- Newness in the game! Jedi Youngling Katooni decides to take a risk … and takes part in a very delicate matter with Bariss' Ofee's defeater. Entering the 'high-risk' games can prove costly, since their win/loss gap is bigger than in a 'low-risk' game. One other Force user might be stepping into such a situation without knowing about it. -
Chapter 16. Spices before leave
15 minutes till 3 o'clock. Jedi Padawan Zane Farnos had finished eating his dinner at one of the Temple's refectories, was in a moving state. The white chocolate skinned male was walking through a hallway on one of the sides. A viewer from the side would most likely assume that the person in question was in deep thought. They'd be correct.
"Soon it will be my time to go back to the battlefield. It … is only logical that this happens. One of us even said that the War is not going to end on its own recently. I second that motion."
After the departure of Kelan, Zane and Oswald hadn't had a talk with each other. Ones may think that's strange, while others – believe it to be natural. Whichever side anyone was one, the fact, which both sides accepted, was their highly stretched constant chatting. During all previous occasions, when they were at the Jedi Temple at the same time, not one of them had so much talk within. Reason being – they were fairly normal. This time the objectively most powerful Padawan was accused of being a criminal, only to find out that her arguable best friend, also a Padawan had been behind all of it. This whole description was miles away from the fairly normal ones. Mundi's Padawan felt no reason to have a talk with his friend up until now. Most of the time Menson governed his actions with regards to speaking with this axiom: 'If nothing important can be said, has nothing to do with a one's well-being, then nothing should be said'. Of course, here the 'one's well-being' meant his friends' emotional state. Zane honestly hadn't felt an inner incentive to participate in a dialogue with his friend. In a way, he respected Oswald's health, understood his mind's constant strain.
"He wanted to foresee as much as he could, when it came down to the things he cared for. That's who he was."
Such desire, ability, obsession or whatever else the other members of the Jedi Order called it was his identifiable trait.
"Most of the time we trust in each other's decisions. I see nothing that should change this tactic at this moment."
Strangely, the Force had been sending Kelan's friend waves of pursuit. Of course, this puzzled him to an extent. Disregarding the Force's signals was never a wise move, according to his master. Yet there were other Jedi Masters of the same view, even Master Yoda. The trailing appeared to be speared towards a being, who was unfamiliar to him.
"What is the Force trying to tell me? That I should check out the disturbance? That I should only recognize its existence and move on with my day?"
The recent departure of a familiar war veteran was placed in a basket called 'A rare slip up'. It indicated to the 18 year old Force sensitive that normal events should resume from the next day. His scarred emotional state didn't exhibit any side of getting better. Logical, only a day has passed. The cryptic nudge from the Force to the unknown was met with a change in the view of the previous event. Zane wasted some time, although, not a lot in mind checking this investigation. The future did seem to become more turbulent.
"Time to seek this … thing out."
Zane examines the waves' origin. A couple of minutes pass until a fairly concrete location can be determined.
"It is coming from the start of the steps of the Temple."
He makes a confused facial expression.
"Maybe I'm going to receive a visitor."
Confidence grew within the person; the walk became faster, more organized.
"Good. That leads nothing on the table that pertains to this session." – states Mace Windu.
"Over the session is."
After the statement, Master Yoda gives a very subtle bump to the ground with his brown, wooden stick. Swiftly Ki-Adi summons all of his inner strength to put forward a topic to the Council, which was not of a greatly joyous kind. Some reservations about it were stiff.
"With the 14:00 meeting being over, I would like to bring up something that has several members … intrigued."
"Is that true, Master Mundi?"
"I'm afraid it is, Master Windu."
"Your motion put forward then." – says Yoda.
"Of course."
He brushes up his throat.
"We have approached this subject matter before, just yesterday. It revolves around my Padawan Oswald Menson."
"Go on." – Windu encouraged.
"Mace, you hinted at his necessary appearance in front of the Council after the case of Ahsoka Tano was closed?"
"Indeed, I did."
"With added pressure from fellow Council members, you will get your opportunity after all."
