My apologies for the delay in posting. Not only has Darth RL been wicked, but this chapter was especially challenging to write. So I hope I have done it justice. So, recapping where we left off, Count Dooku has now become Darth Sidious' apprentice. Now he is en route to meet his destiny. However, other events are also occurring that will shape future events in the galaxy...

Green Apples Take Over the World: Thanks so very much.

Star Wars fanatic: I appreciate your comments. Yes, more is here :).

Emerald Green Queen: Thanks so much for your wonderful words. Looks like Dooku has let his ambitions get the better of him. And as for his friend, you are right, he's not completely dark, yet. Meanwhile, Sidious is sitting back, watching the proverbial chess match play into his hands, but we will definitely see more of their plotting as time goes by. As for Sifo-Dyas, we will be turning to him next. As for Anakin, his inner turmoils will always be a challenge for him. However, it seems, so far, that he has the support that he truly needed. Thanks again for the vote of confidence and hope you enjoy this chapter.

Jedi Knight Revan: Thanks a billion for your very generous mention of NC in your fic. I truly appreciate it. And for my readers, please check JK Revan's story out; it is amazing :). As for your comment on the siren's song, I agree I probably overused it, but I wanted to bring home the point that aside from the power of the Darkside, its ability to seduce lightside users is quite difficult to ignore. Thanks for your comments on Dooku. I definitely saw him, much like I see Anakin now after RotS. Their deep convictions and idealism blinded them from the truth and allowed them to be led astray. Were they born evil? Not at all. Did they make bad choices? Absolutely. Thanks again and hope you enjoy this chapter!

Shido: Thanks so much. I thought Dooku's fall was largely ignored (even in the books and Clone Wars cartoons), so it gave me a large amount of freedom to tackle this subject. I'm pleased to know that you enjoyed it.

Doreenthatshot: Thanks a bunch!

NothingFeelsGood: Here ya go. Thanks again for reading!

HGandRHrforever: Thanks so very much. I'm glad Dooku seemed to be human instead of just an evil monster. As for Obi-Wan, I really want to delve into his turmoil with losing Qui-Gon and also training Anakin. While the circumstances here are different from the movie, I don't think though they are all that altered. He is definitely not perfect; however, I think in this situation, he's more apt to accepting his wrong versus the movies. Thanks for reviewing and glad the hurricane missed you :).

Calen: Heh. Well, the Sith haven't forgotten about Anakin; however, they are busy getting their plans in order. We'll see in time whether or not they will be succesful.

LetNys: Thanks so much. The story is hardly close to being done. There are at least 2 more parts to this chapter and 10-11 more total ;).

Ghostrider: Thanks a lot. Well, as we all know, Palpy always has a plan B, but also keep in mind how headstrong Anakin can be at times. As for Dooku's decent, I'm afraid I will have to steal a GL line and say that he had already fallen here and there before the actual turn. In past chapters we saw how his anger and grief led him to leave the Jedi Order. Then when he met with the Neimoidians, his ambition made him believe that he could defeat Sidious. Then his pride grew to the point where he no longer listened to the Force, but believed he alone could change things. Not very Jedi-like if you ask me. Plus, like Palpy said in Chapt 11, to fall is such a quiet thing...Thanks for the comments. I appreciate them!

A/N: Now, without further ado...

Chapter 12 Part 1: The Wayward Path

Raise an army!
Only you can save the galaxy.
Raise an army!
The Republic needs you to act.
Raise an army!
The Sith are rising
Raise an army!
The Jedi will be destroyed without one…

Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas arose from his bed screaming as he held his hands against his ears, hoping to drown out the voices. He no longer knew a moment's rest as the echo of the warning kept repeating itself incessantly. Knowing sleep was next to impossible at this point, the middle aged Jedi rolled off his makeshift bed and headed into the refresher. He wearily leaned over the sink to splash the running water onto his face in an effort to calm himself. As he looked back up into the mirror, the reflection staring back appeared to be even older than he remembered. Several months ago Sifo began to experience these echoes through the Force, warning him of things to come. At first he believed them only to be unspent nervous energy. However, they never ceased, causing him to search further for the truth.

