First Knight - Part Twenty-One
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Count Dooku's nose wrinkled. He could never get used to the stench of the Geonosian hive colony. As he walked through the dark, echoing hallway in the company of Poggle the Lesser, ruler of the Stalgasin hive, and his chief lieutenant, Sun Fac, he tried, as much as possible, to breathe through his mouth.
He had been on Geonosis for a week now, inspecting the droid foundries and meeting with members of the growing league of Separatists. Dooku was pleased with the number of systems that were rallying around his cause. And he knew his master would be pleased as well. He was also satisfied to see that the production of the super battle droids were on schedule, though, as usual, Poggle was complaining about money. If Dooku and the Neimoidians wanted him to manufacture more droidekas, in addition to the super battle droids, he was going to need more money. One droideka was 200 times the cost of a standard battle droid.
"Don't worry," Dooku told the Geonosian leader. "I have already approved the transfer of ten billion credits to your account."
Poggle chittered and gobbered his approval of the sum at Dooku in Geonosian. Dooku was well aware that Poggle both understood and spoke Basic, but he chose to speak only in his own language; apparently as a way to maintain his dignity and elevate his position. It didn't matter to Dooku. He spoke and understood hundreds of languages, including Geonosian. But he chose to speak to Poggle only in Basic.
Poggle nodded at his words, his command staff, which was rumored to be the limb bone of a rival, ticking on the stone floor. They soon arrived at the hanger where Dooku's solar sailer was housed. The ship itself was a gift from the Geonosians. It was a Punworcca 116-class sloop to which Dooku had instructed the Geonosian engineers to attach a pre-Republic solar sail he had purchased from an antiques dealer near the Gree Enclave.
Dooku knew the Geonosians were in awe of the sail for, unlike traditional solar sails, which were usually moon-sized and were pushed by tachyon streams and ultraviolet lasers, Dooku's sail was smaller and was able to take him across the entire galaxy with no detectable power source. Once at his ship, Dooku turned to Poggle.
"I shall return in about a month. I will inform my master of your progress."
Poggle jibbered at him, then turned and went back into the interior of the hive, Sun Fac trailing him. Dooku entered the ship. He settled himself into his chair. His droid pilot took off and soon they were in space. As Dooku gazed out at the expanse that was the universe, he contemplated the instructions Sidious had given him before he left for Geonosis.
Apparently this Lady Tsara that Sidious wanted him to contact had only just come to the attention of his dark master. The information that Sidious had given him was sketchy, however. Lady Tsara was the mother of one of the ruling Dynasts of Ahjane. Two Jedi, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, had been sent there some time back to negotiate a peace accord between two of the major provinces of that world. While there, Kenobi had gotten involved in some archaic ritual involving the daughter of Lady Tsara's son, a Dynast K'lia. Now, nine months later, the Jedi were back on Ahjane, apparently without leave from the Jedi Council.
A corner of Dooku's mouth curled up. Nine months, he mused. That would explain Sidious' interest in this planet. But Dooku was surprised if what he suspected was true. Although he had never personally met Qui-Gon's former apprentice, he had heard much about Kenobi. Strait-laced, serious, high-minded, almost prudish were words he had heard to describe the young Jedi.
However, Dooku thought, all men, even Jedi Knights, had their weaknesses. He idly wondered what this Dynast's daughter looked like. She must be quite the beauty to have successfully seduced a Jedi of Obi-Wan Kenobi's stalwart reputation.
He would soon find out. Sidious wanted him to contact this Lady Tsara and find out what he could about her. Apparently the woman was someone Sidious thought would be sympathetic to their cause. However, Sidious had also made it clear that Dooku was only to offer the woman assistance, not get personally drawn in with any of her schemes. He was not to reveal his presence to the Jedi on Ahjane nor leave any evidence that he had been involved.
It was a lesson Sidious had drilled into Dooku from the moment he had given himself in service to his dark master. Delegate as much as you can of your dark work to subordinates. Keep an eye on them, of course, but let them take the chances and shoulder the risks. Then, when they're not longer of any use, dispose of them.
Dooku smiled. It was a worthy lesson and one that had proven most beneficial over the years. He ordered the pilot-droid to set course for Ahjane. As the huge copper sail unfurled from the ship, Dooku closed his eyes and allowed himself the luxury of a dark side meditation.
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Lady Tsara licked her lips. The feast was finally over. The servants had cleared away the dishes and all that remained was the desert and drinks. She had just finished a rather large glass of syllabub. The syllabub wasn't as good as the ones she'd had in her own province. The milk was not as rich and the wine had tasted a little off, but it would do. For now.
She raised her glass and took another sip, her gaze fastened on Edress. He was sitting at the head of the banquet table. One of his dancing girls was holding a large gold and diamond crusted goblet to his mouth. Wine was trickling down his chin and spilling onto his silk robe, but he was too busy trying to fondle the girl to notice.
Tsara's thin lips wrinkled with disgust. A week ago she had arrived at Edress's manor only to have his servants tell her he was too busy to meet with her. They had escorted her to her rooms, taken away and burned, as she had ordered, the peasant clothing she'd had to wear during the banishment ritual and, after her bath, had given her clothing more suited to her station. But, the day, and then a week had passed and still no Edress.
Finally, unable to wait any longer, Tsara had gone to his private chamber, demanding he see her. She had made so much noise Edress had finally let her in. Not wanting to waste any time, she had asked him what he intended to do about Onara. Edress had examined his manicured fingernails, refusing to meet her gaze.
Nothing, he had finally said. But she's your wife, Tsara had insisted. Edress had sighed and, finally meeting her eyes, told her that since Onara was apparently still ill, he had no interest in her or, for that matter, her illegitimate brat. Tsara had tried to convince him of the importance of having Onara and the baby brought back to Kindah Province, but Edress had dismissed her, telling her he would discuss Onara with her after the banquet he was holding that evening. Now, said banquet was over. Tsara put down her empty glass and folded her hands in her lap.
