AN: As always, thanks for all your support!
DarthVerus - You'll get a peak at that in the near future.
Ninth Mand'alor - Thank you! I appreciate the review, and we're getting closer and closer to the Clone Wars.
Chapter 55 - Surprising Developments
"It's been so long since I've been here," Fay whispered, gazing about the Temple, fondness in her eyes.
"It was time, love," Kastor agreed.
"I think it's been longer for me," Allara said, her face neutral.
Kastor rolled his eyes as Fay laughed, and Allara couldn't stop the smirk from forming on her face.
"Get your laughs in now," Obi-Wan said, "because Mace does not look happy."
"He never looks happy," Siri remarked dryly, getting some laughs from the senior Jedi.
Mace Windu strode down the Great Hall, and immediately gestured for them to follow him. The seven Jedi followed, without question, and Obi-Wan was a bit relieved when Mace didn't ask them about their previous mission.
"A feeling of distrust towards the Jedi has been growing among certain Senators," Mace said as he walked purposefully, his robe swinging with the motion. "We have felt it for some time, however we were not overly concerned. We knew Senators like Sano Sauro undermined us whenever they could. Lately, things have escalated. A faction is now active; it has influence. The Jedi Council senses that there is someone behind this faction, but we don't know who it is."
Obi-Wan looked at Siri incredulously. They had been called back to the Temple because of a Senate power struggle? There were few things that interested him less. Sure, they would have likely come back as is, but with some more time on Falleen, they might have been able to find a lead.
"False stories have been spread," Mace continued. "Events have been twisted so that the Jedi are seen as disloyal to the Republic, as interfering in galactic political matters by making them worse."
"Master Windu," Obi-Wan said carefully, "you have called us off an important mission to find a great enemy —"
"I know exactly what I did, Obi-Wan," Mace said. "A powerful enemy outside and powerful enemies within. Can you decide who is more deadly?"
"But a Senate power struggle . . . is not unusual," Obi-Wan protested, trying to keep his composure under the glare of Mace's penetrating eyes.
Mace stopped so abruptly that his robe swung around like a whip. He looked at each of the Jedi, and seemed to pick up the fatigue and frustration there. He hesitated a moment.
"I recognize the importance of your mission," he said gravely, "but your mission is one of hundreds, which all involve peacekeeping, saving lives, helping governments, and fostering alliances. The Jedi are involved in missions throughout the galaxy, which will be compromised if this faction is not dealt with."
"What do you mean? How could one faction in the Senate harm thousands of Jedi?" Siri asked.
"By organizing the withdrawal of official Senate support for the Jedi Council," Mace said.
Allara frowned while Fay, Kastor, Obi-Wan, and Siri exchanged startled glances.
"You understand what this would mean?" he continued. "To operate without Senate approval would make us rogue diplomats and would completely undercut our authority. In short, without Senate support the effectiveness of the Jedi will be decimated."
"But why did you call us back to fight this?" Anakin asked.
Ferus glanced at Anakin, amazed. Obi-Wan had to admit that the question did sound more like a complaint than a query.
Mace settled his severe gaze on Anakin. Obi-Wan was proud to see that Anakin didn't flinch, but merely waited. Strong and sure of himself.
"I chose this team because of your special skills," Mace told Anakin. "Obi-Wan may hate it, but he has a great knowledge of the Senate workings. I contacted Yoda on Kashyyyk, and he agreed."
Obi-Wan tried not to groan aloud. Siri allowed herself one small smile at his discomfort. Kastor didn't even bother to hide his smirk. Allara grinned as well, picking up on his dislike of the Senate.
"His contacts are invaluable," Mace went on. "I chose Master Tachi for her lack of patience."
Siri's small grin disappeared, and Kastor nearly coughed, trying to stop his chortle. Mace raised an eyebrow at her.
"A fault she has tried to correct, but one that often gets in her way, " he said. "I have a feeling it will be useful in this situation. Senators are used to deference. Without it, they feel lost. I wouldn't mind some of them feeling a bit unbalanced. Ferus, of course, is a worthy addition. He studied Senate structure and knows more about it than any apprentice. And you, Anakin . . ."
Anakin waited.
"You have two things that can help us. One, of course, is your Force connection. You are just beginning to realize how it can work on beings as well as objects."
Anakin looked startled, as if he didn't understand that anyone else knew this. Obi-Wan was a bit impressed that Mace had picked up on it as well, but he knew that Kastor, Siri, and even Allara, in her short time, had picked up on it. Then again, there was a reason why Mace was the Master of the Order. Obi-Wan considered him to be one of the most powerful Jedi he'd ever known. Yoda, Kastor, Fay, and now Allara were perhaps the only ones he considered to be Mace's equal or better.
"Yes, together with observation and intuition the Force can help you see into the hearts and minds of others," Mace said softly, his eyes not leaving Anakin's face. "That is why the Force must be respected and handled with care."
"I know that, Master Windu," Anakin said.
"Perhaps you do. Or perhaps you will learn it more with every mission, the way the rest of us do. And there is one other thing," Mace said, resuming his walk. "Chancellor Palpatine has asked to see you, Obi-Wan, and Kastor specifically. He has requested a meeting."
Obi-Wan exchanged a glance with Kastor, Fay, and Siri. So far, their theories or worries about Palpatine were still unproven, and with Dooku having joined the Separatist, Kastor's other theory about a traitor in the Order was more likely, but it didn't mean that Obi-Wan wasn't wary about being with the man . . . or more accurately wary about Anakin being with the man.
Anakin and Obi-Wan disagreed greatly on Palpatine. It didn't help that Obi-Wan and the Order as a whole did often go to the Chancellor in order to get his aid with a great many things, and he always delivered. It made their distrust of him hard at times because if they were wrong, they were being unfair to a true ally of the Order. Anakin, of course, witnessed how often the Chancellor came through, and Palpatine always had an open door for Anakin.
