Anakin stood at the door separating the living room from the kitchen, at the very spot where they had eaten the night before. He looked through the window, to the nearby balcony, all the way to the Coruscant skyline, beyond it, the Jedi Temple, and beyond both-the horizon.
The endless streams of traffic were missing because martial law was still in effect, but he found himself preferring this over the usual madness of Coruscant. How the Jedi ever came to a unified decision to put their Temple on a world where there was no ocean, animals, rivers, lake, trees, water, or anything for that matter he would never guess.
Stupid. Anakin thought, feeling some frustration. Stupid for twenty thousand years.
Cadus moved about the kitchen, wiping down everything, and from his sharp movements, Anakin knew the man was focused on his task, and it would be best not to speak.
Anakin simply watched the older man.
He was surprised and a little baffled. Instead of using the force to easily perform these tasks at the same time, Cadus did them all by hand one by one like a normal person had to. Even Jedi in the Temple had service droids to handle the dishes, or the younger Padawan hopefuls on kitchen duty would handle it.
Jedi Masters didn't do dishes as they didn't have time to do them or attach themselves to the funk of unwashed dishes because they were simply too lazy to do them.
With a satisfied sigh, Cadus stood straight, looking over everything in the kitchen, keeping his eyes especially fixed on the area where he had been frying food. He nodded again and moved towards the cabinets, wiping them down with the same methodical determination he cleaned everything else.
All with his bare hands.
Then, to Anakin's shock and borderline horror, Cadus began to scrub the floor on his hands and knees, using a simple rag and bucket.
No Jedi Master got on their knees, let alone to scrub floors.
"Cadus...Just how old are you?" Anakin asked before he could stop himself.
There is no way this man was from the current crop, or even the crop of Jedi before Dooku. He had to be from a crop of Jedi that followed something different compared to what the current crop of Jedi, even Yoda and Mace Windu follow.
None of them were so humble like Cadus, not even Qui Gon and Count Dooku. Not even Yoda was so humble, for being so short, he had a terrible streak when it came to pride.
Cadus offered him a mirthful smile.
"Old enough to know better than to take things for granted. Even something as simple as getting on my hands and knees and cleaning like I am...To feel sweat crease on my brow, I don't take any of it for granted. I am more than old enough to know I must have humility and humble myself."
"Humility...Humble..." Anakin murmured the words, unfamiliar to his ear and even more unfamiliar on his tongue.
"Before we go off into a conversation, I am going to take a shower and get dressed so we can leave. I'd rather not keep Obi Wan waiting." Cadus said, moving out of the kitchen and into the living room.
"I'm surprised you don't have a Sonic shower. " Anakin commented.
"That's why I have this house."
"What do you mean?"
"The Temple only has Sonic showers. Saves time and keeps things more clean on a hygiene level, some species can get filthy, even humans. We would need people on clean up duty every single hour of everyday. I like old fashioned showers and baths, though. You can take a Sonic shower, but you can only soak your muscles and bones in water."
"What?" Anakin asked, a little confused.
Obviously thrown off by his simplicity, Cadus laughed in a bout of amusement.
Anakin really spent too much time in the Temple. The Jedi were not simple. The Jedi amassed wealth, knowledge, artifacts...The Temple itself was a monolith of prestige and wealth. Their isolation from the galactic public they swore to protect was also fitting.
After all, the rich don't mingle with the poor.
"I appreciate the simple things in life, Anakin. Being able to cook my own food, wash my own dishes, bathe and wash myself, clean, and other such simple things mean a lot to me."
"I just never heard a Jedi say this before. It's always about serving the force or doing something like that..I'm sorry, it's just a little baffling." Anakin explained awkwardly.
"It is not your fault at all, trust me. The Jedi, especially since Qui Gon Jinn became a hale man, take far too much for granted."
Anakin arched a brow.
"Of course, that decision is your's alone to become a Sentinel. We come to appreciate the simple things in life, as we have to. It's part of the position. Besides, the force isn't something you serve. It's not light or dark. That is hubris and vanity on the part of the Jedi and Sith. They want to claim ownership over something that has always existed, long before they gave it a name."
