The Book of Guilty Consciences

"What kind of monsters enjoy killing like that?" Bali asked softly. "He was hurt and there were three of them." Panic rose quickly with every word spoken. "And he was already hurt!" The memory of the recording fired him, sending Bali leaping to his feet and out of his master's protective hold. "He was hurt!" Bali kept repeating as a range of emotions bubbled within the thirteen-year-old. "He was hurt." Spinning around, Bali's gaze fell to Yoda. "Why didn't he have help? Where was his padawan? Why was he alone?"

"Padawan," Obi-Wan called softly, reaching for the agitated boy.

"They enjoyed watching him die. They like to watch Jedi die." Bali pulled away from his master's grip, focusing entirely on Yoda. "He was hurt. The Council sent him anyway!"

"Padawan," Obi-Wan said sternly, pulling the angry child back from Yoda. "Calm down." Strong arms gripped Bali's shoulders, keeping him from breaking free. "It is the past and blaming Master Yoda cannot change that. All we can do is strive to understand and not make the same errors again."

Yoda's long green ears drooped slightly. "An error?" he asked quizzically. "An error you think we made?"

The younger master slowly brought his attention from Bali to Yoda. "Master?"

"An entity, the Council is–not a collection of different beings over the years–a living being. One mind, one opinion. The composition changes nothing." The little master shook his head sadly. "A mistake we made."

Both Obi-Wan and Bali knelt on the pillows, quietly studying the small master as he hobbled about the room.

"But Master, Ben'al Houk died long before you were born," Obi-Wan said evenly. "You had nothing to do with what happened to him."

"Listen to me, you did not!" Yoda replied gruffly. "Abide by rules made long before you were born, do you?"

"Yes, Master."

"Does it matter when they were made?"

"No, Master."

Bali watched the two Jedi carefully but confusion remained painted on his youthful features.

"Accept the word of the Council, I do. Does not matter when it was spoken. Take pride in their achievements, I do. Feel regret for their errors, I must. Strive I will to make amends for the Council's mistakes." Yoda sighed loudly as his large gaze fell to Bali. "Died, Ben'al Houk did for the Council's arrogance. So good he was, forgot the Council did, that he was mortal." Green feet shuffled about before Yoda finally settled on a floor pillow across from the young master and padawan. "Know, the Council did not, that he was still injured in a previous battle with a Sith."

Still confused by Yoda's statement, Bali tried to argue, "You–they–made him kill Sith. It said so in the biography. You would not let him stop when he wanted too!"

"Padawan," Obi-Wan said calmly, pulling Bali back slightly. Through their bond he sought to send calming waves but the Force felt blocked by Bali's loss of emotional control.

"No, Master," Bali said quickly, bright green eyes worriedly searching his master's blue. "Don't you see?" He pointed a finger toward Yoda. "Him–they killed him."

"You are agitated and not listening," Obi-Wan tried to ease the upset child.

Grabbing his gimer stick, Yoda reached out with lightning quick speed and whacked Obi-Wan across the back of the neck garnering his undivided attention. "Deaf, you are! Correct, young Bali is. Killed him, the Council willfully did." Sadness engulfed the small master. "Know then, what we do now, the Council did not."

Obi-Wan said nothing.

In that silence, Bali found peace. Worry touched Obi-Wan's mind and carefully calming himself, he sent the boy a comforting pulse.

"Desperate times, they were," Yoda said.

"He volunteered?" Obi-Wan asked hopefully, breaking his silence.

Yoda shook his head. "No."

A terrible silence hung in the room.

"What did they do?" The Jedi softly inquired as he obviously struggled to maintain a calm tone.

"A different time, it was," the little master repeated as he sadly shook his head. "Against a great threat the Sith represented, Master Houk and his apprentice weresacrificed."

Once, Obi-Wan had thought he was expendable. His life worthless compared to the rest of the Order and willingly offered it up for sacrifice. But that was just his own opinion to justify the feeling of not belonging. "No Jedi is expendable," Obi-Wan whispered a mantra that had always been taught. To die in the course of protecting the innocent and maintaining justice in the galaxy was what they were trained to do. A commitment they had made. But being considered expendable was different; it was a punishment to be sentence to death for no reason. It was a death without meaning.

"To strike a blow against our enemy, it was the only way. Knew Master Houk would kill many Sith in the battle. Knew the Council did, he would be killed. Choice, the Council did not have." Yoda paused. "In the end, made himself bait to the Sith, allowing his apprentice to escape with his life."

Bali shifted a little closer to Obi-Wan's side.

"You lied to me, Master," Obi-Wan said evenly. "Years ago, when I asked you about Ben'al Houk, you said he was part of a diplomatic envoy that was attacked."

"Lied, I did not," Yoda hesitated, "from a certain point of view. Eliminated certain truths."

"Why?"

"Young you were." Yoda stirred his gimer stick about the floor. "Qui-Gon did not want you burdened." There was another pause. "Would have made you unduly wary of the Council."

"What about Bali?" Obi-Wan asked softly. "You think he is not going to be burdened?"

"A good teacher he has," Yoda said firmly, "will get through this, he will."

Obi-Wan and Bali exchanged worried glances, and the young master could feel the boy's concern, but it was tinted with warm determination.

"Saw, Qui-Gon did," Yoda spoke up as he stopped stirring his gimer stick about, "a mistake we were repeating with you. Argued with the Council, he did. Understand we did not, until–"

For a time, the little master remained silent. "Died on a mission soon, you would have. Destroying you, we were. Expendable, you had become. A mistake we could not afford to make." Yoda's large gaze found Bali's worried green eyes. He gave the boy a warm smile. "A change had to be made. Responsible we would not be for willfully killing another Jedi. We already had too much blood on our hands."

__________________

The Book of the Master and Padawan Part VIII

A gentle hum cascaded through the passenger cruiser as the ship sped toward Coruscant. It provided a gentle lullaby for two of its very tired passengers. The business class compartment was only a third full and most of the passengers had taken the long flight as a moment to relax and catch up on lost sleep or do business.

Sitting comfortably in one of the seats, Obi-Wan glanced away from his mission notes to study the ten-year-old apprentice in the seat next to him. Bali's feet swung about, as he was still too short to reach the floor. Bali paused from his class work and glanced up, offering Obi-Wan a weary grin before returning to the drudgery of his studies.

Exhaustion had finally overcome Bali's excitement of going on his first mediating mission. The boy did well, even if he did get bored with the slow proceedings of working out a contract between the miners and the Cor'dua Mining Company. It was just the yearly contract negotiations but it was a different kind of mission for the apprentice. The contract negotiations had always had a history of turning extremely violent until a petition to the Senate and Jedi Council had brought them peacefully under control for the last four decades. It was an easy, but long mission, which allowed Bali to see just how mediation should go.

