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Author	Topic: Glory Days (Dooku , OC) Updated 7/02
azizah Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 2/14 10:14pm Subject: Glory Days (Dooku , OC) Updated 7/02 - Date Edited: 7/2 2:55pm (4 edits total) Edited By: azizah
	Title: Glory Days Author: azizah Timeframe: Pre TPM Characters: Dooku, OC Summary: Dooku learns of the events of JA book #7 and his former padawan’s involvement. My first attempt at Dooku, so I am a little nervous. & The legendary Jedi Master bowed low to the two opposing party delegates. The movement was graceful and effortless, showing none of the awkwardness superiors sometimes felt when deferring to inferiors, a distinction granted the Jedi in all three minds present. The act was graciousness itself. But then Dooku was always gracious, especially in victory. And he was the victor here, even if he was the only one who truly understood that. In a mere handful of days he had single handedly averted a war that would have taken an army of the republic, if such a much needed thing existed, bloody years to settle. Even the Jedi Council had been impressed, and they had sent him expecting results. Dooku himself expected nothing less. The problem was age old but nothing out of the ordinary. A lower class grown powerful by successful commerce, carelessly wielding their new-found power for change and self promotion, full of insolence and avarice, a thing Dooku abhorred. An archaic nobility, scholarly and dignified, shunning anything that resembled progress, who had allowed themselves to grow weak and defenseless, something almost more abhorrent in Dooku’s mind. If lives were not at stake it would almost seem juvenile, a school yard matter really, compel the bully and empower his victims. What was required was not a warrior, nor even a diplomat. What was needed was a teacher and it sometimes pleased Dooku to see himself in that light. Such a noble profession. Yes, all that was required was a teacher, with the right skills and proper understanding. And a firm hand. Dooku suppressed a sigh, there were times when he almost found it too easy. Still, he stood patiently listening to the necessary platitudes expressed by both sides, in his mind already considering the possibility of requesting another mission from the council. With the challenging work done, there was little left to hold his interest. Too much the model Jedi to be bored, he did allow that it all left him feeling a bit flat. It was time to move on. The first consul for the grand regency addressed the Jedi, “Master Dooku, I have been informed that the diplomatic emissary team from the senate has just arrived from Coruscant. I have ordered refreshments to be served in the great hall, will you join us in receiving them?” “I would be honored, your grace.” Dooku followed the men, out of the formal office and down the long corridor toward the receiving room. The carpet was luxuriously plush and the walls lined with priceless pieces of art from across the galaxy, the real thing, not holographic reproductions, even that Wrang dynasty vase was real, exquisitely beautiful, but hopelessly fragile. One wrong step by a gangly teenaged padawan would cause a diplomatic disaster it would take days to sort out. Force. Where had that thought come from? Dooku was amused at the strange workings of his mind, it had been years since he’d had a padawan trailing after him. His mouth unknowingly twisted into a half smile at the thought, with Qui-Gon Jinn for an apprentice, one was rarely bored. Always watching, always questioning, things his master had done or not done, not to mention the boy’s perverse attachment to certain lower life forms, it was a wonder they had accomplished anything. But they had. Looking back, it seemed a time of unique clarity and focus, a time when anything and everything seemed possible. Maybe it had just been youthful naiveté or perhaps time had colored his perceptions. Whatever the reality, his years as Qui-Gon’s master been anything but dull. Did he miss it? Perhaps. He certainly was not considering acquiring another padawan. There were other things one could find to occupy ones time. “Master Dooku, this is a pleasant surprise.” Dooku bowed to acknowledge the lead emissary from the Senate, “Senator Taylar. The pleasure is mine, as always.” The senator was a tall, elegant human with good features and a pleasant face, and, Dooku discreetly observed, he was as impeccably dressed as always. Dooku had worked with the senator before, but to say that he knew him well would be a misrepresentation. Dooku had found him to be a very complex being. On the surface Taylar seemed harmless enough, a social snob and an incurable gossip, concerned only for being seen with the right people in the right places. Dooku had noticed however, that although he represented a planet with no political clout, by careful maneuvering, he had attained quite a bit of social power in certain circles on Coruscant. Senatorial spouses held their breaths until they received his response to invitations for parties they hosted. And Dooku suspected that Taylar at times turned this social power into political capital. It was always wise to keep a political spouse happy, if not the consequences were often politically and publicly humiliating. He had an almost foppish attention to fashion that Dooku found amusing when he realized it covered a keen observation of character and insight into the motivations and appetites of many beings. Little escaped Senator Taylar’s notice. He was a good talker and could be very entertaining, carefully aware of his audience’s preferences. He had a pleasantly malicious streak, and Dooku had once spent an enjoyable evening listening to his bawdy speculation regarding the personal lives and personality quirks of certain Jedi Council members. That and an excellent Brandy had been the only redeeming moments of a particularly dreadful political reception. The Senator was a wealth of information, and as much as Dooku had been amused at his conjecture, he had to admit the man knew some surprising details about the inner workings of the Jedi. In the past, Dooku had found him very useful for both information