With a small bow, Cadus went towards the bathroom.
Anakin turned on the viewscreen, flipping through the channels until star-ship mayhem flashed on the screen.
It was remarkable how much Cadus made him think.
Not even five minutes in Anakin jumped at the sound of his holo-transmitter, and he knew someone was signaling him, trying to make contact.
He wondered for a moment if he shouldn't have asked Cadus for a similar uniform as the one the older man had been wearing, but since he had no clothes that weren't in tatters, Anakin had no choice in the matter but to wear them.
He wore black hakama, a black kosode, a black haori, and black tabi. He would wear zori or waraji, sandals made from straw, and straw rope respectively, with waraji being tied at the ankles.
Personally, he liked the uniform.
The Jedi could learn something from Cadus.
He rummaged through his pockets, searching for the device to answer the transmission before the insufferable sound pierced through his ear drums.
He was certain it was Obi Wan considering there was no pause or stopping.
He stopped and looked back over the Coruscant skyline, and beyond that, the horizon.
Turning his focus away from the skyline, Anakin answered the transmission.
"Obi Wan."
"Anakin, you and Master Cadus are needed at the Temple, you must give your reports. The Council session ended and both Masters Yoda and Windu left to speak with the Chancellor, they would like to meet in the cafeteria. Master Maruk, Master Kento, and Master Mallie will also be present to give their reports." The holo-image explained.
"I am aware, Obi Wan. Master Cadus told me not too long ago. We will be there promptly."
"Master Yoda is very interested in hearing your report. He is curious as to what Dooku was doing on Rhen Var, and if he was really operating from within the planet's core."
"Noted." Anakin didn't shake his head, but he wasn't very surprised at that admission.
He thought back to his battle with Dooku, the taunts, the jeers, how the older man sought to plant doubt in his mind, and plant the seeds of treachery deep within his soul.
The Jedi Council does not trust you. If they sent you here for just me and didn't explain things further, or even let you in about the ancient Darth Mekhis, you were merely used to further their own agenda. If Palpatine sent you, he used you as well, young Skywalker. He used you, just to further his own secret agenda.
Obi Wan continued talking, but Anakin was only aware for a portion of it.
"Try to get here early, preferably before they return from their meeting with the Chancellor." The hologram of Obi Wan implored.
"Okay, okay..." Anakin tried not to sigh.
He would never understand why Obi Wan was so obsequious when it came to the Council.
Yoda and Windu are not absolute. They are not all powerful and all knowing.
Obi Wan offered a grateful smile as his holo-image faded away.
Just as the transmission cut and Anakin put the transmitter back into his pocket, frowning as he thought of Yoda and Windu, Cadus came into the room wearing the same uniform as him, but where he wore all black as was his preference, Cadus was wearing all white.
"Who was that?" The older man asked, moving around to get everything he needed.
Anakin started to get ready himself. "Obi Wan. Just letting us know that we are both very much wanted and needed at the Temple."
Cadus took the statement for what it was worth.
"We're going to take my air-speeder. I have a stop I want to make first at Dex's Diner. You can keep your speeder parked here on the landing platform, if that is okay with you?"
Anakin smiled easily. "We can take your speeder."
Cadus nodded. "Would you know which youngsters are on kitchen duty today?"
Anakin was never good with names, but he had no trouble remembering the trouble making trio of Padawan hopefuls, all three lost their Masters not far apart from each other, but they were all different when comparing their personalities.
"Aola, Talisibeth, and Lena. I know these three are on kitchen duty today."
Cadus nodded slowly, shuffling through his thoughts.
"Why are you going to Dex's?" Anakin asked.
"Eat some filling food and see an old friend. It's been far too long since I've seen Dex."
Cadus and Anakin moved to a table in the back, far from anyone, but in perfect range to observe every exit and beings that came and went.
They sat on opposite sides of the booth.
A waitress droid wiped their table down with a rag.
"How can I help ya gentlemen today?"
Cadus grabbed the menu, though he knew it by heart, and began to browse through the selection for thirty seconds.
"I would like to make two orders. One for here and one to go."
"Okay."
