Yoda, grandmaster of the Jedi Order, sat in the council chambers, listening as Jedi gave their reports on the War.
He should have been pleased by all he was hearing.
The War had ground to a halt. The Republic was making slow and steady gains; there were some that demanded that they race in and reclaim every planet but the Jedi had preached caution. They had become too thinly stretched and that was what had caused some planets to be recaptured agaun and again and again. There were some where it felt like just as they liberated one half of the sphere the other half was taken over by the Separatists. But now they were able to take care of the planets that they freed… and actually stick around and FIX them. Kit Fisto had mentioned that there was a planet dealing with a drought and he had some ideas to use their tanks to break through the thick bedrock and get to the underground waterways; normally the Council would have told him no-
'Normally?' he thought to himself. 'Normal that would not be. Normal to help, it would! To not help, abnormal it is. Aid all, a Jedi should… worry about next campaigns, we should not.'
He wondered how it was that they'd so quickly become consumed by holding territory instead of caring about those that lived within them.
There had been a few planets where, instead of rushing in with an army and 'liberating it' they had been able to open lines of communication. Talk with actual living people and not droids that were programmed by species that had long forgotten how to be people and become just walking pieces of their businesses and corporations. And when they Jedi Knights and Masters had talked to those people and learned that they just wanted out of the Republic and weren't interested in fighting the Republic they had quietly signed peace agreements with them. There were too many Senators hungry for battle; they would never accept such things. But with the Chancellor so distracted as of late (and Yoda made a mental note to check in on the man at some point, to see if he could do anything for him) the Jedi were able to do such things under the radar. Agreements that they would leave the planets alone so long as they left the Republic alone.
Surprisingly all had so far kept their word.
"Does anyone have anything they'd like to add?" Mace asked and Yoda frowned at the blue holographic image. How long had it been since they'd all been together? There had been plenty of times where one of their number was off planet, taking care of something, but now it was a good week when half of the Council was on planet together. He couldn't remember the last time they'd all been together… maybe when Obi Wan had been assigned to protect Senator Amidala?
It felt like forever. It felt like only moments.
"I would like to raise a concern I have when it comes to the civilian officers," Plo Koon said. "I have learned that there are many who see our troopers as less than… human. Refusing to address them by their chosen names, verbally attacking them for their choices in hair style or tattoos…"
"That is troubling," Mace said, steepling his fingers in front of his face. "Their choices are sanctioned by the bylaws of the GAR-"
"It does not matter if they are sanctioned or not," Depa said fiercely; of course few were surprised that one of Mace's padawans would be passionate despite Jedi frowning on such things. "It is their right as a people. We allow our fellow Jedi to honor their heritage… why not the clones?"
"Do they have a heritage though?" Ki-Adi asked. Depa turned to stare at him but he held out his hand, asking for calm. Yoda found it very sad that he had to ask for that… while they would debate amongst each other often in times past there had always been a friendliness to it. But now it felt as if they were all forever on edge. "I only mean that they are young… and they have no true home…"
"Heritage and culture do not spring up from the ground like mushrooms after a rain," Plo Koon stated sagely. "They must start somewhere… we are bearing witness to it. And we should allow them to discover such things on their own… nurture such feelings without interference. Which is why I would like to discuss better guidelines for the non-clones joining the GAR."
"There are some Jedi that could do well with a refresher," Mace commented. Yoda wasn't surprised that he took the side of his padawan.
"I have heard troubling news as of late concerning some Jedi and how they treat their clones," Saesee Tiin said gruffly. "That they are putting them at a far greater risk than they do the non-clone GAR members. They forget that the clones, despite looking the same, are individuals and not interchangeable… or replaceable."
"That is most troubling," Shaak Ti stated. "One only needs to see them when they are not in battle to know that they feel deeply. They love their brothers… they love the Republic."
"And while there are some that are bothered by it," Depa said, "they love us."
