I stood in front of the Jedi council completely unsure of my fate. My hands were cuffed, and my legs were shaking.
"Ravenna Vanderbuild, you were sentenced to the Citadel Prison for 189 counts of murder. Is that correct?" Master Mace Windu asked from his chair in the council room. I scanned the faces of all the Jedi that I stood before.
"Yes sir, that is correct."
"But your desire was it not?" Jedi Master Yoda asked.
"No sir it was not. I have been a hired assassin for years, I never truly wanted any of them dead. I just did what I was told. But, if the council does not mind my asking, why am I here? I was sentenced? Why am I standing before you?"
"Well, my dear," Master Luminara Unduli began, "with the Clone War still going on we feel that the Jedi council, the Senate, and the Clones may not be completely enough to withstand and win this war. It was brought to our attention that you mostly work on the side of the Republic. But as a neutral party. You were the best in your class and are highly renowned, am I wrong?"
I shook my head slowly.
"We have a proposal for you, young one," Master Plo Koon.
"A proposal?" I asked, shocked my dark Ebony eyes darting to all of theirs. Eleven of the chairs were full, by either hologram or a live body. One chair was empty and sadly lonely.
"Yes, what if you were to work for the Jedi Council? As a different kind of weapon? Your species is very rare, and very powerful. And can be an asset to the Republic," Master Windu stated.
I gasped out of shock, my knees finally giving out, I crumbled to the floor and stared at the faces of the Jedi council.
"Earn your freedom you could," Master Yoda added.
"What would you have me do?"
"Well we would have to see what your capable of, and due to your extensive past the Council has agreed that you stick with a Jedi Master at all times." Windu continued.
"So like a Jedi Padawan, except for being taught the ways of the Force?"
"Exactly," Master Plo said.
"Which Master would I serve with?"
"Well, we haven't spoken with him yet, but Master Obi Wan Kenobi," Master Luminara said. She looked at the one empty chair.
"How long would it take to earn my freedom?"
"Well depending on factors, such as your behavior, how well you get along with the Clones and Jedi, and how well you do to aid the Republic, you could practically be free in a very short time. You might have to check in with the Council every so often."
I could not believe my ears, I had to be dreaming. I had barely spent time in a cell and now I was being offered my complete freedom.
"This cannot be happening," I breathed.
Master Alaya Secura smirked towards me.
"Take some time to sink in, it will," Yoda stated. I nodded.
"So," I began with a smirk, "when do I start?"
"Well the Republic is in a great race against the separatists to gain the allegiance of neutral planets. You do realize that correct?" Master Windu asked.
"Yes sir, my home planet of Mondor is still currently neutral, so I completely understand."
"Good, well the Republic is almost desperate to build a supply base on the planet of Toydaria."
"I guess that is where Master Yoda is?"
Master Windu nodded.
"What education did you receive?"
"On Mondor education and training are key and extremely important in my culture. I'm not bragging sir, but my education was very expensive and extensive. I know all my moons and planets by heart with certain facts about each. I know all weapons, except I have never in my life, fired a blaster sir, but I was trained with knives, snipers, and explosives sir."
"Very interesting."
"I know a lot about droids sir, all different kinds. I know my species, ships, and my Battle strategies as well sir."
"Very impressing."
I smiled at him as I adjusted my new outfit, which suited me much more than prison jumpsuits. My fair skinned small frame was now covered in leather pants, long thigh high boots, and a black leather top with a wide open back revealing my well detailed wing tattoos. My outfit had many holsters for many different knives, and a sniper holster on my left shoulder, for easy right arm grip. I pulled my long black curls into a ponytail on top of my head.
"Thank you for this opportunity Master Windu."
"Do not thank me, young one. Thank Master Yoda and the Senate."
I nodded.
Master Windu's communication device began to beep and he activated it quickly. A hologram of Master Yoda appeared.
"Settled the negotiations have been. On our side Toydaria is."
I smiled at Master Yoda when he looked my way.
"Impressed I am of you. In store are great things."
I couldn't help but grin. It felt nice to be complimented instead of insulted like I had been for so long.
"Meet with Master Kenobi soon you will. Excited are you?"
"More nervous than excited sir. Does he know?"
"Surprise it will be," he giggled before the communication device disconnected.
"Come now, young one. It is time."
I breathed in deeply as I stood up a little straighter. For such a skinny frame, I made up for it in height. I walked with the same elegance I grew up with in on Mondor. That same elegance came out in my neat accent and my graceful agility, almost of a dancer.
"Let's do this," I mumble to myself.
I followed Master Windu out of the Jedi Temple and onto the flight hanger. A Republic Attack Gunship was just landing. Several Clone troopers got off before a clone with yellow painted armour exited the ship with a Jedi. The Jedi was a red head, taller than I, with a neatly trimmed beard.
"Master Kenobi," Master Windu greeted.
"We will do the briefing later Cody," Master Kenobi commanded the clone, who nodded and followed the rest of the clone troopers.
The Jedi, Master Kenobi looked oddly familiar, but I could not place it, yet.