"For here I will have the hungry hutt breakfast sandwich, endorian chicken pot pie, nuna sausage breakfast special, a molecularly agitated cheese sandwich with nyork chowder, and a besh-leth-trill sandwich. I would like all of my bread toasted."
"Will that be all?"
Cadus nodded.
"Mhm...Okay, okay, and what will you have for your second order?"
"My second order is a dozen iced trammistan chocolate donuts, a dozen powdered christophsian sugar donuts, a dozen iced donuts with chopped ettel nuts, a dozen iced endorian maple donuts, a dozen neuvian sundaes, a dozen muja fruit-filled donuts, and a dozen iced donuts with dark matter sprinkles. I also need something to store the ice cream, donuts, and any leftover food in."
Anakin watched the waitress droid process the order expertly without any issue, writing it all down for extra measure, even if it didn't need to. Anakin imagined a human or any other species would be scribbling hastily, or asking Cadus to repeat certain dishes five times over.
Then they would take even longer to come up with the total, but the waitress droid had no such problems like organics.
"Your first order comes to 36.6 credits. Your second order comes to 152 credits. Your total payment is 190 credits."
Cadus nodded.
The waitress droid turned to Anakin. "And, what will you be having today?"
"We're looking for Dexter."
The waitress droid made no sound.
Anakin smiled. "We need to speak with Dexter."
"What do you want him for?"
"He's not in any trouble this time. It's a personal favor."
The droid stared at him. "You must place an order, good sir."
Anakin blinked in surprise, looking at the droid carefully. It was odd for the droid not to be amicable and get Dex, but considering Cadus did place an order it wasn't out of the norm if she wanted to get pedantic.
"He'll take the hot gizka sandwich with toasted bread. Put it on my bill."
"Your payment total is two hundred credits."
The waitress droid moved to the open serving hatch behind the counter.
"Have a big order coming in! Let Crisp-E-O know we have an order for seven dozen donuts! Also honey, there's some guys here to see ya. Jedi, by the looks of them."
A huge head peeked through the kitchen, accompanied with a wide smile.
"Cadus...Cadus! Cadus, by the Greater Javin it really is you! Why didn't you get me from the beginning?! What brings you here so early?"
"The food of course! I finally have time to sit down and eat for once."
"Stay right where you are, old friend! I'll be right with ya once I get your order done! Crisp-E-O will have your donuts done in no time!"
Cadus nodded, sweeping his surroundings once.
The waitress droid was going about her business, tending to other customers, refilling glasses and mugs, and picking up payments.
Anakin was observing their surroundings, keeping a keen eye on certain areas.
"You two want a cup of ardees?" The droid asked.
"No, thank you. We'll have some pallie juice." Anakin replied.
She moved off toward the counter, slipping aside as Dexter moved through the counter door.
Anakin noted the respectful glances that went Dex's way as he moved to their booth. Everybody did love the heavy set being, and it did help he had old wounds from battles, four huge arms, and an equally massive build in general.
But it was his loud, lovable personality and cooking that won people over.
"Hey there Cadus! I am happy that you could stop by and have a bite to eat."
"I need some filling food. So does Anakin. We're starving."
"Your food will be right out."
Dexter managed to squeeze himself into the seat opposite of Anakin and next to Cadus. He sighed softly, reclining back on the soft material. The waitress droid returned, setting two mugs of pallie juice in front of the two Jedi along with the food they ordered.
Anakin took a sip of his juice and began to munch on his sandwich.
Cadus began to work on the breakfast sandwich first, eating it a layer at a time.
"So, my old friend, what can I do for ya other than provide you and your partner here with a good hearty meal?"
It was obvious to Anakin that Dex genuinely wanted to help them if he was able.
He was hardly surprised.
While Anakin didn't approve of Dexter's antics or the many fights that took place here during happy hour, he knew Dex to be among the most loyal of friends, a good and loyal friend of Obi Wan as well.
He helped them many times, respectively.
Dex would crush the life out of an enemy, but would give his own life for someone he cared about. He would give up his shirt for a friend. He would share a blanket.
That was the code among the star wanderers, and those who were in the Space Frontier, and it was a code that Anakin could truly appreciate.