Besides, it was good practice for a Jedi who had not mediated any disputes in several years. Always by the time he was called, the only option left was action. The mission to the mining colony had been a welcome change to the more diplomatic missions they had been sent on in recent months. He was tired of delivering official documentation.

They were Jedi not a messenger service.

Obi-Wan knew that Bali was still too young and too inexperienced to be pulled into missions with a propensity for danger. He would just have to get used to the soft missions for Bali's sake. The days of near suicide missions were long over and the funny part was, he did not mind.

A quick hand lightly grasped Bali's shoulder just as the boy was about to nosedive into the back of the seat in front of him. Gently he pulled the drowsing boy back into his seat.

"I'm awake!" Bali startled then melted into a sleepy grumble before settling again. The apprentice strained, then brought his attention back to his studies.

Obi-Wan hesitated before returning to his own notes. Beyond the formal report, he also had to keep a record on how Bali functioned on the mission. Of course, the apprentice had been exceptional, working very hard to be the vision of Jedi calm and following every instruction and prompt. The days on the colony were extremely long and toward the end of each day, pent up energy got the better of Bali. The boy daily succumbed to uncontrollable wiggles and anxious behavior before the day's negotiations could wind down. Running Bali through a series of katas and general saberplay each evening helped to calm him.

There was a soft grunt as Bali jerked himself awake again.

"You will not get much studying done with your eyes closed, Padawan."

"I'm awake," Bali argued stubbornly as he re-situated himself in the seat.

"If you say so."

Within moments, the boy was slumping again. This time the master offered up a light sleep suggestion then carefully pried the data pad from Bali's grip. Gentle hands propped the apprentice up in the seat. The tired body slid sideways, coming to a rest against Obi-Wan's arm. The young master could not help the smile as he stared down into the little face mashed in the folds of his cloak.

___________________

The Book of Worry

"With all due respect," Qui-Gon gruffly countered as he shifted to better look around the room. "I hardly believe that my padawan and I are the only Jedi capable of protecting the Senator." The imposing Jedi master roughly folded his arms across his chest as he offered the circle of twelve a defiant look.

Mace shook his head as he leaned forward in his seat. "Our hands are tied."

"Since when?"

"This argument is pointless," Ki-Adi Mundi said. He studied the rebellious master before continuing. "Understand that there are forces at work beyond our control. While we strive to gain knowledge we must bow to the Chancellor's wishes."

"You think the Chancellor is behind these assassinations? What could he accomplish by tearing the Republic apart?" Qui-Gon asked as his gaze swept the room taking in each passive expression.

"Know this, we do not," Yoda replied. "Believe we do that the Sith are behind the approaching civil war. Watch Palpatine and us, they will. Appear suspicious we must not. A weakness, the Sith would exploit. Dangerous times these are, careful we must be."

Qui-Gon sighed loudly. "I understand." Not really, but he could see that the Council was more stubborn than he was.

"This assassin," Mace interjected, "has not succeeded in killing the Naboo senator yet. It is best to believe another attempt is being planned as we speak." There was a long pause. Mace studied his long time friend before shifting his gaze to the ancient Jedi master in the seat next to his. With Yoda's silent nod, Mace began slowly. "Security has been stepped up at both the Senatorial Office building and the Senate itself. Our mysterious assassin dispatched a lobbyist and Knight Pesele during the night."

"He was just a boy," Qui-Gon said, remembering the blond haired Jedi, the recent apprentice of Tor Ito.

"Knighted just a few months ago," Depa Billaba added. "He was beheaded by a lightsaber. His corpse left at the base of the Senate chamber, his head propped upon the podium of the Alderaan delegation."

Plo Koon hissed through his breathing mask. "The Naboo senator's platform was alsodefiled. The body of a woman was found on the floor. Her throat slit and her heart removed."

Immediately, Qui-Gon's thoughts flashed back to the encounter with the Sith in the corridor. The one that had so easily taken his apprentice out. Had he not arrived when he did, Anakin would have suffered a similar fate as Pesele. Now the youth was even more distracted by the pretty senator. More reason, Qui-Gon decided, to keep Anakin away from Amidala.

As if reading the graying Jedi's thoughts, Mace spoke up. "For now, you must have faith in your padawan to remain focused on the mission."

Normally he did have faith, but the tall Jedi master knew just how intoxicating love could be. His own experience had taught him that logic is often lost behind emotion and things that should have been important were often forgotten or pushed to the side.

Love would make his apprentice more vulnerable to the Sith assassin's deadly attack.

_______________

The Book of Ashes

Bali struggled to keep caught up with his master's unusually quick pace. The thirteen-year-old nearly broke out into a run just to keep from falling behind as Obi-Wan marched through a corridor deep in the Senatorial Office Building. Footsteps echoed throughout the long, dimly lit hallway. Reaching out on the Force, Bali scanned his surroundings sensing the life of the entire building above him as well as the few scattered figures lurking in the corridor. He could feel wariness from the beings around them and did not wish to show weakness before these strangers. He was either growing tired or Obi-Wan had picked up his pace, if that were possible.

Master, slow down please, the apprentice begged through the training bond.

Instantly Obi-Wan stopped and Bali smashed right into the Jedi. He caught Bali before the boy could tumble to the floor. Gently he knelt and straightened the mushed up cloak and tunic. "Forgive me, Padawan," Obi-Wan said softly. "I am distracted."

The apprentice nodded eagerly in agreement.

A frown quickly graced the Jedi's face as he stood up. "Thank you for your support."

Bali grinned as he fell into place at his master's side. He folded his arms across his chest in the same manner that his master often did. The two mirrored each other before Obi-Wan broke into a smile and ruffled Bali's short spiked hair.

"Master!" Bali playfully cried out as he fixed the flattened spikes.

"Come, Padawan, we have a few things to do before Senator Organa's transport arrives."

"Yes, Master." Bali followed Obi-Wan as they delved deeper into building, to one of the older levels. They passed viewing decks that centuries ago had stared out above the city planet but now lay deep below the skyline.

Bali paused to look out of the viewing deck at another building that had been built precariously close. It was dark and dingy. He had been to the lower levels many times, but he never liked it. The shadows from the massive buildings left the lower levels in perpetual night and always left him feeling uneasy.

Padawan.

Coming! Bali broke into a sprint to catch up with his master. He winced as Obi-Wan breezed toward the nearest staircase. He glanced around searching for a lift bay but found none.

"There are no lifts this far down in the building, Padawan."

"Why not?"

