A New Player in the Force

I tried to remain calm as I waited in the private Holonet suite in the Temple. While I doubted Dooku was going to be upset with my actions against the Vong, I was nervous that he, like Fay, would be critical of many of the choices I’d made. I doubted he would be, but the fact was I was more concerned about his opinion than Fay’s; a change of perspective I hadn’t expected when I’d first been assigned as their Padawan and been drawn to Fay.

Soon enough the console blinked and beeped before Dooku appeared as a blue hologram. “Master,” I said, lowering my head slightly.

“Padawan, I’m led to believe that you wish to discuss your most recent mission, and the unusual circumstances around it,” he replied, diving straight into the topic without any need for common pleasantries.

“That’s certainly one way to phrase things, Master.” My reply was accompanied by a chuckle. A shift in his brow made it clear he wanted me to begin. While I was reluctant to go into great detail over the Holonet – not least I felt the Sith already had the channels monitored, or at least those linked to Dooku, Fay, myself, the High Council, and others of note – I wanted him up to date on events, and to see how he felt about the mission. Fay had already contacted him and offered up a brief synopsis of events, but Dooku would want a complete picture before offering an opinion.

Thus, with him waiting patiently, I began to recount my tale.

…

“The Council are still deliberating on the matter, Master, though I’m concerned they’ll downplay or outright dismiss my concerns over the threat the Vong pose.”

That was how, over two hours later, I finished my recounting of events to Dooku. Like the Council, he stopped me at times to ask questions, both in what I was saying and in correlation to Fay’s words and files she’d sent him. However, his questions hadn’t delayed me too long as, unlike the Council, it was only his opinions that came up. Oddly, when it came up that I’d drawn on my anger against the Vong, he never stopped me to ask a question. Something both the Council and Fay had done.

“As Master Fay has no doubt told you, the Council will take their time deliberating on any matter they consider significant, so take some heart that they are at least doing that. That said, I suspect they won’t deem these Vong as serious a threat as you believe them to be, and while some of the Council may agree with you, they will present a unified front when they offer their judgement.” Even through the Holonet, I could sense Dooku’s disdain with the Council, though there was little hint of it in his voice. “Either before they reach their decision, or perhaps in the weeks after, certain members of the Council may seek you out for further information on the Vong.”

“Masters Koon and Giiett have both spoken to me about the Vong, Master.” I replied. Giiett had asked about how similar the Vong were to other races and what I knew of their standing on the Force, though there was little I could offer to him there that might be helpful.

Plo Koon had been interested in their technology, though he’d moved to the topic subtly by first asking questions about Raven after I’d taken him and a few others on a short flight on her. To say she adored flying or breaking through the ozone layer and letting the light of a star kiss against her flesh without an atmosphere in the way was like saying a fish could swim. A feeling several Jedi had commented on upon returning to the Temple. Master Tiin had taken nearly a dozen trips in Raven in the roughly three weeks since I’d returned to the Temple; more so than anyone else. In a rare moment of bonding, he spoke of feeling some envy about my bond to Raven and an interest, which would go unfulfilled since Jedi scouts had confirmed Zonama Sekot was no longer in the system, in gaining such a vessel for himself.

“Now, regarding your choices during this conflict,” he paused, and I steeled myself, wondering where he’d find critiques or my actions. “While there are several places where I feel you could have, perhaps, chosen a different course or action, I would feel more comfortable discussing them in person. Your choices, based on what you would have known at the time, are logical and practical; though several likely raised issues with the High Council.” He didn’t have to say it, but the plan to capture and interrogate, and when that failed, dissecting a Vong was one of those moments. “As for your performance in combat, while there likely were moments in combat where I suspect your form was improper, without direct first-hand experience of them, I will not offer judgement, only relief that you emerged alive and well. While I reserve judgement on your combat proficiency with this Mandalorian blade until we have sparred with you using it, the fact it seemingly was able to pierce Vong armour with greater ease than a lightsaber negates most of my complaints about your use of the blade.”

