chapter 12
Good luck
Those were Zeos' words, repeating through Ahsoka's mind as her and Anakin walked to the star destroyer's bridge. Anakin's ship was harbored on one of Earths' outer rings. Ahsoka was going to meet the entire Jedi council to discuss Earth, the new planet. The repetition in her mind wasn't because Ahsoka was nervous, it was because she felt honored representing Eutopus; representing Zeos. She grew a strong passion for this new life just as she did when training as a Jedi.
The final set of blast doors opened; an image of the entire Jedi council was projected through the holoprojector in front of her. Obi-wan was standing on the bridge waiting for the two.
"Greetings, Ahsoka," Yoda said, "Happy to see you we are."
"Likewise, masters," Ahsoka replied and bowed to the council. "Shall I begin?"
"Please do," said master Windu, "We are eager to learn about this new planet."
Ahsoka pulled out her PDA and her flash drive on her necklace. It was a gift from Zeos and she has been using it to store any data about Earth. She hooked it to her PDA and plugged the device in the projector. A hologram of Earth appeared, but it was slightly different from what the Jedi know of Earth to be today; the space rings were gone and the one large continent was several.
"This was Earth almost two million years ago," Ahsoka said, "The planet originally held seven continents, each filled with different wildlife and different environments."
"Then what happened?" Windu asked. Ahsoka clicked a few buttons and the hologram of Earth was being consumed by a red shroud.
"A world war.," Ahsoka continued, "It is unknown who took the first shot, but whoever did used bombs with a high blast radius. They were called, 'Nuclear warheads.'" The image of Earth vanished and a large, flaming mushroom cloud appeared. There were no images of how devastating it is, but the council could imagine. "Nations had no choice but to return fire, but it quickly got out of hand."
The mushroom picture expanded to reveal multiple clouds appearing everywhere.
"Goodness," Ki-Adi-Mundi exclaimed. Ahsoka had looked back at the council. Only a handful of them were able to keep straight face after hearing what Ahsoka had just said.
Ahsoka continued, "That war was nearly two million years ago. Eutopus grew from a shack in the middle of a desert to the continental superpower it is today. All thanks to its united population, strong work ethic, and the leadership of Emperor Zeos Maloran."
"Indeed," Windu said in his stern tone, "Jenna and Anakin have told us of his, 'Immortality.'" Ahsoka looked at him. She wasn't surprised that they knew about the immortality thing; it was more because out of that whole presentation, Master Windu heard only that Zeos has lived a long life.
"Curious we are," master Yoda asked, "How immortal he became."
Ahsoka deeply thought before she spoke. Zeos knew the council would be curious and his request to Ahsoka ringed through her head: You cannot tell them about this, Ahsoka. There's no telling what they will do.
"He…he never told me," she told the council, "but I believe it's because of his strength in the force." The council began mumbling to one another. Even Obi-wan and Anakin were surprised at the response. Ahsoka had remained calm; she had nothing to fear because the truth was now well hidden.
"Strong in the force he must be," Yoda said, ending the councils muttering
"Has he showed you how this technique is done?" Wind asked.
"Unfortunately no," Ahsoka continued with her lie, "he hasn't even taught me how to control fire." That last part was actually truth.
"Control fire?" Mace Windu asked. "You do not know this either?"
"No, Zeos has explained it to me. He just..." Ahsoka realized that the council was completely lost at what she was saying. "Maybe I should start from the beginning."
Ahsoka closed all her programs and opened her "Arcanum" file. The first image was an oval-shaped diamond with wings on the side.
Ahsoka continued her presentation, "Zeos, along with most of Earth, believe in the religion of Arcanum. The followers believe in an angel as the bringer of life. She creates a spark upon planets, starting an evolutionary process. The spark is thought to form microscopic essence within species. To us, it is the Force. To them, it is the Mana."
"What does this have to do with the Arca-Knights and their abilities?" Kit Fisto asked.
"The Arca-knights are warriors of Arcanum," Ahsoka immediately retorted, "They believe their powers are a gift by the angel, so they keep balance to the most important belief of Arcanum, Freedom."
The council was glad to hear this, knowing these people use their strength in the force for good. "A strong Ally they can become," said Yoda with a smile.
"If they choose to join the Republic," said Master Saesee Tiin.
"Actually, Master Tiin," said Ahsoka, "the Arca-knights don't influence politics as we do. But I can assure you, Zeos Maloran will join the Republic."
"Excellent," Master Yoda replied, "Then return quickly you will?"
"With you permission, masters. I'd prefer to stay a little longer." The council stared at Ahsoka in confusion. "My understanding of this planet is complete. But to complete my training as an Arca-knight, I must duel Zeos' other apprentice."
Master Windu, Yoda, and other council members understood her reason. They knew her training should continue to avoid any insult to the local culture.
"Very well," Windu spoke after taking a quick glance around the Jedi council, "The ship will stay harbored as you finish you training with the Arca-knights. Anakin Skywalker and Master Obi-wan Kenobi shall join you on Earth."
"Thank you, my masters," Ahsoka said, happily and bowed graciously to the council. "May the Mana guide—I-I mean may the force be with you," she quickly corrected. Windu held a confusing look while Yoda grinned and slightly chuckled. Anakin and Ahsoka began leaving the bridge.
"Nice save," he said.
"Thanks."
The two left as the blast doors shut behind them. The meeting made Mace Windu uneasy. "I sense Ahsoka deceived us," he said.