Throughout most of his adult years serving the Order, he rarely spent time on Coruscant, except for when the Council requested reports on his activities. Sifo-Dyas was known as a free-spirit. Not in the way that Qui-Gon Jinn or Sar Dooku were infamous for; but rather, he roamed the galaxy, allowing the Force to guide him to where he was needed. And while he did sympathize with their idealistic natures, he was highly touted as a strict follower of the Code, until now.

It was widely believed that Sifo-Dyas' attunement with the Force rivaled that of Master Yoda's. This was further reinforced when his many deeds reached the Council's ears, as he would sometimes spend years in deep space travel, never setting foot in the Temple. Yet, despite his unorthodox ways, the Council saw fit to grant him the rank of Master, as well as a seat on the Council, which he rarely filled. In time, Master Yoda decide to fill his always empty seat with another Master, but allowed him to maintain his status on the Council for the rare moments he was on planet.

However, Sifo-Dyas' new path took him even further from the hallowed halls of the Jedi Temple. For the first few months of his searching, he sought out bounty hunters and mercenaries—any with the ability to wage war. But there were too few and most important, they were too costly to recruit. For many months, he traveled to system after system, trying to inspire any who would voluntarily serve in a potential Republic military; however, most saw him as insane with his apocalyptic speeches and bold proclamations of the rising of the Sith.

Completely dejected, the Jedi Master was about to return to Coruscant to seek help from the Council when he encountered one who was believed to be dead. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the datapad that possibly held the information that could save the entire Republic. The middle aged man involuntarily shuddered at the memory of that encounter.

Sifo-Dyas did not understand why the Force led him to the Bogdan moon of Kholma. It was the burial place of thousands of warriors who had fallen throughout the bloody history of the galaxy. This place was a haven to those who wished to disappear or more accurately, keep their agendas hidden. The seasoned Jedi knew well enough not to dress in his traditional robes as he ventured into one of the moon's few settlements. The Force in this place was elusive. It spoke in whispered riddles under the murmured voices of the dead.

The Darkside was noticeably present. It wasn't strong like on either Korriban or Dxun; rather, it resided in the shadows, watching and patiently waiting. Sifo knew that this was one of the last remaining rendezvous of the dying Mandalorian clans. Perhaps the Force beckoned him here to find a warrior? Hiding his lightsaber under one of his long sleeves, the Jedi Master walked into a dilapidated pub and quietly sat down at a table in the corner. He was unsure what he was waiting for, but on this planet of ghosts; it was a ghost that heard his call.

"Master Sifo-Dyas."

The dark blue eyed man stared at the woman in amazement as he muttered, "Komari."

Komari Vosa, former padawan to Sar Dooku, was dismissed from the Order due to her overtly aggressive nature, as well as her forbidden attachment for her master. She subsequently led several renegade Jedi to free the people of Baltizaar from the cult of witches known as the Bando Gora. It was during this encounter that she was believed to be killed by the cultists since all that remained of her were her newly constructed lightsabers. Sifo-Dyas, despite his long friendship with Dooku, had been the only member of the Council to vote against the young woman's expulsion. He felt she had it within her to become a great Jedi. However, the other Masters' concerns overwhelmed their judgment, as was becoming all too common.

"Strange to see a Jedi Master in these parts," the short, spiky haired woman teased. "And a member of the Council on top of that."

Sifo-Dyas hid behind his well practiced Jedi veneer as he sensed the Force swirling unusually around her. "I might say something similar given that the Order believes you dead."

Komari laughed ominously as she slithered into the adjacent seat while meeting the Jedi's gaze. "Well, I will give credit to my former Master for teaching me how to get myself out of sticky situations."

The Jedi Master noted the bitterness in her voice while he sensed something obscure that seemed to wrap itself about her. Yet, he knew that this encounter was not by accident. "What brings you this far out, Komari?"

She seemed to study his face as if she was searching for something prior to her answer. "Looking for you as it were."

"Looking for me?"

The angular woman smirked as she gave the Jedi a sly look. "I hear many things these days. The most surprising of which is a member of the Jedi Council gallivanting about the stars in hopes of recruiting an army."

"And if I am?"

