The small entourage boarded a Senatorial Transport and floated through the
congested skyways toward a large building. Obi-Wan thought that all the
buildings were large on this strange new world, but this one rose above
it's neighbors. He glanced at the people surrounding him, stopping mostly
on Padmé and the Senator Palpatine. He felt there was something odd about
the man, but passed it off as his own insecurities when dealing with
aristocrats. The Queen's troupe was guided to rooms that they would be
able to stay in during their visit, and Obi-Wan found himself
unintentionally left out. Not knowing what to do while away from the Jedi,
he roamed the vast apartments until he found a decent vantage point to
watch the multitude of diverse flightcraft cruising the morning sky. He
surveyed the traffic for hours, noting how many times he saw the same type
of vehicle and the change in density. When a low growl emanating from his
stomach he decided to hunt for a bite to eat.
***
Padmé had transformed herself back in to the guise of Queen Amidala. Deciding that she was safe, she wanted to address her concerns with the Senator personally. Palpatine requested that she recline in his inner meeting chamber while they conferred. His advice alarmed her. The Senator described the dissention hidden beneath the senate. How the Bureaucrats were secretly in control and he felt that their cause would have little pull in the way of receiving the desired help. After absorbing this startling revelation she questioned, "What are our options, Senator?"
"We could call for a vote of No Confidence, in Chancellor Valorum's leadership." He admitted.
"He's been our strongest supporter. Is there nothing else?" Trying to keep her diplomatic prowess, she had to seek out all possibilities before settling on one.
"Our only other course of action is to submit a plea to the courts."
"The courts take longer to decide things than the senate." She spoke the thought out loud. Voicing her concerns, she continued, "Our people are dying, Senator. We must do something quickly."
"I'm afraid we are going to have to accept Federation control for the time being." He stated with a submission of failure in his tone.
Her conviction hardened as she watched the older man. "That is something I cannot do." The remained in a thickened silence as they mulled over their thoughts. Finally the Queen rose and headed back to her chambers. She wanted to think for a while before getting ready to face the senate. She changed back into her handmaiden finery and found a secluded lounge to ponder.
Obi-Wan was finishing the last of a sandwich the house cook had prepared for him. He had already consume two others as well as a salad, soup, a slice of some sweet yet tart pie and even a small sampling of vegetables, which the cook insisted he eat or she would fix him nothing. Taking the last piece of his lunch he headed back to his observatory to await the Jedi. As he entered he realized it was no longer empty. "I'm sorry, I didn't."
He was cut off by a friendly, yet saddened voice. "It's alright. I was just sitting. You can come in."
He entered the room tentatively. He felt bad for intruding on her privacy. "You're upset." He said. In actuality, anyone who could hear, could have told she was unhappy even by her polite tones. "What's wrong?" He came up beside her. She motioned for him to sit while she formulated her thoughts.
"My home has been invaded and I fear that my coming here was a waste of time and lives." She stared blankly out at the rush hour traffic. He followed hr gaze and joined her in the vacant reverie.
"I have heard of wars, but have never seen one. I hear they are horrible. Is it because of other people on your planet?" Letting his mind wander with his thoughts he simply spoke them aloud.
"No, my people are not at war. But we have been invaded by a droid army of the Trade Federation." Lost in her memories of the ordeal.
"It must have been very hard on you. Droids are unfeeling, mostly. They have no mercy. And they are programmed to fight fiercely. It's hard to fend off such cold methodical machines when you care about the person at your side." Obi-Wan was staring out into the sky, two speeding transports almost collided in their haste, and the drivers were now yelling at each other. Padmé glanced down at her companion. She found it amazing that one so young could be so perceptive. She turned back to their interest.
"It was hard. And I'm sure even the Gungans would feel the same." She remarked. Obi-Wan nodded even though he had no idea who or what Gungans were. But he felt that she understood his meaning. Padmé began to think about her own comment. An idea sparked but she didn't know how to put it into action. At least, not yet. That's when a buzzer went off. The Handmaiden peered at a chrono. "I have to get ready. The Senate will be convening shortly to discuss our situation. I'll see you later, Obi." She stood and headed out the door. Obi-Wan also rose to his feet out of the conditioning and instinctual response he was used to. There he waited for Qui-Gon's return.