"This is a very old building and the deeper we go the older each section gets." Obi-Wan paused to stare at Bali's confused look. "Buildings were not always so tall they required lifts."

"Oh." Naturally he did not understand. Buildings in Coruscant were massively tall and it seemed silly to think there were no lifts.

"Remember, Padawan, the deepest levels of the Temple do not have lifts."

Bali thought about it for a moment and agreed. In their explorations of the ancient Temple, they had descended to the lowest levels.

Once, they had stood in a workshop full of broken down maintenance droids. All Bali could see was dark walls and the grimy appearance of the cluttered room. It meant nothing to him until his master pointed out the circular shape of the room. Smudging the dirty floor and sending dust scattering, his master's boot revealed a familiar tile pattern. In the small, windowless room, Bali saw the ghost of a long forgotten Council chamber.

Immediately the memory of the previous night came thundering back to the apprentice. "They are still doing it."

"Yes, Padawan," Obi-Wan tiredly replied just as he came to a stop on a landing between floors.

Bali stood several steps up and could look his master in the eye. "But Master Yoda said he knew what they were doing was wrong. They are sending us to face that Sith assassin. Can't Master Yoda send someone else?"

"It is not his decision, Padawan."

"But–"

Obi-Wan rested a firm, but gentle hand on Bali's shoulder. "We are Jedi, we serve. We do not get to pick and choose who and when we help."

"You are angry with Master Yoda."

"No, Padawan." He led Bali down the last flight of stairs. "I am justuncertain."

Bali scrunched up his face in thought then relaxed as he allowed a light probing of the training bond. He felt the weariness of so many back-to-back missions and the pain caused by the battle with the Sith. The apprentice felt an embarrassed flush rise to his cheeks when he remembered how he had kept his master up most of the night as well.

At the very bottom level off offices, just above the hum of the building's internal systems, Obi-Wan stopped and stared at Bali again. "Now is not the time to dwell on the past. You must focus on the here and now. We are preparing for a potentially dangerous situation and focusing on things we cannot change will only distract us."

"Yes, Master," Bali replied dutifully as he followed Obi-Wan through the long corridor. They passed by many locked doors before arriving at one that was wide open. The boy strained to look beyond his master's cloak and into the large but very cluttered office. A high pitched whine caught Bali's attention as he quickly looked around before realizing the sound was coming from a force field generator around the open door.

Obi-Wan palmed the chime and waited.

And waited.

They stood there so long Bali's feet began to ache.

With a sigh, Obi-Wan reached toward the Force field. "You didn't see this."

"Yes, Master."

The Jedi's fingers brushed against the invisible wall. The room inside twisted and contorted as Obi-Wan applied fine control of the Force against the barrier. There was a static snap. A purple glow as the force field bubbled and separated allowing the two Jedi access to the office. As soon as they had passed through, another snap filled the air as the field popped back into place.

Bali turned back to stare at the nearly invisible wall. "Why didn't you just shut it off?"

A sweep of his hand and Obi-Wan pointed out a very complex control panel. "It would have taken to long."

"Oh." Bali looked around the empty security office. "Master?"

"Yes, Padawan?"

"Is this breaking and entering?"

"Yes."

"Isn't it illegal?"

"Yes."

"Are we going to get in trouble?"

"Depends."

Bali scrunched up his face in response to his master's elusiveness. He was about to ask another question when he sensed someone approaching.

In the doorway appeared the Senate Security Inspector Ekaro Kinyo; the silver forehead tattoos glinted in the light of the force field emitters. "I see old habits die hard," he laughed as a remote control deactivated the field.

"I need to keep in practice somehow," Obi-Wan replied as he shook hands with Kinyo. Then withdrew to tug at the edges of his cloak.

Bali quickly followed the Jedi and the inspector as Kinyo led them beyond the main office into a cleaner secondary room. It was smaller with a long table and a series of chairs around it. At his master's silent prompting, Bali took a seat next to Obi-Wan and crossways from Kinyo at the table. At first, he folded his hands across the smooth surface but that felt uncomfortable so he placed them in his lap. He noted how his master had his arms folded across the tabletop and occasionally drew his fingers along the surface to illustrate some point in his discussion with Kinyo. Bali mildly mimicked Obi-Wan as he watched the two continue to discuss security issues.

"I will tell you what I don't like," Kinyo said with an air of concern, "I don't like that protection the Chancellor insisted on offering Senator Amidala of Naboo. Those security droids are little more than battle droids with surface reprogramming. One glitch and they are liable to wipe out the entire level as well as a couple of senators."

"The Chancellor wouldn't put anything that dangerous in the tower."

Kinyo leaned back in his seat and studied Obi-Wan curiously. "I was under the impression you had been working fairly closely with the Chancellor, Kenobi."

"Unfortunately."

"And you trust him?"

"I serve," the ginger haired Jedi replied. "He is a politician, trusting him is a moot point."

"That is going to be the downfall of you Jedi. You serve without question. I do not trust Palpatine. I have been around politicians enough to know they are excessive, spoiled, egocentric and power hungry, but there is something very wrong with that man."

Bali sensed a ripple of uncertainty flow through his master before it was crushed beneath intense shielding.

"Don't you Jedi sense it or something? Or is it just me?"

"Once a pirate, always a pirate?" Obi-Wan asked a little too jovially.

The apprentice did not like the shielding his master was employing to hide something from him.

Kinyo broke out into a deep, rich laugh. The long, thin braids of his dark hair rapped softly against the back of his chair. "Never know when this gig will run out and I will have to go back into business for myself. Suspicion is what has kept me alive all these years."

Obi-Wan's tone quickly sobered. "Speaking of the old business. I bet you still have connections to Xim."

At the mention of the planet, Bali brightened. He remembered that Captain Kinyo had told him that he was named after a moon there.

A slow nod was all Kinyo offered.

The Jedi leaned forward and spoke in a low tone. "I want to know about Ighista Trocha."

"I will check." Kinyo paused to study the master. The silver tattoos glinted in the yellow light of the office as his gaze shifted from Obi-Wan to Bali before returning to the older Jedi. "He's gone from there."

"You know that for sure?"

"It's been six years. He would have reared his head by now."

"I think he has," Obi-Wan replied evenly.

"The assassinations?" The inspector shook his head. "No. Trocha was many things but not a cold-blooded assassin. He was a healer or something like that."

"Was being the operative word." Obi-Wan never let his pale blue gaze waver from Kinyo. "He didn't have a problem killing Halla and trying to kill me."

"He was very jealous of men's attentions toward his wife. I was smart and kept my distance. Besides, these are mainly corrupt politicians that are being eviscerated. Whether it was publicly known or not these Senator's had their hands in some real dirty dealings."