“Choosing to enrage the Vong leader to provoke ritual combat was something most Jedi would never have considered, though it was a pragmatic choice; doubly so since you emerged from it victorious and without risking the lives of those with you. While Master Fay is as skilled a diplomat as any Jedi, she can, like many members of the Order, be blind to moments where words cannot achieve the desired result. Such instances are nowhere near as rare as many in the Order and on the High Council might believe; however, your continual preference to using a lightsaber to solve issues is, perhaps, a troubling trend you need dissuading from. Subtlety, coercion, and an ability to adapt to any situation are far more likely to keep you alive than relying on the same method repeatedly to handle any difficulties that may arise in life.”

I nodded along as he spoke. While I was glad he wasn’t as critical of my choices as Fay or the High Council were – though in her defence, with time to reflect, Fay accepted that my actions had been effective – his commentary and the ability to turn this into a lesson had more of an effect on me. I didn’t deny that I’d developed a tendency to solve issues with a lightsaber, nor that there were other ways to handle situations. Perhaps it was time I gave some thought to less Force-based approaches to conflict resolution.

“With that said, I will review the data you and Master Fay have sent me more concisely and if I feel there is anything more to discuss, I will contact you directly.” He seemed to lean back though it was hard to tell since the hologram was only showing his upper body. “Now, is there anything else you wish to discuss?”

I took a moment to think about other events that had occurred since I’d last spoken to him. Dooku wouldn’t care about my relationship with Bo; at least, so long as it didn’t become a weakness or interfere with my choices. Something proven wasn’t the case given I’d let her go without any issue. Nor would he care particularly about the loss of the Ne’tra Sartr or the gaining of a loyal friend in Simvyl, though Dooku would likely consider him a follower. And there was nothing going on at the Temple that would interest him; certainly not Serra’s attempts to appear not unbalanced by Bo’s behaviour on the Temple steps. That left a single subject of conversation, and while I’d prefer not to ever deal with it, avoiding the matter was worse. “How goes your project with your former Padawan?”

As Dooku watched me silently for a few seconds, I pushed down a spike of rage at what Vosa had subjected me to. She wasn’t here now, and if I couldn’t control my desire for vengeance when simply discussing her with Dooku, then I’d never be able to face her again. Though that might not be the worst outcome. “I’m impressed you would bring up Komari willingly, particularly after your last mission. Though you doing so does seem logical since both that mission and the one against the Bando Gora involved… difficult situations.” He paused and looked away for a moment. “Regarding her, progress has been slow, even more than I had anticipated. As I’ve said, I don’t believe Komari can ever rejoin the Order, however, there exists a possibility that she may have other uses as an unaligned Force user.”

“That is… good to hear,” I managed to get out without grinding my teeth. There was still an urge to simply find and execute her, one I felt Bo and others would support. That said, I could see what Dooku was trying to do, or at least felt I could. Vosa was skilled with her lightsabers and held connections to the galactic underworld. If Dooku was able to rehabilitate her enough that she could regain some trust – a very high bar to clear in my opinion – then those connections could be invaluable with the chaos to come. Though I knew the next time I met her, it would be a struggle to contain my desire to rip her limb from limb, however, that urge had been tempered by spending some time with Player’s Mind active to analyse Dooku’s decision free of any emotional baggage.

“There is no need to appear amenable, Cameron. Your opinion of Komari Vosa is understandable and entirely expected after what you endured. The fact you would bring her up openly shows you’ve begun to heal from the trauma she inflicted upon you and see possibilities of using her as an asset.”

“Yes, Master.” While I could discuss the matter further, I had no interest in doing so, only mentioning her to gain an update on when Dooku might return. Plus, the longer I spent thinking about that bitch, the longer I risked my rage growing to a point Dark Side Masking wouldn’t be able to protect me from some rather uncomfortable questions.

