Sorry to be so long between posts, but I am back from vacation and ready to get back to posting.
Lillafiore – Time will tell if the close family feelings or this order are a strength or a weakness.
sterling5842 - Despite not being Force sensitive, Kitab has very good instincts and is a wise mentor for Obi-Wan in this new role.
Jedi Kay-Kenobi - It was hard for Obi-Wan to imagine the stern Master Windu locking arms with his wife and walking around at a social function.
AndrossKenobi - It is a challenge to work the OCs in and give them credibility, but as this universe is different than the GFFA that we all know and love, unfamiliar faces are sure to show up.
Furionknight - Thanks
Jocasta Silver - He would have made a good senator, but the corruption would be every bit as difficult for him as it is now.
Utuu - Thanks for following along.
Chapter 14
Obi-Wan sat waiting with Senators Kitab and Charay in the place reserved for the Yopurgan delegation, watching as the conference hall filled up with delegates. There were representatives from outlying systems as well as some from inner and core systems. He noted with satisfaction that a fully recovered Senator Gallia had made the trip, undoubtedly to lend her support to the Chancellor.
Security was tight following the assassination attempt on Chancellor Valorum, yet the leader of the Republic had been faithful to his word to appear at the conference in person. He sat, flanked no doubt by more guards than usual. In a bold and controversial move, the Chancellor had ordered officers from the Judicial department into Asmeru, a neighbor planet to Eriadu and a long known center of operations for the Nebula Front. It was hoped that the presence of Republic judicials would contain any further threats, but there were still reservations among the attendees.
Obi-Wan grinned, catching sight of his Security Chief standing in a formal deep blue uniform, silver insignias on his collar identifying his authority. Both he and Garen had been surprised how quickly a senator's authority could bring about a militia discharge, and Garen had attacked his new responsibilities with purpose, easily coordinating with Kitab's existing security personnel.
"Very interesting," murmured Senator Kitab. "I'm watching our friend Palpatine."
Obi-Wan glanced towards the Naboo delegation without making it obvious. Palpatine was seated with his advisors, Sate Pestage and Kinman Doriana, which wasn't that unusual. But parked on the other side in a hoverchair with his entourage in tow, was the very rotund, blue-skinned Senator Orn Free Taa.
"I wonder what his interest in Ryloth is," Senator Charay said.
"He speaks with him fairly often. I've seen them at the opera and in other venues," Kitab replied. "Ah, and here comes the Trade Federation."
Looking to the front of the hall, they saw the controlling members of the Trade Federation - the directorate - enter with their Senate representative. The small group of four humans, a Sullustan, a Gran, and two Neimoidians was surrounded by an impressive escort of thirteen battle droids, each armed with a blaster rifle.
"Not taking any chances, are they?" Senator Charay offered.
"No, they aren't." Obi-Wan answered. "Their platform is also equipped with a shield generator." Garen had supplied him with that curious piece of information.
Obi-Wan was aware of someone behind him and turned at the same time as Kitab, looking up into Palpatine's cold, blue-gray gaze. The older Senator gave a warm, fatherly smile.
"I came to congratulate the Yopurgan delegation on Senator Kenobi's debut."
"Thank you," said Obi-Wan, standing to shake Palpatine's hand. The older man's skin was smooth and icy, sending a chill up his spine. "Please have a seat."
"So, how is life on Naboo?" Kitab asked pleasantly as Palpatine took a seat behind the three senators.
"I was actually just telling Senator Taa that our dear King Veruna has abdicated his throne. We are in the middle of elections."
"I am sorry to hear that. It is a regrettable time to change leadership, with so many decisions that will affect the Naboo undecided. It is fortunate your people have someone as experienced as you to see them through this transition."
"Yes." Palpatine regarded Kitab thoughtfully, eyes narrowed. "I hope to serve our new monarch as faithfully as I have done in the past."
The random staccato of horns and drum beats signified the musicians below were beginning to warm up.
"Ah. I better return to my seat." Palpatine flashed a bright smile, the hint of mistrust gone. "It appears we will be starting soon."
Palpatine walked off and Obi-Wan made sure he was out of ear-shot before chuckling lightly. "Senator, I am surprised you didn't come right out and accuse him of forcing their king out of office."
"Weren't you the one that said the young and inexperienced are easy to control?" Kitab suggested, eyes twinkling with the idea of conspiracy.
"Yes, I was."
