A.N.
Sorry about the late update. Seeing my family on Christmas Break sort of took a hold of me.
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Enjoy!
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Chapter4 – Right yet Best.
Of all the memories that came to Ahsoka's mind as she sat on the balcony overlooking the Courascant nightlife from the Jedi Temple, a particular fond one always helped her relax. It's been only a few hours since she was reassigned to Obi Wan, but those hours were passing very slowly and very painfully.
Christophsis was a terrible ruin of a planet. The entire capital was a ghostly shell of its sparkling legacy, despite being a sheltering advantage for the Clone Army, the siege still held a bad memory for all those who witnessed it…except her.
It was her first mission and her first encounter with the hero who will forever change her life. She'll never forget how she struggled to stay focused when she stepped off the shuttle and laid eyes on him, despite his critical frown. She tried to stay strong and optimistic when Anakin had rejected her in the beginning, but he started belittling and rebuking her as well, which got worse as the battle raged all around them. Victory finally came when she thought she definitely lost her lifetime ambition.
But what happened then quickly turned that victory to the golden moment of her life. Anakin sat beside her and for the first time it seemed like they understood one another, his words were soft and clear.
"You're reckless little one. You'd never make it as Obi Wan's padawan." Then he smiled in that way she later realized he was teasing, "But you might make it as mine."
She may have grown a lot since then, but one thing she never grew out of was the smile she wore the moment she locked eyes with him. It didn't matter how bad things got between them throughout the wars, this memory always helped her meditate through them, until now.
"What's troubling you, little Soka?" the recognizable voice of her old friend only earned him a quick glance before she turned back to the horizon.
"Hey Master Plo." To put aside all the experiences of the Clone Wars, the trials that came just before it and reach out to memories as far back as her first encounter with Master Plo Koon was almost impossible to do.
How he found her and brought her into the Temple was once the highlight of her life, she bored her clan mates to death with how often times she told them the story over and over again. Now she only laughs at how silly it sounds in comparison to all her recent adventures. It's so funny how heroes are made with the times.
Koon sat with her and stared at the distant towers and endless traffic, she half expected him to speak but moments passed and he didn't utter a word.
"I'm upset, Master." She said without emotion, trying to show discipline, "I feel like I've been betrayed. I feel…lonely, and…"
"Angry?" Koon suggested, glancing at her with a raised brow. But she said nothing for a moment. Instead she lowered her head, trying to find the right word to counter it. She hesitated then her voice cracked in sadness, "Hurt."
Plo Koon went back to watching the endless traffic of hovering cars. He didn't talk much, especially when he didn't have to, but Ahsoka knew him pretty well, and from what she knew of him she could tell he was deep in thought and maybe a little upset himself.
"Ahsoka, I'm a simple Jedi." He stated, his voice full of that logical sense and his eyes still fixated on the lights, "I don't care much for power nor riches, nor the mysteries behind the untouched stars. But I have always been mystified by the nature of love."
"Love?" she snapped with bewilderment. If there was ever a most controversial subject to be discussed for Jedi, the matter of love would be among the top. So for Master Plo Koon to bring it up was a big deal!
Plo straightened, "Indeed."
"Why?"
"One would think you would've realized by now that a lot of things in the universe are never truly understood with a simple question of why, Ahsoka."
"Sorry." She tightened her lips sheepishly and quickly shook her head, "But what does this have to do with anything?"
"You never noticed, did you?" Koon retorted.
"Noticed what?" she asked.
Plo was always a cryptic Jedi, but he was also very wise. His cryptic side would irritate her at times, especially when she just wanted him to get to the point, but his soft and compassionate side made him among the friendliest on the Council.
"Ahsoka, you are young, but you are also very wise." Koon looked her in the eyes, even through his goggles she could feel his gaze upon her, "this war has changed you. It's made you grow far quicker than any other Padawan I've seen, which is why I think it's important that you should know what happened with Master Skywalker."
Ahsoka's attention sharpened to those words, she sort of felt guilty for allowing her composure to unsettle like that, but she had to know what happened. She needed to know.
He continued, "Anakin Skywalker fell in love."
