The Origins of the Foundation
 
Scene 1
 
Admiral Durron stood in the port external viewing chamber of the Chu'Unthor meditating on how far the galaxy seemed to be spinning out of control. Since the events on Geonosis it seemed the Jedi Order was being transformed into something it was meant to stop. This traveling school was now a vehicle for war. Jedi teachers now soldiers. The Jedi Order was involved in galactic level destruction across the Republic and now this most recent order from the Council. Jedi Master Zarrix Durron did not know what to make of it. A secret order from the Jedi Council which is not going to be on record. An order to create a covert group of Jedi and non-Jedi to complete black ops in the Clone Wars. Just the thought was disturbing and revealed how far the Jedi had fallen. 10 years ago a Jedi covert operation centered on the assassination of political dissidents would have been unthinkable, now it was simply a part of war.
 
Yoda said this was being done because he and Master Windu suspected a leak high in the Chancellor's office which was undermining efforts to bring down the Confederacy with a decisive blow. So they created this operation off the record and out of their sight with the open goal of killing as much of the Confederacy leadership as possible. It made perfect sense but something deep inside Durron felt bent over this project, and he couldn't ignore it.
 
Master Balthazaar had quietly entered sometime during the last few minutes and only now did Durron take full notice of his long-time friend.
 
As if he were reading Durron's thoughts Balthazaar comments, "I know on the surface it appears as nothing more than an assassination, but you must know that in war the death of key leaders often brings the conflict to a conclusion. This is nothing more than an attempt to quickly and quietly restore peace to the galaxy. It is just as distasteful as having to kill a pirate to save a prisoner."
 
Durron, "I understand the intellectual position and even acknowledge it as unavoidable, but something inside me feels like we are not doing the right thing. Like we are falling into a trap of darkness which we may not escape. I continue to have visions that both you, I, and Master Uli will not survive this program."
 
Balthazaar, "Is the Force showing you that this program will be our undoing or that it will simply outlast us?"
 
Durron, "I cannot say. But there is no one I would trust more than you Balthazaar to keep this from falling into darkness."
 
With a wry smile Balthazaar responds, "Come, a few of the recruits are already waiting and you should speak with them."
 
The two masters exit together, heading towards the primary meeting room.
 
Scene 2
 
Master Donnish Erudite sat quietly in the room, awaiting the others (enjoying the comfy chairs of the meeting room). Another Jedi he was partially familiar with was also waiting here; he seemed a bit impatient inside but hid it well. Something was constantly stirring deep within this Jedi. Hopefully he would master it and not the other way around. Jedi Knight Lance Nuget had been working here on Chu'Unthor for the last 6 months and the two had rarely crossed paths. He regularly seemed called away on business while Don was always with the last few padawans and younglings trying to enlighten them to the value of the scholarly pursuits. The young Jedi today seemed to only care for lightsaber practice. Maybe it was always that way and Don simply was odd in his youth. Probably the later was more likely.
 
Master Balthazaar entered with a grin; Admiral Durron only a few steps behind. Durron began quickly, "Master Erudite. Jedi Knight Nuget. Good to see you. I'm glad you two could make it. I'll get right down to business. The Jedi Council believes that a Separatist spy has infiltrated the highest ranks of the Chancellor's office. Every time we get close to their leadership they seem to give us the slip at just the right moment. The council has decided that we are going to take care of this problem. You are being given a chance to turn down this operation before I give you anymore details. However if you agree to stay you will be accepting a mission which will essentially take you out of the Jedi ranks until the war's completion."
 
Both Jedi seemed a little taken a back by the initial proposal. Lance Nuget, a Cerean with a dark goatee, spoke first.
 
"I think that if the council has found wisdom in such a course of action, then who am I to reject it. Not to mention it isn't like I have any other options knocking down the door at this time. I'm in."
 
"And you Master Erudite?"
 
"Though I sense the gravity of your offer I think it is best that I proceed with this company. I sense that not doing so would be a grave mistake. Will it be just the 4 of us?"
 
