//------------------------------//
// Chapter 24: Dooku Captured 
// Story: Star Wars: The Great War 
// by ShootingStar25 
//------------------------------//

The winding path to peace is always a worthy one, regardless of how many turns it takes.

Recap: Manhunt! After a long and perilous search, the Jedi finally track down Separatist leader, Count Dooku. During a heroic attempt to capture the Count, Anakin Skywalker has gone missing. Having lost contact with Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Storm head toward their friend's last known location, a lone Separatist frigate in the far reaches of the Outer Rim.

In space, there was a star frigate ship that was floating about. Approaching the vessel were two individuals in space suits as their jetpacks had them moving towards the ship's hull. Both Obi-wan and Storm had made it to a hatch on top of the ship. The Jedi Master then pushed a button as the hatched opened and the two Jedi entered. They climbed down the ladder as they reached the bottom and took the suits off. They quietly crouched walked down the corridor as they were approaching a security gate that had some B1 droids. They were guarding the door to the prison cells. 

One of the droids pressed the button as the door opened and he went through. The two Jedi looked at the droid near the panel as he was distracted. They took this chance to make their move as they now ran through the door as it closed at the last second. The droid heard the door close as he felt like he heard something. He looked around but missed the final seconds of the Jedi slipping through the door when it closed.

Both Obi-wan and Storm were now walking down the corridor as they were trying to figure out which cell their scapegoat was in. The Jedi Master was looking at the doors as he was trying to use the Force to guide him. He then stopped in front of a cell as he pushed the button, and it opened. However, inside wasn't Anakin but rather two male Kajain'sa'Nikto as they looked up from what they were doing and saw the Jedi.

"Bwanda," spoke one of them.

"Wrong cell," stated Storm.

"Don't bother to get up," said Obi-wan as he saw them get up from the floor, "You're not the prisoner we're looking for." He pushed the button again as he closed the door moments from them trying to escape.

The pair now moved on as they came to another cell two doors down. Kenobi pushed the button as it opened. They entered as they saw the few lights that lit up the cell. There was nothing but a chair as the pair looked around. The camera showed their eyes as they were focused, they soon sense something as both turned their lightsabers on and pointed it behind them at the thing that dropped from the ceiling.

"Oh. It's you two," said Anakin as he saw his pals.

"I told you it was this cell!" stated Storm as he gave a glare to Kenobi. "Seem you're getting old, Obi-wan. I question how you became a Jedi Master with instincts like yours?"

"You guessed the wrong door?" said Anakin.

"I was only off by two," spoke the Jedi Master to his friends, "Besides, this is how you thank us for rescuing you, pouncing on us from the ceiling."

"Kind of difficult without a... lightsaber," said Anakin as he saw his master hand him his weapon, "Thanks."

"Did you manage to locate Dooku before landing in jail?" asked Kenobi to his student as all three boys were now walking out of the cell.

"Well, I know he's on board. And you'll be pleased to know Storm someone else is also here," said Anakin with a raised eyebrow.

"Sunset," growled the boy as he now pictured the girl in his mind.

"I might have been able to do something about it if I'd had my weapon," stated Anakin to Kenobi.

"It was important for you to arrive without it so your capture would be convincing," informed Kenobi. 

"Oh, they were convinced, all right. But how come I'm the one getting caught all the time? Besides, how come Storm wasn't bait with me?"

"Cause Luna wanted to get revenge on you for giving Storm a slight concussion when you tried to teach pod racing on Tatooine," said Kenobi with a smug smile.

"She's still angry about that. I said I was sorry for what happened to Storm. Can't that woman let it go," stated Anakin as he didn't like it that Luna was holding a grudge on the Jedi Knight for hurting her student.

"Perhaps you would like to say it to her face?" asked Obi-wan with a smug smile as he addressed his student.

"All I'm saying is that it doesn't look good. I have a reputation to uphold," said Anakin.

"When you and Storm are Jedi Masters, you can make the plans," stated Kenobi.

"Keyword is: when me and Anakin become Jedi Masters," said Storm.

"That's just it! How can the two of us become Jedi Masters if we're always having to get caught and be the decoy of so many plans?" asked Skywalker to his master.

"At least you're both masters at getting caught," snickered Obi-wan.

"Very funny," responded Storm, "Besides, don't downplay the fact Kenobi that you guessed wrong."

"I was only off by a little bit," said the Jedi Master, "At times, I worry about you two becoming Jedi Masters." expressed the man to his buddies with a stressed sigh as they left the detention area.

The three Jedi now began to follow Anakin's directions as they soon arrived into a room as sitting there was Count Dooku. The Sith Lord was sitting as he appeared to be meditating as his eyes were closed. 

"Surprise, surprise," said Storm.

All three Jedi pulled out their lightsabers as they turned them on.

"If it isn't Count Dooku."

"Obi-wan Kenobi," spoked the Sith Lord, "I thought I sense an unpleasant disturbance in the Force. I see you've freed young Skywalker and brought along your other friend. Where might he be if you two weren't around to rescue him?"

At that moment, there was an explosion as the ship was rocking back and forth.

"Sir, there's a Jedi cruiser attacking," spoked a B1 droid as he was in the bridge and looked out the window.

The Sith Lord opened his eyes at that statement. On the cruiser were Rex and Sark, as well as, both Ahsoka and Twilight. 

"Let's try not to blow up the ship before they get off this time," said Ahsoka to the clone commanders and Twilight.

