaign along the Mid Rim routes," he replied bluntly. "Separatist raiders are hitting civilian convoys."
"The mission requires a Jedi presence," Shaak Ti said calmly.
Kota shook his head.
"With respect, Masters… my men aren't diplomats. They're soldiers."
He turned slightly, gesturing toward the bridge behind him where mercenaries and volunteers worked their stations.
"And I don't leave a campaign half-finished."
Plo Koon regarded him carefully.
"You refuse the assignment?"
Kota smirked slightly.
"I'm refusing to waste time playing bodyguard while pirates and Separatists burn the Outer Rim."
A brief silence followed.
Then Kota added:
"Besides… I already got a little gift that is proving ver useful ."
The Council members exchanged looks.
Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke.
"You refer to the pirate corsair recently delivered to your fleet?"
Kota nodded.
"That ship came from one of your generals — Dagon Marek."
Windu's eyes narrowed slightly.
"We are aware."
Kota chuckled.
"Then you know he can handle himself."
He leaned forward slightly.
"If you want someone who can protect senators, deal with pirates, and survive Separatist traps… send Marek."
Yoda tapped his gimer stick thoughtfully.
"Resourceful, this Knight Marek appears to be."
Kota shrugged.
"All I know is this — anyone who captures a pirate warship and sends it halfway across the Outer Rim without asking for credit…"
He grinned.
"…is exactly the kind of Jedi you want on a mission that might turn ugly."
The transmission ended shortly after.
Within the hour, the Council contacted Marek.
---
### Unknown Location
Count Dooku's newest apprentice knelt before him.
The dark chamber was silent except for the distant hum of machinery.
"Asajj Ventress," Dooku said calmly.
She lowered her head.
"Yes, my master."
"I have a new assignment for you."
Ventress looked up, her yellow eyes glinting with anticipation.
"I live to serve."
Dooku's expression remained cold.
"A diplomatic mission is underway… one that must not succeed."
His cloak shifted as he turned toward the star map.
"And a certain Jedi Knight will be involved."
Ventress smiled slightly.
"Then I suppose I'll be meeting this Jedi soon."
Dooku's voice darkened.
"Yes."
"A Jedi named **Dagon Marek**."