Brotherhood

Chapter 16 - A Time to Heal

If Dooku wasn't so used to Sidious's sadistic side, he probably would have done something completely irrational. As it is, he can barely breathe, surprise and horror overwhelming him. Though he doesn't want Kenobi to die, he knows that Anakin's death would be something from which he could never truly recover. With Qui-Gon, they were both Jedi, so letting go – while hard – was easier. Not that he's ever truly let go of his former Padawan, but he likes to think that he has.

When he met Anakin, the boy was so prone to attachments, especially being imprisoned by Sidious, that Dooku found it impossible not to care for him deeply. The bond he shares with Anakin is far deeper and more meaningful than anything he's ever felt in the past. If it were severed – he shudders to think what that would do to his mind. More than likely, he'd Fall beyond any hope of return.

Still, he can't fault Anakin for trying to protect Kenobi. It was so obvious how much they'd care about one another. Besides, it proved that Anakin is capable of conquering his fear of Sidious. They'll have to be extremely cautious until they get the proper opportunity to fight him, because they cannot afford to raise his suspicions even more. For now, Dooku will just have to do damage control and hope that it's effective.

"Master, stop," he half-orders, half-begs, keeping a tight grip on Tano's arm. She seems desperate enough to try almost anything to save her friends. "If we lose Anakin, we'll lose our most valuable asset. It will be much harder to destroy the Jedi if he's gone."

The words seem to have an effect because Sidious lets up the attack. A quick glance at the pair shows that they're both unconscious. They desperately need medical attention, but Dooku would rather get Sidious out before he tends to them. Fortunately, the Sith Lord seems to have ideas of his own. "I'm leaving," he states flatly, disgust evident on his face and in his tone. "The progress you've made in turning Kenobi to our side is abysmal. It would probably be better to simply eliminate him."

No. No. Dooku can't – won't – do that. "We have to wait longer," he suggests carefully. "Breaking Jedi isn't easy. It will take time and patience. I have both. In the meanwhile, Lord Vader and Tano can assist our plans."

"Fine," spits Sidious, whirling around and stalking towards the door. "I have a mission for them. I'll give you the details. Come with me." He pushes the button to open it, marching away down the hallway.

Dooku releases Tano, giving her brief instructions before turning to follow his master. "See if one of the prisoners is a medic. We might need another assistant. Carefully transport them to the medical wing of the mansion." He explains to her where it is, though he's not certain if she'll remember, before hurrying to find Sidious, not that that'll be hard. The Sith is radiating an aura so cold it nearly burns into the Force. Quickly reaching out, Dooku senses that he's heading towards where his starship is. He'd better hurry unless he wants to find himself in even more trouble. So, he does.

Sidious is standing next to the ramp of his shuttle by the time Dooku catches up with him. "What is thy bidding, my Master?" he asks humbly.

"I was quite pleased by the progress we made in turning Tano," Sidious comments, a twisted smile on his lips. "Lord Vader was correct. She is indeed easy to manipulate. Perhaps too easy. Kenobi will prove to be much more of a challenge." Dooku nods, opting to remain quiet. Either Sidious is planning something, or his temper has cooled since Anakin confronted him.

"I have a datacard for you detailing information for the next steps we must take," the Sith Lord continues. He passes it to Dooku who holds it carefully. Who knows what information it contains? "If we wish to succeed, we must expand our army."

"Yes, my Lord," Dooku agrees. They'd talked about it in the past. While Dooku will always remain the apprentice, having other trained dark siders will help them immensely. They can be used as assassins or infiltrators to help in their many battles and causes. The more chaos they sow in the galaxy, the better, at least in Sidious's viewpoint. Dooku isn't about to challenge that.