No, I haven't abandoned this story, although I'm sure after so long, you all probably thought I had. I did struggle for quite some time, but the dam finally broke and the words began to flow. This chapter, and the one to follow are both going to make up for the time you have had to wait for an update. As usual, I'd like to acknowledge those who are read and reviewed the last chapter: Salvatore Rina, Star Wars for Life, JediAngel001, starwarsforever, Mystic Winter, Jedi Knight 13, griffinscale, Digital Dreamn, Secret Place and last but definitely not least, Valairy Scot. Again, I apologize for the long interval, and hope your patience has not run out. Thanks for reading!
Chapter 35 – Those Tasks Requiring Patience
Anakin was on his way to speak with Obi-Wan concerning the upcoming Senate session when he met up with Zak, who informed him his master had never anticipated an exemption from appearing and that he was already preparing for his appearance before the Senate. Anakin thought perhaps he might be able to further ease his former master's discomfort. Zak, though, suggested his talents might be put to a better use with a visit to Pi-Tong.
And once Zak explained the gravity of Pi-Tong's condition, Anakin could find no reason not to agree; as much as he would have preferred to help Obi-Wan, it was clear Pi-Tong's needs were greater.
XXXXXXX
Pi-Tong stirred, moaning feebly as he brought a hand up to his head. Seated at his bedside, La-Me grasped that hand, "Hush, Grandfather." She urged, brushing her cheek against the back of it before returning it to his side.
Pi-Tong moaned again and tossed his head from side to side, and La-Me, still holding his hand in one of hers, brought the other up to stroke his forehead, "It's alright, Pa-Pa." She assured him, though she was close to crying once again.
The old man sighed heavily and was still once more, and La-Me buried her face against his shoulder, no longer able to hold back her tears.
She wished, for the thousandth time since Pi-Tong had been injured, that her mother could be here; Pi-Ton was her father, after all, and she should be here. But both her parents had been sent into the more remote part of the north country by Li-Na to help spread the news of Tai-Me's deposition, and all efforts to contact them had failed. Terra-Khai speculated that the ore content of the mountain range separating the north from the south could be interfering with their transmissions since they had heard nothing from the party since they had crossed into the mountains.
No doubt Pi-Tong would be gone before they returned.
And her mother never having had a chance to say goodbye.
The thought made her begin to sob uncontrollably.
"Don't give up on him." A familiar voice behind her said, "There's always hope."
The statement startled her into silence and turned to find not only the younger Jedi but but one of the other Jedi who had come shortly after the Heir had been attacked, "Master...Skywalker...is it? What..."
Anakin smiled, "Zak is right. There is always hope." He told her.
La-Me rose and turned fully toward them, fixing them with an icy stare, "As I told your young friend here, he is old and he is weak, and he is dying. What hope can there be?" She demanded coldly.
"Meet your hope, La-Me." Zak replied.
"I don't...what are you talking about?"
"Master Anakin is your hope." Zak continued.
"Is this some kind of sick joke?" La-Me questioned, "Because I do not find it funny."
"We would never joke about something like this." Anakin said, "I have what the Jedi call 'the Healing Touch'; and I assure you, I can help him."
La-Me cocked her head, trying to decide whether to believe what she thought to be impossible.
"Will you at least let me try?" Anakin asked, "What do you have to lose?"
The young woman sighed, looked down at the floor for a moment, back at her ailing grandfather, then sighing once more stepped aside.
Anakin patted her shoulder before taking the seat she had recently vacated. Taking a deep cleansing breath and releasing it slowly, he closed his eyes and reached out through the Force to touch the old man's life essence.
XXXXXXX
An incessant beeping roused Ferri from slumber. Believing it was the chrono alarm, he rolled over and reached up to switch it off, but it didn't respond. Uttering an oath, he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, then once again tried unsuccessfully to disengage the alarm. It was several more seconds more before he realized what he was hearing was the incoming transmission signal on his comm, and not the chrono alarm at all.
