Chapter 8 – Making Peace
"You are still troubled Padawan."
Anakin glanced briefly at Obi-Wan before putting his head down once again. He didn't really feel like talking. A deep sadness had taken hold of Anakin's heart, and he couldn't seem to push it away. He had killed his hero.
"Do you pity me or yourself Anakin?"
"I don't pity you Master," was all Anakin could say in response, but it was half-hearted at best.
"Really. I think you do Anakin. And in so doing, you show me less respect than I deserve."
Anakin turned at that, anger beginning to boil in his soul. "Don't say that Master. I may not always listen, but I always respect you."
"Perhaps I misspoke," Obi-Wan said, but it was clear that he said it more to calm Anakin than anything else. "Do not feel sorry for those you vanquished today. To do so is to diminish the effort they put forth to oppose you."
"I just…" Anakin began, but then trailed off. "I should be happy Master. I won. But I don't feel happy."
Obi-Wan stopped walking for a moment. Anakin also stopped, and turned to face his Master. Obi-Wan placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder and spoke in a very soft voice.
"I think you are reaching for the wrong emotion Anakin. You must be content in the knowledge that you fought as a Jedi should, calmly and with purpose. You accomplished that which you had to. There is little happiness to be found in fighting Anakin. It is in the calm times, when we are at peace that we can know such emotion."
Obi-Wan let his hand fall from Anakin's shoulder but continued to speak as he had been. "You worry about what it means to have defeated me. You worry because you wanted to defeat me. These feelings are normal for those who have been in your position. There is nothing I can say to make you feel otherwise. All I can say is that I'm proud of the way you've carried yourself so far today."
Obi-Wan smiled as he said this and the dark mood that had settled over Anakin seemed to lift somewhat. "Thank you Master."
"Your welcome Anakin."
They started to walk again. Anakin's focus shifted quickly from the discussion he'd just been having to the surrounding environment. He rarely came to this part of the Temple. It was the part that was open to outsiders and visitors. The architectural design in this area still conveyed a great calm, but that was about the only thing it had in common with the rest of the Temple. The color was more neutral and forgettable, which was a deliberate design element. Anakin had once heard Obi-Wan talk about it.
"The neutral color allows those who see it to make it into whatever they wish it to be, and yet it is forgettable enough so that they do not dwell on it. Colors are very important to most sentient beings. And in those colors can be found different meanings depending on the culture. This part of the Temple is designed to put all those who come here at ease. It is difficult enough to negotiate a treaty without having the parties distracted by your taste in coloring."
Anakin understood all of what Obi-Wan had told him. Even on a dust ball like Tatooine, he'd seen fights break out because of the color of someone's garments. Still, as he looked around this part of the Temple he had to admit that the neutral coloring made this area very boring.
"I have always thought so as well Padawan," Obi-Wan said breaking into his thoughts. Anakin was about to protest Obi-Wan's intrusion but a raised hand stopped him.
"I did not intrude on your thoughts Anakin. Your dislike for this part of the Temple is visible on your face, and I recalled you mentioning once before how boring this area seemed. I must say I have always thought so as well. But in that the Temple is no different than all other things in life. There is always beauty and always ugliness. It is in the eye of the beholder to judge which they see."
"Yes, Master."
Obi-Wan nodded as Anakin said those words. Sometimes Anakin said them reflexively, with an ease that betrayed his disinterest and boredom at being lectured. At least he thought of it as lecturing. Yet, Obi-Wan sensed none of that from his apprentice at this moment. Their duel had shaken Anakin deeply, and as with most sentient beings under stress, Anakin craved to reestablish himself on more familiar and solid ground. Listening to Obi-Wan's philosophical musings was definitely familiar ground for Anakin, and despite what Anakin might think of Obi-Wan's fighting skills at the moment, Obi-Wan knew with certainty that there was still much Anakin could learn from him.
"I'm sorry Master. You've taught me better than this. I am allowing my emotions to distract me. I am allowing the past to distract me from the present moment. Please, tell me about the conflict we are going to mediate."
"We?" Obi-Wan said with a raised eyebrow.
"I know that this is mostly MY test, but you shall be there to assist and guide as you always are. Why else would the Master accompany his Padawan if only to then sit around, observe, and do nothing. Especially when one, in this case you, is so clearly better than the other at the task ahead. For you not to participate in some way would be…irresponsible."
"A good point Anakin. I shall have to think further on it."
What!
