Saga Emerging from Shadows (Replies and Interlude 7/26)

*Hugs*

 

Thank you, guys. I know Cushy finicky. My path with Sir has been a very long and intensive one. I so want the doubt and anguish to cease so I can be centred again and give him the decent words he deserves.

 

I post this vid as an invitation to contemplate.

 

This post is just barely beginning the Dooku sections of the Chapter. Within it I will touch on several things that are virtually *ignored* by the films, books, and even many fans: the effects of war. Though I warn: I won't be subjecting anyone to science-esse, rather I will be exploring the effects upon such things as security, identity, and relational stress. I will likewise dare to convey the idea that love, compassion, communication, support, trust, and faith working interlockingly can *heal*.

Cushy leads by her Heart, Empathy, and Intuition. I do not pretend I am always right but nor are my conclusions and thoughts baseless simply because many don't understand or accept why or how I came to form them. Logic is not the be all of experience or Truth. Emotions and attachments are vital as well to balance, I'd say even more so.


Six Moons Later—Dooku Home, Naboo

Demothi Dooku's regal 6'5 form moves with fluid agility and sinuous grace as two adolescent lupine-appearing cublings—one sandy and sea green-pelted and his brother, ebony and alabaster-furred—dangle from full length crushed velvet cape and linen legging, giggling.

With a final flourish of activity, the father stills upon the Saxony grey carpet. 'All right, you, rascals, time to wish up for supper.' The resonant bass tone informs.

'Yes, Papa!' Knowledge Seeker and Stability's Blessing chorus before slinging an arm across the other's shoulders agreeably and ambling in the direction of the refresher.

Demothi's dark eyes gleam with satisfaction and contentment as he feels his beloved bondmate's arms gently envelope him in an agreeable loose embrace. Purring, he nuzzles his taller companion, his beard whiskers brushing the fur of her muzzle and the hollow of her neck in a display of now common and reciprocal affection and trust. 'We are raising two fine boys, Magnificent Queen. You and they are nearly the only solace I have amid the minefield of psychological and emotional trauma, physical frustration and limitations, and the ocean of doubt and fear. Your love and care are the foundations of my perseverance and courage.'

 

Love how Dooku is adopting some animal-like mannerisms in the presence of his lupine family, yet praying to the deity Toru follows! Nice viggie!

P.S. What are "bread whiskers"?

 

Thanks, Poet.

A typo. Fixed.

 

Oh, stunning. Your words are gorgeous and lyrical. I love the journey your characters are on, their resilience and inner strength! How the younger generation draws the best examples from their forebears/mentors.

 

Thanks so much, Ny!

I honestly don't know when my next bit after this will be. I haven't engaged with this much at all since my hiatus. Life may be getting a major shuffle soon as well. Thank you for reading and patience.
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Demothi is just concluding the supper prayer when the chime of an arrival is heard. 'Seeker, please let Uncle Wilhuff in.'

The short-sleeved and shorts-clad pup eagerly slips from his chair and pads to the main common room. Moments later, a walking stick is happily discarded and two bodies are heard engaging in a light-hearted tussle which ends with Knowledge Seeker crowing: 'Pinned ya!'

Two peals of laughter follow as elder and cub catch their breaths.

Demothi grins when the twin beaming countenances of his son and dear friend greet him. 'Welcome back planetside. Fancy a dash following the meal?'

Tarkin ruffles Seeker's black mane then pats his shoulder fondly before addressing Dooku: 'Not just now, thank you. My, it is wonderful to not have deckplates under my feet! I know it's totally casual of me, but may I remove my loafers for a bit?'

'By all means.'

Knowledge Seeker serves up two plates making a point to heap one with various breads, fruits, vegetables, and sweetmeats. He presents it to Tarkin with a flourish once the man is settled beside his sire.

'Good show, dear boy. It looks splendid!'

Closing his eyes, Tarkin enters a prayerful state. Picking up Dooku's utensils, he regards him inquiringly.

'Gualama flank with barbecue sauce, daslia maizebread, and novablast, please.'

Nodding, Tarkin briefly dabs his lips following a swallow of Alderaanian Spiced Tea.

