The Weaving Force: Chapter 42 (Patreon)

Chapter 42:

Obi-Wan:

The pyre burned tall.

Somehow that was fitting.

It should be tall.

Because the one it burned for… somehow towered over them all.

Obi-Wan couldn’t tell you the emotions he felt watching the flames consume his second Master; any more than he could tell you all he felt watching the flames consume his first Master all those years ago.

He knew, intellectually; that he was in a better place now than he was when Qui-Gon died. More prepared, more accustomed to teaching, more worthy of this title of Jedi Knight that had been handed to him.

He knew this.

And yet… somehow he felt as lost as a crecheling recently arrived at the temple. No idea what to do, or how to move forward.

It… somehow felt as though Dooku had always been there in a way. First through Qui-Gon, who shared so many small similarities with the man it was truly astounding; and then later in person.

And now, now Obi-Wan needed to finally step into a Galaxy without either of them.

He looked around the Temple grounds; many Masters and Knights had come to pay their respect, bearing their torches in the Corruscanti night; spreading a sea of glimmering lights across the darkened courtyard.

Anakin stood beside him. His young Padawan, so strong in the force, felt like an ocean in a storm standing beside Obi-Wan. Desperately struggling to control the tempest of emotions he was clearly feeling.

Obi-Wan knew he should be comforting his student; helping him move past this moment of grief. But he wasn’t sure how, not when his own feelings, tethered and controlled as they were- were still roiling within him, sending his mind into turmoil.

Even so, he knew he had to do something, even if right now he felt limited and inadequate.

His hand rose up, placing itself on his student’s shoulder, and that seemed enough for the thread that held the boy’s composure to fray and snap. Obi-Wan heard a choked sob claw its way out of Anakin’s throat.

Obi-Wan hesitated, wondering if he should hold the boy with the eyes of so many on them both, he did not wish for others to scrutinize and criticize now of all times.

Before he could decide, the decision was made for him.

Victoria, shrouded in a dark cloak for the proceedings, its hood raised, stepped out from her place slightly behind Anakin.

“Hey-” She whispered, reaching the boy’s side. “Hey come here Ani”

Victoria wrapped Anakin in a Hug, and in that moment, a dichotomous mix of gratitude and envy coiled in Obi-Wan’s stomach as she rocked him.

She didn’t care what the others might think. She did not wish to be a ‘perfect’ Jedi. Not at Anakin’s expense.

Right now… he envied her that.

Anakin cried; as much as he tried to hide it he did cry.

Obi-Wan reached out again; his hand rubbing circles at Anakin’s back.

At the touch; the boy extricated himself from Victoria’s hold and damn near tackled Obi-Wan himself.

The Knight stumbled, catching both their weights with a quick adjust ment of his feet before he hugged Anakin as tightly as he dared.

“It’s alright Anakin.” He whispered. “It’s alright…”

—---

When the pyre was ash and cinders and the others were retreating back to the temple, Obi-Wan turned to Victoria, Anakin still at his side.

“How is Padawan Hebert?” He asked; genuine concern fueling the query.

Victoria starts, her shoulders tensing ever so slightly.

“Oh- she’s… fine.” Came the slightly nervous laugh. “The healers want to monitor her for one day, just incase. But everything should be ok. I should check on her. You think I should check on her? Healer Netos banned me from the healing wards but I’m sure she didn’t mean it. I should check on her again shouldn’t I?”

Obi-Wan felt a small smile tugging at his lip. It had been no secret that on the return trip Victoria had refused to leave Taylor’s side, something the dark haired girl seemed equal parts touched and annoyed by at differing times.

He’d heard they even got into a little spat regarding… travel arrangements.

‘Vicky, My legs work fine!’ Had apparently been said somewhere.

“I’m sorry.” Anakin said, bringing Obi-Wan and Victoria’s attention towards him curiously. “I… if I hadn’t-”

“Hey.” Dallon’s hands came down on Anakin’s shoulders “Hey. Ani- look at me alright. None of this was your fault.”

