A Jedi's Ode | By Senth
(continued from Chapter 2)
Chapter 3 - Unsettling Discussions
Qui-Gon Jin decided that the Force would rid him of the headache he was having listening to the four politicians bicker amongst each other. He silently wished Liriana were here because he certainly had no gift for settling political problems. After two hours of discussion his mediation had proved worthless between the two ruler of the Triegga system as well as Xavik's stinging words towards the Naboo, the world which Palpatine represented. Qui-Gon found Xavik to be incredibly agressive and admired Palpatine's patience toward the Trade Federation representative. If Qui-Gon hadn't known better and Palpatine wore the robes of a Jedi Qui-Gon would first-handly mistake him for one.
It seemed that only one being amicable was Senator Palpatine who was being silent for the moment as Xavik tried to futily explain to King Dav'ul that he truly didn't need the mining world of Farlo IV since he already controlled two protectorates in the Boto System. Qui-Gon was no politician and although he did his best to follow the conversations he wished he could have just gone against the Jedi code and used the Force to make them all agree with each other.
"Control?" Duv'al nealy spat his blotted ruddy lower lip pouting out on his one eyed alien face as a sign of displeasure. The cyclops creature, a species known as the Duma, blinked his giant circular yellow eye in anger as he stared at the Trade Federation Senator threatningly. "We had nearly lost all our control to the Yllis when our people were starving on Narfo and Tendriss! It was a wonder we managed an autonomy and a miracle we are now a dual monarchy! Those two protectorates I have in Boto V and Maelis II are only for ports. I barely make enough profits to supply my regions with defenses and barely enough for contructing our ship yard!" He then glanced at King Ma'ashuka angrily from across the table and pointed at him with his spindly suction cup finger. "HE has enough resources in his capital world alone to supply him with defenses as well as internal commerces while MY center world is nothing more then a figurehead of power compared to the resources he has at his exploitation!"
Senator Xavik's large red eyes on his green fish-like face already showed worry and backing away. Palpatine then eased himself up calmly.
"I have full understanding of your argument, King Dav'ul and I sympathize with your situation." Palpatine told the alien monarch calmly. Qui-Gon sighed inwardly, understanding it as quite a pointedly said remark toward the Trade Federation and Naboo situation, "But you must understand what is at stake for both of you." Palpatine began, his calm words seemed to have brought both of the kings to listen for no one said a word. "You are at the brink of civil war. You Dav'ul must understand that strategically you cannot afford war with King Ma'ashuka for two very good reasons: Firstly, as you formerly stated you do not have enough resources for any war. Next, your secondary monarchy is not sufficiently represented in the Senate for you to have the Galaxy's support on any war. If you chose to make a grand deal off of this petty conflict, give yourselves a reason to go to war then you will lose more than you will gain."
Ma'shuka seemed pleased by this but to Duv'al it seemed to have the opposite affect.
"I don't care if I lose anything, Senator Palpatine." His deep voice grumbled, "I'd rather lose with a good fight then lose afterwards caught up in Ma'ashuka's political intrigue." Ma'ashuka began to respond but Qui-Gon interrupted.
"Let's be reasonable, good sirs, you're all arguing over a very important matter yet you sound like our younger apprentices who make war over merit. There is no reason for this conflict, so small as it is, and you must find a compromise to it." Qui-Gon told them, "Finding an excuse for civil war will only break you up even more and that's how you will lose your power even more and lives will be lost. Neither side wants that I presume?"
He managed to gain an acknowledgement from both of them, an amazing agreeance. Qui-Gon's gaze met with Senator Palpatine's and Palpatine gracefully continued Qui-Gon's idea.
"Well then, we shall have to consider a compromise."
* * *
"Don't leave me..." The words faded away as soon as she saw a blue of light. Liriana blinked twice looking at the window of the Med Station within the wing of the Healer's Guild. She sat up, disoeriented, feeling a terrible head ache pount against the boundaries of her mind and skull. Then her mind began to register who was sitting in front of her looking at her with concern.
"Liriana! You're awake!" Obi-Wan said ebulliently. Liriana blinked twice not remembering anything.
"Why am I here?" She asked in a soft groggy tone, "What happened?" She looked at Obi-Wan expectantly. Even as she stretched out in the Force in hopes of reaching some memory of how she ended up here she found none only small and thin threads she could not piece together. What was it...? Obi-Wan's concern became greater.
"You don't remember?" Obi wan asked furrowing his brows, "You were knocked out on the 7th floor on the Padawan's wing." He told her, "You were unconscious since last night." She shook her head.
"No, I don't remember that." She furiously thought it out reasonably, "I had just finished speaking with Senator Palpatine and I was going to..." She she sighed closing her eyes searching for a memory, "I was going to speak with Master Yoda about something?" About what? She couldn't recall. Frustration bit into her. She seriously had no clue what she was going to speak to Master Yoda about. Had he called her?
