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Geonosis- 3 years, 6 months BED
Outside Petranaki Arena, another battle raged on. Two hundred thousand freshly minted clones fought against millions of real enemies for the first time in their short lives. The clones; though vastly outnumbered; proved to be more than capable, and were slowly pushing the droid army into retreat. Boots and mechanical claws kicked up dust, helping the wheels and legs on the tactical vehicles cloud the surface with red sand.
Bolts of plasma shot out of blasters and cannons; bursting into flames as they connected with various parts of machinery, or cauterizing deadly wounds suffered by the clones. Lightsabers dotted the landscape, as Jedi led their new soldiers into battle. Republic gunships danced with Confederacy starfighters, as they all tried to avoid missiles, torpedoes and lasers attempting to blow them out of the clear blue sky.
It was ironic really, that the sky was so clear. On the complete other side of the planet, the sight wasn't so pretty, as Republic and Confederate forces fought for space superiority. But if a soldier just looked up for a second, the sky would be almost the polar opposite of the ground battle, which was chaotic, dusty, dirty, and grimy.
The Republic sent another wave of gunships over the battle, some peeling off to land various tactical vehicles across the battlefield. Some of these vehicles were immediately destroyed, the rest proceeding to land strikes on Confederate targets. Other gunships used their armaments to destroy key targets, clearing areas before landing platoons of clone troopers. Suddenly, a lone gunship peeled off to the side of the battle, and sped off to the back lines of the Confederate military.
"Stay well behind me, if they show any signs of attacking, kill them."
"Yes master, falling back now." At once, Anakin turned behind an orange rock formation, allowing the gunship to pass before resuming his flight path. The two droid starfighters followed suit, and now flanked him as he gunned his swoop bike towards the infantry transport.
The sound dampeners in Fett's helmet reduced the stress on his eardrums as the wind whistled around him, while sand pelted his visor. The Sun came into view, causing the visor to compensate, sharply reducing the glare. Anakin marveled at the helmet and all its functions; he was sure there were more that he was yet to discover during his brief ownership of the item.
I have to examine this further.
But first, he had a job to do. He tapped into the Force to see who the ship was carrying. He reached out and felt two Jedi and a dozen clone troopers. His anger peaked at the Jedi's Force presence. Suddenly, he felt one of them reach out with the Force, as if they were looking for the source of the anomaly.
Can't have that.
He gave the sign, and the two starfighters opened fire. Both peppered the wings with laser fire, but the construction of the vessel provided ample coverage for the deck. The gunship dipped slightly, allowing a sequence of lasers to hit the stock of missiles shelved above the deck, causing a small explosion to rock the ship.
He saw some figures fall out of the gunship, as the gunship shuddered, appearing to fall to the ground before straightening out. Anakin slowed down and probed the Force. One or two had weak pulses, and the rest were dead. He nodded sharply before gunning back towards the battle, as the droids attempted to land more strikes on the gunship.
Anakin kept pace with the gunship, as the pilot pulled off an impressive run to avoid the starfighters. Anakin had to slow down and stay behind the droid's as they attempted to lock onto the gunship, unsuccessfully replicating their earlier success.
How hard is it to hit that bucket?
This was part of the reason Anakin hated the Confederacy. Besides the pompous politicians who were only looking out for themselves, Anakin despised how they placed their trust in droids. Droids didn't adapt to changing conditions, droids didn't think critically, droids didn't disobey orders if there was a better alternative, and droids didn't show an ounce of loyalty.
After yet another miss, Anakin growled in disgust before shooting ahead of the starfighters. He pulled out his saber and cut through one of the bubble turrets, leaving a long scorch across the gunner's torso. He looped around for another run, and saw two lightsaber blades poking out of the deck. He flew past again, and with a wide arc, attempted to smash one of the blades out of the Jedi's hand with brute force.
One of the droid starfighters didn't care, and since the droid did not realize to change its objective in order to avoid its commander it proceeded to send a bolt of plasma right into the speeder. The bike swerved away from the gunship in a spiral towards the sand dunes. Anakin struggled to pull the speeder into his control, and tried to brake; simultaneously clipping his saber to his belt with the help of the Force.