"Edress," she snapped.
The Dynast slowly drew his gaze away from the giggling dancing girl and gave Tsara a long, sleepy look.
"Yes, Lady Tsara," he said lazily.
"Onara. What do you intend to do about her?"
"As I said this morning, I intend to do nothing about her."
Edress glanced around at his other guests, mostly nobles from his province. Tsara could see they were no longer interested in the rich deserts or drinks. All their attention were focused on her and Edress.
"But she's your wife. She should be here with you."
"My wife in name only, Lady Tsara. You saw to that with your little plan." His face twisted with disgust. "I had no wish to bed a woman who was already with child." Then he pinched the dancing girl on her plump thigh. "Anyway, Onara is too skinny. She didn't even fatten up when she was pregnant."
"It was foolish of you to have sent her home, Edress. If she had remained here..."
"You'd have her little Jedi brat in your clutches, you wouldn't have been shamed and banished, and you also wouldn't be sitting here now giving me a headache!" Edress shouted, his face beet-red.
The dancing girl, her dark eyes wide, drew away from the enraged Dynast. Lady Tsara, however, was nonplused. She stared calmly back at him. Edress was a puppy compared to her. She knew this and so did he. Struggling to collect himself, he picked up a glass and hastily downed its contents. He put the glass down, wiped his hand across his mouth and glared over at Tsara.
"What, by the fires of hell, do you want me to do?," he asked. "Onara's sick, dying from what I heard. Even if I wanted her here, and I don't, do you really think K'lia is going to risk her life by sending her here?"
Edress shook his head. He reached over and drew the dancing girl next to him. She giggled again as he went back to fondling her.
"And do you think," Tsara replied, "that if the Jedi is successful and she does recover, that K'lia will send her back to you, now that he knows you were in on my plan?"
Edress shrugged. "I don't care if Onara never comes back. With her dowry, the concessions I received from K'lia as a result of the peace accord, and now the lands you've given me as payment for my having helped you with your little plan, I'm now one of the wealthiest Dynasts on this planet. I don't need Onara. And I can assure you, I won't risk what I now possess to go to war to get her."
Edress then grinned at her. "I'm sorry you didn't get what you wanted out of the deal, Tsara. Your great-grandson. But I did my part. And, well, it's not my problem, now is it?"
Tsara glared at him, but she had expected as much. If only Onara hadn't gotten sick. She would still be here with Edress, with no one the wiser about the baby's true parentage. Tsara would not have been banished and, most importantly, there would be no Jedi lurking about and interfering with her plans.
But at least one of them was gone, apparently on some fool's errands to save Onara's life. According to her source in K'lia's manor, the same servant who had given her the transmitter, that brat Skywalker and that freak Jedi were still around however. Protecting, along with a number of Assembly guards, both Onara and the baby who had been named Ben.
Tsara's eyes narrowed. Ben! What a ridiculous name! Once her great-grandson was hers, she would give him a proper name. One worthy of the future ruler of Ahjane. But first she had to get him. K'lia was wasting his time guarding Onara. Tsara had no further interest in her granddaughter, now that she had given birth to the Jedi's child.
Edress was struggling to rise from the table. The dancing girl laughed as she tried to pull him, drunk as he was, up from his chair. Once he was on his feet, as he swayed back and forth, he looked over at Tsara and pointed at her.
"I would suggest, Lady Tsara," he slurred, "that you..." Edress hiccupped. "...that you behave yourself while you are under my sufferance. Know your place. You do not rule here. I rule here!"
Edress punched his chest and almost fell backwards as a result, but the dancing girl and another servant grabbed him. He shrugged them off and, bending over, hands on the table, thrust his face at Tsara.
"And know this, Lady Tsara," he sneered. "I don't care about nor want your skinny, cow-eyed granddaughter. I married her for the sake of the accord. I put on that show in her bridal chamber and brought her, pregnant as she was with that Jedi's child, back to my province because you made me rich for doing so! I don't care about her and I don't care about your plans anymore. You lost, Tsara. Accept it. You'll never get your hands on that baby. K'lia's got a battalion guarding him, along with two Jedi!"
His eyes narrowed as he continued to glare at her. "K'lia doesn't know you're here, does he? Maybe he'd like to know that. Hmmm? Wonder what he'd pay to know that? Or maybe I should just do as he did and banish you from my province."
Edress grinned maliciously at her. Tsara kept her face still, but inside she was both seething and worried. She had to be careful. She mustn't push Edress too far. The Dynast stared at her for a long moment, his balding head glimmering under the glow lamps set high in the ceiling.
"Remember. You are here under my sufferance, Tsara," he said finally.
He awkwardly pushed himself to a standing position, wobbling as he did so. The dancing girl caught his arm. The rest of the guests hurriedly looked away from Tsara as they too rose from the table to retire for the evening. Soon only two were left at the banquet table, Tsara and a hawk-faced man with beady yellowish eyes.
Tsara recognized him. His name was Jerule. He owned some lands adjacent to Kindah province. He wasn't a noble, but he was quite wealthy and very ambitious. He was the one Edress had wanted for the blessing ceremony. Jerule had promised Edress some lands in exchange for being Onara's first. But, and much to Tsara's relief, because having Jerule do the blessing ceremony would have upset her plan, K'lia asked the Jedi. But now, as Tsara gazed over at the man, she wondered if perhaps he would be of some use to her.
Tsara knew she had to act quickly if she wanted to get her hands on her great-grandson. If Onara did die, there was always the possibility K'lia might let the Jedi take his son back with him to the Jedi Temple. Edress had to be gotten rid of and someone else put in his place. Someone who would be more pliable to Tsara's plans.
