Reflection:
Part 13
*****
Yosho got a tighter grip on the rope, clinching his talons into the tree branch he stood upon. "Ready, Yaro?"
Nodding back at his father from the tree across Yosho, Yaro said, "Ready!" It was almost a week later after Yaro and Yaddle's wedding, and they were helping the Aeetosians put up enormous fur rugs up in the trees to gather the rain water, for the rainy season was coming in, according to Aoife, and the rains could get very nasty and flood the small village.
Both Jedi pulled as hard as they could, pulling the huge tarp twenty feet into the air. I'm getting old for this! Yosho said in his mind. At my age, I'm supposed to be walking around on a cane for support and complaining about 'kids these days'!
When the tarp was in the proper place, Yosho tied the rope tightly to the tree trunk. Across from him, Yaro did the same. After hitting it a few times to see if it was tight, Yosho decided the knot was stable, then slid down the huge tree to its base. Seeing Aoife and Yaddle, he waved and said, "That's the last one!"
The two walked over and Aoife said, "Great! Thank you, Master Yosho, Master Yaro, and Lady Yaddle. Our homes should be safe from the rains now, in case it gets very serious." Looking over at Yaro, she said, "It's been almost a week; shouldn't we be going to Coruscant to discuss the trade routes with the Senate?"
Yaro nodded. "Yes, we should. How long do you need?"
"Just long enough to make myself presentable."
"Great. I'll go get the Playtoy warmed up, and all four of us will leave in less than an hour." Yaro and Yaddle walked off, hand in hand, while Aoife went to go get dressed more like a Senator than a 'primitive', as most as the Senate would think the Aeetosians were. Yosho just stood at the base of the ruberro tree, watching his son and his daughter-in-law trek towards the Playtoy, and smiled. They are such a wonderful couple, he thought. So very much in love. Just like he and Yaro's mother had been.
Sighing tiredly, he sat down on the soft moss cross-legged and folded his arms. "It's been a while since I've had the chance to meditate," he said to no one; everyone else was busy with something, not bothering with the tiny elderly man. He closed his eyes, and allowed himself to fall into the Force. The whole galaxy seemed to come into a better focus, and he studied it in hopes of trying to see the future.
The image of Yiara came into his mind. He smiled; Oh, how he would have spoiled that girl! But his smiled faded away as the image began to evaporate, leaving only despair behind. He opened his eyes back open, full of uncertainty and curiosity. What does the vision mean, he wondered. A premonition of the future, or my own worries of losing her like I almost did Yaro?
"Father! The ship and Aoife are ready!" Yosho jumped at the sound of his son's voice from the Playtoy. "Are you coming?"
Pushing himself to his feet, he began to walk towards the ship. "I am, I am! You need to learn the value of patience, Yaro!" He strolled casually into the ship and took a look at the other three passengers.
Yaro had taken up a dark lavender robe trimmed with silver lining, the bottom brushing the floor. The trim extended up along the shoulders of the robe, curling like vines. A second vest beneath was cerulean, made of the finest materials. His thick brown hair had been neatly trimmed and braided. He still wore Yosho's old belt, with his lightsaber and two blasters hanging just out of sight but still within hand's reach.
Aoife looked splendid in her white robes, accented with crimson beads that tinkled when she made even the slightest movement. Her long hair was pulled back into thick dreadlocks, also threaded with beads. She now had an air of raw power and beauty that demanded everyone's utter and complete attention.
Yaddle, on the other hand, had gone for the simple look of dusty- brown robes on top of a white dress, completed with a silver-chained belt. And yet she still made them look absurdly gorgeous.
Yaro grinned, then pushed the throttle, steering the Playtoy out of the atmosphere and into hyperspace.
*****
"They here yet, Master?"
"No, Mace."
"Oh." Mace stuck his hands back into his long sleeves, grabbing onto his wrists to stop from fidgeting. He worked his tongue in his cheek and along his teeth. Silence filled the corridor of the domed Senate Building.
Ten minutes later...
"They here yet, Master?"
His Master looked down, a scowl fixed on her lined face. "No, Mace. You are beginning to try my patience; please do not ask me again."
