Thank you all for reading and reviewing. My apologies for the delay in posting, but as usual, Darth RL has been especially Sithly lately. I appreciate your patience and hope you all enjoy this next chapter.
Jedi Master 526: All I can say is wow. I am thrilled beyond belief that you enjoy my work and am quite touched by your kind comments. Hope you enjoy this next chapter!
Doreen: Thanks so much. More is here :)
Emerald Green Queen: Anakin's 'spisode' will definitely unfold as time goes by. The exact nature and what it will mean...all I can say is just keep reading ;). No, I have not read John Wyndham's book, but it definitely sounds interesting. I have always thought that Anakin, being as in tune with the Force that he was would not even realize his own power from other's perspectives. As for Obi-Wan, I agree with you that he at times fell a little flat in the movies. He reminded me of one of those people who grow up way before their time and become stodgy at a young age. I think had he been more like Qui-Gon, Anakin probably would have never turned. Dooku is definitely decending quickly and I don't think he cares at his point who he takes down with him. As far as Valkin, keep reading ;). Glad you liked this chapter and hope you enjoy this one.
Gattaca: Happy to know that you are enjoying. Hope you like the update!
Telia: Welcome to the story. Thanks for your review, I truly appreciate it.
HGandRHrforever: Thank you very much for dropping me several lines. I always enjoy getting feedback. I am very humbled by your kind comments and appreciate your suggestions. As for Sabe and Obi-Wan's declaration of feelings being too sudden, it is and it isn't. At this point in the fic, I haven't gone into much of the backstory when they were stuck on the Queen's starship while marooned on Tatooine. That was when things really got going, as well as after Qui-Gon was killed by Darth Maul, but I do make hint of this when Obi-Wan leaves Naboo after the liberation celebration. I do plan in subsequent chapters to have them reflect on that time as either flashbacks or recollections, but haven't decided when I will be doing this. Thanks though for your thoughts and I look forward to reading your subsequent comments on future chapters!
NothingFeelsGood: But plot twists are such fun. Glad that you are hooked. Here is more for your addiction ;).
Lilac Moon: Thanks a bunch!
LokiGirl: I am still blushing for your flattering comments. I definitely like to have mulitple storylines going so eventually I can show their interconnectiveness. Glad that you like and hope you enjoy this chapter!
LetNys: Since I don't wish to be hurt, here is the next chapter ;). Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. Look for more Obi/Sabe in subsequent chapters!
AjedistuckintheMatrix: Thanks a lot!
A/N: Kudos goes out to Jenn who was kind enough to beta this chapter for me. As always, all mistakes are mine. Now, sit back and enjoy the ride...
Throughout his vast experience with the Jedi Council, Obi-Wan was never more concerned than he was at that moment. All twelve council members were focusing their thoughts on him, while he answered seemingly mundane questions from Master Yoda. Worried, perhaps wasn't the correct word to describe the situation; however, whatever was occurring was most certainly atypical.
"Enjoy your assignment on Corellia; do you, Obi-Wan?"
The young Jedi nodded curtly as he watched the eyes of both the chair of the Council and Master Windu burrow into him. "Very much so, Master."
"It was a rather unusual one, given your training with Master Jinn," Windu pointed out.
Obi-Wan wrapped his arms under his Jedi robes, trying to look as comfortable as possible. "Honestly, after Qui-Gon's death, I didn't feel that I was ready to be sent on any diplomatic assignments until I dealt with what happened." The young Jedi then looked about the room placidly as he continued, "And my current duties allow me time to resolve those issues."
"And have you accomplished this task?" Luminara Unduli asked softly.
"Not yet, Master; but, with the guidance of the Force, I believe I will soon."
A knowing grin stretched across Yoda's face as he glanced first at Ki-Adi Mundi then back over to Master Windu. He barely nodded before Master Mundi addressed Obi-Wan. "Then Jedi Kenobi, we will not keep you any longer from your duties. However, stay prepared, for we may need your skills soon."
"Of course, Master." Obi-Wan bowed politely.
"May the Force be with you, young one." Yoda declared.
"And with all you, my Masters." The young Jedi took this as his cue to depart from the chambers.
As he left the Council, Obi-Wan was even more confused than before his arrival on Coruscant. He was sure that they had learned his secret, but it appeared they were genuinely concerned for his well being. At least for the moment he was free to resume the life that he chose and continue to help Anakin whenever possible. Without realizing it, the parts of Qui-Gon Jinn that he once admonished as the straight laced Padawan, were now forefront in guiding his actions. Master is probably somewhere having a good laugh at my expense.
