Star Wars:The Apprentice

The journey to Geonosis was silent. 

Dooku sat with his eyes closed, seemingly meditating, while I leaned against the side of the ship, arms crossed. The hum of the hyperdrive filled the space, but my mind was elsewhere. 

I had never been to Geonosis before, but I had heard about it hell I seen it but only behind a screen. A wasteland of rock and dust, home to the Geonosians a bunch of disgusting bugs and their massive droid factories. This was where the real war would begin, wasn't it? I had heard more whispers of Sifo-Dyas, of a clone army being commissioned. Now, we were traveling to the place that would manufacture its opposition. 

Even if I didn't care for politics, I wasn't blind. I was watching everything unfold, piece by piece. 

And I wasn't sure how I felt about it. 

Dooku finally opened his eyes. "We will be arriving shortly," he said, his voice as calm and refined as ever. 

I didn't respond, just gave a short nod. 

After a few more minutes, the ship shook slightly as it exited hyperspace. Through the viewport, I saw Geonosis—a massive desert world, its red surface illuminated by its nearby sun. From this distance, it didn't look like much. But below, deep within the rocky terrain, lay the droid foundries that would soon fuel an entire war. 

The ship descended through the atmosphere, heat flaring across the hull. As we neared the surface, I could see spires of rock rising like jagged teeth from the planet's crust. Structures built into the cliffs came into view—Geonosian hives, swarming with movement. 

Dooku and I stood as the landing sequence engaged. The ship touched down on a platform near a massive structure, where a delegation of Geonosians waited for us. At the center stood Poggle the Lesser, the Archduke of Geonosis, his wings folded behind him as his beady eyes examined us. 

The ship's ramp lowered, and we stepped out. 

"Count Dooku," Poggle greeted in his buzzing, insect-like tone. 

Dooku gave a small bow. "Archduke Poggle. It is a pleasure." 

I said nothing. I knew my place here—I was to watch, listen, and learn. 

The Geonosian chittered something to one of his subordinates before motioning for us to follow. We were led into a dark tunnel, carved into the rock, leading deeper into the hive. The walls were lined with strange organic structures, the architecture almost alien compared to what I was used to. 

As we walked, Dooku spoke. "I trust our previous arrangements are still in place?" 

Poggle nodded. "The factories are prepared. The designs have been finalized, and the production of battle droids will begin immediately." 

Dooku smiled slightly. "Excellent. The Republic will not be prepared for what is to come." 

I glanced at him. He spoke with such certainty, such conviction. It was eerie, watching history unfold in front of me. 

We were led into a massive chamber. At its center, a large hologram flickered to life, displaying schematics of droid models, weapons, and ships. The Geonosians had been busy. 

Dooku examined the display. "These will suffice. However, there is another matter to discuss." 

Poggle tilted his head. "What do you require?" 

Dooku gestured toward me. "My apprentice must understand the value of strategy, not just combat. War is not won through strength alone—it is won through careful planning and foresight." 

I stiffened slightly at the word apprentice*. Dooku had never called me that before. 

Poggle studied me for a moment before clicking his mandibles. "Then he shall see how war is crafted." 

I exhaled slowly. 

I had spent years training under Sidious, learning how to kill, how to harness the dark side. But now, I was stepping into something far larger. 

This wasn't just about fighting anymore. 

This was about building an empire.

The chamber was filled with the hum of machinery, the occasional chittering of Geonosians echoing through the space. Massive holoprojections displayed blueprints of ships, droids, and battle formations. The sheer scale of what was being planned here hit me all at once. 

Soon this planet will be the beginning of the Clone Wars. 

Dooku studied the schematics with his usual calm, hands clasped behind his back. I stood beside him, pretending to be indifferent, but I was paying attention to everything. The droids being produced here weren't just for defense—they were meant for war. A war that Sidious had been,WILL BE manipulating from both sides. 

