Here's the Fourteenth chapter! Thank you for all the reviews and comments. Sorry for delay
Author's Note at the End:
Date: March 1 2025
Chapter 14: Progress
Naruto's Palace, Tatooine
Anakin sat with his mother in her quarters, enjoying the rare peace he had found since his unexpected arrival on Tatooine. It still felt surreal, being here, truly speaking with his mother for the first time in years, no war, no Jedi duties. Just a son and his mother, reunited. Yet, despite the moment of peace, his mind remained restless. He had so many questions, about this "Fox Lord," about the strange warrior force under his command, about their connection to the Force. And most importantly, about what the Jedi Council would do once they found out.
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a sudden commotion outside. A loud clang followed by a mechanical whirr, that sputtered and died, then silence. Instincts honed from years in battle kicked in, and Anakin immediately rose to his feet. His mother, sensing his urgency, looked at him worriedly.
"What is it?" Shmi asked.
"I don't know," Anakin said as he reached the door, his muscles tensing. "But I'm about to find out."
The moment he stepped into the hallway, his sharp eyes took in the scene, several battle droids lay in a broken heap, their circuits sparking from where they had been cut down with precise efficiency. The remnants of Separatist B1 droids were scattered across the marble-like flooring, some still twitching as their systems shut down.
And standing over the wreckage, his single visible eye calm yet unreadable, was the silver-haired warrior with a mask over his left eye, the very same man who had been among those who had "arrested" him.
Anakin's eyes narrowed. His voice was sharp and demanding as he spoke.
"What's going on here?"
Kakashi turned to him, completely unfazed, and gave a lazy wave. "Oh, nothing," he said casually, as if he hadn't just dismantled multiple battle droids with ease. "Just dealing with a few snoopers who wandered a little too far out of their boundaries."
Anakin frowned. He wasn't buying that explanation, not without more details. He took a step forward, his gaze moving between the ruined droids. He knew these models well, and had fought against them recently. He could tell from the markings and structure that they were Separatist droids, and could possibly be part of an espionage unit.
"What are Separatist droids doing here?" he asked, his voice demanding an answer.
Kakashi tilted his head, his eye lazily watching Anakin with a hint of amusement. "Nothing you need to worry about," he said.
Anakin's jaw tightened. "Nothing to worry about?" he repeated, stepping closer. "You expect me to believe that Separatist droids just happened to stroll in here? Very close to my Mother's quarters"
Kakashi sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. "Fine," he relented, "if you , must, know, these particular droids belonged to one of our guests. It seems one of them… malfunctioned." He gestured toward the broken remains, his voice laced with sarcasm. "We'll be returning the remains to their owner. No harm done."
Anakin stared at him, mind racing. 'A guest? Who here would be working with the Separatists?' His eyes narrowed as he pieced it together.
Kakashi sighed, seeing no harm in releasing this information, and gave him a slow nod. "That's right. Senator Voe Atell. She's here to discuss a possible trade agreement with the boss."
Anakin's fingers twitched. "You're making deals with the Separatists?"
Kakashi gave an amused hum. "We aren't making deals with anyone," he corrected. "The boss is considering his options. But since the Republic hasn't exactly reached out with any offers, and Tatooine needs , resources, ... well, you get the idea."
Anakin clenched his jaw. He hated hearing that, but deep down, he couldn't argue with the logic. Tatooine was a planet forgotten by the Republic, a place left to rot under Hutt rule, exploited and abandoned. The Separatists would offer aid, at a price, of course.
'So they didn't plan to assassinate the Fox Lord, but rather use him if he agrees', Anakin thought, his mind running through the implications. They want to manipulate him, bring him under their fold, and if he refuses… then what? Would they attempt force? Would they risk making an enemy of him?
His eyes drifted to the remains of the droids strewn across the floor, their metallic limbs severed with precision, wires sparking as they lay lifeless on the ground. The Fox Lord defeated Jabba the Hutt and took over Tatooine without any outer force's intervention. He commands warriors who can wield the Force in ways I've never seen before.
And with the way they fight, even a handful of them could tear through an entire battalion of droids and clones.