and introductions, and had not been unwilling to exchange information and opinions, if one could just keep the man off the subject of political intrigue. It seemed that there was no scandal in all the Senate that did not reach his ears. Dooku would have found him very valuable indeed had he at all cared who had fathered the Princess of Tarones third child or who had replaced the second mistress of the senator from Alkrane. Still there was a quality to Taylar’s apparent foolishness that put Dooku on guard. The man was not the fool many supposed. Dooku was glad to see him however, if he was a well informed as usual, there would be no need to bring him up to speed. Dooku could leave at once. “The leaders here must be grateful that Master Yoda and the Council can spare you at such a time.” Dookup kept his face expressionless. The senator was doing what he did best, fishing for information. He was of course referring to the recent lockdown at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Dooku had received the communiqué warning Jedi away as had all Jedi out on assignment. And although the Jedi kept their business to themselves, Dooku would not be surprised to find that these events were now common knowledge in some parts of the Senate. “A security breach, nothing more, I assure you. Master Yoda is quite capable of handling the matter without my interference,” Dooku replied pleasantly enough, masking his disinterest. The latest gossip from the senate, how tiresome. The Jedi master wondered how soon he would be able to bow his leave and be off. “Security breach! You Jedi and your ever indomitable Jedi calm. My word, from what I gather the Temple was very nearly destroyed!” “Indeed! An exaggeration to be sure.” Dooku smiled blandly, never betraying his surprise. The very idea was absurd. Surely the Council had not let things get so far out of hand. The temple destroyed….He turned the idea over in his mind and wondered how he felt about it. Many Jedi viewed the temple as home, but Dooku had no such misplaced sentimentality. But the loss of life, the younglings, the very future of the Jedi and the Council, Dooku found himself counting the council members he knew to be in residence, a staggering loss for the Jedi. Imagine the Jedi with no temple, scattered across the galaxy, homeless, leaderless. The Jedi would rebuild of course, and here Dooku found some solace, a new temple and a new start, away from Coruscant, out from under that ever creeping shadow of corruption, free at last from the control of that parody of democracy, that collection of common thieves and power grasping miscreants, the Senate. Senator Taylar laughed and shook his head, his sharp eyes never leaving Dooku’s face, “Ever the grand stoic, one wonders if you have any true feelings at all for your brethren. But I forget to whom I am speaking, such detachment is probably much admired among Jedi. And such an exemplary Jedi you are, a rock of the Jedi order, a pillar of unshakeable faith. I wonder if the Jedi are aware how deeply indebted they are to you. At this Dooku merely raised an eyebrow. The senator laughed again, “Don’t play the fool, my fine Jedi friend, it ill becomes you. I have done my research you see, so I am well aware of your connection to recent events, which I might add, without your influence could well have taken a different turn.” Dooku was growing tired of this little game, he shifted his gaze away from the senator and made as if to move on in the crowded reception room, “Forgive me senator, duty calls, I must pay my respects to the grand regent and his family. Pray excuse me.” The senator shrugged and raised his hands theatrically, “I see you have more important things on your mind, so I humbly admit defeat. Far be it for a simple senator like me to attempt to understand the doings of the mighty Jedi Order. I will trouble you no more, if you would just answer one question. Tell me is it true, what I have heard? That the source of the Jedi’s current problems, that the cause of all this bother is none other than your former apprentice, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn?” Dooku’s mask of perfect Jedi slipped, and just for a moment he stared. It was a sign of the true perverseness of the senator’s personality that once he had gotten the full and undivided attention of his subject, that when at last his audience was thoroughly captivated, that he abruptly and completely changed the subject. “You must excuse me, Master Jedi, I too have been remiss in my duty. As much as I have enjoyed our little talk, it simply won’t do to ignore the Citizen’s First Speaker any longer. No, no, don’t trouble yourself about me, I already know who he is, I can smell provincial a parsec away. Good grief, cheap is one thing, but when people throw away good credits on bad clothes, it really is unforgivable.” And with that he was off, working the room with the experience of a veteran. Impulsive was not a word Dooku would use to describe himself. Deliberate, methodical, and calculating were words that more often came to mind. So he could not explain how his ever increasing desire to move on, his determination to find some new challenge, his resolve to take on some new assignment had completely evaporated in the space of a few moments of idle chatter. Maybe he had already found a new mission. All thought of flight forgotten, he turned his deliberate, methodical and calculating mind to the matter at hand, finding the answer to one simple question. Just what the devil was going on back home?! tbc
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 2/15 5:10am Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku (and Qui-Gon but only in Dooku's head)) 1 of 3?
	This was great. I loved the OC and the way he handled the news with Dooku. A good manipulation to make Dooku crack his aura of Jedi stoic. PM me with updates please. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 9/22/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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Jinngerbread Registered: Sep '07	Date Posted: 2/15 9:40am Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku (and Qui-Gon but only in Dooku's head)) 1 of 3?
