A/N: Thank you for your kind reviews. I will be doing my best to uphold expectations.
To Starboy454: Please take a look into your dms. :)
To Critical2023: I have to admit I have also only read two fanfics where Dooku took a leading role but only one of them is where Dooku is actually still a Jedi. Though both of them were rather well written, I have to admit.
To GeorgeChristian810: As you will read, the Trandoshans have a bit of a different idea for little Harry. Also what's wrong with Aayla and Ahsoka for his pairing? I can somewhat understand the criticism with Aayla as many SW + HP fanfics have that pairing but Ahsoka? Not really. (But maybe that's just the crush I have had on Ahsoka since 2008 talking). Though I can say that it won't be Ahsoka. Harry is 7 right now and we are in 43 BBY. Ahsoka won't be born until 1989/36 BBY so no, the age difference would just be too great. That would be like pairing Percy Weasley with Gabrielle Delacour. Also, will Harry even get a pairing? Perhaps, perhaps not muahahahaha. xD
More Reviews are welcomed with open arms. Any criticism or questions will receive answers. Suggestions are also taken into consideration. I am also thinking of building a community server in the future. Let me know your thoughts about such a thing. :)
Showing old geezers how it's done: Chapter 3
Chapter Start
June 1982 / 43 BBY, Kashyyyk:
Dooku's face said everything about his mood as he stood amidst the towering trees of Kashyyyk, his gaze fixed on the quickly escaping hovercraft in the distance where his potential future padawan now was, captured by the Trandoshans' nefarious contraption. After Harry had been caught, most of the remaining Trandoshans had chosen to retreat with the rest keeping Dooku and the other's occupied. Those had paid with their lifes but that didn't bring Harry back. Dooku knew that he couldn't let the Trandoshans get away with Harry, who knew what they would do with him? No, risking the boy's death was not on Dooku's agenda.
Wraarrgon, the burly and battle-hardened Wookiee warrior that had just fought besides Dooku, approached him with a resolute expression on his furry face, again. Beside him was Kodaaack, the chieftain of the village they had just defended, a Wookiee of immense stature and wisdom. They had gathered the other Wookies for some reason and were now coming back to him with their protocol droid. Kodaaack rumbled something that Dooku could not understand, his voice deep and reverberating through the forest.
"Master Jedi," the protocol droid translated for the Wookie "we cannot allow the young one to be taken by the Trandoshans. He has fought bravely alongside us and defended our children. He might be a youngling but he is an honorable warrior, and we will not abandon him."
"That will not be necessary, honourable Chieftain, I will take any necessary steps to bring Harry back to safety and will use all of my recourses available to make sure that he survives" Dooku said.
Kodaaack, the elder chieftain, nodded in agreement and growled again. "Indeed, Master Jedi, but the young human has earned our respect and our aid. We insist to stand by your side to rescue him."
"Are you sure, Chieftain Kodaaack? The Jedi Order has many capable warriors and you have just survived an ordeal that you shouldn't be facing at all let alone so regularly"
"It is welcome to see a Jedi who acts on his morals, Master Jedi, but we can assure you that the time of grieving will come after the young warrior has been rescued. Not to mention that I speak from experience when I say that your High Council is often slow to act."
Dooku regarded the Wookiees with a mix of surprise. He had expected such unwavering support from these noble creatures but the bite in their words was something that surprised him. Thinking over Chieftain Kodaaack's words he came to agree with the Wookie. While he had grown accustomed to his own independence and self-reliance, he could not deny the strength of their warriors and he also knew that the High Council might act too late.
"Your offer is both honorable and appreciated," Dooku conceded, his voice measured and respectful. "But I must warn you, the Trandoshans are formidable adversaries. I have faced them before, and they are not easily defeated."
Wraarrgon's eyes blazed with determination. "Master Jedi, we are no strangers to battle. We have faced many threats on our homeworld, most often against the Trandoshans. Our blood demands revenge. Together, we can overcome these Trandoshans and rescue our young friend."
Kodaaack added, "We shall not let you face this peril alone, Master Jedi. Your protege is now one of us, and we protect our own."
Dooku couldn't help but admire the fierce loyalty of the Wookiees. He knew that their determination would not be swayed, and they were right; together, they stood a better chance of rescuing Harry from the clutches of the Trandoshans.
"Very well," Dooku agreed, "we shall devise a plan to rescue Harry. But know this, your courage and unity are a testament to your people's strength. Let us proceed and bring the boy back safely."
With the bond of their shared purpose, Dooku and Wookiees began strategizing their rescue mission, their determination burning brightly like the stars that punctuated the Kashyyyk night sky.
Something that soon came apparent, was the Wookies' fleet of ships or rather the fact that they didn't have one. Dooku had been left disappointed when the only thing the Wookies really had was aircraft, or more specifically their hovercrafts that performed well for defensive purposes but had no ability to leave the atmosphere.
The High Council had sent him another shuttle to get him off the planet and back to Coruscant but that would take a day to arrive and Dooku needed something with a little more firepower. This is why he turned to someone with a little more... ability to get him such a spacecraft.
"Master Dooku, it has been long since we have seen eachother, too long I would say." the holo figure in front of him said.
"Indeed, cousin Anya but you know the Order's code"
"Yes, your pesky no attachments rule.. well then Dooku, what is your reason for calling after all these decades?" Anya said with a raised eyebrow.
