The former-Jedi-Master Dooku sighed deeply and rubbed his eyes to try and shake off the tiredness he felt. Between the Council inquiries, passing on his contact network to other Jedi, and settling his affairs, he had had some very busy weeks. Over a month, in fact, since his padawan was taken from him by the hands of the Sith. Now he let himself relax in his chair — not sag nor slump as one shan't ever do so — while he waited for the datapad to finish compiling the veritable mountain of documents and reports the Council requested of him.
Intellectually, Dooku understood why the Council asked him to produce an almost complete account of his tenure as Jedi but he had grown weary of such bureaucracy long ago. The Council seemingly expended an inordinate amount of effort to keep their archives and paperwork in order only to then proceed all lackadaisical into the most dire of situations. Repeatedly. Such haphazard behaviour tarnished the arduous work of the Order and made them appear either inept or ineffectual, and Dooku could not discern which was worse.
In the end, he only agreed to such a request if Master Yoda were the one to read it.
A beep from his datapad informed him the compiling was complete so he ejected the datachip and pocketed it. Today would officially mark his last day as Jedi, thus he forewent the robes in favour of an attire reminiscent of his homeworld of Serenno. He wore a high-collared and embroidered navy blue shirt, grey trousers and black leather boots. A wide black leather belt that complemented the rest of his attire was tied around his waist onto which he clipped his lightsabre. He placed the burgundy cloak that signified his status as Count upon his shoulders with a flourish then fastened it in place and left his room. He had rented a small yet pleasantly opulent apartment in one of the more premier sectors of Coruscant for he could not bear to stay in the Temple past the first few days upon his return from Naboo.
In spite of the Council's attempt at keeping the news of his decision a secret until the process was finalised, one was seldom capable of containing rumours before they ran rampant. The judgemental stares and hushed whispers from his peers once he set foot in the Temple grated on Dooku; such gall. Not a one of them had the pedigree coupled with the extensive accomplishments to match his that were necessary to voice a disparaging opinion on his decision. Save for very few exceptions and those have wisely chosen to remain silent.
He sat in the luxury airspeeder that was to taxi him to the Temple. He crossed both his legs and his arms then closed his eyes as he let himself be immersed in the Force. While no longer Jedi, his connection to the Force would never be severed and he accepted its embrace like a forlorn lover. With how controversial his decision was in the eyes of the Order at large, he expected the Force to greet him with a frigid and biting touch yet that was not to be; it was serene and pleasant as it pulsed and circled through both he and Coruscant. Its touch a soothing comfort and, even when he attempted to coax it into providing guidance over Naboo and his decision, it remained steadfast in its fluidity. He posited that the Force either agreed with his views or it found his struggle inconsequential.
The latter wrenched a displeased hum from the depths of his chest.
The trip was swift and, as he stepped out of the speeder, he bore sight to both Mace Windu and Sifo-Dyas as they stood in wait for his arrival. While the latter wasn't a surprise, seeing as both he and the younger Human Master were good friends, to see Windu here to welcome him as well was. The two had hardly spoken much if at all since their conversation on Naboo where he made his displeasure with the Council known. The disapproval Windu levelled against him was expected and he was prepared to dismiss any rebuttal as both men were equally stubborn. He had expected to trade barbs with the Master of The Order in a long and arduous resignation process, filled with further proselytising, yet Windu had accepted his decision. Reluctantly, yes, but he did. That was worthy of respect, which he would reciprocate in kind. Dooku cocked his eyebrow then took a singular deep breath and approached the two.
"I had not expected two Masters to be allocated for the reception of a civilian."
"You sell yourself woefully short, Dooku. While I cannot speak for Master Windu, I for one wished to see a good friend of mine once more before you take to the stars and unleash your particular brand of stoicism upon the galaxy at large." Sifo-Dyas said with a rueful smile. Dooku let his expression soften momentarily as he felt the fondness that laced his friend's admission.
"Far be it for me to deny the earnest desire of both a peer and friend. You best get your fill of my company while you still can, then, as much as I loathe how dreadful you make it sound." This drew a heartfelt chuckle from Sifo-Dyas. Dooku let the overt display of amusement pass them by then he turned to regard Mace Windu.
