Just a few quick notes! I apologize if the formatting was messed up in my previous chapter I worked to fix it as quickly as possible and should it happen again I will address it asap. I also realize I said I wasn't planning on adding to this account further but in an attempt to reach a wider audience I've decided I will be adding more content slowly. My primary home in on Tumblr and AO3 and it will be easier to reach me there since notifications are sketchy at best here at times.
Some context notes:
1.) I am playing with the timelines just a little bit, so if something doesn't completely line up just go with it!
2.) I'm aware the existence of Zeffonians is up in the air but I'm going with the assumption that they're not completely extinct and the council of first knowledge would be exactly where you might find one.
3.) Solan's midichlorian count is a bit high at 16,000, higher than both of his parents and while having two Force-sensitive parents doesn't guarantee a high Midicholirian count, it's not impossible either. Obi-Wan's is about 13,000, and Cressida's is probably a similar level though I haven't given her a number yet but I'm going with Luke's idea of force-sensitive beings producing more Force-sensitive children and I think it's reasonable to assume their midichlorian counts would maybe be a little higher than their parents.
4.) If you are wondering about Anakin's position on the Jedi Counsel, he is now a master after an in-depth inquiry into his behavior. Anakin didn't wait in the counsel chamber instead he found Mace Windu and instead of killing him he stopped Mace from executing Palatine, insisting on his arrest, that he had to stand trial for this crimes. This is the reason he wasn't expelled and his marriage to Padme is now public knowledge but it's not often talked about. Anakin now holds the proper rank of Master as he saved the Jedi Order from Order 66 and I'll touch more on that later. If you'd like more information in his Inquiry let me know in the comments below and I'll see about adding in a flashback scene for continuity purposes.
Every eye in the room turned towards Obi-Wan, who shot to his feet, his usually composed demeanor shattered by the shocking revelation. His heart raced, his mind reeling as he stared at the woman before him.
As the Sentinel slowly turned, the room held its breath, waiting to catch a glimpse of her face. And when it finally came into view, there was a collective intake of breath. She was stunning, with a rugged beauty that captivated even the most steadfast Jedi. Her features were delicate, her auburn hair cascading down her shoulders, and her eyes, a piercing shade of gray, held a depth that seemed to mirror the vast expanse of the galaxy itself.
Obi-Wan's world shifted as he looked into those familiar gray eyes. Memories flooded back, flashes of moments long past. And then, with a mixture of shock and recognition, he uttered her name, his voice barely a whisper.
"Cressida?"
Her voice, soft and gentle, reached his ears, carrying with it a bittersweet melody from their shared history. "Hello, Obi-Wan."
The private meeting room provided a sanctuary for the Jedi Masters, away from prying eyes and the weight of their responsibilities. Soft illumination bathed the room in a warm glow, casting long shadows that danced along the walls, as though trying to comfort the man with its expanse.
Obi-Wan sat with his back hunched, his head buried in his hands, his once immaculate Jedi robes now rumpled and disheveled. The lines etched on his face spoke of a world torn asunder, emotions playing across his features like a turbulent storm. Shock, guilt, remorse, regret, and a flicker of hope all vied for dominance in his troubled expression.
Anakin, ever loyal and supportive, stood beside his friend, a steady and silent presence. His eyes, filled with concern, locked onto Obi-Wan's face, unjudging. With a gentle tone, he called out to his mentor, "Obi-Wan..."
For a moment Obi-Wan didn't move, nor did he give any indication that he'd even noticed Anakin speak to him. The grounding hand of his former Padawan on his shoulder prompted him to slowly raise his head to meet Anakin's gaze. Grateful for the unspoken support, and the shared understanding that had forged their bond over the years. His emotions threatened to overwhelm him and he swallowed down a lump in his throat, he took a deep breath, attempting to steady himself.
Concern superseded Mace Windu's usually unperturbed profile, and he exchanged a meaningful look with Yoda, who stood by his side. In the last few minutes, many questions saw the light of day, and those questions would have their answers.
Mace began speaking, his voice was gentle yet probing. "Obi-Wan, how do you know the Sentinel?"