“She was saving me.” His Padawan hissed. “If I hadn’t… froze up I-”

“None of that.” Vicky’s fingers tightened, squeezing Anakin’s shoulders. “We’ve all been there ok? We’ve all been at our first real fight. We’ve all frozen up. It happens to all of us.”

“I should have been better.” His Padawan insisted “I’m-”

“Thirteen.” Vicky interrupted firmly. “You faced down a Sith at thirteen. No one in the whole Jedi order’s done that. You’re allowed to make a mistake ok? So no more of this sorry stuff alright? Or I’m telling Tay and she’ll…” Vicky shrugged. “I dunno. She’s better at punishments than me.”

That drew a smile out of Anakin, his eyes still red and percolating with unshed tears. “She-”

Their talk was interrupted by Masters Yoda and Windu marching closer.

Windu, like all Jedi mourners, had his hood up, Master Yoda did not, though Obi-Wan could see the drawn, waxen features of the old Master.

That’s right. Obi-Wan and Anakin had both lost a master.

But Yoda had lost a student.

“Obi-Wan. Young Skywalker.” Windu began, his voice soft and sombre. “You have my sympathies. Master Dooku will be missed.”

“Yes. He will.” Obi-Wan answered with a nod, before looking to Yoda. “A grief we share I’m sure Master Yoda.”

The small Grandmaster nodded. “Aye… we do.”

Windu took a deep breath. “I know this is a difficult time… but I’m afraid the Council must call you to discuss things before you can properly mourn your Master.”

“The Sith.” The Knight deduced nodding firmly.

Two Masters he had lost to the Sith. That was two Masters too many.

“How can I be of service?” He asked… nearly demanded really. Dooku had died to get them the confirmation that the Sith existed. He wouldn’t let that go to waste. Not again.

“Now- is not the time.” Yoda said, stamping his stick on the grassy floor just a bit. “Mourn we do today. Tomorrow; the Council will convene. Many things we must discuss. Call on you then we will.”

Obi-Wan bowed. “I will gladly be there Masters.”

As the last of the Jedi filed back towards the temple, Victoria, much to his and likely the surprise of everyone who could see them- reached down, grabbing hold of Yoda and carrying like he was nothing but a youngling.

Mace’s rather incredulous look was clear enough to see to Obi-Wan at least

“Come on Green-bean.” Vicky said. “Lets go for a walk.”

“Perfectly functional my legs are, Padawan.” Yoda said, lightly whacking the girl’s shoulder with his glimmer stick.

“Yeah… but you’ve dealt with a lot today. Let me help.”

And she started walking off.

Master Yoda didn’t protest further.

(X)(X)(X)

Taylor

The healing ward was cold.

It stood to reason really. The laws of biology still sort of ruled the Galaxy we were in. Bacteria died in cold temperature just like they did at home.

But still, I was shivering in the half awake, half asleep figure I was flitting in and out of.

This state was always strange for me. Unaware of myself but flitting in and out of awareness of everything else around me.

I felt almost… floaty.

I’d felt that way when-

Denial. Expiration. Unacceptable

The memory shocks me awake, a shot of adrenaline straight through my heart as it suddenly hammers under my ribs like a jackhammer, the heart monitor is beeping rapidly, serving almost like an alarm.

I shut my eyes, struggling to push the memory of… intrusive thoughts away.

Expiration. Unacceptable. Trace oxygen. Host Sustainable.

I breathed rapid, short breaths that I forced to slow and deepen.

I could breathe. I could breathe. The air in my lungs wasn’t being… manipulated. Held unnaturally with the grasping tendrils of the force to sustain me.

I just stayed still for a time. Focusing on my breathing.

When I pulled myself away from the all encompassing memory; the door opened.

My eyes were half open in the gloom, but I recognized Vicky at the doorway instantly, clutching a pillow and a blanket

She was going to sleep on the long chair again.

I opened my mouth, ready to tell her no. Three days she’d been sleeping by my side. I was touched. But she should get a proper night’s sleep for gods sake. I was fine and she was exhausted.

Then, I heard her sniffle, wiping at her eyes with her palm and felt the words die in my throat.

She shuffled into the room, unaware that I was awake as she made her way over to the chair.

“Did you have a nightmare?”

