Tanya the Jedi

[Half_Baked_cat]

I first gained consciousness in this life in the arms of a demonic looking being that I later learned was an alien known as a Togrutan. For a while I thought I had been sent to hell as a baby, only strange creatures that vaguely reminded me of stories about demons, and evil spirits, but as time wore on I began to realize that these creatures were actually just caretakers for children. Aliens in a world, a galaxy really, far more advanced than the one I originally came from.

It took years for me to learn that all the children that were being taken care of were special, having the potential to access the Force, a form of magic that did not follow any logical rules. And that we had been 'retrieved' from our parents to be indoctrinated into what was basically a cult. It was not till my age group reached the age of three that a realization hit me. I had been reincarnated into Star Wars. The clue was being handed a training lightsaber to begin learning how to use it and recognizing it from the movie I had seen so long ago.

Damnable Being X couldn't have picked a world I knew better. Guess that would have been too easy for me. No, he just plops me into a world that I could not use my previous life experience to help me with. And he made me a girl. Thankfully puberty was still a few years away, but that is not going to be a fun time getting used to bleeding for a week every month.

Taking a deep breath and letting my frustrations go as best as I could, I divided my attention back to our instructor. If I was going to do well in this world, I would have to know what is expected of me. Just have to parse out what the mind washing BS was that I had to pay lip service to and the actually useful bits of information.

—-

Jedi Master Sa Tum had taken to teaching Younglings many years ago, finding a satisfying pleasure in watching ignorance shift into knowledge, helping each child that passed through his classroom become closer to being and to live the code he followed.

In his time, he regularly saw prodigious students advance in a field far faster than the other students, usually just in one discipline, but occasionally several. It was a rare individual indeed that went so far above their peers as a certain blonde conundrum he currently had to instruct. Which lead directly to his current meeting with Grand Master Yoda and Master of the Order Mace Windu.

"Begin meeting now, we shall. A youngling you wish to discuss." Yoda began the meeting with a simple statement, his walking stick in hand as he sat on his poof of a chair.

"Yes, Tanya Degurechaff," Sa Tum acknowledged before expanding. "She is advancing very swiftly in her studies, it is rather remarkable for one so young to show such advanced knowledge and technique in so many things."

"Are you suggesting she is a prodigy?" Mace Windu asked, looking for the reason for the meeting.

"A bit more than that I am afraid, she was the first of her creche mates to pick up reading and now spends a lot of time in the library reading."

"Are you telling me there is a problem with someone choosing to read?"

"No, but the things she is choosing to read is unusual for one so young, I got a list to see what she liked reading about in hopes to get her to interact with the other younglings more."

Sa Tum handed over a flimsy with a list of titles on it and date of check out in an adjacent column.

"A Treatise on the Tactics of Defending a Fortified Ground Position? A Summation of and Listing of Conflicts of the Old Republic? Stratagems of Inter-Naval Boarding? Hmm, a rather militaristic listing."

"Ah, Intergalactic Trade Laws, good book it is."

"I did not expect you to enjoy reading something so dry, Master Yoda," Sa Tum expressed his surprise.

"Useful for sleep, I find it," Yoda responded with a smile.

Giving a cough to hide his laughter at Yoda's little joke, Sa Tum continued, "Yes, that is precisely my point, these books are rather advanced and very dry for someone so young to show such interest in, but I had tested her on her knowledge and she had actually been reading them. And far more thoroughly than I was to be able to test her on the knowledge."

"More concerns you have, I sense outside of reading material." Yoda said, encouraging the meeting to move on to the next point.

"Yes, if it was just an unusually advanced reading level, I would just assume the force gifted her with a bit of talent in research, but there is also her ability to articulate her thoughts."

Sa Tum handed over another flimsy report that claims to have been written by Tanya.

"I had assigned the class to write their thoughts on what causes conflicts and methods to resolve them after two of the other younglings got into a fight. I had thought it would be a good way to teach a bit of diplomacy and ways to foster harmony, but then Tanya handed in this. I already checked, and there was no plagiarism from another source, this is all her own work."

—-

Conflicts have many claimed reasons for beginning, but most conflicts can be directly attributed to resources with other reasons merely being either justification or a thinly veiled cover for an attempt at either gaining more resources or depriving others of resources...

...Religious wars are a conflict to gain more resources in the form of more followers or deprive another religious entity of the resources of followers. This is most blatant with crusades to conquer some holy land or another, thus gaining all the sentient beings that reside there as more potential followers...

... the Naboo occupation by the Trade Federation being a perfect example of the way a change in how available certain resources, or in this case the lack of tax, can motivate a violent conflict to return to a previous status quo...

... labor unions protecting Human Resources...

... call for peace ...

...Equitable Agreements...

—-

Mace Windu stopped reading and began flipping through the flimsy report, impressed at the thorough dissection of the topic and the various forms of conflict one could talk about and how each is a conflict over resources, even if not of a physical resource.

"Impressive understanding of conflicts."

"And there are two more things." Sa Tum stated while pulling out a datapad. "The first is her work ethic. She does not appear to have a gift for using the Force and her presence in the Force is only slightly above the average for her age, nothing too unusual there, but she is the one who works the hardest on trying to utilize her abilities and is beginning to lead the class in this too. The other thing is best explained with this recording of one of her sparring matches with one of her fellow creche mates. Before I play it, the younglings have only been taught the basics of Shii Cho, mostly how to hold a lightsaber and how to swing it."

Playing the video, Tanya and a Rodian boy are squared off, the Rodian is all smiles and practically bouncing in excitement. In contrast, Tanya has a firm stance on the ground and her face set in a blank look that on someone older could be taken as a serious face.

At the match start, the Rodian takes a wild, untrained swing at Tanya. Tanya meanwhile stays still till the last moment where she steps in, deflects the blow before landing a blow that would have killed the Rodian if they had been using real lightsabers. Tanya then gives the fallen Rodian a respectful bow before helping him up.

"Play that again," Mace Windu asks, feeling like he missed something important the first time.

"Old, her style is," Yoda notes after rewatching the video. "Recreate ancient Shii Cho, previous Battlemaster had."

"What does that mean?" Mace asked as he watched the video a third time, noting how even with the clumsy body of a toddler, Tanya did show she knew some variant of Shii Cho, the oldest and most basic of the lightsaber fighting styles.

"Mysterious the Force is. Meditate on this we should. Suspicion I have."

"What suspicion do you have?" Mace asked, Sa Tum staying out of the discussion.

"Old soul she has. First life, this is not."

"Are you suggesting she is a reincarnation of someone?"

Yoda nods. "Future, hard to see it is." Picking up the flimsy copy of Tanya's report. "Coming, conflict is."

"Is that all of your concerns about Miss Degurechaff?"

Sa Tum seems to hesitate for a bit before steeling himself and making a decision. "There is one more thing. I often sense a lot of dark emotions around her. Anger, frustration."

"Hmm, advance training perhaps she needs," Yoda suggests, looking to Mace Windu who takes on a thoughtful look as he leans back in his seat.

"Perhaps. I might have an idea to help her deal with her darker emotions."

—-

Lightsaber practice reminded me of being in the kendo club in school. A fun enough activity at the time, but I was not particularly talented at it and had given it up in favor of pursuing activities that would actually pay dividends in the future. Here, though, I had to be skilled in using the lightsaber in order to progress to a comfortable position in the Order. A bit of a barbaric requirement for advancement, but if that is what I had to do, so be it.

The weight, or lack thereof, of the blade took some getting used to. Thankfully there was a nudge of feeling from what I took to be the Force our teachers kept going on and on about which helped guide my movements in ways so I would not hit myself in the face with the practice blade.

The katas we were taught were a bit different than what I could vaguely recall from my previous life, but they had a logical reason for the difference. I learned using a bamboo shinai with plenty of heft to the blade, not a handle with some weightless light coming out of it.

Finishing up our warm up stretches, I began to head to my place when the teacher called my name.

"Tanya, you are going to be training with someone else today."

Looking up to her, I saw a man standing next to her. I did not recognize him and he must have come in while we were stretching. He was very tall, dark and bald with a very serious expression on his face. Was I really doing so poorly learning these new katas while trying not to get the ones I vaguely recalled mixed in that they had to call in who must be the battlemaster to help me?

"Children, please say hi to Master Mace Windu. He is here to provide Tanya some extra help with her technique."
Yep, I was doing that poorly. Only one thing for it then, go along with these lessons and try my best to catch up to the other children so I do not fall behind.

"Thank Master Mace Windu, sir," I say, giving a respectful bow while trying my best to keep my frustration in check.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

The Jedi Council was a beautiful room for its simplicity. Twelve seats spread out around a round pattern on the floor and large windows that gave a breathtaking view of the skyline of Coruscant. The simple architectural and design features of the room being all the decoration needed. It was in this room that the Jedi High Council met on various topics ranging from missions to concerns one or another Council member may have to discuss things that would normally be called gossiping if done by those not of the council.

Today's meeting was currently only occupied by some of the council members on the topic of how to handle the latest 'prodigy'.

"So, who is it that has you so interested in their future?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked, his position very relaxed as he looked towards Yoda and Mace Windu.

With a click of a button on his arm rest, a holographic image of Tanya appeared in the center of the room. "Tanya Degurechaff, currently aged four, has been with our order since she was three months old. She has shown a remarkable gift for the more academic pursuits, while also having an advanced understanding of lightsaber combat for one of her age."

"Are you suggesting that a four year old is ready to take the initiate trials and become a padawan?"

"No. Maybe in another year she will be, it is her gifts that led us to look into her more, and certain suspicions have been confirmed and we need to decide our best approach to handling her."

"Are you suggesting she is some sort of spy?" Mundi asked, his eyebrows creased in serious contemplation.

Yoda shook his head. "Whisper the Force has. Her first life, this is not. Remember the past, she might."

Mundi's face dropped into one of shock. "Her life essence is going through a second life? Why would she choose now for a second life?"

"We are not sure she did choose a second life. I have been teaching her Vaapad to help her deal with some of her dark emotions. At the same time, I have been trying to gauge her." Mace Windu leaned forward in his seat and looked to his long time fellow council member. "If she does remember her previous life, it was from a time very far in the past. Possibly to a time when lightsabers were first made, possibly even before then if her fighting style is any indication. However, all her knowledge of history seems far more modern than that and while she is able to articulate it very well, sounds academic and not like she lived through it."

"So, we have a youngling who has the skills from a previous life, but not the associated memories. An ancient foundation that a new structure is to be built on." Mundi stroked his chin as he thought. "Well, if we are to teach her, we should give her freedom in what she wants to learn."

"Explain your thoughts, you should."

"Well, if she has the skills locked away inside her, skills of techniques we may have lost long ago, then we should let her relearn them on her own. We may learn a thing or two from her in turn."

Mace leaned back in his chair, nodding his head in agreement while Yoda tapped his walking stick on the ground.

"A fine plan, that is. Follow it, we shall." With that, the meeting was adjourned for now.

—-

The Jedi archives are a vast collection of knowledge from thousands of years of recorded history, including writings on just about every topic imaginable. The main weakness was a lack of instructions on the various force techniques that Jedi can apparently utilize. There were plenty of mentions of incredible things done on the field of battle, but every hint of how to do those things appeared to be locked away in the holocron vault with access limited to those with permission from the Jedi Council.

An excellent way of limiting access to the information that might hurt the organization while also making those not a part of the council respect and grovel at their knees. Sighing, with a shake of my head, I download another file on history. Being a foreign transplant has left me so far behind those native to this existence when it comes to historical context and the results said historical events had on the galactic political scene and the associated economic policies. Thankfully even here history is tied tightly to militaristic action, which has always been an enjoyable subject of study for me. The pressure to catch up to my peers was grating though.

I had been spending months training with Battlemaster Windu, trying to get my form up to snuff, but my rusty techniques from my previous life appear to be hampering me at every turn because no matter how hard I try, he has never gotten back to correcting my form in the Katas those of my new age are being taught.

And now I was being kicked out of the normal training to get a more personal instruction. Oh, sure, they tried spinning it as me being ready to be a padawan and move up in the Order to save my pride and encourage the other children along, but I could see what they were really doing. There hasn't been a padawan younger than seven in so long I couldn't find a record of it having happened at all. Clearly they thought this was the best way to get me caught up while giving me what looked like a gift.

Gathering my things, I head to the Requisition Office to get a heavy coat. The first step to becoming a padawan was that I had to make a lightsaber, and we could only do that on an icy planet called Illum. I would need the extra warmth from the little bit of information I could find on this 'Gathering' that I was being taken on.

If there is one good thing about this trip, it will be a chance to do what few from my last life ever got a chance to do, and go into space.

—-

Spaceships are not as fun as I was hoping. The quarters are tight, there are crates and objects everywhere, and we don't even get a chance to float around and enjoy bubbles of liquid because the ships have artificial gravity. The only difference between this and a slightly more roomy private jet was that at least in the jet you can watch the scenery pass by. Spaceships only have an outside view in the cockpit and all you can see during hyperspace is a bunch of flashes of light from the stars streaming by.

At least the other children are keeping to themselves and leaving me alone to catch up on my reading. And what a group of children they are, clearly fellow bottom of the barrel candidates. Jedi are, from what we have been taught, supposed to be calm, rational beings in control of their emotions. These children are loud, brash, brats not taking any of this the least bit seriously.

Focusing on the file on my datapad, I began reading through an admiral's account of one of the battles that lead to the end of the New Sith Wars, a ridiculous name considering how long ago said wars were, and the subsequent Ruusan Reformation that limits the size and arrangements of military equipment to this day. Even with the clear bias displayed against the Sith, painting them as diabolical trash willing to eat babies and kick puppies, the admiral's accounts of the battle are thorough and an interesting read on what naval battles in space are like. A slow deliberate dance of battleships trying to gain a positional advantage as the fighters caused distractions and aimed to take out the shielding of the larger ships to give a single decisive blow from one battleship to the other.

Imagining the careful maneuvering to use the gravitational wells of the nearby celestial bodies to help hide the actual trajectory of the torpedoes as the lasers light up the empty space in between, I can see why a group of otakus from my previous life would geek out and get so invested in such scenarios as unrealistic as they were then. Now, however, such battles are a historical fact.

Feeling a jolt I have learned meant leaving or entering hyperspace, I set down my datapad to join the others in the ship's hanger. It was about time for the Gathering.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

The caves of Illum are cold. Not the cold of a fridge. Not the cold of a freezer. Not even the cold of snow covered winter day. No, the caves of Illum are the cold of a planet far from the warm glow of its local star, buried deep into the ice of the surface, and built on the frozen core of a planet only considered alive because it has a breathable atmosphere and the kyber crystals we are looking for are apparently living crystalline lifeforms. The cold had managed to creep through the thick coat I wore and I could feel the chill in my bones.

The task before us was to identify an actual kyber crystal from the ice and the only way to do so was to find the crystal that called out to us. A test of our ability to listen to the Force and hear what it is saying. If not for the proof of such being possible, I would have laughed it off as pseudoscientific sounding religious dribble, but here I am following a path because a feeling not from myself was directing me this way.

Shit! My flashlight just went out. And now I can't see a thing. Ok, calm down. Master Yoda told us there would be trials we would have to face during this and that overcoming them and trusting in the Force were all important to successful completion.

So, look at the problem logically. I cannot see due to my light going out. The solution would be to get a new light. My materials available include a flashlight that stopped working, my clothes, a comm in case of emergencies, and the Force. There are records of Sith creating lightning out of the Force, so it is possible to manifest things out of the Force.

Carefully taking a meditative position to not get closer to the edge of the pit I had been traveling around, I begin to breathe slowly and steadily, focusing on what I need. My hands are cupped in front of me to focus my energy into trying to create a little ball of light. Slowly, as I breathe steadily and stay calm, I can see a small spark of light appear before my confidence takes over and feeds it into a brighter and brighter light.

Looking around, I can see that I had missed a few details of my surroundings with the flashlight's limited spot of illumination. These caves had a beautiful striation of blues and purples mixed within the white of the icy walls. Shaking my head to end that musing, I stood back up to continue my task. It would not do to get distracted and waste too much time when the entrance will freeze over come sundown.

Following the whisper of feeling deeper into the cave, I find myself at a rather perilous spot. I can feel the crystal I have been looking for in the middle of another pit. I can even see it from where I stand, on what looks practically like a pedestal in the middle, practically floating as it sod proud in the middle of a round area, walls smooth with no safe way down and no safe way up.

Gritting my teeth, I can feel my anger rising. This is where my crystal is? If I turn back then I will surely be cast out of the order, a penniless orphan having to make it on the streets. I have not heard of anyone being given a second chance at the Gathering and it was key to getting a major component of the badge of office they Jedi had when dealing with the outside world.

And if I go down there with no plan, then I would die of either starvation or hypothermia. A horrible death either way for its long drawn out nature. At least the train crashing into me was a swift death, even if the moment before death was dragged out by that damnable Being X.

Taking a suffering breath, I push my anger down and focus. Focusing on my breathing and lightly meditating as I thought on this, I could feel a grin begin to form on my lip.

Why would the Jedi be so focused on telekinesis and on body reinforcement when using the Force if they didn't want us to combine the two. Keeping the light going while I did this would be tricky with me having to split my focus, but I could manage.

First I wrap myself in the Force, I can feel it lightly squeezing over my entire body as I want to have a firm hold so I don't slip and can move freely. Then, carefully at first, I lift myself.

This is what I was hoping to feel on the spaceship. Weightlessly floating now to gently move me down into the pit. Careful and slow for now, I can experiment with flying later after I get to safety. With a gentle landing, I reach out and grab my prize, happy that all I needed to do now was find my way back.

Touching the crystal, the world warps around me and I hear a voice that sets the hair on my neck on edge.

—-

After Yoda sent the youngling off into the caves of Illum, he began to meditate to await their return. It always filled his heart with joy to be surrounded with beings filled with as much light as the young and innocent. Watching as they fumble into learning lessons that can only be taught with experience and the understanding slowly dawning on their faces will never get old, the simple joy of leaving ignorance behind for knowledge was a wonderfully precious thing.

The fact there was always one who would rush in and grab a random ice crystal thinking it was a kyber crystal that would work for a lightsaber was also always good for a laugh. Always one patience is the lesson needed.

Settling into meditation, Yoda reached out with his senses to feel the progress each youngling was making. Oh, it would appear some needed a lesson in working with others, a common problem for the young to focus so much on the individual and overlook the group.

Suddenly Yoda was knocked out of his meditation as a large surge in the force occurred.

"Tanya?" Yoda did not notice himself giving name to the one at the center of the surge, focusing more on what it could mean.

In nearly a thousand years of life, Yoda has not felt anything like this. Light and Dark side swirling and mixing and separating, but not fighting, instead dancing in harmony. And then it suddenly cuts out. Standing up, Yoda looks to the Padawan Learner he had brought with him. Anakin Skywalker, here helping with the Gathering while his Master was stuck in the medical center.

"Here you will wait. Investigate disturbance, I will."

Anakin nodded his head in agreement, distracted trying to understand what he had just felt in the Force.

—-

"So we meet again."

"Being X."

"There is no need to take that tone with me, for I am here to give you a boon."

"I don't want it. I want nothing to do with you."

"You seem to be under the impression you have a choice. Conflict is coming and you will be trapped in the middle of it all. If you wish to survive, you will require my help."

"So you once again ignore the wishes of others, failing to understand the nature of a transactional relationship."

"Oh no, I understand perfectly fine. To gain my power, all you will need is to have the kyber crystal I am blessing with you and ask for my help. Eventually, you will choose to pay for my power with True Faith."

"I doubt that will ever happen."

—-

Yoda came to the pit that Tanya had gone down into in record time, and was surprised when she came floating out of it, an ease to flight he had not thought capable of without a skilled pilot in a starship. An ease made clear with her being distracted while looking at the crystal she held in her hand as a little light ball bobbed up and down in front of her.

"Ok, you are?" Yoda asked as he moved closer to the young girl.

"Hm? Oh, Master Yoda. I found my crystal," Tanya answered with distracted air about her, showing him the crystal.

"Hmm, interesting," Yoda said, taking a closer look at the crystal, noting several oddities. First was the size. While kyber crystals could grow to massive sizes, the ones on Illum tended towards the smaller size due to the regular cultivation the Jedi made of them for their lightsabers. The one in Tanya's hand would work in a lightsaber, but if Yoda was any judge it would only just fit as one of the larger crystals usable for such purposes. The second thing Yoda noticed was a colored core to the lightsaber, a gold core deep within the otherwise clear crystal. The crystals of Illum all started off clear due to not being attuned to a Force presence yet. Indeed, the color a crystal turned often said something about the use of the crystal. To find one partially attuned was an interesting mystery.

Possibly one attached to Tanya's rebirth.

"Escort you out, I will," Yoda declared, leading Tanya towards the entrance of the cave.

—-

In the end, all of us near rejects ended up finding crystals and could move onto building our lightsabers. We had access to all the parts we could possibly need in a large variety of materials, a clear sign of the wealth the Jedi had as an organization to have a large variety of super specialized parts that only they could use. The instructions we got were simple and amounted to certain parts had to be used, but the goal was to create something comfortable to use.

The first thought I had was of my favorite pen from my last life, a gift from the company for five years of excellent service and a recent deal I had managed to close before I moved into my role in Human Resources where I spent the last years of my previous life. It was a sleek metal thing well balanced. Primarily it was a dark metal shined to perfection with chrome accents.

With this in mind, the parts I gathered were made from a mix of a zirconium and cobalt alloys for the main portions of the body and a ceramic/carbon fiber composite material for the grip. While I am no designer, I found I do like the aesthetics of the saber I had constructed. And with a flick of my wrist, I found it had a very satisfying spin in my hand while deactivated.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Anakin was curious. He knew that he did not know what was normal in the Jedi, even after five years of being one, due to his late arrival to the temple, but he was fairly sure five year olds going on the Gathering and being in the middle of a huge surge in the force could safely be said to not be normal. And all Yoda would explain was that Tanya had an interesting trial during the Gathering, apparently one that required his presence to help her back out of the cave.

Deciding to gather up his courage and confront her, he began going to the area of the ship's cargo hold she had claimed as her space. He had been by a few times on the trip to Illum to see how she was doing, but all she seemed to want to do was read something on her datapad. Now Anakin was not a fan of reading, finding it difficult, but he could manage. He could even understand the appeal, he liked tinkering with machines to understand how they worked, but there was a limit to how much one could put into a hobby at a time, wasn't there?

Stopping when he saw her, Anakin found that apparently Tanya agreed with him as she was not currently reading. She was meditating in mid air while focusing on a ball of light in her hands. A ball that was changing colors and shapes. Whatever it was that she was doing did not seem to please her though, if the ugly scowl on her face was any indication.

"What are you doing?" Anakin asked, curious about this new Force power his master had not mentioned before.

"Trying to use the force to make a flashlight," Tanya said after she picked herself up off the ground after being startled out of her meditative stance, Anakin having quickly moved to help her up with an apology.

"Why are you doing that?" Anakin asked, not seeing the use when flashlights were easy to come by and their lightsabers could be used as one in a pinch.

"While I was in the cave, my flashlight stopped working, so I made a little ball of light to see with, but being able to direct the beam of light can be useful, but I can't figure out how to get it to go one way."

"Could you maybe reflect the light? Like what they do in flashlights?" Anakin suggested after a moment of thought.

Tanya scrunched her face in thought as she brought up her hand and summoned a ball of light, before creating what looked like a shiny come around it. It worked, directing the beam out of the opening in the cone.

"Hm. Thank you, I think I might have a few ideas for this," Tanya said before facing Anakin and bowing to him.

"Uh, no problem," Anakin said with a bit of nervousness to his voice, unsure how to handle being bowed to. "Hey, could you teach me that floating thing you were doing? I, uh, joined the Jedi late and my Master hasn't taught me that yet."

"Sure. You know how you pick up objects with the force?" Seeing Anakin use the force to pick up her datapad with a raised eyebrow, Tanya nodded. "Well, do that, to yourself. Just wrap yourself in the force and lift. Just don't squeeze too hard or throw yourself too fast until you get comfortable with it."

"That's it?" Anakin asked, surprised at how simple it seemed.

"Yes. Takes a lot of focus, but I am sure with practice it will become easier."

"Ok. Thank you," Anakin said before leaving to go practice, thinking that he would have to ask Master Obi-Wan about why he didn't teach him something so cool if it was so simple to do.

—-

The trip back to the Temple was fairly uneventful, although I did have to hear the other initiates yammer away about the Apprentice Tournament coming up. I wouldn't have to worry about it though, in order to participate you had to pass your initiate trials and have built a lightsaber. Which I have just done.

Shit. I was going to get my ass kicked. Most of the participants will have been training their lightsaber technique for years longer than I have and none of them will have needed to be personally tutored by the Battlemaster to get a decent form. I have to practice. I have to show I can be a good padawan. If I am not chosen as a padawan, then I would either be kicked out of the order or sent to the service corps. If I got kicked out, I would be stuck living on the streets, trying to survive. The service corps was a bit better, I would have a temple funded house, but I would be stuck doing a life of manual labor farming or some other low end job with no hope of a relaxing position.

If I became a padawan, then I could eventually advance to a Master and get an easy job that required little actual work but had enough respect attached to it that I could basically have a working retirement with plenty of down time for whatever I decided to do as a hobby. Like the librarian. Show up, organize a few things, help anyone who needs assistance researching something, and have all the time to read and relax. Not as good as what I might have been able to achieve in my previous life, but a comfortable future for this one and one where my hobbies would be entirely paid for by the Jedi temple with some excuse of it helping to learn about the Force or being for some other research.

Picking up the datapad that I had dropped in realizing my perilous situation, I put it away and grabbed my lightsaber to run through my katas. It wasn't a perfect substitute to sparring as far as getting better at fighting, but maybe if my form was good one of the knights or masters watching would decide I showed enough potential and take me on.

Igniting my blade, I watched as the purple beam slid out from the shiny chrome colored emitter shroud that reminded me so much of the tip of a finely crafted fountain pen. Apparently the color reflected some aspect about the Jedi it became attuned to, but there was no deeper explanation given, so I didn't understand why mine was purple while everyone besides the Battlemaster had green and blue. Apparently there was either something about me that was the same as the Battlemaster or it was due to Being X's meddling.

I chose not to think too deeply on it as I began to move through the steps of the first kata, moving slowly and deliberately as I made sure my feet were aligned appropriately and my hands guided my blade correctly, every step of the kata taken with a slow, careful, nearly meditative breath. Each movement carefully taken so my form was as flawless as I could do it. Then I began the second kata, with the same care, slowly moving through each kata before beginning again at the first and moving a bit more quickly, slowly working my way through the katas, repeating the process faster and faster until I was moving at a reasonable speed for combat.

I spent the entire day like that. And the entire next day, only stopping for meals and sleep.

On the third day, we made it back to the temple and I had to put the training on hold as we went back to our normal lives at the temple, the only difference being a few of us had a little extra weight sitting at our hips and I had a new concern on my mind.

—-

"Ah sister, so good of you to arrive," Depa Billaba said, giving Sar Labooda a light hug.

"How could I stay away when a member of the High Council personally suggests I take a look at this year's batch of padawans to be?" Labooda asked with a wet grin. "Seriously though, you must have some reason for calling me here."

Depa nodded in agreement. "I do. There is an initiate the council thinks you would be a good fit to take on, more I will not say until you have a chance to see the initiates in action."

"There must be something rather special about this initiate if the Council is meddling in their placement.

"There are a few, and we can discuss them if you decide to take them on, but I want to be clear that the Council merely thinks you would be a good choice, we are not going to require you to take her on and will accept another taking her on with no issue."

Accepting her sister's words, Labooda turned towards the ring where the matches would take place in where Battlemaster Cin Drallig stood to begin explaining the tournament format.

"The tournament will be a single elimination one versus one format. The order of the matches had already been chosen and the winner of each match would be the first to three burns on their opponent. Any questions?"

A small blonde human girl wearing robes of dark browns that made her pale complexion look almost ghostly white raised her hand. Being given a chance to speak she asked her question.

"Where is Master Windu? I thought he was going to be here."

"Master Windu is currently busy with his duties as Master of the Order, but he should be by to watch the final rounds of the tournament."

"Oh she knows Master Windu, at such a young age?" Labooda asked, remembering her encounter with Mace Windu at that age. "Must be a story there."

"There is." Depa agreed, giving no additional information.

—-

Master of the Order? The Master of the Order has been helping me with my lightsaber form. I have to win. If I don't win the tournament, then I will embarrass him. He is basically the CEO of the Jedi and no one will respect an employee that embarrasses the CEO. And if I have no respect then I will not be chosen as a padawan and after having embarrassed the CEO the Jedi will not want me working for them at all and will most likely just kick me out to the streets.

Ok, focus. It will be fine. There are 32 of us, so with single elimination I just have to win five rounds. And it is just to three burns each round, so all I have to do is touch my opponent three times with my lightsaber. Simple. Very simple. Just fifteen touches of my lightsaber to people bigger and stronger and more experienced than me. I can do this.

—-

"Ah, the first match of the tournament. Lebit is favored to win the tournament." Depa said, indicating a kiffar boy that was already showing the signs of the strength he would one day possess with better defined muscles than the other children.