Durron nodded in the negative while moving towards the door, "No. I will rarely be in contact with you. I was simply instructed to bring the offer to you as a sign of how high in the ranks it comes from. Master Balthazaar will be your primary contact and will continue the briefing from here on out. Good day gentlemen and may the Force be with you."
 
Balthazaar immediately picked up where Durron left off, "We are currently recruiting about half a dozen other operatives. None of them are Jedi. You will be tasked with insuring that they do not behave in a manner which is, shall we say, too aggressive."
 
"I'm not sure I understand." Lance replied.
 
"It is quite simple. You will be the Jedi core of a joint task force of secret operatives who's primary mission is to eliminate the top leadership of the Separatists, namely Count Dooku and General Grievous. Your operations will be done without the knowledge of the Grand Army of the Republic or the Jedi Order. You, in essence, will be completely unattached. This includes if you are captured. Your existence and mission will be denied. Truth is that almost no one in the Order will know of you. Your names are being erased from the Jedi archives and all physical evidence of your place in the Jedi Order is being destroyed. You will be ghosts of history by the time we are done. This is for your safety on this mission as well as to create culpable deniability for leadership. Most of your party will have absolutely no ties to the Jedi Order or the Republic. They are all being recruited for their various unusual skills to complete the team."
 
"When will we get to meet the rest of this team?"
 
"I'm going to pitch them later today."
 
"You mean that there isn't anyone else at this point."
 
"In essence you two are the first."
 
Lance took up a beaming smile at the thought of that.
 
Scene 3
 
Duke Hoo Dan Qoo waited patiently at Shazzar's Landing Pad. Why Shazzar would ever choose to put his name on a rat dirt hole like this is beyond comprehension to the Duke. Lowfryyka, the Duke's wookiee companion, was just returning from the bar with a round of drinks. Qoo seriously doubted that they even carried a quality of liquor he would consider putting into his body, but it would not do to sit without a libation while awaiting their contact. Qoo had spent the last 6 months chasing down any lead that might help him get even with Count Dooku. Dooku had tricked Hoo Dan into positioning his family into appearing to be supporting the Separatist movement, which they were not. Not that they had any special love of the Republic either, but the Qoo family had no intention of getting involved in this larger political struggle since these kinds of things inevitably left both sides with more than a few scars and not enough profit to compensate. However the Count had manipulated events in such a way that it left the White Leaf Clan hanging in the wind to face considerable political repercussion for apparently being collaborators. Duke Hoo Dan Qoo would not rest until Dooku had paid for his betrayal of the White Leaf Clan. After months of trying to find information which could hurt or embarrass the Count, Qoo found himself waiting in this dive for a contact with what was supposed to be an excellent opportunity to get at the Separatists and that piece of poo doo leading the movement.
 
Lowfryyka appeared to be working on something on his data pad, again. This wookie had used his claws once in a fight and as such was an outcast among his people. The Duke had rescued Lowfryyka from exceptionally bad circumstances and then had insisted on following the Duke everywhere he went now with what he called a life debt. Though the Duke had initially been annoyed by the presence of such a large bestial creature, he had come to appreciate that he had a perpetual servant and bodyguard in this wookiee. He was even beginning to see him as a friend after a few years of service. Not that he would call a wookiee an equal to a pureblood as himself, but there is no doubt that the Duke actually enjoyed his companionship now.
 
In the middle of that thought a cloaked figure sat down at their booth. Both Lowfryyka and Hoo Dan were surprised at how this figure had essentially materialized out of thin air in front of them. Both held their reaction in anticipation that this was the contact they had come to meet.
 
"I understand that you, Duke Hoo Dan Qoo, have a desire to see Count Dooku come upon hard times? That you are seeking an opportunity to shift the deck on him?"
 
Hoo Dan spoke clearly over the rumble coming from Low, "I think it is more appropriate to say that I would like to see him drown in a giant pool of Bantha Sweat. However if you have an opportunity to cause him any hardship or difficulty I'm certainly interested."
 