"I am here to request a small, well armed frigate along with a small fleet of hyperspace capable starfighters capable of carrying a few dozen warriors to be sent to Kashyyyk. Upon finishing my business the cruiser would then be returned."
"I see... and why would I grant such a request?"
"I'd say because we're family but I know you wouldn't accept such a reasoning. I need the starships to rescue a Jedi padawan who has been captured by the Trandoshans and likely taken to Wasskah. I am trying to stage a rescue together with the Wookies"
"Hmpf... I and Merrle still owe you a couple times from those times on Alderaan and Zygerria. Alright you can have your ships but those favours are gone in response. Any specific ships you wish to receive?"
"That is acceptable, cousin and yes an MF-63P type frigate aswell as 8 GSS-32B dropships should be enough for my purposes."
A/N: Shoutout to Shoguneagle on DeviantArt as I have used his picture of the MF-63P for my visualisation. The GSS-32B class is my own invention if you can say that but based on the GSS-5C Dustmaker.
"I approve of your choice, the 63P frigate is truly a formidable warship for it's size. Oh before we end the call, the ships should be at Kashyyyk in about a day."
The conversation ended there and Dooku returned to the Wookie village to tell them about the small fleet of ships they would soon receive. There he saw that they had indeed gotten reinforcements from neighbouring villages, they would have no trouble to man the ships atleast for the short trip.
**Scene Break**
June 1982 / 43 BBY, Kashyyyk, :
Dooku, along with the Wookiees of the village and their chieftain Kodaaack, worked tirelessly to rebuild what the Trandoshans had damaged during their brutal attack. The jungle echoed with the sounds of labor as fallen trees were cleared, damaged huts were repaired, and the attacked villages slowly but steadily regained their former shape.
The Jedi Master, though not as physically powerful as the Wookiees, still contributed his share. His lightsaber proved invaluable for felling and cutting the massive trees that would be used as lumber for the repairs. With precise strokes, he directed the emerald blade through the wood, ensuring that it fell in a controlled manner and caused no further damage to the village.
Kodaaack, the wise chieftain, oversaw the reconstruction efforts, his towering figure moving among his people, offering encouragement and guidance. He was a pillar of strength and determination, and his presence lifted the spirits of his fellow Wookiees.
Wraarrgon, who had been at Dooku's side during the battle against the Trandoshans, worked tirelessly, his muscular arms lifting heavy logs and his keen eyes watching over the progress. He occasionally exchanged nods of acknowledgment with Dooku, a silent understanding passing between them.
As the days turned into weeks, the village slowly but surely began to regain its former glory. Huts were rebuilt, the foliage was tended to, and the wounds inflicted by the Trandoshans were healed. Dooku marveled at the Wookiees' resilience and the sense of community that bound them together. He had known this for a long time of course but witnessing it first hand was something else alltogether.
As the work neared its completion, a great feast was held in celebration. The village echoed with joyful Wookiee songs and dances, and Dooku found himself joining in the festivities. He marveled at the sense of unity and camaraderie that permeated the village, grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of their recovery.
**Scene Break**
June 1982, 43 BBY, Wasskah:
The moon Wasskah was a moon that was unusually unpopulated despite being habitable. The force here regularly cried out in pain as new prey was captured on other planets and released and hunted here. To the Trandoshans, the type of prey didn't really matter but Jedi younglings and padawans aswell as Wookies were highly contested, especially the Jedi as it wasn't often you were able to capture one.
And so it was again today, Bossk, a young Trandoshan hunter, had to admit to himself. He had finally been allowed to take part in a hunt of a padawan, it would only be his second time, but today's padawan was pretty unusual. For one, the boy was unusually young for a padawan and from eyewitnesses had used a blaster to defend the Wookies and not a lightsaber. That alone made him very interesting to Bossk but it was also slightly disappointing. Lightsabers sold for a lot on the black market (nobody had to know it was from a padawan in this case after all) and the boy sadly didn't even have one.
Nethertheless, the boy would most likely prove to be a worthy prey.
The alarm blared and Bossk knew it was time to prove himself by killing a few of the newly captured prey. He would go straight for the boy.
Pov Change
As the dimly lit cage jolted and rattled, Harry clung to the cold metal bars, his thoughts racing. He had no idea where he was or how he had ended up here. The last thing he remembered was being in the midst of a blaster fight with Trandoshans, trying to protect the Wookiees. Then a hovercraft had appeared in front of him and caught him with some type of cable before everything went black. Now, he found himself confined in this cage, suspended in mid-air.
Harry took a few deep breaths, drawing upon the Force to steady himself as best as he could, which was still rudimentary. His performance on Kashyyyk was interesting however, he had let go completely and let the force guide his actions. Was this what truly made the Jedi and Sith so huge dangers to a normal soldier? His senses sharpened, and he began to assess his situation. The cage was suspended from the ceiling of what appeared to be a dimly lit, metallic chamber. His blaster, his one reliable tool, was gone, taken from him by his captors. The Trandoshans, ruthless hunters he had encountered only on Kashyyyk before, were known for their love of hunting sentient beings for sport but Harry couldn't know that at this stage.