While cutting and preparing the requested foods, Tarkin listens carefully as chatter buzzes around him. Contentedly, he switches between feeding Demothi and carefully holding the delicate glass of liquor to the other's lips. Noting a slender dribble of sauce marring the pristine facial whiskers, Tarkin discreetly dips a napkin in a glass of iced water and gently removes the residue.

Once Demothi has his fill, Tarkin precisely stacks the dishes and utensils which Magnificent Queen and the cubs remove and clean within a large sink, placing them within a straining rack.

The trio returns to the table.

Polishing off a glazed biscuit, Wilhuff licks crumbs from his fingers. 'Absolutely marvellous, Magnificent Queen! Your culinary skill is unrivalled. I do believe Blessing is a budding chef, he is a credit to you, Ma'am.'

The piebald-pelted youth's button ears twitch in surprise. 'How did you know I helped?'

Playfully wagging a finger, the ageing Human answers: 'Why, your signature, of course, my boy! Succulent cocoa and cava fruit crepes with vanilla sauce. I am wrapped around your paw, Young Sir, incredible.'

 

Same here. Wondering if this is the calm before the storm! And their meal is nice, too. Sounds like a GFFA mezze.

 

Thank you for reading.

Both Poet and Finds are on to something.
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Later That Night

Naboo--Dooku Home, Sauna

Communique from Yoda to Dooku

Not think I would write this, I did. Request your aid, I do. Sanctuary of Sunbeams has been razed to the ground. The Jedi Temple no more is.

Much meditation have I done since the breech so long ago. Possible to mend fissures of the past, it is?

Great orator are you. Power your voice has. Possible the Spirits will guide us all yet, hmm?

Humble Yet Hopeful,

Yoda

Dooku sharply glares at Wilhuff over a powerful shoulder as the nimble fingers continue their flawless medicinal massage.

'You and the Old Frog are conspiring together, aren't you?' He rumbles accusingly.

The knowledgable pressure halts as large guileless wounded storm grey eyes meet the stony mocha ones.

'Whatever are you blathering on about, Demothi? Must you be wary of everyone older than ten summers? If Yoda has sought you, there is reason. What is left to determine is if you will answer and see where it leads.

'Now do relax before you invalidate all my tired fingers' hard work, if you please.'

Demothi colours in embarrassment as he stills again considering broodingly.

 

Wow, so I missed a couple of updates entirely. It's good to see that this story is still in progress.

So glad to see that Dooku has a loving family here; that's got to be a help to him given all that happened in the past. (If I remember right, he left Palpatine's employment sometime before the New Hope time frame? That couldn't have been easy!) I'm curious about Magnificent Queen, who I can only imagine lives up to her name! Such interesting names she and the cubs have; I'm curious as to whether they were given at birth or chosen based on personality or some such. Seem to recall that there was a naming ceremony earlier in this work, but I think for a child of a different species. Anyway, like EP I thought it was neat that Demothi has adopted some of the lupine habits of his family when it comes to showing affection.

Old Frog is going to stick in my memory as a nickname for Yoda! Tarkin's observation that Dooku doesn't trust anyone over ten summers is one of my favorite parts as well. It will be interesting to see what becomes of the proposed alliance with the Jedi remnants -- if they choose to remain Jedi after all that has happened, even. There's certainly been a lot of bad blood there, and Yoda didn't exactly help by kind of forcing the choice to stay/leave on his students last time around. (If I'm not mis-remembering, which is entirely possible.) Hopefully they can come to a peaceful agreement, whatever they decide. At any rate, I like that Tarkin and Dooku seem to be able to have differences of opinion but remain the stable friends that they have been for many years. That makes them really good sounding boards for each other, since both know that they share basic values but have different experiences to draw from.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by, Kahara! Love your insightful thoughts.

Quite so, leaving the Sith Snake was NOT easy but it will be worthy. Good, good, Queen's history is upcoming. The names of the Dooku Clan are mostly based on personality, yes, so the ones the cubs have now are likely permanent as they are transitioning to young men. Thank you, I'm trying to convey that Christopher seems to have learned to appreciate touch from those he trusted. Glad you like it.

Well, I usually call him Lightning Frog now ala PT but it didn't fit the tone. Thanks. No, you are basically correct, lots of bad blood with the Jedi but hope will come. Well said! So glad you picked those facets of the relationship between Demothi and Wilhuff up. It's close to how I read Peter and Chris: very different, can and do disagree but what matters is love.

