Chapter 44 : Republic Attention
[POV: Anakin Skywalker]
The holographic footage plays for third time. Massive energy signature on Concordia, spatial distortion visible from orbital sensors, military dropship materializing from impossible gateway in sky. The visual evidence is undeniable—someone with technology beyond known galactic capabilities is operating on Mandalore.
Rex stands beside the projector, professional composure barely masking frustration. "Energy signature matches previous incidents on Coruscant. Titan deployment, various weapons deliveries, all attributed to Kade Varro based on intelligence gathered during investigation."
Mace Windu studies the footage with Jedi Master's analytical focus. "This technology is unprecedented. Where is he acquiring vehicles that materialize through dimensional portals?"
"Does it matter?" Anakin's patience is thin. "He's arming Death Watch terrorists now. Duchess Satine requested assistance."
Obi-Wan interjects with diplomatic caution that's always made him effective negotiator and frequently made Anakin want to scream. "Satine requested diplomatic assistance, not military intervention. Mandalore is sovereign world with complicated internal politics. Direct action could escalate civil war rather than resolve it."
"So we do nothing while he arms terrorists?" Anakin's frustration bleeds into tone. Eight weeks since they identified Varro as primary threat. Eight weeks of investigation stalled by jurisdictional complications and political considerations while merchant enabled casualties across multiple systems.
Mace's voice is measured. "We do what Jedi do—investigate, observe, report findings to Senate. This is political matter requiring deliberation, not impulsive action."
"Impulsive?" The word stings because it's accurate. "He's killed hundreds indirectly. Supplied equipment for Senate bombing, gang massacres, now military vehicles to insurgents. How much evidence do we need?"
"Proof of immediate threat to Republic interests," Mace responds. "Not merely moral objection to his profession. Arms dealing is legal in many sectors. Varro operates through technically legitimate channels despite ethical concerns."
Ahsoka, silent until now, suggests alternative: "What if we contact him directly? Offer deal—stop supplying Death Watch, we drop charges? He's businessman. Maybe he'd accept terms that preserve his operation while removing threat."
Anakin scoffs. "He's war profiteer. Credits are only language he speaks. You don't negotiate with merchants who sell death."
Rex interjects carefully—clone captain has learned when to question his general's assumptions. "Sir, he has relationships with clone networks. Multiple units report purchasing medical supplies and equipment through his operation. That provides leverage—he won't want to lose clone market access."
The mention of clones purchasing through black market makes Anakin's jaw tighten. Another systematic failure. Republic military unable to supply its own soldiers adequately, forcing them to resort to merchants like Varro.
"That's not leverage," Anakin argues. "That's additional evidence he exploits everyone regardless of allegiance. He supplied Red Spire gang, Black Sun's enemies, Republic officers, and now Death Watch. He's consistent only in profiting from violence."
Obi-Wan steps between them—literal and figurative mediation. "Master Windu, the Council should decide official response. But Mandalore visit seems prudent. Satine values our counsel. We can investigate Varro's operations under diplomatic pretext."
Mace considers, then nods. "Acceptable. Master Kenobi and General Skywalker will visit Mandalore. Ostensibly consulting Duchess Satine regarding Death Watch escalation. Actual objective: locate Varro, assess threat level, determine whether Republic intervention is justified."
"No confrontation unless immediate threat is confirmed," Obi-Wan adds, looking directly at Anakin. "We investigate, we don't arrest without proof."
The restriction grates. "What constitutes proof? Supplying military vehicles to terrorists isn't sufficient?"
"Death Watch is designated terrorist organization by Mandalorian government, not Republic," Mace explains with patience that sounds suspiciously like talking to child. "We don't have jurisdiction to arrest Mandalore citizens for domestic political activities. Varro is Republic fugitive, but he's operating on neutral world under Death Watch protection. Arresting him requires either Mandalorian cooperation or proof of crimes against Republic specifically."
Legal technicalities. Political complications. Jurisdictional limitations. Everything Anakin hates about being Jedi during wartime. Sometimes the rules feel designed to protect wrongdoers.
"Understood," he says without meaning it. "We investigate. Report findings. Let bureaucrats decide whether stopping arms dealer is worth diplomatic incident."
"Precisely." Mace's expression suggests he hears the sarcasm but chooses not to address it. "Depart tomorrow morning. Coordinate with Duchess Satine. Report every three days."
The Council meeting concludes. Anakin walks Temple corridors with Obi-Wan, who maintains diplomatic silence until they're away from other Jedi.
"You're planning something," Obi-Wan observes. Not accusation. Statement of fact from someone who's known him since childhood.
"I'm planning to follow Council orders."
"You're planning to follow Council orders until opportunity presents itself to arrest Varro despite restrictions. That's significantly different."
Anakin stops walking. "He's killed hundreds. Enabled gang warfare, supplied equipment for terrorist bombing, armed criminals across multiple systems, and now provides military vehicles to insurgents. How much evidence do we need before action is justified?"
"Legal evidence. Not moral certainty." Obi-Wan's voice is gentle. "I understand your frustration. Varro represents everything wrong with war profiteering—exploiting suffering for personal gain, no allegiance except credits, enabling violence on all sides. But if we arrest him without proper jurisdiction, we become vigilantes rather than Jedi. That distinction matters."