"Idiot." He mumbled to himself as he stood up and rummaged around for his utility belt.
Opening the channel, he cleared his throat, "Ferri, here." He croaked.
"I hated to disturb you, Padawan; but that Senate conference is in about an hour, and I need you to gather The Lord Regent, Lady Si-Lon, Li-Na and Terra-Khai together; and probably Po-Ku and his wife too. I'm sure they are all going to be asked to appear, so we might just as well be prepared instead of scrambling around at the last minute searching for them." Anakin's voice told him.
"I'm sorry...what?" Ferri replied, "Where are you?"
"At the medical center. The chancellor believes Ambassador Marjinn will demand Obi-Wan's appearance before the Senate, injured or not. So I came here to see if Ar-Taei would agree to it." Anakin explained.
"You should have woken me up. I would have come with you." Ferri said.
"There was no need, Padawan. In any case, Ar-Taei is reluctantly willing to permit Obi-Wan's participation, and I'm sure they are going to want to speak to all of us." Anakin said, "Obi-Wan, Zak and I can testify from here. I'd like you to arrange for a joint transmission from the Residence."
"Alright, I'll get right on it." Ferri promised, "How is Master Kenobi?"
"Resting. He should be fine in a day or two, and then they'll go in and repair the damage behind his knee." Anakin answered.
"And Pi-Tong?"
There was a short hesitation, "Not very well, I'm afraid. I spent about an hour with him, and maybe that will help. But it's too soon to tell yet."
"He didn't seem that badly hurt." Ferri pointed out.
"Well, he wasn't, really. But it was enough to throw his whole body into shock, apparently. And he just isn't strong enough to overcome that; his age is against him, Ar-Taei said." Anakin said.
"That's too bad. I kind of liked that old man." Ferri replied.
"He might yet be alright. I'll spend a little more time with him after this Senate meeting." Anakin added, "I'd better go. And Ferri, grab something to eat too; no telling how long this thing will last."
"Yes, Master."
Stowing his comm, Ferri headed down to the kitchens to see if he could scrounge up something without inconveniencing the staff too much.
He sensed the turmoil as he drew near his destination, though he was unable to determine the cause. All thoughts of food forgotten, he entered the room to find most of the workers there expressing some form of grief. His first thought was that Pi-Tong had taken a turn for the worse, but having just spoken with Anakin, he knew this could not be the case.
Besides, his senses told him otherwise.
"What's happened?" He asked.
One of the older cooks wiped her eyes with a corner of her apron, "Our boy has run off." She answered.
"One of your younglings?" Ferri guessed.
"Tu-Shen. Our poor little Tu-Shen." Ferri recognized the head's cook voice behind him, "We've searched everywhere, and he is just gone."
Ferri turned to face her as she produced a kerchief from her apron pocket and blew her nose, "I don't understand. I thought he was settling in here pretty well." He replied.
"Oh, he was." One of the tearful younger workers interjected, "Until that...d...until Jo-Li cornered him upstairs."
"Who is Jo-Li? Should I know her?"
"Maybe not; she is just part of the kitchen staff." Another cook answered.
"What did she do to Tu-Shen?" Ferri asked.
The cook then explained all she knew about the encounter, "Spiteful and cruel, that's what it was." She concluded.
"Why would she do something like this?" Ferri wondered.
"Oh she's never been one to think before she opens her mouth." The cook answered, "And I think she regrets what she said now...but the damage has been done, and we have no idea where that poor little child is."
Ferri shook his head, "Well, I should be able to find him easy enough." He responded and then, at her puzzled look, added, "I can track his movements."
"I am not even going to ask how." The head cook replied, "If you can find him, that's good enough for me."
"The problem is, it won't be right away." Ferri said, then explained what he had been told by Anakin.
The cook sighed, but nodded in understanding, "I suppose finding one little boy seems insignificant to important people like your chancellor and those senators." She realized.
