Star Wars-Foundation mashup, with Elijah/Jessie and later Elijah/Daneel. Will have elements of both universes. Jedi can marry and have children here. Very AU-ish. If you see any mistake that need correcting, do tell me please. Good reviews are what make me breathe.
Asimov is probably going to kill me for this.
*sees rabid fans in the distance and hides in underground nuclear bunker*
Space.
Elijah Baley swallowed and closed his eyes against the nausea threatening to overtake him. The anti-space sickness pills were doing nothing for his digestive system and his fingers were threatening to cramp from the way he was holding onto the handrests. His neighbor, a Zabrak, looked at him nervously. Elijah didn't blame him. From what he could see of his reflection, the emptying of his stomach contents seemed imminent.
He bitterly cursed the Jedi Council on Tol for sending him on this stupid mission. Master Delmarre had listened to his grumbling and then cheerfully pushed him out his door, telling him in no uncertain terms that he needed to get out and see the sights of the galaxy more often. He hadn't contradicted her, for the lush green of the treetops had become monotonous.
"Besides, all you do is sit in the library and grumble at the padawans," she'd complained, giving him his lightsaber. "It'll be a nice change from what you've been doing."
He'd smiled wryly at his former master. "The Council has been pushing for a padawan to be assigned to me for years. I think both of us already know I'm ill-suited to raise a child."
She'd sighed and handed him his mission brief. He bought it out of his pocket now and studied it, hoping it would prevent him from looking out the window again. According to official sources, Elijah had been assigned to handle a diplomatic matter in the Outer Rim, mediating negotiations between the two parties. Unofficially, he was also to find out why a Jedi stationed on a nearby star system had stopped responding. The Jedi Council on Coruscant was stretched thin and far, and they had reached out for help from the Tol, saying that it was closer to their jurisdiction.
Collassan had little influence in the Senate and was a human dominated world. There were over seventy countries, all of them some form of democracy or constitutional monarchy. The spat in question was over the allowing of Force-sensitive natives to hold public office. Most argued in favor of the matter, but there was a group that had protested vehemently when Mindara Lin had been sworn in as the new vice president. They had now halted the building of a Republic base on the planet, around the same time the other Jedi, a Bothan named Cedaar Sullistic had vanished.
Elijah had neither the charm of Anakin Skywalker nor the diplomacy of Obi-Wan Kenobi, only a prickly, cigarra-smoking demeanor and the nose of a bloodhound when it came to ferreting out information. Master Delmarre had joked that he was the very archetype of an Auroran holo-film detective. In another life, he'd probably have made a good informant, blending in seamlessly with the denizens of Coruscant.
The Hand of Helvana jumped, stars blurring into streaks of light and he massaged his left arm; the cramp developing there would prevent him from rolling his tabac. He wished to light up, but he was in the citizen's cabin, and besides, he needed to conserve his supply. Everyone frowned upon his habit, but it was better than fidgeting with his coat sleeves. Calling upon the Force he dimly sensed beyond the veil of hyperspace, he settled down to meditate, drawing his robe closer around himself. Something told him he would need its power very soon.
The Grand Hall of Parliament was decorated with spiraling strands of leaves, inlaid with gold and turquoise. Jezebel Evergray turned slowly, allowing the spirit of the place to sink in. As a Parliament stenographer, she had to enter the place every day, and yet, it never ceased to amaze her. This was where history was made. Over a thousand delegates sat in attendance, glass displays floating in front of them with information and what a member was saying at any moment in time.
She watched the old Jedi Master speak, noticing the disarray his hair was in and the slightly throaty voice, accented with an Outer Rim drawl. He was asking for Parliament to consider resuming work on the Republic base. It was a pity the Separatists had got to the politicians first; few could hold up against a Jedi. Collassan merely tolerated Force sensitives and distrusted those who could wield the Force. Several Separatist sympathizers had protested Master Baley's arrival on the planet, but they had picketed the wrong landing pad.
Her fingers danced over the electronic pad even as she listened to the delegates questioning him on the safety and effectiveness of a military base on the planet. They wanted to know how the Republic could possibly protect them from the Separatists and their neighbors; what was it that the Republic wanted so badly from the Collassians? He answered their questions politely, although if you looked closely, you could see his jaw working. She didn't blame him. The Parliament could be irritating and self absorbed.
Parliamentarian Laseemi Hirunmi's voice rang out, clear and cutting. "And what of the clones who fight for the Republic, Master Baley? What will happen to them when this war is over? We will not have these abominations in our society!"
The Jedi paused and looked at her.
"Those who have survived will be reintegrated. The Republic needs loyal workers who will fix the damage done to the galaxy during the war."
"The Kaminoans breed soldiers, not citizens, Master Jedi."
"Yes, Parlimentarian, but a soldier is as part of the Living Force as the rest of us. These clones live and die for the Republic. They have hopes, loves and fears. They are human and I would beg you to consider that before you condemn them."
"Why do you Jedi not fight, then?"
Master Baley gave her a surprised look. "Who do you think leads the clones into battle? We are warriors as much as we are keepers of the Force."
The session bell tolled.
"This Parliament is adjourned. We will meet tomorrow to discuss this," boomed the Speaker's voice over the crowd.
Jessie saved her notes and left, unnerved by the Jedi's gaze when it settled upon her.
When Elijah reached his government assigned apartment in the more luxurious reaches of the city, he found an invitation to a ball at the Plaza. It was scheduled to occur in three hours. He commed Master Delmarre for a second opinion.
"What should I do?"
She rolled her eyes. "You should go, obviously. This is your chance to convince whoever you can that you're right. Someone is bound to agree with you."
"Why do you think I was invited?"
"Why not ask the host?" she replied mysteriously, and ended the transmission.
At precisely 2100, he entered the Plaza.
The gates swung open to let him in. The motifs were the same as those he had seen in the Grand Parliament House: swirling gold and blue-green leaves entwined around structures. The mansion itself glowed with light. He slowed his stride as he climbed the steps and entered through the vast, intricately decorated doors. His lightsaber bounced against his thigh, silver body prominent as his robes swirled at his feet. Conversation dimmed as Elijah passed by. He enjoyed this, the way people fell silent when they sensed the buoyant Force around him. He saw waiters scurrying towards him, their sparkling vests refracting light in all directions.
And then, he saw Daneel.