Master Yoda senses the tension between the two Masters, decides to step in.
"Explain further, please."
"Will do, Master Yoda. Due to recent struggles and exhaustion, my Padawan suggested that I send him out on vacation. Quickly, I agreed with him, since I'm not going to be deployed to the front in the upcoming several days and he said that he would be more of a liability to my cause than an asset if his body wasn't refreshed."
"The important thing is, Mundi, - did he tell you his destination?" – Mace asks coldly.
"Yes. He did."
"Where would that be?"
"Naboo, Koth." – a quick reply by Mundi.
"Hmm. Good, out of balance the War effort will not go."
"Possibly."
"So your Padawan agreed to appear before us before his departure?"
"That was my condition he had to meet, Plo."
"Great. Now we just have to decide on the hour?"
"Agreed, Shaak."
"I think you should start, my friend. It is .., after all, your Padawan." – Kenobi joins the conversation.
Previous encounters with his Padawan came onto his mental plane very quickly. After a relationship, some would say – bond, which lasted for several years, the two Force sensitives had a good understanding of each other's character. Ki-Adi knew that a push to the evening session might be too dangerous due to recent events. While he did not know exactly, what Oswald thought of the Council right now, he could not put his faith in the fact that is was positive. Therefore, the Cerean male had to choose the timeframe very accurately.
"I believe he should appear before the Council at 5 o'clock."
A moment of silence consumed the chamber. The Padawan's Master's proposition had to be judged by everyone. The skeptical group did not want to rush their vote on it. Shaak felt that the designated hour was too far in the future; after all, 2 hours really didn't seem like a long time to build a solid response system. Koth & Tiin were more doubtful, Koth really questioned Menson's stance in the Jedi Order. For him, a situation, in which Mundi's Padawan was tainted by the dark side, felt very plausible. Although, the Force didn't produce any waves of that origin.
"The Force is … having a hard time." – He thought.
The case could be made for some sloppiness from the Jedi Master.
"I believe that the timeframe is correct." – said Plo Koon.
"I agree. This way we will not be too petulant with our questioning." – added Kenobi.
"I third the motion."
"Alright. Let's vote on the matter. All in favor of Padawan Menson appearing before us at 5 o'clock."
Mace Windu oversees the raised hands, a strong majority supports the notion.
"Very well, it's settled."
He turns his head to Cerean male.
"Master Mundi, please inform your Padawan of the time."
"Will do, Mace."
"Declare a 10 minute break I do."
All the other Jedi Masters bow their head and some even leave the chamber.
The substance that binds the entire Universe together had directed Farnos to the lowest step of the Jedi Temple. This caused a fairly unique reaction from the 18 year old.
"What a rare sight to see the Temple in all of its glory, presence."
Suddenly, the Force sensitive located a person approaching him from his left side. Unexpectedly, the presence was non-substantial.
"Excuse me." – said the approached.
Zane moved his face to a direction, which would be straight for both.
"Good day. What are you doing here? Are you here to see the Jedi Council?"
"Not really."
The person soon takes off his helmet, rests it in the armpit region.
"My name is Captain Tend."
"My name is Zane."
"No surname?"
"Don't worry, Captain. We'll get to the surname after we discuss the reason for you being here."
"Seems fair." – The Clone said in a low tone.
The 'guest' takes his time in formulating a continuation. Fortunately for him, Zane trusted in the Force and was in no mood yet to rush the situation.
"I have some doubts concerning the recent trial of a young Jedi. I assume you know, what I'm talking about."
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Good. There is no disagreement on the case."
"That's how it seems, Captain."
"My view of it is fairly … rigid, I would say."
"Rigid? But you're a member of the Republic Military?"
"Both things are true."
"Alright."
Zane takes two steps forward.
"So tell me, Captain, what part of it is inflexible to you?"
"I fear something."
"Something?"
"Yes."
"I need a bit more if we are to continue talking."
"Understood, but you must keep it a secret. Higher command won't take it lightly if they find out."
"I can do that. Now tell me what is bothering you about the young Jedi's trial."
"It … seemed for me to be …"
"Yes, Captain?"
