Many thanks to all who have read and reviewed the story. I truly do appreciate your inciteful comments. This is last part of Chapter 12 which will brings us to a proverbial fork in the road. Will Dooku choose friendship over the Darkside? Will Anakin and company be able to get Shmi off of Tatooine. Read and find out! Enjoy!
KimAnneOliver: Thank you very much for your comments. FYI--I'm not a girl although I do have long hair LOL ;).
Emerald Green Queen: Glad you liked my little alusion to Ep IV. Thought it had to come from somewhere down the Master/Padawan line. As for what Sidious knows and doesn know, hopefully this chapter will answer those questions. As for Sabe and Obi-Wan, I whole heartedly agree with you. I also concur that it is good that he and Anakin are already discussing the Darkside. Perhaps it will result in change? Perhaps not :). Glad you are enjoying. BTW, JF is updated...hint hint
LaPapillion: Thanks a million. Happy to know you are liking.
0AnakinSolo0: Wow. I am completely in awe with your praise. Thank you for taking the time to read all the past chapters to catch up. I know there are quite a few and many more to come as well. To answer your question about Anakin's training, he is progressing very rapidly as Obi-Wan is basically teaching him much like Yoda taught Luke in the OT. Both are learning what they need to know for the meantime and Anakin is learning as much on his own as possible. As for how powerful he will become that will be the main subject of later chapters, as well as the subsequent sequel story (which will start about 5 yrs pre-AOTC and takes us right up until that time point). As for Dooku and Palpy, I thought it would be important to see what they are doing at the same time Anakin is living his life on Naboo. Eventually these two storylines will intersect. However, I can tell you that the second half of this story (beginning from Chapt 14) will be much more focused on Anakin and Padme. Glad you like and hope you enjoy this update!
DarthGladiator45: Thank you for your compliments. I really appreciate them!
NothingFeelsGood: Thank you so much. As I mentioned earlier, the story will shift to focus on Anakin and Padme, but since it will end when they are 13 and 17 respectively, I doubt there will be much romance ;). And yes, good things well come...eventually. Glad you are still enjoying!
Nini the Electrocuted Sheep: I think Anakin's and Obi-Wan's discussion was a good first step in dealing with the Darkside. We shall see them deal with this in future chapters. Thank you so much for reading and hope you enjoy this chapter!
Hieiko: I hope so too. Thanks for reading!
Calen: Tusken raiders? Hmmm..now that would be interesting. Read to find out. Thanks a bunch!
LetNys: Glad you liked the Sabe-Obi scene. We will definitely continue to follow their budding romance. Thanks for reading.
Pokey: I appreciate your comments very much. Hope you like this update!
Darth Tyranus returned to his ship in order to retrieve the Sith holocron given to him by his Master. Since Sifo-Dyas could not return to the Jedi, then possibly he would be willing to learn about these new powers and together they could destroy the Sith, once and for all. Then they could set things in the galaxy right by finally ridding the corruption that plagued the Republic for decades. The Darkside of the Force was indeed powerful and it could give them all the strength and power necessary to make all this possible.
Count Dooku calmly walked below the main platforms of the smuggler's moons to a dilapidated area of the city. For many years these lower levels belonged to scores of refugees from throughout the galaxy, looking to make a new start for themselves. However, since these people were in the center of Hutt space, their fates were controlled by the whims of the notorious gangsters. Finally, several decades ago, when Sar was Master Yoda's padawan, the Jedi Master led a taskforce to help evacuate many of those that had come here to escape their homeworlds, but were being sold into slavery.
It didn't take long for the Sith apprentice to find Sifo-Dyas. Being the quintessential Jedi, he sought the most meager accommodations available and there would be no one around to interrupt them. Dooku knocked softly on the door, which was answered almost immediately. After he sat down, Sifo sat on the floor across from him, waiting for what he had to show him. The Serenno Count momentarily struggled to find the right words to begin.
"You were right, old friend. We all were."
"About?"
"The Republic is faltering and the Jedi along with them," Dooku pointed out. "It is only a matter of time before both institutions collapse."
Sifo-Dyas peered at him curiously. "Possibly, but we must have faith that the Force will guide us upon the proper course of action."
"Faith?" Tyranus spouted angrily. "Faith, my friend, did not save Qui-Gon's life nor did it save me from…" he said, abruptly breaking off his speech.
"Save you from what, Sar?"
The former Jedi shook his head as he quickly stood up to pace; meanwhile, Sifo-Dyas, now quite concerned asked, "What has happened to you, my friend?"
