Disclaimer: I do not own nor make any profit off of Star Wars or any related works. It all belongs to George Lucas, Lucasfilm, Fox Studios, etc.

A/N: We get deeper and deeper into the mysteries of the universe!

Valairy: I'm so glad you agree! Poor Obi-Wan needs to stop torturing himself so much. But then we love hurt/comfort, so I guess he kind of needs to keep on. :D

Lilliafore: Thank you for your review! Aw, Obi-Wan really is sweet, isn't he? *dreamy sigh* By the way, what does "fatto e finito" mean?

The 'Day of Renewal' is my Star Wars translation for New Year's Day. So this begins in the first month of the year, by my timeline.

EDIT (2-22-15): The preface & chapters 1-9 of this story have now undergone thorough editing for grammar and spelling, as well as a detailed revision of structure, plot flow, characterization, and writing maturity.

Chapter 6: Knowledge


Standing before the Jedi High Council never failed to be a strenuous process, Obi-Wan found, but he had to admit standing to receive a mission typically went far better than the reports given after the mission had already been completed. Evening Council sessions, he also found, were often much less stressful and uncomfortable than the morning or afternoon. The day wound down to a gentler hubbub within the temple, the largest of the day's problems were usually over, and the Council settled into far more relaxed circumstances than at any other time of day.

It was just Obi-Wan's luck, therefore, that the Council had apparently just dealt with a very frustrating situation for almost three hours and looked to be highly-strung and over-sensitive to the slightest hint of recalcitrance. The slouch and barely-stifled yawn Obi-Wan unknowingly effected from a distinct lack of sleep immediately set off Master Koth – and this before Qui-Gon could even greet the Council properly.

"Padawan Kenobi," Master Koth bit out with tightly-restrained irritation as master and padawan rose from a bow, "is there a reason you feel so disinclined to these proceedings?"

Obi-Wan blinked as one with Qui-Gon, whose brow rose far above its normal perch as he gazed straight at the annoyed Jedi.

"I do not understand what you mean, Master Koth," Obi-Wan admitted reluctantly as he stepped forward, wary of the agitation he could see in the council master's eyes.

"Am I to suppose that yawning and slinking into this room is respectful behavior from a padawan to the Council, then?" Master Koth queried stiffly.

"Studying the elusion of prescience for the past four months, Padawan Kenobi has been," Master Yoda spoke up supportively, slamming his gimmer stick into the ground with purpose. He seemed quite annoyed. "Understandable his fatigue is."

Master Koth's face lit with immediate comprehension and Obi-Wan felt relief. Sometimes it seemed all he did was defend himself against the Council. Even his master didn't have to argue his point of view so extensively, and Qui-Gon was the maverick of the Jedi Order. Clearly Obi-Wan's abandonment on Melida/Daan almost five years earlier had never fully been forgotten, but then Obi-Wan supposed he had been too hopeful for such a thing to completely evaporate.

Master Giiett spoke for the other Council members, his face a study in platitudes. "Please accept our apologies, Padawan Kenobi. It is a draining task to elude visions, either in sleep or wakefulness. We understand your position."

Obi-Wan bowed appreciatively to the Council, stepping back gratefully to his place just behind Qui-Gon's elbow as the meeting returned to its intended purpose.

"Now," Master Windu continued meaningfully, sitting straighter in his chair. "For the past six months, a consistent volley of unsupported threats has been sent to Senator Anu Yenega."

Upon hearing the senator's name, Obi-Wan froze in place. Did Master Windu really just name the senator of Palesa? It couldn't be. Yet if it honestly was… well, the irony was almost too much to handle. Would he truly get to travel to Palesa for this mission? Obi-Wan shook himself immediately. Regardless his wishes, it sounded like the mission would be taking place on Coruscant. He had jumped to inappropriate conclusions and gotten distracted while he was at it.

'Pay attention, padawan,' Qui-Gon corrected him lightly through their bond. Obi-Wan might have started any other time, but he knew his shields had been strong enough to evade his master's scrutiny. The Jedi master only felt the young man's distraction, not what distracted him.

Returning his attention to the matter at hand, Obi-Wan found Master Yoda gazing at him unerringly, albeit inconspicuously from beside Master Windu. The seventeen-year-old only knew the look was there because he had seen it at almost every Council meeting he attended over the years. Willing away the redness threatening to overtake his ears, Obi-Wan forced himself to listen to Master Windu's description of the problem. To his great luck, it appeared the only thing he had missed was Qui-Gon gaining confirmation about the home world of Anu Yenega.

"Palesa's junior representative, Eder Marit," Master Windu was saying now, "and Senator Yenega's assistant, Maen Rul, have been convinced these threats are genuine warnings against the Senator's life. However, Senator Yenega refused to obtain outside help for the problem. The threats have grown in strength and number since then. It is only as of this month, just shy of the Day of Renewal, that Senator Yenega took them seriously."