Mace sighed, and looked back at the ground. He had heard that the Aeetosian Senator Aoife, of the planet Kopa, was coming, and that her Representative Yaro and their two assistants were coming along as well. The moping Mace Windu had suddenly become filled with energy, ecstatic to meet his friends again, if only for a little while. He desperately wanted to talk to Yaro; he missed the man so much that he felt that he was going to scream from impatience.
But he was also worried; he had heard from Hismonia that little Yiara's health had deteriorated since her family's leaving. The medical staff was really trying their best, he knew, but nothing was working. He felt horrible; he had promised Yaro that he would care for the child, and so far was failing quite miserably. The shame if Yiara died...
He shook his head free of the image. No, she'll get better, he told himself as optimistically as he could. When Yaddle and Yaro find out, they'll know just what to do. Yep...
"Their ship has arrived," Master Hismonia announced. Mace jumped at the sound of her voice, then looked out the window to the landing platform. To his complete joy, there was the Yaro's Playtoy. And walking out of it was four very, very familiar faces. He wanted so badly to run to them, but seeing the stern look on Hismonia's face, he forced himself to walk a few steps behind her.
It was quite possibly the hardest thing he had ever done.
"Senator Aoife. Welcome to Coruscant, milady." Mace could hardly distinguish the well-dressed woman from the primitive translator he had met back on Kopa. Seeing Yaro, who Mace had learned was Aoife's representative, Hismonia's face both relaxed and tightened at the same time. "Representative Yaro. How pleasant so see you again."
"And you as well, Master Hismonia," Yaro said, with a polite bow. "How charming to meet you." Seeing Mace, He smiled widely. "Mace? Mace Windu? It's nice to see you again!"
Mace smiled just as broadly. "Yeah. Congratulations on becoming Senator, Aoife."
"Thank you," Aoife returned. Looking back at Master Hismonia, she said, "Would you be so kind as to lead the way?"
"Of course." Hismonia lead the group into the building and to the conference room. Standing outside the door, she said, "Here you are, milady."
"Thank you." Mace watched the foursome walk onto their floating platform. The sheer numbers of people in the circular room astounded the young Padawan; thousands of Senators and Representatives (and not to mention their aides), all in the same room. A few platforms, a dozen at the most, held Humans, but aliens held the vast majority by far.
In the center stood the Supreme Chancellor Valorum. He was very young, still in his early twenties. But, from what Mace had been told, his political talents far preceded his age. His majordomo, Mas Amedda, called for silence, his blue skin tinged with agitation. The booming voice of the majordomo echoed loudly off of the walls, causing the chatter of all the beings continued.
When all was quiet, Valorum looked towards Aoife's platform. "I am happy and proud to introduce our newest colleague; Senator Aoife of the planet Kopa, and her representative Yaro."
Scattered polite claps sounded out until Mas Amedda called again for silence. Giving the majordomo a moment to quiet them, Aoife stood silent, then said, "Thank you all. Like the esteemed Chancellor said, I come from the planet of Kopa, which has been isolated from the galaxy for over a decade."
She paused to let this sink in, then continued. "I come before you all to ask that some of you to add a trade route unto my planet. We are not primitive, as many of you might think; simply secluded and out-of-the-way. Kopa has many products that we can offer to the galaxy, if given the chance."
"Such as what?" The Senator of Ryloth, the Twi'lek Orn Free Taa, bellowed out, his lekku twitching in curiosity.
Aoife turned to Yaro, who nodded and took the platform. Mace felt his anger go up a few notches when their came a few guffaws of such a tiny man.
Yaro ignored the jeers completely, turning his attention to Orn. "Such as spices, fruits, animal skins, metals, and such. And if the time comes that refugees are in need of a new planet to call their home, Kopa is large, habitable, and has more than enough room to spare."
He let this hang in the air as the Senators chattered amongst themselves. Mace listened to Yaro and Aoife talk to each other:
"Yaro, do you think that they will agree?" Aoife asked worriedly.
The ex-Jedi shook his head. "I do not know; after all, there is the saying that 'men plan, and the gods laugh'."
Aoife smiled, then sat back down as the Senator of the Trade Federation floated up. His green skin and large, orange eyes turned to Yaro and said, "We, the Trade Federation, will make way for a route to Kopa...if the Aeetosians are willing to take a few dozen refugees and make them citizens." His eyes glittered. "Is that acceptable, Master Jedi?"