"Yes, you were." Obi-Wan said thinking, "You were going to speak to Master Yoda about your nightmares." What nightmares? SHe gave him a perplexed look. She felt terribly angry at not remembering it felt as if something was ripped out of her mind and there was nothing left but a black spot of where it was supposed to be.
"I don't recall anything about it Obi-Wan." She told him shaking her head. She rubbed her temples lightly. Oni walked in her leku twitching in suprise.
"Are you alright, Liriana?"
"Not exactly." She groaned.
"Can you explain?" Oni asked. Liriana gave the Jedi Healer a very helpless gaze.
"I don't remember."
* * *
"I tell you, Mistress Galia! It was not me!" Aurra Sing told her Jedi Mistress angrily becoming frustrated at the woman's unperturbed gaze. Her pale face stared at the Jedi Mistress's serene look with frustration. Aurra knew that the Jedi Council had already issued her a warning about her agression in her lightsaber training and as an apprentice to Adi-Galia it was Aurra's duty to obey.
Personally, Aurra thought, I am becoming sick of obeying this Council and sick of the slow work this is taking.
Yes, it was true at some point she was jealous at Liriana's progression through her training in the year before and her grudge still hadn't ended but Aurra was not one to attack an opponent behind their backs. She wasn't as cowardly as that. If she wanted to settle things she would have an honest fight. Face to face was the way she liked to fight. Bot now she narrowed her eyes at her Mistress who dared to accuse her of attempting to kill Liriana.
"If it wasn't you then who could it have been?" Adi-Galia demanded in a soft tone. Aurra sighed deeply, trying to think of the possinilities but found none.
"I don't know." Aurra said finally, "But it wasn't me."
* * *
Qui-Gon Jin shook hands with all the attendees of the meeting. He was glad ALL of them finally came to a compromise. Although it didn't please all parties... Senator Xavik being one of them, Qui-Gon had to admit the Trade Federation did lose some of the support from Triegga, but he also believed that was the way Palpatine intended it. Qui-Gon sighed inwardly. Politicians were very good at subverting one another; Senator Palpatine's patience, evidently, paid off.
Qui-Gon now realized that Palpatine was an oppurtunist who did care for Naboo's interests more than his own. Well, it seemed that Valorem would be pleased that the two kings of Triegga managed to settle their differences to some extent but he also would be upset that Palpatine managed to take advantage of Valorem's plan to settle the differences between the Trade Federation and the Naboo also. As all the dignitaries left Palpatine remained.
"You need something, Senator?" Qui-Gon asked him politely.
"Yes," Palpatine replied, "There is one matter I needed to take of before I depart from the Temple tomorow afternoon," He said and Qui-Gon felt honest concern from him, "I wish to see Liriana, I am very concerned about what happened to her and I also admire her knowledge of politics." Ah, Qui-Gon thought, that would explain his motives. "Is there any chance that I could see her?" Palpatine asked. Qui-Gon picked up his comlink and beeped Obi-Wan in the Med Station.
"She's awake now." Was Obi-Wan's first response before anything else was said, "Though it seems she lacks any memory on the past situation, she's alright." Qui-Gon interrupted his apprentice before he could say anyomore.
"Is there any possibility, Senator Palpatine may come for a visit?" Qui-Gon inquired glancing at the Naboo Senator.
"Master Yoda and Master Windu recently left and I am supposed to report to them in a standard hour, so I don't see why not, Master Jin." Obi-Wan replied. Qui-Gon acknowledged the Senator with a nod.
"You may go see her now, do wish me to escort you to the Healer's Guild?" He asked.
"I am sure my aide can help me find it, but I appreciate it." Palpatine reassured, "It is good to know she is well."
Qui-Gon nodded shutting off the comlink. "Your concern is appreciated Senator Palpatine." He told the Senator and gave a slight bow of respect, "I wish you a safe trip back to senatorial duty tomorow afternoon as I will not be able to see you I have Jedi to train." Palpatine nodded.
"Thank you, Master Jin. I wish you well on your apprentice's training."
* * *
A masked man...a storm... a child... a garden.
Liriana sighed, alone within the Med Station. Oni had told her to sleep here overnight to see if the Healer's could observe any change in her Force signature. They didn't trust what had happened and they believed it was the attempt of Aurra Sing, an apprentice who was jealous of her lightsaber skills. Although Liriana did not recall what had happened or her visions she felt that Aurra Sing had nothing to do with it. This was greater. Much greater than a small grudge.
She felt so close to remembering and yet it was like the stars on a clear night, you could almost touch them but they are simply too far to reach. She sighed deeply bringing her knees up to her chest and allowing her elbows to rest on them. She stared into the light blue sterile blanket of the Med Center. Funny, the room's warm tones simply didn't match with it. She stared out the transparasteel window of her room able to see Coruscant University right across a few kilometer's away, but the building stood it since it was larger than most of the commercial and residential areas of Coruscant. The com on the nightstand beeped.