"Come now, Master Jedi," Komari said while placing both her hands on Sifo's. "We both know that if you are engaged in such an act it is with the approval of the Jedi Council." As the middle aged man's face fell, a knowing look crossed her face as she remarked, "why Master Sifo-Dyas, I didn't know you had it in you."

"It is the will of the Force that I seek to create an army for the Republic. I have sensed that the Sith are about to rise again."

The smug countenance of the former Padawan disappeared at his mention of the Order's long time nemesis. When Komari was captured by the Bando Gora, they drove her to near madness until she summoned the Darkside of the Force to slay her captors and in an odd twist of fate became the cult's leader. For many months, they had become involved in many underhanded dealings throughout the galaxy, quickly gaining notoriety amongst the other major crime syndicates.

However, the Hutts or the Black Sun were of no consequence if the dark Jedi's warning through the Force was accurate. For many months, she too had sensed the growing strength of the Darkside, which hinted that the Sith were preparing to reveal themselves. And now, a reputable Jedi was willing to defy the Code in order to build an army for the Republic. Indeed, the Dark Lords of the Sith had been quite busy.

"As have I, Master. What are the Jedi preparing to do to counter them?

Sifo-Dyas nearly snorted as he sat back in his chair. "What do you think they would do?"

"Nothing, except meditate with the hopes that it will all disappear."

The Jedi Master nodded solemnly in response. "That is why I had to act upon the call of the Force—before it's too late."

The leader of the Bando Gora folded her arms snugly against her chest as an idea formed in her mind. She would help the Jedi with his quest to build an army and in doing so, hope they would wage an all out war against the Sith. Then, sides would be completely determined to decimate the other, Komari and her group of outlaws could continue their operation without notice. In time, she would seek revenge upon those who cast her out, specifically her former Master.

"I know your mission to recruit bounty hunters and mercenaries into your army have been unsuccessful, which is of course, not surprising." The Jedi simply nodded as he continued, "what if you create a clone army?"

Sifo-Dyas looked at her gravely as he retorted, "clones?"

"Yes. Are you familiar with the cloning facility on Kamino?"

He shook his head. "Is it in the Republic?"

"No, it is beyond the Outer Rim, just south of the Rishi maze."

The Jedi Master closed his eyes, silently asking the Force for guidance. To his amazement, what had been screams of warning were now calm whispers. Perhaps this was the sign he had been waiting for? Sifo-Dyas nodded curtly as he said, "I will get in contact with them soon, but there are still obstacles."

Before he could finish, the Dark Jedi interjected, "You need credits and a template for the clones."

"Precisely."

An evil grin eclipsed Komari's face as she said, "Perhaps an old friend could be of help. Yes, I'm sure my former Master would come to your aid, being the noble sort and all."

"Sar?"

"Yes. It seems my beloved Master has come into a vast fortune since his departure from the Order."

The Jedi Master looked at her quizzically. "It appears you know quite a bit about current events."

The young woman smirked as she rose out of her seat to depart the pub. Sifo-Dyas followed her outside where she removed a datapad from her burgundy cloak. She remained silent as she keyed in the information. "This contains everything you need to get in contact with the Kaminoins," she said as she handed the Jedi the datapad. "However, you must make the initial order before you send the template."

Sifo-Dyas' mind raced with both questions and uncertainties. Yet, if he did not seize the opportunity, he may never attain any peace for himself. "And where will I find the one who will be cloned?"

The young woman smiled brightly, moving to within an inch of the Jedi Master's face. "You will discover the remaining answers on Nar Shaddaa." She grinned wryly as she hovered her lips over his, nearly brushing against them before backing away. Without another word, Komari walked away from him, returning into the shadows.

Before she nearly disappeared within the darkness, the Jedi called out to her. "How did you ever escape the Bando Gora? They typically kill their prisoners."

Her body noticeably tensed as she turned around. Without hesitation, she answered, "I used my powers to usurp their leaders. Now, I lead the clan."

Sifo-Dyas physically shuddered as he finally understood what the Force had been trying to tell him. "You are of the Darkside. How can I trust anything you have said to be true? For all I know, you could be serving the Sith."

