Prime and the Council Part 2 . . .
Jedi Temple, Coruscant
The interior of the Jedi Temple was very intriguing for the Prime. The temple itself appeared to resemble designs of buildings from ancient Earth civilizations. Namely Chinese, Gothic, and Egyptian architecture. Optimus found this revelation interesting that, despite being entire galaxies apart from one another, races and civilizations followed similar designs and construction. From the hallways to the actual layout of the temple, the Prime could isolate similar details between the structure in which he was walking through and the ancient architecture of Earth. There seemed to be a blend of both sacredness and grandeur in the temple's design, not unlike a few buildings on Cybertron. However, he was not here to admire the craftsmanship of this building, but rather to speak with several unique individuals.
Presently, Optimus was being led by Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Plo Koon, and Grand Master of the Jedi Order Yoda. With him was Ahsoka, Anakin, and Aayla as they walked through the hallways of the Jedi Temple. His helmet was still tucked underneath his arm as they made their way through the temple. Having just arrived at the temple via shuttle, the Prime was immediately greeted by these three Jedi Masters who wished to speak with him.
"I take it you have not been in structures like this, Optimus?" Aayla suddenly spoke, getting the Prime's attention when she noticed him looking around the Temple Hallways and was examining the way they were constructed.
"I have in the past on my homeworld, Master Secura, before the war." the Prime replied as he directed his attention to the Twi'lek. "My fascination with the construction of the Jedi Temple is that its design closely resembles the blend of two cultures I know of on a planet I had visited within the Unknown Regions prior to my arrival to this galaxy."
"You've been to other planets in the Unknown Regions?" Ahsoka asked, a little curious because very little was known about that area of the Galaxy, hence the name, so hearing things about what lay within the Unknown Regions was always something someone wished to hear. "What planet was this?"
"The planet from which these designs I noticed refers to the indigenous civilization as 'Earth.'" the Prime replied, seeing no real harm in revealing some details of the Autobots first option as a base of operations. "This particular planet is far different than any others of which I have come across, by which, the people of this world developed differently."
"What do you mean?" Anakin asked.
"During our travels, I used the computer in the quarters provided to me aboard the Resolute to access the holonet and gain a better understanding of the galaxy at large," the Prime explained as they walked through the temple, heading to the main tower where at the top was the Council Chamber. "To my understanding, each planet in this galaxy possesses a unique environment across the entire world, a single worldwide biome if you will. Worlds such as Naboo, where it is a pastoral world, and others like Mustafar where it is a harsh and volcanic planet across its entire surface."
"What makes Earth so special then?" the Jedi Knight asked, raising an eyebrow.
"This world is composed of multiple biomes, ranging from arctic tundras to scorching deserts; lush jungles and rolling plains." Optimus answered as he turned to Anakin. "This created dozens of different environments and countless creatures that inhabited this world. Along with the varying climates, the natives of this world also had unique traits."
"How so?" Ahsoka asked, now very intrigued about this world called Earth.
"Unlike most planets, the native inhabitants developed in their own manners, creating dozens of different cultures on this one world." the Prime answered, "Along with these varying cultures came a multitude of different languages."
"So what you're saying is, if we went to Earth, we could travel to two sectors of the planet and those sectors could have completely different cultures?" the Padawan surmised.
"Indeed." the former librarian answered, giving the Togruta a nod.
Ahsoka smirks, "Must make things pretty interesting."
"Pardon me for interrupting your conversation." Mace Windu spoke up, getting the attention of the group. "But the other Masters are waiting in the Council Chambers."
"Just one more question." Ahsoka replied as she looked at Optimus, "How many languages are on this planet?"
"Currently, on Earth, there are over 6,500 languages that have been formed, but only 34 see wide use across the planet." the Prime replied, earning a whistle from Anakin.
"All those from one planet?" the Jedi Knight said, shaking his head, "Sounds like you were right, snips. Earth does seem pretty interesting."
"Amazing, the universe is, yes." Master Yoda agreed as they stood outside the doors to the Council Chamber. "Full of wonder and amazement, but to be discussed for another time."
"Indeed," Master Plo agreed, "Optimus would you be so kind as to join us in the Council Chambers?"