"Master Jedi." Dooku said with a slight bow, and his features were once more schooled into stony deference. Windu regarded Dooku in silence for a beat longer than necessary before he acknowledged the greeting.
"You have completed your task then?"
"I have, yes." Dooku levelled a long gaze at Windu. The Koruun met his eyes and nodded at his confirmation. Dooku considered if he should open himself up to the Force to gauge what bothered the Master of The Order, but he decided against it. Such matters no longer concerned him and his respect for the man did not go that far.
"I wished the circumstances for your departure hadn't come to pass. I feared this path was inevitable yet I held out hope for change and a different outcome. I'd foreseen that—"
"Do not speak of Council matters with a civilian, Master Sifo-Dyas." Windu interrupted Sifo-Dyas with a sharp glare, which baffled him, but the younger Master swallowed a retort clearly on his lips. Dooku was unimpressed and simply blinked at this display.
"Perhaps we can further our conversation later and in a more private setting, Sifo."
"Yes. Let's. It would seem the esteemed Master of our Order has been rather high strung as of late what with the coming darkness and a new padawan." Sifo-Dyas said nonetheless which caused Windu to glare at him again, something the younger Jedi ignored.
"Indeed? I was not aware you had taken a new padawan. Congratulations are in order, Master Windu."
"Think nothing of it; he's raw and undisciplined still. There is much work to be done." Windu said with a dismissive wave.
Dooku nearly scoffed at the poor attempt at deflection since if said child was truly so unremarkable then it surely would have never had captured the attention of Mace Windu. Or himself for that matter. He was about to speak further when Sifo-Dyas interjected to point out that the apprentice in question was in sight.
Dooku shifted his gaze to follow where he had motioned to and his eyes beheld a group of younglings-in-training as they ran through the corridors of the Temple. He spotted at least four in number of various species, among them a Togruta as well as a couple of Humans, and a Cathar. Their pace and the expressions on their faces indicated they were running late for their lessons. Dooku frowned as he could not discern which of them was Windu's apprentice until one of them caught sight of the Masters and his face blanched in his shock. A heavy sigh from Mace Windu clued Dooku in that this was the new apprentice.
"You know your class schedules by now so where were you that necessitates for such a hurry, Skywalker?" Windu said with his thundering, authoritative tone which forced the boy to halt fully. The rest of the younglings nearly barreled into one another, equally surprised that Mace Windu was suddenly standing there. As soon as they realised they weren't the target of the Master's attention, they scampered as swiftly as they could. The newly named Skywalker boy hesitated momentarily as he tried to reach out to his friends for support with a look of betrayal in his eyes, but they vanished around the corner unheeding of his plea. The boy pushed his nervousness aside then closed the distance so he could speak at a more conversational level.
"Uhh… piloting practice? We got a bit carried away trying to set high scores on the simulators. I won, by the way." Anakin offered with a roguish smile.
Dooku studied the boy with sandy hair and blue eyes and his unremarkable presence and he failed to recall if he had ever met this child before.
"That so? Well, then certainly you will not mind if Master Sifo-Dyas accompanies you to ensure you arrive at your next classes on time."
"No, Master. Thank you, Master." Anakin said in a masterful blend of chastisement and resignation that betrayed youthful impertinence. It made Dooku cock his eyebrow and question why Windu hadn't enforced more discipline upon him. He watched the boy be taken by Sifo-Dyas and his curiosity as to why he was Windu's padawan got the better of him.
Dooku reached out to feel Anakin through the Force and he found that the boy felt much more subdued than he had anticipated. Still, despite that, there was a denseness to his presence like it had been constricted and compounded. Yet, he could tell that it yearned to expand; to shatter the confines it had been placed in and spread its warmth. It reminded him of other children that were intimately connected to the Force and showed great promise — like Qui-Gon and Komari — but was somehow distinctively different. He couldn't quite place what made Anakin feel off, only that he did.
"You became the Master of quite a hellion. I am surprised you permit such antics." Dooku said as he studied Windu with the corner of his eye while the Koruun ran his hand through his smooth scalp.
"His restlessness was expected and requires an outlet. It's better this way."