"They also shut down his facilities."

Kinyo did not waver. "And you were the one who delivered the information on his research to the Senate. Maybe you should spend your time looking out for yourself and not some senators."

Bali looked worriedly to his master but felt a comforting pulse through their bond. His master did not immediately respond to the inspector's pointed remark. The longer the Jedi remained silent, the more Bali became concerned.

Slowly, Obi-Wan looked to his worried apprentice offering the boy a small smile. Bali braced himself, afraid that his master would send him from the room before continuing the conversation. The Jedi master frowned as if sensing the boy's worry. Intense blue eyes focused on Kinyo even as he hesitated. "What did they do with Halla?"

"I always wondered when you were going to ask that," Kinyo replied solemnly. "Apparently, as I have been told, the Xim tried to emulate a Jedi funeral pyre."

"They don't burn?"

"No, burial in the catacombs." Kinyo leaned back in his chair. "For years she fed the Xim younglings tales of Jedi Knights. She did a lot of good with her humanitarian work around the villages; she was their voice against the research colony's expansion into their homes. They had never seen a Jedi but believed her stories and thought to honor her in death like one of your kind."

____________________

The Book of Jealously

Bali shifted nervously in the lift compartment before looking up at Obi-Wan. "Master?" he asked softly as the lift raced its way up through the Senatorial Office Tower.

Snapping out of his daze, Obi-Wan pulled at the edges of his cloak seeking that much needed warmth before glancing over at the boy. "Yes, Padawan?" he asked a little too wearily. Through the training bond, he could feel the apprentice's apprehension. "It is all right, Padawan. You should never be afraid to ask me anything."

Bali thought about it a moment. "Who was Halla?"

"Someone I cared about." He sighed wishing he knew how to explain it to his thirteen-year-old apprentice. He folded his arms deep into the billowing sleeves of his cloak as he considered what to say next.

A curious look swept across Bali's bright green eyes. "But she died? You said Trocha killed her and tried to kill you?" The apprentice frowned. "Is Trocha the Sith from Senator Amidala's apartment?"

"No, Padawan. That wassomeone else." The more he had a chance to think about the confrontation the more he knew there was something he was missing. Something about the lightning wielding Sith reminded himhe shook his head. A haze remained firmly in his mind and nothing; not even deep meditation could lift it.

"Oh."

Callused fingers brushed through Bali's short spikes eliciting the usual complaint. Then Obi-Wan gently tipped the boy's face up, revealing bright green eyes. "We will discuss this at a more appropriate time, all right?"

"Yes, Master." There was a beat. "Did you care about her more than you care about me?"

Obi-Wan just looked at the worried expression on his padawan. "Why would you think that?"

"I am not a baby, Master. I know you loved her. I just was wondering if you cared as much about me because I am your padawanbecause you have too." Another short pause. "Like your master."

At those three simple words, Obi-Wan knelt to be on the level with his concerned padawan. "Bali?" he asked, offering a small smile as he tugged on the flame tipped padawan braid. "You worry too much."

Bali frowned.

"You are my only concern. What I felt for Halla was different and it cannot compare to how I feel about you."

The boy gave a small smile.

An elusive warning through the Force put Obi-Wan on the defensive just as the lift glided to a halt and the doors slid open. Rising back to his feet he reached for his lightsaber but froze at the sight that awaited him.

Brightly painted red lips licked to a shine greeted the Jedi. "Master Kenobi," Jira purred. Her very blond hair was tied up in a wild design more appropriate for the lower level clubs than for the Senate Tower.

Very quickly Obi-Wan and Bali exited the lift and stepped aside for Jira to enter but the blond did not. Trying desperately not to notice the overt attention, Obi-Wan lead Bali through the corridor.

Jira followed.

The thought of having to face the Chancellor's assistant gave the young master a headache.

"Master Jedi!" Jira called out much too loudly.

Obi-Wan winced and reluctantly stopped, allowing the annoying blond to catch up. Slowly he turned to face her all the while drawing on the Force hoping to repel her annoying advances. "Yes, Miss Thelo?"

The assistant slowed briefly looking concerned then carefully approached the Jedi master with a slow, exaggerated shift of her hips. Batting her long eyelashes, Jira breathed, "I have been so hoping to run into you."

"Is there something you need?" Obi-Wan asked sternly as he folded his arms tight across his chest creating an imposing presence that did absolutely nothing to dissuade Jira.

"I heard all about the attack on the Chancellor," she whispered, drawing very close to the Jedi.

Obi-Wan took a step back.

"Must have been terrible being laid up after that awful monster injured you." Her tongue drew slowly across her brightly painted lips. "I bet Jedi medics have a horrible bedside manner. I would have taken care of you."

"Miss Thelo–"

"I tried to send flowers," she purred, ignoring Obi-Wan's attempted protest as she drew a little closer and forced the master back another step. The blond offered up a playful pout. "That Temple of yours is not very friendly. I wanted to send a get well and offer a little tender loving care."

"Miss Thelo," Obi-Wan growled, "unless you have something of importance–"

Jira laughed as her bright orange painted fingers glided over Obi-Wan's folded arms and reached for the layers of his cloak and tunic protected chest. "I tried to get a message to you but some million-year-old operator wouldn't let me through."

Obi-Wan frowned as he shifted out of her reach again. He would have to find Madame Lor'el and thank her for her annoying persistence at Temple Communications.

"I bet you have sore muscles," Jira purred as she drew close again.

It would be improper to use another Force compulsion against heragain, but oh did he want to send her away.

"After a hard day protecting the Republic I bet you need to work that tenseness out. I could massage–"

"Mine!" A pale blue hand reached over Obi-Wan's shoulder and violently lashed out at the troublesome blond.

To Jira's credit, quick reflexes saved her from being clawed.

Adjani'esan wrapped her arms around Obi-Wan, burrowing long fingers through the folds of his cloak and tunic seeking the warm flesh beneath. The Jedi knight protectively rested her chin against Obi-Wan's broad shoulder as she let out a soft, warning hiss. She moved to tangle a long leg around the other Jedi's as she gave a menacing growl. "I don't like other girls playing with my toys!" Almost playfully she took another swipe at Jira sending the assistant skittering backward another few steps.

Shock clouded Bali as he just stood there, completely stunned by the scene unfolding before him.

Obi-Wan did little to deter the Twi'lek. He reached up and lightly brushed a finger across the pale blue cheek inciting a soft coo from the lovely knight.

Cold anger bubbled just below Jira's surface, not being Jedi she could not control the pure rage that reflected in her eyes. Pale hands tightened into fists as the jealousy coiled around her green pantsuit. Disgust tainted her usually chipper tone. "She's nothing but a Twi'lek whore!"

