Deep in a buried chamber on Coruscant, wracking his body in agony were flaring tendrils of Force lightning from the outstretched fingers of Darth Sidious—Count Dooku in agonizing pain. The pain was awful beyond belief, but the augmented physique and heightened connection to the Force made it possible for Dooku to endure far beyond what he once could have.

"You disappoint me, Lord Tyranus," Sidious hissed, his voice dripping with venom. "Did you think I wouldn't discover your little excursion to Csilla? Your recruitment of the Chiss?"

Dooku, despite the agony, managed to speak through gritted teeth. "Master… I assure you... this was not… betrayal."

The lightning ceased, and Dooku collapsed, gasping, to the cold floor. Sidious loomed over him, his yellow eyes aglow with malevolence. "Explain yourself—and choose your words with care."

Strong in augmented charisma and will, Dooku rose to his feet; his silver hair and beard wild, but his stance remained proud.

"My lord, inducting the Chiss into our cause is a strategic necessity. Their tactical genius, their advanced technology—both will prove invaluable in the conflict to come."

Sidious's eyes narrowed. "You overstep your bounds, Tyranus. Such decisions are not yours to make."

"With all due respect, master," Dooku replied, his voice even and assured, "our plan calls for a myriad of allies. The Chiss bring an advantage that no other race, including the Republic, can offer. Their inclusion will only quicken our victory."

Sidious turned about the room as he pondered Dooku's words. The remade Count, fueled by his combined memories and heightened capabilities, pushed his advantage.

"Consider, my lord, with this alliance comes the element of surprise. The Republic does not know what the Chiss are capable of. When revealed at the right moment, it could turn the tide of multiple battles in our favor."

Sidious turned, his face a mask of contemplation. "And what of their loyalty? The Chiss are notoriously isolationist."

A small, thin-lipped smile played about Dooku's mouth. "I have personally overseen their induction into our ranks. Their most brilliant military strategist, Sev'rance Tann, has already pledged her loyalty to our cause.

After a tense moment, Sidious relaxed marginally. "Very good, Lord Tyranus. Your initiative may yet prove useful. But do not forget your place. I am the architect of this grand design."

"Of course, my master," Dooku bowed his head in deference. "I live to serve your vision."

As Sidious dismissed him, Dooku's mind raced. How could his master have penetrated his secrecy so quickly? He had been meticulous about covering his tracks, intending to reveal the Chiss alliance at a more opportune moment.

Coming out of the chamber, his heightened senses were most alert. But clearly, someone had reported Sidious of his actions on Csilla. Who was he, and why? Count, remade, knew that now more than ever he had to be very careful.

As he walked down the shadowy corridors, Count Dooku's resolve hardened. He would see to it that his own push remained within the boundaries of Sidious's plans but using certain advantages in an attempt to shape the coming conflict. The Chiss were but the starting point. Having an Attraction System at one's command, Count Dooku was quite resolved to rewrite the future course of the galaxy—even if it were to mean putting up occasionally with his master's wrath.

* * *

It was in a very inaccessible world, floating on the Outer Rim, that Count Dooku went in search of some mighty allies. Rumors had it that a legendary bounty hunter had lived on that planet and possessed unrivaled regenerative abilities. As his ship landed on the desolate landscape, Dooku's heightened senses immediately picked up the presence of someone nearby.

"Come out, Durge," he finally called out to the desolate terrain, "I know you're here."

From the darkness a giant form materialized, the armor of the Gen'Dai bounty hunter glowing in the poor light. "You've got guts coming here alone," Durge growled, his voice distorted by his helmet. "But guts won't save you."

Durge didn't waste a second, launching at Dooku, but for all the bulk of his mass, cybernetic enhancements granted his body a swiftness that made it seem outsized. Dooku was waiting. Drawing on decades of practice in all seven lightsaber forms, he flicked his curved hilt saber to life and met Durge's charge with fluid Makashi precision wedded to Ataru acrobatics.

"Impressive," Durge snarled, triggering a hail of blaster fire. "But I've faced Jedi before."

As easily as he willed it, Dooku's lips curled into a smirk as he deflected the bolts. "I'm no Jedi, my friend. And you've never faced anyone like me."