Back on the ship, all three Jedi still had their lightsabers out as they felt the ship's movements.

"Your ship is surrounded, count. Republic troops are boarding as we speak," said Anakin as he pointed his lightsaber at the Sith Lord as did his pals.

"Jedi fools."

The chair Dooku had been sitting on now had the floor under him open up as he slid down the chute.

"I should have seen that coming," stated Obi-wan.

Both Storm and Anakin rushed over to the chute as they saw the Dooku sliding down at the last seconds.

"What are you doing?" asked the Jedi Master to his student.

"Following him," stated Anakin.

"Not that way. We need to cut him off," suggested Kenobi. 

"You cut him off. I'll follow him and meet you at the hangar," said Anakin as he jumped into the chute as his voice trailed.

"Why do I even try?" stated Kenobi. "Storm, let's move."

"I think I'll take the fun way down to the hangar," smiled the boy as he too jumped down the chute.

"Of course," groaned the Jedi Master as seeing his two pals do things their way. "I'm dreading the day these two finally become Jedi Masters. I hope I'm retired by then so that I don't have to continue to babysit them."

Kenobi then raced out of the door as he was taking the long way down to the hangar. With Storm and Anakin, they were in hot pursuit. Dooku was sliding down the long chute as a few meters behind him was Skywalker. And a few meters behind the boy was Storm. As they were sliding, Dooku looked up at Anakin as he raised his hand as Force Lightning shot towards the Jedi Knight. He blocked it with his lightsaber; the shine from the lightning proved a momentary distraction as the Jedi Knight now came to a crossroads as he didn't see which way Dooku fled. 

He stopped at the edge of the crossroads and looked at the two chutes. Storm soon followed behind as he got his balance to avoid falling as he too looked at the two directions.

"Oh, great," said Anakin trying to decide which way to go.

"You want the right or the left?" asked Storm as he suggested they split up.




As the pair was deciding who gets what path, Dooku had reached the end of the chute as he landed in the hangar and startled a few B1 droids.

"Your ship is ready, sir," said a droid.

"Good," said the Sith Lord as he looked back up the chute to make sure the Jedi didn't follow him. 

He now turned towards the ship as he got on. 

"About time," said Sunset as she was already inside the ship. Dooku took his seat as the droid pilot pushed the lever.

At that moment, Obi-wan had made it to the hangar before his pals as he looked around. A few seconds later, Storm made his presence known as he appeared from the chute.

"Knew it was the left path," stated the boy as he beat Anakin to the hangar. 

He saw Obi-wan and was about to call out to him when they both saw the ship Dooku and Sunset were on. They began to chase after them as they exited the hangar bay along with a few vulture droids. The pair now noticed a small shuttle ship as they raced towards it. Obi-wan pulled out his lightsaber as he chopped the head off of one of the droids standing near the ramp and then reflected the blaster shot from the one next to him as both boys boarded the shuttle.

They began to turn the console on as at that time Anakin made his presence known. He took the longer pather of the two as he now began to race forward as the ship his pals were on hovered in the air and was about to leave. He had his lightsaber out as he deflected some shots and took out some droids who were firing at him as he then jumped onto the ramp as the doors closed behind him.

"I thought you were following Dooku," said Obi-wan to his student as he was the last of the trio to arrive.

"I was. I followed him here," said Anakin as he sat in the passenger side.

"I told you to go left," said Storm to his pal.

"Hang on!" said Anakin as their ship was still rocking back and forth from the shots being fired by the droids. 

The ship was now heading out of the hangar bay as it barely exited as the doors closed behind them. The trio was now chasing the ship Dooku and Sunset were on as they were being escorted by some vulture droids to protect them.

"Ahsoka, Twilight, Dooku managed to escape," said Obi-wan as he contacted the girls through his comlink. "We're in pursuit, but we could use reinforcements. Follow us in what ships you can round up."

"We'll get there as soon as we can," said the girl.

"Storm, don't do anything reckless."

"Sparky, do you not have faith in me?" 

"No! Cause you're with your boys, which always means trouble, even Master Kenobi," responded Twilight with a stern tone.

Our heroes were now closing in on the two Sith lords as their ship was rocking from the shots fired. Obi-wan had managed to take out the escort Vulture droids as he then focused on the main ship. The Jedi Master managed to get a clear shot as he hit the thrusters of the ship as a trail of smoke appeared and it started to steer off course.

"That was easy," said Storm at what his pal did.

"Lucky for us, I'm an excellent shot," said Obi-wan with some boastfulness in his voice.

"Well, now those fighters are attacking," said Anakin with concern.

"I'm on it," said Obi-wan as he tried to take out the ship heading towards them.

"Uh, he's getting too close," shouted Anakin.

One of the droids managed to collide with their ship as now their thrusters took damage. Their shuttle was now heading in the same direction as the Sith lords as they were heading towards a planet a few meters in front of them.

"Lucky for us, I'm an excellent pilot!" stated Anakin as now it was his turn as he took control of steering the ship.

"Not another crash landing!" said Storm as even Obi-wan knew what Anakin was going to do.

The ship entered the planet's orbit as both Obi-wan and Storm hung on as Anakin worked his magic. He had the shuttle's landing gear out as it touched the ground and bumped a bit as it skidded along the ground.

"For all your expertise, this is not a very smooth landing," complained Obi-wan as their ship was rocking even more than before.