Tsara raised her glass to Jerule, slightly inclining her head. As Edress stumbled his drunken way to his bedchamber, the dancing girl on his arm, Jerule raised his glass and returned Tsara's salute, a sly smile and a knowing look in his eyes.
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Jedi Master Yoda let himself sink into the wonder that was the Room of a Thousand Fountains. The enormous greenhouse never failed to refresh his spirit, no matter how troubled or tired he was. The fountains and waterfalls that spilled and ran through the jade-green forest, the sound of leaf and water, all joined together to aid him not only in his meditation, but in unraveling the mysteries that had of late begin to plague his heart.
However, as Yoda knew would happen, Master Windu had found him and was even now striding towards him across the velvet emerald carpet of grass. Yoda sighed as he adjusted his robe about him. Ever since Master Eo had contacted Yoda and apprised him of the situation on Ahjane, Yoda felt as if he had done nothing this past week but fend off questions from the Council and assuage Master Windu's concerns about Obi-Wan and his padawan.
"Master Windu," Yoda said, struggling to keep the annoyance he was feeling out of his voice at having to, apparently, face another round of questioning.
"Master Yoda," Mace replied.
The two stared at each other for a moment, the tall human's dark eyes boring into Yoda's leaf-green ones. Yoda again sighed. He gestured towards the grass upon which he was sitting.
"Join me, won't you?" he asked.
Mace nodded and, folding his long legs beneath him, sat cross-legged on the grass.
"Hide from you today, I see I can not," Yoda said.
Mace shook his head. "Master, If you had meant to hide from me, you would have chosen some place other than your favorite meditating spot."
"Maybe. What troubles you today, Master Windu?"
One of Mace's thick dark brows rose. "Today?"
"Ever since report from Master Eo I received, troubled you have been."
"Can you blame me? One of our most respected Jedi Knights deliberately ignores a summons from the Council. One of our most revered healers runs off with him. The next thing I know, you're telling the Council Obi-Wan, Anakin and Master Healer Eo are on special assignment. For you. And you leave it at that. No further explanation as to where Master Obi-Wan and his padawan have gone or why."
"Required is it that explain to you my actions?"
"Of course, not. But Obi-Wan and Anakin are not just any Jedi."
Yoda nodded slowly. "No, they are not."
"Master, what is going on? You've never kept anything from me before."
"True that is. Yet, until certain am I, speak I will not."
"So, you're not certain now?"
Yoda shook his head. "The dark side of the Force is growing. Clouding everything. Yet, this I do sense. The Force has manifested itself in a way I have not foreseen."
"I don't understand."
Yoda paused. He did not enjoy keeping things from Windu, his most valued friend and trusted confidant. But much had happened of late that was still troubling. Yet, the need to share some of that with Windu was very compelling.
"Tell you I will, some of what is on my mind. But between us keep this until ready to reveal it to the Council I am."
Mace nodded and Yoda had no doubt the human would do as requested of him. He then told Windu of Eo's report. When Mace heard why Obi-Wan had left so suddenly for the Ahjane, his eyes widened.
"A son?"
"Yes. However, not knowingly was this child conceived by Obi-Wan."
Mace shook his head. "Still, I would think if anyone would have known better not to have involved himself in such a thing as this blessing ceremony it would have been Obi-Wan."
"Told him I did to do it. Want to he did not. If blame you must lay, upon me it should go."
"You? But why would tell him to do such a thing?"
Yoda remained silent for a long moment. "At the time I thought I knew. Now, sure I am not. But happen it has. Master Obi-Wan has a son. And, according to Master Eo, very strong with the Force is he."
"Well, the ancients know, we desperately need more Jedi."
"Humph," was all Yoda said.
"Is that all that's happened?"
Yoda hesitated in answering Windu. He had listened to Eo's dispassionate recital of how Obi-Wan had called upon the dark side of the Force to bring the spirit of the young woman who had borne his child and who, apparently, he desperately loved, back from the abyss, and how it was young Skywalker who had saved his master.
A chill had run down Yoda's spine at how close they had come to losing Kenobi, but he was heartened to hear that the Jedi Knight appeared mostly untouched from his experience, except for some minor physical manifestations. Eo had also gone on to say that although the woman's life had been spared by Obi-Wan's intervention, she was still in danger of dying.
Then Eo had hesitated, and Yoda had sensed the embarrassment in the holographic image of the Quarren as he told Yoda he had encouraged Obi-Wan to go in search of his former master, Sinja-Bau, for only she had the knowledge to cure the young woman. When Yoda heard the name of the ex-Jedi Master, another chill had run down his spine, but not of fear. That had been a frisson of premonition, but whether of help or harm, he did not know.
After instructing Eo to remain on Ahjane and look after the girl, Yoda had gone into a deep meditation, hoping to find answers to all that had occurred on Ahjane for it felt to him as if the ground beneath his feet had suddenly shifted, and all that he had thought he'd known was no longer valid.
If was almost as if the Force, which Yoda perceived of as a great river running through the galaxy, had suddenly shifted course, found a new tributary and was now rushing headlong on a new path and towards a new destination. And everyone, Anakin, Obi-Wan, the young woman, Onara, their child, Ben, and the Jedi Order itself were all being swept along that river. But to what end?
Yoda released a deep breath. He looked over at Mace who was patiently awaiting his answer. Never before had Yoda kept anything that concerned the Jedi and their future from Windu. But, until Yoda himself was more certain as to what was going on, his own counsel would he keep for the time being.
"Master Windu, only this I can say. Master Obi-Wan and his padawan have not abandoned their duty. Serve the Force and the Jedi they still do. But..." and Yoda clasped his hands before him and gazed at the waterfall in front of him, its crystal clear water sending sprays of rainbow-colored mist into the air. "....another path for now they both must travel."
