A lot of conversation in this chapter. The following chapters will have more action, I promise.

Chapter 3:

Location: Jedi Temple Archives

Time: After the Council Meeting

Third Person POV

Master Dooku of the Jedi Order calmly and quietly walked through the halls of the Jedi Temple Library. As he made his way through the archives, he made sure not to be seen before entering the restricted section, a part of the library with limited access that only Jedi Masters were allowed. He walked through the narrow halls of files that contained every bit of the known history of the galaxy, and even some of the unknown. He kept walking till he reached his destination and goal, the planetary and stellar maps division.

Once again, Dooku looked around him to make sure he was not seen, before sighing deeply and opening the file of his and his master's interest. The planet Kamino, an ocean planet with seemingly an endless rainstorm that covered most of the planet for most of the year. Its inhabitants, as a result, had created large cities in giant disk-like structures that stood above the crashing waves. But that wasn't what interested him or his master. Instead, it was their technology.

The Kaminoans were an interesting species. They were a solitary nation that layed outside the galaxy. They were an arrogant and prideful people but would be more than willing to work with anyone who could offer them their desired compensation. Most importantly, they were masters in the art and science of cloning.

They were the second of two keys in the war that would be sooner to come than most thought. Their cloning ability was would play a vital role in his and his master Sidious' plan to rid the galaxy of the Jedi and their corrupt ideals once and for all. And for that reason, the knowledge of Kamino had to be erased, for the time being at least. They would reemerge to the galaxy when the time was right but for now, it was crucial that no one knew of their existence, lest the grand plan of the Sith be discovered.

Please enter the security clearance code the automated voice requested. Dooku did so. Code Accepted, Master Sifo-Dyas.

Sifo-Dyas. The name of a great Jedi master and late friend of Dooku, whom he killed. The two had grown up together in the order, working together, encouraging one another, and acting as rivals so as to accelerate their growth through the ranks and in the Force. Regrettably, Sifo-Dyas had become a tool in Lord Sidious' plan and a loose end that could not be left on its own.

Dooku confirmed the order to erase Kamino's records from the archives. He sighed once more, the consequence of his betrayal weighing upon him before he solidified himself and exited the archives. But as he exited the archives and began to once again enter the library, there was something to notice. The room had a buzz in the air that it usually lacked. Jedi could be seen sitting together at tables, speaking in hushed voices as if gossiping like children.

Dooku raised an eyebrow at the sight and approached Jocasta Nu, the librarian of the temple.

"What's causing all the excitement, Master Jocasta?" He asked the elderly lady. She looked at him with a curious expression. "Your apprentice." The answer took him a bit by surprise. "Qui Gon?"

The librarian nodded. "Yes, it would seem he has encountered a Sith Lord, or so he claimed to the Jedi Council." Her tone wasn't believing but it was not one of ridicule either. Dooku's eyebrows furrowed. He did not wish for Qui Gon to be involved in this plot but his apprentice's curious nature would make it inevitable. At this moment he could only hope his apprentice would turn to be an ally to their cause, so as to keep him safe from Lord Sidious' wrath at the very least.

"Where was this encounter?" He inquired. Master Jocasta took on a thoughtful expression before answering. "Tatooine… yes I think that was it. Deep in the outer rim of course. Qui Gon Jinn always had such an active imagination, as did you, Dooku."

Dooku inwardly sighed. It would seem Jocasta still seemed to doubt the claim of the Sith returning. If a Jedi of her caliber did not believe it, it would stand to reason that most of the order besides the council would be of the same mind. "It is a quality valued less and less in these great halls."

Qui Gon walked through the halls of the temple, accompanied by Master Yaddle, a Jedi of the same species as Yoda. She was a well-loved member of the order and the council, taking up the role of a motherly figure to many of the younger members and always having the time to assist any who may need it. The meeting with the council had concluded not long ago after they had come to a decision on what to do with Anakin Skywalker. While most members dismissed the mere notion of Anakin being the Chosen One spoken of in prophecy, there were a select few who were supportive of Qui Gon's theory.