His grip tightened. The thought of the Jedi facing them was almost terrifying. He had fought against powerful enemies and killed some of them. Yet, none of them had fought the way these men had.
They move like predator fast, precise, unpredictable. And their use of the Force…
It wasn't the calm, refined control of the Jedi, nor was it the sheer brutality of the Sith. It was something else entirely.
Anakin's breath slowed as he pictured a battlefield, one where the Republic and the Separatists clashed, only for a third force to enter masked warriors weaving through chaos, their strange Force techniques cutting down droids and clones alike with terrifying efficiency. 'Or worse if the separatists get him to join them'.
He imagined these masked warriors leading the droid legions of the Separatists. Against the battle-hardened clones of the Republic. Would they even need numbers?
If this so-called 'Fox Lord' chose a side, he could tip the balance of the war. A cough bought his attention back.
Anakin crossed his arms. "And you think they'll actually honor any agreement they make? The Separatists aren't known for their honesty."
Kakashi shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. But as of now, the only people offering tech, supplies, and trade opportunities to Tatooine are the Separatists. The Republic hasn't even sent a delegation, unless, of course, you count , you, ." His tone was light, but the meaning behind his words was clear.
Anakin scowled. "The Republic doesn't make deals with War lords But i'm sure they are watching Tattoine"
Kakashi's eye gleamed with amusement. "Ah, but I suppose slavery, corruption, and abandoning entire planets to Hutt control isn't criminal? Very selective of the Republic, don't you think?"
Anakin had no response to that. The words stung because he knew there was truth in them. He had seen the Senate's inaction firsthand. They had abandoned Tatooine. His mother could have still been a slave if not for this so-called 'Fox Lord.'
Kakashi seemed to sense his inner conflict and chuckled. "Don't think too hard about it, Jedi. You might just start questioning things."
Anakin glared at him but remained silent.
Kakashi stretched, rolling his shoulders as he glanced down at the broken droids once more. "Anyway, this is all just business. If your Republic actually cared about this planet, we wouldn't even be having this discussion."
Anakin exhaled sharply. "And what about the Jedi? If you really think the Republic has abandoned this planet, then why not reach out to us?"
Kakashi's expression turned unreadable. "We'll see," he said simply. "Now, unless you want to help clean up droid scraps, you should head back inside."
Anakin hesitated. He hated feeling like he was being dismissed. But more than that, he hated how unsure he felt about the entire situation. He had been raised to see things in clear lines, Republic good, Separatists bad. Yet, here he was, in a palace ruled by a man who had freed slaves, crushed the Hutt Cartels, and brought stability to a lawless world. And yet, that same man was now entertaining the Separatists.
Nothing was making sense anymore.
Anakin took one last look at the droid remains, then turned back toward his mother's room.
As Anakin disappeared into the room, Kakashi exhaled, rubbing the back of his masked head. I don't know what the boss thinks, but I might've just poked at something there, he mused, watching the young Jedi's retreating figure. He had stated his own thoughts, not the original's, even though he and the other clones shared Naruto's core instincts. But they were all specials, they were still individuals, with thoughts and interpretations of their own.
His sharp gaze flicked back to the remains of the droids. With a subtle hand signal, four masked clones entered the docking bay, moving with precise coordination. Without a word, they began their cleanup, swiftly collecting the scattered parts and remains, ensuring no evidence was left for prying eyes.
Kakashi let out a low hum as he surveyed the scene. Looking at the situation, it seems Shikamaru was right, the senator did try something. The droids had been strategically positioned, and judging by their modifications, they weren't merely standard scouts. They had been built for infiltration and assassination.
His eyes narrowed slightly. If I hadn't been stationed here, would they have gotten farther?
He sighed, shifting his weight against a nearby crate. But did the boss assign me here to watch Anakin… or to protect Shmi-san?
That was the real question.
While Anakin was undeniably important, his presence here could shift alliances and draw the eyes of both the Jedi and the Republic Shmi, on the other hand, was someone Naruto personally held in regard. He had seen how Naruto had treated her, the respect and warmth in his gestures.
Boss has never let emotions rule his decisions… but he does prioritize the people he cares about. Was this really about Anakin, or was it about ensuring Shmi-san's safety, knowing that her Jedi son might become a problem?
