As she sleeps inside what was once the rebel base on Hoth, many images of the past flash through her eyes. Faces at the Jedi Council, Joon-Li's angry expression as he denounces her, Master Skywalker's sad expression as he delivers the Council's decision. Then she sees the image of Count Dooku the way he looked before he joined the Sith. He was young and debonaire, tall and limber. He smiled at her. "Do not fear," he said.

She was with him in her dream. Dooku touches her face and wipes away a tear. "My granddaughter, you are more beautiful than I could ever have imagined. And so gifted in the ways of the force. You are the future of the New Republic. Such fools, they don't even know how important you are."

"But why? I will never join you. You may be my grandfather, but I will never be a Sith."

He smiled, but it was a sad smile. "I know, granddaughter. Your destiny is not to share my fate. You are a Jedi, and I would not want you to follow in my footsteps to the dark side."

Helene was stunned. "But you are a Sith. Why would you say such a thing?"

"You have the power to free me. But you must listen to me."

"How can I? They won't allow me to be a Jedi."

"They can't stop you. It is your destiny. Your real trials are about to begin. A dark knight is looking for you. Danger will find you, and when it does, use your wisdom along with your strength. You do not realize how important you are."

"How am I important?" Helene said, but Dooku had already faded away. Coldness overtook her body. She opened her eyes, and saw that the fire was out. It was completely dark, but she could sense a menacing presence.