Something was very wrong.
The Zabrak sensed it the moment he set foot in the bright corridor, his destination towards Naboo Palace's hangar. Yet a strong presence, coated in darkness, halted Maul's path, the Sith Lord stiffening as the Force wisphered warnings into his ears. Yellow predatory eyes shfited around the seemingly empy corridor, peaceful as the irritable droids were elsewhere. Gunray had ordered the majority of his troops in the city to defend the lower areas of the palace, where the Jedi will arrive along with the Queen.
But his greatest adversaries, however, seemed to have become the least of Maul's concerns.
His hood still upwards, the wary Zabrak moved forward, slowly, calculatingly. He knew the presence was there, watching his movements. But the fact Maul couldn't see him unnerved him. Not fear, because Maul was fear incarnate. But years of training and mastering his sense kept the Sith cautious.
Cautious enough to sense the danger above, swooping down like the reaper itself.
His gloved hand, having already been gripping his staff of death, pulled out the long hilt, a red blade igniting as Maul whrield around in quick succession, blocking the azure lightsaber. The unknown opponent had leapt down from the ceiling alone, shrouding himself enough for Maul not to sense him. But now this mysterious for revealed himself.
And it only baffled Maul even further. Though that did stop the Zabrak from swiftly delivering a kick to the opponent's midsection, backflipping a safe distance away. And Maul quickly used that time to analyze his new quarry.
A figure cloaked in a brown robe, a hood protecting his head from the world, the blue blade clearly indicating he was a Jedi. Maul could make out the brown and grey styled beard from the lower half of the face. And while the man had all the appearances of a Jedi, it was his presence in the Force that took the Zabrak temporarily off-guard.
The Dark Side was strong in his opponent, powerful next to that of a Sith...
A hiss escaped Maul's enraged mouth. Who was this pretender to dare try and kill him? He was Darth Maul, Lord of the Sith. Apprentice to the most powerful Dark Lord in history. Yet this hooded figure believed he could defeat him?
Well, he was dreadfully mistaken.
Lowering his hood, taking off the parts of his black robe that would only hinder him, Maul activated the second blade of his saberstaff, spinning his wepaon threateningly. If his foe was intimidated by the Zabrak's red and black hateful appearance, or the double-baladed weapon, he didn't show it, and that angered Maul further. Instead, the only reaction this quarry made was what Maul recognized as the Makashi Salute.
And Maul obligated to the silent request, charging at his opponent, the dark side wrapping around him, furthering his power and rage. If this Sith pretender wished to keep his hood up the entire battle, then Maul will happily watch his head roll out of the robe after he's done.
But clearly, his quarry was no pushover, immediately recognizing the Juyo style Maul uitilized, and countered it effortlessly. It became quickly notable to the Zabrak, as he pushed his attacks, that this Dark Side imposter favourited Makashi. Maul personally despised the form; it had too many weaknesses and made one look idiotic in battle, with all the pointless twirling that made you look like a Twi'lek dancer.
Yet, this man proved to be a master of the Way of the Ysalamiri, blocking Maul's assaults with all the grace and elegance Makashi had to offer. His quarry blocked, deflected and even redirected Maul's rampaging moves, even efficiently dodging the Zabrak's kicks. Suffice to say, Maul was not amused by the fact this old man was basically toying with the Sith Lord.
No one mocks a master of the darkness and lives to tell the tale.
His adversary jumped at the low swing to his legs, taking a few steps back. Maul was on the offensive, a grin of satisfaction rising on Zabrak's terrifying features as his foe staye don the defensive. That pathetic flashy Form won't save the pretender forever. After he's dealt with this fool, the Jedi were next.
And yet, this old man was clearly a skilled swordsman, Maul was reluctant to admit. The effectiveness of his parries, the efficient coup-de-graces that the Sith found himself blocking quickly, the elgance in his footwork, advancement and retreat. And the Dark Side surrounded this old man, the pretender drawing power from it with relative ease, and Maul felt the darkness favour him more in this battle, the cold fury a contrast to the Zabrak's volcanic rage.