"Mistress Liriana, you have a visitor." came Oni's voice.
"Let them in." She said with a sigh. Her door swooshed open and she was suprised to see Senator Palpatine standing before her. "Senator.." She began slightly suprised, "I wasn't expecting you." That comment coming out from her startled her even more. Was her focus lacking that much that she didn't watch her sphere of awareness in the Force? SHe should be, but she was so focused on her current problem that she had forgotten about the Triegga affair. "I apologize for not being at the meeting-"
Senator Palpatine waved a hand in dismissal.
"It is of no concern." He smiled, "You wouldn't have enjoyed being there anyways, I know Master Jin did not." He said with a raised eyebrow. Liriana raised both eyebrows of her own.
"Master Jin?" She stiffled her laughter. Her in a diplomatic meeting as a mediator was bad enough, though Master Yoda claimed she did a good job of it, But Master Qui-Gon Jin? SHe simply couldn't imagine it.
"Yes, I believe he almost fell asleep the second half of the meeting if it weren't for King Duv'al's whining." Palpatine commented as he sat on the end of her bed and then had a second thought, "And let us keep that between us." She smiled amused.
"Your secret is mine, Senator, be assured." She told him.
"I'm well aware of that." He told her then his gaze fell on the campus building of Coruscant University, "Tell me, Liriana, how ever did you come to end up at the Jedi Temple?" He looked at her interested, "You have a very good skill with politics, I would have thought you'd be in your second standard year of Coruscant University by now." Liriana swallowed. What precisely was he proposing? She knew better than to go digging through someone's mind without their permission or without reason and so she dropped the temptation to.
"I'm an orphan." She told him in a soft tone. He listened with a sympathetic expression. "I knew my mother until I was six years old. She died of a rare disease while we were in Aldera. She was a friend of Bail Organa's and that's when he took me in. The reason I was good at politics was because I learned much from listening to him as well as watching his experiences." She gave a slight smile at the thought, "He also told me I had a gift of diplomacy, I never really believed him I had always thought politics to be a survival game of some sort." Palpatine's look became solemn with that comment as if he acknowledged it. Liriana shrugged.
"I was in Coruscant with him at the time and when I turned eight he brought me to the Jedi Temple for some state errand or other, that's where my Force sensitivity was discovered and Bail agreed to allow me to train here. Some, such as Master Yoda believed I was too old, but others such as Adi-Galia supported the decision whole heartedly. I don't believe I was given a choice but I don't regret it." She told him. "So that is my story, Senator."
Palpatine's eyes had lit up. Liriana watched him.
"And what if you were given a choice?" He asked her. Liriana blinked. That thought had never arose in her mind. WOuld she have become a Jedi? SHe licked her lips as she stared at the blue blanket in thought.
"As much as I hate to admit it." She said looking at Senator Palpatine's golden hazel eyes, "I suppose I would have gone to Coruscant University and majored in Galactic Politics." She confessed. Palpatine smiled.
"And yet you confess to finding it a distasteful subject." He pointed out. She shrugged again.
"Perhaps, but I always loved to be challenged and I always loved to take up a challenge, and I suppose if it wasn't for Jedi training I would have taken any dare on impulse." She added. Palpatine raised an eyebrow.
"What if I were to propose to the Jedi Council on your behalf that you come with me to Naboo next month for an internship?" Palpatine suggested, "You could work with me and if you truly find you dislike politics you may return to the Jedi Temple, but if you find yourself at ease with it perhaps you could become Senator of your own world someday." Liriana gaped not believing a word he was saying wondering if she was still unconscious. Was it excitement for new adventures that lighted up inside of her?
Adventure. Excitement. A Jedi craves not these things.
Although Yoda's adage was firmly implanted in her mind when she was nothing but a ten year old padawan she felt that it was the last thought she had currently too many others running through her mind. Did she really want to do this? It wasn't politics she hated but the sorrupted side of politicians she detested. Light and Dark. Good and Bad. There was supposed to be a balance to all things, perhaps Senator Palpatine was one of the good, and perhaps this was an omen for her to take.
But then another part of her still worried about what had happened...
"I apologize when I say I can really give you no time to consider since I leave tomorow..." He trailed off slightly upset. Liriana looked up at him and thought for a moment. Why let the oppurtunity slip by? She gave Palpatine a smile.
"I graciously accept your proposal, Senator."
Palpatine returned the smile.
* * *
Darth Maul felt his Master's call even in the threads of hyperspace within his ship, the Sith Infiltrator. The mental note was icy though pleased at the same time to have found his apprentice. Maul sat up in the pilot's chair, his devilish features reflecting on the cockpit transparasteel. Black tattoes on crimson skin, a pair of yellowish eyes and multiple sets of horns on his head. He closed his eyes concentrating on the presence of Darth Sidious. My apprentice, where are you headed? came Sidious's voice through the Force. Maul sensed his Master's power as well as his satisfaction at something unknown.