Mace stared at Yoda and he could sense the human was not satisfied with the answer he had been given. But, knowing Yoda as he did, Mace also knew that, for the time being, that was all he was going to get. He nodded, then rising swiftly, stood and bowed.
"Master Yoda," he intoned.
Yoda inclined his head. Windu turned and strode across the grass and out of the greenhouse. Yoda watched him leave. Then, once he had disappeared, turned his attention to back to his green contemplations.
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"Do you know any stories, Anakin?"
Anakin, who had been watching the bees drifting lazing around the flowers in the garden, jumped and turned towards Onara. It had been a week since Obi-Wan had left, and during that time Onara's strength had waxed and waned. Today, however, was one of her better days.
She had been strong enough to leave her room and come into the garden. The sun was shining although, since the clouds were thick and heavy, it was often hidden, but the air was still warm. However, Anakin sensed autumn was not far off. Having grown up on Tatooine, a planet that had had only one season, hot and dry, and having lived most of the last few years on Coruscant, a totally urbanized planet, he found the idea of seasons quite fascinating.
Anakin looked around. Master Eo was in his guest room, meditating, but there were guards posted all about the garden, and Anakin saw the sentry droids diligently patrolling the area. Lady Tsara, so far, had not been found and no word of her had been heard. Anakin could only hope that whatever plan she was hatching to get her hands on Ben, it would take her awhile to formulate it. By then, with any luck, Obi-Wan would be back.
"Well, do you?"
Anakin drew his attention back to Onara. She was smiling at him, her dark eyes sparkling. But, she always looked like that when she was holding Ben. The baby was awake and gazing quietly up at his mother. Anakin had noted that whenever Onara was around, Ben's eyes never left her. No matter how much Anakin or K'lia or the aunts tried to get his attention, he never looked away from her.
"Anakin. Are you listening to me?"
"What? Oh, I'm sorry. I was just...thinking."
Onara tilted her head. "You've been doing that a lot of late." Then her face softened. "You miss him. don't you?"
Anakin looked at her for a moment, then nodded.
"I've never been separated from him before." He shrugged. "It's funny. Sometimes, especially when he would scold me about something or point out some mistake I'd made, I'd want him to just go away and leave me alone. But now that he's gone..." Anakin stopped and lowered his head.
"Don't feel bad, Anakin. Even those we love the most we don't always want to be around. But when they're gone...."
Onara paused and Anakin heard the unshed tears in her voice. He looked up at her. Her eyes were sparkling, but now with her tears.
"Don't, Onara," he said quickly. "Don't worry about him. He'll be fine. He will, trust me. Master Obi-Wan is one of the finest Jedi in the Order. Everyone says it. Why, he's...he's as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu," Anakin announced proudly.
"Oh, yes," Onara said smiling as she quickly wiped away her tears. "Yoda, the small and wise, and Windu, the tall and powerful. Obi-Wan told me about them."
Anakin grinned. "I suppose that's as good a way as any to describe them." Then his expression grew solemn. "But, really. Don't worry about Master Obi- Wan. We've been in worst fixes than this and, look," and Anakin gestured at himself. "I'm here to tell the tale."
Onara laughed. "Speaking of, you didn't answer my question. Do you know any stories?"
"No, I'm afraid I don't. But," and he grinned, "I may have the next best thing. Wait here."
Anakin rose from his chair and raced to the room he and Obi-Wan had been sharing. He'd noted that his master had left his datapad. Anakin picked it up from the table and ran back to the garden with it. Onara, who had been singing to Ben, looked up as he approached. Anakin noted that, as usual, Ben kept his eyes on his mother.
"What's that?"
"Master Obi-Wan's datapad." Anakin turned it on. "He left it behind. I think he was in such a hurry he forgot it. Sometimes he downloads histories from the Archives at the Temple into it. He'd read them to me if we were on some particularly long transport. He always said that if I got bored sometimes I could read them myself even if he wasn't around. Some of the histories are actually pretty exciting. Especially the ones about the Great Sith War."
"The Great Sith War?" Onara asked as she rubbed the tip of her nose against Ben's little snub one.
Anakin nodded eagerly as he scrolled through the files. "Yes. Exar Kun had rallied his Brotherhood of the Sith against the Jedi Knights and..." Anakin's voice fell away.
Onara looked away from Ben and over at Anakin.
"And what? What's wrong?"
Anakin swallowed. While searching through the files, he had come across one that had been bookmarked. When he saw the name Nomi Sunrider, knowing she had been one of the greatest Jedi Knights in history, he had assumed it was some historical record about her. But, as he read the words on the screen, his heart pounded in his chest.
"Anakin, you're blushing like a new bride. What kind of history are you reading?" Onara asked teasingly.
"It's not history," he said softly. "It's poetry."
"Poetry?"
Anakin nodded. "I think...it's love poetry. Love poetry written by Jedi."
"Really?" Onara gasped. "Oh, do read it. I didn't know Jedi wrote love poetry."
"Neither did I," Anakin said almost under his breath.
For a moment, all he wanted to do was just turn the datapad off for he felt as if he had unknowingly stumbled across the most private of his master's thoughts. He looked over at Onara. She was smiling at him, encouraging him to go on. Then Anakin looked at Ben and his breath caught in his throat. Ben, who never, ever, looked away from Onara whenever she was around, was gazing at Anakin with those eyes so like his master and he was smiling too.
Probably just gas, Anakin thought, but he noted Ben's blue-gray eyes seemed to light up as if he and Anakin were sharing some private joke. Anakin smiled back at Ben and, taking it as a sign that it was okay to read the poetry to Onara, looked back down at the screen.
"Do you want me to read them all?" Anakin asked.
Onara settled back against the chaise lounge, her shoulders digging dip into the pillows heaped behind her. She drew Ben closer to her. The baby turned away from Anakin and went back to gazing up at his mother.
"Yes," she said softly. "Read them all."