Just who was this man?
Eventually, their blades crossed, Maul pushing forward with all the strength he thought necssary. But the old man stayed firm, and the Zabrak leaned forward, sneering at his adversary. The hood reamined covering the pretender's head, yet Maul could see the firm line his mouth expressed.
Which then shifted into a smirk.
The battle quickly changed around.
Taken aback by the sudden swiftness, the irritated Sith barely had time to react as he desperately blocked the incoming onslaughts, the old man relentless as Maul previously was in his attacks. His mind quickly attempted to process what just occurred; the false darksider had broke apart their saberlock without sturggle and was now on the offensive, as though this entire time he was...
Testing him.
Maul found himself even more confused than before, though that did nothing to distract him fron the battle itself. One wrong move and it colud be the end of him; this old man was a real geniune threat that Maul had clearly underestimated. Just who was he? An agent of Sidious' sent to test his loyal apprentice? A rogue Sith Lord, wishing to take over Maul's status as Sidious' desciple? Or a Jedi who had turned to the dark side?
Whoever he was, the Zabrak found himself more and more unnerved by his quarry. Never had he seen someone utilize Makashi with such mastery and grace before. The reaper incarnate.
And it didn't take long for the Sith to finally grasp that he was outmatched, and had been from the very beginning. But he preserved still, a snarl erupting from his tattooed features. A Sith never submits in the heart of battle, not even to someone who appears stronger than him. Maul was succeed, no matter the cost. His Master desired his mission completed.
"Your brother was a more worthy opponent." The old man suddenly spoke up, a rich cultered tone that Maul didn't recognize. And the Zabrak found himself confused by his words-
Then Maul found himself suddenly weilding two lightsabers.
A swift uppercut Sun Djem made certain of that, forcing Maul to leap back in retreat, glancing at both his blades. Luckily, they were both operable, and the Zabrak sneered hatefully towards his impassive quarry, who pointed his blue blade towards. It matters not what usage of Jai'Kai the Sith was now forced to use, Maul was a master of the skill.
Just as he was a master of the Dark Side. And soon his foe will see that-
Maul was then regrettably eating his own words. Charging at the pretender already proved a foolish mistake, perhaps the most deadliest decision the Sith had ever made. Any attempts to return on the offence quickly turned around as the old man deflected the Zabrak's assaults and pressed on his attack. But how? Makashi wasn't efficient enough to block multiple weapons at once-
A snarl of pain roared from Maul's mouth, upon the pretender blockign both blades and raising his free hand towards Maul's chest. Blue cackling painful lightning found its way covering the entirety of the Zabrak's body, the sensation more agonizing than when the power comes from his Master's. And it stung.
It was at this point, that the Sith Lord finally found himself feeling an emotion alien to him, not felt since he was a child. An emotion no Sith should feel, but instill onto every other living being.
Fear.
And that fear was quickly relieved, after the lightsaber subsided, and Maul found himself feeling a different kind of pain. The pretender- No, Sith - took the oppoturnity to cease toying with the Zabrak, plunging his azure blade without delay through his robed chest and out of his backside with an efficient Shiak. Maul hissed, knees buckling from the agony, both gloved hands droppoing ther deactivated 'sabers, yellow eyes widening as the implciations became all too real for him.
This was it. He had failed.
"For my son." The old man mummered, souding both satisfied and... relieved?
There was still time, as Maul felt death already wispher to him whilst he knelt after the blade sunk out of his body. There was still time to know one thing.
"Who... Who are you?"
The old man looked down upon his fallen foe, and Maul could see more of the face behind the hood from below. His expression was that of distaste and loathing. "The future."
That was the last thing Maul ever heard before a swift Sai Cha relieved him of further pain.
As a firm believer of the Living Force, Qui-Gon always focused on the moment. Events that occur around him are part of what was to be, which couldn't, and shouldn't, be interfered with.