Obi-Wan nodded slowly, his eyes reflecting a resurgence of emotions as forgotten memories resurfaced, transporting him back to a time when he was a young Jedi Knight, feeling woefully unprepared for the responsibility of his padawan. His voice didn't quite shake but the slight tremble was noticeable to those who knew him well. He spoke with a mixture of vulnerability and resolve as if he were confronting something he never expected to think of again.
"Her name is Cressida Vox." He picked at his fingernails, looking at the ground, though not from shame. "We have known each other since our days as Padawans. She was trained by Master Deva Rue, who was a close friend of my own Master. Our paths had intertwined frequently from a young age, until the time when I took Anakin as my Padawan following Master Qui-Gon's death."
Anakin's gaze sharpened, his curiosity piqued, he had no such memories of Cressida or really anyone else in his life at that time. He had clung to Obi-Wan, going so far as to sleep on the floor next to Obi-Wan's bed for fear of being alone. He had always been intrigued by the mysteries of Obi-Wan's past, and this revelation added a layer of mystery to their friendship.
It was Yoda who spoke next in his characteristic manner; a mix of cryptic phrases and profound insight.
"Connected, your paths have always been. A shared destiny, perhaps. But the journey ahead, navigate it with care, we must."
Heads in the room nodded unanimously in agreement, as if there was any other option. There was still much to tell, and Obi-Wan wasn't truly sure of where to begin, he looked from Yoda back to Mace before returning to his boots. His past, the choices he had made, the unexpected reunion with Cressida, and the knowledge that she'd born him a son was so heavy. It threatened to consume him, and it might, had it not been for Anakins steady hand once more on his shoulder and a nod of support.
As Obi-Wan began to recount a tale long buried in the depths of his memories, his physical demeanor shifted, almost shrinking as he drew in on himself, his gaze dropping to the floor. The vulnerability in his posture was starkly different from the confident visage of a Master who laughed in the face of danger and always had a quick, smart remark. His voice was filled with vulnerability and nostalgia as he spoke, and he looked up his gaze fixed on a distant point. Lost in the haze of the past. The room fell silent, all eyes now focused on the Jedi Master, waiting for the revelations that would bridge the gaps in their understanding.
"We were Padawans together…" Obi-Wan began, his voice carrying a touch of nostalgia. "our Masters Deva Rue and Master Qui-Gon were close friends and shared many tales and moments. Thus, it was only natural that their padawans would cross paths, and so we did. I was sixteen and she was ten when we first met, swiftly chosen after the Initiate Trials." He couldn't help but smile wryly, surpassing a chuckle. "She was quite a brat at times, always ready with a clever retort, she used to call me an old man, and we sharpened our verbal skills against each other each time" He chuckled this time but quickly cleared his throat and composed himself; this was not a time for amusing anecdotes. "At any rate, our paths often intersected frequently over the years."
His voice took on a reflective tone, reliving those moments of camaraderie and youthful optimism. "But as we grew older our paths started to diverge. Our responsibilities pulled us in different directions. And then-."
Obi-Wan's voice softened with a hint of hesitation as he recounted the loss that had left an indelible mark on his soul. "After Master Qui-Gon's death, I was devastated—drowning in grief and uncertainty. It was in those dark moments that Cressida sought me out, concerned for my well-being. I hadn't seen her in two years by then, and had no clue where she had gone after her own Master's death two years earlier."
He paused, closing his eyes briefly, the memory etched vividly in his mind. "She confided that she had been selected for a clandestine mission. One that would carry her to distant worlds and our paths would likely never cross again, and her departure was imminent." He swallowed hard "I was terrified. Anakin was about to become my responsibility and I felt utterly unprepared. Having just lost my Master to death, I feared losing someone else I cared about to life. And so, as she was about to leave, I-I implored her to remain with me a while longer."
It wasn't shame that was coloring his voice, he clenched his fists and then relaxed them as he continued. "That night, we found solace in each other's presence. Our conversations turned intimate. It was a momentary lapse, of seeking comfort amidst the chaos. We shared the night."
The unspoken hung in the air, the realization dawning upon those listening. Obi-Wan's voice lowered as he revealed the painful truth. "When I woke up in the morning, she was gone. I never heard from her again until today." His eyes bore the weight of a lifetime of missed opportunities and forgotten dreams. "I never knew what became of her, where she went, or even if she was alive."
