Here we are, readers, the very first installment of my newest series in the Jedi Princess-verse. I have been surfing a lot of different videos on Yourube, and seen plenty of Star Wars What If's done by fans from all around, as well as comments saying that there really should be a What If series for Star Wars. And that, I agree.
In the meantime, I will share some of my own what if's for this Star Wars AU and of mine, most of them ideas that just kind of popped into my head as I was writing the three original Jedi Princess stories, as well as a few based on ideas I previously had that didn't make the final cut for certain chapters. Anyways, I hope you enjoy.
P.S. This chapter includes some parts from Tales of the Jedi episode "The Sith Lord"
What If... Dooku learned Qui-Gon Jinn was a father after his death?
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
It was just another day in the Jedi Temple, a place where Jedi young and old lived and trained to use the Force, but at the cost of being isolated from the outside world most of the time. No attachments, no marriages, no families, no jobs seeking fame, power, or wealth. The Jedi pretty much lived simply. Let's just say, the Jedi Temple was not the most colorful place you'd ever visit.
In recent times, there was the belief that a dark force was about to awaken, but only one Jedi Master appeared concerned at the moment. Master Dooku, born to an aristocratic family before he came to the Jedi Temple. Dooku felt that changed could be made to the Republic to ensure peace, as well as to the Jedi. He himself had an active imagination, which he later passed on to his now former student Qui-Gon Jinn. Though they were only ten years apart, Dooku grew to love Qui-Gon like a son in their time as Master and Apprentice.
One day, Dooku was in the Temple library, where he took a little trip to the archive. He entered a code to access the memory, where he erased the location of the Planet Kamino. No one else knew, but Dooku resorted to something rather drastic since the Council would not listen to his warnings. He didn't like that it might be what it took, but he didn't know any other way. Even the Jedi younglings didn't seem to listen. Dooku was convinced the Council probably bribed them with candy or something, like some civilian parents did to get their kids to behave, which only resorted in cavities.
As Dooku left the archives, he noticed other Jedi were whispering to each other about something. Curious, he approached Jocasta Nu, the librarian.
"What's causing all the excitement, Master Jocasta?"
"Your apprentice," said the librarian.
"Qui-Gon."
"Yes, it would seem he has encountered a Sith Lord, or so he claimed to the Jedi High Council."
"Where was this encounter?"
Jocasta thought and said, "Tatooine. Yes, I think that was it. Deep in the Outer Rim, of course. Qui-Gon Jinn always had such an active imagination."
Dooku sighed. "A quality valued less and less in these great halls."
Meanwhile, Qui-Gon Jinn was walking through the hall with Jedu Master Yaddle, and the two of them could hear Jedi chattering amongst each other in the hall.
Qui-Gon had just gotten back after bringing home a little boy he freed from slavery on Tatooine, who he was determined to keep safe and trained as a Jedi, calling him the Chosen One.
"I guess word travels fast," said Qui-Gon to Yaddle.
"Well, your statements to the Council were rather surprising." said Yaddle.
"Qui-Gon," said a new, but familiar voice, which turned out to be Dooku's.
"Master," greeted Qui-Gon.
"I heard of your report to the Council." Dooku explained. "Tell me of this mysterious attacker on Tatooine."
"I encountered a highly skilled warrior, one obviously trained in the Jedi arts." Qui-Gon seemed nervous as he told his former master.
"And you believe it was a Sith Lord?"
"Yes."
"I gather the Council was not eager to validate that conclusion?"
"No, they were not, Master."
"I've been warning them about the coming darkness for years, never to be taken seriously."
"Speaking in behalf of the Council," said Yaddle. "there's no reason to cause undue alarm."
"So, you doubt his claim?"
Dooku thought the Council was crazy! Qui-Gon would never lie or joke about something so serious.
"No, I do not. But the wisdom of the Council is to be cautious until we know more."
Which is just another way of saying the Council is going to ignore the problem instead of doing anything and hide more secrets.