"Is there a particular reason why?" Qui-Gon asked curiously.

"Anu Yenega is not the only target of these threats, after all," Master Windu explained grimly. "Maen Rul has been targeted as well, and even more directly than the Senator himself."

"Surely there has been some mistake?" Qui-Gon wondered, brow lifted.

"There is no mistake," Master Piell informed them with a shake of his head. "The most recent threats clearly indicate Maen Rul as the main target, with the Senator as something of an added bonus for the attackers."

"And this finally changed the Senator's mind?" Qui-Gon asked skeptically. Obi-Wan could imagine his master's thoughts on the subject. Most politicians – self-centered as they typically were – would be happy the threat was not on their own heads and dismiss the matter entirely. Some would even begin preparing to take on a new assistant after the current one had been killed.

"Maen Rul is, by all accounts, something of a daughter to Senator Yenega," Master Windu explained further. "The senator took her under his wing after her parents died some years ago. He is horrified that his inaction may have put her in a more dangerous position than ever."

Nodding in sudden comprehension, Qui-Gon seemed to settle into the matter more seriously than he had moments before. To hear of a politician with such genuine cares was a bit of a novelty; Obi-Wan knew the Senator had already engendered begrudging respect from the Jedi Master.

"What has been done so far in the investigation?" Qui-Gon spoke again.

Master Yoda sighed slightly, practically broadcasting to Obi-Wan that precious little had been done as yet.

"Master Ki-Adi-Mundi has been assigned to protect Senator Yenega, while Master Gallia and Padawan Tachi stand as Eder Marit's protection," Master Billaba answered. Only then did Obi-Wan notice Masters Gallia's council seat stood empty.

"Unfortunately, we have no further information," Master Windu told them, looking vaguely unhappy himself with the lack. "We have the threats and all information pertaining to them, which you may look over tomorrow. However, the Council is assigning you as Maen Rul's protectors first and foremost. You must keep watch over her and report anything that may solve the matter, but do not actively seek out information outside of your place with Assistant Rul. Given the situation as it stands, we will send another Jedi to investigate directly into the matter."

"We will be guarding Maen Rul at the Senate, then?" Qui-Gon assumed.

"No," Master Windu shook his head slightly, confusing Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan both. "Senator Yenega did not wish to put her into the line of fire any longer. He suggested an alternate method of protection."

Obi-Wan could feel every ounce of his master's discomfort and reluctance as the tall Jedi asked, "What would that method be?"

"To the temple Maen Rul will be brought later tonight," Master Yoda finally spoke, sounding remarkably displeased as he added, "Without her knowledge, this stay will be ensured."

"She does not know?" Qui-Gon asked with mild incredulity. Obi-Wan found himself blinking back surprise.

"We are all uncomfortable with the route Senator Yenega has chosen to secure Maen Rul's placement under Jedi protection," was the surprising response from Master Tiin. "However, she is still under his guardianship and thus it is his choice."

"Why do I have the feeling the senator's ward will not see it that way?" Qui-Gon remarked dryly.

"Her reaction will likely make your work a bit more difficult in some ways," Master Windu admitted, "but we believe having Assistant Rul here at the temple will limit the greater risks otherwise."

"Very well," Qui-Gon nodded once.

Some consternation leaked out over their bond and Obi-Wan wondered if his master felt the same as he did… that they were essentially being hired out as little more than babysitters until the people behind the threats were caught. With Senator Yenega's assistant kept safely behind the temple walls throughout the investigation, that meant they would be essentially tailing her to ensure she did not run off out of indignant fury over her captivity. It also meant he and Qui-Gon would be grounded at the temple indefinitely. No missions off-planet or even on the planet, would be forthcoming. Obi-Wan's earlier wondering if he might get to travel to Palesa after all, was actually laughable in hindsight.

"Avoid the main level of the temple until tomorrow morning, you should," Master Yoda commented. "Outraged and upset Maen Rul will likely be, until sleep has offered fresh insight in the matter. Wish you to have a fresh start with her, we do."

"As you say, Master," Qui-Gon agreed simply. The twinge of consternation returned with such force that Obi-Wan flinched visibly. Master Windu noticed it with a keen gaze, finally turning to eye Qui-Gon irritably.

"Something on your mind, Master Jinn?" he asked. It was the one question which always got under Qui-Gon's deepest later of skin, no matter when it was asked. Every other member on the Council seemed to suck in a breath of nervous anticipation, as did Obi-Wan.

When the inevitable response came, it was with a calmness the Council had never seen in Qui-Gon Jinn before. Yet Obi-Wan could feel a burning tide of frustration simmering away beneath the polished surface of collected cool. Any other time, the padawan would have groaned loudly.