Obi-wan had never really spoken of his days as a Padawan, he mentioned very little aside from the occasional anecdotal story and it was usually only in tandem with a lesson Anakin was having trouble learning. Despite being in shock he broke the silence.
"You had no idea?" Anakin asked, unable to fathom the possibility that his mentor had carried this burden for so long, unaware of the existence of his own child.
"No, Anakin. I had no idea." His voice trembled slightly. The revelation had shaken him to his core, unraveling a chapter of his past that he had long since closed.
Whistfullness.
That was the thing that clung to his words and shrunk his demeanor. A vague regret and longing for things that were no longer possible. Ten years worth.
The room remained enveloped in a charged atmosphere, Obi-Wan's words, spoken more like a confession hanging heavy in the air.
"Is there a possibility, Obi-Wan," Mace hesitated, skepticism accompanying his words. "That Cressida engineered the pregnancy? Manipulated you for her own purposes?"
His words were nothing personal, nor was there a trace of malice in them, only that of a Jedi Master seeking truth, even if it led to uncomfortable questions.
Obi-Wan's eyes widened, genuine shock flickering across his features. He immediately shook his head, a vehement denial escaping his lips. "No, I know Cressida. She would never manipulate me in such a way. Our dedication to the Jedi Order was paramount to her. She was always guided by the principles we held dear."
His words rang with a resolute conviction as he defended Cressida's integrity with unwavering dedication.
Mace absorbed Obi-Wan's response, his expression thoughtful. The doubt that had lingered now seemed to wane, replaced by a glimmer of understanding. Yet, questions still lingered in the air, prompting him to press further, though he knew he must do so gently.
"Do you believe her, Obi-Wan? Do you believe that Solan is your son?"
Obi-Wan's gaze grew steadier, a fire of certainty illuminating his eyes. "Yes, I do." He confessed, his voice carrying a mix of awe, wonder, and acceptance. "I had a brief conversation with Solan outside, and there was an undeniable connection, a resonance I couldn't explain at the time. But now, it all falls into place. If Cressida says he is my son, then I believe he is."
The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of Obi-Wan's revelation echoing in the air, none present daring to question him.
"Explains, it does," Yoda interjected, his words punctuating the stillness. "Such a high midi-chlorian count. A blood test, we should conduct, to confirm the truth."
His suggestion was a practical step forward in their quest for certainty. The few council members present nodded in agreement. The truth, hidden for so long, now stood within their grasp. And with it, the potential to reshape the lives of those involved, bound by the Force and the intricate tapestry of their shared destinies.
Yoda's eyes narrowed as he directed his question toward Obi-Wan, seeking the truth amidst the complexities of their shared past.
"A romantic attachment, was there, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan took a moment to gather his thoughts, his gaze drifting into the distance before he met Yoda's eyes once again. "There was an intense physical attraction, Master Yoda," he admitted with a hint of discomfort in his voice. "But it never evolved into a romantic relationship. Our encounter was a singular instance, born out of a moment of vulnerability and shared grief. It was purely physical."
The hard questions that needed to be asked, had been asked, and their answers seemed to satisfy all in attendance, but the day was far from over. They had been uncomfortable to answer but the pursuit of truth was not often a comfortable affair. Obi-Wan's honesty carried with it a sense of regret, a longing to understand the circumstances that led to this revelation.
"I wish to know why she would keep this from me, why didn't she tell me?" he confessed letting his head fall into his hands once more.
Anakin, ever observant, interjected, acting as a voice of reason, empathy, and insight. "Maybe she couldn't, Obi-Wan," he suggested, Obi-Wan looked up wit a quizzical expression.
Anakin rose to his feet and took several contemplative steps, "You said, she mentioned being selected for a secretive assignment?" Obi-Wan nodded. "It's possible that she was cut off from any means of safe communication. She might not have had the ability to reach out."
His words resonated with the room, casting a different light on the situation, his understanding of Cressida's predicament offered an alternative perspective, acknowledging the limitations she might have faced.
Yoda nodded and interjected in agreement. "Sentinels like Cressida, to the Counsel of First Knowledge, answer to" he affirmed, reminding them of Cressida's allegiance to a different calling. "Great discretion and sacrifice, their duties often require."