"Hello, my old friend," the young Jedi greeted.
"Do you recall us bringing in an asset to work with the council?" Master Windu asked.
"I do recall a conversation like that. Is this her?"
Master Windu nodded.
"Obi Wan Kenobi, meet Ravenna Vanderbuild. She is our new weapon in the Clone War."
"What a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine Master Jedi." I bowed slightly to him before straightening my posture again.
"So, my old friend, are you the one training her?"
Mace Windu shook his head and smirked.
"No, I am not old friend, you are."
Obi Wan Kenobi looked absolutely shocked.
"Me?!"
"Yes, you seemed bored without a Padawan. And while Anakin has Ahsoka, you seemed bored old friend."
Then Master Windu's communication device began to beep violently.
"Well that is my cue, good luck both of you. May the Force be with you."
And just like that, he was gone. And I was alone with Obi Wan Kenobi.
"Well this is going to be very interesting." He remarked.
"My sentiments exactly."
He smirked to me.
"Maybe this won't be too bad?"
"Gods I hope not. My freedom is riding on this working out," I scoffed.
"Well, if we're stuck together, we might as well have some fun with it," he commented and I couldn't help but laugh.
"I like that idea."
"I have a briefing, soon but I know we'll have something to occupy ourselves, very soon."
"Goodness, I hope so. This planet scares me a bit, all the political figures, all the security."
"Not your scene?" He asked as we began to walk through the Jedi Temple.
"Not at all, big city planets bother me a bit."
He smiled at me.
His communication device began to beep. And he pulled it out and accepted the communication. A man with longer hair stood next a Togrutain girl.
"Anakin, what is going on?" He asked.
"Our next mission has come up. A Separatist barricade is blocking all supply ships to Christophsis. Again. Our help has been requested. Senator Organa fears of an attack on the surface. And he asked for us personally."
"We'll be there Anakin."
Then he ended the communication.
"Well, looks like we're up, do you need anything before we part?"
"Um, actually yes. It'll take me a quick moment to grab it. I promise."
"Well, then show me the way."
It didn't take me long to find a landing hanger with my ship was. My ship was a recycled Droid attack ship. It looked quite shiny, which I relieved to see.
"Is that… yours?"
"Of course it is. I never waste anything- Choal!" I called into the ship.
"Mistress?" A mechanical voice called back.
"Hurry up, we're moving."
"I am on my way milady."
I rolled my eyes and smirked. Then I counted down from five on my fingers before hearing a loud, metal-on-metal crash.
"Always happens," I mumbled.
"Sorry mum, I forgot about-"
"The small step coming to the ramp I know, it happens every time."
Choal was also recycled. I had bought him from a scrapper a while back. And him being an E-XD Infiltrator droid I had to pay a pretty penny for him.
"Mum, who is this?" The droid asked.
"Choal, meet Master Obi Wan Kenobi, Master meet Choal, my closest companion. Trust me, he's safe. I rigged him myself."
Obi Wan looked confused and impressed all at once.
"Well, with Mistress Isadora. Speaking of which, she tried your device, multiple times. Shall we call her back."
"Soon Choal. Soon."
I turned back to Obi Wan.
"Shall we?" I asked in a perky sweet tone.
We began to walk away from my ship, which was bittersweet.
"How did you find an E-XD Infiltraitor droid?" Obi Wan asked.
"I bought him off of a scrapper a few years back. Then I fixed him up, and made him my partner of sorts."
"So you know your way around droids?"
"Yes sir. I was trained with droids for a... long time."
"Good, we could use someone with that mindset."
"Well, I'm glad to be useful in anyway I can be. And just so you're aware. I am able to get to areas most cannot, heights I mean. Physical heights. It proves useful in sniper situations."
He nodded as we continued to walk.
"Good. And how are you with Clones?"
"I've had a few run ins here and there."
He nodded again. Then he smirked.
"I think Anakin will be quite impressed."
"How so, sir?"
"You have attitude, and a certain kind of… fire. It will be quite interesting to see how you two interact. Ahsoka will like you. I bet she'll be excited for another female on the team."
A certain kind of fire, oh he had no idea.
When we boarded the attack ship I could tell the Clones stared at me and my droid. I tied to out it out of my mind, but I just felt so uneasy and troubled.
"I sense you're troubled. What is it?" Master Kenobi asked.
"Just my nerves sir."
"You do not have to call me sir. Just Obi Wan will do? Seeing as we are going to be spending a lot of time together."
"Are you sure?" I asked, not looking up at him.
"Yes, and the Clones are quite hospitable, they just don't know you yet. Or your droid."
I turned to him and spoke a very quiet, thank you. He smiled at me.
He was only a few inches taller than me, but I still had to look up to see into his eyes. He seemed to look about the age I looked. He had very good posture and vocabulary, which was pleasant to me.
I looked at Choal who seemed as troubled as I was.
"We're just fine Choal. This is what we have to do."
"To go back home Mum?"
"To go back home," I reassured.
When we reached the starship I was ready to be off the gunship.