Anakin almost thought he'd heard Obi-Wan wrong. Was he really planning on just sitting around while Anakin negotiated some kind of peace accord. Anakin was beginning to wonder about the sanity of Tunan-Ra. He had been set up to fight his Master. It was actually…expected. Now, he was expected to negotiate peace between two parties when he could barely negotiate peace within his own heart. And it wasn't as though Anakin was the best conflict mediator in the Order. Hell, he was barely adequate among his fellow Padawans. Anakin was used to putting out conflicts with action, with his lightsaber. He was very good at "aggressive" negotiations. But negotiating with his words. That was a skill that seemed far from his capability. Anakin had all these thoughts in the fraction of a second.
"Well, why don't you tell me what you know of what awaits me," were the words he found himself choosing to say, over the many arguments he had in his head.
"Very well," Obi-Wan said, pausing ever so slightly before continuing. "You are familiar with the Uytelwa?"
"Oh, yes." Anakin said with excitement in his voice, his mood having shifted 180 degrees at the mention of the Uytelwa. "They are considered to be among the most beautiful of all humanoid species. And generally among the most peaceful. They also exhibit abilities that suggest a connection to the Force, though that has never been confirmed."
"Very good Padawan. I see that you have paid attention during some of your classes at least," Obi-Wan said, but he was smiling the whole time. "Their beauty is so highly regarded in fact that many people hate them for it. You see Anakin, envy is a terrible emotion to have. The Uytelwa's beauty is such that it magnifies the ugliness in others. But I'm not really referring to physical ugliness Anakin."
"I would not expect you to be, given all that stuff you said about the eye of the beholder," Anakin said quickly. He shouldn't have but he couldn't help poking a little fun at Obi-Wan.
"Very good Padawan," Obi-Wan continued as though he'd totally missed that Anakin was poking fun at him. "No, the ugliness comes from within. And it is scary Anakin, dreadfully so. Or so I imagine."
"What do you mean you imagine Master?"
"I have not experienced such things in the presence of the Uytelwa. Among them I have only ever felt at peace. But I have heard stories, sometimes from those that have been directly affected. I have rarely felt pain so deep and strong as this Padawan."
"Other Jedi?" Anakin asked tentatively, hoping his new found apprehension wasn't evident in his voice.
"None that I know of. There seems to be some deep connection that exists between the Jedi and the Uytelwa. That is why there is suspicion that they may have some ability with the Force. Being in their presence seems to produce a great calm in Jedi. That is why almost any conflict with the Uytelwa ends up involving the Jedi."
"I see," Anakin said, though for reasons he couldn't pinpoint he was still unnerved by this conversation. "And the other party?" Anakin decided it might be best to move on before his anxiety grew.
"The Klunj, the 5th tribe to be exact."
Anakin knew about the Klunj also. There were about 100 tribes of the Klunj race, the tribe number being significant because it signified a powerful social order. The 1st tribe being the most powerful, the 2nd next in line, and so on. Each tribe (class Anakin thought to himself) was distinguished by the coloration of their body armor. Additionally, that body armor differed in strength among the tribes, meaning that while the 1st tribe's armor could deflect a powerful blaster bolt, the 100th tribe's armor could barely be expected to offer much protection against a small pebble. They were a frightening race to behold, with a sharp beak in what appeared to be the middle of their body, large black eyes, and tentacles with suction cups at the ends. Anakin knew that the suction cups were important for the hunting and food gathering that the Klunj engaged in among the fierce oceans of their homeworld. He'd never heard of them using the suction cups for another purpose outside of hunting but it was rumored that they could be quite deadly if the Klunj ever had a mind to use them.
"But that doesn't really make sense Master. From what I know of the Klunj, they are very peaceful, despite appearances. I find it hard to believe that they would be in conflict with another peaceful race, especially one as peaceful as the Uytelwa."
"I would tend to agree Padawan. The Klunj and Uytelwa have been close trading partners for the better part of a century. It is strange that this discord should surface between them now. Frankly, the Council is quite baffled as well."
"Let me get this straight. Arguably the 12 wisest, most experienced, and most powerful Jedi in the Order don't understand this situation and haven't been able to find a solution to it, and they decided that I of all people could. I'm sorry to say this Master, but I'm starting to question the sanity of the Jedi Council."
"I often do myself Padawan."
Obi-Wan meant for this to be a joke, but somewhere deep inside he felt a pang of truth in the statement that was a bit unsettling.
"You don't seem too worried about all this. I'm appreciative of your faith in me Master, but maybe you're not entirely all there either."
"Oh, I suspect you are correct Padawan, though not in this matter. If you prepare yourself only for defeat, then defeat is all that you shall achieve. You don't think you are the right person for this job. Perhaps that is why you are the perfect person for this job."
