CHAPTER 1 : The New Jedi Order
Author Note : Wow eleven reviews for the prologue ! Thank you so much, my friend! I can see that my old dear followers are back, you all are awesome ;). And the new ones too, of course, I am very proud to give you a fiction that pleases you.
DestinyChanger : I'll pray for you my dear friend :)
Now ... let's begin !
Far beyond the Core Region of the galaxy controlled by the Galactic Republic, farther the dangerous and partially explored area known as the Wild Space, stood the Unknown Regions of the galaxy. It was said to include uncharted areas in dense nebulae, global clusters, and the galactic halos. And many governments had repeatedly sent scouts into the Unknown Regions, without an evident success, informing the Known Regions of the dangers of such space. And yet, worlds of this area had been many times visited such as Illum, only found by the Jedi Knights and well protected for its source of saber crystals. However, there were threats stirring there that imposing the Republic to these systems were clearly impossible. And so it had been the perfect place to rebuild a Jedi Order, free of any politic systems, watching remotely over the galaxy and protecting its citizens in the greatest secrets.
Fourteen years ago, during the events of the Dark War, Master Yoda disappeared there, bringing with him the entire future of his Order, awaiting with great worries for his older students, like Master Windu or Master Kenobi, to name just a few, to vanquish the evil Dark Lord of the Sith Palpatine, today known as Darth Sidious. Many people of the Republic still didn't understand why the Jedi couldn't return to Coruscant after their victory. Had their exile imposed by the Senate really been the rightful decision when they had learnt about all the corruption and treachery within the Republic? Billions believed it not, claiming that the Jedi were the backbone of the Republic, and without them, who could stop another being like Palpatine to take power? Though in fourteen years, the Republic had seen its bests chancellors with Organa and Amidala, many senators had expressed their fears for the future concerning the so little number of the Old Guard trying to protect them. And in fourteen years, why the Jedi had never tried to communicate with those two chancellors, well known for their sympathy toward the Order? Such question still remained, and they were certain the Jedi Order, wherever it was now established, knew about the worries of the galaxy.
Yet, the new Jedi Council, helping constantly the government of Ceresta, the planet where they chose to settle down, had always forbidden any of its member to reveal itself. They were to be shadows, stealth warriors fighting against misery without the now considered unworthy of such knowledge Galactic Republic. No one had to understand the Jedi had always been among them, and the only exceptions were to keep the secrets to their tombs. Such had been the strong words of the new Master of the Order Obi-wan Kenobi, when fourteen years ago Master Windu had given him his rank, after his unbelievable demonstration of power on Byss. And thanks to such policy, the Jedi Order had been so brightful, powerful and protected.
But their new world, Ceresta, was also at work here, as the planet seemed to literally be a real altar of the Force, giving the strength of its inhabitants, slowing their aging, and tremendously increasing the power of the Jedi training on its ground. And how could it have been different? From the wide azure oceans to the floating rocky islands and the high snow covered mountains of Ceresta, the Force had never spoken so clearly to its Jedi, except for the Knight of the Force Obi-wan Kenobi.
Finally, Siri Kenobi, his wife, was now able to understand how powerful could feel her man whenever she listened to the Force, even if it was only a fraction of the still increasing power he had. But at least, he didn't have to hide it anymore, as Grand Master Yoda had decided to reveal the true nature of the auburn Jedi Master. The reaction of her fellow Jedi would always surprised her, after they had been told about the future Obi-wan had prevented by taking actions in the Senate against Palpatine. None of them became wary of him, or alienating but all had come to respect him even more, and Obi-wan was constantly asked by demands of the padawans. As the Knight of the Force and Master of the New Order, Kenobi had trained, with Yoda, those who had lost their masters during the Dark War, and completed the training of Ahsoka Tano, now a Knight since three years, and of the redeemed Inquisitor H'can Ti, now husband of Shaak Ti and member of the new Jedi Council of Ceresta.
Siri, sipping a cup of Cerestan tea, above the balcony of her apartment, which was in fact an entire tower, stared at the large Jedi City craved in golden stone reflecting the lights of the three suns above them in the bright blue sky. The City was as wide as Theed, on Naboo, built with the help of the natives of Ceresta and the Jedi, and looked like a smoother and smaller Coruscant with high towers, bright streets between the golden buildings leading to the so many districts of the city, and bordered by one of those oceans. It still amazed her how much technologically advanced was the Jedi City, with shields more powerful than on Byss, and defenses capable to destroy a Venator in few seconds. But the most beautiful part of the City was its core, where the Jedi Council Tower had been built. This tower had kept the exact design than the one of Coruscant, but it was much larger, with dozens of balcony, and its top was made of transparent crystals, allowing the Council to watch over the city at any time, without being blinded by the suns thanks to an amazing aspect of the crystal which reduced and reflected in the same time those lights, creating the impression of a glowing star rising above the Jedi City.