"And if you'd hit that second fighter, we wouldn't be in this mess," counter Anakin to his master as he managed to turn the shuttle to its side as it eventually came to a halt.

Their ship had landed just a few feet away from where the Sith lords' ship was. After taking a few seconds to compose themselves, all three Jedi now exited the shuttle.

"I've had better landings," said Obi-wan.

"Dooku," said Anakin as he pointed at the ship.

The three friends all approached the ship cautiously. They saw that it was empty. They began to walk along the side of seeing if they could find any clues. They noticed something on the ship as it made a beep sound.

"What's this, a homing beacon?" said Obi-wan.

"Which means the distinguished count is waiting for help. So he can't be far off," said Anakin.

"His engine is damaged. He's not going anywhere," stated Kenobi.

"Not without a homing beacon," said Anakin as he used his lightsaber to destroy the small device.

"Storm, any luck?" asked the Jedi Knight to his pal.

"Negative," said the boy as he had tried to use the trick Luna taught him to locate the villains they were chasing after. "The Dark Side of the Force won't allow me to piece together the events in my mind."

All three were now thinking of where the Sith lords might have gone off to. They began to look around as all around them it was nothing but rocks.

"There. Caves are a good start," said Kenobi as he pointed.

The three Jedi now began to trek towards the cave as they all stood in front of the entrance. However, their Jedi instincts were going off as they felt something.

"Strange," spoke Storm.

"You sense it too. Many life forms in there," spoked Obi-wan looking forward.

"And Dooku's one of them," responded Anakin as he turned his lightsaber on.

"Let's try to get him and Sunset before something else does," stated the Jedi Master to his friends as they all had their lightsabers turned on.

All three entered the cave as it was being lit up by two lights of blue and one yellow. They all traveled side by side with their weapons held above their head as they were seeing their surroundings from the light it provided. They were walking as they noticed that some of the rocks were sparkling. They came to an open area of the cave as they all heard a low rumble sound. 

"What's that?" asked Obi-wan.

All three took a stance as they stood back to back in a circle. They had their weapons in front of them as if they were preparing for anything that might come their way. Another sound was heard as it came from above to which they all looked up. They saw some rocks that were about to crush them.

"Run!" shouted Anakin as all three split up to avoid getting crushed.

The rocks all fell on them as they piled up. Up on a ledge were Sunset and Dooku as they saw the Jedi they had managed to trap. Both had a smile as their plan to crush them was a success. Both made their way down as they approached the massive rockpile as the dust was starting to clear out. Dooku noticed a lightsaber sticking out from under a rock as he used the Force to pull it out. 

"You won't be needing this anymore, Skywalker," said Dooku as he had the Jedi Knight's weapon hovering above the palm of his hand as it spun.

He then used his Force powers as it now clipped onto his belt as he began to lead Sunset out of the cave.

"Such a shame, I wanted you to survive so that I can have more fun with you, Storm. Oh well, onto the next plaything," snickered Sunset as she put the hood of her cloak on as she began to follow her comrade.

Both Sith lords now exited the cave as they turned to look back at the entrance. They put their arms up and used the Force to make more rocks fall as they sealed up the entrance as a way to assure that the Jedi would never escape if they managed to survive. The pair began to walk as the wind blew in their faces. They had turned the corner to where their ship was to wait for their allies when they noticed something. They took the hood of their cloaks off to get a better view as they saw a ship. Some voices were also heard as the pair saw a band of smuggler pirates as they were now salvaging stuff from both ships that crashed landed.

"Well, looks like we got our ride off this dump. Tell me, which one should I kill first?" asked Sunset as she turned her lightsaber on.

"Patience, Sunset. First, we must see what we are dealing with," stated the Sith lord as the girl put her weapon away and began to follow her comrade.

The massive pirates that were ransacking the ships were all Weequay male. Some of them began to brawl with each other as they dropped some crates. At the head of the band was the leader who went by the name Hondo Ohnaka. While he noticed his men were having a brawl, he also saw the two Sith lords approaching.

"Well, well. What do we have here?" asked Hondo.

"Who are you?" asked Dooku hoping to get some information.

"More importantly, my friend, who are you?" counted Hondo as now more of his crew began to appear behind their leader.




Back in the cave, the pile of rocks that the Sith lords dropped now began to move. A few of them now tumbled off the top as they were lifted in the air. Anakin was using the Force as he now exited from under the pile as they fell after he moved as he let out a cough to catch his breath. 

"Master!" called out the Jedi Knight. "Obi-wan, can you hear me? Master!" Anakin began to pull the rocks off the pile hoping to find his friend when he looked up and saw more rocks falling as he hopped out of the way. He reached to his belt to grab his lightsaber but found it to not be there.

"Anakin, when I tell you to run, run," said Obi-wan as he appeared from behind his student, as he too was covered in dust.

"Master! You're alive," said Anakin as he was glad his friend was safe.

"Don't worry about me, you know. I'm fine as well, thanks for asking," snickered Storm as he was on top of the pile as he was ignored by Anakin for forgetting him.

"And where's your lightsaber?" asked Kenobi.

"It got knocked out of my hand," said Anakin.

"By a rock?" asked Storm.

"Yeah, by a rock," said the Jedi Knight as he didn't like admitting that to his friends. "It's gotta be around here somewhere."

"That is a feeble excuse," stated Obi-wan as he was unhappy that his student didn't have his weapon.