"So basically you're telling me to stop complaining and get a grip," Anakin said, but he was smiling as he said it.
"Inner peace Padawan. You should have learned many things today. One of the most important being that your skills are far greater and far less than even you know. If you realize that, then there is nothing you cannot accomplish."
Anakin only nodded at that, as though he understood what Obi-Wan was talking about. He wasn't sure he totally did, but now was not the time for more questions. Usually if he just allowed what Obi-Wan said to rattle around in his head for awhile, things got clearer. He sure hoped this instance would be no different.
"Ambassador," Obi-Wan was saying off to Anakin's right, bowing deeply as he acknowledged the Uytelwa ambassador.
Anakin hadn't even noticed that they'd arrived at their destination. Yet, he'd known not to ask any more questions of Obi-Wan.
Given your deep connection to the Force, I am often amazed at how little you trust it. That's what Obi-Wan would have said to him. The Force had told him they were here. The Force was constantly telling him things. He just needed to listen.
"Ambassador," Anakin said after Obi-Wan. He also bowed deeply.
"Anakin Skywalker."
The Ambassador's voice was slightly higher than a whisper, yet Anakin had rarely felt a voice as powerful.
"It is a great honor to meet you. The Uytelwa are great friends of the Naboo, and Padme Amidala in particular. To meet the one most directly responsible for saving them is a great privilege."
Anakin came up short at that. Padme. Anakin suddenly felt a pang of sadness he usually reserved for his mother. He quickly damped that emotion down and looked up to face the Ambassador. What he saw was breathtaking, and Anakin knew that if anyone asked him to describe what he'd seen today, he'd never be able to do it justice. The Uytelwa Ambassador was adorned in flowing blue robes that seemed to be wearing the Ambassador more than the Ambassador was wearing them. Golden bracelets hung from the Ambassador's wrists, one a symbol of peace and the other a symbol of wisdom if Anakin remembered correctly. The Ambassador's face was a light gray, soft, and seemed to glow, though Anakin was sure that couldn't be the case. Somehow, Anakin saw Shmi when he looked at the Ambassador. And Padme. And Obi-Wan. He saw all the people he cared about in this one being.
"Thank you for your kind words Ambassador C-Ren," Anakin said, just remembering her name at that very instant, "but I fear my part in the Battle of Naboo may have been blown out of proportion."
"Modesty is such a Jedi trait. He is as fine a student as I would have imagined Master Kenobi. But there is no need for such modesty. Your exploits are what they are. I have no doubt that you've saved a dozen other worlds like Naboo in your time as a Jedi. You just might not realize it because those triumphs were not as obvious as a full scale war."
Anakin looked at the Ambassador more closely than he had before. Something about those words rang true for Anakin, but strangely he felt himself wanting to deflect them, to argue that he hadn't saved anybody. It wasn't modesty he felt; it was… revulsion. Revulsion that the Ambassador was praising him. Revulsion that the Ambassador thought she knew him so well when they'd only just met. Revulsion that in the Ambassador he saw all the people that he loved and yet it was those same people that were denied to him. Even in some strange way, Obi-Wan.
What the hell is wrong with me?
"I'm sure Anakin appreciates your kind words Ambassador, but we should move to the task at hand. Time is always precious and it would be imprudent for us to give the appearance of favoritism in this matter," Obi-Wan said, as he shifted uncomfortably away from Anakin. He was picking up some strange vibe from his Padawan, and thought if they moved forward with the proceedings maybe Anakin would be able to regain his calm.
"Of course Master Kenobi, my apologies. And my apologies to you Chieftain 5."
Anakin snapped to attention upon hearing that and realized that the Chieftain of the Klunj delegation had made his way over to them.
"Save your apologies. We are accustomed to your kind attempting to curry favor with others. Hopefully, Jedi will be immune to such trickery," Chieftain 5 said.
The way he said it made Anakin think that he didn't really think Jedi would be immune.
Obi-Wan didn't make a move to say anything, nor did Ambassador C-Ren. Even Chieftain 5 seemed to be waiting for something. It slowly dawned on Anakin that this was his show, and these people all seemed to be waiting patiently for him to figure that out.
"I can assure you Chieftain that we will not be compromised by a polite greeting." Anakin reached into the Force, wanting to make his words resonate. "And I am frankly surprised that you would say such a thing in the first place. Perhaps I would expect such rudeness from Chieftain 75, because he would not know better. But from one so high as yourself Chieftain 5, I am appalled."