"Very well," the Prime nodded before he turned to Anakin and Ahsoka, "Will you be joining us?"
"I'm not the one being interviewed." Anakin replied as he folded his arms and gave the Prime a smirk. "But once you're done, I'm guessing you'd like to see more of Coruscant?"
"I would indeed," Optimus answered, "Coruscant reminds me of my home, Cybertron, and I am curious to see how the Republic functions."
"We'll be waiting right here when you're done." Ahsoka assured, receiving a nod from the former archive clerk.
"As for myself, I need to return to my men." Aayla said.
"Until we meet again, Master Secura." Optimus said as he turned to the Jedi Twi'lek and extended his right hand to her to shake.
"It was an honor, Optimus Prime." the Jedi Master stated.
"The honor is mine, Master Jedi." the Prime replied as he released her hand and the Twi'lek made to leave. With all that out of the way, Optimus turned to Windu, Plo, and Yoda who were waiting patiently for him just in front of the doors to the council chamber.
"Much to discuss, there is." Yoda stated as he rested his hands on his wooden cane.
"Indeed." the Prime nodded as he and the Jedi Masters entered the council chambers.
The doors to the chamber slid open and allowed the four to enter, but unfortunately, they couldn't get underway immediately as some members still needed to arrive. While the Jedi Masters that were present headed to their place in their chairs, Optimus took a moment to take in the Council Chamber. Arranged in a semi-circle were twelve chairs that were facing away from the large floor to ceiling windows that looked out to the world around them. The floor had intricate designs made into them. As the Prime observed his surroundings, slowly but surely, other Jedi Council Members entered the room. Optimus noted a few of them appeared to be human, or humanoid.
Though it took some time, each member took their seats while Optimus took his place at the center of the chamber, still holding his helmet under his arm.
"Members of the Jedi Council," Yoda began, turning to the masters present in the chamber, "Optimus Prime, I introduce."
"It is an honor to make your acquaintance." the Prime replied as he bowed respectfully, "Some of you I have just met while others I have come to know better, it is for that reason I request to know the names of the members of the Jedi Council."
"Very, well," Mace Windu said, "As you have already met myself, Plo Koon, Master Yoda, and Aayla, I open the floor to those who have just gathered at this time."
"My name is Ki-Adi-Mundi." the first member said, a caucasian man with a rather large head, white facial hair, and eyebrows. He was wearing some robes.
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi," another man said, wearing similar robes with some armor plating added. He was also caucasian with auburn hair, beard, and blue eyes. "And might I thank you for rescuing Anakin. I read the report about how you and he charged the new Separatist weapon together, and how you had to pick up the slack when he couldn't continue due to his injuries."
"I only did what was necessary to ensure the survival of the colonists." the Prime replied, "Though his actions were reckless, I am honored to see he would set aside his own wellbeing for the safety of others."
"Yes, Anakin does have a tendency to jump right into things." Obi-Wan jokes.
"Gentlemen, I do believe we are getting off track?" a feminine voice spoke up, with a slight jive to her words.
"Quite right, Master Gallia," Obi-Wan apologized. "Let's continue."
And so Optimus was introduced to the members of the Jedi Council: Masters Saesee Tiin, Eeth Koth, Agen Kolar, Shaak Ti, Kit Fisto, Adi Gallia, and Even Piell. During their introductions, Optimus noticed that many of them had accents similar to languages spoken on Earth. Prime noticed accents like Russian, Jamaican, and slight Jive when the Jedi introduced themselves. It reminded him that the Clones spoke with a New Zealander accent.
However, accents and the way people speak is not the reason he is here.
"Now that introductions are out of the way, I believe it is time we get to the matter at hand." Mace Windu concluded.
"Agreed," Optimus replied, "I was informed prior to my arrival on Coruscant that you wished to meet with my person, though you did not reveal the nature of why you desired to speak with me."
"You must forgive our curiosity," Master Plo said, "It is not often one meets another from the Unknown Regions, especially one from another galaxy altogether."
"Indeed," Master Yoda added, "Rare it is, to meet one from beyond what is charted."
"Your curiosity and interest are understandable, Master Jedi." Optimus responded as he gave the little green Grand Master a nod, "To meet with a being outside the known galaxy can be a catalyst for great interest."