Anakin saw a friend and mentor in Palpatine, and Obi-Wan couldn't confide their worries to Anakin because it wasn't fair to put him under that type of strain on what could very well be baseless accusations, nor did Obi-Wan think Anakin would take it seriously. Voicing their suspicions could very well start a large fight and hurt their bond which was the strongest it had ever been. It was better to wait for concrete proof in either direction.
Regardless, Palpatine was always helpful, so Obi-Wan quickly shoved his worries aside and focused on the other negative reason he wasn't happy with this request . . . it was a meeting, and likely the first of many in the Senate.
'Oh joy.'
'You should have been a worse student,' Siri said into his mind, and he snickered.
"When is the meeting?" Obi-Wan asked, trying not to sigh as he matched his walk to Mace's long stride.
For the first time, Mace's features softened, and Obi-Wan was almost sure he caught the slightest of smiles. "Do not fret, Obi-Wan. You are on your way to it."
"Mace, you didn't answer why Allara, myself, and Fay needed to be here?" Kastor said. "I'm also not sure why the Chancellor would want to see me?"
"No, I didn't," Mace agreed, and Obi-Wan did actually see a slight smile appear on the austere Jedi Master's face. "I'm not sure about the Chancellor's desire to see you. As for what I needed you for? You three are needed for something else unrelated, though I'm confident your wisdom and experience will prove beneficial in assisting Obi-Wan, Siri, Ferus, and Anakin."
**The Will of the Force**
"I am indebted to you for coming so promptly," Palpatine greeted them in the deep voice whose softness served to convey his power. "Though I am sorry to say that once again I could use some introductions. And here I thought I had done a good job of meeting most of the Jedi."
Palpatine gave an apologetic smile.
"This is Jedi Master Fay," Mace said, indicating the blonde, who inclined her head politely. "She is one of our nomadic Jedi, and thus has rarely been on Coruscant over the past centuries."
"Ah, I've heard of you, my dear," Palpatine said, smiling. "Your actions out in the galaxy are legendary."
"Thank you, Chancellor," Fay said politely, "but I'm just doing what I was called on to do."
"Perhaps so," Palpatine said, and then glanced at Allara.
"This is Jedi Master Allara Shan," Mace said, and Palpatine's eyes widened in surprise and he frowned for a moment.
"Forgive me," Palpatine said, looking at Kastor, "but I thought you, Master Shan, were the last of your line, and it was owed to rather unique circumstances."
"And so I thought I was," Kastor said with a nod. "Allara, too, has dealt with unique circumstances which brought her to this time. We just recovered here on Chandrila in a Sith Stasis Casket."
"Ah, I was briefed on that encounter with those Sith," Palpatine said with a slow nod. He shook his head. "As much as I would love to hear about your situation, Master Allara Shan, we have no time to lose. So, please sit."
He waited for the Jedi to all sit before he sat himself.
Palpatine shook his head, as if in deep thought. "I feel such sorrow for having to bring you here," he said. "I am ashamed of the Senate. There is a growing tide of anti-Jedi feeling and the best of us cannot seem to stop it. It is full of lies and half-truths, all twisted to fit an agenda."
Palpatine opened his palms in a gesture of helplessness. "I am at a loss to explain it, except to say that in a galaxy so mired in conflict some might turn to a scapegoat to further their own plans."
"Or deflect attention from those plans," Mace said.
"That is true, Master Windu," Palpatine said. "And wise, but what these plans are, I do not know."
"Is Sano Sauro behind this?" Obi-Wan asked.
He was a known enemy of the Jedi and the man who helped develop Omega. It would make sense if he was behind it, and Omega himself might even be working alongside him.
Palpatine shook his head. "Not this time. The leader of the anti-Jedi faction is a formerly obscure Senator from Nuralee. His name is Bog Divinian."
Obi-Wan, Siri, and Kastor all frowned. It had been several years since they'd seen Bog, but they all could still remember the husband of their friend, Astri. Clearly times had changed, just as they'd suspected they would after he lied in order to help the Commerce Guild.
Obi-Wan glanced at Mace. Now he knew there was another reason he, Kastor, and even Siri had been called to help. They had connections to Bog.
"I know Bog Divinian," he said. "His wife is an old friend."
Palpatine looked relieved. "That is good news. I urge you to speak directly to him. Perhaps a personal appeal can help."
Obi-Wan doubted this was the case, but he inclined his head in agreement.
"I must inform you of a recent development," Palpatine said. "Roy Teda has arrived on Coruscant. I know that the Jedi were recently involved in the coup on his planet of Romin."
Obi-Wan exchanged looks with Siri, Kastor, Allara, and Fay. If Teda was here, then there was a good chance that Omega and Zan Arbor were too. Perhaps Teda's slip of the tongue had really been that.
"Teda has lost no time in joining the anti-Jedi faction, I'm afraid," Palpatine continued. "He's already given testimony that the Jedi were responsible for aiding the unlawful coup on his planet."
"Unfortunately this is technically true, though a misreading of events," Mace said, arching an eyebrow at Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan knew that Mace was still annoyed at him and Siri for aiding a coup when the mission had been to infiltrate quietly and get out without anyone even realizing the Jedi had been there.
'But Teda's arrival on the planet could be good news,' Obi-Wan thought.
It could be a sign that Omega and Zan Arbor were close, and even if they weren't, Teda could be the key to finding them.
"He has also claimed that the Jedi were responsible for a factory implosion on Falleen. He's managed to get the Falleen Senator quite upset about it." Chancellor Palpatine steepled his fingers and looked over them at the Jedi. "I'm afraid there is nothing I can do about this. There is just enough evidence in the charges to make them credible. Teda has the right to petition for asylum on Coruscant. It is up to the Jedi Council to refute the charges."
"Are the charges formal?" Mace asked, somewhat surprised.
"Yes. That is the reason for this meeting. There will be a hearing this afternoon. For that, Jedi presence is needed."
Mace stood. "Knight Kenobi will attend the hearing."
"He must," Palpatine said. "He has been called as a witness."