Dooku gave a single nod and then the connection was cut, leaving me alone in the communication suite. Putting aside the abrupt ending to the call, which was in keeping with Dooku’s nature to be precise, I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths. While I didn’t feel at risk of losing control, I wanted the fury inside buried before my next call connected. I let some residual anger toward Vosa slide into the Force, knowing Fay would’ve sensed it. Plus, hanging onto it was pointless since I could instantly recall every moment of my time under Vosa’s care with ease thanks to Eidetic Memory.

I sat with my eyes closed, settling my thoughts with techniques taught to me by Fay and Healer Allie until there was a bleep from the console in front of me. Opening my eyes, I saw it was internal communication. “Yes?”

“Padawan Shan, the second call you wished to make has been connected,” whoever was responsible for the Holonet connections with the Temple replied, “However, due to the distance involved, there may be some delay or signal degradation.” The person manning the communication centre was probably, like many in the Temple, not a Jedi but a civilian who worked for the Order, though there was the possibility that they were a failed Padawan or Youngling that had an aptitude for technology.

“Understood.” The channel clicked closed and the Holonet unit flared into life, quickly showing a young Human boy. “Hello, Anakin.”

“Cam!” Anakin shouted loud enough that I winced. He seemed to be sitting in a seat – probably somewhere in the Lokella station – though if he kept moving around he’d soon fall from it. The Lokella now had Holonet access thanks to a plan put in motion by Fay before we’d journeyed to Zonama Sekot with some funds from my book sales. The connection wasn’t great, as the tech had explained, with there being brief flickers in the image of Anakin, but it was better than them being cut off entirely from the wider galaxy. Plus, it’d allow me to remain in contact with Anakin easier in the following years before I decided exactly what to do with him.

A smile came to my face as, even though I was thousands of lightyears from him, I could sense his joy and delight; the innocence of youth that was no longer restrained by slavery. That sense of wonder, of freedom, had grown stronger since I’d last seen him and was a refreshing change from the chaos, pain, and war I’d dealt with for the last year. “How have you been?”

“Great!” His smile somehow grew, threatening to split his face in half. For a moment, I wondered if he’d done something incredible or stupid; or, given who I was talking to, both simultaneously. “Baalta’s been letting me learn about the ships we have! I’ve even gotten to pilot the Freerunner and others around the system!”

I laughed as I imagined Anakin sitting in the pilot’s chair of a CR-90, and the faces of the rest of the bridge crew when their captain allowed and encouraged it. The only worry I had was that he might get to use the weaponry, but I suspected Shmi would murder someone if they allowed that. “Sounds like fun.”

“Yeah, it was wizard!”

Anakin started detailing his adventures, and as I leaned back in my chair, I felt some of the weight on my shoulders ease. Even if it returned once the call was over, the momentary break from worrying about the Council’s decision regarding the Vong was a relief, and once the call was over, I’d have to find a way to thank Fay. That did remind me that one day I’d have to have Anakin meet Serra, but that, similar to wondering how long it would take Serra to make her move, was a contemplation for another day. For now, I would enjoy this moment of freedom and revel in the faint sense of wonder I felt from Anakin.

… …

… …

“Therefore, after careful consideration of the evidence submitted, it is the judgement of this Council that while the Vong are a concern due to their apparent resistance to directed applications of the Force, they are not to be designated a threat to the stability of the Order. Nor of the Galactic Republic. However, we reserve the right to return to this decision if further incursions into Republic space occur.”

As Windu gave the Council’s verdict, I clenched my fist so tightly that I knew my knuckles were white. While they at least weren’t dismissing the threat out of hand, the fact they were designating the Vong as nothing more than a potential concern was short-sighted at best. Couldn’t they see how short-sighted they were being in only reacting retroactively? Were they too bogged down in the minor issues of kowtowing to the Senate that they lacked the will to face a true threat without the say-so of that group of self-serving morons? Haran, would they even get off their collective arses for anything other than the return of the Sith or a galactic war?