"Assigning us as protectors of Assistant Rul while she retained her position in the Senate would be easy to understand," Qui-Gon began, obviously preparing himself for a fight of some kind.

Not now, Obi-Wan thought desperately, wilting under the knowledge of just how long they would be grounded if his master could not tamp down his short fuse.

Qui-Gon did not hear his plea as he finished the thought, "But standing as little more than nursemaids for a woman trapped behind the walls of this temple indefinitely…"

"This woman's life is in danger, Master Jinn," said Master Windu firmly, also steeling himself against the growing storm. Obi-Wan wanted to slink out the door right then and there. "If you feel this temple is impenetrable to all such danger, then by all means leave Assistant Rul to her own devices while she is here."

The sharp rebuke did not dampen Qui-Gon's feelings in the least, but any reply on his part was cut mercifully short by the beeping of the communication device attached to the arm of Master Windu's chair. Frowning a bit, the master accepted the message. "What is it?"

"I apologize for the interruption, Master Windu," came the nervous voice of a padawan outside the door to the Council chambers, "but Master Gallia is here with Senator Yenega's assistant."

Nearly everyone started, including Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Even Master Yoda looked a trifle surprised, and that was saying something.

"I suggest you include Assistant Rul in the meeting," Master Gallia's voice added into the receiver. If Obi-Wan was not mistaken, the master sounded quite amused.

Looking at the rest of the Council, Yoda in particular, Master Windu seemed to deflate a little. "Very well. Please join us, Master Gallia."

The door opened to reveal the master herself, the same amusement that had shown through in her voice now apparent in her mild expression.

A gently-tanned young woman with straight, inky black hair flowing down her back and a fiery expression that matched her blazing, moss green eyes followed the master inside with barely a respectable distance between them. It became clear this was someone accustomed to powerful beings floating around her day in and day out, and she was not fazed by the conspicuously disapproving stares of Eeth Koth and Saesee Tiin. Catching sight of said stares, the young woman stared back unflinchingly until the Jedi turned their eyes discreetly away out of some remembrance of common courtesy.

As Master Gallia took her seat, Maen Rul took to the center of the chambers with grace and confidence, the small train of her sensibly-fitted umber gown whispering across the floor behind her. Qui-Gon bowed slightly towards the young woman, a distinct note of amusement in his eyes, and took a step back, Obi-Wan following him in silent admiration.

"Assistant Rul," Master Yoda greeted the young woman, wry humor barely glinting off his words. "An honor to meet you it is. Heard much of your courage and talent we have."

"Senator Yenega has been very complimentary, I am sure."

Finally Maen Rul had spoken, leaving Obi-Wan in quite a quandary as to how he might describe her voice in one simple word. It was impossible, he eventually decided. For her voice was fluid, cultured, melodious, powerful… a mid-range tone not too deep, not too high, yet it resonated in the stilled and recycled air like the hum of a lightsaber.

"That he has been," Master Yoda continued, seeming even more amused than before. "Heard his plans for your safety, you seem to have done."

"Not directly," the young woman countered easily, the ghost of a smirk on her lips. Miss Rul appeared cold as ice upon first glance, but the Obi-Wan sensed a burning cleverness and a crackling sense of wit underlying that cultivated veneer. "When he and Representative Marit arrived with three Jedi in tow, I could very well imagine what he had in mind after the latest threats had been revealed to be against me."

"We were not aware you knew of the most recent threats," remarked Master Poof. "Senator Yenega said nothing of this."

"I have no doubt he believed as much himself," Maen Rul responded bluntly. "Senator Yenega has been so lax in taking these threats seriously that I have lately taken the liberty of examining them after he has put them out of sight and mind in his desk."

Obi-Wan felt a sharp jolt of amusement from Qui-Gon mix with his own humor.

'That sounds like you, padawan,' the Jedi Master remarked glibly. Obi-Wan merely offered a mental shrug of acceptance, which had Qui-Gon chuckling over their bond.

"Took advantage of his absence to investigate, did you?" Yoda wondered, eyes bright with mischief not many were privileged to see in a Council meeting, of all places.

"I am afraid that is the only way I could gain adequate information," Maen Rul sighed, long-suffering. "The Senator tries to shield me from the potential horrors of my chosen profession. His efforts do him great credit personally, but it is… challenging… to fully understand a difficult situation when he does so. Being so deeply involved in this arena with him, I feel it is a part of my career to understand and help in such circumstances, no matter how much he dislikes it."

"You are as yet underage, Miss Rul," Master Windu suggested, brow rising. "As I understand it, Senator Yenega has the right to limit your position if he so chooses."

