Author's note: Thanks to Dravenstar, the Puppet Killer, Arfea and
Californian Mountain Girl for reviewing. I'm so grateful. In fact, these
reviews are the only reason I keep writing.
I hope I'm not disappointing anyone. Real action doesn't come in until about Chapter 8 (?!?!?!) and as for romance, well, mainly the last chapter.(?!?!??!?!?!?!?!??!?!)
Chapter 4- Bonding of the valiant
Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker were mulling around in the boy's bedroom, uncertain as of what to make of the recent and huge tremor in the Force, when the door opened. Standing at the entrance was another Jedi called Plo Koon.
Plo Koon was a member of a species called the Kel Dor, originating from the planet Dorin, which had a strange atmosphere of many gases. As a result, Plo Koon was at risk from high amounts of oxygen, and so wore two seemingly opaque eye shields and a large breath mask that covered half of his face so as to protect his sensitive eyes and nostrils. What could be seen of his face was furrowed orange skin and two big ear-like organs on the side of his head, from which extended two short tendrils that attached to the bottom of the breath shield.
Despite this need for protection, anyone who assumed Plo Koon was a frail individual would be gravely mistaken. At two metres tall and with broad shoulders and immensely thick upper arms, Plo Koon was an extremely strong Jedi Master, both mentally and physically. His body strength allowed him to execute difficult sword movements with a might that was almost brutal. But Plo Koon, a senior member of the Jedi Council, was a gentle soul by nature, and it was only in intense battles that he unleashed his power.
Qui-Gon smiled at Plo Koon, who nodded in response. The two had once been close friends, but when Koon had been offered a permanent place on the Council, they had drifted apart. Qui-Gon had always been at odds with the Council, as they believed he was a maverick, unwilling to stick to the Jedi Code. Qui-Gon insisted on straying outside the boundaries and taking detours, but the twelve-member conference stood by the straight and narrow path. When he had presented Anakin to be trained, some felt it was the final straw, but Qui-Gon's display of skills when facing down a dark warrior during the Battle of Naboo ensured he could stay within the order.
Like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon was a good friend that worried that Qui-Gon could be too defiant. But they would both always be there for him.
Anakin and Obi-Wan half-bowed to the Council Senior, who spoke in a gravely, booming voice that was somewhat distorted by the breath mask, "I bring news. You are all to report to the Council Conference room in two hours".
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon exchanged a glance before the younger Jedi asked, "What for, Master Koon?"
The Kel Dor had already half-turned away, evidently about to leave, "Master Yoda sent me a transmission. He's asking me to round up the greatest warriors".
A look of intense surprise crossed the faces of Obi-Wan and Anakin whilst Qui-Gon seemed indifferent, "Who else are you searching for?" his tone reflected little more than casual interest.
"Only Master Gallia, but then I'm giving a lecture on lightsaber Form V battle techniques".
"I'll fetch her for you", Anakin piped up quickly, "You can go and give your lecture, Master Koon".
Plo Koon cocked his head, "Thank you, Padawan Skywalker. She is likely to be in the Archives Library".
Anakin was already heading for the door. Koon waited until he was out of earshot and then sighed. Although his masked face was expressionless by nature, it was obvious he was distraught about something.
"It seems that this recent shift in the balance of the Force is as grave as it felt" Obi-Wan observed.
Plo Koon nodded, "Yoda did not have time to give me the details, but he does not give orders for a special mission unless something serious is happening somewhere".
Obi-Wan could not hold back a hint of pride as he said, "It is an honour that we are considered amongst the ranks of great warriors such as yourself, Master Koon".
The Council Member seemed weary as he replied slowly, "I fear not. The Jedi are ambassadors, mediators and counsellors, only warriors as a last result. It seems as if this is now required of us".
The Senate Hall had the look of an arena, circular and massive, with doors opening off exterior rampways at various levels above the main floor. At the centre of the chamber a tall, slender column supported the Supreme Chancellor's platform, a broad, semi enclosed area that allowed Palpatine to sit or stand as he chose in the company of his vice chair. All around the smooth interior walls of the arena, several hundred Senate boxes jutted from hangar bays off entry doors. When a Senator requested permission to speak and was recognized by the chair, his box would float to the centre of the arena, close to the Chancellor's podium, where it remained until the speech was concluded.
