Act I: Midnight, Scene 1
Part 2
The next day, Master Dooku found himself in the Academy again. This time, however, it was his choice, and not because of the Force's coercion. Or at least, that's what he had initially believed. The suspicious and skeptical corner of his mind whispered to him that the Force had still willed him to be here. This was a strange position for the Jedi Master; Dooku was used to being the manipulator, not the manipulated. It may have been by the Force, but being put in a compromising position irritated him just the same.
He shifted his attention to the two masters that approached him. Cin Drallig and Ente Vant were not surprised to see him, but expectant. Drallig in particular had a rather smug smile on his face. Dooku ignored them and observed the younglings. They were not sparring, this time, but focusing on the katas and general lightsaber technique. Dooku briefly wondered what had brought on the change before he was interrupted by a mellow voice.
"Good morning, Master Dooku," said Master Vant courteously.
Dooku nodded politely in return.
"Ah, Master Dooku! It is a pleasure to see you again." Drallig's expression was unassuming, but the air around him crackled with curiosity.
"Indeed."
The elder master watched Obi-Wan perform the third kata, noticing that Obi-Wan moved without his usual grace, for something was clearly distracting him. But Obi-Wan was not the only Initiate who had other matters on his mind. Bruck Chun faltered and fell half-way through the movements, landing next to Obi-Wan. Dooku nodded with approval as Obi-Wan offered a hand. It was undignified to hold grudges, especially against a defeated opponent. Bruck accepted the hand without a word, and the two continued as if nothing had happened.
"So Obi-Wan, is it?" Drallig smiled knowingly. The near condescension in those words grated on Dooku's nerves. He was not some run-of-the-mill knight searching for a hapless apprentice. Dooku was also annoyed that his intentions had been so easily read, but he quickly released his feelings to the Force. The Force had been much easier to access since last night, and it was a great comfort.
"Yes, Initiate Kenobi is an excellent choice. He's an exceptionally bright youngling, and very talented," added Ente Vant.
"I might have taken him myself, if I didn't have Theesh to worry about." Cin Drallig chuckled as he referred to his Rodian apprentice. "Two is too much, even for me."
"I have not mentioned anything about taking on a Padawan." Dooku elegantly arched an eyebrow.
"Of course not, Master Dooku. Forgive our presumption." Master Vant bowed smoothly, but failed to prevent her lekku from twitching with humor.
Dooku decided to overlook her reaction and looked back at the room, catching Kenobi's eye. The initiate blinked and looked away guiltily. Suddenly, he remembered his true purpose in coming here.
"Master Vant, may I speak with you?" Master Dooku's voice was low and almost cold, a dramatic shift from the civil way he had spoken earlier. He phrased it as a request, but the tone of his voice left no doubts that it was everything but a question. Ente Vant blinked, surprised, but she nonetheless nodded her acquiescence. Cin Drallig received the hint for once in his life and went to supervise the younglings.
Dooku eschewed subtlety and spoke straight to the point.
"Did you know about the conflict between Initiates Kenobi and Chun?"
The Clan-Master briefly looked away. "Yes, I did." She spoke calmly, with no hint of emotion.
"May I inquire as to why the situation was not dealt with earlier?"
Master Vant's lips thinned. "I did not think it was necessary."
"Despite the inordinate amount of negative emotions both were experiencing, especially when considering the feelings developing in Initiate Chun?"
The Twi'lek master sighed and crossed her arms. "I was advised not to send the two Initiates to the Mind-Healers."
"By who?" Master Dooku frowned, openly displaying his displeasure. Clan-Masters had near-complete control over their clans, and not many would interfere in their domain. Even questioning their decisions, as Dooku did now, was considered unusual.
"By Master Yoda."
Dooku's eyes widened. His former master had specifically asked Master Vant to allow the conflict to grow? Irritation began to build in the esteemed Jedi Master.
"That is highly irresponsible," reprimanded Dooku sharply. "The well-being of these younglings should not be toyed with."
Master Ente Vant looked tiredly at Dooku, the expression on her face the one of a woman who had disliked the order she was given, but had followed it anyway. There was a flash of regret, one which was quickly covered by a tranquil mask.
"Yes," she conceded. "However, it seems to have worked out for the best."
Dooku studied the master, fixing her with a hard stare.
"Perhaps. But not because of your guidance." Clan-Master Vant flinched at his acrid honesty, but did not deny his statement.
The remorseful Clan-Master gazed at her Initiates, sorrow settling into her bones.
"I know," she said softly. "I know."
"Obi-Wan!"