Adjani lunged forward with deadly intent but Obi-Wan's strong arms kept her just out of lashing range. Long fingernails scraped at the air as she struggled to rend the flesh from Jira's painted face. "Bite your tongue or I will bite it for you, synthetic fraud!"

Horror gripped Jira's features as she withdrew slightly.

"What did you do? Run out of club patrons and sugar daddies to impress so you had to come up out of Coruscant's depths, you callow beast!"

Obi-Wan brought up a warm hand and pressed to the back of Adjani's neck causing the knight to relax slightly. Cooing, she tightened her hold around him. Offering Jira a wicked grin she turned and lightly nipped at Obi-Wan's earlobe.

"I didn't know," Jira stuttered. "A Twi'lek!"

"I am a Jedi," Adjani hissed, "why would he waste his time with anything less?"

Jira sobbed before she finally twisted around and fled the corridor.

"That was excessively cruel," Obi-Wan said softly after Jira had disappeared.

"What a whiney beast!" Adjani huffed but did not relinquish her hold on the master. "Well at least she showed her true colors. I should toss her off the nearest balcony for calling me a whore. The nerve!"

Bali just stood there, shoulders slumped as he stared helplessly at the two entwined Jedi.

"Watch your tongue in front of my padawan," Obi-Wan growled. He could feel the boy's shock and distress. Just beyond that he thought he felt a touch of jealousy.

Adjani pulled back slightly and stared at the side of his face. "Must be nice to have someone so protective over you," she wondered out loud. Even with Jira gone, Adjani still had not let go of the show and leaned close, nipping at Obi-Wan's earlobe again.

In a flash, she was ripped free of the master and shoved against the wall. Obi-Wan's fingers tightened around the blue neck. "Game's over."

"You are still no fun," Adjani purred. She shifted herself free and straightened, "and it is not for a lack of trying." She broke into a wide grin. "You looked like you were in trouble," the beautiful Twi'lek said with bravura. "Thought I would assist." Her gaze shifted and settled on the still stunned Bali. "Padawan Tiro! I knew we would meet again."

At the attention, Bali turned bright red and giggled.

"I did not know this handsome young man was yours," Adjani said.

"I take it you two have met?" Obi-Wan asked dully as he pulled at his cloak.

Bali giggled helplessly as he turned big, green eyes up at the pale blue Twi'lek knight.

Obi-Wan could feel the boy's giddy embarrassment riding almost uncontrollably through their bond.

Taking a few steps forward and in one fluid motion Adjani planted a big kiss on Bali's cheek. The boy giggled and would have toppled over if not for Obi-Wan's quick save.

"Please try not to kill my padawan," Obi-Wan begged softly as he propped Bali back up.

The boy just sighed. "I'm fine, Master," he mumbled before falling up against Obi-Wan for support. "She is so pretty," the boy whispered in a love drunken stupor.

"Yes, she is, Padawan," Obi-Wan said softly as he knelt down next to the boy. "She is also a warrior and respected Jedi. Keep that in mind."

"Yes, Master," Bali mumbled dreamily.

"Hmm," Adjani whispered as she knelt close to Obi-Wan's ear. "If I kissed you on the cheek, would you fall over like your handsome padawan?"

"Not likely."

Adjani looked to Bali. "So what do you think? Should I?"

Bali nodded.

"Don't even think about it," Obi-Wan growled as he straightened.

"I'm back at the Temple for a few days and the first thing I do is run into a very handsome young man." She turned to Obi-Wan in mock defensiveness. "Why did you never get all giggly goofy around me at that age?"

"Because you were a stick when I was thirteen."

"Oh, I guess you are right." Adjani smiled warmly at the master. "Not all girls can by pretty facades like thatwhatever she was."

"The Chancellor's assistant, Jira Thelo." Obi-Wan looked at her curiously. "Façade?"

Adjani smiled. "I forgot, you are a man and can't see beyond the surface. I doubt a nerf herder would find that attractive under that glam job. She probably took daddy's money and bought her pretty looks. Any cultural hub in the galaxy has clubs full of girls like her. They look all pretty and rush some rich lush into marriage. By the time the poor sucker figures it out it is too late and she has run off with his fortune to support that pretty synthetic face." She laughed. "This one must be stupid if she is going for a Jedi, especially you."

The Jedi master frowned. "That was still cruel."

"Next time I will just leave you to her advances." She caught the hint of red color Obi-Wan's cheeks. A quick glance to Bali's red face. "You two are just alike. Oh well, at least this gives me a chance to complete a small mission."

"Mission?" Obi-Wan asked suspiciously as he found his composure.

"Ran into Garen at Selis Prime." Adjani grinned wickedly. "Gave me a message to deliver to you. Unless–and these are his words–you are being your grumpy old self as usual then I should just avoid you and give it Bant so she can pass it along. I am so glad I found you though."

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"

Adjani reached out and wrapped long fingers around the folds of Obi-Wan's tunic and yanked him forward. She landed a kiss full on the lips. Obi-Wan tried to pull away but Adjani'esan held on tight.

Bali almost fell over out of shock.

Obi-Wan struggled before he broke free of her hold and held her out at arm length.

"From Garen. He thinks you have become to stuffy trying to set a good example for the little one." The beautiful knight whispered, "You know it would have been much more fun if you kissed back."

"For who?" an exasperated Obi-Wan asked.

Adjani looked passed his shoulder at the still surprised Bali. "Is he always this much fun?"

Bali nodded.

"Garen was right, you are a real grouch." Adjani looked to Bali again. "Is this just a morning thing?"

"No," Bali answered quickly. His cheeks remained bright red. "He's like that all the time." Then he let loose with another nervous giggle.

Delicate blue fingers brushed through Obi-Wan's neatly groomed beard. "When did this happen?"

"About eight years ago," Obi-Wan replied dryly.

Adjani's wandering fingers reached behind his right ear and tugged at the ginger hair. "I miss the braid," she playfully pouted.

"It's been ten years since last we saw each other and nine years since Master Yoda cut the braid."

"So I don't get back to the Temple often. I barely got a breather before they put me back to work." Her voice dropped as she leaned into Obi-Wan to whisper in his ear, "To guard senators of all things!"

* * *

Jira leaned heavily against a wall as tears continued to trail down her cheeks. She bit back a sob, fighting the anger that had so easily boiled up in her. That Twi'lek whore had exposed her for the fraud she really was.

She had thought to hide herself by being someone different. Not to be reminded of what she truly was. Trembling hands quickly wiped away the tears, smearing her make-up in the process.