"I think I can stay days staring at such view," a man's strong voice said behind the wife of Obi-wan. "I'm sorry I'm late for our tea."
Siri turned and stared at the man, with a gentle grin, "And I thought I taught you punctuality, Ferus."
"From a certain point of view then," he teased as he recalled how many time she had been late of Coruscant for Council meetings. "Where is your little family?"
"I believe they are still running with Boga on the Sky-Islands," she answered, pointing the large rocks floating in the sky next to the high pics and above the large green forest behind the city. "Though I am surprised you can't figure where is your apprentice."
"Don't blame me," he grinned as he came next to her, putting his hands on the gold balcony's fence, "Anteres's needs of freedom are greater than yours."
Siri smiled and offered him a cup of the green tea, "I think it's the first time I hear you complaining about one of my children."
"You do know how I feel about teaching Anteres," he replied bowing his head to lose his mind in the green liquid, staring at his own reflection.
"You still believe you are not worthy of being his Master?" She asked. He nodded shyly, so she rolled her eyes. "How many times Obi-wan and I shall repeat it, Ferus? You are one of the most powerful Jedi of the Order, and the entire Council knows Anteres can bring the light you have been looking for since your return. Though I am certain Aayla and your daughter Siera are also a source of light in your heart, you know you need Anteres. Perhaps more than my son does with you. But you have experienced things I cannot imagine when you decided to confront Sidious alone."
"That was reckless and foolish," he said, for the hundredth times. "I nearly died that night."
"You have paid the price, Ferus," she laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It's about time you start forgiving yourself. The Council has forgiven you, and Anteres is well aware of certain aspects of your powers, had he ever blamed you for that?"
"Anteres, blaming?" He repeated, almost laughing. "Your son is the most comprehensive Jedi I have ever met."
"And he is proud to be your apprentice, believe me," she assured. "Just like Galen is more than delight to have Ahsoka as his master. Do you think she didn't have trust issues at first? She had seen her master falling into darkness and was forced to watch him go away. I can assure you, Obi-wan had many difficulties at first, but look how strong she had become. She is confident, and Galen is trained better than I could have done myself."
"You were an excellent teacher, Master," he stated, with a honest smile. "if you, Obi-wan and Aayla hadn't been here … I don't know wha-"
"It's all in the past now," Siri recalled. "And you shall try to remember it every time you come here for a tea."
"Actually," he started, trying to hold a teasing grin, "I had another reason to come here."
"Oh so my husband sends you to deliver the message?" She raised an eyebrow, humor obviously tainted her voice. "Here I thought you would be a member of the Council when Anteres will reach Knighthood."
"You definitely picked Obi-wan's sarcasm, Master," he complimented. "But Mandalore called."
Surprised immediately marked her still youthful face. In fact Ferus wasn't very sure Siri had aged in those fourteen years. "I thought Obi-wan forbid Fett to directly call us, after we had stopped the Kilik Invasion."
"Yes, I was there too," he nodded, "and I remember this interdiction. Yet Fett appeared … disturbed."
"What's in the holomessage?"
"Obi-wan didn't tell me," he informed. "Only the Council will be aware of its content, but apparently, the Galactic Senate is involved."
Siri remembered an old vision she had of herself, standing in a large ship over Coruscant. Perhaps was it time it came to pass, though she was certain in such vision, Anteres had been much younger. "How do you feel about it?"
"Mandalore has allied with us," Ferus recalled, "which is, I believe, quite surprising considering our common past. And even if we have acted in secrecy, we should help them, if the Republic believes Mandalore a threat."
"I still don't understand how Fett managed to cover our actions on Mandalore against the Kilik three years ago."
"Well … we were only four Jedi."
"And you and Ahsoka destroyed half of the Kilik fleet", she recalled teasing. "Such chaos cannot be hidden so easily."
"I guess the death of Satine Kryze made covering it all simpler," Ferus confessed, putting his empty cup away. "It had shaken all of us, and Fett's decision was enough to convince the Republic of the gravity of the invasion, and so they had the dignity not to investigate."
