Star Wars Star Wars: Episode IV: Twilight of the Force: A Father’s Legacy - Game is now OVER!

Jedi Master Mace Windu
Ossus

Here's how it often went.

Master Windu would sit in this chamber in the great library of Ossus and feel the light so strong in the place that it jumped right out as soon as you closed your eyes. The first time he came here it nearly took his breath away. Sometimes, when meditating, he'd find a tear leaking from his eye, leaving a trail on his cheek.

He'd sit in the chamber and he would imagine himself millennia ago, a contemporary of Odan-Urr. In this fantasy, Mace Windu is not a Jedi who invented an aggressive form of lightsaber combat in order to curb and channel his own temperament away from the dark side. In this fantasy, he was quiet and bookish, like Odan-Urr. He focused on small things. He took pleasure in silence. He found arranging texts on shelves to be meditative. This version of Mace Windu had fought in a war with a clear cut enemy, and had been the kind of man who truly loved peace - not just the kind of man who knew peace was better, despite himself. In this imagined history, he'd grown long dreadlocks, because he had the patience to tend them. In this imagined history, he was millennia removed from the Chose One.

Mace Windu knew shatterpoints. Chancellor Palpatine's office was a shatterpoint, and it broke a million different ways.

He was called back to the present by Master Zey's words. ‘The Pyke’s and other criminal families have gathered resources to assist the Coway, who are funding this effort through unknown means. My mission has been to curb the greatest excesses of the syndicate, but the Force urges caution. A greater hand is at play here, and I cannot judge where it will go.’ Master Windu reached into the Force. He could sense the darkness obscuring this situation. It all felt terribly familiar. Why?

‘Does the Council wish for me to stay with the Pyke’s, or move to support the Coway against the Empire and discover who is truly financing this conflict? I shall of course seek to ensure that we do not engage the Imperials directly, and only teach or guide the Coway as advisors, as we did on neutral words during the Clone Wars.’

Mace felt Master Yoda's eyes on him. It had been this way since the Clone Wars. Indecision. Uncertainty. A hitch in their step.

But a voice spoke up, first. The girl's. Master Windu searched his mind for her name. He was ashamed that, with so few Jedi left, he could not retrieve it. "We should advise the Coway, Master," the padawan said. "They should know how to defend themselves." Master Windu felt her tentatively probing to see if she'd spoken in too much haste. "We should still be careful Master, I don't like how this place feels."

Master Windu reached within himself to bury the impulse to chasten the girl. She had spoken out of turn, but the will to correct others wasn't what it used to be, the flashes of anger he has so long kept at a simmer. "It's true the Coway will need help resisting the gathered forces seeking to pillage their world, but a Jedi presence risks enflaming tensions. Surely there are other options on the table, where Mimban is concerned."

He paused, and turned to the padawan. "Tell me more about these feelings."

TAG: @Sinrebirth, @TheSilentInfluence @Lawbreaker

 

IC: Madelyn Linnett
Secret Jedi safeworld, Ossus, Council Chambers within the former Great Jedi library

Madelyn glanced over to Master Windu as he spoke, keeping her eyes locked to him as he asked her to describe these feelings. She didn't mind Master Windu. Not really. She thought he could be a grumpy old man sometimes, but she would never tell him that. The Jedi who survived earned that right.

"It feels like someone is sitting on my chest. A constant pressure right here." Madelyn pointed to her upper chest. "Masters? What if we don't go in as Jedi?" She asked looking at them softly. "It feels wrong not to try to help."

Tag: @Sinrebirth @BobaMatt @Lawbreaker

 

Obi-Wan Kenobi
Jedi Council Chambers

Obi-Wan Kenobi watched the Grand Master of the Jedi Order with the same concern that had been growing over the years.

The past lay heavy on the ancient Jedi Master. Guilt defined him. The same was true for Master Windu to some extent. But the past lead to doubts about the Jedi way and doubt lead to fear. And where fear lead them was most obvious to any Jedi.

Obi-Wan Kenobi had followed the two Masters into the Clone Wars. He had never doubted them. No Jedi ever had. Only his Master had rebelled against the Council. Had he survived Naboo, maybe he would have been a voice of reason they would have needed. Instead they had made mistakes. Mistakes billions had paid for. Mistakes thousands of Jedi had died for.

Yet, the mistakes were those of the past and had not Master Yoda endlessly reminded him to stay in the here and now? Focused on the present.

Master Zey addressed him and not the two Jedi Masters who seemed to become distracted. Kenobi had learned to live with his position of responsibility. Also it was never one he had desired. Some said he was especially qualified because of that. He himself did not think in these terms anymore. The force had brought him here and this was his purpose now.

It was Master Windu who responded and addressed the Jedi Padawan directly. She was eager to help, of course. It felt like a young Anakin urging him into action as he preached caution.

"Yes, it does." Obi-Wan cut in, but his voice was still gentle an as he addressed the Padawan. "It always feels better to act and help. That is why any action must be viewed with caution by a Jedi. Because they always feel better, they can easily be wrong." Like the Clone Wars.

Then there was a ripple in the force. There was a surprised feeling spreading in the temple. Something had happened. Something that was probably important.

Kenobi stroked his beard. There was a part of him that dared to think the unthinkable. Had Master Yoda's and Master Windu's way of the Jedi failed them? Was it time for a new way? This Padawan was send to a mission she did not fully understand. Like all the young she saw the problem in front of her and not the problem behind her.

Shaking his head Kenobi addressed Master Zey. "I disagree with your Padawan, I am afraid." He said in a calm voice, showing no hostility.

