Hello, there!
Yes, I'm stealing your line Obi-Wan. Quite fitting too since this chapter is going to have him featured quite a bit.
I am still amazed at how many people like the story thus far. Thank you all for your support! It's had a really fast start and I hope to keep your interest moving forward because it's only going to get more intense.
Also some quick clarifications: Luke Skywalker is currently forty eight years old. For reference, see Mark Hamill in the movie 'Village of the Damned' except with longer hair and a beard.
Like many of you, I very much sympathize and agree with the idea Luke was not portrayed properly in the sequels and it was a shit show much of the time. So it's kind of my own way of redeeming his character in that way as well.
On with our story!
"Man is not what he think he is, he is what he hides."- Andre Malraux
Chapter 3. An Afternoon With Pirates
Despite Obi-Wan's general dislike of criminals in general, he couldn't deny he held a soft spot for Hondo Onakha. Though the man once kidnapped him and tried holding him for ransom, he was...amusing to say the least. He was not a purely immoral person, simply an opportunistic one.
"Greetings, Hondo," he said in the friendliest tone he could muster.
"Greetings?" the pirate asked incredulously. "What kind of menace have you brought to my planet now? First, you lose this system and Grevious comes in and destroys my entire stronghold, leaving me to rummage through the leftovers of my once great empire. And now these two horned men show up. Who are these horny headed maniacs? They don't seem like normal Jedi!"
Obi-Wan figured the loss in Hondo's business would come up as well as the Confederate gains in the area. He was thankful that the warlord was eager to move on to the more pressing matter at hand.
"Not Jedi, Hondo. Sith. We tracked them here."
Hondo got up from his chair and began to walk back and forth.
"They just threatened to attack with a group of my men," he said angrily. "My own men!"
"Yes we are looking at them right now," the Jedi replied, observing Maul's little band from his spacecraft. "A cargo vessel and three of your starships. They are heading towards you, Hondo."
But Hondo was eager to cut to the chase.
"Atatatata! More to the point- are you going to help me when you get here?"
Yes, he would. To a degree. Bargaining with pirates was a tricky skill that could easily land you in their debt. Thankfully, Obi-Wan knew Hondo well enough to be well versed in dealing with him.
"There's nothing we can do about your men. But we can certainly do something about the Sith."
To his relief, this seemed to satisfy Hondo.
"Good. I'll deal with my men. You deal with those tattooed crazies."
"Right."
The transmission ended and Master Gallia gazed over at him skeptically.
"You trust this pirate?"
"It's not a matter of trust, Adi. It's a mutually beneficial situation. That is the best way to negotiate with pirates. Hondo may not look like much but he is useful and can help deliver Maul and his brother."
Gallia nodded in agreement.
"Very well, I'll take your word for it. Should we begin our descent?"
"Not yet. Wait until they are outside of our scanners so they do not detect us too soon. Then, we go in."
If all went according to plan, albeit a very hastily made one, Maul and Oppress would be in custody by the end of the day and another threat removed from the Republic.
Of course, that was easier said than done.
Luke's journey through Coruscant to find a ship had been entertaining to say the least. The driver was severely miffed that his passenger carried no money to tip, but was paid no mind. Though not as familiar with the hangars on the Republic capital, he managed to commandeer a ship of sorts, and not just any ship, but one that clearly belonged to a wealthy family. The spacious cockpit, the many luxury items, and silver steel polish all indicated as much. One Jedi mind trick later and he was off into space.
There was some guilt over taking a ship that wasn't his but the last Skywalker put that in the back of his mind for now. Many of his decisions would have to be made for the greater good of the future he was trying to build as opposed to pure altruism. If a few rich people lost a ship or two because of it, at the very least it was acceptable.
Truth be told, Luke was highly thankful he lucked out on such a gift. Ships in much poorer condition would have taken several hours to reach the Outer Rim but this machine came with a state of the art hyperdrive as well as a map of the hyperspace lanes. One did not need to be an expert pilot to navigate it properly. Though doubtless some of the lanes varied from his own era many of the basic ones were still the same.
