As the shuttle engines wound down with a soft hum and the ramp descended, the cool artificial air of the planet's capital washed over them. Stepping out onto the platform, the vibrant world of Coruscant was revealed to them in all its bustling, high-tech, and enigmatic glory. It was alive. Speeders zoomed overhead and the crowds of people, more than the boy had ever seen in his life, went about their daily routines. The air was filled with an amalgam of sounds, all intermingled together, forming the city's pulsing heartbeat. The hum of vehicles, the constant chatter, announcements being read over speakers, droids, and their mechanical workings carrying out their tasks. It was hard to decipher what one person was saying unless they were right next to you.
In the ten years she had been away from the place that had once been her home, the shadows had grown longer and darker. There was something immediately familiar and comforting, yet she knew many things had changed. She wanted to be completely at ease, but such was the fate of those who walked in the boots of a Jedi.
Despite the excitement and anticipation of returning to the homeworld of the Jedi Temple, Cressida was unable to ignore the nervous knot in her stomach. Her many memories of a time from within the temple walls, both glorious and difficult, flooded her mind and left her with dreadful questions. She looked down at the boy who was so enraptured in the world around him, his very presence was a testament to the light that Cressida carried within her. A source of joy and hope that defied the doubts of those who questioned their bond. This day had been coming and she knew it, for despite the knowledge of what had to happen today, she still questioned her place among the ranks of her Jedi brethren. The existence of her son could potentially complicate matters greatly, so much could change today.
She thought of the many times the Jedi Council had granted special permissions for Jedi to have children, there weren't many but it wasn't unheard of. Still, her circumstances were vastly different than what had been approved of before. Doubt and worry gnawed at her.
"Are you nervous, Mom?" the boy asked, glancing up at her with a piercing gaze that suggested he knew her innermost thoughts before she could even think them. A presence that was commanding to some, was serene to him, yet it was his deep connection to his mother through their force bond that alerted him to her troubled soul. "Nervous about being home?"
A glance at her, if you happened to notice her at all, would make you ask the question 'How long has she been there?' Her demeanor was observant and unassuming, she blended seamlessly into the crowds of people around her, suggesting the shadows were as comforting to her as a blanket. The stormy shade of gray in her eyes seemed to hold the weight of so much, much like heavy rain clouds before a monsoon.
Beside her, the young boy looked up eagerly with the concern of a wise sage and not the eyes of a child, though he was very much a child. A stark contrast to his mother's shadowy nature, his youthful exuberance radiated from him, reflecting his wonder and carefree nature of the world around him as he saw it.
A soft smile graced her lips as she met his gaze. "No Solan, I'm not nervous. Just happy to be back," her voice warm and soothing. He peered up at her, his sandy hair shifting in the breeze.
"Are you sure, Mom? You look a little... different," he gently prodded, his voice filled with genuine care.
Her smile softened further, and she let out a soft chuckle, appreciating his perceptiveness. "Maybe I am a little nervous. The Jedi way is not always kind to those who stray from its path."
Solan's eyes sparkled with unwavering confidence as he squeezed her hand tighter. "It's alright, Mom, we're safe now. We'll find our way."
His words brought a sense of peace to Cressida's heart, lightening the weight of her apprehension. She knew he was right, and their bond provided a strength that surpassed any external challenges they might encounter. With renewed determination, she turned her attention to the grandeur of the Jedi Temple that stood before them, its towering spires reaching toward the sky.
"Come, Starlight," she said, "Let me show you the Temple."
As they departed the shuttle they blended in with the crowd seamlessly, their utilitarian attire giving no clue to their identities. A surge of affection rushed through her as she watched her son take in the city's grandeur. She remembered a time when she too looked at the capital with such awe. She reached out and gently clasped his smaller hand in hers, a touch of reassurance amidst the newness that surrounded them. His mismatched eyes widened with awe at the sight of towering skyscrapers that seemed to touch the heavens, he'd never seen such structures. His face lit up with excitement, a youthful curiosity shining through.