Yaro took in a sharp breath, obviously stunned. But in less than a second, he regained his composure. "Yes, Kopa can accept that. And, excuse me for saying so, Senator, but I no longer go by that title."
The Trade Federation Senator bowed apologetically. "Begging your pardon, Representative Yaro. I forgot the fact that you were...expelled from your order."
Mace scowled heavily. He knew that the Neimoidian Senator hadn't forgotten at all; he was toying with Yaro, to test the man's weaknesses and strengths. Like a school bully teasing a new kid. "That's not very fair," he commented to Hismonia.
"That's politics; a huge show of power and weakness." She told him with a sigh. Mace noted in the back of his brain that she seemed more old and frail today then usual He waved it off, and turned his attention back to the meeting.
"Yes, I was," Yaro was saying to the Neimoidian, "But that is in the past. Let us concentrate on the future, Senator."
The Neimoidian was about to retaliate, but was cut off by Orn Free Taa. "If the Trade Federation will do business with Kopa, then Ryloth is willing to as well, if your claims about the spices are true."
"As will Naboo," came the reply from Naboo's newest Senator; a Human by the name of Palpatine, if Mace wasn't mistaken. Something jolted in the back of his brain, but he couldn't place what it was, so he ignored it.
Yaro smiled at Aoife as more offers came up. "Would you like to take the floor, milady?"
Aoife nodded, and stood up on the podium. When she did, the other Senators quieted to hear her words. "We thank you all, and we promise that you will not be at all disappointed with your decisions."
Mas Amedda signaled for the end of the meeting, and all of the platforms drifted back to their stations. Mace instantly went to the side of Yaro and Aoife when they arrived out of their podium. "That was great, Aoife-I mean, milady."
Aoife smiled sweetly at the young Padawan. "Thank you, Mace. I'm very glad that our meeting went so well, too. Aren't you, Yaro?"
Yaro said, "Yes, I am." Mace barely noted the well-hidden hint of anger and depression in his voice. Apparently, the Trade Federation Senator's comment had struck a nerve. But Yaro was quick and strong enough to overcome it. "It could have gone worse; the Force was on our side today."
Hismonia nodded in agreement. "Yes..." Looking at Mace, she said, "Mace, would you lead Yosho and Senator Aoife to their ship? Yaro, Yaddle...May I speak with you in private, for just a moment?"
The two stole a glance at each other, then Yaddle said, "Alright, Master Hismonia." She and Yaro followed the Twi'lek as Mace lead Aoife and Yosho back to the Playtoy. He wondered how they would take the news...
*****
"What do you mean...Yiara is not well?" Yaddle didn't even bother to hide the panic in her voice. Besides, even if she had tried, it wouldn't have worked.
Hismonia sighed sadly, heavily, and began to walk down the hall. They were in the huge Jedi Temple again, and at first, Yaddle had been relieved at the familiar building. But when Hismonia had led them to the nursery, she had begun to fear the worst. "Since the two of you left, her health has been failing quickly. Madam Zionas believes that it is because that Yiara has bonded with you two, and will only accept care from you. So I-"
"Where is she?" Yaro interrupted sternly. Yaddle was shocked to see his face contorted with fury.
But then, she hardly blamed him. They had left their only daughter in the Temple's care, and she was dying. Deep inside, she felt incredibly betrayed.
Hismonia drew back at the sound of Yaro's infuriated voice, but composed herself and pointed to the window. "In there."
Yaddle looked and saw her tiny child, lying on her back in her crib. To her horror, Yiara seemed much thinner and smaller than she had when Yaddle and Yaro had left. Yaddle could feel her parental instincts surge up, making her want to run in and grab her tiny offspring, to protect her.
She did her best to hold these feelings down and said, as calmly as possible to Hismonia, "So why did you bring us back?"
"We want to see if Madam Zionas' assumption is correct." Hismonia took in a deep breath. "If it is, the Council is willing to let both of you reenter the Order."
Yaro nodded in acceptance. "I see..." He looked back into the window. "When can we see her?"
"Right now, if you wish."
"Alright." Looking at Yaddle, Yaro said, "We'll need to inform Father and Aoife that we'll be staying here for a few days."