Obi-Wan Kenobi whirled around, trying to find the source of the familiar voice. He spotted the person and glared.
"Garen, where have you—" Garen cut off his words with a hug, and Obi-Wan stumbled backwards, surprised at the open show of affection.
"Obi-Wan, Master Clee Rhara took me as her Padawan!"
Obi-Wan gasped, further shocked but very pleased.
"That's wonderful! So you're a Padawan learner now?"
"Yes! I'm leaving now! I know it's traditional for a master to spend time at the temple with their Padawan before going on any missions, but Master Rhara told me that there was no way better to get to know a person than to fly with them!" Garen explained excitedly. "She's part of the Jedi Starfighter Corps, and she said that she had her eye on me for a while now, and she would have taken me earlier if she'd known her last assignment would have taken so long."
"Garen, slow down!" said Obi-Wan, laughing. "I can hardly understand what you're saying."
"Sorry, I'm just so happy!" He hugged Obi-Wan tightly again. "I'm going with her to the Council now, and if they approve, we'll go to the Inner Rim for a reconnaissance mission!"
"I'm glad you got chosen," said Obi-Wan, returning the hug. "I'm sure you'll be an amazing Padawan."
"Thanks, Obi-Wan." He hesitated, and a trace of melancholy appeared amongst the mirth.
"I'll . . . I'll miss you," confessed Garen.
"Me too, Garen." Obi-Wan smiled, sad at as his friend's departure, but glad that Garen was on his way to becoming a Jedi Knight.
Garen grinned mischievously.
"It looks like you'll have to study for that math exam by yourself! Tell me what's on it, alright?"
"Hey!" said Obi-Wan, jokingly indignant. "I take back what I said about missing you."
The two snickered, enjoying what would be their last playful moment together for several weeks, maybe more.
"May the Force be with you, Garen," said Obi-Wan wholeheartedly.
"And with you, Obi-Wan." They shook hands solemnly, and Garen departed to prepare for his journey. Obi-Wan, on the other hand, continued to the Archives. After all, he still had to prepare for the exam.
Dooku read through Obi-Wan's file, startled at what he had found. Yan Dooku did not know what he had expected to find, but he did not expect this. The initiate ranked in the top five percent out of all the younglings. He had practically perfect scores in all the diplomatic and historical studies, and excelled in many of the analytical courses as well. He lacked in the mathematical fields, but his scores in them were still decent enough for the top ten percent.
According to the file, Kenobi displayed great skills in the Force control and precision. And from what Dooku had seen, the boy possessed some skills in lightsaber combat, if severely unpolished. Why had no one selected the boy as a Padawan? True, the initiate needed to learn to control his temper, but that alone should not have dissuaded everyone from picking him.
Dooku turned his holo-reader off and set it down. If he did not know better, Dooku would have thought that someone was deliberately preventing Obi-Wan from becoming an apprentice. He steepled his fingers and deliberated upon his next course of actions. He suspected what he should do, but . . .
His eyes rested upon the old tome that sat on his desk. It was an ancient work, one that used actual paper. The volume preceded the Russan Reformation and had some fascinating insights into the old Jedi and more specifically, their lightsaber techniques. Jocasta had parted with it very reluctantly, and Yan Dooku knew that he would have to return it soon or face her wrath. He finished studying it yesterday, and he supposed that now was a good time as any. After all, he did not have much to do, being on leave still.
The Jedi Master smothered the spark of vexation and headed to the archive with the heavy book, taking care not to damage it. His strictly enforced "down time" was rather tedious and only gave him an absurd amount of idle time. Dooku needed to convince the Council to cut his leave short. He rapidly started to formulate a plan. The Lismei System currently suffered from several internal crises. Perhaps he could persuade the Council to assign him on a diplomatic mission to the currently struggling area. A long undercover mission away from the Temple would be pleasant.
"Master Dooku," greeted Madame Nu, interrupting his thoughts. He bowed to her formally, his expression displaying the slightest hint of warmth.
"Madame Nu," he replied. He handed her the old volume, and she accepted it reverently.
"Thank you, Master Dooku. I am glad to see that the book has been returned intact."
"As it always is, Madame," responded Dooku dryly.
The Master Archivist opened her mouth to respond and was promptly distracted by a group of younglings that walked in noisily. The formidable lady entered battle-mode as she prepared to defend her sanctuary from the uncouth intruders.
"If you'll excuse me, Master Dooku." Madame Nu hurried to confront the intruding initiates. Barely a second had passed after her departure when Master Dooku noticed another initiate in the Archives.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was seated in a corner, holding a datapad with one hand and writing on flimsi with the other. The boy's concentration was clearly elsewhere, however. Dooku could feel his anxiety from across the Archives.