The battle raged on, as Durge's regenerative abilities allowed him to shrug off injuries that would have felled any other opponent. But Dooku, with his enhanced connection to the Force and superhuman physique, proved to be an insurmountable challenge.

With a mighty push in the Force, Dooku sent Durge smashing into a nearby outcropping of rock. Before the bounty hunter could recover, Dooku was upon him, his lightsaber held inches from Durge's throat.

"You fight well," Dooku said, his voice unruffled despite the ferocity of their battle. "But surely you must realize the futility of this conflict."

Durge, his armor crackling with damage, looked up at Dooku. "What do you want?"

Dooku extinguished his lightsaber and extended a hand to the fallen hunter. "I'm offering you a chance for real greatness, Durge. A place in a new galactic order."

Durge was torn between wounded pride and curiosity. "Why should I care about your ambitions?"

"Because," Dooku replied, as smooth as silk and oozing charm and confidence, "I can provide you with what you actually wish for – worthy opponents, sophisticated technology which will complement your talents to unprecedented heights, and a platform that shall be heard and remembered for ages to come."

Durge rose slowly to his feet, the anger gone, but he still loomed over Dooku. "You've interested me, Count. What do you really propose?"

The eyes of Dooku shone with satisfaction. "Join me, Durge. Become a commander in my army. Your skills, your resilience – they will be instrumental in reshaping the galaxy."

Durge considered the offer for a second, his analytical mind weighing possibilities. "And what's to stop me from turning on you once I've got what I want?"

Dooku's smile broadened. "My dear Durge, by the time our work is done, you won't want to. The challenges I offer, the advancements you'll gain – they'll far surpass anything you could achieve on your own."

After a moment of silence, Durge extended his hand. "Very well, Count. I'm in."

* * *

Count Dooku stood on his estate balcony on Serenno, the sharpened senses of a Sith alerting him to the approach of a familiar presence. Asajj Ventress advanced, her steps measured and purposeful. She was not alone.

"My lord," Ventress called across, a thread of anticipation running through her voice. "I've brought someone to see you."

Dooku turned, his silver hair and beard catching the fading sunlight. His eyes widened slightly as he noted the figure accompanying his assassin.

"Jenza," he breathed, memories flooding back of his sister, lost so long ago.

Jenza stepped forward, her eyes raking Dooku's face for any remnant of her brother. "Dooku," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "It's been so long."

Dooku's face did not change; however, his enhanced charisma allowed him to remain calm on the outside as chaos erupted within. "Indeed it has, sister. What brings you here after all these years?" He mocked.

Jenza reached out, and her hand barely touched on Dooku's arm. Ignoring the mocking tone, she began, "I want you to come home, brother. To remind you of who you really are."

Dooku raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with amusement. "And who might that be?"

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"A good man," Jensa insisted, her eyes pleading. "A Jedi. Someone who cares about justice and peace. It's not too late, Dooku. You can still turn back from this dark path."

For a moment, Dooku's merged memories warred within him. The idealistic Jedi he once was, the disillusioned Count, and the college student with knowledge of a different life – all these facets of his being clashed.

"You don't understand, Jenza," Dooku said softly, with weight of conviction in the tone. "I've seen beyond the lying Jedi and the corrupt Republic. What I do now is for the greater good of the galaxy."

Jenza shook her head, with tears welling up in her eyes. "No, Dooku. This is not you. The brother I knew would never have allied with darkness."

Dooku's expression hardened as his relation to the living Force, boosted by the power of dark side energies within him, surged around him. "Then perhaps you never truly knew me at all."

Instantly, Dooku ignited his lightsaber. Its crimson blade pierced through Jenza's heart. Her eyes widened in shock and betrayal as she crumpled to the ground.

"I'm sorry, sister," Dooku whispered, his voice entirely emotionless. "But the brother you knew is gone."

As the body of Jenza relaxed, Ventress walked toward Dooku with a look in her eyes that said everything—admiration and lust. "You have proved your devotion to the dark side, my lord," she purred.

He turned to her, his enhanced physique speaking of power and seduction. "Indeed, my dear. Now, we celebrate our victory."

Ventress leaned in, their lips pressing together in a passionate kiss. The dark side swirled as the two of them acted on their passions and consummated their alliance in the shadows of Dooku's balcony.