To Coruscant, my Master. Have you need of me? Maul questioned. His Master's presence int he Force grew stronger and in his mind's eye, Maul could see his dark cloaked Master in the setting of a Sith temple on Korribann.
Good, this will make your mission route much easier. My apprentice, I have a job for you. Sidious began his voice ominous, I want you to find the Jedi, Aurra Sing, and make her an offer to join us, if she does not then eliminate her, we do not want the Jedi knowing of our presence yet. I have sent you her statistics to your computer they should be downloaded by the time you reach Sesweena space range.
I will not fail you, Master. Maul responded through the Force as he slowly opened his eyes.
I know, Darth Maul. His master's presence faded in teh Force and from Darth Maul's mental range. Maul stared out at the bluish white threads of hyperspace knowing that turning a Jedi was not an easy task.
Maul sighed inwardly. Just another Jedi fool to destroy. He hoped his adversary would be a worthy fighter then...
* * *
"Know I do not about this, Senator Palpatine." Yoda told the Naboo Senator from his seat in the Jedi Council Chamber. All the Jedi Masters sat there early that morning listening to Palpatine's proppsal of Liriana's internship with him to Naboo. Yoda didn't like the idea of his early inducted Jedi Knight's to be away to long. Although other Jedi Knights left the temple, they were of elder status. Yoda believed Liriana was much to young to leave not only that but after what had happened th night before Yoda was concerned about something... something illusive in the flow of the Force.
"It would be a worthy experience for Liriana to build on her diplomatic skills, Master." The cerulean Jedi, Ki-Adi Mundi told Yoda from his seat on the other side. "And learning under such a worthy teacher such as Senator Palpatine would do her good." He added supportively.
"We need more Jedi who are capable of dealing with politics," Master Mace Windu agreed though in a serious matter, "Though I am still concerned about the same t hings you are, Master Yoda." He added a bit more softly glancing toward the dimunuitively green Jedi Master.
Palpatine shifted slightly watching the Jedi masters expectantly. He quickly brought up a statement of his own, "I don't mean to intervene in your affairs, good Jedi Masters. I only think that Liriana's potential for diplomacy and politics is very good. She is intellegent, capable and has tact, something most of my past interns lacked especially. Her patience in remarkable and her insight into situations a splendid gift that any Senator or Ambassador alike would desire." Palpatine praised her kindly, he clasped his hands behind his back, "But if you feel, for whatever reason that she should not take this internship to Naboo, then I respect your decision entirely." Palpatine gave a slight nod of acknowledgement toward Yoda.
"She will be in good hands, I don't see why not?" came a voice from behind the Council Chamber. Qui-Gon Jin stepped up behind the chair of Master Yoda who looked up at him irritantly. This wasn't the first time Qui-Gon had interrupted Council meetings.
"How many times, Master Jin, You I have told not to eavesdrop on Council matters?" Yoda demanded in a disciplined tone. Mace Windu gave Qui-Gon a supporting smile and some of the Jedi Council member laughed lightly easing the tension. "No joke this is..hmmm!" Yoda said tapping his gimmer stick on the marble floor.
"Last week you proposed I sit in the Council, Master Yoda, if you believe my opinion worthy then I shall eavesdrop." Qui-Gon said lightly
"Hm! Jedi Master you may be, but in the Council you sit not." Yoda said his ears lowering, "But listen to your opinion we will." Qui-Gon sighed coming up with an argument. Yoda sensed that many of the other Jedi saw no problem in the idea but he felt also Adi-Galia's indecisision.
"Senator Palpatine has a good record in the Senate his tutorship in politics and diplomacy is worth learning. The Jedi Temple has need of Jedi with such skills since many of us are sent on missions to settle compromising situations on worlds which usually involve political matters. Our newly inducted Jedi Knights may have some ideas in settling these matters but a political view and analuysis of certain galactic situations would be an invaluable talent. If Liriana were to receive such training, with the potential Senator Palpatine and I already see then in the future she could teach others those skills within the Temple." Qui-Gon finished. Many agreed with him and looked to Master Yoda.
"Hmm, a good point you have, Master Jin." Yoda said then sighed deeply, "Has anyone anything else to say."
"I agree with Master Jin." said another Jedi Master and others joined in.
"Hmph! Agree you do and no choice I have but to agree myself." He raised a single finger and stared at the Senator seriously, "BUT report she must once a month to Jedi Mistress Galia, we must keep track of her since worry we do about her." Yoda told the Senator.
Palpatine nodded, "It shall be carried out as you wish, Master Yoda."
"Very good this is then," Yoda sais standing from his chiar, "Dismissed this session is."
* * *
CHAPTER 4 UPCOMING!
