In the depths of the Pyke dungeons, Lom leads Obi-Wan and Anakin to a cell, explaining the Pykes' involvement in the mystery of Sifo-Dyas. Over a decade ago, the Pykes wished to gain an advantage over rival crime families, so they struck a deal with a powerful man named Tyranus. This man hired the Pyke syndicate to kill Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas. The Pykes complied by shooting down Sifo-Dyas' shuttle over the Oba Diah moon. They inspected the wreckage, and turned over Sifo-Dyas' body to Tyranus as proof of their deal fulfilled.

However, the Pykes also discovered Silman aboard, who had survived the crash. Recognizing that dealing with someone as mysterious and unpredictable as Tyranus would require a degree of insurance, the Pykes kept Silman a secret, and locked him up. Now, over a decade later, Lom cashes in this insurance, asking Obi-Wan and Anakin to forgive the murder of Sifo-Dyas in exchange for the return of Silman. Kenobi and Skywalker enter the darkened cell from which emerges a wretched, bedraggled and starving man.

The unkempt prisoner is Silman, who has gone mad in the years since his captivity. Meanwhile, Count Dooku arrives at the Pyke stronghold, landing his solar sailer on the landing platform and Force-hurling the Pyke guards that try to block his path.

Kenobi tries to question Silman, but the deranged prisoner seems more focused on feeding the vermin and lice that crawl over his body. In his peculiar way, Silman explains that the Pykes had betrayed Sifo-Dyas, but they were not the ones ultimately responsible for his fate. Someone else, more powerful wanted Sifo-Dyas dead so that he could steal his identity. But before Silman can say any more, he is strangled to death by the dark side of the Force. Count Dooku has tied up this loose end.

Anakin and Obi-Wan turn to confront Dooku, who ignites his lightsaber. The Jedi light their blades and engage Dooku in a duel. In his classical fighting style, Dooku defends himself, bringing the duel to the open landing platform. Lom emerges from the stronghold flanked by Pyke guards. He says to Dooku their business is over, and calls him by the name Tyranus, revealing this identity to the Jedi.

Dooku Force-pushes his way past the guards and slays Lom. Dooku leaps off the landing platform onto a passing cargo freighter. He calls for his pilot droid to pick him up. Anakin leaps onto the freighter (propelled by a Force-throw from Obi-Wan) in a last, desperate attempt to stop Dooku.

The count sacrifices the freighter by slicing one of its engines, causing the entire ship to drop. Dooku jumps to safety on his waiting solar sailer and escapes.

The Jedi Council discusses these alarming new discoveries. It is clear that the Sith were involved in the creation of the clone army, but with the Jedi Order so enmeshed in the war, they have no option but to continue. Yoda and the Jedi believe in the clones, having fought alongside on them on so many fronts. But it is evident that whatever the Sith master plan is, it is coming to fruition. With regret, Yoda voices the conclusion that the Jedi have no choice but to carry on, playing the unseen Sith Lord's game.