"Master Kenobi," the same yellow adorned clone trooper began, " we should be in hyperspace soon. The Council has requested you on the bridge."
"Of course, and Commander Cody, this is Ravenna Vanderbuild. She is my new… asset?" He asked me.
"Asset sounds just fine for now."
"That's a nice clanker you got there." Cody told me.
"Thank you."
I then followed Obi Wan to the bridge where Master Yoda, and Windu were waiting on the communicator. The holographic figures were bright blue, which I liked.
"Master Kenobi, I see you've gotten to know your surprise," Master Windu greeted.
"Yes I have, and a very welcome surprise she was," he replied and smiled at me.
"Good. Along you two shall get," Yoda giggled.
"I hope so," I said.
We were briefed shortly on the situation before we left the bridge.
"Mum, Mistress Isadora requests to speak with you again."
I looked to Obi Wan.
"If you're nervous that I might plot anything, you can stay. But I would love to take this."
"Just because I am cautious."
Choal held the communication device out to me and a small girl appeared over the device.
"Mummy!"
"Hi my angel!"
" I miss you mummy! Senator Drawar told me you were arrested. Are you okay?"
"I am my love, and I was arrested. But everything is fine now. I made a deal, and I'm working towards my freedom so we can be a family again. Okay?"
"Okay mummy, I'm just glad you're safe. I miss you. I love you, mummy."
"I miss you too my angel. Focus on your studies, and be good to the senator. I know you will be. I miss you and I cannot wait to hold you again."
She smiled and turned to Choal.
"Take care of my mummy Choal."
"Of course Mistress Isadora."
"Bye now Izzy, I have to go. I love you."
"Bye mummy. I love you."
She ended the communication with a wave. I looked over at Obi Wan.
"You have a daughter?"
"She's the only real reason I agreed to this job. She's the real reason I'm fighting in this war. I want to see the Galaxy pure again, so she can see a pure Galaxy like I did growing up."
"How old is she?"
"Eleven, she's quite small for her age though."
"She's beautiful."
"Thank you. She's smart too. Even if the war last long enough where it goes into her adult life, she'll make a great Senator one day?"
"Is that what she wants to be?"
I scoffed. "My daughter has her heart set on being a political figure."
Obi Wan smiled at me as we walked down the corridor, Choal following us.
"What should I know about you?" He asked me.
"I listen to orders, but often I am not afraid to make my own calls if I think it is what is right. I am not a droid. I make my own decisions. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty. And I am completely willing to sacrifice myself for those I care about."
"You think equally with your heart and with your head. Good, is there anything else?"
"I am not one to boast, but, according to my siblings I am quite competitive. I was always called extremely Intelligent, which helped me when I decide to act in a situation by thinking quickly. I've been called reckless, which I am not afraid to agree with. And I have been known to be the life of a party."
"How many siblings do you have?"
"I, General Kenobi, am the oldest of eight."
"So you take charge?"
"Quite often. But I think that partly caused me to always want to work alone."
He nodded but didn't ask anymore questions. He and I walked through the starship, passing by Clones.
"Mum?"
"Yes Choal?"
He seemed to think about a question before saying a quick nevermind. I was quite glad I programmed to think over the various outcomes of what would happen if he spoke.
"Your droid is quite exquisite." Obi Wan commented.
"Well, thank you. He took forever to actually build, though. It drove Izzy and I almost mad," I laughed.
"He must have been expensive."
"Oh, Master Kenobi, you have no idea. Just to repair the mainframe of his hardware," I sighed. "I had to travel all over the Galaxy because his type of droid is an extremely rare droid. It makes the parts as equally rare."
"So you've traveled all over?"
"Multiple times, yes."
"For pleasure? Or…"
"Work? I would have to say both."
He looked almost disappointed. I could sense it. It was an almost awkward feeling.
"Does it make you uncomfortable? Working with someone who used to have a career in my old line of work?"
"I just don't know what to expect out of you. You have quite a reputation as a notorious assassin. I have some experience with bounty hunters, but the stories of you, are nothing like them."
I stopped walking and stared into his striking blue eyes.
"I am not a bounty Hunter, nor am I a pirate. Yes I am dangerous. I was born that way, but it was accentuated by lots of training. I always did what I was told, as a child, and more unfortunately as an adult. I've made my mistakes, and trust me, there have been so many of them. But I promise I tried to out that behind me, years ago. But let me tell you. I may be competitive, I may be dangerous, but above all I am completely loyal. And I do plan on proving myself to you if I must. But you are going to have to learn to trust me. Please, your good report on me is all I have left to have a strong physical relationship with my daughter. You are the only person I can rely on about my freedom."
I looked at the metal floor, feeling tears well up in my eyes.
I'm a Vanderbuild Woman, Vanderbuild Women do not cry! I commanded myself. I stayed with my eyes down until I was completely in control again.
"Well, now that that is done, when do we reach Christophsis?"
"Soon. I can show you to your quarters. You can try and get some rest. I can come get you when we're there."
I nodded but gave no verbal response.