A/N: I do not own Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Darth Plagueis (novel).

A New Knight — A New Padawan

Coruscant, Jedi Temple. 32 BBY.

While the whole Senate of the Galactic Republic and the galaxy were in the middle of deciding Naboo's fate, as the lush planet was at the mercy of the Trade Federation, a Jedi Padawan was about to be knighted.

"Step forward, padawan." Adi Gallia, a female Tholotian Jedi Master of the Jedi High Council, ordered to a young Human woman with blonde hair in her early twenties. The two were inside a dark chamber, with the only sources of light being Gallia's ignited lightsaber, and the projector right above the padawan.

Obeying her master's command, the padawan stepped forward and bowed before the Tholotian.

"Siri Tachi," Adi spoke once again. "by the right of the Jedi Council…" she lowered her lightsaber close to the padawan's right shoulder, barely touching it.

"… by the will of the Force…" she then lowered to her left shoulder. "… you are thereby now…"

She then cut off Siri's padawan braid with her lightsaber in one strike, causing it to fall onto the floor.

"… Jedi Knight of the Republic." she ended. Smiling, Siri Tachi stood up before Adi Gallia continued.

"Siri Tachi," she then took out Siri's lightsaber. "I, Master Gallia, acknowledge that you have passed the trials of the Jedi. I deem this lightsaber, built by your own hands, worthy of a Jedi Knight." proclaiming this, she gave the weapon to the former padawan. "Use this blade well. Always for peace and justice."

"Thank you, Master Gallia." the newly-knighted Siri Tachi bowed after taking the lightsaber.

The day was coming to an end as the sun was setting down beyond the horizon. Siri Tachi was walking down the corridors of the Jedi Temple, looking for someone. Numerous Jedi Knights passed her, while some Jedi younglings were seen running around, giggling, which caused Siri to smile sweetly. Shortly after being knighted, Siri and Adi Gallia began seeing each other rarely, and Siri understood why.

The whole galaxy heard the news that Chancellor Finis Valorum of the Galactic Republic was resigning from office. Under his reign, the Senate was becoming even more corrupt and various corporations such as the Trade Federation, Commerce Guild and the Techno Union, were increasing their influence and power within the Senate.

This allowed them to colonize and occupy some Republic worlds. Sadly, Naboo was facing the same fate.

Right now, the Mid Rim world was suffering from a blockade of the Trade Federation. Queen Amidala herself has come to plead aid from the Chancellor. Siri was not sure what happened within the Senate, but it was clear that the queen was not pleased, as she then called for a Vote of No Confidence, removing Valorum from office. Right now, he was in the process of giving up his powers.

Numerous candidates were to be elected. However, from what Siri heard, Senator Palpatine of Naboo, whose planet was suffering now, was apparently winning the elections.

After some searching, Siri finally found the one she was looking for – Qui-Gon Jinn. She knew the Jedi Master very well, since she and his padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, were close and worked on numerous missions together. Siri knew that Qui-Gon was a wise mentor, even if he was maverick and controversial. He would sometimes argue with the decisions of the Jedi High Council, and while Siri looked up to Jinn, Obi-Wan, however, supported the Council. Seeing her approaching him, Qui-Gon smiled.

"Siri," he greeted her. "I heard you've been knighted. Congratulations on passing the trials."

"Thank you, master." she bowed in return before immediately getting to business. "Master Qui-Gon, may I ask?"

"Yes?"

"Is it true? You have found the Chosen One?" she asked. Although she was recently knighted, Siri heard that Qui-Gon brought a boy, a former slave from Tatooine. From what she heard, Qui-Gon believed that this boy was the Chosen One, destined to bring balance in the Force. Siri heard about the prophecy during her teachings. Knowing Qui-Gon well, she believed that this boy, whom she never met yet, could be the Chosen One.

"It is." he confirmed.

"You will train him?" she asked with curiosity. Qui-Gon, however, sighed deeply.

"I'm afraid the Council has denied my request."

"Is it because Obi-Wan is still your padawan?" she asked.