The post after this may be rather long and I have a certain pair of characters that will feature heavily...I hope it's worth the wait...

Shout out to Davak24, The Vanguard, and Lady Belligerent for helping Cushy get this going again!

Now, the last bit of lead up...
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Message from Dooku via Naboo to Yoda on Coruscant

I am rather taken aback to hear from you, Ancient One. Your contact stirs unease within me, foreboding permeates my being. If I heed your summons I will miss my sons' departure for Fogilon Exploration Academy on the newly settled Wild Space world of Nobalok Prime. It is their first time leaving Naboo on their own, as a sire I am concerned as the greater Galaxy still possesses many dangers. Yet, my cubs are intelligent. I am proud of them reaching this milestone.

Regarding the task at hand, I live to serve. Where am I needed most?
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Message from Yoda on Coruscant to Dooku via Naboo

Relieved I am, respond you did, my once student. Accomplishment of your cubs that is, formally beginning education. Your vigilance warranted, is.

The need is most dire on Parlo in the Outer Rim. Rogue elements have destabilised the local governmental structure and much destruction has occurred. Fireheart still on Tibrin is, sideways mercy this may be. Know Parlo harbours many ill memories for him.

Yet, mists of the past rush to meet you, Dooku, prepare. Difficult this new path has been but far from over it is.

When this mission complete is, perhaps we will meet as freshly met allies anew.

Spirits Walk With Thee,

Yoda
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After explaining the situation privately to Queen and Wilhuff, Demothi spends a final night singing songs with Seeker and playing smashball with Blessing.

02:00 the next morning, Dooku rouses from restless slumber. Padding to the window, he gazes solemnly upon the starlit heavens, his thoughts still gloomy.

When his 6'9 wife's furred paw grasps his forearm and leads him to the spacious refresher and sauna combination, he doesn't resist. During the ensuing ninety minutes, the couple celebrate their devotion to each other amid joint cleansings. Dooku relishes the sensation of Magnificent Queen's strong yet lush form against his as she joyously grants him a blazing ray of serenity before he must meet the raging gale awaiting him.

 

Fascinating stuff with Dooku - I do enjoy your fresh takes on familiar characters.

 

Okay, turns out, I'm going to break this into two because otherwise some may get lost in a wall of text. Shout out to my new friend and Beta Davak24 for looking this over and helping me over a rough patch.

Thank you, Ny!

Anyone that sees the embedded RL reference gets a cookie.

'The Tiger of Serenno is coming,' is whispered in many obliterated alleyways with hints of awe.

'Time for us to put the miserable clawless kat out of his misery,' is sneered in more than one business centre or vessel conference room.

Given the dire circumstances he is heading into, Dooku secures permission to join Firmus Piett and Tian Jerjerrod on the Assistance, a Replenisher-class supply vessel already en route to the desolate Parlo.

Following a full day of tense briefings, Assistance and her small convoy of support and escort vessels are hailed by the Resolution-class preventive vessel Stalwart.

Parlo System Outskirts

'This is restricted space. Parlo is under a communications blackout. State your intent or be fired upon.'

Firmus inwardly sighs. 'Acknowledged, Stalwart. This is Assistance. We come bearing supplies, foodstuffs, and manpower at the behest of Yoda of the Unknown. Ambassador Dooku is aboard and seeks to meet with whomever knows what the hell is going on down on that noxious slime ball below us.'

A heavy silence pervades as the other vessel's officers confer.

The commander of the Stalwart's expression is grim as he informs: 'At present, said person is Lady Tarkin. We've informed her of your arrival. She's expecting you. Good luck, allies. Stalwart out.'

Dooku regards the officers and crew around him with an intense stare a long moment before barking: 'Come, we must meet the Lady. There is no time to waste!'

His cape swirls as the leonine man departs to the hangar bay with a dignified stride.

Within minutes, a Lambda-class shuttle launches from Assistance's belly and slices through the thick cumulus grey, purple, and green layers of grime-infested cloud cover ever approaching the broken shards of Xaboled City.

As the shuttle comes to rest on it's landing struts, it is perfectly clear that Parlo is a war zone. Deep scars furrow the soil, no wildlife is discernible except the charred remains of gutted rodent-like golimi, meat likely snatched as a desperate source of protein. All that the arrivals behold is bleakness: mounds and mounds of charred rubble, blue-flamed fire belching columns of sable smoke as it crackles greedily through any scarp of fuel the hapless have discarded.