"Master Secura informed us that your ship crash-landed on the same planet as she, Skywalker, and Padawan Tano when their ship crashed." Master Windu recalled, remembering what Aayla informed them during the transmission between Anakin's ship and the others. "She informed us that you aided them in defeating the Separatists forces on Maridun and the defense of the Lurmen colonists."
"I did indeed aid her in the defense of colonists." the Prime confirmed.
"Why did you aid them?" Master Shaak Ti asked, who appeared to be of the same species as Ahsoka if her appearance was anything to go by.
"It goes against my belief as an Autobot." the Prime replied.
"'Autobot?'" Obi-Wan repeated.
"As I once told one of the Lurmen colonists who helped me during my time on Maridun, 'Autobot' is a philosophical term my people used to say that despite our differences and our place on our home, we are all one in the same; no one being is greater than the other." the Prime explained, "And as an Autobot, freedom is the right of all sentient beings, no matter their race. We are all free to choose who we are and what we do, so long as it does not impede the freedom of another."
"So the reason you fought the Separatist and defended the colonists was that the actions of the Separatists impeded the Lurmen's choice to remain neutral in the Clone Wars?" surmised a horned individual by the name of Eeth Koth.
"We are all free to choose what we become, so long as it does not place innocents at risk." the Prime stated.
"A noble outlook, yes." Master Yoda commented from his seat.
"Speaking of war, Master Secura informed us that your homeworld is currently in the grip of a civil war." Mace Windu picked up.
"That is correct." Optimus confirmed, "However, only partially."
"Explain." requested the stone faced Council Member.
"You see, while the war started on my home planet, Cybertron, the war was lost." the Prime replied.
"Are you saying the Autobots lost the war?" Plo Koon asked.
"Neither side won." the Prime answered.
"What do you mean 'neither side won?'" Even Piell asked, a short being, about the same height as Yoda, who had long drooping ears, his hair tied back into a ponytail. What was most notable was his missing left eye and the large scar that went over his eye from his forehead to his cheek.
"To understand the nature of my people's civil war, it would be best to explain my homeworld." Optimus informed, although he paused for a moment before continuing, "However, before I begin I request something of that from the Jedi Council."
"What is it that you desire, Optimus?" Master Yoda asked.
"Though my time in this galaxy has been brief I have learned a few things such as the Clone Wars, how the Republic is fighting the Separatists, and that the Jedi are peacekeepers." the Prime explained, "But I do not know why the war was started between the two factions, the Jedi's involvement in the war, or what the Jedi Order is."
"You wish to understand the nature of our conflict?" Ki-Adi-Mundi concluded, "Why?"
"I wish to know why this war started." Optimus answered, turning to the Jedi Master. "And if there is something I can do something to help bring an end to this war."
"You wish to aid us in the Clone Wars?" Master Kit Fisto asked, somewhat surprised.
"If the cause is just, then yes." the Prime replied.
"I assume your desire to join stems from this mission Master Secura also informed us of." Master Windu inquired.
"You assume correctly." Optimus confirmed, nodding his head.
"What is this mission of yours?" Kit Fisto asked.
"Then allow me to explain the War for Cybertron." The Prime began, "You see, on my homeworld our people were governed by a high council and selected ruler, alongside the Primes, where the council selects the ruler of Cybertron. However, what is more important to know was that my home was run by a caste system: low, middle, and high caste. The low caste members comprised of laborers, constructors, miners, and similar roles; and were treated as slaves, some not even being given a name, while the high caste was tried like royalty. This caste system had existed on Cybertron for decades, long before my time and had grown increasingly corrupt since its formation."
"Due to its corrupt nature and the great inequality between civilians, a faction rose up from the working class." Optimus continued.
"What was the name of this faction?" Obi-Wan asked, "I notice you have mentioned or at least alluded to that there is another faction besides the Autobots, but have yet to provide a name."
"It is because at this point in history, the faction of which I speak did not become the faction that fought the Autobots until later." The former clerk explained before he continued, "As I was saying, a movement emerged from the impoverished working class and sought a peaceful means to end the caste system as an institution and that all members of Cybertron be treated as equals."