"Yet by your tone, he does not seem to be the one you want me to pay attention to." Labooda suggested, beginning to look towards his opponent.

"True, I believe she is scheduled for the last match of the first round, so if they are to face off, it will be in the finals."

Looking around, Labooda's eyes eventually came to land on the young blonde girl who was currently staring down the Rodian girl that was to be her first opponent, rather than watch the match.

"The blonde one?"

Depa nodded. "Young Miss Degurechaff came to the attention of the Council about a year ago and a few of our members had kept a close eye on her since. We expect interesting things in her future, but we believe teaching a light hand in directing her may be for the best."

"Hence why you are trying to get me interested in taking her on instead of actually asking me to do so." Depa's nod was all the confirmation Labooda needed as they turned back to watch the tournament progress.

—-

When it came time for Tanya's first match, she and the Rodian stood opposite each other in their ready stances, the green bladed training sabers activated and humming in hand as they waited for the match to start.

With the start, Tanya made the first move, quickly going in to close the distance. The Rodian gave a smirk as she trusted into what looked like a large opening in Tanya's form, the smirk disappearing quickly as Tanya deflected the thrust down and out of the way before countering with a thrust of her own before sweeping the blade into the older girl's leg, tripping her up. Tanya followed the larger girl to the ground, reversing her grip on her saber to stab where the Rodian's heart would reside with a downward plunge, before quickly getting up and with a swipe, tagging the Rodian girl for the third and final time in the neck.

It was the shortest match of the round, taking barely five seconds from the start to the end. Tanya turned off her training saber and helped her opponent up before the two bowed to each other, the larger girl's face stuck in a daze as she tried to come to grips with how quickly she lost while Tanya turned her attention to her next opponent, ignoring the way all eyes seemed drawn to her and the sudden increase in tension in the room from the other fifteen remaining combatants.

—-

"That was not Shii Cho." Lambooda said after a moment, looking to her sister.

"No it wasn't."

"Mind explaining what that was? Because that looked suspiciously like Form Seven."

"That would be because it was Form Seven."

Lambooda gave her sister a very unimpressed look.

"Specifically, that was her showing her abilities in using the Vaapad variant Master Windu has been teaching her."

"She knows Vaapad? What else are you not telling me sister? Why does she know Vaapad? Why the interest from the Council."

"Later, my dear sister, the tournament is still going on."

Labooda just gave a nod, letting the topic drop. For now.

—-

The rest of Tanya's matches went similarly to the first, with the remaining initiates paying increasing attention to her moves, trying to see something they could do. By the semi-finals, her opponent was shaking in his boots, unsure what to do against her. Trying his best, he managed to withstand her onslaught for the longest so far, at fifteen seconds.

Then it was the finals. Lebit vs. Tanya. Lebit was focused, calm, and ready. He showed no nervousness at facing the one who had gone through all her opponents like little more than wet flimsies.

Tanya stood ready, a determined look on her face, ready for this final match.

The match began Lebit in a defensive stance taking on Tanya's assault and reflecting her blows before countering, Tanya parrying the counter before giving her own riposte.

Lebit was showing that Tanya was not the only one with knowledge of a style besides Form One, utilizing his own defensive Form Three to counter Tanya's aggressive Form Seven.

—-

"I'll take her on as my padawan." Labooda decides out loud, not needing to see how the final match plays out.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Meditation is an important part of the Jedi religion. It helped the members keep to one of the core tenets of emotional control while also helping the indoctrination become a core part of the members' beliefs. It was also a great way to relieve stress from worry and focus the mind, making utilizing the force far easier. If not for the litany of benefits that meditation was documented to actually have from my past life, I might have been a bit more skeptical of the Jedi's insistence on regular meditation on just about every topic for every reason.

As it was, I mostly just found it a little excessive. There was no need to spend quite so much time meditating to receive the benefits, but I was not going to complain about being allowed to sit around and do basically nothing. Although, right now my meditation was to calm my nerves for the upcoming meeting I was about to have with Master Mace Windu.

After being informed he was Master of the Order and not the Battlemaster like I had thought, I sat down to look over who had what positions on the High Council and a few other important roles in the order. I hadn't done it prior because I was an initiate, basically I had an entry level position in the order with a long probationary period as I went through the training course and learned my job responsibilities. That was as far from the CEO as one could get. Or so I had thought.

I had not taken into account the Jedi community focus where everyone in the order was considered important and worth helping and that they take it seriously. To the point even the CEO will help out a low level employee learn the basics of lightsaber combat.

Having rectified the issue and memorized each person on the board of directors, so to speak, would help me when I inevitably ran across their paths.

Now I just needed to calm myself down for the meeting I was about to have. I must have disappointed Master Windu so badly because when he had sent the message about the time of our meeting, he mentioned it was going to be for our last training session for some time. I had tried so hard in that last match, but my opponent was too skilled in defending against my strikes, never leaving much of an opening for me to take advantage of. I just could not manage to beat him and win the tournament.

Hearing the door to the training hall open, I look up to see the grim visage of Master Windu as he steps in. Steeling my nerves, I prepare myself to apologize for failing to live up to his tutorage.

—-

Sar Labooda was a careful Jedi who found that researching a problem before facing it would often result in being able to come up with novel methods of solving the problem. Her current problem was how to handle and train her new padawan, which required looking up as many of the records that she could of said padawan.

There were very few records, Tanya being the youngest padawan in decades, but what was there was very illuminating to Labooda.

Tanya was born on Coruscant to a waitress and speeder bike mechanic. The pair were having financial difficulties at the time and instead of wanting to spend as much time as they could with the newly born child, they turned her over to the temple for the promise that the temple would take good care of her. Not that the Jedi would do otherwise, every sentient life was precious and worth protecting, but parents often are irrationally emotional about such things.

It was noted in her file that Tanya was a rather fussy baby for a long while before slowly settling down into a very quiet toddler. So far, nothing too out of the ordinary, but it was beginning at the time she could walk on her own that an increasing number of irregularities began to show. A thirst for reading, particularly historical and economic related literature, a shyness around her creche mates uncharacteristic of most children around those they literally had been growing up around since practically birth. And then there is her schoolwork, always highest marks in academic and physical areas while her emotional development was, not stunted but highly irregular. She could identify emotions and even had very impressive control over her emotions, but her ability to identify the causes of different emotional states seemed to be a chance cube's throw on whether she would get it correct.

All the other younglings her age at least got the answer correct at least three quarters of the time, but Tanya could just manage half the time. To add to this, Tanya seemed entirely incapable of actually sensing emotions. No, she relied entirely on body language and facial expressions. Her capabilities in using the Force were on par with her fellow creche mates, although her application in those abilities tended towards more creative approaches, and she could certainly sense the Force, but when it came to actually understanding what others were feeling, she was going off entirely what she could observe with her more mundane senses.

Labooda began to suspect that Tanya had a non-standard connection to the Force, a handicap that would have to be worked around. Making a note for herself later, she decided it might be best to work on Tanya's strengths for now and work in moments to help her with her practically civilian understanding of the people that surround her. She may never be able to reach a true mastery of being able to feel the emotions people try to hide so hard with a brave face and bland comments, but she should be able to see through such masks and be able to tell something is off about the situation.

Sar Labooda went back to her research to look over the saved copies of Tanya's school work, and she could tell that one of her eyebrows were raised. Having read through a number of civilian reports in her time researching for missions and reports, Labooda could confidently state that what Tanya had turned in was equivalent to University Graduate. One that finished school by working hard over having spent their parent's money to make it through. The diction was articulate, but clear. The prose was concise, yet illustrative of the point. And every single one has a number of citations for any facts given, with very precise location information within the work being cited.

Knight Labooda was very interested in the coming meeting to formally meet and be introduced to her new padawan; the explanations she was promised from the Council should prove most compelling.

—-

Master Windu was not one to enjoy spending time in the company of children. This was due to the expectations children often have on adults, the expectation of being played with and entertained and every question answered. Telling an adult no when they are being a bother was often an easy thing to do, but children were far trickier, with their begging eyes and often not willing to accept no as answer. When adults didn't accept no, Windu could smack them around a little or use a little mind trick on them and be on his way depending on how he felt at the moment. When it came to children, smacking them around was heavily frowned on by nearly every society that exists and children often had unusually strong wills that required more power to use. And even then, children could still prove oddly stubborn.

This leads to his lack of excitement for when he volunteered to train Tanya initially. His vows to help others would always override his personal discomfort in dealing with others and Tanya needed the help. Her anger and frustration was frequent and while she could keep it under control, the strength of the emotions worried Windu and he felt the best bet was to give her a way to direct at least some of it out of her to reduce the amount she needed to control and release into the Force. It was a fine line using your emotions and staying within the light side of the Force, but during their discussions while training Mace became increasingly sure Tanya would not fall, power not being a true desire.

No, she seemed to want two things and was concerned about how to achieve it and all Windu could do was help her on her path. The first of safety was easy enough to achieve, with training she would be able to protect herself and those around her. The second was trickier because it was not a problem with training or access, it was a problem with her perception. How does one get someone to realize they were already a part of and an accepted part of a community when they are blind to the openness of those around her?

Clearing his emotions, Mace Windu prepared himself for his final Vaapad lesson. Possibly the last of his life, the number of candidates he felt capable of learning the style, utilizing it effectively, and not falling to the dark side being so few it seemed more like a rounding error than an actual number.

Stepping into the training room, Mace Windu felt an oncoming headache forming as he saw Tanya practically prostrate herself in front of him.

"I am sorry Master Windu."

What has she done? Why would she be apologizing to him? Children took the strangest things so seriously, what could it be?

"All is fine. Perhaps before we begin, we should discuss what concerns you so, first."

Master Windu sat down in a relaxed position on the floor as Tanya sat upright.

"I embarrassed you after you have spent so much time helping me learn how to use a lightsaber."

"And what was the point of embarrassment that you caused?"

"I could not defeat my opponent in the tournament."

Just a problem with what she believed was expected of her.

"Lebit was the expected winner of the tournament. He was the most advanced student in lightsaber combat of his generation, the most physically fit and besides you, the only one to have begun learning a second form. That you managed to pierce through his Form Three to draw the match is rather impressive."

"Form Three?"

Mace Windu looked at the young girl in front of him and felt the headache form. She was so young that there was still so much she needed to learn. And if the precise time period they suspected she was reincarnated from is correct, there might have only been one form of lightsaber combat.

"Yes. Form Three, Soresu. It is a very defensive focused form that requires a great deal of stamina. The variant of Form Seven, Vaapad, is a highly offensive and aggressive focused form that also requires a great deal of stamina. That you managed to defeat all your previous opponents so swiftly actually gave you an advantage going into the finals from having exerted yourself so much less. Lebit's matches had lasted longer and while he won his matches, he paid for it through his exertion.

"If you had faced him in the first match, he would have likely won, Soresu being probably the best counter to Vaapad."

"So you are not upset because you did not expect me to win?"

"Yes. Now, let us get onto our lesson. Today I will be teaching you the final kata and then you will be meeting your new Master, young Padawan."

"Yes Master Windu."

The two stood up and took their starting positions, their purple blade igniting as Mace Windu began running them through the kata slowly, making slight corrections as necessary.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

The Jedi Temple was a massive structure, practically a city unto itself in the form of a single building. A palace built on top of and surrounding a mountain peak, and housing all current Jedi within its walls, even if most Jedi tended to be away from the temple at any given time. Within its expansive halls were several methods of transporting quickly from one side of the structure to another, though most Jedi chose to take a much more leisurely stroll through its halls if there was not a pressing need.

The Jedi Order has several traditions when it comes to initiates moving onto padawans. These traditions mostly amounted to paperwork that had to be filled out at the Tower of First Knowledge and a quick meeting with the Council of First Knowledge to congratulate the new padawan on their promotion and to give them well wishes for their future endeavors. For most initiates and padawans, this would be their only meeting with the Council of First Knowledge until they became a Knight themselves and might choose to work with the Council in training the initiates.

After this, the padawan was informed on where they were to meet their new Master, often being informed by Grand Master Yoda due to a personal interest of the Grand Master in meeting and congratulating each padawan himself, occasionally giving some advice.

For Tanya, it was Mace Windu who personally escorted her to the meeting with her Master, from one corner spire to another to an unusual first meeting.

Sar Labooda was already standing in the middle of the council chamber when Master Windu and Padawan Degurechaff came in, the other members of the High Council already in their seats. Tanya took her place beside Labooda as the doors closed behind her.

"We do not like to involve ourselves too much in the first meeting between a padawan and their master, but there is certain information we feel it is important for the two of you to know," Master Windu began before passing the explanation onto Ki-Adi-Mundi.

"It has come to our attention some time ago that there are special circumstances surrounding Padawan Degurechaff. Circumstances that could impact her training under Knight Labooda," Ki-Adi-Mundi began, Tanya's face carefully maintaining a blank facade while Sar Labooda gave off a sense of peace.

"First life, this is not. Young body, old soul."

Tanya's emotions became a boiling mess that was difficult to read with how quickly she shifted emotions, but confusion was the one coming to the most.

"From our observations, you have reincarnated from the ancient Je'daii Order."

"Je'daii?" Tanya asked, only hearing a slight difference in the pronunciation.

"Yes, the predecessors to our own Jedi Order. We do not know if you can remember any of your previous life from that time period, but we believe that your spirit remembers the techniques used from that time," Mace Windu explained. "We look forward to seeing what you can recall from your previous life."

After a moment, Tanya gave a bow. "I will not let you down."

Sar Labooda gave her own bow. "I will help guide her on her journey."

With that the Master guided her new padawan out of the council to their new quarters.

—-

Sar Labooda guided her young padawan to the residential area of the Temple in silence. The trip included a single stop by requisitions for some decorative beads.

The pair did not speak during the walk, both in thought on the revelations made in the High Council chamber and neither sure how to open up a dialogue yet to discuss the situation. The residential area was located fairly deep into the structure of the temple, about halfway towards the center, and the apartments reminded Tanya heavily of her previous life and the apartments she had lived in. Small, efficient places that due to size constraints encouraged a more efficient and minimalistic style of living.

The apartment the two were going to be sharing entered into a small living room area with a couch and chair on an area rug, a door to the one bathroom, two doors leading to the pair of bedrooms just big enough for a bed each and a little desk with a chair, and off to one side of the living area was a little kitchen nook. There were no windows and if not for the soft tans and browns of the decorations it might feel a bit like a prison. As it was, it just felt cozy with the easy access to the rest of the temple.

"Let's get your padawan braid started," Sar Labooda said, sitting on the couch and indicating for Tanya to join her. Tanya gave a nod and sat on the couch as well.

Tanya's hair was of a modest length, hanging only to her jaw line. Plenty of length for the rat tail braid that Labooda began putting in just behind Tanya's right was, putting in a few beads to make the braid more noticeable and interesting to look at, but not so many it would be distracting.

"Why don't you go ahead and get settled in for the day. Have you had a chance to leave the temple as an initiate?" Labooda asked after finishing off the braid.

"No. We never got a chance to leave the temple." Tanya answered easily.

"Then we'll begin tomorrow with a trip around Coruscant. Get you around some normal people to see and experience a bit of their lives." Labooda decided, Tanya nodding along and agreeing with her master's decision.

—-

The following morning Sar Labooda woke to the smell of brewing caff. Getting dressed quickly, she heads to the kitchen area to see what was causing the smell only to be surprised to see Tanya floating in mid air as she was looking for a mug to put the brewing caff in.

Taking a moment to observe her new padawan, Labooda noticed the flight, while impressive, was sluggish and the movements jerky.

"You know, drinking that is not good for you," Labooda commented with a raised eyebrow, only to get a grunt in reply. Hiding her laugh at the revelation that her padawan was not a morning person, Labooda decided to needle her a bit to develop a comfortable relationship. "It is going to stunt your growth. You are barely going to be taller than Master Yoda."

Getting a glare, Labooda couldn't hold her laughter in any longer and let a few chuckles out before grabbing a mug of caff herself. Freshly brewed, but not of amazing quality. Acceptable to start the day.

Setting the mug down, Labooda went to start a simple breakfast. Just taking a stove top cooker, adding in some grain with a bit of dried vegetables and water and setting it to cook.

Looking towards the living room, Labooda felt a smile form on her lips as she saw Tanya sitting in the chair, nursing her coffee. They would need to set up a chore schedule to avoid their space becoming a mess, but Labooda was alright letting the young girl take it easy for now.

When the cooker went off, announcing that cooking was done, Labooda separated out the meal into a pair of bowls and set one in front of Tanya on the little caff table while she took her place on the couch.

The pair ate the meal in silence, Tanya still waking up while Labooda was enjoying the peaceful moment.

"Where are we going first, Master," Tanya asked, sounding like she was testing the word out as she got used to the new dynamic.

"I was thinking of going to the market and we can try to find a few things to stock the pantry with besides the standard fair," Labooda answered before giving a mischievous smile. "I find the temple's offerings a bit bland."

Tanya gave a simple nod before pecking away at her food as she continued to wake up.

—-

I was happy that our first outing was to the market. Master Labooda was right that the temple's meals were a bit bland. Designed to be nutritious, but lacking the flavor to make it enjoyable to eat.

The market she took me to was an open air affair with a bunch of little stalls hawking their wares for our perusal. Going through was an interesting experience as I could not identify most of what was available and the little I could I did not trust to taste anything like I would expect. Thankfully more than a few allowed us to try small samples, helping me realize something about this new body.

I had a massive sweet tooth. All of the sweet things made me want more sweets, while most of the other flavors did not interest my palate nearly as much. We did find a few things that would be somewhat healthy and I found to be somewhat pleasing.

Another thing I learned about my palate was that I no longer seemed to enjoy spicy hot foods. That was a bit upsetting for me considering that it was a bit of a pleasure in my last life to occasionally indulge in the heat, to feel the burn on my tongue.

That would have to be something I would need to rectify over time, if for no other reason so I could see someone else crying from the heat that I used to enjoy.

We spent the entire day slowly exploring the little market, meeting all sorts of alien species and robots. Although I suppose it would be more appropriate to call them droids as they do here. Not entirely sure of the difference, but it might be a good idea to look it up to avoid any confusion or possibly insulting someone or something. Later.

For now, I believe I will just prepare for bed, capping off a long day of shopping. At least it wasn't for clothes.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

"Your meditation has gotten much better," Obi-Wan told his floating padawan. They had a very interesting discussion when Obi-Wan first saw Anakin practicing holding himself up in midair, but after a very honest admittance that Obi-Wan did not actually know how to do it and that he would teach Anakin any technique he did know, the pair seemed to have gotten a bit closer.

"Thank you Master," Anakin responded with a smile. "What are we going to be doing today?"

"I just got another mission from the Council that I will have to go on."

A frown crossed Anakin's face and a tinge of sadness crossed the Force connection between the two before Anakin could stop it.

"So you will be packing your bag. Prepare for cold weather, we leave after lunch." A smug smirk was on the Master's lips as the Padawan opened his eyes to give an unamused glare.

With a small motion, Anakin sent a pillow flying to hit Obi-Wan in the head. "That is not nice Master, making me think you were leaving me behind again."

Obi-Wan just gave a laugh as he stood up from his meditative posture to start on a light breakfast for the pair of them.

—-

Becoming a Padawan reminded me in some ways of going to college and moving into an apartment with a roommate. Except my roommate was my tutor and generally the one who decided what we were going to do. Master Labooda did give me a lot of freedom to pursue my interests, but I could tell she was also making sure I followed a specific curriculum to a certain degree.

She wasn't even trying to hide it, giving me regular tests and making notes on a datapad that she regularly checked over before doing a lesson. It was likely her making sure I got all the lessons I would be missing from being made a padawan so young.

The revelation that the High Council already knew about my status of being reincarnated was worrisome, especially their thought that I was from a long time ago in their history instead of from an entirely separate universe. Thankfully I was able to spend the last month in the free time Master Labooda provided me looking up what I could about the precursor order to the Jedi Order. This Je'daii was one of, possibly the first, to have a structured intragalactic presence of Force users. At some point long ago, a group of dark force users split off from the main order and became the Sith while the remaining chose to focus heavily on the light side and became the Jedi.

Basically, a religious schism happened and there were thousands of years of crusades between the two orders that left many dead and various worlds ruined.

The specifics of the Je'daii order seemed to have mostly been lost, so I was going to have to focus more on the more modern legends of what Jedi could do to create 'lost' techniques that the High Council was expecting me to recall.

While working on that, I also did a much deeper dive into the various councils and found some interesting information. Nepotism is rife in the order when it comes to getting high positions of authority. Just about every member of each of the councils is made up of either the padawan of a previous member, someone in the padawan line of a previous member, or is directly related to someone already on the council.

This was good for me. Very good. The Master of the Order had taught me his personal fighting style, one of his padawans is currently in the High Council and is the sister of my Master. I have a good in. And I know an excellent networking opportunity for the future. One that should further set me on the path of an early and relaxing 'assignment' to a tropical beach planet. For 'research' and 'unlocking' my memories.

Anakin is apparently the chosen one, some prophecy about restoring the balance to the Force, and is the padawan to Obi-Wan 'Sith-Slayer' Kenobi, an excellent pedigree already. To add to that, Obi-Wan was the padawan to Qui-Gon Jinn who was offered a position on the council before his death at the hands of the Sith Obi-Wan killed, making Obi-Wan the one who avenge the death of a prospective council member. And Qui-Gon was trained by Dooku who had sat on the council and was trained by the Grand Master of the Order, Master Yoda.

So, if I get closer to Anakin, I should be able to leverage that in the future as an extra form of 'connection'. Having already helped him with the levitation trick should get me an in, especially if I just so happen to see him and just so happen to decide to check how he is coming along with it.

That would have to wait for now though. I have no reason to know his schedule and we are not currently close enough to warrant me randomly dropping by. The limited space that Jedi typically congregate would have to do for meeting up with him again.

For now, I needed to focus on recalling every detail about Star Wars I could from my previous life. An unfortunately short list.

Darth Vader is dangerous and should be avoided if possible.
The Death Star can destroy planets.
Darth Vader is the father of Skywalker.
Skywalker's first name is Larry? Lars? Duke? Been too long.
Anakin Skywalker might be related to Vader's son. Need to find out if he has any siblings.

I was never a big fan of science fiction and only saw the first movie when I was young. It was a very well made cinematic film, but I preferred more historical war movies. And maybe I would occasionally go see a comedy, but such silly guilty pleasures would not help me now.

In fact, even fantasy movies would have provided me a great deal of help in figuring out Force techniques, considering how much the Force matches up to magic.

Actually, I might be able to use my limited memory of some common magic spells from the anime and manga I enjoyed as a child to come up with something. Be a little tricky considering the elemental nature most magic spells align to, but the Sith were said to have used the force to produce lightning, so fire, water, earth, and air should be doable as well. I would just have to be creative in my approach.

Organizing my notes, I prepared a potential list of some tricks that should be easy to create using my current abilities. It would take time and practice, but I should be able to keep the High Council happy with me.

—-

Obi-Wan was glad to be able to take his padawan on this mission. He had been so busy with missions requesting him specifically that he felt they were drifting apart. The lack of time able to train his young protege also weighed heavily on his mind too, making Obi-Wan feel like he was failing as a Master. He couldn't show his concern though, he had to keep a brave face for Anakin.

He had to keep a steady and calm presence for the Order, he was the vaunted Sith-Slayer, a title he had not strived for, but one that came with a burden of adoration and being an example for all the younger padawans and initiates to look to. Not just his one padawan. If it was just Anakin, he could show weakness. He could be imperfect. He could be human. But with all these extra eyes on him, it was his duty to be the perfect Jedi. To never show weakness. To never give into his desires.

To never turn down an assignment, especially one requesting him specifically. Who knew beating one Dark Side user would make him so famous, so popular, so tired.

It was this tiredness and a desire to spoil his padawan in a small way that led to Obi-Wan letting Anakin fly their ship.

Flying being a generous term currently as their engines had been shot out and they were rapidly approaching the ground.

The hostile pirates blockading the planet was not in the initial report. Neither was the fact they had set up a base of operations.

"There!" Obi-Wan yelled, pointing to an open area near the pirate fortress.

"On it," Anakin said with a cocky grin as managed to direct the falling ship to the indicated area.

The crash was rough, but the pair survived with only minor bumps and bruises, the trail of the ship carving up a path in the snow surrounding the fortress up to the side the ship had come to a stop at.

"Here," Obi-Wan tossed a commlink to Anakin as the pair put on their warmer robes. "We need to get a new ship and get out of here."

"What about the mission, Master?"

"Parameters have changed. Pray they don't change any further."

—-

Labooda was unsure whether or not she should be impressed by Tanya's skills with a lightsaber. On the one hand, the younger girl was only five and showing comparable skill to a padawan of several years. On the other, she apparently has learned many things over a previous lifetime and was subconsciously drawing on that experience.

Deciding that she would have no experience with Vaapad specifically, Labooda chose to be impressed. If Tanya keeps up her training, Labooda will quickly be losing their sparring matches regularly. Labooda was fine with this as she had never been particularly interested in lightsaber combat, having always preferred more academic pursuits and practicing her Force techniques. Things Tanya also pursued with a wonderfully refreshing vigor, even if the topics she preferred researching did not always match the same ones that tended to catch Labooda's eye.

Their regular discussions were refreshing and invigorating for the older woman, until she had to go back to the curriculum the Council of First Knowledge and the EduCorps recommended a youngling to learn. Having to follow a specific schedule of education was effective, but stifling the tangent that the pair would travel down in their research and combined pursuit of more knowledge.

When Tanya was ready for her trials and became the Knight she was sure to be, Labooda was going to suggest she look into working with or even joining the EduCorps, Labooda was sure her padawan would be happy and flourish in such a setting.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

"Slower. Think how to apply the katas Master Windu taught you and strike with deliberation," Master Labooda told me as I started getting too excited in our sparring match. Although spar might be a bit generous. We were going through the motions of a spar at a slow pace to practice strikes and blocks while being given the chance to think of what the best move would be.

"Good. That is a better pace," Labooda acknowledged as I adjusted my pace to better match hers.

This method of sparring was apparently something known as moving meditation. A way to sink deep into the Force while continuously moving. Most children found it an easier way to get into a meditative trance over the classic sitting still method and it was a valuable skill for a Jedi to have because it allowed one to listen to Force more easily in combat. I found I preferred the traditional sit in one place and clear the mind approach, but if my Master insisted I had to become proficient in moving meditation, I would just have to practice it until I could sink into a meditation at a moment's notice.

"Good. And stop," Master Labooda said before we began to do our cool down stretches. While not physically challenging, I was put in mind of the couple of times I had done yoga in my previous life. Yoga, despite how slow and simple it looked, was a very thorough work out. Controlling one's movements so carefully during a spar also proved surprisingly good at warming up the body and working out all sorts of muscles I had not thought about.

Thankfully, I had a young body that will recover quickly from any abuse I put it through. Far better than my previous body before I died, which was just beginning to stiffen up and it was starting to get harder to get out of bed. I had not even realized how much aging was affecting me until I began to notice how much more energy I now have and how flexible my body is. I'll have to remember to take better care of myself in this life to stave off that uncomfortable stiffening from creeping up on me.

"Alright, let's practice your Force abilities," Labooda said as she pulled out a Sabacc deck. I groaned internally as I sat on nothing in the middle of the air, a comforting pressure like a second skin coming to me. The practice Labooda put me through was an interesting mix of dividing my focus while listening to the Force.

I would keep myself in place in the air while moving objects around the room while leaving an illusion in its original spot. All this while I had to guess the value of the card she drew. It was the last one I was having issues with, I could not get a good read off Labooda's mind when she gave me a second chance after actually drawing a card.

The illusions I left behind were getting better, although they started getting a bit vague and blurry as I created more. At first I would just leave a glowing light at the spot, but as we continued to practice I began to copy the items.

Labooda seemed disappointed that I could not perform any sort of telepathic ability with any regulatory, when all other Jedi were capable of doing such readings with a fair degree of success.

Aside from the frustration at the telepathic part of the exercise, the training was enjoyable and I could see how I could use these techniques in several situations. The exercise only takes a few minutes to get through before we are done and heading back to our apartment to wash up and have lunch. Today we were going to have some white grain that reminded me so much of rice, with some steamed vegetables and a protein rich fruit that when grilled and basted in a dark sweet sauce reminded me of grilled eel. A simple meal, but one that gave me such a pleasant, nostalgic feeling for my previous life.

Japanese style dishes, despite no Japan existing, were surprisingly easy to either recreate or find a close approximation. There was even a soup stall some distance away that served a noodle soup so close to ramen that it made me look forward to the scheduled rain shower days just to go there. Nothing better for a rainy day, especially after a good day at work, than a nice warm bowl of ramen.

After lunch, we were going to meet up with some senatorial contacts that Master Labooda knew. The Jedi regularly worked alongside and under the direction of the senate to investigate and negotiate a variety of situations around the Galaxy, so having a connection to some senators was considered important for Jedi to have in order to better keep tabs on the happenings around the Galaxy.

At least, that was the spoken reason. It didn't take much to realize that what was really going on was a religious organization keeping a degree of soft power going and ready to use over the politicians in control of the government. An ancient tactic utilized in nearly every society and still common both at the time of my previous life's death and in this new existence. And if I was to be a part of such a corrupt system of religion hovering over and able to control the politicians, then it would be a good idea to play my role well.