With each step, she silently echoed Solan's words, hoping that the council would understand their unique situation and grant their request. And as the temple loomed closer, she whispered to herself, 'Yes, my dear Solan, everything will be alright. We're finally home.'
OOO
The steps of Obi-Wan and Anakin making their way through the bustling corridors of the Jedi Temple echoed softly off the walls with each footfall, their conversation turned from the nature of this last-minute meeting of masters to more personal matters. Anakin's gait held a touch of restlessness, his thoughts consumed by the impending birth of his and Padmé's children.
"I can't help but feel a bit uneasy," Anakin admitted, his voice laced with vulnerability. "Is it strange that I'm more comfortable on the battlefield than in this new frontier of fatherhood?"
"That is a little strange, Anakin." Obi-Wan's blue eyes crinkled with amusement. "Fatherhood can't be all that scary." His tone shifted from teasing to a more comforting nature, sensing Akanin's worry. "You'll be an exceptional father, just as you've been an exceptional Jedi. Most of the time." He punctuated his pep talk with a slight jab, and Anakin appreciated the gesture but his unease remained. "Are you honestly going to tell me you would be more comfortable on Geonosis than in the medical wing with a newborn?" Obi-Wan chuckled.
"With Padme by my side, it wasn't so scary. But this? I feel woefully unprepared." Anakin huffed out a deep and cumbersome breath.
"Well, it can't be worse than anything you've accomplished so far. Keep your head, be there for Padme, and do your best to fulfill your duties as a Jedi. The force will be with you in all things just as it has your whole life. Besides, newborns aren't that hard, they just sleep most of the time."
Anakin smirked, his expression tinged with mischief. "How about you save the lectures on fatherhood for when you become a father yourself."
"Very amusing, Anakin. What woman would put up with my penchant for adventure?" Memories of Siri, Satine, and Cerasi briefly flashed through Obi-wan's mind.
Anakin scoffed playfully, knowing full well of the trail of broken hearts Obi-Wan had inadvertently left in his wake. "Oh, I'm sure there's someone out there who can handle you, my friend." Obi-wan shook his head dismissively. The topic of their discussion changed as they continued their strides, "So, you don't know why this meeting had been called?" Anakin asked.
Obi-Wan shrugged, "No, I don't. Why would you think I do?"
Anakin gave him a look that he'd seen a hundred times before "Because you often know more than you say you do." Obi-Wan chuckled
"Not this time, I'm just as in the dark as you."
As they approached the Council Chambers, Anakin's eagerness led him to stride ahead, leaving Obi-Wan momentarily behind. His gaze was drawn to a young boy sitting alone on a bench, swinging his legs with an air of lightheartedness. The boy didn't quite fit the image of a Padawan or a youngling, lacking the traditional Jedi braid and attire.
Curiosity piqued, Obi-Wan motioned for Anakin to proceed without him. He approached the boy with a warm smile, his eyes filled with kindness and intrigue. "Hello, there."
The boy turned his gaze toward Obi-Wan, his eyes sparkling with an innocence that seemed at odds with the Jedi Temple's solemnity. "Hello, Master Jedi," he replied, his tone respectful and filled with genuine warmth.
Obi-Wan found himself pleasantly surprised by the boy's polite manners and the observance of his Jedi title. A twinkle of recognition flickered in the depths of the Jedi Master's eyes, though he couldn't quite place it. Their encounter felt oddly familiar.
Engaging in the conversation with a friendly curiosity, Obi-Wan stood before the boy. "Are you waiting for someone, young one?"
The boy nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Yes. I'm waiting for my mother. She's in a meeting with the Grand Master and the High Council. But I think she might be gone for a while."
"Why's that?"
"I think she's in trouble." There was a slight slump in his posture that denoted an invisible burden he carried.
"Why would your mother be in trouble with the council?" Civilians didn't answer to the council, he couldn't imagine a reason for this.
"She's a Jedi, and Jedi aren't allowed to have children."