Usually, the Klunj were very polite and peaceful. Anakin doubted that even Chieftain 75 would behave with such rudeness. But he did know that they took their social order very seriously, to the point where Anakin thought it snobbish to be perfectly honest. As a Jedi, it wasn't his place to judge a culture, merely to understand it so that he could better serve that culture within the domain of the Republic. Or so he'd been told. It was a difficult lesson to learn. Still, the Chieftain backed away, meaning that Anakin's appeals to the superiority of his class had worked.
"My apologies Jedi Skywalker. Master Kenobi. Ambassador." The Chieftain spat out the last one, but it was an apology, and Anakin felt he'd earned the Chieftain's respect.
"We should get started. If there is to be conflict here it should be in service to our greater goal, not merely in service to our egos."
Anakin tried to sound as Obi-Wan might, say what Obi-Wan might say, but somehow he didn't feel all that confident.
"Then come. There are others to meet," Ambassador C-Ren said as she gently guided them all more fully into the room.
Anakin stole a glance at Obi-Wan, who simply nodded and proceeded into the room.
He thinks I did well.
Anakin felt better than he had in some time thinking about Obi-Wan's praise, but something dark still lingered on his soul. He'd felt the same thing from Chieftain 5. There was this overwhelming urge to harm Ambassador C-Ren. Yet, Anakin knew with every fiber of his being that he had liked Ambassador C-Ren instantly. Chieftain 5 also felt some sort of positive feeling toward the Ambassador, but that part of him was clearly at war with the less than positive part. As Anakin surveyed the room he realized that 2 other Klunj had accompanied Chieftain 5 to this meeting, while only Ambassador C-Ren represented the Uytelwa. That was strange for any peace negotiations he'd ever heard of. No matter what race they might be, everyone in the galaxy seemed to believe in the strength in numbers approach to negotiating. His instincts told him that now was the time to ask questions.
"Excuse me Ambassador, but why are there not more of the Uytelwa here with you?"
"Ah," Ambassador C-Ren said in that same whisper of a voice, glancing briefly at Chieftain 5. "We have found that our presence is…less disruptive if there are fewer of us. Besides, there is nothing for me to fear here. The Jedi are fair and will protect me as they would anyone else. And despite the negative feelings of the opposing party, I don't believe they would ever hurt me."
Anakin nodded as though he understood completely. He glanced at the Klunj delegation, feeling them through the Force. He wasn't quite as confident as the Ambassador in the lack of danger presented by these 3. Especially since Anakin felt similar to them. He also knew though that C-Ren's gesture of coming alone was an act of total faith. Faith in the goodness of the Klunj. Faith in peace. Faith in the Jedi. Faith in Anakin.
"Allow me to introduce Kerna 5, my life partner, and Kiu 5, my first offspring," Chieftain 5 was saying, clearly feeling as though Ambassador C-Ren was scoring too many points with the Jedi.
"It is a great pleasure to meet you," Anakin said, he and Obi-Wan bowing in perfect sync with each other.
The two females bowed in return but said nothing. They seemed to glide off to the side, clearly here to offer support to Chieftain 5 but not to interfere directly in the proceedings.
"So," Anakin began awkwardly when they were all seated, "I must confess that I am not fully sure what the conflict is between the Uytelwa and Klunj. Perhaps someone would like to tell me."
A confused look spread out across Chieftain 5's face. The two female Klunj whispered something briefly to each other. Ambassador C-Ren just stared at Anakin. Obi-Wan's demeanor had not changed one bit, which is to say he sat calmly, and looked at no one in particular. It only took a moment for Anakin to realize his mistake.
"My apologies. What I meant to say was perhaps someone would like tell me about this conflict between the Uytelwa and Tribe 5 of the Klunj."
If the conflict had truly been between the Uytelwa and the entire Klunj race then Chieftain 1 would be here now. For Chieftain 5 to be here, the conflict was specifically between Tribe 5 and the Uytelwa. Everyone in the room seemed to relax. Obi-Wan pulled his robes closer around his body, but that was the only sign that he was even present.
"I would be grateful to hear this as well, since we are at somewhat of a loss to explain this newfound hostility." Ambassador C-Ren said this all very sincerely, leaning forward to indicate his curiosity.
"Always so polite. You attempt to curry favor from this one," Chieftain 5 said, pointing at Anakin as he spoke. "But you cannot fool us."
This time Obi-Wan did speak up. "Chieftain 5, we have already had this argument. I appeal to your wisdom. Jedi Skywalker asked you a legitimate and direct question. Please answer it."
"Yes, of course Master Kenobi. I apologize again."