"You make them all sound so heartless." Ferri countered, "I'm sure the majority of them would be sympathetic; I know for a fact Chancellor Organa would be, he has a daughter about Tu-Shen's age. But the ambassador is insisting on an immediate hearing, and if we try to delay it, he could claim we are just stalling to hide something."
"I wonder to what ends this chancellor would resort if it were his child missing." The cook replied.
Ferri had no answer for her, and she sighed again, "I suppose it is unfair of me to judge him." She said, "Our Tu-Shen will just have to wait."
Privately, Ferri was torn. He would have preferred to pursue Tu-Shen's trail; he truly liked this youngling, and wanted him found. But his Jedi self knew that he must put duty before personal desires; and right now, that duty was to do as his master instructed.
Reluctantly, he left the kitchen and went in search of the searchers – no doubt the majority of those expected to be present at the Senate session would be amongst them.
XXXXXXX
By the time Anakin reached Obi-Wan's room, he was already awake, though not as well-rested as Anakin had hoped he would be. Obi-Wan sensed his concern before he had a chance to voice it, "It's not as bad as you think, Anakin." He assured him.
"I doubt it." Anakin retorted.
"I'll be fine in a couple of days." Obi-Wan insisted.
"Maybe, I don't know. But you are going to be grilled by those vorpal sharks in the Senate in less than an hour, and I don't think you're up to it." Anakin countered.
"What other choice do I have, Anakin?" Obi-Wan questioned tiredly.
Anakin flopped into a chair, "I don't know." He admitted, "None, I guess."
"I'll get through, Anakin."
The younger Jedi did not respond and Obi-Wan took advantage of his silence to change the subject, "Where is Zak?" He asked.
"Lending emotional support to La-Me." Anakin answered.
"Ah." Was all Obi-Wan said in response.
"I did...you know...sit with him for a little while." Anakin added.
"But you are not certain it will help." Obi-Wan guessed.
"I may have done nothing more than delay the inevitable; he's so fragile, Obi-Wan." Anakin answered.
"There is always hope, Anakin." Obi-Wan said.
Anakin smiled sadly, "That's what I told La-Me." He said.
"Then have faith in your own counsel." Obi-Wan suggested, then, sensing his friend's discomfiture, steered their discussion back to the purpose of Anakin's visit, "So, when is the Senate convening?"
XXXXXXX
"Well, I suppose we have little choice in the matter." Li-Na declared, having heard Ferri out.
The hunt for Tu-Shen had been temporarily halted and the searchers gathered in one of the conference rooms to regroup before they began to recheck the places that had already been checked. And there, Ferri also found the Lord Regent and Lady Si-Lon, which made gathering them together for the Senate less complicated than he had anticipated.
None of those summoned were happy about this interruption, but it was clear, as Li-Na had already pointed out, that they had little choice. However, the absence of some of them, did not necessarily mean the rest could not continue looking, and so the remaining searchers would revisit places previously searched, though optimism had faded into pessimism based on their lack of success so far.
Yet, the knowledge of Ferri's talent gave them some cause for hope; they would simply have to be patient until he was free to join them.
Preparations for the transmission were quickly finished; Terra-Khai's expertise, as it had been for the press conference the previous day, made short work of it, leaving the participants little to do but wait for the session to begin. And with young Tu-Shen still missing, they chafed to have it done and over with so they could rejoin the search.
XXXXXXX
Tai-Me was not sure how, or, for that matter, exactly when, Tu-Shen made his escape. But soon after the guards who had come to remove his meal tray departed, the former Prince Regent found himself once more alone. He sighed and shook his head; he had hoped that he had managed to finally convince the boy he was not a criminal. Tai-Me had even tried once more to alert of of Tu-Shen's presence, but again, his entreaties went unheeded.
