Chapter Nine
Jedi Temple- Senate District-Coruscant-32 BBY
Anakin and Vaner walked into the massive library along with their chaperones. Juhani gave great amounts of trivial knowledge of the Temple and its history to pique Anakin and Vaner's interest, with much success, while Jolee made footnote remarks to said history with his dry wit and humor. Dustil and Mission were hanging onto each other arm in arm just enjoying the company of the group. The old Jedi looked down at Anakin and noticed how the boy went from chatty with Vaner one moment to stone dead silent the next.
"Awfully quiet, lad. Lost your voice, have you?" Jolee mused.
"It's just-I keep hearing how many Jedi are found and trained when their younger. What if it's too late for me?" Anakin said, a mixture of fear and uncertainty taking place on his face.
Jolee nodded at this and smiled, "Have you ever heard of the Jedi known as Nomi Sunrider?" Anakin shook his head. "No, you probably wouldn't have. Long before your time. But Nomi was one of the powerful and noble Jedi to ever live. Back when the Sith plotted openly against the Republic, instead of acting with the cowardice and secrecy that this new generation does, Nomi defeated one of the greatest Sith ever known, Ulic Qel-Droma. Sadly, this Sith was a former Jedi... as well as a previous love affair. Now note that she defeated him, not killed him. Two very different things."
"How did she defeat him, then?" Anakin asked.
"Nomi was among the first Jedi to master an extremely powerful ability, only to ever be used in the strictest of circumstances. The ability to sever another Force-sensitives power."
"She cut off Ulic from using the Force?" Vaner asked, he too spellbound by the old man's tale.
"Oh yes! You see, Nomi suffered much heartbreak when Ulic fell to the Dark Side, but even then she still cared for him, in a way. Though she couldn't bring herself to kill him, she made sure that he would never use the Force to commit such evils again. Some say it was this act of compassion that caused Ulic to change his ways. Despite not being able to use the Force, he would go on to help train Nomi's daughter, Vima, whom she bore to another love before Ulic. Nomi went on to become Grandmaster of the Order and a legendary Jedi. Now, here is the kicker sonny. Nomi was a full-grown adult when she began training in the ways of the Jedi!"
Anakin stared at the old Jedi in shock of what he just said.
"So, the next time that nagging little voice in the back of your head stirs up any doubts, remember this. Each and every one of us is a unique circumstance. Our stories differ from person to person. Like the snowflakes of Hoth, each little crystal differs from one to another among trillions and trillions. Now, what your story is going to be little snowflake, I don't know. But given how far you've gone; don't you want to see how further it goes?" Jolee chuckled.
Anakin was instantly filled with renewed vigor and smiled proudly and strode along confidently with Vaner in tow amongst the shelves of luminous holobooks. Vaner and Anakin began talking amongst themselves before Vaner crashed to the floor as he collided with a young Twilek padawan.
Vaner brushed himself off as he turned to see the Jedi he collided with, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean-" Vaners eyes went wide as he met the face of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, in his eyes anyways. The young blue skinned-Twilek, no more than sixteen years old, stood up as she too brushed off dust from the ground.
"It's fine, no harm done. But in the future, it would be wise to be mindful of your surroundings," the Twilek smiled down at the young Vaner.
Vaner only smiled back, "If this mere act of clumsiness is what it takes to meet a being as lovely as you, then I should be thankful for my moment of carelessness." Juhani shook her head, Dustil smiled slyly, Mission covered her mouth to hold in a chuckle, and Jolee crossed his arms and just observed Vaner work his magic.
The Twilek quirked an eyebrow, a smirk gracing her lips, and hummed softly, "Well, well. For one so young, you are definitely a charmer. One can wonder how many hearts you will conquer when you are grown."
"The only heart I wish to conquer is the one that has already conquered mine," Vaner shot back.
This earned him a chuckle from the Twilek, "Well, does this conqueror of the heart have a name?"
"Vaner Shan. It's a pleasure to meet you-" Vaner held out his hand.
"Aayla Secura. And the pleasure is all mine, Vaner Shan," she said taking his hand and shaking it gently. Vaner smiled warmly towards the older padawan, and Aayla smiled back at him, noting his innocent attempts of flirting as cute and flattering. This was interrupted when Jolee let out a loud cough.
"AHEM! C'mon Vaner, I'm sure the young lady is rather busy. We wouldn't want to inconvenience her," Jolee said.