Anakin raised an eyebrow at Obi-Wan, who returned the gesture before resuming a look of thorough disinterest. Anakin realized that Obi-Wan didn't want him to confront the Chieftain again, if possible, during this meeting. Anakin had established his authority in the room by calling the Chieftain on his rude behavior, but any more confrontations might lead the Chieftain to be angry at Anakin. Clearly, Obi-Wan had decided that it would be better for the Chieftain to be mad at him instead.
"As you know, the Klunj and Uytelwa have been trading partners for the better part of a century. About one year ago the Uytelwa discovered a large deposit of Corbite Crystal, which as you probably know is the main metallic element in the armor of the higher classes of the Klunj. Given that this Corbite Crystal was considered more important than most of the other goods we trade for from the Uytelwa, it was deemed necessary for a higher Tribe to take over negotiations. That honor was bestowed upon Tribe 5."
Chieftain 5 paused briefly to survey the room, as though he wanted everyone to acknowledge the significance of what he'd just said. His life partner and first offspring seemed to beam with pride at his words, while the others in the room remained relatively neutral.
"At any rate," Chieftain 5 continued, disappointed that only his kin could appreciate the significance of such an honor, "since Tribe 5 took over coordinating trade with the Uytelwa, there have been numerous shipping difficulties and heftier prices. We are insulted often by the Uytelwa we come into contact with, and the people of my Tribe have begun to want nothing to do with these Uytelwa. Needless to say, the Corbite Crystal is very important to our entire society, and any disruption in trade is a serious matter."
"Thank you Chieftain 5. Ambassador," Anakin remarked as he turned to face C-Ren, "could you please tell us your reactions to what Chieftain 5 just conveyed."
"What Chieftain 5 just told you is absolutely true, as far as I know."
"You see, they admit it," Chieftain 5 said, nearly jumping out of his seat.
Anakin stared hard at Ambassador C-Ren for a moment. If the Uytelwa were admitting to what Chieftain 5 was reporting, then it should be a simple matter to determine that the Uytelwa were at fault.
"Of course," C-Ren said calmly, "hearing those words does not necessarily provide one with any answers."
Anakin knew C-Ren was right. For all that Chieftain 5 had told them, how much did they really know? The question still remained. What had happened to cause such a shift in relations between the Uytelwa and Klunj?
"I must agree with Ambassador C-Ren," Anakin said. "You have told us much Chieftain 5 and yet there is still more we should know." Quickly, Anakin looked to Ambassador C-Ren again before Chieftain 5 could speak. "Ambassador, perhaps you could shed some light on things."
"I am not sure that I can, but I am willing to try. There have been shipping difficulties, as the Chieftain mentioned. Of course, from our point of view, these difficulties are due to the actions of Tribe 5 of the Klunj."
"What! You dare blame us."
Chieftain 5 was furious, but somehow his anger felt inappropriate to Anakin. Any first time negotiator would have expected for the Uytelwa to cast some blame on the Klunj. It always went that way, no matter what the situation was. If Anakin thought about it hard enough, he had to admit that conflicts were very rarely just about one party being at fault, despite what the beings involved in the conflict might think. All parties brought something to the equation. The negotiator's job was to figure out that equation.
"Please, continue Ambassador," Anakin said, glancing once at the Chieftain, drawing on the Force for calm. From the corner of his eye he could see Obi-Wan's slight nod, an indication that he had proceeded wisely. Best not to keep getting bogged down in Chieftain 5's angry pronouncements.
"There have been unprovoked fights during trade meetings," the Ambassador said smoothly, as though he had fully expected Anakin's course of action. "Fortunately, none have been too severely injured, which is an amazing thing if you truly think about it. The Klunj are far more physically imposing than we are, and more accustomed to a warrior tradition. There have been verbal arguments, strange ones that seem to erupt from nowhere, or so my people report. We are constantly uneasy around the Klunj, and sense a deep malice in them towards us that we have not felt in past years of trade. Due to these difficulties there have been delays in shipping. My people are reluctant to continue trade and often it takes time to find individuals who are willing to act as emissaries to the Klunj. We have had to raise wages for these trade routes, to attract emissaries, which means that we have to raise the price of the Corbite in order to keep the arrangement profitable. Also, extra security measures have been needed, and costly damage has been done to equipment during these altercations. Frankly, my people are at a loss to explain the change in our trading relationship following the ascension of Tribe 5 to control. I had hoped the Chieftain could shed more light on that."
Ambassador C-Ren said all this calmly and smoothly. There was no tension in her voice, and truth radiated in every word she said. Anakin could feel himself being pulled toward the Uytelwa in this conflict, but that was his rational mind speaking. His heart was afire with loathing and even hate toward C-Ren. Her calm was unnerving, and her sincerity made him feel like an imposter.