The bloackade over the lushful Naboo was over, the Queen has been restored to power over Theed, the droid control ship destroyed by the Chosern One himself, Viceroy Gunray and his associates have been arrested for the illegal blockade, and peace has been returned to the planet, harmony between the two native species, the Naboo and Gungans, an added bonus atop all these events. Everything went as the Living Force determined.
So then why did Qui-Gon sense that the corpse of the Zabrak Sith wasn't something that should've happened?
Having expected to encounter this skilled warrior upon their infiltration into the city, neither Qui-Gon nor Obi-Wan expected his dead carcass instead waiting for the Jedi. The robed Sith was found lying on the marble floor in the hallway, during their advance towards the throne room. Head decapitated and chest stabbed with precision, it was palpable a lightsaber was responsible for the handiwork.
And that intuition was regrettably correct. As Theed continued with its celebrations, leaving Obi-Wan with Anakin for the two to bond more, despite his student's misgivings, the Jedi Master had decided to meet with Master Yoda and Master Windu, in case they discovered exactly as to how this robed Sith Lord was defeated like this.
The answer was given before he could utter a word.
Qui-Gon could sense his former mentor's presence anywhere, the stench of the darkness surrounding Dooku regardless. Behind these very clean was the room the three Jedi Masters were currently preoccupying, and the Force urged him to take a listen.
No respectable Jedi would choose to eavesdrop on their fellow comrades, but nobody's perfect. The first thing Qui-Gon heard upon carefully creaking the clean door open was Mace's recognizable stern and disapproving voice.
"Not only did you depart for Naboo, using one of the Temple's hangar starfighters without the Council's consent, interfering with Qui-Gon's mission to restore order to Naboo and apprehend the Sith, but you also recklessly challenged this warrior and killed him before even thinking of taking him prisoner. Am I not correct?"
So, it was Dooku. His former Master must've hidden his Force signature the moment they arrivbed at Theed. Moving the door slightly more so he could see the room more clearly, Qui-Gon took note of seeing only the back of Dooku's body, while the other two Masters could see Qui-Gon peeking in if they weren't distracted with Dooku's rebellious nature.
The cultered Serennian countered Mace's accusations dryly. "Was it not reckless of the Council to dispatch only one Jedi Master and his desciple to apprehend an apparent Sith Lord?"
The Korun's eyes narrowed further. "They were more than capable of dealing with the menace-"
"I see the arrogance of the Jedi blinds you even then, Master Windu." Even then? Qui-Gon frowned. Dooku questioning the actions of the Council was nothing new. the political Serinnian had always challenged those whose decisions he believed were absurd or incorrect. But this seemed different somehow. Dooku's shift of tone just then, the palpable disgust.
As if the dark side surrounding his former mentor wasn't enough of a bad sign.
It was clear even the two other Masters sensed, Mace looking tense at the sudden spike of darkness whereas Yoda regarded his former pupil sternly. "Darkness, within you, there is, Dooku. Sensed it, the Council did. Incited you to destroy this Sith Lord, it did."
Qui-Gon's brow raised. Was Yoda implying that the dark side made Dooku kill the Sith warrior? Why would it do that? Did Dooku desire to usurp the Sith, take their place as master of the darkness? Yet when they encountered one another back at the Temple yesterday, the noble Jedi embraced Qui-Gon as one would with family, and the Jedi Master sensed the relief and content radiating from Dooku at the touch.
It was evident to the Jedi Master; there was darkness in Dooku, but not enough that had consumed the man.
"I did not require the Dark Side to defeat that midnless brute of a Sith." Dooku corrected Yoda sharply. "That Zabrak's fighting style was savage and sloppy in its swordsmanship. It was almost insulting to even test his skills." The criticism incited a slight smile on Qui-Gon's lips. No matter who the opponent was, Dooku would always take note of their combat skills and point out where to improve. "And you are incorrect, Master Yoda, regardless. I took care of that warrior for other reasons that are, quite frankly, none of your or the Council's concern."