Optimus paused for a moment, debating whether or not he should reveal Megatron and Solar Flare, but thought against it and concluded that if the Autobots are to gain the trust of the Republic, he can no longer hide the truth. And securing an alliance would prove beneficial, so the Jedi should know the whole story. If the Decepticons ever came to this galaxy, it would spell disaster. "The leaders of this movement were Energon miners."
"These miners, who were brother and sister, began the movement to bring peace and equality by writing a treatise on how pacifist dissent and the exchange of ideals could improve the wellbeing of all Cybertronians. The miners' writing began to grow in popularity among the working class, and it gained the attention of Cybertron's corrupt leader and select members of the High Council who saw his work as a threat to their positions."
"They sought to silence them?" Master Windu concluded.
"Indeed," nodded Optimus, "After a failed attempt to silence the brother's continued speaking out, but the experience changed something within him. Seeing that words would not be sufficient to bring peace, the miners abandoned their writings for peace and the Energon mines where they once worked. Instead, the miners journeyed to a city on Cybertron named Kaon."
"Why did they travel to this city?" Obi-Wan asked, tilting his head to his left, "What is so unique about Koan?"
"Before the war broke out, Kaon was the city where many would go to make a name for themselves and try to move up in the caste system. Either through political means," Optimus paused for a moment before continuing, "Or through the gladiatorial arenas referred to 'The Pits of Kaon.'"
This revelation surprised and shocked the Jedi Council. Optimus' people still practiced Gladiatorial combat? Many worlds in the galaxy had banned such fights and while there were still sports that dealt with combat, there are strict rules on the fights and none of them end in death. However, there were some illegal groups who did practice gladiatorial combat, but those were in the minority.
"Surely these matches were staged?" Saesee Tiin inquired, a humanoid Jedi with large horns that curved down to his shoulders.
"I assure you, Master Tiin; gladiatorial combat on Cybertron was very real." the Prime stated firmly.
"Why would your people practice such barbaric things?" Shaak Ti asked.
"It is as I once said to Ahsoka when she asked how could my people be so cruel to our own when we are so technologically advanced." The former archivist informed, "It does not matter how long a race or individual has existed if their only desires are for their own wellbeing and amusement and are more than comfortable letting others suffer for their own benefit. The miners understood this fact and sought to use it to their advantage."
"In what way do you mean?" Mace Windu asked.
"The miners knew that many of the high class enjoyed the fights in the pits of Kaon and that many citizens of Cybertron would observe fights as well." Optimus explained, "Being miners, it would be extremely unlikely they would gain any foothold if he attempted to make their rise politically."
"And so decided to use the fights to increase their popularity." Kit Fitso concluded, "Ingenious in certain aspects."
"And extremely effective." the Prime stated, "It wasn't long until these miners became crowd favorites; some would argue the greatest gladiators Cybertron had ever seen in centuries, and had given themselves names. The sister chose the name 'Solar Flare,' and the brother had named himself after one of the Thirteen Original Primes, Megatronus. With their newfound popularity, these former miners resumed their preachings of equality and openly vowed to challenge Cybertron's leadership, gaining more supporters then they did when they wrote their treatise."
"Surely wouldn't such actions provoke those in power to try and silence these two as they once did before?" Plo Koon asked.
"At this point in time, Megatronus and Solar Flare had grown in such popularity that any attempt to silence them would be met by severe repercussions." Optimus replied, "If the Council or Cybertron's current leader attempted to silence them, would only confirm to the citizens that their government only desired to keep the power they had attained."
"Martyrs, they would be in the eyes of those that followed them, yes." Master Yoda concluded, closing his eyes to think.
"Indeed." The Autobot Leader nodded, "Over time, when these gladiators gained enough support from the people, they left the gladiatorial arena in favor of the political battlefield, but Solar Flare saw fit that her brother shorten his name. There they resumed their quest for equality, even gaining the support of three Council Members. It was also during this time that they received help from a friend, an archivist in the Iacon Hall of Records under the name of Orion Pax. Orion became something of a mentor to them."
Optimus paused for a moment before continuing.