You will never be a true Jedi, like Obi-Wan. You will disappoint him, you will disappoint them all. You will destroy them all. You will destroy yourself.
Somewhere within him these words leapt out with a fury that frightened Anakin. He realized then that C-Ren had said her people felt uneasy around the Klunj, felt malice in their hearts. Anakin wondered if she could feel his unease, the malice in his heart. Sitting there all smug and righteous, so comfortable and safe. I could destroy you with a single thought.
Ambassador C-Ren glanced uneasily at Anakin then, and without even noticing it had begun to move her chair away from the table. As though she were trying to get away from Anakin.
Can she sense my feelings?
Looking at Obi-Wan sitting with that ridiculous calm of his Anakin didn't see how it was possible for C-Ren to be reading his feelings if his own Master wasn't picking up anything.
But he is weak. He is nothing compared to you. You WILL destroy him.
Anakin felt himself rising from the table, beginning to pace around the room. He had to regain control. Small steps, modulated breathing. He drew the Force to him, more than he had at any point during the negotiations. Obi-Wan shifted slightly, clearly having felt the amount of power Anakin was drawing to himself now. Though he wouldn't remember it later, Obi-Wan also had his hand on his lightsaber, ready to spring to the defense of the others in the room. Defense from Anakin. The Force flowed through Anakin, quieting his mind, calming the storm he felt in his heart. It was amazing that he had succeeding in calming himself, something that was clearly not his greatest skill. Somehow, Anakin's pacing was useful, and he realized that though there was clearly tension in the air (amazingly it seemed that even the Klunj were picking up on his mood), he was also behaving appropriately for a negotiator. Pacing was a long held tactic that allowed negotiators to collect their thoughts, and change the energy in the room by changing everyone's focus.
"Chieftain 5," Anakin said, exerting great effort to relay calm in his voice, "can you shed some light on the change in the trading relationship between the Klunj and Uytelwa following the ascension of Tribe 5 to control?"
"Why do you ask me this? As though we are to blame. Why not ask the Uytelwa why our relationship has changed since the ascension of Tribe 5 to control."
A purely defensive response, containing no substance. Anakin suspected that Chieftain 5 didn't have a clue why relations had changed. Much like Anakin didn't have a clue what was happening to him during these negotiations.
"Perhaps you are to blame Chieftain 5. Perhaps the Uytelwa are to blame. Perhaps no one is to blame. That is what we are here to discover."
Obi-Wan said all this forcefully, but his body posture suggested indifference. He wanted to make an important point but not take power away from Anakin as lead negotiator. Anakin was simply grateful that Obi-Wan had spared him from having to say something.
"You are right of course Master Jedi," Chieftain 5 said, some shame creeping through in his voice. He was a proud creature. But these continued outbursts were clearly not befitting someone of his stature, and he knew it. He was losing great face with his kin.
"Chieftain 5," Anakin began, having circled the table to stand near the Chieftain, "we all understand that this has been a trying time for you and your Tribe. You exhibit a passion and caring for your people here today that is totally appropriate for someone of your station. You want what we all want, resolution of this matter. And you can help us get there, by answering my question." Something passed between Anakin and the Chieftain in that moment.
Why did I need to comfort him? Because you know how he feels, being around THEM.
"Yes, Jedi Skywalker. You are right," Chieftain 5 said, a slight smile creeping across his face. At least it was a smile to those who were familiar with the Klunj. "I have no idea why relations have changed since the ascension of Tribe 5 to control of trade with the Uytelwa."
There it was. The most honest answer Chieftain 5 could give. It must have pained the Chieftain greatly to utter those words. Both his kin looked bewildered, as though he'd just broken some sacred oath. He was supposed to know. He was the powerful leader of many others, and that meant that he had to know things. He had to provide guidance. And yet what Chieftain 5 had just said was the equivalent of saying, "I can offer no guidance to my people in this matter."
Ambassador C-Ren slowly rose from the table and bowed deeply to Chieftain 5. "I greatly respect the honesty of such an answer Chieftain 5. We too are at a loss to explain the change in our relations. Perhaps your brave words shall set us free to find the answer."
There was still something in the Chieftain, a distaste for Ambassador C-Ren, but much of it seemed to leave him upon hearing the Ambassador's words. Anakin also felt himself becoming calmer, but at the same time he had the strongest urge that something crucial had just transpired, something that could solve this whole mess. He just had to focus.