"Don't remind me," Siri sighed. "Obi-wan took three ships down when Satine died in his arms. And I can assure you I felt terrible too. After all Obi-wan lived in his past, I wasn't able to prevent another misery in his life ..."
"He never blamed you."
"Of course not, it's Obi-wan," she said smiling sadly. "But I have to protect him, no matter what."
"Ahsoka told me Galen has that same over-protectiveness for his family," Ferus laughed gently. "But he is your son so ..."
"I guess it's only natural," Siri nodded, smiling as she thought about her adoptive son. "He had lost his biological parents so he tries his best to protect his last family. I will never blame him for that, even if such attachment is … questionable."
"He is a great kid," Ferus stated, "extremely powerful in the Force and as skilled with his two blue lightsabers. He and Anteres make the perfect team whenever they are together. And I believed your daughter will be as strong as her brothers."
"Satele is more distant," she informed, "just like I was in my youth, but as calm as her father. She is perhaps too serious for her young age, but what can I say to Obi-wan's daughter." Ferus started to laugh, almost falling above the hence. "Did I say something funny?"
"I would have said that Satele is more like you than Obi-wan," he managed to say. "But being Obi-wan's daughter, she would certainly not be known as a Cold Queen."
"Hey!" Siri gently elbowed him, "I've never asked for such name!"
"Sure, Master," he laughed again.
"And what about Siera?" Siri asked. "She is always bringing trouble to my little girl."
"Siera cannot stay in the same place more than five seconds," he replied speaking of his Twi'lek daughter. "She is just like Aayla."
"You forget she is a hybrid," Siri grinned. "She may looked like a stunning blue Twi'lek, she doesn't have the sharp canines, her eyes have definitely the color of yours, and her internal organs are more than human."
"Well miracle happens sometimes," he admitted, thinking about the happiness he had experienced eleven years ago. "And I am very happy our daughters get along so well. And as her master, Aayla is quite proud of Satele."
"You can't say you regret coming here, can you?" She teased again.
"Stop now," Ferus dodged another blow from the blonde woman, "you'll be late for the Council Session."
"One of the many advantages being married to the Master of the Order," Siri replied sticking her tongue out, "Obi-wan will always wait for me."
"And what will Master Windu and Gallia say about that?"
"Even Yoda never complained Ferus," she informed, headed to the private elevator of her home. "The Council is much more relaxed than on Coruscant. It's about time you realise this."
"Do you miss Coruscant, Siri?" Ferus demanded, as she stepped inside the lift.
"Not at all, my friend," and the white doors closed, letting Ferus alone enjoying the breathtaking view of the Jedi City on Ceresta. Now he had to find Anteres, his apprentice, obviously challenging Boga and his brother to more and more dared actions on the Sky-Islands.
The Sky-Islands of Ceresta were floating rocks in the air because of strong magnetic currents coming directly from the high sharp white pics that rose next to this region of the planet. On each island straggly beards of vines hung down beneath the mountains like the roots of air-fern, and waterfalls escaped holes in its cliff edge sides, falling down the ground, in from small to wide sink holes at the feet of the massive montains or in the green flourishing forest below. Such purely beautiful yet very dangerous high places had become the playing ground of the youngest Jedi on Ceresta, and days hadn't passed without a more and more daring challenge made by one of the Kenobi's family. Today again, Satele Kenobi, the sister of the short dark haired Galen and the dark blond Anteres, was riding on Boga in the middle of the old large trees trying to pursue her foolish brothers. This time, Anteres and Galen had decided to jump from the highest island, down its cascade and plung into one of the small sinkhole hundreds of meters below. Of course they had done it many times, but not on that island.
Satele sighed, dodged a large branch as Boga ran behind the two young men jumping everywhere, creating the almost impression that they were flying creatures of the jungle. And their speed was just tremendous : Boga, as a varactyl, was able to run next to speeders, yet in such area, her top speed wasn't that great. Satele was absolutely sure Anteres and Galen were once again testing their limits in the Force, though after the eleven years she had spent with them since her birth, she wasn't still able to determinate their real strength. Especially with Anteres, whose Force presence was so strong that her father Obi-wan appeared as a small star next to a sun. She even remembered, years ago when she was still a child that Anteres, with his only uncontrolled presence, was able to make those surrounding him faint. So since that day, it was impossible to know how strong was Anteres Kenobi. Of course Galen was extremely powerful too, but he clearly had more raw signature that he learnt to control with his master Ahsoka Tano, who had according, to their father, a good amount of experience concerning Jedi with that kind of power. Though Satele had never dared to ask what obviously pained both Ahsoka and her father, she knew he had been talking about the one called Skywalker, or Vader from another point of view.