"The Jedi shall not be lured into a conflict they do not fully understand. The council needs to understand what force is driving the conflict and why. Our primary goal must be to protect the people of Mimban. By stopping this war, not by encouraging it. Move to the Coway and find out who is behind the conflict. If we understand how this conflict came about, we might be able to stop it. Finding out the 'greater hand' you described must be your primary objective." Kenobi looked at his two colleagues for confirmation of his orders and stroked his beard. "The mistakes of the past shall not be repeated." He finally reminded them of the experiences that lead to his decision.

Tag: @Sinrebirth, @BobaMatt

 

Anakin Skywalker
His chambers, Naboo

These visions almost felt like a plea ... or a nudge ... of the force to get involved again. The Dark Man on the Throne. Who guaranteed this Dark Man would not be him? Nobody did. The force was not a benefactor, it was in many ways indifferent. Sometimes he even wondered if it was not a driving force behind the conflict. Defined by the battle of darkness and light, was the force not reliant on this conflict to never end? Did the history of the Galaxy not reflect this idea?

These questions had to be answered before he would ever dare to participate in the conflict again. But then again could he ever get out? Were his children not part of it already through their existence alone?

It had appeared to be so easy all those years ago. He had not even cared to tell Mace Windu or Master Yoda about his decision. He had talked to the only Jedi he had not doubted in the end. His Master, who had warned him a million times and who he had almost ignored for too long. Almost.

He remembered his former Master in the appartement of Padme. He remembered telling him about the marriage and pregnancy of Padme.

"Anakin, the council will not take this lightly. You have violated the Code of the Jedi." Obi Wan had told him, but leaving no doubt he was on Anakin's side. He had probably known. Deep down he had probably always known.

Anakin had looked at his friend and Master and then he had said it. "The Jedi Council won't have any say in this, Master. I leave the Jedi Order."

Obi-Wan Kenobi had said nothing. He had only stared at him and nodded.

"He was my friend, Master. I believed in him." Anakin said.

"I know." Obi-Wan had only said.

"There was a part of me that was ready to follow him. I know I would have brought endless tragedy to the Jedi Order. I know ... I would have brought tragedy to Padme." Anakin lowered his eyes. "To the galaxy itself."

Obi-Wan Kenobi spared him another 'I know.', but it lingered between them.

"What will you do?" His Master had finally asked. Anakin had laughed. "Be a father." He had said. "Scares the hell out of me."

They had laughed. Then they had dwelled in memories of their adventures like old friends. Anakin had left the announcement of his decision to the Council to his former Master. He had no need to talk to them. He felt he owed them nothing.


That had been almost two decades ago. He had never regretted the decision.


His thoughts were derailed as he felt Padme in the force. An element of urgency and surprise. Checking his comm he had a message. The Emperor wanted peace negotiations. The Dark Man, he remembered his vision. Things were set into motion. This was the beginning. He opened a channel.

"I will be down with you in a moment." He simply replied and made his way down.


When he finally arrived with her he gave her a reassuring smile. "What do you think about it? It might be a trap. Or he might be more desperate than we all thought." After all the Emperor had never managed to defeat the Republic. Not even in the political arena. The Cold War could be ended, he knew Padme would not have a choice on this. But would they not betray the very idea they lived by? The faith that democracy was the only acceptable alternative to rule a Galaxy?

This was one of these days he felt he was very comfortable in his role as a husband. "I can babysit the younglings while you are away." He joked and showed his still boyish smile. They both knew he would be there to protect her.

Always.

Always.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Madelyn Linnett
Secret Jedi safeworld, Ossus, Council Chambers within the former Great Jedi library

As Master Kenobi spoke Madelyn tried not to look upset. He was right about being hasty, but Madelyn was worried that if they didn't act fast a whole race of people should be lost.

It wasn't like she didn't respect Master Kenobi. He was kind and in his own way, looked out for her before. But she was still worried.

"With respect Masters...I'm concerned that the Coway won't be able to handle the Empire. They don't have technology like we do. And if the Empire uses that against them, they won't exist anymore." Madelyn said softly. She had read about the Coway and knew about their underground villages. They could be in serious trouble. "I know you think that I'm rushing into this, but I don't want what happened to the Jedi to happen to anyone else."

Tag: @Sinrebirth @BobaMatt @Lawbreaker

 

IC: Princess Feyna Organa
Galactic Senate chamber, Coruscant (attending via hologram)
Actual location: Royal Palace, Aldera, Alderaan

Feyna wondered if her father noticed that she was fidgeting.

She was well aware that she was being tested. Bail wanted to see if she could handle standing in for him in the Senate. It was probably something she should have seen coming, but it had still come as a surprise. She’d arrived with the expectation of observing, like usual, only to have her father sit her down in his seat instead. You’re doing this today. I’ll watch. You’ll be fine.

For the most part, it was playing out rather like every other session of the last few weeks. Padme was trying to get the Senate behind a formal peace agreement between the Republic and the Empire, Vizier Pestage was doing his utmost to block her, and Feyna, at the moment, was left to just watch things unfold.

‘But I do not consider that a ‘declaration of peace’ will undercut the basic fundamentals of the issue at hand. Until the Republic returns to the Empire, the galaxy cannot heal from the Clone Wars -‘

Pestage’s voice became lost in the tumult of shouting and bickering that ensued. Feyna didn’t engage, just gave her head a tiny shake of exasperation.

