CHAPTER 12: AN AWKWARD ENGAGEMENT
The sun was setting on the city of Theed. Brilliant rays of light broke through alabaster clouds setting a soothing orange glow upon the peaks of domed buildings. Obi-Wan Kenobi stood upon a palace alcove high above the city taking it all in. His strong, callused hands were set on the safety railing as he leaned over to get a good view of the landscape.
A small, white, brown-speckled bird landed beside his left hand. The diminutive creature hopped about on the railing, chirping with each little jump. It appeared to not have a care in the world. Obi-Wan envied it. The bird then took flight, returning to the pigment-drenched landscape from whence it came.
"Everyone has their own version of heaven." Obi-Wan said quietly to himself and an empty balcony. "And I think I found mine."
Just then he heard a muffled knock on the door in his new room. He went through the large duraglass doors, crossed the room and opened the door. Just outside stood Sabe, one of the Queen's handmaidens. She wore a lavish ceremonial gown and an ornate headdress.
She looked at Obi-Wan who since last she had seen him, had a haircut, a shave and a much-needed bath. He was also adorned in an elaborate robe, the appearance of which, he complained about form the moment he saw it. He shouldn't have, she thought, he looks good.
"You clean up very nicely, if you don't think it's to forward of me to say so." Sabe said with a grin. She and Obi-Wan had spent most of the afternoon together and she felt a shred of closeness to him.
"Thanks." He responded. "I still think this robe looks awful."
"Are you ready to go?" Sabe asked, knowing there was nothing she could say to change his mind about the robe.
He nodded and they were off. Obi-Wan closed the door behind him and the two made their way down the hall and over to the palace's Grand Ballroom. Sabe had told Obi-Wan some of the history behind the Grand Ballroom It was a room the Naboo used to entertain foreign diplomats.
Most recently it had been used for a celebration in honor of the newly elected King of Alderan, Bail Organa. The Naboo and Alderan systems had always been good political friends, most likely because they were similar. The only major difference between their political systems was that Alderan elected rulers for life, whereas the Naboo only elected rulers for a certain period of time.
This evening the historic Ballroom would be used to entertain the leaders of the Gungans, in celebration of their joint victory and newly found alliance with the Naboo. Sabe had also told Obi-Wan the Ballroom was lavish yet it was designed to have a homely feel to put at ease any visiting diplomats that may feel uncomfortable in a foreign place. Obi-Wan hoped She was right. He knew that he'd feel uncomfortable several times throughout tonight. He might need some comforting.
The hallway in front of the main entrance was scattered with elegantly dressed life forms. Most were either human or gungan. There were other species represented. Most likely diplomats from neighboring systems, Obi- Wan thought. Everyone in the hallway was smiling and joking. Many were greeting one another or introducing one another. It seemed to be a cheerful event.
"This might not be so bad." Obi-Wan thought to himself as he and Sabe, entered the Grand Ballroom. As they entered, Obi-Wan took notice of the intricately carved double-doors. Each door was carved from a single piece of thirink, a rare stone, native to the Tund system which shone brilliantly and appeared to change color depending on how the light hit it. The doors themselves had incredibly detailed murals carved into them which depicted the history of the Naboo from the time when deep-space explorer Granna Pelos discovered a planet he described as, "more beautiful than the face of the maker," all the way to the epic battle for Ehclo, one of Naboo's moons, which took place no less than one hundred years ago.
The Ballroom itself was even more spectacular. The entire room was paneled in wood from the clanna tree, floor to ceiling, every inch of this room was covered in the beautiful and costly clanna wood. The clanna wood was also intricately carved, only rather than the history of the planet each of the large panels on the walls was carved to depict some aspect of life on Naboo such as art, sport, nature, etc. Each one was more beautiful than the last. The ceiling, Obi-Wan noticed, was dedicated to the Republic. It had many famous monuments and faces of people who helped form the Republic, or those considered to be heroes of the Republic. Several Jedi faces were among them.
The floor had no intricate carvings, it was pure, yet beautifully polished clanna. One might think of the room as blandly colored if not for the ingeniously placed colored lighting, the nearly ten thousand candles scattered throughout the room, a large roaring fireplace on the north wall and the low benches that surrounded the room covered in boldly colored throw rugs and pillows. The Grand Ballroom lived up to it's name and Obi- Wan saw nothing homely about it; it was only spectacular.
