In turbulent war, reorganizing strategies and planning the next move proves particularly vital, as it's key to victory. In the vast galaxy, Ultron's rampage seemed heralding the possibility of an unspoken ceasefire, allowing factions to focus on greater threats.
However, a hidden threat sought keeping the war between Republic and Separatists continuing. On one side stood a millennium-old plan to impose its grand vision upon the galaxy, and on the other, a design that would ultimately lead to all life's extinction. The struggle between them would continue until one side won and the other lost.
Now, in the flames of war throughout the Sullust system, the struggle for survival between Republic and Separatists raged, their forces clashing to determine who would gain control of expanded territory or keep it isolated from enemies.
In this fierce battle, Asajj Ventress, a cunning assassin under Count Dooku, stood out. She piloted her unique starship across the battlefield, leading vicious attacks and shooting down fighter after fighter.
In this engagement, she had more opportunities demonstrating her prowess. Though combat rules had become stricter due to recent events, she didn't care. Dark Jedi and Sith assassins were deployed on missions precisely because this was their expertise. For her, this was what mattered most.
Asajj's ship, the Banshee, spun through the battlefield, shooting down numerous Republic fighters. Her droid escorts blocked some enemy attacks for her. She gave orders decisively. "Trident Squadron One, attack the starboard engine. Trident Squadron Two, destroy their port shield generator. I'll go directly for their command bridge."
Under her command, the droid ships quickly executed their mission. Watching the battle unfold before her, Asajj surged forward with her vessel, exploiting the advantage to launch her assault. When no obstacles remained blocking her path, she flew low and fired a devastating barrage at the exposed sections of the Republic ship.
As she departed the battlefield, war's smoke continued spreading. A loud explosion cut through space, announcing the enemy ship's fate was imminent, perhaps about to conclude.
Meanwhile, in Count Dooku's estate on Serenno, the Separatist leader occupied himself with several crucial matters.
First, he was reviewing reports on the war's status, territorial expansion, and problems caused by Ultron. Since Ultron's arrival, many original plans and efforts had been derailed and thrown into disarray. The advanced AI seemed to have uncovered many hidden secrets he'd tried concealing from his supporters and others in the Separatist Council.
Consequently, they'd had to work tirelessly solving these problems, achieving only partial success.
This raised another question: Ultron's subversion of Sidious's plans.
As Ultron's grand design reshaped the galaxy, Dooku began doubting his Sith Master's philosophy and strategy for addressing current problems.
Unfortunately, Sidious was too stubborn making changes or considering putting his grand plan on hold, which made the Count realize that Sheev Palpatine would be key to their downfall, whether the Sith Lord knew it or not.
Dooku therefore had to formulate a new plan. He demanded his forces be prepared so he could strike a decisive blow and eliminate Sidious once and for all. To achieve this objective, he required his apprentices and acolytes training more intensively, hoping they'd one day become strong enough to overwhelm Palpatine.
Dooku also invested considerable effort personally, even making Sora Bulq more rigorous in his training regimen. They even allowed the acolytes accessing holocrons Dooku had collected over the years to expand their knowledge and skills in preparation for the eventual coup against Sidious. They were even granted limited access to one of his collection's most precious artifacts: a holocron believed to contain knowledge from the immortal Sith Lord Darth Andeddu.
As for "limited access," this was because Darth Andeddu's holocron possessed a particular technique—essence transfer—and Dooku didn't want any acolyte learning this ability.
In this tense atmosphere, Count Dooku and his team worked diligently preparing for future battles, hoping to ultimately achieve their goal: eliminating Sidious's shadow.
Looking back at history, millennia ago, Darth Bane had extracted all secrets of essence transfer from the heretical holocron. Now all that remained was superficial description of the ability. Only time's passage could verify whether the training received by the dark acolytes proved effective.
At this moment, Dooku was taking respite from his labors when suddenly, Sidious's call broke the silence. He immediately knelt and responded to the holographic communication respectfully.
"Tyranus," came Sidious's voice.
"My Lord," Dooku replied humbly.
Though Dooku harbored ambitions to overthrow Palpatine, he had to remain an obedient apprentice before Sidious.
"I sense an abnormal disturbance in the Force," Sidious said slowly.
Dooku's brow raised, confusion evident on his features.
Sidious continued, "We require more specific intelligence, not merely what's occurring within the galaxy."
"What's happening?" Dooku asked.
"There are numerous matters involved, but the most pressing concerns your assassin."
"Ventress? What's happened to her?" Dooku asked with confusion.
"She's become remarkably powerful."
Dooku couldn't help smiling proudly. "Yes, my lord. She's invaluable to me."
This was no falsehood. Asajj Ventress played a crucial role in the Count's coup plans and was the most powerful asset in the Separatist forces.
Not only that, but Dooku now regarded the assassin as a gifted apprentice, on the same level as the two he'd once trained when he was a Jedi Master: Komari Vosa and Qui-Gon Jinn.
If circumstances aligned, and once Sidious's problems were properly resolved, Dooku intended granting the title of Darth to Ventress.
"Her importance cannot be overstated."
When Dooku said this, his eyes suddenly widened with disbelief as he quickly understood Sidious's intention.
He called out respectfully, "Master—"
However, all he received in return was a cold command. "Silence! Listen carefully. I can sense her power exceeds our expectations. I cannot tolerate you secretly training apprentices to oppose me."
Dooku knew that resisting now would cost him everything, including his life. Therefore, he had no choice but to capitulate and lie to his master to demonstrate loyalty. "I am loyal to you, only to you, as are the dark acolytes," the Count answered firmly.
Sidious regarded him, then said, "You must prove your loyalty, then. Eliminate her."
Dooku struggled internally, attempting to find a way to resist this order, but he knew defiance was futile.
Sidious continued, "She's grown into a force that cannot be ignored, and she'll become even more powerful. As we face greater tasks, we cannot afford laxity or carelessness. Do you understand, my apprentice?"
Dooku gritted his teeth and bowed his head, showing no emotion to Sidious. "As you command, my lord," he finally whispered.
After the transmission ended, Dooku needed considering his next move carefully. He knew that if his master believed he could tolerate such betrayal, he might prove an old fool more easily manipulated than the Dark Lord. Therefore, he had to act with extreme caution to ensure his future.