Title: An Alternate History
Summary: Rewriting the SW reuniverse. Not as grand as it sounds. Obi Wan and Bail Organa interactions. Anakin later.

Disclaimer:Arggh, forgot this. Not mine!!
A/N Written when I was bored and had plenty of time. Just a jumble of ideas, stolen from the films and dune. I think the Jedi should have been more along the lines of the Bene Gesserit(sp?) but I don't have the skills to write something clever so this is it.

The Jedi Order is a quasi religious militant sect that has intricate relations with the Republic dating back to the Republic's formation. The Jedi believes in the existence of the 'Force', a mystical energy field that penetrates and binds all living things. This 'Force', properly mastered gives the Jedi abilities beyond the constraints of their respective species. While the Order is headquartered on Coruscant, in a majestic building known as the Jedi Temple by all, members of the Order lead a nomadic life travelling around the galaxy. Governed by a Council, the Jedi frequently provides their services to the Republic and various planetary governments. The Jedi Order is however independent of the Republic and their deepest motivations aren't known.

"Have you read the text, Bail?"

"Yes," said Bail Organa, the fifteen year old son of the Viceroy of Alderaan. A promising student in the eyes of Cyrus, a student with potential.

"Do you have any questions?" asked Cyrus. In his 20 years of teaching, the subject of the Jedi have never failed to rouse even the most uncooperative student from their slumber.

"Can you explain to me the Jedi's role in the Republic?"

"The Jedi serve as peacekeepers for the Republic. They are excellent warriors, as I'm sure you've noted," Cyrus's eyes twinkled at that," and exemplary diplomats. It is widely suspected that the Jedi can read minds, a fact the Jedi neither confirm not deny, a situation which serves the Jedi well. The Jedi play other roles in the Republic of course as the Jedi themselves are trained in various arts of their choosing but those are their main functions."

"But how does the Republic maintain control over the Jedi Knights? According to the text, the Jedi Order is independent of the Republic government. How do we know they truly have the Republic's best interests at heart?"

"Your concerns are not new, Bail. Suspicion of the Jedi have crept out now and then and always those suspicions prove to be slander and paranoia," explained Cyrus.

"I'm sure since the vanquished rarely gets to write history," muttered Bail unconvinced.

"There are losers in all wars and disputes and you'll find often in war that both sides are guilty of actions and thoughts we categorically deem 'evil'. 'Good' and 'Evil' are strategic words used to rouse troop moral and to eradicate doubt for you do not want your army fighting a battle within themselves when their concentration should be on the enemy but that is for another lesson. As for the Jedi, opinions may vary and you are right, we can never be sure of their motivations, and yet I believe that they serve the interests of the Republic, nay the galaxy or the 'Force' if you'll have it. They were intricate in the formation of the Republic playing hugely in driving off the Sith."

"They hunted the Sith to extinction Cyrus! The Sith had terrible policies but did they truly deserve extinction? Was rehabilitation beyond them?" interrupted Bail.

"I have seen some extremely rare records of those ancient times, of the deeds of the Sith, it is irresponsible to see a people from the actions of a few but the corrupting power of what the Jedi call the dark side of the force has been well documented. The Horror Bail," he whispered quietly. "'Once you embrace the dark side, forever will it dominate your destiny'. Those are the words of Jedi Master Yoda and I think Bail, if we cannot trust in the words of the Jedi on matters of the 'Force', alternative material will be hard to find."

"But what of this ability I've read, this mindtrick?" said Bail while perusing his textbook. "An ability to influence the minds of the weak, what does that mean?" he muttered.

"You're very determined today," said Cyrus dryly. "Let me put it this way Bail, if the Jedi wanted control of the galaxy, they would have it. I've read reports.."

A knock could be heard on the door to the classroom.

"It's time for lunch. Your father wants to see you," said the Viceroy's personal assistant.

"Oh, I didn't notice the time. Alright, you may go Bail."

"We're not finished on this discussion Cyrus. I still have questions," pouted Bail in the way only teenagers can.

