Jedi Temple, Coruscant - Core Worlds
Two pairs of small feet scamper across the room, one desperately pursuing the other.
"Hey! Come back!" Jarik says.
"Catch me if you can!" Ahsoka giggles.
Jarik growls and pushes himself even harder off his feet to try and increase his speed while she led him around the training room. Scattered around a meditation cushion are the rest of their clan mates, all frozen where they stood whilst they watched the pursuit. Ahsoka makes another swift turn on her heels but this time Jarik anticipated it and gained more ground on her.
"I got you!"
He grins, sensing his triumph is near and reaches his hand out towards her. Ahsoka glances back over her shoulder and widens her eyes.
"I got you!" Jarik exclaims.
Just then Ahsoka suddenly pushes off her feet for a quick jump in the air, allowing a bewildered Jarik to charge right along beneath her. He nearly topples over in a frantic attempt to correct course, but the time it took him to do so made it all too easy for Ahsoka to reach the meditation cushion against the opposite wall and touch it, granting her a win for their game.
"No!" he cries out.
"Too slow!" Ahsoka grins.
The other four younglings move again now that the game was over, having been tagged by Jarik already before they could reach the cushion themselves. There's some frustration amongst them that they didn't get to be the one to reach it first, but Jarik's dismay is the most apparent.
"No fair! I should've got you!" he complains.
"I should've won," Kurhran remarks.
"My home is a jungle, Jarik!" Ahsoka then says, swinging her feet from where she sat. "My sister and I played tag a lot!"
Jarik crosses his arms in displeasure.
"Well, I'll get you next time," he grumbles, and Ahsoka giggles in response.
"Come on, Jarik, if you want to beat her you need to be super fast!" Weron states.
"I was fast!" Jarik frowns, but Weron shakes his head.
"Nuh uh. This is fast!"
He suddenly takes a lunge at Ahsoka and she reacts with a startled yelp of surprise before jumping away, Weron's fingers missing her by mere inches before he crashes into the cushion instead.
"OW!"
Weron flops onto the cushion, groaning, and Ahsoka gapes at him while the others try to suppress their laughter.
"Rude!" Ahsoka scowls.
He manages to turn over and slides down to sit on the floor with his back against the cushion.
"Gee, Weron, you're so slow," Vifi snickers.
"Am not!" he protests, embarrassed. "I just... wasn't ready!"
"Sure," the girl scoffs.
"Maybe because you're on land?" Rylla suggests to Weron. "Master Irris said something about that."
With an opportunity given to regain his dignity Weron quickly nods his head and hops to his feet.
"Yeah!"
Jarik looks around at the group with a furrowed brow.
"I don't think any of us know how to swim," he points out.
"Nope!" Weron grins triumphantly. "Which means―"
"It doesn't count," Vifi interjects.
"Hey!"
"Hehe, slow," Kurhran snickers.
Weron's face falls as another round of giggles filter out from the group of younglings.
"No no no!" he stamps his foot.
The bickering is interrupted when Xudi steps into the room and clears her throat to get their attention.
"Alright, younglings, it's time for meditation in a few minutes. Let's get a move on."
"Aww!"
She lifts a brow at them, unamused.
"He was trained in the Jedi arts. My only conclusion can be that it was a Sith Lord."
Even as the words left his mouth, Qui-Gon could see several among the Council fall into skepticism and exasperation. He mentally prepares himself mentally for their incoming rebuttals and doesn't have to wait long at all.
"Your only conclusion?" Ki-Adi Mundi questions with a raised brow.
"This is not the first time you've made such a claim, Master Jinn," Saesee Tiin remarks.
"With respect, Master Tiin, this time is different," Qui-Gon replies. "This warrior sought us out, likely in pursuit of Queen Amidala. I do not know his intentions, but what use would a rogue Force user have for the monarch of Naboo?"
"Many things, Master Jinn," Ki-Adi states firmly.
Obi-Wan glances uneasily at his Master while Qui-Gon exhales in a small sigh, meeting the Jedi Council member's gaze.
"Be that as it may, I stand by my claim. This warrior was a Sith."
Ki-Adi frowns, disbelief clear in his expression, but doesn't refute him again. Short glances are shared amongst the members of the Council and Mace Windu leans back in his seat with a contemplative gaze.
"This encounter gives credence to your concerns that someone powerful is working against us, but to think it is the Sith... that's another matter entirely," he comments, looking towards Yoda. "If they have indeed returned, surely we could have sensed their presence?"
"Ah, hard to see the dark side is," the Grand Master replies, focusing back on Qui-Gon. "More to say about this warrior, I sense you have, hmm?"
Qui-Gon nods in confirmation.
"I have a very strong suspicion that it is the same individual responsible for Jarik Shan's attempted kidnapping."
