Chapter 36 – The Crown vs Obi-Wan Kenobi
The rocky start of the preliminaries gave way to a difficult session, as the ambassador's tactics proved to be ruthless and more than a little morally questionable, and probably less than legal - much to the consternation of the Jedi, Obi-Wan's non-Jedi supporters and even Antigalia's own senatorial representative.
His methods, however, ultimately worked against him, a contingency he had never considered.
As the various communications were fine-tuned and coordinated, the chamber grew quiet and, by the time everything was ready, the senators were prepared to begin as once more, Ambassador Marjinn formally announced his complaint mainly for the benefit of those who had not previously heard it. And then the business of delving into the inquiry itself began.
The rules of the Senate on matters such as this were clear – the ambassador, as the complainant was given the opportunity to open the questioning.
An opportunity he intended to use to full advantage.
Smiling ingenuously, Sha-Khan started by calling attention to Obi-Wan's physical state, "I would like to apologize for all this, Master Kenobi; I am sure your time would be better spent recovering."
He was hoping, by giving Obi-Wan an opening, that the bedridden Jedi would seize the chance to bemoan his situation, thus giving fuel to the ambassador's suggestion that would use his condition to play on the sympathies of the Senate body. However, Sha-Khan Marjinn would be disappointed in Obi-Wan's response.
"Thank you for concern, Ambassador." He simply replied, "I will manage."
The smile froze on Sha-Khan's face; but he was not ready to let it go, "We were led to believe you were seriously injured." He went on, "Is this a misconception?"
"I do not believe I am qualified to answer your question." Obi-Wan answered, "And, while I am moved by your concern for my health, I fail to see what relevance it has to these proceedings."
"Well, Doctor Ar-Taei would have us believe you are at Death's door. I cannot help but think of how convenient it is for you." The ambassador said.
Obi-Wan sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Ah, I see."
He saw only too well. It would suit the ambassador's purpose if the entire Senate were swayed to believe they were being duped by an elaborate ruse; one that was meant to present Obi-Wan as an ailing invalid, incapable of standing up against too rigid a scrutiny. It was for this very reason that Obi-Wan would have preferred an audio transmission only, the last thing he wanted was to use his current weakness to his advantage facing the Senate. But Anakin had disagreed, and he had not pushed the issue. Now, he wished he had been more forceful.
"What do you see, Master Kenobi?" Marjinn asked innocently.
"Convenient?" Anakin erupted indignantly before Obi-Wan could respond, "You've got to be kidding!"
The ambassador turned toward Anakin's image, "Master...Skywalker...is it?" He said, "I do not believe my question was directed to you."
"I don't care. I don't like what you're implying." Anakin retorted.
"You are out of order, Master Skywalker." Ambassador Marjinn stated.
"Did you know that he argued with me for a voice transmission only?" Anakin demanded, "That's right. For just this reason. I should have listened to him."
The ambassador looked unconvinced, "And why should I believe that, Master Skywalker?" He questioned, "For all I know you have made this alleged argument up to..."
"How dare you." Anakin interrupted in a low, dangerous tone.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please, let us conduct ourselves in a civil manner." Bail interjected, then turned to the ambassador, "Sha-Khan, you were instructed not to pursue this course, and I strongly advise you to comply; you have no proof to back your insinuations, and if you persist, I will be forced to censure you."
"My apologies, Chancellor. I merely wished to present the possibility..." Marjinn began.
"What you wish to do is present Master Kenobi as a liar without basis of proof." Bail stated bluntly, "And that will end now. Question him concerning the events of the past few days, but do not, again, imply that he is malingering. Have I made myself clear?"
The ambassador swallowed hard and licked his lips nervously, "You have, Chancellor." He conceded.
"Good. Now get on with it. The Senators and I have other business to attend to, and Master Kenobi's interests are best served recuperating." Bail replied.