Namely, Yoda, Yaddle, and Plo Koon had not ignored the notion and were curious enough about the matter to give the boy a chance. Of course, it was due to Percy's rather… forceful help that finally pushed the council to agree to test Anakin. While Qui Gon was incredibly grateful for his help, he couldn't help but wonder how Percy had developed to become who he is today. It is quite inspiring in all honesty.

"Your friend has quite the spirit." Master Yaddle commented as they made their way down a flight of stairs. Qui Gon sighed, trying to hold back a chuckle. "That is one way of putting it."

"Truly, I mean," the smaller Jedi was amazed by this new character. "A being of his caliber, not only in ability but also in character is not something one would come across easily, if ever. What he did back there, what he said, while I do not approve I must admit it was impressive to see."

The pair continued their walk and Qui Gon noticed the number of looks they were getting was increasing. Specifically at him. "I guess word travels fast." He said but showed no other outward reaction to the new attention. "Well, your statements to the council were rather, surprising." Yaddle reasoned.

When the two reached the elevator they prepared to part ways. Qui Gon had something that required his attention before Anakin's test later in the day and Yaddle had her duties as a council member and instructor for younglings. However, before they could bid each other goodbye for the time being someone called out.

"Qui Gon," a deep, stern voice called. Recognizing the voice the Jedi in question turned to greet the newcomer. "Master Dooku," he bowed slightly in return to his old teacher.

"I heard about your report to the council," Dooku got straight to the point as he always did. "Tell me about this mysterious attacker on Tatooine." While his demeanor was calm, Qui Gon could see concern in his old master's eyes. There was never small talk when Dooku was involved but for those he cared about, he would shine his emotions just enough so they would be able to tell.

"I encountered a highly skilled warrior, one obviously trained in the Jedi arts." Qui Gon repeated to his master what he had said to the council. "And you believe it was a Sith Lord?" Yes, was his confident answer.

"I gather the council was not eager to validate that conclusion?" Dooku had never been a fan of the high council and he made no effort to hide that. "No, they were not, master." He had expected that answer. "I've been warning them about the coming darkness for years, never to be taken seriously." Dooku's tone held no bitterness but any could sense frustration that threatened to spill out.

This time, Yaddle decided to speak up. She spoke calmly and politely, knowing of Dooku's sentiments which she honestly could not disagree with completely. "Speaking on behalf of the council, there is no reason to cause undue alarm."

"So you doubt his claim?" He questioned.

"No. I do not." In fact, she was one of the only members of the council who did believe him. "But the wisdom of the council is to be cautious until we know more."

This was the wisdom of a few members rather than the council, per se. Most on the council wished to be rid of the topic and sweep it under the rug, finding it to be ridiculous. It was only the will of a few members and general paranoia that kept the topic alive.

"Master Yaddle is right about one thing. A Sith Lord is not to be trifled with." Dooku warned his former padawan who nodded in understanding. "I am aware, master. I have faced him once already and if it were not for our friend, I might not be standing here speaking to you." A small twinge appeared at the corner of Qui Gon's lips.

"Friend?"

"HEEEEEYYYYYYY!" Yelled an all too cheery voice that echoed through the halls. "IT'S DOOKU!"

The Jedi master with a sharp beard now had a sharp headache, one that was all too familiar just like that voice.

Fuck, it's Perseus.

"Truly necessary, was that?" Yoda asked his old master as they exited the council chambers and began a casual stroll. They had agreed to catch up after the meeting was done, and since Percy had effectively finished business, they finally had the chance.

Percy shrugged but his signature lopsided grin was present on their face. "I don't know what you mean."

The grand master aimed a deadpan expression at the man walking beside him. "Threatened to sue the order, you did."