If this kept up, maybe she wouldn’t need to do anything—not exactly what she’ call a ‘successful’ first session, but better than blowing it completely. Maybe—

Mas Amedda rose from his throne, pounding his scepter to quiet the squabbling delegates. Pestage, still trying to make himself heard over the ruckus, also went silent, and Amedda spoke:

‘We shall consider a formal accord; a Treaty, perhaps. In one week We shall be conveyed to the Republic world of Alderaan and discuss terms, based upon the definition of borders, mutual trade agreements, and working towards a joint task force designed to defend against the depredations of the Separatists, but also to separate warring factions in the Neutral World’s. It is time to end this Galactic Cold War and return to the millennium of peace that the Clone Wars and Jedi Rebellion ended.’

One didn’t need the Force to feel the shock that went through the chamber; Feyna’s eyes widened, and behind her, outside of the holofield, she could hear her father’s surprised reaction.

Did he really just… Did Amedda actually just agree to discuss a peace treaty?

Her father, Padme, Mon Mothma…this was what they had been working toward for as long as Feyna could remember, pushing back against every Imperial wall for nearly two decades. And suddenly Amedda just gave in?

Perhaps their persistence was finally about to pay off, Feyna thought.

Or it’s a trap.

What if Amedda was trying to trick them, get the major Republic leaders in one place so he could eliminate them?

But even if it was, could they afford to pass up the opportunity? They might not get this chance again, and if the Republic backed out, then it would reflect badly on them.

And Amedda had designated Alderaan to host the conference, which put them in control of security. They could ensure the safety of all representatives, on both sides.

Feyna signaled for her pod to detach from its dock, moving to hover about midway between the chamber wall and Amedda’s throne, and stood from her seat, folding her hands in front of her so she wouldn’t fidget. “Alderaan would be honored to host such a meeting, if both sides are in agreement to move forward,” she stated, her voice steady and clear.

She was trying to play it safe, merely affirming Alderaan’s willingness to be the chosen locale for the talks, nothing more. Not discouraging the meeting, nor definitively confirming the Republic’s participation. Feyna wasn’t yet comfortable enough to make that call herself. She’d leave that decision to someone like Padme, or Chancellor Mothma.

Her first Senate session was turning out to be much more eventful than she—or her father, probably—could have ever imagined.

TAG: @HanSolo29 , @Sinrebirth

 

Luke Skywalker
Palace on Naboo

Luke smiled at Leia as she had defended herself and he considered reactivating his lightsaber again to teach her not to trust an opponent. But he was not her teacher.

"Sure. Go ahead, I am right behind you Leia." Indeed whatever happened was of far greater interest to him than some boring sparing match with Leia. Maybe something had happened at last that would force his father back into action.

"But when do they tell us anything?" He sighed, not too convinced them following their mother would have the desired result.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

Mace Windu
The Council Chamber, Great Library, Ossus

"The Jedi shall not be lured into a conflict they do not fully understand. The council needs to understand what force is driving the conflict and why. Our primary goal must be to protect the people of Mimban. By stopping this war, not by encouraging it. Move to the Coway and find out who is behind the conflict. If we understand how this conflict came about, we might be able to stop it. Finding out the 'greater hand' you described must be your primary objective." Kenobi looked at Yoda and Master Windu, the latter of whom wondered if Kenobi could see the confusion wrinkling his brows. "The mistakes of the past shall not be repeated."

Windu pursed his lips, knitted his fingers before and leaned in. Disagreements among the Council were hard, and this impulsive padawan was making things harder. He opened his mouth to speak, but then: "With respect Masters," the padawan was speaking again. "I'm concerned that the Coway won't be able to handle the Empire. They don't have technology like we do. And if the Empire uses that against them, they won't exist anymore."

"We have different definitions of the word 'resepct,' apprentice." Windu could feel the old aggression, like heartburn, like coaxium. "Did Master Kenobi assign you a compromise or did he not? Arligan Zey, are you the Jedi Master or is she? You would do well to make a decision between you. I'm happy to swap you. Count on it."

The padawan's voice came softly. "I know you think that I'm rushing into this," she was barely breathing the words, "but I don't want what happened to the Jedi to happen to anyone else."

The Force rustled like leaves in a soft breeze. It was a reminder for Mace: the Empire had committed an atrocity in wiping out the Jedi. It was not merely an oversight on his and Yoda's part that led to the destruction of the Jedi, but a thousand years of Sith machinations. "You will be cautious. You will not move as Jedi, but as criminals - smugglers, gunrunners, there with the rest of the riffraff. Master Zey, if you find it useful, use your identities as Pyke operatives. Better to use their credits than our own. You will report to Master Kenobi, as is only fit, since he has so wisely acceded to this mission. You will do reconnaissance, but you will not interfere directly in the Empire's war against the natives."

He breathed deeply, set his jaw, and recentered himself. He looked directly at the padawan. "You crave justice. That's a good quality in a Jedi. But we risk putting the Coway and other peoples across the galaxy at risk if we act without consideration. We have an opportunity here to understand a problem and undo it, to cure an illness rather than hold off a symptom."

"If that's all, then you are dismissed." He sat back in his chair and sighed, staring at the hems of Master Kenobi's robes.

TAG: @TheSilentInfluence, @Lawbreaker

 

General Grievous
Earlier, in a Geonosian Medical Facility...



It was like living a nightmare that never ends. From inside the confines of a bacta tank, the remains of a legendary Kaleesh warlord floated like so much disfigured debris, just like that day so many years ago, only this time, to look upon his remains was far more humiliating. He was little more than brains in a jar, thanks to the Jedi. They had sabotaged his shuttle years ago—so he was told by Count Dooku—and now they had taken from him yet again. The creature—unidentifiable as a Kaleesh—could no longer see. His eyes had been all but incinerated by shots fired from his own blaster that had ignited his few but fragile organic parts. All he could remember from that moment was darkness and agony and the sound of hellish screaming. No one needed to explain. He knew the screaming had been an extension of his agony.