***
Qui-Gon took an airtaxi to retrieve the boy from Senator Palpatine's apartments. He tried to conceal the excitement beginning to rise. He wanted to hurry and return to the temple so that the testing could commence. His feelings told him that the results would be favourable. When he was escorted through the lavish room, he was directed to an observation lounge. There he found his treasure. "Obi-Wan," he called.
Obi-Wan turned to find the tall Knight in the entry. He had been so lost in his thoughts he had not realized the man had returned. Without the usual regard for formalities and his previous station, Obi-Wan hurried into the arms of the Jedi. "You're here. I've been waiting. I was starting to worry you had forgotten about me." He admitted sheepishly.
"I could never forget you, Obi. You have been foremost on my mind recently. Now, come. I'm taking you to the temple. You are to be tested." Qui-Gon announced with some delight. The boy gave him a puzzled glare. And then worry crept into the young features. "Don't worry, you'll do fine. Just trust your feelings and listen to your instincts."
The two ventured back out to the highways and found the airtaxi Qui-Gon arrived in. Together they flew in between buildings and other structures toward the Jedi sanctuary. Qui-Gon pointed out the tall spires as they closed in. Once inside, Obi-Wan was in awe of the beauty and serenity of the pristine halls. The tall Jedi guided him through the tranquil wonderment. Even the lifts were dazzling to the youth. Finally, they stood in front of the great doors that led to the High Council. They waited until a council aide motioned for them to enter. Qui-Gon turned to the boy and knelt down to look him in the eye. And what compelling compassionate eyes they were. Qui-Gon recalled. He placed his hands on the boy's shoulders and tried to reassure the youth with a reassuring smile. "Now, be brave. There are no wrong or right answers. Simply listen to the Force and it will guide you." He rose and guided the boy inside. Once Obi-Wan passed through the huge entry, Qui-Gon withdrew and closed the doors.
Obi-Wan stood in front of twelve pairs of penetrating eyes, focused directly on him. For a moment he wanted to flee. Eyes as cold as some of those peering at him now had only caused him pain. He did not want to subject himself to that again. However, he also knew the Qui-Gon would never place in the way of undue harm. So, following the Jedi's advice, he listened to his instincts. He walked to the center of the room and looked around him. As he moved, he realized no one had addressed him yet. Suddenly, he got the distinct impression that "the test" had already started. Carefully, he took in each visage, pausing long enough to get a sense of their standing in the council. As he rounded to a small green Master and the hard gaze of a tall dark Master he stopped. Continuing his assessment, he finally bowed slightly to the two Jedi. Both stole a quick glance at the other before the Dark one spoke, "Hello, Obi-Wan. Master Qui- Gon has requested that you be tested. We will be assessing your control and ability with the Force. Do you understand this?" Obi-Wan nodded. "Good. Then we will begin."
The trials lasted for some time. Each Council member had taken a turn testing on ability or another, from memory to perception as well as some minor skills. Finally, when each had been satisfied, the small green Master stared through the boy. "What feel you?"
"Tired, sir." He said. Even though there was not much in the way of physical trials, his mind had been tapped and taxed to a lengthy extent.
"And fear?" He said.
Another Councilor, with a high conical head, spoke, "What do you fear, child?"
"I'm not entirely sure." He answered at first. He searched inside of him to find what they could already see. "Of failing, I guess."
"Failing?" The dark Jedi asked. He then turned to the troll.
"I don't understand. What does that have to do with this?" Obi-Wan was letting his exhaustion get the better of his judgement.
"Everything," the diminutive Master snapped. "It is the path to the darkside. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."
"I could never cause another to suffer, sirs." The boy stated. Obi-Wan was horrified by the outburst. He could not imagine causing another being pain. And now he was afraid, afraid of the path the small Master spoke of. Then doubt flooded him. Could I possibly make it to be a Jedi Knight, like Qui-Gon?
The tiny Master closed his eyes and concentrated. Coming to a conclusion, he announced, "Much fear I sense in you."
***
"The boy will not pass the Council's test." Anakin huffed. They were waiting for news about Obi-Wan. Heading onto one of the balconies from a lower level they stared out as dusk began to fall on Coruscant.
"I don't understand this resistance you feel towards the lad. Aren't you even curious about their findings?" Qui-Gon questioned his Padawan. "Obi- Wan will become a Jedi." He added.
"Why must you continually defy the Council? They will not accept him. He's too old," argued the protégé. Qui-Gon glared at his apprentice, something seemed different.