In many ways, being here with dockworkers and freight workers was better than spending time among the Senators, the powerful, and just the few and select ruling elite of the galaxy.
Even being around Palpatine was taxing.
Even being in the Jedi Temple was taxing.
But, being here with these average beings just trying to get by and survive another day, just felt right.
Anakin stood up when he was halfway done with his meal. "Excuse me for a moment. I have to go to the refresher."
"By all means." Cadus nodded, turning to Dex. "It's clean, right?"
"I don't let in slobs like that anymore, bad for business. A few tried to start fights with me, so I had to give them the hands. You didn't come here to talk about my previous refresher room problems or my brawls that get the Jedi's attention..."
"I need to know and would like you to look into a couple of things for me. The first is the Kwa, the second is the Gree species, and the third..."
Cadus leaned in close, voice barely a whisper. "The third thing is the Rakata."
He began to eat his pot pie, watching Dex carefully. He noted how the burly being placed his mug back down, slow, almost as if he were out of his body.
His eyes widened and narrowed as he ran the names through his head.
"The Rakata...Now that is something I haven't heard about since I was beyond the Outer Rim in the Unknown Regions and Wild Space. Right around Codia going all the way to Kal Sheebol." Dex said quietly, as if he could hardly draw breath.
He set two of his hands on the table, suddenly tired, the table's top was just large enough to accommodate his massive hands.
"I heard Rakata spoken in a whisper near Sernpidal into the Helska system, going all the way towards Zygerria."
"And what about Codia to Lak Sheebol?"
"Nobody really said anything about them...It was just weird being in those areas, the people, and how they do things...They keep to themselves, secretive, reclusive, and they believe in myths and legends instead of logic, like must of the galaxy does now. You know, gods and goddesses, beings of darkness and light with unfathomable power."
"Was there anything specific said about them?"
Dex looked at the table.
"A lot of high tales and bad talk. Mostly from drunk space pirates, smugglers, bounty hunters, relatively normal scum among the normal standards for scum in the galaxy..."
Cadus smiled a humorless smile.
"So, only rumors?"
Dex looked out the window.
"Can't say for sure. The way people spoke about them, the fear in their eyes and in their voices, I think it has to be more than a rumor...Supposedly the Rakata enslaved the entire galaxy more than twenty seven thousand years ago. They are the reason we have the advanced technology that we do in the first place...Hyperspace and hyperdrive, repulsors, the hyperlanes and the routes...Everything that makes life easy they are the reason for it...They even say that they are the reason why there are so many species..."
Cadus didn't turn away from Dex's hard gaze.
Dex continued speaking his piece, eyes growing piercing.
His voice was haunted.
"They were vicious and cruel. Murderers. Sociopaths and psychopaths. Bloodthirsty. However, they were too damn intelligent for their own damn good, and I mean that Cadus. Somehow, they could tinker with genetics, the building blocks of DNA, and could...Create new life, I guess you could say. That is how we got the Twi'leks, the Wookiees, the Hutts, the Zabraks, Trandoshans, Mirialans, and all of the other species. Slave races, all of them created to do the Rakata's bidding, whipped while building their temples and megaliths of technology, just like the humans..."
With a long sigh, Dex turned away from Cadus. "But, these are just high tales and bad talk, remember."
"And, the Kwa?"
Dex came back to reality quickly, going through his memory.
"Kwa...The Kwa...I heard people talking about them from the Red Nebula to Askaj, all the way to the Greater Javin, but it's the same as the Rakata. Legends and myths, high tales and bad stories of the long past. Could give brats and even adults like us nightmares now that I think about it."
Cadus took a drink of his juice, moving aside so the waitress droid could relieve him of his empty dishes.
He focused on his sandwich and soup, listening keenly to each word.
"According to some people who were drunk in the Greater Javin in a seedy tavern about five years ago...The Rakata attacked the Kwa and led them to extinction. The Rakata were vicious, cruel, and just mean. They were mean, Cadus, and I can't say it enough. These monsters didn't keep to themselves. They were conquerors. Damn ruthless ones, too. Wiped out entire worlds and populations while enslaving even more and they'd even suck the life from stars, suns, moons, and entire worlds to power their technology."