"How many times has he lost his lightsaber by now?" asked Storm as he stood next to Kenobi.

"Too many," stated the Jedi Master.

"Well, let's recap. The first time is you two telling me that you two had to chase down a bounty hunter by the name of Zam Wesel who was tasked with assassinating Padme. Then there is the incident of him and Padme going against the Jedi Council to go to Geonosis where he lost it a droid manufacturing all in an attempt to rescue you. Does getting his arm cut off by Dooku count?"

"You have to bring that up?!" shouted Anakin as he didn't like it that Storm was running him down on being so careless.

"I mean, Obi-wan lost his lightsaber a total of 12 times before he became a Jedi Master."

"No one needs to know!" shouted the Jedi Master as he didn't like hearing that fact outloud.

"I'm just saying you preach to Anakin the importance of the weapon and why it's imperative to hold on to it. It's even more ironic cause you've lost it more times than your student," snickered Storm to his pal.

"You know what would be helpful? A little light," stated Anakin as he couldn't see in the dark.

"Certainly," said Obi-wan as he turned his lightsaber on as it started to fizzle and eventually turned off.

"Silly thing. It was just working a minute ago."

"You don't suppose it was hit by a rock, do you?" snickered Anakin to his master.

"And this is why I'm an excellent backup," said Storm as he turned his lightsaber on as it was still working perfectly.

The boy's yellow light allowed some visibility for all three. Just as Anakin was about to search the rock pile, all of them soon heard a sound. It was a growl as all three looked up as they saw a creature.

"Oh, this should be interesting," said Obi-wan as all three backed up.

The creature was a Gundark which was a vicious carnivorous desert mammal from the planet Vanqor. Renowned for its power and ferocity, the large creature had sixteen claws and keen hearing. Storm was the only one of the trio who could fight as he had his lightsaber pointed at the creature. The Gundark swung one of its arms as both he and Anakin dodged roll out of the way. The creature turned its attention to Anakin who moved out of another attack. In the background, Obi-wan was leaning against a rock as he had his lightsaber in his hand.

While the Jedi were occupied with the creature, the Sith lords were still being questioned by Hondo and his band of pirates.

"Your solar sailer is very beautiful," said Hondo as he looked at their ship that was damaged, "It's a pretty rare ship, very expensive. What are you both doing all the way out here?" asked the man as he circled the two.

"We sustained some damage in an asteroid storm and had to make a landing," spoke Dooku as the creature on Hondo's shoulder now jumped on the count's shoulder. "Feel free to help yourself to it."

The pirates all looked closely at Dooku as they were examining his words. The creature on Dooku now got off as he jumped to Sunset's shoulder and began to touch her hair.

"Hands off, you piece of shit!" growled Sunset as even the creature was scared of the girl.

"Feisty one for a little girl," smiled Hondo as Sunset's demeanor as he liked her attitude. Sunset held a face as she didn't like it when someone touched her hair without permission.

"Believe me, she is more than that," stated Dooku.

"Anyways, if you both need transport, the nearest planet is Florrum. It's six parsecs away," said Hondo.

"Is it civilized?" asked Dooku as he and Sunset began to walk with Hondo.

"That depends on your definition of civilized," stated Hondo in a blunt tone.

"Then we'll pass," stated Sunset as she wasn't willing to trust the pirate's word.

"Suit yourself. But you would certainly be more comfortable there than here."

"Why's that?" asked the girl.

"Vanqor is no place after dark," stated Hondo giving the two a small warning.

"Then perhaps we should take you up on your offer," said Dooku.

"You're kidding me, right?!" shouted Sunset. She couldn't believe that her ally was willing to trust some pirates.

"Follow my lead, Sunset. For now, play along," whispered the Sith Lord as the girl still held a scowl.

"Very good. Now all that's left to do is, uh, settle my fee," said Hondo with his hand out.

"Fee?" stated Dooku.

"Just a little something to cover my expenses," said Hondo with a smile. "It shouldn't be a problem for someone so obviously wealthy as yourself."

"We'd be happy to compensate for your expenses," said Dooku as he used his cloak to hide his lightsaber from view.

"That's it, boys! We are heading home," said Hondo to his crew as they loaded the last bit of stuff on their ship.

"I can't believe we're hitching a ride. We be better off waiting," said Sunset in a whisper.

"Conceal your weapon for the time being. Once the time is right, then we shall make our escape," said Dooku as he was aware of the pirates' nature as he told the girl to not let her guard down. 

Sunset then grabbed her lightsaber and hid it inside her hair as it was the last place anybody would look. The pair now followed Hondo and his crew into their ship as they were now leaving the planet.




"Jump in anytime!" shouted Anakin as he was running in circles with the Gundark still chasing him.

"Oh, you're doing fine. She seems to like you," said Obi-wan as he was still leaning against the wall as he held his lightsaber in his hand. He was stroking his beard while casually thinking about how to fix his lightsaber.

"Yeah, lucky me!" shouted Anakin to his master as he was still running.

"Just think it's Padme chasing after you, Anakin. That should give you the motivation to haul ass," said Storm as he was sitting on a rock next to the Jedi Master as he too was smiling at watching his friend being chased.

"Wait a minute, Storm! Why aren't you helping me? You're the only one with a working lightsaber!! Kill this thing!" shouted Skywalker.

"Wish I could, but I was told not to engage."

"By who?!!"

"Obi-wan's orders."

"Since when do you listen to Obi-wan?!" asked Anakin as he was still running and dodging.

