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Chapter 37

Suffice to say, all within the Jedi Temple, including Siri, were surprised when Temple Guards led respected Jedi Master, Jorus C'baoth, to a cell awaiting a trial from the Jedi Council. The prime reason for this? Many weren't surprised to discover it was the cause of Luke Skywalker yet again.

Gallia commed Siri and told her that they needed to talk.

Yippee, what was it now?

"Master, what happened now?" she asked as the Tholothian Jedi walked into her quarters.

"It would seem that the infamous Skywalker has discovered another predicament. C'baoth's Padawan, Lorana Jinzler, has been discovered by Skywalker and the Council as being abused by her Master. Master Yoda has suspended C'baoth from the Order, and if his Jedi Trial is to be concocted as expected, he will be locked away for a long time." Gallia responded.

"I see." Siri grimaced. She could only feel for the poor girl. At least the bastard was getting what was coming for her.

"Skywalker has threatened to take her from the Jedi Order."

"Can he do that?"

"Skywalker has a significant enough of an influence on her to convince her to perhaps leave the Order and come with him," Gallia declared with a frown. "It would not bode positively to other members, knowing that we lost a Padawan due to the mistreatment of her Master, and may lead to potential disillusionment in the Order."

"Well, that's not good news, right?" Siri asked, resisting the sarcasm. Honestly, anyone could thrive under Luke's training. Hell, Kenobi had made up for their lack of communication for 5 years in her bed in more ways than one.

"Obviously," Gallia almost huffed, used to her Padawan's chipper attitude to last a lifetime. "We're hoping to avoid that with a recommendation he has made that would help migrate."

"Don't want him to corrupt any kiddies, I imagine," Siri snarked.

"Siri, take this seriously, please," Gallia looked seconds away from facepalming. Ah, she knew she loved Siri's charms, even though she would never admit it. "Skywalker believes it best that you assume the role of a mentor and Master."

Siri should have seen that one coming.

She was not going to kill Luke of course.

She was going to just bust his teeth open.

Just nah-uh who did he think he was doing this without consulting her?

"You want me to do what?!" she all but vomited.

Gallia nodded. "Siri, trust me. This is not my idea but in short notice we have little options. I'm aware that this is so big of a decision to make now especially with her condition but..."

"It's not the kid, trust me. It's not the kid. It's just... blast! Skywalker could have asked me!"

"He could have, but I'm asking you now. It's either that or Skywalker takes her. I would be happy to help you with her whenever you need it, Siri. You make me proud."

A small part of Siri was encouraged by those words. Was this how the Nabooians and Kaleesh viewed Luke Skywalker? How Anakin Skywalker did? A form of hope? A symbol of justice and compassion? A warrior who shrove to carve his blade in?

Beyond what happened to Naboo, Siri's life improved in more ways than ignoring her feelings beforehand. With simple conversations with both of them, Obi-Wan and Siri's bond was rekindled, and they became a lot closer. Perhaps a moment of vulnerability.

But this was different! It wasn't just the karking fact that having a student would force her to have all of the responsibilities a Master would. But... that would mean less time with Obi-Wan. She was starting to get used to sneaking into his quarters and enjoying her mornings/nights in other ways.

"Well," she paused, "why don't you do it?"

"We suspect that Young Jinzler feel somewhat betrayed by the Jedi Council for our absence of noticing in the past year, and that there may be a communication breach between that should she be paired with any available Master."

Oh, Siri hadn't considered that.

But, as much as she wanted to help, what if she accidentally hurt the kid more than help her?

She wasn't exactly a Jedi Master yet. She was only a Knight, rewarded due to her scarring? Her hand rubbed through her still deformed face, remembering the day. Truth be told, a small insecurity had formed about her appearance after that, even with the fading scar. There would always be a faint reminder there. Maybe that would be the way she could relate to the girl. Maybe that was why Luke insisted for her to be the Master...

"I want to talk to her first."

Gallia nodded, allowing Siri to think.

Might as well make sure the kid was comfortable first.

She resisted a groan at the headaches that were already filling her at how she was going to do that and kill Luke at the same time.