The question slips out, and even though its soft, or maybe, because of that, I see Vicky jump just a bit.

She settles her blanket and pillow onto the chair, marching over to me. “Are you ok?”

I let out a huff of air through my nose, trying not to sound exasperated or impatient.

“Yes. I’m fine, I promise. Are you gonna answer my question?”

“I…” She hesitates and that’s answer enough. “Nah, you know me.” She smiles, but I can see the tears glimmering in her eyes. “I’m a night bird.”

She wasn’t.

“Vicky.” I whisper. I’m not sure if it's chiding, or concerned.

Maybe both.

Probably both.

I see her lips pressed together, and the tears she stubbornly refuses to let fall.

“I didn’t get there in time.” She whispers, her head falling, her blonde hair falling over her shoulders and neck. “I… I keep hearing you trying to breathe and… and you’re lying there next to Dooku and-” She pauses, her whole body shuddering. “You really scared me Tay.”

I reach out, and Vicky barely even needs to see the movement before her hand is gripping mine, tightly, so tight it hurts. But I don’t complain.

Her hand is trembling

Instead, I whisper. “That didn’t happen. I’m alright. I promise. You made it. You saved me.”

She sucks down a shaky gasp of air. “I just… just let me sleep here. Ok? When I wake up I can just see you and-”

She wasn’t going to sleep. I saw that before. I closed my eyes, releasing a quiet sigh through my nostrils. “Ok”

I know she smiles, grateful and happy.

As she pulls away; my hand grips hers, holding her here.

She’s curious, and it's not until I shift to the side that she gets the message.

“Tay, no come on, it's ok.” She protests. “I can take the chai-”

“Vicky.” I interrupt. “You won't sleep on that chair. You’ll toss and turn and torture yourself for eight hours.”

“You need your sleep.” She tried again.

“The bed is big enough for Wookies and Besalisks.” I contested, waving my free arm to show off all the room I still had even when surrendering half the bed. “Its huge.”

Vicky remained standing still.

“Think of it this way. You wake up, you’ll instantly know exactly where I am.” I promised, squeezing her hand. “Right here- now stop arguing. We both need sleep.”

She hesitated for a moment longer, then, I felt her pull the spare pillow she’d brought down to her hand.

Hesitantly, she settled herself down on her side of the bed.

I reached over, half with my arm, and half with the Force I tugged her closer, away from the bleeding edge of the bed where she might just topple off the side.

I shifted, laying on my side, facing her, our eyes meeting through the gloom.

“Let's both sleep.” I urged; “No more nightmares. No more worrying. Alright?”

Vicky nodded.

Everything could wait. Dooku, the Council, our Trials, the Mission, our trip to Mandalore; the Parahumans we’d barely discussed… Passenger.

Just…

Let the both of us catch our breaths.

After that we could deal with the rest of the world.

I shut my eyes

I only woke up once that night, when I felt Vicky’s arm wrap around my waist as she pulled me closer, but it was a fleeting thing, barely slipping out of the dark before I fell back into deep slumber.

(X)(X)(X)

Plo-Koon

It was early when the Council convened.

The Council didn’t ‘sleep in’ as a form of decorum really; but today today there was genuine urgency in the way each member arrived and promptly took their seats in grim silence

Master Billaba, Yaddle, Piell and Gallia were the first to arrive, along with himself. Piell looked… haggard. Worn. He had faced the Sith in combat directly alongside Plo. The reality of that weighed heavy on the smaller master.

Plo couldn’t say he’d gotten much sleep in the last few days either

Master Yoda and Windu followed in just mere minutes after; then Tiin, Mundi, Koth, Poof and Rancisis.

The Council took their seats.

Finally; as first order of the day, Obi-Wan was called in- having been waiting outside already for his summons.

The Knight held himself together admirably, with a stoic calm that would have made Dooku proud. Only looking at him; really looking at him, could Plo detect the splintering cracks fraying the edges of his composure.

The boy was grieving. It would pass; but it was unfortunate that they needed to have this meeting while the wound was still bleeding.

“You have the condolences of this council for your loss Knight Kenobi.” Windu began somberly.

“Thank you Master.”