Cadus gripped his mug tightly.
"Would you be able to gather the information I want about these species and their technology? Can you dig up the history that was torched to protect the galactic populace from losing their minds?"
"Of course I can. I hear a lot of crazy things in here...But, that information, being so specific, will take a while to gather, but it can be done. However...It depends."
"On what?"
Cadus smiled humorlessly as a grin stretched across Dexter's face.
"Risk vs reward. This sort of information is dangerous and even asking these questions is dangerous...If I sent an associate or stuck my own neck out, well...It goes without saying I would get my neck cut, and my associate wouldn't be heard from again. This information is more valuable than a Dreadnaught filled with gold, and we both know it."
Cadus chuckled, noting Anakin was leaving the refresher.
He had to finish things up.
"Okay, Dex. I'm going to be very, very specific now. I want information on and about the Star Forge, the Tho Yor, the Infinity Gates, and the Star Temples. I want information about the Gree species. Any information about the Rakata and Kwa will be an...Additional bonus..."
Dex nodded strongly. "You have yourself a deal, but we have to talk about price..."
"I'll transfer fifty thousand credits to you now, and transfer the other fifty thousand the next time we meet and you have the information I've requested. If you have more information regarding the Rakata, Kwa, Gree, and maybe something more...Interesting...I will transfer an additional twenty five thousand credits. If it is really interesting, seventy five thousand credits, plus the twenty five thousand additional bonus. You can use some of that money to open up a bigger place to accommodate for your busy hours."
Dex gripped Cadus's hand with force, and he gave it a firm shake. "You have yourself a deal, old friend. With a nice price like that and the bonus, how can I refuse?"
"You would be a kriffing fool to refuse."
Cadus moved his hand away from Dex's giving him a grateful smile.
"A kriffing big fool at that. Refusing three hundred thousand credits damn near, if I ever did such a thing I would hope someone would shoot me with a blaster." Dex admitted.
"You're the only person I can trust with this task. You keep a low profile and you are not a loud mouth who exposes himself in the limelight."
"Why do you want this information? It's not any of my business, but these...Monoliths and megaliths of technology, from what I heard about them...Either the Je'daii, Rakata, Kwa, Gree, or all four had a hand in their construction or utilization at some point in the past."
Cadus didn't meet his gaze, but he didn't avoid it either.
"I get the feeling there is a crisis upon us. One far worse than this war. Perhaps by looking into the ancient past and understanding that ancient past, can I navigate through this turbulent time. Nothing is truly different from that long ancient past, just a different time, different faces, and different names...But, the stage is still the same, and the same personalities are still abound."
Dex laughed, carefully removing himself from the booth, using the full strength of his four burly arms to move his massive body.
"Most Jedi these days don't know the difference between knowledge and wisdom. I am glad that you do. Jedi have become so clueless, it's amazing they speak so badly about droids."
Cadus chuckled, careful not to be chewing as he did.
"And maybe I can take over kitchen duty for one day, so you can set yourself up real pretty with that sauce people drink here."
Dex laughed.
"And, I will be a Jedi Knight."
"This old era is ending and a new era is being born...Perhaps it is not so far fetched as you may believe that you, or people in your place will be a Jedi Knight...Or the next in a line of warriors meant to uphold the freedom of all, who are not Jedi."
"Right, and I'm a painter and the personal chef of Dutchess Satine Kryze of Mandalore."
"Well, why not Dex? I am sure she would enjoy your sliders."
Dex bellowed laughter. "Good seeing you again, Cadus. Always a nice talk."
"Likewise, Dex. This made my day."
"I'll give you some more donuts and ice cream, free of charge. It is on the house. I know you always order donuts by the hundreds and ice cream by the gallons for those brats in the Temple." Dex said, smiling amicably.
Cadus nodded, finishing the last of his soup.
"You want to know something funny, Dex?"
"Sure."
"Jedi brats are the same as the rest of the little brats in the galaxy, regardless of species or upbringing. They cry when there's no chocolate left or when they don't get their way. They cry when they stub their toe, get a scrape, and have no chocolate."