No one is surprised at the idea, but they're not fully convinced either.
"You're certain of this?" Yaddle asks.
"I am, master. The description matches up with what I've been able to learn from the boy, and his presence now provides clear proof that someone from the shadows is working against us," he says, his voice grim. "Perhaps for a very long time."
The Masters take a few moments to ponder the information. Yoda's eyes are closed for a short time before he eventually opens them again with begrudging acknowledgement.
"Mmm… agree I do. If reveal himself to you, your attacker did, bolder they must have grown."
Though still unsure, Mace chooses to trust in Yoda's judgment.
"Very well. We will use all of our resources to solve this mystery," he informs Qui-Gon. "We will discover the identity of your attacker. May the Force be with you."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bow their heads to the Council in reply, the conversation now concluded. However, while Obi-Wan turned away to depart the room Qui-Gon remained where he stood, intriguing the Grand Master.
"Master Qui-Gon, more to say, have you?" he inquires.
Obi-Wan turns back in surprise to see Qui-Gon still there and awkwardly waits by the side of the room as his master proceeds to speak.
"With your permission my master, I've encountered a vergence in the Force," he declares.
Surprise and curiosity fills the room.
"A vergence you say?"
"Centered around a person?" Mace asks with a furrowed brow.
"A boy. His cells carry the highest concentration of midi-chlorians I've ever seen in a life form," Qui-Gon explains. "It's possible he was conceived by the midi-chlorians."
The implication in Qui-Gon's words puts everyone on high alert, even more so than with the claims of a Sith. Mace leans forward with a deep frown on his face, his eyes narrowed intently at Qui-Gon.
"You refer to the prophecy of the one who will bring balance to the Force," he states, a grave tone in his voice. "You believe it's this boy?"
Qui-Gon hesitates to answer, not wanting the Council to have more reason to cast doubt on him.
"I don't presume—"
"But you do!" Yoda interjects. "Revealed, your opinion is!"
An unspoken agreement passes through the room and Qui-Gon wordlessly nods his head in confirmation, resigning himself to their judgment for later.
"I request that the boy be tested," he says.
"Trained as a Jedi, you request for him?"
"Finding him was the will of the Force," Qui-Gon states confidently. "I have no doubt of that."
Skepticism and bewilderment is visible amongst some of the Masters as they share troubled looks.
Mace almost sighs at the incredulity of this incident; Qui-Gon has already found and taken one lost boy under his wing in recent years, allegedly due to the actions of a Sith, and now he's done it a second time, this time under the impression that he's the Chosen One of all things. What's next? A bender from the mythical Reylea?
In spite of his exasperation, Mace knows full well that a claim such as this can't just be brushed aside as nothing.
If this boy truly is the Chosen One... Well, that's for the Council to find out.
"Bring him before us then," Mace says.
Qui-Gon bows in reply and joins Obi-Wan's side in leaving the room, aware there's likely little else he can say before the Council starts to become frustrated with him.
As they leave Mace shares a troubled glance with Yoda and the Grand Master furrows his brow in concern at the possibility that there's more to come soon, and whether or not they'll be ready to deal with it if so.
Idle, bewildered, and excitable chatter permeated the large refectory as many younglings were all gathered at their own tables for lunch. A chorus of chirping, squealing, and bickering could be heard amongst many of them, as per usual for such young individuals. However, this time it seemed as though the adults were engrossed in deep conversations of their own, albeit not as loudly.
As his clan mates munched on their sandwiches, Weron couldn't help but be drawn towards observing the conversation shared by a few Jedi Masters close by. They were huddled together, seeming more tense than usual.
"What d'you think the teachers are talking about?" he asks the others.
"Who knows?" Vifi shrugs.
"Favorite meal?" Kurhran suggests.
The others seem to agree, for the most part, but Weron wasn't so convinced. Now Rylla was also starting to share his curiosity.
"I think it's very important," Weron says.
Having decided to share a meal with her students today, mostly to better observe Jarik's behavior, Xudi decided to chime in to provide some reassurance.
"Teaching is a difficult job, young one," she states.
"But they're not talking about teaching!" he exclaims.
The Jedi instructor pauses in the midst of taking a bite upon hearing his intensity and furrows her brow.
"What makes you say that?" she inquires.
"They feel worried," Rylla chimes in, her voice solemn.
The usually wacky Weron seems nervous as he nods his head in agreement.
"About what?" Ahsoka asks.
"Master, can you ask them please?" Weron pleads with Xudi.
With all six pairs of eyes trained on her Xudi exhales a faint sigh and indulges the request, if only to ease their troubled minds.
"Very well, if it bothers you so."