"That is dangerous," Saesee commented. "It is hard to remain unattached when someone else shows deep love for you." He held up his hand. "I am not arguing that we must disrespect the clones. Or put them in harm's way. But to love…"
"A Jedi is taught to love all life," Plo said softly, his voice like the comforting rumble of a much needed rain storm. "It is easy to forget that attachment does not mean self isolation. There are some who believe that we would continue on without a second thought if we saw one of our fellow Jedi savagely killed. They do not understand that we mourn them. That we should mourn them."
Yoda could tell that some of the other Council members didn't like being spoken too like they were still younglings in the crèche. And yet… Plo's words were no less true.
Mace nodded. "We must remember that our troopers deserve the same respect we would give our fellow knights and padawans."
'Respect our knights, do we?' Yoda thought grimly. 'Feel like it, it does not.' They had been in the war for over a year and the mood in the Temple was… tired. Everyone was tired. Exhausted. Longing for some kind of break. Some way to put aside the war and the trials it brought them and just… rest. It was why no one gave Plo any complaints for his clear love for his troopers; indeed, many openly stated it was likely he would have adopted them if he could. Other Jedi as well had grown fond of them… Knight Secura was probably the most infamous, as the disappearance of her master had caused her to become greatly attacked to her Commander, Bly, so that the holonet whispered they were lovers. Other Jedi had taken up odd hobbies, so that their rooms were no longer the Spartan places that they had been before the war but instead bursting with different items. Possessions.
Yoda wasn't immune to the weariness either. It affected him as well, making him feel his years more and more. His species could easily live to 1000 years and with the Force aiding him he could live 200 or more years beyond that before he even began to slow down! Or… at least… he had been. Before his life had become nothing more than meetings, politicians, battles, and death.
'Long it has been, since teach younglings I have,' he thought, remembering the joy he had felt in molding the next generation of Jedi. But he had spent much of his time on the battlefields… and if not there then in the Council Chambers debating what he would be doing in the field. Then there was always the Senators that wish to meet with him… all keeping him from the class rooms and the children that needed him. 'Smiling faces. Little ones that need someone their size,listen to their fears they need…'
He suddenly had the terrible image younglings being taught not the ways of the Force but battle techniques. Classes spent discussing troop movements and how to manage supply routes. Of students not hoping for Masters who were smart or kind but rather focusing on those with the best battle records.
'Lost, we already have,' he thought, shutting his eyes in grief.
So lost was he in his thoughts that he didn't even realize the meeting was over until Plo Koon stepped up to him, his calming presence in the force at once recognizable. Every Jedi felt different in the Force and also had a different way of describing how they felt it. Mace had once told him that Jedi were points of light… not a single light but many points. The Shatterpoints illuminating them, allowing him to tell who was who no different than ancient space captains charting courses by looking at the stars.
For Yoda all those in the Force reminded him of nature. Mace was the dark cave that could hold horrors… but also protect one from the elements. Dooku had been the sea, calm on the surface but dangerous under the gentle waves. Obi Wan was (and it hurt so much to think in past tense when it came to his favorite great grandpadawan… he would have been Mace's replacement and been one of the most respected Grand Masters ever…) the Mountain. Imposing. Steadfast. But also hold a serene beauty. It offered security simply by existing; perhaps that's why Yoda had been so shaken by his death, for it was like looking out one's window to find a mountain range suddenly gone. Plo Koon was like a still pond in a quiet forest glen: inviting, serene, welcoming, but also hiding great depths. To be near him was to feel the Force settle and quiet, allowing one to hear it. He was the owner who calmed their pet so a curious child could pet it.
"What is bothering you, Master Yoda?" Plo Koon asked.
"Bothered by many things, I am," Yoda admitted before easing himself from his chair. "Long have I lived. Seen things, I have, that you will not. Come again, they will not."
"I know you are referring to good things," Plo stated. "But there are many bad things that we should be glad will never come again as well. That is the nature of time and life."
"Mmmm, perhaps," Yoda murmured.
The other Jedi considered him for a moment. "Normally, if you were a youngling, I would press you to join me in meditation before we went over what your thoughts were. But… you aren't a youngling, are you?"
That made Yoda chuckle. "Young, I am not." But his smile slipped. "Why I teach the younglings, that is. Forget you are old, they make you. Think it, you would not, surrounded by their youth. But make you feel young, they do. Many months teach them I have not. Old I feel."
