"An antidote can be made. However, we do not have all the ingredients," said the hologram of the medical droid as Dooku stood in the cockpit.
Dooku made his decision in a split second.
"What are the ingredients, and where can I find them?"
"A piece of bark from a tree in Naboo's southern swamp, a Reeksa root from Iego, and moss from high mountains of Hoth."
Dooku nodded and entered it in his data pad.
"I'll find them and bring them."
"Into Repeublic Territory, sir?" one of his crew members asked.
"I shall go alone. Take the Invisible Hand back to Serenno so Shmi can be taken care of at home. I shall go say goodbye to her and be on my way."
None of them dared to question their leader as he strode smartly out of the cockpit.
*********
"You're leaving?"
Dooku's heart tore at the hurt in his wife's voice.
"To find the missing ingredients to the antidote to save you, my dear. I'll be back soon."
"Please be careful."
Dooku nodded, leaned down, and planted a firm but tender kiss on her waiting lips.
"I'll bring back the ingredients in time. I promise."
*********
Iego was first since it was closest. He met a boy named Jaybo, who had reprogramed all the droids left by the Separatists.
"How can I help ya, old timer?"
"I am Count Dooku of the Separatists. I need a Reeksa root."
Jaybo jumped up.
"Reeksa root?! Are nuts?! It'll eat you alive! I'm not gonna tell you where to get yourself killed."
Dooku hauled the boy up by his shirt collar.
"Listen, kid, I don't care if you think I'm crazy or not, but my wife has been posioned, and unless the Reeksa root is in the antidote, she'll die! Now tell me where I can get it!"
Shaking in the Count's grasp, the boy pointed to ridge not too far away.
Dooku dropped Jaybo and made his way to the edge of the cliff. He climbed and got the root.
Hoth was next.
**********
Dooku fought his way through the blowing snow towards the cave just ahead. He had climbed the mountain without falling, so he was thankful, but he wasn't safe yet.
He'd have to wait out the blizzard in the cave before climbing back down.
He collected the moss and started a makeshirt fire.
His thoughts instantly turned to Shmi, waiting at home for his return. He had been informed the the posion effects has increased, decreasing the time he had to get the ingredients to two weeks. He sighed.
Would he be able to saved his wife, whom he loved more than life itself?
He loved her with every fiber of his being and would do anything for her. His love was deep and passionate.
Once he left Hoth he'd have to somehow sneak into the southern swamp of Naboo, which was Republic territory and where Jedi Master Mace Windu was staitioned to watch over Senator Padme Amidala as she visited her homeworld.
Dooku settled into a restless sleep, plauged with dreams of Shmi calling for him and him failing to reach her in time.
**********
Jedi Master Mace Windu immediately sensed Dooku, the moment the Count set foot on Naboo, not far from the Southern Swamp. He and Padme were not far from the swamp themselves and soon crossed paths with the rather lost Count of Serenno.
"Count Dooku?!"
Dooku abanonded his lost look for a moment to greet the Senator and Council Member.
"Senator Amidala. Master Windu."
Mace scowled at him.
"What are you doing here?"
"I need a piece of bark from a tree in the sourthern swamp, but I've unfortunately gotten myself a little lost."
Padme now frowned as well.
"Why do you need bark?"
"For an antidote to save my wife, Shmi, from a posion she was infected with on Colla IV."
Padme's eyes widened. Anakin hadn't told her that.
Her love for her own husband allowed her to see and practically sense to love Dooku had for her mother-in-law.
"Follow me."
She led him into the swamp and helped him locate a strong, healthy tree to get the bark.
"Thank you, Senator."
Dooku hurried back to his transport and back home.