She places her utensil down on the plate and stands up to make her way over to the conversing Masters, quickly joining the discussion herself. The younglings look on anxiously for a few seconds before hunger pulls Jarik's attention back to his food. He frowns, displeasure clear on his face to see only vegetables left, and spots a pile of more tasty food on Kurhran's plate.
"You gonna eat your nuggets?" he asks.
Kurhran blinks at him as if her were stupid.
"Yeah, they're mine!"
For emphasis he pulls his plate closer to himself and gives Jarik a suspicious glare, to which the young human pouts and glares down at his remaining food.
Just then Codi and his friends pass by the Akul's table with their own food, on the way to sit down themselves. Weron reaches a hand out to tug on Codi's sleeve, prompting the boy to turn around in annoyance but Weron starts talking before he could express it.
"Hey! What're the teachers saying?"
"I don't know. Something something Sith?" Codi shrugs.
Confusion and intrigue passes through the younglings. A strange unsettling feeling seeps into Jarik as well at the word, though he's not sure why.
"What's that?" Ahsoka asks.
"Beats me. Later!"
Codi continues on before the Akul's could question him more, and the group starts to talk amongst themselves.
"Do you guys know what a Sith is?" Weron asks.
"Sounds lame," Vifi says.
"I don't like that word," Jarik frowns. "It feels bad."
"It's just a word," Kurhran says.
"But he said the teachers are talking about it," Ahsoka reminds him.
Xudi then finally returns to the table to quietly sits down in her seat. Though her expression remained impassive, there was a troubled look in her eyes.
"What'd they say? What'd they say?" Weron immediately asks her.
"Oh, nothing to trouble yourselves with, younglings," she smiles at him, and he frowns.
"What's a Sith?" Kurhran then asks.
The smile drops from Xudi's face and she fixes Kurhran with an intense gaze.
"Who told you that?"
"Codi told us!" Kurhran replies frantically. "He said he heard a teacher say it!"
He's worried Xudi might berate him for doing something wrong, but the response never came.
"Are they bad?" Rylla asks in a meek tone.
The Jedi Master doesn't respond at first. She glances at Jarik briefly and senses his discomfort, though it doesn't seem he knows why he feels that way. No need to trigger more unpleasant emotions in the boy... yet it's unhealthy to let them fester, either.
"They're the oldest enemy of the Jedi," she says, answering Rylla's question. "But I wouldn't worry. They've been gone for a very long time."
"Then why are people talking about them?" Ahsoka points out.
Xudi sighs.
"You won't stop asking about this, will you?"
The younglings look at her expectantly, confirming her suspicions.
"I'm curious," Vifi admits.
"Me too!" Kurhran exclaims.
"Very well," Xudi replies. "If you must know, the word is that Master Jinn has encountered a Sith in the Outer Rim."
"Master Jinn is back?" Jarik gasps in excitedly.
"He did what?!" Kurhran exclaims.
"Is he ok?" Jarik asks. "Can I go see him, please?"
"He's perfectly fine, Jarik. He's busy right now, but I'm sure he'll come and see you if his schedule permits."
"But I want to see him now!" he insists.
Xudi levels him with a firm gaze and shakes her head.
"I'm afraid you'll just have to wait, young one. We have a schedule of our own to keep, after all."
He whines in dismay but the Jedi Master was unwavering in her position.
With the Council now granting a test for Anakin, Qui-Gon was now making his way through the Temple towards the hangar so as to travel and retrieve the boy, and Yaddle decided to accompany him and inquire a bit more about Qui-Gon's suspicions. Despite his frustrating capacity for disobeying the Council, a trait Qui-Gon shared with his own Master, she did hold a soft spot for them. She can recognize their behavior stems from a genuine desire to do good, not just to usurp the mandates of the Council.
Unfortunately, many Jedi don't see it that way and, judging by the looks and hushed whispers directed at the maverick Jedi, many of their colleagues were already forming their own opinions about the latest story.
"I guess word travels fast," Qui-Gon remarks.
Though not entirely surprised, he still can't help but feel a little disappointed by the reactions he's received as a result of his report.
"Well, your statements to the Council were rather surprising," Yaddle reminds him.
He gives a faint smile of acknowledgement when a much more direct voice cuts through the whispering.
"Qui-Gon."
Turning to address the speaker, Qui-Gon's smile widens into a more genuine one at the sight of his old friend and Jedi mentor approaching.
"Master," he nods to him.
"I heard of your report to the Council," Dooku states, his demeanor rather intense. "Tell me about this mysterious attacker on Tatooine."
"I encountered a highly skilled warrior, one obviously trained in the Jedi arts," he explains.
"And you believe it was a Sith Lord?"
"Yes," Qui-Gon nods in confirmation.
Dooku's expression reveals he's quite unsettled for a moment before he takes notice of Yaddle's presence and regains his stern mask.