And there was a nudge from the Force that gave Qui-Gon an inkling that he knew the true reaaon himself.
"No matter your reason." Mace said, sounding more irritated and stern than ever. "It is clear that you're embracing the darkness with little restraint, causing you to talk this way back at us like this. As for the Sith, I believe the answer might just be obvious." The Vaapad master pointed accusingly at the unfazed Dooku. "You intend to replace the Sith yourself. I don't know where or how you obtained this kind of mastery in the Dark Side, but you may as well be a Sith Lord currently."
"Very perceptive."
Mace ignored the sarcasm. "You will return to Coruscant immediately, there we'll determine the cause for this sudden darkness within you and do our best to remove it-"
"'Remove it'? Master Windu, you imply that this power is some kind of disease."
The Korun glared, not at all enjoying the mocking tone. "The Dark Side decays and kills everything in its path. To allow it to spread would bring harm to the galaxy-"
"Would it though?" Dooku challenged, and Qui-Gon imagined the Master raising an unimpressed brow. "Or is that simply how the egotistical Jedi view what they don't understand? Your ignorance has always astounded me, Master Windu, along with your palpable contempt for the natural side of the Force."
"There is nothing natural about the Dark Side." Mace stepped forward, almost threateningly. "And if you continue to allow this disease to spread, now we shall be forced to remove it from you with force."
Alright, Qui-Gon knew he had to intervene. Fully opening the large doors, the Master barely acknowledged his presence as he entered. "Masters." The Ataru master bowed respectively.
"You see, Masters? The Jedi behind you would have been dead by now had I not killed that Sith Lord for you. But I suppose gratitude is a lost art to the oh so humble Jedi nowadays." Dooku's voice was dripping with venom, folding his arms towards the glaring Vaapad specialist. "Qui-Gon would be dead by now because of your arrogance. But this time, I managed to prevent that tragedy."
This time? To say Qui-Gon was confused by his former teacher's words would be an understatement.
Even Yoda seemed curious. "Know more than you are willing to share, are you, Dooku?"
The Serinnian barely glanced at the Grand Master. "More than you can possibly understand..."
"This is getting us nowhere." Mace then announced, sounding flat out annoyed with Dooku's attitude. "I'm sorry, Master Yoda, but regardless of what the Force requests of us, we can't have him walking around in the Temple, now with this much darkness occupying his soul. He must be detained."
Qui-Gon felt himself internally protesting. But half of him agreed on Mace's caution. Imagine a darksider interacting with the Jedi, potentially poisoning the youth with deceit and teaching of the forbidden arts.
"Implying I have any intention of returning back." Dooku snapped, condescendingly. "Your precious Temple hasn't been my home in many years, Master Windu. And it shall continue that way, now that I have been given another chance to right the wrong."
That said, the Serennian swiftly turned around, the Qui-Gon finally took note of the convicted face. "And where do you think you're going?" Mace called out as Dooku walked by, Qui-Gon stepping out of the way for his former mentor to pass.
Purposely ignroing the question, Dooku paused and shifted his attention fully on Qui-Gon, and the Jedi Master was relieved by the lack of yellow in the Makshi master's eyes. As though disregarding the fact there were two Jedi Masters enarby, Dooku placed a firm hand on his former student's shoulder, expression now that of pride.
"Qui-Gon, I don't believe there are enough words to express how proud I am of you." Dooku began, the tone more lighter than the conversationsd with the two Masters observing them. His dark strong eyes bore into Qui-Gon's calm orbs. "You have always been my greatest accomplishement, and I am proud to call you my friend... and my son. However, be warned; staying with this corrupt order will do you, your apprentice or your apparent Chosen One no favours. It is time you decided the future, instead of allowing the blinded Council to do so for you."