He pulled the bike out of the shuddering spiral, pushing the vehicle up and towards the fast disappearing skirmish. He tried to brake in order to gain more control over his direction, but no matter how hard he pushed down, his speed only increased. He muttered a Huttese curse before giving up on slowing down his bike. He shook his head before pushing the speeder bike towards the hangar.
How much time did I lose?
The helmet, as though reading his mind, switched its display to a thermal sight, displaying the figures on the bike and the gunship. He inferred the starfighters were not too far behind and pushed harder, thanking the Force he decided to pick up the helmet.
The wind whipped around his robe and his helmet, as his bike struggled against the increasing speeds. Anakin pushed harder, reducing the gap between him and the ensuing battle. Suddenly, the mountain that contained the hangar came into view. A small opening, with a landing strip shooting out of it also came into view, and Anakin could see that the others already made it.
Anakin spotted two lightsaber blades disappear into the hangar, and as the gunship pushed off from its immobile state, it was slow enough for the droids to lock on and shoot it down. Anakin gunned for the landing strip, ready to slow down for the landing. He lined up the bike, and pushed on the brake, anticipating the slow vibrations that would ensue.
When they didn't, Anakin suddenly remembered the starfighter shot out his brakes. He was too close to veer off course, and he knew he couldn't exactly land the bike. He shook his head, and bore down on the bike, riding it as low as he could. The strip came closer and closer, and Anakin drew in a breath. He flew over the strip, and shot into the hangar. He pushed down, and heard a horrible screeching as the bike skidded across the hangar floor.
He flipped off his bike, and as it crashed into the far wall, he lit his saber and cut down the two clones escorting the Jedi. He swung his saber at his side, and trapped the Jedi between him and Dooku. Dooku smiled and lit his own saber, holding it at his side after a quick flourish. Both Jedi held their weapons in a defensive position. Anakin pulled off his robe, dropping it on the floor before turning back to the Jedi.
Anakin's head tilted as he examined the two Jedi. He then realized they were the same ones that were about to be executed. Anakin's breathing quickened as he realized the ramifications of what was about to happen. He had the opportunity to prove Dooku wrong. He could handle these two.
Anakin felt the Force course through him, energizing his muscles and increasing his blood flow. He felt the Force numb his body, allowing it to relax completely. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He felt his anger rise up, bubbling and threatening to boil over. He pushed it down, molding the flames into a vicious beast. The beast roared furiously, as Anakin tamed it, holding it back. He opened his eyes, and let the beast go.
He leapt towards the padawan while Dooku stepped towards the other Jedi. Anakin landed a meter in front of the younger Jedi, and parried a sharp swing. He spun around and attempted to cleave the Jedi in two. Another block led Anakin to jump over the Jedi to avoid a leg sweep, before Anakin responded with an overhead slash. Anakin followed with another, using all his strength in an attempt to overpower the Jedi. Suddenly, another blade appeared to block Anakin's attack. Anakin whipped his saber behind his back as he spun, keeping the red plasma between him and the Jedi Master.
The two Jedi leaped at him, and Anakin reached into the Force, pushing them away with a blast of Force power. The padawan hit the ground and tumbled into the wall, while the older Jedi rolled gracefully, slicing into a crate that Anakin sent flying towards him.
Anakin channeled the Force into his muscles, and bounded towards the Jedi, both men locking their sabers across their chests. Anakin glared through the visors into his adversary's blue-gray eyes. Anakin then realized who the Jedi was. His anger surged, causing the beast to snarl and rage further.
Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Anakin relented, and swung back with an even harder attack. His anger surged through him, uncontrolled as Anakin went through a dizzying sequence of attacks, striking harder and faster as he went on. He pushed the elder Jedi back towards the wall and stood toe to toe, spinning around while he searched for an opening. He desperately kicked at the Jedi, spinning his blade through a series of thrusts and arcs.