The only real problem was something unable to be addressed by his memories. Despite a much more extensive knowledge of the Clone Wars than before, there was no way to know with certainty which territory was Republic, Confederate, or neutral. To be caught or interrogated by the Separatists...well he didn't want to think about the potential consequences of such a scenario.
Here and now, he reminded himself. Keep yourself in the here and now
The irony of such a statement was not lost on him. Even as he tried to heed Master Yoda's advice, it was just as imperative he think ahead to the possible consequences of the actions he undertook in the coming months. Not an easy prospect by any means. Trying to prevent himself from becoming overwhelmed, Luke could feel a headache come on.
"It's been too long since I've had a stiff drink," he muttered to himself as he leaned back in the chair. "Should probably have one when I get back."
'Back to where' was somewhat subjective. He admitted as much privately, as he did not have a current place to stay. He'd also be lying if he said there weren't any butterflies in his stomach at the idea of meeting a thirty seven year old Obi-Wan Kenobi. The man he only spent a short time with but learned so much from.
I plan to make up for that this go around
After an hour, Luke exited hyperspace and came upon the planet of Florum, an otherwise unremarkable ball of dust and rock but the key first step in everything he hoped to accomplish.
"Alright, first big moment. You can do this," he said to himself even as his stomach churned.
Taking a calm breath and uniting his mind to a single purpose, he was able to reduce his nerves and begin his descent on the pirate planet.
This is not going well
The Jedi Master had fought the likes of General Grievous, Count Dooku, and of course, Darth Maul. But combined with the power of his brother and his new mechanical legs, the Sith he and Adi were currently facing proved to be nearly overwhelming. It took every ounce of concentration and skill they possessed to fend them off.
Obi-Wan could hold his own against Maul, after all he once sliced him in half. But if anything, the Sith was even more ferocious than the last two times they fought. Gallia on the other hand, struggled far more against Savage. Wild and frenzied he was, the giant brute nevertheless employed a great deal of quickness and strength, which threatened to completely overpower the much smaller Jedi.
Dueling at the top of a hull of a rusty, downed ship, he parried blow after blow, allowing the aggressive Sith to miss a few times before countering with leveled strikes of his own.
"I have plans, Kenobi," the soft spoken menace told him, pointing his red saber threateningly. "And you will not stand in my way this time!"
Meanwhile, Adi Gallia was faring badly. Savage, wielding a double saber with blazing speed and power was pushing the Jedi back up against the wall. Though she was quicker and dodged many of the blows, the force of contact upon connecting their weapons was like taking a punch. The female Thohothian ducked below another strike and aimed a kick at the monster's leg. But to her shock and horror, the knee did not buckle and she was forced on the defensive once more. After blocking two more of his strikes, he used the force to slam her into the wall of a random junkyard piece, knocking the wind from the overwhelmed Jedi.
In an act of extreme brutality, Savage then charged forward with a mighty roar and used the crown of his horned head to viciously impale her.
Obi-Wan witnessed this from above, blocking Maul's overhead blow, and used a kick to send him skidding backwards.
Double saber raised high above his head, the beast prepared to strike the death blow to the severely wounded Jedi. It was all Obi-Wan could do to resist crying out in panic. He couldn't care less about any squabble between pirates, he had to save Gallia.
Except he wasn't going to get there in time….
Out of nowhere, a third ship suddenly flew in with tremendous speed, temporarily distracting Jedi and Sith alike as they covered themselves from the wind blowing in their faces. As the craft landed, Obi-Wan could sense there was a presence very strong with the force onboard, further perplexing him as to just what the hell was going on.
Well this is about to get interesting
The second the landing pad touched dry earth, a green flash zoomed by so quickly Obi-Wan barely caught wind of its direction. Savage apparently was even slower (not surprisingly) as he suddenly realized a bearded, middle aged man with shaggy dark blond hair was standing over his intended victim, a jade lightsaber pointing directly at his heart.
"Back away. Or else," came the threat.
Of course, this served to enrage the monster as he struck out with his double bladed instrument only to have it blocked by a quick parry from his new opponent. He then spun around with a quick uppercut, slicing with such precision and power, it caught the pseudo Sith off guard. Slowly, he drove him back.