I took a step forward, my rage bubbling away inside as insults and counterarguments gathered on my tongue. Given how some of the Council were watching me, with Evan Piell’s eye narrowing the more I stewed, there was little doubt they could sense my fury at their decision, yet the gentlest of touches on my arm along with a calm wave from Master Fay, who was standing to my side, was enough to stay my actions.

That calming touch and wave were enough to settle enough of my fury that I could see that raging at the Council openly would do nothing but harden their stance. Along with renewing the issues many had with me. The Council had made their decision. It was a stupid-arsed one, one that I’d likely ignore, but it was theirs to make. Though now I’d have to spend time meditating and thinking on how to approach the future threat the Vong would pose. Yes, it might be years or decades after the Clone Wars that they invaded, but they were coming so I had to take steps to prepare for that.

“You disagree with our decision, Padawan?” Windu asked as he leaned forward, staring intently at me.

“Yes, Master Windu,” I began before taking a second to breathe deeply before engaging Player’s Mind. “This is a mistake. The Vong force we encountered was a probing force. The very tip of the spear of their military. We were beyond lucky to drive them from the world, and only an act no one considered possible prevented them from recapturing and holding Zonama Sekot. We did NOT, in point of fact, defeat them, or drive them away from a military perspective.” Player’s Mind helped me push the rage inside away from my words as I knew if the Council sensed my anger behind them, they’d dismiss my objections instantly. They still might, but this offered me a higher chance that at least some of them might listen. “If they were to invade the Republic, the unusual nature of their weaponry, and their fanatical devotion to whatever cause it is they’re following will result in the deaths of billions, if not trillions before the Republic and the Order are able to counter them.” Though that was if, in the current climate, they even could. The Ruusan Reformation was the most ill-advised pile of bullshit I’d ever seen and the Vong just proved that in spades.

“The Council understands your concerns. However, given that you, along with a single Mandalorian and Antarian Ranger – who, like you, haven’t fought in major conflicts before – managed to harry and then drive the initial invasion force from the planet suggest you’re overplaying their threat.” If not for Player’s Mind I’d have likely been staring at Saesse Tiin as he dismissed my warnings as that ranting of children as if he’d suddenly grown four more horns, and a tail and started carrying a pitchfork. As it was, there was a moment where I wondered if the horns somehow interfered with how Iktotchi brains worked.

“While we don’t agree with the Council’s choice on the matter, we will accept it.” That came from Fay as she cut in before I was able to respond to Tiin’s dismissal, though I’d already decided he was no longer allowed on Raven. I looked at Fay, wondering why she was cutting off the debate only to sense her unease with the Council’s decision. “If that is all?”

“It is.” Fay bowed at Windu’s blunt dismissal, and I copied her move a moment later, though not before silently wondering which Council members wouldn’t need removing to have the body reverse their decision.

“Padawan Shan,” I stopped and looked back at Plo Koon. “Perhaps we might speak later, I wish to continue our discussions regarding the Raven’s unusual construction.”

“Of course, Master.” After a nod of thanks from the Kel Dor, I followed Fay from the chamber. As I disengaged Player’s Mind the anger at the Council’s decision came flowing back, though, with just a little bit of time to temper it, it wasn’t risking overflowing. I was further calmed as Fenrir, who’d stayed in the atrium outside the High Council chamber, stood with a loud yawn. That disturbed the other Jedi waiting for their turn to speak with the Council, which made me smirk. That evolved into a smile as Fenrir walked over and pushed his head against my shoulder as if he knew I was angered by the Council and was offering support. Though whether that meant in general, or a desire to kill those angering me I couldn’t be sure. He was bred for battle after all.