The anomaly chuckled. "Oh yeahhhh," he drawled in fake recognition. "Well, they had it coming. They were really just gonna throw the kid out, sending him back to Tatooine. Back to slavery." Percy's tone had shifted to a more serious one. "I know you're the grand master, Yoda, but I also know the council has no king. Everything is put to a vote and sadly, most of the Jedi sitting in that room are perfect examples of why I left the order."

Silence dwelled around them. Yoda was lost in thought about what Percy said. He knew his old master respected few within the order. He believed most of the Jedi to be arrogant and to have grown complacent in these times of peace. While he may not look it, Percy was far older than most would expect, even after finding out he was the one to train Yoda who was currently the eldest in the order. This anomaly of a man had lived through times of darkness, times of war, and times of peace. And for that reason, to see the organization that he once was a part of, that he once held in high regard, fall to this extent was saddening and frustrating.

"You do know the Sith never went extinct, right?" Yoda quickly looked up at his master's words. Percy continued, "It's the Rule of Two. There is only a master and an apprentice, no more, no less. That's how they've stayed hidden. And that is why they are so powerful. The power of the dark side is concentrated in those two beings unlike the old days and unlike the Jedi."

Percy looked down at Yoda as he spoke. "You need to be careful with how you play this, Yoda. I can sense every being in this temple and there is no doubt in my mind that out of all 10,000 Jedi in the order, only you and a couple of others have the ability to take on a Sith by yourself."

Yoda looked carefully at his old master. "Know who these Sith are, do you?" The grand master had no doubt in his mind that Percy knew exactly where and who these Sith were.

"...Yes"

Yoda also knew exactly what Percy's answer would be to his next question. "Reveal them, will you?"

The taller of the two sighed deeply. "You know I can't do that."

Yoda understood why. Most wouldn't but close to 900 years of experience and wisdom certainly helped. His master was thousands of years old and had witnessed nearly every shift of power this galaxy had seen. He held power which even Yoda did not know the extent, which were grown through time and countless battles. Percy could most likely hunt down these Sith right now but in the long run, what would that solve? It would leave the Force out of balance, and potentially tip the galaxy into dependence on one man, inevitably setting it on the path to ruin.

Not enjoying the serious mood of their conversation, Percy decided to switch up the topic. After all, it wasn't often nowadays he could see his old apprentice and friend.

"I found it," Percy said simply, a smile creeping on his face. Once again Yoda looked up in shock. He could remember from his days as Perseus' padawan that his master always had something in the back of his mind. A pet project of sorts that he would work at any chance he got. Something he was trying to find in the vast expanse of their galaxy which had taken him, and Yoda at times, from near the galaxy center all the way to the unknown regions.

"I found my birthplace."

The little green master was in shock. "Where? How?"

"I almost missed it," he walked casually with his hands behind his head as he recounted the experience. His finding it was a complete accident. He was bored so he thought he'd explore the unknown regions a bit more but before he knew it, he had completely left the galaxy. He was just flying around in desolate space where you couldn't even see stars in the distance of space, but then he could sense something. It was a faint trace but he followed it anyway, and after some time he came across a wormhole, or at least what looked like one. When he went to take a closer look, he found it was actually a storm. A Force storm of the greatest magnitude he had ever seen with lightning, debris, fire, wind, and ice all surrounding what looked like a moon.

"That Force storm was incredible," Percy was still in awe of its power. "It's a shield for the moon, keeping anything and everything out. The second a foreign object or substance enters it, it is ripped to shreds on a molecular level. But for reasons I didn't know at the time, it resonated with me."

He knew his ship wouldn't survive if he flew into the storm, so instead he exited and flew himself. Just as he thought, the resonance grew stronger and stronger as he approached the mass. When he entered, instead of needing to brace himself and create a barrier like he thought he would, the storm made way for him, creating a tunnel that led inside.