"It wasn't long until these revolutionaries stood before the High Council and it was here that Megatron provided his vision for a just society." The Prime took a moment to take a breath in before releasing it. "And it was here that the Gladiator's true colors began to emerge. The first attempt at silencing him had changed his view on how peace and equality were to be attained. Where once this individual once believed in more peaceful means of change, now proclaimed to overthrow the old guard with force, and arrogantly demanded to be named the next Prime and the new ruler of Cybertron."
"But he wasn't named the leader of Cybertron, was he?" Mace Windu inquired.
"No." the Leader of the Autobots shook his head. "On that day, Orion had accompanied Megatron and Solar Flare, who then provided a speech of his own, believing that violence was not needed to achieve peace, justice, and equality on Cybertron. This individual captured the sparks and hearts of the minds of the Council and viewed him as more fit to not just become the next Leader of Cybertron, but the next Prime."
"I assume this 'Megatron' did not take it too well?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"With his ambitions thwarted, Megatron severed all ties with Orion and the Council." Optimus confirmed, "And came to wage war on Cybertron, seeing that if he couldn't be given the right to rule Cybertron, he would simply take the planet and crush any who stood against him. With his followers as his army, Megatron began the War for Cybertron, taking the city of Kaon as his capital and headquarters; the very city where he made his name. It was here the faction that the Autobots fought against for so long first emerged: the Decepticons, a term the Council tried to use to demonize him, his sister and his followers in an attempt to depict them as liars and thieves."
"In the mind of all Decepticons and Megatron, they took this name as something honorable, and in the words of the Decepticon Leader 'if speaking the truth was deception, then they were gladly guilty.'" The Prime finished.
The Jedi seemed to pause for a moment to process the information that was revealed to them. It was a lot to take in and many of them felt great sympathy for Prime in all this, but a few others still had some questions.
"This is very informative, Optimus, and I am sorry for the war for your home." Mace Windu began, "But that doesn't explain why you are here, and not continuing the battle with your fellow Autobots."
"A valid point, Master Windu." the Autobot Leader nodded, "For you see, as the war progressed, the fighting between the Autobots and Decepticons continued to escalate and grow in intensity. Soon, our once great world was soon a battlefield across its entire surface and as such, the constant battles and struggles began to strain our world and its ability to produce Energon."
"What is this Energon of which you mentioned earlier?" Plo Koon asked, "I recall you mentioning the Decepticon Leader and his sister were former Energon miners before they became gladiators."
"Indeed." the Prime nodded, "You see, Energon is a type of fuel that was produced from the core of our world and can form as either crystals or a liquid. Since the very beginning, Energon has been the fuel, ammunition, and in specially treated forms, medicine for all Cybertronians. With the outbreak of the war, more and more Energon was being refined and used, more than the core of our world could produce, and it was during a turning point when Megatron changed tactics and attempt to cut off our means to refuel and rearm ourselves by attacking our planet's core, poisoning it in a manner of speaking. With the constant need for Energon to fuel both sides, the core of our world suddenly stopped producing Energon."
"But wouldn't such actions also cripple the Decepticon's cause?" Adi Gallia asked.
"It was discovered later in the war that the Decepticon leader had been prepared to go to war before approaching the High Council and had more than an adequate supply of Energon stockpiled."
"He was prepared." Mace Windu stated.
"Very much so." Optimus nodded, "However, fuel was not the only issue. With the constant battles, lands that had once been fertile and able to produce food for both sides are now destroyed and unable to reproduce food for either side. It was here that a difficult decision had to be made."
"And that would be?" Plo Koon asked.
"In order to survive and win the war, we had to leave our home and find shelter elsewhere." Optimus answered, "And with the core unable to produce more Energon and farmlands completely destroyed, both sides, Autobots, and Decepticons were forced to abandon our home, all the while seeking ways to end the war."
"And is that why you seek to join our war?" Even Piell asked, "If you help us win our war, we'll be in debt to you so that you can ask us to help finish your war?"
"No, that is not what I desire." Optimus retorted. "You see, before the Exodus, I was informed by the elders of my world that there exists a way to restore our home, repair the damage to our lands and allow us to return to our ancestral home."
"So that the Autobots may return to their world so they may take it for themselves?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked, however, his question sounded more like an accusation.
"No, so that all Cybertronians, regardless of their faction, may return to our true home." the last of the Primes rebuked, "Cybertron is our home, Autobot or Decepticon, it is without question that we share that world and there must be a way to end our conflict, but not through bloodshed."