"Palesian regulations dictate otherwise," the young woman disagreed calmly, hands clasped in front of her. "Our laws state that an orphaned youth may be adopted as a member of one's family, it is true. But there is also another option. If a youth of fourteen years or more so chooses, they may instead be effectively hired into the profession of their future guardian without the legal ties of a family. That guardian will groom them in that profession until the youth is of an age to obtain a position within it. I have my position now, and the laws of my planet allow me the freedom to ignore edicts from my guardian in order to secure my career as I see fit."

"How is it that Palesa's senator did not know this, but the senator's assistant does?" Master Tiin wondered with rude skepticism.

"I fear that Senator Yenega used the adoption laws of Coruscant to gain your aide in secreting me away to safety without my knowledge," was the black-haired young woman's irritated reply. "That is not to say he lacks cause, of course. I realize my life is in danger due to these threats. However, remaining hidden away in this temple will not help anyone solve this situation... I believe these treats are an internal affair from my home planet that may only be solved by ending the ongoing feud there."

"Do you have evidence to support this?" Master Windu echoed the stunned question on everyone's mind.

"Not enough to convince Senator Yenega," the green-eyed assistant admitted. "But he is reluctant in the extreme to believe our home world is unstable in such a way and thus does not easily accept even very uncomfortable circumstantial evidence as I have found. It is one of our greatest points of disagreement."

"If your evidence proved valid," Master Gallia ventured cautiously, but thoughtfully, "what would you do then?"

Maen Rul took a long breath to steel herself before she answered gravely, "I would travel to my planet with Representative Marit three months from now to attend a political forum the king is hosting. From there, I would aid the side of this feud that makes the most sense for the Palesian people."

"You have thought this out thoroughly, then," Master Gallia remarked plainly.

"As thoroughly as I may, when information has been kept from me," Assistant Rul agreed flatly.

"A valid point you make," Master Yoda inclined his head at the young woman, still with that blasted mischief on his face. For a moment he surrendered himself to the Force, eyes distant as he considered the situation. The whole of the Council stilled, waiting for the diminutive master's insight.

"Go to Palesa for the forum you should," Yoda finally spoke, to Obi-Wan's surprise as well as Qui-Gon's. "Speak of this need the Force does. Wasted your time would be without it."

"The forum is not for three months," Master Koon mentioned simply.

"Between now and then, decide what is to be done we must," Master Yaddle added understandingly.

"Discuss the matter we will," Master Yoda decided. "Examine all angles we must before the appointed time arrives. No more good will we do this night, without more information in our hands."

"Assistant Rul," the master continued, "ask you to stay here over the next three months, I do."

She looked ready to argue the point, but the little master interceded, "If the source of danger your home planet is, then unsafe you will be out in Coruscant, until resolved the matter is. If lost you are, useless to your home world's peace you and your information will be."

The other councilors nodded their agreement and Maen Rul finally sighed in acquiescence.

"For now," Master Windu returned to the conversation, "we would ask you to please accept the… frequent company… of Master Jinn and his padawan."

At the dark-skinned master's gesture, Maen Rul glanced over her left shoulder at the tall form of Qui-Gon and the shorter Obi-Wan standing a foot behind his elbow. Feeling rather like an insect under a microscope, the younger of the two forced himself not to fidget. A near smile crossed the assistant's face, but was gone as quick as it appeared. At last, she faced forward again and nodded her acceptance.

"It will be a pleasure, Master Jedi," was her sincere reply. "Thank you for you assistance in this matter."

"May the Force be with us all," Master Yoda ended the meeting.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bowed as one, stepping closer to the center of the room as the council members behind them rose to leave. This was one of only three rare times Obi-Wan had ever witnessed the Council retiring for the evening with those granted audience still in the room.

Master Gallia moved to Maen Rul's side, speaking quietly with her as they headed towards the door. Instead of following their charge, Qui-Gon remained firmly rooted to his place until only Masters Yoda, Windu, Giiett, and Kolar remained.

"What is it now, Qui-Gon?" Master Windu sighed. That startling change from councilor to fellow friend and Jedi never failed to startle Obi-Wan.

"Will we be allowed to investigate actively during the next three months?" Qui-Gon asked with a slight twitch to his lips. Obi-Wan stared openly at his bold continuation of the earlier argument.

Groaning audibly, Master Windu just turned to Yoda for guidance, hands on his hips in a picture of pure exasperation. Chuckling a little, Master Yoda answered, "No reason now to stop Master Qui-Gon do I see."

"Fine," the dark-skinned councilor ground out. "Investigate if you will."

Qui-Gon enacted a short bounce of bow meant to tease. Mortified, Obi-Wan closed his eyes against the embarrassing gesture.

"Padawan Kenobi," Master Yoda spoke abruptly before Master Windu could respond, drawing four curious gazes around to the young man, who had rapidly opened his eyes upon being called. "Know something of the planet Palesa, do you not?"