“I know you are unhappy with the Council’s decision, Cameron,” Fay began as the elevator doors closed and we descended back to the Temple proper. “However, there is little we can do to change their minds at present. However, if we are able to turn up further evidence of the Vong within the galaxy, most likely from private investigations, then we can present that to them. Nor did they say there was nothing preventing us from considering strategies to prepare for if, or when, the Vong return.”

I offered her a smile in thanks. While I doubted she’d approve of many of the ideas I had for countering the Vong in war, the fact she trusted my judgement regarding the Vong was encouraging. “That is true, Master. And thank you.”

Fay smiled in return before looking out of the elevator, taking in the planet. “While there will always be times when we disagree on matters, and where I disapprove of your choices, the Force is accepting of our methods. That, along with having watched you grow into a fine young man, one worthy of one day being a leader of our Order, helps guide me to trust your opinion on this matter. Though in future, I would advise caution with how you respond to a Council decision. Questioning their decisions will only entrench them further with those more opposed to your opinions. Nor will using your odd Force technique of calming and blocking your mind help ease their concerns regarding your actions.”

“Yes, Master.” Fay wasn’t wrong as the Council would’ve sensed me activating Player’s Mind but it was better than raging at them and having them grow concerned about my mental state. I’d rather not have them snooping too deeply into my mind as I suspected even with Dark Side Masking in the mid-Savant range, Yoda at the very least would be able to sense something amiss.

Since that had been avoided, I let my gaze follow Fay’s to the planet as ships buzzed around so much it looked like lines drawn in the sky leading from one point to another above the metal-covered Republic capital. A shell that hid the decay and deception from those who wanted to pretend it didn’t exist.

Still, the issues of Coruscant were secondary in my mind at that moment. What dominated my thoughts were the plans I’d been slowly formulating over the last month and a half for if, as had happened, the Council rejected my recommendations. I had decades to prepare for the Vong, so they were, in the grand scheme, a minor issue for now, but not laying even the groundwork for combating them would be tactically naïve at best. But without at least some support from the Order, I lacked the reach and resources to even begin searching for rumours regarding the Vong in the Outer Rim, never mind developing strategies to counter their forces.

… …

… …

I walked slowly up the stairs from the Great Atrium, avoiding the various groups that were moving around. Some gave me a nod or glance showing they understood I was a Jedi, though most simply ignored me, which was fine. I was taking my time walking, running over one final time how I wanted this meeting to go.

It had been a few days since the Council had made their decision on the Vong, and I’d spent time thinking about what to do next. While investigating rumours might generate useful leads, the sheer amount of time it would take was insane. A general search of the Archives for reports of strange aliens attacking in sectors near where Zonama Sekot had generated over ten thousand reports. Most were ancient, dating back to before the Ruusan Reformation, but that still left over a thousand reports I’d had to read through, and none of them had been in any way helpful as the reports were made by Jedi who either dismissed the rumours or failed to provide much detail; and often both.

Masters Koon and Giiett had both, as expected, continued to talk with me about the Vong, though I’d been surprised when Windu had done so as well. He’d started the conversation after inviting me to spar, something I’d lost without even coming close to landing a blow while he took it easy on me. That I’d lost wasn’t a surprise, though his comments about me having talent were appreciated. It was the talk afterwards in a private meditation chamber that had surprised and amused me. Having him side with me against Yoda regarding the Vong was proof that Dooku and Fay had been right about the Council offering a unified stance publicly while having others privately.

Still, with all three of them hinting that I had their support to continue investigating rumours of possible Vong activity, I doubted they’d give me much more than that. Nor that the Order would be of any help beyond reports in the Archives. Thus, after several deep meditation sessions, an idea had come to me, one that I’d dismissed at first for how outlandish it was. Yet, the more I considered it, even doing so with Player’s Mind to remove any emotional issues I had with it, the more it held potential. It was incredibly risky, but one worth pursuing, which was why I was in the Galactic Senate making my way toward the offices of one Senator in particular.

