STAR WARS
MALICE

SCENE ONE: DARK SHADOWS

It is a trying time for the Republic. The Clone Wars have begun

explosively on the world of Geonosis and even now hoards of Clone

Troopers from the Galactic Republic are spreading out through the galaxy to stamp the fires of secession out once and for all.

In the Senate, a motion forwarded by Chancellor Palpatine himself is

being considered to grant Jedi Knights commissions to lead the new

Grand Army of the Republic. It is a motion that has met with some

resistance from both the senate and within the ranks of the Jedi

themselves....

Jay-Zan Odanna and his brother Ry-Zan stood on a balcony of the

Jedi Temple overlooking the beautiful reddish glow on the horizon from

Corruscant's setting sun. "Almost seems like an omen doesn't it?" Ry-Zan asked his twin. Jay-Zan looked at him with an arched eyebrow, his face all but impassive, as was his style. "What do you mean?" he asked. A sad expression crossed Ry-Zan's face. "The sunset. With everything going on it's almost like the sunset of an era here. I mean I can almost FEEL it

in the Force." Jay-Zan shook his head. "You know I don't have much skill with seeing the future Ry-Zan. The Force doesn't speak to me like that."

Ry-Zan patted his brother on his back. "Yes, but your talents lie

elsewhere, like in mind reading and telekinesis. I have NEVER

heard of a Padawan even getting a stalemate from Master Windu at holo

chess before, much less beating him. Yes, your talents are with your

mind brother."

Jay-Zan smiled slightly, something that pleased his brother for

although they were identical twins except for hair color (Jay-Zan

had black and Ry-Zan had blonde), both were extreme opposite in personality. Ry-Zan was a very passionate person and he wore those

passions on his sleeve. He had been chided many times by his

master for his lack of control in emotional situations. Jay-Zan on the other hand was an exact opposite. He was controlled to the point where people thought he was cold and distant. He seemed almost unemotional at times, but those who knew him well realized that his emotions were just as volatile as his brother's, he just never let it show. They were both startled to hear a pair of feet behind them.

Turning, they saw two other Padawan walk up. Jay-Zan's smile grew slightly.

"Well well, look what the Womprat dragged in." Ry-Zan said as

Anakin Skywalker and Janarra Indi approached his friends. Jay-Zan stepped forward and shook hands with Skywalker. Although Anakin was a year senior to both the brothers, he was still a good friend to them.

They had been one of the first to accept him when he had come to the

temple ten years prior.

Jay-Zan smiled at Janarra. Deep down he had feelings for her that

extended beyond the great friendship they currently had, but he

could never let anyone know that. Feelings like that could get a person

kicked out of the Jedi order and that was something he just would

not do.

"How was Naboo?" Jay-Zan asked averting his eyes from Janarra.

Anakin smiled. "Was fine. A nice vacation after Geonosis." he said

looking at his new mechanical hand. "Well, no one deserved it more

than you buddy." Ry-Zan said. "After all you went through and all."

"Thanks." Anakin said with a sheepish smile.

All four Padawan looked up as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Morpheus Rayanne

walked onto the balcony. They bowed as the Master Jedi walked

towards them.

"Well well," Morpheus said with a grin, "It seems that the

Galactic Senate isn't the only debating body in session tonight." "Indeed." Obi Wan replied. "Is there any news?" Ry-Zan asked. Morpheus nodded. "The senate has approved the measure by a three to one margin. Jedi Master's will be given special commissions as Generals to lead the new army." A scowl crossed Ry-Zan's face. "What's the matter, young Padawan?" Obi Wan asked. "You don't seem very happy at this news."

"I'm not master." Ry-Zan said through gritted teeth, "We are

keepers of the peace, not soldiers. It's not our place to be forcing our ideals or anyone else's on others."

"We are protecting innocent people from a band of greedy

warmongers who want nothing more than to dominate the galaxy!" Janarra

protested, "I think that it is the highest calling a Jedi could

have." Ry-Zan shook his head. "I still don't think that it's our place to fight this war. We have become too mired in the Republic's

politics and I fear we will all suffer for it."