Age of Republic - Count Dooku 1

THE FORMER JEDI BEGINS LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR HIS SITH MASTER! However, an unexpected encounter with an old student threatens his plans. Caught between his old life and his new, will DOOKU be able to protect the secrets of the SITH? And does he control the DARK SIDE, or is he merely its tool?

Count Dooku arrives on the planet Sullust and explains via narration that he typically avoids personally visiting this planet. He notes that engaging in negotiations with a corporation on their own territory grants them an advantage, which is not ideal. However, his visit extends beyond mere business matters, as his master intends for him to establish an alliance on his behalf, and Dooku is tasked with executing these plans. Upon disembarking from his ship, Dooku is greeted by Representative Kap Klyp of the SoroSuub Corporation. Klyp expresses his pleasure at the opportunity to continue contract negotiations in person. SoroSuub has arranged a city tour prior to dinner, an arrangement Dooku privately dislikes. He conceals his true feelings, understanding the need to keep his real purpose on Sullust hidden.

Later, after touring Sullust and its urban areas, Dooku decides he can no longer waste time with the charade. He fabricates the excuse that his travels have left him fatigued and in need of rest before dinner. At that moment, a Jedi Knight named Jak’zin approaches Dooku, greeting him warmly. Jak'zin acknowledges that Dooku might not remember him, as they haven't met since Dooku instructed him as a youngling at the Jedi Temple. Jak’zin recalls Dooku’s memorable dueling demonstration with Yoda and his inspiring teachings. When Jak'zin mentions his acquaintance with Master Qui-Gon prior to his death, Kap Klyp interrupts, eager to resume negotiations with Dooku. Instead, Dooku proposes that Jak’zin join them for dinner, an invitation that Jak’zin gratefully accepts. Following this, Dooku is escorted to his accommodations. In private, he communicates with his master, Darth Sidious, expressing concern that the presence of a Jedi could complicate matters. Dooku inquires if Sidious knows the Jedi's purpose on Sullust, but Sidious admits he does not, as the Jedi keep much of their activities secret. Sidious instructs Dooku to gain the Jedi’s trust, uncover his mission, and safeguard his own secrets. Dooku questions whether the Jedi could become an ally, but Sidious reaffirms the Sith’s need for only one apprentice.

During dinner with Jak’zin and Kap Klyp, Dooku learns of rumors circulating among some Jedi that he is establishing a new order of Force users. Dooku assures Jak’zin that this is untrue, stating he is merely managing his family’s business interests on Serenno. When Dooku asks Jak’zin about his presence in the Outer Rim, Jak'zin replies that he is on private business for the Jedi Council. Later that evening, Dooku finds Jak’zin alone, and they take a walk. Dooku tells Jak'zin that he senses he is troubled. Jak’zin apologizes and admits that his mission is distracting him. Dooku inquires whether the mission is dangerous and reveals that upon hearing of his former apprentice Qui-Gon Jinn’s death, he wondered if he could have prevented it by remaining with the Order. Jak’zin insists that Dooku shouldn't blame himself, but Dooku still contemplates whether Qui-Gon’s master could have saved him since his padawan couldn’t. Dooku also notes that Jak’zin is undertaking this mission alone and offers his assistance, hoping to make a difference. Jak’zin, acknowledging Dooku’s past as a Jedi Master, decides to confide in him about his mission: investigating a criminal group called the Kaldana Syndicate, which is gaining influence on Sullust. Upon hearing this, Dooku realizes that this is the same group his master tasked him with finding. Dooku resolves the situation by proposing that they investigate together. Before Jak’zin can object, Dooku asserts that he is only trying to ensure his safety and that his substantial financial investments on Sullust could be beneficial.

Subsequently, they employ their Force-enhanced abilities to traverse the city in search of the Kaldana Syndicate. After locating their hideout, Jak’zin leads them to a warehouse. When he knocks on the door, a hatch opens, and a blaster bolt is fired at his head. Dooku uses the Force to push him out of the way, assuring the Jedi that his presence was fortunate. In his thoughts, Dooku acknowledges that it is not Jak’zin’s time to die yet. Jak’zin forces his way inside, and after subduing two guards, he and Dooku discover that the syndicate is involved in weapons trafficking. Suddenly, they are surrounded by Kaldana thugs. Dooku ignites his lightsaber, and the red blade surprises Jak’zin. As they come under fire, the two men use their lightsabers and Force abilities to efficiently neutralize the Kaldana. However, when Jak’zin questions the origin of Dooku’s red lightsaber, Dooku replies that he constructed it himself. He then uses the Force to kill Jak’zin with a blaster. Stepping over his body, Dooku expresses his regret and informs the sole surviving Kaldana member that he has come to discuss a business arrangement with his organization. Using the Force to levitate the blasters in the room, Dooku declares that he is an agent of the man’s new master, leaving him no choice but to comply.

Later, Kap Klyp escorts Dooku to his ship, expressing his satisfaction that Dooku’s accommodations were satisfactory and his anticipation of future business dealings with Serenno. As Dooku departs, he reflects that as unrest and chaos spread throughout the Republic, it will become easier for the Sith to seize power, and the galaxy will soon be shaped according to their will.

• UPC 759606091935; February 13 , 2019 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00111; Cover A; Paolo Rivera 00121; Cover B; Lucasfilm Ltd. 00131; Cover C; Dermot Power 00141; Cover D; Guru-eFX, Mike McKone