The robed figure pulled back his hood just enough for the Duke to see his face. It was Master Balthazaar. Hoo Dan had seen him in action once against a group of assassins seeking to kill a diplomat. This Jedi had single handedly taken out 10 assassins without any difficulty. Qoo began to wonder if he was being led into a political trap. "What is going on here Jedi?"
 
"Duke Qoo. I will not attempt to deceive or manipulate you. I bring an offer of an opportunity for you to strike at the enemy you so deeply desire to bring down. I cannot give you too many details in an environment such as this. But here is what I can tell you. If you choose to join us you will get your chance to bring down those most important to Dooku and maybe even bring him down. I cannot tell you how until you have fully committed yourself to the operation. I have here a data card with the time for departure of a private shuttle. If you and your companion are on that shuttle you will be agreeing to join our program. You will also be committing to the utmost secrecy of everything we tell you and that you will remain committed to the operation until it is complete. Once on the craft you will receive greater details. It is your choice as to whether you want to pursue this course of action. I realize that I've given you little to work with, but trust me that this is a real opportunity to hurt Dooku and the focus of his life. I know those hold great attraction to you." The Jedi appeared ready to leave with those few words.
 
"Hold on a second. Let me see if I have this right? You want me to sign up for something without knowing what it is. You want me to get on a ship not knowing where it is going. You want me to join a group not knowing who they are or what they are doing. You want me to agree to keep secret all this information once I do join without even knowing what I'm agreeing to keep secret. You want my full commitment for an unknown period of time. And you expect all this simply out of the temptation to get at Dooku? Have I got this right?"
 
"Yes."
 
"Interesting proposition."
 
Master Balthazaar rose saying, "I hope you are on that ship tomorrow morning. However do not be misled; there is also considerable danger in this opportunity." The robed figure was gone as abruptly as he had appeared.
 
Lowfryyka growled about that being the most bizaar offer he has ever witnessed.
 
Hoo Dan nodded, deep in thought. Coming from anyone but a Jedi he would've laughed the option away, but Jedi were known as absurdly honest. So, on some level it was definitely a genuine offer. However Jedi were also masters of manipulation and regularly face ridiculous levels of danger. Both those factors increase one's rational reticence. However the Duke realized that the combination of curiosity and the possible fulfillment of months of striving were likely going to find him and his companion on that shuttle tomorrow.
 
Scene 4
 
Eli White waited impatiently on the shuttle pad. Eli was a security specialist and personal body guard of the highest order and this whole thing had the feel of a trap, he did not like it. It did not help that his last mission had been his most abismal failure. He had been contracted to protect a high level diplomat in the Senate. The Senator had recieved threats from the Separatists for leading two systems to break from the movement and return to the Republic without violence. The Senator was extremely respected among those wanting to see a peaceful resolution to the war with both sides rejoining on amiable terms. Eli, being one of the most respected security specialists in the Corellian System, was contracted to keep him alive. It had been a short assignment. Count Dooku had personally assassinated his client on Corescant in the early stages of security set up. It was humiliating that the leader of the Separatist movement had snuck on to the capitol and murdered his charge right under his nose. And then publicly distributed footage of the event so that everyone knew what happened to those who crossed him. These series of events also had the unfortunate side effect of destroying Eli's career. This left him with little focus besides personal revenge. Eli knew that if he could avenge his last charge he might be able to use that as a selling point and deterant to future assassins of his charges. That was the grounds for his joining with this secret mission for which the Jedi had recruited him. However he was growing tired of standing next to this shuttle craft. Why hadn't anyone contacted him or come out to meet him?
 
Finally! Someone is here to meet me. A lone figure walked up the ramp to the landing platform. Eli recognized him right away, it was Minister Kayne, a relatively famous telepath who was often used by high level diplomats in negotiations involving Jedi. Kayne was not known for his love of the Jedi, so his pressence here was a bit surprising. He was some kind of telepath and often helped factions whose interests were at odds with the Jedi. His abilities are rumored to be considerable and leveled the playing field for those who were not especially connected with the force but wanted to compete with Jedi at the political level. Eli had worked with high level diplomat’s security teams that had hired Minister Kayne, though the two had never met in person before.
 