Many beings gathered on the large, open floor in the center of the room. A band played, not a band that played upbeat music like the ones in the seedy bars Obi-Wan was used to going to, but a band that played an enticing symphony that in it's own way really livened things up. Some danced, but most just gathered in small groups on the edges of the dance floor or on the low benches and talked.
There was a buffet table on the opposite side of the band and if was filled with such a great assortment of gourmet foods that a previously, satisfied Obi-Wan began to feel his stomach growl when he looked at it. It seemed like such a wonderful affair, it was elegant without being dull. Even the often-brash Gungans seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Obi-Wan too was enjoying himself, and as of yet had seen no sign of the Queen or of the Jedi, until he heard a voice behind him say: "Well, well, well. They said you'd be here but I hardly believed them."
Obi-Wan didn't recognize the voice nor did he recognize it's bearer when he turned around. The one who spoke to him was a man about Obi-Wan's age and height who had closely cropped, white hair and was adorned in Jedi clothing. Because he did not recognize him, Obi-Wan didn't say anything. He didn't want to offend him.
"You don't remember me, do you?" The young man asked without a hint of surprise in his voice. "I know it's been a while but how could you forget me, Oafy-Wan?"
Realization swept over Obi-Wan. "Bruck Chun?" He wondered in disbelief.
"I knew you wouldn't forget me entirely." Bruck said with a sickly grin. "So what's it like to be a traitor to both the Jedi and the Sith?"
"It's better than your mom." Obi-Wan answered gruffly.
"You're lucky I don't know my mom, otherwise I'd have to hurt you." Bruck said.
Obi-Wan gave a quick scoff implying that Bruck probably couldn't hurt him even if he tried, Bruck picked up in these implications and grew a bit defensive.
"Don't think I couldn't. Just because I never became a Jedi Knight doesn't mean I'm not an excellent fighter. I work at the temple, I train those students everyday. I not only improve their skills, I improve my own and one day, we'll finish that duel we started twelve years ago."
"And perhaps this time you won't run off crying to the medical droids like a coward. You'll-" Obi-Wan began and then was shortly cut off by someone grabbing his shoulder and calling his name.
"Obi-Wan?" It was the Queen. Obi-Wan half-turned so he was between her and Bruck.
"Milady." He responded.
"You clean up nicely." She said with sincerity in her eyes.
"That's what Sabe said." Obi-Wan didn't know how to respond, he still felt ridiculous in that robe. "Oh, by the way. This is Bruck Chun, he and I were students at the temple together."
"Oh, well it's good to see you were reunited with one of your old friends." The Queen said with her innocent smile.
"Who said we were friends?" Bruck and Obi-Wan asked simultaneously.
"Sorry," the Queen said with a chuckle, "I didn't know. So you're a Jedi, Bruck?"
"Well, no. I work at the temple."
"Yeah he works with the sewage system or something, let's go " Obi-Wan said quickly, and then draped his arm around the Queen's shoulder and led her away before Bruck had a chance to reply.
Padme looked gorgeous. She wore a gown of white as if to signify her purity. The gown hung to the floor and had a small train that brushed the floor when she walked. She also had a golden head dress which when framed around her young and beautiful, white-painted face, looked remarkably like a halo.
"I'm sorry about that. I never got along with that guy." Obi-Wan apologized for his rude behavior.
"It's alright." Padme smiled, "I'm just glad you made it."
"You look wonderful." Obi-Wan complimented.
"Thank you." The Queen said with a smile.
"You're welcome."
"What about that dance?" Padme asked with anticipation in her voice.
Obi-Wan said nothing he merely offered her his arm, then led her onto the dance floor. The two danced quietly for a moment, the song had a slow tempo. Obi-Wan was a bit shocked when the Queen laid her head on his chest. He looked over at Governor Bibble who stood off to the side, he had a look of warning in his eyes. Obi-Wan nodded at him to assure him he had no ill intentions for the girl.
A few more songs past and the two remained on the dance floor, never changing partners by Padme's insistence. Until suddenly, Obi-Wan jumped, whispered an expletive and turned around. Padme looked straight over his shoulder to see a large group of Jedi entering the Ballroom. They each dispersed starting conversations with patrons at the party, except for Masters Mace Windu and Yoda who headed directly for Obi-Wan.