His fingers lightly tapped against his arm as he watched his men efficiently collect droid remains in trash bags. "Well, the Senator might not like this gift, " he mused.
Next Morning - Naruto's Palace, Tatooine
The twin suns of Tatooine cast their warm, golden light through the windows of the palace meeting chamber. The stone walls were now lined with banners bearing Naruto's sigil, a stylized fox with nine tails, etched in crimson against a deep black background.
Naruto stood at the head of the room, dressed in his flowing red cloak with the fox mask resting at the table in front of him. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes carried the weight of a man who knew exactly why this meeting had been called. Opposite him, Senator Voe Atell entered, her steps measured and composed, though the tightness in her shoulders betrayed her inner frustration.
"Good morning, Senator," Naruto greeted, gesturing toward the seat across from him. "Beautiful morning, isn't it? Tatooine suns never fail to impress."
Voe Atell forced a thin smile, her hands folding delicately in front of her. "Indeed, Fox Lord. Though I assume the weather isn't the only reason you called me here."
Naruto's grin widened slightly as he clapped his hands. From the side door, a masked guard stepped in carrying several large sacks, their metallic contents clinking softly within. With a heavy thud, the sacks were placed before the Senator, and the guard stepped back into the shadows.
"Senator, would you be so kind as to help me identify these?" Naruto asked, the fox-like mischief dancing in his eyes.
Voe's gaze flicked to the sacks, her expression carefully neutral, but inside, she was seething. The nerve of this so-called "Fox Lord" to lay such a blatant trap. Keeping her composure, she knelt slightly, reaching into the sack and pulling out a jagged piece of durasteel plating. The scorched metal was unmistakable, Separatist droid parts.
"Ah, these?" She gave a small chuckle, rolling the piece between her fingers. "They seem to be droid scraps. If you're interested in starting a collection, I'd be more than happy to arrange for better-quality pieces than these." Her tone was light, but the venom lurking beneath it was unmistakable.
Naruto leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and his chin on his knuckles. "Oh no, Senator, you misunderstand." His smile sharpened. "I'm returning them to you. After all, they were yours to begin with. Unfortunately, your little friends were... let's say fragile. My people barely had to break a sweat."
Voe's pleasant mask finally cracked, her lips tightening in frustration. "So, this is how you wish to play it? I knew it, you're siding with the Republic and Jedi already."
Naruto shook his head lazily. "I haven't sided with anyone. But you made the mistake of sending armed droids to spy on and possibly attack a guest under my protection. That's not something I can let slide." His voice hardened just slightly at the end, enough to make the warning clear.
"A guest?" Voe scoffed, leaning back in her chair. "Is that what you call him? That Jedi is nothing but a dangerous pawn of the Republic, and if you're shielding him, you're doing exactly what our Council feared. You're allowing yourself to be tangled in Republic affairs. You think the Jedi care about Tatooine, this dusty ball of a planet? About you? They've betrayed their own before, and they'll do it again."
Naruto's smile faded into something colder and calmer. "Senator, I haven't decided a damn thing. The Jedi you speak of lost his way and ended up here. That's personal business, not politics. I had a conversation with him, nothing more. I'm not interested in handing him over to the Separatists, but neither do I plan to make enemies of the Republic for no reason. As you so kindly pointed out before, Tatooine is an insignificant backwater, no one cared until I took it."
Voe's fingers tapped against the table, her expression thoughtful. 'This man is craftier than I expected,' she thought. Every sentence was calculated, leaving her with nothing to pin him on. He was keeping his options open. smart, but infuriating.
"So, what is this then?" she asked, tilting her head. "Are you trying to play both sides against each other? Keeping both the Republic and the Confederacy dangling until one offers you the better deal?"
Naruto shrugged. "I'm simply keeping my doors open. I have no personal stake in your war. I care about my people and this planet. If the Republic offers technology and aid, I'll consider it. If you offer the same, I'll consider that too. But if either of you tries to harm the people under my protection, including my guests, then we have a problem. Keep your fight out of my planet"
Voe's eyes narrowed. "You think you can play like this forever, Fox Lord? Sooner or later, you'll have to choose. And when that day comes, the Council will remember how you treated our emissaries."