"I know and perhaps a meeting with some Jedi Knights will change your mind," Cyrus winked at Bail.

"Excited?" asked Thrall Organa, smiling at his son Bail. Bail was quite unsettled, fidgeting non-stop in his seat.

"I don't like leather," said Bail, referring to the sofa. "It's sticking to me."

'You were never very good at lying,' thought Thrall squashing any trace of a smile. Aloud he said, "Your position hasn't changed, has it?"

"No!" Bail was resolute. He continued in less firm tone. "Or at least I'm reserving judgement until I've met them."

"Still think your dear old father's a weak minded fool, eh?" Thrall glared at Bail, mock offended, teasing Bail.

Bail was alarmed. His father haven't stopped reminding him of his gaffe since he committed it. "That is not what I meant father. I just think it would be prudent not to dismiss the possibility that the Jedi may have different standards of judgement." He answered diplomatically.

"A fine diplomat you'll make, my son," as he said this, a soft 'ding' could be heard coming from the lift. The doors opened smoothly allowing passage to the room. Two humans walked out, 'A master and an apprentice,' thought Bail correctly, dressed in tan, pale robes synonymous with Jedi garb. They bowed low towards Thrall and Bail and walked towards the Viceroy and his son.

"Do you think you are weak-minded, Bail? Perhaps we should test that, Thrall Organa can't have a sub-par successor afterall," whispered Thrall with a wicked twinkle in his eyes before proceeding to entertain his guests. Bail could not stop the horror from showing on his face. Much to learn, you still have, as Jedi Master Yoda would have remarked.

"Master Jinn, you look much healthier than I remembered. Well fed," said Thrall with a serious face.

"Yes, apprentices make good servants and time away from ill-tempered pampered royalty has improved my appetite though that good fortune seems to have run out," said Qui Gon, straight faced.

Qui Gon Jinn was not endearing himself to Bail Organa, not at all. Bail however was startled to hear an unmistakable giggle from his father and to see him embracing Qui Gon Jinn, evil evil Jedi a minute ago. 'Hmmph, they know each other apprently,' thought Bail. 'Oh, no, I'm doomed, I wish I brought my blaster. Rats!'

"It's been a long time," Thrall was all smiles. "This is my son Bail, I've brought him to meet Jedi for he is immensely curious about your Order."

'Oh, that evil smile!' "Good to meet you, Master Jinn," Bail offered his hand to Qui Gon trying to project calmness and not quite succeeding.

"Well met," replied Qui Gon, shaking his hand. "This is my apprentice Obi Wan Kenobi."

Obi Wan have been quietly observing the Organas in the way taught to him by his master the moment he stepped out of the lift. He sensed a genuine joy from the Viceroy at the presence of his master and a sincerity to his words even his jests which is disturbing in itself. Obi Wan did not have a high opinion of politicians and the phrase sincere politician's an oxymoron to him. The younger Organa drew most of his attention however. Conflicting emotions swirled around him, curiosity, suspicion, excitement, fear and surprisingly a hint of dread which is curious. Obi Wan's musings were interupted by his master's introduction by which he provided an exaggerated bow," I hope I may be of service to you My Lords."

"Polite young man," said Thrall to Qui Gon.

"I'm afraid we must proceed to business Viceroy. We've recently received information on the Istana rebellion which may interfere with your peace talks."

"Alright, you'll be participating in the talks I hope?" Qui Gon nodded. "Good, let's move this discussion to my office. I hope Obi Wan would not be opposed to keeping Bail company? He's immensely intrigued about the Jedi and," Thrall let glee show on his face," he's very interested in experiencing a Jedi mindtrick."

"Not at all, My Lord." said Obi Wan. 'I hate you,' thought Bail.

With a look to Bail that said 'Be a good host', Thrall and Qui Gon left the room leaving Bail and Obi Wan alone.

"Would you like a drink?" asked Bail. He was incredibly nervous not really knowing what to expect.