"As a padawan he should have been kept separate from the younglings. They are enabling his behaviour and it could lead him to develop less than desirable traits." Dooku said as Windu motioned for the two of them to walk through the Temple as they spoke. It also let the Master of The Order gather his thoughts.
"I have not been as involved and rather lax in enforcing the rules during these early stages in order to gauge how well Anakin adapted to a new environment; especially one more regimented where discipline is not only expected, but demanded. Isolating him then forcing him into submission and compliance at every turn while shouldering him with the burden of prophecy and expectations would have been a dangerous proposition. He must understand he can reach out for help on his own when all other avenues fail him." Windu breathed heavily and closed his eyes as he pondered something which Dooku let him do in silence. "Although I do wonder if I should be more involved and intervene sooner rather than later, even if I am keeping my eye on him all the same."
Windu glanced at Dooku and the retired Jedi could see the unspoken request plainly in his eyes. Dooku saw the face of a particular student of his flash through his mind at Windu's words which made his stomach twist at the reminder of such disappointment. He took a single deep breath to steady himself.
"Your reasoning is both sound and, given the circumstances behind Anakin's induction, prudent. However, I do believe the boy would benefit from disciplinary actions aimed to refine his volatile emotional side. Such wilfulness can be a boon if properly honed but only then. He must be given the tools of control and be properly taught in their usage lest we risk him finding the Dark Side's allure too potent to resist."
Dooku spoke from experience, but the source of which went unsaid. There was no need to expand on it; they both knew the toll that the loss of his second padawan had on him. Windu's lips thinned as he frowned then nodded. Dooku let the silence linger as he did not wish to disturb the other Master's contemplations. Both men carried on until they reached a repulsorlift, which Windu then called for.
"I will officially address the Order of your decision in the atrium later today, should you like to attend."
"Doubtful. There is little patience left in me for meaningless pageantry. I shall instead spend my remaining time at the Temple in the company of those whom I am still fond of."
Speaking of which, Dooku then spread his awareness of the Force and he very quickly found the presence of the ageing Master Yoda in one of the many gardens scattered about the complex. Windu heard the ping of the repulsorlift and stared at the now open doors, but he hesitated to step inside. Dooku waited for the Master of The Order to speak his mind.
"I will not make light of your decision by attempting to make you reconsider it yet again; the time for that is long past. What I will say is that I hope you remain receptive to the Jedi and that both your wisdom and counsel can be shared with those who come seeking it in good faith. May the Force be with you, Count Dooku."
Then without waiting for a reply, knowing that none would come, Windu stepped into the repulsorlift and let it take him. Dooku remained still before the closed doors for some time as he mulled over Windu's olive branch. The Jedi had suffered through much negligence and sloth for many decades now which allowed for stagnation to fester. Dooku was unsure if some honeyed words would be enough to right the course, or that it would be an effective counter to the widespread corruption in the Republic, but he respected the intent behind them nonetheless. While he thought it would be for naught, it was the Jedi's prerogative to try. Still, to burn all bridges that remained was a foolish thing so he would endeavour to observe how events progressed for now and react accordingly instead.
His musings were interrupted when he heard some hushed words exchanged by people nearby. He snapped his head towards the source of the noise and levelled a sharp glare at a group of recently minted Knights. They all turned away and pretended to be doing anything else. Simpletons. Dooku frowned then marched off in search of Master Yoda as his polished boots clicked crisply with each step through the halls of the Temple.
Their connection remained ever-present even through the years of self-imposed seclusion that Dooku underwent following Galidraan and the loss of Komari. Those events had changed him and he was aware of that. While once he had been light of foot in his youth, with the Force holding him aloft and propelling him to ever greater heights, that long hadn't been the case. Ever since Galidraan and Komari, he felt his steps laden with an unseen weight; as if the Force would swallow him whole should he tread too carelessly. He sought to remedy that with meditation and isolation, but the weight hardly lessened. With the loss of Qui-Gon, It became unbearable to the point of suffocation. It was altogether unbecoming of a Master of his calibre.