Obi-Wan and Maul were so flabbergasted at the scene they almost forgot about their own duel before the former began to press forward with an attack of his own.
"A new friend of yours, Kenobi?" Maul spat, twirling his blade and aiming a punch that missed his adversary's head.
"Actually, I'm just as lost as you," came the honest response. "But I'll take whatever help I can get."
Maul flipped over his head and aimed an aggressive strike at Obi-Wan's head, but the master of Soresu was in a perfect defensive position and blocked it. Below, the tide was turning decisively in the Jedi's favor. Luke did not let up, attacking with precise but overwhelming force that confounded the Sith in front of him. Once or twice, however, he slipped in his footwork and had to jump or duck under the wide swinging attacks.
I haven't swung a lightsaber in quite awhile. Knew I'd be a bit rusty
Fortunately, his power in the force had not left him, not by a long shot since his recent immersion in it. What he lacked in combat he made up for in strategy and clarity. It came in handy for what happened next.
As he pressed his advantage, Luke overextended his reach ever so slightly and it was enough for Savage to twirl his double saber and loosen his grip, sending his one method of defense into the air and landing with a soft thud in the dirt. For any other Jedi this might have been a death sentence, but not for one who descended from the Skywalker line. Anticipating the strike that was to come, Luke sidestepped the crimson blade and slid through the outstretched legs of the giant Zabrakian. Summoning his lightsaber once more, he spun around to quickly block the coming blow and with the reflexes of a master, saw the opening he needed.
A quick uppercut and a cry of pain later, Savage Oppress was not only down an arm but his double edged lightsaber was cut in two rendering him completely defenseless.
Luke had scarcely made up his mind on what to do next before being thrown back by a furious dark cry. Maul, in the midst of his own duel witnessed his brother's severe injury and threw Kenobi back twenty feet with a mighty push.
Leaping down from above, the red and black tattooed menace stood in front of the fallen form of his kin, yellow teeth bared in a sign of unrelenting aggression. But that was not the only emotion he expressed. Deep, yellow eyes bore into crystalline blue in a show of curiosity and something akin to realization.
"Get up, brother!" he ordered urgently, not taking his eyes off the newcomer. "This plan has failed. We must live to fight another day."
At that moment a mass group of pirates happened upon the scene. Sensing weakness like blood in the water, the leader declared.
"Look at these wretches! Are they really as powerful as you believed them to be? They are beaten by Kenobi and this hobo! Blast them!"
The Jedi were known for mercy. The same could not be said for Hondo Ohnaka and his band of mercenaries as they immediately began firing upon the Sith.
Maul snarled in defeated rage and unleashed a force blast powerful enough to send both Luke and the pirates back to aid them in their escape. From there, they wasted no time in beating a hasty retreat.
"Don't let them get away! If we kill them their riches will be ours! " the leader of the pirates yelled out. But it was too late. With Obi-Wan only just regaining his bearings, Maul was able to dodge enough of the blasters with the help of his one armed brother. As additional insurance, he used both Jedi transports to smash into each other as a means of blocking the path of their assailants.
Luke and Obi-Wan ran at full pursuit but neither was quick enough to catch the stow away cargo ship the Sith used to get here. Fortunately, the pirates also had means of striking down their adversaries.
"Fire!" one of them declared as the boom of a rocket launcher sounded through the air. It made a direct hit against one of the engines, sending the ship downward in black trail of smoke, much to the satisfaction of all parties. By this time the two Jedi had caught up to the front of the three dozen or so men observing the scene. Ironically enough, neither were aware of each other until Hondo spoke aloud.
"Well Kenobi, I say a job well done! Let us see what riches have fallen from the sky for me...and you!" he laughed, until he spotted the second force sensitive being alongside them.
"Hey, uh. Who is this hobo by the way?"
That seemed to bring Obi-Wan to his senses.
"Adi," he whispered in horror. "My apologies, Hondo. Any treasure you find among that ship is yours. Bring Maul back here dead or alive. I must attend to one of my own."