Once again, Obi-Wan inclined his head, but he seethed inwardly at the distraction away from Omega. 'Just my luck,' he thought. 'A meeting and a Senate hearing, all on the same day.'
"Unfortunately, that isn't the whole problem," Palpatine said gravely, and Obi-Wan refocused on the Chancellor.
"What do you mean?" Mace asked.
"The anti-Jedi faction has somehow managed to get some of our intelligence on Master Shan's undercover work and his actions," Palpatine said, glancing at Kastor sorrowful and Kastor's eyes widened. "As such, he is also required to attend."
"How much?" Mace asked, considerably shocked.
"They discovered his cover as Calo Jurgens and all that entails," Palpatine said. "This has caused them to bring up questions about his work with Knight Tachi so long ago on Nar Shaddaa. They also have brought up formal charges about him, and the Order as a whole, breaking the Ruusan Reformations and creating a Jedi fleet without Senate approval."
'The Darasuum and its complement,' Obi-Wan thought.
"They also are aware he spearheaded the newly formed relationship between the Mandalorians and the Order. They have no formal charges to bring there, but I suspect they will attempt to use that information against Master Shan when questioning him about the fleet and his undercover operations."
"Someone sold me out," Kastor said calmly. "Well, that cover was mostly burnt anyway, but this is still unfortunate."
"You might be able to use that to your advantage, however," Palpatine advised. "Undercover operations are protected by the Republic Judiciary."
Kastor nodded.
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Chancellor," he said. "We'll be prepared."
**The Will of the Force**
The hearing was held in a smaller meeting room at the Senate. It wasn't as big as the main chamber, but it held thirty tiers with seating for onlookers and pods for several hundred Senators. It was bigger than originally had been planned (as Mace had discovered), and had been changed to the room it was when the hearing expanded to deal with Kastor and his fleet. The room was packed with an overflow crowd. Senators, aides, HoloNet news correspondents, and curious Coruscant natives crowded the seats and the aisles in the tiers, and every pod was full.
Obi-Wan sat with Siri, Kastor, and Mace in a pod, docked in a mid-level tier. Fay and Allara were in the stands with the other observers. Ferus had returned to the Temple for something that Mace requested of him. Anakin was still with the Chancellor, something which Obi-Wan wasn't extremely happy about.
"I'm surprised there is such a crowd for this hearing," he murmured to Mace. "Usually meetings like this are so dull that no one attends."
"Note who is here," Mace said in a low tone. "The room is packed with Bog Divinian's supporters. I hear that one must obtain tickets to observe, and supporters of the Jedi were told there were no seats. When the room expanded, some of our allies managed to claim some spots, but not many."
Obi-Wan watched as Bog Divinian leaned forward to call Roy Teda to the stand. Teda's pod floated forward.
"I greet you hello, fellow rulers, amazing Senators, all wonderful beings who love democracy and truth," Roy Teda said. "I, too, am a believer and a lover of the democratic principles of many voices, all saying the same thing."
Roy Teda began his testimony, and began to lie. Obi-Wan listened to the lies fall from his mouth. He was not surprised.
"I beseech you, Senators, rulers, fellow citizens of the galaxy," Teda concluded, spreading his arms. "Stop this outrageous outrage before it overtakes us completely! The Jedi came to my planet and secretly plotted in an underhanded way with an unlawful army to bring about the destruction of the elected government!"
Obi-Wan snorted. "Hardly an army," he said quietly to Mace. "Nor did we help create any plan."
"He was hardly an elected official," Siri added quietly.
"The truth has no place here," Mace replied. "They don't want to hear it, but you must tell your truth anyway."
"They overthrew my government! They rampaged through the streets! And it is no accident," Teda said, leaning forward on his fists, "that the Romin treasury of wealth disappeared!"
"Yes, because you looted it," Obi-Wan muttered.
"Jedi interference must be outlawed on every planet in the galaxy!" Teda thundered. "Let them go back to their Temple and practice their secret hidden arts on one another!" he shouted. "Leave governing the galaxy to the Senate!"
Blocs of Senators roared approval. The crowd hooted and stamped. High above Teda, Bog Divinian hovered. He did not dock his pod the way the presiding Senator usually did. He remained in midair, so that he would be in full view of the crowd.
"Senator Divinian, I have signaled for questioning and have been ignored!" Bail Organa's voice was loud, but clear and calm. He stood, maneuvering his pod closer to Bog's.
"If you have a question, of course the presiding official — which is me, may I remind you — will recognize it," Bog said, clearly displeased at the interruption. "The Honorable Senator from Alderaan has the floor."
Organa's pod zoomed closer. "You claim the Romin treasury has disappeared," Organa said. "How can you know this, since you are in exile here? Do you have proof that the Jedi rampaged through the streets? Do you have any evidence of your claims, Former Ruler Teda?" he asked.
"Yes, of course," Teda answered smoothly. "The evidence is on Romin, only I am in exile and cannot reach it."
"The committee has ruled that a subcommittee will be formed in order to investigate the charges," Bog announced.
"And who will be appointed to this subcommittee?" Organa asked, turning to Bog.
"Some members of my committee — "
"All enemies of the Jedi!" Organa said sharply.
" — who will choose its members, according to rule 729900, subsection B38 of the subcommittee rules — "
" — which are currently being revised by a committee headed by Senator Sano Sauro, another enemy of the Jedi!" Organa pointed out.
There were few Senators who studied the bureaucracy as extensively. Organa knew that the tedious work of keeping up with the bureaucracy netted results. Injustice often began when the powerful Senators who headed committees changed obscure rules that they knew no one would notice.
Bail Organa noticed.
"The Honorable Senator from Alderaan must agree that no matter how unhappy he may be, it cannot be argued that procedure isn't being followed," Bog said smugly.
"The procedure was changed by the same Senator who has been asked to investigate unfounded charges that suit his own agenda," Organa pointed out. "It is the very definition of unfair. It is also an outrage."