Count Dooku turned around and looked down at his friend ominously. "The powers at be have been quite busy, despite the supposed omniscience of the revered Jedi Council." Before Sifo could speak, the Sith apprentice withdrew the holocron from within his cloak. The Jedi Master's eyes widened as he instantly recognized it.
"Where did you get that?'
A wry grin formed across the Sith's face as he answered, "It was given to me…by my new Master."
"No, Sar," Sifo-Dyas' hoarsely said as he cautiously stood up.
"Yes, Sifo. You cannot even begin to imagine the sheer power that the Darkside can give ones
such as us," Dooku said almost reverently. He then grabbed the Jedi Master's shoulders tautly as he continued, "Join me, Sifo and with our combined strength, we can defeat the Sith once and for all."
A look of betrayal was etched into the middle aged man's face as he looked at his friend's glowing yellow eyes. He had been so involved with his own set of circumstances that he did not hear the words of warning from the Force, cautioning him about a man with whom he would have trusted his very life. As Sifo-Dyas reached into the Force, he sensed the veil of the Darkside obscuring the once luminous presence of the former Jedi Master. Power and greed were all that he served, for he truly did not care any longer about the fate of the Republic or the Jedi.
Just as abruptly, Sifo-Dyas pulled away from Tyranus' grasp. "But you are a Sith."
"Only to learn their ways so they can be destroyed," Dooku retorted as he squeezed his fist in front of the Sifo-Dyas' face. "The Jedi have lost their way. They have become weak and decadent. You and I sensed it. Even Qui-Gon sensed it. So, I left them and set out after the Sith Master myself and that was when I learned the truth."
The Jedi Master raised his eyebrow curiously as he spat in reply, "What truth could a Sith Lord possibly tell?"
"That the Jedi Order is doomed because of its arrogance. They have remained the same throughout the centuries, while the Sith have adapted while within in the shadows…watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."
Sifo looked sadly upon his friend, a man who he had respected above all others because of who he was and for his bold idealism. But now that character flaw has led to his decent into the darkness. But, what was he to do?
"It is not too late, Sar. Return to the light before the darkness completely seizes your soul forever."
Darth Tyranus scoffed as he pulled back his cape, revealing his curved handled lightsaber. "I will soon become more powerful than any Jedi, even you my friend."
"Not unless I stop you, Dooku," Sifo-Dyas retorted.
As if physically stuck, the Sith apprentice took several steps back as he attempted to regain his composure. "Surely you do not wish to fight me! And even if you were to strike me down, what then? You cannot return to Coruscant, lest you confess your crimes and have the only option the Republic has to try to stop the Master, forever removed."
Without looking away, Sifo-Dyas unclipped his lightsaber from his belt and held it, still deactivated against his hip. "Serving the will of the Force involves sacrifice, which is something you have conveniently forgotten."
"Don't make me kill you, Sifo," Darth Tyranus sneered.
"You have already made that choice, Sar," Sifo-Dyas said while igniting his emerald green weapon. "Now it is time to face the consequences."
At that moment, another snap-hiss echoed throughout the small room as the Sith apprentice's newly fashioned red blade illuminated the room. The two combatants circled the room ominously, each studying the other's intentions.
"Back down," the Sith urged. "My Jedi skills have always been superior to yours."
Sifo-Dyas readied himself as he retorted, "We shall see." A second later, a loud crashing of blades reverberated throughout the room as they engaged one another.
Darth Tyranus, while trying to stave off the conflicting feelings of fighting his friend, summoned the raw strength that only the Darkside of the Force could provide. Almost on command, the fallen Jedi felt invigorated as his conscience fell silent while the last shreds of Sar Dooku were quickly stripped away. The Green blade arced downward quickly, but was repelled effortlessly by the wielder of the crimson hued weapon. While Sifo-Dyas was an above average swordsman, his skills in no way rivaled that of Dooku's He would have to rely solely on his strong connection with the Force if he was to survive.
The middle aged Jedi was fighting a purely defensive battle as Count Dooku aggressively twirled his weapon within his hands, causing his blade to move so quickly Sifo nearly lost sight of where it was going to strike. Desperately, he used the Force to push the Sith back into the wall as he ran out into the hallway to give himself more room to fight. Dooku scoffed as he menacingly strode towards the waiting Jedi. With the full fury of the Darkside, the Count struck downward at Sifo-Dyas' head, which he barely parried aside, causing him to fall backwards.