A gale-force wind howls as it rakes unprotected flesh and buffets all forms that dare suggest movement. Hair and fur stream upon the currents as the motley group trudges towards the full-figured woman awaiting them a breather over her mouth and nose.

As the men halt before her, Hannah quips drily: 'Hospitable, yes? Come over to the titanium-framed tent, gentleman, and I'll fill you in.'

Following Lady Tarkin, bright forks of lightning split the oppressive sky, highlighting the haggard crags of Hannah's face in spite of the obscuring rain pelting all concerned.

'Parlo is basically blacklisted by the Coalition, written off as a criminal world best forgotten. Few dare acknowledge this place let alone venture here and you can see that the disdain is justified. However, the wilful ignorance is not. A single medical ship arrived two moons ago, I was among her compliment to my husband's great consternation. Yet, like all of those still active in the Space, Colonisation, and Exploratory Fleets, I couldn't remain idle as innocents were terrorised and slaughtered.

'Other then my own people and the scraggly band of survivors we've reclaimed from this toxic waste, you lot are the first friendly visages I've seen since this catastrophe began.

'Our resources are completely depleted, your arrival is a much needed boost in morale.' Lady Hannah offers a wan half-smile.

A barrage of projectile and grenade fire disrupts the meeting. Tian takes charge of the group as they engage with the unknown hostiles. Soon, the ground is swarming with militia.

Now accustomed to non-lethal tactics, the Coalition officers nevertheless harness every ounce of evasive and defensive strategy they possess. Jerjerrod downs seven in rapid succession acting as Lady Tarkin's shield.

Two hours hence, the engagement ceases as the few mobile hostiles remaining melt into the shadows.

In all, 103 prisoners are secured aboard the Stalwart for detainment and interrogation.

The casualties are Dorforballuck of Kashyyyk whom died defending a group of Lady Tarkin's orphans and Dooku's personal assistant, Czar Noblepaw, sustaining an arm wound.

Via the Force, Dooku tends Noblepaw utilising bacta patches, sinew thread, and a heavy sedative.

Labour finished, Dooku wearily slumps into an uncomfortable chair beside his comrade's unresponsive cot-bound form.

Gazing blankly out of the makeshift sick tent, Dooku hears the haunting and sonorous tones of Dorforballuck's funeral lament offered in gratitude for her sacrifice.

How much more can the galaxy withstand, Mighty Fashioner of Stars? He pleads earnestly within himself.

Communique from Ambassador Dooku on Parlo, Outer Rim to Coalition Securities Headquarters

Yes, arrogant fools, I dare defy the communications blackout! What is wrong with you people?! Abandoning an entire planet to burn and forsaking some of our sweetest citizens in the process? Unacceptable!

I know for a fact that vessel and goods production is rather high across Coalition Space at present so the only explanation is cowardice. Get some decent personnel and infrastructure in place out here immediately. Even first day cadets fresh from dustbowls have more competence.

103 miscreants may soon be offering valuable information that you miserable lot don't even deserve to receive. They will be arriving via the courtesy of the Stalwart which didn't even know my company were coming. Honestly, words fail me.

 

Yoda always understanding, is. Like this story, I do.

 

Heartfelt gratitude Dandelo and Davak24 for helping Cushy struggle through this.

Thanks Finds. You can say that again. This next bit has about done me in. Good question. Thank you. One of my goals is to 'soften' some of the Jedi characters. I'm so relieved the familial tone is being received well. Presently I don't even know.

Thanks for stopping by, Vanguard! [face_hug]


All I can safely say is that my tale is NOT over. Thanks for reading!


This section is a direct tie-in to my Fic Gift for Ewok Poet called Communication which is in my sig if anyone is interested.


Papas Interlude: Finality

He had arrived due to the Spirit's urging roughly a week prior, pleading usage of the Grand Music Hall. Strangely being indulged, he had played the unique piano offered as he never had before in his life. His heart literally bled through his fingers imbuing the poignant notes produced and interwoven.

Utterly sapped of energy following the performance he was bodily supported as he was removed to a recovery chamber. The following day he was questioned in-depth as to his unusual actions.