"What's your name, young man?" Obi-Wan's brow furrowed slightly, his mind connecting the dots. The boy's presence and the mention of the council stirred a sense of unease within him. Obi-Wan moved to sit beside him.
The boy looked up at Obi-Wan with eager anticipation. "My name is Solan Cael," he answered, his name unfamiliar to the Jedi Master. "What's yours?"
"My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi" He held out a hand for Solan to shake but Solan's eyes widened in awe.
"General Kenobi?" he asked, his voice filled with reverence.
Surprised by the recognition, Obi-Wan's curiosity deepened. "Do you know me?"
Solan nodded eagerly, his voice filled with admiration as it trembled in disbelief. "General Kenobi?" Obi-Wan answers him with a warm smile Solan is barely able to contain his surprise. Solan's excitement was palpable as he turned to face Obi-wan on the bench, his eyes alight with reverence. "Hero of the Clone Wars, you served on Geonosis, you defended Kamino, you defeated General Grievous, you led the 212th Attack Battalion!"
Obi-wan chuckles at hearing of his own exploits with such fervor from one so young, "How do you know of me?"
"My mother told stories about you." Obi-Wan's brows shot up in surprise. "She said you weren't just a skilled warrior but a wise and compassionate Jedi and you stood for what was right. That you fought fearlessly and saved countless lives. She holds you in high regard and she's told me your stories since I was little."
"I'm honored to have your mother's high opinion," Obi-Wan felt flattered by the praise and intrigued by the tales Solan's mother had shared. "Tell me, Solan, do I know your mother?"
"No, I don't think so." The nonchalant response left Obi-Wan perplexed. It was true he had a reputation in the Clone Wars but it was still a bit odd for one person to speak of his exploits so fervently with no personal connection.
"What's your mother's name?" He was struck by Solan's lack of response. The Jedi Master pressed further, his voice gentle but persistent. "Does your mother know me?" Solan hesitated for a moment, biting his lower lip before his demeanor shifted, and he simply stated that he wasn't supposed to talk about it, it was a secret.
"Secrets can be burdensome, but necessary. Your mother must trust you a great deal." Obi-Wan was taken aback, his thoughts racing as he tried to piece together the puzzle of Solan's presence and his mother's connection to the upcoming meeting. "Solan, you said your mother was a Jedi?" The boy nodded but his responses had become very guarded. "Where have you and your mother been if not here at the Temple?"
Solan's eyes darted around and his shoulders slumped in a defensive posture, his excitement had gone and was replaced by an almost paranoia. "I'm not supposed to talk about it…"
Obi-Wan nodded, "I won't pry your story from you. Your mother trusts you with her secrets and it's admirable that you guard them so well. Perhaps your mother and I will meet someday and we'll meet again." Solan's eyes shone a bit brighter and he offered a small smile as Obi-Wan stood, "I'm afraid I must leave you here, Solan, but it's been a pleasure speaking with you."
Realizing his duty called him elsewhere Solan nodded. "May the Force be with you, Master Kenobi," the young boy offered, surprising Obi-Wan once more with his profound farewell.
"And with you, Solan Cael." Returning the sentiment, Obi-Wan couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding lingering in the air. As he rejoined Anakin at the entrance of the Council Chambers, the concerned look on his face did not go unnoticed by his former Padawan.
"Is everything alright?" Anakin asked, a hint of worry coloring his voice.
Obi-Wan rubbed his beard thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the closed doors of the Council Chambers. "I have no idea, but something tells me this meeting is about to bring unexpected revelations."
As the pair entered the council chamber, their footsteps echoed softly in the vast space. The room was brightly lit, with beams of sunlight streaming through the high windows, casting elongated shadows on the polished floor. The atmosphere felt charged, a mixture of anticipation and tension hanging in the air.