	Maybe he had already found a new mission. All thought of flight forgotten, he turned his deliberate, methodical and calculating mind to the matter at hand, finding the answer to one simple question. Just what the devil was going on back home?! I really like the way you've shown Dooku interacting with others and I found that especially interesting. Of course the guy goes away right when Dooku really begins to wonder. Excellent beginning! -----signature----- Into Another Day http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/27926050/p1/?5 I Really Need A New Job http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28912460/p1/?1 Gate Crashin' http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28492848/p1/?21
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ratna Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 2/17 9:20pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku (and Qui-Gon but only in Dooku's head)) 1 of 3?
	Ahhh, you got me! With your razor sharp characterization, and mysterious intrigue.... Please pm me when you update? -ratna -----signature----- Ou n'a tu pas tellement aime quelqu'un que tu avais peur de l'aimer au peur des souvenirs?
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Nimloth Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 2/18 10:45am Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku (and Qui-Gon but only in Dooku's head)) 1 of 3?
	You don´t need to be nervous about writing Dooku, you got it wonderfully! And that Senator! The senator shrugged and raised his hands theatrically, “I see you have more important things on your mind, so I humbly admit defeat. Far be it for a simple senator like me to attempt to understand the doings of the mighty Jedi Order. I will trouble you no more, if you would just answer one question. Tell me is it true, what I have heard? That the source of the Jedi’s current problems, that the cause of all this bother is none other than your former apprentice, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn?” Dooku’s mask of perfect Jedi slipped, and just for a moment he stared.
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Persephone_Kore Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 2/26 11:57pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku (and Qui-Gon but only in Dooku's head)) 1 of 3?
	Ooh, hey. Not only a Dooku story, but one about him as a Jedi. I suspect I would understand this story better if I had actually read the book you're referring to, but the summary helped a lot and I'm going to read this anyway. g Now that I have some idea what in the world Senator Taylar is talking about, I'm quite curious to see how Dooku goes about investigating it, especially from a distance. I liked the mention of the warning-off message. There's a neat connection to RotS there. I also liked the way in which Senator Taylar is more than he wishes to seem. I especially liked this combination: Many Jedi viewed the temple as home, but Dooku had no such misplaced sentimentality. and later Just what the devil was going on back home?! -----signature----- Protégé: Chosen: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/28612428 A Rose in the Ashes: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/29028814 Lost Ones: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/29061459 Morality and the Sith Apprentice: http://boards.theforce.net/f1/b1/27581326
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UnderCoverJedi Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 2/27 10:12am Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku (and Qui-Gon but only in Dooku's head)) 1 of 3?
	A wonderful start! Please PM me when you update. -----signature----- Not e-married, e-engaged, or e-attached. I prefer to do those things in person. In His Master's Wake http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28185973/p1/?0 Never http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25789579
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azizah Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 3/11 1:42pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku (and Qui-Gon but only in Dooku's head)) 1 of 3? - Date Edited: 5/3 3:22pm (2 edits total) Edited By: azizah
	dianethx – Dooku is a hard one to crack, I think that something to do with Qui-Gon would be one of the few things to do it. Thanks for reading Jinngerbread – Thank you. This is all new ground for me, but I am starting to have fun with this. ratna – Thanks as always Nimloth – Thank you, that is good to hear. Persephone_Kore – I can’t take credit for the message, it was in the book. I never really thought of it as a tie in to ROTS but you are right. I especially liked this combination: Many Jedi viewed the temple as home, but Dooku had no such misplaced sentimentality. and later Just what the devil was going on back home?! I wondered if anyone would notice that. I think Dooku is the master at deceiving himself. UnderCoverJedi – Thank you and pm on its way. && Lights flickered on automatically as he stepped out onto the deserted terrace, Dooku waived them off impatiently. He preferred the darkness, there was nothing here to see but fountains and flowers. Had he been in the mood for pleasant scenery his personal preference would have run more toward the magnificent view of the glimmering cityscape, distant and perfect, far below in the valley. He stood looking out for some time, so deep in his own thoughts that the lightest touch on his cheek startled him out of his brooding stupor. Glow moths. Their tiny insect song and soft whisper motion of their wings suddenly loud in his ear as they swarmed past him, drawn toward the warmth and light of the reception from which he had fled. Dooku had no such inclination. He moved a step further, out of the light into the shadow, the muted talk and laugher from the party inside followed him. Dooku released a slow breath of uncharacteristic frustration. Inside, Taylar was in top form, full of flattery and sympathy, wit and good humor, flitting about the room from group to group just like one of these damnable insects. Try as he might, Dooku could not get the man alone. The solution his dilemma was simple, of course. And it was under that pretence that Dooku had come away from the light and laughter to this dark corner. He looked down at the comlink in his hand and hesitated. It really was a simple matter. The distance to Coruscant was not so great, he could know the truth of the matter in moments. He had but to ask and his former apprentice would willingly tell him everything, Qui-Gon had never denied his master anything that