'I can no longer bear the weight of my guilt, oh, Sons of Tibrin! Hear my confession and do as you deem fit. I shan't resist.'

Intrigued, the Ishi Tib nodded.

'Many moons past, in what seems another age, I committed a heinous sin. I murdered one of your kin falsely with hatred consuming my heart.'

This pronouncement caused a rancorous outpouring of screeches and clicks to erupt as various Ishi Tib vented their outrage.

Toru stood meekly head bowed and feet bared as their rage and grief rolled over him in suffocating ripples yet he remained mute.

Undulating Rhythms School, Cell—Tibrin

To Toru's shock the space is incredibly civil. The air mild and cool to his bared flesh. He has been fed high-quality salted fish and sweetened aquatic plants each night as the moon's light cascades over the School's native waters.

The Kaladroni has been very reflective and prayerful these last days awaiting his fate.

With a brief screech of the cell door, a male Ishi Tib enters. Eye stalks intent on the weary chocolate gaze of the resigned prisoner, his thick, bluntly clawed hand grasps the toned sandstone biceps indicating he is to stand. Toru complies.

The entirety of the journey to his final destination, Toru silently urges: Fashioner of Stars, this is just. Please do not impute my blood upon this being. Ah, my Fawns, try to understand and do not be rash as I once was. How I adore you! You restored hope to my grief-stricken existence. Great One Above willing, I will embrace each of you and introduce you to those you have been robbed of knowing now, in the Age of Purity.

Just prior to palming open the escape pod hatch, the Ishi Tib declares simply: 'I will fulfil your final edicts. Await Fish in the Sky with strength, Worthy One.'

Bracing contact removed, Toru Fireheart marches smartly within the basic craft. Within moments the naked, wiry Kaladroni is launched towards Tibrin's primary star. A dreamless rest creeps over and envelops him as the final supply of oxygen departs the pod.

Searing heat chews through the hull like wax, obliterating what once was.

Two Days Later

Sanctuary of Resilience, Fireheart Quarters

'I can't bear to set eyes on the man that executed our father, Brother. I simply don't have it in me.' Gleeful One states with a mixture of abject sorrow and a disconcerting sense of distance.

Thimen gazes upon the shattered canid-Nomilar with pity as he soundlessly settles upon the edge of his sibling's sleep-couch before gathering him into a sheltering embrace. The aged Chiss gently rests his chin upon the other's mane.

'Very well. You need not endure it. Healer Bant arrived with Peckhum and the Lightning Rod last night. Shall I see if she can stay with you until I return?'

'Yes! Bant is a nice Mon Calamari!' Gleeful One innocently enthuses before slumping into sullen silence afresh.

Settling before a work terminal, Thimen comms Bant. Within moments the large, bulbous silver eyes regard the Chiss gravely. 'Mentor Thimen, I join you in this time of solemnity and adjustment. How may I help?'

Thimen inclines his head slightly in respect as he returns: 'Your sentiment is appreciated, Healer Eerin. If it is not an inconvenience, Gleeful One could use some companionship while I attend to personal matters.'

Bant blinked thoughtfully. 'I can get Pupil Trotting Wolf to cover for me. I'll be over in a jiff. Steady on, Thimen.'

Cutting the connection, Thimen stands and approaches the sunlit windows of his Teacher's home. It seems cruel that a day so beautiful should bear such crippling news. I must remember that Toru is at peace now. Rest peacefully, Son of Kaladron, your legacy remains.

Hands interlaced behind his back, Thimen walks with a steady gait to the Sancuary's hangar bay.

Whatever Thimen has been expecting what greets him isn't it. A tall Ishi Tib of grave countenance attired in a sober uniform of all black bows at the waist before informing in Cheunh: 'I understand my presence is unwelcome thus I will be brief to spare all concerned, Venerable Chiss: The man whom you saw as mentor was noble to the end. He never lashed out or pleaded against his fate. He is worthy of Fish in the Sky.

'I fulfil my final duty in this matter by returning Fireheart's signature items to those that may continue their usage for good.'

The amber-eyed and apple-fleshed being relinquishes Peace Seeker's new transponder codes, Toru's grey and royal blue attire and his sapphire ear stud.

Cradling the neatly stacked items reverently, Thimen responds in kind: 'Though we meet in ill circumstances your conduct is honourable. I bear you no malice. Depart in peace.'