"Too staged."
Oswald's friend just shrugged his shoulders; Captain Trend took a weird conclusion from it.
"Well. The culprit did admit to her crime and cleared the freed one. I don't see the problem."
"The problem is that I think there is another one above the caught criminal." – The Clone finished the sentence in a silent tone.
This statement shot Zane's curiosity level through the roof.
"Very interesting take, Captain Trend. You believe that the one we caught was a puppet?"
"Correct."
"Then I see why the high command might become an issue."
"So? Will you help me remove my doubts?"
"I believe I can. Yet I think we should change our location. Such a topic should be taken in sections, since there might be spies around us. A clone captain and a Jedi Padawan talking outside the Jedi Temple is an unusual sight."
"Noted. But where should we go then?"
"To the Republic Senate building."
"Why there?"
"Since you believe the caught criminal was a marionette, then that leaves a possibility that the true enemy is within the Senate."
Not being able to piece everything together fluently, Captain Trend still took a brave stance.
"Let's go, Zane."
The two beings walk off further from the stairs to the Temple's high trapeze.
Almost 16:00, 5 days 2 hours till the Vote. Master Sinube's lightsaber training or practice session was taking place in one of the gardens of the Jedi Temple. Pedro, Katooni were present. The tholothian girl had pushed the promise she made to Oswald to the back her mind, yet not that much so it would not be easily brought back to the forefront. What the War against the Confederacy of Independent Systems did too the lifestyle of young Jedi specifically, was groundbreaking, and not in a good way. One could charge the Jedi Order of sending children, at the very least – teenagers, to the War front. That person would have a point. The problem comes down to speaking against an authority, especially a long lasting authority. The public perception of the Jedi Order as a 'heavenly organization' was almost dead in the water. Simultaneously, the Jedi were the biggest factor in the Republic winning the War. This meant speaking against the Order, strongly criticizing it alone in public correlated to damaging the Galactic Republic's win chance. That is why 99% people did not deem it a good decision to criticize the Jedi Order, even though they had sufficient motivation to do so. The Jedi Younglings in their mid-teens were guaranteed to go to the battlefield. Of course, by then they would be Padawans.
"It is … scary."
That was Katooni's response to the times, when her mind reminded her of this. The chances of dying in battle were very real. For example, Kit Fisto's Padawan finished his trials to become a knight and pretty soon was killed by General Grievous. Add the fact of a strong dark side presence on Corousant to the case and things become even more serious. Did the 12 year old girl have any reservations of pledging to be partners with Oswald in the way she did? Yes. Was there a better option on the horizon? No. So she took the high-risk road.
"Alright, students. That will be almost everything. Now I would like …"
The Jedi Master turns to the Youngling class.
"… Pedro & Katooni to dual in front of our eyes. I want to see, who as of today the best dualist in this class is."
"Yes, Master Sinube." – Both mentioned Force sensitives say.
So the fight began with both Younglings igniting their blue lightsabers. About a minute they stood still examining each other's stance. Pedro felt pretty good about himself, took in more of a leaning forward stance.
"I know I've got what it takes to the best dualist in the Galaxy."
On the other side, Katooni was confident of her abilities, but did not want to overstep at the start. This was the 'commitment' that Oswald was talking about. All of a sudden, Pedro launched himself forward & clashed with Katooni. The blue lightsabers formed a slightly tilted letter 'X' shape.
"I'm not getting one-shotted."
"Maybe not, but I'm still going to win."
The Jedi Master, Younglings oversaw the confrontation from several meters away.
The sun was still beautifully shinning the polished rocks of the Temple in the garden, when the battle entered the second part. Pedro was the more aggressive combatant, Katooni leaned more on the defensive aspect, and counter-attacked if felt a nudge from the Force.
"Hmmm. Interesting."
Mater Sinube felt a familiar presence close by, Katooni was too focused on the fight to pick up it.
"Getting tired, aren't we?"
"Not really." – The tholothian girl smiles with a bit of viciousness.