"I told them that Obi-Wan is ready for the trials to become a knight," he explained. "but that is not the case. They don't believe that Anakin is the Chosen One. They fear him, believing that he is dangerous. Indeed, he is quite powerful, and gifted."

Siri nodded. Growing up, she knew that the Council was not flawless, just like every living being. Sadly, this is where she and Kenobi argued. Siri already assumed that Kenobi was supporting the Council's view.

"What about the attacker you fought?" she then asked. "From what Master Gallia mentioned, you claim it was a Sith Lord, though she is sceptical of your claims."

"Yes, I agree, the Sith have not been on sight for a thousand years," Qui-Gon told her. "especially with the Rule of Two introduced by Darth Bane. However, I know that this Zabrak warrior was a Sith. I felt so much darkness inside him; pain, anger, hate and rage. He was quite powerful, not your everyday Dark Jedi."

As he talked, approaching footsteps were heard, followed by an aristocratic voice.

"Qui-Gon."

Hearing his name, the two turned right and saw Jedi Master Dooku approaching them. Both Qui-Gon Jinn and Siri Tachi bowed before him. Siri Tachi never met him before, just as Obi-Wan, but she knew who he was. Dooku came from a noble family on Serenno. He was Qui-Gon's former master, and before that he was the padawan of Master Yoda himself!

"Master Dooku." Qui-Gon greeted his former mentor. Dooku nodded before turning to Siri.

"Congratulations on passing the trials, Tachi."

"Thank you, master." Siri bowed before him. Dooku then spoke to Qui-Gon.

"I heard of your report to the Council." Dooku's voice was filled with worry and concern. "Tell me about this mysterious attacker on Tatooine."

Qui-Gon told Dooku that he encountered a highly skilled warrior, trained in Jedi arts.

"I gather the Council was not eager to validate that conclusion?" Dooku suddenly asked in an accusing tone, which was directed at the Council, not at his former padawan.

"No, they were not, Master Dooku." Jinn confirmed. Dooku sighed in frustration. Just like Qui-Gon, Dooku was sometimes at odds with the Council. He was well known not only within the Order, but also outside of it, as an outspoken critic of the corruption that plagued the Senate and the Republic.

And Siri could not disagree with him. The Republic, that lasted for millennia, was rotting from inside as corruption and bureaucracy took over. Senators, instead of serving the people of their home planets, began filling up their own pockets. Chancellors became either uncapable of running the state or corrupt just as the senators. Slavery prospered within the Outer Rim and Wild Space, and yet neither the Republic nor the Jedi Order could do about it.

Tensions between Dooku and the Council rose after fighting the Mandalorians on Galidraan twelve years ago. Siri personally did not participate, but she learned of what happened from the Jedi that have returned from the mission.

At first it seemed to be simple; the governor of Galidraan sent an emergency call against a Mandalorian invasion. Dooku was tasked of leading the Jedi task force consisting of twenty Jedi, which was ill-prepared. Unlike most of the Jedi sent there, Dooku had knowledge of the Mandalorian warriors. He knew of their reputation and requested reinforcements, but the Council denied his request.

However, Dooku soon learned that the governor used the Jedi to further his personal motives. Then his second apprentice, Komari Vosa, went missing on Baltizaar and presumed dead. Soon, Siri was among the padawans that heard of Dooku protested against the Council, arguing that they were wasting Jedi lives for political reasons.

At the same time, Dooku, while being more and more detached from the Order, began believing in prophecies telling about the dark times unfolding across the galaxy. From Adi Gallia's words, Siri saw that the Council ignored his warnings.

Just like Dooku, Qui-Gon refused the offer of joining the Council, with the aim of remaining as an independent peacekeeper. Qui-Gon inherited the morals from Dooku, and Siri, despite being trained under Adi Gallia, inherited them too, unlike Obi-Wan.

"I have been warning them of the coming darkness for years." Dooku stated in anger. "Never to be taken seriously. Sifo Dyas was one of the few who understood."