“We have several of Dooku’s personal effects.” Master Billaba continued gently. “Including a Holocron, encoded for you and Skywalker. When this meeting is done; if you like I can take you to reclaim them Knight Kenobi.”

That, seemed to have startled Obi-Wan. Dooku was not the most affectionate man they all knew, to have left Anakin and Obi-Wan an encoded holocron must’ve been… a surprise.

“I… yes of course.” The Knight bowed. “Thank you, Master Billaba.”

The woman nodded.

After a moment-

“Now- We all know why we’re here.” Windu began, calling the meeting into order. “The Council will determine exactly what occurred on station 13611; and how to proceed.”

“It was all in our reports.” Master Piell didn’t quite snap, but there was an edge of impatience in his voice. “The Sith was working with the Bando’ Gora. Both of them. The Master and the Apprentice.”

“Kenobi-” It was Windu who spoke. “You’ve… faced the alleged Sith apprentice on Naboo. Would you say that your confrontation here felt similar in a way?”

Plo saw Kenobi’s eyes narrow- no doubt the boy had caught the qualifier in that question.

“The Sith I faced on the station was already heavily injured by Padawan Dallon before I confronted her. I cannot say if she and the Naboo Apprentice were trained similarly because of those injuries. Frankly she could barely hold her blade, let alone fight.”

“Whether that was a true apprentice or a dark acolyte is ultimately irrelevant.” Piell pushed. “I know what we faced in that chamber. Master Dooku, arguably the greatest duelist our Order has known in multiple generations, did not die to some… ragamuffin Darksider. That was a Sith.”

Master Koth winced, and by the grimace on his face, Plo could tell what the man was about to say.

“How… certain can we be that it was a Sith?”

The Zabrak didn’t truly believe his own statement; Plo could tell. Koth trusted the judgment of the other Masters but he wanted to be sure. He did not want them, with emotions still raw and the battle still fresh to leap at shadows. He was playing the role of Devil’s advocate; but he did not enjoy it.

Piell snapped his gimmel eyed gaze towards Koth, but the biting words didn’t come from the small Lannik Jedi.

“When Qui-Gon was killed I remember nearly those exact same words being asked of me in this chamber. Tell me, should I find a third Master and let him be killed before this Council is prepared to accept reality?”

Shocked gazes swiveled over towards Obi-Wan, even Plo was taken aback, moreso when he saw the barely restrained fury simmering behind the normally placid Knight’s silver blue eyes.

A shocked, still silence settled over the chamber. It was Master Tiin who broke it.  “Knight Kenobi you forget yourself.”

“I’m not the one forgetting Master.” Obi-Wan contested. “Nor am I as eager to do so.”

Indignation welled up in several members at that and before the meeting could fall further off the rails, Plo stood, taking two long steps to reach Obi-Wan and placing a calming hand on the boy’s shoulder.

He was not close with Obi-Wan, but he knew the boy; Anakin’s fondness for Victoria and Hebert, being the only Jedi that were recruited while over the standard age limit; had allowed him to get to know the Knight better in recent years.

So when he drew close and placed his hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder it was with some confidence that they were familiar enough with eachother for him to do so as the comforting gesture it was meant to be, and not the reprimand of a Master physically intervening with a Jedi of lesser rank.

“I understand your emotion. But mind your feelings Obi-Wan. Please.” He implored. “This is not Naboo. If need be I will not hold silent on this matter either.” He promised.

It wasn’t an empty promise -He would push the council if need be- but he was certain it was one he wouldn’t need to keep.

The testimony of Five Jedi Masters was simply too great to continue dismissing the threat of the Sith as they had already for too long.

Obi-Wan seemed to calm at that, with the minor crisis averted, Plo tured around, remaining standing at the Knights side in a show of solidarity.

Some Masters shared a look, many of which Plo couldn’t decipher, before Master Yaddle spoke.

“A sith it was, Master Koth.” She affirmed “Certain of this we are.” She gestured towards Gallia. Billaba, Piel and Plo himself.

Each of them gave firm, unequivocal nods.

Koth’s face seemed to crumple, his eyes shutting. His greatest fears confirmed as he released a slow breath.