He vaguely remembers the sound of his arch enemy vacating the scene; the sound of the Soulless One being stolen from him. Silence. Darkness. Would that he could have willed that darkness to consume his charred consciousness and never return it to the land of the living, but if there is one thing Grievous has learned over the course of his existence, it is this: life is so very cruel. Those who wish to live are denied; even more so, those who wish to die are spit upon and denied. He would live through this hell in spite of wanting nothing more than to let it all go. He remembers trying to put his mind somewhere beyond pain. If only he did possess the Force. He could then use the pain to strengthen himself as he had seen both Dooku and Sidious do so many times, but he is not so gifted. Force help the whole blasted galaxy if he had been!

Just when it seemed as though he had found a mental place to keep the pain at bay, he remembers the unwelcome interruption. Separatist voices. That blasted coward Nute Gunray and the stinking termite Poggle The Lesser, with his clicking, moaning, trumpeting dialect. Grievous could have strangled both of them with his bare hands, but they were far beyond the command of his brain. He was at the mercy of those whom he couldn’t stomach. Again. History repeated. His hatred for Kenobi grew furiously intense. The Jedi never could do anything right; not even kill. His anger could rival that of a thousand Sith in that moment. He could not even speak to tell the foul creatures he outranked to get the hell away from him. Something akin to a gagging cough escaped him though.

He heard Poggle announce something in his annoying native language; telling his companions the good general was alive, no doubt. Unable to see or feel that he is being laid hold of, he was only aware of the sensation that he was being moved. And it was agonizing. Numbness at last mercifully laid claim to his consciousness and Grievous, for once, was all too willing to surrender. Perhaps he wouldn’t live to remember this after all. No such luck. Like deja vu, Grievous found himself submerged in a bacta tank, San Hill standing on the other side of the tempered glass. Grievous could not see him, but he recognized his voice.



”General Grievous,” he says calmly, ”You live. Barely. Can you hear me?”

“Yes.” His voice is purely electronic, transmitted by brain waves passing through electrodes attached to what is left of his head.

”Good,” Hill replies in an oily tone, ”You were fortunate to have been found. Another thirty minutes or so and we would not be having this conversation.”

“Are you expecting me to be grateful?” the charred and dismembered remains demand bitterly, “We have been here before. You did not let me go then—“

”And I will not let you go now,” Hill cut him off, ”It will take...a considerable amount of time to restore you. Your master is dead. You remember, yes? Count Dooku was killed by Anakin Skywalker on your flagship. What you do not know is that Lord Sidious is dead as well; killed by the same hand that killed Dooku. The Separatists are without a leader. We need you, General. Your brilliant mind and brute strength are without rival and now you can be unshackled. Without Dooku and Sidious, you would be free to make wise decisions with no political agenda to adhere to. Do you see what I am offering you?”

Grievous was silent; listening. He knew well that his efforts were many times thwarted by two masters who had no interest in winning a war; they only cared about advancing themselves to positions of power and they would use anyone or anything as a means to achieve it. His anger burned at the knowledge of having been nothing more than a pawn all this time. Now he had the chance to be the key piece he knew he was born to be in this war. Even the Separatists recognized that his success was restrained and sabotaged repeatedly by Dooku and Sidious. With them out of the way, perhaps there really could be vengeance visited upon the Republic, the Jedi, and their allies.

”Will you agree to let us try to restore you a second time?” San Hill tentatively pressed him for an answer, preferably an agreeable one.

The remains of the creature inside the bacta tank were understandably unreadable in expression, but anyone who had known the Kaleesh general for any period of time would know the wheels are always turning in his strategic mind. He is considering the offer, otherwise he would have vehemently rejected it by now. A slow smile spread across the Muun’s long face. Just as before, he had Grievous right where he wanted him.

“So be it,” the General at last responds, but his electronic voice becomes dangerous as he adds a condition to his agreement, “However, you will remove any unauthorized implants and enhancements placed in my brain beforehand. You will not tamper with my mind beyond what I have agreed to. If you do, the price you pay will be at the cost of your life. Is that clear?”

At first, Hill had been unconcerned by Grievous’ threat. After all, Dooku had managed to sneak a lot of things into and out of the cyborg’s mind without his knowledge. But the more Grievous talks, the more concerned Hill becomes. He is not capable of subduing an angry machine of a man the way Dooku and Sidious could as Sith Lords. He has no doubt that Grievous can and will kill him if he dares do anything so brazenly against his wishes.

”Agreed,” the Muun replies solidly, ”It will be just as you say, General. Rest now. I will make the necessary preparations to begin the restoration process.”



——————

A considerable amount of time later aboard the Ultimate Weapon in an undisclosed location...



The cold steel slab under his heavy duranium frame slowly pivots to an upright position like an inversion table on steroids. Grievous is aware of a lightheaded sensation as he finds himself in a vertical position outside of a bacta tank for the first time in what seems like an eternity. His eyes, freshly renewed with implants to correct the damage incurred, water profusely as though the cyborg is weeping as light and shapes take form and swim into his view. The experience is disorienting. Voices meeting his freshly-tuned audio receptors draw his focus to other things besides the frustration of adjusting to his restored vision.



He identifies the first as Gunray and his restrained hands clench into fists. The sniveling Neomoidian never did set well with him. The next he remembers easily enough. Hill makes his blood boil too, but for additional reasons besides his cowardice behavior. Tambor’s question alone prods his anger. Is he all right? Hell, no! He hasn’t been all right since that blasted “accident” years ago. The nerve of some people and perhaps Grievous wouldn’t be so offended if these creatures actually cared about him, but they don’t. He knows they don’t. They don’t care about him any more than he cares about any of them. They see him as a tool; a weapon. Nothing more. They are of even less value to him.