There was a figure already present, standing with her back toward Obi-Wan. Her long, auburn hair cascaded down her back in a loose braid, swaying gently as she shifted her weight from one foot to another. She wore attire that deviated from the traditional Jedi robes, opting instead for snug-fitting clothing more akin to that of a smuggler or adventurer. The fabric clung to her form, suggesting a familiarity with warm climates and practicality rather than Jedi decorum. Her skin, kissed by the sun, carried an olive tone that spoke of time spent outdoors.
Obi-Wan's gaze traveled down, and his eyes widened slightly as he caught sight of a lightsaber hilt securely strapped to her leg. It struck him as an unusual placement, different from the customary position on the belt, more befitting of a blaster. His curiosity deepened, and he found himself growing more intrigued by the woman before him.
Her posture was guarded, her body language communicating a wariness that kept her gaze averted from the others present, aside from the Grandmaster Mace Windu. Obi-Wan's attention shifted to the ongoing conversation, noting the in-depth nature of the discussion. It was evident that the meeting had been called abruptly, with the council members already engaged in weighty discourse.
The other masters began to take their seats, some appearing via hologram projections that materialized around the room. The atmosphere remained curious, yet not overtly unusual. The council chamber had witnessed countless deliberations, but this particular gathering held an air of hidden significance. Obi-Wan observed his fellow Jedi, noting the mix of expressions on their faces—concern, intrigue, contemplation, and a sense of duty.
As Obi-Wan and Anakin settled into their respective seats, taking their place among the council members, the woman with the auburn hair maintained her enigmatic stance, her back still turned. Her identity remained shrouded in mystery, an enigma that intrigued Obi-Wan. He silently resolved to discover the reasons behind her presence and the secrets she held, all while fulfilling his duty to the council and the Jedi Order.
The council chamber hummed with anticipation as Mace Windu, the Grand Master of the Jedi Order, took his place at the center of the room. The lighting grew slightly dimmer, focusing the attention on the council members gathered around. The atmosphere became weighted with a mix of curiosity, concern, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Mace's deep voice resonated through the chamber as he began to speak, his tone both commanding and measured. "I thank you all for your promptness in attending this meeting, fellow masters," he said, his eyes scanning each Jedi present. "We find ourselves facing an unusual event that requires the combined wisdom and utmost delicacy in our approach."
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker exchanged glances, their eyes meeting briefly before returning their attention to Mace. Anakin's gaze flickered towards the door, his expression betraying a hint of restlessness, while Obi-Wan responded with a subtle shrug, signaling his curiosity and readiness for whatever lay ahead.
"The circumstances we face pertain to the child of the Jedi Sentinel among us," Mace continued, his voice carrying a weight of importance. "This Sentinel has entrusted us with a matter of great significance, and it is imperative that we exercise utmost discretion."
The other council members leaned forward, their interest piqued as they absorbed Mace's words. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for further details. It became apparent that only Mace Windu and Yoda possessed prior knowledge of the unfolding events, leaving the rest of the council in a state of eager curiosity.
Mace paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before continuing. "We must exercise caution as we navigate this delicate situation," his voice carried a note of gravitas. "Our actions could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the child involved but also for the Jedi Order as a whole. We must proceed with wisdom and compassion."
The council members leaned in, their expressions a mix of anticipation and concern. They were well aware that this was a pivotal moment, a test of their collective judgment and the values they held dear. They yearned for more information, eager to understand the depth and significance of the Sentinel's request.
Amid the charged atmosphere, Obi-Wan and Anakin exchanged another glance, silently communicating their readiness to face the unknown. They understood that the path ahead was shrouded in mystery and filled with challenges, yet their resolve remained unwavering. They were Jedi, after all, and it was their duty to safeguard the Order and protect those in need.
The council chamber retained its solemn atmosphere as Mace Windu addressed the Sentinel, his voice measured and commanding. "Is the boy with you, Sentinel?" he inquired, his gaze steady and unwavering.
The Sentinel nodded, her eyes briefly meeting Mace's before turning to the doors. With a calm and authoritative tone, Mace beckoned the guards at the door. The large doors swung open, revealing Solan, who quickly came to stand by her side. The boy's face was alight with anticipation, his eyes shining with a youthful curiosity unburdened by the weight of the Jedi Council's presence, he cast a bright smile at Obi-Wan.