His guards, in their isolation were ignorant of the boy's flight, and had no reason to believe the former Prince Regent. Tai-Me was frustrated. The boy did not belong down here; and if he he had done nothing else right, Tai-Me had hoped to at least send Tu-Shen back to the world above.
As for Tu-Shen, he simply wished not to be seen, and slipped out as soon as the cell door slid open. He still did not understand how he was able to escape notice, nor did he care at the time. It was enough that he was able to get out of the cell undetected, because he knew if he stayed, sooner or later, someone would finally take heed of Tai-Me's 'ramblings' and he would be found out.
XXXXXXX
Typical of the Senate, the actual session did not begin precisely when scheduled, as private discussion and debate shifted back and forth before Chancellor Organa was finally able to bring some semblance of order to the chamber. At last, the Senators settled in and the business for which they had met could begin. The Nemoidians and the Genosians openly and enthusiastically backed Ambassador Marjinn as he stood to voice his grievances against Obi-Wan and, what he felt, were his traitorous moves against the Prince Regent; since they had long been critical of the Jedi in general, and Obi-Wan Kenobi in particular (especially since their second unsuccessful attack on Naboo), no one was much surprised at their choice. However, Bail was dismayed that several other former Trade Alliance systems, systems he thought had put aside their enmity after Palpatine's duplicity had come to light, also seemed to be rallying behind the ambassador, though he had no doubt they had been incited to do so both by the Nemoidian senators and Ambassador Marjinn himself – Sha-Khan Marjinn, apparently, had known just who to ally himself with. It was fortunate that Antigalia's own Senator publicly denounced his ambassador's complaints, or more systems may have been more willing to lend credence to Marjinn's cries of treason; as it was, it would probably take more persuasion than Bail had initially anticipated to reunite his partially divided Senate. There would have to be definitive proof that Obi-Wan had not premeditated his move to overthrow Tai-Me, and was justified when he did make the decision to lead the coups.
Of course, all of this would be moot once Marjinn's further charge – that the man claiming to be Obi-Wan's father was an imposter – was scientifically disproved, in which case even a premeditated coups would have been perfectly legal as Sho-Wan Kenobi, if still alive, was still Antigalia's rightful leader.
However, postponing the ambassador's opportunity to address the Senate would have allowed him more time to galvanize his movement against Tai-Me's dethroning before Obi-Wan had a chance to defend himself, a risk Bail Organa was not willing to take. Once Sha-Khan had officially leveled his complaints, he would have no choice but to allow Obi-Wan the opportunity to refute them. Bail had no doubt that even after this session was finished the ambassador would embark on a crusade to discredit Obi-Wan's testimony, and surely any other witness brought forward in his defense; however, he was confident few would listen to anything Sha-Khan had to say if they fairly weighed the evidence presented to them.
Sha-Khan waited for the applause to die down before clearing his throat and turning his attention to his hand-held data prompter. He paused, glanced up and around the chamber (clearly for dramatic effective, Bail decided) and then laid the prompter aside, "Thank you all for coming today." He began, "I am sure you are already aware of why I have requested this audience."
He sighed dramatically and shook his head, "Let me begin by first assuring you that this is not a personal attack on Master Kenobi. I am merely questioning his actions while a guest on my planet. Believe me, my friends, it grieves me to do this; I have great admiration for the Jedi." He said, "They are great servants of the Republic. Heroes, in fact. However, I do not believe any Jedi has the right to usurp the rightful planetary leadership of any system under any circumstances."
Being a democracy, the ambassador's last statement was followed by a round of applause. However, the Senator of Naboo stood up in his pod and waited to be acknowledged.
"The floor recognizes the Senator Salirre from Naboo." Padme announced.
"While I agree with you in principle, Ambassador, with all due respect, Master Kenobi does not seem to be the type to take such actions without due cause." Senator Salirre stated, "I sincerely hope you have a solid basis for these accusations."
The ambassador eyed the Senator with contempt, "I should have known you would take his part." He retorted.