"Suit yourself," Hondo shrugged. And with a loud whistle he signaled for the rest of his gang in claiming what would soon be theirs.
Luke witnessed his mentor start running back to the scene of his comrade's fall before he turned around and spoke to him directly for the first time.
"I have no idea who you are, but you saved my friend from being impaled. Care to help me?"
Though not quite the introduction he imagined when going back fifty years into the past, Luke Skywalker nevertheless realized that there was something bigger at stake, namely preventing a Jedi from losing her life There was no need to say anything. He simply nodded and followed Obi-Wan back to the junkyard battlefield.
Hopefully, it was not too late.
Mysteriously, neither Maul nor his brother were found among the wreckage. Hondo declared them both vaporized though the Jedi remained skeptical of that claim. They also had more pressing matters to attend to.
Though it had taken some hard bargaining, Obi-Wan managed to procure one the fastest ships he had left to transport themselves back to Coruscant. Unfortunately, they could not achieve the same with medical supplies and they would simply have to pray for Master Gallia's recovery. She lay on one of the benches inside the vessel, her wounds were closed by now. But the chance of survival was very much up in the air.
Luke especially felt this string of emotion. Though she was not dead and still breathing, he felt a tremendous responsibility for the woman who lay in front of him, hanging on by a thread. It was quite the day to say the least. In under three hours he had arrived back into the past, seen the streets of Coruscant, hijacked a ship, tracked his first master, and battled two Sith. Not even the craziest days of the Rebel Alliance brought that kind of excitement in such a short time span.
Even so, his focus largely remained on Adi Gallia, using whatever power he had to sustain her. So intense it was, he barely noticed they were in hyperspace.
Please, let her be spared. She didn't deserve this. Let her live
His thoughts were interrupted by the presence of Obi-Wan Kenobi standing behind him.
"There's nothing more that either of us can do. By the Force she will live or die."
Is that how you regard your brethren, Obi-Wan? Luke thought sarcastically, but he pushed those feelings down in favor of a much more neutral response.
"I only meant to ensure she's still alive."
The features of the copper haired Jedi softened as he took in the compassionate words.
"She is for now. We must wait until we reach the medical facilities on Coruscant. Until then, calm yourself."
Despite further inner protest, Luke realized he was right, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The man was physically ten years younger than himself and yet he greatly resembled his older counterpart in so many ways.
Making his way back to the cockpit he sat down on the right side and during the relative quiet had a real chance to observe Obi-Wan up close. It was the first time he bore witness to his master at this age, considering such a prospect was impossible beforehand. Instead of thinning, silver hair, there was only thick reddish brown coupled with a beard of the same color. The hairline was full, the body in excellent shape, and that was reflected in the two years of war that already occurred thus far. His posture was upright and strong, radiating confidence and indicating a master that never doubted his own ability. According to Yoda, Kenobi was not a naturally gifted Jedi at first but through hard work and unrelenting discipline he became one of the most reliable and wise among the Jedi Council. In fact, Luke was quite certain he had earned a spot on the Council already by this time.
Simultaneously, there were clear stress lines weaving their way across his first master's expression: the mark of a man who had seen too much and needed a great deal of meditation to overcome it. Though a hero, it was clear that being a champion of the government he served wore thin on the Jedi Master. That much could be ascertained.
Perish your thoughts of suffering needlessly, Obi-Wan, he thought sympathetically. You will soon know the truth
"By the way, in the midst of all of this insanity I never got your name."
It was a question he had not anticipated but mentally slapped himself for not prepping for. He was not very good at lying on the spot. There was obviously no kriffin way he could reveal himself as a Skywalker, the son of Anakin no less. But what pseudonym would be even plausible?
"I'm Luke….Ahch-To," he said with some hesitancy he hoped Obi-Wan didn't catch.
"Hmm, that is quite a unique name. Last name anyway. Where does it hail from?"
Luke's eyes didn't meet his master's as he replied.
"It's a long story."
"Indeed. I would also like to point out I have never seen nor heard of you at the Temple, and yet you wield both the Force and a lightsaber."