As his thoughts raced, the hatch beneath him suddenly swung open, and Harry fell unceremoniously to the hard ground below. It was a rough landing, but Harry had learned to endure such hardships during his time on the Dursleys' property. He used the Force to enhance his physical abilities, quickly getting back on his feet.
The area he now found himself in was vast and cavernous, a scarred environment with dead tree and dusty ground, dark walkways and ominous machinery looming overhead. It was an alien and hostile environment, one that reeked of danger. Harry knew he needed to escape and find out where he was.
Shots rang out around him and he could hear cries of pain from around him. He hadn't noticed it until now but he was far from the only prisoner being released into the environment. He sprinted forward, desperately trying to escape the stray blaster shots sent his way. He didn't get far however and his leg got his after only two seconds of running. He rolled to the side and dodged another shot by doing so.
With newfound determination, Harry sprinted away from the drop zone, his senses on high alert. The sounds of his footsteps echoed through the environment as he darted around corners and leaped over obstacles. He couldn't afford to be caught. He couldn't afford to be the one getting killed.. not again.
After what seemed like an hour but probably wasn't more than 20 minutes, he had finally found a small cave where he was able to rest.
'Bloody hell' he thought grimly 'Seems like my luck isn't much better here than it was in Hogwarts. But where the hell am I?' He looked around to see if he remembered such a planet from the movies... 'No I don't think I recognise this.. perhaps one of the colder spots on Mustafar?'
He didn't have long enough to think about something like that for too long however as the force quickly began warning him of danger again.
He sat down and began to meditate. After a minute of doing so he could feel a small group of sentient beings walk roughly in the directions of his current position. It would take some time before they arrived at his location, if they even did, so he could still run away. But did he dare risk revealing his position? No, the cave gave him a certain amount of protection against other dangers from this planet. He went deeper into the cave and squeezed himself beneath the roots of a massive dead plant. He then relaxed and slowed his breathing and as if they had waited for just that moment, a Trandoshan appeared not 10 seconds later.
"Hey Ressak, can you see him down there?" a faint voice from somewhere else called out to the Trandoshan roughly 3 meters away from Harry.
"Nah, noone's here, Bossk" the Trandoshan near Harry shouted back.
"You sure? Control said, two were spotted running into this direction"
"Well wherever they are, they're not here. I am coming back up, no use in staying here" the Trandoshan near Harry shouted back again, before walking away from Harry's location. Only when he couldn't hear their voices anymore did he let out a huge breath but he still decided to for a few minutes before scouting the area again.
Over the course of the day, Harry faced numerous challenges. He encountered other captured individuals, strangers from various species and walks of life, all united by their desperate bid for survival. Among them was Janus Lovissque, a young Padawan whose wide eyes spoke of fear and confusion. He and Harry immediately teamed up, surprised but grateful for having found another member of their shared Clan.
"So how'd you end up here, Janus?" Harry softly asked after some time of silence. Janus winced slightly and rubbed his neck in what was clearly embarrassement.
"Uhm so me and my master were on Onderon when we were ordered to Nar Shaddaa by the High Council to track down an apparently famous bounty hunter that killed the son of the senator of Kessel. We were chosen because the bounty hunter worked for our clan the last time he was sighted on Nar Shaddaa so yeah, in we went. Well, on the way there we made a short stop on Kashyyyk because my master had sensed a disturbance in the force and... uhm so Master Jamal was killed and I was captured..."
"Oh... my condolences for your loss, Janus"
"It's.. alright, Harry. Okay scratch that, no it's not really that alright but Master Jamal and I hadn't known eachother for very long yet so I hadn't had time to really grow a bond with him, yet."
"Yeah I know what you mean"
As the hours passed, the Trandoshans increased their efforts in their relentless pursuit.
**Scene Break**
The setting sun cast long, eerie shadows across the desolate landscape as Harry and Janus Lovissque sprinted through the barren terrain. The world around them was a haunting wasteland, filled with the remnants of a once-thriving ecosystem, now reduced to twisted, dead trees, jagged rocks, and sheer cliffs. During the past hours they had seen several other people being hunted down by other Trandoshans. Helping them was no use, as everyone seemed to blame the two for being there and the two they had helped immediately ran off and ratted their location out only to get themselves killed shortly after. So much for keepers of the peace.
'I knew the Jedi couldn't have been the most popular if most people just accepted Order 66 but this is plain ridiculous' Harry lamented internally. What was even more worrying was that Harry and Janus were almost all what was left of the captured ones as they had head from a patrol while they were hiding behind a rock.
20 minutes later and Harry could feel the ominous presence of their pursuers closing in, their cold-blooded determination radiating through the Force. They had encountered two particularly relentless Trandoshan hunters, their scaly hides glistening in the fading light as they closed the distance.
"Keep moving, Janus," Harry whispered, his voice filled with urgency. He could see the fear in the young Padawan's eyes, but there was also a flicker of determination. They were both survivors, fighters, and they wouldn't go down without a fight.
The uneven terrain made their escape treacherous. Harry leaped over a fallen tree, his muscles straining as he landed on the other side. Janus followed suit, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Their heartbeats echoed loudly in their ears, a constant reminder of the danger that pursued them.
The Trandoshans were gaining ground, their footsteps heavy and deliberate. Harry could hear their guttural hisses and snarls, a chilling testament to their bloodlust. He had come to realise that their captors reveled in the thrill of the hunt, and they saw the two Padawans as their prized prey.