(continued from Chapter 2)
Chapter 3 - Unsettling Discussions
Qui-Gon Jin decided that the Force would rid him of the headache he was having listening to the four politicians bicker amongst each other. He silently wished Liriana were here because he certainly had no gift for settling political problems. After two hours of discussion his mediation had proved worthless between the two ruler of the Triegga system as well as Xavik's stinging words towards the Naboo, the world which Palpatine represented. Qui-Gon found Xavik to be incredibly agressive and admired Palpatine's patience toward the Trade Federation representative. If Qui-Gon hadn't known better and Palpatine wore the robes of a Jedi Qui-Gon would first-handly mistake him for one.
It seemed that only one being amicable was Senator Palpatine who was being silent for the moment as Xavik tried to futily explain to King Dav'ul that he truly didn't need the mining world of Farlo IV since he already controlled two protectorates in the Boto System. Qui-Gon was no politician and although he did his best to follow the conversations he wished he could have just gone against the Jedi code and used the Force to make them all agree with each other.
"Control?" Duv'al nealy spat his blotted ruddy lower lip pouting out on his one eyed alien face as a sign of displeasure. The cyclops creature, a species known as the Duma, blinked his giant circular yellow eye in anger as he stared at the Trade Federation Senator threatningly. "We had nearly lost all our control to the Yllis when our people were starving on Narfo and Tendriss! It was a wonder we managed an autonomy and a miracle we are now a dual monarchy! Those two protectorates I have in Boto V and Maelis II are only for ports. I barely make enough profits to supply my regions with defenses and barely enough for contructing our ship yard!" He then glanced at King Ma'ashuka angrily from across the table and pointed at him with his spindly suction cup finger. "HE has enough resources in his capital world alone to supply him with defenses as well as internal commerces while MY center world is nothing more then a figurehead of power compared to the resources he has at his exploitation!"
Senator Xavik's large red eyes on his green fish-like face already showed worry and backing away. Palpatine then eased himself up calmly.
"I have full understanding of your argument, King Dav'ul and I sympathize with your situation." Palpatine told the alien monarch calmly. Qui-Gon sighed inwardly, understanding it as quite a pointedly said remark toward the Trade Federation and Naboo situation, "But you must understand what is at stake for both of you." Palpatine began, his calm words seemed to have brought both of the kings to listen for no one said a word. "You are at the brink of civil war. You Dav'ul must understand that strategically you cannot afford war with King Ma'ashuka for two very good reasons: Firstly, as you formerly stated you do not have enough resources for any war. Next, your secondary monarchy is not sufficiently represented in the Senate for you to have the Galaxy's support on any war. If you chose to make a grand deal off of this petty conflict, give yourselves a reason to go to war then you will lose more than you will gain."
Ma'shuka seemed pleased by this but to Duv'al it seemed to have the opposite affect.
"I don't care if I lose anything, Senator Palpatine." His deep voice grumbled, "I'd rather lose with a good fight then lose afterwards caught up in Ma'ashuka's political intrigue." Ma'ashuka began to respond but Qui-Gon interrupted.
"Let's be reasonable, good sirs, you're all arguing over a very important matter yet you sound like our younger apprentices who make war over merit. There is no reason for this conflict, so small as it is, and you must find a compromise to it." Qui-Gon told them, "Finding an excuse for civil war will only break you up even more and that's how you will lose your power even more and lives will be lost. Neither side wants that I presume?"
He managed to gain an acknowledgement from both of them, an amazing agreeance. Qui-Gon's gaze met with Senator Palpatine's and Palpatine gracefully continued Qui-Gon's idea.
"Well then, we shall have to consider a compromise."
* * *
"Don't leave me..." The words faded away as soon as she saw a blue of light. Liriana blinked twice looking at the window of the Med Station within the wing of the Healer's Guild. She sat up, disoeriented, feeling a terrible head ache pount against the boundaries of her mind and skull. Then her mind began to register who was sitting in front of her looking at her with concern.
"Liriana! You're awake!" Obi-Wan said ebulliently. Liriana blinked twice not remembering anything.
"Why am I here?" She asked in a soft groggy tone, "What happened?" She looked at Obi-Wan expectantly. Even as she stretched out in the Force in hopes of reaching some memory of how she ended up here she found none only small and thin threads she could not piece together. What was it...? Obi-Wan's concern became greater.
"You don't remember?" Obi wan asked furrowing his brows, "You were knocked out on the 7th floor on the Padawan's wing." He told her, "You were unconscious since last night." She shook her head.
"No, I don't remember that." She furiously thought it out reasonably, "I had just finished speaking with Senator Palpatine and I was going to..." She she sighed closing her eyes searching for a memory, "I was going to speak with Master Yoda about something?" About what? She couldn't recall. Frustration bit into her. She seriously had no clue what she was going to speak to Master Yoda about. Had he called her?
