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Chapter 39
Rain poured down from the Coruscant's skies. The faint sounds of distant starships echoed outside. Obi-Wan leaned against a polished table, his arms crossed and brow furrowed in thought. Across from him, Qui-Gon sat with an air of calm authority, his fingers ingrained beneath his chin as he considered the younger Jedi.
"You know that Siri took on a Padawan," Qui-Gon announced.
Knowing his Master to the core, Obi-Wan caught onto the obvious implications.
"Qui-Gon, are you truly suggesting that I should take on a Padawan?" He asked, incredulous. "I can barely keep up with my own duties. How could I possibly monitor a Padawan?"
A lit of amusement crossed Qui-Gon's face. "Obi-Wan, you don't give yourself enough credit. You didn't allow yourself to be lost on Naboo." Obi-Wan had to fight a grimace at that. He never confessed to his former Master the truth, fearing the similarities he might make with Xanatos. "Education is one of the highest forms of mentorship. You might find it enlightening."
Enlightening? Somehow, that was an understatement. It would be yet another chore. He would have to add it to his daily responsibilities of watching the little one. Not to mention, to make sure that no one found out about his relationship with Siri. To say that the two were very active couldn't be any less said, it would mean that their frequent visitations with one another would have to be reduced to keep up the act of nothing happening between them.
"Enlightening? Or exhausting?" Obi-Wan replied defiantly, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Imagine the chaos of a Padawan running about. I can barely maintain my own lightsaber practice sessions in order without the threat of a Padawan's antics. They'd be a whirlwind of trouble."
"Ah, but trouble often encourage growth," Qui-Gon replied, his tone taunting. "It would be a opportunity for you to impart your wisdom. Oh, and think of the stories I could share!"
Obi-Wan just had to roll his eyes at the childishness that the old man was sharing.
"Of course, nothing says "Jedi Master" like recounting the time I had to hide the fact that I lost my lightsaber from you." Obi-Wan chuckled.
Qui-Gon laughed heartily. "You might even earn some respect among the other Masters. Who wouldn't admire your valor in the face of youthful exuberance?"
"You call it respect, I call it ridicule" Obi-Wan retorted, his brow arching playfully. "You'd be the first to laugh, Qui-Gon. Aside from your taunts about how I treated you back in the good old days, it would be a tale of shame."
"Oh, you offend me, Padawan-mine," Obi-Wan said with false insult, placing his right hand on his chest as if wounded, "Remember, every Jedi was once a Padawan. You could mold the next generation, help them avoid the mistakes you made. And oh, you have made many."
"You can't be talking," Obi-Wan gave him a flabbergasted stare. "Most of my mistakes is me just following your example, my old Master. Perhaps it's best to leave the Padawans to those who enjoy chaos. I prefer the serenity of my own company, thank you very much."
"Loneliness, more like," Qui-Gon jabbed. "You know as well as I that the Jedi path is not meant to be walked alone. A Padawan could offer you a fresh perspective of life."
Oh, Obi-Wan had to resist laughter at that. Qui-Gon didn't know how much he changed since he'd engaged with Siri.
"Or a headache," Obi-Wan quipped, leaning back in his chair with a playful pout. "I can hardly keep my own thoughts in order. Why would I want to add the thoughts of a rambunctious student into the mix?"
Qui-Gon joked. "Because, former student-mine, the joy of mentorship can often outweigh the challenges. It is a chance to witness growth, to foster potential. And you have more potential than you realize."
"Flattery will get you nowhere," Obi-Wan countered, though the warmth in his voice betrayed his real feelings over this. "Besides, I fear I might stifle their creativity. I might be too strict and firm."
"Perhaps that is all the more reason for you to take on a Padawan," Qui-Gon recommended, tone transforming into a lot more encouraging one. "Some students need it after all."
Obi-Wan paused, pondering. "I suppose that's fair. But what if I am unsuccessful? What if I end up creating a Jedi who don't even trust me enough to come to me when issues arise?"