This time Luke did look Obi-Wan in the eye and tried to smile evenly though it was probably more of a grimace.
"That's another long story."
"You seem to be full of extensive tales. Care to share?"
"I doubt you would believe me if I told you."
Technically nothing he had said thus far was a lie, just not the whole truth. He couldn't help but harken back to his last day on Ahch-To for whom he was unofficially now named.
Knowing myself all those years ago I can safely say I probably wouldn't have believed it. Not without substantial proof at any rate
Oh he had proof. Plenty of it. But now was not the time to share. He was still getting used to seeing his old master alive and young.
"I apologize. I don't mean to pry," Obi-Wan told him sincerely. "But given the circumstances, it's harder to trust random people these days. The war has given everyone suspicion in place of where that trust should be."
"Understandable," Luke muttered.
"And I won't lie to you either: the Council will want to speak to you about what happened."
"Am I going to be interrogated?"
"It will be more akin to an intense conversation," Obi-Wan corrected with a bit of humor.
Luke gave a gruff chuckle.
"That should be interesting."
"Don't worry. If my word counts for anything, it will be in your favor. Any man who intervenes to save the life of another is certainly not a dark side user. I will convey to them the selfless act you did today."
Well at least Obi-Wan didn't think of him as evil. That was a start. But when he looked into the blue eyes of his traveling companion he saw the unmistakable signs of goodwill and even the beginnings of trust. Suddenly, he realized that though this version of his former master held no inkling as to who he really was, they still held a strong connection through the force. Luke was sure he was aware of that as well, sensing that Obi-Wan did not regard him as a threat.
Truth be told, he was a bit apprehensive about standing in front of the Jedi Council. Everything he knew about them suggested that aside from a select few members, most were stiff and humorless if not keenly perceptive. Though Luke did have a basic backstory in place for individuals he came across, he would need something far more believable if he did not want to be exposed for who he truly was.
He didn't respond to Obi-Wan's remark but nodded in thanks anyway, the wheels of his mind once more beginning to turn in preparation to witness something he had never been able to see for himself.
The heyday of the Jedi themselves.
Normally, Obi-Wan would have landed at one of the military hangars built by the Republic during the war, however, time was of the essence and the Jedi skipped the amount of time it would take to transport the injured Adi Gallia by taking her to one of the platforms at the temple itself.
Levitating a stretcher, they gently laid her out and slowly descended the ramp where they were greeted by a green Twi'lek Jedi and others of the Jedi Medical Corps. They recoiled slightly at the sight of their fallen comrade.
"We received your message, Master Kenobi. Is she…"
"No, she's not dead," Obi-Wan interrupted gently. "But we have to get her to the Halls of Healing if we want it to stay that way."
Without delay the healers took control of the stretcher and began making their way as fast as they could to the infirmary, but not before one more questioning look from the Twi'lek.
"Who is this with you? I was not aware you were traveling with a third companion."
"I'll explain soon enough, Aayla. I'm going to speak with Master Yoda and gather the Council. It's short notice but I'm afraid this can't wait."
Luke raised an eyebrow at the speed at which Obi-Wan was conducting all of this. While never a slow man, the Obi-Wan he knew in his youth certainly carried himself in a much different manner. That's what being in a war would do to someone regardless of circumstance.
I should know, he thought to himself thinking back to all of the various scurrying that occurred at the numerous bases the Alliance occupied.
He witnessed Obi-Wan pull out his comlink and sure enough, Master Yoda's tiny form appeared.
"Master Obi-Wan. News have you?" the hologram spoke.
"More than just that, Master. Though I regret to inform you Maul and his apprentice remain at large, another incident happened that the whole Council should be made aware of."
"Unexpected, this is. Do you refer to the injury to Master Gallia?"
"No, this is actually another issue though the two are related. I do apologize for the abruptness but I wouldn't request a meeting such as this were it not important."
"Very well," Yoda nodded. "Gather Master Windu and the others I shall. Great haste, I will make."
The hologram disappeared and Luke came up beside Obi-Wan noting to the side that he was taller in this timeline, though that of course was attributed to his relative youth.