He raged through his attacks, as Kenobi calmly deflected all of them. Anakin seethed, pulling back before smashing his blade against Obi-Wan's, tossing his old strategy for sheer power. Another series of swipes and long blows followed a cry of desperation.
Anakin attempted another strike across the Jedi's arm, but met air. Obi-Wan attempted to cut through Anakin's legs, but he jumped over the blade, flipping away from the attack. He turned to the younger Jedi who was running towards Anakin. Anakin rolled over the charging boy, who twisted around, defending himself from a series of horizontal slashes.
After yet another block, Anakin grew angrier and angrier, pushing himself to the brink. He knew that he would soon lose control, but he simply didn't care. He pushed harder and harder, desperately trying to kill the two Jedi. He slammed the hilt of his saber into the teens chin, causing him to stumble back. Anakin surged into a Force-enhanced leap, smashing his blade into the ground, though the Jedi rolled away.
Anakin relented, turning towards the blond teenager. He attempted to jump towards Anakin, but was met with a healthy dose of lightning. He fell to the ground, his head bouncing off the metal. Anakin called the Jedi's lightsaber to his hand, flourishing both of them as he flipped towards the unconscious Jedi.
Kenobi jumped in just in time, drawing Anakin's attention away from his fallen padawan. Anakin spun towards the Jedi, swinging both of the weapons, desperately attempting to find an opening. His anger peaked, as he grew tired of the back and forth fighting.
He shouted incoherently, blasting the Jedi away with the Force. Obi-Wan flew into the wall, head snapping as he dropped down onto the ground. Anakin dropped to one knee in exhaustion, as his lips snarled beneath his helmet.
"Behind you!"
Anakin's head whipped towards his master, who was already halfway up the ramp. Dooku gesticulated towards the entrance, and Anakin's eyes followed, where the echoes of a dozen pairs of boots bounced towards him. Ten clones came into view, guns drawn and aimed at him.
Behind them, a single Jedi stood, hand on his lightsaber hilt. He was tall, with long brown hair that was turning gray. He had an immaculately trimmed beard, his blue eyes staring at the scene before him. Anakin's anger raged even stronger, more powerful than he could ever remember as he struggled to contain the beast. He halfheartedly attempted to suppress it, but it didn't worked, as the beast pushed against him stronger, breaking his hold on his anger.
Qui-Gon Jinn.
He felt the Force roll through him, as he continued the struggle to control his anger. He felt his muscles grow stronger, his extremities gaining the energy to move faster, and his insides churn. His heart was a furnace that was threatening to blow, the fire it contained growing stronger and hotter each second. The dark side swirled around him, wrapping him in its comforting embrace. The serpent that chewed at him was whispering to let go, to fall into the dark side and do its bidding, it whispered to take his revenge on the man who ruined his life.
Anakin was nine years old again, standing in the middle of the Jedi Council Chamber. Standing behind him was Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi. Anakin couldn't see the members well, as the Coruscanti nightlife did not provide much lighting. One of the council members spoke up after the trio was invited back into the Chamber. "The Force is strong with him."
"He is to be trained then?" Anakin looked back at the tall Jedi, who smiled reassuringly.
Master Windu, who was seated as if he was at a lounge rather than the Jedi Council Chamber, answered his query. "No, he will not be trained."
"No?" Qui-Gon asked.
But Anakin barely heard him. His heart froze over and his stomach dropped. He glared daggers at the Master, who hours before had administered Anakin's test. He was sure he passed.
"He is too old."
"He is the chosen one." Qui-Gon's tone was soft with disbelief, and Anakin was slightly angry that he wasn't angry. "You must see it."
Suddenly, the short green Master, the one they called Yoda responded with what sounded like a groan. "Clouded, this boy's future is."
Anakin felt two strong hands on his shoulders, as Qui-Gon continued. "I will train him then." He gave Anakin a reassuring squeeze before continuing "I will take Anakin as my padawan learner."
The green alien stared at the duo, before stating the obvious. "An apprentice you already have, Qui-Gon, impossible to take on a second." Anakin gave him a glare.
Oh really? Does he now?
Windu piped up, adding to Yoda's argument. "The code forbids it."
