A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire
"Best of both worlds? Hehehehe... If you have a clear understanding of the current state of this war, you should know that no matter how thoroughly we exhaust ourselves, victory is impossible," Count Dooku said coldly.
Darth Malthael smiled faintly. "For us, surviving is enough. The Galactic Republic will not last until then, nor will Darth Sidious's patience."
"So after spending so much effort plotting all this, in the end all you have to say is, 'Surviving is enough'?" Count Dooku sneered.
Darth Malthael said, "Have you ever heard this saying—a single spark can start a prairie fire?" He looked up at Count Dooku. "Perhaps you do not fully realize it yourself, but I must tell you: the fire you ignited in the Outer Rim Territories is far more than merely the Confederacy of Independent Systems..."
He said seriously, "The Confederacy of Independent Systems may not be able to defeat the Galactic Republic, but the flames they have ignited will ultimately burn the Galactic Republic—and even Darth Sidious, who will likely become Emperor—to ashes!"
"But you also said that without the Confederacy of Independent Systems, we are nothing," Count Dooku said gravely.
"That is why I told you: surviving is enough. Survive until the day that single spark finally grows into a blaze capable of consuming everything," Darth Malthael said.
"What difference is there between that and handing our fate over for others to decide?"
"Of course there is... because you are Count Dooku—the founder of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, the spiritual pillar of the Separatists, and also... the embodiment of freedom and democracy."
Count Dooku snorted coldly without speaking, though his expression was somewhat complicated.
"Do you find it dramatic? I understand you very well, Count Dooku... Ever since the