"How can you afford not to trust me?" Komari asked, moving slightly closer to the Jedi. "Do you still hear the shrilled screams of the Force, beckoning you to its will?"

Unable to respond, the young woman shook her head as she turned around to walk away. However, she hesitated before returning to the shadows and while focusing her gaze downward, she spoke. "Do whatever you will, Sifo-Dyas. I've helped you in order to repay the mercy you showed me at my trial." Komari looked straight into his eyes as she continued. "But if we meet again, you'd better keep that lightsaber handy."

The Jedi Master stoically dipped his head in acknowledgement as the former Padawan receded into the shadows. As Sifo-Dyas returned to his ship, once again he felt the pleading of the Force to act…

The azure eyed man physically shook as he returned from memory. He immediately took notice of a dull pain that ached in his hands, which turned ashen from grasping the wash basin with a near death grip. The screams of the Force resumed throughout his entire journey to the Hutt moon of Nar Shaddaa. Sifo-Dyas attempted to meditate, to try and get some understanding of what occurred on Kholma. However, the Jedi Master only found the shrilled echoes, pleading with him to act.

After glancing once again at his creased filled face, Sifo walked past the datapad and reached into his knapsack for his comlink. He quickly punched in the code that he had restlessly stared at during his voyage. A feminine voice answered and after she extended her pleasantries, the revered Jedi spoke.

"I am Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas acting on behalf of the Jedi Council. I must speak with Prime Minister Lama Su immediately…."


Anakin Skywalker threw his book bag in the corner as he unceremoniously plopped himself down on his large bed. He sighed in relief as he had successfully passed all his end of term exams. Now, he was looking forward to three weeks of working on his ship, as well as spending time with his closest friends. But most importantly, time to practice with the new remotes he constructed that would make his lightsaber training even more challenging.

The sandy haired boy was nearly drifting off to sleep when there was a sudden knock at his door. With a deep sigh, he rolled out of bed to open the door.

"Hi Sabé," he wearily greeted.

The chief handmaiden smirked as she noticed him squinting. "How were your exams?"

Anakin grinned. "Thanks to you and the others, I passed with high marks."

"Congratulations, Ani!" She proudly declared as she scooped the boy into a crushing hug. As they released one another, Sabé's demeanor became more serious. "Ani, her highness has asked that you join her in the throne room."

"Is something wrong?" he asked as they both left his room.

She shook her head abruptly. "That's for the Queen to tell you."

Anakin's worry escalated as he sensed that Sabé was hiding something. However, as he reached out to sense Padmé's well-being, she was futilely attempting to keep from becoming overly excited over something. Intrigued, the boy hastened his pace as they continued to walk through the winding corridors.

Meanwhile, Sabé was also in a hurry to reach the throne room. She knew that Padmé had requested Saché to raise Obi-Wan on Corellia. And since this came after the morning Royal Court session where the Queen received the report on Naboo's off world holdings, it could only mean that they would be returning to Tatooine soon. She could hardly wait to spend time with Obi-Wan if her guess were correct.

Moments later, they reached the entrance to the throne room. Both Eirtaé and Saché stood up and bowed respectfully as Anakin approached. He rolled his eyes amused while the two young ladies giggled as they opened the doors. The boy's eyes bulged as he saw the life sized holographic image of Obi-Wan speaking with Amidala as she sat relaxed in her throne.

"Alas, the High Protector arrives!" The Jedi said happily.

Before he replied, Anakin respectfully bowed before the Queen who dipped her head in acknowledgement. "My apologies, your highness," he slightly turned his gaze towards the Jedi's facsimile as he added, "and my Master, I just returned from classes."

Obi-Wan chuckled while shaking his head. "It is of no consequence."

"So, what has happened?" Anakin anxiously queried.

The blue image of the young Jedi looked towards the Queen whose smile was breaking through the normally impassive persona who motioned for Anakin to join her. He approached calmly all the while sensing that her elation was near bubbling over. Finally, unable to contain herself, Padmé spoke.

