"So how is Kenobi coming along?" Darth Sidious asked.

"I am unsure, my Master," Dooku said. "I have only spoken to him once. The war has kept me busy."

Sidious waved his hand, "It is no matter. It has only been a month. That said, I have some information that could prove helpful to you. I have sensed that my old apprentice, Darth Maul, is still alive."

Dooku frowned, "How can that thing still be alive? Did Kenobi not cut him in half?"

"Do not underestimate the Dark Side," Sidious said.

Dooku nodded, "Yes Master."

"If Grievous did not scare him, then perhaps this will," Sidious smiled. "I have also learned that Skywalker is now a Jedi Knight."

Dooku thought for a moment, "I believe I have an idea of how to use these things."

"Skywalker is quite taken with Senator Amidala," Sidious added. "Perhaps a threat to her homeworld?"

"Kenobi is surely aware of this, and if he is not, well he is a hero to the Naboo," Dooku said. "There is also an old flame of his who rules Madalor."

"Really?" Sidious asked.

"Yes," Dooku said. "Duchess Satine Kryze."

"Interesting…" Sidious paused for a moment, "Oh. Do tell him that Skywallker's mother is dead. He killed an entire village of Tusken Raiders in his anger."

Dooku pondered this, "So Kenobi has already failed Skywalker?"

"Yes," Sidious confirmed. "I must go now, my apprentice. Do what you believe needs to be done to bring Kenobi to our side."

Dooku bowed, "Yes my Master."

Sidious cut off the communication. Dooku sighed and got up. Grievous entered the room.

"Come. Let us show Kenobi your ever growing lightsaber collection." Dooku ordered.

"Gahaha!" Grievous approached Anakin.

"Anakin!" Obi-wan yelled.

"Master!"

"You're mine!" Grievous sliced Anakin apart.

"NO!" Obi-wan yelled.

"You promised to protect him!" A woman's voice said.

"Obi-wan, how could you let this happen?" He heard Qui-Gon say.

"So once again you have failed to protect someone who was counting on you." A voice said.

Obi-wan looked back. "Maul?"

Maul laughed. Obi-wan saw Senator Amidala and Satine be cut down by Maul. The Zabrak laughed. All Obi-wan could do is scream.

Obi-wan bolted awake. He could feel sweat dripping down his forehead. He looked at his shackled hands wishing he could wipe off the sweat. How long had he been here? Maybe a month?

He hadn't seen Dooku, or that cyborg Grievous, in a while. The war must be keeping them busy. The door opened. Obi-wan was expecting a droid with today's first meal, but instead Dooku and Grievous walked in.

"Hello Kenobi," The cyborg jeered. "I have come to show you my collection."

Grievous opened his cloak, "As you can see I have four new lightsabers. All from young Padawans."

Obi-wan looked closely and breathed a sigh of relief. He did not see Anakin's.

"As you can see I do not have young Skywalker's yet, but rest assured it will be mine."

"That is if someone else does not get to it first," Dooku interjected.

Obi-wan blinked, "What do you mean?"

"I have just received information that Qui-Gon's murder is still alive." Dooku explained.

"That's impossible. I killed him." Obi-wan said.

"And yet he lives. You see Obi-wan, this is the power of the Dark Side." Dooku continued, "If you join me I will give you what you need to find that monster and end him for good."

"Why don't you do it?" Obi-wan asked.

"I simply thought you would want to finish what you started," Dooku said.

"I have no interest in seeking revenge," Obi-wan said.

"So you also have no interest in protecting your Padawan?" Dooku asked. "The Jedi may soon learn of Maul's survival. What if they send Skywalker, alone, against this monster?"

"They wouldn't send him alone," Obi-wan stated.

"Why not? He's a Knight now." Dooku asked.

"What?" How can Anakin be a Knight? He told the Council Anakin wasn't ready. Why would they do this? He was still alive, therefore he was still Anakin's Master. Why would the Council go behind his back like that?

Dooku smiled, "Yes. It seems like the Council has left you for dead."

"Well I still have faith in Anakin," Obi-wan said.

"Well I hope he isn't on Naboo when the Blue Shadow Virus is released," Dooku said.

"The what?! You're going to unleash a bioweapon?" Obi-wan was shocked.

"You could order the death of the one who created it," Dooku offered.

"I-"

"And what about Madalor? I have heard a group known as Death Watch wishes to overthrow the current ruler," Dooku said.

"Satine…" Obi-wan whispered. He had not thought of her in ages. Someone wanted to overthrow her?

"Let me give you the tools to protect those you care about, Skywalker, his "friend" Amidala, the people of Naboo and Madalor, and the Duchess," Dooku held out his hands. "Help me make the galaxy a safer, better place. One free of corruption, so no one has to go through unnecessary loss ever again."

"I-I can't. I won't," Obi-wan shook his head. He is a Jedi. He fights for the Republic.

"Is it because you are a Jedi? No one would have to know it's you doing these things." Dooku said. "I can give you a new name. A new voice. A new look. Whatever you need to feel comfortable. Of course I would not be surprised if your answer is still no. After all, you have already failed your apprentice once."

"What do you mean?" Obi-wan asked.

"He did not tell you? Well I suppose that is to be expected. You two didn't exactly have time to talk," Dooku smiled. "His mother is dead, and in his anger slaughtered an entire village of Tusken Raiders."

"You're lying. Anakin would never do such a thing," Obi-wan said.

"But he did," Dooku said. "Search your feelings Obi-wan. I am not lying about any of this."

Obi-wan closed his eyes. Has he really failed Anakin already? He recalled his dream. He had been having it since he got here. He told Anakin dreams pass with time. But could he be wrong? Anakin said he was having dreams of his mother, and they may have come true. His own dream showed Maul, and now he knows Maul lives. He will no doubt want revenge. Anakin is a Knight now, so the Council may send him alone to locate and defeat Maul. But he is not ready for such a threat. As Anakin's Master he must do what can to protect him. He won't fail Anakin.

Dooku said that he didn't have to turn. Just fight for the Sepratist. No one will have to know. And when the war's over he can go back to fighting for the Republic. Obi-wan nodded. He would just be undercover for a time. He's done that in the past, and he can do it again.

"Very well, but keep me as far away from Anakin as possible," Obi-wan said. "That goes for Grievous as well."

Grievous growled. Dooku smiled and nodded. He used the Force to unshackle Obi-wan. Obi-wan fell to the floor. He got up on his feet.

Dooku put an arm around him, "Come General Ben Hardeen."

Obi-wan sighed.

"Let me take you to your quarters. I will send someone to give you new clothes. I will have someone build a voice modulator. Would you like it in a hood or helmet?"

"Umm… Hood," Obi-wan said.

As they walked to his new room Dooku kept talking. He tuned out most of it. When they got to his room Dooku left. Grievous had broken off a while ago. He sat on his bed and rubbed his head.

Was this the right choice? Obi-wan shook his head. He closed his eyes.

Yes. This is for Anakin, for Senator Amidala and the people of Naboo. This is for Madalor and Satine. Maul you better be ready. This time I will end you. You will never take someone I care about again. And Anakin, I will not fail you. I promised Qui-Gon I would train you, and Qui-Gon promised you mother he would protect you. If I have failed you before I won't fail you again. I will protect you, I will make you strong. I will do this no matter what it may cost.

He opened his eyes. A speck of yellow flashed in his eyes, before fading as if it was never there.