Chapter 8 In the darkness of a secret hangar in the center of Corusant, Darth Tyranus, know as Count Dooku, stepped from a sleek black speeder and walked confidently toward the man who waited for him. Darth Sidious peered at his accomplice from the depths of a dark cloak. He was even older than he appeared, although in ten years he had aged quite a bit. No one knew his real age, and no one cared to ask.

"You sent for me, Sidious?" the Count's long career as a Jedi and a political idealist left him little respect for the scheming Darth Sidious. Perhaps he would have been wise to put on a better show, for Sidious was seething when he answered.

"You must remember who I am."

Dooku's voice was mocking when he replied. "I know too well who you are. You are a scheming traitor with no care for anything but yourself."

Sidious nostrils flared as he growled, "And you are any better? You pretended to befriend the Separatists and help them build an army, all the while knowing that they would be destroyed."

Dooku laughed, but it was far from a merry laugh. "All at your command, my dear friend."

Sidious was silent for a moment. Dooku's time would come. "I suppose you wouldn't care to know why I summoned you?"

Dooku quickly became serious. "I supposed you have bad news to our cause."

"That is part of the reason. I also wanted to inform you of the next step in my - our plan. They are both connected."

"You've sparked my interest."

"The Senator is here."

"On Corusant? I thought she was going to remain on Naboo until this "problem" had been solved."

"According to our sources, that is true, but she is here. She is staying in the secret Senate chambers."

"How did you find out?"

Sidious laughed a chilling cackle. "Does it matter? Suffice it to say that the chambers are not as secret as she supposes."

"But this could cause problems in our plan for the boy. She seems to have a positive influence on him."

"Do you still have your. connections?"

"There are still people who would like to see her dead, yes."

"Then you will see to the details?"

"With pleasure. And now for your other news?"

"I paid a visit to an old friend and found out something that will help us immensely." Sidious motioned to the shadows behind him, and as Dooku watched, a very familiar figure stepped into the light.

"Is that.?"

Sidious nodded. Dooku watched the figure silently for a moment, then understanding dawned. He smiled wryly. "Your plan is very bold."

"Aren't all of them?"

Dooku extended his hand toward the small figure. "Darth Sidious, meet Padme Amidala."