The Dark Lord continued his quick march towards the prone Jedi, who flipped his legs over his head, immediately getting back onto his feet. He barely had time to reignite his lightsaber when another vicious thrust aimed at his midsection was blocked. The Jedi Master spun to his right and unleashed a volley of hastened left to right, right to left strikes, driving the Sith apprentice backwards. Sensing the opening, Sifo-Dyas spun his lasersword around and tried to take advantage of the faltered defense of the former Jedi.
However, sensing his tactic, Count Dooku swoop his blade forward, surprising his attacker to make a hasty retreat. Taking advantage of his temerity, the Sith unleashed a blinding assault that the Jedi was unable to repeal. Throughout the many years that Sifo-Dyas had sparred with Sar Dooku, never before had he witnessed such a lightening display of fierce strikes. All he could do to defend himself was keep his lightsaber in front of him as he felt his body being propelled backwards, second by second.
Completely desperate, the Jedi reached into the Force and pulled out several pieces of metal from the corridor and lobbed them towards the attacking Sith. Darth Tyranus instantly ceased his assault as he sensed the twisted pieces of durasteel flying towards his body. Using the Force, the septuagenarian somersaulted backwards just as the large fragments collided with one another. Sifo-Dyas lay gasping for air on the ground as he heard the loud crash echo throughout the hall. However, he knew that his act had been unsuccessful as he heard the clapping of boots against the ground growing louder.
Dooku walked cautiously towards his friend, his lightsaber deactivated and down towards his side. He knew this contest was over, but Sifo-Dyas would not surrender to him. As he drew closer, the deep voiced man said, "Give me your sword and I will let you walk away."
Still attempting to regain his breath, Sifo retorted, "I cannot allow you to leave this place, Sith."
Tyranus noticeably sighed as his finger twitched over his weapon's activator switch. "Then perhaps you need some…encouragement?"
Before the Jedi Master could respond, streams of Force lightening emerged from Dooku's free hand, which found its target in the middle of Sifo-Dyas' chest. The slumping Jedi was vaulted backwards into the rear wall, screaming in bitter pain. Sensing he was near unconsciousness, the Sith apprentice ceased his assault and walked calmly over to the Jedi. A few feet away, he knelt down to look Sifo in the eyes. "It doesn't have to end this way, old friend. Join me and together we will pave a new destiny for the universe."
As Sifo-Dyas continued to writhe in agony from the pain of the Sith lightening, he muttered, "I will never fall to the Darkside, Dooku."
"Then…I'm sorry, old friend," Tyranus said almost regretfully. He then stood up, brandishing his lightsaber in his right hand. Meanwhile, the injured Jedi looked up to see the Sith Lord readying himself for the killing strike.
Resigned to his fate, the Jedi Master said emphatically, "Do what you must, Sar; but no matter what, I forgive you."
A blaze of anger erupted within the fallen Jedi as he quickly activated his lightsaber and in a perfect downward arc, severed the head of his long time friend and Jedi brother from his body, not only killing him, but destroying the last remnants of the good man that resided within him. At that same moment, from across the galaxy, the Master grinned in delight as his pupil had proven his worth. Events were unfolding exactly as he had foreseen.
As Tatooine was now only a few hours away, Obi-Wan took advantage of the time to give Anakin a brief lesson. They both sat cross-legged on the bay floor in apparently deep meditation. As Padmé and Sabé returned from the crew deck, they stood opposite from where Obi-Wan and Anakin were sitting and watched curiously as they concentrated on moving objects. Suddenly Padmé felt as if something inside was tickling her and in the next moment, she felt herself floating above the ground. After she realized what was happening, she relaxed and enjoyed it.
The young handmaiden began to cackle at her hovering monarch until she too felt herself being levitated. The two ladies laughed as they twirled about in the air. After a few minutes of hovering in mid-air, they were gently placed back onto the floor. Anakin opened his eyes and winked at them mischievously.
Padmé placed both hands on her hips and glared at him with feigned contempt. "Anakin Skywalker, did you do that?"
"Um, sorry Padmé, but Master Obi-Wan told me to," the boy meekly apologized.
Unable to hide her mirth, her face contorted before she starting laughing. "It's alright, Ani. Besides, it was 'totally wizard', as you are so fond of saying."
The others giggled, which Anakin would have happily joined in on; however, the proximity alert flashed, indicating that they were near their destination. Anakin returned to his chair and disengaged the hyperdrive. The brown, desert planet of Tatooine quickly appeared ahead of them as they rapidly approached.