was within his power to give. It was just that it had been a long time. Far too long, Dooku admitted with a sigh. And how did one begin that conversation. It has come to my attention that you’ve been in a bit of trouble lately. Come Padawan, the truth now, were you really responsible for the near destruction of the Temple? But in all truth, he knew that this was not the real issue. Dooku was no more afraid of a few awkward moments than he was of losing a light saber duel to an initiate. No lack of proper words had ever stood between him and his padawan. No, it was not the words that Dooku dreaded, it was something else. A subtlety so fine it should have been lost within the intricacies of interstellar communication. But it was there, broken down into parts, hurtled across the galaxy and perfectly recreated in the re-synthesized voice of his apprentice, and Dooku always recognized it immediately even though it was a quality he had never thought to connect to himself. Defeat. That bastard, Xanatos! With an effort, he quelled some rather un-Jedi-like emotions, and brought his thoughts into focus. He would not go down that road tonight. Dooku glanced back inside, if anything the crowd around Taylar had grown. There were other Jedi he could go to for answers. His own former master, Master Yoda, or his friend, Mace Windu both would readily and easily talk to him. But still he hesitated. After a long moment, he keyed on his com and entered his identification code followed by another series of numbers. The connection was instant, though no shimmering holographic form appeared before him in the darkness, this communication was strictly audio. There was no reason for a visual, the Temple’s assignment system was completely automated. With the proper access codes, the system gave the current status of all Jedi knights. When prompted, Dooku entered the code for Qui-Gon Jinn, it was a long code, but his fingers moved with a deft familiarity across the keypad. A beat and then confirmation. Active - On assignment. A small green light flashing on screen confirmed the same information. He closed the link, feeling slightly ridiculous, it was invariably the same. It was true that on a handful of occasions he had felt a sort of hollow justification at the unexpected blink of an anemic yellow alert light. Inactive. Usually followed by contact coordinates for the healer’s ward in the Jedi Temple. But these rare occurrences could be measured in the space of days. Or nights, passed with interminable slowness in some far corner of the galaxy. Entering another code would have allowed Dooku to leave a message or if possible, convey the coordinates necessary for contacting the knight in question. He never did. With smooth swiftness, he pocketed his comlink and turned toward the door just as the terrace was flooded with unwelcome light. A shining silver droid stepped outside, carrying a tray of drinks. Its stuttering movements and round visual receptors gave it the appearance of uncertainty. When it caught sight of him, its head tilted slightly to one side, increasing the effect. “Might I offer you some refreshment, Master Jedi?” Dooku opened his mouth to politely decline, but was cut off by a familiar voice. “No, no, no, the Master Jedi wants no part of that kdak slime you are serving. Now be off with you, back to the other guests. You are not wanted here.” Senator Taylar brushed past the droid and gave a despairing look to the tray of brightly hued beverages that the droid politely held up for his inspection. He carefully lifted a rather sticky looking pink beverage and gave an elegant shudder of disgust. “You would do well to serve that to the Honorary Second Jurist’s first wife. It will go quite nicely with that disaster of pink confection she is wearing.” Taylar watched the droid shuffle back inside then turned toward Dooku, his face flush with pleasure and his dark eyes sparkling with an emotion Dooku could not quite identify. He wondered if the man was intoxicated, either from drink or something else entirely. “You must join me in a drink and I promise you this one is well worth drinking.” With a flourish, he produced an expensive looking metal flagon covered with intricate carvings and topped with a stamped air-lock seal. From another source under his stylish many-layered short cape, he produced two cut crystal glasses. “Unless I am interrupting something important?” Taylar feigned a look around although he could plainly see that the Jedi Master was alone. “Of course not, Senator.” With a self satisfied look on his face, Taylar broke the seal on the container with elaborate care, poured out the lovely amber colored liquor and offered a glass to Dooku. The Jedi master accepted it graciously despite his misgivings. “A toast then,” the senator lifted his glass, smiling appreciatively at the glowing amber liquor. “To peace.” “To peace.” Dooku raised his glass slightly then lowered it, contemplatively breathing in the volatile complexity of a very fine Corellian Brandy. He waited. He knew the senator was not finished. “And to the Jedi, may their wisdom guide us and their strength protect us for many generations to come.” Dooku merely tilted his head in slight acknowledgement and drank. “And to Qui-Gon Jinn, savior of the Jedi Order and protector of the Republic.” It was not a bad brandy. True, the sharp acidity cutting through the subtle sweetness was a merit only a sophisticated palate could fittingly appreciate, but this was a taste Dooku had cultivated long ago. It should have gone down smoothly, not stalled and curdled in his throat, sending hot prickly fumes up his nasal passages, constricting his airway and making his eyes water. A lesser man might have choked or quite possibly even have spewed a mouthful of the expensive liquid all over his companion’s even more expensive clothes, but if his years as a Jedi had taught Dooku nothing else they had taught him to breathe. A steady inhale to quell the muscle spasms in his throat, a thorough exhale to dissipate the fumes, it seemed an eternity before he could trust his voice to speak. Still, his voice sounded weak to his own ears, or maybe it was just the words he was surprised to hear out of his own mouth. “I fear I am somewhat ignorant of recent events on Coruscant. There have been other matters that have required my attention of late." The last bit almost refused to come out, this time it was the humble words that caught in his throat. Another breath, "Perhaps you would be good enough to tell me what you know.” tbc... (I know its short, but I had to break it somewhere) Edited for a few embarrassing mistakes.