The anger remained at being embarrassed in front of the Jedi and his cute little padawan. All she wanted was for those lovely eyes to look at her with affection. Was that asking for so much? Jira wept as the feeling of complete helplessness filled her knowing that she could not repair the damage that blue skinned devil had done. What could Master Kenobi possibly see in that Twi'lek? He could not care for her–love her.

Could he?

__________________

Book of Master and Padawan Part IX

A downcast ten-year-old wandered toward the massive interstellar transport hub. His feet scraped at the duracrete as he wandered into a river of beings from all over the galaxy that flowed into the station. Bright green eyes sought out the thousands of life forms swarming all around. So many emotions all at once that it short-circuited Bali's connection to the Force as it was just too much for him to process. His brain felt muddled as so much swirled around him. It was so different from the Temple.

He tightened his grip on the small pack he had slung over his shoulder. The contents were items he thought he would need. The few true belongings of his, he left back in his room with a simple note to his master. He had wanted the note to be something more but in the end, it was just scribbled apologies. Tears welled in the bright green depths of his eyes and he quickly wiped them away.

If only he was smarter, he would not have to leave the Temple.

If only.

Sadly, he walked toward the great hub. Beings of every size, shape and color shoved their way around him. A large green alien that Bali had never seen before slammed into him, knocking the boy to the ground. The creature never slowed in its journey leaving Bali to struggle to get out from underfoot of mass of aliens moving to and from the station. He barely got to his feet when a red and yellow creature shoved him out of the way. He slammed into the duracrete with a thud and a whimper. Boots slammed into him as beings stumbled over him. His little pack had been kicked out of his reach and he crawled over the rough ground toward it only to have the pack kicked away again.

The knees of his tan trousers had turned dark from crawling about the ground and his cloak kept getting stepped on, slowing his crawl toward his pack. Tears suddenly sprang to his eyes when a large foot came down in the middle of his small hand. Dampening the pain, Bali pushed his way through the world of legs and found his trampled pack. Desperately he clung to it for all that remained of his world was in it. He scurried through the masses until he found a wall he could rest against just out of the way of danger. Weeping softly, he stared down at his puffy fingers before sinking to the cold ground.

Deep in his mind he could feel the light tug of the bond with his master. Quickly he moved to block it, not wishing to feel his master's disappointment.

Bali looked up into the crowd. There were so many beings and he was just so small. He caught sight of a Rodian family walking through the crowd. The parents struggled to protect their two younglings from the bustling crowd. He wondered if his biological parents would do that when he found his family. They would want their little boy back and then he could be a normal child. He could have a family that loved him and wished him the best and he would not have any more tests to take and fail.

He had studied and worked so hard to pass the ten year trials and failed so miserably. A little sniffle escaped him as he struggled against the tears again. He did not understand the questions on the written part of the test and got all confused when the masters tested his skills. He was not going to be made a knight. Was not smart enough. His master had tried so hard to help him and it did not matter, he still failed. Not only his test, but also his master.

Bali did not want to be there when his friends went on to the next level and as usual, he was left behind. He did not think he could do that again. It was best that he should leave while he had the chance. No more humiliation. Just disappear when no one was looking. His master was in a meeting and it was best, Bali had decided. No one to chase after him.

Wiping the tears away, Bali looked into his pack. It was stuffed full with a change of clothing, a small holocube with pictures of his master and friends to remember and a portable data pad the size of his hand. He pulled the data pad out and brought up his research file. It was a simple display of his vital statistics. His birthday and medical records. Every vaccination and cold he had ever had was listed. He opened another screen revealing his parentage. A frown graced his small features. Most of the information was restricted. All it told him was his mother was Corellian. That was a start, Bali decided. He would go to Corellia and find his family.

Stuffing his meager belongings back in his pack, Bali got up and entered the interplanetary transport station. The domed ceiling was so high Bali thought it touched the sky. He ran over to a departure board and scanned it for transports to Corellia.

So many beings overwhelmed his senses and he never noticed the figure quietly approaching from behind. He was yanked off his feet as something grabbed his pack and ripped it free of his shoulder. Bali screamed just before slamming into the floor. He twisted around to see a dark dressed figure shoving his way through the crowd with his pack.

Immediately the padawan was on his feet chasing after the thief. He saw the figure round a corner and instead of directly pursuing, Bali took a different route. The Force guided him down another corridor and through a set of doors before he skidded to a stop in the middle of a busy intersection. Out of the crowd, the black clad figure appeared, racing toward him. Bali leapt but missed, catching only a foot. The older boy crashed to the floor and twisted about, with his free foot, he kicked Bali in the face. The little Jedi cried out but he did not let go. All he wanted was to recover his stolen pack.

"Let go!" the thief yelped.

Using the Force, Bali pried the pack from the other's hand and sent it sliding across the tile floor. Both boys scrambled for it. Just as Bali reached for the pack, a much larger gray hand snatched it up off the floor.

"Mine!" Bali screamed, jumping to his feet and leaping for the little pack.

"It belongs to me now," a deep voice snarled from beneath a deep purple cowl.

Ignoring the menacing voice, Bali leapt for his pack but it was held just out of his reach. The purple cloaked figure used his free hand to smash Bali into the chest. The boy crumpled to the floor wheezing as the figure handed the pack off to the thief. He watched helplessly as his few belongings disappeared into the crowd.

"Better luck next time, brat," the deep voice boomed and then he too vanished into the crowd.

Not knowing what else to do, Bali curled up on the cold floor and began to sob. He cried for what seemed like a lifetime until he became dully aware of a commotion. Sitting up slowly to keep his chest from aching too much, Bali saw the crowd shift and clear a path. He could feel fear, outrage, and awe mingling in the thousands of emotions. Through tear blurred vision he saw the thief that had run off with his pack racing toward him again. The little boy braced himself for another attack but the thief just kept running as if his life depended upon it.

The crowd of beings shifted again revealing a lone Jedi with a ridiculously small shoulder pack searching the throng of beings.

"Master!" Bali cried out in total relief, stumbling to his feet and running toward the cloaked figure. Protective arms encircled him and he was never so happy than at that moment.

Obi-Wan held onto the shivering, frightened child. "Padawan," he crooned softly in the boy's ear. "Why did you run away?"

The dark haired boy sobbed but refused to let go of his master's neck. "You came looking for me," he cried into Obi-Wan's shoulder.

"Of course, Padawan." The Jedi peeled the boy back and stared at the bruise, tear stained face. "Why?"

Bali sank weakly to the floor he could see the worry and concern in his master's pale blue gaze. "I failed, Master." Small bruised fingers twisted nervously in his lap as he reluctantly released the stranglehold on the training bond. He was suddenly filled with his master's residing panic and was angry with himself for upsetting his master. "I failed the trials," Bali said softly, lower his head.