"Yes, you were." Obi-Wan said thinking, "You were going to speak to Master Yoda about your nightmares." What nightmares? SHe gave him a perplexed look. She felt terribly angry at not remembering it felt as if something was ripped out of her mind and there was nothing left but a black spot of where it was supposed to be.
"I don't recall anything about it Obi-Wan." She told him shaking her head. She rubbed her temples lightly. Oni walked in her leku twitching in suprise.
"Are you alright, Liriana?"
"Not exactly." She groaned.
"Can you explain?" Oni asked. Liriana gave the Jedi Healer a very helpless gaze.
"I don't remember."
* * *
"I tell you, Mistress Galia! It was not me!" Aurra Sing told her Jedi Mistress angrily becoming frustrated at the woman's unperturbed gaze. Her pale face stared at the Jedi Mistress's serene look with frustration. Aurra knew that the Jedi Council had already issued her a warning about her agression in her lightsaber training and as an apprentice to Adi-Galia it was Aurra's duty to obey.
Personally, Aurra thought, I am becoming sick of obeying this Council and sick of the slow work this is taking.
Yes, it was true at some point she was jealous at Liriana's progression through her training in the year before and her grudge still hadn't ended but Aurra was not one to attack an opponent behind their backs. She wasn't as cowardly as that. If she wanted to settle things she would have an honest fight. Face to face was the way she liked to fight. Bot now she narrowed her eyes at her Mistress who dared to accuse her of attempting to kill Liriana.
"If it wasn't you then who could it have been?" Adi-Galia demanded in a soft tone. Aurra sighed deeply, trying to think of the possinilities but found none.
"I don't know." Aurra said finally, "But it wasn't me."
* * *
Qui-Gon Jin shook hands with all the attendees of the meeting. He was glad ALL of them finally came to a compromise. Although it didn't please all parties... Senator Xavik being one of them, Qui-Gon had to admit the Trade Federation did lose some of the support from Triegga, but he also believed that was the way Palpatine intended it. Qui-Gon sighed inwardly. Politicians were very good at subverting one another; Senator Palpatine's patience, evidently, paid off.
Qui-Gon now realized that Palpatine was an oppurtunist who did care for Naboo's interests more than his own. Well, it seemed that Valorem would be pleased that the two kings of Triegga managed to settle their differences to some extent but he also would be upset that Palpatine managed to take advantage of Valorem's plan to settle the differences between the Trade Federation and the Naboo also. As all the dignitaries left Palpatine remained.
"You need something, Senator?" Qui-Gon asked him politely.
"Yes," Palpatine replied, "There is one matter I needed to take of before I depart from the Temple tomorow afternoon," He said and Qui-Gon felt honest concern from him, "I wish to see Liriana, I am very concerned about what happened to her and I also admire her knowledge of politics." Ah, Qui-Gon thought, that would explain his motives. "Is there any chance that I could see her?" Palpatine asked. Qui-Gon picked up his comlink and beeped Obi-Wan in the Med Station.
"She's awake now." Was Obi-Wan's first response before anything else was said, "Though it seems she lacks any memory on the past situation, she's alright." Qui-Gon interrupted his apprentice before he could say anyomore.
"Is there any possibility, Senator Palpatine may come for a visit?" Qui-Gon inquired glancing at the Naboo Senator.
"Master Yoda and Master Windu recently left and I am supposed to report to them in a standard hour, so I don't see why not, Master Jin." Obi-Wan replied. Qui-Gon acknowledged the Senator with a nod.
"You may go see her now, do wish me to escort you to the Healer's Guild?" He asked.
"I am sure my aide can help me find it, but I appreciate it." Palpatine reassured, "It is good to know she is well."
Qui-Gon nodded shutting off the comlink. "Your concern is appreciated Senator Palpatine." He told the Senator and gave a slight bow of respect, "I wish you a safe trip back to senatorial duty tomorow afternoon as I will not be able to see you I have Jedi to train." Palpatine nodded.
"Thank you, Master Jin. I wish you well on your apprentice's training."
* * *
A masked man...a storm... a child... a garden.
Liriana sighed, alone within the Med Station. Oni had told her to sleep here overnight to see if the Healer's could observe any change in her Force signature. They didn't trust what had happened and they believed it was the attempt of Aurra Sing, an apprentice who was jealous of her lightsaber skills. Although Liriana did not recall what had happened or her visions she felt that Aurra Sing had nothing to do with it. This was greater. Much greater than a small grudge.
She felt so close to remembering and yet it was like the stars on a clear night, you could almost touch them but they are simply too far to reach. She sighed deeply bringing her knees up to her chest and allowing her elbows to rest on them. She stared into the light blue sterile blanket of the Med Center. Funny, the room's warm tones simply didn't match with it. She stared out the transparasteel window of her room able to see Coruscant University right across a few kilometer's away, but the building stood it since it was larger than most of the commercial and residential areas of Coruscant. The com on the nightstand beeped.
