"Hello, Everyone!" I said as I stood with my hands clasped behind my back. "You're watching 'Question Corner', and I'm your host Kale."

Being dressed in jeans, and a black blouse, I stood before the audience with a simple smile. Pretending that I was excited to have this guest on, and that the Show hadn't secretly been threatened.

Logically, I should have had Dooku's invitation revoked, but to the public it wouldn't have made sense. We still hadn't announced Dooku's demand to have our 'Question Corner' cancelled, and figured we never would. It would have been the Separatists word against what? A talk-show host? I didn't see that going far for us, so the plan was to receive him as I would any other guest. Oh, and of course, it was only by chance that we tripled our security beforehand.

"Please, let me introduce to you, Count Dooku." I elaborately gestured to my right before casually clapping along with the rest of the crowd. When the Count came on stage, I felt a wave of relief for two major reasons. A: He didn't have his lightsaber like Grievous, and B: He attire was more formal than usual; which gave me a good reason to believe he wasn't going to attack us. Who would chance the ruin of their fancy new set of clothes...Of course, he was a Count, so he probably had twenty more just like it back home.

Shaking the thought away, I outstretched my hand to him when he was only three feet away from me. A big, fat smile spread across my face. I wasn't surprised when he took it and gave my hand a firm shake, but I was a little stunned to find him smiling back. In this moment, he reminded me more or less of an aged grandpa than a feared Sith Lord.

"Please," I indicated to the chair beside mine, "sit down." When we were seated, we shared the usual 'thank you for coming' and 'happy to be here' bit, but every word of it felt fake and drilled. Obviously, neither one of us liked each other, but neither one of us were going to willingly admit that in public.

"So, tell me," I leaned into my chair with one leg crossed over the other, while he still remained rigid and formal in his, "what made you decide to come on the Show?"

"I wanted to show my support to your cause." He inadvertently gestured to the set around him, "You help people see who they're voting for. Allowing them to get a feel for the side they're on. I find this more than brilliant."

"Then, thank you." I rested my elbow on the armrest and leaned my cheek against my fisted hand, "I've noticed you decided to wear a festive shirt." I pointed to the silver platings adorning his shoulders and the silver buttons going down the front.

He blinked at me once with an unfilled expression. "Oh...yes, well, a festive shirt for such an occasion is more than I can do."

Smiling sweetly, I picked up the cards and shuffled them as I watched him under hooded lashes. "Shall we begin?"

"If you think that's best."

Giving a relaxed nod, I began, "'Jesslyoko324' asks you, 'Why don't you tell General Grievous the truth about the shuttle crash he had?"

Immediately, the corners of his lips twitched downwards, but he seemed more amused than frustration. "You should tell your reader not to spread lies among the Galaxy, Miss Kale. It is most unbecoming."

"As you wish," I shrugged slightly, "'Sithlord8665' asks, 'What was your reason for leaving the Order?'"

"There were many reasons why I left the order, but the battle of Galidraan played a major part in it."

"What happened on Galidraan?"

"It was a misguided mission that led to the death of many Jedi and it wasn't the first of the Council's poor decisions."

"'Ahsokatano191' asks, 'How did you feel after Qui-gons Jinns death?'"

"It was a shame what happened to my former student." He replied, with a frown, "He had much potential."

"'Pronker' asks, "How did Mother Talzin get a piece of your hair?'" My brows creased, "You know, maybe I'm just old-fashioned, but it doesn't seem wise to give your hair to witches."

"I assure you, Miss Kale, at the time I had little choice in the matter. However, I'm not permitted to fully answer this question." He slightly tilted his head up in defiance.

"Fair enough." I shrugged, "'Hazardous by Instinct' asks, 'Are you aware that Republic citizens love making fun of your name?'"

"My name is my own." He rushed out quickly, "What people choose to do on their pass time is not my concern. Let alone some Republican's pass time."

"So, hurtful." I held a hand over my heart, but waved him off when he shot me a look. "Oh, I'm just teasing. It's a healthy way to look at it actually. The next question is from, 'Jedi-TARDIS-Chick101.' She asks, 'Why did you choose a curved lightsaber hilt?'"

Dooku smiled lightly; noticeably pleased with this inquire, "I purposely chose the curved-hilt lightsaber because it had little to no connection to the weapon of my old master, Yoda. The curve also allows the hilt to fit better into one's hand, giving me a superior finesse and precise blade control."