There was no true question, merely a statement he wished clarified. Obi-Wan looked rather sheepish as he glanced up to meet the Grand Master's gaze, avoiding the surprise and curiosity of Qui-Gon and the other three masters.

"Yes, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan answered, a pink tinge to his ears. Surely Qui-Gon, at least, understood where this knowledge had come from. The idea was very embarrassing on its own merit.

"Know more than your master you do, hm?" Humor shone clearly in Yoda's tone as he asked.

"If I do, then it is only through virtue of constant study over the last few years, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan admitted.

"While studying planetary systems is not discouraged in any way," Master Windu frowned slightly, "I wonder why you have felt the need to constantly study one system in particular. And over a period of more than one year, at that?"

"I thought all padawans were required – in the Galactic History course – to choose one system and study it as completely as possible up until their knighting?" Obi-Wan wondered in bewilderment. "Master Nu explained the project to me shortly before the attempt to assassinate Master Yoda. Considering a young friend of mine around that time was from Palesa, I decided to do the project on that. …Masters?"

All four council members seemed to be sharing glances with as much discreetness as possible. It wasn't until Obi-Wan noticed Master Giiett's near smile that he realized the glances were full of amusement. Frowning, the young man set out to clarify what was going on.

"Masters, did I do something I should not have? Was it wrong for me to have undertaken this project?"

"On the contrary, Padawan Kenobi," Master Windu replied, more able than the other masters – or perhaps more willing – to withhold his humor. "I believe Master Nu was quite confident you were the right one to fulfill her project's demands."

A silence fell over the room as the implications became clear to Obi-Wan.

"…Her project?" the young man was finally able to repeat, sharing a surprised glance with Qui-Gon, who eyes had grown slightly tight around the edges. "Are you saying Master Nu took advantage of my ignorance in order to forward a project of her own design? One that was not approved by – or even discussed with – the Council?"

"That is a hefty accusation, young one," Master Windu commented sharply. His words only served to fuel Obi-Wan's distaste over the project he had long worked on out of dedication to the Order and a Council that apparently hadn't even known about the idea.

"So you don't find Master Nu's behavior at all manipulative? Of Master Jinn, the Council, or myself?" Obi-Wan insisted bluntly. He didn't like being taken advantage of in such a way, regardless how trite it all sounded upon first impression. Based on his master's lack of disciplinary actions at the present time; it seemed Qui-Gon didn't like it either and was giving his padawan a chance to speak his mind. Not that Obi-Wan planned to roast Jocasta Nu in anger – he didn't think she had convinced him to do the project out of malicious humiliation after all – but still it bothered him.

The four councilors seemed to hold their breath as they waited for someone to speak up first against this boldness. Obi-Wan felt partially lucky Master Yoda was the one to do so. Even if the little master believed him to be acting with complete disrespect, Obi-Wan knew he was at least the fairest judge on the Council.

"Although disrespectful you were, Padawan Kenobi, understand your displeasure we must," Yoda remarked quietly, leaning forward onto his gimmer stick. "Manipulative Master Nu has been indeed. This point we cannot argue. Speak with her about this we will."

The others nodded their agreement, even Master Windu. Obi-Wan felt not only his own body relaxing, but his master's also. It had gone better than either of them had hoped, obviously.

"Padawan Kenobi," Master Windu spoke, "do you wish to confront this manipulation with Master Nu, in addition to the Council's impending discussion with her?"

"No, Masters," Obi-Wan immediately replied, hurrying to explain before a frowning Agen Kolar could argue, "It is not that I am hiding from it, but I feel Master Nu did not mean this incident as a personal insult towards me. I hardly think she intentionally sought me out as a means of… humiliation or some such. She simply knew about my friend's origins, most likely, and decided I would be more willing to thoroughly complete the project to her needs than others might be. Her method of achieving the desired results was unkind – particularly towards a child who did not think to question one of his teachers – but I only wish for her to realize the unjustness of the incident in general. I hold no ill will against her."

A slight silence, amused but accepting, fell over the four councilors and an uncommon wave of fondness reached Obi-Wan from his master.

"Maturity suits you well, Obi-Wan," Master Kolar smiled but barely, sharing the expression with the other masters.

"Very well," Master Windu conceded. "We will explain this line of reasoning to Master Nu, if you are not averse?"

"No, Masters," Obi-Wan bowed slightly. "I thank you for being so patient with my convolutions."

A light chuckle spread through the usually stern councilors, startling Obi-Wan a bit.

"It is nothing, young Kenobi," Master Giiett nodded kindly towards the young man. "We are pleased to see your emotions so steady."

"Thank you," Obi-Wan murmured modestly, allowing Qui-Gon to easily lead him out of the Council chambers.