They stopped right in the middle of the dance floor. Yoda's diminutive size almost made one couple trip over him. Neither said a word, they just stood their and stared at Obi-Wan and the Queen. A few seconds later, Obi- Wan stopped dancing, broke his embrace with Padme and looked at the two Jedi masters.
"Sorry to interrupt, we are." Yoda said with a touch of sarcasm.
"We need to speak with you in private." Mace said, glaring hard at Obi- Wan.
"Sure." Obi-Wan said and then followed the two out of the Grand Ballroom, down the hall and into a small Palace conference room. There was a large table with several padded chairs surrounding the table. The members of the Jedi council, Qui-Gon Jinn, Xanatos, Anakin, and Siri Tachi all sat around the table.
Chancellor Palpatine stood at the front of the room, speaking idly to the Jedi, while watering a plant in the corner.
"This is my favorite conference room. I hope you all will find it accommodating to your needs. Oh, here they are, so I'll just leave you to your business." The Chancellor said and then headed for the door. "I wouldn't want to impose on Jedi business." The Chancellor reassured as he shut the door behind him. Little did they know, he planted a comlink in the plant and would hear the whole conversation anyway.
"Take a seat." Mace said, holding out his hand to indicate a seat at the end of the table, closest to the door. Obi-Wan, did as he was told. Mace and Yoda took their seats at the opposite end of the table.
There was a moment of awkward silence as the Jedi sat there just looking at him. He stared back uncomfortably, his stomach churned, whatever it was they wanted to talk about, it must not be good. The silence continued until it was finally broken by Siri Tachi.
"Stars above, it is him." She said rising out of her seat and walking over to where Obi-Wan sat. She looked at him and then cocked her fist back and struck Obi-wan with it in the shoulder.
"Ow!" Obi-Wan yelled, rubbing his arm. "What was that for?"
"I just felt like punching you." Siri said simply as if it were an average answer.
"Siri!" Adi Gallia said firmly and it was all she had to say. Siri took note of the scolding and seated herself once more.
Just before She took her seat beside him Xanatos managed to say to Obi-Wan quietly: "Nice robe, by the way."
Obi-Wan did not want to appear short tempered in front of the council, so instead of one of the dozens of comebacks running through his head, all he managed was a sarcastic: "Thanks." And then, "What do you want to know?" he finally blurted out, growing weary of awkward silence.
"There is a great deal we'd like to know, Obi-Wan." Ki Adi Mundi said plainly.
"About Melida/Daan?" Obi-Wan asked.
"No. We already know much of what transpired there. The queen told us your story in exchange for our approval of your release." Mace explained.
"Well that was nice of her. Saves me having to tell it again. So what do you want to know about. The Sith?"
At those words, the members of the council perked up. They hadn't expected him to be so open about it.
"Yes, Obi-Wan. Tell us about the Sith." Plo Koon said in between hissing breaths.
"I don't know much. The only thing I knew, I already told Qui-Gon and Xanatos. I knew the apprentice, Darth Maul. I never knew the master."
"Didn't you take orders from him?" Mace asked, skeptically.
"Yes but through holograms only, and he always kept his face covered. He called himself Darth Sidious and that's all I know about him."
"That's it?" Adi Gallia asked with disappointment in her voice. They had come so close to unraveling the mystery of the Sith. It was frustrating. They had an insider, and he knew nothing.
Suddenly an idea came to Obi-Wan. "You know. I could take you there."
"Where?" Ki Adi Mundi asked, curious.
"To the Sith's lair, their hideout, the place I've lived for the past seven years. It's on Coorascant." Obi-Wan said, now excited.
"A good idea, Obi-Wan." Yoda declared. "Tomorrow after Sypho-Dias' funeral, leave for Coorascant we will. Lead us to the Sith's lair Obi-Wan will."
"We had better prepare a team of additional Jedi," Mace said. "We may have to take that place by force."
"Most likely. The people there are conditioned to hate Jedi. Don't expect them to just open the door for you. And don't expect them to show you mercy." Obi-Wan said. A feeling of excitement rushed over him, he felt like he was a part of the Jedi again.
"Fellow Jedi, I recommend you meditate tonight." Mace said. "In two days time the Jedi will have their first war with the Sith in over a thousand years."