"Sounds like a lot of fuss over a guy who just saved one of your own," he joked.
"On the contrary, I would hate to keep you waiting in suspense for days while the Council convenes. The sooner we resolve this, the sooner we can decide what to do moving forward."
Luke didn't know what was supposed to mean, the vague reply not at all reassuring him of anything other than the fact he was going to be questioned extensively. Still, if there was anyone he could trust, Obi-Wan was at the top of his list. This train of thought also led back to his father, whom he realized would probably be returning to Coruscant very soon. This caused an unexpected jolt in his stomach, and he didn't know whether he was more excited or terrified.
"Come now," Obi-Wan interrupted his internal dialogue. "I will lead you to the Council Chamber seeing as you have probably never been inside before. You will have to wait outside while I tell them the story but it shouldn't be long. And remember, when you do end up facing them, be as respectful as possible. Be forthright but sensitive to your answers as well."
Allowing him to lead the way, Luke followed in behind hiding the fact that this was certainly not the first time he had been inside the Jedi Temple.
He figured he would leave out the part where it was turned into the Imperial Palace.
Luke was led to an automatic turbolift that ran up the side of the tower and deposited him and Obi-Wan into a smaller larmalstone lobby which was the entryway to the room which comprised the Jedi High Council. While waiting, he used the time to observe what little he could about his surroundings, though admittedly there was not much to look inside the small foyer. This was a part of the temple that was impossible to reach once he had the opportunity to look inside after the fall of the Empire. At present, he vowed to take in more while it wasn't a burned, charred mess nor the personal footstool of the Emperor.
Hopefully neither would happen this time around.
True to Obi-Wan's word, the Council did not leave him in the lurch for very long. The doors opened to reveal a Tortugan female who gave him a small smile and bowed in greeting.
"The Council will see you now."
Alright, let's get this over with
He followed her into the chamber and immediately took in the setting of the room. It was circular with high arching windows that gave a view of Coruscant few others inside the temple did. On the floor was a motif that Luke vaguely recognized as symbolizing the harmony between the Jedi and the Force. The sun was beginning the process of setting, so there was a natural golden aura that gave the room a natural glow.
All around him were twelve cushioned chairs, which seated the members of the High Council. Not all were physically present due to the war, some had inbuilt transmitters connected to HoloNet which allowed them to take part in the meeting. Overall at least eight of the dozen chairs were filled with one obvious vacancy. Some faces he recognized right away such as that of Mace Windu; the man who bested Sidious in one on one combat but was later thrown out a window to his death. Another casualty of his father's betrayal. Others were unfamiliar to him and he vowed to find out their names later.
His eyes shifted from Windu to his second mentor, Yoda, who was seated at his place as Grand Master of the Jedi Order. Though there was little physical difference between this version and his own version given the longevity of his species, there was a sense of active energy he did not see on Dagobah. That Yoda was clearly on his last legs, tired, and spiritually wounded from the losses of the Great Jedi Purge. This one was not burdened by such a terrible event, at least not yet.
Luke caught Obi-Wan's gaze, who's eyes switched left to indicate he should focus his attention back to the elder Jedi who held great sway over the Council's decision. Then again, what decision were they going to come to? Imprison him? Laud him? Tell him to get lost? They couldn't possibly accept him into their ranks.
"Welcome Luke...Ahch-To, was it not?" Yoda said to him warmly.
"Yes, Master," came the natural response.
"Told us Master Kenobi did about your feats on Florum. Very noble, courageous it was."
Luke tried to play it off as though it wasn't a big deal.
"Anyone in my shoes would have done the same. Is Master Gallia alright? Will she live?"
That brought a few glances from some of the Masters, though Yoda's tiny mouth curved in an upwards smile.
"We have received word from the healers that Master Gallia's condition is still quite severe but is also stable. The likelihood she will survive is increasing by the hour," Obi-Wan told him.
That brought a great deal of relief to Luke, though he did not have much time to privately celebrate as the questioning continued.