I know how he feels, being around THEM. I know how he feels.
Anakin could tell that the silence in the room was going way past the comfortable point. They were all expecting him to say something, to pick up on C-Ren's words and spin them into gold.
I know how he feels. How do I feel? I feel afraid, angry, insulted. I feel attacked by the Ambassador's calm, her self-assurance, her…humility. I feel pride. I feel my pride is being mocked, attacked. I feel pride. I feel pride. I feel pride.
"Your pride, a great weakness it is young Skywalker. Too much do you have."
Master Yoda had said that to him once. The words had sliced into him, made him feel naked to the world.
You will never be a true Jedi, like Obi-Wan.
His secret fear, maybe his greatest fear, rising up in him again. Fear of failure. And why did he fear failure?
Because I have too much pride to accept it.
Something clicked in Anakin's mind then, something that could very well help resolve the dispute he was presiding over.
"Chieftain 5," Anakin began excitedly, "which tribe was responsible for trade with the Uytelwa before the Corbite was discovered?"
"Tribe 70 was responsible for trade with the Uytelwa," Chieftain 5 remarked with puzzlement, clearly feeling that this information was of no importance.
"Tribe 70," Anakin repeated to himself.
"Yes, Tribe 70," Chieftain 5 repeated, not understanding that Anakin was simply restating what he'd heard because of the importance of it and not because he didn't get what the Chieftain had said. "They were actually quite skilled in their trade with the Uytelwa. I have no doubt in my mind that functionally they could have handled the trading of Corbite crystal as well. But of course, that would be too glorious a task to leave to someone of their standing.
Social order.
Pride was built into the entire structure of Klunj society. It had been a major concession for Chieftain 5 to acknowledge the competence of Tribe 70 when it came to trading with the Uytelwa, yet all the while he was still looking down on them, conveying that they were beneath him and his tribe. Tribe 5 had too much pride; pride born of what their social status was. Tribe 70 was low in the society. There were 69 tribes with more power and prestige than they had. Everyday their social standing required humility; required that they ACCEPT their position.
"Chieftain 5, I have a hypothetical situation for you. Let's just say, for the sake of argument, that a high tribe such as yours wished to turn over trade responsibilities to a lower tribe such as Tribe 70. Would such a thing be possible?"
"Such a thing does not happen," Chieftain 5 said, more curious and surprised by the question than angry that it had even been asked.
"But if it were to happen, would the high tribe need to get permission to do such a thing?"
"Permission?"
Anakin felt a flash of anger from Chieftain 5 and realized that maybe he needed to try a different word.
Too much pride. He doesn't like to think of his tribe, think of himself, as requiring anyone's permission.
"What I meant to say was, in such a scenario would it be socially appropriate for the high tribe, Tribe 5, to consult with the tribes above it."
It was a subtle change in language. Anakin didn't really care for these semantic games. If Tribe 1 told Tribe 5 to do something, Tribe 5 did it, simple as that. Asking permission was the correct terminology, and everyone here knew it.
Too much pride.
"In such a scenario," Chieftain 5 began slowly, clearly not liking to face Anakin's statement about there being tribes that were above his, "Tribe 5 would be well within our rights to hand over trade responsibilities to a lower tribe. Consultation with the high tribes would already have occurred, resulting in the awarding of trade rights in the first place. Such a declaration indicates a trust by the society that the management of those trade rights by said tribe will be sound and in the society's best interests."
"So," Anakin said excitedly, wanting to keep the momentum going, "if Tribe 5, if you, deemed that it was in the best interests of the society for a lower tribe to take over trade responsibilities, this decision would be supported."
"Yes, or so I believe. As I said, such a thing does not happen." Chieftain 5 was still bewildered as he spoke.
"Until now," Anakin said, very matter of fact, raising a hand to stop the protest he knew would be coming from Chieftain 5. Surprisingly, there was no protest. Chieftain 5 was too stunned to speak, as his mind had finally caught up to where Anakin was going.
"Jedi Skywalker," Obi-Wan broke in, exerting some conscious effort to refer to Anakin as these delegates knew him and not as Padawan, "you are suggesting that Tribe 5 turn over trade rights with the Uytelwa to a lower tribe?"
"Yes, that is exactly what I'm suggesting."
"Impossible!" Chieftain 5 exclaimed. "Such a thing is not done."
His anger didn't match his words and somehow Anakin knew that whatever else was said would be a formality. The Chieftain's mind and heart had already accepted the idea.
"So you will be the first to do it. It will take great courage and humility to do such a thing. Do YOU have that strength?"