“If that is the case.” Master Poof began, leaning his head forward to rest over his chin. “We must act swiftly. The Sith has been active for a minimum of at least five years now. Likely much longer.”

“A team we will send to the station, and to Utapau.” Yoda affirmed. “Investigate they will. Ship registry, transportation records. Security footage. All, meticulously inspected they must be. To search for the Sith. Reports of Bando’Gora activities in recent years, examined they must be.”

“We should get in contact with Padawan Tachi.” Ki Adi Mundi suggested. “She was the one who warned us of the Bando Gora in the first place.”

“That would risk her cover.” Tiin reminded.

Mundi nodded “While it poses a risk to her cover the Sith are paramount in the Jedi’s duty. If the choice is between recalling her and finding the Sith; there is no choice to be made.”

“That would undo all of her work.” Gallia protested. “Five years of her life, of sacrifice discarded.”

“We are all getting ahead of ourselves in our zeal.” Windu reigned the meeting in. “We will proceed one step at a time. If recalling Padawan Tachi is necessary we will do so, but only if it becomes necessary.”

He looked to Yoda.

“I’ve already prepared two teams, one led by myself, the other by Master Sinube to head to Utapau and Station 13611. Each consists of seven senior knights.

Yoda nodded. “Good. Very good. But trouble you I will my friend. A team of thirty Knights I will need.”

Windu raised an eyebrow and Plo felt the ripple of surprise pass over the rest of the Masters.

“Of course Master Yoda.” Mace answered immediately. “But what for, if I might ask?”

“Clear, our failings are in this moment.” Yoda shook his head. “Blind to the Sith we were. Too late to help we were. On Zygerria, powerless we were to enforce the laws of the republic. Our lack of vigilance, damaging it is.” The Grandmaster stamped his stick. “Thirty Jedi I will take. To establish a satellite temple, permanently. The first of many. On Zygerria it will be.”

That sent the room into a proverbial tailspin.

“Master Yoda-” Master Rancisis began hesitantly. “We have not established a full satellite temple in nearly four hundred years.”

“I agree with Master Yoda.” Master Gallia cut in. “On Zygerria, we were shown, quite brazenly; how little influence the Jedi hold beyond the reach of the core to enact meaningful, long term change.” She said, turning to Yoda with a nod. “A satellite temple; perhaps the first of several, I think would serve us well.”

“But are you certain this is necessary? That we’re not simply acting in haste?” Rancissis asked one more time. “All of us have been shaken by the re-emergence of the Sith and the death of Master Dooku-”

“No.” Yoda shook his head. “This thought I had, before the tragedy of my Padawan’s passing.” He nodded more firmly, looking to Plo with a smile. “Very… spirited; your Padawan was, in advocating for it.”

Ahh… If Plo could have smiled back, he would have.

Trust Victoria to bludgeon her way through a four hundred year status quo in the course of a week.

Though he saw other Masters frown in displeasure at such, no doubt incensed at yet more traditions being broken.

“Will Zygerria even allow this?” Master Koth asked.

“Zygerria is a republic world.” Gallia dismissed. “They answer to Republic law. The Jedi, if they fund and manage the project using Temple accounts, may establish a Temple without the need for senate approval and the planet in question barring the destruction of any already established structures, resources, ecosystems or places of historical or cultural significance, may establish a Temple wherever we deem necessary to preserve Galactic stability.”

She’d been prepared for this query.

Most likely she had planned this alongside Master Yoda and Victoria.

As the Jedi Council’s foremost diplomat; it would no doubt be her who would need to argue the point when it was contested in the Senate later.

The room seemed to take a moment to digest this. Everything was happening so fast for the normally careful Jedi Council.

“Very well.” Windu finally said with a firm nod. “It will be done as you ask Master Yoda. Thirty Knights and members of the Service Corps- will be ready to travel with you to Zygerria in… two weeks time to establish a Satellite temple.” Windu said after a rough mental calculus. Then, the Master of the order grew serious again. “Returning to the subject of the Sith- what do we know definitively?”