She decided with a scowl to contact Obi-Wan with a private com.

"Obi-Wan, bring your ass to my quarters now," she demanded, needy and lustful. "And bring water."

She could hear Obi-Wan swallow with nervousness on the other side. Siri grinned, knowing why. He'd thought she forgot. It was her turn to be in charge this time... "Yes, dear, I will be there in a minute."

She would make the decision, but only after sex with Obi-Wan.


It was selected almost immediately to sever the bond between C'baoth and Jinzler, and she was given a time and day by Healer Vokara Che when to begin the progress, but she hadn't been prepared.

The Padawan rested in the quite comfortable bed, her Jedi robes removed for an IV to be implanted in her arms, and began the healing process. It would be a lie to say Jinzler wasn't fearful that C'baoth would come charging in, wipe off her Padawan braid, and repudiate her for failing this "trial."

Still, her heart ached to go after her Master. She hadn't seen what the big deal was. He was training her. Sure, it hurt. Sure, she couldn't sleep some nights due to cramps. Sure, she didn't always get meals. But she was used to it!

The door opened, and in walked a scarred blonde woman. She was almost terrifying if not for the signature that she alluded to.

"Hello, sweetheart," the blonde-haired woman said gently. Lorana saw her around the Temple before but never got to know her like that. "I'm Siri Tachi."

"Hi," she responded weakly.

Tachi pulled up a nearby chair and sat down. "First, I want to apologize about the ordeal you have been through."

"There's nothing to apologize about. I only want my Master," she retorted. "Where is he?"

"He's not going to be a problem anymore."

"What do you mean?"

Tachi shook her head. "Honey, he treated you like no Padawan should be treated."

Anger spilled inside of her. "No! He didn't!"

"Hmm," Tachi said slowly, "the healers mentioned that you have been malnourished."

"We would sometimes skip meals if I under performed in training..." Lorana confessed softly. "But what's wrong with that?"

"Everything is."

"No, it's not."

"That isn't how it should have been," Siri said, her face screwing up. "I can understand training, but you have the right to have meals, regardless how you perform in training."

"He haven't been the same since the emergence of Luke Skywalker," Lorana said, thinking about the black-robed man-angry on her behalf, pinning her Master into a wall with minimum effort.

"It doesn't justify his actions," Tachi said, wincing. "They don't represent the ways of the Jedi."

"I-I don't have anywhere to go," Lorana responded. "I have to be with him."

"Not true," Tachi countered.

"What do you mean?" Lorana asked.

Tachi paused for a moment in thought before sighing, "I have been considering the idea of a Padawan for some time. This abuse not being spotted? We failed. I only ask you that you give the Jedi Council a second chance. That you would allow me to demonstrate how a Master is supposed to treat a student."

Lorana opened her mouth but nothing came out. She didn't know what to say to that. For anyone to have been transferred to another Master? That was a rarity. But she didn't ever think it would happen to her!

Competitions were not irregular. Without it, how else would the Master select you? How else would you display your skill? If you did not show signs of skill, ability, or potential, why would a master even feel the need to choose you in the first place?

A great example was the legendary story of Qui-Gon Jinn. Being a natural, he often performed very well as a youngling and continued to throughout his Jedi life.

At the age of 10, then Padawan Jinn participated in the Exhibition Day Tournament: an event that was motivated for everyone to participate in. Young students were able to perform their saber skills. This was a simple way to let Jedi Knights and Masters see many Jedi Younglings, enabling them to choose their apprentices more easily.

Jinn bested everyone that went against him. As a result, Jedi Master Dooku sensed his great skill and was astonished by it. He then took Jinn in as his Apprentice sometime later. These events were anticipated to be competitive and challenging. It was to see which Jedi Youngling could come out on top and who wouldn't be able to endure. It was basically an examination that allowed for self-evaluation and even examination from higher rankings such as Jedi Masters. The Jedi Order called for competition because that was what naturally occurred.

But Lorana didn't ever participate in those competitions. "How can I do that when I'm not even that good?"