"You are a regular incendiary today, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon finally spoke once they were safely ensconced in the lift, his tone swept over with rich humor. "You compare me to a Sith, you shock me out of my distance completely, then you admit to knowing more than I do about a planetary system, and now you've called out Master Nu's manipulative tendencies. I'm not sure I want to tangle with such a fervent champion as you, my young padawan."

This untapped teasing became too much for Obi-Wan's unhappily hot ears, which turned a color rather akin to a cherry. His master snorted openly at the sight, the sound becoming a steady chuckle that lasted almost all the way to their quarters. Obi-Wan rushed to his room with as much dignity as he could muster, which was unfortunately very little, and tried very hard to ignore Qui-Gon's low laughter while he changed and crawled into bed early.

A much kinder sunrise woke Obi-Wan the next morning, refreshed completely from his long sleep and ready to face the mission they had been assigned and the fierce young woman they were going to protect. When the padawan entered the main area freshly showered and dressed, Qui-Gon already sat at the table, a cup of tea in one hand and a datapad in the other. To Obi-Wan's pleasant surprise, a warm breakfast sat out for him. He would become spoiled this way, he decided.

"Hardly that, Padawan," Qui-Gon's lips twitched as he looked up from his datapad. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Master," Obi-Wan replied with much more cheer than the previous morn had granted him, contentedly digging into his meal. "Have I slept too late?"

"It's about eight," the Jedi Master shrugged, setting aside the datapad for the moment. "Master Yoda has arranged for us to meet with Assistant Rul at ten o'clock, so we have plenty of time."

"What are you reading?" the young man wondered curiously.

"Your study of Palesa," Qui-Gon answered with a pleased expression. Obi-Wan stiffened slightly, focusing more diligently on his meal. "Master Nu came by not half an hour ago, apologizing most profusely and offering her only copy of the project as reconciliation."

"No doubt she kept the basic information, though," Obi-Wan couldn't help saying, immediately wincing at his own sharp tongue.

"Well, yes," Qui-Gon nodded in agreement, seeming unbothered by his padawan's sarcasm. "Yet it is a surprising gesture the she offered up the official project this way. Most unlike her, I assure you. I believe she is truly remorseful that you felt taken advantage of."

"I suppose you must be right," Obi-Wan embarrassedly conceded, when a question washed through his mind that he had been pondering ever since beginning the project. "Master, what could I have found in my study that the temple archives would not have on file already?"

"Many things, Padawan," was the thoughtful answer. "I seem to remember you visited the Senate a number of times after the incident with Ree. Did anyone ever question why a young boy was curious about the planet?"

"No," Obi-Wan recalled slowly, thinking back on some of his Senate excursions that year. "As a matter of fact, they looked… highly amused."

"No doubt they thought you to be a young upstart," Qui-Gon teased him.

"I rather was a young upstart, if you remember, Master," Obi-Wan grinned back and the tall Jedi chuckled.

"All the same, Obi-Wan," the master went on more seriously, "a young boy would have gotten into certain places and reached certain people where a Jedi Master would create immediate suspicion merely for their position and title."

"But I was in training to become a Jedi," Obi-Wan frowned. "People in the Senate would surely have known that by my clothing and braid."

Qui-Gon considered the subject more thoroughly, absently brushing his beard with two fingers, before he replied, "Youth is often deceptive, Obi-Wan. At a mere fourteen years of age, you would have been heavily underestimated and not treated with the same caution as a fully-trained Jedi. You still are underestimated on many of our missions, despite the fact you are nearly an adult."

Grimacing at the truth of that statement, Obi-Wan took a rather vicious bite of his food, causing his master to chuckle again.

"At any rate," the bearded Jedi concluded, "I suspect your genuine interest in the planet's history would have driven off any suspicion about your intentions."

Nodding with satisfaction at the reasons offered, Obi-Wan finished the rest of his breakfast in silence and sat back from the table, another ponderous question rising to the fore.

"Master, what do you make of Maen Rul?"

Once again setting aside the datapad, Qui-Gon pursed his lips and thoughtfully responded, "From what I have seen so far, I find her to be strong-willed, sharp-tongued, wise for her age, and rebellious in a strangely practical way. She seems to have great determination to do what is right, rather than what is easy. And yet… she appears to be hiding something."

"Hiding?" Obi-Wan repeated, bewildered. "She seemed very honest to me."

"The Force spoke of her sincerity, yes," Qui-Gon nodded considerately. "However, from the thin shield of wary anxiety surrounding her, I feel there is something she is not telling us."

"Perhaps she is merely withholding a more subjective opinion," Obi-Wan suggested pensively. "To stop her personal beliefs from influencing the investigation?"

"An idea worthy of consideration," the Jedi Master smiled slightly at his padawan. "You may very well be correct, Obi-Wan. Nevertheless, we must be cautious in allotting all of our trust in Miss Rul. I think this meeting today will prove even more enlightening as to her character."