"How long has this Civil War endured?" Shaak Ti asked.
"I'm uncertain as to how I should answer that question, for you see, my people's perception of time may be different compared to what this galaxy may use." Optimus replied looking down for a moment, "I apologize for not being able to answer your question, Master Shaak Ti."
"There is no need to apologize, Optimus." Master Shaak Ti replied warmly.
"So if it is not our aid to end your people's civil war, what is it that you desire, Optimus?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I simply ask that you aid me and the Autobots in our search to find the solution to restoring our home for all who once inhabited Cybertron." Optimus requested, "If not for my sake, or the sake of the Autobot cause, but for the survival of my species, will you help me find a way to restore our home?"
The Council Members glanced at one another for a moment before Yoda spoke up, "A great quest you have been given, Optimus, yes. Support you, we will, but consult the Chancellor of the Republic we must also. The Jedi, still involved in this war, we are. Discuss this, we must."
"That is all I ask, Master Yoda." replied the Prime with a bow.
"Optimus," Obi-Wan inquired, "What ever happened to Solar Flare?"
"A valiant question, Master Kenobi." Optimus replied. "Before the war had broken out, Megatron had come to Solar Flare asking her to join the Decepticons, but she refused. Hoping to still accomplish their original goal, she tried to talk some sense into her brother, but he chose not to listen and left her." Optimus explains, "Solar Flare was heartbroken losing the only family she had left, she went to Orion for comfort and explained everything to him. When the war began, she joined the Autobots, knowing that she can still hope for a just Cybertron."
The Jedi seemed to pause for a moment to process the information that was revealed to them. It was a lot to take in and many of them felt great sympathy for what happened to Solar Flare, her only family left abandoning her. But a few others still had some questions.
"Optimus, I recall you saying that we aid you and the Autobots in your search, do you mean that are other Autobots coming here?" Kit Fisto inquired, his question gaining the attention of the Council.
"You assume correctly, Master Fisto." Optimus replied, "There are other Autobots coming to this galaxy and they are no threat to you or the Republic." He answered.
"May we ask who is the Leader of the Autobots?" Mace Windu asked.
"You may, Master Windu." Optimus replied, "The Leader of the Autobots is the one standing before you, right now."
The Jedi council are surprised by this, initially they thought they would meet the Leader of the Autobots sooner or later but they never thought he would be standing before them here and now.
"I'm assuming by your expressions that you did not expect that. But introductions aside, I was hoping you would ask that." the Prime remarked.
"You were?" Adi Gallia asked, slightly surprised.
"Before the Autobots departure from Cybertron, I had my Autobots travel to a distant planet in this galaxy where they could establish a temporary base until I was able to secure an alliance with the Republic." The former librarian answered.
"What is it, the name of this planet?" Yoda asked curiously.
Optimus raises his right arm and brings up a hologram of the planet. "The name of the planet is Takodana." He replies, showing the Jedi the planet where his Autobots are stationed. "When the time is right I will send them a message, confirming that I have secured an alliance with the Republic." the Prime explained.
"Thank you, Optimus, for sharing this information with us." Obi-Wan says, thankfully.
"We'll send for you when we have reached a decision, Optimus." Mace Windu requested, "And I believe it's best you make yourself familiar with your new surroundings."
"Very well, Master Windu." Optimus responded, though he paused for a moment, "But while I have told you of my reason for journeying to this galaxy, you have not informed as to what caused the outbreak of the Clone Wars, what it is the Republic is fighting for, and what the Jedi are exactly and what is their involvement in the war."
"In time, Optimus," Mace answered, "For now, all we ask is that you be patient for the moment. Once we have reached a decision, we'll inform you of all that you wish to know."
"Understood." the Prime replied after a moment before turning to leave the Council Room, the doors sliding up as he approached them before they shut behind him.
It was after a few moments did Obi-Wan make the first attempt to speak. "Well, he certainly is an interesting one?"
"If there was ever a word to describe Optimus Prime." Plo Koon added.
"Interesting or not, there is still a lot we do not know of him or his Autobots." Mace Windu stated.