As Harry and Janus reached the edge of a steep cliff, their options grew limited. The rocky landscape stretched out before them, dropping down into a deep chasm. Harry's mind raced, searching for a way out, an escape route that would lead them to safety.
With a quick glance at Janus, Harry made a split-second decision. He reached out with the Force, using it to enhance his own physical abilities, and then, in one fluid motion, he jumped off the edge of the cliff. The wind rushed past him as he descended, the ground below coming closer and closer.
At the last possible moment, Harry thrusted his hand towards the ground which slowed his falling velocity after which he extended his hand and grabbed hold of a narrow rock jutting out from the cliff face. The impact jarred his arm, but he held on, his fingers gripping the rough surface with all his strength.
Janus, following Harry's lead, made the daring leap as well, his fingers just managing to catch the same outcropping. Harry strained, using the Force to assist Janus in pulling himself up onto the ledge.
The Trandoshans reached the cliff's edge, their expressions twisted in frustration. They hissed and spat, their hunting instincts driving them to pursue their prey at any cost, in the end, however, they quickly accepted that their prey had escaped for now, Harry and Janus had found a momentary reprieve on the precarious ledge, their hearts pounding in their chests as they faced more unknown challenges that undoubtedly layed ahead.
Eventually Harry realised they had no choice but to defend himself, to become the predator rather than the prey and to strike back. It took some time to convince Janus of that fact but each near encounter with death took it's toll on the older boy until he finally agreed.
They lured a large group of seven Trandoshans into a dead end and used the force to trip the reptiles. They took some of the enemy blasters and ran away but were followed by two of the Trandoshans who were eager to get their weapons back. Soon after they had to come to the realisation that the two weapons they had stolen were damaged when they tried to kill their two hunters. After a few more minutes of running the two Trandoshans had caught up to them and so Harry took a dare. Summersaulting over the two Trandoshans he began beating into one of them with a sharpened rock which quickly killed said Trandoshan. The other one soon fell to the combined efforts of Harry and Janus. For the rest of the evening he got weary glances from Janus every once in a while, knowing that his ruthlessness must have unsettled the older boy.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting eerie shadows in the dimly lit chamber, Harry knew that the night would bring new challenges. They couldn't let their guard down, for they were still far from escaping the clutches of the ruthless Trandoshan hunters, especially since they were likely the only survivors by now. The first part of their ordeal had only just begun.
**Scene Break**
June 1982 / 43 BBY, Kashyyyk:
The Serenno night sky was a tapestry of stars, and the distant planet of Kashyyyk shimmered below as Dooku piloted his starfighter alongside the Wookiee-owned frigate. The lush and vibrant world held memories of his recent time spent among the noble Wookiees, rebuilding their village and forging bonds of camaraderie.
But now, his focus had shifted to the neighboring planet, Trandosha, where Harry remained captive in the clutches of those damned Trandoshans.
He sighed, nothing had been going easy on this mission so far. The force really wanted to put the young boy through one challenge after another just to become a padawan it seemed.
When some of his newly aquired dropships finally arrived on the surface, he and his newly made Wookie allies came aboard and traveled to the frigate which was stationed in orbit of Kashyyyk for now. Dooku, along with Wraarrgon and a couple of other Wookies took one of the dropships and began traveling to Trandosha.
As he soared through the cosmos, Dooku wrestled with an internal battle. How far was he willing to go to rescue Harry, this enigmatic young boy who had shown remarkable strength and resilience? The Jedi Code and the principles he had adhered to for so long demanded restraint and balance, but his past had blurred the lines not to mention the connection he had formed with Harry
In the solitude of his starfighter's cockpit, Dooku reflected on his life's journey, from a Jedi Knight to a respected Master who was willing to toe the line between what the High Council tolerated and what it didn't and now to a point where he was willing to defy the Order's conventions. He had been guided by principles of wisdom and restraint, but Harry's fate hung in the balance, and the Force was pushing him to make a choice.
He remembered the young boy's unwavering determination to protect others, the way he had saved Dooku during their encounter with the Trandoshans on Kashyyyk. Harry's actions had transcended his age and experience, and Dooku couldn't ignore the potential he saw in the boy.
Eventually, Dooku made his decision. He would do whatever was necessary to rescue Harry, for the sake of the boy and for the potential he represented. The Jedi Order might never fully understand his choice, but Dooku had always been a Jedi who followed his own path.
Arriving in orbit of Trandosha, Dooku steeled himself for the challenges ahead. The path he had chosen was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he was determined to bring Harry back to safety, whatever the cost.
The Trandoshans were a proud and stubborn species, and they were not forthcoming with information. Dooku realized that diplomacy would get him nowhere in this hostile environment.
In a secluded corner of the cantina, Dooku confronted a group of Trandoshans. With a mere gesture of his hand, he immobilized them in their seats, their eyes filled with fear as they realized the power of the force was upon them once they spotted his lightsaber.
"You will tell me what I want to know," Dooku said, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. "Where is the boy I seek? Small, around 7 years old, black hair, green blueish eyes, Jedi Padawan."
The Trandoshans resisted at first, their instincts urging them to defy the intruder. But Dooku's mastery of the dark side was overwhelming. He delved into their minds, exerting his will until they began to crack under the pressure.