But this unusual setting was well known to Mace Windu. He felt Yoda and himself were forced to come there far too often.
For it was an infamous fact that the Senate argued over the most trivial of causes for days on end, and were virtually incapable of resolving conflicts. When the peaceful planet of Naboo had been blockaded and invaded by the Trade Federation one year before, they had been unable to settle the matter. It was mostly due to Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and the resourceful Queen of the Naboo, Padmé Amidala, that the occupation had ended.
One of the main reasons the Senate could not end such vile undertakings was the corruption that grew and festered every day. Even such dangerous corporations as the Trade Federation and the Commerce Guild had representatives in the Senate until recently, when they had left to form the Separatist Union.
Another reason was the sheer size of the Senate. Each one of the several hundred representatives stood for several hundred planets or organizations whose influence extended throughout the galaxy. With so many voices speaking out, it was small wonder for some why the Senate could not decide on virtually anything without endless arguing amongst themselves.
Even as Windu glanced around the hall, he could clearly see Senators of nearly every sentient species squabbling with each other. From atop his high perch with Yoda in the Jedi box, not a single delegate could escape his disapproving eye.
There were Senators who were genuinely decent people, trying to restore justice to the Republic. A few who sprung to the Jedi's mind were Bail Organa from Alderaan, the wookie named Yarua from Kashyyyk and of course, Palpatine.
Palpatine was often described as a man foreign to corruption and deceit, a man of clear-minded practicality who condemned the many abuses of bureaucracy that came to his attention. After Queen Amidala had called for a vote of no confidence in the previous Supreme Chancellor as he was incapable of stopping the Trade Federation, it was little surprise that he had been nominated and soon elected as the new Chancellor. He had previously been the Senator of Naboo, and even then his genuine concern for the well being of all had a strong impact on all other democrats. The Jedi Knights were pleased they had such a strong, cooperative person to lead the Senate forwards.
It was perhaps ironic in this case that the greediest of Senators would support action against the droid army that seemed to have arisen from nowhere. Such a direct threat to their power and wealth would spur them into action against what appeared to be aggressive terrorist tactics by the Separatist Union.
As Windu and Yoda watched, Palpatine rose to speak. Both of the Council members permitted themselves a small smile.
Justice would be done, even if for the wrong reasons.
The Jedi Archives Library was bustling with activity as various Padawans, Knights and Masters searched for information in the enormous cases that contained the holo-books they required. The gigantic room also hosted numerous computer terminals, most of them occupied.
Anakin had never seen the library so busy before. He supposed the recent quake in the Force had the Jedi on their toes, and so they searched for valuable information in case they were called up for duty. But I think I am, Anakin mused, so while I'm here, I guess I could research.
"Padawan Skywalker".
The voice that spoke his name was both assertive and gentle in a strange way. Anakin turned to face Adi Gallia, member of the Jedi Council.
Clothed in the Jedi cloak, tunic and tall boots, Adi Gallia was the youngest member of the Jedi Council. She was a tall, dark, beautiful human. Her cool blue eyes contained within many tales of valiance and triumph. She wore an elaborate Tholoth headdress, an intricately marked headpiece that revealed only her pleasant face. Long tendrils of cloth hung down from it. As with all fully-fledged Jedi, a lightsaber hung at her belt.
Anakin bowed hastily, "Master Gallia".
It suddenly occurred to him that he had never had a direct conversation with the women before, or Plo Koon for that matter. He felt a wave of pride as he realized he was rubbing shoulders with the mighty.
Gallia either did not sense the boy's thoughts or, the latter being far more likely, did not care, "Walk with me, young Skywalker, and tell me what is required of myself".
Anakin and Gallia walked side-by-side out of the library and into the Main Corridor. The boy told her everything Plo Koon had said. At the end of his briefing, Adi Gallia ceased strolling and unclipped her lightsaber from her belt and rolled it in her palm.