Obi-Wan was impressed. Organa spoke with authority. He did not bluster or shout. He made his points with acid, not with blows. He spoke truth, but Mace was right — this crowd did not want to hear it.
"The presiding official refuses to get bogged down in procedural details," Bog said, waving his hand. "The Honorable Senator from Alderaan will now yield the floor. Your objections will be noted in the log. The presiding official calls Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi for testimony."
Obi-Wan stood at the front of their pod. He pressed the lever that controlled its movement. The box moved forward to the center of the room.
Bog did not acknowledge that he knew Obi-Wan or had met him before, not even with a slight nod.
"Tell us, Jedi Kenobi, did the Jedi secretly meet with the resistance army on Romin?"
"Members of the resistance movement captured two of our apprentices," Obi-Wan replied. "The Jedi were on Romin to pursue a galactic criminal —"
"Ah, let's talk about that. Isn't it true you were on Romin illegally and using false ID docs?"
"It is true that we used false ID docs. Sometimes the Jedi need to travel in secrecy," Obi-Wan answered. "We were on the trail of an extremely dangerous criminal who had the means to destroy —"
"I am not asking your intent, merely clarifying your means," Bog interrupted. "Which, as I pointed out, were against the laws of Romin. Did you have personal dealings with the criminal Joylin who has seized power on Romin?"
"An action that the Senate sanctioned due to the criminal activities of Roy Teda," Obi-Wan pointed out.
"There are some in the Senate who pushed through this initiative, it's true," Bog said, implying that this action was highly suspect. "That initiative is currently under investigation."
"Senator Divinian!" Bail Organa called.
"Senator Organa, you are out of order!" Bog thundered. "I am questioning this witness!" He turned back to Obi-Wan. "Answer the question. Isn't it true that the Jedi assisted the takeover?"
Obi-Wan hesitated a fraction of a second. It was true that the Jedi did assist Joylin and his band, but the plans had already been in place. Joylin would have executed the plan whether they were there or not.
"Answer, please." Obi-Wan saw a flash of mean triumph in Bog's eyes.
"Yes. We offered them assistance."
"So you overthrew a legally elected government for your own purposes."
"No. We —"
"The record will note that the question has been answered," Bog snapped.
Bog looked down at his datapad, but Obi-Wan was sure it was for show. Bog knew exactly what his next question was going to be. He wanted Obi-Wan's admission to hang in the air. The chamber was silent now, every face turned toward Obi-Wan. He was in an impossible position, and he knew it. He could not save the Jedi here. He could not save the Jedi with words, with truth.
Obi-Wan rarely felt helpless, but he did now.
"Isn't it also true that the Jedi were involved in a factory implosion on Falleen?"
"We were there, but we were not involved in the implosion."
"Oh," sneered Bog, "Jedi Knights are factory workers now?"
"Three of us were," Obi-Wan answered honestly.
"Do you mean to tell me that you got jobs in a factory? That's hard to believe."
"Truth is sometimes hard to believe," Obi-Wan said evenly. "That's why ignorant minds have a difficult time with it."
Bog's face reddened. Obi-Wan realized he had done an ignorant thing himself. He had allowed his temper to get the better of his judgment.
"So you sabotaged the factory —"
"No." It was Obi-Wan's turn to interrupt. "We were caught there. The factory was deliberately destroyed by its owner to cover up violations, which we do have proof of."
"Proof that we must take your word for? And you were there, after hours, after everyone else had gone home?"
"Yes to both questions."
"I see. So you were the only ones there during the implosion, but you did not trigger it, and you now have this 'proof' that we are just expected to believe."
"The proof can certainly be authenticated. I don't know if we were the only ones there. How do you?"
Bog flushed again. "What I see before me is arrogance and a complete lack of remorse at the destruction of property —"
"Oh, I feel remorse," Obi-Wan said.
"That is unusual," Bog snapped.
"I never received my paycheck."
Guffaws exploded throughout the chamber. Bog looked helpless and angry. Obi-Wan followed his gaze to a dark corner of the chamber, where a pod hugged the wall. Obi-Wan recognized the slim, dark form of Sano Sauro.
Sauro must have sent Bog a private message on his datapad, for Bog looked down. He nodded vigorously, while the laughter slowly died down. Obi-Wan had succeeded in something, at least. He knew now that Sano Sauro was controlling Bog like a puppet.
"The witness is dismissed," Bog said.
"Senator Divinian," a female voice called out. "Do we not have a right to also question the witness? Do you not, as the presiding official, have a duty to answer our signals for questioning?"
"Senator Amidala, you too are out of order," Bog said, flushing.
"No, Senator," Padme Amidala disagreed. "It is you who is out of order for refusing to follow procedure."
Bog glared, but finally nodded.
"The honorable Senator from Naboo has the floor," he said, almost gritting his teeth.
Obi-Wan took a look at his old friend from the Naboo crisis. Kastor and Rhys had told him that she had grown into a beautiful young woman, but had lost none of the fire she'd had as queen. Looking at her, composed and confident, he could easily agree with their assessment.
"Jedi Knight Kenobi," Padme addressed him, and she shot him a warm smile. "In your charge to apprehend an escaped Republic fugitive, who was being protected by the government of Romin and Roy Teda personally, is it true you were forced to use false docs to enter Romin?"
"Yes, Senator," Obi-Wan agreed. He felt amusement through his bonds from Kastor and Siri. "Roy Teda's government was taking bribes from Republic criminals to obtain protection from Republic judiciary officials, Jedi, and bounty hunters."
"Objection!" Bog thundered. "We are not here to discuss the laws of Romin."
"Well, I'm sure an honorable Senator like yourself would want the whole picture before you try and cast judgment," Padme said, almost innocently. "I was just trying to get a grasp of the situation."
Bog flushed, and Padme turned back to Obi-Wan.
"Why was it so important for you to chase down this particular fugitive? Surely a bounty hunter or a Republic officer would suffice instead of several teams of Jedi."