Poggle the Lesser stepped forward, gesturing toward the projections with his clawed hand. "The B1 battle droids will be produced in mass numbers, as requested. However, we are also refining the B2 Super Battle Droid design to increase their effectiveness in combat." 

Dooku nodded approvingly. "Good. The Republic's forces will be formidable in the coming future, but they will not anticipate an army of this scale." 

I tilted my head slightly, looking at Dooku. "You really think these droids can defeat the Jedi?" 

Dooku smirked. "Individually, no. But in war, the Jedi are not as invincible as they believe. Their reliance on outdated traditions and a failing Republic has weakened them." He turned his gaze toward me. "Tell me, what do you see when you look at these plans?" 

I frowned. "I see an army. Weapons. Machines designed to kill." 

Dooku's expression didn't change. "And beyond that?" 

I exhaled. "I see strategy. The Republic won't be prepared for an attack of this magnitude. Even if they have the clones, they won't be able to fight a war on this scale without suffering immense losses. Sidious is playing both sides, so no matter who wins, he still comes out on top." 

Dooku chuckled softly. "You understand more than you let on." 

I looked back at the schematics. "I understand that this war is pointless." 

Dooku raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" 

I nodded. "The Jedi don't realize they're walking into a trap, and the Separatists don't realize they're just pawns. It doesn't matter who wins. The Republic, the Separatists—it's all just a game. And we're the ones making sure the pieces move the way Sidious wants." 

Dooku's expression darkened slightly. For a moment, I wondered if I had said too much. 

Then he smiled. "Perhaps you are wiser than I thought." 

Poggle the Lesser clicked his mandibles, clearly growing impatient with our conversation. "The factories will begin full production within the next cycle. We will need additional raw materials to meet demand." 

Dooku gave a slight nod. "See to it that everything is in place. I will ensure that the necessary resources are provided." 

As Poggle turned to give orders to his subordinates, I stepped closer to Dooku. Lowering my voice, I asked, "Why do you follow Sidious?" 

Dooku gave me a sideways glance. "And why do you?" 

I tensed. I hadn't expected him to turn the question back on me. 

I looked away, staring at the flickering blue light of the holoprojectors. "Because I have no choice." 

Dooku studied me for a long moment. "We all have choices." 

I clenched my jaw. "Not when it comes to him." 

Dooku's expression was unreadable. "Sidious is powerful, yes. But power does not mean inevitability." 

I let out a bitter laugh. "Tell that to Darth Plagueis." 

Dooku smirked. "Ah. So you do listen." 

Before I could respond, Poggle returned, accompanied by a group of Geonosian warriors. "The tour of the main foundries is ready. If you wish to see the full scale of the operation, follow me." 

Dooku motioned for me to walk beside him as we followed Poggle deeper into the hive. The tunnels led to a massive open factory, where thousands of droids were being assembled in perfect synchronization. The air smelled of burning metal and machinery, the sound of conveyor belts and mechanical limbs filling the cavernous space. 

I watched as rows of B1 battle droids were activated, their yellow photoreceptors blinking to life. They straightened, standing in perfect formation, awaiting orders. 

Dooku gestured toward them. "This is the future of warfare. Efficient. Precise. Unquestioning." 

I scoffed. "Sounds like a real nightmare." 

Dooku chuckled. "For the Jedi? Perhaps." 

I frowned slightly as I observed the droids. They had no thoughts, no emotions. Just machines programmed to fight and die on command. 

Not so different from me. 

I shook the thought away. 

As we continued walking through the facility, I felt something shift in the Force. A presence, distant but watching. I narrowed my eyes, scanning the factory. 

Dooku noticed my reaction. "What is it?" 

I hesitated. "Someone's here." 

Dooku's gaze sharpened. He turned to Poggle. "Increase security. No one unauthorized should be inside these facilities." 

Poggle clicked in agreement and barked orders to his guards. 

I kept my senses open, stretching out through the dark side. The presence wasn't strong, but it was there. A spy? A Jedi? I couldn't tell yet. 

But whoever it was, they had just made a very dangerous mistake.