XXXXXXX
Anakin was seething. It was bad enough that Obi-Wan's motives were being questioned in the first place, but to also imply that he had never been injured or was exaggerating the extent of his injuries was...well, outrageous. Anakin's apprentice, judging from the clenched jaw and balled fists projected by his holographic image was equally incensed. Though he knew the Council masters better than to believe they shared his anger, he could tell by their faces, and the set of Master Yoda's ears that they were not happy with the direction the ambassador had chosen to take. Nor was Zak, standing beside him, pleased, though Anakin sensed more frustration than anger in the younger Jedi.
As for Obi-Wan himself, typically characteristic, he was wearily resigned to accept Marjinn's accusations without protest. No matter, Anakin thought, he was angry enough for both of them.
But it appeared Bail was calling to halt of these baseless implications and Marjinn, for his part, seemed chastised. Anakin forced himself to release his anger...with great difficulty.
XXXXXXX
The mood among those waiting at the Residence as they observed the proceedings was decidedly negative. The inquiry had barely started, and the ambassador was already attacking not only Obi-Wan's character, but the integrity of anyone who dared to come to his defense. Added to this indignation, was their concern for Tu-Shen, still missing somewhere inside the Residence. They all wanted this matter ended not only for Obi-Wan's sake, but for the missing child too.
XXXXXXX
Sha-Khan Marjinn did not let his disappointment show, in truth, he actually had very little proof that Obi-Wan Kenobi had done anything illegal, even if the ambassador believed the Jedi master's actions had been so. He had hoped to lay the foundation for his case by undermining Kenobi's supposedly stellar character. It had never occurred to him that Organa would come to his defense, however, there was little to be done about this setback.
No matter, he had other ammunition at his disposal.
He smiled and turned his attention back to the waiting Jedi Master, "Master Kenobi, when did you decide to...remove Prince Tai-Me from power?" He asked.
"When I discovered my father was not dead as we had been led to believe and was being held prisoner in the Prince Regent's dungeon." Obi-Wan replied.
"I see. So, you did not travel to Antigalia with the intention of usurping the Regency for yourself?"
"No, I did not." Obi-Wan answered.
"I see, I see. Then why go there at all?" Marjinn asked.
"I was told it was the only legal way to renounce my ancestral claim." Obi-Wan said.
"Ah, so you say. A pity we have only your word on this matter." The ambassador sighed and shook his head.
"This legal requirement is written law, I, myself, advised the Jedi Council on this." Bail interjected, "Surely you were aware of your own laws, Ambassador?"
"The Chancellor speaks the truth, Ambassador. Master Kenobi was required to travel to Antigalia; he had no other legal recourse." Senator Luyen confirmed, then added, " As you well know."
Sha-Khan colored, then quickly recovered as he smiled, "Of course, forgive my momentary lapse." He replied, "I suppose we must then take you at word, Master Kenobi."
Obi-Wan remained silent and waited for the diplomat to continue, willing Anakin, who he sensed was fairly bristling with anger, to hold his tongue.
The ambassador again found his strategy thwarted when his thinly veiled implication was not challenged; this time, however, he prudently chose not to push the issue, "Very well, let us assume you did not leave Coruscant with the intention of taking up the Regency, and that you did not make the decision to overthrow the Prince Regent until after you discovered this man claiming to be your father." He summarized, "Is it not true that you disapproved of his..shall we say...methods?"
"Yes, that is true." Obi-Wan admitted, prompting a spatter of murmuring throughout the hall.
"And was it your intention to act based on this...disapproval?"
Obi-Wan paused only for a moment before answering, "Possibly. I cannot, with any certainty, say what I would have done."
"So, you admit you were contemplating a coup?" The ambassador concluded.
"I admit that I had my doubts concerning the Prince Regent's ability to rule." Obi-Wan corrected, "What exactly was to be done about it, I had not decided."
"His ability to rule? Are you an authority in planetary rule, then?" Sha-Khan questioned.
"It did not take an authority in planetary rule to see there were problems with his leadership." Obi-Wan answered.