"More to the Arca-knights there must be," Yoda responded.
"Shall I personally investigate them?" Obi-wan suggested
"No," said Windu, "This planet seemed stable. Nevertheless, we should simply keep a watchful eye on them."
Zeos, Jenna and the Eutopus board were discussing the Galactic Republic. Every word echoed through Zeos' head like an archer-fly's buzzing wings. Some were good while others made Zeos worried, such as the trading guilds Jenna was just discussing.
"…and so with the right contracts enacted," Jenna said, "commerce guilds like the Trade Federation are able to deal on both sides of this war."
"Not to mention easy to run illegal activities," said Fredrick.
"Who cares about that," Alexander retorted as he slammed his fist on the table. "These guys can double-deal OVER the damn table. It's ridiculous! Don't you agree my lord?"
Zeos pushed his long hair back in stress. "I hate corporations." He stood up to think. "These merchants are trouble if their political influence is as big as you say, Jenna."
"Well," said Ethan, "I think this would be-"
"Your opinion shouldn't matter, Ethan" Fredrick retorted, "You just want the republic so you can worm into power."
"How dare you? I have a right to voice my opinion in this meeting."
"No, Fred's right," Diath said, "You always side with whatever makes you money."
"Who asked you, you redneck farm boy?"
"Redneck?" Diath shouted and shot up from his seat.
"Silence!" Zeos shouted even louder. The three secretaries stared at their Emperor. "Fredrick, Diath, your opinions have no importance in economics. And Ethan, you ARE the most corrupt yuppie here, so shut it."
"Sorry, my lord," the three spoke it unison. The room grew quiet again.
"That's better. Now, as for the Republic, I think these separatists might have the right idea about it."
"We're joining the CIS?" Alex asked.
"I'm not sure. Republic has its history, Confederacy has the right idea, and neutrality can always keep us safe."
"And can keep us in darkness," Fredrick retorted. The whole board, including Zeos, looked at him. "You said so yourself last year, my lord. Neutrality is out of the question."
"I was exaggerating; we didn't put it to a vote."
"Why should we?"
There's only one time Fredrick gets this passionate about a decision, Zeos thought. "The population is unanimous," five points for me, "They don't care if the galaxy is in war; they want to see the stars."
Zeos looked throughout his council. Their faces clearly told what they would choose if it came to a vote. "Very well," he said, "By my power as Emperor of Earth, I officially cancel the choice of Neutrality in this discussion."
A rush of relief went through each secretary. Alexander, however, realized the bigger picture. "So who will we join in this war?" he asked. Zeos kept silent, for he was unsure of which side to choose. He might as well flip a coin.
Finally, Zeos came to a solution to avoid a lengthy debate. "Well, clearly you six know too little about these governments to have an opinion. I suggest this decision be made by just me."
"I agree," Alexander immediately said. He always preferred Zeos making the decisions.
"Any oppose?" Zeos asked out loud. No one said a word. "Excellent, rest assured I shall make this decision as soon as possible."
Zeos' phone began to vibrate on the table. Ahsoka had just texted him.
Just finished :)
I get 2 stay longer! YAY!
You wnt lunch?
Zeos chuckled at it.
"My lord?" asked one of the secretaries. Zeos wasn't sure of who got his attention since all their voices sound just like his.
"Sorry about that," said Zeos, "That was Ahsoka. Anyway, is there anything else needed to be discussed?" The room stayed silent. "Very well, meeting adjourned." The members began to pack their things, and Zeos and Jenna walked to the main elevator.
"How'd I do?" Jenna asked as the two went down.
"Perfect," Zeos said, gently kissing her lips.
"So, what did Ahsoka Want?"
"Nothing; just telling me she finished her presentation. The Jedi also let her stay for her final part of training."
"Oh…" Jenna spoke in an unsurely, "Excellent."
"Is something wrong?"
"I…Nothing."
"Jenna," Zeos said in a stern tone, "we're getting married soon. Now's not the best time to start keeping secrets."
Jenna made a small giggle. "I'm sorry. I'm just being impatient." Her arms wrapped around Zeos' back. "I've been your apprentice for four and a half years. Now that I'm so close," she reached her hand high in the air as though she was reaching for the sun, "I just want it now."
"Patience, my love," Zeos said softly. He held Jenna's reaching hand and pulled her closer with his other. "You're almost there."
Jenna smiled seductively. She melted with the very words he spoke. She kicked the stop button, making the elevator halt. Zeos grinned; he knew her game.
"Oops," she said erotically. Zeos smiled as the two shared a romantic embrace.
Count Dooku sat within his leading gunship. Behind his fleet was the Iego system and what remains of the galactic Republic. A transmission was immediately received. It was Lord sideous. Dooku kneeled to the hologram of his dark master.
"My lord, the Iego system is ours once again," Dooku said with great pride.
"I have little interest in backwater star systems, count. A new system has been discovered by the Republic. My spies tell me it is called Earth."
"A new star system? Shall I ready my fleet?"
"No!" Sideous fiercely exclaimed. "You cannot attack them. I am sending you the coordinates; go to this system and persuade them to join us."
Dooku rose back to his feet. "I shall take care of this personally, my master."
Alright! I was able to finish this in two weeks. Now technically this chapter is done, But I plan to review it and see if I need/want to make any changes. But this chapter plot is done so feel free to critique it as a finished product. I'll be back with chapter 13.