*****
*****
Yosho got a tighter grip on the rope, clinching his talons into the tree branch he stood upon. "Ready, Yaro?"
Nodding back at his father from the tree across Yosho, Yaro said, "Ready!" It was almost a week later after Yaro and Yaddle's wedding, and they were helping the Aeetosians put up enormous fur rugs up in the trees to gather the rain water, for the rainy season was coming in, according to Aoife, and the rains could get very nasty and flood the small village.
Both Jedi pulled as hard as they could, pulling the huge tarp twenty feet into the air. I'm getting old for this! Yosho said in his mind. At my age, I'm supposed to be walking around on a cane for support and complaining about 'kids these days'!
When the tarp was in the proper place, Yosho tied the rope tightly to the tree trunk. Across from him, Yaro did the same. After hitting it a few times to see if it was tight, Yosho decided the knot was stable, then slid down the huge tree to its base. Seeing Aoife and Yaddle, he waved and said, "That's the last one!"
The two walked over and Aoife said, "Great! Thank you, Master Yosho, Master Yaro, and Lady Yaddle. Our homes should be safe from the rains now, in case it gets very serious." Looking over at Yaro, she said, "It's been almost a week; shouldn't we be going to Coruscant to discuss the trade routes with the Senate?"
Yaro nodded. "Yes, we should. How long do you need?"
"Just long enough to make myself presentable."
"Great. I'll go get the Playtoy warmed up, and all four of us will leave in less than an hour." Yaro and Yaddle walked off, hand in hand, while Aoife went to go get dressed more like a Senator than a 'primitive', as most as the Senate would think the Aeetosians were. Yosho just stood at the base of the ruberro tree, watching his son and his daughter-in-law trek towards the Playtoy, and smiled. They are such a wonderful couple, he thought. So very much in love. Just like he and Yaro's mother had been.
Sighing tiredly, he sat down on the soft moss cross-legged and folded his arms. "It's been a while since I've had the chance to meditate," he said to no one; everyone else was busy with something, not bothering with the tiny elderly man. He closed his eyes, and allowed himself to fall into the Force. The whole galaxy seemed to come into a better focus, and he studied it in hopes of trying to see the future.
The image of Yiara came into his mind. He smiled; Oh, how he would have spoiled that girl! But his smiled faded away as the image began to evaporate, leaving only despair behind. He opened his eyes back open, full of uncertainty and curiosity. What does the vision mean, he wondered. A premonition of the future, or my own worries of losing her like I almost did Yaro?
"Father! The ship and Aoife are ready!" Yosho jumped at the sound of his son's voice from the Playtoy. "Are you coming?"
Pushing himself to his feet, he began to walk towards the ship. "I am, I am! You need to learn the value of patience, Yaro!" He strolled casually into the ship and took a look at the other three passengers.
Yaro had taken up a dark lavender robe trimmed with silver lining, the bottom brushing the floor. The trim extended up along the shoulders of the robe, curling like vines. A second vest beneath was cerulean, made of the finest materials. His thick brown hair had been neatly trimmed and braided. He still wore Yosho's old belt, with his lightsaber and two blasters hanging just out of sight but still within hand's reach.
Aoife looked splendid in her white robes, accented with crimson beads that tinkled when she made even the slightest movement. Her long hair was pulled back into thick dreadlocks, also threaded with beads. She now had an air of raw power and beauty that demanded everyone's utter and complete attention.
Yaddle, on the other hand, had gone for the simple look of dusty- brown robes on top of a white dress, completed with a silver-chained belt. And yet she still made them look absurdly gorgeous.
Yaro grinned, then pushed the throttle, steering the Playtoy out of the atmosphere and into hyperspace.
*****
"They here yet, Master?"
"No, Mace."
"Oh." Mace stuck his hands back into his long sleeves, grabbing onto his wrists to stop from fidgeting. He worked his tongue in his cheek and along his teeth. Silence filled the corridor of the domed Senate Building.
Ten minutes later...
"They here yet, Master?"
His Master looked down, a scowl fixed on her lined face. "No, Mace. You are beginning to try my patience; please do not ask me again."