Anakin was clearly challenging Chieftain 5. In a strange way he was using the Chieftain's pride to get him to perform an act of humility.
"I have strength," Chieftain 5 said without hesitation, "but you have not told me why I should wish to do such a thing."
"Because you have no other choice. There will continue to be more conflict in trading with the Uytelwa. Prices will continue to rise and shipping problems will multiply, until finally the noble Uytelwa will sever their trade agreement with the Klunj. Your society benefits far more from the trading since the discovery of the Corbite than the Uytelwa do. You know it and they know it. The only thing that has kept them trading with you for this long despite the problems is their nobility. They keep their word. To break their promise, their agreement, would be more painful to them than you could know."
Anakin could see C-Ren shift slightly, and knew that his words were true. He gazed at Chieftain 5, and slowly began to make his final and most painful pitch.
"You feel anger, resentment, and fear toward the Uytelwa. I know because I feel these things too. You feel somehow turned inside out, revealed, naked, and you don't like what you see in your own heart. I know because I feel this too. You feel this because of your pride, because your society demands that you have such pride. I feel it because I have too much pride, though my society tells me that I must let go of such feelings. We are both flawed in this way, and yet strong just the same because we can recognize the weakness in our pride and make it serve us rather than us serving it." Anakin pointed at Ambassador C-Ren and continued to speak with calm determination. "You know a little about the Jedi, a little about what we call The Force. Well, the Uytelwa can also touch The Force, though not in the same way as Jedi. I suspect that they do not understand much about their connection to The Force, or even consciously attempt to use it. Yet, they use it just the same. They can pick up on emotional shifts in other beings, an effect that is magnified by their great calm as a species. Pride is a strong emotion, and somehow contact with the Uytelwa can magnify pride, make it obvious. Beings are not used to seeing their emotions, especially one as strong as pride, made to stand out in such obvious ways." Now Anakin turned and fully faced Chieftain 5. "Your people, the people of Tribe 5 will continue to feel dislike for the Uytelwa. Perhaps if they were made aware of what I'm saying right now they could control what they feel, but I doubt it. Lower tribes do not feel the same pride as Tribe 5 because your society demands that they have humility. That is why Tribe 70 was able to trade with the Uytelwa for so long with no conflicts. That is why you should return trading rights with the Uytelwa back to Tribe 70." Anakin paused briefly to take a deep breath before continuing. "There is another consequence that I failed to mention, should trading problems between Tribe 5 and the Uytelwa continue. Due to the importance of the Corbite crystal for your society it is conceivable that the higher tribes could decide to strip Tribe 5 of the honor of trade with the Uytelwa. Of course, one of them would decide to take up the task, and they would meet with no more success than Tribe 5 has seen. But the damage would already be done. Tribe 5 would be greatly shamed if such an event were to occur. And, eventually the Uytelwa would still sever their ties with the Klunj. Handing over trade rights to Tribe 70 will spare Tribe 5 the shame of having the trade rights forcibly taken from you." Anakin paused once more, taking a deep breath and drawing on the Force so that his final words would have as much power behind them as possible. "I have been as honest with you as I know how to be. I hope that you will see the truth in what I say. I hope that you will have the courage to do what is best for your tribe and your society."
Anakin sat down, exhausted. Obi-Wan was staring at him, but in a way that only Anakin would recognize as staring.
Are you okay? Obi-Wan asked through their Force bond.
Never better, Anakin replied, not exactly the truth but not a lie either. He couldn't lie to Obi-Wan through their Force bond.
After what seemed like the longest moment of Anakin's young life, Chieftain 5 spoke. "Your words carry great honesty and wisdom Jedi Skywalker. I shall have to consider them."
Anakin had no doubt that he would. With that, this negotiation was over. There would need to be further talks internally among the Klunj to be sure. Anakin didn't totally buy the easy turn over of trading rights story that Chieftain 5 had told, but there would eventually be agreement. There would need to be further talks with the Uytelwa, but once again there would be agreement. Everything was going to work out. Anakin could feel it. Obi-Wan slowly rose from his chair, letting Anakin know that their time here was over.
"We thank you for your time and assistance Jedi," Chieftain 5 said, his mind still grappling with what had transpired but his heart clearly grateful.
The Jedi bowed deeply to him and turned to face Ambassador C-Ren.
"We thank you as well."
Once again the Jedi bowed deeply and moved toward the door. Obi-Wan stepped out first while Anakin followed. One foot out the door Anakin turned around to acknowledge the voice from behind him.
"Jedi Skywalker, you now see what I meant about triumphs not always being as obvious as a full scale war."
Anakin saw.