"I'm afraid you are correct, master Jedi. But I am pleased to have met you all. Especially you little conqueror," Aayla said with a wink. Vaner blushed at her gesture. She then bowed to the group as they bowed to her. "May the Force be with you all," she said. Aayla then made her way towards the exit of the Archives with Vaner looking at her fleeting form. He was snapped out of this trance when Anakin waved his hand in front of his face.
"Color me impressed, kid. Where'd you learn to talk to women like that?" Dustil asked, still smirking at the young Shan.
"It's got to be hereditary! I can still remember how Revan used to sweet talk Bastilla like that when we all first met. Ain't that right Jolee?" Mission asked.
"Hm? For Force's sake, Mission, I wasn't paying attention! I was busy dealing with a case of bad corns on my feet from walking around from planet to planet! Pfft! I still am!" Jolee said exasperated.
Juhani crossed her arms and looked down at Vaner, "And what would your mother say if she knew you were wooing older women at your age?" Everyone in the group laughed at this, save for Vaner who's face went deathly white.
"Please don't tell Mom," The young padawan said meekly.
Elsewhere Yoda, Bastilla, Windu, Qui-Gon, and Revan walked down the large halls of the Temple, the Coruscant sun piercing through the immense windows as it set on the horizon. The group were conversing amongst themselves as they came unto a balcony that overlooked a middle-aged Jedi training a group of younglings in lightsaber forms.
"I see scouting for new recruits in children is still a common practice, Master Yoda," Revan said.
"It is. A few modifications have been made to it since your age," the green imp smiled up at Bastilla and Revan.
The husband-and-wife duo looked at each other curiously. "We don't follow, Master," Bastilla said.
Yoda looked back out amongst the courtyard of children training, "Train them as children we do. Separate them from their families, we do not. Such an element has become integral in cultivating their sense of unity, brotherhood, as well as the fundamental aspect of all connections that we are bound to have in life... Love."
Revan and Bastilla looked at each other, both baffled yet genuinely pleased at what they have been told.
"It's good to hear the Council wised up when it comes to matters of the heart," Revan said.
"Yes. The Postulate of Bindo has served the Order well the past few millennia," Mace said.
"Postulate of Bindo?" Bastilla asked.
"How did this become part of our teachings, may I ask?" Revan asked.
"It was something taught by one of the greatest grandmasters of our Order. One you may know all to well, Revan," Mace said. Mace and Yoda stopped as they looked up at a giant statue. When Revan looked up to his eyes went wide at the sight.
"Meetra," Revan said, tears forming in his eyes.
"Grandmaster Surik. Great and powerful Jedi she was, but know this you already do. Only imagine to meet her, I can" Yoda said.
"She was kind," Mace and Yoda looked back at Revan, "and loyal. Never gave up. Never surrendered. She was a natural leader... and a good friend."
Bastilla rubbed Revan's back, looking warmly upon her husband as tears formed in her eyes as well.
"Forgive us, Master. Please, let's carry on," Revan said. Yoda and Mace nodded, understanding how difficult it must be never to see their friend again.
"Changed much has, yet some things remain the same... much to the displeasure of the Senate," Yoda said.
"Care to elaborate?" Revan asked.
"One thousand years ago, a Sith sect known as the Brotherhood of Darkness waged war on the Republic and Jedi. After the Seventh Battle of Ruusan, where both our Army of Light and the Brotherhoods warriors were decimated, the Republic went about restructuring its policies. Both the Republic and Jedi militaries were to be liquidated and the Jedi be under the supervision of the Supreme Chancellor and Judicial Committees," Mace said.
"Surely we did not agree to such terms! To hand over our authority to the corruption of the Senate is madness!" Revan exclaimed.
"The Council thought as much, too. So as an ultimatum, we would lay down our military structure as long as we could operate with the same autonomy we always had, or we would exile ourselves to the planet Tython. The Senate was fearful of another Sith threat and thus conceded to our demands," Qui-Gon said.
"If this Brotherhood of Darkness was eradicated, how did this Rule of Two come to be?" Bastilla asked.
"A Sith by the name of Darth Bane came to be. A former member of the Brotherhood, he seceded from it upon discovering knowledge of the ancient Sith. One Sith Lord in particular," Mace looked sadly at Revan, who looked down at the ground in shame.
"For the moment, let us leave the past where it belongs. To the future we must look. In this instance, the future of young Skywalker," Yoda said. "Come, let us find the boy and see his potential within the Order."
"I believe Vaner expressed interest in venturing the halls of the Archives, Master Yoda," Bastilla said.