Qui-Gon let out a sigh before replying. "Obi-Wan is ready."
The young man moved forward, standing next to Anakin. "I am ready to take the trials."
Yoda gave them a disapproving look before replying to the two Jedi. "Our own council will choose who is ready."
"He is headstrong and has much to learn of the living Force but he is capable. There is little more he can learn from me."
Anakin perked up slightly, still hoping the council might change their minds. He had some informal saber training already; maybe if he showed what he knew they might change their minds?
"No, Qui-Gon. The Council's decision is final. Now let the boy on his way, we have personal matters to discuss."
Anakin felt his insides ripped out, as he numbly walked out of the Council room, being led by Qui-Gon. Once outside the chamber, he broke into a sob, turning towards Jinn. The elder Jedi knelt beside him, lending a hand for comfort.
"But Master, what if I show them what you taught me?" Anakin asked, wiping at his tears.
"I am sorry Anakin; there is nothing I can do." He reached into his pocket and fished out a handful of credits. "Take these, and go back to Tatooine. After this mission, I will come back for you and we can appeal their decision."
Anakin nodded, before looking at the man. "You promised me. You said I would become a Jedi."
Qui-Gon squinted, rubbing his eyes before giving the boy a hug. "I am sorry Anakin, I truly am."
Skywalker, you have no chance! Let's go now!
Anakin pushed Dooku out of his head, severing the telepathic connection. His lips pulled into a sneer, as he wrapped his fingers around both lightsabers, the crimson and emerald blades casting soft shadows on both sides of the room.
You don't know my power old man.
Anakin roared furiously, surging forward. He launched the green lightsaber at the clones, and jumped into a Force-enhanced leap. He landed behind Jinn, whipping his saber through a furious sequence of strikes and thrusts. He took a step back, allowing for the elder master to leap over him. Anakin slashed while Jinn was at the apex of his jump, attempting to end the duel there.
Jinn blocked the strike, and swiped at Anakin's knees. Anakin leaped over the blade, flipping back while calling the emerald saber to him. He lit it as his boots struck the ground, and sent it flying to his left. The spinning blade cut down four troopers, and Anakin sent another three clones flying into the wall with a concussive Force blast.
Anakin realized he was close to his tipping point, but he didn't care. The way he used his power felt good. The serpent hissed at him, reminding him that he wasn't fully immersed in the Dark Side, and that he could go farther, much farther. And Anakin considered listening.
The flying lightsaber landed back in Anakin's hands, as he walked forward, spinning both blades to gain momentum before he spun himself, smashing both lightsabers into Jinn's blade. He pulled back before spinning into the air, rolling over Jinn while slashing at all angles. He landed; ducking past a stab attempt before swinging his blades towards Jinn's left side. His attempt was blocked and Anakin pulled back, crossing his blades to stop Jinn from slicing him down the middle. Anakin looked into the man's eyes, his anger surging higher and higher. He gritted his teeth, and felt the Force rush through him. He felt it strengthen the fibers in his muscles, and vastly increase his strength. He flexed his arms and pushed back, overpowering the older Jedi with his strength.
He pushed harder, and was making the Jedi bend his back to prevent his death. Suddenly, Anakin kicked out Jinn's leg, causing the Jedi to fall to the ground. Anakin took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he felt the Force surge through him, eager to finish the duel.
He did it. He had defeated the man who ruined his life. He suddenly snapped out of the fight, and silently reprimanded himself, frustrated at letting his emotions control him. He was fully in control now, as his anger had abated, to be replaced by a swelling pride. Anakin looked down at the fallen Jedi, examining his handiwork.
Jinn was grasping his leg, covering the area where Anakin had kicked him. His hair was matted on his head, and his breathing heavy. He desperately wiped away some sweat as Anakin kicked his lightsaber away.
"I have waited a long time for this Master Jedi." Anakin said, emphasizing the man's title as he swung his sabers over his head.
Jinn stopped his breathing, closing his eyes in preparation for his doom.
Suddenly, a searing pain shot through his left arm. Anakin moaned in pain as he dropped the padawan's lightsaber, grabbing his forearm.
