Chapter Twenty-One: "Free"

We were free. There were many who were pleased with the results of the vote, although the narrow margin also revealed there were also many who weren't. It would take time to sway their opinions. Some may never trust us. The Sith, for example.

Now that the Jedi were once again allowed to gather, train, and protect the public, we suspected they would appear more often. So far, they had remained in the Outer Rim, creating havoc and disrupting lives. Our gained freedom would most likely call them out and bring them forward, and we needed to be prepared.

Padmé had gathered everyone in her own home, offering food and drink while we discussed the possibilities of our future. There were some good ideas shared and some not so good. These beings had no home outside of the Research Facility and it wasn't anything to brag about.

"I would be proud to offer up some of my family's property on Naboo," Padmé suggested graciously.

"No," Adi Gallia refused kindly. "We don't want to start our journey at the inconvenience of others."

"She's right," I agreed, "but I'm certain everyone appreciates the offer."

We sat silently for a while, each lost in their own thoughts before I decided to keep the conversation going. "Wherever we decide to train, I have a feeling it needs to remain local. Someplace in the Core so that we know what's going on in the galaxy. We need to stay in touch so that once we're ready, we'll be able to offer help."

Everyone agreed, although no one had any further ideas. That is until the chime to Padmé's front door rang. Her house droid opened it and two visitors stepped into the common room.

Yoda's appearance drew everyone up from their seat. Even at such a diminutive size, his presence demanded respect. With him was Senator Organa, who once again began thanking everyone for saving him from the Sith. Apparently, we'd made quite an impression on him.

"Sit, sit," Yoda insisted. "News, the Senator has to share."

"Thank you, Master Yoda," Bail began. "The Chancellor has recently become aware of the need for a place where the Jedi may live and train. And since there are those who are still wary of their presence, the City Planning Committee has decided they want to keep you all very close. And not for comfort, I'm sorry to say."

I wasn't surprised. Even the Chancellor himself wasn't entirely convinced we were completely trustworthy.

"Therefore, the committee is willing to offer the Jedi a building within the Verity District right next to the Republic District. Close enough, though not too close." The Senator grinned, revealing he completely understood the choice and the reasons behind it.

I still didn't know my way around the city well enough to know where the Verity District was.

"You're not talking about the Med Sector, are you?"

Padmé apparently understood.

Bail nodded his head in confirmation and finally took a seat next to Qui-Gon. "The Committee is aware the building you are currently occupying has been damaged for some unknown reason, but they are willing to finance its repair and offer it to the Jedi. Free of charge."

My brows lifted and I reached for Padmé's hand. Not only would it house all the Jedi, but it also had a kitchen, bathing rooms, a small gymnasium, and a large common area. It was perfect!

"I don't know how we can thank you," I told Bail honestly.

"No thanks required. Although you should realize the offering comes with strings attached to it. Don't worry," he quickly added after noticing the crestfallen faces of several of us. "It isn't anything outrageous. The Chancellor only wishes that you will be at his disposal should he require your help in the future. After you're ready, of course."

We would be at the beckoned call of the Chancellor? Like a specialized military unit? I wasn't sure how I felt about that.

Qui-Gon wasn't sure either. "We would need to sit with the Chancellor and create terms. As we're well aware, the government doesn't always make the best decisions."

"Of course," Bail agreed. "I'll make sure that happens. Shall I tell the Chancellor that you accept his gift?"

All eyes were drawn to Master Yoda who looked relatively pleased with the situation.

"Much meditation I have done. Revealed to me the Force has that this is satisfactory. Old am I and the old ways have I known. This opportunity though, new it is. And new ways should there be. This facility, a Temple it may be, but required to reside there, you will not. Your own lives you may live. Your own paths you may follow. Own a home, have a family you may. Give you peace and provide happiness, these things will. In eight hundred years, this I have learned. This Temple for gathering it will be, for training, living if only necessary. Free to come and go, you will be. On this, the Force has spoken."

I squeezed Padmé's hand tightly. Our situation was better than I had ever hoped for!

For the first time in my life, I was safe from persecution and possible imprisonment. I could hardly wrap my head around the idea. And yet, while some believed what I was about to do would only create a different type of life sentence, I could think of no better way to celebrate.

"Marry me," I told Padmé bluntly. "I still don't have much to offer, but I like the idea of starting a family and I would like to do that with you."

I'd caught her off guard and put her on the spot in front of a crowd, but I couldn't resist the sudden urge and I wondered if the Force had anything to do with it.

She hesitated and glanced around the room, although there was nothing but smiling faces watching us. Even Plo was grinning, although it was hard to tell through his protective mask.

I should've waited until we were alone. I realized that now, although it was a little late. I couldn't take back what I had said – and honestly, I didn't want to.

"I would like nothing more than to be your wife," she finally told me through tear-filled eyes and a bright smile.

It was my turn to be surprised and it took me a moment to realize she had accepted my offer. We embraced to the sound of applause all around us and I kissed her quickly and firmly to seal the agreement.

For now, my life was perfect, and I chose to ignore that dark prickling in the back of my mind. The one that told me danger was right around the corner. It could wait.

Live in the moment, Qui-Gon had taught me and I gladly followed his advice. For as long as this moment would last, I was loved and I was free.

/End

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