Siri nodded, she heard about Sifo Dyas. Just like Dooku, he was considered to be a maverick Jedi. A member of the Jedi High Council, he believed in his friend's claims of the returning darkness. In addition, he claimed that a large conflict was coming to the galaxy and that the Republic needed a massive army to defend itself. The Council too rejected his views. Soon, he was also removed from the Council as his ideas were considered to be too extreme.

He disappeared somewhere around the time when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan went to Naboo to negotiate with the Trade Federation.

"A Sith Lord is not something to trifle with." Dooku then declared before placing a hand onto Qui-Gon's left shoulder. "Be careful out there, my old friend."

"I will." Qui-Gon assured him.

Nodding to the two, Dooku then left. The last time Siri Tachi saw Dooku was at the Meditation Gardens, mourning his former padawan shortly after receiving news of Qui-Gon's death on Naboo.

Siri was also distraught over the news of Master Jinn's death. She may be the former padawan of Master Gallia, but she looked up to him. He was a wise mentor, even if he was at odds with Gallia and the other members of the Jedi Council. Siri always considered Qui-Gon Jinn to be one of the best Jedi the galaxy ever had.

Now, he was gone. Looking back at Dooku one last time, Siri Tachi joined the other Jedi as they headed towards the Consular-class space cruiser bent on Naboo which has just been liberated by a unified force of Naboo people and the native Gungans.

Theed, Naboo.

Taking off his helmet, 9-year-old Anakin Skywalker yelped in excitement as he jumped out of the cockpit of the yellow-coloured his N-1 starfighter once he landed into the hangar of the Naboo planetary forces. He was filled with joy, and for a very good reason.

It was minutes ago he destroyed the flagship of the Trade Federation blockade on the planet's orbit. From the broadcast, he and the pilots learned that the battle droids were deactivated, leading to the victory of the Gungans, while Padmé Amidala, who was actually the queen all this time, and her men managed to capture Viceroy Nute Gunray. Although they have received no news of the Jedi, the boy was positive that Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, were victorious.

Once he landed onto the ground, Anakin was immediately surrounded by the other pilots. To say that they were shocked to discover that a boy destroyed the flagship was an understatement. All of them hugged Anakin, thanking him for bringing victory to their planet.

With R2-D2 following him, barely catching up with the boy, Anakin raced across the hangar towards Padmé once he found her. Hearing him calling out to her, the teenage girl looked around and smiled before allowing the young boy to hug her. Padmé eagerly returned the hug.

"Ani, you're a hero!" she exclaimed as she held him close, already aware of Anakin's heroic deed. Just then, she saw Obi-Wan Kenobi coming towards them. The girl's smile faded once she saw that not only Qui-Gon was absent, but also, Kenobi held an additional lightsaber, while his personal one was attached to his belt as usual.

"Padawan Kenobi, where's Master Qui-Gon?" she asked. Hearing her, Anakin looked up and noticed the absence of Jinn.

Kenobi exhaled. "I regret to inform you, your majesty, that Master Qui-Gon fought bravely, but perished in battle. The Sith Lord slayed him."

To Anakin, everything began to fall apart once he heard that. No, this could not happen. Qui-Gon, the Jedi Master who helped him win his own freedom, who defended him at the Jedi High Council, was now dead. Feeling his eyes tearing up, the 9-year-old broke into tears, feeling Padmé hugging him once again, soothing the boy.

"No! No! No! No!" Anakin hiccupped with his tears. "Master Qui-Gon could not die! He couldn't!"

"Shhh," Padmé cooed, though she too could not hold back her tears. She and Qui-Gon Jinn met each other not that long ago, but during her journey to Coruscant, the time they spent on Tatooine where they met Anakin, and during their journey back to liberate Naboo, they became close friends. To hear his peril it was a nightmare to the young queen. However, Padmé understood that it was Anakin who was hurting the most. Qui-Gon helped him win his freedom, and wanted to personally train him. He was literally a father-figure to little Ani. Now, he was gone, and although they liberated her homeworld, Qui-Gon's death was a great loss to all of them.