"I see. In your opinion." The ambassador observed.
"In my opinion, yes." Obi-Wan confirmed.
"And you do not feel your opinion was influenced by your own desires?"
Obi-Wan sighed wearily, "My only desire was to finish the business I was sent here for and go home." He said.
"So you have said. And if that was truly your desire, why, then, did you instead choose to lead a rebellion to overthrow the rightful leader of Antigalia?" Sha-Khan demanded.
"I have answered that question already." Obi-Wan replied calmly.
"Ah, yes, your alleged father, of course." Sha-Khan retorted, "But that does not explain why you were considering Prince Tai-Me's removal before you supposedly learned of his existence."
Again, Obi-Wan sighed as he rubbed his temple, "His rule was unjust; I could not, in good conscience, turn my back on that. The people of this planet deserve better." He explained.
"Is it standard practice for a Jedi to make that kind of judgment?" The ambassador wondered.
"A Jedi does not turn his back on injustice."
"That wasn't the question, Master Kenobi." Marjinn stated
"Our mandate is to maintain peace and justice throughout the Republic; yes, it is standard practice for a Jedi to make that kind of judgment." Obi-Wan answered.
"I see. And it is not also standard practice to remain neutral?" The ambassador asked.
"When we are called in to mediate, yes." Obi-Wan replied.
"And you always hold to this standard?" Sha-Khan questioned.
"Of course."
"And yet you did not in this case, did you." Sha-Khan challenged.
Another sigh from Obi-Wan, "I did not come here to mediate."
"Ah yes. So that gives you the right to rebel against the governmental authority?" Sha-Khan asked.
Obi-Wan closed his eyes and massaged his temple, "In that the Prince Regent had no legal right to govern, yes." He answered.
"And we are back to that again. So, you moved against the legal ruler based on the claims of this man who says he is Sho-Wan Kenobi." Marjinn deduced.
Bail stood up and turned toward Sha-Khan, "Ambassador, you are running in circles. Your whole claim appears to hinge on whether or not the Lord Regent is who he says he is. If this is all the evidence you can produce, then we will have suspend this matter until the Lord Regent's identity can be confirmed or disproved." He warned, "If you have anything else to support your complaint, then present it, or I will waste no more time and dismiss the Senate now."
Ambassador Marjinn's shoulders slumped ever so slightly as he was again thwarted, however, he once more recovered quickly, smiling apologetically to the Chancellor, "My apologies, Supreme Chancellor." He replied, then consulted his data pad, "I have just a few more questions, if I may."
"Provided they are not related to Lord Kenobi's identity, you may proceed." Bail allowed.
"Thank you, Chancellor." Marjinn said, then turned again to Obi-Wan, "Master Kenobi, can you state unequivocally that you are always able to remain neutral?"
"I could not be a Jedi and do otherwise." Obi-Wan answered.
"Really? Then perhaps you could explain your actions on Melida/Daan." Marjinn said.
XXXXXXX
Melida/Daan.
Obi-Wan's heart constricted. Just the name conjured up memories as painful as any physical blow. He had betrayed Qui-Gon's trust and broken with the Jedi – a terrible mistake he had soon afterward regretted.
And he had lost a good friend. He closed his eyes and released the memory to the Force.
What purpose was there in resurrecting an event that happened so long ago?
But Obi-Wan quickly recovered, responding to the Ambassador's query by questioning the ambassador.
"Forgive me, Ambassador, but what does Melida/Daan have to do with this?" Obi-Wan asked.
Ambassador Marjinn smiled coldly, "Why, it is necessary to establish your character, Master Kenobi." He answered.
"My...character? Based on one childhood incident?" Obi-Wan questioned, then laughed, "You cannot be serious."
Sha-Khan ignored him and continued, "As I understand it, you remained behind on Melida/Daan against instructions in order to lead a rebellion against the established government." He said, "Sounds all too familiar, doesn't it."
