CHAPTER 10
The Master walked slowly through the dimly lit corridors of the Great Temple located in the heart of the Dark Realm. Several of the Master's closest and most trusted advisors trailed behind him, and anyone who happened to be in the area as the small group approached made sure to move clear of their path. Only the clicking sound of footsteps on hard flooring disturbed the eerie silence that permeated the large building, so when the heavy sound of a slamming door resounded through the halls, all eyes turned in that direction. Almost immediately a tall, leather clad female appeared, rounding a corner in great haste. She moved toward the small entourage, then dropped to one knee before the Master, her head bowed respectfully.
"Reporting as commanded, my Master," she said reverently.
"Rise, my dear," he ordered, an unaccustomed tone of affection evident in his voice.
The woman stood and instantly adopted a military stance, awaiting permission to make her report. She was granted that permission almost immediately.
"Has he made contact with Kun?" The Master asked.
The woman could not keep the pride out of her voice when she responded. "He did, Master. He took a circuitous route but I was able to follow and remain undetected." The Master was obviously pleased; he began walking once more, motioning for the woman to accompany him.
"There is more, my Master. He has also enlisted the aid of a third party - Darth Maul. The three of them spoke at some length, but I was unable to get close enough to hear the specifics of what was being said."
The Master did not appear at all surprised at this news; instead he looked almost pleased.
"It is not a great matter that you did not hear - it was more important that your presence went unnoticed. So tell me - where is my traitorous messenger now?"
"He is here in the Temple, Master, in his quarters when last I saw him."
One of the advisors stepped forward, fire in his eyes.
"Shall I summon him for you, my Lord?"
The Dark Master hesitated, but only for a moment.
"No, Krullen. Let him be." He motioned at the woman, "Lumiya here will continue monitoring his actions and keep me informed. We are, after all, working towards the same goal, though Palpatine and his newfound accomplices may not realize it. I see no reason not to allow them to complete their plan. It will simply make our workload that much easier." He smiled then, his black eyes sparkling with anticipation. "And the rewards will be that much sweeter."
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Qui-Gon Jinn could not keep the impatience he felt from showing on his face. He had completed his report to the Council on the current status of Luke Skywalker some time ago. Qui-Gon had assured them that he had probed Luke's mind through their Guide-Bond and was absolutely certain that Luke himself had not - either intentionally or inadvertently - brought about his own Transcendence. The Council had taken that news with mixed reactions. They were pleased to have eliminated one possibility on how the Luke had come to be there, but it also served to strengthen the theory that the incident was caused by an outside - and possibly Dark - force.
Qui-Gon was now waiting outside the main chamber while the Council listened to the reports of their other guests. He had been surprised to see that several others were in attendance at this meeting. The Master of the Hall of records, who was accompanied by a young female Keeper Qui-Gon did not recognize, had been seated in the back of the room next to two prominent Master Historians. And just a few moments ago Tott Doneeta, who served the council directly as communications liaison to the Defenders, had entered the chamber. There was little doubt that the situation with Luke was a top priority, and Qui-Gon could not help but feel slightly irritated that he was being kept waiting in the hall instead of allowed to take part in the current discussion.
However, the time alone had given Qui-Gon the opportunity to check in on his charge via their Bond. Luke's presence was always with him and he was satisfied to feel Luke's happiness at finally being able to speak with Anakin. But under that happiness there remained an urgency to return to his life that Luke was having an increasingly hard time keeping under control. Qui-Gon sent a delicate stream of supportive thoughts to him through their Bond, hoping that the Council would soon reach a decision.
At that moment the door to the council chamber slid open and one by one the members and guests began to file out and disperse. Master Yoda, Master Arca and one of the Historians formed a small group in the hall, talking quietly. Qui-Gon looked at them curiously and Arca Jeth motioned for him to join their group.
"I'm afraid the situation has become much more involved," Jeth said as Qui-Gon approached.
"In what way?" the tall Jedi asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
"The Legions, moved they have. Closer to the Border," Master Yoda said gravely.
Qui-Gon felt a sense of dread begin to form in his stomach.
"For what purpose?" he asked.
"We must speak with Luke Skywalker at once, Master Jinn," Arca stated, sidestepping the inquiry and exchanging meaningful looks with both the Historian and Yoda. "Please bring him and Anakin to the Council as soon as possible."
Qui-Gon crossed his arms over his chest and took a step back His gaze traveled from Arca, to the Historian and finally came to rest on Yoda. He kneeled down before his old Master and looked into his eyes imploringly.
"Master Yoda, I understand the importance in the secrecy of the Council on certain matters. But Luke will want an explanation. Nomi and I have abided by your wishes - we have told Luke nothing except what was absolutely necessary. He has not pushed for anything more, but I fear his patience is beginning to wear thin."
The tiny Master's eyes closed, his head dropped slightly and he sighed. "Never was Luke endowed with much patience," Yoda replied, a subtle grin on his aged face. "But abide by our decisions, he will."
"I must apologize for our decision to leave you out of the discussions, Master Jinn," Arca stated. "But we felt it was best to not needlessly distract you with debate. It would only serve to splinter your focus and weaken your Bond with Luke. He needs your undivided support at the moment."
Qui-Gon nodded, understanding- but not fully agreeing with - the Council's reasoning.
"Have you ascertained out how the Transcendence occurred?" he asked, hoping he would be allowed that much information, at least.
Master Yoda nodded. "We have, yes."
"The Dark Ones?" Qui-Gon asked.
"No, no," Master Yoda stated with a touch of sadness. "A Jedi, it was."
"A Jedi?" Qui-Gon repeated, his tone betraying his shock at the suggestion. His eyes went wide and he turned his gazed to Arca Jeth, looking for confirmation.
Master Jeth raised a hand, shaking his head. "Qui-Gon," he began, his voice soft but firm. "All will be revealed in time. We must be cautious with our conversations outside of the Council Chamber. Please escort Luke here. We will convene in one standard hour."
Qui-Gon bowed at the neck, knowing it was useless to press for more information. His mind was whirling, trying to comprehend why in the worlds the Jedi Council would have reason to suspect a Jedi, rather than the Dark Ones, had anything to do with the Transcendence. The very thought was almost too much to believe! With effort, Qui-Gon pushed the nagging questions aside and focused his mind on Luke, reaching out to him through their Bond, trying to locate his exact position. He was almost to the stairs when another Council member waved to him, gaining his attention.
"Master Jinn!" Vodo Siosk-Baas called "I have something here for Master Skywalker."
Qui-Gon turned, then walked over to meet Master Baas. The ancient Master held out a familiar object wrapped in white cloth. Qui-Gon regarded the item a moment, then took it with an understanding nod.
"I'll make certain he gets it."