"Ani, I've received some wonderful news today." The boy raised his eyebrows in curiosity as he waited for her to continue. "All of our off world funds have been unfrozen and I can now grant you access to the High Protector's tribute, which is even more substantial than we had previously estimated, so that means…"

"We can bring home my mother!" The boy interrupted exuberantly.

A beautiful smiled filled the young monarch's face as she extended her hand out to Anakin, which he happily took. "Absolutely. The minute I got the report, I contacted Master Kenobi to inquire in his availability to join us."

"Can you, Master?"

The Jedi Knight smirked at the boy's excitement. "Of course. I did promise both you and her highness that I would join you when it was time to free your mother."

"When can we go?"

Obi-Wan and Amidala exchanged brief glances before he answered. "Her highness informed me that you both will make haste for Corellia and arrive within two days. From here we should then be on Tatooine by week's end."

Anakin nodded slightly, deep in concentration. Seeing his mood abruptly change, the Queen peered quizzically at the High Protector. "What's the matter Ani?"

"We will need to trade in the credits for something more…substantial. Either precious jewels or gold."

Obi-Wan smirked. "I'm already one step ahead of you. There is a rather…interesting friend of Qui-Gon's here on Corellia that deals in that sort of thing."

"Well then, Master. Her majesty and I will see you soon."

He smiled brightly at his student, and then offered a respectful bow towards the Queen. "Until then, I bid you farewell and safe journey." Before his image disappeared from sight, both the Jedi and Amidala's chief handmaiden shared a glance of longing. And just as suddenly, Obi-Wan's image disappeared from sight. However, Sabé found herself quite displeased.

"Your majesty, I must protest to this course of action."

Both Anakin and the Queen looked at her incredulously as she fixed her gaze upon the young ruler. "What are you against, Sabé?"

"The fact that you are returning to that lawless world without your personal security is an unwarranted gamble."

Amidala sat back into her throne, forming a steeple with her hands as she gazed upon her long time friend. "I assure you that I will be well protected, with both Master Kenobi and Anakin I should be safe. Meanwhile, I will charge you to act in my stead during my absence. I do not wish for Parliament or even Captain Panaka to know that I am off planet."

"That's just it, your majesty," the chief handmaiden retorted hotly, "it is inappropriate for you to leave without informing the Royal Court of your whereabouts or without a few of your security personnel."

"I wish to keep our profile low, to avoid suspicion. And a squad of security troops would most certainly make that difficult."

Sabé smirked as knew she had maneuvered Amidala to say what she wanted. "Then perhaps you only need one highly trained security member; one who knows how to blend in."

Queen Amidala eyed Sabé intently as she sat quietly. Although she knew that her chief handmaiden also placed her personal security above all else, Padmé wondered why she was protesting so vehemently. "Do you have anyone in particular that you would send with us?"

"Of course, your highness, I would be happy to volunteer." Sabé said.

"I see," said the young monarch, sensing that her bodyguard's mood was lifting. Without looking down, Amidala pressed a button on her comm panel that was located on her right armrest. "Saché? Could you come into the throne room please?"

A moment later, the diminutive handmaiden entered the room and bowed. "You wished to see me, your highness?"

"Yes, Saché. The High Protector, Sabé and I will be leaving Naboo secretly for several days. I will require that you act in my stead until our return."

The young girl smirked as she curiously glanced at Sabé. The Queen continued, "Sabé will fill you in on any additional details that you will need to know."

"As you wish your majesty." Saché bowed again and left the room. Meanwhile, Anakin turned towards the Queen. "Your highness, if it is alright, may I go get my ship ready for our trip?"

Amidala smirked before she answered. "Of course, Anakin."

The young boy bowed respectfully as he left the throne room. He tried to keep his legs under control, but he was nearly running down the halls in excitement. The thought of having his mother here with him and safe was a dream about to come true.


Valkin Ord had never before encountered the insect-like inhabitants of Geonosis. However, he hid any distaste for their appearance, since he was well aware of their reputation as droid manufacturers and warriors. The history of the planet was strewn with tales of century long conflicts, which culminated into the rule by a single leader—the archduke.