"Since we get to watch you suffer," snickered Storm as he enjoyed his friend's misery. 

"Some friends you are!" shouted Anakin.

"No, we're true friends. Cause we're enjoying your misery," replied Storm with a smile as the pair kept on watching. "Hey, Obi-wan? If I order a pizza, you think it'll make here before the Gundark gets Anakin?"

While the two Jedi were having fun at Anakin's expense, the boy was doing all he can to survive. He was doing a good job of dodging since he had no way to defend himself, but even he was starting to run out of steam.

"This isn't as much fun as it looks. I thought gundarks were only found on Vanqor," stated Anakin as he hopped off of some rocks with the creature still chasing him.

"Then this system must be Vanqor," said Obi-wan taking the top piece of his lightsaber as he was still leaning against the rock as he looked at it.

"So that would make this one..." said Anakin as the creature managed to finally get a hold of him as he dragged the Jedi Knight by his leg.

"The mother of all gundarks. Precisely," said Obi-wan as he now bent down in front of the rock that Anakin was holding onto for dear life as he tapped his lightsaber on it hoping to turn it on.

"Are you two gonna help me or not?" asked Anakin as he was now hanging upside down by the gundark's grip.

Obi-wan and Storm then put their arms out as they used the Force to hurl some rocks towards the gundark as it dropped the Jedi Knight. The creature was tossed onto its back as Anakin got up and ran to his friend's side.

"Well, you both took your time. Hope you enjoyed my misery,"

"Oh, we did," smiled Storm.

All three Jedi now put their hands out. Together they all picked up some more rocks. The gundark had gotten up as it was now being pelted by the many rocks our heroes were throwing. Eventually, the rocks began to pile up as they now crushed the gundark under all its weight as it was now buried.

"It's a pity. I was just starting to sense a connection," said Anakin.

"Should we leave you two alone, or would you prefer a way out of this hole before she wakes up?" smiled Obi-wan smugly.

"You really want to cheat on Padme with that thing, Anakin?" asked Storm in a whisper. "I'm not judging, but I think you could do better with someone less hairy."

"Shut up," snickered Anakin as he grabbed Storm's head and gave him a quick noogie on the head as the two laughed.

With Sunset and Dooku, they had managed to finally arrive at the planet Florrum. The pirate ship entered the planet's orbit as they were heading towards a hangout where even more pirates were waiting for them. They all had guns and blasters out as the ship docked. The ramp extended out as the pair and Hondo were now exiting the ship. 

"Welcome to Florrum," said Hondo with a smile to the two Sith Lords.

The pair noticed the many guns present as they tried to put their hands on their lightsabers but they were nowhere to be found.

"Lose your flashy swords?" asked Hondo as both siths turned around to see the leader pirate was now holding them. "Are these what you're looking for, Jedi?"

"Don't you dare call me that!" growled Sunset as that word she despised the most given her past, "And who gave you permission to touch my hair!" said the girl as that was where she had hidden her weapon.

"I assure you, we are more powerful than any Jedi," said Dooku, "Know that you are dealing with Sith Lords."

"Now I'll take back..."

Sunset took a step forward as now all guns pointed at the two as it got her to freeze in her tracks. The girl looked around as she couldn't help but laugh. 

"You all think you can take me?" snickered Sunset. "You don't know the power that I possess, I don't need a lightsaber to kill all of you."

"Perhaps, but you're still outnumbered," stated Hondo in a calm tone. "The leader of the clanker army and a Sith Lord, no less. Make that two Sith Lords," said Hondo as he circled the two with his men keeping their weapons on them. "Someone is sure to pay a pretty price for the two of you."

"You ain't getting shit from me!" shouted Sunset as she clenched her fists, ready to fight.

"Stand down, Sunset!" stated Dooku as it got the girl to look at him.

"You must be..." Sunset didn't finish her sentence as she saw the look her mentor was giving her. 

It was a look that said to not question Dooku or risk a terrible fate. The girl was one of the few people that he trusted to get the job done, and if she wanted to remain in his good graces, then she would need to shut up. Sunset growled once more as she stepped back and stood next to Dooku with her head down.

"Provide us with the proper means of communications. I will arrange for any ransom to be paid," stated Dooku as he was willing to compel with the pirates' demands. 

"And you will arrange for your armies to crush us as well," said Hondo. "You don't survive in the Outer Rim by being stupid. If the Separatists will pay to get you back, chances are, the Republic will offer even more."

"I refuse to let ever go back in the hands of the Republic. Especially... her," said Sunset.

The pair was now being taken away by the pirates as Hondo prepared to contact the Republic to make his demands for holding them. While this was happening, our heroes were still trying to get out of the cave. They were using the Force to pick up the heavy pieces of rock as they began to dig their way out. They heard another sound.

"Sounds like another gundark," said Obi-wan.

"Anakin sounds like your wife is angry," snickered Storm as he moved another piece of rock out of the way.

"Very funny, Storm. Besides, it's too far away to worry about."

"It won't stay far away," stated Obi-wan.

He and Anakin were putting some rocks down as when they landed, it made a crack appear. The crack made a whooshing sound as green gas now began to enter the cave.

"What's that smell?" asked Storm as his nose detected something.

"Uh-oh. New problem," said Anakin as they all saw the gas shoot up.

"That's no good," said Obi-wan as all three were now coughing.

"It's just gas," said Anakin.