"It seems as if swordplay is required for whatever it is Master Yoda is organizing", she commented, inspecting her saber carefully.
Anakin was unsure as of what to say. He felt his earlier feeling of satisfaction was not appropriate. He was about to say how sad Gallia looked at the news of inevitable conflict when she looked up.
"There is no emotion; there is peace", she quoted, "Sometimes, Padawan Skywalker, the Jedi Code is most difficult for even Jedi Masters to keep to", a vague look of amusement crossed her smooth face, "You must be well aware of this, your mentor is the infamous Qui-Gon Jinn".
Anakin took the comment in good humour and grinned back.
"I will attend Master Koon's conference as he requested", the woman said quietly, "Thank you for bringing me the news, Padawan Skywalker".
Anakin bowed, then headed back towards his modest living chambers, wondering what it was Master Koon was organizing.
Darth Sidious lifted his hood over his face as he entered his secret headquarters in a remote, abandoned skyscraper on Corucsant. The walls of the dingy, dark room were painted in red and black jagged markings, fearsome declarations of the unknown.
What could be seen of Sidious' wrinkled face was an angry snarl as he activated a view screen on one of the walls. A dozen separate, life-size images materialized before him. A myriad of different life forms became visible in crystal-clear images. They were the leaders of the Separatist Union.
They were all wealthy, and that was one of the main reasons why Sidious had recruited them to the order. Some were ex-Senators, who had left the Republic as they felt they would gain greater financial power if the Separatists triumphed, as Sidious was certain it would. Others were leaders of powerful corporations, such as the Techno Union, the Corporate Alliance, the Trade Federation and, of course, the Commerce Guild.
The aim of the Separatist Union was simple: overthrow the Galactic Republic with its battle droid army and start a new order. The Galactic Empire, with Darth Sidious as the Emperor.
Once Sidious was in power, he would quickly set about meeting his targets. The Jedi were to be destroyed. The Senate was to be disbanded. The leaders of the Separatist union knew all of this.
What they didn't know was how Sidious really was. They knew he was an insider, as he manipulated the Senate in ways that were impossible for even a Jedi to see. But his true identity remained a mystery to all of them.
"Sith Lord Darth Sidious, future Galactic Emperor, I ask to speak in your awesome presence", Harak Rogue's awkward and clumsy flattery failed to impress Sidious, but he nodded regardless.
"The Commerce Guild fleet remains in orbit around Cornellia", the Archduke informed Sidious and all other members of the Union present, "Our battle droid army has overthrown the capital city of Penjiralmark and all other settlements. We jammed all communications and."
"Evidently not", Sidious growled, "Chancellor Palpatine received a distress transmission from the Cornellian Prime Minister several hours ago".
Rogue's dark complexion paled. The others squirmed uncomfortably under the Dark Lord's gaze as he eyed them all. They all feared him, there was no doubt about that. But that was useful.
"What.what has the Senate voted to do?" asked the Viceroy of the Trade Federation.
The Viceroy had grey-green, reptilian skin. His face was without feature except for two large red eyes and a down-turned mouth. His attire was extravagant to the extreme; red, black, brown and saffron were all deemed insignificant by a triple-crested tiara. The Neimoidian Viceroy Nute Gunray was he cowardly, treacherous being that Sidious had coaxed to invade Naboo.
"Such an act of hostility has the Senate alarmed. They do not want to loose their power", the Sith rasped, "There is a Jedi response team mobilizing".
There were nervous glances and fidgeting amongst the corrupt creatures. Falling afoul of the Jedi Knights was not considered a wise thing.
Sidious could see their poorly veiled anxiety and ignored it, "A small group will head for Cornellia, designed for reconnaissance".
Archduke Rogue seemed to be trying to gather up the pieces of his shattered confidence, "That is no great problem. Our combined army, made up of Guild and Federation droids, numbers to several million and."
"Droids are no match for those trained in the Force", Darth Sidious snapped, "Archduke, I will dispatch my field agent to take care of this threat".
Whilst a flicker of recognition crossed Gunray's face, Rogue did not seem convinced, "What if he should fail?"