“Whaaaat is thisss?” the General’s voice is the same as it had once been, but it is as though speech is a bit difficult for him at first. His watering eyes are narrowed and fixed on the display beyond those forming a semi-circle around him—the display readout of an unidentified space station. He pulls firmly against the restraints around his wrists, the metal groaning softly, but holding fast. “Release me!”

”P-patience, General,” Hill stammers, ”The restraints are meant to stabilize you, not—“

“I said release me!” Grievous snarls, almost regretting his outburst as it stirs a coughing fit that finally tapers off to ugly wheezing, “I do not have time for your lolly-coddling ways.”

”As you wish, sir,” Hill whimpers, depressing a button on the remote in his hand.

The shackles retract into the table, allowing Grievous to stand on his own. He sways unsteadily for a few heartbeats before taking a tentative step forward. The bystanding droids and Separatists aren’t sure what to do. Some instinctively move as though to help him steady himself, but then they think better of actually touching him. He likely would not appreciate the effort and how could any of them stop a three-hundred-fifty pound metal beast from falling down anyway? Fortunately, Grievous maintains his balance and doggedly moves toward the image of the space station rotating silently. He braces his clawed hands on the transmission table as he finally reaches it.

“What is this?” he demands again, squinting at the image in front of him.

”You are looking at the dawn of a new era, General,” San Hill replies cautiously, ”This...is why we need you.”

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

Obi-Wan Kenobi
Jedi Council Chambers

Obi-Wan Kenobi looked at Master Windu and wondered how much of his old temper towards Padawan's speaking out of line was still there. Before he could find out he smiled as some of the old fire of Mace Windu returned. They missed a chance to teach a Padawan how short sighted her thinking was, but as far as Obi-Wan Kenobi was concerned, this was worth it. He did not always agree with the way Master Windu handled things, but he had to admit he had missed it. It reminded him of better days.

Obi-Wan Kenobi leaned back. There was not an ounce of hostility in his face. "May the force be with you." He simply proclaimed and waited for Master Zey to say his goodbyes before cutting of the connection.

Something was happening. He felt it. On Mimban and in the galaxy. There were things set into motion by someone. Obi-Wan Kenobi doubted that this was the Emperor or any of the Crime Syndicates. He felt it ran deeper, to a much darker place.

Therefore he stayed silent as the senior Master obviously enjoyed a rare outburst of activity. Instead he breathed in and extended his senses deep into the force while waiting for his two old friends to speak.

Tag: @Sinrebirth, @BobaMatt, @TheSilentInfluence

 

IC: Madelyn Linnett
Secret Jedi safeworld, Ossus, Council Chambers within the former Great Jedi library

Madelyn nodded, feeling warm as she took the Masters words into effect. She wasn't trying to disrespect Master Zey and hoped he could feel that too, but she was concerned. I know what the Emoire does. What they did to Lothal. They do it to every planet we can't hold.

Taking a deep breath, Madeltn spoke again. "I'm sorry Master's." She apologized glancing over to Master Zey. "May the force also be with you." She turned her eyes to the floor, not wanting to look up. I just wanted to help.

Tag: @Sinrebirth @BobaMatt @Lawbreaker

 

Mace Windu
Council Chamber, the Great Library, Ossus

The transmission flickered and died, like a flame in the wind, and with that the three Jedi were alone again. Mace passed his hand over his head - in the spaces between past and present he sometimes still found himself surprised to find his pate is no longer smooth and shorn but thickly woolen, tied back with a bit of errant string. He stood from the chair, heard his robes rustle. Such silence from his companions today! Master Yoda prodded at the stone floor with the tip of his cane. This floor had once been richly tiled with mosaic - Mace knew because he'd seen the floor, transported as it was from Ossus to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, now lost to the Jedi and in the hands of the Empire.

The sun bore down and made the blaster landscape of this world look bleak, but when Master Windu closed his eyes and felt the warmth and light on his face it was as if he could smell the moisture from trees.

Trees.

He lowered his gaze. Today had already been long. He'd drank his caf already - a tiny pleasure he allowed himself - and broken his fast on simple foods prepared by the Ysanna. The thought of centering himself by running sword routines in the desert made his fingers twitch, made the crystal in high lightsaber sing out to him. And that's why he wouldn't do it. Not today.

"I think I'll meditate in the courtyard," he said. "Care to join me, Kenobi?"

But he was already walking out the door.

TAG: @Lawbreaker, @TheSilentInfluence

 

Obi-Wan Kenobi
Jedi Council Chambers

Obi-Wan Kenobi raised his brows and turned to his slightly abscent Council Members. "Quite a briefing, I'd say." He dryly commented and tried to ban his dark thoughts from his mind. Mimban worried him and he hoped Master Zey and his Padawan would shed some light into the matter.

Master Windu implied to go to the garden to meditate. Obi-Wan Kenobi would have liked nothing better. The day was not yet over though. He had felt the sudden spike of attention in the force. "I am afraid we won't be given the luxury to meditate today. I feel a great anxiety spreading in the temple. I think something has happened. I feel surprise. You must have felt it, too." There was no fear though.

He smiled and slowly raised from his seat. "So maybe a walk? The communications center is nearby."

He looked at his two comrades and doubted Master Yoda would accept such an invitation. Master Windu would probably. He seemed restless today.