Releasing his former pupil, Dooku resumed his gaze on the hallway outside. "Both Jedi and Sith are as corrupt and wrong as the other. For the galaxy to evolve and achieve peace, both sides, along with the greedy corporation of a Senate, must be cast aside for a new galactic order. For as long as they remain, refusing to adapt to these changing times, there will never be balance with the Force. I leave Skywalker in your capable hands, hopefully he'll be taught proper desipline than when Kenobi trained him. May the Force be with you, my son."
Qui-Gon desired desperately to comment back, to tell Dooku that he was wrong on many acocutns about the Jedi, that he didn't need to leave, and peace can be accomplished without the order being wiped out. Yet something held him back, the Living Force commanding the Jedi Master not to interfere with Dooku's departure.
As if destiny had other things in store for the bold Serennian.
"And so departs the Lost Twenty..." Qui-Gon heard Mace mutter as they watch Dooku leave down the corridor, and it was either his imagination or there was a hint of sorrow in the Korun's voice.
Wherever the Force was guiding Dooku now, Qui-Gon wished him the best as Dooku wished of him.
Perhaps some mediation later will help Qui-Gon decipher Dooku's meaning about Obi-Wan training Anakin before.
"May the Force be with you... father."
One month later...
Sifo-Dyas sensed the presence even before arriving to where his ship waited, saying farewell to Lamu Su when departing to leave this stormy planet. Thankfully, the Force seemed merciful today as the weather over Kamino was clearer than Sifo-Dyas's knowledged of the ocean world had shown. But the real threat here might be the absent ruthless rain and lightning that generally bombarded the planet.
It would be the dark side presence waiting for him.
The Jedi Master kept one firm hand on the hilt of his weapon, ready to ignite the saber should the hooded figure try anything. Besides his own starfighter stood a ship Sifo-Dyas couldn't recognize the design of, but it was clear the transport was a work of high quality, by starship standards. The Jedi had to repress a small smile; even after leaving the order, he still hasn't lost his touch.
"Dooku."
The addressed figure, standing between both ships patiently with folded arms, acknwoledged his name with a nod, before removing the hood. The features remained the same as the Jidi last saw of him, before the Sererinian departed for Naboo and defeated the Sith menace. He hadn't been seen for a whole month since, until now.
Sifo-Dyas had identified the signature without too much difficulty; the moment it became within reach. But it still raised amny questions, the Jedi Master thought to himself while his hand remained on his weapon still. How did Dooku find him? What did he know about Kamino? Was this mere coincidence, or did the Will of the Force choose for them to meet here? And more importantly, does Dooku possibly suspect what his longtime friend was planning, what he had done?
"You've been busy, old friend." The former Jedi spoke civilly, as the two approached one another, one still wary while the other seemed as calm and composed as a noble would. Following his sudden abrupt departure from the Order, Dooku had reclaimed his title as Count and all the fortune that came with it in one day. It's as if the Serennian had planned it from the very beginning.
"As have you." Sifo-Dyas replied with a more steel edge to the tone, gesturing the very ship Dooku had evidently arrived in. "Your fortunes have been worthful."
"A gift from the Archduke of Geonosis." Dooku commented pleasantly, glancing over his shoulder at the elegant transport in question. "He was impressed by my knwoledge of Geonosian culture, and presented this ship exclusively made by his kind." Strong brown eyes returned on Sifo-Dyas, and the Jedi felt relieved, at least, that there wasn't even a tinge of yellow in those orbs.
The dark side was as strong in Dooku - No, Count Dooku - as Sifo-Dyas last encountered him in the Temple halls a month ago. The unpleasant side of the Force pulsing within the former Master without restraint. Sifo-Dyas had to wonder, what fate had befallen as to give his old friend so mcuh darkness? Had the seeds been plante dlong before, somewhere during the time of Galidraan?
"What has happened to you, Dooku?" The curious and concerned Jedi finally spoke his mind, releasing his gripped lightsaber slowly. There was no hosility from his old friend, that much the Jedi could sense. "The dark side is incredibly strong in you, as though it has been mastered for many years."