"Does it? When distinction enables more deaths?"
"Yes. Because the moment Jedi ignore law for expedience is the moment we become weapons rather than peacekeepers." Obi-Wan places hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Find evidence of immediate threat to Republic. Then we act within legal framework. But don't let anger drive you toward actions you'll regret."
The advice is sound. Anakin hates that it's sound. "What if he escapes while we're gathering evidence?"
"Then he escapes and we pursue through proper channels. Frustrating but correct approach."
That night, Anakin can't sleep. He reviews files on Kade Varro obsessively. Off-world merchant appeared on Coruscant eight weeks ago, built operation from nothing, accumulated 1.5 million credits through systematic arms dealing to everyone who'd pay. No ideology. No cause. Just profit motive unencumbered by conscience.
The psychological profile suggests high intelligence, strategic thinking, complete moral flexibility. Dangerous combination. Makes him effective and unpredictable.
Rex's report notes Varro has relationships with clone networks—supplied medical equipment when Republic denied adequate care. That complicates moral assessment. Is he exploiting desperate soldiers or providing necessary service their government won't?
The question bothers Anakin more than comfortable. Because if Varro is meeting needs Republic ignores, then systematic failure shares blame for his success.
"No. He's still profiting from others' suffering. That's not excusable regardless of Republic's failures."
But the thought lingers uncomfortably.
Morning brings departure preparations. Transport to Mandalore, diplomatic credentials, coordination with Satine's government. The mission is officially consultation about Death Watch threat. Actually, it's investigation targeting Varro's operation.
Ahsoka joins them at landing platform. "Master, be careful. Mandalore's politics are volatile. Death Watch won't take kindly to Jedi interfering with their supplier."
"We're not interfering. We're investigating Republic fugitive."
"They won't see distinction." She hesitates. "Also, this merchant... he reminds me of some traders I met growing up. Desperate people making desperate choices. Maybe he's not irredeemable."
"He's war profiteer who's killed hundreds."
"Indirectly. Through sales. That's different from personally killing." At Anakin's expression, she adds: "Not defending him. Just saying maybe there's more complexity than simple villain."
The compassion is what makes Ahsoka exceptional Padawan. But sometimes compassion is luxury that enables more harm.
"Find evidence," Anakin tells her. "If he's redeemable, evidence will show it. If he's monster, that will show too."
They depart for Mandalore. Three-day journey through hyperspace. Time to plan, strategize, prepare for confrontation that feels increasingly inevitable.
Rex accompanies them—clone captain's expertise invaluable for military assessment. During transit, he presents additional intelligence.
"Clone networks report Varro relocated to Mandalore approximately seven weeks ago. Has been operating from Concordia under Death Watch protection. Supplied massive equipment order—1,850,000 credits worth of weapons and armor. Now branching into vehicles. Intelligence suggests he's in relationship with Bo-Katan Kryze—Death Watch lieutenant, Pre Vizsla's inner circle."
"He's sleeping with his clients?" Obi-Wan sounds almost impressed. "That's certainly commitment to business relationship."
"Or manipulation," Anakin counters. "Get close to Death Watch leadership, secure protection, expand operations. Classic infiltration strategy."
"Or genuine relationship," Rex suggests neutrally. "Mandalorians value honor and loyalty. If they've accepted him, he's likely proven himself beyond pure commerce."
The implications are concerning. Varro embedded in Death Watch means extraction will require either their cooperation or military action. Neither option is simple.
Landing on Mandalore happens two days later. Satine greets them formally—Duchess maintaining political distance despite Obi-Wan's personal history. The palace is beautiful, peaceful, everything Mandalore's warrior heritage isn't.
"Thank you for coming," Satine says. "Death Watch has acquired military dropship through off-world supplier. This threatens stability and escalates toward open warfare."
"We're aware," Obi-Wan responds diplomatically. "The merchant in question is Republic fugitive. We'd like to investigate his operations with your cooperation."
"He's on Concordia. Death Watch territory. I have no authority there." Frustration bleeds through diplomatic veneer. "My own moon harbors terrorists and war profiteers, and I'm powerless to act."
"Then we'll investigate covertly," Anakin says. "With your diplomatic cover."
Satine's expression shifts—relief mixed with concern. "Be careful. Death Watch doesn't negotiate. If they perceive threat to their supplier, they'll kill you. Even Jedi."
"Noted."
That night, planning begins. Obi-Wan advocates careful reconnaissance. Anakin wants direct approach. Rex suggests leveraging clone intelligence networks to locate Varro precisely before acting.
The strategy forms: locate supplier, assess threat level, determine jurisdiction for arrest. Then decide whether to act or report.
But Anakin already knows decision. Find Varro. Bring him in. Let Council and Senate sort out jurisdictional complications afterwards.
Justice or revenge? Line is blurring like always happens when he focuses on singular target.
Finding Varro feels personal now. Not just duty. Something that tastes like the certainty he felt before. The kind that leads to choices he sometimes regrets.
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