"Mistress Liriana, you have a visitor." came Oni's voice.
"Let them in." She said with a sigh. Her door swooshed open and she was suprised to see Senator Palpatine standing before her. "Senator.." She began slightly suprised, "I wasn't expecting you." That comment coming out from her startled her even more. Was her focus lacking that much that she didn't watch her sphere of awareness in the Force? SHe should be, but she was so focused on her current problem that she had forgotten about the Triegga affair. "I apologize for not being at the meeting-"
Senator Palpatine waved a hand in dismissal.
"It is of no concern." He smiled, "You wouldn't have enjoyed being there anyways, I know Master Jin did not." He said with a raised eyebrow. Liriana raised both eyebrows of her own.
"Master Jin?" She stiffled her laughter. Her in a diplomatic meeting as a mediator was bad enough, though Master Yoda claimed she did a good job of it, But Master Qui-Gon Jin? SHe simply couldn't imagine it.
"Yes, I believe he almost fell asleep the second half of the meeting if it weren't for King Duv'al's whining." Palpatine commented as he sat on the end of her bed and then had a second thought, "And let us keep that between us." She smiled amused.
"Your secret is mine, Senator, be assured." She told him.
"I'm well aware of that." He told her then his gaze fell on the campus building of Coruscant University, "Tell me, Liriana, how ever did you come to end up at the Jedi Temple?" He looked at her interested, "You have a very good skill with politics, I would have thought you'd be in your second standard year of Coruscant University by now." Liriana swallowed. What precisely was he proposing? She knew better than to go digging through someone's mind without their permission or without reason and so she dropped the temptation to.
"I'm an orphan." She told him in a soft tone. He listened with a sympathetic expression. "I knew my mother until I was six years old. She died of a rare disease while we were in Aldera. She was a friend of Bail Organa's and that's when he took me in. The reason I was good at politics was because I learned much from listening to him as well as watching his experiences." She gave a slight smile at the thought, "He also told me I had a gift of diplomacy, I never really believed him I had always thought politics to be a survival game of some sort." Palpatine's look became solemn with that comment as if he acknowledged it. Liriana shrugged.
"I was in Coruscant with him at the time and when I turned eight he brought me to the Jedi Temple for some state errand or other, that's where my Force sensitivity was discovered and Bail agreed to allow me to train here. Some, such as Master Yoda believed I was too old, but others such as Adi-Galia supported the decision whole heartedly. I don't believe I was given a choice but I don't regret it." She told him. "So that is my story, Senator."
Palpatine's eyes had lit up. Liriana watched him.
"And what if you were given a choice?" He asked her. Liriana blinked. That thought had never arose in her mind. WOuld she have become a Jedi? SHe licked her lips as she stared at the blue blanket in thought.
"As much as I hate to admit it." She said looking at Senator Palpatine's golden hazel eyes, "I suppose I would have gone to Coruscant University and majored in Galactic Politics." She confessed. Palpatine smiled.
"And yet you confess to finding it a distasteful subject." He pointed out. She shrugged again.
"Perhaps, but I always loved to be challenged and I always loved to take up a challenge, and I suppose if it wasn't for Jedi training I would have taken any dare on impulse." She added. Palpatine raised an eyebrow.
"What if I were to propose to the Jedi Council on your behalf that you come with me to Naboo next month for an internship?" Palpatine suggested, "You could work with me and if you truly find you dislike politics you may return to the Jedi Temple, but if you find yourself at ease with it perhaps you could become Senator of your own world someday." Liriana gaped not believing a word he was saying wondering if she was still unconscious. Was it excitement for new adventures that lighted up inside of her?
Adventure. Excitement. A Jedi craves not these things.
Although Yoda's adage was firmly implanted in her mind when she was nothing but a ten year old padawan she felt that it was the last thought she had currently too many others running through her mind. Did she really want to do this? It wasn't politics she hated but the sorrupted side of politicians she detested. Light and Dark. Good and Bad. There was supposed to be a balance to all things, perhaps Senator Palpatine was one of the good, and perhaps this was an omen for her to take.
But then another part of her still worried about what had happened...
"I apologize when I say I can really give you no time to consider since I leave tomorow..." He trailed off slightly upset. Liriana looked up at him and thought for a moment. Why let the oppurtunity slip by? She gave Palpatine a smile.
"I graciously accept your proposal, Senator."
Palpatine returned the smile.
* * *
Darth Maul felt his Master's call even in the threads of hyperspace within his ship, the Sith Infiltrator. The mental note was icy though pleased at the same time to have found his apprentice. Maul sat up in the pilot's chair, his devilish features reflecting on the cockpit transparasteel. Black tattoes on crimson skin, a pair of yellowish eyes and multiple sets of horns on his head. He closed his eyes concentrating on the presence of Darth Sidious. My apprentice, where are you headed? came Sidious's voice through the Force. Maul sensed his Master's power as well as his satisfaction at something unknown.
