Ripples in the Force

Chapter 2

Migraines, Meditations, and Mysteries

I was a member of the Jedi High Council before the Naboo Crisis. A couple years before it occurred, I resigned my post, as I felt… unsatisfied with the direction of the Council. Politics were becoming more prevalent, rather than our duty to be champions of the Light. The fallout of my resignation from the High Council proved quiet, all things considered. Which I am grateful for. The Council's discretion allowed me to maintain my friendships and connections more easily.

- The Personal Annals of Jedi Master Dooku

Dooku drew in a deep breath. The currents of the Force ebbed and flowed with his breathing, pulling back like the tide before rolling in like a gentle wave, filling his being with its presence. The turmoil he had sensed in the wake of the Naboo crisis had abated, and the waters had turned tranquil once again. However, as he sat in meditation, he couldn't help but feel disturbed by the entire sequence of events.

How does the death of one Jedi cause the Force to become so incensed? How does an invasion of a planet by the Trade Federation cause such a cloud of uncertainty to descend over the Force? Why was his sight clouded in the wake of Qui-Gon's death, only to now clear as the weeks passed? It was a puzzle. An enigma. The longer he pondered it, the more he wished to solve it.

Thus, his meditations were not peaceful. Not anymore. Dooku found himself more restless by the day, despite his attempts to rest within the Force, as he was taught to do so long ago. His racing thoughts were a major reason for this discomfort, but there was another, glaring perpetrator causing his lack of peace.

He sensed Skywalker squirming beside him. At first, he ignored it. The boy would learn to sit still in silence eventually. However, when he shifted and scratched an itch, Dooku, with his eyes still closed, reached out and tugged on Skywalker's braid.

"Ow!" Anakin howled.

"You are not concentrating," Dooku chided.

"It is a little difficult to concentrate when someone is pulling on my… hair…"

Anakin gulped when Dooku opened a cold eye and glared at him. The young padawan tucked his chin, closed his eyes, and drew in a deep breath. When Dooku saw this, his eye closed once again and he returned to his musings.

Why would the Sith be involved in a trade dispute between Naboo, a backwater world in the mid-rim of the galaxy, and the Trade Federation? Was the being Kenobi and Qui-Gon encountered even a Sith at all? If a mere Jedi Padawan could defeat him, perhaps the person was an imposter? A fake? Someone with delusions of grandeur with a modicum of talent to back up their claims?

It made no sense.

Dooku scowled when he heard movement beside him, followed by a frustrated hum. He cracked an eye open. At the same time, Anakin opened his eyes as well. He faced Dooku.

"I was concentrating that time, I swear!"

"Were you?"

"Yes."

"And how would I know when you were being so loud and fidgety?"

Anakin's lips thinned. Dooku drew back, unimpressed. So far, Skywalker had proven to be a lackluster student. There was potential within the boy. Dooku did not doubt or refute that. He had sensed the depths of the boy's power. However, he completely lacked discipline and focus. The boy's mind wandered more than a fallen leaf on the wind. Dooku fluctuated between frustration and disapproval whenever he sensed the boy failing in his meditations.

If he cannot manage as simple a task as sitting still, then he cannot become a Jedi. It is that simple.

"You're upset about something," Anakin said.

Dooku eyed the boy. "What is upsetting me is your lack of effort in your meditations."

"No, it's not that," Anakin replied with a shake of his head. Dooku furrowed his brow. "You're… confused. There's a problem in your head that you're trying to work out. Like- Like me, when I'm fixing something. It stays in my head and won't leave until I have it figured out."

Dooku did not show it, but there was some surprise inside of him. Perhaps the boy was meditating more effectively than he thought. Or, in the few weeks the two of them had been Master and Apprentice, a bond was already forming. He struggled to believe the latter though. Dooku maintained a cold demeanor with the boy. It was not because Skywalker did anything to offend Dooku, other than be hopelessly frustrating at the more mystical aspects of his training. Dooku simply found it difficult to connect to the boy.

They were from vastly different backgrounds. Entirely different lives. Anakin Skywalker was born a slave, lived as a slave for nine years, and endured a torturous existence on a desert planet ruled by the most revolting crime lords in the galaxy. Dooku, in contrast, was born into privilege, and gifted to the Jedi Order on a silver platter; a moment of pride for his entire family and homeworld of Serreno. If he had not become a Jedi, he would be the ruling monarch of Serreno, Count Yan Dooku.