The boy then turned to Obi-Wan. "Master, we will be in range of their comm stations soon. Shall I make arrangements for a docking bay?"
"I don't think so," he responded. Both Padmé and Sabé joined them in the pilot's area as he added, "I believe if we want to maintain our low profile, we should land outside of Mos Espa."
Anakin smirked as his small fingers pressed a sequence of buttons, which extended a keypad. He then glanced towards Obi-Wan who gave him a nod of approval as he engaged the ship's cloaking fields, rendering them invisible.
"What's the plan, Master Jedi?" Padmé asked.
"I've been giving it considerable thought, your highness; and I believe that the less attention we draw to ourselves the better."
"Agreed," interjected the Queen's chief handmaiden.
Obi-Wan nodded curtly at her. "Therefore, I think old tricks are the best ones so we'll dress as farmers and try to blend in, with your permission of course, your majesty."
Padmé nodded. "On our last visit, Master Jinn and I did not rouse much suspicion. That should work fine." The two women slightly flinched before they fixed their gaze at the young Jedi, hoping Padmé's mention of his beloved Master did not injure him. The Queen then added, "And that was with a clumsy Gungan following us around the town."
All four chuckled softly at the mention of the clumsy, but friendly Gungan, Jar Jar Binks. As everyone appeared to be in agreement with the plan, Padmé turned to Anakin. "Let's go get your mother."
After landing and procuring a speeder, the group was off to Watto's shop. Anakin was trying as best he could to calm his mind, but the excitement was getting to be too much. He was finally able to settle down when he received a mental reprimand from Master Obi-Wan, suggesting that he practice some of the mental exercises that had learned during the flight. A short speeder ride later, they had finally arrived. A flood of memories hit Anakin at once. He recollected the endless days of hard work and blistering heat. The boy also reminisced about his friends that would visit him and all the different characters that had entered the shop whose stories he enjoyed hearing. He especially reflected on the pod racing deals that Watto would get him into.
Shaking him out of his thoughts, the boy saw the Toydarian fly towards them as they approached.
"My, my Ani, you have grown in such a short time."
Anakin nodded and replied "It has gone by quickly, Watto."
Watto then looked towards Obi-Wan and asked, "What can I do for you? Have another broken ship?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "We've come to negotiate the release of Shmi Skywalker."
Anakin's heart raced as he watched Watto eye them suspiciously. "Well, since our last meeting, I have had to make some…adjustments."
Becoming impatient, Anakin yelled "Where's my mother?"
Obi-Wan patted him on the shoulder as Padmé reached for his hand to calm him down. The Jedi Knight then returned his attention back to the Toydarian and motioned for him to go inside. The others followed closely behind as Obi-Wan propped the metal case on top of the counter. "Is she still in your charge? We have something….substantial to compensate you with for her release."
Watto shook his head as his eyes bulged at the case's contents. "Because I lost everything to that tall man that took Ani, I was in debt to the Hutts."
The sandy haired boy involuntarily shuddered at the mention of the notorious gangsters. While still holding his hand, Padmé turned her attention towards Watto. "What does that mean?"
"Means I had to give them Shmi until I resolved my gambling debts."
Obi-Wan looked at the others in concern, as he asked, "But does she still belong to you?"
"Uh, yes and no," the Toydarian responded.
Becoming incensed, Sabé growled, "Can you be any less specific?"
"She's their property until I pay them back. They have her transmitter codes and everything," Watto answered cautiously.
The Jedi Knight nodded. "Then you will come with us to help negotiate her release."
The blue winged alien flew over to the case and glanced at it hungrily as he realized that the stranger was correct. However, being the clever opportunist that he was, he would take advantage of this situation. "Perhaps we can strike a deal."
"Such as?" Obi-Wan asked warily.
"You get my debts resolved with Jabba, then I will sell Shmi to you at a reasonable price," Watto suggested anxiously.
Obi-Wan looked to both Padmé and Anakin who gave subtle nods of approval. He then returned his glance at the Toydarian as he answered, "Deal."
Anakin sighed deeply as he sensed that this was not going to be easy. As they headed to the speeder, the boy turned to both Obi-Wan and Sabé with a worried look. "Master, I don't believe it would be safe for either Padmé or Sabé to join us at Jabba's palace."
The two women were about to argue when Obi-Wan raised his hand to stop them. "I'm afraid I agree with Anakin. Should we have to forcibly take Shmi, it will be difficult enough if there are three of us to escape, but five…"
"We can more than take care of ourselves, Master Jedi," Padmé spat bitterly.