Tag: @Sinrebirth, @BobaMatt

 

Two old Jedi out for a stroll...
Courtyard, the Great Library, Ossus
(Written in conjunction with @Lawbreaker)

Master Windu stopped in his tracks. "Yes. A walk." He'd felt the Force stir but had been avoiding its call, avoided rushing. He briefly wondered if suppressing the way he leapt into action at the Force's indication had not been in the interest of balance, had actually slid too far in the opposite direction. He would meditate on this later. Meditation. He'd hoped to meditate in the courtyard. It brought him clarity, particularly around the old tree. He was not ignorant - analysis had confirmed the tree was a Neti (T'ra Saa had been ecstatic to learn this, rare as Neti were these days), and with the call of kyber crystals beneath it and the echoes in the Force, there was little doubt the tree was the ancient Jedi Ood Bnar, who had held off Exar Kun in this very building. There were some murmurings among the historians - Jocasta Nu was especially curious - about whether this was just legend, or whether even a tree could last so long with nothing to sustain it. But there it stood when they arrived at Ossus after so long gone. There was Master Bnar. But the meditation would wait. "A walk. Yes."

Obi-Wan Kenobi smiled, nodded to Mater Yoda Who had stayed as silent as always today and slowly lead the way into the courtyard and towards communication center. A Padawan trying to report to him he stopped with a smile and a raised hand. He would learn these urgent news himself, once he arrived at Comm. For now he would focus on the time spend with his old friend.

Obi-Wan Kenobi took his time before he broke his silence. Old friends were like old wounds ... if you did not give them some attention from time to time you would be surprised what became of them.

"I feel you have become restless, old friend." He addressed the feeling the force was giving him directly. "What is on your mind that manages to unbalance you so much?" Folding his one hand into the other behind his back Obi-Wan looked at Master Windu as he expected an answer.

"I find myself drawn to the past, Obi-Wan. What would Master Qui-Gon think?" He smiled. "I think of the end of the war. I think of the start of the war, to finding young Skywalker, to testing him. I think of Haruun Kal. I think of the founding of this library, of the war that preceded it, of Exar Kun and Malachor and ancient Moraband. And farther and farther. I sense the disturbance, too, my friend. Don't worry about that. I'm still sharp as ever. But as I meditate on it, my mind wanders through history. I believe the Force is trying to reveal something to me."

Obi-Wan Kenobi smiled at the comment of his friend. "None of us is as sharp as we used to be, old friend." He gave him a smile, showing he obviously included himself among the ranks of those who became to old for this.

"But I know exactly what you mean. The past is calling through the force. For years, many years my own meditation lead me back to the years long gone. Not the ancient conflicts that plagues you, but the years I spend with Anakin. I am the Jedi who probably knows the Chosen One best. I was the Master of the Chosen One. What kind of man did he become? It left me in an endless string of meditation trying to answer ... or at least guess the nature of an answer ... of three questions. What could have been? What would have been? What should have been?" Obi-Wan Kenobi smiled to himself. "I never got near to anything I could call an answer. Which brought me to this point, Master Windu. I have a fear that terrifies me. A fear I cannot ignore." He breathed in. "What if our past is a trap? Insight the bait? The Order the prey? Have we become so defined by what happened 19 years ago that we cannot see anything in any different way, but through the prism of past regrets?" Obi-Wan Kenobi finally unfolded his hands behind his back and nodded. "Maybe you should look for your answers and maybe I should stop looking for mine. But maybe, just maybe we should let the Jedi Order find theirs."

He knew very well what he implied there and it was nothing but a sign of unlimited trust to reveal such thoughts to his fellow Jedi.

Master Windu ruminated on his old friend's words. Perhaps what they were after was not so different. "Perhaps our future lies in breaking ties with the past. Perhaps our work lies in deciphering what those ties are. Perhaps the darkness we sense on Mimban will - "

But as they came to the communication center, Windu stopped short. A large hologram of the Emperor's horned features dominated the room, a gaggle of Jedi surrounding it, watching.

"We shall consider a formal accord; a Treaty, perhaps. In one week We shall be conveyed to the Republic world of Alderaan and discuss terms, based upon the definition of borders, mutual trade agreements, and working towards a joint task force designed to defend against the depredations of the Separatists, but also to separate warring factions in the Neutral World’s. It is time to end this Galactic Cold War and return to the millennium of peace that the Clone Wars and Jedi Rebellion ended.’"​

Mace gritted his jaw. "I believe this is the source of one disturbance, don't you agree? We must keep an eye on this." He turned to his companion. "How long has it been since your last visit to Alderaan?"

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Qi’ra
Near Mimban

Qi’ra was… comfortable. Well, mostly. If she were being honest with herself. And she couldn’t afford to be in denial of her current position or status, nor of the constant responsibility and pressure that fell squarely upon her shoulders – a chaos she actually found herself enjoying more as time moved on.

Lazily switching her attentions between the in-the flesh Arb and the holographic Zekka, she adopted a characteristic smirk as she next swept her sharp gaze across the display that was laid out between the three of them. All the ships and the several factions they served, five of which would be under the control of Crimson Dawn soon enough.

She was not the highest lieutenant, the face of Dawn for nothing; Qi’ra was cunning, crafty, and incredibly persuasive. Thanks to her upbringing, she could be ruthless – albeit not without regret at times – and the leader only fine-tuned these qualities in her over the past near-decade. She was a razor-sharp tool now.

“Don’t,” was all she said in acknowledgment of Arb’s words. It was a dig, a push to get her to react, but she knew those types of games all too well. It wouldn’t work. “Let us wait just a bit longer, boys. See how this plays out while we hang back, for now....”