Plo nodded at that, joining Yoda to look out the window at the Coruscant skyline. "I know this war derailed your plans…"
Yoda nodded. He had only discussed it with a few on the Council but he had come to the decision that it was time for him to graceful leave the Jedi Council. To allow others to step in while he would end his days focused solely on the teaching of the Younglings. While he had been teaching the basics in Force Sense he wanted to have a chance to truly aid them all. He had been considering the crèche, where the babies were kept; it would have been delightful to be around such innocent and open beacons in the Force. Mace had agreed to take the role of Grandmaster but he had admitted his own reservations, feeling that he was better as Head of the Council while having someone like Plo Koon be the new Grandmaster. As for Yoda's seat he had planned to offer it to Obi Wan… a final way to ask for forgiveness to the boy he now saw he had wronged greatly. While he would never regret him and Qui Gon being brought together how he had handled it was terrible and giving the boy that had been cast out of the order a permanent seat on the Jedi Council would have been the final way to show Obi Wan that he BELOGNED. Not show to the Temple… all knew that he was Jedi… perhaps the grandest example of one of them, if the likes of Yoda were removed. The future, Obi Wan had been. Only he didn't see it. Always doubting he was. Always too humble.
His ears drooped. "Changed, they did. Stay on, I must, till end the Clone Wars have. Upheaval, it would be, to do so now. Shaken already, faith in the Jedi has been." He let out another sigh, clutching onto his cane. "With death of Obi-Wan…"
Plo sighed at that. Yoda had still pushed for Obi Wan to join the Council, despite the fact that he would have only been a master for a few months at most. It was feft that he needed to be there for while many had been shaken when it came to their faith in the Jedi the reports of Obi Wan and Young Skywalker had made them famous and beloved. After Depa had faced off with General Grievous and been put in a medically induced coma to try and save her life her seat, it had been decided, would be given to Obi-Wan. But they had been unable to truly make it official. The seat still sat empty, as Depa had politely refused to take it when she had been healed, feeling that she was needed in the field and could not be a proper Council member and support her troops along with her new Padawan. She still attended the meetings though, but as an 'advisor'.
'Why so outspoken she is, that could be,' Yoda thought. 'Free to speak her mind, she is? No longer care how thought of, she is? Or to have her seat never returned to her, she is attempting?'
"Since you aren't a youngling," Plo said, "I will instead ask you this, Master Yoda: what do you want?"
He almost scolded Plo for asking him that question. "A Jedi craves not things." Yet he stopped himself and considered the question carefully.
What did he want?
Obi-Wan walked into the Council Chambers, brushing off his robes as he did so. "You will not believe what I have gone through!" he teased even as Young Ahsoka rushed to Plo Koon, hugging him despite it being utterly not the Jedi thing to do. Not that Yoda minded for Obi Wan knelt before him and Yoda squeezed his hand, tears in his eyes as he stared at his favorite student. "I am sorry I am late… but rest assure Master Yoda that this time has been a happy one. A peaceful one."
A dream. That was all it was. But it was what he truly wished for: to know that Obi Wan was safe and happy. He knew that it was impossible to maintain one's sense of self after joining the Force but sometimes he wished that he would hear his boy's voice one more time…
His stomach rumbled.
Even though he couldn't see his face Yoda could sense Plo's bemusement at that. It was a simple bodily function yet it felt unnatural for the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order to have his tummy gurgle. It made Yoda chuckle, his dark thoughts disappearing, released into the Force as he shook his head.
"Food, I desire."
"Then perhaps we should visit Dex's." When Yoda glanced at him Plo replied, "I may not be able to dine there but I have come to enjoy the atmosphere. It feels like a focal point of the Living Force. And I know you enjoy it as well."
Yoda had felt the same way too when he'd first gone there… it was why it had become a guilty pleasure of his. Nearly twice a week he would go down there, often taking another Jedi with him just to see their reaction. Younglings that were scared about becoming Padawans breathed a bit easier. Knights shaken by the War finally settled themselves as they munched on comfort food. Masters were shocked at Yoda being insulted by the waitress droid and him bantering right back.
