The Inner Conflict

Ben lazily hit the snooze button on his alarm clock.

"Just a few more minutes..." he groggily said to himself.

Right when he was about to close his eyes once more, he remembered it was his first day back at the academy after break, where he was learning to be an officer for the Republic Military. He shot up from his mat and ran to the temple showers to get ready for his day. After getting into his uniform, he blazed through the cafeteria kitchen, bypassing the line, grabbing what portable foodstuffs he could before heading out to the air bus.

"Obi-Wan!" cried a hooded man from outside the temple doors.

"Mast- ...Quin? What are you doing here? I'm not lending you any more money..."

"With me, padawan. We must see the Council. It is an urgent matter."

Ben looked at his master in disbelief.

"Now?! Really? After three months of on and off training where you wouldn't even show up half the time 'cuz you were busy playing Pazaak at the casino, and now is when you decide to use up my time? I'm sorry but I'm not coming. I have to be on time for my first day at the academy."

"You are taking an extended leave of absence. I've already discussed this with your professors," Quin replied.

Ben dramatically dropped the food in his hands before walking back in to the temple.

"That's my future you're putting on hold, Quin! I hope you realize that!"

"I know, Ben. You'll understand once we speak with the Council."

Ben gave Quin the silent treatment while heading up to the Council chambers. Once they entered the room every sitting member of the Council was in attendance. This was rather rare unless it was some religious holiday, but Ben couldn't think of which one it could be. Maybe Quin wasn't lying after all.

Quin began, "Members of the Council, I thank you for assembling on such short notice. As you know, I've been searching for my previous apprentice since his exile from the Order. I have reason to believe that he is behind the Sith cult that has been spreading in the lower levels of Coruscant."

Ben looked up at his master questioningly. He had mentioned that he had had previous students, but never any that turned to the Dark Side of the Force. Usually when a Jedi – particularly one receiving the training of a knight – is excommunicated, the Council assembles to discuss the degree of danger associated with the defectors, or the exiles as the Order puts it, to the public at large. A Jedi Knight was a warrior, and even monks internalized conflicts using knighthood as a symbol of spiritual battle. They were trained in very dangerous martial arts, and those rare enough to be adept at using the Force could be extremely dangerous. A loose cannon could significantly damage the public perception of the Jedi Order, and it is not uncommon in some areas of the galaxy to have Jedis, even laypersons who simply follow the Code, accused of witchcraft. Considering the extreme danger one such person could pose, the public at large accepted the ancient practice of the Jedi to incarcerate or even execute their own members should they turn to the Dark Side. But this was usually a role reserved for members of the Inquisition, a group of Knights whose identities remain secret to everyone in the Order except the Grand Masters who sit on the Council. Was Quin one of the inquisitors?

Mace Windu spoke first, "So your crazy apprentice finally showed up? What makes you think he has anything to do with that cult?"

Ben knew that cults like this would spring up from time to time and usually die out within a few years. It was usually Jedi laypersons and clergy members who rejected some core teaching about the Way, which usually led them to find answers where they could, more often than not in the Sith Scriptures. The Sith writings were banned from the Republic of course, but for any one clever enough, finding a copy on the black market was relatively easy and introduced a whole new set of doctrines that many exiles felt gave purpose and meaning to their doubts.

Quin responded, "I have been in contact with many members of the cult in order to minister and call them to repentance. I discovered that their brand of Sithism is being well funded – enough to build a temple for themselves. I 'convinced' one of their leaders to reveal their source of income. It turns out they've been getting funds from Mr. Frisk's line of casinos. Mr. Frisk seems to be quite sympathetic to their message of the powerful succeeding where the weak fail. Appropriate, one would think."

Casinos? Well that explained quite a bit about why Quin was spending so much time playing Pazaak instead of training Ben. But something told him that Quin enjoyed the games for more than just his investigation.

"I fail to see how this has anything to do with with your former apprentice," Windu insisted.

"Mr. Frisk hasn't gone public with his support for fear of losing investors. He has been using agents to communicate between the cult leadership and himself. I decided to track one of these agents. I couldn't be sure as he was hooded, but I felt his presence, and it was unmistakeably his. I was about to confront him when I lost track of him."

Ben wasn't sure a "feeling" was enough to convince anyone on the Council of anything, although he had heard stories about some Jedi whose intuitions seemed to be more intuitive than intuitions should normally be, some even claiming to receive premonitions. But surely those were just myths? Mace Windu seemed to at least partly agree with what Ben was thinking as he began to speak sceptically.

