Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING! This is just for fun, no profits made.
Rating T
Italic are flashbacks
//...// telepathic conversation
A Light against the Growing Darkness
Part I- THE LAST EARTHLING
Chapter 7
"Democracy May only be a few steps removed from anarchy, but at least it's not as loud."
-Andromeda-
Walking down the hallway of the Master-Padawan quarters, you finally reach your destination and knock on the door.
"Come in Aime!" You hear from the otherside of the door.
Palming the door you enter.
"You can use the bell you know." Obi-Wan tells you as he rises from his seat on the couch.
Obi-Wan and Anakin's apartment was standard for Master-Padawan quarters. But it had the added bonus of being on a corner. From the doorway the room opened onto a dining-room and further into a living area and balcony. To the left was the kitchen and two bedrooms. And to the right a fresher and a laundry/storage room. But unlike Master Yoda's quarters, Obi-Wan and Anakin's apartment was cold. The walls were bare and painted in an off-white, and other than a few holo-pictures and a plant in the living room there were no decorations that made this a home. Only the odd droid part or circuit lying around gave any real indication that someone actually lived here.
"And you need to put something on these walls, Master. It's kind of depressing."
Obi-Wan simply shrugged. It was a place to sleep, besides he spent most of his time out and about.
"Anakin isn't here, he's probably in the shop."
"That's ok. I actually came to see you."
"Really? Then what can I do for you?"
"Are you free for a few hours?"
"Yes. Why?" Obi-Wan asked becoming suspicious as you begin to smile.
"Oh don't be so paranoid Master. I need help with my astrophysics 205. I was hoping maybe you could help?"
"Me? Shouldn't you be asking your teachers?"
"Everyone has already tried, but if you don't want to help that's fine. I'll just try again on my own." You say having misread his comment.
"No. Aime, wait. I did not mean to imply that I didn't want to help, in fact I would be glad too. I was just surprised, I always struggled with astrophysics."
"Then you are probably the best person to help me. You understand where I'm coming from."
"How about we sit at the table."
Taking off your boots, you move to the table and pull out your datapads.
"Oh, what's the point? I just don't get it and I never will."
"Definitely not with that attitude."
"Let's just face it Master, my brain just isn't wired for this.:
"Aime. It took me a long time to understand this too. Let's try something else. Let's do each step again and see where exactly it is you're blocking."
"Alright." You say as you release a sigh of exasperation.
A little while later.
"Ok I get it up to here. But why are we subtracting instead of dividing? I don't get it."
"Alright. Let's for argument sake, subtract and see what it gives us."
Scribbling in your datapad you subtract. A completely different answer appears on your screen.
"The answer that we get isn't plausible."
"Why? Looks good to me."
"Just a second." Obi-Wan gets up from the table and quickly disappears into his room.
From the table you hear him rummaging through something. Coming back out, Obi-Wan hands you a datapad.
"This is an astrophysics simulator. All you need to do is input your numbers and it creates a simulation based on those numbers. Put in your numbers, including the one you just got from subtracting."
Doing as Obi-Wan instructs you, you input the variables and run the simulation.
"You see, the sun would be as big as half the solar system. Now instead, use the number you would get from dividing instead."
Quickly calculating the number you then enter it into the simulation, and get a completely different result.
"Huh."
"So do you understand the difference now?"
"Not really. I mean I can clearly see the difference in the simulation, it's just... I mean..."
"You don't understand why this variable or that answer makes the difference."
"Exactly. It's all numbers, and they mean nothing to me. How do you... Why does x times yy power 3 over 5z come to mean such and such? I don't get it! I know the steps, I can do the equations and get the right answer. But I don't understand."
"At least you're getting the right answers. That's a step in the right direction."
"I suppose. Tell me Master, am I ever going to use this?"
"Your teachers will tell you that it has real applications to being a Jedi. But honestly, probably not."
"So I need to understand this why?"
"For that one time you might need it."
"Of course."
You take a hand to your mouth and fake a caught.
"Copout answer."
Obi-Wan chuckles and shakes his head as he gets up and heads for the kitchen.
"How about a break. Something to drink?"
"Water please." You reply as you lean back in your chair, making it stand on its two back legs as you stretch.
After a few minutes Obi-Wan returns to the table with a glass of water for you and some tea for himself.
"Thank you."
"So how are your other classes going?"