Pain and fear coursed through their bodies as Dooku continued his mental assault. Slowly, agonizingly, they revealed the information he sought, what he found didn't fill him with confidence or satisfaction but rather worry. Harry was on Wasskah, Trandosha's moon, a place where the Trandoshans often hunted captured prey for sport.
Dooku released his hold on the Trandoshans, leaving them trembling and broken in their seats. He had what he needed, and now he had a clear destination. With a cold determination, he left the cantina and returned to his ship. Harry's life depended on him, and he would stop at nothing to bring the young potential Jedi back from this nightmarish hunt.
**Scene Break**
June 1982 / 43 BBY, Orbit of Trandosha:
Dooku settled into the comfortable chair in his ship's communication room, his expression grave and resolute. He knew that the message he was about to send to the Jedi High Council would not be received lightly. But he had made his decision, and he was prepared to face the consequences.
Activating the holocomm, he initiated a secure transmission to the Jedi High Council on Coruscant. The holographic image of the Council chamber materialized before him, and he saw the familiar faces of the Jedi Masters who made up the Council.
"Master Dooku," greeted Master Windu, his brown eyes regarding Dooku with a knowing gaze. "To what do we owe this unexpected communication? Have you completed your mission?"
Dooku bowed his head respectfully. "Masters of the Council," he began, "I regret to inform you that I have made a brief detour from my current mission and must make another one. I have come across a potential Padawan and taken him with me, and I believe it is of utmost importance that I recover him."
Murmurs of surprise and concern swept through the Council chamber. "Detours are not taken lightly, Master Dooku," Master Windu stated with a hint of disapproval.
Dooku nodded. "I understand the gravity of the situation, Master Windu. But the boy in question is strong in the Force, and his life is in grave danger. He needs our help."
"Explain the circumstances," demanded Master Koon, his mask concealing his expression.
Dooku briefly recounted the events that had transpired on Nar Shaddaa, including the death of Areshk Krekas and the subsequent revelation of Harry's presence. He left out the specifics of Harry's actions for now, focusing on the urgency of the situation. He then recounted their experience on Kashyyyk, leaving out Harry's teleportation ability and his following graceful use with a blaster out of the report.
"I have already located the potential Padawan," Dooku continued, "but he is in a perilous situation on Trandosha's moon, Wasskah. It is a place where the Trandoshans hunt sentient beings for sport. I must act swiftly to rescue him."
The Council members exchanged uneasy glances. They understood the moral dilemma Dooku faced. Saving a potential Padawan was a noble cause, but detours from missions were rarely sanctioned by the Council.
Master Yoda, the wisest among them, spoke next. "In a difficult position, you are, Master Dooku. Save the boy, you must. Present him in front of the council upon your return, you will. Consequences, there will be. "
Dooku bowed respectfully. "I accept full responsibility for my actions, Masters. I will recover the potential Padawan and return to Coruscant as soon as possible to provide a full report on my mission on Nar Shaddaa."
The holographic image of the Council nodded in agreement. "May the Force be with you, Master Dooku," Master Windu said with a sigh, acknowledging the difficult path that lay ahead.
With the Council's reluctant approval, Dooku ended the holocommunication. He knew that his decision would have consequences, but he was unwavering in his commitment to rescuing Harry. The potential Padawan's life depended on it, and Dooku was determined to see this mission through, no matter the cost.
**Scene Break**
June 1982 / 43 BBY, Orbit of Wasskah:
The starry expanse of space stretched out before them as Dooku's small fleet of a frigate and a number of dropships, aswell as a small starfighter that his cousin had quietly thrown into the deal, entered into orbit around Wasskah, Trandosha's moon. The small moon loomed in the distance, its harsh landscape visible even from orbit, a grim reminder of the dangers that awaited them below.
Dooku glanced out of the viewports of his starfighter, taking in the Trandoshan spacecraft that orbited Wasskah. The vessels were a motley collection of hunter ships, some sleek and menacing, others more heavily armed and imposing. Dooku knew they would have to disable these ships to stand any chance of rescuing Harry and escaping this deadly game.
The dropship vessels formed a loose formation around the frigate, each craft piloted by a determined Wookiee pilot and filled with Wookies out for revenge. Dooku transmitted a message to the Wookiee chieftain, Kodaaack, via secure comms. "Prepare for battle, and remember, our primary objective is to find Harry, so leave atleast one or two enemy vessels alive."
Kodaaack's rumbled response was translated over the comms, "Understood, Master Jedi. We shall follow your lead."
As the Wookiee ships moved into attack positions, Dooku activated his own ship's weaponry systems. His elegant vessel, despite its smaller size, was heavily armed and well-suited for this task. He would serve as the vanguard of the assault, leading the Wookiees into battle.
The Trandoshan ships detected the approaching threat and began to scramble their defenses. Klaxons blared, and energy shields shimmered to life around their vessels. Turrets and blaster cannons rotated to target the incoming attackers.
With a deft touch on the controls, Dooku guided his ship into a graceful dive towards the Trandoshan fleet. The Wookiee ships followed suit, roaring into action with the raw power of their engines. The battle was about to begin.
Bright laser fire streaked through space as the two forces clashed. Dooku's ship weaved and dodged with expert precision, avoiding incoming blasts while returning fire with pinpoint accuracy. The Wookiee vessels, though formidable, were slower and less maneuverable, but their tenacity made up for it. The frigate was a bit behind but it's size forced most of the Trandoshan vessels to fire upon it.