And suddenly her mind went blank, "With whom?"
"Does it really matter?"
She realized it probably didn't, but the question was too tempting to ignore, her curiosity was getting the best of her, but this was a matter that concerned Anakin and she was in no mood for enigmatic discussions now, "I want to know, Master."
"If you really must know then you'll have to ask him yourself. It is not my place to reveal personal matters."
Ahsoka nodded bitterly at last, Master Plo was right, as usual. But is that the reason her Master could be exiled? Was that the reason the Council decided to separate her from him? Could that mean he was possibly…no, surely not! He would have to be caught red handed and she wasn't aware of it. No, it wasn't her. But…
"Ahsoka?" Plo's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Sorry Master. I was just thinking…is that the reason why he might be exiled?"
Master Koon nodded, but he didn't seem too pleased about it, which only added to the anxiety in Ahsoka's heart. Normally she would never speak out against a Council member, but she trusted Plo Koon and this was a matter too important for her to put aside.
"But, you can't stop something like that from happening. I mean, sure Anaki- uh… Master Skywalker defied the Council by keeping it secret, but they can't exile him because he fell in love with someone. It's not right! It's…it's…stupid!"
Plo Koon listened intently. He didn't snap, he didn't nod or shake his head. He didn't even breathe. Ahsoka wished she could make out his facial expression, but right now she had to go on what he had to say, "I'm afraid it is not my place to discuss this with you, Padawan Tano. Perhaps you should refer this to Obi Wan Kenobi. He is your new Master after all."
Ahsoka grimaced to that thought. If she was to ever speak like that in front of Obi Wan she might as well pack up and find another job besides Jedi knighthood. Suddenly she felt fatigue come over her and with a sigh she decided sleep is the best option now, "Goodnight, Master Plo."
She hugged him and made her way back inside.
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The Council Room glowed dazzlingly at the top of the spire, a monument of light and wisdom in the Courascant nightlife. Sat in his chair, Master Fisto kicked off the meeting without delay, voicing his utmost respect for the Jedi Code and his undying loyalty to the Order, but what followed came as a surprise to a number of those seated.
"But the Council must review its rule on marriage, lest we lose more students unnecessarily to the Order."
"Unnecessarily?" Windu interrupted, but Fisto was quick to counter him.
"There really is no clear statement in the Code that forbids marriage," he then turned to face the rest, "Besides, we all know the Jedi of old allowed it."
Saessee Tiin pointed a finger at him, "Not since the Great Sith War, at least."
Thousands of years ago, Jedi used to marry and take on many apprentices at once, there were even several Jedi Councils located on planets such as Dantooine and Ossus. Things changed, though, when the great Jedi heroes Ulic Qel Droma and Exar Kun fell to the Darkside, raised a vast army of fallen Jedi and attacked the Republic, triggering the Great Sith War.
Nobody doubts Exar Kun's fall was due to his hunger for power and seduction by the ghost of Marka Ragnos. But Ulic's fall was unusual. Some said it was due to his persistent close brush with the Darkside, others said it was due to the death of his Master, but many nowadays claim it was due to his love and attachment to the girl who accompanied him throughout his journeys.
"Yes perhaps, but we have to consider the difficult situation we're in now, Master Tiin." Fisto glanced over to the hologram of Ki Adi Mundi, "Master Mundi, you're married and not just to one, what do you have to say about this?"
"Marriage may be a difficult responsibility, but I believe it's a healthy trial for a Jedi." He turned his attention to Master Tiin, who's fixed glare spelled rebuff, "I do agree with Master Fisto, it is time we reconsidered our Jedi marriage policy."
"No." Mace Windu snapped. His bitterness about Anakin's defiance was still burning inside him. He won't deny he had his hopes up about the boy being the "Chosen One", despite his cynical attitude towards him, but the way the Council was let down had an even deeper impact on the Jedi Master. The Council meant a lot to him, almost like a close knit family, which is why he always behaves so protectively about it at times.
"We cannot monitor all Jedi Marriages while still ensuring the Order is to survive without the corruption of the Sith, especially when the Republic is still at war. Sorry Master Fisto, but now is not the time to discuss this."