To be continued....
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Count Dooku's nose wrinkled. He could never get used to the stench of the Geonosian hive colony. As he walked through the dark, echoing hallway in the company of Poggle the Lesser, ruler of the Stalgasin hive, and his chief lieutenant, Sun Fac, he tried, as much as possible, to breathe through his mouth.
He had been on Geonosis for a week now, inspecting the droid foundries and meeting with members of the growing league of Separatists. Dooku was pleased with the number of systems that were rallying around his cause. And he knew his master would be pleased as well. He was also satisfied to see that the production of the super battle droids were on schedule, though, as usual, Poggle was complaining about money. If Dooku and the Neimoidians wanted him to manufacture more droidekas, in addition to the super battle droids, he was going to need more money. One droideka was 200 times the cost of a standard battle droid.
"Don't worry," Dooku told the Geonosian leader. "I have already approved the transfer of ten billion credits to your account."
Poggle chittered and gobbered his approval of the sum at Dooku in Geonosian. Dooku was well aware that Poggle both understood and spoke Basic, but he chose to speak only in his own language; apparently as a way to maintain his dignity and elevate his position. It didn't matter to Dooku. He spoke and understood hundreds of languages, including Geonosian. But he chose to speak to Poggle only in Basic.
Poggle nodded at his words, his command staff, which was rumored to be the limb bone of a rival, ticking on the stone floor. They soon arrived at the hanger where Dooku's solar sailer was housed. The ship itself was a gift from the Geonosians. It was a Punworcca 116-class sloop to which Dooku had instructed the Geonosian engineers to attach a pre-Republic solar sail he had purchased from an antiques dealer near the Gree Enclave.
Dooku knew the Geonosians were in awe of the sail for, unlike traditional solar sails, which were usually moon-sized and were pushed by tachyon streams and ultraviolet lasers, Dooku's sail was smaller and was able to take him across the entire galaxy with no detectable power source. Once at his ship, Dooku turned to Poggle.
"I shall return in about a month. I will inform my master of your progress."
Poggle jibbered at him, then turned and went back into the interior of the hive, Sun Fac trailing him. Dooku entered the ship. He settled himself into his chair. His droid pilot took off and soon they were in space. As Dooku gazed out at the expanse that was the universe, he contemplated the instructions Sidious had given him before he left for Geonosis.
Apparently this Lady Tsara that Sidious wanted him to contact had only just come to the attention of his dark master. The information that Sidious had given him was sketchy, however. Lady Tsara was the mother of one of the ruling Dynasts of Ahjane. Two Jedi, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, had been sent there some time back to negotiate a peace accord between two of the major provinces of that world. While there, Kenobi had gotten involved in some archaic ritual involving the daughter of Lady Tsara's son, a Dynast K'lia. Now, nine months later, the Jedi were back on Ahjane, apparently without leave from the Jedi Council.
A corner of Dooku's mouth curled up. Nine months, he mused. That would explain Sidious' interest in this planet. But Dooku was surprised if what he suspected was true. Although he had never personally met Qui-Gon's former apprentice, he had heard much about Kenobi. Strait-laced, serious, high-minded, almost prudish were words he had heard to describe the young Jedi.
However, Dooku thought, all men, even Jedi Knights, had their weaknesses. He idly wondered what this Dynast's daughter looked like. She must be quite the beauty to have successfully seduced a Jedi of Obi-Wan Kenobi's stalwart reputation.
He would soon find out. Sidious wanted him to contact this Lady Tsara and find out what he could about her. Apparently the woman was someone Sidious thought would be sympathetic to their cause. However, Sidious had also made it clear that Dooku was only to offer the woman assistance, not get personally drawn in with any of her schemes. He was not to reveal his presence to the Jedi on Ahjane nor leave any evidence that he had been involved.
It was a lesson Sidious had drilled into Dooku from the moment he had given himself in service to his dark master. Delegate as much as you can of your dark work to subordinates. Keep an eye on them, of course, but let them take the chances and shoulder the risks. Then, when they're not longer of any use, dispose of them.
Dooku smiled. It was a worthy lesson and one that had proven most beneficial over the years. He ordered the pilot-droid to set course for Ahjane. As the huge copper sail unfurled from the ship, Dooku closed his eyes and allowed himself the luxury of a dark side meditation.
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Lady Tsara licked her lips. The feast was finally over. The servants had cleared away the dishes and all that remained was the desert and drinks. She had just finished a rather large glass of syllabub. The syllabub wasn't as good as the ones she'd had in her own province. The milk was not as rich and the wine had tasted a little off, but it would do. For now.
She raised her glass and took another sip, her gaze fastened on Edress. He was sitting at the head of the banquet table. One of his dancing girls was holding a large gold and diamond crusted goblet to his mouth. Wine was trickling down his chin and spilling onto his silk robe, but he was too busy trying to fondle the girl to notice.
Tsara's thin lips wrinkled with disgust. A week ago she had arrived at Edress's manor only to have his servants tell her he was too busy to meet with her. They had escorted her to her rooms, taken away and burned, as she had ordered, the peasant clothing she'd had to wear during the banishment ritual and, after her bath, had given her clothing more suited to her station. But, the day, and then a week had passed and still no Edress.
Finally, unable to wait any longer, Tsara had gone to his private chamber, demanding he see her. She had made so much noise Edress had finally let her in. Not wanting to waste any time, she had asked him what he intended to do about Onara. Edress had examined his manicured fingernails, refusing to meet her gaze.
Nothing, he had finally said. But she's your wife, Tsara had insisted. Edress had sighed and, finally meeting her eyes, told her that since Onara was apparently still ill, he had no interest in her or, for that matter, her illegitimate brat. Tsara had tried to convince him of the importance of having Onara and the baby brought back to Kindah Province, but Edress had dismissed her, telling her he would discuss Onara with her after the banquet he was holding that evening. Now, said banquet was over. Tsara put down her empty glass and folded her hands in her lap.
