f2020 | hey there MoM it's me ya boy

[Interesting. When Dooku senses Ezra helping to loft their platform, he starts dialing back his own power, transferring a bit more and more of the load to Ezra, trying to find out how much the youth can really sustain.]

It is an interesting parallel. Yet I know how dangerous it was to ever deny Lord Sidious something he desired. I suspect there was a terrible price to pay for the destruction of this door he sought.

[Why do Sith have to be like this? Why can't they just hold it up together? Ezra seems to be sustaining it, though not as easily as the others might have. His power's never been in physical strength, after all, and it took Maul pushing him for him to even realize how much he had.]

He tried to control me. Use me to open the door for him. He offered me everything I ever wished for. Apparently, he had no plans for what would happen if I said no.

[And in the end, he probably assumed Ezra was dead along with Thrawn.]

[Dooku, on the other hand, has always excelled at the Force in the realm of manipulating the physical world, whether through telekinesis or a lightsaber. It's in the spiritual, mental side of the Force that he fades, having never been gifted with precognitive visions or a talent with the Mind Trick. No matter, to him: he would rather make the future than see it, and there are other ways to persuade people.

But he does stop testing Ezra as he senses the lad beginning to be strained, and settles into an easy balance with him as their platform slowly rotates above the park, heedless of White City residents hurrying along nearby, careful to avoid prying into imPort business.]

It is... very rare for one to reject his offers. You showed great wisdom in denying him.

[Dooku speaks slowly, carefully, trying to hide the conflict that suddenly stirs deep in his cold heart. Palpatine had made the same offer to him, and Dooku had willingly allowed himself to be used to open a different door, ripping the Galaxy in two so it could be remade into something better. What would his life have been like, if he had rejected the Dark Side? Would his last moments have been stunned bafflement before Skywalker sliced through his neck?

He crushes the thought within him as though he was stamping on a new sprout before it had a chance to grow. Doubt is a weakness the Dark Side does not tolerate.]

The Porter here is a doorway to immeasurable possibilities. But I suspect even he would have struggled to master it.

Thanks.

[Ezra relaxes slightly as some of the weight is lifted. Although, he's not sure how to feel about a Sith Lord calling him wise. At the same time, his greatest strength really is emotions and connections. While he might not know Dooku's whole deal, it still must be weird to hear about someone resisting Palpatine.]

No way would he have even been able to access it. I mean, he needed the help of a barely trained teenager and that was in his own galaxy.

It is not wisdom to underestimate the power of the Dark Lord.

[The Count suppresses an involuntary shiver at shadowy memories that still haunt him, even after years in this universe. A voice that knew every secret, a power that could send lightning ripping through his muscles in an instant, a cold hand closing around his throat from half a Galaxy away. You have disappointed me, Lord Tyranus...

He puts it out of his mind, and forces himself to focus on the boy.]

But you did not come here to discuss the failings of Darth Sidious. And I did not seek you out merely to give you a demonstration.

I'm not underestimating him. I'm... estimating.

[Estimations based on facts and lived experiences! Seems pretty accurate to him.]

I wanted to see if I could connect to the Porter. That's all.

That's all, is it? And for what purpose?

[The Count raises a skeptical eyebrow. Considering Ezra told him that another Door he dealt with was destroyed... Well. Dooku remembers how impetuous youth can be.]

You see, the Porter is very secure. It would be almost impossible to connect with it... without help from the White Tower.

That's all. Seems like it'd be useful.

[Ezra pauses, then smiles at Dooku.]

It's lucky then, that I know someone at the very top. Right, Master?

It may be lucky indeed.

[The Count gives Ezra a smile, then lowers the platform back into the ground it was crudely wrenched from, the demonstration at an end. As they float downward, the gears turn in Dooku's mind.

Actually enabling the boy to have access to the Porter is out of the question - at least, for now. Such boldness is prohibited for good reason, and the Count doesn't doubt that Ezra intends some mischief. But the goal can serve as useful motivation, something to dangle, scraps of information and hints doled out as reward for loyal service...]

But it would take a strong commitment. It is not something to be done lightly. Only one with the deepest, most powerful understanding of the Force has a chance of reckoning with the mysteries of the Porter. It could require years of study and training... and total dedication.

[As well as complete obedience to one's wise and dignified Master, who holds the key to the special door.]

[Once they're back on the ground, Ezra takes a moment to stand up and stretch.]

Mhm.

[He's listening, clearly.]

Unfortunately, as far as I know, I'm the only one here who understands the Force in that way. The only one who's spent years meditating and considering this. The only one from a planet where the Jedi and the Sith studied this phenomenon.

I can call anyone master... Master. The commitment's on your end, not mine.

[Dooku can't help but chuckle. The sheer cheek. He stands up as well, unfolding himself from his meditation position and rising to his feet like a pillar from the Earth.]

You are a bold one, aren't you? But you misjudge your position. There are many potential Apprentices on this planet... but few Masters. Especially Masters with status in the White Tower and proximity to the Porter.

[He spreads his hands in invitation.]

Who else could possibly offer you what I do?

[If there's anyone who might rival the Count in that department, he wants them singled out yesterday.]

hey there MoM it's me ya boy

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