* * *

The lightsabers clashed within the vast gymnasium of the Serenno estate of Count Dooku. Smooth, fluid, Count Dooku parried a flurry of strikes from General Grievous with ease. Whirling with all four of his arms in a deadly dance, the cyborg general pressed his attack without relenting.

"Excellent, General," Dooku commended, anticipating every movement by Grievous with his enhanced senses. "Much better technique."

Grievous' gaze narrowed, his cybernetic eyes now a mix of pride and frustration. "I have been practicing diligently, Count. Yet you still best me with ease."

Dooku deactivated his lightsaber, a small smile playing on his lips as he lied. "Patience, my friend. Remember, I've had considerably more time to hone my skills."

As they moved aside in the training hall, Dooku's demeanor changed, bathing the air around him in charisma and confidence as he addressed Grievous. "I have a new assignment for you, General. One that I believe will make excellent use of your talents."

Grievous straightened, his curiosity piqued. "I am at your service, Count. What is the nature of this mission?"

Dooku's eyes gleamed with purpose. "The Separatist cause grows stronger by the day, but we need more than just droids and credits. We need leadership – experienced commanders who can inspire fear and loyalty in equal measure and seeing as to how we have the Chiss on our side…"

"You speak of the various warlords scattered across the Outer Rim," Grievous surmised, his tactical mind already analyzing the possibilities.

Dooku nodded, pleased at the comprehension he sensed in Grievous. "Exactly. Your mission will be to find these warlords and bring them over to our cause. Offer them generals' positions within the Confederacy of Independent Systems."

Grievous's eyes widened with excitement as a low growl of anticipation escaped his vocabulator. "At last, a mission worthy of my abilities. No more skulking in shadows or mere reconnaissance."

"Indeed," Dooku agreed, his voice serious. "But be warned. Some of these warlords might be … resistant to our offer. If this happens, you are authorized to kill them. We cannot afford to leave behind anyone who could become a problem for our plans."

Grievous pumped his fists in satisfaction. The challenge was on, and he reveled in it. "It will be done, Count. I shall bring you a cadre of able commanders – or their heads."

Dooku placed a hand on his shoulder, bringing an air of augmented charisma to the weight of his words. "I have every confidence in you, General. This mission is of the highest importance to our cause. Success here will raise you to new heights within our organization."

As he turned away, already thinking in his mind about the journey, Dooku called out one final instruction. "Remember, General – discretion is paramount. We cannot afford to alert the Republic to our plans prematurely."

Grievous paused at the threshold, turning back to face Dooku. "Of course, Count. I shall move across the stars like a shadow, bringing strength to our cause and death to our enemies."

With one last nod from Dooku, the cyborg left the training hall, his cape billowing behind him. The cyborg general's mind kicked into overdrive with possibilities, mapping out potential targets and strategies for an upcoming mission.

He watched the general go, feeling satisfied; as the echo of Grievous's departure began to fade, Count Dooku turned to a new task. His finely tuned senses picked up on a presence making his way through the hall—Sev'rance Tann, the Chiss woman he had recently taken under his wing.

The corners of Dooku's lips arced upward at the memory of her potential. "Sev'rance," he called out, rich in charisma. "It's time we really begin your training."

The red eyes gleamed with a mix of anticipation and admiration as Sev'rance entered the room. "I am ready, Master," she said, bowing deeply.

Dooku circled his new apprentice, his augmented body oozing power and self-control. "Tell me, Sev'rance, what do you know of the Force?"

Sev'rance hesitated, her blue skin flushing slightly. "I… I know it's what gives the Jedi their power. And that I can feel it, sometimes. But it's all so new to me."

Dooku nodded, the light dancing across his silver beard. "The Force is more than just a tool for the Jedi. It's something of the very fabric of the universe, and we—you and I—might do with it what we will."

He held out a hand, and a waiting datapad floated easily into his grasp. "This is but a fraction of what you will learn, Sev'rance. With my guidance, you will become a force with which to be reckoned in this galaxy."

As the training session wore on, Dooku couldn't help but feel the way Sev'rance hung upon every word, her eyes truly never leaving his face. Her admiration was quite palpable, fueled by gratitude for the new life he had given her.