"The fugitive, Jenna Zan Arbor is a scientist with the known ability to create weapons of mass destruction and was already involved in experimentation on prisoners of war on Vanquor."
There were some whispers at that. Zan Arbor had made a name for herself back before her imprisonment, and some clearly remembered what she was capable of.
"Thank you, Knight Kenobi," Padme said. "As the implosion on Falleen requires a full investigation, I do not have any questions for you at this time."
Padme smiled warmly at him again before she returned her pod to its original position and Bog was granted control again.
"The witness is dismissed. Now we call Jedi Master Kastor Shan."
Obi-Wan moved to the back of the pod while Kastor took his former position.
"Jedi Shan," Bog said, smirking at Kastor, thinking he was back in control. "Is it true that you, on behalf of the Order, have created a Jedi fleet with which you operate with impunity?"
"No, Senator," Kastor responded politely and Bog looked at him incredulously.
"So, you are telling me that there is not, even now, an illegally modified Arquitens Heavy Cruiser and a squadron of fighters and bombers orbiting Coruscant that is your property?"
"Illegally modified? No. The ships you are referencing do exist," Kastor said, and Bog smiled in triumph, "however they are not my property, nor were they created on behalf of the Jedi Order."
Bog's smile faded somewhat.
"You and the Jedi Order did not provide the funds to Antarian Ranger Rhys Dallows?" Bog said pointedly.
"I did, but the Order did not," Kastor answered honestly.
"How did you get the funds, if not from the Order?" Bog said angrily.
"I am primarily an undercover operative," Kastor said, "or I was before you went behind the Republic Judiciary's jurisdiction and revealed my status." Bog flushed. "As part of my job, I seize funds from criminal enterprises."
"So you seize illegal funds for yourself! Funds which you are supposed to give to the Republic!" Bog said.
"There is no formal agreement for seized funds by the Jedi Order to be given to the Republic," Bail Organa interjected, and Bog glared at him.
"You are out of line, Senator Organa!" Bog said, before turning back to Kastor. "So, you are seizing funds from criminal enterprises and using those funds to create fleets, foster alliances with dangerous entities, like Mandalore, and overthrow legitimate governments!"
"The funds I use are in service to the people of the Republic. This allows Shadows and the Jedi Order as a whole to fund operations without having to ask the Republic for additional support. The Mandalorians are old adversaries, that is true, but are you really faulting the Jedi for trying to foster alliances, act as diplomats, and attempting to prevent future conflict, as is part of the mandate that the Senate gives us?"
Bog flushed angrily.
"As for overthrowing legitimate governments," Kastor continued, "the fleet only arrived at Romin and provided assistance after Senate approval had been granted."
"You still have not adequately answered on controlling a fleet!"
"I am not the captain of that fleet," Kastor answered.
"By personal choice!" Bog accused. "You purchased the fleet through a second organization and then gifted it to a Mandalorian mercenary group — one that you founded!"
"I am not the captain of that fleet," Kastor answered again. "I did not found the Kandosii, which is the group you speak of. I did provide the funds that helped create the group."
"So, you aided in the creation of a fleet which holds loyalty to you and not the Republic!" Bog accused.
"I did, but the Order did not," Kastor agreed, and Bog glanced at him incredulously. "Additionally, I do not own those ships, so the Ruusan Reformations have not been broken. A technicality, I agree, but surely you understand and appreciate technicalities?"
Obi-Wan had to keep in his own laugh, and Siri barely hid her snort as a laugh at how Kastor had turned Bog's own game against him. Bog gave Kastor a furious look before he glanced at his datapad.
"A committee will be created to ascertain if the Jedi have overstepped their duties. The witness is dismissed. The hearing is adjourned."
They maneuvered the pod back to the wall. Fay and Allara were waiting for them. Obi-Wan looked at Mace.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do more."
"Don't be, Obi-Wan. You did the best you could. You and Kastor both." Mace looked out over the chamber crowded with beings. "Something is here," he murmured. "Some darkness. We feel it growing, but every time we look, we see nothing at all. You spend your time on missions, Obi-Wan. You are not here, like the Jedi Council is. Lately, I have been wondering . . ."
"Yes, Master Windu?" Obi-Wan asked respectfully. It wasn't often that Mace revealed what he was thinking. He noticed Kastor eyeing his friend closely, a frown on his face. Allara too was looking at him with interest. Perhaps, since she did not know the Master of the Order, she was able to glean some other understanding.
"We send the Jedi throughout the galaxy. To help. To keep peace. To bring aid to suffering populations. But in the end, I wonder . . ." Mace's stubborn gaze raked the chamber, ". . . if our real job lies here."
"I hope not," Obi-Wan said, gazing over the room. "Out of all my missions, this is one place where I do not want to stand and fight. It's like shouting into the wind."
"None of us want to be here, Obi-Wan," Mace said. "Perhaps that is our undoing."
He took a step back, then turned and disappeared into the interior hallways. Obi-Wan looked out over the crowded chamber.
"Come, we have some old friends who deserve our thanks," Kastor said.
Obi-Wan glanced over to where Sano Sauro sat. Likely he had crafted Bog's questions today. He nodded at Kastor, and followed the Jedi master out, but then as they made it into the interior reception room they saw Bog Divinian hurrying toward them, with a wide smile on his face.
"Obi-Wan! So good to see you again!" Bog thumped him on the shoulder.
Obi-Wan gazed at him incredulously.
"Oh, you didn't mind my questions, did you? Politics. A rough game, eh? I hope there are no hard feelings. After all, politics is temporary. Friendship is forever."
Obi-Wan just stared at him. Siri's irritation was rising quickly. They had never been friends with Bog. They were friends with his wife. Their first interactions, Bog had rubbed them wrong and then done the wrong thing and let a murderer go free. They had never been friends. Bog's words were completely hollow, as empty as the man before him.