"Master Yaddle is right about one thing," said Dooku, placing a hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder. "A Sith Lord is not to be trifled with. And I will not be there to protect you, my old Padawan."
"You need not worry, Master." Qui-Gon said. "Obi-Wan fills that role now. He acquits himself quite well."
"That's good. I should like to meet him someday. You're always singing his praises."
Dooku watched silently as his former student entered the elevator and disappeared as the door closed. Yaddle, however, sensed something in Dooku.
"Master Dooku, are you alright?" she asked.
"They grow up so fast, our students." Dooku said.
"Yes, it is the way of things."
"Indeed. I must take my leave."
And he did. But little did he know, that would be the last time he'd see his apprentice.
Sometime later, Dooku was met with devastating news. Qui-Gon Jinn was just confirmed dead, having been lost in battle on Naboo. Only the Jedi knew it was by a Sith Lord, but it was all over the news. Qui-Gon gained quite a reputation in the Republic, and many were devastated by his loss.
Dooku stood by a tree in the Temple courtyard alone, and Master Yaddle came by. Dooku sensed her there, and said something on his mind.
"I used to bring Qui-Gon here as a boy. He was fascinated with this tree. Having been born here on Coruscant, a planet of steel and stone... he knew nothing like it."
"The Council is leaving for Naboo," said Yaddle. "The funeral is to be held there."
Thunder rumbled as though to amplify Dooku's anger.
"I doubt I will be pleasant company." Dooku said.
"You hold them accountable?"
Dooku turned around and said, "Qui-Gon Jinn has become one with the Force. It is time to let him go."
Then he started to walk away.
"And you can do this?" Yaddle said.
"What choice have I?" was the last thing Dooku said to Yaddle.
But as Dooku was heading for the hangar, something told him that he first needed to pay a visit to Qui-Gon's old room. Obviously, his things would be cleared out soon, so Dooku went into Qui-Gon's room. He could almost feel like he was still there when he entered and sat on Qui-Gon's bed. However, he noticed something sticking from under Qui-Gon's pillow.
Dooku looked under the pillow and found some envelopes with different names on them. Carmine, Kara, Anakin, and... Dooku?
Dooku took the one with his name on it and found a message that said the last thing he expected.
My dearest Master Dooku,
If you are reading this, it means you have outlived me as I have become one with the Force
It saddens me that this was a possibility, and I need you to do something to ensure I rest in peace.
Long ago, I made an important discovery about my past. That I was born to a royal family from a kingdom
that fell by dark forces who remain at large, and I was one of few heirs left to someday restore Solaris' former beauty.
I kept it secret in order to keep my children safe
Dooku paused right there; if he'd had a drink, he'd spit it right out. Qui-Gon was a father?!
By now, each of them has likely gained special powers they must be trained to use properly.
My wish for them, I ask that you take care of my children. Raise them, love them, protect them for me.
Their names are Anakin Skywalker, Kara Talhin, and Carmine Jinn. I am leaving you their last known locations so you may find them.
Anakin: Tatooine, where he lived with his mother Shmi Skywalker
Kara Talhin: the Jedi Temple
Carmine Jinn: 423 Scanti Drive, unit 9-H, Coruscant. Lives with my mother, Miranda Jinn.
I believe you will do a wonderful job caring for them. Please let them know that I never meant to leave them behind, and I have always
loved each and every one of them, and only wanted what was best for them to keep them safe.
Sincerely, Qui-Gon Jinn
Dooku couldn't help it, but to his great surprise, he felt tears come to his eyes. He wasn't sure if it was more from this last message his late Padawan left for him, or that Qui-Gon had children he never even told his master about, and they were now left without their father. But, if they were Force sensitive like Qui-Gon, maybe there was a chance they could grow up to be the ones to defeat the coming darkness. Except... he couldn't stay here on Coruscant now, not with Sidious learning he was planning to turn back. He had to keep those kids safe from the dark side. For Qui-Gon. But, he had to find them first.