"Are you following us until the end, sister?" Galen yelled behind him, his voice amplified with the Force. "And here I thought you were the serious one!" Both his and Anteres' laughters echoed in the middle of the so many imposive trees.
Grinning, Satele caressed gently the feathers of the still vigourous Boga, "are you certain you wanna jump, beautiful girl?" Boga howled in excitement as she started to ran faster, closing the gap between the two boys ahead. For fourteen years, the varactyl had came on Ceresta with their father after the terrible Dark War, and since that day, Boga started to see the Kenobi's family like her own, protecting these children just like a mother would, or perhaps more like a big sister : Siri had always said jumping from the Sky-Island was foolish, and very unJedi like. They shouldn't always seek adventures or high sensations. A jedi was supposed to be patient, controled and calm. But every time the stunning blonde mother scowled them, their father tried his best to hide his smile in front of his children, without very much success though. Obi-wan always like to remember his wife how much their children were like her.
Suddenly, no tree was surrounding them, allowing them to stare at the bright blue ocean sky above them, and clouds below the ground. Satele was also able to notice the so many smaller floating islands under them, and started to look for her brothers who she found heading directly for the gap on the light-grey stoned ground : the waterfall started here, and soon, they would all be falling with the Force as their only yet all mighty ally.
Just before jumping, Anteres turned to stare at the varactyl and her blonde sister and grinned to defy her. And after a military salute, the dark blond boy made a high backward somersault while, next to him, Galen dived head straight in the gap and both of them disappeared from Satele's sight. So she braced herself on the saddle, and summoned the Force inside her mind and body. And as Boga leapt without hesitation, Satele forced herself to open her eyes to witness the beauty around her, as drops of clear water fell on her. She could once again stare at the long vines coming from the island now above them, and started to laugh as adrenaline rose in her heart and because she watched Anteres creating different of animal forms with the clouds he was piercing. Galen appeared much more out of his mind in the air, he was flying like a bird, besting this so unusual environment for humans but Galen was that kind of man. Always above any threats on his head, demonstrating his tremendous abilities to use the Force whenever he had to. Perhaps was he demonstrating too much, but Satele knew her brother this way since the first day of her life.
Out of the blue, Galen opened his arms and legs wide, creating a heavy resistance to the wind and slowly, Boga and Satele came down at his level while Anteres had decided to increase his speed with the Force : clouds that he passed through were shattered after his passage.
"I will show you the way, Satele," Galen yelled as his light grey tunic flapped in the air, once again perhaps overly protective.
"I can sense Anteres from there," Satele replied, her voice loud. "I am not blind, I'll found the sinkhole!"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, go ahead," she replied. "I will take care of Boga." And with the varactyl howling in the sky, Galen nodded hesitantly but increased his speed again to join his foolish brother down below.
For Anteres Kenobi, the world around him, despite his speed as great as a ship now, was slowing with every meters he was falling because the Force was his only guide now. Just like every time he opened his mind to his misty ally, he found him standing in what he supposed to be a limitless ocean that he could control by his simple desire. Inside him, the power was bowling, ready to manifest itself in a bright storm able to erase entire ships with a simple thought. So falling thousands of meters wasn't that much a challenge, even if Master Ollin had always said that taking a first step would remain the greatest challenge. Anteres, after four years as his apprentice, still didn't really know what his master had refered to, but was sure it had to do with Coruscant. He grinned as he felt Ferus waiting for him at the sinkhole next to his friend, or girlfriend like Galen liked to tease. Ferus didn't appear worried, and tried to comfort Shira Brie about the apparent dangerosity of such jump. But Shira would always worry for him, that's how she was, since Aayla and Ferus Ollin had brought her secretly to Ceresta.
"There!" Anteres had spotted to very small lake straight ahead. From there, it seemed to be inches wide, but down below, the water was as wide as a gunship. Of course wide wouldn't be the word his mother or Shira would use, but Anteres and Galen had decided to dive in that particular sinkhole.
"What will you do now that you have jumped from the highest spot on Ceresta, Anteres?" Master Ollin's voice echoed in his mind, humor clearly felt through their bond.