"Begging your pardon, but I am taking no one's part. However, I will not participate in a witch hunt." Naboo's senator countered.
"I am not proposing a witch hunt, Senator. I am merely seeking justice on behalf of the Prince Regent, whom I believe..." Sha-Khan began, and then was forced to raise his voice and as both protests and agreements sounded throughout the chamber, "Whom I believe..." He continued, louder this time, "has been removed from his position illegally and without due cause."
"I see." Senator Salirre replied, "And does your planet's senator agree with your assessment?"
Ambassador Marjinn hesitated momentarily, cleared his throat and answered, "Senator Luyen is not as close to the situation as I am."
The Senator from Naboo smiled, "Is that so? Then I must ask, Ambassador: Do you not think it should be his responsibility to be 'close to the situation' in a matter such as this?" He questioned.
"I...er...do not mean to imply he has been at all negligent."
"Then what are you implying, Ambassador?" One of the other senators interjected.
Padme turned toward this newest participant, "The floor recognizes Senator Antilles of Alderaan." She stated, noting as she did that Senator Luyen seemed more amused than concerned by his ambassador's implication.
"Because it certainly sounds as if you are questioning your senator's ability to do his job." Senator Antilles continued.
Marjinn smiled, "I did not wish to call into question Senator Luyen's dedication or abilities. Perhaps a more accurate statement would have been that the Senator does not share my view of the situation." He corrected smoothly.
"That I could accept. I am having difficulty sharing your point of view myself." Alderaan's representative replied, then took his seat.
The ambassador ignored him, "In any case, I am requesting a complete investigation into Master Kenobi's actions. And I am sure when it is complete, his guilt will be evident." He finished.
"Ambassador, have you ever met Master Kenobi?" Padme herself asked.
"Personally? No." Marjinn admitted.
"So, without any insight into his character, you are assuming he unlawfully removed the Prince Regent without due cause?" Padme questioned, "What exactly are you basing your conclusions on, Ambassador?"
"As I understand it, you have never met the Prince Regent, on what basis are you concluding that Master Kenobi's actions were warranted?" Marjinn countered without hesitation.
"In all the years I've known him, he has never done anything without due cause. Can you say the same of Prince Regent Tai-Me?" Padme answered just as quickly.
"To what are you referring, Milady?" The ambassador asked.
"There are a great number of incidents, Ambassador; where would you like to begin?" Padme replied.
The diplomat opened his mouth to respond closed it again, then folded his arms over his chest, "I have requested an investigation; is it to be granted, or not?" He demanded.
Bail's vice chancellor, Mon Mothma, shook her head and leaning over whispered to Bail, "I know she is a friend of Master Kenobi's, but she could cannot show partiality here."
Bail nodded in a agreement and stood up, "As you already know, this session is a preliminary inquiry to determine if an investigation is necessary; however, rest assured, Ambassador, your request will not be dismissed without good reason." He promised, then whispered to Padme, "I share your frustration, Padme, but tread carefully, or he may call into question my neutrality."
"Of course, I'm sorry." Padme murmured quietly with a nod before addressing Marjinn, "My apologies, Ambassador; it is not my place to question your...interpretation of this...incident."
"As well it is not. I fear your friendship with Kenobi has tainted your ability to remain neutral." Marjinn responded acidly, "In which case, it is only proper that you withdraw from the proceedings...and further, I believe Senator Salirre and Senator Antilles to be likewise biased against me, and demand their withdrawals as well."
"With all due respect, Ambassador, if we dismiss every Senator who disagrees with you, it will then throw the balance against Master Kenobi." Bail pointed out, "And since his guilt has yet to be proven, he should not be forced to face a chamber full of Senators who would rather serve his head on a platter instead of serving justice. Would you so easily turn your back on democracy when you have fought so hard to restore it to your own home-world?"
"And what of Tai-Me's justice? Does he not deserve to have his say?" The ambassador questioned.