The young Jedi Knight was still turning over the events in the Council's chambers so he was unaware of the familiar Force presence that was quickly approaching from behind. He hadn't realized he stopped in place until he felt two small hands covering his eyes.
"Surprise!"
Obi-Wan's anger quickly abated when he realized who it was that had gotten the drop on him. He spun around and smiled as the young woman's hands dropped down to her sides.
"Siri!"
The attractive, blonde haired Jedi grinned as she was swept into a crushing embrace. "It's been a long time, Obi-Wan."
"Too long, my old friend. How have you been?"
She smirked as she noticed the missing space where his Padawan braid had been. "The same as always. If I am not chasing after Master Adi throughout the cosmos, I'm here getting in some training while she attends to her Council duties." The senior Padawan felt a strange twinge of pain emanating from Obi-Wan at the mention of her Master when she remembered his ordeal. "I'm sorry about Qui-Gon, as well as the Council's decision over the Skywalker boy."
A swirl of emotions poured out from Obi-Wan before he answered, "I thank you for your concern, Siri." He was about to turn away and leave her when the young woman reached over to grab his arm, preventing his departure.
"Obi-Wan, what's wrong?"
"What do you mean?" he asked with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Her face furrowed as she tried to understand what the Force was telling her. Her old friend seemed so different since the last time they spoke. Siri could feel the hurt over Qui-Gon's loss; however, the other emotions that he projected were distant, elusive. The two young Jedi had grown up together and kept few secrets from one another. Even when they were rivals, one thing that always kept them connected was their honesty with each other. For the first time in the tenure of their friendship, Siri felt Obi-Wan was intentionally shielding his thoughts from her, which she didn't particularly relish.
"Oh, Obi-Wan, don't act so obtuse. We were crèche mates and best friends, or so I thought."
The recently knighted Jedi shrugged as he turned to sit on a nearby bench. Never before seeing the once indomitable Obi-Wan Kenobi so conflicted, Siri became understandably concerned that something was truly wrong. She quietly sat beside him while he hunched over, appearing lost in thought.
"Please tell me what has happened."
He turned his head and gave her a very serious look. "Do you ever find following the code difficult?"
Siri shifted in her seat as she was unsure how to respond. "Sometimes I want to do what I feel is right, which doesn't always coincide with the tenants of the Jedi Code. However, Master Adi is quick to remind me how those beliefs are not our way."
"Do you think she's right?" Obi-Wan asked.
The young woman stood up to look out a nearby window that overlooked the city. "I honestly don't know, Obi-Wan. I have been frustrated that they have delayed my trials, but that is no secret." Her irritation swelled as she considered his question further. However, she was not going to let him change the subject that easily. "What are you getting at?"
Obi-Wan sighed deeply as he too stood and walked up beside her. While looking out at the cityscape, he said, "Sometimes I feel that the Order is in decline…that our connection with the Force isn't where it should be and were are going down the wrong path"
"What do you mean?"
The Jedi Knight shook his head as he attempted to leave the room. Confused, Siri chased after him until she managed to wedge herself between him and the doorway. "You are not going to walk away that easy."
Forgetting himself, Obi-Wan raised his voice. "Sabé, please let me be…"
"Sabé? Who's Sabé?"
The young Jedi winced as he felt the resolve depart his body. Becoming more worried, Siri reached up to grab his shoulders roughly in order to shake him out of this haze. "What's happening to you?"
"I don't know anymore," he said with his eyes turning to the floor. "But I promise I will tell you soon."
Siri nodded as she saw the resolved look return to his eyes. "I will let you off the hook for now, Kenobi; but, if you don't tell me soon what is troubling you, I will come to Corellia and beat the answer out of you."
Obi-Wan chuckled as he maneuvered to wrap his arms around one of his best friends in an embrace. "Somehow, I don't doubt that you would." As they released from their hug, Obi-Wan gratefully smiled while saying, "Thank you for being a true friend and we will speak of this soon."
As he turned to take his leave from her, he was about to enter the turbolift when Siri remarked, "Sabé…that sounds like a Naboo woman's name, does it not?"
The lift doors opened and Obi-Wan entered. As he turned around to face his friend he answered, "Perhaps." The two smirked at one another as the doors closed and they once again left to resume their duties. For the first time in her life, Jedi Padawan Siri Tachi felt the pang of jealousy as she realized that someone else was now closer to Obi-Wan than she had always been.