"In the first place, there was no established government on Melida/Daan; there were only two factions who had been fighting each other for so long they had forgotten what had started the conflict. In the second place, I did not lead a rebellion, I joined with the younger generation of both sides who had already united against their elders to bring peace before the entire planet was destroyed." Obi-Wan countered.
"But that is not why you were sent to Melida/Daan, was it." Sha-Khan stated.
"No. I made the decision to disobey my master, which was very wrong." Obi-Wan admitted, "It was a choice poorly made, based on emotion and not on wisdom."
"Ah. And was not your decision to join Prince Tai-Me's opposition also based on emotion?" Sha-Kha supposed.
Obi-Wan met the ambassador's stare, "I am no longer an impressionable thirteen-year-old boy." He responded, "I stand by the choice I made here."
XXXXXXX
From their vantage point inside the Residence, all but Sho-Wan could plainly see the blood drain from Obi-Wan's face at the mention of Melida/Daan.
Li-Na turned to Ferri, "What is Melida/Daan?" She whispered.
Ferri shrugged, "I don't know. Before my time, I think." He answered.
"Judging from his reaction, it must have been a painful experience." Terra-Khai commented.
Sho-Wan frowned, "What is the good ambassador up to, I wonder?"
"It is impossible to say." Po-Ku answered, "But whatever it is, your Jedi Council does not appear to be happy about it, Ferri."
Attention turned to the Council images whose displeasure was clearly evident, "Well, obviously they know what this Melida/Daan business is." Ferri observed.
XXXXXXX
The older Council Masters remembered well the incidents on Melida/Daan that had turned the young Obi-Wan from the Jedi path, at least temporarily; recalled him humbled, standing before the Council to apologize and ask to resume his training once he realized it was where he truly belonged. Garen knew about it as well, though his experience of it was as Obi-Wan's childhood friend.
But there was only one way Ambassador Marjinn could know about Melida/Daan, and Obi-Wan's part in it.
Mace Windu tented his fingers and leaned forward in his seat, "Yes, which is why we do not Knight a Jedi at thirteen." He interjected, "Tell me, Ambassador, from what source did you draw your information regarding Melida/Daan?"
"Well, I...it's common knowledge, surely." Sha-Khan answered.
"Actually, no, it is not." Mace countered, "I ask you again, where did you learn about Master Kenobi's participation in Melida/Daan?"
The ambassador looked suddenly flustered and considerably less confident than he had several minutes before, "I'm sure it must be..." He began.
"Melida/Daan itself is, certainly. But you could only have learned Master Kenobi's part in it from one source, Ambassador; and that information is not common knowledge or public record." Mace Windu continued, "That would have had to come from Master Kenobi's personal files here at the Temple. And no request has been submitted to us for release of those records."
Yoda shook his head, tapping his gimmer stick on the floor, "Think did you, that challenge your sources we would not, Ambassador?" He questioned, "If so certain you are wrong Obi-Wan has done, why necessary was it to steal information from us?"
"I did not..." Sha-Khan started.
"Then where did you acquire your information, Ambassador?" Adi Gallia cut him off.
For a moment, the ambassador studied his data pad, "I...purchased it." He finally answered.
"Did you not give any thought to where this information came from, Ambassador?" Ki-Adi Mundi asked, "Or did it not matter to you that it may have been obtained illegally?"
Sha-Khan averted his gaze and shook his head, but did not answer.
Mace sighed, breaking the silence as he addressed the Chancellor, "As it appears the sources of information are questionable, I respectfully request that the subject of Melida/Daan be dropped." He said.
"Granted." Bail agreed before turning his attention to Sha-Khan Marjinn, "And any other information you...purchased is likewise inadmissible. You do understand this?"
"Understood." Marjinn replied.
"Good. Now, unless you have any more legitimate questions for Master Kenobi, I suggest we move on." Bail suggested.