Mace sighed, and looked back at the ground. He had heard that the Aeetosian Senator Aoife, of the planet Kopa, was coming, and that her Representative Yaro and their two assistants were coming along as well. The moping Mace Windu had suddenly become filled with energy, ecstatic to meet his friends again, if only for a little while. He desperately wanted to talk to Yaro; he missed the man so much that he felt that he was going to scream from impatience.
But he was also worried; he had heard from Hismonia that little Yiara's health had deteriorated since her family's leaving. The medical staff was really trying their best, he knew, but nothing was working. He felt horrible; he had promised Yaro that he would care for the child, and so far was failing quite miserably. The shame if Yiara died...
He shook his head free of the image. No, she'll get better, he told himself as optimistically as he could. When Yaddle and Yaro find out, they'll know just what to do. Yep...
"Their ship has arrived," Master Hismonia announced. Mace jumped at the sound of her voice, then looked out the window to the landing platform. To his complete joy, there was the Yaro's Playtoy. And walking out of it was four very, very familiar faces. He wanted so badly to run to them, but seeing the stern look on Hismonia's face, he forced himself to walk a few steps behind her.
It was quite possibly the hardest thing he had ever done.
"Senator Aoife. Welcome to Coruscant, milady." Mace could hardly distinguish the well-dressed woman from the primitive translator he had met back on Kopa. Seeing Yaro, who Mace had learned was Aoife's representative, Hismonia's face both relaxed and tightened at the same time. "Representative Yaro. How pleasant so see you again."
"And you as well, Master Hismonia," Yaro said, with a polite bow. "How charming to meet you." Seeing Mace, He smiled widely. "Mace? Mace Windu? It's nice to see you again!"
Mace smiled just as broadly. "Yeah. Congratulations on becoming Senator, Aoife."
"Thank you," Aoife returned. Looking back at Master Hismonia, she said, "Would you be so kind as to lead the way?"
"Of course." Hismonia lead the group into the building and to the conference room. Standing outside the door, she said, "Here you are, milady."
"Thank you." Mace watched the foursome walk onto their floating platform. The sheer numbers of people in the circular room astounded the young Padawan; thousands of Senators and Representatives (and not to mention their aides), all in the same room. A few platforms, a dozen at the most, held Humans, but aliens held the vast majority by far.
In the center stood the Supreme Chancellor Valorum. He was very young, still in his early twenties. But, from what Mace had been told, his political talents far preceded his age. His majordomo, Mas Amedda, called for silence, his blue skin tinged with agitation. The booming voice of the majordomo echoed loudly off of the walls, causing the chatter of all the beings continued.
When all was quiet, Valorum looked towards Aoife's platform. "I am happy and proud to introduce our newest colleague; Senator Aoife of the planet Kopa, and her representative Yaro."
Scattered polite claps sounded out until Mas Amedda called again for silence. Giving the majordomo a moment to quiet them, Aoife stood silent, then said, "Thank you all. Like the esteemed Chancellor said, I come from the planet of Kopa, which has been isolated from the galaxy for over a decade."
She paused to let this sink in, then continued. "I come before you all to ask that some of you to add a trade route unto my planet. We are not primitive, as many of you might think; simply secluded and out-of-the-way. Kopa has many products that we can offer to the galaxy, if given the chance."
"Such as what?" The Senator of Ryloth, the Twi'lek Orn Free Taa, bellowed out, his lekku twitching in curiosity.
Aoife turned to Yaro, who nodded and took the platform. Mace felt his anger go up a few notches when their came a few guffaws of such a tiny man.
Yaro ignored the jeers completely, turning his attention to Orn. "Such as spices, fruits, animal skins, metals, and such. And if the time comes that refugees are in need of a new planet to call their home, Kopa is large, habitable, and has more than enough room to spare."
He let this hang in the air as the Senators chattered amongst themselves. Mace listened to Yaro and Aoife talk to each other:
"Yaro, do you think that they will agree?" Aoife asked worriedly.
The ex-Jedi shook his head. "I do not know; after all, there is the saying that 'men plan, and the gods laugh'."
Aoife smiled, then sat back down as the Senator of the Trade Federation floated up. His green skin and large, orange eyes turned to Yaro and said, "We, the Trade Federation, will make way for a route to Kopa...if the Aeetosians are willing to take a few dozen refugees and make them citizens." His eyes glittered. "Is that acceptable, Master Jedi?"