"Sir Qui-Gon, you know that this Council has trusted you in these matters, even placing you as Head of the Inquisition, but a feeling-"

Ben forgot all etiquette and in authentic amazement cried out with skepticism while pointing at Quin, "He's the Head of the Inquisiton?!"

No wonder he couldn't beat him in a duel. Quin could probably go toe to toe with Mace Windu. The head of the Inquisition would have to be able to take down even an exiled grand master, which is why Ben always thought that the head of the branch would be a grand master himself, not just a regular Jedi Knight like Quin.

"To yourself, keep such questions, padawan," came his former master's corrective. "Master Windu, continue."

"Thank you Master Yoda. Your feelings are in tune with the force, yes. But hunting down a dangerous exile in a Sith cult will only remind the public of our past wars of religion. It would be a public relations catastrophe, and if the government decides to ignore our past precedent of separating religion from politics and starts to place sanctions on us, it is the weakest of us who will end up paying the highest price. We don't have enough public support to stop a political steamroller should one come our way. You need to be sure."

"Your worries are understood, Master Windu," replied Quin. "But it is more than just a feeling. As I said, I have been ministering to the cultists about our Way, and learning about their teachings in the process. As secretive as the Sith usually are, I managed to listen in on one of their secret rites: they have a belief in a chosen one who will bring balance to the Force."

This seemed to have gotten the grand masters' attention.

"Quin," said Windu despairingly. "What have you done?"

"The free decisions of his padawan are not Sir Qui-Gon's responsibility," came Yoda's response.

"But he is the one who brought back that crazy idea. Ever since your vision after we crashed-"

"It wasn't a vision. Sir Revan was there, and I spoke with him."

"Yes Quin, I know you think that. And we've heard all about your conversation and the spiritual teachings you've worked out from it. But if you only had a little more faith in solid doctrine instead of your own feelings this whole mess could have been avoided."

Quin took a moment to ponder the Grand Master's words and then responded, "Yes, Master Windu, perhaps you're right. But the fact of the matter is that this is the mess we have to clean up."

Master Windu took a deep breath before beginning deliberations with the other Council members on how to proceed.

"Very well," said Yoda once the discussions were over. "Investigate further, you must. In absolute secrecy, proceed."

"Thank you, Masters," and Quin, along with Ben, bowed courteously before leaving.

When the two stepped out of the Council Chamber, Ben was amazed and sorely confused.

"Quin? What just happened in there?"

"My former apprentice is an exile proficient in the use of the force, and willing to use it for nefarious purposes. My branch is tasked with finding such individuals, and I decided to pursue this one myself. Since you are my student, and my target is one of my former apprentices, I feel that it may be appropriate to have you come with me. Also, I can certainly use your expertise in arms training in case things get... messy."

"What was that about Revan? A chosen one?"

"It is a long story, Ben," and at that, Quin remained silent.

He was stern the whole way through the meeting and seemed unwilling to explain more than the bare minimum. Losing a student was difficult for any master, but when one fell to the Dark Side, the sense of responsibility and shame must be unimaginable.

"Can I at least know where we're going?" asked Ben.

"To the red light district in Central District. Some of their funds are being funnelled through prostitution rings. There are more Sith agents there than in the upper class casinos where it is rare to find an exchange of funds happening. We will begin our investigation there."

The red light district on the top level was not like the ones below it. There was no fear of blatant criminal activity as men and women advertised their 'wares' in public posters, ads, and in the windows to their apartments. The real criminal underworld operated just on the outskirts of the district where prostitutes and drug dealers sold their products outside of the purview and heavy taxation of the law, allowing patrons to acquire a significant discount but at a much higher risk to their safety and satisfaction with their product. Quin bypassed the tacky ads and decorations of the brothels and moved to those outskirts. Despite it being the early morning, the base of the super sky-scrapers remained perpetually dark and artificially lit, and it was here that the underworld showed its public face on the streets. Ben followed Quin down a dark alley when he stopped and knocked on a door lacking any obvious handles or other door controls to open it. A slit at eye level opened up.

"Who 't is?" came a rough voice.

"I am Quin, and this is my apprentice Ben. We are Jedi mendicants come to seek alms from the lady of the brothel."

This was unbelievable to Ben. No Jedi would in their right mind beg alms from a brothel owner, and the bouncer would surely laugh them off. But to his great surprise, the door swung open and they were let in. The bouncer, however, did laugh as he welcomed the holy men into the establishment.

"The lady and her girls are very generous with their 'gifts', aren't they Jedi?" he asked rhetorically.