"By all means, but before a balanced Senate, not one handpicked to serve his own needs." Bail replied.
Before Sha-Khan Marjinn could respond, Senator Luyen stood and laid a hand on his shoulder, "We are asking only for a fair judgment, Supreme Chancellor." He assured the leader.
"I believe this is what we all want, Senator." Bail agreed, "That being said, there will be no more discussion regarding the events of the past few days until Master Kenobi is present. Before we begin, Doctor Ar-Taei wishes to make a statement. I yield the floor to her."
"A ruse of Kenobi's, no doubt to gain sympathy." The ambassador loud enough for most of the senators to hear.
The Antigalian physician's image shimmered into focus on the holographic platform and the chamber grew quiet as she glanced around, eyeing them with what appeared to be contempt, though her first words were cordial, "Good afternoon Chancellor," She began, turning first to Bail, "and good Senators. Thank you for taking the time to hear me out before you begin. I would first like to address Ambassador Marjinn in regards to this 'ruse'. If we did not know each other personally, I would not be so insulted that you are questioning my integrity."
The ambassador colored and lowered his eyes, "It...was not my intention to question your integrity, Madam." He insisted, "However, you must admit the...convenience...of..."
"Of what, Ambassador? The seriousness of injuries? So what is your conclusion? That Master Kenobi is somehow fooling me and the other physicians treating him?" Ar-Taie demanded, "Do you believe us all to be that incompetent? Or are you accusing us of colluding with him?"
"No...of course not...I..." Marjinn stammered, "As I stated, it was never my intention to question your integrity, or that of your staff."
"Never your intention. As it was never your intention to question Senator Luyen's abilities. Or Master Kenobi's motivations. It seems you do a great deal without intending to." Ar-Taei concluded.
There was a spattering of laughter throughout the chamber.
Marjinn turned redder still, "My apologies, I merely suggested the possibility that Ken...that Master Kenobi may attempt to...let us say...gain an advantage by..." He paused for a moment, and then smiled apologetically, "Well, it matters not. Of course, you would not falsify his medical records. I never meant to imply that you would."
But, in truth, that is exactly what he intended to do; and in stating it before the Senate, he laid the notion before them. That he knew her to be incapable of such mattered not, if some of the senators believed it to be possible, they would be less likely to be swayed to sympathize with the Jedi.
Ar-Taei snorted in disgust, "Now that you have impugned my character, may we move on?" She asked.
The ambassador opened his mouth, closed it, then nodded, "The floor is yours, Madam Physician." He yielded, then sat down.
His companion glared at him, whispering angrily and then, turned away from him, ignoring whatever Sha-Khan said in response. Marjinn sighed, giving up, then turned his attention, albeit half-heartedly, to Ar-Taei.
"You have all had the opportunity to study Master Kenobi's medical records. I am sure you can appreciate my apprehension and reluctance to allow his appearance here this afternoon. I agreed only because I do not wish for him to be tried, found guilty and sentenced without having the chance to defend himself." Ar-Taei told them, "However, I must remind you that his condition is precarious, whether he believes it to be or not. He has suffered severe brain trauma, not once, but twice in the last three days, along with other injuries; he is quite ill, Senators. Now, I know Ambassador Marjinn would like you to believe he is trying to ply for sympathy.
"Let me assure you, that is not the case. His injuries are very real; you have the records before you. They have not been embellished or exaggerated, nor have they been falsified, as the ambassador tried to imply without meaning to imply it."
The physician then glanced around the chamber, "I am not here to ask that you take pity on him. However, I will be monitoring these proceedings, and if at any time I feel this 'investigation' is impacting his recovery, his participation will end." She concluded, "Thank you for your time."
"Really, Chancellor; I must object. Who is to say he will not feign weakness if he thinks opinions are swayed against him?" Marjinn protested.