After Obi-Wan left the Council's chambers, a hushed silence filled the room as all eyes descended upon Master Yoda. The diminutive Jedi traced a pattern on the floor as he appeared to be collecting his thoughts. Depa Billaba was the first to chime in her opinion.
"This is a dangerous game that we are playing."
"Indeed," Master Mundi interjected. "If the boy's gifts are as great as we all have sensed from Obi-Wan, it won't be long before the Sith become aware of his existence."
"But it could draw him into the open," pointed out Master Rancisis.
Adi Gallia folded her arms defiantly as she said, "Have we stooped so low that we have to use a former slave boy to be bait?"
The room then erupted into several separate arguments; meanwhile, Master Yoda continued to stare at the floor causing Mace to look at him curiously. The dark complected Jedi raised his hands to try to return order to the session. Finally, Yoda in an unusually low voice remarked, "Not our decision, this course was. Untrained as a Jedi, the will of the Force demanded for young Skywalker."
"But he is in fact being trained despite our orders," remarked the normally soft spoken Eeth Koth. "We should expel Kenobi and sequester Skywalker immediately."
Master Windu raised his eyebrow curiously. "And in doing so, lose a potentially great Jedi as well as the fabled Chosen One; not to mention violating Naboo's sovereignty if we were to seize Anakin forcibly."
The Iridonian Jedi relented as he returned to his seat; however, the tension in room did not abate. Sensing the alarm in his fellow Council members, Yoda raised his head to confront them.
"Know, you do not, the entire reasons behind our decision. Only Master Windu and myself, privileged to this, are we."
"Then what are they?" demanded Master Piell.
Yoda glanced over to Windu then back at the Council. "Not time yet, to reveal what we know. Trust, the council must have, that following the will of the Force, we are. That, the goal of the Jedi, should always be."
After going through a battery of written and oral examinations, Anakin was placed into the appropriate classes at the Theed Academy. The Academy had been a center of learning for the youth of Naboo for generations. It had been established by some of the first democratically elected monarchs and was situated near the palace complex. The structure itself resembled the ornate architecture of the buildings that filled the Palace square. It possessed a domed, turquoise roof with large ginger columns surrounding its periphery. Entrance was granted to Naboo's most exceptional students who would go on to either the nearby University or to other grand institutions in the core.
Being the High Protector of Naboo would have granted Anakin automatic entrance. However, he pleaded to Amidala to make sure that he was given no special treatment. He wanted to be accepted on his own merits, and he did not disappoint. Anakin had scored exceptionally high in mathematics, science and languages and as a result, was put into classes with the twelve year olds. However, his knowledge of history and the social sciences were still far behind, despite the handmaidens' expert tutelage, so he would have to take those classes with students his own age. However, Anakin didn't care. He was excited that he was accepted, as well as to be around children his own age again.
The sandy haired boy released a yawn as he reached into his knapsack to remove his schedule. He had been so excited about this day that he stayed up past his normal bed time talking with Padmé, Sabé and Saché. They too had been thrilled about his first day and were happy to give him advice. Before he left that morning, he awoke to find the brown book bag on his dresser with a small note from Padmé, wishing him luck. Now, he wandered about the hallways of the Academy aimlessly, trying to find where he was supposed to go. Young Anakin was locked in concentration until he heard a soft giggle coming from behind him.
"You look lost," the girl observed with a slight grin on her face.
Anakin sighed deeply as he turned to see who was speaking. A pale skinned, conservatively dressed strawberry blond smiled at him as he gave her a look of frustration. "My schedule says that I need to be in room 401B and it's supposed to be right here…but."
The light haired girl arched her eyebrow in amusement as she reached out for his datapad. "Are you sure that's where you supposed to be. You look kind of young for that class."
Had he not been lost, the ten year old would have been insulted by her remark. However, sensing that she knew where to go, he simply shrugged as he handed over his schedule. Her eyes widened in amazement as she shot another amazed look at him. "This is some list you have here." After she handed his datapad back, the girl stretched out her hand. "My name is Ellisé…Ellisé Bibble."
Anakin smirked as the extended his hand to shake hers in greeting. "I'm Anakin Skywalker."
"The Anakin Skywalker? The High Protector…the boy who destroyed that ship during the occupation?"
He nodded causing the girl to politely curtsey before him. "I'm sorry that I didn't recognize you. My Granduncle Sio told me all about you after we returned home from the camps."