Solan's mother gently placed her hand on his shoulder, guiding him forward until he stood before her, positioned where the Grandmaster could better see him. Her touch carried both reassurance and a silent reminder for him to remain composed in the presence of the council.
Mace turned his attention to Solan, his eyes studying the young boy. "Welcome, Solan," he greeted warmly. "Do you know where you are, and who everyone in this room is?"
Solan's gaze moved from Mace to the council members, his face bright and eager. He nodded confidently. "Yes, Grandmaster," he replied. "I'm at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, and the people here are the members of the Jedi High Council." He proceeded to name a few individuals, including Mace Windu, Yoda, Obi-Wan, Ki-Adi Mundi, Shaak Ti, Kit Fisto, and Anakin with a sense of familiarity that impressed the council.
Mace's amusement danced in his eyes as he continued his conversation with the boy. "And do you know why you are here, Solan?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.
Solan glanced at his mother, seeking her guidance. She nodded subtly, encouraging him to speak. The young boy took a step forward and cleared his throat. "I'm ten years old," he began, his voice tinged with a mixture of excitement and seriousness. "My purpose here is to begin my training as a Jedi."
Soft murmurs rippled through the council members, their curiosity and interest piqued by the boy's candid response. Mace leaned back in his seat, a spark of intrigue glinting in his eyes. "Tell me, Solan," he continued, his tone gentle. "Can you feel the presence of the Force calling to you? Have you ever experienced moments where you've made things happen that you couldn't explain?"
A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of Solan's lips as he extended his hand, palm upturned. Behind Mace, an ornate ornament sat on display, an object of intricate craftsmanship. As if responding to Solan's invitation, it shot across the room, propelled by an unseen force, and gently came to rest above Solan's outstretched hand.
Gasps of astonishment escaped from the council members, their eyes widening as they witnessed the display of Solan's burgeoning connection to the Force. Mace Windu's lips curved into a small smile, a mix of admiration and anticipation. The young boy had caught their attention, his journey now intricately woven into the destiny of the Jedi Order.
The council chamber fell into a hushed silence as Mace Windu turned his gaze towards Yoda, seeking the ancient Jedi Master's counsel. Yoda, his expression serene and wise, nodded in acknowledgment, indicating his understanding of the situation unfolding before them.
Mace leaned forward in his seat, his eyes fixed on the Sentinel. "Has the boy's midi-chlorian count been measured?" he asked, his voice steady and purposeful.
The Sentinel met Mace's gaze, her own eyes steady and resolute. "Yes, Grandmaster," she replied. "His midi-chlorian count stands at 16,000."
A wave of astonishment rippled through the Council Chamber, spreading like wildfire. The Jedi Masters exchanged whispered conversations, their voices tinged with a mix of disbelief and awe. Even Obi-Wan Kenobi, a seasoned Jedi, found himself momentarily taken aback by the sheer magnitude of Solan's connection to the Force.
Mace, regaining his composure, turned his attention back to Solan. "Can you do anything else, young Solan?" he inquired, his voice filled with a blend of curiosity and anticipation.
Solan nodded earnestly, his bright eyes filled with a sense of wonder. "When I touch objects, Grandmaster," he began, his voice carrying a hint of excitement, "I can see their histories. I can see who held them last and they tell me their stories. I can even share what I see with others through touch." Solan's words hung in the air, permeating the council chamber with a sense of extraordinary possibility. "I can share these visions with my mother too."
A murmur of astonishment swept through the council members once again, their gazes fixed upon the young boy and his mother. Solan's abilities were beyond anything they had encountered before. The Sentinel nodded, confirming her possession of the same gift, which had manifested after the child's birth. The depth and complexity of their bond stirred a sense of reverence among the council.
Solan continued, his voice calm and composed. "I have memories, Grandmaster," he continued his words carrying a weight of ancient wisdom. "Memories of my life before I was born, and memories of my mother carrying me in her womb as though they were my own."