He turned around to face the clone trooper that was propped up against the wall, blaster in one hand while the other held him up. Anakin brought his hand up, seizing him with the Force, promptly snapping his neck.
Anakin took a ragged breath, before he heard the familiar sound of a lightsaber igniting. He quickly turned around, blocking the attack from Qui-Gon. His forearm burned in pain as he gripped his saber. Anakin dropped his left hand, spinning around Jinn's blade before using the Force to send the Jedi tumbling back. He looked at his forearm, and the scorch mark from the blaster shot. The burn had singed his tunic to the wound, which would make the treatment much harder.
He moved towards Qui-Gon, but stopped when he heard more footsteps coming from the hangar entrance. He felt almost twenty troops enter, accompanied by a light in the Force. No, a light was the wrong term; it was more of a star, shining brighter than any Jedi Anakin sensed earlier in the arena.
Yoda.
Anakin gripped his saber in both hands, preparing for a fight before wincing in the pain that shot up his left arm. He closed his eyes as he realized he had no chance to win the battle in his current state. He dropped his arms, shaking his head before turning around.
He surveyed the damage he inflicted all around the hangar. All the clones dead, with the Jedi apprentice knocked out, Kenobi just coming to, and Qui-Gon trying to stand. He growled in anger before turning towards the ship, recalling one of Dooku's earlier rules.
You may be powerful, but that power has no use if you are dead. Always protect yourself, swallow your pride and live to fight another day.
He bounded up the ramp, making eye contact with his master as the droid pilot lifted off and sent the ship sailing out of the hangar. Anakin sat down near the back of the cockpit, flexing his left hand. He looked up at the Count, who was glaring at Anakin with his dark eyes. Anakin pulled off his helmet, dropping it on the floor next to him.
"Why didn't you listen to me?" The count asked, his soft words cutting deep into Anakin's pride. "Was I not right? I spent twenty years training that man; did you really think I was wrong?" Anakin shifted in his seat, glaring right back at the elderly Sith.
"It was that clone, if he wasn't there-"
"It was not the clone boy! Your arrogance, your foolishness almost cost you your life!" Dooku stood up abruptly and stepped towards Anakin, towering over his apprentice. "What would have happened if the clone wasn't hurt and instead of hitting you in the arm he gave your face another hole? What then?"
Anakin sighed and looked away, before standing up to face his master. "Then you would need to find another pawn." He growled, staring straight into Dooku's eyes. Dooku's nostrils flared as he took a sharp breath.
"I am more than capable of finding your replacement boy." He barked, causing Anakin to sneer. "The other two-"
"They aren't anywhere near my capabilities. Besides, I've been with them for years, if I remember correctly, you told me to train them after you picked me and cast them aside." Dooku's eyes darkened, but Anakin continued before he could respond. "They don't trust you, hell, they don't even like you. I'm the only one keeping them in line, convincing them that your plan is best for all of us." Anakin smirked as Dooku stood there, shocked at Anakin's revelation.
Anakin moved past him, turning to the droid. "Where's the bacta?" He started for the area the droid pointed to, still flexing his aching wound.
Dooku sat down in the co-pilot chair, and turned to the display. Anakin shot his back a look before tending to his injury.
This is going to be a long flight.
Qui-Gon Jinn slowly stood up, grabbing at his head. Quickly, two clones steadied him before leading him out of the hangar. He quickly looked around, blinking to clear his vision and trying to ignore the pounding in his head. Obi-Wan was also being led out, and his padawan Whie Malreaux was being loaded onto a stretcher.
Other clones were identifying and moving their dead, while Qui-Gon moved towards the padawan. Qui-Gon looked at the teenager, who was conscious, but in bad condition. From what the clones were saying, he apparently hit his head very hard.
Obi-Wan was being forcibly led out by clones, who refused to let him see his apprentice. Qui-Gon closed his eyes and called his saber to his hand, while the clones leading him to the awaiting gunship. Obi-Wan and Master Yoda were already waiting in the transport, with Malreaux being carried behind him.