Anakin face flushed at the girl's attention. Since he lived within the palace walls, he had little interaction with everyday people. And while the Naberries were extremely kind to him, they treated him like a normal person—not someone exalted, which was only reserved for Padmé in his eyes.
"Please, I'm just Anakin."
Ellisé grinned as she regained her composure. "Well, Anakin, the class in geometry is just this way," she pointed to the end of the hallway. The small boy nodded in thanks and proceeded to walk in that direction. The slightly taller girl, who was two years older then he, quickly followed suit. "I am also taking that class."
"Do you know if the instructor is difficult?"
The girl shrugged briefly as a mischievous smirked crossed her face. "I don't know, but we're about to find out."
It had taken some adjustment for Anakin to acclimate to school life. However, once he did, he was always ahead of his classmates in most areas of study. He found that he was particularly adept at mathematics, the sciences, languages and surprisingly politics. This last area pleased Padmé to no end as they would stay up past Anakin's bed time discussing the roots of the laws that governed Naboo and the Republic She was especially delighted when he sent her the results of his exam covering Queen Amidala's reign. He was the only student to score over one hundred percent because he correctly answered a bonus question about her strategy during the battle of Naboo, which he had the advantage of personally witnessing.
Math and physics were Anakin's favorite subjects. He would spend hours in the Queen's private dining room, spreading all his datapads on the large table to use what he learned to design the grandest of starships. Perhaps one day he would actually create one and then get to fly it. While all of his classmates were outwardly kind, especially since they knew he was Naboo's little hero and High Protector; they generally avoided him because they didn't know quite how to act around him.
However, Anakin had made two new friends that didn't care about his status. Miles Ubein, was a boy his age, who lived near the outskirts of the Palace complex and they spent many after school hours studying or talking about their mutual love of piloting. Miles was small for his age; he was a few inches shorter than Anakin in fact. Miles had wiry limbs and jet black hair. This small boy dreamed to one day join the Naboo defense force as a pilot and as soon as he completed his studies at the Academy he was going to enlist.
Anakin also befriended Ellisé Bibble, the thirteen year old girl who happened to be in his mathematics class. She enjoyed spending time with Anakin after school as well, talking about their mutual love for math and ships. Ellisé had high hopes of becoming a Royal Engineer in her Majesty's shipyards. Physically, Ellisé was slightly taller than Anakin and she had a light complexion with straight strawberry blond hair. While she was still going through that awkward adolescent phase, everyone recognized that she was going to develop into a very attractive young woman.
Ellisé was also known to be very headstrong and a loyal friend. It didn't matter to her that the other girls would ridicule her for spending time with the almost eleven year old kid. She thought very highly of Anakin and their study time together yielded them both high scores on most of their exams, as well as the beginning of a good friendship. Ellisé was the grand niece of Governor Sio Bibble and even Padmé had commented that she liked the girl, having met her on several occasions. The three friends were quickly becoming inseparable.
The decoratively dressed Queen Amidala sighed deeply as she read the information stored on her datapad. The situation on Naboo had improved considerably since the liberation and general elections were held to select Palpatine's replacement in the Senate. However, the young monarch had not been pleased with the people's choice.
Joaquin Mar had been a leading representative in Naboo's Parliament for many years and had been a political ally of King Veruna's throughout his reign. He was viewed as a man of the people who was revered by his constituents. However, during her time as a junior legislator, she became aware of accusations of his involvement in many of Veruna's underhanded deals that eventually led to the King's abdication. Yet, there had never been any proof so no charges were ever brought upon the man.
Eirtaé and Rabé entered the throne room while the young monarch was still reading through the election results. They bowed respectfully when Amidala lifted her eyes to see them standing before her.
"Yes?"
Eirtaé looked irritated as she cleared her throat to speak. "Your majesty, Senator Mar is in the antechamber waiting to speak with you."
Amidala shifted uneasily in her seat as she attempted to regain her regal composure. "Very well, let him in."
The two handmaidens nodded as they both exited the throne room. The young queen closed her eyes momentarily to gather her thoughts. As she opened them, she saw the newly elected Senator smugly approaching her. Joaquin Mar was a man about forty standard years of age, who stood nearly six feet tall. He was of average build, with dark brown hair and eyes with an olive complexion. An arrogant grin swept across his face as he dramatically swooped down to bow before her.
"Your Highness."
"Congratulation on your election, Senator," she said coldly.