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ratna Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 3/11 3:31pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku , OC) 1 of 3? Updated 3/11
	Totally worth the wait. You've outdid yourself! Ahhh, what an elegant repast.... FORESHADOWING: He preferred the darkness, there was nothing here to see but fountains and flowers. ... ... He stood looking out for some time, so deep in his own thoughts that the lightest touch on his cheek startled him out of his brooding stupor. Glow moths. Their tiny insect song and soft whisper motion of their wings suddenly loud in his ear as they swarmed past him, drawn toward the warmth and light of the reception from which he had fled. Dooku had no such inclination. With a touch of tragedy... He moved a step further, out of the light into the shadow, the muted talk and laugher from the party inside followed him. CHARACTERIZATION! He looked down at the comlink in his hand and hesitated. It really was a simple matter. The distance to Coruscant was not so great, he could know the truth of the matter in moments. He had but to ask and his former apprentice would willingly tell him everything, Qui-Gon had never denied his master anything that was within his power to give. It was just that it had been a long time. Far too long, Dooku admitted with a sigh. And how did one begin that conversation. It has come to my attention that you've been in a bit of trouble lately. Come Padawan, the truth now, were you really responsible for the near destruction of the Temple? Tantalizing (and beautifully written!!) hints of the story that will gradually unfold.... No, it was not the words that Dooku dreaded, it was something else. A subtlety so fine it should have been lost within the intricacies of interstellar communication. But it was there, broken down into parts, hurtled across the galaxy and perfectly recreated in the re-synthesized voice of his apprentice, and Dooku always recognized it immediately even though it was a quality he had never thought to connect to himself. Defeat. That bastard, Xanatos! With an effort, he quelled some rather un-Jedi-like emotions, and brought his thoughts into focus. He would not go down that road tonight. A passage of such subtle sorrow.... When prompted, Dooku entered the code for Qui-Gon Jinn, it was a long code, but his fingers moved with a deft familiarity across the keypad. A beat and then confirmation. Active - On assignment. A small green light flashing on screen confirmed the same information. He closed the link, feeling slightly ridiculous, it was invariably the same. It was true that on a handful of occasions he had felt a sort of hollow justification at the unexpected blink of an anemic yellow alert light. Inactive. Usually followed by contact coordinates for the healer's ward in the Jedi Temple. But these rare occurrences could be measured in the space of days. Or nights, passed with interminable slowness in some far corner of the galaxy. Entering another code would have allowed Dooku to leave a message or if possible, convey the coordinates necessary for contacting the knight in question. He never did. Honestly, azizah, your narrative just sizzles with all the right stuff. The Senator who seems like a buffoon, but isn't: "No, no, no, the Master Jedi wants no part of that kdak slime you are serving. Now be off with you, back to the other guests. You are not wanted here." Senator Taylar brushed past the droid and gave a despairing look to the tray of brightly hued beverages that the droid politely held up for his inspection. He carefully lifted a rather sticky looking pink beverage and gave an elegant shutter of disgust. "You would do well to serve that to Honorary Second Jurist's first wife. It will go quite nicely with that disaster of pink confection she is wearing." Details that bring the moment and the person alive: .... an expensive looking metal flagon covered with intricate carvings and topped with a stamped air-lock seal. The set-up: "A toast then," the senator lifted his glass, smiling appreciatively at the glowing amber liquor. "To Peace." "To Peace." Dooku raised his glass slightly then lowered it, contemplatively breathing in the volatile complexity of a very fine Corellian Brandy. He waited. He knew the senator was not finished. "And to the Jedi, may their wisdom guide us and their strength protect us for many generations to come." Dooku merely tilted his head in slight acknowledgement and drank. And the punchline... "And to Qui-Gon Jinn, savior of the Jedi Order and protector of the Republic." ... ...Quite a bit of punch for such a short line! .... but if his years as a Jedi had taught Dooku nothing else they had taught him to breathe. "Perhaps you would be good enough to tell me what you know." Yes, dear author, please, please! (We readers have no difficulty being humble, even when you leave us barely breathing....) -----signature----- Ou n'a tu pas tellement aime quelqu'un que tu avais peur de l'aimer au peur des souvenirs?