Naruto's smile returned, but it held no warmth. "You're free to take that message back to your Council. And please take your droid scraps with you. Consider it a... diplomatic gift."
Voe stood, her posture stiff with restrained anger. "I will relay your generosity to the Council along with your thoughts about the trade deal." She gave a shallow bow, her smile forced. "I do hope you come to your senses, Fox Lord. After all, there are only so many opportunities you can drop before you have none left."
Naruto remained seated, watching her leave with the masked guard escorting her. As the doors shut behind her, his fingers drummed on the table, his mind already spinning in thought.
'So they didn't plan to kill me directly. They wanted to frame me or manipulate me into needing their help against the Republic. Clever but not clever enough.'
He stood, looking down at the pile of broken droids.
As Voe Atell stepped out of the chamber, the heavy doors sliding shut behind her with a metallic hiss, she exhaled sharply, a long, controlled breath that was half frustration and half relief. Her shoulders, which had been squared throughout the entire exchange, slumped slightly now that she was out of the Fox Lord's direct line of sight.
She hadn't planned to lose her temper like that. Diplomacy was her craft, and her tongue was usually sharper than any blade in the hands of a mercenary. Yet something about that infuriating man, his casual confidence, his refusal to fall into the clear traps she laid , it all gnawed at her pride. Even though she wore her expression like a mask, her internal irritation was boiling.
"Initially, my plan was to attack him directly, strike hard and fast before he could react," she thought bitterly, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. "But after seeing how easily his forces foiled that assassination attempt on the Jedi, that would have been a complete waste."
She glanced behind her where a few of her surviving droids hovered, awaiting her commands. Those were just reconnaissance units expendable eyes and ears. The real weapons had been destroyed with almost insulting ease.
"This changes everything," she muttered softly to herself, her mind already shifting gears. "If his subordinates are that competent and if they all are competent, then this 'Fox Lord' isn't just some desert upstart who got lucky. He's something else entirely."
Her fingers tapped absently at the edge of her ornate sleeve as her mind raced. "But… this isn't a complete loss. I can still work with this. The fact that I haven't directly attacked him, only his guest keeps me in the clear, diplomatically speaking. As far as the Council is concerned, my hands are clean. We didn't attack the Fox Lord himself, so officially, the Confederacy has no conflict with his government." A small smirk tugged at her lips. "If anything, I can spin this to my advantage and claim I was only acting preemptively to protect him from a dangerous Jedi intruder. A simple misunderstanding."
She paused at a window, gazing out at the dusty skyline of Mos Espa far below the palace. "One thing is certain his forces are no pushover. If they can counter Jedi and imprison one, then sending a standard strike team would be pointless. I'd need something... bigger. Perhaps even negotiate with the Hutts who remain, offer them a chance at revenge in exchange for logistical support."
Her lips curled into a thin smile. "Either way, this Fox Lord is too dangerous to ignore. But maybe, just maybe, he can be turned. If not to the Confederacy, then at least away from the Republic."
She turned sharply, her cloak billowing behind her as her droids followed obediently. "Prepare a secure transmission to the Council," she ordered. "We have much to discuss."
Naruto's Palace, Tatooine, The Dawn Chamber
The dawn chamber was a newly named working hall within the palace, dedicated to Tatooine's redevelopment efforts. The chamber was large, surprisingly well-lit despite being carved from the bones of Jabba's former palace. The windows were narrow but cleverly positioned to allow in just enough sunlight without baking the room alive. The floors had been replaced, smooth sandstone polished to a soft sheen, replacing the grimy, blood-stained surfaces that had once borne the weight of Jabba's excess. Ornate but practical wooden tables were set in a loose semicircle, forming a council of sorts. At the center of it all sat Shmi Skywalker, her gentle but firm voice carrying across the chamber.
Anakin stood at the entrance, unnoticed for the moment, his arms crossed as he leaned against the doorway. He smiled faintly, this was so her. His mother had always had a way of making herself useful, of bringing people together, even under the harshest conditions. Now, freed from the bonds of slavery, she was doing it again leading discussions, mediating disputes, and above all, planning. Planning for a better future, not just for herself, but for all of Tatooine.
