Edited as of August 29, 2006
The Lure of the Dark Side: Chronicle 1-The Turning of an Era
Episode IV: The Clone Wars
Chapter 12: Year 3-Grievous' Special Mission
Outer Rim Planet, Nelvaan
General Grievous was fighting Count Dooku in a lightsaber duel. If anyone had seen them in passing, they'd think they were fighting to the death. But they weren't. They were merely training, as the teenage Confederacy leader was rudely reminded when Dooku began to lecture her.
"Stop using the standard attack, use the unorthodox," he barked.
Arica glared and began to do this angrily. After a few more hammering strikes, he spoke again. "How often must I tell you, control my central line."
She did this and he used the Force to throw her into some cans on the side of the room. "Good," he cooed. Picking herself up, she let out a howl of rage and began to violently strike at him.
"That's right, destroy my focus," he said egging her on, which was a shock for Arica. Never, ever did he compliment her. This however was short lived when he starting barking at her again.
"You're holding the saber too tight." She loosened her grip ever so slightly and he knocked it out of her hand, grabbing hold of it.
"Now too lightly." He studied the saber in his hand. "Hmm, a new one."
She deactivated the other saber she'd been using and smirked. "Your training have served me well Dooku. It was awarded me many trophies. One thousand and one to be exact. Yes, that's the number of Jedi I've slaughtered, I keep track. Isn't it just smashing!"
Dooku merely raised an eyebrow and looked stern. "Don't let your pursuit of tricots cloud your reality. Remember what I taught you General: if you wish to win in combat against the best of the Jedi, you must have fear, surprise, and intimidation on your side. And if any one of them is lacking it would to best to retreat. You must break them before you engage them only than will you assure victory…"
He let go of her lightsaber and floated it in front of her face.
"…and have your trophy."
She took the saber out of her face with a nod and placed it back on her belt.
"Wise council my apprentice," said the voice of Darth Sidious as the holographic figure of him appeared out of the shadows and approached them. "Most wise."
Arica smirked. She'd almost forgotten that Sidious was watching them.
Dooku humbly bowed. "My master."
"Report General," Sidious suddenly barked. "What news from the front?"
Arica's smirk turned to a smug smile as she began her report. "The strategy is working perfectly my lord. Hundreds of engagements throughout the Rim have locked up millions of Separatist warships in battles with the Republic navy, unable to break off the attack. Jedi Generals are spread thinly across the galaxy with only their clone solders to accompany them, in a vain attempt to contain our low offensive."
"Good, good," Sidious said. "Now is the time to strike. Now is the time to launch our final operation. Is everything ready for your special mission?"
Grievous grinned evilly for she could easily hear the smirk in her master's voice. "Yes Lord Sidious, the unsuspecting fools know not what awaits."