"Edress," she snapped.
The Dynast slowly drew his gaze away from the giggling dancing girl and gave Tsara a long, sleepy look.
"Yes, Lady Tsara," he said lazily.
"Onara. What do you intend to do about her?"
"As I said this morning, I intend to do nothing about her."
Edress glanced around at his other guests, mostly nobles from his province. Tsara could see they were no longer interested in the rich deserts or drinks. All their attention were focused on her and Edress.
"But she's your wife. She should be here with you."
"My wife in name only, Lady Tsara. You saw to that with your little plan." His face twisted with disgust. "I had no wish to bed a woman who was already with child." Then he pinched the dancing girl on her plump thigh. "Anyway, Onara is too skinny. She didn't even fatten up when she was pregnant."
"It was foolish of you to have sent her home, Edress. If she had remained here..."
"You'd have her little Jedi brat in your clutches, you wouldn't have been shamed and banished, and you also wouldn't be sitting here now giving me a headache!" Edress shouted, his face beet-red.
The dancing girl, her dark eyes wide, drew away from the enraged Dynast. Lady Tsara, however, was nonplused. She stared calmly back at him. Edress was a puppy compared to her. She knew this and so did he. Struggling to collect himself, he picked up a glass and hastily downed its contents. He put the glass down, wiped his hand across his mouth and glared over at Tsara.
"What, by the fires of hell, do you want me to do?," he asked. "Onara's sick, dying from what I heard. Even if I wanted her here, and I don't, do you really think K'lia is going to risk her life by sending her here?"
Edress shook his head. He reached over and drew the dancing girl next to him. She giggled again as he went back to fondling her.
"And do you think," Tsara replied, "that if the Jedi is successful and she does recover, that K'lia will send her back to you, now that he knows you were in on my plan?"
Edress shrugged. "I don't care if Onara never comes back. With her dowry, the concessions I received from K'lia as a result of the peace accord, and now the lands you've given me as payment for my having helped you with your little plan, I'm now one of the wealthiest Dynasts on this planet. I don't need Onara. And I can assure you, I won't risk what I now possess to go to war to get her."
Edress then grinned at her. "I'm sorry you didn't get what you wanted out of the deal, Tsara. Your great-grandson. But I did my part. And, well, it's not my problem, now is it?"
Tsara glared at him, but she had expected as much. If only Onara hadn't gotten sick. She would still be here with Edress, with no one the wiser about the baby's true parentage. Tsara would not have been banished and, most importantly, there would be no Jedi lurking about and interfering with her plans.
But at least one of them was gone, apparently on some fool's errands to save Onara's life. According to her source in K'lia's manor, the same servant who had given her the transmitter, that brat Skywalker and that freak Jedi were still around however. Protecting, along with a number of Assembly guards, both Onara and the baby who had been named Ben.
Tsara's eyes narrowed. Ben! What a ridiculous name! Once her great-grandson was hers, she would give him a proper name. One worthy of the future ruler of Ahjane. But first she had to get him. K'lia was wasting his time guarding Onara. Tsara had no further interest in her granddaughter, now that she had given birth to the Jedi's child.
Edress was struggling to rise from the table. The dancing girl laughed as she tried to pull him, drunk as he was, up from his chair. Once he was on his feet, as he swayed back and forth, he looked over at Tsara and pointed at her.
"I would suggest, Lady Tsara," he slurred, "that you..." Edress hiccupped. "...that you behave yourself while you are under my sufferance. Know your place. You do not rule here. I rule here!"
Edress punched his chest and almost fell backwards as a result, but the dancing girl and another servant grabbed him. He shrugged them off and, bending over, hands on the table, thrust his face at Tsara.
"And know this, Lady Tsara," he sneered. "I don't care about nor want your skinny, cow-eyed granddaughter. I married her for the sake of the accord. I put on that show in her bridal chamber and brought her, pregnant as she was with that Jedi's child, back to my province because you made me rich for doing so! I don't care about her and I don't care about your plans anymore. You lost, Tsara. Accept it. You'll never get your hands on that baby. K'lia's got a battalion guarding him, along with two Jedi!"
His eyes narrowed as he continued to glare at her. "K'lia doesn't know you're here, does he? Maybe he'd like to know that. Hmmm? Wonder what he'd pay to know that? Or maybe I should just do as he did and banish you from my province."
Edress grinned maliciously at her. Tsara kept her face still, but inside she was both seething and worried. She had to be careful. She mustn't push Edress too far. The Dynast stared at her for a long moment, his balding head glimmering under the glow lamps set high in the ceiling.
"Remember. You are here under my sufferance, Tsara," he said finally.
He awkwardly pushed himself to a standing position, wobbling as he did so. The dancing girl caught his arm. The rest of the guests hurriedly looked away from Tsara as they too rose from the table to retire for the evening. Soon only two were left at the banquet table, Tsara and a hawk-faced man with beady yellowish eyes.
Tsara recognized him. His name was Jerule. He owned some lands adjacent to Kindah province. He wasn't a noble, but he was quite wealthy and very ambitious. He was the one Edress had wanted for the blessing ceremony. Jerule had promised Edress some lands in exchange for being Onara's first. But, and much to Tsara's relief, because having Jerule do the blessing ceremony would have upset her plan, K'lia asked the Jedi. But now, as Tsara gazed over at the man, she wondered if perhaps he would be of some use to her.
Tsara knew she had to act quickly if she wanted to get her hands on her great-grandson. If Onara did die, there was always the possibility K'lia might let the Jedi take his son back with him to the Jedi Temple. Edress had to be gotten rid of and someone else put in his place. Someone who would be more pliable to Tsara's plans.
