The sky above Rattatak began to unroll blood-red before the Count in his solar sailer, pacing against the atmosphere of turmoil. His senses would stretch out further with this Attraction System and tingle with anticipation. He could feel the raw power going forth from the world below, a wellspring of dark side energy calling to him like a siren song.

As the vessel set itself down on an empty landing pad, Dooku's thoughts drifted back to why he was there. The idea in his mind of gaining an apprentice, tucked away so many months ago, had long grown from a small annoyance into an insistent voice in the center of his thoughts. He knew that if he was to confront Darth Sidious, he would need someone strong in the Force to stand beside him, someone which Grievous was not.

Setting foot on the rust-colored soil, Dooku swept his eyes across the arid landscape. "Asajj Ventress," he breathed to himself, "let us see if you truly are worthy of the mantle of Sith."

The Count strode toward a towering fortress, its spires reaching into the blood-red sky like accusing fingers. As he drew close, a figure coalesced from out of the shadows—lithe, pale, radiating an aura of barely contained fury.

"Count Dooku," she hissed, her twin blades snapping on with a guttural hum. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this… unexpected visit?"

Dooku smiled thinly. "My dear, I've come with an offer—one that I believe you'll find most intriguing."

She circled warily, but the more she looked at it, the more its eyes looked back into her own. "And what, pray tell, could the esteemed Count Dooku offer one such as me? I've already conquered this rock."

"But there is so much more beyond Rattatak," Dooku said, his voice smooth and convincing. "I offer you power beyond your wildest dreams, the opportunity to inspire terror in Jedi across the galaxy."

Ventress's eyes narrowed. "I need no one's help to destroy the Jedi. They abandoned me, just as they abandoned my master."

Dooku nodded sympathetically. "Oh, yes. I'm sorry to hear of that, my dear. The death of Ky Narec was... untimely. But consider this: together, we could bring the entire Jedi Order to its knees."

The Dathomirian woman hesitated, her interest piqued. "And what precisely do you have in mind, Count?"

"Join me, and I will teach you to wield the dark side of the Force," Dooku continued in his low tone of voice, his words almost slinking over his palate. "Not as the narrow-minded do-gooders would have you perceive, stunting everything about you. You will be my assassin, my right hand, and do what needs to be done when the time comes for our war."

Ventress extinguished her lightsabers, suspicion and intrigue warring on her face. "And why should I trust you? What's to stop you from discarding me, once I've outlived my usefulness?"

Nearer came Dooku, both commanding and inviting in his presence. "My dear Asajj, I see in you a potential that few possess. You have already tasted the dark side, but I can help you master it. Together, we will reshape the galaxy."

The bloated air hung between them with great possibility, and then a wicked smile spread slowly across Ventress's face. "Very well, Count. I'll take you up on your proposition. When will we begin?"

Dooku's eyes glinted with satisfaction. "Immediately. But first, a test of your abilities. Show me why you are worthy to be my apprentice."

Without warning, Ventress sprang on Dooku, twin lightsabers whirring into blurs of crimson energy. The Count parried her attacks with ease, his single blade moving in fluid grace. The Attraction System hummed within him, augmenting his already formidably trained skills.

Between strikes he spoke. "Good, good. Channel your anger, your hatred. Let it fuel your power."

Ventress growled, fresh aggression surging into her attack. Her blades whirled around him, trying to find some chink in his defense. But the Count was forever a step ahead, like a master of all seven forms working in every motion.

Finally, with a deft flick of his wrist, Dooku disarmed Ventress; her lightsabers clattered to the floor. He held his blade against her throat, inscrutable in his expression.

"Most impressive," he murmured. "You have great potential, my apprentice. With my guidance, you will become a force to be reckoned with."

Ventress knelt before him, her eyes blazing with a mixture of respect and barely contained rage. "I am yours to command. Master."

As Dooku reached down to assist Ventress to her feet, he felt a surge of exultation. He had found his apprentice, a weapon to turn on both the Jedi and, in due course, Sidious himself.

"Come, my dear," Dooku said, gesturing to where his ship waited. "We have much to discuss, and more yet to prepare for. The galaxy awaits our reshaping."

Dooku was trailed by Ventress onto the waiting solar sailer, and for a fleeting moment, he let himself reflect on the achievement. As they ascended into the stars, Dooku started to outline his plans to his new apprentice, his words illustrating the image of a galaxy brought to heel by the power of the Sith. But all the while, The Attraction System thrummed within him as a reminder of the unique advantage he held over every single man.