The group made their way near the Archives when they approached an older Jedi, who had about him an air of eloquence and grace. Revan could also sense was a aspect of refinement within this Jedi. Almost aristocratic. The Jedi strode towards the group in long strides, his cape flowing through the air. As he approached, Revan took note of the curved hilt lightsaber dangling from the man's belt.
"Interesting. For an age where Sith are few in number, I wouldn't imagine there being many who specialize in Form II," Revan thought to himself.
"Master. It is good to see you, " Qui-Gon bowed before the man.
He bowed respectably in return, "As it is to see you, my old padawan."
Qui-Gon turned to Bastilla and Revan, "Revan, Bastilla, allow me to introduce Master Dooku, my old teacher."
"A pleasure to meet you, Master Dooku," Bastilla bowed. Revan simply gave a nod towards the man. Revan reached out with his feelings and could sense something dark lurking within the master Jedi.
"So, it is true," Dooku stared intently upon Revan and Bastilla. "I would not think I'd experience a day where I would have the chance to meet two of the Order's greatest knights."
"Think of our position. We never thought of jumping four millennia into the future would be our fate," Revan said with a smirk.
"Understandable. Despite how riveting such talk of traversing the course of time is, I came to speak to Qui-Gon of the adversary he encountered," Dooku said.
"Adversary WE encountered. A Sith Lord of all things," Bastilla corrected.
"You are certain it was truly a Sith?" Dooku queried.
"Indeed. We have also reason to believe that it was a Sith apprentice. However, it would be best if the finer details of the encounter remain strictly to knowledge of those involved and to the Council for security purposes," Revan explained.
"I see," Dooku said as he rubbed stroked his lustrous goatee. The old Jedi turned to Qui-Gon, "Take caution, Qui-Gon. A Sith Lord is not to be trifled with and I will not be there to protect you." Dooku patted Qui-Gon on the shoulder lightly.
"You need not worry, Master. Obi-Wan fills that roll now. He acquits himself quite well," Qui-Gon said on his padawans behalf.
"That's good. I would like to meet him, someday. You are always singing his praises," Dooku said. He bowed before the Council members and departed. As Dooku made his way past the group, Revan and Dooku accidentally brushed up against one another. In that instant, visions flashed before the eye in Revan's mind.
War. Droids and an army, much akin to the Mandalorians, fighting viciously across the stars. In the midst of a great and terrible battle the Jedi joined the fray, numerous in numbers, turning the tide on behalf of the soldiers of flesh and blood. The scene shifted to two robed and hooded knights, a Guardian and Counselor, signified by their blue and emerald sabers, standing before a caped and hooded Sith. Revan's mental perception focused upon the curved hilt of the Sith's crimson blade.
"Dooku."
Revan vision faded as he was once again before his wife and the Jedi masters, all staring curiously at him.
"Revan?" Bastilla asked.
Revan leaned in and kissed Bastilla's cheek. "We'll talk about it later, Bas. I promise" He turned back to Windu and Yoda, "Now let us find where those boys have wandered off to."
Mace nodded and led the way. Yoda and Bastilla lingered slowly behind to converse amongst themselves. "Common occurrence to keep things hidden, your husband does?" Yoda asked.
"That is asking if water is wet, Master Yoda. But he's always had his reasons. Much to my annoyance. He's my husband and I do not wish for him to shoulder such burdens alone," Bastilla said.
"Bring this matter before the council, I will. With hope, your husband will come to see reason in revealing certain things. As you said, he may have his reasons. Let us not forget, extraordinary tactician and strategist he is. Plotting and planning for threats to come are in his nature," Yoda said in comforting tone. Bastilla nodded in agreement. But what troubled Yoda is that whatever vision Revan experienced it came after meeting his old padawan.
As they came out of one exit of the great halls of the Archive's and entered the Rotunda, The five Jedi masters found the Anakin and Vaner standing beside a great circular database station along with their older chaperones.
"Ah, exploring our halls of knowledge are you, young ones?" Yoda asked as a warm smile graced his lips.
"I could spend eternity here, Master Yoda. I've never felt more at home then in the Archives," Vaner said enthusiastically.
"He takes after his father in regard to learning of the Force and the Order," Bastilla chuckled.
"It's also a good place for him to meet girls," Anakin smirked.
Vaner snapped his head at Anakin, with a look of mock betrayal contorting his face. "Anakin!" he seethed.
Qui-Gon, Windu, and Yoda smiled at this. Revan covered his mouth to hold in a chuckle as Bastilla crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at her boy. "Chatting up women now, Vaner? In the sacred halls of the Temple? Mind your decency, young man."