"Perhaps explore every tunnel of the White Mountains, Master."
"You are incorrigible, my young friend," Ferus laughed through the bond. "And here I thought training Obi-wan's son would be peaceful."
"Admit it," Anteres's speed raised again as the padawan could now notice Shira next to his master, "you missed all of your adventures with Mom. So you are relieved to live some more with her son."
"Reading your old master's mind is cheating Anteres."
"You're not old at all, Master," and at last, Anteres felt his body entering swiftly yet with a not so strong resistance the green water of the small lake, creating waves high enough to soak both Shira and Ferus at the same time.
Laughing under water, the son of Obi-wan returned to the surface and stared at the fourteen year old girl, with long copper hair and glowing green eyes. She looked torn between relief and annoyance as her hairs were drenched. And so was her clothes : the grey bodyglove that she was wearing was satured with water.
"Anteres!" She yelled. "Couldn't you have used the Force to enter smoothly into water?" She asked with a teasing grin, but her eyes widened as Galen, Satele and Boga splashed her again as they crashed into the lake. And this time, Ferus complained too.
"Sorry," Anteres rubbed his soak hair, apologizing. "I guess it was too priceless."
"You realise you could all have killed yourself," Shira raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah!" Galen's head came out of the water, "and it was definitely worth it!"
Shira rolled her eyes, as she tried to hide her amusement. She then stared at the boy she believed she was in love with : Anteres had joined her on the wet rocky ground. He was still dressed with that simply grey top, similar to a military uniform, with black pants which was stuck on his legs because of the water, and his black boots were making a ridiculous sound as he walked toward her.
"I'm sorry you worried," he said, his blue grey eyes still full of excitement. "But you should have jumped with me."
"Alright lover boy," Ferus came to help Satele to come out of the lake, staring once again at her famous lightsaber that had belonged in another lifetime to Master Qui-Gon Jinn. A gift Satele cherished as her own life. "The Council is in a special session, I am certain we all are going to be contacted very soon. Playtime is over, I'm afraid."
"We weren't playing, Master Ollin," Galen gleamed, caressing Boga's large head. "It's part of a training."
"Wait until Ahsoka learns what you've been doing," the master threatened playfully, "and you will start a real training. I heard you two sparred seven hours without a stop, last time."
"Don't remind me," the dark haired boy said, "my arms became heavier than a Star Defender," referring to the extremely wide star cruisers that the Jedi had just finished building with the people of Ceresta.
Ferus chuckled as he turned at Shira, "Your master, Luminara, is going to expose the situation to the Prime Minister after the Council Session." The redhaired girl nodded in acknowledgment. "I think you can wait her there."
"Thank you Master Ollin, I'll be on my way."
Immediately, Galen and Satele returned on Boga's back, who happily again arched herself and headed to the Jedi City for a short rest until their next mission, while Ferus followed running and jumping everywhere behind them, so that only Shira and Anteres remained next to the small, suddenly quite romantic, lake.
"Somehow," Anteres started, reaching for her hand, "I feel that Master Ollin and I will once again travel half the galaxy for another boring mission."
"You and Ferus had avoided many conflicts in the whole galaxy," Shira recalled with a smile full of pride. "And I am not talking about your negociations' skills with the Chiss Ascendency."
"That wasn't so difficult," Anteres replied with the same humility he shared with his father, "they are not interested in the Republic. And their civilisation is quite admirable, trust me."
"Well, it's a true miracle they have decided to ally with us then," she nodded drying her hair with her delicate hands.
"For the moment, yes."
"You think they can start a war against the Jedi?"
"Ceresta's location is still a secret," Anteres headed toward the road leading to their home, "the Force is protecting us. Nobody can come here without the consent of the Force, and the Sith have been defeated."
"I'm clearly not afraid of Sith," Shira grinned, showing on purpose an over-confidence in her voice. "They can come, they cannot not defeat us."
"We are a great team indeed."
"We are more than that, right?" She asked, perfectly knowing that they were probably too young to correctly understand if they really loved each other. But ages had never counted with such feelings, as Master Luminara kept reminded her.
"Of course we are," Anteres came closer and kisser her left cheek, "and one day, you will a Kenobi. That's a looooot"
She rolled her eyes slowly as she blushed because of his touch, "Oh you and your lineage!"
