Consequences

Author's Note: This little piece of fanfic is inspired by the Star Wars story originally created by George Lucas. As with my other fanfic work, this is AU and OC… I will be the first to admit that, while I have enjoyed the Star Wars movies (some more than others); I have not immersed myself into the details of the Star Wars universe. As a result – or consequence, if I may – this story is painted with broad strokes, so some of the details I have here may not mesh up completely with what is canon. I beg your indulgence in this area and hope you still enjoy the story.

Important disclaimers: Of course, I don't own the rights to any characters created by George Lucas. They are his and I write this for enjoyment only. Vandalyn is my creation, as are a few of the minor characters, and they are my small contribution to the Star Wars universe.

Chapter 1

Vandalyn Mateo slowly opened her eyes and sighed. She tried to settle herself back into her meditation. She centered her thoughts, trying to sink back into the warm comforting darkness where she found her own peace within the universe. A ripple touched her, a slight disturbance in the Force. It distracted her again, and irritated her profoundly. Soon she would embark on her final test; the test that would prove she was ready to take on the full mantle of the Jedi. That she was no longer a padawan, but a true Master. She did not welcome this distraction.

When Vandalyn rose from the floor it was a fluid motion. Perhaps a walk would serve her best, the gentle activity serving to clear and settle her mind from whatever it was that hovered at the edge of her thoughts – or, perhaps, bring it into focus. As soon as she stepped outside, it was clear to Vandalyn that she would find no peace. There was a buzz of commotion in the hallway and a group of other padawan hurried around the corner. As they passed Vandalyn, she reached out to tap one on the shoulder.

"What's going on?" she asked as he slowed. She recognized his face, but couldn't think of his name.

"The Jedi Council." Vandalyn was surprised that he whispered. "They have gathered in open session… We've heard that they are going to reprimand Qui-Gon Jinn. I've heard it said that he has begun an affair with a padawan and will not reveal who it is!"

Her hand dropped away. Qui-Gon? Reprimanded for an affair? The Jedi were always cautious and guarded with their emotions for any extremes offered a path to the Dark Side. Relationships beyond the bond of padawan and Master, or even devoted friendships, while not forbidden, were not encouraged. In very rare cases, and they numbered less than ten in all the long history of the Jedi, two Masters stepped beyond those bounds, and embraced love. But to have a relationship of that nature with a padawan was unprecedented. If the Council felt the Master had harmed the padawan's training… they may refuse to allow the padawan to even become a Master, and they would go very, very hard on Qui-Gon.

A cold coil of fear stung her, taking her by surprise. She blinked and then took a deep breath. There is no place for fear in my heart, she thought as she centered herself. It took a moment, but the coldness subsided and she felt her own balance return. With it came a sharp moment of clarity and she raced down the hall to the Council Chamber. It was an open session, meaning anyone within the Jedi, of whatever rank, could attend and the room was already full. Rumor of what would happen had run rampant through the complex. Vandalyn ignored the grumbles and protests that followed her as she pushed her way to the front.

The Council was already seated along the wall where windows looked out over an expansive view of the city. In the center of the room Qui-Gon Jinn stood quietly. He was dressed in his simple brown over robe and his face was calm, but she expected no less from a Master of his stature. He faced the two of the Council elders – Mace Windu and Yoda – and near the edge of the circle, not far from where she stood, Vandalyn could see Qui-Gon's own padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan's face betrayed nothing, but she saw the concern in his eyes.

Without preamble, Mace Windu began. His voice sharp, he silenced the murmurs in the room. "You leave us little choice. Why are you so recalcitrant, Qui-Gon? You do not deny this affair, yet you will not name the other. You give us little room for consideration."

"A bond you did forge," said Yoda. "A strong one. Felt it, I did, when it happened."

Qui-Gon's voice was quiet but there was steel in it. "The other involved in this has not suffered for it. I will not let them suffer now. You cannot force the name from me, not without considerable distress on both of our parts."

Mace Windu did not miss the fact that Qui-Gon even concealed his lover's gender by refusing to say "him" or "her." For a long time, he stared in silence at the unrepentant Jedi before him. Qui-Gon had always followed his own path, often flying in the face of the Council's wishes. But this. This time, perhaps he had crossed the line. The Council had to do something.

"We cannot force the name from you, that is true, but we can censure you, Qui-Gon." Windu frowned as he broke the silence. He stared at his friend, his dark eyes intense. "If we must, we can take your rank. No longer will you be a Master. Your padawan will be removed from your care, and you will never teach another." During this Qui-Gon's expression never wavered. Qui-Gon may have remained serene, but the possibility of his dismissal from the Jedi alarmed Obi-Wan. The shock registered on his face. Vandalyn saw it, and heard the murmurs swirl around her. This could not be allowed to continue.

Windu looked at Yoda who nodded quietly. "Very well. I must ask for your robe and your light saber, Qui-Gon."

"No," said Vandalyn from where she stood. "That must not be!"

A flash of something passed over Qui-Gon's face when she pushed further through the crowd and stepped onto the floor before the Council. All eyes turned to her in unison and the weight of their stares landed heavily on her shoulders.

"This should not be your quarrel, padawan," said Qui-Gon.

"With respect, Master, it must be," she answered. She turned to face the elders. "You cannot… you must not do this. Qui-Gon Jinn is one of the pre-eminent teachers within the Jedi. He has taught many lessons to all of us, and to lose his wisdom would be a tragedy for future Jedi."

"Interrupt us not, Vandalyn Mateo," said Yoda. "The consequences of his actions, Qui-Gon must bear." He stared at her intently, searching her face, searching the aura of energy that – as a Jedi – surrounded her.

Slowly, Vandalyn sank to her knees and folded her arms across her chest, her palms touching the rough cloth of her outer robe. It was a gesture of respect and a request for mercy. Windu shifted in his chair; he couldn't remember the last time someone had thrown themselves on the mercy of the Council in this manner. Vandalyn took a deep breath to center herself again and then she looked up at the two serious, solemn faces staring back at her.

"Please," she said. "Do not punish Qui-Gon for something he did not start. If you must punish someone, punish me. I am the padawan he seeks to protect."

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Well, that's it for the first one. I'd appreciate reviews - especially ones with constructive (i.e., useful) feedback. Thanks!