"Ha! Well I'm failing Math, Physics, and Chem, as you can imagine. Do you know what I got on my last math test?"
Obi-Wan shakes his head as he brings his cup to his lips.
"42 percent."
Obi-Wan almost chokes on his tea, and quickly brings his cup to the table.
"What?"
"Want to hear the good part?"
"There's a good part to you getting 42 percent?"
"It's 42 percent more than I thought I was going to get." You say with a wide smile.
"What did Master Yoda say?" Obi-Wan asked sympathetically, not too sure he really wanted to know.
"Oh, Master Yoda, to quote him directly: 'Better than the 26 percent of your previous test this is. Improving you are.'" You say mimicking your Master's voice and mannerism, causing Obi-Wan to laugh.
"Now Master Windu on the other hand... Well let's just say I never want to hear that lecture again."
Obi-Wan looked at you sympathetically as he tried not to laugh. He truly did feel bad for you, having had the pleasure of sitting through Master Windu's lectures once or twice he knew how you felt. But the situation was slightly humorous.
"What about your other classes?" A sense of dread coming over him.
Despite his misgivings in the decision to train you as a Jedi, he was rather found of you. You were strong, intelligent, hard working and funny. And he did you wish to see you to fail.
"A lot better than those three. Acing history, Sociology and Psych. Not doing too bad in Bio. Not so good in Engineering. Flying through languages though."
"Well you have an unfair advantage." He replied, referring to your unusual ability to understand, speak and read any language you encountered.
"Hey something has to go my way. As for PoliSci... Well let's just say I think Master Vartaloa hates me."
"I am sure she does not hate you Aime."
"Right... Then why has she made me redo the same assignment six times already?" You asked raising an eyebrow.
"Six times?"
"Yep. Everytime I come up with something of a solution for the problem, Master Vartaloa comes back with 'it won't work because of this, blah blah blah' and it will be some obscure personality trait or old beliefs, or something like that." As you roll your eyes.
"What is your assignment?"
"Find a solution to the Lauan Planetary conflict."
"Oh... Though one." Obi-Wan said grimacing at the memory of that particular assignment.
"Understatement."
"I remember having to do that particular assignment. It took me weeks, and I still had to redo it a few times. But six? That's a little excessive, even for Master Vartaloa."
"Hence... She hates me."
Mcquelorma. Why did you know that name? Obi-Wan and Anakin had been assigned on a mission to Mcquelorma, a backwater planet in Wild Space, something to do with border disputes between its nations. They were scheduled to leave in the evening, and right now the two Jedi were buried in datapads, learning as much as they could about the planet and its different factions. But where had you heard that name before? Mcquelorma, Mcquelorma... Of course! How could you have been so stupid. Stopping in your tracks you turn around and begin running towards the lift, leaving a very confused Threepio behind.
You watch Obi-Wan, Anakin and Artoo walk towards their transport. As they reach their transport, Artoo suddenly stops and wheels around. Making a small hand gesture, Artoo wheels back towards the transport reluctantly. Smiling and shaking his head, Anakin enters the transport.
As the transport lifted off, you and Threepio turned around and headed back towards the Temple.
"I do hope Artoo will be careful." Threepio asked a little worried.
"I'm sure he'll be fine, Threepio. It's just a border dispute." You reply, with more confidence than you actually feel, as you take one last glance at the disappearing ship.
You had been called in front of the Council, yet again. As you stood in the centre you were amazed at how calm you were. You knew that many Padawans, and Masters, felt nervous or intimidated when they had to stand before the twelve seated Jedi. But not you. You couldn't remember the last time you had felt nervous standing here. Frankly, instead of being nerverecking, it was getting annoying. That's how often you found yourself here. And Master Windu was lecturing, yet again. This time, regarding your recent PoliSci assignment. Apparently they hadn't liked your solution. You resisted a smile as you thought about it. Granted it was not very Jedi, but it worked. Your attention was brought back to the lecture at hand, when you heard Master Windu ask you a question.
"Do you have anything to say Padawan?"
"No, not really. My essay sums it up quite nicely."
You didn't want to be a smartass about it with the Council, but you had had enough of that assignment and of the endless Council lectures.
"Now, we do understand that you would never condone such actions. But you must understand our concern, when you submit them as your assignment."
"I do."