"And I take it the Council was not eager to validate that conclusion."
It was a statement, not a question.
"No, they were not, Master."
The aging Jedi's brow creases as a dark frown pulls itself onto his face.
"I've been warning them about the coming darkness for years, never to be taken seriously," he growls with disdain.
Qui-Gon acknowledges with a grim nod, relating to his frustrations.
"Speaking on behalf of the Council, there's no reason to cause undue alarm," Yaddle interjects.
Dooku turns his contemptuous gaze down at her.
"So you doubt his claim."
Yaddle meets his glare evenly, cooling herself for a moment before responding.
"No, I do not," she states. "But the wisdom of the Council is to be cautious, until we know more."
Dooku hums at her response, still skeptical, but relents with a begrudging nod of acknowledgement.
"Master Yaddle is right about one thing. A Sith Lord is not to be trifled with," he states, his gaze softening as he places a hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder. "And I will not be there to protect you, my old Padawan."
"You need not worry, Master," Qui-Gon smiles. "Obi-Wan fills that role now. He acquits himself quite well."
"That's good. I would like to meet him someday," Doolu remarks. "You're always singing his praises."
Qui-Gon nods to him and moves forward into the elevator. He turns around and offers another nod of his head to them in farewell before the door closes. Dooku doesn't leave right away, standing in place, which Yaddle takes notice of.
"Master Dooku, are you all right?" she inquires.
His main worry of course is about the conflict between Qui-Gon and the Sith assassin, Maul, whom Dooku is aware of thanks to his reluctant, but necessary, alliance with Sidious. As long as Qui-Gon is involved with the crisis on Naboo he's a target, and Dooku can only trust that Qui-Gon is able to defend himself against the deadly assassin.
But Yaddle does not need to know about that.
"They grow up so fast, our students," he quietly remarks.
"Yes, it is the way of things," she nods in agreement.
Dooku hums quietly to himself. He ponders the things Qui-Gon told him, which were extremely condensed seeing as he seemingly needed to be elsewhere at this time. He'll talk to his former pupil about it later, see what he can do, but for now he may as well question Yaddle about it. Unlike others on the Council she doesn't try to dodge questions, which he can appreciate from her.
"Master Yaddle, what other details did Qui-Gon share in his report?"
Yaddle glances up at him briefly, but decides to indulge him. He is a friend after all.
"He encountered something else. A vergence in the Force."
"A vergence?" Dooku lifts his brow in surprise, and turns toward her fully now. "What kind of vergence?"
500 Republica, Senate District - Galactic City
The Dark Lord of the Sith, heir to the line of Bane, and currently the most powerful being in the galaxy, Darth Plagueis, hastens through a plush corridor in 500 Republica in such a manner that left many residents and security personnel a bit bewildered—he's feeling something he hasn't felt in a long time:
Fear.
He should be in the Senate Building right now in attendance of the emergency session, in which Queen Amidala will call for a vote of no-confidence in Chancellor Valorum. He should feel a sense of triumph in knowing that the Grand Plan—which has been in place for a millennium—is at last nearing the first steps of ultimate completion.
Yet he is not. Instead, his focus is on reaching Palpatine's suite as soon as possible.
All was going well until, at the very last moment, Palpatine informed him that his contact within the Jedi had learned something that has the potential to change everything. Qui-Gon Jinn identified Maul as a Sith, that was expected, but he also found a vergence in the Force: a human boy from Tatooine, born nine years ago, who Qui-Gon believes to be the prophesied Chosen One.
He could be wrong. The Jedi have no shortage of times when they've failed to understand the nature of the Force. But Qui-Gon Jinn is no such ordinary Jedi.
Not only has Qui-Gon allegedly found the Chosen One, but he also found Revan's heir after Maul's failure to retrieve him. As a Sith, Plagueis is used to operating in the shadows—used to knowing more than anyone else in the galaxy. But Qui-Gon Jinn... he's done things beyond even his own knowledge.
Plagueis felt the disturbance in the Force ten years ago—originating deep within the galactic Core—caused by a great battle fought between a dark power unknown to him... and Qui-Gon himself. To this day he still does not know what occurred, and that worries him deeply. It was part of what motivated him the following year to combine his powers with Sidious and will a being of their own design into creation, a being who would usher the Sith to their ultimate triumph. But the Force opposed them in favor of supporting the maverick Jedi Master.
Qui-Gon Jinn, a man questioned often by his peers, knows things that even the Sith do not know. That is not acceptable.
Bringing himself back to the moment, however, Plagueis continues on with haste to Palpatine's apartment. He has to see this Anakin Skywalker for himself; has to sense him for himself. He has to know if the Force had indeed struck back against the Sith, nine years earlier, by conceiving a human being to restore balance to the galaxy.