Even with heavy steps it took no time at all to find the diminutive green Jedi as he was intimately familiar with Yoda's preferred locations in the Temple. He was sitting on a rock overlooking an ornamental pond with his cane resting across his lap. His head hung low as he remained deep in thought and unseeing of the water-skeeters that flitted to and fro in the crystalline water. Yoda looked weary and old.
The sight felt familiar and caused Dooku to take the time to study the Grandmaster before he approached.
"Feeling pensive, Master?"
"Much to consider and reflect on these days, there is."
Dooku didn't attempt to deny it as he climbed atop the rock and kneeled next to Yoda. He used the water-skeeters as they danced to their particular tune in the cosmic tapestry of life to centre himself in the Force. A shift coming from Yoda brought Dooku's attention to the Master's hands and his eyes lingered there in recognition as he saw the small, smooth shell held in his wrinkled green fingers. The same one he himself had used to ponder deeper questions so long ago. He now knew why this felt familiar.
"Do you disapprove?"
"Hmm… Understand your decision I do. Not the first to walk away, you are," Yoda fell silent for a moment as he continued to idly rub at the shell in a circular motion, "sting all the same, it does."
Dooku turned his gaze away from the old Master and watched the water-skeeters again. He was loath to admit the thought that his departure was so dearly felt by Master Yoda brought him some measure of… his lips thinned and his brow twitched. Of what? Satisfaction? Comfort? Guilt? Pride? This specific blend of emotions that burst forth at Yoda's statement was completely alien to him. Had he subconsciously entertained the notion he was the very best student Yoda, in all his many centuries, had ever had? Even if he was indeed peerless, he mustn't draw generalised assumptions. After all, humility was a virtue one never had an easy lesson on and even he was not immune to it. Yet, humility was equally as useful as a tool to be wielded when engaged in a negotiation with a party one wishes to reach a favourable outcome with. A tool he oft used to great effect.
"I had hoped the old hermit crab wouldn't outgrow his final shell." Dooku said then soon felt his ribs being poked harshly by the cane of his Master. He didn't flinch.
"Lie to yourself you should not."
"I have left the only home I have known and loved all my life."
"Left, yes. Abandoned, you have not. Many roles for you to play there are if true to yourself you remain. It matters little where home you call is. In here welcomed always you will be."
Dooku frowned as the word resonated in his mind. Home. An intrinsic yearning hardwired into the anima of every sapient organic. Some were blessed to have spent their entire lives without being deprived of such warmth while others were condemned to feel that they never belonged. The halls of whichever place they labelled as home were always crooked and off-kilter; or the walls were always a touch too cold. For those unfortunate enough to be in that position, the solution was to wander aimlessly until the end of days, to carve out a corner of reality to call your own, or to die.
Dooku was not one to keel over.
"There is much wrong with the Republic and the Order, Master. So much darkness surrounds us."
"Yes." Yoda trailed off as he let his feet dangle over the rock just above the surface of the pond. "Much darkness between the stars there is. To be aware of that, a true Jedi you are."
"If all that was needed to become a true Jedi is the most rudimentary level of existential awareness then why have my efforts to bring about change been fruitless? Why have those I taught and had come to take great pride in were met with untimely ends? Why do the Jedi sit idle even in the face of a galaxy that remains as cold, desolate, and unforgiving as when I was but a child?" Dooku aired his grievances freely and even conjured some frustration then allowed it to mount to a crescendo that he let spill into the Force around them to punctuate his statement. The water-skeeters swam away in a rush.
Yoda sighed.
"Answer you I can not. Find it for yourself you must. To be Jedi is to face the truth and choose: be a candle or become darkness. That the choice is and one a Jedi must make."
Dooku stilled at the admission. Even now — no matter how many years of experience he had — Yoda was a teacher, and a teacher must teach. Dooku closed his eyes and quietened the whirlwind in his presence that he deliberately flared earlier, letting him return to equilibrium. A plop sound from the pond marked a water-skeeter jumping up to eat a glow-fly that flew too low.
"Even when it all feels for naught?" Dooku said carefully.
"Easy decision it never was and never will be. Endure we do because easy,it is not. On whose shoulders should the burden be placed if not Jedi? Hmm? To be the candle against the dark, who to trust? Politicians? Pah!"