"It is a Well Spring of the Force, Yoda. Something I had only ever felt in the domains of The Ones or the Bedlam Spirits. Their domain is their birthplace and therefore connected to them." Yoda remembered his master telling him stories of The Ones and Bedlam Spirits. They were god-like figures, physical manifestations of the Force that held power beyond comprehension. But this news of their domains was new to the Jedi.

"This domain was connected to me. I could sense it calling to me." Percy had a grin on his face the entire time he spoke. They both knew of Percy's age which would be considered impossible to nearly all in the galaxy. As a result of his time though, there was no one place the anomaly could call home. Ever since his first meeting with these great deities, before even Yoda was born, he had been searching for a realm of his own, and now he had finally found it.

Yoda could tell his master had been waiting to tell someone about this. There were few people Percy considered a friend since to him, no one stuck around long enough. But those few friends he did have, he would do anything for them.

"Happy for you, I am," Yoda sincerely said with a smile. His master just grinned, happy to be reunited with someone he could talk to.

"Anyway," Percy continued. "I've had something I've been meaning to ask you." He stopped walking and looked down a relatively uncrowded hall. Jedi younglings were walking or running through, either having some fun or getting to their next class. But his eyes ignored all of this, focusing on two figures further down.

Yoda looked as well to see who caught Percy's interest. He followed his gaze to find Master Plo Koon kneeling down and speaking to a very young Togrutan. "Ahh, about Master Plo Koon perhaps?" he asked but Percy shook his head.

"No, what's the youngling's name?" Percy asked without turning away. "Youngling Ahsoka Tano, that is. Joined the order very recently, she did. Why? Sensed something have you?"

"What's her midichlorian count?" Percy asked simply. Yoda thought for a second, not recalling it to be anything surprising. "About 14,500 I recall." Again, Percy just shook his head. "That's wrong. You might want to get your reader checked because that's not even close."

"Higher is it?" Yoda asked, surprised. To his recollection, they hadn't had a problem with their readings before. "If I had to guess, her Midichlorian count would be around 22,000."

Yoda's eyes widened in amazement at Ahsoka. If that were true, then that little girl would have the highest recorded Midichlorian count in millennia. Not to mention the sheer potential this would provide her. That Midichlorian count was higher than his own, the Grand Master of the Jedi Order.

From down the hall, little Ahsoka seemed to sense looks being sent her way. She turned and saw Percy and Master Yoda staring directly at her. Feeling a bit shy, she just lightly waved to them while shrinking back a little. But that feeling of shyness quickly faded when the man and master smiled and waved back.

Plo Koon, who had noticed this also turned to see Perseus and Yoda. Master Yoda had vouched for the man so he had no reason to distrust Perseus. He nodded respectfully to the two before continuing his conversation with little Ahsoka about her lessons with the other younglings.

"I'd keep an eye on her," Percy said as they continued their walk. "She has great potential and I don't like the idea of it being stumped because of that stupid mentality most of the Jedi seemed to carry with them."

Yoda just sighed at those words. His master would feel no shame over shaming an entire order of beings. But it wasn't like he was completely wrong either.

"HEEEYYYY!" Yoda was abruptly broken from his thoughts as his master yelled and waved like an excited child. He looked down the hall to see Master Dooku, his old Padawan from years back. "IT'S DOOKU!" The small master couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head at the pleasure Percy was taking in the headache he was undoubtedly about to give his old apprentice.

Thank you guys for reading! I hope you enjoyed it!

Now we've got a bit more lore about Percy and his history in general. I'll just say here, I'm not going to do all that much with the events of the Phantom Menace. My main goal is to get to the Clone Wars as fast as possible without rushing the story cause I have big plans for the Clone Wars.

Anyway, I hope you'll stick around with this story, and remember, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a review and I will have it answered (without spoilers of course) in the next chapter!

Also, if you have any comments you would like to share then I am completely open to those as well! I would appreciate any criticism or tips if you have any for how I could improve my writing.