Anakin's response was swift, full of conviction fueled by intuition. "She probably couldn't have told you even if she wanted to," he declared, his gaze moving between Obi-Wan and the council members. "And from the looks of it," He looked over his shoulder to the door to the main chamber where all this information had been laid bare before looking back to Obi-Wan. "I'd say she wanted you to know. I think there's more to this than meets the eye."
The room fell into pensive silence, each member of the council grappling with the layers of complexity surrounding Cressida's actions and the depths of her connection to Obi-Wan. After a moment, Obi-Wan nodded in agreement with Anakin's assessment, acknowledging the truth in his words. It was clear that the situation required a measured approach, one that couldn't be resolved hastily. His mind was caught in the whirlpool of uncertainty, grappling with the enormity of the situation.
Mace Windu, ever the voice of calm and pragmatism, spoke next, his words carrying a sense of authority. "Anakin is right," he stated, "This is not a matter that can be resolved in a single day. We need to delve deeper, seek the truth of what transpired and why, as well as determine a course of action that best suits the boy."
The path forward was clear - they would consult the Council of First Knowledge, the repository of wisdom within the Jedi Order.
The council members began to rise from their seats, preparing to adjourn for the day. Mace turned to leave before pausing, looking behind him, his voice cut through the air, a final declaration before they dispersed.
"It seems congratulations are in order, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened at first, then there was a flicker of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Amidst the complexity and uncertainty, the council's acknowledgment of his newfound role as a father brought a glimmer of hope and reassurance.
With the council's decision to adjourn, the room gradually emptied, the Jedi Council members departing to attend to their duties. Obi-Wan remained seated for a moment longer, his mind racing with questions and emotions, yet anchored by the sense of purpose that lay before him. As the doors to the council chamber closed, the room returned to a profound stillness, leaving him to contemplate the path that lay ahead. The journey of discovering the truth, nurturing the newfound connection with his son, and the uncharted territories that awaited them all unfolded before his eyes, shrouded in a veil of uncertainty yet filled with the promise of a new beginning.
Soft light filtered through the windows, casting gentle shadows upon the walls, creating a serene ambiance. The Jedi quarters exuded an air of quiet contemplation as the days passed by.
Solan, seated on a simple chair, appeared lost in thought, his expression full of restlessness and worry. As she approached him, concern etched across her face, she gently inquired, "What's wrong, Solan?"
Solan's gaze met his mother's, his eyes clouded and he hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "Do you think it was a mistake to come back to Coruscant?"
Cressida's eyes softened as she took a seat beside him, offering a reassuring presence."No, Starlight," she replied gently, her voice infused with a blend of warmth and conviction. "Sometimes, the path we must walk is difficult, but it is necessary. Meeting with the Council was crucial for us to take the next steps in your training."
Her words carried a soothing tone, an attempt to alleviate the burdens that weighed heavily upon Solan's young shoulders. She brushed his hair from his face and tapped the edge of his nose, the sweet gesture usually drew a smile from him, but this time, it went unacknowledged.
"I believe that the Council will reach a decision soon," she continued, her voice filled with quiet resolve. "We must trust in their wisdom."
Solan's gaze met hers, his expression softened by the reassurance she offered. A flicker of hope ignited within his eyes, the belief in a better future slowly rekindling.
She leaned closer, her voice carrying a touch of maternal tenderness accompanied as she combed through his hair. "As you said, we are here together, Solan. No matter the challenges we face, we are safe and we will find out way," she whispered, her words imbued with an unwavering commitment.
Solan's features softened, his guilt beginning to lift from his young heart. He realized that he was not alone in this journey and that his presence in their lives was a source of strength rather than trouble. He cozied into the comforting confines of his mother's embrace, wrapping his arms around her and closing his eyes.
In the indiscernible time between day and night, Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, and Yoda waited in an area of the temple few ever saw. It fell within the domain of the Council of First Knowledge, a cold room with stone walls in the South spire of the Jedi Temple. Dimmed lighting painted the walls with light-swallowing shadows, as soon as Obi-Wan stepped inside, he immediately felt small, as if the very walls held the eyes of countless Jedi who had come before. The lack of furniture or adornments gave the room a stark and austere appearance as if it existed solely for the purpose of conducting serious and confidential matters. The walls themselves seem to whisper ancient secrets, as they had no doubt witnessed countless discussions and decisions that shaped the fate of the Jedi Order. It was a place of secrets and hidden knowledge, a realm where the truth was not always readily apparent, or if it was, it was not easily attained.