Finally, Plagueis reaches the door to Palpatine's apartment and takes a moment to compose himself. He's soon answered by a handmaiden to the Queen, who was visibly unnerved by the unannounced visitor.
"I'm sorry, sir. Senator Palpatine is not here," she says.
"I know," he replies, somewhat impatient. "I'm here to speak with a guest of the Senator. A young human boy."
The handmaiden's gaze is fixated on the Muun's breath mask.
"I'm not permitted—"
A swift motion of his left hand silences her.
"You have my permission to speak."
"I have your permission," she repeats.
"Now where is the boy?"
"Anakin, you mean."
"Anakin, yes," he growls. "He's the one. Fetch him—now!"
"You just missed him, sir," she informs him.
"Missed him?"
A tint of yellow in his eyes threatens to break through the visage of Hego Damask.
"Where is he?" he demands.
"Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn came to collect him, sir. I suspect that you can find him at the Jedi Temple."
Plagueis steps back from the door, his thoughts reeling.
It all comes back to that blasted Jedi. Never, in the thousand years that have passed since the time of Lord Bane, has a single Jedi opposed the Sith to such a frustrating degree; knowingly or otherwise.
There's still hope that the boy will be rejected by the Council; he is too old, after all, and carries a great deal of attachment. But if Qui-Gon manages to convince the Council... if the Jedi do accept him...
He rubs his forehead in dismay.
'Are we undone?' he thought to himself. 'Have you undone us?'
Senate Building, Galactic City - Coruscant
"The Chair recognizes the Senator from the sovereign system of Naboo."
Anxiety starts to grow within Queen Padmé Amidala as the voice of Supreme Chancellor Valorum echoes through the Senate Chamber. Her colleague, mentor, and friend steps up to the podium, his expression showing only calm determination as he moves their pod out to hover in full view of the galactic congress. Once again, Padmé wishes she could have the same confidence that Palpatine does, even if he's skeptical about others being willing to aid Naboo in their plight.
"Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate," Senator Palpatine address the Senate, his usual charm and pleasant demeanor replaced with something more severe. "A tragedy has occurred which started with the taxation of trade routes, and has now engulfed our entire planet in the oppression of the Trade Federation."
Almost immediately another pod surges into the open, carrying the representatives of the Trade Federation.
"This is outrageous! I object to the Senator's statements!" Lott Dod cries out.
Padmé's gaze hardens as anger surges into her at their outcry.
Patience, she tells herself.
She's granted some small satisfaction when the Chancellor turns toward Senator Dodd with a disapproving glare etched on his face and reprimands him.
"The Chair does not recognize the Senator from the Trade Federation at this time. Please return to your station."
With the go-ahead from Valorum, Palpatine continues to address the Senate.
"To state our allegations, I present Queen Amidala, recently elected ruler of Naboo, who speaks on our behalf," he announces.
Hushed whispers fill the chamber and Palpatine steps away from the podium. The bundle of nerves in her stomach starts pounding with greater intensity, and Padmé takes a deep breath in an attempt to steady herself as she stands from her seat. Palpatine offers a simple nod of encouragement to her before sitting back down, and suddenly she's at the center of attention.
Her people are counting on her now, more than ever. This is why she was elected in the first place.
"Honorable representatives of the Republic, I come to you under the gravest of circumstances," Padmé starts to speak, making an effort to keep her resolve firm. "Naboo system has been invaded by the droid armies of the Trade—"
"I object! There is no proof!" Lott Dodd exclaims yet again. "This is incredible. We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth."
Padmé resists the urge to snap back in retaliation. Anger starts simmering in her stomach, boiling away the nerves she was feeling only moments prior.
How can someone be so quick to dismiss such cruelty knowing full well that it is happening?
"The Congress of Malastare concurs with the honorable delegate from the Trade Federation. A commission must be appointed," Senator Aks Moe interjects.
"The point—"
Chancellor Valorum begins to speak but falls silent as the Vice Chair, Mas Amedda, leans close to speak with him in a hushed voice.
Padmé looks around in dismay at how quickly things have begun falling apart before she could even finish her opening statement. As if sensing her distress, Palpatine approaches her and leans over her shoulder to address her, while his gaze never leaves the Supreme Chancellor.
"Enter the bureaucrats, the true rulers of the Republic, and on the payroll of the Trade Federation, I might add. This is where Chancellor Valorum's strength will disappear."
As Palpatine steps back again Padmé watches the Chancellor converse with his aides. Her heart sinks more the longer it takes for him to finish.
Eventually, with a seemingly defeated look on his face, Chancellor Valorum addresses the Senate.
"The point is conceded…" he sighs, looking down at the Queen. "Will you defer your motion to allow a commission to explore the validity of your accusations?"