The two politicians looked at each other quietly for several moments. Despite his shadiness, Mar was no fool. The experienced official was very aware of the Queen's distaste for him, despite her never voicing her opinions in public. He knew Amidala was extremely honest and somewhat of a political idealist who would object to his questionable ways. Yet, Joaquin respected her actions before and after the occupation, and he knew that he could not directly oppose her as her popularity was nothing like he had ever before witnessed. If she was as politically savvy as he believed her to be, she would be quite unbeatable if she chose to seek reelection as queen.
"I thank you, your majesty and I look forward to working with you."
She nodded subtly. "As do I. There are many things occurring in the Senate that are important to Naboo's security. I need you to get to Coruscant and consult with Governor Bibble over their current status before you assume your duties."
He nodded curtly in response. "Of course, your highness. Is there anything else you require of me?"
Amidala folded her hands in her lap as she looked at him. "Remember that you represent all of Naboo, as well as the crown; so, whatever you do in the Senate is a direct reflection of our people. Do I make myself clear?"
Mar folded his arms in defiance as he studied the painted face of his monarch. He felt his anger boil at being told how to do his job by this…child. However, this…girl was the chief executive of the planet and he would have to bear her insult, at least in her presence. Besides, rulers like her needed people like him to do the things that they lacked the stomach for. In time, he would be completely indispensable.
"Quite clear, your majesty."
Her expression never changed as she replied, "Then may the spirits go with you and guide you upon the right course."
"Thank you, your highness." Mar said as he bowed to leave the throne room. After his departure, Sabé stood up to stand by the Queen.
"I think you are losing your touch," Sabé teased.
"What do you mean?"
The chief handmaiden grinned as she said, "It was blatantly obvious that you despise that man."
Amidala's elaborate headpiece clattered as she turned her head quickly towards her friend. "Was I that bad?"
Sabé slightly shrugged before becoming serious. "Only to us, but in my opinion, you are too kind to him. Mar is a slime and you know he used his position for his own advantage during Veruna's reign."
The Queen nodded as she slumped into the throne. "True, but perhaps a person like that will get things done in the Senate where there are more like him that speak the same language."
"Then a run for the Senate seat will never be an aspiration of yours."
Amidala scoffed as she answered, "Not unless I was forced to run at blaster point."
Sabé, including the other handmaidens in the room, laughed merrily as the Queen motioned for them to continue with their meeting schedule.
"Good!" The former Jedi Master barked as Valkin successfully parried his saber thrust and was able to make a counterattack. Dooku signaled for them to stop, causing the younger man to hunch over in an attempt to catch his breath.
"I hope I am half as fit as you when I am in my sixties."
The Count of Serreno's deep chuckle filled the shuttle's cargo hold as he placed himself down on a nearby bench. After some intensive training, the two boarded the heavily modified cargo ship and departed the Xinthos Cluster for the Unknown Regions where Darth Sidious was waiting for them. Dooku knew it was impossible to fully train Valkin to be a worthy adversary against the Sith Master; however, two against one were better odds. Perhaps the Dark Lord would become overconfident, allowing them to win the day.
A maniacal grin swept his face as he thought about the Jedi's reaction when he defeated this Darth Sidious. The arrogant fools that allowed Qui-Gon to be murdered and dismissed the Chosen One would beg for his return to the Order, quite possibly to lead it. Yes, he could see it as clear as a day. The Jedi Council would rise to pay him the honor that he deserved as he supplanted Yoda as the Order's master sage. Then he would reform the Jedi, much in way he planned to change the Republic and end both bodies weaknesses that had plagued the galaxy for far too long.
"Master Dooku?"
The former Jedi shook his head as he realized that he allowed his concentration to waver from the moment. "What is it my friend?"
"My astromech just informed me that we are nearing the coordinates and we should drop out of hyperspace soon."
Dooku nodded. "Very well. We need to prepare."
Several minutes later, the large cargo ship returned to normal space. Valkin engaged the ships scanners to locate any inhabitable planets in the system that had both a normal sun and a pulsar in which they all orbited. This was an ideal place to hide from the Republic's long range scanners since the magnetic distortions from the pulsar would interfere with any attempts to map the region. It was obvious that Darth Sidious did not want to be found.
While the arms dealer was accessing the navicomputer's database, Dooku physically shook as he felt a great disturbance in the Force.
"I believe our presence has been detected," the Count calmly observed.
"I haven't picked up anything…"
Before Valkin could finish his statement, their ship abruptly changed course and headed for the fifth planet in the nearby solar system. "What's happening?"