Bail sighed, kneading his forehead, "Master Kenobi's medical files are a matter of record, Ambassador. If you have some proof that they are inaccurate, then I suggest you present before us. Otherwise, Doctor Ar-Taei's mandates will stand." He instructed, "And, quite frankly, all this posturing on your part is beginning to erode your credibility."
"Posturing? All I want is a fair hearing in a field that is clearly biased." The ambassador countered.
"By throwing out baseless accusations of collusion and malingering? By questioning the Senate's ability to remain neutral? By outright accusing some senators of partiality?" Bail demanded, "Is your case so weak that you find such theatrics necessary?"
"No...I..." Sha-Khan stammered, then looked pleadingly to Senator Luyen who sighed and stood again.
"I do not believe it is my colleague's intention to malign or impugn anyone's character, nor do I believe he thinks the Senate will render an unfair judgment." The Senator responded, "I believe his main concern is that some may be trying to protect Master Kenobi blindly regardless of his guilt or innocence. That being said, I will attempt to guide him to present his case cleanly without further character assassinations."
"Very well. If there are no further objections, let us begin then." Bail suggested.
It was with no small measure of relief to the Chancellor and his staff that Ambassador Marjinn finally nodded in consent. And it was clear the diplomat understood he had nothing more to gain and much to lose if he continued his protestations. And in truth, the ambassador himself was privately relieved to move on as well since he did not have actual proof to back up any of his accusations.
Cast of Characters
Ali-She – Physician, Resistance member
Ana-Bai (deceased) – still-born daughter of Sho-Wan and Ana-Re, Obi-Wan's sister
Ana-Re Kenobi (deceased) – Sho-Wan Kenobi's consort, Obi-Wan's mother
Ar-Taei – Head physician of medical center, Resistance ally
Chi-Na – Medical technician, Resistance ally
Col-Fre – Resistance member, one of Obi-Wan's rescuers
La-Me – Pi-Tong's granddaughter and contact with the Resistance
Li-Na – Leader of the Resistance, Obi-Wan's childhood caretaker
Li-ta – Little girl rescued by Anakin and Ferri
Lo-Pai – Sentry assigned to guard Sho-Wan
Nar-Pol – Sentry assigned to guard Sho-Wan
Nia-Wan Kenobi (deceased) – Sho-Wan Kenobi's sister, Si-Lon's mother
Ob-Wan Kenobi – Son of Sho-Wan and Ana-Re, Regent Heir by birthright
Pi-Sin – Young servant in the Royal Residence
Pi-Tong – Royal servant assigned to Obi-Wan and Zak, secret member of the Resistance
Po-Ku – Tai-Me Shenji's Royal aide, Xi-Lo's father
Quell (deceased) – Off-worlder who overthrew Sho-Wan Kenobi, dictator-ruler of Antagalia
Sha-Khan Marjinn – Antigalia's ambassador to the Republic
Schu-Lan – Head of the Royal Nursery, Sjo-Me's personal nursemaid
Shen-Grel – Leader of the Rebel faction, son of Quell and Ana-Re Kenobi
Sho-Wan Kenobi – Lord Regent of Antigalia by birthright, husband to Ana-Re, Obi-Wan's father
Si-Lon Shengi – Tai-Me's consort, mother of Sjo-Me, Sho-Wan Kenobi's niece
Sjo-Me Shengi – Prince Regent Heir, son of Tai-Me and Si-Lon
Ta-Ping – Sentry assigned, to guard Sho-Wan
Tai-Me Shengi – Prince Regent of Antigalia
Terra-Khai – Military leader of the Resistance, Li-Na's most trusted advisor, one of Obi-Wan's rescuers
Tu-Long – One of Antigalia's Senators
Tu-Shen – Shen-Grel's son and murderer, grandson of Quell
Ti-Lo – Po-Ku's wife, Xi-Lo's mother
Xi-Lo – Traitor executed by Tai-Me, son of Po-Ku and Ti-Lo
Hope that was worth the wait. The next installment is already finished, and I will post it shortly.