Poggle the Lesser said very little as they ventured through a maze of below ground caverns. The air was arid, much like on countless desert worlds across the galaxy. The Mandalorian arms dealer allowed himself to ponder why Darth Sidious sent him to this insignificant corner of the galaxy. Although he knew that the Geonosian droid foundries would be critical for the Dark Lord's war on the galaxy, his operation in the Xinthos Cluster, as well as many other secret ventures, were technologically superior. Still, Valkin had learned quickly to never question the Sith Master, lest he wished to forfeit his life.

Yet, this did not stop him from trying to understand what Darth Sidious was plotting. Why did he request for me to track our two best warriors? At first, Valkin had volunteered himself for the task; however, the Dark Lord told him that his destiny remained on a different path. For the moment, the Sith Master required the knowledge of their location, then the weapons dealer would wait for his instructions.

It didn't take him long to track down his people's finest. Montross and Jango Fett were bitter rivals, as well as leaders of competing clans. Both men had resorted to bounty hunting in order to bring food and supplies to their people. Since the Ords had been keeping their operation, as well as their Mandalorian ties secret, they were unable to help except with a few secret credit transfers. But what would the Dark Lord of the Sith want from two mercenaries? It made no sense, as did much of Sidious' other plans. However, disobedience was not an option.

After what seemed like a long journey, the two beings entered what looked to be a control center built out of rock. In the center of the room was a large, round table that projected tactical displays from around the planet. Around the periphery, several terminals lined the walls, which were manned by the Archduke's people.

Becoming unnerved over the entire situation, the minion of the Sith spoke. "Begging your pardon, my liege, but I was told that you were in need of my expertise."

The insect like creature nodded as it walked to a panel at the edge of the center table. "Our Master has charged us all with a very specific task."

While Poggle keyed in a sequence apparently only known to him, Valkin queried, "Which is?"

At that same moment, a large, red holographic image appeared over the center of the table. A globe like projection flashed into focus, rotating in place to show its various angles.

"Is that…" The Mandalorian asked, opened mouthed.

"…a space station?" The Archduke finished for him. "Yes, Lord Ord, it is the preliminary design that we have shared with Darth Sidious of our ultimate weapon."

The weapons dealer's mind was racing as the technical readouts were coming into focus next to the large structure. He immediately spotted why the Master had sent him to this place. "If I am reading this correctly, you are trying to design this station with a very powerful superlaser built into the main structure."

"That is correct, sir."

Valkin's face scrunched as he continued to read the engineering notes. "However, according to your preliminary simulations, there are several metallurgic issues that you cannot compensate for, which would cause the station to literally disintegrate the first time it would use its weapon."

Poggle the Lesser sneered as he returned his stare to the tall human. The Geonosian leader, like most of his people, was quite distrustful of outsiders. However, the Dark Lord of the Sith was quite persuasive and his more than generous tribute to the Archduke's people, instantly purchased their loyalty. However, this Mandalorian was another story. Poggle was more than aware of Valkin's status, both amongst his doomed people, as well as within the upper echelons of the Republic.

It was apparent that Darth Sidious would need help from every avenue if he was going to plunge the entire quadrant of the galaxy into utter chaos. And while he had their loyalty, that didn't mean that Poggle, nor his people were required to like having outsides step upon their sacred world. However, Valkin's observations were correct. For all their wizardry in weapon manufacturing, these critical design flaws were beyond their realm of knowledge. They would have to rely on an outsider, lest they incur the wrath of the Dark Lord.

"That was our assessment too, Lord Ord."

The man sighed deeply as he placed his hands to lean on the table. "Well, I hope our Master is truly a patient man."

"Why do you say that?"

Valkin humorlessly laughed at the Archduke's question. "It is going to take years to resolve this problem, as well as properly design and construct a working model of both the station and the superlaser."

Poggle glanced at him wryly. "Are you saying that this is possible though?"

The arms dealer returned his attention towards the holographic blueprints, running various computations in his mind. Finally, he returned his gaze to the short Geonosian. "Anything is possible," he declared before a mischievous smirk filled his face, "if the pay is right."

A high pitched chuckle erupted from the Archduke as he slapped Valkin on the arm. "I do believe, human that we shall get along just fine."

"Then let's begin."

TBC-Thoughts and comments are always welcomed :)