Shock and dismay are the first feelings she experiences—Chancellor Valorum has always been the strongest voice in the Senate to speak in her favor regarding this crisis. So why then is he now giving in to the pressure of these corporate entities?
Beneath her robes, Padmé's hands clench into fists.
Sadness is swiftly replaced by fury. How could he dismiss her like this before she even had the chance to present her case? Is this a game to him? Did he ever really care about Naboo's interests at all?
"I will not defer! I have come before you to resolve this attack on our sovereignty now!" Queen Amidala declares, her voice strong and unshaken. "I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee!"
She then pauses. Despite her anger, she's still unsure about what she plans to say next. Can Valorum truly be the one to blame for all of this? He's still an ally, isn't he?
Not anymore. He chose the bureaucrats over your own people.
A voice in her head urges her on. Surely she must do something, right?
Valorum will only lose his status. Your people will lose their lives.
Padmé ponders what to do for a moment more and then proceeds. She knows what she has to do to save her people. To see real change occur.
"If this body is not capable of action, I suggest new leadership is needed!" Padmé continues.
Valorum's eyes slowly widen in realization of what she's about to say, making her hesitate. But only for a moment.
"I move for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership."
The next minute could only be described as chaotic—her statement threw the entire Senate Chamber into an uproar. Dozens of delegates jump out of their seats and begin shouting all manner of opinions and outcries, but a single unified chant rises above it all:
"Vote now! Vote now! Vote now!"
Padmé is unable to look away from the Chancellor as conflicting feelings churn within her. Half of her feels vindicated that she's taking such a huge step to remove an obstacle in the way of her people's salvation, while the other half feels guilty. In every interaction she's had with him over the past year, Valorum has been nothing but kind to her. And now here she is watching him slump back in his chair, looking completely devastated, all because of her.
The Queen of Naboo, like everyone else in the room, fails to miss the gleam in Palpatine's eyes as he looks upon the now disgraced Chancellor.
Finally, the Vice Chair jumps to his feet and looks around at the massive congregation of Senators with a harsh glare.
"ORDER!" he declares, and the chanting starts to fade.
Palpatine is then back at the Queen's side once more.
"Now they will elect a new Chancellor, a strong Chancellor, one who will not let our tragedy continue," he states proudly.
Padmé doesn't quite share his enthusiasm and looks down at the podium in dismay.
The Republic is supposed to be the shining jewel of the galaxy, a champion for democracy and the freedoms deserved by all sentient beings. When did it become nothing more than a dejarik board one plays in the pursuit of power?
Jedi Temple, Galactic City - Coruscant
While maintaining a commitment to his seeming endeavors there are plenty of Jedi who continue to be skeptical, sometimes even wary, of his ideas. Unfortunately, even his own apprentice hasn't been shy about expressing his own reservations to Qui-Gon.
It's not wrong of Obi-Wan to think in this manner. Qui-Gon has even come to rely on his Padawan's firm adherence to the Jedi Code, as it provided a good balance between them. Even so, that doesn't mean he can't help but feel frustrated at times. Now, having just brought Anakin to the Jedi Council to be tested, is one of those moments where Qui-Gon feels that Obi-Wan's stance is a bit too rigid to the rules of the Council.
"The boy will not pass the Council's tests, Master," Obi-Wan is saying.
"Jarik passed the test. I don't see why Anakin wouldn't do the same," Qui-Gon disagrees.
"Yes, but his scenario is different. He's too old."
Qui-Gon shakes his head and continues on, looking out at the orange Coruscanti sunset.
"Anakin will become a Jedi," he replies confidently. "I promise you."
Obi-Wan's shoulders slump in dismay as he recognizes that Qui-Gon has no intention of changing his mind.
"Do not defy the Council, Master... not again," he almost pleads with him.
He can sympathize with Obi-Wan's plight, but it doesn't sway his judgment.
"I shall do what I must, Obi-Wan," he states simply.
"If you would just follow the code you would be on the Council," Obi-Wan points out. "They will not go along with you this time."
The Master and Apprentice both come to a stop at the edge of the balcony, beyond which the horizon is filled with moving vehicles and towering skyscrapers.
"You still have much to learn, my young apprentice," Qui-Gon says, concluding the conversation.
Obi-Wan sighs, his frustration evident, but he says nothing more.
The duo stand in silence for a short time, listening to the distant sounds of the city echoing through the air, and Qui-Gon ponders his padawan's words. A position on the Council isn't something he would want, nor would he imagine himself capable of managing such great responsibilities. His own master, Dooku, would be a far better choice in his opinion, though it's no secret that there isn't a bigger opponent of the Council than the aging Jedi swordsman.