"I don't know, Master. The ship's automatic piloting has been remotely activated and I can't disengage it."
Dooku's eyes narrowed as he rubbed his chin nervously. Apart from the growing presence of the Darkside of the Force, something else was pulling at the edges of his connection with the Force. It was something that he should concern himself with; however, he was too close to his goal so he brushed the nagging sensations aside. Instead, he chose to focus on the trail of darkness that was leading them to their destination. The Dark Lord was no doubt ready for them and he would need every ounce of strength he could siphon from the Force if he was to come out of this confrontation alive.
The atmosphere of the fifth planet was encompassed with cloud cover. Valkin's cargo ship gyrated and rocked violently as they encountered the fierce ionic storms. The arms dealer was an accomplished pilot; however, his confidence in his own abilities was rapidly diminishing as the ship was plunging towards the surface. Sensing his apprentice's dismay, Dooku channeled the Force through him in order to strengthen his resolve and help aid their decent. As they broke through the dense clouds, the ship relaxed and both men got their first view of the surface.
The terrain was mountainous with many pockets of rose colored lakes in the distance. There didn't appear to be any cities or development of any kind. The land looked desolate with no apparent signs of life anywhere. The two men had been completely engrossed with their new surroundings that it took the repeated whistling of Valkin's astromech to alert them to a nearby structure. It stood several kilometers away from their current position and was the only structure that could be seen. As they neared, both Dooku and Ord noticed that a runway near the top of the building extended while a hangar door opened.
"Apparently our arrival was expected, Master."
Dooku nodded solemnly as his hand instinctively journeyed down to feel the hilt of his weapon at his side. This was the moment he had been waiting for. It was time for him to fulfill his destiny. The cargo ship gently landed inside the building, and not wasting a moment, the former Jedi Master threw on his cape and snapped it securely around his neck.
"Ready Valkin?"
The younger man made sure both his lightsaber and blaster were secure on his utility belt before he draped his long cloak around himself. "As ready as I'll ever be."
"Our destinies await us," Dooku pronounced as he departed the shuttle.
The hangar bay did not look like anything out of the ordinary. The two men immediately unclipped their arched lightsabers from their belts as they cautiously looked about the room. Except for a nondescript shuttle parked at the far end of the building, the hangar was devoid of any other machinery.
As both Valkin and Dooku searched for an exit, an ominous voice filled the room. "Welcome! I've been…waiting for you." The two men turned around to see a humanoid figure dressed in a coarse black robe with the hood obscuring his face. "I have looked forward to this moment for a very long time."
The adrenaline surged within the former Jedi as his eyes fixed upon the robed figured. "Darth Sidious, I presume?"
The Sith Master nodded as he retorted, "Count Dooku."
As he heard his name spoken by the Dark Lord, Dooku ignited his lightsaber and pointed it towards Sidious as he approached. "You will have to come with me to answer for your crimes."
The Sith did not move, despite being threatened. Rather, he joined his hands together placidly. "That sounds like the talk of a Jedi and you don't look much of one anymore."
The Count continued to march towards his adversary, but was becoming disturbed that the Sith Lord was not reacting. Dooku stopped immediately in front of Sidious, with his blade parallel to his neck. "True, but that means I don't have show you any mercy."
"Ah, so much anger," Sidious knowingly pointed it. "You are quite right, Count Dooku, you do not sound like a Jedi." He paused momentarily. "No, you sound more like a Sith!"
The former Master's rage consumed him as he yelled, "No!" Without thought he pulled back his lightsaber and was about to separate the Sith Master's head from his body when he felt his blade parried by another lasersword; yet, despite his perilous assault, Darth Sidious had not moved.
Dooku forced his eyes away from the connecting blade to see his opponent. With a look of horror, all the Count could mutter was, 'Why?"
Seizing the opportunity of Dooku's dismay, the Sith Master took a step back and extended his hands. Streams of Force lightning erupted from his fingers sending the former Jedi hurdling across the hangar with his chest feeling as if fire was trying to burn through. As he tried to regain his senses, Dooku saw the hooded face of Sidious looking down on him.
"Old fool," he muttered as he continued to look upon the fallen Count.
At that moment, a second figure walked next to the prone man. Dooku blinked his eyes several times until he realized he was staring at the face of his friend—Valkin.
The weapons dealer grinned menacingly as he nodded in acknowledgement to the Sith Master. "He does not know the true power of the Darkside, Milord."
"No he doesn't; but he soon will."
TBC-Reviews and comments are always appreciated!