—-

Anakin was crawling along the ceiling of the fortress, keeping to the sides and the shadows. Tanya's technique of floating was proving incredibly useful for stealth as he slowly made his way to the security station in order to lower the blast doors of the ship dock.

Arriving outside the door, he looks around to find no pirates. Dropping down, he opens the door and gives a smile at his good luck. These pirates had left no one to man the cameras or the controls. Quickly going to the console, Anakin begins to work his stuff to open the blast doors. Turning, Anakin spots a datapad sitting on a nearby console and grabs it before heading out.

"Master, I found the security room, the blast doors are now open, I'll meet you at their ships," Anakin says into his comlink.

"Good job Anakin. I'll see you there shortly," Obi-Wan responds, sounds of blaster fire coming through his end of the link.

—-

The meeting with the senators was held at a bar. My Master was taking a five year old into a bar to meet grown men. A bar that screamed sleazy activities occurs there, with bright neon signs and rough, well worn furniture.

A bar that had a pole built into the bar on one side that had a pair of Twi'lek women dancing around it. Due to my physical age, I was only able to give a critical evaluation of the pair. They were physically fit with appropriately sized curves to be considered arousing in general according to societal norms of my last life, their smooth skin looked slick and glistening and their head tails, lekku as they were known as, trailed down to their mid backs. They were both in brightly colored bikinis that gave only a modicum of modesty and on their foreheads they had on headpieces that matched their bikinis.

We were meeting senators in a strip club. I look to my Master and raise my eyebrow at her, feeling incredulous at her audacity to take a five year old here. I may have memories of a previous life, but that does not change the physical age and as far as Master Labooda knows I only have memories from this life.

"You are taking a kid there?"

Labooda folds her arms and gives me a look with a raised eyebrow. "You are hardly a child mentally. I am sure you will be fine."

Shrugging, I followed her in and to a table where a fat blue skinned Twi'lek and a slick looking human that reminded me a great deal of a sleazy Casanova, biker type.

"Ah, Jedi Labooda, so good to see you," the blue Twi'lek said, setting his utensil down next to the meal he was eating and got up to greet my Master with a grand gesture. "And this must be your padawan, I am Orn Free Taa, senator to Ryloth."

While fat and slovenly looking, Senator Orn was at least very polite with excellent manners.

"Name's Garm Iblis, senator from Corellia," the human greeted with a lot of his glass. A rather American greeting, give name and position with a very casual and relaxed manner. No formality at all.

"A pleasure to meet you both," I say with an appropriate bow to men in such positions.

"None of that now, we aren't here for any official business. Just a few old friends meeting up for a few drinks and to catch up on old times," Senator Iblis said, waving me off.

"Thank you for taking some time to meet with me and my padawan," Labooda said as she sat down, leaving me to take the last spot with a very good view of the stage.

"Liking what you see?" Senator Iblis asked with a laugh, making me realize I was staring at the dancers. I was never one who spent much time going to such establishments in my last life, finding it a ridiculous waste of time.

"I'm sorry, I just was not expecting to be meeting up with such august persons as yourselves in a place such as this," I respond, trying to keep the embarrassment from showing on my face.

Senator Orn gave a tsking noise as he ate his meal. "I find that I need to keep tabs with the Twi'lek slaves that end up coming to establishments like this and make sure they are at least being treated well."

"Slaves?" I could tell my voice was hissing as I said it. "Is slavery not illegal within the republic."

It would appear I had touched an old topic as the three older people sitting at the table looked at each other with varying looks.

"You set this up didn't you," Senator Iblis said, pointing his drink at Master Labooda.

"You chose the location," she answered with a small smile.

Senator Orn heaved a heavy sigh and looked at me. "You are technically correct, but the situation is rather more complicated than that." Indicating the pair dancing on the bar, he continued, "these two sold themselves into slavery in order to help their families back on Ryloth pay off certain debts owed to some rather unsavory individuals. Frankly, their lives are actually better than they might have been had they stayed. You see, Ryloth is far from these core worlds where the laws can be more strictly enforced and Ryloth is a rather poor planet. The only things we have to export are spice, and our own people."

Santos Orn gave the pair the first lingering look I noticed him give them since arriving. "I wish there was more I could do, but Republic does not have the resources to send to stamp out the slave trade so far away, and with Hutt space allowing slavery freely, certain diplomatic considerations have to be made to establishments owned by Hutt enterprises."

"It is horrible," I could hear myself say as I stared at the Twi'lek slave dancers. "Taking people out of the economy, weakening the flow of money through the system while removing their incentives to perform well."

With the new information, I could notice some signs I had glossed over previously in my surprise at being in such a place. "They are faking their joy rather obviously. Their smiles are not reaching their eyes, and their dancing is sluggish and repetitive. No creativity or excitement in their movements. Free women working in an environment where they are rewarded for better performance would be more interesting to watch."

It took a moment, but a laugh broke out from the Corellian senator. "Sar said you were a smart one, but she never mentioned you were one to find such interesting problems with something most people say is a moral or ethical problem."

Looking at the man with a raised eyebrow, I couldn't help but feel a smile begin tugging at my lips. The joy of an academic debate present. "Morals tend to be built by what society deems important and ethics are how the society works to achieve those morals. Thus a society that values slavery would find owning another sentient a moral action and it is ethics that would determine how the slaves are to be treated. No, to end something as despicable as slavery, other considerations must be made to make it as unviable as possible, removing all incentives that makes slavery an attractive prospect for slavers to pursue."

"If you can come up with such a situation, I would be happy to work with you to enact it to help my beloved one," Senator Orn said, a small smile on his lips nearly hidden by his cheek fat.

Firming up my resolve, I give a nod. "I will." I could not let something so counter to a proper free market as forced labor continue existing.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Garm Iblis enjoyed a slow trip back to his apartment on Coruscant. His eyes had long since gotten used to the sight of the Republic Capital as he gazed off into the distance, his mind instead focused on the conversation with the Jedi Apprentice, or whatever the relationship was between a Padawan and their Master. There was no doubt that Garm would be hearing from her again and he felt it would do well to keep tabs on her progress, it was always a useful tool to have a friendship with a Jedi or two.

Although that friendship also came with certain risks as a large number of citizens did not trust such an isolationist order that felt the need to involve themselves into a number of situations, Garm felt that Corellia was full of people that were mostly either positive or had no real opinion on the Jedi.

Padawan Degurechaff would prove a very valuable ally if she did come up with a plan to help a large number of people avoid or get out of slavery, something Garm could sign up with and show off to his constituents as a move towards leaving an evil institution that was prominent not long ago in Corellia's own past. Although, not by name, several corporations had taken control of several key industries and enacted practices that were slavery in everything but name. It had taken a lot of effort and regulation to give the workers fair wages and safe working conditions and the scars were still being felt two generations later. Old graffiti was still scrawled on some of the old converted warehouses that now exist as barracks for ship dock workers. Graffiti that spoke of and reminded the workers of how only a few decades ago corporate money had turn free men into slaves. Graffiti that the workers protected to remind the companies they worked for that they will not stand for greed over lives. That lives are more important than profit.

With a sigh, Garm shook himself out of his thoughts and straightened himself up as he arrived at his Coruscant apartment and his wife. Their marriage was one of politics and any affection or attraction they might have had for each other had died out a long time ago, but a divorce would ruin both of their careers far more than any apparent unfaithfulness they might have indulged in.

Entering into the residence, Garm went through the motions of calling out to his wife, taking off his jacket and shoes, and heading to the dining table for dinner their protocol droid would have prepared.

"Gavid called," Garm's wife said in an uninterested tone. "He is still seeing that Mirialan hussy."

"Oh, well I hope he is enjoying himself," Garm replied, not bothering to deal with his wife's racism. She was far to set in her ways and was too strong a supporter of the humanity first movement to change her tone. "You remember Sar Labooda?"

"The Jedi?" Drinna confirmed, a bit of heat in her tone of voice.

"Yes. She is training a Padawan now."

"Is she at least training a decent person?"

"Possibly. Near human at least. Padawan Tanya looks like she is maybe a four or five year old human, but I don't think Padawans begin training with a master until they are a teenager, so probably either a slow aging species or one that happens to look like children."

The scowl on Drinna's face said exactly what she thought about that information.

"I'll be having some friends over tomorrow, so you can go do whoever you want," she said, changing the subject.

"I think I know some people that can keep me occupied and warm." Garm replied, making a few plans. He had been spending a bit of time charming his secretary, maybe it was time to see about sealing the deal, so to speak.

—-

Anakin was in the pilot seat flying the stolen pirate ship while Obi-Wan was contacting the Jedi Order to relay the developments of their mission. Namely that a pirate base has been set up and the Judicial Forces would need to be sent to clear them out. A relaxed smile was on the Padawan's face as Obi-Wan put up the commlink.

Anakin took his eyes off the stars streaming by as he felt his master lay a hand on his shoulder. "Good work Anakin," Obi-Wan said before plopping himself into the co-pilot seat.

"So, that's it for the mission?" Anakin asked, turning to monitor the equipment.

"Yes. Our mission parameters were to survey the planet to see if it would be a good place to expand the agricorps operations. Pirates are not conducive to any agricultural pursuits, so until those pirates are cleared out, our scans would be useless."

"Why didn't we clear them out ourselves then?"

"Because you are too young for combat missions." Anakin gave his master a look with a raised eyebrow, which Obi-Wan responded to with raised hands. "We are in a time of peace, no need to be sending our youngest padawans into dangerous situations before they are ready. Next year you should be able to join me on all manner of missions you are too young for. Why I didn't go on a mission with an expectation of combat until I was seventeen."

"Oh? And how was that?" Anakin asked, devising that hearing such a story from his master's past was a better way to spend time than brooding on not getting to go on the exciting missions yet.

"Well, it was a long time ago, so pardon me if I get some details wrong, but the Mandalorians were having a schism and my Master and I were sent to help broker a peace between the two sides..."

—-

Delving into the legal rabbit hole that was intergalactic trade agreements and the current situation of slavery was a sobering experience. Slavery was technically illegal. Technically. The wording of the laws however made a very thin veneer of safety for the common person to avoid ending up working for no pay at the pleasure of another. Indeed, slavery was just another institution of commerce throughout the galaxy that only required a vague reason for a person to be declared not a real person.

There were a few groups that were made up entirely of clones due to having lost more traditional methods of reproduction long ago, and maybe two have rights as sentient beings thanks to having an exemption placed in the books. Indeed, having taken a side stroll into clone rights, most people viewed clones the same as droids, just made out of flesh and organic tissue instead of metal and inorganic parts. Both could be programmed, both could be customized at the time of order, and, despite any evidence to the contrary, both were deemed incapable of truly being self aware.

I had made a few notes to add to my proposal that in order to help end slavery, droid and clone rights would likely have to be addressed as well or the slaves can just be classified as clones or organic droids.

Setting that aside, my proposal to help the Twi'lek people was multi-fold. There were several key ways Twi'lek were made into slaves on Ryloth and for several key reasons, all of which would have to be addressed. The first was dealing with the rampant poverty of Ryloth in order to raise the Twi'lek out of having to sell themselves or a family member into slavery to make ends meet. The Twi'lek on Ryloth needed jobs that paid a fair wage.

To this end I examined the books and found labor laws were kept to a system level due to the Republic's long standing respect for specie's traditions. As such, the Ryloth system would need to enact some minimum wage laws, several proposals I copied from other systems that already had such on the book to give those in power the option to pick the labor laws that best suited their needs.

Of course, a fair wage does not matter if there are no jobs available, so I also included a proposal for infrastructure overhaul on the planet, Ryloth having fallen far behind the rest of the galaxy in development, which would create a number of labor jobs paid for by the government. As part of this proposal, the local system government would likely need to take out loans, so I wrote up a proposal to get the banking clans on board with part ownership of a new industry I was also going to propose to help deal with one of the major reasons Twi'lek are such popular slaves.

Twi'lek are naturally beautiful people. They have a grace and sensuality to themselves that many species are naturally drawn to. So a large number of Twi'lek are forced into sex trafficking and becoming pleasure slaves. If they can be placed into an environment where their natural charm can be used to their benefits while surrounded by security that prevents any kidnapping, then people would be willing to come to admire and spend time with Twi'leks for a large number of reasons. And what better way to have security be a part of something where beautiful people wander around barely clothed than to create casinos. A lot of money and sex and all manners of vice on sale protected by ever watching eyes in the skies and security personnel on the floor. And the Twi'lek will fit the role of waitress, dealer, and entertainment easily enough in such establishments. Throw in a few in the security booth watching the cameras and you have a primarily Twi'lek staff helping the local Ryloth economy by spending their earnings at local businesses when they are off the clock.

The number of planets with casinos is a surprisingly limited number, most of which exist in Hutt space, so rebranding Ryloth as a center of pleasure and gambling would not step on many Republic toes and the more illegal games would remain in Hutt space keeping the Hutt Cartel from being too interested in shutting down an upstart enterprise before it is able to begin.

This was the core of my proposal, a massive casino complex to bring in revenue to help all the other little proposals get the fundings they needed mature, with other enterprises proposed or proposed modifications to existing enterprises already on planet to provide other avenues of revenue and profits to interest the big interplanetary corporations to invest and play along.

Before I ran this by any politicians though, it would probably be a good idea to have it looked over by several other Jedi eyes to see if there are any obvious flaws I missed that could embarrass the Temple by association. It would not do to hurt my future prospects in the Temple by making the Jedi look like a bunch of ignorant fanatics who don't understand the first thing about financial laws.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Sar Labooda was proud of the dedication and focus her padawan put into everything set in front of her. Most masters have to convince or force their padawans into doing anything that didn't catch the young apprentice's attention, even Labooda would admit to having had a bit of a rebellious streak when she was young, never wanting to practice her lightsaber forms or keep up with the physical conditioning and instead wanting to just lounge around and read or research some history.

Tanya on the other hand put her all into every task, even when the little scowl she would make made it clear what she thought of it. Labooda had been kind enough to not give into the temptation to pinch those cheeks still so full of baby fat when that adorable little spell made an appearance, it would not do to appear to be less mature than your padawan after all. That would just undermine the relationship.

All that effort though paled to the work ethic Tanya was currently displaying creating her proposal on how to end Rylothian slavery. Every so often a Jedi would come up with a proposal and submit it to try and end slavery here or there, or they would free someone or a few people, but most of the proposals amounted to little more than volunteering to go undercover to try and dismantle a slave trade organization. Looking at some of the research material Tanya had been checking out, Labooda was certain that an entirely different plan was being designed. And finally, after several months, Tanya has asked for a second set of eyes to pursue the proposal to help solidify the arguments and facts.

Which is why Labooda has been sitting at a terminal in the archive for the last several hours with a dictionary, law book, and a list of trade agreements to use as references as she got lost in the technical jargon Tanya was using that apparently made sense to someone that understood economics.

"Something I can help you with?" Madame Jocasta asked as she looked at the far younger Jedi looking frustrated.

"Yes. My padawan wrote this paper and I am having a bit of difficulty parsing some of the language." Labooda said, tearing her bleary eyes away from the screen.

"Ah young Tanya, right? I did start reading some of the things that she had been checking out to understand what would interest such a young mind so much. Let's see here." Jocasta began to read through the report as well, becoming very quiet and thoughtful.

"Well, I can see why you are having a bit of difficulty. Not many focus on the minutia of intergalactic trade agreements or how to set up a series of new, interconnected ones. Now let's see if I can figure out what exactly she is proposing."

"This whole thing is suppose to help end slavery on Ryloth," Labooda offered as she looked up a term she thought she knew that was being used in an unusual context.

"Oh, that may be the goal, but that is certainly not what she is proposing," Jocasta said with a kind smile.

"Excuse me, Madame Jocasta," a deep voice said from behind the pair. Jocasta quickly, but smoothly rose from her position to address the one that called for her.

"Yes, Master Windu?"

"I need to check on something in the holocron vault."

"Alright, let's get you all situated then," Jocasta said as she began to lead the Master of the Order to the vault door.

"What had you two so distracted?" Windu asked, not unkindly.

"Oh, Miss Labooda's padawan wrote a rather thorough proposal and we were checking through it for errors."

"Oh? And what is Padawan Degurechaff proposing?"

"Looks like she is proposing several business incentives contingent on certain labor laws being enacted for Ryloth to help combat poverty while also setting up several private and governmental organizations to protect Rylothian interests. Going to take a lot of politicking to get it anywhere in the senate, but from what I can see from it, I think her plan can reduce at least some of the slavery there."

"Once you are done with it, send a copy to me and I'll bring it up to the High Council."

Jocasta readily agreed as she helped open up the vault door to let Mace Windu into the highly protected Vault.

As she headed back to continue helping Labooda, Jocasta came across Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"Ah, Madame Jocasta," Obi-Wan started off with a bow before holding out a data chip. "I was just looking for you. Here is my report from my last mission."

"Ah, thank you, so many of your fellow knights could learn a thing or two from you," Jocasta complimented as she took the data chip and continued on walking to where Labooda had set up shop. "It can be so difficult to get some of them to submit even a simple completion of mission report, never mind how you regularly give a decent explanation of what occurred."

"Well, you never know when some small detail from a previous mission might give insight on a future mission."

"Right you are," Jocasta agreed as the pair came upon Labooda who had turned another terminal towards her as she cross referenced a few documents.

Obi-Wan gave a whistle at the amount of material being referenced. "What do we have here?"

Labooda turned and gave a nod of greeting. "My padawan has become interested in trying to reduce the amount of slavery occurring in the far reaches of the Republic."

"Oh? And how is she planning on doing it?" Obi-Wan asked, thinking of some of his childhood friends who went down a similar path.

Labooda gave a laugh and started paging through the text that she was primarily focused on. "That is what I'm trying to figure out. She has gone into very fine detail on multiple aspects of the problem and she has even suggested that if her proposal proves successful, then certain parts can be scaled up or modified to work in other systems."

Obi-Wan stroked his face that had a healthy stubble growing. "Hm, my padawan might be able to give some helpful insight."

"Oh?" Labooda asked, giving her full attention.

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, he was a slave when my Master met him, so he knows what it is like to be in such a society personally."

"I'll just leave you two to talk while I go ahead and process this," Jocasta said, indicating the data chip in her hand before heading back to her desk at the center of the archive.

The two Knights waved farewell to the Master before turning back to their discussion.

"Oh, doesn't your padawan practice his lightsaber forms a lot?" Labooda asked, remembering something as an idea came to her.

"Yes. I think he will be a fine swordsman someday," Obi-Wan said with an indulgent smile.

"Perhaps he would be up to sparring with Tanya. I've never been particularly skilled in lightsaber combat and she is pushing me to my limits as is, it would be good for her to face someone that can actually challenge her."

Obi-Wan gave a nod with a smile. "That is a fine idea. Perhaps we should meet up early tomorrow?"

"We usually are in the training halls at oh seven thirty."

"We will be there," Obi-Wan said before leaving Labooda to her research.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Today was going to be a bit different from the easy flow of one activity to another Master Labooda and I had fallen into these last few months. Apparently yesterday she had come across Knight Kenobi and suggested that his apprentice and I should have a sparring match.

This was excellent. I had not been able to stumble on Anakin to 'check' on his progress, so being given this chance to get close to those who held such promise and potential future advancement was excellent. I would just have to make sure to endear myself to both to create a situation where we can continue building up a long term companionship and camaraderie. I would also need to continue portraying myself as an ideal Jedi and having additional examples of Jedi on the way to high positions would be a useful way of knowing what I needed to adjust to signal I was a perfect candidate myself for advancement and preferable assignments.

Before meeting with them though, I would first need a healthy breakfast to give me the appropriate energy to face the day. A warm cup of caff that reminded me of the blend a small cafe I would frequent when I was on my way to work had. A crowded shop where the one table took up most of the interior space. If I remember correctly it was a lightly roasted Ethiopian blend. Delicately sweet with a warm fruitiness and just the slightest grassiness. Not my favorite coffee, but it was very serviceable and the price affordable. The reminder of my previous life made this one of my preferred caffs for daily drinking, the fact it happened to also be cheap also helped. I didn't want to be seen as a burden to the Order, spending more money on frivolous things than they viewed me as being worth keeping around.

To go with caff was some baked fish with pickled vegetables and a rice-like grain. The fish was coated in a fermented paste that reminded me of a white miso and the vegetables had been allowed to soak and lightly pickle in a fruity vinegar that reminded me of a rice vinegar if mixed with a bit of apple. A meal any Japanese Salaryman would be happy to partake in from a bento or even to quickly prepare for breakfast.

Apparently it was traditional for Ithorians, a weird alien species whose heads made me think of snails, to use chopsticks, although they used a different term, to eat their dishes with. I was happy to get a few sets, most in steel and a couple plastic, for use in the apartment. Master Labooda went along with it and has been getting better at handling them, though I suspect she is using the force to help with some of the food.

Yes, a nice healthy meal, a cup of caff, and a day of networking. Today was looking to be a good day.

—-

Palpatine was a very busy man. Not just being Supreme Chancellor of the Republic and all the careful politicking that entailed, but also his side projects he worked on under his Sith name, Darth Sideous. The most important one right now being the coming war he was fomenting. There was already a strong desire by many planets, especially those in the outer rims and even a few in the mid rims, to leave the Republic and start their own government, one that will focus on the needs of those not so close to the core worlds that often get first chances at funding.

Leading such a movement from the shadows would simply lead to far too much work for Palpatine if he took too much of a personal hand in the running, and it was a sign of a good leader to know how to and who to delegate responsibilities to. Luckily, one of the people Palpatine had been grooming and working on for a long time has fallen to the dark side and the delicious irony of pitting former allies and companions against each other was too much for the dark pit Palpatine called the place in his chest his heart. Yes, the newly dubbed Darth Tyranus would be an excellent pawn in the war, able to lead the separatists in a campaign to grind down the Jedi forces.

For now though, the two Sith Lords would have to move carefully, the time was not right yet. They needed to organize the separatists with the more easily corrupted people in positions of power while further undermining Republic authority in the Outer Rim. Perhaps sending a few Jedi on peace missions to bungle their way into making situations worse would help as well. Those Jedi fools were just too predictable and easy to manipulate.

—-

Anakin was prepared to spar with the person his Master had lined up. Lightsaber training was one of the things about being a Jedi Anakin found the easiest to understand. So many codes, rules, and traditions that no one seemed willing to tell him until he accidentally broke one. It was so frustrating to be constantly reminded that he didn't really belong, that he didn't grow up in the order and is only being trained late on the desire and whim of a now dead Master and the respect Obi-Wan had for his master. Obi-Wan was trying to help, Anakin could see that, but it never was enough. Anakin couldn't get strong enough, good enough, powerful enough to stop the nagging voices that he was just an outsider pretending to be a Jedi.

Taking a breath, Anakin calms his nerves as he feels a familiar presence and an unfamiliar presence on the other side of the door to the training room waiting for him and his master to join them. Entering, Anakin saw the youngling who had helped him learn to fly without the need of a machine. The short blonde child in light brown robes layered to show an even lighter set underneath with the outer one tied shut with a dark brown belt, now with a Padawan braid hanging by one ear.

"Hello Anakin, how is your levitation coming?" The other padawan asked.

"Oh, you know each other already?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes, Master," Anakin said, trying to practice the formality his master had been working hard to instill in him. "He was one of the Younglings going through his gathering when I went with Yoda to watch over them."

Obi-Wan and the other Knight gave Anakin an odd look while the Padawan's expression became difficult to read.

"Uh, Anakin, do we need to have a talk about gender?" Obi-Wan asked, a hitch in his voice s as he squirmed slightly.

"What do you mean, Master?"

"Tanya is a girl," Obi-Wan said, starting to pull the teen off to the side to minimize embarrassment as much as he could.

"But his presence feels like a man's," Anakin said to explain himself, not resisting the pull.

"You can feel a person's gender in the Force?" Labooda asked, showing that she had heard the entire conversation.

Anakin gave a nod.

"What do I feel like in the Force?" Obi-Wan asked.

"The comforting warmth from a sunset, not yet the cold of the night, but not the heat of the midday sun, the softness of a comforting blanket that is resting on the hard ground, and the smell of plants," Anakin answered easily, eyes half lidded as he took a moment to soak in his Master's comforting presence.

Obi-Wan's cheeks were dusted lightly in a blush and he coughed to clear his throat. "And what about Sar Labooda?"

"Really old flimsies yellowed by time, monuments eroded by time, and the text of dataslates."

"And Tanya?" Obi-Wan asked, trying to see where gender is coming in with how Anakin perceives other people's Force presence.

"An old money box covered in paste-ups faded by time to the point where only the one who placed them can recognize them, the sky before a sandstorm comes, clear and pristine but hiding the coming danger, and the gears of an old mechanical chronometer."

"And what do any of those have to do with the gender of the person?" Obi-Wan asked, a small smile on his lips as he tried to encourage his student. Anakin responded with a shake of his head.

"It is an extra feeling on top of all that, a masculine or feminine feeling. Or sometimes someone won't have any feeling like that at all," on thinking of the last case, Anakin's face scrunched up into a look of confusion.

"There might be an explanation," Tanya volunteered, an uncertain waver to her voice as she looked to her master.

"It is not a secret," Labooda said, giving Tanya a nod before looking at the two males in the room. "Tanya is a reincarnated Je'daii. It might be possible she was a he in her last life."

"Je'daii?" Anakin looked towards his master for an answer.

"An ancient order of Force users that eventually broke up into the Sith and Jedi," Obi-Wan answered as he stroked his light beard while giving Tanya an analyzing look.

"She has shown a few preferences and thoughts that might be echoes from her previous life, so this could just be another echo," Labooda explained as the hard to read mask of neutrality returned to Tanya's face.

"Possibly," Obi-Wan agreed before turning to the younger pair. "Well, I believe you two should begin your spar, it is why we gathered together after all."

Anakin and Tanya nodded before taking up training sabers that storm the walls and getting into starting positions.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Settling into my starting stance, I stare down Anakin. In order to get into his good books it was important that I impressed him with my abilities. Show him that levitation is not the only trick I can help him with, and then leave the door open for him to come to me for help in the future.

"Any limits for this match?" I ask, my eyes never leaving my opponent, his stance steady, the smile on his face showing his confidence.

"Not this time, you may begin when ready," I heard Knight Kenobi say after a moment.

With a nod I activate my saber and dash in to test Anakin's defenses. After a quick exchange we separated again. Having spent the past near year since I learned I had been taught Form VII, I had taken to learning about the differences in the various styles. Anakin's appeared to have a bit of an aggressive air to it, but with significantly more defense than my own Form VII. The lack of acrobatics in his movements knocks out the possibility of Form IV. Form III is too defensive and Form I too basic. That left the possibility of Form II, V, and VI.

Going in again, I aim to strike at his legs. He sweeps my saber up and out of the way before coming in for a slash at my newly opened centerline that I just barely get out of the way of. That counter knocks out Form VI which emphasizes avoidance over going for deflections.

If this was an actual fight, this would be very worrying, Anakin is clearly using one of the two styles best suited for dueling a wide range of lightsaber combatants, whereas my style worked best on the highly emotional and aggressive dark side users.

Deciding to ramp the match up and give myself an edge by switching from fighting on a flat, two dimensional plane, I ready myself for flight. It would not do to show my hand too early though.

Seeing the strike coming, I jump over the horizontal swipe of Anakin's saber, flipping while aiming to deliver a strike to his head that misses as he ducks. Using his distraction I change my direction mid air and aim a strike at his open back.

The blades meet in a bind as Anakin holds his blade behind his back before twisting to face me. We both thrust out our hands and I can feel it as we use the force to push each other away. I managed to arrest myself in flight less than a meter away from our clash.

The smile is still on my opponent's face as he slowly raises into the air himself before taking a stance like he is about to push off something.

So fast, I barely manage to avoid him as he suddenly rockets himself at me. Keeping my eyes facing towards him, I see that he over shot my position by several meters, but he is able to change direction and rocket back for another pass.

And another pass.

And another pass.

Each time he is getting closer to making contact with me. I need to change the equation quickly.

He is coming in for another pass. I enact my plan, creating an illusion of myself going for an overhead strike while I actually go for his side.

Separating, I can see he is rubbing his side and his face no longer has a smile. His lips are now held tight and he is rolling his shoulders.

I roll my shoulders to loosen up the muscles as well, readying myself for the next exchange. I take my stance, feeling silly to have my legs spread out when there was no ground beneath me to stand on. No time to think on that, we rushed back in, Anakin moving fast, though his lines of attack remained straight and steady. I could not keep up with his speed, but I could out maneuver him and twist in any direction as he struck.

Eventually he caught me in an exchange of blocks, and strikes before we both thrust our hands out. I stayed in a relative place as he was sent away. He had a smirk on his face. I could feel the exertion of this match making my chest warm and my body was getting slick in sweat.

"Stop!" Knight Kenobi said strongly and motioned for us to come over.

Master Labooda's face was pale and she was holding a med kit. What was wrong? We hadn't landed many strikes.

She reached for the front of my robes and I looked down at what she was doing. I don't remember having red robes. Or robes with such a large slit in the middle.

I would have thought such a large cut would hurt. Opening my robes, Labooda used a wipe to clean up the blood before applying a patch covered in a thick blue goo.