"Then you go to them and gain that trust. If they do fail, Obi-Wan, I believe that you will simply bring them back up," Qui-Gon replied, his voice comforting. "If not me, then Yan will also be there. Every failure is a strode toward success, Obi-Wan. And you would not be alone in this journey. I would be here to help you, as always."
Obi-Wan nodded slowly, the humor receding. "You do have a point, Master. Perhaps it wouldn't be the worst thing in the galaxy. But you will be the first to assist if I need to rescue a youngling from a tree."
"Deal," Qui-Gon said with a smirk. "Just don't forget to bring the tea again." And he made a face. "Oh, and for Force's sake, please don't make it without the flavor. It took me days to dry my mouth out from that."
"We've been through this. It was the ingredients!" Obi-Wan pouted.
Qui-Gon's look became playful, "So you say..."
Luke walked into the Jedi Library, deciding to take the extended time to look into the archives. While his knowledge about the ancients went above and beyond due to those various worlds sharing ancient secrets of the past, he wasn't able to recover them all, even after 4 decades. With a concentrated frown, he looked into the terminal, thankful that they were a "guest" selection.
Entrapped in the knowledge, he made a mental note in his brain to implement on his datapad. A staggeringly large number of Jedi tended to pop up missing every few years... and none of them questioned it. Yet again, he had been unimpressed. He'd gone into knowledge about those of the past and allowed the barely concealed irritation to flood through them.
He couldn't blame them.
The Sith have given enough rope for the Jedi to hang themselves on, and plenty of contingencies waiting to come to life.
It was just unfortunate that he couldn't stop Sidious from doing so further, no matter what he did, just to train Darth Maul.
The process to return the Empire to the stages of the New Republic wasn't pretty.
Luke remembered Leia and Mothma's frustrations when doing so.
When he finished, he nodded in satisfaction and decided to research into the other things. Chest heaving, Luke pocketed the datapad. He would have to take the time to decipher all later.
"Greetings," a voice said.
Luke stared up, momentarily taken aback by the face. Quite a familiar one.
"Jedi Knight Jerec," the Miraluka smiled generously.
His step nearly faltered at hearing that name, despite it. By his Force Signature alone, it was... difficult to believe that this would be the same Miraluka who would later decapitate Morgan Katarr. Yet, the Inquisitorous program had demonstrated that the fall of the Jedi Order had introduced many Jedi formerly loyal to the Light Side of the Force over to darkness and gave them nothing but newfound clarity in their power.
"Hello, I'm Luke Skywalker."
The Jedi Knight nodded smoothly. "I know who you are." He chuckled. "You're often talked about around here. Some says you're a Jedi Lord looking to bring back the old ways within the Coruscanti's Jedi Temple."
"I only defend those who cannot defend themselves," he responded.
Jerec looked eager to learn. The Miraluka obviously loved being buried in Archives and studies. Perhaps, to an obsessive sort. It was both a positive and a detriment.
Luke studied Jerec, sensing the Miraluka's anxiety beneath the exterior. He didn't know whether or not he would be able to save the future Dark Jedi.
"The archives are vast, but one can easily become lost in their depths. Have you found the answers you're looking for?"
A smile rustled at Jerec's lips. "Answers? The archives don't offer answers so much as they provide… threads; threads that delve into deeper questions. It's the nature of learning, wouldn't you agree?"
Luke raised an eyebrow. "Learning can lead to wisdom, but it can lead to an obsession. Too much of anything can be a bad thing."
Well, this was not what Luke was expecting. A philosophical discussion? Well, yes. The difference between him and the Jedi of this era couldn't be any more obvious, and it did lead to disagreements that became nothing more than predictable.
But there was no animosity radiating from the future Dark Jedi which was commendable.