Anakin then took Padmé's hand into his own and squeezed it before looking up at her. "Your highness, the palace is a very dangerous place and I could not bare it if you were to get captured or hurt." The young Queen was about to continue her protest when he added, "Besides, part of being the High Protector is for me to guard your life with my own if necessary. And that's what I am doing now."
Padmé gazed at the boy stunned, then turned her attention at Sabé who seemed to have a look of resignation on her face. "He's right, your majesty and so is Master Kenobi. Even with me protecting you, it will be difficult for them to save Ani's mother and watch us."
The young monarch sighed as she gave Anakin a sullen look. "I don't like this."
"I know, Padmé, but please trust me."
The two youths gazed at each other silently for several moments until the Queen returned her focus to the others. "Very well. Sabé and I will wait in the ship and have it ready if we need to get out of here in a hurry."
After returning to the ship, it only took a few minutes flight time to reach the outskirts of Jabba's palace. Anakin maintained the cloaking shields as he, Obi-Wan, and Watto departed the ship. He and Padmé exchanged a silent farewell before he ran to catch up with the others. She stood at the top of gangway, hoping that this was not the last time she would ever see him.
The boy harbored terrible memories of this place when both his mother and he were owned by Gardolla. Some of the worst beatings that he had ever received were due to her slimy hands. As the hate tried to clamber to the surface, his memories of the terrible feelings that the Darkside invoked, quickly enabled him to suppress it.
After Watto explained to the gate guardian their business in Huttese, the three were granted access inside. The Gamorrean guards watched them ominously as they walked down the dark, dusty passageway. Nervous, Anakin felt underneath his poncho for his hidden lightsaber, hoping he would not be required to use it. At that same moment, Jabba's chief aid, Bib Fortuna approached them.
"What is it that you want?" He asked in Huttese.
Anakin quickly answered, "We seek an audience with his greatness, Jabba the Hutt."
"For what purpose?" Fortuna countered.
The boy turned to Watto who answered, "These offworlders are going to help me pay my debt to him."
The Twilek eyed them suspiciously for a moment before cackling in delight. "How did you swindle them into it, Watto?"
The blue Toydarian flew closer to Bib as he said, "Don't you recognize the boy? This is Anakin Skywalker, and I gave his exaltedness his mother as collateral."
"Ah yes, the human that won the Boonta Eva classic. Very well. Follow me."
The group followed the Twilek into Jabba's throne room where he was being entertained by several dancers. Obi-Wan surveyed the area calmly, reaching out into the Force for any hints of warning. However, the reputed gangster was not in any way alarmed at their presence. The room itself was a proverbial den of thieves. Sentients from all over the galaxy, mostly thieves and bounty hunters partook of all the Hutt had to offer.
The giant slug-like creature focused his attention on them after Fortuna announced their presence. Obi-Wan knew that announcing his status as a Jedi Knight would be tantamount to suicide, so instead he opened his link to Anakin.
/Young one./
/Yes, Master/
/You are going to have to take the lead here./
/Are you sure/
/Yes I am. Remember you are famous here. Use that to our advantage./
The boy nodded subtly as he cautiously approached the Hutt. "Greetings, your greatness. I am Anakin Skywalker, winner of the Boonta Eve Classic."
Jabba's deep chuckle bellowed throughout the room as he answered, "I remember who you are, human. You won me a considerable amount of money. What is it that you want?"
"I have come with the Toydarian Watto to pay off his remaining debts to you."
The large creature looked at the small boy incredulously before turning his attention towards Watto. "What did you do scum, to get these humans to help you?"
The Toydarian flew closer as he answered, "The boy wants to negotiate the release of his mother."
"Then he should have spoken with me first. You owe quite a bit of money."
Anakin then motioned for Obi-Wan to draw closer and open the case to show the Hutt. Jabba stared at it greedily as a plan formed in his mind. This boy was one of the best podracers that he had ever witnessed—even greater than Sebulba. If he could get him to race for him, the profits that they could reap could be quite extensive. However, there were many that wanted to see this human as bug squash and would be at Jabba's dispose if they did so. Either way, he would benefit from this situation. "That is simply not enough to pay off Watto's debts and purchase your mother's freedom, even if this scum made a deal with you."
The boy turned angrily towards the Toydarian. "I thought you said that this was enough!"
Watto shrugged as a wry grinned filled his face. Anakin returned his attention towards Jabba, who. sensed that he had the boy cornered. "However, I will make you a counter proposal. I will give you your mother if you perform one simple task for me."