“He’s human.” Plo volunteered. “Strong in the Force. Incredibly so. His Lightsaber form, from what I saw, is founded upon Juyo and Djem-So. He has enough knowledge and power to achieve Teutaminis, easily.”

“He was also able to breach my personal shields as though they were paper.” Piell admitted, looking as though it pained him.

That was the most troubling to be sure. Of course, Yoda and Windu held the strongest defenses, but piercing a Jedi Master’s personal defensive force screen was no laughing matter. To have done so, easily while under multiple angles of attack by others…

Plo knew of only two others who could do the same and they were right in this room.

Yoda’s features shuttered, looking grim.

“His ship avoided all scans from both our own vessels and those of our Mandalorian Allies.” Deppa reminded. “His ability to hire the Bando’Gora en masse as well.” It all indicates he must be extremely wealthy or have a firm line of revenue to fund his operations.

“That narrows things down somewhat but not enough.” Windu rubbed at his chin. “Hopefully the investigators will discover more. Until then we will need to retrace Master Dooku’s steps. Something he discovered must’ve set the Sith onto the path of killing him.”

The Council nodded.

“I and my Padawan are ready to aid in such Master.”

Beside him, Obi-Wan volunteered, bringing Windu’s eyes to him.

“I understand your desire to participate-” the Master began. “But do not mistake your desire to set things right as you being ready to do so. You’ve faced Sith before Obi-Wan, but neither you nor Skywalker are ready to face this one. Few of us are.” He looked around the room pointedly. “Its best if you continue your training and Skywalkers, grow strong enough and you will be ready if the time comes.

Obi-Wan nodded. He didn’t look happy. But he did look as though he understood. “Of course, Master” He acquiesced with a bow.

Plo-Koon offered an approving nod before clearing his throat. “There is… another matter, Masters.” He hedged.

Mace, was surprised; straightening in his seat as he blinked in curiosity. “Yes Master Plo?”

“On the station- we discovered others with signatures similar to Padawan Hebert and Dallon. People who, Padawan Dallon at least, recognized with another remaining beyond the station on the Mandalorian ship.”

“Yes…” Master Poof began but Plo sensed a thrum of nervousness in his emotions. “From what I understand; Padawan’s Hebert and Dallon have agreed to head to Mandalore in just a few days time to meet with them.”

“They have.” Plo acknowledged. “But that does not explain-” He tossed a pointed look towards Master’s Billaba, and Piell. “-why you were not surprised.”

The two Jedi Masters held their silence, with Billaba closing her eyes and Piell scoffing as he looked away.

More than that… none in the council batted an eye, save Obi-Wan.

“You… never told them.” The Knight whispered, shocked to stillness where he stood beside Plo.

“You knew.” Plo deduced. He had suspected as much. But to have it confirmed…

Yoda- Master Yoda looked down, guilt carving deep lines across his face.

“A vote… the council held. Decided it was- to observe first.”

“A vote without me.” He pointed out.

“It was believed you might not be wholly objective.” Master Mundi answered. “You were their teacher. It is… natural for a teacher to grow close to his students.”

Plo did not take insult easily; and he tried very hard to not take such now.

It was proving supremely difficult.

He turned to Obi-Wan, who’s earlier query and still shocked features told him enough. “How did you come to know this?”

“Anakin and I discovered them.” He answered immediately. “I informed the Council; both I and Anakin were told to keep the knowledge to ourselves for the time being. But I assumed they had informed you!” He protested before turning to the Masters. “Why did you not tell them!?”

“Your Master in particular was an advocate for this approach Knight Kenobi.” Tiin put forward. “There is a reason after all, that he did not inform Kronos and the Mandalorian woman of Hebert and Dallon himself.”

“Many exceptions were made to allow for their training to begin with.” Master Tiin argued. “We still did not know anything about the entities, the powerful Queen administrator most of all. To this very day we still do not!” He frowned pointedly towards Plo, who over the years had done everything within his significant power to shield both girls from overzealous inquisitive eyes.

Plo did not back down, he infact glared as best he could at his fellow Master.