A moment's silence, before Dooku broke it with a sigh. Not a sigh of sadness or regret, but one of calmness. "Your concern is noted, and appreciated, Sifo, but entirely uneccessary. This power within me has no control over my being. I am its master, not it pawn unlike the Sith. Which is why I'm here."
"I'm afraid I don't follow."
"Then I shall explain: I know why you're here, old friend. You've just commisioned an army for the Republic from the Kaminoians, have you not?" Sifo-Dyas's eyes widened. How-? Dooku smiled patiently, "Your thoughts betray you, Sifo. I've always known about your concerns for the Republic. Admirable, but misguided. The Republic is nothing more than a decaying mess, a constant storm of internal struggles and greed ruled by the most corrupt and conceited of Senators."
Sifo-Dyas resisted the urge to smile in exasperation at Dooku's usual criticism towards the Galactic Senate.
"But you fear the looming threat over the Republic, threatenign to plunge the galaxy intio eternal darkness." The Jedi Master slowly nodded, admittedly intrigued as to where the new Count was goining with this. Dooku's features then shifted, frowning convictedly. "Yet you, along with the rest of the foolish Jedi, failed to grasp that has always been a Sith Lord under your very noses." Could he mean himself? "The very same Sith Lord who has been a key factor in manipulating you into commissioning this Clone Army."
"What?" Sifo-Dyas said in disbelief, failing to understand his old friend. "Dooku, what do you mean exactly?"
Dooku smiled thinly. "The current Chancellor your precious Republic praises is the Sith Lord the Jedi are seeking out." The Count's smile grew as Sifo-Dyas's face turned white. "And you've done exactly as he wanted."
The Jedi Master felt like he had been punched in the stomach, seeking out calmness from the Force. The light side soothed the aged man as he contemplated Dooku's words. It shouldn't be true, it couldn't be possible, yet the Force claimed otherwise. Sifo-Dyas can sense the truth emitting from Dooku's tongue. Palpatine... Palpatine was the Lord of Darkness the Jedi sought to purge from the galaxy, and had played them all for fools.
It's all making sense now. The blockade on Naboo, the Sith attacker against Qui-Gon on Tatooine, Queen Amidala's Vote of No Confidence against the previous Chancellor Valorum. The truth was unwrapping like bandages in Sifo-Dyas's mind.
"His true title is Darth Sidious." Dooku contined after a moment, allowing the Jedi to let this information sink in. "Just as the former Muun you've known as Hego Damask was known as Darth Plagueis, Sidious's mentor."
Damask! The same Sith who had provided the information about Kamino and the cloners here in the first place. Sifo-Dyas thought back to that conversation on Serenno long ago, between himself and the Magister of Damask Holdings. The Muun had subtly incited the Jedi to confess his concerns abvout the Republic slowly, his desire to the defend the very same democracy that has stood strong for a thousand years. As if the breathing mask Sifo-Dyas later saw Damask in many years later wasn't enough of an indication about his true identity.
Which means that his presence here was all panned out byt he Sith. They wanted the worried Sifo-Dyas to commission a Grand Army for the Republic under his name, in an obvious desire for the army themselves. The Jeid had never felt more foolish in his entire life.
"If what you say is true, then we must warn the Council immediately." Sifo-Dyas said determinedly, yet Dooku seemed to express an exasperated face in responce to that statement. The Jedi would not relent, though. "That Sith Lord is in very control of the gorvernment and peace the Jedi strive to defend. With his power, there will be nothing but chaos for the galaxy."
"Spoken like a true Jedi." Dooku shook his head disapprovingly. "Without any evidence towards Sidious's identity, blinding throwing accusations towards the endeared Chancellor won't bode well for the Order, old friend. Sidious has hidden his true self well, you will find little proof in disclosing his identity. It's a fool's errand."
