Sith Family

“And where do you two think you're going?”

Asajj's hand on the doorknob froze as that deep voice drifted through the doorway of the study they had just passed. She suppressed a groan; her mountain of a brother wasn't as subtle. “I told you he'd see us,” Durge growled.

“Shut up the hell up,” Asajj hissed back. She trudged away from the front door, one knob turn away from freedom, and into the mini library. “We're going to the mall, sir.”

Her grandfather didn't look up from his book. “For what purpose?”

Asajj resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Sarcasm and snark wouldn't curry her any favor. “Shopping.”

“Really.” Now Dooku put the book down, but didn't rise from his chair. “And Durge is accompanying you because...”

“I know what looks good on her,” Durge answered, leaning in the doorway.

“I was unaware you had such an eye for female fashion.”

Despite his cocky stance and expression, Durge had no honest response to that. “A-line, boot cut jeans, and scoop neck, alright?” he snapped.

What might have been a ghost of a smile crossed Dooku's face, but it disappeared before either of them could examine it more closely. He leaned his elbows on the desk and fixed them both with a pointed look. “And the timing of this little excursion has nothing to do with that group of Jedi that is meeting up there to raise funds and awareness for troubled inner-city youth?”

“No,” Asajj and Durge said simultaneously. Dooku didn't believe them for a second. Durge was the first to break under his hard stare. “Maybe.”

Asajj's head snapped towards him. “You idiot!” she whispered fiercely.

Dooku didn't acknowledge the outburst. “What have I told you both about hassling the Jedi?”

Asajj huffed and tilted her head back to stare at the ceiling. “Only when there aren't any witnesses,” she and Durge recited.

“Very good. Now, I know how fond you both are of antagonizing those fools. So why would you think it a good idea to do so in a crowded shopping area where you are sure to meet nothing but resistance from their supporters, and in turn drive more buffoons into their web of lies and deceit?” Asajj had the grace to look properly chastised. Durge simply stared at the desk. “Neither of you think beyond your impulses,” Dooku sighed, not unkindly. “You may go on one condition.” He paused to let Asajj and Durge lean forward in anticipation. “You will ignore the Jedi entirely.”

“What?!” Asajj blurted.

“Where's the fun in that?” Durge finished.

Dooku continued as if they had said nothing. “The Jedi are nothing if not arrogant. Part of their influence and power comes from being noticed, and sometimes challenged. Nothing gets under their skin more than people like us ignoring them. They are beneath you, children. Act like it and victory will be yours.”

“You make it sound like we're in a war,” Asajj mumbled as she turned on her heel and slipped past Durge, who followed closely behind.

Dooku grinned at their departure. “That we are, child,” he said under his breath. He called out after them before the front door closed. “Be back before dark. Your Uncle Sidious will be coming by for dinner.”

“Hoo-rah,” came Durge's sarcastic reply. Dooku simply shook his head and returned to his book.