The tension was so thick it could be cut with a knife, they exchanged glances, silently wondering about the Counsel of First Knowledge member they were about to meet. They didn't have to wonder long. There was an inexplicable shift in the atmosphere. The air seemed to grow colder, and a sense of heightened tension filled the room, as though an unseen presence had entered the chamber.
"My apologies, masters, for my tardiness," a voice called out as the Jedi seemingly emerged from the shadows, her movements swift and almost ethereal, as if her feet barely touched the ground. Draped in dark robes that seem to blend seamlessly with the surrounding shadows, she addresses the Jedi with an air of mystery.
"I am Noxella, and I speak for the Council of First Knowledge." She paused to look at each Master, her gaze landing on Obi-Wan last. "I have been observing you." Her last statement was a bit chilling.
When she appeared, there was disbelief among the three masters. Noxella's species, the Zeffonians, were believed to be extinct, as they had rarely been seen in the galaxy for centuries. Obi-wan recalled the stories he had heard about the Zeffonians; the ancient and reclusive species with deep ties to the Force, known for their mastery of secrets and enigmatic abilities. It seemed almost appropriate that one of her kind would serve on the Council of First Knowledge.
"You seek information concerning the Sentinel Mother, Cressida Vox," Noxella stated, her words uttered in a tone that revealed little.
"The sentinel mother?" Obi-Wan asked.
Noxella nodded, her dark hood casting shadows over her face. "Indeed," she replied, her voice low and mysterious. "The sentinels are a close-knit group, and news travels swiftly among us."
Obi-Wan felt a sense of unease in Noxella's presence as if he knew others were watching and he was being scrutinized under a microscope. He had encountered many Jedi Masters and Council members, but this woman radiated an aura of power that was unsettling. He exchanged a glance with Mace and Yoda, both of whom appeared equally intrigued and cautious.
"Vital, this information is," Yoda said firmly, but in a voice that conveyed the respect Noxella commanded. "to assess Cressida's actions and guide the young one's path."
"Secrets are the foundations of knowledge, and knowledge is the path to understanding," Noxella's response was cryptic, almost riddle-like. "Cressida Vox's mission was shrouded in shadows, as are only the whispers of her deeds, known to a very select few."
"We seek the truth," Yoda said gently.
"You seek truth, but truth can be a double-edged blade. The Sentinel's tale is one of sacrifice and trials, of darkness and light. Some truths are best left uncovered, but others demand not only illumination but grace." She paused and looked to Yoda. "You understand I will not be able to give you all the answers you seek?"
Yoda nodded in return.
"Very well, but understand that once the door to knowledge is opened, there is no turning back. The path you seek may lead to revelations that challenge your beliefs and test your resolve."
Noxella continued, her voice dark and heavy with untold secrets. "Cressida Vox, operated under the identity of Inara Cael, was assigned to an undisclosed world on the outer rim. The specifics of the planet and her mission are considered highly sensitive." Her emphasis on the secretive nature of those particular specifics cemented that those things would not be elaborated on. "She was cut off from the Jedi Order to maintain her cover and protect her mission's integrity."
Mace's eyes focused on Noxella, suspiciously. "And during these ten years, did she ever reach out for assistance or guidance?"
Noxella's lips quirk into an almost imperceptible smile. "Cressida was trained and prepared for her assignment. She was to handle any threats that arose on her own. The mission demanded discretion and independence." Novella paused and replied. "No, aside from her routine communications, she had no contact with us."
"How often were these routine communications?" Obi-Wan asked, a little confused.
"Once every ten years." A somber pause lingered in the room. Noxella's response was curt, "As a sentinel, Cressida was trained to handle any dangers she encountered. The Councill of First Knowledge deemed that any direct communication with the Jedi Order would jeopardize her mission."
Mace sighed, frustration evident in his voice. "Master Noxella, we understand that you may not be at liberty to share all the details of Cressida's mission. But we need to know if she faced any threats that could have affected her judgment or her connection to the light."
Noxella's gaze remains unwavering. "Cressida encountered challenges that tested her resolve. But her dedication to the mission and her training allowed her to navigate these obstacles with strength and fortitude."