The sun was setting on the city of Theed. Brilliant rays of light broke through alabaster clouds setting a soothing orange glow upon the peaks of domed buildings. Obi-Wan Kenobi stood upon a palace alcove high above the city taking it all in. His strong, callused hands were set on the safety railing as he leaned over to get a good view of the landscape.
A small, white, brown-speckled bird landed beside his left hand. The diminutive creature hopped about on the railing, chirping with each little jump. It appeared to not have a care in the world. Obi-Wan envied it. The bird then took flight, returning to the pigment-drenched landscape from whence it came.
"Everyone has their own version of heaven." Obi-Wan said quietly to himself and an empty balcony. "And I think I found mine."
Just then he heard a muffled knock on the door in his new room. He went through the large duraglass doors, crossed the room and opened the door. Just outside stood Sabe, one of the Queen's handmaidens. She wore a lavish ceremonial gown and an ornate headdress.
She looked at Obi-Wan who since last she had seen him, had a haircut, a shave and a much-needed bath. He was also adorned in an elaborate robe, the appearance of which, he complained about form the moment he saw it. He shouldn't have, she thought, he looks good.
"You clean up very nicely, if you don't think it's to forward of me to say so." Sabe said with a grin. She and Obi-Wan had spent most of the afternoon together and she felt a shred of closeness to him.
"Thanks." He responded. "I still think this robe looks awful."
"Are you ready to go?" Sabe asked, knowing there was nothing she could say to change his mind about the robe.
He nodded and they were off. Obi-Wan closed the door behind him and the two made their way down the hall and over to the palace's Grand Ballroom. Sabe had told Obi-Wan some of the history behind the Grand Ballroom It was a room the Naboo used to entertain foreign diplomats.
Most recently it had been used for a celebration in honor of the newly elected King of Alderan, Bail Organa. The Naboo and Alderan systems had always been good political friends, most likely because they were similar. The only major difference between their political systems was that Alderan elected rulers for life, whereas the Naboo only elected rulers for a certain period of time.
This evening the historic Ballroom would be used to entertain the leaders of the Gungans, in celebration of their joint victory and newly found alliance with the Naboo. Sabe had also told Obi-Wan the Ballroom was lavish yet it was designed to have a homely feel to put at ease any visiting diplomats that may feel uncomfortable in a foreign place. Obi-Wan hoped She was right. He knew that he'd feel uncomfortable several times throughout tonight. He might need some comforting.
The hallway in front of the main entrance was scattered with elegantly dressed life forms. Most were either human or gungan. There were other species represented. Most likely diplomats from neighboring systems, Obi- Wan thought. Everyone in the hallway was smiling and joking. Many were greeting one another or introducing one another. It seemed to be a cheerful event.
"This might not be so bad." Obi-Wan thought to himself as he and Sabe, entered the Grand Ballroom. As they entered, Obi-Wan took notice of the intricately carved double-doors. Each door was carved from a single piece of thirink, a rare stone, native to the Tund system which shone brilliantly and appeared to change color depending on how the light hit it. The doors themselves had incredibly detailed murals carved into them which depicted the history of the Naboo from the time when deep-space explorer Granna Pelos discovered a planet he described as, "more beautiful than the face of the maker," all the way to the epic battle for Ehclo, one of Naboo's moons, which took place no less than one hundred years ago.
The Ballroom itself was even more spectacular. The entire room was paneled in wood from the clanna tree, floor to ceiling, every inch of this room was covered in the beautiful and costly clanna wood. The clanna wood was also intricately carved, only rather than the history of the planet each of the large panels on the walls was carved to depict some aspect of life on Naboo such as art, sport, nature, etc. Each one was more beautiful than the last. The ceiling, Obi-Wan noticed, was dedicated to the Republic. It had many famous monuments and faces of people who helped form the Republic, or those considered to be heroes of the Republic. Several Jedi faces were among them.
The floor had no intricate carvings, it was pure, yet beautifully polished clanna. One might think of the room as blandly colored if not for the ingeniously placed colored lighting, the nearly ten thousand candles scattered throughout the room, a large roaring fireplace on the north wall and the low benches that surrounded the room covered in boldly colored throw rugs and pillows. The Grand Ballroom lived up to it's name and Obi- Wan saw nothing homely about it; it was only spectacular.