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Jinngerbread Registered: Sep '07	Date Posted: 3/11 3:55pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku , OC) 1 of 3? Updated 3/11 - Date Edited: 3/11 3:56pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Jinngerbread
	Far too long, Dooku admitted with a sigh. And how did one begin that conversation. It has come to my attention that you’ve been in a bit of trouble lately. Come Padawan, the truth now, were you really responsible for the near destruction of the Temple? But in all truth, he knew that this was not the real issue. Dooku was no more afraid of a few awkward moments than he was of losing a light saber duel to an initiate. No lack of proper words had ever stood between him and his padawan. Really interesting glimpse of Dooku here. How long has it been since he has spoken with his apprentice? I must wonder. When prompted, Dooku entered the code for Qui-Gon Jinn, it was a long code, but his fingers moved with a deft familiarity across the keypad. A beat and then confirmation. Active - On assignment. A small green light flashing on screen confirmed the same information. He closed the link, feeling slightly ridiculous, it was invariably the same. I suppose that's one way to keep cell phones, er comlinks, from going off at inopportune moments in negotiations Interesting idea, I never would have thought of that. Very nice attention to detail. "To Peace." Dooku raised his glass slightly then lowered it, contemplatively breathing in the volatile complexity of a very fine Corellian Brandy. He waited. He knew the senator was not finished. "And to the Jedi, may their wisdom guide us and their strength protect us for many generations to come." Really interesting little situation budding here, and what a toast the Senator made. I'm guessing the Senator picked it wondering if he could get a rise out of Dooku. I'm really quite enjoying this story, looking forward to more! -----signature----- Into Another Day http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/27926050/p1/?5 I Really Need A New Job http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28912460/p1/?1 Gate Crashin' http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28492848/p1/?21
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Persephone_Kore Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 3/11 5:30pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku , OC) 1 of 3? Updated 3/11
	For some reason, I can't quite shake the idea that Taylar just tried to poison or drug him. I'm not sure it's exactly likely, but something about Taylar's odd demeanor and increased uncouthness when he showed up on the balcony, followed by bringing out an alternate drink of his own, was setting off alarm bells. So I initially read the relevant paragraph (and then the part about his voice sounding weak, and saying things he wasn't expecting to) as the brandy actually not being how it should have been. I realized on a more careful reading that it was in response to the sudden mention of Qui-Gon, but I can't seem to get rid of the idea that Taylar's up to something. Well, I suppose that's established as his default state, but something more sinister. It's a great description of nearly snorting your drink, by the way. I'm tempted to go "awwww" at the idea of Dooku being mad at Xanatos for making Qui-Gon sound defeated. Yes, okay, it's dangerous for a Jedi and all that, it's still kind of sweet. thoughtful The fountains/flowers vs. cityscape touch is a very interesting one. He seems to like gardens all right in the (admittedly limited) sources where they come up together, but on the other hand, he grew up on Coruscant; I find myself wondering if this is another subtle way to emphasize how much his thoughts are turning back there, whether he's willing to call it "home" or not. -----signature----- Protégé: Chosen: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/28612428 A Rose in the Ashes: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/29028814 Lost Ones: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/29061459 Morality and the Sith Apprentice: http://boards.theforce.net/f1/b1/27581326
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 3/11 6:15pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku , OC) 1 of 3? Updated 3/11
	I have to wonder at how long since Dooku had talked to Qui-Gon. Sounds like years. He closed the link, feeling slightly ridiculous, it was invariably the same. It was true that on a handful of occasions he had felt a sort of hollow justification at the unexpected blink of an anemic yellow alert light. Inactive. Usually followed by contact coordinates for the healer’s ward in the Jedi Temple. But these rare occurrences could be measured in the space of days. Or nights, passed with interminable slowness in some far corner of the galaxy. Entering another code would have allowed Dooku to leave a message or if possible, convey the coordinates necessary for contacting the knight in question. He never did. And I thought it was sad how much he recognized defeat in Qui-Gon's voice. And then the cliffhanger with Qui-Gon being the 'savior' I wonder what's going on. Very intriguing. I really liked it a lot. You put some great nuances into the story for a great characterization of Dooku. Looking forward to more! -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 9/22/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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ratna Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 3/11 10:58pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku , OC) 1 of 3? Updated 3/11
	Persephone_Kore posted: I especially liked this combination: Many Jedi viewed the temple as home, but Dooku had no such misplaced sentimentality. and later Just what the devil was going on back home?! OMG i missed that the first time around! Brilliant! -----signature----- Ou n'a tu pas tellement aime quelqu'un que tu avais peur de l'aimer au peur des souvenirs?
