Chapter 1 - Dooku - Rewritten

Author's Note: Chapter 2 in Dark Legacy is out! :P And the rewrite is going quite well. I'm adding in a number of scenes though, so keep your eyes open! ;)

~ Amina Gila

Dooku is not in a good mood. He came to Coruscant to meet his master – true – but he had hoped to enlist Kenobi to help him destroy Sidious. Obviously, that won't be happening anymore, not since he's dead. Dooku is not happy that a bounty hunter was able to kill the Jedi Master. It shouldn't have happened, but unless the Jedi are up to something, it did. So now, he must find an alternative.

He paces through the secret alleys in Coruscant, trying to decide upon his next course of action. It shouldn't be hard to find help, but what he really needs is a Jedi. Someone who will be able to fight a Sith Lord and emerge the victor. He wants someone with skill. Kenobi fit all his requirements; finding a replacement will be challenging.

As he walks, the Force seems to nudge him in a certain direction. It's always guided him in the past, so he chooses to follow its direction. Perhaps he will find an answer to his quandary. When he senses a strong Force signature ahead, he pauses, reaching out. A Jedi. What would a Jedi be doing in this area? And he recognizes it. Skywalker.

Dooku probes him delicately, careful to keep himself masked to avoid recognition. Maybe this is an answer. Kenobi trained Skywalker, and while he has little interest in the boy, he could still prove useful. Yes, this might be perfect. Maintaining an outward sense of calm, Dooku strides closer, stopping in the shadows as he observes Skywalker sitting on a crate, head resting in his hands.

Curious. The boy seems upset about something, probably Kenobi's death. Understandable, but it's not the Jedi way. Jedi are supposed to be calm and composed, and Skywalker seems to possess neither of those traits. It's why Dooku has never has an interest in him. He's too unpredictable, too emotional. He doesn't know what potential Qui-Gon ever saw in him.

Kenobi was the epitome of everything the Jedi symbolized, with perfect emotional control, using and valuing logic over emotions. Skywalker is his opposite in every way. It's surprising really, how a Jedi like Kenobi could have trained him. He has no control. It's a wonder the Council even tolerates him.

As he's standing there, Skywalker's astromech droid whistles something. Skywalker shifts before muttering, "Not yet, Artoo. I don't want to go back." He sounds like he's been crying. Dooku can sense a vortex of pain and grief swirling around him and presses his lips together, holding back a scathing remark. Skywalker has no control whatsoever. It's simply disgraceful.

He can understand grieving over losing someone; he's done it himself, but never at the cost of his emotional control. He doesn't want to work with Skywalker – it would not be ideal, but he can still do it. He doesn't even know if the boy would be willing, given their past differences and the nature of their encounters. Kenobi trained Skywalker – he clearly saw something in the boy, the same thing that Qui-Gon had seen – but Dooku doesn't know what it is they, and the rest of the Jedi, admire. Skywalker is not an ideal Jedi. He has too many flaws, but he's never criticized for them. He gets praise instead of condemnation.

But to destroy Sidious, Dooku needs someone with skill. Skywalker might lack the emotional control of Kenobi, but he has enormous potential. Perhaps he could get the boy to join him and teach him what the rest of the Jedi have overlooked. Emotions have power, but they must be controlled. And, he muses to himself, he could derail his master's plans by getting the boy on his side. If Skywalker is against Sidious, he'll never join him. It's – it's perfect.

Dooku slowly walks forward, gracefully stepping from the shadows where he'd been observing Skywalker silently. He gets the attention of the droid, just as he'd expected. It whistles frantically, pulling the attention of its owner away from his misery. Skywalker looks up, his expression becoming comically stunned when he sees Dooku. The Sith has been watching him for many minutes, and he didn't even realize it. Pathetic.

Skywalker reaches out, touching Dooku's Force presence before pulling away. He can't even trust his eyes – although, Dooku can understand his surprise. He's the head of the Separatists, and it would be suicide for him to come to Coruscant under normal circumstances, but everything is far from normal.

It takes a moment for Skywalker to get over his shock and find his voice. "Dooku," he hisses, narrowing his eyes, "What are you doing here?" Taking a pleasure trip, probably.

"This is a surprise, Skywalker," Dooku replies, calmly, "Though I must say it's not an unwelcome one." Not really. It surprises him to find a Jedi so far from the Temple. He'd planned an elaborate ruse to draw Kenobi away, but this is even better.

"Just say whatever you want to say, unless you're planning to kill me, in which case, go right ahead and try," retorts Skywalker. His tone betrays his utter loathing and hatred for Dooku. And he's too confident for his own good.

If Dooku really wanted, he could easily kill the boy. He's alone, far from the Temple, and too lost in his own emotions to put up a fight. It's no wonder his master wants the boy as an apprentice. He has so much raw potential and power, but he just doesn't know how to use it. He's too emotional, and that's something that will lead him directly to the Dark Side at Sidious' beck and call.