So, this couldn't be a bond forming in the Force. Not yet. This had to be something else. Had the boy been reading his thoughts as he was meditating? No, Dooku would have sensed such an intrusion. The only explanation that remained was Dooku was doing a poor job keeping his emotions in check, leading to the boy sensing his distress.

It was a step in the right direction, albeit an irritating one.

Anakin scratched an itch on his scalp, fingers digging into his new, shorter haircut. He winced as he itched, causing Dooku to utter a despondent sigh.

"You are not going to meditate properly, are you?"

"I swear, I'm trying."

"Do or do not. There is no try," Dooku chided. He could feel himself shrivel a little when he heard those words spoken in Master Yoda's tone in his thoughts.

Anakin furrowed his brow. "But, isn't the very purpose of doing to try first?"

Dooku eyed Anakin. "You have a mouth on you."

"You said that the first day we me-EEET!"

Dooku waved a hand. Anakin flipped backward through the air, landing face down on his mattress. With another flick of his wrist, the mattress lurched upright, smacking Anakin against the wall and holding him there a moment. When Dooku relaxed his hand, both the mattress and his padawan flopped down. Anakin groaned, dazed, barely conscious.

With the silence broken, and his appetite for meditation gone, Dooku rose to his feet. He grimaced as he felt a slight ache in his knees, which he dispelled by tapping the Force to strengthen his limbs. After drawing in a deep breath, he glanced at Anakin, who remained on the bed, eyes spinning.

"You will join your fellow padawans in Master Plo Koon's class for the afternoon. I will find you upon the end of your instruction."

"Yes, Master," Anakin mumbled.

"The class starts in five minutes," Dooku marched to their quarter's door, his cloak sweeping the ground behind him. "I suggest you hurry. Master Plo is a patient teacher, but he does not appreciate tardiness."

Before Anakin could utter his pathetic reply, Dooku stepped out, thanking the Force as the door automatically closed. One hand reached up and massaged his eyes before he made his way to the turbolift.

When the lift opened, he was surprised to find a familiar face sharing it with him.

"Kenobi," Dooku grunted as he stepped inside.

"Master Dooku," Obi-Wan replied.

The lift doors closed, then it lurched down. Dooku and Obi-Wan stood in silence as they both watched the numbers above the lift's buttons tick down. Dooku's brow furrowed. He never pressed anything. He had been so distracted by Skywalker's antics that he forgot he needed to visit the archives.

He reached for the button, only to pause when he saw it had already been selected.

"Going to do some light reading, Master?" Kenobi asked, a slight smirk on his lips.

Dooku frowned. "If you must know, I am actually going to the archives for research purposes."

"What sort of research?"

Dooku wanted to snarl that it was none of Kenobi's business, but it was, in fact, Kenobi's business. It had everything to do with the newly minted Jedi Knight. Dooku thanked the Force for delivering him such a gift. Although, his expression remained cold and calculating as he glared at Obi-Wan.

"Tell me, Kenobi, what are the others saying about Naboo?"

"The others?"

"The council," Dooku clarified.

"Oh, well," Kenobi grimaced. "Opinions have shifted a bit, I'd say."

"You are being too polite. Speak your mind."

"They think I'm lying about the enemy being a Sith."

Dooku raised an eyebrow. Kenobi gave him a sheepish look.

"Too impolite?"

"No," Dooku's jaw worked back and forth, "I would say that is a perfect summation of how the council operates." He ran a hand through his beard then flicked his gaze at Obi-Wan again. "What do you think?"

"Well, the council is full of wise masters who-"

"About the enemy, Kenobi," Dooku snarled, his patience running thin, startling the younger Knight. "Blasted youth! What is it with you and being unable to focus?"

Kenobi gave him a puzzled look. Thankfully, he did not comment on the insult.

"The enemy is… I don't know what the enemy is anymore, Master Dooku," Obi-Wan admitted. "Masters Mundi and Windu believe that the monster Qui-Gon and I faced on Naboo was not a true Sith Lord, but rather a potential cultist. An imposter hoping to stoke fears that the Sith had somehow returned after one thousand years of being extinct."

"And what do you believe? Do not make me ask you again," Dooku warned. "Do not lie to yourself by saying you don't know. You know what you saw, what you fought. So, do not be tepid in stating your opinion."

"Even if that opinion is against the majority of the council?"

"What would Qui-Gon say to that?" Dooku replied.

Obi-Wan was quiet for a moment. "He would demand the truth."

The lift began to slow. They were arriving at their destination.

"And the truth, Obi-Wan?"

Kenobi gulped. "Is too terrible to admit."