Arriving in the small room of their meeting (earlier than expected as a matter of fact), master and padawan found it empty of the living, but already prepared for a round table discussion with one white wall cleared for data projection. The center of the table was covered with holo displays, flimsi files, old paper-based file folders, datachips, and a collection of datapads. Hovering off to the side was a small, latent device Obi-Wan had never seen before; it looked rather like an audio receiver of some kind, but he could not be sure.

"Master, do you know what this is?" he wondered curiously, examining the object without touching it. He had learned early on not to thoughtlessly touch unknown technology.

"That is a divitran," Qui-Gon answered with interest, coming to stand beside his student. Feeling the young man's confusion, he elaborated, "It divides audio and visual samples into layers. Now we use the tranciphar, which is similar, but stronger; it is capable of further layer degeneration and much higher quality… It's been some time since I've seen a divitran. I remember Master Dooku using one on a very early mission of ours, although it was rather archaic even then. This one appears to be even older than that one was."

"Nine generations old, in fact," came a familiar formal yet wry voice from the doorway.

Turning together, the two Jedi bowed in greeting to the amethyst-clad form of Maen Rul. On an off-glance, Obi-Wan would have said the color suited her complexion very well. The cut and form of her high-necked gown took an exceedingly formal and straight-laced style, the same as her umber outfit the night before. Clearly procedural dress was her most common style, meant for Senate meetings and events of a strictly official capacity, like the meeting they were soon to be engaged in.

"Good morning, Assistant Rul," Qui-Gon welcomed. "I hope your stay so far has not been too laborious?"

"It is peaceful here, if nothing else," the young woman remarked with a nod, returning with far more interest to the previous subject. "I'm afraid this divitran was the best equipment the insurgents were able to obtain for our investigation."

"You have already chosen a side, then?" Qui-Gon's replied, sharp beneath the overlying congenial curiosity. Obi-Wan shifted imperceptibly with his discomfort. He'd never known his master to be so blatant in his mistrust before. Usually it occurred too subtly to be noticed by those he lacked faith in. The young man had no idea his master felt so strongly about Maen Rul's secret, whatever it was.

The assistant in question raised her left brow high above her eye, dry humor barely visible in those moss-colored eyes. "I have, Master Jinn. While I did not state it directly yesterday, I certainly planned to do so today. Hopefully that is not too problematic of a plan? After all, Master Yoda was most insistent that we discuss everything today, rather than last night, was he not?"

"I am merely curious that you plan to go to this political forum with pre-conceived judgments," Qui-Gon retorted, eyes tighter than before.

"Master Jinn, what have you learned of Palesa, exactly?" Maen Rul slowly asked with a lilt of sarcasm coloring her voice, seeming to easily hold up against Qui-Gon's 'stare of impending doom' as Reeft had once called it. Considering what Obi-Wan knew of that particular stare, and the rare person able to stand up in the face of it, his admiration for Maen Rul grew exponentially. Secrets or not, the young woman could hold her own in a battle of wills against Qui-Gon Jinn.

"Enough to know there is currently a disagreement between the ruling family and a smaller clan of relatives over who the king should be. One that dates back several decades, if I am not mistaken," Qui-Gon responded promptly.

"Almost a millennia, actually, Master," Obi-Wan could not stop himself from intervening. He had studied this planet consistently for almost four years and he knew for certain that his master's knowledge of it had come from that very study. Surely adding his knowledge of the subject would not be disrespectful, but helpful?

Qui-Gon's lifted brow seemed to speak otherwise, buy Assistant Rul's eyes bespoke her surprise and delight.

"Teach us a lesson on Palesa would you, young one?"

Startled, Obi-Wan turned to find Master Yoda tapping his way into the room, the rest of the Council following behind him with interest on their faces. The only absence was Master Gallia, whom Obi-Wan assumed had returned to her post as Senator Yenega's protection detail.

Bowing respectfully, Obi-Wan answered with slightly pink ears, "I only meant to help, Master Yoda."

"Helpful your extensive knowledge of Palesa will certainly be," the diminutive master said companionably as everyone spread around the table, not yet sitting.

"Perhaps," Maen Rul inserted earnestly, brightening even further upon hearing someone in the room knew a great deal about her home planet, "you could assist me in my explanations if need be, ah… What should I address you as?"

"I think 'Padawan Kenobi' will be all right," Qui-Gon answered for him, a fact Obi-Wan felt thankful for. He was uncertain how formal they would be in this case. After they spent three or more months with Senator Yenega's assistant, he might feel less awkward, but that was not the present time.

"Padawan Kenobi, then," the young woman nodded. "I would be glad of your assistance, if that is all right?"

A glance at his master proved Qui-Gon amenable to the arrangement, and Obi-Wan turned back to nod his own acceptance.