Tsara raised her glass to Jerule, slightly inclining her head. As Edress stumbled his drunken way to his bedchamber, the dancing girl on his arm, Jerule raised his glass and returned Tsara's salute, a sly smile and a knowing look in his eyes.
--------------
Jedi Master Yoda let himself sink into the wonder that was the Room of a Thousand Fountains. The enormous greenhouse never failed to refresh his spirit, no matter how troubled or tired he was. The fountains and waterfalls that spilled and ran through the jade-green forest, the sound of leaf and water, all joined together to aid him not only in his meditation, but in unraveling the mysteries that had of late begin to plague his heart.
However, as Yoda knew would happen, Master Windu had found him and was even now striding towards him across the velvet emerald carpet of grass. Yoda sighed as he adjusted his robe about him. Ever since Master Eo had contacted Yoda and apprised him of the situation on Ahjane, Yoda felt as if he had done nothing this past week but fend off questions from the Council and assuage Master Windu's concerns about Obi-Wan and his padawan.
"Master Windu," Yoda said, struggling to keep the annoyance he was feeling out of his voice at having to, apparently, face another round of questioning.
"Master Yoda," Mace replied.
The two stared at each other for a moment, the tall human's dark eyes boring into Yoda's leaf-green ones. Yoda again sighed. He gestured towards the grass upon which he was sitting.
"Join me, won't you?" he asked.
Mace nodded and, folding his long legs beneath him, sat cross-legged on the grass.
"Hide from you today, I see I can not," Yoda said.
Mace shook his head. "Master, If you had meant to hide from me, you would have chosen some place other than your favorite meditating spot."
"Maybe. What troubles you today, Master Windu?"
One of Mace's thick dark brows rose. "Today?"
"Ever since report from Master Eo I received, troubled you have been."
"Can you blame me? One of our most respected Jedi Knights deliberately ignores a summons from the Council. One of our most revered healers runs off with him. The next thing I know, you're telling the Council Obi-Wan, Anakin and Master Healer Eo are on special assignment. For you. And you leave it at that. No further explanation as to where Master Obi-Wan and his padawan have gone or why."
"Required is it that explain to you my actions?"
"Of course, not. But Obi-Wan and Anakin are not just any Jedi."
Yoda nodded slowly. "No, they are not."
"Master, what is going on? You've never kept anything from me before."
"True that is. Yet, until certain am I, speak I will not."
"So, you're not certain now?"
Yoda shook his head. "The dark side of the Force is growing. Clouding everything. Yet, this I do sense. The Force has manifested itself in a way I have not foreseen."
"I don't understand."
Yoda paused. He did not enjoy keeping things from Windu, his most valued friend and trusted confidant. But much had happened of late that was still troubling. Yet, the need to share some of that with Windu was very compelling.
"Tell you I will, some of what is on my mind. But between us keep this until ready to reveal it to the Council I am."
Mace nodded and Yoda had no doubt the human would do as requested of him. He then told Windu of Eo's report. When Mace heard why Obi-Wan had left so suddenly for the Ahjane, his eyes widened.
"A son?"
"Yes. However, not knowingly was this child conceived by Obi-Wan."
Mace shook his head. "Still, I would think if anyone would have known better not to have involved himself in such a thing as this blessing ceremony it would have been Obi-Wan."
"Told him I did to do it. Want to he did not. If blame you must lay, upon me it should go."
"You? But why would tell him to do such a thing?"
Yoda remained silent for a long moment. "At the time I thought I knew. Now, sure I am not. But happen it has. Master Obi-Wan has a son. And, according to Master Eo, very strong with the Force is he."
"Well, the ancients know, we desperately need more Jedi."
"Humph," was all Yoda said.
"Is that all that's happened?"
Yoda hesitated in answering Windu. He had listened to Eo's dispassionate recital of how Obi-Wan had called upon the dark side of the Force to bring the spirit of the young woman who had borne his child and who, apparently, he desperately loved, back from the abyss, and how it was young Skywalker who had saved his master.
A chill had run down Yoda's spine at how close they had come to losing Kenobi, but he was heartened to hear that the Jedi Knight appeared mostly untouched from his experience, except for some minor physical manifestations. Eo had also gone on to say that although the woman's life had been spared by Obi-Wan's intervention, she was still in danger of dying.
Then Eo had hesitated, and Yoda had sensed the embarrassment in the holographic image of the Quarren as he told Yoda he had encouraged Obi-Wan to go in search of his former master, Sinja-Bau, for only she had the knowledge to cure the young woman. When Yoda heard the name of the ex-Jedi Master, another chill had run down his spine, but not of fear. That had been a frisson of premonition, but whether of help or harm, he did not know.
After instructing Eo to remain on Ahjane and look after the girl, Yoda had gone into a deep meditation, hoping to find answers to all that had occurred on Ahjane for it felt to him as if the ground beneath his feet had suddenly shifted, and all that he had thought he'd known was no longer valid.
If was almost as if the Force, which Yoda perceived of as a great river running through the galaxy, had suddenly shifted course, found a new tributary and was now rushing headlong on a new path and towards a new destination. And everyone, Anakin, Obi-Wan, the young woman, Onara, their child, Ben, and the Jedi Order itself were all being swept along that river. But to what end?
Yoda released a deep breath. He looked over at Mace who was patiently awaiting his answer. Never before had Yoda kept anything that concerned the Jedi and their future from Windu. But, until Yoda himself was more certain as to what was going on, his own counsel would he keep for the time being.
"Master Windu, only this I can say. Master Obi-Wan and his padawan have not abandoned their duty. Serve the Force and the Jedi they still do. But..." and Yoda clasped his hands before him and gazed at the waterfall in front of him, its crystal clear water sending sprays of rainbow-colored mist into the air. "....another path for now they both must travel."