Dooku decides to go ahead and start with Kenobi. The mention of his dead former master will be enough to keep the boy off balance. That's what he wants. If Dooku keeps him confused, he won't realize he's being manipulated. "It's such a pity that Kenobi is dead," he begins in a thoughtful tone, "He was a very fine man. Honorable. A worthy opponent. I had dearly hoped he might join me."

And those were all the reasons he'd wanted Kenobi. The Jedi Master was exceedingly clever; a force to be reckoned with in battle. That's what he'd appreciated about him most. He used logic, unlike Skywalker who simply rushes into things without a plan. Just as Dooku had expected, Skywalker bristles, anger surging.

"Don't you dare talk about Obi-Wan," he snarls, "He was a much better man than you ever could be. He would never join you. He's not a traitor." Insults. He thinks he can distract Dooku. Not likely. Dooku is used to people insulting him. That strategy won't work. Really, he would have thought Kenobi taught Skywalker about controlling his anger. Anger is a path to the Dark Side.

He raises an eyebrow slightly. Skywalker is far too immature and childish. "You can't be too certain about that," he replies, "Kenobi never heard my most recent proposal, and I dare say that he would have joined me so we could put a quick end to the war." Of that, he feels comfortable. Kenobi may not have liked it, but he was a sensible man, and if he could end the war without betraying his Jedi morals, he would.

"Considering that you started and are prolonging the war, I really don't see how or why you would suddenly end it," growls Skywalker, rising. Dooku can see the anger – and is that fear? – burning in his eyes. He has no doubt that Skywalker can hear the seductive call of the Dark Side which is humming from his anger. As a Sith, he can see things that the Jedi can't. He can feel how the Dark Side responds to Skywalker. He's not as close to the Light as the Jedi hope.

"You have much to learn, young Skywalker," Dooku chides with a light sigh, "And since your master cannot help me, perhaps you might be interested."

"I will never be a Sith!" he hisses, appalled. He has a strong conviction, but what good is it if he can't even control himself? He's slipping down a dark path from which there is no turning back. He's too impulsive, itching for a fight. Dooku can see him reaching for his lightsaber. That will not do. He has no intention of fighting the boy.

"No, I wasn't going to ask you to become a Sith," Dooku reassures him, since he clearly needed to hear it. At least it's understandable this time. Dooku is a Sith. Skywalker is a Jedi. Why would a Sith talk to a Jedi if not to turn him?

Skywalker comes to an abrupt halt, raising an eyebrow questioningly, confusion radiating off of him. Good, so Dooku has his complete attention. He should be more receptive to his words now. "I don't like what my master has planned for the galaxy," Dooku tells him bluntly. He needs to understand the truth, and the only way to tell someone like him is through bluntness. "It is not what I had in mind when I joined him. He's getting out of control, and I want to stop him."

He can almost see Skywalker's surprise mingled with faint curiosity. That's good, but by the Force, he's an open book. He could never take an enemy by surprise. It's just another reason Dooku has to mourn the loss of Kenobi. "So, what do you want from me?" Skywalker asks finally.

At least he understands that Sith want something. "Assistance," he responds immediately, because really, there's nothing else he needs more right now, at least not from Skywalker. "I could never defeat my master in a duel alone. I need someone who is skilled." He carefully emphases the word. There are few people who match up to his caliber as a duelist, but Kenobi – and Skywalker – are two of them.

"And you thought that someone would be Obi-Wan," Skywalker concludes. Dooku doesn't miss the way he nearly stumbles over the name, flinching as he says it. It must have been truly traumatic for him to lose someone to whom he has such a close attachment. Dooku doesn't comment, simply opting to nod in confirmation.

The troubled – and dare he say vulnerable? – look on the boy's face doesn't fade. "Did you kill Obi-Wan?" he finally demands, expression twisting, betraying his uncertainty.

No. He's not that stupid or manipulative. Dooku shakes his head. "My master has tried to have Kenobi killed numerous times, but no. This time was not one of those times. Not that I am aware of. If the bounty hunter was hired, it was by another party." He suspects there might be a conspiracy of sorts involved, but he doesn't voice those thoughts. It's only a suspicion. He has no evidence.

"Okay. So, let's say I believe you. Why are you on Coruscant?" Skywalker questions hesitantly.

"To meet my master," replies Dooku immediately, "And I had been hoping to recruit Kenobi to help me while I was here." Something shifts in the boy's expression. He might not be willing to admit it, even to himself, but he does believe Dooku. That's probably because he's not shielding himself in the Force so Skywalker will sense his sincerity.

"What's your master planning?" There's a hint of wariness on Skywalker's face as he asks. Normally, Dooku would refuse to explain the details, but the situation is dire enough that he's willing to take risks. Besides, if he can disrupt Sidious' plans by making Skywalker wary of him, so much the better.

"He intends to destroy the Jedi Order and create a Sith Empire," Dooku explains, "I'd hoped to disrupt his plans, but I've been unsuccessful. I now feel the only way to stop him is to destroy him altogether."

He can almost see the myriad of thoughts, betrayed by Skywalker's emotions. Surprise. Suspicion. Determination. "Who's your master?" he finally queries.