Qui-Gon sat in the gunship, across from the ancient Jedi and his old apprentice. Through the dull ache in his skull he vaguely heard that Senator Amidala was safe at one of the forward command bases where they dropped her off before the confrontation. He sighed, flicking his eyes towards the two Jedi. He decided to cut to the chase, and faced his old apprentice.
"Who was that man?" He asked. During the battle, he sensed his old master's overwhelming presence; almost flaunting the power it was able to wield, but this was a whole different animal.
This presence was much darker, although it seemed almost grey. It was also much more powerful, not as developed as Dooku's, but it shone brighter, as if it was displaying its potential for destruction. It seemed controlled, but just barely. It was evident that whoever was under the helmet was emotionally compromised, for whatever reason. The presence was familiar, but Jinn couldn't put his finger on it.
He rubbed his eyes, sighing before scouring his brain to recall where he might have seen the man before. It certainly wasn't Maul, and Jinn furrowed his brow while searching the Force for answers. He was broken out of his trance by his ex-apprentice, who was looking eagerly at the Jedi Master for the guidance he provided to Obi-Wan for nearly thirty years.
"Well, Master? What do you think?"
Qui-Gon stuttered and faltered before replying "I'm sorry Obi-Wan, what did you say?" The Jedi Knight smiled slightly, before continuing.
"I was saying how Master Windu mentioned to me that Dooku's presence felt more powerful than he remembered, but when he entered the box, he assumed it was the bounty hunter. I thought so as well, as Fett seemed more in tune to the Force than most beings. But Fett was killed, so it can't be him. What do you think happened?"
Obi-Wan turned to Master Yoda, who was still silent. Qui-Gon blinked, setting his head on the cool steel. He looked at his hands, before replying to the Jedi. "I think my old master has a new apprentice, one more powerful than anything the Jedi have ever faced."
"Well, he can't be harder to defeat than Maul can he?" Obi-Wan looked at his master, stroking his beard.
"He defeated us didn't he? We had ten more years to prepare, and he would have killed us if you didn't come." He said, gesturing to Master Yoda. "What are we to do?"
Jinn looked over at the diminutive Jedi Master, who sat silent through the whole exchange. He frowned, grunting slightly as he closed his eyes. "Meditate on this, we should. Answers, the Force will give us."
Qui-Gon nodded, before closing his eyes. He sighed as he ran through the battle in his mind. Where did that man come from? Where did the clones come from? They only were discovered days ago, a fully grown army for the Republic. This didn't seem right. Nothing seemed right. But for now, they had a war to win. Jinn rubbed his brow before tapping into the Force, trying to speed up his recovery.
The Works, Coruscant- One Day Later
The Works was the industrial center on Coruscant, home to the factories, which belched smoke and smog into the Coruscant atmosphere. The skyline was pretty geometric, with factories lined up in order to economize space. However, there was one building that stood out above all, the LiMerge Power Building. It was a magnificent structure, nowhere near as tall as 500 Republica, but still was a massive tower.
In the red glow of late afternoon, a small ship was approaching the building, and soon disappeared as it passed into the darkness of the tower's shadow. Inside the ship, a droid maneuvered the ship into a hangar, while Count Dooku and Anakin Skywalker sat in preparation for the meeting ahead.
Dooku stared at the boy, outraged at his outbursts of disobedience that have occurred lately. Though it was to be expected, for him to be a true Sith and unlock his potential, he needed to hate Dooku. He needed to yearn for the opportunity to strike down the man that taught him everything he knew.
Not that he would act upon it.
Dooku laughed to himself, comfortable that Skywalker would remain his apprentice for as long as Dooku needed him to. Soon, the Count would kill Sidious, and Anakin would take his place as Dooku's executioner across the galaxy.
A few bolts of lightning should keep him in line.
Dooku chucked at the thought before turning to the teenager "Stay in the ship boy. And conceal your presence." He stood and swiftly exited the craft. He watched as Anakin shot a look of disdain before shifting in his seat. Within a second, the incredible glow that was Anakin's Force presence was reduced to a dim light.
