Chapter 2 Legal Matters

The image of the Chancellor appeared in the center of the chamber.

"Good afternoon, Chancellor; we were just about ready to start." Ki-Adi-Mundi said.

"Good afternoon, Masters. Believe it or not, Amedda's attorney is managing to gain sympathy for him with some factions of the Senate. This trial could not happen soon enough for me." Organa answered.

"Forgive me, Chancellor, but how is that possible? Don't these senators know that Amedda was in league with Palpatine?" Anakin asked.

"There were always some senators that never did believe that Palpatine was nothing other than a very concerned and caring leader. It did not matter that there was solid proof that he was anything but that. Now, this attorney of Amedda's is stirring up those old feelings and making Amedda look like a persecuted hero." Bail explained.

"Hero? That's ridiculous, Chancellor. He kidnapped a Jedi and tortured him; and they still consider him a hero?" Anakin countered.

"But he is not presenting it that way, Anakin. He is claiming that Master Kenobi was legally detained and that he was shot trying to escape." The Chancellor explained.

"Yeah, yeah and that he was interrogated not tortured; I know." Anakin added.

"Yes; now I am not saying there is wide spread support for Amedda, but it is enough for me to be concerned about security." Organa said.

"Chancellor, saying, are you, that an escape may be planned?" Yoda asked.

"It is possible, yes, Master Yoda." He replied.

"Then we will have to take extra precautions to assure that this will not happen." Mace stated.

"I assure you that all steps will be taken to prevent such a thing from happening; I just felt that you should be aware of this possibility." The Chancellor answered.

"Well, the Jedi will be on their guard, Chancellor." Ki-Adi-Mundi said.

"Yes, Amedda has done enough damage. He must not be allowed to escape again. Now, how best to proceed at the hearings?" Adi Gallia added.

"I have been thinking about that, Master Gallia. I believe we must put Zak up as a witness." Organa answered.

"Wait a minute; I don't think I like that idea." Obi-Wan interjected.

"Right he is, Master Kenobi. Witnessed he did, first hand what happened on that ship." Yoda said.

"I agree, Master Yoda. He is the only witness who can say what took place there." Ki-Adi concurred.

"No, there must be another way. I don't want Zak to have to go through that. He's too young." Obi-Wan insisted.

"Excuse me, Master Obi-Wan; but I think…" Zak began

"No, Zak, you have no say in this." Obi-Wan corrected sternly.

"Well, actually, Master Kenobi, I think he does." Adi said.

"What? He's my apprentice, Master Gallia; this should be my decision." Obi-Wan countered.

"They're right, Obi-Wan. Think about it, Zak's strong, he can do this." Anakin spoke up.

"What is this? Is everyone against me? This is my Padawan we're talking about; I should be able to decide what is best for him." Obi-Wan said with exasperation.

"Master Kenobi, a word in private, if you please." Ki-Adi-Mundi said. "If you will excuse us, Chancellor?"

"Yes, of course." Organa answered.

Ki-Adi and Obi-Wan walked to the far corner of the room.

"Obi-Wan, I know how you feel…"

"Do you! Zak is only twelve years old. I don't think it would be right to put him up in front of the Senate; especially if there are so many of Amedda's supporters there." Obi-Wan argued.

"Are you forgetting that he was among those who came to find you? That he was the one who found his way to Anakin's home on Naboo after your ship was raided? It took him all afternoon and most of the night, and yet he did it. He may be only twelve, but he has a good solid head on his shoulders, Obi-Wan. You are too worried about him; he can handle this." Ki-Adi assured him. "Trust him, Obi-Wan; trust the Force; it is the right thing to do."

"It just doesn't feel right." Obi-Wan replied.

"I think your illness is clouding your judgment, Obi-Wan." Ki-Adi said gently.

"I am not that sick, Master." Obi-Wan insisted, "He is just so young…"

"I know; but remember, he is a Jedi. He has been well trained. He can do this. Think back, Obi-Wan; what were you doing when you were twelve?" Ki-Adi asked.

