Author's Note: One more.

Master Dooku!" several little voices cried happily.

Dooku's mood instantly lifted, and he smiled as the Younglings rushed up to him.

"Hello, Master Dooku," Master Kira Siros said, bowing deeply to the Council Member.

He bowed back, though not as deeply.

"Master Siros."

She looked at the Younglings crowded about the elder Master's long legs and knew he would have no problem with them.

"You're in luck. You've arrived right at story time."

He smiled.

"Well I suppose I am in luck, then aren't I?"

They all settled on the floor, the Younglings crowded eagerly around the Council Member. The smallest and youngest, a little human girl, managed to crawl into the big man's lap.

"Are you settled, young ones?"

"Yes, Master Dooku," came the chorused reply from the children.

He smiled.

"Which story would you like me to tell you today?"

"The story about Master Qui-Gon Jinn!" a girl exclaimed.

The other children agreed.

The story of the late Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn was a favorite among the Younglings, especially when Dooku told it. Dooku told the late maverick's story the best, even better than Obi-Wan, since he had trained Qui-Gon.

"Very well. Once upon a time, there was a Youngling waiting to be chosen as a Padawan."

The Younglings and even Kira were soon caught up in the tale of the infamous maverick, Qui-Gon Jinn.

Like Dooku, Qui-Gon had been strong in the Living Force. He had often defied the Council to do when he believed was right.

"And even to this day, twenty-three years later, Qui-Gon Jinn is still remembered. His legacy and teachings live on through Master Kenobi and Master Skywalker. His memory will live on in the hearts of those close to him. The end."

The Younglings cheered happily, once again satisfied by the story.

The rest of the day passed quickly with some mishaps and comical moments; including Dooku tripping and tumbling head over heels while running with the Younglings.

Now it was bedtime, and the Younglings settled into their bed. Dooku then sang a lullaby, his rich, rumbling, but gentle baritone voice deepening as he sang.

Kira was surprised at how soothing his voice was.

When he finished the lullaby, the children were fast asleep.

Dooku ran into Obi-Wan and Anakin on his way back to his quarters. They raised their eyebrows in amusement at his disheveled appearance.

"What happened to you?" Anakin asked.

"I tripped and went head over heels while I was running with the Younglings," he answered sheepishly.

The two younger Masters smiled, bid him goodnight, and went to their quarters.

Once back in his own quarters, Dooku showered then went to see Cari and Jordan.

He was greeted by his wife and still hyperactive ten year old son.

"How were things with the Younglings?" Cari asked, well aware of her husband's reassignment.

"Good, as usual, darling," he answered while swingingJordanup onto his broad shoulders.

She smiled.

"That's good."

He smiled back.

"Five minutes until bed,Jordan," she warned her son.

"Aww, Mom."

Dooku chuckled and playfully jostled him.

"She's right, pal. It's late."

The boy sighed.

"Okay."

Five minutes later, the Master tucked his son into bed and kissed his forehead.

"Goodnight,Jordan."

"G'night, Dad."

Dooku stopped at the door to turn out of the lights.

"I love you,"Jordansaid.

He smiled back at him over his shoulder.

"I love you, too."

He shut the door and joined Cari in the main living room. He leaned down and kissed her.

Despite all the recent hardships and trials, life was good.

End note: Last one. This is just a two-shot.