"What is that?" I asked, realizing I haven't needed to visit the med center for anything besides regular check ups at all this life.

"Bacta, it'll help this cut heal."

I nod my head, remembering many accounts of the importance of keeping bacta production and supplies open and available during many skirmishes in the past for use in keeping soldiers alive and healthy.

After situating my robes back into a modicum of modesty, I walk over to where Kenobi and Anakin were talking.

Seeing me approach they quiet down and separate slightly.

"Ah, Tanya, I believe Anakin has something to say to you," Knight Kenobi said, giving his padawan a look.

I didn't need any platitudes, I knew I was not going to come out on top of our sparring match considering I was going up against someone who had been training as a padawan for far longer than I had been. I plastered a large smile on my face and gave a bow.

"There is no need, I understand. I hope we can have another match someday."

Straightening myself up I readjust my robes. "If you don't mind, I believe I need to go change before Master Labooda and I head out for some lunch."

Knight Kenobi nods his head and mentions meeting us for lunch. I keep my smile the same as I realize that I had succeeded in building a rapport and that we would be continuing to build the rapport over lunch.

—-

Labooda sat in the kitchen working her way through a calming cup of tea. There was a reason she had not trained into the medicorps. A very good reason. The sight of blood unnerved her. Her hands would shake, her breathing became shallow, and she would begin to freak out. Labooda was glad that she managed to hold it together enough to treat her padawan, but seeing all that blood made her remember things. The smell of blaster fire, the cries of agony, the coldness, the glassy eyes of her parents.

Labooda took a shaky breath before taking another sip of tea and focused on trying to push her waking nightmares away. Away into the Force and away from her.

Tanya came stepping out of the fresher, looking much cleaner in a fresh set of robes tied shut in the manner that she preferred. In her hand was a surprisingly innocuous bag. A bag that Labooda had to force her gaze away from lest her mind travel back down paths best left in the past.

"Bacta works great, my cut is already nearly healed up," Tanya stated as she headed towards the door to the apartment.

"It is a wonderful medical marvel made up of several bacteria suspended in a thick ambori fluid. It can heal most wounds and even regrow muscles, organs, and skin to an amazing degree."

"Are you alright, Master?" Tanya asked her babbling Master.

"Yes, sorry. I just, I'm just not comfortable with the sight of blood." Labooda gave Tanya a smile that did not reach the eyes with lips not curved fully up and teeth closed tight. A weak, brittle smile.

Tanya was silent for a moment before she asked a question. "You were studying ancient Mirialan architecture. How has that changed over time?"

Labooda's smile became a little more real, seeing through Tanya's question to the true reason of it, but choosing to go along with it by answering the question in depth.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Obi-Wan and Anakin were seated in the sky car they had chosen to use to take the group to the diner they would be heading towards for lunch, some fresh air outside of the Temple being something Anakin seemed to constantly crave.

"That technique you used at the end," Obi-Wan started, breaking the silence. Anakin flinched at the thought of where this conversation was about to go. "I'm not going to say you can't use it. I could not feel any Darkness from you using it, but you need to be more careful."

"Yes Master," Anakin agreed, his previous high of having landed a strike against such a maneuverable opponent long since lost.

"No Anakin, I need you to understand how dangerous that technique could be. You showed wonderful restraint, but if she hadn't been Force pushing you, and your technique, away, or if you had gotten her in the right place even a few millimeters deeper, we would not be going to lunch with her."

Obi-Wan heaved a heavy sigh and looked Anakin directly in the eyes.

"She could be laying on a slab in the morgue right now while an arrangement for her funeral pyre was made if you had hit her in the throat instead. You can practice that technique, but I do not want to see you use it in a spar again."

"Yes Master," Anakin agreed, nodding his head with the full seriousness a teenager could bring forth.

Obi-Wan gave Anakin's shoulder a pat as he noticed their companions for the coming meal approaching.

"Hello there," Obi-Wan said as the two ladies got into the sky car before Anakin began to drive them to their destination.

"Where are we heading?" Labooda asked, having not set up a specific restaurant beforehand.

"A little diner run by some Tatooine natives that Chancellor Palpatine showed me a while ago," Anakin answered.

"You know the Chancellor personally?" Tanya asked.

"Yes. We met a few years ago during the Naboo crisis. We occasionally spend time together when Master is away on missions. He had been trying to teach me some politics, but I find the lessons a bit pointless. Jedi don't deal with politics."

"Actually, we Jedi deal with politics all the time. One of our tasks is to negotiate peace between different groups of people, which requires compromise and deals. That is the core of politics," Labooda said, taking a moment to help teach something that her own Padawan has seemed to have already learned.

"Also, if you want to work your way up through the Order, you will need to know who to get close to and who to help in order to get promotions and positions. Networking in such a way is also politics," Tanya added, not seeing the scowl briefly form on Anakin's lips. "Pay close attention to the Chancellor's lessons. As a successful politician, he should be able to offer some insights on how to politic that you are probably not going to get anywhere else."

Obi-Wan was stroking his beard, thinking about how he felt about this conversation and how much time Anakin was spending with Palpatine. The man seemed nice enough and always gave off an air of generally wanting to help, but something about the man always rubbed Obi-Wan the wrong way. It was never something he could put his finger on, just a gut feeling that seemed best to put out of mind.

"We're here," Anakin said, parking the vehicle before jumping out and leading the way in, greeting the operators by name. They were quickly escorted to a fairly private corner booth near the back of the restaurant.

"So, you have been here before, what is good?" Labooda asked Anakin.

"Their bantha churly is really good here. Very warming and flavorful."

"Just be careful about how spicy you get it. This little hellion likes his food hot," Obi-Wan said, giving Anakin a grumpy look.

"I don't know what you mean, that is just normal for Tatooine food," Anakin said with a grin that was trying far too hard to look innocent.

"So you like spice?" Tanya asked, giving Anakin a very calculated look. A look that Anakin returned with a challenging look of his own.

"Oh dear." Obi-Wan gave Labooda an exasperated look that said he knew exactly where this was heading. "Best get a round of lasti for everyone."

"What is lasti?" Labooda asked, unfamiliar with the cuisine of the outer rim.

"It is a drink made from bantha yogurt. I learned the last time I let Anakin order for me that it is very good at cooling the mouth from the inferno these two are about to have."

"Are we ready to order?" The waitress asked, having just arrived at the table.

"Bantha churly. As hot as possible." Anakin answered with a challenging look at Tanya.

"Same." Tanya agreed without a second thought.

"I will also have the bantha churly, but as mild as possible," Labooda said.

"Same, as mild as possible, and a round of the sweet lasti for everyone," Obi-Wan ordered.

The waitress gave them a smile before going to fill their orders.

"What did you do at the end of the fight to cut me?" Tanya asked Anakin.

"Well, I thought that if I couldn't push you away with the Force, I might be able to push through you instead. So instead of creating a wall of Force, I made a line that I sent at you."

"Hmm." Tanya picked up one of the disposable napkins and looked at it before swiping her fingers at it, causing a cut line to form on it. "Useful."

"Speaking of useful, what was that thing you did? It looked like there were two of you and Anakin's blade went through one of them," Obi-Wan asked.

"An illusion. All I do is create a construct of light that mimicked my appearance while having it move in a different manner. Creating shadows to make it look more realistic was the part I had issues with for a while, but I think I have it to a usable point."

"Considering how you managed to trick Anakin with it, I might need to learn it myself." Obi-Wan favored Anakin with a smile. "I need to have a few tricks myself to keep an edge on my padawan or he might just win a duel one of these days."

"You can count on me besting you Master," Anakin said as the food arrived.

The churly was chunks of meat and vegetables in a thick fragrant sauce that clung to the meat with a glistening orange colored hold, served alongside charred flatbread that Anakin waited to eat towards the end of the meal to sop up the sauce, the rest following the lead of the Tatooine native in how the meal should be eaten. An impromptu contest of who could go longer without touching the sweet, cold, thick, milky blue drinks started between the youngest two diners. The competitive staring created a thick tension between them while the two Jedi Knights gave exasperated sighs at the childish antics.

—-

"A proposal you have?" Yoda asked Mace Windu as most of the High Council was gathered for a meeting.

"Yes. One of our Padawan has chosen to research how to combat the slavery in the outer rim."

"Another one?" Even Piell huffed.

"A bit different from most." Mace Windu sent a copy of the proposal to the data pads of the other Council Members. "Instead of going after the slavers directly for crimes or directly freeing the slaves, she is going after the underlying economic reasons many slaves end up becoming slaves in the first place."

"Because slavers take people and force them into slavery."

"If you flip through graph 3-2, you will see that according to our own data gathered by various Jedi going undercover to stop a slave trade ring that a majority of slaves either voluntarily enter into slavery to cover either their own or a loved one's debt or were originally the child of slaves and had no other choice but to become slaves as well. Those forced into slavery by criminals make up a relatively small 19% of slaves. By uplifting at risk populations we might be able to weaken the slave markets indirectly."

"Looks like this proposal is creating an entire society," Ki-Adi-Mundi noted as he looked through the proposal. "Entertainment, relaxation, laws, multiple suggested investors, local defense forces. I do have some questions about some of these proposed future income sources to keep the project going in the long term. Specifically that it appears one of our padawans seem to have an interest in legalizing gambling and certain forms of adult specific entertainment. Are you willing to divulge the identity of the padawan in question?"

"It is Padawan Degurechaff that wrote this proposal."

"Ah, the reincarnated one. That explains it. She must have seen some of these tactics have a positive effect in her last life then."

"If she had such positive results in her last life, then why is there still slavery?" Piell asked.

"It has been thousands of years since the Je'daii and the Sith had a long history of enslaving populations during their crusades, and the Hutts have long stymied any attempts to deal with the slave trade in their area of space. Obviously any positive results had a backslide in the intervening years."

"If that is the case, then what are we going to do? This proposal appears to leave very little room for our involvement."

"We provide funds and write into the contracts that are being proposed for the resort and casino and other related businesses that the Jedi Order has the right to check on the wellbeing of the employees to insure they are being provided for properly. Otherwise, we let this play out. Our priority for this proposal should be the wellbeing of the general population of Ryloth and that the day to day operation of the governance and businesses involved are, as is our tradition, not our concern."

"So we go with this proposal, but who do we send to arrange the matters?"

"Why isn't it obvious? Tanya is already well established with this proposal, so we let her take the lead and offer advice and guidance when she asks for it."

Yoda looked around the room before nodding to himself. "A decision we have reached." He tapped his walking stick on the ground before they moved onto the next item on the agenda.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Being called to the Jedi High Council chamber was an interesting thing. From what Master Labooda has told me, this is common when being given a mission, although the situation also gave me the feeling of being summoned to the principal's office. Master Labooda was with me as I meditated before the meeting and she was going to be going in with me since, if she was right and this was a mission, it would be my first mission for the Jedi and it would be unusual to send a Padawan on their own.

The fact they asked for me specifically and not for my master with me in tow did raise a lot of alarm bells, but I could not think of what I might have done wrong. I have kept up with my training, while I liked Master Labooda well enough, I felt that we were managing to keep a professional enough distance in our personal lives considering that we were also roommates. Perhaps they found out about the damaged and bloodied clothes from my spar with Anakin and were concerned about it. The cut was already healed without a mark, it had not been very deep to begin with, and it was painless when it had occurred. Really, injuries are expected in practicing any martial art and making a big deal out of it is irrational. Best to take it as a sign to improve and move on.

The council doors opened smoothly, if not for the Force letting me know something was happening, I would not have even known that the doors had moved at all. To a Force User, this display is rather mundane, but I could very easily see it being used as an intimidation tactic against those not used to being around objects moving with no obvious reason.

Master Labooda and I enter the round chamber and stand in the center of the circle of chairs filled either with a member of the High Council or with the holographic image of a member.

"We have reviewed your proposal for combating slavery. There are a few questions we have for you about it and the choices you made within it," Mace Windu began without preamble, just letting me know they have already seen the first draft, and that I would need to defend my proposal before it was ready. Not ideal considering I was trying to get second opinions on any issues within it to be able to adjust the proposal or know what I would need to defend before I got to this stage, but I should be able to manage. I would just have to utilize the skills I had when I was in sales in my last life to spin the situation to my benefit.

"Of course Master. What questions do you have?"

"First, you appear to be advocating for the creation of a casino and the increase in drug extraction from the mines. Mind explaining your reasoning."

Of course a religious organization would focus on the aspects that appear the most sinful first without looking too deeply at human nature and how vices always make profit no matter the legality. A rather irrational aspect of people, but an easy enough situation to deflect from the sin to the profits and the good that can come from it.

"Of course. Ryloth has a very limited amount of possible exports to grow its economy, so what resources it does have needs to be exploited as thoroughly as possible. Ryll spice is an important part of many medical drugs, so increasing production increases exports. I am also suggesting the funding of refineries being built on the planet to reduce costs in transporting high grade refined Ryll by minimizing the distance needed to be traversed by the product from extraction to refinement."

Sure some of the Ryll will likely end up falling off the trucks either before or after refining and end up in the hands of dealers selling for recreational use, but a careful accounting of the products should minimize the losses. Not that I was planning on mentioning how we were going to be filling the recreational drug market with more goods. No, best to keep to the medicinal uses of the drugs and how we are providing an increased supply of high quality medicines.

"This should help provide a base level of funds that should be fairly stable, but an economy specialized so far into one thing is in extreme danger of collapse should demand for one reason or another drop. Given the limited number of products capable of being produced on Ryloth, the solution is to create a service focused economy, particularly one with a focus on tourism. There is a degree of risk involved, but by getting the Republic to give the Ryloth sector freedom to set up casinos and other low risk, high traffic establishments, we can create an ecosystem that should flourish during times of economic prosperity. The Ryll trade should help shore up the economy during economic downturns because no matter how bad the economy is doing, people will still require medicine."

"That is a, uh, interesting take on medicine, but how are you going to deal with the Hutts?" Master Plo Koon said through his breathing mask. "They have near complete control over all gambling establishments in the Galaxy."

A reasonable question considering how competitive the luxury pleasure market can be. It probably would be a problem if not for an elegantly simple solution to sidestep the issue.

"By inviting them to be involved."

"Elaborate please," Master Windu ordered after a moment. I suppose I should have realized that I would need to go in depth with my explanations to defend my proposal. Foolish of me to forget that.

"They own and operate nearly all the casinos already, they have expertise and connections that would be highly valuable to utilize. Invite them into the initial pitch, offer them a chance to help finance as an investor. Should they refuse, hire them as consultants on the best practices to run a successful casino and pay to have them on retainer for additional advice. They will be incentivized either way to help the project be a success."

"And if they decide to not involve themselves and instead sabotage the project?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked. A reasonable concern considering the millennium long history of the Hutts being considered criminal scum. A bit unfair considering that the Hutts did not operate within Republic space and instead had their own galactic nation state with its own separate laws making what they did legal within Hutt Space. Perhaps morally and ethically dubious to some, but legal all the same. If they wanted to prosecute the Hutts for perceived crimes, laws would have to be created and enforced within the areas the Hutts operate in.

That being said, it would be a good idea to incorporate failsafes should the Hutts choose to be bold by deciding that Republic law does not apply to them when acting in Republic space. These same precautions should also prevent any other characters with a more flexible interpretation of who the law applies to from getting up to any questionable activities, which should help the security minded traveler choose the correct location for their relaxation destination.

"If they don't want to play fair and make a profit, then we just need to make sure that their sabotages fall by increasing security operations and ruin casinos financially by attracting all the customers to our locations. If they don't want to collaborate, then let the invisible hand of the free market choose the victor."

"How do you plan on financing this endeavor?"

And here we arrive at the heart of any institution's motivation, money. Where to acquire it and how to effectively utilize it to achieve goals and quite even more money. Of course an organization like the Jedi would not have been able to acquire the wealth they have by being overly generous, so by making it clear only a small amount would be required from the Jedi due to a number of alternative backers, I should be able to eek out a much greater funding from the Jedi so they do not appear uninterested in the end result of the project. And by getting the Jedi to invest more, the other companies should invest more to have a larger stake in the joint venture.

"The senator from Ryloth has already promised to provide some aid. I'm sure he has a few wealthy contacts willing to invest. In addition, the Trade Federation would be the perfect partner for transporting the Ryll spice to market, as well as possibly being able to expand into a luxury transportation industry to take customers from certain key hubs to Ryloth and back. The Techno Union would be ideal for providing equipment for the security forces and mining operations, and if we can cut them in on the profits then the cost for the equipment should be reduced as it would be them investing into the operations rather than them providing for a customer. Failing that, bulk orders usually result in lower per unit costs. And then there are the Banking Clans who should jump on the opportunity for a new revenue stream either through loans or through a stake in the company itself."

That should be enough to get the Jedi interested in providing the funds, now just to recommend it so there is no doubt about their willingness, "I would suggest the Jedi Order also invest financially into this enterprise to give the other parties extra confidence that the Jedi plan on sticking through the early stages of development where profits are likely to be non-existent and will stick with this for the long term."

"Hmm. Agree to this, we can. In charge, you will be. Require regular reports, we will."

Not surprising that I would be put in charge of setting this through. The reward for a job well done is more work after all. It will be challenging, but if I do well enough then promotion to Knighthood should be assured, bringing me one step closer to being able to "study the Force" on a beautiful tropical planet with plenty of beaches. Actually, I might even be able to use this little mission to visit a few possible planets under the guise of recruiting experts in providing luxury accommodations.

"And what role shall I have?" Master Labooda asked, reminding me rather harshly that indeed I am only a Padawan, an apprentice who has limited freedom in action.

"You are to continue to guide and mentor Tanya as her master," Master Windu answered, "but it is the council's opinion that as she has shown such initiative that Tanya should take the lead in proving the viability of her proposal. You have the freedom to curb any reckless decisions she may make and we are going to leave you in charge of making requisitions for this project."

I'll have to be careful not to abuse my role as the project head to keep Master Labooda going along with my suggestions. She is very clever and knows me well enough to know if I were to try dragging out this project for my own benefit. Having her constantly looking over my shoulder will force me to minimize my ability to gain fringe benefits on this project. A few I could probably spin as being important to the project, but too many and she will likely start vetoing all of them.

"Very well Master Windu. Is there anything else the Council requires from us?"

"I do. A quick question for a curious mind." Ali-Adi-Mundi asked, leaning forward in his seat, "What made you decide to write up this proposal?"

A fairly reasonable question about motivation. One I have a ready and true answer for, even if it doesn't go into how close the treatment of slaves reminds me of the way communist governments treated their own populations.

"On meeting some acquaintances of Master Labooda, the fact that in a society as advanced as the one we live in there is still slavery came up and I found the idea very unpleasant that a more permanent solution hasn't been established yet."

"Thank you. That will be all."

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

The first thing necessary for a successful project was to draw up a time table of when certain key milestones should be completed by. Not knowing how long certain aspects of the plan would reasonably take, I chose to give myself a generous five years till the opening of the casino and resort.

The first hurdle on the path was going to be getting the Senate to approve of the legal exemptions to the gambling laws because without a legal way to have a casino, the entire plan will take a serious blow and I would have to figure out some other profitable industry that would attract wealthy tourists out to Ryloth.

To help overcome this first hurdle, I would need to have already gotten over the second hurdle of getting interested investors to state their support for the plan. Which requires them to know that the plan will go through.

A catch 22 situation where both hurdles need to be overcome at the same time for the other to be overcome. Luckily, there is a rather elegant solution to this conundrum, get both parties involved in the same meetings so any interest fuels confidence in the other side that they are not wasting their time. And a few of the individuals that I need are already necessary for both hurdles. Corporations being granted senate seats is just begging for corruption, but for now the situation benefits my goals, so let the corruption flow.

On getting the legal work implemented and the financial backing, the next step will be location choice and architectural design. Both of which would be best done with local help. I made a note to contact the Ryloth Senator to see if he knew anyone who would be a good choice. A firm would be the best option to provide several designs that will both fit the local architectural design aesthetics while being grand designs agreeable to the aesthetics appreciated by the rich and powerful of the galaxy.

While the designs are being worked on, the implementation of new extraction technology into the mines of Ryloth and the construction of refineries in a decently out of the way part of the planet so as to not remind the tourists that there are other things besides pleasure and relaxation on the planet could begin. With some negotiation, I might be able to convince the Trade Federation, who will be the primary profiteers from the Ryll, to reinvest their profits back into other aspects of this economic rejuvenation to speed up the process of being able to also sell goods to the locals.

The next milestone would be the setting up of a local militia and police force to protect these projects from short sighted individuals and the local population from the few slavery raids that do occur. I'll need to ask around for recommendations on who to choose to do most of the setup and lead the forces until a local commander can be put in charge without the whole enterprise collapsing in on itself.

The final major milestone will be the actual beginning of the construction. This is the part of the project that gives me the most concern about the timetable. In my last life, construction seemed to be a fairly swift affair, but I was never involved so I can not say for sure how long building a resort should take. The advanced technology of this galaxy should further speed up the process, but for all I know the luxury buildings actually take a lot longer to build because the wealthy can afford to spend time on slower methods that result in better end results.

All I can do is set the opening as a tentative five years and note the possibility of it taking longer due to variability in construction speed.

Now to plan the gathering of the important movers and shakers that will be able to actually get this project off the ground. A semi-formal party would probably be best. Time to research party planning. yay.

—-

With Obi-Wan having left on yet another mission that Anakin was not allowed to go on, an excess of free time fell into the Padawan's lap. Free time that he was unable to fill with spending time with Tanya and her Master due to Tanya being busy with her own mission. They were able to occasionally spar in the morning, but that still left so much of the day to fill.

While Anakin was assigned educational datapads to work through by Obi-Wan when he left, the datapads were easy to do and finish quickly giving the young man far too much free time.

Anakin kept up a very steady routine of practicing in the star fighter simulator, practicing his lightsaber forms, practicing his Force abilities to the limit, and tinkering in the droid workshop, but there was only so much of that he could do before getting bored and restless. Master Kenobi would have suggested Anakin work on his meditation, but that was boring and sitting around listening to how much the initiates and padawans in the temple viewed him as an outsider was exactly what he was trying to avoid.

So, Anakin often found himself out of the Temple in the Senate Building, either helping Chancellor Palpatine by running a few errands or just talking with the man. Today, the pair were in Palpatine's office having an early dinner that was delivered.

A classic Shaak Pot Roast, a popular dish on Naboo that many found as comforting as it was filling. Hunks of deep red shaak meat slowly roasted over a bed of root vegetables to let the very fatty meat to render out the fat into the veggies, a glug of blue Tarul wine providing just enough moisture for the veggies and meat to not burn before enough fat renders out to help keep a steady temperature in the cooking vessel. Along with the meal, Palpatine had a classic vintage of Tarul wine that was pressed and aged in barrels made from actual, natural wood that he claimed paired beautifully with the meal.

"Perhaps you would like to try some?" Palpatine asked, angling the opened bottle, a squat clear glass that curves from a wide bottom to a very slim neck, to pour Anakin a glass.

"I am not sure I should." Anakin shook his head, his eyes focused on the bottle.

"Now my boy, you are considered by the Jedi to be old enough to carry a lightsaber and thus old enough to kill for the Order. Surely a little something to drink would not be an issue." Anakin fidgeted in his seat, no response coming as he tried to think of what to say. "How about this, we'll add a bit of water to dilute it and you can drink that."

Anakin leaned back in his seat as his shoulders relaxed. "I think that should be alright."

Palpatine smiles as he pours a half glass into Anakin's cup, grabbing the decanter of water he kept on his desk to top up Anakin's drink. "Here you go. What do you think?"

Anakin's face scrunched up at the unexpected flavor of the drink. "It's sour."

"That would be a fermented flavor. You get used to it and learn to appreciate it. And it really helps cut through the fattiness of the pot roast while the fruitiness of the wine brings out some of the sweeter flavors of the dish."

The pair began to tuck into the meal, Anakin nodding his head at the homey flavors. "It's not bad. And this is something Padme enjoys?"

"Oh yes. It is a dish that everyone on Naboo eats. Some more often than others, but it is a comforting dish. Much like that terrine you had me try not so long ago."

"I see. I didn't realize that royalty would eat a dish like that. I would have thought she would only be eating fancy foods that require three different spoons to eat properly."

"Oh she does. I know she usually eats well made specialties from across the Republic, but she likes to focus on what the common person deals with and regularly has her chefs prepare more common and basic fare so she can understand her people better."

Anakin's face lit up with a goofy smile. "She is such a wonderful person."

"Indeed. I'm certain you will get to see her again." Palpatine's smile was kind, his eyes focused on Anakin's joyful expression with a calculating glint to them.

As the two continued their meal, Anakin's commlink went off, surprising the young man.

"You best go ahead and answer that." Palpatine instructed.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes my boy. Go ahead. It could be important."

"Ok." With a nod, Anakin pulled out and activated the comm. "Anakin here."

"Ah Anakin. Thank you for picking up. I was hoping to make a request of you," the rough, high pitched voice of Tanya coming through the link.

"What can I help you with?" Anakin asked as he set down the fork he was eating with.

"You said you are close to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, correct? I have a need to get in contact with him. If you would be so kind as to introduce us, I would greatly appreciate it."

Anakin gave Palpatine a look with a raised eyebrow that was returned with a nod.

"Actually, I was just having dinner with him. If you want to talk to him he is right here."

"I apologize for interrupting, but that would be lovely."

Anakin passed the commlink over to Palpatine so Tanya could hear what the Chancellor said more easily.

"How may I help you Jedi...?" The Chancellor began before trailing off with no name.

"Padawan Tanya Degurechaff, sir. I am arranging a meeting of several senators and businessmen to make a proposal. Anakin has spoken very highly of you and I was hoping that if I could gain your support as well, that the process would go smoother."

Palpatine nodded while his face became a mask full of concern.

"I am not sure if I can. It is important as Chancellor to remain as impartial as possible, but I am willing to hear you out. What is this proposal about, Padawan Degurechaff?"

"It is a proposal for a new business enterprise on Ryloth in the mining and entertainment sectors with the goal of reducing the rate of slavery among the Twi'lek people of Ryloth."

Palpatine froze for a moment before saying, "You have my attention."

"I am sorry sir, but a comm call is not a very appropriate venue for discussing this, so I cannot go into too much detail at this time, but to summarize quickly, it is my hope that by opening up a luxury resort and casino on Ryloth filled with fairly paid local employees that we can kickstart the economic health of Ryloth and reduce the number of individuals who sell themselves into slavery."

Palpatine nodded his head, his face schooled carefully into a diplomatically neutral expression. "I am very interested to hear the full proposal. When is this meeting?"

"I have it scheduled in two weeks. Anakin, would it be alright if I have you pass along the details once they are finalized?"

Palpatine returned the commlink so Anakin could answer the question, his gaze focused on the small device, a grin hidden behind hands he had intertwined in front of his face.

"Uh, yeah sure. Um, if this is to reduce slavery, why are you creating a resort instead of going after the slavers?"

"The slavers are a symptom of the problem and not the problem itself. Going after the slavers is equivalent to taking pain medicine when you have a broken bone. Sure the pain is gone for now, but your bone is still broken and the pain will eventually come back."

Anakin nodded his head at that explanation. It made sense that there would be more to him being born a slave than just slavery being a thing. "Ok. Thank you."

"No, thank you. Both of you. I am sure this project will go a lot smoother with your assistance, Supreme Chancellor." Tanya ended the call as the two men sat in silence for a moment processing the conversation they just had.

"How did you come to know her?" Palpatine asked, basking in the silence.

"She was one of the initiates on the Gathering mission I went on some time ago. Remember the one I mentioned taught me to fly?"

"I thought that was a male initiate?"

"Uh, well, she has a very masculine feel in the Force to me. Actually, her Force presence kind of reminds me of you."

Palpatine focused his attention fully onto the young man sitting across from him. "Really now? How so?"

Anakin looked off to the side as he opened his mouth to speak, his hand reaching out to touch something neither man could see. "There is a feeling. Detached. No, but that is the word that comes to mind. A detached feeling, like you both look at the world through a glass. And a calculated approach to things. Like there is circuitry in your minds."

Palpatine kept up a smile during the explanation as his shoulders tensed. "Oh, and what do you think of this feeling you get from us?"

Anakin shook his head before looking at Palpatine. "I don't know, but I would like to think of both of you as my friends, so it is not a bad thing."

Palpatine's shoulders sagged a little as he relaxed before reaching out and placing a hand on top of Anakin's. "Anakin, my boy. Of course we are friends."

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Rudolf Fischer's office was a desk in a corner of the open room he and the various other aids, researchers, and gophers who aided the officials of the Correlian system worked in. At least, Rudolf liked to think of his desk as his office. A place where he can focus on his duties and accomplish tasks necessary for the good Senator to make policy and party and whatever else it was that senators got up to that kept them from actually reading the bills they argued about on the senate floor.

Now though, he had to leave his little piece of land to visit his boss's office, exiting into the main waiting area before walking into a room with only a single desk in the middle and plenty of room to walk around. A single, large, durasteel desk mostly empty of work except for a small stack of flimsies and datapads off to the side. The shelves lining the walls are filled with scale models of various ships, the ones depicting current Correlian lines of production in the most prominent locales. And seated in his large, well cushioned seat was Senator Iblis.

"You called for me?"

"Yes. Close that door behind you please. I would like to keep this meeting private for now."