"How can you know if you're not good without giving it a shot?" Siri asked pitifully. "Despite the horrifying experience you have endured, you have prevailed. Not many Jedi could last against that. C'baoth's form of training is not training. It's inhumane. Goes against the way of the Jedi in far more ways than most rules would have."

"But..."

"You're going to be a great person no matter what. Your Master's lack of compassion and sympathy is not to be blamed on you."

"I.. I..." She began.

Siri nodded in understanding. "You need time."

"Yes," she nervously admitted, unsure if C'baoth would come in and berate her for these treasonous thoughts.

"I understand. My door will always be opened." She said, squeezing her shoulder comfortably before departing, allowing her to think about it.

The woman didn't seem that bad nor she was tricking her...

It could be a test.

"It's not," the Force told her.

Maybe she should.


"Why do this?" Tiin asked, looking at the reawakened form of Jorus C'baoth.

"I didn't abuse my Padawan," C'baoth snarled, "I only intended to enlightened her to the realities of the galaxy."

The Iktotchi glared. "So you believe falling to the Dark Side as a solution?!"

"Look at me, Master Tiin," Jorus stated slowly, "do I feel fallen?"

Tiin reached out and was shocked by what he felt. The human was angry for his current predicament but he hadn't nearly fallen. The Jedi Master, however, didn't seem to be tainted by the Dark Side. Yes, his presence was clouded, but he was still a follower of the Light Side. A natural Force Adept.

"Don't be blind, my friend, this is Luke Skywalker slowly taking over the Jedi Order and intruding on Masters' private affairs," C'baoth stated. "This is going to become more frequent. Watch. It is. I believe this is a Coup in the making."

"We would be prepared for it," Tiin declared, trying to convince himself that was not true. "No one will be able to overthrow the Jedi Order, not with the Council."

"Windu and Yoda is allowing him to train a powerful Force Sensitive. He should have been confined to the Jedi Temple and disallowed to travel to Naboo the moment he landed on Coruscant. In an ideal galaxy, that's how it would have been done. Now, they're allowing that false Jedi's prophet to develop into an genuine threat, borderline untouchable because the Chommel Sector and their closer allies view him as what a Jedi should be. Kenobi? Jinn? Tachi? Gallia? All of them are being overlooked in reward for him since he was the one leading the march against the palace."

Tiin's eyes widened, mouth opened, showing his teeth. He wanted to deny it, wanted to entrust in the wisdom of the two leaders of the Jedi Council. No matter if Padawan Jinzler was indeed abused or not, it didn't matter, for even if he agreed with many of C'baoth's points, the future of the Jedi Order may be at stake.

With hindsight about the Naboo's situation, the boy from Tatooine, and Kalee, Skywalker was making himself all but invincible. Nearing ten thousand people would rally behind him against the Jedi Order if he'd sought the destruction of the Jedi and the Republic.

Luke Skywalker was undoing centuries of work with ease.

The Jedi were meant to be keepers of the peace, and yet, he charged off into two battles!

"I see you need time to consider my words," C'baoth smirked. "I can picture I would be in this cell for quite some time. This is a Jedi's "affair", and I don't imagine this will not be a lightly judged case. May the Force be with you, my friend."

Not having anything else to say, the Iktotchi Jedi Master turned around and walked out.


Jedi Master Mace Windu moved into the hangar of the Jedi Temple, arms at his side, eyes flashing with intrigue. The reason for the Korun going there in the first place? To speak with Shmi Skywalker herself.

It would take even longer if a non Force Adept ever did the same. If she was abused, it would quickly be discovered. Yet, that was merely an excuse. He never had a chance to meet the woman until now, though the bond between her and Anakin Skywalker was noticeable. She gave the boy strength and weakness.

Finding the woman sitting at the ramp, Windu cleared his throat and softly patted her on the shoulder.

"About time you've gotten back, Luke, I had to close my eyes..." she stopped herself as she looked up at him. "Oh, hi, sir," the Skywalker woman said in greeting, standing up in front of him.

Indeed, there were many scars, but they went far deeper than expected. He couldn't feel even Skywalker being responsible for any of them.

"Mrs. Skywalker," Mace replied, inclining his head in a gesture of respect. "It is my honor to meet you. I'm Jedi Master Mace Windu of the Jedi Council but you may refer to me only as Mace."

