Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 256, Order No. 258-66!
The Laxus system, with Laxus Subsystem as its heart, stands in stark contrast to the somber, colossal architecture of Coruscant, its modern buildings featuring distinctive spires and domes.

The city here spans lush hills and vast grasslands, blending the elegance of ancient Gothic style with the simplicity of Brutalism.

The capital, Laksulon, is like a jewel in a painting. A circular city rises towards the center, resembling a stepped pyramid, with the magnificent palace at the top housing the Confederate Parliament.

Count Doocu loved this place, though he had other purposes for coming this time.

This place reminded him of his home planet, Sereno, which had long been his second home for him, having promoted separatism there for many years.

As his interstellar monomast retracted its landing gear and docked at the Parliament's spacious private helipad, Dooku ordered the FA-4 pilot droid of the "Ponvoka 116" spaceship to remain in the spherical cockpit while he disembarked to stretch his legs, which had become stiff from the long voyage.

His black trousers were neatly tucked into gleaming dress boots, a wide leather belt cinched his black tunic, and the lining of his cape was Sereno armor fabric, gleaming with a subtle sheen.

In Laxus, he had no need to hide his identity. His silver hair, meticulously groomed mustache and beard, along with his striking eyebrows, gave him an undeniable air of nobility, which he always maintained with utmost care.

When he appeared in the Parliament building corridor, the staff quickly made way for him.

The usually composed Dooku was now walking hurriedly and erratically.

Dooku glanced at the timer: Severn Tann was probably deep in a parliamentary hearing right now.

Today’s agenda includes the military trial of General Horn Ambigine and the aftermath of the defeat at Lundli following the disastrous “Operation Star”.

If this Pantola commander survives this political ordeal, the next agenda item is even more dangerous.

The impeachment of the head of state, accusations of corruption, and rumors of treason hang like a sharp blade over Laksulon, ready to fall at any moment.

But there is still some time.

Dooku walked into the executive suite alone, surveying the room with a hint of satisfaction. Even though he had been absent for a long time, the staff had kept the place spotless.

He confirmed that the items were properly placed, and then used the Force to expand his senses, carefully checking every corner for any unusual devices.

After confirming that everything was correct, he activated the holographic transmitter built into the desk.

Dooku knelt down on one knee, and the device emitted a blue cone of light, revealing a holographic image of Darth Sidious wearing a hood.

"Get up!"

“Lord Sidious,” the Sith Lord rose and replied, “I have left Serenno.”

“You’ve taken a considerable risk, my apprentice.”

Whether by nature or by design, Sidious’s voice was slow and hoarse.

"This is a well-thought-out adventure, Master."

Do you think you can reverse the charges against you?

“There is nothing more that can be done in the North.” Dooku bowed slightly. “I have contacted the agents and have those loyal to my regime prepared. I must come to Laxus in person to uphold my legitimacy.”

Count Dooku had already consolidated his core in the northern part of the galaxy, even beyond Tann's expectations, covering more galaxies and planets.

His so-called “Sereno regime” ensured the loyalty of the Trade Federation, the Interstellar Banking Group, the Commercial Guilds, and the Retail Core Group through persuasion or force.

The Technology Alliance, the Corporate Alliance, the Hyperspace Communications Alliance, and the Quarantine Alliance also joined the Laxus regime.

With a single command from him, the entire star system within the separatist space would be armed, mobilizing a robot army to fight against the Laxus regime under the pretext of fabricated injustice.

"Have I completed the task I assigned?"

“It’s done,” Dooku confirmed. “Preparations are complete, and Grievous is ready to deliver a heavy blow to the Republic or the Confederation at your command.”

"And what about your failed apprentice?" Sidious deliberately slowed his speech. "You mean... Asagi Ventress?"

Dooku was stunned.

Lord Sidious had ordered him to kill his most trusted assassin in order to reaffirm his loyalty to his master.

While it was regrettable, Dooku had no choice but to quell the Sith Lord's growing rage after Sean Volta failed to assassinate Tann before Bosavu could.

He had considered disobeying orders and betraying Sidious, but ultimately gave up.

He needs more time.

The Confederation was no longer under his control, and he did not have enough troops to contend with Sidious.

Dooku would rather let Sidious establish a new order first, and then eliminate him in the same way Sidious killed Pregus.

To this end, he lured Ventress into the death trap of the Lonne Nebula.

The Stormfleet had reported Ventress's death, but shortly afterward, Dooku lost contact with the entire Stormfleet.

He later learned that the "Open Ring Fleet" pursued Ventress into the Lonne Nebula, where they engaged in a fierce battle with the Storm Fleet.

“It’s a pity,” Dooku said. “The Storm Fleet wasn’t quick enough. Before they could confirm her death, Anakin Skywalker destroyed it.”