Dooku was still awed at how powerful Anakin was. In only nine years of tutelage, he already could rival any swordsman in the Jedi Order. It unnerved him, and also amused him how out of touch Anakin was. The boy could dispose of Dooku within minutes, but he still remained in his servitude, out of some perverted sense of loyalty.
It massaged Dooku's ego; the fact that he could keep Anakin by his side even though he was far more powerful. Dooku stepped off the ramp, and faced the hooded figure that strode out of the shadows. His master would be most pleased by the updates, but Dooku didn't care about those. This was the true test of Anakin's power. Could he conceal himself from the greatest Force user this galaxy has seen?
"The Force is with us Master Sidious." Dooku crowed, as he strode confidently towards his master.
"Welcome home Lord Tyranus." Dooku smiled as his master continued. "You have done well."
Both men turned away from the ship, walking in stride towards the inner workings of the building.
"I have good news for you milord. The war has begun." He turned to his master, awaiting his response.
"Excellent." The raspy voice of the Sith Lord continued "Everything is going as planned." He breathed heavily before continuing. "I assume all the delegates have signed on and pledged their support?"
"Thank you milord, and yes, we have solidified their allegiance and their security forces are being reorganized into the Confederate military. We have factories in dozens of systems." Dooku stated, smiling at his success. His heart rate quickened as Sidious turned to him. He thought he saw his eyes shift to the ship, but he forced himself not to look there himself.
"Congratulations Tyranus. You have successfully ended a thousand years of peace. Soon, the Jedi will fall and the Galaxy will be ours." He whispered, as Dooku nodded gratefully.
A quick tilt of his head allowed Dooku to see where his master was looking. He couldn't exactly tell, but it seemed like he was staring straight through Dooku.
"Yes milord, soon enough, for now, we must ensure the Jedi are spread across the galaxy." Dooku stated. "I must go Master; I have an army to run."
"Yes of course, go on Tyranus." Dooku turned around, smiling gleefully.
That old fool still hasn't noticed Anakin. I can bring the most powerful Force user in the Galaxy into the same room and he is none the wiser. Taking his spot as Master should be easy.
"Oh and Tyranus, before you go" Sidious asked, causing his apprentice to whip around "leave the boy here."
Dooku's heart dropped, and his insides froze over. He stammered, avoiding eye contact with his master. "Who milord? I don't know who you speak of."
Sidious' tone suddenly became biting and colder. "Don't play games with me Dooku, this old fool knows much more than he lets on." He mocked, stepping towards his apprentice. "Skywalker stays with me, as per our agreement, or have you forgotten already?"
"But master, you agreed that he would be revealed after the war had concluded." Dooku pleaded, trying to weasel out of the agreement. Palpatine stepped forward, allowing Dooku to see his face under the hood.
"The boy stays Tyranus, or I find a new apprentice." Sidious' eyes shifted towards the ship, allowing Dooku to realize what the Sith Lord was insinuating.
Dooku felt bile rise in his throat. He nodded before turning towards his ship. "Very well master, the boy will stay here." He strode up the ramp, glaring at his apprentice.
"Yes Master?"
Suddenly, he shot a bolt of lightning at Anakin, who convulsed and grunted, obviously fighting the urge to scream. He looked up at Dooku, tears in his eyes. Dooku shot another series of bolts, and another, glaring at the teenager, who lay sprawled in his seat.
The lightning surged through Anakin's nervous system, shocking his pain receptors. The attacks coursed through his muscles, causing them to twitch with mini-spasms. He was breathing heavily as Dooku stood over him.
Dooku smiled, hitting a nerve with Anakin. The teenager looked up at him, wiping the sweat off his brow. "Get off the ship." Dooku said, staring at the boy.
Anakin gingerly stood up, and limped off the ship. He fell off the ramp, as Dooku kicked his helmet off the ship before turning to the droid. "Get us out of here." He sat down, as the droid started the take-off procedure. The machine blasted out of the hangar and Dooku rubbed his eyes. He desperately thought of a plan, and shook his head with a big sigh. The old fool outsmarted him.
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