As the pure white doors of the Council Tower's lift opened in front of Siri, the blonde Jedi took a moment to gape once again at the beauty of the rooftop made of transparent crystals. From there, her eyes could settle on the high pics of the mountains' chain to the north, or the ocean to the south that gently bathed the decks of the Jedi City. On the east side, there were the dozens of smaller districts, glowing because of the same material used for its construction, that formed the population who wasn't a member of the Jedi Order. And in the middle of those area stood the cerestan Senate, constructed in a shape of a large stadium with also a transparent roof made of the cerestan crystal They have learned to live with them, improve their technologies, increasing their wealth and worked together in the politic issues : Master Luminara Vos, member of the Council and wife of Quinlan Vos, had been elected to be the voice of the cerestan government in the Council. Her mission was much more political, but as crucial as the Prime Minister of Ceresta had always cared about the Force in every matter, because he was, just like every other human on this planet, sensitive to the Force. Most of them had been trained by the Master of the Order Obi-wan Kenobi to gain the many advantages of the Force, but considered not strong enough to fully become a Jedi Knight. In a way, they were like the AgriCorps of the Old Jedi Order, but now working next to the Order : it wasn't surprising to cross civilians walking in the center of the city, or walking inside the Council Tower, chatting with Jedi Knights, or reading history in the Archive Tower. Living together had also been possible as many Jedi had decided to marry with civilians, just like Siri's old friend Master Galen Muln who was the husband of a stunning black haired woman with honey eyes.
"You're late, Siri," the Master of the Order's voice called, bringing her back to reality.
"I'm sorry, my Prince," she teased, recalling the history of the Kenobi familly on Ceresta,bowing with a fake respect in front of him. The Kenobi family, now ruling on Stewjon, found its origins on Ceresta where the first King Kenobi decided to leave this planet because of the powers it was providing to its population. The King were unable to control all of those who became Force-sensitive so they left for Stewjon. And millenias after those events, Obi-wan Kenobi had returned, and acclaimed as a King though Obi-wan had strongly refused ruling the planet and became a great supporter of the cerestan democracy. "I sent Master Ollin looking for your children."
"Siera told me they have planned to jump from the high island today," Kit Fisto stated, speaking about Ferus' daughter, his padawan. "That's pretty high."
"Is that encouragement, Master Fisto?" Mace asked with an amused smile.
"Wonderful are the minds of these children," Grand Master Yoda, sitting between Windu and Obi-wan, chuckled, "but proceed we must, Master Siri."
"Of course, Master," so, this time with humility, Siri came next to her husband and sat in her chair, trying not to crease her long and tight dark green dress.
"You are probably already informed that Manda'lore the Protector contacted us, early this morning," Obi-wan stated. "They have been convoked by the Senate of the Republic."
"I thought the Republic refused to deal with the Neutral Confederacy," Quinlan scratched his square chin. "Why now?"
"Master Ollin had informed us of the rumors on that side of the galaxy," Master H'can Ti replied, leaning forward on his seat, next to Windu. "Perhaps Chancellor Skywalker believes Mandalore to help the so-called rebellion."
"They will understand Mandalore has been building ships for us," Master Adi affirmed, looking at her husband Mace with worried eyes.
"Or worse," Mace nodded. "Of course the Republic will conclude Mandalore has built a fleet, so they will feel threatened."
"I agree," Obi-wan said, frowning. "I believe we should send a team on Coruscant to clear Mandalore of any suspicions."
"Are you certain?" Shaak Ti asked in surprise. "We are still considered like traitors, and hundreds of senators would demand our arrest the moment we escape hyperspace," she paused, as she tried to read in his blue-grey eyes, and then she interpreted correctly. "And you are counting on it?"
"We need to scan the Republic's space, Master Ti," Obi-wan nodded. "We still haven't found what Master Dooku warned us about before his death." Sadness and regrets immediately rose in every member's heart. "He trust all of us to destroy that weapon, and after fourteen years, we perhaps have the opportunity to honour his memory."
Siri stared sorrowful at the curved hilt on her belt, "We will be enemies to them, Obi-wan. Our ships is far more powerful than any of their Star Destroyers, even if we haven't been properly able to study them. Our Star Defenders can annihilate five or more of those ships. They won't hesitate to protect Coruscant."
"We must convince Prime Minister Tessin how important this mission is," Obi-wan replied, almost regretful to return to the Republic. "Mandalore cannot fall because of us."
"Agree I do," Yoda nodded at his most powerful student. "Protectors we still are. Defend Mandalore's honour, the Jedi must. Hide forever, we cannot."