Many beings gathered on the large, open floor in the center of the room. A band played, not a band that played upbeat music like the ones in the seedy bars Obi-Wan was used to going to, but a band that played an enticing symphony that in it's own way really livened things up. Some danced, but most just gathered in small groups on the edges of the dance floor or on the low benches and talked.
There was a buffet table on the opposite side of the band and if was filled with such a great assortment of gourmet foods that a previously, satisfied Obi-Wan began to feel his stomach growl when he looked at it. It seemed like such a wonderful affair, it was elegant without being dull. Even the often-brash Gungans seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Obi-Wan too was enjoying himself, and as of yet had seen no sign of the Queen or of the Jedi, until he heard a voice behind him say: "Well, well, well. They said you'd be here but I hardly believed them."
Obi-Wan didn't recognize the voice nor did he recognize it's bearer when he turned around. The one who spoke to him was a man about Obi-Wan's age and height who had closely cropped, white hair and was adorned in Jedi clothing. Because he did not recognize him, Obi-Wan didn't say anything. He didn't want to offend him.
"You don't remember me, do you?" The young man asked without a hint of surprise in his voice. "I know it's been a while but how could you forget me, Oafy-Wan?"
Realization swept over Obi-Wan. "Bruck Chun?" He wondered in disbelief.
"I knew you wouldn't forget me entirely." Bruck said with a sickly grin. "So what's it like to be a traitor to both the Jedi and the Sith?"
"It's better than your mom." Obi-Wan answered gruffly.
"You're lucky I don't know my mom, otherwise I'd have to hurt you." Bruck said.
Obi-Wan gave a quick scoff implying that Bruck probably couldn't hurt him even if he tried, Bruck picked up in these implications and grew a bit defensive.
"Don't think I couldn't. Just because I never became a Jedi Knight doesn't mean I'm not an excellent fighter. I work at the temple, I train those students everyday. I not only improve their skills, I improve my own and one day, we'll finish that duel we started twelve years ago."
"And perhaps this time you won't run off crying to the medical droids like a coward. You'll-" Obi-Wan began and then was shortly cut off by someone grabbing his shoulder and calling his name.
"Obi-Wan?" It was the Queen. Obi-Wan half-turned so he was between her and Bruck.
"Milady." He responded.
"You clean up nicely." She said with sincerity in her eyes.
"That's what Sabe said." Obi-Wan didn't know how to respond, he still felt ridiculous in that robe. "Oh, by the way. This is Bruck Chun, he and I were students at the temple together."
"Oh, well it's good to see you were reunited with one of your old friends." The Queen said with her innocent smile.
"Who said we were friends?" Bruck and Obi-Wan asked simultaneously.
"Sorry," the Queen said with a chuckle, "I didn't know. So you're a Jedi, Bruck?"
"Well, no. I work at the temple."
"Yeah he works with the sewage system or something, let's go " Obi-Wan said quickly, and then draped his arm around the Queen's shoulder and led her away before Bruck had a chance to reply.
Padme looked gorgeous. She wore a gown of white as if to signify her purity. The gown hung to the floor and had a small train that brushed the floor when she walked. She also had a golden head dress which when framed around her young and beautiful, white-painted face, looked remarkably like a halo.
"I'm sorry about that. I never got along with that guy." Obi-Wan apologized for his rude behavior.
"It's alright." Padme smiled, "I'm just glad you made it."
"You look wonderful." Obi-Wan complimented.
"Thank you." The Queen said with a smile.
"You're welcome."
"What about that dance?" Padme asked with anticipation in her voice.
Obi-Wan said nothing he merely offered her his arm, then led her onto the dance floor. The two danced quietly for a moment, the song had a slow tempo. Obi-Wan was a bit shocked when the Queen laid her head on his chest. He looked over at Governor Bibble who stood off to the side, he had a look of warning in his eyes. Obi-Wan nodded at him to assure him he had no ill intentions for the girl.
A few more songs past and the two remained on the dance floor, never changing partners by Padme's insistence. Until suddenly, Obi-Wan jumped, whispered an expletive and turned around. Padme looked straight over his shoulder to see a large group of Jedi entering the Ballroom. They each dispersed starting conversations with patrons at the party, except for Masters Mace Windu and Yoda who headed directly for Obi-Wan.