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UnderCoverJedi Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 3/18 8:26pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku , OC) 1 of 3? Updated 3/11
	Really great writing. I agree, it's a very elegant chapter. Nice work! He stood looking out for some time, so deep in his own thoughts that the lightest touch on his cheek startled him out of his brooding stupor. Glow moths. Their tiny insect song and soft whisper motion of their wings suddenly loud in his ear as they swarmed past him, drawn toward the warmth and light of the reception from which he had fled. Dooku had no such inclination. -----signature----- Not e-married, e-engaged, or e-attached. I prefer to do those things in person. In His Master's Wake http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28185973/p1/?0 Never http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25789579
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azizah Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 4/1 9:34pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku , OC) 1 of 3? Updated 3/11
	I don't have the next chapter ready, because I wasted my break doing nothing But I am back at work on it now and I wanted to reply because your comments were great. ratna – thank you again. The well placed use of pink was a nice touch. .... but if his years as a Jedi had taught Dooku nothing else they had taught him to breathe. I’m glad you liked this one, because I was really laughing at myself. My Jedi breathe first before they do anything. Sometimes I have to make myself stop. Jinngerbread – Thank you, I am glad you are enjoying it. Your comment really had me laughing. I suppose that's one way to keep cell phones, er comlinks, from going off at inopportune moments in negotiations I got this picture of a council meeting with comlinks going off and Yoda giving everyone dirty looks. And then I started thinking of possible ring tones for each Jedi master… Persephone_Kore – For some reason, I can't quite shake the idea that Taylar just tried to poison or drug him When I was editing this, I was struck with the same thought, which was Oh dear, the readers are going to think there was something in the drink! Not my original intention, but then I thought it would work because it gives the feeling the senator is up to something, which he is. Dianethx - It has been awhile since they talked, which I think fits. If Dooku never met Obi-Wan in the years that follow they can’t have been much in the habit of seeing each other. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, it means a lot to me. UnderCoverJedi –Thank you very much. I found myself writing in a different tone when I though of Dooku, it’s interesting.
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azizah Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 5/3 2:09pm Subject: RE: Glory Days (Dooku , OC) 1 of 3? Updated 3/11 - Date Edited: 5/3 3:49pm (1 edits total) Edited By: azizah
	Sorry this took so long... & “The whole thing is shocking, absolutely shocking. I am utterly appalled at the depths to which sentient beings will sink for money. These are immoral times we live in my friend.” That Dooku failed to notice an appreciable lack of sincerity behind the Senator’s words can be explained by two reasons, the first was that Taylar, being a politician, was well practiced in the art of expressing emotions he did not feel, the second was that Dooku was not even looking at the Senator. Feeling old for the first time in his life, he sunk to a nearby bench, hunched forward and wearily contemplated the remains of his half empty glass. If Taylar lacked the surprise that he professed to feel, Dooku made up for it twice over. He was aghast at the level to which he had sunk. He abhorred gossip. And yet here he was not only prepared to tolerate it for his own ends, but actually inviting it. “I am speechless, absolutely speechless.” The insincerity of this statement proved false immediately by Taylar’s continued rant, “That the Council would keep a Jedi of your stature in the dark on such matters is incomprehensible.” The Senator paused and poured himself another drink. “You will excuse me if I speak candidly for a moment, for you see I know certain things. Odd bits of information tend to come my way every now and again.” He paused again, flicked an imaginary piece of lint off his sleeve then studied his well manicured fingernails for a moment, as if he were hesitant to touch on a delicate subject. “I know that you are no ordinary Jedi. And it is your very history which makes you the obvious candidate to deal with such matters, for it has become apparent that even the Jedi are not immune to the temptations of great wealth. But you, my friend, are impeachable. Far be it from me to question the wisdom of the Jedi Council, but were I the fortunate owner of a large quantity of crystalline vertex, you would seem to me the natural choice to safeguard such wealth.” Taylor would have continued along this vein, but Dooku interrupted, “I am afraid I don’t follow you Senator.” But here Dooku hesitated, carefully choosing his next words. Loyalty was not a quality that Dooku held in much regard. The very base of the sentiment implied trust in a person or principles often over one’s own convictions or judgment, a misguided notion at best. Dooku had found very few things in his life that deserved such esteem, and the Jedi Code was not one of them. And yet an odd loyalty must have existed in Dooku in some trace quantity for he could not allow himself to use the word so ill-favored in that belief system. “Are you implying that the Jedi have in their... keeping ...a fortune in crystalline vertex? “Have your fellow Jedi told you nothing?” Taylar was incredulous. “I, ah hmm” Dooku cleared his throat, “I have experienced some minor communications difficulties.” “Faulty equipment?” Taylar shook his head sympathetically, “Budget constraints, indeed! It’s a sad state of affairs when the treasury of the Republic lines the pockets of corrupt politicians while our protectors are sent into the field lacking the barest essentials. I have half a mind to draft a petition of complaint.” “Pray don’t trouble yourself Senator. But the vertex?” “According to my sources, the Jedi Council secretly agreed to hold a rather large quantity of crystalline vertex until ownership of the fortune could be peaceable established. I understand there was enough vertex to buy an impressive amount of real estate, if you so desired, possibly an entire system or two if you are not too particular about location.” The Senator’s nose wrinkled slightly as if