***

The smooth halls of Serenno's palace reverberated with the cyclic hum of lightsabers as Count Dooku and Asajj Ventress found themselves amidst just one more heated training session. Dooku's blade, resembling a crimson streak, floated through the air, parrying Ventress's twin sabers with an air of practiced ease.

Dooku commented with a hint of approval in his voice, "Your form is improving, my apprentice. But you need to learn how to channel your anger better. Let it fuel your strikes but do not let it control them."

She snarled; frustration and something within herself twisted her pale features as she launched a near-continual flurry of attacks. "I am giving it my everything, Master!"

With liquid grace, Dooku sidestepped her attack. In the process, he found his gaze drawn to Ventress's supple form, observed the raw power in that untamed beauty that spoke to him with insistent eloquence.

The Attraction System hummed in him, bringing these observations into sharp focus.

"All you have is not enough," Dooku chided gently, deactivating his lightsaber. "You must transcend it, cut a new and bolder path."

Ventress slowly lowered her weapons, chest heaving with effort. "How, Master? How can I possibly."

He said as he approached, his very presence wholly commanding and alluring. "Through patience, my dear. And through my guidance."

As he spoke, Dooku couldn't help but think how different all this would have been to the original Count's designs. The memories of his former self, with the stain of years and arrogance, seemed like relics of another life. This new Dooku, shaped by the Attraction System and informed by a college student's perspective, saw opportunity where his predecessor would have seen only a tool.

"You have done well, Asajj," Dooku said, his voice softening. "Your power in the Force grows daily, as does your mastery of the lightsaber."

Ventress's eyes widened slightly at the praise. A flicker of something beyond mere respect crossed her features. "Thank you, Master. I… I owe it all to your teachings."

Dooku allowed himself a small smile. He knew full well what his new appearance and presence did to his apprentice. The Attraction System had made him into one of power and magnetism, far beyond the spare, austere nobleman he used to be.

"It is time, I think," he said, indicating the balcony of his rooms, jutting high over Serenno's velvet forests. "To adjourn above and continue your progress at your leisure."

As they stood side by side, looking out over the green landscape, Dooku felt himself considering the potential that lay ahead of them. The old Dooku would have looked at Ventress as an expendable resource, nothing more than a pawn in the galactic game of supremacy. This new Dooku, however, had gained perspective and powers beyond the ordinary and saw so much more.

"Tell me, my dear," he began to say, lowering his voice to its most intimate level, "what drives you? What do you truly desire?"

Ventress turned to him, her face registering surprise and curiosity all at once. "I… I want power, Master. The power to destroy my enemies, to show the galaxy I am worth something."

Nodding slowly, Dooku kept his gaze leveled on her. "And that is all? There is nothing else you desire?

An instant of palpable potentiality hung between them in silence. Ventress's eyes darted briefly toward Dooku's lips, then looked into his eyes once more. "Perhaps… just perhaps there is more, Master. But I dare not speak of it."

Dooku was already sensing triumph, his Attraction System confirming what he had already suspected. She didn't only find him attractive – as a master but also as a man. She was also attracted by his position, his riches, his looks, and his great power in the Force.

"My very dear Asajj," rumbled Dooku, his voice deep and persuasive, "you need not fear to speak your mind to me. We are more than master and apprentice. We are... kindred spirits."

As he droned on, Dooku scarcely recognized his own words, for they fell somehow so natural from him. The old Count, the one who had been so stunted by his strict raising and the dogma of the Sith, never would have deigned to think such things. But now this new Dooku, blended in vision and augmented in power, perceived before him something beyond the mere relationship of master to apprentice.

Ventress took a step closer, her eyes scanning his face. "Master, I… I don't understand. What are you saying?"

Dooku reached out, his hand gently cupping Ventress's cheek. "I'm saying, my dear, that our destinies are intertwined in ways that go beyond the Sith and their limited vision. Together, we could reshape not just the galaxy but the very nature of the Force itself."

As Ventress leaned into his touch, her eyes flicking closed, Dooku felt a rush of anticipation. The path ahead was mined with danger and uncertainty, rich with possibility. He would shape Ventress not only into a mighty Sith but into a lover, as well.

"My dear Asajj, the time is at hand for your first real trial as my apprentice," Dooku stated, his voice authoritative. "I have an operation of great importance for you, one which calls for both discretion and a merciless hand."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Ventress's eyes lighted up with anticipation as Dooku went on, "You are to find my sister, Jenza, and deliver her to me. She is currently being held by Republic Intelligence agents, but her location is unknown."