Fisto jumped forward in his seat, earning a cold glare from Mace, "Now is the perfect time to discuss this, Windu."
"Masters please," Obi Wan pleaded, gesturing at Mace before he could respond, "let us not forget our discipline. We all have a voice here, remember?"
Both Mace and Fisto took in a deep breath before nodding at Obi Wan. As they silently sat back they were met with disapproving eyes from all members of the Council, even Yoda.
The short green Jedi Master was a legend and a symbol of the Order, almost like the great grandfather of this family. Mace Windu was particularly flustered when he got the disciplinary glare from him.
"Master Koon," Yoda finally spoke, "an opinion on this, have you?"
Koon was sat with his fingers interlocked. The great sage was almost as revered as Yoda, so when given the opportunity to speak, which was very rare, everyone listens.
"Our concerns should not be on the past, but on the here and now. Padawan Ahsoka has been deeply impacted by the news and it has left an impression on her..."
"You didn't tell her, did you?" Aayla Secura, the Twilek Jedi Master, interrupted.
"She needed to know. I only have her best interest at heart. Just as we must learn a lesson from all this, so should she."
There was a pause before Obi Wan asked, "And what is the lesson, Master?"
"To understand the difference between what is right and what is best for the Jedi Order."
Yoda shut his eyes and groaned quietly. What Koon highlighted was just how this was a matter that delved deeper than just the Lightside and Darkside of the Force, but in fact was something that touched every individual differently. It became very clear that this was a subject that was about to reflect every Council Member's personality.
Kit Fisto sat and pondered with a smile at Plo Koon's wisdom. He could tell that the winds of change are finally making their way through the halls of the Temple and into the hearts of his fellow Masters.
Yoda opened his eyes, nodding as he spoke, "Postponed Anakin's trial will have to be, until resolved this matter is."
Now Fisto's smile widened.
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Anakin barely got any sleep, the fire in his heart still burned passionately since his encounter with the Jedi Council. He needed to see Palpatine, to know how things are with Padme and speak his mind. He was a great listener, whenever things looked down his old friend always said the right thing and made everything look so easy. Right now, he needed things to look easy.
Anakin reached the plush waiting room just outside Palpatine's office, the Rodian secretary gestured to a seat on the side and uttered a few words in his native language. He nodded and sat on the side impatiently. From the looks the Rodian gave him he knew he looked terrible, but Anakin didn't care what the secretary thought of him, there are more crucial matters at stake here, the feeble Rodian wouldn't understand. No one understands. But Palpatine will. He always did.
Finally, the slide doors opened and a wrinkled man in long, blood red, reptilian patterned robes stood there, "Anakin?"
"Your Excellency," Anakin stood to attention, straightening his Jedi robes, only realizing now that perhaps soon he will have to find a change of clothes.
Palpatine paced to Anakin's side and put an arm over his shoulder, guiding him to his office, "Come in, my friend, we need to discuss critical matters."
He turned to the secretary just before stepping through the door, "Make sure we are not disturbed."
Like a troubled child in school, Palpatine took up the role of the caring principal, offering his time and some advice as Anakin struggled through life. But now that the threat of Anakin's exile is clear Palpatine is treating this very much like a national emergency.
"Anakin this is a crisis, I don't know what to say!" He sat behind his desk and tapped his fingers against each other, probably an indication of stress, "I must say, I am surprised by the way the Council is handling this situation. Allowing the public to know about this was a big mistake."
Anakin met Palpatine's eyes, "The public knows about this?"
"Yes." The chancellor's voice was a sarcastic laugh, "Just see for yourself."
With the press of a button a holoscreen appeared at the side of the room. The sound was muted, but from what he could see Holonet news reports were all about the Senate's approval ratings and outrage at the Jedi Council, but predominantly the subject of an affair between a Jedi Knight and the senator from Naboo made the headline of the day.
Anakin looked away at last, trying to suppress an emotional outbreak, "How did word get out?"
"Plenty of gossip to go around, I suppose. Jedi aren't immune to gossip are they?"