he had just discovered an offensive smell, clearly expressing his views regarding less than ideal locations. In a moment he recovered himself and continued. “Not a bad plan at all if you think about it. That temple of yours is a veritable fortress, not to mention the built in security force.” “Well, as unbelievable as it sounds, an attempt was made to steal the vertex from the very heart of the Temple, from under the very noses of the Council. And this is where I was hoping you might me able to confirm a detail or two, as it all seems rather too fantastic to believe. It is said that the thief was able to breach Temple security because he himself was a Jedi. Some sort of rogue Jedi if you can imagine such a thing. Really it is surprising the amount of information the Council has managed to keep hush over the years.” Rogue Jedi? For an uncomfortable moment Dooku thought the Senator was referring to Qui-Gon, until he realized this was ridiculous. He was not thinking clearly, in glancing down he was surprised to discover he was now holding an empty glass in his hand. He sighed. The whole thing was starting to give him a headache. When Dooku made no response, Taylar continued his story, “Luckily for the Jedi, your former apprentice uncovered the plot, fought off the invader, and thwarted his plans to destroy the temple moments before disaster struck. It all is most impressive, due in part I am sure to your excellent training and example. “ “And the fate of this rogue Jedi?” “He escaped. It seems he planned for every contingency. It now appears he plotted the destruction of the Temple from the start, the vertex was only an afterthought. They say that his real motive was revenge, possibly against Master Jinn personally. But I am rather disinclined to believe this part of the story, after all stealing the vertex is a much more understandable motivation, and revenge even in a former Jedi sounds a bit extreme. I thought it was not in your nature. Unless that is another one of those dark secrets you Jedi are hiding, along with the identity of the attacker.” There were moments when the Force brought clarity with such intensity that the impact jarred him to the bone. Insight turned to truth, and he found he knew the answer. Xanatos! Something inside of him untwisted and Dooku almost smiled. The truth was a curious relief. How odd that until this very moment he had assumed that the threat had been political in nature. Oh, nothing so bold as an overt attack, nothing that could be tied back to the Senate itself, more likely some twisted offshoot of the greed and corruption that wormed it way throughout the system unchecked. That cancer so insidiously entwined around the Republic it was impossible to cut out without hacking off whole limbs. But this was something else entirely. That impudent self-serving whelp had actually stood up to the Jedi. For a moment, Dooku almost admired him for his boldness, but he knew the boy had no vision. At his center he was no different from the politicians and power mongers that Dooku despised. Xanatos was a fool, but a dangerous fool, and better dealt with at once. Dooku doubted the Council would agree. He could almost hear Yoda extolling patience. Wait we must, hard to see the future is. “You are smiling, Master Dooku. Does my story amuse you? Perhaps you doubt its credibility, it is rather sensational. But I must say there is something about the persona of Qui-Gon Jinn that makes me believe him capable of all that I have heard and more.” “Do you know my apprentice?” Dooku could not imagine two people with less in common than Taylar and Qui-Gon Jinn. “By reputation only. But just this morning I had the great fortune to encounter our hero himself as I made to leave Coruscant. We shared a landing platform at the central air terminal. It was not so great of a coincidence really. Reduced, you know, as we public servants are to flying commercial transport.” An expressive shrug gave you the Senator’s true opinion of public transportation. “I was quite impressed. The finest figure of a Jedi I have ever laid eyes on, present company excepted of course.” “The Jedi have always shown a certain disdain for style, but I must say after seeing your apprentice today, I was almost tempted to run out and buy myself something brown, but then there are so few who can really pull off that look. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn is one of the few. He certainly looks the part of the mighty warrior, protector of the people, off to parts unknown, sent forth to battle the danger and darkness alone.” Dooku had stopped listening entirely. And in another moment of insight that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, Dooku knew, he knew that Qui-Gon had gone in search of Xanatos. And this was no mission sanctioned by the Council. This was action, clean, pure, Force-driven action, unfettered by the rule bound restraint and stumbling indecision of the Jedi Council. It was revelation. Suddenly, Dooku’s place of most gifted Jedi and favorite son of the Jedi Council had become too rigid a restraint. Unawares he found he had grown weary of such a passive existence. His growing restlessness had nothing to do with his missions. This fermenting discontent was the natural byproduct of an absolute stagnation. Dooku longed to do more than merely what the Council deemed necessary and wise. He longed to exact change, to right wrong, to instill order in a disordered, unjust universe. There had been a time in his life when he had believed he was doing just that. And he had before him the means to go back. He would go with Qui-Gon to hunt down an enemy who had not only threatened the Jedi, but who had done damage to one of their own. It took no Force knowledge to know where his padawan had gone. He would follow Qui-Gon to Telos and together they would bring Xanatos to justice. His weariness dropped away and clarity took hold. Dooku carefully set down his glass and stood, ready again to be off, but this time with a sureness of purpose. Qui-Gon would not face this enemy alone. “Well, not alone exactly.” Dooku started until he realized that the Senator was merely finishing his account of what he had seen at the landing platform. “There was the boy, of course.” “The boy?” “His apprentice, although I believe you Jedi have another word for it.” “Padawan.” Dooku supplied weakly as he sat down again, unable to decide what emotion to feel. He took up his glass, poured and neatly swallowed the contents. “Senator, I am afraid I might need to trouble you for a bit more information.” & Edited for some odd spacing
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