"Yes. Probably toxic gas," said Kenobi as all three had a tough trouble breathing.

"That's good. Maybe it'll kill your gundark," coughed Anakin as he was running out of air.

"And maybe it will kill us," stated Kenobi.

"Come on. Let's get out of here," coughed Storm as he now began to hold his breath.

All three Jedi were now trying to take some more rocks out of the way. But with the amount of gas that was filling up at a rapid pace, it was becoming hard for all three to breathe.

"This isn't gonna work. I can't breathe," said Skywalker.

"As always, I'm open to sugges--" Kenobi didn't finish his statement as he now collapsed on a rock as the last bit of oxygen was running out. 

"Come on, Obi-wan. Don't... give up... now," said Anakin as he now fell on his bottom as he too was running out of air.

Storm saw his friends as they were about to pass out from lack of air as he too could feel himself starting to lose consciousness. His mind was now spinning as he fell to a knee. His vision became blurry as he was just moments away from fainting as in front of him was a white light. The rocks now in front of our heroes began to move as they tumbled and the white light that Storm saw got brighter. The rocks blocking the cave were now blasted away as the light from outside shined in.

"What was that?" asked Obi-wan as he coughed trying to get the oxygen back to his lungs.

"I have no idea," said Anakin as he too was trying to take in the new air.

"Master!" shouted Ahsoka as her figure was shown through the smoke. She had arrived with the clones and Twilight as they had managed to take care of the enemy forces in space and went to find the trio.

"Am I glad to see you, Sparky," said Storm as Twilight now hurried to her partner's side and flung his arm over her shoulder.

"Looks like we arrived just in time," said Ahsoka as she smiled with her arms crossed. 

"What do you mean, just in time?" asked Anakin as he dusted the last bit of smoke off of him.

"You were in very big trouble," stated Ahsoka.

"Trouble? We were simply searching for Count Dooku," said Obi-wan with a smug smile.

"Yeah. We had the situation under control, my little Padawan," said Anakin playing along with his master as they didn't want to appear weak by having the girl rescue them.

"Oh, I see," said Ahsoka as she wasn't buying the lie that they were telling her.

"If I may ask, which part of the situation did you have under control? The blocked entrance, the poison gas, or that gundark behind you?" asked Twilight with a slight fear in her voice.

"What the hell are you talking about, Sparky?" asked Storm as he removed his arm from the girl's shoulder.

"Gundark?" said Anakin as he too didn't know what Twilight was saying.

"Oh, you mean the one that's too far away to worry about?" said Obi-wan to his student with a glare. 

All of them now turned around as they saw the creature from before now making its way towards them.

"Block the entrance," ordered Ahsoka to the clones as they began to fire their blasters at the top of the cave. They now made more rocks fall as ti sealed the entrance before the creature could escape.

"There's still Dooku to deal with," said Anakin as he now began to walk.

"You let him get away?" said Ahsoka looking at her teacher.

"No, not get away exactly," said the boy with some uneasiness. "Just..."

Both girls raised an eyebrow at the excuse Anakin was trying to come up with.

"Chime in anytime," said Anakin to Obi-wan and Storm as he was hoping his pals would back him up.

"Oh, no. We're enjoying this far too much," snickered Obi-wan as he and Storm held smug smiles.




Sometime later, there was a message that was being transmitted to the Chancellor's office on Coruscant. In his office was Jar Jar, along with Windu, Yoda, Master Plo, Celestia, and Luna who were sitting in chairs. Senator Padme was standing next to Palpatine as they were being contacted by Hondo.

"If you want the Sith Lord, it will cost you a million credits. The payment will be in spice, delivered in an unarmed diplomatic ship."

"We will need proof that he's alive before agreeing to your terms," said Palpatine.

"Let me present your fearless Sith Lords," Hondo was shown reaching off the screen of the transmitter as the two individuals now came into focus. "I'm afraid they're too embarrassed to speak."

"A hologram can be faked," said Palpatine as he wasn't convinced it was the Sith Lords.

"It's her, I know for sure," said Celestia as she saw the image of Sunset.

"You need more proof? This is their lightsabers," said Hondo as he had his men take the Sith Lords away as he pulled out their weapons and turned them on.

"Hmm. Yes. Belongs to Dooku that lightsaber does," spoke Yoda as he could tell that it was the actual weapon of his former apprentice.

"This scum having possession of Dooku's lightsaber as well as Sunset proves nothing," said Palpatine as he still wasn't convinced. 

"If you refuse, I am sure the Separatist Council will be more than willing to meet my price," stated Hondo.

"We may never have a better chance to capture Count Dooku," said Padme to Palpatine. She then approached the hologram. "We would like to send some of our Jedi to confirm that you have Count Dooku before delivering the ransom."

All five Jedi Masters looked at one another as they had concerned looks on their faces at what Padme suggested.

"Send your Jedi, but they must be unarmed," said Hondo.

"Impossible," spoke the girl.

"They will be safe. We have no interest in getting involved in your war," spoke Hondo as the transmission ended.

"We've re-established contact with Kenobi, Skywalker, and Storm," stated Windu.

"They're in a system close to Florrum," added Luna.

"And most eager are they to find Dooku and Sunset they are," said Yoda.

"Then we best contact them," spoke Celestia.

True to the Jedi Master's word, Windu, Yoda, and the two sisters were now making communications with the boys and the girls. All five Jedi were in space aboard a Republic cruiser. They were standing near the table as they listened to what was being told.