Closing the door Mr. Fischer stood in front of the desk, his back straight, his hands gripped tightly behind his back. "What is going on, sir?"

Senator Iblis motioned for Rudolf to take a seat as he leaned back into his chair, a glass of brown liquid with a hint of gold in his hand. "Well, an associate of mine sent me a rather interesting proposal that will require the senate to enact certain measures. You studied finance and financial law, correct?"

"Yes sir. What sort of bill is this?"

Garm Iblis slid a datapad across the desk. "It isn't a bill per say. Rather it is a bunch of interconnected proposals, a rather ambitious plan, to help the slavery issue in the Ryloth sector. I want you to look over the theory in this proposal and let me know how feasible it is. Everything looks fine to me, but I can't help the feeling that it seems a bit ridiculous no one has tried this before if it would work out."

"I will give it a look over and let you know as soon as I can." Rudolf turned on the datapad to begin a brief skim of the proposal.

"See to it. Put aside all your other projects for now. I need that information before a meeting next week and I want you to be as thorough as possible."

"Yes sir."

—-

Ziro Desilijic Tiure, or Ziro the Hutt as he was better known as on Coruscant, was the person people in the core world go to when they want to get in contact with the Hutt cartels or the Grand Hutt Council, depending on the legality of their business. Setting up a meeting was a typically fairly simple process as Ziro mostly stayed in his night club and it was rare that such business warranted extra setup.

But when a Jedi calls ahead to arrange a meeting, well that requires something special. It was a rare occurrence indeed when the Jedi gave forewarnings of a visit. Rarer still when it was not related to some crime they were investigating. Now Ziro was no fool, he knew that Jedi do not just make social calls with Hutts. No, the Jedi wanted something. What that something was, Ziro could not say. As far as Ziro knew there had not been any conflict within the criminal underworld that warranted the Jedi's attention and there had not been any recent lost Jedi artifacts found in Hutt space.

Well, no sense worrying about it was Ziro's opinion as he closed the club down for the meeting. At least, closed to the general public. Ziro could not imagine skipping out in meeting the Jedi with some lovely eye candy around and a few drinks at hand. Just alcohol for now, Ziro was sure a clear head would be needed and his normal cocktail preferences might leave him buzzed for the meeting. No, best to stick to alcohol and stay sober.

"Presenting his most magnificent, Ziro the Hutt," the artificial vocals of one of the protocol droids Ziro kept around announced as it led in two humanoid Jedi. Both females if Ziro were to make a guess, not that gender ever really mattered to him. Such a limiting concept to be constrained to only one gender and it only being socially acceptable to be with another specific gender. Ziro much preferred being able to take on aspects of both and be with any being he set his eyes on.

"And who do I have the honor of hosting this evening?"

"Presenting Jedi Knight Sar Labooda and Jedi Padawan Tanya Degurechaff.

The two Jedi bowed respectfully before the shorter blonde one holding some sort of box stepped forward and passed the box to the droid. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Ziro the Hutt."

"Now now, no need for such formalities. What can I help you with? Hm, what's this?" Ziro waved off the need to use his title before accepting the box and opening it up carefully.

"It is my understanding that in Hutt culture it is traditional to exchange gifts as a sign of a desire to conduct honest business with each other."

"Hm, what? Oh yes, tradition. I did not expect a non-Hutt to understand that. Oh, is this a statue of me?"

Indeed inside the box was a rough figure of a Hutt painted with bright green eyes and purple skin and very distinct yellow markings that closely matched Ziro's own tattoos.

"Yes. Carved from real wood and I have been told the paint was made with naturally sourced pigments. I apologize if the quality is not to your standards, but I was uncertain what would be appropriate and I was unable to give the artist a lot of time to work."

"Oh, I do like it, your artist did an excellent job catching my good side," Ziro said, taking a close look at the figure before passing it and the box to the droid and tasking the droid to put them in his office. Readjusting himself on his dias, Ziro focused in on the small Jedi. Taking the lead in this situation shows that the small blonde one must be Knight Sar Labooda and the tall one must be the Padawan. Ziro did not keep up with the Jedi, but she would have thought a Padawan of that age would have been kicked out by now. Unless both were actually not human and instead some near humans that aged at unusual rates.

"I will pass along the compliment. Now, getting down to the purpose of this meeting, the Jedi are interested in attempting a novel method of helping the most at risk populations by creating new economic and financial benefits. Specifically, we are looking to start up several businesses on Ryloth and would like the Hutts expertise involved in a couple of them."

Hutt expertise. My this little Jedi was full of surprises. First giving a bribe, even if an unusual one, under the pretense of respecting tradition. And now saying such flattering things. Well, never let it be said Ziro does not appreciate brown nosing and bribery.

"And what expertise could the Hutts provide your little project?"

"The Hutts have several highly regarded casinos within their business portfolio. One of the planned businesses is a casino to employ a number of locals while bringing in a lot of tourists to bolster the local economy and we would like the Hutts' assistance in properly setting up and running the casino."

The Jedi are looking to muscle into the gambling business? And they want the Hutts to help? Ziro knew those Jedi couldn't be as pure and idealistic as they pretended, but this was something else.

"And what, pray tell, would the Hutts be getting out of this arrangement?"

"Should the Hutts choose to financially back the project along with a few other potential investors during a business meeting next week, then the Hutts will have a stake in the ownership of the casino. If the Hutts wish to not involve themselves financially in the project, then any Hutt who chooses to advise the project will be fairly compensated in a consultant role. We would prefer the Hutts backing the project financially so that you are invested in helping to make the operation as profitable as possible."

Well, at least Jedi Labooda knew how to talk about the game. And teaching her Padawan such tactics would prove beneficial in the future, if this was the direction the Jedi were choosing to go in.

"And what would you Jedi be getting out of all this?"

"We will of course be receiving a fair share of the profits in proportion to our investments, most of which will then be reinvested back into this and similar projects, and be the ones to ensure the employees are treated fairly and compensated a fair wage that covers their personal expenses to an acceptable level."

Ah, keeping to their idealistic beliefs, while trying to actually make money off of their squeaky clean image. This must be the doing of that old frog they call a leader. Play a long game to maximize the money they could make on a good image. Well, if they want to play this game and deal the Hutts in on the profits, the Hutts will be happy to profit off the Jedi's backs.

"Alright, I'll have to make a few calls before I can promise anything, but you have my attention."

The Grand Hutt Council is going to love this. And Ziro will get all the credit for setting it up and brokering the deal. If everything goes well, then perhaps this will even weaken that damn brat nephew of Ziro's position as clan head.

"That is perfectly alright. I hope that this business venture will be to both of our benefits. We will be hosting a meeting in about a week where I will be going in depth on the plan. Hopefully you will need no further convincing afterwards."

"I will be there. You can count on it."

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Gathering together various influential people from a number of companies and senatorial subcommittees who can get this project going was surprisingly easy. The senators Garm Iblis and Orn Free Taa provided a great deal of assistance in contacting and introducing several of the individuals on my behalf, of just providing the contact information for others.

The planning of the meeting was going to be much more difficult considering that it was important to impress and schmooze with these individuals in order to get them on my side with this project and actually back it financially and materially. So the meeting was going to have to be a casual one, which requires catering. Asking Master Labooda about these issues, she let me know there was a public meeting hall that occasionally got used and several companies already contracted to provide for such events.

This led to a valuable lesson in Jedi bureaucracy. A bit of paperwork, a note on several calendars, and an explanation of what the requisitions were for and who was approving the expenses.

As a Padawan, I did not have authority to approve any expenses. One of the benefits of promotion through the ranks was what expenses could be instantly approved under your own authority. Padawans needed their Master's approval for any expenses they wished to requisition. Knights could requisition most personal items with no issue, but would need a mission reason to requisition anything expensive, like a ship. Masters could requisition just about anything and would only get in trouble if they got excessive in their requisitions or something went digging into why a Master was requisitioning certain items.

This increase in trust for moving up in the ranks made a certain amount of sense, but was also entirely disconnected from how financially responsible a person actually was. In order to move up in rank was not connected at all to what a person was bringing to the Jedi Order in terms of financial improvement or spreading their ideals.

It was connected to completely separate criteria. Initiates become Padawan through a series of tests that show ability to memorize the Jedi code, meditate, and use the force before a Knight or Master takes them on as an apprentice, a fairly low bar to pass and I suspected the being taken on as an apprentice was the thing that slowed most down in advancement.

Padawans took the Jedi Trials which were far more difficult to pass and covered a wide range of things. The details on a few of the trials were kept deliberately secret due to the necessity of facing the unknown while performing them, but others could be looked up easily enough and I was sure I could pass a few of them readily enough, but was still years away from being ready to pass all of them.

The final promotion from Knight to Master was possibly the simplest in terms of personal requirements, but could be the hardest to achieve depending on other factors. Get a Padawan to pass their Trials. Once I achieved the rank of Knight, Master Labooda would also be promoted to being a fully fledged Master Jedi in her own right.

I would need to begin looking for a good apprentice as soon as I became a Knight if I wanted to climb the ranks swiftly. Someone already capable on their own that I could help get the last few things they are lacking down before watching them pass their trials and I can leave for a nice retirement, I mean 'Exploration of the Force' expedition.

But that was years away and anyone I might find now would be snatched up by Knights looking for promotions and Masters who enjoy helping others reach their potential.

Looking at the task at hand, I began to double check that everything was set for a social gathering, meeting, and business deal that I had been setting up. I would need to wear a more formal robe for the event. While Jedi were permitted everywhere to wear our traditional and simple clothes out of respect for our religious beliefs, there were subtle differences between robes meant for day to day wear and robes meant for special functions.

Namely the fit of the robe in question. Day to day robes were generally loose fitting and very comfortable, almost like wearing pajamas or comfortable work or clothes all day. Formal robes, however, were generally tailored to fit more closely to the body to give a better impression of the Jedi's body. It would take a good eye to notice the difference at a casual glance since the material and overall cut was generally the same, but at an event like this I was sure to come across several who would be looking far closer at my clothes and would notice whether or not I was wearing a tailored outfit or not.

That same critical eye would also necessitate that I polish my boots to a fine shine instead of the worn look I had allowed them to achieve. Might be a good idea to get back into the habit of regularly cleaning and polishing my shoes like I had done in my last life. While the life of a salaryman who worked in an office building and only dealt with internal employees allowed me to not have perfectly polished shoes everyday, I knew it was important to signal to my bosses that I knew how to care for my appearance down to keeping my shoes clean and shiny.

With the list of party requirements fulfilled and the event set up with RSVPs having been received, the only thing left was to take care of my outfit, so I got up to visit the tailor droids to get the properly fitting robes that I would likely be able to wear only a few times because I was still growing.

—-

Senator Garm Iblis adjusted the jacket of his suit as he and his wife strolled from the parking dock to the Jedi Temple.

"Stop messing with your coat or you will just end up embarrassing me," Drinna Iblis reprimanded, grabbing Garm's hands to stop him before correcting his jacket.

"I don't like it."

"That fly boy jacket might be fine in the Senate Chamber when your fellow senators are so far away and can't see you and the commoners may like it, but people that actually matter will be here and you will not embarrass me by looking slovenly." With a nod at her husband's looks, Drinna began walking again, a hand lightly on his arm, her back held straight and her chin turned up.

A scowl briefly appeared on the senator's face before fading into a more neutral stance, the only tension a slight furrow in his brow. "Of course dear. Just remember that getting this project done will be very good for my reelection chances. So do watch what you say here."

—-

As the representative of Ryloth, it was imperative that Orn Free Taa was early to the meeting to greet the various representatives and guests as they arrived. Personally, he would have preferred to be fashionably late to enjoy a good meal before getting down to business.

The little Padawan and her Jedi Master did a wonderful job setting up the meeting hall for a group of tasteless monastery hermits. The tables had tastefully white clothes covering their surfaces and legs, and they actually outsourced the music to an actual live band instead of just having silence or someone playing chimes or whatever it is the Jedi listened to while meditating so much. The hors d'oeuvres however were a bit lacking.

Par for the course, the small finger foods the Jedi had on offer had nearly no seasoning and so bland looking that it was easy to forget what was eaten soon after it was swallowed. Just once, Orn would like to go to one of these social events with food worth remembering the event for.

The drinks at least had some taste to them, even the water had citrus and menthol herbs floating among the ice in the drink dispensers on the side tables. The other three drinks included a sweet sparkling berry juice, a wine that was full bodied and pleasantly dry with a long finish, and a cocktail that tasted vaguely fruity behind a wall of rums. While delicious, Orn would need to be careful not to overly indulge lest he agree to something he should not.

Like getting too involved with his current assistant. She was a pretty little thing, ambitious to get more power for herself, but her eyes were set on getting that power through Orn. The sort of power hunger she displayed reminded Orn far too much of the wives of several junior senators he had met over the years, junior senators that disappeared or died through accidental circumstances leaving behind wives with significant wealth. These wives Orn noticed quickly moving onto other wealthy individuals that often met similar fates.

No, it would be best to replace her as soon as possible. Luckily Pampy, his other assistant, was a very discreet woman capable of keeping a search for a replacement hidden. This meeting was an excellent time for Pampy to work, leaving Orn alone with his red skinned, Lethan Twi'lek assistant.

"So nice of the Jedi to be working to help our people," she said, her hand rubbing my arm as she stood closer than was strictly professional for an assistant, even one that has shared the same bed before. She was attempting to mark her territory in a rather clumsy fashion that was not appreciated by Orn.

"Indeed. That Padawan has a wonderful eye for potential solutions to problems. I hope to follow her career closely." Orn's eyes scanned the room as he spoke, a small smile and gleam in his eyes as he spotted his escape from his assistant.

"It is probably her youth. The young can be very creative. Perhaps I could show you some of my youthful creativity later." The last sentence was whispered into Orn's ear as a pair of soft, round shirt fillers pressed into him.

"Now now, we are here for business. How about you go talk with our hosts while I go talk with the Chancellor?"

With that, Orn left his assistant behind to make sure the Chancellor was on his side with this project. The man had a gift for getting the projects he wanted done while not connecting himself too tightly to any of them and if he could help with this, and perhaps help stamp down any rumors, no matter how true, of certain relations with his assistant after she left his employ, then Orn would owe the man significantly.

—-

The Jedi are such fools. To play so easily into my hands like this. The common citizen knew the multi system corporations that held seats on the senate floor were corrupt and not to be trusted, along with several of the rich investors and senators invited to this party. To just gather them all to their temple in a very public way, not requesting any secrecy from any of them, would only tie the Jedi closely to the corruption the Sith have been planting and building in the Senate for ages. So closely, with the right tabloids running the story, that some of the common rabble would begin souring on the Jedi reputation of being beacons of justice and light in the galaxy before the war I was brewing up would tarnish it forever.

A galaxy that needed Order and Control from a ruler that knew what was Necessary. A ruler like myself once I become Emperor over everything. Necessary for my own benefit. Order for my vision. Control to work my Galaxy.

This little project might help a few Twi'lek have a nicer life for now, but it would tie the Jedi to the idea that they don't care about what people are doing or who they are doing. No, they want money and to pretend that they are helping the poor.

Yes, this little project of theirs will go ahead. I will make sure of it. And that they get all the credit they deserve and all the credits are properly documented to show just how much the Jedi are making from this and how little is being spent to improve the lives of others.

Might take a bit of work to get the corporations to agree to minimize how much the Jedi spend here outside of the immediate casino, but a few laws about investing in housing for the poor being tax deductible should help their worries. Especially with loopholes allowing for profit from said housing being tax free.

The Jedi will not die from this, but the public will begin to no longer miss our desire for their return once the war begins.

—-

Nute Gunray, Viceroy of the Trade Federation, had listened to the proposal from the tiny Jedi. He asked the questions he needed and got answers that promised him much profits, all while the Jedi seemed to show no animosity towards himself or the other corporate representatives. This little project held much promise, but first he needed an answer from the largest guest at the event.

What was the stance the Hutts would have over this? Fighting them was not a profitable endeavor. Indeed, making enemies of the Hutts would only hurt the Trade Federation as the Hutts had enough smugglers, mercenaries, and other individuals under their employees that attempting to blockade them would drain the coffers while the Hutts continued their operations with only minor inconveniences. No, the Hutts would have to be all in on board with the project for the Trade Federation to agree to anything.

"Ah, Ziro, a moment of your time, if you will?" Nute asked, coming up to the large figure who was getting a refill on his drink.

"Of course Nute. How can I help you?" Ziro said while spreading his arms wide before directing the Nemoidian off to the side of the room, away from so many ears.

"That Padawan made a very interesting case for the Jedi's proposal, but I would like to know what the Hutt stance on the matter will be."

Ziro looked towards the small figure of Padawan Degurechaff who was currently talking with both Senator Orn Free Taa and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine with narrowed eyes. "Yes, the little Jedi is very interesting. She must be rather experienced if her Master is letting her do all the talking."

"I've learned not to underestimate them. They can be... tricky to deal with." Gunray nodded his head as he thought back on his previous dealings with Jedi close to seven years ago during his failed blockade of Naboo.

"So I learned," Ziro agreed before looking back at Nute to answer his question. "The Hutts will be investing into the project under the condition that our consultation is compensated for appropriately."

"You would charge them to make your investment profitable?" Nute was surprised at the audacity of the requirement.

"Who else would you get to help set up the casino? We are involved in every casino in the galaxy worth visiting."

"Shrewd. Very shrewd. I believe we will find this arrangement very profitable." Nute grinned as he realized that he could learn a thing or two from the Hutts on how to bolster his personal profits. And this project was a perfect opportunity to be able to openly work with them while still gaining good publicity.

—-

Sar Labooda was exhausted. The party meeting thing that Tanya had set up ended an hour ago, but she needed to write up a report of the going ons of the event. Everything that she had seen, heard, and done while there. Tanya was diligently filling out her own.

Diligently and with no complaints when Labooda mentioned they would need to fill it out. Labooda had meant in the morning, but Tanya decided immediately was the best course and the Master could not be seen slacking when their Padawan was doing their work without complaining. If Tanya had complained even a little, Labooda would have been justified in stopping occasionally to check on Tanya's progress, but the young girl just went ahead and began to work.

The party was overall enjoyable for a mission. Any mission critical party that did not result in needing to use her lightsaber to protect someone from assassination was.

It was just so difficult having to talk numbers and money with so many businessmen. Most of those who she knew from the Force were more interested in seeing herself with her legs spread wide for them rather than actually hearing what she had to say. Thankfully everyone kept their hands to themselves tonight.

It was moments like these that made Labooda wonder if Tanya was in fact fortunate to be so blind to the emotional resonance in the Force. Moments when the oily feeling of other people's lust would coat her skin as they looked at her not as a fellow sentient worth taking seriously for both her intelligence and her deadlines, but as a toy for their pleasure that can be tossed aside when they are done.

Hearing a door close, Labooda realized she had allowed her thoughts to distract her while tired and Tanya had finished up her report and headed to bed. Picking up the datapad Tanya has left for Labooda to review, the Master wondered, for the umpteenth time, who was actually the more experienced Jedi in their relationship. What was left to teach the Padawan who was negotiating with multiple heads of state and businesses at once as one of the interested parties?

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

The process of the senate making a free gaming zone in the Ryloth sector moved smoother than I expected. I carefully chose not to look too closely at the mouth of the gift horse because the corrupt machinery in the senate was working towards my goals.

The other reason for the ease of the zone's establishment likely had to do with the gambling laws in place already. There were four classifications of games recognized by law.

Class One was the vast majority of table top, virtual, card, and child games. Games played either for fun or the participation of playing resulted in profit either regardless of results of the event or the specific rank of placement at the end of the event. Basically playing sports or games for the fun of it or as a professional athlete.

Class Two was non-banked gaming. Games where the gambling was entirely between the players and the house was not involved. Poker would be the classic example from my previous life. I believe Sabacc is the local equivalent, but I only heard brief mentions of it and it may be more similar to blackjack and thus more similar to Class Three.

Class Three is banked gaming. These were games against the house. Roulette, blackjack, slot machines, and the bread and butter of casinos.

Class Four is banked betting. This was betting on results of sports events, races, and other activities and then just waiting and watching the event unfold as others competed in games and sports.

Class One was legal across the Galaxy and was only listed as a category for legal purposes to clarify and classify specific activities as being legal or illegal in various areas based upon interpretations of whether the game in question constituted gambling or just general gaming.

Class Two was legal on a Republic level with only some systems choosing to outlaw it, but that was a system by system choice.

Classes Three and Four were mostly illegal with only select systems or even only select districts on select planets being given permission for the legal establishment of such gaming. The process for the exemption was typically rather slow and rarely given due to the locations that already held such exemptions fighting hard to prevent other exemptions from being created and cutting into the lucrative market.

That events were moving swiftly along instead showed that a bit of careful arrangements beforehand would always make everything go smoother. It was always best to arrange things properly and do the job right the first time rather than having to fight to fix previous mistakes previously, regardless of if one was putting together furniture or making business deals.

Looking through the news reports on current events, it would seem that a protest in the outer rim had gotten violent and had to be forcefully put down by the Judicial Department. Looking a bit deeper to double check my understanding of the situation, it would appear the Judicial Department worked under the Office of the Supreme Chancellor and acted as the police and effective military force in the demilitarized Republic. In their capacity as general purpose peacekeepers, they had been sent in after the protesters began to disrupt local emergency services from being able to do their duty to disperse the crowds.

Oh, apparently a Jedi had gone along to mediate the event to try and keep everything peaceful and to listen to what the protestors were protesting about. Everything had been going fine until an unidentified protester set an explosive off, killing the Jedi, several Judicials, and a number of protestors, enraging the other protestors who began to attack the Judicials. The descriptions of the following events were distasteful enough to make me decide to not view the connected videos, nor the still images taken on the scene.

There was no description to narrow down who was the Jedi that died and the organization was large enough that I had probably not had the chance to meet them. Falling in the line of duty was considered honorable and a good reason to perish, but I made a mental note to avoid dealing with protester situations considering the violence that seemed to attach itself to such movements. I would much prefer perishing somewhere close to the ocean many years from now instead than in the middle of the street trying to talk angry people down to a rational level.

Just to be safe though I would have to look carefully to see if my fellow Jedi are acting particularly upset at the news. It would not do to appear uncaring at a coworker's death when everyone else was upset. Best to modulate my emotions to conform to the mood of those around me to better blend in and signal I was truly one of them.

Even if that rumor of me being a reincarnated Je'daii was spreading around the temple. I did nothing to dissuade such rumors considering it was half correct. Just that my previous life was of a Japanese Office Worker rather than as some proto-Jedi wannabe. I did not know how best to handle the situation, but so far everything seemed to be going fine. For a while longer, I will let everyone believe whatever they like and hope that it does not end up coming back to bite me.

In more positive news, Zeltros was offering a discounted trip to visit their paradise planet for a week of fun, parties, and pleasure. A quick search found that the week was during their off season, explaining the discounted rate, but this would be a good chance to visit as a research trip to discover what they do to be so attractive to tourists. And possible things to not do, depending on how the trip goes.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Sar Labooda took a moment to enjoy the flight out to Zeltros. No matter how mature Tanya may appear, she was still a young girl that should not be exposed to the pheromones of the Zeltrons alone.

Tanya was right that it would be a worthwhile planet to visit as an example of what a luxury vacation location can provide. She had a point that the Jedi had little experience in the hospitality industry. That did not mean she got full rein to go out unsupervised as a Jedi while so young. That was a line too far.

Labooda was too lax with her last Padawan. He had been a promising student, but rather than treat him as a student that needed guidance, she had treated him as a little brother. As family to occasionally advise and mostly spend time watching grow and develop.

His fall was nowhere near as glamorous as most fallen Jedi. He didn't get a taste for the dark side and spiral out of control. That would have hurt, but it happened enough that Labooda could have learned from her failure and moved on. Perhaps even manage to talk sense into him before he went over the edge into fully embracing the dark side.

No, he fell for a pretty face. A pretty face that offered him the chance to try death sticks. Labooda did not think she would have to warm or watch out for it. By the time she realized something was wrong Labooda's first Padawan was in a ditch, his lightsaber missing. The autopsy revealed it was an overdose.

The path Tanya was walking worried Labooda that her new Padawan would decide to try out the more sinful aspects of the galaxy and indulge herself, losing herself to addiction. So far, Tanya had been a model of restraint while dealing with the Hutt and being at events filled with temptations to try alcoholic drinks, always restraining herself to the non-alcoholic options. It worried Labooda the way Tanya's eyes seemed to focus on the drinks so much, having to tear her gaze away at times. Almost like she had already had a taste for it and was missing the chance to indulge herself.

This trip would be a test of Tanya's control over her desires. At no point would Tanya be allowed out of sight to ensure she did not fall the same way, even if it took a lot of effort to stay physically hidden. Luckily the tiny Padawan was deaf to sensing those around her.

Looking at Tanya, Labooda gave a smile as she reaffirmed her promise to not fail her Padawan again. Tanya had fallen asleep on the bed in their cabin on the cruise liner they were taking to get an idea of the experience the customers would have from leaving their home throughout the trip to returning home. A rather insightful observation that customer experience research would aid in making a business that resulted in positive reviews on a consistent basis.

The younger girl seemed to favor a shorter hairstyle that was very low maintenance. Brushing the Padawan braid behind Tanya's ear and out of her eyes, the longest bit of hair Tanya had that signified her rank within the order, Labooda began to adjust the small figure of her Padawan into a more comfortable sleeping position.

With a flip of the light, Labooda gives Tanya one last smile before going out to check the late night activities on the ship to add extra information to her report on the amenities observed as being desirable by passengers.

—-

The cruise liner had a rather quiet night life on board, housing only a single bar with a few people having a late night drink and a small dining room that had a single couple having a quiet meal. Upon reflection, Knight Labooda decided that it made sense that people would be willing to forgo a lot of extra resources on a relatively short trip within the core sector.

From Coruscant to Zeltros by cruise liner was a short, two day trip. Closer to one and half, leaving in the morning and arriving mid afternoon the following day. The trip out to Ryloth would be far longer with the distance being from the core out to near the edges of the outer rim.

Sar Labooda returned to her room far earlier than she expected, wrote a note that her explorations on the transportation felt inconclusive of what would be worthwhile for a long distance trip, and went to bed.

—-

Arriving onto Zeltros the Jedi pair were immediately beset with the bright, pleasantly warm air, music that seemed ever present, and the red to pink skinned locals wandering around in clothes very appropriate for the beach, enjoying the sun, or lounging next to a pool, and not much else. The sky was a lovely light shade of orange and the space port had a beautiful view of the yellow sanded beaches and the pink waves washing ashore.

Having had lunch on the ship and not having a need for nourishment for now, the pair made a beeline for the hotel they would be staying for now. They had chosen a relatively affordable option on the idea that the truly wealthy would have a very different experience from the average vacationer and it was the standard experience the pair of Jedi were trying to better understand.

The check in process was pleasant enough, the line moving quickly before the key card with the room and floor number imprinted on it was in hand and their rather meager bags were taken off hand to be delivered to the room so the pair could choose whether they wanted to explore first, go to the room, or just spend a bit of time at the pool.

A comment about not having a swimsuit made shopping the top priority for the pair. A quick question with an employee of the hotel directed the pair towards a shopping district only a short walk away where clothing of all sorts, along with various gift shops, could be found.

Neither being particularly fashion conscious, the pair selected the first shop that contained a wide selection and that did not cost the same as a brand new speeder.

Sar Labooda chose a black two piece with a high waisted bottom and halter top that left most of her belly exposed. Tanya chose a blue and white striped one piece with short sleeves that covered her shoulders. Both were rather conservative compared to even most of the day wear many of the people around them wore, never mind how much skin was put on display when most of the locals and fellow tourists alike chose to get ready for a swim.

The pair took their purchases back to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the day there, mostly beside the pool, before preparing for an early start the next day.

—-

Sar Labooda was awoken in the middle of the night by the sound of someone shuffling around the room. Barely audible over the music streaming into the room from outside, but enough to alert her.

"Hmm, where are you going?" She asked, figuring it was Tanya getting up.

"To find somewhere quiet. It is too loud in here. No soundproofing in the walls, and there is a party going on outside while I'm trying to sleep." Tanya was growling, a scowl on her face as she gathered up a few items into her bag.

"Be careful." Labooda laid back down and closed her eyes.

Once she heard the door open and close, she rolled out of bed and threw on some clothes while grabbing her lightsaber. She kept a careful note on Tanya's position as she did so before sneaking out to follow the younger girl, stealthing along with just a hint of the Force to keep people's eyes off her activities.

For a while, it was easy to follow Tanya without her or anyone specific noticing. Tanya was not keeping an eye out for people tracking her and the crowd was thick enough, even late at night, that no one would notice two people heading in the same direction, one trailing behind. Labooda would have lost Tanya in the crowd if not for the Force keeping Labooda up to date on the much shorter girl's position.

After a while, Tanya reached a beach and began traveling along its shore, making her way further and further away from where people were until she found a rocky outcropping that no one was currently at. Pulling out a towel, Tanya sat on the beach and pulled out a datapad and a small light and began to read.

The sky above was clear, the stars shone bright, the pair of moons two slivers of grins cutting into the dark night. The only sound the soft crashing of waves hitting the sandy shore.