"Your sister, Master? I had no idea you had family. How curious," replied Ventress.

A slight smile twisted Dooku's lips, his augmentation of charisma allowing him to pull the expression into something close to breathtaking. "So much you do not know about me, my apprentice. Yet this you will: Jenza proves a very real danger to our designs. She might inform the Jedi of my true allegiance, and we are not yet prepared for that reveal."

Dooku's movements were smooth, his motions as elegant as ever as he handed the datapad to Ventress. "This contains all that you will need to start your search. You will use the Windrunner for this mission. It will give you the opportunity to review some… personal data that may prove useful."

Ventress accepted the datapad, her fingers brushing his in the process. The Count had noticed the deliberate touch but chose not to call her on it.

"Study the information carefully, Asajj. The success of this mission is crucial to our future plans," Dooku poured out in his soft, compelling voice.

Ventress nodded, and the determination set in her eyes. "I won't fail you, Master. I'll find your sister and bring her to you, no matter the cost."

He laid a hand on her shoulder, the touch both tender and authoritative. "I have no doubt of your abilities, my dear. But remember, this is more than just a retrieval mission; it is testing your loyalty and discretion."

Possibilities raced through Dooku's mind as Ventress was about to leave. The Attraction System hummed within him at the thoughts that this mission would serve not one, but several ends. This mission would neutralize not only the threat Jenza held but test Ventress as well, in readiness for the role he had anticipated her to play.

"One last thing, Asajj," Dooku called out as she reached the door. "Should you encounter any… complications with Jenza, you have my permission to deal with them as you see fit."

Ventress's eyes widened slightly at the implication. She bowed deeply, "As you wish, my Master."

From the balcony, Dooku watched the departure of the Windrunner from Serenno, the vessel vanishing into the sky well out of range of normal sight, had his augmented senses not extended his perception.

"Patience, my apprentice," Dooku whispered to himself, "and we shall soon discover whether you are truly worthy of the future I envision for us both."

* * *

Count Dooku, attired in his fineries, stood on the bridge of his personal starship as it emerged from hyperspace near the icy world of Csilla. His senses, amplified by the Attraction System, registered an icy world's beauty with clarity more than ordinary.

"Landing position," he commanded in a voice carrying so much kingly authority that it had come to him as second nature.

As Dooku's ship touched down on the frozen landing pad, he was greeted by a delegation of blue-skinned, red-eyed Chiss officials. The leader of the group, tall and imposing, took another bold step forward.

"Count Dooku, I am Aristocra Formbi of the Chiss Ascendancy. We welcome you to Csilla," the Chiss said, his voice carefully neutral.

Dooku bowed graciously, though the Attraction System added charisma to every line of his movement. "Aristocra Formbi, I am much honored by this welcome. I come seeking an alliance that would reshape the galaxy."

The hum of the Attraction System inside of him picked up again as he entered the ornate meeting chamber of House Palace to sit across from the Chiss leadership, the social and political undercurrents within revealing themselves to be complex.

"Esteemed members of the Chiss Ascendancy," Dooku began confidently, his voice not daring to ring out loud, "I come to you with an opportunity. The Republic is corrupt, stagnant. The Confederacy of Independent Systems offers a new path forward, one of progress and self-determination."

Aristocra Formbi leaned forward, red eyes glimmering with interest. "And what role do you envision for the Chiss in this… new path?"

"The Chiss are reputed to be some of the most talented tacticians and warriors in the galaxy. I would give you the opportunity to utilize these talents on a galactic stage—become Confederacy generals and officers, and help us forge the future of the galaxy."

A murmur ran through the assembled Chiss. Aristocra Formbi's voice cut through the noise. "The Chiss Ascendancy has long maintained a policy of isolation. Why should we abandon this for your cause?"

Dooku's enhanced perception allowed him to read the subtle shifts in the room's atmosphere. He chose his next words carefully.

"Isolation is a double-edged sword," Dooku intoned with phrasing that he knew would reach across to the Chiss. "The galaxy is in flux. When you join the Confederacy, you take your place among those who help guide that flux. You have a voice in shaping it, rather than being swept aside by it."

Feeling the Chiss leaders were not yet convinced, Dooku pressed on. "The Confederacy values order, discipline, and strategic thinking—qualities the Chiss exemplify. Your expertise would be highly valued and respected within our ranks."

Aristocra Formbi turned aside to look at his fellow leaders. "And what guarantees can you offer for the autonomy and security of the Chiss Ascendancy?"