Kayne appeared to drift up onto the platform and greeted Eli with a formal introduction. "I am Minster Kayne. It is pleasing to see that the Jedi did not lie to me about there being primarily non-Jedi on this team. And who praytell are you?"
 
"Eli, Eli White. Security Specialist."
 
"Yes. I believe we both worked on a few projects simulataneously in separate capacities."
 
"Correct. I'm surprised to see you here. I thought you only worked against the Jedi and not with them."
 
"That was true for most of my professional career. However I am not here to work for the Jedi but avenge myself against Count Dooku. Dooku recently used me and betrayed me to one of my charges. My professional credentials have been significantly damaged by this nefarious individual and I am set to see a certain measure of justice merited out for his behavior. This Jedi operation seems to provide me the best avenue for the fulfillment of this personal responsibility."
 
"I have a personal beef with that punk also.” Eli jibbed, “Seems the Jedi tried to gather a collection of anti-Dooku individuals. Though I imagine it is a considerable list at this point in history, he has half the galaxy wanting to space his nerf-herding hide."
 
"Interesting. We must be careful that the Jedi are not manipulating our personal desires to our own detriment."
 
"I hear that."
 
Another two figures approached up the walkway, a wookie and a race with which Eli was not familiar. As the two crossed the platform they introduced themselves as Lowfryyka and Duke Hoo Dan Qoo. Minister Kayne verified that they too were here for the same purpose, to see Dooku come to an end.
 
The shuttle craft hatch opened. Master Balthazaar stood silhouetted in the entrance, "So you are the only ones who showed. Disappointing, but to be expected."
 
Duke, "How many more were you expecting?"
 
"There were three others invited, but we cannot wait for them any longer. The door is open to many, but few choose to enter."
 
Eli, "Uh, yeah, as much as I'd like to stand around exchanging mystical euphemisms; can we get moving?"
 
"Certainly, this way gentlemen. The future awaits."
 
Eli sighs dramatically as he enters the craft.
 
Hoo Dan smirks at the behavior of this Eli character. Anyone who has a lack of patience for Jedi mysticism cannot be all bad.
 
Scene 5
 
Lowfryyka tried to find a comfortable position in the cockpit seat, but they obviously did not have wookies in mind when they created the ergonomics of this craft. Low simply passed the time analyzing the technological details of the controls. This was an exceptionally advanced piece of machinary, suprising considering how few things the Republic used that were truly technologically cutting-edge. The craft was a highly modified Kuat Systems Phoenix light Pinnace and operated by an exceptional pilot answering to the name Slick Morgan. Low found it a pleasant diversion to inspect some of the top of the line modifications made to the starship. Some of the modifications were even beyond his knowledge, which was truly rare considering his unusual talent as a technology specialist. He made some notations in his data pad.
 
As the shuttle dropped out of hyperspace Low was taken aback at the size of the ship awaiting them. At over 2000 meters long and 1000 meters wide the craft was massive by any scale. This craft looked an awful lot like the Chu'unthor that Lowfryyka had read about. But that craft was under the command of Admiral Durron, one of the most high profile Jedi in the galaxy. He and Uli Moss had recovered the craft from Dathomir a couple years before the start of the Clone Wars. This seemed an unlikely choice for a covert operations program. Not to mention this was a traveling school, from Low's understanding, not a top of the line military installation. Maybe that was the idea behind the choice of location.
 
As the shuttle docked Low was glad to get off the craft and be able to stretch to his full height. Though a short flight from Corescant, it had been a bit uncomfortable with all these strangers traveling right on top of each other. The craft was obviously under Jedi specs with its Spartan decore and ammenities. He hoped that not the entire program would have the same feel.
 
As they were quickly escorted to a command room the entire wing of Jedi starfighters in the hangar bay did not go unnoticed. It appeared this ship had a few more teeth than was publicly known. Low wondered if the same kind of high end modifications made to their shuttle had gone on at a capital level with this ship.
 