The council members listened intently, their eyes widening as they grasped the significance of Solan's words. The boundaries of time and existence seemed to blur in the face of his extraordinary connection to the Force.
Sensing a trace of doubt among the council members, Solan extended his hand, allowing the object he held to make contact with his skin. "This artifact," he began, his voice filled with a knowing certainty, "once belonged to a great Jedi Master who occupied the seat where Master Yoda now sits. He lived during the time of the Old Republic and passed the object to his Padawan, who tragically lost his life. It was lost until it was returned to the council by an ambassador of Arkanis." Solan's words hung in the air, each one carrying an air of truth. "The Great Master became one with the force."
The council members exchanged shocked glances, their disbelief transforming into resolute belief. Every word uttered by Solan resonated with undeniable authenticity, revealing the depths of his extraordinary abilities and the vastness of his connection to the Force. The Jedi Order stood at the precipice of a new era, guided by the presence of this enigmatic young boy and his mother, both touched by the Force in ways that defied conventional understanding.
The council chamber was filled with a solemn atmosphere, heavy with the weight of Solan's revelations. Mace Windu, stunned into silence by the young boy's extraordinary abilities, found himself momentarily unable to form words. It was Yoda, the venerable Jedi Master, who broke the silence.
Yoda's ancient voice resonated with a mixture of compassion and curiosity as he addressed the boy. "More to tell us, you have, young Solan. Sense it, I do," he said, his wise eyes fixed upon the boy. "Upon your heart, will you share with the council what weighs?"
Solan took a hesitant step backward, but his mother gently urged him forward once more, her touch conveying both support and encouragement. Taking a deep breath, Solan mustered his courage and spoke. "Sometimes, Master Yoda," he began, his voice tinged with vulnerability, "I have dreams. Dreams of things that have been and some things that have not yet come to pass. They frighten me, and sometimes I wake up screaming and crying." He lowered his head slightly as though ashamed, "I know I'm not supposed to be afraid, but I can't help it. I don't know how to make the visions stop, sometimes I get sick when I see things."
A sense of empathy washed over Obi-Wan Kenobi as he listened to the child's confession. He had been unaware of the depth of the young boy's experiences and the burdens he had already carried at such a tender age. Obi-Wan's heart went out to Solan, recognizing the tremendous weight that the boy had been shouldering in the shadows.
Solan's shoulders slumped, his gaze now fixed upon the ground as if expecting a reprimand. He took another step back, seeking solace in the presence of his mother, who instinctively rested her hands on his shoulders, offering a comforting embrace.
Yoda approached Solan, his ancient eyes filled with wisdom and compassion. "Feel ashamed for feeling fear do not, a heavy burden, visions of the future are. An absence of courage your fear is not." He imparted.
Solan looked up, his gaze meeting Yoda's countenance. The burden of shame began to ease from his young shoulders as he absorbed Yoda's words of wisdom. A glimmer of hope flickered in his eyes as if a weight had been lifted from his fragile spirit.
The council members, previously silent witnesses to this intimate exchange, now regarded Solan with newfound understanding. The room itself seemed to radiate a sense of compassion and acceptance. Solan, though still young and vulnerable, had taken a courageous step in revealing his fears and doubts. In the presence of Yoda's wisdom, the young boy's journey toward embracing his strength and resilience had just begun.
The Council Chamber remained filled with a mix of curiosity and concern as everyone absorbed the weighty revelations brought forth by Solan. Anakin Skywalker, his gaze fixed intently on the young boy, felt a deep connection to him, his curiosity and investment growing with each passing moment. Yoda, having imparted his wisdom, settled back into his seat, his gaze shifting between Solan and his mother.
Mace Windu, the steady voice of authority, addressed Solan once more, his tone gentle yet inquisitive. "Are you afraid of this room, or the people within it, young Solan?" he asked, his eyes showing genuine concern.
