PROLOGUE

The galactic council is buzzing, representatives ranging from Rodians to Twi'leks, all expressing their political views together, creating a dull roar in the giant circular room. Palpatine's Chagrian aid, Mas Amedda, loudly calls for order in the vast, circular room. The alien cries slowly calm, and eventually ebb to a halt.

"Representatives," Palpatine says, "because of the looming crisis imposed by the Sith forces," he paused, "I have decided to employ the experience of a Jedi Master and close friend, Ardann Syneel, from the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine." Many of the representatives started to float in their pods from their original positions to the center to express their displeasure with the decision, but they were sent back immediately. "I believe—" he looks at both of his aids, "we believe, that her experience in dealing directly with the Sith will greatly help us in our battle against their forces. As such, she will be granted immediate power as a Master in our own Jedi Council on a provisional basis only. For now…the senate is adjourned."

Master Windu and Master Yoda, both in the same pod, retreat to their quarters, preparing to meet the others in the council shortly to both introduce and discuss the situation with Ardann. They, and many of the other Jedi, they assumed, would be surprised (and possibly angry) at Palpatine's decision, especially being that the decision was made without a vote of any kind. They discussed this as they walked (and floated) to the meeting.

Yoda thought for a moment and then said, "troubling, the appearance of this one is. As much as we should like to trust her, the dark side in her, I strongly sense. Be careful around her, we must."

"I agree," responded Mace, "but we shouldn't go as far as to be standoffish. We may simply be questioning her for no reason; she may be able to provide substantial help and guidance. She does, at least, deserve a fair chance."

"Mmmm…" said Yoda, his eyes closed in light meditation. Trust her for now, we must. But let our guard down,' he paused, shaking his head, "we most certainly must not."