His thoughts return once again to the current matter at hand, namely Anakin Skywalker. Even he can freely admit it is a bit strange that he would find not one, but two young boys and bring them to the Temple through unusual circumstances, and both saw the involvement of a Sith. Secrets hidden by darkness have begun revealing themselves.
Ever since his time on Reylea... it cannot be a coincidence. What else is there that has occurred unseen?
"Best to get some rest, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon suggests. "I imagine we'll have a busy day tomorrow."
"Yes, Master."
Obi-Wan nods in acknowledgement and opens his mouth as if to say something else but then pauses, thinking differently of it, and then departs. Qui-Gon is left alone on the balcony now, still pondering the latest developments.
While he's waiting to hear back about his current charge, it wouldn't hurt to check up on his previous one.
The late evening saw the youngling's final class being their fifth and final meditation session of the day. Sitting in their spots on the floor of the training room, all six younglings had their legs crossed with their eyes closed while making an effort to connect with the Force. Their instructor sat in front of them all in the same position, simply observing them to get a sense of how well they're doing—and if they even are.
Motion draws Xudi's attention—but not from the six younglings—and she looks over to see Qui-Gon standing by the entrance of the training room. He acknowledges her with a faint nod, to which she does likewise, then quietly gets to her feet and approaches him without the younglings taking notice.
"Good evening, Xudi," Qui-Gon greets her.
His voice is hushed so as not to disturb the younglings, which she appreciates.
"Qui-Gon. Good to see you back," she replies in kind.
"I feel the same, though I'm afraid this matter with Naboo is far from over."
"So I've heard," she remarks. "I take it you're aware of what happened in the Senate today?"
"Indeed," he nods, looking grim. "I know the Chancellor's popularity has waned in recent times, but I did not anticipate it leading to this outcome."
Xudi shakes her head and sighs.
"Force be with the Republic in these troubling times."
Qui-Gon hums in agreement before looking out at the group of younglings.
"How has Jarik been faring?" he inquires.
Xudi crosses her arms and turns to observe the younglings as well. The boy in question didn't seem to appear as troubled as he has in previous sessions, but she could just make out some lingering feelings of discomfort.
"It's difficult to say," she admits. "He struggles to connect with the Force."
"Perhaps his nightmares have built a mental block in him," Qui-Gon suggests.
"They haven't been 'explosive,' for lack of a better term, since you last saw him," she replies, though not discounting the idea.
Qui-Gon nods his head.
"I see."
The two ponder Jarik's progress in silence for a moment more until Xudi addresses Qui-Gon again, recalling the more recent news she's been hearing.
"I imagine I don't need to inform you that rumors have spread all over regarding your recent incursion, even to the younglings."
Qui-Gon's response is dry and unexpressive, though a faint trace of mirth passes through his eyes.
"I've heard as much."
She levels him with a serious gaze.
"Qui-Gon... is it true what they say?"
The older Jedi turns his view away from Jarik and glances at her, becoming even more grim than she's seen him be in a long while.
"I'm afraid so."
Xudi breathes in deeply at his response, sensing the truth in his words and the total conviction with which he spoke them. A maverick he may be, Qui-Gon Jinn was never one to stir up trouble if he did not believe it worth acknowledging.
The idea that the Sith are back... moreover, perhaps having never even been extinct to begin with... this is not just a failure on the part of the Jedi Order. How did she not know about it? While there's never been any indication, the Sith pose a greater threat to her own order should they discover it. How did her leaders not know they survived?
They have to know more. It's not an option.
"There's something I think you need to know about the most recent drea—" Xudi starts to say.
"Master Jinn!"
The excited squeal catches Xudi off guard and the two Jedi Masters look over to see Jarik dashing over to them, the rest of the younglings also up and about. Guess she was so lost in her thoughts she didn't notice the bell ring to signify the end of meditation.
Jarik is quick to tackle Qui-Gon with a fierce hug, wrapping his arms around his legs and joyously looking up at the older man, who stumbles slightly in response.
"Hello again—woah! Easy there, young one," Qui-Gon chuckles.
"Jarik," Xudi looks down at him with a raised brow.
Jarik backs off and nervously averts his gaze.
"Sorry Master," he apologizes.
"It's alright," Qui-Gon says. "Xudi was just telling me about how your classes have been going lately."
The boy seems to shrink to an even smaller size.
"I'm not very good, am I?" he mumbles.
"That is not true, Jarik," Xudi reprimands in a firm, but gentle, tone. "No one starts good at everything."
"Indeed," Qui-Gon nods in agreement. "You have a wise teacher. What matters is the effort you give to improve yourself."
Jarik looks up at them, feeling a little bit better now.
"Ok," he nods shyly, looking up at the Jedi Master. "You don't have to leave again, right?"