"I agree with Master Windu," Ki-Adi-Mundi said, "I'm sure many of you noticed how he avoided mentioning his role or position in the Autobots at first. Not to mention what happened to the individual he spoke of after he appeared with the Leader of the Decepticons when he went before his people's High Council."
"As is within his right," Yoda spoke up, "before the meeting, Optimus did request to refuse answers, answers to questions feel irrelevant or personal, he believes."
"So what you're saying is that the reason he didn't answer or provide clear answers regarding those subjects is due to some personal nature?" Adi Gallia surmised.
"Then there is more to this one than what he has revealed so far." Plo Koon concluded.
"That may be so, but I assume that is not all that is going to be discussed?" Obi-Wan spoke up, "While his origin is worth further investigation, I suspect the main reason for the Council's interest is his connection to the Force."
Yoda did not answer and instead let out a sigh as he closed his eyes. During Optimus' tale, Yoda and pretty much every member of the Jedi Council could sense the Force within him. They could all hear the sounds of both the Dark and Light Side of the Force flowing through this individual. Many of the Jedi Masters were very surprised to see the Force so concentrated on this individual it was very intriguing, but also worrying. If the Light was so interested in him, then why was the Dark also flowing through him?
"He has shown no ability or connection to the Force in a way that would allow him to use the Force." Mace Windu stated, recalling what Aayla Secura informed him and Masters Plo and Yoda of when they contacted her.
"But which side does he serve?" Agen Kolar asked, "And should we answer his questions?"
"Answer them, we should." Yoda stated, "Agreed that we would answer his questions, should he answer ours."
"Perhaps, but he has not revealed everything to us." Agen reminded.
"Even so, we gave him our word and let's not forget that he offered his and his Autobots aid to help end this war if we were to answer his questions." Obi-Wan countered, "If Optimus and his Autobots served in this war, they could prove to be a vital aid and bring the war to a quicker end."
"And we now know what role he played in his people's civil war." Even stated.
"Master Aayla informed us of the exceptional combat skills of Optimus while on Maridun." Plo Koon recalled, "And I sense that is only the beginning of what Optimus Prime is capable of."
"Not to mention that in this time of war, should we really refuse aid when it could bring a quicker end to the Clone Wars?" Eeth Koth added.
"Valid reasons, we all do." Master Yoda spoke up, "Little do we know of Optimus Prime, yes. Withholds information he does, but not with ill intent. Long has his people's war endured, cost him his home it has, desires to see it restored for not his cause, but for all who inhabit his home. A great mission he has been given, but not the only mission I sense."
"Are you suggesting there is another reason Optimus and his Autobots journeyed so far?" Mundi inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"Can say for certain, I cannot." Yoda replied, "Know there is a greater purpose to Optimus Prime, I do."
"But the question still stands." Mace Windu stated, "Do we agree to Optimus's request and answer his questions? There is no guarantee he and his Autobots will fight for the Republic if he believes our cause is not just."
"Possibility, it is." Master Yoda replied, "But fight not for the Jedi or Republic, but for the people, he will."
It was then Yoda turned to the council, "Answer his questions, we will."
All the Jedi Masters nodded in agreement, they would answer Optimus's questions and would also likely need to introduce him to Chancellor Palpatine, but that can wait, for now, it is best they answer his questions and possibly gain invaluable allies to the Republic. Obi-Wan was the one to stand up for his chair and go to retrieve Optimus. Though it seemed he would not have to go far because the Prime was waiting patiently just outside the door.
"Optimus, glad to see you are still around." Obi-Wan said in a lighthearted tone.
"Anakin had offered to give a tour of the Senate Building and a bit more of the Temple, but I believed it would have been best to wait for the Council's decision to my requests." the Prime replied as he was guided back into the Council Chamber.
"Well I can say that your instincts served you well." the Jedi Master said as he took his seat once more, "Now, you had some questions for us?"
"Indeed I have, Master Kenobi," the Leader of the Autobots replied, "Am I correct to assume the Council has agreed to answer them?"
"We have agreed to answer your questions, Optimus." confirmed Mace Windu, "What is it you desire to know?"
It was after a moment of thought did the Prime give his first question.
"What caused the outbreak of the Clone Wars?"
To Be Continued…