Two Jedi awaited them in room with the comfy chairs. Low was pleasantly surprised to find a chair sized to fit a wookie. These Jedi couldn't be all bad if they took that into consideration.
 
Balthazaar stood at the front as everyone took seats. "Gentlemen, you were all chosen for a combination of your skills, public knowledge for not being a Jedi sympathizer, or motivation against Separatist leadership. Though this is a smaller unit than we had hoped for, the skills represented here are more than formidable. And we have great faith that you will accomplish your goal in a timely fashion."
 
Kayne, "Who is this we you speak of?"
 
"Primarily Admiral Durron and myself are overseeing this program. You ultimately will be answering to yourselves. We will feed you targets and opportunities to deal with Dooku and anyone who serves him. Your ultimate objective is the erradication of the top leadership of the Separatist movement."
 
Eli couldn't resist taking a shot, "I didn't know that Jedi were in the assassination business. I thought that was too aggressive. Seems almost dark to me."
 
Balthazaar took pause in his response, “In classic military warfare leaders of opposing factions are legitimate targets of war. This is less assassination than covert military strikes.”
 
Eli quipped, “I see. Well you don’t need to mince nuances of justification with me glowing sword boy, I’d vape Dooku if he was the recipient of the Calmaasi Peace Prize right now.”
 
Doo Qoo, “I suspect you might vape your own mother if the price was right.”
 
Eli chuckled.
 
Lowfryyka often found it interesting how often these humans enjoyed being verbally slighted in certain instances. Hoo Dan Qoo always seemed to know when it was appropriate to make such comments. His diplomatic skills were very keen.
 
Balthazar continued, “Your initial operation will be to infiltrate the Separatist supply network and try to work your way higher and higher into the organization. If the opportunity presents itself you are to do as much damage to their operational structure as possible. If given the opportunity you are cleared to terminate with extreme prejudice any of the highest leadership of the organization. Your first contact is Carter Nomax. He is a padawan released from the Jedi Order because it was believed he had too much attachment to worldly possessions. He disappeared shortly after being sent to the Agri Corp. He has surfaced as a successful businessman in the Outer Rim. He has recently begun ordering large shipments of parts which can be used for producing droids. You are being sent in as the fences for these materials. All these parts are closely tracked by the Republic and difficult to procure, so you have a superior bargaining position. Use this opportunity to try and open a business partnership with the Separatists.”
 
Don asked, “So you know these parts are going to the Separatists?”
 
“No. But it is hard to believe anyone could consume such quantities of these parts without that end objective. He has not been arrested in an attempt to allow you a chance to use him as a bridge to whomever he is delivering the parts. If you verifying that he is delivering parts to the enemy you are cleared to execute him. The Jedi have been given clearance to judicate when someone is guilty enough of military treason for execution.”
 
Kayne responded sarcastically, “Yes, because their judgment is so without error.”
 
Balthazar ignored the slight, “We will be able to continue to supply you with parts that Separatists desire, if it will buy you further into the network. Are there any questions?”
 
Eli, “Yeah, when’s lunch? I’m starved. Tell me we have something besides that protein gruel you Jedi call food around here. A guy cannot be expected to save the galaxy on an empty stomach.” Lowfryyka agreed with that sentiment.
 
Balthazar, “I’m sure we can resolve that, other questions?”
 
Doo Qoo, “I’ve a quick question. What’s in this for us? I know you Jedi all have your panties in a bunch about sacrificing your life for other people, but some of us want to make something of our lives. So why should we proceed on a job which is bordering on suicide?”
 
Balthazar, “Primarily you are being given an opportunity to meet justice out against those who have wronged you in your recent past. However you are also given clearance to keep any spoils of war that you may procure from the enemy for your personal pay.”
 
Eli, “Cool, Booty!!”
 
“If there are no other questions gentlemen I will release you to pursue your goal. Your efforts are in the cause of justice and may the Force be with you.”
 
Eli, “Oh, I guarantee we will force a few things on Dooku before this is all done.”
 
Friday, July 1, 2005