"Very well. Now it is the decision of this Council, that for your Political Science Education, it would be in your best interest to help Master Dooku in his political duties."
Fantastic. You think, as you try not to frown.
"Hopefully it will give you insights into Galactic Society, as well as improve your diplomatic skills." Master Windu finished.
"Ye, politics." You said with a fake smile.
You walk down the hall towards Master Dooku's office. You were definitely not looking forward to this. Reaching the door you knocked. There was no answer. Knocking again, a droid finally opened the door.
"Yes?" The droid asked in her metallic voice.
"Master Dooku?"
A deep voice came from behind the door.
"Let her in C4."
The droid stepped away from the door, letting you and Threepio enter the office. The office wasn't too large, but it was neither small, and very neat and organised. The walls were filled with bookshelves filled with datapads, and on the large desk were an array of datapads as well. Master Dooku was sitting in a chair behind the desk, while Master Qui-Gon was sitting in another chair to the side of the desk.
"Padawan Aime, come in and sit down." Master Dooku said in an autorative tone.
You sit down in an empty chair, Threepio coming to stand behind her.
"As glad as I am to have some more assistance. I am not entirely sure I understand why you are here."
"The Council didn't tell you?" You ask a little surprised and amused.
"In wake of your latest Political Science assignment, it came to their attention that you needed more hands on diplomacy."
"Is that what they told you?" You interrupted.
"Indeed. But what I wish to know, is what did you write to receive this unusual punishment?"
"(laugh) Alright. But first you must understand that the assignment I handed in was the seventh time I'd redone it and I was rather fed up."
"The assignment?" Master Dooku asked again, his tone telling you he did not care for your excuses.
"It was about the Lauan Planetary conflict."
"Oh. I remember having to do that one." Master Qui-Gon said, with the same tone Obi-Wan had had.
"And I remember the meeting with Master Jotka, the then Political Science Master, regarding your answer."
The two Masters shared a knowing glance as they remembered that particular incident of Qui-Gon's Padawanship. The nostalgic moment passed quickly and the two Masters turned their attention back to you.
"And your answer to the Lauan question?"
Suddenly embarrassed, you stifle a laugh.
"Essentially it goes something like this: No matter what peace solution we come up with. It doesn't work. They are set upon exterminating eachother to the last one. So my solution was, let them. Let them kill eachother. And when there are none left, sell the planet to the highest bider, which will probably be the Trade Federation. And use the money to create a fund for the victims of war on other planets."
Dooku looked at you surprised, blinking. While Qui-Gon had to stop himself from bending over laughing.
"And there's more."
"More?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Understanding that this May take decades, I added ways to expedite their mutual genocide, and of course ways to profit. And as always, putting the money made as donations to various anti-war and aid organisations."
A shocked expression frozen on the two Masters faces.
"What? It was better than my first idea."
"I'm almost afraid to ask." Master Dooku said, not having quite shaken off the shock of your statement.
"What was it?" Qui-Gon asked, returning from the shock with amusement.
"Nuke the planet. And now I'm here."
"I see. Still finding this amusing Qui-Gon?" Dooku asked as he raised an eyebrow at his former Padawan.
"Extremely. It is obvious that Padawan Aime would never condone such actions. But honestly Dooku, how many times have we thought the same things during difficult negotiations?"
"Which is probably why the Council saw fit to make me Senator, and you my aide."
You had been starring at the same datapad for hours. You were blocked. Master Dooku had asked you to find the "catch" in the motion forwarded by the Morwyr senator. The Morwyran were not a "caring" people. If they could not make a profit, they did not get involved. Which is why their proposed motion for peace in the Mcquelorma sector suspect, to say the least. But, all appearances pointed to this being genuine good will. Although the Senate had been convinced, but Dooku and the Jedi Council had not. But neither could find the "catch" that they knew was there. The Jedi had been granted a few more days to review the motion, before it was to be voted on. Any objections had to be brought forth before Thursday at 1pm. And so, having needed fresh new eyes, Dooku had asked you to look at it. Since beginning to assist Master Dooku, the Jedi Master had noticed your ability to see through secret agendas disguised as good will or PR. But you had found nothing. The motion appeared to be exactly what it appeared to be. Which was the problem. You sigh and bang your head on the table.
"Let me know if that helps."
You stop and look up at Master Dooku entering.
"It doesn't."