"Ah, then that is your opinion. Good."

The lift came to a stop. The silver doors slid open with a sharp hiss, letting both Dooku and Obi-Wan step off into the expansive Jedi Archives.

Every time Dooku entered this place, it never ceased to take his breath away. The archives extended to five floors above his head. Each floor ran the length of this side of the Jedi Temple. Each floor had dozens upon dozens of shelves full of holodisks, data books, and tablets. A faint blue hue lingered from the many computers operating within the space, giving the entire space a calm, meditative sensation.

It was one of the few spaces in the Jedi Temple Dooku adored.

"I believe we may be researching the same thing, Kenobi," Dooku said, causing Kenobi's brow to raise in surprise. "But, for us to gather the correct information, we will have to gain access to the Restricted Archives."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened. "Th-The Restricted-" he silenced himself before anyone could overhear his stammering. As he regathered his thoughts, he chased after Dooku as the older Jedi marched right toward the central information desk. "Master Dooku, the Restricted Archives are only viewable to members of the Jedi High Council."

"Oh, I'm well aware, Kenobi. I was once a member of the High Council."

"But you are not anymore."

"And do you see that stopping me? Calm yourself, Kenobi. Master Nu and I have an arrangement."

"What?"

Dooku did not grace such a ridiculous question with an answer. He strolled to the librarian's desk. Behind the desk stood the graceful figure of Jedi Master Jocasta Nu. The years had wizened her, much like him. Yet, despite the white that clung to the roots of her hair and the wrinkles that dug through her pale skin, she still displayed a calm radiance that warmed Dooku's heart and soothed his mind. She smiled when he approached.

"Master Dooku," she said, placing both hands on the countertop in front of her, "it has been many days since you've visited the archives."

"Far too many, Master Nu," Dooku replied with a warm smile of his own. Beside him, Kenobi observed with a mixture of fascination and confusion. It took everything in Dooku not to smirk. It was time to show the young Jedi the power of charm. "I hope you are doing well?"

"I am, thank you for inquiring," her eyes darted to Obi-Wan. "My, my, young Kenobi now officially knighted? Congratulations."

A mild blush flushed over Kenobi's cheeks. He gave Master Nu a stiff bow. "Thank you, Master Nu."

"Now, both of you came in together, obviously for good reason," Master Nu continued, her eyes flicking back to Dooku. "How can I be of assistance?"

Dooku smiled. "Master Nu, I need access to the restricted archives for research."

Master Nu arched a thin, gray eyebrow. "Is that so?" She glanced at Kenobi. "I don't suppose this has something to do with recent happenings on Naboo?"

Kenobi shifted with discomfort beside Dooku. Unlike him, the Jedi Master remained calm, smiling a little at Master Nu as he leaned against the counter.

"And if it does, Master Nu?"

Jocasta Nu's lips thinned. "Only members of the High Council may have access to those records."

Dooku leaned back from the desk, nodding a little. "Kenobi, do you mind holding my spot in line while I go fulfill Master Yoda's dreams and ask for my chair back?"

"Your chair?" Kenobi blinked, puzzled.

A soft laugh left Master Nu's lips. "Hold on a moment, Dooku. I didn't mean it like that." She sighed and shook her head. "I suppose this is you calling in your favor?"

Dooku nodded.

Master Nu pursed her lips then stepped out from behind the counter. "Follow me."

Dooku bowed then did as he was told. Kenobi followed him, both of them moving quietly after the master of the archives. As they weaved through the dozens of shelves and computer terminals, they passed by several Jedi going through the many files. Most were padawans studying for various exams they had to take. A few knights milled through them, researching topics of interest or importance. Dooku didn't recognize most of them.

That will change soon now that I am training Skywalker.

Master Nu led them toward the rear of the Archives, where a lift sat. Once on the lift, she pressed a button, taking them down. After several minutes of descending, the lift opened again. A heavy, durasteel door requiring multiple security checks and access codes stood in front of them. Fortunately, Master Nu was with both Dooku and Obi-Wan.

She cleared the security protocols. With a heavy thunk, the locks in the doors unsealed. The door didn't make a sound as it swung on its massive hinges, yawning open and beckoning Obi-Wan and Dooku to come inside.

"I don't know that you are here," Master Nu warned as Dooku and Obi-Wan stepped forward. "If someone else comes down here and catches you-"

"I will simply explain what is going on, of course," Dooku replied with a smile.

Master Nu sagged. "Yan, your charm will get you into trouble someday."