The eyes of Sidious narrowed to thin slits like that of a contented big cat, as he sneered, "Fail? He will not fail, gentlemen. He will not fail".
I hope I'm not disappointing anyone. Real action doesn't come in until about Chapter 8 (?!?!?!) and as for romance, well, mainly the last chapter.(?!?!??!?!?!?!?!??!?!)
Chapter 4- Bonding of the valiant
Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker were mulling around in the boy's bedroom, uncertain as of what to make of the recent and huge tremor in the Force, when the door opened. Standing at the entrance was another Jedi called Plo Koon.
Plo Koon was a member of a species called the Kel Dor, originating from the planet Dorin, which had a strange atmosphere of many gases. As a result, Plo Koon was at risk from high amounts of oxygen, and so wore two seemingly opaque eye shields and a large breath mask that covered half of his face so as to protect his sensitive eyes and nostrils. What could be seen of his face was furrowed orange skin and two big ear-like organs on the side of his head, from which extended two short tendrils that attached to the bottom of the breath shield.
Despite this need for protection, anyone who assumed Plo Koon was a frail individual would be gravely mistaken. At two metres tall and with broad shoulders and immensely thick upper arms, Plo Koon was an extremely strong Jedi Master, both mentally and physically. His body strength allowed him to execute difficult sword movements with a might that was almost brutal. But Plo Koon, a senior member of the Jedi Council, was a gentle soul by nature, and it was only in intense battles that he unleashed his power.
Qui-Gon smiled at Plo Koon, who nodded in response. The two had once been close friends, but when Koon had been offered a permanent place on the Council, they had drifted apart. Qui-Gon had always been at odds with the Council, as they believed he was a maverick, unwilling to stick to the Jedi Code. Qui-Gon insisted on straying outside the boundaries and taking detours, but the twelve-member conference stood by the straight and narrow path. When he had presented Anakin to be trained, some felt it was the final straw, but Qui-Gon's display of skills when facing down a dark warrior during the Battle of Naboo ensured he could stay within the order.
Like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon was a good friend that worried that Qui-Gon could be too defiant. But they would both always be there for him.
Anakin and Obi-Wan half-bowed to the Council Senior, who spoke in a gravely, booming voice that was somewhat distorted by the breath mask, "I bring news. You are all to report to the Council Conference room in two hours".
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon exchanged a glance before the younger Jedi asked, "What for, Master Koon?"
The Kel Dor had already half-turned away, evidently about to leave, "Master Yoda sent me a transmission. He's asking me to round up the greatest warriors".
A look of intense surprise crossed the faces of Obi-Wan and Anakin whilst Qui-Gon seemed indifferent, "Who else are you searching for?" his tone reflected little more than casual interest.
"Only Master Gallia, but then I'm giving a lecture on lightsaber Form V battle techniques".
"I'll fetch her for you", Anakin piped up quickly, "You can go and give your lecture, Master Koon".
Plo Koon cocked his head, "Thank you, Padawan Skywalker. She is likely to be in the Archives Library".
Anakin was already heading for the door. Koon waited until he was out of earshot and then sighed. Although his masked face was expressionless by nature, it was obvious he was distraught about something.
"It seems that this recent shift in the balance of the Force is as grave as it felt" Obi-Wan observed.
Plo Koon nodded, "Yoda did not have time to give me the details, but he does not give orders for a special mission unless something serious is happening somewhere".
Obi-Wan could not hold back a hint of pride as he said, "It is an honour that we are considered amongst the ranks of great warriors such as yourself, Master Koon".
The Council Member seemed weary as he replied slowly, "I fear not. The Jedi are ambassadors, mediators and counsellors, only warriors as a last result. It seems as if this is now required of us".
The Senate Hall had the look of an arena, circular and massive, with doors opening off exterior rampways at various levels above the main floor. At the centre of the chamber a tall, slender column supported the Supreme Chancellor's platform, a broad, semi enclosed area that allowed Palpatine to sit or stand as he chose in the company of his vice chair. All around the smooth interior walls of the arena, several hundred Senate boxes jutted from hangar bays off entry doors. When a Senator requested permission to speak and was recognized by the chair, his box would float to the centre of the arena, close to the Chancellor's podium, where it remained until the speech was concluded.