They stopped right in the middle of the dance floor. Yoda's diminutive size almost made one couple trip over him. Neither said a word, they just stood their and stared at Obi-Wan and the Queen. A few seconds later, Obi- Wan stopped dancing, broke his embrace with Padme and looked at the two Jedi masters.
"Sorry to interrupt, we are." Yoda said with a touch of sarcasm.
"We need to speak with you in private." Mace said, glaring hard at Obi- Wan.
"Sure." Obi-Wan said and then followed the two out of the Grand Ballroom, down the hall and into a small Palace conference room. There was a large table with several padded chairs surrounding the table. The members of the Jedi council, Qui-Gon Jinn, Xanatos, Anakin, and Siri Tachi all sat around the table.
Chancellor Palpatine stood at the front of the room, speaking idly to the Jedi, while watering a plant in the corner.
"This is my favorite conference room. I hope you all will find it accommodating to your needs. Oh, here they are, so I'll just leave you to your business." The Chancellor said and then headed for the door. "I wouldn't want to impose on Jedi business." The Chancellor reassured as he shut the door behind him. Little did they know, he planted a comlink in the plant and would hear the whole conversation anyway.
"Take a seat." Mace said, holding out his hand to indicate a seat at the end of the table, closest to the door. Obi-Wan, did as he was told. Mace and Yoda took their seats at the opposite end of the table.
There was a moment of awkward silence as the Jedi sat there just looking at him. He stared back uncomfortably, his stomach churned, whatever it was they wanted to talk about, it must not be good. The silence continued until it was finally broken by Siri Tachi.
"Stars above, it is him." She said rising out of her seat and walking over to where Obi-Wan sat. She looked at him and then cocked her fist back and struck Obi-wan with it in the shoulder.
"Ow!" Obi-Wan yelled, rubbing his arm. "What was that for?"
"I just felt like punching you." Siri said simply as if it were an average answer.
"Siri!" Adi Gallia said firmly and it was all she had to say. Siri took note of the scolding and seated herself once more.
Just before She took her seat beside him Xanatos managed to say to Obi-Wan quietly: "Nice robe, by the way."
Obi-Wan did not want to appear short tempered in front of the council, so instead of one of the dozens of comebacks running through his head, all he managed was a sarcastic: "Thanks." And then, "What do you want to know?" he finally blurted out, growing weary of awkward silence.
"There is a great deal we'd like to know, Obi-Wan." Ki Adi Mundi said plainly.
"About Melida/Daan?" Obi-Wan asked.
"No. We already know much of what transpired there. The queen told us your story in exchange for our approval of your release." Mace explained.
"Well that was nice of her. Saves me having to tell it again. So what do you want to know about. The Sith?"
At those words, the members of the council perked up. They hadn't expected him to be so open about it.
"Yes, Obi-Wan. Tell us about the Sith." Plo Koon said in between hissing breaths.
"I don't know much. The only thing I knew, I already told Qui-Gon and Xanatos. I knew the apprentice, Darth Maul. I never knew the master."
"Didn't you take orders from him?" Mace asked, skeptically.
"Yes but through holograms only, and he always kept his face covered. He called himself Darth Sidious and that's all I know about him."
"That's it?" Adi Gallia asked with disappointment in her voice. They had come so close to unraveling the mystery of the Sith. It was frustrating. They had an insider, and he knew nothing.
Suddenly an idea came to Obi-Wan. "You know. I could take you there."
"Where?" Ki Adi Mundi asked, curious.
"To the Sith's lair, their hideout, the place I've lived for the past seven years. It's on Coorascant." Obi-Wan said, now excited.
"A good idea, Obi-Wan." Yoda declared. "Tomorrow after Sypho-Dias' funeral, leave for Coorascant we will. Lead us to the Sith's lair Obi-Wan will."
"We had better prepare a team of additional Jedi," Mace said. "We may have to take that place by force."
"Most likely. The people there are conditioned to hate Jedi. Don't expect them to just open the door for you. And don't expect them to show you mercy." Obi-Wan said. A feeling of excitement rushed over him, he felt like he was a part of the Jedi again.
"Fellow Jedi, I recommend you meditate tonight." Mace said. "In two days time the Jedi will have their first war with the Sith in over a thousand years."