The Jedi Master took a slow, calming breath. The Force, despite its magnificence, could be dreadfully unsubtle and undignified at times. Despite his misgivings, the Force was clear. And while Dooku was many things, he was not obtuse. He would not give anyone, the Force included, the opportunity to label him such.
After searching in the Force once more, Master Dooku walked to Obi-Wan Kenobi. The boy looked up, apprehensive. The Initiate immediately stood up and bowed, waiting to see what his elder wanted.
Dooku scrutinized Obi-Wan and made his decision. If the Force decided to forgo tact, he might as well do the same.
"Initiate Kenobi, will you become my Padawan?"
Pure shock replaced the multitude of emotions that had churned inside Obi-Wan. Of all the things he had Master Dooku could have said to him, this was the most unexpected. Master Dooku wanted him to be his Padawan? Obi-Wan had placed the likelihood of that happening right below that of Master Yoda spontaneously turning purple.
Dimly, Obi-Wan realized that Master Dooku was speaking. Something resembling amusement flickered in the Master's dark eyes, a flash so sudden that Obi-Wan wasn't sure he saw it.
"Of course," said Master Dooku. "You are certainly within your rights to refuse my offer."
"Uh, no!" blurted out Obi-Wan. "I mean . . ." He paused and collected his thoughts, somehow. "Are you sure?" Obi-wan looked at the Jedi Master almost hesitantly. Was this a joke? Well, he didn't think Jedi Masters—excluding Master Yoda, of course—could even play jokes. And no one would play a joke so cruel. Perhaps this was some sort of test to see if Obi-Wan was Dark.
Master Dooku raised his eyebrow. "I have given this matter sufficient thought, young one. I have not made this decision lightly."
Obi-Wan blinked. Was Master Dooku serious? It couldn't be. It had to be a test.
"I regret my actions, Master Dooku," he said slowly. "and I understand the consequences. I have resigned myself to the AgriCorps, and I am prepared to face any further repercussions." Obi-Wan looked Master Dooku in the eyes and spoke with utter conviction. "Whether I become a Jedi or not, I can assure you this; I will not turn Dark."
Master Dooku looked almost surprised. Then, impossibly, his expression softened slightly.
"Initiate Obi-Wan Kenobi, this is not a ploy to determine your alignment. You are firmly entrenched in the Light. I assure you that I am sincere in my offer. You will be a great asset to the Order, and I do not wish for you to waste your potential." Master Dooku returned Obi-Wan's gaze. "I will ask you again. Initiate Kenobi, will you be my Padawan Learner?"
Obi-Wan head started spinning. This was impossible, completely impossible. But as Yoda said, nothing was impossible with the force. He didn't understand why, but this was real. Somehow, for reasons beyond his fathoming, Master Dooku truly wanted him as his apprentice. Obi-Wan took a deep breath. He would not disappoint the master a second time.
Obi-Wan bowed respectfully. "I-I would be honored."
Master Dooku nodded. "Excellent. We will stand before the Council no later than tomorrow. I shall see you then."
The master left as quickly as he arrived, leaving Obi-Wan to stare after him for several minutes, reeling. Then, the ramifications of what had just happened finally began to settle in. He was a Padawan.
Unfiltered amazement and joy coursed through him. Obi-Wan was a Padawan. His dream, his destiny was one step closer to being realized. He leaped to his feet and nearly ran from the Archives. He instantly caught himself and frowned, for running wasn't befitting of Jedi Padawan. Slowly, deliberately, Obi-Wan exited the Archives, smiling the whole while.
"Master Yoda?" Master Dooku called out to the Grand Master of the Jedi Order, his voice a little too acerbic to be polite.
"To speak with me, you wish?" said Master Yoda. The elderly green Jedi refused to slow down, forcing Dooku to walk briskly to catch up with him.
"I do."
"Speak then, you shall. About Obi-Wan, this is?"
"Yes."
"Taken him as your Padawan, you have, hmm?"
"Yes, though that is not what I wish to discuss."
"Told you I did about him. Will of the Force, it was, that you two were to meet," said Yoda contently.
Or the will of Yoda. But Dooku could not deny that the Force had pulled him very strongly to the boy after the initial meeting.
"That may have been so. What I would like to discuss, however, is the care of the Initiates in clans."
"Clan-Master and Docent I am not. Nor you," harrumphed Yoda.
Well, Master Yoda spent so much time with the crechelings and initiates that he practically was one.