Anakin didn't find the humor in that, but he allowed the chancellor a moment to take light heart of the situation. There had to be some truth in what he said, though. Someone must've found out about them and leaked out the truth. The Jedi Council wouldn't pass judgment like that if they weren't presented with solid evidence. But what did it matter anyway? They know now, and the whole galaxy knows…and if word got out to the public then this must've had an impact on Padme as well.
He sank his face in his hands and felt humiliation sink over him at last.
"Anakin you must understand the consequences of such news to the public. You are our greatest hero, people see you more or less immortal, and so it will naturally come to them as a shock."
"Then what should I do? I'm facing the possibility of exile from the Order! My honor, my dignity, my family, my entire life is about to disappear because I couldn't withhold myself from someone I fell in love with years ago!"
Anakin sat back when he noticed Palpatine remained quiet. He took a breath to compose himself and continued, "I know I'm not the best Jedi Knight to have served the Order. Maybe not even a good Jedi Knight. But I know where my loyalties lye and I know I only ever wanted what's best for the Republic and its people. If sharing emotions with someone I love was going to get in the way of my loyalties then trust me chancellor, I wouldn't have gone ahead with it in the first place."
Palpatine leaned forward, "And if the Jedi Council was to disagree with you and decided exile was the only option, what would you do?"
Fear swelled up in Anakin's chest. There was a whole galaxy out there, but Jedi Knights didn't belong to a specific planet, or a corporation or anything like that…The Jedi are a symbol, an ideology. It isn't something you could just walk away from; it was something that walked away from you. He realized he didn't really have an answer to Palpatine's question.
"Anakin I'm not going to judge you, I know you're among the wisest Jedi and if you felt something was right you would go with it no matter what anyone might say. It is something to be admired about you. I am sure the Jedi are aware of that and will make a fitting decision."
If a fitting decision meant exile and losing the public's trust in the Jedi Council then the Republic might as well start digging its own grave. Anakin couldn't believe how stubborn the Council was sometimes, this is the worst time to be divided over a matter like this, the Separatists are practically on their doorstep!
Maybe its best to change the subject now before he loses his temper again, "How is Padme?"
"Not good I'm afraid," he shuffled through some of the data discs on his desk and picked one up, slotting it into his datapad, he skimmed through some of the reports on there, "Hmm…the Naboo Royal Court has confirmed the marriage and is considering to relieve her of senatorial duties for what they claim is a betrayal of the Jedi's trust and an insult to their faith."
Anakin could just picture the pain and anxiety she's going through now. Her role in the senate was a lifetime passion and a dream, not just a job. And to be put in court by her own people, accused of betraying them and dishonoring their trust would've broken her heart. She only ever held the Jedi in high esteem. No, they were the traitors, not her.
"Don't take it too hard, Anakin. This is politics, after all."
Politics…this entire war was sparked because of the failure of politics.
"I've heard enough." Anakin stood and began making his way to the door before turning around and taking a bow, "Thank you, your Excellency."
"Anytime." The chancellor held down a button on his desk as soon as Anakin disappeared, "Patch me through to Senator Padme Amidala, I need to speak with her urgently."
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A.N.
Trivia time:
1. "It's so funny how heroes are made with the times."
Yes, that line was a clear reference to the quote we see just before the episode, Bombad Jedi, "Hereos are made by the times."
2. The girl referred to as Ulic Qel Droma's love interest was Nomi Sunrider. A Jedi Knight as well. She was responsible for cutting his connection from the Force after he killed his brother and destroying the Jedi Library on Ossus.
3. The Rodian secretary is the same one seen allowing Padme and other delegates into Palpatine's office in Attack of the Clones.
4. Holonet news is the dominant news channel in the Galaxy.
5. The Naboo Royal Court would have a record of Anakin and Padme's marriage seeing as there was a religious figure at their wedding. Even if they used fake names, I believe a simple investigation would've sufficed to reveal the truth.
Thanks to doctor anthony, Whitestar's Legacy, chr0n0sph3r3, ILDV, Silver- ShadowSpark, Trude, Jedi Angel001, Col. Hammer, Anisoka fan, lovedreamergrl, DarkSkyGirl and Vaka Shiva for all your very kind reviews! You guys really help me keep going.