"You're doing well," Dooku commended him, his enhanced charisma making those words even weightier. "But remember, the path to real power requires patience and dedication."

Sev'rance nodded very excitedly. "I understand, Master. I… I want you to know how grateful I am for this opportunity. You've saved me from a life of exile and given me purpose."

Dooku allowed himself a small smile, recognizing the devotion in her words. "Your gratitude is noted, my apprentice. But do not let it cloud your judgment. In time, you will come to see that this arrangement benefits us both."

As they finished the training for the day, Dooku noticed Sev'rance's curiosity boiling over. "You have questions," he said, rather than asked.

Sev'rance fidgeted, then spoke. "Master, I've heard whispers of your plans for the galaxy. The Confederacy, the coming conflict with the Republic. I… I want to be a part of it. To stand by your side and help shape the future."

Dooku's eyes gleamed with approval. "Your ambition serves you well, Sev'rance. Yes, indeed I have great plans for you within our cause. But first, you have to learn to master yourself and your connection to the Force."

He placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling her shiver slightly at his touch. "Keep training, growing stronger. Show me your worth, and I promise you, the galaxy will shake at the mention of your name."

As dawn crested over Serenno, Sev'rance Tann was already waiting for him inside his training hall. Her red eyes smoked in the gloom, avid with anticipation. "You're early, my apprentice," Dooku said, his senses on high alert as he sensed her quickened heartbeats when he was close enough. "I couldn't sleep, Master," Sev'rance admitted. "The power you've shown me. I can feel it calling to me."

Dooku nodded, curling his lips into the barest hint of a smile. "Good. That hunger will serve you well. Now, let us begin."

It was so much to get through, the training session; Sev'rance was pushed beyond her limits. With mastery in all seven lightsaber forms, Dooku would challenge her in ways she never knew. He could feel Sev'rance's rising admiration while they dueled, for he was powerful and overly charismatic.

Their training was interrupted by the entrance of a towering figure - Durge, the Gen'Dai bounty hunter. Dooku's heightened senses had warned him of Durge's approach long before he entered the room.

"Ah, Durge," Dooku greeted, his charisma shifting effortlessly from mentor to commander. "Your timing is perfect. I have a mission of the utmost importance for you."

Durge's modulated voice rumbled through the chamber. "I live to serve, Count. What is your bidding?"

Sev'rance watched the exchange with fascination, her eyes darting between Dooku and the imposing bounty hunter.

Dooku's voice lowered, his tone serious. "I need you to capture a Chiss military officer named Thrawn. He's currently operating in the Unknown Regions, near Csilla."

Durge tilted his head, intrigued. "A Chiss? That's unusual prey. Any particular reason?"

Dooku's eyes narrowed, his mixed memories of being a college student and his experiences of being a Sith Lord having long ago pieced together a complex puzzle. "Thrawn is more than just a military genius. He's been feeding information to Palpatine about Chiss activities. Information that could jeopardize our plans."

Sev'rance gasped softly, her own Chiss heritage making this revelation particularly shocking.

"Your mission, Durge, is to capture Thrawn alive," Dooku continued. "Use whatever means necessary, but I want him unharmed. He may prove... useful to our cause."

Durge nodded, his armor creaking as he shifted. "It will be done, Count. Any specific timeframe?"

"As soon as possible," Dooku replied. "Time is of the essence. And Durge... discretion is paramount. This operation must remain unknown to both the Republic and our Separatist allies."

"Understood," Durge growled, turning to leave. "I'll contact you when the job is done."

As Durge's heavy footsteps faded, Sev'rance turned to Dooku, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and concern. "Master, Thrawn… he's betraying our people?"

Dooku placed a hand on her shoulder; she leaned into his touch. "The galaxy's a murky place, my apprentice. Loyalties bend and twist, and information has always been the best currency. Thrawn's decision, though understandable from his point of view, is a threat to our vision for the future."

Sev'rance nodded, her respect for Dooku increasing even more. "I now understand why you chose me, Master. To assist in building a galaxy where no such betrayals have to take place."

Dooku smiled, and charisma blended with confidence in his radiating presence. "Exactly, Sev'rance. And together, we shall bend the galaxy into what it has never before been."