"Oh, oh, oh, I understand your caution, sir. But obsession is often a word used by those who do not interpret the value in digging deeper." He turned slightly, motioning to the rows of Holocrons and datafiles behind them. "We Jedi are the keepers of learning. It's our obligation to explore every avenue, every possibility, to ensure we understand the full scope of the Force."
"But balance within one self is still needed. The archives hold vast amounts of information: some of it threatening and corrupting. It's important to know when to stop, when to step back, analyzing, and remember that our duty is to the living, not just the records of the past." Luke knew all of that personally. He would have to make sure Anakin accomplished that too.
Jerec's expression grew thoughtful, but he wasn't swayed. "Balance, yes, but balance doesn't mean avoiding what we all truly needed. We can't afford to limit ourselves in a galaxy that's always changing. Our understanding of the Force must grow. Stagnation is the enemy."
Luke nodded, agreeing with that. "Growth is also important, but it is needed. History shows what happens when Jedi lose themselves in their craving for power, or for hidden truths. The Force isn't just about one thing. It's about knowledge, connection, about harmony with life, free will, emotion, and the galaxy around us."
Jerec nodded slowly. "I agree. The Force is about connection, but knowledge itself is a part of that current. How can we guard the galaxy if we don't fully understand the forces at work? If we don't anticipate the dangers before they arrive?"
Luke sighed softly. "Understanding is paramount, but control is just as a feature. The Force requires discipline. And discipline means knowing when not to act, when not to pursue every mystery just because it's there."
Jerec's smile faltered slightly, not turning into a full frown, but halfway there. "I see where you're coming from, but we also cannot live in fear of the unknown. Knowledge is power, and the more we understand, the better equipped we are to protect the galaxy." His voice turned lustful at the end. A slimmer of what he would later become.
Luke's eyes didn't exactly narrow at that. "Power can be corrupting when not controlled. Wisdom is needed for it. If our pursuit of knowledge becomes a pursuit of power, we risk losing ourselves."
Jerec paused, obviously weighing in Luke's words. "You're saying that the pursuit itself can be dangerous."
Luke nodded. "Yes. There have been Jedi in the past who sought too much, who believed they could master the Force through sheer knowledge alone. But the Force is not something to be mastered. It's something to be in balance with. That's why I caution against diving too deep into the archives without reflection."
Jerec laughed slightly. "I proudly embrace myself as a nerd of the Jedi. I didn't ever think I would find someone who would welcome to even have this conversation. Even we get annoyed when someone talks our ears off about knowledge."
Luke's amusement passed into the Force. "I learned from the best."
"But I do believe the archives hold vital information for the future of the Order. Especially with the galaxy changing as it is. We must be ready for anything."
Luke relaxed slightly. "Preparation is important. I don't disagree with you there. But the best preparation comes from what we have within. It's not just about what we learnt, but how we act on that knowledge. The Force guides us in more ways than we can understand, but it doesn't control us."
Jerec nodded. "I respect your perspective. Perhaps we can discuss more in the future. There's much we could learn from each other, I feel."
Luke smiled, knowing that he couldn't be wary over something that hadn't happened yet. "I'd like that. There's always more to learn."
Jerec bowed slightly. "Then I'll leave you be. I look forward to our future discussions. Thank you."
He'd wanted to save as many Jedi who fell in the original timeline from the Dark Side, but he knew that pushing too far could lead to them snapping likewise. Some of the Masters hadn't even taken lightly to him just yet and may view his influence as a corruptible one who was making them act abhorrent in their ways.
Little did he know another unexpected encounter was to come.
"What are you planning?" Albeit there was no hostility in the questionnaire's tone, Luke heard the curiosity. Sensed it coming from him.
Luke looked at the older man across from him, "You'll have to be more specific."
"With the Jedi Order," Yan Dooku answered. His beard twitched. "I'm not blind. You're planning something. I just need to know what are you planning?"
Luke's eyes widened slowly.
