Chapter 4: Qui-Gon Jinn
Upon investigation of Dooku's hidden chambers and compounds throughout the Galaxy, the Jedi's worst fears are realized. Dooku has indeed been telling the truth, Chancellor Palpatine was indeed the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious. There were holograms of Dooku and Sidious discussing the progress of the war. There were documents linking Palpatine to several major events that even pre-date the Clone Wars, all the way back to the Trade Federation's blockade around Naboo. Flying back to Coruscant, Anakin and Obi-Wan can't help but feel like fools.
"He's been playing us for fools." Obi-Wan says.
"I looked up to him, he'd been watching after me as much as you have." Anakin says in disbelief and anger.
"I'm sorry, Anakin." Obi-Wan says, placing a hand on his apprentice's shoulder. "You didn't deserve the years of manipulation that you received. Hopefully, this will set things right."
At the Jedi Temple the two were prepared to submit the evidence to the Jedi Council. However once they were inside, they both felt an unusual presence, one they haven't felt since they were on Mortis.
"Master? Do you sense that?" Anakin asks.
"Yes, it is coming from the detention center." Obi-Wan says.
Making their way down, they sense the presence outside of Dooku's cell. When they approach the cell, they see the spirit of man they both recognize.
"Corruption may be rampant in the Senate, but it cannot be made an argument for war when it exists amongst the Separatists." The spirit says to Dooku, who then turns to face Anakin and Obi-Wan. They both recognize him as the spirit of the late Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn.
"Master?" The stunned Obi-Wan asks.
"Qui-Gon?" Anakin is even more stunned.
"It is good to see you both." Qui-Gon says as he smiles at them.
"I… I… I don't know what to say. How are you here?" Obi-Wan asks.
"Upon death, I had become one with the Force. We are luminous beings. Life is just the first phase in a Jedi's journey with the Force." Qui-Gon explains.
"Is this how we were able to communicate with you on Mortis?" Anakin asks.
"That is correct, Anakin." Qui-Gon answers.
"What were you telling Dooku?" Obi-Wan says as they all look at the Sith Lord sitting in his cell contemplating.
"Only what he needed to hear." Qui-Gon says as he turns back to the two Jedi. "Walk with me." As the three walk and talk throughout the corridor, Qui-Gon becomes less visible to Anakin.
"Master, I am going to leave now. I will submit this evidence to the Council." Anakin says to Obi-Wan's surprise.
"Well… do what you must then. I will be with you momentarily." Obi-Wan says. "Master, why would he leave so suddenly?"
"Because what I have to say is not meant for him to hear." Qui-Gon says. "He is indeed the Chosen One as I predicted, and will bring balance. He will not likely be the one to help maintain the balance. The ones who carry that responsibility will have his blood pumping through their hearts."
"Are… are you saying that Anakin is going to be a father?" Obi-Wan is surprised by this knowledge. "Then who is the mother?"
"Can you think of no one?"
"Padmé." Obi-Wan said as he began to think about Qui-Gon's words. "Does Anakin know about this?"
"No, and that is perhaps for the best." Qui-Avon answers. "His knowledge of his wife's pregnancy was part of the Sith's plan. Manipulate Anakin into doing his bidding in order to learn of a way to cheat death."
"I should've suspected the two of them were that close." Obi-Wan says, feeling like a fool for not realizing how far Anakin's attachment to Padmé was.
"You can hardly blame the boy. If memory serves, you felt the same way about the Dutchess and Mandalore." Qui-Gon's mentioning of Satine brings memories flooding back to Obi-Wan. From when he first met her, to when he reunited with her on Mandalore, to her death at the hands of Darth Maul.
"I won't deny, I always held a special place for her in my heart, and I always will." Obi-Wan confesses. "I suppose it would be hypocritical of me to criticize Anakin for having feelings. I doubt the Council would feel the same way if they were to ever find out."
"Now is not the time to worry about the Council's bureaucracy. Remember what I taught. Be mindful of the living Force. The Force must be kept in balance. You must help protect the balance, Obi-Wan. That… is your true mission, as a Master and as a Jedi." Qui-Gon says as he fades away.
"Master, where are you going?" Obi-Wan asks, not wanting his former Master to leave him.
"Remember Obi-Wan, protect the balance." Qui-Gon says as he disappears completely. Attempting to heed his words, Obi-Wan leaves the detention center to join Anakin in the Council chambers.
In the Council chambers, Anakin has presented the necessary information to the Council about Palpatine when Obi-Wan walks in.
"Master, are you alright?" Anakin asks, noticing his Master's nervous look.
"I am fine, Anakin." Obi-Wan answers. "Have you presented the evidence?"
"Indeed he has, Master Kenobi. And disturbing, we have found it." Yoda answers over the hologram. "Sorry, I feel for you Anakin. A close friend, you had believed the Chancellor to be."
"Thank you, Master. But this should not be made a personal matter. We must act upon this." Anakin says.
"Agreed." Mace Windu says. "Contact your clone commanders. Inform them that Order 65 is now in effect."
"Return to Coruscant, I will." Yoda says. "For assistance you will need to arrest the Chancellor.
The rest of the Council turn off their holograms to inform their clone troops of Order 65. The remaining Masters were ready to call upon their troops to accompany them to the Chancellor's office to arrest.
"We must be cautious." Mace Windu says. "I sense the Chancellor will not come quietly. Contact as many of your clones as possible, warn them of the Chancellor. Surely he had a contingency plan in case this were to ever happen."
"Understood, Master." Shaak Ti, Obi-Wan, and Anakin say before leaving. As his fellow Jedi leave to warn their clones, Windu sits and meditates on the matter, waiting for Yoda to return from Kashyyk.
End of the chapter. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter is going to bring back the action. For those who may not know or remember, Order 65 is to remove the Chancellor from office if he is deemed unfit.