Glory to the Confederacy (Star Wars x Male Separatist Reader)

Chapter 72: Dooku's Warning, Reopening an Old Wound

Y/N POV

Dooku's judgemental gaze looked down on us as he stated "Your Tactical Droid has informed me of the pitiful job you have done protecting our investment on Ryloth." He was more so talking to Tambor here since he'd been here from the beginning of the occupation. I'd only arrived later to oversee and observe.

Tambor of course interjected, pointing at the droid accusingly and snapping "That droid exaggerates! I have not lost yet!" Dooku just folded his arms and confirmed "You are no match for Master Windu. I'd sent Minister L/N to observe in case Jedi interfered but with Windu, that will not be enough." His expression hardened as he said "Do not become greedy Emir Tambor. Take what valuables you can and destroy everything else."

The order was delivered in a cold manner and even Tambor seemed caught off guard as he asked "Everything?" Dooku smirked "We can put this defeat to political use." Feigning sadness, he said "The charred ruins of Ryloth will demonstrate to the Galaxy, the cost of a Republic victory."

Tambor bowed his head, saying "As you wish." With this, Dooku turned his attention to me, reverting back to the cold tone. "Y/N! I can sense the anger inside you. And while that is a powerful tool. I advise not using it now."

I asked "What do you mean Count?" Dooku explained "Think strategically. We found out that on Geonosis that you are also no match for Master Windu. You managed to escape last time but now you may not be so successful. Do not attempt to engage Windu, when the attack begins, I want both of you to retreat. Is that clear?" 

The order itself angered me. However I knew better than to disobey Dooku. He was one of the wisest people I'd met. Much like Tambor, I gave a bow and said "Very well Count. If that is best." Dooku stated "I expect to hear from you upon your escape."

With that, the hologram shut off. I remained silent for a moment, thinking. I understood my orders, I knew what I had to do. But at the same time, I was uneasy. Mace Windu was virtually on our doorstep and I was supposed to turn tail and run?!

Turning to Tambor and the Tactical Droid, I ordered "I trust you with following through with the Count's orders." The droid instantly replied "Yes Minister, and I have your ship on stand-by for when you're ready to depart."

Tambor asked "Where are you going?" Not even looking at him, I responded "I just need a moment to think. I will be back shortly?" Before I could leave the room, Tambor made a remark that made me stop in my tracks.

"You allowed that Jedi to get in your head. I wonder, I've never seen you so agitated every time a Jedi is mentioned." I spat at him "I don't know what you're talking about Emir." Tambor glided away from the table and was now staring at me head-on.

"Oh I think I do. I know your signs Minister, every time Master Windu is mentioned you show something. Be it a grunt, a shaking hand or simply a twitching eye. I'm more observant than you think. So I wonder, what's your connection to him? He's no ordinary Jedi. Former Master perhaps?"

I snarled angrily as Tambor continued "How long has our agreement been standing? Four years? What was your story before then? Perhaps-." I snapped my head around and seethed. "One more word, and our agreement will be no more. Regardless of your allegiance to the Separatist cause."

This was enough to silence him. He knew that me ending our agreement now wasn't going to be a good thing. He remained quiet as I stepped out of the room, saying "Just follow through with the objective. Take what valuables you want."

With that the door sealed shut behind me and I was once again left with my thoughts. And now there were even more than before. The mention of Windu had angered me. But Tambor's constant rambling had done more...

Flashback...

The peaceful silence of the temple courtyard, was only barely broken by the sound of lightsabers clashing against one another. I barely had time to duck under the swinging purple blade. I instantly tried to counter, thrusting my green saber forward however this was swiftly countered.

(Now I've made a bit of a change. Originally Y/N's lightsaber was purple before he turned to the  Dark Side. However I've changed it to green.)

My Master instantly followed up with another swing, this one aimed downwards. This time  though, I managed to counter, resulting in an ensuing clash. I stared up at Master Windu who spoke sternly "Impressive, you managed to actually counter. But in doing so you've all but forfeited this match."

Before I even had time to comprehend what he meant, he swiftly withdrew from the block. I had no idea how much I was putting into it until I staggered forward. I tried to recover by swiping at Windu with my blade however with the clumsy aim, I missed.

Master Windu took this opportunity to end the fight then and there. He struck me with the hilt of his saber, knocking me down. I landed on my front but quickly rolled onto my back, ready to get back up only to be met with the purple blade pointed right at me. Master Windu stated "Practice is over."

With that he switched his saber off and stood upright. I slowly managed to get up, my Master made no offer to help, not that I needed it. But the gesture would be welcomed. Once I was back on my feet, I asked "So, how did I do?"

Master Windu just gave me the same look he always did, one void of emotion as he spoke "You did the same as last time, and the time before. You have the potential to be a great duellist. But that is also where you fall short."

I raised an eyebrow, I knew where this was going. Nevertheless, I listened to him once more. "Your fighting style focusses too heavily on lightsaber to lightsaber combat. I know this and can easily counter you. But outside of training, who do you expect to face?"

The question was obviously rhetorical, I wasn't even given chance to answer as he continued "The Sith are extinct, your only opponents are going to be using blasters. You've been listening too much to Dooku."

Usually, I stayed quiet during these lectures. But this time I spoke "Perhaps there is wisdom to what Master Dooku says. With all due respect Master, the galaxy is a vast place. It could be possible-."

At this, Master Windu cut me off. "If there were Sith present in the Galaxy, no matter how well-hidden they thought they were. The Jedi would be able to sense them." And like that the conversation was over.

Master Windu instructed I want to see you out here again this afternoon. I wish to test your reflexes against multiple training remotes. See how you fare against several blaster opponents at once." I bowed, responding "Yes Master."

As my Master left the courtyard, walking back inside, I couldn't help the scowl that spread across my face. The anger that bubbled inside...

Back to present day...

As the memory subsided I felt the same anger I'd felt back then. It wasn't that Windu disagreed on the Sith, or questioned my fighting style that bothered me. I wasn't that petty. But the fact that he talked down to me, belittling me over and over. 

I looked down at my hand which clenched into a fist before I stared out of the window across the sands of Ryloth. He was out there, somewhere.

And soon he would make his way here...

Author's note: And that's it for this chapter, here we got our first glimpse of Y/N's backstory. We'll get much more of this in the second book, however I wanted to give a brief look at it here. I hope you enjoyed and as always, thank you for reading.