"Yes… yes… Dex's we shall have." He chuckled as made his way out of the Council Chambers, Plo following after him.
~MC~MC~MC~
Darth Sidious studied the mask carefully.
It was a Dark Side Torture devise but also something that could be used by the Sith to amplify their powers. Micro needles were embedded throughout it, waiting to be deployed once the mask was fully on. For a Jedi the needles would strike their nerves and cause they to feel pain until they allowed themselves to tap into the Dark Side, at which point the pain would lessen. But, as would be explained to them later once the mask was removed, they didn't truly 'Fall'. No… it was all designed to make them feel everything that came from 'Falling' without actually doing so. It was a torment to show them that for how smug they were that they were rooted in the Light they were not. They could easily turn to the Dark Side… but wouldn't get the comfort that came from 'Falling'.
(And how Sidious HATED it being called 'Falling'. He had tortured Dooku for many hours the first time he had claimed he'd 'Fallen to the Dark Side'. One didn't Fall to the Dark Side because that made it sound like they had failed. No… one Turned to the Dark Side… or better yet… Ascended)
For Dark Siders however the Mask would put them into a deeper state of using the Dark Side, allowing them to delve further into it and perform abilities that they wouldn't be able to normally do.
That was the trick of the Dark Side… one always had to keep pushing.
'Foolish Jedi believe that one simply commits a single act and they are forever in the grasp of the Dark Side. They do not understand the dedication one must have to continue on.' Sidious sneered at that; the Jedi had no understanding of the Force. The reason why the Light Side always lost was because they were lazy. For all their talk of the Dark Side being the easier path it was the Jedi who had it simpler. Simple obey their rules and you were a Jedi. For the Sith… every day one had to find a new way to gather power. Because what worked the day before weakened.
It was why Sidious had slowly expanded his "friendships" with the Jedi. Where before merely being around his hated foes and having to pretend he didn't mind their presence strengthened him as time had gone on the boost he got lessened. Like some brainless dolt trying to strengthen their muscles more weight needed to be added. Thus… he needed to spend more time with them. Have meals with them. Ask them for advice. Flatter them and learn about them. At times grow to… like them. Or rather aspects of them.
'If I don't slaughter them soon I may need to consider tempting one with a relationship,' Sidious thought with disgust. The idea of lying with a Jedi made him want to take his lightsaber to his genitals… but the forced torture WOULD strengthen him even further than he was being strengthened now by merely being 'close friends' with the likes of Master Yoda and Master Windu. Male or female… either would work. And if he corrupted them…
He banished such thoughts from his mind. If he could just find Young Skywalker then he wouldn't need to resort to such things. The power he would gather from Order 66 and turning the Jedi's precious Chosen One to the Dark Side would be enough.
He had come to one of his secret hideaways in the very depth of Coruscant. The building had been built into the very bedrock of the planet and Sidious could feel the bones of the native species that had once roomed the planet just behind the walls, screaming at how their native hunting grounds had been turned into a world of lifeless steel. The howled and cursed at him for they knew he was the leader of the usurpers and oh how they HATED him.
It was the perfect place for the newest ritual he had found.
Sidious slipped the mask on. No micro needles popped out, already sensing how deep into the Dark Side he was and thus began the process of helping him dive deeper into the Force. As he did so he felt the relic he had gathered struggle against him, trying to fight off what he was about to do. It was foolish of it… that was its purpose, after all. But forcing it to bend to his will was part of the ritual and he gleefully forced his desires upon it and the small statue of a shapeless blob.
"Show me Anakin Skywalker's potential."
The ritual wasn't like the ones he'd done before, which would tell him where the boy was. No… this one would give him glimpses of what might be. What might come to pass. If he were dead he would see nothing… but since Sidious knew that his future apprentice was alive (he would have FELT IT if he had died… he would have!) then this would show him glimpses into the future. Or, rather, what might come to be for his future. And hopefully that would guide him…
The first image made Sidious scowl behind the mask.