"No thank you," said Obi Wan. Bail's reason of dread became clear to Obi Wan after the Viceroy's parting shot. It always amuses Obi Wan the fear and paranoia the idea of a Jedi mindtrick creates, that and Jedi mind reading. 'Hee,' he chuckled to himself. Obi Wan decided to help Bail as he seemed to be have no idea how to approach the subject.

"You're thinking about the mindtrick," said Obi Wan in his best imitation of an oracle.

Bail was startled. 'Are the rumours true? Can the Jedi read minds?'

"Now, you're wondering whether I'm reading your mind," outwardly Obi Wan was the fitting image of a bored, stiff statue but inside the space of his consciousness, he was rolling on the floor laughing out loud at the expression on Bail Organa's face. Admittedly, what he's doing is not very wise, he's bound to encounter Viceroy Bail later in life, he's enjoying himself far too much at the moment.

It didn't take long for Bail to realise that Obi Wan was pulling his leg. Bail was embarrassed and not a little furious at allowing himself to be played so easily by this Jedi pup. He composed himself," The mindtrick's a powerful skill, it's only natural to be suspicious of it's usage by the less ethical members of your Order," directing the barb against Obi Wan.

"Members of the Order are guided by a strict code and it is very hard to lie to a Jedi Master," This roused Bail's curiosity. "We are trained to sense falsehoods and a bond exists between master and apprentice making it almost impossible to deceive one another."

"How does this bond work?" asked Bail, he was intrigued despite his initial dislike of Obi Wan.

"It would best be described as a sharing of emotions and thoughts, not quite like mind reading as shown by popular fiction, but you begin to spot patterns and shapes, different variations denoting various events. Those with bad intentions would usually be spotted during training."

"And what are the Jedi's intentions," said Bail seizing on the opportunity to ask the question that has been plaguing him ever since that class with Cyrus long ago.

"We serve the will of the Force. We seek to educate the galaxy to be aware of its presence and to follow its guidance. 'Follow the whispers of your heart for they're the whispers of the Force'."

"Does the Force have the Republic's interest's at heart?" Bail tried to be snide but he was deeply affected Obi Wan's words.

"The Force is life itself, it holds the interests of all living things. That is the mission that all Jedi hold dear."

Bail caved to the whispers of his heart, he believed this Jedi.

Silence ensured for a while broken by a nervous Bail," Uhh, I hope you realise my father was joking, I did not want to experience a mindtrick."

"Understandable, it is rather disconcerting to find out that you've a weak mind," said Obi Wan with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"What're you implying? I do NOT have a weak mind!" roared Bail.

"Let's find out."

"No.."

That was the most embarrassing moment in Bail Organa's life.

It was many years later before Bail met Obi Wan again. Bail had joined the Republic military and is currently serving on the 'Marble Factory' so-named for being the first ship to test a weapon that oddly look like exploding marbles.

The Marble Factory was parked peacefully in between the Sullust and Anyang star systems, preparing for the arrival of the two parties so that peace negotiations may begin. Both sides have been in a particularly nasty war and have finally agreed to Republic mediation after prolonged pressure by the Supreme Chancellor and a not so subtle threat to sic the Jedi and Republic military on them. It was while musing over these events that Commander Bail Organa heard from someone he wished he'd never see again.

"Sir, sensors are detecting an incoming vessel."

"Hmm, the diplomatic delegations are early."

"The ship's too small...it's a Jedi Starfighter. It's hailing us."

'Perhaps the Chancellor decided a Jedi attending the summit would force an easy settlement,' he mused. "Put it on the coms."

"This is vessel JO-V888 requesting permission to dock. Transmitting diplomatic codes now."

"The codes match sir."

"Why is the Jedi here?" he asked. Bail was puzzled by the voice that came through the radio. It sounded familiar.

"The code's issued by Republic Intelligence."

'Republic Intelligence?' "Send him to the briefing room when he docks," with that Bail left, wondering at this turn of events.

Obi Wan hurried along the corridor, urging the officer to move faster. Time is of the essence, he must meet with the commander of this vessel immediately. As he neared the briefing room, he sensed a familiar presence. The officer ushered him into the briefing room and quickly shut the door.