XXXXXXX
Sha-Khan cleared his throat, stalling as he gathered his shaken wits about him, then made out to study his data pad, "Thank you for your time, Master Kenobi." He finally said, smiling once more, "I have no further questions for you. I would like speak with Li-Na now."
Obediently, Li-Na rose from her seat,stepped forward, resting both hands on her cane, and waited.
The ambassador studied his pad again, "We do not have all day, Ambassador; if you have questions for this woman, then ask them, otherwise, move on." Bail prompted.
"Forgive me." Sha-Khan replied then scanned the chamber, "Thank you for your patience, Li-Na; perhaps to begin you might explain to the rest of the Senators exactly what your role in our planet's history is."
"As you wish, Ambassador." Li-Na agreed, "Before the destruction of the Regency, I was part of the Lord Regent's staff, in particular, companion to his wife and nursemaid to their son. After Lord Kenobi's arrest, and after Lady Kenobi's surrender, I was permitted to remain as her companion, and remained so until her death several years later. At which time, I was turned out of the Residence which allowed me take a more active role in the Resistance movement."
"A more active role? So you were part of the Resistance while you were in Lord Quell's household?" Sha-Khan questioned.
"Lady Kenobi and I both were. Our hope was to move against Quell and restore her husband to the Regency." Li-Na answered.
"I see. But, as I understand it, Lady Kenobi renounced her marriage to Lord Kenobi, and became Quell's consort." Sha-Khan countered,.
"She was forced to do so, yes." Li-Na clarified, "She was made to watch while Quell's men tortured her husband until she agreed to Quell's demands. What would you have done, Ambassador?"
"My apologies, I did not intend to dismiss the difficulty of her position, or diminish her bravery under such terrible conditions." Sha-Khan.
"I should hope not." Li-Na retorted, "And you already knew all this, so why are you now questioning her actions?"
"I am not questioning her actions, I merely wish to establish before the Senate, the struggles we have endured the last forty-odd years, so that they might better understand the role of the Resistance." Sha-Khan explained.
"Oh, I see. Is that what you were trying to do." Li-Na replied cynically, "Well, let's start just after the initial attack on Capital, shall we. When Lady Kenobi risked her own life to see her son safely off-world before going underground herself. That was the true start of the Resistance, when our people willingly hid her from Quell's patrols knowing full well they would be executed on the spot for helping her. It was not until she learned Lord Kenobi had survived the invasion and was Quell's prisoner that she surrendered; after he was dragged through the streets, forced to crawl like a canid on his hands and knees, and then chained in the public square where Quell announced he would remain until Lady Kenobi surrendered.
"She lost the child she was carrying, and was forced to bear one to Quell, and died, fortunately, before she could be forced to bring another one into the world, to be corrupted as Shen-Grel had been. Before she died, I promised her I would see Quell deposed. I kept that promise; it took many years, but I kept it."
"But then you turned around to lead an opposition against the leader who replaced Quell; a leader you initially supported." Sha-Khan added.
"He was not the man I thought he was." Li-Na answered.
"Meaning...what? That he had a different definition of leadership than your own?" Sha-Khan questioned, "Who are you to claim to know how to rule?"
"Prince Tai-Me's leadership gradually became nearly as harsh as Quell's." Li-Na said, "I tried to counsel him, but he refused to listen, and finally expelled me from the Residence."
"Comparing him to Quell? Surely, it could not have been that bad."
"No? Soon after he took power, he began sending out daily patrols to monitor the citizens. Anyone they suspected of breaking the law was arrested, and chained in the Palace ruins until Tai-Me ruled whether they were guilty or innocent; most were found guilty and transported to the northern mines. When this practice was protested, the protesters were arrested, publicly whipped and then placed in stocks until they recanted their objections; those who did not were banished to the mines. After that, anyone caught speaking against Tai-Me were whipped and then sent to the mines without being given the opportunity to recant or explain."
"But is it not a ruler right to uphold the laws, and to punish offenders who break them?" Sha-Khan asked.