"Oh, excuse me, I forgot." Bog whipped out a small data recorder. "Hearing ended, great success, now greeting supporters." Bog indicated the recorder to Obi-Wan. "This is how I keep track of things. One day it will come in handy when my biography is written. You'd be shocked and dismayed if you knew how many important leaders neglected to keep notes and records for the biographer to follow."
Obi-Wan said nothing. In his mind he heard Siri scoff. Clearly Bog had changed quite a bit. He wasn't bowing or scraping to please those in power anymore, or at least not openly, but he clearly also saw himself as a great leader. He had become what he always wanted to be . . . a pompous, scheming bore.
Bog rode over Obi-Wan's silence. "Have you seen my wife? She's here. She is dying to see you." Bog searched above the crowd, then began to wave. "Astri! Astri! I found our friend!"
Obi-Wan, Kastor, and Siri all turned to look at Astri, and collectively they all mourned what they saw. She was dressed in a simple blue robe, but she stood and walked regally, looking as impressive as any Senator or their entourages that were dressed in opulent cloaks. Her once springy curls were now clipped short to fall softly around her head. She didn't rush towards them as she once would have. There was no throwing herself into his arms for a fierce hug, no exuberance and joy on her face. Her gaze seemed to slide off him in the way that he had come to know from other officials — diplomats, Senators, rulers — those who met beings constantly and never invested in a true exchange of hearts and minds with any of them. It seemed Astri had truly become a Senator's wife, and his heart fell.
He'd tried to reach out to her more after their last encounter on Euceron, but she'd seemed to have cut him off, and he never knew why. Kastor and Rhys had confided that they too were seemingly rebuffed, and none of them could figure out what had happened. Siri hadn't tried with all three of their collective failures, since she hadn't been as close to Astri.
"Hello, Obi-Wan, Siri, Kastor." Her voice was pitched lower, yet another thing that had changed. "I'm glad to see you looking so well."
"I'm glad to see you, too," Obi-Wan said, even though he realized that Astri hadn't really said she was glad to see him. "Let me introduce you to our companions. This is Master Fay, and this is Kastor's daughter, Allara."
For a brief moment, surprise and a hint of a soft smile appeared on her face before it was gone, and Obi-Wan felt Kastor's emotions shift darkly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you both," Astri said softly.
"You as well," Fay and Allara both said, though both women had clearly picked up on their friend's and family's distress.
"And how is Didi?" Obi-Wan asked.
"He is back home." At last a small smile appeared on Astri's face, and he saw a flash of the prettiness he'd known. "Entertaining his grandson. Or should I say, they are entertaining each other."
Obi-Wan smiled. "You have a son?"
"A beautiful boy. His name is Lune. He just turned three."
"My son is the light of our lives," Bog said. "Astri, my dear, I fear that Obi-Wan is a little put out with me."
Astri's gaze lost its warmth and formality clicked back into place. She looked away, past Obi-Wan's shoulder, into the crowd.
"You must tell him that each of us must follow our convictions," Bog continued.
"Obi-Wan knows this, no doubt."
"You must tell him how I've struggled with my decision to throw my support behind this, but I've come to feel that the Jedi Council wields too much influence in the Senate and with the Chancellor. I don't want to make enemies. I'm just looking for a more balanced approach. Is that so strange?"
Obi-Wan didn't answer. It was clear Bog did not expect one, and would not listen if one were given. The words he spoke were crafted and memorized. False and unworthy of response.
What had happened to Astri? How had she fallen for him? Obi-Wan had known Astri since he was a boy. He had watched her brave blaster fire and bounty hunters even while being terrified. All in order to save her father and Qui-Gon. She had turned herself from a cook in a rundown cafe into a warrior. Now, he didn't feel like he even knew her.
"It was nice to see you again, Obi-Wan," Astri said. "Take care."
She drifted off into the crowd. Bog gazed after her with affection.
"A perfect Senator's wife. She's involved in relief efforts, which is so important for my profile."
The five Jedi all felt like they'd tolerated Bog enough, and Kastor was right, they had others that they did wish to talk to, so they made their crisp farewells.
Kastor led them over to where their two fiercest supporters in the chamber were still talking, slight frowns on their faces. However, both turned and smiled warmly at the five Jedi.
"Ah, my friends," Bail said, opening his arms in a gesture of welcome. "I'm sorry we had to meet in such dire circumstances."
"It is a pleasure to see you both again," Kastor said, and he smiled. "We greatly appreciate your support in an arena where we are mostly unarmed."
"I hardly think you were unarmed in there, Master Shan," Padme said. "You hardly needed our assistance at all."
"The same was not true for me," Obi-Wan said. "I believe I greatly needed you both to save me."
Padme laughed lightly. "I don't know about that, Master Kenobi. Your wits were as sharp as ever, but consider it a further sign of my thanks for your aid all those years ago."
"And here I thought it was simply because we were friends," Obi-Wan said, a hint of mock sorrow in his tone, and Padme rolled her eyes.
"You and Kastor are far too alike sometimes."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Kastor said.
"It wasn't," Siri said dryly, and Padme smiled at her.
"Forgive us for being rude," Obi-Wan said. "This is Knight Siri Tachi. I've known Siri since I was a boy, and she is one of my closest friends."
"I've heard the name," Padme said, glancing at Kastor. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Master Tachi."
Siri nodded in agreement.
"It is always a pleasure, Master Tachi," Bail said, and Siri smiled at one of the few Senators she was friendly with.
"And this is one our most esteemed masters, Fay," Kastor continued.
"Another name I'm familiar with," Padme said.
"I too have heard of your exploits," Bail said. "It is a real honor."
"The pleasure is all mine," Fay said, with a light smile.
"Lasty is my daughter, Allara Shan," Kastor introduced, and Padme and Bail's eyes both widened in surprise.
"Your daughter?" Padme said. "How is that possible?"
"My father isn't the only one who found himself in rather strange circumstances and awoke in this modern era," Allara said. "It is a pleasure to meet you both, though."
