Chapter 24
Failure, such a flaw that had haunted each and every individual that ever lived, includingthe once great Sith Order. Many that have come before me has had stumbled upon this flaw, myself included. But letting it...fester and corrupt your thinking will only bring about more failure, your reaction always, determines your fate.
The Jedi Library, Jedi Temple
"Why Not?" Master Qui-Gon Jinn said, standing before the front desk of the Jedi Library.
"I am sorry Master Jedi, but you do not have any authorization from the Jedi Council to access the hidden Archives." Jedi Master Jocasta Nu said.
"I need access to the hidden Archives for information on my mission, Jedi Master Syfo-Dias has not returned yet, which is why I came back." Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn explained.
The Chief Librarian sighed as she said; "Again, I cannot fulfill your request, Master Qui-Gon."
"You don't understand what's at stake here!" Qui-Gon said as he slammed his fist on the front desk. As he said this, he heard his voice echo throughout the library, feeling a greater silence come upon the four halls. He looked up to see Jedi Masters, Knights and Padawans alike begin to stare at him, causing him to compose himself.
"Excuse my sudden outburst." He apologized.
"It is forgiven, Master Jedi." Jocasta Nu accepted; "If you truly need access to the hidden Archives, then you need permission from the Jedi Council."
"Very well." Qui-Gon said begrudgingly.
"May the Force be with you." Master Nu said
"May the Force be with you." Qui-Gon repeated.
--
As the sun begins to descend and it's solar reflection, fading from the Jedi Temple, two Padawan boys began to appear from the back end of the temple, climbing from where they came from, onto the roof.
Like a pair of Asogian grub-sticks, the two Padawan boys walked on the roof top of the Jedi Temple building, standing before the grand towers that lay upon it.
"I don't think we should be doing this Quin." Padawan Kenobi said.
"It's alright we won't get caught, trust me." Padawan Quinlan Vos replied.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Kenobi replied
"Oh come on Kenobi, stop being such a Windu and have some fun for once." Padawan Quinlan Vos said.
"A Windu?"
"It's code for boring." Vos said.
"I'm sure Master Windu has not figured that one out by now." Obi-Wan Kenobi said sarcastically.
"Hey, come 'ere!" Vos waved.
The two walked over towards the edge of the temple roof where they can see a grand view of the sunset before them. "You see that Kenobi?"
"Yeah, it looks-"
"Beautiful right?" Vos interjected.
"I would've said irritating to the eyes but that works too." He said as they both chuckled.
Padawan Quinlan Vos continued to gaze; "You know Kenobi, one day I want to be able to tour the galaxy, ya know like visit new places, fight enemies and meet beautiful females of all species."
"I heard Biths have their head on their shoulders." Obi-Wan joked.
"I'm serious Kenobi, What's the point of being a Jedi if you can't use the Force outside of training."
"We do use it outside of training."
"For what? A negotiation mission? Or the occasional sparring matches we have in the courtyard?" Vos replied.
"Quin, we aren't supposed to use the Force for our own personal gain, it's not the Jedi way." Kenobi replied in a concerned tone.
"Don't you think the Jedi way is flawed? I mean if we have these powers, why not use them? We could take over the galaxy rather than listen to a government that doesn't care about us." Quinlan Vos questioned.
"The Jedi are not conquerors we are peace keepers." Kenobi replied.
"What's the point of maintaining peace if we're just sitting on our hands?!" Vos said, becoming frustrated.
"Quin, control your emotions." Obi-Wan said, calming the situation; "This is not you."
Quinlan Vos, realizing his brewing anger, took a deep breath and looked at his companion; "You're right...I don't what got a hold of me."
"We have to go before any Master Jedi finds out we're missing." Obi-Wan urged. Padawan Vos stepped down from the high point of the roof and accompanied his friend as they both walked back to where they came from.
The Spira Resort & Spa, Spira
The planet, Spira, known for its lavish beaches and eccentric hotels. Stands as the number one beach resort in all of the galaxy and number two in hotel franchises. The planet has been visited by numerous celebrities, rich socialites and politicians alike. One politican in particular, who is not afraid of spending time in luxury, sits as he embraces the sun tan he is about to recieve while being fed bottles of expensive wine.
"One more bottle please."
"Sir, that was our third wine bottle." The waiter said.
"Did I stutter? I said one more bottle!" The former Chancellor urged.
The waiter sighed; "As you wish, sir." leaving the former Republic Head Of State to his state of bliss.
"These workers are so lazy nowadays." Valorum muttered to himself.
After a few more minutes of tanning, steps could be heard coming towards Finis as his eyes were closed.
"Back already?" He said as he opened his eyes, he then saw his royal guard stand before him with a com link in hand.
"Sir, a call awaits you." He said as he handed his superior the comlink.
"From who?"
"The president of the GNN, sir."
Expecting good news, Finis happily answered the call as a small holographic image of Carr Mallik appeared before him. "Carr! What a pleasant surprise, I was just about to enjoy a nice tan-"
"I'm done, Finis." Mallik replied coldly.
"What?"
"Haven't you seen the articles? Naberrie is starting a slander campaign against me and my network." Mallik explained.
"How? Didn't you-"
"I did, I did what you told me." Mallik said. "Now I have to come up with something to make sure my ratings don't take a hit!"
"How is this possible? I thought surely with your influence, we could've demolished his campaign altogether." Valorum said in a confused tone.
"Take a look at this!" Mallik said as the hologram shifted into a news article; 'SENATORIAL CANDIDATE CRUSHES RUMORS OF CREDIT LAUNDERING!' as it reads.
"...The candidate, Ruwee Naberrie has provided documentation of his charity's records, proving that indeed he has not used his funds for his campaign but instead for his cause as intended." Valorum read. "...Also he has announced that the Queen Of Naboo as major supporter for his campaign, which resulted in a huge percentage boost in the polls..."
The hologram shifted back into Mallik's likeness as he said; "The article has traveled far across the holonet and even hit-pieces on the GNN had started to emerge as of late."
"Look, we can fix this."
"No, I'm done with you Finis and your little game."
"Carr don't give up on me yet, we can turn this around in our favor." Valorum assured.
"Our favor? You wanted Naberrie gone in the first place, not me."
"Just give me more time, I'll find another way." Valorum said.
"Im not listening to you or any more of your ideas." Mallik replied; "Goodbye Valorum and don't you dare call me back again....while you're at it, lose my link as well."
The hologram then dissipated, leaving the stressed Valorum to his failure. He threw the comlink onto the sand, yelling obscenities as the waiter returned with the wine.
"Sir your wine."
Valorum grabbed the bottle, began drinking it nonstop with the wine visibly leaking onto his face. He then threw the bottle into the ocean as he yelled; "Go get me more!"
The waiter, looking visibly shaken, nodded and quickly walked back into the building before the former Chancellor can use him as a punching bag.
"If I don't take him down, I'll be ruined." Valorum said to himself.