Yaro took in a sharp breath, obviously stunned. But in less than a second, he regained his composure. "Yes, Kopa can accept that. And, excuse me for saying so, Senator, but I no longer go by that title."
The Trade Federation Senator bowed apologetically. "Begging your pardon, Representative Yaro. I forgot the fact that you were...expelled from your order."
Mace scowled heavily. He knew that the Neimoidian Senator hadn't forgotten at all; he was toying with Yaro, to test the man's weaknesses and strengths. Like a school bully teasing a new kid. "That's not very fair," he commented to Hismonia.
"That's politics; a huge show of power and weakness." She told him with a sigh. Mace noted in the back of his brain that she seemed more old and frail today then usual He waved it off, and turned his attention back to the meeting.
"Yes, I was," Yaro was saying to the Neimoidian, "But that is in the past. Let us concentrate on the future, Senator."
The Neimoidian was about to retaliate, but was cut off by Orn Free Taa. "If the Trade Federation will do business with Kopa, then Ryloth is willing to as well, if your claims about the spices are true."
"As will Naboo," came the reply from Naboo's newest Senator; a Human by the name of Palpatine, if Mace wasn't mistaken. Something jolted in the back of his brain, but he couldn't place what it was, so he ignored it.
Yaro smiled at Aoife as more offers came up. "Would you like to take the floor, milady?"
Aoife nodded, and stood up on the podium. When she did, the other Senators quieted to hear her words. "We thank you all, and we promise that you will not be at all disappointed with your decisions."
Mas Amedda signaled for the end of the meeting, and all of the platforms drifted back to their stations. Mace instantly went to the side of Yaro and Aoife when they arrived out of their podium. "That was great, Aoife-I mean, milady."
Aoife smiled sweetly at the young Padawan. "Thank you, Mace. I'm very glad that our meeting went so well, too. Aren't you, Yaro?"
Yaro said, "Yes, I am." Mace barely noted the well-hidden hint of anger and depression in his voice. Apparently, the Trade Federation Senator's comment had struck a nerve. But Yaro was quick and strong enough to overcome it. "It could have gone worse; the Force was on our side today."
Hismonia nodded in agreement. "Yes..." Looking at Mace, she said, "Mace, would you lead Yosho and Senator Aoife to their ship? Yaro, Yaddle...May I speak with you in private, for just a moment?"
The two stole a glance at each other, then Yaddle said, "Alright, Master Hismonia." She and Yaro followed the Twi'lek as Mace lead Aoife and Yosho back to the Playtoy. He wondered how they would take the news...
*****
"What do you mean...Yiara is not well?" Yaddle didn't even bother to hide the panic in her voice. Besides, even if she had tried, it wouldn't have worked.
Hismonia sighed sadly, heavily, and began to walk down the hall. They were in the huge Jedi Temple again, and at first, Yaddle had been relieved at the familiar building. But when Hismonia had led them to the nursery, she had begun to fear the worst. "Since the two of you left, her health has been failing quickly. Madam Zionas believes that it is because that Yiara has bonded with you two, and will only accept care from you. So I-"
"Where is she?" Yaro interrupted sternly. Yaddle was shocked to see his face contorted with fury.
But then, she hardly blamed him. They had left their only daughter in the Temple's care, and she was dying. Deep inside, she felt incredibly betrayed.
Hismonia drew back at the sound of Yaro's infuriated voice, but composed herself and pointed to the window. "In there."
Yaddle looked and saw her tiny child, lying on her back in her crib. To her horror, Yiara seemed much thinner and smaller than she had when Yaddle and Yaro had left. Yaddle could feel her parental instincts surge up, making her want to run in and grab her tiny offspring, to protect her.
She did her best to hold these feelings down and said, as calmly as possible to Hismonia, "So why did you bring us back?"
"We want to see if Madam Zionas' assumption is correct." Hismonia took in a deep breath. "If it is, the Council is willing to let both of you reenter the Order."
Yaro nodded in acceptance. "I see..." He looked back into the window. "When can we see her?"
"Right now, if you wish."
"Alright." Looking at Yaddle, Yaro said, "We'll need to inform Father and Aoife that we'll be staying here for a few days."
*****