"We'll save the full story for the next potluck or an evening of catching up," Kastor said with an apologetic look. "We have to return to the Temple, but we wanted to give our thanks in person."
"No thanks are necessary," Bail said. "The Jedi will always have my support."
"I will look forward to hearing that story," Padme said, and looked at Allara. "I look forward to getting to know you."
"And I you," Allara said with a friendly smile.
They made their departure, and Obi-Wan glanced over to see Teda making his way out of the room.
"What about Teda?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I've already got someone ready to tail him," Kastor said, and Obi-Wan nodded.
"Then I believe it is time to see what the Council wants and then go and see Tyro," Obi-Wan said, and Kastor and Siri both nodded in agreement.
**The Will of the Force**
Anakin sat with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine in his red-walled office.
He had wanted to see how his Master and Kastor did at the hearing, but Palpatine had detained him, and he couldn't refuse the Chancellor. How could you refuse someone whose term as Chancellor had expired, but who stayed on to serve because so many saw him as integral to the well-being of the galaxy?
Anakin would have preferred to be searching the galaxy for Granta Omega, but he couldn't do that, either. There were times Anakin felt that wherever he turned, there was yet another order he could not refuse. He was trapped in everybody else's needs but his own.
Palpatine seemed to sense his mood. "You think you are wasting your time here," he observed.
Anakin searched for a way to be honest without being rude. "We were on an important mission."
"I can understand being frustrated by the Senate," Palpatine replied. "Yet here is where the power lies."
"It is not power I'm interested in," Anakin said.
"Really." Palpatine smiled. "That is a very Jedi-like response. Yet, can I say this — it is not entirely true. The Jedi do not seek power, yet they have it. Why is that?"
The words sounded oddly familiar to him, as if he'd heard them before, but Anakin could not figure out where. He could tell that Palpatine was testing him in some way. He was determined to succeed.
"Because we have the Force," Anakin said. "It is a source of power, yet we do not seek it. It is simply there."
"And yet it is a Jedi's choice to use it," Palpatine responded. Anakin smiled.
"You sound almost like one of our critics."
"Hardly. I am the Jedi Council's biggest supporter. What I am trying to do is discover a way to fight those who seek to take away their power, their influence. I have come to several conclusions, though, and they aren't helpful. Would you care to hear them?"
"Of course." Anakin leaned forward slightly to show his interest.
He felt flattered that Palpatine took him seriously enough to talk to him this way. He knew the man probably interacted with few if any other Padawans. He generally was talking directly to the High Council and specifically powerful Jedi like Mace Windu and Yoda.
Palpatine looked out his window toward the spires of the Jedi Temple.
"One reason that the Jedi Order has become the object of jealousy in the Senate is that the Jedi don't know how to defend themselves. Of course the Jedi are bold warriors, but when it comes to the war of words in the Senate, they simply disengage. This is a grave mistake."
"Our actions and our results speak for themselves," Anakin said.
"There you are wrong. Results do not speak for themselves, not in the Senate. There must always be someone to explain why the results are good." Palpatine shrugged. "Everything must be interpreted, or someone else will do the interpreting. Facts are not important, only the twist that helps the Senators understand them. It is the way it is. They must be fed their diet of truth."
"You make Senators sound like children," Anakin observed.
"Ah, but they are." Palpatine shook his head. "I did not seek this office, yet I must carry out the burden of carrying on its duties. One of these duties is to recognize that what the Senate needs is a strong hand, just as children do."
"The Jedi don't believe that," Anakin argued. "In the Jedi Order, children are given the freedom to dissent and be independent."
Palpatine smiled. "Unlike the Jedi, Senators are not gifted with the Force. Jedi can afford to give their younglings freedom, because they know they are exceptional. Most beings are not exceptional, Anakin. They need someone to tell them what to do, and sometimes, what to believe."
Anakin struggled to grasp this. It went against what he believed. Yet he could not deny that Palpatine's strong hand had kept the Senate together during these years of growing strife with the Separatist movement.
"You want to turn the Jedi into politicians," he finally said.
"No. I want them to recognize that they are politicians, whether they like it or not. Power and politics are inseparable." Chancellor Palpatine rose. "You, Anakin Skywalker, you have power. I can see it in you. Your connection to the Force gives you clarity and boldness. The Jedi Order needs more like you."
"I am still a student," Anakin said, standing.
"Then learn," Palpatine told him. "Take this opportunity. Find out how to maneuver in Senate politics. It might turn out to be the skill the Jedi Council needs most. Not exactly the glory of lightsaber battles, but crucial nonetheless."
"How can I do that?" Anakin asked.
"Come with me to meetings while you're here," Palpatine said. "Watch. Listen. Tell me what you think, and I will share my thoughts with you."
It was an extraordinary offer. Anakin knew he had to take it.
"I will have to request permission from my Master."
Palpatine inclined his head. "Of course. And in the end, who knows? Perhaps you'll be able to teach Master Kenobi a thing or two."
**The Will of the Force**
Kastor, Fay, Obi-Wan, Siri, and Allara all made their way into the Temple, and they found Adi waiting for them. She smiled in greeting, but got straight to the point.
"You all are asked to join us in the High Council chambers. Siri, Obi-Wan, your attendance is optional."
The five Jedi all exchanged glances.
"Will you tell us what this is about, Adi?" Kastor asked, and she shook her head with a slight grin.
"Please, mom?" Siri asked, putting on a fake pout.
"That doesn't work on me," Adi said, turning away, and Siri sighed.
They followed her through the Temple, nodding at or waving to various other Jedi, Antarian Rangers, or Mandalorians as they passed them. They exchanged occasional greetings, but for the most part everyone left them on their journey.
They reached the Council Chambers entryway, and Adi led them in. Kastor glanced around seeing the full Council in attendance. Off to the side, observing, were also Masters Tera Sinube and T'ra Saa. Obi-Wan and Siri quickly moved over to join them, since they knew their attendance was optional.