"Ceresta will remain secret, no matter what," Master Luminara recalled the Council's promise to the government. And when Obi-wan nodded, she went on, "I am certain Prime Minister would want to accompany us."
"Of course he will," Master Stass Allie grinned, "he keeps reading all of our history concerning Coruscant."
"Go on Coruscant you should, Master Obi-wan," Yoda suggested strongly. "Representing of the Order you are. Your duty it is."
"And a famous face will certainly have more effect on the Senate," Master Galen Muln, the latest member of the Council teased. "Perhaps it could a be good opportunity to show our past to our best padawans too."
"All the Council cannot go," Adi stated, "it would be too dangerous."
"Kyle can go without me," Quinlan announced about his padawan. "And he will be very pleased to work with Obi-wan again."
"Satele is too young," Siri said, recalling her old vision on the Jedi Temple about their return to Coruscant. And somehow, she had a bad feeling about such trip. "And she is only Aayla's padawan since a year, I believe it is too soon."
"I will stay here with Siera too," Kit nodded at the blonde wife of Obi-wan. "Only the oldest should go."
"That would be Kyle, Anteres, Galen and Corran ?" H'can voiced, with the obvious intent to visit Coruscant with his apprentice, Corran Horn, a force-sensitive boy that he and Shaak Ti had brought back from Corellia.
"You will come too, H'can," Obi-wan smiled gently at the man he had trained on Ceresta.
"Of course, Master."
"I will accompany you," Siri quickly added. "You will need me there."
"Go with you, Master Tano and Ollin must," Yoda gravely nodded at Siri. "A test, you three must face."
"I'm going too," Master Shaak Ti rose from her seat with a comprehensive smile. "Four members of the Council is an adequate number, especially if we face the Senate."
"Yes," Mace agreed. "Four will show the respect we still have for the Senate, but will send a clear message : their business is no longer ours. We are going there to help Fett, not to ally with the Republic."
"Ally of the entire galaxy, the Jedi Order must remain," Yoda pointed Obi-wan with his stick, "trust you to explain this to them, I do."
"Good luck Obi-wan," Quinlan laughed as he leaned on his seat, "I heard the Senate hasn't learnt discipline since our departure. But please, record their reactions when you will show your face. I wanna watch this over and over for the rest of my life."
"Are you sure you don't want to come, Quinlan?" Siri teased.
"Force no!" He laughed again. "And believe me, Kyle will be happy to participate to a more … Jedi-like mission. He still complains about our mission on Illum."
"That is because you are a tyrant, my love," Luminara grinned, showing her white teeth, "letting him freeze three days without food or water is horrible. Especially when in the end, he had to save you from starving."
And then, the entire Council laughed wholeheartedly, almost forgetting the stakes of their return to the Republic. Such was the mood on Ceresta, and soon, Siri and Obi-wan would be forced to answer to the Senate, the Chancellor, and a man that every Jedi thought to never see again.
Since many years, the now quite numerous Star Destroyers of the Republic were scouring the Hutt Space to prevent any threats of rebellion, or conflicts in this still very dangerous area in the Wild Space. But because of its dangers, the officers of the Republic Navy had quickly reached the highest ranks, justifying the large fleet travelling that space every day. The largest of them, was currently above Makeb, watching over the production of rare and expensive materials necessary for the construction of the Star Destroyers built by Siennar. So the mission of those men were of a crucial importance at the edge of the Hutt Space.
On the bridge of the larger ship, the tension was palpable, as high as during the Clone Wars, for those who had the curse to live them, and for the youngest members of the crew, being transferred to the Havelon meant a huge salary with high death risks. Yet the Havelon had seen the rises of many heroes of the Republic, like Soontir Fel, the brave and highly talented pilot whose skills could rival with the Force sensitive members of the Old Guard. Catching the attention of many officers, Soontir Fel had been promoted three years ago at the rank of lieutenant despite his young age, and his carreer on the Havelon was as promising.
"Lieutenant Fel!" a communication's crew ran on the bridge where the heroic piloting was staring at the so many industrial devices above Makeb, protecting by dozens of TIE fighters. "We have been informed that Drill number three on Makeb is now back to optimal use."
"Excellent," Fel nodded. "Have you informed the Admiral?"
"He requested your presence, Sir," the crew member's voice shook in discomfort. "He is already in the communication room."
"You can return to your post, soldier," Fel smiled gently as he passed the hurried man.