Yoda snorted and then, for the first time since they began to talk, he turned his head to regard his student. Dooku could see the weariness and the long years in those glittering, emerald eyes, and at this moment he related to the Grandmaster more than all the previous decades they had spent as peers combined. Dooku breathed deeply and steeled himself.
"I am sorry for leaving at a crucial juncture in the history of the Jedi but I no longer agree with the Order's methods. Only through reform and by taking a more active role will we fulfil the promise of peace that the Senate too often breaks. Balance — true balance — will not be ushered in by a prophesied Chosen One but, instead, it shall come to be through the product of our continued toil. Now, I am not a fool nor am I blinded by my pride to believe I will bear witness to the fruits of my labours in my lifetime. However, an initial step must be taken so as to blaze a path for others to follow and if, to accomplish those goals, I must shed my ties to the Order and become the standard-bearer for a new dawn then so be it."
Dooku had his gaze locked with Yoda's all while he spoke and, by the time he finished, he felt himself ready to withstand the barrage of defiance that he was sure would come. He would dismantle any notion of appeasement that could be levied against him for he knew best how the Order could be redeemed. After a moment, Dooku could not tell exactly how long had passed, he felt Yoda's presence brush against his and he welcomed its touch. He felt the reassurance, the warmth, and the pride that emanated from the old green Jedi. He also felt the vastness and depth of his power in the Force which blanketed him in a protective veil. Yet, he could also feel the apprehension, the doubt, and the fear. For the future, for the Order, for him.
Dooku had once heard how Yoda felt concern and love equally for every student and every Jedi that ever walked the halls of the Temple. He would readily admit he had thought such a tale to be allegorical. The depth of the feelings he received from Yoda in the face of an uncertain future were such that it dispelled that notion. At this moment Dooku wondered what Yoda could feel from him and, when their touch in the Force untangled, he felt light again.
"A great light you are, young Dooku. It burns bright and long in the dark. Live enough to see the results of your efforts, I hope I do." Yoda smiled and held out the shell for his padawan to take. Dooku hesitated.
"I thought you would have fought me more adamantly than this." Dooku said in a soft voice. Another flurry of foreign emotions coursed through him. Was he hurt from being let go? What foolish sentimentality. Surely this was Master Yoda waxing poetic to lull him into leaving himself more unguarded; the old Jedi must have used this speech on many others before him. He opened his palm regardless.
"Not one Jedi without a fight have I let go. But… trust in the Force I do. Little else to say there is." Yoda let the shell drop into Dooku's hand. "Remember Yoda's promise: when you fall, catch you I will."
Dooku stared at the small, plain, and ordinary shell in his hand. He felt its smooth texture and the brittleness of the material. It had been a long time since he held it last and he had forgotten much about it. All except for one thing. Many decades ago, Dooku — still a padawan — had been asked a question by Master Yoda that he often liked to ask his students: what are we, think you? A simple question that birthed a million answers. From the mundane, to the scientific, to the esoteric, to the philosophical, and everything in between.
One night, next to this very pond, a young and sombre Dooku on the eve of his most dangerous mission yet and afraid of outgrowing his home had thought of an answer to that question. In the end, what we are is: alone. Alone the Jedi stood before the threat of the Sith. Alone were they the protectors of peace and guardians of the Republic. Alone they found themselves when tempted and beset by the Dark. Alone would they be when the end came.
Now as he held the shell for a second time, he was struck by a thought.
"What we are is the choices we make…"
Dooku was unaware he had mumbled aloud; a fact he only caught on to when he heard Yoda let out an amused hum. He felt a wave of irritation for a moment before he stilled in realisation. This… was nostalgic. In but an instant he was the naïve padawan afraid of both the vastness of the universe and the Force again. With one of the Masters most heavily involved in his training by his side and a promise of sanctuary bereft of any caveat left open for him to accept. He also remembered all the nonsense he had wrought due to his youth, and Dooku began to reminisce over those tales with Yoda. He smiled then started to chuckle over a particularly funny one. Yoda joined him. Soon, the two laughed into the air with only the water-skeeters to hear. Albeit, Dooku did so in a rather subdued fashion for to be boisterous was unsightly.