To Coruscant, my Master. Have you need of me? Maul questioned. His Master's presence int he Force grew stronger and in his mind's eye, Maul could see his dark cloaked Master in the setting of a Sith temple on Korribann.
Good, this will make your mission route much easier. My apprentice, I have a job for you. Sidious began his voice ominous, I want you to find the Jedi, Aurra Sing, and make her an offer to join us, if she does not then eliminate her, we do not want the Jedi knowing of our presence yet. I have sent you her statistics to your computer they should be downloaded by the time you reach Sesweena space range.
I will not fail you, Master. Maul responded through the Force as he slowly opened his eyes.
I know, Darth Maul. His master's presence faded in teh Force and from Darth Maul's mental range. Maul stared out at the bluish white threads of hyperspace knowing that turning a Jedi was not an easy task.
Maul sighed inwardly. Just another Jedi fool to destroy. He hoped his adversary would be a worthy fighter then...
* * *
"Know I do not about this, Senator Palpatine." Yoda told the Naboo Senator from his seat in the Jedi Council Chamber. All the Jedi Masters sat there early that morning listening to Palpatine's proppsal of Liriana's internship with him to Naboo. Yoda didn't like the idea of his early inducted Jedi Knight's to be away to long. Although other Jedi Knights left the temple, they were of elder status. Yoda believed Liriana was much to young to leave not only that but after what had happened th night before Yoda was concerned about something... something illusive in the flow of the Force.
"It would be a worthy experience for Liriana to build on her diplomatic skills, Master." The cerulean Jedi, Ki-Adi Mundi told Yoda from his seat on the other side. "And learning under such a worthy teacher such as Senator Palpatine would do her good." He added supportively.
"We need more Jedi who are capable of dealing with politics," Master Mace Windu agreed though in a serious matter, "Though I am still concerned about the same t hings you are, Master Yoda." He added a bit more softly glancing toward the dimunuitively green Jedi Master.
Palpatine shifted slightly watching the Jedi masters expectantly. He quickly brought up a statement of his own, "I don't mean to intervene in your affairs, good Jedi Masters. I only think that Liriana's potential for diplomacy and politics is very good. She is intellegent, capable and has tact, something most of my past interns lacked especially. Her patience in remarkable and her insight into situations a splendid gift that any Senator or Ambassador alike would desire." Palpatine praised her kindly, he clasped his hands behind his back, "But if you feel, for whatever reason that she should not take this internship to Naboo, then I respect your decision entirely." Palpatine gave a slight nod of acknowledgement toward Yoda.
"She will be in good hands, I don't see why not?" came a voice from behind the Council Chamber. Qui-Gon Jin stepped up behind the chair of Master Yoda who looked up at him irritantly. This wasn't the first time Qui-Gon had interrupted Council meetings.
"How many times, Master Jin, You I have told not to eavesdrop on Council matters?" Yoda demanded in a disciplined tone. Mace Windu gave Qui-Gon a supporting smile and some of the Jedi Council member laughed lightly easing the tension. "No joke this is..hmmm!" Yoda said tapping his gimmer stick on the marble floor.
"Last week you proposed I sit in the Council, Master Yoda, if you believe my opinion worthy then I shall eavesdrop." Qui-Gon said lightly
"Hm! Jedi Master you may be, but in the Council you sit not." Yoda said his ears lowering, "But listen to your opinion we will." Qui-Gon sighed coming up with an argument. Yoda sensed that many of the other Jedi saw no problem in the idea but he felt also Adi-Galia's indecisision.
"Senator Palpatine has a good record in the Senate his tutorship in politics and diplomacy is worth learning. The Jedi Temple has need of Jedi with such skills since many of us are sent on missions to settle compromising situations on worlds which usually involve political matters. Our newly inducted Jedi Knights may have some ideas in settling these matters but a political view and analuysis of certain galactic situations would be an invaluable talent. If Liriana were to receive such training, with the potential Senator Palpatine and I already see then in the future she could teach others those skills within the Temple." Qui-Gon finished. Many agreed with him and looked to Master Yoda.
"Hmm, a good point you have, Master Jin." Yoda said then sighed deeply, "Has anyone anything else to say."
"I agree with Master Jin." said another Jedi Master and others joined in.
"Hmph! Agree you do and no choice I have but to agree myself." He raised a single finger and stared at the Senator seriously, "BUT report she must once a month to Jedi Mistress Galia, we must keep track of her since worry we do about her." Yoda told the Senator.
Palpatine nodded, "It shall be carried out as you wish, Master Yoda."
"Very good this is then," Yoda sais standing from his chiar, "Dismissed this session is."
* * *
CHAPTER 4 UPCOMING!