"His only stipulation is that you arrive unarmed," said Windu.

"Unarmed?!" said Anakin.

"Oh hell no! I ain't giving up my lightsaber."

"Storm!!" shouted Luna as she had a stern look upon her face, "I advise you to listen!!!"

"I'm afraid he's right, Luna. We know very little about these pirates. We may be walking blind into what could very well be a hostile situation," said Obi-wan.

"We can't let Dooku slip through our fingers again. Report back as soon as you can," stated Celestia.

The transmission ended as all five Jedi and the two clone commanders all processed what was said.

"Well, this should be fun," said Kenobi with a smile.

"God, I'm gonna feel so naked without my lightsaber," said Storm.

After some convincing from the others, Storm agreed to not take his weapon. Twilight was concerned for her partner, as the boy did his best to let the girl that he was going to do his best to be safe. So with a nod, he left with his pals as all three now boarded a transport shuttle. They said goodbye to the girls as once they confirmed that the pirates had their enemies, they would make the transaction and get out.




The shuttle was now approaching the planet Florrum as they entered its atmosphere. They saw the hideout where the pirates were as they landed in the crater in front of the place. The ship docked as the ramp extended and the three boys were shown exiting the ship. They were tons of pirates that stood on two sides as they had their weapons on the Jedi as they were walking towards the building. 

They were stopped by a member of the gang as he had a device in his hand as he held it in front of the boys. He was scanning to see if they had nothing on them to which the scanner read positive. 

"Follow me," said the thug as he led the three Jedi to meet their leader. The rest of the men were behind them with their guns on standby.

The trio entered inside as they saw some banquet tables. There were more thugs as food and drinks were being served. Everywhere they looked, they were being given glares and stares by Hondo's men. The thug then lead them to the main table where Hondo was leaning back in his chair. He soon saw the Jedi as he had a smile.

"Gentlemen. Can I offer you something to drink?" asked Hondo as he took a sip.

"No, thank you," answered Kenobi.

"Plus, I'm not legally of age to drink just yet," said Storm.

Hondo just slid over a mug towards the boys as it splashed a bit when it stopped as Anakin and Storm made a face looking at the liquid.

"Congratulations on your capture of Count Dooku. Very impressive," said the Jedi Master.

"Yes, it was. Eh, even a Sith Lord, let alone two, is no match for my warriors," bragged Hondo. The Jedi looked to where the captain was looking as they saw two men passed out from drinking.

"They put up quite a fight. Blaster, cannons, that glowy thing," said Hondo making lightsaber noises.

"You mean a lightsaber?" asked Kenobi.

"That's it. And I don't need to tell you, those things can do some damage. Carved up some of my best men pretty good before I could get the jump on them." explained Hondo as Anakin saw his weapon in the hands of the pirate's pet next to him.

"And how exactly did you get the jump on him? With this?" said Anakin as he used the Force to pull his weapon towards him.

It was in his hand as at that moment, all guns pointed at the Jedi Knight. The creature now began to hop from blaster to rifle as he grabbed back the lightsaber from Anakin.

"Look, can I just say your whole story is straight-up bullshit!!!" stated Storm.

"A sharp tongue for someone so young. I admire that, reminds me of my younger self," said Hondo as he liked that Storm didn't filter what his mind was saying.

"We have no interest in disagreeing with you. All we want is to confirm you are holding Dooku and Sunset, then we'll go," stated Obi-wan.

"I will arrange a meeting," said Hondo.

It didn't take long as all three were now in the detention cell section. They were being led by one of Hondo's men as they soon arrived at the cell where the Sith Lords were being held. The door opened as inside were both being held in place.

"Look at how the mighty Sith Lord has fallen," mocked Obi-wan upon seeing Dooku.

"Well, well, well. Nice to see you, Sunny," smiled Storm with a smug expression as he approached the girl.

"Boy toy," growled the girl as she hated how the boy was mocking her.

"Aw, you're adorable when you're helpless," snickered the boy as he began to pat Sunset's head like she was a pet. The girl tried to bite his hand as he retracted at the last second. "She's still feisty," chuckled the boy.

"This place suits you, count," said Anakin as he circled Dooku as he added his two cents in mocking the Sith Lords. 

"It wasn't so long ago that you yourself were in similar surroundings on my ship," said the count.

"Yeah, but now I'm free, and you're not," snickered Anakin.

"Not to mention, you got a cellmate to keep you company. Right, Sunset?" smiled Storm as continued to rub the girl's hair as he treated her like a pet.

"I swear boy toy when I get out of these binds, I will personally kill you myself," said Sunset as she didn't like it that Storm continued to pet her head.

"Anyone tell you, you're cute when you're angry and trying to make death threats," snickered Storm.

"I'm confident that situation will rectify itself soon," said Dooku.

"Soon you'll be brought to trial by the Senate and most likely spend a very long time in a cell just like this one," said Obi-wan.

"And that's if you're lucky," taunted Anakin.

"And what about me?" asked Sunset as it got the attention of the Jedi Master.

"Don't worry, I'm sure we'll figure something out. Perhaps the Jedi Council might go easy on you," snickered Storm as he kept on making fun of Sunset.

"I'd rather be killed than face the council or whatever punishment they deem worthy, especially Celestia," said the girl as she put her head down.

"Oh, my naïve young Jedi. You must be overly optimistic if you think these Weequayans plan to let you leave this planet," said Dooku to all three boys.

