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Narglatch in Shaak's Clothing Chapter 4
70 BBY
He begins to spend time with the boy whenever he returns to Coruscant. They occasionally walk together across the great expanse of the Temple, and Dooku notes with no small surprise how little of the boy he can sense through the Force. Palpatine is like an iceberg from a frozen planet, only a small portion of himself above the murky waters, the rest inscrutable underneath. The Jedi Knight admires the natural strength of his shielding, though the masters certainly don't share his enthusiasm.
Dooku is captivated by the idea that this youngling could be a worthy challenge for him, a worthy successor and legacy. Each discussion they have draws him closer. Palpatine is brilliant in his grasp of political theory, although a hopeless idealist, perhaps worse than even Dooku. Unlike the vast majority of Jedi who seek a safe remove from the minefield of government, Palpatine embraces the inherent moral ambiguity.
He relishes it like a knight of old relished approaching battle, and he seeks to bring order to the Chaos. Dooku imagines that Palpatine doesn't usually share these thoughts of singular and concentrated leadership with his classroom instructors, enamored as they are of the Republic's precious democratic process.
And Dooku enjoys the debates they carry through the halls, enjoys the way Palpatine readjusts his stances subtly over time, adapting Dooku's knowledge to his own. One bright day, Dooku asks if Palpatine would like to spar with sabers in the training rooms, and the boy accepts with enthusiasm.
Curious, Dooku holds little back, wielding his Makashi with purposeful intent. Palpatine does not complain, and he is quickly defeated, knocked flat on the floor with perhaps more force than strictly necessary, but Dooku wants to gauge his reaction. The eyes flash with resolve, the small, battered body struggling back to its feet. Palpatine bows and asks for a second chance.
Dooku gives it and drives him to the floor again, but already Palpatine shows signs of picking up on Dooku's own style. Sloppy, rough, but innovative. He has already given up the style he had been using.
A quick learner.
In that moment, Dooku realizes that he is ready, once again, to take on a Padawan learner. He will have none other than this boy.
Several of the Jedi masters express concerns about the match. In fact, Palpatine might better serve in the Jedi Service Corps, someplace where he can contribute peacefully. Palpatine is too unpredictable to be taken on as a Padawan yet, they tell Dooku. He has not learned the proper Jedi control, and his meditations leave much to be desired. He is too closed off, too untrusting of his fellow learners in the Katarn Clan. Dooku only thinks, he's learned his lessons early.
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Let's face it, Dooku was doomed the moment he spotted him. Good luck, Dooku, he's going to need it! Enjoy reading and leave a review if you would like!