Around her sat beings from every corner of the Outer Rim. A Twi'lek woman, her lekku twitching nervously as she proposed a trade route connecting Anchorhead to the smaller freedmen settlements. A Rodian merchant held up a datapad, listing resources the settlements would need if they were to grow water purifiers, soil enhancers, tools for construction. A Weequay foreman stood up next, gruffly stating the need for trained workers and the logistics of settling so many displaced former slaves in a desert that was barely habitable to begin with.
Shmi listened to each voice with care, her hands folded neatly on the table. Occasionally, she would write a note on the datapad in front of her, or turn to her side and ask for clarification from a masked advisor standing silently nearby.
Anakin's smile faltered slightly when his eyes fell on the masked figures standing along the balcony above. They were like statues unmoving, clad in long robes with those damned masks, fox-faced like the man he had met earlier. Each one radiated power through the Force, a sensation that was at once overwhelming and... unsettling. They were really something else entirely. Even the clones were not disciplined like them.
Anakin's gaze shifted back to his mother, catching the slight frown on her face as she mulled over a proposed relocation plan for one of the outer slave settlements. It was easy to forget, in moments like this, how much strength she had. She was no Force user, no warrior but her compassion and sense of duty were forces unto themselves. He had missed this side of her. The part that cared about everyone, no matter how small or insignificant.
But his attention was quickly drawn to the man standing close behind Shmi Yamato, that is what he introduced himself as. He wore the same style of mask and robes as the others, though his posture was more relaxed. He carried a large wooden scroll strapped across his back, and his arms were crossed in front of him in a protective stance. It didn't take a genius to figure out this man was Shmi's personal bodyguard for the day.
Anakin didn't know why that made his stomach twist with complicated feelings. On one hand, he was relieved that his mother was protected. Tatooine he knew wasn't safe, and with what he had seen so far of this 'Fox Lord' and his forces, they seemed extremely competent. But on the other hand... who was this man to stand so close to his mother? Who was this Yamato to earn her trust so easily, to have her rely on him like a son?
It stung. A part of him knew it was childish after all, he'd left her years ago, hadn't he? And she had built a new life, found new people to depend on. But some small, petulant voice in his head couldn't help but resent it.
He stepped into the room quietly, his boots scuffing softly against the stone floor. Shmi glanced up, and the moment her eyes landed on her son, her entire face brightened. The tired lines around her eyes softened, and her hands reached out instinctively toward him.
"Anakin!" she said warmly, cutting off the conversation she was having without a second thought. "Come here, come sit."
The Twi'lek and Rodian exchanged brief looks but said nothing, respecting the personal moment.
Anakin smiled tightly and obeyed, moving to sit beside his mother. Yamato silently stepped aside, keeping a respectful distance though Anakin didn't miss the fact that the man's attention never fully left Shmi, his masked face turning slightly whenever she moved.
"You're really running things here, huh?" Anakin said, trying to keep his tone light.
Shmi chuckled softly. "It's not just me, Ani. I have a lot of help. These people they've been through so much. We're trying to give them a fresh start."
Anakin glanced at the datapads stacked in front of her, covered in notes and proposals. "A new city?" he asked, noting the rough blueprints drawn out on one of the pads.
Shmi nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, a place where freedmen can settle, work, and build homes without fear. The Fox Lord promised us land rights and infrastructure support if we could organize ourselves. So we're drafting plans , water pipelines, farm zones, housing sectors. It's a lot of work, but it's exciting."
Anakin's smile was real this time. "That sounds... incredible, Mom."
She placed a gentle hand over his. "It will be, Ani. It's what we always dreamed of, a place where no one owns anyone."
His gaze flickered to Yamato again, standing silent like a loyal hound at her side. "And these... Masked men? They work for him?"
Shmi's smile faltered just a touch, but her warmth never faded. "They do. They're loyal to him, but they've been nothing but kind to me. Yamato here has been very helpful; he even helped draft some of these plans when my hands got tired."
Anakin forced a smile. "Glad to know you're in good hands."