But this unusual setting was well known to Mace Windu. He felt Yoda and himself were forced to come there far too often.
For it was an infamous fact that the Senate argued over the most trivial of causes for days on end, and were virtually incapable of resolving conflicts. When the peaceful planet of Naboo had been blockaded and invaded by the Trade Federation one year before, they had been unable to settle the matter. It was mostly due to Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and the resourceful Queen of the Naboo, Padmé Amidala, that the occupation had ended.
One of the main reasons the Senate could not end such vile undertakings was the corruption that grew and festered every day. Even such dangerous corporations as the Trade Federation and the Commerce Guild had representatives in the Senate until recently, when they had left to form the Separatist Union.
Another reason was the sheer size of the Senate. Each one of the several hundred representatives stood for several hundred planets or organizations whose influence extended throughout the galaxy. With so many voices speaking out, it was small wonder for some why the Senate could not decide on virtually anything without endless arguing amongst themselves.
Even as Windu glanced around the hall, he could clearly see Senators of nearly every sentient species squabbling with each other. From atop his high perch with Yoda in the Jedi box, not a single delegate could escape his disapproving eye.
There were Senators who were genuinely decent people, trying to restore justice to the Republic. A few who sprung to the Jedi's mind were Bail Organa from Alderaan, the wookie named Yarua from Kashyyyk and of course, Palpatine.
Palpatine was often described as a man foreign to corruption and deceit, a man of clear-minded practicality who condemned the many abuses of bureaucracy that came to his attention. After Queen Amidala had called for a vote of no confidence in the previous Supreme Chancellor as he was incapable of stopping the Trade Federation, it was little surprise that he had been nominated and soon elected as the new Chancellor. He had previously been the Senator of Naboo, and even then his genuine concern for the well being of all had a strong impact on all other democrats. The Jedi Knights were pleased they had such a strong, cooperative person to lead the Senate forwards.
It was perhaps ironic in this case that the greediest of Senators would support action against the droid army that seemed to have arisen from nowhere. Such a direct threat to their power and wealth would spur them into action against what appeared to be aggressive terrorist tactics by the Separatist Union.
As Windu and Yoda watched, Palpatine rose to speak. Both of the Council members permitted themselves a small smile.
Justice would be done, even if for the wrong reasons.
The Jedi Archives Library was bustling with activity as various Padawans, Knights and Masters searched for information in the enormous cases that contained the holo-books they required. The gigantic room also hosted numerous computer terminals, most of them occupied.
Anakin had never seen the library so busy before. He supposed the recent quake in the Force had the Jedi on their toes, and so they searched for valuable information in case they were called up for duty. But I think I am, Anakin mused, so while I'm here, I guess I could research.
"Padawan Skywalker".
The voice that spoke his name was both assertive and gentle in a strange way. Anakin turned to face Adi Gallia, member of the Jedi Council.
Clothed in the Jedi cloak, tunic and tall boots, Adi Gallia was the youngest member of the Jedi Council. She was a tall, dark, beautiful human. Her cool blue eyes contained within many tales of valiance and triumph. She wore an elaborate Tholoth headdress, an intricately marked headpiece that revealed only her pleasant face. Long tendrils of cloth hung down from it. As with all fully-fledged Jedi, a lightsaber hung at her belt.
Anakin bowed hastily, "Master Gallia".
It suddenly occurred to him that he had never had a direct conversation with the women before, or Plo Koon for that matter. He felt a wave of pride as he realized he was rubbing shoulders with the mighty.
Gallia either did not sense the boy's thoughts or, the latter being far more likely, did not care, "Walk with me, young Skywalker, and tell me what is required of myself".
Anakin and Gallia walked side-by-side out of the library and into the Main Corridor. The boy told her everything Plo Koon had said. At the end of his briefing, Adi Gallia ceased strolling and unclipped her lightsaber from her belt and rolled it in her palm.
"It seems as if swordplay is required for whatever it is Master Yoda is organizing", she commented, inspecting her saber carefully.