They stayed like this until the sun just began to rise over the horizon. Tanya read while Labooda kept a secret eye on her Padawan, careful to stay hidden so Tanya would not know she was being watched, that the trust they had in each other would not be broken from a misunderstanding.

Once Tanya saw the sun begin to rise, she packed her things away and began her trek back to the hotel, Labooda watching her path until Tanya reached the entrance to the hotel lobby, where Labooda made a Force jump to the balcony to their room and used the Force to unlock the sliding glass door to slip in and quietly slip into bed just moments before Tanya entered the room herself to lie down. The morning was one of the few quiet times on Zeltros where no loud parties were occurring.

Their morning plans shot from a desire for sleep, the pair rested until the afternoon, where they began the routine they would follow for the next few days of sleeping through the morning, exploring the hotel and local area and occasionally enjoy the beach or pool in the afternoon, and Tanya finding a quiet place at night away from the parties and nightlife while Labooda secretly followed.

On the return trip home, Labooda would ask Tanya for her thoughts on Zeltros.

Tanya's response was, "Nice place to visit, I suppose, but it is a bit loud for my tastes. I would have preferred to just have a chair on the beach and some quiet over all that partying."

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Anakin did not like the amount of time his Master was away. Tanya's Master was always around her and able to help her become more powerful. More capable. Better able to protect others. Obi-Wan's constant missions were holding Anakin back.

Trying to distract himself from these thoughts, Anakin decided to look up the proposal Tanya had created to help the slave issue on Ryloth to figure out how he could alter it to help Tatooine. To help his mother.

The file was easy to locate in the archives, having been entered into the system only recently, and with slight nerves Anakin opened up the file and began to read. It took only two minutes for Anakin to close the file. Anakin was able to read basic just fine and he understood the individual terms used in the proposal, but the way they all were arranged just gave Anakin a headache as he tried to derive meaning from the word goulash. Why couldn't it be written in plain basic? Just say that the goal is to help prevent slavery instead of all this talk of uplifting and economic opportunities.

Shaking his head, Anakin opened the file again with an empty text document to the side to make notes on relevant ideas that could help Tatooine. The process was slow and took several days, but he managed to get through Tanya's proposal and all the major points.

A deep scowl was on Anakin's face. The entire point to Tanya's proposal was creating jobs and encouraging people to spend money on Ryloth, adding funds to the local economy. The problem was Tatooine had nothing beautiful to it. It was just a giant wasteland full of sand. It was a rest stop for those of questionable morals to make repairs and refuel their ships.

The only resource that could be exported that wasn't already was the sand. Anakin made a note that maybe selling sand could make a few credits for someone, but that was only going to make the owner of the machines money. An individual could not package enough sand on their own to earn a living.

So, with nothing to encourage travelers to visit, and nothing new to export, Anakin pulled up a map of various trade routes and the major resources that passed near Tatooine that might need refining or other production. Maybe a factory on Tatooine could provide needed jobs. A few possibilities opened up.

Anakin turned back to review Tanya's proposal again, tightening the layers of his robes around his body to try and warm up a bit. The temple, ships, and everywhere Anakin went was just too cold for him. Kenobi allowed Anakin to keep their room a few degrees warmer than the rest of the Temple, but that only took the edge off the chill and did not get to comfortable levels.

Distracted by his thoughts of how cold he was, the word 'entertainment' grabbed Anakin's attention. Tanya was building an entertainment industry out of nothing on Ryloth. Why not do the same on Tatooine? The difficulty was Jabba had a lock on most of the current entertainment on Tatooine, although most of that entertainment was illegal within the Republic. Then again, the Republic has no jurisdiction on Tatooine anyways.

Which leads to many of the problems with the plan. Trying to create any sort of new industry on Tatooine currently would require getting the senate to care enough about planets in the outer rim that are not part of the Republic.

Shutting everything down in frustration, Anakin headed to the training rooms to burn off his anger with lightsaber practice.

—-

Spending time on Zeltros was fine. The people were friendly, the service excellent, and the weather beautiful. That said, I made notes that sound proofing would need to be a high priority for the rooms at the resort. No need for guests to bother each other with various noises made by those on vacation, nor to be kept up from the sounds of the casino or the daylife or nightlife happening outside the resort.

More importantly, I knew Zeltros was not a planet I would want to retire to. Too many people in too close proximity. I had enough of that in my last life commuting on the trains, walking through streets that were nearly shoulder to shoulder full of people, and living the city life. I was looking for something a bit calmer and more relaxed for when I get my little retirement setup on the Order's credit. I liked the salty breeze coming from the ocean and the comfortable warmth of the sun in the afternoons, so a beach paradise would be nice, just one with fewer people around.

Speaking of retirement, I could see my connection to future retirement up ahead, showing his devotion to working hard for his own advancement by having clearly just finished up a thorough workout in the lightsaber training hall.

"Anakin, it's good to see you again," I said to the young man, a smile plastered onto my face. A friendly smile at seeing a companion again would make him feel closer to me which will be beneficial in the future.

"Tanya. Welcome back. How was your trip?"

"It was good. Learned a few things that will be useful." All true, but the things I learned would likely not be appreciated being discussed. "What have you been up to?"

"Actually, I have been trying to get your proposal to work with Tatooine, but I am not having much luck."

He is trying to modify my proposal? Is he trying to steal credit? No, that would be foolish. The High Council already knows I wrote it and assigned me to make it work. Either way, probably best to get him off the topic.

"Oh? Maybe you should put it to the side for now. The Council gave me permission to test this idea, so any further attempts should probably wait until we have-"

"I can't wait." His tone was harsh and his first was slammed against the wall. I could see a lot of tension in his shoulders with how he was hunched over. A quick look around showed me we were alone in the hallway. I approached carefully. Whatever set him off needed to be resolved if he was going to be useful to me in the future. Jedi did not let anger control them and if Anakin was displaying such clear signs of frustration, that could hamper his path to being a member of the High Council.

"What's wrong?"

"My mother. She's still a slave. She is still on Tatooine and a slave."

Anakin remembers his birth mother?

"Your mother is a slave?"

"Yes. Master Jinn freed me and brought me here, but we had to leave my mother behind."

Anakin was a slave? How old was he when Master Jinn found him? Old enough to understand what being a slave means.

"And nobody has tried freeing her?"

"No."

This must have been bothering Anakin for some time. There must be something the Jedi can do to protect my investments in him.

"Where is your Master?"

"Away. He left me behind to go on another mission."

Left alone without a parental figure Anakin wants. He needs a replacement. Even if just temporary. Who can I use? Master Labooda! She's an older woman. Women have maternal instincts. She'll know what to do.

"Ok. Come with me." I grab Anakin's hand and begin to drag him along.

"Where?"

"We are going to see my Master. There must be something we can do."

He doesn't resist as I pull him along and thankfully he doesn't talk much, giving me time to think.

The obvious solution to the problem is freeing his mother to ease his concerns, but doing so requires that we first gain ownership of his mother. I don't know how much a slave is worth, let alone trying to buy such a specific slave. How much money would need to be requisitioned to free her? How do we spin it to others so Anakin and my future avoid trouble?

—-

Sar Labooda was engaging in an activity that she had lately spent much less time on than she would have preferred: drinking a cup of herbal tea while reading the latest archeology reports and journals to be published.

Uncovering the mysteries of the past one dig at a time to discover lost knowledge and explain the current state of various civilizations was a passion of hers.

Labooda paid the door opening and closing no mind, Tanya being a responsible enough Padawan that she would not need to be watched over while in the Temple.

"Master Labooda, we need some advice," Tanya's voice called out, causing Labooda's head to snap up as it was rare that Tanya asked for anything and 'we' implied there was someone else.

The someone else being an older boy that was holding her Padawan's hand as they stood together in the entranceway.

"How can I help you?" Labooda asked with a smile on very thin lips.

"Anakin's mom is still in slavery."

It took a moment for Labooda to process that request, having expected a very different issue.

"What?"

"Anakin's mom is a slave on Tatooine and he is worried about how she is doing." Tanya dropped Anakin's hand and took a seat, her words explaining the issue with no emotions, as though she was giving an oral report.

"Where is Knight Kenobi?"

"He is on a mission." Anakin's voice was soft and he seemed to be trying to hide in his robes.

"That Sith-Slayer is always so busy," Labooda muttered to herself while motioning for Anakin to take a seat himself. "Anakin, you are concerned for your mother's safety, correct?"

Anakin gave a small nod, a shimmer in his eyes that Labooda carefully ignored.

"That concern could grow into fear, and could start you down the path of the darkside." Seeing the young man hunch into himself, Labooda changed direction. "But there is something we can do to help you deal with this. If your mother was free, would that ease your concerns?"

"Yes." The anger out of Anakin was more seen in his lips moving than actually heard.

"Then we are going to figure out how to free her and when Knight Kenobi gets back the two of you will go together to free your mother."

"You are going to help my mom?" Anakin's voice was stronger as he looked to Labooda, a tiny smile trying to appear on his lips.

"Yes. The darkside of the Force is a dangerous path to go down. Helping each other avoid that path is an important part of being a Jedi. We cannot do everything ourselves."

Putting the Archeology papers aside, Labooda began working with Anakin and Tanya to brainstorm possible complications in attempting to free Shmi Skywalker that they could then plan to account for.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Obi-Wan Kenobi was in a good mood. He just got back from a successful mission in one piece, nobody died on either side, there was not another mission waiting with his name on it, and there was a rumor going around the temple that his padawan was seen studying hard.

Despite the good mood, Kenobi could not help the inkling of dread in the back of his mind from taking hold as he pondered what convinced his young apprentice to take his studies seriously.

Not letting the dread feelings take hold, Obi-Wan headed straight to his and Anakin's room from his debriefing in hopes that his padawan would be easily found. Obi-wan set his travel bag down on his bed. As he didn't see Anakin, and the bathroom door was open, Obi-Wan began to think about where his young apprentice could be. He went to check the training halls first.

Followed by the Archives, ship dock, flight simulator, mess hall, and back to the room in case they had just missed each other.

Not seeing him anywhere, Obi-Wan went to Knight Labooda's room to see if she or Tanya knew where his wayward Padawan was. Knocking on the door, Obi-Wan only had to wait a moment for Labooda to answer the door.

"Ah, Kenobi. Good to see you. Come in." Labooda stepped out of the way, but Obi-Wan shook his head.

"I would love to, but I was just wondering if you or Tanya might know where my Padawan went off to. I was hoping to let him know I was back."

"I'm here, Master," Anakin's voice came from the room. Looking into the room, Obi-Wan saw his Padawan seated on the couch with Tanya, the caff-table covered in work.

"Ah, Anakin. I have heard you have been studying. Has it been with Tanya?"

Tanya shook her head while giving Obi-Wan a smile. "No. Master Labooda and myself have been helping Anakin figure out options for freeing his mother."

"His mother?" Anakin was still attached to her? That was unfortunate and would need to be addressed. Preferably away from people to not embarrass the boy.

"Yes," Labooda said. "It would seem that concern about his mother has been weighing heavily on young Anakin's mind. He cannot let go of his attachment to her if he is concerned about her well being."

"Hmm, I see." Obi-Wan gave Anakin a hurt look that the boy was not comfortable coming to his Master with these issues. "What have you figured out?"

It was Tanya who answered. A smile on her face as she gave a verbal report. "The price of a slave is about equivalent to a new airspeeder with certain various modifications to the price based on skills, age, appearance, and rebelliousness. Anakin mentioned that Tatooine does not utilize Republic credits and Watto, his former Master, is very firm about not taking credits. So, it will take trade goods to interest him in selling Anakin's mother."

"Watto is a scrap merchant," Anakin added, a slight scowl on his face as he seemed to think about his former owner. The clear sign of anger was unfortunate, but keeping it to a facial expression showed Anakin was controlling his emotions. "So something mechanical would be our best bet. The problem is how to get it to him and how to get approval for something expensive we know we will not be returning with."

With a stroke of his beard, Obi-Wan came to a decision. "Let me worry about getting approval. I believe the Council can be negotiated with. The difficult part will be making sure that we are not accidentally stuck with a ship too small and having to deal with the paperwork of switching to a freighter type transport. I do not know how it got to be that way, but it is the most poorly designed and cumbersome form I have had to fill out."

"If it helps," Tanya said, "I noticed that Tatooine and Ryloth are fairly close together and most of the path is the same hyperspace lane. You could drop Master Labooda and myself off on Ryloth so we can check on the mining situation and on the proposed construction sites for the resort."

"That should help very nicely."

—-

The Jedi High Council was usually very responsive to requests for a meeting, setting aside a time to gather and hear out the concerns of the members of the Jedi Order. To this end, when Obi-Wan requested a meeting to address a concern involving his Padawan's training, the meeting was granted swiftly and the Knight found himself in front of the twelve Masters of the High Council.

"A concern you have, hmm?" The small green figure of Yoda opened the meeting.

"Yes Master," Obi-Wan said, the only one in the room on his feet. "It has come to my attention that Padawan Skywalker has concerns about his mother's wellbeing."

Mace Windu leaned forward, his face stoney and serious. "An attachment we knew was going to be a problem and why we did not want to train young Skywalker as a Jedi."

Obi-Wan nodded his head, acknowledging the point. "Yes. With some advice from Knight Labooda and Padawan Degurechaff, I believe a solution for easing Padawan Skywalker's concerns and help him remove his attachment to his mother. It will however require approval of the Council for us to implement the plan."

"And what might be the reason you could not do this on your own?" The tall headed Ki-Adi-Mundi asked.

Obi-Wan knew this was the crux of the issue. Jedi Knights are supposed to be independent in how they train their Padawans, so making requests was rarely done. Kenobi was confident that the nature of his request would mitigate that issue. "The expense of the plan requires the trading of valuable items for Anakin's mother's freedom. With her no longer a slave and able to make her own choices, Anakin should be able to fully let her go."

The Masters looked at each other for a moment. Seeing no dissenting voices, Mace Windu leaned back in his seat, ready to dismiss the matter. "We can agree to allow you to have the funds you need. How many credits will buying her freedom be?"

Obi-Wan's face contorted into an apologetic look at having to correct the Master of the Order. "Credits will not work. She is on Tatooine, outside of the jurisdiction of the Republic, and Republic credits will be useless. According to Anakin, his former owner was a scrap merchant. A new airspeeder along with some extra spare parts should be enough for a trade. Whether he then sells the airspeeder for local currency right away, parts it out to maximize his profits, or just uses it for his own purposes, he should be in a financially beneficial state. The additional spare parts should sweeten the pot enough to expedite the process."

Giving the other Masters another once over and seeing agreement on their faces, Mace nodded his head. "Very well. We can afford the loss if it will help young Skywalker separate his attachments. Go down to Requisition and have them send the request to us and we will get it approved."

"Thank you Masters." Kenobi bowed before leaving the Chambers.

—-

Obi-Wan allowed Anakin to take the lead in selecting the airspeeder and spare parts they would trade for his mother's freedom. The Padawan knew the locals better, especially Watto, the merchant they would need to deal with, and overall he would be allowed a lot of freedom to lead the mission. Kenobi thought some hands-on experience leading might be good for Anakin. He was not ready for the Trials, but he would need to know what to do when he was tasked with guiding others. Especially when the boy eventually got a Padawan of his own.

While not saying any of it out loud to keep Anakin's pride in check, Kenobi planned on subtly switching their roles of Master and Padawan for this little adventure. Let Anakin take the role of the wise Master teaching the ignorant Padawan the ways of the world.

Looking at the list of items, Obi-Wan has to ask about one, the airspeeder in question. Obi-Wan knew Anakin liked the fast, flashy airspeeders when they traveled Coruscant, but this model did not seem to be either of those.

"Why this speeder?"

Anakin didn't bother looking up from double checking the list. "It is a reliable model designed to be relatively easy to repair. The harsh condition of Tatooine can destroy the high performance engines of the sportier models, so ruggedness is more valuable out there. Further, it is a very common model with parts that are interchangeable into most other speeders, so it can be fixed using almost any parts Watto might have lying around and should Watto choose to part it out, he will have an easy time selling the parts to locals, especially the moisture farmers who need to keep transportation ready to get supplies and deliver their products."

Obi-Wan smiled and mussed up Anakin's hair. "Good thinking."

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

I have not traveled to many places in this life so far. Only four planets to date, a statement that would have been double the number of celestial bodies anyone in my last life had achieved, yet is nothing worth bragging about in my current one. Of them, Ryloth is the ugliest one from space. Large swaths a garish orange brown color with only thin streaks of green near the equator and what I assumed were oceans could be identified from the inky blackness that covered the rest of the planet.

In contrast, Ilum, while horribly cold on the surface, was a lovely swirl of light blues and white and even some minty greens. Zeltros was garish and loud with pinks and yellows and reminded me a lot of American tourists in a way that I found oddly enjoyable. Even Coruscant with its surface covered entirely in buildings was more aesthetically pleasing with its lights and lines even when entirely shades of gray.

Thankfully, the planned casino and resort were not going to be orbiting the planet, so it was only the local area that needed to be nice to look at. The proposed site bordering the forests that made up the green streaks would work nicely.

Being close to the planet capital or a major city would be more convenient to use pre-existing infrastructure, but the structure of the planet's surface made that a difficult proposition. Most of the land was cragged with cliffs, rock islands surrounded by canyons, and generally difficult surfaces to build on and into. All the cities were already as built out as they could be and buying the land rights in those cities would be more expensive than just buying a strip of land elsewhere on the planet and building a new city.

As the old saying goes, build it and they will come.

The influx of construction jobs should help the economy of Ryloth as well by injecting cash into the hands of irresponsible young men that will likely spend their earnings nearly as fast as they earn it. Hopefully a few will actually be responsible enough to save and invest their funds, but their financial responsibility is not my concern. My concern is giving them the opportunity to be financially responsible.

Despite the space view not being pleasant, the descent to the surface developed into a much better view. The crags and broken surface gave the planet a nice textured look as we got close to the surface.

Landing at the site, we saw that a few other parties had arrived already. Wishing them well, Anakin and Knight Kenobi left the planet to do their mission. Already here was the Viceroy of the Trade Federation and a mid level representative of the Techno Union. Both had a number of droids setting up the meeting area as we waited for the local guides and leaders to discuss the site and give a tour of the area.

—-

Anakin stared at Tatooine as he flew the ship towards the northern pole where Mos Eisley sat. Anakin thought the planet disgusting to look at. Empty, brown, and full of memories he would rather not think of. The only thing on Tatooine Anakin cared about was his mother, everything else could fall into a black hole for all he was concerned.

Leaving the ship in the desert, Anakin and Obi-Wan took the speeder with the spare parts in the storage compartment into the city. The winding, crowded streets made the journey slow to the junk shop Watto owned. The pair of Jedi easily ignored the looks they were getting for driving a very clean, very shiny, obviously new speeder through the town.

Watto was sitting outside his shop, an old life support catalytic converter in hand as he worked on getting it back to operational condition. Anakin's hands tightened on the steering controls at seeing his old master before taking a deep breath, the comforting weight of his current master's hand on his shoulder helping ease the tension.

Walking over to Watto, Anakin gave a greeting in Huttese.

"What can I help you with?" The old blue bug asked, not looking up from his work.

"We were looking to discuss a slave of yours. A Shmi Skywalker," Anakin said, keeping his voice as neutral as he could.

"You're too late. Sold her a couple of months ago to a moisture farmer." Watto dismissed the issue with a wave of his hand.

"You sold my mother?"

Watto's head jerked up and looked at the person he had been talking to. "Ani? Little Ani? It is you!" Watto jumped into the air, his wings buzzing as a fond smile crossed his patchily bearded face.

"My mother?"

Watto nodded, the smile not leaving his face as he began directing Anakin inside, allowing Kenobi to follow. "Of course. Let's go take a look at my records and we can direct you to the farm she is at. How have you been?"

—-

The gathering of investors, contractors, local officials, and the local guide took a few hours with only the guide arriving at the meeting site on foot. The guide was a well muscled green skinned Twi'lek with scars visible and a large blaster rifle slung over his shoulder.

Staring everyone down, he climbed up onto a large rock. "Alright, is this everyone? Good. Listen up you pansy lot of soft skinned moneybags, I am Ral'zihi and I am in charge of your safety so if I tell you to do something I don't want any arguments. There are a lot of nasty creatures and more than a few poisonous plants in the area. If you all follow my instructions then we will all be able to get back here in one piece. Any questions?"

"Yes. If it is so dangerous here, why are we looking at this site? Why not somewhere safer?" Nute Gunray asked, his head held high.

"I can answer that," one of the local officials said. A bored looking male Twi'lek with blue skin. "This site was chosen for several reasons, chief of which is that no one owns this land. There are no locals to kick off, no legal hoops to jump through, just a large purchase of land straight from the planetary government. Also, these dangerous creatures and poisonous plants are, for the most part, invasive species. There were several crashed ships long ago that left the initial specimens here who proceeded to breed, evolve, and take over the local ecosystems. Removal of such will actually provide a service to the local environment, allowing the local fauna to return to prominence. In other words, there are no limitations on construction or environmental concerns. This site is a blank slate with minimal regulations to get in the way of the project."

"Any other questions?" Ral'ziti asked, giving everyone a moment to speak up. "Alright. Leave the droids and follow me."

Several of the off world businessmen balked at the suggestion of leaving the battle drops behind with Nute Gunray being the one to voice the complaint. "Leave the droids? If it is so dangerous, why would we leave our droids here?"

"Droids are loud and will attract the predators and the bigger our group, the more likely we will be ambushed. Our group is large enough to keep the mostly solitary gutkurrs away, but the lyleks are swarm hunters and would love to jump onto a large group. We need to keep to as small a party as possible."

"Again, why are we going with such a dangerous site?" Nute's voice came out as a whine, his eyes darting to the tree line, looking for the threats.

The blue skinned local official smirked and stared down the various businessmen. "Well, if you are so concerned about safety, our local forces could use a donation of weapons to take care of our pest problems."

—-

The ride out to the Lars Homestead was fairly short, the moisture farm being a mere four hour drive from the closest major city of Mos Eisley with a number of other farms passed on the way.

Arriving at the farm, a young man carrying a tool box could be seen stopping in his trek back to the house in the center of the homestead. Pulling up to the young man, Obi-Wan gave a calming smile.

"Excuse me, we were wondering if you could tell us where Cliegg Lars is."

"What do you want with my father?" The young man asked, looking the pair and their air speeder over carefully.

"We heard he recently bought a slave. A Shmi Skywalker. We just wanted to check how she is doing."

"Ok, but if you are here to buy her, you are going to be disappointed," The young man said as he led the pair of Jedi towards his house.

"Why is that?" Anakin asked as he got out of the speeder to follow.

"She isn't for sale. Dad freed her already and the wedding is tomorrow."

"My mother is free?"

"Mother?" The young man stopped at the door and looked at Anakin. "Are you Anakin?"

"Yes."

"Shmi has said good things about you. Well, I guess after tomorrow we will be step-brothers. The name is Owen." Owen put his hand out for Anakin to shake, a natural smile on his lips.

Anakin smiled as well as the tension left his body as he realized his mother was safe. "I suppose we will be. Nice to meet you."

Owen opened the door and called out. "We got guests."

"Who are they?" A gruff voice called from further in the home.

"Shmi's son and, I'm sorry I never asked who you are?" Owen directed his attention to Obi-Wan.

"I am Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin's Master."

Owen's eyes narrowed slightly at Kenobi.

"And a Jedi Kenobi," Owen said as Shmi came around a corner, followed closely by Cliegg.

"Oh Ani," the gentle woman's lit face up as she threw her arms around the child she had not been able to see in years. The child she had to give up for him to have a chance at a good life.

"Mom." Tears flowed gently down Anakin's cheeks as he returned the hug. "I am so happy."

"What are you doing here Ani?" The mother asked, gently rocking her son as the pair enjoyed the moment, everyone else letting the moment play out.

"We came to free you. We got the Order to agree to free you and we came. Watto said he sold you and I was worried about what was happening to you, but here you are. Free."

"Yes. I'm free. We are both free."

After a quiet moment, a soft cough drew everyone's attention to the weathered face of Cliegg. "So, you are Anakin. Your mother has said some good things about you. I hope you aren't too busy to stay for the wedding tomorrow."

Anakin extracted himself and looked to his master.

His master had a serious expression as he stroked his beard. "We do need to get back to pick up Labooda and Degurechaff," pausing for a moment as the looks of disappointment began to form before a smile cracked on his face, "but they will probably need a day or two to go over the details, so we would be delighted to stay."

—-

Our guide, Ral'ziti, allowed one of the combat droids to join the group to quiet the more safety concerned individuals. Having two Jedi, even if one was only partially trained and was years away from being allowed on any missions with a high chance of combat, an armed and experienced tracker/guide, and a combat droid should be more than enough to handle most threats the group of twenty should stumble across. Even supposedly deadly wildlife.

The hike around the site started off in the wasteland area that butted up to the forest. The plan for this area seemed to center around administrative services, maintenance services, employee housing, and a local spaceport. Generally it was to be used for things outside of the guest view besides the spaceport which simply requires a large amount of flat real estate. A direct connection to the resort through a more scenic area that avoided the maintenance areas would help keep the visitors in the proper relaxation mindset where they are more willing to keep their wallets open.

Proving how much I still needed to learn about being a Jedi, Master Labooda asked about the quality of housing that would be provided for the employees. A gentle reminder that Master Labooda and I were here to advocate for employee benefit and not merely maximizing profits. The thrill of seeing a project begin had distracted me from the stated mission and reason for being a part of the project. I would need to make sure I did not forget the role I was to play as a Jedi as a peacekeeping religious figure.

We were informed that the housing, maintenance, and administrative buildings would all be built using prefab construction with standardized materials and layouts. This would enable quick setup and ensure a certain minimum quality level was achieved. The casino, resort, and spaceport would require more custom construction and architecture design to create a unique look that would stand out in the minds of guests. The surrounding town and shopping would likely be built using a combination of the two as new buildings were constructed and filled.

Moving towards the forested area, discussion began of the various sites for the actual casino, the resort, the pool areas, and other amenities. Most species across the galaxy found greenery a relaxing thing to look at and there was apparently a waterfall in the area our guide was directing us towards which began a discussion on the possibility of locating the spa complex in that area to take advantage of the natural sound of falling water among trees.

The hike was slowed down greatly as there was no trail to follow yet and a majority of the group was not in a fit state. I once again promised myself to keep up my daily stretches and exercise to stave off the aches that the more cubicle inclined members of the party were facing. Thankfully, liberal application of the Force enabled Labooda and myself to help get everyone past the fallen logs and other obstacles in the way.

A few members of the group heard the waterfall well before I could, proof of the superior hearing some species possess, but the sound of the water falling and splashing against the cliff face did arrive before the sight even for my comparatively weak hearing.

The image most would have of a waterfall would be incorrect to apply to the waterfall in front of the group. This was not a river rushing over the edge of a cliff and falling hundreds of feet to a lake below. This was more akin to a particularly large stream rolling and frothing down the side of a mostly vertical cliff face to a small river at the base. The cliff had a tree growing in the middle of the waterfall with its roots wrapped around what looked like a large crystal. The guide explained that he did a test on the crystal and it was a large quartz crystal.

While very nice to look at and impressive in size for a naturally produced crystal, there were cheaper, easier methods of producing quartz, even a crystal of that size. The greatest value it could provide was by staying in place while a spa facility was built around it. A lot of talk of using glass flooring over the river and creating a partially indoor space incorporating many of the outdoor features was tossed about.

A lot of talk that was swiftly ended with Ral'ziti drawing his rifle and telling everyone to be quiet.

I couldn't see or hear anything approaching, but Master Labooda pointed towards the trees.

"I sense it over there."

The guide nodded his head and adjusted his aim slightly.

I hadn't sensed anything in the Force. Anakin could describe what a person feels like as if he was describing someone's appearance. Master Labooda could tell what a person was feeling without needing to ask or even look at them. I couldn't even tell someone was there without hearing or seeing them. A frustrating setback that I could not figure out how to overcome. How was it they could just feel people in the Force?

I did feel a ping of danger as a large creature burst out of the brush. A rust colored bug the size of a fully grown man that barely made it halfway out of the clearing before a blaster bolt struck it between the eyes, felling the creature swiftly.

"Droid, by my side. Jedi, flanks. Rest of you lot, backs to the cliff face and call for backup," Ral'ziti ordered, his eyes scanning the dark. Knowing that he was the expert, I took position opposite Master Labooda, lightsaber drawn, the two of us igniting them at the same time. I kept my purple blade in a low guard as I let my eyes sweep the area in front of me.

"Why are you so concerned? You got the beast," a voice behind me spoke.

"That was a gutkurr. They do not simply charge a group of potential prey from a distance. Too risky and gives their target too much time to flee." Ral'ziti's voice was steady. A calming tone that spoke of experience. "No, he was being chased."

Several shots were fired.

"Droid, fire at the target I fire at."

"Roger roger."

"Jedi, watch out for the tentacles, they got a very painful venom."

Tentacles? What is this, an ecchi cartoon full of school girls? Spotting something green come rushing at the flank I was guarding, I ran forward to engage.

The Force rang out in my mind as I moved. I knew instantly the best way to strike to take out the beast before returning to my starting spot next to the group.