She paused, placing her hands on the edge of the table display and leaning closer, eyes narrowing at the changing read outs and holos of the traffic around Mimban. She thought she had seen…

There.

Impossible. And yet, not at all.

Her expression softened as she stared at a small image of a ship she had known intimately for a short time. Long ago. With a man she had since boxed up and stowed away from her heart and mind. It stirred unwanted feelings and deeply buried memories, her face tightening as she pushed them back down where they belonged.

The Millenium Falcon. In the middle of things once again, though to Qi'ra now, it made little difference.

She had work to do.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Ka'tra
Smuggler rendezvous near Mimban

Behind her faceplate Ka'tra soured. If that was the plan all along Ven should have mentioned it when he was giving was the mission briefing not save it for the questions after. Did he not think it was relevant, important to mention the vital role, and increased pay that would be involved with her part in the mission.

"Does that seem a bit more, y’know, reasonable?" Ven continued a deadly edge to his voice.

Ka'tra's hands shifted on her belt moving closer to her blasters, ready to defend herself if something were to start. She wasn't going to kick it off but, she wouldn't just lay down and die. She'd come too far to do that.

"Udesii." Goran called for calm Ka'tra didn't move her hands away from her weapons, she didn't move them closer either. "I suggested you, Ka’rta." As he walked away her gaze shifted only slightly to follow him, keeping Ven in her peripheral vision. "You’re separated from the clans; you need a new family, even if your parents were declared dar’manda." Her chin lowered her breathing deepened with rage hearing his words. Did he think that now that they were all cast to the stellar winds that they were the same that they had to band together. "I, eh, heard about your parents from Owen and Jerrod. They were friends with my parents - Republic Special Force’s and the Mandalorians ran close circles during the war."

"Don't you dare, di'kut." She chastised the younger warrior. "Don't think that now that we all are separated from our home that you are like me, that you and I are the same. Your parents were accepted, your house wasn't taken away from you by those you called family. Your home has turned your back on you you're looking for somewhere to belong again...let me tell you. It is not with me. I have a family." She slapped her left shoulder where her family crest was, "You had your chance to keep me in the warm embrace of the Manda. You rejected my kind. I am working with you for one reason and one reason only…" she reached into a pouch on her belt pulling out a single credit. "This." she held it up to his helmet, so he could see the light glinting off the metal. "This is what I am looking for, this is what I'm risking my life for, not a family not a clan...This, the almighty credit, that is all that matters to me. So stow your talk of family and coming together. We're here to make credits killing others, and keeping this war going. I don't care if you know my friends, I don't care if you accept me, I don't care if you suggested me." She took a step forward nearly coming chest to chest with him. "And don't you ever mention my parents again."

Her peace said she turned around and walked up the ramp into her ship. It was about to get a lot more cramped in there.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Padawan Madelyn Linnett
Pyke corvette, secret room

Madelyn listened carefully to her Master, nodding to acknowledge what he was saying after he turned to face her. "Yes Master Zey." She replied with a small smile as he praised her. She had never heard that from a Jedi Master before. He sounds almost proud of me. She thought, before donning her wig, it gave her short messy black hair as opposed to her blond hair.

"I know Jedi aren't supposed to be heroes Master, but shouldn't we defend those who cannot?" Madelyn asked quickly, knowing they didn't have much time. The Coway are strong, but the Empire's weapons are stronger."I just feel bad knowing what could happen to them." Madelyn added gently as she thought of all the younglings she had defended against bullies. No matter how much the Master's scolded me I know I did the right thing.

It was then that she took in the new lightsaber-blaster. That looks like Ezra Bridger's. "It's just like Ezra Bridger's." Madelyn blurted out enthusiastically. "Master, he helped save Lothal!" She felt elated and turned to the droid. "Isn't this great-" Madelyn stopped suddenly when she heard the comm communications. She looked up at Master Zey and nodded, smoothing down her new outfit, dark pants, a long beige shirt that hung over her belt and a blue and white jacket. I look like a smuggler. Madelyn thought, as she waited for her Master to lead the way.

Tag: @Sinrebirth @galactic-vagabond422 @RachelTyrell @Master Vo'Un'Var @Jerjerrod-Lennox @QueenSabe7

 

Mace Windu
Communications Center, Great Library, Ossus

Mace Windu bit down hard on a bit of frustration. Even now, in his seventies, being reprimanded by Master Yoda made him feel like a Padawan. He blew the hot anger out of his nose. "Respectfully, Grand Master, we have not forgotten Mimban." He crouched low to be eye to eye with the wizened leader, ignoring the popping sounds of his protesting knees. "Master Kenobi's compromise was suitable, and I approved it. We cannot jeopardize the work we've done with the Pykes, but allowing Master Zey and young learner Linnett - " (There it was! Her name!) " - to investigate the source of the disturbance surrounding Mimban kills two womprats with one blast. It is, in fact, the only way to make sure we're helping the Coway rather than hurting them. Our only option can't be to charge into battle on their side?

"Similarly, I don't recommend any Jedi arrive on Alderaan with their lightsabers ablaze, but perhaps..." And here he made meaningful eye contact with Master Kenobi, "...perhaps our old friend Ben has business in the system?"

His knees trembling, Mace decided it would be better to sit on the floor, legs crossed. Surely this made sense. Surely this had demonstrated to Master Yoda that he was operating with wisdom and not out of self interest. Master Windu only hoped he could be as sure of himself as he hoped he'd made Yoda.

TAG: @Lawbreaker, @Sinrebirth

 

Anakin Skywalker
Royal Palace, Naboo

Panaka was as mindful as always, but he thought not in a big enough scale. This would not necessary be about Padme. It could be about all of them.