Dooku isn't ready to reveal that much yet. It's too much, too soon. "I'll tell you, but I want your agreement to help me first. I don't want you to simply take the information to the Jedi Council. They're inefficient. That's why I left the Order. It wasn't to join the Sith. It was to find them."

"How can I be certain that you don't just want my help to eliminate your master so you can take his place as Emperor of the galaxy?" demands Skywalker harshly. A logical conclusion. It would appear that the boy does have his share of cleverness.

"Because I'm willing to tell you all his plans." Dooku carefully chooses his words. He cannot say something which will trigger Skywalker into becoming unreceptive. "I wanted to fix the Jedi Order and the Republic, not destroy them. Both have become corrupt and complacent. That must change."

"I still can't be certain you're not lying to me," Skywalker points out, crossing his arms, something akin to stubbornness on his face.

Dooku sighs lightly. Must he be like that? Kenobi had a far better way with words. "I can tell you that the Republic will never win this war. If I can't stop Sidious, the Republic and Jedi Order will fall," he finally admits.

"Sidious. So, that's his name," Skywalker muses thoughtfully, a skeptical look on his face as he continues, "Do you really think that the Jedi won't be able to defeat two Sith?"

Does he really not understand, or is he trying to be deliberately aggravating? Dooku isn't certain. How could the boy possibly think that Sidious is planning to single-handed take down the Republic? The very thought is laughable. "You don't understand. Sidious controls both sides of the war. Every single participant in the war other than the Jedi are under his rule." Dooku carefully stresses his words, hoping that Skywalker will accept the truth, disheartening though it may be.

Skywalker narrows his eyes. "Not the clones. They're loyal to their Jedi commanders." The clones most of all. It's fortunate that he brought them up.

"They're loyal to the Republic above all," Dooku reminds him, "And they can be controlled. They appear to have free will, and they do unless Sidious gives them a pre-programmed order."

Dooku knows the moment Skywalker understands from the expression of horror on his face. "The clones will turn on the Jedi," he mumbles faintly.

Dooku dips his head in a graceful nod. "If I can't stop Sidious, the clones will be used to wipe out the Jedi," he agrees.

Horror spirals into the Force around him, and Dooku refrains from making any biting comments about Skywalker's lack of control. That would not help them form an alliance, distasteful though it will be. "Of, Force," he mumbles, stepping backwards, "Rex and Cody and… all of them…" Curious. He seems to care greatly about them. Dooku suspects that Kenobi does too. It was likely part of the plan to leave the Jedi feeling hopelessly lost and betrayed when their own men shoot them down.

"I'll do it," Skywalker says firmly, and Dooku can see that he means it. Perfect.

Relief blooms within him. It would seem that Skywalker is, in fact, capable of putting aside his own personal feelings if necessary, for Dooku has no delusions that the boy dislikes him immensely. "There is something else you must know," he says finally, weighing the words carefully. If nothing else, Skywalker must know what the future could have held and could still hold if he doesn't tread with care.

"Yes?"

"Sidious – he has an interest in you, Skywalker," Dooku tells him, "He intends to make you his apprentice, and I suspect he will have me killed." For such is the way of the Sith. He'd hoped to have the chance to eliminate Sidious before then, but if he plays it wrong, he knows that Skywalker will become his executioner.

The boy looks at him oddly before laughing. "Seriously? I'm never going to turn to the Dark Side and betray the Jedi." So much conviction, but so little understanding. In this, at least, his faith is sorely misplaced.

"You could," Dooku disagrees confidently, "You have a lot of anger in you, more so now than I've ever seen. Anger leads to the Dark Side. Fear leads to the Dark Side. And my master is confident that you will Fall."

"He's wrong," insists Skywalker, though Dooku can sense his unease. There's something dark there, a memory or action, perhaps. He's not nearly as untainted by the Dark Side as Dooku had thought. He's used it before.

"No," Dooku replies, "He has plans for everything, and I know he's been working on you, but that's neither here nor there. My point is that for you to help me, Sidious cannot suspect anything. That's why I'd initially wanted Kenobi. I'm afraid you will have to fake your death." He'd given this a lot of thought, and what could have worked for Kenobi, can also work for Skywalker, perhaps even more so. Skywalker is exceedingly emotional, and he's very unbalanced right now with Kenobi's death.

"I – I can't do that," objects Skywalker.

"You must," insists Dooku firmly, "If you do, then we'll be one step ahead. It's crucial that he not think I've captured you. If you disappear, what would happen? The Council might assume you left without telling anyone because you're upset over your master's death, but after a while, they'll probably think you were captured. Sidious will order me to find you, capture you. It would not be an ideal situation. It could compromise my plans."

He hadn't intended to explain his reasoning, but Skywalker clearly needed to hear it. Sometimes, he seems to majorly lack common sense. Dooku knows that the boy will go along with it. Normally, he might have a different plan, but right now, he's too emotionally unstable and vulnerable. Dooku couldn't have picked a better time to ask his assistance. Skywalker will help him, and Sidious will fall.