Solan took a moment to gather his thoughts, his small hand tightly grasping his mother's for comfort. "No, Grandmaster," he replied honestly. "I'm not afraid of this room or the people. I'm only afraid for my mother."
The attention of the council now shifted to Solan's mother, the Sentinel. She stood there, her posture strong and unwavering, her gaze fixed on her son with a mix of protective love and determination. The council members regarded her with a renewed sense of interest, recognizing the gravity of her situation.
Mace, his voice carrying a sense of reassurance, spoke directly to Solan. "The council does not punish Jedi for having children," he explained. "However, there are rules in place for a reason, but our greatest concern is for your wellbeing, young Solan."
Solan's gaze narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "You promise?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of caution.
Mace met Solan's gaze with empathy and sincerity. "I promise, young one," he affirmed, his words carrying the weight of his authority. "We are here to guide and protect you."
Another master, his curiosity piqued, interjected with a question. "And what about the identity of the boy's father?" he asked, directing his inquiry to Mace.
Mace's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing as he turned his attention toward Solan's mother. It was a question that lingered in the air, drawing the focus towards the woman who had silently stood beside her son throughout the council's deliberations.
Mace's voice was measured as he asked Solan, "Do you know who your father is?"
Solan's gaze dropped to the ground, a tinge of sadness flickering across his young face. "No," he confessed, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and longing.
The council members exchanged knowing glances, their attention now firmly fixed on Solan's mother. The woman stood there, her demeanor revealing a complex blend of strength, determination, and a hidden past that held the answers to Solan's lineage. The council was poised to uncover a truth that could shape the young boy's destiny within the Jedi Order.
The chamber grew increasingly tense as Mace Windu, his voice unwavering, addressed the Sentinel, requesting the identity of Solan's father. The atmosphere in the room shifted as if holding its breath, as all eyes focused on the woman standing beside her son. There was a hint of defensiveness in her posture, barely perceptible to those not paying close attention, but she concealed it well.
The Sentinel met Mace's gaze, her expression guarded yet resolute. "I know who his father is," she replied, her voice carrying a note of conviction. "And he is alive and well."
Solan turned his gaze towards his mother, his curiosity and trepidation evident in his young eyes. The weight of the moment hung in the air as Mace addressed the Sentinel once more, explaining the council's concerns about secrecy and the need for transparency. He tactfully asked her to reveal the identity of Solan's father before the council.
The Sentinel hesitated, her gaze flickering over her shoulder briefly as if seeking an escape. She then spoke, her voice laced with hesitation. "I'd hoped for the opportunity to tell the father in person first," she admitted, her words revealing a hint of vulnerability.
Mace's tone remained firm as he pressed further, his questions became more direct. "Is the father of ill repute or a criminal?" he inquired, his voice tinged with caution.
The defensive edge in the Sentinel's voice became more pronounced as she quickly retorted, "Not a chance."
The tension in the room escalated, the council members keenly attuned to the standoff between Mace and the Sentinel. Mace refused to yield, his determination was evident. He insisted on the revelation of Solan's father's identity before the council.
The Sentinel, realizing her tactics were failing, changed her approach, requesting that she be allowed to tell her son in private, or at least have him leave the room before revealing the truth. Mace remained silent, his patience waning, as he grew tired of the Sentinel's attempts to delay a straightforward answer.
Mace's voice grew firmer as he stated, "You've had ten years to tell Solan his father's identity, and the time for secrets is over."
The Sentinel appeared defeated, her gaze shifting towards her son. She brushed his hair out of his face, giving him a sympathetic look and squeezing his hand, conveying an unspoken reassurance amidst the uncertainty. Solan, his eyes filled with apprehension and confusion, sensed the change in his mother's demeanor and grew visibly nervous.
With a frustrated sigh, the Sentinel finally spoke, her voice laden with a sense of resignation. "Solan Cael," she began, her gaze fixed on her son, before shifting to meet Mace's gaze directly. "Is the son of Master Obi-Wan Kenobi."