"A Reformation of the Jedi Order?" Genuine intrigue was in his tone now. He was eager to hear Luke's response, and so far, he could detect no traps in range.
Of course, Count Dooku was a controversial matter. The man had an inkling to criticize the Jedi Order in the Clone Wars during the original timeline. Given that he was still a part of the Jedi Order at this time, either that disillusionment hadn't been pushed far enough, or other matters had taken attendance. It was an unintentional ripple.
"Yes," Luke answered truthfully, sensing that there was no fooling the man.
"I have expected as much," Dooku answered, beard twitching, "what part of the Order do you want change?"
"Several things," Luke answered. "The most important thing on that list is the attachment rule."
"Attachment?" Dooku's eyes wavered.
"Yes. While it can become possession and can be mishandled, love doesn't lead to darkness."
Dooku's answer actually took Luke aback, "Oh, I have hold those same feelings for years."
"Oh?"
An old wound, Luke could feel. Unaddressed. He would have to be careful. "It's not important."
"Isn't it?" Luke countered. "You have approached me and I am being utmost with you. Should I not get the same as honor dictates?"
That was what would get him talking.
Dooku thought for a moment before nodding, a bit of sadness flashing through his eyes. "Elodore Vane is a Valahari of the noble House Vane on my planet of Serenno. Our relationship went far back. Both of our family houses were closely linked from past alliances, and are well-known to interact with each other for political and economic reasons."
"I see," Luke answered.
"We were forbidden to engage for obvious reasons," Dooku continued.
"Those feelings never made you evil, my friend."
"Qui-Gon informed me you believe the Sith have returned before anyone else. You may claim not to know the truth but you do, don't you?" He asked, grinning when Luke's form stiffened ever so slightly. "Not to worry, I won't inform the Jedi Council."
'He is still struggling with the Dark Side. Press further. Don't let him fall to Sidious.'
"You won't," Luke nodded slightly, "you're a different type of Jedi, Count Dooku, someone who wants change. You see that even if the Sith was discovered, complacency will still plague the system."
"I still hold the sentiment that the Jedi Council is full of intransigent fools," Dooku scowled. "We have allowed things to spiral out of control. We were supposed to protect the Republic not just from the Sith and the Dark Side but hypocrisy and corruption as well. And the Core Worlds play us for fools!"
"The local states among the Republic never stand for Jedi's virtues," Luke related sympathetically.
"I know. The Republic has to be transformed into something better that wouldn't just collapse due to corruption, greed, and self-interest!" Dooku growled.
Yes, it would have to be, but Luke honestly was still reluctant, aiding in replacing it with an Empire or something of similar virtues. But in reality, he may have no choice.
"The honest people in the Senate capable to take action are so few that any change would be a half sighted one. I agree that the Republic needs to change into something better if it is to survive." Luke answered.
Dooku rubbed a hand over his beard, "Hmph, I would love to make sure we aren't eavesdropped upon. Let's talk in a more private setting, shall we?"
An old man sat upon a carved stone throne, examining the convergences through the Force, and beyond that, time itself. Those few who knew who and what he was referred to him as the Father. He was the personification of the Force and understood what it needed for balance, beyond his so-called children; one who followed the Light and one who followed the Dark.
A future that should have been was destroyed when the peculiarity that was found in said future was dragged here for some reason...
The Father looked exhaustively through time and space, wondering what had spurred this change. That had been what he was doing since time was altered like this.
The future was always in motion.
Each individual was capable of doing great things... and terrible destruction.
He'd even seen one where this being was taken to the beginning of another journey that was more personable, though hadn't been allowed to look too far.
Yet, there had been another disturbance, that was connected to this peculiarity.
Another that didn't arrive until post the arrival of this one...
'The mortal galaxy is fractured.'
The Father hummed.
'To this being, so deeply bonded, brought back at a different point...'
Slowly, the Father realized with wide eyes...
'There is another...'