Sadly, the laughter eventually died out and the two friends sat in companionable silence; for that was all the two tired old men right now were. For minutes that stretched on and on, they sat and gazed out at the pond under the clear skies of Coruscant. Finally, the time had come. Dooku placed the shell into his breast pocket then fished out the datachip that contained the documents the Council requested. He placed the chip upon the rock next to Yoda, then he stood, gave the Master he respected above all others a silent bow, and began to leave. As Dooku turned his back completely to Yoda, and felt his presence let him go, he expected the heaviness to return; for the Force to admonish his desire to walk away. Only the heaviness never came.
He walked and did not look back.
There were precious few that Dooku would bother spending an extended amount of time engaged in conversation with. As mentally stimulating as his discussions with Sifo-Dyas were, he doubted the man would be available any time soon after his impromptu minder duties to Windu's rebel padawan. Besides Yoda, there was only one other person he could admit to be looking forward to speaking with and that would be Jocasta Nu. The Order's Chief Librarian never left her post if she could help it, so it would be trivial to locate her. However, he was also familiar with her general disposition, which meant if he came bearing gifts then the forever reserved woman might greet him with warmth rather than vexation over his interruption of her duties.
Dooku made his way to the refectory and requested a teapot, his preferred tea blend, sugar, two cups, and spoons. He arranged all the items neatly onto a tray then carried it with due poise down to the Archives. By now, most Jedi that had maintained their wits about them refrained from testing Dooku's patience any further so the trip was blissfully uneventful.
He stepped into the broad expanse of the Archives and took a moment to appreciate its majesty as it would likely be the last time he ever set his gaze upon it. The Archives was one of his favourite dwellings in the Temple if for no other reason than the quiet. It provided a place for reflection as well as vast knowledge in a galaxy often suffering from a dearth of both. Dooku passed by one of the bronzium busts arranged into rows which depicted the nineteen Jedi Masters that have willingly severed their ties to the Order: the Lost. He scoffed. A facetious title when one considers that each and every one of them likely had valid protests and sound logic behind their choice, much like he did. It was telling that the Jedi wouldn't deign to commit the reason for their departure into script for fear such words would sway others to follow in their steps.
"It won't be long until your regal visage is added to this illustrious group."
Dooku slowly turned his head away from the busts to regard the speaker, which, as he had sensed, was Jocasta Nu. The Human woman, like him, was advanced in age yet showed little lethargy as she smiled openly at him. He felt a small smile grace his own lips at the sight of her.
"One can only hope I do not share their ignominious end. For a sculpture to be all that remained of me would be one of history's greatest travesties."
"Oh there is no doubt in my mind that your deeds will be spoken of in admiration for generations to come, dear." Jocasta said after a chuckle. Dooku preened at the compliment but kept his reaction subdued. He spared the bust one final glance before he once again locked eyes with Jocasta.
"I would be honoured if the lady accompanied me for tea." Dooku said as he easily slipped into the role of a nobleman that Jocasta liked to have him play.
"Oh? And pray tell what is the blend that will be ours to enjoy?"
"Gatalentan, naturally." Dooku said, which drew an involuntary gasp from Jocasta as her eyes twinkled in delight.
"You didn't!"
"Nothing but the best would suffice. After you, madam."
"Oh Dooku, you rogue." Jocasta said in a sing-song tone and she backhanded his arm playfully.
She then led Dooku to a table in one of the more secluded areas of the Archives so they could enjoy an added level of privacy. Not that the Archives had much traffic, seeing as Windu notified all Jedi present at the Temple of the announcement. Once seated, conversation and their beverages flowed in equal measure as the two longtime friends spent time together. They reminisced, traded stories, personal anecdotes, and traded in some mild lighthearted gossip concerning other Masters.
"I must confess that I've dreaded this day would come. Your idealism will be dearly missed amongst our ranks." Jocasta said after a lull in the conversation and a sigh. Dooku had hoped he could avoid speaking on the subject any longer.
"I had felt it was inevitable for quite some time." Jocasta stayed silent for a while as she seemed to think deeply before she reached out to hold Dooku's hand which he accepted.