Yamato gave a short bow. "It's an honor to protect Lady Shmi. Our orders were clear , her safety is second only to the Fox Lord himself." Yamato spoke trying not call Shmi Kaa-chan
The way Yamato spoke respectful, but with a genuine warmth made it hard for Anakin to stay angry. Still, that gnawing sense of displacement lingered.
Shmi, sensing her son's unease, squeezed his hand again. "Ani, I know this is a lot to take in. But Naruto the Fox Lord he's not what you think. He's been a blessing to this planet. And to me."
Anakin opened his mouth to reply, but found no words. He didn't know what to say not yet. His heart was torn between his duty as a Jedi, his loyalty to the Republic, and this strange new world where his mother had found her own path and adopted a son , a path that seemed to have no place for him.
"Why don't you help us while you are here?" Shmi asked softly. "You're so talented with machines. We need minds like yours for infrastructure. And you'll be close so we could spend time together."
Anakin's heart ached at the offer. For a fleeting moment, he wanted to say yes. To abandon the war, the Jedi, the politics and just be with her. Build something real. But reality came crashing down and the Jedi would never allow it. And deep down, he knew Tatooine could never hold him.
"Ofcourse, Mom," he said quietly.
Galactic Senate Chamber Emergency Session, Coruscant
The vast chamber was filled with voices, some hushed, some raised in anger, creating a steady hum of unease across the assembled senators. The recent breach at the Jedi Temple had sent shockwaves through the Republic, and every faction, pro-Jedi, anti-Jedi, neutral systems, war hawks, and peace seekers, had something to say about it.
At the center podium designated for Jedi representatives, Mace Windu stood tall, his presence imposing even amid the grandeur of the Senate. Beside him stood Shaak Ti, her calm serenity a perfect contrast to Mace's stormy gravitas. To Mace's left was Master Oppo Rancisis, the Thisspiasian Jedi who acted as one of the primary liaisons between the Jedi Council and the Senate. The trio had been summoned to explain, defend, and clarify the incident that now dominated galactic news cycles.
A chime rang out, signaling order. Mas Amedda, the blue-skinned Vice Chair, stood. "The floor recognizes Jedi Master Mace Windu, representing the Jedi Council, to deliver his report on the recent... breach."
The hum in the chamber dimmed slightly, though anticipation hung thick in the air.
Mace stepped forward, his hands folded into his sleeves. His deep voice reverberated with calm authority.
"Honored Senators, I stand before you today to address the matter that has understandably caused great concern throughout the Republic, the recent infiltration of the Jedi Temple."
Mace paused for a moment, allowing his words to settle.
"It is true that an unknown group of intruders managed to breach the outer defenses of the Temple. They engaged several Jedi in combat, caused limited structural damage, and escaped without leaving behind identifiable traces."
There was a low murmur through the chamber, whispers of concern and skepticism. Mace continued.
"However, I must stress, thanks to the swift response of the Temple's security forces and the courage of the Jedi present, the intrusion was contained. No lives were lost. No critical knowledge was stolen. The situation is fully under control."
That last statement drew audible scoffs from some corners of the chamber.
Senator Taa from Ryloth, The heavyset Twi'lek Senator Orn Free Taa raised his hand for attention and spoke, his tone laced with skepticism. "Master Windu, if the situation is so under control, then how do you explain the fact that none of these attackers were captured? Not a single one? They simply... vanished into thin air?"
Mace's gaze sharpened. "The attackers were highly skilled. They utilized advanced techniques and unconventional methods to avoid capture. However, we are actively investigating, and I assure you, this incident will not be repeated."
Senator Ask Aak from Malastare spoke up, The Gran senator, already known for his disdain toward the Jedi's autonomy, stood next. "That is not reassuring, Master Windu. The Jedi claim to be the Republic's protectors, and yet your own sanctuary was violated. If the Jedi cannot protect themselves, how are we to trust you with the protection of this Republic?"
Mace's expression didn't flicker, but the subtle clench of his jaw revealed a flicker of frustration. "The Jedi have defended this Republic for millennia. A single breach, while concerning, does not invalidate centuries of service."
