Author's Notes: I apologize in advance if you feel this chapter and future chapters are short. I apologize for my poor grammar.

"Hey.": Dialogue

'Hey.' : Thoughts

Chapter 1 Jitters

Everyone knew that Count Dooku left the Jedi Order because of his beliefs are different of the Jedi. But only selected few of his most trusted allies knew the real reason for him leaving. Years ago, on a mission Dooku help protect a small village from raiders on a planet out in the outer rim. It was there that he met this future wife. They quickly fell in love with each other. At that time Dooku was Jedi Master, so he kept his relationship a secret. Then one day, she got pregnant. Giving him the news of the upcoming baby, Dooku decided to finally leave the Order and marry her to raise their child together. When the child was born, the mother passed away. With a grieving heart and his distaste of the practice of the Jedi Order, Lord Sidious manipulated him and had finally turned Dooku to the dark side. Dooku name his son Dooku the Second in hopes that they can rule the galaxy together but Dooku soon realize that his son have slim to zero potential in the force.

Although his son didn't have potential in the force, he was highly intelligent for his age. Dooku made sure he will be a Commander worth reckoning with for when the war starts. Dooku made his son go through grueling hardships and trials, that many had given up or died in, just so that he will become a great general for the separatist. His son even won a couple simulation battles against General Grievous at a young age. As the years go on, Count Dooku started the preparation for war. To make sure that his son stay safe from assassination attempts and worst of all, his master, he took drastic measure so that others wouldn't know that they are related. He made his son live on a different planet when he was still young. He also gave him the name of Coquer which they use when they are in public and he destroyed everything and everyone that could prove that they are related.

Now at a young age of 18, Coquer is on aboard an separatist ship leading a fleet to attack a republic fleet for control of a planet. Still nervous about the upcoming battle he retired to his quarters and decided to call his Father. Coquer kneel down on one knee to show his respect for when his father answer the transmission. When count Dooku answer the transmission, Coquer bowed his head.

"Good evening Count Dooku." Coquer said with his head still down.

"Why have you called me Coquer?" Count Dooku said with slight irritation and with his famous scowl on his face.

Though Coquer understood at a young age why his Father gave him a fake name for him to use in front of his peers, he still hated that he had to hide his true lineage. He suspected it is because his Father is disappointed that he doesn't have the potential to be his apprentice like Ventress and didn't want anyone to know his failure of a son can't use the force like him. Shaking his head from the thought he stood up and face his father with smug look on his face.

"I was hoping that I can finally beat you in chess. I've been studying some new strategies." He said while crossing his arms.

Count Dooku expression changed in a instance. Before he was serious, looking ready to kill someone if the need calls for it and having the look befitting of that of a dark lord of the sith but now it's gentle and fatherly. Count Dooku chuckle.

"I do recall you saying that the last time and I still won." Coquer rolled his eyes,

"Whatever you say." He sat down in a chair and set up the chess board.

"Since you won the last time I go first." He said moving the pawn.

"Very well." Count Dooku responded while sitting down in his chair.

10 minutes had passed and Coquer currently have a slight edge in the game.

"So son, what do you think of your cruiser so far? Have you thought of a name for it yet?" Count Dooku said while moving a rook

"It's great Father and no. I'm still trying to get over the fact that you've gave me command of a whole fleet, let alone giving me my own ship." Coquer said in disbelief while taking his Father's bishop.

Count Dooku chuckle with his hand on his chin thinking on his next move. "Don't let it go to your head. I only did it because I have high expectations of you. In the mock battles you defeated both me and Grievous."

"I know."

"Nervous? Check." Count Dooku said taking his son's queen.

"Yes, its my first mission taking command of, well anything and I don't know if I really have what it takes to lead people, let alone stupid these droids." Coquer hanged his head sadly.

Count Dooku stop focusing on the game and look at his son.

"Son, you-" before he could finish his sentence an battle droid interrupted him.

The droid stood at attention and saluted at them. Coquer stood up from his chair and face the droid.

"What is it?"

"Sir, we're about to come out of hyperspace."

"Okay, get everyone ready for battle. As soon as we get out of hyperspace deploy the fighters. I'll be in command deck in a moment."

"Roger roger"

The droid quickly turned around and left the room. Count Dooku stood up from his chair and looked at his son.

"We can continue this game once you finish your mission."

"Okay Father." Count Dooku ended the transmission.

Taking a big breath, Coquer exited his quarters and headed for the command deck for battle. Once he enter the deck he made his way to the commander chair.

"Are the fighters prep and ready for take off once we out of hyperspace?" He ask taking his seat and started looking at the diagnosis of the ship to make sure everything is in order for the upcoming battle.

"Yes sir."

"Good."

"Commander, we're about get out of hyperspace in 10."

As the droid started to count down, Coquer is starting getting second thoughts.

"9"

He can feel his whole body getting tense up. He actually forgot how to breath for a moment.

"8"

Thoughts about what would happen to him after losing this battle started swarming his head.

"7"

'What if the republic took me as a prisoner of war.'

"6"

'Or what if Father just disown me and abandon me on a deserted planet.'

"5"

'W-what if I die.'

"4"

He started to chuckle as another thought came to his head. 'I guess if I do die here, I wouldn't have to face Father's wrath.'

"3"

The thought of himself being dead surprisingly help him calm down a bit. He close his eyes and took in another big breath of air to steady his mind for the upcoming battle.

"2"

One of the first thing he learn in his training to become a Commander is to always keep a cool head. Lives are always on the line with every decision you make. Though they might be lifeless droids, they are still his men and they counting on him to succeed and keep them functioning.

"1"

Coquer open his eyes with new determination in them. 'I'm ready.' he thought while coming out of hyperspace.