Kenobi had no choice but to stand still, watching at Anakin with sympathy. He may have disagreed with his master's view on the boy, and supporting the Council's opinion of Anakin being dangerous, but he felt terrible for him. It was obvious how dear his master was to the poor boy, just as how dear Qui-Gon was to him.

Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi stood in silence, along with Queen Amidala, newly-elected Chancellor Palpatine, and the Jedi Council, staring at the funeral pyre of his master. Insecure thoughts of failure filled his mind. He felt guilty for failing Qui-Gon, allowing the Sith Lord, Darth Maul, to kill him. If only he was quicker, he would have come to Jinn's aid and together they would have defeated the Zabrak without casualties. He looked at Anakin, who was standing with the Queen, barely holding himself as Qui-Gon's body burned. Queen Amidala held Anakin close to her in an affectionate way, like an older sister holding her younger brother.

Guilt filled Kenobi as once again, he remembered his master's last words.

Dying, Qui-Gon asked Kenobi to train Anakin. The moment the Council arrived, Obi-Wan spoke to Yoda, and still, the Council refused, even if it was Qui-Gon's last request. Though, Kenobi himself still doubted that Anakin was the Chosen One.

Suddenly, he felt someone touching his left shoulder. Spinning around, Obi-Wan's mouth gaped when he saw Siri Tachi standing behind him.

"Siri?"

"Hello, Obi." she greeted her old friend. "I've heard of what happened. My condolences."

"Thank you." the new Jedi Knight nodded shakily. She then gently took his left hand in comfort, offering him a weak smile.

Siri was two years younger than Obi-Wan. During their years as padawans, Siri had a very tomboyish attitude. They may had clashes, but eventually became friends as they joined Master Gallia and Master Qui-Gon on several missions. She was headstrong and impatient at first, but after Kenobi saved her from a bounty hunter named Ona Nobis, she learned to be prudent.

However, the two then discovered their love for each other. In a cave, their bickering led them to their love confessions, but they decided to focus on the mission, and soon abandoned their love. This lead Siri to be heartbroken for some time and drifted their friendship.

Siri then noticed Anakin standing beside the queen.

"So this is the Chosen One?" she whispered to Kenobi.

"At least that's what Qui-Gon believes" he answered. "The Council still won't let me train Anakin. They claim him to be too old to train and too dangerous."

"So what are they going to do with him?" Siri asked with deep concern. She heard that Anakin was a slave on Tatooine. If he would be sent back there, he would end up enslaved once again. How could the Council condemn a child to slavery? She could not allow this to happen. Thinking of what she would say to the Council, Siri left her friend and approached Anakin before bowing to the queen.

"Anakin?" she asked. The boy looked up at her with watery eyes. "My name is Siri Tachi. I am a Jedi Knight."

"Nice to meet you." he spoke, obviously shy of her. Not to mention he is distraught of what the Council would do to him. Once the funeral ended, everyone began to leave when Siri gently took Anakin's hand and went to catch up with the Council.

"Masters?" she called out to them. The masters turned around to see her and Anakin, at whom they glared.

"Siri." Adi Gallia was the first to speak as she greeted her.

"Masters," Siri bowed to them before addressing her request. "I request permission to train this boy, Anakin Skywalker."

Both Anakin and the masters stared at her in disbelief.

"This boy will not be trained, Knight Tachi." Mace Windu remained stoic.

"That boy is dangerous!" Ki-Adi-Mundi added. Siri could feel anger inside Anakin, obviously offended for the Jedi masters not referring to him by his name. She couldn't really blame him. She turned to Yoda.

"Master Yoda, I know that Anakin is too old and has too much attachment," she spoke. "and yes, he is very powerful, but we cannot send him back to Tatooine. As you said it yourself, he is powerful and dangerous, but he could be dangerous if he is in the wrong hands. If we leave him on Tatooine, he would become a slave again, and with his power, anyone would try to use him as a weapon. Say, the Hutts, for example."

"The Hutts cannot train this boy to become a powerful Force-user." Mace remained stubborn.