"That is true," Dooku acknowledged. "Yet I have discovered something rather disturbing. Master Yoda, are Initiates still sent to the Mind-Healers if troubled?"
"If troubled, they are. Know this you do." Master Yoda was not Grand Master for nothing. "About Initiates Chun and Kenobi this is."
"Yes. Is it true that you advised Master Vant not to send them to the healers?"
Yoda snorted.
"Protective of your new apprentice, are you? Like a mother Gundark, you are."
"I am simply concerned for all the initiates, and curious to know if you advised the Clan-Master to take the course of action which she did."
They walked in silence for a few moments.
"Advised Master Vant, I have," Yoda admitted.
"Why is that? You know as well as I do that such emotions, if left unchecked, can easily lead to the Dark Side. Initiate Chun seems to be especially at risk."
"Will of the Force," said Yoda. "A test, it was."
"Neither the Force nor testing are sufficient excuses for child neglect," countered Dooku, flaring slightly.
Master Yoda's green eyes narrowed. "Lecture me you will not. Accuse me wrongfully, you do. In no danger the initiates were, for watch them carefully their Clan-Master did. Interfere she would have if out of control things became. Presume too much you have." The elderly master tapped his stick on the floor for emphasis. "Control everything you cannot. Change everything you cannot. Arrogance, this is."
"It is not arrogance, but pragmatism. We cannot remain passive. The Order will be swept away if we refuse to acknowledge that the times are different."
Neither was speaking about the younglings anymore.
"So quick to disregard a thousand years of peace you are?'
"A thousand years of peace, perhaps, but also a thousand of stagnation."
"Stagnation, peace is not."
"They are not mutually exclusive."
"Enough! Argue with you I will not. Stubborn, you have become. Now go to your padawan you should, or meditate. Bother me no more you should."
Dooku gave a curt bow. "Of course, Master Yoda. May the Force be with you." He turned sharply and headed the opposite direction. If the Jedi continue on this path, thought Dooku grimly, we will eventually be destroyed.
"Initiate Kenobi?"
"Yes, Master Vant?" Obi-Wan's Clan-Master stood in front of him, holding a datapad. She handed it to him almost unhappily, her lekku twisting slightly.
"The Council of Reassignment has given you advanced placement in the Service Corps. They decided to send you to the Agricultural Corps on Bandomeer."
Obi-Wan glanced at the datapad and handed it back, struggling to stay serious.
"While I appreciate the interest of the Council of Reassignment, I must regret to inform them that Master Dooku has selected me as his Padawan learner." He attempted a somber tone, but the affect was ruined by his large grin.
Master Vant blinked once. "Oh." She gave him a warm smile, genuinely pleased and somewhat relieved. "I will inform them of the current situation. Congratulations, Obi-Wan. "
Obi-Wan blushed. "Thank you, master."
The Clan-Masters expression suddenly became sad. "May the Force grant you success in your endeavors. You possess the heart of a Jedi, and I have every confidence in you. And . . ." The master trailed off for a few seconds. "I must ask you to forgive me. I have neglected my duty to you and Initiate Chun."
Obi-Wan was startled. "What? You don't have to ask for my forgiveness, Master! You haven't done anything wrong."
The corners of Master Vant's mouth turned up slightly, though her eyes were still downcast.
"You are very kind, beyond what I deserve. You have the character of a true Jedi. May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Obi-Wan, for not the first time today, wondered if he was dreaming. Or hallucinating. First, Master Dooku had selected him as his Padawan, and now Master Vant was apologizing to him. What had happened to all the Jedi Masters? At this point, it really wouldn't surprise him if Master Yoda did turn purple. Obi-Wan shook the irreverent thought away and bowed.
"May the Force be with you as well, Master Vant."
Dooku felt like the sun had finally come out from behind the clouds. The Force was clear and vibrant, a marked difference from its formerly overcast and shadowed state. He could finally see again.
Dooku glanced at his Padawan, who was setting the very Force alight with his joy. Obi-Wan had been quite earnest during the ceremony, but now that it was over, the child had difficulty concealing his happiness.
He had forgotten just how bright youth could be. His Padawan practically shone, a beacon in the Force, banishing the creeping darkness.
Dooku could sense that the future had changed. And for some reason, that gave him hope.
A man looked through a large window overlooking Coruscant as the sun feebly cast out its last rays. However, he was not pleased. Something had changed, and he did not know if it was to his advantage. The difference was subtle but undeniably present. He would have to investigate the source of this disturbance. After all, knowledge was power, and he hated being powerless.
The man smiled the dark finally smothered the remaining light.
Regardless, night would come.
End of Scene 1