Senator Tynnra Pamlo from Taris fired next, generally a neutral voice followed, this time from the senator of Taris. "Master Windu, do you have any evidence of who these attackers were? Were they linked to the Separatists? Criminal syndicates? Or... is it possible this was an internal matter? Discontent from within your own Order?"
This time, Shaak Ti spoke up, her voice melodic yet firm. "At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the attack came from within the Jedi Order. The techniques used by the attackers were too general and no force technique was used. We believe this was an external force, but until our investigation is complete, we cannot confirm their origin."
Senator Mee Deechi from Umbara spoke next, The thin, pale Umbaran senator leaned forward, his lips curling into a smirk. "Or perhaps... this was staged? A convenient crisis to justify greater Jedi presence across the Republic? After all, fear breeds compliance."
The chamber erupted at that, some senators gasping at the accusation, others nodding grimly.
Mace Windu's hands tightened within his sleeves. His voice, however, remained calm. "The Jedi do not stage attacks on our own temple, Senator. We are peacekeepers. If the Order desired more influence, there are far simpler and more ethical ways to achieve it."
Senator Bail Organa from Alderaan spoke next, Bail Organa stood, his voice cutting through the noise with calm authority. "I would caution my fellow senators against turning this incident into yet another excuse to demonize the Jedi. They have served this Republic faithfully, even when the Senate has faltered. If anything, this attack highlights the dangers we all face, from enemies seen and unseen."
A ripple of approval came from several loyalist senators, though the opposition remained vocal.
Senator Onaconda Farr from Rodia was next, "Master Windu," the Rodian senator spoke, his voice crackling slightly through the speakers. "You mentioned that the attackers did not steal any critical knowledge. How can you be certain? The Jedi Archives contain countless artifacts and sensitive data. What if something was taken, and you simply have not noticed?"
Mace glanced briefly at Shaak Ti, their shared unease hidden well from most observers. "The Archives have been fully inventoried since the incident. There is no evidence of theft. That said, the security of the Archives has been increased, and access is currently restricted."
Senator Mon Mothma from Chandrila followed in firm voice next. "This body should remember that while oversight of the Jedi is important, so is cooperation. Assigning blame prematurely does nothing to secure our future. I urge all present to show patience until the Jedi complete their investigation."
Senator Taa from Ryloth again spoke, "But how do we know the Jedi aren't simply hiding their failures?"
Orn Free Taa countered. "They police themselves. There is no independent oversight. This isn't accountability, it's blind trust."
That opened the floodgates.
Senate Chamber Chaos Erupts
Shouts erupted across the room. Some senators demanded full Senate oversight over Jedi affairs. Others shouted in support of the Jedi, citing their long history of protecting the Republic. Accusations flew wildly , conspiracies, corruption, treachery. It quickly devolved into political theater, with each faction using the incident to push their own agendas.
Pro-Jedi loyalists called for greater cooperation between the Order and Republic forces. Anti-Jedi factions demanded tighter control, some even calling for investigations into the Council itself. Neutral systems voiced concerns that the war was spiraling further out of control, and that if the Jedi Temple itself could be breached, nowhere in the Republic was safe.
Finally a familiar voice cut through the chaos. "Enough!"
Padmé Amidala stood, her presence commanding attention despite her relatively junior position. "This is not the time for division. The Separatists grow bolder by the day. If we fall into infighting and paranoia, we do their work for them."
She turned toward Mace Windu, offering a respectful nod. "Master Windu, I trust the Jedi Council will provide the Senate with a full report once your investigation is complete."
Mace inclined his head in return. "You have my word, Senator."
The chamber quieted, though tension still simmered beneath the surface.
Mas Amedda spoke up, "The Jedi Council's preliminary report has been heard. Further discussion will be postponed until the investigation concludes."
The chime rang again, signaling the end of the Jedi's allotted time.
As Mace stepped down from the podium, his brow furrowed in thought. The hostility toward the Jedi was growing faster than he had expected, and the breach had only made things worse. As he left the chamber, he couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper was at play.
And somewhere in the shadows of the temple, a certain clone of Jiraiya, still disguised as him, was smiling as he stood at the doors of his goal.
TBC.
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