Explosions blossomed in the void as turbolaser fire found its mark. Trandoshan ships erupted into fiery conflagrations, their hulls breached by well-placed shots. But Dooku and the Wookiees were careful not to deliver fatal blows, adhering to Dooku's orders. They aimed for engine systems, targeting propulsion and control, leaving the enemy vessels adrift but intact. Still, it wasn't avoidable that most of the Trandoshan vessels exploded after being disabled a little too much.
The battle raged on, a ballet of fire and fury in the cold expanse of space. Dooku's ship evaded incoming fire with the grace of a dancer, its weapons striking with deadly accuracy. The Wookiee vessels roared and howled as they fought, their voices echoing through the comms as they communicated and coordinated their attacks. The protocol droid was naturally unable to translate everything for Dooku, so he just suck to the plan.
But the Trandoshans were no pushovers. They retaliated with fierce determination, their blaster fire cutting through the void, knowing that their lives would likely end if they surrendered. Wookies weren't much less brutal or any more forgiving when angered than the Trandoshans and they knew that. Energy shields shimmered and crackled as they absorbed the impact of enemy fire. Explosions blossomed around Dooku's ship, sending shockwaves reverberating through space.
Dooku knew that time was of the essence. He couldn't let this battle drag on for too long, or the Trandoshans would adapt and overcome. With a calculated move, he aimed for the largest Trandoshan ship, likely their command vessel. Focusing his fire on its engines, he unleashed a barrage of shots that crippled the ship's propulsion.
The command vessel spiraled out of control, its massive frame careening through space. Dooku watched as Trandoshan ships moved to rescue their stricken leader, their defenses momentarily disrupted.
"Kodaaack," Dooku transmitted, "now is our chance. Deploy the ground team to Wasskah. I shall provide cover from here and join shortly after."
The Wookiee chieftain acknowledged the order, and a group of Wookiee warriors disembarked from their vessels, boarding small transports destined for Wasskah's surface.
Dooku continued to engage the Trandoshan ships, keeping their attention focused on him as the Wookiees descended to the moon's surface. Explosions and laser fire filled the void as the battle reached its climax. But Dooku's tactical brilliance and the Wookiees' unwavering resolve prevailed.
With their ground team safely on Wasskah, Dooku left the frigate's side. The Wookiee vessels followed suit, leaving Wasskah's orbit in a blaze of glory.
As Dooku's ship and the Wookiee fleet made the jump to hyperspace, Wasskah and its deadly game of prey and hunters lay behind them. The real battle was about to begin on the moon's surface, where Harry awaited rescue from the clutches of the Trandoshan hunters.
The thick, humid air of Trandosha greeted Dooku and the Wookiees as they touched down near what could only be a prison chamber. The scent of vegetation mixed with the acrid odor of the nearby facility, a stark reminder of the danger that awaited them. Dooku and the Wookiees disembarked from their ships, their faces masked by their fierce determination.
As they approached the prison chamber, they could see it heavily guarded by Trandoshan sentinels and hunters. These reptilian beings were armed to the teeth, their imposing frames clad in heavy armor adorned with trophies of their past hunts. Energy shields shimmered as they formed a defensive perimeter, and blaster rifles were at the ready.
Dooku ignited his blue lightsaber with a flourish, its blue blade casting an eerie glow on his stern features. The Wookiees roared in unison, their bowcasters, crossbows and close quarter weapons drawn, ready for the impending clash.
With a nod to the Wookiee chieftain Kodaaack, Dooku took the lead, stepping forward to engage the enemy. The skirmish erupted with blaster fire and the clash of melee weapons.
Dooku's lightsaber danced through the air with precision and grace. He deflected blaster bolts with ease, the blue blade reflecting the deadly energy back towards their assailants. Trandoshan sentinels fell one by one, their armor no match for the Jedi Master's skill and the Wookiees' relentless onslaught.
Kodaaack and the Wookiee warriors roared as they charged forward, their bowcasters launching deadly projectiles that found their mark. Trandoshan hunters dropped to the ground, their howls of pain echoing through the chamber.
The battle raged on, blaster bolts and energy shields creating a chaotic symphony of destruction. Dooku moved with calculated precision, his lightsaber dispatching foes with ruthless efficiency. Kodaaack and his warriors fought with unwavering resolve, determined to free Harry from the clutches of their captors.
But the Trandoshans were fierce opponents, and they were not to be underestimated. Their blaster fire grew more accurate, and their hunters displayed cunning tactics. One Trandoshan launched a net, ensnaring a Wookiee warrior and pulling him off his feet. Another triggered a smoke grenade, obscuring their vision and making it difficult to pinpoint their targets.
Amid the chaos, Dooku maintained his focus. His blue blade cut through the smoke, striking down Trandoshan hunters with precision. The remaining Wookiees pressed on, rallying around their chieftain as they fought to break through the enemy's defenses.
Finally, after a fierce and intense skirmish, the tide of battle began to turn. Trandoshan sentinels fell, their shields overwhelmed by sheer force, and their numbers dwindled. The Wookiees, their strength and resilience unmatched, pushed forward relentlessly.