"Obi Wan Kenobi, I thought it was you."

"Commander Bail, I have some matters of importance to inform you," said Obi Wan, deftly hiding his surprise.

Bail nodded his head. Obi Wan noted he was not invited to sit,' still holding a grudge,' he thought. "You are in danger. I was in Sullust recently on business for the Order and I came across information of a plot to undermine the peace process that will take place today. Five Sullust battleships will remain in the adjacent system of Ti'Yu. They will attack in co-ordination with the diplomatic vessel of Sullust. A new technology has been deployed that can elude standard Republic sensors, I've seen it at work myself. I would have informed Republic military only my long-range sensors were knocked out before I could transmit a message. You'll need to inform Republic and Anyang forces immediately of this treachery."

Bail took all Obi Wan said into his mind. Why would the Sullust court disaster by attacking a Republic warship? It's madness to do so, it makes no sense. Perhaps, a renegade faction? No, the diplomatic vessel is involved too. Hijacking? That would not explain the use of unknown technology.

"You must sent for help now, commander! It will not take them long to guess the direction I took. I did not leave extensive decoys and if they move signal jammers into the system..."

"I know how to command my ship, Master Jedi," interrupted Bail evenly, glaring at Obi Wan.

Obi Wan seriously considered using the mindtrick at that moment, consequences be damned.

Fortunately, Bail was very much on the same page as Obi Wan. Their actions may not make sense but he doubt not the veracity of Obi Wan's information. "I will do as you advised," he said, a conciliatory gesture.

Later after the battle, Bail invited Obi Wan to his quarters. They worked surprising well during the battle, Bail was quite impressed with the Jedi to be honest. 'He's just not gotten round to evil mindtricks yet,' his mind thought nastily.

"You fought well today," said Obi Wan.

'Evil mindtricks!' screamed his mind. "Thanks. You too."

"I'm not going to mindtrick you," smirked Obi Wan. 'Maybe I should grow a beard, it'd hide my smirks.'

"I have orders for my guards to kill you if you try any of that," he bluffed cursing himself for forgetting to bring along his blaster, again.

Obi Wan smiled widely, "You're lying."

Bail thought some very rude words.

"I wouldn't worry if I were you, I suspect mindtricks will not work on you any more," he grew serious." You're more controlled than you were, less easily influenced for you have now a store of your own wisdom."

Bail was flattered and still a little suspicious.

"There's something not right about what just happened. It doesn't make sense," Bail changed the subject.

"I know it has been troubling me too."

The conversation lapsed as Obi Wan seemed to drift off. 'Communing with the Force? Or maybe he's just tired.'

"How is your master?" he changed the subject again.

Obi Wan was startled out of his light meditation. "Oh, Qui Gon's was heading to the Outer Rim last I heard. He's seeking a new apprentice and he seems to think it's time he found one for me too."

"Well, I'm not letting any of your apprentices near my children like my evil father did!"

And they both broke into laughter.

Newsflash

.........and the madman who masterminded the attack on the Republic warship 'Marble Factory', the military personnel must be have been inhaling psychotic stimulants when he came up with that, has been caught. More information will be provided with our full report on the devastating battle that occurred on Sullust where the Republic ended this prolonged conflict by launching a crippling attack on the Sullust capital, unsurprisingly named Sullust..

A curious story I have here, an uninhabited archaeological outpost of the Sullust were attacked as the Republic launched it's attack on Sullust. The place was wiped out, all personnel and artifacts were destroyed. Graffti left behind by the attackers suggest this might be the act of pirates loyal to the Anyang system. Said group have been known to linger around the moons of the nearby star system Naboo whoose representative in the Senate caused quite a stir recently if you''ll recall. Not much is known about the exact nature of the artifacts found on the outpost and our sources....... this just in, we have the Republic commander on air at Sullust, Commander Bail or should I say General, a promotion is in order I think, but tell me of your battles....................