"Excellent," Maen Rul smiled slightly, gesturing to a seat beside her own at the head of the table. Qui-Gon and the Council took their seats as well, the former between Obi-Wan and Master Kolar. Master Windu took the seat directly across from Maen Rul, while Master Yoda settled into the chair on her other side.

"Before we begin," Assistant Rul continued, brows drawn together gravely, "I would like to be frank with you. The conflict on Palesa has two prominent sides: those who fight for the king and those who fight against him. I am with the latter group, and I have evidence here to support the insurgency's claims against the king."

"We are not here to fight a war for you," Master Tiin interceded, frowning deeply. "We are here to stop these threats against your person – to catch those responsible. The conflict on your home world is not our priority at this time."

"Unless that conflict is solved, the threats will continue ceaselessly," Maen disputed quickly, leaning forward imploringly. "Sooner or later I will be killed. If I die, no one else will to take up my position with the insurgents. They trust no one else and the war will escalate. I'm sure you can imagine what that might mean for the future if my planet dissolves into lawless chaos. Once it comes to that point, the Jedi will probably be the only ones capable of going to Palesa and bringing some order there. Don't you think it would be better to head it off now, while there are still rational leaders willing to work through this sensibly?"

"I would have to agree with Miss Rul," Master Koon frowned just as deeply as Saesee Tiin had. "If we have the means of ending these troubles before they expand to a much larger and more dangerous scale, then we should do so."

"The Force has brought Miss Rul to us with the possibility," Master Giiett added thoughtfully. "We should at least hear her proofs before deciding what our goals are to be regarding the conflict on Palesa."

"I concur," Master Windu nodded decisively, checking that all the masters agreed with this course of action. Master Tiin's nod was more reluctant, but he did agree in the end, leaving Master Windu to wave Maen Rul onward. "Please present your evidence, Miss Rul."

"Thank you," she responded gratefully, inserting a datachip into the projector terminal. "Insurgents have obtained financial files from the royal palace. They retrieved copies from datachip, flimsi, and paper, so as to cross-reference accuracy, but the figures remain the same across the board. The first of these files, as you can see on the screen, is a record of tax income last year."

"Could you explain the basic tax system of your planet?" Master Kolar requested.

Maen Rul nodded and explained, "Before tax money arrives at the palace treasury, it undergoes three distinct and separate processes. First, the money is collected from the citizens and stored in the city vault by the local govern."

"Local govern?" Qui-Gon inquired.

"Each city on the planet retains an elected governor, of sorts," Miss Rul explained patiently. "We used to have royal adjuncts appointed by the king, but the power allotted to them was too great and the success of their rare constructive endeavors too few; corruption was rampant. Instead, we adopted a variation of the gubernatorial system, placing a 'govern' as we call it, at each city rather than at the regional level. Due to the heavy population of our more urban areas, and the far more personal nature of our govern position than that of a traditional governor, a regional govern would be incapable of managing the essential tasks of his office."

"Thank you," Qui-Gon nodded appreciatively. Obi-Wan could tell his master was slightly impressed, but he wasn't sure why. Not that he wasn't impressed himself, but at the same time it felt rude to underestimate Maen Rul's knowledge, seeing that she had to know her planet. How could she serve as Senator Yenega's assistant otherwise?

"For the tax procedure," Maen Rul picked up again, "as I said, the first step is to collect and store the money in each city. Then the amount of the collection is recorded for each city by the govern, who reports the amounts to the palace treasurer. Second in the procedure is when we move the money to Tevis, our minor capital, where the amounts are once again recorded for each city. The third and final step is to allot the money to certain parts of government spending. For this last step, the money is moved one more time and the various allotments are placed within the prescribed vaults at the palace."

"When are these particular records from?" Master Piell asked, gesturing up at the projection wall.

"The current record is from just after the city collection period," Miss Rul answered immediately, turning her attention to the projector terminal once more. "Now, I will show you a side-by-side view of the city collections record and the record from Tevis later that week."

The projector processed the request input and after a minute the wall bloomed with two separate tax sheets. At first, Obi-Wan thought the young woman had made a mistake and put up the wrong record, but a glance upwards at the date proved she had done no such thing.

Obi-Wan had never participated in tax collection on any planet, nor done any particular financial work with any government. Yet he knew perfectly well that between the first record and the second, there certainly should not be a deficit of ten million credits.


A/N: Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed Chapter 5: Prescience!

Pronunciation Guide:
Anu (AH-noo) Yenega (yeh-NAY-gah)
Eder (AY-der) Marit (mahr-eet)
Maen (mah-yen) Rul (rool)
Palesa (pah-LAY-sah)
Palesian (pah-LAY-see-uhn)
divitran (dih-vih-trahn)
tranciphar (tran-SY-fer)