Anakin Skywalker, dressed in Jedi robes, hair cut short but face still clean, sitting in the Jedi Council Chambers, a look of utter serenity on his face as he discussed with pathetic Jedi younglings the ways of the Force, the brats asking him what they should do.
'That is the danger of this,' he reminded himself. 'It will show you false visions in hopes of getting you to release it.' He focused on the statue and forced more of his hatred into it, causing the vision to vanish.
The next sight he saw was of Skywalker with Sith yellow eyes, standing behind him as Sidious sat on a throne made from the bones of the Jedi. But more importantly he saw himself young again, the two of them having learned the secrets Sidious' master had tried to hide and thus able to control life and render them both immortal. Sidious, eternally young, with his utterly loyal apprentice. It was everything he could ever hope for… proof of his dream becoming a reality-
'Do not mock me, trinket!' Sidious mentally snarled as he blasted the relic with more of his power. Another false vision, showing him getting all he desired… that told him right away it was fake. Life wasn't easy. One didn't get all they desired. They had to claw for every piece and there was always a cost. Him and Anakin standing together like father and son ruling the Galaxy? No… no that would all come to pass but the vision was too easy. There should be scars and wounds. Jedi that escaped like light breaking through a heavy curtain. That was reality. Victory… but at a cost to remind you of what came before. 'Show me Anakin Skywalker!'
There was the briefest of pauses… and then he saw it.
Skywalker… holding a red lightsaber.
Cloaked in black armor that reminded Sidious so much of the armor of the Siths of old. Despite the full mask he was wearing he could tell at once that it was Skywalker and Sidious cackled in delight at that. Finally… finally a true vision! His apprentice was alive and he would-
He stopped as the vision became clearer and he saw more.
Saw Skywalker… with Kenobi.
Not fighting. Not battling. Not at each other's throats in eternal struggle as was the way of the Jedi and the Sith.
No, they were standing together in the ruins of some urban area, a great looming threat coming towards them. A figure with a scarred face, dressed in black, a mask upon his face that made it clear that even without a lightsaber he was Sith… or someone who was very dedicated to their ways. Skywalker said… something… Sidious couldn't hear his words over the winds that were whipping about all around the two and Skywalker lifted his crimson saber up. The red beam stood out amongst the darkness and with it Sidious' conviction that Skywalker would turn to the dark side-
Kenobi activated HIS RED LIGHTSABER.
"No… no no no!" Sidious roared as the vision disappeared as he raged. Around him the building shook and the relic shattered in his onslaught; he vaguely heard a sigh of relief as it do so. "Liar… another false vision. Kenobi would never fall… that Jedi is so horribly rooted in the light side of the Force."
He'd known that Tyrannus had tried to turn Kenobi to the Dark Side. Had planted the seeds that they might work together to defeat Sidious, with Tyrannus hoping to bring Kenobi to the Dark Side. And he had to admit… the man would make a power Sith. Others may have scoffed, thinking he was too lacking in emotions but Sidious knew there was a difference between having little emotion… and having great control. And Kenobi had great control. But despite all he had suffered the fool refused to simply TURN.
'A waste,' he thought and not just about Kenobi. 'Skywalker… I am no closer to finding you but I will, my boy. You must meet your destiny head on and I swear you will. I will find you… nothing will stop me.'
But as he rose he couldn't help but wonder… how?
~MC~MC~MC~
"Yoda!" Dex called out from the kitchen as the Jedi Master entered the diner. "I was wondering when you'd next come in for a bit to eat! Take a seat, I'll be right out! Usual spot should be open for ya and if not I'll get it open!"
Yoda glanced at Plo and felt a bit of disappointment that the other Jedi didn't react to Dex's casual greeting. One of his favorite things recently was seeing how other Jedi reacted to Dex not using his titles or showing any real sign of respect. Some squawked, some huffed, some got angry and defensive on his behalf. It was utterly amusing and Yoda loved it. Especially when Yoda would praise "Master Dex" and his art of cooking.
An old Jedi had to have his fun…
But Plo merely looked about before quietly nodding to himself. "A wonderful place." He glanced down at Yoda. "Not even the Room of a Thousand Fountains can rival this."