"Familiar are you, with the ways of the Jedi?" Yoda asked, eyeing his lightsaber.
"You also realize that your choice in last name is one of the ancient Jedi homeworlds," Mace Windu also pressed him, his features impassively neutral. "Ahch-To according to legend, is very strong in the Force."
He wasn't surprised by the question but still struggled in his mind as to how to answer it.
"I am not a Jedi," he half lied. "Though I am trained in the Force and many Jedi practices."
"Obi-Wan spoke very highly of your skill with a lightsaber. Though we have no record of anyone with your name being trained in our Temple. Can you explain this?"
The first major aspect of this he would be forced to provide answers for. Fortunately, he had already formulated a backstory while on his way here.
"I was not aware of the Jedi or their existence until I was nineteen years old. An older man by the name of Ben found me and saw I was sensitive to the Force. He became my mentor and taught me everything he knew."
Luke had to resist smiling at the curious look on Obi-Wan's face.
If only you knew, my old friend
"And where did you happen to meet your master?" Ki-Adi Mundi asked him.
"Tatooine," he answered. "Which is where I grew up. Ahch-To was one of the many worlds we visited among our travels. I took its name in honor of the Jedi tradition that once existed there."
"Admire the Jedi you do, yet you do not consider yourself one," Yoda commented. "Your mentor, a Jedi was he perhaps?"
"If he was, he never told me. To this day I remain unaware of his true origins. But he taught me much about the Force and the dangers posed by the dark side."
Yoda took this in nodding but it was also clear he was in deep thought. One of the Masters he vaguely recognized as Plo Koon spoke up now in a deep voice muffled by his breathing mask.
"The master who taught you...Ben was his name. You do not know if he was a Jedi and yet he knew our teachings and philosophies and the dark side. Can you explain this?"
"I cannot," Luke tried to reply with conviction. "It is completely possible he was a Jedi earlier in his life and simply never told me. He was very reluctant to talk about his past."
The last part was not a lie. Obi-Wan never did tell him the full truth about his father until he parted from the world. But he knew that admitting his mentor was a Jedi would cause them to look at the archives for records of such a person. His vagueness wouldn't assuage every suspicion they might have, however it was better to be so right now simply for self preservation.
If you reveal who you are too early, insane they might call you. Even if believe you, they do, the time could be altered. Grave consequences there would be, the memory of Yoda's ghost called out.
"And where is your master now?" Obi-Wan asked. "What of your family? Did they know you were traveling with a force user across the galaxy?"
He would be the one to ask that question
Luke swallowed and tried not to envision flashbacks where a man in black cyborg suit swung a crimson blade, ending the existence of the old Jedi in front of him.
"He died a long time ago," he responded solemnly. "He was killed by a dark side user."
"A Sith?"
"The blade was red. I cannot rule it out."
"Come to know the Sith, have you?" Yoda inquired.
"I have come to know those who would wield the dark side of the force for evil purposes," Luke emphasized. "Whether they were Sith or not is beyond my knowledge. My master told me they were extinct."
That's right, he had to play dumb. Much as he would love to jump up and down and out the Chancellor for who he truly was, it was not the right time. They would know in time. He had a plan.
"Your master believed what we believed to be true for many years," Mace Windu told him as though he were lecturing an adolescent. "But you must realize that the Sith are all too real. Today was living proof of that as you saw."
Before Luke had the chance to agree, Ki-Adi Mundi interjected.
"It is curious as to how you knew where Maul was and where Masters Kenobi and Galli were located."
He had been afraid of that little insight and the need to tread carefully at this juncture in the conversation was crucial. One wrong answer and it would only lead to more vexing questions he would not know how to deflect. Slowly, he constructed his backstory.
"I had been tracking Maul since learning of the atrocities he committed on Raydonia. He is difficult to tail to say the least but I eventually followed him to Florum. It appears I wasn't the only one who was aware of his existence."
"Familiar you are, with Maul?" Yoda pressed.
"I am familiar with those who would use their power to trample on others, and that includes him and his brother. They deserve to see justice done upon them."
That brought a skeptical look from some on the Council, including the Togrutan.