Obi-Wan gave his characteristic sigh; he had been traveling on missions with his own master, some of them dangerous, perhaps Ki-Adi was right, "Alright, Master. I bow to your wisdom on this. I just hope you are right." He conceded.

When they rejoined the others, Anakin was standing behind Zak with his hands on Zak's shoulders. Zak had his arms crossed in front of him, a look of grim determination on his face. Obi-Wan knew what he was thinking.

"Alright, Zak; you win this time. But don't think this is going to happen very often." Obi-Wan told him.

Anakin gripped Zak's shoulders, "I told you." He thought to him.

"I won't let you down, Master." Zak said seriously.

"That's not what I'm worried about, Zak. I don't want to see you hurt; that's all." Obi-Wan replied.

"I won't be. I know I can do this, Master; I must do this. I'll be fine, you'll see." Zak answered.

"Good, now that's settled. After Zak, I believe it would be best if Anakin testifies. He could take up where Zak leaves off." The Chancellor suggested.

"Agree with this, I do, Chancellor. I advise also that Anakin explain his connection to Master Kenobi." Yoda said.

"I'm sorry, Master Yoda; connection?" The Chancellor inquired.

"Connected through the Force they are. Felt Obi-Wan's pain he did." Yoda answered.

"But will they believe this, Master Yoda. Many of them dismiss the Force as nothing but nonsense." The Chancellor replied.

"We could demonstrate it for them then." Anakin suggested.

"Yes, Master Skywalker; an excellent idea." Ki-Adi added.

"And just how would you do this, Anakin?" The Chancellor asked.

"I can feel him; all someone has to do is touch him while I have my back turned, and I will be able to tell exactly where;would that convince you, Chancellor?"

"I am not the one you have to convince, Anakin; so there is no need to show me. However, it does sound like a plausible solution." The Chancellor said.

"Yes, agree I do. A wise idea, Anakin." Yoda added.

"And when would you suggest that Obi-Wan go before the Senate?" Ki-Adi asked.

The Chancellor paused before answering, "If at all possible, I would prefer not to subject Master Kenobi to that." He said.

"This is foolish. I am not an invalid in need of protecting." Obi-Wan interceded.

"With all due respect, Master Kenobi, you do not look at all well…" The Chancellor insisted.

"Delay this decision until tomorrow we shall. See then how well you are, Obi-Wan. Weakened you this ordeal has; endanger your health we must not." Yoda agreed.

"Again you question my judgment. Why does no one trust me?" Obi-Wan said in frustration.

"Obi-Wan, my brother, this is not a matter of trust. You're sick, and if you're not careful, you could…" Anakin started, but could not finish.

"Yes, Obi-Wan, listen to Anakin you must. Dangerous this infection could be if not properly treated. Tomorrow we will decide." Yoda concurred.

"I think I will have to agree with Anakin also, Obi-Wan. I do not think you realize how ill you are." Mace added.

"Master Mundi, Master Gallia, do you agree with this?" Obi-Wan said.

"Yes; I am sorry, Master Kenobi, but I can sense your fever; this is a serious matter. What good would it do if you were to die because of this? We are not saying that you will not go before the Senate; we are merely waiting until tomorrow before making the final decision. And then, if we feel it is absolutely necessary for your testimony, we will allow it." Ki-Adi answered.

"Yes, that is my thought, Obi-Wan. It is for the best." Adi told him.

"Well, it seems I must abide by the will of the Council yet again." Obi-Wan conceded. "If it is the will of the Council, then I will not testify."

Quinlan Vos, who had been silent for the entire meeting, now spoke up, "Master Kenobi, I know you are frustrated; however, we are all very concerned for your health. You are not yourself and so we must do what we think is best for you. You are important to us, and you are most of all, important to your young Padawan. He nearly lost you once; he should not have to lose you at all, at least not yet."

"Then we will make our final decision tomorrow. I think we have covered everything, then. If there is nothing else, my wife has my dinner waiting for me. We will speak again tomorrow." The Chancellor said.

"Yes, I think we are finished for tonight, Chancellor. Thank you for meeting with us. May the Force be with you." Mace replied.

"And with you, Masters. Until tomorrow then." The Chancellor finished as his image faded.