"Is that all?" Obi-Wan asked plainly, not appearing upset at all by the revelation as he searched the roughened up padawan. "This adventure is because you failed a test?"

"I can't be a Jedi," Bali whimpered, ignoring the warmth and comfort offered through his training bond. "I can't pass a simple test. I am not smart enough. I got confused. But I tried, Master, I tried."

"I know you did."

Bali shook his head in frustration. "I want to go somewhere else. Find my blood family. I won't have to take anymore tests then. I didn't mean to fail."

"I hate to tell you, Padawan, but life–Jedi or not–is full of tests and trials. You cannot hide from them." Obi-Wan carefully straightened the rumpled, dingy tunic Bali wore. "And you didn't fail, you just didn't pass."

The apprentice just shook his head sadly.

Obi-Wan tipped Bali's chin up showing an angry bruise forming just below his right eye. "In the end it isn't how you pass a test, it is about how you respond in real life situations."

A small nod from a bruised face. "Yes, Master." He could feel Obi-Wan's unspoken question of why he blocked the bond. "I was afraid of disappointing you."

"That will never happen, Padawan."

Bali knew without question, his master spoke the truth. Slowly, he brought up his tear-rimmed gaze. "Am I in trouble?"

"For leaving the Temple without permission? Yes."

"Oh." A childish grin appeared. "You are so happy to see me that you could forget about punishment."

"I could." Obi-Wan stood up and adjusted his cloak. "But I need to give you a reason not to do this again."

The boy frowned not able to promise it would not happen again.

Obi-Wan reached down and pulled the apprentice to his feet. He then slipped the little pack back onto Bali's shoulder. "There will be extra lessons to make up for your little excursion."

"Yes, Master."

"Unfortunately there are no lessons to teach you to have more faith in yourself. You are just going to have to believe that as long as you strive toward the light what you do is good enough."

Bali nodded, not really understanding.

A warm smile was offered as Obi-Wan placed a comforting hand to the boy's shoulder. "I have faith you will always do your best and that is all that matters."

______________________

Holonet Broadcasting Company

"reports are coming in of armed skirmishes on the newly formed border with the League of Secessionists.

"On a related note, word is the League of Secessionists have placed a bounty on all members of the Jedi Order found within their systems"

______________________

The Book of Hard Truths

Obi-Wan shivered and tugged futilely at has cloak. The bright cool Coruscant afternoon bit deep into his bones as he walked toward the landing platform. Small footsteps followed as Bali held his proper place at his master's side and stopped when his master stopped. Bright green eyes studied the older Jedi before turning his gaze to the bustling metropolis.

For a time, the two Jedi stood in complete silence, watching the city planet. Then softly, almost unheard over the hum of the planet, Bali spoke up. "Master?"

"Yes, Padawan."

"Do you think Miss Thelo will be back?"

Obi-Wan turned to look down at Bali's questioning face. "I do not know. Adjani'esan was quite sharp with her."

Bali giggled at the mention of the beautiful knight's name but then sobered. "I don't like Miss Thelo."

"I am not fond of her myself, but we must endeavor to put up with her as long as she remains in the Chancellor's employ." While silently he hoped never to have to face her again.

"Yes, Master." Bali straightened the moment an ambassadorial cruiser broke from the traffic lines and approached the landing platform.

"We are meeting Senator Bail Organa, a member of the Alderaan royal family," Obi-Wan said plainly. "You will address him as Senator though, as it is the profession he has chosen."

"Yes, Master," Bali dutifully replied.

"He is a true Republican standing on numerous committees including the one dealing with the League of Secessionists. This alone has put his life in grave danger. Any information he possesses now makes him a target of the Sith assassin so maintain your guard."

"Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan glanced to the patiently waiting boy. Beyond the cherubic innocence of his age, the master could see determination in the bright green eyes. Bali would be ready for anything.

A large shadow swept over the landing pad as the cruiser descended to the platform. In the wait, Obi-Wan folded himself deeper into his cloak just before the ramp lowered from the silver ship's belly. A tall assistant in plain gray but exquisitely tailored suit marched down the ramp and waited patiently on the platform. The dark haired man glanced around at the greeting party of two and frowned before making a note on a data pad.

Ignoring the distain filled look of the assistant, Obi-Wan lead Bali to the foot of the ramp.

After an extraordinarily long wait, Senator Bail Organa appeared with several members of his security force. A quick glance about the empty platform before setting his gaze on the two Jedi. Steeling his handsome features, the Senator marched down the ramp. "I had expected the Chancellor to be waiting," he said doing little to hide his surprise.

The two Jedi bowed formally before Obi-Wan responded. "There are a great many entanglements within the Senate, sir," he paused, gaging Organa's response. "The Chancellor has been quite unavailable as of late."

"So it seems." The mildly irritated Senator studied the two Jedi. "For the same reasons, I suspect, Senator Amidala is also detained?"

"I possess no knowledge of that," Obi-Wan replied.

Organa twisted about staring at the sparsely populated platform. A stiff breeze ruffled his dark hair as he turned his attention on the quietly waiting apprentice. Sharp eyes met Obi-Wan's. "What have I done to deserve being met by two Jedi?"

"At the Chancellor's request we are ordered to provide extra security."

"While I thank the Chancellor for his concern, my forces are plenty."

"With all do respect, Senator," Obi-Wan said firmly, "It is believed that you are a target for assassination."

"I am a Senator, I expect to be as part of my job. This is hardly news."

Organa was no different than any other diplomat with a death mark, Obi-Wan knew. He had the challenge of protecting many from potential assassins and he had long since learned that often one could not argue with them. Only present the facts and hope that would be enough to cow a recalcitrant politician. "In your recent absence, Senator Amidala was the most recent target of an assassination attempt."

There was a long silence before the tall senator asked, "Is she all right?"

"Shaken up, but relatively undamaged." Obi-Wan walked along side Organa toward the Senatorial Towers. "Days prior to that Senator Irisi of Tamboa was assassinated. It is believed that both Amidala and Irisi were targeted by the same person or group." The Jedi sensed the senator's internal struggle not to show evidence of the concern plaguing him.

Organa turned sharply and spoke evenly. "It is all the more important then, that I immediately meet with Senator Amidala and the Chancellor."

_________________________

The Book of Wrong Responses

"What?" Padmé asked as she twisted around in the elegant green dress she wore. She had chosen the gown for its subtle lines yet undemanding appearance. It would not overshadow the meeting with Bail Organa. Yet implied she was ready to take charge of any situation that arose. Slowly her attention turned back to the Jedi apprentice that stood in front of her.