"I know what happened to Qui-Gon is a tragedy that you claim the Council had a hand in," Dooku simply blinked and restrained himself from uttering a scathing comment, "and I know that you still feel the loss of Vosa but you shouldn't torture yourself over any of it. The Order needs you."
"Vosa became lost to us through her own folly. I settled the matter as a proper Master ought to and have not shed tears over her fate. As for Qui-Gon… the less said about the matter, the better. I have expounded on it ad nauseam." Dooku said carefully and, while not a lie, it wasn't the complete truth.
No tears were indeed shed. What he did feel, however, was resentment. That such a promising padawan would readily squander her potential for something so foolish as misguided feelings for him. In addition, that act also simultaneously tarnished his image as a Master and a teacher. That she disappeared during a mission did not even begin to redeem her for such failure. What a waste. Komari and Qui-Gon were supposed to be his enduring legacy in the Order and now there was none.
"Just…" Jocasta paused, reconsidered something, then sighed, "promise me that you will not shun the teachings of the Jedi over those slights. Please."
Dooku looked into her pleading eyes and felt the tremor in her presence as she held out hope. He swallowed thickly.
"I will not betray my principles, Jocasta. You have nothing to fear." Jocasta bit the inside of her lip but accepted his words with a nod. Dooku let his presence caress hers in a soothing touch like he often did when she worried.
"What will you do now? Beyond the Order?"
Dooku gazed off to the side as he pondered what to tell Jocasta. He trusted her, but his plans were dangerous and best kept secret for now. The longer the Jedi remained oblivious of his actions, the more freely he could work.
"I will return to Serenno and accept the mantle of my birthright. There is much that needs doing in order for my holdings to reclaim their past glory. I likewise believe the time has come for Serenno to return to the Senate proper and make its voice heard."
"I always admired your dedication. You will bring about great change." Jocasta said and squeezed his hand. Dooku reciprocated.
Anything they had further to say went unsaid as the reminder that Mace Windu's announcement was due to start at the atrium rang out through the Temple. Jocasta Nu seemed reluctant to leave Dooku but he assured her he had enjoyed her company, however short it was, and that they could still keep in touch. That mollified the woman and she stood to leave, but not before she sent one last meaningful look at Dooku. He held her gaze, graced her with one last smile, and watched her disappear behind a shelf. The former Jedi remained seated at the table for a while later with his thoughts swirling.
Once he made sure he was alone, Dooku stood and made for the deeper parts of the Archives reserved for only long-serving Masters and the most scholarly of Consulars. He needed to make use of his still valid credentials or retrieval of what he was looking for would have been far more difficult. Thankfully, the Jedi would only revoke his status of Master at the end of the standard day so none of the security measures barred his progress. One final scanner later and the thick durasteel doors parted to allow him entry into the Restricted Section of the Archives where the most guarded secrets the Order possessed were stored.
Rows and rows of display cases filled with artefacts of significant cultural or historic import — be them mundane or steeped in the throes of the Dark Side — along with innumerous codices, holocrons, and records filled Dooku's eyes. He scanned it all with a cold, clinical gaze then approached the main console. He first queried for any mentions of Dark Side organisations, cults, or covens that the Order had amassed.
There were many results such as the Yacombe, or the Shapers of Kro Var but most — those included — had long been dismantled or laid dormant and he doubted there was anything substantial left to learn from. There were also unconfirmed rumours that the Witches of Dathomir had a clan comprised of their banished undesirables more attuned to the Dark Side. Despite the Witches' proclivity for associating their views and usage of the Force too closely to rituals with religious connotations for his liking, they could still provide useful insight nonetheless if he deemed it a worthwhile pursuit. The main hurdle to be overcome would be their strict matriarchal society that abhorred outsiders; doubly so if they were members of the male sex whom the Witches took great joy in enslaving for breeding purposes. Troublesome.
A particular entry did give Dooku pause: it was a report of strange occurrences along with baffled accounts of magic. However, what drew his attention was the mention of unassisted flight. That was a feat unlike anything he had thought possible even with the Force. All of these sparse reports originated from a remote jungle planet called Cularin. Nothing else about it or its people were known. This intrigued Dooku and he saved the entry.