"They will have the entire Republic elite there. They won't attack one by one, they will try to get all of them. I am more concerned about bombs or planetary attacks. Something even Jedi are not always able to fight back. We will need an experienced and able Jedi Master to protect the delegates." Obi-Wan Kenobi. He thought of his old Master. "Also the Emperor sets the rules, we should set our own. Why the many Senators? I think we should consider changing some of the demands to minimize the risks." He sighed and looked at his son. Leia was naturally gifted in the art of diplomacy. But their son? He would have his own ideas. There was a lot of his father in him. He remembered how restless he was back then. How much he challenged every decision he felt that it held him back. But maybe peace would be a good thing for Luke.

"Luke, I will need your help. Naboo will be exposed while Alderaan happens. It is entirely possible the planets without leaders are the true target." He sighed. "I will hand the protection of the planet into your hands. If you feel you are ready." Responsibility is what Luke wanted, Anakin had just offered it to his son.

"You Leia might be helpful when the negotiations begin." Anakin looked at Padme, signaling his wish for her to approve. "Intuition of one strong in the force can be an invaluable resource." He explained his decision.

Tag: @Sinrebirth, @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha, @LordTroepfchen

 

IC: Leia with her family, Palace on Naboo

Leia watched Luke closely. He was eager to be in the midst of the action and their father knew this, and gave him a tantalizing offer, since they could sense Padme was undecided which of her children to take or leave behind.

"You Leia might be helpful when the negotiations begin. Intuition of one strong in the force can be an invaluable resource."

Leia nodded gratefully. "Yes, Mother. I would be very grateful for the chance to accompany you."

@DarkLordoftheFins ; @Sinrebirth

 

Obi-Wan Kenobi
Jedi Communication Center

Obi-Wan Kenobi looked at Mace Windu and sighed. He felt his anger about Yoda's implied accusation and also the moment of weakness that made him sit down. Master Windu felt obviously assaulted by Yoda's words. Obi-Wan Kenobi felt no such thing. He did not feel doubt and simply tried to see the will of the force. He tried to understand the best path. Yoda and his questions aimed at the same thing. The approval of the Jedi's Grandmaster was nothing he was concerned about. The unclarity he felt threatened by.

Peace was something the Jedi could hardly ignore. Padme would be there and that meant Anakin would be there. Maybe even Luke and Leia.

His urge was to join his former apprentice and fight for peace side by side with him, like in old times. But would he be needed? Obi-Wan knew what Anakin was capable of. Even if every Inquisitor showed up to murder Padme ... he expected that the Empire would have a lot less Inquisitors at the end of the day. But was Anakin mindful enough? Would Anakin see the danger they did not expect?

He decided to add not a word to Master Windu's words on Mimban.

"The mistakes of the past have been made and can never be undone." Obi-Wan Kenobi finally sighed, feeling his fears had been confirmed anew by hearing the Grand Master talk like this. "We must not let them define our future." He breathed in after these surprisingly clear words.

"But we cannot let the Republic fail and we cannot ignore a chance for peace, also we should be mindful this peace might enslave billions to the will of the Emperor."

Folding his hands he looked down. "If the Republic calls for us, we should be ready to respond. Master Yoda, I believe the Grand Master of the Jedi Order should personally be present at the meeting on Alderaan. He should be in the company of the Orders greatest warriors and most insightful Jedi Masters. I think of Rahm Kota, Bultar Swan, K'Kruhk." He sighed. "If we are not called upon, I think Master Windu might be right. I might test some suitable Jedi candidates in the region at the time of the meeting." A gentle smile played around his lips. "I do not possess your ability to read the force, Master Yoda. But my relationship to Padme and Anakin might grant me access to the meeting, even if the Republic denies it."

Tag: @Sinrebirth, @BobaMatt

 

Luke Skywalker
Palace on Naboo

Luke looked at his father and nodded. His thoughts were elsewhere and he closely guarded them from his family.

Alderaan was pretty obviously a trap. A foolish trap, actually. What a fateful circumstance not five or ten or maybe fifty Senators were needed, no ... all of them had to be there! And of course they had to come with no weapons. To a world that was easily accessed by imperial forces. It was really everything a set up. The whole trap had one disadvantage though. One problem the Empire did not see. His father did not see it either. Nobody did.

The bait. The Emperor would have to be there, too. And while everyone was so worried about Inquisitors and Hands and such things, nobody had yet realized the simple truth: The Emperor and his underlings would not be the most dangerous people in the room. The Jedi would be. Bound by their codex, but that made no difference when it came to the simple fact. If Master Kenobi, Yoda or even his father would decide to end the Emperor, who would stop them? Jerec?

Luke frowned, making sure his thoughts were kept shielded from his family. The thought seemed too important, too relevant to share it with anyone yet.

"Yes, I am ready. Rest assured no harm will come to Naboo on my watch. Not if I can stop it." Smiling at his mother he padded his sisters shoulder.

"Looks like you get your first day in the field even before I do, hm?"

Tag: @Sinrebirth, @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha, @DarkLordoftheFins

 

IC: Leia on Naboo, In Palace

"Looks like you get your first day in the field even before I do, hm?" Luke said with a jocular tone.

Leia answered thoughtfully. "Perhaps we will each be tested to show our true level of resourcefulness under ... fire."
She frowned. Luke's air of satisfaction was tinged with something ... else. Did he sense something? If it posed a danger to any of their family, he really needed to spill it.

She wouldn't be the one to push it, however. He'd just deny it if she asked. She glanced at their father. Perhaps he could "coax" the matter into the open?

@DarkLordoftheFins ; @LordTroepfchen