"It already has many times, but thank you for the warning. I will take it into account." He gave her a bow. "Have a pleasant day, Master Nu."

"You as well, Master Dooku." She bowed in return, then nodded at Obi-Wan. "Obi-Wan."

The elderly master spun her heel and marched back into the lift, disappearing when the silver doors closed. As soon as she was gone, Dooku marched into the archives. Obi-Wan tepidly followed.

The inside of the restricted archives was cold and lonely. Few Jedi ever had the opportunity to even see the door to this place. Even fewer were able to wander the shelves within. Unlike the main archives above, this room was small and was more like a vault than a library. A few shelves held datapads and computer files, but the other shelves were stuffed to the brim with ancient books and scrolls. One shelf, sealed within glass, contained holocrons that Kenobi looked at with some befuddlement.

"Sith Holocrons, Kenobi," Dooku said, glancing back at Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan's eyes widened. "S-Sith-" He backed up a couple of steps, causing Dooku to snort.

"So long as they remain closed and within these chambers, they will not harm you, Kenobi. After all, they are dormant. Do not let fear rule you when it comes to a mere inanimate object."

Dooku swept around a shelf full of texts and approached a shelf that had fresher datapads and files on it. He ran a finger along the spines of the computer files, searching for what he was looking for. He nodded when he found it. Then he noticed Obi-Wan still gawking at the holocrons.

"Kenobi, if you would be so kind as to retract your tongue and locate the file of your duel."

Kenobi's mouth snapped shut. "Right."

He spun around and moved to another data-laden shelf. After quickly flicking through the files and datapads, he located footage of his duel. With a shaky hand, he slid it from the shelf and then moved over to Dooku. Dooku snatched it from him before finding the one computer terminal in the archives and sinking to a seat in front of it. He inputted the data chip of Kenobi's file.

Security footage flickered across the screen. There was a gunfight in a Naboo hangar. Naboo security forces in red uniforms battled Trade Federation battle droids. They were making quick work of them as well. Especially thanks to the two lightsabers he saw at the lead of their group.

Dooku blew out a long breath as he held back a tidal wave of emotions upon seeing Qui-Gon's emerald blade whirring through the footage, deflecting blaster bolts away with ease. Next to him, in the footage, Obi-Wan worked with the same efficiency and grace. The pair were a balanced team and seeing that filled Dooku with pride. His student became an excellent master.

Dooku's eyes narrowed when blast doors at the end of the hangar opened upon the conclusion of the gunfight. A lone figure in black stood on the other side. He couldn't make out most of his features. The Naboo security forces fled. The two Jedi remained, tossing aside their cloaks and preparing for battle.

Then, the footage warped and scrambled. Dooku frowned.

"Strange," he muttered.

"The cameras must've been damaged during the fighting," Kenobi mused beside him.

"Perhaps…" Dooku fast-forwarded until the footage came to a circular pit in the Naboo plasma foundry. He had seen the place before. It was a treacherous area to simply walk, let alone duel in.

And now, finally, Dooku had a good look at the monster that slew Qui-Gon. He leaned forward in his seat, all of his focus narrowing on the Zabrak and his whirring saberstaff. He fought aggressive, fast, and powerful. He was too much for Qui-Gon alone.

For a split second, Dooku glanced back at Obi-Wan. The younger Knight stared unblinking at the footage, chest rising and falling as sweat beaded on his brow. When Dooku's eyes returned, he saw what happened.

Qui-Gon was caught off balance. The enemy struck him with his long hilt…

… then ran him through as he stumbled.

Pain lanced through Dooku's heart, but he refused to show it. He ran a hand over his mouth, watching as his student, his old friend, slumped to the floor, struck with a fatal blow. A minute later, Kenobi charged in with reckless abandon.

He fought. He placed the enemy on the back foot. Dooku's brow furrowed as he watched the duel unfold. Kenobi managed to catch the Zabrak by surprise, but it did not last long. Soon enough, the enemy regained the advantage and cast Kenobi into the pit, only for Obi-Wan to come flying out of it seconds later, calling Qui-Gon's lightsaber to him, and striking down the enemy as he landed from his leap. The enemy fell into the pit, and Obi-Wan stood, the lone survivor.

The footage ended.

Dooku heard Kenobi swallow hard behind him. A brief glimpse through the force at the young knight's emotions told Dooku all he needed to know. The young man was hurting. Raw wounds that had just begun to heal had been ripped open once again. Most of all, he sensed fear.

"Curious."