"Any progress?" He asks as he comes to stand before you.
"Nope. This appears to be the real deal." You say.
Throwing the datapad onto the table.
"I know there is something there, I just can't find it. It's like having a word at the tip of your tongue that you can't remember." You say frustrated.
"You, Padawan, need a break. Come, let us go for a spar."
Getting up, you follow Dooku to one of the sparing rooms.
It took all of your focus and concentration to put a semblance of a defense against Dooku's advances. Just when you thought he was going to end the spar, Dooku changed his tactic and began sparring at your level. By doing so, he was giving you the chance to talk.
"What else is happening in the Senate?" You asked as you blocked his strike.
"The Zolandar senator is accusing the Jamon senator of corruption and breaking the Feloo treaty."
"Well that's a pile of crap." You answer as you twist to avoid his blade.
"Indeed. The Banking Clan have announced the merger between two small companies." He added as he easily blocked your attack.
"Which ones?" Your interest suddenly peaked.
"Sillian Mining and Lotok Exports."
Suddenly you stop your attack midstrike and straitened.
"Did you day Lotok Exports?"
"Yes... It is of no importance, these companies are insignificant."
"It's all starting to make sense."
Master Dooku, who had also stopped his advance, raised an eyebrow with interest.
"Lotok Exports is a front of a front for Morwyr Industries. And a company such as Lotok Exports, indirectly, would stand to profit a great deal from a motion like the Mcquelorma motion. And I mean a great deal."
"How much?"
"Enough to potentially gain monopoly. My guess is that they were counting on the motion already being passed before the announcement of the merger."
"Can you prove all of this?" Dooku asked, his mind already racing.
"Enough to have an official Enquiry."
"It appears Master Kenobi is going to have to find another solution."
"Master, some parts of the motion are sound, and could help the situation."
Master Dooku seemed deep in thought.
"We can draft a counter motion using those parts. And Master Kenobi can implement that one."
Master Dooku and yourself hurry out of the sparing room. You heading to gather the necessary evidence, and Dooku to begin drafting a new motion.
Two days later, evening.
You were standing at the top of the main staircase to the Temple. It was raining, but you didn't mind. The air was warm, and the cool feel of the rain on your skin felt good. It had been a very long two days. Sensing someone behind you, you turn to acknowledge them.
"The Senate passed our motion, and they are opening an Enquiry into the Morwyr Industries." Dooku said from under his cloak.
"I heard."
"It was good work Padawan."
A silence fell between the two of you, as you stared out onto the city.
"You know what's funny?"
"Mmm?"
"How this Galaxy, with all its different races, cultures and ideas, is so much like Earth. Survival of the fittest, the end justifies the means. Where the innocent pay the price. But while here, all of it is spread out over and between many races, we do it to eachother. How horrible is that?"
Dooku said nothing, realising the question was not directed at anyone. It was simply a statement.
"Yet I'd give almost anything for one more moment there. What does that say about me?"
An answer was expected from this question.
"That you miss your home, and that it cannot be all that bad."
Dooku placed a comforting hand on your shoulder.
You are sitting in the Senatorial pod with Masters Dooku and Qui-Gon. Closing your eyes trying to calm the growing frustration in you. The Senate had broken out into another yelling and accusing match. Master Dooku stood, trying to calm the flaming spirits. Politics, it was the same in any time. As for politicians, they could not be trusted and had only their own interests at heart. Of course there were some exceptions, those who had the interest of others and the Republic at heart. But they were few and far between. And it was those politicians that were lining up behind Dooku now, arguing as well. People were dying for crying out loud, and they were debating semantics. What happened to doing what was right? Granted what was right wasn't necessarily easy to see, but people dying. That was definitely wrong, and doing anything to stop it, if even temporarily was a good thing. But they couldn't even agree on that! You'd had enough, standing up you come to stand beside Master Dooku. If you could only find a way to make them listen.
"People are dying!! Innocent civilians are dying!! Why can't you see that?? For god sake senators, you're arguing semantics. Come to your senses. We're not discussing a budget, it's peoples lives we're talking about!! People that are dying right now as we argue!"
The Senate had gone silent. Surprised at your outburst.