With a final clash of lightsaber and bowcaster fire, the Trandoshan defenders were overwhelmed. The remaining guards and hunters fled in disarray, their resolve broken. The prison chamber lay before them, its doors opened, revealing the path to Harry's rescue.
Dooku deactivated his lightsaber, the blue blade fading into nothingness. He turned to Kodaaack and the Wookiee warriors, his voice filled with gratitude. "You fought with honor and courage. Now, let us retrieve Harry."
The Wookiees roared their approval, their victory cries echoing through the chamber. Together, they entered the prison chamber, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in their quest to rescue the young Padawan from the deadly game of Wasskah. Dooku convinced the Wookies to remain behind at first, as he intended to make the Trandoshan surrender.
There he found only a few remaining hunters that had raised their blasters at the entrance door. With a wave of his hand, the blasters were ripped out of the hands of the four Trandoshans who surrendered quickly after.
"Where is the boy?" Dooku demanded to know, his baritone voice halling through the chamber.
"I don't know what you're talking about.. gakh" the Trandoshan spat at Dooku before his throat constricted and Dooku's use of the dark side lifted the reptile into the air. The Trandoshan's eyes remained defiant however, clearly not believing that a noble Jedi knight would kill a defenseless opponent. Dooku quickly disproved the Trandoshan of that fact when he snapped the reptile's neck and let him fall to the ground. He turned to the other three occupants of the chamber and raised an eyebrow. They glanced at eachother before one of them finally began to speak, hesitatingly sure but atleast he did.
"Uhm... well... the thing is, Master Jedi, that we have no idea. Please believe us when we say that we haven't seen the two captured Jedi since last sunset." the Trandoshan said and Dooku didn't like it, but through the force he could feel that the reptile was speaking the truth.
"Ugh.. of course" he muttered to himself before igniting his lightsaber and killing the remaining Trandoshan hunters before they were able to react.
**Scene Break**
June 1982, 43 BBY, Kashyyyk System, Wasskah:
Harry, blearily eyed and thirsty, dragged himself out of the cave, he and Janus had been sleeping in over the night. The night had been long and tough for the two boys, more so for Janus than for Harry however. While Janus was more experienced in using the force to survive, he had never been forced to use it beyond training purposes. Harry on the other hand got used to hunger and thirst as a servant for the Dursleys in his first life and as a slave for the Nar Shaddaa hunters in his second one.
"Hey Harry, is it morning already?" muttered an aswell sleepy Janus behind Harry, Janus was not a morning person.
"Unfortunately, yes. I will most likely not take much longer until we have to move"
"Ugh, already? Hmpf" Yep, Janus was definetely not a morning person. Unfortunately, to his dismay, Harry's words proved to be true as the first patrol hovercraft passed their little cave within the next 20 minutes. It weirdly seemed to travel into the direction of the chamber however and the occupants were strangely panicked from what Harry could see.
The next few minutes were tense for the two boys until they noticed that nothing more seemed to happen. Indeed, there was a silence unusual for the environment and the consequent varying levels of danger Harry always was able to feel through the force were suddenly absent.
Something definetely had happened but what?
"I think, Harry, that we need to get ourselves one of those hovercrafts and fly to back to the chamber. We cannot survive out here much longer and I am losing hope that the High Council is going to send someone for us." A dusty Janus said behind Harry.
"Do not worry, Janus, I doubt that Master Dooku would leave me behind but you are right, let's get moving" he replied and so it was. The two exhausted boys carefully went outside and scouted the area before deciding that it was clean. For the next hour or so they dragged themselves towards the direction of where they had roughly come from and where the previously mentioned hovercraft had flown towards.
**Scene Break**
As the starfighter's engines roared to life, Count Dooku felt a surge of anticipation mixed with apprehension. He had set his course based on the faint Force impression he'd gleaned from the meditation session he had taken part of after... getting rid of the last Trandoshans in the prison chamber. The sensation tugged at his senses, guiding him towards an unknown destination. With the Sorosuub starfighter's powerful engines propelling him through the void of space, Dooku trusted in the Force to lead him to Harry and Janus.
Minutes passed, the starfighter slicing through the emptiness of the dusty atmosphere. Dooku remained vigilant, his senses attuned to any sign or presence that could lead him to the missing Padawans. The galaxy felt vast and desolate around him, but he couldn't afford to lose hope. The Force was his guiding light, and he had faith that it would bring him to Harry and Janus.
Finally, a subtle shift in the Force caught Dooku's attention. It was a whisper, a faint murmur that beckoned him to change course. He adjusted the starfighter's trajectory, following the beckoning call of the Force.
As he approached the designated coordinates, Dooku's sharp eyes spotted something unusual on the surface of a barren moon. A small clearing amid the harsh landscape seemed to be the focal point of the Force's guidance. With precision, Dooku guided the starfighter to a smooth landing.
Exiting the starfighter, Dooku felt the Force's presence even more strongly now, confirming that he was in the right place. He followed the sensation, walking through the moon's eerie terrain until he came upon a heart-wrenching sight.
There, beneath the heat of the sun, lay Harry and Janus, sprawled on the ground, their faces etched with exhaustion and suffering. They were both dehydrated, their clothes tattered and filthy from their ordeal on Wasskah.
Dooku knelt beside them, concern etched on his face. "Harry" he called softly, raising his eyebrow at the other boy besides the one that was destined to become his padawan, he was sure of it. Seemed like Harry had made a friend, and another padawan to boot.