"Do you not see the parallels between Quell and what Tai-Me became?" Li-Na challenged.
"There were no executions under Tai-Me." Sha-Khan argued.
"Were there not?" Li-Na questioned and then sighed, "These are images of events that have taken place over the last few days."
On cue, Terra-Khai moved a holo-projector forward, "Anyone with a weak stomach may want to look away." He warned.
Li-Na turned to one of the women with her, "Forgive me, Lady Ti-Lo; I had hoped not to be forced to do this." She said, gently.
Ti-Lo nodded, dabbing at her eyes, "We both knew it might be necessary." She replied.
Po-Ku, seated next to her, gripped her hand, "You do not have to watch this, My Love." He told her.
"This is Ti-Lo, it is her son's image that we will see first, and I would like to ask that she be permitted to leave the room. She should not be subjected to this." Li-Na explained.
Bail nodded, "Of Course; Lady Ti-Lo, you are free to go if you wish." He said.
Blinking back tears, Ti-Lo nodded and then rose, "Thank you, Chancellor. But I would prefer to stay." She answered.
"Milady, having seen this firsthand, I would strongly advise you not to remain." Terra-Khai counseled.
"Ti, please, it will cause you nothing but pain." Po-Ku told her.
"Pain? My son is dead; I am already in pain." Ti-Lo retorted bitterly, "I want to see this."
Terra-Khai shook his head and looked to Li-Na for guidance. The old woman sighed and shrugged, "I am sorry, Ti-Lo." She said.
A collective gasp sounded throughout the gallery as the image of Xi-Lo's mangled body appeared before them, naked but for the placard listing his crimes, suspended from the roof of the pavilion by his wrists. Ti-Lo uttered a tiny cry then slumped against her husband who gathered her up and carried her from the room.
"This young man was executed just days ago on Tai-Me's orders. It took hours for him to die. He was not yet twenty years old." Li-Na revealed, then the image widened to include more bodies, staked out, and likewise mutilated, "And, as you can see, his was not the only execution.
"This, ladies and gentlemen, is what has become of Tai-Me's rule." She continued, "None of these men was given the opportunity of a trial. How, Ambassador, can you continue to defend this man?"
"But not all those men were executed." Sha-Khan objected defensively.
"No, you are correct. The others hanging with poor Xi-Lo were killed in a skirmish with some of my people during Master Kenobi's rescue. And Shen-Grel, tied there to the stake, was slain by a boy who thought it was the only way to free himself. But what kind of leader displays naked bodies like this? Do you not agree that it is not the actions of a sane man?"
"As an example, to the rest of..." Sha-Khan began.
"Rule through fear? That was Quell's way, and it is what we fought so hard against for all those years." Li-Na argued.
"Sometimes, it is necessary." Sha-Khan countered, though not very convincingly.
"Alright, let us suppose that sometimes, fear is necessary." Li-Na conceded, nodding to Terra-Khai and the gruesome images faded, "Do you believe this fear should be extended to his household?"
"I...do not know what you mean."
"Perhaps you do not." Li-Na again conceded as she gestured to Si-Lon, "To those who do not know, this is Lady Si-Lon. Royal Consort to Prince Tai-Me. Her mother was the Lord Regent's sister; she did not reveal that connection to her husband for fear of what he would do because she knew he blamed Lord Kenobi for the death of his parents. She loved him, but she feared him, and feared for their son."
"I have known Lady Si-Lon for some time, I find it hard to believe she is afraid of her husband."
Si-Lon stood and moved forward, "I know it is not my time to speak, but I request permission to do so." She said.
Bail looked to the Ambassador, "The decision is yours to make, Ambassador." He said.
"I would not think of refusing the Royal Consort." Sha-Khan replied, "Speak your mind, Milady."