The Jedi were keepers of peace, but they were also keepers of knowledge. Beneath the high ceilings, far from the vaulted hallways, and far from the main corridor of the Temple, was the vast store of knowledge culminated over tens of thousands of years.
A testament to the Jedi's dedication of seeking out knowledge, instead of seeking out opponents to battle, which plagued the Order too much in its history.
To face down a foe is easier than to master oneself and reach enlightenment, was a common saying.
There were thousands of glass cubicles and analysis rooms, all of them filled with droids of various shapes, models, and sizes, all streamlining together as they carried out their duties.
He wondered what was going on in the meeting with Palpatine, Yoda, and Windu. He wondered how long it would take, and if any, what the implications of the whole thing could be.
The sorrow in Yoda's eyes before the diminutive Master left set off warning bells in Obi Wan's head.
He didn't dare ask or object of course, he allowed the two Masters to depart, mostly because he knew that he'd be too busy following leads pertaining to something he found on Utapau, and the fact he couldn't stop Master Windu or Master Yoda.
For him to try and stop them was folly.
The analysis cubicles weren't too busy at the moment, most of the Masters remained off world, and only a few cubicles were taken by students hard at their studies while others honed their combat abilities for the upcoming tournament.
Obi Wan managed to find an open cubicle with an SP-4 analysis droid.
He took a seat and the droid slid open a tray.
"Master Jedi, please place the subject for analysis on the sensor tray."
Obi Wan pulled the piece of smooth steel out his pocket. A shard that had killed a Clone Trooper by piercing through the helmet. For being so small, it caused devastating damage, enough that thick armor did nothing against it.
As soon as the tray receded, the screen before Obi Wan lit up and began scrolling through a series of diagrams and streams of information.
"It's a piece of steel-like material or a combination of alloys, steel, and metal. It was used in a weapon on Utapau by the CIS Droid Army. A part of that weapon whipped away when it was blown up, and this small piece, pierced through a trooper's helmet, killing him near instantly. I need to know where it came from and who made it."
"One moment, please."
Diagrams rolled by, more logs of data scrolled, expanding into massive blocks of information, and the screen paused.
It showed three pieces of steel that could possibly fit, but none of them were a match and the scrolling started once more.
Images of the steel, alloys, and other compositions flashed up before Obi Wan, complete with diagrams of similar materials, and even objects where it could have come from. Star-ships, swords, blasters, destroyers, fighters, frigates, certain models of battle droids, protocol droids, cruisers, speeders, asteroids, monuments, statues, intricate carvings meant for the rich and elite.
Cortosis.
Song steel.
Mandalorian Iron.
Armorweave.
Neuranium.
Phrik.
Ultrachrome.
None of them matched.
The screen went blank.
The tray slid back out.
"This subject does not exist in any known culture or in the data bank."
"Excuse me?"
"Material cannot be identified. It must have been made by a species not associated with any known culture or outside of the known parts of the galaxy."
"Could you try again?"
"Master Jedi, our records cover eighty percent of the galaxy. If I can't tell you where it came from or who made it, the data is simply not in the system. Perhaps it comes from the twenty percent of the galaxy that is not stored in our records."
Obi Wan picked up the piece of steel and sighed, not so sure that he agreed with that particular assessment.
If this small piece of steel belonged to the twenty percent of the galaxy they didn't know...
If it belonged to the twenty percent of the data that their records didn't have...
Obi Wan didn't want to imagine what this could implicate.
It happened once before with a toxic dart of Kaminoian origin.
That spiraled into the chaos that became the Clone Wars and a battle with Jango Fett on Kamino. That spiraled down to Count Dooku erasing data in the archives and Sifo Dyas secretly commissioning the GAR, and erasing data as well.
Obi Wan didn't want a repeat of similar events.
They could not afford another crisis.
"Thanks for your assistance." Obi Wan sighed, pocketing the strange piece of steel.
Something so small was causing him so much dread.
He looked at the piece of steel before pocketing it once more.
Maybe he needed to cover more bases.
Maybe the Archives would have the answers he sought.