"What's wrong, Padawan? You have been distracted as of late." Qui-Gon came to stand in front ot the young man.
"I don't know, Master." The distraught Padawan, turned to lean on the ledge. "It's just." He shook his head. Anakin really couldn't name what was bothering because he simply didn't know. Just that he was uneasy with the boy. Fortunately, he didn't have to find a reason as a council aide approached.
"Your presence is requested by the High Council. Please follow me." And the young girl turned to lead them to the center tower.
***
Padmé had transformed herself back in to the guise of Queen Amidala. Deciding that she was safe, she wanted to address her concerns with the Senator personally. Palpatine requested that she recline in his inner meeting chamber while they conferred. His advice alarmed her. The Senator described the dissention hidden beneath the senate. How the Bureaucrats were secretly in control and he felt that their cause would have little pull in the way of receiving the desired help. After absorbing this startling revelation she questioned, "What are our options, Senator?"
"We could call for a vote of No Confidence, in Chancellor Valorum's leadership." He admitted.
"He's been our strongest supporter. Is there nothing else?" Trying to keep her diplomatic prowess, she had to seek out all possibilities before settling on one.
"Our only other course of action is to submit a plea to the courts."
"The courts take longer to decide things than the senate." She spoke the thought out loud. Voicing her concerns, she continued, "Our people are dying, Senator. We must do something quickly."
"I'm afraid we are going to have to accept Federation control for the time being." He stated with a submission of failure in his tone.
Her conviction hardened as she watched the older man. "That is something I cannot do." The remained in a thickened silence as they mulled over their thoughts. Finally the Queen rose and headed back to her chambers. She wanted to think for a while before getting ready to face the senate. She changed back into her handmaiden finery and found a secluded lounge to ponder.
Obi-Wan was finishing the last of a sandwich the house cook had prepared for him. He had already consume two others as well as a salad, soup, a slice of some sweet yet tart pie and even a small sampling of vegetables, which the cook insisted he eat or she would fix him nothing. Taking the last piece of his lunch he headed back to his observatory to await the Jedi. As he entered he realized it was no longer empty. "I'm sorry, I didn't."
He was cut off by a friendly, yet saddened voice. "It's alright. I was just sitting. You can come in."
He entered the room tentatively. He felt bad for intruding on her privacy. "You're upset." He said. In actuality, anyone who could hear, could have told she was unhappy even by her polite tones. "What's wrong?" He came up beside her. She motioned for him to sit while she formulated her thoughts.
"My home has been invaded and I fear that my coming here was a waste of time and lives." She stared blankly out at the rush hour traffic. He followed hr gaze and joined her in the vacant reverie.
"I have heard of wars, but have never seen one. I hear they are horrible. Is it because of other people on your planet?" Letting his mind wander with his thoughts he simply spoke them aloud.
"No, my people are not at war. But we have been invaded by a droid army of the Trade Federation." Lost in her memories of the ordeal.
"It must have been very hard on you. Droids are unfeeling, mostly. They have no mercy. And they are programmed to fight fiercely. It's hard to fend off such cold methodical machines when you care about the person at your side." Obi-Wan was staring out into the sky, two speeding transports almost collided in their haste, and the drivers were now yelling at each other. Padmé glanced down at her companion. She found it amazing that one so young could be so perceptive. She turned back to their interest.
"It was hard. And I'm sure even the Gungans would feel the same." She remarked. Obi-Wan nodded even though he had no idea who or what Gungans were. But he felt that she understood his meaning. Padmé began to think about her own comment. An idea sparked but she didn't know how to put it into action. At least, not yet. That's when a buzzer went off. The Handmaiden peered at a chrono. "I have to get ready. The Senate will be convening shortly to discuss our situation. I'll see you later, Obi." She stood and headed out the door. Obi-Wan also rose to his feet out of the conditioning and instinctual response he was used to. There he waited for Qui-Gon's return.
***
Qui-Gon took an airtaxi to retrieve the boy from Senator Palpatine's apartments. He tried to conceal the excitement beginning to rise. He wanted to hurry and return to the temple so that the testing could commence. His feelings told him that the results would be favourable. When he was escorted through the lavish room, he was directed to an observation lounge. There he found his treasure. "Obi-Wan," he called.
Obi-Wan turned to find the tall Knight in the entry. He had been so lost in his thoughts he had not realized the man had returned. Without the usual regard for formalities and his previous station, Obi-Wan hurried into the arms of the Jedi. "You're here. I've been waiting. I was starting to worry you had forgotten about me." He admitted sheepishly.