Shmi allowed a small smile, one tinged with the weight of experience. "The honor is mine, Mace. I never thought I would see the inside of the Jedi Temple, let alone meet one of its greatest warriors."

Mace allowed a rare smile to touch his lips, though it did not reach his eyes. "You are too kind. But I understand you are here waiting for your son… and your guardian."

She nodded, her expression softening at the mention of Luke and Anakin. "Yes. Luke… he has become so much more to us than I ever imagined. He is more than just family; he is the one who gave us a new life."

Mace studied her. "I see."

"Luke came to us when we needed him most. After everything we endured on Tatooine, after the chains were broken, I thought liberation would be enough. But there is more to life than just being free. Luke gifted us with hope, salvation, and a way of life."

Mace's eyes flashed with curiosity. "It is not uncommon for strong bonds to form between those who share hardship. I could only advise that you be careful."

Shmi's eyes met his, her eyes burning hotly. "In all our years as slaves, we were never truly free, even when the shackles were removed." Her fist clenched, and hot white anger consumed her. "Do you ever want to know what it is like to see your child getting taken away from your arms and forced into those of the slavers while you helplessly watch?!"

A slight sigh escaped the Jedi, "I'm sorry."

She looked down at the ground and shifted slightly. "I'm sorry too..."

Mace nodded instantly, feeling a strong clenching in his side. "That's not necessary."

"I once believed that the biggest problem with this universe is that no one helps each other, you know," Shmi admitted, a shot of pain drumming through the Force, so deep, so scarring, "I still believe some of that is even true, but I also believe part of the problem is that when people do help, they're either judged for it, killed, or even worse. They attempt to force their ways and beliefs on you even if it doesn't help or work correctly for that person, because their way must be the right way or everything else is wrong. Sometime, the ways they "help", the laws they effectuate, and the life as a result is even worse. But Luke… he gave us a new life. He's teaching Anakin the ways of how a person should live, helping Anakin and his friend, Kitster Banai, and even me with all of our own problems, and in doing so, he brought us all closer than we had ever been. We are a family now, in a way that goes beyond blood or duty."

Mace remained undisturbed on the surface, but it hadn't reached his heart. The Jedi Order instructed that attachments could lead to the Dark Side, that they could cloud judgment and lead to further torment. But there was such love, such light, wrapped around her for Anakin Skywalker and Luke himself. He felt something stabbing through him. What was this? But had he misunderstood something? Had they, as an Order, overlooked the importance of such connections?

For the first time in many decades, doubt was born into Mace Windu's heart. He had devoted his life to the Jedi, to the Republic, knowing that they were the protectors of peace and justice. And while that was true, it couldn't be said that the bond that she had with both individuals was toxic. If anything, it flooded the Force in its natural state.

He forced this down, quashing it with the discipline that had been pushed in him since his youth. The Jedi Order had stood for millennia, its teachings being the word of life that guided countless generations. While he didn't want to think so, Luke was threading a dangerous game between destruction with all of their attachments.

He wouldn't tell her that.

He just would have to hope this would be the one exception.

Mace nodded, "The bonds of family can be powerful, and it seems that Master Skywalker has brought you all closer to the light."

Shmi smiled, and the entire universe felt a whole lot lighter. "He has. He cares for us, for everyone, so much. He wants to help anyone he ever sees in my experience."

Truth passed into the Force at those words.

Mace managed, "Luke is by far very controversial though I can see the happiness he brings you and your family."

He turned around and made to leave after five seconds. Surprisingly, the woman grasped his shoulder, and he turned around slowly, eyes locked against her.

"What about you, Master Jedi? Do you have someone you care about and do anything for?"

Depa.

"Jedi are not allowed to form attachments," Mace said, aghast about the slight disappointment that he felt.

"Ah yes," Shmi confirmed, "Luke told me about that rule of yours, but I could never just stop caring about my son. I just couldn't. I need him and he needs me."

Mace nodded. It would be a lie to say that it was far from resolved. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Mrs. Skywalker. It is… enlightening."

He walked away.