"But the Sith can." Siri argued, looking at the masters in frustration and despair. "Can't you understand? Qui-Gon was telling the truth! The Zabrak was a Sith Lord, and we don't know if he was the master, or the apprentice. But that's not what matters; what matters is that the Sith have returned! Darkness has returned to the galaxy! If the Sith discover Anakin's powers, they would stop at nothing to get their hands on him and weaponize this poor boy against the Order and the Republic!"

"Under our care," she ended her argument. "we can prevent the Sith from using him."

Silence reigned like for eternity as the members of the Jedi High Council considered her words. Some like Mace Windu still believed the righteousness of their words, while some saw reason in Siri's speech. Yoda finally made the decision.

"True what you say is." he spoke. "An act of compassion, your request to train the boy is. To train, not easy it will be. Granted, your request is."

Anakin's eyes widened in surprise, while a smiling Siri bowed before the Grand Master. However, not everyone was happy about this.

"Master, you cannot be…" Mace protested.

"Dangerous you said this boy is." Yoda hummed. "More danger he will bring if under the influence of the Sith, will be. Keep him under our watch, we must."

Puffing in defeat, Mace Windu bowed before Yoda before leaving. Once they were left alone, both Siri and Anakin were filled with excitement. Anakin yelped in joy as he leaped at Siri hugging her. Laughing, the young Jedi Knight eagerly returned the hug.

"I must tell Padmé!" the boy then declared before releasing the hug and running off to find the queen. Smiling, Siri Tachi was about to follow him when she was called out by her former mentor.

"Siri," Adi spoke, approaching the young woman. "I must say that you have impressed me. You have been recently knighted and you already have a padawan of your own."

"Thank you, master." Siri nodded, noticing the concern and hesitance within her. "But…"

"But I am also worried for you." Adi continued. "Training a padawan is not an easy task, especially for someone who was a padawan not that long ago."

"I understand, Master Gallia." Siri understood her. "I'll will not fail him."

"I know." Gallia said, smiling. "May the Force be with you."

"And you too, master." Siri bowed before the Tholotian in respect. She then went off to find Anakin who was speaking with Queen Amidala. Adi Gallia was right, training Anakin would not be easy, but Siri did not fear obstacles. She would train him, and he would become a good Jedi.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation." said the Chancellor, rising from the wide, polished table. "Please, sit down." He pointed to the chairs across from the table and the large window behind it.

Anakin was the first to sit down, while Siri joined him. Sinking into his chair, Palpatine smiled warmly.

"Thank you for inviting us, Supreme Chancellor" the Jedi knight bowed before him. "We feared that we would waste your time."

"Not so expensive that I can't afford it to the two Jedi who rescued my queen and snatched my homeland from the clutches of the Trade Federation." He kept his eyes on Tachi. "The news of Qui-Gon Jinn's death has saddened me immensely, Master Siri. I heard Obi-Wan, your friend, was his padawan."

The Jedi nodded his appreciation and confirmation.

"I have only recently been knighted, Supreme Chancellor." she said. "And I have immediately got my padawan."

Palpatine's face showed surprise.

"And they immediately entrusted the student. Master Gallia must have taught you brilliantly."

Siri Tachi nodded again.

"And so did Master Qui-Gon."

Palpatine pursed his lips and shook his head.

"What a loss for all of us—" His gaze shifted to Anakin. "I never got a chance to thank you on Naboo, young Skywalker. You acted exceptionally bravely. May the Force be with you as it was that day."

"Thank you, sir," Anakin said quietly.

Palpatine interlaced his fingers.

"I was told you grew up on Tatooine. I happened to visit this planet many years ago.

Anakin's eyes narrowed for a moment.

"Yes, sir, but I'm not supposed to talk about it.

Palpatine noticed the boy staring warily at Siri.

"And why?"

"My mother..." Anakin began. "I miss her."

Siri's face remained calm, but deep inside, the Jedi knight felt sympathy for the young boy. Not everyone succeeds in becoming a free man and escaping slavery. She paid close attention to the rage slowly simmering the boy. The desire to go against the grain, the talent to hide one's emotions. An unrecognized power.