Fay had been caught off guard when I’d brought this idea to her, pointing out how I’d been averse to bringing the Senator into the Coalition, but she’d agreed that without support from the Order, we needed some from another powerful body like the Senate. I felt Dooku would also agree, but I’d not contacted him to avoid the chance my plan would leak to my target. While I didn’t doubt that he knew about my adventures, I wanted the reason why I was here to be a surprise as it might grant me a small insight into how he worked.

“Ah, Padawan Shan, hello again.” That came from Kinman Doriana as he moved over and shook my hand. Around us, in the waiting area outside Senator Palpatine’s offices, several people looked up to see who the Senator’s aide was greeting. A few seemed surprised to see a Jedi there. “If you’ll wait just a moment, I’ll let the Senator know you’re here.”

“Of course.” As Kinman moved off, I looked at everyone waiting to meet Palpatine, using Observe as I did. None of the names or their emotional states stood out, but they were added to the list of anyone I’d seen around Palpatine that might need removal from the board once the war began.

About a minute later, Kinman returned and ushered me past the reception desk – manned by a very attractive orange-skinned Twi’lek whose eyes wandered over my face as we passed – into the Senator’s offices. He guided me to the same room I’d been in the last time I’d visited when I’d met the Tarkin family, which had been an odd thing. Wilhuff had come across as cold, but oddly pleasant, possibly because I didn’t speak or act as most Jedi would. His younger brother, Gideon, had shifted more, going from actively disliking me for simply being a Jedi to asking me questions about the Order and my adventures. Still, as the doors to the private room opened to reveal Palpatine, thoughts of the Tarkin and their role in what was to come slid from my mind.

“Cameron, my boy, how wonderful to see you again.” Palpatine moved over, gripping my hand with both of his. “I must admit when you reached out for a meeting, I was caught off-guard. I do hope everything is well with the Jedi.”

“It is Senator,” his smile slipped slightly, though it returned as I continued. “Sorry, uncle. However, an incident on my last mission has me concerned. The High Council have chosen to ignore those concerns, but I feel the Republic needs to be made aware of it and prepare for what might happen.”

Palpatine frowned. “Oh my.” He guided me to the sofa. “That sounds most worrying. How might I help?”

As we sat down, I pulled a datapad from my robes. With the Council having reached their decision, their restriction on me discussing the Vong with others had been lifted. Or at least, since they’d not made clear that it was still in effect, I was acting like it was. After this meeting, I planned to talk with Serra, Darihd, and others about what had happened. While there was little they could do to help, having them aware of what was going on meant that, Force-forbid, if they ever encountered a Vong, they’d at least know what they were facing.

Still, I’d made sure not to mention why I wanted to speak to Palpatine when I’d arranged the meeting as I wanted to judge his reaction. As the datapad connected with a small holographic display on the table, I shifted my focus to the Senator. While he watched the same recording I’d provided to the Council, I wanted to watch him. While I doubted there’d be even the slightest shift in him when he saw me use Electrokinesis, his reaction to that and my approach to combat might offer some insight into his thinking. Or so I hoped.

“Oh my, what exactly are those?” he asked as the recording came to life, though it waited for a command to begin.

“Those are the Vong. A race I and my master encountered on the mission. A race that, apart from being seemingly immune to direct Force applications, fight on a level that makes them a threat to any Force user, never mind the Republic as a whole if their entire race attacked.” His brow rose in shock at hearing the Vong were immune in some way to the Force, and that I considered them a threat.

“How dreadful,” he muttered, his attention returning to the display as it began.

Yes, bringing this to him was a huge risk, but thinking about it while ignoring what I knew about his true nature meant it was the logical move to make. Plus, on the off-chance I might fail and the Empire still rose, then I’d rather they ruled the galaxy than the Vong. From everything I’d seen from them on Zonama Sekot, they were the devil I didn’t know.

… …

… …