"Which is?"
Jabba grinned as he answered, "I have recently taken several pods from slimeballs that owed me money. However, I have nobody good to race any of them in the upcoming Malastare one-hundred race, which is in two standard weeks time. So, if you race one of my pods and win, I will give you your mother back.
"And if I lose?"
An ominous smirk grew across the giant slug's face as it answered, "Then your mother won't be the only Skywalker slave I own."
Obi-Wan was about to mentally protest; but, the boy impulsively replied, "Deal."
"Very well," Jabba answered. He then turned to Bib Fortuna and ordered, "Take the boy to the storage yards and let him pick out the pod he will use."
The Twilek bowed as he walked down from the platform. Jabba refocused his gaze on Anakin as he said, "You are responsible for getting the pod ready and to Malastare within time. If you back out, I will place a bounty so largeon your head, you won't be able to go near a civilized system in the galaxy again."
Anakin simply bowed as he followed Fortuna out. Obi-Wan, incensed, silently questioned
/What in the blazes did you just do/
/I'm saving my mother, Master./
Sar Dooku sat blankly in the cockpit of his ship as he reviewed the day's events. He glanced briefly at his comlink, knowing that he needed to make contact with Valkin per his Master's instructions. The fury of the Darkside that fueled him during the confrontation with Sifo-Dyas had ebbed, leaving him empty and cold. The Sith apprentice believed he had done the right thing for now he held the key to the galaxy's future in his very hands. However, he would not be the sole architect of the change that was to come for he had failed to lure his former comrade to his side, and now it was only him and the Master.
Tyranus reasoned that this was probably to his advantage. Darth Sidious had yet to share his vast knowledge with him and despite his thorough studies of the Sith holocron, he knew there was much to be learned.
All was not lost.
Even though Valkin had deceived him during their initial encounter with the Dark Lord, the man had considerable talent and Dooku could use their prior friendship to his own advantage. In time, the heir of the Mandalorian race would call him master. Then together and with their combined powers within the Darkside, there would be nothing to stop them from destroying Sidious.
A soft chime filled the cabin, grabbing he Sith Lord's attention. Tyranus felt a breath of air become trapped in his chest as he read the source of the transmission—Coruscant—the Master was beckoning. Abruptly, Dooku stood up and marched to the rear of his vessel. Using the Force to activate the holoprojector, the fallen Jedi knelt as a bluish image appeared, then flickered into the hooded form of the Sith Master.
"Lord Tyranus," Sidious' voice bellowed in greeting.
"My Master."
"Have you accomplished your task?"
Dooku looked up at the face of the static-filled hologram; however, Sidious' arrogant gaze reveled that the Sith already knew the answer. "Of course, Master. The Jedi Sifo-Dyas, on his own accord, placed an order with the cloners on Kamino to create an Army for the Republic. Now all that remains is for us to find a template to construct the army."
"Good. Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen," Palpatine boasted.
Amazed, Tyranus queried, "You knew of this, my Lord?"
"Of course, my apprentice," the Sith Master wryly. "It was I who put the visions into your pathetic friend's mind and it was my powers with the Darkside of the Force which urged him to fulfill its message."
"Such a power is unknown to the Jedi," Dooku remarked still astonished.
"And soon we shall wield powers even greater than this and together we will crush the Jedi Order, into oblivion."
The hint of such a power was too much for Darth Tyranus to ignore. Once he learned what he could, he would usurp Sidious in the traditions set forth by all the Sith apprentices that came before him—the Master would be killed or he would die in the attempt. That was the way of things and Dooku knew that Palpatine was well aware of this fact. In fact, he was sure that the Dark Lord even welcomed the opportunity to one day prove his superior powers.
"Do you still wish for me to contact Lord Ord?"
Darth Sidious hesitated a moment before answering. "Yes, but I have another task for you to include in your message to the bounty hunters."
"What is it, Milord?"
"Komari Vosa and her band of brigands are beginning to cause some…problems for us. I want you to include a sizeable bounty on her head in our offer."
Tyranus stiffened at the mention of his former Padawan. While their parting was on bad terms, this did not disturb him. Rather, since she was the one who guided Sifo-Dyas to the Kaminoans and he did not mention this fact earlier, Dooku was now convinced of the great powers that were at the Sith Master's dispose. Indeed, it would take years before he could implement his own plans. Ironically, patience was one of the virtues he learned well from his days as a Jedi and one day he would use it against them.
"It shall be done, Milord."
TBC-Comments and thoughts are always welcomed. :).