"The Jedi are taught to live in the moment, Supreme Chancellor." Siri explained. "How we grew up has little to do with our lives in service to the Force."

Palpatine furrowed his brows.

"Babies will accept it easily, but teenagers…" He cut off the tirade with a casual wave of his hand. "But who am I to talk about the tenets of your Order when the Jedi have kept the peace of the Republic for nearly a thousand years?"

Tachi didn't know what to say.

"But tell me, Padawan Skywalker, what is it like to become a member of such a respected organization?"

"My cherished dream has come true, sir." Anakin exclaimed, quite sincerely.

"It's a cherished dream... So you've been thinking about the Jedi Order and the Force for a long time."

Anakin nodded.

"I've always wanted to do justice."

"As I told you before, Anakin," the Chancellor said. "we will continue to follow your progress with great interest."

Bowing before him, both Siri Tachi and Anakin Skywalker left him. As they were leaving, neither of them saw Palpatine smiling in a malevolent way, starring directly at Anakin.

Once they came out, Siri knelt before Anakin.

"Ani?" she spoke to him in a soft tone. "Are you alright?"

Anakin looked up, and although he tried not to show his emotions, Siri felt his despair and sadness. He was thinking about his mother.

"You miss her, don't you?" she asked him. "Your mother?"

Anakin nodded in defeat. "I know I mustn't talk about her, but I can't hold it."

"Anakin, it's okay." Siri assured him. "I know the Jedi Code forbids attachment, but I do not."

She hugged him. "I can assure you, she 'll be okay."

"But master," the boy answered. "how do you know? I'm here, and she's back there, on Tatooine. She is still a slave."

"I know." Siri told him. "I see your problem, Ani. And I think I know how we can fix it."

Anakin looked up and was about to ask how, only for Siri to lead him across the palace until they found Queen Amidala. She was in her traditional robes and makeup, preparing herself for the parade that would celebrate the liberation of Naboo from the Trade Federation.

"Your Majesty?" Siri called out to her.

"Master Tachi." Padmé answered. She then smiled at Anakin. "I want to thank you for taking in Ani as your padawan. He deserves this."

"Your welcome, my queen." Siri acknowledged, nodding. "In fact, there is something I would like to request from you in regards to Anakin."

Padmé nodded.

"Anakin's mother, still remains a slave on Tatooine." Siri began explaining. "And I was wondering would it be possible to buy her free her from her current masters."

Padmé nodded again. "Anakin is a hero of this planet. We are forever indebted to him." She then turned to Anakin. "Ani, I promise I'll do everything I can to free your mother. She'll be living here on Naboo, under my protection."

"Thank you, Padmé." Anakin said in delight. He then clumsily kissed Padmé's hand, causing the girl to giggle. Soon, Governor Sio Bibble came, telling the queen that everything was ready.

"Are you coming, you two?" she asked them.

"We'll be along in a few minutes. Do not let your people wait." Siri replied. Once she was gone, the two looked at each other.

"Thank you, master." Anakin genuinely told her, smiling.

"You can just call me Siri, Ani." Siri answered. "I know I will never be as good as Qui-Gon, but I will help you to become a Jedi, and I will never give up."

The two shared another tight hug before joining Amidala. Both Anakin Skywalker and Siri Tachi stood not far away from Padmé Amidala, who smiled at Anakin from time to time, causing the boy to blush while he smiled back.

A massive Gungan parade was held. Confetti, ribbons and cut flowers in the air. Queen Amidala, along with Governor Bibble and Chancellor Palpatine, greeted Boss Nass and Jar-Jar Binks, who was clumsy as ever.

Padmé presented Boss Nass with the Globe of Peace. Turning to the crowds, the Gungan leader lifted the Globe in a dramatic gesture.

"Peace!" he shouted. The assembled Gungans immediately broke columns and started dancing about on the plaza. Everyone present knew that the join victory ceremony between the Gungans and the Naboo was the largest and grandest ever recorded on that planet.