Anakin was unsure as of what to say. He felt his earlier feeling of satisfaction was not appropriate. He was about to say how sad Gallia looked at the news of inevitable conflict when she looked up.
"There is no emotion; there is peace", she quoted, "Sometimes, Padawan Skywalker, the Jedi Code is most difficult for even Jedi Masters to keep to", a vague look of amusement crossed her smooth face, "You must be well aware of this, your mentor is the infamous Qui-Gon Jinn".
Anakin took the comment in good humour and grinned back.
"I will attend Master Koon's conference as he requested", the woman said quietly, "Thank you for bringing me the news, Padawan Skywalker".
Anakin bowed, then headed back towards his modest living chambers, wondering what it was Master Koon was organizing.
Darth Sidious lifted his hood over his face as he entered his secret headquarters in a remote, abandoned skyscraper on Corucsant. The walls of the dingy, dark room were painted in red and black jagged markings, fearsome declarations of the unknown.
What could be seen of Sidious' wrinkled face was an angry snarl as he activated a view screen on one of the walls. A dozen separate, life-size images materialized before him. A myriad of different life forms became visible in crystal-clear images. They were the leaders of the Separatist Union.
They were all wealthy, and that was one of the main reasons why Sidious had recruited them to the order. Some were ex-Senators, who had left the Republic as they felt they would gain greater financial power if the Separatists triumphed, as Sidious was certain it would. Others were leaders of powerful corporations, such as the Techno Union, the Corporate Alliance, the Trade Federation and, of course, the Commerce Guild.
The aim of the Separatist Union was simple: overthrow the Galactic Republic with its battle droid army and start a new order. The Galactic Empire, with Darth Sidious as the Emperor.
Once Sidious was in power, he would quickly set about meeting his targets. The Jedi were to be destroyed. The Senate was to be disbanded. The leaders of the Separatist union knew all of this.
What they didn't know was how Sidious really was. They knew he was an insider, as he manipulated the Senate in ways that were impossible for even a Jedi to see. But his true identity remained a mystery to all of them.
"Sith Lord Darth Sidious, future Galactic Emperor, I ask to speak in your awesome presence", Harak Rogue's awkward and clumsy flattery failed to impress Sidious, but he nodded regardless.
"The Commerce Guild fleet remains in orbit around Cornellia", the Archduke informed Sidious and all other members of the Union present, "Our battle droid army has overthrown the capital city of Penjiralmark and all other settlements. We jammed all communications and."
"Evidently not", Sidious growled, "Chancellor Palpatine received a distress transmission from the Cornellian Prime Minister several hours ago".
Rogue's dark complexion paled. The others squirmed uncomfortably under the Dark Lord's gaze as he eyed them all. They all feared him, there was no doubt about that. But that was useful.
"What.what has the Senate voted to do?" asked the Viceroy of the Trade Federation.
The Viceroy had grey-green, reptilian skin. His face was without feature except for two large red eyes and a down-turned mouth. His attire was extravagant to the extreme; red, black, brown and saffron were all deemed insignificant by a triple-crested tiara. The Neimoidian Viceroy Nute Gunray was he cowardly, treacherous being that Sidious had coaxed to invade Naboo.
"Such an act of hostility has the Senate alarmed. They do not want to loose their power", the Sith rasped, "There is a Jedi response team mobilizing".
There were nervous glances and fidgeting amongst the corrupt creatures. Falling afoul of the Jedi Knights was not considered a wise thing.
Sidious could see their poorly veiled anxiety and ignored it, "A small group will head for Cornellia, designed for reconnaissance".
Archduke Rogue seemed to be trying to gather up the pieces of his shattered confidence, "That is no great problem. Our combined army, made up of Guild and Federation droids, numbers to several million and."
"Droids are no match for those trained in the Force", Darth Sidious snapped, "Archduke, I will dispatch my field agent to take care of this threat".
Whilst a flicker of recognition crossed Gunray's face, Rogue did not seem convinced, "What if he should fail?"
The eyes of Sidious narrowed to thin slits like that of a contented big cat, as he sneered, "Fail? He will not fail, gentlemen. He will not fail".