"What happened to working for the Common Good?! Since when does money dictate who lives and who dies? Since when did a life acquire a dollar amount? We are a Republic! Whether we like it or not, we are in this boat together! We are only as strong as our weakest, as wealthy as our poorest, as full as our hungriest, as healthy as our sickest. For goodness sake senators!? What happened to the ideals of the Republic? What happened to doing what's right?!?"
The Senate seemed to be captivates by your words, as they all listened, unable to breakaway.
"People are dying. We need to stop that now!! We need a plan that will bring security back to the region. We need to work together. Not fill our own pockets..."
Masters Qui-Gon and Dooku listened to you as you addressed the Senate. They found themselves moved by your plea. They, like the Senate, hung on your every word, as though entranced. Their minds and hearts were moving, and they suddenly realised what was going on. Raising their mental shields, they cut the connection. Looking and sensing around, they noticed that one by one senators hearts and minds were changing. Somehow you were using a sort of Jedi Mind Trick on the entire Senate. But what you were doing was much more powerful. And this was more powerful than mere rhetoric, you weren't only swaying the senators minds and hearts, you were planting seeds of liberty, freedom, and conscience. Which the more you spoke, the stronger they took root. Your plea was coming to an end. And as your speech wound down, the trance-like effect faded.
Sitting back down, you feel as though you had wasted your time. They were politicians, they had no conscience, it was pointless. Feeling Masters Dooku and Qui-Gon's gazes on you, you briefly look up to see them looking strangely at you. Quickly you lowered your gaze, finding your hands very interesting.
"Sorry." You say, waiting for the reprimand that was sure to come.
It was not your place to speak to the Senate. Your outburst had been out of line, and you knew that.
Chancellor Mon Mothma stood and called for a recess. As senators begun to file out, Master Dooku turned to you.
"Return to the Temple immediately and stay there until we return." He said sternly.
Without a word you stand up and obey promptly.
You had received a message from Master Dooku, telling you to meet them in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. You tried not to pace as you waited. You didn't have to wait very long, as Masters Dooku and Qui-Gon appeared around the corner, Master Yoda in tow. Oh crap! You had really done it this time. You knew you had been wrong about your outburst, but you hadn't realised you were in this much trouble.
"Padawan, I think you should sit." Dooku said.
Without hesitation you immediately sit. Uncertainty and fear written all over your features.
"Know what you did, you do?"
Nodding slightly and swallowing hard.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't of yelled at the Senate. It's just... My frustration got the best of me. It won't happen again."
Yoda blinked at you sympathetically as he realised you had no idea.
"Although, yelled at the Senate, you should not have. Speaking of something else, we are."
"Something else?" You were completely confused. "I don't understand?"
"You entranced, not only the Senate, but all who were watching or hearing the proceedings on the Holonet." Qui-Gon said.
"I did what?!"
"You performed a Mind Trick. Albeit a very powerful one." Dooku stated simply.
"A whaa?"
"Swayed the minds and hearts of millions you did. Aware of this, you were?"
"No! No, no, no, no, no. All I wanted was for them to listen and understand. To do what's right."
"Well you succeeded. Even the Trade Federation is inclined to assist." Dooku said, still not quite believing it.
" 'And all who heard them listened...'" Qui-Gon mumbled.
"What?"
"The Book of the Whills. 'The Whills wore symbols on their foreheads. The symbol of their planets. Immortal beings, that did not age. Gifted with the gift of Foresight and the Healing arts. Wise and just, all who heard them listened.'" Qui-Gon finished.
"I suppose now we know exactly how they performed such feet. Mind Tricks." Dooku added.
"A new power, now you have. Powerful it is. With great care, use it you must. No small ability, to change ones heart, it is."
"Does that mean I can stop doing politics?" A hint of hope in your voice.
"No. Learn you must, how to deal with situations, with diplomacy."
"Master... Please. They're always squabbling and fighting. Democracy is so loud."
"But on the up side, now thanks to you, it should be a little quieter now." Qui-Gon said with a smile.
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A/N: - Mcquelorma is an AU planet in the Mcolarda system, located in Wild Space.
- Wild Space is the frontier of galactic society, separating the known parts of the Galaxy from the Unknown Regions.
- Morwyr is an AU planet somewhere in the Mid-Rim. The Morwyran have no conscience in business, profits at all cost. Of which the whole planet is involved in Morwyr Industries. "Nothing personal, it's just business".
- Feloo treaty, an AU treaty between the Zolandar (AU) and Jamon (AU).
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