Getting my first good look at the beast, I realized this was definitely no ecchi . I definitely did not watch in my previous life even if doing so is perfectly normal and healthy for a man. No, this was a horror movie or a monster film.

"What are these things?" A frightened voice yelled behind me.

"Lyleks. Deadliest beasts on the planet."

I could have done without our guide letting us know we were being attacked by a swarm of the deadliest creatures the local ecosystem could support.

And what a creature it was. Long, skinny, spikes all over its exoskeleton with spindly legs ending in sharp points. The tentacles were a pair of long tendrils covered in small hooked spines. An insectoid monster appropriate to face off against Kamen Rider.

Now that I knew what to look for, I could see them. They were waiting, watching from the brush line. A lot of them. The smallest was still bigger than I was and the biggest would tower over Master Windu.

There are too many.

I can help.

If they keep coming one at a time, I might be able to last a few minutes, but fighting is a very intensive exercise that drains stamina fast.

I can provide you the endurance.

We had at least half an hour before reinforcements arrived.

With my aid you will not require reinforcement.

I could easily escape on my own, but that would condemn everyone else to death.

I can save them.

I would be labeled a coward and never be trusted with anything again.

With me you need never fear.

And all the work put into this project would be for naught.

I can bring it to fruition.

I need to do something.

All you have to do is ask.

"Help me."

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

The trip to Ryloth fit Tanya's modus operandi, working diligently to advance a goal rather than indulging herself or partying. This realization helped Labooda relax a bit, confident her young Padawan would not follow the footsteps of her previous Padawan. Granted, this confidence would only last until Tanya began to blossom, with all the hormones that puberty entailed... but while that day would come all too soon, Labooda knew that for now her Padawan's eyes were not drawn to boys with ill intentions.

Keeping Tanya focused on business deals and off possible intimacy might just see the young girl achieve Knighthood and a life too busy for her to get caught up in the same trap that cost Labooda her first Padawan.

For now though, Labooda was going to enjoy an easy mission where all she needed to do was make sure that the Jedi concerns for the workers that would be employed were taken proper care of. No serious concern about danger, wildlife having never bothered her before, and no concerns about diplomatic issues cropping up as everyone on site was already on the same side.

It was deeply pleasing to the Jedi Knight that no historical sites were in danger of being paved over with the area having never been inhabited according to records. Just an area of the most pure wilderness and wasteland accessible.

With a half ear being paid to conversations, Labooda asked about the prefab structures planned to be used for the employee housing. There were several quality levels of apartment complexes that could be chosen from and the one chosen was very comparable to the apartments at the Jedi Temple. A bit spartan compared to some homes Labooda had seen civilians favor, but comfortable in her opinion.

As the group began to travel through the forest, Labooda took a moment to breathe deeply and immerse herself in the living Force surrounding the area. Letting the light and raw nature permeate and relax her further. The clean air and calm, wild nature of the area would be missed, but the good of sentient outweighs the preservation of nature.

Arriving at the waterfall, Labooda admired the resilience of the tree that hung onto a crystal as water continuously passed over both its roots and the crystal. This would have been a wonderful place to meditate and immerse oneself in the living Force, the strength of the living Force here being so vibrant and bright, the area nearly hummed with it. This was not a Nexus of the Force, though, not currently, as the energy held a fleeting nature. It was here in this place, but it was not of this place, and it would leave with little issue.

Labooda's contemplation was cut short as the guide drew his rifle. Focusing her senses out through the brush, Labooda sought out what the guide knew.

Anger. Fear. Survive.

"I sense it over there," Labooda said, pointing towards a particular part of the brush. The guide nodded his head and adjusted his aim. Labooda dropped her hands to her saber, ready should the rifle prove insufficient. A large brownish orange insectoid creature burst from the brush, screeching in fear as it did so. Its screech was ended quickly with a blaster bolt between the eyes, leaving a carcass sliding a few meters as it fell forwards.

"Droid, by my side. Jedi, flanks. Rest of you lot, backs to the cliff face and call for backup," Ral'ziti ordered. Labooda reached out to the Force.

Hunger. Anger. Survive.

A lot of creatures were surrounding them. A swarm of hungry creatures wanting a meal. Labooda activated her green lightsaber at the same time as Tanya activated her's as the two of them got in position.

Labooda took a mid guard position as her eyes swept the brush, her Force senses stretched out as far as she could.

"Why are you so concerned? You got the beast," the representative from the Techno Union asked in a monotone.

"That was a gutkurr." Ral'ziti shook his head, his eyes and aim steady. "They do not simply charge a group of potential prey from a distance. Too risky and gives their target too much time to flee. No, he was being chased."

A spindly green creature came charging out of the brush heading straight for the center of the group. Ral'ziti fired a shot hitting the beast in the neck, barely phasing it as the droid hit its torso with another shot before the guide managed to hit the neck with another shot. The already weakened carapace shattered under the fire of a second shot and its insides were exposed to the outside as the beast fell to the ground.

"Droid, fire at the target I fire at."

"Roger roger."

"Jedi, watch out for the tentacles, they got a very painful venom." Labooda nodded her head in acknowledgment as she took a moment to look at the dead specimen to get an idea of the tentacle length. Her apparent distraction leading to one of the creatures jumping out of the brush straight towards her.

The Force sang of the danger and Labooda moved, striking down the beast without a thought.

Labooda could feel Tanya at the same time had struck down one of the creatures herself. The emotions emanating from the Padawan were hard to decipher at the moment, but disgust and annoyance seemed prominent.

Labooda pulled back her senses from her padawan, not needing the distraction of figuring out what the young girl was thinking when there were hostiles in the area.

"What are these things?" Nute Gunray cried out, his fear particularly palatable on the Force over even the fear everyone else was fearing.

"Lyleks. Deadliest beasts on the planet." The guide was too busy trying to keep everyone alive to delve into a deep discussion on the creatures.

Not that Labooda needed more explanation. Lyleks were large insectoid creatures able to move at high speeds for terrestrial creatures. They were a swarm species, traveling and hunting in large groups numbering in this case in the ... 40s 50s 60s ... too many. The tentacles had a painful poison, a mixed blessing as far as Labooda was concerned. She may be able to focus through the pain if she got poisoned, but it would likely distract her. Her padawan probably would not be able to, but if Tanya got struck she might at least be able to live. The carapace the creatures were covered in was resistant to blaster bolts and there was resistance to the lightsaber as well. That would slow down the two Jedi's ability to cut through them.

Worse, the creatures could climb up the side of the cliff face. Labooda had to do several Force-imbued leaps to reach the bug to kill it before it pounced among the civilians and wreaked havoc. After that one, Labooda had to move quickly to kill one that tried taking advantage of her absence.

The swarm was beginning to attack all out. Waves of the creatures would charge in to get mowed down by one of the three sides. The waves got bigger, the tactics changed. The Force screamed of the danger:

A creature would be taken down and another would use its body as cover before leaping to strike from above. Labooda and Tanya managed to handle the tactic-

"My arm! It got my arm!" Nute Gunray shrieked.

-but Ral'ziti and the droids were too slow in comparison. The lylek died before it could inject Nute Gunray with its venom, Labooda's thrown lightsaber removing its head, but the man was bleeding from a stab wound where the lylek had kicked him.

With the lightsaber returned to hand with the Force, Labooda was ready to face the next wave. The swarm was too large. Too hungry. Too angry. Labooda was ready to accept that she may die here and was preparing to order her padawan to flee on her own. Tanya was the only one of the group that had the capability to flee, the only one who could fly away. Not yet though. It was still too soon to give up hope they would last until reinforcements arrived.

"Shit! It got me." Labooda turned to see the guide with both arms wrapped in the tentacles. His face contorted in agony as he began to scream. His body on the ground under a lylek ready to spear him with the pointed end of its leg.

Light. Dark. Power. Swirling.

A wellspring of the Force burst forth in the area, leaving Labooda feeling like she was caught in the middle of a whirlwind as her senses were blasted and overwhelmed.

Cutting off her expanded senses, Labooda looked around and saw she was not the only one affected. The lyleks had stopped their assault, looking around warily. The businessmen were silent and staring at the source of the maelstrom of Force energy. The lylek that had been aiming to kill the guide missed any vital spots, leaving a large hole in his shoulder. Ral'ziti even was quiet as he tried to focus on the Power, his body so twitching in agony.

And where a purple glow should be from Tanya's lightsaber, there was gold. Not the yellow of the temple guard's lightsaber. Not the orange of a lightsaber from a more ancient time. No, glimmering and shining gold.

"Praise the Lord. For Salvation has arrived."

That voice was not right. It was Tanya's voice, but the tone was wrong. Tanya always spoke as though she had just consumed a sour fruit, harsh and strong with an acidic edge to her words. This tone was sweet and filled with sugar and kindness.

This was no longer Tanya. Not the one Labooda knew.

"Je'daii." Labooda was not aware of having whispered her suspicions out loud.

The form of Tanya turned, revealing it was not just her lightsaber that had gained a golden glow to it. Her eyes seemed to have an internal golden light to them as they tracked to the fallen form of Ral'ziti and the lylek on him.

"Beast of Painful Death, I say begone." Tanya gently flicked her wrist and the lylek was sent crashing and tumbling back into the woods, stopping with a crunching sound against a sturdy tree.

Tanya turned off her lightsaber as she moved into the group of businessmen, her confidence the swarm would not charge inspiring, and knelt in front of Nute Gunray.

"The shepherd needs to care for his flock," she told him as she removed the hand he was using to apply pressure to his wounded arm. Looking at the bleeding gash with an ever present comforting smile, Tanya laid a hand on the wound.

Heal. Life. Clean. Safe.

When she removed her hand, the blood was gone and the wound was closed with only a golden handprint showing where the wound had previously been.

Force healing was not a wide spread skill among the Jedi, even those in the Medical Corps. The Force was mainly used to diagnose maladies and aid in helping patients rest, the two things that set Jedi Healers apart from their civilian counterparts and gave Jedi Healers a reputation as the best healers in the Galaxy. To use the Force to directly heal often came with a heavy price of another being's Life Force being transferred into the one being healed. Currently, the only one who could use the Force alone without adding in Life Force to heal was the head of the Medical Corps.

And Labooda just watched Tanya seemingly manage the task as though it was as simple as breathing.

Was this the power and skill lost to the Jedi so long ago? Or was Tanya's previous life just that skilled and powerful in the Force? Labooda was certain she would need to meditate on the question to come to an answer, but for now she snapped her attention back to the present. Several lyleks were charging.

Whipping herself into position, Labooda prepared to fight, a surge of confidence running down her spine as she felt her Faith in the Force blossom that everything would be fine.

The lyleks stopped charging. No, not stopped, frozen from charging. Their limbs were twitching, and mouths snarling, but their forward momentum was completely halted.

"Now now, I will deal with you in a moment. I have a flock to tend to first." Tanya does not giggle. It just did not match up to the young girl Labooda had spent so much time around. The few times Tanya had laughed, it was closer to a snicker. This Je'daii was nothing like its modern incarnation.

Heal. Life. Clean. Safe.

There was that feeling in the Force again. Of the Je'daii healing. Taking a quick look, Labooda was able to make out Ral'ziti's face going from pain to one of blissed awe as he stared at the tiny form of Tanya.

Facing the lyleks again, Labooda readied herself.

"Now, fell beasts, let the Light of the Lord purge you."

Necks snapped. Bodies collapsed. Dozens dead in a moment. A wind swept with a golden blur and the laughter of bells as more were chopped into pieces.

The spell keeping the beasts in place was over and the entire hive charged in seeking to end the mirthful blur crossing the battlefield.

The Force sang. A song reverberated through Labooda's entire being praising a long forgotten god. The melody in perfect time to every motion on the field of battle as the Je'daii protected.

When backup finally arrived, the only assistance required was clearing a path through the piled up corpses. Nute Gunray and Ral'ziti were able to move under their own ability with the only sign they had been wounded being the shimmering gold handprints where their wounds had been located.

The one who was moving the slowest back to base was in fact Tanya who after killing and running off there remnants of the hive returned to her normal blue eyes before taking a few steps to the side before throwing up. An uncommon, but known effect of overusing the Force beyond what one was used to.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Nute Gunray would find it difficult to count the number of novel things he had seen over his lifetime, but the success he had accrued for himself necessitated being more adventurous than the average Nimoidian. One does not ascend to the position of Viceroy through passivity. It took ruthlessness, a keen eye for spotting the weaknesses of others, and the ability to gather resources secretly.

Nute learned these lessons well when he was but a young grub, having to spot the opportune moment to not just gain the food he would need to grow from the limited supply he and his fellow grubs had access to, but where in the hive to hide his spoils and the right moment to... take out the competition and using the removed competition to... supplement his private food reserves. There were even a few fellow grubs small and gullible enough to follow Nute's instructions with the promise of them getting to eat as well. A situation that taught Nute the lesson that everyone was the sentient capital of another. The trick was becoming the capital of the most powerful and capable being you can find.

That was why when approached by the shadowy figure of Darth Sidious, Nute made an agreement to work with the Sith in exchange for increasing profits for the trade routes under his control. An arrangement that has proven most beneficial over the years, even with that business with Naboo having not gone to plan. In some ways though, the failure of Naboo seemed to have worked to his master's benefit, netting Nute more benefits than he was anticipating from the success. Though that annoying Queen was still being a thorn in his side with her investigations into Nute's activities.

Nevertheless, things have been going well for the Nemoidian. Then along comes a possible business venture from the Jedi. A novel thing that they would seek to create a business. Nute did not care about preventing slavery or ending it, his people having benefited from the Narquois slaves within their territory. That said, the little Padawan's suggestions that a more profitable manner of dealing with sentient capital intrigued Nute. He doubted her ideas would survive the real world, but she had put together a proposal more thorough than many Nute had approved with the Jedi having promised to take on a majority of the risks involved.

He would be a fool to not agree to the deal. Either he is in on the ground floor of a more profitable business model that could be expanded out to the rest of his holdings before the competition, or he has proof to take to the senate that slavery was in fact more beneficial for society than letting all that sentient capital do whatever it wanted.

Which led to his current position on the planet of Ryloth. Knowing that he would be dealing closely with the Jedi, he had done his research into their capabilities, including his disastrous encounter during the Naboo incident, and thought he knew just what they could do. While impressive, he still had concerns over his own safety and insisted on extra security besides two Jedi. Especially when one was only a youngling whereas the padawan he dealt with all those years ago became a knight not long after. No, best to have a droid along.

After that beast had attacked him, Nute felt justified in his desire for extra security, and distraught that he hadn't insisted for at least a squadron of droids. Then the padawan did something. Nute could not describe what happened, but she seemed to be a completely different person as she healed him while freezing the beasts in midair.

Then she moved.

That was the only way Nute could understand it. Nemoidians had very good eyesight compared to a human, able to see and process visual stimuli at two to three times what humans could. Even with that, the padawan was hard to keep track of as that golden blade of hers flashed everywhere at once, killing the beasts before they knew what was happening.

The thing that got to Nute the most though, was her prayers. Nemoidians in general were not a religious lot, but there were too many business deals made with those that were for Nute to not recognize a prayer for what it was. But this was not a prayer asking for anything. This was not a prayer blessing anything. It was a prayer thanking for what was already received from some unknown god. Some Lord with no spoken name. And in the spot on his arm that still was shaped in the image of her hand, shimmering in a gold color, Nute felt something.

Pleasure. Pure pleasure from the spot in his arm, like a drug injected into his system. A drug that left his mind clear and had no apparent low to go with the high. A drug that pulsed through his system in time with the words of her prayer.

Looking into the mirror of his private washroom, Nute quietly spoke three words.

"Praise the Lord."

Pleasure pulsed. Nute frowned before he began wrapping his arm in a bandage to hide the shimmer. This would require some research, but first he needed to talk with the older Jedi about what was going on.

Nute stepped out of the washroom and fully dressed himself, Nute quietly congratulated himself on insisting that the Jedi stay with him on his ship instead of roughing it while they waited for their transport to arrive. This would make the following discussion much easier.

—-

Labooda felt exhausted emotionally and physically from the day she just had. The whirlwind of emotions surrounding her padawan not helping her nerves. A lesson in suppressing emotions would need to be in order soon to quiet the noise in the Force. Thankfully, the control Tanya has over expressing them on her face and out loud should aid in the Padawan's mental training.

For now though, the Knight would give the padawan some space as she enjoyed the amenities provided by the Viceroy. The very Viceroy who was now coming her way, his emotions carefully subdued making him much harder to read at the moment. Something Labooda was currently fine with.

"Just what was all that your padawan did out there? And why do you Jedi not do that more of?"

An accusation of not doing enough. Something she had been hearing levied at the Order and the Republic a lot lately, especially from those located in the outer rim.

"My padawan tapped into an aspect of the Force unique to her situation. What you saw was her allowing her body to be the conduit to an ancient spirit that lives within her soul. She is the reincarnation of an ancient Je'daii Master."

"What does that mean? What is a Je'daii?"

"The Je'daii were the precursors to the Jedi and Sith orders. A schism broke the two apart when the heretical Sith began following the Dark Side of the Force. Padawan Degurechaff in her previous life lived as one of these pre-schism Je'daii and can tap into those memories in certain circumstances."

"Ancient religious slop," Nute scoffed at the idea before returning towards his room. Labooda notices Nute's hand seemed to linger over the bandage covering the wound he had sustained. With a passing thought hoping the Force willed him to have a speedy recovery, Labooda headed towards the quarters the Nemoidian had provided for herself and Tanya.

A room that was in mild disarray while Tanya sat on the bed, sulking. Labooda's eyes went straight to the bandage covering the knuckles on one hand. Labooda took a seat next to Tanya and picked up the hand that was not injured when she last saw the Padawan.

"What happened?" Labooda asked. Silence greeted her question. Deciding physical intimacy would probably help her Padawan open up, Labooda pulled Tanya into a hug. A move that led to Tanya tensing up. "Talk to me."

"I lost control." Tanya's voice was flat. Giving facts without the accompanying emotions. "We were in trouble and I had a way to gain the power to save us, but I lost control. I was just a passenger watching my body move and hearing the words come out of my mouth. I had no control or freedom."

Tanya's fists tightened and flashes of anger sparked in the Force, but Tanya's voice stayed level. Besides the anger, Labooda felt no darkness hanging over Tanya. She was not slipping into the darkside, but Labooda knew that she needed to help now or Tanya could begin going down the path.

"You did not lose control. You gave up control temporarily."

"I did not know I was giving up control of my body. That was never conveyed to me in any way. How am I supposed to make an informed decision if key information is missing?"

"Trust in the Will of the Force. We will always be lacking some information, but with the guidance of the Force we will be able to follow the course towards a brighter future."

Tanya stood up and began walking towards the washroom door. "I'm going to get cleaned up."

Labooda watched the retreating form for a moment before getting up to clean up the mess.

A quick assessment showed almost nothing appeared to have been broken. The one exception being a small pile of metal. A pile that revealed itself to be the hilt of Tanya's lightsaber, dismantled. Dismantled and with the kyber crystal missing.

Labooda closed her eyes and reached out into the Force, searching for the crystal. Walking to where she felt it, she saw it had been tossed into a waste bin with the packaging for the bandages Tanya used.

Labooda collected up the crystal and parts, setting them all onto a table before beginning to pick up the rest of the room, remake the beds before she stopped at a small section of wall smeared in blood with four dents that Labooda just knew would match perfectly in shape to Tanya's knuckles.

With a sigh and a shudder, Labooda grabbed a cloth and moistened it with water from a nearby jug before scrubbing the blood off the wall before it could stain the surface. There would be nothing she would be able to accomplish in removing the dents, but with the blood gone the dents would at least be less noticeable.

With the room straightened up, Labooda took a seat next to the parts of Tanya's lightsaber and picked up the crystal. A large specimen for use in a lightsaber, purple in color like she imagined Master Windu's must look like, except, looking closer, Labooda noticed a different shade of color in the core. Focusing on her senses in the Force, she tried to understand the core.

The crystal was a bright spot in the Force, in the way all kyber crystals appeared to be when not in use. Labooda sighed and placed the crystal down as she turned to the washroom door as Tanya came back into the room.

"Tanya, the lightsaber is your life. You need to treat it better than this."

"Yes Master Labooda."

After that acknowledgement, Labooda noticed Tanya was standing in an odd way, with a hand pressed against her lower stomach.

"What is wrong?"

Tanya's face morphed into discomfort and uncertainty.

"Talk to me. What is wrong?" Labooda stood up and headed towards Tanya.

"I'm bleeding."

Labooda's face blanched. "Where? What happened."

Tanya pointed towards the area, her cheeks flushed red, uncertainty in her movements.

"I, um, I think I need some feminine hygienic products. For uh, certain periodic cycles."

Labooda took a moment to process what Tanya was saying before her shoulders slumped in relief. "A period. You are going through your period."

Tanya's nod was all the confirmation Labooda needed before beginning to help Tanya through what to do.

"You do seem a bit young for this. When we get back to the Temple, we should visit the medical ward for a physical."

"Young?" If not for the emotional turmoil that was the day they just had, the squeak of Tanya's fearful voice might have given Labooda a chuckle.

"I could be mistaken, but I did not have my first one until I was ten and I do not believe I was considered to be a late developer. You might be an early developer, but I would prefer we got confirmation."

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

The arrival of Obi-Wan and Anakin on Ryloth was met with little fanfare, the atmosphere surrounding the businessmen and Tanya thick with concern, tension, and deals being made. The biggest deals being one focused on a one time mass hunting party advertised primarily towards the aggressive Trandoshans and a large weapon purchase for local security and pest control forces.

For Tanya, the tensions surrounding her felt disconnected from the general tension and more personal. Noticing the general feel, Obi-Wan wandered over to where Labooda was watching the events unfold, her eyes constantly returning to her Padawan.

Obi-Wan surveyed the area as he stood next to Labooda. "Looks like you have had an interesting trip."

Labooda gave a heavy sigh and nodded. "You could say that. Things got a bit out of hand for a moment, but we managed to get everything resolved with no one dying."

"Oh?" An eyebrow raised, a smirk on his face. Obi-Wan was curious about the story.

Not wanting to talk about it, Labooda looked to Kenobi and noticed something off. "Looks like you also had an interesting trip." She grabbed a bit of his tunic under his robes that had a bright blue mark on it.

A bright blue mark in the rough shape of a mouth.

Obi-Wan's cheeks flushed a deep red color as he gently removed Labooda's hand from himself and fixed his outfit up to hide the stain. "Anakin and I were invited to a wedding. I may have allowed myself to indulge in the festivities a little too much."

"So the Sith-Slayer is capable of having some fun? Hopefully you were a good example to your padawan."Labooda smiled as her shoulders relaxed a little. The humor of the situation Kenobi found himself in served as a balm to her frazzled nerves.

Obi-Wan's face turned sour before he hid it behind a haughty mask. "I was a perfect gentleman the entire time."

Labooda gave a small laugh while rolling her eyes. "Sure you were."

—-

Tanya felt different to Anakin. A film of... something seemed to be covering her presence. Focusing on the feeling and trying to puzzle it out made Anakin realize he has felt something before on Palpatine. On the Chancellor it felt like the film that clung to a person after being near a grease fire.

On Tanya, it different. Slippery. Almost like the cheap soap from the market on Tatooine. Able to clean, but with a greasy feeling that stuck around.

Thinking about it, Anakin figures something must have happened to change how his friend felt.

Putting on a smile to hide his concern, Anakin went over to where Tanya was looking over some information on several datapads.

"Hey Tawn. How are things?"

The look Anakin got in return should have bothered him. It was the look of someone analyzing a good, deciding if it was worth buying. A look Anakin had seen too much when he was young directed at him and his mother. Anakin refused to let himself be bothered by it when it came from Tanya. She looked at everything that way, all the way back to when they first met when she got her Kyber crystal.

"Fine. I am just looking over the weapons trade deal to..."

Anakin let Tanya's words flow past him as he focused on how Tanya felt in the Force, only keeping enough of an ear in the conversation to keep Tanya talking with small responses. The gears of Tanya's presence were moving, but there was something off. The film coating everything was in the gears slowing everything down and making the tick unsteady, missing beats randomly.

Focusing back on Tanya's physical form and placing a hand on her shoulder, Anakin interrupted Tanya's discussion on something or other.

"What happened? Something seems wrong with you."

Tanya looked at Anakin before shaking her head.

"It is a female problem. I'll be fine." There was a brittleness in the smile Tanya gave to reassure him. Even when he was trying to be there for his friend, her first priority appeared to be his comfort. Anakin gave a warm smile in return as he allowed the topic to be dropped.

—-

It was an uncommon sight for a perfectly healthy Jedi to visit the medical wing of the Temple first when returning from off planet. It was uncommon for any Jedi to visit the hospital wing first, even when badly hurt.

The immediate visit of the youngest Padawan currently in training to the medical wing raised several red flags and got her into the exam room for a thorough physical right away, along with a battery of questions about the mission and the fight that occurred. By the time the doctor came into the exam room with answers, Tanya was mentally exhausted from the interrogation being poked and prodded for what seemed to be hours.

"Well, I have some good news and some bad news," the doctor began as she took a seat. "Good news is that you are perfectly healthy physically. The bad news is that you are experiencing Overconductive Force Induced Early Onset Puberty, or FIP for short. It is a rare condition in this day and age, but common among young Force Sensitives who get into dangerous situations and rely too heavily on their Force abilities.

"Symptoms are thankfully mild with the beginning of the pubescent cycle happening far earlier and often far faster than in those who do not go through this. The biggest issue you will face is a stunted growth as the physical aspects of puberty will be truncated significantly."

"So, I'm going to be short?" Tanya asked, annoyance leaking into her voice.

"Yes." The doctor nodded as she wrote something down before passing it to Tanya. "I am going to give you a prescription for steroids to help counteract it, and you will need to visit regularly for a check up while on them, but I do not expect you to get much past five feet tall."

"Five feet?"

"Yes. Without the steroids, you are not likely to get past four feet. It is your choice if you want to go through with the steroid treatment, we have several well respected members of the order that are barely above three feet..."

"I'll do it." Tanya's face clearly indicated that she was not a fan of the idea of remaining the size of Grand Master Yoda.

"Very well, I am also going to write you a prescription for nausea medicine. A common side effect of going through FIP is bouts of upset stomachs, nausea, and a connected decrease in appetite. Take one anytime you begin feeling queasy and combined with the steroids you should keep a healthy appetite."

Tanya nodded her head as she stared at the two prescriptions in hand.

—-

Mace Windu was not considered a sentimental person, nor one who gave into emotional whims. He could not allow himself to be such.

Many in the Jedi Order saw him as a stern, always serious man. A master of self discipline and control who never wavered in his convictions. A man with standards so high that falling short was an accomplishment in its self.

What precious few in the order realized was the daily struggle Mace went through to not fall to the darkside. As a young boy, Mace dealt with many strong emotions, especially frustration, anger, and doubt. Learning to temper his emotions and to control them was a long battle that Mace continues to struggle with.

The creation of Vaapad was a tool to help channel those dark emotions out of Mace and leave him at peace. A tool that was taught to a small handful of Jedi with similar emotional turmoil. A tool meant to help prevent a fall to the darkside through harnessing the darkside within. Most attempting such an action would only be drawn deeper into the darkness and eventually fall out of the careful balance such practitioners must always maintain. A knife edge where slipping into the dark or the light would have catastrophic consequences as the mental spiral will bounce them down a dark pit of cruelty and selfish desire.

It was for this reason that Mace grew concerned about the events of the recent mission Padawan Degurechaff went on. While the distance was vast, the echoes within the Force traveled fast. For the majority of the council, the disturbance would only register as a distant event occurring like so many ripples in the Force. For Mace Windu, Grand Master Yoda, and the particularly sensitive Plo Koon, it was a surge that needed investigation immediately.

With the entire High Council gathered, Padawan Degurechaff was brought forth to explain the events, along with Knight Labooda to provide extra context.

"A disturbance in the Force was felt from Ryloth during your mission," Mace Windu began the meeting, his body leaning forward as he sat. "The report you provided explained the circumstances surrounding the disturbance, but we require extra information."

"To start, we understand that you were not in control of your body," the orange skinned Plo Koon took over as he sat in a very relaxed position. His masked face directed to where Degurechaff stood in the middle of the room next to her Master. "Care to explain what lead to this loss of control?"

Degurechaff was silent for a moment before a smile briefly flashed onto her face that she schooled quickly back to neutrality.

"Yes. As the report indicated, we were surrounded on all sides by a swarm of dangerous creatures. As the creatures continued engaging us, pushing our abilities to defend ourselves and the defenseless civilians with us to the limit, I heard a voice coming from my kyber crystal promising the strength and endurance to survive if I asked for help. I did not know that it's help would include it taking over my body."

Mace Windu, along with the rest of the Council, took a moment to think about that before the large forehead form of Ki-Adi-Mundi's projection leaned forward to ask his question.

"You say your body was taken over. Yet your report also reads as though you have a first hand recollection of the events following the loss of control. How much awareness did you have during this... possession?"

"Full," Degurechaff's answer was immediate with no hesitation. The truth of her words ringing clearly in the Force. "I could see everything that happened, hear both the words coming out of my mouth and the surroundings, I could feel the way that... thing used the Force through my body. I was a passenger in my body watching everything happen without any input."