'Already making allies' he thought in amusement.
The two Padawans stirred, their eyes fluttering open. Disbelief and relief washed over their faces as they saw Master Dooku standing before them.
"Master Dooku?" Harry whispered, his voice raspy from thirst.
Dooku offered them a small, reassuring smile. "It's good to see you both. We need to get you out of here."
With great care, Dooku helped Harry and Janus to their feet, supporting their weakened bodies. He could see the weariness in their eyes, a testament to the hardships they had endured on Wasskah. As they slowly made their way back to the starfighter, Harry and Janus began recounting their harrowing experiences, the relentless Trandoshan hunters, and the brutal trials they had faced.
Dooku listened intently, his heart heavy with the knowledge of what the boys had endured. Yet, he also felt a sense of pride in their resilience and determination to survive.
"We will ensure that these Trandoshans face justice," Dooku vowed as they reached the starfighter. "But for now, let us return to safety."
He activated his communicator.
"Kodaaack, I have found Harry and another padawan. Please send one of the dropships to my location"
The three of them boarded said dropship 10 minutes later, and Dooku initiated the launch sequence. As they soared back into space, heading for the sanctuary of their own galaxy, Dooku couldn't help but reflect on the unwavering strength of his Padawans and the unbreakable bond that had brought them back together.
The chapter ended with a renewed sense of purpose and a journey back to Coruscant, where they would face the Council and the challenges that lay ahead.
**Scene Break**
June 1982 / 43 BBY, Coruscant, Jedi Temple:
The Jedi shuttle gracefully descended through the skies of Coruscant, its white wings catching the glint of sunlight as it approached the landing platform. As the vessel touched down with a gentle thud, Dooku's focused gaze turned toward the bustling activity of the cityscape below. Beside him, Harry looked out in awe at the sprawling metropolis.
"We have returned to Coruscant, Harry," Dooku said, his voice carrying a sense of both duty and familiarity.
Harry nodded, his wide eyes taking in the towering spires and flying speeders that surrounded them. "It's so big!"
Once again Dooku couldn't help but feel that Harry's emotions of surprise and amazement weren't entirely genuine.
Dooku offered a small smile anyway. "Yes, it is quite impressive. Now, let us head to the Jedi Temple."
Together, Dooku, Janus and Harry made their way from the landing platform to the grand entrance of the Jedi Temple. The massive doors opened before them, revealing the towering structure that housed the heart of the Jedi Order. The hallowed halls of the temple welcomed them, the atmosphere a mixture of reverence and tranquility.
As they entered, familiar faces of fellow Jedi passed by, acknowledging Dooku with nods and respectful greetings. Soon Janus split from Dooku and Harry, going to his quarters. Dooku's steps were measured as he guided Harry through the temple, leading him toward the heart of Jedi governance—the High Council's chamber.
Reaching the doors of the chamber, Dooku paused and turned to Harry. "Wait here, Harry. I must confer with the Council."
Harry nodded, his gaze a mix of curiosity and a hint of nervousness. "Okay, Master Dooku."
With a reassuring nod, Dooku entered the chamber, the doors closing behind him. The room was adorned with ornate carvings, and at the center, the esteemed members of the Jedi High Council were seated in a semicircle. Grandmaster Yoda and the others regarded Dooku with attentive expressions.
"Master Dooku," Master Windu began, his voice carrying a tone of gravitas. "Your mission to Nar Shaddaa has concluded. We are eager to hear your report."
Dooku stepped forward, his posture conveying both respect and authority. "Council members, I regret to inform you that my findings were somber. Areshk Krekas and two others were responsible for the death of a young woman named Meli. In turn, they were killed by a skilled bounty hunter."
Yoda's ears perked up, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "A puzzling situation, this is."
Dooku nodded. "Indeed. I attempted to deliver the truth to Senator Krekas, but he vehemently denied any wrongdoing by his son."
Master Yaddle's gaze remained steady. "What of the bounty hunter?"
Dooku's expression remained composed. "I did not pursue the bounty hunter further. My main concern was to uncover the truth surrounding the disappearence of Arkesh Krekas."
Ki-Adi-Mundi leaned forward, his voice inquisitive. "And what of the boy who accompanied you?"
Dooku's gaze shifted to the council members, his tone measured yet firm. "I brought Harry Peverell with me as he possesses a unique potential in the Force. I have observed qualities in him that suggest he could become a powerful and dedicated Jedi. He has survived several ordeals that have seen him resist circumstances where many others would have given up." He said leaving out what exactly these ordeals Harry had gone through had been.
The council members exchanged glances, a mixture of curiosity and deliberation in their eyes. Master Poof's voice held a note of skepticism. "Taking an outsider this old as a padawan is a decision that warrants careful consideration, Master Dooku."
Dooku inclined his head, his tone earnest. "I understand the gravity of this decision. However, I believe that Harry's potential is undeniable. He has demonstrated courage, determination, and a strong connection to the Force."
Yoda's gaze held a sense of wisdom as he spoke. "Long and thoughtful discussions, this will require."
The scene ended with the council members exchanging nods and glances, their decision still pending. Dooku's fate, as well as Harry's future as a Jedi, hung in the balance as they awaited the Council's deliberation.
End of Chapter