Dooku leaned forward, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Full autonomy within your current borders, guaranteed by the might of the Confederacy. Additionally, I offer your exclusive trade rights with key Confederate systems, and a seat on our governing council."

The Chiss leaders murmured quietly to each other. Finally, Aristocra Formbi turned back to Dooku. "Your offer is… intriguing, Count Dooku. We will need time to discuss this with the ruling families."

Dooku's patience and diplomacy, honed by the Attraction System, were being presently palled by the days of negotiation that turned into sleepless nights. Finally, on the fifth day, Aristocra Formbi came out to meet Dooku with a decision.

"Count Dooku, after much deliberation, the Chiss Ascendancy has agreed to your proposal. We shall align ourselves with the Confederacy of Independent Systems and provide the officers as well as the generals for your army."

Dooku allowed himself the briefest of triumphant smiles. "A wise choice, Aristocra Formbi. Together we shall bring a new order to the galaxy."

His business with the Chiss Ascendancy was concluded, but Count Dooku lingered still on the ice world of Csilla.

As Dooku mingled with the Chiss elite, his thoughts alighted on a still nascent resource: Sev'rance Tann. He had managed to grab pieces of information that hinted at her tactical intelligence and Force skills, said to be far above the ordinary lot—traits that might just save, or even help build, the Separatists.

"Aristocra," Dooku leaned slightly on one of the high-rank officials, trying to gain the necessary information: "I've heard whispers of a most intriguing individual - a Junior Captain Irizi'sev'rance. Might you enlighten me about her present status?"

The Chiss official's red eyes narrowed slightly. "Ah, Sev'rance Tann. A… complicated matter. She has been exiled due to her… condition."

The arched eyebrow of Dooku feigned surprise. "Exiled? Pray, tell for what cause?"

"She possesses abilities that make some of our people... uncomfortable," he replied carefully.

Dooku nodded thoughtfully. "How unfortunate. Such talents should be nurtured, not feared. Perhaps I could offer her a place where her skills would be appreciated."

Dooku's keen senses picked up the subtle change in the official's body language. "There is more, perhaps," he heard the Chiss say, clearing his throat. "Her… companion, Vandalor. He has – how do you say? – made his grievances most heard."

Dooku saw a plan crystallizing almost instantly. With a feathery gesture of the hand, he nudged the official. "I am sure arrangements can be made so that… any lingering concerns… may be soothed."

In the privacy of his quarters later that night, Dooku made a decision. The Vandalor complications could bleed into Sev'rance's recruitment. Coldly efficient, he ordered the Chiss mercenary eliminated, making certain the act would appear an accident of fortune.

Days passed, and Dooku's ship drew near to a small escape pod adrift in space. Inside, a weary Sev'rance Tann struggled to maintain hope.

Dooku was waiting at the entrance to the fortress as the pod was drawn inside. The hatch opened to show the blue-skinned, red-eyed Chiss woman.

"Junior Captain Irizi'sev'rance," Dooku began in a welcoming, kindly tone. "I am Count Dooku. I have been looking for you."

Sev'rance looked at him uncertainly. "How do you know who I am?"

Enigmatic, Dooku smiled. "I make it my business to know of individuals with exceptional talents. Your tactical genius and… unique abilities have not gone unnoticed."

He extended a hand to help her out of the pod. "I'm afraid I will bring news of your companion, Vandalor. There was an... unfortunate incident."

Sev'rance's eyes went wide, and an entire gamut of emotions struck her face. Dooku sighed and spoke with undertones of sympathy but full of sincerity. "I do grieve. However, maybe out of it, we shall see a new purpose."

Then he motioned with his hand around the ship. "I am a mover among a society that desires to restore integrity to a corrupt galaxy. Your set of skills would be invaluable to our cause. With us, your abilities will be celebrated, not feared."

Sev'rance was silent a moment, working out this abrupt about-face in affairs. At last, she locked eyes with Dooku. "What exactly are you proposing, Count?"

Dooku's eyes twinkled with amusement. "The opportunity to shape the destiny of the galaxy to your liking, my dear. To be something more than you can ever be. To fulfill your talent's potential."

He turned up his hand again. "Will you, Sev'rance Tann, join us?"

After a moment's hesitation, Sev'rance shook his hand with a firm grasp. "I accept your offer, Count Dooku."

A look of a pleased smile played about the lips of Dooku. There was another strong piece in his sleeve for the upcoming galactic conflict.