Next he opened the Master Index and scanned through the list of artefacts until he found what he was looking for and where it was stored. He left the console and walked with purposeful strides down a specific corridor that took him even deeper into the bowels of the Restricted Section. Here, the most volatile items were kept inside duranium vaults locked so that only a Force user could open them. Dooku ignored every vault except for one: ANP-7426.
He raised his hand and used the Force to carefully release a complex array of latches, tumblers, and pressure-sensitive triggers until a hollow thunk was heard to signal the vault had been unlocked. A hiss of decompression tore through the silent chamber then the vault door slid open to reveal a raised dais bathed in foreboding light upon which sat a pyramidal artefact: the Dark Holocron.
Dooku paused as he studied it. It was small. Diminutive enough to fit in the palm of his hand. Yet, it was the single most complete record of the Sith and their teachings that the Jedi possessed; going back over a hundred thousand years. It was pure. Free of any alterations and amendments that a philosophy invariably underwent through the aeons; be it due to dogmatism, extremism, schisms, or necessary change. There were inscriptions, still crisp despite the several millennia, inlaid into it.
"In umbris potestas est… fitting." Dooku muttered under his breath.
Through his experiences in the last few decades, one simple truth made itself clear to Dooku: that the Council, and the Order as a whole, were blind to the tides of the Dark Side and the machinations of the Sith. From the ashes of their defeat at Ruusan, the Sith found themselves bound by the rigid structure of an Order or a Brotherhood no longer. Thus unrestrained, they adapted accordingly, and the shadows and the Sith melded into one. The Jedi — in their current guise — were unable to distinguish the Sith from the wider tapestry of the Force. They had falsely believed their foe's demise and forgotten what they looked like. Ergo, one needed to reacquaint themselves and learn. To recognise the threat an enemy can exert is to be cognisant of their presence. To be cognisant of your enemy is to be vigilant of their methods and actions. Only then could their eyes gaze upon where the Sith slithered and counter them effectively.
No longer would the Jedi fail in their duty as protectors. No longer would the blight of the Sith remain unchecked. No longer would padawans die senseless deaths.
Dooku retrieved the Dark Holocron and, once he held it, he was struck by the denseness of the Dark Side compressed into this small artefact. While he had felt many locations and items steeped in the Dark Side to various degrees, the Dark Holocron overshadowed all of them in its concentration. It pulsed and urged its holder to delve into its secrets and imbibe from its blackened pool of knowledge wantonly. Dooku frowned, ignored the whispers, then redirected the Dark Side's taint to wash through him and disperse into the Force. He stored the holocron in one of the utility pockets in his belt. He then closed the vault and exited the Restricted Section, but not before he wiped his visit from the records. With nothing else that required his attention, Dooku decided to leave the Temple once and for all. As he made his way through the halls, he caught sight of a holoprojector that was transmitting the announcement of his departure from the Order. Windu was currently giving a speech with Master Yoda standing at his side.
Dooku paused as he studied the two Masters. He doubted either of them would approve of his decision; they might even label him a traitor and proclaim him fallen. Still, he felt it was necessary. Perhaps, amidst the Council's stubbornness, their views had coloured their perception of the Dark Side and it was what led to their blindness of it. He would not make the same mistake. This endeavour was for a purpose beyond merely an acquisition of power. His will was strong and his mind clear. There were few Jedi who he would call his peers and none were his equal. He was the most capable out of all of them to face the trials ahead and would be the one to bring about a new age for the Republic. As he left the Temple, his conviction crystallised further and he vowed to not ever falter.
For he was Dooku, Count of Serenno and this was the path he chose to blaze.
AN: Phew, took long enough. Despite the troubles, Dooku was very fun to write.
Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. With the chapter out of the way, I would to announce that I will be collaborating with Arsenal597 (of Reforged Destinies fame) in a smaller - in comparison to Penumbra, at least - sideproject. It is a Harry Potter x Mortal Kombat 1 fic called Shatterpoint. Sounds crazy, I know, but I think anyone interested in the idea is going to like it. The prologue should be up over on AO3. Check it out if tickles your fancy.