Mace allowed the questioning to continue as the Council members got as much information as they could about the event and Degurechaff's current mental state for a while longer before he raised a single hand to cut off the discussion.

"The Council thanks you for your time Knight Labooda and Padawan Degurechaff. We have much to think on and discuss. For now, you are dismissed."

After the pair left the room, the Council began discussing the revelations of the young Padawan's incident. The one that took up Mace Windu's attention the most was the way the kyber crystal was the conduit through which she was able to connect with her past self.

It was said the color a kyber crystal turns when attuned with a Force Sensitive said much about the individual who the crystal was attuned to. Though it has been lost to time exactly what the crystal's color revealed.

In this modern day, there were only two who had crystals in shades of purple. For a long time, Mace believed it was due to his difficult journey in balancing his Force. The emotional turmoil he fought against every day. A turmoil he had been believing young Degurechaff was having to fight as well. And yet, this discussion seemed to indicate while she still had a lot of dark emotions, she was not struggling to stay balanced in the light.

It would take time and meditation, but perhaps the reason they shared the same color kyber crystal was a similar status of reincarnation. A status that could explain the shatter points Mace was able to see. Perhaps it was a technique he learned on his previous life and if he could connect to his previous incarnation he would be able to learn how to pass the knowledge of the technique on to others.

—-

I'm stuck. My lightsaber is my life and no one is going to allow me to get rid of this accursed crystal. Master Labooda dug it out of the trash and gave it back. The High Council does not care that I hear voices coming from it and that it tempts me with the promises of power they warn the darkside gives. I just have to carry this thing.

I can't even switch the crystal out for a similar one. That damn false god had to give it an unusual color that only the Master of the Order has. There are no other purple crystals I can use.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Watching people supplicant before me was a wonderful thing. The bowing and begging to get a scrap of my power and influence. This feeling would be ever present when I got rid of the Republic, killed the Jedi, and installed my glorious Empire.

For now though, there was work to do.

"Arise Count Dooku." Watching the man's holographic projection stand on my word filled me with joy. Pleasure knowing he was a loyal puppet in my plans.

"My Master, I have excellent news. I have brought another dozen planets into agreeing to join the separatist movement when the time comes and a Jedi has died trying to investigate the unrest brewing in the outer rim. We are well on our way to having everyone right where we want them."

"Good. Good. And the talks with the Trade Federation are going well?"

A sour look crossed Dooku's face. If he is failing me on such a simple task I would need to be... creative with his punishment.

"The Viceroy is going along, but something about him has changed. It has made the discussions... slower."

"Slower how?" If that sniveling coward is trying to get out from under my thumb because he thinks he found something better, I will just have to eliminate him.

"He takes longer to make decisions and is picking his words more carefully. This delay should be minimal."

"So long as it does not become a problem."

—-

Being an aide to a senator necessitated keeping tabs on a large number of information sources. Journals, news programs, articles, even the popular dramas. Information was the fuel that kept the bureaucracy behind the senators running smoothly. It was the lifeblood that kept the senators looking good for the public and kept the masses complacent with the politicians.

Lately, Rudolf Fischer has found that the feed of information he used on behalf of Senator Garm Iblis has been filled with more and more information on the Outer Rim and the issues facing the populace out there. Not a typical concern of the Corellian people, but with the well liked Garm Iblis supporting a movement aiding the enslaved populations the information has become critical in his bid for re-election.

With the increasing destabilization happening in the Outer Rims as the pirates and slavers fight to prevent the Republic's interference in their business, a new militarization bill has begun to be drafted. A bill being blocked by a sizable 'Peace' block that thinks that arming the Republic would only result in wars being fought. A rather idealistic thought.

One Corellia was not in line with. Fischer did the research and found that the sectors with greater militaristic presence had less violence against civilians from pirates and slaves. A result that should be appealing to those not profiting off of piracy and slavery.

A result that can profit Corellia if the amendment to the bill Fischer gave Senator Iblis went through along with the rest of the bill. An amendment that would set Corellia as the primary production site for the new Republic Fleet.

END OF BOOK 1

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Jedi Trials. Tests of a Padawan's readiness for the difficulties of being a Jedi Knight. Ancient tests evaluating a Jedi's Skill, Courage, Flesh, Spirit, and Insight.

After years of training, two Padawan practice against each other as they near readiness to face the tests and join their Masters as peacekeepers in an increasingly uncertain Galaxy.

Padawan Skywalker and Padawan Degurechaff have long pushed each other to new heights in their desire to be the best...

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Knight Labooda stood to the side of the largest training room in the Temple along with half of the High Council and Knight Kenobi. Among the spectators were Grand Master Yoda, Master of the Order Mace Windu, and Sar Labooda's sister Depa Billaba.

Masters Plo Koon and Kit Fisto were closer to the center of the large room, using the Force to move obstacles through the air at the sparring pair currently engaging in a midair lightsaber battle.

"Skill, never in doubt. How far they have come and how much we can learn, is now worth pondering," The small, frog-like figure of Yoda said as he leaned on his gimer stick.

The large dark form of Mace Windu gave a nod of agreement. "Master Billaba, activate the droids. Let's see if they can keep up this pace while deflecting blaster bolts."

"I must say, I look forward to what the Council is able to think up for the Trial of Courage," Knight Kenobi quipped with a smirk on his lips.

"I would say Tanya has already proven her courage and insight," A frown was on Windu's stoney face as he started his opinion.

"We are well aware of your opinion on politicians, but some of us see no reason to fear them," the modulated voice of Plo Koon said through his mask.

"Arranged, a suitable challenge will be," Yoda said.

"Their ability to pass the Trial of Courage is not our primary concern. When do you believe they would be ready for the Trial of Flesh and the Trial of Spirit?"

Kenobi and Labooda looked towards each other for a moment.

"Anakin is ready to face the Trials..." Obi-Wan Kenobi began speaking before trailing off.

"You have concerns?" Billaba asked, taking a close look at Kenobi's bearded face.

"He is ready to face the trials, but I am not as certain he is ready to pass the trials."

"Train him longer, you wish to do, hmm?" Yoda asked.

"I feel there is still so much for me to teach him."

"Your desire to see him learn does you well, but at some point you must trust your Padawan is ready to go on their own and continue their education without you," Mace Windu said as his eyes were locked on the furious match going on above their heads.

"What about you, Sister? Is Tanya ready to face the Trials?" Billaba asked.

"Mentally, yes. I am concerned about her health though," Labooda admitted. "Her FIP has caused a few issues over these last few years. We knew she was never going to be a particularly tall Jedi because of it, but the hormonal barrage has caused her no end of grief. The human body is not meant to go through all those changes so quickly and at such a young age."

"When do you believe she will be ready to face the Trials?" The stoney frown on Windu's face grew deeper as his eyes focused on the fitting figure of a short blonde woman. A girl that should still have baby fat in her cheeks, but who looked closer to a short or malnourished 19-year-old than the 10-year-old preteen she actually was.

"The doctor has been monitoring her hormone levels. Once they level out and we know she has hit a plateau in her body's induced puberty, then I believe she will be ready. I do not want her facing the Trial of Spirit while her head is fogged over from a rather difficult puberty."

—-

Five long years of training to keep ahead of Tanya. Five years of learning how to use his power to batter Tanya's tricks to the side and smash through her defenses. Five years and Anakin continues to struggle to stay ahead of the younger, smaller Padawan.

Tanya's strength was comparatively pitiful. Her lightsaber form a poor match up. Her height, minuscule.

And yet, the only other person able to challenge him in a duel was Master Kenobi and his steady, impenetrably defensive Form III. What Tanya lacked in strength she made up for in speed. What Tanya lacked in her lightsaber form she made up with Force tricks. What Tanya lacked in height, she made up for by taking the battle to the air where Anakin learned long ago being bigger just meant there were more places to hit.

Anakin would show he was the best in front of the Council. He would show them he was ready for the Trials. He just first needed to break through Tanya's tricks.

There, she is readying to snap. A tell on the next trick. Anakin could feel the grin on his face. Charge in with a feint.

Tanya's fingers snap.

Danger. Explosion.

Grab the Force and pull it to the side to send a blast of wind clearing the fire away and disrupting the shockwave. Kick her hand out of the way. Plant the tip of his lightsaber to the younger Padawan's throat.

"...I yield."

The sour look that briefly appears on Tanya's face as she recognizes she lost once again is sweeter than bantha milk thanks to the effort it took to win each time.

Retracting the blade, Anakin reorients himself to land on the ground and give a respectful bow to his opponent.

"Alright Anakin," Master Kenobi says. Ignoring how much of an accomplishment it was to defeat Tanya. "Get cleaned up. We have a mission."

"Yes Master. What is the mission?"

"Bodyguards for a senator." The smile tells Anakin Obi-Wan was hiding something. There was a trap here. Best way to handle a known trap was to spring it.

Anakin put on a sour expression as he followed his master out of the training room and to the showers. "A senator? How boring."

"Maybe, but I imagine you will enjoy catching up with this one. She is an old friend of ours."

An old friend? Anakin was not close to any senators. The closest person to a senator he knew was Chancellor Palpatine. Despite Anakin's apparent difficulty with people's genders, there was no confusing Sheev Palpatine for a woman. The thought of it sent a shudder up Anakin's spine.

"Who is this old friend?"

There was that grin getting bigger. Here is the trap. "How could you forget Padme Amidala?"

"Padme?" Angel? The most beautiful and pure person Anakin ever met. He could never forget her. "I did not know she became a senator."

"Yes, and we don't want to keep her waiting."

"Yes Master."

—-

Nute Gunray was not one that put a lot of stock in religion. Or, rather, Nute Gunray had previously been one not to put a lot of stock in religion. Ever since that little padawan was possessed by a Je'daii spirit and began praising a nameless god Lord, Nute has found it difficult to avoid faith in some immaterial being.

The gold handprint still shimmered on his arm, kept hidden by long sleeves, and it gave advice to the Viceroy. A small spark of pleasure anytime he praised the nameless being and anytime he was doing something it approved of. Over time, with plenty of experiments, Nute found things it wanted him to do. Foolish things like charity and helping the needy.

Yet, it was the results of the business deals, the trade agreements, and benefits given to employees the symbol liked that made Nute begin questioning if charity was such a foolish venture.

Every business venture the handprint liked resulted in greater profits than any of the other ventures Nute had engaged in. Every single one, by significant amounts that were beyond the expected margins of error.

If this was what having faith resulted in, Nute could begin to see the appeal. He just needed to talk to the little padawan again. She must have answers to the questions Nute had about the religion followed by this spirit.

It was proving profitable following it blindly without guidance. It must be even more profitable with guidance.

—-

Padme Amidala, former Queen of Naboo and current Senator, was not pleased. She was on her way to the senate to vote down the ridiculous Military Creation Act. It was a provocative and aggressive waste of resources meant to browbeat the planets threatening separation into staying.

The Republic has been at peace for nearly a millennium without an overpriced fleet of ships draining resources better used directly helping the citizens with relief efforts and increasing food production. Besides, sector defense should be a local government concern, not in the hands of the galactic government where corruption of all sorts can ruin its effectiveness.

After the Naboo crisis, it became clear to Padme that Planetary Defense Forces were the best way for planets to defend themselves from illegal blockades and piracy. To build up a single Grand Army of the Republic as the proposal suggested would take resources away from the individual defense forces.

Padme could not let this be allowed to pass. It would undermine what she stood for, what her people stood for. The power should be spread out to the small local governments and the Republic should be there only to support the local efforts.

Arriving on Coruscant, Padme readied herself to disembark while Corde, Padme's decoy and a body double, stood at the ready to get off the ship first.

"We have arrived, my Lady. Please wait a moment while I step off first."

Padme rolled her eyes as she gave a good natured grin. "I know Corde. This is not our first time doing this."

"As you say my lady."

Corde and the first part of Padme's entourage descended the ramp. After a moment, Padme followed.

BOOM!

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

Messy. Oh so messy. Deliciously messy. The chaos. The fire. The death.

Bounty hunters make for such fun assassins. Loud, in the open, and as obvious as possible to spread their name and reputation around.

A pity I need Amidala alive for now if I am going to manipulate my future apprentice into position. This fiery display would have been a very satisfying end to the annoying twit.

Needs must come before pleasure though. That Jedi girl has gained far too much influence over Anakin. Influence that can be replaced with a relationship with a non-Jedi girl who I can eliminate at my convenience. A non-Jedi who already thinks we are on the same side and who Anakin already admires.

There is the boy now. Along with his cockroach of a Master. I keep having Kenobi sent off on missions that should kill him and leave Anakin more vulnerable, but he keeps coming back. Soon though, his luck will run out and he will fall and Anakin will be mine.

Likely they will begin investigating the assassination attempt, only to be foiled by my insurance policy. I will have to keep a close eye on how things progress to ensure events proceed accordingly.

—-

Meetings were an annoyingly common part of business. Typically, meetings involved a lot of talking, arguing over the fine details, and presentations. The Ryloth Revival Venture as it was being called in the media was not typical.

The people involved were a strange lot and the representative from the Trade Federation kept bringing in experts that made the people ever stranger, but Gob'leif was not a Twi'lek to judge.

Gob'leif was the current owner of the only construction company on Ryloth that managed to stay in business for ten generations. The oldest and biggest name in the game on the backwater planet.

It was this long expertise that had afforded her the privilege to explain exactly how much it would cost to build the casino they wanted. The materials, the labor, the hazard pay, and the architectural designs.

Three years of construction later with increasingly generous payments and the casino was almost ready to open. Three years of her workers getting lucrative bonuses for meeting goals. Three years and a new contract at the ready to keep building in the area, regardless of whether or not the buildings get filled.

The one condition being the first building was to be a Temple. Gob'leif asked about that. The Trade Federation's Viceroy explained that it was for the Jedi who initiated this venture.

That explanation felt flimsy coming from the Neimoidian. The Viceroy might seem calmer and more careful with his words, but Gob'leif knew that the cowardly anger was still there. The slimy looking, noseless bugs were all the same, a bunch of greedy, self serving cretins. Just because this one grew a brain didn't change anything.

Well, it was time to start the meeting with the Viceroy's local contact.

—-

Ral'ziti was a strong man. One had to be in order to survive in the wilds of Ryloth. After the experience a few years ago things began to change. His arms were marked by a pair of shimmering gold handprints. One that rewarded him for certain actions with a shot of pleasure. The other punishes with a jolt of pain.

Such things would be too much of a distraction in the wilds, resulting in Ral'ziti retiring from being a guide and huntsman. Now he was Viceroy Nute Gunray's Personal Assistant for Ryloth. A cover for their real relationship and objective.

The experience years ago with that girl changed the two men. Nute was in denial, but Ral'ziti knew what had happened. A miracle. A divinely bestowed miracle. That was why Nute allowed Ral'ziti to take charge in building a temple to the nameless god that helped them.

And here he was, in a fancy meeting room at the top of a building designed for sin, built on good intentions, looking out to a forest getting clear cut to make room for a city of hope.

The door opened and a short, green figure walked in. Gob'leif was a short woman, barely reaching Ral'ziti's chest. What Gob'leif lacked in height though, she made up for in curves. In Twi'lek culture, the ideal figure was not that of the slim dancers most species took as slaves. For Twi'leks, beauty was in a wide figure. The figure of someone well fed and able to enjoy an easy life.

To Ral'ziti, Gob'leif was gorgeous. Not only was she wide with generous proportions, but if his eyes did not deceive him, under that soft fat was muscle. She was not just beautiful, but strong and would challenge him.

The prickling coming from his left arm was an annoying reminder that the nameless god did not appear to like such contemplation. Better to get this meeting started.

—-

Gob'leif was not terribly impressed with the contact. A muscle headed fool who clearly thought with his fists if the scars were any indication. And that smug smile told her plenty about where his eyes were located.

Men and their obsession with her long lekku. Some days they were more of a pain than they seemed to be worth. At least wrapping the head tails around her neck kept them out of the way.

Well, if that was the kind of man he was, then Gob'leif knew how to handle him. A firm hand that left no room for back talk.

"You are the contact for the Trade Federation?"

"Yes I am," his drawl was slow and a clear sign this meeting would take longer than necessary.

"Fine. I got four designs for the temple. Do you have the authority to make the decision or will I have to wait?"

"The Viceroy gave me the freedom to make whatever decisions necessary for the temple."

Gob'leif was pleased. She could get the designs finalized and begin construction. The sooner her company was able to finish, the sooner they could get paid for the next job.

"The first design is the cheapest. As you can see, it is a one story building with a long central hall and over here are the administration and maintenance offices."

The holographic design was on a puck Gob'leif pulled out of her bag. The design was very industrial and practical for a temple and was included primarily for the Nemoidian's cheapness. If they were doing this to honor a contractual agreement, this would do the job and no more.

"No."

The quick decision surprised Gob'leif. Normally people looked over the options and compared the budgets before making a decision. Well, it wasn't her job on the line if the Nemoidian found the price too high.

Placing the rest of the pucks on the table, Gob'leif began to explain the remaining three.

"Show me that one," the representative said, pointing to one of the pucks.

"Alright. We call this the monastery design. As you can see it is several stories tall. In this main area is a large central hall for ceremonies and prayers or whatever worship the temple will be used for. Above the hall are various rooms that can be fitted out at a later date. Over to the side in this extension is the administrative facilities. In the back we have three dormitories and a greenhouse, each with a small outdoors area separating them. And this large area is to be either a tranquility garden or a small farm to help feed the residents."

The hologram showed off a hand shaped building. The palm contained a two story main hall with two further stories of rooms not yet given purpose. The thumb was a two story administration wing. Behind the administration wing was a large field of grass that butted up to the index finger, a long greenhouse divided into two sections. There was a strip of grass in between each of the fingers with each of the remaining three being three stories dormitories.

"That one will do well."

Looking at the intense way the representative was looking at the holographic design and noticing the gold hands on his arms, Gob'leif realized she was being left out of something. Well, as long as her company gets paid accordingly, she would not dig her nose into it.

"Alright. Let's talk details then. As you can see there are a lot of specifics we still need to pin down..."

The pair of green Twi'leks continued their discussions late into the evening.

—-

The explosion rocked the ship, sending Padme tumbling back hard. She did not know what she hit, but when she came to it was in the arms of a vaguely familiar young man with a padawan braid.

His mouth was moving, but she could only hear a buzzing noise. She tried to speak. The young man looked like he was responding, but to what? What did Padme say?

Oh, he is helping her up. And there goes the world, spinning out of control. The young man was a tree to lean on. Hard, stable, and rooted in place.

Oh look, the floor is rising to say hello to Padme.

The young man stopped the floor. Wait, no, he stopped Padme's fall and was holding her in his arms.

The ringing in her ears was aggravating Padme's headache. Were they flying now?

Right, Padme has a concussion. That's it. It is a hallucination from the concussion that makes it seem like she is flying. At least she has a tree to hold onto.

 

[Half_Baked_cat]

The opening of the resort and casino is going to be a big deal. The first publicly accessible Jedi funded business opened in decades. It was important that myself and Master Labooda as the Jedi representatives presented ourselves appropriately.

To that end, we got new robes for the event. They weren't particularly fancy, as Jedi are supposed to always behave in a humble manner, but our outfits were specifically chosen to be striking within a formal setting.

To complement the olive tones of Master Labooda's skin and her dark hair, she received a dark brown tunic wrapped in a golden robe and accented in peach colored trim.

For myself, I would have normally preferred to wear darker colors, but with my fair hair and pale complexion we decided I would stand out more in light, nearly white, beige accented in a similar gold to Master Labooda's robe. It took a lot of debate to decide on a light beige with the deciding factor being that the public has not seen a Jedi in white since the Ruusan Reformation. The public was more used to the earthy tones most Jedi wore with occasional use of black.

Looking in the mirror, I reflected on the one benefit of Force Induced Puberty: I no longer looked like some children's doll. I remained on the skinny side with my cheek bones clearly visible in sharp relief, giving my face a rather angular shape, but the doctor explained I should start filling out soon and looking healthier.

The doctor also informed me that I have finished growing, leaving me at five foot even if I was wearing boots with a thick sole. A bit on the shorter side, but I was happy enough with it. I could at least reach the counter top without a step stool and would not require a booster seat to eat at a regular table. That would just be embarrassing to require such assistance.

With my outfit in order, it was time to handle my hair. Master Labooda was taking time to braid her hair into a complicated bun. I did not have nearly the length required to do a similar style, preferring to keep my hair to a more manageable length. I did not know of much one could do with hair that only reached my jaw line, but I am sure that there were women out there who spent so much time mastering the arts of hair styling they could manage something. For me, I would simply be brushing it out thoroughly to make sure no tangles existed and letting it do what it wanted to do, except for my padawan braid. I would need Master Labooda's assistance with rebraiding it with the decorative beads we got for the event.

Finally, I looked at the lightsaber. My lightsaber. My weapon and badge of being a Jedi, even if only a Jedi in training currently. The hilt itself was fine. Smooth lines and an emitter shroud that looked so much like a finely crafted fountain pen nib.

The crystal inside was my problem. A rock with magical properties able to produce a blade capable of cutting through flesh and metal with equal ease while making the use of the Force simpler. With the crystal on me, using the Force was like talking into a megaphone to communicate across a crowded room versus the yelling required without it. A small difference in the grand scheme of things, but with it I would be able to go longer without losing my metaphorical voice for a while.

The crystal was also a conduit to a false god. A being claiming to be the Abrahamic deity from the Christian Bible. A load of nonsense considering such a deity is supposedly considered All Powerful, All Knowing, and purely good. If such a being existed, then there would be no strife in the world, thus at least one of those factors must be incorrect. In my dealings with this Being X, it was made clear to me that it was not purely good, instead a petty overworked incompetent who takes his frustration out on others. It was not All Knowing or it would not have needed me to explain to it how humans are self serving individuals who need motivation to accomplish goals. As for All Powerful, if it was then it would not be overworked.

I do not know what Being X might be, but the crystal at the heart of my lightsaber was a direct line to him speaking to me. A direct way he can take over my body. It has been silent for years now and that worries me. I did not get the impression Being X was a patient individual and yet it seems to be biding its time.

I took a deep breath. I took another. A familiar meditative exercise cleared my thoughts, and I clipped the lightsaber to my belt once I was calm. We would likely be asked to hand them over at the door to the casino, but the lightsaber is our life and we were to take it everywhere. Who knew you could legitimately have weapons be part of your religion?

—-

Master Windu believed that politicians were horrible people, and regularly joked to trusted Knights and Masters that dealing with them skillfully should be used for the Trial of Insight. Knight Labooda knew that the often dry delivery hid a true sincerity that if the Padawan in question truly did prove skillful in dealing with politicians, the Council would consider the Trial a pass.

The Trial of Insight was the last trial added to the Jedi Trials. Historically, prior to its inclusion, it was found that those Powerful in the Force, skilled in lightsaber combat, grounded in themselves, and unwavering in the face of fear or injury, could be undone by a simple pickpocket's sleight of hand or a politician's honeyed words. The Trial of Insight does not test a Jedi physically, spiritually, or even particularly mentally. It is a very practical trial to measure how much a Padawan is able to pay attention to their surroundings.

After discussing the matter with the Jedi Council, they agreed that the recordings from the opening of the Ryloth Grand Casino and Resort would work as a submission to prove Tanya's capabilities. So long as Tanya remained professional throughout without any reminders, she would pass the Trial with flying colors.

That would leave three Trials for her to face. Master Windu may joke that willingly facing politicians would also qualify Tanya for the Trial of Courage, but it took having one's life threatened to truly pass. The events on Ryloth years ago could have qualified, but Labooda and the Council agreed that despite the danger of the situation and courage needed to stay, Tanya receiving assistance from her past life disqualified the situation from being counted on its own. In the following years, the pair had not encountered anything nearly as perilous and it would require Tanya facing a dangerous mission on her own before she passed.

The Trial of Spirit was the first Trial Labooda wished for Tanya to face once her hormones leveled out and she was comfortable with herself. It was also the Trial with the highest failure rate. Some may consider it impressive, considering other Trials could easily result in death, but the Trial of Spirit required one to face themselves: the deepest, darkest parts of one's being. The things one did not want to admit about themselves to others or themself. Passing this Trial was a sign that the individual was comfortable with who they are and were aware of who they could become.

The last Trial would likely be the easiest once they came to it. The Trial of Flesh had two ways of passing. Loss of limb or scarring from a wound or loss of mentor. In the modern Jedi Order, loss of mentor was normally taken metaphorically as a Padawan leaves behind the mentor to become a Knight of their own. Historically, it was often more literal with the mentor dying. Even now, the literal loss of a mentor occurred occasionally, if relatively rarely.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Labooda looked in the mirror to see she had finished braiding her hair. Looking at herself, Labooda grabs a small tin of wax and applies a small dot to the area between her eyebrows before covering the dot of wax in a red powder. A pottu mark from her cultural home. There were several reasons one might have a pottu mark, it represented the third eye meant to signify seeing into the mystical universe, a sign of marriage, or as a traditional way to enhance beauty. For Labooda, it was a small way to honor the culture she originally came from before becoming a Jedi without casting aside Jedi traditions.

Seeing that the dot was perfectly circular and none of the red dust was clinging to other parts of her forehead, Labooda moved on to help her Padawan braid the thin strip of hair she used to symbolize her status.

—-

Gob'leif was not sure how Ral'ziti managed to talk her into going to the grand opening together, but there was little reason to say no as the two of them were going anyway and neither of them had a different partner to go with.

If Gob'leif was being honest with herself, she did find Ral'ziti cleaned up rather nicely. He was wearing a suit in a core-world style, but he was obviously uncomfortable wearing it. The awkward attempt at impressing her was kinda cute in a way, even as he failed to appear dashing and looked more ridiculous in the get up. A tunic would have fit him much better.

Not that Gob'leif really had much room to throw stones, feeling a bit silly in the dress she wore that showed far too much skin with the deep slits in the front and sides. She would be more comfortable in the simple shirt and coveralls she normally wore with a pair of sturdy boots to work. Instead she had a dress the core worlders loved seeing on Twi'lek women and a pair of shoes mostly strap and heel.

How do people dance in heels? Gob'leif had to keep a hand on Ral'ziti's arm for the entire party just to stay upright. At least he seemed relieved when she told the scarred man they would not be dancing that night.

The plan was to play a couple of games, have a few drinks, eat a bit of food, and talk to some people. Gob'leif would have to talk to a lot of people as the head of the construction company, but the main one she was interested in was the Jedi behind this place. It would be the first time she met a Jedi and a small voice that sounded like her when she was five was excited to meet one of those mystical heroes.

The music cut out and the announcer came out to begin the festivities.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for coming to this grand opening. Many of you may already know this, but this project is just the first step to creating a new Ryloth. A prosperous Ryloth with a joyful populace that people from across the galaxy come to visit. A beacon of hope. Before we open the games and let you all experience the first night of fun, I would like to present the woman behind this venture, without whom we would not be here to enjoy the events. I present to you all, Jedi Tanya Degurechaff."

A round of polite applause spread through the crowd as everyone began to crane their necks to get a good look at the mysterious Jedi who supposedly got everything in place for the project. Gob'leif was surprised at the stature of the Jedi. If she was to guess, they were probably the same height. The pure white look was less surprising. Jedi Degurechaff looked like the heroic entity Gob'leif always imagined. A pure clean being comes from on high to aid the weak and defenseless.

"Thank you everyone for joining us. I am happy to see so many here for the beginning of a long term commitment of the Jedi to find new ways we can help people. We started this project to boost the economy of Ryloth to help get the native Twi'lek people out of poverty and if everything goes well here we hope that other organizations will help the Jedi to spread this model across the galaxy. The mission of the Jedi was, is, and shall remain the betterment of the people of the galaxy through any and all means. Enjoy the festivities."

The applause was more filled with more genuine joy as everyone began spreading out. Gob'leif began pulling her date towards the buffet first. She was hungry and did not want to spend a lot of time here with a growling stomach.

—-

The party seemed to be going well. Everyone was having fun and I was invited to partake in a few low stakes games. People are justifiably afraid that Force users might cheat at games of luck. It would be so easy to do, just a small nudge to get the results I wanted. I would never do such a dishonest thing, but the temptation was there. Instead, I focused on having fun.

It was surprisingly profitable and I ended up winning a few thousand credits worth of chips with nothing to spend them on as the Temple covered my expenses. I copied the actions of a few other players by giving generous tips, but I still ended up leaving the tables with a pocket full of chips.

Heading to cash out I was intercepted by Master Labooda who pulled me aside.

"Keep this comm on you. Something has happened and I am being called away on a rescue mission," her tone was hushed, appropriate considering the nature of conversation would ruin the festive atmosphere of the party.

"Yes Master. Anything specific you want me to do while you are away?"

"Just be careful. I know you can handle this on your own, but there are a lot of people here that would love to take advantage of you."

Of course there are a lot of people that would want to take advantage of a Jedi that seemingly has spent her whole life cloistered in a Temple away from the real world. I should be fine. I know how the world works.

"I will be Master."

With that, Master Labooda gave me a smile and nod before heading out.

I headed towards the tellers to cash out my chips and open an account. A nice subtle touch the Intergalactic Banking Clans added was having a branch open right inside the casino. Allows customers to spend more than they might have meant to while giving the employees a convenient location to handle their finances.