"Thank you, Ambassador. I came to know Tai-Me after I was brought into the Resistance; we shared a common bond, you see. We had both lost parents to Quell. But from the time I met him, his bitterness toward the Lord Regent was evident; even as a small child, something, an inner voice, perhaps, warned me not to speak of my mother to him. Despite his bitterness toward my family we became friends. In time, friendship grew into love, and that love deepened until he pledged himself to me. Still, I chose to keep my heritage a secret, though at first this was based on fear of his rejection; at that time, I never believed he would harm me.
"After Quell was defeated, I thought his bitterness would dissipate. It did not, but he asked for my hand, and I consented; I still loved him, you see, and thought perhaps I could soften his feelings toward the old Regency. I told myself that after we married, I would tell him about my mother, and perhaps then, knowing me, he would realize how wrong he was to despise the Kenobi family. But then Li-Na told him about the Heir, and that is when he seemed to change. At first, he said it did not matter, that the old ways were gone, and could not be restored. Li-Na reminded him that their goal had always been to restore the Regency, that is what the people expected of them; if the Heir declined his right to power, so be it. But by law, the choice must be his.
"It was clear to me that Tai-Me did not want to give up his position; and certainly not to a Kenobi. He also knew he had to keep his promise to the people. Since he knew an Heir existed, and he knew where this Heir could be found, he had no choice but to comply with the law, or break his oath; he had no choice but to contact the Jedi.
"And then he started to become paranoid. That is when he started sending out patrols, and made it illegal to speak out against any of his laws. He began to believe that once he contacted the Jedi, they would send the Heir to take over; and then my husband began to plot.
"Oh yes, and you knew about this too, Sha-Khan, you were present. He discussed openly with advisers over dinner about what to do with the Heir, even the possibility of assassination."
"I never supported that option." Sha-Khan refuted.
"No, but you cannot deny it was brought up." Si-Lon replied, "Nearly four years, he waited to contact the Jedi, more and more convinced that the Heir would come to cast him out and take his place by using his Jedi powers. He researched ways to weaken those powers. He learned of a material that would not only diminish a Jedi's abilities, but would become stronger in the presence of Jedi, apparently feeding off their power, and spent a great deal on shielding the Residence, especially the quarters he would eventually assign to the Heir, with this material.
"But he did not fail to see that Quell's son was using the discontent of the people to his own ends. His paranoia began to grow, fueled by what he saw as a new rebellion led by Li-Na who he had dismissed after their latest argument stemming from his delay in notifying the Jedi, and who he then believed had united with Shen-Grel against him.
"In the midst of all this, our son was born. He was overjoyed at first, and I thought perhaps he would see how twisted his thinking had become. But he only became worse; at one point he believed the Heir would kill our son, though he could never fully explain what purpose that would serve. He became cruel, violent toward the staff; anything could set him off. A place setting he did not like, a meal he was not fond of, even an item out of place, or the way a servant looked at him, or did not bow low enough in his presence. All offenses punished by caning, stocking, incarceration, or a combination of all three depending on how displeased he was. If I objected, he threatened me with such punishment. Yes, Ambassador, I had come to fear my husband. Very much so."
"Milady, you have been under great duress of late. Surely, you do not want to go on public record as saying..."
Si-Lon laughed humorlessly, "With all due respect, Ambassador, you have not been home in months. And you certainly have no idea what has happened here in the last few days." She interrupted, "As for public record, I have no qualms about revealing that my husband's mental state has slowly been declining, and that decline has accelerated considerably in the last month or so. Are you familiar with this morning's events?"
"I...well, I know the Prince Regent escaped and tried to regain what was stolen from him." Sha-Khan replied.
"Stolen. Once Lord Kenobi's identity is proven, we shall see who the thief is." Si-Lon said, "But do you know the details of what occurred this morning?"
"Well, I..."
"I presented a copy to you personally, Sha-Khan." Senator Luyen whispered, "Did you not bother to read it before demanding this session?"
The ambassador turned to his senator, "Of course I read it. But found it to be considerable biased against the Prince Regent."