"That sounds much like vigilantism," she commented. "Were you hoping to kill or capture Maul for some type of reward?"
"I'm no bounty hunter," Luke stated adamantly. "Had I battled and defeated him my only objective was to deliver him to the authorities."
"Very noble," Windu said, his expression still neutral though his eyes bore into Luke's. There was no doubt he didn't fully believe that story. "This is the first we have heard or sensed your presence Luke Ahch-To. Can you explain why you have only just begun to involve yourself in these affairs?"
Luke had to remind himself that despite the Council's ignorance of the true machinations behind the Clone Wars, they were not stupid by any stretch and no doubt were checking for any sign of treachery. Even Obi-Wan seemed curious. It was then he decided to go in another direction. It was a gamble, but a calculated one.
"I have seen much," he answered truthfully. "After my master perished, I withdrew myself from the comings and goings of the galaxy for many years, living in a self imposed exile. I cut myself off from the force. But as the news of the war continued to reach my ears, I realized I could not stand idly by and do nothing as the fighting ripped entire sectors apart. Maul's slaughter of that Raydonian village was the final straw."
"And what do you seek to gain by entering this war?" Mundi asked.
They still believed him to have an ulterior motive.
And they're right he thought to himself. Just not the correct one
"I only seek to end the war as quickly as possible. To restore harmony to the galaxy and to the essence of all living things. While it is true I am not technically a Jedi, I believe it's the responsibility of all those who wield the force to do so in a manner that promotes peace and protection of innocent people."
He took a breath and added.
"Life is precious to me. I would like to do my part."
Luke took another glance around the room, which by now was deep in the glow of the Coruscant sunset. He took in the faces of those who he knew would be killed or exiled in a year's time. Though he could feel their mental probing of his inner turmoil, he tried to channel that pain into hope, the belief that his presence could change the growing darkness around them. Of what was to come.
"Very well, Luke Ahch-To," Yoda said, breaking the silence. "A decision we will reach in the morning. For now, we must rest."
Yoda hopped his seat as a signal that the meeting was adjourned.
"Stay the night, you will. A temporary room we will grant until the decision is made."
Luke could have sworn he heard an amused chuckle emanate from his old master as the other members of the Council gave surprised looks. Obi-Wan was not among them, however and he gestured kindly.
"I will see to it, Master Yoda. Come with me."
After exiting the turbo-lift Obi-Wan led him to the northwest corner of the temple which housed a variety of sleeping chambers. Many were youngling nurseries, others for individual padawans, and a select few were reserved for diplomats or important visitors. It happened to be his good fortune that one of the latter was unoccupied.
"Well here you are," the red bearded Jedi gestured as the door opened to its plush interior. "You're quite lucky, you know. Not even the highest ranking Jedi are allowed to stay in here."
"It beats sleeping in a cave," Luke responded humorlessly though it ironically caused Obi-Wan to laugh.
"I can sense you've had many rough travels. Rest easy tonight. The Council will send for you in the morning."
Luke nodded and bowed in appreciation.
"Thank you, Master Kenobi."
"No need to thank me. I bid you a good night."
Even as Obi-Wan walked away Luke could sense the connection once more and that far from being suspicious, his feelings were already gearing towards trust. That was already a very good development, he would need Obi-Wan before the end, perhaps more so than any other Jedi.
Good night, my friend
As he entered the room, Luke was able to see the surroundings a bit better, noting that despite rich purple and gold trappings with a rich, red carpet the room was still modest by the luxurious standards most diplomats were probably used to. He couldn't care less about that fact at the moment, as suddenly it became quite apparent just how fatigued he was. The bed and blanket were waiting for him and without bothering to take off his boots, he fell face forward onto the mattress.
The day had been short but certainly not unproductive. Though exhausted, Luke couldn't help but think of Leia and Ben before his eyes closed.
I made it. And I will not fail you this time
Within minutes, sleep took him.
So it looks as though Luke basically bullshitted his way to not being kicked out of the Jedi Temple for the time being XD
But will it last? And what decision will the Council make?
Until next time!
~The Wasp