Mace stared at Yoda and he could sense the human was not satisfied with the answer he had been given. But, knowing Yoda as he did, Mace also knew that, for the time being, that was all he was going to get. He nodded, then rising swiftly, stood and bowed.
"Master Yoda," he intoned.
Yoda inclined his head. Windu turned and strode across the grass and out of the greenhouse. Yoda watched him leave. Then, once he had disappeared, turned his attention to back to his green contemplations.
-------------
"Do you know any stories, Anakin?"
Anakin, who had been watching the bees drifting lazing around the flowers in the garden, jumped and turned towards Onara. It had been a week since Obi-Wan had left, and during that time Onara's strength had waxed and waned. Today, however, was one of her better days.
She had been strong enough to leave her room and come into the garden. The sun was shining although, since the clouds were thick and heavy, it was often hidden, but the air was still warm. However, Anakin sensed autumn was not far off. Having grown up on Tatooine, a planet that had had only one season, hot and dry, and having lived most of the last few years on Coruscant, a totally urbanized planet, he found the idea of seasons quite fascinating.
Anakin looked around. Master Eo was in his guest room, meditating, but there were guards posted all about the garden, and Anakin saw the sentry droids diligently patrolling the area. Lady Tsara, so far, had not been found and no word of her had been heard. Anakin could only hope that whatever plan she was hatching to get her hands on Ben, it would take her awhile to formulate it. By then, with any luck, Obi-Wan would be back.
"Well, do you?"
Anakin drew his attention back to Onara. She was smiling at him, her dark eyes sparkling. But, she always looked like that when she was holding Ben. The baby was awake and gazing quietly up at his mother. Anakin had noted that whenever Onara was around, Ben's eyes never left her. No matter how much Anakin or K'lia or the aunts tried to get his attention, he never looked away from her.
"Anakin. Are you listening to me?"
"What? Oh, I'm sorry. I was just...thinking."
Onara tilted her head. "You've been doing that a lot of late." Then her face softened. "You miss him. don't you?"
Anakin looked at her for a moment, then nodded.
"I've never been separated from him before." He shrugged. "It's funny. Sometimes, especially when he would scold me about something or point out some mistake I'd made, I'd want him to just go away and leave me alone. But now that he's gone..." Anakin stopped and lowered his head.
"Don't feel bad, Anakin. Even those we love the most we don't always want to be around. But when they're gone...."
Onara paused and Anakin heard the unshed tears in her voice. He looked up at her. Her eyes were sparkling, but now with her tears.
"Don't, Onara," he said quickly. "Don't worry about him. He'll be fine. He will, trust me. Master Obi-Wan is one of the finest Jedi in the Order. Everyone says it. Why, he's...he's as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu," Anakin announced proudly.
"Oh, yes," Onara said smiling as she quickly wiped away her tears. "Yoda, the small and wise, and Windu, the tall and powerful. Obi-Wan told me about them."
Anakin grinned. "I suppose that's as good a way as any to describe them." Then his expression grew solemn. "But, really. Don't worry about Master Obi- Wan. We've been in worst fixes than this and, look," and Anakin gestured at himself. "I'm here to tell the tale."
Onara laughed. "Speaking of, you didn't answer my question. Do you know any stories?"
"No, I'm afraid I don't. But," and he grinned, "I may have the next best thing. Wait here."
Anakin rose from his chair and raced to the room he and Obi-Wan had been sharing. He'd noted that his master had left his datapad. Anakin picked it up from the table and ran back to the garden with it. Onara, who had been singing to Ben, looked up as he approached. Anakin noted that, as usual, Ben kept his eyes on his mother.
"What's that?"
"Master Obi-Wan's datapad." Anakin turned it on. "He left it behind. I think he was in such a hurry he forgot it. Sometimes he downloads histories from the Archives at the Temple into it. He'd read them to me if we were on some particularly long transport. He always said that if I got bored sometimes I could read them myself even if he wasn't around. Some of the histories are actually pretty exciting. Especially the ones about the Great Sith War."
"The Great Sith War?" Onara asked as she rubbed the tip of her nose against Ben's little snub one.
Anakin nodded eagerly as he scrolled through the files. "Yes. Exar Kun had rallied his Brotherhood of the Sith against the Jedi Knights and..." Anakin's voice fell away.
Onara looked away from Ben and over at Anakin.
"And what? What's wrong?"
Anakin swallowed. While searching through the files, he had come across one that had been bookmarked. When he saw the name Nomi Sunrider, knowing she had been one of the greatest Jedi Knights in history, he had assumed it was some historical record about her. But, as he read the words on the screen, his heart pounded in his chest.
"Anakin, you're blushing like a new bride. What kind of history are you reading?" Onara asked teasingly.
"It's not history," he said softly. "It's poetry."
"Poetry?"
Anakin nodded. "I think...it's love poetry. Love poetry written by Jedi."
"Really?" Onara gasped. "Oh, do read it. I didn't know Jedi wrote love poetry."
"Neither did I," Anakin said almost under his breath.
For a moment, all he wanted to do was just turn the datapad off for he felt as if he had unknowingly stumbled across the most private of his master's thoughts. He looked over at Onara. She was smiling at him, encouraging him to go on. Then Anakin looked at Ben and his breath caught in his throat. Ben, who never, ever, looked away from Onara whenever she was around, was gazing at Anakin with those eyes so like his master and he was smiling too.
Probably just gas, Anakin thought, but he noted Ben's blue-gray eyes seemed to light up as if he and Anakin were sharing some private joke. Anakin smiled back at Ben and, taking it as a sign that it was okay to read the poetry to Onara, looked back down at the screen.
"Do you want me to read them all?" Anakin asked.
Onara settled back against the chaise lounge, her shoulders digging dip into the pillows heaped behind her. She drew Ben closer to her. The baby turned away from Anakin and went back to gazing up at his mother.
"Yes," she said softly. "Read them all."
To be continued....