"The Storm Fleet is still here." The Sith Lord's displeasure made the air heavy. "Anakin Skywalker has confirmed that you can't contact your own fleet?"

"...Unable to contact you, Master."

“So, Ventress stole it right under your nose,” Sidious hissed. “You betrayed her, and now she’s seeking revenge. Where is the Storm Fleet?” The Storm Fleet could be hidden anywhere, unnoticed—this was all part of the plan.

In this day and age, who would pay much attention to a fully armed merchant fleet?

Dooku felt the pressure and rage of the dark side wash over him like a tidal wave, and he tried to expand his senses through the Force to find a connection with his former apprentice.

"Defend Geonosis." Sidious's voice boomed terrifyingly.

"Do you think Ventress will go to Geonosis, Master?"

“You must take control of the separatist robot army,” Sidious roared. “The Confederate armed forces are in Tan’s hands, and the robot army is your only asset against her. Geonosis must not fall into enemy hands.”

Dooku paused. "Is civil war already inevitable, sir? Perhaps I can still—"

“Yes.” Sidious stared at him from under his hood. “You are on Sereno, and Tann wants to make peace with the Republic and persuade Yoda to send all the Jedi and their clones that can fight to Sereno… It will be a piece of cake to take them down in one fell swoop.”

Instruction No. 66.

That was a secret instruction implanted into the bioengineered suppression chip of every clone soldier of the Republic, with the aim of eliminating the Jedi.

Dooku suddenly realized: This is the plan?

This was undoubtedly a huge shift compared to the initial strategy... but the war was evolving, and they had to adjust accordingly.

But to destroy the Jedi in Sereno...

For a fleeting moment, Dooku even felt that he might be one of the "them" that Sidious was talking about.

Then he began to suspect that this might not just be imagination.

He composed himself and looked up to meet Sidious's malicious yellow eyes.

“The Jedi intend to expose you, sir,” Dooku realized. “That’s why you’re acting so aggressively now.”

"So what if they do that?" Sidious snapped. "Do you think that will end everything I've started?"

"No, but this is indeed unexpected."

“Yes, just as you said, unexpected.” Sidious’s gaze drifted into the distance where Dooku couldn’t see. “But I will give the Jedi conspirators a false sense of security, making them think I’m doomed. Once they walk right into my trap, I can wipe them out completely.”

Is it "I" and not "we"?
“I understand, Lord Sidious,” Dooku bowed, “but there’s still the question of Tann…”

"Our top priority is to ensure that no one can match the new order, and to make sure that Tann is no longer in our way."

Sidious spoke the name with utter contempt.

"Is she a significant threat to our plans?"

“Grievous has not yet been truly tested.” The Sith Lord made no attempt to hide his doubts. “Let him go and resolve the problem of the loyalists in the northern territories, and consolidate the Hydian Seaway from all directions. The Sereno regime must not collapse like this.”

Dooku nodded: "As you command."

The atmosphere in the room suddenly changed, sharp as a whip lashing out.

The air suddenly thickened, like an invisible clamp pressing down on Count Dooku's chest.

His throat tightened, and each breath was extremely difficult, as if all the oxygen in the room had been sucked out.

He used all his willpower to remain calm, suppressing the urge to swallow or gasp for breath.

These actions were meaningless under the watchful eye of the Sith Lord.

Sidious didn't need to say a word; his very presence filled the space with a tangible threat, sending chills down Dooku's spine.

Even though Dooku had studied the dark side for many years, a single glance from the Sith Lord was enough for him to clearly realize how precarious his position was.

“Don’t take this lightly, Dooku,” the Dark Lord of the Sith whispered. “You have failed to prove your worth to me time and time again… If you fail again, believe me, this will be the last time.”

“And…” Sidious said, releasing the pressure he had been applying, “make sure Geonosis is prepared for any uninvited guests… it’s always good to be safe from trouble.”

"What...what do you want me to do?" Dooku asked, his voice trembling with suppressed sobs.

"Just make the arrangements... Laxus needs you too. Notify the Geonosis, and let them handle the rest."

“I…I understand, Lord Sidious.” Count Dooku deliberately exhaled. “Could you tell me who is investigating you?”

Sidious looked at him coldly: "Adi Gallia."

Adi Gallia.

Dooku remembered that she was not very noticeable in the Jedi High Council.

It's truly unexpected that among all the Jedi, she was the one who posed such a great threat to Sidious.

"Will she be a problem?"

“Ignore her.” Sidious turned to Dooku, a malicious smile playing on his lips. “Her stubbornness will get them all into my hands. Right now, she’s walking right into my trap.”

(End of this chapter)