She grasps the remaining energy she has & takes the fight to Pedro. They lock their sabers again in the letter 'X' shape, yet this time it is tilted unquestionably to Pedro's side. Also, the direction doesn't seem to be changing.
"Ah, Padawan Menson. Good to see you."
"Likewise, Master Sinube. I hope I'm not interrupting your class."
"Think nothing of it. This battle is the end of it."
"Then would you mind if I stay to watch?"
"You're not in a hurry anywhere?"
"Not now."
"Then be my guest."
Oswald nods, the Jedi Master smiles.
"I'm winning this."
"No way, Katooni."
"Yes, Pedro."
She swiftly retracts her sword; Pedro takes a few steps back. Sensing her golden ticket, she wastes no time, lunges forward, tries to uppercut him through the left side of his chest. Pedro manages to block it, Katooni speed reads that and immediately lets go and takes a swing from the other side. This one Pedro barely manages to block, which gives Oswald's female partner the chance to have him at his mercy. A couple seconds pass, a blue saber is barely separate from the flesh of the neck.
"I win."
Pedro just collides his teeth, grinds them hardly.
"So you do, Katooni. Well done."
Both Younglings deactivate their lightsabers, then turns around & bow to their teacher.
"Class is now dismissed. Take your leave at your own pace."
Most Younglings rapidly disappear from the garden; Pedro chooses a slower pace for exiting the garden. His ego did take a massive hit. This left Katooni, Sinube and Menson alone together in the garden.
"Your dueling abilities sure have improved, Katooni."
"Thank you, Master Sinube. It's good to finally see the input paying off."
"What's your opinion, Oswald? Were you pleased by her performance against Youngling Pedro?"
"I enjoyed the battle. She did manage to cease a great opening in his defenses."
"So she did."
"Though, I believe you did notice the fairly small stint of the dark side within her during the fight."
"Indeed I did. Katooni, don't try to over expend your energy so much that you have to rely on the Sith's power."
"I understand, Master. I'll do better next time."
"Seeing that she does feel a bit imbalance, can I make a bold suggestion, Master Sinube?"
"Uhm, … I believe that it wouldn't hurt."
Menson had achieved all the steps to the 'time for the pitch' moment. Waiting was not going to solve the issue, so Oswald took a deep breath and said:
"Since the Council has let me go on a peaceful journey, I would like to take Katooni with me. There the atmosphere could prove to be the factor that lets her strengthen her spot on the light side of the Force."
"A peaceful journey, you say? Somehow I sense that it will take some time for her to return to the Temple. Am I close?"
"No, you're correct, Master Sinube. This would take up some time more than a day."
"Do … you know … the exact number of days, Padawan Menson?"
"I have it narrowed down to an inaccuracy of a day."
"Do you mind telling me, how many days she would be gone from the Temple?"
Oswald shows a cheerful smile.
"5 or 6."
Master Sinuber turns his head fully towards the younger Force sensitive.
"And the Council has agreed to let you go on … a peaceful journey for that amount of time?"
"That's what my Master promised me, Sinube."
A short period of time passes before the oldest Force sensitive gives his verdict.
"She might go if she wants to. If Katooni decides to go, I want her to have at least 6 lightsaber 1 hour practice sessions with you. I trust Master Mundi has trained you well in the art of dueling."
"If you really desire such an action from me, I will act upon it."
"Very good, Padawan Menson. Until next time."
"See you then, Master Sinube."
Master Sinube turns away from Oswald and slowly walks over to Katooni. With an increased amount of effort, lowers his head to a height, at which he could whisper something to the young tholothian female.
"It is your decision to make, Katooni. I will be happy either way. If you do not appear in the next practice session, then I will assume you have gone with Oswald. You understand?"
"Yes." – Katooni answers in an even more silent tone.
Sinube returns his head into a normal position, starts slowly exiting the garden. The remaining two Force sensitives stand still looking at each other. A crucial part of the plan had worked. By accomplishing, what they set out to do, it automatically made their minds focus on the next hurdle that stands in front of their operation's success. At one moment, Oswald decides to look at the sun, relished the sight of it.
"The fire of hope is still alive."