“We needed to be certain that our teachings would not be spread towards the others. That the Queen administrator and fragile one would not fall to the darkside and in turn corrupt the Mandalorian group.” Ki Adi continued. “We are unsure if we can contend with just the Queen administrator if it becomes necessary. To recklessly risk corruption of the other three is not something this Council could abide by.”

“That is not your decision to make!” Plo argued hotly. “We agreed to try and get those girls to their home. The others might have known of a way-”

“They do not.” Koth tried to assuage. “Of that we made absolutely certain before taking this decision-”

“They could have collaborated, shared information- some pattern some factor we didn’t know of that they could have pooled their knowledge to discover-”

“Supposition.” Piell muttered under his breath.

“It is a chance this council stole from them unjustly!” Plo’s hand cut through the air. “Neither of them have been anything less than dutiful and have done nothing but made me proud.”

Yoda and Yaddle’s eyes, shame and guilt writ large across their faces.

How did they vote? He wondered. They both cherished Taylor and Victoria in their own ways. But both knew enough to have been wary over pushing the Council even further than they already had. The allowance of Taylor and Victoria into the Jedi order had frayed many relations within the Council.

Could their concern and need to appease other members overridden their good judgement?

He wasn’t sure.

Galia, Poof, Windu, Rancissis Billaba?

He was even less sure.

“Would you have ever told them?” Obi-Wan asked, still seemingly shellshocked by everything.

…

“It was decided-” Master Poof began “-that uppon reaching their Knighthood, Jedi they would be in truth. Not just name. That’s when we could trust them.”

“They are Jedi now!” Plo growled.

The Kel-Dor shook his head, disappointment and shame coating his words. “You’ve all done them; and myself-” He added, because in this moment he did indeed feel as such. “-a gross disservice…”

He panned his eyes around the room before turning sharply on his heel, marching out. He would not stay in this chamber lest he say something in… anger.

“You should have been better than this.”

(X)(X)(X)

Here's a discord link to join the discussion there :Dhttps://discord.gg/KAxG98zn

Ok- I know everyone was looking forward to having the big 'reunion' this chapter but I tried it and it was just... a mess.You had Dooku dead, Tay injured, Alexandria out in space and definitely NOT about to put on a space suit to go talk, the Jedi talking with the Mandalorians, the Mandalorians getting in the way- it was all very clunky and awkward. So ultimately; it was better *this* way. To just quietly have everyone "go home" lick their wounds regroup and have a nice "clean" meet up for next chapter. (And this way, Tay and Vicky get to meet their future apprentices, I mean Hannah's twins :D)And yes, I promise that next chapter Tay and Vicky will be headed to Mandalore. Everyone will finally meet face to face :)Now on *another* note.For this "arc" so to speak there's only about 2-4 chapters left.Once this arc is "done" we will be headed towards another timeskip this time going for about SEVEN years to reach the "Clone Wars" film time.Like the last time-skip I will be posting an interlude per-year to sort of "cover the bases" of the broad stroke events that happen year by year.But more than that I will be taking a bit of a break to rest and recover. I've been working on this fic almost non-stop every week for about eight months now barring the month I had to take off for a family emergency and that was hardly a "rest and recovery" period. I don't expect the break to last *too* long. Six to eight weeks. I'll be using the time to not only take a "break" from the Weaving Force but also to finish putting up the final touches on what will be released here on Patreon for my original work "Carrion Stars". The Five dollar publishers have been waiting very patiently and now that I'm mostly happy with what I want to release its time to put in the finishing bits and bobs and then go about sending it to a professional editor to clean it up. So when I return, I'll have a *solid* date for the Publisher tier release and hopefully a better idea of when the FINAL product will become available and I'll be able to fully publish. The only thing I haven't decided yet is if I'll take my break when the arc ends or when the Timeskip ends. That part is still up in the air because it ultimately depends on how I feel when I "get there"

Similar to last time; I'll be posting a poll for you all to decide if the Patreon exclusive chapters should be released to the general public or not. That poll with greater details for those new Patrons unfamiliar with the way this would work, will be posted later today for you guys to decide.Now with an author's note that was longer than the freaking chapter, I think I've covered everything; thank you all again and I hope you enjoyed the chapter; I'll catch you all in the next one. Peace :D