Quin smiled with Ben in tow and kept moving passed the bouncer. A muffled bass sound was pulsing through the walls as they walked down a flight of stairs and through another door at the bottom. Through the door the sound opened up and began to pound at Ben's ear drums so that he wondered how he would ever be able to hear anything besides the music. Looking around, however, revealed people conversing with one another and eyeing up the naked women on display, although how they spoke through the music Ben didn't know. He knew to keep Quin in close visual proximity since one of his senses was already taken out of commission, and this didn't seem like the safest establishment for him to be in without knowing or understanding underworld etiquette.

They approached a much more sinister looking bouncer at the back of the room, to whom Quin nodded, receiving a nod in return, and went through another door leading into a living quarters of some sort. It seemed liked the workers lived in the brothel much in the same way the monks lived in the temple. Finally they reached a room that Quin stopped at and took a deep breath before knocking.

"Come in!" came a voice from the inside.

Quin opened the door to reveal an old human woman sitting next to a small lamp reading a copy of the Code.

"Mum!" said Quin.

At this point Ben decided to give up on being surprised, as whatever he tried to expect turned out to be unexpected anyway.

"Quin!" came her shaky voice as a response as she slowly got up from her rocking chair to embrace her son. "Oh it is so good to see you again!" she continued as they held each other lovingly.

"Who is the new bouncer at the door?" asked Quin.

His mother sat back down before responding.

"Equs? Oh he's a bit slow, but is as kind hearted as they come."

"Isn't that a bit backwards from what a bouncer is supposed to be?" asked Quin.

"He isn't easily offended, but once he is, can take down a Gamorean warrior with his bare hands. Believe me, I saw it with my own eyes. For a human, that's saying something. Now what brings my son home to his mother, and who is this handsome young man you've brought with you?"

"This is my new apprentice, Ben Kenobi. Ben, this is my mother, Anka."

"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Jinn," said Ben.

Anka had a hearty laugh, but that she was laughing left Ben to wonder what social faux-pas he had committed to elicit such a response from the old woman.

"You picked a good one this time, Quin!" she said. "Polite to a fault! Listen to me, young man, as that attitude might make you passable to high-born folk, but here it will make you a target to every pick pocket and crook around!"

Quin stepped in to defend him.

"He isn't as green as his mannerisms imply, mum."

"Oh, I can see that light sabre he carries with him on prominent display. I suppose if he knows how to use it he should be just fine here," she replied. "I'll have one of my girls take care of him while we catch up."

Ben interjected, "That won't be necessary, Mrs. Jinn. I'm fine on my own if you'd rather have a moment alone with your son."

"I'm sure you are, but a polite young man such as yourself should know not to reject the host's offers," she responded as she hit a buzzer on her night stand. A young woman came to the door. "Dearie, take this young man to the guest room and have him taken care of."

"Yes, ma'am," she responded with a curt bow and stepped beside the door implying that Ben should walk through it.

"Go on, Ben," said Quin. "You have nothing to fear here. Theoretically."

Ben wasn't so sure, but decided to trust his Master anyway and left. The woman immediately took the lead and brought him to a large back room filled with women and girls of all ages eating at long cheaply made tables. It was a cafeteria, and most of its frequenters were dressed in scraps – unusual for the top level of Coruscant. The room was big enough to have a small area for games as well as a small living area where he noticed a young woman teaching the little girls how to read and write on a blackboard as they wrote in their notebooks on the ground. She noticed Ben immediately but immediately went back to teaching the children. Ben's guide brought him to a seat at an empty table and went to fetch him a plate. It was of good quality and delicious, and he consumed it voraciously after having missed breakfast that morning. It seemed that being seated alone was a wise choice on the part of his guide, as many of the older women looked at him with suspicion. After a few minutes of eating by himself, the woman teaching the children sat next to him at the table.

"It's not a good idea to have an academy uniform and light sabre on display down here, you know," she said without an introduction.

"I didn't exactly have time to change before finding out I was coming," he replied.

"I'm Lyn," she said. "Try not to mind the stares. A lot of these women-"

"It's okay. I think I know. My name is Ben. I'm a Jedi apprentice of Sir Qui-Gon Jinn."

"Quin the Prodigal? That's a surprise considering what happened to his last one. But then this also explains what someone like you would be doing here. I could use a drink. You? Sandra!" she spoke up and extended her arm to wave down her waitress.

Lyn's sleeve pulled back in the process of waving her down, and he noticed a tattoo on her forearm: two criss-crossed light sabres at the centre of a circle, the blades being the only thing penetrating the border of the circle. It was a Sith symbol.

"Are you a convert?" asked Ben.