Obi-Wan's heart sank as he considered the loneliness and isolation that Cressida had endured, all for the sake of her mission. Obi-Wan took a deep breath, full of trepidation as he asked, "Noxella, did the Council of First Knowledge know about Solan?"
Noxella's previously composed demeanor faltered for a moment, her eyes flickering with a hint of surprise. She hesitated before responding, "No. The existence of Solan was kept from even us. The secrecy surrounding his birth and upbringing was not known to us until very recently."
Obi-Wan processed her answer, trying to make sense of the information. "So, you were not aware of his existence at all?"
"No," Noxella replied firmly, her tone unwavering.
Obi-Wan's mind raced with questions, but he could sense that Noxella was not willing to divulge more than she had. He decided to probe further, hoping to understand how this information could have been hidden even from a council as secretive as the Counsel of First Knowledge.
His voice faltered as he asked, "If her assignment was so vital, how was she able to return?"
"Your son's unique abilities in the Force became increasingly difficult to conceal as his visions and powers grew stronger, and the risk of their identities being discovered heightened."
Mace leaned forward, intrigued by this revelation. "Solan's abilities were a threat to Cressida's mission?"
Noxella nodded, "Yes, his foresight and clairvoyance were deemed of significant value to the Jedi Order. The Council of First Knowledge conceded that Cressida's mission was on the verge of being compromised, and her duty to protect her son became paramount. It was decided that the safety of both Cressida and her son necessitated their extraction. The Council, with the aid of the sentinels, orchestrated the return, ensuring their identities remained concealed."
He knew he wouldn't likely get an answer, but his curiosity got the best of him. "What happened during those ten years?"
Noxella's response was cryptic, at best. "There are forces in the galaxy beyond your comprehension, dangers that lie in the deepest corners of the unknown."
He furrowed his brow, trying to make sense of her words. "You speak as if there are things out there that we've never encountered before."
Noxella nodded, her hood casting shadows over her face. "Indeed, there are things that even the Jedi Order may not fully understand. Cressida's mission took her to places where the boundaries of the known and the unknown blurred."
Mace chimed in, "Cressida faced threats from some unknown and unseen adversaries?"
Noxella's response was evasive yet again, "I cannot provide specifics, but I assure you that her mission demanded a level of courage and strength seen only among a select few of her sentinel brethren."
Obi-Wan stood in stunned silence, his mind grappling with the magnitude of Cressida's mission, her sacrifices, and the profound implications they held for his own life. The room remained cloaked in reverence, as the profound weight of Cressida's devotion settled upon the hearts of those present.
As Noxella prepared to depart, her words resonated deeply, leaving a lingering sense of awe and respect in the air. Obi-Wan stood there, his gaze fixed upon her as she offered her final admonition.
"On this subject, I'm afraid we have exhausted the topic and I can reveal no more to you. Aside from saying that, Cressida Vox is a high-priority agent of the Council of First Knowledge, and she has proven herself indispensable to the Order."
Mace nodded silently, acknowledging the limits of their questioning. Yoda, ever wise and perceptive, expressed his gratitude with a simple, "Thank you."
Noxella's gaze softened, and she gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. "She served faithfully," she added, "and she was wounded deeply, both physically and mentally. Her sacrifices should not be discounted." Novella looked to Obi-Wan one last time, "Cressida is a Jedi of a unique Calibur, who devoted herself to guarding your son with her life. You are fortunate to have such a woman as the mother to your child."
Noxella's voice took on a more pointed tone, "Remember, Masters, that while you sit on your thrones in the council chamber, the sentinels are the ones who stand guard in the shadows, ever vigilant to protect the light. They sacrifice their peace for the sake of your sleep."
Silence enveloped the room once more as Mace, Obi-Wan, and Yoda exchanged glances, they found that Noxella had simply vanished, leaving behind an eerie sense of mystery. Mace shook his head slightly, clearly uneasy with the enigmatic ways of the Council of First Knowledge.
"I've never been comfortable dealing with the Council of First Knowledge," Mace admitted, his voice laden with unease.
Yoda stroked his chin thoughtfully, his wise eyes gazing into the distance. "A secretive sect they are, indeed," he said. "Many truths they may hold, but always shrouded in shadow, they remain."