"They're planet-hopping thieves looking for a quick score. They have no interest in picking a fight with Jedi," said Anakin.

"They are devious and deceitful and, most importantly, stupid," said Dooku.

"It's a wonder you don't get along with them, Dooku. You have so much in common," smiled Obi-wan smugly as he got in the face of the Sith Lord. 

"Take our word, Storm. You're not walking out alive."

"Mmm, you're just embarrassed that you got fell for their tricks. No shame in admitting that you were outsmarted by some pirates," mocked Storm to the Sith girl.

"I hate you," said Sunset in a deadpanned tone.

"Storm, time to leave," said Obi-wan as he and Anakin were exiting the cell.

"Don't worry, Sunny. I'll be back for you. For now... just... hang around and look pretty for me."

"Can someone just please kill me!" shouted Sunset as she didn't want to listen to Storm's jokes nor could she take any more humiliation.

"As I said, you're cute when you're angry," mocked Storm as he did one final pat on the girl's head. "One more thing," he then brought his finger to Sunset's noise. "Boop," said the boy as he booped the girl's nose. He then left with his pals.

"I despise him, correction, I loathe him entirely," said Sunset in a blunt tone.

"You underestimate them at your own peril, Kenobi," stated Dooku as the Jedi left.




"I don't know about you guys, but I could use some rest," said Anakin to his pals as they were walking and talking.

"Remember, Anakin, this could still be a trap," said Obi-wan.

"You're not worried about them, are you?" asked Storm to the Jedi Master about the captured Sith Lords.

"No. I'm worried about these pirates," said Kenobi as they saw some pirates as a small fight broke out.

At that moment, their attention was caught by one of the pirates.

"Jedi! Now that your business is completed, we invite you to join us in the grand hall for a banquet," said one of Hondo's men. "And a true Weequay banquet is not to be missed."

The three looked at each other with similar looks. They agreed to the proposition as they had to excuse themselves to confirm with their sources on sending the ransom. The trio was now back in their ship as they were contacting the Chancellor.

"No question they have Dooku. Send the ransom," stated Obi-wan.

"He's being securely held?" asked Palpatine.

"Yeah," chuckled Anakin, "And very cranky about it."

"Not to mention Sunset trying to act tough in the face of defeat," snickered Storm.

"Good. Senator Kharrus and Representative Binks will be dispatched immediately," informed the Chancellor to the three Jedi as the transmission ended.

With the message now received, the three boys kept to their promise. They were now back in the banquet hall as they were seated in between some patrons as they were drinking till they passed out and making noise. They were soon approached by Hondo as he put his hands on Obi-wan and Anakin's shoulders.

"Now can I persuade you to join us in a drink?" asked Hondo to the Jedi. "It's tradition, in the name of friendship."

"Again, I'm only 16," stated Storm, "You got any cider, though?"

"Very well. As for you gentlemen?" asked Hondo for Anakin and Obi-wan's answer.

"All right, but nothing too strong. He's flying," said the Jedi Master pointing at Skywalker.

"Bring our guests some... refreshments." called out Hondo. He made sure to grant Storm's request as he gave the kid his choice of drink since he was still underage.

The person serving the drink saw Hondo as he gave a nod. It served as a signal as he made sure to spice up the drinks for Anakin and Obi-wan as they were the bigger threats. Their beverages were brought as he made sure to give Anakin and Obi-wan their drinks first as he then went to fetch a glass of cider for Storm. While Storm's drink might have been safe, the other two Jedi looked at the drinks with a careful eye.

"To a successful transaction!" said Hondo as he did a quick toast as everybody raised their mugs. 

Taking advantage of that slight distraction, Anakin and Obi-wan switched their drinks with the patrons next to them. Seems they detected that the drinks had been drugged so they made sure to not fall for that trick. 

"To powerful pirates and new friends of the Republic," said Obi-wan as he did his own toast to which nothing but groans were heard.

The pair now began to drink their beverages as Hondo looked on.

"Enjoy your evening, gentlemen," said the leader of the pirates as he believed they were drinking the drugged beverages he had set up. He then left through a door.

"I still don't get it."

"Get what?" asked Obi-wan to Anakin.

"How a bunch of drunken pirates managed to catch Dooku and Sunset when we couldn't?" said the Jedi Knight.

"No offense, but I think they just got lucky," said Storm in a blunt tone as he took another sip of cider.

"Maybe there's a lesson to be learned here," said Kenobi to his pals.

"I still don't get it," sighed Anakin. 

"It's to remind us to be humble and never too proud to accept a gift when it comes our way," said the Jedi Master.

"You're starting to sound like Celestia and Luna, Obi-wan. But... you... have a point, I guess," said Storm.

"Well, to unexpected gifts, then," said Anakin as he lifted his mug.

"Hear, hear," responded Kenobi and Storm as they raised their cups and clinked with their buddy.

They all took a sip from their respective drink. The ones that Obi-wan and Anakin had switched mugs with were now passed out. One of them fell out of his seat and landed on the floor as the mug shattered and the other hit facefirst on the table. 

"Still, something doesn't seem right."

'What do you mean, Storm?" asked Anakin to his friend.

"I don't know... I guess I was expecting more action to happen. Kind of a letdown this is how we end the episode. Oh well, I'm sure things will pick up in the next chapter." said the boy looking at the fourth wall as the credits rolled and faded to black.