"I am, but not to the Code," she said.

"You're a member of that new Sith cult I've heard about?" Ben asked.

"No, just a faithful straggler from an old one," she replied.

"I find that symbol interesting," observed Ben of her forearm tattoo. "You know what it means, don't you? Only weapons ever break through the divine circle in Sith symbols."

"Sith worship power in all its forms," she replied. "Why should a place like this that celebrates the power of a woman's body over a man not promote that?"

"If that's what you think, then shouldn't the club be a better place for you then?" asked Ben accusingly.

She shook off the attempted insult and replied, "All it shows is the weakness of men in succumbing to lust."

"I'm not sure passion is a weakness, even by Sith standards. I can see why your cult faded into memory."

"If power is at the centre of our ideology, then it isn't consistency that matters but whoever can use that power to stay on top and prevent her enemies from getting the better of her."

"That's about the only consistent thing about your ideology, isn't it? Corrupt and subvert at all costs in an attempt to put yourself at the top. All anyone who wonders why Sith cults never last has to do is actually listen to what the Sith preach and they'll know that it will only ever devolve into chaos every time the Sith Monarch dies."

"Not if desire for that power is universal. If we make a society where becoming the monarch is the only societal game worth playing, then everyone will continue to play by those rules to preserve the system so they can be at the top. Empowering people is what the Sith do. That's why I'm here teaching these girls while the Jedi continue to decline in their temples."

"So the only weakness in your religion is variability? Didn't anyone ever tell you that you're unique just like everyone else? Besides, I don't doubt the usefulness of power, only the nature of it when it is used by the Sith."

"Spoken like a true Jedi. You think that it is better to confine yourself to the will of others than it is to break free from them."

"No. I believe that it takes real strength to trust in others in spite of our inclination to do otherwise, and especially when we have very good reasons not to. If you worship power in all its forms, I would think you should be able to acknowledge that on some level, but I guess that's just another contradiction your religious system has inbuilt to keep you in check."

She looked over at the little girls she was just teaching, now playing and laughing in the game room with some older women watching over them. One of the older women noticed the time and told the others she had an appointment in the club. She quickly and silently made her way out hoping the children wouldn't notice.

"You don't know how bad it can be," Lyn said.

"Maybe. But then, that's all the more reason why we should respect those who don't reject trust despite having all the reason in the world to do so."

"I think that sounds more like stubbornness than strength," she said.

"Stubbornness is a lot like power. It's a lot less about the thing in itself and more about what it is you're being stubborn about."

"I hope my apprentice is not being too overbearing, Lyn," interrupted Quin.

"He's more dogmatic than you are, Prodigal. That isn't a compliment," she said.

"We all have our weaknesses," Quin giggled, knowing full well what he was implying with respect to her beliefs, but she only rolled her eyes while smirking before getting up to rejoin the children. "Ben, it's time to leave," Quin continued.

He got up and followed his master out. Equs, the bouncer, smiled at them as he let them out.

"Good gifts, eh?" he said. "Oh and may the Force be with you, eh?"

"And may it be with you, friend," Quin responded, followed by a similar goodbye from Ben.

Ben decided not to ask any questions and let Quin take the lead on divulging any personal information he may want to get off his chest. After a few moments, Quin did just that.

"You don't need to be so quiet, you know," he said. "I wouldn't have brought you here if I felt awkward about my past."

"Well, we have a job to do," was Ben's only reply, but Quin surely sensed his curiosity and began to explain himself.

"Master Yoda told me about you – the orphanage, your parents, and why you live as a monk but chose to pursue a career in the military."

Ben looked down when Quin mentioned his parents, but Quin continued.

"My own background was quite different from yours. I didn't grow up in any lower level slums. I grew up here, on the top level of the city. There weren't many things that humans could do to manage a life up here, especially for a mother with no husband or family support. She found support and community in a Sith cult that had some sway at the time but has long since dissipated. I was one of their acolytes growing up. But everything she did, she did for me. She is a Jedi now, though not very orthodox in keeping to the Code. She helps those in the lower levels move up to the top, just like she helped me when I was growing up."

Ben had nothing to say. He understood that doing whatever it took to get out of the hell under their feet was an absolute necessity, but questioned silently the lengths which some were willing to go in order to literally make it to the top.

"Where to now?" Ben asked.

"The casino," Quin replied. "We now have the name of Mr. Frisk's middleman between himself and the cult."

"One of the patrons of your mum's fine establishment, I assume?"

"Indeed – as well as the reason Equs was familiar with the Jedis' appreciation for the ladies' 'gifts'."