"And it looks fashionable." I commented,"Here's an interesting question from 'Pronker'." I held up the card, "'When you were told you to get rid of Asajj because she was gaining too much power, did you ever think of disobeying him? Like, for instance, faking her death or something like that?'" The audience cheered at this idea, hooting and hollering at the Count.

Licking my lips, I bowed my head as I tried to smother a smile. I could see why the Count didn't like our show so much. When I thought I could manage a straight face without laughing, I looked back at Dooku only to find him glaring at me. Staring me down as the crowd cancelled out any other noise. I grimaced.

Eventually, everyone did settle down, and this gave Dooku a chance to say with a cool temper, "I was informed that my former padawan had become a threat and a traitor. I did what I was told, despite my own perceived notion. It's something we all must do someday."

"What's done is done." I blurted before the crowd could retaliate, "'Emerald the Warrior Princess' asks, 'If you could have any other name than Dooku, what would it be?'"

"I'm sorry," He said in a forced, formal tone, "but I never put much thought into-"

"Come now," I drawled, "Everyone's thought about what they would call themselves if they could choose. Why not you?"

"I'm perfectly fine with my name." He pressed, "Thank you."

"Then, I shall dub thee, Bob." I stated blatantly.

"Excuse me?" He watched me through narrowed slits, "I don't see how me not wanting to choose a different name gives you the right to insult me. On public television for that matter." He indicated to the camera and audience. A sneer almost sneaked on his face in the process, but it caught himself. He wanted to make me out to be the bully.

"Oh, no." I shook my head innocently, "Bob is a well known name on Earth. Gosh, we were originally going to name this ship Bob. I believe it means bright frame." I pointed to him as I added, "And you just seem so nice and bright to me."

Obviously unamused, he pursed his lips at this and nodded only slightly.

"Okay," I sighed, "'Weathergirl17248' asks, 'How old are you?'"

"You should know never to ask an old man his age."

"If you don't tell, I'll guess."

His right eye twitched. "I'm in the mid-80's."

"See? Not that hard." I chirped, "'Dark Angel' asks, 'Can you shave your beard?'"

Sighing, he shook his head. "I like my beard just the way it is."

"And lastly from, 'Dark Angel'. 'How long were you Master Yoda's apprentice?'"

"About five years."

"And, with all the questions out of the way, we have some requests to grant." I placed the cards down on the table and then pivoted myself towards the audience, "Would Dark Angel, Sithlord, and JediChick come down from the audience, please?"

Dooku looked off to see three girls stand up from different areas of the crowd and begin to make their way towards the stage. "Ah," He quietly commented, "I'm remember this part."

Standing up along with the Count, I asked in a perfectly naïve tone, "So, you've watched our show?"

"Oh, I've been watching your show for sometime, Miss Kale." He quietly explained as he drew his hands behind himself, "I've been observing it very closely." The last word hovered for emphases on his part, but I chose to ignore it. Instead, I put my focus on the three, young girls as they made their ascent up the stairs and onto the platform. Each smiling brightly, except for one.

"Welcome," I began as I greeted them each individually before I took a step back. Scanning each of them, I eventually looked to the one bouncing on her toes. "So, Dark Angel," The girl dressed in a blue shirt and jeans pressed her hands together and squealed. Her ponytail jogging with the motion. "how about you go-" I was cut off when she darted passed me and hugged the Count without hesitation.

Wrapping her arms around his waist, she said as her cheek pressed against his chest, "You're getting a hug whether you like it or not." And held him there until she eventually released and trotted back to the others with a piano sized smile. "Yeah, alright. I'm good."

I eyed her sideways, "Okay, then. Count Dooku, this is Sithlord." I pointed to the girl wearing a white blouse and jeans. Her hair being done down in curls, she came up to the Count and stuck out her hand.

"Just...wanted to say hi." She smiled sheepishly.

Dooku, still shell shocked by the earlier request, paused for several seconds. Blinkly down at her as though she were going to hug him, too. But, when Sithlord held herself there with her hand still waiting, he willingly took her hand in his and gave it a firm shake.

"Are you a Separatist, my dear?" The corners of his lips twitched upwards.

"No, I'm a Republican."

His faced turned cold and unamused once more, "What a shame." and he retracted his hand immediately and put his arm behind his back again. Sithlord rejoined me and gave a faint shrug. "Well, that was rude." She muttered to me quietly.

Patting her on the shoulder, I opened my mouth to announce Jedi-Chick's name, but was interrupted when Jedi-Chick stalked passed me. I watched her as she made her way to the Count before saying, "Yeah...No one ever lets the Host do her job." Sithlord went to pat my shoulder sympathetically.