"I'm afraid so. Duty insists I remain busy," Qui-Gon says apologetically. "Have you been to the Great Tree at all?"
"I... don't remember the way there," he admits, sheepishly twiddling his thumbs. "Could you show me again?"
Xudi sighs in exasperation.
"Jarik, if you don't remember you can always ask me or another Master to bring you."
"Oh, um, sorry Master..." he awkwardly replies.
"It's alright, Jarik, I can take you," Qui-Gon assures him. "But your Master is right, you don't need to ask me. I won't always be here."
"Ok," Jarik nods.
Qui-Gon smiles at him before glancing at Xudi.
"I'll bring him back to him room once we're finished."
"Thank you," she nods.
With that Qui-Gon gestures for Jarik to follow him and the boy eagerly does so, disappearing out the door with him while Xudi observes with a furrowed brow. The other five younglings walk over with baffled looks on their faces.
"Where are they going?" Rylla asks.
"I don't know," Weron shrugs.
"Why does he always get special attention?" Vifi grumbles.
"Yeah," Kurhran nods.
Xudi turns around to face the group with a stern glare, shaking her head in disapproval.
"Younglings, behave yourselves."
They give mumbling apologies in reply and Ahsoka sticks her tongue out at them, feeling a need to protect her friend's dignity.
In the courtyard the sounds of the planet-wide city seemed much more distant and were overtaken by the whistle of wind. Golden yellow petals flutter in the breeze, giving greater life to the uneti tree, all while bathed in orange light from the setting sun.
Qui-Gon stands at the base of the tree with Jarik and observes the young boy as he inspects it with childlike wonder, touching the twisting bark of the tree trunk.
"What does the tree feel like, Jarik?"
"Umm... barky? Rough?" Jarik answers.
"I mean with the Force, not with your hands," Qui-Gon clarifies.
"Oh, sorry."
Jarik looks up at the tree with a frown on his face, thinking long and hard about it, and Qui-Gon waits patiently for him to answer. A variety of expressions cross his face, most of them showing befuddlement and uncertainty. Eventually he groans in defeat.
"It feels... nice, I guess?" he finally says.
"Do you feel any peace? Calm?"
Peace? Calm? Jarik thinks a bit more about those things. Right now, at least, he feels fine. He's happy to be around Master Jinn, obviously. Maybe that's it?
"I guess so. I think I'm happy," he shrugs, looking up at the older man. "Does it make me feel that way?"
"It may help, but it doesn't 'make' you feel anything," Qui-Gon tells him. "You feel peace because your focus is on the Force."
Jarik nods, not quite sure he understands but feeling like he has an idea.
"Can you feel peace elsewhere?" Qui-Gon then asks.
"I don't know. Probably?" the boy replies, more as a question, than a response, though a he recalls something else that makes his eyes light up. "'Soka makes me feel happy!"
"And why is that?"
Jarik opens his mouth to answer but suddenly stops, his joy suddenly replaced with unease. He looks away from Qui-Gon as fear starts to fill his heart at the reminder of what Ahsoka's presence helped him ease.
Qui-Gon watches the young boy for some time, sensing the conflicting emotions running through him. He sighs, seeing for himself how much Jarik is tormented by memories of the Sith.
"Would you believe me if I told you that I sometimes have nightmares?" he tells Jarik.
The boy looks up at him in surprise.
"You do?"
"As do many Jedi," he nods in reply.
For a moment Qui-Gon recalls some of the things in his own past which he's had to struggle through, much of which he's only been able to confer with Master Yoda about given the circumstances—the darkness on Reylea took some of the most important people to him, making him nearly succumb to the dark side as a result, and despite his hard-fought victory against his foe all he could feel was loss, regret... even failure.
He made some mistakes, as all beings do at times, but he doesn't let that define him, nor should it interfere with his duty as a Jedi.
"Our lives are not easy," Qui-Gon continues to say. "Some of us face incredible challenges that affect us say after day."
"Then how are you so good at doing things?" Jarik asks.
He smiles fondly at Jarik, then crouches down in front of the boy and places a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"That's the real test which every aspiring Jedi must learn to overcome," he states. "Being a good Jedi does not mean we're perfect and can never do bad things; it means we do everything in our power to do good, whether it's for ourselves or those around us. And above all, following the will of the Force. We serve the Force, and in return it offers us guidance and peace."
Though his words bring a sense of comfort to Jarik's heart, his mind can't quite process the meaning of it all.
"I don't understand," he says helplessly.
Qui-Gon squeezes his shoulder in reassurance.
"It is a lot to take in," he admits. "But you will in time, that I can promise you."
And he will. He knows he will.
Author's Note: The moment with Darth Plagueis is based on a scene written in the novel, Darth Plagueis, by author James Luceno. Credit goes to him!