The convicted Jedi shook his head. "Regardless, we must act. The Sith must be removed from political power immediately." It was a relief, at leats, that the other Sith Lord was dead. Not just the Zabrak assassin on Naboo, but Damask as well. Both Sith Lords seemed to have died at the same time, Damask was announced dead on Coruscant by an accident. But who knwos how many other Sith were out there. "This Darth Sidious obviously wants this army for a purpose, and what better way to use it than... No..."
No... He wouldn't...
Dooku nodded gravely as the implication hit the unnerved Jeid with full force. "Yes, an army big enough to wipe out the Jeid in one swift stroke. A frightful image, is it not? But it would be pointless to attempt exposing Sidious; he may be removed from power, but the corruption has remained there, like a cancer, on the Republic long before his birth."
"Then you suggest I don't act?" Sifo-Days asked in palpable disbelief, unwilling to listen to this man for a second. "Palpatine- No, Sidious, is planning the Jedi's demise right this second, and to take control of the galaxy without any resistance against him. He must be stopped."
"Oh I agree." Dooku said, gesturing for calmness. The unnerved Jedi allowed the Force to soothe him once again, washing away the dread Sifo-Dyas was feeling from this news. "And I have every intention in stopping him, which is why I need your help."
Sifo-Dyas frowned. "You said it was pointless."
"To expose him in the open, yes. We must use his subtle manipulations against him. I plan to remove him from power and replace the Republic with a more stronger and stable society at once." Dooku expressed amusement at his old friend's expression. "Do not misunderstand me, I have no intention in harming anyone, but in order for there to be peace in the galaxy, the Republic must change. Evolve. The Jedi too; they have been so stuck in their old ways they've failed to notice the corruption plaguing your precious Republic, and the Sith Lord ruling the pinnacle of it all."
"While I am inclined to disagree with your views over the Republic and Jedi, old friend, I desire to have the Sith Lord removed from office as soon as possible." Sifo-Dyas folded his arms, hearing a clashing storm in the distance. It'll arrive into the city soon. "And this still doesn't explain the Dark Side within you."
"Ah, explaining my power over the darkness will take a long time to discuss, and I'm afraid time is rather off the essence while conspiring against the Sith Lord. Suffice to say, it's more appropriate to face fire with fire." Walking closer, Dooku held out an aging hand, expresison sincere and composed. "But I know I can't destroy him alone, so I've been working nonstop in planning the downfall of Sidious. So I propose we cooperate in the removal of this threat. What do you think?"
"Circumventing the Council either further." Sifo-Dyas shook his head, looking slightly amused himself. "Say we remove this Sith, then what? You take his place?"
"You know me too well." Dooku shrugged elegantly. "I desire a peaceful free society for all in the galaxy, the decaying Republic replaced by a more stable community. Removing Sidious will be the first step towards this goal."
...It wasn't a choice Sifo-Dyas made easily. The former Jedi seemed completely sincere in his words and actions, the Force reassuring the Jedi Master of Dooku's intentions. Yet, the everlasting darkness in him, and the subtle yet obvious contempt for the Sith leaking through Dooku's tongue while saying that name kept Sifo-Dyas on edge. It was clear the Count of Serreno had some sort of grievance against this Darth Sidious, but what for, and why?
Perhaps he'll learn in time. And, if the Force allows it, Sifo-Dyas can save his old friend from the pulsating darkness within him. This was an oppoturnity only a fool would decline.
"Very well." The Jedi Master finally decided, gripping Dooku's offered hand, and they shook equally. "I will aid you in defeating this Sidious, but I'm afraid as for your goal towards the Republic itself, you'r eon your own with."
Dooku nodded, as if expecting that answer. "Of course. I knew I could rely on you, Sifo. It has been too long since we last worked together."
The geniune sentimental tone incited Sifo-Dyas's nod and slight smile. "The feeling is mutual, old friend. How shall we proceed?"
Dooku, walking around the Jedi, gestured elegantly towards the large dome towards them. "We shall begin by turning Sidious's army against him."