The Count blinked twice at the young female as she went to stand before him. Her arms folded and her eyes trained on his with a scowl. I had to admit, she looked so small standing next to such a tall man, but this seemed to matter little to her.

He half smirked, "Republican, I presume-" I flinched when Dooku was cut short by the loud, smacking sound of flesh against flesh as Jedi-Chick's palm scraped across his cheek at full force. Dooki, stumbling back a step, held his right cheek as it began redden from the blow.

"You should know that I hate you."

Rubbing his cheek, he replied, less formally, "Hate, is rather a strong word, my dear. I'd use it wisely, if I were you."

Angry myself, I came up to grab Jedi-Chick by the elbow, but failed when she ripped by me and ran off. With the room completely still, I dared to take in a breath before I turned to Dark Angel and Sithlord. They stood there with their mouths agape.

"Why don't you guys go find your seats, okay?" I ushered them both off the set.

"I-Is she allowed to do that?" Dark Angel half-whispered to Sithlord.

"She can't. But she just did..."

"Count Dooku, I'm so sorry." I practically pleaded as I checked his face for any serious damage, "I-well-It's just they're not usually like that."

Straightening his spine, he towered over me for a moment as he sent me a kind smile. It was small enough to where he wouldn't have to put much effort into it, but big enough for the Universe to see. "Don't trouble yourself, Miss Kale." He placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze, "There was no real harm done and I've faired far worse, I can assure you." Now, he was playing the poor naive victim. Well, I couldn't say it wasn't clever.

"I promise, we'll have an icepack waiting for you backstage." Extending an uncertain hand towards him, I waited. The last few villain who attended the Show didn't want the 'fairwell' handshake, but they didn't have an excuse. Dooku did. Of course, he would take it though; because he had to pretend that no harm was done and that he really wasn't planning on exacting revenge upon the child and the family that bore her. From what I've seen, humiliation and Sith don't mix unless they're giving it.

After we shook hands, he gave me a short bow and left. I watched for a while at his retreating figure and wanted to die when he pretended to stumble slightly. Holding his head as though he felt foggy-brained. When he was gone I gridded my teeth. Okay, I hated him, too.

"Alright," I faced the crowd with my arms folded, "Next person that slaps a guest gets put in the time out..." There was a few moments of pause, "Okay, I don't actually have a time out area, but I will find one." I raised my index finger threateningly, "Seriously, though, we can't be slapping guests. Otherwise, they won't come back anymore. And, yes, I saw the grenade you wanted to throw, Mysteryman. And the ship you tried to steal from Dooku, Darth Tyrone."

I shot an amused glance to the two men sitting in the front row looking utterly guilty. "Our next guest will be Commander Trench. Now, even though, I know he isn't a Sith, we are interviewing all with Separatists political views. So, remember the rules: No M-rated questions, 2 questions per person, and check out the reviews to make sure your question hasn't already been asked. Oh, and no slapping a guest!" I added in quickly.

"Before we go, on behald of 'Question Corner' we'd like to thank: Mysteryman, Jesslyoko324, Pronker, Riptor25, Lightsaber12, CreatorsCasting, Rexorz, Darth tyrone, TheDoctorCT-21-0408, Grace, Dark Angel and Dark Star, Jhinx1, Emerald the Warrior Princess, Rogue 2k8, Sithlord8665, AngelAxexinf, Dark Brother 16, Jediclonecowgirl, Comrade, TripleThreat123, Weathergirl17248, Dovahkiin154, Dogma23, Rexsgirl123, Purplewillowtrees, NobelMeta, Kickincupcakebutts6, Glabierules, Ahsokatano191, JediChick101, Hazardous By Instinct, Celtice and Dukakis 2016, AaylaKit, Bookreaderninja, Yaya The Elf, AaylaKitofNiflheim, Dogmatup24, Spikala, Shadowclanwarrior, Snip1212, Captainrexbest35, Rex133668, Monsterhuntergod-Ratholas Mkl, TolkienGirl052, Nat13cat, AaylaKit, Avalonyx, AL0LT0, Just another fanfic author, Angel's anthem, Anakin Ahsoka, Azalea, Rose, Tessika 14, Queen, Thearistacats, Skywalker02, Onryo, KitFisto'sGirl, Alex Tsukino, Lady gaga, Lefty blondy, Ahsoka33, and TCTrent45!