"I could never forget you, Obi. You have been foremost on my mind recently. Now, come. I'm taking you to the temple. You are to be tested." Qui-Gon announced with some delight. The boy gave him a puzzled glare. And then worry crept into the young features. "Don't worry, you'll do fine. Just trust your feelings and listen to your instincts."
The two ventured back out to the highways and found the airtaxi Qui-Gon arrived in. Together they flew in between buildings and other structures toward the Jedi sanctuary. Qui-Gon pointed out the tall spires as they closed in. Once inside, Obi-Wan was in awe of the beauty and serenity of the pristine halls. The tall Jedi guided him through the tranquil wonderment. Even the lifts were dazzling to the youth. Finally, they stood in front of the great doors that led to the High Council. They waited until a council aide motioned for them to enter. Qui-Gon turned to the boy and knelt down to look him in the eye. And what compelling compassionate eyes they were. Qui-Gon recalled. He placed his hands on the boy's shoulders and tried to reassure the youth with a reassuring smile. "Now, be brave. There are no wrong or right answers. Simply listen to the Force and it will guide you." He rose and guided the boy inside. Once Obi-Wan passed through the huge entry, Qui-Gon withdrew and closed the doors.
Obi-Wan stood in front of twelve pairs of penetrating eyes, focused directly on him. For a moment he wanted to flee. Eyes as cold as some of those peering at him now had only caused him pain. He did not want to subject himself to that again. However, he also knew the Qui-Gon would never place in the way of undue harm. So, following the Jedi's advice, he listened to his instincts. He walked to the center of the room and looked around him. As he moved, he realized no one had addressed him yet. Suddenly, he got the distinct impression that "the test" had already started. Carefully, he took in each visage, pausing long enough to get a sense of their standing in the council. As he rounded to a small green Master and the hard gaze of a tall dark Master he stopped. Continuing his assessment, he finally bowed slightly to the two Jedi. Both stole a quick glance at the other before the Dark one spoke, "Hello, Obi-Wan. Master Qui- Gon has requested that you be tested. We will be assessing your control and ability with the Force. Do you understand this?" Obi-Wan nodded. "Good. Then we will begin."
The trials lasted for some time. Each Council member had taken a turn testing on ability or another, from memory to perception as well as some minor skills. Finally, when each had been satisfied, the small green Master stared through the boy. "What feel you?"
"Tired, sir." He said. Even though there was not much in the way of physical trials, his mind had been tapped and taxed to a lengthy extent.
"And fear?" He said.
Another Councilor, with a high conical head, spoke, "What do you fear, child?"
"I'm not entirely sure." He answered at first. He searched inside of him to find what they could already see. "Of failing, I guess."
"Failing?" The dark Jedi asked. He then turned to the troll.
"I don't understand. What does that have to do with this?" Obi-Wan was letting his exhaustion get the better of his judgement.
"Everything," the diminutive Master snapped. "It is the path to the darkside. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."
"I could never cause another to suffer, sirs." The boy stated. Obi-Wan was horrified by the outburst. He could not imagine causing another being pain. And now he was afraid, afraid of the path the small Master spoke of. Then doubt flooded him. Could I possibly make it to be a Jedi Knight, like Qui-Gon?
The tiny Master closed his eyes and concentrated. Coming to a conclusion, he announced, "Much fear I sense in you."
***
"The boy will not pass the Council's test." Anakin huffed. They were waiting for news about Obi-Wan. Heading onto one of the balconies from a lower level they stared out as dusk began to fall on Coruscant.
"I don't understand this resistance you feel towards the lad. Aren't you even curious about their findings?" Qui-Gon questioned his Padawan. "Obi- Wan will become a Jedi." He added.
"Why must you continually defy the Council? They will not accept him. He's too old," argued the protégé. Qui-Gon glared at his apprentice, something seemed different.
"What's wrong, Padawan? You have been distracted as of late." Qui-Gon came to stand in front ot the young man.
"I don't know, Master." The distraught Padawan, turned to lean on the ledge. "It's just." He shook his head. Anakin really couldn't name what was bothering because he simply didn't know. Just that he was uneasy with the boy. Fortunately, he didn't have to find a reason as a council aide approached.
"Your presence is requested by the High Council. Please follow me." And the young girl turned to lead them to the center tower.