"In the Force, special this place is," Yoda said with a nod. He wasn't sure WHAT it was about Dex's Diner… but it was special. The Force was powerful there. Not the Light. Not the Dark. The full Force. It was like he had closed his eyes while in a dark room only to open them to find himself in a wild jungle.
"It… makes you realize… what we've been missing," Plo said, sounding unsure of himself. But Yoda understood.
"Realize it, since deciding to reconnect, I have," he admitted as he went over to his favorite booth. The waitress came over to ask if he wanted a child's booster seat and Yoda merely smirked while Plo chuckled; it was an old joke between them all and Yoda enjoyed many times watching Jedi begin to cough when he happily accepted. Mace had nearly died from the shock of it, much to Yoda's bemusement. Especially when the waitress would bring him crayons and a piece of paper to doodle on.
It felt so good to be at Dex's. To be amongst the people of the world. To feel the Force as it truly was.
The cook came over and Plo shifted over to allow Dex a place to sit. He didn't mind at all that Dex was hot and sweaty from his work and once more Yoda wondered at what might have been had he been allowed to retire and Plo and Mace left to run the order.
"Look over the menu," he told the masked Jedi. "I'll put your food in something that will keep it warm until you get some place where you can eat."
"Thank you," Plo said.
"Let Dex decide, you should," Yoda said with a faint smile. "Good at that, he is."
Dex chuckled. "I just know what people need, Master Yoda." He paused. "Speaking of… I think you are in need of something. Can tell you aren't feeling the greatest today."
"Hmmm, wise you are." Sometimes Yoda wondered if the cook was Force Sensitive. Not enough to be a Jedi but there were plenty in the universe that had enough of the talent…
Dex looked about, back and forth, clearly weighing something. "You Jedi… you have something you'd be willing to swear on… something that would keep you from never breaking your word?" He asked the words in a soft, hushed whisper.
"Why do you ask?" Plo asked, making sure to keep his words calm and open, showing no judgment.
"Because I have something that would cause a lot of problems… but I think would give you two some relief." He glanced at Plo Koon. "That little Jedi… Ahsoka… she talks about you. Cares for you greatly."
Yoda didn't miss that Dex was using the present tense.
"…connection to the Force, swear upon it, I would."
"As do I," Plo said.
Dex nodded before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of paper. It took Yoda a moment to realize it was a photo. It was so odd to see such things printed; even at his age he was far too used to holos. But there it was… and its image forced such thoughts about the benefits of holos vs. paper aside.
It was photo that showed Obi Wan standing with a rather beautiful looking dark-haired human woman, arm wrapped around her while in his other arm he held a little girl with brown hair and blue eyes, two little horns sticking out of her head. He was dressed in odd clothes but he looked rather happy and relaxed. Dex was beside him, beaming, and on his other side was Anakin Skywalker, holding Senator Amidala in front of him, chin resting on top of her head. Skywalker looked so peaceful and relaxed that Yoda, for perhaps the first time, saw what Qui Gon had seen in the boy over a decade ago. Young Ahsoka was wearing a strange uniform and was doing an odd gesture with her middle and index finger, winking as she did so. Beside her was a very tall blonde man with his hair sticking straight up and a gloomy looking man with his face half buried in a scarf, looking as if he wanted to be anywhere but there. Finally there was a clone trooper and based on his hair Yoda wagered it was Captain Rex, standing with a boy and a woman with green hair, his hand firmly on the green haired child's shoulder while his other hand was clasped with the woman's.
Yoda drank in the photo.
"They… they are alive?" Plo whispered.
"And thriving," Dex confirmed. "You'll never be able to reach them… they are so far away that even if Master Yoda started traveling when he was just a little guy he'd be long dead before he got a tenth of the way there."
"You're in the picture…" Plo asked.
Dex merely smirked and the Force hummed throughout Yoda. "Ah… I'm special." He patted the photo. "But they are happy."
He paused.
"Want to hear what they're up to?"
Yoda nodded, drinking in the sight of this great grandpadawan. He looked… so at peace…
"Obi Wan is teaching… see, on this world people have things called Quirks…"