Dooku rewound the footage and watched the last moments of the duel again. Instead of focusing on Kenobi, he kept his attention on the dark Zabrak. The blood-red blade signified allegiance to the Dark Side. A traditional color among followers of such a twisted path going back millennia. But, something puzzled Dooku.

The Zabrak was well trained. He was the superior swordsman to both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. But, he still lost.

"Arrogance," Dooku muttered.

"Pardon?"

Dooku glanced over his shoulder at Obi-Wan. "You won because your enemy was a fool."

"And what does that mean?"

Dooku clicked the footage off. Instead of answering Obi-Wan's question, he grabbed the ancient data chip he selected and placed it into the slot. It took a moment for this one to load, but when it did, Obi-Wan's brow furrowed in confusion.

"That's Temple security footage," he said, leaning forward as he peered at the computer.

"It is," Dooku nodded.

A blast of fire and smoke smashed into the Temple. Obi-Wan's eyes widened as an ancient shuttle crashed into the Temple's main entrance, taking out pillars as it slid through the expansive hall before coming to a stop just behind an imposing figure in black. Jedi from around the Temple converged on the sight as more figures in dark robes spilled out of the shuttle.

All of the figures in black wielded red lightsabers.

A titanic battle unfolded. The security footage flickered and warped until it came to focus on the original figure that led the attack. His hood remained over his head as he stalked through the battle, lightsaber not ignited, yellow eyes glowing like hot coals as he hunted his prey.

He found it: A Jedi Master who felled dark acolytes with ease. When the figure located his opponent, he charged, blasting the Jedi Master away with a powerful force push, isolating him.

The footage shifted. It showed the duel. Unlike Obi-Wan's encounter with the Zabrak, it was a brief affair. The Jedi Master was flashier, but in the end, he lost, brutally cut down by the enemy as the enemy's hood flew from his head, revealing a scarred, pale face with an ancient breathing apparatus helping him live. As Obi-Wan watched he flinched when the man glared at the camera before raising a fist and crushing it with the force. The screen went black.

"What-" Obi-Wan swallowed hard, "What was that?"

Dooku scoffed. "That was one of the many reasons the Jedi Council has failed in their duties as teachers. What you witnessed was the only video evidence of the attack on the Jedi Temple by the Sith Lord Darth Malgus during the Great Galactic War, roughly three thousand years ago." Dooku folded his arms. "Tell me, what did you see?"

"What did I see?" Kenobi winced as Dooku glared at him. "I… I saw a monster."

"Yes, but was it like the monster you fought?"

Kenobi's brow furrowed. "No. The only similarity was how they fought."

"Wrong," Dooku immediately replied, leaving Obi-Wan puzzled. "Your opponent, that creature, fought hard, yes. But, he was flashy. Inefficient, for most of the fight. He was toying with you. At least he was trying to. But, when it became clear to him that both you and Qui-Gon were better than you appeared, he executed a well-done strategy to separate you two."

"Divide and conquer, I know," Obi-Wan nodded.

"You say that, but you do not know," Dooku replied. "He separated you using the environment. How did Darth Malgus separate his opponent: the great Jedi Master Ven Zallow?"

"He used the Force."

"And did Maul ever use the force?" Dooku asked.

Obi-Wan shook his head. "Not really. Only to augment himself I assume, as well as to open a door."

"Arrogance," Dooku nodded, "as well as a lack of skill. I can see why the Council believes you fought an imposter and not the real thing."

"And what do you think?" Obi-Wan asked.

Dooku leaned back, allowing a rare flash of puzzlement to come over his features. He ran a hand through his beard, pondering Obi-Wan's question for a moment.

"I'm uncertain," he replied. "A mere acolyte would not have been able to slay someone of Qui-Gon's caliber. Yet, a full-fledged Sith would not have been overcome by a Padawan."

"And why do you say that?"

"Because of what we just watched, Kenobi, pay attention," Dooku growled. "Did Malgus fight flashy like Maul? Did he goad or twirl or attempt to bait? No. Why?" When Kenobi didn't answer, Dooku continued. "Confidence. That is very different from arrogance. Malgus knew exactly who he was. He knew how powerful he was and knew that the Jedi Knights engaging his Sith Warriors were beneath him. So, instead of wasting his time, he went for his actual prize. And, when he fought his prey, did he waste time? Did he revel in the fight?"

Obi-Wan shook his head. "No. He was… ruthlessly efficient."

"And there lies the martial difference between a Sith Master and what I believe to be a student."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened. "So, we didn't get the Master."