"Well." The buoyant expression melted to extreme seriousness. "We can hope for the sake of Naboo that their new monarch has some sort of backbone."
The lighting dimmed slightly, and the musicians began their first piece. It was then that the first tendrils of disturbance wound their way through the Force. Obi-Wan's eyes automatically locked on to Garen. The concern he saw reflected in his fellow knight's gaze showed that he had sensed the same thing. Obi-Wan then looked across to where the Corellian delegation sat. As expected, Senator Gallia was glancing worriedly around the conference hall.
The music continued, building in its lively tempo. Obi-Wan continued to survey the attendees – the undercurrents of warning augmenting with each note. Sweat beaded at his brow, and he leaned his head back to ward off a wave of dizziness. That was when he caught sight of the criss-crossing network of walkways and the flicker of movement above.
He made eye contact with Garen again and motioned for him to come closer. "Look up – casually. There is movement in the catwalks," he whispered.
"I'll go check it out."
Obi-Wan settled back in his seat, earning a questioning raise of an eyebrow from Senator Kitab. He shook his head, leaning over to whisper. "It's probably nothing."
The steady rhythm of drums faded off and there was a pause. Obi-Wan, eyes still keenly dissecting the crowd, supplied polite applause as the second movement began. He glanced up again, but still didn't see Garen. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a slight framed human approached Viceroy Gunray and Senator Dodd, the two Neimoidians on the Trade Federation directorate. The pair stood and exited the platform.
"That's odd," he whispered to Kitab. "The Neimoidians left."
"The Chancellor is going to begin his opening remarks soon. It's not the best time to leave for a delegation trying to gain favor with him."
"I have a bad feeling about it," he mumbled inaudibly. "I'll be right back."
Obi-Wan stood and exited his row. When he reached the corridor, he com'ed Garen.
Garen stalked slowly up the ladder leading to the series of upper catwalks. The air was practically charged with warning and he nearly slipped, missing a rung, at the beeping of his comlink. He fumbled quickly to answer.
"Yes," he hissed. He listened carefully, trying to hear over the cacophony of trumpets and drums.
"Have you seen anything yet?"
"I'm almost there. The catwalks are way the hell up here." He reached the top of the ladder and peeked his head up. "Hold on … I do see … someone … wait." He snaked up onto the walkway, settling into a crouched position in the corner.
The music faded away and silence filled the spacious hall. The figure propped up a blaster, taking aim at the stage and Garen sprang from the shadows aiming his own weapon.
"Hold it right there."
The figure abruptly turned the blaster on him, firing and Garen somersaulted up letting the bolt pass by beneath him, dropping his comlink to the grated floor of the walkway. He landed as the figure prepared to shoot down to the crowd below and discharged his weapon, hitting the perpetrator in the shoulder. The man managed to fire, and the stray bolt hit one of the catwalk's narrow support beams and Garen felt the walkway give slightly.
"Garen, are you okay?" Obi-Wan asked with more calm than he felt at the sound of exchanged blaster fire. Receiving no answer, he rushed into the main floor of the hall, well aware of the panicked chaos caused by the three shots. Glancing up, he saw Garen creeping close to a downed man, the catwalk swaying erratically. A nearby Judicial officer raised his blaster, and Obi-Wan caught his elbow.
"That's my Chief of Security. I'd rather you didn't shoot him seeing as I sent him up there. You might try providing some back-up. I think the downed man was after the Chancellor."
Somewhere in the confusion, Obi-Wan noted as he looked around, the shields surrounding the Trade Federation directorate had been raised. The Neimoidians were still nowhere to be seen. As he continued to search the crowd, he saw several Senate delegations already being hurried out of the hall. If he had looked further, he might have noticed the casual manner in which Palpatine departed, and perhaps even noticed the superior smile gracing the older Senator's face. But, the sound of thirteen blaster rifles being drawn caught his attention and seemed to bring the chaos to a stand-still. The battle droid escorts stood with weapons ready, something that would easily be interpreted as defensive if not for the scream of warning Obi-Wan felt through the Force. Suddenly, the droids turned their weapons on their Trade Federation charges.
"No," Obi-Wan breathed, hearing panic filled screams.
Those looking on watched helplessly as the members of the directorate were cut down by blaster fire. There was no escape, though they tried to flee – the shield prevented it.