Anakin shifted nervously as he repeated his statement. "I said you look beautiful."

"I was going for authoritative," Padmé replied dully as she wondered how long he had been watching her. "Did you suddenly give up the Jedi to be a fashion critic? Coruscant is full of them."

"It is full of Jedi as well. There is competition everywhere." He smiled warmly at the young senator as he slowly approached. "It would take a fool not to see how beautiful you are no matter how you dressed."

Padmé blushed as she quickly glanced away. "You are embarrassing me."

"I am sorry," Anakin said, but the wolfish grin did not leave his face. He whispered, "I love you."

The senator stopped and warily studied the young man. She obviously had misheard him. "Excuse me?"

Anakin glanced away proving her suspicions. "I love you."

She giggled nervously. They had just met days ago. How could he know he loved her? He was a Jedi and a boy. "What do you know of love?"

Shock graced Anakin's features as he turned to fully stare at her with wounded eyes.

Immediately Padmé regretted her words. "You just took me by surprise," she said diplomatically retreating from her harsh statement.

"Why should that surprise you?" Anakin asked after quickly masking his emotions behind a stoic Jedi mask.

The intense scrutiny of his gaze bothered her and she withdrew a few steps. "You are much too young for me."

"Just five years."

"You are too young to know love."

"I am not a child." Anakin took a slow step toward Padmé as she nervously withdrew. He stopped in shock when she quickly marched through the apartment toward the private section.

"You are just a child." The fluster from her expression quickly reached her voice.

"That was nine years ago," Anakin said as he made an exaggerated gesture of looking down his front. "I think I have grown a little since then."

"But emotionally–"

"I love you," Anakin replied quickly.

"You can't. It's just an infatuation," Padmé replied. That was all it was, right? She was just thinking how handsome he was. She was not thinking about anything else, especially not a relationship. He is Jedi or at least training to be one. She has her duty to her people. It was a silly mistake letting her guard down like she did. "Just an infatuation."

Anakin looked completely stunned as he stood there.

"We have our duty–"

"No," Anakin said quickly.

"I have a duty to my people, you to the Republic. We cannot just turn our backs–"

"But you feel the same," he said.

It was Padmé's turn to struggle with her anger. He had read her, used his powers to know what was going on in her mind. "I cannot."

"You do."

"Stay out of my head," she demanded.

"I don't have to violate you like that," Anakin said evenly betraying little of the rage of emotions flowing behind his bright blue eyes. "I can see it in how you look at me. Hear it when you speak to me. Do you think so little of me that I would intentionally hurt you?"

Padmé could not respond for she did not know how too.

Anger colored Anakin's cheeks as he turned and stormed from the room just as Qui-Gon was entering. The elder master looked after the boy with an air of confusion. "Padawan?" He received no answer. Slowly his attention fell to the pink-faced Senator.

"It's just an infatuation," she replied.

___________________________

The Book of Razing

In the depths of the Senatorial Office Towers, Kinyo deactivated the force field around his office door and stepped out into the empty corridor. It had been a long day dealing with panicked senator's who believed every little noise and odd look was a prelude to assassination. The more he felt like a glorified baby-sitter the more he thought he should cut his losses, pull his ship out of dock and go back into business for himself. This steady paycheck thing was not all it was cut out to be.

All he had left to do was put a couple feelers out to see if he could satisfy Kenobi's inquiry. Although the captain surmised that he would not find any information. After the senate had shut down the research facility, the Xim reclaimed their stolen land. There was nothing left for Trocha there.

It was a foolish quest of the Jedi.

He turned and stood frozen in the corridor.

A black shrouded figure stood silently before him.

It had not been there when he stepped out. Tilting his head slightly, the silver tattoos reflected light against the dark material of the figure's cloak. "This is a restricted area," Kinyo said evenly as his hand casually shifted to the blaster at his side.

A mechanical hiss emanated from the expressionless black mask. "I am often capable of mercy."

Before Kinyo could even process the remark, a flash of red severed his head from his body.

________________________

The Book of News Stories

"This is all madness!" The excitable Mejur delegate said as his four arms flailed helplessly about showing his apparent frustration. Small legs slowed as the short alien twisted about to stare at the reporter and camera droid from the Holonet Broadcasting Company.

A tall human named Lyka Uan glanced at her notes on a handheld data reader as the small yellow disc shaped droid buzzed about. Lyka led the Senator in questioning, "The HBC has come across word that you are planning to put a bill before the Senate banning all trade with the League of Secessionists."

Large black eyes blinked wildly at the reporter before Kulu answered. "It is all we can do. If we want peacefully end this conflict we must do it through an embargo."

"There is talk of war resolutions."

"Of course there are!" Kulu said. "Every little disagreement in the Senate ends in talk of war, always has. We will get through this peacefully and with minimal bloodshed," he replied defiantly.

Lyka opened her mouth to ask the Mejur senator another question but stopped at the sight of Bail Organa and his entourage marching swiftly through the corridor. "Senator Organa!" she called out, chasing toward the senator. "Kulu Eyo Tapir of the Mejur delegation believes that the Republic can be made whole again through peaceful means."

"I have no comment," Organa said quickly dismissing her with a wave of his hand as he and the Jedi along with his own people swept past.

Kulu huffed indignantly before shoving his way between the hovering camera droid and the sight of the retreating senator from Alderaan. "If this becomes an all out war it will be the fault of Senator Organa and others," the Mejur sputtered. "They depend too heavily on the Jedi for counsel. I wouldn't be surprised if they Jedi weren't advising them to war."

"Do you believe the Jedi are dangerous?" Lyka asked carefully.

"Why would the League of Secessionists violently expel them if they were not?" Kulu shot back, bitterness lacing his voice. He turned back to his journey only to have to jump backwards to avoid running headlong into a very upset Anakin Skywalker.

Bright blue eyes never even considered the senator as Anakin brushed violently passed.

"They will do it just for revenge," Kulu growled as his round, black eyes watched the young man coldly.

The small camera droid swept around and followed Anakin's track. Suddenly a soft snapping sound filled the corridor as a puff of smoke billowed from the droid. A disconcerted whirring emanated from the small form just before it dived into the floor smashing into pieces.

While still maintaining his place close to Senator Organa, Obi-Wan twisted, glancing back at the destroyed droid.

"See what that young Jedi did!" Kulu sputtered as his four flailing arms flagrantly dismissed the young Jedi. "They don't even like their images recorded," he hissed as he picked up the broken camera droid. Small parts fell to the floor as the Mejur handed it over to the stunned reporter. "I suppose we will have to do the interview over?"