Adi took her chair on the Council, and Kastor, Allara, and Fay reached the center of the room, and all three bowed in respect to the Council.
"Once again, finds itself, this Council does, welcoming back a Shan thought to be lost," Yoda said, and Kastor smiled. "Know you, we do not, but know your history we do. Welcome among us you are, Master Allara Shan, Barsen'thor of the Jedi Order. Shine brightly in the Force, you do, like your father."
"You served on the High Council before you went missing," Mace said. "This Council has largely come to the conclusion that our Order is due for change. Change your father started bringing, change which we hope you can continue to help us navigate through. A spot, your title earns, but we believe that our Council needs the change that the Jedi of your era . . . and Shans in general . . . bring."
Allara's eyes widened, and even Kastor and Fay were surprised.
"I wish to step down from the High Council," Adi said. "I had hoped your father would consider taking my position, but perhaps a younger, wiser Shan would be a much better choice," she finished with a wry smile, garnering laughs, chortles, or chuckles from around the room while Kastor shook his head.
Allara looked at her father.
"If he would take the position, I think he would be better suited," Allara said. "I still have much to learn about this modern galaxy and modern Order."
"And that is exactly why we want you on our Council," Plo said, leaning forward. "Your father has done more to change our Order in his ten years since he rejoined us than our Order had seen since the end of the New Sith Wars. Even now, we struggle to accept his changes, despite the positive outcomes we have seen from his various efforts."
"While his efforts to allow attachments is still ongoing, his efforts with the Mandalorian people has created a strong alliance, the strongest we have ever had with our one-time adversaries," Ki-Adi said. "Even now, the Mandalorians' assistance has helped save the lives of many innocent people and many Jedi Knights. Our Order is stretched thin, but without Mandalorian aid, we would be in a dire predicament."
"His simple solution to bring us closer to Senators and their entourage by opening our Temples and allowing for them to dine with us and learn about us has grown our support among our allies, and even gained us new allies, where once critics existed," Shaak Ti said.
"From what we know, you too were a radical in your time," Eeth said, with a wry smile. "We believe that we need that in our Order and on our Council to help be the voice to fight for change . . . and to further support your father's wild ideas. Perhaps someday you can even wear him down and beat his stubbornness."
Allara chuckled at that.
"Are you sure you won't take the spot on the Council you've earned, dad?" Allara asked.
"I believe it is your spot, Barsen'thor," Kastor said proudly, and Allara sighed before she nodded.
"I accept the position," Allara said.
Adi smiled brightly before she stood up and moved to the side with Obi-Wan and Siri.
"Take your seat, Master Shan," Mace said with a respectful nod.
Allara moved and slowly took her seat, and then she gazed down and met her father's proud look and smiled.
"Now that we have our full Council, it is time for our second piece of business," Mace said, and he turned to Yoda, who glanced down at Fay and Kastor.
"Hoped you would join our Council, I did, Kastor Shan," Yoda said, with a slight chuckle, "but foresaw this outcome, I did. However, desire your wisdom, I do."
Kastor blinked in surprise. "Master?"
"Long time have I been the Grandmaster of this Order," Yoda said. "Long time have I trained Jedi. Set in my ways, I have become. Become dependent on me, our Order has. Change, it must. Change, I must. Balance, we need. In times past, hold the title of Grandmaster, several did. Share the burden of leadership, they did. Provided checks on each other, they did. Wish for this to come again, I do."
"You want to bestow on me the title of Grandmaster?" Kastor asked in shock.
"And others," Yoda said, with a slight smile, glancing at Fay.
"Master?" Fay said, in shock. "I'm a nomad. Hardly one to be granted that title."
"Different, you are," Yoda agreed. "Like your chosen partner of heart."
Fay and Kastor exchanged surprised glances, caught off guard that Yoda would openly refer to their relationship, but while there were a few that still seemed unsure, neither Kastor nor Fay saw or felt open disapproval.
"True to the Force, you are, my former Padawan," Yoda continued. "Seen much you have. Done much, you have. Wisdom, you have. Sorrow you have experienced. The darkness, you know. The galaxy and its problems, know well you do. Unconventional, you are. Change you, I do not wish to do. Your guidance in these dark times, when the Order looks to me, I wish to have. Share the burden with me, I wish for you and Kastor to do. Alone, we will not be."
Yoda turned and looked at Allara, who blinked in surprise.
"A Council of Grandmasters, we wish to create," Yoda said. "Guidance to the High Council, we will provide when asked. Serve on the High Council, stay in the Temple, you will not have to do. Masters Sinube, Rancisis, and T'ra Saa agreed, already, have they to be part of this new Council. Wish you and both Master Shans to join them, I do. Your assistance in growing, I ask."
"Wouldn't you want someone . . . more experienced?" Kastor asked, hesitantly.
Yoda laughed. "The oldest Jedi, are you not?"
Kastor groaned, and Fay chuckled at that.
"Different perspectives, different lives, our various members have led. Different views we all will have. Fay, a nomad you are. Know the living Force strongly, you do. Follow its will out in the stars, you do. Kastor, Allara, from our history, you have come. Know war and conflict, you do. Know love, attachment, and close bonds, you do as well. T'ra Saa, a watchman and healer, she has been. Balance out those of us who have served on the Council, maintained our way, you will. Your help, we desire to help our Order grow."
Kastor closed his eyes for a moment, and he could feel Fay similarly affected. You could feel Yoda's sincerity in the Force. He truly wished for them to help him and the Order as a whole grow. How could either of them turn down such a request from someone they both admired and had learned much from?
"We would be honored to accept the responsibility," Kastor and Fay both finally said.
Allara finally nodded her agreement. "I too accept the responsibility you ask of me. I will try to live up to your expectations."
Yoda smiled, and around the Council, the rest of the members all smiled or looked pleased. They were entering new territory for the Jedi Order. With dark times rising, the Sith Empire returned, and an uncertain future, Kastor wasn't sure how it would all end, but he would do his best to help guide them through the storm, and hope it was enough.