The General's report wasn't long in reaching Count Dooku. Rain wasn't sure what to expect during the requested visit to Serenno that followed, but by the time she stepped off her shuttle onto the walkway of Dooku's palace, it was too late for any doubts.

There stood the Count, flanked by his magnaguards, looking his usual cheery self. Rain inclined her head in greeting.

"Master."

"Apprentice. I understand from Grievous that you have made immense improvement. I am pleased to hear it. I was somewhat concerned when he asked to delay his report."

Rain withheld a sigh of relief.

You and me both. It's still hard enough to believe that the dear General would have anything nice to say about me to begin with.

"What exactly did he say about me?" Rain asked hesitantly.

"He said you impressed him. It was enough to catch my attention. It's a sentiment he rarely bestows on anyone. Because of it, I am prepared to give you your own command."

"Thank you, master. I'm...I'm honored."

"But," Dooku interjected, "That is not why I summoned you here. There is someone here who is interested in making your acquaintance."

Rain's heart skipped a beat.

Is it...It can't be...

She followed the Count into his luxurious home, her chest tightening unconsciously.

If it's him...

Dooku led her to what appeared to be his own private office. A lush red carpet spanned the floor, and beneath a stunning stained glass window that stretched all the way up to the ceiling sat a surprisingly plain desk.

Next to the desk stood a robed figure, his back facing the door. When Dooku dropped to one knee, Rain's heart began to pound. She followed suit.

"Master," Dooku said, "I present my apprentice, Rain Callyn."

The figure turned, a dark hood pulled low over his face. Rain dropped her gaze to the carpet.

"Lord Sidious."

Sidious spread his hands, hands that Rain saw were withered with age.

"Rise, young Callyn. You too, my old friend. There is no need for such ceremony. This is merely a friendly introduction."

Dooku got to his feet, stepping aside. Rain glanced at him, unsure of what to do.

"Come closer, my dear. No need to play shy."

Rain obeyed. Upon a closer look, it was obvious the Sith lord was human, something which surprised Rain. Even more surprising was the friendly attitude he displayed. It was just about the last thing Rain had been expecting.

His underlings certainly didn't learn their manners from him.

"The Count informed me that you've come a long way from when you first arrived here on Serenno. It always pleases me to learn of defectors from the Jedi ranks." He sneered. "They hardly deserve someone of your talents."

Rain blinked in confusion.

What exactly did Dooku say about me?

"With all due respect, my lord, you have not witnessed my abilities."

"I don't doubt your abilities."

Rain was shocked. She could hardly remember a time when she'd heard those words.

I was expecting some sort of test, but instead I got a friendly old man who seems to have the utmost faith in me.

"That is partially why I am here," Sidious continued, "I have a task for you. The bounty hunter Cad Bane has expressed a desire to work with you. I am aware it is his habit to only work with the best of the best."

Rain's confusion grew.

First Grievous, now Sidious and Bane. Is there some sort of grand prank going on here to put me under a false sense of ease?

"Tell me, are you at all aware of the state of politics in this war?" Sidious asked.

"I'm afraid I've never been fond of politics, my lord," Rain replied, feeling an odd sense of deja vu.

"Unfortunate. They are vital to deciding the end of this war. Of course, I'm only bringing this up, my dear, as it is relevant to the task I have for you. I'm sending you and the bounty hunter to Coruscant to infiltrate the Senate. Bane will give you the details once you arrive there. That is, if you're willing."

He's ASKING me? Okay, now this is getting TOO weird.

"Of course, my lord. I'm happy to serve."

She inclined her head.

"And your service is greatly valued, young Callyn." Sidious turned to the Count. "You may escort her out, Tyranus."

Now's my chance.

With imperceptible movement, she reached through the force, tugging at the back of that long black hood. It lifted about an inch, revealing a long pointed nose. Then Rain felt Dooku's hand on her shoulder.

No! I'm not ready!

"Oh, there is one more thing," Sidious said suddenly, and the pressure on Rain's shoulder lifted, "My apprentice tells me you have a sister."

Rain's concentration faltered.

"Yes, my lord."

"Such a sad thing to see families torn apart. I'm sure you miss her desperately."

Rain hesitated.

"It's all right, dear," Sidious assured her, "Far be it from me to come between you and your sister, no matter what her alliances may be."

"My lord, surely you can't mean that. An enemy is an enemy, no matter what past relations you may have had with them."

This is the test. It must be. Even if I don't believe it, I have to say it. I can never waver, never let them doubt that I am absolutely loyal to their cause.

"I admire your dedication, young Callyn, but surely your sister can't mean so little to you."

"Well..." Rain struggled, "I was hoping, I mean—" She pulled herself together. "I hoped to turn her, my lord."

I would never do that to Mira.

"I see."

Rain let the force flow through her again, and as the hood began to move once more, she saw the glint of sharp blue eyes beneath it.

"If only I were able to grant you some of my power. With it, your sister would always be close."

A gentle smile touched his lips, but it didn't feel friendly at all. Instead it chilled Rain to the bone. She let her concentration die.

Dooku escorted her out of the office at Sidious' request, saying not a word. His silence continued long after they had left the room well behind. It wasn't particularly unusual; he wasn't typically chatty, but his frown seemed a little deeper than normal.

"Is something troubling you, master?" Rain asked.

Dooku glanced down at her.

"No."

The silence resumed.

"Uh, master," Rain said hesitantly, "Grievous said something to me. About Ventress."

She watched Dooku's reaction carefully, but his expression never changed.

"He said he preferred my presence to hers," Rain pressed on, "And it just made me curious. You said once that Ventress betrayed you and paid the price, but Ventress had a different story to tell when I battled her on Dathomir."

Dooku turned his gaze on her, a curious light in his eyes. It wasn't anger, it was interest.

"She said you told her she was indispensable, then left her to die."

Dooku turned away, his pace slowing a little.

"I suppose you fear the same fate may befall you."

"It has crossed my mind, master."

"Then you may put your mind to rest," the Count said briskly, "I'm afraid I was somewhat lax with Ventress' training. Her power grew so great that she became a threat to my master and had to be eliminated. I will not make the same mistake with you."

The realization clicked in Rain's mind.

"That's why you won't teach me more advanced force abilities."

"Indeed. Ventress was a loss I would rather not have had to suffer, so for both our sakes, I suggest you refrain from poking your nose in where it doesn't belong. Some secrets are better remaining unknown."

Rain wondered for a split second if there was some double meaning behind his words.

I suppose his position is not always the most desirable.

"Thank you, master, for all your guidance."

"I would be remiss if I did not provide you with proper guidance, apprentice," Dooku said, "So I will offer you one more word of advice." He stopped, turning to face her fully, his eyes narrowed. "Don't trust bounty hunters."

"Grievous instructed me likewise, master. I shall not soon forget it. Oh, but I have one request."

Dooku arched an eyebrow.

I can't believe I'm asking this.

"It seems I may have formed the wrong impression. If I'm not needed elsewhere, I wish to return to Grievous' command after I finish my mission on Coruscant. I believe there are some more things I could learn from him."

Dooku studied her a moment.

"I will consider it. You will of course need the General's consent."

"Yes."

"Very well. I have duties to attend to. I trust you haven't forgotten where your quarters are?"

"No, master. But one last question. I know things did not end well when last I asked you if you could trust me, but perhaps circumstances are different now?"

Dooku gave her a long look, then turned and walked away. Rain watched him a moment before setting off for her room.

I'll take that as a maybe.