Immediately starting to run, because being late with an officer in communication would cause great harm to his reputation, he met many stormtroopers that saluted him in admiration, and after passing the many corridors of the Star Destroyer, he reached the black large room of the communication center. Bracing himself and straightening his uniform, Fel entered swiftly, without a sound inside the darkened room where a tall thin man in uniform was leaning on the communication device, and three others high-rank man of the Navy were present with him.
"Soontir," the tall man with grey hairs welcomed warmly, with an accent from Eriadu. "We've been waiting for you."
"Yes," the talented pilot saluted with respect, "I'm sorry. It will never happen again."
"You're not late," the Admiral informed, "there is nothing to worry about. Are you ready to meet one of them?"
Soontir nodded, knowing exactly who was them. "The Republic is a broken shadow of its former-self. I am ready to make the galaxy shine once again, I am ready to meet him."
"I've told you many times, my friend," the old man smiled, "your fame will help our goal greatly. You will have a great role in the Empire."
"I am only seeking to unify this galaxy and bring peace, justice and security," Fel replied with a deep conviction.
"That's all I wanted to hear," and the Admiral pressed long series of buttons on the holodevice, and after five minutes, a long figure covered with rich clothes appeared on screen. Fel's eyes widened as he realised their ally was a well-known man inside the Senate : it was the Senator of the very influential world Citriuc IV, Sate Pestage !
"Greetings Tarkin," Pestage smiled on the screen. "And I see our brave hero has joined our cause."
"Lieutenant Fel has realised how doomed was the Republic, with Chancellor Skywalker as its leader," Tarkin smirked.
"Our allies are very pleased with your progress Tarkin," Pestage nodded. "But you must return to Coruscant immediately. You still have a powerful influence on the Senate, and your friendship with General Skywalker will be useful if Mandalore accepts our invitation."
"Have they tasked me the investigation?"
"You must convince the Senate that Mandalore and the Neutral Confederacy is a real threat that we shall eradicate," Pestage explained. "It is crucial."
"Do the Prophets have any information about the size of their fleet or army?" One of the officer with red hair asked with clear anger.
"The Prophets have powers that only Palpatine knew," Pestage replied, "but they have only seen a war coming."
"We act upon facts here, Pestage," Tarkin recalled.
"Well, feel free to remind them that when they land in your hangar," the Senator smirked evilly. "The Havelon would return to its first mission."
"One of them is coming here?" The other officer that hadn't spoken interrupted in surprise.
"Yes, Commander Pellaeon," Pestage nodded again. "Is your crew trustworthy?"
"My fleet is made by men and women who share the same convictions," Tarkin affirmed. "And they know betrayal is punished by death."
"You better be certain," the influential man checked something behind him, and seemed to cover his holocommunicator, "or the Prophet will decimate your entire fleet. Until then, Commander Pellaeon will be in charge of the Havelon. Tarkin, see you on Coruscant." And Pestage's old face disappeared from the device, and light slowly returned in the room.
"Do not hesitate to kill the Prophet if he becomes … a bother," Tarkin told the now in charge commander. "And inform the hangar to prepare my shuttle for immediate departure."
"Yes, Admiral."
Tarkin squeezed Pellaeon's hand in respect and started to leave, yet stopped in front of Soontir Fel. "You are about to discover why we will be victorious my young friend. And I order you to stay focus. The man who will come is extremely dangerous, even for you. Try to stay alive."
Soontir saluted Tarkin again," Yes, Sir!"
"For the Empire," Tarkin smirked before leaving through the doors.
And the three officers still inside the communication center repeated in unison : "For the Empire !"
Author Note : Many well known heores here, right? I wanted to put famous characters in that sequel from the beginning, cause I believe it will make you wanna read it even more.
As a first chapter, I am actually quite satisfied by the turn of the events, and I hoped Ceresta's descriptions was enough to make you imagine it, but do not worry, we will see it again. And I believed I need to present some of the antagonists of this fiction, though you haven't seen the real villains behind the scene.
As you can see, there will be romance in this fiction again, though I believe Anteres is a bit young to write a proper romance in this fiction, but if you are all okay with this, I can easily write romance about Anteres and don't worry, there will be many Siriwan moments, and some with others that I can't yet tell ;)
And please tell me what you think about Ferus being Anteres' master, or Ahsoka with Galen and all. You know critics are always welcomed for improvement :)
Next chapter : The Senate, the Old Guard and the New Jedi Order.