"Hardly." Dooku removed the data chip from the terminal then rose from his seat. "I would say you slew a newborn rather than a true apprentice as well. Maul played with you until it got him killed. Malgus didn't enjoy the fight until his opponent was dead at his feet. Only then was he delighted."

"So the difference between a Sith Master and an apprentice is arrogance?" Kenobi asked as he followed Dooku back to the shelves, where Dooku replaced the data chips in their respective places.

"It is one difference, Kenobi. An important one, but not the end-all, be-all," Dooku turned to look at Obi-Wan. "Besides, I think you are getting caught up in the wrong set of details. Your focus is on the apprentice when you should be realizing that the master is still out there."

Obi-Wan turned as pale as a sheet. "He's… by the Force."

"And now you begin to catch on," Dooku nodded. He drew in a deep breath and folded his arms into his robes, humming to himself as he thought for a moment. "So, now the question becomes: what did the Sith want out of a Trade Federation blockade against a world as inconsequential as Naboo?"

Obi-Wan gulped. "I don't know."

"None of us do. None of us understand the motivation. And, that is what concerns me." Dooku exhaled. "We are blinded by ignorance, and it is entirely willful. A dangerous thing for any being, but especially for a Jedi. I fear that it may have gotten Qui-Gon killed."

Obi-Wan swallowed hard. "And why did it not kill me?"

Dooku arched an eyebrow. "I would say luck, but we both know there is no such thing. Do not downplay your achievement, Obi-Wan. You defeated the first Sith to emerge in over a thousand years. You earned the accolades that come with such a feat. But, I warn you, do not think that you are infallible or invulnerable because of it. You may be a knight now, but you are still a student in the eyes of many masters. You still have much to learn, as today has no doubt demonstrated."

"Indeed," Obi-Wan nodded. He blew out a long breath. "How are we going to locate and handle the Sith Master?"

"How indeed," Dooku hummed. He flicked his eyes to the door. "What do you think, Master Yoda?"

Obi-Wan's eyes widened. He spun around, swallowing hard as the small Grandmaster stood in the door, a frown on his lips.

"Mischief you still cause, my old padawan."

"Good mischief though," Dooku replied.

Yoda's cane tapped against the floor as he hobbled into the restricted archives. The ancient Master paused beside Obi-Wan, placing both gnarled hands atop his cane as he drew in a deep breath.

"The Sith Master, patient he clearly is. Willing to sacrifice his students for a greater goal, he is as well." Yoda hummed. "Dangerous this is. Careful, we must be, or more Jedi we will lose."

"Then you believe I fought a Sith as well, Master?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Believe?" Yoda's ears perked. "Yes. But, correct Dooku is in his assessment. An apprentice you encountered on Naboo. Strange motivations at play, there are. Assume, we cannot."

"Agreed," Dooku nodded.

Yoda's green eyes flicked to his old padawan. "Oooooh," he chuckled and shook his head. "Eager to investigate, you are." The old Jedi jabbed Dooku's leg with his cane. "Student, you now have. Worm your way out of that responsibility, you will not."

Dooku's mouth fell open. "M-Master Yoda I-"

"Perhaps, leave, we should, before Master Windu comes to the archives as well. Defend you from his questions, I cannot."

Obi-Wan's mouth fell open as Yoda turned and started back to the door. "But, you're the Grandmaster-"

"Defend you, I cannot!"

His cane tapped out the door. When he was gone Dooku drew in a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. Obi-Wan gave him a concerned look.

"Are you alright, Master?"

Dooku gave him a withering look.

"That is the second diminutive creature to give me a migraine today, and now I must return to the first."

Dooku marched to the door. Obi-Wan followed. They met with Yoda in the lift. As the lift sped up, Dooku's jaw worked back and forth.

His mind raced as the footage of the duel between Maul, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon replayed in his thoughts. His assessment was accurate. He did not doubt that. However, he was still bothered by how Qui-Gon managed to fall to a clearly inexperienced being. What happened to Qui-Gon to make him so easy to kill? Did the duel drag on for too long? It was possible. Qui-Gon was getting old, but not so old that he could not keep up with someone of such meager skill in the Force.

Something else happened. Something that distracted his former padawan. No doubt the answers lay in the missing security footage. Unfortunately for Dooku, if that footage wasn't already in the archive, then it never would be. It was lost.

The mystery grows deeper, and we have only just discovered the possible enemy lurking within it.

And chapter! I gotta say, this is a lot of fun to work on. Something a bit different than the usual fantasy stuff I put out, which is a nice change of pace. Let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed it. Have a nice day!

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