Vaner stood at attention and folded his hands over his lap, "Yes, Mother."
"Hm," Bastilla hummed annoyed.
Revan stepped between the two groups, "I would love for this to continue. Believe me I would, but I believe we have a matter to deal with." He looked down upon Anakin and smiled, "Anakin, it's time."
The young boy nodded and stepped before Mace and Yoda. "Please follow us, young Skywalker." Mace, Yoda, and Anakin departed from the gathering. Revan and Qui-Gon stood next to each other. "Whatever happens now, we must trust the will of the Force," Qui-Gon said.
"I know. I trust in the boy. He has a good heart. But I am cautious to his resolve against the darkness that lies within. This I feel is paramount," Revan said.
"Aye," Qui-Gon agreed.
Everyone looked on as the two masters and young boy left their sight. Vaner looked on intently after his friend, "May the Force be with, Anakin."
Grand Convocation Chamber-Senate Building-Senate District- Coruscant-32 BBY
A little of one thousand repulsorpods were rested around the room in which a central podium with a mounted seat and control station was located. On said podium was Chancellor Valorum along with his Senior Administrative Aide and Vice Chair of the Senate.
In a nearby repulsorpod stood Senator Palpatine presenting himself before the rest of the Senate. Inwardly he believed that the grief and struggle that Amidala was experiencing was the perfect advantage for him to eject Valorum from the Chancellor's Office.
Valorum stood and spoke in a clear and deep voice, "The Chair recognizes the Senator from the sovereign system of Naboo."
The pod detached from its port and hovered amidst the room. "Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate. A tragedy has occurred that has started right here with the taxation of trade routes and has now engulfed our entire planet in the oppression of the Trade Federation."
Another pod hovered about carrying Senator Lott Dodd. "This is outrageous! I object to the Senator's statements!"
"The Chair does not recognize the Senator from the Trade Federation at this time!" Valorum said.
"To state our allegations, I present Queen Amidala, recently elected ruler of the Naboo, who speaks on our behalf," Palpatine said.
As Padme stood and looked upon the room full of delegates, she couldn't help but wonder what course of action she would take. Her eyes then fixed on Chancellor Valorum. He did everything with what power he had to help. The man went behind the Senates back and sent in the Jedi. In a Senate ripe with corruption, it was obvious why they would restrain the man from bringing them into the situation. It was by no fault of his own that his hands were tied.
"Honorable representatives of the Republic, I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. Naboo's system has been invaded by the droid army of the Trade-" Padme began before Lott Dodd interrupted.
"I object! There is no proof! This is incredible! We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth."
Another repulsorpod carrying a group of Grans joined the debate, "The Congress of Malastare concurs with the honorable delegates of the Trade Federation. A commission must be appointed."
"A point-" Valorum began before he was interrupted by his Vice Chair.
"Enter the bureaucrats, the true rulers of the Republic, and on the payroll of the Trade Federation I might add," Palpatine whispered into Padme's ear. "This is where Chancellor Valorum's strength will disappear."
Valorum's attention was brought again before the Senate, "The point is conceded. Will you defer your motion to allow a commission to explore the valdidity of your accusations?" The man sounded exasperated at his own statement. Almost defeated.
Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Padme' recalled what Revan said to her.
"Trust your instincts, Padme'. You'll make the right decision when the moment comes."
She looked back up at the Chancellor, "I will not defer. I have come before you to resolve the attack on our sovereignty now! I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while it was discussed in a committee!" Palpatine could sense the anger swelling in the young Queen. He thought how perfectly that anger has been used against the Republic. However, it is what Amidala said next which baffled him
"But if it is evidence that this body requires to take action, then I shall bring you such," Padme said. Everyone in the chambers were confused as to what just happened. Lott Dodd stared daggers at her as her Highness's repulsorpod docked.
The Queen made her way down the halls of the Senate Building with Palpatine racing after her asking what she meant, but she remained silent. A little way down the hall, she found Canderous leaning against the wall, arms crossed and Carth standing before her, hands on his hips.
"We saw everything, Your Highness. I take it we're doing this the hard way then?" Carth asked.
"The only way that remains is the one we have been presented with," Padme said. She turned to Canderous, "You asked me what I was willing to do for my people, Canderous Ordo. This is the day I show you," she said.
The Mandalorian smirked at this, "I knew there was a fighter inside of you. Time to see what your made of... Your Highness."
She again turned to Carth, "Admiral, given that my ship has not survived the voyage, I would hope I could speak with our... mutual friend, to see if I could take passage to Naboo."
Carth nodded, "Follow me."