Obi-Wan turned his head away from the carnage, his eyes meeting the horror-stricken blue gaze of Senator Gallia. He buried his own shock deep within – he had felt each one of them slip away from the Force, sensing the terror and wild panic that marked their deaths. There was nothing more he could do here, and he walked slowly, numbly away making his way back to the corridor.
"Senator Kenobi! There you are." He recognized the two uniformed guards. One grabbed his arm and began leading him away. "We have orders to return you to your accommodations."
"Whose orders?" Obi-Wan asked as he reluctantly moved along with their quick pace.
"Chief Muln." Apparently Garen had found his comlink.
Obi-Wan sat on the sofa in the suite provided for him, head reclined back with his eyes closed. To anyone who entered he would appear to simply be resting, but in reality he was deep in meditation over the day's disturbing events. He pushed aside the horror, knowing that he was missing something. A knock came at the door.
"Come in."
Garen stepped through the door already nodding his head negatively. "Weren't you even going to check who was out there before you just let me enter?"
"I knew it was you." Obi-Wan smiled smugly. "Besides, I figured the two guards you assigned to me, who have so kindly stood outside my door for hours now, would check any visitors." Obi-Wan paused, eyebrows furrowing. "I recall having a discussion where we talked about me being able to take care of myself – you not treating me like a child. Does that sound vaguely familiar to you?"
"I'm sorry I had to have them drag you out of there … we both have our jobs. Mine is to at least pretend I am doing something to protect you, and Kitab and Charay were already half way back to their lodgings before you were even found."
"I was trying to find the Neimoidians."
"They seem to have a legitimate reason for leaving, but I am certain their whereabouts will be fully investigated as they are so conveniently in complete control of the Trade Federation now."
"What about the shooter in the catwalks?"
"He's dead."
"What?"
"He was shot as he was being escorted out of conference hall. Apparently no one wants him answering questions."
"At least you stopped him. We likely would have lost the Chancellor as well." Obi-Wan bowed his head.
"I have to go answer some more questions for the judicials. They will probably want to talk to you afterwards because I have told them you ordered me to go up there." A quirky grin worked its way to Garen's face. "I need you to try to stay put."
"Excuse me?"
"My name has already started popping up in the media and I'm sure yours will as well, which may make you a target for anyone who wanted the Chancellor dead."
Obi-Wan nodded his head then spoke, lowering his voice. "I have responsibilities to the Order I cannot fulfill if I am locked away in this room."
"You also can't fulfill them if you're dead." Garen said nothing more as he left the room, whispering directions to the guards once more.
Obi-Wan reclined his head back again, drawing in slow deep breaths … breathing in calm … releasing tension … breathing in peace … releasing unease … breathing in focus … releasing chaos … breathing in the Force … releasing … everything.
The sun shined brightly on the open prairie, warmer than he ever remembered. Vivid blues painted the clear, crisp sky, dotted with puffy white clouds. There was near silence, only a gentle breeze and the rustle of long blades of lavender grass.
Obi-Wan looked down, running hands along pale Jedi tunics and a familiar rust colored robe. As far as his eyes could see, there was nothing except an expanse of lavender dotted with white blossoms swaying in the breeze, like waves on the open ocean. He reached down to pick one of the flowers, reminded of his childhood, and a great gust of wind blew across him. He stood up looking to the origin of the wind and a figure stood in the distance. He ran, booted feet disappearing into purple depths as the hem of his robe bent blades of grass in his wake.
He reached the figure and stopped, waiting. The small creature was serene, eyes closed and perfectly relaxed in the Force. Lines cut a path of time through leathery green skin.
"Look."
Obi-Wan obeyed the small voice, gazing in the distance. On the horizon, dark clouds loomed, their chaotic swirls writhing in shades of gray and black as though held back and waiting to burst forth in their fury. Streaks of bright blue lightening cut through the rising storm – the only form of light.
"What is it Master?"
"The Darkness gains strength – it has won a victory, and it advances yet again." Obi-Wan realized it wasn't Master Yoda, just a figure. The familiar twisted way of speech was gone, and it was odd to hear the small master speak in proper tones.
"I don't understand," Obi-Wan uttered in frustration. "We saved the Chancellor." He looked worriedly around, the scene so full of light. "What happens when the storm reaches here?"
The image of Yoda lowered its head, drooping long ears. "The darkness consumes all in its path. We must find balance or all is lost."
"I don't understand. What is balance? Doesn't the light balance the darkness? Can't we defeat it?"
"We must find balance or all is lost."