"Biased, is it." Si-Lon repeated, then pulled up her sleeves and held her arms out to reveal the ligature marks on her wrists, "My husband bound me like an animal to be slaughtered and then forced me to watch him do the same to his son. He then dragged us down to my uncle's quarters...forgive me, my alleged uncle's quarters...assaulted an old man and was about to execute Master Kenobi before he was stopped by the actions of one brave little boy. He started out with six men, he ended up with three. The other three he killed, or had killed, for questioning his actions. In the process he also killed several of Li-Na's people and a serving girl who apparently was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Do you believe me to be biased? Or are you now going to call me a liar?"
"No...of course...I would never..."
"Then how, after reading that report, can you still believe Master Kenobi did anything wrong?" Si-Lon demanded.
"I only wish to present..."
"You are blind, Ambassador. And you are wasting our time. That brave little boy I spoke of; the one who prevented my husband from committing yet another murder? He has run away. And while, I do not wish to bore the good Senators with the details, we fear he may want to cause harm to himself. If you have some further evidence to present shedding new light on Master Kenobi's guilt, then do so now." Si-Lon ordered.
Bail turned toward Sha-Khan, "Ambassador, you have yet to present anything that would compel me to continue this hearing, or to open an investigation into Master Kenobi's actions and motives. I will not allow you to further monopolize my Senators who have other, more important, matters to deal with. Do you have any real evidence? Or is your entire case based on character assassination, supposition and postulation?" He questioned.
"I...I can see that you have no intention of listening to my..."
Senator Luyen stood up, put a hand on Sha-Khan's shoulder and pushed him forcibly down into his seat, "As the elected representative of Antigalia, I formally apologize for the actions, thus far, of my colleague, whom I believe has been misguided in his loyalty to the former Prince Regent. I believe I can speak for him when I request this matter be tabled until the question of Lord Regent Sho-Wan Kenobi's identity is settled. That is to say, we will demand no legal action be taken against Master Kenobi at this time." He stated.
"Very well stated, Senator. The case of Master Kenobi vs the Crown of Antigalia is tabled pending the establishment of Lord Kenobi's identity." Bail concurred, "And to that end, I have a geneticist standing by ready to depart as soon as the Ambassador is ready to travel."
Sha-Khan stood again, pushing away Luyen's attempt to stop him, "Me? But...I don't..."
"Would it not be in our planet's best interests to have a skeptic witness the blood drawing and testing of the person claiming to be Sho-Wan Kenobi?" Senator Luyen interjected, "In this way, no one will be able to cry foul when the results are revealed."
Sha-Khan was silent for a moment as he considered his options. The Chancellor had stated his request before the whole Senate. If he truly believed the Lord Regent to be an imposter, then he should willingly embrace the opportunity to present when he was proven right. Refuse this opportunity, and his claims would be further doubted. Whether he liked it or not, he had no choice but to comply with the Chancellor's instructions.
In all honesty, it was more likely than not that the blind old man who had sat quietly observing the proceedings was, in fact, the Lord Regent. But to admit it now, would do serious damage to his reputation, and put an end to his political career.
With a reluctant sigh, Sha-Khan nodded, "I am your obedient servant, Supreme Chancellor." He announced.
"Excellent. If there are no other objections, this session is officially adjourned." The Chancellor stated, "Thank you for your time, all of you."
One by one, the holo-images faded, and the senators began filing out, murmuring to each other and shaking their heads. It was not the outcome Sha-Khan Marjinn, Ambassador of Antigalia, had hoped for. He stared out toward the Chancellor's pod, now vacant.
Senator Luyen gripped his shoulder, "I warned you, did I not." He said, "You had no proof of wrong-doing, Sha-Khan. Wanting something to be true, does not make it so."
"I was so sure they would understand my position." Sha-Khan replied.
"I did not understand your position. And I still don't." Luyen answered, "Come, it is time to go. You agreed to witness the testing."
Sha-Khan sighed once again, then nodded, looking one last time around the empty senate chamber, and turned to follow the senator out.
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